text: Originally from Anderson, Ind., Theresa worked for The Herald-Bulletin for many years. After experiencing a winter with 53 inches of snow, her late husband asked her to get a job in Florida, and they headed south. Well known in the area, Theresa worked with The Daily Sun and The Daily Commercial prior to joining Akers. “I finally have my dream job. I’ve wanted to work for a magazine since I was a teenager, and I’m very excited to be here,” Theresa says. “There is such positive energy at Akers that it’s infectious.” Theresa has three grown daughters—Julia lives in San Francisco, Emily is in Seattle, and Maria in Orlando.	
  In the Kitchen: ‘Slice of Americana’
  Leesburg Watermelon Festival was popular summertime attraction for three decades. Savoring refreshing, chilled slices of juicy watermelon is a great way to stay hydrated and cool on a hot summer day, and it’s no wonder in tropical regions around the…
  Healthy Inspiration: “Trance” formation
  Titanic victim probes depths of mind to uncover past life experiences and lead those hurting to present-day solutions. Photo: Nicole Hamel Sarah Riley’s fear of deep water caused her to feel moments of severe anxiety, and she didn’t know why. …
  A vital need
  Villagers for Veterans’ big project: building a transition home for female veterans in Lake County. Villagers for Veterans continues to do more than its name implies since being formed in 2015 as a nonprofit to raise funds to help severely…
  Meet a Villager: Coloring his world
  Longtime sports fan delights in sketching, giving away his portraits of athletes. Photos: Nicole Hamel Rich Sobieray, 81, lights up as he reminisces in the “memory room” of his villa home, filled with a wide array of sports memorabilia, including…
  In the Kitchen: Now that’s Italian!
  Passion and creativity are favorite ingredients of kitchen magician Roberto Manco. Photos: Nicole Hamel Naples, Italy native Roberto Manco cherished learning to make cannoli, cakes, and pastries at the Bellavia bakery where his father worked, and he also savored…
  Spirits: Going tropical
  Kalua Beach Bar provides ideal setting to chill and savor a Rum Runner, Tropical Tease, Blue Lagoon, and other drinks. Photos: Nicole Hamel Kalua Beach Bar’s cool lakeside vibe offers the idyllic, picture-perfect ambiance to enjoy a cocktail or fruity…
  Social Spotlight: Art with purpose
  Studio Art Farm’s gallery, paintings, classes focused on helping ‘earth-bettering’ charities for a more peaceful planet. Photos: Nicole Hamel Painting and rescuing animals have become a passion for animal activists and artists PJ Svejda and German Lemus, who opened…
  Person of Interest: Chad Weber
  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman and public information officer serves 11 counties. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats 38 years old. Lives in Leesburg. Born in Minnesota. Served with the U.S. Marines. Employed with FWC for 12 years. Proud…
  My First Time: Ed Augustyn
  A $50 dare led to worldwide adventure as cruise ship dance host. Photo: Nicole Hamel It happened on a dare to be a volunteer dance host on cruise ships. A bunch of us were out on a five-day Western Caribbean…
  Local Talent: Cassie Dandridge Selleck
  Leesburg native’s first novel has been optioned into a movie by BCDF Pictures. Photo: Anthony Rao Author Cassie Dandridge Selleck is living a writer’s dream: to pen a popular book that comes to life on the big screen. BCDF Pictures…