Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO honored with national award
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast president and CEO Joy Mahler was recently honored with the national organization's Robert M. “Skip” Walsh Award.
The award celebrates a Big Brothers Big Sisters professional who exemplifies the qualities of dedication, enthusiasm, and generosity that exemplified Walsh's life. Walsh, former longtime leader of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Hartford (Connecticut), was killed in a car accident in 1991.
"Joy exhibits these qualities and has dedicated her career to helping connect youth with so much potential they may not realize but she does," said Gina Taylor, vice president of communications for BBBS Sun Coast. "By providing resources, support, and encouragement to colleagues, [Mahler] has strengthened Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring services to children."
Mahler received the award from Artis Stevens, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, during the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference on June 10-13 in Dallas. Visit bbbssun.org.
Manatee County Clerk's Office receives multiple state honors
The Office of Angelina "Angel" Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, was recently awarded Recognition of Excellence awards in all 10 categories of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Best Practices in Excellence Program for the fourth consecutive year.
Best Practice categories provides guidance to Clerks and Comptrollers statewide and assists in achieving consistency in interpretation of the law and in practice. This year's program included Appeals, Civil Contraband Forfeiture, Court Record Retention and Destruction, Department of Revenue Parenting Plan Fee Waivers, Determination of Indigency, Marriage License, Public Records Requests, Service of Documents by Clerks for Pro Se Litigants, Risk Protection Orders, and Vexatious Litigants.
"I am proud of my staff for their efforts to meet the professional standards described within the Best Practices Program," Colonneso said.
The Manatee County Clerk's Office also was recently honored by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the fourth consecutive year for outstanding financial reporting. Manatee County is one of 17 out of 67 counties in Florida to receive the award. Visit ManateeClerk.com.
Parrish singer, SCF grad wins Stephenson-Moe Scholarship
Karson White of Parrish recently received the Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe Scholarship from Choral Artists of Sarasota.
The $1,000 award is presented annually to support a promising young singer's private lessons or vocal training at an institution of higher learning. White recently graduated from State College of Florida, where she was a Dean’s List student, piano student, soprano section leader in the SCF Chamber Choir, and student ambassador in the music program. “I have made music my life’s work ... and having the support of Choral Artists inspires me to continue to strive for excellence in all of my musical endeavors,” said White, who will be attending Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho.
Established in 2022, the scholarship honors Stephenson-Moe for contributions to the Choral Artists of Sarasota and her mentorship of young singers at Church of the Redeemer and Temple Beth Israel. For information, visit choralartistssarasota.org.
“Ensuring the future of choral music means investing in the next generation of music lovers,” said Danielle La Senna, newly appointed executive director of Choral Artists. “We were thrilled to work with Karson this season and can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in the future.”
9 Manatee County restaurant employees earn scholarships
Nine employees from Chiles Hospitality's Sandbar Seafood & Spirits and Beach House Waterfront Restaurant recently received scholarships through the Manatee Community Foundation.
Established in 2010, the scholarship fund provides scholarships for individuals who are employees or children of employees of Chiles Hospitality. The scholarship recipients are Brianna Ashbridge (Penn State); Thomas Boleska (American College of Education); Renad Freija (State College of Florida); Jasper Turner (University of South Florida); McKenna Ainger (SCF); Samariyah Coleman (University of Central Florida); Ramon Guerrero (Florida Atlantic); Jack Kirkpatrick (National College of Exercise Professionals); and Emmie Gallagher (SCF).
The Chiles Hospitality Scholarship Fund has awarded over 70 scholarships since its inception based on grades, volunteer service and leadership. For information, visit manateecf.org and chileshospitality.com.
Around and about
· The Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota will host its annual club exhibit and show on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Mark's Church (508 Riviera St.) in Venice. The free event will include trees on display, raffles and demonstrations and also feature a memorial display dedicated to bonsai artist Michael Knowlton. (shofubonsai.org)
· Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave., in Sarasota will host Piano Friends’ 16th anniversary party Saturday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The group of pro/am pianists has grown to 20 members, playing different piano stylings. The anniversary event’s grand finale features international concert pianist Eleonora Lvov.
Submissions by Sam Valentin, Gina Taylor, Jennifer Linzy, Su Byron, Gabriela Ruiz, Christopher Cosenza, and Debye Bernard.
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