Cupcake Ally Art and Gift Gallery

Cupcake Ally Art and Gift Gallery is now open at Cupcakes A Go-Go, Sarasota's hot new cupcake bakery at 2079 Siesta Drive. Original watercolors, oils, acrylics, lino-prints and other original artwork is presented by about 20 artists, a few of whom live and work here in Sarasota. All of the artwork shares the same theme, cupcakes, of course, yet each artist's style and approach is distinctly different from each other. In the Gift Shop, you will find a wonderful assortment of greeting cards and gifts: ceramic cupcakes, clocks, soaps, candles, purses, vintage fabric boxes, hand-knit baby hats, felted pincushions, stained glass, ceramic tiles, dolls and more. There are, of course, real, edible, delicious, freshly baked cupcakes topped with buttercreme icing. oh my. Visit them online at Cupcake Ally Art and Gift Gallery.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS MEMBERS EXCEL AT TSA COMPETITION

Members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County from The Club at Southeast High School and Harllee Middle School had something to be proud of when they came back from the Technology Student Association State Conference on April 27th.

All fourteen teens from The Club at Southeast High School qualified for the upcoming National TSA Competition in Orlando. Southeast High was awarded “Third Best Overall High School in Florida.”

The Southeast HS teams won trophies for ten 1st places, six 2nd places, one 3rd place and numerous Top Ten finishes. First place trophies were awarded in: Agriculture & Biology; Career Comparisons; Engineering Design; Film; Digital Video Editing; Florida Open Wheel Race Car Design; Science Visualization; Structural Engineering; Technical Sketching; and, Remote Controlled Transportation. Second places went to: Cyber Pursuit; Extemporaneous Speech; Medical Technologies; Prepared Speech; Computer Programming; and, Tech Bowl. The third place trophy went to Technical Written Examination Performance.

Harllee Middle School Club took home the “Third Best Overall Middle School in Florida” trophy and a third place “Spirit Award!” First place trophies were awarded to the Harllee teams in: Communication Challenge; Cyberspace Pursuit; Digital Photography; Problem Solving; Technical Design; and, TSA Multimedia. Second places went to: Inventions & Innovations and Tech Bowl. Third place trophies were awarded in: Flight; Technology Transfer; and, TSA Cup in Marine Design. They had 27 Top Ten awards.

Due to the numerous 1st place winners from Southeast High and Harllee Middle School, students will not have to pay for their transportation to the National and International Conference in Orlando at the end of June, but they will need to raise money to pay toward registration, lodging and food. If you would like to sponsor our local technology champs at Southeast or Harllee, call Chelsea Lyman at Boys & Girls Clubs, 761.2582 X 108 for more information.

Sarasota Family YMCA Celebrates 25 New “Millionaires”

The Sarasota Family YMCA welcomed 25 new members to its Million Step Club this May. These “millionaires” logged at least a million steps on their pedometers during the six-month challenge that began November 2007.

“This is a big deal,” said Carol Carra, the YMCA’s Association Program Director. “To get to this goal, you are truly setting the foundation for a more active lifestyle that becomes part of your day-to-day routine.”The Million Step Club encourages walkers to track the number of steps they take each day with a pedometer. For the 2007-2008 challenge, a record 89 participants took part and completed 63,376,372 steps, or 31,698,186 miles. Of those 89 walkers, 25 people trekked at least one million steps, making them eligible to win a six-month adult membership at the Sarasota Family YMCA, and earning the title, “Millionaire.”

Over the past four years that the program has existed, 56 adults have earned the title, “Millionaire,” and hundreds more have taken part.

Shelter Dog Brings “New Life” to child

When Jay Steele of Tampa, Florida and his family came to the Humane Society of Manatee County they thought they would leave with a new family pet. What they didn’t realize is that the dog they were rescuing would rescue their disabled daughter.

Steele, his wife Mimi and their 2 daughters, Natalee, 6, and Alexandra, 2, were looking for a kid friendly, medium size dog to complete their family. They chose Remy, a 2 year old Retriever mix, whose gentleness worked well with their small children, but was very playful and full of fun. Remy had been turned into the shelter earlier that month because her family was unable to care for her.

It’s as if Remy knew that she was chosen by the Steele family for more than chasing balls and fetching sticks. Six year old Natalee was born with a genetic disorder called “Mosaic Chromosomal Trisomy 22”, a condition for which she has had to battle for her life through feeding tubes, heart surgeries and her constant challenges with eating and maintenance of her weight. Children with this disorder are typically high strung and hyperactive.

Natalee and Remy became inseparable almost immediately, according to Steele, as if she knew that Remy would offer her the unconditional love without judgment. Natalee receives nourishment from a feeding machine to help her maintain her weight and mealtime had become a battle to make sure she “drank” enough of the special milk shake. Remy sensed that this little girl needed her help and she has become Natalee’s “eating coach”. She sits under her chair every night at mealtime and because Natalee wants Remy to be proud of her, she no longer fights this process. For the first time ever, Natalee now weighs 40 pounds.

Steele says they cannot imagine life without Remy. When she is not coaching Natalee or walking with Alexandra, Remy loves to chase the birds or swim in the pond near her house. She has found the perfect family and the Steeles could not be happier with their newest addition.

The Humane Society of Manatee County is located at 2515 14th St. West in Bradenton, Florida, about 50 miles south of Tampa. It is a not for profit organization that relies solely on individual and corporate donations and receives no federal, state or county funding. Please visit their website at www.humanesocietymanatee.org or call 941-747-8808 for further information about available programs and services, including their low cost spay and neuter clinic.

The Discorvery Partnership wins Top Award for "30 Days of Discovery" promotion

The 2007 Discovery Partnership received two 2008 Image Awards from the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. The Partnership received the coveted Grand All Image Award and one Image Award at the awards gala dinner on Tuesday April 29, 2008. The 2007 Discovery Partnership consisted of Mote Aquarium, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Historic Spanish Point, Crowley Nature and Museum Center, South Florida Museum, G.WIZ Hands-On Science Museum and the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Image Awards competition is conducted annually by the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA to encourage member participation in the state association’s Golden Image Competition, which recognizes outstanding public relations programs in Florida.
The Discovery Partnership’s 2007 “30 Days of Discovery” Campaign won the coveted Grand All Image Award. The award goes to the best Grand Image Award-winning entry for public relations programs. The 2007 Discovery Partnership consisted of Lynn Hobeck Bates and Chrissy Kruger-Gruendyke, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; Erin Duggan, Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau; Jamie Tacy, Mote Aquarium; Debby Steele, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens; John Dover, Crowley Museum and Nature Center; Laura Dean, Historic Spanish Point; Nikki Taylor, G.WIZ Hands-On Science Museum; and Kelly Foster, South Florida Museum. The Discovery Partnership effectively reversed attendance trends during September, traditionally the slowest month for attendance, with the “30 Days of Discovery,” promotional campaign offering Florida residents a 2-for-1 admission during September 2007. The collaboration is a model for organizations statewide. The entry also won an Image Award for the best Public Relations Program category.
“This award is truly an honor for those involved in the promotion,” said Virginia Haley, President of the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Sarasota has benefited greatly from this collaborative effort and we hope to see this promotion grow in years to come.”
The entry will advance to the State Golden Image Competition, competing against other entries from throughout Florida. State competitions will be held in Orlando in August.
The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida.
For more information on the award, please contact Erin Duggan at Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau 941-955-0991 ext. 108 or Email Erin.

Stottlemyer Mosaic Mural to be unveiled in SMH Emergency Center Triage

On May 22, 2008, at 10:30 a.m., a ribbon-cutting dedication will be held to introduce the new mosaic art in the renovated Emergency Care Center (ECC) Triage at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. A generous gift made by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stottlemyer to Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. provided the funding for the scenic and colorful wall. The Stottlemyers were recently recognized as “Doctors of Philanthropy” for their contributions. A former Foundation trustee, Mr. Stottlemyer served as board chair from 1984 – 1986.
“On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to thank Charlie and Dee Stottlemyer for their ongoing commitment and contributions to the foundation and the hospital. The Stottlemyer Mosaic Mural will provide visitors and patients with serene surroundings calming an otherwise stressful experience,” stated Alexandra Quarles, CFRE, Healthcare Foundation president, CEO and trustee.
The concept of the mural—designed by Aubrey Pendleton, Walker Storey Starling, and Elizabeth Langford, students at Ringling College of Art and Design—was inspired by the importance the hospital staff places on community connections. It features mosaic portholes, representing Sarasota’s historical, cultural and environmental elements, such as the Ringling Bridge, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, manatees, flamingos, sailboats, and the statue of David at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The mural is harmonious with the ECC’s concept, curvilinear forms, and color palette and connects the viewer to their surrounding community.
The 3,500 square-foot triage area, where emergency patients enter and are registered and assessed by staff, officially opened Nov. 7, 2006. Other local highlights include soothing classical music is provided by the Florida West Coast Symphony; an 800-gallon aquarium with tropical fish from Mote Marine Laboratory; interactive, rotating exhibits from the G.Wiz Hands-On Science Museum; and plants from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
The Healthcare Foundation contributed $7.5 million dollars for the construction and renovation of Sarasota Memorial’s Emergency Care Center through its EMERGENCY CARE 24/7 We’re Always Here capital campaign.

Diva Angels have a new monthly meeting place!

The Gulf Coast Chapter of the Diva Angels will hold their next monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Social hour at 6:30 pm and meeting at 7:00 pm at their new permanent monthly dinner place: The High Side Café, 1105 N. Washington Blvd., (rte. 301), Sarasota, FL. 34236, 941-366-2678. Meetings are always the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

The Diva Angels were presented with an award from S.M.A.R.T. at the last meeting of the Gulf Coast Chapter. S.M.A.R.T. said it was their horse & the Diva Angel’s wings! The plaque reads:
Presented to the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Diva Angels with sincere appreciation for their generosity, support and friendship. February 24, 2008.
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. (S.M.A.R.T.) see it on the website!
S.M.A.R.T was the charity for the 2007 Diva Angel’s Poker Run.

The Diva Angels always have a ride the first Sunday of every month, and a dinner ride the second Wednesday of every month.

Diva Angels, Inc. is a non-profit organization of female motorcycle enthusiasts that enjoy riding together, camaraderie, doing good in the community and building strong friendships all along the way. All makes and models of bikes along with all shapes, sizes and ages of women are welcome!

Since January 2005 the Diva Angels has grown as a National Women’s Biker Organization with seven active chapters already. There may be a Diva Angels club in your backyard. To find out log on the national website: www.divaangels.org and see all the chapters there are or how to start one in your area.

Diva Angels members and guests are always welcome to come to all meetings and all events. If you are interested in being a Diva Angel and want more information, just show up at the meeting (meetings are always the third Tuesday of the month) or go onto the website at www.divaangels.org or call Sarah Hammock, the Director of The Diva Angels - Gulfcoast Chapter at 941-583-9581 or Marsha Wolak, The National President of Diva Angels, Inc. at 941-929-1003.

Van Wezel Foundation Presented City of Sarasota with Education Pledge Paymentat Annual Education Celebration

The Van Wezel Foundation (VWF) hosted its annual Education Celebration on April 10 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. The event honors and recognizes VWF supporters and donors who helped raise much-needed funds for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s education programs.



The event featured a performance of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar performed by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. The performance was part of the Van Wezel’s acclaimed Schooltime Performance program, which introduces renowned artists and performances to nearly 40,000 students and educators from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties each year. In 2007, after concerns that the city of Sarasota would eliminate this program due to budgetary cut-backs, the Van Wezel Foundation agreed to gift the hall a four-year grant valued at $1 million—or $250,000 per year for the restricted purpose of its Schooltime Performance program.



Speakers at the Education Celebration included Capt. Rachel Wasserman, a teacher from the Sarasota Military Academy who attended with students who participated in the Van Wezel's education programs this season. Speakers also included Glenis Redmond, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts teaching artist and poet, and Leslie Lacktman, the Van Wezel's education and community engagement program manager. Sheila Belknap, VWF president and CEO, gave the closing remarks and presented Mary Bensel, the executive director of the Van Wezel, with a check for $62,500.



“The Van Wezel has always been a leader in arts education,” says Belknap. “Its educational outreach programs are acclaimed nationally and the Foundation is determined to keep the hall’s doors open to all of our area’s children. We firmly believe that all children should be given the opportunity to experience the arts in a personal way. I know I speak on behalf of our entire board of directors when I say that we are honored to have the opportunity to keep this valuable and vital program alive.”



“I’ve been actively involved with this outstanding teacher training program for 15 years,” says Lauren Johnson, a second grade teacher at Fruitville Elementary School. “The training I receive through this program has inspired superior teaching strategies and allowed me to connect deeply and with meaning to my students.”



The Schooltime Performance program introduces renowned artists and performances to nearly 40,000 students and educators from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties each year. Programs are carefully selected to correspond with the Sunshine State standards and the Sarasota County curriculum, and teacher and student materials are provided in advance. Approximately 18 productions are selected each year with nearly 40 total performances.



“In the past 11 years, more than 350,000 children have been given the opportunity to experience the art of live performance,” says Belknap. “These theatrical adventures bring curriculum to life—and begin a relationship with the arts we hope will last a lifetime.”



The Van Wezel Foundation was established in 1987. Its primary purpose is to enrich lives (with an emphasis on children) while supporting the needs of the region's premier performing arts hall. In the past 21 years, it has granted gifts to the city of Sarasota in excess of $8 million for both major capital improvements and for education outreach efforts.



The Van Wezel Foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of students and educators through the performing arts while supporting the needs of the region’s premier performing arts hall. The arts education and outreach programs of the Van Wezel are celebrating their tenth year and have grown to be a very important facet in the education and growth of this community’s youth. In the past year, more than 40,000 students and educators from four counties have been exposed to national performing arts programming because of the Van Wezel Foundation.

Steinway Celebration Concert A Success!

Acclaimed pianists Robert Levin and his wife Ya-Fei Chuang performed works of Beethoven, Schubert, Ravel, and Rachmaninoff at the Van Wezel Foundation’s Steinway Celebration Concert on April 23 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. The free concert, emceed by WUSF Public Broadcasting classical music host, Coleen Cook, celebrated the new Steinway Concert Grand Model D piano that was purchased for the Van Wezel by the Van Wezel Foundation (VWF). The concert was sponsored by Ruth Kreindler, in memory of Lee S. Kreindler, Bill and Sandy Dietrich, WUSF Public Broadcasting and LeBlanc Studios.

Van Wezel Foundation President Sheila Belknap welcomed the more than 1,700 audience members, which included representatives from numerous area non-profit organizations, schools and churches, including Girls Inc., The Pines of Sarasota, Peace Presbyterian Church, Pine View School, Sarasota/Manatee Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota and the YMCA Transitional Living Program. Van Wezel Foundation board members Dottie Baer Garner and David Klein presented Ms. Chuang with a bouquet of flowers following the performance. At a post-performance reception, piano donors, sponsors and supports of VWF were presented with miniature Swarovski crystal pianos to commemorate the event.

“The Van Wezel needed a new Steinway for years,” says Belknap, explaining that the Foundation had first purchased a new Steinway concert piano in 1987. Since then, that piano and another piano that had been previously purchased in 1981, had served hundreds of acclaimed musicians. But the years had taken their toll on the 1981 Steinway, says Belknap.

Under the direction of former VWF president, Rodger DeRose, several Van Wezel Foundation board members and supporters provided the funding for the new piano, which cost $110,000.

“We’re indebted to Beatrice Friedman, Sue and Bob Coyne, Jules and Sheila Rose, Ed Brickman, Ernie and Alisa Kretzmer, Joseph Silliman and Leland Tingle, for making this very significant gift to the Van Wezel,” says Baer Garner, co-chair of the Van Wezel Foundation. “Rodger DeRose’s guidance and determination played a significant role in making this happen.”

“This will not only be of great value to the musicians who perform here from around the world, it will also benefit our area-based groups, including Florida West Coast Symphony and the Jazz Club of Sarasota for its annual Sarasota Jazz Festival—and so many other community organizations that rent the hall,” says Baer Garner.

The new piano was selected over two separate visits to Steinway in Astoria, NY, by the concert pianist Robert Levin, and David Braun and Ed Court, both piano tuners and specialists. Dave Pritchard of Pritchard Pianos of Sarasota arranged for the piano’s shipment and delivery.

Belknap explains that the piano was held in inventory until “Robert and Ed could listen to a second group of pianos. Ultimately, the first piano was purchased based on its superior sound quality.”

“It was clearly the best of pianos on both selection days, being capable of both brilliance and warmth,” says Levin. “We wanted a piano that would fulfill the wishes of the broadest spectrum of pianists appearing at the Van Wezel, keeping the hall's acoustical properties in mind.”

“The selection and ultimate purchase of the right instrument is a critical decision that will impact the quality of the hall’s functioning for the next 25 years,” says Belknap. “Needless to say, we were extremely careful in taking the time we needed to make the right decision.”



For 21 years, the Van Wezel Foundation has been enriching the lives of students and educators through the performing arts while supporting the needs of the region’s premier performing arts hall. The arts education and outreach programs of the Van Wezel are celebrating their eleventh year and have grown to be a very important facet in the education and growth of this community’s youth. In the past years, more than 45,000 students and educators from four counties have been exposed to national performing arts programming because of the Van Wezel Foundation. Since its inception in 1987, the Foundation has raised $14 million for the hall in addition to funding the Perlman Music Program’s Winter Residency.

Discover the Flavors of Sarasota During the Third Annual "Savor Sarasota" Restaurant Week, May 27 - June 8, 2008

New Forks & Corks Culinary Festival to Cap Off Restaurant Week With Wine Tastings, Cooking Demonstrations and a Grand Festival Celebration

The Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) announces the third annual Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, now extended to run nearly two full weeks, from May 27-June 8, 2008, culminating in the new Forks & Corks culinary festival as the grand finale. This 13-day dining event will showcase Sarasotas chefs and the eateries which have helped the city earn the distinction of having one of the highest concentrations of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida.

The SCVB is continuing the tradition of holding the Savor Sarasota dining promotion to encourage both visitors and locals alike to experience Sarasotas numerous and varied restaurants and to create more public awareness of the regions award-winning restaurant scene. The event has become one of the most popular culinary events in the state over the past three years, as it encourages food and wine lovers to visit Sarasota to imbibe in the best of the region's restaurants.

The SCVB has currently recruited over 30 restaurants, many of which have earned Zagat ratings, to participate in the third year of the event, during which patrons will be able to enjoy multi-course meals at participating restaurants for $15 per person for lunch and $25 per person for dinner.

"Sarasota is recognized nationally for our beaches, culture and circus heritage," said Virginia Haley, President of the SCVB. "Savor Sarasota opens our visitors to the creative cuisine our talented chefs prepare, and we are so pleased that so many of our wonderful restaurants have chosen to participate for the third year in a row."

JUDI GALLAGHER HONORED WITH GIRLS INC.® “SHE KNOWS WHERE SHE’S GOING AWARD”.

Professional Chef Judi Gallagher has been awarded the 2008 Girls Inc.® “She Knows Where She’s Going” Award. Judi was presented this coveted award during the 20th annual Celebration Luncheon held at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, Wednesday April 17, 2008.

The “She Knows Where She’s Going” Award honors outstanding women for their contribution to their community and their superlative personal and professional achievements. “Girls Incorporated is thrilled to have an outstanding woman such as Judi to honor this year. Her achievements and contributions are an inspiration to us all”, said Stephania Feltz, Executive Director of Girls Inc.® Sarasota.

Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County is dedicated to “inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold” and fulfills its mission of empowering girls aged six and up to be self-confident, responsible and well-rounded individuals by delivering research-based, age-appropriate, after-school and summer educational and sports programs.
Chef Judi Gallagher has been a professional chef for more than 25 years and has had the pleasure of owning and operating her own restaurant, hosting multiple television and radio shows and co-authoring a cookbook. In addition to her culinary duties, Judi runs her own media consulting business, Cooking in Paradise Media.

The BeachHouse Restaurant has a New Event Staff

The BeachHouse Restaurant has recently added two top event planners to their already well established Event Planning department. Shawn Rhoton and Catherine Unger are the welcomed new additions. Weddings, reception dinners, family gatherings, business and corporate events are all events that these two professionals have experience in planning.

Shawn Rhoton

Shawn Rhoton, formally the special events assistant, was promoted to Event Coordinator in January, 2008. Shawn Rhoton grew up in Dearborn Michigan where she spent much of her childhood tagging along with her parents who were food and beverage directors. This is where she caught the bug for event planning. Her first event task was to decorate a buffet at the early age of seven years old.

Catherine Unger

Catherine Unger joined the special events department in March of 2008. Catherine grew up in Kutztown, Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications from Kutztown University. She has been living in Sarasota for the last 15 years where she volunteers for the Senior Friendship Center and Girls, Inc. She loves the outdoors and anything athletic. She obtained her brown belt in TaeKwonDo and recently went skydiving.

3 course fine dining experience for Two only $39.99 at Saltwater Cafe

Join us at the Saltwater Café for a 3 course fine dining experience for Two only $39.99. AWESOME! Visit the Saltwater Cafe, home of Chef Rolf's New Florida Kitchen. Please present coupon - you can download it here

Grand Opening Anything But a Wash for Boys & Girls Clubs

Palmetto club members anxiously looked at the sky wondering if anyone would come to have their car washed with the threat of rain at 70%. But with a little luck on their side it was no time at all before cars started lining up at the Royal Palm Car Wash in Palmetto at 1650 US Hwy 301 North.

Even though the morning started off gloomy and windy nothing could dampen the spirits of the club members. They were there to celebrate the grand opening of the Royal Palm Car Wash and the fact that owner, Martin Emmrich was donating all proceeds from the car wash to the Clubs for the entire day. This was the perfect way to end a week filled with festivities for National Boys & Girls Clubs Week.

There were free hot dogs for all and face painting for the kids. And once the sun started coming out the cars really started coming in; at one point they were lined up to US Highway 301.

The day was a great success by everyone’s standards. Royal Palm Car Wash presented Car Weeks, Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, with a check for $2,100 from all of the car washes on April 5th.

YMCA FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA ELECTS BOARD

Paul Bowman has been re-elected as Chair of the board of the YMCA Foundation ofSarasota. Other officers elected are: Neil Moody, 1st Vice Chair; Kim Githler, 2nd Vice chair; David Band, Secretary; and Pam Daniel Treasurer.

Trustees elected to another term are: Dale Berkowitz; Scott Collins; Debbie Dannheisser; Robert Drabik; Sonya Glassberg; Larry Hietbrink; Janet Kane; Lee McGinness; Chris Moody; Gary Olson; Mary Ann Robinson; Donna Simmons; and Iris Starr.

The YMCA Foundation, founded in 1981, is a direct service non-profit organization that supports the programs and services of the Sarasota Family YMCA.

Turtle Alert!

Those sea turtles they are a-movin‘. Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, which monitors sea turtle nesting activity on 35 miles of beaches in Sarasota and Manatee counties, has found its first false crawls of the season, meaning that females are starting to nest early this year. One false crawl was confirmed on Casey Key.

There have been no loggerhead nests recorded so far in Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (the most important nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles in the western hemisphere); there has been one confirmed loggerhead nest on the Atlantic Coast in Juno.

Most nesting activity takes places on Florida Gulf Coast beaches from May 1 through Oct. 31, with hundreds of Mote staff, volunteers and interns monitoring beaches for nests each morning.

Here are a few tips so you can help us remind the public that they play an important role in helping these ancient animals have a successful nesting season:

Do:

If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance
Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October
Close drapes after dark and put beach furniture far back from the water
Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water
Place trash in its proper place

Do Not:

Approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles
Use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach
Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged
Use fireworks on the beach

Hare-y Hermaphrodite on Display

ur aquarists have added a new sea hare to the Grassflats Exhibit in Mote Aquarium. These hermaphroditic animals – meaning they are both male and female – really are the slugs of the sea. Smooth sea hares (Aplysia brasiliana) are commonly found moving about in late winter and early spring along Florida’s Gulf Coast as they migrate to breed in shallow bays. While they are hermaphrodites, these mollusks do need “mates” to cross fertilize their eggs and can often be found copulating in long chains with the first in the chain acting only as a female and the subsequent animals (save for the last) acting as both male and female. One of the coolest features of these animals are their wings – actually extensions of the snail’s foot ‑ that they use to help them undulate through the sea.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County receives grant to expand prevention programs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County received a $5,000 grant from the Weichel Family Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. The award will be used to expand prevention programs to serve additional youth in more venues in order to combat growing community risk factors. The programs are:

SMART Moves courses, helping our children gain knowledge about the negative consequences of using illegal and prescription drugs, tobacco, alcohol and other substances that are mind and mood altering.
Targeted Outreach, juvenile delinquency and gang prevention strategies that help youth follow a straighter path.
Wise Guys & Smart Girls, life skills courses focusing on abstinence-based pregnancy and STD prevention.

Through comprehensive prevention programming, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has the strongest impact on their Club members. When the Club Directors were polled in December of, there was only one reported pregnancy in over 2,500 Club members. According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Department, there was a 10% reduction in crime in the local neighborhoods when the school-based Harlllee Club opened. With help from the Weichel Family Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County is able to deepen the positive impact on the community.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County serves over 2,500 youth at six locations (Harllee Middle School, Southeast High School, Bradenton, East Bradenton, DeSoto and Palmetto).

For more information, please call 761-2582 or visit www.bgcofmanatee.org.

LA MUSICA MUSICIANS PERFORMED FOR SARASOTA COUNTY STUDENTS

More than 1,500 Sarasota and Manatee county third-grade students gathered at Sarasota’s Municipal Auditorium on April 8, 2008, for a special performance by several of the musicians of the La Musica International Chamber Music Festival. The free concert was sponsored by the Woman's Exchange and directed by Susan Welsh, a music teacher at Tuttle Elementary School.

Welsh prepared the children prior to the concert with study guides about the instruments, music and composers featured in the concert program. She created educational music CDs to familiarize the children with the style of music; during the concert, she led interactive discussions with the musicians and children. The free concert was attended by third-grade students from Gocio, Tuttle, Fruitville, Gulf Gate, Ashton, Lake View, Ballard Elementary, Williams, Bayshore and Blackburn elementary schools.

Welsh has worked with La Musica’s executive director, Sally Faron, for the past five years. Once the festival program is selected, Welsh receives a complete list of the music, composers and instruments featured in each piece. She researches the selections and prepares teaching packets for distribution to music teachers at the participating schools in each county.

The packets include study guides and educational music CDs to familiarize the children with the style of music. With 35 years of teaching music, Welsh uses her experience to prepare a curriculum that incorporates games, puzzles and suggested assignments to teach the students about the composers, instruments and performers.

“We want to capture, engage, instruct and inspire the students and adults during the actual concert; preparing them for the experience is the key,” she says.

Prior to the event, the students also submit questions for the musicians. Throughout the performances, Welsh leads interactive discussions between the musicians and children. After each musical piece, the musicians are brought forward to demonstrate their instruments individually and answer questions from Welsh and the audience.

“We sing songs, follow the conductor through various guided activities, play instruments and do movement activities. Some of the students are even invited on the stage to participate.” Together, they analyze, describe and compare the instruments in each piece to give students a better understanding of the music and how it was composed.

This special children’s program is underwritten by the Woman's Exchange of Sarasota.

La Musica has established itself as an artistic success and an outstanding American cultural institution. A dedicated board of directors, led by Piero Rivolta—one of the founders of La Musica—along with Sally Faron, executive director, collaborate with the artists to present a thematic excursion each season.

For more information about La Musica, please call Executive Director Sally Faron at 941-346-2601.

The Players Performing The Players Theatre Arts Studio announces Summer Camp and Summer Classes

The Players Studio is currently registering for summer theatre fun!

The Stage Door Workshop summer camp is for students between the ages of 8 and 17 and explores the magic of musical theatre! Join the adventure of musical theatre including play production, acting techniques and skills, technical theatre, dance, singing, creative movement, theatre games and more. Students learn alongside a professional staff while developing an understanding of the creative and physical self, and fostering self-confidence and self-esteem.

Two 4 week sessions are offered; June 9 through July 3 and July 7 through August 1. Youth camp is for ages 8-12 and is held at The Players Studios at 500 Tallevast Road. The teen camp, for ages 13-17 meets at The Players Theatre. Camp meets Monday-Friday from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Pre and post care is available. Each session culminates in an exciting original musical revue performance on stage! Session I will be presenting String II and session II is Fractured Fairy Tales.

The Players Studio’s Summer Classes will run for an eight-week session from June 9 through August 2 and will include jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, acting, singing, and on camera acting for ages 7 - 12. More advanced classes are offered for students ages 10 – 18 and include the above, as well as pre-pointe and pointe. For the young child we offer pre-ballet, combo dance, creative combo, and musical theatre for munchkins. Basic acting, singing, on camera acting, move and groove jazz, and tap classes are offered for adults.

Registration is open now. To receive a camp brochure or a summer class schedule you may call the Studio at 360-0120 or download it from our website at www.theplayers.org Scholarship applications are also available.

USF Sarasota-Manatee seeks sponsors for student internships in professional and technical writing

Students at USF Sarasota-Manatee will have an opportunity to apply for internships in professional and technical writing beginning in the fall 2008 semester.

The internships will give writing students three semester hours of credit and valuable experience working with participating companies and organizations. This exposure to the work of a writer/editor in the business world can play a major role in students’ career success and will give the sponsors a look at up-and-coming talent.

At present, 35 to 40 USF Sarasota-Manatee students majoring in English have declared an interest in the professional and technical writing specialty. They are aiming for positions as freelancers or employees serving nonprofit and for-profit ventures.

In addition to a core liberal arts curriculum, their studies at USF include courses in advanced composition and professional and technical writing. Graduates find positions in fields such as engineering, information technology, manufacturing, industrial design, aerospace, health sciences, business consulting, nonprofit organizations and publishing.

“While the role of traditional print media is changing, the growth of digital technology has created new opportunities for people with writing and editing skills,” said Tod Roberts, USF instructor of English and coordinator of the new program. “The rapid spread of the internet requires professionals who can create effective content for millions of commercial websites. The use of digital audio/video technology is creating demand for people who can bridge the gap between technical specialists and ordinary users. In short, wherever there is a need for efficient, clear, and accurate communications, the person with skills in professional and technical writing will find a career opportunity.”

The program allows sponsoring companies and organizations to become acquainted with students who have the potential to become qualified career employees.

“Both the sponsor and the student intern benefit by testing the fit between the individual and the organization’s culture without the risk and expense involved when a person is hired full-time at the outset,” said Mr. Roberts.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, please e-mail Mr. Roberts at robertst@sar.usf.edu or call (941) 359-4572.

Lee Roy Selmon’s Welcomes New Menu with More Options

Keeping with the true spirit of giving their guests what they want- Lee Roy Selmon’s is pleased to announce their new menu offering customers more choices and options. “We are very excited about now being able to offer our customers more choices of their favorite appetizers”, says Selmon. “We now offer two different portion sizes on our Fried Green Tomatoes, Back Country Nachos and Smokin’ or Beef Quesidillas. Our regular offering is smaller and is perfect for one or two people and our family style offering is great for larger groups.” In doing so, Selmon believes that it allows everyone to customize their appetizer choices to fit their needs.

Lee Roy Selmon, who grew up on farm with a large family knows the importance of sharing with the community. With the difficulties of the recent economy, customers deserve a little break and this new menu offers them the opportunity to experience Lee Roy Selmon’s delicious menu items in smaller and cost effective ways.

Lee Roy Selmon’s is a restaurant that is best known for its soul-satisfying comfort food served with heartwarming hospitality. The reoccurring theme throughout the restaurant is a tribute to NFL Hall of Famer and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Lee Roy Selmon – the athlete, the family man and the community leader.

Lee Roy Selmon’s features mouth-watering soul-satisfying comfort food. Specialties include Fried Green Tomatoes, Mama’s Meatloaf, Selmon’s Sweet Heat Fried Chicken and cheese and bacon grits. House favorites guaranteed to please include St. Louis ribs, pork and chicken (with a choice of four homemade sauces) and mouthwatering “two-handed” burgers, like the new smoked stack burger and delicious sandwiches. Grandma’s baked beans and greens medley are perfect sides and a Selmon’s family staple. In addition to a bountiful choice of fresh vegetables and lighter fare items including Smoked Chicken Salad, and Citrus Glazed Shrimp Salad, the menu features a wide selection of desserts including Georgia Peach Cobbler, Melt In Ya Mouth Pecan Pie and Warm Bread Pudding, not to mention THE best fresh squeezed lemonade outside of Momma’s front porch.

Play Hard, Eat Well & Don’t Forget to Share.

For more information, please visit us at www.leeroyselmons.com

Fleming's Solves Steakhouse Dilemma

Greetings everyone. Check out the newest online innovation from the Chefs at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar left over steak recipes.

Have you ever been to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, seated in a big leather booth, enjoying the most delicious steak you’ve ever had, and growing fuller and fuller by the bite when suddenly you realize “hey, if I stop now I’ll have enough for leftovers”? Then as those beautiful last few bites stare back at you, you wonder if you will be able to do them justice the following day. “Will I heat my steak correctly?” “What will I enjoy it with?”

Fleming’s would like to put this dilemma to rest and ensure that your leftover steak be part of an equally memorable meal by providing your viewers with some fantastic recipes developed by Executive Chef Russell Skall. We would love to prepare a cooking demonstration for both the original steak recipe, and one of our leftover steak recipes at our Fresno restaurant.

Manatee Players Theatre Camps

Manatee Players, the national award winning community theatre, located on the riverfront in downtown Bradenton, offers an array of theatrical experiences for the young, aspiring performer throughout the year. The summer Youth Theatre Training program begins on June 9, with a Clown Camp and classes continue through the end of July with special programs for different, specific age groups.

Clown Camp will be offered the week of June 9 – 13 in association with Circus Sarasota. This camp is designed for ages 8 – 17 and will run from 1 – 4:30 pm. Over the course of the week, campers will select a costume and props that truly represent the character they wish to become. With make-up and stage business training, they will evolve into a clown who has a personality and a theatrical routine. A performance will be presented to parents at the end of the week under the direction of professional clown Karen Bell. Cost for this week-long program is $125.

The Junior Camp, running June 23 – 27, is designed for campers aged 5 – 7. The youngsters participate in theatre games, improvisational activities, and learn performance etiquette in addition to acting basics. The program runs from 9am to noon each day. Cost is $100.

Broadway Boot Camp will begin on July 7 and run for 3 weeks through July 27. During this intensive training, actors aged 8 to 17 will produce the school version of Grease. Students will be cast in all the roles in addition to taking part in the technical theatre aspects of set, costumes and lighting design. Under the direction of Managing Artistic Director, Rick Kerby, Boot Camp will culminate in three performances of Grease for the public on July 25, 26 and 27. The program, which runs from 9am to 5pm each day, costs $600. Mr. Kerby will be joined by other members of the Manatee Players acting company and staff to provide a complete theatrical experience for all youngsters involved. Enrollment is limited to 60 campers so early registration is encouraged.

During the school year, on Wednesdays, Mr. Kerby teaches a performance class of musical theatre dance techniques including jazz and tap, entitled Broadway Boogie.

There is also a Spring Break camp which will present public performances of Alice in Wonderland on April 5 and 6. A few open spaces in that week-long program are still available for ages 8 to 17.

All of these programs are geared toward preparing young actors to audition for Manatee Players’ season of mainstage productions and to participate in the Showkidz touring company.

For information about the educational programs at Manatee Players, phone Leona Braun, Education Coordinator at 941-748-0111. To purchase tickets to a Youth Theatre performance or to register for one of the camps, phone the Box Office at 941-748-5875.

Sarasota Family YMCA Seeks Teens for Summer Mission Trip to Prague

The Sarasota Family YMCA is looking for area high school students interested in taking part in a week-long international youth festival in Prague, Czech Republic from August 3 – 9, 2008.
YMCA Europe Festival 2008 is an international YMCA event, which includes sports competitions, scouting activities, displays and exhibitions, arts and humanities performances and workshops on diverse topics. Last held in 2003, the event attracted more than 7,500 people; for 2008, more than 10,000 young people (ages 13 – 25) representing 40 national YMCA movements are expected to participate in the YMCA Europe Festival 2008.

“It’s going to be an amazing event; more importantly, it’s an amazing opportunity for students from right here in Southwest Florida to get exposure to so many cultures in such a positive environment and really live the YMCA mission,” said Zach Hilferding, a member of the YMCA of the USA’s planning committee for Europe Festival 2008 and the Sports Director for the Evalyn Sadlier Jones Branch of the Sarasota Family YMCA.

Students will be responsible for all travel costs and must have their own passport. Space is limited to five students. For more information, please contact Zach Hilferding at 941-922-9622 ext. 1317 or email here.

The Sarasota Family YMCA is nationally known for innovative programs and outstanding facilities. From youth shelters to fitness centers, we continue to follow our guiding mission in everything we do: We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities. We continue to develop collaborations and core programs to meet the changing needs of the community.

VLT lands International Festival

The world is coming to Venice. In 2010.

The board of directors of the American Association of Community Theatre has just announced the selection of Venice Little Theatre to host its International Theatre Festival in June, 2010.

Held in the United States only once every four years, AACTFest International will bring approximately 400 visitors from around the world to Venice for a week beginning June 22. Groups from more than ten countries will be selected to perform shows in their native languages throughout the week at VLT.

"We're hoping to have theatre troupes from at least four continents,@ said Murray Chase, VLT Executive/Artistic Director," and maybe even five. This cultural exchange will be one of the most exciting artistic events in VLT's history. Obviously, we're thrilled to be selected.@

VLT's Managing Director, Ginny Winsor traveled to San Diego CA with Venice City Manager, Martin Black to meet with the AACT Board on February 8, 2008. More than a dozen theatre companies from around the US indicated interest in hosting this prestigious festival, but only two endured the application process and were invited to make final presentations to the AACT board last week.

"Marty was instrumental in our being named the host, stated Winsor. "He did a masterful job on behalf of the city.

Past international festivals have been held in the US in such cities as Des Moines, IA; Benton Harbor, MI; and Midland, TX.

"We feel that Venice is the perfect location to hold the 2010 festival,@ stated Chase. "It's a quieter time of year for us. We’ll be able to get good room rates, the beaches won't be as crowded, and our area could use the summertime business.

The festival will include shows, theatre workshops by international presenters, and cultural exchanges. Visitors will also have plenty of time to explore Venice and visit other area attractions. "We want to make sure that they want to come back,@ said Chase. "They will get a flavor of the entire area while they're here."

The theatre will work closely during the next 28 months with AACT and IATA, the International Amateur Theatre Association, to select the productions from around the world. In addition, VLT will be reaching out to the local community to involve them in the planning process and to solicit personal hosts and guides.

Win 2 Martinis Every Day!

EDG, the Creative Agency with European Touch together with their restaurant clients is giving away 2 martinis every day. You can enter every day all year long. Drawing is daily at 5 pm, the lucky winner gets the martini certificate per email. Enter Here. Good Luck!

Ringling Museum collaborates with Sarsota's Season of Sculpture to feature important Contemporary Sculpture

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art collaborates with the Sarasota Season of Sculpture to present, Louis Armstrong, a large-scale sculpture of the musician by the French-born artist, Niki de Saint Phalle. The towering sculpture is installed between the historic Cà d’Zan Gatehouse and the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion’s main entrance on the estate grounds, and will be on display November 9, 2007 – May 26, 2008.
“The Ringling is pleased to partner with the Sarasota Season of Sculpture in hosting diverse art that engages with our visitors,” said Museum Executive Director Dr. John Wetenhall. “We are committed to collaborating with arts organizations around Sarasota County to support and advance arts and culture.”
Artist Niki de Saint Phalle created the sculpture in 1999 as part of the “Black Heroes” series, homage to prominent African-Americans. The colorful and glittering sculpture is made from a mixture of resin, steel armature, stained and mirrored glass, tumbled stones, and gold leaf. It stands 8 feet tall and weighs 686 pounds.
“Bringing an important contemporary sculpture to the Ringling and partnering with the Sarasota Season of Sculpture speaks to our interest in presenting art from all periods, and the opportunity to reach beyond our collection’s strengths through temporary exhibitions,” said Dr. Stephen Borys, the Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections at the Museum. “The positioning of this inspiring sculpture of Louis Armstrong adjacent the Historic Asolo Theater is a tour-de-force.”
Catherine Marie-Agnès (Niki) Fal de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France and spent her life living between the United States and her birth country. In 2000, two years prior to her death, she was awarded the Praemium Imperial Prize in Japan, the art world’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize.
Known for colorful and whimsical sculptures and graphic prints, Saint Phalle’s art is on permanent and special exhibition around the world, including Tuscany; Nasu, Japan; Hannover, Germany; Liverpool, England and Chicago, Ill.
Museum admission is not required to view the sculpture.
Sarasota Season of Sculpture is a not-for-profit group responsible for organizing and producing an International Invitational Exhibition of large-scale sculptures along Sarasota's Bayfront.

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