Real Talk

Salena Wilhoit and Sheryl Vieira share thoughts on the community, good deeds and important things big and small.

In Search of Good Health

It’s taken us several years and much trial and error, but we’ve finally discovered that the objective to a “healthy lifestyle” really is balance – that precious ‘middle ground.’

We love this simple healthy resolution to kick-off the New Year: 

Make an appointment with yourself, or with a loved one, to achieve a realistic approach. Schedule and document an achievable goal – striving to balance your career, relationships, a healthy diet, fitness, your faith, family and friends. The simple step of taking action automatically initiates this healing transition. Namaste!

On Being a Gentleman 

They say that chivalry is dead, but we choose not to accept this unfortunate urban myth. So just what does it mean to be a gentleman in today’s complex society? Given its definition – a civilized, educated, sensitive, well-mannered man – you would think that most men would aspire to be a gentleman.

Take the simple practice of holding a door open for a lady. More than likely, we believe this behavior might be taught through example by a dad, and also through the loving guidance of a mom. Thankfully, we both have observed mannerly men in action on many occasions so we know these rare creatures still do exist. However, we’ve also seen the opposite too many times. So, men, if you missed the manners lesson along the way, it’s not too late for you to develop the gallant behavior we ladies love. We have faith that our men will embrace chivalry once again, just as we’ve once again embraced 80’s fashion!

Honoring Philanthropy

Her heart is big, warm and giving. Giving back to her community is something that was instilled in Tammy Karp by her parents, who were always donating, contributing, participating and making a difference – a practice she hopes to continue for generations to come. Tammy and her husband, Richard, moved to Sarasota in 1993 from Atlanta, Georgia, following her parents here. Tammy believes it is Sarasota that has the big, loving heart, and she is simply amazed at the outpouring of kindness and the response by the community to people in need.

Tammy first started giving back when she got involved with Southeastern Guide Dogs. Aside from the great joy it brought to her and her family, she was able to assist others by raising three puppies. Her first puppy, Cookie, was bestowed the highest honor of becoming a breeder. She whelped 21 puppies over three years and is now retired, living a much-deserved life of luxury in her home. Her second puppy, Nala, is a guide dog for a blind and deaf woman. Her third, appropriately named Karma, is a canine companion for a 10-year-old-boy who is blind. What a blessing for her, and the dogs, as well as the people the pups assisted!

Tammy’s giving extends beyond Guide Dogs as she is getting more and more involved with other organizations. She has co-chaired the Blue Ties and Butterflies Gala benefiting Child Protection Center, and is co-chairing the upcoming From Darkness to Light Luncheon benefiting Selah Freedom. Both of these organizations deal with very troubling subject matters that many want to turn away from because of the uncomfortable issues at their core. Her personal mission is to bring these important issues out into the open because only then can these problems be solved.

Her grace, passion, stamina and wit are just some of the amazing qualities that make us all proud to know her.  We think EVERYONE in Sarasota attended the annual AJC 2016 Civic Achievement Award Dinner honoring Emily Walsh, Publisher of The Observer Media Group.

Interestingly enough, Michael’s On East co-owner Phil Mancini had to talk the modest Emily into accepting such a prestigious award. Michael’s On East ballroom was completely transformed into a true winter wonderland thanks to the outstanding talent of Roger Capote and the support of Flori Roberts, Emily’s favorite grandmom-preneur. Emily’s father, Observer Group CEO Matt Walsh, her mom, Lisa, and other family and friends were on hand, along with Emily’s young son, Rhys, who wore an adorable bowtie, just like his proud grandfather wears all the time.

The brainchild of this always-popular event, the lovely Jaymie Klauber, co-owner of Fete Catering and the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch, was in attendance, and was properly thanked for her vision and creative talent. An impressive half a million dollars was raised that evening.

“We aspire to live in a society which doesn’t simply tolerate diversity but welcomes it, seeing it as a vital component of who we are as a nation.”

AJC, the leading global Jewish organization, is currently celebrating its 110th year, with offices in the US and abroad and partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide. They work to enhance the well-being of all people and also work to advance human rights and democratic values for all.

Executive Director Brian Lipton has been with AJC since 2007 and graciously shared an enduring quote he heard twelve days earlier from David Harris, AJC’s CEO. “We aspire to live in a society which doesn’t simply tolerate diversity but welcomes it, seeing it as a vital component of who we are as a nation.”  Very pertinent with today’s on-going riots and killings, which now seem to be an everyday normalcy.

After she was presented with her award, Emily thanked those in attendance and shared how she aligns with AJC, standing up and fighting for human rights and freedoms, and that it is our guiding voice for a more peaceful future, especially for the hopes of her child.

Did you do a RAOK today?

A RAOK is a “random act of kindness” – a selfless act performed by kind people to help or cheer up a stranger, for no reason other than to make that person happy. Whether spontaneous or planned, RAOKs make others feel as if they matter, and encourages brotherly love. A RAOK, ultimately, is a generosity of spirit – a guideline for behaving with deep consideration gracefully and well. Let’s celebrate the joy of living by passing on a random act of kindness and help make the world a better place.