People & Business: Friday 3/1

Friday, March 29th
THE SARASOTA SCENE
People & Business
To submit your news for consideration, please send press info to scenemagazine@scenesarasota.com

John Cannon Homes Honored with 5 “Best Overall” In Single Family Category at 2019 Parade of Homes
 
The Korina, The Victoria, The Milina, The Corindi, The Akarra IV win “Best Overall” in addition to Cannon’s 27 Individual awards.

Southwest Florida residential luxury custom home builder John Cannon Homes brought home five “Best Overall” awards and an additional 27 awards in individual and sub-contractor categories at the 2019 Parade of Homes Ceremony held Thursday evening at The Hyatt- Sarasota.  To date, John Cannon Homes has received an impressive 350 plus Parade of Homes awards.  
 
“We are extremely proud of the accolades we received at this year’s Parade of Homes,” said John Cannon, President. “All of our models have been exceptionally well-received by visitors and realtors, which further validates the judges awards during this year’s Parade of Homes,” he added. “Our homes featured during this year’s Parade, showcase our attention to architectural details and feature distinctive and varied levels of finish and designs.”  Cannon explained that he feels their award-winning success reflects years of listening to clients effectively and translating those conversations into outstanding homes.
 
Five of Cannon’s models were awarded Best Overall – The Korina, The Victoria, The Milina, The Corindi, and The Akarra IV. These models also received awards in individual categories including “Best Floor Plan,” “Best Architectural Design,” “Best Kitchen,” “Best Master Suite” and “Best Curb Appeal.” In the Sub-Contractor categories, Pool Design Concepts won for Cannon’s The Korina pool and Pointer Pools for The Victoria’s pool; Trent Culleny took home the Best Landscaping award for his work at The Korina.  A total of 32 awards were received by the luxury custom home builder. 
 
John Cannon Homes was recently awarded “Best Residential Builder”, first place in all three locations; Sarasota, Manatee and Venice (Sarasota Herald–Tribune 2019 Reader’s Choice) for the 27th consecutive year. The annual Parade of Homes awards, presented by the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association, are considered by many industry leaders as the benchmark in design-build recognition. 
 
Photographs, floor plans and virtual tours of these winning homes can be viewed by visiting www.johncannonhomes.com.
The 2019 Parade of Homes features 107 models and 7 communities throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties, according to the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association (MS-BIA) which organizes the annual event and ceremony. The association is affiliated with both the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.

Largest, annual Parkinson’s event attracts top Parkinson’s specialists  

On April 13, top Parkinson’s specialists from around the country will present the latest findings at the Parkinson’s EXPO, the largest annual Parkinson’s event in the USA.  People and caregivers living with Parkinson’s, allied healthcare professionals and the public are invited to attend to learn more about the progressive, neuro-degenerative disease.

Hosted by Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, the 2019 Parkinson’s EXPO is free and includes lunch, coffee and water. Continuing medical education credits and continuing education units for physicians and allied health professionals will be available. The EXPO will take place at the Bradenton Area Convention Center at 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, Florida. Register now at NeuroChallenge.org.

Pines of Sarasota Foundation’s “Love Lives Here” Video Honored at ADDY Awards 

“Love Lives Here,” an animated video illustrating Pines of Sarasota’s compassionate care for generations of residents, was among the list of 2019 AdFed Suncoast American Advertising Awards (ADDY Awards) winners.

Pines of Sarasota, a nonprofit senior care community, has provided compassionate care and security for its residents for over 70 years — ensuring they have a dignified place to call home regardless of their changing needs or financial resources. Its services include rehabilitation, skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living and an intergenerational child care program.

“Pines of Sarasota has provided generations of residents with a loving home where they live with comfort, dignity and freedom from worry about their finances as they age,” said Janet Ginn, president of Pines of Sarasota Foundation, which supports the capital, programmatic and endowment needs of Pines of Sarasota Rehabilitation and Senior Care Community. “The animation developed by the team at MagnifyGood beautifully captures our mission and the love each of us cherishes throughout our lifetime. We are truly grateful to know that it continues to warm hearts throughout our community.”

MagnifyGood, a communications consultancy specializing in the social sector, developed the video after working extensively with Pines of Sarasota Foundation to gain insight into the benefits of its services. Utilizing this research, MagnifyGood assembled a renowned group of designers and illustrators to create the video.

“Throughout our experience with the Pines of Sarasota Foundation, our team worked diligently and with passion for the mission to create a story that amplifies its daily impact on this community and the people who call it home,” said Roxanne Joffe, founder and president of MagnifyGood. “This animated video connects genuinely with the viewer’s emotions regardless of their background and inspires both legacy supporters and new advocates for Pines of Sarasota’s work. These awards are a testament to our approach toward magnifying the good of this wonderful community asset.”

Part of the national American Advertising Federation, the ADDY Awards are an annual, three-tiered national competition to celebrate and recognize exceptional advertising. Attracting more than 60,000 entries every year, the ADDY Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative professional and student competition. 

“Love Lives Here” was recognized in the following categories: 

AMY Award (Best in Category) for Elements of Advertising: Illustration Series
Gold Professional for Elements of Advertising: Illustration Series
Gold Professional for Film, Video & Sound: Public Service Online Film, Video & Sound
“Love Lives Here” can be viewed online at ow.ly/DDEW30nPORb. For more information on Pines of Sarasota, visit www.pinesofsarasota.org. 

Sarasota Orchestra Hosts Public Meeting March 1 on Music Center Vision

Sarasota Orchestra’s annual public informational meeting gives our community insight into the “State of the Orchestra,” and this year the Orchestra will share the vision for a new Music Center. This is an opportunity for patrons see the details of this week’s presentation to the City Commission and give valued public input.

The Sarasota Orchestra Music Center is envisioned as a transformational project for the Orchestra, the City of Sarasota, and areas around Payne Park. By providing the region with a purpose-built home for acoustic music, the proposed Music Center will elevate Sarasota Orchestra’s artistic profile, help enable other performing arts organizations to expand offerings, and increase our region’s economic, social, and educational vitality.

Southeastern Guide Dogs to Break World Record for Number of Dogs Wearing Bandanas at a Single Event

Combining Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota into one super event featuring live entertainment, music, food, a beer garden, shopping and vendors.

Every dog counts at this family-friendly festival and 3K walk. The public will provide the dogs and we’ll provide the bandanas!

We’ll be walking for a worthy cause as we provide paws for people with vision loss and veterans with disabilities.

Saturday, March 16

Nathan Benderson Park

5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

Sarasota, FL 34235

9:00 a.m. Registration Opens

10:00 a.m. 3K Walk & World Record Attempt

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Waggin’ Tails Festival

Sen. Gruters and Rep. Good File to Protect Homeless Privacy 

Sen. Joe Gruters R-Sarasota, and Rep. Margaret Good D-Sarasota, filed SB 1346/HB 1071 in a bipartisan effort to protect homeless records from public information requests.

The bill will exclude from public record homeless individuals’ information gathered during counts and audits of homeless populations. Florida Sunshine law requires that any records gathered by a public agency are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by the Florida Legislature.

Annual homeless “Point-in-time” counts survey those living in shelters and on the streets. They identify whether a person is a member of a family, or an unaccompanied youth under the age of 18.  It also tracks disabilities and length of homelessness. 

Currently, that information is public record, which could be used to discriminate against an individual looking for services and employment. Exempting this information would also protect their identifying information from being used for identity theft or fraud.

“The bill makes sure that information gathered during the count is only used for its intended purpose,” said Representative Good. “Participation in the count is voluntary. If we are able to assure those counted that their information will not become public, participation will increase, counts will be more accurate, and our communities will be better equipped to serve those in need.”

“In order to best serve our community, we need to have an accurate number of individuals who are dealing with homelessness. Individuals who have fallen on hard times should not be penalized or put at risk from theft,” said Sen. Gruters. “This bill will prevent information being shared with the public and protect those who are extremely vulnerable.”

Sarasota Nature Printers Exhibit Showcases an Ancient Art Form

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast welcomes the Sarasota Nature Printers and their exhibit, sales, and demonstrations, Art of Our Natural Environment. The opening reception and art sale will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at 5:30 pm at the foundation’s headquarters in the Burrows-Matson House at Bay Preserve, 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey. Live demonstrations and sales at Bay Preserve will continue March 20 and 21 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Learn more or register for the reception and demonstrations at www.conservationfoundation.com/events or call (941) 918-2100.

A division of the Nature Printing Society, the Sarasota Nature Printers employs an ancient art form, taking objects in nature and through a variety of techniques, transferring the beauty of those objects into art. They print on diverse materials such as paper, fabric, clothing, linens, silk, tile, and wood. Featuring the work of nine different artists, Art of our Natural Environment promises to be a unique art experience for the nature lover. Mother Nature’s vast variety of shapes and forms provides the inspiration for the Nature Printer’s philosophy of respect for, and preservation of, the natural environment through the art of the print.

History provides examples and context of nature printing. Plant printing flourished in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries when it was used by physicians and pharmacists to pass on knowledge about medicinal plants. Leaf prints were used to prevent counterfeiters from duplicating Colonial currency issued by Benjamin Franklin in 1700s early America, and in Japan, fish rubbings appeared in the 1800s as a way of preserving record fish catches. The basic “wet rubbing” techniques used by fishermen were eventually refined into the sophisticated art form of “gyotaku” (print of the fish).

New Showroom and Sales Gallery Unveiled for The DeMarcay Construction Schedule is Set for the Boutique Luxury Building

 Last week, more than 125 brokers, business leaders and guests experienced elevated living as the new showroom and sales gallery was unveiled for The DeMarcay, a luxuriously appointed residential project in downtown Sarasota designed by GK Development.

Now open, the showroom sets the stage for the soon-to-be-constructed DeMarcay, where exceptional interiors, unmatched location and incomparable gulf and city views come together. Located directly across the street from the project at 32 S. Palm Ave. in Sarasota, the sales gallery provides a preview of the planned high-rise condominium development through a variety of visuals.

The boutique luxury building is slated to break ground this summer, with construction scheduled to be complete by early 2021.

“From the unique rooftop pool and the designer-curated interior finishes to the Gulf views from all angles and a great urban vibe, The DeMarcay is among the premier up-and-coming properties,” said Gregory Kveton, partner at GK Development. “With four units already sold, we’re seeing the excitement that surrounds this development.”

Inside the showroom, guests are greeted by a prominently displayed floor-to-ceiling mural of the rooftop deck view, the building’s rendering and an area map. Visitors can take virtual reality tours of The DeMarcay’s interior units, expansive views and the rooftop pool, as well as its exterior and the surrounding neighborhood.

A scale model is situated at the showroom’s entrance for easy reference, and two vignettes display the deluxe finishes available of a well-appointed kitchen and bathroom, which are installed to actual size.

“The DeMarcay is truly a prime location for a condominium development in Sarasota,” said David Wolf, president of ON Collaborative, the marketing and sales company representing the project. “Future residents will have access to all the amenities and will be steps away from shopping, entertainment and dining destinations in the center of downtown Sarasota.”

The project preserves the historic façade and will seamlessly blend with the neighborhood fabric and aesthetic of the quaint Palm Avenue. The building will feature historical artifacts that date back to when the structure served as an old cigar factory and a hotel.

The 18-story building will boast a resort-style rooftop pool with expansive waterfront views of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Ranging from 1,144 to 3,106 square feet, the floor plans will have the flexibility to combine units for larger square footage. A one-bedroom unit starts at $630,000.

For more information, call 941-404-8858 or visit TheDeMarcay.com.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded a $100,000 matching grant to Venice Area Beautification, Inc.

The VABI was awarded $100,000 to support the creation of an Urban Forest along the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice.

The nearly two-mile forested greenway will provide habitat in which birds, butterflies, and wildlife will thrive and for residents and visitors to enjoy. Gulf Coast’s support raises the visibility of this transformative community conservation project. All gifts will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000, helping VABI to complete the first phase of the dynamic initiative.

“This grant is a catalyst,” said Greg Vine, a longtime VABI volunteer and the Urban Forest project chair. “We have an ambitious vision relying on fundraising, in-kind gifts, and sweat equity. With broad community support, we will create the Urban Forest, tree by tree.” Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has partnered with VABI to build resources and public awareness for the project. (To learn more and donate, go here.)

The Urban Forest began several years ago as a grassroots-led vision to reforest the former CSX railway corridor through the heart of Venice. So far, more than 600 trees of 32 species and understory plants have been planted as part of Phase One. Two more phases are envisioned after the current one is finished later this year.

When the project is completed, the 33-acre Venice Urban Forest will stretch from the historic Venice Train Depot to Center Road and provide a beautiful woodland trail for pedestrians parallel to the Venetian Waterway Park. All native trees and shrubs are being planted, so that the forest provides habitat specifically for migratory songbirds and native wildlife. The forest also will enhance stormwater treatment and provide an environmental buffer between the Intracoastal Waterway and the adjacent industrial area.

 Bourbon and Boots on the Bay

In case you missed this offering at the Palm Ball, there’s still time to make your reservation for this laid-back evening at Bay Preserve. 

Throw on your boots and best jeans to join your conservation-minded peers for the debut of Bourbon and Boots on the Bay. Reserve one of the limited spots for this relaxed affair at Bay Preserve where you can kick back and enjoy the beauty of Little Sarasota Bay, dance to live music, eat mouthwatering cuisine, and sample a distinctive selection of distilled bourbons. The unique Michael’s On East menu, carefully and skillfully prepared by Phil Mancini, will delight your taste buds while the shimmering bay waters and the magnificent setting sun soothes your soul.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019
6:30 PM

BAY PRESERVE
400 PALMETTO AVENUE
OSPREY

To reserve your place now, contact Kerri at 
Kerri@conservationfoundation.com or 941-918-2100

$250 per person
Proceeds will benefit critical land conservation initiatives.
 

Booker Middle School’s Visual and Performing Arts Program Opens Their Doors at Second Annual Master Classes FUNraiser Event

Everyone who steps foot in the Booker Middle Visual and Performing Arts classrooms says how much they would love to be a part of the arts education experience: “I wish I could come do this!” they say.  Well now is their chance!  During the fun-filled Masterclass FUNraiser event parents and community members are invited to experience Booker VPA’s arts classes first-hand as they participate in visual and performing arts master classes taught by the program’s Visual and Performing Arts Magnet faculty.  From seasoned professionals to total amateurs, all experience levels are certain to have a blast at this celebration of art and community benefiting students across Sarasota county.

On April 26, 2019, participants will attend two pre-selected fun-filled arts classes to enjoy, then will come together for a reception afterwards that includes entertainment and refreshments.  The event will feature arts experiences, student performances, a silent auction, and collaborations with some of our community partners.  Arts class offerings include 2D/3D Art, Band, Chorus, Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Graphic Design, Guitar, Musical Theatre, and Orchestra. 

“We are hoping to engage our Booker Middle community, our arts community, and the community at large with this celebration.” said BMS Arts Coordinator Savannah Holds, “The goals of the event, in order of importance, are: to have fun, to engage the community, and to raise money to support our exceptional arts education programs.”

“Our theme for the 2018-2019 school year is ‘Know Thy Impact.’  This is a great way to explore the impact of arts education and have a fabulous time doing it.  We hope our parents, partners, and friends we haven’t met yet will consider attending and discovering what their impact really is,” said BMS Principal Dr. LaShawn Frost, who just this year was named Sarasota County Principal of the Year.

Individual tickets are available for a suggested donation.  Entire classes may be reserved for groups who would like a more personalized experience. For more information, email bookermiddlevpa@gmail.com or visit www.bookermiddleschoolvpa.weebly.com/fundraiser.