Her father was an attorney who saw no benefit in her desire to attend Carnegie Mellon’s theater school. She then followed in his footsteps and became an attorney, and early in her career, moving on to becoming a judge. For many years, Patricia sat as a Family Court Judge, which she says was an absolute privilege. She did not give up the theater dream, and did community theater in Western New York right until she moved to Florida.

Patricia’s three grown children all live in New York State and never cease to amaze her in how they handle life’s challenges and remain kind, respectful, and compassionate people. “I can think of no greater joy than knowing my children think of others in everything they do,” she says.

Her “retired life” is here in Venice. Patricia and her husband moved permanently at the end of 2022, but she’s far from retired, as she found a new theater home at Lemon Bay Playhouse. 

Patricia says, “It’s my honor to be serving as President and cannot wait for the community to see what we have in store. I also concentrate my law practice on representing Tribal Courts in New York State, developing and enhancing tribal court systems, and furthering education on the Indian Child Welfare Act. Corner me anytime and I will tell you all about it.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I do not really believe anything is perfect; too subjective. To me happiness is being thankful and comfortable with the life you are living.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is that no one will remember where I am buried. Should give you an insight into my need to always have an audience, even in death!

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Deplore is too strong. Let’s say I am terribly frustrated that people do not share their talents and time with others, especially with those who are in need.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Anyone who has seen my shoe collection knows this answer, although Disney is a close second.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

If I told you what I most dislike about my appearance, I’d call attention to it, nope!

Which living person do you most admire?

Not just one, there are three, my kids who are genuinely great human beings.

Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.

The post From the Bench to the Stage: How a Former Judge Found a New Act at the Lemon Bay Playhouse appeared first on Englewood Review.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast stands out as the leading mentoring group in Southwest Florida, working with kids ages 6 to 18. They’re not just matching mentors and mentees; they’re building relationships that help young people to reach their potential.

Their programs cover both community-based mentoring, where matches spend time together outside of school, and site-based mentoring, happening right in the classroom. They’ve also added specialized programs like Reading Buddies, Bigs with Badges, and Big Futures. These initiatives focus on literacy, connecting youth with law enforcement, and guiding teens toward college, careers, or service.

Every year, over 1,600 kids get paired with mentors. The results speak for themselves: every graduating senior continues their education, joins the military, or heads straight into the workforce. That’s a 100% success rate. Their work has earned them recognition as a National Agency of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

It’s About Transforming Lives Across Our Community

When you talk with Kahdeja Burroughs and Melissa Nelson from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, it’s clear this organization isn’t just about pairing adults with children. It’s about building genuine relationships, ones that can quietly transform lives across our community.

For Kahdeja, the best moments in her role as mentor manager usually sneak up quietly: maybe a child’s nerves melt away as they meet their mentor, or a volunteer’s awkward smile shifts to laughter once they realize they belong. 

Kahdeja’s busy days include community outreach where she recruits, interviews, conducts background checks, and strives to make ideal matches. “It covers everything,” she says, and there’s an easy humor in her voice. “I look at personalities, strengths, creative or academic abilities, life stories. I try to match kids with the right person, but I also look for a real willingness from the child. You can’t make them want a mentor. If a parent wants it for the child, but the kid doesn’t, I have to say, ‘I can’t force it.’ These relationships have to be real.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast runs both site-based and community-based programs, either meeting at school weekly or going out for activities. Kahdeja adapts her approach, but always keeps the child’s comfort at the center. “It’s up to the child to build that relationship. If they’re not interested, I can’t push it,” she says. “But honestly, nine times out of ten, our team prepares families so well that most kids are open and ready.” When things click, Kahdeja sees change ripple out, not just for the kids, but for families and volunteers, too. “It’s a beautiful thing,” she says, and you can feel her pride.

The real magic, both Kahdeja and regional program director Melissa Nelson agree, is in those unpredictable little milestones. Sometimes, a volunteer calls months into a match, almost in disbelief, to share that their mentee just said, “I love you” for the first time. Or it shows up in a quiet boost to a child’s confidence, a happier report card, or a burst of excited storytelling. Kahdeja checks in every month, sometimes at school, sometimes with a phone call home, making sure the right support is always in place, and nothing falls through the cracks.

For Melissa, the art of matching, getting the right mentor with the right kid, is the heart of the work. “When it works, you just know,” she says. “You see them walk out together laughing, and you can tell they’ll do well.” She gets to watch both mentors and kids thrive, knowing the support doesn’t fade after the first meeting. “It takes patience. We have a waiting list because we don’t just fill spots. We want these relationships to last,” she says. The current waitlist stands at 175 kids in Charlotte County, mostly boys, which means they urgently need male mentors and women comfortable working with boys.

After 14 years, Melissa finds joy and passion in training mentor managers like Kahdeja and watching the lasting impact of strong matches. “That’s what keeps us all motivated,” she says. “We share stories with each other to remind ourselves why we’re here.” For Kahdeja, those stories are enough: hearing a shy kid open up, or learning about why someone wants to volunteer, or witnessing even tiny steps of growth. “I love hearing their stories and figuring out what makes them tick. Watching a connection build; it never gets old.”

At Big Brothers Big Sisters Sun Coast, the proof is in the little things: trust earned, laughter shared, the kind of change that happens slowly but sticks for life.

BBBS is always looking for more mentors, especially men. If you have an hour a week and a willingness to show up, you could be the person who helps a child see new possibilities. For details about volunteering or enrolling a child, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters Sun Coast’s website at bbbssun.org or call 941-473-4003. Sometimes, all a kid needs is someone in their corner to remind them it’s still okay to just be a kid.

At its core, this organization empowers youth facing tough circumstances, with many coming from single-parent families. Through mentorship, they give young people the tools and encouragement to thrive. On Mother’s Day, it feels right to honor them, and all the people helping to guide, support, and believe in the next generation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast 

Family Services Center,
21500 Gibraltar Dr,
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Port Charlotte: (941) 764-5812
Englewood: (941) 473-4003

The post Beyond Mentorship: How Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast is Building Brighter Futures and Strengthening Families this Mother’s Day appeared first on Englewood Review.

There comes a point when holding it all together as a mom feels almost like a superpower. And the secret weapon? Carving out that small slice of time that’s just for you. Think of it as pressing pause: go book that spa day, sneak off to a movie all alone, or stretch it all out in a yoga class. The daily, never-ending to-do list piles on the chaos. Yet giving yourself “mommy time” isn’t selfish; it’s the best gift you can give to yourself and to your children. 

What’s Hiding Under the Cape?

Motherhood is the closest thing we have to being a real-life Wonder Woman. Every day, moms tackle a to-do list that would flatten lesser mortals. Raising another human, hoping you’re guiding them toward their best self, that’s the hardest, most humbling job. Layer on top of that: running a business, being a partner, and still trying to save a little space for yourself. That’s the Super Mom tightrope.

And the statistics drive the point home. Around 23% of children in the U.S. are being raised by a single parent, which is the highest rate globally. According to census estimates, single mothers head between 8.2 and 15 million families. That’s 80% of single-parent families. Nearly one in four children live without their father present. It’s not just the “Super Mom” cape these women pull on; all too often, they’re having to step up as “Super Dad” too.

Moms Don’t Get Sick Days

There’s this unspoken rule: moms don’t get to call in sick. We’re the ones who keep things running. If we tap out, who steps in? 

Many mothers fantasize about a world where we get a few official sick days to just crash in bed, the way the rest of society does. When the kids are down with a fever, we pile on the TLC: chicken soup, cozy pajamas, cuddles galore. After the children recover, moms are exhausted and then have to catch up on everything they missed. And when the bug finally lands on mom, there’s no pause button.

Mary* remembers one brutal week many years ago. The stomach bug hit. Two kids, one after another, all throwing up. She cleaned up every mess, comforted each child, night after night. Day four, they were finally better. And then it happened: Mary’s stomach started churning. Eleven at night, sick as a dog, she ended up curled next to the toilet till dawn. 

At 6 a.m., she was back at it, sewing a costume for her son’s Pre-K event. No rescheduling. The show always goes on.

Holidays: Every Mom’s Kryptonite

Every superhero has that one weakness. Superman has Kryptonite. For most moms, it’s the holiday season. This time of year, we’ve all felt our patience wearing thin. The pressure to plan festive family gatherings, manage menus, find the perfect gifts, and keep up with work and school parties is endless. We spend weeks prepping, and too often, we’re so caught up making everything magical for everyone else that we barely get to enjoy it ourselves.

So once again, here’s a good mantra: make space for yourself. Take a break: spa, movie, yoga, whatever lets you breathe. Remind yourself, this is a present to you. And you deserve it, just as much as anyone else under your roof.

The “Super Mom” Trap: Myth or Goal?

Let’s get real. The whole Super Mom thing doesn’t exist. The idea itself can be damaging. Every Mother’s Day, we get bombarded with cards, ads, and social posts celebrating moms who “do it all.” The myth says we have to juggle flawless careers, spotless homes, and the emotional lives of everyone in the family, all while showing up smiling and looking put-together. No wonder so many women end up burnt out, stressed, invisible even to themselves.

Social media only throws gasoline on the fire. Every scroll through Instagram shows picture-perfect parenting; kids in matching outfits, gourmet snacks lined up, not a LEGO out of place. But behind it all, there’s so much unseen mess. 

The truth is, no one has it all together, and even when it looks like they do, there’s often a whole team helping behind the scenes.

What Really Keeps Moms Going?

So what actually works? Dropping the unreasonable standards. The most resilient mothers don’t try to tick every single box. Nobody’s baking organic muffins every day or keeping up with every themed activity. Good moms draw a line and know that being “good enough” beats striving for impossible perfection.

Asking for help matters. The “do it all alone” ideal sets women up to fail. True strength? Reaching out to your spouse, your parents, a neighbor, or hiring help if you can swing it.

Making self-care a regular thing, not a once-a-year afterthought, keeps you in the game mentally and emotionally. And those heroic moments we like to romanticize? Sometimes the real heroism is just getting through another day, messy and exhausting as it is.

Can We Rewrite the Story?

Lately, some Mother’s Day coverage is trying to shift gears. The goal isn’t to find the “Super Mom” but to show more grace, highlight the need for rest, and push for real mental health support. Anthropologists even have a word for the identity shift that comes with motherhood: matrescence. It’s a real transformation, as big and bumpy as puberty, and you need to give yourself the same space to grow.

Anthropologist Dana Raphael and Dr. Athan coined the phrase “matrescence.” Similar to adolescence, it brings identity shifts nobody really warns you about. So it’s okay to be changed, but don’t let your old self vanish. Keep the parts you love. Try new things. Redefine what “mom” means for you.

No One Is Perfect, and That’s Fine

We all strive to be the textbook mom: baking, crafting, leading brain-boosting games, all while looking great doing it wearing a size 2. But being a “super mom” is a myth. The pressure comes from everywhere: society, family, social media, even ourselves.

For generations, women have been trained to take on every role seamlessly. Ignore your own needs. Swallow exhaustion. Don’t complain. But that ideal is not just outdated, it’s unhealthy. We all have limits, and clinging to perfection is a road straight to burnout. Social media only makes it worse, with never-ending feeds of tidy houses, perfect families, smiling moms. But behind each photo, there are struggles. Pain you can’t see.

Motherhood is massive; it changes everything about you. But you’re still you. 

Own Your Story

Maybe you bounced back fast after the baby; maybe you’re still trying to find your groove. Some things will be easy for you; others will be hard. That doesn’t make you a bad mom. Own your feelings, the good and the tough ones. No mom always feels blissful. Most of our moments are a blend, not one or the other.

Change the Narrative

Let’s stop pretending and start showing what motherhood actually looks like, flaws, mess, and all. Pushing ourselves beyond what’s healthy isn’t noble, it’s destructive. Let’s stop rewarding burnout and highlight what matters: resilience, resourcefulness, and honesty. And yes, asking for and accepting help.

Because believe it or not, your kids already see you as their hero. They’re not measuring you by the meal plan, your body, or the smudges on the walls. They want your time, your love, your presence. Be their role model, but don’t lose yourself in the process. No one, not even the “perfect” Instagram mom, gets it right all the time.

Stop comparing, give yourself grace, and remember, the kids who matter most already think you’re super. That’s all that counts.

*Names have been changed.

The post Not All Heroes Wear Capes, But They Do Need a Spa Day appeared first on Englewood Review.

In our May 8, 2026, edition, we’re spotlighting our incredible Super Moms, chatting with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, and diving into the life of local adventurer Chuck Uselmann. That’s just the start. This issue has all kinds of fascinating stories plus the best events calendar around, so you’ll always know what’s going on.

We have another update; our office hours have shifted. Now, we’re open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Fridays. If you have news tips or information to share, stop by the office or send us an email at info@englewoodreview.com. We love hearing from you.

Did you know Englewood REVIEW has a weekly newsletter called “Thursday Bites”? It’s a weekly spotlight on Englewood’s food, arts and entertainment. Check it out every Thursday by signing up for our e-newsletters at EnglewoodReview.com. 

Got something on your mind? Want your opinion out there? The Englewood Review welcomes letters to the editor. You can submit them to michele@englewoodreview.com. We welcome every voice. Thanks for reading and staying connected with Englewood REVIEW.

Speaking of staying connected, did you know our beloved newspaper is truly a globetrotter? From sunny St. Thomas to Coco Cay to your local coffee shop, we love to share your photos as you read the REVIEW. We want to see where you’re taking us on your adventures. Snap a pic of yourself with the REVIEW in an exciting location, whether it’s by the beach, on a mountain hike, or even at a cozy café, and share it with us at info@englewoodreview.com or michele@englewoodreview.com.

The post The Englewood Review’s May Mix: Celebrating Moms, Mentors, and Monday-Thursday Office Hour Shifts appeared first on Englewood Review.

The impact proved fatal, as the cyclist died at the scene. What’s worse, after the crash, the van sped off, dragging the bike underneath as it left.

Not long after, investigators tracked the van to a home on Michigan Avenue. They seized the vehicle for forensic testing. Flinn eventually called 911 himself. He told dispatchers he’d found the bicycle wedged under his van at home. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, they saw the bike, just as he’d said. Flinn claimed he didn’t remember hitting anyone, but he admitted he didn’t stop to check or speak with anyone after the crash.

Authorities arrested Flinn for leaving the scene of a crash involving death. He’s now in the Charlotte County Jail, while the investigation continues.

The post Cyclist Killed in Deadly Englewood Hit-and-Run on San Casa Drive appeared first on Englewood Review.

The Englewood Farmers Market is located at Pioneer Plaza on Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday. Each week, they feature live music and spotlight a rotating group of local nonprofits. 

The atmosphere? Lively and welcoming. People wander with coffee in hand, music floats through the air, families and dogs take it all in beneath that warm spring Florida sunshine. Nothing beats starting your Thursday here. The early morning air, the buzz of Englewood waking up where it all comes together. Grab some homegrown food, support your neighbors, treat yourself to something fresh and handmade. Really, do yourself a favor and arrive hungry.

Local farmers bring in the freshest Florida produce. Fishermen set out wild-caught seafood caught just off our coast. Bakers fill tables with everything from crusty sourdough to gluten-free treats. You can try a little of everything, including international foods, handmade cheeses, jams, and coffee. Vendors line their booths with vibrant flowers, native plants, and even fruit trees. Music drifts through the plaza, adding to the energy and making every market morning feel like a celebration of the Englewood community.

People from all over the area show up to meet neighbors and friends, shop the market, and soak up the sunshine. It’s less an errand, more an experience, with a genuine connection to local food and the folks who produce it.

The Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset runs the market, and every penny they collect from vendor rentals goes right back into the community. When you visit or support the vendors, you’re helping Englewood thrive.

A Brief History of the Englewood Farmers Market

The Englewood Farmers Market started with Marie Laforge back in 2010. She wondered why Englewood didn’t have its own market. In early 2011, she joined forces with Ricardo Ruggiero and Mike Hutchinson to recruit the best vendors around, using the success of Mango Bistro as proof that Englewood could offer something special. That summer, Lee Perron jumped on board to help get things rolling.

Over dinner at Marie and Ricardo’s house, the group hashed out their plan. Lee Perron took on the manager’s role, Mike Hutchinson became treasurer, Marie Laforge handled marketing, and Ricardo Ruggiero took on information and tech. Within weeks, their ideas became reality, and the Englewood Farmers Market was born.

Fast forward to Fall 2021, when The Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset took over management and steered the market into its next chapter. Now they focus on four core values: nutritional health, education, sustainability, and a strong sense of community. You’ll find local and organic produce, baked goods, meats, seafood, dairy, herbs, prepared foods, honey, syrups, sauces, salsas, and more on the tables.

The mission: “We’re here to champion local Florida growers and agricultural producers, guided by four core values: nutritional health, education, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.”

They partner with groups that make a real impact: Englewood Community Care Clinic, Englewood Elementary School, the Florida Organic Growers Association, Helping Hand Food Bank, and St. David’s Food Pantry, just to name a few. The Englewood Community Redevelopment Agency also lends its support.

The market runs from October through May, then takes a break for the summer before returning in the fall. So come out and see for yourself why Englewood hosts the finest farmers market in Florida.

The Englewood Farmers Market at Pioneer Plaza, 335 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223. Open Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., October through May.

The post Heart of the Community: Why Englewood’s Market is the Ultimate Local Treasure appeared first on Englewood Review.

Inside, you’ll find an in-depth feature on Brian Faro, one of Englewood’s standout business leaders, an interview with Erik Groff where we chat about World Collage Day and The Englewood Center for the Arts new chapter, plus a story highlighting the energy of the Englewood Farmers Market, and so much more. There’s a solid roundup of upcoming local events, too. If you want to stay in the loop, pick up your copy today.

The post Englewood, It’s Here! The Latest Edition of Englewood REVIEW Has Hit the News Stands appeared first on Englewood Review.

From sunny St. Thomas to your local coffee shop, our beloved newspaper is truly a globetrotter. Just look at Manwela and Hans Picinich, who enjoyed their Englewood REVIEW while soaking up the sun during spring break in March 2026. That’s one well-traveled paper!

Now it’s your turn. We want to see where you’re taking the REVIEW on your adventures. Snap a pic of yourself with it in an exciting location, whether it’s by the beach, on a mountain hike, or even at a cozy café, and share it with us.

The post Join the Adventure: Show Us Your Englewood REVIEW Traveling the World appeared first on Englewood Review.

One of the highlights? The dogs. People bring their pups, and it adds a whole extra layer of charm to the place. 

That 9 a.m. start-time feels early, but there’s nothing like the quiet buzz of Englewood waking up, mingling with the scent of fresh coffee and baked goods. Come hungry, because the food’s irresistible. Grab something handmade, chat with a grower, and soak up the sunshine.

You’ll find the Farmers Market at Pioneer Plaza. Parking and traffic are easing up. If you haven’t been in a while, now’s the perfect time. 

Did you know that the Englewood Farmers Market is the only non-profit market on the block? Every week, they bring in live music and host local nonprofits. They’re open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., October through May, at 335 West Dearborn St., Englewood. 

Open every Thursday until the end of May, so there’s plenty of time to stop by. 

The post Where Food, Friends, and Furry Companions Meet: Englewood Farmers Market appeared first on Englewood Review.

Jimmy grew up in Athens, Greece and moved to Rotonda West in 1999. His family means everything to him: his wife, his son, and three precious grandchildren.

Jimmy has spent most of his life in the kitchen. From working in a breakfast and lunch spot in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to Waterford Golf Club in Venice. Now you’ll find Jimmy working tirelessly at Englewood’s Meals on Wheels, serving up meals and smiles.

If you ask Kathy Macklin, director of Englewood Meals on Wheels, she’ll tell you: “Jimmy is the heart of EMOW. He cares so much about our clients, our volunteers, and our mission.”

Jimmy’s philosophy is simple. He says, “If you believe in something that makes you happy, don’t wait until tomorrow. Do it now.” 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

To make someone else happy.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I don’t like to be negative.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I don’t like to be around negative people.

Which living person do you most admire?

My son.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Leaving my country and adopting a new country.

Which living person do you most despise?

A person who doesn’t care for others.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Qué será, será – Whatever will be, will be.

Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.

The post Meet the Man Behind the Meals: Jimmy Rabias Makes a Difference in Englewood appeared first on Englewood Review.