Ian Swaby

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

Building a doll collection wasn't something Jennifer Joseph began intentionally. When she was a young adult, she would often buy dolls as mementos, from places she visited, and although she had the idea of a collection in her mind, it ultimately came together of its own accord. While she bought many of the dolls herself, her family, friends and students she worked with all contributed.

2 weeks ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

When Marc Tuchman, owner of 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop, started a weekly run club three and a half years ago, it drew just 14 participants. That was a stark contrast with the sea of runners that headed in unison down a block of 2nd Street the evening of June 4, to the music of a DJ, in celebration of Global Running Day. Tuchman said most recently, the club has been averaging about 200 to 225 participants. “Did I ever think it would be that big? Never," he said.

3 weeks ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

After graduating Riverview High School, 19-year-old Branson Rudeen couldn't find a field in college he felt comfortable entering. Yet his grandfather owned a clothing store and retail business, while his father Brad Rudeen entered the business of homebuilding directly out of high school and has started several small businesses. “I don't work for other people, very few of those jobs, so he's seen that growing up, and he wants to take that opportunity himself,” Brad said.

3 weeks ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

Although the weather was stormy the morning of June 2, with a pool closure at the Sarasota City YMCA branch, there was still a sweet spot as summer camp began. The branch launched its traditional camp and aquatics summer camps with a pancake breakfast for families, which preceded a schedule of activities revised to suit the weather. Andrew Frazier, who manages the summer camps, said it was the first time for the breakfast to kick off camp.

3 weeks ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

During her time at Booker High School, Marisa Von Bender was involved in numerous programs. Among them are College for Every Student, the Technology Student Association, the National Honor Society and the student government association, and she has been captain of her volleyball team and team manager for the school's wrestling program. "All I can say really, is join every program there, you never know the connections you'll make," she said.