December 2020 by SARASOTA SCENE Magazine

the

scenesarasota.com

Philanthropy issue featuring DECEMBER 2020 $3.95 U.S.

the 2020 giving book

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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CONTENTS features

26 SEASONAL SPARKLE Holiday Light Highlights 46 HOW DOES SARASOTA STACK UP? By Wendy Lyons Sunshine 48 THE 2020 GIVING BOOK Nonprofit Giving Guide Foreword by Betsy Friauf 70 ONE GOOD THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

A Legacy Founded on Sisterly Love By Sylvia Whitman

74 CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF MOTE By Ryan G. Van Cleave

ON THE COVER A Season of Giving. Illustration by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette.

CONTENTS departments

SOCIAL SCENE

18 THE LIST December Events Calendar 28 SCENE SNAPS Good Deeds, Local Heroes, and Community Involvement

ARTS & CULTURE

ON THE TOWN

94 40 THE FIND Sparkle, shine, and show off By Gina Liga 97 79 SPOTLIGHT Raising Impact: The Association of Fundraising Professionals By William Bradford Nichols 84 EDUCATION MATTERS The Importance of Research at USF Sarasota-Manatee By Ryan G. Van Cleave

INHEALTH

28 10

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

GET INSPIRED Cultural happenings brought to you by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County BEST SEATS Performing Arts Calendar LITERARY SCENE Quick Q&As with 3 Quirky Writers By Ryan G. Van Cleave LAUGHING MATTERS The One About Sweet Potato Pie By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE scenesarasota.com

91 The Male Plastic Surgery Patient By Alissa Shulman, M.D., F.A.C.S

“ Sarasota Bay Club gives us the freedom to choose our lifestyle and the support to live it well.” At Sarasota Bay Club, we strive to help you meet all the challenges your life might bring, from dining and entertainment to personal care – whatever you need to live your very best life anytime. We are now offering safe sales appointments and showings of available luxury residences. Call Linda Ware or Dana Moe To Schedule Your Visit: (941) 552-3284 1301 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Find us online at SarasotaBayClub.com

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“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”

—Amelia Earhart

GIVING IS A WAY OF LIFE IN SARASOTA. Look around, and you’ll notice people of all ages offering up kind and caring acts.

A few weeks ago, I heard from a Sarasota Scene reader. She hoped to arrange a nice gesture by sending the November issue to multiple family members who live out of state, so she called to find out where she could get several copies. After some discussion, I suggested she simply drop by our office and we’d have a stack ready for her to pick up. During our chat, she commented how much she has always appreciated Sarasota Scene’s support of the community’s nonprofits and foundations. Before you knew it, we were playing an informal game of name-dropping about our favorite local nonprofits. We discovered that we both take an active role in four of the same organizations. She is an elementary school teacher, and we got to speaking about the great work of Philip Tavill and the Children First organization. By the time we hung up, this caller had spontaneously pledged to make a donation to Children First as a thank-you for her extra copies, and I pledged a corresponding donation with an extra zero tacked on, to thank her. Many of us may feel bereft of the in-person galas, performances, and events that dominate ordinary winter seasons, but this year we can still find creative ways to connect with each other and to support good causes and organizations that make a difference in our community. So often we focus on major financial gifts that run upward of hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, but it is just as important to acknowledge the gift of effort, time, and small donations. They all add up. That’s why our December issue celebrates the depth and breadth of Sarasota philanthropy. In the Scene Snaps section, we’ve gathered wonderful reader-submitted photos on the theme of “Good Deeds, Local Heroes, and Community Involvement”—illustrating efforts ranging from wildly successful food drives to honors for veterans and wildlife rescues.

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

L to R: Scott Rockwell, First Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor; Rochelle A. Nigri, Financial Advisor; Aimee Cogan CFP,® CIMA,® Managing Director — Wealth Management, Family Wealth Director, Wealth Advisor; Richard T. Williams III, CFA,® Sr. Vice President, Sr. Portfolio Management Director, Financial Advisor; Kathy Francoletti, CTFA,® Sr. Vice President, Family Wealth Advisor, Financial Advisor

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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S. Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax or legal advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. © 2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 3316520 11/20 CS 9932190 11/20

from the publisher

Stress-Less

Holiday Season

Morton’s Market can create a stressless holiday season with a superb array of delicacies perfect for any festive occasion. From expertly catered parties to elegant holiday menus, our chefs bring their best to each meal so you can have less to do and more time to enjoy. Fine wines, floral centerpieces and holiday gift baskets are always a good idea.

Receive a FREE $10 gift card for every $100 worth of gift cards purchased. Offer good Dec. 1st - 31st.

Christmas order deadline: Sunday, December 20 at 5 p.m. Call for custom New Year’s menus!

Features this month explore how the domino effect can lead to wider circles of helping, and how area nonprofits are forging full steam ahead on projects. They are re-envisioning fundraising events for a virtual reality and sponsoring campaigns to help those impacted by COVID-19. We also step behind the curtain to spotlight an organization that fosters the highest levels of fundraising professionalism and ethics, and we crunch data to see how the Sarasota nonprofit community stacks up against other regions. Finally, in the “2020 Giving Book,” you will find an array of marvelous organizations, performing arts companies, and charities that enrich the fabric of our community. If you’re eager to enjoy the holiday spirit, consider driving through neighborhoods that go all-out on holiday light exhibits, live stream events like Love for the Holidays from the Van Wezel, or don your mask for socially-distanced happenings like Lights in Bloom®: An Open-air Holiday Light Show at Selby Gardens. You might also consider contributing to one of the annual toy drives benefiting local organizations, virtual fundraisers such as An Evening to Inspire from The Florida Center for Early Childhood, or SPARCC’s Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland Experience and Holiday Toy Drop Off. You may have noticed Sarasota Scene Magazine increasing its content on Facebook. Each month we will post key features from the magazine that showcase our dynamic community and invite comments and likes. Please watch for these stories, and share them with those who may be interested. So far, drinks have gotten more comments than the food items from our local celebrity recipe swap feature. But we’re seeing strong competition in popularity between Jeffery Kin’s Mimosa Bellini and the Debra Jacobs Buttaggi’s Baked Oatmeal. Everyone here at Sarasota Scene wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season. Please be safe and be sensitive to those around you. Mental health is as important as physical health. Sincerely, John

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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.

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The LIST

DECEMBER 2020 EVENTS CALENDAR

Sarasota is looking merry and bright! Whether you’re wanting at-home holly or social distanced jolly, there’s something for everyone this holiday season.

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

1 – 4 » Holiday Festival of Trees Online Auction The Entre Nous Club of Manatee County is offering their annual holiday fundraiser online this year. Bid on a variety of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and lots of fabulous gifts. entrenousmanatee.org

3 » Venice Annual Christmas Walk Get into the spirit of the season by enjoying live entertainment, food and drinks, holiday decor, gifts and more. Historic downtown Venice | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. venicegov.org

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THANKS TO YOU...

The Exchange has been a proud supporter of the arts of our community since 1962.

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This purchase helped support 23 Art Organizations & 22 Students during fiscal year 2019-2020

539 S. ORANGE | 941-955-7859 | OPEN MON-FRI 9-4 & SAT 10-4 | www.sarasotawex.com 3 » Holiday Splendor at The Ringling Ringling Museum of Art Benefitting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and Toys for Tots. Drive through Ringling’s holiday decorations. Complimentary cocoa and cookies. Participants will receive a $5 off coupon for their next visit to the museum. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | ringling.org

3 » Black in Marine Science Empowerment Panel Mote Marine Join us on Zoom to learn more about what it means to be Black in Marine Sciences from our featured panelists. 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | mote.org

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SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

4 » Annual Winter Benefit: An Evening to Inspire The Florida Center for Early Childhood Virtual fundraiser benefiting children and families in need. Includes an interactive wine tasting, entertainment, silent auction, chance drawing and more. Thefloridacenter.org

For those ready for what’s next

Michelle has been a third-generation local and broker associate since 1982. Some of her awards include: • Five Star Professional - 13th year and the Florida REALTORS® Honor Society - 13th year. • Her designations of importance are: Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). • She also earned the Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) endorsement from the National Association of REALTORS® for agents who are committed to practicing business at the highest standards.

MICHELLE CRABTREE 941.724.4663 Michelle.Crabtree@PremierSIR.com MichelleCrabtree.PremierSothebysRealty.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

4 » 42nd Annual Holiday Night of Lights St. Armand’s Circle Kick off the season with caroling, photos with Santa, a live nativity scene, holiday entertainment, special store promotions and more. 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. starmandscircleassoc.com

4 – 6 » the 23rd Annual Jingle & Jog 5K Run The Haven in support of The Haven to benefit people of all ages with disabilities. Due to COVID-19, this year’s race will be virtual. 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. thehavensrq.org

5 » 9th Annual Bradenton Blues Fest LECOM Park Enjoy an outstanding lineup of blues musicians, local craft beer and wine, food vendors and cool festival merchandise. 10:00 a.m. | bradentonbluesfestival.org DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

11 » North Jetty Food Truck Rally

5 » Venice Christmas Boat Parade Come see all of the brightly lit and colorfully decorated Christmas themed boats. Judging and viewing throughout the downtown Venice waterfront. 6:00 p.m. venicechristmasboatparade.com

7 » The Women’s Event: An Evening Of Women's Voices

11 » Friday Night Concert in the Park Centennial Park Grab a mask and enjoy the music and fun in downtown Sarasota. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. escape-to-sarasota.com 11 – 13 » A Country Christmas

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Jamie Bernstein and Alexander Silber talk about their recent works. Zoom event | Tickets: $10 Jfedsrq.org

Hunsader Farms Hayrides, kiddie train rides, Christmas village, pictures with Santa, outdoor Christmas movies on a big screen and more than 300,000 twinkling Christmas lights. 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. | hunsaderfarms.com

10 – 13 » The Living Nativity

12 » 44th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run

The Tabernacle Church, University Parkway Step back in time and experience the story of the first Christmas in “Bethlehem”. Featuring nearly 100 cast members, live animals, flying angels and holiday activities. 7:30 p.m. | mytab.church

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

S el b y Pho Fami ly T to C r e d i o ge t he r t Da n i e l ne s s 2 0 19 Pera le s

North Jetty Park, Nokomis Free live music, fun yard games, music and plenty of food trucks. 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

This 1 mile fun run is going virtual this year. Set a fast pace on Siesta beach, enjoy a leisurely stroll at the park, or just run right outside your door—you choose the distance and location. Participants receive an event t-shirt and swag bag of goodies. 7:00 - 11:00 a.m. | 941-861-5000

12 » A Night Before Christmas G.T. Bray Park, Bradenton Snow slides, hayrides, Santa and more. 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | mymanatee.org

12 – 23 » Lights in Bloom Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Explore and view life-size garden themed holiday lights that transform the gardens into a tropical wonderland. Touchless face painting, balloon artistry, photo opportunities and more. Masks are required for entry.   6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Selby.org

13 » 10th Annual Taste of Chanukah Phillippi Estate Park Enjoy live music, kosher food and family fun. Featuring BMX Trick Stars, a 3-ton snow slide, magicians and more. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation. 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | atasteofchanukah.com

17 –19 » National Wreaths Across America Sarasota National Cemetery Remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes. Various times available wreathsacrossamerica.org

19 » Christmas Glow Run 5k Nathan Benderson Park This fun family friendly event features dozens of holiday decorations at the start and finish line and music around the lake at night. Runners will receive free glow products.   5:00 - 9:00 PM nathanbendersonpark.org

PLEASE VISIT WEBSITES FOR OFFICIAL STATEMENTS/UPDATES ON EVENT STATUS DUE TO CHANGING STATE OF FLORIDA AND CDC GUIDELINES. 1525 State Street, Sarasota • 941.468.6914 • sarasotafineart.com DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

ouse keeping care,and meal running preparation, errands. light house and running torso keeping to look behind is also errands. required.

Most people will never needrequired. a guardian. If you torso to look behind is also

plan well, talk to family about your wishes, and P and AAA also offer several resources of older prepare legal documents to designate someone to careeyesight. of your affairsOur when you areoften no longer UR Helpline Today! Call our 24classes HOUR Helpline Today! • Check your eyesight. Eyesight often diminishes • Check take your as we age. Eyesight diminishes as we age. Our rs, including safety tips, and even an online able, a guardian would generally not be necessary. peripheral field narrows and we can be peripheral unaware field of vehicles narrows and canandbe unaware of vehicles or Unfortunately, unexpectedor events we can occur, ation to help older drivers stay safe on the road. not everyone plans well. pedestrians coming from the left or right. pedestrians Aging coming eyes are from alsothe left or right. Aging eyes are also This article brought to you by: Lutheran Services of Florida. Kathleen J. Houseweart Director Sarasota Guardianship Program, 941-358-6330.

LOYEES ARE:

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE:

• Homemaker/Companions • Bonded-Insured • Licensed Practical • Registered Nurses Nurses • Home Health Aides

susceptible to eye conditions that affect susceptible depth to eye conditions glare that affect depth perception, glare LSF Guardianship program perception, focuses on three areas: • Homemaker/Companions recovery, focus.Nurses recovery, and focus. • Licensedand Practical •

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care needs and protect theyour person,loved property and assetsNo one wants to take • Listen to your loved ones. No one •wants Listen tototake ones. Getting to Know LSF away driving privileges, but if l oved ones away are-driving worried, privileges, butcoordinating ifGuardianship l ovedservices, onesProgram are worried, • Coordination promptly applying for benefits, ATIONS: LOCATIONS: If it any is determined by the courts that an individual card are plans, generally medical and there are generally reasons. Be overseeing prepared. there Have a appointments reasons. Benecessary prepared. Have a can no longer care for themselves, or protect plans. All efforts are made to adhere to the ward’s wishes themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation, a retirement plan” and seek treatment out “driving resources retirement like plan” and seek out resources like Bradenton: (941)Sarasota: 739-0880 (941) 923-0880 “driving Bradenton: (941) 739-0880 guardian can be appointed. The court oversees and support the least restrictive safe environment. all Guardians. They must regularly file reports as ITN options Suncoast to get(www.itnsuncoast.org) options to get regarding plans ofas care, and financial expenditures. Port Charlotte: (941) Venice: 764-0880 (941) 480-0880 ITN PortSuncoast Charlotte:(www.itnsuncoast.org) (941) 764-0880 • Advocacy process is invasive - Educate the ward, their family and theThe community aboutand can be expensive, but where you need to go if you have to give up where youryou license. need to go if you have tothegive up your license. it is designed to protect guardianship and the alternatives. This includes facilitating Familythe rights of the “alleged

If it is determined by the courts that an individual can no longer care for themselves, or protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation, a guardian can be appointed. The court oversees all Guardians. They must regularly file reports regarding plans of care, and financial expenditures. The process is invasive and can be expensive, but it is designed to protect the rights of the “alleged incapacitated person.”

Guardianship Course in partnership with SCF twice a year, and Federico Richter, MD incapacitated person.”

Most people will never need a guardian. If you

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Most people will never need a guardian. If you plan well, talk to family about your wishes, and prepare legal documents to designate someone to take care of your affairs when you are no longer able, a guardian would generally not be necessary. Unfortunately, unexpected events can occur, and not everyone plans well.

This article brought to you by: Lutheran Services of Florida. Kathleen J. Houseweart Director Sarasota Guardianship Program, 941-358-6330.

LSF Guardianship program focuses on three areas:

•

Protection - stepping in to protect the individual from potential abuse neglect or exploitation by completing an initial assessment to determine care needs and protect the person, property and assets

•

Protection - stepping in to protect the individual from potential abuse neglect or exploitation by completing an initial assessment to determine care needs and protect the person, property and assets

•

Coordination - promptly applying for benefits, coordinating services, overseeing card plans, medical appointments and any necessary treatment plans. All efforts are made to adhere to the ward’s wishes and support the least restrictive safe environment.

•

Advocacy - Educate the ward, their family and the community about guardianship and the alternatives. This includes facilitating the Family Guardianship Course in partnership with SCF twice a year, and providing community education to individuals and groups.

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Venice Community Center Features over 50 exhibitors. Art glass, pottery, fine art, jewelry, asian and European antiques, Americana, furniture and more. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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University Town Center More than 50 local exhibitors in the health field will be featured. The expo will be interactive, with a focus on preventative medicine, the heart and circulatory system and the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | lwrba.org

License 299991326

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

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DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

Seasonal Sparkle Wandering through the winter lights is a holiday tradition for many! To get you into the seasonal spirit, we've collected only a few of the best and brightest spectacles Sarasota has to offer. Please visit websites for updates on these events, and reference our events calendar for more holiday fun.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens One of the most noteable holiday spectacles is Selby Gardens' annual "Lights in Bloom". Visit selby.org for up to date information on this year's event.

Lakewood Ranch Main Street

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020 SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

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This year, LWR will be featuring a drop box for notes to Santa, socially distanced carriage rides, and an outdoor car show. Visit lakewoodranch.com for the most up to date information.

St. Armands Circle “Holiday Night of Lights” is St. Armands official kick off to the holiday season, featuring a tree lighting ceremony and a guest appearance from Santa himself ! Visit starmandscircleassoc.com for up to date information on this year's event.

Discover Sarasota Tours Step onboard our Holly Jolly Trolley with guide Jenny Jingle for our special daytime holiday tour with cocoa, carols & Christmas stories of Sarasota. Visit discoversarasotatours.com for up to date information on this year's event. DECEMBER 2020 || SARASOTA SCENE DECEMBER 2020 SARASOTA SCENE

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Scene Snaps In honor of this month’s philanthropy issue, we invited readers to share photos of Good Deeds, Local Heroes, and Community Involvement. Welcome to a treasure trove of positivity!

This holiday season

, All Faiths Food Bank is working toward a goal of distr ibuting 9,000 turkey s and 4 million meals for ch ildren, families, vete rans and seniors. At the kic k-off event with The Bay Park Conservancy an d Van Wezel, deman d was so high that the truck made a second trip. Here, volunteer Ellie Wils on loads food and flo wers into a community membe r’s trunk.

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

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Our community's generosity during the pandemic has been vital to keeping Venice Theatre strong... and alive. Please join your neighbors in giving what you can this holiday season, so we can share great stories for generations to come. Visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941.484.4033 to play your part today!

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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During COVID-19, Natalie Tilton has been focusing on fostering for the Humane

Society of Sarasota County. From September to November, she welcomed a family of 9 lab mix puppies and their mother into her home (and car!). After weaning, all the puppies were adopted out from HSSC,

while their mother received treatment for heartworms.

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SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

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Janae Korte and Richard House | Photography Matthew Holler

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SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

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Brian P reston , a new receive Tidewe s recog ll emplo n it yee, io n from Smith fellow for his v eteran military Tom service .

tor rdina o o er C unte l o V with well elps ue h Tide z lleag ten o S c n io urse Mar oan s e r ca . child work o t o can g

Music

Thera pist M Russo ichae l — safe l y distan outsid ced e the windo music w — pl ays for res i d e nts at assiste an d livin g facil ity.

Want to get in on the fun? Next month’s theme is: Weddings, Milestones, And Celebrations Submit recent photos and information to wendy@scenesarasota.com by December 7 to be considered for the January issue. 38

SARASOTA SARASOTA SCENE SCENE || DECEMBER DECEMBER 2020 2020

I was born for a purpose. Trained to help you.

You hold me when you’re afraid, Whisper that I saved you, That I’m your brightest star. I am your guide, your support, Your friend. A dog, I’m not. With me, you see the world again.

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on the town

The FIND Sparkle, shine and show off all your colors for the New Year! By Gina Liga

4. 3.

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

on the town 1. CRYSTAL ROCK RAW PENDANT LIGHT Nature and craftsmanship, light and reflection fuse within perfectly cut contemporary silex crystal. Its multiple reflections and deflections fascinate onlookers during the day and even more so at night when lit. Available in multi-color and clear. Various sizes. Home Resource $1,600 – $4,710 | homeresource.com

2. STARDUST CLUTCH Transform any outfit with this stunning sparkly clutch. The ultimate statement bag for the holiday season. Featuring a detachable wrist strap. In shimmering champagne or sparkling black. Molly’s! A Chic & Unique Boutique $29 | mollyssarasota.com 3. SILVER COASTAL SANTA 15” tall Santa ornament by Karen Didion Originals. Shelly’s Gift and Christmas Boutique $79 | shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com

4. GOLD MOON CERAMIC PLATE SET These exquisite gold and white plates are beautifully packaged in a hand made wooden box and are the perfect gift. They can be used for small pastries, as bread plates or as trinket trays. Also make beautiful decorations. Available in a set of 4. Elysian Fields $49 | elysianfieldsonline.com 5. COLORED DIAMOND NECKLACE This extraordinary, one-of-a-kind diamond necklace was custom designed and created to showcase 28 GIA certified fancy colored diamonds. Gold and Diamond Source $349,999 | goldanddiamond.com (Continued next page) DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

on the town

6. MASSIMO LUNARDON ROSSINI FLUTES The only thing more fabulous than sipping champagne is sipping it out of handcrafted glass stemware. These flutes from Italy are hand-blown and unique with each design different. Perfect for special occasions and enjoying your favorite champagne. Malbi Decor $110 | malbidecor.com

7. CASADEI SALOMÉ SANDALS Gold-tone leather blend glittering high-heeled sandals feature an open toe, a t-bar strap, and an ankle strap with a side buckle fastening. Made in Italy. Lotus Boutique $695 | lotussarasota.com 8. EMERALD AND DIAMOND EARRINGS Princess-cut emeralds surrounded by round diamonds in 14 karat gold. 14K+3.10tdw Clarity S1. The Exchange $4,437 | sarasotawex.com

9. CRYSTAL NAPKIN RINGS Napkin rings with gold and rhinestone flowers from The Collective. Marlene's Finds and Designs $40 | Raine Studio, Sarasota

9. 442 2

SARASOTA SARASOTA SCENE SCENE | | DECEMBER DECEMBER 2020 2020

Celebrate Have a special birthday coming up? A little one on the way?

Marrying the love of your life?

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DECEMBER 2020 431 St. Armands Circle | 941.388.4451 | cafeleurope.net

| SARASOTA SCENE

Homeowners Insurance • Auto Insurance • Renters Insurance • Commercial Property General Liability • Workers Compensation • Commercial Auto • Flood Insurance • Builders Risk Boat • Motorcycle • Recreational Vehicle • Travel • Jewelry • Equine & Pet We are a local Independent Agency and proudly represent many insurance companies. One size never fits all! Whether your goal is to save money or just make sure you are properly covered, we would love the opportunity to make sure you have the right coverage at the best price. We only partner with A-Rated Insurance Companies to give you the best quality and superior service! At Peeples Insurance, we have 2 locations and 12 team members ready to assist you. We are here to help and look forward to the opportunity to serve your family and local business!

Call 941.377.7654 or visit peeplesins.com Contact us today! Jennifer Peeples Agency Owner

The Peeples Insurance Agency jen@peeplesins.com

We have 2 locations to serve you! 8270 Bee Ridge Road

Sarasota, Florida 34241 44

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

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how does

SARASOTA STACK UP? By Wendy Lyons Sunshine

During the winter season, over half a million residents call Sarasota County home. And year-round, our area is home to a veritable smorgasbord of nonprofit organizations—representing a vast array of charitable causes, foundations, health organizations, educational initiatives, and visual and performing arts venues. Just how many nonprofits call Sarasota County home? According to the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, the latest count is 2,472. On a comparative level, that’s mighty impressive. For every 10,000 residents, Sarasota has 48 nonprofit organizations. That’s a greater density of nonprofits than found in Miami-Dade and Hillsborough counties, the state of Florida, and the entire nation. Sarasota county has marvelous weather and inviting beaches. Opportunities for biking, golfing, tennis, and boating. Restaurants for every taste bud. Big-city amenities in a pint-sized, picturesque package. But it also has something more. People who care.

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

Miami-Dade County

Hillsborough County

State of Florida

USA

Sarasota County

*Visual shows the number of nonprofits for every 10,000 residents. Data sources: flnonprofits.org, miamidadematters.org, datacommons.org, nccs.urban.org, and census.gov. DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

the

Giving Book

“During the pandemic, we’ve seen people learn a lot about themselves,” says Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which has matched donors with causes ranging from basic services to arts and culture since 1979. “People have gotten closer to their values during this critical time.”

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

Sarasota is among Florida’s most affluent communities, yet COVID-19’s economic effects have rendered some families just a paycheck away from homelessness. “The hospitality industry was hit so hard,” Jerde says, “and the effects fell disproportionately on servers and others doing those jobs.” A community’s stability depends on families being able to remain in their homes and feed their families, emphasizes Jerde. “Families hit a bump in the road, they get behind on rent, and if there’s a court order involved, that record may work against them in the future.” LOCAL EFFORTS RAMPED UP This year, philanthropists faced a learning curve as they strove to understand urgent needs in the community and how to meet them. As in so many endeavors, digital technology provided a safer substitute for in-person gatherings. Getting equipped and up to speed required new skills and adaptation. “When the pandemic started, we didn’t have a Zoom account; now we have five,” says Jerde. “We innovated to connect with our donors and nonprofit partners.”

of Sharing was reactivated. “With giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, we raised another $2.8 million,” Jerde says. “The Patterson Foundation donated a half-million dollars and provided another half-milliondollar match.” This was followed in late April by the Community Foundation virtual fundraiser, the 2020 Giving Challenge, in which The Patterson Foundation provided a dollar-for-dollar match for all unique donations, up to $100 per donor, per organization. That event received an outpouring of support, raising $29.1 million via 124,000 transactions in 24 hours. “More than 59,000 people gave,” says Jerde. “Donors were waiting to do something.” Now, says Jerde, “We are working in the short-, mid-, and long-term on recovery from the crisis. We will be in that mode for a long time.” The annual Season of Sharing campaign launched on Nov. 15, 2020 and is in full swing through Jan. 31, 2021. One hundred percent of Season of Sharing donations are distributed to those in need in our four-county region. “If you’re sitting at home, wondering how to help, this is something everyone can do,” Jerde says.

In mid-March, to meet the dramatic increase in need, the annual community-wide fundraising drive called Season

— Betsy Friauf

Sarasota Giving: Unstoppable Amid A Pandemic

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

State College of Florida At SCF, we rise above! All the challenges our students face only amplified in the year 2020! The fear of food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment and lack of child care while balancing coursework with overwhelming family obligations and having little to no money became a harsh reality for too many of our students because of the pandemic.

period with the support of our dedicated faculty and staff.

At SCF, we exist to serve our students and the community at-large by being responsive and adaptable to offer solutions that meet the region’s educational and workforce needs. In response to all the trials and, most importantly, the unknown, we have adapted the motto “be flexible.” That motto has served us well!

16,000 viewers watched our virtual Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony that also aired over the local WSLR 96.5 FM community radio station with participants as far as Italy.

820 students persisted and graduated in spring 2020 despite the challenges of COVID-19. 98-100% of our health sciences students passed their clinical licensure exams on the first attempt. 97% of SCF’s curriculum was converted for online instruction over a three-day

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

$100,000 was raised for the SCF Foundation Coronavirus Student Emergency Fund with contributions from our faculty, staff and supporters.

Nearly 500 classes were offered with flexible start and end dates to suit students’ family and work commitments. 100+ boxes of personal protective equipment (PPE) were donated to our local hospitals from our health sciences programs. Three campuses were safely maintained, and three major construction projects continued thanks to the dedication and hard work of essential SCF facilities staff. Thousands of community members received food from the Feeding Tampa Bay program run from SCF Bradenton.

Our responsiveness to the community and our students was met with words of hope and gratitude. “My most heartfelt thanks to you for the generosity of the SCF Foundation. This is such as big relief! I thank you so much for this gift. My hard work and concentration are now able to be focused on school,” shared SCF student Valentina V.

Although we still face uncertainties, have students with dire needs, and buildings to raise, we wanted to end this year on a positive and grateful note. Despite all the barriers 2020 has created, with your support, we have adapted and will continue to provide engaging and accessible learning environments that result in student success and community prosperity.

“OMG, you have no idea how much this has helped us. I’m literally in tears. Thank you so so much,” cried SCF student Caitlin C.

At SCF, no matter the challenges, we rise above and provide a return on investment to our community.

We have always praised our students for their grit, our faculty and staff for their dedication and our supporters for their graciousness that allows us to remove the financial obstacles for all deserving students, to fulfill our program needs and raise capital for modern facilities.

To support State College of Florida, please contact the State College of Florida Foundation Executive Director, Cassandra Holmes at 941.752.5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu.

CONNECT >>> 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207 | 941.752.5390 | scf.edu

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

Children First Early childhood education and family strengthening services for local children and families in need When Ted and Ethna Wishnie of Sarasota walk through the halls of Children First in Sarasota, they are touched by the success stories, the gratitude, and the children’s songs. That zest for life reminds them of Eric Wishnie, Ted’s son and Ethna’s stepson, whose death at age 45 came amidst a successful broadcast career as senior producer for NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw that left a global footprint, producing everything from interviews with world leaders to Olympic coverage. “Eric through his education, learning, and traveling had such a wonderful, fulfilling life. We wanted to honor that as we feel education gives children a chance to prosper,” says Ethna. Children First serves hundreds of Sarasota County’s most vulnerable children from birth to age five, as well as their families through multiple locations. Its mission of strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being includes Head Start programs and Families First Institute classes for all family members. Ted had established, successful managerial careers in the retail and restaurant industries; Ethna did so in the financial sector. They also are proud grandparents. What Ted calls the ‘famous walk’ through Children First headquarters more than 10 years ago ultimately led to their support.

“You become committed,” he says. “Children First assisted us in creating the Eric Wishnie Memorial Fund.” The Wishnies made their first bequest to Children First in their wills at the time and recently doubled it. Eric’s sister and brother-in-law Dawn and Mitchell Epstein are also contributors. “We love that when they take care of a child, it encompasses the whole family,” Ethna notes. “It is a wholesome way to teach children, break unhealthy cycles, and put them on a level playing field.”

CONNECT >>> 1723 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, Florida 34234 | 941.953.3877 | childrenfirst.net

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast Putting passion for conserving Florida’s natural bounty into action

Over the next 25 years, southwest Florida’s population is expected to grow by 40 percent, and in less time than that, future water demands will exceed its capacity by 538 million gallons per day. As a fifth-generation Floridian and president of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Christine Johnson feels a protective affinity for the state’s lands and waters upon which she grew up. “Our mission is to protect land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature,” she notes. “And we are running out of time.” . “People may not be aware of how nature works for them,” she says. “The land cleans our water, holds our stormwater, and prevents flooding better than we can.” A case in point: Sarasota County’s Celery Fields. Historically a marsh, it was reclaimed as a stormwater retention site, and became a world-class birding spot. “Now we have a park around it which residents enjoy, nearby property values increase, and tourists visit, which helps our whole economy,” Johnson points out. Saving land helps wildlife too. “People want to see the native habitat, like scarce Florida sand pine scrub, home to the charming Florida scrub jay. People also want to see a Florida panther or at least know that the panther has a fighting chance,” she adds. The foundation successfully saved 5,777 acres known as Orange Hammock Ranch by raising the

$1.5 million necessary to augment the $19.5 million purchase of the land by Florida Forever. “The community rallied in less than two months,” says Johnson. “We were enormously proud to make that happen. The extraordinary impact is clean water, protected wildlife, and public access.” The foundation’s successes are made possible through eventbased fundraising efforts, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and extensive volunteer work.

CONNECT >>> 400 Palmetto Ave, Osprey, FL 34229 | 941.918.2100 | conservationfoundation.com

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Reimagining the future of the Jewish community with a Campus for Jewish Life

“It’s important for us all to make a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of our fellow man and woman here on earth, regardless of their station in life or faith,” says Randon Carvel, president of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM) board of directors. To that end, the Federation’s Proud & Strong Capital Campaign is raising $25 million to renovate buildings on the 33-acre Larry & Mary Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life|Klingenstein Jewish Center to 2020 building standards and create additional programming and events. The capital campaign emanates from a year-long Brandeis University study for JFSM showing the area’s Jewish population has more than doubled in 20 years to 35,300. “It was an incredibly eye-opening report for us in so many ways because everything we do is to meant to engage our community in a meaningful way through programing and events,” says Carvel of JFSM’s 60 years serving the community.

“The campus will be our town square where we’re inviting not only the Jewish community, but the entire non-Jewish community to learn more about the Jewish faith, culture, food, music and Israel.” Other efforts will include Holocaust education and anti-Semitism advocacy. A Jewish youth camp will serve the area’s 3,000 Jewish children as well as others in the community regardless of their faith. Outdoor sports and activities and a venue seating several hundred also are planned. “We’re building upon the foundation that previous generations have provided us,” Carvel notes. “There’s a story in the Talmud that says that just as my parents planted for me, so I will plant for my children. We in the Jewish community constantly feel strongly inspired by that message. In many ways, the capital campaign reflects that.” Those wishing to donate money, in-kind services or volunteer their time may email info@jfedsrq.org or call 941.371.4546.

CONNECT >>> 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 | 941.371.4546 | jfedsrq.org 54

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

JoshProvides Improving the lives of those living with epilepsy or other seizure disorders

For Brooke, daily activities most of us take for granted are beyond her reach. Brooke – diagnosed at age 22 with epilepsy – cannot drive if she’s had a seizure within a six-month time frame as per Florida law. She has trouble working. She suffers from social isolation. Particularly vexing is her inability to recall highlights of her two daughters’ lives. “It’s so embarrassing,” she says. “When I can’t remember something or screw something up, people get really frustrated with me.” Brooke would have found a kindred spirit in Joshua David Chapnick. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 16, Joshua passed away at age 28, sustaining a lethal blow to his head after falling during a seizure. Following his death in 2008, Joshua’s family started the JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder with more than 400,000 Floridians diagnosed with seizures. One in 26 people will experience a seizure

during their lifetime, which can strike anytime, anywhere and anyone. Brooke experiences up to 20 incapacitating partial or full convulsive epileptic seizures daily. At one point, she took 27 pills daily. She currently takes 12. Surgery was supposed to help control her seizures, but hasn’t prevented them. “My brain has to work a lot harder than other people for even little tasks,” says Brooke. “It’s exhausting.” Through JoshProvides, Brooke has found a support system where people don’t brush off her feelings, but instead listen and understand what she’s talking about because they or a loved one have the same experiences. “I’m not just someone with epilepsy,” she says. “I’m also a mother, a woman and a human being.” In addition to helping Brooke, JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation last year awarded 163 direct assistance grants, provided assistance with seizure alert and detection devices, trained service dogs, transportation, and medical services, and offered local epilepsy support groups.

CONNECT >>> 5428 Sundew Dr., Sarasota, FL 34238 | 800.706.2740 | joshprovides.org DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

New College Foundation Pei for the Future: Preserving an extraordinary architectural legacy. Monica Van Buskirk. Photography by Nancy Guth.

I.M. Pei is renowned as one of the world’s most significant architects. His revolutionary designs include the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the glass pyramid at the Louvre, and the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. But Pei valued humanity, as much as bricks and mortar. He once said, “I want to bring out the best in a community and contribute something of permanent value.” Pei achieved this goal in our area when he was selected to design part of New College of Florida’s campus in 1963. In doing so, he helped establish the SarasotaManatee region as a global leader in architectural innovation. Established 60 years ago, New College is one of the finest affordable public liberal arts colleges in the United States. In fact, out of all the nation’s college graduates, a higher percentage of New College graduates receive distinctive academic honors, including having the highest numbers of annual Fulbright awards per capita. Most first-year students live and work in the geometric, cantilevered Pei Residence Halls and Hamilton Student

Center. These graceful, modernist buildings represent a compelling chapter in Sarasota’s architectural history and their significance goes well beyond New College. These treasures are important to the surrounding community—and the world. After 55 years, Pei’s iconic structures are showing their age. The New College Foundation has established a $15 million Pei for the Future campaign. Headed up by Monica Van Buskirk, funds raised will go toward renewing the Pei Residence Halls to meet 21st-century standards. “We’re inviting our entire community to participate in preserving this extraordinary architectural legacy,” says Van Buskirk. “This legacy is a treasure both for the people of New College and for all of us who live in the area. Pei looked beyond the needs of the present. He built for the future. The humanist legacy of his work is timeless. It’s now up to us to pass it on.” Intrigued? Found out more at ncf.edu/peiforthefuture or call Monica Van Buskirk at 941.487.4800.

CONNECT >>> 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota 34243 | 941.487.4800 | ncf.edu/peiforthefuture 56

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Supporting Greatness through Philanthropy

Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s accolades keep pouring in. In 2020, Newsweek named it one of the world’s best hospitals, U.S. News spotlighted it as one of only 37 “standout” facilities in the nation, and Watson Health named it among the 100 Top Hospitals for overall quality and among the Top 50 for cardiac care. The 839-bed regional health system cares for more than 1 million patients per year. Its philanthropic partner, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, has provided support since 1976, raising money for state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, medical education, clinical research, and patient care. A case in point is the Healthcare Foundation’s cancer campaign, which received a $25 million gift from the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation in support of the new Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial. In the past, Sarasota cancer patients often had to travel to cities far from family and friends to receive comprehensive care. The newly named Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute opened its first facility, the Radiation Oncology Center in August 2020 at the health system’s University Parkway campus. By next fall, cancer patients will be able to access comprehensive care in the Oncology Tower currently under construction on the hospital’s main campus.

Alongside this long-term project, the Healthcare Foundation continues to support other initiatives, including the Florida State University Medical Residency Program at SMH that started in 2017 and trains medical residents in internal and emergency medicine. Other Healthcare Foundation grants have helped expand behavioral health services at the hospital, replace the urology surgical video system, and purchase cribs and bassinets for the pediatrics unit. To date, in the fight against COVID-19, the Healthcare Foundation has contributed over $2 million toward new ventilators, disinfection robots, telemedicine communication carts, enhanced rapid testing, and devices for patients in respiratory distress. With the Healthcare Foundation’s support, SMH joined two national clinical trials. One assessed safety and effectiveness of the antiviral drug remdesivir. The other evaluated whether antibodies in plasma from patients recovered from COVID-19 could help the newly infected. Once a hospital gains an outsize reputation for quality, it attracts top-notch health professionals trained for superior levels of care. Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation helps community members take good care of the hospital that takes good care of them.

CONNECT >>> 1515 S. Osprey Ave., Suite B4, Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941.917.1286 | smhf.org DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

Suncoast Blood Centers Live Here. Give Here. Save Here. Blood Donor

Karissa, Cancer Survivor – Blood Recipient 3 units of blood saved her life

Lakewood Ranch Location

What if we told you that just a few moments of your time could save three lives? Or, if you recovered from COVID-19, you could help someone locally battle the virus? How about the fact that our blood supply is perishable and dwindling, yet only 3% of our population donates? Your donation makes a lifesaving difference. This is the call to action of SunCoast Blood Centers, a not-for-profit, independent, locally operated blood center that directly serves and saves the people of our region. With state-of-the-art donor locations in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice and Port Charlotte as well as eight bloodmobiles, SunCoast Blood Centers provides a safe and reliable source of blood products and services to patients in need. Serving our area for decades, the organization holds more than 1,000 blood drives annually and collects more than 40,000 units of blood, a feat it largely attributes to the generosity of its loyal, local donors who support its lifesaving mission.

While a blood donation is relatively quick at 30 minutes, donating platelets can take up to two hours. So, SunCoast has designed its donor centers and bloodmobiles to provide an environment where you can relax, watch a movie, or simply enjoy some “me” time while performing a vital, lifesaving service. All blood and platelet donations are tested for the antibodies to COVID-19. This past year, while businesses were shut down, the need for blood products never stopped. SunCoast Blood Centers helped save countless lives by providing convalescent plasma to our local hospitals. Convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients contains antibodies that can save the lives of those who are still battling the virus in our local hospitals. Once you are a convalescent plasma donor, you can donate every 14 days – saving more lives each time. To learn more about SunCoast Blood Centers or to schedule an appointment to make a donation, visit SuncoastBlood.org.

CONNECT >>> 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211 | 1-866-97-BLOOD | suncoastblood.org 58

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

The Florida Center for Early Childhood A leading provider of therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for children in Southwest Florida

When 3.5-year-old Justin ‘JJ’ Gillis asked for “more pizza,” his parents were thrilled – as a child with mild autism, he’d always struggled to communicate his needs. JJ’s parents, Gigi and Justin Gillis, viewed the simple request as confirmation their only son would likely overcome his disability, thanks to the early intervention he had received at The Florida Center for Early Childhood. At just three months old, JJ was enrolled at The Florida Center’s Starfish Academy, an inclusion preschool where typically-developing children learn alongside those with special needs. At the time, the Gillises were only concerned with convenient, quality childcare. But when JJ was around 18 months old, Starfish Academy became important for another reason. The teachers noticed he wasn’t reaching the milestones typical for his age. He soon received an autism diagnosis and was moving forward with speech and occupational therapies at the school.

“Normally parents, after receiving the heartbreaking news that there might be something wrong with their child, have to go out and find therapists and adjust their work schedule to accommodate appointments,” said Gigi. “But for us, everything was already in place. He received the extra services while he was in school, with therapists and teachers working together to create an individualized plan specifically for him.” In just a few months, Justin and Gigi began noticing significant improvements in JJ’s behavior, interaction with others, and communication skills. “The Florida Center provides exactly what families need in these situations,” said Gigi. “It’s a place full of miracles and it’s a place that makes miracles happen.” The Florida Center is the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for at-risk children in southwest Florida, from infants to fifth grade.

CONNECT >>> 4620 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34235 | 941.371.8820 | thefloridacenter.org DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

The Players Centre for Performing Arts Community theatre & studio providing an artistic outlet to experience live performances and training

Photo by Don Daly From Hello, Dolly! 2019

Ninety-one years ago, The Players Centre for Performing Arts became the first performing arts organization on Florida’s west coast, helping set the stage for Sarasota’s cultural mecca reputation. “We’re very proud of that history,” notes William Skaggs, recently-hired CEO of The Players Centre. “We’re equally excited about the future.” Despite theatre’s difficult path due to COVID-19, The Players is hopeful. The halting of performances has emphasized the gap it has left in people’s lives, notes Skaggs. In October, outdoor performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Sarasota Polo Club – with limited audience size, social distancing and masks – were sold out weeks in advance. “Part of it is certainly The Players’ place in the community,” says Skaggs. “It’s also people clamoring for the opportunity to be with others who value live theater in their lives.”

Skaggs sees continued community enthusiasm from patrons, donors and volunteers translating into The Players’ capital campaign to build a new facility. The capital campaign includes corporate sponsorships, individual donations, philanthropic partnerships and event-based fundraising. “The most important aspect is relationships and building confidence that The Players will continue adding value for the entire community,” says Skaggs. “My background provides an understanding of how much goes into running an arts organization,” says Skaggs, who brings to The Players his experience as a chief development officer for a Bowling Green, Kentucky performing arts center, registered financial advisor, philanthropic and alumni engagement with Western Kentucky University, and an undergraduate music degree. “Sarasota is blessed with something extremely unique and special in community theater here,” says Skaggs. “We have patrons who may come to The Players for the first time and not even realize it’s community theater. Our production value and the quality we expect from our volunteers is very high.”

CONNECT >>> 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.365.2494 | theplayers.org 60

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

The Sarasota Ballet

Frank Martucci. Photography by Nancy Guth.

Katelyn May. Photography Matthew Holler.

We enrich lives, captivate emotions and strengthen community through the art of dance.

“Ballet transcends itself,” says Frank Martucci, President of the board of The Sarasota Ballet. “All art has a transcendental quality. It takes you beyond nature and is very fulfilling,” he believes. “When you combine art with broader causes, that’s what really catapults The Sarasota Ballet to the next level.”

“I am inspired by the dancers and their commitment,” says Martucci of the young corps members who leave their families, attend school in the evening, and devote days to practicing this athletic and demanding art form. He marvels at how they perform at an intense level, even when wearing masks for safety during rehearsals.

Beyond dance performances, those causes include public outreach for all ages. “Dance – The Next Generation” has equipped over a hundred local youths with electronic tablets so they can participate in dance classes virtually. Silver Swans ® delivers dance and movement to those over 55, while “Joyful Movement Through Parkinson’s” partners with The Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s to provide free classes for individuals living with the disease.

Martucci views the dancers and administration as a family. “What makes us unique is that all of the dancers in the company are located here. Over the years, they develop relationships with the audience and patrons who havebeen tireless in their efforts toward keeping this company viable during this difficult time.”

As board president, Martucci sees himself as a facilitator, an internal liaison who connects with the dancers and administration, while at the same time as an advocate, sharing his enthusiasm for the organization with donors.

Thanks to a combination of support from the government and generous donors who have been deeply charitable over the past year, the organization continues to thrive during the pandemic. “My personal concern is what happens next year,” says Martucci. He invites the public to tune in to The Sarasota Ballet’s digital programming, learn about the beneficial outreach programs, and consider making a gift.

CONNECT >>> 5555 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota 34243 | 941.359.0099 | sarasotaballet.org DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

Tidewell Foundation Brightens the lives of the patients, families, and residents of communities served by Tidewell Hospice and its affiliated companies

The Tidewell Foundation was established mid-year 2020 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the legacy hospice serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. The Foundation raises funds to provide perpetual support to Tidewell Hospice and affiliated not-for-profit Stratum Health System companies and primary physician practices. “It comes down to the work of one caregiver helping one family in a really desperate time,” says vice president Marlo Turner. “Donated products and services make a difference to have that quality of life coming to a wonderful end.” Many services are provided at no cost to patients, families and communities. Last year, more than $4 million in charity care was provided to patients and families preparing for their final days, and community-wide for grief services. “We see 1,200 patients daily in adult living facilities, retirement centers, long-term care centers, hospitals, one of our eight hospice houses, and even the homeless where they camp,” says Debbie Mason, president.

Services also are provided to those who’ve experienced loss through miscarriage, disease, accidental death, or trauma in their workplace, school or elsewhere. The evidence-based Blue Butterfly Family Grief Centers – one of the few such programs nationwide – provides community outreach for children ages 5 to 18. “We were the first program nationwide to have an We Honors Veterans program where all of our clinicians are trained for veterans’ special mental and emotional needs,” says Mason. “Our nurse residency program trains nurses how to be hospice nurses.” Other services include art therapy, charity hospice care, emergency non-medical financial relief grants, and a program helping grant patients’ final wishes. Complementary services include pet, message and music therapy and Reiki. Financial support comes from the Treasures Thrift Shop, a Tidewell Turkey Trot run, the Signature Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, and third-party community group fundraising, corporate sponsorship and personal giving.

CONNECT >>> 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 | 941.552.7546 | TidewellFoundation.org 62

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

All Faiths Food Bank Providing food to children, families, seniors and veterans.

Child Protection Center PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, & TREATMENT OF CHILD ABUSE SERVING SARASOTA & DESOTO COUNTIES SINCE 1980

It shouldn't hurt to be a All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Together with its partners, All Faiths Food Bank provides healthy solutions to end hunger in our community.

child

...but sometimes it does.

Since mid-March, All Faiths has experienced a 125% increase in distribution, with a 45% increase in new clients. In 2020, All Faiths had expected to provide 10.8 million meals to those in need but now – due to the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic – the organization believes it will need to provide more than 18 million meals to children, families, seniors, and veterans facing hunger, a 58% increase over last year. For all who are struggling to put food on the table, All Faiths Food Bank is here for you. For those in a position to help, we hope you will join us as we work to end the scourge of hunger … forever. CONNECT >>> 8171 Blaikie Ct., Sarasota 34240 941.379.6333 | allfaithsfoodbank.org

Make a donation at

CPCSarasota.org to break the cycle of abuse and save a child's life 720 S Orange Ave, Sarasota 34236 | 941-365-1277 DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

All Star Children’s Foundation Transforming foster care through innovation, science, and compassion.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties New Name. Same Mission.

“Adverse Childhood Experiences (trauma) are the single greatest unaddressed public health threat facing our nation today.” Dr. Robert Block, former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics. All Star Children’s Foundation has opened their Campus of Hope and Healing, a refuge for children, a place where healing occurs, hope is restored, and spirits are renewed. All Star is providing traumainformed and research-based treatment. This beautiful campus is thoughtfully created with the joy and wonder of healing children. The campus is comprised of a pediatric treatment and research center, 6 homes, a clubhouse, playgrounds, vegetable garden, and movie theatre. Living on campus are foster parents who are trained in trauma, caring for kids in each beautiful home. Biological families are thoughtfully incorporated in the healing process. Behind this idyllic setting is a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinical staff, and child welfare experts all dedicated to transforming foster care through innovation, science, and compassion. This has been the dream of Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy and with the help of many others, their dream has become a reality!

For 50 years, thousands of youth in Sarasota County have created paths to greatness at the local Boys & Girls Clubs. Over the last year, we took our awardwinning programs beyond county lines to serve more deserving youth and opened the very first Boys & Girls Club in DeSoto County. As our impact expanded, our name evolved into Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Join us in changing the life of a child.

Now, more than ever, we are committed to the success of our area’s future leaders. Inside our Clubs, children and teens are becoming leaders, developing life skills, discovering passions, connecting with mentors and participating in programs that they may not otherwise have the chance to experience. You can help us ensure youth continue to chart their paths to greatness at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Support our programs, make a contribution or register to get involved today at bgcsdc.org.

CONNECT >>> 3300 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34235 941.217.6503 | allstarchildrensfoundation.org

CONNECT >>> 3130 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237 941.366.3911 | bgcsdc.org

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

THE CREATIVE AGE IS HERE It’s an era of unrivaled creative thinking, and our students are changing the game. Invest in tomorrow’s leaders. “Scholarships have shown me how human kindness can change someone’s future.” Hannah, Film major, ’21

Creativity (Re)Imagined

www.ringling.edu/giving | 941.309.4733 | giving@ringling.edu

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice

The Circus Arts Conservatory More than a Circus!

Proving Help. Creating Hope. Serving All.

Photo by Cliff Roles

Every day, Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice lifts people out of poverty and positively impacts their lives. For over 35 years, Catholic Charities has been helping the people of Southwest Florida by offering a means to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency. Last year we provided over 208,000 services to people in our community. Our programs and services provide to those who are less fortunate not only the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter but additional assistance and resources to help rebuild lives. Catholic Charities strives to assist everyone who asks for help, offering support and services to children, adults, seniors, and Veterans. With your support, we empower, encourage, and care for all our neighbors in need.

The Circus Arts Conservatory is a non-profit organization whose mission is to keep the Circus Arts Alive and Thriving. The CACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative programs enhance the incredible value and impact of the Circus Arts to both young and old in our community and beyond. Through world class performances, excellence in youth training and educational outreach, The CAC inspires a passion for the performing arts while offering quality opportunities to learn life skills as well as entertain appreciative audiences.

At Catholic Charities, we provide help, create hope, and serve all our neighbors in need.

The Sailor Circus Academy, a CAC outreach program has transformed the lives of youth in our community for more than 7 decades. Through this interdisciplinary, athletic performing arts program, students develop life management skills, self-discipline and confidence, while learning the circus arts. These experiences provide an environment where young people of differing abilities and backgrounds connect and learn the value of collaboration, teamwork, trust, respect and leadership in meaningful ways.

CONNECT >>> 1000 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34285 941.488.5581 | catholiccharitiesdov.org

CONNECT >>> 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota 34239 941.355.9335 | CircusArts.org

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

Florida Studio Theatre Making theatre accessible and affordable to as many people as possible

SUPPORT Friendship at Home Financial Stability In-home Support Home Delivered Meals Educational Programs

CAREGIVING Caregiver Resource Centers Adult Day Care Programs Support Groups Educational Programs

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Nick Anastasia, Nathaniel P. Claridad, Micah Jeremiah Mims & David Marmanillo. Photo by Matthew Holler.

Florida Studio Theatre is Sarasota’s contemporary theatre. With a diverse range of theatre offerings spanning six core programs: Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Children’s Theatre, FST School, and New Play Development, there is truly something for everyone at FST. Our ticket prices are some of the lowest in the nation, with ticket revenue only covering about 70% of our actual operating costs. We rely on generous contributions from our individual donors along with support from Foundations to make up the difference between our low ticket prices and the actual costs of all our programming. With this support, FST develops theatre that speaks to our dynamic, ever-evolving world. We believe that the theatre is a vital part of human life. In this vein, we strive to provide affordable, quality theatre programming to as many people as possible. We believe that if you put the world on the stage, you will find the world in your audience. Our goal is to continue to produce a diverse array of professional theatre opportunities so that all have the ability to engage in the art of contemporary theatre.

Senior Centers Friendship Cafés Senior Fitness Balance Movement Lifelong Learning

FRIENDSHIP THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY OF AGING

“It’s a gift knowing my husband is happy, and I have time for myself.”

friendshipcenters.org | 941.955.2122 SARASOTA

1888 Brother Geenen Way Sarasota, FL 34236

VENICE

2350 Scenic Drive Venice, FL 34293

CONNECT >>> 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota 34236 941.366.9000 | floridastudiotheatre.org

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival Communicating joy through performance CO N N EC TI N G

the Community CO NTRI BU TI N G

Important La Musica International Chamber Music Festival, which will present its 35th season at the Sarasota Opera House in April 2021, is an artistic and critical success and an outstanding American cultural institution. Guided by Artistic Director Bruno Giuranna and Associate Artistic Director Derek Han, La Musica brings together the finest musicians from around the world to present exciting programs of familiar and seldom-heard chamber music.

Causes

C E L E B R AT I N G

All of You S I N C E 195 7

Rehearsals are open to the public, offering a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to watch musicians collaborate. Events include the season fundraiser, Sonata a Due; and special occasions to meet, greet, and cook interactively with the musicians. La Musica recently launched â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Musica at Home,â&#x20AC;? a monthly documentary series exploring the personal lives, musical passions and performances of its renowned musicians. The series is available to view for free at LaMusicaFestival.org, Facebook.com/ LaMusicaSRQ, and on YouTube. Featured musicians include Derek Han, Steven Lin, Dee Moses, and Ann Hobson Pilot, among others. CONNECT >>> P.O. Box 5442, Sarasota, Florida 34277 941.366.8450 Ext. 7 | lamusicafestival.org

BE INFORMED. BE ENTERTAINED. Be Scene. 1834 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 P: 941.365.1119 // F: 941.954.5067 scenesarasota.com DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

ONE GOOD THING

Roxie Jerde

7700

SARASOTA SARASOTA SCENE SCENE || DECEMBER DECEMBER 2020 2020

LEADS TO ANOTHER How a Legacy Founded on Sisterly Love Helped Inspire an Artful “Digital Neighborhood” BY SYLVIA WHITMAN

This story of the domino effect of philanthropy begins with a tale of two sisters, Muriel and Gertrude. As Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, tells it, their lives were always entwined. Born in Chicago, they both started out as writers in New York. Muriel went on to a distinguished career in publishing, working at American Heritage, The New York Times, and various magazines. Gertrude returned to school in her 50s and became a psychiatrist. Neither had children, so when they retired, Muriel O’Neil and Dr. Gertrude Hight bought separate condos on the same floor of a downtown Sarasota high-rise overlooking the bay. As donors, volunteers, and audience members, they enjoyed and supported WEDU and performing arts around town. Muriel died first, in 2013, leaving her estate to Gertrude. Talking to Muriel’s lawyer at Williams Parker, Gertrude confessed that she didn’t need the money. Maybe she could honor her sister with a gift to the nonprofits she loved? Referred to the Community Foundation, Gertrude set up The Muriel O’Neil Fund for the Performing Arts. The sisters’ generosity has rippled throughout the arts community. Administered by the Community Foundation, this $3.1 million legacy fund has underwritten a costume studio and a sound system, new rehearsal spaces and ongoing programming. It has kick-started capital campaigns. There are student scholarships and at least one new staff position in Muriel’s name. At Gertrude’s direction, the Community Foundation structured the fund to spend out over a decade or so, but Jerde says administrators

have reserved some money for unexpected needs and opportunities. So, when Muriel’s beloved WEDU began seeking support for a pioneering digital “docuseries,” the Muriel O’Neil Fund gave a $50,000 grant toward the launch. CREATING A NEIGHBORHOOD ONLINE When Paul Grove became president and CEO of WEDU in 2019, he made expanding hyperlocal storytelling a strategic priority. For more than 60 years, this public television station has served west central Florida with traditional broadcasts: What if it developed a multiplatform series of short documentaries on local subjects that would premiere online first? Conceived before the pandemic, Greater Sarasota (to be followed by Greater other locales within WEDU’s 16-county viewership area) aims to create a sort of “digital neighborhood,” explains executive producer and WEDU director of content Kristine Kelly. Each artfully produced mini-story will be “easy to share, easy to trade on social media, and easy to forward to friends, to get the content circulating on a grass-roots level. And the beauty of a digital series is that it lives on in digital space, so we can keep it available.” As support from the Muriel O’Neil Fund came aboard, Greater Sarasota inevitably focused on the city’s performing arts. The Community Foundation hosted a lunch in early 2020 to brainstorm with leaders of local arts organizations to talk up the advantages of collaborating with WEDU, Jerde says. For the chosen few, the concise and highly visual digital documentaries could go up on DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

Ep 3 Dec 10 WEDU PBS Greater Sarasota - Sarasota Contemporary Dance a website and circulate among supporters and potential donors. Win-win all around. Then the coronavirus struck, sending everyone scrambling, says Kelly. All involved agreed that the Greater series could be “a window into our community, but what does that even mean right now?” The Community Foundation had given WEDU a long list of arts organizations of different sizes and visions. The Greater team researched “who we thought had the most interesting take on pivoting during the pandemic. We tried to look at ones that had a topical story for this time, digging deep into how they evolved their art.” WEDU also had to puzzle through the logistics of production in a time of social distancing. Producer, cinematographer, and editor Laura Landry developed workarounds, shooting outside when possible, for instance, and wearing face masks and using longer lenses indoors. The first digital documentary, Music in Transition, debuted online and on air in October. It profiles ensembleNEWSRQ, a chamber music group that had to reimagine its concert series as it entered a fifth season amidst COVID-19. Warm and intimate, the 7-minute video spotlights percussionist George Nickson and violinist Samantha Bennett, romantic partners as well as co-artistic directors.

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

Next up and in production for December is a digital documentary on Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD). Cofounder Leymis Bolaños Wilmott describes SCD as another “small but mighty organization,” a rare contemporary dance company that has survived into its 15th season. According to WEDU’s Kelly, the production team plans to interview not only Bolaños Wilmott but also founding board member Muriel Meyers, 91, and dancer Rachel Lambright, 25, who graduated from Booker High’s Visual and Performing Arts program before studying dance at USF. It’s all part of Greater Sarasota’s vision to examine the arts “from every perspective.” A SENSE OF HOPE The coronavirus dealt a body blow to dance companies, but many have found innovative ways to persevere. Bolaños Wilmott has resisted a total move online, however. “I don’t like seeing dance on video, unless the dance was created for the camera,” she says. “Hearing the dancers’ feet on the floor, seeing them sweat—it’s all about having that visceral human experience in the moment.” She says she’s also thinking of her dancers. “We are entertainers. We want to be able to share what’s stirring in us.” How then to balance performers’ and viewers’ physical and mental health?

"“ MY COM M U N IT Y HO LDS ME ACCO U NTA BLE TO SHOW U P. I HOPE PEOPLE SEE TH AT A N D SHOW U P FOR U S . ” " — Bolaños Wilmott

As an artist, mom, and New College instructor, Bolaños Wilmott says she’s used to improvising. While many organizations canceled shows, SCD moved into the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling. SCD has followed public health protocols to create a bubble for the company, limiting the audience to 50 people—socially distanced, temperature checked, and masked. Deeply faithful, Bolaños Wilmott has also prayed over the studio and the stage, “anointing the space.” “My community holds me accountable to show up,” she says. “I hope people see that and show up for us.” At the same time, SCD is accommodating a remote audience through livestreaming. With funding from the Community Foundation, the organization has hired professional videographer Brett Hoehne, of Integrated Media Productions—and charged him to film from unusual angles, such as overhead, to create an immersive experience as unique as the live performance, with “dance almost coming out of the screen.” Finding ways to navigate these times has fueled her sense of hope, Bolaños Wilmott says. The child of immigrants, she has always assumed that hard work will prevail. “Resilience is in my DNA.” She has no doubt SCD will emerge from the pandemic even stronger than before. Along with livestreaming, the Greater Sarasota series promises to introduce SCD to people who don’t know the company’s story. Bolaños Wilmott and FSU classmate

Rachel Inman founded the group to share “the gift that is dance” with the community through classes as well as performances. “We embrace diverse bodies,” says Bolaños Wilmott. After people see WEDU’s digital documentary, she hopes that they “start to consider us part of the contemporary arts landscape. I just want them to be proud of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. It has their name in it.” Jerde of the Community Foundation has high hopes for Greater Sarasota as well. The digital docuseries serves WEDU and the individual organizations, which can use the professionally produced segments on their websites and social media. “In this world, it’s so important to have original content and short bites,” she says, “and we’re seeing this as a really novel way for each organization to use their own network and supporters to push this out to the community as a whole.” WEDU and the Community Foundation will be counting clicks and crossing fingers for awards, but Jerde anticipates that the Muriel O’Neil Fund will continue underwriting the Greater series for several years. A legacy created out of a sister’s love inspired gifts that have triggered a domino cascade of change, connecting several nonprofits through meaningful, community-based storytelling. And although Muriel and Gertrude never anticipated the hardships arts organizations face today, Jerde says, they would be proud to be part of the outpouring of philanthropy seen during the pandemic. “I know we have a long way to go,” she adds, “but we are going to get to the other side of this.”

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

mote by ryan g. van cleave

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

Nursery Dive with Dr. Crosby. Top photo credit Holly Rasche.

Celebrating 65 years o f

Mote’s Dr. Hanna Koch, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, observes a colony of outplanted coral on a reef in the Florida Keys—credit Mote Marine Laboratory.

SCUBAnauts Coral Planting

Dr. Michael Crosby

When Dr. Michael P. Crosby joined Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in May 2010, he said it was like he died and went to heaven. “Without a doubt, it’s the most remarkable and impactful marine research and science education organizations I’ve had the honor of being affiliated with, bar none. There is no other oceanfocused research enterprise in the world like Mote.” When you consider the senior level positions he’s held at numerous national and international universities and agencies over his 30+ year career, that’s really a stunning compliment. What makes Mote so special is its three foundational pillars: passion, partnership, and philanthropy. In fact, those three core qualities are built on how Mote got its start 65 years ago. Dr. Eugenie Clark—“who I had the pleasure of knowing fairly well,” Dr. Crosby notes—was doing incredible research over in the Red Sea in a one-room shack that served as her lab. When she received worldwide publicity because of National Geographic’s coverage of “The

Shark Lady,” Anne Vanderbilt read about her and was mesmerized by her passion. The Vanderbilts contacted her and said they’d love for Dr. Clark to relocate to SW Florida and conduct her research there, with their financial support. With the Vanderbilt’s support in 1965, Dr. Clark started the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in the Charlotte Harbor area in what was essentially another one-room shack of a lab. “But the culture of Mote is what it is today because of the passion Genie had for her science, the partnership she created with a local shark fisherman, and the generous philanthropy of initially the Vanderbilts and later, Mr. Bill Mote, who become the most amazing benefactor and namesake for the institution,” says Dr. Crosby. He’s quick to point out that the community has been instrumental all along the way, too. They’ve embraced Mote and its mission by supporting it to the point that

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Rendering of the new Mote Science Education Aquarium, to be located at Nathan Benderson Park—credit Mote Marine Laboratory

it could remain independent, which means Mote doesn’t get slowed by government or university bureaucracies and politics. “Because of the philanthropic support of this amazing community, our scientists, educators, and aquarium biologists have the freedom to follow their passion for the oceans, the way Genie did in the early days,” says Dr. Crosby about the benefits of this independence. “This community should feel a righteous sense of pride in what they’ve helped build.” And that growth continues today with the plans for Mote’s new Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA), which will be located in Nathan Benderson Park right off I-75. Mote SEA is only one step in a larger, broader vision. And that vision aims to expand Mote’s research ability as well as their STEM education capabilities. Why is this important? “The oceans are crying out to the world,” Dr. Crosby explains. “So many habitats and species populations in oceans and coastal environments around the world are on the brink of functional extinction. We must expand our 76

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capacity for innovative research and science education to address the many challenges the oceans face.” One answer to facing these challenges is working to expand the level of ocean literacy among the general public. The new Mote SEA facility will be tailormade to do exactly that through informal and formal STEM education. It will be able to handle 700,000 visitors per year, which is double what their current campus handles. Plus, there will be three million residents—not tourists, but SW Florida residents—who’ll live within a 60-minute drive time of this nexus location. And 43 million vehicles a year will pass by Mote SEA, making this iconic facility a physical, intellectual, and educational gateway to the region. Academically speaking, it’s exciting to think about the nearly 70,000 area K-12 students who will have access

“This community should feel a righteous sense of pride in what they ’ ve helped Mote’s Patti Scanlon Holland, Research Technician, analyzes water samples during a red tide research cruise in October 2020—credit Cameron McPhail Mote Marine Laboratory Mote staff members collect data on a shark during a shark tagging research cruise in December 2019—credit Mote Marine Laboratory

build. ” —dr. michael p. crosby

Public interact with animals at Mote Aquarium’s Contact Cove in 2016—credit Olivia Raney

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of us working together to achieve the vision of Mote SEA and the expansion of our campus on City Island.”

SCUBAnauts Coral Planting

to Mote SEA’s three state-of-the-art STEM teaching laboratories as part of their school’s STEM education plans. Dr. Crosby says, “All of these teaching labs will be made available to the schools throughout the entire region, free of charge. It’s just one of the ways in which we’re giving back to the community. That’s where our Mote SEA funding campaign comes in: Oceans for all.” They want to make sure that every student has an incredible experience, and to make that happen, those labs will have at least one Mote scientist and one Mote educator available every single day. With the bulk of Mote’s public education efforts being moved to Mote SEA, the current City Island campus will gain 60,000 square feet of space that can be transformed into new research facilities. Mote’s City Island campus will evolve into an International Marine Science Technology & Innovation Park like no other in the world. That’s step two of their Beyond 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan—having increased research efforts to address the challenges our oceans face. Dr. Crosby couldn’t be more enthusiastic about all of this. “All of this is going to lead, I think, to the establishment of a Silicon Valley of marine science and technology here in Southwest Florida that will be catalyzed by all

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Even while in a growth mode, Mote continues to have scientific successes, such as how they’ve developed new technological paradigms for taking a “dead” 50- or 100-year-old coral, reskinning it, and bringing it back into health in only two years. “That program now has state and federal funding, but it started with philanthropy,” explains Dr. Crosby. “Ideas like that sound too outrageous to the government funding agencies, but philanthropists embraced our vision.” The same thing happened with their work on red tide and the snook population enhancement program. Private money got the initiatives growing and allowed the viability to be proven, then public money often followed to expand on those crucial early success. “Philanthropy is the fuel of innovation,” reports Dr. Crosby. “It’s vital for helping us push forward the frontiers of science. It’s having an incredible impact on the quality of life in our community and the long-term conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.” Volunteers, too, are part of what makes Mote work. 1,500 people offer their time and effort each year, whether it’s helping monitor sea turtle nests or diving to place the 30,000 coral outplants that went out during the past twelve months alone. “If we had to hire staff to do all that work, we’d have to raise an additional $5 million each year,” says Dr. Crosby. “We are overwhelmingly powered by volunteers, and they do amazing, important work.” That’s yet another way that the community has taken ownership of what Mote has become. “We’re not done yet,” Dr. Crosby says. “There’s a heck of a lot more things to do. It’s going to take all of us working together to achieve our Vision for Beyond 2020 and ensure that our oceans are indeed here for future generations to enjoy.” For more information on Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, please visit www.mote.org or call 941.388.4441.

SPOTLIGHT

Raising Impact The Association of Fundraising Professionals By William Bradford Nichols

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“You can come into AFP hoping to further your career, but you will come out not only a better fundraiser, you will come out a better person.” — Janet Ginn

Janet Ginn

Most people enjoy giving. Especially when they know their gifts, be they monetary or otherwise, are having an impact on the world around them. Yet, this begs the question, how do they get those gifts to the desired recipients? Who are the people that ensure philanthropists are having the impact they desired? To understand how non-profit organizations (NPOs) work, how they can change the world, and how they can ensure that the philanthropists’ giving is being used in ethical ways, there may be no better person to talk to than Janet Ginn. Ginn is the president of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, or AFP, and the president of the Pines of Sarasota Foundation. Both of which are NPOs and both of which are engaged in making the world a better place, though in different ways.

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Ginn says she has raised more than a billion dollars over the course of her career, and credits it all to the AFP. This membership association has the stated goal of advancing philanthropy through education, training, and advocacy. Their training is based on research, a code of ethical principles, and industry standards of professional practice. Since its inception in 1960, AFP has raised over one trillion dollars. AFP’s 32,000 individuals and organizational members raise over $100 billion annually--the equivalent of one-third of all charitable giving in North America, and millions more around the world. The local Southwest Florida chapter has been recognized as a “Ten Star Chapter” for its programming, which includes monthly meetings, mentoring, workshops, seminars, webinars, and the Certified Fundraising Executive program or CRFE

for short. All of these programs are geared towards creating knowledgeable and ethical fundraisers. The monthly meetings usually consist of special speakers teaching on various topics related to fundraising and philanthropy. They cover a vast range of topics—everything from how to plan events or how to make sure donors are filing their taxes properly to what a fundraiser should do if they think something unethical is occurring. For Ginn, the donors are the most important part of philanthropy since they are the ones who make philanthropy possible. As the president of the Southwest Florida chapter, Ginn believes a fundraiser’s goal is to help people discern how they want to use their money. It is not merely a matter of giving, it is a matter of making sure the giving has the most impact possible, and that it aligns with the donors’ passions.

Additional professional development includes AFP’s mentorships and CFRE training and testing. Mentorships are designed for the person who has been fundraising for a year or two and would benefit from working with someone like Ginn who has been fundraising for years. With monthly meetings, mentors help the mentees create strategic plans and develop policies and procedures that will work best for the fundraiser’s organization. The crown jewel of AFP’s programming is the CFRE. “CFREs are people who have studied industry and ethical standards and taken an exam about those standards,” says Ginn. “CFRE is a certification, not a certificate.” Those who go through the training must pass an intensive exam to earn certification. At AFP, fundraisers are trained and given the knowledge base to pass that exam, and supported with study

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AFP Southwest Florida Chapter 2020 Board of Directors

groups. Ginn considers AFP to be the training arm of philanthropy and their trained fundraisers to be the trustees of philanthropy. Ginn believes that since the donors are people trying to make a difference in their communities, their country, and the world, then they deserve nothing less than the best that their fundraisers can give them. “We’re not here to sell people anything,” Ginn says. “We are here to help them discern what they want to give to.” Fundraising colleagues within AFP support one another. Ginn says, “We’re not in competition with each other, we’re in coordination with each other.” For example, a donor may come to the Pines of Sarasota Foundation and want to fund a ballet class. Well, since ballet classes may not be appropriate for the residents at Pines of Sarasota, Ginn would direct them to a different organization—most likely to The Sarasota

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Ballet, which does provide classes for adults. This is how the members of AFP ensure that the appropriate donation goes to the appropriate organization and enable the donor to have the most impact. Ginn herself is a CFRE and has been for almost twenty years. Ginn credits CFRE and AFP with her successful career. And she’s not the only one. Ginn tells the story of another young fundraiser who was very good at her job, but her career was suffering due to a lack of experience. Ginn encouraged her to study and test for the CFRE. Within three years of passing the CFRE, this individual went from Vice President of Development to CEO of the entire organization. “Because she knew the industry and ethical standards of fundraising, she was able to present and explain them with confidence and competence to her board,” explains Ginn. “So, when the CEO left, the board trusted her knowledge.”

on the town In addition, Ginn prides herself on AFP’s work in diversity inclusion. In a statement on the Southwest Florida AFP website, Ginn writes that their chapter operates under: ...an inclusive concept encompassing, without limitation, race, color, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, or identity on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, religion or lack thereof, age, economic class, educational level, rural or urban location (geography), language, immigration status, physical mobility and ability, and marital and parental status. Philanthropy by its very nature, Ginn believes, is all encompassing, because need has no boundaries and neither does good will. Philanthropy is about more than just giving, it is about changing. Changing the world and changing ourselves. “You can come into AFP hoping to further your career,” Ginn says, “but you will come out not only a better fundraiser, you will come out a better person.” In that regard, she believes that philanthropy itself makes all who participate better humans. It is not just a way for people to impact communities, it is a way for people to impact themselves. AFP exists to make sure that impact reaches as far and wide as possible, and they do that by training fundraisers to match the right person with the right organization. The monthly meetings and many of AFP’s events are open to all. Due to COVID-19, monthly meetings are currently online and absolutely free. Find more information at the Southwest Florida AFP website.

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Education MATTERS By Ryan G. Van Cleave

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH AT USF SARASOTA-MANATEE

Before becoming regional chancellor in 2018, Dr. Karen Holbrook joined the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus leadership team as executive vice president in 2017 with one of her top priorities being to build upon on the quality and quantity of research being conducted. “A university is not simply about passing on knowledge. It also has a responsibility to create and discover fresh, vibrant knowledge,” says Dr. Holbrook. “Faculty have their own disciplines and we want to provide opportunities for discovery. We also want to provide opportunities for students to engage in the research process and become connected to the real world.” Today, the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus is doing exactly that, and sharing exciting discoveries and advances in a campus research magazine. The third edition, published in October, highlights outstanding research being performed by faculty in STEM and nonSTEM disciplines along with many of the community connections that have been made. The range of activities and research accomplishments showcased in the publications during the past three years is impressive. The cover story in the inaugural edition in 2018 featured the work of Dr. Kathy Black, an internationally acclaimed USF professor of aging studies and social work. Black’s efforts helped Sarasota become the first community in Florida to be designated an “Age Friendly Community” by the World Health Organization. Last year, Professor Jody McBrien, a 2019 Fulbright Award recipient from the College of 84

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Dr. Jessica Grosholz

Arts and Sciences, was highlighted for her research into policy and education practices for refugees, along with Dr. Giti Javidi, who conducts research on cybersecurity and is building a new academic program in this area on the Sarasota-Manatee campus. One of the most fascinating projects is the current issue’s cover story—Dr. Jessica Grosholz’s research on freedom from human trafficking. Dr. Grosholz leads a team of researchers that includes colleagues Drs. Sandra Stone and Fawn Ngo who are examining the actions and services of Sarasota-based Selah Freedom, a nationwide anti-sex trafficking organization. Why is this topic so relevant? Because Florida annually reports one of the highest incidences of sex trafficking crimes in the US. To date, Dr. Grosholz and her colleagues have spent more than 100 hours with the Selah Freedom staff during training and therapy sessions. The findings of their action research have resulted in one book chapter, several technical reports, and numerous conference presentations. Their funding runs through October 2022, so they’ll surely generate a lot more data to compile and share. Dr. Grosholz notes that her teaching and research intersect on a daily basis. “They are both guided by connection—a connection

“Research paves the way to discovery and provides students unique experiential learning opportunities, strengthening creative and critical thinking. Today’s incoming freshmen are tomorrow’s leading artisans, educators, writers, inventors and trail blazers.” —SANDRA JUSTICE

to the research, a connection with others, and a connection with the larger community,” she says. “As my students make these connections in and out of the classroom and as I make these connections through my research, I see growth, I see change, and I see transformation among everyone involved. The students who enter my classroom—in person or virtual— are not the same individuals who leave my classroom at the end of each semester. They are more mature, they are more open-minded and, simply put, they are more receptive of issues they once thought were exceptionally far removed from their own personal experiences.” As a co-investigator on Selah Freedom’s grant from the US Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Dr. Grosholz feels her work as an applied criminologist with expertise in program evaluation is validated. “Being the evaluation arm of Selah Freedom’s OVC grant has also allowed me to develop additional partnerships with community organizations that may be fruitful for future research and evaluation efforts.” Perhaps most important, her work offers crucial feedback about Selah Freedom’s training programs for awareness, prevention, residential, and outreach services. It allows Selah Freedom a new way

to see the impact of their work as well as discover where room for improvement exists. Sandra Justice, USF Associate Director of Research and Innovation, is excited by the synergy of research activity at the Sarasota-Manatee campus. “During the past few years there has been a growing enthusiasm among our faculty to work collaboratively on important research projects,” says Justice. “We are thrilled to share their accomplishments in our annual research magazine that also showcases the important collaborations created through our community engagement and business partnerships. Research paves the way to discovery and provides students unique experiential learning opportunities, strengthening creative and critical thinking. Today’s incoming freshmen are tomorrow’s leading artisans, educators, writers, inventors and trail blazers.” Justice adds that while the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus has an emerging research environment, physical space is still desperately needed to advance high-impact, interdisciplinary research. “There are plans in place for an Integrated Science DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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and Technology Complex for the campus,” she says. “Providing a research environment and growing the capacity for faculty innovation requires an investment of space, equipment, and people resources. When this vision becomes a reality, that will be the game changer.” Justice believes that the investment in a research facility is a worthwhile investment and notes, “Research is the pursuit of human truth, creative arts, technological advances, and so much more. More important, research universities are where students mature into the scientists and innovators that can change the world.” Dr. Grosholz witnesses that kind of thing happen every semester. Dr. Holbrook points out that because the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus is part of a major preeminent global research university, “research is a crucial part of our mission. Research is exciting and transforming, really. I am always doing research on something. Right now, I am researching cybersecurity and emerging technologies as we aim to build our academic programs in this area.”

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

about the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, please visit www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu or call 941.359.4200.

To view the current issue of their research magazine, please visit researchmagazine.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu.

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Meet Artist

JULIE KANAPAUX A naturalist at heart, I have always had a deep affinity for landscapes. Over the years, my interest in physical space and how we view it has become increasingly incorporated into my artwork. I am attracted to abstract work because it allows flexibility of interpretation. Each viewer will perceive something perhaps entirely different than another. Our personal experiences form this perspective and change with time. Therefore, I find abstraction gives us the ability to grow on a deeper level with the artwork. Beginning as intuitive and expressive organic forms, my imagery seeks to extrude order and balance from natural chaos. In an attempt to make work more relevant to current culture and society, I began replacing traditional materials with digital tools several years ago. I find that the digital platforms allows for endless exploration without the â&#x20AC;&#x153;drying time.â&#x20AC;? It also allows my vision to be created on a massive scale. This evolution of my work is fueled by an underlying belief that our perception of space forms our experience. My artwork expresses the connecting thread that both unifies and separates that space. For more art or information, please visit kankanstudios.com DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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

Note: Events are subject to change. Please check event online before attending.

941.746.2862 | artcentermanatee.org ArtCenter Manatee Annual Member Show Kellogg & Reid Hodges Galleries Through December 31 ArtCenter Manatee Ornament Extravaganza Searle Gallery Through December 31

ART CENTER SARASOTA 941.365.2032 | artsarasota.org Open Season December 10 – January 15, 2021

DABBERT GALLERY 941.955.1315 | dabbertgallery.com Live: Contemporary Visions & Traditions Tuesday –Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Through December 30

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ISLAND GALLERY WEST 941.778.6648 | islandgallerywest.com Endless Summer Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. December 1 – 31

MEG KRAKOWIAK GALLERY & STUDIO 941.400.2478 | megkrakowiakstudios.com Give the Gift of Art Tuesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. December 1 – 31

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NORTH PORT ART CENTER 941.423.6460 | northportartcenter.org Black & White Plus One 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Through December 4 1st Annual Fine Art Winter Market December 5 Holiday Exhibit December 7 –24

PALM AVENUE ARTS ALLIANCE palmavenue.com First Friday Walks Holiday Treasures December 4

941.359.5700 | ringling.org Being Seen: Recent Acquisitions from the Ringling photography collection Through January 3, 2021 Suffragists and Circus Through January 21, 2021 Kabuki Modern Through June 27, 2021

STATE OF THE ARTS GALLERY 941.468.6914 | sarasotafineart.com Re-Bound Tuesday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Through January 1, 2021

Have an upcoming visual art event? Send your event details to COMMUNICATIONS@SARASOTAARTS.ORG

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Meet Artist

PAUL LEE I am an Army veteran from Atlanta, Georgia, and served in the military for four years before being medically discharged. My interest in art started at a young age, when I was inspired by the cartoon art on the covers of VHS tapes weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d watch every afternoon after school. As time progressed, I drew in class and caught the attention of my classmates, which led to me drawing portraits for them. By the time I graduated, it was obvious to me that I wanted to pursue a career in art. Although it was not a popular decision at the time, I knew this was my calling. Art to me is one of the basic forms of expressing human emotion and perception of how we view the world around us. The goal of my artwork is to show homage to those who inspired change and incite new ideas and perspectives. Since Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in Florida, I have had the opportunity to work with local artists Tim Jaeger and Julie Kanapaux on murals dedicated to the Wade-in Protest and the Lido Beach Casino, which can be seen at the Lido Beach Pavilion. I also collaborated with Sarasota native artist and Marine veteran, Mark Wiseman, on another mural for Miss Sarasota Softball Field. I am currently attending Ringling College Art & Design as a freshman illustration major. To see more of my work, visit my instagram page @pablo.the.artist. 90

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InHEALTH THE MALE PLASTIC SURGERY PATIENT By Alissa Shulman, M.D., F.A.C.S

HOW COMMON IS PLASTIC SURGERY FOR MEN? Truthfully, the number of males undergoing aesthetic surgery has steadily increased. However, the numbers will never even approach equality. Women and men just think differently! In my experience, men DO NOT have surgery to impress other men. For example, I have never seen my husband notice another person “checking him out.” However, he is quick to note every time someone slows down in traffic to look at his truck! Even the term “dad body” is not taken as a criticism. Wrinkles on men just make them “more distinguished” — on women, the term is “old and haggard.” Women tend to have aesthetic plastic surgery for themselves and their friends’ opinions. Most of my male patients have sought my help after assisting a loved one during their surgical experience. That made them become comfortable with me and my practice. WHAT TYPES OF PLASTIC SURGERY ARE MEN GETTING? Most of the male image concerns involve the neck, belly, and “love handles.” For the neck, the options are a lower facelift or a direct neck lift. A lower facelift leaves more hidden scars. A direct neck lift leaves scars that lie over the “turkey gobbler area” and can usually be camouflaged under a shirt collar, but not so much for the more casually attired man. Many of the scars of facial aesthetic surgery are hidden within the hair line, so this poses a challenge for men who have male pattern baldness. For them, those “distinguished” male wrinkles are usually the only place in which to hide a scar.

The belly rarely shrinks as we age, and it is often my challenge to give a man the bad news that their belly fat surrounds internal organs and is known as visceral fat. There is NO SURGERY that can safely remove this type of visceral belly fat. Sometimes there is enough external/subcutaneous fat present to be worth removing. Then the options run from non-surgical techniques such as Coolsculpt, which is best for pinchable areas where only a small improvement is needed, to liposuction, which surgically removes fat through tiny incisions. None of these methods address visceral fat. If there is a reasonable layer of external/ subcutaneous fat, then reducing this can help the waistline, but this is rarely the case. For visceral fat, general weight loss and core muscle toning is the best. In my practice, there is a slow trickle of men requiring abdominal skin reduction, usually in the form of abdominoplasty. I rarely use the term “tummy-tuck” for them. (Perhaps I will figure out a more masculine term – maybe “Core Contouring!”) Love handles do well with liposuction or Coolsculpt, depending on the amount of fat. Then it is just a matter of how many areas require fat reduction. Based on the individual, we can discuss which mode is both the safest and financially reasonable. Fortunately for men, an abundance of body hair also includes a good blood supply, so they usually experience better skin shrinkage and tightening after fat reduction. Alissa Shulman, M.D., F.A.C.S Sovereign Plastic Surgery 1950 Arlington St., Suite 112 Sarasota, FL 34239 941.366.5476 www.sovereignps.com DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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ARTIST SERIES CONCERTS OF SARASOTA 941.306.1200 / artistseriesconcerts.org Dick Hyman and the Florida Jazz Masters December 6

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

Best SEATS PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR WHILE THEATERS ARE DARK RIGHT NOW, TAKE A COMFORTABLE SEAT AT HOME AND ENJOY VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES AND CLASSES PRESENTED BY SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS. ALL LISTINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.

941.351.8000 / asolorep.org Monday Musical Moments Every Monday Online Engage: On Air Every Wednesday Online

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY 941.355.9805 / circusarts.org Sailor Circus Academy Presents: Season’s Greetings December 26 – 31

CHORAL ARTISTS OF SARASOTA choralartistssarasota.org Concert Insight: Holiday Lights December 10 – 23 Holiday Lights LIVE December 20

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org FST Forums Series: Reckoning: Race in American Theatre December 10

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THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTAA 941.371.4546 / jfsrq.org Virtual Hanukkah Magic Show Featuring Jason Silberman December 9 People of the Book Series: Danielle Renov, Peas Love & Carrots December 10 Community Virtual Havdalah & Hanukkah Celebration December 12

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com Winter Wonderettes December 3 – 20

MOVING REAL PRODUCTIONS tickettailor.com/events/ movingrealproductions Touch Me Real December 4 – 13

NEW MUSIC NEW COLLEGE 941.487.4665 / newmusicnewcollege.org Celebrating Steve Mile – Online December 3

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THE RINGLING 941.359.5700 / Ringling.org Members & Music Through December 16 Syd Solomon: Concealed & Revealed December 15 – January 24 Remaking the World: Abstraction from the Permanent Collection Through May 2

THE SARASOTA BALLET 941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org Digital Program 3: Othello The American The Infernal Galop The Mirror Walkers Summertide Clair de Lune Concerto Amorosa December 18 – 22

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SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org Music Moves Us Online Live Stream Performances - TBD Beethoven @ 250 Online December 17 – 22 Holiday Pops Online December 24 – 29

Jagged Live in NYC: A Broadway Reunion Concert December 13 Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker Christmas Stream December 19

SARASOTA OPERA

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE

941.328.1300 / sarasotaopera.org HD at the Opera House: Macbeth December 6 HD at the Opera House: The Nutcracker December 20

941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org WBTT LIVE! On Demand See a select show via your Computer, Tablet, Smart Phone or Smart TV. Once you purchase your ticket, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions.

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL 941.953.3368 / vanwezel.org Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy at Home December 3 Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays December 5 Dave Koz & Friends: The Greatest Hits of Christmas 2020 December 12

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

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arts&culture

LITERARY Scene By Ryan G. Van Cleave

QUICK Q&AS WITH 3 QUIRKY WRITERS What book’s currently on your nightstand? There, There by Tommy Orange. What’s the last blow-your-mind great book you read? The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. The interweaving of narrative, interview, and research is masterful and astounding. It should be required reading for everyone. Which three authors do you most want to write about 2020? Rushdie would make this experience of absurdity beautiful. George Saunders could give it both the necessary humor and bite. Or maybe we need Jennifer Egan to give us an entirely new way of telling it? Paperbacks, hardcovers, or e-books? For reading, paperbacks. I love folding pages, writing in the margins, making them messy. You can’t do that to a hardback. Those I have just for show.

PAUL KETZLE AUTHOR THE LATE MATTHEW BROWN

JAMIE MORRIS CO-AUTHOR OF PLOTTING YOUR NOVEL WITH THE PLOT CLOCK

What are you reading now? As a writing coach, my daytime reading is devoted to client manuscripts—and some of them are looking to make terrific books! But, ah, nighttime, you seduce with your winding narratives. At bedside presently are two memoirs: Nell Painter’s Old in Art School and Sarah M. Broom’s The Yellow House. Stacked next to the couch are Tana French’s latest, The Searcher, and Dennis Staples’ debut, This Town Sleeps, both literary mysteries. (A pile of back issues of Juxtapoz art magazine and several of Poets & Writers and Writer’s Digest are currently couch-side, as well).. You’re a fan of indie books. Share three of the best you’ve read this year. I appreciate that literary magazines feature both debut authors and small press offerings. I’ve been picking up a title a month from those lists! I mentioned Dennis Staples’ This Town Sleeps (Counterpoint). It’s beautifully imaginative—with unexpected romance, cleareyed observations of reservation life, a ghost res dog, and an old murder that needs to be solved. My inner urbanite loved Aaron Foley’s nonfiction How to Live in Detroit Without

SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2020

arts&culture Being a Jackass (Belt Publishing). It’s billed as a “social guide to living in Detroit,” a city that intrigues me for reports about how it’s reinventing itself. Peg Alford Pursell’s A Girl Goes into the Forest (Dzanc Books), a collection of short stories based on epigraphs from Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” isn’t a favorite yet, but (I hope) only because I haven’t started it yet. Fingers crossed…. You’re inviting three authors over for a pizza party. What type of pizza are you serving, and which three authors will be dining with you? I’m fond of a salty/sweet contrast—so I’d serve Hawaiian pizza (pineapplesweet, Canadian bacon-salty!) and invite acerbic Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice), unflinching Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall), and salty Dorothy L. Sayers (Have His Carcase). Then I’d sit back and watch the British wit fly. Stephen King wrote under the pen name Richard Bachman. Joyce Carol Oates used Rosamond Smith, and Agatha Christie used Mary Westmacott. What would your secret pen name be, and what type of books would it be attached to? Hazel Trilling. Cozy mysteries. You know, bookstores, cats, an unlikely love interest—and a cold-blooded killer to catch, too.

VIRGIL SUAREZ AUTHOR OF THE PAINTED BUNTING’S LAST MOLT

What are you reading now? I’m reading and rereading There, There by Tommy Orange. It’s a fantastic novel, filled with some very vivid characters and scenes. Orange might just be the heir apparent to Sherman Alexie, and possibly better in the long run. What’s your secret reading vice? I have several ongoing hobbies and I love to read as much about them as I can. Street photography, model building, guitars. Fast cars. Fast motorcycles. It seems to me that I spend way too much time at the library and bookstores that carry magazines. I also read up quite a bit on the art world, and art techniques. I’m all over the place, but my mind keeps it all in order. It also helps me stay focused on the research I’m doing for my new book of poems called Chernobyl, USA which will hopefully include photographs and original art if I can find a publisher who won’t be afraid to showcase the pictures and art.

If you were going to play high-stakes paintball on a writers-only team, which three authors would you most want on your team? I’d have the poet Denise Duhamel on my team, for sure. She’s smart and funny and she can help plan our attacks. I’d also have Franz Kafka for the bonfire storytelling into the wee hours of the night. Last but not least, I’d include Adrian C. Louis because he was a tough dude and an amazing poet.

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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arts&culture

Laughing MATTERS THE ONE ABOUT SWEET POTATO PIE By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Illustrations by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

n an effort to improve myself in some tangible way thanks to all this COVID-related stay-at-home time, I signed up for The Science of Gastronomy course at Coursera, which I originally thought was a semi-serious exploration into the ever-amusing world of farts. Imagine my surprise, though, when I showed up for the first day of lessons, whoopie cushion in one hand, a farting phone app in the other, and the teacher starts in with how, after taking this course, “you may be able to create your own recipe, invent a new dish, and maybe one day you will open your own restaurant.” He was totally talking food versus farts, I came to understand. Whoops!

I figured I was a farting professional already, so maybe this faux food fart pas was a blessing in disguise. In terms of practical outcomes, getting better at cooking did seem a potentially more useful way to spend my time than doubling down on an already-there skill. Plus, man does not live on charred toast alone. So, I signed up for more courses and got hold of cookbooks and recipes of all types. The one that really grabbed me was Trisha Yearwood’s “Sweet Potato Pie” recipe which I found at www.FoodNetwork.com. Honestly, I was equally taken by William Shattner’s Cappuccino Muffins and Jessica Alba’s

Turkey Meatballs, but the picture of Yearwood’s pie looked mouth-wateringly delicious—so, so yummy. And with 50 5-star reviews and the difficulty level marked “easy,” I figured there’s pretty much no way in the world that this could go wrong, right? Things began to go wrong when I couldn’t find eggs. My older daughter made her signature sandwich scramblers for lunch, thus the few remaining eggs we had in the house were goners. Oh well. I could adjust. Nowhere in the recipe did it say you had to gather all the requisite ingredients first. I figured if that was important, the recipe would include such a disclaimer. The more I thought about it, the more this recipe—any recipe, really—seemed like suggestions versus hard-and-fast rules. So, I Googled what to do when your daughter used up all the eggs, and I learned that I could swap in baking soda with vinegar (didn’t have), aquafaba (didn’t know what that was), or pureed fruit, so I dumped half a can of crushed pineapple into the mixing bowl along with ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup milk, and a pinch of salt. Next up was roasted, peeled, pureed sweet potatoes. Let’s not talk about the potatoes. Nor the homemade 9-inch pie shell. Mistakes were made.

DECEMBER 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

arts&culture

Note to self: figure out what the @#$!&% it means to “puree.”

process, at least from the prospective of me watching the cooking video from the comfort of my own Sarasota home.

Note to self: vanilla extract is NOT the same as vanilla vodka. Note to self: use an electric mixer versus wielding a wooden spoon really, really, really fast. Note to self: make an appointment with my chiropractor. The good news is that my sweet potato pie fiasco claimed no casualties, which is more than I can say for my duckless Duck Pâté en Croûte. The latter dish sounded easy to make when I was just reading about it on the page. The reality of making it was far more challenging. Be warned. Note to wife: I’ll bleach the trash bin next week—I’m 97% confident the smell will come out. The good news is that I did learn to create an edible new dish. Thanks to a video I watched on Gordon Ramsay’s YouTube channel that he shot in South Africa, I can now make a 10-minute spicy cheeseburger with dry rub spices on a piece of fencing over an open-pit fire on the edge of a jungle. The secret, as revealed by my cooking buddy Gordie, is that after you work on the dry rub, you slather enough butter onto the meat patties so it caramelizes before you get attacked by an angry hippo. It turns out that hippo threats are optional, though, quite frankly, I thought that was the most interesting part of the

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Add my burger-making skills to the food-making abilities I retained from my college years—making grilled cheese with an iron and wax paper, and boiling hot dogs in the Mr. Coffee pot—and I’m confident I will survive if my wife and kids do take that COVID-delayed trip to see out-of-state relatives. Of course, I could just hit up Taco Bell for every meal while they’re gone, but that seems a far dicier—dare I say noisier—proposition. I encourage you to make the most of any bonus at-home time, too. Baby Yoda’s cute and all, but you can only watch The Mandalorian so many times before you realize, “Hey…I could just as easily be trying out a recipe for Kool-Aid pickles, chocolate salami, or ham and bananas hollandaise.” Just think of the sheer delight you can bring to a holiday party with ideas such as those!

If you’re into self-improvement and cooking as much as I am, go ahead and send me your success stories at chefryan@scenesarasota.com. And if you happen to know what makes a sweet potato sweet, why there isn’t such a thing as a sour potato, and whoever invented the idea of pureeing, please drop me a line. Inquiring culinary minds want to know.

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