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SRQ DAILY Feb 1, 2025

Saturday Perspectives Edition

Saturday Perspectives Edition

"This is a special community, and I have been so fortunate to stand alongside inspiring and dedicated people as we've worked, together, to achieve a community where everyone can realize their potential."

- Roxie Jerde, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
 

[Community]  Honor and Achievement
Roxie Jerde, roxie@cfsarasota.org

This past week, I was honored at SRQ Media’s SB2 Luncheon—Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards—with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The event highlights our generous community and celebrates people who have made an impact in the past year, providing the opportunity to see just how much is accomplished here because of philanthropy. 

Standing before a room of people who have made meaningful contributions to our community, it dawned on me that even while I was the recipient of the statuette, the true achievement (as in most cases) was a group effort. It was the effort of people at the luncheon, many of whom themselves were receiving Good Hero awards, and the pursuit of so many in our community who step up, time and again, to move our community towards the ideal of providing opportunities for everyone who lives here to achieve their potential.

The word “philanthropy” is derived from the Greek for “love” (phil) and “humanity” (anthropos), literally translating into “love of humanity.” Since coming to Sarasota in March 2011, I have felt the palpable love of humanity this community exudes. It’s everywhere. 

It’s in donations, large and small, we receive every year from do-gooders giving to Season of Sharing to help their neighbors avoid rippling calamities that cause financial upheaval—these donations since 2000 have raised nearly $50 million to help some 53,000 individuals and families. 

It’s in the astounding participation in Giving Challenges, which has raised over time a total of $92 million in unrestricted funding for our local nonprofits.

It’s in the vision of philanthropists who entrust their life's works to charity, knowing they themselves will never reap the rewards of these gifts.

It’s in the volunteers, 55,000 of them in our community, who show up to feed the hungry, read to children, provide companionship to the elderly, and help when needed.

It’s in the nonprofit leaders of the more than 800 organizations that enhance our quality of life. These leaders and their teams dedicate their lives to causes that help improve others’ lives. 

The love of humanity that is at the heart of philanthropy can be seen in each of these. 

This is a community where philanthropy thrives because this is a community of people who look out for one another, dream of a brighter tomorrow, and work towards solutions to pressing challenges. 

As our Community Foundation observes our 45th anniversary this year, we are proud that over time, we’ve accumulated $544 million in assets and have invested more than $500 million in grants and scholarships. It’s a tremendous achievement to have played a role in the well-being of our community and the safeguarding of values we cherish. None of this would have been possible without the kind-hearted and compassionate people who have so generously given to the causes they care about. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to helm an organization that has, from its earliest days, contributed to the overall good of our community, and grateful to have worked with passionate, talented, visionary people over the past 14 years, both inside of our organization and in our community and beyond. This is a special community, and I have been so fortunate to stand alongside inspiring and dedicated people as we’ve worked, together, to achieve a community where everyone can realize their potential.

It was an honor to be recognized at the SB2 Luncheon with the Lifetime Achievement Award, but the truth is, this award doesn’t belong to me. Like all great achievements, this was the work of so many people, each doing their part to turn the dream of a safe, just, and equitable community into a reality. 

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Photo: Lisl Liang, Wes Roberts and Roxie Jerde at SB2.

[Education]  Choose Sarasota County Schools to Invest in Your Child’s Future
Terry Connor, Terry.Connor@sarasotacountyschools.net

Each year at the beginning of February, Sarasota County Schools facilitates the kindergarten through 12th grade Controlled Open Enrollment/School Choice (K-12 School Choice) process. This enables families to apply for their child to attend a public school outside of their standard attendance zone for the upcoming school year.

Though most families decide to enroll at their zoned school, others apply for K-12 School Choice for the chance to have their child attend a different school with specific programs of interest. The K-12 School Choice enrollment window for the 2025-2026 school year opens on Monday, Feb. 3 at 8am. Families interested in applying must fill out an online application through the Focus Parent Portal, which can be found on Sarasota County Schools’ website (www.sarasotacountyschools.net).

Even if you are not considering applying for K-12 School Choice, I encourage all students and families to familiarize themselves with the programs and amenities their zoned school offers. Each of our traditional public, district-managed schools has its own brochure – available at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/school-choice – highlighting its unique school culture and signature programs. Please do not hesitate to contact our principals and school administrative teams with any questions or to schedule a campus tour.

Another important upcoming school choice enrollment window, this one impacting our youngest learners. The Voluntary Prekindergarten School Choice (VPK School Choice) enrollment window will also begin on Monday, Feb. 3 at 8am. VPK is an optional state program funded by the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning.

Sarasota County Schools offers its own VPK program free of charge to families as either a 540-instructional hour school year program – 8:30-11:30am daily, with Extended Day options available from 11:30am until the end of the school day – or a 300-instructional-hour summer program. Families may choose between enrollment in either program, though only one may be selected for a given school year.

VPK School Choice availability is limited due to school capacity and requests are prioritized by set criteria. Though the program is voluntarily, I strongly recommend that all students who are eligible for our VPK program in the upcoming school year participate. It is a wonderful way for children to acclimate to a school environment, make new friends, and feel more prepared and excited to start kindergarten. To learn more about our VPK program – including student eligibility, which schools are participating in VPK School choice, and more – please contact the school district’s Early Learning department at (941) 927-9000, ext. 31267 or VPK@sarasotacountyschools.net.

Our school district prioritizes collaboration and is honored to work in concert with families to provide for the educational needs of our community’s children. I implore all families to thoroughly research their education options to ensure they find the ideal fit for their child. I am confident you will find our traditional public, district-managed schools to be at the top of your list.

Terrence Connor is Sarasota County Superintendent of Schools. 

Image courtesy Sarasota County Schools: Southside Elementary School

[Education]  When Teachers Have the Tools
Jennifer Vigne, jvigne@edfoundationsrq.org

Build capacity - that term is often used when referring to the process of developing, improving and strengthening the abilities, skills, knowledge, resources and infrastructure to effectively achieve goals, solve problems and sustain performance over time. It can happen at many different levels whether individual, organizational or at the community level. Whether capacity building is a choice, or an expectation depends on the context, but it often blends both personal initiative and institutional demands.

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County hosts a Teacher Ambassador Program to empower teachers to take charge of their professional growth by providing accessible, supportive and meaningful opportunities to build their capacity. Through collaboration, practical tools and a shared commitment to excellence, we help educators unlock their full potential to create lasting change in their classrooms, schools and our community.

What makes this special is that we work alongside teachers who are voluntarily choosing to build their “educator muscle” by putting them as the driver of their growth while offering support and collaboration. These dedicated educators meet monthly to share updates, address challenges and design solutions to overcome hurdles. For example, one teacher shared AI resources for teachers, where to find them and how to use them, while another shared her leadership capabilities and engagement in the community outside of teaching, where she serves on several boards. 

Schools and districts often require teachers to engage in capacity-building activities like mandatory professional development, curriculum changes, or adopting new standards which are necessary, for sure, but can sometimes feel obligatory and burdensome. When given autonomy, resources and encouragement, it is our intention that they feel empowered to learn and grow through each other, with the resulting outcomes showing up in enhanced professional development, collaboration and mentorship, self-reflection and adaptation, leadership growth and stronger relationships with other like-minded teachers who also care about their effectiveness as a teacher.

It's a growing community of teacher ambassadors, and last week’s Teacher Showcase, was an inspirational evening watching teachers share openly and graciously while building social connections, learning new practices and growing as leaders. The environment was welcoming, safe and supportive thanks to our Director of Educator Programs Nicole Light. Her years of teaching experience has lent her the understanding, compassion and commitment needed to create safe places of learning and growing, and I’m excited to see even more teachers become involved in this meaningful work.

For us, building capacity is a choice and an expectation since everything we do ties back to student success, and it’s incredibly validating when we see the growth of amazing teachers reach even new heights. When teachers have the tools they need, students succeed, communities flourish and futures are brighter. Spread the word about the importance of teacher capacity and help us amplify their voices.

Jennifer Vigne is President and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Photo courtesy Education Foundation: Education Foundation Teacher Ambassadors met on Jan. 23 at the Suncoast Technical College campus.



[SOON]  FOOD: Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch , September 3 – September 30, 10am-2pm

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.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market at Wellen Park , June 25 – May 31, 9 am to 1 pm

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.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota's Farmers Market , January 11 – December 27, 7:00am - 1:00pm

The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.

Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Ringling by the Bay , December 9 – May 25, Various Times

Join us on the Bolger Campiello for live music and dancing. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on the bayfront. One chair per person will be available. No outside food, drink, coolers, chairs or pets are permitted. Members please note: $20 tickets are limited to one for Individual Memberships and two for all other Membership levels.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Bradenton Public Market , January 18 – May 31, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Welcome to the Bradenton Public Market, a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities on Old Main Street.

Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton, Old Main ST. Bradenton, 34205

[SOON]  MUSIC: Heroic Spirit , January 31 – February 2, Various Times

Launching a program centering on heroism and joy, Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture depicts the inner turmoil of a Roman warrior. Shostakovich battled his own internal demons in his emotionally charged Symphony No. 5. Trailblazing violinist Anne Akiko Meyers makes her Sarasota Orchestra debut in Arturo Márquez’s Fandango for violin and orchestra, imbued with playful dance rhythms and intoxicating melodies from Márquez's beloved Mexico.

Ven Wezel

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Night Market at TMOD , January 31 – May 30, 3:00pm - 7:00 pm

Join The Market on Dearborn every Friday evening from October 2024 - May 2025 from 3pm-7pm on Historic Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida as we launch an evening market to expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs and provide an additional family-friendly event for local residents and guests of Englewood

The Market on Dearborn, 232 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL, United States, Florida 34223

[SOON]  FOOD: Tailgate & Tasting Party , February 1, 10:30am - 2:30pm

Come taste your way around our Kitchen (the Pineapple Kitchen) in Lakewood Ranch, Florida on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Our free annual Open House will be held 10:30AM to 2:30PM. Fun for the whole family. There will be raffles drawn hourly.

Pineapple Kitchen, 4914 Lena Road, Unit 104 Bradenton, Florida 34211

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Baroquefest , February 7 – February 8, Various Times

Key Chorale Chamber Singers and Church of the Redeemer present a 2-day festival celebrating music of the Baroque – and Beer! Three amazing concerts featuring a star-studded cast of performers, chamber orchestra, and an opening night Biergarten Experience with German food, beers from Calusa Brewing, and dancing to Bill Milner’s Oompah Band.

Gillespie Hall at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALA: The Orchid Ball 2025: Here Comes the Moon , February 8, 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Join us Saturday, February 8, at 6 p.m. for The Orchid Ball 2025: Here Comes the Moon! Together we will celebrate the 2025 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition: George Harrison: A Gardener's Life throughout the grounds of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus and raise our glasses for a special toast to Jennifer Rominiecki's 10-year anniversary at Selby Gardens!

Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Love Yourself Wellness Market , February 9, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Join us for Valentines Day! Explore what self care Sunday really means. Spread the love while treating yourself with special wellness activities and goodies from our local vendors. 

The Meadows, 5041 Ringwood Meadow Sarasota, FL 34235

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Annual Thunder By The Bay Music Motorcycle Festival , February 14 – February 16, Various Times

The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.  National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.

Sarasota Fairgrounds

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Downtown Wellen Park Night Market , August 8 – May 8, 6-9pm

The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.

Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd

[SOON]  GALLERY: Shopliftable Pt.2 , November 18 – February 15, Tuesday to Saturday, 12-7pm

Shopliftable pt. 2 builds on the success of our inaugural exhibition, showcasing impactful small artworks.This second installment features pieces small enough to steal by 50 of Sarasota's favorite artists. Join us in celebrating creativity through compact, compelling art.

502 Gallery, 502 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Taste of Art , December 5 – March 31, 5pm - 8:30 pm.

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.” Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 5-8:30 pm.

Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285

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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