Venice, FL December 2020

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

Venice MainStreet

P R O M OTE S O U R H I S TO R I C D OW NTOW N

LI F E + C U LTU R E M EE T AL L EN M ED IA & AS S O CIAT ES ' PRESI D EN T/ FO U N D ER DAVI D AL L EN S T Y LE + B E AUT Y C IAO B EL L A S ALO N C EL EB R AT ES T WO Y E ARS AT N E W LO CAT I O N

“What

surprised us the most?”

It took us some time getting used to not doing all the chores we used to do! Something as simple as changing a battery—they take care of everything here.

We’re also surprised how quickly we got over living in our big house—within a week! We also didn’t realize how much care they offer.

We never have to move again!

—

Ed & Carolyn Boudreaux Actual Resident Quote

Surprise yourself at Village On The Isle—Venice’s ideal island retirement destination and only community offering a true Life Plan.

Get to know Village On The Isle and our lively, maintenance-free lifestyle. You simply can’t find a services-plus-amenities package like ours anywhere else in Venice. What will surprise you the most about us? We invite you to find out!

Join us at our upcoming events or schedule a personal tour. Call (941) 275-2732 or visit www.villageontheisle.com/surprise OIR #88005

920 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, FL 34285

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

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

Joy and Cheer in Venice

Virginia LaPlante | virginia.laplante@lifestylepubs.com

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE AGAIN, RAISING OUR SPIRITS WITH THE WON-

Matthew Endersbe

DERFUL CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS AND DECORATIONS AROUND TOWN, WHICH OF COURSE HERE IN BALMY VENICE ALWAYS INCLUDE PALM TREES AND TROPICAL FLOWERS IN FULL BLOOM. While we might not have snow on the ground, Christmas fills us with as much joy and cheer as anywhere else in the country. There’s a lot to do this time of year. While we might be celebrating this year’s holiday differently than in the past, there are still carols being sung outside in the parks, and plenty of visiting with our cherished family and neighbors—from a safe social distance of course!

ACCO UNT MANAGER

AD DESIGNER

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tony D'Souza, MJ Johnson, Patricia Ferrari, Norhala Houck CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephanie Snow Photography, Hannah Richard, Prion Photography, Nikki Callegari Photography

This month we are happy to highlight our Historic Downtown, which is looking more beautiful and welcoming than it ever has, thanks in part to the tremendous efforts of our friends at Venice MainStreet, our local nonprofit that is completely dedicated to promoting and preserving downtown Venice. We are sure you’ll enjoy our interview with Venice MainStreet’s CEO Kara Morgan to learn all about this important organization and the great work that it does for all of us.

You’ll also meet David Allen and learn all about the marketing company he founded, Allen Media & Associates. Allen Media is the driving force behind some of our area’s most successful businesses including Brewburgers and Venice Lighting &

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Fan Design Studio. Over at Ciao Bella Salon, our good friend Karen Sheppard is

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

celebrating two full years at her new location, and talks with us about how much her

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

team has grown. Attorney Patricia Ferrari shares some tips with us on giving financial

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

gifts to grandchildren, while MJ Johnson of Healthcare Solutions Team tells us why

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Telehealth can be so useful and affordable.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Two of our favorite local nonprofits, The Twig and Loveland Center, announce major expansions of their services in our Around Town section, while in Good Times, we get to see the ambitious ladies at OLALA EVENTS and their recent grand opening.

Congratulations to all!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Savor the joy and cheer of the holidays, Venice!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

Charmaine Tincher, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/Venice ON THE COVER Christmas tree and gifts at the beach.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIRELLE 4

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

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 accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020 FEATURES 12 Ciao Bella Thrives Owner Karen Sheppard Enjoys Success In Her Latest Location While Reflecting On The Twists And Turns Of Her Journey

18 It Takes A Leader And A Team To Make Marketing The Driving Force Allen Media & Associates Brings A Full Team Of Talent To The Venice Market

24 Venice MainStreet Helps Downtown Thrive This Local Nonprofit Has A Mission For Making Our Historic Downtown Vibrant And Economically Sound

28 Take Advantage of Telecare This New Technology Provides Access To

24 12

Medical Professionals For You And Your Family At Minimal To No Cost

28

18

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Hot Spot

14

Trend Setter

18

Inspired By

24 Travel Destination 28 Financial Buzz 31

Giving Back

GOOD TIMES

OLALA EVENTS Celebrated Its Grand Opening At Fixxation Boutique OLALA EVENTS is a collaboration of friends Mélissa and Amélie from France and is a your new beauty break in town, a monthly pop up event that gathers together beauty and wellness services and vendors, including professional make up, hair and skin care, nails and more. Call to book or plan a private event! 941.303.0577 OlalaEventsFl@gmail.com. Facebook.com/olalaeventsfl/

8

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

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9

AROUND TOWN and

Historical

Resources

Director

Sarabeth

Kalajian, who retired last year. Sarabeth started her 30 year career with Sarasota County as a youth services manager in Venice. The naming ceremony honored her long career in public service. The ceremony was streamed live on Sarasota County’s Play Facebook page (@SRQCountyPlay). Speakers included County Commissioners Nancy Detert and Alan Maio. Venice Lifestyle thanks Sarabeth for her outstanding service to our community!

CHARLOTTE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HELPS EMPOWER NONPROFIT LOVELAND CENTER EXPANSION VENICE MAINSTREET CELEBRATED TWO MUSICAL ‘CLASSIC EVENINGS ON THE AVENUE’

Loveland Center recently received a grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation to increase its essential service provision to children and adults with intellectual and develop-

In its mission to highlight everything Historic

mental disabilities in Charlotte County by more

Downtown Venice has to offer, Venice MainStreet

than fifty percent. Loveland’s Charlotte program

recently organized two ‘Classic Evenings On The

had operated out of 900+ square foot facility,

Avenue’ featuring shopping, dining, live music and

but with continued social distancing a health

more, all free and open to the public. Featured musi-

necessity for at-risk individuals such as those

cians included Bain Beakley at the Daquiri Deck, Kettle

with intellectual and developmental disabilities,

Of Fish’s Dana at the Burgundy Square Building, the

funding support was granted to triple its current

David Dewitt Duo at the Merchants of Venice Building,

facility footprint. In August, Loveland Charlotte

George Byrne at Ciao Gelato, Forrest Schafer at Made

moved into its new, highly visible facility.

in Italy, the Swinging Bridge Bluegrass Band at the Venice Avenue Creamery, and many more.

Visitvenicefl.org. 941.484.6722

4075

Tamiami

Trail. LovelandCenter.org.

941.493.0016

A BARANCIK FOUNDATION GRANT HELPS LOCAL NONPROFIT ‘THE TWIG’ EXPAND Thanks to the support of The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, The Twig has received a grant that enables the organization to begin an expansion into the Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch area. This second location will provide the same upscale shopping experience as The Twig’s first location, but allow the nonprofit to grow its reach geographically to serve more children in the foster care system. Currently, The Twig has many families traveling south to Venice to shop-for-free at its store and many more unable to make that trip. The Twig’s new space is conveniently located on SR64 right off I-75, easily accessible to so many wonderful foster families. Everyone

SARASOTA COUNTY LIBRARIES AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES DIRECTOR SARABETH KALAJIAN RETIRES The William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Public Library recently hosted a ceremony naming the children’s reading room and garden after former Libraries 10

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

at The Twig are excited to bring joy and hope to even more children than currently possible through this 2nd location. Dianne Weed, Executive Director and Founder of The Twig, thanks everyone in our community for their prayers and support!

826

Pinebrook

TheTwigCares.com

Road,

941.212.3326,

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

11

HOT SPOT

Ciao Bella Thrives OWNER KAREN SHEPPARD ENJOYS SUCCESS IN HER LATEST LOCATION WHILE REFLECTING ON THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF HER JOURNEY

Karen Sheppard, center, and her team at Ciao Bella Salon.

Back row standing left to right: Dawn Beles, Joe Zottola, Olivia Crowley, Karen, Tracy Lussier, Yvonne Shutt, Blaine Benson. Seated: Zsa Zsa Karajman, Robert Sessa, Marta Prazuch.

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

12

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

TWO YEARS AGO, KAREN SHEPPARD OPENED CIAO BELLA SALON AND WAS ONE OF THE VERY FIRST ADVERTISERS VENICE LIFESTYLE WAS PROUD TO LAUNCH THIS MAGAZINE WITH. We featured Karen’s grand opening in our very first issue in January2019, have checked in with her regularly, and are proud to feature her again in this issue, our 24th, two full years of hard work success for Karen and Venice Lifestyle both!

Karen and Ciao Bella have truly thrived since we first featured her. Starting with four people on her staff, today, Karen’s Ciao Bella boasts nine team members, plus Karen herself, who works in the salon daily. Featuring full hair service and styling, eyelash extensions, eyelash lifts, micro-blading, permanent makeup, and in partnership once a month with Simply Renew Medspa, Botox, fillers, facials and much more, Ciao Bella can offer its clients absolutely everything. Karen and her staff are highly experienced and love what they do. Karen has made Ciao Bella a welcoming homeaway-from-home for her clients, where they feel like part of the Ciao Bella family.

“I like to say, ‘All I do is stand around and talk all day,’” Karen laughs and says.

“But this is all I ever wanted to do. I love doing hair, making my clients feel beautiful, and getting to know them. We have a fun environment here and everyone gets along. I like to think of what we do here at Ciao Bella as ‘Casual Elegance.’ We are upscale, but also very affordable.”

Karen’s story began in Bangor, Maine, where she grew up. After finishing beauty school there, she opened her first salon, ‘Cutting Loose’. But the harsh Maine winters took their toll.

“I remember standing in a bank one day and it was so dark and miserable outside,” Karen recalls. “I thought, ‘I have to get out of here. I have to see palm trees.’”

Her mother had retired to Englewood. So in 1993 Karen packed up her children, Nicki, then 11 and now 38, and Blaine, then just three months old and now 27 and working himself at Ciao Bella, and she headed to Venice, where she started a new life. She worked in Sarasota at first, quickly tired of the commute, then took her first job on Venice Island, doing hair at Shear Class downtown. After three years there, she opened her first Venice salon, Aspire, right on the first block of Venice Avenue.

A marriage took her away from doing hair for a time. Then she had to battle both melanoma and colon cancer.

“I was young and I was lucky,” Karen says now. “They discovered the cancers very early and I was able to overcome both.”

Karen’s next move was to buy a salon on Venice Avenue—Cameo—when she was still dealing with medical bills and her financial foundation was shaky.

“I was single with two kids and I had just been sick,” she explains. “I didn’t think I could buy anything. But the owner was older and she believed in me. I bought the business and everything worked out on a hope and a prayer.”

Karen renamed that salon Ciao Bella, in keeping with Venice’s Italian theme.

Always offering more services, Karen’s success and loyal following eventually saw her set up shop in her current location.

“It’s been a nice transition from the island,” Karen says. “We have tons of parking, we’re closer to Wellen Park, and its excellent in terms of traffic. We are doing great and we just seem to keep growing. All of my staff has been in the industry for years, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. We make our clients feel beautiful, and we treat them like family. And we’re always happy to welcome someone new and give them a salon to call home.”

2161 Tamiami Trail South, Venice. 941.220.7112. Ciaobellabeautysalon.com CityLifestyle.com/Venice

13

TREND SETTER

Venice For The

H O L I D AY S ARTICLE NORHALA HOUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY HANNAH RICHARD

1

DETAILS Complete your holiday shopping list with jewelry. Choose from a variety of curated styles for every budget.

14

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

2

DETAILS Stay cool and look stylish in one of these Gretchen Scott ensembles.

Don’t forget, lightweight sweaters and ponchos make great gifts.

3 DETAILS

A HOLIDAY POEM BY NORHALA HOUCK It is days before Christmas and all through the town

Floridians wear plaid too! We offer a great selection of performance fabrics for men and women -- perfect for your holiday gathering.

There is plenty of hustling and bustling around.

Nary a snowflake for hundreds of miles, Instead you’ll be welcomed with warm coastal smiles.

Windows and trees boast sparkling lights and festive décor; Treasures artfully displayed in each and every store.

Here’s to an absolutely wonderful holiday season! We look

Jolly shoppers stroll the avenue in search of a find,

forward to seeing everyone downtown, where you can expe-

Until they score just the perfect gift, a one-of-a-kind.

rience the enchantment of Venice for yourselves. SunBug

The snowbirds are singing and dancing a jig;

and Twist stores are loaded with new and stylish apparel for

They bake cakes and cookies and puddings of fig.

men and women. You will also find a unique collection of jew-

Presents are piled high on spare beds with care,

elry, accessories, and gifts. If you plan to head to the beach

In the hopes that the grandkids soon will be here.

with your eggnog, stop by for a new swimsuit!

Friends and families will gather near our famous pier — A place dolphins, rays and turtles swim near.

Thank you for continuing to support your local businesses.

Norhala Houck is the owner of SunBug and Twist

Time spent on the beach encourages peace and relaxation,

Boutique located on West Venice Avenue in Historic

A setting that proves fit for even the most special occasions.

Downtown Venice.

Amongst all the trials, tribulations, and woes, Let us find the kindness to forgive — even our most

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Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

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INSPIRED BY

IT TAKE S A LE ADE R AND A TE AM

David Allen founded Allen Media & Associates in 2005.

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

TO MAKE MARKETING THE DRIVING FORCE ALLEN MEDIA & ASSOCIATES BRINGS A FULL TEAM OF TALENT TO THE VENICE MARKET

IF

DAVID

ALLEN

COULD

TRAVEL

BACK IN TIME AND TELL HIS HIGH

“Allen Media is made up of a collaborative

OWN AND OPERATE A SUCCESSFUL

group of phenomenally talented individuals

NATIONAL MARKETING COMPANY, HIS

who each have their own set of specialties

YOUNGER SELF WOULD HAVE NEVER

and insights,” says Allen. “Our focus is always

BELIEVED HIM. He believes it now!

on the client and what the client needs. We

Media & Associates, a full circle market-

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

Florida and South Hadley, Massachusetts.

SCHOOL SELF THAT IN 2020 HE WOULD

Allen is the president and founder of Allen

18

from coast to coast with offices in Venice,

listen closely as a team and then we go to work to create a full circle marketing plan.”

ing company founded in 2005 that uses a

Allen’s team includes a dozen individ-

unique team approach to cover every angle

uals who are passionate about marketing

of marketing and advertising. Allen Media

and advertising. Services include public

& Associates serves the advertising needs

relations, digital marketing, SEO, SEM,

of clients from Florida to New England, and

email marketing, TV and radio campaigns,

website design and website management.

knowing that their advertising and marketing

Allen Media covers all the bases and clients

needs are in good hands.Â

get whatever they need to customize their

Allen’s clients have included restaurants,

own marketing plans. Allen wants his clients

home improvement companies, golf courses,

to focus on running their own businesses,

banks, Harley-Davidson dealerships, salons,

David Allen at Venice Lighting & Fan Design Studio

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

19

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED) David Allen and Brewburgers' Michael Bacon

20

orchards, interior designers, downtown business asso-

jokes and make people laugh. He really didn’t have any

ciations and the list goes on. Local clients in the Venice

plans to get into advertising. That all changed when he

area include Venice Lighting & Fan Design Studio, the

began selling advertising space for three Massachusetts

new Coastal Serenity Design & Lighting of Sarasota, and

newspapers including the Holyoke Transcript, Daily

BrewBurgers with two locations in Venice and growing.

Hampshire Gazette and Cape Cod Times. He credits his

“Marketing is an ever-changing environment. We have

former manager Mark Iacuessa at the Daily Hampshire

to stay on top of it,” says Allen. “If I was still doing what

Gazette for his guidance and advice to ‘work hard and

I was doing in 2005, I would not be here. Allen Media

work smart.’ It’s a path that Allen still follows.

continues to grow. We give our clients great service and

Allen eventually moved on to a sales and production

excellent results. That’s why we still have many of the

position at LIN Television Corporation until he was

same original clients from 15 years ago.”

hired by an Atlanta, Georgia company as a business

Allen was raised by two hard-working parents. In high

road warrior. He traveled the country to set up corpo-

school he was a bit of a class clown and just wanted to tell

rate marketing and sales training programs. In 2005,

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

Allen found himself at the crossroads of corporate

the creativity and the challenge of bringing consumer

restructuring and the need for a new direction. He

attention to our clients. I like being the force that drives

decided to stay with what he loved and opened his

the business traffic with a team that knows all the angles.”

doors as Allen Media & Associates.

“We love the team approach,” says Allen, an avid golfer who now lives in Venice with his wife Ann. “I embrace

David J. Allen, President, Allen Media & Associate. 941.237.0408.

Dallen@allenmedia.net. Allenmedia.net

Allen Media & Associates has clients all over the country.

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

21

22

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

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23

TRAVEL DESTINATION

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY NIKKI CALLEGARI PHOTOGRAPHY

ve n i c e mainstreet helps downtown t h r i ve

THIS LOCAL NONPROFIT HAS A MISSION FOR MAKING OUR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN VIBRANT AND ECONOMICALLY SOUND

24

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

Venice MainStreet Volunteers Larry and Tracy Ivey. The nonprofit Venice MainStreet has been improving Historic Downtown Venice since 1987.

100,000 people participate in Venice MainStreet events.

H

ISTORIC DOWNTOWN VENICE TODAY IS ARGUABLY MORE GORGEOUS THAN AT ANY TIME IN ITS HISTORY. The avenues have

been widened, the storefronts beautified, the walls painted with colorful and interesting murals, and the sidewalks filled with shoppers and diners. None of this success happened through chance, but is instead the result of tons of hard work by the City of Venice, the historic district’s business owners, local residents who have volunteered their time and treasure, and last but certainly not least, Venice’s very own community cheerleader and organizer, the nonprofit Venice MainStreet.

With a full-time staff of three—CEO Kara Morgan, Events and Partnership Coordinator Nick Sperry, and Community Engagement Coordinator Michelle Harm (pictured together in this month’s Table of Contents), and an eleven-volunteer board of directors—Venice MainStreet has focused on promoting the charms of the downtown historic district since MainStreet’s founding in 1987. An accredited local chapter of a national organization that has more than 1600 members, Venice MainStreet’s mission is to focus on the revitalization, preservation and promotion of the historic center of the greater Venice community. The Downtown Historic District is now so lovely and vibrant, that it is easy to take it for granted.

But it hasn’t always been that way.

“There were many years when downtown Venice was sleepy and dilapidated,” says Venice MainStreet’s CEO Kara Morgan. “Our mission has always been to change that.”

Working under the umbrella of the Florida Main Street Program which itself is under the national Main Street America nonprofit organization, Venice MainStreet’s work is part of a movement that began in the late 1970s as mega malls were built near interstates outside of small towns, siphoning away business traffic. As people began shopping at the malls, thousands of town centers across the country fell into disuse and decay.

To turn the tide, Main Street America was formed in 1980 with a four-pillar mission based on the ideas of Economic Vitality, Design, Organization and Promotion. Local main street organizations like Venice MainStreet work to overcome economic slumps in historic downtowns at the grassroots level.

“For the past 33 years, the people involved with Venice MainStreet and the City of Venice have done an excellent job of making our downtown thriving and vibrant,” said MainStreet CEO Kara Morgan. “Historic Downtown Venice is certainly not sleepy or irrelevant in Venice residents’ lives anymore. Historic Downtown Venice can now be considered the living room of the city. It’s alive with activity, and a central asset to all of us. People love spending their leisure time in the Historic Downtown and it is a major attraction for visitors.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

25

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

People chose to move to Venice because of the wonderful times they have downtown while on vacation. Our downtown is a treasure that we have all worked hard to build.”

Kara came to Venice from far northern Wisconsin, where she was born and raised. She graduated from Wisconsin’s Beloit College with a degree in education and youth studies, as well as art history. She Centennial Park Gazebo, location of many Venice MainStreet events.

began her career working in a number of Midwest history museums, including the Midway Village and Museum in Rockford, IL, before attending John Hopkins University, where she earned a Masters in

Hanging flower baskets adorn the historic district throughout downtown Venice.

Museum Studies. She moved to Sarasota County in 2007 based on pleasant experiences during family vacations to Siesta Key, and was soon working at the Ringling Museum of Art in their education department. She then became Deputy Director at Historic Spanish Point, before joining Art Center Sarasota as Development Director. Wife to husband Dan, who works in health care IT, Kara is mother to two-year-old son, Sean.

Of Venice MainStreet, Kara says, “We are a nonprofit that does community based economic development. We achieve our goals for downtown through promotions, special events, and historic preservation.

Everyone here at MainStreet would like us to become better known to the wider community as the leading organization that produces community events. Before Covid, Venice MainStreet put on at least 52 outdoor events per year, all downtown. Covid restrictions hurt us very badly since we couldn’t do anything we normally do in terms of events.”

Despite Covid putting an anchor on Venice MainStreet events, Kara and her team have stayed upbeat and optimistic. “I have a five-year plan for Venice MainStreet that sees us growing both in recognition, and in budget and staff,” Kara says. “I’d like the community to be more aware that we organize the majority of outdoor events that happen in Historic Downtown Venice. Venice MainStreet has worked hard to create increased foot traffic.”

26

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

Among Venice MainStreet’s most notable achievements over the years was the preservation of the railroad depot, the building of the gateway arch sign, placing John Nolen street sign toppers, the intergenerational fountain, the information kiosk in Centennial Park, the recent mural on Nassau Street, and much more. The annual Easter egg hunt and Halloween parade are organized by MainStreet in tandem with the Lions Club. Recently, Venice MainStreet has partnered with the Atlanta Braves and Cool Today Stadium to throw ‘Kick Off To Spring Training’ block party celebrations downtown. More than 100,000 people attend Venice MainStreet events every year.

Venice MainStreet has more than 300 local business partners, all of whom are featured on the MainStreet website and in the Venice MainStreet printed directory. The website also features Venice’s most comprehensive calendar of events.

“When you see things change and become more vibrant downtown,” Kara says, “it’s because of Venice MainStreet’s work. Covid has certainly negatively impacted us, but we will get through.

After all, we were founded as an organization to help historic downtowns weather severe economic downturns. While we are hoping that people will donate to us—individual memberships are $35, families are $50—we also need people’s time and talents to truly thrive. Volunteers are essential to everything that we do and we welcome everyone who would like to help.”

101 W. Venice Avenue, Venice, Suite 23. 941.484.6722.

VisitVeniceFL.org. Info@veniceminstreet.com

The gateway arch sign is a Venice MainStreet project completed in 1989 and updated in 2016.

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

27

FINANCIAL BUZZ

Attorney Patricia Ferrari

Giving Gifts To G r a n d c h i l d r e n : to an ABLE account will not disqualify the grandchild from receiving government benefits, if the TOOLS THAT CAN BE USED TO

grandchild is receiving SSI, the account balance

PROTECT THOSE GIFTS

cannot exceed $100,000.

In 2020, an individual can give $15,000 a year to each grandchild gift-tax free. A married cou-

REVOCABLE TRUST

ple can give each grandchild a combined sum

Unless the value of your estate is over your life-

of $30,000 annually. But in some circumstances

time federal estate tax exemption of $11,580,000

making an outright gift might not be in the best

(for 2020) creating a revocable trust and leaving

interest of the grandchild. Does the grandchild

some of your estate to each grandchild in trust

Attorney Patricia Ferrari has

have good judgment in money matters? Perhaps

should be considered.

an office in the West Villages office complex located at

the grandchild has a disability and is receiving or could be eligible to receive government benefits.

THE GRANDCHILD WITH POOR MONEY

19503 S. West Villages Parkway,

If such a gift is made, the grandchild could lose

MANAGEMENT SKILLS.

Suite A1-105, Venice, Florida

those benefits as a result of the gift.

In a Revocable Trust you can create a separate trust for each grandchild. While you are alive, you

529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN

34293. She can be contacted at 941.993.9297.

have complete control over the funds but upon your

One option to consider is opening a 529 College

passing the terms of the trust agreement will spec-

Savings Plan for the grandchild. These funds can

ify the circumstances in which a distribution may

only be used for educational expenses. You can

be made to the grandchild. A spendthrift provision

use the annual tax free gift amount but you can

should be included in the trust to protect the grand-

also make a lump sum totaling five years’ worth of

child’s interest in the trust from creditor’s claims.

consequences.

THE DISABLED GRANDCHILD.

TIP #2

contributions ($75,000 per individual or $150,000 for a married couple) in one year.

If the grandchild has been diagnosed with a ABLE ACCOUNTS

disability and either is receiving or might receive

TIP #1 An outright annual gift can result in unintended

A grandchild with special needs can lose government benefits.

To qualify for an ABLE account, the grandchild

government benefits, the trust agreement should

must have a disabling condition that began before

create a Special Needs Trust for the grandchild. A

age 26. The grandchild can only have one ABLE

Special Needs Provision, if drafted correctly, can

TIP #3

account. However anyone can contribute money

provide funds that can be used for the benefit of

A gift can be squan-

to the ABLE account. Annual contributions are

the disabled grandchild without affecting his or

dered if a grandchild

capped at $15,000 per year. While contributions

her eligibility for government benefits.

has poor judgment.

28

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE MJ JOHNSON, MSN, RN, LLC PHOTOGRAPHY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY

Ta k e A d va n ta g e of Telecare

MJ Johnson, MSN, RN, LLC

to expand patient access to care, help patients manage recovery and well-being at home. Many of your insurance carriers now offer this service. The catch

THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ACCESS TO MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT MINIMAL TO NO COST

is figuring out how mush they charge. Some charge $49.95 each time you call and there are others that charge absolutely nothing—you can call 20 times that day for 20 different reasons and there’s never a charge. The responding physician writes down your medical issue, asks a few more questions, and calls in a prescription to your pharmacy. They will tell you

TODAY’S ‘NEW’ NORMAL BRINGS WITH IT

to follow up with your primary care physician within

MANY CHANGES, MANY UNKNOWNS, AND

48-72 hours if you are not improving. Now you have

A PLETHORA OF FINANCIAL AND HEALTH

saved valuable time and money.

ISSUES. So many have lost their employment,

In addition to cost and time savings, by utilizing

and with that, their health coverage. What used

Telecare consumers now need to ‘shop’ for the

to be a carefree trip to the doctor or Urgent Care

best pharmaceutical price for their medications.

is now a major financial hardship: should you eat

Automatically going to your local pharmacy is

this week or get medical attention?

not the best solution. Did you know that there are

As a health insurance broker, I have witnessed

pharmacies that provide some antibiotics for free?

the astronomical increases in all levels of health

Diabetic medication for free? Websites that list

care coverage. What about the cost of medica-

which pharmacy in your neighborhood and at what

tion? That follows right on the tail of health cover-

price they will fill a medication? Here are a few:

age. I receive countless calls each day requesting

Synjardy.com/support-and-savings

health coverage; ‘The cheapest you have. I’ve lost

Get.patientassistanceprograms.com

my job and can’t afford it anymore.’

Singlecare.com

I’m here to tell you that there is a way to receive medical attention for non-life-threaten-

If you would like assistance finding the most

ing situations and medications at minimal to no

cost effective Telecare program and how to

cost! It’s called Telecare.

obtain medications the most cost effective way,

The definition of Telecare has changed over time

please contact me.

as new technology has shaped the face of modern telemedicine. The basic definition of Telecare is ‘care

MJ JOHNSON, MSN, RN, LLC,

offered to patients remotely via telecommunica-

HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS TEAM,

tions technology, either through synchronous (live

DISTRICT PARTNER/TEAM LEADER

video) or asynchronous means (store-and-forward,

mjohnson2@myhst.com. 941.286.5002.

remote patient monitoring).’ Telecare is often used

Mjjohnsonconciergecoverage.com CityLifestyle.com/Venice

29

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Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

GIVING BACK

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

IMAGINE YOURSELF AS THE LEADER OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH IN VENTURA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, WITH MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING. You’re a New York Times bestseller making a million dollars in royalties from your first book and people love you—you’re on top of the world.

Would you leave that all behind?

Better yet, would you trade all of that, giving away 90% of your income to end up living in the poorest region of Hong Kong surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day?

For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate and unwanted result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, a church planter and best-selling author who speaks to thousands of people around the world each year, it’s exactly what he did. And exactly what he needed—an opportunity to walk down a winding path that led him toward fulfilling his purpose; toward becoming a

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

man who can truly say he lives the life he’s been called to and encouraging others to do the same.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

31

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com!

Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a very traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died while giving birth to him. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer.

Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with a membership of 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. By 2000, membership grew even more to 1,600. And by 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ then-new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller.

Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it behind in pursuit of a more humble and impactful way of life.

The $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking.

After making the decision to leave Cornerstone and wrestling with what the next step would be, Francis and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China, where he was able to embrace new interests and activities by doing what the locals do, and where he also saw an inspiring shift in culture and spiritual values.

“I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he says. “Their mentality really isn’t a consumer mindset of ‘Here’s my needs, here’s what I feel, no one cares about me— me, me, me, me. Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other and thinking about how to get to the poor—the truly poor—like ‘We’re going to starve today,’ or ‘We’re selling off kids today.’ That type of poor. There’s just a lot more urgency.”

In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of life, Francis’ message of focus and fulfillment can be summed up simply: take your eyes off yourself.

“People that I’ve found that have spent their lives truly loving others are the j o y f u l p e o p l e .”

32

Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

“A l l w e r e a l l y n e e d t o d o is hit that little button that s w i t c h e s i t o f f s e l f i e m o d e .”

“It’s so counterintuitive because, physically, if I break my arm, I’m not going to be thinking about anyone else. The only thing that’s going to bring me pleasure is getting this thing fixed. ‘Everyone look at me—my arm is broken; someone fix

he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’”

Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals.

it for me,’” he says. “But...the answer is actually to take your

“She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like,

eyes off of yourself. People that I’ve found that have spent

you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

their lives truly loving others are the joyful people. You’ll find very few generous people who are miserable.”

Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing him-

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says, fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to certain things and God has something so much better for us.”

self, goes on to describe how he sees this generation

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the

as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that

Sham Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong

you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls

with most of his family, including his wife, all but one of

and you’re always in the picture—always the center

his daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren.

of everything.

It’s a place he later found is where his mother also did

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that

ministries in the 1950s, and allows him the continued

switches it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t

humbling opportunity to live out his journey working with

even see myself.”

the ultra poor to bring relief and sharing his spiritual ful-

Looking toward the future, Francis (non-prophetically, he clarifies, laughing) goes on to recall the story of his oldest daughter, Rachel—one of seven children and two grandchildren, when she was 5 years old.

fillment with others, even while enjoying a pickup game with locals on the neighborhood basketball court.

“It’s a pretty bizarre journey to think that, first of all, my wife has stood by my side for 27 years, and it’s just been

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city

an amazing marriage. Two years ago at our 25-year anni-

called Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was

versary, she asked me ‘Do you know of anyone on the

this old maze you walked through with only a few walls,

planet that is more blessed than we are? Because I feel

some little ceramic things you could paint and this big

like we’re the happiest people on earth. It’s almost like

bubble machine that was just a hula hoop dipped in

that can’t be true, but I haven’t found anyone happier,’”

bubble solution. There really wasn’t much more to it,

he says. “It’s one thing for me to say because that’s the

but she loved it.”

way I feel, but to hear that from my wife as well and those

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’”

truly to be her sentiments. It just feels like an impossible life all the way around.”

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

33

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Venice Lifestyle | December 2020

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