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A Change of
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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
WELCOME HOME TO
WELLEN PARK’S PLAYMORE DISTRICT New neighborhoods in Wellen Park’s Playmore District are bringing even more wellnessminded and fun-loving home options for you to consider. Whether you enjoy lacing up your running shoes, pedaling a bike or grabbing your pickleball racket, this master-planned community will help keep you busy, active and connected. Playmore District puts you right in the middle of the action. Neighborhoods here make it easy to access the community’s network of trails and attractions like CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves’ spring training home. Residents will also enjoy close proximity to Downtown Wellen, the community’s central hub currently under construction that will offer a range of shopping, dining and recreational options. There’s a Playmore District neighborhood to
suit every style, budget and phase of life. Florida-based Neal Communities currently offers paired villa and single-family homes at Boca Royale, ranging from 1,632 to 2,907 square feet and priced from the $300s. This 1,000-acre gated neighborhood set amidst lakes and nature preserves features active amenities like a fitness center, resort-style pool, pickleball and tennis courts, and an 18-hole par-72 golf course. Neal Communities is also building two smaller neighborhoods in Playmore to provide a different kind of residential experience. Avelina will feature 96 British West Indiesand coastal-style single-family homes with five floorplan options, ranging in size from 2,327 to 2,762 square feet. The gated, maintenance-assisted neighborhood will include a small passive park for
AWARD-WINNING HOMES AWAIT FROM THE $300s TO $600s+
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIVING YOUR BEST DAY EVER, EVERY DAY AT WELLENPARK.COM
connecting with nature. Sales are expected to begin early 2022 with pricing in the $500s. Wysteria from Neal Communities will offer paired villas and single-family homes ranging from 1,434 to 1,859 square feet. Neighborhood amenities will include a pool and spa, two pickleball courts and a small passive park. Sales are expected to begin first quarter 2022. National luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers will offer 270 attached villas and one and two-story, single-family homes at Solstice, its introductory neighborhood for the community. Residents will enjoy an abundance of activities at the future amenity center, including a resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, tot lot, social hall, and yoga and event lawns. Sales began in November, with pricing starting in the mid-$300s. The intimate Gran Place neighborhood from Southwest Florida homebuilder Sam Rodgers Homes will feature 42 homesites. With pricing starting in the $600s, the single-family semicustom homes will include three to four bedrooms and three-car garages. Nature lovers will appreciate Gran Place’s tranquil setting; just 21 of the neighborhood’s 63 acres will be developed,
and many lots will overlook scenic lakes or lush preserve areas. Sales are expected to begin in January, and models will open summer 2022. Mattamy Homes will offer attached villas and single-family homes ranging from 1,501 to 2,969 square feet at their Sunstone neighborhood. Within Sunstone’s gates, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a resort-style amenity campus, including a beach-entry pool with lap lanes and spa, clubhouse with fitness center, dog park, tot lot, pickleball and bocce ball courts, and more. Sales are expected to begin in December, with pricing from the mid-$300s. Expected to begin sales late spring/early summer 2022, Wellen Park Golf & Country Club will include approximately 1,300 homes by national homebuilder Lennar. Buyers will be able to choose from a variety of condo and singlefamily floorplans priced from the $200s. Residents will enjoy resort-style amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf course, pool with lap lanes and spa, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, dining and more. No matter which Playmore District you choose, you’ll find a home you’ll love living in.
VISIT OUR WELCOME CENTER 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, FL 34293 | (941) 271-0116
LIFESTYLE LETTER
DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER
Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@lifestylepubs.com
Photographer Stephanie Snow, Medicare Specialist Karla Blake, and Charmaine Tincher, Publisher of Venice Lifestyle, had a fine time sampling Karla's limoncello, sugared cranberry cheesecake, and other tasty treats. Check out our feature on Karla's holiday cooking on page 26.
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON, VENICE! As we finish our third year of publication, we would like to take a moment to thank all of you who helped make Venice Lifestyle possible. From our team here at the office, to our advertisers, to our friends, families and readers, what a wonderful journey it has been! We have so enjoyed telling the stories of Venice and are so grateful to have the opportunity to serve our wonderful community
EDITOR
Tony D'Souza | tony.dsouza@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER
Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tony D'Souza, Allison Gibeson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stephanie Snow Photography, Janie Jones, Deb Holton-Smith, Christopher Smith, Yury Kara, Eve Thomas
with our photography and writing. We want to wish everyone a wonderful close to 2021, and that 2022 brings you and yours great tidings and joy! In this issue, we focus on the holiday spirit. No matter what faith or creed you practice, we know you will find something in these pages to help kick start your holiday merrymaking. First, we visit with our friend, Karla Blake, who is so generous to share with us her Christmas traditions, and especially her delicious recipes. After all, it’s her limoncello that graces our cover this month. Karla’s focus on her faith is as strong as her love for cooking for her family. Next, Nancy Scott teaches us how to throw a spectacular at-home, catered party, with plenty of tips on how to show our guests an absolutely wonderful time. Nancy is so chic and talented, it’s a great idea to leave all our party planning up to her. For a gift idea, we feature Osprey authors Deb Holton-Smith and Jan Martin’s new book My Journey: Share Your Keepsake Memories. The book features Deb’s fine pho-
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
tography turned into watercolors, as well as prompts to help our elderly loved ones in
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
our lives record their fondest memories. Darlene Curiazza tells us how growing up in
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
an Italian, restaurant-owning family helped her find her way into a career in real estate,
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
and in our Around Town section, we share news from the Venice Symphony, Loveland
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
Center, Brightlight Mailbox, and the Child Protection Center.
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Last but far from least, our parent company, Lifestyle Publications, is giving away $300,000 to those in need this holiday season. Make sure to read all about how you can help nominate those needing a helping hand. Let's all do our part to be a blessing and encouragement to others! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Everyone here at Venice Lifestyle wishes you the very best for this, the most wonderful time of the year! ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA
ON THE COVER Karla Blake's homemade holiday limoncella featuring Everclear infused with lemon zest.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY 6
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
Charmaine Tincher, Publisher
CityLifestyle.com/Venice
SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
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.
INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021 FEATURES 16 Darlene Curiazza Is At Your Service From The Jersey Shore To Venice, Darlene’s Life Of Pursuing Her Own Path Has Led To Her Special Knowledge In Real Estate
20 Party In Place! Nancy Scott Of Nancy's Concierge Services Creates Intimate At-Home Dinner Parties For The Holidays And Beyond
26 Family, Faith, & Food Sumptuous Holiday Cooking And Traditions With Venice Lifestyle's Dear Friend, Medicare Specialist Karla Blake
38 A 'Journey' Down Memory Lane Local Authors Deb Holton-Smith's And Jan Martin's Book Features Beautiful
26 16
Artwork And Prompts To Draw Memories From Our Beloved Seniors
38
20
DEPARTMENTS 6
Lifestyle Letter
10
Good Times
12
Around Town
14
Local Experiences
16
Local’s Choice
32 Giving Back 36 Lifestyle Calendar 38 Page Turners
GOOD TIMES
Under The Big Top With Habitat For Humanity South Sarasota County Habitat for Humanity's fun annual gala, 'Under The Big Top,' took place at the Plantation Golf and Country Club this past October. This wonderful event raised money for Habitat's incredible work in our county. Since 1992, Habitat South Sarasota’s goal has been to build or renovate safe, decent, affordable, energy efficient homes for those in need in south Sarasota County. Habitatsouthsarasota.org.
10
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
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CityLifestyle.com/Venice
11
AROUND TOWN of donors. The match is led by Roger Pettingell, Keith Monda & Veronica Brady, Pamela Hughes, and Gail & Skip Sack, to combat the increased need for child abuse services due to the pandemic. The CPC continues to face the severe effects COVID-19 has had on child abuse and the rise in demand for child abuse services. From July 2020 - June 2021, the CPC provided 16.89% more services than the previous year. For more information visit Cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277.
VENICE SYMPHONY NAMES JESSICA HUNG ASSOCIATE CONCERTMASTER OF THE ORCHESTRA Newly named Associate Concertmaster of the Orchestra, Jessica Hung has served as Concertmaster
of
the
Dayton
Philharmonic
Orchestra since 2008. She also performs regularly in orchestras in Florida and around the country. Ms. Hung previously held Concertmaster titles with the Annapolis, Chicago Civic, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Northwestern University Symphony Orchestras. “I am so excited to be joining the Venice Symphony and to have the opportunity to
LOCAL MANUFACTURER BRIGHTLIGHT MAILBOX OFFERS NEW PRODUCT
work closely and make great music with Maestro
John Nowak’s BrightLight Mailbox is the only
Troy Quinn, Concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck,
mailbox in production that features a solar pow-
and all of my new colleagues,” said Ms. Hung.
ered light, making the address of the home easy
Thevenicesymphony.org.
to see at night for first responders and others. Now the company is offering a more affordable mailbox topper ($79) that can be attached to an existing mailbox post. “Our motto is, ‘When seconds count, we can save a life,’” John says. The design is patented and is the only light-up mailbox on the market. John was featured in the March, 2021, issue of Venice Lifestyle. 1.833.425.6245. Brightlight-mailbox.com.
LOVELAND CENTER TAKES TIKTOK BY STORM While the world celebrated National World Down Syndrome Day, Loveland Center launched its first TikTok video to share its mission, passion, and purpose. In 12 hours, 'We are Loveland' had over 1
CHILD PROTECTION CENTER RECEIVES $150,000 MATCH CHALLENGE 12
million views. With several other viral videos under its belt, what happened in October was something that Loveland Center never expected. It all started
The Child Protection Center received a $150,000
with a video of Loveland participants saying what
matching opportunity through a collaboration
they would want if a genie granted them a wish.
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
When Seconds Count... Our Mailbox Could Save a Loved One’s Life! Shannon, a Loveland participant, had innocently wished for a cat. The reveal video of a TikTok follower sending her a cat stuffed animal has over 3.7 million views and climbing by the hour. Now, Loveland is closing in on 330,000 followers from more than 50 countries, with 3.1 million likes and 6.5 million views. Loveland’s TikTok followers have kept delivery drivers busy with more than 50 packages in 48 hours off Amazon Wishlist, as well as online monetary dona-
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tions. Established in 1962, Loveland Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest. “We are stunned by the overwhelming response, both local and globally, that we are witnessing,” says Jennifer Bushinger-Ortiz, chief philanthropy officer at Loveland. “We are proud that everyone can see not only the great work being done at Loveland Center, but more importantly, that our individuals deserve every opportunity to be seen and treated as equals. We are on a quest to bring visibility to disability, and it’s only just begun.” What’s next for Loveland Center? Programs and services continue to grow and reach capacity in its four locations, while new programs are getting ready to open. Loveland’s TikTok followers have kept Amazon delivery ies in 48 hours off its Amazon Wishlist,
www.brightlight-mailbox.com 833-425-6245
as well as online monetary donations.
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941.493.0016 x307. LovelandCenter.org
CityLifestyle.com/Venice
13
LOCAL EXPERIENCES
WINTER AND REVEL ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY! Our community likes to get in the holiday spirit with plenty of festive activities, including Christmas caroling, light displays, Santa’s workshops and holiday markets. Embrace the magic of the season, shop till you drop, enjoy the twinkling Christmas lights and make memories with loved ones.
SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAYS AND EVENTS + There is no better place to see Christmas lights than Downtown Venice. The palms trees are wrapped with lights, and a lighted animal menagerie is at Venice City Hall. 101 West Venice Avenue Venice, FL + For 30 years, the Enander family has been adding to their Christmas light display every year. They have over 250,000 lights and over 400 figurines. 2281 Mission Valley Boulevard, Nokomis + Thanks to Venice Area Beautification Inc. and the organizations, families and other volunteers who adopted trees last year, a new record of 103 decorated trees was set at the Venice Arboretum. Pensacola Rd Venice, FL + View over one million traditional Christmas themed lights and decorations throughout Fishermen's Village. This annual event runs through December 31st and is always free! 1200 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda + "No boat is too small, everyone is welcome." That has been the motto of the Venice Christmas Boat Parade, one of the most viewed parades on the Gulf Coast. Albee Farm Bridge, Venice 14
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
scan for more city-wide tips
Happy Holidays from Our Family To Yours! 1218 East Venice Avenue Venice, FL. 34285
Doctor’s Associations • • • • • •
The American Dental Association Academy of General Dentistry The International Congress of Oral Implantologists Florida Dental Association West Coast Dental Association Sarasota County Dental Association
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RESTORATIVE/ REHABILITATION DENTISTRY CROWNS & BRIDGEWORK/ O N E DAY C R OWN S DENTAL IMPL ANTS/ IMPL ANT RETAINED RESTORATIONS R E M OVA B L E D E N TU R E S TEETH WHITENING IV CONSCIOUS SEDATION
Dr. Frank Lewicki | Dr. Brent Beyer | Dr. Charles Davis
LOCAL’S CHOICE
A
D
R
L E 16
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
N
E
FROM THE JERSEY SHORE TO VENICE, DARLENE’S LIFE OF PURSUING HER OWN PATH HAS LED TO HER SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE IN REAL ESTATE
DARLENE CURIAZZA I S AT YO U R S E RV I C E ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY
TO PURSUE A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE,
resident of Wellen Park, Darlene is extremely
VENICE’S DARLENE CURIAZZA HAD TO
knowledgeable of the real estate market in
FORGE HER OWN WAY. Born and raised
Venice and the surrounding communities.
in New Jersey, Darlene comes from a family
She is a Sales Agent for Gulf Shores Realty.
of Italian restaurant owners. Her parents
Through her professional life, Darlene has
and grandparents expected her to follow in
developed the work ethic and refined skills
the family tradition. And while Darlene did
to completely understand the specific needs
for a while with success, as a young woman
of her customers and to deliver the highest
with three young children, she also decided to
level of service.
choose her own path.
“I offer knowledge about the area and
“I got my first real estate license when I was
search for my client’s perfect property,”
25,” Darlene explains. “I owned three Italian
Darlene explains. “I love seeing the buyers’
restaurants/pizzerias on the Jersey Shore, but
faces when they first see their new home.
real estate was my passion, even if it was differ-
I love their excitement and knowing that I
ent from what my family did. So in the beginning,
nailed it. I also enjoy working with sellers to
I had to juggle the restaurants, the kids, and my
provide them with the best strategies on mar-
real estate career. I have no idea how I did it. The
keting their properties.”
only thing I can say is that I was young.”
In this current competitive sellers’ market,
Five years ago, Darlene relocated to Venice,
Darlene offers these tips to buyers: “In order to
pursuing an opportunity in advertising sales,
be prepared to act quickly, get pre-approved
another field she has had lots of experience
by a bank or have proof of funds early in your
and success with. In previous years, Darlene
search,” she says. “To purchase a home in this
spent many winter holidays in the Sarasota
market, you have to move quickly and can’t
area, but once she explored Venice, she
think about it too long.”
knew the quaint little town was for her. Now a
941.218.9362 CityLifestyle.com/Venice
17
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Party In Place! NANCY SCOTT OF NANCY'S CONCIERGE SERVICES CREATES INTIMATE AT-HOME DINNER PARTIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND
ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY
20
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
"I t bring s me joy t o see people come t oget her wit h t heir friends and f amily t o celebrate life," Nancy says. " Put ting a smile on someone's f ace and making t hem feel speci al, t h at 's my greatest gif t."
NANCY
TO
and are enjoying their time with their friends.
‘PARTY’. Owner of Nancy’s Concierge
SCOTT
KNOWS
HOW
My goal is to make my clients feel like they
Services, Nancy’s many years of experi-
are a guest at their own party.”
ence in the hotel and hospitality industries
Nancy has served intimate affairs for six
have translated into a talent for making her
in small condos, to lavish dinner parties
clients’ party visions come to life.
in waterfront mansions. She does small
“There is nothing like hosting a dinner
weddings, parties in community centers,
party in your own home, especially around
churches, and at the beach. Nancy draws
the holidays,” Nancy explains. “You get
from her network, and is always on the hunt
to write the menu, eat and drink what you
for new makers and creators with special
like, pick the music, and be in your comfort
gifts and talents to bring to her clients.
zone. You can begin with appetizers while
Her other services include home watch for
you relax in the living room, then move to
snowbirds, home and task management,
the table to be served dinner. It really makes
and local airport transport.
friends feel special when you invite them into
“It brings me joy to see people come
the privacy of your home to entertain them.”
together with their friends and family to
Nancy starts by asking her clients what
celebrate life,” Nancy says. “Putting a smile
they would like to eat and drink, how they
on someone’s face and making them feel
would like the table decorated, and then
special, that’s my greatest gift.”
she brings in her own ideas. She sources
Nancy moved to Venice in 2012 from
gourmet menu items from accomplished
Pittsburgh with her husband, Buzz—a
area bakers, chefs, and desert makers, and
retired principal and football and track
rents fine tableware and decorations when
coach—to be closer to her parents. She
needed. She and her staff prize profession-
used her life experiences and skills to
alism and discretion above all else, and her
start her local concierge business in
focus is her clients’ happiness.
2014. Nancy was featured on the cover
“We go into the home with a mindset to
of Venice Lifestyle’s March, 2021 issue, and
take care of our clients,” Nancy explains.
her daughter Bailey, a recent Venice High
“We work to make sure our service is what
School graduate with aspirations in musical
our clients want. It’s very important to me
theater and modeling, was featured on the
that my clients feel relaxed and comfortable
cover of the August, 2021 issue. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Venice
21
PARTY IN PLACE! (CONTINUED)
NANCY’S TIPS FOR A PERFECT AT-HOME PARTY: 1. A party is NOT a party without music. Plan your playlist or pick a
Nancy can decorate with what you have, or source quality rentals.
favorite station. 2. Decide the theme. Have fun with it. 3. Specify the dress code. It’s your party and your decision. 4. Spend time writing a menu. Focus on foods you like and be ambitious! 5. Plan what drinks to serve; pair drinks with food. 6. Whether cooking or catering, offer choices for your guests with dietary restrictions. 7. Plan time for shopping and cooking, and for cleaning up. 8. It’s not a party unless you are happy, cheerful & welcoming of all your guests even if you don’t care too much for a friend’s ‘plus one’. 9. Don’t feel ashamed to have a start time and end time. 10. Accept help from your guests if offered, but let your Party Assistant take care of the rest.
A charcuterie board by Nancy.
941.445.0319. Nancysconciergeservices.com. Nancysconciergeservices@gmail.com.
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Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
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Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
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FA MILY, FAITH, & FOOD
Candy cane caprese salad.
SUMPTUOUS HOLIDAY COOKING AND TRADITIONS WITH VENICE LIFESTYLE'S DEAR FRIEND, MEDICARE SPECIALIST KARLA BLAKE
26
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
Karla's crème bruleé French toast garnished with an orange slice.
ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY Sugared cranberry cheesecake.
KARLA BLAKE RAISED HER FOUR CHILDREN—
Among the tasty treats Karla makes for the holidays
JUSTINE, 27, ANTHONY, 26, MIKAYLA 24, AND
are cheesecakes topped with sugared cranberries,
NICHOLAS, 17—TO BELIEVE IN FAITH, FAMILY AND
crème bruleé French toast, pepperoni and Italian sau-
TRADITIONS. Perhaps that’s why they’re close to her
sage breads, candy cane-shaped caprese salads, and
in adulthood, and why they try to come home for the holi-
homemade limoncello.
days. At Karla’s, they’re joined by her mother, Diane, her husband George, as well as Karla’s three nephews, the sons of
Karla was kind enough to create her dishes and share them with the Venice Lifestyle team.
her late brother. They all know the holidays with Karla mean great homemade food and quality time together as a family.
KARLA’S CRÈME BRULEÉ FRENCH TOAST
Karla, a licensed insurance agent who specializes in
“I make this the night before Christmas,” Karla says. “It
Medicare, is Christian. One of her favorite family traditions
bakes while we open presents the next morning and fills the
is a ‘Jesus stocking’. Starting when her kids were young, she
house with such a delicious scent.”
had her children write notes to Jesus that they put in the stocking. The notes were ‘gifts’ to Jesus for his birthday. “I wanted my kids to understand that as Christians,
+ 1 stick unsalted butter + 1 cup brown sugar
Christmas is about the Lord and not just Santa,” Karla
+ Challah bread
explains. “I love looking back and seeing their handwriting
+ 6 eggs
through their years, the cute way they wrote from their heart
+ 1½ cups half and half
as children, and how they matured as young adults. It’s
+ 1 tsp. vanilla
fabulous to now have a stocking full of gifts and promises.”
+ ¼ cup Grand Marnier
After the prayers comes the food. Karla is from an Italian background where much of her family time was centered
+ ¼ tsp. salt + Fresh ground nutmeg and cinnamon to taste
around meals and entertaining. Her mother, Diane, is locally famous for operating Diane’s Place for 19 years.
Melt butter and sugar, pour into 13x9 pan. Slice the
“When you grow up in an Italian family and your mother
bread and place into pan on top of the sugared but-
owns a restaurant, there are no child labor laws,” Karla says
ter. Whisk the remaining ingredients, then pour on the
with a grin. “I was working in the front of her restaurant from
bread, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake covered at
age 13. My Nanny (her grandmother Wilma) taught me how
350 degrees for 30 minutes, uncover and bake for an
to make several of our family favorites and passed on many
additional 15 minutes to lightly brown. Finish with pow-
of our family recipes and traditions.”
ered sugar and fresh fruit like oranges.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Venice
27
FAMILY, FAITH, & FOOD (CONTINUED)
Karla's Pepperoni Bread.
Karla's limoncello makes great Christmas party gifts.
Karla's festive table settings.
28
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
KARLA BLAKE, MEDICARE SPECIALIST 954.612.1754. Karlablake.medicarespecialist@gmail.com. Karlablakemedicarespecialist.com
Enjoying a holiday toast with Karla's limoncello.
Karla’s Crème Bruleé French Toast
it, and pinch the dough at the bottom. Brush with an egg wash and top with sesame seeds; Karla uses both white and black seeds. For the sausage bread, buy one pound of quality Italian sausage, and brown with onion. Spread on the dough, top
KARLA’S PEPPERONI BREAD
with cheese, and follow the same final steps.
AND SAUSAGE BREAD
Bake the breads at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
“I love the red and white colors when I slice these. They’re so festive for the holidays.”
HOMEMADE LIMONCELLO “We use a handle of 151 proof Everclear and
+ Bread dough, makes 2 loaves
60-80 lemons,” Karla says. “Use only the peels,
+ 5 cups flour
no flesh; I put the peels and Everclear in a large
+ 2 tsp. salt
gallon container, seal it tight, and store it in a cool,
+ 2 tbsp. sugar
dark place. Let that marinade for two months,
+ 14 oz. warm water
shaking it everyday. Next, make simple syrup: heat
+ 1 ½ tbsp. yeast
eight cups of sugar with six cups of water until
+ 3 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
dissolved, and add a splash of vanilla (approx. 3 tsp). Mix the lemon-infused Everclear and simple
Mix and knead the dough into a ball and cover
syrup. Let that rest for another 10 days. It makes
with a towel. Let the dough rise and pound it
about five 17 oz. bottles, great gifts for Christmas
down three times. Cut the dough in two. Roll
parties. The limoncello is creamy, delicious, and
out into rectangular shapes. For the pepperoni
very strong. It is a recipe I’ve recently perfected.
bread, line the dough with a package of pepper-
I looked at several recipes from respected cooks,
oni and mozzarella cheese. Fold the ends in, roll
combined their ideas and made it my own.” CityLifestyle.com/Venice
29
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31
GIVING BACK
Gratefully
ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!
ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. Anna Sarol
“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent.
32
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.”
“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Venice
33
GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.
In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy 34
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram
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DECEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
9
ATLANTA BRAVES FARMERS MARKET
CITY OF VENICE MONTHLY FREE BICYCLE RIDE
18800 S. West Villages Parkway
Visit the new farmers market at
to remain socially distanced from other seated groups. Masks recommended. Bring chairs and blankets.
Centennial Park
Cool Today Park, the Spring Training
The
Home of the Atlanta Braves every
free bicycle rides led by Bicycle
Wednesday, 8 a.m. to noon, October
Pedestrian Coordinator Darlene
through March. The Atlanta Braves
Culpepper are now held on the
A magical Venice Theatre tradition
Farmers Market is run with the same
second Thursday of the month.
celebrating its 20th year! This orig-
mission, the same passion and the
The 6-mile casual ride around
inal musical adaptation of Dickens’
same game plan to offer the best
the island of Venice starts at 10
classic
quality food and agriculture vendors
AM. Bring your bike and a hel-
Scrooge (played by Brad Wages) as
as the Venice Farmers Market. Atlan
met to the Gazebo at Centennial
he reflects on his past, present and
taBravesFarmersMarket.org
Park in Downtown Venice. Email
possible future. Original book and
Darlene at dculpepper@venicefl.
lyrics by Scott Keys, original music
gov for more information.
by E. Suzan Ott, additional music by
4, 11, 18, 25 VENICE FARMER'S MARKET 401 W Venice Ave, Venice
Every Saturday morning, local farmers, fisherman, craftsmen, bakers, artists and others gather at the Venice
City
of
Venice's monthly
10-12, 16-20 A CHRISTMAS CAROL Venice Theatre
story
follows
Ebenezer
Scott Keys, Jason Brenner and Eli
10
Schildkraut. Adapted from the original story by Charles Dickens.
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES FEATURING JOE MULLAN Centennial Park
bimonthly
The
of historic downtown Venice, Florida.
Concert
It's a weekly celebration of the best
in Centennial Park is hosted by
of Venice where you can get fresh
Venice MainStreet, and is held
seasonal Florida fruits and vegetables
every second and fourth Friday of
Venice Chorale presents its heart-
direct from the Venice area farms.
each month. It’s free and open to
warming, spirit-lifting selection of
Located by Venice City Hall. Parking
the public. Groups are asked to
your favorite holiday carols. Featuring
is free. Thevenicefarmersmarket.org
limit to six people sitting together,
special
at
the
Night
12
Farmer's Market located in the heart
Series
Friday
Venicetheatre.org
gazebo
JOY, JOY, JOY: CHRISTMAS WITH THE VENICE CHORALE Venice Performing Arts Center
guest:
Johanna
WHERE THE
Locals GO
Open Daily at 11 ■ Happy Hour Daily till 7pm Saturday & Sunday at 7:30am for breakfast Entertainment Nightly
Family Owned & Operated 1097 N. Tamiami Trail N | Nokomis, FL
941-786-1524
www.paradisegrillfl.com 36
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
"Always a FuN TiM"e at Paradise Gr ill Owner, MaryBeth Hansen Wishes You Happy Holidays
Fincher.
Purchase tickets at the Venice
standards Sleigh Ride and White
box
Christmas, and music from The
office, open 10 AM - 2 PM, or
Nutcracker are just a few of the
at Thevenicechorale.org.
highlights. Sarasota’s Key Chorale,
Performing online
Arts
Center
941.218.3779. Season tickets and
the
group discounts are available.
phonic chorus, returns to the stage
16 VENICE MUSICALE PRESENTS 'SING AND REJOICE!' WITH ENCORE CHORUS St. Mark's Episcopal Church
After such a long hiatus, Encore Chorus is excited to once again bring you our annual holiday concert! You’ll enjoy fun favorites such
Suncoast’s
premier
sym-
21 JOHNNY WILD AND THE DELIGHT'S CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Venice Theatre
for Handel’s majestic Hallelujah
The finest retro holiday party in the
Chorus from Messiah and a sing-
southeast for five years running,
a-long with surprises. Chanukah
Johnny Wild brings his Christmas
music and holiday film favorites
Spectacular to life for two nights of
round out this festive program.
winter wonderland fun! With classic
Thevenicesymphony.org.
Christmas tunes, Sock Hop melodies, guest appearances by Buddy Holly,
18
the Big Bopper, and even the big man
VENICE PLEIN AIR MEET AND PAINT
Spectacular! “We are your true time
in red, you won't want to miss Johnny
Centennial Park
Historic
and
of the Golden Age of Music. From the
"Rudolph,"
"Suzy
Farmer's Market Meet And Paint
early days of Rock ’n Roll and Country
Snowflake," in addition to familiar
(MAP) at 9 AM. and paint until noon
to the frenzied bombast of California
traditional carols and other holiday
with a critique often following. Zero
Surf Rock, British Invasion and soul-
selections. Come rejoice with us!
charge/cost to participants. It's a
ful Motown classics, Johnny and his
Venicemusicale.org
great community service for people
wild band of talented performers
visiting the area. The group has a FB
deliver all of your timeless favorites.”
17-18
community page at Venice Plein Air
Venicetheatre.org
THE VENICE SYMPHONY'S A HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY
tured in our July, 2021 issue. Founded
Would you like to get in touch with
by artist Karen Ann Hitt in 2003,
us? We would love to hear from you!
Venice Symphony
Venice Plein Air is dedicated to the
Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/
Classic carols O Come All Ye
shared joy of painting out of doors, or
Venice using the Get In Touch link
Faithful and O Holy Night, beloved
as the French say, ‘en plein air’.
and let us know what you think.
and
Venice
machine back to the style and sound
as "We Need a Little Christmas," "Frosty,"
Downtown
Wild & the Delight's Christmas
m.facebook.com/VenicePleinAIr/ The group and its artwork was fea-
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37
PAGE TURNERS
LOCAL AUTHORS DEB HOLTON-SMITH'S AND JAN MARTIN'S BOOK FEATURES BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK AND PROMPTS TO DRAW MEMORIES FROM OUR BELOVED SENIORS
A 'Journey' Down Memory Lane Deb Holton-Smith's photographs were put through an app called ‘Waterlogue’ that transforms them
DEB
JAN
from real-life stills into watercol-
MARTIN’S NEW BOOK, MY JOURNEY:
HOLTON-SMITH’S
AND
ors. The images in the book are
SHARE YOUR KEEPSAKE MEMORIES, IS
colorful and gorgeous and help
BOTH A COLLECTION OF GORGEOUS
spark memories.
PHOTOGRAPHS TURNED INTO WATERCOLORS, AND A SERIES OF PROMPTS ON EVERY PAGE THAT SPARK MEMORIES IN OUR ELDERLY LOVED ONES. Born of the two friends’ ‘Teacup Project,’ in which they took floral arrangements in teacups to nursing homes to brighten the residents’ days, My Journey helps families record their aging loved one’s memories in a timeless keepsake.
Deb and Jan’s book came out of
“Families take My Journey with them when
their ‘Teacup Project’ in which they
they visit their beloved elderly,” Deb explains.
brought floral arrangements in tea-
“They sit down with the book, look at the
cups into nursing homes to help
watercolors and ask the questions. Then
brighten the residents' days. They
they can record the stories that come along.
realized just how many memories
There is a community center in New York
seniors have to share.
that uses the book with teenagers. It helps the teens learn how to talk with seniors, and the seniors love to share their stories.” Longtime Osprey residents, Deb and Jan are driven by faith and love of family. Their goal with My Journey is to help record the past before it is gone.
My Journey: Share Your Keepsake
“My parents have passed and there are so
Memories, $24.95, is 108 pages
many things I wish I knew about them but
long, printed in full color, and
it’s too late to ask,” Jan explains. “There are
bound as a lay-flat hardcover
questions in the book like, ‘Did you grow up
book. See this month’s Table
in the country or the city?’ It’s amazing the
of Contents for a photo of the
stories that older folks have to tell if you just
authors, and visit Teacupproject.
ask them the questions.”
com for ordering information. The
Teacupproject.com
book makes a wonderful holiday gift for anyone in the family. It’s perfect for working on with an
PHOTOGRAPHY DEB HOLTON-SMITH
38
Venice Lifestyle | December 2021
aging loved one, to record their memories for future generations.
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