The Sarasota Scene 5|18|18

Business + People

Florida Governor Visits PGT Innovations
On May 9, PGT Innovations hosted Gov. Rick Scott and first lady, Ann Scott, as they visited the manufacturing plant, talked with employees and addressed supporters as part of his “Make Washington Work” campaign for U.S. Senate.
During his visit, Scott spoke to a crowd of more than 100 team members and Venice residents inside the PGT Innovations’ North Venice facility about the importance of attracting and retaining talented workers and singled out the impact-resistant door and window manufacturer for its positive contributions to the community.

The Sarasota Ballet Names 2018 – 2019 Board of Directors
The 2018 – 2019 Officers for The Sarasota Ballet Board are: Richard Johnson, Chair; Patricia Golemme, Vice Chair; Pat Kenny, Treasurer; Jonathan Coleman, Secretary; Rich Segall, Governance Officer; Hillary Steele, Honorary Chair Emerita; Jean Weidner Goldstein, Founder & Chair Emeritus; and Sydney Goldstein, Chair Emerita. The Sarasota Ballet Board welcomes new Trustees, Isabel Anchin Becker, Micki Sellman and Michael Zuckerberg. Trustees also include Lynda Doery, Sean Keenan, Frank Martucci, Teresa Masterson, Peter Miller, Audrey Robbins, Maureen Steiner, Jean Weiller, Richard March (Chair of the Friends of The Sarasota Ballet), Mark Famiglio (Honorary) and Dr. Bart Price (Honorary).

Having served on the Board for over 15 years and as Board Chair for the past 8 seasons, Hillary Steele has been a stalwart and beloved member of The Sarasota Ballet. “I watched this beloved Company grow from season to season and it has been a privilege to champion The Sarasota Ballet in our community and provide guidance and leadership to our Board.”

Following Steele as Board Chair is Richard Johnson, who joined the Board in April 2015 and has since held the role as Board Secretary and been a member of the Company’s Strategic Planning Committee, Finance Committee and Governance Committee. “I am truly humbled by the Board’s decision to elect me to succeed Hillary as Board Chair,” says Johnson. “I am so grateful that Hillary will continue to be a member of our Board of Trustees as I know that her guidance and wisdom will be greatly valued.”

JFCS Announces New Board Chair-Elect Dean Miller
In this role, Miller will be responsible for coordinating board activities, providing leadership, overseeing governance and development, and supporting the mission of the organization.
A member of the JFCS Board for the past two years and Sarasota resident since 2002, Miller brings more than 35 years’ senior leadership experience in financial services as well as more than 17 years’ international business experience living and working in Asia and Europe. Miller holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

Parkinson Place Brings Medical Cannabis Therapy to Patients 
The Parkinson Place Comprehensive Care Center cannabis clinic is set to open May 30, 2018

Parkinson Place, a program of the Parkinson Research Foundation, announces the addition of a medical cannabis treatment facility for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson Place Comprehensive Care Center cannabis clinic is set to open May 30, 2018, under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Stein, board-certified neurologist and founder of the Neurology of Cannabis clinic.
The inclusion of Stein’s practice to the services offered at Parkinson Place is supported by Parkinson Research Foundation Medical Director Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos. Sanchez-Ramos is a published author and scholastic presenter who educates healthcare providers on the clinical uses of medical cannabis.
To schedule an appointment, call Stein’s office at 941-400-1211 and ask to speak with Chanel. Qualified patients with Stein’s recommendation will receive a Florida medical marijuana ID card, allowing purchases from an authorized state-licensed medical marijuana dispensary.

Sabal Palm Bank Grand Opening
Business opened to the public on Friday, April 27, 2018 after a grand opening event.
Sabal Palm Bank announced the grand opening of its new headquarters at Sabal Palm Plaza in Downtown Sarasota at 1950 Ringling Blvd. “The four-story, 32,000 square foot triangle shaped building will be a unique landmark building for the downtown community,” says Sabal Palm Bank President & CEO, Neil D. McCurry, Jr. “With the opening of Sabal Palm Plaza, downtown Sarasota will once again be the home to a locally owned and operated community bank.”

J.E. Charlotte Construction revamps Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in Venice
Designed by Beebe Design Studio Architects, Inc., the team will demolish and add 1,154 square feet, renovate 2,163 square feet of the existing 6,370-square-foot space.
The restaurant will reopen in early October 2018 due to the updates needed to accommodate the reconfiguration and widening of U.S. 41 Bypass. This particular project was scheduled for renovation but was pending final construction approval due to the widening of the Bypass.
The construction company will install new metal framing and drywall, roofing materials, insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, architectural trim, display equipment and booths. The renovation also includes new paint, chairs, tables and artwork throughout. The kitchen will receive upgraded equipment, plumbing, electrical, a fire protection system and heating, ventilation and air conditioning units.
The building’s exterior will sport new green striped awnings, lighting and stucco and stone finishes. Located at 1331 S. 41 Bypass in Venice, visitors can expect an updated and more contemporary-feeling restaurant with its signature bakery.

New Location Secured for 2018 Circus Summer Camp
From June through August, the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) will offer its popular Circus Summer Camp at the East Gymnasium at Sarasota High School.
While the Sailor Circus Arena at the Circus Arts Conservatory site on Bahia Vista Street may be under construction, the show must – and will – go on for children seeking a more adventurous summer camp experience. Children ages 6-15 can partake in one-week or two-week sessions. Summer campers learn a variety of circus arts, including triple and single trapeze, globes, silks, hula hoop, low wire, clowning, flying trapeze, juggling, and more. In addition to physical proficiency, campers gain self-discipline, build self-confidence, and develop important life management and social skills. Each Friday at 4:30 p.m., the campers showcase their new talents with a costumed performance, with friends and family invited to watch. In addition to circus training, campers also participate in outdoor water activities, movie viewings and, during two-week sessions, a trip to see the CAC’s Summer Circus Spectacular, which takes place this year at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota). To register for summer camp or for questions, please visit CircusArts.org, or contact info@CircusArts.org or (941) 355-9335.

The Florida Center for Early Childhood Names Kristen Theisen as Chief Development Officer
Prior to joining The Florida Center, Theisen was Director of Advancement and Stewardship at Children First
Theisen has more than 15 years of professional experience in both the private and philanthropic sectors. She built a solid foundation of skills while working for a global communications firm, family entertainment company, and public media outlet. In 2007, shortly after relocating to the Sarasota-Manatee area, Theisen turned her focus to advancing the missions of local organizations. Theisen has a degree in Communications and obtained the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2014. Theisen serves on the board of directors for Drug Free Manatee and the Southwest FL Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is also a member of the Junior League of Sarasota.

ABA Academy Welcomes New Administrative Director
The nonprofit, which strives to develop the full potential of students with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities, recently hired Donna Leigh-Estes as its new administrative director.
Leigh-Estes brings over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and mental health fields to the nonprofit. In her role, Leigh-Estes will assist the clinical director and operations director with the strategic leadership and management of the Academy, help define key goals and develop and implement innovative methods to ensure the provision of adequate and appropriate services. She will also be tasked with ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations, licensure and accreditation while maintaining the ABA Academy’s high-quality service.
Prior to joining ABA Academy, she served as the director of community education, outreach, training and grants for NAMI Rochester, an independent affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and NAMI New York State that is dedicated to educating the public about mental illness and offering resources and support to those in need. She worked with the agency for 11 years. 

WBTT Names Scott Ferguson Marketing and Communications Director
In this role, Ferguson will oversee all facets of the organization’s marketing and public relations efforts in order to support ticket sales, assist in donor cultivation and satisfaction, and maintain positive relations with the media.
Ferguson’s role will be particularly vital as the organization prepares to embark on the second phase of its campus renovation project, funded by the ongoing $6 million Heart & Soul Capital Campaign. The work on the Education & Outreach Building – formerly known as the “Binz Building” – has been completed; the theater building will undergo renovations beginning in the summer of 2019. 

Goodwill Honors Supporters during Ambassador Recognition Luncheon
The sixth annual event recognizes individuals, local businesses, nonprofits, and vendors who go over and above to share the mission of Goodwill with the greater community.

The top honor, Ambassador of the Year, went for the first time to two honorees: Michele Penn and Thomas Wiltsie. Other awards included: 
Community Partner of the Year: iHeart Media
Business Partner of the Year: Nancy’s Bar-B-Q
Partnership of the Year: Meals on Wheels Plus
Veteran Advocates of the Year: Kevin Henault of Veteran Air Conditioning and  generous donor Burton “Skip” Sack.

Other winners were: Community Super Stars – Janet Arena, Marilyn Billib and Sharon Kunkel; Community Champion – Children’s World; Social Change Champion – Jacqueline Moore; Champion Co-Chairs – Brent Greeno and Ryan Inskeep; Top Supporters – Cindy Christo Brown, Trish McConnell and Laurel Corriveau; Good Neighbor Champions – Rosenda Calloway and June Braithwaite; Collaboration of the Year – Jo Rita Stevens and Healthy Start Coalition; Media Partner of the Year – WSRQ; Wellness Partner of the Year – Canada Med Services; and Spirit of Goodwill – Cliff Roles.

The organization also honored the shining stars and celebrities of the 2018 Goodwill marketing campaign, “Thanks! I got it at Goodwill”: Bill Ames, Marcel Bauduin, Lee-En Chung, Steve and Katarina Garcia, Ashley McConnell, Stella McDaniel Tim Schalch and Megan Baers, and Jackie Simmons.

Since its beginnings in 2011, the Goodwill Ambassador program has attracted nearly 10,000 participants and grown into a successful partnership that connects volunteers to the philanthropic community. To learn more about the Goodwill Ambassador program, call (941) 355-2721.

Coastal Orthopedic Physician performs First Cases of Breakthrough Procedure in Manatee County
Dr. Gennady Gekht recently performed the first two cases of minimally invasive indirect decompression surgery in Manatee County to help relieve spinal stenosis.
Using this surgery, Dr. Gekht, with the assistance of fellow pain management specialists Dr. Douglas Constant and Dr. Justin Sirianni, was able to help reverse the effects of spinal stenosis (a degenerative condition) for two of his patients. Spinal stenosis is often caused by changes to the spine related to osteoarthritis, resulting in significant lower back and leg pain when standing and walking due to additional pressure placed on the spinal nerves.
While Dr. Gekht has been doing pain management procedures for the past 12 years, minimally invasive indirect decompression procedures are relatively new. More than 100 doctors are trained nationally on the procedure, including 20 in Florida. Coastal Orthopedics is the only medical group in Manatee County and the surrounding area that performs this particular procedure. By reducing the compression on the spinal nerves, the hope is that patients not only experience pain relief but can also return to a more active lifestyle.

SCF Collegiate School Headed to Odyssey of the Mind World Competition
Teams from throughout the United States and more than 20 other countries participate in the program.
State College of Florida Collegiate School (SCFCS) is sending a team to the competition after winning regionals and finishing in first place at the state competition.
The team will compete in the World Competition at Iowa State University over Memorial Day weekend.
Teams from throughout the United States and more than 20 other countries participate in the program. Each team chooses one of five competitive problems to solve, and volunteers from around the world judge the competitions. Teams are scored for their long-term problem solution and how well they solve a spontaneous problem.
The team heading to Iowa State University is raising money for the trip. Donations can be made through PayPal at scfcs.scf.edu/donate or through the State College of Florida Foundation, by designating the donation for Odyssey of the Mind at SCFCS.