The Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are partnering to present a special benefit concert commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Sept. 10.
Led by conductor Evan Roider, the program "Summon the Heroes" will include Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" and John Williams' "Summon the Heroes." The event will include narration by Nate Jacobs, artistic director of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and performances by award-winning soprano Amy Owens ("Amazing Grace" and "America the Beautiful").
Concert proceeds will benefit first responder nonprofits Resilient Retreat, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Charitable Foundation, the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund, and the Sarasota Police Foundation.
"Sarasota has a unique connection to the events of Sept. 11 as President George W. Bush was visiting a local elementary school when he received news of the attacks," said Joseph McKenna, president and CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra. "We are pleased to partner with the Van Wezel for this benefit concert to bring our community together for an evening of poignant music that recognizes those who served and sacrificed while reflecting on the resilience and unity that continue to define us."
Tickets are $25 to $50 and available through VanWezel.org (ticket fees will be waived by the presenting organizations).
Temple Beth Sholom, celebrating its 100th anniversary, recently welcomed Rabbi Jack Dermer as its new spiritual leader. Dermer brings an extensive background in Jewish education and congregational leadership.
"We also warmly welcome his wife, Rabbi Kayley Romick, and their son, Max, to our community," said Elliott Corn, president of Temple Beth Sholom. "We look forward to praying together and celebrating many joyous occasions in the years ahead, including Temple Beth Sholom's Centennial Year."
Originally from Southwest Florida, Dermer earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and religious studies at Brandeis University. Following graduation, he studied at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem. While attending the Jewish Theological Seminary, Dermer earned a Master of Arts in Jewish thought with a concentration in Chassidic and Kabbalistic mysticism. He was twice awarded the Seminary's Rubenovitz Prize in Theology.
Dermer, who will join Temple Beth Sholom in August, currently serves as president of the Long Island Board of Rabbis. He has previously served congregations at the Merrick Jewish Center in Merrick, New York, and Temple Beth Torah in Westbury, New York.
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will host its annual "Denim & Pearls" fundraiser on Sept. 9 at The GROVE in Lakewood Ranch (10670 Boardwalk Loop).
The fundraiser will honor Angel Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County; Linda Carson, longtime journalist and co-host of ABC 7 Sarasota's Suncoast View; and Carolyn Mason, former Sarasota mayor and Sarasota County and City Commissioner, for their leadership and community involvement.
"Each of this year's honorees has dedicated their life and career to serving others and improving our community," said Mary Anne Servin, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. "Their stories demonstrate the importance of leadership, civic engagement, and perseverance, qualities we work every day to cultivate in Girl Scouts throughout our region."
Proceeds from Denim & Pearls support Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida's leadership development programs. For more information, including tickets and sponsorships, visit gsgcf.org or contact [email protected].
The Sarasota County Tax Collector's Office is adjusting service hours at select locations in August to accommodate staff training.
On Sept. 1, the office will implement a new tax collection software system designed to streamline transaction processing and enhance customer service. All offices will also be closed on Aug. 31.
Modified office hours include the Downtown Sarasota Office, Aug. 4, opening at 1 p.m.; Mid-County Office, Aug. 5, opening at 1 p.m.; North Port Office, Aug. 6, opening at 1:30 p.m.; and Venice Office, Aug. 6, opening at 1 p.m.
Appointments may be scheduled online and many services remain available 24/7 at SarasotaTaxCollector.gov.
· Registration is underway for the Centerstone's 24th annual Life;Story 5K and 10K event for suicide prevention on Sept. 19 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The event includes a kids dash, a wellness expo and fall festival. Registration: centerstone.org/lifestory.
· The Child Protection Center will host a Runaway Pumpkin 5K & Family Fest on Oct. 31 at CPC's Monda Family Campus of Healing in North Port. The event will feature a 5K race, a children's Mini Monster Dash, and a free Fall family festival. Registration, sponsorships, information: CPCSarasota.org/events.
Submissions by Sharon Kunkel, Sara Stovall, Isis Zimmerman, Samary Wilhelm, Erin Murphy, Kate Fletcher, and Shannon Maloney.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel to present 9/11 benefit concert