SRQ Magazine | October 2023 Arts and Culture + She Roars Magazine

Contents

october 2023

Cover: Celebrating the season with perfomers from some of our local arts organizations: Principal Bassoon Fernando Traba from Sarasota Orchestra, Karissa Ratzenboeck from Venice Symphony, Actress Maicy Powell from Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Jordan Leonard from Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Ricardo Rhodes from Sarasota Ballet and Emma Clarke from Circus Arts Conservatory.

season preview 44

From dramatic performances to comedies and musicals, from beautifullydetailed paintings to custom-designed crafts and floral exhibits, our 2023-2024 season preview has all the details you need to stay informed about all things art related. With live performances and exhibitions taking place throughout the region, SRQ will keep you entertained all season long with our comprehensive guide to must-see events in the local arts and culture scene.

71 IN CONVERSATION: INNOVATION IN PHILANTHROPY

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUNCOAST BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDREHOOD

87 25TH ANNIVERSARY BEST OF SRQ LOCAL WINNER STORIES

129 ELITE REALTORS JUDI TAULBEE MUGSIE QUINLAN MOLLY HIGDON

srqist 14

After decades of use Sarasota Youth Sailing and Sarasota Sailing Squadron will be getting a new sailing education center. Actor Jonathan Kirkland visited USF Sarasota-Manatee to speak to students about his career and give words of wisdom on how to make it in the entertainment industry.

culture city 29

James Travers, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s Chairman of the Board, takes us through the Foundation’s mission and quest to create a new performing arts center.

forage 125

n ulf ate the red ag of T rki e signals new avors at Divan Turkish Cuisine.

good hero 133

A fan of all things art related, Betty Ferguson has made an impact at the Sarasota allet o office.

Previous page: A work by renowned artist Syd Solomon from the exhibit being presented by The Galleries at Ringling College of Art and Design. This page: Warm messe-falafel is part o the warm mezze offerings at Turkish restaurant Divan in Gulf Gate, photo by Wyatt Kostygan; Jonathan Kirkland at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee, photo by Wyatt Kostygan; renderings of the new Sarasota Youth Sailing and Sarasota Sailing Squadron campus, courtesy of Sarasota Youth Sailing.

OCTOBER 2023

CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF LISL LIANG

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER WES ROBERTS

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SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

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Barbie Heit

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CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR + SENIOR DESIGNER

Virginia Jankovsky

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES

Dylan Campbell

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS + ARTISTS

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FRIDAY, OCT. 27, 2023

TOGETHER WE ROAR

JOIN US AT MICHAEL’S AT EAST FOR AN UPLIFTING LUNCHEON POPUP BOUTIQUES 10:30AM | PROGRAM 11AM-1:15PM

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STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN

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IT’S ABOAT TIME

After decades of use Sarasota Youth Sailing and Sarasota Sailing Squadron will be getting a new sailing education center. Barbie Heit

SARASOTA YOUTH SAILING (SYS) IS KNOT YOUR AVERAGE CLUB. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth sailing organization has been serving young people ages 5-18 in our community for more than 45 years and hosts more than 400 youth sailors annually with year round racing and summer programs. Operating out of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron (SSS), a 501(c) (7) nonprofit organization and sailing club on Longboat Key, SYS was formed in the late 1970s by mothers of the Luffing Lassies, a large women's sailing organization who have been sailing out of the club since 1972. The two organizations have grown over the decades and continue to share a boathouse at the club which provides two open air classroom spaces, sail lockers, boat storage racks for their fleets and a workshop. The boathouse was built in 1989 and designed by Sarasota architect and SSS member Bill Niblett. It has served its purpose well and provided housing for both programs over the decades, but due to wear and tear on the building, which is located directly on the salty beach of the club, and the incredible growth and growing needs of both SYS and LL organizations respectfully, the building is set to be replaced by a new two story sailing education center on Sarasota Bay.

A three million dollar project, the new sailing center will provide housing for two expanded (air conditioned) classrooms, office and meeting spaces, large sail lockers and boat storage, a workshop, as well as a large deck and event space. The structure will present green technology, solar panels and rainwater silos. Located directly on the beach of the club overlooking where the youth launch their boats and the SYS dock, the new center will stand where the current boat house, as well as SYS mobile office, stands currently.

The new center design was led by Sarasota-based architecture firm PS Design Workshop, now in their final stages of permitting and design, with help from William Olmsted Antozzi Office of Architecture. The design of the building draws from both the guiding principles put forth by the Sarasota School of Architecture as well as the regionally defining vernacular projects of the area and existing Squadron buildings. Serving as a coastal demarcation and point-of-interest, the new building will serve the day-to-day activities of youth sailing, but also personify the identity of the Squadron and the continuing relationship it has with its community. This project hopes to break ground in one to two years and be open by 2026. SRQ

Left to right: The South eastern side of the new building features multiple elements including a tall storage space for the Luffing Lassie Sails. The main front exterior will be timeless and elegant with a deep relationship to the previous structures on the site. Young sailors receiving SYS instruction and coaching are in for a real treat with the new education center in the works.

GLASS HALF FULL

Hamilton star Jonathan Kirkland talks about his career and what it means for him to give back. Dylan Campbell

THIS PAST MAY, ACTOR AND SINGER JONTHAN KIRKLAND, who played the role of George Washington in the Chicago Company’s production of Hamilton, came to the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to speak with students young and old about his experiences and lessons learned from time spent on Broadway and the silver screen. While he was in town, Kirkland was kind enough to sit down with SRQ to talk about his career, advice he has for young actors and why it’s so important for him to give back to the community.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR VISIT TO USF?

JONATHAN KIRKLAND: I'm working with the PAInT Center with Dr. Denise Davis-Cotton, the director of the center at USF. We met recently at a conference out in Los Angeles, at an education conference in LA, where I was doing an artistic residency. We’re both from Detroit and she started the heralded Detroit School of the Arts, so we connected on those familiar roots. Yesterday, I was fortunate to work with some kids, who were amazing and today I'm speaking with some staff and faculty about holistic art, inclusive art and things like that.

WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO TEACH AND CONNECT WITH OTHERS OUTSIDE OF ACTING?

KIRKLAND: I have a history as an educator. My entire family, my mother, my father, my aunts, my wife, every single person I'm attached to has been passionate about education. My mother was also an opera singer, so that's where I got my gift for singing, if you will.

Education is so vital to me because none of us are where we are without someone teaching us something. On top of that, art education is so important because I know that for kids like me, there are probably at least three subjects that we couldn't care less about. In high school and college you have to take your prerequisites. You’ve got to do this and that. I didn’t care about

that. What I loved was music. Or it could be journalism or drama or science. To me, it’s so important to give back because if I didn't have the phenomenal teachers that I did I wouldn't be pursuing this. It took those educators to say, "Listen man, you have a gift, and you have a talent, and you can go very far in this if you want to." I also just enjoy being around people. I'm a hyper-extrovert. I’ve got two kids and one on the way, so I'm always looking to help and give back. Lastly, I think it's a responsibility. I was fortunate to have a mother in the house who found success as an entertainer. Everyone doesn't have that. And even for me, even having that in my household, it was so vital to see people who looked like me doing the things I wanted to do. My mother showed me a DVD of a group called the Three Mo' Tenors. It was three Black men singing opera, jazz, R&B and neo soul. I was like, “Yo, we could do all that? I thought I just had to sing opera. I don't want to be an opera singer. I want to do it all." And my mom told me, "Yes, son, you can do it all. You can do it." Those examples are so important, so whenever I can get in front of some kids and be that example for them I will, for any demographic not just the Black community. One young lady yesterday said, "I want to be an actor, but so many people discourage me. How do I deal with that?" And I told her, "You tell them to shut up because I dealt with the same thing."

WERE THERE ANY MOMENTS FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR MIDDLE SCHOOL THAT A TEACHER PULLED YOU ASIDE AND IMPARTED SOME WORDS OF WISDOM TO YOU? KIRKLAND: I'm going to give you two. The first time was in middle school, when I was given a solo in the middle school choir by my teacher Ms. Dove. She told me, "Jonathan, you can sing this. You can do this. Just have fun.” To which I responded "Okay, I'm nervous, but I'm going to do it." And I did it, and it was great.

Another really important instance happened in high school, with this man named Mr. Braugh, who was a piano player for the choral program. At the time, we had one of the best choirs in the state of Michigan. However, like any other high school kid, I was prideful, arrogant and full of myself. One day, I was getting on his nerves because I wasn't living up to my leadership potential within our group. He pulled me aside and said, "Man, listen, you can be really, really good at this. But in life you have to make decisions. So, either you're going to choose to do this, and you can be great, you can be a star, or you're not going to choose to do it, and you'll probably regret it. Once you turn 33, 34, 35, you'll regret that you didn't pursue this thing. And this is the last time I'm going to tell you. I'm not telling you to shut your mouth anymore. I'm not telling you to pay attention anymore. I'm telling

Left: USF students were treated to a visit from Hamilton star, Jonathan Kirkland earlier this year, photo courtesy of the University of South Floirda, SarasotaManatee.

you right now, either do this and be great or don't and properly regret it. And that's all I'm going to say." That was a huge moment for me.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH? KIRKLAND:

I started singing in high school and the big moment was when I got the church solo at church. Everybody starts at church. I'd been telling my family for years that I could sing, but when they’d ask me I’d get shy and clam up. However, I joined the choir and stood out to the point where they gave me a solo–it was this big put up or shut up moment for me. Fortunately, I knocked it out of the park and my mother told me that this was something we needed to leverage for my future.

I’ve been an opera singer. I’ve done perhaps the biggest show ever in musical theater. Now, I want TV and film and I’ve been fortunate enough to do some solid TV work–I’ve worked with Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez, Wayne Brady, John Krasinski, all kinds of people. I’m continuing to do a lot of producing, writing and creating my own work as well.

ARE THERE ANY LESSONS THAT YOU TOOK WITH YOU FROM YOUR TIME IN HAMILTON? KIRKLAND: I think the greatest lesson that performing in Hamilton taught me is that once you get to the highest level, you have to work even harder. The work doesn’t end, it

whatever’s in our heart to give. Fortunately for me, I have my family that I can escape to and get away from the nonsense of it all.

After that, I started winning a lot of high school choral and vocalist competitions, which drew a lot of attention from colleges in the midwest. Ultimately, I went to Michigan State University, where I studied Opera and then got my master's degree in vocal pedagogy and performance from the University of Houston. For those first seven or eight years after high school I was focused on building a career as an opera singer.

Somewhere along that time in graduate school, however, it became clear to me that I didn't want to pursue opera solely—that I loved the stage and I loved performing more than I loved the operatic genre. So in 2013, I got married to my beautiful wife, moved to New York and started to pursue a career in theater, television and film. I had to take a lot of voice lessons to become a crossover singer, because I was so opera-heavy that I had to work on my voice to sing musical theater music and other types of music. I started acting as well and landed my first agent around 2014. I started with small TV work and then regional theater stuff, eventually progressing to off-Broadway shows which ultimately led to me booking the Chicago production of Hamilton, which at the time was the biggest show in world history. From 2016 to 2018, I did well over 500 shows, before leaving for New York to start really pursuing TV and film work.

After the pandemic, my wife and I moved our family to LA, which is where we are now. Once I do something, I’m ready for the next thing.

literally is just beginning. As a former athlete, I've always known that, but I hadn't experienced it yet in my career like that. The schedule was demanding–with eight shows a week, six days a week, I had to work even harder on my body to stay in shape and had to be more focused on my vocal health than ever before. It also taught me that whatever your dreams are, whatever life you imagine for yourself, you can literally live that out loud.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORKING IN NEW YORK AND WHAT YOU'RE CHASING IN LA? KIRKLAND: The ecosystems are starkly different. The running joke is that most New York actors move to LA and it's cool for six months, you’ve got the beach and the amazing weather, but after all the glitz and glam wears off, most New York actors are begging to get back to New York. That’s because in New York, I have so many friends and colleagues that if I ever needed a job, I could make one phone call and land a singing engagement or ensemble role in a Broadway show. But in LA, it is not like that. It’s very much about who you know. The cool kids have to deem you cool enough to play in their sandbox.

In LA you have two options. You can either wait your turn or you can kick the door down and build your own table. With the industry becoming more DIY than ever, a lot of us are writing and producing our own content, building our own table to serve society with

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO REALLY SAY, "HEY, I DON'T WANT TO BE ON STAGE AS MUCH ANYMORE. I WANT TO BE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?" KIRKLAND: I don't know if it was any one thing. It’s funny, because I’m by no means retired from Broadway or the stage. If the right opportunity comes, I still audition now. I think it's more so that it's just the heart's desire. I want to do what I moved to LA to do. And to be honest, I like what the life of television and film can offer my family. I like the stability that it can offer if you get to a certain level. Because if you don't get to that level in the arts, in general, if it's not Broadway or you're not a series regular, you are not making any real money. So, that's just what it is. So, we're all fighting to get to that one-tenth of 1%. But I like what it can provide for my family. It’s an artistic difference, but also a lifestyle difference. The challenge about New York is not the art. It’s the city itself. Can you deal with taking this train to that bus to a different train in the middle of a snow storm while running late to an audition? Can you, as a young and upcoming actor, balance your day job with auditioning and the foot hustle of the city? My wife and I are also huge on not living with regret. We knew that this was a move we wanted to make, that this was the direction I wanted to pursue in my career and just went for it. We don’t see life as what could go wrong. We see it as what could go right.

IS THAT AN ATTITUDE YOU THINK YOU HAVE TO HAVE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS INDUSTRY? KIRKLAND: You

don't have to, but I think it helps. I think keeping a positive outlook, a glass-half-full mindset is just so important. For instance, when I booked Hamilton, I wasn’t even going to go to the audition, because I had auditioned for them six months prior and they didn’t even look my way. In my mind, not only was I not the type of person they were looking for, I wasn’t the level of performer–I figured that it’s Hamilton, that they’re only looking for Emmy winners and Grammy winners and Tony winners. They’re not looking for guys building their career. But at my wife’s urging, I went and booked the part. You just never know what could happen if you try. If you’re passionate about it and that’s what you feel your purpose is in life, you can figure it out. SRQ

“MY WIFE AND I ARE HUGE ON NOT LIVING WITH REGRET. WE KNEW THAT THIS WAS A MOVE WE WANTED TO MAKE, THAT THIS WAS THE DIRECTION I WANTED TO PURSUE IN MY CAREER AND JUST WENT FOR IT."

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A VISION FOR GENERATIONS

culture city

IT’S OFTEN SAID THAT ART IMITATES LIFE. If that’s true, then the same must be said for the performing arts and Sarasota. Sarasota is as blossoming a city as one can find in this country, filled with people from all over who flock to the ulf oast to enjoy the culture, food and scenery the region has to o er. It is a city that is on the cusp of something big just like the Sarasota Performing Arts oundation and their quest to build the new Sarasota Performing Arts enter. The center, which will be located on the Sarasota Bayfront, is in the early stages of development this summer, the oundation landed on the architectural design firm enzo Piano Building Workshop as the final selection to take on the process. ames Travers, the oundation s chairman of the board and interim O, sat down with SRQ Magazine to discuss the oundation s mission and path towards building the new Sarasota Performing Arts enter.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FOUNDATION’S MISSION AND QUEST TO BUILD A NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER? JIM TRAVERS: We’re staying very consistent with our mission, which is to build a worldclass Performing Arts Center on the bay and then also our core mission of expanding arts education to children and their families. Regarding the new Performing Arts Center, we just completed architectural selection. We had 43 of the best architects in the world respond to our proposal and then we narrowed that down to si firms and then to three. Renzo Piano Building Workshop was chosen as the final firm, Foster artners as the second seat and Snøhetta as the third. All three are world-class architects that have built the class of building we want to do, but with performing arts centers, music halls, et cetera, all over the world.

The way it’s structured, the contract will be between the architect and the city of Sarasota. When it’s built, the Foundation will run the new hall as a separate 01 c , which is in agreement with the city.

After that, we’ll move into the design phase, which hopefully will take place in the fall, where we could really start to look at what this building is going to be. We do have a massing of what we want it to be in terms of square footage, and how many seats in the main hall and having a second theater of 00 seats. bviously, a lot of that is subject to Renzo or the architect of record really getting involved in it, and there’ll be changes, but at the end of the day, we want this to be a world-class destination for the arts and for the community. That’s the focus that we have in that regard. Then we also continue to do a lot in our core mission, which is expanding arts education to students, and children, and their families–something the Foundation has done historically since its inception. A lot of that arts education is done through the current

Van Wezel Hall and we have said we are going to continue to do that all the way through to the opening of the new Performing Arts Center.

DOES THAT SUPPORT OF ARTS EDUCATION LOOK

WHAT

LIKE? TRAVERS: We do a lot of this in partnership with the Kennedy Center, Performing Arts Center. They have a good structure for that in terms of how we enable the Hall to deliver our mission to students. We bus students in from Booker High and other locations in the five-county area, exposing the arts to many students of all ages for the first time and then e tending that to their family. How does a family take advantage of this arts exposure to their children and take it to another level?

The next area of focus for us is extending our reach into the mental health sphere. We do touch mental healthrelated areas today, but not as overtly as we are intending to do. Mental health is a major challenge for the country.

VI didn’t help that. The arts are an amazing way of connecting people, so we’re in the process of looking at partnering with other 01 c s in the reater Sarasota area that may already be in mental health and allow us to take our core mission and extend it in partnership with them. We have several of those discussions going on. For e ample, we’ve talked with Forty arrots Family enter, a major 01 c here that does a lot in mental health with young families. They could potentially be a partner of ours that could allow us to do things together to reach the targeted audience, if you will, in a much more effective way. That’s something that’s very important to us. Not just the building. I always want to remind the community and our donors that we’re not confused about what our core mission is. Notwithstanding the fact that we’re committed with the city partnership to build a world-class performing arts center.

I KNOW THAT THE CURRENT HALL IS ONE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE BUILDINGS IN THE CITY TO FLOODING AND MORE GLOBAL WARMING HURRICANE EFFECTS. WHERE IS THE NEW CENTER GOING TO BE LOCATED? TRAVERS: Yes, it will be on The Bay site in the northeast corner, close to where the lawn bowling is today. Obviously, phase one’s already been completed in The Bay, and they have a master plan for the 53 acres. We’ve always positioned that corner of the 53 acres as where we would position the new Performing Arts Center. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do there. To your point, the current Hall has served the community incredibly well. However, it is in a F A ood zone and is one of the most vulnerable buildings that the city owns. Additionally, like any other 60-year-old-plus facility, it has some things that need to be looked at. The cost to make it better than it is, in our opinion, is not something that would be worth doing. Furthermore, as part of our agreement with the city, there’s a Purple Ribbon Committee that has been selected from community members and the charter for that committee is to determine the alternate purposes for the Van ezel erforming Arts enter as it is today.

WHAT

ARE SOME OF THE GOALS FOR THE NEW

CENTER? TRAVERS: First of all we want it to be something that can hold world-class performances. One of the limitations today of the current hall is with its current seating capacity of roughly 1,700 seats. The good news is that we’re getting Hamilton this coming year. The bad news is that it’s 10 years after the show had its introduction on Broadway. With a lot of these Broadway shows, if you don’t have at least 2,000 seats, they don’t even look at you in that first uadrant. ight now, we’re thinking of the building being in the range of a 2,200-seat to 2,300-seat main hall. That may change, but we want the ability to have world-class performances like Broadway musicals. We also want the building to be iconic. e want it to be something that is uni ue to the community, not only due to its design, but also because of its location by the water. Another huge part of our vision is making the center open to the community by having the ability to simulcast what happens inside the Hall. This is being done by other performing arts centers in Florida and throughout the world, which is a cost effective and creative way to engage the community. There will also be a second hall, that we’re currently

envisioning to be around 300 seats, which can hold other events such as weddings or meetings or smaller performances from other arts organizations within Sarasota. We want to be a focal point for all of the performing arts areas in the city, some large, some not so large, to come in and leverage the facility.

DO YOU THINK THAT SARASOTA WAS MISSING OUT ON CERTAIN THINGS BECAUSE THE VAN WEZEL WASN’T THE MOST UP-TO-DATE, BIGGEST PERFORMING ARTS CENTER? TRAVERS: Well, look, I think it has its limitations. Forgetting the size, I’d say that there are limitations from the acoustics to the bathrooms to how people move through the space itself. The other thing of note is that there are so many new people coming into Sarasota who love the performing arts but are not married to the Van ezel. e want to build something that will stand out for the next 50 to 60 years, not just the ne t five to ten years.

TELL US ABOUT THE ARCHITECTURAL SELECTION PROCESS AND HOW YOU LANDED ON RENZO PIANO? TRAVERS: It was a public process, so it was all in sunshine and public domain. e issued a e uest For Proposal (RFP) that went out publicly to whoever wanted to respond, but we had criteria, obviously. Initially, that RFP warranted 43 submissions from very, very good architects. We created an Architectural Task Force, made up of three Foundation board members and one representative from the city. Mary Bensel, who manages the current hall, was the city’s representative and the committee was chaired by our Vice Chair, Jenne Brittel. That committee’s job was to evaluate all those submittals in a very structured way. We went from 43 initial firms to 1 to si and then recently, to three firms. Those three firms, which included enzo iano, came to Sarasota and presented their vision of what they wanted to do with the center to the public. Two of the three firms brought physical models and all of them envisioned the new Performing Arts Center as a part of the campustype setting. e also have a world-class consulting firm, the Paratus Group, that is retained by the Foundation, who has done this prior for lots of performing arts centers and was very helpful during this whole process. Hopefully, we can get something done with enzo. If not, we’ll go to Foster + Partners as our number two and then Snøhetta as our third option.

culture city

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WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT TO DO THIS WHOLE PROCESS SO PUBLICLY? TRAVERS:

Well, it’s the fact that the city is going to own the building and that this new Performing Arts Center is really a 50/50 partnership between the Foundation and the city of Sarasota. Even though our 501(c)(3) will raise half the money and operate it post-opening, the city is in a better situation to own the building, so in the end, it made sense that the city was the one who would take the lead role to negotiate the contract with the architect.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR THIS PROJECT? TRAVERS:

The next major milestone for the project will occur late in the third quarter of next year, when we’ll go in front of the commission and lay out the total project cost. We have a target budget of $275 million and a target amount of 2,000 seats in the main theater and 300 in the secondary hall, but we’ll have a much better understanding of the specifics once the contract gets worked out with the architect and they begin to really

delve into the design process. Once that happens, we’ll be able to lay out a more detailed timeline of when we can begin construction and the amount of money that we’ll need over say a five-year period. ight now, we have an estimate of opening the new erforming Arts enter five to seven years after we hit this next upcoming milestone.

IS SUCH AN EXCITING TIME FOR YOU ALL. TRAVERS:

THIS

It’s a time like no other. It’s a lot of work, but it’s very exciting. I’m just so excited for the community of Sarasota, both in who’s here and who’s coming here. One of the reasons that I’m doing this is because it is a generational project. It’s something that I know is going to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives. SRQ

clockwise: Other buildings designed by Renzo Piano include The Shard in London, England; Centre Pompidou in Paris, France; and The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, United States.

PREVIEW SEASON

From dramatic performances to comedies and musicals, from beautifully-detailed paintings to custom-designed crafts and oral e hibits, our 202 -2024 season preview has all the details you need to stay informed about all things art related. ith live performances and e hibitions taking place throughout the region, SRQ will keep you entertained all season long with our comprehensive guide to must-see events in the local arts and culture scene.

WRITTEN BY DYLAN CAMPBELL, EMMA DANNENFELSER, PHIL LEDERER, LAURA PAQUETTE

ART OF PERFORMANCE

For many, The Ringling might only exist as a visual entity. After all, The Ringling’s Museum of Fine Art is one of the most established institutions in the region, if not the entire country. However, tucked away in the confines of The Ringling’s campus lies a somewhat hidden gem: the museum’s Art of Performance series. The Ringling’s Art of Performance series is a haven for some of the most diverse and cutting-edge performers in the world. The performances, which typically take place in The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, can vary widely in scope, style and perspective. That’s part of why the Art of Performance series exists in the first place–in a region saturated with a wealth of performing arts organizations, this series aims to o er audience members something that they cannot find elsewhere. That means pulling performers from all corners of the globe such as Haiti, Argentina and yes, even Florida’s Gulf Coast. This season features 13 di erent performances, from October through early May, ranging from musical concerts to contemporary dance and more. One of the focuses of this season is to celebrate artists from Francophone countries. These performances include names like BelO, a beloved contemporary Haitian musician who has been hailed as Haiti’s musical ambassador to the world and Les Francophonies, a France-based theater ensemble who will be telling the story of the Congo through an evening of Congolese music in their performance Congo Jazz Band. More locally-centered performances include Florida Woman, a dance theater experience created by Sarasota choreographer Leah Verier Dunn and Miami-based choreographer Rosie Herrera that uses the internet meme of the “Florida Man” as a way to interrogate the mythos of Floridian culture. —D.Campbell The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, ringling.org/explore/art-of-performance

This page: Neo-Latin vocal sensation La Dame Blanche, photo courtesy of the Ringling Museum.

PREVIEW 2023-24

Uncover The Art of War

Choreographer Edwaard Liang will make his Sarasota Ballet debut with The Art of War, a 16-minutelong ballet that forms part of Conflicted Beauty, the 2023-2024 season’s second program. Liang, also the current artistic director of BalletMet—a ballet company and dance academy located in Columbus, Ohio— had been waiting to work with Director Iain Webb and his team in Sarasota and is excited to collaborate with them on this piece. Michael Torke’s Ash, a powerful composition, drives the ballet. “I grew up in the New York City ballet, where the music comes first, and I’ve always adopted that mindset,” he says. “The music is the inspiration; if you let it guide you, it will do the work for you.” Drawn to the minimalism of the composition, Liang paired it with elements from The Art of War, a Chinese war strategy book with philosophical nuances and an exploration of calligraphy, an iconic part of the country’s culture. In the piece, dancers pop up alongside large swathes of red and black fabric. “In calligraphy, there are di erent brushstrokes, so we asked the dancers to make those strokes from the elbow, transposing visual art into physical art.” He explains that while both forms are strategic and calculated, the written nature of calligraphy allows it to retain permanence from moment to moment, yet dance is ephemeral. “Dance exists in space, using the dancers and scenery to create something, and then it’s gone. That’s the magic of dance. Even though it’s gone from the actual space and theater, the energy, imagery and feeling dance creates will stay with the performers and audience forever,” he says, “allowing us to better understand our own humanity.” —L.Paque e Sarasota Ballet, 5555 N. Tamiami Trai, Sarasota, 941-359-0099, The Art of War takes place on November 17-18. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit sarasotaballet.org.

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Bottom: Choreagrapher Edwaard Liang’s Art of War, photo by Jen Zmuda.

EDWAARD LIANG SARASOTA BALLET CHOREOGRAPHER

“THE MUSIC IS THE INSPIRATION; IF YOU LET IT GUIDE YOU, IT WILL DO THE WORK FOR YOU.

The Orchid Show + Clyde Butcher: Through the Lens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a treasure trove full of beautiful tropical plants, but its crown jewel is certainly the rare orchid collection that is celebrated during the annual orchid show. The Botanical Gardens are renowned for having the world’s best documented collection of orchids and this year will be the show’s 50th anniversary celebration. President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki shares that to commemorate the past 50 years and the Garden’s international recognition, the show will consist of both a stunning horticultural display, as well as a curated historical exhibit. The horticultural display is to take place in the tropical conservatory and will show not only some of the nearly 2,000 rare orchid species Selby has discovered in the last 50 years, but also the creative, innovative ways orchids can be presented due to their innate characteristics as air plants. “What’s great about orchids, and other air plants, is their ability to be suspended in di erent ways because the orchids we’re showcasing do not require soil. They grow in the air and get their nutrients from the air,” Rominiecki says. “They’re found in canopies and tree tops and can grow in di erent ways. So, I think that our team will be able to showcase the di erent ways that orchids can grow and flourish in di erent environments.” Along with the dazzling orchid displays, guests will be given a snapshot into Selby’s rich history and how it garnered the world’s best orchid collection since its founding just 50 short years ago in 1973. Also on display this year at Selby Gardens is Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens. The show features large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful images of plants, animals and habitats of Florida, exhibited in their own natural landscape. Experiencing his dramatic interpretations of nature outside in this complimentary setting will enable visitors to engage with Butcher’s art like never before. —E.Dannenfelser The

Above: The 50th Anniversary Celebration Orchid Show. Esteemed photography Clyde Butcher, photo courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Orchid Show 2023: A 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held at the Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s Downtown Sarasota campus from Oct 7-Nov 26. Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will run from November through next August at Historic Spanish Point in Osprey.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, 941-366-5731; Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, 941-366-5731, selby.org

Twelve Angry Men

Taking over the reins of the largest repertory theater in the Southeastern United States is no easy task. Luckily for audiences at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Peter Rothstein is more than up to the task. As of July 1st, Rothstein, an accomplished director and former co-founder and artistic director of Minneapolis’ Theater Latté Da, succeeded Michael Donald Edwards as Producing artistic director at Asolo Repertory Theatre. Now, entering his first season as captain of the ship, Rothstein is excited to make his mark on Sarasota audiences. “Michael and I really put this season together hand in hand,” says Rothstein. “By the time I was brought on board, he had already put some things in place, so it really became a collaboration where we were both bringing ideas to the table and working with other folks in the artistic department. It was actually really helpful to me, to be inside those conversations of how he thinks about programming for this community at this time. There’s a lot of nuance to understanding who your community is, what work they want to see, what work you want them to see and how you can perhaps guide them to places they aren’t expecting to go.” A work that will undoubtedly take audiences to unexpected places is Asolo Rep’s final production of the season, Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical. The musical is one that Rothstein is quite familiar with–he directed the world premiere back at Theater Latté Da last summer. “I’ve been working on this musical for about five years with the writers and it’s a very fresh take on one of the great American courtroom dramas,” says Rothstein. “Not only because it’s a musical, but because it’s not about twelve angry white men–it uses a multi-cultural cast to create an exploration of our justice system. It delves into how race plays out inside our justice system, toxic masculinity, what fathers pass on to their sons and how that impacts how just of a society we live and move through.” —D.Campbell Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941351-8000, asolorep.org.

Circus Sarasota

Nothing is more intrinsic to Sarasota than the circus. Ever since John Ringling moved his circus’ winter home to the Gulf Coast in 1927, the circus has been an integral part of the city’s identity. Now, at the helm of the Circus Arts Conservatory, a multi-tiered organization that includes training, educational programming and world-class performances, the circus in Sarasota is stronger than ever. One of the Conservatory’s flagship performances of the upcoming season is Circus Sarasota, a one-ring spectacle that will be performed from February 16 to March 20, 2024. “Our goal is to present the best of the best circus performers in the world,” says Jennifer Mitchell, executive vice president and chief operating o cer of the Conservatory. “We look for who is actively out there that will wow our audiences and we bring in a crowd favorite from the past.” Part of the spectacle of this year’s iteration of Circus Sarasota is a new state of the art big top tent that will house the production. “Everyone who will come to Circus Sarasota in 2024 will feel the experience of being a first timer in the Conservatory’s newest tent. We wanted to be conscious and mindful of the future and thought that this o season would be a great time to invest in a new tent,” says Mitchell. “Our big tops are some of the most beautiful circus venues in the country. With the art form being recognized at the highest level within the show, we wanted to make sure that the experience as a whole lives up to that standard.” Highlight acts for this season’s Circus Sarasota include bareback horse riding, the storied Espana circus family and the quick-change act Duo Minasov. “In this show, you’ll see everything from the beautiful side of circus artistry to the edge of your seat, risk-taking acrobatics,” says Mitchell. —D.Campbell Circus Arts

941.355.9805, circusarts.org

Conservatory, 2075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota,

— JENNIFER MITCHELL CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY

“YOU’LL SEE EVERYTHING FROM THE BEAUTIFUL SIDE OF CIRCUS ARTISTRY TO THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT, RISK-TAKING ACROBATICS.”

Left: Circus Arts Conservatory performer Elan Espana, photo courtesy of Circus Arts Conservatory.

The Sidebar Series

The Players Centre is excited to present the Sidebar Series in the black box theater space. “This fall series will encompass works designed to create community engagement and reflection on the fragility of the human condition,” says Artistic Director Steven Butler. In October, look out for Winter Flowers, an original play focusing on two elderly sisters that mesmerized Butler, giving him a greater appreciation for the production and subject matter. “The older sister Delphie is the caretaker for the younger Rosie, who has the mentality of a seven-year-old,” adds Butler. “Delphie has stomach cancer, reaching a point at which she can no longer care for Rosie. She tries to convince her younger sister to allow them to move from the only home they’ve ever known into a nursing home where they can both obtain better care, but faces great resistance and must make life-changing decisions.” For Butler, the work encourages awareness of elder a airs, an issue pertinent to the Sarasota community and the nation as a whole. “With so many baby boomers reaching the point where they need elder care, it’s important to bring up and engage with the topic,” he says. Pass Over, the November selection, also explores timely social issues. Butler explains that this play is considered to be the urban version of Waiting for Godot. “In the show, two young African American men, Moses and Kitch, stand on a street corner in an urban environment, dreaming about what it will be like when they get to the promised land—someplace better where they can escape their current realities,” Butler adds. “These men have grown up with and live in a place with economic, medical and social disparities. It’s the only life they know, but they aren’t content with it and know that there is something else better out there.” He hopes that audiences leave the show and start conversations about these important issues faced by many people in the United States. “I want them to be inspired to be more socially conscious and take up advocacy roles,” he says. —L.Paque e The Players Center, The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-365-2494. Winter Flowers runs from October 20-22 and 27-29. Pass Over runs from November 10-12 and 17-19. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit theplayers.org.

Once on This Island

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 2023-2024 season will open on October 11 with the comingof-age production Once on This Island, a musical based on the book My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy. The WBTT was founded in 1999 as a nonprofit with the primary goal of presenting artistic forms of theater based on the African American experience. Once on This Island weaves a love story based around a young girl coming-of-age and looking for love, but also one that is set between reality and fantasy, says Jim Weaver, director and choreographer for the show. “It’s a love story, but within that, it also addresses the intercultural di erences between being very dark skin, very brown skin or light skin. Also, class and the conflict that exists there, the distinctions and ‘never the twain shall meet’. In other words, if you’re in the lower class, you cannot become part of the upper class. So, it deals with those kinds of things,” Weaver adds. The show’s score, and script, is by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the same team behind the award-winning show Ragtime. While the score is based on Carribean style music, it also features an array of styles, from simple, romantic guitars to African rhythms. A unique aspect of Once on This Island is that the show was not created with a specific time period in mind, meaning it could be set in the past, present or future, Weaver adds. “It’s so simple. It doesn’t get into too many pyrotechnics or special e ects and all that kind of stu . But the moral of the story resonates with everybody, no matter what your background is, because it’s in essence about a love that everybody can relate to,” Weaver says. “So, as the story unfolds, you just kind of find yourself going down this journey and getting pulled along with the fantasy of it, but also the truth of it. And that’s what I think really gets people, because it tugs at the heartstrings.”

E.Dannenfelser Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-1505. Once on This Island will run from October 11 to November 19. For more information, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.

Below: Sheldon Rhoaen in Marivn Gaye: Prince of Soul; Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe performing Joyful! Joyful!, photos courtesy of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

Always Evolving

How does a performing arts organization last 18 years in a market as competitive as Sarasota’s? By continuing to push the boundaries of its craft each and every year, stretching the limits of what audience members thought possible with the medium. That’s exactly what Sarasota Contemporary Dance aims to do in its 18th year, with four mainstage performances scheduled for the upcoming 2023-24 season. “Last season was about reclaiming–the stage, the stories and realigning ourselves as an organization,” says Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, co-founder and artistic director of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. “We’re calling this season a season of exhale. We’re continuing to elevate dancers, dance makers and our community while expanding our repertory and our reach. We aim to be not just a repertory company of my work, but a company where you can really get a sense of what the breadth of contemporary dance can be.” One such performance that aims to give audience members a look into just how expansive a genre contemporary dance can be is the company’s second show of the season Evolving/Revolving. The eveninglength work, which will run without intermission for 45 to 50 minutes, looks to be a sharp departure from the company’s first performance of the year, which is a collaboration with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. “I really want Evolving/Revolving to be a contemporary art exhibit, so that it’s more of a visceral and visually-enhancing experience,” says Wilmott. “I’m bringing in one of my students from New College of Florida who will be doing projection design to pair with the dancing. We’re really trying to expand what contemporary dance can be and expand what the breadth of our repertoire is. This should look like something that has never been done by SCD.” —D.Campbell

Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1900 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300, Sarasota, sarasotacontemporarydance.org.

A Blast from the Past

“Every year, we try to do one opera that’s not commonly done,” says Richard Russell, general director of the Sarasota Opera. “When talking with my colleague Maestro DeRenzi about operas in this category, we brought up Joseph Haydn. I’ve always been an admirer of Haydn’s works, especially with my background as a singer and a choral conductor, so I was very interested in rediscovering these works.” Russell is talking about Deceit Outwitted (L’infedelta delusa), by Joseph Haydn, the fourth and final opera of the Sarasota Opera’s upcoming Winter Opera Festival. Deceit Outwitted, a comic opera about a pair of star-crossed lovers, is for Russell a diamond in the rough–one of the few truly unknown operas to audiences and artists alike. Not only is this season’s performance of Deceit Outwitted the first in the 64 year history of the Sarasota Opera, but it is the first fully-staged production of the opera by a professional opera company since 1971. “It’s a very seldom performed work by a composer that people don’t associate with opera. Joseph Haydn, who was a very well known classical composer and close friend of Mozart, wrote 15 operas which are rarely performed,” says Russell. “While Haydn was mostly for his symphonies and string quartets, he spent a lot of time in his career as the music master in a noble household in Hungary. Part of his job was to produce operas, but for years the scores to his operas were not really widely available. It was really only in the 1950s and 1960s that people came to see these works again and they were rediscovered.” For both audience members and the artistic sta of the Sarasota Opera, Deceit Outwitted is a chance to start afresh with what feels like an entirely new work. “It is a work that people will have to learn from scratch–all the other operas have famous arias or singers–so they really have to do a little bit more homework when preparing it because there’s not as much of a frame of reference,” says Russell. “The same thing goes for our directors and designers–if you’re directing an opera like Carmen, you’ve probably seen a production of it at some point. With this, your imagination comes from what’s written in the score. There’s no history to it, it’s a sense of discovery as much for the artist as the audience.”

D.Campbell Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-328-1300, sarasotaopera.org.

— LEYMIS BOLAÑOS WILMOTT SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE

“I WANT EVOLVING/ REVOLVING TO BE A CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBIT, SO THAT IT’S MORE OF A VISCERAL AND VISUALLYENHANCING EXPERIENCE.”

Right: Sarasota Contemporary Dance performer Juliana Cristina, photo courtesy of Sorcha Augustine.

Revisit a Timeless Love Story

This November, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center will be presenting the Sarasota premiere of Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved, romantic and timeless films of the 1990s. The tale follows street-smart and vivacious escort Vivian Ward, who is hired by Edward Lewis, a cold-hearted business mogul, for several days as his date. Within the days that follow, the two fall in love, even though their socioeconomic di erences try to pull them apart. Pretty Woman: The Musical is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner, Jerry Mitchell, who is also known as the creative mastermind behind the musicals Hairspray, Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde, and is produced by Paula Wagner. “If you’ve seen the movie and loved the movie, then you will absolutely love the musical. Pretty Woman: The Musical takes the beloved film and reinvigorates it through musical theater,” says Mary Bensel, executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. The show features a score by Grammy winner and iconic voice of the 1980s, Bryan Adams, and Jim Vallance, who has written songs for Adams and other artists, such as Ozzy Osbourne, Heart and Aerosmith. Of course, the hit song Oh, Pretty Woman, by Roy Orbison and Bill Dee, will also be included in the score. “This marks the first time we’ve brought Pretty Woman: The Musical to Sarasota so that’s very exciting,” Bensel adds. “The movie is so iconic and well-known that we really think our guests will enjoy the story as a live theatrical experience.” The show will run on November 27 and 28, with a total of three performances to choose from. —E.Dannenfelser Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 263-6799, vanwezel.org

Blinded By the Light

As one of the most established performing arts institutions on the Gulf Coast, Florida Studio Theatre has had to wear many hats. From dishing box o ce hits new and old in their Mainstage Series to introducing audiences to developing new work to presenting audiences with edgier, contemporary stories in their Stage III Series, the company seems to have done it all. One of Florida Studio Theatre’s flagship programs is their Summer and Winter Cabaret Series, which are developed in-house and o er a completely di erent experience to theatergoers throughout the year. One of the standout productions from this season’s upcoming Winter Cabaret Series is Blinded By the Light (title may change), a show highlighting Rock and Roll’s reaction to the American Revolution in the 1970s. Featuring music from artists such as Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles and Simon & Garfunkel, Blinded By the Light looks to give audiences a blast from the past in a new and exciting way.

“We’re really focusing on the bands of the 1970s,” says Richard Hopkins, producing artistic director and CEO of Florida Studio Theatre. “So there’s The Eagles and Bruce Springsteen, but in the midst of this great rock music, there was a simultaneous folk movement happening with people like Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel which had started in the 1960s, but was still going strong in the 1970s. You have these parallel movements happening at the same time and they’re influencing each other.” By examining the cultural revolution that occurred throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, Hopkins hopes that audiences will see the parallels between then and the turbulent climate of today.

“This is such a great period of music, because you get to unravel the huge revolution that was going on coming out of the 1960s into the early ‘70s. Everything that was born in the ‘60s, from the sexual revolution to the peace and civil rights movements became mature and muscular in the ‘70s,” says Hopkins. “It was just a tremendous time of cultural revolution and upheaval that creates a really interesting parallel between what occurred then and what’s happening now.”

D.Campbell Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, 941-366-9000, floridastudiotheatre.org

Clockwise: Jamie Jones performing in Florida Studio Theatre’s The ‘70s: More Than a Decade, photo by John Jones; Van Wezel’s presentation of Hamilton, photo courtesy of Van Wezel; and, Craig Laurie in the Florida Studio Theatre’s 2006 production of The Flip Side, photo courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre.

PREVIEW 2023-24

Tall Tales and Treasure

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Venice Symphony is pushing the envelope with novel performances. “This is our landmark season, and our goal was to bring in concerts, vocalists and musicians that we’ve never had before and o er exciting experiences to the community,” says symphony President and CEO Christine Kasten. One such work is the Tall Tales & Treasure concert in January. The show will feature music from Disney films like The Little Mermaid performed by Guest Vocalist Lauren Jelencovich, a classically trained vocalist. Attendees will hear Hans Zimmer’s score to Pirates of the Caribbean in its original film arrangement. “The concert is an interdisciplinary production with a light package and videos on screen coinciding with the music,” adds Music Director and Conductor Troy Quinn, “so it’s more like a concert experience.” Compositions from other films, including The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and How to Train Your Dragon will also guide the audience through iconic and beloved stories. “We’re trying to create a program that will appeal to everyone and keep people coming back from more,” Quinn says, “which is typical of what we do here.” Further upping the ante for the season are the three Hooray for Hollywood with Michael Feinstein concerts in February. Feinstein will sing film music favorites such as Singin’ in the Rain and The Way You Look Tonight. “He’s a five-time Grammy nominee, and this is the first time we’ve had someone of that caliber perform,” adds Kasten. Anyone looking to let the music sweep them away—to Venice, Italy, that is—will revel in Venetian Nights, a celebration of the symphony’s anniversary. “Having an elevated event of this size is new for us. We’ll transform the hall in the community center into Venice,” she says. “There will be a jazz orchestra and live statues, and you’ll feel as though you’re strolling the streets of the city.” As a growing organization, the Venice Symphony is thrilled to o er audiences immersive programs that invite them to further explore music’s spellbinding nature.

L.Paque e Venice Symphony, 700 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass North, Suite 4, Venice, 941-207-8822, Tall Tales & Treasure takes place on January 12 and 13. Hooray for Hollywood with Michael Feinstein takes place on February 9 and 10. Venetian Nights will take place on January 5. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thevenicesymphony.org.

Caesar! and The Markov Family

After being canceled due to Hurricane Ian, Artist Series Concerts is proud to present Caesar! and The Markov Family. “The first half of the concert focuses on the Markov family, who escaped from the Soviet Union to the United States,” says Daniel Jordan, the director of artistic planning for Artist Series Concerts. Music teachers Albert and Marina Markov brought their son, Alexander, to New York, where he honed his violin skills. “Emerging in the 1990s, Alexander was a great violinist and had a fantastic career as a violin soloist,” he adds. Alexander will join his mother and father, playing with them in duo and trio formats accompanied by piano and string players. The family will wow audiences with classics from composers Antonio Vivaldi, Giuseppe Tartini and Pablo Sarasate. “Alexander wants to appeal to a wider audience than just classical music listeners,” Jordan says. “He’s very interested in music education and connecting with kids.” In the concert’s second half, Alexander will showcase his skills playing his 24-karat-gold-plated six-string electric violin alongside an orchestra, rhythm section, Key Chorale and the Booker High School VPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Choir. Jordan estimates that around 100 people will fill the stage to perform Caesar!, which Alexander composed about Roman leader Julius Caesar. “We want to entertain and uplift through the arts,” he adds, “and I hope it will connect with a wide variety of people who love classical music or listen to more mainstream pop music by exposing them to something di erent.” —L.Paque e Artist Series Concerts, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-306-1200, Caesar! and The Markov Family will take place on November 18. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit artistseriesconcerts.org.

Below left to right: Andrea Bain, principal horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, photo courtesy of the Venice Symphony. Pianist Ilya Yakushev, photo courtesy of Artist Series Concerts.

Aimee Jones Illustrates the Modern-Day Feminine Experience

At just under 100 years old, Art Center Sarasota is one of Sarasota’s oldest arts organizations and aims to showcase diverse artists and mediums, while also opening up discussions surrounding current issues through the center’s galleries. An exhibition with artist Aimee Jones opening on December 8 will examine the inner workings of femininity while using the lush botanical landscape of Florida. Jones’ work largely plays into both concealing and presenting the female body in ways that depict the immense pressure and hypervisibility many women are experiencing at this point in time due to the political climate surrounding issues such as abortion, including the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. Many pieces feature female forms in both conventional and unexpected ways, within domestic or botanical landscapes, and her inspiration is drawn both from history and modern fashion trends. “She has a lot of historical art references in her work and she is specifically drawn to ‘invisible mothers’, which is a Victorian photography genre,” Chrsitina Baril, exhibitions director for Art Center Sarasota, says. “She’s also particularly interested in fashion magazine pages and the way they depict women.” The ‘invisible mother’ trend was common during the 19th century and refers to when mothers either covered themselves in fabric, or stood slightly out of frame to keep their babies still while being photographed. The trend died out once cameras were able to capture images faster, therefore not requiring babies to sit still for minutes at a time. Jones received her Master’s of Fine Arts in Women and Gender Studies from University of South Florida in 2022 and has presented exhibitions in Spain and New York City. Additionally, she was a finalist for the Carlos Malamud Prize in 2022 and participated in HANNAC Can Borni Residency in Barcelona. E.Dannenfelser Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-365-2032, Exhibit from November 27 to January 13. artcentersarasota.org.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Cellist Alisa Weilerstein

The Sarasota Concert Association is known for presenting the Sarasota art scene with everything from world-renowned orchestras to acclaimed solo performances and its 79th season will be no exception. One exciting performance featured in the 2024 Great Performers Series is the Detroit Symphony Orchestra accompanied by Cellist Alisa Weilerstein on February 19. The symphony will be directed by Jader Bignamini and will open the show with Emerge, by American composer Michael Abels. Abels, who recently won a Pulitzer Prize for co-writing an opera, also wrote the score for the widely-known films Get Out and Us, says the Executive Director of the Association, Linda Moxley. The symphony will also perform Rimsky-Korsakov’s beloved work, Scheherazade “Scheherazade is a wonderful work, very popular with audiences, inspired by the tales of the Arabian Nights,” Moxley adds. “The audience will hear expressive storytelling through the orchestral performance. It was composed in 1888, so it tells a musical narrative of the Arabian Nights fairytale, which is pretty exciting.” Alisa Weilerstein will join the symphony for Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor, which is one of the most popular concertos in the cello repertoire. Weilerstein began playing the cello at four years old and made her major debut with the Cleveland Orchestra at only thirteen-years-old. In 2011, Weilerstein went on to win a MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship. “In reviews by the New York Times, and other publications, she’s been described as playing with great emotion, artistry and depth,” Moxley says. “So, she’s playing all over the world and people just love her playing. She’s very visually captivating and just an extraordinary emotional player.” —E.Dannenfelser Sarasota Concert Association, PO Box 211, Sarasota, 941-966-6161, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Alisa Weilerstein will be performing at the Sarasota Concert Series on February 19, 2024 at 7:30pm. scasarasota.org

Below left to right: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will perform on February 19, 2024; world-renowed cellist Alisa Wellerstein, photos courtesy of Sarasota Concert Association.

Picking Up the Pieces

Oh how time flies. In 1981, Judy Pfa was an emerging installation artist, debuting one of her first exhibitions, Rorschach at the Ringling Museum of Art. Fast forward to 2010, and Pfa found herself in Sarasota once again, this time visiting the dilapidated Sarasota High School, gaining future inspiration. Now, 13 years later, Pfa returns to that same building–only now that worn down building has transformed into the Sarasota Art Museum, a haven for modern and cutting edge art that will house Pfa ’s next installation Judy Pfa : Picking Up The Pieces. Since that exhibition back in 1981, Pfa has become one of the pioneers of installation art, receiving awards such as the MacArthur “Genius” Foundation Award and the Guggenheim Fellowship. Her work, which has been seen all over the world, is perhaps more accurately described by who she is–Pfa is at once a craftsman and artist. She is a welder, designer, glassblower, painter, sculptor and more; her installations are site-specific, drawing inspiration from the environment around her and the happenings of the time. Picking Up The Pieces will be Pfa ’s largest installation since 2017, partially inspired by the tall ceilings and ample light of Sarasota Art Museum’s spaces and partially by the impact of climate change and hurricanes of recent years. “We’re so excited to have Judy Pfa here in our museum. It feels like one of those stories that could only happen in Sarasota,” says Virginia Shearer, executive director of the Sarasota Art Museum. “She came to Sarasota for a site visit last fall after Hurricane Ian and she was really struck by the destruction just south of us. She’s creating a brand new site-specific, immersive installation that’s going to draw on her love of our climate, our ecology, our light, everything that is so wonderful about Sarasota, but it’s also going to be informed by the destruction and environmental changes of the hurricane.” —

D.Campbell Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-309-4300, sarasotaartmuseum.org

Westminster

Making your mark in Sarasota’s performing arts scene is no easy task. For as fortunate as locals and visitors alike are to bask in Florida’s “Cultural Coast”, there’s an underlying pressure on performing arts organizations to continue to bring excellent work to audiences around the region. For the past nine years, Urbanite Theatre has done just that, curating contemporary plays that are at the forefront of the industry. This year, Urbanite’s 10th season, is no di erent–the season’s mainstage productions include a whopping three world premieres and one regional premiere as well. “I think it’s extremely important to try to usher in new work. I think Urbanite can take risks on new works because we’re a smaller theater company, we only have to fill so many seats,” says Summer Wallace, producing artistic director of Urbanite Theatre. “That’s kind of what we built the DNA of the company on for the last decade. One of the goals I have for the company is that we’re not just known in Sarasota for doing new works, but really nationally as well.” One such new work is Westminster, by Brenda Withers, which makes its world premiere at Urbanite on March 22, 2024. Westminster, the winner of the 2023 Urbanite Theatre Modern Works Festival, will be directed by Wallace and focuses on the strained relationship between lifelong friends Pia and Krys, when Krys gifts Pia a surprise rescue dog. “I really love Brenda’s writing and style,” says Wallace. “It’s a play about a dog that’s also not about a dog at all. These two women basically face o with their partners over issues of class, accountability and good breeding so to speak. It’s part morality play, part farce, screwball romp and really dives into social prejudices of these characters and the consequences that they have.”

D.Campbell Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota, 941-321-1397, urbanitetheatre.com.

Above: Installation of Judy Pfaff’s Archaeology on view at the Pamela Salisbury Gallery in Hudson, New York, photo by Peter Aaron.

SEASON

PREVIEW 2023-24

On a High Note with Schumann, Smetana and More

La Musica Chamber Music’s 2024 Season will encompass five concerts, three of which make up the institution’s April festival, which pays tribute to Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Antonín Dvořák and Felix Mendelssohn. The season and festival finale, Schumann, Smetana and More, celebrates Czech, American, Bulgarian and German works. “Schumann helped and elevated Brahms as his student,” says Wu Han, La Musica’s artistic director, “and Brahms discovered and elevated Dvořák. Mendelssohn was also a close friend of the Schumann family, so there’s a lot of friendship and mentorship hidden in the three programs.” The last performance will showcase Robert Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44. Schumann wrote the piece in 1842 for his wife, Clara. “She was a great pianist who supported their family, which is incredibly unusual for the 19th century,” adds Wu Han. “Because of Clara, Robert could write all the music he wanted. After Schumann wrote that quintet, every composer started writing great piano quintets, from Brahms to Dvořák.” This piano quintet was the first chamber music piece that Wu Han learned to play in the United States. “The fact that this quintet—one of the most beloved by chamber music fans and the first major piano quintet in history—is connected to a hard-working woman, mother, wife and pianist is incredibly close to my heart,” she says. The concert will also celebrate the work of Czech composers Antonín Dvořák, one of Shumann’s contemporaries, and Bedřich Smetana. “Even if you know nothing about chamber music, Smetana’s heart wrenching Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15, has a beautiful melody and creates a dramatic musical moment,” adds Wu Han. “Once I learned that Smetana wrote the trio because he lost his five-year-old daughter, everything made sense. The dramatic moment was the father’s grieving, all of the melodies were quoted from his daughter’s favorite songs and the playfulness is his remembrance of his child.” Two lively Bulgarian dances and Lukas Foss’ Capriccio for cello and piano will round out the program. For Wu Han, this season o ers musicians a chance to share their passion with listeners eager to gather together and enjoy moving compositions. “After the pandemic, every musician plays with an unbelievable urgency, and I feel it everywhere I travel throughout the world to listen to music,” she says. “People need great art and high-quality music, so a concert is the best place to be. I’m very grateful to be a musician right now.”—L.Paque e La Musica, P.O. Box 5442, Sarasota, 941-347-9656, The La

Beethoven’s Eroica

Celebrating 75 years of musical excellence, the Sarasota Orchestra’s 2023-2024 season reflects on the institution’s illustrative past while embracing its future. “We want to make a statement about how we live in this world of diverse people and styles of music,” says RoseAnne McCabe, the orchestra’s vice president of artistic operations, “and highlight the power of music in bridging the divide between listeners to make the world better.” The first Masterworks concert, Beethoven’sEroica, embodies the season’s jubilant spirit, beginning with the Overture to Die Fledermaus, by Johann Strauss II. The fun and enchanting piece leads into a new work by Michael Torke, Sky–Concerto for Violin. “Torke wrote the piece for Tessa Lark, a classically trained violinist. Lark grew up in Kentucky with her father, a bluegrass musician, and this composition is all about Americana, classical music and the bluegrass fiddler movement,” she adds, excited for audiences to experience Lark’s energetic interpretation of the piece. The concert will culminate with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, also known as Eroica. “This piece transformed how listeners perceived classical music as well as how composers wrote music moving forward,” says McCabe. Beethoven wrote Eroica while going deaf, but because of his fame, he didn’t want anyone to know. The composition reflects this internal struggle, running the gamut of human emotions. “He takes you on a journey and expresses feelings that we don’t have words for but which will resonate with every single person in the audience,” she adds. “It’s remarkable that 200 years later, our feelings and emotions have not changed very much. In one symphony, performed by one orchestra, everyone experiences the journey from their own perspective.”

L.Paque e Sarasota Orchestra, 709 N. Tamiami Tr, Sarasota, 941-953-3434, Beethoven’s Eroica takes place on November 3-5. sarasotaorchestra.org.

Musica Chamber Music Festival takes place on April 10, 13 and 16. lamusicafestival.org.

Below, left to right: La Musica’s artistic director Wu Han, photo courtesy of La Musica; classically-trained violinst, Tessa Lark, photo courtesy of Sarasota Orchestra.

Impressions and Responses

From photography and fine art to fashion and full-scale installation, the 2023-24 gallery season at Ringling College of Art and Design brings 20 exhibitions to the college’s seven galleries. Titled Impressions and Responses, the season is dedicated to exploring art’s place in the never-ending parade of call and response that is the world of cause and e ect—and how art can be both. “It’s all about analysis, interpretation and evaluation of artistic expression,” says Tim Jaeger, director and chief curator of galleries and exhibitions at Ringling College. P.Lederer Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-351-5100, ringling.edu

Round 1: Aug 21 – Oct

The season kicks o August 21 with Teaching and Learning, a multi-generational photography exhibition that explores not only how the medium has changed and evolved through leaps in technology and shifts in society, but how teachers influence their students and how students respond to their teachers.

Beginning with vintage gelatin silver prints from acclaimed mid-century photographers Harry Callahan and Bill Brandt, Teaching and Learning traces a line of mentorship through decades of photography, as each student becomes a teacher to the next generation, culminating in the work of Ringling professor Thomas Carabasi and recent Ringling graduate Jesse Clark.

“And in the end, it’s not only about how photography has changed,” says Jaeger, “but how the face of the arts is changing.” Meanwhile, the first floor of the Academic Center will play host to Creatures, Characters and Curious Faces, a fun and family-friendly exhibition of the varied and colorful character designs created by firstyear Ringling students, opening September 5. The annual faculty exhibition will also be on display Stulberg Gallery beginning September 11.

Round 2: Nov - Dec

On November 6, the college opens its six-month-long exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Syd Solomon, Reimagining Syd Solomon. Sarasota is no stranger to Syd Solomon, his work or exhibitions celebrating his work, but this one promises something a little di erent, being curated by the 17 hand-selected students of Jaeger’s class, The Role of the Curator. “It’s re-imagining how Syd’s work can be viewed,” says Jaeger, “and doing so through the eyes of a student.” The exhibition will include two artwalks, as well as evening lectures with artist Mike Solomon and, continuing the season’s theme of impression and response, a fashion show featuring work inspired by Solomon’s palette. Also opening on November 6, the fifth annual War Paint: Profiles of Courage will once again see Ringling students and faculty painting portraits of local veterans for a group exhibition dedicated to putting a human face to the conflict, Illest of Ill showcases the talents of the Ringling Illustration Department, and Here to There features the work of three Ringling students whose lives have been shaped by conflict: a Ukrainian illustrator, a fine artist from Afghanistan and a US Army veteran who served in the Middle East.

Round 3: Jan - Mar Come January 2024, it’s time for the annual glass exhibition from the collection of Richard and Barbara Basch, Che Colore! Held each year in the Basch Gallery, this glass art showcase always features work in a variety of techniques and from around the world, including Italian legends like Lino Tagliapietra and Lucio Bubacco and American greats like Dale Chihuly. Docent tours with Barbara Basch will be held Wednesdays and Thursdays. Just as colorful, January also marks the opening of an exhibition of the work of Colombian painter Omar Chacon, a contemporary artist known for his vibrant palette, borderline hypnotic use of repetition and rhythm and complex compositions, as well as a solo exhibition by Ringling’s own senior illustration faculty George Pratt. Recently returned from sabbatical in Morocco, where he followed in the footsteps of some of his artistic inspirations, such as John Singer Sargent and Eugene Delacroix, Pratt’s prolific hand created enough new material to entirely transform one of the college’s galleries into a physical manifestation of the man’s Moroccan mindscape. “It’s like walking through a map,” says Jaeger. “It’s actually amazing how much this guy can draw.”

Round 4: Summer Ringling College closes out the season with a full-scale presentation of Jack Dowd’s famous Last Call, in tribute to the Sarasota sculptor. Featuring a 22-foot mahogany bar and 13 lifesize figures gathered around, the massive installation captures that magical and manic 4am moment in the City That Never Sleeps, when the night’s tide has reached its peak and the bar is closing down and the motley assemblage contained therein must sort itself out and decide on some sort of direction for the remainder of the night, if not their lives. “It’s going to be an important exhibition for Ringling,” says Jaeger. “Dowd is a legacy artist. He’s earned that position and it’s important to recognize his contributions.”

Last Call will be on display in the Stulberg Gallery from May 24 to Aug 2.

Below: Last Call by Sarasota sculptorJack Dowd.

— TIM JAEGER CHIEF CURATOR AND DIRECTOR

Reimagining Syd Solomon

Perhaps the space that most encapsulates Sarasota’s identity as an artistic haven are the Ringling College Galleries, located on the campus of The Ringling College of Art and Design. These seven galleries are one of the creative hubs of the city–from showcasing student and faculty work to blue-chip exhibitions, the Ringling College Galleries and Exhibitions program seems to have it all. That’s why it makes sense that this season, as one of the 20 exhibitions featured in the Galleries, the program is highlighting Sarasota legacy artist Syd Solomon. Reimagining Syd Solomon, which debuts this November, features the work of Solomon, an American abstract impressionist artist who after serving in World War II split time between the Hamptons and Sarasota—the latter of which became a major influence on his work. Solomon’s abstract paintings were known for their expressive use of color and movement, which he used to capture the bright, sub-tropical Gulf Coast environment and was the first contemporary artist to be shown at The Ringling Museum of Art. Solomon became such an influential figure in the Sarasota art scene, that in 1964 he created the Institute of Fine Art at the New College in Sarasota. “The exhibition is going to be extremely unique in that it’s not like your traditional museum exhibition. It has museum standards, it’s museum quality, but it’s a di erent type of experience that’s unlike something that’s been o ered with his work before,” says Tim Jaeger, chief curator and director of the Galleries. “With Reimagining Syd Solomon, not only will you have many of his original oil paintings, but you’re also going to see artworks created by students that are created from their response to the impression that Solomon has given them.” D.Campbell Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-351-5100, ringling.edu

Below: Notable pieces from artist Syd Solomon for the Reimagining Syd Solomon exhibit, pubilshed courtesy of Ringling College of Art and Design.

OF THE GALLERIES AT THE RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN.

“THE EXHIBITION IS GOING TO BE EXTREMELY UNIQUE IN THAT IT’S NOT LIKE YOUR TRADITIONAL MUSEUM EXHIBIT. IT’S A DIFFERENT TYPE OF EXPERIENCE.”

Ablutions & Affirmations

SPAACES Contemporary Art Gallery is one of Sarasota’s finest destinations not only for viewing art that introduces a new perspective, but also for supporting local artists who are following their dreams. The gallery strives to give emerging artists the recognition and facilities needed to thrive as professionals. “These are artists who really want to make a career. They are pursuing galleries, they are pursuing residencies and trying to make it to the end goal. The dream for most visual artists is to be in a permanent museum collection, someday,” SPAACES Founding Director, Marianne Chapel Junker, says. “We want to support professional artists who have those types of goals in mind.” One way that SPAACES champions the contemporary art scene is by o ering a sliding scale, meaning that artists who earn less, pay less to use the coveted SPAACES facilities. This month’s solo exhibition is by talented Ringling College visiting Professor, Marina Shaltout. The exhibit, Ablutions & A rmations, was inspired by Shaltout’s critique of the commodification of “self-care” within a capitalistic society. “It’s this idea that society is selling us these sort of ‘remedies’ that actually in turn, create more issues for us”. Shaltout says. “I’m also exploring how those feelings have risen exponentially in the post-COVID landscape that we are living in now,” Shaltout explains that she was inspired to create Ablutions & A rmations during the summer of 2021 when she was faced with a bout of hair loss due to anxiety surrounding the COVID pandemic, political climate and economy, as well as her own career. Throughout the exhibition, Shaltout uses the bathroom as a stage for showing how even a place many go to relax and unwind cannot escape the influx of marketing and advertisements enticing us to invest in capitalism, even if it is masked by beautiful, sweet-smelling soaps and luxurious products. “Objects reminiscent of the bathroom ambiance are curated to invoke the transitory calmness we experience when we indulge in candles, a glass of wine and the catharsis of bathing away our proverbial sins with fancy soaps. However, the core of this work is situated in the tension between bedazzled objects and strands of hair clinging to tiled walls,” Shaltout adds. “In this regard, I ask my audience to sit with the uncomfortable interplay between the glamorous and the grotesque, inviting a reflective pause in the face of societal contradictions and beneath the veneer of superficial comfort.”

Building Art in Common Places

Creative Liberties’ main mission is not only to provide local artists with a place to create, show and sell their work, but also to create an inspiring artistic community. This heightened sense of community is exactly what the organization plans on achieving during their upcoming exhibit in collaboration with Art in Common Places. Art in Common Places was founded by Teresa Carson and Leslie Butterfield in 2020 based on the belief that art belongs to everybody, which perfectly aligns with Creative Liberties’ mission. The premise of the exhibit is that an artist and a poet work on a collaborative team for six weeks to create a piece of art and corresponding poetry. The exhibit will run from October 5th through 28th and features 36 collaborative works of art. “Every piece has a poem and a work of art where the artist and the poet have collaborated,” Butterfield says. “So sometimes the poem is in the painting, but other times there’s some kind of relationship that they’ve discovered around a theme as they have gotten to know each other’s work.” The beauty of an exhibit like this is that it speaks to people who are passionate about both poetry and visual arts and acts as a new way for guests to learn more about poetry. Both poetry and visual art is largely imagery driven, making the combination a complete immersive experience. “We love the integration of the art forms; it’s taking the written word, the visual arts and combining them to create really unique pieces,” Barbara Gerdeman, co-owner of Creative Liberties, says. Not only does a collaborative exhibit like this produce beautiful end results, but the dialogue and workshopping it requires can also have a lasting e ect on the participating artists. “Almost never do you see a poet who has worked with a painter before, or vice versa,” Butterfield said. “They have these ‘Ah-ha!’ moments, where they learn about how we think di erently in the di erent arts.” Along with the exhibition, Creative Liberties and Art in Common Places will also be collaborating on a Family Art Day, on October 28 from 9am-Noon. This event will be completely free, no RSVP required. Family Art Day will be centered around story bracelet making, during which families can learn how to express themselves through bead patterns and words. E.Dannenfelser Creative Liberties, 901B Apricot Ave, Sarasota, 941-799-6634, Art in Common Places at Creative Liberties will run from October 5th through 28th, creativeliberties.net

E.Dannenfelser SPAACES, 2087 Princeton St, Sarasota, 941-374-3492, Ablutions & Affirmations will be on view at SPAACES Contemporary Art Gallery from October 6-28, spaaces.art

Below, left to right: in lin oll isitin of sso i lutionsmations installation of SPAACES Art Gallery; Art in Common Places Lime Laundromat installation at Creative Liberties, photo courtesy of Creative Liberties.

Working Conditions

“We all work to some degree or another,” says Christopher Jones, the Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan curator of photography and media art at The Ringling. “While our jobs can be very, very di erent from one another, working is such an integral part of the human experience and the social issues and politics that surround work are always changing and evolving. Photographers are responding to that and shaping how we think about work by presenting us with their own evidence and experiences.” Jones is speaking on The Ringling’s latest exhibition, Working Conditions, which is on view until March 3, 2024. The exhibition draws from The Ringling’s permanent collection of photography, taking into account how di erent photographers chronicled labor, in both the United States and across the world from the turn of the 20th century until present day. “It’s not meant to be an exhaustive survey of the subject, but really just a way to pull from our pretty substantial collection here,” says Jones. “We have a really robust collection of photography and I’m always looking for di erent ways to organize it into temporary exhibitions for our community.” Because the exhibition draws from such an expansive time frame, the styles and perspectives from which these photographers viewed labor vary widely. The exhibition includes everything the work from Lewis Hine, a photographer hired in 1908 by the National Child Labor Committee to document the exploitation of children in the industrial workforce to Margaret Bourke-White, one of the early photojournalists in the 1930s to Dmitri Baltermants, a Russian photographer who chronicled the workforce of the Soviet Union. One of the standouts of Working Conditions is the work of Bill Owens, an American photographer who was interested in the working communities of post World War II suburbia. “We received a number of pieces from di erent collectors of Bill Owens–that was part of the impetus of putting on the show,” says Jones. “Owens was really fascinated by these burgeoning post-WWII suburban communities that were starting to develop all over Northern California and the kind of lifestyle and culture that was emerging. It was this new form of the American Dream that he was able to chronicle through his photography.” —

D.Campbell Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 941- 359-5700, ringling.org

Below: Coal Dock Worker, seen in Working Conditions at the Ringling Museum of Art, photo by Walker Evans.

— CHRISTOPHER JONES

STANTON B. AND NANCY W. KAPLAN CURATOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEDIA ART, RINGLING MUSEUM

“WE HAVE A ROBUST COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND I’M ALWAYS LOOKING FOR DIFFERENT WAYS TO ORGANIZE IT INTO TEMPORARY EXHIBITS.”

Sarasota Art Museum

Below left to right: The Addams Family will be running from October 13 through November 12 at the Venice Theatre, photo courtesy of the Venice Theatre; Parade will run from March 7 through March 17 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, photo courtesy of the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

The Addams Family

Settle into spooky season this October with The Addams Family musical at the Venice Theatre. Born from the New Yorker cartoons drawn by Charles Addams starting in 1938, the Addams family was adapted into the popular 1960s television series and six films. “The show’s iconic theme song is seared into America’s popular culture,” says Benny Sato Ambush, the artistic director of the Venice Theatre. The audience will connect with classic characters like Wednesday and Gomez while enjoying the antics of this eccentric family with a penchant for the macabre. In the musical, Wednesday Addams falls in love with a normal boy, causing the two families from distinct worlds to come together. “It celebrates di erence, champions the concept that love is love and illustrates that love is possible across di erences,” Ambush adds. He believes that the show will resonate with audiences not only because of its nostalgic appeal but also owing to its themes of acceptance and inclusion. The family values members of various generations and their shared lives; their home even contains a plethora of artifacts honoring their ancestors. “The characters are allowed to live how they want and love who they want, and the show represents the joy of fitting in and being accepted in a fun way,” he says, confident that audiences will adore the eye-catching set and beautiful music, especially during October. “With the show playing around Halloween,” he adds, “folks will have a great time.” L.Paque e Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. West, Venice, 941-488-1115, The Addams Family runs from October 13 through November 12, venicetheatre.org.

Parade’s Regional Premiere

One of the most incredible aspects of going to the theater is being shown a di erent perspective through storytelling, a perspective that perhaps has not been shared often throughout history. This season, Manatee Performing Arts Center’s production of the musical Parade, is a must-see for a glimpse into the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man living in Marietta, Georgia in 1913, who is falsely accused of raping and murdering a 13-year-old girl. The gripping musical follows the story of Frank’s trial, while conveying themes of racism and discrimination in the Deep South. “It’s got some very dramatic and heavy moments, but it’s got this beautiful score by Jason Robert Brown, and I think it’s an opportunity. We’re partnering with the Jewish Federation, so they’re helping us with issues like anti-Semitism—really getting the word out and putting a spotlight on their organization,” Producing Artistic Director, Rick Kerby, says. “We have something called ‘action through acting’ that we do here. So, we partner with other not-for-profits, which is a wonderful opportunity to get two organizations to come together on a great project.” The show’s score is by Jason Robert Brown and is one that challenges actors with an old school musical style combined with a “poppy twist”, Kerby adds. The show will be directed by Scott Keys, who recently retired from his role as theatre director at Booker High School. Parade is an excellent example of how theater, and the arts, o ers more to a community than just entertainment; it o ers a chance to see a new perspective. “I think it’s also a job in theater, to show the world through a di erent set of eyes. It teaches us empathy and to be able to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes,” Kerby says. —E.Dannenfelser Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, 941-748-5875, Parade will run from March 7-17, manateeperformingartscenter.com.

Hermitage Sunsets

Just because The Hermitage Artist Retreat is starkly di erent from its neighboring arts organizations around Sarasota, does not mean that the organization is any less important. In fact, the di erences between it and everybody else only highlight just how significant The Hermitage really is. A leading national arts incubator, The Hermitage is not a subscription-based performing arts organization–instead, it is a haven for award-winning artists across all genres and the world to flock to, unencumbered by distraction. The Hermitage takes in anywhere from 80 to 90 artists a year, selected from a national curatorial council dedicated to picking the top, emerging artists in their disciplines. Artists in residency at The Hermitage are given one month to break up in any way they like over a two year period–fortunately for Sarasotans, those artists are obligated to o er a free hour-long program to the community. “These are leading artists from all over the country and world, including Pulitzer winners, Grammy and Oscar winners, Tony and Emmy winners and Guegenheim fellows–every one of these artists does a free program for the community,” says Andy Sandberg, artistic director and CEO of The Hermitage. “Each is about an hour long and is often a sneak peak into new works and their creative process. They’ll be sharing perhaps a reading of a play or a piece of music or discussion on their work.” While many of those programs will take place on The Hermitage’s beachfront campus, others will happen o -campus such as The Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens Series, which will occur at the Downtown Sarasota Campus and Historic Spanish Point locations of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Sunsets at Selby kicks o on October 5 with Hermitage Fellow and American Horror Story lead writer Hailey Fei er with her program, The Blurred Line Between Humor and Heartbreak: A Playwriting Workshop. —D.Campbell The Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6630 Manasota Key Rd. 941-475-2098, Englewood, hermitageartistretreat.org.

IQuest Horizons

Making learning exciting for kids can be a di cult task, but The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s IQuest program might just be the ticket for expanding your middle-schooler’s mindset and horizons. The program happens monthly, usually on the second Saturday of each month, and gives kids ages 11-14 a place to think outside the box while enjoying time with friends. Each month, the program switches, alternating between engineering, experimental and creativity-based lessons. The program is developed in-house through The Bishop’s learning team and Master Educator, Gabrielle Meyer, who has an extensive STEAM and Innovation Education background and also serves as director of learning. Each lesson is delivered by a senior lead learning specialist from The Bishop, along with Meyer. A ratio of two leaders to every twenty students is maintained throughout the lessons and activities. Each lesson is di erent, making it perfect for both kids who attend every session, as well as those who are new. The engineering component focuses on finding a problem, whether that be a museum issue or a global climate issue, and working to create a plan to solve it. The experimentation lessons show kids how to use scientific equipment like beakers and microscopes to not only find information surrounding an issue, but apply the collected data to research and issues the kids are presented with. Finally, the creativity themed lessons allow students to tap into their artistic side, with art pieces based around science and nature. This educational experience allows students to learn more about STEM related topics, as well as see a new perspective and try their hand at something they may not be as confident in, a tactic that is pivotal for a well-rounded education. “I’ve been an educator for a long time and I think the weaving of di erent disciplines is key in order to have a much more global perspective, no matter what the topic,” says Meyer. “If you’re able to make those cross-curricular ties then you’re onto something important. Nothing sits in isolation. There shouldn’t be a completely one sided education.” IQuest is not only a ordable, with tickets priced at $15 for members and $20 for non-members, but every session also includes a pizza dinner for students. The program ultimately strives to inspire students to have curious minds and learn how to love learning. “Sometimes, throughout the education process that love of learning gets beaten down a little bit. If we can ignite that spark again, feed the flame and let that fire bubble up, then it’s a job well done,” Meyer adds.—E.Dannenfelser Bishop Museum, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org.

Below left to right: Hermitage House at Hermitage Artist Retreat, photo by Barbara Banks; Hermitage presenting a program on the Hermitage’s beachfront campus, photo courtesy of the Hermitage Artist Retreat.

IN CONVERSATION WITH NONPROFIT INNOVATORS MAKING A COLLABORATIVE PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT IN OUR REGION.

INTERVIEW BY WES ROBERTS | EDITED BY BARBIE HEIT

In Conversation

LET’S START BY SHARING A BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATIONS.

STACEY R. CORLEY PRESIDENT SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

BILL SADLO, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO: We serve youth, six to 18 years old. We’re a facility-based program where kids come to us. We have six full service sites in the two county area between Sarasota and DeSoto and five school sites where the youth stay after school for programs. During the school year, we are open from 2-6 pm after school, and during summers, 7:30 am-6:00 pm. We stay in line with the school calendar and we are open when the schools are closed. JOY MAHLER, BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUN COAST: We utilize community volunteers to mentor youth in a one-to-one method. We’re at the schools with our volunteers and we are also in the community. It’s a wonderful intergenerational program utilizing adult volunteers and youth. The ages of our youth are between six and 21 (we continue the mentoring till they’re age 21 in a big futures type program). We’re not as facility-based like Bill is, but we do partner with the Boys and Girls Club. We have bigs and littles that come to the club. It’s a

great partnership. KRISTIE SKOGLUND, THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD: We have a very specific mission to serve children and their families prenatal through elementary school, with a special focus on birth to years. We provide a lot of early intervention, prevention, and therapeutic services for families that are at risk. However, we can serve anyone in the community within some of our programs. What di erentiates the Florida Center is that not only can we provide a particular service for a family, like early childhood mental health, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and home visiting, but we can wrap services around families if they enter into one program. We have other services on our campus that we can wrap around that family, because we know that early childhood is oftentimes a journey, and a time when families are trying to figure out what’s happening for their young child. They’re not quite sure. So they enter through one door, and then we assess and say, “Wow, I wonder, have you thought about this?” Or maybe this is the door that you came through, but when we screen

ENGAGING READERS THROUGH STORYTELLING.

JOY MAHLER, PRESIDENT, CEO BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUN COAST

BILL SADLO PRESIDENT AND CEO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES

DR. KRISTIE SKOGLUND, IMH-ER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS

Stacey R. Corley, President, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Stacey Corley joined Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation as president in September 2022. The Healthcare Foundation is the philanthropic partner of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, providing the hospital with critical resources in the key areas of patient care, education, clinical research, technology and facilities. Prior to joining the Healthcare Foundation, Ms. Corley served as Vice President for Advancement at Ringling College of Art and Design. She originally joined that organization in 2012 as a Senior Development Officer, becoming Assistant Vice President for Strategic Philanthropy in 2014. Previously, Stacey served as Associate Director for Development for Florida State University Foundation/The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. She also worked 10 years for Bristol-Myers Squibb in various roles including Senior Hospital Business Manager. In the community, she has held leadership positions with multiple local and national organizations including Ringling College Library Association, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Junior League of Sarasota, and is a member of Sarasota Women’s Alliance. Stacey holds a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy and Master of Business Administration in Management from Mississippi State University.

Joy Mahler, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast Joy is a graduate of Michigan State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Sciences. She a ended the American Institute for Nonprofit Management, Duke University, and completed an Executive

for the child overall, we see that maybe they could use a speech and language evaluation to rule some of those things out. STACEY R. CORLEY, SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION: It is the philanthropic arm of SMH so we work with donors to help create possibilities at the hospital above and beyond what the healthcare system would normally be able to do. And many of those things are services that are not reimbursable, or they’re additive to what the hospital’s already doing. One of the ways that we connect with children is the First 1000 Days, which is a program that SMH manages and connects through a software system with lots of other nonprofits in our community, to help babies and families during the fi rst 1,000 days. It connects families with organizations like Florida Center for Early Childhood, Boys and Girls Club, and others where people may have needs that are not hospital related, but will help keep their family healthy and well. We also have the only NICU in our community, so we deliver lots of babies, even babies who are not going to the NICU, and we do nurse training, as well. We are just getting ready to open our new behavioral health center in December, and we’re going to have a lot of new programs for youth there, including youth-intensive outpatient programs.

WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION DO THAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE?

SKOGLUND: What we hear often when we invite people to our main campus in Sarasota for a tour is, “We didn’t realize how much you do. We didn’t realize how large you are.” We have 150 employees. In one of our programs, we serve the entire state, and we’re in five counties. When folks hear about the Center for Early Childhood, they may think about our preschool. We have a preschool on our campuses. Our main school is in Sarasota, and we have a North

Port campus that has children who have diagnosed developmental delays or disabilities who attend our preschools. They may know us for that–our Starfish Academy. But maybe they didn’t realize that we work with kids in the court system, the early childhood court we do. People also hear about our fetal alcohol program. That is our diagnostic evaluation and parent support program for children prenatally exposed to drugs and alcohol but they often don’t realize that we are serving families from all over the state with satellite locations.

CORLEY: SMH isthe largest employer in Sarasota County. But I think people assume their taxes pay for everything and that there’s no fundraising or donor support needed, and that really couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s a very small percentage of what happens. Certainly, there are medical things that are reimbursable through insurance or Medicare, Medicaid, those kinds of things. But providing care for uninsured, underinsured, and indigent patients as well as advancing medical equipment are things that our foundation does, as well as adding on clinical research. A lot of times, people think the hospital system must not need the money. We are not fundraising necessarily for buildings. We’re fundraising for what happens inside the buildings and the programs that are on top of standard things you’d fi nd at most hospitals. SADLO: People would be surprised to hear some of the things that our teams are doing, whether it be through our Perlman Price Young Entrepreneur program, where youth are learning about business models, getting funding–Shark Tank style–starting their own businesses. We have youth running nonprofit businesses and for-profit businesses right now through this program and also youth serving on boards throughout the county, both in government boards and nonprofit boards through our STAR Lead-

ership program where they get 60 hours of training, learn about civic engagement and leadership, and then at the end they can serve as a full voting member on nonprofit board. MAHLER: When we started over a hundred years ago, it was all about connecting children with a mentor and that’s about as far as it went. That’s probably what most people think we do. But what we have found is we have a wonderful opportunity to get to know the needs of the families and children. There are educational needs focused on the individual needs of the youth and their families. It’s workforce opportunity, giving them beyond school walls, getting more involved with education which we know is a major pillar in the life of our youth. If they don’t graduate high school, they’re just really a step behind in success. We work with them in more of a 360 model than when we fi rst started out and what we found is it came from our volunteers saying, “Look, we need more help with this. Do you have more resources to help us with that?” So as they’ve become more involved with the youth, whether it is reading in education, whether it is high school graduation, or it’s workforce development, we’ve found that we’ve become more involved with their success and what’s actually going to help them be successful in life.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES OR OPPORTUNITIES THAT YOU SEE IN OUR COMMUNITY?

SADLO: We all take for granted when we see some of the things that are going on in the world around us that we can deal with it. We all responded to natural disasters. When we see the conflict that’s going on in our country and the world we don’t realize how that a ects our youth and what they’re going through. We saw a national statistic, that 42% of high schoolers felt helpless or sad last year. And so we have a mental health crisis with our youth and that is something that we all have

Education program at Columbia University. Since 1983, Joy has served as President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, whose programs serve over 1500 children in ten counties of South West Florida. She is the Current Co-Chair of the Large Agency Alliance for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and was pivotal in creating and launching the Beyond School Walls (BSW) Program in Lee/Hendry County as well as in Sarasota County. Joy has been recognized for her Community Leadership, and received the “Effort for Advocacy for Girls and Women” award. Joy and her husband have four children, and seven grandchildren.

Bill Sadlo, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties Bill Sadlo’s journey with Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties began early as a proud Club member of the Fruitville Boys Club (now the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club).

Bill graduated from Sarasota High School and acquired his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of South Florida in 1992 before joining the organization. Bill has devoted his career to the mission that enabled him to succeed. In 2017, Boys & Girls Clubs of America presented Bill with the National Professional Service Award to honor his 30 years of service. He has been recognized for his dedication with awards including; the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Bull by the Horns Award, the inaugural Boys & Girls of America Youth Megaphone Award the Boys & Girls of America Robert M. Sykes Award, the Sarasota Magazine Unity Award, and the SRQ Media Good Hero Award.

to address together and our community has to come around to. Boys and Girls Club wants to be a part of that solution. MAHLER: A lot of times our families may be in lowwage jobs. What our volunteers do is work with the youth to experience something that maybe their family has not. So for example, in the Beyond School Walls program, which is our workforce development, we actually take our littles to a business and they are matched with a person from that business. They experience what the business is like. Plymouth Harbor is one that we are partnered with and it isn’t just caring for elderly residents, it’s the accounting department, the marketing department. It’s learning more than what they typically would learn. Sarasota Memorial is another one. They’re a wonderful hospital with all di erent careers.

We fi nd we’re able to expose our kids to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had. We’ve had challenges or opportunities through the pandemic, and I know Bill also experienced this as well, and what I fi nd is the resilience of our children and the ingenuity of our volunteers. We went virtual in a lot of what we o ered during that time and we discovered that our volunteers were not tech-savvy, as many of us didn’t Zoom prior to the pandemic. But we learned that out of that adversity, ingenuity can thrive. We can rise above it.

CORLEY: We just celebrated the 30th anniversary of our community specialty clinic which helps patients who otherwise would not be able to see a specialist. They’ve been referred through primary care in some way, whether it’s the health department, or through some other organization and maybe they need an oncologist, psychiatrist, a dermatologist, a cardiologist, some other specialist. This community specialty clinic has volunteer physicians, but donors really help support the ability to have this clinic up and running, to have sta to be able to see the patients. And in the end, what does that mean? That means those

patients are getting good healthcare. They’re able to treat the conditions they might have and it also helps keep people out of the ER that would normally use the ER. Instead, they can go to the community specialty clinic, get more long term treatment, and stay well. SKOGLUND: My background is in early childhood mental health. When people hear about infant mental health, they think about babies on couches, because we think about traditional mental health services, counseling and talk therapy. The field has a broad spectrum. Pretty much anyone that is involved with young children is on the spectrum of influencing a young child’s mental health. We have preschool teachers, early care educators, OTs, speech and language folks and home visitors. Anyone that touches a child’s life is part of that continuum of infant early childhood mental health. I think what a lot of folks don’t realize is how early experiences shape the rest of our lives, especially in the fi rst three years and if you see a problem early on, it’s likely not going to get better–it might actually get worse. So the motto, ‘when in doubt, check it out,’ is really important for someone raising a young child, because their early experiences and early potential developmental delays or disabilities that go unidentified can have impacts on the child when they enter into their elementary age years, and not just in terms of education, but in terms of the relationships with those around them. The adults who are caring for the child, their primary caregivers, their school teachers in elementary or preschool. It becomes challenging for the adults to engage with the child in a meaningful way, because the child has particular challenges or ways of behaving. You don’t learn how to parent from having a baby, you learn how to parent from the way you were parented. Sometimes, it’s just small little tweaks that we can do.

WHAT ARE WAYS THAT PEOPLE CAN HELP? CORLEY:

Volunteering hands-on is one way people can help. Another way is by making gifts, no matter the amount. Donors can go to our website or they can

call us if they want to learn more about an area. Maybe they want to know about what’s going to happen in the behavioral health pavilion that’s going to open in December. Maybe they’ve experienced a particular thing in their family that they want to help make a di erence for others because maybe they’ve been the beneficiary of that at some point in their life. Behavioral health has had a spotlight shone on it during the pandemic and during these last few years so we’ve seen how that’s evolved over time and people’s willingness to address concerns that maybe long ago they would not have even talked about. No matter what area somebody is interested in, we’re happy to have a conversation to talk about that more with them. MAHLER: You can’t change the world for all children, but you can change it for one child. A volunteer can’t reach 10,000 children in a day, but he or she is reaching the one they are working with and is going to make a di erence in that child’s life. SKOGLUND: We love our volunteers. Some retirees will come out and they’ll help us with our grounds, the weeds, laying bricks, or putting mulch down. Things like that are invaluable because we want our grounds to look beautiful. We also have had retired folks come into our preschool and read stories to the kids, play music, sing songs with them just to be an extra body in the classroom that is supporting the teaching sta .

LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH.

MAHLER: If we look at the news in the world, we don’t always know what is fact and what is hype. And youth don’t know whether or not we’re going to survive the event because they have no experience to tell them that they will survive, and they don’t have the experience on how to navigate things the way their parents do. Bill and I both work with families that have limited resources and oftentimes much

Dr. Kristie Skoglund, IMH-ER, Chief Executive Officer, The Florida Center for Early Childhood

Kristie has been a licensed mental health counselor since 2000 and is recognized as an Infant Mental Health Endorsed Professional by the states of Michigan and Florida. Kristie has a Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychology and a Doctorate degree in the same field. In January of 1997, Sarasota County became the first county in Florida to privatize child welfare and Kristie was hired as a mental health counselor to work with young children in the foster care system. She has completed the 18-month infant mental health training through Florida State University’s Harris Institute, and in 2003 she received specialized Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Diagnostic training through the University of Washington. Kristie has formal training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy and is a trained facilitator of the Circle of Security Parenting program. Kristie has expertise in the areas of infant/ young children’s mental health, trauma-informed care practices, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and has presented workshops on various related topics at local, state and national conferences.

more limited resources than your average Sarasota County citizen. That’s where the club, the volunteers, their reassurance and encouragement come in. These kids are tremendous, in terms of the amount of potential. They just don’t have access to the network or connections to achieve that potential always. In terms of mental health, I think we need to encourage and inspire our youth. We all need somebody to listen to us because being listened to is a rming and that’s all a part of mental health as well. SADLO: Joy, that’s a good segue for how we fit into that, the solution to the problem. You laid out the problem and we used to just try to be a resource and send our families to where they could get help. We’ve partnered with the Florida Center and they gave us the mental health professional at one of our clubs as a pilot and it worked tremendously. So in our upcoming budget for this year, we have a mental health professional that will be throughout all six of our clubs. And then we’re going to put social workers at each club from our partners at the school system and that’s how we’re going to address it. Joy laid out what the youth are seeing these days, and it doesn’t matter, all youth are a ected by the environment out there. I used that statistic about the 42% of high school students who felt helpless or sad and it’s something we have to address and we’re going to jump in and try to be more part of the solution. CORLEY: The new Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion at SMH will be a di erent approach to behavioral health, mental health. Not only do we have a beautiful new facility for inpatient care, but also for outpatient treatment. I don’t think mental health issues just came up for kids in the last couple years. I think they were brewing. I even said five years ago, “What are they going to say 20 years from now that what were we doing for youth related to behavioral health?”

And then a pandemic landed on top of it and just made it worse. I think there are lots of things to consider, just the way life is now and social media. There’s a lot of things that children today have to deal with that we didn’t have to deal with. We’ve had a lot of donors step up and say it’s really important to them that we do all we can. And I think historically, behavioral health as a genre probably didn’t have as much philanthropic support as other areas. Our community members are now stepping up and saying, “Yes, it is important.” Certainly we’re not the only place in town that does this. There are a lot of institutions. They all work together really closely in the behavioral health arena. We’re fortunate that we live in a place where people want to help others and do things to make our community better by sharing what they have, whether it’s their time, or their talent, or their funding.

SKOGLUND: The community has absolutely rallied together to help families. It has been unbelievable to me to watch, especially our funding partners and donors, as Stacy was mentioning, just open their hearts and support what the nonprofits themselves could not do. Similar to the hospital, we serve all families. We also are Medicaid providers. We bill insurance of most types. And so while we can serve any family of any socioeconomic status, we do serve between 65 and 75% of families who are on the economic edge in some way. Life is hard for children in general, and it’s very, very stressful for children to grow up today, for a variety of reasons. So to add family stress, financial stress, health stress, social stress, all of those things, and then expect children not to have behavioral mental health or other developmental challenges is unrealistic.

WHAT GOAL DO YOU SET WHEN YOUR FOCUS IS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE? MAHLER:

To be a productive member of their community. We provide scholarships for families, which is one indicator of how we have evolved over the years. We’re a partner with Florida Prepaid

so that we help identify youth that are looking at post-secondary or some type of post high school learning. We also have scholarships within Big Brothers Big Sisters. When we look at equity in children and arriving on your first day prepared for school, we’re doing a lot more in the area of school readiness and preparedness through our scholarship programs and through community support. I know Bill does that as well, but we make sure on day one they have what they need at school to feel successful.

SADLO: Exactly–to be productive members of the community, but now we’re seeing that you have to involve the whole family and that’s something new for us. Through having social workers and using some mental-health programming we’ve done, we’ve also realized you have to involve the parents or the caretakers. And they don’t know all the resources that are out there. So we learned the warm hando is really important. You can give folks the resources but that doesn’t mean they’re going to access them right, or follow through on it. Involving the whole family has been something that’s changed for us and that we’ve learned.

THERE MAY BE A PRESUMPTION THAT THE CHILDREN IN THESE PROGRAMS ARE THERE BECAUSE THEIR PARENTS DON’T CARE, BUT THE PARENTS MAY HAVE ISSUES THAT THEY THEMSELVES HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO OVERCOME AND THEY’RE NOT ABLE TO MANIFEST THAT CARING ROLE THE WAY THAT THEY PROBABLY WISH THEY COULD. CAN YOU SPEAK TO THAT?

SKOGLUND: Part of the work of any good organization that serves children and families is to have a standard practice of assuming the best in the parents. I think old school is, “This kid’s acting up, his parents need to get him in line. What are the parents doing to not get this kid to be doing whatever society feels like they should be doing?” I think we’ve come a long way in trying to ask the questions, because when we see behavior, we make a lot of assumptions and we

need to ask the right questions, “I wonder why this child is doing this. I wonder what he does at home. I wonder what struggles the parents have. I wonder what they’ve done to help him. I wonder what obstacles they’ve run into accessing services for their child. I wonder, are there issues at home that create barriers for them to even see what’s going on?” We have children that go home to parents who have substance abuse issues. We have to wonder more and try to engage families. Blaming parents for their child’s challenges or perceived challenges I think in many ways says more about the provider than it does about the parents. The providers should really be trying to engage the families and if they can’t, to partner with an organization who can take a deeper dive to engage with those families. Access to services is a real issue for families. Not just accessing it, but getting there. Is there a financial implication for accessing these services? What do those services mean to the parent? We have to assume the parent wants what’s best for this child. And if they knew how to do that, they would. So there’s something there we can do to help them. MAHLER: All of these parents love their children or they wouldn’t involve them in the club or with us. They love their children and they want the absolute best for their children and they’re amazing individuals. Their peers are one thing, and it’s tough, middle school is tough, it’s probably the toughest part of life. But I think when you have added people, another caring adult in the life of a child, that’s what helps them build. I just want to be clear that their parents care. They may be working two jobs, sometimes three jobs. It may be availability, but they do love and care for them. SADLO: Whether it be the 1800s, or the early 1900s, or 2023, one thing has not changed. Youth look up to caring adults. They want someone to be there for them, to listen to them. So we know we have high level programs at our Boys and

Girls Clubs. We have really nice facilities. We’re blessed to be here with such a supporting community. But when we talk to our club alumni, that is not what they talk about. They don’t talk about the beautiful building or that program. They talk about the person that made a di erence in their life. And so that’s not going to change over a hundred years, 200 years, 300 years. That is a time-tested principle. CORLEY: To Kristie’s points, sometimes the parents may not even know when to ask for help. I think the work that they do, the work that a lot of nonprofits do, the work that we do at SMH is here to support parents and families when it comes to us. And sometimes, when it doesn’t come to us on its own, it comes up in a di erent way. Someone has to refer or someone else has to get involved to get the help that the young person needs. I think that we do live in a really caring community where we’ve got evidence that donors are stepping up to help young people.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THAT FOUNDATION MONEY HAS ALLOWED TO BE GENERATED OR OPEN THEIR DOORS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS? CORLEY: We have a lot of nurse navigators who help patients through disease in the cancer area. We have some in cardiology. From the moment you’re diagnosed or even before you’re diagnosed, you’re assigned someone who can help you navigate the pathway ahead, and treatments. That’s a really good example of philanthropic support that has made those positions possible. NICU beds are called gira e beds. They’re shaped a little bit like a gira e with a long neck that sticks up. But those actually have expiration dates and they’re $45,000 each. I think people would be surprised to know that. We’ve had a lot of donors help support us supplying those to the NICU. Research–there are a lot of research areas. Women’s cancer as well as other areas of research have been

really important. And they’ve been supported only through donors. Also nursing scholarships are things that are really specific where donors can help. We try to give opportunities to nurses or to sta who want to become nurses. So you could have someone who maybe they’re a custodian today, they’re working, and they see what’s going on, and they want to go back to school and become a nurse. We can help with the nurse scholarships through SMH who determines how they’re given out.

HOW CAN OUR READERS SUPPORT YOUR PROGRAMS?

SKOGLUND: We have two things coming up. One is a gala on December 1st at Michael’s On East that we always love for folks to attend, sponsor, let their friends and families know about. I think equally as important, if not maybe a little more important is our LEAP campaign, which is Learning through Exploration, Activity, and Play. We’re trying to raise $500,000 by the end of our fi scal year, which is June 30th, to help support our children with special needs in our programs. We’re redoing a lot of our play equipment and our classrooms, and getting a lot of new equipment for our OTs and our speech and language pathologists. Our buildings are old. A lot of our equipment’s old. We need a lot of new things. We would love for folks to support our LEAP campaign. And there is no monetary dollar amount that is too small. Every little bit matters.

MAHLER: Most of our volunteers are older volunteers. We live in an older community and they have a wealth of experience and knowledge and expertise to lend to a friendship with youth that may not have that experience in their family. So they could certainly volunteer to be a big brother or a big sister, be a part of our scholarships program or be a donor. Both Bill and I would welcome donations to help support our programs. You can give your time or you can give your wealth and your wisdom. The

bottom line is that investing in our youth will make a huge di erence for all of us. We’re opening a mentoring center probably in January when we’ve remodeled this building we’ve purchased. And in there we’re going to have a STEM center, a summer reading program, doing some workforce development, internet safety, environmental sustainability. We’ve got a lot of exciting opportunities to partner with us in the mentoring center. And if a person has expertise–they don’t have time to do the one-onone mentoring, but they want to volunteer in another way–we are open and excited to welcome all partners and individuals looking to help us inspire the potential of youth. Our goal is to reach 2,000 youth and this too is a capital project of the Mentoring Center. So if anyone is interested in investing in youth in either volunteerism or being a part of our capital empow-

er potential campaign, we’d love to have them involved as well.

SADLO: And all the things Joy mentioned are investments in our youth. Invest whatever you can invest, whether it be your time, your treasure, your talent, but also tell others about it if you think it’s a worthwhile program. What’s the end game? To make caring, productive, responsible citizens. And there are numerous ways they can do that. Joy mentioned the mentoring to get them ready for post-secondary education. The same things happen here with our college and career track and partnerships that we have through Florida Prepaid with organizations like Take Stock In Children, where they provide the mentor for us in early high school years or middle school years and identify them and use the Florida Prepaid to get them those scholarships. We’re now finishing up construction of our

new club in Arcadia. We’ll be dedicating that on September 28th. We unfortunately have to build a new club in North Port courtesy of Hurricane Ian and the new Gene Matthews Club planning is going on right now. We’ll be able to kick o construction hopefully by the end of the year this calendar year. And we also have plans to completely rebuild our Roy McBean Club in Newtown, and that is the club on 21st Street that is built on public housing property. So those types of capital projects are there for people to get involved in, but most importantly, we want to deepen the impact we’re having on our youth. CORLEY: We have Rock The Roof coming up October 21st, which supports women and children’s services at SMH. It’s an outdoor, on top of a garage rock party that’s a lot of fun. And then we’re also trying to finish our cancer campaign. We’re

getting ready to break ground on a new cancer pavilion which is still very important to us trying to keep cancer patients home where they don’t have to travel for our services. And you heard me talk about behavioral health. There’s a lot of opportunity. We’d love to talk with anybody about questions they might have and how they can get involved. We’re in an enviable position I think. We just talked about this yesterday with our team. We live in a community where people are still moving here, things are being built. They’re moving here with capacity and interest in being philanthropic. And I can tell you, there are lots of places in the country who have the exact opposite happening. They’ve got people moving away. They’re not supporting the work they’re doing. And we’re really fortunate we live in such a wonderful place. SRQ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

ARSENAULT DERMATOLOGY

GOLD WINNER | BEST DERMATOLOGIST | 2023

ARSENAULT DERMATOLOGY IS CELEBRATING OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY SERVING THE SARASOTA AND MANATEE COMMUNITIES. When Drs. Emily and Michael Arsenault fell in love with the area in 2003, they created Arsenault Dermatology to realize their vision of a better way to deliver healthcare. Dedicated to this ideal, the team at Arsenault Dermatology has thoughtfully designed a healthcare experience where patients receive the meticulous attention and care they deserve. To truly go where you’re treated best.

At Arsenault Dermatology, we take three promises to heart. PROMISE 1 – Our focus is you! Our guiding light is to provide you an unparalleled patient experience. We’re always working to create and refine an environment that’s not just efficient with your precious time, but one where you will feel genuinely welcomed and cared for by helpful professionals. PROMISE 2 – We care for you like family. Healthcare is deeply personal, and at Arsenault Dermatology we treat you the same way we would for our own family members. From your first contact with our scheduling team, to a welcoming clinical experience, our team is here to serve you, doing everything possible to exceed your expectations. Our dermatology providers are experts in their field, going above-and-beyond to partner with you to find solutions. At Arsenault Dermatology, you are family. PROMISE 3 –We make it easy. Healthcare can sometimes be a frustrating experience. At Arsenault Dermatology, our goal is to make your life easy. All our offices are clean, modern and welcoming with easy access. Our patients enjoy in-house benefits such as 24/7 online scheduling, fast biopsy turnarounds, a friendly and efficient billing team, and multiple convenient locations. Our system is thoughtfully designed to give you choices, reduce frustrations and make the most of your time. It has been a privilege serving our community, and we look forward to many more years to come!

facebook.com/arsenaultdermatology instagram.com/arsenaultdermatology

“This year we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary serving the Sarasota and Manatee communities. We are incredibly thankful for all the love and support we’ve received over the past two decades. Thank you for allowing us to earn your trust!”

ARTISTREE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE & DESIGN

GOLD WINNER | BEST PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING | 2023

DEEPER ROOTS. HIGHER STANDARDS.® IN 1990, ARTISTREE PUT DOWN ITS ROOTS IN VENICE, starting as a four-man mow crew and blossoming into a nationally ranked landscape company serving Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. Today, under the longtime leadership of CEO Joe Gonzalez and President Frank Fistner, ArtisTree works with homeowner associations, property owners and builders to deliver award-winning landscape maintenance and design services. While the 33-year-old company has earned numerous accolades over the years, including being named among the nation’s “Top 150” landscape firms by andscape anagement aga ine, ArtisTree is most proud of how it supports the local community through job creation and charitable work.

• The $30.1 million company employees more than 400 employees and provides growth opportunities for a diverse workforce.

• It latches landscapes to life by contributing to numerous local non-profits, participating in school landscape projects, and providing complimentary landscape makeovers for deserving residents.

The company also launched a “Thank A Landscaper ®” appreciation campaign for those who dedicate their lives/ businesses/programs to making the local community a more beautiful place to live. At thankalandscaper.com, visitors learn how the efforts of anyone connected to the American landscape in a positive way deserve to be celebrated.

ArtisTree attributes its achievements to an employeecentric culture that most recently guided them through the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Even though its facilities were destroyed and employees were struggling with personal losses, the company pulled together by helping each other and local communities return to normalcy.

Core Values

When the sun beats down and customer demands must be met, ArtisTree’s four core values remain: do the right thing, communicate, be safe and leave the world better than they found it. These values are rooted in the essence of who ArtisTree is: a company of proud, hardworking individuals who give to each other and to the community around them.

160 Pond Cypress Road | Venice, FL 34292 941.488.8897 | artistree.com facebook.com/ArtisTreeLandscape

THIS SEPTEMBER, BLAZE OF HOPE EMBARKED ON A MISSION TO SPREAD HOPE WORLDWIDE by lighting 75 global landmarks GOLD for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Blaze of Hope is a remarkable non-profit organi ation that serves as a beacon of light for children battling cancer and their families. Their exceptional efforts have garnered global attention, uniting communities worldwide in the fight against childhood cancer. The month-long campaign saw iconic landmarks in locations as diverse as Australia, ew ork, and beyond bathed in gold. From bridges and towers to sculptures and even a billboard, these landmarks stood as symbols of solidarity and support for children facing cancer. la e of ope featured a billboard in imes uare, ew ork ity, reminding the world to e BOLD and WEAR GOLD” in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness. Although la e of ope’s impact has reached the corners of the world, we are proudly based here in beautiful arasota, serving as a lifeline for families of hospitali ed children, providing crucial financial support that enables them

to be by their child’s side when it matters most. Founder isa oore’s profound words resonate deeply hese people chose their child instead of their mortgage payment; a choice no parent should have to make. his spirit led to the founding of la e of ope, an organi ation that ensures parents never have to make that unimaginable choice. n alone, la e of ope has assisted over families, offering support and a nurturing community during their most trying times. As we celebrate arasota’s est, la e of ope emerges as a shining star within our community and beyond. heir global reach, exceptional awareness initiatives, and unwavering support for families in need make them a beacon of O . n a world filled with challenges, la e of ope reminds us that we can illuminate a path to a brighter, cancer-free future for our children. hey are more than just a non-profit they symboli e hope, resilience, and unwavering compassion.

“Spread HOPE like WILDFIRE!”

CAT DEPOT

CAT DEPOT’S MISSION IS TO SAVE LIVES, find loving homes, and provide resources and education needed to improve the destiny of homeless cats. at epot, a limited-admission, free-roaming adoption, rescue, and education center, is recogni ed for its progressive design and commitment to helping homeless, abandoned, and injured felines locally, regionally, and nationally. his year marks at epot’s th year in supporting the cats and the people who love them in the anasota area. ince opening in , at epot has found homes for nearly , cats and kittens. RESCUE: at epot works daily to rescue abandoned, abused, injured, relin uished, and free-roaming community feral cats and kittens. n , at epot assisted with local and national rescues due to both natural and manmade disasters.

ADOPTION: Our goal is to find a good match and loving home for every cat who enters at epot. Over , cats and kittens found forever homes in through at epot’s adoption program. HUMANE EDUCATION PROGRAM: at epot provides the community with educational activities that promote awareness and knowledge of cat behavior and care through public workshops, lectures, printed materials, and an online resource library. ast year, communitybased programs were offered to community members of all ages. CAT CARE CLINIC: n an effort to care for sick and injured cats and their distressed owners, at epot’s at are linic operates an affordable onsite care clinic. educed prices have helped people and their pets in not only arasota ounty but the surrounding areas. Over , cats and kittens receive treatment each year in the at are linic.

COMMUNITY FOOD BANK: he ommunity Food ank provides much need food and supplies to colony caretakers and income- ualified pet parents. n , at epot’s Food ank fed over , cats and kittens in the anasota area.

facebook: @CatDepot

Twitter/X: @CatDepot

Instagram: @CatDepot

YouTube: @CatDepot

TikTok: @CatDepot

“We are so lucky that Cat Depot rescued our adopted kitties, so that they in turn could rescue us.”

— Kathy Holtquist, Cat Depot Adopter of Gracie & Oliver.”

As a Head Start Program of Excellence, ranked in the top one percent of over 1,800 Head Start programs nationwide, Children First is one of nine agencies in the United States to receive this coveted designation, and one of just two to be named four consecutive times.

CHILDREN FIRST

FOR 62 YEARS, CHILDREN FIRST has been providing highquality early childhood education and family strengthening services to pregnant women, children ages birth to five, and their families. Our mission is to strengthen children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. As Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services, our agency offers highquality, comprehensive services to hundreds of at-risk children and families each year at multiple locations across North Port, Sarasota, and Venice. The education, care, and wrap around support we offer ensure a healthy and strong foundation for success. Through Children First, children receive nutritious meals, an array of services to support their overall health, and the social, emotional, and cognitive skills needed to enter Kindergarten successfully.

Every family works with a Family Advocate to set and meet financial, educational, and occupational goals. Advocates provide the encouragement and resources families need to move out of poverty. We support parents as the primary educator for their child and aim to assist parents in learning new skills as they work to accomplish goals and achieve self-sufficiency. An investment in children at their earliest age will pay social, educational, and economic dividends over the course of a child’s lifetime, now, and for generations to come. We are grateful for the generous support from our community that helps to provide what every child and family deserve - access to the services they need to thrive and opportunities for success.

“Congratulations to the members of our Children

First Family honored in 2023 by the National Head Start Association and the Florida Head Start Association for their impact in elevating excellence: Philip Tavill, CEO; Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President of Programs; Leah Jones, parent and Policy Council Parliamentarian; LaShawn’te Lee, Regional Coordinator; Jane Shaw, Early Learning Inclusion Coordinator; and Maria Somera, parent and Policy Council Liaison!”

CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY

GOLD WINNER | BEST ARTS ORGANIZATION | 2023

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY is the nation’s only nonprofit organi ation that combines professional circus performances, youth circus training, and education and outreach programming. he A is thrilled to launch another great year of youth and professional performances as well as community outreach programs in its th year. ach year, community members and visitors eagerly await the return of Circus Sarasota. howcased in a one-ring, uropean-style ig op, ircus arasota features circus acts acclaimed for their incredible artistry from around the globe.

Also highly anticipated is Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices, the A ’s annual collaboration with ey horale, which combines the more-than voices of the ey horale and the -piece ir ue Orchestra with thrilling live circus artists. One of the featured programs at the ircus Arts onservatory is its renowned Sailor Circus Academy, the nation’s longest-running youth circus program for students ages - , which offers not only rigorous athletic training but also helps students to learn life management skills, gain self-discipline, bolster confidence, and make a commitment to achievement.

he A also runs magnet programs at two area schools, ooker iddle and arasota igh, for which students receive academic credit. he lives of thousands of - students and community members are enriched each year through the A ’s Arts-Integrated Education Program , featuring a A curriculum developed by the A , and the Circus Arts in Healthcare Program, which improves the uality of life for individuals in care facilities by bringing delight to people through the circus arts. f you haven’t had the opportunity yet, we encourage you to step right up and visit us under the ig op to get a taste of the extraordinary legacy of the circus arts

“We are so honored to have been selected by readers for recognition in the Best of SRQ Local awards program. We are dedicated to sharing the entertainment, education and enrichment that the circus arts can provide and to know we are appreciated by our community is a lovely affirmation of our work.” — Jennifer Mitchell,

Executive Vice President/COO for the Circus Arts

Conservatory.

941.355.9335

COMING UP THIS SEASON AT THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY

SAILOR CIRCUS PRESENTS

CANDYLAND

Tuesday, Dec. 26 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023

WINDJAMMERS AND SAILOR

CIRCUS ACADEMY

Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024

CIRCUS ARTS

GALA

Friday, Feb. 2, 2024

CIRCUS SARASOTA 2024

Friday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024

CIRQUE DES VOIX®: CIRCUS OF THE VOICES

Friday, Mar. 22 and Sat, Mar. 23, 2024

WONDERBALL

April 2024

SAILOR CIRCUS SPRING SHOW

Saturday May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2024

facebook.com/CircusArtsSRQ

SALON

FOUNDED AND LED BY CORAL PLEAS SINCE 2008, Cutting Loose Salon has grown to four award-winning locations in Sarasota, Florida and Connecticut—with the best-trained teams found anywhere. A full-service salon that will have you looking your best while feeling refreshed, Cutting Loose Salon specializes in French haircutting and French balayage. Developed in Paris, these techniques are designed to highlight your individual beauty. We are driven by our commitment to caring for others and giving back, creating a positive impact on lives and reshaping how the beauty industry is perceived. You can always count on us to be there supporting you passionately. Since 1990, Coral has supported a local organization called SPARCC (Safe Place and ape crisis enter . he salon donates gift certificates to the shelter that can be used by women for a day of pampering and fashion consulting. Their day at Cutting Loose ® Salon helps them build a professional image so they can find new jobs and make a fresh start. We also provide hair and make-up for SPARCC’s annual Fashion Show held at the Ritz Carlton that raises money to support the organization.

DISCOVER SARASOTA TOURS

DISCOVER SARASOTA TOURS was launched in 2018 by Founder and CEO Tammy Hauser, M.B.A. We offer 16 different entertaining and informative daytime sightseeing tours and nighttime musical theater shows in our air-conditioned trolley or van located at The Trolley Cottage Gift Shop in historic Gillespie Park. Our guide-led tours focus on the most interesting people, intriguing places, and amazing stories that have shaped Sarasota’s rich cultural past focusing on Sarasota history, circus, Amish community, public art, haunted buildings, metaphysical life, architecture, music, theater, and food themes. More than 10,000 guests take our tours each year. In 2022, DST launched our nighttime musicals on the trolley with Murder Mystery Trolley: Who Killed The Circus Queen which has been running to soldout crowds for more than 100 shows, The BooMobile , a children’s Halloween musical and Christmas Carol Trolley: Letters To Santa, a heartwarming holiday show that runs nightly in December.

In 2023, DST was awarded a 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor which is given to the top 10% of all tour companies globally based on customer reviews. We also received SRQ Magazine’s Platinum Award for BEST Local Tour Company in 2023 and were voted Best of Florida Arts & Entertainment Attraction in 2022. DST was recently featured in a film produced by American xpress as a leading American Small Business.

“I fell in love with Sarasota and knew immediately that this is where I wanted to spend the rest of my life,” said Tammy. “My tours are my gift to Sarasota for residents and visitors alike with the hope that they too will appreciate her charm, beauty and fascinating history,” she added. On behalf of my amazing tour guides, friendly front desk staff and expert drivers, we are delighted to be recogni ed with SRQ’s Platinum award for BEST Local Tour Company!

In 2023, DST was awarded a 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor which is given to the top 10 percent of all tour companies globally based on customer reviews.

We also received SRQ Magazine’s Platinum Award for BEST Local Tour Company in 2023.

We were voted Best of Florida Arts & Entertainment Attraction in 2022.

DST was recently featured in a 2023 film produced by American Express as a leading American Small Business.

Tammy Hauser, M.B.A., Founder & CEO

1826 4th Street | Sarasota, FL 34234

941.260.9818

info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

facebook.com/DiscoverSarasotaTours instagram.com/discoversarasota

“On behalf of my amazing tour guides, friendly front k ta an rt ri r w ar i t to r o ni wit atinum war for t o a our om an ”

FREEMAN ORTHODONTICS

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Freeman Orthodontics is trusted and well known throughout the community for quality care, treatment results and community involvement. r. avid Freeman, a oard ertified Orthodontist, has proudly been providing personalized comprehensive orthodontic care to children, teens and adults in Sarasota for over 20 years.

Freeman Orthodontics is a privately owned, established orthodontic office supported by a talented, professional, enthusiastic and committed team focused on excellence. heir highly skilled, certified orthodontic assistants are welcoming and gentle. Their devoted administrative team is friendly, professional, efficient and organi ed. he entire team of Freeman Orthodontics loves smile transformations and cherishes the relationships they build with patients and their families.

Dr. Freeman passionately supports schools and not for profit organi ations that serve children of all ages, animals and those in need. Dr. Freeman and his wife, Tiffany, have three adorable sons and two rescue dogs. They look forward to continuing to actively support the Sarasota community for the years to come. Freeman Orthodontics is humbled and honored to be recognized again by SRQ readers as Best Orthodontist!

“Dr. Freeman and his team are honored to be recognized again by the Best of SRQ Local. They look forward to serving Sarasota for the years to come both professionally as well as actively supporting the community.”

OUR MISSION

To improve access to youth mental health services by removing barriers, reducing stigma, and creating new and innovative ways to provide support.

Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluations

We believe that every individual deserves a tailored approach to their psychological well-being. Our comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations provide invaluable insights and help individuals and families understand their student’s unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Whether it’s identifying learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, or other cognitive concerns, our team of skilled professionals is here to guide you through the process and then develop personalized strategies for success.

Gifted Testing

Recognizing and nurturing giftedness is another cornerstone of our practice. Our gifted testing services help uncover the exceptional potential within children and adults alike. We understand that gifted individuals often face distinct social and emotional challenges, and we are dedicated to providing the support and guidance needed for them to thrive.

“At Herrera Psychology, we are not just a mental health practice; we are a vibrant part of the Sarasota community. Our recent recognition with the Best of SRQ Award in 2023 stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier psychological services to area youth.”

Therapy for All Ages and Needs

Herrera Psychology isn’t just about assessments; we are here to support you on your mental health journey. Our team of compassionate therapists offers a wide range of therapeutic modalities, catering to the unique needs of children, adolescents, adults, and families. From anxiety and depression to relationship issues and trauma, we will help you regain balance and live your best life.

Community Engagement

As proud members of the Sarasota community, we believe in giving back. We regularly host workshops and attend events to foster mental health awareness and education. Our dedication to community engagement extends beyond our office walls. At errera sychology, our commitment to excellence is unwavering. Our Best of SRQ award in 2023 is a re ection of the trust and support we have received from our community. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey of growth, self-discovery, and healing. Together we can build a healthier, happier, and more connected Sarasota County. Thank you for choosing Herrera Psychology as your partner in mental well-being.

HONEYGLOW BY DEE AETHETICS

DEE’S APPROACH TO SKINCARE combines customized, clinical treatments with a pampering experience. Her idea is that corrective facial treatments can also be relaxing. “Our facial treatments are completely tailored to each of our client’s skin goals. A theme that remains constant in our studio is providing results-driven treatments while still providing a moment of peace for our clients. Both are totally doable, so we implement both. Why not? They are equally important.”

Gentle, yet effective is the goal for this CEO. She is passionate about running an aesthetic business, and has leaned into her title as a leader this past year.

“I enjoy more than just the service itself. The behindthe-scenes parts of business have been really interesting to me. The connections and partnerships I’ve made, the meetings, even the administrative work, I have leaned into it, and I do it with a lot of passion. I think this mindset has contributed to my success.”

Honeyglow is located downtown Sarasota, by appointment only, and has an active waitlist for all new clients. They offer Customized Facial treatments. Experience not just a glow, a HONEYGLOW.

“I am humbled and honored to have earned the Platinum award for SRQ’s Best Aesthetician. I owe it to my clients for keeping my business and brand strong. It’s rewarding helping our community feel on nt an autifu in t ir own kin. t a oo feeling for me as a skincare professional knowing that my clients in Sarasota care about their skin health. I get to make people glow for a living while also educating them on how to take proper care of their skin- what a dream. Thank you for trusting HG with all of your skincare needs.”

Deanna Gerhardt CEO/owner/founder HONEYGLOW by Dee Aesthetics honeyglowbydee@gmail.com @honeyglowbydee

Dee is excited to have been nominated for SRQ Magazine’s “Woman Who Roars” Program.

INTREPID SALON

BEING THE OWNER OF INTREPID SALON HAS BEEN EXTREMELY REWARDING AND ALSO HUMBLING!

It took me 11 months to build Intrepid for us to open June 10, 2020. That is 3 months right after covid showed up. I started with just myself and now have a wonderful staff of 5 people and still growing. In the heat of covid I decided we needed to support one another in the community. Forget about people not remembering Intrepid they haven’t even heard of us yet! So, I decided to pick a few local organizations that included SPARCC, Girls Inc, Mothers Helping Mothers, Boys and Girls Club, All Faith Food Bank, 40 Carrots Family Center, Sarasota Pregnancy Center, Safe Childrens Coalition, and Making Strides for Breast Cancer. All were personally contacted and Intrepid Salon dedicated one month to each one and raised money for them that selected month. In return they mentioned

that Intrepid was fundraising for them during same month. Our slogan at that time was “Win By Giving.” That was a success! To support one another in such uncertain times and that together we can face any obstacles and overcome them. I’m very grateful to have all the wonderful support of our clients; without them we wouldn’t have a business. Because of their support we have made BOSRQ on many levels—every year we have been open. I think that speaks volumes about our clients, Intrepid Salon’s belief’s and missions. Especially taking into consideration of how many salons are in Sarasota. We also support the LGBTQ community, we are a safe beauty space for them as well as our local schools.

RECOGNIZED AS :

Gold: Best Manicure/ Pedicure

Silver: Best Local Hair Salon

2161 Siesta Drive | Sarasota, FL 34239

941.706.3696 | Intrepidsalon.com

facebook.com/IntrepidSalon Intrepidboldnbeautiful

“Be Fearless in life’s challenges, Be Bold an on nt in t i ion ou a ma t u far. t tak a ra ou to i t i t in a if ut n r for t ow im rf t autifu it tru i .”

CANNON HOMES

JOHN CANNON’S JOURNEY from his early passion for building to becoming a successful builder wasshaped by various experiences and learning opportunities. John pursued his passion by studying building construction at Michigan State University. His professional career began in 1979 when he joined Ruth Richmond Homes. After gaining valuable experience in the construction industry and honing his skills for 11 years, John Cannon decided to take a leap of faith and venture into working for himself. In 1990, he and his wife hillipa took the first step by completing and successfully selling their first home in isty reek. tarting out from their one-car garage, John and Phillipa laid the foundation for their business, John Cannon Homes. Phillipa, in particular, holds a special place in the success of the company. John recognizes her as the most important asset in putting their business together. Her role as the heart and soul of the company re ects the significant impact she has on its culture and values.

The success of John Cannon Homes stems from a deliberate and strategic approach to every aspect of the building process. John and his team have put considerable thought into each step, from the initial planning and design stages to the construction, finishing, and final touches. aving well-defined processes in place ensures consistency, uality, and timely completion of projects.

As a result of these factors, John Cannon Homes has gained a reputation for excellence in the construction industry. Clients trust the company to deliver exceptional homes, and the team takes pride in their work and the homes they create. It’s no surprise because John Cannon Homes has won the title of Best Builder from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Readers’ Choice for 31 years and has been awarded the Best Builder title from both SRQ Magazine and Sarasota Magazine!

JPAN RESTAURANT

JPAN SUSHI AND GRILL HAS BEEN A STAPLE IN SARASOTA AND MANATEE COMMUNITY SINCE 2008.

Envisioned and brought to life by Chef Daniel Dokko’s passion and hard-work, our culinary haven effortlessly melds contemporary and traditional Japanese cuisine. Our commitment to crafting extraordinary dining experiences has propelled JPAN to a go-to destination for those seeking delicious sushi and authentic Japanese delights. With locations at Siesta Row and UTC Cattlemen Rd, we’re easily accessible. Innovation takes center stage at JPAN. Our menu boasts a wide array, from classic sushi rolls to innovative creations like the fan favorite Volcano Roll and Spicy Tuna Blocks. More than sushi, we offer delights like Jpan Ramen, our signature Fried Rice, and Wagyu Beef entrée grilled at your table over a sizzling stone. Beside our culinary offerings, JPAN enhances your dining journey with an array of wines and sakes that cater to both seasoned enthusiasts and adventurous newcomers. Our crafty cocktails, ranging from classics to unique blends, are perfect companions to your meal.

Excitement swirls as our cherished tradition, the periodic luefin una utting event, unites food enthusiasts for a memorable experience. Here, our skilled chefs unveil the captivating avors of fresh commitment to exceptional experiences. Regardless of whether you’re a local regular or a visitor, JPAN offers more than just a meal. Our friendly staff and masterful chefs welcome you into the JPAN family, guaranteeing each visit becomes a cherished memory. Join us as we continue to define excellence in arasota’s vibrant culinary landscape.

JPAN’s continuous recognition as Best Sushi in the Best of SRQ awards is a testament to our dedication to excellence. This achievement speaks volumes about our commitment to quality, creativity, and community engagement. We are honored to have conquered our community respect and appreciation.

Local & Fresh

Oven-Baked

Sweet & Savory

Breakfast & Lunch

Desserts & Snacks

Ice-Cream

Pastries

Sandwiches & Subs

Salads

Boxed Lunches

Party Platters

Sandwich Platters

Gift Boxed Pastries

Gift Cards & E-Cards

Loyal Customer Program & More!

KURTOS

SILVER WINNER | BEST LOCAL SANDWICH | 2023

KURTOS CHIMNEY CAKE - A UNIQUE LOCAL BAKERY & SANDWICH SHOP ESTABLISHED IN 2015 –celebrated its 8th anniversary this year, also won its 4th Best of SRQ award in 2023. The small business owned & operated by Aniko Gulyas sprouted from a childhood memory of traditional festival food in Europe. The centuries old technique of making chimney cakes are still preserved and on-display every time a chimney cake is prepared in the bakery or at the farmers market. From the very beginning it was Aniko’s intention & huge importance was given to showing off each step of the preparation as it is just as interesting and beautiful as the final product. Customers often enjoy learning not only about the origin and history of the chimney cakes, but simply observing the ingenious process of handcrafting, rolling and baking these tubular shaped pastries right in front of their eyes. It is a fun and exciting discovery for many of the patrons watching each step of the process and within minutes enjoy tasting the end results. “It brings a smile to our customer’s faces when handed

CHIMNEY CAKE &BREAD

1312 Main Street

Sarasota, Fl 34236

941.203.8541

info@kurtoscake.com

kurtoscake.com

When you visit Kurtos Chimney Cake Bakery & Pastry Shop, you will have a ‘sweet’ experience as soon as you enter their bakery. The scent of pastries & sandwich breads baking all day long will allow you to slow down and enjoy your meal, no matter what you order from their menu. Kurtos’ slogan is “LET US TWIST YOUR TASTE BUDS” … So let them, you will not be disappointed!

a freshly baked, steaming hot chimney cake. It never gets old,” says Aniko. This is one of the many reasons Kurtos Chimney Cake grew into a must-try experience for foodies in the Sarasota area and beyond. The local community of farmers markets and the strong support of loyal patrons allowed the business to expand and find its home in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Located at 1312 Main Street, Kurtos offers a wide variety of selection such as sweet breakfast sammies, egg sandwiches, paninis, sandwich subs, pastries, sundaes, ice cream cones, as well as catering platters & boxed lunches. Its uniqueness as a product and as a small business attracts curious & adventurous foodies from near & far. All menu items are based on the traditional chimney cakes, and every hour of every day each sweet chimney cake & savory chimney bread is handcrafted and freshly oven-baked. Most menu items are uni ue to urtos, you can only find them at their location. Within 4 years after its launch, the traditional sweet chimney cakes were the first to reach the hearts of customers and earn the first SRQ Magazine Best of SRQ Local award for Kurtos in 2019, which followed by the savory sandwich creations in 2020, 2021 & 2023. The star of the menu and winner of the most recent SRQ Magazine Best of SRQ Local Award is the Hungarian Chimney Sub that is a signature sandwich made with the famed & delicious imported Hungarian Pick Salami.

Order online: kurtos-chimney-cake-sarasota.square.site/s/order

LAKEWOOD RANCH FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

TOP 12 | BEST DENTIST | 2023

AS WE APPROACH OUR 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN THE LAKEWOOD RANCH AREA, we invite you to celebrate the success of the innovative technology of smile rejuvenation. The smile team at Lakewood Ranch Cosmetic Dentistry is set apart by their style of revolutionary dentistry. With more than 25 plus years of experience, Dr. Michelle Scala and Dr. Brandy Rubinski initiate the process with photography and digital engineering. Working along side is a stellar smile team to guide you through a step-by-step process. The digital smile design is a customized treatment plan to maximize the best possible outcome. Tailored treatment plans are available to accommodate those who travel on a regular basis. During the production process custom temporaries are made and worn. Bite correction and adjustments are processed in this phase. hen the patient is presented with the final delivery, their smile has been transformed and customi ed to enhance their own natural features. In some cases, facial aesthetics are used to create a non-surgical, natural “Smile Lift”, which emulates a more youthful appearance. Our dedication to you and the community to bring forth life-changing results is of a high caliber. The teams’ complementary skills, superior techniques, passion for beauty, and state of the art equipment make them the ultimate dental choice in cosmetic dentistry for Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas. Dr. Michelle Scala and Dr. Brandy Rubinski and the entire smile team are eager to welcome patients worldwide to the “New Age of Dentistry!”

have

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Everyone in this offi ow professionalism a w a arin and skill, but the t in t at mak them shine is their o for in their patients. o w at they do, they do it w an it ow I can’t thank them nou ” — M. Keeth (Actual patient)

“I

had

problems all my life, and I can tell you I received the best care at this

wit

best results ever!

Dr. Michelle Scala

Dr. Brandy Rubinski

ALSO RECOGNIZED AS :

Best Local Mexican Restaurant

Best Margarita

MI PUEBLO

PLATINUM WINNER | BEST BEST LOCAL TACOS | 2023

MI PUEBLO IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANTS IN SARASOTA & VENICE offering an authentic Mexican menu and event catering services. Rooted in Mexican tradition, carefully crafted, yet bold avored to contemporary tastes.

i ueblo blends the earthy avors of authentic exican cuisine with genuine ingredients to create an excellent balance of textures and avor. Our family offers food, drinks, music, and fun. Our food is traditional exican food made with fresh ingredients. From the moment you step through the door at i ueblo you will think you are in exico. All you senses will be aroused. The colors, the smell, and the sound will all transport you to a tiny exican village or pueblo here in Florida. verything is prepared fresh and delivered to your table with exican hospitality.

Venice

Brick Yard Plaza

530 US 41 ByPass South | 2-A 941-486-0005

Catering: 941-587-4136

Sarasota South Palm Plaza 4436 Bee Ridge Road 941-379-2880

Sarasota North University Walk Plaza 8405 Tuttle Avenue 941-359-9303

facebook.com/mipueblomexican

MICHAEL R. DOROCIAK DDS, MAGD

DR. DOROCIAK RECOGNIZES THAT DENTISTRY IS ALWAYS CHANGING and advancing, and he does everything he can to provide his patients with the best and most advanced care.

Dr. Dorociak is a very strong participant in continuing education. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Florida Dental Association, and the International College of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Dorociak continues to teach and receive advanced education in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery, endodontics (root canals), prosthodontics (dentures and crowns), and many other dental disciplines.He has received extensive training and instruction in Provo, Utah alongside world-renowned dentist Dr. Gordon Christensen. Even in his spare time,

nds reasons to smile every day

Michael R. Dorociak DDS, MAGD

Dr.

Dr. Dorociak Is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame.

MILES & THIRION CPA FIRM, INC.

More important than numbers, though, is the long-term planning acumen we bring to the table. iles hirion team members strive to provide each client with strategies that will ensure decisions made today form the foundation for a happy and prosperous future. Our specialty areas include states and rusts, etirement lans, and nternational ax services. Our firm places a high priority on relationships with our exceptional team of tax professionals and valued clients. e’re known for excellence in the area, as well as the tightknit and fun atmosphere we provide for our employees. lient satisfaction is our top priority. e often find ourselves working side by side with third- or even fourth-generation family members as a trusted partner in their business and personal financial decisions. Our commitment to relationship transcends our firm and translates into enthusiastic engagement with our community as well. he artners at iles hirion serve on the boards of numerous arasota businesses and non-profits, including lymouth arbor, he ines Foundation, reast ealth arasota, iberty avings ank, and arasota igh chool Alumni Foundation. any of our staff attended local schools and universities, and we live in arasota because we love it here.

WITH SARASOTA REGULARLY NAMED AS A TOP CITY

TO LIVE AND RETIRE IN, it’s no surprise that so many people are moving here. Miles & Thirion, a full-service public accounting firm, opened its doors in , with a staff of three, including the anaging artner andy hirion. oday, they’ve grown into a -person speciali ed A firm and recently celebrated their th anniversary. At iles hirion, we take great pride in keeping our eyes on your bottom line, while at the same time putting into place effective strategies to help you reali e your goals and your dreams. e offer a full array of accounting and bookkeeping solutions to ensure your financial situation is clear, comprehensive, and accurate. A lot of firms just prepare tax returns. iles and hirion also offers consulting and tax planning. hey help individuals and business owners plan by analy ing their financial situation and showing them how to minimi e what they pay in taxes before year-end. o tax situation is too complicated for our firm e are experienced preparers of all tax returns for both individuals and businesses.

“Big Firm Capability with the Small Firm Personality.”

NEAL COMMUNITIES

PLATINUM WINNER | BEST NEW HOME NEIGHBORHOOD | 2023

NEAL COMMUNITIES IS MORE THAN A HOMEBUILDER.

With more than 50 years of history in Southwest Florida, the company’s commitment to developing neighborhoods that people are excited to call home is unrivaled. As the largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder,Neal Communities has built more than 20,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. But it’s not about the numbers. Dedicated to customer satisfaction, we build homes that ensure buyers feel confident in their investment and have access to a wealth of amenities and conveniences. Where you live has an impact on your life. We strive to create communities that people love living in, and to make the homebuying process easy and enjoyable. Our family of companies has everything a buyer needs covered,from financing, to insurance, to interior design, to pool creation. We can help with a new home purchase from start to finish.

We also believe in giving back to the communities where we build. That means donating time and resources to local causes, programs and organizations that support education, human services, historic and environmental preservation, and more. Over the past decade, we have given more than $8 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida, supporting academic, cultural, environmental and philanthropic programs that enrich communities and improve lives.Where you live matters, and Neal Communities takes pride in creating distinctive neighborhoods where people can live, grow and thrive. For more information, please visit nealcommunities.com.

5800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34240 888.720.4429 | nealcommunities.com

Facebook: @NealCommunities

Twitter/X: @NealCommunities

Instagram: @nealcommunities

YouTube: @NealCommunitiesFLA

LinkedIn: @nealcommunities

“I am so pleased that Neal Communities was recognized as one of the Top 10 Local Places to Work. We are deliberate in creating a culture where all employees have a voice that is listened to and where they feel appreciated and respected. When people enjoy their work, it shows in the work they do and the way they relate to others, and that helps us provide new homes and communities that people ar it to mo into. i t i mon trat in our r t a ni in four at ori t w om i or oo a on wit t ni w om ui r w om ommunit an Model. These are all so meaningful for us.”

— Pat Neal, founder of Neal Communities

ALSO RECOGNIZED AS :

One of the Top 10 Places to Work

Platinum: Best New Home Neighborhood: Windward

Best Venice New Home Community: Avelina

Best Venice Home Model: Avelina

Best Venice New Home Builder: Neal Communities

Bronze: Best Venice Home Model: Boca Royale Golf & Country Club

Windward

PINEAPPLE KITCHEN

GOLD WINNER | BEST SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS | 2023

HAVE YOU BEEN TO PINEAPPLE KITCHEN YET? Located in the Creekwood Commons industrial park of Lakewood anch, you’ll find the uaint and charming ineapple itchen arket, asting oom and ulinary heater. t is here that guests from all over the outhwest ulf oast have discovered this uni ue company with products and experiences for young and old. uests can experience their award winning, five-star ourmet roducts, ineapple itchen ids ulinary ducation amps rograms, arty Food enuFeelin’ ra ey and their famous nteractive ineapple itchen ystery inners his est of company has been a fan favorite and is so popular that many of their experiences sell out months in advance. ith that said, they’re excited to officially announce their expansion plans for the ineapple itchen ystery inner hows eginning in ovember

, the popular interactive mystery shows will be offered at two locations otel ndigo in downtown arasota and the ven otel in akewood anch near the all. ineapple itchen’s Feeling ra ey arty enu was launched on A ’s uncoast iew before abor ay and has been a hit ever since. lace orders at least hours in advance to get their crowd-pleasing charcuterie trays, appeti ers, soft pret els and their handmade cookies and cakes created by the company’s pastry chef.

he company believes charity and giving back is an important part of supporting the community. very month, ineapple itchen sponsors an Open ouse Free asting event where they give back a portion of their sales to charity. n , ineapple itchen was awarded the est mall usiness of the ear by the anatee ounty hamber of ommerce. ineapple itchen was founded and created by husband-andwife team ike and enny chenk, akewood anch, Florida residents. For more information or to reserve one of their experiences visit their website at www.pineapplekitchen.com.

PURMORT MARTIN INSURANCE AGENCY

PURMORT BROTHERS INSURANCE AGENCY WAS FOUNDED IN 1957 IN SARASOTA. They were joined by Richard Martin in 1959 and Purmort & Martin was formed. he Agency moved the office to the current location at ingling lvd in and we continue to operate out of this location. urmort artin nsurance is a locally owned full service ndependent roperty and asualty nsurance Agency. e are privileged to have long standing relationships with some of the finest insurance carriers in the industry. Our partner carriers recogni e the benefit of working with an ndependent Agency and the expertise that we can provide their insurance customers. The fact that Purmort & Martin is a locally owned independent agency, is our greatest strength. e are not beholden to shareholders, home offices in other

states, or institutional investors. e answer only to our clients. e are able to always make the client’s best interest our number one priority. As this is the case, we are pleased to be one of the largest and most tenured locally owned independent insurance agencies in our region. As a locally owned agency we are also proud of our involvement in the community. oth current Agency owners, uss obbitt and arry owman grew up and attended school in the arasota- radenton Area. e are proud to support many community organi ations including he ines of arasota, the oys and irls lub, the enior Friendship enter, he Asolo heater, many youth sports programs, and others. hank you, arasota for the honor of making us the est nsurance Agency in aga ine for the past three years. ou all are the reason for our success. e look forward to continuing the relationships that we have established and serving you, our arasota friends and neighbors.

“We are honored to have been selected by the readers of SRQ Magazine as the Best Insurance Agency in Sarasota. We would like to thank our clients, friends, and neighbors for the recognition. Sarasota is a wonderful community and we are pleased to be a part of it.”

RUGS AS ART

RUGS AS ART has been a destination store in Sarasota’s retail scene for almost 40 years offering an wide array of globally sourced rugs, furniture, artwork, home furnishings and accessories. Founded in 1986 by John and Lucy Murse, and now joined by their sons Matthew and Jesse, Rugs As Art has grown to become one of the largest and widely acclaimed rug stores in the U.S., earning national recognition three times as the Best Rug Store in America by AmericasMart, Atlanta and the Oriental Rug Importers Association.

“We offer rugs from all around the world with every style and quality represented. From hand knotted, hand tufted and machine made to our custom design department offering specialty production made to an individual’s desire,” says John Murse. “We have the presentation of a national chain, but we are a family business and we treat our customers like family. Anyone can knock on the owner’s door.” In addition to a wide range

of affordable price points, Rugs As Art cleans, repairs and appraises rugs. Unique furnishings, accessories and art complete this one of a kind shopping experience. “It’s an eclectic mix. My mother has a traditional eye and I have a more contemporary eye,” says Jesse Murse. “Our selection is second to none and our pricing structure cannot be beat! We truly are a place where everyone can afford the best.”

“Who knew purchasing a rug could be so enjoyable? The store is beautiful with rugs at all price points and some very unique furniture and decor. You can take a desired rug home and test it out before purchasing it! The Murse family is dedicated to making sure every customer leaves happy. And they are also dedicated to several o a non ro t in t ommunit .” —Ashley G.

Over the years, Rugs As Art and the Murse family have generously supported the local community from schools and little league teams to the arts, veterans, animal welfare, children’s charities and Special Olympics. “We love Sarasota and are happy to call this home.” — John Murse.

Salt of the Earth

Sarasota is committed to our community by supporting other local businesses, cross marketing and carrying local products. Small businesses are the backbone of our country and it’s an honor to be recognized for our hard work.

SALT OF THE EARTH

PLATINUM WINNER | BEST WELLNESS CENTER | 2023

SINCE BEGINNING THIS JOURNEY IN 2017, Salt of the Earth Sarasota has helped thousands of clients heal their respiratory issues naturally. We are grateful to have been recognized by multiple print and media outlets, including ABC7 Suncoast View, Sarasota Magazine’s Women of n u n i ara ota and of course SRQ Magazine’s Women Who Roar. We’ve been voted best “Wellness Center” for the past 2 years in a row too! There wasn’t even a “Wellness” category until we threw our hat into the ring. Our salt and light therapy services provide wellness benefits for people 6 months to 90 plus years of age. We have been in operation for over 6 years now, and are proud to be helping everyone in our community. The 2+ years of Covid showed our clients how much salt therapy can help with respiratory issues—even when we weren’t sure what it was exactly. Our clients stayed both healthy and strong, and built their immune systems through natural treatment means.

Most recently this summer, we completed a unique pilot study for a newly patented salt combined with CBD. The results are very exciting! So much so, that we are now working with the manufacturer to bring this potentially revolutionary therapy modality as an exclusive offering for our customers. We also curate many proprietary retail items. Whether you are looking for immune boosting tinctures, teas, crystals, salt lamps, or EMF protection for the home. Gift cards are also available which will provide a one of a kind experience for those special in your life. That is the essence of what we are committed to helping people find natural solutions to their health needs. We are so honored to be recognized again by our community in this way. Your Salt of the Earth staff is here to create the optimum healing environment and experience. We welcome your visit anytime.

Left to right, Mike Zildjian, Holly Curry and Owner Dianna Manoogian

SARASOTA CENTER FOR ACUPUNCTURE

BRONZE | BEST ACUPUNCTURE | 2023

THE SARASOTA CENTER FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND NUTRITION has been serving the communities of Sarasota and Manatee counties for the past 24 years. Founded in 2000 by Dr. Christina Captain as the Family Healing Center, the Sarasota Center for Acupuncture and Nutrition is an alternative healthcare practice that integrates Eastern Asian medicine with conventional medicine beliefs and functional medicine strategies. This integration of East meets West allows us to provide our patients with specialized treatment for a wide range of health problems, from chronic or acute pain to digestive issues. Dr. Captain is a highly regarded expert in the field of Acupuncture and holds the advanced practice doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine degree. She has performed well over 200,000 patient treatments in her career which spans over two decades. In addition to lecturing and teaching across the US and internationally, her facility in Sarasota, Florida is a training facility for healthcare practitioners from across the country and world. Dr. Leo has made it his personal mission to give hope back to those who seek his services. He has a deep passion for educating the community about preventative care and wellness and believes that the key to optimal health is education. Being a Spanish speaking practitioner, he can communicate with a larger group of those seeking help with pain relief and other ailments.

“We

Dr. Leo Gallego, D.Ac.

2650 Bahia Vista Street | Suite 101 Sarasota, FL 34239

941.951.1119 | drcaptain@scansrq.com

SCANsrq.COM

facebook.com/SCANsrq/ instagram.com/scansrq/ linkedin.com/in/christina-captain-daommsaom-mshn-ma-dipl-ac-ap-3b49765/ youtube.com/@SCANsrq

Our mission at Sarasota Center for Acupuncture and Nutrition is to treat our patients in an environment where we provide the most effective healing techniques with compassion, integrity, and sensitivity to each patient’s unique needs and health goals. We also strive to foster patient enrichment, involvement, and responsibility in achieving their vision of health.

Dr. Christina Captain, DAOM

are proud to be chosen as the BOSRQ on our 24th anniversary of providing acupuncture and integrative medicine in Sarasota”

Dr. Christina Captain, DAOM

Dr. Leo Gallego, D.Ac.

ALSO RECOGNIZED IN BEST OF SRQ LOCAL ASL

SARASOTA FORD

AT SARASOTA FORD, OUR GOAL IS TO BE A DEALERSHIP

WHERE BOTH CUSTOMERS and employees truly feel like part of the family. Our Core Values are the foundation of our success. We want to WOW our customers by being honest, respectful, humble, and take accountability for our actions. hrough our employee benefits and variety of career building programs we offer support and opportunities in every department. e are here every step of the way to help team members build on their passions and achieve their goals. Showing our hardworking employees the appreciation they deserve is a top priority. Our lub employee recharge center and team building activities create a fun work environment where it’s easy to be passionate about what we do. Changing the world starts with one small act of kindness at a time. e believe that successful businesses have a responsibility to give back to the community. Our ommunity eam outreach program was created to recogni e and support local organi ations and individuals who are paving

theway for a brighter future! By not only raising money, but also raising awareness, we are able to help further the missions and reach of ama ing local organi ations and people dedicated to creating positive change ongratulations to SRQ Magazine on celebrating years e are so honored to be recogni ed by our community and the Best Of SRQ Local Readers Competition throughout the years. Sarasota Ford has also been a proud winner of the Herald Tribune Best Place To Work and Top Work Places readers choice 7 years and counting! e’ve been the winner of Ford’s prestigious residents Award and he O Award years running

“Since 1995 we have taken pride in our customer care standards, our dedicated employees, and our community involvement. We look forward to the future and continuing to serve our community for years to come!”

707 S Washington Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236

888.349.4989

Facebook: @SarasotaFord

Instagram: Sarasota_Ford

Youtube: SarasotaFord

SIRIUS DAY SPA

SIRIUS DAY SPA, SALON & MED SPAS are privately owned and proudly ranked #1 in Sarasota & Manatee Counties including Reader’s Choice Best Spa 2020-2023. Best of SRQ Local 2021-2023, Best of Sarasota Magazine 2023, and Next Door . Founded in , irius turns five years old this year and has two locations, one at the hoppes at arasota and the other in akewood anch. Always innovating with the latest technologies, irius offers more than services, including a full med spa, offering otox, Fillers, , emiglutide, aser, orpheus , hemical eels, iamond low Facials and more. Facial pecialists and kincare offer customi ed facial treatments, and each location has a full-service salon with aster tylists. olorists, and ail pecialists. he massage therapists are top in their field, and there are treatment rooms in each location. ach luxury service includes the use of the serenity lounge, e uipped with meditation-videos, -degree massage chairs, and a refreshment bar. here are also three ellness rograms that are offered for additional savings on services up to for both single and family options.

irius has also been recogni ed by the community as finalists for mall usiness of the ear for both the arasota and anatee ounties, and owner, aren edford has been recogni ed by the akewood anch usiness Alliance as etworking ueen, omen of n uence, omen on the cene, and the O arasota. Also recogni ed by the chool istrict of anatee ounty, irius was awarded in the usiness ducation artnership Awards. Additionally, the impact on the community has been ongoing with hosting fundraisers for ig at abitat, ircus Arts onservatory, and isterhood for ood, as well as sponsoring many other nonprofit organi ations including unshine ids, American ancer ociety and more. isit us for the best in all eauty and wellness needs

“An incredible honor to be recognized as Best of SRQ Local for the 3rd year, on our fi e ye r er ry of Sirius Day Spa, Salon & Med Spas. e ruly bel e e our incredibly talented team of 40+ employees, re re proud o e back to our community by being members of o profi or o including Sisterhood for Good”

—Karen Medford

facebook.com/siriusdayspas instagram.com/siriusdayspasalonandmedspas

ALSO RECOGNIZED AS :

Platinum: Best Boutique

Gold: Best Family Owned Business

HAMLET’S EATERY:

Platinum: Best Outdoor Dining

Best Chef

Best Vegan

Best Sandwich

Best Fries

Gold:

Best Food Truck

Best Tacos

THE BAZAAR ON APRICOT & LIME

DISCOVER THE ENCHANTING WORLD OF THE BAZAAR ON APRICOT & LIME, a vibrant marketplace nestled in the heart of the imelight istrict in arasota. ith its diverse array of local creators and curators, this hidden gem is a treasure trove of artistic expression, uni ue fashion finds and home decor, and delightful treasures that will captivate your senses. tep into he a aar and immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and creativity. Art enthusiasts will be enthralled by the stunning collection of original art all at affordable prices. hether you are a seasoned collector or simply appreciate the beauty of art, you are bound to discover a masterpiece that speaks directly to your soul. Fashion mavens will rejoice at the plethora of clothing options that await them at he a aar. From bohemian chic to urban streetwear, there is something to suit every style and personality. he a aar is a haven of succulents and other botanical wonders. ring a touch of nature into your home or office with these low-maintenance, yet visually striking plants. et the lush greenery breathe life into your space and create a serene oasis that nurtures your well-being. andmade treasures abound at he a aar, where artisans showcase their exceptional craftsmanship. iscover ex uisite jewelry pieces that exude elegance and

individuality, or find the perfect handcrafted gift for a loved one. ach item tells a story, re ecting the care and passion poured into its creation. o visit to he a aar would be complete without indulging in the culinary delights of the award-winning amlets atery. he culinary world of vegan and non-vegan cuisine collide. heir tagline, o eat or ot to eat, re ects their commitment to providing delicious options for every palate.At he a aar, there truly is something for everyone. hether you are seeking artistic inspiration, fashion-forward finds, or simply a delightful experience, this captivating marketplace promises to be a feast for the senses. ome and explore the magic that awaits within its walls, and let he a aar become your go-to destination for all things creative, stylish, and delicious.

“There is a reason we have been named Best Gift Shop 4 years in a row,” says co-owner Kim Livengood. “Not only do we have unique items but you get to meet the people who make them or pick them out. Having the artists and curators here, truly sets us apart and makes the experience that much more fun!”

Apricot & Lime

821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota, FL 941.445.1938

bazaaronapricotandlime.com HamletsEatery.com

facebook.com/BazaarOnApricotAndLime instagram.com/bazaaronapricotandlime

WICKED CANTINA

HONORABLE MENTION | BEST LOCAL TACOS | 2023

AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE nine years on Anna Maria Island and 6 years in Sarasota this winter, we want to thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our Tex Mex food and award-winning House Margaritas! We make everything from scratch daily because we want to be your favorite hangout, whether you live next door or visit from across the globe. Fresh food, a modern and family-friendly vibe, ample parking, and a full liquor bar await you at all locations. Happy Hour 12-5 Daily and All Day Sunday, with handcrafted and naturally skinny House Margs priced at $7 has been a local favorite from day one, and includes free homemade chips and salsa (with purchase).

A few of our favorite dishes include Carnitas Street Tacos, Wicked Roll, Shrimp Tacos and Bar Taco Trio. Our Anna Maria Island location offers Breakfast daily from 7:30am10:30am with a Gulf of Mexico view, and the Sarasota location offers Vegan and Gluten Free options. We believe that fishbowl argaritas, free chips salsa, and spicy ex Mex food should be a weekly (or daily!) staple for all, but we also offer mouth-watering All Angus Burgers, Gulf Grouper Sandwiches and our signature Tex Mex Cannoli, to satisfy fans of American classics. We are committed to investing in Live Music daily (twice daily on weekends at the beach!), and look forward to that patio dining weather we all thrive on in Florida.

“We thank SRQ Magazine readers for voting us a favorite, and look forward to seeing you on Anna Maria Island, in Sarasota or in St. Petersburg soon!”

Wicked Cantina is locally owned and operated, and proudly employs over 125 of your neighbors. Our plans for 2024 include opening a location in St. Petersburg very early in the year, and we look forward to growing our team at that location. It’s been our pleasure to serve you for the past 9 years.

jd@wickedcantina.com WickedCantina.com Instagram: @wicked_cantina

YOUR AMAZING DAY SPA

SILVER WINNER | BEST AESTHETICIAN | 2023

Services include but not limited to:

Custom Advanced Facials

Dermaplaning/Oil Planing

Enzyme Therapy

Microneedling

Radio Frequency/Skin

Tightening

Nano Infusion

Pharmaceutical Grade

Chemical Peels

Body Slimming & Contouring

Infrared Sauna

Spa Parties

MEET MELISSA GRADY, LICENSED AESTHETICIAN

AND OWNER OF YOUR AMAZING DAY SPA. Melissa’s commitment to creating a tranquil atmosphere, where knowledge and result-driven advanced facial and body therapies collide, has made her a well-sought-after and respected skin care specialist in beautiful Sarasota, Florida.

With a distinguished career in the wellness and skincare industry, Melissa remains devoted to her passion, offering an unparalleled experience for clients where the treatment is tailored well beyond their skin.

Recognized as the September 2022 Aesthetician of the Month by Skin Script Rx for exceptional knowledge and results with their skincare products. Your Amazing Day Spa proudly holds Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation.

“I AM HONORED TO BE VOTED SILVER BEST OF SRQ | BEST LOCAL AESTHETICIAN AND BRONZE BEST OF SRQ | LOCAL BEST DAY SPA!” — Melissa Grady, Aesthetician, and Owner of Your Amazing Day Spa in Sarasota, Florida.

forage

DIVAN INTERVENTION

In Gulf Gate, the red flag of Türkiye signals new flavors. Andrew Fabian

IN SOME WAYS, GULF GATE IS LIKE AN EVERYMAN’S UNITED NATIONS OF FOOD. A hungry diplomat could spend hours deciding between German schnitzel, Japanese sushi, Italian pasta, Mexican cochinita pibil, four types of pizza, a French baguette or Polish pierogies. And as of this past spring, the hungry diplomat must now consider Turkish cuisine. Divan Turkish Cuisine, owned and operated by chef Ugur Sariyar and his wife Dede, adds to the south Sarasota hotspot with Anatolian treasures that bring new, welcomed flavor profiles to a food scene gleefully bursting at the seams.

The cold mezze selections feature some Middle astern staples like hummus, baba ganoush and stu ed grape leaves. The hummus—which chef Sariyar is quick to point out is not an especially common sight on a Turkish table—is creamy and light, with a drizzle of rich olive oil and a dash of zaatar. A shakshuka, not to be confused with the Israeli version, looks and tastes similar to an eggplant caponata from southern Italy and serves as a nice starter. Falafel and borrek are safe options from the warm mezze o erings, the former served over tahini, the latter featuring feta, mozzarella and spinach hand rolled into delicate phyllo dough.

A shepherd’s salad is as cool and refreshing as a glass of ice water. Similar to a fattoush salad, this delicious dish comes with crisp diced cucumbers and tomatoes with a perky addition of mint and lemon juice. The cucumber, mint and lemon combine to give the salad

its bright, hydrating flavor profile. An organic beet and kale salad—not a Turkish dish but a crowd-pleaser nonetheless—is equally refreshing but comes with a little more heft. The earthiness of the beets serves as a nice complement to the light bitterness of the kale and sweetness of the carrots.

By now, it s worth noting that Divan o ers a selection of Turkish wines that explore some of the grape varieties indigenous to Anatolia. While Old World countries like France, Italy and Spain get more fanfare for their wine, Türkiye’s winemaking history predates the Roman Empire by millenia. Some of Divan’s wines even come from chef Sariyar’s native Ankara in central Türkiye.

The Yakut from Kavaklidere vineyards in Eastern Türkiye is a red blend of two indigenous varietals, öküzgözü and bogazkere. Lighter and with bright notes of fruit, a glass of Yakut pairs well with some of Divan’s

This page, left to right: Borrek is part of the warm mezze o erings which are crowd pleasers at ivan. u es of eggplant heart tomato sauce green pepper garlic and onion make the shakshuka a great comfort food starter. wner gur Sari ar and his wife ede in the colorful restaurant interior.

heartier meat dishes like the iskender. The favorite of many Turkish natives, the iskender dish comes piled high with lamb shaved fresh o the vertical rotisserie. A rich tomato sauce is poured over the pile of meat, then topped with a dollop of rich yogurt before being finished with a sprinkling of zaatar. Beneath it all are pieces of pita bread, soaking up all the sauce. Except for a platter of smoked brisket, it’s hard to imagine a dish in any cuisine more appealing to a carnivore.

But, if land-dwelling creatures make a diner think long and hard about their cholesterol, then Divan’s branzino o ers an equally tasty, lighter meal. Served as either a filet or whole, the branzino is expertly grilled with a smokey char. hef Sagiyar leaves the skin on the

branzino, which yields a crispy layer that accents the delicate meat. It comes served atop buttery brussels sprouts, green beans and carrots. A good squeeze from the charred lemon rounds out a fish entree that pairs well with the Angora from Kavaklidere, a light white wine from the Aegean coast.

our di erent kinds of baklava, including chocolate, are as decadent an ending to a meal as one could hope for. If you must choose one baklava, make it chocolate. But the mezze and entrees have induced a bit of sleepiness—the restaurant is named after a piece of comfortable furniture, after all—a pot of tea is a decidedly Turkish end to a meal, though a rich, spiced Turkish co ee packs a little more punch. SRQ

ELITE REAL ESTATE AGENTS

JUDI TAULBEE

I am genuinely passionate about bringing my client’s dreams to life! As a distinguished recipient of the Five Star Agent Award 5 years in a row, and recognized in ForbesMagazine March 2020, and March 2023, I am truly committed to serving each client with exceptional personal, and first class service.

HIGHLY SKILLED IN THE ACQUISITION AND MARKETING OF RESIDENTIAL, LUXURY AND INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, I offer exceptional representation and am dedicated to providing crucial, in-depth local market knowledge. I caringly provide each client with individual attention, enthusiasm and intimate knowledge into the Greater Sarasota Real Estate Market. From Sarasota to Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Venice and across to The Islands. My love for the coastal lifestyle is very present as I caringly serve my client’s specific real estate goals. At every interaction, I proficient counsel, trusted insights and deep commitment are clearly demonstrated. I am very Creative, Strategic and offer a smart solution-oriented and responsive approach. When working with Sellers, I design a highlighted and impactful listing presentation that skillfully leverages each listing’s visibility. I accurately address each critical issue to clearly accentuate each property’s specific features and stand out in the marketplace by incorporating professionally produced photography and presentation in print and on numerous websites. In working with buyers, I diligently align and apply myself, so that I may clearly understand my client’s specific priorities and locate a residence and distinguished setting that meets their lifestyle requirements. I deliver impressive results by covering and clearly anticipating every angle found in the multitude of details in each transaction

My clients enjoy the personal touches, and heartfelt care and it is truly my joy to ultimately fulfill the request throughout the transaction and graciously serve you. I provide immediate accessibility, answer timely questions, and trusted guidance that make me invaluable to my clients. I am Masterful at finding creative and equitable solutions to make each transaction come together with positive results. My dedication to providing an unprecedented depth of real estate expertise. That is all part of the design that allows me to always accomplish truly elevated achievements for my clients.

MUGSIE QUINLAN

Nicknamed Mugsie at the ripe age of one, Mugsie Quinlan has been leaving an impression since before she could rightly walk. Since becoming a realtor, Mugsie has brought a skill set that includes exceptional service, a remarkable work ethic, and a sense of fun and adventure to every transaction. Mugsie’s customers find her service and knowledge of the active lifestyle and 55+ communities immeasurable. She specializes in both the new and resale neighborhoods of Manatee and Sarasota county.

Make Mugsie your go-to for

- New Construction

- 1st time Homebuyers

- VA Buyers

- Active Lifestyle

- 55+ communities

- Pickleball

MOLLY HIGDON

Molly has built a reputation for her refreshingly friendly customer service and is known for her attention to detail, strong work ethic, professionalism, and integrity.

Molly is an accomplished Realtor serving Sarasota & Manatee County. Originally from the Midwest, Molly moved to Sarasota to attend the University of South Florida where she earned her BA in Business Marketing & Management. Molly’spassion for eal state began hen she purchased her first investment property in 2016. The concept of restoring a run-down home and creating something beautiful for others to enjoy is what pushed her to get her Real Estate License. Her goal is to create a stress-free, enjoyable, and profitable e perience for every client. Molly quickly earned her spot as a Top Producer for the Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes Team and continues to maintain her Top Producer status year over year. In 2023, Molly was voted one of “Sarasota’s Top 12 Realtors” by SRQ Magazine. Molly has earned the elite designation of being a Keller illiams u ury ualified Agent. he eller illiams u ury ivision is entirely focused on bringing the best results to the highest level of clientele and their lu ury properties. Molly proudly represents a wide variety of properties at varying price points across the gulf coast of Florida. Outside of Real Estate, Molly enjoys spending time along the gulf coast with her husband and children.

giving coast

AN ARTS ADVOCATE

A fan of all things art related, Betty Ferguson has made an impact at the Sarasota Ballet box office. Written by Barbie Heit

ELIZABETH FERGUSON LOVES THE NEW YORK CITY ART SCENE. Theater, dance, museums all of it which likely explains why working in the box office of the Sarasota Ballet is what Betty refers to as being in her “happy place” on a regular basis. Elizabeth, known by most as “Betty”, was born in New York and lived and worked there as a manager in a physician s office for most of her life. She and her husband lived in the suburbs for about 30 years, but returned to the big city upon retirement where they attended as many cultural performances and exhibits as they could.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

giving coast

“MY FIRST BALLET PERFORMANCE WAS SWAN LAKE performed at Lincoln Center in New York City in the 1960s,” she recalls. I went home flapping my wings and knew that from that point on, I was hooked.” Fans and frequent attendees of the ballet—The o rey Ballet being their favorite, followed by the American Ballet Betty and her husband had the privilege to meet and personally know some of the dancers from the American Ballet company. This made us both very, very happy, she says.

In early 2000, Betty s daughter and her son-in-law decided to move to Sarasota from New York. She and her husband subsequently followed in 2009 as snowbirds, which she says provided the best of two worlds. I tried to volunteer during the winter months in enice where I live, but each group told me they didn t need any more volunteers since there was an abundance of volunteers during the winter months, she shares. Soon after her husband died, however, she really felt the need to stay busy and hoped to find a place in the arts to satisfy that desire. She attended a performance of the Sarasota Ballet where she noticed an ad for volunteers in the program

book. As in anything, networking works both in business and in pleasure,” she says. “Little by little, I was able to meet people by ushering and eventually made my way to the box office.

Betty calls her work a win win situation I get to meet people from all di erent places. I also do will-call when we have performances. I love meeting new people and they get to enjoy themselves which I get to witness. It brings me such great pleasure.

Box Office anager, od Kelly, is a true fan of Betty s. I have come to trust Betty s knowledge of the S enter for the Performing Arts, Sarasota Opera ouse, and an Wezel Performing Arts all the theaters where we perform. She interacts with our patrons with kindness and compassion and handles each situation in a timely and professional manner. She is highly proficient and creative at solving problems and taking appropriate action. It is truly my pleasure to work with Betty. She has become an invaluable member of the Sarasota Ballet amily.

When she is not enjoying a ballet performance, Betty always loves a good movie. Some of her favorites include Gone with The Wind, Remains of the Day, La La Land,

Black Swan, Avatar and CODA. When we lived in New York, there was a club we joined that showed new movies prior to their release. We saw the movie and then afterwards the moderator interviewed someone connected to the movie an actor, director, etc. That was great fun, she recalls. In addition to her volunteer work with the Ballet, Betty is the membership chair for the Friends of The Sarasota Ballet, a group of men and women who help support the Ballet in any way that they can. A philanthropist and art supporter, she is also involved with Arts Advocates, an association working to preserve Sarasota s cultural legacy, to raise awareness of arts organizations and to promote art education.

Now a grandmother to two boys and a great grandmother to three boys, Betty shares words of wisdom to the younger generation Try to figure out what makes you happy or content. Once you find your happiness, work toward achieving a goal you have set for yourself. Don t be afraid to ask for help from anyone who you think could be of assistance to you. SRQ Elizabeth “Betty” Ferguson was honored as one of SRQ Magazine’s good heroes in March 2023.

SHE ROARS

PAULINA PORIZKOVA

SUPERMODEL AND AUTHOR FINDS HER VOICE AND FIGHTS BACK AGAINST AGEISM

STRONG WOMEN OF THE REGION

MEET THE WOMEN WHO ARE TAKING THE LEAD IN OUR BUSINESS, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITIES.

LEISA

PETERSON

PROSPERITY SHERPA AND THE MINDFUL MILLIONAIRE AUTHOR SPEAKS TO MINDFUL ABUNDANCE

All she did was post a photo of herself in a bikini on Instagram and all hell broke loose. Paulina Porizkova, the supermodel who had spent a lifetime posing for the camera and was called the most beautiful woman in the world, had the nerve to show her body, the body of a woman over 50, on social media and the trolls went ballistic.

Your Best Life at Any Age

UNFILTERED ROAR OF PAULINA PORIZKOVA

Porizkova, the author of No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful , now confident in herself and her skin, found her voice and fought back. In a society where “isms” fill headlines, she took on the one no one wanted to touch. The final frontier of discrimination–ageism–specifically ageism against women. She didn’t just call it out, she invited it onto the front porch for a conversation and a cocktail. And she did it with the whole world watching.

interviewed and written by ashley grant

BORN INTO COLD WAR CZECHOSLOVAKIA, PORIZKOVA WAS ABANDONED AT THE AGE OF 3 TO THE CARE OF HER GRANDMOTHER when her anti-soviet dissident parents ed to Sweden to escape the arsaw act invasion. hen she was her mother, pregnant at the time, returned to rescue her daughter and was placed under house arrest. The media storm that ensued turned orizkova into a political pawn with photos of her face splashed all over the papers. She and her mother were allowed to leave. Upon their arrival in Sweden, orizkova’s father promptly abandoned the family, leaving his wife for another woman. At school, she was physically and mentally bullied by her Swedish classmates. At home, she struggled to care for her younger brother while her mother worked. ith little money, orizkova resorted to shoplifting at times to

provide food for them to eat. hen she was 1 , a chance discovery by an agent landed her a modeling contract and by 1 she was on a photoshoot in aris where she was se ually harassed by a photographer as stylists stood by and laughed it off. In 1 at the height of her career, she won a million contract as the face of ste Lauder–the highest in the industry at that time. She was on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice, was featured on 21 Vogue covers and thousands of other publications, She has been the face of numerous top-brand advertising campaigns, acted in movies, television shows and music videos, was on America’s Next Top Model as a judge and Dancing with the Stars as a participant. She took writing classes and prior to her recent book, wrote and published Ralphie the Roach, a children’s book and A Model Summer, her first novel.

“If you were to ask me which one of my attributes I’m the most proud of I would say my courage. That is the one thing that I’m certain of. I know I’m courageous because I’m fearful as hell. I have so many fears. I am a ball of fear from morning to night. And I function despite it.”

— Paulina Porizkova

he fell in love at the age of 19 with Ric Ocasek, lead singer for The Cars and after they were married, she dialed back on the modeling assignments and focused on her family, creating a strong blended clan of her two children and Ocasek’s children from another marriage. She deferred to her much older husband who dictated the confines of her career, finances and life.

On paper it looked like a charmed life–a supermodel married to a rockstar. But as she approached 50, her marriage slowly crumbled. Her husband seemed to lose interest in her, the modeling jobs dried up and she felt invisible. The couple decided to separate but live together in their marital home and wait to sell it until after the divorce. Porizkova thought everything was amicable. They planned to get separate apartments close to each other and to always support each other. They were family. When Ocasek was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery, Porizkova stood by his side.

Then in the fall of 2020 came the perfect storm. The sudden death of her estranged husband a year earlier in the home they still shared was followed by the deepest betrayal. Ocasek had written her out of his will two weeks prior to his death. Despite being a breadwinner for the family for many years, Porizkova had no access to money, her home was heavily mortgaged and accounts were tied up in litigation. To add insult to injury, the man she had been dating dumped her. She was alone. During Covid. Broken hearted, betrayed and most painfully abandoned. She would need to reinvent her life. She had done it many times before. In order to do that though she needed someone to show her the way. Drowning in grief and despair, she shouted into the void of the internet and waited for help.

Enter her followers, 1.1 million of them on Instagram to date, who lifted her up and provided the platform for her to share her voice. Porizkova posted soulful musings with raw emotion alongside the barefaced unfiltered selfies of a grieving woman trying to pull herself up by her bootstraps. “When I was at my worst, in that period between my husband’s death and me writing the book, and Covid, everything bad just happened all at once. People would say to me, you’re experiencing this for a reason, you’re being nudged by the universe to go to the next step and it might be painful in the meantime, but you will find out why this was necessary. And I just felt f off. If you’re right then great, but it’s so not helpful right now when I am drowning to tell me that I’m drowning for a good reason. It is absolutely not helpful”, she says. Connection was her way out of the darkness and during the pandemic the form of connection available to her was Instagram. “We really need connections as humans and no, it doesn’t have to be romantic connections. Family can be friends. I knew that if I could turn my love outward, it would sort of mirror back to me. So I think turning your love outwards, whether it’s the connection or doing something good for somebody else, helping people in need, I know it sounds trite but being generous and being kind to others makes you feel better about yourself. My biggest lesson–love turned outwards” she says.

Porizkova was celebrated for her honesty, vulnerability and courage, the latter being something she says helped her to keep moving despite the crippling an iety and panic attacks she has suffered from for years. She notes that “If you were to ask me which one of my attributes I’m the most proud of I would say my courage. That is the one thing that I’m certain of. I know I’m courageous because I’m fearful as hell. I have so many fears. I am a ball of fear from morning to night. And I function despite it. aria Shriver, so impressed with Porizkova ’s candid posts, asked her to write a book in the same fashion as her instagram.

But then came the trolls and the inevitable questions about whether a woman of a certain age has a right to live her life as she deems fit. veryone had an opinion it seems. Some of them were vile. Of her bikini photo, one commenter wrote, ‘You must be in so much pain to keep posting bikini pictures at your age. I’ve always thought that getting old and ugly is hardest on the pretty people. The fall from grace is so much father when you were beautiful. I pray you can come to terms with your mortality. We all get old and ugly...you just had to fall from a greater height than the rest of us.’

Porizkova’s response was a study in eloquence and grace. A woman of is too old to pose in a bikini-no matter what she looks like. Because “old” is “ugly.” I get comments like these every time I post a photo of my body. This is the ageist shaming that sets my teeth on edge. Older men are distinguished, older women are

ugly. People who believe prettiness equals beauty do not understand beauty. Pretty is easy on the eyes, partly because it’s a little bland, inoffensive, It’s easy to take in and easy to forget. Not so beauty. Beauty can be sharp. It can wound you and leave a scar. To perceive beauty you have to be able to S . This is why I believe we get more beautiful with age. We have earned our beauty, we understand what it is, and we can see it so much better. There is no such thing as old and ugly. nly shortsighted and ignorant,” she wrote.

She followed up with another stunningly gorgeous bikini post, this time with a touch of cheeky shade. She wrote, A thoughtful reader comment on I needs an e ually thoughtful response. Thank you for feeling my pain. As you can see I’m suffering indeed.

Then a fabulous thing happened. utraged by this attack, women started sharing stories of their suffering on Instagram, posting photos of themselves in bikinis in support of orizkova with a special hashtag. ld Ugly uickly went viral. A supporter wrote I’m 0. The super cool thing about being 0, I’ve discovered, is I truly don’t give a % what anyone thinks, and i’m glad you don’t, either. You’re just as gorgeous as ever. ay we all keep posting our suffering. orizkova responded, You suffer beautifully .

Recently another slew of hate and outrageous comments were directed at her She looks years old, no less . . . my -year-old grandma looked like this.

I would love to see her hair colored. It’s pretty brown. She would look 0 years younger .

Jeeeeeeezzzzz..she’s looking 0

The disheartening thing is that the majority of these comments were from women. “Nobody trashes women as effectively as women, orizkova says. And I think it’s all shame-based. You don’t feel good about yourself, so you take your shame out on somebody else. It’s infantile. It’s not very advanced. But this is what people do and I think it’s this shame that you might not be enough. orizkova notes that social media has led to more comparison and competition that provides the fodder for the trolls. She says, ne thing I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating lately is the comparison market. We’re programmed to compare because that’s how you know your position in the world where you belong. But when we were growing up, the comparisons were to your friends and the people in school. So, your field of comparison was fairly narrow. Now you go on social media and you are bombarded with images of not only your friends that look way better than you think you will ever look, but of everybody. It’s just constant visuals that you can’t help but draw comparisons between. The representation of people tweaking themselves so that they can showcase themselves as they would like to be seen as opposed to who they are. It’s mind blowing just the sheer amount of it.”

In recognizing the platform that provided her with support in her darkest hour was also the source of the cruel jabs, she says that part of the issue was the nature of the platform itself. “How do you connect as a human being to other human beings? How do you trade love? It’s not based on perfection. It’s based on vulnerability, which nobody apparently has anymore because you can filter that and so I think it’s just because we are still in the beginning stages of this whole Internet revolution thing. The virtual world–we don’t uite know how to navigate it. ur brains are not keeping up with technology. e’re oundering and people are yelling insults at each other, and they’re all dividing up into tiny little cli ues. I decided that I can only handle my little corner. So I’m going to be the person I want to be and the person that I would like to see. If I don’t see those people, then I’ll be one. So it’s a good thing to start - if you want some kindness, be kind, she says.

orizkova is no stranger to public projection. hen she was first modeling she desperately tried to be taken seriously. She never wanted to be a model and would have much preferred to be a writer or an artist. She was and is whip smart but as orizkova notes she was considered “smart for a model which is a low bar.” Any chance she had to showcase her intelligence or opinion and was shut down, not that she didn’t try. She fought back, giving magazine and television interviews that showed her self-deprecating sense of humor and brilliant retorts to insulting uestions. In 1985 she was interviewed on the iconic Late Night with David Letterman and legendarily put him in his place. orizkova knew Letterman would make jokes at her e pense. She was ready. on’t you think models are superficial, vain, self-absorbed and shallow he asked. Absolutely she replied. h really But you don’t think you’re that way he pressed. f course not, because I don’t think of myself as a model, she said. Astonished, Letterman asked, h, so what are you ith a side smile and arched eyebrow orizkova shot back, A human being ave. She was 21. hen young, she had to fight to prove that intelligence and beauty can coe ist. Now she is fighting to prove that age does not render women irrelevant.

The recipient of the 202 omen ho oar SRQ Trailblazer Award presented to women who are passionate about living their dreams at any age, orizkova has become a light in the darkness and a guide inviting others along the journey of living a fabulous life as a 0 something woman. She is amazed at the audience she has and is deeply grateful for their support. When reminded of how large her Instagram following is she responds with amazement, hen you say I have a million followers, how did that happen I’m so grateful that I do. it boggles my mind. hen I go to these events for my book, and my ladies are there to greet me there’s

unity and it’s unbelievable. And this came about because I was reaching out to them. This is a community built on connections with kindness.”

She says that she never intended to become the face of positive aging, “That was an enormous amount of luck because it was not a conscious move on my part, I had no idea what I was doing. I was just trying to connect to other lonely people out in the universe. I also didn’t know that my own aging face was going to be seen as off putting as it did to certain people. I mean, initially, I would get shocked by the ‘old hag retire yourself’ comments. I thought that I was doing pretty okay for my age. I’ve had an entire life of carrying other people’s assumptions about who I was so that is the one thing I wanted to dismantle. I’m just going to be myself and being myself means I don’t want to erase my age. I’m not the airbrush filtered version that looks 0 years younger and I have the sense that this is better. I know it’s not celebrated, but it is actually better. I feel like I like myself. I have more confidence. So, why not embrace this she says.

She notes the topic of ageism is complicated in this modern age. “I feel like we are starting to talk about ageism now but everybody’s really confused on the topic because you don’t have to look your age. Then it’s sort of like what is ageism Is it looking at the people who are aging naturally as sort of giving up and therefore ageism is okay when directed at them And the ones who are fighting it and taking steps not to look old are aging gracefully therefore they will be less discriminated against I think we’re sort of in the infancy of taking on ageism because for most of our existence, for women, ageism was just the fact that after you went through menopause you were dead as far as anybody was concerned. It’s not the same for men and I think the world has at least come so far as to where women do have a voice and we can speak up and say we don’t think that’s cool. We don’t think that’s fair. So that’s a positive step,“ she says.

But the impact of ageism against women is more than just trolls on the internet and pressure to have cosmetic surgery. There are huge financial and market implications as well. The following statistics are jaw dropping. The buying power of women older than 0 is $15 trillion which represents 27% of all consumer spending according to Business Insider. However just 5percent to 10-percent of marketing budgets are directed toward 0-plus consumers, reports the Harvard Business Review. As a result, 91-percent of this demographic feels ignored and misunderstood, according to research by GirlPower Marketing. “Part of that is our fault,”

Porizkova says. “Because when we buy, we don’t want to buy from our peers. We want to buy from women that we wish we looked like. And it’s not our age, it’s younger. We don’t want to buy an anti-aging cream from a woman who has wrinkles because then it didn’t work. e buy it from a 0 year old on which it apparently worked miracles. This is the self-defeating part of it and it’s understandable. I know, because I buy into the same system. It’s kind of a self-perpetuating problem that we are told that we’re not valuable when we are a certain age and so we all want to look a younger age to still remain valuable. So we all buy things that are advertised by young women. Then we perpetuate the idea that only younger women are valuable because they’re the only ones that sell. Of course it all always comes down to money. What sells is what’s going to be pushed on me. And then we push more women that look ageless or that look young and here we are just running as fast as we can on this treadmill while other people are walking in place.” omen are also finally speaking out about ageism in the workplace. According to the latest “Mirror/ Mirror” survey from AARP, nearly two out of three women age 0 and older say they are regularly discriminated against and those experiences appear to be taking a toll on their mental health. In an interview with Fortune, Heather Tinsley-Fix, a senior advisor of employee engagement at the AARP says, “Women face a much higher bar with regard to ageism; they experience it earlier and more frequently than men. Therefore, women may feel they need to take action to look younger, leading many to accrue a hefty cost.”

When asked how women can combat ageism at work Porizkova notes, “There’s a huge expenditure of energy doing that. You just maintain the look part and then you also have to do the job better than everybody else in order to even stay in it. I sure as hell don’t have the answers. I do have a lot of questions. We’ve only started shedding light on this issue. This is just starting to be talked about and still at a fairly low level. I mean we did the whole conversation of what is beauty It can be different colors. It can be different genders. It can be different sizes. hen it comes to age, we still have to look like we’re below forty. And I think it’s an enormous amount of pressure on women. Fortunately, what comes with age is that you are better at dealing with pressure. But it’s ridiculous to have to erase your age so that you will be counted at the important table and not relegated to the peanut gallery.”

Above: Ric Ocasek and Paulina Porizkova attend the 20th Anniversary Celebration Of The Children’s Defense at Guastavino’s on December 6, 2010 in New York.

On predicting the future, Porizkova is still on the fence. She says, “It’s really hard for me to tell which way it’s going to swing. For example, right now there’s a Vogue cover with the four supermodels on it. It’s lovely. I mean they’re extraordinarily beautiful women. But when you look at it, do you think they’re women in their mid-50s? You can be in your mid 50s if you look in your mid 30s and then you’re valuable. We keep getting that same message over and over. We’ll value you at 50 or 60 provided you look a whole lot younger. Then we’ll celebrate you, then we’ll say you’ve aged gracefully, which actually means you didn’t age at all, and you’ve taken great steps to look that way, which means it took a lot of money, and a lot of your time that you could have spent in other ways. For example, on the job.”

The next subject Porizkova wants to tackle is one she thinks is sorely needed by her demographic. “I’m thinking about writing a book about middle-aged dating and sex because I had three years as a single woman at the worst age possible to be single, so I feel like I have stories to tell. Sexuality and the older woman is such a taboo topic. Again, because we are a certain age we are not only supposed to disappear from the collective, from the workforce, but from sex also? No. More and more women are not willing to put up with that. I find it a really interesting topic that I would love to talk about with women. I remember when I was dating not that long ago, I just wished that there was a book that spoke to me about this,” she says.

Happily she is now off the market and blissfully in love. She says “I had this amazing sense of faith that I was waiting for him to walk into my life. I didn’t know

where he was. I didn’t know how long it was going to take, but I woke up on January 1st with this absolute certainty that I was waiting, the door was open and he would walk through it.” And he did. Porizkova describes her boyfriend Jeff as the most optimistic man who sees the world as magical. She says, “I got pretty much everything that I ever looked for. Again, with the perspective of distance and time, at 58 I look back at the life that I’ve had and I think, no question about it, this is the happiest I’ve ever been. I am perfectly fulfilled and I wake up every day and have this moment where I just say I’m embracing everything that I have because I’m so incredibly fortunate.”

On the darkness that threatened to consume her, Porizkova notes, “We’re all candles by nature of being alive. e are a ickering ame. It’s about recognizing and understanding that you are your own light. If you pay attention to the fact that the ickering ame that you keep looking for outside actually lives inside you, you’ll find it. Sometimes it just gets really, really dark and you need the re ections of light. You need fire ies. You need to know that there is the existence of light. Sometimes your light goes out. I feel like mine was close to not existing and this is where I needed to understand the possibility that light could be ignited again, maybe by another light.”

Now that she has found her way “blindly out of the mess” as she puts it, Porizkova says “I want to continue to do what I do now, which is meet women who give me strength and whom I can give strength to.” She is acting as a beacon for others all the while reminding us that she is just a fellow traveler on this journey. She says, “I’m carrying a lantern saying I’m going this way. Do you want to go this way? You’re welcome to come with me as long as everybody that’s going with me, also knows that I don’t know where I’m going. We’re going to discover this together. I don’t want to fall off the cliff, and I don’t know that I’m not heading for it, but I do feel like if there’s enough women walking in a circle with me we can navigate better. I can’t navigate all by myself.”

SHE ROARS

Paulina Porizkova will be recognized at SRQ Magazine’s Together We Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon taking place on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Michael’s On East. Popup Boutiques open at 10:30am. Registration opens at 11am. The luncheon program beings at 11:30am. Table sponsorships and tickets are available online at SRQMAG. COM/WEROAR through October 22, 2023 at midnight.

Leisa Peterson is an inspiring wayfinder on the journey from scarcity mindset to mindful abundance

PROSPERITY SHERPA

PROSPERITY GURU AND AUTHOR OF THE THE MINDFUL MILLIONAIRE, LEISA PETERSON IS A MAGIC RAINMAKER who is passionate about the correlation between mindset and abundance. The recipient of the SRQ Women Who Roar Illuminator Award, presented to women who are shining a light on tools to empower women to live their best lives, eterson is armed with an eclectic tool kit comprised of a strategic financial background spanning 2 years in the banking and financial services industries combined with with holistic mindfulness practices. Peterson’s special sauce is navigating the “why” behind money issues–rooting out the blockages in an intuitive and practical manner that demonstrates how deep seated emotions and fears can have a huge impact on abundance. A personal epiphany that pursuing money is not the end goal of life led her to create a left/right brain prosperity magnet system that leads her clients on a path to understanding themselves and their money habits. Through her book, YouTube videos, coaching Podcasts and online groups, she has become the go-to source for holistic abundance. A financial sherpa who combines practical magic with proven methodology, eterson has managed to create abundance beyond her wildest dreams and now she helps others to do the same. We sat down with her to discuss her passion for helping others and how we can all become mindful millionaires.

HOW DID YOUR BACKGROUND INFLUENCE THIS WORK?

LEISA PETERSON: I came from nothing and had parents who were not good with money. They weren’t good at making it. They weren’t good at saving it nd they definitely were not good at investing in it s a result, we were always a ing finan ial struggles and the stress was un eara le to me as a hild Somehow

figured out very early on how to reate wealth or mysel started my first usiness at , got my first o at , a lied or and re eived my first redit ard at yes, lied a out my age and said was ut it was that im ortant to me to start wor ing on my redit as early as ossi le and y senior year in high s hool was earning over a month wor ing ust a ew hours a day in a o loved, as a nanny aid ash or my first s ooter at , ought my first ar with a ig down ayment and a ar loan than s to my great redit that was aid off in one year later om leted undergraduate and an without owning a ent u on graduation y hus and and uilt our first home at and we made and saved our first million y ther than having a mortgage

I’ve never been in debt for more than a few thousand dollars ow that we re em ty nesters we re finan ially inde endent and a le to also hel get our hildren set u with ully aid ollege tuition and uying their first homes. This is a dream come true for someone who grew u with great finan ial stress and struggles

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS? y talents lie in the a ility to ui ly identi y the o sta les that stand in the way o living the ullest li e ossi le and hel ing eo le trans end those lo s This su er ower has ueled the growth o my oa hing usiness, hel ed

me to write The Mindful Millionaire, and it s hel ed me to reate a trans ormational ro ess that is effe tive, methodi al and sti s with you

WHAT WAS YOUR OBJECTIVE IN WRITING THE MINDFUL MILLIONAIRE? To hel ins ire eo le to heal their relationshi with money so they ould reate wealth mind ully rather than mindlessly ter wor ing with eo le and their money or over years, saw they either had a s ar ity or ros erity oriented mindset and de ending u on whi h they had, it would affe t their e erien es with money in ways that were mostly un ons ious y goal with the oo is to hel eo le shi t the patterns that prevent them from creating peace of mind and wealth in their lives

WHAT IS A MINDFUL MILLIONAIRE? mind ul millionaire is an individual who see s to align finan ial su ess with ersonal growth, sel awareness, and mind ulness t s a out a hieving a state o a undan e and ros erity in oth e ternal wealth and inner well eing ey attri utes o a mind ul millionaire in lude Self-Value: Re ognizing that ersonal worth is not solely tied to finan ial su ess ut is a rodu t o sel awareness, sel a e tan e, and inner growth Mindfulness ntegrating mind ulness ra ti es into finan ial de isions and daily li e, whi h hel s in ma ing ons ious hoi es, redu ing stress, and romoting a alan ed outloo on money Inner Work ngaging in inner wor to un over and address dee seated elie s, ears, and emotional atterns that may e affe ting finan ial ehaviors and overall well eing Integration of Spirituality nderstanding that ros erity is not

just about money; it involves spiritual and personal development, leading to a holistic sense of abundance. Transformation: Embracing personal transformation that allows for a shift in one’s mindset, emotional responses, and behaviors related to money, leading to ositive hanges in finan ial circumstances. Holistic Well-Being: Recognizing that wealth and success are best experienced when accompanied by good health, ulfilling relationshi s and a sense of purpose.

HOW IS MINDFULNESS, THOUGHT AND EMOTION LINKED TO ABUNDANCE? Money mindfulness isn’t just about accumulating wealth; it’s about achieving a state of true prosperity that encompasses both material a undan e and inner ulfillment This concept is rooted in the understanding that genuine self-value does not solely come from external sources like money, relationships, or appearance. Instead, it arises from within and contributes to a sense of true self-worth, regardless o finan ial status y a roa h emphasizes the importance of understanding and transforming one’s relationship with money and oneself. I believe that many people struggle with their finan es and overall well being because they haven’t addressed the emotional and psychological aspects related to money. By delving into one’s beliefs, feelings, and attitudes about money, individuals can work toward releasing limiting patterns and a hieving finan ial reedom

HOW IS YOUR WORK DIFFERENT FROM FINANCIAL COUNSELING? Money is complicated and it isn’t easy to help people change how they think about money using only one approach like therapy. Many people come to me after having gone to therapy for many years—but because their therapist(s) hadn’t focused on their own personal money elie s and hallenges, it was di ult or them to help their clients. It wasn’t something they were familiar with and therefore the topic didn’t come up or they didn’t spend time getting to the root of why they believed certain things about money. Working with people and money for nearly 3 decades and being a deeply intuitive person allowed me to see money belief “threads” that are underneath

a person’s life and often causing them various levels o suffering in luding the la o a ility to bring their dreams into reality. Much of the time just the introduction of these beliefs into a person’s awareness is enough to help them begin the shift into a new way of looking at money and their relationship to it. By seeing and sharing what people can’t see for themselves, I help people notice, understand, heal and integrate their limitation-based money stories which allows them to write a new and more abundant version of their life that they get to play out to its fullest dimension.

DESCRIBE THE CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF BEING CREATIVE. HOW DO YOU APPLY THAT CREATIVITY TO THE BUSINESS OF BUSINESS? have never fit in ll my li e have een different n how think, how I talk, how I dance, how I dress, how ma e my hoi es a out li e This hasn t een easy and it has allowed me to be creatively me. Everything I do in business is about allowing my differen es to e availa le or anyone to see

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR STRONGEST TOOLS IN OVERCOMING ADVERSITY AND CHALLENGE? Tena ity and ersisten e they have helped me keep going even when the ursuit o my goals elt very di ult and challenging. Women can build these tools for themselves by putting blinders on when it comes to worrying about what other people may think about you, keep going even when you aren’t sure it will be worth it and believe in possibility way more than you believe in failure. I think that we must overcome our fear of failure to be able to achieve the things we most want to get in life — great relationships, wealth, a favorable reputation, the ability to make an impact in the lives of others will all require us to give up our deepest fears surrounding ailure This isn t easy ut it wor s very well.

SHARE ONE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHERE YOU HAD TO TAKE A HUGE LEAP OF FAITH/TAKE A RISK. Hiring a team of people to help me run my company involved a huge lea o aith t was di ult or me to be responsible for others livelihoods and it

worked out well as we were able to grow the om any to multi le si figures in a short period of time and impacted thousands of eo le s lives in enefi ial ways as a result

HOW IS YOUR WORK CONTRIBUTING TO EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN? I wanted to create a simple process inside my book that anyone could follow and do themselves while reading the book and answering the questions. It is best suited for people who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and diving into things they might not fully understand about themselves — this is something that I’ve found women are tremendously capable of doing for themselves.

WHAT ARE THE TRAITS THAT YOU BELIEVE MOST EMPOWER WOMEN THE MOST TO LEAD? Always remember that you are only limited by your own beliefs about what is possible and what isn’t. You must always bet on yourself and what you are capable of doing when you become very focused on achieving an outcome. For business owners, this doesn’t mean you can do anything, rather that you must figure out what you are really good at doing, for which people will happily pay you or at least consume what it is you are creating. on t sto until you figure it out and have success with it. If it isn’t working as you had hoped, you must stop what you are doing— take stock in what’s happening and be honest with yourself that maybe what you thought you were good at isn’t what others think you are good at it That is o ay, as long as you don t keep trying to do something that isn’t working and then beating yourself up about that. You must try something different erha s very different e ore you ll find su ess

WHAT TREND CONCERNS YOU THE MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE? The ever growing divide between those who have money and those who don’t— it is becoming harder and harder to pay for a comfortable life in the US without going into huge amounts of debt and that is very concerning to me.

WHAT DO YOU

SAY

TO THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH ABUNDANCE BUT SUSPICIOUS OF A LESS LINEAR APPROACH TO DEVELOPING PROSPERITY? I’d say you have nothing to lose by opening your mind to an alternative reality — you can’t believe in something fully until you are living it — and so perhaps it would be fun to suspend disbelief and see what it could feel like for you to live in abundance — what would you want for yourself if you could wave a magic wand and it omes s ing yoursel , what are you so a raid o when it omes to magi and ossi ility hy does it eel s ary to you hat would you lose (from how you think today) if you were to elieve in a undan e or yoursel and others

and your relationships. You aren’t leaving anything out of the process. You see that how you do one thing is how you do everything. overty mindset affe ts your li e in multi le ways and this process helps you see what kinds of changes you need tomake you change your way of looking at life.

HOW

DO

YOU MANAGE THE WORK/LIFE BALANCE CHALLENGE? I haven’t always been good at this—but I have done it recently by closing down aspects of my business to allow for more creativity and time to travel. I’d say don’t wait to do it like I did (when you have enough money to do it). Find a way to do it now and integrate your approach into your lifestyle so that you don’t forget how your life is outside of work.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ‘AHA” MOMENT YOU HAVE HAD? I needed The Mindful Millionaire to help me a lot more than I realized while writing it. It’s been three years and I can see how the work has changed my entire way of being as a result. What I have learned is that li eration and finan ial reedom are oth a process and they take time to create. By inviting ourselves into this journey and taking it seriously, we can change our lives. This is a very mature way to think about life and your money t is a out finding integration with all parts of yourself, your money, your business

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PERSONAL EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE RECENTLY FACED AND HOW HAVE YOU NAVIGATED IT? Recently I came to the realization that without the need to earn money ould live my li e differently than had been. It was a challenge for me to be willing to step back from all that I was involved in including running my company to ask myself what is truly important at this time in my life. When I did that I saw that my priorities had shifted and it was time for me to enjoy my life through the art of play and travel rather than working all the time. I was addicted to work as a way of being and that no longer made sense for me so I decided to shut down much of my business — and give parts of it to a key employee so she could continue to earn money from what we had built together. In the aftermath of these changes I realized that I had been too burned out to realize I was burned out and it was time to reinvent myself and how I live my life. I’m still in the ro ess o figuring this out

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN OF ALL AGES IN PURSUING THEIR DREAMS? Don’t allow yourself or anyone else to talk you out of pursuing your dreams. Even when it doesn’t seem likely or possible - there is always a chance you are wrong — and so why not just go for it —- do it responsibly (like don’t quit your day job until you have

roven your on e ts and you will find a way to thrive t is your res onsi ility to figure out the pattern underneath whatever isn’t working in your life. Is it that you aren’t earning enough, spending too much, or not managing money effe tively s it e ause you re not as ing for what you most want - from yourself, your employer, your partner or even from God. t is riti al to figure out what is not wor ing and then see what beliefs are connected to your limiting patterns. My book, The Mindful Millionaire, helps people do this exact process for themselves and much more. The idea is you need to become aware of what’s not working before you can change it. Once you know, you can focus on what needs to be done, both immediately and longer term to change your finan es and your li e orever n e you master your money along with how you feel about yourself, there is no going back—your life is about to improve in big ways! Anything is ossi le and now any o us an figure out how to create what we most want. So much of life’s journey is about falling in love with yourself and your own potential. From there you get to give yourself permission to go after all that you dream for and achieve it.

KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW NOW, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Please stop worrying about what other people think and just do it! NOW! SHE ROARS

Leisa Peterson will be recognized as the 2023 Illuminator Award Recipient at SRQ Magazine’s Together We Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon taking place on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Michael’s On East. Popup Boutiques open at 10:30am. Registration opens at 11am. The luncheon program beings at 11:30am. Table sponsorships and tickets are available online at SRQMAG.COM/WEROAR through October 15, 2023 at midnight.

“Always remember that you are only limited by your own beliefs about what is possible and what isn’t. You must always bet on yourself and what you are capable of doing when you become very focused on achieving an outcome.”

— Leisa Peterson

STRONG WOMEN OF THE REGION

Sharing the Stories of Women In Leadership as They Guide Our Region's Business and Independent Sectors

WOMEN

OF THE REGION

JESSICA MUROFF CEO, UNITED WAY SUNCOAST

WHAT HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN WORKING AND LIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED AS A RESULT? The biggest challenge was true human connection. On one hand, we really came together to support one another (albeit virtually) and we learned the critical importance of truly working together in times of a crisis. Fast forward three years and this near always-virtual environment has taken its toll on our stress and anxiety, not to mention our connection with others. This year has been great to be back and connecting in person with others, but we are still feeling the impacts of the always connected world still responding to crisis that continues to come. I’ve certainly become more resilient, but I have also had to learn how to manage more stress than I’ve ever experienced before. HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU?

In 2022 I successfully completed the 29029 Everesting challenge. I had to climb a mountain eight times in 36 hours reaching a total of over 30,000 feet elevation gain. It was the hardest physical and mental experience of my life. I truly learned that I could push through limits, keep myself going in the most difficult of circumstances and learned how powerful mindset is when your inner critic wants you to quit. I also learned how important it is to be prepared, but that really only takes you so far when you are actually in the moment you’ve prepared for. 29029 taught me what I am capable of doing and it is even more than I ever imagined. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE?” Radical transparency. It is one of my most important values. This helps to build trust, knowledge and spurs innovation. When we are open and sharing, our teams value it and they can contribute to overcoming challenges and embracing opportunity. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS... I only need two: Be Present. “EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR … the amazing people in my life that I love with my whole heart and the work that I get to do to make this world a better place.” 100 WORDS CAPTURING YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK: United Way Suncoast gives families and community members the "Freedom To Rise." We elevate early learning, we energize middle school and high school students on a path to postsecondary success, and we empower community members and families through financial stability. Through nonprofit partnerships and our own initiatives, we center our work on the 45% of Suncoast households who can’t cover basic needs and are one phrase away from crisis: the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. For 99 years, we have also "stood up" for this region when a crisis occurs. We live up to our brand by coordinating "united" efforts to address emerging needs, be it a pandemic, a housing crisis or a hurricane. As we always say, United We Rise, United We Win.

"You can’t always have a summit, but you can always have an adventure."

Whether she’s filming a thank you video with corporate partner Publix, addressing a gathering at Leadership Sarasota or advocating for community members with a Manatee County commissioner, United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff continues to shine as a …STRONG WOMAN OF THE REGION.

DEANNA GERHARDT

OWNER, HONEYGLOW BY DEE AESTHETICS

MY SINGLE MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH IS HAVING DISCERNMENT. Both personally and professionally, I am able to be intentional with my decisions, big or small. I believe this led me to launching a business that would change the trajectory of my life: Honeyglow by Dee Aesthetics. I help individuals feel confident and beautiful, by working on their skin goals through a series of facial treatments & results driven products. There's something so empowering about making others feel good about themselves. We all have challenges in life, so to provide a safe space & moment of zen for people, while still targeting their skin concerns, is a form of self care I get to provide to our community. At HG, we value both relaxation yet corrective facials. I've also enjoyed mentoring passionate professionals who are seeking growth; It's been rewarding to see how they have already improved & look forward to connecting with more people. MY SECRET SAUCE: Build a strong brand and your business will soar. Take the time to put effort into the little details; they matter. Remember to rest. OUTLOOK IN 6 WORDS: Romanticize the little details and moments. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR . . . My people. All my honeys. I have a pretty awesome village filled with supportive family and friends who are rooting for me. I know how rare that is and I have so much love for them. They make things better.

HONEYGLOW BY DEE AESTHETICS

*By appointment only*

2055 Wood St. | Suite 218

Sarasota, FL 34231

honeyglowbydee@gmail.com

Instagram: @honeyglowbydee

"If you've already made it, help them get there. A rising tide lifts all boats."

Best Aesthetician

LIZA CARDEN

OWNER, LG HOWARD & COMPANY

THE STORY OF LIZA’S SUCCESS IS A BIT UNCONVENTIONAL. It begins with her as a teenager, a 15 year old freshman, struggling to get through school but with a dream in her heart. She knew that someday she wanted to be an entrepreneur but the thought of making it through high school and then onto college brought her to tears. She began researching duel enrollment programs in her town for cosmetology. While the idea seemed good, none of them felt like a good fit. Then one day she walked into an Aveda Institute and her heart danced. There was just one problem. It was an accredited college, not a duel enrollment. Shortly after her visit, she left high school classes and began studying for her GED, ready to embark on this new adventure. Liza passed her GED the month she turned 16 and started at Aveda a few weeks later.

After almost ten years in the industry Liza moved to Sarasota and decided it was time to make her dream a reality. She began doing the work to open her own salon. Just like her original dive into cosmetology, she began hitting roadblocks. At 25, as a first time business owner with no partners, no co-signers, next to no leverage to offer, she struggled. Most banks she went to for a loan weren’t interested, building after building turned her down as a tenet. No one wanted to take a chance. But all it takes is one. One bank. One building. After several months, she found just that. Of course, that is only the beginning of the journey of entrepreneurship. The last eight years have been a beautiful rollercoaster, that she wouldn’t change for the world. She believes the key to success is keeping the faith and always persevering. THE MISSION OF LG HOWARD & COMPANY is to provide a place people can come to, not just to get their hair done, but to have an experience that renews their mind, body, and spirit. Each service includes complimentary massage and mimosa or Aveda Comforting Tea, as well as a finished style that will leave you feeling fabulous. The LGH team is highly trained in their craft through quarterly education to ensure their guests are always getting the very best.

" Everyday I am thankful for how blessed I am.. Always maintain an attitude of gratitude."

LOTUS AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

240 N Washington Blvd | Suite 480 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-441-4744 | lotussrq.com

AMANDA CHAMP

OWNER, SURFING COCONUT

CHELSEA VACCA

OWNER, LOTUS AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

OF THE REGION

MY JOURNEY BEGAN YOUNG, driven by a fascination with science that sparked my dream of a medical career at a young age. Despite navigating diverse cultural norms in my household due to my Egyptian heritage, I persevered. I graduated high school early, self-funded my nursing degree with honors, and now proudly completing my 10th year in the medical field, three of which have been leading my own thriving aesthetic practice—a dream come true. A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE THAT FUELS MY MOTIVATION was the challenge of working full-time while putting myself through my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Those challenges have instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, resilience, and staying composed under pressure. It was the driving force behind my professional success. MY SECRET SAUCE is the authenticity of being unapologetically myself. This approach has allowed me to harness my strengths, connect genuinely with others, and create a unique impact that resonates on a personal and professional level. Pursue passions, embrace challenges, savor achievements. EVERYDAY I AM THANKFUL FOR the work-life balance I have created, allowing me to spend quality time with my patients, but also quality time with my friends and family.

THE SURFING COCONUT STARTED OVER THREE YEARS AGO ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND. My love for coconuts started decades ago. I've always been a huge fan of coconut water. While living in central America I drank several coconuts a day to stay hydrated. The health benefits are magical. I moved to Florida in 2016 and took a job as a traveling chef for festivals and shows all over the state. After Covid hit, my shows were cancelled. I decided that I wanted to sell coconuts on the beach. They do this in Hawaii and other tropical places I've been to, yet there were no fresh custom branded coconuts being sold on the beach on Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas. We introduced this area to fresh premium custom branded coconuts. That’s when the Surfing Coconut was born. I started my small, female-owned business at the beach market at Coquina Beach. I designed my logo and stamped it on the coconuts. The response to the Surfing Coconut was amazing! Since then, we have added the Market at LWR and this year we are adding even more. We can also set up our Coco Bar at weddings and corporate events. This allows us to open the coconuts and serve them fresh to your guests. We can also put your personal logo on a coconut. We are so grateful that we are able to share our love for coconuts with our community. Keeping people hydrated is the best job in the world. We love setting up and opening our fresh coconuts for weddings and events. If you want to wow your guests at your next event give us a call.

THE SURFING COCONUT CAN BE FOUND AT THE COQUINA BEACH MARKET WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FROM 10 AM - 4 PM AND THE MARKET AT LWR ON SUNDAYS FROM 10 AM - 2 PM.

SURFING COCONUT

Pricing/Events: 310-922-7148

surfingcoconut.com

Facebook: Surfing Coconut | Instagram: surfingcoconutami

"Our secret sauce is hard work. Its important to work hard. to provide the highest quality and freshest product to our customers.

" It’s all okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end."

STRONG WOMEN OF THE REGION

KRISTIE SKOGLUND PRESIDENT/CEO, THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

SINGLE MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATION OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE: Humility has been instrumental in creating a more inclusive working environment. I am the first to acknowledge that I don't have all the answers. By embracing different perspectives and actively listening, I have fostered a culture of respect, collaboration, and diversity. This has not only enhanced my own learning and growth but has also contributed to the overall success and well-being of the organization. WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SAUCE? Embracing vulnerability. Being vulnerable in relationships allows me to be my authentic self instead of trying to please others or being who others want me to be. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR who I am and the opportunity to pursue all that I want to become.

THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

4620 17th Street | Sarasota, FL 34235 941-371-8820 | thefloridacenter.org

Facebook: facebook.com/TheFloridaCenter

Instagram: @thefloridacenter

" Mistakes are ok, but mediocrity isn’t "

OUR REGION’S LIONESSES

interviewed by wes roberts | compiled by barbie heit

FIFTY YEARS AGO THERE WOULD’VE BEEN NO WOMEN AT THE TABLE, AND NOW WE HAVE A TABLE FILLED WITH WOMEN. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? BRITTANY LAMONT, PRESIDENT/CEO, LAKEWOOD RANCH BUSINESS ALLIANCE: I think it means change, evolution and opportunity. It means I think a realization of where women fall in the workplace and where women fall in leadership roles. It may be happening in this community, but it’s still not happening nationwide. But it’s nice that locally, the tides have turned a bit, and that people see that women should be in leadership positions like this. JACKI DEZELSKI, PRESIDENT AND CEO, MANATEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Should it mean anything? Or is it simply a signal of, as you said, where our community and our region has headed in recognizing leadership. It would be an interesting data point to know collectively the amount of tenure in our industry that’s around this table. All of us have been engaged for years and been supported by amazing people. SHARON HILLSTROM, PRESIDENT AND CEO, BRADENTON AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION I would say though that we do see a lot of women in leadership roles in nonprofits in our region, we don’t see them necessarily in roles of for-profit companies. In the for-profit sector, you’re not seeing women ascend to those CEO positions as you are in the nonprofit sector. I think that’s why you have all women here because we’re all nonprofits. Although it shouldn’t matter because we’re running businesses, whether you’re a nonprofit or you’re a for-profit organization.

This page, left to right: Sharon Hillstrom, President and CEO, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation and Erin Duggan, President and CEO, Visit Sarasota County. Opposite Page: Brittany Lamont, President/CEO, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance; Erin Silk, CECD, President & CEO, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County; Jacki Dezelski, IOM, President and CEO, Manatee Chamber of Commerce; and, Heather Kasten, President and CEO, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Strong women take the helm of cultivating business, a racting and retaining visitors and curating the complex network of our regional economy.

Our region has been recognized for strong leadership and lucky for us, some of the strongest female leaders in the area recently took the time to gather together for a roundtable discussion with Wes Roberts at our studio. Read on to learn what it’s like to balance life as an inspiring leader with the demands of motherhood and family and find out why these are the Women Who Roar in our community.

OUR REGION’S LIONESSES

WHEN WE STARTED SRQ NOW 25 YEARS AGO, PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISL LIANG, RECOUNTS THAT SHE HAD POWERFUL WOMEN OF THE ERA WARN HER THAT “IT WAS GOING TO BE TOUGH, BECAUSE OF THE ‘GOOD OL’ BOY NETWORK,” BUT THE STORY SHE SHARES IS THAT SHE WAS WIDELY WELCOMED BY THE LEADERS OF THAT ERA; IN PARTICULAR SHAUN MERRIMAN, TOM DABNEY AND JOHN CRANOR. HER EXPERIENCE SEEMED QUITE DIFFERENT THAN THE WOMEN WHO HAD BEEN THE “CEILING BREAKERS” OF THE PREVIOUS GENERATION. HILLSTROM: I was speaking with a former CEO of a major corporation not too long ago, who’s probably 80 now, and she made this statement: “I broke through the glass ceiling and when I got there, there weren’t any other women there.” From a generational standpoint, obviously things have progressed. Depending upon which sector of business you might be in it may still exist, but there’s no question it’s getting better.

HEATHER KASTEN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: I spent several years in pharmaceuticals with Lilly, and the top executives all the way down to the regional managers were males, but then all the sales reps were female. If you look around this town, it is women running the nonprofits, and yet if you do look at the for-profits, it is primarily male-dominated. That includes banks, manufacturing and technology companies.

HILLSTROM: If you go outside of our region, if you look at startup activity across the country or even in the world, there are a lot of women doing startups-probably because they had to in order to maybe ascend to that position. Here we have so much change happening so quickly with so many new people moving here, coming from other areas, bringing different ideologies. I think we’re in a period of time where we will see more women maybe ascending to those roles or bringing companies here. LAMONT: The Chamber of Commerce industry has definitely evolved from being as maledominant at the top. When the women at this table started in the Chamber world, it was all male. The EDCs are still very male dominated.

ERIN DUGGAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY: If I look up the coast, it’s pretty much all men that are the DMO leaders. I

just got back from a conference in Savannah, and nearly all the DMO presidents were male. There is a generational change happening, I had a strong mother growing up. She was an executive with FCCI, so all I ever knew was that women worked and they ran businesses. I’ve got two teenage boys, I think my children have always known, their grandmother had a big job, mom’s got a big job, dad’s got a big job. It could be a shift that people are starting to accept [women business leaders] because that’s what they grew up seeing. ERIN SILK, CECD, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY: This group—having visible women in leadership—I see it attracting more women to bring or start businesses in this region. Particularly in the tech startup, we’re meeting women who have relocated here. There’s one in particular I was meeting with the other day, Jake Rubin, with MamaZen. She launched a mental health app for mothers. She’s from LA and she told me that the reception that she’s gotten here in Sarasota as a woman in tech and a woman founder is so much more welcoming than what she had

DUGGAN: I may have started 10, even 15 years earlier than you. There was a lot of change in that time period. Behaviors that are no longer accepted. I have some stories. HILLSTROM: Oh, I do too. LAMONT: Motherhood is a whole different subset during this. There’s way more judgment on being a mom than being a woman. It’s one thing to be a woman, you have shown that you deserve your role. But despite that, some would think, “Oh, but you are a mom. Can you do this? Do you have that kind of bandwidth? Can you raise kids?” DUGGAN: That still exists. I think women are harder on women than men are for the whole motherhood thing though. LAMONT: And that could be a generational thing too. DUGGAN: In the last year I couldn’t get over how many people would say to me, “Oh, you probably don’t want Virginia [Haley]’s job, because you’re a mom. And I said, ell, first of all, Virginia’s a mom, and she was younger than me when she started, and her daughter was younger than my children when she started as the president and CEO. Second of all, I don’t know what you think my responsibilities were as Vice-President,

“This group–having visible women in leadership–i see it attracting more women to bring or start businesses in this region.”

experienced there. DEZELSKI: There are female leaders and male leaders that are blazing trails here on the Suncoast, and this table is filled with rockstar women leaders, and it’s incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we’re going to pay it forward with the mentoring that we’ve all had. To pay forward the support that we’ve all had, and to honor the generation prior to us that built and broke through glass ceilings and forged the path. So that, Erin, your boys don’t know it any other way than there being equal opportunity for women and men to reach the top leadership positions in organizations.

LAMONT: In my personal experience, think about what you shared on Lisl’s behalf earlier, I haven’t felt like this community has viewed me differently because I was a woman. Age is a whole different topic, but I don’t think it was “you’re a woman so you couldn’t be put in these positions.” I think there has always been a level of male support from community leaders, as long as I have been pursuing my career.

—Erin Silk, EDC of Sarasota County

but I think most people would tell you the VP does more than the president. That’s part of earning your stripes. KASTEN: Going back, even ten years ago, I do think there was some elbowing [between women] to get to the front of the line because it was so hard to achieve these roles. What I’ve seen over the last couple years of my career is women coming alongside other women, genuinely helping, being a mentor, being a support, being an encourager where I know I didn’t really see that when I was coming up the ranks. HILLSTROM: I think there were stereotypes. This woman that I spoke with said the same things; “Why would you even want to have a career; you have two children, you have a husband that earns a lot of money It is this stereotype that you should fit in this particular box and don’t go outside of that. The women that did were so brave because society questioned their choices very directly, meanwhile nobody said to a man, “Hey, you’re a dad. Why do you also have to be

a professional?” SILK: It still happens. I am so proud of my family unit. I have a five-and-ahalf-month-old, and my husband is a stay-athome dad. I get the uestion all the time, And what does your husband do He’s a disabled veteran, a proud veteran. verybody in our circle knows he’s a stay-at-home dad, but when we’re out in public, for instance, we’re at a restaurant, and if the baby’s getting grumpy or something, he’s the first one to pick her up and be bouncing her around. eople come up and say, ow, he’s such a great dad. They don’t know that he’s with her all through the week, they think he is a great dad because he’s holding her in the restaurant. The bar is set so low. I’m like, No, he actually is a really, really great dad, all the time. e’re proud of how our partnership works, and how we’re raising our daughter, and it’s working really, really well for us. [My experience helps with how I lead at the , it is important to support our employees who are mothers and fathers, but now even more so as we look at bringing new staff people on, I tell them, you are a full person before you are an employee . You have a family, you have kids, and we recognize that you’re a full person first. I take pride in being able to give that to other people, whereas years ago, I don’t think I would’ve been in the same situation. LAMONT: As a mom to young kids, I see it. ork used to be something that happened from - , but what does life look like holistically for employees and their families e all need to show up to the stuff for our kids, sit in the car. For women to continue to evolve in leadership positions there needs to be more of that e ibility. You might be taking meetings in the car line, picking up your kids. It is a struggle every day. And in this role they need you after 00. You’re also taking calls from a board member pm at night. You’re on all the time, but then there’s space in between for you still to feel like you can do the mom thing. If my husband shows up to jiu-jitsu, with all three of the kids, he’s a hero. But if I am wrangling all three kids, I hear, h, you got your hands full, don’t you KASTEN: There can be guilt. I did take a five-year time out in my professional career to raise the kids. I saw both sides. hen I was working and putting on the suit, I would see the stay-at-home mom in her yoga pants and I would be like, an, she’s such a good mom. She probably went in and had coffee with the teacher and did yoga, and then she’s probably going somewhere for lunch with a friend. I thought that, and then when I was that mom in the yoga pants, I would see the

woman come in all gussied up heading to a meeting. I’d think, ow, she’s important. She’s making something happen today. hat am I making happen today I’m going to go run copies at the elementary school.”

THERE IS A WELL-WORN SAYING ABOUT “HAVING IT ALL.” CAN WOMEN HAVE IT ALL? OR MAYBE THE QUESTION SHOULD BE, CAN ANYONE HAVE IT ALL? HILLSTROM: It depends on what your all is. I think what you have to think about is when. So you can’t have it all, all the time. You may have it all at different stages of your life. I view life as different chapters. I worked out of college, then I was a stay-at-home mom, then I worked to get back into the professional world, which was really hard by the way. It was not easy at all. Because here’s what happens when you’re out of the workforce, even though you’ve been productive and doing things, people look at you, You’ve been out of the workforce. hat did you do And many employers don’t place any value on that whatsoever. But if I look at my career, my life, I feel like I’ve had it all. It didn’t always happen when I thought it was going to happen, but that’s what I say to women all the time. Always be open to the potential that it could change never ever put those bookends on your life because you never know what the future has to hold and you always should be open for opportunities that might come your way. KASTEN: In any chapter, what does success look like Is it sitting on a board. Is it a certain amount of money? Is it attending all of my kids’ activities eally defining success, whatever chapter you’re in, because I think that definition changes with each chapter. Be intentional about how do I define success And then being at peace with that. DUGGAN: I’m sure in my twenties and my thirties, and probably even the first half of my forties, you wish for the ne t promotion, you wish for your kids to be out of this icky stage. And I remember my mom used to always tell me, You’re going to wish your life away. So I haven’t done that in a long time. So to me, I try to be very grateful for what I have today, but I think it’s fun to not have it all because then that’s what makes you want to get up and do better and strive for something new ne t year. And I think too, who would’ve thought prior to the time we are in now, things like picking up kids in car lines, that wouldn’t have ever own prior to the pandemic. The pandemic showed we need to value the

employees that we have that are hardworking. e don’t want to lose them over something as petty as not letting them take a 4 -minute break in the afternoon to get a kid. You’re a good employee, you can do whatever you want pretty much all day as long as you get your work done. In our o ce too that it’s not just kids. It’s dogs, it’s parents, it’s grandparents, it’s spouses. Not one entity is more important than another. y mom used to say, everybody has 24 hours a day. Your time’s not more important than my time or vice versa. veryone chooses to spend their 24 hours however they want.

LAMONT: It could just be the phase of my life with young kids, but it’s never do you have it all It’s closer to the saying You’re always failing at one thing. ither it’s your marriage or career or your kids. It’s always changing what comment did my kid make today that makes me feel like a supermom r what fight did you have with your spouse makes you feel like you’re not a good wife r does a board member want something from you that you couldn’t deliver You have 24 hours a day, and you have to be okay with not being 100 percent at everything every day. aybe today you’re giving a hundred percent to your job and you’re giving 0 percent to your family, and that sucks, but then tomorrow you’re taking the day off and you’re giving 100 percent to your family.

SILK: A lot of what I’m hearing is it’s also about perspective. If you ask me do I feel like I have it all I feel like I have it all. ight now, I really do. f course there are really, really hard times, and there are really big challenges in all three of those aspects. But when I look at my life in totality, the perspective I have is that I have it all, and it’s a beautiful life. It’s about perspectives. e had an event last night, and before I came to the event, I gave the baby a bath. I had 20 minutes, and I said to my husband, Let me give her a bath and put her in her pjs. Then I got dressed and then I came to the event. That’s the balance that you do. You try to keep your positivity and be thankful and grateful through it. HILLSTROM: I can say this because I have grown children now, but it goes by so fast. nce they’re out of high school and they go to college, it zooms by. All of a sudden they’re 22, and you’re like, what happened to those four years It takes your breath away.

hen I dropped my son and my daughter off at college, I bawled. SILK: I cry now thinking about her going to college. oes she have to go KASTEN: efinitely enjoy the journey. There’s

no pinnacle point where we get to the top of the mountain and say, “Okay, now everything is perfect.” I’m with you, Sharon. We have three grown kids, and when they got their licenses at 16-I really felt the loss of control. They could be doing anything they wanted to be doing.

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE TALK OF WORKLIFE BALANCE IS SOMETHING THAT BOTH MEN AND WOMEN TAKE MORE SERIOUSLY TODAY. DEZELSKI: I know that you and Lisl have shared those roles with your company. The opportunity for Lisl to have a top role has allowed you to have more bandwidth as a parent, likely, vice versa.

IT TAKES TEAMWORK, LISL WAS PRESIDENT OF OUR COMPANY AND ALSO SERVING AS BOARD CHAIR AT THE SARASOTA CHAMBER I THINK WHEN OUR FIRST BABY WAS TWO YEARS OLD. LAMONT: She brought baby ri n to the board meeting

THAT’S LEADERSHIP! OK, A QUESTION THEN, THERE’S ALL THESE SAYINGS LIKE “YOU LEAD FROM THE FRONT”, “YOU LEAD FROM THE BACK”, “YOU LEAD FROM DEMONSTRATION”, “YOU LEAD FROM MOTIVATION”. WHAT MAKES FOR EFFECTIVE GOOD LEADERSHIP? DEZELSKI: All four of the things you mentioned, two being opposite sides of the same coin and the other two, the answer is there’s a time and place for nuance within your style of leadership, what your team needs, what your constituents need, what your board needs. What do the people you are leading need at that time? Do they need you to take the step back and push them forward? Do they need you to be decisive and be leading from the front? DUGGAN: We spend a lot of time on our team going through this at our retreats with our staff. very year we will bring in the colors exercise, so at the end of it, everyone hopefully will appreciate that you are a blue and I’m a green and you need this and I need that, but we both add value. And, adjusting to the moment; we call it reading the room, and I’d say that’s the hardest thing to teach. We’re trying to teach our high school son to read the room in social conversations at Thanksgiving dinner. Like “That wasn’t appropriate. Did you see grandma’s face? She didn’t particularly care for you saying that, but yet you dug in and just kept on.” I’ve experienced that with staff too, that you are not reading the room,

you are beating a dead horse. Give-and-take and reading the room and figuring out what’s needed when. I think it’s tough, and some people can’t do it, but I think that’s how you get to the pinnacle of the mountain.

ALL OF YOU ARE LEADERS TO YOUR STAFF, BUT THEN ALSO YOU HAVE TO ANSWER TO BOARDS. LAMONT: Members, investors, all of them. A lot of moving parts.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE THOSE DYNAMICS?

SILK: Listening is a big one, and I don’t think you can be successful without being a good listener. I try to listen first. LAMONT: It’s a delicate dance based on who you’re interacting with. I think there’s a certain level of toughness that comes with it too, of like, you’ll deal with whatever hard situation, but you also, 20 minutes after that have to get on a stage and go present in front of 300 people, and it doesn’t matter what happened with the staff five minutes before that. There is a certain emotional toughness that I think you have to develop, of one, not ever taking things personally and two, of just being able to roll with it and move on. That’s I think the one thing that maybe I’ve learned is whatever happens, just keep moving. Just keep moving.

HILLSTROM: I think resiliency is super important, especially when you’re answering to so many different factions. I have this post-it note that says “respond versus react.” So take a breath before you respond to something that’s been said. I just think treating people the way you want to be treated. Respect is so important. I’m the same person all the time. I don’t have a certain persona here and a different persona there, so I know who I am, and so that’s what I present, and so I’m comfortable in that. DEZELSKI: The art of diplomacy. We’ve all mentioned it in one way or another, even in other questions that you’ve asked us this morning already. The art of diplomacy, and yes, some of that has to be built by experience. HILLSTROM: I also say humor. I like to plug humor in almost every aspect of my life. There’s a lot of laughter in my o ce. I think it just cuts through stress and all those kinds of things.

A CHALLENGE THAT COMES FROM HAVING A HIGH LEVEL OF LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY IS THAT YOU ALSO HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF VISIBILITY. PEOPLE THINK THAT’S A GOOD THING, BUT IT ALSO MEANS

THAT YOU CAN’T BE ANONYMOUS AND JUST GO GET THE SHOPPING DONE.

DEZELSKI: None of us can go to Publix on Saturday morning without running into someone who was a stakeholder or constituent, but it comes with the territory, and that’s a known part of the job, and you’re willing to recognize and handle that. HILLSTROM: How about every time you go to SRQ Airport, getting on an airplane, and you walk down the aisle, and you are saying,”Oh, hi.” Oh, hi” “Oh, hi.”

DUGGAN: And that’s when your kid will have a temper tantrum. DEZELSKI: Or you’re drinking a bloody Mary at 10:00 AM. Oh,” you say, “it’s just tomato juice.” DUGGAN: While your child’s having that temper tantrum.

HILLSTROM: That’s why you need it. LAMONT: None of us would do it if we weren’t so passionate about the work we do. I mean that’s what drives you is you believe in your mission, you believe in what you’re contributing to the community. You’re not making plastics every day, you’re transforming a community.

KASTEN: Going back to what Sharon said about e perience, and the confidence you have to build for it. I felt so much pressure when I took the job at the Sarasota Chamber, and all the media said, The first woman in a hundred years to run this organization I was like, h my God, womanhood riding on my shoulders. I cannot screw this up for the female species.” There were so many times I would just go in my o ce and close the door and I would let myself talk. I would be like, You are going to figure this out. Just take a deep breath, go back out there, shoulders back, chin up, buttercup, make it happen.” We’re fast forward now coming up on my fifth year. Now there’s nothing that anybody says, that walks in the door, that is going to surprise me. I’m just at peace, and you just have a sense of, “Okay, I do know what I’m doing.” That anxious, tight feeling of not wanting to let anybody down, it does pass. HILLSTROM: It’s always being open to learning. I used to be really hard on myself. “I can’t believe I didn’t know that,” I would say to myself. So I’m more comfortable now saying “I need to have you explain that to me, because I don’t understand what that means.” That took me a long time to get there because I always felt like I had to know everything—but you don’t have to know everything, and it makes you more human when you admit you don’t.

SHE ROARS