Beyond The Blog

In this episode of Beyond The Blog, Leah Verier-Dunn, Consultant with The Patterson Foundation, speaks with Maria Schaedler-Luera, Program Officer and Patriot Plaza Tour Coordinator with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, about the many ways individuals, families, and community groups can experience and engage with Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery. Together, they explore how this unique space honors veterans and their families while offering opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection through public art, guided tours, and community events.

What You'll Learn:

• The significance of Patriot Plaza and its role in honoring military service and sacrifice.
• How individuals, families, students, and community groups can experience Patriot Plaza through free in-person and virtual tours.
• How educational tours can be customized to connect history, civics, and the arts.
• Opportunities to get involved as a volunteer Patriot Plaza Guide.
• Ways Patriot Plaza brings people together through meaningful experiences and public events.

Timestamps 

0:51 — Free Arts Experiences at Patriot Plaza

2:31 — How Patriot Plaza Tours Serve the Community

6:00 — Exploring Patriot Plaza Through Self-Guided Tours

8:19 — School Tours: Making Patriot Plaza Age-Appropriate

10:32 — Free Transportation Expands Access for Students

12:58 — How Arts, Education & Service Connect at Patriot Plaza

14:40 — How the Sarasota National Cemetery, The Patterson & The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County Bring Patriot Plaza to Life

15:50 — Virtual Tours Open Patriot Plaza Beyond the Region

18:02 — Engaging New Audiences Through Community Partnerships

19:11 — How You Can Host an Event at Patriot Plaza

20:00 — Visiting Patriot Plaza With Family, Friends & Community

22:34 — Why “Witness to Mission” Is One of Maria’s Favorite Features

24:21 — Star Projection Map: Beyond Borders

25:25 — Patriot Plaza Tour Available in Spanish

Links to Learn More 

Patriot Plaza

Event Hosting Guidelines

Take Tour Of Patriot Plaza

Become A Patriot Plaza Tour Guide

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Join The Journey

In this episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Chalmers sits down with Alicia Exantus, former podcast host and consultant for the DeSoto County Ahead initiative, as she reflects on her remarkable journey in DeSoto County and the lessons she will carry forward into her work in North River Manatee County.

Alicia shares how her experience with The Patterson Foundation and the Harwood Approach transformed the way she engages with communities. Through listening first, focusing on aspirations rather than problems, and building trust through authentic relationships, she discovered a powerful framework for bringing people together around what matters most.

The conversation explores the impact of public knowledge, the creation of the Discover DeSoto Digest in both English and Spanish, and the deep sense of pride and connection that residents have for their community. Alicia also reflects on the relationships she built, the progress she witnessed, and why being welcomed into DeSoto County became a truly life-changing experience.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, listening, community-driven change, and the power of helping people shape the future they want to see.

Learn more and stay connected at DeSotoCountyAhead.net, and subscribe to the DeSoto Digest to follow the stories, people, and progress helping move DeSoto County forward.

Timestamps 

01:34 - Introduction to Alicia Exantus

02:06 - Alicia Exantus sunsets her role with DeSoto County Ahead and shares her new role within the community

04:02 - The Harwood Institute’s community impact

05:36 - Community conversations created tangible shifts

08:10 - Three huge DeSoto County wins

12:42 - What helped shape Alicia’s understanding of DeSoto County

16:40 - The aspirations and dreams of people living in DeSoto County

20:12 - Excitement about the future of the North River Manatee County Initiative 

21:15 - How the Discover DeSoto podcast shaped Alicia’s vision on the importance of community and connection

22:44 - Why people should get involved in their community

23:58 - Alicia sums up the impact of her connection with DeSoto County

Links to Learn More

DeSoto County Ahead

Blog: 

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Join The Journey

Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.

In this episode of Growing Together: North River, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop Parker Foundation and a respected Suncoast leader for twenty‑five years, who shares the Foundation’s rich place‑based history and its deep commitment to Manatee County. We explore North River Manatee County’s rapid growth and diversity, the origins of the Growing Together initiative, and why the partnership with The Harwood Institute has become such a powerful force for community‑centered change. Wendy reflects on the recent Harwood Public Innovators Lab, where more than fifty people came together to focus on North River Manatee County. She highlights the newly released Growing Together in North River report built directly from conversations with residents and local leaders. She reminds us that the tent is open to all; every voice and aspiration matters in shaping North River Manatee County’s shared future. 

Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.

Timestamps 

• 1:12 — What Is the North River Region?
• 2:29 — Bishop-Parker Foundation’s Legacy in Manatee County
• 5:57 — Why North River Became the Focus
• 10:45 — How Bishop-Parker, The Patterson Foundation & The Harwood Institute Aligned
• 13:46 — What the Growing Together Report Revealed
• 17:45 — How the Harwood Approach Is Being Put Into Practice
• 20:16 — The Vision for North River’s Future
• 22:21 — Why Your Voice Matters in Shaping the Community

Links to Learn More

NRMC Initiative Description

NRMC Harwood Report

Blog: Community at the Center: Wendy Deming on Listening, Learning, and Leading

Connect Beyond The Blog

Wendy McCarthy Deming

Bishop-Parker Foundation

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Join The Journey

Karen Windon, consultant with The Patterson Foundation, joins host Leah Verier-Dunn on Connecting Communities to talk about THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School. Developed out of necessity during the pandemic, this initiative sprouted with overwhelming success. Karen shares about the evolution of this initiative and how it’s grown into a prominent program for teachers in the Suncoast region, reaching tens of thousands of students over the years and serving as a great home-school connector. 

Timestamps 

• 00:28 - Introduction to Karen Windon
• 01:15 - Karen explains what THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School is and how it came to be
• 02:38 - Karen notes the reading gap THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School continues to fill 
• 04:05 - How is this program worth teachers’ time?
• 06:07 - How does this program help kids learn outside of the classroom with their families at home?
• 09:33 - Karen discusses the data of how many teachers and classrooms are involved in this year’s THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School program
• 11:42 - What is required of teachers to join the program?
• 13:01 - Karen explains how THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School aligns with the overall Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading initiative
• 16:12 - Karen shares her final statements, noting the rewarding feedback she’s received regarding THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School

Links to Learn More 

• THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School
• THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School Teacher Resources
• THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School Registration
• Blog: THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School: Low Stakes. Big Reward.

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Join The Journey

Kennedy and Avery Cole, two young Sarasota County (almost) voters, joined host Leah Verier-Dunn on the Civic Sparks podcast to talk about the efforts of future voters in our region and why we should listen to them. Hear about the civic involvement of teens, their influence on local elections, and why those 16+ should preregister to vote.

Timestamps 

• 00:13 Introducing Avery and Kennedy Cole, Students at Sarasota County Schools
• 02:12 What Inspired Their Civic Engagement
• 04:07 Encouraging More Young People to Use Their Voices
• 07:00 Responding to Adults Who Dismiss Young Voices
• 10:02 Having Civil Conversations With People Who Disagree
• 13:50 Helping Young People Find Their Own Way to Get Involved
• 15:16 The Power of Peer-to-Peer Civic Engagement
• 18:17 Engaging Young People Beyond Election Cycles
• 21:30 Turning Passion and Awareness Into Action
• 23:14 Why Preregistering to Vote Matters

Links to Learn More 

• Register to Vote
• Find Ballot Information

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Join The Journey

Beyond the Spectrum knew that expanding its mission would require more than grants and charitable giving. Through The Patterson Foundation’s Margin & Mission Ignition initiative, the organization launched two earned-income ventures, an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Clinic and H.I.V.E (Helping Individuals Through Vocation & Enrichment), that have generated more than $10 million in revenue while creating new opportunities for the individuals and families it serves.

Host Read Corley is joined by Lora and Loryn Carpenter, who share how outside guidance, detailed business planning, accountability, and a willingness to start small helped Beyond the Spectrum turn ambitious ideas into sustainable ventures. 

Timestamps 

01:38 Why Beyond the Spectrum explored earned income

04:58 Why an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) clinic was the right first venture

13:11 Raising startup capital and preparing for the Fast Pitch

15:47 The ripple effects of the first MMI venture

20:02 Why Beyond the Spectrum launched H.I.V.E

22:26 How MMI changed the organization’s approach to innovation

26:20 The impact of more than $10 million in earned revenue

28:38 The personal impact of H.I.V.E. (Helping Individuals Through Vocation & Enrichment)

30:31 Advice for nonprofits considering earned income

Links to Learn More 

Beyond The Spectrum Website

Margin & Mission Ignition website

Blog: How Earned Income Helped Beyond the Spectrum Expand Its Mission

Connect Beyond The Blog

Beyond the Spectrum

Lora Carpenter LinkedIn

Loryn Carpenter LinkedIn

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Join The Journey

What really goes into running an election? Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner for a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes, and planning involved in helping voters confidently participate in an election. From creating and tracking different ballot styles to reaching young voters, expanding voting accessibility, and assisting voters in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals, Ron shares some of the work voters may never see. The conversation also explores voter confidence and misinformation, how voting options have evolved, and what Sarasota County voters should know before the next election.

Timestamps 

• 0:00 Introducing Ron Turner, Supervisor of Elections, Sarasota County
• 0:52 What does the Supervisor of Elections do?
• 3:56 What it takes to run an election in Sarasota County
• 7:58 Voter outreach and engaging young voters
• 12:58 Building voter confidence and combating misinformation
• 15:53 Voter turnout and how Sarasota County residents vote
• 19:02 How different ballot styles are created and tracked
• 20:59 How voting options have evolved and increased accessibility
• 23:18 Helping nursing home, assisted living, and hospitalized voters
• 27:29 What voters should know before the next election

Links to Learn More

https://www.sarasotavotes.gov/

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Join The Journey

In this episode of Connecting Communities, Leah Verier-Dunn is talking about Suncoast Remake Learning Days with four fabulous, long-time hosts, one from each county. Guests include Neirda Thompson-Pemberton, Executive Director of Funducation; Becky-Sue Mercer, Executive Director of Arcadia Housing Authority; Justin Gomlak, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; and Amanda Clyatt, Title I Achievement and Family Associate at Sallie Jones Elementary. 

Timestamps 

00:28 – Meet Amanda Clyatt of Sallie Jones Elementary

02:22 – How Sallie Jones Got Involved With Suncoast Remake Learning Days

05:06 – How Community Partnerships Extend the Impact Beyond SRLD Funding

07:05 – The Ripple Effects of Suncoast Remake Learning Days

11:44 – Meet Becky-Sue Mercer of Arcadia Housing Authority

13:12 – Engaging Families Beyond Suncoast Remake Learning Days

16:05 – What Strengthens Multigenerational Family Engagement?

17:56 – Partnerships Powering Learning and Family Activities

25:34 – Meet Neirda Thompson-Pemberton of FUNducation

29:15 – How FUNducation Got Involved With Suncoast Remake Learning Days

31:04 – How Parent Involvement Has Grown Over the Years

32:50 – Turning Esports Into a Learning Experience Through Partnerships

34:56 – How FUNducation Builds Community Partnerships

39:24 – Meet Justin Gomlak of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 

39:24 – Meet Justin Gomlak of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

43:18 – Justin’s Favorite Suncoast Remake Learning Days Events & Partnerships

48:27 – How to Engage Both Children and Adults at Your SRLD Event

49:49 – Justin’s Advice for Future Hosts, Partners & Families 

Links to Learn More 

• Suncoast Remake Learning Days
• Neirda Thompson-Pemberton
• Becky-Sue Mercer
• Justin Gomlak
• Amanda Clyatt

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Join The Journey

Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.

In this episode of Growing Together: North River, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Norma Kennedy, a lifelong resident and community leader, and octogenarian who rediscovered her purpose after a season of deep personal grief.  Norma shares her dedication and servant leadership to North River Manatee County, and how it is fueled by her desire to preserve what makes the community special while helping it evolve to meet the needs of future generations. She sees her service as a way to honor her roots, support her neighbors, and contribute to a shared vision for a stronger, more connected North River.

Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.

Timestamps 

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 1:17 – What Is North River Manatee County?
• 3:45 – What Inspired Norma to Join a New Civic Path Book Circle?
• 4:32 – Finding Purpose Through Community Action
• 8:30 – How the Harwood Institute Helps Communities Create Change
• 9:14 – Listening to the Community: Growing Together in North River Manatee County
• 10:10 – Harwood Labs: Learning to Lead Community Change
• 11:40 – Shifting Your Mindset to Put People First
• 12:43 – Turning Outward: Putting People and Communities First
• 14:36 – Honoring Norma's Leadership and Community Impact

Links to Learn More

• North River Manatee County Initiative Description
• North River Manatee County Harwood Report

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Join The Journey

In this episode of Connecting Communities, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Donna Puhalovich from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) and Susan Flores, Coordinator of Social Work and Mental Health Services with Charlotte County Public Schools, to talk about one of SCGLR’s core pillars, attendance!

Together, they discuss two different initiatives: the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest and Motivating Improved Attendance. Each guest shares their insight on the impact of these initiatives and how both have strengthened efforts to improve attendance across the Suncoast region. 

Timestamps

• 00:47 - Introduction to Donna Puhalovich
• 01:07 - What is the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest?
• 02:05 - Why attendance is a big deal
• 07:27 - What students do after receiving a poster template
• 15:06 - How schools can participate in the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest
• 15:58 - Donna’s final thoughts: Consistent attendance creates a strong student.
• 19:19 - Introduction to Susan Flores - How social work relates to attendance
• 20:26 - How the pandemic shifted concerns about attendance and in-person learning
• 21:09 - Chronic absenteeism. What is it and why is it a big deal?
• 28:43 - Criteria and purpose of Motivating Improved Attendance (MIA) Program
• 33:00 - Successful community messaging: the March Madness competition of attendance
• 40:20 - Susan’s final thoughts: Attendance is primary and foundational

Links to Learn More 

• Donna Puhalovich
• Susan Flores
• Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading | Attendance 
• Attendance Awareness Poster Contest
• Motivating Improved Attendance

Connect Beyond The Blog

Donna Puhalovich

Susan Flores

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Join The Journey