People & Business : Wednesday 4/3/19

Wednesday, April 3rd
THE SARASOTA SCENE
People & Business
To submit your news for consideration, please send press info to scenemagazine@scenesarasota.com.

SMH to Break Ground on New Hospital in Venice 

Sarasota Memorial will celebrate an important community milestone on April 4 the groundbreaking of its new Venice hospital. SMH staff, volunteers, physicians, community leaders and residents will gather to learn more about the facility, which is situated on a 65-acre campus on the corner of Laurel and Pinebrook Roads, conveniently located off Interstate 75 in Venice. The new 4-story, 350,000-square-foot hospital and medical campus is anticipated to open in the Fall 2021. Speakers include: Sarasota County Public Hospital Board Chair Joe DeVirgilio; Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder; and Venice Hospital President Sharon Roush. 

 Founded in 1925, Sarasota Memorial is Sarasota County’s only public hospital, and the only not-for-profit health system in the region. The Laurel Road hospital will be the most significant addition in the health system’s 94-year history. The campus will bring SMH’s extensive physician base further south, which in turn will help build the medical staff for a future hospital in North Port. The new Venice hospital is designed to be flexible and expandable. Initially, it will open with 110 private rooms (90 acute-care beds and 20 beds for observation patients), a 28-room Emergency Care Center and eight surgical suites. The all-private suites will include a 10-bed Labor & Delivery/Post-Partum unit, where women can deliver and room with their babies throughout their recovery. The hospital will have eight surgical suites, including a dedicated operating room for emergency and scheduled obstetrical procedures. The hospital will offer a comprehensive range of medical and surgical care, including: Cardiology Units/Catheterization Lab; Critical Care/Intensive Care Unit; Emergency Care; Endoscopy & other procedural areas; Gastroenterology; Labor & Delivery/Post-Partum Unit; Laboratory/Diagnostic Testing; Nephrology; Neurology/Neurosurgery; Oncology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; Imaging/Radiology and Urology. The campus will offer all private rooms, advanced hurricane hardening and a seamless connection to SMH’s electronic medical records and information technology. The campus has the capacity to expand to 270 patient rooms, 16 ORs and a 50-bed Emergency Room to accommodate future growth.

The Founders Golf Club Hosts Annual Scotsman Golf Tournament

Paying homage to John Gillespie, the Scotsman credited with introducing Florida to the game of golf and one of Sarasota’s championship golfers, the annual Scotsman Golf Tournament brought members and their guests to The Founders Club for a full-day celebration.

Teams competed on the community’s Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course. The winning team included member Dan Engel and his guest, Rick Whaley.

This year’s tournament was followed by a festive evening of fine food, live music and dancing. Mac DeCarle, head chef at The Founders Club, prepared an endless raw bar and stone crab station, large carving station and a fully manned sushi bar. Guests danced the night away to a local four-piece band.  

The evening also honored departing president of The Founders Club, Humberto Vainieri, who served for eight years over several terms, and welcomed newly elected president Barbara Milligan.

An award-winning gated golf club community, The Founders Club offers just 275 memberships, ensuring crowds are never an issue and tee times are not required. Each fairway and green offers opportunities to take in the pristine nature of the community, designed amongst 700 acres of fairways, preserves, moss-covered oak trees and strategically placed lakes that enhance the course’s beauty.

The Founders Golf Club also boasts a state-of-the-art teaching facility, where seasoned pros help members improve their skills. That includes head golf professional Anne McClure, a Class A PGA member since 1995 with more than 25 years of teaching and golf management experience. Members can also work on their game at the Club’s putting greens, short game area for practice sessions and large driving range.

Five of the areas most respected luxury homebuilders make up The Founders Club’s preferred homebuilder program – Anchor Builders, Lee Wetherington Homes, London Bay Homes, Arthur Rutenberg-Nelson Homes, Inc., and Nutter Custom Construction. The program offers endless possibilities for homeowners to create a truly personalized home on homesites ranging from nearly half an acre to almost two acres that can accommodate floor plans ranging from 2,200 to more than 6,000 square feet. Home and homesite packages at The Founders Club are priced from the $800,000s to more than $5 million. No CDD fees.

Just outside the gates, residents now have quick access through Lorraine Road to a host of activities, restaurants and events in Lakewood Ranch. Less than 20 minutes away, acclaimed local restaurants, boutiques, and arts and cultural venues in downtown Sarasota also offer residents convenient options for vibrant living, while pristine, white-sand beaches near the Sarasota Bay provide a tropical background for enjoying the outdoors. 

Visitors can stop by The Founders Club Sales Center Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at 3001 Founders Club Drive, three miles east of I-75 on Fruitville Road, Exit 210.

For more information about The Founders Club, call 941-404-3107 or visit www.TheFoundersClub.com.For more information about The Founders Golf Club, call 941-371-9720 or visit

www.thefoundersgolfclub.com.

Orioles Baseball Continues in Sarasota with Extended Spring Training

With the Major League Baseball season now underway, the Orioles’ year-round baseball operations continue in Sarasota with Extended Spring Training. The public is invited to watch Orioles minor league players in action at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in April, May, and June. Gates open 30 minutes before game time, and there is no charge to attend the games. Free parking is available in the East Lot. Please note that game times and locations are subject to change without notice due to weather and field conditions.
 
 
 
The Orioles’ year-round operation in Sarasota County generates approximately $92 million in annual economic impact back to taxpayers and residents, according to an analysis by Sarasota County Government. By marketing Sarasota to fans in the Mid-Atlantic region, operating a year-round athletic training facility, producing entertainment and sporting events, partnering with charitable causes, and hosting and often subsidizing youth sports tournaments and activities, the Orioles demonstrate an abiding commitment to their Florida home that goes far beyond baseball. For details, visit Orioles.com/Sarasota.
 

The Sarasota Ballet Announces Its 2019 – 2020 Season

The Company’s 29th Season will once again feature extraordinary works from some of the great choreographers of the 20th century
 The Sarasota Ballet’s Director, Iain Webb, announces today the Company’s 2019 – 2020 Season. Featuring seven programs, the Season demonstrates not only The Sarasota Ballet’s remarkable range and artistry, but also the Company’s passion for performing extraordinary works rarely performed in America. The upcoming Season will include six company premieres—George Balanchine’s Western Symphony, Paul Taylor’s Brandenburgs, Jerome Robbins’ In the Night, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Dante Sonata and his full-length Romeo and Juliet, and a yet to be announced ballet by David Bintley. Works that will return to the Sarasota stage include Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Las Hermanas, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Les Rendezvous, George Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, Matthew Hart’s John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker, as well as an entire program dedicated to the choreography of Sarasota Ballet Resident Choreographer, Ricardo Graziano.

“Over the past 12 years, we have built a reputation for not only our vast and varied repertoire, but also for our dedication and commitment to producing ballets that have the same passion and authenticity on stage today as they had during their original premieres,” explains Webb. “This Season sees an exhilarating mix of company premieres, rare revivals, and beloved ballets returning to our rep. Of course the highlight of the 2019 – 2020 Season will be Sir Frederick Ashton’s Romeo and Juliet. First created for the Royal Danish Ballet, it is a thrill to bring this stunning full-length classic into the Season.”

Program 1 opens October 25, 2019

The Sarasota Ballet is once again proud to have live music accompany four of our seven programs this season. The Sarasota Orchestra will perform alongside The Sarasota Ballet for Programs 2, 3, 6 and 7.

For a full list of performances visit: https://www.sarasotaballet.org/events/2019-2020-season

LION KING Generates Estimated $11.4 Million To Local Economy

Disney’s THE LION KING is celebrating a sold-out record breaking engagement which ended on Sunday, March 31.  The triumphant three-week premiere engagement grossed more than $3.5 million at the box office and entertained more than 37,000 theatergoers.  The engagement, which played 23 performances from March 14 through March 31, broke the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s record for the highest-grossing and most attended engagement in their history.

It is estimated that the Sarasota engagement of THE LION KING generated an economic benefit of more than $11.4 million to the Sarasota economy from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff. This figure is based upon a Touring Broadway League report which found that, on average, Broadway tours contribute an economic impact 3.27 times the gross ticket sales to the local metropolitan area’s economy. 

“Bringing THE LION KING to Sarasota has been an effort many years in the making,” stated Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. “It has been thrilling to see the joy and excitement of the entire community at this special premiere which was also the first time the hall has ever presented a three-week run. This completely sold out production also broke all box office records. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds have been moved by these amazing performances and the actors have been a joy to work with. This production surpassed our highest expectations on all levels. Bravo to all!”

“What a delight to bring THE LION KING to Sarasota in its premiere engagement,” said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic Touring and Regional Engagements, Disney Theatrical Productions. “We are overwhelmed by the response to the show and thank the Sarasota community and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for a sensational run.”

The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 20 million theatergoers in over 80 cities throughout North America.  

Karin’s Causes Raises $13,500 for Local Nonprofits

Karin’s Causes’ 6th annual sale of art, antiques and collectibles raised $13,500 in a recent three-day sale at the Women’s Resource Center in Sarasota. Beneficiaries of this year’s event were the Women’s Resource Center, Animal Rescue Coalition, and New College Foundation.

The annual three-day sale consisted of items collected by garage sale and flea market guru and hobbyist Karin Gustafson, along with distinctive donations from special friends and donors. According to Gustafson, more than $103,000 has been raised since the founding of the organization, Karin’s Causes, in 2014, with 100 percent of proceeds donated to charities. In addition to raising vitally needed funds, the event meets Gustafson’s goal of “connecting people to these valuable organizations via items they love.”

Gustafson works throughout the year, collecting and preparing for the sale. She scouts out treasures, including rare books, museum-quality art, fine collectibles, prized memorabilia and jewelry. Gustafson, who served as the president of the Y Foundation for more than two decades, says that she’s able to do this every year with support from a group of 26 volunteers and her leadership team, including Rebecca Goldthwaite, research and marketing; Donna Hardin, acquisitions and staging; and Nola Hietbrink, Jean Hubbard, Tom Stanley, and Joan Wilson who oversee merchandising coordination and art installation. The popular sale is attended by dealers, collectors and weekend garage/estate sale enthusiasts, all of whom look forward to its eclectic array of carefully curated selections and attractive prices. The sale has also attracted to its causes new donors, resulting in large post-sale gifts that have enabled major site upgrades and program advancements within each charity.

For more information about Karen’s Cause, contact

941-720-4021.

HuB Launches GoFundMe Page for Long-time Friend

Tammy Ramos, a long-time HuB friend,  was murdered March 1 by her ex-husband, leaving two boys without parents. To help with expenses for the boys, The HuB has launched a GoFundMe campaign. 

https://gofundme.com/liveliketammy

State of the Arts Gallery Launches Photography Collection

This brand new collection will include the visions of  10  diverse photographers .

Be prepared to enjoy street photography, composite photography, nature photography, nude photography and more. This micro exhibit will be available  for public viewing from April 5 until April 19 .

State of the Arts Gallery has become the foremost source for collectors focusing on acquiring contemporary fine art created by Sarasota artists. From its inception six years ago, the gallery has spotlighted professional, local career artists residing in the Sarasota.

The Sarasota community is rich with visual arts and these artists have dedicated their lives to creating fine art, adding to Sarasota’s cultural “canvas.”

The gallery’s collection of contributing artists includes artists and sculptors who have been dedicated, accomplished artists for as many as 50 years. This is quite an accomplishment to have made a living and lifestyle as creators. The gallery is honored to represent these visual arts icons.

 Venice Theatre seeks performers for Summer Cabaret Festival
 Venice Theatre is seeking entertainers for its 7th Annual Summer Cabaret Festival which will run July 12 through  Aug. 25, 2019. Performances will be Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. in the 90-seat Pinkerton Theatre. Selected acts will perform two or three times during the run of the festival. Allan Kollar, the theatre’s Artistic Director, is accepting submissions from interested acts through Wednesday May 15, 2019. Chosen acts and a festival schedule will be announced June 1, 2019 at which time tickets will also go on sale. 

New this year, the theatre is hosting a workshop to help performers work on their cabaret ideas. Veteran cabaret performer and Venice Theatre General Manager Kristofer Geddie will be teaching “Sing For Your Supper – Create Your Cabaret!” on Saturdays April 6 and 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuition is $45. Geddie asks, “Has doing your own show always intimidated you? Don’t let it. This class will guide you in putting together and creating your own cabaret. Beginning with choosing material and putting together the act, you will also gain insight into stage presence, song interpretation and fun specific banter – in your voice. Ideas on how to resourcefully market offstage to an audience will be included.”

It should be noted that participation in this workshop does not guarantee a performance slot in the 2019 festival.

Those interested in being considered for the festival must submit:

A brief description of the show including title, style, and theme
A sample song list
A video highlighting vocal and performance abilities
Performance resume
Head shot
Schedule conflicts between June 15 and Aug. 25, 2019
Acts selected to participate will need to provide:

Two sets (35-45 minutes each) of music-driven cabaret entertainment
Sheet music for the accompanist in the correct key
Assistance in promoting the show
High-resolution digital photos and promotional materials
Any costumes or props required
Venice Theatre will supply:

Performance space in the Pinkerton Theatre (90-seat black box)
Piano
Accompanist (if needed)
Up to four cordless hand-held microphones
Four stools, one cocktail table
Basic lighting (warm wash, cool wash, center special, piano special)
Stage Manager / Light Board Operator / Sound Operator
Marketing of the cabaret festival as a whole
Performers should fill out a submission form at VeniceStage.com/audition or mail a packet to:

Venice Theatre
140 Tampa Ave. W.
Venice, FL 34285
Attn: Allan Kollar, Artistic Director

Please note: The theatre is not able to consider “book shows” (scripted shows either published or unpublished); shows that violate copyright law (i.e. “An evening of Disney songs”); shows that require scenery; shows that require projections / video.

Questions about submission requirements should be directed to allankollar@venicetheatre.net. 

Meals On Wheels of Sarasota Honors Volunteers 

Special recognition for 90-year-old couple delivering meals for 43 years. Meals On Wheels of Sarasota could not deliver 180,000+ meals each year without the help of 600-plus dedicated volunteers! More than 300 of them attended the Annual Volunteer Reception at the Meadows County Club Tuesday, March 26, celebrating milestone anniversaries and receiving recognition and gifts in honor of their dedication and hard work. The event applauded the unparalleled contribution of the generous volunteers who help feed homebound seniors, the suffering and impaired, veterans, disabled children and families in need in Sarasota.

Board President Lisa Krebs-Knepp announced a special award for Howard and Shirley Taylor, both in their 90’s, who have helped feed the homebound with Meals On Wheels of Sarasota for 43 years. Other outstanding volunteers who were honored included Joe Theil, celebrating 25 years; Julie Squier at 20 years; and Michael Amoroso, Teri Metz and Tami Milton at 15 years. Milestone volunteers of 10 and 5 years were also be recognized.

“We are grateful for our many dedicated volunteers every day, but this event is our way of celebrating their big hearts and hard work,” said Marjorie Broughton, Executive Director at Meals on Wheels of Sarasota. “They donate their time six days a week year-round, making it possible for us to prepare, pack and deliver more than 180,000 healthy meals each year.”

For more information about volunteering or to donate, visit www.mealsonwheelsofsarasota.org, email info@mealsonwheelsofsarasota.org or call 941-366-6693.

Rare Italian bowl worth thousands of dollars and purchased for $1 is brought to The Exchange

The Exchange just had a rare and valuable Italian ceramic bowl find its way through its doors.

The same bowl sold for $30,000 at Christie’s in 2011.

Irwin Werbowsky, a consigner and volunteer at The Exchange, unknowingly purchased a rare Gio Ponti glazed ceramic bowl for $1 at a yard sale recently. When he brought it to The Exchange, pricer Kim Conner researched the bowl. After finding a listing on Christie’s for the same bowl that sold for $30,000 on June 16, 2011, she contacted Bruce Crissy from Crissy Galleries in Sarasota for his input. Crissy recommended that The Exchange contact Wright Inc. for additional information. (Wright is the industry’s leading auction house specializing in 20th-century art and design.) See attached photo of Irwin Werbowsky and bowl.

Irwin Werbowsky was asked if he would like to consign the item through the Exchange or with Wright. Irwin chose to support The Exchange.

The price is yet to be determined. The Exchange in the process of determining the best way to handle the sale of the item.

 The bowl is part of a collection designed in 1925 by the iconic architect and designer Gio Ponti. The series features depictions of a female figure rendered in the Art Deco style. An architect, furniture and industrial designer and editor, Gio Ponti was arguably the most influential figure in 20th-century Italian Modernism. He designed thousands of furnishings and products — from cabinets, lamps and chairs to ceramics and coffeemakers — and his buildings, including the brawny Pirelli Tower (1956) in his native Milan, and the castle-like Denver Art Museum (1971), were erected in 14 countries. Through Domus, the magazine he founded in 1928, Ponti brought attention to virtually every significant movement and creator in the spheres of modern art and design.