1963-1997 HISTORY OF SARASOTA'S SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION

By Past President Hope Byrnes

Sarasota became involved in the sister cities program in the early 60's when a group of local businessmen organized the Association for the purpose of involving Sarasota businesses in possible ventures in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The organization numbered some 200 members and was headed by such community leaders as Dallas Dort, David Lindsay, Jr., Mayor Elmer Berkel, David Cohen and Mayor Fred Soto. Support from the newspaper and the Chamber of Commerce was strong. Student and other cultural exchanges took place. Wells Purmont came on board as President in the 1970's and continued to hold the Association together. After the Dominican Republic government encountered a political overthrow, contact with the country ceased.

Later, in 1990, Julio Claret took the reins as President with the encouragement of then Mayor Lou Ann Palmer. Visits from delegations headed by sitting Mayors took place, and a supply of medical equipment, an ambulance, and a fire truck were donated to Santo Domingo. More recently, used school and county equipment was donated. Shortly afterwards, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, was added as another sister city. Hamilton was chosen because it was involved in the Jason Project with Mote Marine, and because the Mayor of Hamilton was a frequent visitor to Sarasota. A high school baseball team visited, and a game was held at Ed Smith Stadium, which was a big success.

It was supported by the community and publicized by the print and TV media. Delegations have gone back and forth between the cities. In 1991, the Sarasota Ballet performed in Hamilton with much fanfare, and a Senior Follies group from Hamilton performed at the Van Wezel. Hamilton is anxious to establish more ties wherever possible and seems to be a good opportunity for trade exchanges.                                                  

            Former Sarasota Sister Cities President Hope                Byrnes reacts to stories by Janet Knowles of                Historic Heritage Village in Hamilton, Ontario 

In 1993, plans began for a relationship with Vladimir, Russia, by then President, Asim Mohammed, prompted by the interest of the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay in establishing a Rotary club in Vladimir, and the YMCA in organizing a facility in Vladimir. A Rotary club now has been established, but the YMCA project did not materialize. The Russians were anxious to do business with us; however, the economic conditions for them to travel here are now not feasible.

Delegations were exchanged and a group of young, adult dancers visited Sarasota in April 1994, performing on the Opera House stage. A delegation from Sarasota earlier had visited Vladimir, and Vladimir did participate in the 1997 children's art exchange. A patient from Vladimir came to Sarasota for an important operation.


Perpignan, France, became a sister city in 1993, due to the interest in Sarasota of having a tie to a French city because of the French Film Festival. Perpignan is also the birthplace of Cafe of the Arts owner, Alain Taulere. Although the Film Festival has been discontinued, there are possibilities of other business opportunities for us as business interests in Perpignan are very interested in exploring business exchanges. We have just finished our second successful high school student exchange between the two cities, and are planning for next year.

Tel Mond, Israel, was selected in 1996 as a sister city due largely to a strong desire expressed by the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation. The Federation has been involved in the growth of Tel Mond, and has built with the help of local citizens, a library and sports complex. Other financial and cultural investments have evolved from the Federation, and several synagogues have also helped financially, including a college student summer camp counselor project this past summer. In addition, the Federation has helped with grants in support of the recent successful elementary school art exchange with five sister cities, the John and Mable Ringling Museum and the Sarasota School System.

The Association has the support of many citizens, various local organizations, and the City of Sarasota which has authorized the Sister Cities Association some budgetary funds for the purpose of promoting Sarasota.

Much has been accomplished, and we now would like to work with the business community to determine how mutual efforts can assist both the Association and businesses to further their goals.



Hope Byrnes, President, 1993


Sister Cities International Statistics as of Year-end 1996
US Cities in Program.... 1088 Foreign Cities....1770
US States.... 50
Total Affiliations.... 1937 Foreign countries.... 122

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The files and photos below were scanned from the files of Past President Hope Byrnes. They tell more details about the activities of Sarasota Sister Cities during these years.

A very nice Newsletter spread the word about Sarasota Sister Cities.

 

_________________________

SARASOTA SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION 

1/8/98 

It is a pleasure to have an opportunity to speak to you on one of the volunteer activities which is very much a part of my life in Sarasota, the Sister Cities Association. It is a part of the International Sister Cities program which began in 1958 under the direction of President Eisenhower. The purpose is to promote understanding, and to exchange ideas on education, trade and culture on a people to people level. Currently there are over 1800 sister city relationships in the United States. 

Sarasota became involved in the sister cities program in 1963 with one sister city, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Since then, we have established ties to four other cities. All of our five sister cities have participated in exciting projects jointly with such institutions as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Mote Marine, and the Florida Studio Theater 

The City of Sarasota sponsors the Association, both with limited funds and in kind services, to assist promotion of tourism and business ventures when it is of direct financial benefit to our City. We act as facilitators, and depend on dues from volunteer members and support from all levels of the community. 

Recently we had a number of visiting dignitaries from our five sister cities including the Mayor of Hamilton, Ontario; civic leaders and a ballroom dance group from Vladimir, Russia; two City Commissioners from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Perpignan, France; a student from Tel Mond, Israel, teaching at a summer camp; a Mote Marine intern from Santo Domingo; and a talented choir from Hamilton. 

In March, a 23 member delegation from Sarasota headed by Mayor Gene Pillot will tour Israel, and make a formal visit to Tel Mond, our newest city. We will have an opportunity to visit with the Israeli people, have supper in their homes and make new friends. This summer, four Sarasota college students and teachers again will visit Tel Mond to teach in a summer camp for youngsters and experience life in Israel. 

In April, ten high school students from Perpignan will visit. In July, ten Sarasota high school students will visit Perpignan. An adult group from Perpignan will visit Sarasota this summer to explore additional avenues for contact. In September, an official delegation will visit Perpignan to attend the International Photographic Festival with the possibility of actually extending the festival to Sarasota in the future. In our future cultural and educational projects we want to build on our success to date by giving greater attention to possible business ventures between Sarasota and our Sister cities. 

Sarasota Sister Cities Association is an exciting organization because of its diverse interests and members who represent many different walks of life in Sarasota. In a way, it is a "no holds barred' association. We can do just about anything we wish, if only we are willing to accomplish it. 

Thank you for letting me tell you about our association; one of the many which makes our area so special. 

Hope Byrnes

Voice/Diction 

___________________

המועצה המקומית תל-מונד THE MUNICIPALITY OF TEL-MOND 

CODE 40600 T17• FAX. 09-7961163.029 TEL. 09-7961801.20 

January 5, 2000 

Mrs. Hope Byrnes President Sarasota Sister Cities Association Sarasota, FL 

Dear Hope, 

I would like to thank you for your extensive work throughout the last few years for enhancing the relationship between Sarasota and Tel Mond.  Your dedication to twin Sarasota with cities from around the world for the mutual benefit of everyone involved has proven remarkably successful. 

For us in Tel Mond, your intensive involvement as President of the Sarasota Sister Cities Association in bringing Tel Mond to be part of the activities and projects of your association is genuinely appreciated by all the residents of Tel Mond. As the Mayor of Tel Mond, I was impressed by your commitment and untiring efforts to make Tel Mond's first official visit to Sarasota a success. 

On behalf of all the residents of Tel Mond, I personally thank you for all your efforts, and assure you that this is only the beginning of a wonderful partnership between the city of Sarasota and Tel Mond. 

Warm regards, 

Shlomo Ratzabi Mayor

 

VladimirTour to Sarasota 2005

 

f

Sarasota Sister Cities Association and City of Sarasota

present

 official representatives from our

Sister City of Vladimir, Russia 

Delegates

Sergey Skuratov

Photographic Artist and Chief Photographer of Vladimir

Featured in “Embracing our Differences” ~ An Outdoor Art Exhibition Celebrating Diversity

Natalie Zhigalova

Deputy of the City Council of People's Deputies of the City ofVladimir 

and Doctor of Psychiatry

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Saturday, January 29 – Monday, February 7, 2005

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sarasota Sister Cities Association  (SSCA) is grateful to Sarasota-Manatee Arch Family Holocaust Education Center of The Florida Holocaust Museum for extending an invitation to our Sister Cities to join the competition for this year’s outdoor art exhibition at Island Park on Sarasota’s Bayfront.  The universal theme of Embracing our Differences reflects our Sister Cities mission and objective of facilitating respect and understanding.  We are honored that an artist from our Sister City of Vladimir has been chosen to be among the 39 artists featured in this exhibition, and that together we are building bridges of respect and understanding between the people of our cities.  For information call 761-1409.

“EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES”

Presented by Coexistence Sarasota  

A project of the The Florida Holocaust Museum and its Sarasota-Manatee Arch Family Holocaust Education Center 

An Outdoor Art Exhibition Celebrating Diversity

Sunday, January 30 – Monday, February 28, 2005

Island Park at Sarasota’s Bayfront

Sarasota Sister Cities Association Sister City of Vladimir, Russia  DELEGATION ITINERARY Saturday, January 29 – Monday, February 7, 2005 9 days / 9 nights

SATURDAY, January 29

9:00 p.m.     Delegates arrive at Tampa Airport (TPA) or Sarasota Airport (SRQ)

• Sergey Yurevich Skuratov

• Natalie Dmitrievna Zhigalova

Host:  Laura Flesch, 761-1409, cell 224-2403, laura.flesch@verizon.net

 

11:00 p.m. HOTEL - Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key  1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, (941) 383-6464, www.colony.com

Hosts:  Katie Klauber-Moulton, Manager  KMoulton@colony.com

Program:  Daily lodging.  Hotel is situated on the beach.  

Hotel Amenities:  Hotel amenity expenses are NOT covered, including restaurant meals, snacks, beverages, boat rentals, laundry, etc.

Meals:  Suite has a full kitchen.  Refrigerator will contain breakfast favorites, muesli, fruit-in-season, juice, yogurt, milk, cheese, cold cuts, bread, butter, jelly, bottled water, tea.   Most meals sponsored by Sarasota Sister Cities Association.  

Fishing Gear:  Fishing poles and buckets will be loaned by Sister Cities members

 

SUNDAY, January 30

 

Morning      ● Breakfast 

● Walk on Beach

● Pack Picnic Lunch for Park

9:00 a.m. SET UP PHOTO EXHIBIT

Selby Public Library (Hours: Weekend 8:00 am -5:00 p.m / Monday at 7:15 am) 

1331 1st Street, Sarasota, FL, 951-5000, 7, Ext. 11100

Hosts:  June Pearson, Ext.11171, Lorraine Wolfinger, Ext.11174

Program:  One month exhibit of photographs in Display Case at front door.

Display Case:  ● Photographs – mount with photograph corners on poster board

● Color or B&W 

● “Embracing our Differences” Poster

● “Embracing our Differences” info sheet 

● Sergey Biography - how to purchase photographs 

● Sarasota Sister Cities Association info sheet

TO DO TASKS:

● Buy photograph corners and poster board

● Assemble units for Display Case 

● Set up exhibit in Display Case –Be sure case is locked before leaving on weekend.  

 

10:30 p.m.      “Embracing our Differences” – Meet Friends in Park

An Outdoor Art Exhibition Celebrating Diversity. Island Park on Sarasota’s Bayfront

Program:  Enjoy the park, preview the exhibits, and greet friends.

Special introductions for Sergey and Natalie

1. Students: Cranberry Elementary School, Northport - Assistant Principal John Carey; art teacher Debbie Herbert and children (941) 480-3400 

2. Students: Island Village School - Principal Kym Elder, Elaine Palmore and children

3. Don Dawkins - Vladimir project for access/mobility with Peace House.

4. Event sponsors - Sister Cities members - Vladimir friends

TO DO TASK:  Send invitations.

 

TIME LUNCH - Picnic Lunch Program:  Buy Publix hoagie sandwiches, strawberries, pineapple, watermelon, juice

TO DO TASK:  Bring blankets to sit on, a picnic lunch, and camera.

 

1:00 p.m.      “Embracing our Differences” – Grand Opening 

An Outdoor Art Exhibition Celebrating Diversity. Island Park on Sarasota’s Bayfront 

Hosts:  Rich Bergman, Director 

Sarasota Manatee Arch Family Holocaust Education Center, of The Florida Holocaust Museum

Program:  An Outdoor Art Exhibition Celebrating Diversity.  Speakers will include Rich Bergman and Mayor Richard Martin.  Performers on stage. 

 

2:30 p.m.      DROP OFF CDs 

• Ringling School of Art (Security) 

• Edelsbacher Group (mailbox next to door)

3:30 p.m. SET UP SELBY LBRARY DISPLAY CASE (if not already done) 

 

TIME Shopping? – Gulf Gate

 

6:00 p.m. Dinner – OPEN

 

7:30 p.m. Vienna Choir Boys – Masterworks

optional Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Tamiami Trail, (941) 953-3434

MONDAY, January 31

9:15 a.m. John & Mable Ringling Museum Complex:  The State Museum of Art 

5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, (941) 359-5700

Host:  Dick Mottino, Museum Docent, 755-9465 (Sister Cities member), arielfl@att.net

Admission:  Reserve time and get tickets for 11:30 tour of residence  INTERPRETER: 

Program: Tour of the Museum Complex, which covers 66 acres on Sarasota Bay.  This site is the hallmark of the Sarasota area, encompassing the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum and famous residence of John and Mable Ringling.

Special Exhibits:  Photographs of Ansel Adams / Florida landscapes of Clyde Butcher.  Special tour of upper floors of mansion (game room and tower).  Behind the Scenes Tour.  Ringling Museum Education Program.    

Admission:  Complimentary tickets to Residence and Circus Museum.  Art Museum free on Mondays.   

 

9:25-10:00 a.m. Education Department 3rd floor

 

10:00 a.m. State Museum of Art (paintings and sculptures) 

 

11:00 a.m. Photographic Exhibits - Ansel Adams and Clyde Butcher

11:30 a.m. The Residence of John & Mable Ringling – Get ticket in the morning

(45 minutes)

 

12:30 p.m. Lunch – The Banyan or Sandwich Bar Under the Tent

1:45 p.m. Manatee Community College – Center for Innovative Technology

     (45 min) 7131 Professional Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, 363-7210, Ext.67210

Hosts: Dr. Tom Davenport / Marsha Kearns

Joseph Loccisano, Manager, Fine Art Gallery

Darlene Wedler-Johnson, Dean of Instruction

Roberta Somach, SSCA Education Chair

Program: View the electronically reproduced exhibits created through art exchanges between students of our sister cities:  Dunfermline (2003) and Vladimir (2004).  In 2005, Perpignan will be featured.  Discuss international undergraduate program.

3:00 p.m.    Edelsbacher Design Group  www.edelsbacher.com  guenther@edelsbacher.com

5780 Mead Avenue, Sarasota, (941) 925-4921, (863) 660-5868 cell

Host:   Guenther Edelsbacher, owner

Program:  Tea with Guenther Edelsbacher, who contributed technical assistance to download and format Sergey’s artwork.  Setting up photographic presentation at Vladimir Reception.  

 

3:00 p.m. Humane Society of Sarasota County

(1 hour) 2331 15th Street, Sarasota, (941) 955-4131

Host:  Kate Franklin, Education Director, Ext. 114

Program:  Natalia will present letter from Vladimir Animal Shelter for cats and dogs.  The state-of-the-art Sarasota facility is eager to begin an exchange program with Natalia and the Vladimir facility.

 

 

TIME Dinner - OPEN

TUESDAY, February 1

 

8:45–11:20 a.m. Ringling School of Art and Design – Photography Department

2700 Tamiami Trail North, Sarasota, (941) 351-5100, Ext. 7609

Contacts: Dr. Larry Thompson, President

Jennifer Mumford, Director of Curriculum (future tourism project)  

M.K. Foltz, Photography professor

Carolyn Bloomer, Anthropology professor

Hosts: Tom Carabasi, Head of Photography, W 359-7609, H 366-3222, basi68@comcast.net

Ken Strothman, Facilities Manager, 359-7609, til 3:00 p.m. 

Joyce True, Photography professor for classroom exchange

Wanrudee Buranakorn, Photography professor for classroom exchange

INTERPRETERS:  Rita Zimerman, Student, (786) 282-7917, mzimerma@ringling.edu

Yevgeniy ("Gene") Sergeevich Shurakov, Student, 309-4177, jacksfingertips@hotmail.com.

Program:  Visit Photography class and discuss techniques.  Photographic presentation. 

Directions:  From Ringling cube, drive east on MLK. Turn left on Old Bradenton Road for one block. Turn left into parking lot.  Call Ken Strothman.

12:00 Noon  Lunch – Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay

Sahib Shrine Center, 600 North Beneva Road, Sarasota, (941) 366-4449, 365-4412

Host: President Mike Murphy, 371-7545, SRQmurph@comcast.net

INTERPRETER:

Program:  Sergey and Natalie will present Vladimir Rotary letter to President Mike Murphy.

 

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Florida Studio Theatre 

(1 hour) 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, (941) 366-9017

Host:  Megan Auer, Coordinator of Young Playwrights Festival

Program:  Natalia will present four plays to Megan for the Young Playwrights Festival.  These plays were written by students of School #23, who are taught English from the earliest grades through high school.  Sarasota County schools participate in Florida Studio Theatre’s Write-a-Play program.

 

3:00 p.m. SNACK & RELAX

 

4:00 – 7:00 p.m. RECEPTION - Vladimir Delgation Reception   www.artsarasota.org

Art Center of Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 365-2032

Reception Host:  Sarasota Sister Cities Association and City of Sarasota

Venue Host:  Alan Sloan, President  villasloan@earthlink.net

Jackie Cory, Office Manager ArtCenterOffice@aol.com

INTERPRETERS:

Program: In the beautiful surrounding of the Art Center and local works of art, Sergey and Natalie will  meet Sarasota City and County Commissioners, the Steering Committee of “Embracing our Differences” art exhibition, members of Sarasota Sister Cities Association board of directors, and other community friends of Vladimir.

Sponsors include:

● Sarasota-Manatee Arch Family Holocaust Education Center of The Florida Holocaust Museum and “Embracing our Differences” Steering Committee 

● City of Sarasota

● Sarasota Sister Cities Association

● Rich Bergman 

● Mayor and Mrs. Richard F. Martin

● Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moulton

● Katie Moulton, Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key

● Guenther Edelsbacher, Edelsbacher Design Group

● Alan Sloan, Art Center of Sarasota

● Robert Antovel, Art and Frame of Sarasota 

● Selby Botannical Gardens

● Mote Marine

 

7:30 p.m. Chorus of the Keys – Practice Session

optional Main Street, Sarasota, (941) 751-2087

Host:  Howard Goldnig, 751-2087 / Howard Dobson, 758-5140

Program: Visit during a practice session of the 2004 State of Florida Champions.  The mission of the chorus of the Keys is to preserve and develop the original American art form of a four-part a cappella harmony.  The Chorus was chartered in 1949 as a chapter of the international barbershop singing society.   Within the chorus are eight active barbershop quartets.

-OR-

7:30 P.M. Tribute to Beatles by the Fab Four    

optional Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Tamiami Trail, (941) 953-3434

WEDNESDAY, February 2

8:15 a.m. Pick up at hotel (45 minute drive to Venice)

 

9:00-10:30 a.m. Island Village Montessori School  

2001 Pinebrook Road, Venice, (941) 484-4999

Host:  Kym Elder, Principal, (941) 484-3278 home, Kym@islandvillage.org

Elaine Palmore, Vladimir Pen Pal teacher Classroom4@islandvillage.org

Program: Natalie is bringing Pen Pal letters from School #7 for Miss Elaine’s Grade 1-3 classroom, which is also writing letters for Natalie to bring back to School #7.  

11:00-1:30 p.m. SSCA Luncheon (11:30 a.m.) – Golden Apple Dinner Theatre

25 North Pineapple, Sarasota, (941) 366-2646 office

Host: Sarasota Sister Cities Association

INTERPRETER:  

Delegates: Moshe and Sabra Singers from Tel Mond, Israel 

Mr. and Mrs.Gerry McMullen from Dunfermline, Scotland

Sergey Skuratov and Dr. Natalie Zhigalova from Vladmir, Russia

Program: Delegates receive certificates.

 

1:30-2:30 p.m. Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Host:  Lyn Cassan, Manaager, Communications and Public Relations, 917-1958

Cindy Slaten, Director of Children's Services, 917-7495 

Program:  Dr. Natalie Zhigalova will present letters from nurses of Doma Leutka Children’s Orphanage in Vladimir, which serves young children from infancy to 4 years.  As a doctor of psychiatry and deputy of Vladimir City Council, Natalie has been associated with this orphanage for 15 years, and is deeply interested in creating strong linkage in Sarasota. 

 

TIME Selby Public Library - SET UP PHOTO EXHIBIT 

1331 1st Street, Sarasota, FL, 951-5000, 7, Ext. 11100

Hosts:  June Pearson, Ext.11171, Lorraine Wolfinger, Ext.11174

Program:  One month exhibit of photographs in Display Case at front door.

Display Case:  ● Photographs – mount with photograph corners on poster board

● Color or B&W 

● “Embracing our Differences” Poster

● “Embracing our Differences” info sheet 

● Sergey Biography - how to purchase photographs 

● Sarasota Sister Cities Association info sheet

 

TIME Childrens Haven & Adult Community Services (CHAC)

4405 DeSoto Road, Sarasota  355-8808

Hosts:  

Program:  

 

TIME Deaf Service Center of Manatee / Sarasota

5107 14th Street, Bradenton, 758-2539

Hosts:  

Program:  

 

 

TIME Dinner - OPEN

 

THURSDAY, February 3

8:00 a.m. Mote Marine Research Lab Education Program

City Island, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 388-4441

Hosts: Kumar Mahadevan - President 

Carolyn Hayworth - Director of Development, Ext.223, Carolyn@mote.org 

Dr. David Neibuhr, Vice President of Education  

INTERPRETER:  Possibly Dr. Bill Travolga, biologist.  Fluent in Russian to interpret scientic terminology.

Program:  Tour Mote Aquarium and the world renowned viewable, working research labs.  See the educational HD Immersion Cinema. 

• Vladimir Program:  “Behind The Scenes Tour” – tailored to Vladimir

• Aquarium – Touch and feed the manatees.  

• Photoshoot

• Educational Programs – Distance Learning Program, Elizabeth Metz, Ext. 262

• Veteranarian hospital – Sea Turtles

• Campus – Mote Marine Research Lab Education Program

Dr. John Reynolds- Head of the U.S Marine Mammal Commisson

Dr. Bob Huter, Head of U.S. Shark Research (part of Mote laboratory)

Admission:  Complimentary

11:00-12:45 p.m. Sarasota Bay Explorers   www.sarasotabayexplorers.com

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island, Sarasota, (941) 388-4200

Host: Sarah Whitehead, Special Events, 388-1852  M-F 10-4

Tickets/Hours: 11:00-12 45    [General: 1:30-3:15 or 4:00-6:15; kayak 9:30 a.m.]

Program:  Tour Sarasota Bay on a pontoon boat.  See dolphins, ospreys. A net is thrown into the bay and brought onboard so passengers can see a large variety of marine life.  Nature walk on Edwards Island.  Boat will pass by nesting birds on rookery island.  Time: 1 hour 45 minute.  Up to 49 people

Admission:  Complimentary

 

1:00-1:30 p.m. Pelican Man’s Bird Sanctuary  www.pelicanman.org

1708 Ken Thompson  Parkway,  (941) 388-4444, pelicanman@aol.com 

Host:  Robin / Roger Hammond, Education Mgr.  rogerhammond@lineone.net

Time: 10:00 – 5:00  Walk the boardwalk  30-60 minutes. 

Program:  Shelter for rescued, injured or abandoned domestic and wild birds and animals in natural or simulated habitats.  Waterbirds (pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, gulls, terns).  Mammals (racoons, armadillo, land turtles, tortoise, opposums).  See Guidesheets in Russian.  Saves 15-20 birds/ per day, 5-6,000 per year.  40% do not survive.  100,000 rescued / 60,000 released back to the wild.

Admission:  Complimentary 

 

1:45 p.m. HOTEL – Lunch and Change

Program: Have lunch in room.  Change clothes for City Hall meeting and dinner.

 

3:15 p.m. HOTEL – Leave at 3:15

Program: Allow time to drive off Longboat Key in busy traffic.

4:00-5:00 p.m. City Commission Workshop Meeting - Mayor of Sarasota & City Commissioners 

City Hall, 1565 First Street, Room 101, Sarasota, (941) 954-4115

Hosts: The Honorable Richard F. Martin, Mayor and Commissioner-At-Large

Vice-Mayor MaryAnn Servian

City Commissioner Lou Ann Palmer 

City Commissioner Fred Atkins

City Commissioner Daniel Bilyeu

Assistant Auditor, Jim Freeman, 954-4142

Executive Assistant, Linda McCorkle

INTERPRETER:  

Program:   Mayor Martin will address the delegates and present a Key to the City. Observe the City Commission Workshop in action while they work on issues of the city.  

 

5:00-6:00 p.m. FREE TIME

 

6:30 p.m. Drop-off delegatess for dinner – Radisson Lido Beach Resort 

 

7:00 p.m. DINNER – Mayor’s Dinner

Radisson Lido Beach Resort, 700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, (941) 388-2161

Hosts:  Mayor and Mrs.Richard F. Martin (Elizabeth)

INTERPRETER:  

Program: Dinner with the Martins, Commissioner Lou Ann Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bergman, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Rosenbluth (Linda, SSCA President), and friends.  Mayor Martin will drive Sergey and Natalie home..

FRIDAY, February 4 – Frog Friday

10:00 a.m. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 

811 Palm Avenue South, Sarasota, (941) 366-5731, www.selby.org

Hosts:  Donna Krabill, Mgr. Community Programs, Ext. 237,dkrabill@selby.org 

Nan Summers, Mgr. Marketing, Ext. 225 – Photoshoot nsummers@selby.org

Marilynn Shelley, Mgr. Comm Classes & Exhibits, Ext.. 239 – Gallery  

INTERPRETER:  Kamala Ammons

Program: Tour one of America’s top ten botanical gardens offering education, conservation and research, with world renowned orchid collection, and more than 200,000 plant displays.  

8:00 a.m. ● Photoshoot:   Coordinate with Nan Summers, x225

11:00 a.m. ● Exhibit: "The Flowering Amazon: Margaret Mee Paintings From the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew."   Watercolors of Brazilian rainforest flowers

Optional ● Lunch:   Gourmet Brown Bag, $6.00/person, Felicia O’Brien, 302-4762 

12:00-1:00 p.m. ● Noon Lecture Series:   Sergey will narrate a presentation of his photographs on Vladimir nature and cultural environment.  Donna Krabill has placed 50 of his website photographs into PowerPoint presentation format.

1:00-3:00 p.m. ● Display House – Tour the orchids with Donna Krabill

3:00-4:00 p.m. ● Frog Friday:   See the beautiful poison dart frogs at the Tree Lab

●   Educational Program:  Open for discussion with Donna Krabill

●   Photo Competition: 25th Annual Juried Photgraphic Exhibition, deadline April 13

 

4:30 p.m. Dinner – Home of Carol Furlong, City Director of Hamilton, Ontario

1465 Landings Circle, Sarasota, (941) 922-5750 , clfurlong@comcast.net

Host:  Carol and Lou Furlong

Program:  Explore the community bird sanctuary and mangroves. Meet Russian-American neighbor who designs jewelry.  

 

SATURDAY, February 5

MORNING HOTEL – Check out 

Program:  Check out of Colony Beach & Tennis Resort

 

EVENING HOME HOST – Check in

7330 Westmoreland Drive, Sarasota, (941) 351-1596, grantwb@tampabay.rr.com

Hosts:  Commissioner Bill and Pat Grant

Program:  Weekend overnight at the Grant home. Relax with friends, local activities, American barbeque, shopping.  Departure on Monday.

 

10:00 or 11:00 am Myakka River State Park  Biology@MyakkaRiver.org

3-1/2 to 4 hours 13207 State Road 72 (Clark Road), Sarasota, 9 miles East of I-75, (941) 361 6511 

Host:  Lisa Bramlage – 361-6512 W / 927-9355 H 

Program:  Explore one of Florida's premiere state parks with an experienced guide, Lisa Bramlage.  Ride a kayak down the river to see alligators (1-1/2 hours).  Hike the Canopy Walkway, a sub-tropical oak and palm forest (1 hour). 

The "Florida Wild and Scenic Myakka River" flows through 45 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Myakka is popular for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.  The Myakka was designated a Florida Wild and Scenic River by State legislature in 1985.  It is one of only two rivers in Florida to be recognized with this special status. The Act provides for preservation and management of the 34-mile portion of the river within Sarasota County. Globally-imperiled Florida dry prairie.  Airboat tours and tram tours.  Canoes and kayaks.

Admission:  Complimentary

 

ACTIVITY Sarasota Tartan Games

Sarasota Fairgrounds, Fruitville Road, Sarasota

Program:   Home host Bill Grant will manage the Grant Clan tent at the annual Scotch games

 

ACTIVITY Israel Fest

Jewish Community Center, Macintosh Road, Sarasota

Program:  The Sabra Singers from Tel Mond will sing at this festival.

 

ACTIVITY Anna Maria Pier   

Anna Maria Island

Program:  The best dock fishing in the area, with a beautiful view.  Catch a fish and bring it upstairs to the Rod n’Reel Restaurant to cook. In the distance, see Egmont Key, the Skyway Bridge, and where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Bay.  Stay to see the sunset.  

Rental:  Rod and Reel 

 

TIME Dinner - OPEN

 

SUNDAY, February 6

Morning Breakfast

 

Morning Church with Host (optional)

 

11:00 a.m. Drive to St. Petersburg

 

12:00 Noon     Florida Holocaust Museum (opens at noon)

55 Fifth Street South, St. Petersburg, (800) 960-7448, http://www.flholocaustmuseum.org

Hours:  Saturday and Sundsy, 12:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m.

INTERPRETER:

Program:  Producer of “Embracing our Differences” outdoor art exhibition in Sarasota, presented by Coexistence Sarasota.

Admission:  

 

1:15 p.m.     Salvadore Dali Museum (opens at noon)     

(if time) 1000 Third Street South, St. Petersburg, (727) 823-3767, 820-0100

Hours: Saturday and Sundsy, 12:00-5:00 p.m.. http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/

Program: Possibly after airport if they come in early

Admission:  $8 for adults
Directions:  Take I-75 N to I-275 northbound across the Sunshine Skyway.  Stay on I-275 and follow to I-175 East exit, Exit 22, on the right towards Tropicana Field. Take Exit 22. Turn right onto 4th Street South. Turn left on 11th Avenue South. Turn left onto 3rd Street South.

2:30 p.m. Return to Sarasota

 

3:30-5:30 p.m. New Members TEE - Bobby Jones Golf Course

 

TIME Dinner - OPEN

MONDAY, February 7

 

10:00 a.m. TAMPA AIRPORT (1 hour 45 minute drive)

 

2:00 p.m. Departure to Moscow

EXTRA ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER

 

DINNER     Marina Jack Dinner Boat

Sarasota Bayfront, (941) 955-9588

Tickets:  $30.00 per person

DINNER     Dinner - The Boathouse

The Hyatt, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, (941) 953-1234

Hours:  Dinner 5:00-11:00 p.m.  $9-24.00 soft drink $3.00 dessert $5.00 

 

TIME DINNER – Miller’s Dutch Kitchen (Amish)   

3401 14th Street West, Bradenton (941) 746-8253

 

DINNER     Dinner - The Cafe in the Grand Foyer 

Program:  Elegant buffet overlooking the bay, by Cafe L'Europe.  .  Reservations: 388-3796.  Open 6:00 p.m., two hours prior to evening performance.  Celebrations, $28.00

 

LUNCH Yoders Amish Restaurant 

3434 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, (941) 955-7771

 

TIME Supper - Bella Cucina Italian Buffet

3811 Kenny Drive, Sarasota, (941) 379-8158

Directions:  Bee Ridge and Cattleridge / off Cattleman, opposite Doctor’s Hospital 

 

THEATRE The Players Theatre

838 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 953-9599 backstage/365-2494 box office

Program: Play 

 

BUSINESS Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

401 Commercial Court, Suite B, Sarasota

Host:  Brian Cartland, Senior Economic Development Manager

 

BUSINESS Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 955-8187

Host: Ron Turner, Young Professionals Group

 

ACTIVITY Historic Spanish Point  http://www.historicspanishpoint.org, 

337 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey, (941) 966-5214, 966-0134  2 miles south of Sarasota Mall

Host:  Karen, Karen M. Bilky, Curator, Ext. 5  Karen@historicspanishpoint.org

Jill, x260 (field trip)

Program:  Florida Environment - Maritime Heritage – Pioneer Homesteaders - Archaeology - Palmer Era.  Thirty acres on Little Sarasota Bay.  Pioneer buildings, Indian mounds, picturesque boat building, plants, butterfly garden.  Two-hour walking tours.  Take a picnic.  Great view of Casey Key, dolphins and birds. Gift shop.