Category Archives: The Villages Daily Sun

Vallerie Ruiz loves animals, especially dogs and cats. So, for the second year in a row, the Village of Dabney resident is celebrating her birthday by giving a gift to the Humane Society of Sumter County. Ruiz is hosting a birthday party Saturday that will feature games from corn toss to water volleyball, food andContinue reading “Vallerie Ruiz loves animals, especially dogs and cats. So, for the second year in a row, the Village of Dabney resident is celebrating her birthday by giving a gift to the Humane Society of Sumter County.”

Lined up alongside the waters of Lake Dora, classic cars shone under a sunny Florida sky during the Tavares Lakefront Cars, Food and Market event on Aug. 21. Communities from Ocala to Leesburg and places in between host car shows as a family-friendly outdoor activity. Anne Scharer, founder of One Stop Wellness and Events, said,Continue reading “Community Car Shows To Show Off Your Hot Ride”

Michelle Lee understands preparing your child to start school for the first time can be daunting — especially when your child is diagnosed with autism. With the neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, interactions and sensory processing, Lee feared teachers wouldn’t be able to understand her autistic son. “My biggest fear was just leaving him atContinue reading “Learning Center for Autistic Children Opens in Sumter County”

For residents seeking to improve their English language skills, local libraries are often their first point of access to resources and classes. More than 16% of Lake County residents and over 6% of Sumter County residents speak a language other than English at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. To help non-native speakers learnContinue reading “Local Libraries Help Break Language Barriers”

Central Florida residents with grape-stained feet and competitive spirits explored Florida’s largest winery during Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard’s 31st annual Harvest Festival. The three-day festival from Aug. 21-23 marked the end of Florida’s grape season and Lakeridge Winery’s harvest of its muscadine grapes that include noble, Carlos and welder. Lakeridge is one of three localContinue reading “Local Wineries Host Festivals and Fall Events”

The Melon Patch Players recently kicked of its 2026-27 season that will include six shows, a special engagement and a special film premiere for its 75th season. “It’s been a lot. We are trying to continue the momentum by getting ready for the second full season in the new space — it’s been a madContinue reading “Melon Patch Players Opens “Rehearsal for Murder,” First Show of 75th Season”

Sharleen Clarke Curah believes in the power of using your voice to influence positive change. After moving to Lady Lake from Miami in February, she is working to continue her passion of empowering people by strengthening their confidence and sense of self through interview coaching and public speaking training for organizations and individuals. On Aug.Continue reading “Sharleen Clarke Curah Helps People Find their Voice”

Blending together her 30 years of experience in education, recreation and public service, Barbara Fields is committed to building bonds among Fruitland Park residents. As the new director of community services for the City of Fruitland Park, Fields is working to bring free programs to the community by revamping the city’s programming departments — parksContinue reading “Barbara Fields Blends Two City Programs to Benefit Fruitland Park Residents”

The Mount Dora Center for the Arts is celebrating one year at its new location. It’s been a year since the Mount Dora Center for the Arts relocated to its new home, and its executive director Janet Gamache said transforming one of the city’s oldest gas stations into the uptown gallery has been a blessingContinue reading “Retro Gas Stations Gives Art Center New Life”

Finishing college. Getting a job. Living independently. For Jeri Maiaroto, assistive technology has not only made living with vision loss for the past 20 years more manageable, it’s allowed her to accomplish her goals. New Vision for Independence hosted its Assistive Technology Expo on Aug. 4 at the Leesburg Public Library to provide information aboutContinue reading “Assistive Technology Expo Bridges Gap for People with Vision Loss”