Author Archives: BreaJjournalist

Bonnie Hovel, of the Village of Collier, believes Florida is in a mental health crisis and the data backs her up. In Florida there are 1 in 5 adults who experience mental illness from depression and anxiety to ADHD and PTSD every year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. With more than 7.8Continue reading “Care For Your Mental Well-being For Mental Health Awareness Month”

Demica Paige understands having access to healthcare resources makes it easier to take control of your health. Paige, who volunteers with MobileAccess Assistance of Florida, coordinates free senior workshops and activities twice a month at the Leesburg Resource Center. Recently, seniors in the community gathered at the center for its Fun Brain Bingo for SeniorsContinue reading “MobileAccess Assistance Bring Memory Screening, Mental Health Resources and More to Seniors”

Whether it was by banging on an African drum while learning phrases in Yoruba or coloring in Sri Lankan motifs on a community art project, the Cultures Around Us event invited people to immerse themselves in a variety of cultures. The May 3 event highlighted a wide range of cultures, including African, Asian, Haitian andContinue reading “Community Event Invites Residents to Immerse Themselves in a Variety of Cultures”

According to its founder, Sugar n’ Spice spreads joy to the community doing what its members love — performing for clubs in The Villages, assisted living facilities and private parties. “It’s just a joyous feeling to be able to move your body to music,” said group founder Sandra Bergheim, a Village of Hadley resident. “IContinue reading “Whether it’s entertaining an audience or dancing for a good cause, the Sugar n’ Spice dance performance group has enjoyed putting on a show for the past 10 years. During its recent Motown to Moonwalk spring showcase, the group raised $5,000 for the Wildwood Soup Kitchen.”

Rita Starling feels blessed to have helped build a house and to have made two families’ dreams of homeownership come true. Starling, a resident of Eustis and volunteer with the Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter’s 2025 Women Build initiative, said she was able to truly understand the impact she and other volunteers had on the peopleContinue reading “Women Build Triplex Dedication Hosted By Habitat For Humanity”

Barbara Crewell understands it can be tricky keeping sensitive information secure. Old documents such as financial records, medical paperwork or tax records can expose an individual’s personal information if it falls into the wrong hands. Hoping to keep seniors in the community safe and their sensitive information protected, the Orange Blossom Gardens Lions Club recentlyContinue reading “Orange Blossom Gardens Lions Club Work to Increase Impact”

Thawanna Hurge said it is rewarding to give back and show her community she cares. Hurge’s dedication to service is what motivated her to spend four hours on a recent Friday morning separating produce and putting it into carts during the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties’ Day of Caring 2026. Hurge, director ofContinue reading “United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties Host Day of Caring”

Debbie Selsavage is dedicated to providing information and resources to caregivers who are caring for loved ones diagnosed with dementia. As a certified dementia practitioner and the co-founder of Coping with Dementia LLC, Selsavage has spent the last 12 years making connections by educating caregivers and local law enforcement in Sumter, Lake, Marion and CitrusContinue reading “Dementia Care Expert Presents at African American Club Meeting”

Yolanda East is dedicated to being a resource who helps people change their lives and break the cycle of abuse. The executive director of Shepherd’s Lighthouse, a transitional house for women and children in Belleview, said the nonprofit organization has worked since 2000 to provide stability and independence for people when they need it theContinue reading “Community Resources Raise Awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month”

B.J. Rolli has been passionate about keeping her community clean since she was a child. Rolli, of the Village of McClure, said she walks trails with friends, picking up trash twice a week on The Hogeye Preserve Nature Trail and Spanish Moss Park in The Villages just to keep things looking nice. “As a child,Continue reading “Residents Come Out to Keep Wildwood Beautiful”