When a two-year-old Shepherd mix went missing from her Sarasota home last year--not yet microchipped from the vet--her owner frantically searched everywhere for her to no avail. Luckily, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Animal Services found her in the streets and brought her safely to the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC). With no ID, the happy-go-lucky Shepherd mix was named Amy, and spent nearly two months with the animal adoption center in the heat of the coronavirus spread. Then, a man called HSSC saying Amy was his dog he had been looking for since last year. "When Logan messaged HSSC saying he thought the dog we were calling Amy was actually his dog, Jamie, we arranged a meet and greet," said HSSC's Senior Director of Philanthropy, Autumn Steiner. "Sure enough, Amy ran right into Logan’s arms, reunited at last. We were thrilled to bring them back together." Amy's (or Jaime's) overexcited reaction--seen here in this adorable video HSSC captured--said it all when she saw her owner again. Logan expressed his gratitude to the local organization who took great care of her while away from her family and home, especially during such an unprecedented time.  

HSSC has recently reopened to the public again for normal adoption hours--with only 10 people allowed in the facility at a time, operating with social distancing, strongly recommending visitors wear masks, and maintaining rigorous sanitizing protocols. HSSC has even been taking in animals from other shelters to care for and help find permanent homes for in the community. "We have been overwhelmed (in a good way!) by foster applications," HSSC said. "We have more applicants than we have animals in need of foster, but that can change quickly." HSSC is also working to reopen its volunteer program by the beginning of June and to resume K-9 Obedience Training Course in mid-June.

If all this time spent quarantining at home without a pet has made you realize your desire for a furry companion, you can view the real-time list of available cats and dogs here. Please call 941-955-4131 to make an appointment to visit or adopt. 

And if you want to read more about heartwarming animal rescues and adoptions, stay tuned for a special SRQ PETS WE LOVE feature in the coming May/June issue of SRQ Magazine.  

Photo of Logan and Amy's reunion last week, courtesy of The Humane Society of Sarasota County

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s workforce initiative, awarded $157,209 to train 164 employees at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Sarasota/STC Construction Students, Atlantic Mold & Machining Corp., and State Farm, George Quarterman. The total employer investment among the four companies for their employee training is $518,905.

Incumbent worker training increases skill sets, which leads to higher wages and employee retention. In return, the community benefits from an increased number of job opportunities as well as improved standard of living associated with increased wages. Over the past ten years, the average worker wage increased 7% in the first year after completing training funded by CareerEdge grants. Employer grant funding resulted in $30.4 million cumulative annual earnings gain from new and wage increases following CareerEdge training investments.

Employers will use the grant funding for the following training priorities:
Habitat for Humanity Sarasota - Provide technical training, tools, and materials in a real-world construction environment on construction sites for the Industrial Technologies students at Suncoast Technical College.
Atlantic Mold & Machining Corp. - Increase worker machining capability that will allow them to remain competitive in a global market in CNC Milling, CNC Electric Discharge Machining, CNC Lathe Programming/Operation and CNC Wire, and EDM Machining.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, BSN to RN educational initiatives, and Health Information Management technology training.
State Farm, George Quarterman – Create career-laddering opportunities across the company from entry-level customer service (440 license) to health and life certification (215 license) to agent owner license (220 license).

If your business needs to upskill or retrain due to COVID-19, CareerEdge has extended its deadline to apply for grant funding through August. To be eligible for funding businesses must be: Industry focused (manufacturing, health care, insurance, skilled trades - automotive or HVAC); Agree to train and close skills gaps for new or current workers; Design new “career ladders” with increased wages for workers that successfully complete training or streamline and integrate training i.e. cross training; Actively participate on the CareerEdge Funders Council; preference is given to current Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Members.Funding is limited and provided on a first come, first served basis. Interested businesses must submit a letter of interest by August 31st at 5 p.m. - those selected will be notified. 

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Sisterhood For Good Inc. (SFG), an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) public charity has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2011, with a membership base now at 150 women. The Lakewood Ranch-based company whose sole purpose is to raise funds for the betterment of the community, through an Annual Grants Program, today announced that the recently nominated Board Officers and Committee Chairs were duly elected; some whose one-year term will expire in January 2021 and those officers whose two-year terms will expire in March 2022, confirmed SFG Founder and company President Angela Massaro-Fain. The new Board of Directors (is comprised of): Yvonne Schloss, Chair of the Board; Tiffany Farrell, Vice Chair; Deborah Breslof, Treasurer; Graceann Frederico, Secretary – in her second term; Angela Massaro-Fain, Immediate Past Chair & Communications Chair; Kathy Collums, Finance Chair; Peggy Kronus, Fundraising & Events Chair; Roxanne Sima, Grants Chair; Jenifer Schembri, Esq., Governance Chair; Carrie Lewis, Membership & Recruitment Chair; Kathy Fraley, Volunteers Chair. Additionally, Sub-Committee Chairs are: Kimi Newcomb, Nominating Committee and Ethics Accountability Chair; and Jill Maciag, Happy Hours Chair. “I am confident that our new Board of Directors will continue to effectively execute the mission and the group philanthropy priorities of our organization.” Massaro-Fain stated. For more information on Sisterhood For Good Inc. contact Angela Massaro-Fain at 941.730.7900 

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While youth-serving organizations adjust to changing academic schedules and new challenges, Teen Court of Sarasota is using this time as an opportunity to expand its range of services for students in its pretrial intervention program. Designed to divert youth out of the criminal justice system, Teen Court provides students who have made bad choices with educational and social development activities. With the effects of the declining economy taking its toll on many in the community, the organization has waived its fees for participants and secured funds to eliminate barriers families are facing during these difficult times. “Families are stressed enough after learning their child has been on the wrong side of the law,” says Heather Todd, Executive Director of Teen Court. “We want to do everything we can to support the student and their family to ensure that they can focus on rehabilitation. Money should not be the difference between a child turning their life around or them entering the criminal justice system.” Frequently the needs of youth and their families go well-beyond counseling, classes, and conversation. Helped by a $100,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the program will now deliver additional mental health therapy, provide transportation options, and offer food assistance and other vital needs for students and their families. Funds will also subsidize drug testing costs and other expenses for participants. The program helped more than 563 students not be arrested or expelled from school last year. Only 7% of youth served re-offend, compared to 42% at juvenile court. “Teen Court is instrumental in diverting youth away from the justice system in a positive manner,” says Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight. “It’s a win-win for the community as a whole.” 

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Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the successful completion of its campaign to raise $1.5 million to conserve the 5,777-acre Orange Hammock Ranch in Sarasota County. “We are thrilled at the outpouring of generosity from foundations and donors with gifts of all sizes,” notes Christine Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “Saving land as significant as Orange Hammock Ranch is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This success means protection for our drinking water, habitat for wildlife, and public open space for all to explore and enjoy.”

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will purchase Orange Hammock Ranch in the next few days using Conservation Foundation’s $1.5m raised with the community’s help. The ranch will be managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission as a Wildlife Management Area. In February, the Florida State Cabinet voted to purchase Orange Hammock Ranch contingent upon Conservation Foundation’s pledge to raise $1.5 million by June 1st. Florida Forever funds will contribute $19.5 million toward the $21 million purchase. The purchase is pending completion.

The ranch is located north of Interstate 75 within the City of North Port. It connects RV Griffin Preserve with the Longino Preserve through about six miles of shared boundaries, and increases the 120,000-acre buffer surrounding the Myakka River and strengthens the connection between the Myakka and Peace Rivers. Immense volumes of rainfall collect on the property and feed the Snover Waterway and RV Griffin reservoirs, both of which are critical sources of North Port’s clean drinking water.

The property is also nearly pristine, with natural areas in better condition than many public lands. Over 200 wetlands are intermixed with pine flatwood, globally-imperiled dry prairie and other native habitat. Given this location and exceptional natural condition, the conservation of Orange Hammock Ranch will have sweeping benefits for regional connectivity, water quality, public recreation, and wildlife habitat. This vast land is home to quail, indigo snake and the Florida black bear. Importantly, the property is connected with 120,000 acres of protected land, making it viable habitat for Florida panther, which are now breeding in nearby Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area. 

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Andrea Knies, a member of the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) was recognized with the Joe Curley Rising Leader Award. The Joe Curley Rising Leader Award identifies and honors up-and-coming members that demonstrate emerging leadership traits along with dedicated active involvement in chapter activities. It was established by CWC-FPRA member Joe Curley, APR, CPRC, ten years ago.

Andrea Knies was recognized during the May Professional Development event. She was brought into the Zoom webinar to introduce the speaker when Joe Curley surprised her with the announcement.  "Since joining the board two years ago, Andrea has elevated the position of VP of Professional Development by enhancing the quality of our professional development events. She steps up before being asked and is always willing to lend a hand. Her tireless dedication and commitment to our profession is the epitome of what it means to be a Joe Curley Rising Leader.” There are 15 chapters of FPRA across the state and each chapter nominates a member to be their Joe Curley Rising Leader to be recognized at the State level.

Andrea Knies is the Communications Director for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County (Alliance). In this role, Andrea shares Alliance events and opportunities with the community and promotes all local arts and cultural organizations. Andrea currently serves on the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association’s board of directors as the VP of Professional Development. In addition to her communications work, Andrea’s love of local history has led her to co-found Compass Rose History Experiences and serve as Secretary for the Manatee County Historical Commission. Prior to joining the Alliance in early 2018, Andrea was the Assistant Director of Community Engagement for New College of Florida. Andrea attended Indiana University, Bloomington where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications and sociology and a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs. 

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Metro Cabinet Company, a Sarasota-based boutique design firm, has recently welcomed designer Martha Hafner to its team. Hafner is an experienced cabinet and space designer specializing in design for contemporary kitchens and baths. Billue Guignard, the company’s owner and founder, describes Hafner as “a leader in a highly competitive field.” According to Guignard, Hafner’s exceptional 20-year track record reflects a commitment to cutting-edge design and services. 

“Martha’s focus is on the client, not only on the latest bells and whistles,” she says. “Bringing their visions to life is always her goal. To succeed at that, a designer needs both expertise and empathy. And Martha consistently succeeds. She’s a creative problem-solver, who understands job flow and scheduling. She combines that with a knack for gracefully coordinating suppliers, contractors, architects, interior designers and homeowners. We’re delighted to welcome her!”

Hafner’s roots in her field go deep. Her devotion to space design and residential construction began in childhood, growing up as the daughter and granddaughter of builders. After following in their footsteps as an adult, she excelled at a vast range of projects, from small kitchens that maximize efficiency, to gracious spaces with multiple work areas and focal points. Her mastery as a space designer combines an understanding of cabinet construction with a high level of engineering ability. Thanks to that combined expertise, Hafner can design cabinetry that functions as an architectural feature, such as a room divider, integrated furniture, cabinetry wall or special use area. It’s a problem-solving approach. And Hafner’s happy to put her expertise to work for Metro. 

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Music Compound is committed to educating all year long especially during the summer break. In addition to hosting an in-person Summer Camp, Music Compound has created another way to inspire summer learning. The Rock your Summer Reading initiative kicks off June 1st. Area youth will have an opportunity to receive prizes for every 5 books they read. Music Compound has partnered with area businesses to provide special treats, one of kind experiences, and cool items as prizes. The goal is to inspire children to read and drive people back into area businesses. “It’s a win-win for everyone”. Stated Jenny Townsend, owner of Music Compound. A grand prize drawing will be offered for individuals that read 50+ books from June 1st thru August 31st. The Grand Prize is a party for up to 20 people at Music Compound’s venue known as Studio 32. Karaoke, Pizza, bounce house, and ice cream are included, a $600 value. Each participant can download a reader passport by visiting MusicCompound.com. Most prizes are available without a coupon. This program is based on an honor system. Our goal is to have 100 participants in our first year.  We have these fabulous partners and more on board. Fruitville Grove, Chick Fil A, PDQ, Evies on the Green, Change of HeART, Big Cat Habitat, Let’s Jump, The Bazaar at Apricot and Lime, and TreeUmph. 

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The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is continuously monitoring updates related to COVID-19 and recommendations from local, state, and federal health officials. We are taking steps to modify camp to keep your campers as safe as possible, including smaller group sizes and taking temperatures at check-in. Should we unfortunately need to cancel a session of Summer Science Camp due to situations beyond our control, we will contact all registrants and either reschedule your camper for another week or issue a full refund.

Is your child in 2nd to 5th grade? Give them a summer of fun and adventure with The Bishop’s Summer Science Camp. Your curious adventurer can enjoy up to four weeks of camp with a different exploration each week. Campers will discover topics through games, crafts, experiments, The Bishop’s exhibitions, and other resources.

Camp runs 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday at the Museum, located at 201 10th Street West in downtown Bradenton.

Camp is $250/week for the general public. Members of the Discovery Society at the Innovator Level or above receive a discounted rate of $200/week. Additional Discovery Society campers joining in the same week are $180/week. 

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The Hermitage Artist Retreat recently announced the dates for the organization’s two signature fundraising events in 2020-2021. The highly popular Artful Lobster will be Saturday, November 14, 2020, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Hermitage’s historic campus on Manasota Key. The Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner, which will honor the 2021 prize recipient, is scheduled for Sunday, April 11, 2021, 6-8:30 p.m., at Michael’s On East in Sarasota. Details for both events, including ticket prices, sponsorship opportunities and entertainment, will be announced later in the summer. (In the event of any changes due to COVID-19, further details will be announced.) Now in its 12th year, the Artful Lobster serves as a kickoff to the season for many in our community, raising valuable funds for the Hermitage’s nationally renowned artist residency program. This signature event, which takes place on the Hermitage’s beautiful beachfront campus, features performances by Hermitage Fellows and a lobster feast by Michael’s On East. Each year in April, the Hermitage Artist Retreat hosts the Greenfield Prize Dinner, heralding the jury-selected prize recipient of the prestigious award. 2021 will mark the 13th year of this annual celebration. The Hermitage Greenfield Prize includes a six-week Hermitage residency and a $30,000 commission. The distinguished honor rotates annually among theater, music, and visual art. The 2020 Hermitage Greenfield Prize was awarded to visual artist Jennifer Packer, and the 2021 prize will be presented to a theater artist. The Hermitage continues its spring fundraising campaign through June, with every gift being matched dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000. To make a donation, or to hear from Hermitage Fellows about their experience, please visit www.HermitageArtistRetreat.org. 

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Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces that, due to audience demand, it is extending its outdoor dining entertainment series, now running Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings each week. FST first opened the veranda of its Green Room Café & Bar for outside dining with live musical entertainment on select evenings the second weekend of May. With that announcement, dining reservations for the times featuring musical sets sold out in 48 hours.

Featured musical artists have included FST Cabaret artist Alayna Gallo (Light My Fire, The Wonder Years) and FST’s Resident Pianist Jim Prosser. Patrons have raved about the new series, saying, “This is incredible!” “We’ve missed you, FST,” and “This is nice…it is about as safe as you can get outside your own home.”

“It is a real pleasure to see and hear two of FST’s favorite performers practicing their musical stylings again,” said Richard Hopkins, FST’s Producing Artistic Director. “Jim Prosser and Alayna Gallo are a perfect pair for dining entertainment, and are helping make the Green Room veranda and sidewalk a relaxed and inviting location for this time of year.”​

Originally planned to only run on Friday and Saturday the weekends of May 9 and May 16, FST will now extend the series to run every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night into June. A $3 per-person cover charge will also be added when making reservations taking place during entertainment hours. There will be two seating times each evening—the first at 5:15PM, the second at 7:30PM. 

Florida Division of Emergency Management will open a new walk-up COVID-19 test center in Manatee County beginning Thursday. Adults ages 18 and older with a valid ID can be tested at Lincoln Park, 501 17th Street East, daily from 9 am to 6 pm, or until 200 test kits have been administered. The site will be open for at least 14 days. No appointment and no prescription are necessary. The tests are free to the public.

The Incident Commander at the site is Robby Bennett (rbennettscfd@gmail.com), a retired battalion chief with the Sarasota Fire Department. He is available to answer media inquiries each day between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon. To date, 16,248 COVID-19 tests have been completed in Manatee County, about 4 percent of the total population. Over the past seven days there has been an increase of 5,562 tested, a 52 percent increase in tests in one week.

County leaders have set a goal to test 2 percent of the population every month. By meeting that goal, officials can better learn hot spots and where the virus may be spreading.

With the new walk-up testing site, Manatee County residents and visitors now have another way to get tested free of charge without an appointment. The State also continues to test residents and visitors of Manatee County through the drive-through site located near the University Town Center Mall.

A key metric for the overall COVID-19 impacts in a community is the downward trajectory of overall percent positive cases between seven and 14 days. Manatee County had a 17-day downward trajectory through Thursday, May 21. Total positive tests held steady at 6.8 percent on May 21 and 22, then decreased by 0.1 percent, on May 23 to 6.7 percent positive cases.

The 6.1 percent positive tests on May 25 is the lowest rate in Manatee County since the state began tracking these metrics. 

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Physical activity is one of the Brain Health Initiative’s protective factors of brain health. Exercise improves blood flow to, and within, the brain providing the oxygen and nutrients it needs for optimal health and performance.

Multiple studies show exercise can be as effective as drugs or talk therapy as a treatment for brain illness like depression. Exercise improves your quality of sleep, another brain health protective factor. BHI has also discussed how physical activity enhances cognitive performance across the lifespan and builds powerful brain and cognitive reserve across the lifespan while decreasing risks for cognitive decline later in life. But did you know that physical activity is also a powerful tool in boosting your immune system?

As we enter the third month of the COVID-19 pandemic, staying healthy is probably at the top of your mind. Good nutrition and healthy sleep may be the first things you think of when it comes to a healthy immune system, but moderate exercise also plays a significant role in keeping you safe from illness. Being safer-at-home doesn’t mean being lazy-at-home, so get up and get moving! Exercise is more important now than ever. 

It’s easy to get a workout at home. Start slowly but keep at it and make physical activity part of your brain healthy daily routine.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN HEALTH

You don’t have to become a gym rat to boost your immunity. Regular, moderate exercise gets the blood pumping and starts boosting your mood and immune system functioning. Whether you’re a beginner or you workout regularly, it’s easy to get moving. The ideal brain health physical activity program includes aerobics, resistance, strength training and mind-body activities, like yoga and tai chi. No matter what, remember some exercise is better than none.

• Walk. A brisk walk is great exercise and no special equipment is required. Just make sure to practice physical distancing.
• Bike. Florida provides an ideal environment for riding a bike — no hills! Set a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery.
• Swim. Now is a great time to put that pool to use. Swimming is great low-impact exercise and it feels great on those hot summer days.
• Get on the treadmill. If it’s too hot or too stormy to go outside, go for a walk on the treadmill. You know, that thing you’ve been hanging clothes on for the past few years.
• Stand up for your health. Find as many opportunities throughout the day to stand instead of sit.
• Move, dance, skip, hula hoop, gallop, walk backwards and sideways-be silly.
• Smile while you move and grab a friend for extra benefit.

This past Memorial Day Weekend the Bobby Jones Golf Club Nature Trails opened for walking, running, bicycling, photography, and wildlife observation. It was such a success, with visitors socially distancing and staying on the trails, that this opportunity has been extended.

The City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District welcomes everyone to enjoy the views of gently rolling hills, sparkling lakes, meandering streams, and majestic live oaks daily from 6 am - 6 pm. Please note the parking lot closes promptly at 6 pm.

Policies Stay the Same: Prohibited activities include fishing, golfing, motorized vehicles, picnicking, approaching wildlife, pick-up sports, drones, and kite flying. Course Rangers will continue monitoring the trails and golf course. Enjoy at your own risk.

Friendly Reminders: G’s Southern Kitchen is open Tuesday - Sunday at 11 am for take-out food and beverages. CDC Guidelines are still in effect such as social distancing, limited large gatherings, and staying at home if you are sick. The Club House is closed but the on-trail restrooms are open. Please bring your own water and stay on the trails. 

Coastal Orthopedics, a full-service provider of comprehensive orthopedics, sports medicine, pain management and physical therapy services, has resumed all services, including elective surgeries, with proper precautions in place to protect its patients, doctors and team members.

Coastal Orthopedics’ three offices and two ambulatory surgery centers are open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday, with extended hours for its physical therapy and MRI services.

Once the stay-at-home order was announced in response to COVID-19, Coastal Orthopedics’ management team immediately shifted its operations to a work-from-home model for as many employees as possible – without laying off or furloughing any associates. The practice also quickly implemented Telemedicine visits, which uses electronic communications and software to provide clinical services to patients without an in-person visit. More than 1,600 patients were seen remotely in their homes since the order was declared, and the practice will continue to offer this service. While elective procedures were suspended, the team at Coastal Orthopedics continued to treat urgent patients in its offices with new safety measures in place.

“At Coastal Orthopedics, our priority is to protect the health and well-being of our community, staff and patients while still providing care to those who need it most,” said Paige LeMay, CEO of Coastal Orthopedics. “We are following all mandates put forth by the Center for Disease Control, Florida Department of Health and Manatee County Emergency Management as they relate to this unprecedented COVID-19 virus, and are fully implementing their directives.”

As part of the company’s precautions, patients are requested to wear their own masks when visiting any of the facilities and practice safe social distancing. Coastal Orthopedics is providing temperature screenings at each patient visit and drive through COVID-19 testing for patients prior to scheduled procedures. Extra cleanliness safeguards are being taken, such as wiping down the lobby and all patient areas multiple times throughout the day. All employees are screened upon entering the building and are required to wear face coverings as well.

For the health and safety of others, appointments are restricted to only patients at this time, with limited exceptions. Each offices’ lobby chairs have been safely roped off for social distancing, but alternative waiting will be offered where patients may provide their cell numbers, wait inside their vehicle and be taken directly to a private exam room.

Coastal Orthopedics will continue to provide the highest quality orthopedic care through Telemedicine visits. This technology is most appropriate for appointments that would not require an extensive exam, such as follow-up, post-operation or physical therapy appointments.

To schedule an in-person or telemedicine visit, call 941-792-1404. 

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