Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice to host library forum on book challenges

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·5 min read
Venice High School Jazz Band 1 recently received a surprise visit from composer/arranger Paul Murtha while rehearsing his piece “A Big Cuppa Joe.” Murtha, who has written for mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, Lou Rawls, Gloria Estefan, Patti LaBelle, and Kenny Loggins, was in town for performances with the Venice Symphony. Venice HS band director David Wing and Venice Symphony artistic director Dana Kimble arranged the surprise.

Sarasota County librarians to discuss book challenges

A public interest forum on book bans will be presented by two Sarasota County librarians on March 12 at 1 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice at 1971 Pinebrook Road in Venice.

The American Library Association defines a book ban as “removal of a book based on the objection of a person or group.” The discussion will address the question: "What happens at the public library when books are challenged?" Presenting the topic are Jennifer Perry, branch services manager for Sarasota County Libraries, and Cathay Keough, central services coordinator.

“Public libraries have been an important resource in American communities since the first one was established in Boston in 1711 and provide access to knowledge to any and everyone,” said Kathy Avery, UUCOV director of religious education. Vist uucov.org/events/book-challenges-at-public-libraries.

Arts Advocates scholarships for 2024-25 academic year

Arts Advocates is accepting scholarship applications through March 15 for the 2024-25 academic year for students pursuing undergraduate studies in the arts, including visual and related arts, dance, writing, music, theater, and architecture.

High school seniors and college students are eligible and awards are based on talent, family need, character, academic achievement, and college choice. U.S. citizenship with a one-year residency in Sarasota or Manatee counties is required.

The Arts Advocates scholarship program has awarded over $1.1 million to students since 1969. For information, including the application, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.

Van Wezel to host youth stagecraft summer camp

The Van Wezel Education and Community Engagement Department will host the second annual Technical Theatre Summer Camp for youth ages 12-18 on June 17-21 and June 24-28.

The camp, in partnership with stagehands union local #412, will allow youth to work with union technicians in hands-on activities exploring behind-the-scenes work in theater. Each day will focus on a specific stagecraft, and campers will build a tech toolbox with information and tools of the trade. Areas of focus will be carpentry, electrics, flys, audio/visual, and wardrobe/hair/makeup.

The Explorer Camp (June 17-21) is designed for younger students and the Advanced Camp (June 24-28) is for students who attended a previous camp or who have advanced knowledge of backstage crafts. The camps will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Financial aid is available. For information and to register, visit artworksanywhere.org/technical-theater-camp.

SPARCC hosts fashion show fundraiser at Ritz Carlton

The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center will host its annual fashion show fundraiser on March 22 at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota.

The event will feature a fashion boutique, silent auction, chance drawings, and luncheon with wine service. An after-party also will be held with musical entertainment, a cash bar and additional boutique opportunities. Registration and shopping begin at 10 a.m. and the fashion show starts at noon.

The SPARCC Runway co-chairs are Vickie Smith and Darci Jacob. Proceeds support SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. For tickets and sponsorships, visit sparcc.net/events or call 941-365-0208, ext. 110.

Around and about

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School was recently awarded a $10,000 grant by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help with the purchase of a portable dance floor to support performances and cultural outreach. SCBS, a growing dance school and performance company, includes principal dancers from around the world. For information, visit srqcubanballet.org.

· Sarasota firefighters will hold a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on March 5 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Hooters restaurant, 6507 S. Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. 20% of food and beverage sales will be donated to MDA. The event is part of Hooters' "Friend Raiser" program for nonprofits and charitable groups. hootersflorida.com/friendraisers)

· The 2024 Community Connections Basic Needs Resource Guide listing more than 300 organizations in 17 categories of need is available from the nonprofit Making An Impact. The updated guide features a wide range of services, including housing, health care, employment, veteran services, and more. Visit Making-An-Impact.org.

· Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch will host a Kosher Food Festival on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. at the Chabad property at 5712 Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch. The event includes music from the Klezmer Band, challah braiding, Hamantaschen-making, Kosher crafts, and children's activities. (chabadofbradenton.com/kosher)

· “A Musical Mitzvah for Israel" concert benefiting the Israel Emergency Fund of the Jewish Federations of North America will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, in Sarasota. The event is sponsored by the Bay Area Cantorial Association in association with Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key. Info: Temple Beth Israel at 941-383-3428.

· Former U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, will be the keynote speaker at an AJC West Coast Florida Spring Lunch & Learn event on March 17 at noon at Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Avenue, in Sarasota. The luncheon is sponsored by Williams Parker Attorneys and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Tickets/info: ajc.org/sarasota/spring2024.

· The Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteers Spring Plant Sale is March 23 from 8 a.m.-noon at Barbara Davis Educational Gardens, 1303 17th St. W., in Palmetto. The sale features blooming plants, natives, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, and more all grown by Manatee County MGVs. Proceeds support the Educational Gardens and MGV education and outreach programs. Registration: Eventbrite.

· The Manatee Rare Fruit Council’s annual fruit tree and plant sale is March 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., in Lakewood Ranch (off Route 70; I-75 Exit 217). Also available will be tropical vegetables, exotics, carnivorous plants, ornamentals, more than 20 vendors, and club members to provide expert advice. Proceeds benefit the Manatee Rare Fruit Council (mrfc.org)

Submissions by Dania Hammad, Judith Houston, Kelly Fores, Muffy Lavens, Ning Tinsley, Ilona Wolpin, Victoria Kasdan, Chanie Bukiet, Riselle Bain, Marty Katz, Katie Granberg, and Jennifer Perrella.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County librarians to discuss book issues at UUCOV public forum