Florida Head Start Association honors two leaders at Children First

A salute for CPC advocate

Florida Head Start honors two leaders at Children First

Children First policy council liaison Maria Somera and CEO Philip Tavill have been honored by the Florida Head Start Association for their impact in the state's Head Start community.

Somera received the FHSA Parent of the Year Award for serving as a role model for her children and for making a difference in the community. She served as chair of Children First's Policy Council for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years and currently serves as Policy Council Liaison. "When you become aware of what others are doing for you, it makes you more engaged," Somera said. "Because of Children First, I know that I am not alone and my future, and those of my family, are brighter than ever before."

Tavill was recognized with FHSA's Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award for his innovative achievement in community service work. “Sargent Shriver said, ‘It is well to be prepared for life as it is, but it is better to be prepared to make life better than it is,’" Tavill said. "I feel deeply grateful to be recognized with this award honoring the legacy of a true advocate for education and family well-being.”

Circus Arts Conservatory raises $400,000 for youth programs

The Circus Arts Conservatory raised more than $400,000 for the CAC’s youth and education programs during its recent 25th Anniversary Gala on Regatta Island at Nathan Benderson Park.

“The Gala provides critical funding for the CAC’s arts education, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork, creativity and imagination, critical thinking and problem-solving,” CAC vice president Jennifer Mitchell said. “We are so grateful to our sponsors, guests, circus artists, volunteers.”

The event included performances by Sailor Circus Academy students and world class artists, including a duo straps performance by Maryna Tkachenko and Anasatasiia Kornieieva from Ukraine. The CAC has joined other members of the Global Alliance of Circus Schools in offering support for Ukrainian artists in the wake of the country’s war with Russia. The Ukrainian duo is featured in Circus Sarasota's 25th Anniversary Show, which runs through March 5.

$125,000 Johnson Foundation grant advances SSC's Fab Lab

The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab has received a $125,000 grant from the Floyd C. Johnson and Flo Singer Johnson Foundation to expand the reach of its STEAM education programs, including its summer camp.

"We hope this donation inspires others to get involved with the Fab Lab to help provide more access to STEAM education and leadership development. It's a worthy investment," said Diane Barth, president of the Johnson Foundation.

The funding will enable the Fab Lab to move closer to its goal of doubling the number of camp offerings for students. The support will also bolster the lab's Student Planning & Education Committee (SPEC), a group of over 20 high school students who lead weekly classes and summer camps. To learn more about the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab, visit suncoastscience.org.

Englewood United Methodist plans gigantic rummage sale

Englewood United Methodist Church will host its 37th annual Huge Rummage Sale for charity on Feb. 23-25 at Fellowship Hall, 700 E. Dearborn St. The Early Bird Presale ($5 admission) is 3-6 p.m. on Feb. 23.

There is no admission fee on Feb. 24 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Feb. 25 (9 a.m.-noon). Shoppers can browse furniture, small appliances, electronics, toys, clothes, jewelry, fabrics and crafts, books, artificial flowers, art work, yard and shop tools, hardware, kitchenware, home décor, and more.

The rummage sale is presented by the United Women of Faith to benefit charitable programs locally and abroad with support from United Methodist Men. The rummage sale helps to fund postsecondary scholarships for youth and to support Family Promise, Englewood Helping Hand, Meals on Wheels, and Foundations Pre-School. For rummage sale information, call Annette, 941-882-4543.

Around and about ...

The Nokomis Area Civic Association is hosting Historic Nokomis Day on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nokomis Community Park, 234 Nippino Trail E., to support its summer scholarship program for children. The event, which includes a classic car show, raffles, music by DJ Harry Wright, and food trucks, raises funds to send children to Sarasota County Parks & Recreation's summer camps. Info: naca-nokomis.com.

· First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota, will host a forum on climate change on Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Brooks Bernt, author of "Cathedral on Fire." Also featured are Jeanne Dubi, president of Sarasota Audubon Society; Frank Alcock, professor of environmental studies at New College; and retired physics instructor Jerry Larson. Info/reservations: Sarah Melcher at melchersj8856@gmail.com.

· Sarasota County Libraries is hosting free tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. The program, staffed by IRS-certified volunteers, is open to anyone with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low to moderate incomes. Services are available at Selby, Gulf Gate and Fruitville libraries. Info: sarasotaaarptaxaide.com.

Submissions by Shelby Marsh, Evan Ackerman, Sharon Kunkel, Jenn Sams Scott, Caroline McCoy, Bill Cantrell, Sarah Melcher, Ron DiLonardo.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Children First leaders recognized for statewide impact with Head Start