SRQ DAILY Dec 1, 2022
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"The highlight of the parade is the arrival of Santa Claus, which keeps the spirit of the season for children of all ages."
Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida are excited to share that this year's Gingerbread Festival is returning to The Mall at UTC and will be displayed along the Grand Court of the upper level, December 1-19. Organizers are hoping many will join in the fun this year, either as a participant or visitor, at this unique, family-friendly event.
According to Patricia Ramthun, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc., "The festival is our council’s local annual friend and fundraising opportunity that also includes a STEM programming component for our Girl Scout troops and local classrooms. Participating Girl Scout troops and teachers are provided a complimentary gingerbread house kit thanks to funding by the event sponsors–Publix Super Markets Charities and FPL, and our community partners The Mall at UTC, UTC (University Town Center) and Benderson Development."
This event is local to the Girl Scout of Gulfcoast Council and the communities they serve. Their staff organizes the event, and it is presented with their partners at The Mall of UTC who provides space and support.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida welcomes the public to marvel at this holiday wonderland featuring more than 120 one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses crafted by over 150 local schools, youth groups, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Enjoy a break during your holiday shopping, reserve the house of your choice for purchase and bring the family to this festive event. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite houses in the People’s Choice Award using a QR code available at the display. The event is free and it is open for self-guided viewing during regular mall hours.
To learn more, visit www.srqgingerbreadfestival.com or call 800-232-4475. 
The School District is proud to announce finalists for Manatee County’s Educator of the Year and Support Employee of the Year. This week, Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, along with representatives from Manatee Education Foundation (MEF), the School Board and School District Leadership, surprised eight exceptionally talented finalists for the 2023 Excellence in Education Awards. Educator of the Year Finalists: Tiffany Barrett-Greer, 2nd Grade Teacher at Braden River Elementary School, Kendall Carrier, Director of Bands (Music Teacher) at Parrish Community High School, Michelle Dowell, Biomedical Science Teacher at Palmetto High School, Kelly Smith-Williams, Anatomy and Physiology Teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School. Support Employee of the Year Finalists: Gena Case, Guidance Clerk at Myakka City Elementary School, Brianna Hall, Clerical Assistant at Lincoln Memorial Middle School, Marisol Hernandez, School Secretary at Braden River High School,Latisha Jones, Guidance Clerk at Southeast High School. The finalists will be honored, and the “Educator of the Year” and “Support Employee of the Year” will be announced at the Excellence in Education Awards to be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023, beginning at 7 p.m. at Parrish Community High School. The educator representative for Manatee County will advance to the Florida Teacher of the Year program, while the support representative will advance to the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year program.
The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab is excited to be launching a FIRST® LEGO® League Robotics program for local students. FIRST® LEGO® League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together. The project-based classes offered at the Fab Lab will teach students in grades 1-8 the fundamentals of engineering as they explore real-world problems, engage in problem-solving and learn to program robots using Scratch programming language. Students will build and code LEGO robots to navigate the missions of a robot game. Previous coding experience is NOT needed. Students will not be required to compete in the FIRST® LEGO® League to participate in the classes, but those who desire to do so will have the option. Classes will be taught by Fab Lab Robotics Director April Pan with the assistance of high school student volunteers. Pan has studied and worked in Electrical/Robotics Automation, Professional Information Tech, Mathematical/Actuarial and STEM education fields. She has coached multiple FIRST® LEGO® League teams and helped lead them to win awards such as the 2021-2022 first-place award for LEGO Robotics Design in Florida and the 2021-2022 FIRST® Global Innovation Award semifinalist title. Each class is $55 and will run Sundays from 1:30-5:30 pm beginning January 15. Additional sessions for homeschool families will run on Wednesdays from 9:00 am-1:00 pm starting January 11. Students embark on a new robot-building mission every class, so participants may sign up for as few or as many sessions as they'd like. Registration is now open, but limited spaces are available. For the full schedule and more information, visit https://suncoastscience.org/lego.
Pictured: Students build LEGO robot with the help of a student volunteer. Photo courtesy of The Suncoast Science Center.
Williams Parker is pleased to announce that Sky Chandler is the winner of its 2022 holiday card design contest with Ringling College of Art and Design. This was the fifth year the law firm has partnered with Ringling College to seek student design submissions for its holiday card. The firm received numerous worthy submissions, and the winner was provided with a cash award to assist with school-related expenses. Sky Chandler, originally from Manchester, Michigan, is an illustration sophomore at the Ringling College of Art and Design. Sky enjoys working on homework, engaging in campus activities, and reading books through the Ringling College book club, the Ringling Readers. She stays active by being a Ringling student ambassador and tour guide, Ringling Street Team member and content creator, Ringling first-year figure tutor, Ringling Readers book club founder and president, and Ringling Campus Activities Board general body member. Sky has also been a Ringling precollege teaching assistant and Ringling orientation leader. You can find her work on Instagram @skychandlerart.
You can find Sky Chandler artwork on Instagram @skychandlerart. Photo courtesy of Ringling College of Art and Design.
From twinkly palm trees to colorful decorated businesses, Sarasota shines during the holidays, which is the perfect backdrop to the 26th Annual Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade. The parade will start at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, and participants will witness the streets of Sarasota go from sunny to snowy. Snow is the star of this year’s “Winter Wonderland” theme, which will feature snowmen, marching bands and more. Attendance is free. “The theme of the Parade changes yearly, which gives it an updated and fresh appeal each holiday season,” said the parade director, Danny Bilyeu. “The highlight of the parade is the arrival of Santa Claus, which keeps the spirit of the season for children of all ages.” Each year, more than 30,000 people come out to see the parade, with 4,000 participants including lighted floats, high school marching bands. The parade will begin at Main Street and U.S. 301 in downtown Sarasota. The parade will end at J.D. Hamel Park at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue. The parade master of ceremonies will be Veronica Brandon Miller and Jeffery Kin. Participants include community leaders from The Pickleball Club of Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch to the Florida Studio Theatre, as well as schools like Booker High School Band to Incarnation Catholic School, as well of dozen other groups. Parade sponsors include: The City of Sarasota, Your Observer Media Group, Sarasota Ford, Gold Coast Eagle and the Warren Middleton State Farm Insurance.
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, your source for arts and culture throughout the Cultural Coast, has announced the appointment of Kelley Lavin as interim Executive Director following the retirement of Jim Shirley. Shirely has served as Executive Director of the Arts Alliance since November 2009. Lavin, the current board chair of the Alliance, will step down as president and take the position of Interim Director as of January 1, 2023. Julie Leach, Executive Director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, has been appointed as the interim board chair for the Alliance. A search for a permanent Executive Director is already underway. The Alliance board has formed a committee to begin sourcing support from local partners to assist in finding the Alliance’s next great leader. Area arts and cultural leaders who have worked closely with Jim Shirley will be celebrating him at a private reception Monday, December 5, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation announces the hiring of Kaitlyn Perez as Communications and Learning Officer who begins her duties January 2. Perez will implement the Barancik Foundation’s communications strategy, while capturing the organization’s impact and institutional learning. She will work closely with nonprofits and grantees to tell the stories of the impact created through Foundation support and collaboration. She brings the Foundation strategic communications experience, most recently serving as Community Affairs Director and Chief Spokeswoman for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Perez spearheaded public safety campaigns and strategic initiatives; drove the brand and image of Sarasota County’s largest law-enforcement agency; and responded regularly to scenes in the field to keep the public updated on news from an agency of nearly 1,000 employees. Perez earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and has completed graduate coursework through St. Leo University. She has deep community ties and serves as a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Perez lives in Sarasota with her husband, Jesse, and their two sons, Cameron and Casey.
The 2022 Impact100 SRQ Board of Directors unanimously elected Pam Kandziora as its new President, making the announcement to its membership at their recent Annual Celebration & Award Ceremony in November. Pam joined Impact100 SRQ as a founding member in 2019 and immediately became active, beginning her pathway to leadership by volunteering in a variety of key roles over the past 4 years. In 2021, she was elected to the organization’s Board of Directors as Co-Treasurer and most recently has been serving in the position of Vice President, Organizational Services. After retiring as a corporate executive in several senior leadership positions, Pam and her husband put down roots in Sarasota to prepare for their next adventure together. As a member of Impact100 SRQ, Pam embraced the unique model of a woman’s giving collective and learned about multiple nonprofit organizations, as well as their incredible efforts and contributions to Sarasota and Manatee Counties. She was especially excited by the organization’s core concept-- that her singular annual membership donation is
multiplied exponentially through other member donations of the generous, caring, and passionate women of Impact100 SRQ.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 90 curated vendors of the region’s best food and flavors, located at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. It takes place every Sunday from 10am to 2pm at Waterside Place. It’s your weekend destination for organic produce, meat, poultry, seafood, bread, pasta, juices and prepared foods. Stay up to date on vendors and events by visiting TheMarketLWR.com.
Every 3rd Saturday from 10-3 The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime opens their outdoor space for guest vendors, dog rescues, and live music. Check out the 40 local creators and curators inside The Bazaar every Thursday - Saturday. Enjoy a delicious lunch and support local. Free, until you buy something amazing!
A Decade of Collecting brings together a survey of artworks acquired for the permanent collection over the past eleven years. As the State Art Museum of Florida and a division of Florida State University, The Ringling’s collections are constantly expanding to provide our state and local community with access to current contemporary works in all media and thoughtful additions to our historic collections. Though the core of the collection has always been the works acquired by John and Mable Ringling, the museum’s holdings have been expanding ever since the State of Florida took full possession of the bequest in 1946. In the early years, these additions were mainly in pre-1800 European art and circus-related material, but over the second half of the 20th century, directors and curators also began acquiring works by modern and contemporary artists. A Decade of Collecting presents a unique snapshot of how The Ringling’s collection continues to evolve, allowing us to tell new stories of the past, present, and future. Visit ringling.org to plan your visit.
Museum of Art Searing Galleries
On November 1st we launched the Epicurean Greece menu at Michael's On East: "The culinary team at Michael’s On East is challenged to create new dishes inspired by the world’s most exotic destinations each month. Join us to experience ever-changing, palate-pleasing global cuisine with Michael's Epicurean Adventures. The three-course dinner menu is available Tuesday through Saturday evenings for $42.95 per person." The menu includes: “Kasarma Seafood Saganaki” - Shrimp, Clams and Swordfish with Roasted Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Spinach, Gremolata Butter, Orzo Pasta, Toasted Goat Cheese, and Ouzo Flambé; and “Grande Bretagne Braised Baby Lamb Shank” - Braised Lamb Shank with Green Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Carrots, and Lemon Risotto.
A Place in the Sun – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, will begin playing in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret on November 16, 2022. The new music revue celebrates the legendary musician whose catalogue spans six decades and multiple musical genres, taking audiences through the beloved songbook of musical pioneer, Stevie Wonder. Created by Jason Cannon, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, this all-new Cabaret features such timeless hits as “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” “Isn’t She Lovely?,” and “Superstition.” Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.
Join The Players in their 93rd season with Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play. Adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith. Original Songs and Arrangements by Jon Lorenz Original Songs and Arrangements by Jon Lorenz. When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes the difference in the ‘miracle.’ With live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved musical radio version of the classic film that will melt even the most cynical of hearts. December 1-11, 2022. For tickets visit theplayers.org, Ph. 941-365-2494, email BoxOffice@ThePlayers.org
The Players Centre For Performing Arts, Performance Venue & Box Office The Crossings at Siesta Key 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 Sarasota, FL 34239
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.
Michael Murphy Gallery, Tampa’s premier contemporary art space, presents, in a limited engagement presentation, Christmas with Kinkade. This is a new exhibition from Thomas Kinkade Studios featuring Disney, Marvel, DC and Star Wars characters. Works will be on exhibition and available for acquisition at the gallery from December 2 through December 11, 2022. Four not to be missed receptions with Zac Kinkade are planned for Friday, December 9 from 5-7pm, Saturday, December 10 from 12-2 pm and 4-7 pm as well as Sunday, December 11 from 12-3 pm. Bring the kids to a special fun-filled children’s event on Saturday, December 10 from 11am-noon. All events are complementary and open to the public. For additional information about this exhibition, contact 813-902-1414 or email gallery@mmgart.com.
Wellen Park is lighting up the holiday season in its own signature style with a Bright Bike parade, lessons in mixology, the spirit of giving, a visit from Santa, and so much more. Throughout December, Wellen Park is hosting family-friendly and age-restricted events at its Welcome Center, which are complemented by CoolToday Park’s annual Braves Jingle Jam and Tomahawk 5K. “The holidays really capture the essence of Wellen Park and its emphasis on joy, heartfelt connections and community,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing of Wellen Park. “We have planned many fun, meaningful experiences that are unique to Wellen Park for families to create memories they will cherish for years to come.” The upcoming events take place in the Welcome Center, 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, overlooking Downtown Wellen, where the first phase of the region’s newest gathering hub is nearing completion. From the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, now through Dec. 4, to a fun-filled weekend of festivities, Dec. 16-17, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays at Wellen Park.December’s fun-filled calendar reflects the vibrant spirit of Wellen Park and foreshadows a full winter season of activities and events beginning in mid-January 2023 with the opening of Downtown Wellen’s outdoor amenities. Most activities are free and open to the public, with advance registration required for some events. For more information or to register, visit wellenpark.com/events.
Celebrate the holidays with Bradenton Beach during the fourth annual holiday boat parade returning to the area on Dec. 3. Boat owners are invited to show off their holiday spirit and beautifully lit vessels during the festive parade along the Intracoastal Waterway. Entry is free and open to powerboats and sailboats, and cash prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, including Best Lighting and Most Holiday Spirit. The parade will kick off at 6 p.m. near the south end of Jewfish Key and travel along the Longboat Pass Bridge before heading north through the Intracoastal Waterway, passing the Bradenton Beach City Pier and ending at the Bradenton Beach Marina. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the parade from the Longboat Pass Bridge between 6 and 6:30 p.m. and from the Bradenton Beach City Pier between 6:30 and 7 p.m. The fourth annual holiday boat parade is part of Bradenton Beach’s Holidays in Paradise. An afternoon of fun activities, including music, food and entertainment, will start at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 on Bridge Street. For more information about the parade and entry forms, visit Boat-Parade.com or call Mia or Mike at 941-778-2288.
For most people when you mention the month of December the holidays come to mind. For music and blues fans, instead of conjuring up visions of sugar plums, the month conjures up another vision – one filled with authentic blues, dancing, and fun. The Bradenton Blues Festival and the Blues Fest Brunch! The final event of the weekend of the Blues Fest is a Blues Brunch hosted by Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille. Chef Paul Mattison creates a special menu every year to highlight delicious, all-natural brunch items sustainably sourced. The Blues Brunch is the perfect way to round out the weekend of music, dancing, and enjoying the beautiful weather we have this time of year. Realize Bradenton’s Blues Festival The Bradenton Blues Brunch is Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, from 11am-2pm, at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille featuring Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations. Doors open at 10:30am. A limited number of tickets are available for $90 each (price includes ticketing fees, taxes, and gratuity). Enjoy a three-course, seated-and-served brunch created by award-winning Chef Paul Mattison.
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is celebrating the holiday season with “A SPARCCling Holiday Luncheon,” its annual event designed to collect toys and gift cards for SPARCC’s smallest survivors. This year’s luncheon will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Michael’s on East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota. Get in the spirit of the season and help spread good cheer! Guests will enjoy a fun-filled day complete with a delicious lunch, entertainment by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and much, much more. Bring unwrapped toys, gifts and gift cards for kids, teens and moms; bid on goodies from Sarasota’s most notable bakers in a spirited live auction, participate in a silent auction of amazing gift baskets, and purchase outstanding one-of-a-kind holiday decorations while helping the survivors and children SPARCC serves. Event Co-Chairs are SPARCC Auxiliary Members, Andrea Andrus and Maggie Shaw. All proceeds from the event help to support SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services.
The Southside Village Business Association invites our community, neighborhood residents and visitors to the annual Southside Village Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 5-9 p.m. The free, family-friendly annual celebration will feature a snow slide, bungee trampoline, bouncy house, hot cocoa, face painting and a holiday concert by Music Compound. Additionally, there will amazing raffles donated by local SSVBA business, a visit from Santa, festive activities and crafts organized and hosted by area businesses, plus a Southside Village storefront decorating contest to help guests catch the holiday spirit. Businesses will hold extended hours to welcome guests.Event proceeds will benefit Girls, Inc. of Sarasota County, the local affiliate of a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Participants from Girls, Inc. chorus will perform and volunteer at the event.The Southside Village Holiday Stroll will be celebrated throughout the business district surrounding the intersection of Hillview Street and Osprey Ave in Sarasota. Free Parking is available courtesy of Sarasota Memorial Hospital in the south parking garage located at the intersection of Hillview and US 41.Guests are encouraged to follow the Southside Village Holiday Stroll Facebook page for updates about the event.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker December 10th, 2022. A holiday mash-up for the whole family, THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season as it returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovksy’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Grab your family and friends and let the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take you on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.
Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236
The 25th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival. The iconic three-day Festival, organized by and benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, is scheduled for February 17-19 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Continuous live music will be featured throughout the weekend, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor seating in front of the stage. The Festival plans to feature over 100 vendors, a 17-class bike show, a motorcycle stereo sound off competition, motorcycle freestyle demonstrations, a tented full bar area with seating, a “little riders” kid zone, a food court, “Thunder Alley” inside Robarts Arena and so much more! For tickets, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities, and a complete listing of all Festival events visit: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG | (941) 487-7904.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
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