Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

The Eco Issue TR AV E L VEN I C E'S SEC RE T & WI L D O U T D O O R ADVEN T U RE SP O T S HOME + DESIGN VI L L AG E O N T H E ISL E'S N E W H I B IS C US D I N I N G RO O M LI F E + C U LTU R E EPI PHAN Y CAT H ED R AL S C H O O L'S SH I N I N G S TAR AWARD

IT’S NEVER TOO L AT E TO H AVE A

beautiful smile

1218 East Venice Avenue Venice, FL. 34285

(941) 488-1075 venicedentist.com We want to reassure our patients & community that we continue to provide a safe treatment environment and will do our best to accommodate Dr. Frank Lewicki | Dr. Brent Beyer | Dr. Charles Davis

New Patients Welcome

all comprehensive, preventative & emergency dental procedures during the COVID-19 health crisis. New off ice protocols to promote social distancing and safe practices are in place. Park & Call upon arrival.

A Change of

Scene A Change of

Pace

Village On The Isle—your destination for peace of mind, community, security and so much more. Village on the Isle is not just any retirement community. It’s also a never-ending vacation community. With ocean breezes and coastal sunshine, f riendship and fun, laid-back luxury, and peace-of-mind plus on-site health care—for life. So, make a change. Enjoy a new view and a new, caref ree you. Village On The Isle is Venice’s only Continuing Care Retirement Community (Life Plan Community). Come discover for yourself why savvy seniors choose Village On The Isle!

920 Tamiami Trail South, Venice, FL 34285 | (941) 202-2533 www.VillageOnTheIsle.com/Change OIR #88005

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@lifestylepubs.com

My daughter, four grandchildren and I enjoying one of our favorite Venice hot spots, Sharky’s On The Pier.

The Eco Issue HAPPY SPRINGTIME, VENICE! The weather is lovely and there’s no better time to get out in nature and enjoy all the diversity of our native ecosystems. From woods to water, Venice has it all. In this ‘Eco’ issue, we hope to shine a little more light on all the wild adventures to be had right here on our doorsteps. This month, our editor shares his family’s ‘top secret’ Venice-area parks and natural areas for hiking, fishing, and tiring out the kids. From butterflies to sharks, Tony and his family love everything about our outdoors. Next up, one of our intrepid photographers,

EDITOR

Tony D'Souza | tony.dsouza@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGER

Virginia LaPlante | virginia.laplante@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tony D'Souza, Stephanie Snow, Allen Media CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephanie Snow Photography, Claudia Daniels Photography, Village On The Isle, Jacaranda Trace, Tutti del Monte Photography

Stephanie Snow, shares some tips for taking better pictures at our region’s incredible beaches. Another of the photographers we feel so fortunate to work with contributed this month’s gorgeous cover, ‘Acrobat.’ Though she’s a Venice local, Claudia Daniels traveled all the way to Portugal to shoot this stunning portrait of a flamingo. Over at Jacaranda Trace, residents are growing vegetables in Earth Boxes, and raising butterflies as they enjoy the spring. Village On The Isle has completed the renovation of its main dining room, the now absolutely lovely Hibiscus Dining Room. In our Around Town section, we check in with Venice MainStreet and meet a new board member, three new partner businesses, and learn about the nonprofit’s outdoor Sweetheart Stroll, held in our historic downtown.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Our friends at Epiphany Cathedral School are celebrating new enrollments, and we

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

learn all about their major fundraising Gala, which takes place this month. Included in

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

that feature is a spotlight on Joyce and Troy Sacco, Epiphany’s Shining Star Lifetime

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Achievement Award recipients. Over at Exit Realty, our very own Liz Van Osdol was recently named Realtor Of The Month, and she shares tips on how to succeed in this redhot housing market. Lastly, a new art gallery has opened in the old Nokomis Post Office. Boulevard Fine Arts & Custom Framing is the place to go to find that perfect landscape impressionistic painting to compliment your home and celebrate the beauty of nature.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Charmaine Tincher, Publisher ON THE COVER “Acrobat,” shot with an Olympus camera and a 40-150mm lens.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAUDIA DANIELS ClaudiaDanielsPhotography.com 4

Venice Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

Proverbs 3:5-6 Venice Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Venice area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners 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.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 16 Take Better Beach Pictures A Few Simple Tips For Improving Your Photos

22 The Hibiscus Dining Room Village On The Isle's Newly Renovated Main Dining Room Is Elegant

24 Hot Market Exit King Realtor Of The Month Liz Van Osdol Offers Tips For Success In A Highly Competitive Market

32 On The Rise! Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School

16 32

Is Enjoying New Energy, New Interest, And New Enrollments

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Artist’s Palette

Now Open

24 Local’s Choice 28 Water & Woods 32 Local Limelight

GOOD TIMES

Village On The Isle Celebrates Grand Opening Of Renovated Dining Room Village On The Isle Celebrated the Grand Opening of its completely renovated main dining room, the Hibiscus Dining Room, this past Valentine's Day. Featuring 10,000 sq. ft. of space, the Hibiscus allows for safety and social distancing in a fine dining atmosphere. Read more about the project and Village On The Isle in our feature article on page 22 in this issue. 920 Tamiami Trail S, 941.486.5485, VillageOnTheIsle.com

The Ultimate Downtown Date Night: Venice Sweetheart Stroll Venice MainStreet presented the Sweetheart Stroll in historic downtown Venice in February. Participants enjoyed Valentine-themed merchandise, food and drink specials, live music, and classic cars from the Antique Automobile Club of America, Venice Region. More than 25 participating stores had extended shopping hours. Venice MainStreet, Inc has been dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting Historic Downtown Venice since 1988. 101 W. Venice Avenue, Venice, Suite 23. 941.484.6722. VisitVeniceFL.org. Info@veniceminstreet.com

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Venice Lifestyle | April 2021

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Jacaranda Trace Residents Enjoy Lovely Springtime Weather And Gardening Jacaranda Trace resident Ruth Geniesse enjoys finding baby caterpillars in the community's earth boxes and raising them into adult butterflies. Residents also love gardening. Their Earth Boxes contain everything from vegetables and flowers to the parsley plant that the caterpillars feed on. A group of residents attended a class on Earth Box gardening at the Earth Box Research Center in Ellenton, Florida. Other outdoor activities include swimming, volleyball, mimosas by the pool and evening dinners around the fountain. Jacaranda Trace, 3600 William Penn Way, Venice. www.jacarandatrace.com 941-408-2050.

1. Left to right: Lois Burkholder, Bob Burkholder, Claudia Holmes, Walter Holmes, and Lynn Nebel enjoying Mimosas by the fountain. | 2. Ruth Geniesse, Jim O’Hara and Joyce Smith by the fountain at Jacaranda Trace. | 3. Tom Gooding, Shirley Gooding and Penny Chittenden enjoying the Mimosas at Jacaranda Trace. | 4. Ruth Geniesse looking for caterpillers in the Jacaranda Trace garden boxes. | 5. Vegetables in the Earth Boxes. | 6. Sunny Urban standing by her tomatoes grown in the Earth Box.

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AROUND TOWN

SANDRA DI PENTIMA NAMED NEW BOARD PRESIDENT AT VENICE MAINSTREET

VENICE MAINSTREET WELCOMES THREE NEW PARTNERS

Venice MainStreet proudly welcomes Fifth

Venice MainStreet is pleased to announce three

Third Bank's Sandra Di Pentima as Board

new business partners who have just opened

President. "I’d like to extend a huge thank

downtown: Aqua Silks Studio, Servis First Bank,

you to the outgoing Board President, Ronnie

and Venice Onward. Since 1988, Venice MainStreet,

Fernandez, and the 2020 Board of Directors for

Inc is a 501(c)3 that strives to collaborate with the

their dedication, service and leadership, as well

City of Venice, and other community groups, to

as to all of our extraordinary volunteers," Sandra

preserve and enhance the historic character of

says. "Through the collective efforts of our Board

Venice, while, also promoting and encouraging the

and volunteers, I am confident we will continue

economic and community vitality of Venice.

to fulfill MainStreet’s mission of ensuring historic preservation and economic vitality for this great City of Venice."

101 W. Venice Avenue, Venice, Suite 23. 941.484.6722. VisitVeniceFL.org. Info@veniceminstreet.com Aqua Silks Studio welcomes everyone looking for

101 W. Venice Avenue, Venice, Suite 23. 941.484.6722. VisitVeniceFL.org. Info@veniceminstreet.com

a fun, creative experience for themselves or to do with a group of friends. You can design your own silks at Aqua Silks Studio to create scarves, home decor and accessories. During this interactive art

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experience where you paint on water, you will learn everything you need to know and leave with your art captured on silk. Book your studio session today and unleash the artist within. No experience necessary! 101 W Venice Ave, Suite 8, Venice. 941.412.4616. Susan@aquasilksstudio.com. ServisFirst Bank is a full service commercial bank focused on commercial banking, correspondent banking, cash management, private banking and the professional consumer market, emphasizing competitive products, state of the art technology and a focus on quality service. The Bank offers sophisticated cash management products, Internet banking, home mortgage lending, remote deposit express banking, and highly competitive rates. 247 Tamiami Trail South, Venice. 941.236.9130. Servisfirstbank.com

NFPA AND STATE FARM WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS GRANTS AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Venice Onward offers a wide range of website

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Preparedness Day with the National Fire Protection

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fully customized websites while following the most

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AROUND TOWN

CHILD PROTECTION CENTER’S THERAPY PROGRAM ‘EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS’ The Child Protection Center’s Sexual Abuse

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK RECEIVES $115,000 IN PROGRAM SUPPORT All

Faiths

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recently

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grants and support from the following founda-

a 94/100 “Exceeds Quality Standards” on their

tions: $6,000 from The Cook Family Foundation for

recent Department of Health Clinical Monitoring.

the Backpack program; $30,000 from the Roberta

The program also received a 94 on their last eval-

Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation for the Backpack

uation and was the highest clinical monitoring

program; $40,000 from the Harry Sudakoff

score in the entire state of Florida. “I am extremely

Foundation for the Backpack program; $10,000

proud of our therapy team for scoring a 94 out of

from the Culverhouse Family Foundation in sup-

100 on the Quality Assurance Monitoring from the

port of hunger relief programs; $29,000 from the

Department of Health (DOH),” said Doug Staley,

Wells Fargo Foundation in support of hunger relief

CPC’s Executive Director. The CPC has been

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

TA K E BETTER BEACH PICTURES

WATCH THE HORIZON

This means a couple of things. First, try to keep it straight. It’s common that we accidentally tilt the camera when we take a picture, but since we all know the horizon is straight, it doesn’t look right when the horizon line isn’t straight. Second, it can be more interesting if the horizon is NOT in the exact middle of the picture. If there are interesting clouds in the sky, show a little more sky than water. If there aren’t any clouds, show a little more water.

A FEW SIMPLE TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR PHOTOS ARTICLE STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

When you take a picture of just the sand and water, it could be any beach any place in the world. Since you’re taking the picture to remember the moment, add a person or point of reference to the photo. ADD ELEMENTS OF INTEREST

IT SHOULD BE SIMPLE TO TAKE GREAT PICTURES AT THE BEACH. The sun is shining, everyone is happy, you take a picture. You captured a great memory and smile every time you look at it. For many people, that’s enough. But if you’re looking at taking your photo skills up a notch, there are several things you can do to improve your pictures. As a professional photographer, I am at the beach every week taking pictures of families and weddings and want to share some tips for taking better pictures of the people you love.

Venice Lifestyle | April 2021

TAKE A SILHOUETTE

USE MORNING OR EVENING LIGHT

Photographers love golden hour light which is

When the light source is behind your subject and

the time shortly after sunrise and just before sun-

there’s no light in front, you get a silhouette. This is fun

set. Since we live on the Florida’s west coast people

to do at the beach just before the sun sets. Have your

often photograph at sunset but taking photos of

subject strike a pose and take a picture. If you’re pho-

people in the morning has its advantages. Not only

tographing more than one person, allow a little space

do you get a beautiful golden glow for portraits, the

between your subjects so they really stand out.

sun lights up the Gulf.

In order to light your subject against the setting sun, you have to use a flash. Unfortunately the flash on your phone may not be strong enough to overpower the sun. A good camera should have a pop up flash and professionals generally use off camera lights to make sure we get enough light on the subject. USE A FLASH

06 USE OPEN SHADE The middle of the day can be the hardest time to take great pictures of people. Unfortunately when the sun is overhead, it can create unflattering shadows on people’s faces. Open shade is anywhere that is shaded from the direct sun but still has plenty of ambient light. By standing your subject in the shade, you can

I hope these tips help you take better beach pictures. If

eliminate the uneven light. Examples of open shade on

you’d like to discuss having professional photos tak-

Venice Beach would be shadows created by the pier,

en, please contact Stephanie Snow Photography at

life guard stands or even a beach umbrella.

stephaniesnowphoto@yahoo.com. CityLifestyle.com/Venice

NOW OPEN NEW GALLERY OPENS AT THE OLD POST OFFICE IN THE HEART OF NOKOMIS

ARTICLE ALLEN MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID MANOLA

boulevard fine art & custom framing INTERIOR DESIGNERS, HOME DECORATORS AND ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES BEAUTIFUL FINE ART ARE IN FOR A TREAT.

Chicago

neighborhood

favor-

ite Boulevard Fine Art & Custom Framing has opened a new gallery at 110 Colonia Lane East in downtown Nokomis. And the cool thing is, the gallery is located at the site of Nokomis’ old Post Office! “I love this space,” says Boulevard owner and Chicago artist David Manola, who shares the business with his wife Ellen, a 30-year custom framer. Boulevard Fine Art has filled the former 5,000 square foot Post Office with an international collection of original art from well-known established artists and new artists. Manola says the artwork ranges in style from traditional to contemporary and the prices range from comfortable to investment. Manola has a fine arts degree from Art

Venice Lifestyle | April 2021

Boulevard owner and artist David Manola

Institute of Chicago and he spent his career working at noted Chicago galleries. He opened his first gallery in 1996 in Oak Park, Illinois. The new gallery in Nokomis is his second gallery. Ellen Manola owned her own framing shop, and she brings 30 years of framing experience to Boulevard Fine Art. The couple’s oldest son Marco is a computer animation and design artist who graduated from Ringling College. “We went from being a small frame shop that offered some art to a larger gallery with a lot of art and a full-service Custom Framing Department,” says Manola. “We specialize in original fine contemporary art. There’s beautiful art for every taste.” The Manolas have worked with many top interior designers in the Chicago area and for years they shipped art nationally and internationally. “Designers appreciate our big selection of original art and elegant frames, and we aim to inspire with our popular on-site consultations.” Boulevard Fine Art also has a unique lifetime trade-in agreement, and a 24-hour approval plan so you can see and try the art on location. The Manolas are looking forward to working with designers from Sarasota to Naples. “We’re open at the Post Office in Nokomis,” adds David. “Send yourself to us!”

The old Post Office has been completely renovated for the new gallery, including gorgeous polished floors.

Hours: 10-6 Monday-Saturday and by appointment 110 Colonia Lane East, Nokomis. 941.220.1227 Boulevardfineart.com

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

the hibiscus dining room ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY VILLAGE ON THE ISLE

VILLAGE ON THE ISLE'S NEWLY RENOVATED MAIN DINING ROOM IS ELEGANT

VILLAGE ON THE ISLE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE

(See more photos of the Hibiscus Dining Room on page 8

THE GRAND OPENING OF ITS NEWLY RENOVATED,

of this issue in our Good Times section).

10,000 SQ. ft. main dining room, the Hibiscus Dining

“The Hibiscus Dining Room has gorgeous finishes,

Room. Undertaken over the past year by Stevens

expansive ceilings, and multiple seating options so resi-

Construction, the result is a gorgeous space akin to a fine

dents can have privacy if they want to bring in family to

restaurant or country club, with more than enough space

dine with,” explains Kristen Myers, Village On The Isle’s

to dine while staying socially distanced. The grand open-

Director of Marketing. “We spent four months planning

ing was held with a celebration this past Valentine’s Day.

the layout and fine touches. Covid was happening when

Residents toast the opening of the Hibiscus Dining Room

Venice Lifestyle | April 2021

we did, so we were able to plan for safety and social distancing as

Other dining options on the campus include an all-day bistro, and

well. The Hibiscus Dining Room is now one of the highlights of our

a marketplace for to go items that residents can pick up or have

campus and the residents could not be more pleased.”

delivered. But the Hibiscus Dining Room is now the jewel of Village

Founded in 1979, Village On The Isle is a not-for-profit, faith-

On The Isle’s fine dining fare, with the menu overseen by Executive

based continuing care retirement community. The current 16-acre,

Chef Linda Boothroyd. Chef Boothroyd came to the campus two

400-resident campus began a complete repositioning in January

years ago and boasts a resume that includes more than ten years

2016. Financed by a successful municipal bond offering, the expan-

working in premier restaurants in Boston, was Senior Manager of

sion broke ground in January 2018, including new construction of

Culinary and Dining for 32 Continuing Care Retirement Communities

two five-story residential buildings. Known as the Emerald Terraces,

in the Southeast for Sodexo Senior Living, and Director of Culinary

these feature 46 independent living apartment residences that

for SodexoMAGIC operations at Disney World.

opened in two phases in June and July 2019 and quickly sold out.

“We always seek the very best for our residents, and Chef

Growth for residential living was far from the only goal for the

Boothroyd is certainly that,” says Kristen. “The Hibiscus Dining

community. Alongside the Emerald Terraces was a significant ren-

Room is absolutely elegant, and meets and exceeds the very high

ovation of Village On The Isle’s assisted living building, known as

standards we set for ourselves at Village On The Isle.”

the Lofts at Village On The Isle. An entirely new 66,000-squarefoot Health Center was also constructed and includes 64 private

920 Tamiami Trail S, 941.486.5485, VillageOnTheIsle.com

suites featuring licensed skilled nursing care.

Fine fare is served at Village On The Isle.

Village On The Isle Executive Chef Linda Boothroyd

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

LOCAL’S CHOICE

Liz Van Osdol earned the coveted spot on the Exit King billboard.

“I LOVE CONTINUING TO MASTER AND IMPROVE WHAT I DO, AS WELL AS TEACHING OTHERS.”

Venice Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Hot

MARKET EXIT KING REALTOR OF THE MONTH LIZ VAN OSDOL OFFERS TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET

OUR REGION’S REAL ESTATE MARKET IS RED HOT. According

understands how to navigate the new restrictions on new home

to Exit King Realtor Liz Van Osdol—one of the top producing agents

sales and lotteries. Most buyers don’t want to remodel because they

among hundreds at the firm—buyers and sellers need her help now

are from other states and don’t know any of the reliable contractors

more than ever.

here. But I encourage my buyers to consider the resale market. Even

“This market is fiercely competitive,” Liz says. “There is historically low inventory, historically low interest rates, a huge wave of Millennials

if these homes need a few repairs, I can connect them with great contractors and service providers.”

are becoming buyers, people across the generations are looking for

Liz gets creative when it comes to this tight market. “If a buyer

more space because of working from home, and more people are mov-

can define for me the type of home and neighborhood they want,

ing here. Last month, I sold a home that was listed for just six hours

I can send out letters to potential sellers who might not be listing

and another for just 12 hours. People are buying homes sight unseen.”

right now because of fear of Covid,” she explains. “This creates

Liz always educates her sellers on the changing market variables,

off-market deals. The home is listed and sold in nearly the same

including escalation clauses and appraisal contingencies.

moment. This market is challenging, so the experience I give buy-

“This is definitely a seller’s market. Buyers need agents who

ers and sellers really matters. Buyers need an agent willing to

understand this market just to have a chance,”explains Liz. She is

drop everything to show a house and write the contract, which is

uniquely situated to help. Not only does she have many years of real

what I am ready to do.”

estate experience from Anna Maria Island down to Punta Gorda,

Lastly, Liz invites any new agents looking for a mentor to contact

she’s also a home remodeler with close connections to the area’s

her. “The market is fast-paced and exciting,” she says. “I love continu-

best and most trustworthy contractors.

ing to master it and improve what I do, as well as teaching others.”

“Homes are selling for 5% to 20% above appraisal,” Liz says. “Buyers need an agent who can get their foot in the door, who

Liz Van Osdol PA, Exit King Realty. 941.445.0089. Realtorlizvan@gmail.com CityLifestyle.com/Venice

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WATER & WOODS VENICE LIFESTYLE'S EDITOR SHARES HIS FAMILY'S FAVORITE SECRET OUTDOOR ESCAPES

local outdoor secrets

OUR FAMILY LOVES THE OUTDOORS. Whether hiking or fishing, we get to have remarkable experiences together that we know we will be talking about for years. There was that time at Turtle Beach when a dolphin swam right up to Gwen, 12, Rohan, 11, and Tannon 10. Or that other time hiking in Myakka State Park when we bumped into a flock of wild turkeys. The outdoors in southwest Florida means sweat, no-see-ums, and sunburns. But it also means stunning sunsets, bald eagles

trails, so the preserves have a dark and spooky feeling.

at night right here in our landscaped communities.

There are gators in the water and because they are

And the best part of being the editor of Venice Lifestyle

territorial, you can visit the same ones over the years

Magazine these past two years is everything I have had

and watch them grow. Our favorite basks on a log in

the privilege to learn about our community to share with

the water every time we visit. He was about four feet

my wife, Emily, and our wonderful children. And that now

long when we first saw him, and now he’s so big, he

includes baby Cedar, ten months old already, and just like

could easily eat any of us. Bring a pole for huge bass.

everyone else in our family, always ready to head outside.

3462 Border Road, Venice

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor places to go right here in our very own Venice. Enjoy, and get on out there!

3. Venice Urban Forest Right on the Intracoastal Waterway across from

1. Carlton Preserve

downtown Venice, this forest was reclaimed by VABI

It takes less than 20 minutes to drive to the entrance of

and an army of volunteers who cleaned up the old rail-

the Carlton Preserve from downtown Venice, but prepare

road tracks, and planted so much native vegetative that

as though you’re heading to the Everglades. At just under

the forest now is a flyway for scrub jays. Every time I

25,000 acres and with more than 80 miles of hiking trails,

take a meditative walk through the Urban Forest, I am

the preserve is huge. Filled with birds, butterflies and

so grateful for their efforts.

wildflowers, there’s plenty for the camera-toting hiker to

Veniceurbanforest.com

shoot. Bring extra water. You can actually get lost in the Carlton Preserve and end up hiking in circles for hours in this lovely, wild, repetitive landscape of palmettos and

4. Stump Pass Beach State Park This lovely park in south Englewood offers a great

oak hammocks with no one else around.

beach on the Gulf, as well as a bay side that is perfect

1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice

for throwing a cast net for mullet. I like nothing better that bunching up my 12 foot cast net, twisting my torso

2. Sleeping Turtles This preserve is divided by Border Road into Sleeping Turtles North and South, and both sides have access to the Myakka River. Thick woods cover the 28

Venice Lifestyle | April 2021

and casting, and seeing the net open in a perfect circle. The net comes back full of mullet, the kids cheer, and we have delicious ceviche to eat for days. Entrance $3. 900 Gulf Blvd., Englewood

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TONY D'SOUZA

and ospreys in your backyard, and the yip of coyotes

Emily with a Bonnethead shark

On Lemon Bay

Gwen at the beach

Rohan with a Blue catfish

Tannon with a Spadefish

Baby Cedar ready for adventure

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

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CityLifestyle.com/Venice

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

EPIPHANY CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

The school’s enrollment period is always open,

IS ON THE RISE! Founded in 1959, the PreK-

and Leah invites parents to call and schedule a

8th grade school ‘provides excellence in edu-

tour. Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School’s aca-

cation, which nurtures a loving relationship

demics are matched by its attention to the arts and

with God and builds a caring community that

athletics, resulting in a well-rounded education.

serves others.’ This mission is founded on the school’s Three Crowns: Academic, Character, and Spirituality.

“The excitement is building and building here,” Leah says. On April 16th, the school will hold its annual major

“We are getting lots of inquiries from parents

fundraiser, the Epiphany Gala, at the Plantation

who want a faith-filled learning environment

Golf & Country Club, with dinner, dancing, and

for their kids,” explains Leah Mihm, Director of

live and silent auctions. The Shining Star Lifetime

Development. “We navigated Covid exceptionally

Achievement Award will be presented, with this

well with just one case among our faculty and

year’s recipients being Joyce and Troy Sacco, who

staff. We are proud of our excellent teachers and

are featured on the following page. The award rec-

high quality educational programs, and we are

ognizes those who have built an enduring legacy at

very excited to welcome back Nicole Loseto as our

the parish and school through a lifetime of service

principal. She had been sent to rejuvenate a differ-

and dedication to Catholic education.

ent Catholic grade school—which she did—and is

Venice Lifestyle | April 2021

now implementing new programs here, including

316 Sarasota St., Venice. 941.488.2215. ecs@

high school credit for math and Spanish.”

ecstigers.com. Ectigers.com.

TUTTI DEL MONTE PHOTOGRAPHY

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY

Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School On The Rise!

ARTICLE JOYCE AND TROY SACCO | PHOTOGRAPHY SRQ HEADSHOTS

JOYCE AND TROY SACCO

THE SHINING STAR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT THE EPIPHANY GALA ON APRIL 16TH

SHINING STAR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS What an honor and humbling experience it is to be chosen for such a beautiful recognition. We have been active members of Epiphany Cathedral Parish since we moved here from the Boston area 16 years ago and there have been so many wonderful Shining Stars recognized over those years, that we feel extremely honored to be considered among such a group. Our three children, Elicia, Jillian, and Mac, have

Shining S ta r s

attended Catholic schools their whole lives and graduated from Epiphany Cathedral and Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota. Being able to learn and talk about God on a daily basis in school and having con-

Joyce and Troy Sacco will be honored with the Shining Star Lifetime Achievement Award.

fidence in how certain moral and ethical discussions were being led, is immeasurable. When we first moved here, we knew no one. Epiphany became like family to us. We feel grateful and blessed that we were able to provide an excellent education for our children, that we feel compelled to continue to support Catholic education so that others may benefit as well. Troy was a member of the Epiphany School board and of the Knights of Columbus along with his son. He also facilitates “Into The Breach” Series hosted by the Knights and is a presenter at the Men’s Emmaus Retreat. He is also a founding member of the Epiphany Men’s Group, which raises money in support of the school. Joyce is a member of the pastoral council for The Spirit of Love Prayer group at Epiphany where she is happy to share many stories and testimonies about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on her life and her family’s life. “The door is open to all,” she says. She has assisted in teaching Confirmation Classes for many years at Epiphany and is a member of the Legion of Mary. The Saccos are Real Estate Professionals and founders of the Generous Property Real Estate Agency. 941.275.9399. info@generousproperty.com. GenerousProperty.com CityLifestyle.com/Venice

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