Art can be expression without words — a gateway between worlds and storytelling. Gesa Barto, an autism disorder specialist for University of Central Florida’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), said for those with a neurodivergent disorder, such as autism, art is a way to share how they experience the world with others. “Surprisingly,Continue reading “Art Opens Possibilities and Understanding for those with Autism”
Category Archives: The Villages Daily Sun
Marion County Exhibit Honors Black Pioneers of Horse Industry
The heart of Ocala’s history is horses. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala is home to the World Equestrian Center and some of the nation’s top training centers, and is the breeding place of champion horses. The area’s horse industry has been raising dirt since 1943, and picked up pace when homegrownContinue reading “Marion County Exhibit Honors Black Pioneers of Horse Industry”
TAAC Hosts Line Dancing event for Brain Health
Line dancing improves balance, coordination, cardiovascular health and boosts brain health. It also brings people together.To get members moving together, The African-American Club of The Villages (TAAC) hosted Boots on the Ground: Line Dancing for Brain Health. The Sept. 22 event was sponsored by Charter Research, the clinical research facility, at the Wildwood Community Center,Continue reading “TAAC Hosts Line Dancing event for Brain Health”
Organizations dedicate Resources to Helping Homeless Seniors in the Region
One unexpected expense on a fixed income can upend a person’s financial stability. But in Lake and Sumter counties, there are organizations that offer programs to help residents find their footing. As executive director of the Mid Florida Homeless Coalition, Barbara Venditto hears countless stories from Sumter and Lake county seniors who have either lostContinue reading “Organizations dedicate Resources to Helping Homeless Seniors in the Region”
Sophisticated Gents Celebrates 20 Years
Brotherly bonds transcends ages. From camaraderie among members during social events to empowering students through mentorship and scholarships, The Sophisticated Gents of Florida has become a blooming brotherhood for the past 20 years. Glen Lomax, president of The Sophisticated Gents, said that is why he was inspired to join the organization 10 years ago. “(TheContinue reading “Sophisticated Gents Celebrates 20 Years”
Exhibit on Art of Pine Cone Quilts is on display at Appleton Museum of Art
Betty Ford-Smith can captivate an audience. Both her hand-stitched pine cone quilts and welcoming personality charmed visitors at the recent opening of “Under the Cover of Knowledge: Betty Ford-Smith’s Pinecone Quilts” at the Appleton Museum of Art. The exhibit is a colorful display of the artist’s work, from a 20-pound quilt to a small circularContinue reading “Exhibit on Art of Pine Cone Quilts is on display at Appleton Museum of Art”
Gary Segal Shares Life Experience with CORE, Villages Civil Discourse Group
Gary Segal knows civil discourse is key. Segal’s life experiences — from becoming a freedom rider to mentoring the youth of today — has helped him understand individuals with opposing views should remain respectful. “There’s absolutely nothing special about me,” said the Village of Pine Ridge resident. “I just see the world differently.” During aContinue reading “Gary Segal Shares Life Experience with CORE, Villages Civil Discourse Group”
Beauty Icon Continues to Break Barriers
Pamela Springer’s understanding of esthetics is more than skin deep. For over 30 years, the Village of Bradford resident studied and researched different skin types as a licensed esthetician, and taught the nuances of darker complexions to medical spa professionals for two of those decades. In June, the Associated Skin Care Professionals named Springer itsContinue reading “Beauty Icon Continues to Break Barriers”
Learn a New Language With ASL Group
Judy Leach knows with American Sign Language, actions are as loud as words. Leach became interested in sign language many years ago after seeing an interpreter sign during a musical performance, and her interest reignited when she moved to The Villages in 2020. Now she coordinates meetings and disseminates information for Fun With ASL, aContinue reading “Learn a New Language With ASL Group”
35th Bi-Annual Florida Highwaymen Art Show, Sale and Benefit Returns to Mount Dora
Ray McLendon feels art is in his blood. As the son of Roy McLendon and a second-generation Highwaymen, McLendon has spent countless hours studying the artwork of his father and his father’s friends — a group of 26 artists known nationwide as the Florida Highwaymen, but known to him as family. The group of artists,Continue reading “35th Bi-Annual Florida Highwaymen Art Show, Sale and Benefit Returns to Mount Dora”
