November 2018 by SARASOTA SCENE Magazine

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? USFSM alumni

SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS Raising a Future Superhero

ONE MAN'S

PASSION

for JFED Sarasota-Manatee

SAILING AHEAD

Mote Science Education Aquarium

THE FENCE

Photography Exhibit Comes to Sarasota

noah racey

the award-winning actor, dancer and choreographer stars in Asolo Repâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Music Man

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2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

CONTENTS features 38 2018 HOLIDAY EVENTS 50 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Gift ideas for a holiday to remember

56 MOST AUTHENTIC PLACE TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS? By Jacqueline Miller

66 BRINGING “THE MUSIC MAN” TO ASOLO REP By Ryan G. Van Cleave

70 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? A Look at How Brunch on the Bay has Helped USF Sarasota-Manatee Students By Ryan G. Van Cleave

74 SAILING AHEAD Mote Science Education Aquarium By Sue Cullen

80 THE FENCE COMES TO SARASOTA World-class Traveling Photography Exhibition By Sue Cullen

84 MULTIPLICITY The Art of Playing Multiple Roles By Ryan G. Van Cleave

ON THE COVER Noah Racey, starring in Asolo Rep’s version of the classic musical, The Music Man. Photo by John Revisky, composited and edited by Joseph Correa.

56 14

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

Photo Courtesy of Sasaki and Agency Landscape + Planning

IT’S RIGHT AROUND the CORNER Be a part of the New Downtown Sarasota

THE FUTURE QUAY CULTURAL DISTRICT

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

THE ARC BAY

ARTIST’S CONCEPT OF FINAL APPROVED PLAN FOR THE BAY FRONT RENAISSANCE • BLVD IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION – RISING TO NEW HEIGHTS • NEW BAY SARASOTA MASTER PLAN HAS BEEN APPROVED • NEW QUAY DINING, SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT • NOW IS THE TIME TO SECURE YOUR HOME IN THE NEW DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

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CONTENTS departments

SOCIAL SCENE 30 THE LIST November Events Calendar

42 44 45 46

ON THE TOWN 90 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW Rebecca Shireman, Kennedy Space

PARTY PICS

Center Visitor Complex

Key to the Cure

By Gus Mollasis

Grey Matters

101 EDUCATION MATTERS

SCBB Red Hot

PreCollege at Ringling College

JoshProvides

of Art + Design

INSIDER 115 InHEALTH Tips for Helping Seniors

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

118 EAT & DRINK

Tasteful Tidings By Rick Dakan

Stay at Home By Wendy Brown

ART & CULTURE

The Funny Thing I Wanted to Share

105 BEST SEATS

121 LAUGHING MATTERS By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Performing Arts Calendar

110 GET INSPIRED

Cultural happenings brought to

PHILANTHROPY 58 PASSION FOR THE FUTURE Larry Greenspon & Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee By Ryan G. Van Cleave

62 RAISING A SUPERHERO Stephenie Shaver & Southeastern Guide Dogs By Sylvia Whitman

of Sarasota County

116 LITERARY SCENE Ryan reviews three nonfiction books about travel and life By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE scenesarasota.com

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

you by the Arts & Cultural Alliance

105

Click to View Featured Models

from the executive editor

“During these special times of the year, take advantage of the opportunity you have to spend time with loved ones, have real conversations and enjoy authentic moments.”

–Unknown

AFTER DEALING WITH ALL THE ANGRY POLITICAL DISCOURSE DURING THE HOTLY CONTESTED POLITICAL RACES, I hope everyone will take a breath, calm down, put on smiles, be nicer and get in the holiday spirit. The spirit of giving, of being thankful, of listening, of sharing and being a lot more caring is an energy I am sure we would all welcome. Surely, we can all agree that these happy feelings of good will are vitally important to a healthy psyche. And let’s be honest. What’s better than the joyous faces of children during the holidays? If that doesn’t boost your battered brain, then you may want to consider a shrink. In our special Holiday Events calendar, we’ve selected some of the best holiday events for kids and grandparents alike. Don’t know what to buy that special someone? We’ve got a few great local gift ideas for you to peruse. In “Eat + Drink,” Rick Dakan finds some holiday treats for you to enjoy or bring as delectable gifts. Ever wonder where the best Christmas vacation is in the world? It just may be Rovaniemi in Lapland, smack on the Arctic Circle, and dubbed the official home of Santa Claus. Take a look at some of the magical scenes from that town that will make even the Scrooge in you kick up your heels and shout “God bless us, everyone.” Our cover story features award-winning Broadway star Noah Racey, who dazzled us a few years back on Asolo Rep’s main stage in the high energy musical Pulse. He returns to Sarasota this month to kick off Asolo Rep’s 60th season, starring as the fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill in a refreshed version of the classic musical, The Music Man. Ryan Van Cleave talks to the star about returning to Asolo Rep and taking on this iconic role.

DID YOU KNOW? UPS delivers 20 billion cards and packages throughout the Holiday season. The first candy cane is said to have been created in Germany in the 1600’s. Today, nearly two billion candy canes are produced for the Holidays. Each year, 33 million real Christmas trees are sold. That’s not even counting artificial trees. US shoppers spend five billion dollars on Christmas gifts for pets. Santa Claus was named after St. Nicholas, a Turkish man living in the fourth century who was known for his great generosity. Eggnog was first made in 1607.

Learn the story behind the ultimate challenge for any actor when one actor plays the role of eight different characters in Florida Studio Theatre’s A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder. Of course, you’ll find the usual stories about great people, places and things that help make our community so incredible. There’s Larry Greenspon’s generosity to the Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee. And Stephenie Shaver’s passion for helping Southeastern Guide Dogs raise puppies, providing love and basic obedience

In 1836, Alabama became the first state to declare Christmas a legal Holiday. The Christmas tree in Rockefeller center has over 25,000 light bulbs. Source: Fun Facts about the Holidays from list25.com

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from the executive editor training for someone who will need the puppy’s services. Both are selfless, great people who just might inspire you to get involved. We’ve also got an update story on the progress of building Mote Marine’s new aquarium, which will soon be an incredible addition for our community. Looking for a place to take the kids during holiday breaks? How about driving a few hours to the Kennedy Space Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo and the moon landing? There you can enjoy “Holidays in Space,” which gives visitors an out-of-this-world opportunity to celebrate the holidays with a high-tech celebration. Highlights include “Spirit of Exploration,” a one-of-a-kind presentation of space and holiday imagery shown on the side of the 223-foot-long Saturn 1B rocket in the visitor complex’s Rocket Garden. Read more in Gus Mollasis’ “Scenes from an Interview”. As for me, I am thankful I have all of you as faithful readers and will continue to bring you interesting and relevant content. If this is the first time you’re reading Sarasota Scene, welcome. I hope you’ll stay “on the Scene!” Happy Holidays!

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

Give the Gift of SARASOTA SCENE MAGAZINE Go to SCENESARASOTA.COM

To Subscribe and Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter 4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905 www.shellysgifts.com Open 7 Days until Christmas 10 am - 6 pm 22

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Making A Grande Entrance The Lake Club is more dazzling than ever before, and we’re ready for you to celebrate the grand opening of the Grande Clubhouse, with indoor and outdoor dining and expansive fitness center, private exercise room, plus future plans that include six tennis courts, pickleball and a Lakeside Café at the resort-style pool. We’re also proud to celebrate the grand opening of Lake View Estates, our newest luxury enclave. Experience The Lake Club’s collection of 10 exquisite furnished models and move-in-ready homes from the area’s premier builders.

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MODEL PREVIEW CENTER: 8307 Lake Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 | (866) 498-5253 | thelakeclublwr.com ANCHOR BUILDERS | ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOMES | JOHN CANNON HOMES | LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES | LONDON BAY HOMES MURRAY HOMES | NUTTER CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION | STOCK SIGNATURE HOMES BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

social SCENE

Children First: Rockin’ Lobster

THE LIST PARTY PICS

scenesarasota.com

South Florida Museum: Expanding Our Universe Gala

The LIST

november 2 – 11

NOVEMBER 2018 EVENTS CALENDAR

filmsociety.org

2018 Cine-World Film Festival

Children First 6th Annual Rockin’ Lobster

PICK YOUR FAVORITES!

As the hot-and-humid summer cools to a much more tolerable mid-seventies, our days are filled with outdoor fun while our evenings are packed with galas, theatrical events and more. This fall has the Gulf Coast bursting with everything from first-time festivities to annual favorites—events that culture enthusiasts, philanthropists, foodies, music lovers, and those who simply love this time of year will be delighted with.

Sharky’s on the Pier 6:00 p.m. $150 | childrenfirst.net

South Florida Museum Annual Gala South Florida Museum 6:00 p.m. $200 | southfloridamuseum.org

Lakewood Ranch YMCA Motown Gala The Lake Club 6:00 p.m. $100 | lakewoodranch.com

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5311 Proctor Road Sarasota, FL 34233

(941) 451-7983

Sarasota

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in 26STEP people will have seizure during their lifetime $25a– Quarter Mile Take that1FIRST … $50 – Half Mile support one, time – without warning 1 in and 26Seizures people willcan have strike a seizureany during theirany lifetime $100 – 1 Mile Seizures can strike any one, any time – without warning drive until they JoshProvides! In Florida, individuals cannot $250 – 2.5 Miles In Florida, individuals cannot drive until they $500 – 5 Mile areforseizure free for are seizure free 6 months.

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NOVEMBER 10 – 12

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SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club 6:00 p.m. $350 | bgcsarasota.com

NOVEMBER 28

PINES OF SARASOTA FOUNDATION WIT & WISDOM OF AGING LUNCHEON Michael’s On East 11:30 a.m. $125 | pinesofsarasota.org

NOVEMBER 30

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER DEJA BLUES The Brickyard 7:00 p.m. $175 | mywrc.org

social SCENE

Sarasota Veteran’s Day Parade

Main St & Osprey Ave 10:00 a.m.

Sarasota Hyatt Regency 6:00 p.m. $250 | argusfoundation.org

Sarasota Veterans' Day Parade

Planned Parenthood Fall Fashion Luncheon Michael’s On East 11:30 a.m. $100 myplannedparenthood.org

The Players Center for Performing Arts Wine Sampling Fundraiser Players Theatre Cabaret 5:30 p.m. $25 | theplayers.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast 50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon Selby Gardens 11:30 a.m. $75 | bbbssun.org

Argus Foundation Lifetime Achievement Awards

American Jewish Committee Civic Achievement Awards Dinner Michael’s On East 6:00 p.m. jfedsrq.org

Selah Freedom 'Rock the Boat' Against Sex Trafficking Rooftop of the Westin, Sarasota 7:00 p.m. $200 | selahfreedom.com

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Annual Gala Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 6:00 p.m. $200 westcoastblacktheatre.org

Bradenton Blues Fest

24 – 25

Historic Spanish Point Party at the Point: Florida Fancy

Lakewood Ranch Main Street Seafood & Music Festival 10:00 a.m. Free | lakewoodranch.com

6:30 p.m. $175 historicspanishpoint.org

Asolo Repertory Theatre 60th Anniversary Dinner

The Mustang Club of West Central Florida 27th Annual Ponies under the Palms

6:00 p.m. The Westin Sarasota $250 | specialevents@asolo.org

Benefiting Southeastern Guide Dogs and Take Stock in Children Main Street, Lakewood Ranch 8:00 a.m. Free | lakewoodranch.com

Designing Women Boutique Annual Gala Michael’s On East 6:00 p.m. $250 | designingwomensrq.org

nov 30 – dec 2

Asolo Rep & FSU/Asolo Conservatory Shakespeare in Nature: The Tempest

Bradenton Blues Fest

Bradenton Riverwalk BradentonBluesFestival.org

Bay Preserve, Conservation Foundation 3:00 p.m. Free conservationfoundation.com

S C EN ES A R A S O TA.C O M for the latest social scene party pics. To submit your event for consideration, please send information to scenemagazine@scenesarasota.com

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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UPCOMING events

127 S Pineapple Ave. | Downtown Sarasota

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival

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DEC 3 | Jewish Federation Women’s Day

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Art Ovation Hotel 11:30 a.m. jfedsrq.org

DEC 4 | La Musica International Chamber Music Festival Sonata a Due The Field Club 6:00 p.m. $250 | lamusicafestival.org

DEC 7 | The Florida Center for Early Childhood 31st Annual Winter Gala: An Enchanted Evening Michael’s On East 6:30 p.m. $200 | thefloridacenter.org

DEC 12 | Education Foundation of Sarasota County Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards Art Ovation Hotel 10:30 a.m. $85 | edfoundationsrq.org/ignite

DEC 16 | JFCS of the Suncoast Annual Gala: It's a Jungle Out There The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 5:00 p.m. $500 | jfcs-cares.org/gala 36

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

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2018

HOLIDAY EVENTS It’s that time of year when the world falls in love! It’s the holidays. There’s twinkle lights galore, mall Santas, tree lightings and lots of heart-warming happenings. Our streets fill with merrymakers, pub crawlers and those spreading good cheer. There’s enough happening to fill your calendars to the brim! Here are some to get you started.

NOVEMBER 2–3

Village of the Arts, Bradenton Friday 5:30 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m.

Hyatt Regency $20 – $45 7:30 a.m.

Dia de los Muertos / Festival of the Skeletons

LWR Running Club's Turkey Trot Thanksgiving-themed 5K Lakewood Ranch Main Street $10 - $30 6:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Eve Party: "Main Street Live" Old Main Street, Bradenton 5:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving Eve Siesta Key Village Turkey Trot Pub Crawl Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key Village 9:00 p.m.

3388

SARASOTA SCENE SCENE || NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2018 2018 SARASOTA

9th Annual Thanksgiving Morning Turkey Trot 5K

34th annual Light Up Siesta Key and Village Holiday Parade Beach Road 5:30 p.m.

Venice Holiday Parade Historic downtown Venice 7:00 p.m.

Deck the Halls at Ca' d'Zan Ringling Museum $15 5:00 p.m.

Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting Five Points Park 6:00 p.m.

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DECEMBER 1

Along the Intracoastal Waterway 6:00 p.m.

Sarasota Bay 6:00 p.m.

Venice Christmas Boat Parade

23rd Annual Sarasota Holiday Parade Main Street, Sarasota 7:00 p.m.

1–2

3rd annual Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival 10:00 a.m.

Holiday Splendor at The Ringling The Museum of Art, Circus Museum and Ca’d’Zan $15 5:00 p.m.

40th Annual Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle St. Armands Circle Park 5:30 p.m.

7, 8, 15

Holidays at The Point Historic Spanish Point Age 21+ 6:00 p.m. historicspanishpoint.org

33rd Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

21st Annual Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade Starts near Snead Island, ends at Pier 22 6:30 p.m.

13, 20, 27

Deck the Halls at Ca' d'Zan Ringling Museum $15 5:00 p.m.

Holidays Around The Ranch Main Street at Lakewood Ranch 6:00 p.m.

Dec 20 – 23, 26 – 30, Jan 1

15th annual Lights in Bloom Selby Gardens $20 - $25 6:00 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop Downtown Sarasota, Gulf Stream & Main Street 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

Main Street Live Old Main Street, Bradenton Age 21+ 3:30 p.m. – midnight

NOVEMBER2018 2018 | | SARASOTA SARASOTASCENE SCENE 39 39 NOVEMBER

DREAM WEAVER COLLECTION 364 ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE SARASOTA | 941-388-1974 DREAMWEAVERCOLLECTION.COM

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MIEKO MINTZ TRUNK SHOW NOVEMBER 15 & 16 10:00 A.M. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 P.M.

Soft cotton and silk jackets and dresses with matching and contrasting shawls and necklaces.

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Donna Koffman & Margaret Wise

Cynthia Mallick

Erin Brosious, Perry Corneau & Barbara Fleener

Suzanne Atwell & David Verinder

PARTY pics KEY TO THE CURE The 13th annual Key to the Cure Campaign benefiting Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue was recently held at The Mall at University Town Center. Since 2005, over $1.5 million has been raised to support Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cancer Services at SMH. Funding from Key to the Cure has helped cover approximately 1,000 breast-health visits a year. Rebecca Freedman & Dr. Alissa Shulman

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Dr. Katherine Keeley

Dr. Anna Widmyer & Christy Wright

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Drs. Michael Mullan, Fiona Crawford & Andrew Keegan

Carisa Campanella, Robyn Faucy-Washington & Nikki Taylor

Peppi Elona & Wendy Surkis

ROSKAMP INSTITUTE: GREY MATTERS SYMPOSIUM ON ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH More than 285 mostly grey-clad attendees gathered at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens to hear about current research and participate in a Q & A session with keynote speaker Dr. Andrew Keegan, Dr. Fiona Crawford, and Dr. Mike Mullan. Grey Matters: A Symposium on Alzheimer’s Disease Research, benefiting The Roskamp Institute, raised approximately $115,000.

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Frida Holmes, Alexander Holmes & Adeline Wilson

RED HOT FOR SUNCOAST BLOOD BANK Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall was “Red Hot” for SunCoast Blood Bank’s annual fundraiser supporting the purchase of a new bloodmobile. Guests dined, danced, gambled and bid high for auction items. The highlight of the evening was 21 year-old Sarasota Military Academy grad and Coast Guardsman Alexander Holmes’ story of a gunshot wound requiring 65 units of blood to survive. Rear Admiral Steve Branham, USCG (retired) board president; Amy Tuten, Red Hot Chair & Scott Bush CEO Lynn Clement & Pina Schott

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Loyd Robbins, Sandi Chapnick & Freya Robbins

JOSHPROVIDES WINE DINNER More than 90 guests attended an exclusive five-course wine dinner at Café L’Europe to support the programs and services of JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation. Dinner cochairs were Traci Smullen and Anne Weintraub. JoshProvides offers help and hope to children, families and individuals who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Services include Support Groups for youth, individuals, caregivers and parents; distribution of seizure detection and alert devices; assistance with transportation and medical services. Richard Russ, Andria Bilan & Alfred Rose

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2 018 HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE Make your list and check it twice. Picking the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list doesn’t have to feel like an impossible feat. From your parents and siblings to your significant other, your boss or best friend – there are endless possibilities. No matter what, it’s the thoughtful, personal presents that mean the most. Our strategy: go beautiful, pragmatic and useful whenever possible. Here are our picks for some of the most fabulous local gifts for a holiday to remember.

50 50

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018 SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

1 | Shelly’s Gifts & Christmas Boutique Ornament and stand by Christopher Radio, 16” tall. $77 | shellysgifts.com

2 | Foxy Lady West Cell phone purses by Mary Frances: Scottie Love, Spanish Rose, Vino. From $62 | foxyladysarasota.com 3 | Spice & Tea Exchange Tea, accessories, and more. $5 - $75 | spiceandtea.com 4 | Sue Ellen’s Flowers Farmhouse Fresh decadent gift basket. $175 | sueellensflowers.com 5 | Gold & Diamond Source Juleve Necklace & Earrings – 18kt white gold, emeralds & diamonds. Exclusive to Gold & Diamond Source. $299,000 / $32,899 | goldanddiamond.com 6 | Molly’s! A Chic & Unique Boutique After Shokz TREKZ AIR Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones. Complete Titanium Frame, PremiumPitch+™ Dynamic stereo sound. $150 | mollyssarasota.com

7 | Dream Weaver Collection Aquamarine, 14 – 17mm South Sea Baroque Pearls, 18kt gold necklace. $5,500 | dreamweavercollection.com 8 | Just Because Realistic vintage bus replica timepiece, 6.8” wide x 2.9” high. $42 | justbecausesarasota.com

9 | Sara Campbell Hooded wool/cashmere blend poncho with removable faux fur. Available in oatmeal or black. $358 | saracampbell.com

NOVEMBER 2018 || SARASOTA SCENE NOVEMBER 2018 SARASOTA SCENE

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GIFT GUIDE 4|

1 | Lyteworks “Oceano Glass Wave” by Viz Glass Water Color Collection. Pieces are handmade in small batches. $220 | lyteworks.com 2 | The Sarasota Opera For season or individual opera ticket gifts, visit the box office under the green awning at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. Online ticketing is available 24 hours a day. sarasotaopera.org 3 | Lotus Boutique 18kt Yellow Gold Fireworks Zig Zag Baguette Diamond Bangle by Suzanne Kalan. $8,220 | lotussarasota.com 4 | Malbi Décor Short necklace with gold shells and coral branches. Purse in silk velvet handmade in Italy, each piece is numbered. $260 / $380 | malbidecor.com 5 | Author Michael Jordan The Company of Demons, a thriller by Longboat Key author Michael Jordan. Available everywhere books are sold. $15.95 | michaeljordanbooks.com

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

2 018 HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE

6 | Pet Portraits Unique Pet Photography by Nancy Guth. Any species pet. Starting at $150 | nancyguth.com

7 | The Exchange Handmade sterling silver and garnets. Necklace: $288 / Earrings: $85 sarasotawex.com 8 | Rugs As Art Outdoor pillows, 100% polyester, watercolor artist-inspired. Fade resistant. $39 | rugsasart.com

9 | The Sarasota Studio 2019 Bentley Bentayga V8. Contact The Sarasota Studio for pricing. thesarasotastudio.com 10 | Banyan Tree Chocolate & CafĂŠ Gourmet chocolates, cookies, truffles and more made by hand locally. banyantreechocolate.com

9| 10 |

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

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MOST AUTHENTIC PLACE

To Celebrate Christmas? WHY IT’S THE

HOMETOWN OF

SANTA CLAUS OF COURSE! BY JACQUELINE MILLER Did you know that Rovaniemi, in the Finnish Lapland at the Arctic Circle, has been dubbed the official hometown of Santa Claus? Santa could not have chosen a more magical place to call his home, a home at which he meets visitors every day of the year. It is also a popular place to cross the Arctic Circle and you can even get a certificate confirming your feat. Start off with a visit to Santa Claus Office, located at the heart of the Santa Claus Village. There you’ll get a glimpse of Santa’s secrets, including one of his biggest secrets – the Earth’s Rotational Speed Regulator. It also gets you rubbing elbows with some of Santa’s elves. Then, imagine going underneath the Arctic Circle to an indoor Christmas theme park, where you can join elves in their magical world, earn your diploma from Elf school, decorate and devour gingerbread cookies in Mrs. Gingerbread’s Kitchen, feel the crispy winter in Ice Princess´ Ice Gallery, take a ride on the Magic Train, enjoy a Magical Christmas Show on the stage and of course, and meet Santa himself. Want to send your Christmas list to Santa before your visit or post one when you get there? Letters from around the globe are on display at Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, where visitors

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

can order letters from Santa and send their own holiday greetings, stamped with a special postmark. Its official address is: Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Tahtikuja 1, 96930 Arctic Circle, Finland The post office is open every day of the year. And what would a visit to see Santa be without getting pulled on a sleigh with Blitzen and Rudolph leading the way! Plus, there’s so many other winter activities for families to enjoy. Rovaniemi is approximately 520 miles from Helsinki, Finland. There are daily flight, train and coach connections where you can meet families from all around the world who want to experience the magic of Santa’s hometown.

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

philanthropy

Passion FOR THE FUTURE

OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE | PHOTO BY NANCY GUTH

LIKE SO MANY LOCALS, LARRY GREENSPON IS A FORMER MIDWESTERNER—HE LIVED AND WORKED FOR SOME FOUR DECADES ON CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE. By 1992, he started wintering in Longboat Key largely because his job allowed him the freedom to work away from home. What better place to be during the slush and snow of Chicago’s winters than Florida, right? These days, Larry’s officially a local, and he’s come to support his new community in impressive, generous ways. He’s given to local theaters, food banks, the Boys and Girls Clubs, plus plenty of other worthy groups and organizations. But no matter how you look at it, it seems like destiny that The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFED) and Larry would become great partners. “Not only does the country of Israel and I share the same birth year,” Larry says, “but we share the exact same birthdate too! That’s telling me something.” In recent years, Larry’s found more and more ways to support the events and programming that JFED does. A key moment that motivated his most recent gift to them happened when he was the lead sponsor for their 70th birthday celebration for Israel. “I never expected such a turnout—some 3,000 people showed up and filled the federation grounds.” It’s those grounds that Larry 58

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

is most interested in. Sure, they’re doing good work. But Larry had to wonder: How much more good work could JFED do with better, more up-to-date facilities? Larry felt that the 32-acre campus was a diamond in the rough that simply needed some polish. And he was the one to provide it via a cornerstone lead gift. The refurbished campus will now be called The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life that includes The Larry and Mary Greenspon Sports Complex. Larry simply refers to what’s planned for the campus as a “refurbishing” and a “redevelopment.” But JFED considers it to be far more than that. Mike Ritter, President of JFED’s Board, explains what this gift means to JFED. “Larry is a true visionary and his support has already been transformative,” he says. “Larry’s generosity will allow us to serve the changing needs of our Jewish community for many years to come. His philanthropy will also serve as a leadership example for others to participate in our vision for the new campus.” More specifically, though, Ritter believes that Larry’s gift will have a significant impact on both the Jewish community and the community as a whole. “Our plan is to utilize our entire 32-acre campus to appeal to families with children, pre-teens and teens, attract younger Jews in their 30s-50s to more actively

philanthropy

participate in Jewish communal life, engage baby boomers and older generations in cultural and educational programming and work closely with Jewish institutions as well as local faith, needbased, arts and minority-based organizations.” Larry is especially interested in that last point. The idea that people of all faiths and backgrounds are served by JFEDs campus pleases him greatly. It’s one of the reasons he’s been a longtime fan and supporter of Israel Tennis Centers (ITC), a foundation that utilizes tennis as a vehicle to enrich the lives of children in Israel. Their 14 tennis centers throughout Israel work with about 20,000 kids a year, and more than half a million since it began. “Arabs, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Bedouins, they’re all welcome and they all participate,” Larry notes. “It’s worked out amazingly well. And while people might find it a little strange, ITC recently rolled out a women’s empowerment program.” Along with JFED, ITC is a nonprofit that “hits home for me,” Larry says. “Tennis is a big part of my life. It’s done a lot of good things for me. I’ve always thought it could be a positive thing in the lives of others, too.” For JFED, Larry’s commitment to improve the campus is a positive thing in the lives of others. And Ritter notes the timing of this support couldn’t be better. “We are seeing changing and increasing needs and interests among Jewish people living in Sarasota-Manatee.

There are many new people moving here who are looking for Jewish engagement as well as current residents who want increased involvement. We will now have the ability to have a true Campus for Jewish life in Sarasota-Manatee.” Larry knows that having a robust JFED with adequate facilities helps keep Jewish people more involved in their faith. “The Fed sort of becomes the center of Jewish life in many cities,” he says. “That’s what Jewish life revolves around. You have synagogue and you have the Fed.” Thanks to Larry, JFED will be able to significantly increase their programming and improve the reach of their efforts. “As you get older,” Larry admits, “you start to realize that you can’t take it with you. I’ve made a few dollars in my day, and I’m proud to be able to support worthy causes. And for me and my family, this is a very nice legacy. For the Federation, though, this is a necessity. They deserve first-rate facilities. They deserve so much more. I’m very excited about their future.”

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

about The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, please visit www.jfedsrq.org or call 941.371.4546.

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Superhero philanthropy

RAISING A

STEPHENIE SHAVER

BY SYLVIA WHITMAN | PHOTO BY KELLY KEARNS

Empty nester Stephenie Shaver tears up now and then as she talks about her beloved Kody. “It’s still fresh,” she apologizes. Two weeks ago, Kody left for school. Still, it was time for him to launch. “He was ready for more challenges than I could give him,” she says. She brings over a framed photo of Kody at four months. It’s labeled FUTURE SUPERHERO, and we coo over the soft face, the deep brown eyes. “An old soul,” one of her family members observed. Kody grew fast, impressing Stephenie with his energy, loyalty, and intuition. This past year she received bad news in a phone call, and Kody “put his head in my lap and sat right there while I hugged on him,” she says. “He was such a comfort to me.” Mostly, they had fun together. Stephenie wistfully recalls some favorite outings—the park, the grocery store, and the fire station, where the chief let Kody sniff the truck and then flashed the lights and sounded the siren. Kody didn’t even flinch. They also spent many happy hours out in a boat with Stephenie’s husband, Paul, a devout fisherman. As soon as Kody heard the reel whir, he waited by the rod for the catch. “I’m sure everybody says their dog’s the smartest,” Stephenie says, “but Kody really is.” Did we mention that Kody is an aspiring Southeastern Guide Dog? In early 2017, Stephenie had no inkling that she would raise a superhero. She and her husband, snowbirds from Tennessee, spend much of the year in Venice. Paul has his retirement project: fishing. Stephenie was casting about for hers. A mother of three (and grandmother of seven), she had developed a late career as a social services administrator, first at a residential treatment program for juvenile sex offenders and then with a company that runs private schools for children with special needs. For 62

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

philanthropy

a spell, she also took care of her mother, who died of Alzheimer’s disease. Many volunteer opportunities focus on children or seniors, but Stephenie longed for a new direction. Then she spotted a Southeastern Guide Dogs billboard. Stephenie likes dogs. Over their long marriage, she and Paul had three labs. She visited the organization’s website, saw the specs for a volunteer puppy raiser, and immediately disqualified herself because she doesn’t live in Florida full time. But investigating more deeply, she discovered that she was eligible. Volunteer raisers must bring puppies to hour long trainings twice a month, but since there is a Southeastern Guide Dogs group in Nashville, as well as two in Sarasota County, she could fulfill her responsibility. Paul signed on, and a staffer visited the house. In October 2017, the Shavers drove to Palmetto and picked up four-month-old Kody. “He came running in the room and couldn’t be contained,” Stephenie says. She plays a video on her phone; it’s hard to tell who was more excited. “Just like a new grandbaby,” she says. Guide dog puppies sleep in crates. That first night, Kody whined, but he quieted when Stephenie scooted the crate alongside her half of the bed and dangled her hand. “He was my dog from that day on,” she says. She concedes that feeding him might have something to do with the attachment, but he followed her everywhere, even to the bathroom door. They developed a routine. First, get up and go outside, where Kody learned to pee on the busy command. Next, breakfast, followed by another trip to the grass so Kody could “busy busy.” He soon developed a special friendship with a backyard cardinal, who flew in regularly and chirped as Kody sat on the lanai. As a puppy raiser, Stephenie’s job was to teach Kody basic obedience commands and social skills. She potty-trained Kody and accustomed him to walking by her left side. The early training sessions Southeastern Guide Dogs dubs “kindergarten,” but once puppies have mastered the basics, they earn their blue coat, which gives them full guide-dog access to human spaces. The Shavers and Kody tooled around town.

To My Superhero By Stephenie Shaver I taught You “sit” and I learned success. I taught You “stay” and I learned patience. I taught You “break” and I learned self-control. I taught You “down” and I learned relaxation. I taught You “come” and I learned loyalty. I taught You “let’s go” and I experienced your world. I taught You “heel” and I learned faithfulness. I taught You trust and I learned confidence. I taught You games to play and I learned to enjoy life. I gave You love and I learned yours is unconditional. I took You in for training and I learned to be strong. I raised a puppy and You changed my life.

Stephenie admits that raising Kody required a “big commitment,” especially those first few weeks of getting up in the middle of the night to take him outside. “You’ve got a baby again,” she says. But the benefits outweighed any hardships. “He got me up and going every day,” she says. “I took walks I had not taken. It improved my health. I lost weight. I met people that I would have never met. People in this community—they all know Kody’s name. “It was amazing to me how appreciative people are for what I was doing,” she adds. The Southeastern Guide Dog community also provides support, with a coordinator on call to answer questions. “You’re never alone in any situation,” says Stephenie. Although puppy raisers supply kibble, Southeastern Guide Dogs covers vet care. Some special rules apply to these pups—no sleeping on the bed, no romping in dog parks, no roughhousing—but they enjoy playdates within other future superheroes. Volunteers sit for each other to allow families a night out, and pups even go to “camp.” In his group trainings, Kody learned by crossing bridges to ignore traffic noises. He practiced a handful of commands, including stay and drop it. Like all youngsters, Kody sometimes tested limits; Stephenie remembers that during a coordinator’s visit, he refused to place even though he knew very well he was supposed to plunk down on his pillow. He looked at Stephenie, looked at the pillow, looked at Stephenie, looked at the pillow—and finally did as he was told. “He would work me,” Stephenie says with a laugh. But as soon as he put on the blue coat, he heeled without rebellion. Stephenie worried that she wasn’t drilling Kody effectively, especially since he struggled with “dog distraction.” In retrospect, though, she thinks the problem lay more with her anxiety as a first-time raiser than with exuberant Kody; he just needed to mature. When he turned 10 months old, she cried because she feared he wasn’t making timely progress. But at 14 months, when Southeastern Guide Dogs gave the official two weeks recall notice, she knew he was ready. Turn-in day was tough. As directed, Stephenie passed a treat to the staff trainer, but before

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Kody in work vest Kody followed it, she whispered in his ear: “Make us proud.” Southeastern Guide Dogs organized a special day for the 27 puppy raisers saying goodbye: they heard from a sight-impaired staffer and practiced walking blind with a trained dog. “It made it all worthwhile,” says Stephenie. “I almost felt a little selfish being sad, because I realized what a good job Kody’s going to do.”

NOV 25, 2018, 4pm • Sarasota Opera House Misatango, a tango mass from Argentina, combines the passion of tango with the ancient beauty of the Latin mass, sung to the melodies and rhythms of the streets of Buenos Aires. Dancers from The Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company, choreographed by Elizabeth Bergmann, present an unforgettable feast for the senses. Behind the Music with Joseph Caulkins 1 hour before the concert and a post-concert reception.

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Less than half of Southeastern puppies meet the demanding criteria for becoming guide dogs for the visually impaired, but all will work—as service dogs for veterans, as public safety K-9s, as goodwill ambassadors, as breeders, and more. Stephenie is eager to learn Kody’s career track once he graduates from “canine university.” “Kody, no matter what he does, he’s going to make a difference in somebody’s life,” Stephenie says. “There’s no doubt about it. It’s like with your kids. You instill the basics, and you hope they build on them.” And yes, she and Paul will soon be raising another superhero.

KeyChorale.org • 941.921.4845 F O R M O R E IN F O R M AT IO N

on Southeastern Guide Dogs, call 941.729.5665 visit www.guidedogs.org 64

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

Kate Honea | Photographer Matthew Holler | Dress courtesy of Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay

The Sarasota Ballet

Sunday 6 January 2019 Susan Graham • Marcelo Gomes • Guest Artists • The Sarasota Ballet

941.225.6510 | SarasotaBallet.org

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

“THE MUSIC

Noah Racey as Harold Hill in Asolo Rep’s The Music Man

BRINGING

BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE | PHOTO BY JOHN REVISKY 66 6 6

SARASOTA SCENE || NOVEMBER OCTOBER SEPTEMBER2018 2018 SARASOTA 2018

MAN”

TO ASOLO REP

The beloved musical The Music Man was a Broadway sensation when it opened in 1957 and a hit movie starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones in 1962. Tony Award-nominated director Jeff Calhoun returns to Asolo Rep to direct his version of this treasured American classic and award-winning actor, dancer and choreographer Noah Racey entertains as Harold Hill.

Jeff Calhoun is a huge fan of Asolo Repertory Theatre, which is enjoying its 60th anniversary season this year. “It’s the perfect theater (Asolo Rep),” he says about the venue where he’s already done two wildly successful shows—the pre-Broadway tryout of Bonnie & Clyde in 2010 and the world premiere of Noah Racey’s Pulse in 2012. “The geographic location? You can’t beat it. Plus the people—the audiences—are so incredibly theater savvy and cultured. If you want to put on a show, why WOULDN’T you do it there?” So, of course, Calhoun pitched Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards the idea of letting him direct a new musical, yet Edwards reluctantly had to pass. The new musical slot in the season wasn’t available. But Edwards said there WAS room for a classic. “I couldn’t think of any classic that I was interested in reviving,” Calhoun said, “but then I took it back—there was one that I’ve always wanted to do: The Music Man. As a child, I wanted to be Harold Hill.” From the first time Calhoun saw The Music Man, he became a huge fan of Robert Preston, who played the role of Harold Hill in both the 1957 musical on Broadway and the 1962 film adaptation. As a child, Calhoun found himself attracted to larger-than-life singing and dancing roles, and this led him to pursue a career as a dancer, director and choreographer on Broadway. But directing one of the most beloved musicals of all time comes with challenges. “It’s a classic for a reason,” says Calhoun. “And we don’t want to change the music—it’s such a beloved score. So how do we tell this same story with 21st century sensibilities?”

Calhoun faced a similar challenge with his Tonynominated work on Newsies. When dealing with a turn-of-the-century story like that, he explains, it’s easy to make a production feel like an oldfashioned revival. The same issue exists with The Music Man, set in the fictional town of River City, Iowa in 1912. But thanks to the many conversations and strategy sessions with Edwards and the design team, Asolo Rep’s version of The Music Man will feel fresh, current, and relevant. Part of how this will happen is Calhoun’s commitment to make the piece live sculpturally on the stage. That type of cinematic three-dimensionality will strike home more powerfully than any painted porches and flat scenery that’s pushed in from the wings. Calhoun explains that “I try very hard not to come into a production with preconceived ideas. I don’t have a particular style that I try to impose on every show. I try to let each story lead me to its own DNA—that’s why I hope that I’ve never had two shows that look the same.” Without giving any real spoilers, he admits that choreography is going to be a special component this time around. Instead of having everything stop as the audience waits for the start of a new scene, he’s going to continue the narrative in and out of scenes through dance. “Harold Hill’s narrative will never stop.” And to make that happen, Calhoun has an ace in the hole—the dynamic actor playing Harold Hill. “Noah Racey is one of the foremost dance men in the country, and that’s exactly what Harold Hill was. Noah’s spectacular dancing and musical theater skills become a metaphor for the fast-talking shyster that is Harold Hill.”

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“The geographic location? You can’t beat it. Plus the people— the audiences—are so incredibly theater savvy and cultured. If you want to put on a show, why WOULDN’T you do it there?”

Jeff Calhoun, director of Asolo Rep’s The Music Man

Racey couldn’t be more excited about taking on this massive role. “Harold is an awesome, flawed character. He keeps moving. He doesn’t stop. He just keeps working his magic, doing his snake oil salesman bit, and he’s so, so good at it. Then something in town trips him up and his heart bursts wide open. He suddenly sees life as he’s never seen it before.” And Racey thinks it’s the perfect story for this point in history where cynicism and pessimism can be countered with a Hill-like opening up. Moving from being completely me-centered to us-centered is Hill’s saving grace. That same story of redemption can be ours, too, thanks to the power of love and its ability to make us better people. “It’s truly one of the best pieces in the canon of musical theater history,” Racey says. “It’s bold, crass, and shot out of a canon. It’s completely relentless in its tempo, how the story unfolds. It’ll be such a fun evening. I’m so excited to perform this in front of the Sarasota audience. They’re so discerning—they love good theater.” The success of Racey’s previous work with Calhoun is part of the secret sauce that’s making everyone so excited about The

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

Music Man launching Asolo Rep’s 60th anniversary season. “Jeff’s playful. He’s passionate and considerate. I love working with him,” Racey admits. And he’s equally taken by Edwards, explaining that “he’s such a steady, supportive person. Yet there’s this wonderful mischievousness about Michael. He knows the craziness at the root of making believe—the grand ruse that we all do.” Calhoun adds that Michael Donald Edwards is “one of the most intelligent, impressive producing artistic directors in the country. He’s one of my favorite people in the world. And Asolo Rep is one of my two favorite theaters.” With that type of respect, chemistry, and creativity, the result is sure to be wondrous. So come see what type of “trouble” Edwards, Calhoun, and Racey bring to River City, Iowa in Asolo Rep’s production of The Music Man, running November 13 - December 29. From all accounts, it’s going to be fun, wild ride. For more information on Asolo Rep or to order tickets for The Music Man, please visit www.asolorep.org or call 941.351.8000.

Sarasota Opera Invites You To

The Opera Gala Saturday, February 2, 2019, 6:30 pm The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota $325 per person Black Tie Gala Chairs: Larry English & Carol English Please join us for Sarasotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most glamourous evening! Cocktail Hour Silent Auction Dazzling Four-Course Dinner Performance by Sarasota Opera Artists Live Music for Dancing For reservations, please call the Box Office at (941) 328-1300 Online tickets available at sarasotaopera.org Sponsored by:

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

where are they now? A Look at How Brunch on the Bay has Helped

USF Sarasota-Manatee Students

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE Back in 1994, Charles Baumann and a group of advisors to the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee saw the need to raise funds to provide scholarships for local students, some of whom might not otherwise be able to afford college. Before they acted on their vision of hosting a fundraising event, a consultant conducted a community feasibility survey, and the results weren’t positive. “The consultant basically said USF Sarasota-Manatee was not known well enough to do this,” said Baumann. “So, the leadership team decided to host a community ‘friendraiser’ instead, hoping to create greater awareness about the university.” “We really wanted to create something that was not your traditional black-tie affair, but something that was more casual and fun that would attract people of all ages from both Manatee and Sarasota counties,” said Baumann, who grew up in Manatee and worked in Sarasota most of his career as an accountant. The event, called Brunch on the Bay, was a huge success, drawing several hundred people, and 25 years later it is considered one of the premier events in the SarasotaManatee region. The first Brunch, which Baumann chaired, not only brought people to campus (at the time, USFSM shared a campus with New College of Florida), but it also generated funding for student scholarships. “We never imagined that Brunch on the Bay would have the impact that it has,” said Baumann, who also co-chaired the 20th annual Brunch five years ago. “I’m so proud of the way our community leaders and businesses still support the event. It’s exciting and fun to meet friends at the event and especially the students who benefit from the generosity of donors.” Twenty-five years later, the generous support of those who attend Brunch on the Bay continues to help make the dream of a college degree a reality for many students.

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“Support from Brunch on the Bay really provided the foundation for me. People told me, ‘You can do this. This is what you’re supposed to do.’ ” -Francisco Loera

Meet Francisco Loera (above) , who majored in K-6 elementary education from 2016-18. Loera chose USFSM because of its proximity to home and smaller class size (the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1), which enabled him to work closely with colleagues and professors. “I wasn’t just another face that’s lost in the crowd,” he said. Upon graduation, Loera accepted his dream job and is now a fifth-grade ELA/social studies/writing teacher at Palmetto Elementary School. “Brunch on the Bay helped cement that I was called to be a teacher,” said Loera, who had concerns about how he would complete an unpaid, five-month studentteaching obligation. “Support from Brunch on the Bay really provided the foundation for me. People told me, ‘You can do this. This is what you’re supposed to do, and there are people that believe in what you’re doing.’” Dat Vu (right) enrolled at USFSM in fall 2007, finished a dual-degree program in accounting and finance in spring 2013, then completed an MBA in fall 2016. “USFSM gave me the opportunity to remain local, continuing my desire to give back to my community and pursue my professional goal,” said Vu. “Being close to my family was an extra added benefit.”

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Vu was hired at Feld Entertainment as a staff accountant five years ago and has since been promoted to senior accountant. “What makes Brunch on the Bay so unique is it brings together diverse members of the community where the goal is to give back, and with the support of people who come, undergraduate students like me could have the ability to fulfill their academic dreams and have open doors for opportunities that last a lifetime.” “USFSM gave me an opportunity to grow professionally and personally. With small classroom settings, I was able to stay more focused and able to work closely with my professors, so I could get the assistance I needed. In addition, by joining and becoming active with student organizations on campus, I had the chance to become more socialized and confident when dealing with groups of people.” After his 2013 graduation, Vu received an Outstanding Graduate Award for excellence in academics and involvement with student life. Vu’s advice to prospective USFSM students? “The Sarasota-Manatee community is so bright and vibrant with a wealth of talents. When you attend USFSM, you will have the opportunity to meet, network, and share your knowledge with those professionals. Brunch on the Bay helps ensure local talent stays local.”

“When you attend USFSM, you will have the opportunity to meet, network, and share your knowledge with those professionals. Brunch on the Bay helps ensure local talent stays local.” -Dat Vu

Jami Worley (above) transferred to USFSM from Manatee Community College in 2010 and graduated a year later with a psychology degree focusing on psychology and law. She graduated from the Stetson University College of Law and founded Worley Elder Law, a Bradenton firm specializing in estate planning and elder law needs. Worley loves to educate families on their options and design plans to fit their individual needs, with an added bonus being that “Owning my own firm also means that I have more flexibility which grants me the ability to volunteer in the community.” “Having financial support from scholarships removes this level of stress that you have to worry about whether you need to get a part-time job, how you’re going to balance work and school,” said Worley. “USFSM is an amazing school — you’ll be challenged academically and given multiple opportunities to be involved on the campus and in the community. If you put in the work, you’ll graduate as a better person who’s ready to tackle the future.” As a USFSM student, Worley served as a professor’s research assistant. That opportunity “expanded not just my knowledge of the subject, but my understanding of how humans interpret information and actions. It shaped my academic writing and research skills, which gave me an advantage later when I attended law school. Having the opportunity to be involved on that level was life changing, and I would encourage every student to take advantage of similar opportunities if able.” These are just a few examples of the personal stories many USFSM students and alums share—stories that underscore the importance of financial support from local businesses and community members through events like Brunch on the Bay. “When people donate to student scholarships, sometimes that’s just enough to push students over the edge to complete their degrees,” Baumann said. “Sometimes, just a little support makes a big difference in a students’ ability to even go to college, earn a degree and then make a difference in our community.” For more information on University of South Florida SarasotaManatee, please visit www.usfsm.edu or call 941.359.4200.

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

MOTE SCIENCE EDUCATION AQUARIUM

By Sue Cullen

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

A green light signal from Sarasota County Commissioners has put the expansion of Mote Marine Laboratory’s research capabilities on City Island and its visionary plans for a landmark Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) one step closer. The Commissioners’ unanimous agreement in September to provide Mote with about nine acres of Nathan Benderson Park has added momentum to Mote’s $130 million Oceans for All fundraising campaign for construction of the new aquarium, which also will be a hub for marine science education. “We are grateful and pleased that the Sarasota County Commissioners have again voiced unanimous support for us to secure land in Nathan Benderson Park for Mote’s new Science Education Aquarium and for working toward providing financial support for the construction of this incredible asset for our community, region and state,” said Mote President and CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby in a statement. “The Commissioners have taken a positive step forward to realize a shared vision of Oceans for All that will provide innovative science education experiences at no cost to our K through 12 schools, workforce development opportunities for the next generation, and enhanced levels of ocean literacy, as well as bringing more visitors and visibility for Sarasota County and southwest Florida.” In October, an announcement was made that Sarasota County and Mote are working on an agreement that would increase the site of the aquarium to about 27 acres. Particulars regarding the requested investment of Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax funds for construction of Mote SEA also must be addressed. Raising public funds is one aspect of the Oceans for All campaign, as is securing private support with individual, family and foundation donors and corporate partnerships. Mote launched the campaign in February with commitments for 20 percent of the $130 million already secured and has since hired Michael E. Moore, a fundraising professional with more than 30 years experience, to direct the campaign, Crosby said. In addition, the first 100 donors who give or pledge $250,000 or more toward the construction will become part of a new group, the SEA Explorers. Construction of the new aquarium and eventual expansion of research labs and facilities on City Island will have short-term and longer-term tangible impacts on the region economically.

“. . . THE FIRST 100 DONORS WHO GIVE OR PLEDGE $250,000 OR MORE TOWARD THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BECOME PART OF A NEW GROUP, THE SEA EXPLORERS.”

Mote SEA is expected to double the number of visitors the current Aquarium draws each year to an estimated 700,000 based on feasibility studies. Its ongoing annual economic impact is expected to be nearly $28 million. It also will support more than 260 direct and indirect jobs. Mote SEA’s construction–which currently is targeted to begin in 2019–is expected to bring about $280 million to the local economy. The project’s current completion is anticipated in 2021, assuming the required approvals and funding are secured. Less quantifiable, perhaps–sans a market research study–is the impact of Mote SEA on the region’s cachet and reputation as a desirable destination for retirees and vacationers. However, an imposing four-story structure that looks somewhat like a docked cruise ship visible to I-75 traffic should inspire curiosity at a minimum. Considering that an average of 60,000 vehicles drive past the nearby University Parkway interchange north- and southbound daily, that would place about 43 million eyes on Mote SEA annually. The building will be eye-catching even at night with video and still images projected across its white exterior. Visitors can have a more hands-on experience than traditionally anticipated at the aquarium and there also will be plenty of exhibit space at approximately 110,000 square feet and 1 million gallons of exhibit water. Interactive technology and teaching labs will heighten

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Biologist Amanda Hodo the experience along with informal science education to inspire curiosity about, and respect for, the oceans’ vital role in the welfare of the planet and its inhabitants. Visitors also can participate in onsite diving programs. Planning for all that is currently underway with two committees at Mote working on the transition and space planning for the new aquarium. That includes determining where exhibits will be placed based on the needs of the animals. Otters, for instance, need sunlight and likely will bunk on the top floor beneath the skylights. Exhibits featuring sea life, coral reefs and ecosystems from across the globe are planned with more than 100 species including fan favorites like seahorses, manatees, sharks, sea turtles and jellyfish. Also included in the new Mote SEA are plans to attract additional visitors through the area by providing a unique venue for corporate meetings and conferences as well as offering space for the hosting of major events. This includes inside venues with a backdrop of underwater marine exhibits and on the grounds surrounding Mote SEA with views of the picturesque Benderson Park lake. Support of marine science education is one of Mote’s key initiatives both informally for visitors and with STEMfocused opportunities for K-12 students from across the region at no charge. Current education programs serve

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

about 30,000 participants of all ages and with Mote SEA, plans are to double participation. Specialized teaching labs are incorporated into Mote SEA to provide hands-on marine science and augmented reality technology experiences. Mote particularly plans to focus on increasing participation of underserved and under-represented populations and at-risk youth. This is a mission that has been undertaken enthusiastically by one young African American Mote Aquarium biologist who recently won a national contest for a video detailing her mission to touch the lives of children in underserved communities. Biologist Amanda Hodo’s video earned top honors from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which sponsored the contest and also is the accrediting body for 232 zoos and aquariums including Mote. In the video, Hodo describes her role in conservation through breeding fish and helping seahorse species among other responsibilities. She also discusses why she serves as a mentor in Mote’s SciGirls program that helps girls explore STEM careers. “My goal is to help inspire love of the ocean and science in kids in underserved communities because if you see it, then you feel more like you can achieve it,” Hodo said. With the aquarium’s move, Mote will have six campuses including its headquarters, which will remain on City Island, and field stations in eastern Sarasota County and the Florida

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Keys. Pursuing more than 20 research programs, Mote’s scientists are running out of space. With oceans and marine species under increasing stress, this research is aimed at conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and has significant implications for the area’s emerging Blue Economy. Mote, as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization, envisions using space on City Island to foster greater cooperative research internationally to unravel complex issues like declining coral reefs, sustainable aquaculture, red tide, conservation of sharks, rays and sea turtles, marine immunology, fisheries enhancement, ocean acidification and more. The vision as described by Dr. Crosby is to create a Silicon Valley of marine science in this region.

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

The end goal is to transform City Island into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park, but that can’t happen without Mote SEA. “Mote SEA will significantly enhance what brings people to Sarasota and Southwest Florida, an incredible natural environment, fishing, water sports, and renowned cultural attractions,” Crosby said. “Mote SEA will connect these important treasures as a gateway to the sea as well as a place to celebrate the importance of marine science and conservation. The iconic and impactful Mote SEA will help grow our tourism market and entice visitors to return again and again.”

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EVENTS OF DISTINCTION

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

THE FENCE C O M E S T O S A R A S O TA TRAVELING EXHIBITION FEATURES WORLD CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY

ARTICLE BY SUE CULLEN 80

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

The Fence, North America’s largest public photo exhibition, is now open at Nathan Benderson Park through January 31, and getting it here was a bit of a coup for Sarasota and a nod to its reputation as a small town with a big heart for the arts. “The Fence is considered to be one of the best traveling public art exhibits in the country and probably the world,” said Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. “This is high-quality photography curated by professionals in the industry.” Artwork from photographers worldwide was selected by a jury that included pros from high-profile media such as National Geographic, New York Times, Vanity Fair and Le Monde as well as curators from museums and art centers. Large-scale photographs from the more than 40 winners are displayed in a series of up to five pictures that tell a story. They are arrayed along a fence on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island. The Fence (fence.photoville. com) includes seven thematic categories– home, streets, people, creatures, nature, play and food. Admission is free, and the exhibit is open during park hours. United Photo Industries created and produced the traveling exhibit that opened in Brooklyn this summer and also is being displayed in Boston, Atlanta, Santa Fe, Durham, Denver and Calgary, Canada, as

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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well as Sarasota. Getting it to Sarasota wasn’t easy. A couple of local artists had approached the Alliance two years ago about bringing The Fence here, but with a World Rowing Championship on the horizon and the Bayfront in transition and out of contention as a possible location, the timing didn’t seem right, Shirley said. More recently, one of those artists, photographer Ann McGough, contacted well-known local promoter Barbara Strauss. “The Alliance has been 100 percent involved in The Fence since the beginning, but Barbara is the force that made it take place,” he said. With only a very short time to make it happen, Strauss said she approached Stephen Rodriguez, President and CEO of Sarasota Aquatic Nature Center Associates (SANCA), which oversees Nathan Benderson Park. “When Barbara told me about it and said they were looking for somewhere for it to go, I thought ‘What a great opportunity for us to have something else that is world class that is not necessarily sports’,” Rodriguez said. “It was an opportunity to show the public this park can be utilized in so many different ways to serve the community, and this is one of those ways. I saw a lot of opportunity with this and like that it is a three-year event.” Because The Fence is being held in a public venue, Shirley believes it will draw a diverse audience making it available to populations that may hesitate to attend traditional venues. “We do a lot of studies about why people go, and do not go, to arts events. Some people, particularly diverse populations, may not go to a museum, but outdoor venues break down some of those barriers and give more diverse sections of the population an opportunity to be involved in the arts,” Shirley said. “It is a significant achievement that a lot of people in a community of this size will get to see an exhibit of this quality.”

MULTIPLICITY

Richard Henry in GGLAM

Florida Studio Theatre

The Art of Playing Multiple Roles BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE | PHOTOS BY MATTHEW HOLLER

Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) brings a vitality and energy to the area with a lineup of shows and events that are the envy of most major cities. FST has grown from a modest venue launched in 1973 to an entire village of theaters whose operations budget is $6+ million. Their 30,000 subscribers make FST the third-largest subscription theater in the US! This coming 2018-2019 season features four shows in Winter Mainstage series, three in the Winter Cabaret, and four in the Children’s Theater series. While there are each worthy of being featured in a Sarasota Scene article, perhaps the most exciting of them all is the four-time, Tony-winning, knock-‘em-dead musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (GGLAM). The show—based on the 1907 novel by Rob Horniman entitled Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal—ran on Broadway from 2013 through 2016 to massive acclaim and great audience interest. Now Sarasota is going to experience the magic firsthand in a way that only FST can provide. Taking on the role of a single character is challenging enough for any actor, but with GGLAM, one actor plays the role of EIGHT 84

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

different characters. Referred to in the industry as “multi-casting” or “company doubling,” it’s perhaps the ultimate challenge for any actor. And because it’s a musical, they’ll have to sing, too. Enter Richard Henry, the star of FST’s production of GGLAM. “I’ve watched the Broadway production,” he notes, “but now that I’m diving into the script, learning the lyrics, I fully appreciate the effort Jefferson Mays put into it. It was a well-earned Tony!” When asked how any actor can keep it all straight, Henry explains that it starts with selecting the character’s voice. “For each character, I pick up a physicality and vocal pitch. That anchors things. Then I switch it up for each role.” It helps that the story borrows so heavily from British pantomime theater, which basically spoofs classic literature and film. He adds that, “being a spoof, it gives us a lot more license in how we handle things.” Perhaps the biggest challenge, Henry notes, is breath control. “I’ve got to make sure I’ve got enough energy to support all the singing and speaking parts. I’ll be running around like a mad person, changing costumes fast, then hustling back onstage as a different character. It’ll be hard but a lot of fun, too.”

While Henry hasn’t yet worked with FST, he’s excited about it thanks to his many colleagues who’ve had such great experiences here. They’ve raved and raved about the venue, the downtown area, and the audiences. While Henry’s excited for all of it, he’s most eager to take on the role of a lifetime in GGLAM. Director Jason Cannon adds that “it sounds weird to talk about a comedy where the main character becomes a mass murderer, but part of what makes it work is that the deaths are played for laughs, not pain.” You almost have to root for poor Monty Navarro, eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family. Maybe his odds of achieving his dreams would be enhanced if only a few of those in front of him were “removed” from the situation. Along the way, he’s got to juggle a mistress, a fiancée, and avoid the threat of ending up in the slammer. While that might not sound like a plot that’s going to be amusing, the laughs are nonstop. Think Monty Python meets Benny Hill + a little Sweeney Todd. With more silliness and fun. One surprise about GGLAM is how technically demanding it is. While Henry hasn’t arrived yet for rehearsals (as of this writing), there’s an ocean of prep work being done. Cannon has to ask hard questions. How DOES that particular death scene play out in a way that’s funny? How can we change Henry from a matron (in full drag) to a playboy in about 20 seconds?

Jimmy Nicholas as Monty Navarro

In short, there are a lot of puzzle pieces to figure out before Henry arrives, Cannon notes. “But that’s not always the case,” Cannon says. “For example, a show like Once last year? It was emotional and character-based, with a wide-open set.” Cannon points out that his range of experiences in directing have been a master class in delegation and humility. But make no mistake—Cannon loves FST. After freelancing for nearly 13 years, he’s been with FST for 6 years now and considers this place his home. “My heart beats in sync with the mission here. Plus, everyone here’s a Swiss Army knife. We all get to do a wide variety of things.” In addition to directing a few shows each year, Cannon teaches, writes, performs improv, and does a huge range of theater things. And that’s what he loves. Henry adds that every acting teacher will say that regardless of the style of show, it’s all about the pursuit of some emotional truth. That’s what Cannon’s job ultimately is—helping Henry and the rest of the team present issues that matter while making the audience roar in their seats. GGLAM might seem like light fare, but it’s actually a deep exploration of revenge, justice, entitlement, hatred, love, and forgiveness. There are core emotional truths to be found in this strange, pleasurable story. “We can get so close to big, scary ideas such as these because we use laughter,” says Cannon. “And because of our special venue, actors can work on a plane of intimacy they simply can’t achieve on a larger stage. Even if someone has seen this before on Broadway, it’ll be a very different experience here. It’ll feel a lot more like you’re in a living room with a good friend, putting on a show together.” So come out for the November 7 through December 30 run of GGLAM and see for yourself just how much fun getting away with murder can be. For more information about Florida Studio Theatre, please visit floridastudiotheatre.org or call the box office at 941.366.9000.

Alexandra Zorn as Phoebe D’Ysquith and Sarah Ellis as Sibella Hallward

NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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NOV 17 – DEC 29 PREVIEWS BEGIN NOV 13

Book, Music and Lyrics by MEREDITH WILLSON Directed by JEFF CALHOUN Starring Broadway song and dance man NOAH RACEY

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941.351.8000 | asolorep.org Noah Racey in The Music Man. Photo by John Revisky

Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW

FLY ME TO THE M ON by Gus Mollasis

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

on the town

“Fly me to the moon  Let me play among the stars  Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars” Lyrics by Bart Howard

OST OF US KNOW THAT FAMOUS SONG, whether you know the most familiar renditions sung by “Old Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra, or the version by the unforgettable Nat King Cole. Or maybe you remember the version by a “singer” at your favorite karaoke watering hole, who thinks he sounds great, as he destroys this classic song from too much confidence courtesy of too many cocktails. Several years back at a Sarasota Film Festival opening night, I too had my chance at singing that song. The setting was perfect

—the Courtyard of the fabulous Ringling Museum. And rather than going solo, I decided to do a duet. And who better to join me in singing “Fly Me to the Moon” than someone who’d actually been to the moon and back. Astronaut Dr. Edgar “Ed” Mitchell, from the Apollo 14 mission, and the sixth man to walk on the moon, obliged this writer and part-time singer with the honor. We belted out a few bars while looking up at a full moon over the Ringling Courtyard. And while I won’t tell you it was one giant leap for mankind in the music business, it meant the world to me.

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on the town Growing up, I was one of those kids who wanted to be a number of things that, through the eyes of a child, are reachable like the stars in the universe and the dreams you grasp freely as only children can. Yes, I wanted to take Al Kaline’s spot as right fielder of the Detroit Tigers. Also, a fireman saving families. A more realistic dream, but it’s hard to be a fireman with asthma. Growing up in the 60s, I listened to the words of President Kennedy, his gauntlet for dreamers and doers, and his challenge to all Americans about our space program: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” I can still hear those eloquent words as JFK shared his bold vision. While I never got to the moon and Jack Kennedy would not live to see his dream fulfilled, we as humankind all got there together. Perhaps you are old enough to remember it as it happened. If not, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the famous footage from 1969 when Neil Armstrong placed the American flag on the moon. I was in St. Louis, Missouri, where we all watched in awe as that incredible feat happened on one small color TV. So, as I stood in the Ringling Courtyard next to Astronaut Mitchell looking up at the moon, I was a little nervous to ask one of only twelve people to ever walk on the moon if he’d sing that great song with me. I thought wow, that’s pretty rarified air. Only twelve people have walked on the moon. Compare that with how many Presidents we’ve had (45), or how many Hall of Famers there are in Baseball (323), Football (318), Basketball (178), Hockey (392), or even in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (323). What an exclusive club. Twelve people. You know what’s also a small number? 174. The Kennedy Space Center is a mere 174 miles away from Sarasota. I am embarrassed to say that this man, who as a boy dreamed of being on the moon, who sang “Fly Me to the Moon” with a famous astronaut, has never been to the Kennedy Space Center. But that’s about to change for me. What better time to make that short journey to explore all that Kennedy Space Center has to offer than in 2019 – the 50-year anniversary of the historic moon landing? The Center (and our nation) will be celebrating the “Year of Apollo.” I recently had the pleasure of talking to Rebecca Shireman, the Public Relations & Communications Manager for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Listening to her talk about the Center’s plans for visitors during the “Year of Apollo,” brought all my childhood wonder of space flooding back. I’m already planning my trip. I’ve got a case of Tang in the cooler and some freeze-dried ice cream. Yes. 174 miles. Easy. ——————Shireman says the biggest part of the 2019 celebration will be with the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which is a building that’s dedicated to the Apollo missions, specifically celebrating that important moment of landing on the moon. They are updating and making it more interactive using the latest technologies.

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Apollo Saturn V Center The Center also houses the Saturn V Rocket, one of only three remaining Saturn V rockets. “We’re doing extensive work with that building and a new exhibit will be opening there hopefully in time for our July celebration of that mission,” she said. “But also, along the way, we’ll be celebrating all the other Apollo missions in some way. Earthrise, the significant moment when they took that historic photograph of the earth (the blue marble) from space, will be celebrated in December.” Having made the pilgrimage to Disney, I asked Shireman how the Kennedy Space Center compares with other attractions in the state of Florida, especially for both children and adults. “It is certainly a place for both children and adults. I look at it as the past, present and future of the space program, which of course encompasses NASA’s story, but now SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Boeing, and other partners as well. It is meant to be a place where everyone makes a connection with space and creates memorable moments with their recollections of these milestones. It’s fun to watch families go through the visitor complex and see how each member connects with something different. You may have one member who, when they see the Saturn V Rocket, visibly goes back in time, remembering where they were when we landed on the moon.” Shireman grew up in nearby Titusville and remembers watching shuttle launches. “Seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis brings tears to my eyes every time, because that’s my connection and what I remember.” Tears of joy. I could relate. I was a kid again, thinking of seeing that first moon landing. In my mind, I was planning my trip to the Kennedy Space Center. A subtle, comforting voice from the command center refocused my mission.

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on the town “Of course, we have future-facing things as well. So that moment when we go back to the moon and eventually get to Mars, future generations will celebrate those moments at the Visitor Complex.” Watching launches. Experiencing history. Making lasting memories. They are all something that the Kennedy Space Center does very well. Connecting to memories and to space. Not only outer space, but to the inner space that connects us all. When I first connected with the concept of space and space exploration, naturally I wanted to be an astronaut. But at that time, there was no place, no space really to go through to see what it takes to be an astronaut. Well that’s all changed. Too late for me, but not for today’s kids who can visit the Kennedy Space Center and partake in the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX). “We’re excited about our latest attraction, the Astronaut Training Experience with Lockheed Martin along with its companion program Mars Base I,” Shireman excitedly shared. “You can navigate on full-motion simulators and experience what it’s like to work in space. You get to land and drive on Mars. You get to experience what micro-gravity feels like and what it’s like to work in that environment. And we

also use virtual reality, so you can walk on Mars as well and also learn what future astronauts would be doing to train to go to Mars. It’s all future facing.”

Visitor Program as is exposing students to the opportunities and hopefully inspiring the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and astronauts,” said Shireman.

According to Shireman, ATX is as hands on, realistic and as interactive an attraction as the Center’s ever had. It teaches teamwork, and it’s really one of a kind. The things that are available at the Center are not available at any other attraction or place anywhere.

The world is big, space even bigger and the Kennedy Space Visitor Center is big enough to foster all the dreams of future explorers.

I blurted out, “I wish I was a kid growing up today and experiencing all this with the eyes of a child.” Wondering, I asked her if kids today still dreamt about wanting to be astronauts. “Absolutely. That spirit of exploration is alive in everyone and certainly in children.” Shireman shared that through research, they have found that the first person to land on Mars is probably in elementary school right now, potentially in the 5th grade. That’s really about the time curriculum about the space program starts for most schools. The Center decided to offer free admission for 5th graders to encourage them to not only be astronauts, but to work in the space program in general as an engineer, scientist or a launch director. They are also encouraging students to get involved in the STEM Program, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math. “Education is at thecenter of Kennedy Space Center

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SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

“Thanks to commercial companies, there are more activities within the Space Center Visitor Complex, it’s more ingrained in pop culture than it has been since the shuttle retired. People may have believed that Kennedy closed down and there wasn’t anything else happening, but the commercial crew program has brought it to light again and it has once again inspired a generation to be astronauts, launch directors, engineers and to work in the space program.” “We’re alive and well and you can’t experience it any closer or any better than you can at Kennedy Space Center. There is access that you don’t have anywhere else. So, we’re really encouraging people, especially people who have never been here, who live here, to visit the Space Center and see how active it is and even meet an astronaut,” Shireman shared. I found myself blurting out again. “Did you say meet an astronaut?”

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NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

on the on town the town

Heroes and Legends Hall of Fame “Every day of the year, including Christmas, the ‘astronaut of the day’ is served a buffet lunch and an astronaut comes and gives a presentation about his or her experiences as an astronaut. They’re fantastic people, all are very smart and vigorously trained; they really are the crème de la crème. They’re as diverse as the rest of us, but what I think sets them apart is the ability to work well under pressure. They don’t lose their cool. They are exposed to every pressure-filled simulation through their training that I wouldn’t wish upon my enemies, but they have the ability to perform and keep it all in check. At Lunch with an Astronaut, you can take a picture, shake hands, and participate in a question-and-answer session. They are readily available and accessible to people, which is great. People usually don’t get this kind of opportunity. It’s a wonderful ‘wow’ kind of moment, especially when you see a child looking up with awe at meeting an astronaut.” With the recent release of films like last year’s Hidden Figures and this year’s First Man, the space program is once again front and center, taking space in the hearts and minds of Americans. And the Kennedy Space Center seems ready for the renewed interest and focus on it and space exploration. Rebecca shared her final thoughts on this before packing up for her easy 174-mile trip to the Center. “People should go to the Kennedy Space Center because there is a lot to see and do. The past, present and future of the space program are all there, and it’s the place to learn about the bright future of the space program.” And the future seems bright indeed.

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“Those are all indicators that we have reignited—if you will— public interest in the space program and we’re ready to support it. We want to go further into space than we have been before. We want to go back to the moon. People see the value in it and want to be a part of it, whether it’s coming to see a launch, or visiting the Kennedy Space Center while wearing NASA logos on your jacket and eating your astronaut ice cream. There is definitely a sense of pride again and we want to be on the forefront of space exploration.” “I think the greatest thing that Kennedy Space Center supplies is inspiration,” said Shireman. “Not to discredit other attractions, but those are based on fantasy and this real life. With the moon landing or the original Mercury 7 Astronauts, you forget what risk was involved. They were essentially missiles that humans were strapped on top of and they launched to space. It’s incredible to think about –the amount of risk and reward. You see that in a very real way. You can touch and connect with it and feel like you’re a part of it. And I think that’s what is really important about what the Visitor Complex does.” In our own backyard, South Florida Museum in Bradenton is also celebrating Apollo’s 50th anniversary by hosting a new special exhibition: A New Moon Rises. This Smithsonian traveling exhibition features 49 large-scale and highly detailed photographs and video of the moon and will be on view until Jan. 13, 2019. southfloridamuseum.org

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Space Shuttle AtlantisÂŽ

Tom Jones conducts retrieval procedures in orbiter flight deck 98

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

Mars Base Plant Lab during Astronaut Training Experience

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on the town

Education MATTERS By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Photos by Karen Arango

PRECOLLEGE AT RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN For more than 85 years, Ringling College of Art and Design has been preparing and educating artists and designers to turn their passion into their profession. But since 1978, they’ve gone from just working with college-age students to working with even younger students through their Continuing Studies program. While numerous summer and academic-year course offerings are targeted at a young audience—Video Game Writing and Design, Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop, and Experimental Animation, to name just a few—the crown jewel of youth education at Ringling College is PreCollege. The PreCollege program runs from mid-June to mid-July each year. For four weeks, high school students live in the dorms on campus, use a Ringling College ID and email, eat at Hammond Commons, and take a full load of classes that offer an in-depth immersion in major areas of study and give handson studio instruction. For those who want more, there are plenty of optional mini-workshops and other educational opportunities such as Writing Horror, ZBrush Digital Sculpting, Stop Motion and Entrepreneurial Thinking. Diane Zorn, Assistant Director of Operations for Continuing Studies, says that PreCollege “is transformative for a 16- to 18-year-old student. It’s an opportunity for them to take on the responsibilities of college-level learning.” Those who complete the four-week program earn 3 college credits. At the end of the program, twelve $5,000 scholarships for the first year of Ringling College are awarded—ten scholarships for academic achievement, and two for the Student Life Leadership Initiative. Zorn notes that “One of the real selling points is that almost all PreCollege instruction is delivered by Ringling College faculty or alumni. Because of that, students get a very accurate reflection of the firstyear experience at Ringling College.”

Ringling College faculty member Martin Murphy knows about PreCollege as both an instructor there and as a father whose children participated. “I am grateful that my son and daughter attended Ringling College of Art and Design’s PreCollege Perspective program. Living on campus was good for them to spread their wings, to meet new people with very similar interests. (It also proved helpful to ease the separation anxiety for a potentially overprotective parent who will go nameless.) “Attending PreCollege confirmed my daughter’s choice to pursue her interests in biology over art, and for my son, it confirmed his interest in art. The program allowed my son to get a taste of a variety of different majors Ringling College has to offer which helped him to decide to apply to Game Art over another major. He has gone from spending most of his timeconsuming games to making them and finding time to exercise. “I personally was most impressed by the academic rigor of the program, and the availability of prestigious artists and fulltime faculty who taught my kids. I have not seen this type of accessibility to highly-trained professionals for young people anywhere else, especially at larger research colleges where teaching is treated as an insignificant part of the job. At Ringling College, it is clear to me that the art of teaching and the learner’s experience with practical skills is front and center. My kids seemed to talk most about the social events and who they met, but I noticed a huge jump in the quality of the work. When they got there, they took their coursework more seriously, and they no longer acted like high school students—the prospect of being successful at college got real for them.”

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Like so many other parents of PreCollege students, Murphy strongly recommends the program, even if your son or daughter demonstrates only a cursory interest in the visual arts. At PreCollege, they’ll have a good time, earn an elective credit, and get a delicious taste of what it’s like to be a student at a world-class art college. “The Ringling PreCollege experience is one of the most amazing, fun, and educational undertakings you could ever have,” adds Dr. Larry Thompson, President of Ringling College. “Why? You get to know what it is like to attend an art and design college (specifically Ringling College) so that you can determine if this is really what you want. Most PreCollege students love it; a few decide this is not for them. Either way, because you’ve attended PreCollege at Ringling College, you will know yourself better, be a better creative thinker, and have a much better idea of what YOU want in your life.” Whether you’re a traditional college student at Ringling College, you attend PreCollege, or you take advantage of the many course offerings through Continuing Studies, you’ll be supported and encouraged by award-winning faculty who are practicing professionals. You’ll learn how to create work that has purpose and meaning. And you’ll push yourself to be a better person who understands and harnesses the incredible power of creativity.

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about Continuing Studies at Ringling College of Art and Design, please visit www.ringling.edu/ ContinuingStudies, or call 941.955.8866.

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SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

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SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

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

Artist Series Concerts Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota

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

Florida Studio Theatre

ARTIST SERIES CONCERTS OF SARASOTA

THE ISLAND PLAYERS

941.306.1200 / artistseriesconcerts.org Armistice, The Journey Home November 3 – 4 OLÉ! Popular Latin and Spanish Music November 6

941.778.5755 / theislandplayers.org Baggage November 8 – 18

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 941.351.8000 / asolorep.org The Music Man November 13 - December 29

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org

Mainstage A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder November 7 - December 30

Cabaret Unchained Melodies Through February 3 Guitar Girls November 28 – March 31

Children’s Theatre Peter Pan Through November 3 Deck the Halls: Home for the Holidays November 24 – December 29

FSU ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING

KEY CHORALE 941.921.4845 / keychorale.org Misatango November 25

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE 941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com DeathTrap Through November 4 Paisley Craze: Flower Power! The Music That Changed The World November 17 Dear Santa November 28 – December 16

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com Broadway Series Cabaret Through November 11 Elf The Musical November 29 – December 16

850.644.7257 / theatre.fsu.edu/Graduate/ MFA/Acting Arcadia Through November 18 NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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arts&culture

Key Chorale

Studio Series Calendar Girls Through November 4 A Christmas Carol November 29 – December 16 Community Artistic Collaborations The Goldtones November 3

NEW MUSIC NEW COLLEGE 941.487.4888 / newmusicnewcollege.org Inter/Action: New works featuring Mark Dancigers, New College students, and Grand Electric November 10

PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM/ SUNCOAST 941.955.4942 / perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org A History of Klezmer Music to Modern Jazz November 1 PMP Alumni: Around Town at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium November 11 PMP/Suncoast presents a 15th Anniversary “Season Preview & Performance” November 12 1 06

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

Perlman Music Program

THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org

Main Stage Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike Through November 11

Backstage at the Players Sight Unseen November 8 – 18 LIpSchtick November 29 – December 1

THE POPS ORCHESTRA 941.926.POPS / thepopsorchestra.org John Denver: Coming Home November 11 – 12

THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 941.359.5700 / ringling.org Theatre Re: The Nature of Forgetting November 9 – 10 Raphael Xavier: Point of Interest November 30 – December 1

THE SARASOTA BALLET 941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org

Sarasota Opera House Masters of Dance (Program 2) November 16 – 17

Principal Film Series November 26

SARASOTA OPERA 941.328.1300 / sarasotaopera.org Sarasota Youth Opera The Little Sweep November 3 – 4 Concerts at Noon Peterson Great Room November 9 Fall Opera The Barber of Seville November 6, 8, 11

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 941.953.3434 / sarasotaorchestra.org

Masterworks Legends November 2 – 4 Perfect Pairs November 30 – December 2

NEEL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA 941.752.5252 / scf.edu

Music/Dance Faculty Recital Dr Pete Carney: Music from a Distant River November 1

SIR FREDERICK ASHTON’S

RHAPSODY

CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON’S

THERE WHERE SHE LOVED JEROME ROBBINS’

Photography by Frank Atura. The cast of Jerome Robbins The Concert

THE CONCERT

16-17 NOVEMBER 2018 SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE * Accompanied by The Sarasota Orchestra

SarasotaBallet.org | 941.359.0099

Give the Gift of Live Theatre Gift Certificates Available!

(941) 748-5875 | ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com NOVEMBER 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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arts&culture

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Artist Series Concerts Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Urbanite Theatre

Help veteran Lori achieve her dream. Invest in our community’s professionals one graduate at a time. Investments can be made in the form of recurring or one-time donations, equipment, supplies, and/or scholarships to help students reach their graduation milestone.

Contact Barbara Bourgoin 941-752-5398 or BourgoB@SCF.edu

SCF Jazz: Veterans Tribute Concert November 8 Symphonic Band Concert: Animal Instinct November 15

Howard Studio Theatre The Foreigner November 30 – December 9

THEATRE ODYSSEY 941.799.7224 / theatreodyssey.org One-Act Play Festival November 1 – 4

URBANITE THEATRE 941.321.1397 / urbanitetheatre.com Dike November 9 – December 16

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL 941.955.7676 / vanwezel.org

See website for list of performances. THE VENICE SYMPHONY 941.207.8822 / thevenicesymphony.org

Venice Performing Arts Center Festa Italia! November 16 – 17

SCF-Foundation.org 1 08

SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2018

VENICE THEATRE 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com

Main Stage South Pacific Through December 2 The Folk Legends November 11 – 12 Something Like a Dame November 18 – 19

The Pinkerton Theatre Silence! The Musical November 2 – 25 The Santaland Diaries November 30 – December 23

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE 941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org Raisin Through November 11 Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul November 28 – January 13

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

Deck the halls with boughs of holly…..

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3522 FRUITVILLE ROAD, SARASOTA, FL 34237 941.952.0404 | SUEELLENSFLOWERS.COM

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Truthful & Timeless

Sonata a Due

Reception Recital Dinner Join us for the kick off event of our 33rd season.

December 4, 2018 6:00 pm The Field Club, Sarasota Federico Agostini violin

Concert Series

April 8, 11, 14, 17 Sarasota Opera House The finest musicians from around the world present both familiar and unusual chamber music.

Open Rehearsals

April 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16 Sainer Pavilion A unique and intimate opportunity to discover how the musical phrasing and new friendships are developed.

Musical Chefs Interactive Dinner

April 10 Michael’s Wine Cellar A lively dinner featuring La Musica musicians leading cooking demonstrations to create the evening’s meal.

Derek Han piano Reservations: LaMusicaFestival.org

Tickets/Info: LaMusicaFestival.org 941.366.8450 ext. 7