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SRQ DAILY Dec 15, 2021

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"We work very hard, we travel a lot and we look forward to every December so we can decorate the Bus and the Bug and make people smile!"

- Charles Casagrande, SeaSucker founder
 

[Holiday Giving]  Bedecked Seasucker VWs Spread Cheer With Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

SeaSucker's main gig consists of vacuum-mounted marine accessories such as fishing rod holders, cup holders and dry boxes for kayaks and boats, as well as dive tank racks and utility-sport car racks. But this holiday season, the Bradenton-based adventure gear manufacturer went from the captain's seat to the driver's seat—outfitting their signature yellow and blue '66 Volkswagen Bus and '72 Volkswagen Beetle with hundreds of Christmas lights and decorations to spread the holiday spirit in the Tampa Bay area. 

"With how crazy 2020 and 2021 have been, we thought it was extra important to amp up the Christmas spirit and give back to our local community," says Founder Charles Casagrande. "The brighter the lights and the crazier the decorations, the bigger the smiles are going to be." The multitude of decorations are attached with SeaSucker's innovative vacuum mount technology, which is most famous for transporting bikes on supercars that go 160+ mph.

The Bus and Beetle are decorated for Christmas each December, but this year Casagrande was determined to make the holiday displays larger than ever. Almost 90 different SeaSucker vacuum mounts attach snow globes, Christmas trees, Santa's elves and other holiday favorites. The Bus features a 100+ pound caribou mount as well as a fully-functional hot chocolate station and train set. The Beetle has a slot car track where children can choose from a variety of cars to race along the top of the vehicle.

"When I was a kid, I had some young adults around me that spent a lot of time with me, showing me love and helping me grow," he shares. "My uncles made a big difference in my life. We are in a position to help others now, so looked for an organization that could help make kids happy and feel loved." 

The first of the vehicles' community appearances will be at the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota Holiday Party on Friday, December 17. The sight of the two vintage vehicles decked out with the Grinch, the train from the Polar Express and dozens of Santas are sure to light up some faces—particularly the children and volunteers at the Club. In addition to the Boys & Girls Club, the SeaSucker Bus and Beetle will make an appearance at St. Armands Circle where Santa and the SeaSucker team will spread the holiday cheer serving up hot chocolate and handing out t-shirts from 6:30pm - 8:30pm on December 18. The cars will also make an appearance near the Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton from 6:30pm - 8:30 pm on December 22.

"We work very hard, we travel a lot and we look forward to every December so we can decorate the Bus and the Bug and make people smile!" says Casagrande. "Where else can you spend 20 minutes driving and make 50 people smile?" 

SeaSucker, LLC, 1912 44th Ave E., Bradenton, 941-900-1850. info@seasucker.comseasucker.com; @seasuckeryoutube.com/user/SeaSuckerVideos 

Photo courtesy of the company

[Upcoming Gala]  Unconditional Love at Animal Rescue Coalition
Barbie Heit. Barbie@srqme.com

Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC) has a dream: to end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats. Since 1999, the local nonprofit has worked toward this dream by providing high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter services to pet owners and local partners (shelters, animal service agencies and rescue groups) dramatically reducing euthanasia rates and animal homelessness in our area. Having performed over 75,000 spay and neuter surgeries, many for no cost, ARC collaborates with 30 local rescue partners, providing the surgeries and wellness necessary for the adoption of the animals who are waiting to find their forever homes. In 2021, ARC performed spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines for over 900 feral cats, reducing overpopulation in cat colonies and providing these animals a better quality of life. 

As Executive Director Laura McCann states, “The impact of ARC on the lives of animals is well-known in the Suncoast Region.  What is lesser known is how ARC’s services make a difference in the lives of people in our community.”

Victims of domestic violence, have been able to find shelter because their pets received spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines at no cost through ARC’s Lend-A-Paw program. Active duty military and veterans receive discounted care for their pets who oftentimes are emotional support animals. Low-income residents from Manatee, Sarasota, Desoto and Charlotte Counties receive surgeries and vaccines at ARC through subsidies and ARC donations.

As a nonprofit, ARC relies on the generosity of donors to support their work. In addition to financial donations, ARC welcomes donated supplies (they have a list of supplies on Amazon that are needed on an ongoing basis) and the assistance of volunteers to help with daily tasks in and around the clinic.

The sponsorships and donations raised at ARC’s annual Unconditional Love Gala provide the majority of its fundraising income. This year’s Gala will be held at Michael’s on East on Saturday February 26, 2022. The evening includes dinner, presentations about the impact of ARC's services, live music and an auction. Tickets are on sale on the ARC website (www.arcsrq.org), and sponsorships are available until January 6th. For more information on the Gala, please contact Executive Director Laura McCann at laura@arcsrq.org.

Animal Rescue Coalition, 6320 Tower Lane, Sarasota FL 34230. 941-957-1955. info@arcsrq.org.

 

Pictured: Patients are greeted by ARC's friendly receptionists, courtesy of ARC.

To learn more about ARC and the Unconditional Love Gala, click here

[Grant]  Jelks Family Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant to Conservation Foundation

The Jelks Family Foundation recently awarded a $25,000 grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast for conservation of priority land in Manatee County. The grant will be held in Conservation Foundation’s revolving Land Fund. Established in 2017, the Land Fund is used to quicken the pace of land conservation when other public and private funding resources are unavailable.

Conservation Foundation Board of Trustees oversee the use of the Land Fund to conserve priority land based on staff’s recommendation of the property’s ranking against scientific criteria. Utilization of the Land Fund allows Conservation Foundation to act quickly in hot real estate markets when time is of the essence. “Land conservation is expensive and urgent,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “Our dedicated Land Fund allows us to respond to market demands and quicken the pace of conservation. We are incredibly grateful to the Jelks Family Foundation for strengthening our available resources and investing in our mission.”

The Jelks grant supports land conservation in the Myakka region of Manatee County. To date, Conservation Foundation has protected over 18,500 acres across 48 properties in five counties. Of those 18,500 acres, 1,794 are in Manatee County. 

Pictured: Myakka Headwaters Preserve in Manatee County, courtesy of the organization

[Scholarships]  Gulf Coast Community Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2022-23 School Year

Gulf Coast Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2022-23 scholarship program. Prospective applicants may visit GulfCoastCF.org/scholarships to review scholarship requirements and complete the online application. The deadline to apply is March 4, 2022, and scholarship awards will be announced in late spring. Through its annual scholarship program, Gulf Coast Community Foundation assists students of all ages in pursuing higher education at accredited two- and four-year colleges, universities, or technical schools. Applicants must reside in Sarasota County, Charlotte County, or Boca Grande, and they must plan to attend a qualifying postsecondary institution during the 2022-23 academic year.

For more information, please visit GulfCoastCF.org/scholarships 

[Grants]  Bishop – Parker Foundation Awards $2,233,450

The Edward E. and Lillian H. Bishop Foundation along with the Mary E. Parker Foundation (now known as the Bishop - Parker Foundation) announce a total of $2,233,450 has been awarded for the second half of the 2021 grant funding year. The Foundation partners with non-profit organizations by providing funding to support investment in a wide variety of services, primarily for Manatee County residents.   The Foundation funded projects expected to impact people and animals in the areas of arts and culture, animal welfare, health services, human services and education.  Organizations approved for the Fall 2021 grant awards included: The American Cancer Society, Beyond the Spectrum, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bishop Museum of Science & Nature, Centerstone, Easter Seals of Southwest Florida, Foundation for Dreams, Friends of the Pelicans, Literacy Council of Manatee, Manatee Community Foundation, MCF – Season of Sharing, Manatee River Pram Fleet, Manatee Children’s Services, Realize Bradenton, Reflections of Manatee, Southeastern Guide Dogs, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, The Salvation Army, Turning Points, Van Wezel Foundation and the Women’s Resource Center. Combined with the distribution of funds from the first grant cycle, the Foundation has awarded $5,365,950 to non-profit partners in the 2021 calendar year.  

For more information click here

[Upcoming Event]  Fresh Friday Sets Stage to Dance Under the Stars

As the City of Sarasota and the Downtown Improvement District look to up the fun and engagement with the Fresh Fridays series, they announce the new theme for the January 7th edition of the first-Friday initiative. From 8-11 p.m., DANCE UNDER THE STARS will see Palm Avenue between Main Street and the parking garage transformed into an outdoor event space as guests are dazzled by three dynamic dance styles. Competitive dancers, professional dance instructors and owners of Dynasty Dance Clubs, pair Maks Lototskyy and Sarah Haworth Lototskyy will headline the event as they demo ballroom dance, country/Western and disco, giving Sarasotans an occasion to dust off their cowboy boots, give their patent leather pumps a bit of shine and dig their platform dance shoes out of the attic. 

Beyond the dance theme of the January event, it will also take place in a new section of downtown. The dance programming will be staged near the parking garage entrance on Palm Avenue, while the rest of the event zone extends east to Main Street. The new location will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy new merchants and restaurants. Guests are encouraged to patronize downtown restaurants and merchants prior to the event, making attendance at the Fresh Fridays program an easy walk. As with previous events, the first arrivals will get a free party favor to adorn their evening. Ample parking is available in the Palm Avenue parking garage and State Street parking garage, as well as street-side on Palm Avenue, Gulfstream Avenue, Main Street, Pineapple Avenue, and Cocoanut Avenue. 

Pictured: Maks Lototskyy and Sarah Haworth Lototskyy

[Restaurant]  JR’s Old Packinghouse Open During Street Construction

You may have noticed plenty of road construction throughout Sarasota including Palmer Ave and Cattleman. Fear not fans of JR’s Old  Packinghouse Café. The construction will only go up to the Shell gas station and JR fans can easily access the award-winning Packinghouse Café via Bahia Vista to the turn at Old Packinghouse Road. Don’t let the construction signs fool you. Only part of Packinghouse road will be affected and not your favorite casual café for great Cuban food and classic American favorites. In fact, JR’s will be serving its wonderful monthly and weekly specials and is planning staying open Christmas Eve for live music and hearty Café classics.

J.R.’s offers catering options as well as curbside pick-up and carry-out. The restaurant also features venue packages for onsite parties with indoor and outdoor options in its new backyard venue for “kick up your boots” events and rehearsal dinners, fundraisers and more. For live music updates and more information, follow J.R.’s on Facebook (@JRSOPC) and Instagram (@PackingHouseSRQ), visit their music page at https://www.packinghousecafe.com/music-calendar or call 941-371-9358. 

[Recognition]  Sarasota Attorney Ben Sorrell Named Adjunct Professor for Stetson College of Law

Sarasota attorney Ben Sorrell, an associate with the law firm of Syprett Meshad, will share his expertise and knowledge with aspiring lawyers as a newly named Adjunct Professor of Law for the Stetson University College of Law.  Beginning with the Spring 2022 semester, Mr. Sorrell will  be teaching "Florida Pre-Trial Practice."   Attorney Sorrell, who was named a 2021 "Rising Star" among Florida lawyers by Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), earned his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 2016.  He holds an undergraduate degree in Secondary Social Science Education, cum laude, from the University of South Florida.

Attorney Sorrell focuses his practice in the areas of real estate, commercial litigation, and personal injury.  He is a member of the Realtor-Attorney Joint Committee of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), as well as a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Sarasota County Bar Association.  Attorney Sorrell also serves on the Board of Directors for Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc.,  a regional non-profit organization providing free, comprehensive civil legal aid for vulnerable individuals and families in the Greater Tampa Bay area. He is licensed to practice before all Florida state courts as well as the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. 

The law firm of Syprett Meshad has been serving the greater Sarasota community for over 50 years.  The Firm's attorneys provide legal representation in the practice areas of real estate transactions and litigation, personal injury, family law, commercial litigation, criminal defense, estate planning and probate administration and litigation. To learn more, visit smrl.com, or call 941-365-7171. 



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Motorworks Yappy Hour to Benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services , February 21 – December 19, 1pm-4pm

Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS) invites everyone to join them at the February Yappy Hour at Motorworks Brewery. FoMCAS will be the featured nonprofit and will have over $4000 in raffles and silent auction items plus a 50/50 drawing to help fundraise for the Manatee County Animal Services shelter animals. The family friendly and pet friendly event will be held on Sunday, February 21st in the Motorworks Beer Garden from 1pm to 4pm. The event will feature vendors selling an array of pet and non-pet related products with drink specials and food from local food trucks all in the 12,000 sq ft. artificially turfed beer garden. Raffles and silent auction items include resort stays on Anna Maria Island, spa packages, restaurant gift cards, sailing excursions, fabulous gift baskets, pet items, tickets to sporting events and a golf package, handmade arts by local artisans, jewelry, baskets of spirits, gourmet gift packages, and much, much more. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their leashed pets to enjoy the day and help contribute to the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services whose mission it is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Services to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care and heartworm treatment. Animal Network is the event partner with Motorworks Brewery for the monthly Yappy Hour held on the third Sunday of each month. It features different local nonprofit animal organizations that support, rescue, and find loving homes for dogs and cats in our community. Each month, the guest organization receives the funds raised through the silent auction, raffles and 50/50 split drawing. Over the last three years the event has raised over $100,000 shared among the various guest organizations. Animal Network, Dawg Phonics and Motorworks are sponsors of the Yappy Hour.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Bradenton Seafood & Music Festival , December 17 – December 19, 4pm-10pm, 11am-10pm, and 11am-6pm

The inaugural Bradenton Seafood & Music Festival makes its debut on Friday, December 17 from 4pm to 10pm; Saturday, December 18 from 11am to 10pm and Sunday, December 19 from 11am to 6pm at the Riverwalk Pavilion with fresh seafood and live music The event is FREE and open to the public. The event will offer a variety of seafood cooked fresh on site by local restaurants and food purveyors. Seafood dishes are prepared using only the freshest local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast.  Meat lovers and vegetarians can select from a diverse menu of meats, vegetarian offerings, side dishes and desserts. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks will also be available. The musical line-up includes: Friday, December 17: 4:30pm – 6pm Mike Tozier (rock & blues), 6:30pm – 8pm Joey Gilmore (American blues guitar), 8:30pm – 10pm Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues (blues & rock). Saturday, December 18: 12:30pm – 2pm Ben Prestage (blues), 2:30pm – 4pm Shaw Davis & the Black Ties (blues & rock), 4:30pm – 6pm Possessed By Paul James (folk, soul & blues), 6:30pm – 8pm Damon Fowler (blues & rock), 8:30pm – 10pm Albert Castiglia (blues). Sunday, December 19: 12:30pm – 2pm JP Soars (blues), 2:30pm – 4pm Sean Chambers (blues & rock), 4:30pm – 6pm Ronnie Dee and the Superstars (R&B & funk). On the breaks between performances enjoy shopping in a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Venice Theatre: Johnny Wild & The Delights’ Christmas Spectacular , December 21 – December 22, Varies.

Celebrated as the finest retro holiday party in the southeast for 5 years running, Johnny Wild brings his acclaimed Christmas Spectacular to life for two wild nights of winter wonderland fun. With classic Christmas tunes, your favorite Sock Hop melodies, guest appearances by Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and even the big man in red, you won’t want to miss Johnny Wild & the Delights’ Christmas Spectacular. Christmas Spectacular will show on December 21 and 22.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sarasota Orchestra: Discover Mozart: Winter Dreams , December 22, 7:30pm

Sameer Patel leads a program of intimate favorites on Wednesday, December 22 at 7:30pm at the Sarasota Opera House. The pastel colors of Debussy's Petite Suite are followed by Respighi's entrancing Adoration of the Magi. Young violinist Geneva Lewis will perform Massenet's moving "Méditation" from Thaïs and the icy "Winter" concerto from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. Mozart's "Paris" Symphony, among the master's grandest works, is guaranteed to leave the listener rejuvenated.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: McCurdy's Comedy Theatre: Al Ernst , December 23, 7pm

AL Ernst was voted Carnival Cruise Lines "Entertainer of the Year." You've seen Al on TV, heard him on numerous national radio outlets, now a regular on the Blue Collar Network on Sirius/XM radio. AL Ernst will perform on December 23 at 7pm in The Green Room.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Florida Studio Theatre Improv: Triple Play , March 20 – December 25, 8:30pm

Florida Studio Theatre’s resident improv troupe, FST Improv, will return to a weekly live performance schedule with Triple Play, a full-length show created specifically to entertain from a distance. Drawing inspiration from audience suggestions, a rotating cast of three improvisers will perform games, scenes, and songs—all made up on the spot. Starting Saturday, March 20, Triple Play will take place Saturday evenings at 8:30pm for socially-distanced audiences in FST’s Keating Theatre. Tickets are $15 per person and are now on sale. To purchase tickets, call FST’s Box Office at 941.366.9000 or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. FST's musical improvisers, Jim Prosser and Helena Rankin, will provide comical accompaniment as performers play some of Sarasota's favorite improv games - all while maintaining social distancing. In addition to live audiences, the cast of Triple Play will draw inspiration from prompts submitted virtually through text or via Twitter. With this added virtual element, FST Improv will engage with audiences in Sarasota and beyond. Triple Play performances will be socially-distanced and in compliance of all CDC guidelines, including socially-distanced seating, paperless ticketing, and limited theatre capacities. Facial coverings must be worn at all times - including throughout performances - when on campus at FST, aside from dining in FST's Green Room Cafe & Bar. Socially-distanced pre-show dining is available indoors and outdoors in FST's Green Room Cafe & Bar one hour before each Triple Play performance.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County: 67th Annual Christmas Tree Lot , November 26 – December 25, Varies.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County will be hosting their 67th Annual Christmas Tree Lot at the Westgate Shopping Center (Publix), 3913 Manattee Ave. W. Bradenton beginning on Friday, November 26 from 9am to 7pm and will be open Saturday, November 27 from 9am to 7pm. It will be closed Mondays - Wednesdays, open Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 9am to 6pm and Sundays from 12pm to 7pm.

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Ballet: Program 3 - Giselle , December 17 – December 18, 7:30pm and 2pm

In celebration of the choreographer’s 95th birthday anniversary, Program 3 brings Sir Peter Wright’s potent and enrapturing production of the classic Giselle to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, after the ballet’s sold-out 2019 performances. Performed across the globe by many of the great ballet companies. Wright’s production is considered by many to be one of the most faithful and artistically rich, perfectly bringing to life this tale of young love, unrequited romance, and loss. Giselle will take place on December 17 2021 at 7:30pm and December 18 2021 at 2pm and 7:30pm at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trail.

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance: In-Studio Performance Series featuring SCDE: Winter Showcase , December 17 – December 18, 7pm

In-Studio Performance Series featuring SCDE: Winter Showcase will take place on December 17th and 18th at 7pm at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts. Tickets are $20. The SCDE Winter Showcase will feature works choreographer by SCDE Co-Directors Melissa Rummel and Xian-Xuan Yang Dancingers.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Arts Advocates: Violetta Chandler , December 18 – January 15, 2pm-5pm

Violetta Chandler, Saturday, December 18, 2021 – Saturday, January 15, 2022. Violetta Chandler’s works radiate luxuriant color, solid drawing and composition, ethereal light, and physical movement in light, combined with a refined sensitivity to landscape. Born in Ukraine, she is a fifth-generation artist initially trained by her father, Yakov Tsatskin. She received a master’s degree in fine arts and teaching from Odessa State Institute. She is an original member of Plein Aire Cottage Artists and has taught at Ringling College of Art and Design and St. Petersburg College in Florida.

[SOON]  FOOD: The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime: Classic Rock & Reggae Brunch , December 19, 10am-2pm

This Classic Rock & Reggae Brunch at Hamlet’s Eatery will take place on Sunday, December 19 from 10am to 2pm. Music by Sean Adam Walsh Outside dining under a covered patio.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: The Ringling: Holiday Splendor , December 2 – December 16, 5pm-8pm

Holiday Splendor will take place on Dec 2, 9, 16 from 5pm to 8pm. Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local schools will provide musical entertainment on the Bolger Campiello. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan, and the Circus Museum. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation. $15 Adult / $5 Child. Guests are encouraged to shop in the Museum Store, which has a large selection of toys under $20. Please enter through the Visitors Pavilion.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: FST Improv: Treble in Paradise , December 4 – December 18, Varies.

Inspired by one location and three random notes on the keyboard, the cast of FST Improv’s Treble in Paradise creates a fully-improvised musical right before your very eyes. With no scripts, no musical score, and absolutely no idea what will happen next, our ensemble of improvisers delivers full-blown musical numbers, drama, and spontaneous choreography in this all-new musical improv show. Treble in Paradise will show every Saturday from December 4 to 18 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Players Centre: The Marvelous Wonderettes , December 8 – December 18, 7:30pm and 2pm

This smash Off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In Act II, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Single tickets available Sept. 1, 2021 ($26.50 preview/ $29.50 single/ $14 student). Subscriptions are available now. The show dates are Dec. 8-11, 14-18 at 7:30pm and Dec. 12, 18-19 at 2pm.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Selby Gardens: Lights in Bloom: An Open-air Holiday Light Show , December 11 – January 2, 6pm-9pm

More than two million lights will illuminate Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus from December 11 to 23, 26 to 30, 2021; and January 1 and 2, 2022 from 6pm to 9pm. Lights in Bloom®: An Open-Air Holiday Light Show will feature more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways. Don’t miss a holiday photo opportunity, children’s arts and crafts, activities, and entertainment. Food will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill, including a cash bar.  

[SOON]  GALLERY: Adult & Community Enrichment at Suncoast Technical College: ACE Annual Art Sale , December 15

ACE is known in the community for Adult & Community Enrichment classes, but did you know that 40% of those classes are in the Arts? The ACE Art Program is so vibrant that we devote a day to celebrate the accomplishments of our talented teachers, students and staff, right before the holidays, with an art sale. Join us at our main location on the campus of the Suncoast Technical College, 4748 Beneva Road in Sarasota, in the Conference Center on December 15. With over 4,000 art students at ACE, we promise there will be a marvelous selection of handmade, original, reasonably priced artwork for that unique holiday gift. Come and enjoy the beautiful ceramics, paintings, fiber art, photography, baskets, jewelry and so much more.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Selby Gardens: The Art of Butterflies: Special Seasonal Workshop , December 15, 10:30am-4pm

Explore Sarasota County’s only Butterfly House through an artistic lens on Wednesday, December 15 from 10:30am to 4pm (with a 30-minute lunch break). Students will receive a brief natural history lecture introducing Florida’s native butterflies: why they are unique, their role in the ecosystem, and conservation strategies. After, students will learn painting techniques to capture the beauty of butterflies, flowers, and nature. Open to all ages/experience levels. Class Fee: Members $85/Non-members $100. Class Size: 9 Students. Instructor: Norma Albertha Winter.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: DreamLarge: Purposeful Holiday Evening in Support of Mothers Helping Mothers , December 16

DreamLarge, the first registered benefit corporation on the Gulf Coast of Florida and the organization behind PINC and RADD, is excited to announce a purposeful evening in the Rosemary District to celebrate the holidays and support those in need through a toy drive for local nonprofit, Mothers Helping Mothers. On the evening of Thursday, December 16, all are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to 600 Central Avenue, the western end of the RADD Night Market. In celebration, multiple free events will take place in the Rosemary Art & Design District including a festive RADD Night Market, BLVD Bike Rides: Merry on Main, and a storefront holiday display hosted by the Rosemary District Alliance. Mothers Helping Mothers is a local 501c3 organization committed to supporting families in need by fostering resiliency, self-sufficiency and family stability in our community. The entire community of visitors, vendors and riders can support Mothers Helping Mothers by bringing new, unwrapped toys to the market and participate in the free evening festivities. 

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: St. Armands Circle: Holiday Soiree 2021 , November 27 – December 19, Varies.

St. Armands Circle has announced the event dates for its upcoming 2021 Holiday Soirée. Experience life on the circle and visit an assortment of some of the best merchants in the region. Holiday Soirée, a joint effort by the St. Armands Circle Association and St. Armands Business Improvement District, invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves and enjoy weekly events happening throughout the month of December. The Holiday Soirée will start Saturday, November 27. Is there a better place to spend the holiday season than on the Circle? Let it snow somewhere else. Come join an incredible series of holiday events presented by the St. Armands Circle Association. There will be six different events throughout the next month, the first starting on Saturday, November 27 as the circle kicks off the holiday season with the Let’s Go Shop Small event. Visitors can support local businesses on the Circle and get a head start on all their holiday shopping. The following week on Friday, December 3, features the Holiday Night of Lights. Beginning at 5:30pm, come enjoy the ceremonial tree lighting, sing along with carolers and witness Santa arrive on the Circle. Kids will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa from 6:30pm – 8pm. The final two weeks of the Holiday Soirée features two weekly events. Starting on Thursday, December 9 from 6pm to 9pm, enjoy the sweet sounds of the season by coming to Songs on the Circle. Stroll, shop and dine while you listen to this live music event. Then on Saturday, December 11, come see Porsches in the Park. Experience a day filled with beautiful automobiles and perfect weather. St. Armands Circle Association finishes its Holiday Soirée with its final two events on the week before Christmas. Ladies Night, which will be held on Thursday, December 16 from 6pm to 8:30pm, includes promotions from participating merchants for ladies. Shop and dine out on the Circle with a festive atmosphere that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The final event will conclude on Sunday, December 19. From 11am to 1pm, the Circle encourages you to enjoy a special holiday-themed mid-day soirée at its St. Armands Family Day.

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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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