Venice Chorale welcomes new Youth Chorus director; Alzheimer's program for veterans
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Venice Chorale welcomes new Youth Chorus director
Alyssa Adamson, currently an elementary music teacher at Pine View School for the Gifted, has joined The Venice Chorale as its new Youth Chorus director.
Adamson has served as a music teacher locally for the past eight years and is an experienced leader of musicals, modern band and social emotional learning. She has a master’s degree in music therapy from Florida State and bachelor’s in music-voice performance from Florida Southern.
"Alyssa Adamson will continue our trajectory toward comprehensive vocal music education for the youth of Sarasota County and beyond," Artistic Director Peter Madpak said. "We are thrilled to have her on our staff. Youth music education is an integral part of our mission and gives children skills beyond just singing."
The Youth Chorus is open to fourth through eighth graders. The students perform in three seasonal concerts, together with the Concert Choir, at the Venice Performing Arts Center and also at community events with other organizations, including the Venice Concert Band and the Venice Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Adamson will lead the Youth Chorus in the Chorale’s next concert, "Peace & Harmony – What the World Needs Now," on Feb. 19. Visit thevenicechorale.org.
Gulf Coast Alzheimer's chapter plans info program for veterans
The Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter is offering a new program on Jan. 31 to help veterans and their families facing Alzheimer’s disease.
Local veteran and Alzheimer's community educator Bob Busch will co-host the free virtual event, helping veterans and their families navigate programs such as Aid in Attendance, a Veterans Administration benefit to help families cover the additional cost of care.
The program, "Never Forgotten: Information & Services for Veterans," will begin at 1 p.m. and is presented in partnership with the National Association of Veterans and Families. To register, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/FLgulfcoast.
Fab Lab rocketry club seeks support for launch project
A team of 20 students representing eight high schools have formed a rocketry club at the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab and are seeking support for a pioneering project.
The club, led by Riverview student Sebastian Grabowski, aims to design, construct, test and launch a rocket to at least 15,000 feet. A successful effort would secure their title as the first high school or amateur team in Florida to launch a rocket 15,000 feet. "I believe that space exploration has the power to bring people together and to inspire us to achieve great things," Grabowski said.
Donations can be made through gofundme.com/fab-rocket. The group also seeks in-kind donations of metal stock and fiberglass tubing as well as mentors in the field of aerospace or mechanical engineering. To get involved or learn more, contact info@suncoastscience.org or call 941-840-4394.
Appointments now availablefor free federal tax preparation
The United Way of South Sarasota County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which provides free tax preparation to individuals and families with a yearly household income of up to $74,000, is accepting appointments.
Tax preparation is completed by IRS-certified preparers. By using the VITA program taxpayers save between $200-$500 on tax preparation costs and gain tax credits and refunds. Appointments are available from Feb. 1 through April 18 at VITA locations in Venice, North Port or Englewood.
To schedule an appointment and for a list of necessary documents, visit uwssc.org/vita. For questions, contact Teri Andrews, director of programs, at tandrews@uwssc.org or by calling 941-484-4811, ext. 104.
Around and about ...
The 7th annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival is Jan. 27 (4-10 p.m.), Jan. 28 (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), and Jan. 29 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at JD Hamel Park. The event includes an arts and crafts marketplace and live R&B, blues, jazz, rock, and soul music performances.
Also, the fourth annual Englewood Seafood & Music Festival continues today from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Englewood Plaza, 200 S. Indiana Ave. The Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival is today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. Info: paragonfestivals.com. ... The Sarasota Fine Arts Show is today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Phillippi Estates Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail. Info: artsandeducationinc.org.
• Tidewell Foundation, Truist Bank and Equality Florida Suncoast Chapter will host an information seminar on end-of-life planning for LGBTQ individuals and families on Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Info: LGBTQLegacyPlanning.eventbrite.com.
• The 15th annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival is Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road. The event includes craft and jewelry vendors, an art sale, and a bounce house and face-painting for children. A student concert will be held at noon. Info: templesinai-sarasota.org; 941-924-1802.
Submissions by Jeanne Leo, Sherry Borgsdorf, Matthew Eaton, Jenn Sams Scott, Jaiden Johnson, Hillary Reynolds, Patty Narozny, Marty Katz, Ashley Parker.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: LOCAL: Gulf Coast Alzheimer's chapter plans info program for veterans
