May 2019

scenesarasota.com

MAY 2019 $3.95 U.S.

Meet Dr. Burr Bakke and Dr. Jill Morris Click to View Video

Whatever your passion, this is the place.

Sarasota Bay Club Luxury Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay Join Us For A Personal Bay Club Tour – Call Linda Ware or Dana Moe (941) 552-3284 1301 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida • Visit Us Online at SarasotaBayClub.com

“ Residents can enjoy all the high-end amenities of luxury retirement at the Sarasota Bay Club. ” The 21 most luxurious retirement communities in America. – Fred Topel, MSN News

Click to View Video Tour of Residences

The Best Heart Care Pumped Up Sarasota Memorial’s cardiac care is exemplary; world-class, in fact. From robotic cardiac surgery in the iSuites to TAVR in the Hybrid OR, our cardiac specialists, in affiliation with Columbia University, provide the area’s best heart care.

Now in our Courtyard Tower, two state-of-the-art cardiac floors feature private, healing rooms equipped with advanced technology for all types of heart patients and their care teams. How do you improve upon the best care? We do it with an enhanced patient experience that promotes faster recoveries. If there’s a level up from best, we think this is it.

Look Inside: www.smh.com/heart

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Your perfect closet starts with the right finishing touches. For a limited time, save up to 000 on lighting and accessories, and turn any space into a custom system that works for you.

Visit a showroom or book a free consultation to start today.

RASOTA

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800.274.6754 californiaclosets.com

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at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer valid on new purchases only.

7116 TEAL CREEK GLEN LAKEWOOD RANCH 4BR/5.3BA | $3,000,000 MLS# A4430911

RENÉE DEDIO PREININGER Licensed Realtor Sarasota Trust Realty Company

8131 Lakewood Main St., Suite 201 Lakewood Ranch, FL 941.400.4235 sarasotatrustrealty.com

19541 BEACON PARK PLACE CONCESSION 4BR/5.2BA | $1,940,000 MLS# A4419841

At Sarasota Trust, our goal is to to exceed our clients’ expectations with a practical plan, hard work, and honest conversation so they remain customers for life. This is the reason the vast majority of our business is referral based. At Sarasota Trust Realty Company, we wish to be the “Master of our Clients’ needs”, knowing the rest will take care of itself.

7207 TEAL CREEK GLEN LAKEWOOD RANCH 4BR/6BA | $1,733,000 MLS# A4425051

1111 RITZ CARLTON DR, #PH1604 3BR/3.5BA | $3,190,000 MLS# A4419532

We look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals.

CONTENTS features

46 CULTURE BUILDING Meet Cheryl Mendelson, Van Wezel Foundation’s New CEO

By Sue Cullen

50

50 CREATING SUCCESS THROUGH SUMMER LEARNING ACADEMIES

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

54 MURDER MAYHEM, AND FUN Sweeney Todd at Asolo Rep

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

58 A SPECTACULAR SUMMER CIRCUS

By Sylvia Whitman

62 MANATEE PLAYERS: A CLASS ACT OF COMMUNITY AND GROWTH

By Sylvia Whitman

58 8

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

ON THE COVER Illustration by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette.

54

CONTENTS departments

84 SOCIAL SCENE

20 THE LIST May Events Calendar PARTY PICS

30 SMHF Women & Medicine 25 Children First Fairytale Ball 26 Dr. Larry Thompson’s 20th Anniversary Dinner

28 30 32 33 34 35

Pique Nique Sur La Baie SPARCCle in the City Ringling College Avant Garde Sarasota Film Festival After Party Sarasota Bay Club Mystery Dinner

38 THE FIND Gifts for Graduates INHEALTH

83 Advanced and Compassionate Cancer Care

By Larry N. Silverman, MD

89 LAUGHING MATTERS

The One About Muppets

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

an Amazon for Business

By Gus Mollasis

72 EDUCATION MATTERS E-Learning Team Supports Student Success at USFSM

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

84 EAT & DRINK

Family-Friendly Dining

By Rick Dakan

ART & CULTURE 74 BEST SEATS Performing Arts Calendar

78 GET INSPIRED

Cultural happenings brought to

you by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

86 LITERARY SCENE Four Bookish Questions with Four Big-Time Readers

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Carol & Tom Beeler

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

scenesarasota.com

42 PHILANTHROPY IS A VERB

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

Mark Huey: Making Sarasota County

Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE

PHILANTHROPY

10

66 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW

The Exchange Volunteer Luncheon

INSIDER

25

ON THE TOWN

38

Unique experiences aren’t born in standard hotels.

The Sarasota Modern — Boutique Hotel Now Open ROOMS:

@SarasotaModern

POOLS:

Rooms and hotel space designed for the modern thinker.

RESTAURANT SEATS:

+1 941-906-1290 thesarasotamodern.com

from the executive editor

I

IT’S MAY, the weather is amazing, the beaches are perfect, the kids are finishing their school year, and some will be graduating. And while many people think of Sarasota as just a fun haven for silver-haired seniors, it seems we’re doing a lot right for our young people as well.

Did you know that the Florida Department of Education has awarded Sarasota Country schools an A+ rating for 14 straight years? We also have the number one rated school in the state – Pine View School (#13 nationally – US News & World Report) and Sarasota County schools report that our students SAT scores are above the state and national average.

What’s really neat is that many of our students don’t stop to just soak up the sun once school year is over. Our schools, along with many of our incredible arts and cultural organizations, offer summer programs that rival or exceed anything you can find in New York City, and many students choose continuing studies through camps, classes, and special programs.

Sarasota Orchestra’s Summer Music Camp is a must, and a class A experience for aspiring young musicians. Sarasota Ballet’s summer camp just may help produce the next Margot Fonteyn. The Circus Arts Conservatory’s summer camp helps kids build confidence, teaches discipline, gives them lots of exercise and is of course great fun. These are just a smidgen of camps that your kids will love.

If you’re retired, our community offers so many interesting and fun things for us older folks. OLLI at Ringling College offers classes in current events and global issues, music, literature, language, psychology and lots more.

There’s studio, visual and lens-based art classes at Ringling College, and adult and community enrichment classes at Suncoast Technical College.

Explore the options! Have some fun! Learn something new! I promise you’ll love how it makes you feel.

Last month I had a not-so-great educational experience. After all, not everything we learn is something we really want to know about. Our baby, our beloved Mini Schnauzer, the adorable Missy Milton suddenly went blind. She will be 8 years old this month. She was diagnosed with a retinal disease that affects only 4,000 dogs in the U.S. It is called SARDS. The first few days were filled with crying and disbelief. Our sadness for our baby was overwhelming. My husband rightfully asked me to stop the world and find out if there was anything out there to help her. I researched day and night. I emailed people around the country from professionals to others who also dealt with this diagnosis. I purchased a protocol knowing it showed very minimal success. A local veterinarian told me it was quackery. The doctor who developed the treatment said SARDS was caused from hormone imbalance. I decided not to try it since Missy would have to go through many tests and endure a life full of treatments that probably would not work.

We took Missy to a second veterinarian ophthalmologist hoping she would give a different diagnosis. This vet provided a glimmer of hope in telling us that Missy was not totally blind. At that time, she still had very minimal vision in her left eye. She recommended trying prednisone since

12

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

THE BRONZE AGE RETURNS

I

f you are like many in our area that have a beautiful home, but have struggled with the condition of your exterior locksets – there is a solution. Although your existing lockset may be plated with a variety of finishes like oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel, polished brass, etc., the base metal is brass.

Manufacturers of brass-based door hardware apply a clear lacquer to the finished product to protect it from the elements. The trouble is the elements in our area are tougher than the lacquer. Small, almost invisible scratches caused by rings and keys create openings to the brass underneath and eventually the surface becomes pitted and ugly.

You may be thinking “yes but I have lifetime brass”. It doesn’t matter.

The combination of a high concentration of salt, dirt and humidity are just too corrosive for exterior use of brass products. A lifetime finish guarantee assures homeowners that if the product doesn’t hold up, it will be replaced. Most good manufacturers are good about honoring this warranty, but who wants to replace their door hardware every 2 years?

The answer to this problem is bronze. In years past, when I visited multimillion-dollar homes, I noticed that most of them had ugly, pitted door hardware which detracted from the home’s beauty. I did some research and discovered that there are two materials that hold up in our climate – stainless steel and bronze. Of the two, bronze considerably outperforms stainless steel. Because of the chemical composition of bronze, an alloy composed of copper, tin and silicone, it is much harder and resistant to corrosive elements than any other metal. Bronze can be left alone for years and will look almost the same as it did when new. The patina, or color of the bronze, may darken a bit, but can be returned to its original color with light cleaning.

I found buying bronze hardware in Sarasota difficult, so I opened Smitty’s Architectural Hardware – a showroom offering a wide array of door and cabinet hardware well suited to our climate. Sales of bronze door hardware is about 70% and growing since more and more people are discovering this gem.

For those who thought bronze was only available in dark brown hues, the newer patinas range from very dark to very light finishes that look similar to satin nickel. Styles range from very rugged traditional looks to contemporary minimalistic styles. Several manufacturers of bronze hardware are available at Smitty’s, some less expensive and some suited for the most discriminating buyers.

So stop into Smitty’s. It is a “showroom within a showroom” inside The Plumbing Place.

Your front door can finally be as good looking as the rest of your home with the addition of a maintenance free, beautiful bronze lockset. What a great first impression for those entering your home!

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware at The Plumbing Place

5678 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota 941.378.5678 | theplumbingplace.com

MAGNIFICENT SIESTA KEY BAYFRONT 8201 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD

from the executive editor

SOLD 4 BED + OFFICE 3 BATH HEATED POOL/SPA 8256 TOTAL SQ. FT. NEW DOCK $3,895,000

ON SIESTA KEY’S GRAND CANAL 4863 PRIMROSE PATH

CONTRACT PENDING NEW 3 BED + BONUS RM + OFFICE POOL/SPA 2,885 SQ. FT. BY ALLEGRA HOMES $1,967,500

COVETED GRAND CANAL – SIESTA KEY 5063 SANDY COVE AVENUE

CONTRACT PENDING 4 BED + OFFICE + BONUS RM POOL/SPA 3439 SQ. FT. BY ALLEGRA HOMES $2,195,000

WEST OF TRAIL NEAR MORTON’S 1844 WISTERIA STREET

2019 MODEL HOME 4 BED + 2 BONUS RMS 4 BATH POOL/SPA 3321 SQ. FT. BY ALLEGRA HOMES $2,100,000

KAREN CASH GRECO, P.A. 941.504.6927

there had been a few dogs it helped. A bit of hope. We tried and it failed. She is now totally blind. It happened all too fast.

The bottom line is that they don’t know what causes SARDS, nor is there a cure. It affects mostly small, female dogs between the ages of 7 and 10 (although about 40% are males). Dachshunds are most prone followed by Mini-Schnauzers, Pugs, Brittany Spaniels, Malteses and Bichon Frises.

The first signs came over the holidays when Missy was very lethargic. I took her to the vet for a checkup and the vet did a “senior dog” blood panel and found her thyroid low. She went on thyroid pills and seemed to get her energy back. A month later, I began to see her depth perception faltering. She seemed unsure and became timid. Climbing stairs became a challenge.

She didn’t want to walk. These were all signs.

By the time I realized what was happening, she was already almost blind. SARDS happens that fast. It stands for Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration. Your dog will have increased thirst, urine output, a much bigger appetite and weight gain.

Increased appetite continues so more exercise is very important.

We are now all adjusting well in the Milton household. Missy has shown us that despite her disability she is the same sweet, smart and loving dog we’ve always had. She just needs us a little more than usual, which is just fine by us. She still finds her way around quite well, still leads me when we walk, and exudes her same feisty, fun personality. Whatever it takes, we will do it. Whatever she needs, we will give her.

Yes, the last month has been a real education – a life lesson given to us by a 17-pound wonder who accepts what her life has to offer, who happily does what she can, who still stops to smell the flowers, who enjoys her life and knows, most of all, that she’s still the princess in our pack.

Until next month!

gRECO

real estate LIcensed

Real

Estate

B roker

GRECOREALESTATEFL.COM 14

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

Want to submit some comments or questions? We’d love to hear from you at julie@scenesarasota.com.

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1957 Vol. 62 No. 5

CEO/President Ronald Milton Publisher/Executive Editor Julie A. Milton Morton’s Gourmet Market, circa 1970s.

Vice President, Sales & Marketing H John Knowles Account Executive Alysia De Maio Graphic Designer Darcy Kelly-Laviolette Marketing & Digital Content Jordan Kelly-Laviolette Distribution Mike Straffin

Ted & Pauline Morton, pictured here with son Eddie, opened their independent grocery in 1969.

Four generations of Mortons have contributed to the store’s success.

Thank You Sarasota!

We are grateful to all our customers for allowing us to serve them over the past five decades. It is truly an honor to reach this milestone, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY Sunday, May 19th 3-7 p.m.

Food & fun! Live music & raffle prizes!

All proceeds to benefit the Morton Culinary Education Fund See our website for details.

Contributing Writers Sue Cullen Jacqueline Miller Gus Mollasis Ryan G. Van Cleave Rick Dakan Sylvia Whitman Contributing & Social Photographer Nancy Guth Contributing Photographers Jordan Kelly-Laviolette Kelly Kearns

443 John Ringling Blvd. Ste. #F, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | Fax: 941.954.5067 | scenesarasota.com

Visit Our Market in Historic Southside Village 1924 South Osprey Avenue ∙ Sarasota (941) 955-9856 ∙ MortonsMarket.com

A Sarasota tradition since 1969 16

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

RJM Ventures LLC, dba SCENE Magazine of Southwest Florida publishes 12 issues a year. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufficient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, artwork and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged. Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $19.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

3 “BEST OVERALL” AWARDS VISIT OUR PARADE-WINNING MODELS

Award-Winning Models.

Wor ld -Cl a ss Lifest y le.

For more than 44 years Lee Wetherington Homes has been creating some of the finest residences in the Sarasota area.

Discover the difference that’s built into every Lee Wetherington home: a higher level of standard features and structural integrity, designs for the way you live, unmatched customer service and satisfaction.

See for yourself - visit our spectacular models and discover the Lee Wetherington difference. Our new Magnolia model is now open at Cypress Glen at River Wilderness, and we have award-winning models at three other communities.

Ask your Sales Consultant for homes available for immediate occupancy. If you own a homesite and wish to build a custom home, call our in-house designers for an appointment.

From the $500s | 941-922-3480 | LWHomes.com Now building in LAKEHOUSE COVE and COUNTRY CLUB EAST AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 941-907-7019 THE LAKE CLUB AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 941-355-5990 · THE ISLANDS ON THE MANATEE RIVER 941-776-1203 CYPRESS GLEN AT RIVER WILDERNESS 941-776-3377 · THE FOUNDERS CLUB Prices, features and availability are subject to change without notice. Broker Participation Welcome. CGC#1507735

ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH MUSIC

THE ORCHESTRA

72

100+ Musicians in Sarasota Orchestra (48 full-time core musicians living in our community)

88,000

Concerts annually

People experience our live musical performances each year

EDUCATION 234

56%

330 Students in Sarasota Youth Orchestras representing over 100 schools

Students in Summer Music Camp NEW 2019 dates: July 8 -19

Percent of students who receive financial aid

9

$

RUSH Tickets

Special price to most concerts for youth (with student ID) and an accompanying adult

SARASOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL

JUNE 1-22

60 Pre-professional students from all over the world attend the Sarasota Music Festival each year

NEW dates of the 2019 Sarasota Music Festival

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 72

9,000+ Number of students from 49 schools who attend the Young Person’s Concerts annually

Number of teachers who receive our Young Person’s Concerts curriculum annually

10 Average number of Festival alumni in every major orchestra in the United States

Outreach Concerts Easter Seals Girls, Inc. of Sarasota County Jewish Family & Children Services Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Number of people who attended a FREE family concert Several Title1 Elementary Schools Visible Men Academy (Bradenton) for all ages in Sept 2018

900

Family icon by DewDrops, Teacher icon by Adrien Coquet and kids by Alina Oleynik all from the Noun Project

To learn more about our Music Center vision, visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/musiccenter 18

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

2019 Summer Music Camp “MY DAUGHTER LEARNED SO MUCH AND SHE ENJOYED EACH MINUTE!”

REGISTER NOW FOR 2019 SUMMER MUSIC CAMP JULY 8 - 19, 2019

M - F, 9 am - 4 pm

Total cost: $355 (scholarships available)

• Full-day format, with 70 total hours of music instruction!

• Eight instrument ensembles immerse students in hands-on learning experiences tailored to their level, whether they have played for years or get to hold an instrument for the first time.

• With carefully-managed class sizes, students benefit from teachers’ individualized attention.

Local music educators and Sarasota Orchestra musicians make up the faculty who open new doors for students through music education.

• Education goes beyond music theory and performance technique to instill creative problem-solving, connecting dots across disciplines, and an inspired work ethic.

• Students form lasting friendships with fellow young musicians that they carry into enriched and fulfilling futures.

For complete details, including age requirements and instruments, call or visit our website.

SarasotaOrchestra.org | 941-487-2731 MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

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social SCENE

THE LIST PARTY PICS

scenesarasota.com

Sarasota Veg Fest

May 3 - 5

Venice Seafood & Music Festival

Venice Seafood & Music Festival

The LIST MAY 2019 EVENTS CALENDAR Hit some golf balls for good causes. Drool over classic cars. Enjoy fine art, sip mint juleps and savor tasty seafood. And if you can swing the

PICK YOUR FAVORITES!

big-ticket price, join Dickie V in raising money for pediatric cancer. It’s always an evening to remember. Our events may be winding down, but our generosity never does.

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SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

Centennial Park Food, drinks, music and shopping Free paragonartevents.com

3

Palm Avenue First Friday Gallery Walk Palm Ave 6:00 p.m.

Enjoy gallery openings, dining, antiques, specialty shops Free palmavenue.org

4

Sarasota Veg Fest Sarasota Fairgrounds 10:00 a.m.

Food demos, live music, vendors Free sarasotavegfest.org

social SCENE PremierSothebysRealty.com

THE MICHELLE CRABTREE TEAM Michelle is a third-generation local and broker associate since 1982.

Michelle and her team are dedicated to serving your needs in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

Dick Vitale Gala

SARASOTA SCENE

sponsored events

Michelle Crabtree, Broker Associate 941.724.4663 Maggie Davenport, REALTOR ® 941.400.8757 Kathy Dietz, Licensed Assistant 941.320.7699 Michelle.Crabtree@PremierSIR.com CrabtreeHomes.com

Each office is independently owned and operated.

3

SMHF GOLF TOURNAMENT Laurel Oak Country Club 9:00 a.m.

Benefitting the SMH Physicians Endowment Fund $250 smhf.org

4

SAFARI IN

NOVEMBER The animal kingdom is on full display on an African safari.

TAYLOR EMMONS GOLF/ POKER TOURNAMENT Lakewood Ranch Country Club 9:30 a.m.

Benefitting Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund $200 temmons.org

10

DICK VITALE GALA The Ritz Carlton 6:30 p.m.

Fundraiser for premiere pediatric cancer research across the nation. $1,000 jimmyv.org

Contact Lisa Silvestri to start planning.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

1.866.966.6535 Toll Free www.silvestritravel.com FL Seller of Travel #ST39381 MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Sarasota Tarpon Tournament

4

St. Armands Circle Classic Corvette Show Circle Park 9:00 a.m.

Free starmandscircleassoc.com

4

SMART Mint Julep and Roses Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy 5:00 p.m.

Celebrating the Kentucky Derby with SMART Horses smartriders.org

7

Leadership Sarasota County Outstanding Leadership Awards Art Ovation Hotel 11:30 a.m. $75 sarasotachamber.com

8

Sarasota Tarpon Tournament Kick Off Party White Buffalo Saloon 6:00 p.m. sarasotatarpontournament.net 22

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

8

Selby Gardens Gaugin Nights 6:00 p.m.

Tour, FST performance, food + drink $50 selby.org

10

Lily Pulitzer Luncheon and Fashion Show Bradenton Country Club 11:30 a.m.

Fundraiser benefitting Foundation for Dreams $75 foundationfordreams.org

11

10th Annual Harvey Milk Festival Five Points Park 2:20 p.m.

Free harveymilkfestival.org

Venice Brew Bash

11

20

Siesta Key Beach 8:00 a.m.

Benefits Boys & Girls Clubs $45 greatmothersdayrace.com

The Ringling 6:00 p.m.

Featured band Kettle of Fish $15 ringling.org

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8:30 p.m. $20 historicspanishpoint.org

The Field Club 5:30 p.m.

Silent auction, wine tasting and food pairing $125 argusfoundation.org

Great Mother's Day Race 5K

Historic Spanish Point Full Moon Ghost Tour

18

Sarasota Architectural Foundation Umbrella House Tour 1300 Westway Dr 11:00 a.m. $40 sarasotaarchitecturalfoundation.org

19

Lakewood Ranch Main Street "A Tribute to Heroes" Memorial Day Parade 6:00 p.m.

Free lwrcac.com

Ringling by the Bay

Argus Foundation Sip & Savor

24 – 26

St. Armands Circle Seafood & Music Festival Circle Park 11:00 a.m.

Free seafoodfestivals.com

25

Venice Brew Bash Centennial Park 3:00 p.m. $45 venicebrewbash.com

social SCENE

UPCOMING events

You’re the Best

Mother’s Day

World Oceans Day Family Festival

JUNE 1 – 14 | Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week

4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905

www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

$16 – 32 savorsarasota.com

JUNE 1 | Art & Animals & You! ArtCenter Manatee 9:00 a.m.

Free artcentermanatee.org

LUXURY & EXOTIC Custom Prescription Eyewear

JUNE 6 | Lakewood Ranch Main Street Classic Car Show 5:00 p.m. $10 per car collectorcarstv.com

JUNE 8 | Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium World Oceans Day Family Festival 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy 10:00 a.m.

Free w/admission mote.org

V ISI T SCE NESAR AS OTA .COM for the latest social scene party pics.

To submit your event for consideration, please send information to scenemagazine@scenesarasota.com MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

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PARTY pics

Pauline Joerger & Cornelia Matem

Bill Chapman, Mason Ayers & Sally Schule

SMHF WOMEN & MEDICINE Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s 7th annual Women & Medicine educational luncheon was presented by SMH physicians at Michael’s On East on March 29th. This year featured informative discussions from speakers Karen Hamad, M.D. and Wilhelmine Wiese-Rometsch, M.D.

Michael Chokr & Donna Koffman

Dr. Karen Hamad, Dr. Wilhelmine Wiese-Rometsch & Dr. Jill Scarpellini

Dr. Alissa Shulman

"

Her world has truly opened up ...

now that she's independently mobile."

-

The Florida Center For Early Childhood

Susan, OT therapist Annabella, 5, has made huge strides in her life - she learned to walk over the course of two years by attending Starfish Academy Preschool and receiving on-site developmental services.

Locations in Sarasota & North Port Preschool serving ages 6 wks to 5 yrs VPK openings & camps TheFloridaCenter.org (941) 371-8820 24

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

social SCENE

Lumiene & Kathleen Sullivan

Cathy & Tom Cook

CHILDREN FIRST FAIRYTALE BALL The Children First Fairytale Ball: Enchanted Library held on April 6 at Michael’s on East raised more than ever before for the most at-risk youth in the Sarasota community. The evening consisted of dinner, dancing, and opportunities to support the Head Start program through live and silent auctions, a chance drawing, and a challenge match.

The funds raised will help the program provide education, nutrition, and health and family support services to more than 700 vulnerable children each year.

Co-Chairs Matt & Krystel Beall, Stan & Jo Rutstein, Carol & Richard Kalikow with Lisa & Mitch Olan

EXPAND your mind at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Blast off.

Dive deep. Be curious. From a microscopic cell to a far away galaxy, we are all connected to each other, the cosmos, and the world around us. The South Florida Museum is now‌

Dan & Debbie Dannheiser

$1 off admission www.BishopScience.org 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 Krystal & Matt Beall

Kim Cornetet

Rod & Elaine Hershberger

*Up to four (4) admissions. Not valid with any other discounts or special offers. Expires 12/31/2019

MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

25

social SCENE Carol & Tom Beeler

Barbara Gardner & Marcy Klein

Pat & Dr. Larry Thompson

DR. LARRY THOMPSON 20TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER Ringling College of Art and Design presented the Dr. Larry Thompson 20th Anniversary Dinner on April 7th at the Ringling College of Art and Design Campus. The dinner celebrated two decades under Larry R. Thompson’s leadership at Ringling College.

Barbara & Matt McAleer

Willie & Rosa Stanfield with George Miles

26

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

Scott Gordley & Debi Dube

Graci McGillicudy, Brett & Fabienne Hutchens

Guy & Cindy Peterson with Bill Crouse

From its inviting old world charm and sophistication to its timeless, artistic cuisine, let the legendary Cafe L’Europe take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner 431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota | 941.388.4415 | cafeleurope.net

ESTABLISHED 1973

CONTINENTAL CUISINE | FINE WINES | CRAFT COCKTAILS | PIANO MUSIC | SARASOTA SCENE MAY 2019CATERING AL FRESCO DINING | PRIVATE DINING | PRIVATE DINING

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social SCENE

Teresa Kay

Donna Koffman

Deborah Blue & Camile Campagna

Shelley Sarbey & Elisabeth Waters

PIQUE NIQUE SUR LA BAIE Winefest, in partnership with New College Foundation, presented a long-time Sarasota favorite – Pique Nique Sur la Baie.

Held on the Van Wezel’s south lawn, guests donned fun and fashionable millinery and enjoyed a custom cocktail and wine reception followed by a seated luncheon catered by Chef Paul Mattison and his culinary team. Proceeds benefit local children’s charities and the New College Scholarship Fund. To date, Winefest has awarded more than $8.5 million to 84 local disadvantaged children’s charities.

Charlie Ann Syprett, Lola White & Alexis Rosenberg

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SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

Brenda Maraman & Claire Murphy

KimberLee Brooks

Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed & Jaclyn Brunckhorst

social SCENE

SPARCCLE IN THE CITY Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) hosted its annual gala: SPARCCle in the City at The Westin Sarasota on Friday, March 29th. Champagne service and hor d’ oeuvres greeted guests. As the evening commenced, SPARCC Board Member and event Co-Chair, Barbara V. Gardner, welcomed attendees.

President and CEO Jessica Hays spoke of the great need, as well as the immense hope and restoration the community provides with their support. After the closing of live and silent auctions and donation opportunity, guests danced as a live band performed.

Rob Brown & Rosemary Eure Penny Hill, Charles & Maria Githler

Dr. Karen & Jim Holbrook

Steven & Inna Snyder, David & Jacqueline Morton

Co-chairs Barbara Gardner, Mark Muse, Lynne Koy & Kimberley Pelyk

perfect a

Partnership



When two come together to create something great.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Van Wezel Foundation, working together to deliver first-class children’s educational programming for our community. With the Foundation’s support, more than 30,000 students are provided with programs and access to the theatre each season through the Schooltime Performance Program.

To make a donation or learn more, visit VWFOUNDATION.ORG or contact us at 941-366-5578 30

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

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Felicity Craft

SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL AFTER PARTY The Sarasota Film Festival presented its closing night party on April 13th at Sage in Downtown Sarasota. The 1920’s themed wrap party was held after the official Sarasota Film Festival closing at the Sarasota Opera House and included live entertainment, dancing, and cocktails.

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Claudia Pozniakoff & Laurie Baldwin

Exchange Volunteers

Kathy Vaccaro, Mary Parker, Karen Koblenz

THE EXCHANGE VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON The Exchange honored its dedicated volunteers at its annual volunteer appreciation luncheon at Michael’s On East on March 18. The popular consignment store closed for the day to celebrate the 260 volunteers who work throughout the year to generate support for dozens of local arts and cultural programs and individual scholarships.

Disney was this year’s whimsical theme.

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Full Cast with Director Jill Ross

SARASOTA BAY CLUB MYSTERY DINNER Orchestrated by Lifestyle Director Jill Ross, Sarasota Bay Club held its annual Mystery Dinner on April 12th. The dinner was a true murder mystery themed event which began with cocktails and clues followed by dinner in the dining room. Under Ross’ direction, this event is always incredibly well done, winning an international award for “Innovation in Senior Living” a few years ago.

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PHOTO BY NANCY GUTH

Derrick Maginness, Phil Hammersley and Erik Hanson of Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos, P.A.

SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT JEOPARDIZES ASSOCIATIONS’ ABILITY TO APPLY ‘THE RULES’

BY SUE CULLEN

Choosing to live in a neighborhood governed by a condominium or homeowners association means residents live within “the rules”, which can govern everything from pets and plantings to paint colors and porch enclosures. Whether you love the rules or hate them, legal issues can arise for both residents and boards of directors when those rules are ignored or enforced inconsistently.

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“The rules” is shorthand for the framework within which residents in condo and homeowners associations agree to live. These generally include the governing documents of the association, commonly consisting of the community’s articles of incorporation, bylaws and declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions along with rules and regulations. They are designed to protect property values, and an association has an obligation to enforce them. Homeowners can sue boards to require enforcement.

“Issues arise within associations when the board of directors has not been enforcing certain restrictions. However, even when restrictions have not been enforced, there is a way they can get back in the game and enforce them moving forward,” said attorney Philip Hammersley, shareholder of Norton, Hammersley, Lopez and Skokos, a Sarasota law firm concentrating in business, tax, real estate, trial practice, dispute resolution and community association law.

“The reason this issue is important right now is that we are seeing a lot of turnover on boards with new members coming on. These boards must decide how to enforce restrictions, but still have a pleasant community where people want to live,” said attorney Derrick Maginness. This is a fine line to walk and, for a variety of reasons, boards sometimes elect to allow exceptions to the rules for particular individuals or overlook violations.

The downside to this approach is that not enforcing a particular restriction with all homeowners can affect whether it can be applied in other cases. This inconsistent application of rules allows homeowners to raise a defense of selective enforcement should the association pursue a legal remedy.

“One way an association may successfully overcome a selective enforcement defense by an owner is to contend that the owner’s violation is not comparable to previous violations that were permitted,” said attorney Erik Hanson, citing an arbitration case from 1994. In that arbitration, the association previously allowed a homeowner to have a parakeet despite a no-pets restriction. When a new owner bought a home and wanted to keep a dog, the association sought to enforce the no-pets restriction, and the owner raised the defense of selective enforcement, relying upon the previous approval for a parakeet.

The arbitration panel sided with the association, holding that a dog is substantially different from a bird because they are indoor pets Hanson said.

Fortunately, it is simple to reinstate enforcement of a restriction. The board communicates to homeowners that it intends to begin enforcement of that restriction by a specific date. It can grandfather existing violations or allow

sufficient time for homeowners to bring their properties into compliance. The courts upheld this procedure in where many homeowners had enclosed balconies without obtaining required association approvals. The association notified owners that it would bar any future enclosures and order removal of those built without approval moving forward.

Subsequent to the notice being delivered to the members, Chattel Shipping enclosed its balcony without permission.

The association’s demand for removal was upheld because the owner installed the enclosure after the association’s announcement of the change.

Board members also should ensure they are correctly following procedures outlined in the documents. In one instance, a board president emailed approval for a homeowner to install hard flooring despite prohibitions in the documents due to noise concerns for downstairs residents. An appeals court ruled the f looring had to be removed because the documents required written approval of the board rather than an officer. It also denied the homeowner’s claim of selective enforcement. Although hard f looring had been permitted in other units, the court ruled those units were significantly different because they did not have downstairs neighbors.

Homebuyers also need to be vigilant. “It is important, when purchasing in a deed restricted community, to be sure there are no restrictions violations of any kind or you could become liable for those violations. A properly drafted estoppel letter can help provide protection,” Maginness said. “One homebuyer asked if there was any open violation of rule or regulation noticed in the association official records. The estoppel letter stated that there were none noticed in the official records. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t violations at the property. Consulting an attorney can help assure you are protected.”

Associations may lose rights to enforce restrictions in other ways than through selective enforcement, including one that is currently developing. The Florida House of Representatives is considering HB 987, which asserts homeowners have a right to use their properties as vacation rentals and preempts local regulation of rentals, giving that power to the state. “This could have implications for associations’ ability to enforce restrictions on rentals, which are in place to protect residents from the disruptions and nuisance that can go along with short term rentals,” Hammersley said. “We stay on top of any changes to the law that may affect our clients so they have the opportunity to respond proactively.”

CONNECT: Derrick Maginness, Phil Hammersley and Erik Hanson of

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Philanthropy is a Verb FOR CAROL & TOM BEELER

By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Photo by Nancy Guth

While there are a lot of ways to be involved in the enterprise of helping others, Carol and Tom Beeler find that doing things face-to-face is their preference. For example, the night before I spoke with them, they took four State College of Florida (SCF) music students to see the Guitar Girls performance at Florida Studio Theater, followed by dinner at the Beeler home for all the students and three professional actors/singers. “My favorite hobby is cooking,” Carol admits, “so of course I made dinner for the students and actors—I wouldn’t consider having it catered.”

The conversation lasted until 11 p.m. despite students having classes the next day—they were that engaged in speaking with professionals and learning more about what it takes to become a successful entertainer.

When SCF president Dr. Carol Probstfeld first asked the Beelers to consider establishing a sponsorship program some five years ago, they readily agreed. The goal was to take an already-strong music program and push it to the next level, and Dr. Probstfeld knew exactly what would fit the bill: award the students in the Presidential String Quartet and Presidential Jazz Quintet with paid tuition and mentoring.

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“We love the arts and have season tickets to almost every theater,” Tom says, so supporting young musicians in this manner made perfect sense. The arts are one of the things that drew the Beelers from Michigan to Sarasota 15 years ago and it’s a fixture in their always-busy schedule during the months they’re here. One of their shared hobbies is travel, and they’ve been to 135 countries so far.

“We’re typically gone four to five months a year,” Tom says.

A semi-retired real estate developer, he’s now a photography buff. They’re always game to explore what’s out there with his camera ready, just in case. In 2017, they even joined the “Semester at Sea” program, a semester-long around-theworld academic cruise with 600 undergraduate students and professors organized by Colorado State University. “We saw a lot and we audited many classes,” Carol says with a laugh. She’s a fan of lifelong learning too, after a rich career first in the computer field and then in HR, later joining Tom in his broad real estate development company. Plus they both have a strong love for the classroom, after having first met in a calculus class as undergrads.

philanthropy

“. . .people are far more willing to give money than give time.

What these young people need is mentoring. The only way many of them will learn the personal skills they need is to learn them outside the family unit.”

- Tom Beeler

The Beeler’s philanthropic activity began in earnest in 2013 when they agreed to sponsor an acting student at the Asolo Conservatory. They now sponsor two students there. But the SCF opportunity was different because the students are generally 19-20 years old, and often the first in their family to attend college. Tight budgets and single-parent families are too often the norm. What the Beelers found, though, was that these students not only needed financial assistance, but life skills as well. Looking people in the eye when shaking hands. Writing a clear, timely thank-you note. Maintaining an accurate calendar and meeting deadlines. Knowing which fork to use at a formal dinner. “One of our students saw the word ‘prawn’ on a menu and asked about it,” Carol says, “so we ordered it. They bit off the wrong end at first. But by the end of the evening, they understood exactly what a prawn was and the best way to eat it. That’s a lesson no one else had ever given them.”

When it became time to think about creating a family foundation to support their philanthropic efforts, it was an easy choice. They already knew Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s philanthropic advisor Hermione Gilpin from her work at Asolo Rep. “We like her very much,” Carol says. “We’ve become good friends over the years.” And they’ve become quite the fans of GCCF President/CEO Mark Pritchett, too. “They’re a great organization.”

Pritchett has the same admiration for the Beelers. “The Beeler’s epitomize joie de vivre…the love of living in all facets of their philanthropy,” he said. “They relish the MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

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philanthropy excitement of students learning and the creativity expressed through beautiful artistic performances. Tom and Carol will ensure others share those same experiences in perpetuity through their planned endowment with Gulf Coast Community Foundation.”

The Beelers’ primary philanthropic objective is to provide fully-paid education to students who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity. Equally important is that the support is focused on students from low-income families and that at least half of the support is awarded to racial minorities. The last bit—and the one the Beelers think is as vital as anything else—is that life skill training is part of the package.

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This is where the face-to-face activities so often take place. They don’t just support students—they become part of their lives. For many, Tom serves as a father figure. For all, they both serve as trusted adults. And they take those roles quite seriously, whether it’s someone asking for advice on “girlfriend problems” or what to do with some money set aside for investment purposes. “There’s a lot of money in Sarasota,” Tom says, “but people are far more willing to give money than give time. What these young people need is mentoring. The only way many of them will learn the personal skills they need is to learn them outside the family unit.” That’s the part the Beelers love.

They have no children of their own, but thanks to their interactions in the lives of so many area students, they have ample people who care about them and depend on them in important ways.

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C U L T U R E Cheryl Mendelson Photo by Nancy Guth 46 46

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019 SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

By Sue Cullen

B U I L D I N G

If you had to pick one project in a booming Sarasota that has the potential to impact the entire Cultural Coast, it is the bayfront redevelopment initiative known as The Bay. At the heart of the 53-acre redevelopment project is the venerable 50-yearold Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. That places Cheryl Mendelson, the new CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation, at the heart of plans to build a modern performing arts center as the The Bay’s anchor.

Mendelson, who is a nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of experience across education, healthcare and the arts, came on board in February just as the first phase of the project was about to get off the ground after exhaustive community discussion for much of the current decade. And while construction of the performing arts center is planned for an unspecified future phase, raising the estimated $250 million for building the center is an objective she has firmly in sight as she has taken the foundation’s helm. That, of course, is in addition to keeping up with current philanthropic needs for programming, educational outreach and capital needs.

Challenging. But it is a challenge with which Mendelson is very familiar having been the key architect of a $38 million capital, program and endowment campaign for Chicago’s Harris Theater in Millennium Park, which has striking similarities with Sarasota’s performing arts center project. “So much in my career mirrors the fantastic aspiration of the master plan and the civic and cultural vitality here in Sarasota,” she says. “The Harris Theater was built to redevelop a forgotten part of downtown Chicago.

The vision was to revitalize a public asset for the community into a thriving park near Lake Michigan. I was invited to help them think about how to build a future. It was a public/private partnership with the city of Chicago with the theater as anchor. I helped them build a vision with that project, and that made this position with the Van Wezel a natural fit for me.”

Mendelson’s career experience dovetails nicely with the Van Wezel Foundation’s mission to “create a world-class performing arts center that enriches the community, supports arts education and inspires young minds.” Having come on board in February, she has spent her first few months getting to know the community and its people along with establishing three key goals for the project.

The first goal is to make a new world-class performing arts center a reality to meet the community’s desire for enjoying renowned performers and performances. The new center is envisioned to have 2,250 seats–about

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“When you work with community partners and people attend performances as a family, then it really starts to embed. But these programs only happen through philanthropic support.”

500 more than the current auditorium–an education center, enhanced acoustics and performance technology, and event spaces to support rentals. The need for a more modern facility to meet contemporary production needs was brought home recently with The Lion King, which ran in March. Mounting that production required 30 large trucks to offload mountains of costumes, scenery and equipment.

This goal is personally meaningful for Mendelson because performing arts were a family passion. Her mom loved to play piano and her dad was active in community theater. Saturday nights were often spent with friends singing show tunes around the piano. Mendelson and her sister tap danced on a Formica topped platform crafted for the occasion. “My childhood gave me the sense that music, theater and the arts help bring people together,” she says. “It was a strong moral direction for my family and helped shape who I am today.”

The second goal is to continue to grow the Van Wezel’s art education and community engagement programs, which provide performances for more than 30,000 students annually and bring the arts to families who may not be able to enjoy them otherwise. The programming

includes classroom support and arts integrated professional development for teachers. An experience with her now 18-year-old son gave Mendelson first-hand knowledge of the importance of classroom support for teachers.

“When he was in first grade, the class went to The Nutcracker, and when I asked him how the ballet was, he said ‘Mom, you’re not going to believe it. They didn’t say a word for two hours’,” she says. “Teachers need to be equipped to translate performances into meaningful ways that kids are learning and to be taught how to use it in math, STEAM and language arts.”

Building on her background in human services, Mendelson also plans outreach to the area’s human services agencies to address psychosocial issues. “When you work with community partners and people attend performances as a family,” she says, “then it really starts to embed. But these programs only happen through philanthropic support.”

Mendelson describes her third goal as a civic-minded mission to ensure Sarasota continues to grow as a mecca for arts and culture along the Gulf Coast. “I’m not sure the broad community is aware of how impactful having an iconic new performing arts center can be and how it will influence the essence of Sarasota for generations to come,” she says. “It’s a legacy project that I hope everyone will embrace and want to get involved with.”

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g n i t a e r C

s s e c c Su s e i m e d a c A g n i n r a e L r e m m u S e h t h g u o r h T e v a e l C n a V .

G n a y R By

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The intricacies of our education system can be frustrating for those of us uninitiated with the workings of local, state, and federal governments. Rather than walk away, bemoaning “the system,” several area philanthropists have focused their charitable giving on how to improve local schools so they can help develop new ways of operating that benefits students in need.

Based on research they’d found, Joe and Mary Kay Henson— Connecticut residents who winter in Sarasota—wanted to take on the achievement gap between low-income elementary students and their more affluent peers. Studies show that 4 things can help close that gap.

• • • •

Summer learning Pre-k readiness Attendance Health and wellbeing of a child

The Hensons decided to combat “summer slide”— the regression that takes place in the summer months, which is far more pronounced in low-income families. So, in 2012, with help and guidance from Alta Vista Principal, Dr. Barbara Shirley, the Hensons launched the Eagle Academy at Alta Vista Elementary, a school with a large population of low-income students. The Eagle Academy provided rising Kindergarten students with six weeks of summer instruction as well as two meals a day and opportunities for enrichment activities that brought a sense of fun to the learning.

The next year, all Alta Vista students entering Kindergarten and first grade were offered the chance to participate in that same summer program. Each year an additional grade was added up through rising third graders. Third grade is particularly important because that’s when statewide standardized testing really comes into play for the first time in a student’s academic life. Back when the Summer Learning Academy was launched, the statewide standardized test was the FCAT, and now it’s morphed into the FSA; regardless of the name, those are big tests with high stakes.

The success of the free Summer Learning Academy was quickly apparent both anecdotally and from data accumulated through benchmark testing and the I-Ready diagnostic tool that measures reading and math proficiency.

With the support of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and additional generous donors, Summer Learning Academies expanded to three additional schools with high numbers of low-income students to attempt to replicate the increases in student achievement. The programs developed

FACT: According to Sarasota County Schools, children who attended at least half of the prog ram increased their reading scores b y an average of 7.6 points, compare d to those who didn’t attend who averaged only a .3 increase. at Emma E. Booker, Tuttle, and Gocio elementary schools, and similar results were achieved.

In fact, the data allowed Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd Bowden to appeal to legislators in Tallahassee in 2017 for funding to support the expansion of the Summer Learning Academies. While there, Dr. Bowden heard again and again from other superintendents who said, “We’d like money to pilot a program.” He in turn was able to say that the Sarasota School District didn’t need to pilot anything. They’ve already done that, and it was a success. What they needed now was simply to expand it.

According to Sarasota County Schools, children who attended at least half of the program increased their reading scores by an average of 7.6 points. Those who didn’t attend?

They averaged only a .3 increase.

With this data, the Florida Department of Education responded.

Heading into the summer of 2019, all 12 Title 1 elementary schools in Sarasota County will take part in the Summer Learning Academies program. Attendance is expected to eclipse the nearly 1,100 students who took part in summer 2018. While philanthropic dollars and support from the

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“We want to make use of that time to bring parents into the picture. We want parents to start talking about their dreams. We want them to feel part of the story, too.”

- Kirsten Russell, the Community Foundation’s Director of Community Investment

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Community Foundation of Sarasota County got this program started, the budget for this successful school district program will increase from $1.1 million in 2018 to $1.8 this year and $2.4 in 2020.

Kirsten Russell, the Community Foundation’s Director of Community Investment, points out that it’s not just kids who are winning here. Thanks to a two-generation approach, parents are also getting help over the summer. In addition to the six cost-free weeks of school instruction and daylong enrichment activities, parents have weekly classes of their own they take, which shows their kids that learning is important to everyone.

“The Community Foundation has an investment in the parent university component,” reports Russell. “We’re looking at what we can do for parents. We want to make use of that time to bring parents into the picture. We want parents to start talking about their dreams. We want them to feel part of the story, too.”

She points out that while low-income families have access to financial support to pursue educational opportunities, some don’t know about the available resources. With donors, the Community Foundation is looking at innovative ways to build

collaborative efforts around the possibilities for parents to change their level of education, thereby altering their own workforce trajectory.

One example of this is Alta Vista’s adult CNA program, the Certified Nursing Assistant Program, which has been around since 2013. It’s been changing the lives of many parents whose previous jobs often were minimum wage positions. President and CEO of the Community Foundation Roxie Jerde believes that this initiative truly demonstrates that if you provide motivated people in our community the opportunity to better their lives, they’ll seize it and incredible things can happen.

Jerde also believes that philanthropic dollars can be a source of risk capital that can lead to positive change in areas of need. Philanthropists like the Hensons think we can do better, and they’re willing to take on riskier propositions in an effort to try to improve lives. With the help of the Community Foundation and others in our community, the future of education in our part of Florida seems primed to benefit those most in need.

For more information on the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, please visit www.cfsarasota.org or call 941.955.3000.

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Murder, Mayhem, and Fun Sweeney Todd at Asolo Rep

BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE | PHOTOS BY JOHN REVISKY

Ask any random person on Fruitville Road about their favorite musical, and you’ll get a host of answers. Cats. Show Boat. The Music Man. The Sound of Music.

The common denominator for all of those? They’re wholesome. Family friendly. Appropriate subjects for a musical. Ask me, though, and I’ll say American Idiot, Jekyll and Hyde, and Sweeney Todd. So, when Asolo Rep announced that its Peter Rothstein-directed version of the latter was on deck for a May 1 to June 1 run this year, I got on the phone with Peter to get the full story. After the success he found in directing Ragtime during the 2017-2018 Asolo Rep season, I wasn’t at all surprised he’d come back for another great opportunity like this.

If you don’t know the story behind Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the 1979 musical thriller based on the 1973 play by Christopher Bond, here you go. It’s 19th-century London and the barber Sweeney Todd has been unjustly exiled to Australia for 15 years.

Now he’s finally returning home to take revenge upon the judge who framed him and then ravaged his young wife. The carnage that follows

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Allen Fitzpatrick and Sally Wingert MAY MAY 2019 2019 || SARASOTA SARASOTA SCENE SCENE

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in Sweeney Todd’s quest for justice makes for an unforgettable story that has shocked audiences throughout the world from the first curtain raised on this electrifying musical.

Sounds like a Stephen King plot, right?

But this baby won eight—count ‘em, EIGHT!—Tony’s, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical. That’s the magic that happens when you have music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Sondheim. “It’s truly one of the greatest pieces of American theater of the 20th century,” says Peter.

“I’m not exaggerating. Sondheim is brilliant and this might go down as his greatest work—it’s a masterpiece.”

While the original cast had 30 members, this version will have 10. And Peter finds a new power in that. “It’s not a

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reduction, but a re-imagining,” he says. “Audiences will be able to zoom right in on those 10 characters. Their focus won’t be divided.” Peter notes, too, that this is a highly psychological story and, as such, the more time we spend with them, the deeper the audience can enter their psychology. “And the funnier they become,” he adds. Yes, Sweeney Todd is surprisingly funny despite the subject matter.

One of the things about Sondheim is that he’s always satisfying, and Sweeney Todd is no exception. Lyrically and dramatically, it’s an incredibly sophisticated story in large part because of all the genres it crosses. “It should be authentically terrifying,” Peter admits, “yet it’s laugh-out-loud funny and, at times, it breaks your heart. But ultimately, it’s a tragedy in the Greek sense of the word. It’s a story that pushes everything to the extreme.”

When Peter sat down to take on Sweeney Todd for the third time in his long career, he focused on how most of the evening is spent with only two characters on stage. In the original Hal Prince production, the story feels mammoth in scale. That’s why so many consider this musical to be an emotionally huge story with big themes and gigantic ideas. “Yet when you look at it, moment by moment,” says Peter, “it’s really quite intimate. Most of it takes place in a kitchen, a parlor, a basement cellar, a sidewalk. It’s a very intimate musical, which might seem quite surprising to some.”

The bulk of Peter’s work has been in musical theater, and despite what some might think of the genre, he argues that musical theater is far more than mere spectacle. The subject matter of much of it is anything but fluff or escapist, he notes. “Just think about The Sound of Music. It seems like a light piece but remember that the audience members watching it in 1959 were only a decade or so out from losing family members in World War II.” And Show Boat, the first great musical—which came out in 1927—was a probing look at race and interracial relations. Sweeney Todd follows in that tradition of musically exploring issues that truly matter as it looks deeply at the human tendency toward greed, power, revenge, and the need for vindication. “It’s a powerful cautionary tale,” says Peter. “For one thing, if you’re being led by your need for revenge, ultimately, it’s you who will suffer the most.”

About working at Asolo Rep again, Peter says, “I’ve freelanced a lot all over the country, yet Asolo Rep is one of my favorites. Michael Donald Edwards is a fantastic leader. He’s wise, insightful, and so compassionate towards his artists. The shops (scenic and costume shops) here, too, are top notch. I walked our assistant director through the scene shop the other day and his jaw dropped to the ground.”

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Thanks to the quality of Peter’s directing, Edwards’ leadership, and the fine people associated with Asolo Rep, this year’s production of Sweeney Todd looks to be a magnificent roller coaster ride that will linger in the brain long after the final curtain falls. Perhaps after June 1, people on Fruitville Road who are asked about their favorite musical just might think about this latest version of the haunting story of Fleet Street’s demon barber.

For more information on the Asolo Repertory Theatre, please visit asolorep.org or call 941.351.8000.

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A

SPECTACULAR SUMMER CIRCUS FULL OF

Hoops, Swoops, and Whoops

By Sylvia Whitman | Photos By Cliff Roles Ham and eggs, Bogie and Bacall, circus and Sarasota—certain combos seem inevitable. Once the winter home of the mighty Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Sarasota remains a year-round mecca for both retired and practicing show folks. Inspiring new generations of both performers and appreciators, Sarasota’s Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) is partnering with The Ringling Museum for the 12th time to present the Summer Circus Spectacular in the Historic Asolo Theater from June 11 – August 3.

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“It’s a show that people look forward to every year,“ said Pedro Reis, founder and CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory.

“We are excited to announce that, due to its popularity, we’ve added a week of performances.”

Every summer, Reis, himself a trapeze artist, remixes acts from around the world to create a new “hour of traditional circus fun,” says CAC marketing manager Beth Graves. With fewer than 300 seats, the ornate Historic Asolo Theater allows an upclose experience that can include audience participation with the clowns. After the show, patrons can tour the Circus Museum on The Ringling grounds for a discounted $5 admission.

In addition to tapping his circus network, Reis finds talent for the Summer Circus Spectacular through the internet. “We get so many emails from performers who want to come here to perform because we have a wonderful, wonderful reputation around the world,” explains Graves.

Sarasota’s circus history contributes to the draw. “The circus community is a very tight-knit community, so even though these people are coming from all over the world, they’ve worked with artists who live here. It’s kind of like a homecoming,” adds Graves.

Kirill Rebkovits 660 0

SARASOTA SCENE SCENE || MAY MAY 2019 2019 SARASOTA

Alesya Gulavich The long gig—eight weeks this year—also makes the Summer Circus Spectacular desirable. For performers without local connections, CAC houses them at Sun N Fun Resort.

There they can relax by the pool after each of their 80 or so shows—or head to the beach.

Another circus nomad from Russia, Kirill Rebkovits excels at rolla bolla, seesawing on a teetering tower of planks over cylinders. “It’s incredibly exciting and scary,” says Graves. She reports that Rebkovits is currently training for American Ninja Warrior.

“And we have great audiences here because it’s such a circus community,” says Graves. “The people really, really appreciate them.”

This year’s clowns, Slappy & Monday, will provide the laughs alongside the gasps.

The acts bring their own music and costumes. This year’s lineup (still in progress at press time) includes several performers familiar to TV viewers and fans of Circus Sarasota.

Cuban born Carlos Rodriguez Diaz—Rokardy—graduated from the island’s National Circus in 1995 and has toured from Norway to Vietnam, bringing his hand balancing act to season 9 of America’s Got Talent. This summer Rokardy will raise adrenaline levels in the Historic Asolo Theater by balancing on a precarious stack of chairs, a stunt he originated for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Disneyworld.

Another America’s Got Talent alum, Alesya Gulevich tangoes with hula hoops. Born in southern Russia to a “noted aerialist” (mom) and a “famous clown” (dad), she was tumbling by age 5 and unicycling at 12. Three times she’s set the Guinness Book record for spinning the most hula hoops simultaneously.

In addition to the Summer Circus Spectacular, CAC is running its usual one- and two-week summer camps, where kids can sample different circus disciplines. Who knows who might rise one day to the high wire?

Camper or not, every kid can dream big at the Summer Circus Spectacular.

“This is an affordable way for the entire family to enjoy a world-class circus performance in the intimate Historic Asolo Theater,” says CEO Reis. “To enjoy an authentic circus performance on the grounds of the historic Ringling estate is quite special and unique to Sarasota!”

The Summer Circus Spectacular takes place at the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota).

Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets for preview shows, June 11-14, are just $12; for the remainder of the run tickets are $16/adults, $12/children 12 and under.

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Manatee Players:

A Class Act of Continuity and Growth

By Sylvia Whitman 62

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

The actors in the Bradenton Junior Women’s Club who staged Hansel & Gretel in 1947 could hardly have imagined that their nascent community theater group, the Manatee Players, would grow into a production powerhouse more than 300 volunteers strong.

Much has changed over seven decades. In addition to its legion of unpaid actors and backstage crew, the organization now employs nine full-time and six parttime staffers and contracts with about 70 professionals a year to oversee directing, lighting, scenery, and more.

Manatee Players runs two summer camps for kids, as well as workshops and classes for theaterphiles who range in age from 6 to 98, says producing artistic director Rick Kirby.

The most visible manifestation of success, the Manatee Performing Arts Center, welcomed its first audience in 2013 and encompasses Stone Hall (the main stage theater), Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, Rae’s Cabaret in the lobby, and the Kiwanis Ballroom. The facility is available not just for top-billed shows but for wedding receptions, conferences, and school recitals.

“I’ve seen us come a really long way from a group with a lot of great ideas that we couldn’t follow through,” says Kirby, who joined the organizations at the beginning of the millennium. “Now we’re sitting in a $20 million house. It’s a measure of how our community pitched in and made it happen.”

“The expanded scope, staff, and space—that’s change.

Continuity lies in the sense of community,” says CEO Janene Amick. “It’s still a core of who we are.”

As the region changes, Amick says, the organization must be willing to hear and seek out what people want to see at their embedded performing arts center. Social media polls, paper surveys, donor interviews, talks with

parents whose kids attend camp—these all contribute to the vision. “We also look at other successes in our community and mirror some of those programs,” says Amick. “Now we’re incorporating more tribute concerts and more opportunities for live music.”

Musicals are “what our patrons really love,” says Kirby, who determines the theatrical program. The Broadway Series plays in Stone Hall. West Side Story plays it cool in August, for instance, and It’s A Wonderful Life heartwarms in December. Damn Yankees opens in February 2020, only with a twist; Kirby has arranged with the licensing agencies to make the Pittsburgh Pirates, who spring-train in Bradenton, the featured team. For the Studio Series in the smaller Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, Kirby picks works with high emotion and social impact (Tuesdays with Morrie, for instance, in October) and scripts with a challenge that excites actors (Doubt, A Parable, March 2020).

Taking a front- or back-stage role in a Manatee Players show is a “labor of love,” Amick says. High school students planning to major in theater in college gain experience for a resume. Older adults find an artistic outlet. “For some folks, it’s a way to give back to the community,” Amick says. “Some may not have financial means to help the organization, so this is their way of making that donation.

And people will support a neighbor by buying a ticket to see them perform.”

Kirby marvels at the actors who audition. Last November’s ecstatically reviewed Cabaret drew its stars from Tampa (the emcee) and Orlando (Cliff). “I feel incredibly lucky that these talented people find us,” he says.

From listening to their constituencies, Amick and Kirby have identified education as Manatee Players’ next growth area. “We want to provide more formal opportunities

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“We love the fact that we’re providing entertainment yearround. Hard workers who live here—they need that outlet . . . We want to make sure there’s always something for someone.”

- CEO Janene Amick

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for training in technical and performing arts,” says Amick.

Students of various ages want to learn specific skills, like voice or costume design. Manatee Players might offer a lighting course or teach carpentry in the context of set building. For university students, the organization plans to expand its internships, especially popular since the organization can offer housing on campus, “a big perk,” says Kirby. Several former interns have graduated to staff.

So thoroughly has the community embraced the Manatee Performing Arts Center as its own for outside events that Kirby is strategizing with the Manatee Players board for a dedicated practice space for rehearsals, children’s activities, and mentoring.

“We love the fact that we’re providing entertainment yearround,” adds Amick. “Hard workers who live here—they need that outlet. There’s something happening almost every weekend: dance recital, live concert, guest speaker.” She and Kirby would like classes to run on 12-month calendar as well. “We want to make sure there’s always something for someone,” Amick says.

Manatee Players 2019-2020 Season BROADWAY SERIES

STUDIO SERIES

West Side Story

Grey Gardens, a musical

August 8 – 25, 2019

September 5 – 22, 2019

Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story

Tuesdays With Morrie

October 24 to November 10, 2019

October 10 – 27, 2019

It’s A Wonderful Life — A Musical

Every Christmas Story Ever Told

December 5 – 22, 2019

(and Then Some!)

Roald Dahl’s Matilda, The Musical

December 5 – 22, 2019

January 16 to February 2, 2020

Goat Song Revel

Damn Yankees

February 6 – 23, 2020

February 20 to March 8, 2020

Doubt, A Parable

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown

March 19 to April 5, 2020

April 2 – 19, 2020

Dancing Lessons

Titanic

April 30 to May 17, 2020

May 7 – 24, 2020

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on the town

6666

SARASOTA MAY 2019 2019 SARASOTA SCENE SCENE || MAY

SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW

MAKING SARASOTA COUNTY

AN FORAMAZON BUSINESS Mark Huey, President & CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

BY GUS MOLLASIS

S

ARASOTA COUNTY IS KNOWN FOR ITS WORLDFAMOUS BEACHES AND WORLD CLASS ARTS. It is a haven for tourists of all ages who come from many places, yearning for blue skies, warm weather, beautiful water and their slice of our paradise.

If that’s not enough, many national magazines and media outlets consistently rank Sarasota as a “top place to retire” or “one of the best places to live in the United States.”

Spring breakers find Sarasota’s beaches irresistible – so much so that MTV launched a successful TV show called Siesta Key, which is aimed at a viewing public who are not exactly eligible for an AARP discount.

Sarasota is a diverse place. There are our snowbirds—folks who come here only during our “season”—usually late October through April. Then there’s the rest of us birds who call Sarasota home all year long. And as with every strong community, it is a place with a solid businesses scene that continues to grow.

It is that continued business growth that is the hope and charge of the man who heads up the Economic

Development Corporation of Sarasota County, President and CEO Mark Huey.

As I entered the EDC building, the former hip home of the HuB, I picked up and leafed through an EDC pamphlet with testimonials and goals jumping off the page – “Locate Your Business Where You Want to LIVE!” “I came to Sarasota County on vacation and didn’t want to leave so I moved my business here.”

Other literature highlighted businesses from A to Z who’ve made this area home. You’ll see names like Boars Head Provisions; FCCI Insurance Group; Hoveround Corporation; Ned Davis Research, Roper Industries; Sun Hydraulics Corporation; Tervis; United Natural Foods; Voalte; and Capgemini, just to name a few.

It piqued my interest. I couldn’t wait to learn about what the EDC does. When did it start? What is it today and what are the plans for tomorrow?

“We’ve been around in some form for generations,” said Mark Huey. “The current version of the EDC was put together in 2004, but essentially what we are is a big tent

MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

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ACCOLAdES j Sarasota Region ranked

j Siesta Key Beach ranked #1 in the U.S.

Sixth Best Performing City in the U.S.

Source: TripAdvisor

j North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton region

Source: Milken Institute

j Pine View School ranked

ranked as the country’s 10th Fastest-Growing Metropolitan Area

#1 in State of Florida, #13 Nationally Source: US News & World Report

Source: US Census Bureau

j Sarasota County Schools receive

“A+” Rating for 14th Consecutive Year

j Sarasota ranked

#1 as Best Place to Live in the State of FL

Source: Florida Department of Education

Source: US News & World Report

j Sarasota-Bradenton ranked

j The Sarasota Metro area has the 9th

#1 on list of Best Cities to Launch a Small Business in the US.

Highest Growth Rate for the Millennial Population (11.1%; from 2010-2015)

Source: Bizjournals.com

Source: Brookings Institute Study; The Millennial Generation: A demographic bridge to America’s diverse future

Courtesy of EDC Fast Facts 2018

of civic leaders and business leaders, who get together and look at the trajectory of the economy and how it’s treating the community.”

“We embrace our historic strengths. We’re not turning our back on tourism and retirement. We’re all for that. We’re the ones who wake up every morning thinking what we can do to bring tech, manufacturing, insurance and risk management companies “Everybody’s looking at how the forces of the economy are as well as shared services companies here. Companies that get affecting our city, our county and community, and(MSA) do weEXPORT VALUE most of their revenue from outside the market. We’re focused METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA like it? And if not, do we want to get together and try to on how we can get more of these types of companies here 900 M do something different?” and how they can thrive here.”

• Asia-Pacific Economy Cooperation ($303 M) Yes, tourism and retirement investments are flowing. Huey • European Union ($179 M) says that’s a given. So, just what does excite the head of Asia ($164 M) Sarasota County’s •EDC? • North America Free Trade Cooperation ($149 M) “Anything that’s not related tourism, retirement and • South Americato($31 M) construction,” he says. “The fact that we’re not viewed TOP EXPORT PROdUCTS happens. I get as a place where tech and manufacturing excited about that.”

• Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing ($114 M) • Computer & Electronic Product Mfg. ($84 M) He’s excited about that because for Huey and the rest of • Machinery Manufacturing ($68 M) passionate the EDC staff, it’s an opportunity they are very • about—diversifying Medical our economy.

Supply & Equipment Mfg. ($68 M) • Transportation Equipment Manufacturing ($66 M) Source: U.S. Department of Commerce

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SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

The EDC of Sarasota County’s roots, while it goes back generations, is not very old at all. It was historically associated with the Chamber of Commerce. Just prior to Huey coming on board, the leadership broke the EDC away from the Chamber.

624 M

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

“We’re that small group of folks who are swimming against US Department of Commerce the stream with Source: regard to how the outside market views Sarasota. We’re a no brainer for tourism and as a place to retire. But for tech and manufacturing? People say, ‘Sarasota? What?’”TOP MARKET EXPORT dESTINATIONS

760 M

838 M

870 M

804 M

690 M

804 M

658 M

740 M

631 M

459 M

383 M

800 M 700 M That something different rests in changing perceptions.

600 M 500 M 400 Mknown for tourism and retirement, and While it’s true we’re agriculture is also300anM important piece of the economy (but 200 M not as big a part), the EDC’s leadership is exploring if we 100 M can be even more than that.

0

To Huey, that made perfect sense because the EDC’s goal is primarily to serve businesses who mostly get their source of 2015 2016 revenue from outside the market – companies such as Tervis and Tropicana. He believes that if the EDC can do a good job Courtesy of EDC Fast Facts 2018

EMPLOYMENT BY INdUSTRY MANUFACTURING 5.44%

WHOLESALE TRAdE 2.64%

CONSTRUCTION 8.50% RETAIL TRAdE 15.33%

MINING .27% GOVERNMENT 2.66% OTHER SERVICES 3.88%

Source: Department of Economic Opportunity

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY 15.53% EdUCATION & HEALTH 20.74%

TRANSPORTATION & WAREHOUSING 1.13%

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES 16.63%

INFORMATION 1.40% FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 5.86%

TOTAL: 155,603 100%

on the town

According to Huey, “Chambers of Commerce are more focused on local markets-serving companies —small businesses, Main Street businesses.

That is definitely the primary market they’re serving. Business climate and regulations affect both of our worlds, so we collaborate when there is overlap.

Basically, we rarely get into local markets serving and chambers rarely play in our space.”

Huey shared some EDC history with me.

The EDC function (it was not called the EDC at that time) at our Chamber of Commerce started with one employee then grew to two employees. These people did economic development work that was largely reactive to opportunities because they didn’t have the resources to go beyond being reactive.

“Over time people said it got better and better, and while there were efforts to put more money into development along the way, in 2004 there was a bigger effort to put even more private and public dollars into economic development.

When we got this increased funding, there was a real sense of now we really have to do more.”

Huey says more resources, incentives and public tools were made available so there was the idea they should create a single purpose organization. This was a big pivot for the EDC. So, what are some of the EDC efforts to diversify our economy and lure huge companies with global reach? Do I hear Amazon?

Of course, it’s the biggest fish in the global business market, and one, if landed, is a game changer for any community seeking good clean green jobs and an insurgence of green in the bank accounts of the masses.

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104381

and grow our economy with more of these types of businesses, it will benefit the local market because there will be more people earning salaries.

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There are many real estate companies and Realtors® to choose from, so we would be honored to speak with you regarding your real estate sale or purchase.

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69

schools, and other aspects of our vibrant community.

on the town

Courtesy of EDC Fast Facts 2018

And while the EDC of Sarasota County didn’t land the big Amazon fish, it still has its lures in the water, fishing for those companies that make sense. All kinds of businesses – green, tech, manufacturing.

Businesses developed by the next Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark PASCO Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos.

REGIONAL

POPULATION PROjECTIONS

WORKFORCE

500,000

492,174

WORKFORCE

HILLSBOROUGH

Huey points out that Sarasota County is not a place where you POLK bring smokestacks. Those types of companies don’t even look to 1,677,613 come here. So, I was curious. What type of companies do come MSA WORKFOR here? Can the film industry be that next big thing that brings 365,381 economic growth to the region?

HARDEE MANATEE PINELLA S

463,374

406,066

379,448

100,000

277,776

200,000

325,961

300,000

420.763

400,000

COUNTY WORK

Huey tells me, “Most of the work that we do is industry agnostic— MANATEE DESOTO that can diversify 189,760 meaning that we are interested in any businesses SARASOTA our economy. But as far as film goes, it’s an area where we have SARASOTA a vertical—a space in which we are investing money because CHARLOTTE Source: Local Area we think we have strengths and are positioned to be more Unemployment CHARACTERISTICS Statistics (LAUS) POPULATION

BY AGE competitive than the average market. We’re willing to invest and pursue these opportunities. Director Jeanne Corcoran of the 0-19 (67,203) Sarasota Film and Entertainment Office is the tip of the spear on our20-34 film efforts here.”

(52,540)

0 1990 2000 2010 2017 2020 2030 2040 Source: FL Demographic Estimating Conference, Feb. 2017, & UF, BEBR

“We made a pitch,” Huey says. The size of Amazon is unprecedented. They were contemplating 50,000 jobs, which is about the size of the city of Sarasota. In my career Heuy is pleased with what they’ve done to promote our film 35-54 (83,726) j Sarasotaindustry Region saying rankedRingling College’s newlyjbuilt Siesta Keylabs Beach ranked #1 in the there has never been a project of that size.” studio (the first Source: TripAdvisor Sixth Best Performing City in the U.S. 55-64and (64,985) academic commercial soundstage and post-production facility TOTAL: 412,569 j supported North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton re “Amazon made it known that they were looking, whichSource: is MilkenofInstitute its kind in the state of Florida) are being by the EDC 65-84ranked (126,620) jwork Pine Viewwith School quite different. With(261,893) virtually every other project we ranked asCorcoran. the country’s public funds and widely promoted by Jeanne Unincorporated on, the businesses keep their information more secretive #1 in State of85+ Florida, #13 Nationally 10th Fastest-Growing Metropolitan (22,778) Source: US News & Worldwe Report and theyPort don’t(64,275) want everyone to call them with hundreds Source: US Census Bureau in “What are hearing is that all the major production facilities North of proposals.”

Georgia are booked through 2021 with content producers.

So j SarasotaSource: County Schools receive j Sarasota ranked Florida Demographic Estimating Conference, February 2017, and UF, BEBR

POPULATION jURISdICTIONS

Sarasota (56,610)

ACCOLAdES

“A+” Rating for 14th Consecutive Year

“We knew we were a long shot. When we looked at their Source: Florida Department of Education criteria, were a number of things that madej us Sarasota-Bradenton an Venicethere (22,465) ranked underdog including being too small a community, but TAXCities RATESto Launch a #1 on listTOP of Best when I talked some people who knew Amazon fairly Longboat Keyto (7,326) Small Business in the US.CORPORATE INCOME well at the senior level to get a sense for their culture and Source: Bizjournals.com Source:they US Census Population Estimates what value, I sensed that there was a lot there and FLORIdA 5.5% that we shared some common ground.

“Essentially our pitch was that we are a community maybe a little bit like them, in that nobody really believed Amazon could be who they now are. As a community, we have big ambitions. We know that as a company Amazon was built on talent and that we are a community that has the quality of life and the amenities to attract the kind of talent they need. And while you can’t look at our talent and labor force now and see the 50,000 people you need, between the development possibilities that exist here and our quality of life, Sarasota is it! Everyone wants to come and live here.

Give us a chance. Let us prove that to you.”

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#1 as Best Place to Live in the Stat Source: US News & World Report

Courtesy of EDC Fast Facts 2018

j The Sarasota Metro area has the 9

Highest Growth Rate for the Millen (11.1%; from 2010-201

PERSONAL INCOME Population

Source: Brookings Institute Study; The Millennial Gener

demographic bridge to America’s diverse future 0A%

GEORGIA

6%

6%

ALABAMA

6.5%

5%

TENNESSEE

6.5%

5%

NEW YORK

7.1%

8.82%

MASSACHUSETTS

8%

5.1%

CALIFORNIA

8.8%

13.3%

NEW JERSEY

9%

8.97%

Source: Tax Foundation

on the town Courtesy of EDC Fast Facts 2018

JEFFREY KAHANE, MUSIC DIRECTOR

COST OF LIVING

PER CAPITA INCOME

100 = U.S. AVERAGE

SARASOTA

FLORIDA

$ 60,000

NEW YORK, NY (242.9)

Sarasota

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (152.4)

20.19%

$ 20,000

Classical musicians from around the world 0 converge on Sarasota 2011 2016 forSource: three weeks US Department of Commerce of master classes and breathtaking performances.

BOSTON, MA (145.7) SAN dIEG0, CA (144.1) NEWARK, Nj (121.4) FT LAUdERdALE, FL (119.8) BALTIMORE, Md (116.7)

Florida

16.15% 2011

2016

HOUSING

PHILAdELPHIA, PA (116.4) WILMINGTON, dE (109.2) SARASOTA, FL (107.2) Source: www.coli.org

it’s our hope that if that plays out, some of that film business will

end up at Ringling College’s Studio Labs.”

AVERAGE SAT SCORES

READING / WRITING of the EDC. MATH“We don’t fold Huey thinks of this as a hallmark up our tent when, for example, the state says there are no tax DISTRICT 572 558 incentives. We do have a local incentive program that pivoted immediately to smaller STATE 518 scale productions. Jeanne 494 has done a great job in that space.”

538

JUNE 1-22

$ 40,000

WASHINGTON, dC (157.4)

NATIONAL

5 YEAR GROWTH RATE:

533

“For us, it’s always figuring out, at any given time or place, where can we compete and get some wins. And every once in a while, you get an MTV – which is now producing the third season of Siesta Key. They‘re going to spend a lot of money here.”

Source: Sarasota County Schools

Wins today translate into jobs, filled hotel rooms and crowded restaurants. What do future wins look like for Sarasota? What business sector does the EDC hope will depict Sarasota in the future?

“Our passion is for people to see us outside of tourism and retirement. Our dream is that we live for the day when Sarasota is mentioned in Chicago, and people say, ‘Oh that’s a tech hub, isn’t it?’”

BRAHMS SINGLE FAMILY SCHUMANN $285,000 FAURÉ BACH CONdO VIVALDI $240,000 MOZART MENDELSSOHN RENT BEETHOVEN $1,249 POULNEC HAYDN Full Festival program online

SARASOTA

Source: Sarasota Board of Realtors

IN JUNE

NEVER SOUNDED SO

GOOD CASSIA DRAKE 2018 SMF Fellow

1680 Fruitville Road, Suite 402

Tickets from $29 Sarasota, FL 34236 (t) 941.309.1200 941-953-3434 • (f ) 941.309.1209 edcsarasotacounty.com SarasotaOrchestra.org/Festival MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

SCENE magazine

71

on the town

Education MATTERS

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

E-LEARNING TEAM SUPPORTS STUDENT SUCCESS AT USFSM One of the more challenging issues colleges and universities face today is designing and delivering engaging online courses that meet the educational needs of diverse students.

This is especially true for schools that serve both traditional students, who may be fresh out of high school or transferring from another college, and post-traditional students, who are returning to school mid-career, after serving in the military or raising families.

Many students today are older, which means that they face the challenges of simultaneously managing the demands of work and family responsibilities and that they require flexibility in scheduling courses and completing assignments.

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee embraces the fact that the average age of its student body is 26.2, and nearly half of its students (49 percent) work 31 hours or more per week. As a commuter campus, USFSM also recognizes that it’s simply more convenient and efficient for students to take certain courses online, yet these courses must be engaging for students to stay in school and persist to graduation.

In order to deliver robust online courses, USFSM has assembled a team of professionals in its Office of E-Learning Services who work with faculty to develop and support the dozens of online and hybrid classes that are certified by “Quality Matters,” an international organization whose mission is to promote and improve the quality of online education and student learning. Timi Hager has served as USFSM’s Director of E-Learning Services since 2015. The team includes another “techie,” Sarah Gentry, along with two instructional designers, Amber Lee and Heidi Schroeder.

“We really focus on three areas,” explains Hager. “We work to ensure quality of the online courses, provide professional development and training for faculty, and offer student support.”

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SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

The E-Learning team helps students become acclimated to distance learning early in the college experience by participating in USFSM’s recruitment and orientation process, as well as hosting information sessions at Open Houses and Week of Welcome events to familiarize students with their campus learning management system, Canvas, as well as other online resources. USFSM’s academic advisors also work hard to ensure students take advantage of their learning options to stay on track toward earning their degrees as quickly as possible. Perhaps most important of all is the thought, creativity, and innovation a faculty member brings to bear when designing an online course. That’s what it takes for students to feel a true sense of belonging in a virtual classroom environment. Anything short of that and the students are more likely to tune out, falling prey to one or more distractions, digital or otherwise.

The E-Learning team invests a considerable amount of time with a faculty member to design an online course. Schroeder says, “We partner with faculty for a full semester. We meet regularly for 16 weeks, really getting to know them so we can pair them up with the right strategies and tools for learning. The goal is for the faculty member to be able to teach comfortably.” When a faculty member finally says, “I feel at home here!” about their Canvas class site, then that’s when Schroeder and her colleagues know the class is primed for success.

Jane Govoni, the USFSM English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) coordinator and a Spanish instructor, has found nothing but

on the town

success in running distance classes. “The students in Spanish seem to like the videos of myself speaking in Spanish to allow them to feel more connected to me as the instructor, and to the Spanish language,” she says. “In addition, students seem to like the flexibility in schedule, as many post their assignments in the late evenings. They have also commented on the immediate support they receive from E-Learning staff if they have a technical issue.”

Govoni adds that “I thought that my courses were pretty well designed and interactive; however, I enrolled in Quality Matters training and learned about so many other tools, techniques and strategies to support students. My course ‘came alive’ based on the feedback and guidance of E-Learning. They showed me how to design courses that are student accessible, dynamic, interactive, and engaging. Through E-Learning, my courses now reflect ways for students to demonstrate their comprehension of the materials, application of readings, and ways to synthesize and evaluate their own work. The courses were brought to a whole new level of cognitive thinking based on the guidance of the staff in E-Learning. I can’t express how fortunate we are to have such a team at USFSM.” Shawn Ahearn, Director of Communications and Marketing, says “It’s entirely possible that the first impression someone has of USFSM is an online course. It’s important that we do things well.”

That’s particularly true for Florida residents. Since every high school student in the Sunshine State is required to take at least one online course before graduation, they have some sense of how online courses work. Those retuning to college who have never taken an online course should be pleased with the quality of their experience at USFSM. As the USF System consolidates its three campuses into “One USF” by July 1, 2020, more students will have the ability to take courses seamlessly at any USF campus. More course offerings are likely to emerge at USFSM, many of which will be online, providing an opportunity for USFSM and the E-Learning team to serve some of the 45,000 students in Tampa and 5,000 students in St. Petersburg.

Thanks to the E-Learning team at USFSM, a model of success is in place for developing online courses, training faculty to deliver those courses in a user-friendly manner, and assisting students in their academic journey when needed. Because after all, quality matters.

F O R M O R E IN F O R M AT IO N

about University of South Florida SarasotaManatee, please visit www.usfsm.edu, or call 941.359.4200.

MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

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arts&culture

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Best SEATS PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ARTS AND CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF SARASOTA COUNTY

Florida Studio Theatre

ARTIST SERIES CONCERTS OF SARASOTA

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE

941.306.1200 / artistseriesconcerts.org An Afternoon of Operetta May 12

941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com Old Love Through May 12 A Night at the Art Museum!

May 18

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 941.351.8000 / asolorep.org Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street May 1 – June 1

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org Mainstage Wednesday’s Child Through May 24 Cabaret The Wonder Years Through June 9 FST Improv Life’s a Beach Through June 28

JAZZ CLUB OF SARASOTA 941.366.1552 / jazzclubsarasota.org

Jazz On The Water Len Murphy Quartet May 5

KEY CHORALE 941.921.4845 / keychorale.org

Masterworks Series Tomorrow’s Voices Today May 3 74

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

Larry Hamm’s “The Clown” from Theatre Odyssey’s 10-Minute Play Festival

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 941.748.5875 manateeperformingartscenter.com Barnum Through May 12 The Last Dance: A Donna Summer Tribute Concert May 18

NEW MUSIC NEW COLLEGE 941.487.4888 / newmusicnewcollege.org Electronic Music and Sound: Pulse | Soundscape | Noise May 8

THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org Studio William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (Abridged) May 3 & 4

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES THE LAST DANCE: Donna Summer Tribute Concert May 18 | 8:00 p.m.

SOPHISTICATED LADY: Songbook of Natalie Cole July 13 | 8:00 p.m.

TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING June 12 – 23

THE MUSIC MAN July 19 – 20

JUNE B. JONES JR. June 21 – 22

WEST SIDE STORY August 8 – 25 CALL OR GO ONLINE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS!

MANATEEPERFORMINGARTSCENTER.COM | BOX OFFICE: 941.748.5875 MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

75

arts&culture

Theatre Odyssey

Venice Theatre

THE SARASOTA BALLET

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org Sarasota Ballet School Peter Rabbit and Friends May 18

941.955.7676 / vanwezel.org

SARASOTA OPERA 941.328.1300 / sarasotaopera.org

See website for list of performances.

THE VENICE INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Opera Composers in Song May 10

941.218.3779 veniceperformingartscenter.com VHS Spring Concert Series Through May 7

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

VENICE SYMPHONY

941.953.3434 / sarasotaorchestra.org

941.207.8822 thevenicesymphony.org Patriotic Pops at Cool Today Park May 25

Recital Series

Great Escapes Dance, Dance, Dance!

May 1 – 4

Pops Women Rock May 10 & 11

THEATRE ODYSSEY 941.799.7224 / theatreodyssey.org Ten-Minute Play Festival May 9 – 12

URBANITE THEATRE 941.321.1397 / UrbaniteTheatre.com The Niceties May 31 – June 30

VENICE THEATRE 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com

Stage II Race Through May 12

Concerts & Specials The 24th Annual Loveland Show May 30 – June 2

Generations Series Honk! A Musical Tale of “The Ugly Duckling” May 10 – 19

For a full list of this season’s performing arts events, view our annual Arts & Culture Guide.

SCENESARASOTA.COM 76

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

PERFECT IN PRESTANCIA

FOR SALE: 7728 CLUB LN OFFERED AT $799,000 SARASOTA, FL

B

eautifully updated and secluded 4500 square foot maintenance-free home in Audubon-sanctioned TPC Prestancia Country Club with direct golf course and lake views. Bright and open, every room is generous in size. Other special features include an elevator,

• 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths • Study/Den maybe used as ca 4th bedroom • Patio Room with tinted glass sliders overlooking golf course • Wide plank European Oak wood floors

PRICED BELOW RECENT APPRAISAL.

abundant crown moldings, an architecturally stunning staircase, wood burning fireplace with gas starter, large expanses of windows, plantation shutters, temperaturecontrolled patio room overlooking golf course, large outdoor deck overlooking the lake, and beautifully finished baths.

• Large Master Suite with patio on 1st floor NEW TO THE AREA AND NOT SURE WHERE TO BUY? • Elevator to 2nd floor Whether you are looking to buy a new home or your existing home we can assist you.

• sell En-Suite Guest bedrooms There are many real estate companies and • NewertoRoof – from, 5 ½ years Realtors® choose so we would be honored to speak with you regarding your • 3 A/C units – 5 years real estate sale or purchase.

DON’T WANT TO BE JUST ANOTHER LISTING?

MLS: A4428061

We aim to provide personal service that only

Michael B. Edwards 941.504.5637 Solutions Realty 500 S. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34236 MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

77

arts&culture

FLORIDA SUNCOAST WATERCOLOR SOCIETY

ALEXART INTERNATIONAL ART GALLERY

ALEXART INTERNATIONAL ART GALLERY

FINE ARTS SOCIETY OF SARASOTA

alexartinternational.com | 813.465.1249 Celebrities Mosaics May 3 – 31

fineartsrq.com | 941.330.0680 Free Art Collection Tour Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall May 7 10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

GET Inspired CULTURAL HAPPENINGS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ARTS AND CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF SARASOTA COUNTY

ARTCENTER MANATEE artcentermanatee.org | 941.746.2862 Manatee County School District Show Through May 17 Fur, Feathers, Flora & Fauna Open Juried Show Kellogg & Reid Hodges Galleries May 21 – June 21 Pictures Only Please – Open Juried Photography Show Searle Gallery May 21 – June 21 Night at ArtCenter Manatee Ages 6 – 13 May 4 – 5 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.

ART UPTOWN GALLERY artuptown.com | 941.955.5409 New Artists Exhibit “Uptown Views” Through May 24

78

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

FLORIDA SUNCOAST WATERCOLOR SOCIETY suncoastwatercolorsociety.com 914.572.7777 Open Aqueous Juried Exhibition Opening Reception Party: Thursday, May 16 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Exhibit: May 10 – June 6

NORTH PORT ART CENTER northportartcenter.org | 941.423.6460 Summertime Sizzle Exhibit Opening Reception: Saturday, May 18 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Exhibit: May 14 – June 22 Garden Party & Fashion Tea Luncheon May 19 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

DABBERT GALLERY

THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART

dabbertgallery.com|941.955.1315 Metal Marble & More May 3 – 31

ringling.org | 941.359.5700 Fourth Quarter: Senior Athletes, Their Indomitable Spirit

arts&culture

THE BULLET HOLE “Florida’s Oldest Gun Store”

Located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota since 1947.

Specializes in Firearms, Liberty Safes & Accessories.

The Misantone family, from left: Stella, Barbara, Dasher (dog), Brooke (standing), Francis & Alexandra

“Our Family welcomes you!”

THE RINGLING

Searing Galleries Through July 21 Interpolations: Artworks from The Ringling and Monda Collections Searing Galleries Through September 8 Natasha Mazurka: Order Systems Searing Galleries Through September 29 Chivalry & Circus Through May 13 National Theatre Live: All About Eve Historic Asolo Theater May 3 6:30 p.m.

Ringling by the Bay Bayfront Gardens May 20 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

VENICE ART CENTER veniceartcenter.com | 941.485.7136 South County Public School Show May 7 – 17 Wide Open Spaces May 24 – June 21

Have an upcoming visual art event?

Send your event details to COMMUNICATIONS@SARASOTAARTS.ORG

Mention this ad & get a free box of CCI Mini Mags with your next purchase of $10 or more

941.957.1996 | 330 South Orange Avenue Don’t worry, we have plenty of parking!

It doesn’t need to be NEW to be

AWESOME!

Voted Sarasota’s #1 Consignment Store

AWARDING MORE THAN $8 MILLION LOCALLY IN GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

There’s no limit to the BARGAINS you’ll FIND! Supporting local ARTS related programs & education for more than 50 years.

Volunteer • Donate Consign • Shop 539 S. ORANGE | 941-955-7859 | OPEN MON-FRI 9-4 & SAT 10-4 | www.sarasotawex.com MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

79

arts&culture

Meet Artist

JUDY ROBERTSON Sarasota artist Judy Robertson is jumping with both feet into the local art scene. “I was born into a family of outrageously creative people. Making something out of nothing was just a normal everyday way of life.”

After almost 50 years as a graphic designer, her lifelong desire to be a fine artist is finally happening.

With retirement just around the corner, she has been getting her home studio in order. She shares it with other artists in her family—her husband Bruce, her son Jake, and his wife Becca. “There is always something going on. Something being brought to life.”

“I lost a great friend this past year. She would often ask me when was I going to start painting. It was the shock of losing her, and the realization that life is short that did it. I haven’t stopped painting since.”

Judy recently won Art Battle, a live painting tournament sponsored by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County which showcases local artists.

“Winning Art Battle of Sarasota was such a thrill. I’m excited to see what’s up ahead…a gallery…a bigger studio space…and meeting new artists and patrons along the way. Life is short. Create.”

Judy’s work can be found at judyrobertsonart.com, on Instagram at jrdesigns, and on Facebook at Judy Robertson Art. Email: judyrobertson@mac.com

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SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

TOTALLYYOURS Since 1957

Sarasota Scene has led the way on delivering relevant, engaging and inspiring content on the greater Sarasota area for over seven decades.

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In 1989 I purchased “Eco-Conscious Dry Cleaning”

Carlson Cleaners.

At 23 years old I worked

tirelessly as any young

ENTREPRENEUR

would do to grow their business.

I have learned the ins & outs

of running a smooth operation.

I think you will see this in our

QUALITY & SERVICE. Sincerely,

Don Carlson Sr. 3115 Southgate Circle Sarasota, Fl. 34239

(941) 275-4647

5193 Clark Road Sarasota, Fl. 34233

FOR SALE

68’ TRUMPY ARE YOU THE ONE?

This elegant and historic vessel needs a special owner who appreciates its glamour, style, workmanship and class!

Her integrity is that of the man for whom it was built—multimillionaire socialite John Kimberly,

founder of Kimberly Clark—who entertained heads of state from around the world on this Rolls Royce of vessels. The vessel is completely restored and every piece of its mahogany and double-planked white oak was completely refurbished.

For pricing, multiple charter options & details call Captain Jerry L Chitwood.

36’ & 42’ Grand Banks available for Charter. Visit website for more info.

FOR SALE 42’ Grand Banks MTY

82

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

941.383.5232 | Chitwood-Charters.com

FOR SALE 36’ Grand Banks

insider

InHEALTH ADVANCED AND COMPASSIONATE CANCER CARE

By Larry N. Silverman, MD

As with any cancer, preventative measures and routine screenings are imperative. In fact, some screenings will detect pre-cancerous changes years before they become cancer, enabling the proper treatment early enough to prevent it. For instance, Pap smears, mammograms, and colon cancer screenings are all tests that have significantly helped reduce death rates from certain cancers in the United States. While complete prevention is ultimately the goal, screenings can also help physicians detect cancer at an early stage in which treatment can stop it from metastasizing or becoming lifethreatening.

Unfortunately, however, prevention is not always enough. Though eating a healthy diet, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower your risk of getting cancer, there are cases in which a cancer diagnosis in unavoidable or even genetic. This is why it’s important to seek the best integrative care.

At 21st Century Oncology (21CO), our Dream Team of nearly 1,000 physicians truly functions as a family, amongst colleagues and with our patients.

People that come to 21CO for treatment aren’t just part of a faceless list of patients – they are real people, with real names and families and stories, that we bond with and do everything in our power to help them live their best possible lives. It’s that idea of “fighting for our patients like

“Some screenings will detect pre-cancerous changes years before they become cancer, enabling the proper treatment early enough to prevent it. “ an army and caring for them like a family” that guides our 21CO Dream Team every day.

As the nation’s largest integrated cancer care provider, we’ve brought radiation oncology treatments and other treatment services to patients in communities across the country, like Sarasota, for many years. With 130 treatment centers spread, 21CO is able to offer expert care coupled with the most advanced technology to patients close to home, in a comfortable setting.

21CO also offers state-of-the-art equipment and a host of the most evolved techniques, like 3D Conformal Radiotherapy, Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and several others. This technology is helping us help others and is changing

lives by offering personalized treatment options designed to meet the unique needs of each patient and their diagnosis.

Often, radiation therapy treatment sessions have to be facilitated multiple times per week over the course of several weeks, or months, depending on the severity of the diagnosis. This is why we believe the best care is the kind that enables patients to remain close to their support systems so they can heal comfortably. On top of that, the comfort and confidence of being close to home allows them to continue their normal daily routines. This is a very important component of cancer treatment that patients should also take into consideration.

When life doesn’t go as planned and you need help, you want to be surrounded by people who will keep trying and are willing to do whatever it takes. Giving hope and promising treatment options to patients close to home is nothing short of amazing and it’s what our team at 21CO does every day to be unstoppable in our crusade against cancer.

Larry N. Silverman, MD 21st Century Oncology 3210 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34237 (941) 364-8887 3663 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 924-8700

MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

83

Eat &Drink

on the town

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING

The Overton

By Rick Dakan

Daily Bird

Just because you’re heading out to eat with your kids doesn’t mean you always have to settle for lowest common denominator fast food and chain restaurants. Sarasota is brimming with other options, places where parents and children alike can enjoy both the food and the atmosphere while eating better, locally made cuisine. Here are some of my favorite eateries for all ages, places where kids can be kids (picky eating, running around and playing, maybe even making a bit of a mess) and parents can be adults (eat something legitimately good, maybe accompanied by a nice adult beverage).

1534 State Street Downtown Sarasota (941) 306-3103 Mon to Sat: 11AM – 9PM Sun: Closed Brand new to downtown, Daily Bird offers a deep dive into a favorite for many families: fried chicken. Okay, yes, they have grilled chicken too, and it’s tasty for those who are a little more health conscious than your average kid, but for me the star of the show is the fried chicken, which can be had in multiple forms. The juicy, crispy, chicken sandwiches are great, and come in some wonderfully inventive flavor combinations (I like the Korean barbeque). For kids (and adults) there are chicken bits, somewhere between tenders and nuggets in size, with a variety of dipping sauces. Unlike other big brand, massproduced chicken sandwich slingers, Daily Bird uses Springer Mountain Farms chickens, which they point out “…have higher standards than organic. Fed American-grown corn with added vitamins and minerals that’s pesticide-free. No steroids, antibiotics, hormones, or animal by-products.”

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SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

Nancy’s BBQ

301 S Pineapple Ave Downtown Sarasota (941) 366-2271 Mon to Thur: 11AM – 8PM Fri to Sat: 11AM – 9PM Sun: Closed Nancy’s has become a downtown institution since it opened several years back under the leadership of the eponymous Nancy Krohngold and her secret dry rub recipe. The casual atmosphere and quick counter service make it an ideal location for family dining. There’s lots of delicious barbecue to choose from, and of course there’s mac and cheese which will satisfy many an otherwise picky-eater. Sure, all that sauce makes a sticky mess of cherubic cheeks, but there’s a big sink right there in the dining area for when it comes time to wash up. Get there early for lunch, as it gets crowded on weekdays.

Nancy’s BBQ

Mandeville Beer Garden 428 N. Lemon Ave Downtown Sarasota (941) 954-8688 Mon to Thu: 11AM – 11PM Fri to Sat: 11AM – 1AM Sun: 11AM – 10PM

You might be thinking, “hey, a beer garden doesn’t sound so family friendly!” Well, think again. Every time I go to Mandeville, I see families hanging out and enjoying both food and drink. Odds are good that your little ones might even make a new friend or two; that’s how family friendly Mandeville is. Yes there are a bajillion different beers to choose from for the adults, but there are also burgers, fries, hot dogs and a big open area to run around in, and even play cornhole.

The grilled cheese selection is also great, as are the waffle-cut sweet potato fries. And the beer of course…

Mandeville

The Overton

1420 Boulevard of the Arts Rosemary District (941) 500-9175 Mon: Closed Tue to Sat: 8AM – 7PM Sun: 8AM – 4PM Another relatively new addition to downtown, this Rosemary District restaurant shares a wide courtyard space with Spice Station and the Artisan Cheese Company (two other fine, fun restaurants). The inviting, modern design and ambitious menu at the Overton mix with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. There are definitely some things on the menu most kids won’t groove on, but which adults can appreciate, including lots of great vegetarian options. But there are burgers, fries, and delicious baked goods too, along with a great coffee shop next door. With plenty of pet-friendly outdoor seating and plentiful parking (not always true downtown), The Overton is a great new hang out spot.

The Overton

MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

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arts&culture

OCTAVIA SAENZ Creative Writing Major at Ringling College of Art and Design

What are you reading now?

I’m reading Gretchen FelkerMartin’s Ego Homini Lupus, a gory novel about a medieval woman losing her mind after being married off to a wolf pelt hunter. It’s like George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, zoomed all the way into one life of someone with little power.

What’s the last great book you read?

Drive Here and Devastate Me, a collection of poems by Megan Falley. As the title says, it’s a devastating collection of poems that left me feeling like I’d been run over by a car. At the same time, it’s so tender and sweet. I highly recommend it for anyone feeling lovesick or who enjoys feeling lovesick!

So, you’re inviting four characters from books (real or imagined, living or deceased) to The Hob Nob for milkshakes. Who joins you for some 1950s-style outdoor dining fun?

Leah and Abby from Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli, Kaye from Tithe by Holly Black, and Molly from Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown. Now there’s a group of strong-headed women bound to get up to some mischief!

Bilbo or Frodo?

Bilbo! Frodo’s a good kid, and his friendship with Sam is adorable, but Bilbo is more fun. He’s clever, more in touch with his inner trickster—enough to best Gollum!—plus, he didn’t split the party!

DAN HOFFE Financial Consultant

What are you reading now?

I’m reading The Righteous Mind—Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt.

What’s the last great book you read?

My all-time favorite book is Shantaram by Gregory David

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SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

Roberts. With killer prose, it transports you to the hustling, bustling, chaotic, seductive, and dangerous Mumbai.

You’ll live among the slum dwellers, learn about the mafia and the standing babas, and be blown away by the cacophony of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that are modern-day India. It’s an epic tale of love, forgiveness, and ultimately redemption told on a grand scale.

It’ll make you laugh. It’ll make you cry. But most important, it’ll make you think.

So, you’re inviting four characters from books (real or imagined, living or dead) to a Slam Poetry event at Bookstore 1. Who do you take with you?

I’d invite Gabriel Allon, Aloysius Xingu Leng Pendergast, Mitch Rapp, and Harry Bosch. These characters would definitely add the “slam” to the poetry!

Biographies or how-to’s?

I’ve always loved biographies. What’s more interesting than seeing how someone chooses to spend the most precious gift of all—their life?

ROGER Homeless Ex-Carpenter in Portland

What are you reading now?

James Patterson’s Witch & Wizard.

What’s the last great book you read?

The other day at the Multnomah County Library, I found Dreaming the Beatles: The Love Story of One Band and the Whole World. What a great read!

So, you’re inviting four characters from books (real or imagined, living or dead) to join you for a visit to Voodoo Donuts. Who shares a Bacon Maple Bar or Mango Tango with you?

Gandalf for sure. Then Philip Marlowe. Lyra Silvertongue from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. And Eeyore because why not?

Audiobooks or physical books?

I like to hear the music of Portland’s fabulous downtown in the background when I read, so physical books for sure.

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arts&culture

What do you want to be when you grow up?

MIRIAM WALLACE Chair of Humanities at New College of Florida

What are you reading now?

Help nurse Walt achieve his dream.

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I just read The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden—a rewrite of a Russian folktale.

What’s the last great book you read?

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Machado and Sunshine State by Sarah Gerard. I gobbled up Machado’s short stories like salty chocolates— not quite sweet, not quite savory, but you can’t stop. I loved “The Husband Stitch” and the imagery of the ribbon around her neck as the one thing her husband cannot touch. There’s an Angela Carter-esque element that still sticks with me (see The Bloody Chamber).

Sunshine State is a great collection of essays for anyone living on this coast of Florida and even if you’re a transplant. I particularly resonated with the pieces that are what I’d call long-form journalism—about a particular bird rescue organization, about Amway, about growing up in a Christian Science household.

So, you’re inviting four characters from books (real or imagined, living or dead) for a round of golf at The Meadows Country Club. Who joins you on the links for this golf fivesome?

Alice from Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland—we could even play with flamingoes. Emma from Jane Austen’s novel of that name (I imagine she’d carry a tea cup). Yet we need a bad boy to keep things interesting—how about Stephen Daedelus from Joyce’s Portrait of a Young Artist? I bet he’d mope about rather than playing and regale us with philosophical conundrums. And I have to invite Frankenstein’s monster—it being his 200th birthday and all.

Jane Austen. Yay or nay?

Yay all the way. Sooo many ways to read her!

SCF-Foundation.org 88

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

insider

Laughing MATTERS THE ONE ABOUT MUPPETS

By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Illustrations by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

F

or reasons that would require an entire column’s worth of explanation, I have season tickets to this year’s musical series at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Ft. Myers. Guilty as charged.

I recently saw the fifth event in the series, entitled “Tap Dogs.”

According to the group’s website, it’s “a high-adrenaline, fullvoltage experience which combines the art of tap dance, with an industrial infused theatre experience.”

(I don’t know why the superfluous comma is in there, but that’s yet another entire column’s worth of musing/rage/entertainment.)

After the Tap Dogs finished their final step-heel heel-step combo, I rode the elevator down with two ladies who sat near me during the show, gabbing incessantly and unwrapping cough drops in crinkly wrappers the entire time. Or nearly so. Let’s call them Statler and Waldorf, since those grumpy Muppets clearly served as their spirit animals.

Here’s the official transcript of that 30-second elevator ride.

Statler: Sure, they’re talented and all, but why all the moving around? The up and down, the down and up?

Waldorf: Why CAN’T they stay in one place?

Statler: But they are talented.

Waldorf: And handsome enough, if you like that sort of thing.

Statler: But the down! The up!

Waldorf: It’s too much!

Statler: So much. But at least they have talent.

Waldorf: Of course. Though it was entirely too much.

Statler: That’s true.

Waldorf: But what can you say? Talent, right?

Unfortunately, I seemed to have parked next to their late 90s silver Cadillac, so I heard variations on this theme all the way to and through the parking lot. At one point, they couldn’t decide which of them had driven, and they both got out keys to see which opened the car.

That’s when I roared out of the parking lot.

Don’t get me wrong. This is not an anti-Muppet rant. I LOVE the Muppets. Some of my best friends are Muppets. But when it comes to day-to-day living, channeling the spirit of those two cantankerous fellows in their stage left balcony is a poor idea here in the real world. That kind of thing is best left to humor columns. And to The Muppet Theater (the commonly-used name of the grand old vaudeville-style venue for The Muppet Show, though in episode 106, Kermit said its official name was “The Benny Vandergast Memorial Theater”).

MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE

89

insider While I’m thankful the two ladies who ruined “Tap Dogs” for me did so with their unaware noisiness versus the active heckling the real Statler and Waldorf did, they still proved as annoying as one’s armpit being infested by sand fleas.

My father—an amateur Statler—tells me that older people should get a pass on many things thanks to age. Is there a chart somewhere that explains the real perks of getting older?

• Age 55—senior discount on coffee at McDonald’s • Age 60—senior discount on coffee at Burger King (free with AARP card) • Age 62—free coffee at Big Boy Restaurants • Age 65—ability to wear a fanny pack anytime, anywhere (they’re SO practical!)

• Age 75—being okay with backing out of the driveway without looking • Age 85—carte blanche to speak your mind no matter where you are or who you’re with (bonus points for saying any of the following: “whippersnappers,” “The Google,” or “jukebox”)

Waldorf: I wish Florida were still like it was when I visited as a kid.

It had one big, long beautiful season the whole time.

Statler: I blame Trump.

Waldorf: I blame Obama.

Statler: El Niño.

Waldorf: Bruce Springsteen.

Evidence 3—Early morning coffee rush line at Starbuck’s on Fruitville and Honore Waldorf: Macchiato? I think I’ve got an ointment at home that’ll clear that right up.

Statler: Frapp-a-what-o?

Waldorf: How do I just order a damn coffee?

Statler: What happened to medium?

On what planet is a “tall” the same as a “medium”?

Waldorf: $2.45? For one coffee? Is it served up in a golden cup by Helen of Troy in a diamond-studded flapper outfit?

Evidence 4—Inside a Parkway 8 movie theater Statler: I haven’t been to the pictures in a long time.

Waldorf: Didn’t we see this exact show here last week?

Statler: Yes. But that doesn’t count.

The popcorn was awful.

Waldorf: What’d you order this time?

Statler: The popcorn. I wanted to see if it was as bad as last time.

What I really took from the whole “Tap Dogs” debacle is this—even beyond those two ladies who plagued me during my show, Florida has its fair share of Statlers and Waldorfs who seem fully committed to provide running, annoyed commentary on the world around them.

Let me prove it to you anecdotally by simply using source material from the past five days of my not-so-crazy life as a writer, teacher, parent of two kiddos, and amateur papaya grower (yet another column idea right there!). To protect the innocent— and because I have no idea who these people were—I have replaced all the names below with “Statler” and “Waldorf.”

Evidence 1—Long line at Publix deli on Fruitville Statler: Do the subs have to be so big?

Waldorf: Who would want such a thing?

Statler: What a waste!

Waldorf: What are they thinking?

Evidence 2—Bench at Ken Thompson Park Statler: What do you mean, we don’t have seasons here?

We have seasons here.

Waldorf: Right. Pollen season, hurricane season, parka season, and OMG season.

Statler: I thought it was hurricane season, love bug season, tourist season, and then summer!

90

SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2019

So there you go, my Florida friends. We’re the grumpiest state going. If you don’t believe me, I’ve got a pair of tickets in the nosebleed seats for the final musical in the Barbara Mann series that I’ll sell you. Cheap, cheap, cheap. But it’s BYOCWC (bring your own crinkly wrapped candies).

Got your own Waldorf and Statler exchange that makes you want to howl at the moon? Do you have a great Muppet story that has nothing to do with anything but is worth sharing nonetheless?

Any dynamite overhead anecdote about what’s wrong with Florida, coffee, movies, or fun?

If the answer to any of these is a resounding YES!!!!!!!, then send me the 411 ASAP at RyanLovesMuppets@scenesarasota.com with the subject line “Please Delete.” I’ll be waiting.

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