People & Business: Friday

Friday, January 18th, 2019
THE SARASOTA SCENE
People & Business
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The Van Wezel Foundation Board of Directors Announce Cheryl Mendelson as New CEO

Chicago-based arts and education executive Cheryl Mendelson has been appointed the new CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation. Board Chair Mike Martella made the announcement today that Mendelson will take the helm in February, bringing more than 25 years of fundraising, business development, and strategic planning to the Foundation.

“The appointment of Cheryl Mendelson is our next step toward realizing our vision of a new performing arts center for our great community,” said Martella. “After conducting an extensive national search, Cheryl’s breadth of expertise in developing successful philanthropic programs, coupled with her experience in growing the Harris Theater in Millennium Park into a nationally recognized venue of artistic importance, made her the perfect choice to lead the next chapter of the Van Wezel Foundation. Cheryl’s appointment will enable us to achieve our mission to create a world-class performing arts center that enriches the community, supports arts education, and inspires young minds.” 

Mendelson’s career as a nonprofit executive has spanned across education, healthcare, and the arts, most recently as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Chief Marketing Officer for Erikson Institute, the premier graduate school in child development, where she led the strategy and execution for all fundraising, marketing, and communications. Prior to Erikson, she spent 8 years as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Harris Theater. Mendelson is recognized as a thought leader in the branding and growth of the theater, including her critical role as chief architect for the $38 million Imagine capital campaign. She also founded Access Tickets, a Harris Theater arts education program that partners with health and human service organizations and schools.

“Impact 100 SRQ”: 100 Women Raise $100,000

A dynamic group of local philanthropists committed to high impact strategic grant making, is pleased to announce that it has reached its first goal of raising $100,000 from 100 committed women! 

Sarasota and Manatee County women have banded together in record time under a growing philanthropic movement that will deliver meaningful change in the Suncoast area. Currently, membership is at 107 women with aspirations to double its membership by February 28th. 

“We are women from all walks of life, united for a greater good, with a clear understanding of the power of collective giving,” said Jane Watt, president of Impact 100 SRQ. “This is just the beginning of our grassroots journey to give multiple $100,000 grants annually. We encourage women in our community to join us as we reach for the next 100 women for a second grant opportunity in 2019.”

The idea behind Impact 100 SRQ is simple:  Encourage 100 women to donate $1,000 each, then pool those resources into one big grant of $100,000 for a qualifying non-profit in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Impact 100 SRQ has no paid employees or staff, so 100% of each member’s annual contribution of $1,000 is awarded to non-profit organizations in grants of $100,000 or more. Operational costs are kept to a minimum and funded voluntarily by members and corporate supporters.

Dierdre Miles Burger joins The Sarasota Ballet as Assistant Education Director

The Sarasota Ballet’s Director Iain Webb and Education Director Christopher Hird are delighted to announce that esteemed dance educator Dierdre Miles Burger will be joining The Sarasota Ballet as Assistant Education Director. Her wealth of knowledge and experience in dance education as well as her position as a member of the Board of Examiners for American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum® add another key element to The Sarasota Ballet’s Education Programs. As a professional dancer Dierdre performed as a Soloist for Houston Ballet and Boston Ballet before joining the artistic staff as Ballet Mistress for Boston Ballet. As Dierdre transitioned towards dance education, she took on the roles of Principal of Boston Ballet School, and most recently was Director of Orlando Ballet School.

“I am so excited to join the Education Department of The Sarasota Ballet,” enthuses Miles Burger. “I have been so inspired by the company and the leadership of Iain Webb, Joseph Volpe, and Margaret Barbieri. Being trusted to join forces with Christopher Hird to bring to fruition their vision for the education programs of The Sarasota Ballet is tremendously exciting. It is also a particular honor to have this opportunity to work closely with Margaret to connect the training of our students with the artistry of the professional company.”

As Assistant Education Director, Dierdre Miles Burger will assist in all aspects of The Sarasota Ballet Education Program, concentrating on the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, International Intensive, and The Sarasota Ballet School. In collaboration with Christopher Hird, she will focus on the development of The Sarasota Ballet’s Education and outreach programs, with particular emphasis on attracting students from across the United States and abroad.

“Together with Christopher, Dierdre will enable The Sarasota Ballet’s Education Programs to continue to attain even greater heights,” says Webb. Barbieri adds, “The caliber and depth of Dierdre’s knowledge and experience will give our students an outstanding education and path to becoming professional dancers. She will be an integral part of The Sarasota Ballet Education team, and I look forward to working with her.”

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College Presents : “Newtown History Makers”

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College) presents “Newtown History Makers,” a panel discussion led by community scholar and activist Vickie Oldham. The panel members, Shelia Cassundra Hammond Atkins, Lymus Dixon Jr., Walter L. Gilbert, III, and Ken Waters, will discuss Sarasota’s first black community, which was originally called Overtown. They’ll also speak about Newtown Alive, an initiative that has launched heritage tourism in Newtown and stimulates economic redevelopment there. The event is February 6, 2:30-4 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, and is free for Gold Members; and $15 for Silver Members and general admission. To register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.

Vickie Oldham is a journalist, media and public relations strategist, and one of the organizers of Newtown Alive, an organization that documents the history of Sarasota’s African-American communities of Overtown and Newtown with historic markers, a website, mobile app and trolley tours. In this discussion, she and her fellow panel members will explore the history of Sarasota’s first black community, beginning with the African-American pioneer Lewis Colson, who drove the first stake into the ground to plat the town of Sarasota in 1885. Black labor built the community’s infrastructure, and enterprising people of color cleared snake-infested land for developers and harvested crops to fuel the local economy. The panel will also discuss Newtown Alive, the initiative that has launched heritage tourism in Newtown and stimulates economic redevelopment.

Manatee Sheriff’s Office Opens Lakewood Ranch Substation

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) became more regional with the ribbon cutting of its newest substation, located in Lakewood Ranch.

The facility, at 14544 Arbor Green Trail, is just south of State Road 70 and east of Lorraine Road. The new station is housed in the former sales office for Lennar’s Lakewood National village. The effort was a joint project of the MCSO, Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. (SMR), and Ranch builder Lennar.

“Lennar was happy to provide subcontractors, labor, materials, equipment, supervision and coordination to complete the substation’s buildout for the MCSO in conjunction with SMR,” said Kyle Bernethy, director of sales for Lennar in Southwest Florida. “Our whole Lennar team has a commitment to the safety of the community, as well as a desire to help out where there is a need.”

The MCSO will rent the facility from SMR, who intends to keep the land off the market long enough for the Sheriff’s Office to get resources in order to build a more permanent location, according to SMR’s president and CEO Rex Jensen. Public safety has always been a Lakewood Ranch priority, Jensen said. “This is a huge win for the community. This partnership accelerates the active presence of the MCSO in Lakewood Ranch by at least three to four years.  We now have better police protection while we await the permanent facility.”

The substation will allow deputies in the expansive District 3, of which Lakewood Ranch is a part, to have a place to work that’s closer than the current District 3 office, which is at State Road 64 and I-75. Sheriff’s deputies, school resource officers, and rural officers will all utilize the facility, according to MSCO’s public information officer, Randy Warren. Preliminarily, the office will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be a call box on property that can be utilized during off hours.

Dial HOPE Annual Luncheon LANDS Astronaut–Artist as Keynote Speaker

Dial Hope Foundation welcomes NASA Astronaut and Artist, Nicole Stott, as keynote speaker to their Annual Luncheon at Bird Key Yacht Club. 
 
Nicole Stott is an Artist and Astronaut who creatively combines the awe and wonder of her spaceflight experience with her artwork to inspire everyone’s appreciation of our role as crewmates here on Spaceship Earth. She is the first person to paint a watercolor in space. 

Nicole spent over 3 months in space on the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle; she is also an Aquanaut, having lived underwater for a 3-week mission on the Aquarius undersea habitat. She believes that the international model of peaceful and successful cooperation we have experienced in these extreme environments of space and sea hold the key to the same kind of peaceful and successful cooperation for all of humanity here on Earth. 

“Nicole’s inspirational message about humanity is a perfect fit for Dial Hope,” explains Dial Hope board member Ann Babcock. Dial Hope is a 24-hour global telephone and Internet ministry providing daily faith-based, non-denominational messages of encouragement, inspiration and care. Dial Hope continues to spread “Ripples of Hope” across the country, in all 50 states, over 40 countries and to deployed military around the world. 

Dial Hope, was launched in September 2000 by Rev. Dr. Roger Kunkel. In the early days, Roger woke up at 5 am and he would record an inspirational telephone message. The messages were uplifting and encouraging. People began to call 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. In the mid-2000’s Dial Hope really began to take off. Roger drew on some of the brightest minds in Sarasota to help him run this growing ministry. They formed a Board of Directors and transitioned a church based ministry to today a growing non-profit foundation. 

Early on, Roger would periodically ask his friends to stand in as Guest Pastors. One of the first was Rev. Joe Albright, then the Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota.
When Roger passed away in the summer of 2011, the board of directors asked Joe to consider taking over this ministry. Joe responded enthusiastically. “I was deeply honored. I love this ministry and I am passionate about continuing it because I know that it touches lives.” To become a Sponsor or reserve tickets call Candy Swick at 941-954-9000 or get ticket online at www.Dialhope.org. For interviews with Nicole Stott or Dial Hope please call Lisabeth Begin at (727-243-6965) or Lis@BeginProductions.com.

SCF Announces Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has recently been awarded a $3.6 million job growth grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to establish a Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation at SCF Bradenton.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, president of SCF said, “This initiative reflects a partnership between our institution, local employers, and the Bradenton and Sarasota Economic Development Corporations to meet the changing educational needs of our students and the workforce development needs of employers. We are grateful to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Governor Scott for their support and award of this grant through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.”

For more than two years, college administration sought feedback and proposals from faculty, staff and the community as to how to repurpose a building, which previously held the campus library. SCF received numerous creative suggestions with a common theme that it should be multipurpose and responsive to SCF’s growing needs and new initiatives.

As such, the Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation will feature a:

Coding Technology Academy,
Technology Incubator & Accelerator,
Video, Augmented Reality & Creative Studio, and
University Partnership Center.
“We are proud to receive support from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and are very excited to expand a sustainable talent pipeline to support innovation that contributes to a stronger regional business climate in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Our students, faculty and the community will benefit from the experiences and insights of employers and higher education partners working together to advance technology and innovation,” said Dr. Todd G. Fritch, executive vice president and provost of SCF.

The SCF Coding Technology Academy will serve as a hub for an expanding regional technology initiative to promote growth and development in Manatee and Sarasota counties and the surrounding area. The Coding Academy will feature immersion courses, certificate programs, seminars, social events, and other gatherings to benefit both the technology sector and other businesses that rely on technology to fuel their progression and expand their footprint. Academies will be strategically placed at SCF Bradenton, SCF Lakewood Ranch and in downtown Sarasota.

Friendship Centers “Blooming Friendships” Signature Event Benefits Local Seniors in Need

On Thursday, January 24 at 5:30 p.m. Friendship Centers will present “Blooming Friendships,” a festive dinner to celebrate the center’s mission: to promote health, dignity and quality of life throughout the journey of aging. The signature event will be held at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, 811 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota.

Tickets to “Blooming Friendships,” which is co-chaired by Andi Munzer and Bunny Skirboll, are $200 each and include cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a live auction, and an evening of dancing and entertainment. Attire is “smart casual.”

“This event will be a fun opportunity for people in the community to learn about Friendship Centers and the programs and services we provide,” said Monica Caldwell, special events and development manager at Friendship Centers. “Attendees will hear stories from real people who have benefitted from Friendship Centers and have a chance to connect with our mission.”

Proceeds from Blooming Friendships will benefit uninsured and low-income seniors through programs such as licensed day care services, nutritional support, caregiver respite, educational and enrichment activities, and medical/dental services.

45 Lots Remain in The Lake Club’s Lake View Estates Enclave

The Lake Club, admired as the most exclusive village in Lakewood Ranch, continues to inspire luxurious living with its exquisite models and unmatched amenities. To date, 26 of the original 68 home sites within the recently released Lake View Estates enclave are committed to future residents or the preferred builders for model and move-in ready homes, leaving just 45 of the enclave’s properties remaining.

Estates in The Lake Club are constructed by the region’s finest builders who were selected for their award-winning style and craftsmanship. Of those, Anchor Builders, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, John Cannon Homes and Stock Signature Homes have models in Lake View Estates.

Anchor Builders’ Abaco incorporates island colonial influences throughout its three bedrooms, additional bonus room, library, and extensive outdoor living space with lanai, pool, and spa. Arthur Rutenberg Homes’ Andalucía features three bedrooms with two additional bonus rooms, a guest suite, and an expansive outdoor living area with lanai, cabana pool and spa, and fireplace. The Korina by John Cannon Homes has three bedrooms, a bonus room, four and one-half baths, a radiant great room, formal dining area, spacious kitchen, study, and a three-car garage.

Stock Signature Homes’ has three models, one of which being the Clairborne II. Encompassing more than 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, the Clairborne II inspires a relaxing lake-front lifestyle throughout its four bedrooms, study, exercise room, and expansive outdoor living area. The Glenmore features four bedrooms, four full and one-half bath, great room, dining, study, outdoor living, and a three-car garage within 5,468 square feet under air. Even still, the 5,597-square-foot under air Margo II boasts three bedrooms, four full and one-half baths, formal dining area, great room, study, bonus room, outdoor living, and a three-car garage.

Residents in Lake View Estates also enjoy the regal 20,000-square-foot Grande Clubhouse, an exclusive gathering place to host events and indulge in entertainment, dining, and sporting activities, among the many other enrichment activities signature to The Lake Club lifestyle. Enhancements to the park, such as a yoga lawn, children’s playground, fitness trail, dog park and sports courts, are expected to be completed soon also.

To learn more about Lake Club living, visit the Model Preview Center located at 8307 Lake Club Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch, call (855) 201-8065 or preview models, floor plans and amenities at TheLakeClubLWR.com

Teen Court of Sarasota receives a $25,000 Matching Grant From The Community Foundation of Sarasota County 

Teen Court of Sarasota is proud to announce a collaboration with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support our young people at our local schools.

With this collaboration Teen Court of Sarasota has placed Case Managers at each local high school one day per week to address topics like sexting, bullying, peer pressure and more.  Those high schools served include, Booker High School, Venice High School, Riverview High School, North Port High School, Sarasota High School and Triad.

“We are truly grateful for the investment the Sarasota County Public Schools and the Community Foundation of Sarasota has in our programs,” said Heather Todd, Executive Director.

Our presence in the schools provides teachers, administrators and facility with immediate access to Teen Court services in order to address the needs of the youth.  Todd adds “The young people we serve are worthy of a second chance to learn and grow from their mistake.”

This $25,000 grant award allows Teen Court to serve its clients in a timely and meaningful manner.”  The organization’s programs address the whole family and include mental health counseling, parent/child risky behavior classes and substance abuse education.  Topics include sexting, bullying, parent/child communication skills and peer pressure, among others.