Fear of death entails many things, not the least of which being the loss of a lifetime’s worth of experience and gathered wisdom, of love and things unsaid. With the opening of Your Living Memories, personal historian Curt Werner wants to help aging area residents preserve these thoughts, memories and stories for posterity with all the professional presentation and polish they deserve.

A retired journalist, Werner spent 25 years traveling and writing for national trade publications before retiring in 2006 and pivoting to work in assisted and senior living communities in Sarasota, ostensibly in sales and marketing but in close contact with the residents nonetheless. “I heard all these interesting stories,” Werner recalls, “but what could I do with them? Everybody’s got an important life and it’s a matter of exposing that.” He wasn’t about to write a book, but knew he’d hit on something.

The answer manifested in Your Living Memories, opened two months ago and offering Werner’s talents as a journalist towards the creation of personal histories. Projects vary, but all begin with a free and casual one-hour consultation at a small café where he and the client can chat, "to build trust,” says Werner. From there, it’s up to the client’s wishes, whims, imagination and pocketbook. Some want their whole family’s history in a book; others are looking for a simple transcribed interview touching on key points and ideas that they want to preserve. Still others can opt for a full multimedia presentation with video and recorded interviews. No matter the package, the end result is a personal historical artifact beyond the conventional scrapbook and heirloom in the making.

Prices can range from $100 to $10,000, but Werner points out that, in addition to each representing sometimes months of interviewing and writing and editing, each also represents something overlooked while present, but priceless once lost.

“People wait too long—they wait until their parents can’t, until they’re gone,” says Werner. Even though it’s the older population who feels the urgency to preserve their thoughts, it’s the next generation, he says, that will benefit. “I wish I had my dad’s audio, his video,” he continues wistfully. “But I don’t.” 

Trash your bland Cheerios and wimpy Wheaties—a better breakfast breaks through the cereal chatter at Buddy Brew Coffee Shop in the form of their hand-held veggie breakfast burrito. Prepared next door at Louie's Modern and panini-pressed to cheesy, melty perfection behind the coffee bar, this isn't your run-of-the-mill, government-issued Tex-Mex brekky. A fat wrap containing scrambled eggs, sautéed zucchini chunks, sweet onions and sliced red peppers along with roasted salty potatoes and a healthy portion of light cheese keep your energy levels running strong from your first mouthful until hours into a productive afternoon. On your way out, try the summer special Cold Brew Float—balancing out the savory burrito meal with a shot of house-made caramel sweet.  

Buddy Brew, 1289 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-374-7186.

An independent private foundation, The Grainger Foundation has donated $5,000 to Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART) in support of their mission of enriching the lives of people with special needs through therapeutic horse-related programs. SMART has been in operation for nearly 30 years and currently serves more than 650 children and adults with special needs in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy

An Excellence Award was given to London Bay Homes at the recent 2016 Southeast Building Conference Excel Awards competition for its marketing campaign that successfully increased awareness of and visitors to The Founders Club. The luxury homebuilder also received the award for Best Magazine Ad, along with its contributing partner, Walker Brands. 

London Bay Homes

Attorney J. Allison Archbold with law firm of Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, P.A., has been chosen to serve a four-year term on the Cornell University Council. A member of the Cornell Club of Sarasota-Manatee since 2008, Archbold has served as its Vice President and Secretary. The Council Membership Committee annually reviews nominations received from council members, deans, and staff and then makes recommendations to the board of trustees. 

Fergeson Skipper

In this month's second feature, Headed South, contributor Michael Adno explores the intricacies of the players controlling the fate of the Everglades. Between the Big Sugar industry, politicians and the general populous, the region is facing dark times, with algal blooms bringing toxic green waves farther and farther up the coast. Find out what is (and isn't) being done to save the shores in this issue.  

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