The Sarasota area offers no shortage of things to do, but sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most delightful. At Sun Served Bespoke Picnics, Founder Reni Papalexiou creates beautiful moments in the form of picnics, bespoke gifts and other experiences.

Sun Served offers curated picnics, gifts and activities that clients can purchase separately or together. She works with clients to craft a picnic that matches their unique needs. Clients can choose from Classic, Romantic or Hostess picnic options, or collaborate with Reni during the design process with the Curate-a-Picnic option. Each picnic features different elements, like grazing boxes or LED candles. Similar to picnics, Sun Served offers in-room services for special indoor occasions, like a spa day or romantic evening. To further enhance the picnic experience, clients can add on activities like yoga, sound meditation, spray tans, mini facials and even a private boat ride. “It’s not only the idea of creating, designing and curating memorable and unique experiences that leave a lasting impression,” says Reni, “but it’s also about elevating the moment.” She’s hosted proposals, birthday parties, baby showers and even micro weddings, and prides herself on her work’s ability to serve clients, including companies looking to add a twist to their corporate events.

Along with the picnics and experiences, Sun Served sells bespoke gifts, which Reni makes every effort to hand deliver to each recipient. Clients can also add gifts as part of a picnic. The gift line includes everything from flower boxes to custom favors and keepsakes. Reni sources from local vendors whenever possible and works with her clients to select the perfect gift items, like get-well baskets featuring the recipient's favorite wine to the classic flowers and chocolate. “When you receive a gift, you know it wasn’t just from the shelf. You see the customization and personalization, and recognize that it was made specifically for you,” Reni adds.

In the future, Reni will be launching breakfast boxes and other exciting experiences. Whether you’re looking to plan a romantic beachside proposal or a girls’ night spa experience, Sun Served Bespoke Picnics has something in its basket for you.

To learn more, book a picnic or purchase a gift from Sun Served Bespoke Picnics, visit sunserved.com. 

Sun Served Bespoke Picnics curates special occasions, like beachside picnics or at-home spa days. Photo Courtesy of Sun Served Bespoke Picnics.

Sun Served Bespoke Picnics

The Women’s Resource Center presents “You Are Worthy,” an eight-week series moderated by Chris Florand and Denise Whalin. This in-person series is part of the Women’s Resource Center’s life enrichment programs. The program is $25 for all sessions and takes place at WRC’s Sarasota office at 340 S. Tuttle Ave. To register, please call (941)256-9721 or visit mywrc.org/youareworthy. In ou Are Worthy,Chris Florand and Denise Whalin will help participants develop improved self-confidence, assertiveness, boundary-setting, and negotiation skills. This program meets weekly, with each session focusing on developing self-awareness skills, the building block where real personal growth and power to change lives starts. Florand and Whalin help participants stop habits that hinder healthy self-esteem and replace self-defeating thoughts and behaviors with positive views. The YouAre Worthy two-hour workshops help attendees develop healthy actions and boundaries for an improved life experience. This program meets every Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and consists of eight weekly sessions starting on September 14. There is a $25 registration fee for all eight sessions. “As women we are often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities that come with those roles. This workshop focuses on gaining tools and coping mechanisms to ensure we are advocating and prioritizing our emotional health. By taking care of ourselves we are better equipped to deal with all the roles we play in our lives,” says Ashley Brown, CEO and president of the Women's Resource Center. 

Unleash your inner superstar as Hamlet’s Eatery launches their highly anticipated monthly Karaoke Nights! Starting this Friday, Aug 25th from 5-8pm, and every 4th Friday of the month will be filled with song, laughter, and unforgettable performances at Hamlet’s Eatery! Known for its delicious food and cool, casual vibes, Hamlet’s Eatery is taking the entertainment scene by storm by adding karaoke to its repertoire. The stage is set, the microphones are ready, and it's time to grab your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and prepare for an epic night of singing your heart out! Karaoke enthusiasts and shower singers alike are invited to join the festivities. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a nervous first-timer, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your talent or simply have a blast with friends. With a wide selection of songs ranging from classic hits to the latest chart-toppers, there's something for everyone to sing along to! "Karaoke was the number one requested thing to add to our Friday nights by our customers,” said owner Kim Livengood. "We wanted to create a space where people can come together, let loose, and have a fantastic time. We can't wait to see our guests dazzle us with their incredible performances!" So mark your calendars and prepare to hit the stage at Hamlet’s Eatery every 4th Friday of the month. We dare you to take the spotlight and become the star you were born to be! Hamlet’s Eatery is located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime at 821 Apricot Avenue in Sarasota. There is a covered patio for seating with plenty of fans. For more information, visit www.hamletseatery.com and follow them on Facebook @hamletseatery for the latest updates and song suggestions. It's time to unleash your inner diva and make your mark on the Hamlet’s Eatery stage!  

The Sarasota Concert Association announces its exciting 2024 Music Matinees concert series. Performances now take place at First Presbyterian Church, downtown Sarasota, at 2 p.m. These four FREE afternoon concerts showcase outstanding regional musicians performing a variety of musical styles. From classical to marimba, this concert series includes something for everyone. Scheduled this season: Corda Voce; Wednesday, January 10, at 2 p.m. Jenny Kim-Godfrey and Dr. Jonathan Godfrey form the soprano and classical guitar duo known as Corda Voce (Cor-da VO-chay - Italian for "string voice"). Since 2015 they have intertwined the influences of cabaret, classical, jazz, and popular music to create a program that has delighted audiences. Sarasota Opera Studio Artists; Friday, February 23, at 2 p.m. The Sarasota Opera’s Studio Artists is a select and auditioned group of emerging artists who perform in mainstage productions by understudying principal roles and performing supporting roles, gaining valuable experience in the process. With dozens of roles needing understudies each season, the Studio Artists often step in to substitute for an ill or injured principal, sometimes with little notice. Modern Marimba; Wednesday, March 6, at 2 p.m. Modern Marimba, founded by Tihda Vongkoth and Steph Davis, has celebrated three seasons of virtual and in-person concert programs that celebrate the true diversity of music. Sarasota Piano Trio; Wednesday, April 17, at 2 p.m. The Sarasota Piano Trio features pianist Jesse Martins, violinist Milene Moreira and cellist Nadine Trudel. Praised for their interesting programming and expressive playing, they perform a mix of well-known as well as rarely heard classical repertoire. The concerts are free but pre-registration is required and available 30 days before each concert at SCAsarasota.org, or through our box office at (941) 966-6161. Attendees can reserve up to two tickets per matinee performance. Please note our new time and location: Performances now take place at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, downtown Sarasota, at 2 p.m. The Sarasota Concert Association 2024 Music Matinee Series is generously sponsored by The Exchange and BayFirst. 

Pictured: Jenny Kim-Godfrey and Dr. Jonathan Godfrey form Corda Voce. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens recently welcomed Dr. Uzi Baram as Director of Public Archaeology. In this role, Baram’s focus is the interpretation and representations of the archaeological and cultural histories at Selby Gardens’ two campuses. There is a robust heritage across the region and, significantly, the Historic Spanish Point campus preserves a very ancient monument and evidence of the ancient peoples who lived by Little Sarasota Bay. Baram will manage the archaeological resources and guide educational efforts to better connect people with the region’s history, one of the pillars of Selby Gardens’ mission. Awarded the 2019 Archaeological Conservancy Award by the History and Preservation Coalition of Sarasota County, Dr. Baram taught for 25 years at New College of Florida, where he was a professor of anthropology and created and directed New College’s Public Archaeology Laboratory. Baram’s professional career has focused on exposing and documenting local history through community-based projects. Much of his work has concentrated on nearly erased history in Manatee and Sarasota counties.Baram is best known locally for the community-based effort that revealed the early 19th-century settlement of Angola, a maroon community of people of African heritage along the Manatee River. Other public archaeology projects he has organized include archaeology at Philippi Estate Park, educational programs on the Cuban fishing ranchos of Florida’s Gulf coast, and surveys of the Rosemary and Galilee cemeteries in Sarasota. These projects included field work, research, scientific publications, lectures, tours, documentaries, and educational materials for use in local schools. Beyond his Florida research, Baram is known for his work in the eastern Mediterranean and for understanding archaeology as heritage. He has published four edited volumes, written dozens of academic articles and book chapters, and lectured extensively on the social significance of heritage. Baram expects to use the same community-based focus in his work at Selby Gardens. “Uzi brings a wealth of knowledge and a practice of engagement that is essential to understanding and preserving our regional history,” said John McCarthy, Selby Gardens’ vice president for regional history.Baram earned his master’s and doctorate in Anthropology from University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He received his bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from State University of New York at Binghamton. Baram has lived in Sarasota since 1997, where he raised three children. His family has enjoyed both the Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point campuses of Selby Gardens for many years. 

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) has been named in Forbes’ fifth annual list of America’s “Best-in-State” employers. Forbes, in partnership with research company Statista, evaluated over 2 million employer recommendations from employees working at large companies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. On Tuesday, Forbes published its list of 1,392 Best-in-State Employers. Of 90 companies listed in Florida, SMH ranks #4, sharing the top tier with NASA, Google, Microsoft and Costco. Forbes and Statista ranked companies after surveying 70,000 workers at companies (minimum 500 employees) representing 25 industries across the United States. They were asked to rate their employer overall and in categories such as work environment, gender pay equity, opportunities for career advancement, pride in the company’s services and more. David Verinder, president and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, credits the health system’s deep roots in the community and shared mission of its team. “Our extraordinary leaders and staff, and longstanding public mission, truly set us apart,” Verinder said. “Sarasota Memorial has cared for this community for nearly a century. There is a sense of pride and community ownership here that has endured through decades and continues to inspire us today.” Sarasota Memorial’s ranking comes on top of a growing list of national accolades, including multiple “Best Hospital” rankings and ratings from U.S. News & World Report, continuous 5-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Magnet designation for 20 consecutive years and counting, and repeated recognition on Newsweek’s list of the “World’s Best Hospitals” to name a few. Founded in 1925, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is Sarasota County’s largest employer, with nearly 10,000 employees supporting the care of more than 1 million patient visits each year at its flagship 901-bed hospital in Sarasota, 110-bed hospital in Venice and expansive network of outpatient and urgent care centers and medical practices spanning the Suncoast. Forbes and Statista Inc. Best-in-State Employers list was announced on Aug. 22, 2023, and can currently be viewed on the Forbes website at https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-by-state/?sh=6408cfc01983