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SRQ DAILY Oct 26, 2021

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"DAOU mountain is a truly magical place with an incredible story and we're really excited to be one of their exclusive partners."

- Michael Klauber, Michael's on East
 

[Wine Dinner]  Michael's on East Keeps Adding Something New
Andrew Fabian, andrew.fabian@srqme.com

After over 30 years in business, it would be easy to forgive Michael’s on East for sticking to a set formula and riding it into the sunset. They have the feel of an institution at this point, a place that is too ubiquitous to fail, a business that could almost just stop trying. And, in a way, the restaurant, catering outfit and wine Mecca have, in fact, stuck to a formula. But that formula is all about finding something new.

Last week, Michael Klauber regaled guests at an intimate candle-lit wine dinner with stories of his travels and helped present one of the latest additions to the wine offerings in the cellar. DAOU Family Estates vineyards out of Paso Robles, California produces some of the most celebrated and collectible wines of the region. Situated on one of the first estates to produce wine in California—the former Hoffman Mountain Ranch property established by Andre Tschelistcheff and Dr. Stanley Hoffman—DAOU vineyards embody the way Michael’s on East traffics in stories as much as it does in wine.

The founders, Lebanese brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, fled their war-torn home country as children, became the model of the American dream and then turned their hustle and talent to wine. The result is a 26-acre vineyard in which all of the grapes—even those destined for modestly-priced wines—are handpicked. “DAOU mountain is a truly magical place with an incredible story,” says Klauber, “and we’re really excited to be one of their exclusive partners.” 

Distribution of DAOU wines into Florida is so new, in fact, that many of the wines at the tasting were not yet even in stock for purchase, though guests were given first dibs on orders by its host, Jordan O'Mara from DAOU Vineyards. Of the exclusive wines, the 2019 “Sequentis” merlot, a balanced, dark and fruity affair with a clean finish was one of them. Other noteworthy reds included the 2019 Reserve cabernet sauvignon, a Bordeaux-style wine with a dark berry bouquet that gives way to spice and a lengthy finish. 

Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-0007, michaelsathome.com

[Design]  Registration Now Open for 2022 Sarasota Design Conference

Registration is now open for the 2022 Sarasota Design Conference. The conference will once again be a hybrid event giving you maximum flexibility to attend at the same cost. The theme CONNECT not only provides an opportunity to connect attendees with speakers, vendors and sponsors, it aims to connect the wide range of fields and topics architects address in their projects and practice. The Conference will also be connecting speakers by pairing them in the presentation session, creating an opportunity for spontaneous discussion of their respective works. Speakers have been confirmed and details on the architectural toursworkshop and panel will be announced soon.

Take the opportunity to sign up before early bird registration ends November 23.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

[Education]  The Out-Of-Door Academy Appoints New Head of School, Mrs. Debra Otey

After an extensive nationwide search, The Out-of-Door Academy’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Mrs. Debra Otey as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2022. After 17 years of transformational leadership under Mr. David Mahler, The Out-of-Door Academy named Mrs. Otey as the incoming Head of School. Mr. James Connor, former Head of School at Germantown Academy from 1990-2016 is serving as Interim Head of School for the 2021-2022 school  year. 

Mrs. Otey was selected from a pool of impressive candidates after a thorough search process. The Head of School Advisory and Search Committees found Mrs. Otey to be a dynamic, accomplished, passionate educator, well-poised to lead Out-of-Door into its next chapter. “As Out-of-Door prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024, this transition of leadership creates a wonderful opportunity for our next Head of School to guide us to new levels of academic, athletic, and artistic success while never forgetting our core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Responsibility,” said Chair of The Out-of-Door Academy’s Board of Trustees Mr. Tom Murphy. “This search–for an individual of outstanding character and  professional experience, demonstrated ability to inspire and encourage faculty, staff, students, and  alumni, and support the forward momentum of the school’s growth–resulted in the appointment of  Mrs. Debra Otey.” 

Mrs. Otey will lead the prestigious school starting in the 2022-23 school year. “I am excited to join a Pre-K–12 community that emphasizes character education and student wellbeing,” she explains. “Building on established programs while maintaining Out-of-Door’s traditions will create opportunities for inspiring growth and development. As we move into the next phase of ODA’s educational and community impact, we look forward to a bright and impactful future filled with student-centered, engaging experiences inside and outside of the classroom.” 

The Board of Trustees will continue to expand the school’s college preparatory program with Mrs. Otey at the helm. The School’s curricular, programmatic and physical expansion has set a precedent for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, establishing The Out-of-Door Academy as one of the top independent schools in Florida.  

Headshot of Debra Otey, courtesy of ODA

[Auto]  Florida Gas Prices Stabilize After Another 13 Cent Jump

Florida gas prices stabilized over the weekend after rising another 13 cents, last week. The state average now sits at $3.31 per gallon. That's a new 2021 high, and the most expensive daily average price since October 2014. Florida pump prices have climbed a total of 26 cents this month. So far this year, the state average has increased a total of $1.12 per gallon since January 1. Florida drivers are now paying $1.23 per gallon more than this time last year, and 89 cents more than this time in 2019.

"Gas prices have been dragged higher by skyrocketing crude oil prices," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Crude oil prices have faced tremendous upward pressure, because global fuel demand is outpacing global production and supply levels. Although oil prices increased again last week, it was by a smaller margin than the weeks before. Fortunately, gasoline futures held steady. So even if gas prices increase again this week, it shouldn't be as significant of a jump as what drivers have experienced so far this month."

In October alone, oil prices have jumped 10%; rising from $75.88 to $83.76 per barrel. Gasoline futures finished last week 1-cent lower than the week before. This is a positive indicator that retail pump prices could stabilize this week. Prior to last week, gasoline futures logged 12 cents gains in two consecutive weeks; and retail prices followed suit. 

Daily gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com  

[Board]  LWRBA Names Brittany Lamont New President and CEO

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance announced that Brittany Lamont will serve as its next president and CEO. Lamont joins the Alliance after serving as vice president of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. She will begin her new role in November, working alongside interim president Dan Sidler.  “Our search committee had many strong candidates and Brittany proved to be the unanimous choice based on her industry knowledge, community ties, passion and proven track record,” said Amanda Parrish, LWRBA Board Chair. “We thank Dan Sidler for ensuring a seamless transition and the committee for selecting a leader whose strategic vision will create new opportunities for the Lakewood Ranch business community.”

Lamont has worked with the Greater Sarasota Chamber since 2010 and most recently served as vice president, leading the team responsible for membership acquisition and retention. Prior to her role as vice president, Lamont was the director of communications and events, managing more than 70 events and programs each year and overseeing public relations initiatives. “I am grateful for my time with the Sarasota Chamber and honored to help lead our member businesses of the Alliance,” said Lamont. “This is an exciting moment for our organization and the entire community. I look forward to championing dynamic growth mirroring that of our rapidly growing region.” 

Headshot of Brittany Lamont, courtesy of LWRBA

[Recognition]  Working Mother & SHOOK Research's List of Top Wealth Advisor Moms

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) announced that Aimee Cogan, a Managing Director, Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Sarasota Wealth Management office, has been named to Working Mother & SHOOK Research’s list of  Top Wealth Advisor Moms. This listing recognizes a select group of individuals who, while pursuing careers as successful Financial Advisors, also juggle the responsibilities of having one or more children under the ageof 21 living at home. “We congratulate Aimee Cogan for her inclusion on this list,” commented Giovanni Renteria, Branch Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Sarasota office. “She continues to show professionalism and dedication to her valued clients while raising a family.”  

To learn more, visit here

[Board Members]  Teen Court of Sarasota Names Inaugural Board Members

Katy McBrayer-Lynch begins her role as Board Chair of  Teen Court of Sarasota this month for a one year term. Katy mentors teens by speaking to them about her own experience and how she was able to use the tools Teen Court gave her to become a successful adult. Katy also announced the appointment of new Board Members to the Teen Court of Sarasota Board. Amir Chokr, former Teen Court Volunteer, Scholarship Recipient and co-owner of The Diamond Vault, Megan Leaf, Office of the State Attorney -12th Judicial Circuit-Board Certified Juvenile Law, and Major Brian R. Woodring of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and former Sarasota High School Football Coach. Additionally, Gabriel Mirman has been added as a Teen Board Member. Gabriel is a Teen Attorney helping youth navigate their time with the Court Session Program and attends Sarasota High School. Gabriel is President of the Outdoor Adventure Club focused on environmental education by connecting youth with the outdoors with the goal of maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Gabriel will join Max Schoenfeld, another Teen Board Member, to help identify the needs they see their peers may be struggling with.  

[Military]  Sarasota Native Serves as Naval Aircrewman Aboard USS Jackson

Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Christopher Fred, from Sarasota, assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC-23) embarked aboard USS Jackson (LCS 6), conducts a pre-flight inspection on an MH-60S Seahawk during routine operations. Jackson and HSC-23, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, are on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.  

Pictured: Naval Aircrewman Christopher Fred. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SPARCC: Halloween Card & Game Party , October 27, 10am-2:30pm

Halloween fun will play a big role at Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center’s (SPARCC) annual Card & Game Party. The event is being hosted at the Plantation Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, October 27, from 10am to 2:30pm. Games of chance and skill like Mahjongg, Bridge, Euchre, a 50/50 drawing, duck pluck and additional drawings for fantastic gift baskets will keep guests occupied. Hand crafted items will be available for purchase in a boutique setting and a delicious lunch and dessert, coffee, tea, soda, a cash bar and Harvest Candy Bar will keep spirits satisfied. Tickets are $50.00 per person. Bring your friends and set up a table for cards or Mahjongg. Your registration supports SPARCC and helps raise funds to provide life-saving, free and confidential programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

[SOON]  FOOD: Sarasota Opera: Curtain Raiser Dinner , October 27, 6pm

Curtain Raiser Dinner will take place on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 6pm at Michaels on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Welcome back. Join your fellow Sarasota Opera friends as we celebrate the start of the 2021-22 Season. The evening begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres amid the lush landscape of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens followed by a three-course dinner and exciting performances by Sarasota Opera Artists.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz Club of Sarasota: Sunset Jazz at the Crosley , October 27, 5pm-7pm

Sunset Jazz at the Crosley will take place on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 5pm to 7pm at Seagate, Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 North Tamiami Trail. A Free Jazz Club of Sarasota Concert at the Powel Crosley Estate with Michael Ross, James Suggs, Liston Gregory III, John Medico, and Emmanuel Montalvo. A $15 per person donation is suggested to support the Scholarship Fund.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sarasota Orchestra: Chamber Soirees: American Lyric , October 28, 5:30pm

The soundtrack of America as heard by three diverse masters on Thursday, October 28 at 5:30pm at Holley Hall. Inspired by Amanda Gorman's Excerpt from In This Place (An American Lyric). This program consists of Amy Beach String Quartet Op. 89, Samuel Barber Summer Music for Woodwind Quintet, and Dvorak String Quintet "American."

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Selby Gardens: Landscape Photography Workshop at Historic Spanish Point , October 28, 10:30am-1:30pm

We’ll discuss a winning methodology and workflow guaranteed to improve your landscape photography skills no matter what kind of equipment you use on Thursday, October 28 from 10:30am to 1:30pm. Lecture format with examples and techniques, followed by practical exercises at beautiful and photogenic Historic Spanish Point Campus. Any photography equipment welcome. Open to students of all ages/experience levels. Class Fee: Members $55/Non-members $75. Class Size: 20 Students. Instructor: Perry Johnson.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: 2021 Manatee Leadership Prayer Breakfast , October 28, 6:30am-9am

Join us on National First Responders Day, October 28th 2021, in honor of our HEROES at the 2021 Manatee Leadership Prayer Breakfast hosted by Paul Sharff, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. Help us maintain the tradition of assembling together to build relationships and pray for our community, our state and our nation in support of our youngest citizens. Doors open at 6:30am, breakfast served at 7:15am, program starts at 7:30am promptly and ends at 9am sharp at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. This event will benefit the From Cradle to College Foundation that exists to support the 6,500 children served every year by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Stranger Things Drive-In , October 29 – October 30, 8:30pm and 10pm

You know the Netflix story: After the mysterious and sudden vanishing of a young boy, the people of a small town begin to uncover secrets of a government lab, portals to another world and sinister monsters. The boy’s mother desperately tries to find him, convinced he is in grave danger, while the police chief searches for answers. Fans can’t get enough of the retro vibe of the hit series Stranger Things. Take a trip to the upside-down world in safety on October 29 at 8:30pm and 10pm and October 3o at 8:30pm and 10pm. Experience the 80s tunes and soundscapes from the show reinterpreted in brilliant laser light and visual effects. See intense beams zoom over your head as you freak out to STRANGER THINGS. Be there if you dare. This program is designed to be family friendly.  

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: FST Improv: We're Doomed , October 29 – October 30, 7:30pm

FST Improv Presents We're Doomed Playing October 29 and October 30 at 7:30pm. In a world where blockbusters come and go, FST Improv entertains with an unforgettable, original, and fully improvised motion picture. The cast of We’re Doomed will perform an improvised horror movie based on a title provided by the audience. We’ll leave the fancy equipment behind as we use unique staging, special effects and onstage acrobatics to recreate the excitement and magic of the silver screen. You’ll even get to see improvised previews of upcoming attractions.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Van Wezel: Escape to Margaritaville , October 29, 7:30pm

Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all — and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl, Raising Hope) and Emmy Award® nominee Mike O’Malley (Survivors Remorse, Shameless), ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and many more. This show will take place on Friday, October 29 at 7:30pm.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Downtown Sarasota Alliance: First Friday Gallery Walk , February 5 – December 3, Times vary.

The DSA Presents First Friday Gallery Walk. Enjoy your walk or stroll in Downtown Sarasota with participating galleries, including State of the Arts Gallery on State Street, AlexArt International located at 25 North Pineapple Avenue, Dabbert Gallery on Historic Palm Avenue, Art Uptown Gallery on Sarasota’s Main Street, and 530 Burns Gallery in Historic Burns Court.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: The Ringling: Private Lectures presented by Dr. David Berry , April 13 – December 31

David Berry, Associate Director of Academic Affairs and Special Projects, is one of Sarasota’s favorite lecturers. His dry sense of humor and wealth of knowledge is sure to both entertain and educate your group. Dr. Berry is available to speak on any of the following subjects: The origins of museums, museum architecture and display, The Victorian museum, early museums in America, museums, education, and community engagement, great women collectors, the illicit trafficking of cultural property, world fairs, an introduction to natural history, great illustrated natural history books, natural history and children’s literature, scientific illustration, natural history specimens, natural history collections, art and medicine, the art of anatomy, the art of astronomy and microscopy, the art of geology and paleontology (including dinosaurs), botanical and zoological art, botanical and zoological gardens, the golden age of botanical exploration, the orchid craze in Victorian Britain, and Japanese garden design and horticultural practices (ikebana and bonsai). $100 flat fee; must be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance, $250 for custom topics; must be scheduled at least 6 weeks in advance. Lectures include a single-speaker, slide illustrated lecture. All programs are hosted via Zoom. For additional information, or to book a virtual program, contact Laura Steefel-Moore, Head of Educational Programs, at laura.steefel-moore@ringling.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Ringling College Galleries + Exhibitions: POW! The Comic Art of Mike Zeck from the Costas Collection , October 18 – March 25, 9am-3pm

After attending Ringling College in the late 60s, Zeck made a name for himself illustrating the horror stories of Charlton Comics before turning his talents in both illustration and storytelling into one of the most successful careers of The Bronze Age of comic books. His talents served him well for both Marvel and DC. Zeck is credited with creating the alternative black costume for Spider-Man that would eventually become the character Venom, and his work on Kraven’s Last Hunt is considered one of the best stories in the Spider-Man canon. In the DC universe, he helped modernize Batman into the flawed and dark knight he would become in the modern era. With “POW!,” Ringling College Galleries has compiled the best of The Costas Collection, featuring over 60 original illustrations of Zeck’s most iconic storylines and covers. This exhibition will be on view from October 18, 2021 – March 25, 2022. In-person viewings are free and open to the public Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm at The Lois and David Stulberg Gallery is located inside the Richard and Barbara Basch Visual Arts Center on campus at Ringling College of Art and Design at 1188 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Madeby Gallery: 12th Annual Student Show , October 5 – October 28, Gallery hours.

You are invited to see this outstanding show and the opportunity of purchasing original art, digital art prints, and fine crafts by the Ringling College of Art and Design Students. All artwork will be on display online only on this page. To purchase please call 941-822-0442 and make arrangements for curbside pickup or shipping. The twelfth Annual Ringling College of Art and Design Student Show will run October 5-28, 2021. 

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Crosley Theater Company: Murder, Mystery, & Poe , October 21 – October 31

Murder, Mystery, & Poe Runs from Thursday October 21 2021 to Sunday October 31 2021 at Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton. Approximate running time: 2 hours. Join the Crosley Theater Company for an eerie evening of theatrical works from the Master of the Macabre…Edgar Allan Poe! The First Act will feature Poe’s tale of Revenge & Murder, “The Cask of Amontillado”. After intermission, it is “An Evening with Gwendolyn.” Gwendolyn Crosley, wife of inventor Powel Crosley, thoroughly enjoyed last night’s séance. It’s a shame she didn’t get to speak with her favorite author, Edgar Allan Poe. She did make contact with an enigmatic friend of his, Sarah Royster. Alas, the encounter was brief and Gwendolyn returned home alone. Or did she? Watch one woman’s descent into madness in “The Telltale Heart". Produced by the Crosley Theater Company.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Venice Theatre: She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition , October 22 – November 7, Varies.

A comedic romp into the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with vicious fairies, nasty ogres and ‘90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. She Kills Monsters will show from October 22 to November 7 at the Venice Theatre. Recommended for middle school and up. Strong language and themes.

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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