Life + Culture

What's Your Self-Care Style?

Daily habits that work: simple actions for busy lives Article by Emily Leinfuss Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all—that’s what makes it interesting! Some find peace in meditation, others in a jog or quiet family time. Whether it’s a treadmill podcast, five minutes of silence, or saying “no” guilt-free, self-care comes in many forms. This article shares real stories of how people make self-care fit their busy lives. Ready to find your style and feel more energized? Let’s dive in! Deniese Kragel...

Life + Culture

The Little Black Dress

Accessorize to infuse new life into a classic you already own—making it reflect your unique style Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Jones (Styled by Amani Skalacki) Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile...

Home + Design

Family, Flooring & Florida Style

Inside Montgomery’s CarpetsPlus Colortile Article by Emily Leinfuss Walk into Montgomery’s CarpetsPlus Colortile showroom in Venice, and it won’t take long to spot a member of the Montgomery family. That’s by design. “We stagger our days off so that one of us is always here,” said Mike Montgomery, who co-owns the company with his brother Mark and sister Missy. Most days, customers will find either Mike, Mark or Missy on the showroom floor. This kind of hands-on approach is one of the many...

Education

Classic Kids’ Books That Last

Beloved stories that continue to delight generations from Venice's The Island Bookshop Article and Photography by Oh, the Places You’ll Go!  By Dr. Seuss For: Children of all ages First published in 1990, "Oh, the Places You’ll Go!" is a joyful, rhyming journey through life’s ups and downs. With wit and whimsy, Dr. Seuss encourages readers to embrace their potential and persevere. A perennial favorite and the top gifted graduation book, it’s a heartwarming send-off into a world of...

Life + Culture

"Agents" App Curates Sarasota County Adventures

Explore nature and uncover hidden history at area parks with Sarasota County’s free “Agents of Discovery” app Article by Emily Leinfuss Looking for a fresh way to explore the great outdoors? The Agents of Discovery app turns Sarasota County parks into interactive playgrounds for your brain—with nature-based missions that are as fun as they are educational. Best of all? It’s free, family-friendly, and guaranteed to get you moving. Developed in partnership with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation...

Life + Culture

Summoned By Name

Recognized, remembered, and loved—by each other, and by God Article by Janice Marie Meidel You may recall a television sitcom that aired from 1982-93 called, “Cheers.” Whether Norm was cracking one-liners heading to his favorite chair, or Cliff, the know-it-all mailman, was venting about the latest Sears catalog delivery, this Boston bar is remembered as a place, “where everybody knows your name.” Using someone’s name typically conveys a willingness to engage with them on a personal level.  ...

Education

Coach, Mentor, Educator

Sascha Hyer wins "Ripple Award" by making a lasting impact at Venice High School Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Courtesy Sarasota County Schools Sascha Hyer has always believed that relationships come first. “For me, it’s about building trust with students. Once you’ve got that, you can teach anything,” he says. That student-first approach, combined with his leadership in the classroom and on the field, recently earned Hyer one of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s Ripple...

Life + Culture

Kids, Pets & Life Lessons

Interacting with pets helps teach children about respect, kindness and responsibility Article and Photography by Introducing children to pets is more than a rite of passage, it’s a powerful opportunity to nurture empathy, compassion, and responsibility. By learning how to treat animals with respect, children also gain a deeper appreciation for life and the world around them. Respect for pets begins with understanding that animals have needs, feelings, and boundaries. Teaching children to...

Entertainment

Faith at the Heart of Education

Principal Roberto Pugliares is helping to build a Christ-centered future for all at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School Article by Emily Leinfuss Raised in Middletown, Connecticut, by Italian immigrant parents, Roberto Pugliares grew up with strong values of faith, family, and hard work. After earning his degrees, he taught high school English for 20 years, but over time grew disheartened by the public education system. When the Covid pandemic disrupted daily life, he and his wife moved with...

Life + Culture

Gift Giving Spreads Smiles & Comfort

How Jessy’s Toy Box brings joy to sick kids in Venice Article by Barb Haberman For a child facing a hospital stay, a simple toy can make all the difference. That’s the heartwarming mission of Jessy’s Toy Box ,  a nonprofit dedicated to bringing comfort to children in medical settings through donated toys. The charity was founded in 2015 by Jessy Haberman, a young boy from North Dakota who, despite his own serious health challenges, wanted to make sure other kids going through medical...