COMMUNITY BRIEFS: 'Small and Mighty' grants; SPARCC; Laurel Civic; Staub Library Friends

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

Rock Your Summer Reading

The Music Compound recently hosted three writing workshops led by 10-year-old local author Sienna Alfano (far right) as part of its annual Rock Your Summer Reading program. With almost two weeks to go, young readers have logged nearly 2,300 books; last year's effort involved nearly 80 children who read more than 1,700 books. Alfano has been writing short stories such as “The Flying Refrigerator” since age 3. "The kids are having fun and parents love that they are exercising their brains over the summer,” Music Compound owner Jenny Townsend said. Call 941-379-9100 or email info@musiccompound.com for more information.

Selby Foundation awards
'Small and Mighty' grants

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has awarded its second-quarter “Small and Mighty” grants totaling $24,155 to four nonprofits. The awards will be used for capital purchases and technology upgrades.

The Creative Arts Academy received a $12,830 grant for the purchase of audio equipment; Making an Impact Inc. received $5,075 to assist with technology upgrades; the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota received $4,500 to assist with the purchase of furniture for the new gallery; and We Care Manatee received $1,500 to assist with technology upgrades that ease access to free health care for uninsured residents.

“With the SAM grants, each of these organizations has the opportunity to upgrade their connection to the community and make a lasting impact," Selby Foundation president Carol Butera said. "We’re pleased to make the grant process more accessible for smaller organizations."

The third-quarter SAM grants cycle is open until Aug. 1. To complete a SAM grant application, visit selbyfdn.org/sam-grant-application.

SPARCC board of directors
appoints first vice president

Patrick Duggan has been named first vice president of the SPARCC board of directors.
Patrick Duggan has been named first vice president of the SPARCC board of directors.

The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center has named Patrick Duggan first vice president of its board of directors. Patrick has been a member of the SPARCC board since 2016.

Patrick, a partner at the Shumaker law firm, practices employment law and litigation primarily on behalf of management in public sector workplace and business disputes. He is one of three Shumaker lawyers who represent the Sarasota County School Board.

“I am honored to serve in this role with SPARCC and look forward to doing whatever is necessary to help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Patrick said.

Formed in 1979, SPARCC is the only state-certified center for domestic violence and sexual assault services for Sarasota and DeSoto counties. All services are free and confidential. For information, visit sparcc.net.

Laurel Civic awarded $30,000
from Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently provided the Laurel Civic Association a $30,000 grant to hire current and retired teachers for its Homework Assistance Program.

The partnership also includes a data sharing agreement with the Sarasota County School Board, allowing the teachers and volunteers to monitors students’ progress and create an individualized blueprint for greater achievement.

“We are grateful for the Community Foundation's commitment to Laurel Civic in assisting us in empowering our children and teens,” Laurel Civic executive director Peter Casamento said. For information, visit laurelcivic.org.

Community Day School names
childhood education director

Tracey Bortz is the new director of early childhood education center programs at Community Day School.
Tracey Bortz is the new director of early childhood education center programs at Community Day School.

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School recently appointed Tracey Bortz as director of early childhood education programs. Bortz previously served as director of early childhood education at Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike, Ohio.

“Our search committee sought a veteran leader who has a clear appreciation for diversity and the teaching of universal values to students of all faiths through Jewish values, traditions, and practice,” CDS Head of School Dan Ceaser said.

Bortz emigrated from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Cleveland, Ohio, 21 years ago. She graduated from the Johannesburg College of Education and received a master’s degree from Siegal College of Jewish Studies in Cleveland.

“I am passionate about education and dedicated to creating a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment for staff and students where they can reach their full potential," Bortz said.

Library Friends gains grant
from Community Foundation

The Friends of Shannon Staub Public Library of North Port recently received a $3,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

The grant, made possible through the Anna V. Pfister, Nellie Mae Koss and Helen K. Hadden Memorial Endowment Fund, will be used for a lobby kiosk at Shannon Staub Library in North Port. “This gift will allow us to increase our bookstore revenue to further support library services and programming for the community,” Friends board of directors co-president Sandy Carlaccini said.

The kiosk will be built by students in the North Port Campus Suncoast Technical College Carpentry Program in a course instructed by Bill Mousseau.

Around and about ...

Online advance tickets and parking passes are now available for the 12th annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic to be held Nov. 11-14. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Visit siestakeycrystalclassic.com; events@siestakeychamber.com; or contract the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-349-3800 for information. The festival features 24 premier master sand sculptors competing for top prizes in solo and duo categories.

• The Hermitage Artist Retreat series “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens” returns in August for a third season with a multi-program series. The first event features playwright and Hermitage Fellow Terry Guest, who will share selections and discuss a new project on Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Selby Gardens downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St. Registration ($5) is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

• The North Port Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals is hosting the second annual Back to School Bash on July 30 from noon-10 p.m. at City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd. Food trucks, games, live entertainment. A concert will be held at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit North Port Schools. For information, visit NPYoungProfessionals.org.

Compiled from press releases and community submissions

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Selby Foundation grants; SPARCC; Laurel Civic; Staub Library Friends