Community News - Manatee Movers and Shakers, 4/14/2011

2011-2012 Leadership Manatee Applications Available Online

Applications for the 2011-2012 Leadership Manatee program are now available online.  The program is designed to educate business and community leaders to all aspects of Manatee County and offer in-depth knowledge of our challenges and opportunities.  Leadership Manatee is a program of the Manatee Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton.

The application may be accessed online at http://www.manateechamber.com/leadership-manatee.aspx and must be submitted by May 20, 2011.

The program's purpose is:

• to identify community leaders of diverse backgrounds
• to develop their potential and desire to accept civic responsibilities and leadership roles
• to expose community leaders to the problems and opportunities that face Manatee County
• to build a realistic understanding of leadership in today's complex society
• to open a dialogue among emerging and current community leaders
• to acquaint leaders with the processes, programs, opportunities and challenges for individual involvement in Manatee County

Leadership Manatee's 2011-2012 program sponsors are Blake Medical Center, Community Bank of Manatee and Sun Hydraulics.  For more information, please contact Jahna Leinhauser at 941-748-3411.

Easter Seals Southwest Florida Announces Winner of International Design Competition For Teens with Disabilities

A young architect named Ali Musavi, from Dublin Ireland, took first place in Easter Seals’ Inaugural DesignMatters2 International Design Competition. The winning design was announced at Design & Wine, a celebration of international design on behalf of children and teens with disabilities.  Nearly 200 people attended the event, enjoying wines from around the world enjoying international hors d’oeuvres and live music by Jennifer Leigh and Her New Digs.  Presenting Sponsor, Manatee Cancer Center, was represented by Dr. Mary Koshy who expressed amazement at the range of entries from around the world.

The event was the culmination of DesignMatters2, an international design competition and ”call for Ideas’ brought to Easter Seals by now Board member Robert Vecchione, principal architect with COBROOKE Ideas, Architecture and Design.

”We wanted to open the discourse for improving the built environment for teens with disabilities,“ says Vecchione.  Architects and designers from more than 27 countries registered for the competition.  ”Easter Seals is always integrating intentional design for exceptional people,“ he adds.  ”Right now we’re remodeling an area in the Braden Avenue facility to specifically meet the needs of people with profound disabilities.  We understand that environment plays a critical role in quality of life and want to take design into consideration for everything we do at Easter Seals.“

If you missed the opportunity to attend Design & Wine, you can still help Easter Seals by touring the facility at 350 Braden Avenue in Sarasota.  ”We looking for donors who will help us finish the renovation of the Day Training Room,“ says Ashley Canesse, Vice President of Philanthropy.  Stuart Roth made the initial $10,000 gift with other Board members and community members following.  ”We need an additional $55,000 to complete the project.“

Completion of the project will mean that 12 participants with multiple and profound disabilities will be able to have a tremendously improved environment and 6 who are currently on a waiting list will be able to receive the service.  ”Otherwise,“ says Canesse, ”they are relegated to living out their days and nights in one space with one view and not much to look forward to.“  People who are interested in touring and in helping are encouraged to call Ashley Canesse at 941-355-7637 ext. 404.

Jenifer Schembri of Blalock Walters Joins Asolo Repertory Theatre Board of Directors 

Jenifer Schembri, Principal of Blalock Walters, P.A., one of Manatee County’s oldest law firms, recently was elected to the Board of Directors of the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida’s premier professional theater. 

”The Asolo is truly one of the great regional theaters in the country,“ said Jenifer. ”I look forward to working with the staff and the other board members to ensure it remains a major force in our area’s rich cultural scene.“ 

Jenifer has extensive experience in several legal practice areas, including business law, estate planning and tax law. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. In addition to her new position with the Asolo Theatre, she is involved in numerous community organizations, such as the Small Business Council of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council and Manatee Estate Planning Council, among others. 

”Blalock Walters is committed to making a difference in our community,“ said Clifford L. Walters, Principal and Managing Partner of Blalock Walters. ”Our attorneys and staff are involved in a diverse range of organizations, and we support their efforts as part of the firm’s commitment to make a difference in our community.“

Thank you to Representative Denise Grimsley & Representative Matt Hudson

 
Mary Ruiz, President/CEO of Manatee Glens presents House Appropriations Chairman Representative Denise Grimsley and House Health Care Appropriations Chairman Representative Matt Hudson plaques featuring client artwork in appreciation for their support to preserve current funding for mental health and addiction services.