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SRQ DAILY Dec 12, 2018

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"You could shoot a whole movie here."

- Justin Long, filmmaker
 

-Musician Renesito Avich, a cuban style guitarist, vocalist, and percussionist performing at SRQ Media's Roaring Twenties Holiday Soiree.
[Film]  Breaking In Ringling's Post-Production Facility with The Brothers Long
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

With the ribbon-cutting barely two weeks ago, the new post-production facility at the Ringling College Studio Labs already has its first guests, with actor and filmmaker Justin Long (Galaxy Quest, Live Free or Die Hard) and writer/producer brother Christian Long (The Real Stephen Blatt) arriving on the Ringling College campus this week to shape up their latest project, produced by Semkhor Productions. “I’m sure this will be the tiniest footnote in the history of this place, which is capable of so much,” says Justin, “but we’re just sort of breaking it in.”

Currently at work editing a proof of concept short for a new web-series, the Long brothers have for the last two days posted up in one of the editing suites in the Ringling College Studio Labs, where editor Taylor Hicks—“The Taylor Hicks,” interjects Justin—works the computer while the trio sift through footage and staple the short together. An absurdist take on the talk show format, the yet-untitled project puts hosting duties in the hands of a pair of four-year-old twin girls, who grill their unwitting guests with increasingly pointed questions fed by the Longs. It’s a concept the brothers are excited for, and actor Jake Johnson volunteered his time and talent gratis for the pilot, but working with child actors has its challenges, and now the team has 2.5 hours of footage, from which they’ll grab maybe a few minutes of final product.

Enter the comfy chairs and state-of-the-art tech in the editing suite, where movie magic comes at the click of a mouse. And that’s just one room in the facility, which also holds soundstages for sets or live musical performances, a foley room, screening rooms, a color correction bay and more. “You could shoot a whole movie here,” says Justin. “You could record a whole symphony.”

This time around, the Longs admit to using only a fraction of the facility’s potential. “It’s like taking a professional baseball mitt that will one day be used by–” Justin pauses and looks to his brother.

“Bryce Harper,” Christian offers.

“Bryce Harper,” Justin agrees, “but just letting a little league borrow it.”

“In this analogy, we’re the little league?” asks Christian, looking perhaps less than pleased with this development. “It’s maybe accurate, but not exactly flattering.” Absent another analogy, he offers explanation. “This facility can do so much,” he clarifies, “but we only need a small bit for our purposes.”

“This time,” says Justin. 

Pictured, from left: Christian Long, Justin Long and Taylor Hicks work on their latest project in the Ringling College Studio Labs Post Production Facility. Photo by Rich Schineller.

[Community Foundation]  2 Gen Lens
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County Board, its staff and donors are delighted to be the Sarasota Lead for the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, by approaching grade-level reading (GLR) efforts through a two-generation lens. "We don’t focus solely on the child or the parent, rather on a continuum of support for both children and parents together with the goal of harnessing a family’s full potential," says Kirsten Russell, Director of Community Investment for CFSC. 

Sarasota is particularly fortunate of the many sectors of our community committed to a holistic approach to GLR. Improving educational outcomes for children and their parents is the best way to elevate families out of poverty. Ascend at the Aspen Institute for instance, provides creative opportunities for families living in poverty, while helping people envision a country that provides a legacy of economic security and educational success that passes from one generation to the next.

"The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading movement is a marathon, not a sprint. These are our kids. Our community. Our collective future. The only thing worse than these families giving up, is us giving up on them," notes Russell. "Together we harness the potential to close the opportunity gap—one child and one family at a time." 

Photo provided by Ascend at the Aspen Institute.

The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

[Recreation]  Registration Open for 2019 Gulf Coast Games for Life

Registration is open through January 18 for the 2019 Gulf Coast Games for Life, a regional competition of amateur athletes ages 50 and older. Seniors will compete in 16 sports for medals and qualifying for the 2019 Florida Senior Games State Competition. The games will take place February 2–10 around Manatee and Sarasota counties. Events include bag toss (corn hole), basketball shooting, bocce ball, bowling, cribbage, cycling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, target shooting, track and field and volleyball. All participants must fill out registration form by the registration deadline. There is a one-time registration fee of $12, which includes an event T-shirt. Each event, including the first event, costs an additional $3. The annual event is sponsored by Manatee County, Sarasota County and the City of North Port. Download registration forms at the link below and submit them to Gulf Coast Games for Life, Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34241. The top five finishers per age group qualify to participate at the 2019 Florida State Games. 

2019 Gulf Coast Games for Life

[Healthcare]  CenterPlace Health Continues Community Health Centers Healthcare Legacy

CenterPlace Health is Sarasota’s newest name in healthcare, formerly the Community Health Centers of Sarasota County. Designated as a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) this past August, since that time CenterPlace Health and the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County have focused their efforts on a seamless transition of services for more than 24,000 individual clients.

CenterPlace Health has now assumed full operational responsibility for providing comprehensive quality healthcare, assuring healthcare access and reducing financial barriers for Sarasota County residents. CenterPlace Health continues to provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services, with these services available in the same locations—William L. Little Health and Human Services building located at 2200 Ringling Blvd., the Sam and Sally Babies and Children’s Medical Center on 17th Street in Sarasota, and the North Port Health Center located at 6950 Outreach Way.

CenterPlace Health provides its services under a Sliding Fee Discount Program. This program assures that patients have access to all primary health care regardless of their ability to pay. 

CenterPlace Health

[Philanthropy]  Sarasota YMCA Receives Federal Grant for Street REACH

The Sarasota YMCA recently received a grant of $132,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support a new effort, the Street REACH program. A project of the YMCA's Schoolhouse Link program, Street REACH (Reconnecting Employment, Academics, and Community Housing) funding will support staffing, including a REACH Case Manager and a part-time Licensed Mental Health Counselor, supplies such as basic needs packs and clothing vouchers, and bus passes for clients. The goals of Street REACH are to keep unaccompanied homeless youth safe, help them enter stable housing, gain education and employment, improve interpersonal relationships and both mental health and physical wellness, and learn the life skills necessary for them to become self-sufficient. Street REACH is projected to contact and serve 130 youth per year. For more information, go to the website below or call 941-923-6100. 

Sarasota YMCA



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Inspired Juried Show & Women's Contemporary Artists , December 4 – January 11

Two exhibits open up in the four galleries, including an all-media juried show featuring artists from all around the region. Women's Contemporary Artists is a group of women artists from Florida's Gulf Coast. Opening reception on December 5.

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W, Bradenton.

[TODAY]  THEATER: Black Nativity , December 12 – December 21

Originally written by Langston Hughes, this Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe production is a celebration of the Nativity story with gospel, blues, spiritual, and Christmas music, paired with the poetry of Langston Hughes and the creativity of WBTT. Will inspire and entertain all ages.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 North Orange Ave., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  BUSINESS: SRQ Magazine's 6th Annual Women in Business Competition , December 10 – January 25

Nominations are now open for SRQ Magazine’s 6th Annual Women in Business Competition, recognizing extraordinary women who have made meaningful contributions to the Sarasota and Bradenton communities through their business, non-profit and philanthropic endeavors. Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them today! Once nominated, individuals will be invited to submit a formal application which will be juried by a panel of outside judges.

Nominations are open through Friday, January 25, 2019; midnight.

[TODAY]  THEATER: Dike , November 9 – December 16

Written by Hannah Benitez, a Cuban-Jewish-American millennial originally from Miami, Dike follows a pair of sisters from a religious family who reunite after two years of separation to navigate the cloudy waters of identity. An awkwardly hilarious and gripping exploration of love, sexuality, and sisterhood, with an all-female cast, Dike questions the limitations religion and social conditioning raise within all of us.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  SEMINAR: Sarasota World Affairs Council Speaker Series , December 12, 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2018-19 lecture series, The Boiling River: Adventure and Discovery in the Amazon, featuring Andrés Ruzo, Founder/Director of the Boiling River Project in Peru and National Geographic Explorer, who was the first geoscientist to obtain permission to study the sacred river.  He will share his research and discoveries and his concerns for the future of this unique river and the people who live along side it.  Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay.  The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested (sarasotawac.org).

MILDRED SAINER PAVILION, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Straight White Men , December 12 – March 1

Monty Navarro may be distant heir to the family fortune, but there are several deadly ways to jump the line of succession. All the while, Monty must juggle his mistress, his fiancée, and the constant threat of landing behind bars. Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  SEMINAR: Voice & Visibility Salon Series , December 12

Please join us for an intimate evening that will include a featured presentation by Shannon, conversation, and resources for action! Also enjoy light refreshments and an inspired art installation. What does Investing in Women’s Progress look like in this noisy climate? Which women? Where do we start? Investing in Women’s Progress will ensure you:

  • Learn about the diversity of women’s needs

  • Evaluate what resonates with you and your organization/company

  • Create an “invest in women strategy” that yields a strong return

  • Receive resources and an overview of the upcoming Voice & Visibility Salon series offerings

[TODAY]  THEATER: The Music Man , November 17 – December 29

The winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this American institution with its one-of-a-kind score features fast-talking salesman Harold Hill, who brings trouble to River City, Iowa when he cons the townspeople into buying instruments for an imaginary band—but his plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when his heart is stolen by the town librarian. Tony Awarded-nominated Jeff Calhoun directs.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  THEATER: All Shook Up , December 6 – December 23

One part Shakespeare (Twelfth Night) and a whole bunch of the great Elvis Presley and you have the makings of Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical Theatre heaven. So, “Don’t Be Cruel,” grab that “Hound Dog” and “Love Me Tender,” this holiday season. Because, everyone needs a hunka hunka “Burning Love” for Christmas.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALA: Men, Whiskey and Watches , December 13, 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Men, Whiskey & Watches is an annual event that will benefit the Child Protection Center of Sarasota, FL. Featuring whiskey tastings from select distillers, an assortment of fine watches, premium cigars, a live auction and plenty of business networking opportunities.

Included in general admission ticket price: Open Bar, whiskey tasting and cocktail sampling, cigar sampling and food from some of the best local restaurants in the area such as: JPan Sushi & Grill, Mattison's, Selva Grill, Gold Rush BBQ, Naples Flatbread and more!

Edson Keith Estate , 5500 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Art and Jewels , December 14 – January 7

This intersectional exhibition pairs specific paintings and wall sculptures with vignettes of art jewelry that create a collaboration and conversation between the two. Representing nearly 30 different artists and jewelry designers, 530 Burns blurs the lines between art and jewelry and sparks the warm, fuzzy feelings conjured up during the holiday season.

530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: An Evening of Operetta , December 14

Just in time for the holidays, Sarasota Opera will light up the Sarasota Opera House with sparkling musical gems to enchant and delight. Opera singers present a showcase of beautiful melodies such as “The Merry Widow Waltz,” “Thine Alone,” “Wanting You,” and “A Toast to Champagne.”

Sarasota Opera House , 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Holiday Pops , December 14 – December 15

Steven Jarvi, guest conductor in February 2018, will lead the orchestra for a concert featuring a mix of seasonal music including selections from The Nutcracker, Brazilian Sleigh Bells, Feliz Navidad and more. Guest Soprano Soloist Johanna Fincher will present Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Bring the family to this seasonal celebration that concludes with a traditional sing-a-long.

Venice Symphony, 1515 South Tamiami Trl. #7, Venice

[SOON]  MUSIC: Classical Holiday Brass , December 15 – December 16

Seraph Brass, a dynamic brass quintet drawing from a roster of America’s female brass players, presents a lively and varied program of familiar holiday classics and popular song—including Winter from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and more.

Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: An Afternoon of Operetta , December 16

As Sarasota Opera embarks on its 60th Diamond Anniversary Season, join the celebration as they take the audience on a European journey in this recital of operetta favorites. With principal artists and pianists from Sarasota Opera, come hear arias and ensembles from Viennese and French operetta as well as other selections with piano accompaniment.

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice

[SOON]  MUSIC: Itzhak Perlman - In The Fiddler's House , December 17, 7:30PM

Regarded as the world's greatest living violinist, Itzhak Perlman is no stranger to audiences in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Almost twenty-three years have passed since Perlman made his iconic album of klezmer music, “In the Fiddler’s House.” In this only-area performance, Perlman revisits this meaningful and personal project, joined onstage by Hankus Netsky, Music Director, Saxophone and Piano; Andy Statman, Clarinet and Mandolin; members of the Klezmer Conservatory Band; and other special guests.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: 15th Anniversary Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency , December 20 – January 5

The 15th Anniversary Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency takes over USF Sarasota- Manatee beginning December 20, culminating with the Celebration Concert at the Sarasota Opera House on January 5. 20+ free events will be held in the Performance Tent, including orchestra and chorus rehearsals, master classes, and works-in-progress recitals. Super Strings, December 29, features Florida students performing side-by-side with PMP students under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Complete schedule and tickets available online at PMPSuncoast.org.

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Lights in Bloom , December 20 – January 6

For the 15th year, and with an expanded 15-night schedule, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will light up the holiday season with Lights in Bloom!  More than one million lights will illuminate the Gardens and walkways. The tropical holiday paradise will also include nightly live entertainment, games, crafts, and grilled foods from Michael’s on East. Celebrate the holiday season at Lights in Bloom! Event dates are December 20–23, 26–30, and January 1–6.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

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SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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