People & Business: Friday

Friday, January 4th, 2019
THE SARASOTA SCENE
People & Business
To submit your news for consideration, please send press info to scenemagazine@scenesarasota.com.

Caldwell Trust Company names Reppard Gordon as Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer

Reppard Gordon has joined Caldwell Trust Company as assistant vice president and trust officer according to R. G. “Kelly” Caldwell Jr., CEO/president. Gordon comes to Caldwell with 17 years of experience in finance. He has assumed dual duties, working with individuals as a trust officer and with businesses through Caldwell’s retirement planning services.

Based in Caldwell’s Venice office, Gordon’s focus is in south Sarasota County including Venice and North Port, as well as in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte and other communities in Charlotte County. 

 Reppard began his financial career in 2001 when he joined Bank of America in Tampa as a trust officer. He continued with Bank of America in Arcadia and Punta Gorda until 2007. That year he became senior vice president and Florida regional manager of  Premier Services at M&I Bank (later acquired by BMO Harris Bank).  During his tenure with BMO Harris Bank, he led the consumer bank for the west coast of Florida as retail market manager and senior vice president.  He remained with BMO Harris bank until late 2016. Most recently he was branch administrator and executive vice president at Premier Community Bank of Florida–Sarasota/Manatee.

Sarasota County to Take Part in 2019 Neighborhood Summit

Sarasota County Neighborhood Services will take part in the 2019 Manasota Neighborhoods Summit, joining Manatee County and the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton by welcoming community leaders from around the region.

The summit, which will be held 8 a.m. to noon, Friday, Feb. 22, brings together formal, informal and aspiring neighborhood leaders to learn about improvement trends and opportunities that impact our region’s neighborhoods. The half-day event will focus on the local perspective, at a low cost to attendees. Continuing education opportunities will also be available to community association managers.

 www.jfcs-cares.org The Manasota Neighborhoods Summit will be held at the R.L. Taylor Community Center, 1845 34th St, Sarasota. Registration is $20 per attendee and includes a continental breakfast. To register online, visit the following link .

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Elects Hosana Fieber to Board of Directors

The Exchange is now Accepting Applications for 2019-2020 Grants and Scholarships

 The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) announced that is now accepting applications for its 2019-2020 grants and scholarship program. Last year, the organization awarded $250,000 to 19 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 22 students. To be considered, all applications must be received by no later than 4 p.m. on January 31, 2019. For guidelines and application information, visit The Exchange’s website at www.sarasotawex.com.

“We’re honored to play an integral role in our region’s rich arts and cultural tapestry,” says Karen Koblenz, The Exchange’s executive director and CEO. “Since 1962, The Exchange has awarded $8 million to local non-profits and high school and college students pursuing a higher education in the arts. Every penny of this is generated through our consignment operation. We’re thankful to our many volunteers, consignors and shoppers for their ongoing support and patronage. These funds can be game-changing for our grantees, who often credit The Exchange for supporting pivotal moments in their success.” 

Koblenz points out that the organizational grants are for specific projects and outreach programs, including performances, exhibitions, education initiatives and special series. She explains that The Exchange’s board bases its granting decisions on the long-term stability and financial health of the organizations, the program’s overall appeal to the public and the educational impact these programs will have on area students. Individual scholarships are awarded based on grade point average, the individual’s artistic goals and achievements, and letters of recommendation.

“We’re especially interested in programs that explore diversity, nurture educational opportunities, and promote a vibrant and civically engaged community,” says Koblenz. “The cultural arts industry plays a pivotal role in our region’s economic health and serves as a magnet for tourism. We’re proud to invest in our home-grown creative talents.” 

Lakewood Ranch Recognized as the 2nd Best Master-Planned Community 

Lakewood Ranch has been recognized as the second best-selling, master-planned community in the country by RCLCO and John Burns, two independent real estate consulting firms; an increase from its third-place ranking for 2017.

Lakewood Ranch’s sales numbers at mid-year boosted the community’s ranking to second place in the nation for the first half of 2018 – and first in the nation for multi-generational communities – for the first time in its history, according to Maryland-based RCLCO. Lakewood Ranch has been among the top-selling master-planned communities in the country for seven years.
The 2018 numbers were achieved, in part, by the opening of new neighborhoods like The Isles by Toll Brothers, and the growth of Waterside, a village located on the southern edge of the The Ranch in Sarasota County. Waterside is situated around several lakes; its much-anticipated town center, Waterside Place, broke ground in October.Lakewood Ranch currently offers buyers 19 unique villages from which to choose, with a wide variety of homes types and price points ($180k to well over $1M), a vibrant Main Street that has become a destination for the region, and nationally recognized sports venues like the Premier Sports Campus and the Sarasota Polo Club. The Ranch boasts A-Rated schools, nine institutions of higher learning, and the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. 
Lifestyle is another driver of sales. Two new parks were opened in 2018, with miles of trails and paths, a disc golf course, three dog parks, and watercraft launches. The Ranch boasts a national award-winning lifestyle director, a flourishing farmers’ market, more than 50 diverse clubs, and a seemingly endless calendar of community events, including theater in the field, music in the park, festivals and tournaments.

JFCS kicks off Project of Unity at special Aviva event

Dedicated to Steve Seidensticker, program aims to bring people of all faiths together to promote unity in the community

In partnership with Aviva and The Jewish Federation, JFCS kicked off its new Project of Unity program on the first day of Hanukkah, bringing together families and children of all faiths to promote unity in the community.  

 Clients from JFCS’s Healthy Families/Healthy Children program joined Aviva residents to learn about Hanukkah and the principles of giving back and supporting those in need, which are an integral part of the Jewish faith.  Participants were introduced to stories, music and traditions surrounding the Jewish faith and Hanukkah.  Children also created special holiday cards, which they then gave to Aviva residents, and shared a special meal of Latkes and other traditional Jewish foods.  

 “The inspiration for the Project of Unity is the belief that differences enrich our interactions and make us stronger,” said Heidi Brown, JFCS President/CEO.  “We are excited to join together as one harmonious community and dedicate the Project of Unity to Steve Seidensticker.  His passion for doing good endures through his beautiful legacy and the Project of Unity is a testament to his vision.”

 Additional educational and cultural events are being planned, designed to help people better understand the fundamental values behind different faiths and common principles, including a partnership with Key Chorale, and the performance of Elijah, March 10-11, 2019, at First Methodist Church in Sarasota.  Mendelssohn’s powerful choral masterpiece brings to life some of the most dramatic moments of the Old Testament. This extraordinary musical retells the story of a man’s devotion, persecution and ascension in one of the greatest oratories ever written. For tickets and more information, visit www.keychorale.org. 

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Elects Hosana Fieber to Board of Directors

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation announces the election of Hosana Fieber, Chief Financial Officer at Tervis Tumbler, to serve a three-year term on its Board of Directors. 

Fieber leads the company’s sustainability mission and has been involved with Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, and Girl Scouts.

“We are excited Hosana is joining us as she demonstrates our core values of stewardship, integrity, and service, as well as bringing unique skills to further our mission” says Teri A Hansen, President | CEO of Barancik Foundation.

Susan Mack Elected Partner at Adams and Reese

Adams and Reese is proud to congratulate Susan Mack on being elected to partnership in the firm, effective January 1, 2019.

Mack practices in the firm’s Jacksonville office. Her national practice encompasses advising life, health and property/casualty insurers, brokers, general agents and administrators on insurance regulatory and other legal issues.

She is an experienced mediator and served as corporate counsel for several companies, in multiple instances as companies’ first female general counsel, prior to entering private practice.

Mack is a 1982 graduate of Boston College Law School and received her B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1979.

The Patterson Foundation Raises More Than $1 Million for Season of Sharing
Community donors have contributed more than $1 million to Season of Sharing, supporting individuals and families throughout the region on the verge of homelessness. The milestone sparked a second $100,000 contribution to the campaign from The Patterson Foundation. To encourage continued community giving, The Patterson Foundation will contribute additional $100,000 gifts to Season of Sharing each time the community raises $500,000 for the campaign through Jan. 31.
Each year, Season of Sharing encourages community support for families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties who are on the verge of losing their homes. Since its inception in 2000, the annual campaign has provided more than $19 million in emergency funding for more than 20,000 families and individuals in the region. The Patterson Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Season of Sharing, contributing more than $3.9 million since 2010.
“Season of Sharing has shown its value in helping those on the verge of homelessness year after year, and our community has invested wisely and generously toward its continued impact,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “The Patterson Foundation is privileged to strengthen this palpable momentum with this latest contribution and others throughout the campaign.”
Created by the Herald-Tribune Media Group in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Season of Sharing seeks to stop homelessness before it happens. The annual campaign acts as a vital safety net for individuals and families, providing the critical assistance they need to get back on their feet and remain in their homes. Funds raised through Season of Sharing help cover emergency expenses like medical bills, transportation, child care and rent.
To ensure that 100 percent of the funds raised serve those in need, the staff of the Herald-Tribune Media Group, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and more than 60 nonprofit organizations donate hundreds of hours for overhead costs each year.
In addition to addressing immediate needs, funds raised through Season of Sharing support long-term stability. Of those who receive support through Season of Sharing, 85 percent do not require additional assistance the following year. It costs eight times more to pull a family out of homelessness than to help them stay in their home.
Visit www.CFSarasota.org to donate and learn more about Season of Sharing, and join the conversation on social media using #SeasonOfSharing.

Masterclass with Moving Ethos Dance Company Artistic Director, Leah Verier-Dunn.

This movement class is the perfect opportunity to experience the work and creative process behind contemporary dance, alongside professional dancers. This class is rooted in postural awareness, fluid and bold movement, fierce physicality, and dynamic performative techniques.
Saturday, January 26 10:30 AM Charlotte and Charles Perret Family Performance Studio Please meet for check-in at the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion
RSVP requested by Friday, January 18 Sonja Shea at sonja.shea@ringling.org

Choral Artists of Sarasota Presents “From the Heart”

The 40 singers of the Choral Artists of Sarasota lift their voices to celebrate the organization’s 40^th season in “From the Heart,” a concert featuring Johannes Brahms’ “A German Requiem,” one of the one of the most inspirational works of the 19th century. The concert also features William Averitt’s “Over Jordan,” a setting of four spiritual pieces that contemplate the ecstatic journey into eternity. The concert is Saturday, February 16, 4 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 104 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. $5 student tickets are available with ID at the door. A free “Coffee and Concerts Insights” preview with Dr. Joseph Holt, the group’s artistic director, and soprano Jenny Kim-Godfrey, is Tuesday, February 5, 10 a.m., at the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, 1226 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. In addition, the public is invited to two open rehearsals, Sunday, January 27, 1-3:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St, Sarasota, and Monday, January 28, 7-10 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Ragnar Bohlin, director of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, will be at both rehearsals. For tickets and info, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.