WCW2-21

just some
thoughts
Louise Bruderle
Editor and Publisher
West Coast Woman
Linda Moxley
Linda Moxley certainly knows how to market
and promote arts organizations. The new
Executive Director of Sarasota Concert
Association has over 30 years of experience
with a diverse group of arts organizations in
markets around the country such as Atlanta,
San Francisco and Baltimore.
SCA is fortunate to hire someone with so
Linda Moxley
Photo: Evelyn England
much experience, but I still had to ask, “What
could ever prepare you for a pandemic?” And
her answer at first seemed surprising, but
makes sense. I’m paraphrasing a bit, but she told me that people
in the creative fields had to…get creative. And it’s a skillset they
already have, they just needed to apply it in new ways.
And, indeed arts organization here and around the country did
just that with online concerts, archived performances, re-imagined
concerts and shows — all while testing the waters as to how much
patrons would be willing to take on and pay for.
From my perch, it’s been clearly trial and sometimes error. Sadly,
Circus Arts Conservatory released their reimagined season and
launched an ad campaign and PR push. Then they quickly had to
shut down due to poor ticket sales. But, they are now reimagining
(we’re all using that word a lot these days) an online season.
The Asolo tested the waters with an outdoor Christmas show.
It was very successful and now they have an abbreviated outdoor
season of performances utilizing what would have been the area
leading up to their entrance.
SCA by comparison, had to cancel their Great Performances
series sadly, but you’ll read how this new executive director got
creative and reimagined their season.
Through Women’s Eyes
International Film Festival
The Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival (TWE) is
back. If you’re not familiar, TWE presents the best in films by or
about women from around the world. Their 2021 TWE Film Festival
runs March 5, 6 and 7.
You not only get great films, but your support helps GCC and
UN Women make cities more livable, encourage women to achieve
economic freedom, build political leadership skills, and end
violence against women and
girls. Here’s what’s coming up
soon. Can’t make it? No problem.
Many livestreams will be available
for on-demand viewing as well.
Buy or gift your films now, but note
that showings are between March
5 and March 8 only.
They have 34 films this year,
including 12 features, 22 shorts,
and 7 from emerging filmmakers.
Their live awards ceremony on
Monday, March 8 at 5 p.m., is included with all ticket passes.
There are 17 blocks of films to choose from. Q and As with
filmmakers are included after each film block. Join live audience
discussion sessions on Sunday and Monday. The festival is a
fundraiser for the global gender equity programs of UN Women.
Kudos to E Scott Osborne, Festival Chair, and Debbie Vale, Festival
Director. More info is at: https://twe2021.eventive.org/films.
Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club
Donates Over $65,000
Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club (LWRWC) donated $65,100 in cash
and in-kind to their four adopted charities at their January meeting
via Zoom. Donations went to HOPE Family Services, SOLVE Maternity
Homes, SMART (Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding
Therapy), and Children’s Guardian Fund (CGF).
The donations marked the culmination of an innovative year in
charity fundraising led by LWRWC Philanthropy Co-chairs, Eileen
Buzzard and
Trish Newman.
In addition to
significant cash
donations from
no-contact
fundraisers and
a successful
Fashion Show
Fundraiser held
early in 2020,
in-kind donation
vehicles included
a Smart
Barn Drive, a
school supplies
Backpack
Eileen Buzzard, LWRWC Philanthropy Co-Chair. On Jan. 14, 2021,
Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club celebrated donating $65,100 in
cash and in-kind to their four adopted charities.
Challenge, and
a virtual Baby
Shower. LWR-
WC also donated
clothing, toys, handmade blankets sewn by LWRWC Blankets for
Babies, and 3500 hand-sewn masks by the LWRWC Sewing Angels.
For more information about LWRWC, or to join, visit www.lwrwc.org.
A Big Anniversary
Plans are moving ahead with a big reason to celebrate - Sarasota
County is marking its 100th anniversary in 2021. Friends of Osprey
Junction Trailhead and Sarasota County Centennial 2021 are
partnering to present a free webinar celebrating Sarasota County’s
100th anniversary. The online presentation, “The History of
Sarasota County”, is scheduled for Thursday, February 11 at 11am.
Attendance is free, but you must register to attend.
Discover the intrigue, drama, and perseverance that sparked
Sarasota District civic leaders in 1921 to break from Manatee County
to create Florida’s 62nd County. Come listen to Dr. Frank Cassell,
a nationally-known historian, and author of the book “Creating
Sarasota County” as he recounts all this and more in a thought-fascinating
presentation. Be sure to register: https://www.sarasotalibraryfoundation.org/love-our-libraries.
For the Love of Books
Staying in and staying safe, maybe you’ve been reading lots of
books - either online or with an actual book. There’s a virtual event
coming up, celebrating all the ways Sarasota’s local library system
has helped the community over the past year.
The Library Foundation for Sarasota County is offering tickets
for “Love Our Libraries” with Susan Orlean as their special
guest. She’ll discuss “The Library Book.” Alongside Orlean, Love
Our Libraries will feature former journalist Charlie Huisking, a
Sarasota native and retired journalist from the Sarasota Herald-
Tribune, as well as a founding board member of the Library
Foundation for Sarasota County.
This virtual event is on February 9 at 1pm, and just like Sarasota
County’s public libraries, it’s open to everyone. “Our organization
was founded on the belief that great communities deserve
great libraries,” says Alisa Mitchell, Executive Director, Library
Foundation for Sarasota County. “This event is a chance to show
love and appreciation for Sarasota County Libraries, along with
everyone who works to support them.”
For more information about the event or to get tickets: https://www.
sarasotalibraryfoundation.org/love-our-libraries.
Louise Bruderle | Editor and Publisher |
westcoastwoman@comcast.net
We welcome your thoughts and comments on this column and on other columns and features in this issue.
You can reach us at westcoastwoman@comcast.net. We’re on the web at www.WestCoastWoman.com.
4 WEST COAST WOMAN FEBRUARY 2021