SRQ DAILY Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Without kids being aware of it, the book teaches languages skills, reading skills, and it also teaches geography, science and conservation."
What if a picture book could harness the power of technology and music to transport readers from their cozy armchair to the forests of Borneo, where orangutans roam? In her new children’s book, I am an Orangutan, author/songwriter Lisa Moody combines the magic of storytelling, songs and QR codes to share the story of Putra, a young orangutan who becomes separated from his mother in the Borean forest and must rely on his instincts and lessons passed down through his family to survive, and hopefully be reunited with his mother.
Moody worked for many years as a television writer, focusing on wildlife and conservation programming for outlets like the Discovery Channel. She has written and produced for Jack Hanna’s beloved programs, which aired in 65 countries. She also won an Emmy for her work on Saving a Species: The Great Penguin Rescue. For 11 years, she worked at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. This Saturday, April 27 from 10am to 1pm, she’s celebrating the launch of her book, I am an Orangutan, at Bookstore1Sarasota’s Local Author Book Fair. “Most of my programming centered around animals and wildlife, which is what I love so much,” she says. “When I decided to write some educational music, I decided to focus it on animals and their habitats to try to bring awareness to animal conservation messaging.”
Moody has written 25 songs, available on streaming, that help children learn about different animals. “When I wrote this series of songs, the first song I wrote was ‘I am an Orangutan.’ When I decided to write the first book, I got some input from people on what they liked from my music. Even though ‘I am an Orangutan’ was one of the first songs I wrote, it was still one of their favorites. I also knew that I’d be able to work with local zoos to film the orangutans, so it was an animal that I knew we would have access to,” she adds. I am an Orangutan represents Moody’s collaboration with Ringling College alumn and illustrator Mikaela San Pietro on their DittyZoo books project. Embedded into the illustrations on the book’s pages are QR codes, which young readers can scan to see a fun fact about orangutans appear on their device. At the end of the story, a final QR code links to a sing-along music video of the ‘I am an Orangutan’ song, as well as real-life orangutans. Readers can enjoy fun bonus activities like crossword puzzles and coloring pages, located on the DittyZoo website, to continue the adventure.
“Without kids being aware of it, the book teaches languages skills, reading skills, and it also teaches geography, science and conservation,” Moody says. “The majority of the whole collection of songs are written with musical styles, instruments and rhythyms that are indigenous to where the animals are from, so it also introduces kids to different musical styles and instruments.”
To learn more about DittyZoo and purchase I am an Orangutan, visit dittyzootoonz.com. The Local Author Book Fair will be held from 10am to 1pm at Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-365-7900, sarasotabooks.com. 
Pictured: I am an Orangutan, by Lisa Moody. Photo Courtesy of Lisa Moody.
Registration for Summer Art Camp is underway, and spots are filling up! Within each week of camp are endless opportunities for young artists to explore new art mediums, learn new techniques, express their creativity, and have TONS of fun while doing so. Scholarships are available. If you feel you may qualify for a camp scholarship, contact Holly at youtheducation@artsarasota.org or 941-365-2032.
Big trucks are rolling through CoolToday Park for the 28th annual Big Truck Day, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 27. Families and individuals of all ages are invited to honk horns, pull levers and take a closer, interactive look at more than 40 big trucks, specialty equipment and heavy machines. Guests can enjoy a craft area, pedal cars, inflatables as well as hands-on learning activities in partnership with Suncoast Remake Learning Days. Tours of CoolToday Park will be available along with a Sensory Area hosted by the T-REC Program of Sarasota County. This year's event is hosted by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and the Atlanta Braves. Food will be available for purchase. CoolToday Park is located at 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice. For more information, call 311 or visit scgov.net.
Sarasota County Schools is encouraging all parents and guardians to begin the registration process for current students, as well as the registration process for first-time students, for the upcoming school year. Please note the following links & information regarding registration for traditional public schools and charter schools in Sarasota County. Current Student Re-Registration - Examples: A student currently attending a Sarasota County traditional public school or charter school who will be attending a Sarasota County traditional public school or charter school the next school year - If a parent/guardian does not have a previous Focus Parent Portal account, they will need to create a new account; If a parent/guardian does have an existing Focus Parent Portal Account, they will need to log in to the Focus Parent Portal with that account; If a parent/guardian participated in School Choice/Controlled Open Enrollment or Reassignment, they should use their existing Focus Parent Portal account; A child’s/children’s re-registration form(s) for the 2024-2025 school of enrollment will be completed in the Focus Parent Portal after log-in. Frist-Time Student Registration - Examples: A student entering kindergarten; A student that has just relocated to this county and will register for the first time in a Sarasota County traditional public school or charter school - Parents/guardians that did not participate in School Choice/Controlled Open Enrollment – or who did not elect to send their child(ren) to their choice school(s) – will need to determine their attendance zone based on their residential address; Registrations and enrollments can now be submitted online through the Focus Parent Portal. Parents/guardians that participated in School Choice/Controlled Open Enrollment or Reassignment should use their existing Focus Parent Portal account; After completing & submitting the online forms along with required registration documents, please contact the Registrar at the school of enrollment to finalize a student’s registration. A parent or guardian must accompany a student to register for school. Please visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/registration for mor information. If you have questions or issues with registration through the Focus Parent Portal, please contact your child’s school.
In April, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School hosted 15 Israeli students, along with teachers and parent chaperones, from Sarasota's Sister City of Tel Mond. During their visit, the honored guests experienced life here in Sarasota and built upon the past school year's dialogue with the Community Day students, through email, live video chats and WhatsApp texts – in English and Hebrew – and exchanges of stories and photos. The Israeli exchange program was reinvigorated and sponsored through the generosity of the Blumenthal Family Passport to Israel Initiative. One goal of the exchange program – which launched in 2017, with the Tel Mond students coming here – is to create and nurture a vibrant relationship with CDS’s student peers in Israel. The students in both communities have learned about and from each other, as they have answered thought-provoking questions, shared videos and photos, and engaged in spirited conversation. Student connections ranged from typical teenage topics like sports, music, food, and pop culture to more complex topics like faith, family cultural traditions and first-hand experience with politics and perspective on regional conflicts. While here, the Israelis enjoyed home hospitality at households throughout the community. They participated in a wide variety of educational, religious and fun opportunities; some highlights included: a Bradenton Marauders game; visits to area attractions and locations such as Myakka State Park, Art Center Sarasota, Ringling Museum/Ca'd'Zan, Sarasota Art Museum, Embracing Our Differences at Bayfront Park, and TreeUmph Adventure Park; an improv session led by Florida Studio Theatre; shopping at UTC; and social activities such as a beach picnic, cookout pool party, “pizza and popsicles,” and an ice cream social. There were also numerous classroom conversation sessions to facilitate peer discussions on a variety of topics. Prior to their departure, Tel Mond teachers/chaperones Orit Dolev and Anat Moshe wrote, "The connection between the sister cities of Tel Mond and Sarasota is very significant. The kids had a fascinating learning experience featuring the local art and culture combined with fun activities. The families welcomed all the Israeli kids and gave them a sense of home. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity and are looking forward to your visit to Israel next year!" The local students were profoundly affected by the experience. “There are friends and then there are friends that become family,” said Rayana, CDS eighth grader. Avi, a seventh grader, added, “I had no idea how much in common I would have with a stranger. We have bonded so well that all I can think about is next year in Tel Mond!” School leaders are already in the early stages of planning for next year's student exchange, through which CDS seventh and eighth graders will visit Israel.
Pictured: Tel Mond students and CDS 7th and 8th grade host students. Provided photo/Community Day School.
Solis Hall, Wellen Park’s beautiful rental venue, is alive with the sound of live music, wedding vows, milestone celebrations and a variety of summertime workshops, lectures, and classes. Nestled along Wellen Park’s 80-acre Grand Lake and surrounded by live oaks in the heart of Downtown Wellen, Solis Hall’s one-of-a-kind, blank canvas setting provides the perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies, receptions, cocktail parties, corporate events and more. Featuring stunning all-white sun-filled interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large front porch that doubles as a stage overlooking Downtown Wellen’s Great Lawn, Solis Hall accommodates up to 110 guests for seated dinners or 150 guests for cocktail receptions or theater-style presentations. Patios and the adjacent Canopy Green, an intimate outdoor destination under a heritage live oak, can be bundled with hall rentals, providing additional space for guest lists up to 250 people. For even larger events, the Downtown Wellen Venue Collective offers the Hammock Lawn, which can accommodate large tents and over 1,000 guests. Solis Hall offers full-day and half-day rentals from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. All celebrations include menu planning with the venue’s exclusive caterer, the adjacent The Banyan House restaurant, plus banquet tables and chairs. Solis Hall has already established itself as a favorite venue for wedding professionals who are inspired by the abundance of natural light and blank canvas interior. With the busy May-to-October wedding window soon approaching as well as summertime family and class reunions and year-round anniversaries, birthday and engagement parties, galas, bat and bar mitzvahs, fundraisers, award ceremonies and corporate retreats, Solis Hall caters to an array of celebrations – and reasons to celebrate. Solis Hall is also the epicenter of Wellen Park’s vibrant entertainment and active social scene. Events are enhanced by shopping, dining, a spa and bicycle and paddle sport rentals in Downtown Wellen, golf at Wellen Park Golf & Country Club and the Atlanta Braves’ spring training home at CoolToday Park, both in Wellen Park. Solis Hall is also close to hotels and 15 minutes from the white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. For more information about planning an event or celebration at Solis Hall, visit wellenpark.com/venues or email venuerentals@wellenpark.com.
Pictured: Featuring stunning all-white sun-filled interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows, Solis Hall accommodates up to 150 guests.
Registration is open for the 2024 summer semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs May 13-July 2, 2024, features more than 40 single-session courses, tours, presentations, movies, and hands-on programs covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science. Semester highlights include Opera Houses: Musical Landscapes of Power; What Wall Street Doesn’t Want YOU to Know; Why Are You Left-Handed or Right-Handed?; Creating the Florida Landscape You Love; The Early Days of Comic Books (1939-1948); and a tour of St. Petersburg’s Imagine Museum and Duncan McClellan Gallery. Classes are offered at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
In numerous Latin American nations, "sancocho" denotes a cherished traditional stew, boasting diverse interpretations across regions. Carolina Franco, producing artistic director of CreArte Latino, underscores its significance as emblematic of the rich fusion of cultures, rhythms, and flavors within Latino communities, symbolizing their ongoing adaptation and evolution. Franco characterizes their forthcoming presentation of "Sancocho" as CreArte Latino's second venture into “devised theater projects.” She explains that the bilingual performance “explores the generational and national differences that separate us and can still bring us together. It’s about love, family, comedy, and tradition.
Pictured: Director Jonathan Acosta (front left) rehearses with the cast of Sancocho.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is proud to work alongside the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Each year, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day offers those in Sarasota County and throughout the United States the opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs that are unused, expired, unwanted, and potentially hazardous. This campaign is a reminder that cleaning out prescription drugs from our homes assists in preventing drug abuse and theft while saving lives and protecting the environment.
WHERE INSTRUMENTS TELL A STORY | Director Wu Han leads La Musica Chamber Music Festival through their 2024 season, April 2024.
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
Geckos Grill & Pub’s Award-winning Trivia-Think While You Drink! If you love Trivia, join the fun at Geckos all year round. All Trivia starts at 7:30pm. We will have prizes, giveaways and specials plus the Geckos made-to-order fare, signature cocktails and hospitality you love. Monday trivia will be held at the Clark Road location in Palmer Crossing and on Tuesdays at the SR 64 location in Braden River Plaza. The SR 64 location will be taking a break from Trivia in October, but will start back up in April. On Wednesdays, trivia will take place at the Hillview Street location in Southside Village. www.GeckosGrill.com.
Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.
Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.
Attention all business professionals, join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event at Panera Bread at the UTC Mall every Friday. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. Panera Bread, 215 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
Join us for live jazz at Sarasota Art Museum, hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, featuring Hot Club of SRQ, and extended hours in the galleries, Bistro, and SHOP. Sip on refreshing cocktails and enjoy small bites in the Bistro. Each second Thursday of the month features a different style of jazz, from straight-ahead to free jazz, bebop to swing-programmed in partnership with Jazz Club of Sarasota. Galleries are open until 7 pm on Jazz Thursdays. Learn more and purchase tickets at sarasotaartmuseum.org.
Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive live art dinner showcases called A Taste of Art. The first of these events takes place Thursday, February 1, 5:30-8 p.m., at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US 41 Bypass N, Venice. The events will continue on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Guests who visit Chaz 51 on these evenings will be able to witness the creation of captivating works of art in real-time. To make a reservation, call Chaz 51 Steakhouse at 941-484-6200. To find out which artists are scheduled for February, check out the calendar at CreativeLiberties.net.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.
Realize Bradenton is pleased to announce the lineup of local musicians for the Music in the Park concert series. Concerts will be held every Friday in April. Bring a chair or blanket, friends, and your leashed pups to this free, family-friendly music series. Food will be available for purchase at the concerts. To learn more, visit realizebradenton.com/events/music-in-the-park.
Get ready to use your brain coral and start Kraken the case at the new Mystery Reef exhibit Mote Aquarium. Coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, are in serious danger. Help us find out what is hurting the corals and how we can help. Become a coral detective and uncover clues throughout Mystery Reef while learning about real coral science and restoration at Mote Marine Laboratory. For more information: mote.org/mystery.
Kids and kids at heart can enjoy fun art and nature activities on Saturday mornings, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on March 23, April 27, and May 25. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to noon each day, and participation is included in admission to the Gardens, which is always free for Selby Gardens members. These Family Saturdays celebrate the current exhibition on view, Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe. Several activity stations with different art-focused projects will be set up in the Ann Goldstein Childrens Rainforest Garden during each monthly event. The goal is to invite kids of all ages to explore the artwork of Yayoi Kusama and Georgia OKeeffe through activities that also connect them to the natural environment. Admission to Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus is $26 for adults, $11 for ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at selby.org. Selby Gardens members always receive complimentary admission as well as discounts for guests. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit selby.org.
Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. To learn more, visit sarasotaartmuseum.org.
Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey into the world of birds. The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year exhibition has landed at The Bishop, showcasing winning and finalist images that capture the beauty, drama, and intricate details of avian life. Travel to remote corners of the globe through stunning photographs: witness eagles soaring, hummingbirds hovering, and penguins waddling. Each image is a testament to the skill and passion of the photographer, offering a unique window into the lives and wonders of these feathered marvels. Beyond a visual feast, the exhibition is a powerful reminder of our interconnected planet and the importance of bird conservation. Prepare to be captivated, and inspired, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the birds that share our world. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.org.
Trivia is back at Hamlets Eatery in 2024 with a twist. Not Your Typical Trivia with co-hosts Mark Klecka and Scott Malouf of Sarasota Street Talk Podcast starts Wednesday, Jan 10. These two will not only test your knowledge but keep you entertained throughout the night. There will be Weekly prizes for 1st, 2nd and Place and surprises throughout the night. You can also join the cool kids club and win prizes just for coming each week. Doors open at 5:45 for dinner. Trivia starts at 6:30pm and will end at 8pm. Reserve a table for your team by calling 941-445-1938. Hamlets is located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime. 821 Apricot Ave. Seating is outdoors under a covered patio. For more info visit www.Hamletseatery.com.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
Students from 18 elementary, 7 middle, and 6 high schools throughout Sarasota County will show off their creative talents at the North County K-12 Spring Art Show, April 30-May 13, at Art Center Sarasota. Nearly 50 teachers are part of the effort. The North County Art show is presented in conjunction with the South County Art Show at the Venice Art Center, April 29-May 9, to comprise the Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show, serving all the public schools in the county. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.
Celebrate Mothers Day amid Mother Nature at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet catered by Michaels On East with a special performance by the female vocal trio The Vocalitas at each brunch seating. Tickets to Mothers Day Brunch grant you full access to our Downtown Sarasota campus to view our Spring Exhibition Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe before and/or after brunch. Check-in opens at 10:00 a.m. outside of the Welcome Center. Mothers Day Brunch takes place inside the Event Center. To learn more, visit selby.org.
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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