SO Yourtowns 03.25.26

A spotlight for lives well lived

In 2025, a group of seniors had the unexpected chance to become first-time authors with the publication of "Joyful Journeys (Vol. 1)," published by Ibis Books for Senior Friendship Centers.

However, there are still more voices to be heard with the release of “Joyful Journeys (Vol. 2.)," which features the work of 11 local authors from the Senior Friendship Centers' Gussin Center for Creative Writing.

The organization celebrated the publication of the book, made possible by the 10-week writing course in which participants produced the stories, with an event on March 19 that included live readings. 

The book features pieces by Janice Boring, Sally Coler, Valerie diLorenzo, Christine Felton, Silvia Flores, Al Mahan, Robyn Bishop-Marin, Nancy Pisano, Par Reid, Dar Sery and Virginia Stephens.

It is dedicated to the memory of Tom Stanley (1947–2025), a devoted participant in the writing sessions.

The book can be purchased from JasonCannon.Art/IbisBookShop or Amazon.com.

Breaking the fourth wall

Drama Kids of Sarasota and Manatee Counties decided to break a barrier in March.

Walls began coming down inside the for-profit children's theater at 383 Interstate Boulevard, as the studio added an additional unit, increasing the size from 2,160 square feet to 3,240 square feet.

Co-director and co-owner Andrew Berent says the expansion will allow the space to serve growing enrollment and production needs. He said the process was "obviously busy and a lot of work," but that families and were impressed by the results.  

"They walk in and their eyes go wide and they go, 'Oh my gosh, this is so much bigger and more comfortable, and we're super excited about all the things that are happening here.' It's that same feeling of just going, 'Oh, wow, we can do so much more now," he said. 

He says the theater area is now 50% larger, able to hold between 80 and 90 seats, with 54 feet of width for performing instead of 35, while there is an expanded backstage space and lobby area.