Sarasota Tiger Bay Club puts focus on Van Wezel’s future
The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club will host a luncheon discussion about the future of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sept. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Ave. S. in Sarasota.
“What’s Next for the Purple Lady by the Bay?” panelists include Dave Bullock, interim city manager; Mollie Cardamone, former city commissioner and mayor; Morris “Marty” Hylton III, president of Architecture Sarasota and a member of the Purple Ribbon Committee; and Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company and co-chair of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.
Check in begins at 11:30 a.m.; the program begins at noon and ends at 1:15 p.m. For information and to register ($34 for Tiger Bay members, $39 non-members), visit SarasotaTigerBay.com or call 941-228-9144.
Venice Theatre announces class schedule for fall semester
Venice Theatre’s fall education semester offers students of all ages new learning experiences, including classes in acting, singing, dancing, audition preparation, improvisation, technical theater, and writing.
More than 30 classes – including daytime opportunities for homeschooling families – are available for children, teens and adults. Classes typically run 4-8 weeks with some shorter-term sessions. Classes take place at Venice Theatre’s campus, 140 Tampa Ave. W., and in Wellen Park at Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., North Port.
For information and registration, visit VeniceTheatre.org/education. Families and adults who are curious about classes are encouraged to sign up for one of two free “Play With Us” events on Sept. 6 to meet instructors and tour the theater. More details about “Play With Us” and all classes are available on the website or by calling 941-486-8679.
Bradenton Hooters supports Lecom back-to-school effort
Several employees from the Bradenton Hooters location recently participated in the Bradenton Marauders Back to School Night, helping to distribute more than 500 backpacks to Manatee County children at Lecom Park. Representing Bradenton Hooters were Mikayla Murphy, Kayla Calhoun and Ali Kelley.
Mikayla Murphy, Kayla Calhoun and Ali Kelley from Bradenton Hooters helped out recently at Back to School Night at Lecom Park.
“The team at Bradenton Hooters enjoyed being at Back-to-School night and the opportunity to help kids with educational supplies as they start their new school year. We enjoy partnering with our community, including the Bradenton Marauders,” Hooters of South Florida director of marketing Kristi Quarles said.
For information about South Florida Hooters and their community involvement, visit HootersFlorida.com.
Literacy Council of Sarasota seeks English language tutors
The Literacy Council of Sarasota is offering tutor training workshops in September for volunteers who want to help other adults improve their basic English communication and literacy skills.
No previous experience is required. Volunteers will receive roughly 18 hours of ProLiteracy-certified instruction over four weekday sessions. Sessions will focus on teaching adult learners how to read, write, comprehend and/or speak better in English.
Tutor training sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (with breaks) on Monday, Sept. 8, Wednesday, Sept. 10, Friday, Sept. 12, and Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, 1750 17th St., in Sarasota. For more information and to register, contact LCS program director Susan Bergstrom at 941-955-0421 or sbergstrom@sarasotaliteracy.org.
St. Armands Circle restaurant rallies to support co-worker
The Crab & Fin Restaurant in Sarasota is rallying community support for a longtime worker who was hit by a car while riding his bicycle.
Michael Ruocco
Michael Ruocco was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital after the Aug. 13 crash with critical injuries, said Grier Wright, a manager at the restaurant who started a GoFundMe effort on Ruocco’s behalf.
“Michael has been with Crab & Fin for over 30 years and he is our family,” Wright said. “He is truly a shining light for so many people and he would do anything he could to help the people he loves. We want to do any and everything we can to help him.”
For information and to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-michael-ruoccos-road-to-recovery.
Around and about
· Piano Friends will hold their third annual Eleonora Lvov Appreciation Day on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Selby Library in the Geldorf Auditorium, 1331 First St. The free event features pro/am pianists with the grand finale by Lvov, an international concert performer. axhandle@comcast.net
· Palmetto resident Matt Simmons will have a book signing for “Find Your Hidden Treasure Chest” at the Barnes and Noble at UTC Mall on Cattlemen Road on Sunday from noon-2 p.m. The book “provides a painless avenue for anyone struggling to build a promising financial future.” masimmons1235@yahoo.com.
Gulf Cove United Methodist Church will host a Pig Pickin’ Fundraiser! to support post-hurricane repairs on Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1100 S. McCall Road (Route 776), Gulf Cove/Port Charlotte. Featuring Chef Alfred Current’s North Carolina Style pulled pork. Dine-in or drive-thru. Tickets $20. GulfCoveChurch.com; 941-697-1747.
· Temple Sinai in Sarasota will host an Open House on Sept. 5 starting at 5 p.m. The event includes a welcome reception and tour of Temple Sinai’s campus. templesinai-sarasota.org; 941-924-1802.
· Empath Grief Care and Tidewell Foundation are hosting a free grief‑support retreat for youth ages 9-17 on Sept. 5-7 at DaySpring Retreat Center in Parrish. Camp Blue Butterfly offers a safe space where young hearts can connect, heal, and grow. No cost for youth anywhere in Florida. Info/registration: tidewellhospice.org/bluebutterfly/camp-blue-butterfly.
Submissions by Kelly Fores, Laurie Colton, Ilona Wolpin, Thomas Melville, Grier Wright, Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman, Debye Bernard, Dana Hanson, Matt Simmons, Laurie Lachowitzer, and Elizabeth Domenech.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Tiger Bay Club to host discussion about Van Wezel’s future