SRQ Daily May 15, 2024 - Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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SRQ DAILY May 15, 2024

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"We look for a variety of music to work with that is a little different from instruction that the students may be getting elsewhere."

- Gayle Williams, Executive Director, The Pops Orchestra.
 

[Summer Programming]  Student Musicians Invited to Camp with the Pops
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

Young musicians don’t need to travel far to take part in this year’s annual Camping with the Pops program hosted by the Pops Orchestra, Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12, 2024. Presented with support from The Hecht Foundation and the State College of Florida, the week-long music program takes place on the Bradenton campus of SCF in the Performance Arts building and promises an incredible experience for music students to expand their musical skills. Rehearsing in small ensembles and guided by professional music educators, the student musicians will prepare a program of selections to be presented in a free concert on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm in the State College of Florida’s Studio for the Performing Arts Recital Hall.

“This is a really exciting opportunity because we have our very own Pops musicians available to work with these student musicians,” shares Executive Director, Gayle Williams. “Many of the instructors are retired or working professional musicians or experienced music educators, and they coach the students on small ensemble skills. The program is designed for all skill levels and while it is not a requirement for the students to be in a school band or orchestra, we do ask for a letter of recommendation from a private music instructor or band director.”

Participating students may choose between a variety of ensembles based upon ability, including a string chamber orchestra, woodwind, saxophone, low brass, percussion and trumpet groups, a flute, brass and clarinet choir and a jazz band. Between 30 and 40 students are expected to enroll in the program.

While the experience will be an educational one, it is also meant to be fun. “We look for a variety of music to work with that is a little different from instruction that the students may be getting elsewhere," adds Williams. "We like to work with music that is popular so we may be playing something by Leroy Anderson or we might try playing an arrangement of one of the Disney songs.” 

Tuition for the program is $75 and assistance available upon request and review.  To learn more, visit thepopsorchestra.org. 

To register click here

[Education]  Suncoast Remake Learning Days Draws More Than 36,500 Participants to 304 Events During Expanded 2024 Festival

Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2024 (SRLD 2024), a regional festival that is part of Remake Learning Days, the largest international learning festival globally, wrapped its 15-day run on Saturday, May 4. More than 36,500 Suncoast residents of all ages participated in at least one of the 304 interactive learning events held in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties from April 20 - May 4. The events were conceived and produced by 277 community organizations that partnered with Suncoast Remake Learning Days for the third and largest iteration to date. The festival expanded from 10 to 15 days in 2024 to include a third Saturday due to its popularity, enabling kids and families additional time to participate.  Suncoast Remake Learning Days is presented locally by the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. SRLD 2024 events were held at museums, libraries, schools, community centers, and other local venues. Events were organized by six learning themes: Arts, Maker,Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, and Youth Voice. All of the learning events were designed to be accessible, open to the public, appropriate for any age, and free. The inspiration for Suncoast Remake Learning Days is a mounting body of research indicating shared community exploration and learning improves students’ academic performance and social skills, exposing them to a world of opportunities, interests, and life-changing experiences.  The Patterson Foundation supports the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading at the national level and in the Suncoast region. For more information, please visit the Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2024 website. Follow #SuncoastRemakeDays or #RemakeDays on social. 

Pictured: A helicopter lands to kick-off the opening day of Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2024 at Casa Sa Juan Bosco's Family Fun Day in Arcadia, Florida, April 20, 2024.

[Leadership]  Foundation Announces 2024 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute Class

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is delighted to announce the selection of 25 participants from across the region for the 2024 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. Through this annual initiative, Gulf Coast partners with the Leadership Development Institute of Eckerd College to provide intensive, high-quality leadership training designed to identify, develop, and connect a diverse and growing group of aspiring community leaders. Participants take part in six training sessions from May through June at Gulf Coast’s Sarasota Philanthropy Center in downtown Sarasota. The result is a network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service. The participants selected for the 2024 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute are: Jerald Berry, Florida Department of Health, Aleksandra Djilas, Pink Mermaid Foundation Inc., Chuck Dockery, Project 180, Tina Figliuolo, Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, Joe Flores, CFP®️, Edward Jones Financial, Emily Grant, FoodRecovery.org (Formerly MEANS Database), Julianne Greenberg, Johann Fust Library Foundation, Julia Groom, DreamLarge, Jamal Hishmeh, C2 Financial Corporation, Mike Ippolito, Selah Freedom, Cynthia King, Drug Free Charlotte County, Todd Konen, CenterPlace Health, Inc., Tricia LaPointe, Peace River Wildlife Center, Jose Marrero, CAN Community Health, Jordan Mayer, Harvest House, Kathryn (Katie) McCurry, Project Pride SRQ, Craig McGonigal, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Blake Neathery, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Ashley Profit, The Roskamp Institute, Erin Silk, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Andrea Stephens, Pines of Sarasota Foundation, Veronica Thames, Manatee Community Foundation, Lindsey Trammell, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, Laura Williams, Safe Children’s Coalition, Michelle A. Young, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Since the program’s inception in 2006, over 400 community members have completed the training, and many continue to work together on civic initiatives and community improvement projects. For more information on the program, please visit GulfCoastCF.org/GCLI. 

Pictured: Gulf Coast Leadership Institute's 2024 class is ready to start their intensive leadership training at Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Sarasota Philanthropy Center.

[Economic Report]  A New Performing Arts Center Will Generate $150 Million in Annual Economic Impact

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Sarasota are pleased to release an Economic Impact Study highlighting the profound contributions of a new performing arts center to Sarasota and all of Sarasota County. Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $150 million in annual economic activity. This figure exceeds the current economic impact of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall by 30%, marking a substantial advancement for the city's cultural and economic vitality. The study also estimates the creation of 1,200 permanent jobs and $300 million in tax revenues over 30 years, demonstrating a substantial return on investment. Key findings of the HR&A Advisors study include the following: Over $150 million in annual economic activity generated from operations, programming, visitation, and cultural tourism, with 358,000 annual visitors anticipated; Creation of 1,200 permanent jobs, contributing $52 million in annual wages; An injection of $562 million in spending countywide during the construction phase, including the creation of 3,200 temporary jobs and $162 million in temporary wages. To request the full Economic Impact Study, please email info@performingartsfoundation.org. 

[Seniors]  Almost 100 Senior Advocates Gathered to Learn About Federal Policies Impacting Older Americans Ahead of 2024 Elections

For May is Older Americans Month, nearly 100 senior advocates convened at Senior Friendship Centers’ Sarasota campus on May 8, 2024, to gain insight into federal policies and programs directly affecting older Americans in preparation for the upcoming 2024 elections. The event began with advocates from the Department of Health, Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Florida, and other senior-serving organizations networking, followed by a presentation led by Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the Bipartisan Elder Justice Coalition. Blancato educated attendees with critical federal changes such as the Older Americans Act (OAA) – an act that funds essential services such as meals, transportation, job training, and more, currently up for reauthorization, and the Credit for Caring Act—a bill referred to Congress proposing tax credits for family caregivers. Additionally, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner provided crucial information on voter registration and the election process for the upcoming election year. Here are the key takeaways from the event:  Engage with elected officials: Your voice matters and reaching out to elected officials can make a real difference in advocating for seniors.  Vote—it matters!: As we approach this crucial election year, your vote is essential in shaping policies that impact older adults. Stay connected with Senior Friendship Centers (SFC): We're committed to making older adults more visible and valued, and we invite you to join us in this movement. President/CEO Erin McLeod highlighted the significance of seniors’ voices in the political landscape, stating, “Seniors are a vital voting constituency, so to have their voices heard and understood by our elected officials in this crucial election year is invaluable.” 

Pictured: from left-right - Ron Turner, Erin McLeod and Bob Blancato. Photo by Jodel Velarde, Senior Friendship Centers.

[Pickleball]  The Play For Life Foundation Sponsors Suncoast Remake Learning Days

 The Play For Life Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the health and lives of youth, veterans and first responders, recently sponsored Suncoast Remake Learning Days, a 15-day regional learning festival, and gifted 12 pickleball starter bags to local families in attendance. With the support of The Patterson Foundation, Suncoast Remake Learning Days offers over 280 free events that take place across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. The activities are designed for youth of all ages, along with their families, caregivers and educators. In 2023, the collective effort for the event resulted in over 25,000 individuals attending more than 200 events across four counties in 10 days. On Sunday, April 28 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., families were invited to The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch as part of Suncoast Remake Learning Days. During the event, volunteers of The Pickleball Club and instructional team facilitated an introduction to pickleball lesson, along with open play. Every family in attendance received a pickleball starter bag, which included paddles and balls. Over 30 individuals attended the event. The club had several member volunteers, including Joe McMahon, Ethan Eddy, Joe Gennocro and Nathan Westover, as well as Play For Life Foundation volunteer Jennifer Kahler. Dallas Burko and Glory Bowman, staff members of The Pickleball Club, were also in attendance. To support The Play For Life Foundation’s mission of introducing the sport of pickleball to youth, veterans and first responders, The Play for Life Foundation began donating Club-N-Boxes in 2022 to qualified organizations, including schools, fire and rescue departments, police departments, youth organizations and nonprofits. Similar to the pickleball starter bags, the  Club-N-Boxes contain nets, paddles, balls and instructional material on how to play and set up a court.  To date, the foundation has donated 123 boxes to various organizations, including James Tillman Elementary School in Manatee County, the Bradenton Police Department, 10 East Manatee Fire Rescue Stations, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, Girls Inc. of Sarasota and multiple branches of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  

[Grants]  Barancik Foundation Awards $5.7 Million in Grants

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation recently awarded nearly $6 million in grants to support early education and youth development, affordable housing, mental health services, and more. “These grants exemplify Chuck and Margie Barancik’s belief that philanthropy has the power to positively shape our community and enrich the lives of all people,” said Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Barancik Foundation.  “Our Board is investing in trusted, long-time partners as well as emerging organizations that are poised to do great things.  What they all have in common is our confidence that they can transform our grant dollars into a real and meaningful difference.”  

To learn more, visit

[Grant]  Chester Family Charitable Fund Donates to WOC

Chuck Sidlow, founder of the non-profit World of Chucko and the “Laughter Unlimited” programs is the  recipient of a grant from The Chester Family Charitable Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF). These  funds were awarded to provide a series of programing to Forever Friends Special Needs Ministry (FF) in Sarasota. The  Laughter Unlimited programs will begin on May 18, 2024.  Chuck Sidlow, founder of the non-profit World of Chucko and the “Laughter Unlimited” programs is the recipient of a grant from The Chester Family Charitable Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF). These funds were awarded to provide a series of programing to Forever Friends Special Needs Ministry (FF) in Sarasota. The Laughter Unlimited programs will begin on May 18, 2024. The World of Chucko Inc. team present multifaceted "Laughter Unlimited" programs filled with Humor, Music, Art, Entertainment, and Education! Laughter Unlimited uses "humor therapy" and “music therapy” to reduce stress, decrease pain and have a positive and lasting effect on the immune system, heart, and brain. Forever Friends Special Needs Ministry first Laughter Unlimited program will be May 18th at 1:15pm. Programing for Forever Friends will continue in June, August, and September located at 5300 Colonial Oaks Park Blvd., Sarasota, FL. For more information about World of Chucko and its programming, please contact Chuck at 941-928-2246. 

[Food Program]  All Faiths Food Bank Provides Free Summer Meals for Children

For eleventh year, hunger relief organization joins hundreds of partners to ‘fill the hunger gap’ while school is out. More than 40,000 children in Sarasota and DeSoto counties are at risk of hunger this summer when they lose access to free and reduced-cost meals at school. Funded through contributions to its annual Campaign Against Summer Hunger, All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) will join hundreds of community partners and programs to provide healthy, nutritious food for children at 45 sites throughout the community all summer long. To reach as many children as possible, AFFB works with schools, libraries, early learning centers, summer camps, community centers and numerous other organizations throughout Sarasota and DeSoto counties. The groceries are provided through school pantries, family meals, BackPacks filled with food, and community events – in addition to All Faiths Food Bank’s regularly scheduled food distributions and mobile pantries. Last year, with the support of 300 partners and programs, All Faiths Food Bank served more than 107,000 meals through its summer feeding programs.
Sarasota and DeSoto County Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) departments will, once again, offer its Summer BreakSpots – a federally-funded program that provides nutritious meals at no cost to children 18 and under during the summer. Operating at schools, nonprofit organizations, and government entities – such as parks and libraries – Summer BreakSpot reimburses participating organizations for meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Summer Food Service Program or Seamless Summer Option. During FNS distributions at select school campuses, AFFB provides supplemental food resources, as well as food for school pantries. Since its inception in 2013, AFFB’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger has raised awareness of the issue of child hunger in our community, while raising more than $16 million in donations. This year’s lead investors are Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation; chairing the effort is Lisa Krouse. More information about Sarasota County Schools’ summer meal resources can be found at sarasotacountyschools.net/summerfeeding or by calling 941-486-2199. To find a summer food site, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org/summer-food-sites. To learn how you can help children and families experiencing hunger, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333. 

Pictured: Throughout the summer, children can receive BackPacks full of kid-friendly, healthy foods at locations throughout the community

[Nonprofit News]  Sarasota Memorial Healthcare FoundationHires Three Senior Staff Members

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of three new staff members, John Soucy, Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy; Jeney Slusser, Director of Development; and James Evans, Director of Advancement Services. John Soucy has joined the organization as Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy. Stepping into this newly created role, Soucy brings more than 20 years of strategic fundraising experience and will lead the Healthcare Foundation’s development and major gifts team. Jeney Slusser has joined the Healthcare Foundation as a Director of Development. Slusser brings over 10 years of fundraising experience with capital, research and comprehensive campaigns. Previously, Slusser was the Senior Director for Constituent Engagement at Ringling College of Art and Design. Prior to working in higher education, she served as the Director of Advancement at Centerstone Behavioral Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. and later in Bradenton. James Evans has joined the organization as Director of Advancement Services. Evans has more than 25 years of nonprofit database management, fundraising and technology solutions experience, and will be responsible for researching prospects, overseeing data management, reporting and integrity.  Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is the philanthropic partner that helps Sarasota Memorial Health Care System bring world-class healthcare to our community. For over 48 years, the Healthcare Foundation’s donors have provided funding to enhance patient care, facilities and technology, and to support ongoing clinical education and medical research. smhf.org. 

[LGBTQ+]  Support Camp True Colors

In the summer of 2023, ALSO Youth  hosted their first annual Camp True Colors for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies, ages 10-14. This week-long day camp is an opportunity for youth to develop friendships and build community through crafts, games, STEM and creative activities in a safe and inclusive environment. Camp registration, lunch, after care, and programs are all provided free of charge. Camp True Colors has been an amazing success and is in direct response to the needs of the youth. In 2024, ALSO Youth hosted their first spring break edition of Camp True Colors and will offer two weeks of summer camp between our Sarasota and Manatee youth centers. Help them continue to build and sustain this program for the future during Give OUT Day! Give OUT Day is the only national day of giving specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. From now until May 30th, you can support ALSO Youth for the 2024 Give OUT Day! Throughout the month, there are opportunities to win prizes, build the community, and bring visibility to the mission. 

To donate click here.



[WWR]  2024 Women Who Roar Applications Open

2024 WOMEN WHO ROAR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN | SRQ Magazine invited our readers to nominate women in our community who best exemplify the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity, and community leadership and who have deeply contributed to our community. Applications close Friday, May 24, 2024. 

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: All Star Campus of Hope and Healing Guided Tour , May 16, 11pm
May is National Foster Care Month and All Star Childrens Foundation is urgently seeking compassionate individuals and families in the regional community to become foster parents, responding to a critical shortage of foster homes for children displaced from their families due to abuse or neglect. Those interested in making a lasting difference in the lives of children are encouraged to visit the All Star Campus of Hope and Healing for a guided tour on Thursday, May 16, at 11 a.m., at 3300 17th Street in Sarasota. Details about other upcoming tours and how to become a foster parent are available at www.allstarchildren.org.
[SOON]  HEALTH: Wellen Wellness , May 18, 7:30am-9pm
Wellen Park is encouraging residents and visitors to participate in their ideal day of well-being during Wellen Wellness, a signature event showcasing all facets of health and wellbeing. From fitness and finances to nutrition, motivation and more, the May 18 wellness experience features informative workshops and activities for all ages, including a fishing rodeo, a mini-triathlon, yoga, doggie Olympics, live music, raffles and a silent dance party. The fun begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until 9 p.m. in Downtown Wellen. The inaugural Wellen Wellness event is free and open to the public. Several activities require pre-registration online at wellenpark.com/events/wellen-wellness. For full event information, visit wellenpark.com/events/wellen-wellness.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Love It Like a Local Beach Cleanup , May 27, 9-11am
This Memorial Day weekend, make it a beach day to remember. Join the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau along with Keep Manatee Beautiful from 9 a.m.- 11 a.m., May 27, 2024, for the Love It Like a Local Beach Cleanup. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. in the South Coquina Beach parking lot. Snacks will be offered from 11 a.m. until noon. The first 100 volunteers to sign up will receive a free commemorative rash guard. To learn more, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-it-like-a-local-memorial-day-clean-up-tickets-894345129357?aff=oddtdtcreator.
[SOON]  MUSEUM: Free Second Sundays , March 10 – December 8, 11am-5pm
Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. To learn more, visit sarasotaartmuseum.org.
[SOON]  SEMINAR: Divorce Support Group , May 1 – January 6, Every Wednesday from 5-6:30pm
The Womens Resource Center presents a Divorce Support Group facilitated by Paula Falk, BS. This in-person, free program happens every Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m., starting May 1, at the Womens Resource Center Sarasota, 340 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Participants can attend one or all of the sessions. To register, visit www.mywrc.org/divorcesupportgroup. For more information, call 941-366-1700.
[SOON]  MUSEUM: Shinique Smith, Parade , January 4 – January 5, Various times

Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Lewis Black, Goodbye Yeller Brick Road , December 6, 8pm
Two-time Grammy Award-winning Comedian Lewis Black releases additional dates for his GOODBYE YELLER BRICK ROAD, THE FINAL TOUR that will include a show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 8pm. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattisons at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.
[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Wheel of Fortune Live , November 12, 7:30 pm
Wheel of Fortune LIVE, a live theatrical experience, will be coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7:30pm. The live stage show, produced by Right Angle Entertainment in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television and UTA, is the one-and-only way fans can experience the in person outside of Sony Pictures Studios. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. EDT. Tickets start at $37 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726.
[SOON]  FILM: The Greatest Show On Earth at the Sarasota Opera , October 18, 7:30pm

From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! This lavish tribute to circus life, features three intertwining plotlines concerning romance and rivalry beneath the big top. Action sequences include a show-stopping train wreck. The film won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Story. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Charlton Heston, Betty Hutton, Dorothy Lamour, Cornel Wilde, and Gloria Grahame. Running time: 2 hours, 32 minutes.

Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Marine Mammals of Florida , July 22 – July 26, 8:30
There are many things to explore and discover at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Summer Camp. Learn, explore, craft, play, snack, and have fun every day! Camp Times are 9am-3:30pm Monday through Friday with 8:30-9am Drop off & Pick up 3:30-4pm. $250 members/$300 non-members per week. Summer Science Camp is for campers in Grades 2-5, Ages 7-11 (starting second grade/Leaving fifth grade). What are our local marine mammals, and how are they critical to our ecosystem? We will look closely at a variety of marine mammals found in Florida.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. West Bradenton

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Wonder, Human Experience and the Arts , June 6 – June 9, Various times
As a museum complex featuring visual and performing arts alongside circus history and a Gilded Age mansion, all situated on a bayfront campus, The Ringling is truly a site filled with wonder. This interdisciplinary symposium explores wonder as a source of creative inspiration, artistic medium, and physical and social well-being. Join us for the full symposium or catch the not-to-be-missed keynote sessions, open to the public. To learn more, visit ringling.org.
[SOON]  FILM: Summer Movie Nights , June 2 – June 28, 5pm

Back by popular demand, the Summer Movie Nights provide a unique experience for everyone during the summer, while remaining fun and affordable. The 2024 Summer Movie Night lineup offers something for everyone. Summer Movie Nights will take place on most Sundays during the months of June and July, inside the stadium at CoolToday Park. The movies will be shown on the scoreboard and will begin at 5 PM each night. Children ages 3 and under will receive free admission, while tickets for ages 4-9 are only $3, and ages 10 and up are $7. Tickets are available now at the CoolToday Park box office, online at cooltodaypark.com/movies, or by calling 941-413-5004. Parking is free, seats will be available in the seating bowl. No outside food, beverages, or chairs are allowed inside the stadium. The Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar and Grill will be open for full dinner service.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Patriotic Pops and Fireworks Concert, American Heroes , May 25, 7:30pm
The Venice Symphony is proud to present the fifth annual Patriotic Pops and Fireworks Concert, American Heroes, on Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 pm at CoolToday Park, the Spring Training home of The Atlanta Braves. A spectacular fireworks display will follow the concert. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Visit the CoolToday Park Box Office at 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice, or call 941-413-5004 or visit Ticketmaster to purchase tickets.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Summer Trivia Series , May 17 – July 19, 5-8pm
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to announce the return of their monthly summer trivia series. Each month will have a different theme with a variety of questions covering categories ranging from history and pop culture to science and nature. The free community events will take place at the Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Trivia begins at 6:00 pm. Teams can have up to eight members and multi-generational teams are encouraged. Each month a different food truck will be onsite offering tasty options for the whole family to enjoy. One of our newest corporate partners, Sun King Brewery will also be present with samples of their award-winning craft beers. Be sure to stop by their Sarasota location on Thursday, May 30, when the brewery will be donating $1 to Conservation Foundation for every pint purchased. Learn more and RSVP at conservationfoundation.com/events.
[SOON]  HEALTH: Yoga at The Ringling , May 1 – May 15, 6:30pm

Yoga at The Ringling, May 1 and May 15, taught by Ashley Stewart, is an all levels vinyasa class. You can expect a mix of seated, standing, and lying down postures synced with the flow of your breath. Ashley will guide you through connected movements to help increase your self-awareness while immersed in the healing powers of being in nature. Music is played in the background to enhance the senses as your eyes dance across the sunset sky to see birds, dolphins, and fish that often make an appearance in the evening. Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. Please bring sunglasses, water, towel, a yoga mat, and sunscreen to make it the most pleasurable experience. $20 / $15 Member.

The Ringling, Ca' d'Zan Terrace

[SOON]  FOOD: Geckos Grill and Pubs Trivia and Bar BINGO , April 26 – April 30, 7:30pm
If you love a made-to-order meal, cocktail specials and prizes while you play Trivia and Bar Bingo, join the fun at Geckos all year round. We will have prizes, giveaways and specials plus the Geckos hospitality you love. Monday TRIVIA will be held at the Clark Road location in Palmer Crossing with BAR BINGO on Hillview Street in Southside Village. Tuesdays is BAR BINGO at SR 70 and TRIVIA at Geckos on SR 64 and Stickney Point. On Wednesdays, TRIVIA will take place at the Hillview Street location in Southside Village. We will keep the good time flowing and make your week more fun. www.GeckosGrill.com.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Manatee Music Series , April 18 – May 16, 6-8pm
The inaugural season of the Manatee Music Series continues with Trevor Bystrom and Zion Albert, who will perform at the Amphitheater on April 18. Paul Fournier is on the bill for the May 16 concert. In addition to the outdoor concerts in this beautiful tree-covered section of the park, located at 2811 51st St. W. in Bradenton, there will be family-friendly activities by local community partners and crafts sponsored by Bayside Church. Visit mymanatee.org to learn more.
[SOON]  MUSEUM: Watermelon Regatta , April 5 – May 19, Various times

The Ringling unveils the newly restored Watermelon Regatta painting on view for a limited time only. Over seven years ago, conservators at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art began a comprehensive examination of the Watermelon Regatta, a fascinating early 18th-century Italian painting that had suffered significant damage. This extended study led to a painstaking conservation treatment that commenced in 2017 and has been carried out intermittently since that time. The painting conservators at The Ringling were assisted by several conservation Interns and Fellows, as well as contracted conservators. This oil painting on canvas has been attributed to The Master of the Fertility of the Egg, a name used by art historians for an as-yet unidentified painter active in northern Italy around 1700. His works typically represent the world reversed, with animals doing things that humans do. His absurd compositions satirize the madness, vanity, and ridiculous folly of human life, but in a spirit of comic levity and fun. To learn more, visit ringling.org.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Mystery Reef , April 2 – June 30, Various times
Get ready to use your brain coral and start Kraken the case at the new Mystery Reef exhibit Mote Aquarium. Coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, are in serious danger. Help us find out what is hurting the corals and how we can help. Become a coral detective and uncover clues throughout Mystery Reef while learning about real coral science and restoration at Mote Marine Laboratory. For more information: mote.org/mystery.
[SOON]  GALLERY: Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens , November 11 – August 31, N/a

Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  FOOD: Late Night Happy Hour at Geckos on Hillview Street , November 29 – May 31, 10pm-Midnight
Join your friends, after-work buddies and the team at Geckos for our new Late Night Happy Hours. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 pm to Midnight, we will offer food, wine, cocktails and beer specials sure to prolong your weekend fun. Join us and ask your friendly barkeep or server about our Late Night Happy Hours. ONLY at Geckos on Hillview Street in Southside Village. GeckosGrill.com.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz Thursdays , January 11 – June 13, 5:30 pm-8 pm

Join us for live jazz at Sarasota Art Museum, hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, featuring Hot Club of SRQ, and extended hours in the galleries, Bistro, and SHOP. Sip on refreshing cocktails and enjoy small bites in the Bistro. Each second Thursday of the month features a different style of jazz, from straight-ahead to free jazz, bebop to swing-programmed in partnership with Jazz Club of Sarasota. Galleries are open until 7 pm on Jazz Thursdays. Learn more and purchase tickets at sarasotaartmuseum.org.

[SOON]  FOOD: A Taste of Art , February 1 – January 31, 5:30-8pm
Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive live art dinner showcases called A Taste of Art. The first of these events takes place Thursday, February 1, 5:30-8 p.m., at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US 41 Bypass N, Venice. The events will continue on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Guests who visit Chaz 51 on these evenings will be able to witness the creation of captivating works of art in real-time. To make a reservation, call Chaz 51 Steakhouse at 941-484-6200. To find out which artists are scheduled for February, check out the calendar at CreativeLiberties.net.
[SOON]  GALLERY: Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , February 11 – June 30, n/a

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Collaborative Coworking Meetup at UTC , September 1 – December 27, 11am-4pm

Attention all business professionals, join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event at Panera Bread at the UTC Mall every Friday. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. Panera Bread, 215 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Business Networking and Cowork Session , August 22 – June 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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