Kids & Pets

INSPIRED





















INSPIRED
As summer stretches on and routines slow down, many of us find a little more space to focus on what truly matters. This time of year offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the company of those who bring joy to our everyday lives, especially the children and pets who fill our homes and hearts. In this issue, we celebrate those relationships and the many ways they enrich our families and communities.
In “Kids, Pets & Life Lessons,” we look at how ani mals can be some of life’s greatest teachers. With their unspoken needs and gentle presence, pets help children develop empathy, learn boundaries, and practice responsibility.
We also shine a light on those helping raise the next generation with heart and intention. “Faith at the Heart of Education” introduces Roberto Pugliares, the new Principal of Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, whose Christ-centered vision supports every student’s spiritual and academic growth. At Venice High School, longtime coach and educator Sascha Hyer was honored with the “Ripple Award” for his far-reaching impact, a story we share in “Coach, Mentor, Educator.”
In “Gift Giving Spreads Smiles & Comfort,” we meet the team behind Jessy’s Toy Box, a local effort bringing comfort and happiness to sick children in our community. You’ll also discover how Sarasota County’s free “Agents of Discovery” app invites families to explore the region’s natural beauty and hidden history.
And then, there’s the enduring magic of story time. In “Classic Kids’ Books That Last,” Venice’s The Island Bookshop shares timeless tales that still resonate with young readers today—one of which, Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”, is my personal favorite. I gave a copy to my granddaughter Grace (see photo above, far right) for her high school graduation. The book’s message of courage and possibility is meaningful, no matter your age. We also celebrated my granddaughter Emily’s graduation from college—she's on the left in the photo—and my grandson Mason’s graduation from elementary school. May was definitely a Celebration Month!
Finally, in “Summoned By Name,” we’re reminded of the quiet but powerful ways we are each seen, known, and loved, by one another and by God.
Here’s to summer’s sweetness, and to those—both furry and small—who make life better every day.
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Emily Leinfuss | emily.leinfuss@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Leinfuss, Janice Marie Meidel
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarasota County Schools
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Discover
Epiphany Principal Roberto Pugliares is building a Christ-centered future, one student at a time
Sascha Hyer wins “Ripple Award” by making a lasting impact at Venice High “Agents” App Curates
Explore nature and uncover hidden history at Sarasota County parks with “Agents of Discovery”
Beloved
1: Freedom Health ribbon cutting, (ctr-l) Sean Burroughs, President North Port Chamber; (ctr-r) Johnny Matos SW FL Sales Manager, Freedom Health/Optimum Healthcare. 2-6: Participants are actively engaged in the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Emerging Professionals Connect” — a program created to support professionals ages 21–39 in building meaningful relationships, exchanging ideas, and growing together within the Venice community. For more information, contact: Cara Coté, Member Engagement Director, ccote@venicechamber.com | 941.800.1491 7: Venice Nokomis Woman’s Club celebrates awarding $12,000 in scholarships to four Venice High seniors, continuing a 36-year, $200,000+ legacy.
The Child Protection Center invites community members to join The Butterfly Guild, a group of young professionals and advocates supporting the fight against child abuse. Through fundraising, volunteering, and awareness efforts, members help protect children and strengthen families across Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Named for the butterfly’s symbol of resilience, the Guild offers a meaningful way to support CPC’s mission of prevention, intervention, and healing. cpcsarasota.org
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Jess Abbott joins The Sarasota Ballet as its new Marketing Director, effective June 2025. A former dancer with extensive nonprofit leadership experience, Abbott previously led Greenville Center for Creative Arts and Dogtown Dance Theatre. Her creative marketing vision and passion for the arts make her a strong addition to the Company. Abbott aims to deepen audience engagement by sharing authentic stories that highlight The Sarasota Ballet’s artistry and impact. sarasotaballet.org
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The Venice Institute for Performing Arts (VIPA) welcomes Yvette Wasserman as its new Director of Marketing and Creative. An award-winning designer with over 25 years in cultural arts marketing, Wasserman brings deep expertise and passion for the arts. “We’re very happy to have her,” said Executive Director Derek Blankenship. Wasserman adds, “I’m thrilled to join such an outstanding organization and dedicated team committed to arts education and entertainment.” veniceperformingartscenter.com
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INTERACTING WITH PETS CAN HELP TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT RESPECT, KINDNESS AND RESPONSIBILITY
Introducing children to pets is more than a rite of passage, it’s a powerful opportunity to nurture empathy, compassion, and responsibility. By learning how to
More broadly, teaching kids to be kind to pets reinforces values like patience and respect that translate into their interactions with other
treat animals with respect, children also gain a deeper appreciation for life and the world around them.
Respect for pets begins with understanding that animals have needs, feelings, and boundaries. Teaching children to approach animals gently, listen to their body language, and give them space when needed helps prevent accidental harm and builds trust between child and pet. Supervised interaction is key, especially with young children and new or nervous pets.
Daily pet care routines, including feeding, walking, and grooming, can also teach kids accountability. When children help take care of a pet, they begin to grasp what it means to be responsible for another living being. These small, consistent tasks foster a sense of accomplishment and belonging.
people. Encouraging children to volunteer at an animal shelter, donate supplies, or learn about wildlife can also deepen their connection to the animal world and inspire lifelong compassion.
Parents and caregivers play a critical role in modeling respectful behavior and setting clear rules around how to treat animals. With guidance, children quickly learn that pets aren’t toys—they are family members who deserve love, care, and kindness.
In a world that sometimes moves too fast, the bond between a child and a pet is a beautiful reminder of the importance of slowing down, listening, and being gentle. Teaching kids to respect animals is one of the most meaningful life lessons we can offer, and one that will stay with them forever.
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ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS
PRINCIPAL ROBERTO PUGLIARES IS HELPING TO BUILD A CHRIST-CENTERED FUTURE FOR ALL AT EPIPHANY CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Raised in Middletown, Connecticut, by Italian immigrant parents, Roberto Pugliares grew up with strong values of faith, family, and hard work. After earning his degrees, he taught high school English for 20 years, but over time grew disheartened by the public education system. When the Covid pandemic disrupted daily life, he and his wife moved with their three children to the Venice area where they quickly felt at home.
On their first Sunday in town, the Pugliares family attended Mass at Epiphany Cathedral Parish and became active parishioners. Monsignor Patrick Dubois soon encouraged Pugliares to consider a role at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School. Pugliares, hired last year as Assistant Principal, recently became Principal after Deacon Michael Pipitone stepped down for family health reasons. His vision is to blend academic excellence with Catholic values. “I’m grateful, blessed, and humbled to serve a Christ-centered community,” he said.
Christ is at the center of all we do at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School. That shared focus shapes behavior and helps to unify the community.
Q. How does Epiphany’s mission—forming disciples of Christ—show up every day?
A Faith sits at the center of every lesson. Whether students are solving equations, or diagramming sentences, teachers connect the material to the Gospel. We pray together, attend daily Mass as a whole school, and constantly remind children that Christ is at the center of all we do at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School. That shared focus shapes behavior and helps to unify the community.
Q. How are virtue and service woven into academics?
A. Each classroom posts Catholic theological virtues—charity, prudence, and justice—and finds natural ways to practice them, through toy drives, food collections for local pantries and helping out at Epiphany Parish’s annual Lent Fish Fry nights.
Q. The school recently honored Pope Francis. What did that reveal?
A. Eighth-graders rang the chapel bell 88 times— once for every year of Pope Francis’ life—while the school gathered in reverent silence. Later, when Cardinal Robert Prevost was named Pope, classes paused to watch. Those are the kinds of Catholic moments students carry for life.
Q. How do you support students as whole people?
A. Because we’re small, no one slips through the cracks. Teachers meet regularly to flag academic or emotional concerns and intervene immediately. If we can’t meet a specific need, we help the family find a better fit, because we exist for children, not enrollment targets. The result is graduates who flourish in high school, college, work, or service.
Q. What goals guide the next few years?
A. We’re reviewing our curriculum to raise rigor without compromising faith. We’re also building stronger ties with the parish and inviting parishioners to share their gifts on campus. Personally, I hope to retire here—still learning every child’s name and serving this mission joyfully.
ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOLS
Sascha Hyer has always believed that relationships come first. “For me, it’s about building trust with students. Once you’ve got that, you can teach anything,” he said. That student-first approach, combined with his leadership in the classroom and on the field, recently earned Hyer one of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s Ripple Effect Teacher Awards.
The award honors five exceptional Sarasota County educators each spring and fall and recognizes teachers who make a lasting impact in and out of the classroom. Hyer, who teaches government and social studies and coaches both football and girls weightlifting at Venice High School, was surprised with the award in May during a classroom visit by school and foundation leaders. The honor includes a $5,000 gift from the Foundation.
A Maryland native, Hyer grew up a student-athlete in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. “Sports were my ticket to college,” he said. “Without them, I probably would’ve gone into the service.” He earned a scholarship to Shepherd College in West Virginia, where his football career led him to coaching positions at several universities before
eventually settling in Florida. Hyer has been at Venice High for 13 years and is now in his 30th year of coaching football. He also serves as head coach of the girls weightlifting team, which has claimed multiple county championships and the school’s first FHSAA district title.
In the classroom, Hyer is known for keeping things real. “I teach seniors, so I try to prepare them for the real world. Nobody’s going to care if you’re having relationship issues—you still have to show up and do the job.” His government classes cover the U.S. Constitution, major Supreme Court cases, and civic responsibility, with a focus on making it relevant to students’ lives today. “I want to open their eyes,” he says. “Whether it’s about privacy in the digital age or why voting matters, it’s about making connections.”
Hyer reaches far beyond the athletic field. “I see all kinds of students—those in marching band, drama, choir. Venice does a great job encouraging kids to get involved in something they love,” he said.
Venice High Principal Zoltan Kerestely, who nominated Hyer for the award, said, “Sascha understands the importance of a well-rounded education and helps to bridge the worlds of athletics, academics, and the arts in a way that enriches our students’ experiences. I believe that he embodies the values that Chuck and Margie Barancik wanted to celebrate.”
For Hyer, the goal remains simple. “If just one student learns something each day, I’ve done my job.”
“I want to open their eyes,” he says. “Whether it’s about privacy in the digital age or why voting matters, it’s about making connections.”
At Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, faith formation is not limited to religion class—it is a living, daily encounter with Christ through prayer, community, and learning. Students attend daily Mass, participate in the sacraments, and grow in virtue alongside peers, teachers, and the parish community.
Thank you for supporting another incredible year at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School—where faith, values, and learning come to life.
“We send our kids to Epiphany Cathedral School because we feel learning the faith beyond what we teach at home along with going to daily Mass provides them with the tools necessary to face this current culture,” share parents Kevin and Kim. “The academic education they receive challenges them and the teachers build relationships to inspire and push them to their full potential. While it is a sacrifice, it is one that we feel has lifelong rewards!”
Jill and Greg add, “We send our kids to Epiphany because it is rooted in our Catholic faith… It fosters a moral and safe environment for them to grow closer to God and learn about the world around them.”
This is formation that lasts a lifetime.
Parish Congratulations to Louis and Margaret Tiberi, the winners of our $100,000 raffle drawing held on May 13! Their winning ticket number is #720. We are so grateful to everyone who participated and supported this fundraiser.
• Chain soldered
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Jacaranda Trace, retirement means
Explore nature and uncover hidden history at area parks with Sarasota County’s free “Agents of Discovery” app.
ARTICLE BY EMILY LEINFUSS
Looking for a fresh way to explore the great outdoors? The Agents of Discovery app turns Sarasota County parks into interactive playgrounds for your brain—with nature-based missions that are as fun as they are educational. Best of all? It’s free, family-friendly, and guaranteed to get you moving.
Developed in partnership with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension and Sustainability, this award-winning app transforms screen time into green time with a series of clever, on-the-ground challenges.
Download the Agents of Discovery app for Sarasota County at linker.ee/ DownloadAgentsofDiscovery, and choose a mission from one of several area parks. Each mission includes about 10 location-based challenges you unlock as you walk the trails—so you'll need to get out there and explore! Challenges only activate when you’re within 50 feet of a designated park hotspot.
“At any one time, we’ll have two to three live missions available to the public,” says a Sarasota County representative. “Each one highlights the unique natural or cultural history of that specific park, with interactive guidance and fun facts along the way.”
Want a little help getting started? Come to a free in-person launch event on August 20 at Shamrock Park, from 4:00-5:30 p.m.,where friendly staff will help you download the app, register, and complete your first mission.
Current missions at Pinecraft Park and the Venice Area Audubon Rookery are live now through August 17. More missions are coming soon and will roll out regularly through early 2026—so there’s always a new adventure around the corner. Keep tabs on the Agents app.
YOUR MISSION STARTS NOW:
Download the app, grab your phone, and head outside. Whether you’re a nature newbie or a seasoned explorer, Agents of Discovery makes learning fun, active, and totally unforgettable.
Beloved stories that continue to delight generations from Venice’s
OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
BY DR. SEUSS
For: Children of all ages
First published in 1990, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is a joyful, rhyming journey through life’s ups and downs. With wit and whimsy, Dr. Seuss encourages readers to embrace their potential and persevere. A perennial favorite and the top gifted graduation book, it’s a heartwarming send-off into a world of possibility. Find it and all these ‘Classics’ at The Island Bookshop (theislandbookshop.com).
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
- Dr. Seuss
BY MARGARET WISE BROWN
For: Newborn to 3 years old
In a quiet green room, a little bunny has been saying goodnight to everything from mittens to the moon for nearly 80 years. This timeless bedtime classic is remembered by many generations: the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.
BY JUDITH VIORST
For: Newborn to 3 years old
From gum in his hair to lima beans for dinner, Alexander’s day goes from bad to worse in this laugh-out-loud classic from 1972, With witty words and expressive illustrations, “Bad Day” perfectly captures the frustration of a rough day—and reminds kids that everyone has them sometimes.
BY E.B. WHITE
For: Ages 7 and up
“Charlotte’s Web” is a heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and a truly remarkable pig. With the help of a clever spider named Charlotte, Wilbur the pig discovers his worth—and the power of kind words. Full of charm, love, and unforgettable characters, this classic story was first published in 1952 and is a proven favorite!
BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN
For: Ages 9-12
For over 50 years, “The Giving Tree” has touched hearts with its simple, powerful message. In this timeless tale, a tree gives everything to the boy she loves—apples, branches, even her trunk. Sweet, sad, and full of meaning, it’s a gentle, unforgettable story about unconditional love, selflessness, and growing up.
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HOW JESSY’S TOY BOX BRINGS JOY TO SICK KIDS IN VENICE
For a child facing a hospital stay, a simple toy can make all the difference. That’s the heartwarming mission of Jessy’s Toy Box , a nonprofit dedicated to bringing comfort to children in medical settings through donated toys.
The charity was founded in 2015 by Jessy Haberman, a young boy from North Dakota who, despite his own serious health challenges,
wanted to make sure other kids going through medical treatments had something to brighten their day. Jessy passed away in 2018 at just eight years old, but his mission lives on—thanks to his parents, Heather and Jim, and dedicated volunteers like Barb Haberman, who spearheads local efforts in Venice.
Barb and her husband, Paul, who winter in Florida, reached out to Jessy’s parents in 2019 to expand the project to this area. What started with one toy box has since grown into a network of donation sites, with local businesses and individuals eagerly supporting the cause. “Venice has been amazing,” said Barb. “The community has so much love for this mission, and the response has been incredible.”
Toys collected in Sarasota County go to children in the Pediatric Unit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, as well as emergency rooms and first responders in the area. In Charlotte and Lee counties, donations are delivered to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers. The toys provide a much-needed distraction and comfort to children facing scary, unfamiliar experiences.
Beyond physical donations, the impact of Jessy’s Toy Box is deeply felt. “We hear from parents who are so grateful,” said Barb. “One family, still in the ER with their child, messaged us right away, asking how they could give back because the gift meant so much.” Nurses and hospital staff also see the difference—having a toy to offer makes their jobs just a little easier.
“The (Venice) community has so much love for this mission, and the response has been incredible.”
For those wanting to help, new, unwrapped toys for children aged 0-18 are always needed. Businesses can host a toy box, and individuals can organize toy drives. “Every toy we collect brings a smile to a child who needs it most,” Barb said. To learn more or get involved, visit jessystoybox.wixsite. com/website or follow Jessy’s Toy Box on Facebook. You can also reach Barb Haberman at 218.329.9729.
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Recognized, remembered, and loved—by each other, and by God
You may recall a television sitcom that aired from 1982-93 called, “Cheers.” Whether Norm was cracking one-liners heading to his favorite chair, or Cliff, the know-it-all mailman, was venting about the latest Sears catalog delivery, this Boston bar is remembered as a place, “where everybody knows your name.” Using someone’s name typically conveys a willingness to engage with them on a personal level.
Did you know that dolphins call each other by name? Scientists have analyzed the squeaking, trilling, and clicking sounds of these highly intelligent creatures for decades. They have discovered that each bottlenose dolphin announces its presence with a “signature whistle,” or name.
Stephanie King of the University of St. Andrews conducted additional research around Sarasota Bay from 1984-2009 where many self-identifying whistles were recorded. From this group, four dolphins were temporarily removed to a distant aquarium. As they examined the sounds of the captive dolphins, they distinctly heard them use the signature whistles of their free roaming friends. This breakthrough study confirms that dolphins call out to one another upon being separated.
ARTICLE BY JANICE MARIE MEIDEL
In addition to staying connected and locating one another, these individualized high-pitched “ee-ee-eee” sounds can be detected up to 12.4 miles away to alert one another to food or danger. This fascinating means of mutual care and togetherness fosters a sense of value and belonging, just as it does for us when someone unexpectedly remembers our name, calls us out in a crowd, or uses our name in a strikingly warm or helpful manner.
It is said that God “stores every tear in a bottle.”* He sees our pain. “He counts every hair on our heads.”* He knows us better than we know ourselves. And, “He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.”* He is personally involved and guides us.
“Fear not…for I have called you by name; You are Mine.” Isaiah 43: 1
*Psalm 56:8, Luke 12:7, John 10:3
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