People & Business : Wednesday 2/27/19

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

Pines of Sarasota Foundation Announces Transformational Donation for the Pines of Sarasota Campus

Pines of Sarasota Foundation has received a transformational donation from the Esther & Harold Mertz Foundation that will fully fund the construction of a new 90 bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation building on the Pines of Sarasota campus, as well as a new building for Pines’ Child Care and Learning Center.

The skilled nursing and rehabilitation building will be connected to the current skilled nursing facility and will replace a number of the campus’ aging buildings. The campus kitchen and laundry will move to the new facility allowing for the consolidation of campus services. The new Child Care and Learning Center will replace two buildings currently in use, combining all child care services under one roof. Planning is under way with groundbreaking anticipated in early 2020.

This project is the next phase in a campus master plan currently under development by Pines of Sarasota President and CEO Mike Ward. This campus transformation, which began in 2018 with the renovation of the Assisted Living Facility, is designed to update facilities and enable Pines of Sarasota to continue to serve our community’s seniors for decades to come.

Nancy Close, Trustee of the Mertz Foundation said, “The mission of the Esther & Harold Mertz Foundation is to show kindness and compassion toward those in need of aid in a manner that will provide hope, restore independence and bring happiness and gratitude into their lives. Pines of Sarasota Foundation’s mission fits precisely with what Mrs. Mertz envisioned.”

Pines of Sarasota Foundation President, Janet K. Ginn said, “We are truly humbled by the Mertz Foundation’s trust in Pines of Sarasota Foundation. And we are sincerely grateful to Esther M. Mertz for her belief in the power of hope and compassion and for her vision and generosity in creating the Esther & Harold Mertz Foundation.”

Now in its 8th decade of service to our community, Pines of Sarasota is committed to fulfilling its mission: caring for seniors, including Pines’ residents who outlive their financial resources. Pines of Sarasota Foundation is proud to support the mission, vision and future of Pines of Sarasota.

For more information, contact Janet K. Ginn, Pines of Sarasota Foundation President, at jginn@pinesfoundation.org or 941.955.6293.

2018 Callaghan Tire Charity ProAm check presentation to Moffitt Cancer Center

On Friday February 15, 2019, representatives of the Callaghan Tire Charity Pro Am and Title Sponsor, Conley Subaru, Buick, GMC presented a check for $145,000.00 to Dr. Jason Fleming and staff representatives of Moffitt Cancer Center.  The funds represented the net proceeds from the 13th annual Callaghan Tire Charity ProAm Golf tournament.  To date the tournament has donated over $1,000,000 to cancer research. This year’s event was held at the recently refurbished historic Donald Ross designed Bradenton Country Club. Hall of Fame golfer Tony Jacklin CBE was in charge of the project.  

Over 300 guests attending the Pairings Party and auction and one hundred forty amateurs and professional golfers played in the two day tournament. The 2019 tournament will be held

at Bradenton Country Club on November 2, 3 and 4.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Speaks at Gulf Coast Builders Exchange 67th Annual Dinner

The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange (GCBX), a not-for-profit construction industry trade organization, recently held its 67th annual installation and awards dinner with guest speaker U.S. Senator Marco Rubio.

On Thursday, Feb. 21, more than 425 attendees packed the room at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota to hear Senator Rubio provide an overview of issues facing the federal government and various matters of interest in the construction industry.

“The heart and soul of our country is not just the building trades and the contractors but the small businesses that many of you represent,” said Senator Rubio to the crowd. “The backbone of our country is made up of family-started and family-owned small businesses like yours. People that are invested in the community, hire in the community and give back to the community. You make a difference not just because it’s good for business but because you live here. Because you’ve always been here, and you’ll always be here.”

During the event, Fred M. Starling, CEO and founder of Starling Group, was honored with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award is granted to members in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished service and contributions to the GCBX, the commercial contracting industry and the community.

Serving as a consultant for numerous private and public sectors in commercial development, Starling founded the Starling Group in 1981. Today, the company has completed more than $650 million in real estate development on Florida’s West Coast.

“I am sincerely honored to serve in my role at the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange where I get to work and serve the individuals that build these businesses and build our community,” said Mary Dougherty, executive director of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange. “It’s a distinct pleasure to meet these leaders in the industry, hear about their contributions and learn from them. One of those leaders, Fred Starling, is being honored with the highest award we bestow for his contributions to this community and to the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange.”

GCBX’s current chairman, Brian Leaver, senior vice president of Tandem Construction, passed the gavel to the incoming chairman David Karins, chief executive officer and president of Karins Engineering Group, Inc. The surprise Chairman’s Award was presented to Patrick Robinson, Deputy Chief of Police for the Sarasota Police Department, and Cindy Appel with CORE Construction received the Volunteer of the Year award.

Charlie Barnett to Attend Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Fundraiser

Netflix “Russian Doll” star Charlie Barnett will attend as the guest of honor at the Booker High School Visual and Performing Arts fundraiser, “Kaleidoscope of Creativity” on March 9.  

Barnett, who graduated from the Booker VPA Theatre Department in 2006, went on to study theatre at The Juilliard School before landing a major role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” In February, the launch of Netflix’s critically acclaimed “Russian Doll” has spawned cultish popularity and buzz. Barnett plays opposite of the show’s creator and star, Natasha Lyonne of “Orange is the New Black” fame.

During Barnett’s tenure at Booker High School, he earned numerous awards, including Best Actor at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in 2002 for his portrayal of Horton in “Seussical the Musical.”

VPA Theatre Department Scott Keys invited Barnett to the fundraiser to underscore the successes that quality arts education can sow. Event planners have slated time for Barnett to speak about the importance of supporting arts education, his experience with Booker VPA, and his career now.

“He was just so gracious and excited to help the VPA,” Keys said.

“Kaleidoscope of Creativity” is Booker VPA’s inaugural fundraiser, and its proceeds are earmarked toward enhancing the existing programs with such perks as master classes for students, access to private lessons, and college and intensive audition and tuition support.

Along with Barnett’s appearance, the event will showcase aspiring artists through musical performances on a variety of instruments, including a preview from this April’s nearly-sold-out musical, “Children of Eden.” Additionally, original student artworks will be displayed and auctioned off during a live auction with varied other items. The event, atop the new Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s rooftop patio, will be catered by Michael’s on East.

Principal Dr. Rachel Shelley said she hopes the event raises awareness in the community of the strength and value of the VPA program.

“Our VPA program is the future of the arts in Sarasota and beyond,” she said. “It’s worth supporting because this is where it all begins.”

American Cancer Society Seeks Participation in Relay For Life of Sarasota 

On Saturday May 18th 2019, local participants will join together at the annual Relay For Life of Sarasota at The Van Wezel to help beat our biggest rival – cancer. The event starts at 3pm and will end at 10pm. We are looking for new teams, new sponsors, cancer survivors, caregivers and new participants to join us for another exciting Relay season.
   
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the only organization fighting cancer on every front. Funds raised from Relay For Life events allow the ACS to attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer – from developing breakthrough therapies and innovative research, to building supportive communities that come together to help those affected by cancer with access to treatment. The ACS provides empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness and develop game-changing approaches to address the cancer burden for all people.
   
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, the Relay For Life movement of 3.5 million participants across the world unite at more than 4,500 events to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last up to 24 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against cancer. Since 1985, Relay For Life events in the U.S. have raised more than $6.3 billion.
   
 The Relay For Life of Sarasota is supported by many local businesses and organizations. This year’s sponsors currently include: Florida Cancer Specialists, Seniors Blue Book, Sonny’s BBQ, Applebee’s Bar and Grill.
   
 To learn more about Relay For Life, and register a team, visit RelayForLife.org/sarasotafl or contact Wendy Rivera: wendy.rivera@cancer.org | 941-328-3757

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County Announces Honorees for Celebration Luncheon

Attorney Jennifer Compton, Managing Partner of the Sarasota office of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, and founding director and vice chair of the board, Gulfside Bank, will receive the Girls Inc. Visionary Award. The Visionary Award is a board nominated award given to an individual who not only believes in the mission of the organization, which is to “inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold,” but also sees the larger vision for the organization in the community, region, and globally. Compton has been a staunch advocate and supporter of Girls Inc. for many years, most recently as Chair and Past Chair of the Board of Directors. She has also volunteered her time with a number of other organizations, including the Sarasota County Bar Association, All Faiths Food Bank, and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. She is particularly proud of her involvement as secretary, executive committee member and board member for the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization, now the Bay Park Conservancy, which has been working for over two years on the design and implementation of a master plan to transform 53 acres of City-owned land on Sarasota’s bayfront into a signature urban park for the entire community.

The She Knows Where She’s Going Award will be presented to Felice Schulaner. The She Knows Where She’s Going Award recognizes individuals who are “role models” for women and girls in our community, have been supportive of Girls Inc. and its programs, and have demonstrated commitment to community activities, professional organizations or non-profit work that demonstrates a belief in contributing to others.

Schulaner is a retired human resources executive who now spends her time serving on non-profit boards in the community. She is chair of the New College Board of Trustees, a director of Planned Parenthood, the New College Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and a member of the International Women’s Forum.

From 2011 to 2015, Schulaner served as Executive Director of the Coach Foundation, whose mission areas were women’s empowerment and education for underserved populations. Prior to this role, she was the Senior Vice President of Coach Inc., and held similar positions at Optimark Technologies and Salant Corporation.

In addition to these awards, two Girls Inc. girls will be recognized this year. The She Knows Where She’s Growing Award will be presented to a middle school student, and the Leadership Award will honor an outstanding member of the Girls Inc. high school program.

Individual tickets for the 31st Annual Celebration Luncheon are $125.00 and may be purchased online at www.girlsincsrq.org or by calling (941) 366-6646, ext. 207.  Sponsorships and tables are also available. Prior to and immediately following the luncheon, Girls Inc. girls will offer a boutique of goods they have created in their Dream Harbor enterprises.  There will also be a chance drawing featuring items donated from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Orioles Celebrate “One Millionth Fan” to Attend Spring Training in Sarasota

Confetti, balloons, and rousing applause greeted the announcement today when the Orioles selected DIANA LOVE of Sarasota as the “ONE MILLIONTH FAN” to attend an Orioles Spring Training game at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. 
As fans streamed into the ballpark for the third home game of the 2019 season, the Orioles selected Love at random to represent the one million fans. In a special on-field presentation, Love received a $5,000 shopping experience at Diamond Vault in Sarasota, two Spring Training season tickets for five years, and more. 
“I just want to say how excited I am to be the one millionth person to be here at Ed Smith Stadium. You know I’m going to be back here [at the ballpark] again,” said Love, a retired elementary school teacher. “I think that it represents what the Orioles have done for Sarasota, to have one million people come here. I am thrilled beyond words.” 
Love and her husband, Mike, both worked as elementary school teachers in Bloomington, Ind., for 32 years. The couple has owned a home in Sarasota for 16 years and now, after retirement, spend the majority of the year there, attending games at Ed Smith Stadium during each Spring Training season.  
“We are thrilled to honor all of our Spring Training fans over our first 10 seasons in Sarasota by recognizing Diana Love as our ‘One Millionth Fan’,” said GREG BADER, Orioles Vice President, Communications & Marketing. “We appreciate her dedication to the Orioles and are excited to welcome her back to Ed Smith Stadium for years to come.” 
The Orioles began the 2019 Spring Training season on Saturday, February 23, with total attendance of more than 985,000 since moving Major League operations to Sarasota County for the 2010 season. The team is the fastest franchise to reach one million fans in almost a century of Spring Training baseball in Sarasota.  
“We are grateful for the tremendous support we receive both locally and among our fans who make the trip to Sarasota each spring,” Bader said. “The outstanding fan experience we offer, the many attractions of the Sarasota area, and our tourism marketing partnership with Visit Sarasota continue to draw visitors to Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium. We look forward to welcoming fans throughout the rest of this season and into the future as we continue our year-round operations in Sarasota County.” 
B-roll is available via Orioles Productions at baltimore.brickftp.com (media2019|orioles2019). Downloadable photographs are also available courtesy of the Orioles via Photoshelter (Media2019). 
Tickets for Orioles Spring Training games can be purchased at the ticket box office at Ed Smith Stadium from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET., online at Orioles.com/Spring, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s Music Mondays: Musical Conversations with Great Performers

SILL’s popular Music Mondays series entitled, “Musical Conversations with Great Performers,” features informal performances and lively conversations with renowned performers and conductors. The 2019 Music Mondays are through March 25. The morning sessions, hosted by the series’ producer, Edward Alley, are 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road. Afternoon sessions, hosted by Dr. Joseph Holt or Robert Sherman of WQXR, are at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church, 825 The Rialto. Tickets are $10 per session. To purchase tickets, visit www.sillsarasotaorg. For more information, call 941-365-6404.

March sessions:

March 4: Natalie Helm is principal cellist of the Sarasota Orchestra, and enjoys a dynamic career as a solo recitalist, chamber musician, and educator. A top prize winner in several international competitions, she has appeared throughout Italy and Japan, and premiered and commissioned many works. She is also founder of Upward Notes, performing for prisoners, homeless shelters and dementia assisted living facilities throughout the United States.

March 11: Richard Stoltzman, clarinet, and Peter John Stoltzman, piano.  Richard Stoltzman has appeared as soloist with more than 100 orchestras, in recitals, chamber music, and jazz and is a two-time Grammy Award winner. His son, Peter John Stoltzman, is a jazz pianist with appearances at Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall and venues around the world. Now, on a special joint tour, they are an unbeatable duo in both jazz and classics, bringing both to Music Mondays.

March 18: Fernando Traba, bassoon. That smiling face behind all those wonderful bassoon sounds in the Sarasota Orchestra belongs to Fernando Traba, who is celebrating 25 years as principal bassoonist. A native of Mexico, he trained at the Cleveland Institute of Music and The Juilliard School, and is married to Betsy Traba, principal flutist for Sarasota Orchestra.

March 25: Pianist and conductor Dr. Joseph Holt is a co-host for Music Mondays in Venice. He is also the artistic director of Choral Artists of Sarasota and Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, music director of Faith Lutheran Church, and a sought-after soloist and chamber music pianist. Holt will speak about his career as pianist for the US Army Chorus and other facets of his interesting life.