April 2023

VOYAGE TO THE DEEP: A FANTASTICAL UNDERWATER PLAYGROUND AT MOTE

Made by Hansgrohe. Loved by dogs.

Beautifully

MAKING LIFE WORK SINCE 1986

BUILDInG cLAssRooM LeADeRs

A philAnthropic pArtnership invests in producing more locAl teAchers

By Nathan March

cALLInG YoUnG AQUAnAUts

A FAntAstIcAl underWAter plAYground comes to mote mArine AquArium

By Jacqueline Miller

On the COver

foR the Love of peopLe & nAtURe conservAtion FoundAtion oF the gulF coAst

By Simone Knego

LeARninG toGetheR

communitY FoundAtion’s 2gen philosophY For pArents & students

By Christy Pessemier

Photo Courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The ‘Voyage of the Deep’ exhibition was created and developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum, an Australian Government entity. The exhibition tour is managed by Flying Fish.

from the • p UBL ishe R

ducation is a funny thing. It’s all around us in many forms if we seek it. It’s for the young, the old, and everyone in between and abounds in Sarasota. There’s no reason not to keep our flame kindled!

Whether its attending classes, working, volunteering, or just being in nature, there’s something we all can learn each day. In this, our Community & Education issue, we have several stories we hope will inspire and motivate you to explore, get involved, and help others. These include programs, classes, and initiatives at Community Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Conservation Foundation, The Florida Center, and Jewish Federation.

Speaking of learning, as owner and publisher of Sarasota Scene, I am fortunate to interact daily with people from numerous businesses and organizations and to learn so much about what they do and how they help.

Recently, I was part of a group visiting with Dr. Michael Crosby, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium along with a few members of his team.

We were among the first to see Mote’s Voyage to the Deep exhibition. The exhibition mixes the feel of the mechanized age with interactive education technology and is lots of fun for the whole family. Please read more about this must-see exhibition on page 50 of this issue before it leaves Mote on May 21. It was fascinating!

When it comes to culture, my cultural education comes in large and tiny forms. Since coming to Sarasota, I have enjoyed experiencing many cultural events, and have developed a keen appreciation for opera. I must say that Sarasota Opera’s 2022/2023 season has been one of its best. Of course, it is filled with both tragedy and comedy, and the performances have been outstanding. Madama Butterfly, the opera which kicked off the Opera’s Winter Season, was one of the hottest tickets in town.

I was quite surprised at opening night of Madama Butterfly to hear the crowd boo the principal performer who starred as the American Naval Officer Pinkerton when he came out with the other principal performers for their individual bows. Apparently, this is a way some opera audiences nowadays praise the villain, all in a sense of fun. I have since come to learn that this is something simply not done. Cheering louder is the way to show your appreciation. And booing a performer on stage is like a boo in life not something anyone wants to be subjected to no matter how it was intended. Now there’s a learning lesson I wish I had not experienced!

So far this season I have had the opportunity to attend several fundraising luncheons. Organizations often use these occasions to dig a bit deeper into the services it provides, to better explain the needs it addresses, and to

H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”

—SOCRATES

Bringing a global perspective to local properties.

Siesta Key | A4562963 | $9,000,000 Kim Ogilvie | 941-376-1717

Anna Maria Island | A4562528 | $6,900,000 Hannah Hillyard & George Myers | 941-744-7358

Sarasota | A4555612 | $4,599,000 Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson | 941-914-0496

Sarasota | A4562203 | $4,000,000 Ann Martin & Joanna Benante | 941-356-7717

Longboat Key | A4548328 | $3,999,000 Stacy Hanan | 941-266-0529

From special occasions to daily dining, Morton’s Market has got you covered. Stop in for fresh seasonal produce, prime cuts of meat and seafood, and hot-from-the-oven baked goods. Choose from our tempting array of chef-prepared deli and gourmet to-go items, as well as fine wines, exotic cheeses and cut flowers. Think of us for your catered events, holiday menus and gift baskets too.

introduce people whose support is invaluable to its success and impact. I have learned so much about the needs we have in this community and quite a bit about the importance of supporting mental health for children and adults.

Compeer is one such organization that helps those with mental health issues. It is a community-based support organization that partners caring people with individuals with personal, emotional, and social challenges. These friendships, while not officially therapeutic, support and extend the help that is needed well beyond the formalized treatments.

The TREE Foundation is dedicated to tree research, exploration, and education. At its recent luncheon, I learned how important snakes are in the maintenance of our ecosystem. The last 20 years has seen a sharp decline both in numbers and in species while at the same time invasive plants and pythons are getting a larger foothold on Sarasota County and just to the south of us. The insight has given me a new appreciation for Suzy, a black racer snake that lives under my house in Southside Village. She does a good job in keeping the small, crawly critters to a minimum, although lately she seems to be spending more time at my neighbor’s house. I miss her.

The equipment purchased and the research funded by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation has been impressive. What is equally impressive is what has been accomplished in the past few years. The 2023 Hospital Gala raised a record-breaking $1,500,000 in support of cancer care services. At the gala, we heard several successful stories of people who have been helped by the latest SMH has to offer, including Sarasota’s own Dick Vitale, who talked about his recent cancer fight. It was a very hopeful and inspirational evening at which I learned so much.

So, when you think of learning, remember to keep your flame kindled! There are so many things you can learn every day just by venturing outside, by volunteering your time, or by supporting an organization with a mission that speaks to you and helps our friends and neighbors.

I am learning everywhere and every time I step out in a community that offers something for everyone. I love being part of the “Sarasota Scene”!

FEBRUARY 12 – JUNE 25

PRESENTING SPONSORS

LEAD SPONSORS

owned and o perated s ince 1957

Vol. 66 No. 4

Publisher/Executive Editor

H John Knowles

Strategic Partnerships

Julie A. Milton

Executive Creative Director

Darcy Kelly–Laviolette

Digital Media & Editorial Content Coordinator

Gina Liga

Distribution

Mike Straffin

Accounting

Sally A. Bailey

Advertising Enquiries

Paul McNamara

Call/Text 917.751.6506 | paul@scenesarasota.com

Sharon Castellano

Call/Text 203.984.7577 | sharon@scenesarasota.com

Community Relations

Alix Redmonde

Contributing Writers

Ryan G. Van Cleave

Christy Pessemier

Simone Knego

Nathan March

Jacqueline Miller

Contributing & Social Photographer

Nancy Guth

Contributing Photographers

Matt Roback

Cliff Roles 1834 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | Fax: 941.954.5067 | scenesarasota.com

s u B scri B e at scenesarasota.com/magazine/shop

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

THE JEAN & ALFRED GOLDSTEIN EXHIBITION SERIES

The

the L ist

APRIL 2023 EVENTS CALENDAR

2

JEWISH FEDERATION ISRAELI JAZZ EVENT

Hear award-winning jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman and the Spirit of Israel Ensemble live in concert! This quartet of Israeli-American musicians led by Tamir Hendelman celebrates the musical spirit of Israel, blending heritage with modern jazz sensibilities. Holley Hall | jfedsrq.org

3

WBTT APRIL FOOLS FETE

Join the party at Michael’s On East as Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Stage of Discovery students explore and share their BIG DREAMS at this year’s April Fools Fete. They’ll be joined by your favorite professional WBTT performers as well as a live band, top-notch food and dancing. Michael’s On East | westcoastblacktheatre.org

Sponsorship opportunities available with access to Celebrity Meet & Greet Pre-Party beginning at 6pm

DON’T GET LEFT OUT !

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS, SPONSOR OR DONATE AT

D V G A L A 2 0 2 2 . G I V E S M A R T. C O M DVGALA2022. GIVESMART.COM

ABOUT THE DICK VITALE GALA

2023 GALA HONOREES

his famous ESPY speech, stated that should be moved to tears, laughter You will feel all of those emotions at Annual Gala on May 6th.

spectacular night attended by our honorees, guest celebrities, and especially my COURAGEOUS TEAM, which features a number who are cancer survivors.

with joy seeing the generosity and kind those who participate and make our event night. I hope you will join us to help cancer.” — DICK VITALE

2023 GALA HONOREES

ABOUT THE DICK VITALE GALA

Dick Vitale leads the V Foundation’s pediatric research initiative. Since the first Dick Vitale 2006, this event has raised more than $44 million cancer research. The V Foundation has awarded $60 million in pediatric research grants.

THE V FOUNDATION

Dick Vitale is the V Foundation’s leading fundraiser and cause champion cancer research initiative. Since the first Dick Vitale Gala in 2006, more than $55 million for cancer research. The V Foundation has $66 million in pediatric research grants.

ABOUT THE DICK VITALE GALA

Dick Vitale is the V Foundation’s leading fundraiser and cause champion for the pediatric cancer research initiative. Since the first Dick Vitale Gala in 2006, this event has raised more than $55 million for cancer research. The V Foundation has awarded over $66 million in pediatric research grants.

ABOUT THE V FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH

The V Foundation for Cancer Research is dedicated to declaring Victory Over Cancer ®. It was in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, North Carolina State University basketball coach commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has nearly $290 million in cancer research grants Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee.

ABOUT THE V FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH

The V Foundation for Cancer Research is dedicated to achieving Victory Over Cancer ®. The organization was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded over $310 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research is dedicated to achieving Over Cancer ®. The organization was founded in 1993 by ESPN and late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded $310 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee.

To learn more about the V Foundation for Cancer Research, or to make a donation, visit v.org. Net proceeds of the Dick Vitale Gala benefit pediatric cancer research.

Don’t Ever Give Up, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) charitable supporting organization formed by and operated exclusively for the benefit of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Don’t Ever Give Up raises funds and awareness to end cancer by supporting cutting-edge research through the V Foundation.

To learn more about the V Foundation for Cancer Research, or to make a donation, visit v.org. Net proceeds of the Dick Vitale Gala benefit pediatric cancer research.

Participate in the Dick Vitale Gala and raise money to support pediatric cancer research!

“DON’T GIVE UP ...

ROBINSON NBA Hall of Famer

McENROE PATRICK McENROE ESPN Tennis Analysts

Don’t Ever Give Up, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) charitable supporting organization formed by and operated exclusively for the benefit of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Don’t Ever Give Up raises funds and awareness to end cancer by supporting cutting-edge research through the V Foundation.

Madeby offers an eclectic assortment of one-of-a-kind and limited edition works for sale by Ringling College of Art and Design students and alumni.

1

SARASOTA OPERA GALA

LOCATION

2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 Glen Fine Arts Building

(Located next to the Basch Visual Arts Center.)

Parking is available on campus.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday–Friday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

Please call for seasonal hours.

CONTACT

941.822.0442 www.madebygallery.com madeby@ringling.edu

Celebrate the end of the season at one of Sarasota’s premier events. Enjoy a grand reception, celebration concert and lavish dinner.

Sarasota Opera House | sarasotaopera.org

1

37 TH ANNUAL RUN FOR THE TURTLES

This Run is the major fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Sea turtles keep going no matter what is happening in the world, and so will our efforts to understand and protect them.

Siesta Key Public Beach | mote.org

1

FLORIDA WINEFEST + AUCTION

Join Chef Paul Mattison for an elegant bay front champagne reception followed by a four-course brunch with fine wines and caviar. Guests will enjoy live music, raffle and a live auction hosted by Charles Foley of Christie’s London.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | floridawinefest.org

1

CHILDREN FIRST FAIRYTALE BALL

Enjoy a fantastical fairytale experience like no other as you travel Through the Looking Glass. Explore an alternative world of wonders and discover the imagination, heart, and courage of children and families as they journey on the path to self-sufficiency and success.

Michael’s On East | childrenfirst.net

3

RINGLING COLLEGE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION TOWN HALL LECTURE SERIES WITH THOMAS FRIEDMAN

Friedman discusses the opportunities and challenges that profound “accelerations,” including technology and connectivity, pose for society as well as for individuals, businesses, and governments.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Center | rclassociation.org

7–16

ELIZABETH MOORE SARASOTA OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

The Sarasota Open ATP Challenger will be held in the City of Sarasota’s recently renovated Payne Park. Various ticket prices and packages are available. Kick-Off Events April 7 - April 9. Tournament is April 1016, 2023

Payne Park | sarasotaopen.com

8

SIESTA KEY EASTER EGG HUNT

New this year, the Egg Hunt will be held on the Chapel’s shade-covered grounds. Come join in this fun-filled morning. Take photos with the Easter Bunny, and enjoy children’s games and activities. Advance registration is required for the Egg Hunt. Siesta Key Chapel | my.siestakeychamber.com

12

WINE CELLAR SOCIAL CLUB WINE TASTING

Calling wine lovers! Enjoy a sampling of several unique wines at Michael’s Wine Cellar. Tickets sell out fast for this event, so order yours ahead of time.

Michael’s Wine Cellar | eventbrite.com

13

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION LEGACY LUNCHEON

An event celebrating those that made a commitment to the Healthcare Foundation through their estate. Sarasota Yacht Club | smhf.giftplans.org

14–16

GEM, JEWELRY + BEAD SHOW

There is lots on display to see from dealers from around the country selling gems, jewelry, beads, crystals and more. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium | srqauditorium.com

14–16

SARASOTA BRADENTON HOME SHOW

If you’re a weekend D.I.Y’er you’ll want to check out the Sarasota Bradenton Home Show. Featuring everything from kitchens and baths to landscapers and pools, solar, builders, contractors and more. You’ll get some great ideas or find just the folks who can help you with all of your home projects.

Sarasota Fairgrounds | homeshowflorida.com

14–16

PUNTA GORDA SEAFOOD + MUSIC FESTIVAL

Check out the outdoor food and fun at this annual festival featuring seafood, meat and vegetarian options cooked fresh. Live musical performances on stage by some of Florida’s best.

Laishley Park, Punta Gorda | allevents.in

15

SCF FOUNDATION EVENING UNDER THE STARS

This event is the time-honored event of the season you don’t want to miss. This year’s theme is “Oh What A Night” featuring the sounds of the SCF Presidential Jazz Band, performances by the Pops and a firework show to end the evening.

SCF Venice | scf-foundation.org

16

HERMITAGE GREENFIELD PRIZE DINNER

Anchoring a series of events celebrating the prestigious Hermitage Greenfield Prize, this elegant dinner heralds the jury-selected prize recipient. The $30,000 Hermitage Greenfield Prize commission is awarded annually by the Hermitage Artist Retreat in partnership with the Greenfield Foundation, and rotates among music, theater, and visual art.

Ringling Museum of Art | hermitageartistretreat.org

4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905

14

PAWS ON THE RED CARPET

Prepare to be starstruck when the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) returns to Art Ovation Hotel for a sizzling-hot signature luncheon. You can expect a high-energy Hollywood-themed party vibe with A-List entertainment..

Art Ovation Hotel | hssc.org

19 CONSERVATION FOUNDATION NATURE LECTURE LUNCHEON

This event brings noted missionrelevant speaker Jason Vuic to Sarasota to discuss the history of the “installment land sales industry,” which seemingly appeared out of nowhere to sell billions of dollars of Florida residential property, sight unseen, to retiring northerners.

Michael’s On East | conservationfoundation.org

19

OIL BARON’S BALL

The Ear Research Foundation’s signature event returns with an evening of dining, entertainment and a special guest performance by Audrey Landers.

Sarasota Opera House | earrf.org

20

SPARCCLE ON THE LINKS

Calling all golfers! Grab your friends and join SPARCC, either as a player or a sponsor for the upcoming annual golf tournament. Participation helps raise critical funding for SPARCC’s free programs and services.

Plantation Golf + Country Club | sparcc.net

20

GIRLS, INC. CELEBRATION LUNCHEON

Join girls, leaders and other supporters to celebrate the Girls, Inc. mission to develop healthy, educated and independent girls. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium | girlsincsrq.org

19

JOSHPROVIDES INTERACTIVE DINNER + AUCTION

Join the fun and cook your own dinner table-side led by Executive Chef Jamil Pineda and Co-Proprietor Phil Mancini of Michael’s On East.

Michael’s On East | joshprovides.org

28

EN PLEIN AIR WINE DINNER

An open-air five-course wine dinner on the Great Lawn curated by Chef Kaytlin Dangaran using the freshest local ingredients.

Sarasota Art Museum | sarasotaartmuseum.org

welcome home styles that say

20–24

FORKS + CORKS

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

A multi-day menu of events, ranging from the always popular University Master Classes, and a bountiful selection of wine dinners. Plans for this year include the return of the famous Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum of Art and Monday’s Trade Tasting, exclusively available for local industry professionals. Check the website for a full schedule of events.

Various Locations | eatlikealocal.com

22–23

VENICE SHARKS TOOTH FESTIVAL

After a 3 year pause, this muchloved family-friendly event is back and features fossils, food trucks, arts and crafts, live music children’s activities and more.

Centennial Park, Venice | visitvenicefl.org

5251 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (1.5 Miles South of Bee Ridge Rd)

COVID-19 was hard on everyone. But for many seniors in our community, especially those living alone or with dementia, the fear and isolation were devastating. JFCS believes we all share the obligation to help those who cannot help themselves.

Being good means doing good. Let’s do good together.

To learn more, visit www.jfcs-cares.org/info

27

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUN COAST SPRING SOIREE Cocktails, food stations, live music, silent auction and mission moment. Lakewood Ranch Golf + Country Club | one.bidpal.net

29

EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Local arts and education organizations will have booths featuring interactive, kid-friendly activities. Food trucks for guests to enjoy and docent-led tours of the exhibition.

SCF Manatee | embracingourdifferences.org

30

THE SARASOTA BALLET’S GALA ROYALE

Attend an evening of artistic excellence with The Sarasota Ballet. The Gala Royale will begin at the Sarasota Opera House with a special curated performance by The Sarasota Ballet. Following the performance, guests will then make their way to the Circus Arts Conservatory to enjoy a lavish dining experience catered by Michale’s On East.

Sarasota Opera House/CAC | sarasotaballet.org

Connect with Tidewell to build a brighter community by helping those who need it most. Volunteer at Tidewell Hospice. Share a connection with a patient during their most difficult moments. Provide respite to a busy caregiver. Be a source of strength for a grieving child. Donate to ensure all who need the services of Tidewell Hospice receive it. Get involved, and let your light shine through.

Let’s brighten lives together. TidewellFoundation.org

Tidewell Foundation is grateful to our sustaining annual corporate partners for their ongoing sponsorship of the Foundation’s work.

Partners in Excellence

Sustaining Annual Corporate Partners Partners in Compassion

• scene sponso R e D •

pAR t Y pics

SELBY GARDENS’ 2023 GARDEN TO PLATE WINE DINNER

Guests enjoyed a casually elegant outdoor dining experience at Selby Gardens’ 2023 Garden to Plate Wine Dinner on March 3. The evening’s multicourse dinner menu, which included pairings of fine wines, was personally designed by Phil Mancini and Michael Klauber of Michael’s on East. Hosted by Eileen and Howard Curd, Patricia and Peter Estes, and Nora and Billy Johnson, this fine-dining affair supports Selby Gardens’ community outreach education programs, international research and conservation, and beautiful, world-class horticulture displays.

Brenda DuCray & Margaret Wise Lisa Clucas, Shary Price & Cynthia Langton

Monte DeCarlo, Bill McComb & John Paul Orr

Marcy Klein, Harry Leopold & Audrey Robbins

Eileen Curd & Graci McGillicuddy

Rob & Jennifer Rominiecki

JFED WOMEN’S DAY

Chaired by Debbie Gordon, Jaime Marco, Courtney Rosenthal, and Irene Ross, this annual luncheon is a celebration of all that makes women wondHERful! This year’s keynote speaker was Lisa Eisen, CoPresident of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, which works in the United States and Israel.

Donna Koffman & Hermione GIlpin

Chairs Jaime Marco, Cortney Rosenthal, Debbie Gordon, & Irene Ross with Speaker Lisa Eisen (center)

Linda Klonsky & Saranee Newman

Michele Wieckowski & Betty Perlmutter

Deb Kabinoff, Shep Englander & Lois Stulberg

MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION’S COOKING FOR WISHES

Now in its 13th year, Cooking for Wishes attracted 400 people to its new venue, raising $650,000. The event is a four-course interactive dinner where guests at each table prepare their own meal under the direction of Chef Jamil Piñeda and Phil Mancini of Michael’s On East. The evening also featured wine selected by Michael Klauber, live and silent auctions and a speech from Tonia and Silas Bichler.

Richard & Michael Scire

Debbie Dannheisser

Sherry & Tom Koski

Michael & Terri Klauber

WOMEN’S GUILD FASHION SHOW ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA

The Women’s Guild recently held a fashion show fundraiser luncheon at Sarasota Yacht Club. The mission of the Star of the Sea Guild is to foster and increase the spiritual life of each member, to help raise money for the parish and other charities, and to stimulate the members’ social lives.

Todd & Kathy Callahan

COMMUNITY LECTURE

FEATURING

RABBI STEVE LEDER

THURSDAY

APRIL 20 2023

7 – 8:30PM

Riverview High School Auditorium

1 Ram Way, Sarasota

FROM PARALYZEDTO EMPOWERED: HOWYOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT HOME AND FOR ISRAEL

Rabbi Steve Leder, twice named among Newsweek’s Top Ten most influential Rabbis in America, is coming to Sarasota!

Nationally sought-after commentator and prolific author of five best-selling books, Steve Leder is Senior Rabbi of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, serving 2,700 families across three campuses.

Rabbi Leder will address the increase in antisemitism, the current situation in Israel, and other major issues facing Americans and Jews today. His words will empower us to act and not be paralyzed by the enormity of these challenges. Most importantly, he will leave us feeling inspired to make a positive difference, both locally and globally.

Rabbi Steve Leder is a regular contributor and guest on the Today Show, CBS This Morning, CNN and NPR. His essays frequent the pages of USA Today, the LA Times, and the LA Jewish Journal, earning him awards from the American Jewish Press Association for excellence in commentary.

Copies of Rabbi Leder’s most recent book, For You When I Am Gone, will be available for purchase and signatures.

SPONSORED BY HANNAH & NORMAN WEINBERG

CO-CHAIRS

SONIA & MAURY AZERAD

PRIYA & DAVID WEIMAN

TICKETS

$25 IN ADVANCE

$30 AT THE DOOR

To purchase tickets visit JFEDSRQ.ORG/LECTURE

FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS

PARTY UNDER THE STARS GALA

Over 300 guests gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota for a night full of Hollywood glamour at the annual Party Under the Stars benefitting Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation. The FCS Foundation provides financial support for non-medical, essential living expenses, such as rent or mortgage, car payments or utility bills to qualified adult cancer patients currently under treatment in Florida. A highlight of the evening was the Hollywood-style “Walk of Stars” dedicated to many patient grant recipients. Guests enjoyed a reception, dinner, live and silent auction and dancing while raising over $353,000 for cancer patients in need.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

For more information contact Lindsey Mintz at lmintz@jfedsrq.org or call 941.552.6303

Debra Marsala & Catherine Normon

Judith E with Dr.Mime

Jimmy & Beth Hensen with Sean Kelley

Chairwoman Marjan Zaun

• social scene •

CAN

AND

OR NON-PROFIT?

Rita Thibault, Diane Murray, Charlotte & Lisa Guyer

HSSC COUTURE, CAVIAR AND CHAMPAGNE

the fin D

By Gina Liga

1. JOHNNY WAS COZUMEL CREW NECK SWING TEE

A vivacious staple for warm weather, this swing tee is made from bamboo with added stretch for comfort and boasts a round neck, short sleeves, and a dreamlike floral and butterfly pattern. Pair with white denim or a maxi skirt for a feminine look.

Foxy Lady Sarasota

$124 | foxyladysarasota.com

2. CERAMIC FLOWER AROMATHERAPY DIFFUSER

Fill your space with warm nostalgia and whimsical days gone by with this adorable diffuser. Set includes diffuser, blush colored plate and a 1.7 oz premium fragrance oil. Elysian Fields

$38 | elysianfieldsonline.com

3. GARDEN ESCAPE BOMBER JACKET

Take steps to implement more environmentally-friendly and sustainable fabrics into your wardrobe with this lightweight jacket, featuring a delicate pink floral design. Perfect for spring! Made with 100% eco-friendly rayon. By Saltwater Luxe. For The Good

$146 | buyforthegood.com

4. L ulu B FLORAL SLEEVELESS DRESS

This colorful sleeveless dress is knee length and a fuller cut. The material is made from UPF 50+ and it has a cooling effect— perfect for those hot summer days!

Darci Boutique

$88 | shopdarci.com

5. JEANIE BELT BAG

Belt bags are all the rage this season, and what’s cuter for spring than this one? Perfect for hands-free shopping, running errands, exercising and more. Pair it with the Backcourt Short for a perfect look for spring.

Lilly Pulitzer St. Armands

$58 | lillypulitzer.com

• Melissa and Scott Dunlap • Partnering with the Florida Center for Early Childhood

By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Photo by Nancy Guth

The Florida Center for Early Childhood is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive support to families and caregivers of young children in southwest Florida. For more than four decades, it’s offered a variety of programs and services to help families nurture the development of their children. Today, The Florida Center for Early Childhood is nationally recognized for excellence in early child development, child abuse prevention, infant and early childhood mental health, and addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

With a reputation and impact like that, it’s no wonder that civic-minded people like Melissa and Scott Dunlap decided to get involved with The Florida Center soon after they moved to Sarasota. Melissa explains that she was originally introduced to the agency by a friend. Soon after, that friend asked, “Why don’t you join the board?” By this time, Scott was working in a local law firm and Melissa was working at home, so she felt she had enough free time to consider saying yes.

“When we moved here, Sarasota was still a pretty small place, and it was extremely philanthropic,” she says. “It’s

easy to be motivated by the actions of others. You see other people volunteering and you think, ‘Where do I invest my own time? What do I really care about?’” The answer for both Dunlaps came easily: children.

Melissa was drawn to this area of work. “I had a friend in college who was a social work, and she inspired me,” she says. “I volunteered with her agency while in school. The focus on children is a natural one if you’re soon to be a parent or you’re already the parent of young children.”

By the time her friend suggested she join The Florida Center’s board, Melissa had already worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and she’d worked with the American Cancer Society back when they held charity races on Lido Beach. Volunteering to support children just made sense. What better way to help the organization than getting involved at the highest level?

Here we are some two decades later, and Melissa just finished her second round of service on The Florida Center’s board. Serving in that role allowed her to see firsthand the value of early childhood support services and how vital is it to have

passionate people involved in every step of the process. “We have some of the most professional, wonderful employees here,” she notes. “They have such a collaborative spirit, which is why they work so well with other agencies. Frankly, that’s the best way to take care of a vulnerable youth population, whether that’s at a school or through family services.”

Even though Scott’s work in his law firm—Dunlap & Moran—preclude him from working with nonprofits at the same level that his wife does, he’s impressed by The Florida Center’s commitment to family. After all, The Florida Center serves more than 4,000 families every year by the Healthy Families program, which improve childhood outcomes and equips parents with the know-how and skills to create a nurturing environment.

“Melissa is dedicated to the mission of The Florida Center,” Scott says. “She’s like the Energizer Bunny, going on and on to support all they do. I help by getting people to donate or attend the gala or other functions, so it’s a bit of a team approach in terms of our relationship to The Florida Center. But Melissa definitely leads the way.”

Melissa points out that during and after the pandemic, there have been all kinds of new issues that children face. Of course, The Florida Center is there to help through their robust infant and early childhood mental health services, as well as with their own speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists. There’s also the Starfish Academy in Sarasota and North Port, which offers an inclusion model of education for children aged six weeks to five years where typically developing children learn alongside those with delays or disabilities. It’s a successful educational model that promotes leadership, empathy, and diversity.

“I’m so pleased that the school board in Sarasota and Manatee counties see the importance of mental health for young students,” Melissa says. “Providing school-aged children with these resources will pay dividends for their families and the larger community as a whole.

It’s part of a statewide effort to try to mitigate some of the challenges faced by children in foster case. We’re talking about bringing help to some of our most vulnerable children who’ve been removed from their home for one reason or another. This initiative really resonates with me.”

Scott explains that at the core of his and Melissa’s work with nonprofits like The Florida Center is an effort to give back. “Strengthening children and families means a stronger community. We are grateful to be involved in some small way.”

L to R: John Annis, senior vice president of collaboration for the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation; Dr. Allison Foster, executive director of human resources for Sarasota County Schools; SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld; and SCF Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Todd G. Fritch.

BUILDING CLASSROOM LEADERS

A PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIP INVESTS IN PRODUCING

MORE LOCAL TEACHERS

By Nathan March

Albert Einstein once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Teachers mold a community’s youth, directly and indirectly, shaping that community’s future. All people, from all walks of life, have been impacted by a teacher.

Margery Barancik was a dedicated educator, working with deaf children and young adults who experienced handicaps, positively effecting change in so many lives.

Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation has made the training and retention of teachers in Sarasota County a paramount endeavor, and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has served as a proud steward of many of these efforts.

Sarasota County is one of the fastest-growing counties in America’s fastest-growing state. Growth means more families and children, creating demand for teachers at a time when the educator workforce is historically thin. Sarasota County Schools began the 2022-23 school year

with more than 80 vacant teaching positions, and by Christmas, more than 40% of the district’s schools still had teacher shortages.

Retirement rates for teachers reached all-time highs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and fewer college students are selecting teaching as a preferred career path. The Government Accountability Office estimates that more than 7% of the country’s teaching workforce retired or changed careers from 2019-2021. As a result, the competition to recruit new teachers has never been greater, with an overwhelming majority of U.S. states now facing teacher shortages.

Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation and SCF have partnered to counteract the local shortage of teachers in the most sustainable way possible – expanding opportunities for aspiring educators to earn teaching credentials close to home, with convenient class schedules and affordable tuition.

CHARLES AND MARGERY

BARANCIK

FOUNDATION

AND SCF HAVE PARTNERED TO COUNTERACT THE LOCAL SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS IN THE MOST SUSTAINABLE WAY

POSSIBLE – EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASPIRING EDUCATORS TO EARN TEACHING CREDENTIALS CLOSE TO HOME, WITH CONVENIENT CLASS SCHEDULES AND AFFORDABLE TUITION.

The partnership between SCF and Barancik Foundation is not new, but one that continues to grow and flourish with a goal to end the local teacher shortage. Barancik Foundation has committed more than $205,000 since 2018 to SCF’s Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) and Early Childhood Education programs, sustaining these important education pipelines and bringing scholarship funds directly to aspiring educators. EPI rapidly prepares participants with a non-education bachelor’s degree to earn Florida teaching certification. Early Childhood Education degree and certificate programs train educators who work with children at their most impressionable, pre-elementary school ages.

In 2022, SCF and Barancik Foundation stepped up efforts to fix two of the most significant gaps in the local teaching workforce – elementary education and exceptional student education. SCF’s reputation for providing a first-rate education and placing graduates in high-demand jobs helped to create a swift return on investment by quickly earning accreditation and building a faculty team to support two new degrees.

Barancik Foundation has committed more than $217,000 to the new four-year degree programs in elementary education and exceptional student education (ESE). Both

degrees will be offered with high-caliber instruction, flexible class dates and times to serve students who work full time, and SCF’s dependably affordable tuition that has not increased in more than a decade.

Graduates earning the elementary education degree will be eligible for the Florida Elementary Teacher Certification (K-6), while the ESE degree prepares graduates to work with ESE students in grades K-12. Both programs also include endorsements in reading for grades K-12 and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, K-12).

Dynamic, focused partnerships, like the one between SCF and Barancik Foundation, are the best way to meet evolving challenges. Dedicated philanthropic effort paired with a reputable education cornerstone has created a new path to solving the local teacher shortage.

For more information about SCF’s education programs and how you can help meet the region’s need for more teachers, contact Cassandra Holmes, executive director of the SCF Foundation, at 941.752.5664 or HolmesC@SCF.edu.

AQUANAUTS

A FANTASTICAL UNDERWATER PLAYGROUND COMES TO MOTE MARINE AQUARIUM

BY JACQUELINE MILLER

When it comes to family fun, Mote Marine Aquarium has an incredible exhibition through May 21 not to be missed— ”Voyage to the Deep”.

Based on French author Jules Verne’s 1870 classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” this underwater adventure exhibition brings to life the deep-sea adventures of Captain Nemo, his fantastical Nautilus submarine, and the mythical world he inhabited.

“‘Voyage to the Deep’ celebrates fictional explorers of the deep, while Mote’s scientists are real-life explorers and innovators,” said Mote’s Senior Exhibits Coordinator, Samantha Bledstein. “We want our guests to have the opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of our scientists and know that they too can be researchers and protect our oceans.”

Photos Courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The ‘Voyage of the Deep’ exhibition was created and developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum, an Australian Government entity. The exhibition tour is managed by Flying Fish.

With this exhibit, Mote Aquarium visitors will have the unique opportunity to join in the undersea odyssey. Guests can climb aboard the five-part interactive Nautilus submarine, which includes a bridge, control room, salon, living quarters and engine room to explore. The exhibition’s educational content is approachable for all ages, and it covers topics such as marine life, submarines, and various maritime archaeology.

“At Mote Aquarium, we are focused on research, conservation and education through interactive opportunities for our members and guests,” said Associate Vice President for Mote Aquarium, Evan Barniskis. “‘Voyage to the Deep’ is an immersive experience that perfectly complements our mission of marine science exploration, conservation and oceans for all.”

Through a collection of settings and props, kids will imagine they are submarine captains. They can take up the controls at the helm, peer through

the periscopes, crank the propeller, test out the bunks and explore Captain Nemo’s Cabinet of Curiosities full of wonderful marine specimens. This indoor, “underwater” playground includes speaking tubes, a squid-themed slide, puzzles and an Atlantis Performance stage, creating a one-ofa-kind visitor experience.

After exploring “Voyage of the Deep”, take the kids to see the other 12 amazing exhibitions at Mote including sharks, otters, manatees, sea turtles, and other incredible sea creatures. There’s also a virtual reality experience and fossil exhibition.

For more information, visit: mote.org/voyage.

The “Voyage of the Deep” exhibition was created and developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum, an Australian Government entity. The exhibition tour is managed by Flying Fish and is supported in-part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

FOR THE

SUPPORTING THE VITAL MISSION OF THE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION OF THE GULF COAST IS AN INVESTMENT BENEFITING YOU, OUR CHILDREN, OUR WILDLIFE,

NOT ONLY FOR TODAY, BUT FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

By Simone Knego

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast was founded in 2003 by a group of concerned citizens who saw development outpacing land conservation. They decided to create a land trust to support conservation in our local area. The trust was originally known as the Sarasota Conservation Foundation but as their work expanded beyond Sarasota, they selected a name that better reflected the organization. Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast focuses on land conservation from South Tampa Bay to the Everglades. Their mission is to

protect the land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature.

In 2021, the state of Florida made conservation history by passing the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act. This act formally recognizes the Florida wildlife corridor, an interconnected network of green spaces that includes ranch lands, undeveloped land, natural lands, and farmland, permanently conserving these areas. A long-term vision of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is to

create a corridor of conserved lands that will connect the local area to the Florida wildlife corridor. The goal is to establish conservation lands that will run from Northeast Manatee County all the way down to the Everglades.

To date, the Conservation Foundation has protected more than 19,200 acres across 56 properties because of people who care about our lands, waters, and way of life. This adds up to 30 square miles of protected land to help support our wildlife and waterways and provides spaces for people to appreciate nature. The organization partners with landowners, businesses, and government to conserve the environmental excellence of our lands and waters in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties. One way to save land is through conservation easements, where willing landowners either donate or sell some of the rights to their property. This could include development, mining, or habitat destruction rights. Each conservation easement is negotiated and is unique to that land and to that landowner’s desires.

Christine Johnson, President of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, explains, “Let’s say a rancher owns 1,000 acres, and they currently have a barn and two homes. But they want to be able to build two or three more homes for

future generations. They can negotiate those conditions in the conservation easement so that those rights stay with them and are not part of the conservation easement. They can conserve the land while still maintaining their rights to live on the property.”

Land conservation is critical in addressing some of society’s most challenging issues from habitat loss to the climate crisis. The Florida Wildlife Corridor helps protect over 700 threatened species, including the Florida panther and the Florida black bear. Panthers and bears need these corridors to be able to travel vast areas in search of food. Panthers require between 45,000 and 120,000 acres as their home territory. Due to urban development, habitat changes have made wildlife corridors essential for the well-being of our communities.

According to Johnson, “If we can protect the panther and the bear, apex predators in Florida, we protect every other animal underneath them. If we have the right number of bears and panthers, then we have the right number of deer and scrub habitats for the scrub jay. It is all interconnected.”

Florida is one of the most biodiverse states in the United States, and therefore it attracts many tourists who come solely to see Florida’s vast wildlife. Ecotourism has a huge

economic impact on the state of Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates that outdoor activities have a $10-billion impact on the state’s economy annually.

“More people come to Sarasota to birdwatch than they do to play golf,” says Johnson. “They spend more money than the golfers do. They stay longer than the golfers do. When people come to Sarasota, they say the number one reason is because of the beach; the number two reason is to view wildlife.”

Not only is the protection of Florida’s land important for the preservation of wildlife, but it is also important for preserving the watersheds that provide drinking water to Floridians. Constructing roads, buildings, and other impervious surfaces causes stormwater runoff and reduces the usable water supply. If we protect the land, we protect our drinking water.

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast also believes it is important to invest in our local children’s well-being. Its Youth in Nature initiative engages local at-risk youth in our region in a variety of nature experiences.

The overarching goal of Youth in Nature is to create ‘Wow!’ moments in nature, by providing a range of experiences in our region’s spectacular parks and preserves and hopefully catching sight of some of nature’s most spectacular creatures. The Conservation Foundation collaborates with regional nonprofits that serve this target youth population and corporate partners interested in community engagement and employee volunteerism.

“The next generation of voters and the next generation of donors are the next generation of people who will care for our environment,” says Johnson. “We are bringing kids outside because this generation is growing up inside, not knowing what is in their backyard, not to mention what is in the rest of the county. We have kids that grow up half a mile from the intercoastal that have never been in salt water before. The Conservation Foundation wants to ensure that children in our area learn about our local ecosystem and get to experience the outdoors.”

When asked about why this work is so important to her, Johnson shared, “I was born and raised here in Manatee County and have seen so much growth and so much loss. I grew up taking walks in the woods, hearing a Chuck-will’s-widow calling at night, and smelling orange blossoms in full bloom. As a fifthgeneration Floridian, knowing that the work we do will last for future generations to enjoy, that keeps me hopeful and gives me energy.”

There are many opportunities to donate or to get involved with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, including helping with restoration work, assisting in the office, and volunteering at a multitude of events and programming.

On April 19, their fourth annual nature lecture will take place at Michael’s on East from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The event features Jason Vuic, author of The Swamp Peddlers: How Lot Sellers, Land Scammers, and Retirees Built Modern Florida and Transformed the American Dream.

Please visit conservationfoundation.org or call 941.918.2100 for more information.

Community Foundation’s 2Gen Philosophy for Parents & Students

By Christy Pessemier

When Sarasota resident Keely Ramsdell first considered going back to school as a single mom, it felt like an impossible dream. At the time, she was working a 50hour a week job while caring for two young sons. But she wanted a better life for herself and her children.

Then, “almost like fate,” Ramsdell met Mary Tucker, the Parent Education Navigator who works out of Alta Vista Elementary School, where her son Oliver attends. Supported by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Tucker is a social worker whose primary role is to support parents at four Title 1 Schools that have goals of pursuing post-secondary opportunities. She connects them with the financial resources and critical services to empower parents to change the trajectory for themselves and for their families.

“I vividly remember thinking that going back to school was something I’d love to do, but by no means was it even possible,” Ramsdell said. But after talking with Tucker about her goals and discussing what going back to school might look like—Ramsdell began to entertain the idea.

After some self-reflection and encouragement from a family member, she made the decision to return to

State College of Florida (SCF)—the same college she had dropped out of ten years earlier. Tucker helped her complete her college application, FAFSA form, and scholarship applications, and connected her to financial resources.

“She wrote reference letters on my behalf and stayed on top of me with important dates and deadlines,” Ramsdell said. “Mary (Tucker) and I put together a plan and budget, applied for as many scholarships as I could, and I enrolled.”

Despite many bumps in the road, Ramsdell graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of South Florida (USF) in May of 2022.

In her graduation speech, she credits the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the 2Gen program for helping her face the many daunting tasks involved with going back to school. Ramsdell relied on support from student loans and financial assistance through the 2Gen program to pay for childcare so she could study and attend classes full-time. Throughout the process, she also kept in regular contact with Tucker, who provided ongoing help and support.

Though Ramsdell’s story illustrates the enormous difficulty in committing to a postsecondary plan as a working mother, Kirsten Russell, Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Vice President of Community Impact, is proud to point out that there are a surprising number of success stories similar to hers.

“Many of the families we are working with are single-mother households,” Russell said. “We’re connecting them with resources to provide a stable roof over their head at a reasonable cost.” In addition to support from Tucker, Keely also became a resident of Lofts on Lemon, a workforce and affordable housing option. This provides additional stability for her family through rent that is reflective of income.

“We are pouring into people who want to change their direction. They want more for their kids,” Russell said. “And their potential is there. It just got snuffed out, or pushed down.

“Let’s face it, life is really, really hard. And if you haven’t had the right people guiding you on that path… who knows how things could turn out?” She continued. “When we work with families, we often provide support beyond scholarships. Many parents qualify for a stipend to ensure they can put food on the table. We help them navigate grants and scholarships. We focus on empowerment, and they feel a part of this incredible community.”

While the Community Foundation has been around for 43 years, they adopted their 2Gen approach in 2013. Informed by Ascend at the Aspen Institute, the intentional investment in children and their parents or caregivers together has had a ripple effect across the region on families struggling to make ends meet.

The Key Components of the Aspen Institute’s 2Gen approach model focus on social capital, early childhood education, postsecondary and employment pathways, health and wellbeing, and economic assets. The entire approach addresses all members of a family, providing comprehensive support that allows families to move out of poverty and obtain security.

“There are about 44,000 students in Sarasota County’s public schools, and approximately fifty percent of them are on free and reduced lunch,” Russell said. “That’s not something you would expect in Sarasota. Many people living here have no idea.”

From the outset, CFSC’s education task force focused on the attendance zone of the four Title 1 elementary schools with the highest percentage of students on free and reduced lunch, which also had the lowest percentage of students

“We are pouring into people who want to change their direction. They want more for their kids.”

reading on grade level. CFSC has found that investing in the education of parents and caregivers is directly tied to the education and well-being of their children, and as a result, the entire family. Research shows that a parent’s level of education is the single strongest correlate of a child’s success in school.

“When we started this work, the core of what we were trying to accomplish was to help students read at grade level to become more proficient, confident learners,” Russell said. “It’s so much more than that now. We’ve embraced parents. It’s taken us time to collect the results, to see the economic impact of working with those parents so they can work with their students. That’s where we see the greatest success—with the whole family.”

By embedding a social worker in these schools, CFSC has had “boots on the ground,” a person to communicate and work directly with parents, nurturing supportive relationships.

“We always start by building trust,” Russell said. “You have to build trust to treat trauma. Anyone living in poverty has experienced some form of trauma. We do that by simultaneously working with a social worker and providing mental health support through a platform that is easily accessible.”

A decade ago, when CFSC began implementing the 2Gen approach, Alta Vista Elementary School was the pilot school through Suncoast Technical College (STC). A full classroom was built on the Alta Vista campus, so parents could attend CNA classes at the same time and location as their kids, removing major barriers to parent postsecondary education. Since the classroom was built in 2013, 236 parents have enrolled in college, and hundreds more have been served through community partners.

Along with the schools, the Community Foundation collaborates with the Women’s Resource Center, CareerSource Suncoast, the Literacy Council, UnidosNow, Harvest House, Parenting Matters, the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, Sarasota Housing Authority, Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, local colleges, and more.

“When kids can say ‘my mom studies just like I do,’” Russell said. “That’s one of the most powerful models for them to follow.”

Tucker has been at Alta Vista for seven years. Despite changes in administration and teachers, she’s been a constant and reliable source of encouragement, help, and support.

“How do you strengthen a community? You strengthen it by supporting the individuals in that community—by meeting them exactly where they are,” Russell said.

Russell is quick to emphasize that financial planning is a key component of that support, pointing out that even middleclass families are just one emergency away from financial instability. A flexible emergency fund program is available to parents who have hit a roadblock while progressing toward their post-secondary education goals. The fund was created as a solution to minor emergencies that commonly contribute to dropping out of college.

Other contributing factors to dropping out are lack of support and guidance. But with Tucker’s help, as well as community partnerships—these parents find the strength and support they need to move forward. Ultimately, they accomplish goals many had given up on, like completing school, earning credentials, and finding more lucrative and mobile employment. This all contributes to providing more security for their families, which in turn sets children up for success.

“We’re asking parents looking at going back to school to consider their interests,” Russell said. “But we also want them to pursue a career that is in demand. We’re helping them to be the skilled and reliable employees that employers need. One example is our partnership with SMH and connecting the countless CNAs that the 2Gen program has graduated.”

Aside from CNA programs, many earn credentials that allow them to gain employment as LPNs, RNs, EMTs, surgical technicians, medical assistants, accountants, and early childhood educators. Like Ramsdell, some earn a Bachelor’s degree.

Results show that their efforts are paying off.

The average college graduation rate of 2Gen parents is 80 percent, compared to the state of Florida’s graduation rate of 61 percent and the national rate of 63 percent. Even more exciting, the average wage increase in the first year for 2Gen graduates is $17,500.

CFSC also has a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) composed of 2Gen student parents and graduates. The PAC plays an enormous role in providing input and feedback on

the 2Gen program, including suggesting ways it could be more effective, and serving on grant committees.

“The PAC voice is at the center of our work,” Russell said. “Five years ago, we weren’t at that point.”

After graduating, an exciting highlight for Ramsdell was participating in Selby Gardens’ 2022 Lights in Bloom Family Togetherness Night, a program designed to connect families with the arts and cultural experiences in our community. Along with her two boys, Oliver and Xavier, Ramsdell had the opportunity to usher in the holiday season with Russell and Selby Gardens President and CEO, Jennifer Rominiecki.

“Keely’s son flipped the switch, illuminating over two million lights,” Russell said. “And to see his face—he was so excited.”

That excitement is contagious. Russell said she is excited about how far these parents have come, knowing the program is making a real impact. Not only does the 2Gen approach benefit local families, but it also strengthens the community-at-large.. This impact is evident through key economic indicators, including increased local GDP and economic growth, higher labor participation rates, decreased reliance on public benefits programs, and a narrowing of regional skills gaps.

“So many families are one emergency away from a crisis,” Russell said. “What we are doing is providing support to help families make their way through ups and downs so that they have an opportunity to reimagine their hopes and dreams. It’s exciting to see people empowered and writing whole new chapters of their lives.”

“When kids can say ‘my mom studies just like I do,’” Russell said. “That’s one of the most powerful models for them to follow.”

—KIRSTEN RUSSELL

je W ish F eder A tion’s Be A uti F ul n e W cA mpus & e vent c enter

BY christ Y pessemier

In 2018, the board of the Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee began envisioning and discussing new additions to their campus. As one of America’s fastest growing Jewish communities, it was vital that they expand to offer more to the local Jewish community and the surrounding Sarasota-Bradenton community.

Five years later, their plans have come to fruition, with a beautiful, extensive new campus and event center that encompasses 16 acres. It also houses 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor premium event space. In addition, a security and training center, renovated office space, and a Holocaust Memorial Garden are also part of the many changes to the Federation’s campus.

One of the most prominent features of the new Morganroth Event Center is the 10,000-sq. ft. Kaplan Community Hall, which accommodates up to 500 individuals for a seated meal or 1,000 participants for lecture-style occasions. Rooms of this size are in high demand in our two-county area and, as a result, this creates a unique value proposition for the Federation.

Other notable features of the Morganroth Event Center include the expansive Mitchell Family Lobby, which will

provide space for pre-or post-event receptions for as many as 300 participants and multi-purpose rooms that can be arranged into one large or two separate rooms to accommodate groups of various sizes.

According to Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee CEO Shep Englander, the Morganroth Event Center is a necessity in this community.

“The Sarasota region is facing a shortage of premier event venues in our fast-growing region, especially for large catered events with 400 or more attendees,” Englander said. “This shortage will get worse with the Hyatt being torn down this summer.”

The event center is unique in its size and ability to meet the needs of small and large family and life-cycle events, celebrations, galas, organizational programs, as well as business meetings and conferences.

A common complaint Englander hears from people in the community when it comes to event venues is a lack of convenient parking, resulting in long and frustrating wait times. Englander points out that this is another situation (added to the shortage of event venues) that

— s hep e ngl A nder

will get worse. The Federation was keenly aware of this ongoing problem and strategically planned to mitigate it with 400 conveniently located parking spots at the Morganroth Event Center.

Another major feature the event center provides is their nationally recognized catering partner, Constellation Culinary. Constellation has over 19 locations in eight cities and leads event operations around the country. This includes internationally renowned cultural institutions such as Carnegie Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the New York Botanical Garden, and Perez Art Museum Miami. Constellation joined the Sarasota market in 2020 with the opening of the Sarasota Art Museum. They continue to serve there as the Sarasota Art Museum’s exclusive catering partner and restaurant operator.

Constellation’s chef and lead of culinary efforts, Kaytlin Dangaran, will work closely with the Federation to create menus and flavorful, visually appealing meals in the new 3,000 sq. ft. on-site kitchen. With a background in cultural institution restaurant leadership, she also plans to collaborate with local SW Florida farmers when planning the menus.

Aside from delicious food, advanced technology is another feature of the event center, adding to the overall experience. This technology enables the venue to enhance events with live and recorded music, video, custom lighting, and, as Englander says, “anything to support the customer’s goals.”

Englander says all are welcome at the Morganroth Event Center and the Federation is getting the word out to civic leaders, local businesses, schools, charities, nonprofits, and families planning weddings and other meaningful life events.

“We are ready to meet the expectations of our visitors and customers of the present and future,” Englander said.

Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Board President, Bruce Udell, agrees.

“I feel the event center will be a major asset and resource for the whole community,” he said. “For one thing, we have committed a lot of resources to security on the campus. So, in today’s world, it will be a beautiful and serene, yet energetic, and safe environment to hold

“We A re re A d Y to meet the expect A tions o F our visitors A nd customers o F the present A nd F uture.”

family celebrations, community events, and corporate conferences. It is what this community needs now with the growth we’ve had in Sarasota.”

Aside from the events center, there are also many other much anticipated additions to the new campus. These include the Ritter Wolk Security and Training Center, the updated Klingenstein Administration Building, and the Holocaust Memorial Garden.

The Ritter Wolk Security and Training Center is a 3,000 sq ft. facility providing onsite training for emergency management, local safety for not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and other organizations. It includes two training classrooms and security planning headquarters to increase the security of all local Jewish facilities.

Additions to the Federation’s campus security include a 24-hour security checkpoint at both the entrance and exit, safe rooms for staff and visitors, state-of-the-art software and technology for monitoring campus visitors, as well as ground maintenance to prevent blockage of important sightlines.

The extensive renovation of the Klingenstein Administration Building is also a part of the new campus, providing modern office and meeting spaces, with room for growing businesses to expand.

As part of its mission to greatly increase impact with its campus renovations, the Jewish Federation’s new 2.5 acre Holocaust Memorial Garden will feature educational stations to explore specific themes from history. These will provide educational programming for schools, students, youth groups, and the community.

The main goals of the memorial garden are to:

1. Ensure accurate, age-appropriate, and interactive content throughout the Memorial Garden that will fully satisfy both teachers’ and students’ educational needs outside the classroom.

2. Build a fully integrated professional development program to equip Sarasota-Manatee educators to best meet Florida’s Holocaust education mandate for grades 5 through 12.

The garden will feature educational stations that explore the following themes:

• Before the War (1930-1939): Jewish Life, Rise of Nazi Germany, Kristallnacht

• The Experiences of Children During the Holocaust

• The War Years (1939-1945): Ghettos, Concentration Camps, Killing Centers, Mass Shootings

• The War Years (1939-1945): Jewish Resistance

• Path of the Righteous: Upstanders, Rescuers, Liberators

• After the War: Nuremberg Trials, Jewish Migration, Establishment of the State of Israel

Local first and second-generation Holocaust survivors will be invited to participate by speaking with teachers and sharing their stories to strengthen the educational materials created.

For Englander, the Holocaust Memorial Garden is an especially meaningful and essential feature of the new campus.

“The Holocaust has cast a shadow over my life since I was a child. Most of my father’s family was murdered by the Nazis in the Auschwitz concentration camp, including his mother Rose’s parents and nine of her eleven siblings,” Englander shared. “As the oldest, Rose had been able to leave for America with an aunt and uncle just in time. Only two of her nieces, Elsa and Irene, survived. They moved into my father’s apartment when he was in high school.”

“I grew up with Elsa and Irene, who were regularly in our home. I understood from an early age that something horrible had happened to them,” he continued. “Last summer, I visited Auschwitz for the first time on a trip with Bruce and several other Federation leaders. It was a searing experience, which only deepened my determination to understand and teach the lessons of the Holocaust. So, it is deeply meaningful to me to help build a unique site for immersive Holocaust education on our campus.”

For more information on the Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee’s new campus, go to www.jfedsrq.org/campus.

Book Club

FREE BOOKS

Cocktails, music, gourmet dinner

Silent and Live Auction Dessert buffet under the stars

education matters

ROTARY FUTURE’S COLLEGE RESOURCE CENTER

By Simone Knego

Rotary Futures College Resource Center was founded in 2001 to educate, inspire, and motivate students of all ages to access post-secondary education and training by linking education, career, and life opportunities.

The team provides post-secondary educational planning assistance, personal guidance, and vital computer-based resources to Venice High School students at no cost.

Bob Vedder, the founder of Rotary Futures, saw a need to create a program that would assist guidance counselors in meeting the needs of more students. This idea rallied community support and the direct support of the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club, which pledged the seed money to begin the program and has continued to provide annual support to the program. Rotary Futures has just entered its 21st year of aiding Venice High School students.

Since Rotary Future’s inception, Venice High School students have more than tripled the annual scholarship dollars earned, totaling $60 million in the last 18 years. In 2022 alone, Venice High School students earned $13.1 million in scholarship funding.

Rotary Futures has an innovative, privately-funded approach to help students with post-secondary decision-making. Venice High School provides a resource center with 13 Internet computers, numerous printed materials, and willing volunteers to assist students, parents, and community members with linking education, career, and life opportunities.

According to Caitlin Joyner, executive director of Rotary Futures, “Our job is to help kids formulate a plan after graduation that includes some type of education or training. In our idyllic world, every student would either go to college, pursue a trade through a vocational program, or enlist in the military. We want to ensure

our students know there’s so much more than the traditional four-year college pathway.” They intend to meet students where they are at.

Rotary Futures staff gives students one-on-one assistance to help them apply to any of these specific pathways, whether college, a vocational program, or the military. Rotary Futures team of two spends the whole first half of students’ senior year helping kids discover and apply to all the programs on their lists or helping them develop their lists and then apply. Then, once the students have submitted their applications, Rotary Futures helps them find funding for their programs. One of their most impassioned missions is ensuring that students do not use the cost of a program as a reason they would not pursue that program. This is especially true for kids coming from low-income scenarios, first-generation college students, or from families from different countries, diverse backgrounds, or where post-secondary education was not a huge focus or goal.

Joyner states, “We want to ensure that all our students know that we are here to help them find scholarships, funding, and to apply for financial aid.

We help them complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. When kids are low-income, they often get automatic money from the government just by completing the FAFSA. Some of our students, who are lower income, have no idea that just by filling out the FAFSA, they can qualify for something called a Pell Grant, which could fund their entire vocational program or their entire community college education. When our students realize this, it is such a tremendous feeling. They understand that income is not a limitation.”

Rotary Futures developed and implemented the first local scholarship database, which over 6,500 area students have utilized. This database contains about 300 scholarships, including local, state, national, and institutional scholarships, making rotary futures the link between the scholarship and students.

Rotary Futures uses an app that reminds students of scholarship opportunities and deadlines. Joyner says, “If all we did was just hand the seniors a spreadsheet with a list of the scholarships and due dates, we wouldn’t have great success in getting completion on these scholarships.”

The goal is to ensure that as many seniors apply for scholarships as possible. This app helps ensure that the students, who

are over-committed and overwhelmed, do not miss a scholarship opportunity. “We want to make sure each student is getting every opportunity possible for funding so they can comfortably afford the programs of study they embark upon when they leave Venice High School,” continued Joyner.

Everything Rotary Futures does is with a mission, to support and encourage the students to pursue education after high school and to help them find a way to fund those educational opportunities, especially for those students who feel like the cost would be the limiting factor as to why they would not consider it.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation has been a significant partner of Rotary Futures since its inception by providing operating support, event sponsorship, and scholarship funding. Last year alone, they awarded Venice High School graduating seniors over $50,000 in scholarships. According to Joyner, “Gulf Coast Community Foundation is one of the most generous funding sources for our students pursuing education. So many of the students could not pursue post-graduate education without the incredible generosity of foundations like Gulf Coast Community Foundation.” The Foundation offers an application that enables students to be eligible for over 60 scholarship opportunities from local organizations. It is also a platinum-level sponsor for the Rotary Futures program. In addition, the Foundation co-sponsors Venice High School’s annual college night.

Last month, 70 colleges from around the world came to Venice High School to recruit students. Over 600 people attended this college fair, which is about building relationships with college representatives from London to California. The event starts with a dinner and allows the students to do a personal meet and greet. The fair truly gives Venice High School students a leg-up in the college decision process.

Senior scholarship night is one of the most powerful nights of the school year. It is when Rotary Futures gets to announce the winners of all the incredible scholarships the students have been applying for and the money they’ve been awarded.

“It is tear-inducing every year because the kids are so grateful. The parents are so grateful. For us, it is a job where we get to see the direct impact of our efforts and how they impact our next generation,” said Joyner. For Caitlin Joyner, and her colleagues, Heather Masden and Tami Wesner, this does not even feel like a job because it is such a gift. They get to be the people who help make kids’ dreams come true. And then they get to see those dreams become a reality.

Joyner has always been passionate about education. She believes that knowledge is power and that educated minds change the world. “The more educational opportunities we can pursue, the more we learn, the more we grow. And when we can open students’ perspectives to different possibilities that await them, that will make the world a better place in the long term. So, what will change our world is these kids’ pursuing education and finding their passion, and then rediscovering their passions repeatedly because of what they’re being exposed to in an educational setting. That is absolutely my deeper why.”

Scene Together

COUPLES

ON THEIR WEDDING DAY

MACKENZIE EDEN SCHWARZ + KEEGAN GABRIEL RAMEY

This beautiful couple were simply meant to be together... forever. Their fairytale began one summer, and they never looked back. Let’s start at the beginning.

Keegan was born and raised in Danville, Kentucky, where his parents own a disaster restoration company. He grew up working with his hands and learning construction, parlaying his skills into successful ventures in multiple industries. Mackenzie was born farther north, up in Bangor, Maine. When she was 9 months old, her family moved to Danville, Kentucky, and that’s where she grew up.

Keegan and Mackenzie met in high school. Although they were two years apart in age, which can feel like a lot at that time, their paths crossed in an unlikely setting for romance to blossom—a weightlifting class. But somewhere amongst the awkward grunting and strange gym smells, a tenuous connection was forged. But before this connection could grow into anything more, Mackenzie left Danville—and Keegan—to attend the University of Kentucky, where she would study marketing.

Fate had a way of intervening, however, and Mackenzie and Keegan would reconnect the very next year at the community pool. She was the stylish attendant; he was the hunky lifeguard. They spent every day together that summer and they knew. They were only 17 and 19, but they both knew in their hearts that what they felt was no summer fling, but lifelong love.

A few years later, the couple took a spring break getaway to Sarasota where Keegan’s grandparents owned property for nearly 25 years and where Keegan had spent many childhood summers on Siesta Key. Mackenzie was sold, and five years into dating, with college diplomas in hand, the lovebirds took flight and settled in Sarasota.

In 2021, Keegan and Mackenzie went on vacation to Anchorage, Alaska where they spent a week hiking and camping with Mackenzie’s niece, Maizie. During the last few days of the trip, the trio were the only campers on the Homer Spit and decided to watch the sunset on the beach. Maizie suggested Keegan and Mackenzie take a photo together, but she was secretly recording as Keegan got down on one knee and asked Mackenzie to be his wife.

“1,000 times yes!” was Mackenzie’s immediate answer. It could not have been a more beautiful and intimate proposal, with the pink alpenglow in the mountains behind them paired with the wild terrain of Alaska.

Keegan and Mackenzie decided to get married in Kentucky in June of 2022, so all their family could easily attend. They both wanted to be married in the woods, and found the perfect venue at Hemlock Springs, located near the Red River Gorge state park. Mackenzie’s oldest sister, Amy, officiated. Rain threatened, but never surpassed a light atmospheric sprinkling. “We knew our union was destined for luck since day one,” says Mackenzie, who eventually said “I do” under a double rainbow.

The first time that Mackenzie ever visited Keegan’s family home, she saw a sign that hung in the kitchen that said, “And they lived happily ever after.” Mackenzie told her future

mother-in-law that, when she and Keegan got married, that sign was all she needed as a wedding present. Unfortunately, in 2020, Keegan’s family home burned down in a fire. When Keegan returned to Kentucky to help clean up the damage to the home, the first thing he searched for and found was the sign, which he and his family surprised Mackenzie with at their rehearsal dinner. That gift represents a wish fulfilled and hangs in the couple’s home today as a special reminder of the time spent at the Ramey family home and the love that binds a family together.

The reception site was a lovely barn with big garage doors opening on the lush bluegrass of Kentucky. The couple wanted their wedding day to be communal and low stress, so the dining tables were set in a simple horseshoe shape with a local taco food truck (Fistful of Tacos) catering, so everyone could eat and drink at their own pace, while being able to engage with everyone else in the room.

“We could not have asked for a more magical wedding day,” Mackenzie says. “Our hearts were bursting with love and gratitude for our village of people who showed up to celebrate with us.”

Mackenzie and Keegan plan to go on vacation in June to celebrate their first year of being married and a decade of being together. They hope to make a road trip to Washington state and Montana. In addition, they plan to return to Homer, Alaska in the future to commemorate their engagement.

What a great love story!

This “Scene Together” profile is very personal to all of us at Sarasota Scene. Our very own extremely talented and amazing creative director, Darcy Kelly-Laviolette, recently became engaged to her long-time love, Evan Csulik.

If you’ve ever met or have worked with Darcy, you know that she is a no-frills, no fuss, no muss kind of gal. She gets things done efficiently, her work is outstanding, and her colleagues, as well as Scene’s advertising partners, love working with her. So, when she told us of her engagement, we knew we had to share her exciting news!

Darcy’s family originally hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Though they’d lived in Florida a long time, they moved to the Sarasota area around 2006. Evan’s family was living in snowy Buffalo, New York, but moved to Sarasota around the same time while his dad was working for Benderson Development Company (and escaping the snow didn’t hurt either!).

They first met as students at Braden River High School, but generally had different friends. Darcy was a self-called “band geek” and Evan was the “cool-kid-skater type”. It was during spirit week in Darcy’s junior year and Evan’s senior year when they officially met. Evan was dressed like a banana for “Animal Day”, calling himself a “bananimal”. Always one who loves a good pun, his creative costume made Darcy laugh and she loved his originality.

With Evan a year ahead of Darcy in school, they went their separate ways for a time after high school. But it wasn’t for long. Fate would bring them together again when they were both majoring in illustration at Ringling College. Given the small size of the college, they would see a lot of one another around the campus, and eventually got together during Darcy’s second year at RCAD.

p hotos B y Jordan Kellyl aviolette

This career-minded couple spent the last almost nine years focused on their education, career paths, and goals before they were ready to take the next big step. Darcy has worked her way up the ranks at Sarasota Scene and is a very valuable and indispensable part of the team. She not only serves as creative director, but she heads production, and plays a key role in editorial decisions and the general direction of the publication. Evan is a remote background painter for big animation companies like Netflix and Fox Entertainment’s Bento Box, a multiple Emmy® award-winning entertainment content and technology company, which some may recognize as the creator of the hit show Bob’s Burgers. He’s currently working on the recently-announced new animated comedy called Grimsburg, starring Jon Hamm.

The couple loves to go to the beach, and Evan had really wanted to propose to Darcy at their favorite spot on Longboat Key. Severe red tide halted this plan, so instead he booked a patio table overlooking the water at Good Liquids Brewing, a hot new restaurant in Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside development. After dinner, they walked along the water. Evan proposed on one of the docks and Darcy was shocked, never expecting it! He told Darcy he’d been carrying the ring in his pocket for months and didn’t want to wait anymore. Both with March birthdays, he thought what better month to pop the question, especially since it would be a fun celebratory month with family and friends. After the proposal, they went home to their family and had champagne to begin the celebrations. That weekend, Evan also took Darcy to the Tampa Bay Lightning/Winnipeg Jets hockey game. Darcy had never been to a Jets game, so for her it was quite special. It was a weekend of wonderful “firsts” for sure!

Being the low-key couple they are, their choice is a small, intimate wedding with their families and closest friends. We’ll be sure to let you know when it happens and share the pics, so stay tuned! In the meantime, a heartfelt congratulations to Darcy and Evan from all of us at Sarasota Scene! May your life be blessed with much love and happiness!

se A ts

artist series concerts

941.306.1200/artistseriesconcerts.org

Feder Duo

Apr. 9

Jiji, Guitar

Apr. 20

Cameron Crozman, Cello

Meagan Milatz, Piano

Apr. 27

asolo rep

941.351.8000/asolorep.org

Chicken + Biscuits

Through Apr. 13

Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Through Apr. 22

circus arts conservatory

941.556.5349/circusarts.org

Sailor Circus:

Around the World in 80 Days

Apr. 20-23

florida studio theatre

941.366.9000/ floridastudiotheatre.org

WINTER MAINSTAGE: Visit Joe Whitefeather (and bring the family!)

Starting Apr. 5

FST IMPROV:

Comedy Roulette

Starting Apr. 8

FST FORUMS SERIES:

I Didn’t Mean to Offend!

Starting Apr. 20

hermitage artist retreat hermitageartistretreat.org

Alesha Harris Presents

Apr. 14

Sandy Rodriguez: Putting Sarasota on the Map

Apr. 15

key chorale

941.921.4845/keychorale.org

American Roots: Crosby, Stills + Nash Folk Rock with The Lubben Brothers

Apr. 22-23

Tomorrow’s Voices Today

Apr. 25

lemon bay playhouse

941.475.6756/lemonbayplayhouse.com

Gid Pool Comedy Show

Apr. 8

Jimmy Mazz: Songs Across America

Apr. 15

The Amateur Killer

Starting Apr. 26

manatee performing arts center

941.749.1111/

manateeperformingartscenter.com

Driving Miss Daisy

Apr. 5-23

Sunset Boulevard

Starting April 27

mccurdy’s comedy theatre

941.925.3869/mccurdyscomedy.com

Norm Stultz

Apr. 5

Carlos Mencia

Apr. 7-8

The World Series of Comedy

Apr. 12-15

Hard Heart Burlesque

Apr. 16

Ryan Belleville

Apr. 19-22

BAPRIL 2023 | PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR

Drag Queen Bingo

Apr. 23

Open Bar Comedy

Apr. 26

John Dicrosta

Apr. 27-30

musica sacra of sarasota

941.405.7322/musicasacrasarasota.org

John Rutter Magnificat

Apr. 17

the players center for performing arts

941.365.2494/theplayers.org

The Players Teens Performance

Apr. 7-8

ring sarasota ringsarasota.org

I Wanna Be Like You!

Apr. 16

the sarasota ballet

941.359.0099/sarasotaballet.org

Program 7: Tribute to Balachine

Apr. 28-29

sarasota contemporary dance sarasotacontemporarydance.org

Evolving/Revolving: Jehanne

Apr. 27

sarasota cuban ballet school srqcubanballet.org

A Cuban Choreography Showcase

Apr. 22

sarasota jewish theater sarasotajewishtheater.org

We All Fall Down

Apr. 18-23

sarasota opera

941.328.1300/ sarasotaopera.org

Celebration Concert

Apr. 1

sarasota orchestra

941.953.4253/ sarasotaorchestra.org

Great Escapes: Sounds of Spring

Apr. 12-15

Pops: Broadway Bound

Apr. 21-22

state college of florida: neel performing arts center

941.752.5252/scf.edu

Old Blue Eyes is Back

Apr. 6

Youthful Inspirations

Apr. 13

Music Theatre Showcase

Apr. 17

High Voltage

Apr. 20

Spring Piano Recital

Apr. 24

Sunset Serenade

Apr. 27

urbanite theatre

941.321.1397/urbanitetheatre.org

Backwards Forwards Back

Through Apr. 23

van wezel performing arts center

941.953.3368/vanwezel.org

Gaelic Storm + The High Kings

Apr. 5

Mean Girls

Apr. 11

Cats

Apr. 18

Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane

Apr. 23

Pat Beneath + Neil Gerald

Apr. 24

venice performing arts center

941.218.3779/

veniceperformingartscenter.com

Legally Blonde

Starting Apr. 4

The Venice Symphony:

Fairytales + Flutes

Apr. 21

The Venice Chorale: Harmony From Broadway to Opera

Apr. 23

Venice Concert Band Presents: If Not For Music

Apr. 24

Queen Nation

Apr. 28

venice theatre

941.488.1115/ venicetheatre.org

Xanadu

Through Apr. 16

The Brothers Doobie

Apr. 17

Graceland + Asleep on the Wind

Starting April 21

A Tribute to the Woodstock Generation

Apr. 30

westcoast black theatre troupe

941.366.1505/ westcoastblacktheatre.org

Dreamgirls

Through Apr. 9

Big Sexy

Starting Apr. 19

VISIT SCENESARASOTA.COM

to submit your event for consideration, please send information to editor@scenesarasota.com

Portugese & Italian Cuisine

Our New Location — “A Little Gem”

“We are pleased to bring to Sarasota our expanded menu featuring Portuguese cuisine from our home country. Please come and enjoy. We still have your Italian favorites!” —Tito & Liana

530

BURNS

941.951.0620 / 530burnsgallery.com

Whimsical Palms

Apr. 7

art avenue

440.227.4592 / artavenueflorida.com

International Art:

Dali, Picasso, Turovsky

Current

Local Artists: Vicki Chelf, Richard Moravits, Elin Li

Current

artcenter manatee

941.746.2862 / artcentermanatee.org

Manatee County School K-12

Annual Exhibition

Apr. 4-21

Women Contemporary Artists

Starting Apr. 25

art center sarasota

941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org

GALLERY 1: Jeanne Guertin-Potoff

GALLERY 2: Rebecca Zweibel

GALLERY 3: Karen Arango

GALLERY 4: Large Scale Juried Show

All through Apr. 29

art uptown

941.955.5409 / artuptown.com

James Gabbert: Emotions in Motion

Through Apr. 19

clyde butcher

venice gallery and studio

941.486.0811 / clydebutcher.com

Venice Art Walk Apr. 6

dabbert gallery

941.955.1315 / dabbertgallery.com

Local Color Florida Style

Through Apr. 30

embracing our differences

941.404.5710 / embracingourdifferences.org

North Port Butler Park

Through Apr. 19

harmony gallery @ sarasota orchestra

941.487.2746 / sarasotaorchestra.org

Tropical Birds in Paradise

Starting Apr. 4

M A R A art studio + gallery

941.914.8110 / marastudiogallery.com

She/Her/Hers

Through Apr. 14

marie selby botanical gardens

941.366.5731 / selby.org

Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature

Through Jun. 25

north port art center

941.423.6460 / northportartcenter.org

North Port High School Students

Through Apr. 14

Still Life for Plein Air

Apr. 16

ArtCenter

Manatee—Marjorie Sayer

Art Center Sarasota—Arango

Art Uptown—James Gabbert

Art Center Sarasota—Luca Molnar

530 Burns—Gary Borse

ringling museum

941.359.5700 / ringling.org

The Marvelous Marbling of Matsui Kōsei

Through Apr. 23

Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art

Through Sep. 4

Gods & Lovers:

Paintings & Sculptures from India

Through May 28

Community Gallery

Through Apr. 30

sarasota art museum

sarasotaartmuseum.org

Richard Benson:

The World is Smarter Than You Are

Through May 7

Sara Berman’s Closet

Through May 7

Inside Out

Through Jun. 25

A Beautiful Mess:

Weavers + Knotters of the Vaguard

Through Jun. 25

The New Black Vanguard Photography between Art + Fashion Through Sep. 17

studio on 5th

941.330.8091 / susancronkart.com

Susan Cronk Original Art: Pure, Figurative & Still Life Current

the southern atelier

941.753.7755 / southernatelier.org

See Website for Classes & Studios

SPAACES

941.374.3492 / spaaces.artMetaphors:

Communing with Poppies by Hannah Banciella

Apr. 8-20

stakenborg/greenberg fine art

941.487.8001 / stakenborgfineart.com

“Go Figure” Figurative Art Current

Newly Acquired Monotypes by Mid-Twentieth Century German Expressionist, Otto Neumann. Current

state of the arts gallery 941.955.2787 / sarasotafineart.com

TO SUBMIT YOUR EVENT/EXHIBITION FOR CONSIDERATION , please send information to editor@scenesarasota.com

Dabbert Gallery—Arnold Desmarais

Meg Krakowiak

State of the Arts

ArtCenter Manatee

SPAACES

meet the artist Jill h . k rasner

Making art is Jill Krasner’s anchor. In her words, “The process of creating grounds me, keeping me in the moment. There is no past in my studio, no future. There is just now— and now is where I belong, where I do my best work.”

Like most other people, Jill experienced many detours in her life —some big, some small. But when she arrived at Florida’s beautiful West Coast, she found her work changed. It became bright, colorful; lighter and looser. She experimented with new materials, new colors, and new subject matter. “I began adding collage materials and found objects. I started using watercolors and inks along with acrylics. My work became more abstract and symbolic. I rediscovered oil paint, but in a new way, mixing the oils with cold wax to add depth and texture.”

Jill’s bigger-than-life, whimsical portraits of women of a certain age, as well as her beach scenes of cottages, palm trees, and crystal blue skies, are easily recognizable with her signature bold colors and simple descriptive lines. The distinctive characteristics of her work are also obvious in her architectural abstracts, rendered in mixed water media or oils. “In my recent works,” Jill explains, “I layer acrylics or oil paints, collage materials, and cold wax on wood panels, creating textures reminiscent, perhaps, of old ruins and secret passages.”

Jill’s work can be found in juried exhibitions and galleries around the country. She has received numerous awards and recognitions, and is a member of numerous professional water color, acrylic and oil painting organizations. Most recently, Jill had her work featured in the several issues of Watercolor Artist Magazine.

Jill is represented in numerous galleries around the country and scheduled for solo shows in 2022-2023 in Sarasota, Venice, Punta Gorda and Lisbon, Portugal. Locally you can find Jill’s work at Art Uptown Gallery and Chasen Gallery.

To view more of Jill’s work, please visit jillkrasnergallery.com.

drea M s , van I t Y, h Y pe , and real I t Y

By Sumeet Bhanot, M.D., FACS

What do we desire when it comes to our appearance? The answer is simple yet the “hype machine” derails us from reality. We are all looking for a natural, rested, rejuvenated appearance with the least cost, recovery and greatest of ease (the mythical magic wand or fountain of youth). Is that possible? NO!

What do we end up doing when we are in pursuit of what doesn’t seem logical, possible, or real? Usually what we do best—buy “snake oils”. Yes, we fall prey to the latest modalities that promise everything—shiny machines that purport magical scientific properties and substances that replace lost youth. Why do we believe it?

The answer is that we don’t want to face the truth that anything worthwhile in life requires a great deal of knowledge, diligence, perseverance, and effort, along with recovery time and cost. What took mother nature 4-6 decades to degrade cannot be remedied in 20 minutes. There is a multibillion dollar industry that is more than willing to take our money on false promises.

I am a scientist and a doctor foremost committed to dealing in the currency of truth. So here it is...

Aging is defined by the change in proportions or volume distribution in the face, not by the individual wrinkles, lines, or depressions in the face. In youth, we carry most of the volume in the upper face and cheeks maintaining a more defined jaw and neckline. As we age, the relentless pull of gravity takes a toll on the integrity of the supporting structures of the face causing a descent of the volume to the lower face and neck which creates jowls, hollows in the cheeks and lower eyelids.

How do we fix this? One option is to see the face as “baggy pants” with the solution being to fill the pants with volume, so they stretch out and lose all the wrinkles. This leads to a cherub-like overly- filled face. Option two

is to pull the skin tightly, leading to an overly stretched face with sagging volume. Option three combines the first two options and addresses some of the issues by filling in parts while supporting others—SMAS facelift with fat injection. This is a very reasonable solution that is performed well by many of my colleagues whom I respect. However, I personally feel that in my hands the very rare deep plane facelift is the best solution. It is a procedure I have performed for a decade to the satisfaction of many.

In this procedure, the root cause of aging is addressed at the source by lifting the fallen volume and returning it to its original location. The entire facial structure gets lifted as one anatomic unit, as opposed to just stretching the surface. This logically results in the ideal restoration of the contours of the youthful face without forcing perspective. What my patients see is natural beauty with subtle results yet dramatic change. It does not require any qualification; it just looks right.

The proof is in the pudding. Just looking at before and after photos answers all the questions. We need to ignore social media hype, internet promises and our endless search for the best technology. It is far wiser to find an expert in the field who has devoted their entire life to the study of the aging face, who has a vision of true restoration and the technical know-how and skill to make it a reality.

To realize our dreams is to face reality, embrace vanity and ignore hype. We only live once. Choose wisely and enjoy life!

Bhanot Facial Plastic Surgery

Sumeet Bhanot, MD, FACS

2038 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239 (941) 966-3223

www.sarasotafacialplastics.com

l I terary s cene

By Ryan G. Van Cleave • THREE NEW SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS

the pe O ple wh O rep O rt MO re stress : stO r I es

by Alejandro Varela (Astra House, April 2023)

Maybe I’m simply more attuned to the word “stress” these days, but this title—and its graphic yellow cover—called to me. What I found inside this book were 13 short stories that showcase the role that stress, anxiety, and pressure play in urban life, queer life, and the world of immigrants in America. Now, that makes the book sound didactic, I realize, but that’s not the case for most of these stories.

While the promotional material around this book advertises The People Who Report More Stress as being made up of interconnected stories, some of these stories don’t feature the primary couple (Gus and Eduardo). Regardless, there’s just enough range of topics here to keep things interesting, even though I’m not sure the Gus and Eduardo in these stories are the same Gus and Eduardo throughout. Perhaps that’s a strength? It keeps me wondering, for sure.

There’s a frustration here in that the characters face ongoing social injustices and inequalities, but just as things often are in the real world, they’re unable to do much about these things. In short there are no easy answers.

The new collection from the author of The Town of Babylon is intriguing and provocative. If you decide to give this a shot, I’d begin by reading “The Man in 512” and “Comrades.”

RYAN’S RATING:

when trYI ng tO ret U rn h OM e by Jennifer

Maritza McCauley (Counterpoint, February 2023)

Most of the time, I review books by people whose work I’ve encountered at some level before. With Jennifer Maritza McCauley’s new book, When Trying to Return Home , I took a total leap. I’ve never run into her writing before but the cover and idea behind this book just grabbed me.

**Upon further reflection, I realize the above point is untrue. About five years back, I picked up a copy of an anthology of stories inspired by Johnny Cash to read work in it by my writer friends Tom Hazuka and Lynne Barrett. I’m now fairly sure I read beyond those two contributions and ran across McCauley’s “I Don’t Where I’m Bound” in those pages.**

With this collection, McCauley starts strong with “Torsion,” the first story in the book, which features two memorable characters.

“Mama: a beweaved hair technician who barely made rent at our apartment on the Hill, who had two kids from two different daddies.”

“Me: a part-time Eat N’ Park waitress…who made the Gazette once for saying, ‘He wasn’t all bad,’ about her ex-boyfriend who’d robbed a Texaco.”

The Black and Afro-Puerto Rican characters in these stories—which sometimes span generations—

Creating FUTURES

without a

shadow of doubt.

explore the idea of freedom, home, and belonging in powerful ways. At times, their voices are so strong that one wonders how they could possibly go unheard for so long.

One more observation: The men in the world(s) of this story have a sameness to them that might be intentional, though some readers will find it to be detrimentally one note.

Still, there’s a lot to dig into with the stories in When Trying to Return Home . If you decide to join McCauley on these journeys, let me know what you think.

RYAN’S RATING:

wh I te C at, B laC k d O g : stO r I es by Kelly Link

(Random House, March 2023)

Let it be said now and forever that I’m a Kelly Link fan. She’s endlessly imaginative, and her writing is captivating. These aspects are on full display in her new collection, White Cat, Black Dog . The seven stories here are inspired by fairy tales (esp. from the Brothers Grimm and Scottish ballads) that explore the hidden depths of the human experience in away one expects from a Link story.

I’m probably biased about this topic, but I’m especially drawn to “The Girl Who Did Not Know Fear” which features a sickly professor who’s stuck in an airport hotel for days on end. Another clear winner is “Skinder’s Veil,” which is about a man who takers over a remote house-sitting job only to find that the house might just be a portal for otherworldly travelers.

Help Make Higher Education Possible.

To learn more, contact our Executive Director, Cassandra Holmes, at 941.752.5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu

SCF-Foundation.org

These stories have been previously published in various ways—for example, “The Girl Who Did Not Know Fear” appeared in Tin House in 2019—so ardent readers or fans of Link’s might’ve encountered one or more before. Still, they’re worthy of a rereading, so don’t let the already-read-it potential prove daunting.

A pleasant bonus to this collection is the illustrations by award-winning artist Shaun Tan. So evocative!

Link received the MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for a reason, folks. Give this book a chance and you’ll surely see why. Link’s writing is taut as ever, and these characters will linger long after the book is closed.

RYAN’S RATING:

Building on the huge success of last year's Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open, the tournament  will once again be held downtown at the centrally located Payne Park Tennis Center. Thanks to the support of the City of Sarasota, Payne Park got a substantial renovation with new lights, fences and upgraded courts. This year there will be expanded shaded bleachers as well as an expanded VIP hospitality tent.

Local vendors of food and other services will be selling and showcasing their products in the Vendor Village. Boosting the local business environment is an important mission of the new owners Remington Reynolds, Steve Gareleck, Kenneth Paslaqua and Elizabeth Moore, as well as Tournament Director Casey Brown.

The ATP has approved a higher 125point level ATP tournament, the only 125 point tournament in the US which carries an increased winnings purse and allows for players ranked up to 11 world-wide. This 2023 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open will be the best yet of its 15-year history! Come one, come all and watch some exciting match play! Sarasota is rapidly becoming a mecca for high level professional and amateur tennis!