Jay Allen Makes Stop at Sumter Senior Living on National Tour

Jay Allen has witnessed music break barriers time and time again. “We’ve heard the phrase music is a universal language,” he said. “It can break through the barriers of skin color, cultures, politics or religion — it even breaks through sickness. I experienced it with my mother and then I’ve experienced it hundreds of timesContinue reading “Jay Allen Makes Stop at Sumter Senior Living on National Tour”

GriefShare Support Group Provides Year-Round Community

Carol Abrams believed her experiences and background prepared her for managing grief. The retired E6 staff sergeant U.S. Army veteran lost her 18-year-old brother in 1971 to colon cancer and she worked for 22 years as a grief therapist for the military. But it wasn’t until two years after her husband’s death in 2011 thatContinue reading “GriefShare Support Group Provides Year-Round Community”

The African American Club of The Villages (TAAC) Hosts Black History Month Program

Arthrese Lacey still remembers the sting of racism.  She was 16 years old when she and three other Black teenagers were refused service at a small coffee shop in Virginia because of the color of their skin.  The Village of Newell resident said it’s important to talk about the past — the good, the badContinue reading “The African American Club of The Villages (TAAC) Hosts Black History Month Program”

Senior Living Communities Celebrate Commitment With Vow Renewal Ceremonies

After 40 years of marriage, Ed Yon only has eyes for his wife Lorraine. Surrounded by nine other couples and several guests, the Yon’s participated in a vow renewal ceremony on Feb. 11 in the theater at Pebble Springs Retirement Community. The special event was one of at least two such ceremonies held at seniorContinue reading “Senior Living Communities Celebrate Commitment With Vow Renewal Ceremonies”

Hearthstone Hosts Valentine’s Day Soirée

With twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling, red carpet rolled out on the floor and love of community in the air, residents of Hearthstone at Wildwood were dressed up and ready to dance on  Feb. 12 for the Starlight Soirée  event. The soirée created a lot of special memories, starting off with a themed dinnerContinue reading “Hearthstone Hosts Valentine’s Day Soirée”

S.T.A.R. Events For February Bring Holiday Flair

The Villages’ Special Talented Adult Resident (S.T.A.R.) program took its slogan, “Little Events with a Big Heart,” to a new level with the Twirling Hearts event.Geared toward adults with disabilities who are living in The Villages with their parents, the S.T.A.R. program provides monthly socials including sporting activities and craft centered events. On Friday afternoon,Continue reading “S.T.A.R. Events For February Bring Holiday Flair”

Villagers Teach Essential Personal Safety Skills

To Alycyn Culbertson and Tracy McDaniel personal safety should be top of mind. In an effort to keep their neighbors safe and informed on the importance of situational awareness, the pair first joined forces in 2022 to teach the Personal Safety Program and have been doing it ever since. McDaniel is a retired Federal LawContinue reading “Villagers Teach Essential Personal Safety Skills”

Zora Festival Returns to Historic Eatonville

An anthropologist, folklorist and storyteller who authentically captured the life and lessons offered by African Americans in the rural south, Zora Neale Hurston’s legacy is still celebrated 135 years after her birth. The annual ZORA! Festival Season captures the essence and importance of the author’s work through art shows, an outdoor festival and community tours,Continue reading “Zora Festival Returns to Historic Eatonville”

Mid Florida Homeless Coalition Hosts Lake County Point-in-Time Count

An abundance of donated jackets, shoes, food and Narcan showcased the efforts of a community that cares. Laid out across tables and taking up space on the floor outside the Leesburg Resource Center on Jan. 29, donated items were part of a free giveaway for unhoused individuals during this year’s Lake County Point-in-Time Count, sponsoredContinue reading “Mid Florida Homeless Coalition Hosts Lake County Point-in-Time Count”

Protect Against Skin Cancer for The Summer

One of the Sunshine State’s biggest draws also poses its biggest danger. One in 10 Floridians has already been diagnosed with skin cancer, and about 8,000 new cases will be discovered here this year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Experts say seniors in particular need to take prevention seriously this summer since mostContinue reading “Protect Against Skin Cancer for The Summer”