By Randy Moore, Publisher – Congratulations to our newest award recipients. Restorative Medical Center owned by Christina Parker, MSN, NP is receiving our Venice Spirit Award, and Caddy Carts is receiving our North Port Spirit Award. Christina is beloved by her patients because of her commitment to their wellness. Richard and his daughter Sam with Caddy Carts have supported the region’s growth for many years.
We honored two other local businesses in Englewood Healthy Living. Congratulations Real Bikes Englewood, owned by Gary and Melody Vasbinder, and Marie Bronson, the owner of Shear Sailing Salon & Tanning, Swirls N Curls Ice Cream, and Sunnybrook Realty. Both are receiving our Englewood Spirit Award. A complete list of our prior award winners is posted on the home page of our two websites.
We’ll announce new awards in the fall including our second Wildlife Champion Award and our second Inspiring Artist Award. Our inaugural recipients were Mary Lundeberg, a wildlife photographer and author, and Clare Harvey and Barry Thorne, the art-loving couple that expanded the children’s art program at the North Port Art Center.
Here are some the books I enjoyed reading recently: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby, Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene, and The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. My favorite books have interesting plots and characters. I enjoy reading mostly historical fiction, magical realism and classic novels.
I’m reading about 9 books each month for pleasure, cognitive health and creative development. Reading is one of the ways to become a more well-rounded person and a better writer. I’ve started writing a series of short stories. That includes Puppy Love narrated by a smitten puppy named Max. He’ll do anything to win the affection of Penny. Not easy given he’s a dachshund and she’s a greyhound, but everything is possible with love, right?
Speaking of reading, even 9-year-olds are dismayed when adults that value their own free speech discredit authors and ideas they dislike. We are a smarter nation when we go beyond platitudes and fear to learn about social trends and the nuances of our nation’s history. That includes alternative lifestyles and the legacy of slavery and its correlation with economic and social injustice. Our children and grandchildren deserve candor and trust over fear in the name of political theater. The so called culture wars are a distraction allowing politicians to focus on donations instead of addressing important issues.
Wishing you the best for a healthy and meaningful summer season.
Randy Moore is the publisher of South County Healthy Living and Englewood Healthy Living.