FEBRUARY 2019
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OIR #88005
LIFESTYLE LETTER
FEBRUARY 2019 PUBLISHER
Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tony D'Souza | tony.dsouza@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tony D'Souza, Nicolette Martin
Curating Creativity
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Prion Photography
FEBRUARY—IT’S THE SHORTEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, BUT THERE’S DEFINITELY NO SHORTAGE OF EXCITING THINGS HAPPENING HERE IN VENICE. When thinking of ideas for our Arts + Makers issue, we were inspired by the talented local artisans who beautify our community with their work. Whether it’s local theater performances, the local arts scene or handmade goods from local creatives, we were inspired by the artful culture our city is bursting with. Some of our favorite arts-related things to experience around the area include the Venice Arts Center, the Venice Performing Arts Center, the beauty of our new William H. Jervey Jr. public library and the many artful shops downtown. We love enjoying everything there is to find at Sunbug and Twist Boutique. And if you’re on the hunt for some locally made Valentine’s Day gifts for your sweetie, we recommend checking out Beach Life by Terry, Eyes on You and Nau-T-Girl Jewelry for something unique they’ll always remember. With our own bustling creative scene—from jewelry makers and potters to musi-
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
cians and architects—we hope you find inspiration in these pages and come to
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
appreciate our unique perspective here in Venice. Consider this issue your guide to
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
all things creative, and hit the town to unleash your own creativity!
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams
Charmaine Tincher, publisher
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Charmaine.Tincher@lifestylepubs.com
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514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
LifestylePubs.com/Venice ON THE COVER Sea glass hearts. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELENA MOISEEVA
Proverbs 3:5-6 Venice Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Venice areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications 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
4
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
JT gets back in the game
JT’s wife told him he was too old for basketball. When he tore his ACL playing with the guys, he thought maybe she was right. But his surgery was a success and physical therapy at Sarasota Memorial’s Rehab Pavilion is going well. His doctor says his knee should be back to 100 percent soon. JT’s wife is very pleased … the lawn is 100 percent in need of mowing. The Rehabilitation Pavilion Gym is a unique healing space that helps our patients regain strength and independence. High-tech, high-touch rehab programs are customized to each patient’s needs and goals.
smh.com/healing-spaces
INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2019 FEATURES 18 Venice Library Opens to Great Fanfare The New Library's Architecture Is an Homage to Venice, Italy
24 Village on the Isle's $100 Million Build and Renovation Expansion Increases Campus Population and Services
28 Simply Satisfying "Chicken Allegro" Venice's Allegro Bistro Highlights Traditional Flavors and Family Memories
18 34
34 Local Artist Draws on Coastal Life for Inspiration Pam Duke's Nau-T-Girl Line Is a Venice Original
28
24
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Local’s Choice
14
Giving Back
24 Renovate & Refine 28 Culinary Creations 30 Travel Destination 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts
GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
3.
Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of SEA Early Education Center Pat Ryan, president and CEO of the Sky Family YMCA; Kathy Lehner, president and CEO of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce; Board Members Judy Braham, Debbie LaPinska and many other community business owners and leaders celebrate the grand opening of the Sky Family YMCA SEA Early Education Center.
4.
5.
6.
1. Pat Ryan, President & CEO of the Sky Family YMCA, doing the honors of cutting the ribbon. | 2. VACC Board Member Bob Hite, President & CEO Kathy Lehner, Board Vice-Chair Debbie Lapinska & David Joyner | 3. Sunshine Education Academy will serve children from six weeks of age through voluntary prekindergarten. | 4. Lisa and John Giglio, owners of Freedom Boat Club | 5. Andrea Arnold, Courtney Green, Charleen Myers & Judy Braham | 6. An interior look at the SEA Early Education Center
You Dream It We D e s i g n I t Sea Glass Is Our Specialty
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Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
By: Chris Tritschler
LIVING LIFE BETTER THE ART OF EATING AT HOME Cooking meals at home can result in healthier meals, lower food costs and better family bonding. With minimal time and effort, anyone can adopt a few strategies to start cooking at home. Let’s get started!
VISIT LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS
Healthy cooking starts with healthy ingredients. Start cooking at home by heading to one of the many local Farmer’s Markets in Venice, North Port or Sarasota. Pick up some locally grown and produced foods such as fruits, vegetables, cheese and meats. When you buy local food, it is fresher and many farmer’s grow organically. Fruits and vegetables start to lose their nutrients within 24 hours of being picked, so when you eat fresher produce, you consume more nutrients.
STOCK THE PANTRY
Another way to ensure you are cooking healthy foods is by stocking your pantry. Make sure you have the basics on hand, so you can whip up tasty meals in a minimal amount of time. In addition to fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese, make sure you have eggs, yogurt, rice, pasta, beans, olive oil, onion, garlic and salsa at home. When you have a variety of healthy food on hand, there’s no excuse not to make dinner and pack lunches at home.
PLAN AHEAD
Simplify dinnertime prep by planning ahead. Decide what meals you’ll eat in the coming week and ensure you have all ingredients readily available. Clean and chop vegetables ahead of time so it makes cooking easy. Cut up fruit for quick snacks so you’re likely to grab it instead of a less healthy option. When you cook meals, go ahead and double or triple the recipe so you have extra portions of healthy food available.
ENHANCE FLAVOR
Healthy food doesn’t have to be bland! Enhance the flavor or foods with ingredients such as spices, herbs and citrus. When the food you cook has flavor, you won’t feel deprived.
SAVE MONEY AND STAY HEALTHY BY MAKING A COMMITMENT TO MORE MEALS AT HOME.
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PHYLLIS NOLAN'S WIRE-WRAPPED SEAGLASS Phyllis Nolan lived on St. Maarten, where she organized an international jewelry making club. What began as a social activity soon evolved into a passion for making beaded jewelry and wire-wrapped sea glass. Phyllis teaches wire-wrapping sea glass classes in the Suncoast Technical School Adult
PIECE BY PIECE ART STUDIO OPENS
Enrichment Programs, at home parties as well as to
At the newly opened Piece by Piece Art Studio
communities throughout our region. Her classes are
just off the downtown strip on Nassau Street,
a great way to network and make friends.
Christine Holmes specializes in glass, resin and
"I enjoy seeing participants leave with a smile
other art options. Perfect for parties, girls night outs,
and sense of pride," Phyllis says. "They've also
date nights, showers, fundraisers and corporate
made art they can wear."
events, at Piece by Piece, visitors make their own art.
203.676.5312, phyllisnolanct@aol.com
"You come, book a party, bring some food and drinks, and you make a glass and resin piece," Christine says. "It's a great way to make memories." 211
Nassau
St.,
Venice,
941.961.9558,
PieceByPieceArtStudio.com
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTY HOSTS MAJOR FUNDRAISER Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County hosts its fundraiser "Framing the Future/Hearts and Hammers" Feb. 9 at the Plantation Golf and Country Club, featuring dinner, an auction and live music by Tropical Avenue. This year's event will raise money to build a home for a single father of two young girls. The family suffered health and
NORHALA HOUCK'S NEW "TWIST BOUTIQUE"
a home. Habitat is a nonprofit that provides home
Norhala Houck's latest downtown endeavor, Twist
ownership opportunities to those needing afford-
Boutique, is a fashionable, coastal-living shop right next
able housing. Contact Habitat for sponsorship
door to her and partner James Haas' well-known Sunbug.
opportunities. 941.493.6606
"When this space became available," Norhala says, "we saw it as an opportunity to expand, to offer 10
financial setbacks that limited their ability to afford
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
280
Alligator
Drive,
Venice,
HabitatSouthSarasota.org
941.493.6606,
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.
LOCAL’S CHOICE ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TONY D'SOUZA
T H R E E
L O C A L
H I G H L I G H T
R E TA I L E R S G I F T S
VENICE RETAILERS OFFER GIFT IDEAS FOR THE MONTH OF LOVE
LIFE BY THE BEACH IS ONE TO ENVY AND ENJOY. But what about our friends and families who only get to visit Venice as tourists? Three local shops offer some exquisite ideas on how to buy locally to give gifts to those we love who don't get to reside by the sea. From the lovely jewelry on offer at Beach Life by Terry and the exclusive hand-crafted designs at the newly opened Twist Boutique, to the first-class eyewear and clothing at Eyes on You, Venice Lifestyle is proud to present some of the best gift ideas from our premier retailers. + Beach Life by Terry, 838 Pinebrook Road, 941.303.0970, BeachLifeByTerry.com + Twist Boutique, 137 W. Venice Ave., 941.786.1025, Facebook.com/ TheVeniceTwist + Eyes on You, 140 W. Venice Ave., 941.244.9054, EyesOnYouEyewear.com
1. Exquisite, naturally iridescent abalone necklace. Available at Beach Life by Terry 2. Porsche sunglasses. Available in various styles at Eyes On You 3. Clutch by Spartina 449 featuring Florida details. Available at Twist Boutique 4. Hand-painted, 22 karat gold leaf and enamel pendant featuring Swarovski crystal. Collection at SunBug next to Twist Boutique 5. Custom-made Marshes, Fields & Hills pillow. Variety of colors and styles available at Twist Boutique 6. Lafont glasses made in France that make Parisian chic accessible. At Eyes On You 7. Exclusive Cocosong eyewear featuring real feathers. Available at Eyes On You 8. Embellished wall decor framed and ready to hang. Available at Beach Life by Terry. 9. Handcrafted sterling silver necklace, adorned with semi-precious gems. Available at Beach Life by Terry
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Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
GIVING BACK
Family Promise of South Sarasota County Helps Homeless Families WINTER IN VENICE IS A TIME OF NEED FOR LOCAL FAMILIES ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA IN
THE
WINTER,
IT
IS
ESPECIALLY
DIFFICULT FOR VENICE FAMILIES TO FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING BECAUSE OF THE SEASONAL NATURE OF OUR COMMUNITY. It is equally difficult for them to find affordable hotel rooms. The Venice population grows so much in the winter that many families in need end up in tents in the woods or sleeping in their cars. This is dangerous not only because it can get cold at night, but also because there is no security living in a tent or car with children. Homeless parents worry constantly about their children's safety. Since 2014, the nonprofit Family Promise of South Sarasota County has sought to aid The Hand Print Wall in the Family Promise Day Center. The hand prints were made by children in the program.
14
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
families with minor children who are in need
of temporary housing by providing shelter, meals and services with a goal of helping parents achieve lasting self-sufficiency. The Family Promise Day Center, the hub for families during their time in the Family Promise Program, opened in 2015, and between 2016 and 2017, the organization raised $63,000 for a playground at the Day Center, which opened in the summer of 2017. “One of our biggest successes is the community engagement and the awareness that brings,” says Jennifer Fagenbaum, Family Promise executive director. “These are normal families who have had a rough time making ends meet. Most of the families we serve are homeless simply because their rent was high. They were living paycheck to paycheck and then someone got sick or the car broke down and everything fell apart.” Family Promise’s needs include increasing connections with landlords to work with families, volunteers at the Day Center and toiletries. The program
Jennifer Fagenbaum, Family Promise executive director, at the Family Promise playground.
is also seeking more participant congregations. “The commitment is one week a quarter, which is only four weeks a year,” Jennifer says. “The congregation would host our families from Sunday evening one weekend to the following Sunday morning. Families are with the congregation from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next morning. Then they come to our Day Center, which is open seven days a week. The congregations provide meals and fellowship for the families, with a maximum of three families at a time, no more than 14 people.” Family Promise has an 80 percent success rate for rehousing families and keeping those families housed for a full year following the program. Currently, the program has 12 to 15 families on its waiting list each month. Family Promise offers emergency sheltering with partner hotels and case management for families it cannot take into its shelter program to ensure no family is left on the streets. A generous matching grant from Help Us Move In Foundation also provides assistance with move-in costs and homeless prevention for past-due rent to keep those families who are behind on rent from getting evicted in the first place.
A Family Promise family participates in the Dream Walk fundraiser.
“It is much cheaper and less traumatic to keep a family housed than it is to get a family rehoused,” Jennifer explains. A grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation supports a follow-up program, Keeping the Promise. In this program, families rehoused through the congregational shelter program can qualify for assistance with move-in
Staff volunteering at the Habitat Women Build in 2018; Mary Mahshie, Gail Syrstad, Jennifer Fagenbaum, Christen Cowan and Allisa O'Leary
costs, as well as a $100 to $400 rent subsidy for a two-year period, providing the families continue case management and the requirements of the program. Family Promise has served 84 families, including 148 children in South Sarasota County. “When you say ‘homeless,’ people get a stereotype in their minds,” Jennifer says. “But homeless families can be anybody. People don’t believe that there are 800 homeless children in our area, but there are. Much of our working is raising the awareness of our community’s reality and its needs.” 720 Shamrock Blvd., 941.497.9881, FamilyPromiseSSC.org
February 2019 | Venice Lifestyle
15
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“THE EXTERIOR IS A NORTHERN ITALIAN STYLE, BUT THE INTERIOR IS MODERN. AS SOON AS YOU STEP IN THE DOORS, IT IS A LIFE-FILLED OPEN SPACE.”
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TONY D'SOUZA
Venice Library Opens to Great Fanfare THE NEW LIBRARY'S ARCHITECTURE IS AN HOMAGE TO VENICE, ITALY TWO YEARS AGO, AN OUTBREAK OF MOLD FORCED THE CLOSURE OF THE BELOVED VENICE LIBRARY. The closure came as a shock, and many community-wide hearings were held as to how to replace it. More than 70 percent of county residents have library cards. This was a pressing issue for this community, perhaps the most important issue Venice has faced. The library was moved to a temporary location in the Hamilton Building, and input meetings were opened to the public. After many meetings, a master plan was agreed upon. That plan called for a total demolition and rebuild. Dr. William H. Jervey donated $1 million for an endowment to make possible an annual gift in perpetuity to support programs, the library collection and technology innovations, and the new library was named in his honor. A rendering of the new Venice Library 18
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
The result has been a building two years in the making. At the ribbon cutting on Dec. 15, music was provided by the Venice High School Marching Band, and more than 600 members of the community attended the opening speeches. As Dr. Jervey cut the ribbon, confetti exploded from a pre-arranged gun, and fire marshals were on hand to regulate the capacity crowd. So many people were in attendance that the community’s true love for the library was clearly expressed. After all, the construction of the public library was no easy endeavor, but it was one that was collaborative from beginning to end. The $8.8 million project was overseen by the architectural company Sweet Sparkman and built by two local construction companies, Ajax and Tandem Construction. What has resulted is a lovely Venice, Italy-inspired exterior building with a completely modern open floor interior. The closure of the old library divided the community like few other issues. But the new library has brought the community together again. “This is the greatest day of my life. I can honestly say that without great libraries, I would not be here today," Dr. Jervey said at the ribbon cutting ceremony. "Having this library named after me in the city I love is awesome. I was a severe critic when the last library was closed. I hated to see it go. This is the ultimate lemons to lemonade story. This is now the crown jewel of the Venice arts campus. We have not only designed a remarkable library, but the architects listened to us. They incorporated many of the community-inspired ideas into the design.” “For a young firm like ours, these civic projects are what we want to be involved in, projects that really affect the community," said Todd Sweet, lead architect of Sweet Sparkman. "Venice was faced with losing their library, which made the project a true and important challenge. We wanted to ease the community’s fears, work with them and incorporate their desires. It was rewarding to be involved in a project that meant so much to the community.” Todd traveled to Venice, Italy, to draw inspiration for the exterior design of the library. “We looked at a lot of Northern Italian architecture,” Todd says. “We did research, we used details that we found for the outside, and the inside came from a true collaboration with the community. I have never worked with such an involved community.” “A lot of our work here is contemporary and modern. We knew this was based on Venice, Italy, and we worked within those guidelines," project manager John Bryant says. "The exterior is a Northern Italian style, but the interior is modern. As soon as you step in the doors, it is a life-filled open space. This project was a lot of fun. We looked at 500-year-old buildings, stone details and arches. Todd had gone to Venice, Italy, twice in the past two years. He gets credit for the artistic vision; others contributed to the interior.” Kim Lam was part of the Sweet Sparkman team that designed the library’s interior.
CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Venice Lifestyle
19
VENICE LIBRARY OPENS TO GREAT FANFARE
(CON TI N UED)
“VENICE WAS FACED WITH LOSING THEIR LIBRARY, WHICH MADE THE PROJECT A TRUE AND IMPORTANT CHALLENGE. WE WANTED TO EASE THE COMMUNITY’S FEARS, WORK WITH THEM AND INCORPORATE THEIR DESIRES.
Todd Sweet of Sweet Sparkman Architects at the ribbon cutting for the Venice Library
Kim Lam, member of the architect's design team, at the central compass rose in the new Venice Library
and conference rooms and a Friends of the Library bookstore. The highlight of the children’s section is a Children’s Storytime Room, and the enhanced parking lot features a drive-up book return with automated check-in/sorting system. Other features of the new “The challenge for us was designing something
library include a Creation Station, reading garden and
contemporary for the interior,” Kim says. “We
teen center. At the ribbon cutting, so many community
needed to design something that fit the needs of the
members poured into the library that the fire chief on
community, while bringing an Old World style into a
hand had a worried look on his face.
modern design. We did community workshop meetings to get direct input from the people who will use this building. In any type of design, you want to serve the client. The challenge of this building was that the client was the community.”
20
“We are pretty much at what we can handle,” the fire chief says. “We did not expect this many people.” Throughout the day, more than 3,000 people visited the library. “This is so important to our community,” County
Ground was broken on the new library in late
Commissioner Charles Hines says. “This is the third
October 2017 and completed one year later. The
library opened in the county since the recession. That is
19,428-square-foot building boasts large meeting
something all of us in county government are proud of.
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
Libraries are the backbones of our society. They are the great equalizers when it comes to the availability of knowledge and self-improvement. What other community has such great pride as Venice?” “Fantastic county employees moved heaven and earth to make this project possible,” says Deborah Kostroun, president of the Friends of the Venice Public Library. “It took a great organizational effort to get us here,” says County Administrator Jonathan Lewis. “There have been more than 37 subcontractors, 62,000 labor hours, 60 percent of the subcontractors were local to our county. Five-hundred workers contributed to this project.” Whether they knew how beautiful their new library was or not, minutes after the ribbon cutting, young children were already engrossed reading books in the new library’s children section.
Sarasota County Libraries Director Sarabeth Kalajian at the grand opening
Children reading at the opening of the new Venice Library February 2019 | Venice Lifestyle
21
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Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
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RENOVATE & REFINE
OF $100 MILLION BUILD AND RENOVATION A rendering of the new 66,000-square-foot Health Center at Village on the Isle
EXPANSION INCREASES CAMPUS POPULATION AND SERVICES
ARTICLE TONY D’SOUZA
24
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
AT VILLAGE ON THE ISLE, WORK CONTINUES ON A $100 MILLION CAMPUS EXPANSION AND RENOVATION. Founded in 1979, Village on the Isle is a not-for-profit, faith-based continuing care retirement community. The current 16-acre, 325-resident campus began a complete repositioning in January 2016. Financed by a successful municipal bond offering, the expansion broke ground in January 2018, including new construction of two five-story residential buildings. Known as the Emerald Terraces, these feature 46 independent living apartment residences that will grow the campus population to more than 400. The Emerald Terraces are scheduled to open in two phases three weeks apart in June and July 2019. “A few years ago, we realized we needed to make improvements and changes to better serve both our existing and future residents,” says Joel Anderson, Village on the Isle’s CEO. “The new Emerald Terraces will be independent living apartment-homes ranging from 1,250 to 1,620 square feet. Most are two bedrooms and are named Emerald Terraces because each apartment-home has a beautiful 200-square-foot walkout balcony to enjoy the island life here in Venice.” Growth for residential living was far from the only goal for the community, according to Joel. Alongside the Emerald Terraces is a significant renovation of Village on the Isle’s assisted living building, known as the Lofts at Village on the Isle. Also, they were able to construct an entirely new 66,000-squarefoot Health Center, which is scheduled to open in October 2019. It will include 64 private suites featuring licensed skilled nursing care. Programs at the Health Center will be geared toward helping each resident recover and return home as soon as practical or receive long-term support as their privacy, choice, independence and comfort are optimized. Unlike other care models, CONTINUED >
Village on the Isle CEO Joel Anderson with a 3D printed rendering of the renovated campus February 2019 | Venice Lifestyle
25
RENOVATE & REFINE
(CON TI N U ED)
each resident has a private residence to allow them to peacefully recuperate from a hospital stay. They will also receive rehabilitative services from occupational, physical and speech therapists in the new wellness and rehabilitation gym. Village on the Isle is Venice’s only Life Plan Community, or what is also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community. “In our life care plan, if a resident moves into Village on the Isle, they pay an entrance fee, usually from the proceeds of the sale of their house," Joel says. "Then they use their fixed income for daily living expenses. Even when it may be necessary for them to move to health care, they will pay the same monthly fee. This allows them more predictable long-term costs of care and asset protection.” Services and amenities at Village on the Isle include a heated outdoor pool, shuffleboard, fitness centers, billiards, libraries with computers, a chapel and comfortable common areas to spend time with friends and neighbors. There are scenic views in and around the campus to enjoy birds and other wildlife. The campus is less than a mile from the beach and Venice’s downtown shopping and restaurants. Residents can also volunteer their time as they no longer have the hassles of maintenance of their home, house cleaning and other major chores. Other amenities at Village on the Isle include causal and formal dining venues, 24/7 security, and health and wellness staff, such as a wellness nurse and nutritionist. They also have backup emergency power in case of an outage from a major storm. More than 70 percent of the residents live independently at Village on the Isle, with a full continuum of healthcare when they may need it. “Before finalizing the renovation and construction plans, we asked for input from residents,” says Kristen Myers, director of Sales and Marketing. “We met with and listened to our residents and staff, the Board of Trustees, our church partners and even the general public about making our campus better. The result of the meetings was an efficient, phased-in construction approach that hasn’t disrupted everyday life here too much.” Still, the major project—designed by RLPS Architects of
“IT’S A HOME SETTING HERE NOW. IT’S ALSO MUCH EASIER FOR STAFF TO PROVIDE PERSONAL SERVICE. THE DINING USED TO BE ONLY DOWNSTAIRS. NOW IT IS ON EVERY RESIDENTIAL FLOOR FOR OUR HEALTHCARE RESIDENTS.”
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and carried out by Sarasota’s Willis Smith
—DEREK NEATH
Construction—has required some staff to park at the nearby Venice Airport and ride shuttles to work. “It has been difficult now and again, and as you can imagine, taking on such a large project, it has infringed somewhat on family time,” says Joel, married
Barbara especially appreciates the renovations to her building, the Lofts, which have resulted in more natural lighting and modernized common spaces.
to wife Angela, and father to two sons, Samuel, 16, and USF graduate Miller,
“The renovation is so cool for the staff and the residents.
22. “But I have been blessed with a great team and directors that allows me to
Everything is better now compared to how it was before,"
focus on these strategic items the board has approved to make our residents’
says taff member Derek Neath. "It’s a home setting here
lives better. I also give much credit to the architects, contractors, engineers and
now. It’s also much easier for staff to provide personal ser-
interior designers. They have all helped us.”
vice. The dining used to be only downstairs. Now it is on
Joel says that while current residents have dealt with some construction noise,
every residential floor for our healthcare residents.”
they have also hosted regular gatherings and parties to learn about and watch
The Village on the Isle project has occurred at a time
the work. Future Emerald Terraces residents are always kept informed, includ-
of major growth across the city of Venice, including a
ing through a recent party held at the Venice Train Depot in early December.
complete renovation of downtown’s thoroughfares and
“It has certainly been noisy,” says current resident Barbara Barnes. “We’ll all
the opening of the new public library.
be glad when it is over. But I am very fortunate to have this. I love the people who are here at Village on the Isle.” 26
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
920 Tamiami Trail S, 941.486.5485, VillageOnTheIsle.com
The rehabilitation gym at Village on the Isle A "Country Kitchen" at the renovated Village on the Isle
Residential Dining Area in the renovated Village on the Isle
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Creating a Lifestyle for a Lifetime™ February 2019 | Venice Lifestyle
27
CULINARY CREATIONS
Nella Valenti adds a dash of parsley as a finishing touch to her Chicken Allegro. Nella learned to cook the dish as a young girl in Sicily.
s i m p l y s a t i s f y i n g c h i c k e n a l l e g r o VENICE'S ALLEGRO BISTRO HIGHLIGHTS TRADITIONAL FLAVORS AND FAMILY MEMORIES
ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY
28
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
IN THE BUSY KITCHEN AT ALLEGRO BISTRO, EVER-FRIENDLY
“This is a very easy dish to make,” Nella says. “It takes only 10 min-
OWNER NELLA VALENTI TELLS TALES OF HOW IT USED TO
utes. The broccoli needs to be blanched, one minute in boiling water,
BE AS SHE ADDS GENEROUS SPLASHES OF WHITE WINE TO
before you add it. Drain the juice from the artichokes, and chop the
THE CHICKEN COOKING IN HER WELL-LOVED PAN.
sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces. You can put garlic in it, but it’s not
“Where I grew up, we had a lot of sun-dried tomatoes and
necessary. The sun-dried tomato is the highlight, a little flavor of acid
broccoli, so my mother used to cook all the time with these ingre-
and salt. This is a mild and delicate dish. In Italy, we eat this dish when-
dients,” Nella says. “For this dish, our Chicken Allegro, there is no
ever we want, not just on special occasions. My brother, Frank Rossitto,
formal recipe. Watch. This is it!”
our head chef, added the artichokes. It’s a delicious, healthy dish.”
Hailing from the small town of Canicattini Bagni near Syracuse
Nella recommends serving her Chicken Allegro with penne
in Sicily, Nella learned her craft beginning at age 8, when she
pasta and pairing the meal with a chardonnay or pinot grigio,
began spending much of her time in the family kitchen, watching
preferably from Sicily.
her mother, aunt and grandmother. “It was like having three moms,” she says. “I just loved being in the kitchen with them.” Soon, she adds broccoli, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and a sprinkle of parsley.
Along with her husband, Santo, and sons, Cesare and Gianni, Nella has owned and operated Venice’s Valenti’s Ristorante for 32 years and Allegro Bistro for 10. “We know and cook for everyone in town,” Nella says with a smile. 1740 E. Venice Ave., Venice, 941.484.1889, Allegro-Bistro.com
Chicken Allegro at Venice's Allegro Bistro. The traditional Sicilian dish features sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli.
February 2019 | Venice Lifestyle
29
RSomanatnortiinc i
TRAVEL DESTINATION
stay SUN ROCKS BOUTIQUE HOTEL Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel is considered one of Santorini’s most romantic hotels. The elegant couples-only cliffside hideaway—named a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice 2018 award winner— features luxe, minimalist rooms and suites carved into the side of a volcanic cliff featuring amazing caldera and sea views. SunRocks.gr
dine
CASA DI TE
Just a short stroll from the Sun Rocks Boutique hotel is this restaurant dedicated to creating the perfect combination of flavors and atmosphere to create unique moments in Santorini. Ranked in Trip Advisor’s top 10 romantic restaurants in Santorini, Casa di Te is inspired by Greek modern cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine and a touch of local flavor. Start with steamed mussels with saffron and Assyrtiko wine, followed by sea bass fillet fricassee with greens and lemon sauce, and finish it off with Semolina halva in a kadaifi nest with vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup. CasaDiTeSantorini.com
experience SUNSET VIEWS About 25 minutes up the coast is where you can catch sights of what people often refer to as arguably the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Catch some of the best panoramic views of Santorini from 15th-century Byzantine castle ruins. Situated on
PLAN YOUR ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO THE HISTORIC ISLAND IN THE AEGEAN SEA
the side of caldera cliffs, Oia village offers tons of
ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN
down popularity, you’ll find crowds of people gath-
breathtaking viewing spots. Be sure to get there well before sunset—because of the area’s sunered on streets, rooftops and stairs anticipating the one-of-a-kind experience.
30
Venice Lifestyle | February 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! February 2019 | Venice Lifestyle
31
FEBRUARY
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1
Club featuring live music by Tropical Avenue. See the Around Town section for more information.
TWIST BOUTIQUE GRAND OPENING 137 W. Venice Ave.
Norhala Houck’s latest downtown
SECOND ANNUAL WEST VILLAGES INVITATIONAL
9
Sarasota National Golf Club
West Villages hosts its second
endeavor, Twist Boutique, is a fash-
BRAVES ON MIAMI
ionable coastal-living shop right next
Miami Avenue West
Sarasota National Golf Club. The
door to her and partner James Haas’
Come join Venice Main Street and
Invitational
well-known
Festivities
the Atlanta Braves for a one-time-
Humanity South Sarasota County
2-7
only event that is sure to be a home
and is presented by the Atlanta
run. There will be free admission and
Braves Spring Training Facility.
will
take
Sunbug. place
from
p.m.
All are welcome.
2, 9, 16, 23 VENICE FARMERS MARKET
annual
The lively Venice Farmers Market features dozens of vendors. Locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as crafts of all sorts.
2-3 53RD VENICE AREA ORCHID SOCIETY ORCHID SHOW AND SALE
golf
invitational benefits
of the Atlanta Braves alumni. Food and beverage vendors will be on site and the opportunity to win prizes and have a swing at some giveaways.
Venice Performing Arts Center
13
The ALL HANDS ON DECK! Show brings you an authentic American
CITY OF VENICE CASUAL BIKE RIDE
roadshow and radio broadcast re-creation circa 1942 filled with
Venice City Hall
heart-warming songs, tight har-
City of Venice Bicycle Pedestrian
monies,
Coordinator
Darlene
rousing
classic commercials and a sing-along excitement, all accompanied
ride in the city, open to the pub-
by the warm sounds of the live Caravan Orchestra.
The Venice Area Orchid Society will
ever-so-popular Venice Island Loop
present its 53rd annual show and
that is highlighted on our bicycle
sale at the Venice Community Center
maps. The free ride will take place
on Feb. 2-3. Vendors will exhibit and
on the second Wednesday of each
sell thousands of blooming orchid
month at 10 a.m.
plants as well as free orchid classes,
9 FRAMING THE FUTURE: HEARTS AND HAMMERS
antics,
Culpepper
nine-piece
on Florida's west coast.
on-air
has launched a monthly bicycle
Island of Venice, traveling along the
regarded as the largest orchid show
for
ALL HANDS ON DECK!
lic. A casual, 6-mile ride around the
elry and supplies. The show is widely
Habitat
the
24
Venice Community Center
orchid floral arrangements, jew-
at
the opportunity to interact with some
Venice City Hall
32
19
21-24 THE 30TH ANNUAL VENICE ITALIAN FEAST & CARNIVAL Venice Fairgrounds
Hollywood
Victory
25 THE TWIG DONATION DROP-OFF DAY
826 Pinebrook Road, Venice
The TWIG is a local nonprofit that provides free "shopping" days to foster care children, allowing them to pick out their own new clothes. Donations requested.
Four days of food, music and fireworks sponsored by the Italian American Club of Venice. In its
We are always accepting sub-
30th year, the Feast & Carnival runs
missions for events you'd like to
Plantation Golf and Country Club
four days and offers free admission
see included in our Calendar sec-
A major fundraiser for Habitat for
to all. Gates open Thursday and
tion. Submissions are accepted
Humanity of South Sarasota County
Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday and
via
at the Plantation Golf and Country
Sunday at noon.
LifestylePubs.com/Venice.
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
the
Contact
Us
tab
at
Open Daily at 11
ca where the lo
ls go
1097 N. Tamiami Trail | Nokomis, FL
941-786-1524
www.paradisegrillfl.com
Saturday & Sunday at 7:30am for breakfast Happy Hour Daily until 7pm Live entertainment nightly in our heated Tiki
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
LUNCH SERVED Mon - Fri 11:30 am
February 2019 | Venice Lifestyle
33
PARTING THOUGHTS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TONY D'SOUZA
local designer draws on coastal life for inspiration PAM DUKE'S NAU-T-GIRL LINE IS A VENICE ORIGINAL
Pam Duke's jewelry line, Nau-T-Girl, captures the essence of beach life.
The artist's designs are cast in an array of precious metals.
Nau-T-Girl Hook and Anchor Ring
PAM DUKE CAME TO VENICE FROM GREAT FALLS,
“I look at pictures of seahorses,” Pam says, “then design the
VIRGINIA, IN 1990. She quickly fell in love with boating and all
jewelry in my style. We make a wax, see how the model looks.
things nautical. In 2006, she married her husband, Evan Duke,
I tweak it from there, make a mold, cast one and see if I like it.”
and in 2010, she gave up her career in the workers compen-
The jewelry is sterling silver, but Pam can work with any
sation insurance industry to join her husband’s family’s jewelry
precious metal, and customers can pick any stones they like.
business, Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold, which the
Currently, 22 retail stores as far away as Maine carry Nau-T-Girl.
Dukes started in 1981.
Over the past three years, Pam has created seven original collec-
“At Classic Creations, we were buying jewelry from vendors,”
tions, with themes running from anchors, to waves, to the sun.
Pam says. “I thought we should come up with our own line based
“When I look at my beautiful fishing hook bracelet,” Pam says,
on my pursuits here. That’s how I came up with Nau-T-Girl. Some
“it reminds me of being on our boat. The blue zircon stone rep-
think it’s ‘naughty’ jewelry because of the name, but it’s not. It’s an
resents the tropical water beneath us. My happy place is out on
expression of who I am and what I love.”
the water with friends and family. I hope my designs take my cus-
Pam’s creative process involves studying sea life, printing out
tomers to their happy places, too.”
pictures of whatever she is inspired by, and then expressing her interpretation of what she sees. 34
Nau-T-Girl Redfish and Snook Pendants
Venice Lifestyle | February 2019
2387 S. Tamiami Trail, 941.525.4459, Nau-T-Girl.com
“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