SRQ DAILY Aug 3, 2020
Monday Business Edition
"People have felt under-represented for a long time."
The first Sarasota County Commission district election in decades will choose a new commissioner in South County. North Port Commissioner Christopher Hanks and former Sarasota County Planning Commission Ron Cutsinger face each other in a District 5 Republican primary for the open seat.
For Hanks, the district election offers a chance to have a county commissioner whose first loyalties will be to Englewood, North Port and South Venice voters. “People have felt under-represented for a long time,” he said. “Promises made usually don’t pan out the way they are given.” He points to recent plans on the Legacy Trail that leave out south county improvements in the first phase as an example.
But that’s on top of years of low prioritization for south county roadways, parks and any number of other improvements. There’s an Englewood fire station he said can’t get its roof fixed.
Cutsinger said he knows many of the hopes south county voters hold, having lived in the region for the past 50 years. “I know the community and am profoundly invested in it,” he said. In addition to his service on the county planning commission, where he just left a chairmanship in order to seek the county commission post, he’s worked for years on nonprofit boards and for business organizations.
Through that time, he’s seen a need for greater accountability and transparency when it comes to the spending of taxpayer dollars.
For his part Cutsinger said his work on issues from the county comprehensive plan to affordable housing initiatives will allow him to hit the ground running. Many of the projects he worked on like the Legacy Trail extension referendum and a modernization of zoning and land development codes are just starting to be implemented.
“My personal background is as a financial advisor, which right now is terrific,” Cutsinger said. “As we are dealing with the pandemic, we have to know how we deal with budget issues and priorities. That's something I live with every day.”
Hanks, though, said nothing prepares a county commissioner for elected experience like other elected experience. From his time as a North Port Commissioner and Mayor, he said he understands how to draw from the input and experience from voters, and he’s developed relationships with leaders in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
“It’s important to have that understanding and experience, and to know how to make hard decisions,” he said.
Photos: Ron Cutsinger, Chris Hanks.
Am I taking the best approach in my business? Am I making the right investment decisions? What am I not thinking about that I should be thinking about?
These are some of the common questions that individuals and business owners often ask themselves. However, many of the most successful people in life have someone who they lean on as a “thinking partner” to talk through difficult situations, from pivotal business decisions to the run-of-the-mill things that life throws at us. What most people don’t realize is the value of that relationship and how it can have an exponential impact on their lives. Thinking partners have the advantage of looking at things from an outside perspective; they tend to offer a good reality check when a sounding board is needed most.
Think about whose opinion you value or who you tend to listen to regarding important matters. A “thinking partner” should be able to look you in the eye and tell you when you’re doing something wrong or help to refocus you when you’re not focusing on the things that matter the most.
Everyone faces distractions, desires or pitfalls in life. It’s how we adapt and react to those circumstances that determines our success. Everyone should feel empowered that they’re on track to achieve whatever level of success it is that they desire. Make sure that you stay on track to accomplish your goals by utilizing your thinking partner or taking the steps to find one.
The Allegiant Private Advisors team often serves the role of a thinking partner for their clients. If you’re seeking a trusted thinking partner, contact the Allegiant Private Advisors team at (941) 365-3745 or allegiantpa.com.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Southwest Florida Chapter is hosting their annual Fundraisers Forum. Each year, AFP SWFL holds a Fundraisers Forum during the summer, an opportunity for fundraising professionals to get together and learn best practices in fundraising from a variety of speakers.
This year, the event will be remote and held on Zoom. AFP SWFL is excited to announce that they have lined up some amazing well-known fundraising experts to present at the event.
The first keynote speaker is one of the nonprofit sector’s most thoughtful, inspirational, and provocative leaders, Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE Adv Dip, FAFP, who has been said is “Very forthright, direct, practical, passionate and integrity: fabulous mix!” Simone will be sharing Fund Development 2020 in the "New Normal." The second keynote speaker is Tom Ahern, Professional Copywriter, who will be sharing Everything I know in 65 Minutes! "Tom Ahern is one of the country's most sought-after creators of fund-raising messages."
SouthTech, the premier technology service provider of Sarasota, recently pledged a $2,500 sponsorship of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT). The company, which has been in business for 25 years, is a new supporter of WBTT; both organizations look forward to continuing the partnership into the future.
SouthTech, which will be listed as a “Director” sponsor in the troupe’s 2020-2021 program book, recognizes the importance of supporting local cultural organizations. The company sponsors many local institutions aligned with the arts and WBTT is a welcome addition to that group. Sarasota is particularly blessed with a wide variety of diverse cultural institutions, from museums and aquariums to performing arts centers.
“As important as it is to support local businesses, it’s just as important to support your local nonprofits,” said Henry Decoo, Business Development & Marketing Manager at SouthTech. “Especially organizations with unique offerings that enrich our community, as Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe does. We are pleased to sponsor WBTT’s 2020-2021 season.”
Executive leaders from the Department of Health in Manatee County, the School District of Manatee County and Manatee County Government are bringing together organizations and leaders to collaborate on a community-wide initiative aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Bencie and County Administrator Cheri Coryea will be joined by other Manatee County leaders from business, medical and non-profit organizations to introduce the initiative to the public during a press conference in the auditorium of Braden River High School on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Due to social-spacing limitations, access to the press conference will be limited, so we please ask that you let us know if you plan to attend, and if you plan to bring more than one person. Please send that information to Michael Barber at barberm@manateeschools.net.
The auditorium will be open for setup at 11:00am and the press conference will begin promptly at 11:30am Media representatives and those participating in the event may park in the loop near the auditorium at Braden River High.
For those who cannot attend, the event will be streamed live to ManateeSchools.net and video from the event will be available when it is over. You should also be able to access the live stream by using the following link: https://iframe.dacast.com/b/52199/c/557990.
Asolo Rep is proud to announce that the winning new musical in its Ground Floor: Making Musicals series is Foundatin, with book, music and lyrics by Christopher Anselmo and Jared Corak. The winner was announced in a live, online Awards Ceremony on Thursday, July 30, culminating the series that previewed four new musicals on the theatre’s Facebook and YouTube pages between May 21 and July 23, 2020. The winner was determined by a public vote and will receive a full staged reading at Asolo Rep.
“Making Musicals is a wonderful compliment to Asolo Rep’s strong focus as an incubator where great musicals are born,” said Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. “In the past fourteen seasons, Asolo Rep has produced seven musicals which have been new to the American stage. Presenting new musicals is a potential risk, but has strengthened our mission, generated new relationships in the artistic community, and established Asolo Rep as a company dedicated to fostering new work while reenvisioning classics.”
“It has been such an honor to work with these brilliant emerging musical theatre artists,” said Celine Rosenthal, Asolo Rep Associate Artistic Director, who serves as the Director of the Ground Floor Series and also directed all four musicals. “I'm so pleased that we could bring something joyful and hopeful to our audience during this uncertain time. I’m thrilled for Chris and Jared and very much look forward to working with them on FOUNTAIN in the future."
DiVosta Homes, one of the nation’s leading builders with 70 years of experience building exceptional homes, has unveiled an exceptional variety of versatile floor plans that will be available at Talon Preserve on Palmer Ranch – the most highly anticipated new lifestyle community in the sought-after Palmer Ranch master-planned community.
With an interest list of over 2,000 people and growing, Talon Preserve is quickly gaining attention from both families and seasonal buyers due to the prestigious contemporary coastal home designs and the expansive resort amenity campus, to be complete with nearly every type of social, recreational and fitness activity a homebuyer would want. The 16 home designs just unveiled at Talon Preserve are the latest release of innovative architectural styles and home designs by DiVosta.
“After nearly 2 years of working and planning with our architects and consumers to determine how our buyers live, we are thrilled to unveil our latest home designs at Talon Preserve that maximize every space in the home. From the extra-large kitchen islands, expansive outdoor living spaces and the latest in technology and efficiency; our new home layouts will meet our homeowners wants and needs.” said Josh Graeve, vice president of sales for PulteGroup’s Southwest Florida Division.
Pictured: Talon Preserve's new models will showcase a variety of open floor plans featuring flexible living spaces, gourmet kitchens, personalized designer finishes, and large outdoor living spaces.
The hands behind Sarasota's selfless sewers.
Click here to read the full article from SRQ's Summer 2020 edition.
DOH Sarasota has scheduled two by appointment only COVID-19 testing events in Mid and South Sarasota County August 5th and 6th. DOH Sarasota will have 100 COVID-19 tests available per day, appointments are required as demand for testing is high.
DOH Sarasota is prioritizing COVID-19 testing for anyone who is currently experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell) or who works in a health care setting.
To be evaluated and to make an appointment, please call 941-861-2883, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Wednesday, August 5th, 8:00am to 12:00pm at Laurel Park, 509 Collins Rd, Laurel, FL 34272
Thursday, August 6th, 8:00am to 12:00pm at Spring Haven Drive (between Heron Creek Middle School and Butler Park) in North Port.
The following state-run COVID-19 testing sites have been established for anyone regardless of symptoms, with no appointment necessary.
- Robert L. Taylor Community Center Walk-up testing site, located at 1845 34th St. Sarasota, open 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, or until capacity is reached.
- The Mall at University Town Center Drive-thru testing site, located at 299 University Town Center Drive Sarasota, open 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, or until capacity is reached.
- Publix at Port Charlotte Crossing, located at 4265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm,or until capacity is reached.
Gather your kiddos and join our Facebook live Tuesday, June 2 and June 16 for our new program, Create for Care. These weekly art classes for kids are an opportunity to give back through artistic expression and will benefit our community hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Kori Clark Design will lead the class on Tuesdays at 1pm with a new art project that kids can create at home and donate to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center healthcare professionals and caregivers. How can you get your child involved? It's simple. Step 1: RSVP to this event page, so we know you're planning to join. Make sure to "like" and "follow" Lakewood Ranch, so you can be alerted when we go live on Tuesdays at 1pm. Step 2: Gather arts & crafts materials and wait for the live stream to begin. Kori Clark Design will provide an example of the project and will demonstrate step-by-step instructions that are easy for kids to follow along. Supplies that Kori recommends: Pencil and Eraser (any old #2 should be good), A pen, either an art pen such as a Micron or Faber-Castell or any rollerball pen will work as long as the ink doesn't run when it gets wet, Watercolor paints or colored pencils, and A small paintbrush. Step 3: Create your masterpiece. Step 4: Scan or take a picture of your creation and leave it in the comments section of the live video, or in this event page. All images will be collected and sent to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center to be donated as gifts to our #healthcareheroes.
Join The Players Centre for Performing Arts for some performing arts fun in the sun from every Tuesday and Thursday. Amazing instructors from The Players Studio will be spending an hour on Tuesday and Thursday mornings teaching acting and dance in Bob Gardner Community Park, completely free. If you're looking for a way to stay active and get your fill of performing, join us. For ages 8-14.
Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
Summer Camp will be virtual this year from June 15 to August 7, 2020! We have decided for the health and safety of our teachers and campers that we will host camp virtually. Camp hours: 10am – 3pm. Cost: $75 for members | $100 for non-members (youth membership is $25) for one week. Space is limited please register for the weeks that your child is interested in.
The Creative Kids Summer Camp is for ages 6-9 years old. The Emerging Artists Summer Camp is for ages 10-13 years old. Contemporary Studies Summer Camp is for ages 14-18.
A Supply List will be sent to parents a few weeks before the camp week starts. The supply lists contain basic materials that your camper will be able to use more than once and where to find them. The camp project packet will be downloadable, for printing at home, on the Friday before the camp week starts and contains the projects for the next week. A printed version of the Camp project packet will be available upon request for pickup at the Art Center the Friday before camp from 10-2pm.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Lakewood Ranch, in collaboration with the Brain Health Initiative and their meditation expert, Trish Hart of Hart Mind Body Solutions, will be providing weekly mindful moments to help kick-off your week with a healthy brain boost. 10-15 minute video clips featuring Trish Hart who will provide a mindful moment to implement into your Tuesday routine. Mindful moments will include brief meditations, affirmations, short readings, yoga practice tips, and more. RSVP and invite your friends and neighbors to be notified when a new video is posted on Tuesday mornings. The Brain Health Initiative (BHI) is a cutting-edge, new approach to studying brain health that's set to revolutionize neuroscience research and position the Gulf Coast as a global leader in scientific innovation. Formed in 2018 and headquartered in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, the BHI features collaborative leadership from the Academy for Brain Health and Performance and Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital. Brain health clinicians, researchers, academics, and innovators from across the Harvard system and throughout the state of Florida, as well as national and global collaborators, are engaged in this collective impact effort to support significant positive brain health and performance outcomes for the greater Gulf Coast region and beyond. Trish Hart is a facilitator of the Massachusetts General Hospital's, Benson Henry Institute's (SMART) Stress Management and Resiliency Program, trained in Mindfulness for Professionals through Duke Integrative Medicine, and is an Ananda Meditation and Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra teacher.
A Zoom Workshop will be offered Tuesdays at 6:00 pm on July 28, August 4, August 11, August 18. Led by store owner, Georgia Court, this is a chance to give poetry writing a try. They will be using Ted Kooser’s The Poetry Home Repair Manual as a guide. As a bonus, two experienced and well-published poets, Phil Terman and Rick Hilles, will be making guest appearances. A fee of $30 is required for participation. This includes a copy of The Poetry Home Repair Manual and all four sessions.
Bookstore1
Join us for Try Your Hand at Poetry led by Georgia Court. There will be four Zoom sessions: Tuesdays at 6pm: August 4, August 11, August 18. Have you always wanted to write poetry, but thought the genre was just too difficult? This is your chance to give it a try using Ted Kooser's The Poetry Home Repair Manual as a guide. A fee of $30 is required for participation. This includes a copy of The Poetry Home Repair Manual and all four sessions. The book can be picked up curbside (We will send you an email when the book is ready for pickup) or you can have it shipped to you via email. This Zoom workshop is limited to 12 participants. If the workshop is full and you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please email georgia@sarasotabooks.com. Complete the registration and we will get you the book with plenty of time before the first meeting. The Zoom link will be sent one day prior to the book club meeting. Ted Kooser is a former US Poet Laureate and, as a human being, as humorous and folksy as anyone I have ever meant. His personality shines through this book and makes all of us feel like we could actually be poets. We'll write our own poems based on his advice and share them with others in the club. This is the perfect place for absolute beginners and for more experienced poets who just want to have a good time with poetry. Oh, and as an added bonus, we'll be joined from time to time by two experienced and well-published poets: Phil Terman and Rick Hilles.
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