Venice, FL January 2019 by City Lifestyle

JANUARY 2019

PREMIERE ISSUE

LifestylePubs.com/Venice

MASTER STYLIST BUILDS NEW TEAM

THE TWIG PUTS FOSTER KIDS FIRST

NEIGHBORHOOD HOT SPOT IN PARADISE

It’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin. Whether you’ve had breast cancer surgery, skin cancer removal, a serious burn or catastrophic accident, the scars can be emotional as well as physical. So it’s good to know that David Yan, M.D., FACS, and Gulf Coast Medical Group Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery will focus on helping you rebuild your life and improve your self-image. A caring and dedicated specialist, Dr. Yan is experienced in treating complex cases. He also provides body contouring and a full range of nonsurgical services. To schedule an appointment, call 941-207-5355 or visit GulfCoastMedicalGroup.com. David Yan, M.D., FACS Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 8431 Pointe Loop Drive, Venice Employed Member of the Medical Staff at Venice Regional Bayfront Health

Your Isle of

Bliss! Toes in the sand, laughter with friends, vibrant downtown venues, and a sigh of relief that your only responsibility is choosing what to have for lunch. Village On The Isle is the ideal island retirement destination. Enjoy life surrounded by fun, friendship and fulfillment, plus the security of on-site health careâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for life.

Join us for an event or schedule a tour. Call 1-941-275-6509 or visit www.VillageOnTheIsle.com/bliss

920 Tamiami Trail South Venice, FL 34285

1-941-275-6509

www.VillageOnTheIsle.com/bliss

OIR #88005

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JANUARY 2019 PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Tony D'Souza | tony.dsouza@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tony D'Souza

Welcome to Venice Lifestyle

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Prion Photography

IT’S WITH GREAT HONOR THAT I PRESENT YOU WITH THE LAUNCH ISSUE OF VENICE LIFESTYLE. The past months have been an exciting whirlwind of connecting with our community to bring this issue to fruition. I am so proud of this first edition that was put together with hard work and love for our wonderful and caring hometown, Venice. Over the past 33 years, I have learned this community. I have met so many of you and heard firsthand about your work, your families, your passion for life. My dream has been to give back more, to tell your stories. After all, it’s small recompense for everything Venice and all of you have given me. It is my hope that Venice Lifestyle will be the place you go to when you want to learn more about Venice and our region. In this first issue, you will find stories about the people who make us who we are. Featured here are such local luminaries as Bob Vedder, who has been beautifying our

CORPORATE TEAM

downtown with flowers. Dianne Weed focuses on foster children with her nonprofit,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

The TWIG. Karen Sheppard is making waves with Ciao Bella, her newly opened salon.

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

And then there’s Mary Beth Hansen of Paradise Grill, who like so many of us is not here

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

just to worry about the bottom line but to thrive and give back.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

There were times when I doubted I would ever see this inaugural issue of Venice Lifestyle in print. And yet here we are, launching this new endeavor. Thank you for all of your support. I hope to be telling your stories for many years to come.

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Roseate Spoonbill

LifestylePubs.com/Venice

Proverbs 3:5-6 Venice Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the

sifting through Florida pond waters for

US Postal Service to some of the Venice areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and

breakfast at dawn.

magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications

advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Venice Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Rosa’s trainer keeps her young at heart

Rosa is one determined grandma. She’s not letting heart surgery keep her down. In fact, she’s already halfway through Sarasota Memorial’s Cardiac Rehab program at HealthFit. She’s regaining her stamina and learning to be more heart smart. Soon, Rosa can return to Tuesday afternoons with the ladies’ golf club. They’d better watch out. HealthFit is a unique healing space where our patients can safely recover from illness or injury with Medically Integrated Fitness. Cardiac Rehabilitation is one of over 70 specialized classes and programs.

smh.com/healing-spaces

INSIDE THE ISSUE JANUARY 2019

FEATURES 13 From Edgy to Elegant Teamwork in Style at Newly Opened Ciao Bella Salon

16 Flower Power Retired Publisher Beautifies Downtown Venice with Love and Flowers

24 Cheeseburgers in Paradise A Neighborhood Bar and Grill where Everyone Knows Your Name

34 Focused on Foster Care Kids A Local Nonprofit is Making a

13 24

Difference in the Lives of Children in Our Community

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Local Limelight

20 Open House 24 Hot Spot 28 Healthy Lifestyle 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice

GOOD TIMES 1.

Cards of Hope Angela Snyder, Lori Turkovics and Michelle Moore sponsored "Cards of Hope," a fundraiser requesting donations of $10 Target and Walmart gift cards to support The TWIG, a local nonprofit focused on foster care for kids.

1. Michelle Moore with Dianne Weed, Founder & Executive Director | 2. Linda Bradway, Karla Blake, Lori Turkovics | 3. Nicole Britton & Callie Cowan in front of the name wall of the children who have shopped there | 4. Debi & Randy Davidson, volunteers | 5. Kristen Folkers, volunteer from day one | 6. Admiring the donations: Diana Turkovics, Teresa Porter, Lori Turkovics, Elaine Barber, Vicki Connell

Allegro Bistro

1740 EAST VENICE AVE. | VENICE

(941) 484-1889 ALLEGRO-BISTRO.COM

ITALIAN - AMERICAN FUSION LIVE JAZZ

Mon, Tues, & Thurs Nights

OPEN MIC Wed Night

50’S/60’S LIGHT DANCE Fri & Sat Night

Happy Hour 4-6 Nightly 8

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

LUNCH SERVED Mon - Fri 11:30 am

“Experience great shopping, where shopping is a great experience” Pelican Cottage and The Flamingo’s Nest have combined and are now located under one colorful roof. Please stop by and visit our Key West inspired store, staffed with the same friendly people, and filled with the same fabulous furniture and accessories.

www.PelicansandFlamingos.com

758 S. Tamiami Trail

•

Osprey, Florida 34229 • 941•966•0600

AROUND TOWN of the cost of a traditional massage while remaining fully clothed. With the Therassage touchscreen, patients control the treatment area, pressure and speed and can choose from a variety of entertainment. Matthew Corn, DPT, GCS, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-certified

Geriatric

Physical

Therapist, 941.451.6691, mcorn@65pluswellness.com, 65PlusWellness.com

LONG-TIME VENICE RESIDENT EARNS FELLOWSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION Michael T. Hartley, CEO of DKE Inc., Comprehensive Wealth Counsel, was awarded the Advanced Certificate in Family Wealth Advising and honored as a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute at the 2018 FFI Global Conference in London. The certificates are presented to individuals who have achieved comprehensive professional knowledge and gained significant expertise that can be used as value to family business owners

BEACH LIFE BY TERRY TO HOST GRAND OPENING EVENT

and family wealth clients. FFI is an international pro-

Beach Life by Terry will celebrate its beginning

fessional membership organization of more than 1,800

in the community with a grand opening party on

individuals and organizations across 88 countries.

Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mimosas, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be offered, and everyone is invited. With an eclectic variety of handcrafted items, jewelry and other treasures, Beach Life by Terry displays owner Terry Magruder's knack for discovering the offbeat, chic and beautiful. "I have coastal life handcrafted items, and I work with local artisans," Terry says. Beach Life by Terry, 838 Pinebrook Road, Venice, 941.303.0970, BeachLifeByTerry.com

VENICE INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS EARNS PLATINUM SEAL OF TRANSPARENCY The Venice Institute for Performing Arts has earned the 2018 Platinum GuideStar Seal of Transparency,

PHYSICAL THERAPIST MATTHEW CORN ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE HYDROMASSAGE THERAPY

the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. By sharing metrics that highlight the progress VIPA is making toward its mission to sustain local arts through

Therassage, now offered by Matthew Corn of 65

innovative educational programs and inspire the com-

Plus, is a therapeutic massage therapy that uses power

munity with first-class entertainment, the Institute

jets to disperse waves of heated water. A recliner/lounge

is providing a wealth of up-to-date knowledge for its

chair offers greater comfort and improved positioning.

supporters. The Institute is the first nonprofit in the city

Patients will enjoy a rejuvenating massage for a fraction

of Venice to achieve this status.

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

509 N. Tamiami Trl., Venice, FL

Don’t Just Dream the Island Lifestyle...Live It! TRA PONTI VILLAGGIO 19 Luxury Single-family Courtyard Homes and 4 Luxury Waterfront Townhomes. Walk to downtown, theatre, shopping and dining. From the $700s.

PORTO VISTA CONDOMINIUMS

A proposed 40-unit Luxury Condominium pending City of Venice approval, offers breathtaking views of the Intracoastal plus great amenities. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf Marina.

ARCATA DEL SOL

Proposed 24 Single-family (1 and 2 story) Courtyard Homes pending City of Venice approval to be located on East Venice Avenue. Two-car garages and quaint courtyards are among the amenities.

CASSATA PLACE VILLAS

Proposed 26-Paired Villa Community pending City of Venice approval to be located along East Venice Avenue. Will feature 1,500 living sq. ft. 2B/2B, den, screened lanai and oversized 2-car garage.

Pro Group Realty and Property Management, LLC ProGroup-Realty.com • 941.786.9403 Prices, terms, and availability are subject to change. Floor plans, photographs, renderings, elevations and sizes are approximate for presentation purposes only and may vary. Photos by Victoria Dietz.

G EN

TION S of J A Z Z A ER

AZ Z

Main Stage Concerts

Featuring

Media

7 days 48 Events 110+ Musicians Hyatt Regency Hotel March 3-9

KEN PEPLOWSKi Music Director

with

Alejandro Arenas Shelly Berg Randy Brecker Bill Charlap Roxy Coss Mark Feinman Dick Hyman Aaron Johnson John Lamb John O’Leary Houston Person Randy Sandke Mary Stallings James Suggs Charles Turner U of Miami Big Band

140 West Venice Avenue Venice, Florida 34285 941.244.9054 eyesonyoueyewear.com

4 New “Themed” Afternoon Stages BLUES Selwyn Birchwood Betty Fox Lauren Mitchell CLASSIC Gene Bertoncini Katt Hefner Allan Vache’ CONTEMPORARY Marlon Boone Jeremy Carter Hiram Hazley

Visit Us Online

LATIN Thomas Carabasi Joe Delaney Frankie Pineiro

PLUS......A Workshop Production “Lil & Louis” an original play by Jo Morello

For tickets and information visit: https://www.sarasotajazzfestival.org

Keep up with us online when you are on the go. Past Issues

The Harold and Evelyn R. Davis Memorial Foundation

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

Venice L

Magazine

Current Articles

Business Directory

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LOCALLY OWNED

from edgy to elegant

Master stylist Karen Sheppard, owner of Ciao Bella Salon

TEAMWORK IN STYLE AT NEWLY OPENED CIAO BELLA SALON

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTINUED >

January 2019 | Venice Lifestyle

LOCALLY OWNED

(CON TI N U ED)

AT THE NEWLY OPENED CIAO BELLA SALON, OWNER AND MASTER STYLIST KAREN SHEPPARD HAS ASSEMBLED A DIVERSE TEAM AS PROFESSIONAL AND TALENTED AS SHE IS. Walking in the door, the client notices immediately the cleanliness, the fine touches of the decor, the glistening chandelier and flowers. Karen’s professionals are an advertisement to their own skills, stylish and trendy boasting truly stunning hair. The Ciao Bella team members’ personal images radiate their love for fashion and flair. “We all work together here. Every one of our stylists shines," Karen says. "Our image is casual elegance. Every client’s positive experience is our focus. We’re competitively priced and cater to everyone.” Ciao Bella’s new location is an airy, open space right off Tamiami Trail South with easy access, parking and close to the West Villages and other surrounding communities. Karen started her career in Maine, relocating to Florida 25 years ago. She has a stellar reputation and received many accolades, including several Best of Venice awards for Best Salon and Beauty Consultant, along with being one of Venice’s Top 40 Business Professionals. Karen welcomes everyone. “Have a cup of coffee, a glass of wine,” she says. “You can relax and let us create the most beautiful you.” Master Stylist Joe Zottola, who is fluent in Italian, studied extensively at London’s renowned Toni & Guy salon, as well as the Jingles Academy. His mastery with coloring and cutting techniques led him to an extensive career as a salon owner in Pittsburgh for more than 30 years. Stylist Olivia Crowley, a Sarasota native, completed her training with Pivot Point technology. She specializes in the latest trends in balayage. Her expertise lies with an exceptional eye for color and the latest practices, creating beautiful, innovative designs. Master stylist Brandy Lukyanov is a world traveler. Perfecting her craft over the last 15 years, she did hair and makeup for a worldwide photography company based out of Houston. Later in Seattle, she continued to improve her coloring and cutting skills with Goldwell and Wella before moving on to Bumble and Bumble in New York City. Blaine Benson was raised in the salon industry. He is truly the designer with an edge. Pivot Point-trained, he puts in the extra time to clearly understand the client’s needs to create contemporary and fashion color designs. “Other salons can be strict and stressful, everyone running around,” he says. “We are calm and casual, devoting individual personal time to our clients.” “We have such a unique and different group,” Brandy says. “I really feel we cater to anyone. We want to show people their own kind of beauty, their own beautiful. At Ciao Bella, love is in the hair.” 2161 Tamiami Trail South, 941.220.7112, Vagaro.com/ciaobella3 14

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

The Ciao Bella team, Brandy Lukyanov, Joe Zottola, owner Karen Sheppard, Blaine Benson and Olivia Crowley

Master stylists Brandy Lukyanov and Joe Zottola

The stylists at Ciao Bella Salon

January 2019 | Venice Lifestyle

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

F L O W ER P OWER RETIRED PUBLISHER BEAUTIFIES DOWNTOWN VENICE WITH LOVE AND FLOWERS

VENICE HAS A FUNNY WAY OF BRINGING OUT

young sons in tow, agreed to come down and help out

THE BEST IN PEOPLE. Take our own beloved

on a temporary basis. That "temporary" basis turned

Bob Vedder, who quickly into his retirement finally

into an influential 31-year career as the Gondolier’s

became a real "flower child." On a recent stroll along

general manager and publisher. Known all around

downtown’s Miami Avenue, Bob, 74, was happy to

town as just "Bob," he wrote weekly columns that

point out all the lovely and colorful blooms dotting

examined Venice’s social and political life, drawing

the sidewalk in pots and planters.

out the issues in a way that attracted readers and

“Here we have pentas, lantana, coleus, Ti sisters,”

helped the paper grow. The direction he brought to

he says. “When we first started the flower project, it

the Gondolier led it to being regularly recognized

was an idea I had from my travels with my wife. We

as the best weekly paper in the state by the Florida

saw all the pretty flowers in downtowns around the

Press Association and Florida Press Club.

country and in Europe, and I wanted to do that here.

“Being publisher of the Gondolier was my favorite

We started with hanging baskets, and now we have

job,” Bob says. “The ability to make a difference was

pots and even fountains filled with flowers.”

really special. It fit perfectly with the kind of person I am.”

Bob’s flower power eventually led to the creation of

Inducted into the Florida Press Association

the Bloom Team, part of the larger beautification work

Journalism Hall of Fame in 2013, Bob has spent the

of Venice Area Beautification, Inc. Bob sits on the VABI

years since his 2010 retirement serving as president

board, just one of his many philanthropic interests.

of many charitable organizations in town; starting

“Venice is very much a hometown with lots of local

up the Rotary Futures College Resource Center at

spirit,” he says. “We have a tremendous amount of volun-

the Venice High School; enjoying his five grand-

teerism, and we support our nonprofits enormously. It’s

children; and traveling with Susan, who still works

a true sense of community that we have here in Venice.”

for Sun Coast Media in human services. Of course,

Now counted among Venice’s greatest cheerlead-

beautifying downtown with splashes of riotous color

ers, Bob first came to town via serendipity. Forty years

is high among his passions.

ago this year, Bob had just left a demanding position

“There are so many great flowers,” he says. “This time

as the Wall Street Journal’s national production man-

of year, we start putting out the petunias, our winter

ager in Princeton, New Jersey, when he took a call

flowers, our prettiest flowers. When I started the flower

from Derek Dunn-Rankin, co-owner of the Venice

project, it was just me. I wrote the letters and raised the

Gondolier Sun. Dunn-Rankin needed help managing

money. Venice has a great giving spirit. Venice always

the Gondolier, and Bob, with his wife, Susan, and two

wants to make itself a better place to live.”

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

"VENICE HAS A GREAT GIVING SPIRIT. VENICE ALWAYS WANTS TO MAKE ITSELF A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE.”

Bob Vedder enjoying a morning in Venice January 2019 | Venice Lifestyle

LIVING LIFE BETTER WALK YOUR WAY TO HEALTH IN THE NEW YEAR Getting in shape perennially tops New Year’s Resolution lists. With the excess of the holiday season behind them, people commit to a healthier upcoming year. You do not have to sign up for a marathon or pay a hefty gym membership to experience better health through more physical activity in the new year, though. Adding some steps to your day can make a big impact on your health leading into the new year.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING The boost that physical activity gives physical health is hard to deny. Increasing heart rate for even small spurts of time burns calories after the workout ends, leading to better physical health. Walking is a low-impact way to glean those health benefits without breaking the bank. The mental benefits of exercise, and walking are also well documented. A recent study in The Lancet Psychiatry, for example, found that walking greatly improves mental health – both short term and long. Experts cite other health benefits of walking like improved circulation, better posture, weight loss, lower blood pressure and more.

TIPS FOR STARTING A WALKING ROUTINE If you’re ready to get walking, set your routine into motion by: •

Scheduling your walks. Input the time you will dedicate to walking into your digital calendars and family schedule.

•

Asking for company. Find a like-minded friend, or even your spouse, to commit to walking with you. Working together will hold you both more accountable.

•

Creating a playlist. Curate a list of music that makes you feel energetic or download favorite podcasts or books to listen to while you exercise.

•

Investing in a fitness tracker, like a Fitbit, iWatch or another wearable that tracks your activity. Set it up to record your steps in a day and set small goals to increase steps over time.

WALKING WHERE YOU LIVE You can always walk on a treadmill at home or in a gym, but often the most motivating walks are ones that happen outside. Sarasota County is a walker’s paradise, with communities like West Villages offering designated walking paths for fitness and leisure. A great resource for finding new paths is the Trails Master Plan on the Sarasota County website that connects walkers with their perfect trails, including the Legacy Trail.

OPEN HOUSE

Clu b house an d Am e n iti es Ope n at R e naissance MATTAMY HOMES' RENAISSANCE CLUBHOUSE FEATURES LAVISH NO-ENTRY POOL

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY MATTAMY

AS THE 12,000-ACRE WEST VILLAGES PLANNED COMMUNITY BETWEEN VENICE AND NORTH PORT CONTINUES TO BOOM, MATTAMY HOMES HAS ANNOUNCED THE OPENING OF THE CLUBHOUSE AND AMENITIES WITHIN THEIR GATED COMMUNITY OF NEW HOMES, RENAISSANCE AT WEST VILLAGES. Featuring an expansive zero-entry swimming pool, lap lanes and spa, Renaissance offers a resort-at-home lifestyle experience for owners and their guests. As the centerpiece of the community, 20

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

The Renaissance clubhouse, spa and pool

the sparking new clubhouse includes indoor and outdoor social

“Our residents are enjoying discovering all of the new lifestyle

spaces and lounges plus a state-of-the-art fitness center. The

opportunities at their new clubhouse and amenity center," says

amenity campus features tennis, pickle ball and bocce ball courts,

Kathleen Dec, marketing manager of Mattamy Homes’ Tampa-

as well as an evening fire pit, tot lot, walking trails and a future

Sarasota-Naples Division. "This is truly the heart of the commu-

bark park. Renaissance also has a full-time activities director who

nity, where they can create the lifestyle that they have always

plans activities, events, clubs and classes. A full schedule already

wanted. The amenities were designed to meet the growing inter-

includes trips, organized groups, wellness and fitness classes,

est in fitness and wellness, as well as to provide the environment

and special interest clubs.

CONTINUED >

January 2019 | Venice Lifestyle

OPEN HOUSE

(CON TI N U ED)

The tot lot at Renaissance

Renaissance offers a resort-at-home lifestyle.

Amenities at Renaissance include a full-time activities director, clubs and events.

for residents to make new friends and socialize, or simply enjoy the vacation feel and beautiful Florida weather."

The clubhouse features various social spaces and lounges.

Renaissance at West Villages is located at the corner of S. Tamiami Trail (US 41), just east of West Villages Parkway. This loca-

Renaissance at West Villages offers an array of 11 new home

tion in vibrant West Villages is just across the street from the new

designs, including paired villas and single-family homes. These

West Villages Marketplace, that will be coming in fall 2019 with retail,

thoughtfully crafted plans are designed for today’s discerning home-

services, a major grocery store and restaurants. It is also very close

buyer and fit many different lifestyles and aspirations. Homes offer two

to the forthcoming Atlanta Braves Spring Training Facility.

to four bedrooms, two to three and a half baths, and two- to three-car

Other Mattamy communities in Southwest Florida include Sunrise

garages with 1,539 to 2,860 square feet of living space. Prices begin

Preserve at Palmer Ranch and Harmony at Lakewood Ranch. Five

from $247,990 to $392,990. These homes offer open and airy living

professionally decorated model homes at Renaissance are open daily,

spaces, optimized flexibility and distinctive curb appeal.

and tours are available of the clubhouse and amenities. Founded by

Home-buyers can select from “to-be-built” homes, which allow

Peter Gilgan in 1978, Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned

them to work with the design team to personalize, or a wide array of

homebuilder in North America, having built more than 90,000 homes

quick move-in Homes which are available for move-in now, in time

in hundreds of communities in Canada and the United States.

to enjoy the season.

11720 Renaissance Blvd., 941.225.8515, MattamyHomes.com/Tampa

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

Englewood, Florida

A Semi-Private Club - Memberships Available -

Golf • Tennis/Pickleball Fitness Center • Resort Pool Dining • New Homes

We do Weddings! Call for a tour!

(941) 475-6464 BocaRoyale.com

Dining & Golf open to the public

We are as new and fresh as Venice Avenue itself. Twist Boutique offers stylish easy to wear men’s and women’s fashions and whimsical gifts for everyone. Our upscale collections will have you looking and feeling great for an active day out or casual dinner. BRANDS INCLUDE: TOMMY BAHAMA | HIHO | JUDE CONNALLY SAIL TO SABLE | SPARTINA | SOUTHERN TIDE GRETCHEN SCOTT | JOULES | BAREFOOT DREAMS

941.786.1025

VeniceTwist.com

137

West Venice Avenue Venice | Florida

Right next door to SunBug! January 2019 | Venice Lifestyle

HOT SPOT

Mary Beth Hansen, owner of Paradise Grill

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY

A NEIGHBORHOOD BAR AND GRILL WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME 24

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

THREE YEARS AGO, MARY BETH HANSEN

of Florida’s Miccosukee tribe, jammed every

BOUGHT THE SITE OF THE OLD OPHELIA’S

night of the week with live music and happy

PASTA HOUSE IN NOKOMIS AND TOOK

hour drink specials. There’s a 7-foot tarpon

A SLEDGEHAMMER TO THE PLACE. Out

on the wall; and inside, floor-to-ceiling wine

went the acres and acres of garish pink tile.

racks; a full bar as long as a basketball

Out went the nine tiny dining rooms in favor of

court; and the artwork of Brendan Coudal,

a much more open and spacious three-room

locally famous for his retro paintings of pinup

floor plan. And, finally, up went her new restau-

girls and the Florida of fishing poles and

rant’s name, Paradise Grill, a statement of just

orange blossoms. For a $100 donation to the

how Mary Beth feels about her restaurant, as

South County Food Bank, customers can have

well her beautiful corner of Florida.

their own hometowns added to the colorful

“I’m from Michigan,” the warm and affable

road marker signs hung about the place.

Mary Beth explains while enjoying a martini

Mary Beth wrote the menu herself and

at the Paradise Grill’s indoor bar. “I had a

brought down some of her Midwestern

restaurant in East Lansing, sold it, and then

favorite comfort food from her Michigan

had a bistro in Lansing, right across from the

days—including shepherd’s pie and mashed

capital for many years. Eighteen years ago, I

potatoes—and added a coastal cuisine flair,

came down here to change my lifestyle and

including her signature fish tacos. Of course,

get out of the cold. I completely gutted this

the Paradise Grill is also the go to place for

place and started from scratch.”

that perfect “cheeseburger in paradise.”

The new restaurant she built is a lively and

But being the best casual dining and water-

colorful homage to Old Florida’s laid-back life-

ing hole in town isn’t enough for Mary Beth.

style, to the freedom of mid-century vacation

Paradise Grill also regularly hosts fundraisers

travel and the great American highway. At the

for a variety of nonprofits including Toys for

Paradise Grill, everything is made from scratch

Tots, the Venice-Nokomis Woman’s Club and

even down to the soups and salad dressing. The

the United Way. At last year’s Christmas fund-

drinks are stiff and cold, and by the time your

raiser, more than 900 toys were donated by

second visit arrives, Mary Beth and her staff of

her customers to give to needy kids.

40 will likely have already learned your name. “Our goal is to get to know people,” she says. “We’re a neighborhood business, very customer-oriented. We absolutely love our locals, really cultivate our relationship with them. We want everyone to feel welcome and special and just strive to be gracious hosts and hostesses.” Outside, Paradise Grill boasts an authentic thatched tiki bar hand-built by members

“As a neighborhood business, anything we can do financially to help out in the community, we do it,” she says. She takes a moment to greet yet another customer with a, “Hey, Bill! How are ya?” Then she winks and says, “At Paradise Grill, we just spoil our customers rotten.” 1097 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, 941.786.1524, ParadiseGrillFL.com

CONTINUED >

Have your hometown recognized at Paradise Grill for a donation to charity. January 2019 | Venice Lifestyle

HOT SPOT

(CON TI N U ED)

Paradise Grill in Nokomis, a friendly neighborhood hangout

“WE’RE A NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS, VERY CUSTOMERORIENTED. WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE OUR LOCALS, REALLY CULTIVATE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. WE WANT EVERYONE TO FEEL WELCOME AND SPECIAL AND JUST STRIVE TO BE GRACIOUS HOSTS AND HOSTESSES.”

A NEW SPIN ON AN OLD IDEA… You know you should have a written financial plan, but it’s so much work! Where to start? At Ferris Wheel Finance, we are dedicated to teaching and advising our clients about money, investing, and planning in straightforward, understandable ways.

Looking for a fresh perspective?

Together, we can confidently plan and navigate for your success.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP... Call Kate for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Kate Hyland Mercer, Financial Advisor 530 US Highway 41 Bypass S. Suite 6B Venice, Florida 34285 941.483.3600 Info@FerrisWheelFinance.com

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

Creating a Lifestyle for a Lifetime™

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

THE

TALKING COMPETITION, FAMILY AND LIFE WITH A CROSSFIT LEGEND

ROAD

ABOUT 80 MILES EAST OF NASHVILLE, AMONG THE

he’ll say marked a pivotal turning point in his professional

WINDING ROADS OF PUTNAM COUNTY, TENNESSEE,

career and served as an eye-opening metaphor to his life.

BETWEEN A BRICK HOUSE AND AN OLD RED BARN,

“My major downfall was falling off the rope and trying to fig-

THERE’S A GRAVEL ROAD. It’s easy to miss in the expanse

ure out who I was and what I was doing this for,” Rich says over

of rolling hills that, in the fall, are colored in leaves of fiery reds,

the sound of weights dropping through his CrossFit Mayhem

yellows and oranges from the sunset of a dream. But when you

team’s midday workout. “It really brought my faith back into

manage to find it and make it just far enough up the hill that you

perspective and showed me that CrossFit isn’t what defines

feel like you should turn around, you’ll be there—the home of

me—it’s Christ and my faith.”

four-time Fittest Man on Earth: CrossFit legend Rich Froning.

In the midst of preparing for his 2014 competition, Rich

If you know anything about competitive CrossFit, you

became a father when he and Hillary adopted their now 4-year-

know Rich Froning. You know that he won four back-to-

old daughter, Lakelyn—an event that had a large impact on his

back individual CrossFit Games championships from 2011 to

decision to remove himself from individual competition.

2014. You likely know that he won the worldwide Open three

“There was no balance in my life, and I saw that,” Rich

consecutive years. And, if you’ve caught Froning: The Fittest

says. “When we were going to have Lakelyn, I was like, ‘you

Man in History, the 2015 documentary, you’ve intimately fol-

know what, either my fitness and me competing at that

lowed his uncertain path to a fourth-straight CrossFit Games

level is going to have to give or me being a dad.’ I wasn’t

championship as a husband and new father.

willing to sacrifice being a dad.”

But what you can’t truly know until you’ve met Rich,

Rich and Hillary, who now have three adopted children:

who was raised just up the hill from where he and his

Lakelyn; Trice, whose full name is Richard III; and Harper

wife, Hillary, currently live just outside of Cookeville, is the

Violet, Lakelyn’s biological sister, have found some of that

humility and hospitality the Michigan-born, Southern-

seemingly unattainable balance through Rich’s transition

raised lifelong athlete exudes.

team competitions.

In 2010, Rich hit rock bottom, quite literally, with a

“I get to be present in my life,” he says. “[In individual],

second-place showing in the CrossFit Games. Unable to

even when I was doing other things, I was still thinking

complete the formidable rope climb, Rich fell—a moment

about what I needed to do, what I was missing out on.”

TO RICH’S 28

Venice Lifestyle | January 2019

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

Outside of the gym, Rich now spends much of his time using his experience as a CrossFit champion and exercise science degree from

“I wasn’t willing to sacrifice being a dad.”

Tennessee Tech creating online programming for his gym, CrossFit Mayhem, which is located on Rich Froning Way. Among them are Mayhem Compete, a program for those beginning to take competition seriously or who want to take their fitness to the next level; Mayhem Masters, a program for competitive athletes ages 35-70; What’s Rich Doing, a program offering exactly what Rich is doing every day; Mayhem 60, a complete 60-minute workout for anyone with a garage gym; and M30, a short 30-minute workout designed for someone who wants to work out at home or travels with no access to equipment. Looking toward the future, Rich is in pursuit of moving forward. “I enjoyed [winning championships], but I don’t want that to be what defines me,” Rich says. “I want to be known as a good husband, a good father. Moving forward [is important] for sure—not getting caught up in one thing that’s stuck—you’ve got to always be thinking about what’s next and what [you] need to do to grow as a person.” For more information about CrossFit Mayhem, access to Rich’s online programs or the opportunity to train alongside him in Cookeville, visit CrossFitMayhem.com.

January 2019 | Venice Lifestyle

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MOVIES IN THE PARK

Participants will need to bring their

products like ceramic, jewelry, dig-

own bike and will be required to wear

ital, photo, fiber, metalwork, sculp-

a helmet and sign a short waiver.

tures, glass, mixed media, wood, graphics, painting and much more.

Centennial Park

Hosted by Venice Main Street. Movie announcements will start

20 minutes before sunset, and the

ROTARY ART SHOW

movie will start 15 minutes after

Venice Airport Festival Grounds

THE TWIG DONATION DROP-OFF DAY

sunset. The High School clubs will

The 27th Annual Fine Arts and Crafts

826 Pinebrook Road, Venice

choose the movies.

Festival comes to the Venice Airport

The TWIG is a local nonprofit that

Festival Grounds again this year,

provides free "shopping" days to