Nov 10, 2016 Cultural Revolutions 5:30 pm









Nov 10, 2016 Cultural Revolutions A review of Chinese Contemporary Art After the Communist Revolution 5:30 pm Chao Lecture Hall in the Center For Asian Art in the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Gallery of Asian Art, The Ringling Museum of Art

Click for a printable flyer


INFO @ SARASOTA SISTER CITIES October 29, 2016, #12

INFO @ SARASOTA SISTER CITIES

October 29, 2016,    #12


All the news that’s fit to print as the weather cools and the birds begin to fly back…….
And please don’t miss the last story of this issue about Tatyana from Vladimir, Russia, who was a winner in last year’s FST Playwriting Contest but who couldn’t come to Sarasota because of family difficulties (it’s a tear jerker)……
 
UPCOMING EVENTS


---November 9 – 4pm, LECTURE SERIES:  War & Peace by Craig Hullinger, Beth Ruyle, Troy Scott & Ray Young.  Co-sponsored with the Military Officers Assn. (Community Room, Herald-Tribune Bldg., 1741 Main St.)


---November 9 – 5pm, MEET & GREET:  Vineyard Wine Bar, 1528 Main St.


---November 16 – LUNCHEON:  The Joys of Traveling & Bagpiping in Dunfermline and Beyond, by Pauline Mitchell (11:30am, University Park Country Club)


---November 17 – BAGPIPE PERFORMANCE BY DANIEL FERRY, a Dunfermline, Scotland, student with the Riverview High School Kilty Band (7pm Riverview High School)
 
***BREAKING NEWS***  NATHALIE McCULLOCH


          Sister Cities’ longtime member and Selby volunteer, Nathalie McCulloch, has just given one of the largest financial gifts that Selby Botanical Gardens has received in its 40-year history.


          “Nat” volunteers in the administrative office, taking care of the mail and answering the phone.


          Her gift will be used generously around Selby’s 15-acre site, but one of the prime uses will be to develop a master site plan.


          Many of us go to Selby frequently.  The Orchid House is never the same two weeks in a row.  Selby generously donates space for the Orchid Club and its library—and is generous to the community in many ways. 


          A gigantic THANK YOU, NATHALIE McCULLOCH  !
 
YOU ARE NEEDED: SCAS POSITIONS OPEN


          We currently need thoughtful and energetic people—just like you!!—to fill the following positions:


---Secretary (take Board of Directors’ Minutes and distribute them via email)


---Vice President of Events (coordinate our meeting dates and liaison with coordinators of our luncheons and meet & greets)


---Webmaster (to locally administer or website)


---Hosts for luncheons and Meet & Greets (check off people as they arrive for these events.  This is a great way to meet our members.  One time or multi-time volunteers needed)


     Come on, now!  Let’s hear from you.  Contact me (below) or any board member.
 
GREAT SUCCESS OF LECTURE SERIES ON CUBA & RAPPERSWIL-JONA, SWITZERLAND


          Sister Cities enjoyed its largest crowds ever at the last two speakers in our lectures series.  Last month our own Eladio Amores spoke on Cuba both before and after Castro, and last week Nelly Camardo (acting City Director for RJ) and Charlotte Hull (acting assistant CD fors RJ) spoke about Rapperswil-Jona and reviewed its history and beauty as the “City of Roses” on Lake Zurich.


          Both talks were well received with over 70 attendees each and were following by an enthusiastic crowd for the Meet & Greets afterwards, yesterday’s celebrating also Beth Ruyle-Hullinger’s birthday. 


          Thanks Eladio, Nelly, and Charlotte!  Fantastic job!
 
VISITOR FROM RAPPERSWIL-JONA, SWITZERLAND


           Recently we were pleased to have Alex Simeon, Vice Dean of the Technical University of RJ.  He was on an exploratory trip to visit The Ringling College of Art & Design, USF-SM, New College and other places in hopes of establishing student and faculty exchanges between his institution and ours here.


          He attended our luncheon meeting at Bird Key Yacht Club and heard Michael Fehily’s talk on Mérida, Mexico.


          Mr. Simeon was a knowledgeable and affable fellow.  Hopefully we will see more of him in the future.
 
SWISS MUSIC FEST 2016, 7pmNovember 4, Riverview High School Auditorium (doors open at 6:15pm)


          Some of our most energetic and enthusiastic members are the Swiss who proposed Rapperswil-Jona as a new Sister City for us.  Although the Swiss Music Fest is not a SCAS activity, our Swiss members deserve our support for their hard work, especially Nelly Camardo and Primo Bader.


          The Swiss Music Fest will feature among notable Swiss musicians:


---Marianne Cathomen, winner of the International Grandprix of Folk Music in Europe.


---Lisa Stoll plays the alphorn, that “looong” horn with a curve on the end that sits on the ground—pardon my adolescent description--with the richness of a brass instrument and the softness of a woodwind.


          Along with other Swiss musicians, the Sarasota Concert Band will provide musical support.


          Tickets:  $30.  A check may be sent to
Swiss Music Fest – Sepp Gmuender
99 Sunset Drive, Box 301
Sarasota, FL 34236


And tickets will be mailed to your address.
 
SISTER CITY CONTRACT RENEWED WITH SARASOTA


     (Just in case you didn’t know……)  Although Sarasota Sister Cities is run by our fine coterie of volunteers, we are officially an organization of city government.  Each year we present a report to the City Commissioners and they renew our relationship. 


     Each of our twin cities is created initially by signing an agreement between the mayors of Sarasota and our twins.  In many foreign countries, the head of Sister Cities is a municipal employee and operates from City Hall.  In the US, Sister Cities are generally run by volunteers. 


     And….drum roll please!...our agreement has been renewed again—for over 50 years.
 
TATYANA, THE RUSSIAN PLAYWRITING WINNER LAST MAY………..


          Tatyana is a talented, mature, seventeen year-old student from Vladimir, Russia, one of our Sister Cities.  For the last four years she has participated in FST’s Write A Play contest. 


          With much hard work and time, SHE WON last May.
          Tatyana was beyond enthusiastic when she realized her dream and learned that she was invited to travel to Sarasota to accept her award and see her play performed.


          Sadly, ten days before leaving for Sarasota, financial hardship struck her family of six.  They could not afford to use their savings toward her trip. Tatyana was extremely disappointed but mature about the hardship.


          FST has kindly invited Tatyana to attend the ceremony this year.  (Maybe we can even get FST to perform Tatyana’s play for her!!!)  An informal group of Sister Cities members has taken it upon themselves to create an emergency fund which will purchase an airline ticket for Tatyana to visit Sarasota.


          Will you help this well deserving student playwright realize her dream?


Email Olga Pliner, City Director for Vladimir (olgapl@gmx.com)


or Nancy Tsekou, Vice City Director for Vladimir (nwtsekos@gmail.com)to offer your help.
 

Dat’s all, Folks!  Direct questions and comments to your editor……..
Dave Harralson
daveharralson@sarasotasistercities.com
941-870-516



Festa Di Carnevale Feb 11, 2017 6:00pm - One World Award - Save The Date!



Click for a printable copy


Click for Google Map Directions, insert your address

Feb 11, 2017 6:00 pm at the University Park Country Club, ONE WORLD AWARD at the Festa di Carnevale - A Treviso Sister City Celebration, cocktail attire, Anna Madaschi and Isabelle Eidet





Friendship City, Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland: History & Culture / Octoberfest Oct 26, 2016



Friendship City, Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland:
History & Culture
Nelly Camardo & Charlotte Hull
























_______4:00 pm October 26, 2016
_______Community Room
_______Herald Tribune Building
_______1331 First Avenue, Sarasota, FL



Friendship Sister City Director Nelly Camardo & Charlotte Hull will present the history and culture of the “City of Roses” located on the upper end of Lake Zürich. They will take you on a picturesque journey through the “old town” and rose gardens, as well as famous and idyllic landmarks. You will learn about some traditions, spectacular architecture, contemporary fine arts in Rapperswil-Jona and the art or science of good eating, gastronomy. The Swiss are famous for their rich-tasting chocolates, so come and join us for an interesting and worthwhile presentation and enjoy some sweet treats from Switzerland.


_______Octoberfest Meet and Greet Will follow at:
_______World of Beer
_______1888 Main Street, Sarasota



               

For further Information, Contact: Ray Young, e-mail: aloharay4@gmail.com; 941-227-7509



Briefs From Barwin

BRIEFS from BARWIN


From the Desk of Sarasota
City Manager Tom Barwin
October 21, 2016
Photo of the Week
Looking over the lily pads at Payne Park toward the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters...and reflecting upon a good week in our special city.  SPD was just honored with a significant international award for community policing.  More on that below in Weekly Briefs! 

  MEETINGS 

  • Lift Station 87
    Tues., October 25 - 1:30 p.m.
    City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda
  • Firefighters' Pension Plan Board
    Wed., October 26 - 9 a.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Police Complaint Cmte
    Wed., October 26 - 5:30 p.m.
    City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda
  • Police Officers' Pension Plan Board
    Fri., October 28 - 8:15 a.m.

    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Independent Police Advisory Panel
    Fri., October 28 - 1 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda

City Career Opportunities 
Opportunity, Just Ahead Green Road Sign with Copy Room Over The Dramatic Clouds and Sky.  


Application Developer
Commission Reporter
Equipment Mechanic I
Facility Maintenance Tech
General Manager Parks & Recreation
Golf Course Attendant
Inventory Technician
Landscape Maintenance Tech I
Manager, Accounting & Payroll Systems
    Police Officer, 2nd Class
Rec Attendant
Refuse Equipment Operator
Senior Records Specialist

                                        


This Week's Items to Know:

1.
SPD Community Policing Award   For the past four years, the SPD has focused on advancing partnership policing strategies, which strive to establish great relationships and build trust between officers and citizens.  Through regular interactions and 
SPD Chief Bernadette DiPino accepting the 2016 IACP-Cisco Community Policing Award.
sharing experiences, residents and police officers break down barriers and help create a safe community for everyone.  By working together to prevent crime and apprehend criminals when a crime does occur, the community is safer.  In fact, serious crime has been reduced by over 23 percent over the past four years.

We're proud to announce SPD's dedication to partnership policing was honored last weekend by the most recognized professional policing organization in the world -- the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).  SPD was one of just six finalists to be recognized with the prestigious 2016 IACP-Cisco Community Policing Award for outstanding initiatives to enhance partnerships and safety.

Chief DiPino accepted the award at the annual IACP conference on behalf of the entire SPD and the Sarasota community.  This is a significant achievement and we greatly appreciate residents' interest in working with SPD to build trust and maintain an open, honest dialogue.

With this recognition, SPD's initiatives are a model for best practices for other law enforcement agencies throughout the world.  Well done, Chief DiPino, the entire SPD team, and residents -- congratulations!

2.
Public Art - Finalists   Three finalists for the new public art piece at the future roundabout at Ringling Blvd. and Orange Ave. have been announced -- and one is a local artist.

After lengthy discussion and review of the 164 submissions, the Public Art Committee narrowed the finalists to:

1.  Jorge Blanco - Sarasota, FL
2.  Brad Connell - Lexington, KY
3.  Nnamdi Okonkwo - Fayetteville, GA

The three finalists will make presentations to the Public Art Committee on Nov. 1.  

Each of the three finalists will make a 45-minute presentation to the Public Art Committee regarding their submission on Tues., Nov. 1 at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and community input will be heard prior to deliberations and voting.  The Committee's recommendation will go to the City Commission for final approval.

This is the first of what is expected to be many Calls to Artists as we begin to execute plans to improve traffic flow through intersection roundabouts, many of which will include public art. 

   

3.
LS 87 Update - Water Line Installed    Via horizontal directional drilling, a new 24-inch water main was successfully installed under the Hudson Bayou this past weekend.  This marks an important milestone for the Lift Station 87 project.  Now, crews are starting to tie it into existing water mains.   Before the new main goes into service, it will be flushed, pressure tested and disinfected to meet all water quality and health safety regulations.  Ultimately,
it will provide enhanced reliability for drinking water service for many years to come.   

Kudos to the LS 87 project team for successfully completing this initial part of the project.  Next, crews will begin preparing for the microtunneling phase.

The water main, a total of 880-feet, was staged on Osprey Ave. just
prior to the horizontal directional drilling.
On Oct. 25th, the project team will hold a meeting at 1:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex to provide an update on traffic patterns on Osprey Ave. and also to discuss the landscape plans for the LS 87 building.  For a meeting agenda click here.


4.
Vendor Forum - Nov. 9    Those who currently do business with the City or want to in the future are invited to attend a Vendor Forum next month hosted by the Procurement Division. We're looking at ways to streamline the procurement process and would like to get input from vendors.

The informational forum will be held Wed., November 9 at  9:30 a.m.
business-meeting-convo.jpg
A Vendor Forum will be held on Nov. 9.
During that time, staff with the Procurement Division will discuss some procedural changes to help make the process more efficient for everyone. 

If you're interested in attending, please RSVP by Mon,. October 31.  To RSVP click here. After an approximate number of attendees is determined, the meeting location will be decided and announced.  Please share this information with those who may be interested.

We appreciate David Boswell, who recently took over procurement responsibilities for the City, for being proactive and reaching out to the business community. Whatever we can do to incorporate best practices while adhering to state government purchasing laws is a win-win for all.  

5.
Big Mama's Collard Green Fest - Oct. 22  Eat Local Week will kick off with a brand new event presented by the Newtown Farmers Market:  Big Mama's Collard Green Fest!

About a dozen chefs from the tri-county region will descend upon Newtown to compete for top honors and Big Mama's bragging rights.Booths will be set up and visitors will be able to sample a variety of tempting collard green flavors:  cajun, creole, Carribean and country.  Add in a steel drum band and Carribean dancers, and, surely, it's a recipe for a successful inaugural Big Mama's Collard Green Fest!  Organizers tell us they're thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response they're already receiving.

Big Mama's will be heldtomorrow Sat., Oct. 22from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Newtown Redevelopment Office, 1752 Dr. MLK, Jr. Way.  There's no admission fee.  Bring your taste buds and love for collard greens -- and help us kick off Eat Local Week. 

To learn more about Eat Local Week and the festival click here.

6.
Trunk or Treat - Oct. 28   Families are invited to the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex next Friday, Oct. 28 as we celebrate Halloween with the 4th Annual Trunk or Treat.  The kids and grandkids will have fun trick or treating in a safe environment with trunks 
All smiles at the 2015 Trunk or Treat. 
popped open and decked out with spooky Halloween decorations.  There will be games and bounce houses --- plus a new addition to the festivities, a haunted house, which we anticipate will be a hit.  Trick or treating starts at 5:30 p.m.

The evening will be capped off with a family-friendly film, "Goosebumps", shown outside on the new multi-purpose turf field.  The movie will start at 7:30 p.m.  To see a flyer click here.
Admission is free for the movie and all Trunk or Treat activities.

Those interested in participating in the Best Decorated Trunk contest should register their vehicle by Thursday, Oct. 27.  You can download a registration form here.

Thanks to the staff at RLTCC for putting in the extra time to offer this fun event to the community.  

7.
Conde Nast - Best Small Cities   Sarasota is getting a lot of attention recently with reader's choice awards.  We just learned this week that Sarasota is #15 on Conde Nast's Best Small Cities in the U.S. list.  Other cities in the top 15 include:  Sedona, AZ; Jackson, WY; Charleston, SC and Aspen, CO.  The common denominator for most of the cities seems to be nature's beauty combined with a love of cultural arts.  In the write up about Sarasota, our world class "technicolor" sunsets at Lido Beach are mentioned as well as the Ringling Museum of Art and the Sarasota Opera.

It's nice to know others enjoy our community as much as we do. In recent years, Sarasota has been mentioned regularly as a top location for retirees. Now, the attention is expanding and is becoming much broader.  To read more about the Best Small Cities reader's choice poll click here.

Thanks to so many who have worked so hard over many years to create and keep our many amenities operating at a world class caliber.

The Tony Saprito Pier is featured in Conde Nast's Best Small Cities in the U.S. 
 



Upcoming Events 


Stepping Out Against Violence  
J.D. Hamel Park/Ringling Bridge
 

Sat., October 22  
7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Details

St. Armands Boat Show 
St. Armands Circle Park
Sat., October 22 & Sun., October 23
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Details

Coin Show 
Municipal Auditorium 
Sat., October 22 & Sun., October 23 
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Details 

Fall Fine Arts Festival 
Selby Five Points Park
Sat., October 22 & Sun., October 23
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Prescription Drug Take Back 
Sarasota Police Headquarters
2099 Adams Lane
Sat., October 22
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Details

Big Mama's Collard Green Festival 
Newtown Redevelopment Office
1782 Dr. MLK, Jr. Way
Sat., October 22
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Details

Job Fair 
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
Thurs., November 17
1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Details



Van Wezel:  Shows on Sale Now! 
The following is the current show schedule through 2016. For more information visit www.VanWezel.org    



Doo Wop Spectacular
Sat., October 22 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

Mary Chapin Carpenter
Fri., October 28 - 8 p.m.
Tickets 

ZZ Top
Mon., October 31 - 8 p.m.
Dave Koz will be at the Van Wezel on Nov. 25.

Tickets 

Capitol Steps
Tues., November 1 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Mannheim Steamroller
Fri., November 18 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Decades Rewind
Sat., November 19 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2016
Fri., November 25 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Tosh Saves the World
Sat., November 26 - 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
Tickets

Melissa Etheridge's Holiday Trio
Sun., November 27 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Jim Brickman
Tues., November 29 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

Fame The Musical
Wed., December 7 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Oak Ridge Boys' Christmas
Sat., December 10 - 8 p.m.
A Christmas Carol will be at the Van Wezel on Dec. 21.

Tickets

Beach Boys 'Christmas'
Mon., December 12 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

Garrison Keillor
Tues., December 13 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Sarasota Ballet - George Balanchine's Jewels
Fri., December 16 - 7:30 p.m.
Sat., December 17 - 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Tickets - Sarasota Ballet Website

A Christmas Carol
Wed., December 21 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Rogers + Hammerstein's Cinderella
Tues., December 27 - 7 p.m.
Wed., December 28 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
Thurs., December 29 - 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets

42nd Street
Fri., December 30 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

To purchase tickets over the phone call 941-953-3368 or stop by the Box Office at 777 N.Tamiami Trail. 
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.VanWezel.org.
Weekly Briefs will be on hiatus next week.  We'll be back Nov. 4.  Have a good week!

Thanks for reading this week's edition.  If you'd like to receive Weekly Briefs directly to your inbox click 'Join Our Mailing List' below or send us an email atCityNews@SarasotaGov.com
Tom Barwin
City Manager
 
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