wcw DEC 2021

just some
thoughts
Louise Bruderle
Editor and Publisher
West Coast Woman Virginia Shearer
Virginia Shearer
Photo by Evelyn England
Continuity and the next step - those could be
the buzzwords for the Sarasota Art Museum,
as they continue their reopening process, plan
their exhibit schedule through 2024 and move
forward with a new Executive Director,
Virginia Shearer.
You’ll read in this month’s WCW that Virginia
is no stranger to Sarasota, or even Florida for
that matter, as she has an extensive career in
museums working primarily in education with
a stint as Education Director at The Ringing.
Now, she’ll be leading, running and visioning
a museum for the first time. What’s her vision? Read our interview and
you’ll find out.
We need a little holiday magic
Sarasota Farmer’s Market has a Holiday Night Market on December 21,
5 - 8 p.m. on Lemon Avenue north of Main Street, extending west onto
First Street in Sarasota.
The
Market
will be
transformed
under the
sunset and
evening
sky, with
twinkling
lights and
holiday
decor
throughout.
Stop by
to see
your favorite Market Vendors for last-minute gifts or ingredients and
delicious eats while listening to amazing live music by popular local
bluegrass/Americana band, Passerine.
The Children’s Garden and Art Center will be providing a free kids’
craft activity utilizing recycled materials to celebrate the Winter
Solstice. Additional fun and festive activities, featured non-profits, and
more are being planned. The weather should be great and you’l enjoy
a lovely stroll, find some goodies to eat and enjoy over the holiday and
find locally-made and affordable gifts.
Call 941-225-9256 or email ciera@sarasotafarmersmarket.org for
more information.
A Big Warm Fuzzy
Rise and Nye’s — the play on words had me curious as did the glowing
comments from friends who had visited this coffee shop on State Street
in Sarasota.
It’s a coffee shop selling all kinds of tasty items - beignets, ice cream
sandwiches, bagels, and coffee and tea. The uniqueness is that Rise and
Nye’s is a nonprofit and all proceeds from sales (plus help from foundations)
fund the shop and program. The program is all about training
and hiring individuals intellectual or developmental disabilities such
as autism or Down syndrome. They get real time work experience and a
paycheck and it boosts their self-esteem.
There’s a quiet and self-effacing Santa behind this wonderful enterprise.
But in fact, he looks nothing like the bearded, red-suited, big guy.
But his heart is as big or bigger and his name is Beaver Shriver. He manages
Rise and Nye’s which he co-founded with chef Christian Nye.
“At Rise & Nye’s, we
provide secure, successful
jobs which in turn help our
employees form meaningful
friendships with their
peers; live independently;
improve their public
speaking, develop self-advocacy
and communication
skills; and feel valued
and included by society.
We celebrate and honor
their special abilities.”
I think we need a story
like this for the holidays -
something we can all get
around, open our hearts to
and support.
Seven, count ‘em, seven Arts
Features in this issue
Plus add our profile on the Executive Director of the Sarasota Art
Museum and then add our extensive arts and events calendars and
you’d think we love the arts here at West Coast Woman — and you’d be
right! Enjoy reading what’s coming up for the remainder of this year
and the start of 2022.
Want to help?
We’ve got some ways you can help others this holiday season. It’s
really, easy, too! Check out the agencies we have listed in this issue.
The requests are modest, but the benefits are great for those who
receive them: children in foster care, the homebound elderly, homeless
individuals and more. Contact the agencies if you need more information
and watch those due deadlines — some are early in December.
Hopeful
Beaver Shriver, co-founder of Rise & Nye’s in Sarasota
The press releases (and ads) are trickling back and here at WCW
we’re hopeful that we can move out of the difficult times we have all
experienced for the past 18+ months. Some arts organization canceled
their seasons two years in row. Many of us haven’t viewed art exhibits,
seen a show or concert, been in a restaurant (takeout excluded), taken a
class in person, or sat on a plane.
Some of us haven’t seen loved ones in person for just as long so our
busy and growing airport will be the site of many flights running all day
long. In many places and in many ways, there will no doubt be tears as
families and friends are reunited once again.
Happy and Healthy Holiday to you!
Walk the beach, appreciate the beauty of the earth and the cooler
weather. Hug loved ones. Donate to charities helping those less
fortunate, support local businesses, support the arts and please
stay safe and stay healthy! We’ll se you in 2022.
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 DECEMBER 2021