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SRQ DAILY Oct 9, 2019

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"As a dog lover I was compelled to help. I asked my fellow vendors and our Bazaar customers to donate and the response was overwhelming. I was thrilled to fill up my van and make the delivery."

- Melodie Burrus, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime
 

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[Philanthropy]  Vendors of The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime Fill Van to Help Rescue Dogs
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Over a dozen creatives and local artisans make up the indoor market The Bazaar on Apricot & Lane. One of the vendors, Melodie Burrus saw a post on Facebook about a large supply of animals that were recently delivered to the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center in Tampa. The animal protection organization was recently able to shut down a puppy mill after 20 years—the largest in U.S. history to be shut down. Consequently, 340 small dogs were brought in and the organization needed help—announcing the waiving of adoption fees that day and asking for donations.

Burrus rallied the other Bazaar vendors to donate items to help with the needs of the hundreds of former puppy mill dogs. In no time, her minivan was filled with food, treats, towels, beds, leashes and other supplies to keep the dogs comfortable and safe. “As a dog lover I was compelled to help,” she says. “I asked my fellow vendors and our Bazaar customers to donate and the response was overwhelming. I was thrilled to fill up my van and make the delivery." Burrus personally delivered the puppy provisions and we’ve been assured that there are many happy tails wagging, ready to be adopted.

Meet vendors of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime tomorrow at the kick-off of its monthly ‘After Hours’ event, 5-7pm. 

Photo courtesy of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.

[Education]  Local Reading Recovery® Initiative Continues to Exceed National Success Rate

For the third year in a row, Reading Recovery® in Sarasota County Schools has outpaced the national average of success for this widely respected literacy program. A report produced by The Ohio State University, which evaluates all Reading Recovery® implementations across the country, found that 80 percent of Sarasota County first-graders who completed the program last year reached or exceeded grade-level standards in reading and writing. Nationally, that rate averages about 75 percent, according to the report.

Reading Recovery® is a school-based early intervention designed to bring first-grade students’ ability to read and write within the grade-level standard. The program’s model of intensive, one-on-one tutoring targets students who struggle the most, helping them quickly catch up to their classmates and putting them on a new trajectory for future success. Long-running study of the program also has shown that students maintain their gains in later years and perform well on standardized tests.

Reading Recovery® was introduced to Sarasota County Schools in 2015 with philanthropic support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Keith D. Monda family. The initiative has since been scaled district-wide thanks to generous contributions from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and investment by the Sarasota County School Board as well as funding from additional Gulf Coast donors. While 203 Sarasota County students successfully completed a full series of Reading Recovery® lessons last year, an additional 1,320 students directl benefitted through ancillary instruction provided by dedicated Reading Recovery® teachers in each school.  

[Grants]  All Faiths Food Bank Receives Grant from The Mosaic Company

All Faiths Food Bank and The Mosaic Company have partnered together for seven years to help end hunger for residents of DeSoto County.  This year All Faiths has received a $64,000 grant from The Mosaic Company in support of the Mobile Pantry and Backpack programs in DeSoto County. The Mobile Pantry program distributes fresh produce, meats and groceries at four locations throughout the community helping to end hunger for more than 4,500 people. The Backpack program provides 1,000 students each week with nutritious snacks for the weekends and over the holidays.  

[Grants]  Neal Communities Donates $2,500 to the Suncoast Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Southwest Florida’s private homebuilder,  Neal Communities, recently contributed $2,500 to the Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Jack and Jill of America is an African American membership that formed during the Great Depression by African American mothers with the idea of bringing together children in a social and cultural environment. Today, the organization remains dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children, ages 2-19 years-old, through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

Neal Communities Area Sales Manager, Elayne McKinney, serves as the current local chapter president. “I grew up as a member of Jack and Jill of America in New Jersey,” says McKinney. “When my family moved to Florida, we didn’t have a local chapter, so my mother pioneered the start-up of the Suncoast Chapter almost 30 years ago.” McKinney’s eight-year-old daughter is now involved in Jack and Jill of America as well—donating her time to after-school programs that provide weekend snacks for kids in poverty.

“When we look at our charitable giving opportunities, we start by considering the organizations that have had a significant impact on our team members,” says Pat Neal, Founder and Chairman of Neal Communities. “We’re proud to support organizations like Jack and Jill that have provided invaluable leadership and community-minded skills to their participants.”

For more information or to make a donation to Jack and Jill of America, please visit jackandjillsuncoast.org/ 

Photo courtesy of Neal Communities

[United Way Suncoast]  There's the plan. Then there's The Big Plan.

Did you know that last year, the Manatee County School District identified ten schools as chronically underperforming? Or that 75% of the over 3,400 students at these schools (grades K-3) are not reading on grade level? These schools are located in Manatee’s Central Corridor, three neighborhoods where many ALICE* families are struggling to make ends meet. Neighborhoods where our children need us most. 

But to see REAL change, we need a community United for our children’s future.

That’s why United Way Suncoast, along with local partners, created The Big Plan — an initiative focusing on four key areas of success: school readiness, family engagement, summer learning and attendance. 

Why? So parents and families have the tools to support their child’s learning and development, starting at home, with a goal of ensuring they have the tools they need to read at grade level by the end of third grade.

That’s because 4th graders reading at grade level are FOUR TIMES more likely to graduate high school, have greater career opportunities and the potential to earn 75% more over a lifetime than those who do not graduate.

With your support, United Way Suncoast will continue to fight for the education and financial stability of every person our community. Join the fight and be part of The Big Plan. Contact United Way Suncoast at 941.748.1313.

* ALICE is defined as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, with an income above the Federal Poverty Level but below the basic cost of living. 

Visit the United Way Suncoast Website to learn more

[Wellness]  Local Dance Studio Offering Free Lessons to Breast Cancer Survivors

Fred Astaire Dance Studios is opening its doors throughout October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Located on Bee Ridge Rd., Fred Astaire will offer free introductory dance lessons to ANYONE impacted by breast cancer. That includes survivors, family, friends and caregivers. Locals interested in enjoying a complimentary introductory ballroom dance lesson can call the studio at 941-921-6651 or sign up for a lesson online.

“Fred Astaire Dance Studios has always been active with the breast cancer community," says owner Tiana Ramirez, "but this year we wanted everyone impacted by this horrible disease to have some relief and enjoyment during a difficult time.”  

[Wellness]  Mobility Support Group Hosts Free DisAbilities Convention

This Saturday marks the DisAbilities Convention, hosted by Sarasota Memorial Hospital's education and peer support group, Mobility Support Group. The convention will offer dozens of local vendors to asists persons with physical challenges and disabilities. From attorneys, medical providers, durable medical equipment providers and more, the public is invited to this free event to seek the help and support they need.  Saturday, October 12, 10:00am-2:00pm at HealthFit Center, 5880 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, 941-840-8586. 

[Grants]  SaraSolo Awarded a $10,000 Grant to Fund Educational Outreach Program

SaraSolo was awarded a $10,000 Grant to fund its educational outreach program "SoloSynergy" for another year. The gift is dedicated solely to in-school collaborations with Booker Middle School and the Booker High School VPA programs. The grant will be used to bring "SoloSynergy" to more schools in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, to create a "Dream Space" where performers might develop and hone a new solo work in a creative atmosphere with other like minded artists, the grow programs to reach the legacy population of adults who are 60+ in age to participate in inter-generational workshops, obtain a home page with office, meeting and rehearsal rooms and to create programming for elementary school students. 

More about SaraSolo.

[Philanthropy]  Tidewell Hospice is Mattison's October Round Up Recipient

Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille is rolling out a program that will benefit 12 local charities and thousands of individuals and families in need. Each month, over the next year, Mattison’s will designate a local charitable organization to benefit from their Round Up for Charity program where guests can round up their lunch or dinner check to the nearest dollar or donate any amount they wish. The chosen charities will cover organizations that assist children, animals, veterans, the homeless, the terminally ill, the hungry and small family farmers. October's Round Up Charity is Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton whose mission it is to help people live well through care, comfort and compassion. “Manatee County residents and business owners have been very welcoming to us since we began Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, in 2016," said Chef Paul Mattison. "I believe that it is our duty as business owners to support organizations that help the under-served populations and those in need. We are honored to give back to the community that has given us so much.”

The charities for this year spanning September 2019 to August 2020 have been selected but any charities that would like to be considered for next year can contact mattisons_marketing@mattisons.com

[Environment]  Recycle Retired Electronics and Secure Data Destruction with SouthTech

A free electronic recycling event will take place at the Fall 2019 Data Dump—hosted biannually by SouthTech - IT Navigators, a technology solutions provider serving businesses throughout Southwest Florida. Twice a year, the public is invited to get rid of their dusty, hoarded pile of outdated tech equipment, likely forgotten in the back closet of the home or office. With every Data Dump event, hundreds of old electronics and outdated devices are recycled, at no charge, and then safely disposed of in a swift, secure and sustainable manner. Anything from desk phones, mobile phones, hard drives, monitors, computers/laptops, printers, copiers and keyboards are all welcomed. However, there is a small list of devices that SouthTech cannot accept like televisions. Due to expenses incurred by the recycling process, older televisions tend to consist of harmful materials on the inside, and require specialty care to dismantle safely. This Friday’s event is held in partnership with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance from 8am to 1pm at 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton. Tents and trucks will be set up in the back parking lot of LWR Main Street. 



[Culture Primer]  Explore the Season with the SRQ Culture Primer

SRQ MEDIA officially kicks off the 2019-2020 season in the October magazine. The SRQ Culture Primer is now available to view, share and download so you can use this feature as your go-to guide for the arts. Offering a list of the upcoming happenings in theater, performance, museum exhibitions, art galleries, festivals, the visual arts, and dance - the SRQ Culture Primer has officially made its debut!

A special thank you to our 2019 Culture Primer sponsor, Unlimited Comfort Mattress Factory.  

Click here to view the feature

[SOON]  GALLERY: Learning Innovations By Design , October 8 – October 12, Opening Reception: Oct 10, 5-7:30pm

In partnership with the School District of Sarasota County interior design students at Ringling College of Art and Design worked with teachers and students to re-design six classrooms. The goal of the project was to improve student literacy through a new innovative classroom design. Using evidence based design principles, creativity, and interior design knowledge, junior students produced unique solutions for three of Sarasota’s high schools; Booker High School, Riverview High School, and Venice High School. The exhibit is a culmination of this initiative, currently in the implementation stage by the district through support of the Barancik Foundation.

Richard and Barbara Basch Gallery in the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Voices - Rising Choreographers , October 10 – October 13

The 14th Main Stage Season will kick off with four performances, October 10-13, 2019, titled "Voices – Rising Choreographers," at which the local audience gets to see future choreographers of contemporary dance as they are just blossoming. This show presents rising choreographers who were selected by adjudication from SCD's Summer Intensive Program. The group is a combination of company members and guests invited to expand and set their work for the main stage. This idea of fostering choreographic voices is beginning to draw more and more attention to SCD's performances. 

Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  DANCE: Nrityagram Dance Ensemble: Daśavatār: Ringling Art of Performance , October 11 – October 12, 730pm

One of the premier Indian Classical dance ensembles performing today, Nrityagram is more than a dance company. Founded as a village devoted to dance and the preservation of the Odissi classical dance tradition, the all-female ensemble’s daily life of intensive training and meditation brings to the stage compelling captivating performances that are at once sensual and lyrical. Daśavatār brings together brilliant dance traditions with shared ancient roots, accompanied by a live original score. The performances will take place on Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30pm, and tickets are required.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Fish, Fun & Fright , October 18, 5:30pm-8pm

Buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in costume for a Night of Fish, Fun & Fright to enjoy spooky activities throughout Mote Aquarium. Unearth shark teeth in “Coffin Creek" and feast on deep sea delights in the “Diner of the Dead." Don’t miss Mote’s signature underwater pumpkin carving in spooktacular shark habitats. Pricing, additional information, and a link to purchase your tickets will be posted closer to the event on Mote's Fish, Fun & Fright website page.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALLERY: Artists Minding Their Business , October 18 – December 6

How do you go from creative spark to creative business? An interactive multimedia exhibition and event series, Artists Minding Their Business takes us on the evolution from making art to making a living. Ringling’s Business of Art & Design Department and founder of Culture Hustlers, Lucas Spivey (BFA/MBA) have curated the Willis Smith Gallery into a visual showcase of the entrepreneurial journey. Inside interactive installations, visiting founders and creative entrepreneurs swap inspiring stories and provide visitors with practical advice. Opening Reception, Friday, October 18, 6-8pm.

Willis Smith Construction Inc. Gallery in the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  SPORTS: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk , October 19, 7-9am

The 2019 Making Strides of Sarasota-Manatee is presented by CORE Construction and will take place at Nathan Benderson Park. Check-in is at 7am, the walk begins at 9am and there is no charge to participate. You can participate in the walk, lead a team in the walk, or donate to the cause. By raising awareness and funds, ACS can continue to educate about reducing cancer risk and early detection, fund even more groundbreaking research, and deliver more crucial services that patients and caregivers rely on every day. For more information, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/SarasotaManatee.

Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  HEALTH: Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group , October 21, 10am-11:30am

On every third Monday of the month, Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers Comfort Creations, LLC, facilitates a Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group. This group focuses on the caregiver and offers a retreat from the never ending mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving. This free, open group provides compassionate support and an opportunity to explore new solutions together to caregiver challenges. The group meets in the classroom outside of the cafeteria.

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  HEALTH: Veterans' Caregivers Free Lunch and Learn Support Group , October 21, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Welcoming all Veterans' Caregivers and Veterans caring for a loved one to a free lunch and monthly Caregivers Support Group every third Monday of the month. This group focuses on the Caregiver, and not the patient. Julie Cook Downing, Facilitator and President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC, has over two decades of experience with both support groups and Family Caregiving.

Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Rd #101, Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Modern Education Symposium , October 23, 5pm-7pm

Join SRQ Magazine and its family magazine RocketKids for an evening with representatives from local private and charter schools in Sarasota and Manatee Counties in a panel discussion about how each school prepares their students for success.  With the future workforce continuing to evolve rapidly, we ask local schools how they are creating programs that will prepare our students. We will also discuss the increasing importance of teaching social emotional literacy (SEL) and the role of schools in engaging with students in fostering these skills. Schools include: The Out-of-Door Academy, NewGate School, Sarasota Christian School, Island Village Montessori School, St. Martha's Catholic School and The Pinnacle Academy. Free admission. Lightbites, beer and wine will be served. RSVP at srqmag.com/moed.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

[SOON]  HEALTH: Out of the Blue NAMI , October 24, 6-830pm

The second annual Out of the Blue benefits National Alliance on Mental Illness Sarasota County. NAMI works to support families in Sarasota County who have a loved one living with mental illness; advocate at the county, state, and national levels for non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare, housing, education, and employment for people with mental illness; educate the public about mental illness; and work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Safari Sarasota , October 24 – October 26, Different festival event dates and times.

Safari Sarasota is a three-day, five event experience, produced by Michael's On East in partnership with the All Heart Fund of South Africa's Good Work Foundation. Safari Sarasota is the only event experience in the United States that brings together internationally-recognized guests from South Africa's Good Work Foundation and its founding patron, the Londolozi Reserve. There will be five sensational opportunities to experience the flavors of South Africa through food and wine, including an Interactive Cooking Experience led by Chef Anna Ridgewell from Londolozi Game Reserve and Chef Jamil Pineda of Michael's On East.  

Michael's On East, 1212 East Avenue S. Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: International Author & Wildlife Activist Boyd Varty Kicks-Off Book Tour , October 24, 10:30am

Somewhere deep inside, you know what your gift, purpose, and mission are. Boyd Varty, a lion tracker, life coach, and gifted storyteller reveals how ancient wisdom can teach you how to recognize the essential ingredients that create a meaningful life. Boyd will kick off the press tour of his NEW book, The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life, with an intimate talk at Ringling College Morganroth Auditorium in partnership with Ringling College Library Association. Celebrating the release of his new book, each guest will receive a signed copy.  Watch Boyd Varty's Ted Talk here. 

Ringling College, Morganroth Auditorium, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: National Theatre Live A Midsummer Night's Dream , October 25, 1pm and 6:30pm

A feuding fairy King and Queen of the forest cross paths with four runaway lovers and a troupe of actors trying to rehearse a play. As their dispute grows, the magical royal couple meddle with mortal lives leading to love triangles, mistaken identities and transformations… with hilarious, but dark consequences. Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedy will be captured live from the Bridge Theatre in London. Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), Oliver Chris (Green Wing, NT Live: Young Marx), David Moorst (NT Live: Allelujah!) and Hammed Animashaun (The Barber Shop Chronicles) lead the cast as Titania, Oberon, Puck and Bottom. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will build on the success of his immersive staging of Julius Caesar (NT Live 2018). The Bridge Theatre will become a forest – a dream world of flying fairies, contagious fogs and moonlight revels, surrounded by a roving audience following the action on foot.

Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  FOOD: 20th Annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off , October 27, 2-5pm

Join us in front of Morton’s Gourmet Market on Sunday, October 27 from 2-5 pm for the chili event of the year. Aspiring chefs from more than 15 local firehouses as well as Sarasota Police and County Sheriff Deputies will compete for the title of “Best Firehouse Chili.” Attendees may sample all entries and vote for their favorite for only $10. Celebrity judges and live entertainment will help make this event one of Sarasota’s best. All proceeds go to The Sarasota Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund. Find more information at mortonsmarket.com or sffbf.org. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event or in advance at Morton’s Gourmet Market.

Morton's Gourmet Market, 1924 South Osprey Avenue, between Arlington and Hyde Park Streets

[SOON]  FOOD: Sunset at Phillippi Estate Park Farm to Fork Dinner , November 3, 5-9pm

Join Chef Paul Mattison for a unique 4-course Farm to Fork Dinner overlooking the beautiful Phillippi River, featuring vendors from the Phillippi Farmerhouse Market. Each course will be paired with wine. Guests will enjoy live music by Romy Hernandez and artwork by the Light Chasers, plein air painters of the Suncoast, who will exhibiting and selling their original paintings and will donate 30% of all sales to the renovation of the Historic Keith Farmhouse. Please join us for sunset and an evening to remember! In case of inclement weather, the farm-to-fork dinner will move inside the Edson Keith Mansion. Tickets are $100 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and available for purchase at mattisons.com or by calling Mattison’s Forty-One at (941) 921.3400.

Philllippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231

SRQ Media Group

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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