Venice, FL May 2026

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Celebrating the Ladies

There are so many remarkable women in Venice—and everywhere—and we’re thrilled to spotlight them in Venice City Lifestyle’s May, “Ladies”-themed, issue. There’s something truly special about taking a moment to recognize the women in our lives who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it’s our mothers, daughters, friends, or colleagues, these women are often the quiet forces shaping our days and enriching our lives. With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women—biological mothers and mother figures alike—who have made an unforgettable impact. It’s the teachers, friends, neighbors, and family members who offer love, wisdom, and support in countless ways.

Our 2026 Remarkable Woman, Dr. Wilhelmine Wiese-Rometsch, Chief Academic Officer at Sarasota Memorial Health Care, exemplifies this spirit. Her career in medicine and mentorship continues to impact generations—touching patients, students, and colleagues alike.

We also celebrate the creative force of the late Leoma Lovegrove in  Painting Outside the Lines: Leoma Lovegrove’s Striking, Joy-Filled Art Continues to Dazzle On and Off the Canvas. Though she passed last year, her artwork continues to shine brightly here in Venice and beyond.

On the fashion and lifestyle front, we highlight Becky Hillyard in From Side Hustle to Style Empire. Hillard is a nationally recognized influencer with over 1.6 million followers, whose work inspires and empowers women everywhere.

Feel the energy from the Venice Chamber of Commerce’s Women Empowering Women Spring Luncheon and discover how historical figure Bertha Palmer’s arrival at Historic Spanish Point shaped Sarasota’s future.

For a little fun and wellness, we showcase the spa and amenities at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, perfect for a girls’ weekend getaway, We also spotlight some of the top fitness options in our area in Find Your Fit.

This month, as we celebrate these remarkable women, I encourage you to support local women-owned businesses and take a moment to recognize the women in your life. A simple text, phone call, or video chat can brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they are appreciated.

Here’s to the women who inspire, uplift, and make life more meaningful. Happy Mother’s Day, and cheers to the ladies who shape our world every day!

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Emily Leinfuss | emily.leinfuss@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Matthew Day | matthew.day@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jessie Marie Glantz, Emily Leinfuss, Kali Kasorzyk, Matthew Sousa, Amy Tinnin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Glantz-1st Glantz Media, Prion Photography, Amy Tinnin

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

inside the issue

Painting Outside the Lines

Leoma Lovegrove’s Striking, Joy-Filled Art Continues to Dazzle On and Off The Canvas

Becky Hillyard

From Side Hustle to Style Empire Teacher, Physician, Mentor

Dr. Wilhelmine Wiese-Rometsch is VCL’s 2026 Remarkable Woman of the Year

How Bertha Palmer’s Arrival at

Sarasota’s Future

APRIL 8, 2026

FULL

APRIL 20, 2026

FULL SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS - NEW

MAY 19, 2026

FOUR BALLET SUBSCRIPTIONS - RENEWAL

JUNE 1, 2026

FOUR BALLET SUBSCRIPTIONS - NEW

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1–7: More than 200 guests attended the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s 2nd Annual Women & Medicine Educational Luncheon at Plantation Golf & Country Club. Event co-chairs Jennifer Douglas and Cindy Stuhley welcomed guests followed by Sharon Roush, President of SMH–Venice. An interactive panel, “Real Words: A Candid Conversation About Health, Hormones, and Happiness” featured board-certified OBGYN Amanda Kane, M.D., FACOG; Sharfi Sarker, M.D., FACS, a board-certified general surgeon and breast specialist; and Sonia Sharma, M.D., a board-certified endocrinologist. “This event brings women together to learn from trusted experts about the health issues that matter most at every stage of life, while also supporting SMH,” said SMHF President Stacey Corley. Photography by Brian Glantz-1st Glantz Media. Underwritten by VCL.

8–14: The Women Empowering Women Spring Luncheon, hosted by the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrated International Women’s Day in style at Plantation Golf & Country Club. The room was filled with smiling faces and an unmistakable spirit of connection and celebration. Sponsors included Venice City Lifestyle as “Empowering Sponsor.” The Champagne Sponsor was Lueanne Wood, PA, Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate. Inspirational Sponsors included British Open Pub, Britton’s Flooring Options by Carpet One, Herrera Psychology, Mason Tile & Escrow Company, and Reflections in Gold. Photography by Prion Photography.

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business monthly

Hermitage Artist Retreat Takes Over Ringling College's Englewood Art Center

Ringling College of Art and Design has transferred the historic Englewood Art Center to the Hermitage Artist Retreat. Closed in May 2025, the center has served as a hub for south Sarasota County artists for decades. Hermitage leaders plan to expand programs and community engagement, building on past collaborations with Ringling College. The facility will continue to foster local and global arts for years to come. HermitageArtistRetreat.org

Venice Nokomis Woman’s Club Reaches Centennial

The Venice Nokomis Woman’s Club celebrated 100 years in March of 2026. Venice Vice Mayor Boldt presented a proclamation to VNWC President Joan Brinton, recognizing a century of civic leadership. Founded in 1926 by Louella Albee with 12 women, the club now has more than 100 members. This milestone highlights a long legacy of community service, friendship, and continuing impact as the organization moves into its second century. Venice-NokomisWomansClub.org

Venice Chemical Collection Center Ribbon Cutting & Reopening

The Venice Chemical Collection Center in Sarasota County has reopened, providing a safe solution for household hazardous waste. Rebuilt after Hurricane Ian, the facility allows residents and participating commercial programs to dispose of hazardous items securely and for free. County officials held a ribbon-cutting in March (see photo) and highlighted the center’s role in protecting the environment and community, ensuring that South County Venice residents have a reliable, safe option for processing hazardous waste. SCGov.net

Leoma Lovegrove’s Striking, Joy-Filled Art Continues to Dazzle On and Off The Canvas

PAINTING OUTSIDE THE LINES

ARTICLE BY JESSIE MARIE GLANTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN GLANTZ-1ST GLANTZ MEDIA

Covered from head to toe in vivid color, and often paint, Leoma Lovegrove could not confine her creative spirit solely to the canvas. “If you stand still around me for very long, you’re likely to get painted,” Lovegrove wrote in a 2017 blog post. She had a different paint-splattered outfit for every day of the week and was widely recognized by her signature sunburst glasses. She painted on clothes, shoes, coconuts, roof shingles, and campers. She created collages with mirrors, fabric, and photographs. Her bright, bold art was dictated by a passion that knew no limits.

A graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design, Lovegrove knew the conventional parameters of art, but found feeling to be a better guide than any one rule. “My paintings, they are subservient to my highly subjective, very personal, spontaneous self-expression,” Lovegrove said. It was this very spontaneity that fueled her  Paint Out Loud performances. These one-woman shows, often taking place at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers, were extremely popular. “They would sell out within a couple of hours, and they’d have to add additional days for people to go and watch her,” said Sarah Cushman, General Manager of Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens. Audiences flocked to Lovegrove’s shows to be showered in glitter, listen to roaring music, and witness the creation of a masterpiece with intense speed. Lucky spectators would even leave with what Lovegrove called one of her “flying saucers,” a hand-painted paper plate she would toss into the crowd as a souvenir.

Lovegrove’s affinity for entertaining stemmed from her enduring love of people. Aptly nicknamed “The People’s Painter,” she enjoyed speaking with fans, sharing her knowledge, and bringing joy to those around her. “When she was available to interact with the community she was all in,” said Cushman, “she would have meet-and-greets and she would paint jackets and she would paint sweatshirts … she was very interactive.” Lovegrove taught art classes at the Venice Art Center and her Matlacha gallery—the latter serving as her headquarters for almost 30 years. Of her presence in Matlacha, Cushman said “she left a major impact; people are still finding out about her passing.” Although Lovegrove passed away at age 72 from breast cancer in April 2025, her art continues to show brightly in Matlacha and beyond.

After moving from Texas to Naples, Florida in the early 1990s, Lovegrove and her husband, Mike Silberg, accidentally happened upon Matlacha while searching for a ferry to Gasparilla Island. It only took a day of enjoying island life for the couple to decide to move there and open a gallery. “Matlacha has that effect on people,” said Lovegrove. She would soon have a major effect on the island herself. In August 2013, Lovegrove painted a mural on the side of the Matlacha Island Post Office called  The Catch of Matlacha Island . The mural was sponsored by the Matlacha Island Chamber of Commerce and depicts an orange tarpon shouldering colorful studios and shops. Lovegrove sought to highlight the role the community’s artists—including herself—played in the Island’s economic revival after the net fishing ban of 1992. In true Leoma fashion, she used the CONTINUED >

Audiences flocked to Lovegrove’s shows to be showered in glitter, listen to roaring music, and witness the creation of a masterpiece with intense speed.

reflectors once stationed on a popular fishing bridge as the tarpon’s shimmering scales.

Hurricane Ian devastated Matlacha Island in September 2022. Fortunately, Lovegrove had secured a home in North Fort Myers a month before her Matlacha home and studio were destroyed. Upon finding herself in North Fort Myers, Lovegrove decided to open a studio Downtown. “Matlacha is still a work in progress after being hit by not only Ian, but also Helene and Milton,” said Cushman. “We just opened about two months ago. We are hoping by next season to have the garden repaired so people can go back out there, because that’s a major draw,” she explained.

While Lovegrove’s art is concentrated in Matlacha and Downtown Fort Myers—and online at LeomaLovegrove.Store— her work has also graced Bealls department stores, the White House, and Giverny, France. “Bealls literally put her on the map in Southwest Florida,” said Cushman of the decade-long contract. Lovegrove’s Bealls line featured images of her most popular paintings celebrating Florida life on clothing, accessories, and home décor. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, Bealls collaborated with Lovegrove to produce a pinkthemed breast cancer awareness line. “The designs appeared on women’s T-shirts, housewares, and even quilts that Bealls sold during Breast Cancer Awareness month,” said Lovegrove. She hoped that, by wearing her art, people would spread joy. “When you put on a Lovegrove tee or other top, you become a smile ambassador as you go about your day,” she said.

Her positive spirit and immense talent captured the attention of former Presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, and she was recognized by former First Lady, Laura Bush in a reception honoring 250 artists who crafted ornaments for the White House Christmas tree. “In my inimitable style, I painted an outfit to wear to the event, right down to my heels. When Mrs. Bush admired them, I promised to send her a pair, but I could never seem to get her shoe size,” Lovegrove said of her meeting with the former First Lady.

In France, Lovegrove was the first American to paint on Claude Monet’s floating studio replica in Giverny and exhibit her art in the Pierre Bonnard home in Vernon. It was also during her time in France that Lovegrove began to paint The Beatles. She found much inspiration in Europe, due in part to her admiration of the works of Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.

Another influential artist in Lovegrove’s life was her mother.

“My mother, Rosemary, was a great painter who inspired me to create from day one,” Lovegrove said in a 2024 Mother’s Day weekend Instagram post. She recalled painting her own bedsheets as a child and being warmly encouraged, rather than chastised. When it came to making art together, Lovegrove remembered, “as adults, we always tried to outdo each other … we reveled in this love fest of artistic passion and exploration.” On the ultimate origins of Lovegrove’s artistry and talent, Cushman said with a smile, “maybe she was born this way.”

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

Teacher, Physician, Mentor

DR. WILHELMINE WIESE-ROMETSCH IS VENICE CITY LIFESTYLE’S 2026

REMARKABLE WOMAN OF THE YEAR, HONORING HER IMPACT ACROSS GENERATIONS

EMILY

Dr. Wilhelmine Wiese-Rometsch has spent a lifetime doing two things she once thought might be separate paths— practicing medicine and teaching. Today, as Chief Academic Officer at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, she brings those callings together in a way that ripples far beyond any single patient or classroom. It’s that steady, far-reaching impact that makes her a natural choice as Venice City Lifestyle’s “Remarkable Woman of 2026.”

Her career is, by any measure, remarkable. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she knew from an early age that she wanted to become a physician. Not only did she share that interest with her father, but she was also impacted by seeing her grandmother, who lived with diabetes, administering insulin.

Though she lost her at just six years old, her grandmother’s strength and independence left a lasting impression. Her mother, too, helped shape her path. She was an educated, forward-thinking woman who pursued a law degree at a time when few women did. Together, these women instilled a simple but powerful belief: a woman can do anything she sets her mind to.

That belief carried Dr. Wiese-Rometsch through medical school in the Dominican Republic and on to residency training in North Carolina, where she realized she loved both practicing medicine and teaching it. “If I’m not a physician, I’m going to be a teacher,” she once thought. In many ways, she became both.

Since launching Sarasota Memorial’s graduate medical education programs with Florida State University nearly a decade ago, Dr. WieseRometsch has helped build something extraordinary from the ground up. What began as a new initiative has grown into a thriving program training dozens of physicians each year—many of whom choose to stay and serve the region. Her role spans big-picture vision and daily detail, from ensuring accreditation and designing new programs to mentoring residents and guiding research. But at its core, her work is about people.

Mentorship, in particular, is where her passion shines. Whether she’s advising a resident physician, a medical student, or even a college student exploring a future in healthcare, she gives her time generously. She understands that a single conversation can help set someone on a life-changing path—and, in turn, impact countless patients down the line. It’s a philosophy rooted in her own experience and one she’s committed to passing on.

Dr. Wiese-Rometsch understands that a single conversation can help set someone on a life-changing path—and, in turn, impact countless patients down the line.

Despite the demands of her role, Dr. Wiese-Rometsch is grounded in family and community. She lives in Osprey with her husband and their teenage daughter, and together they make the most of life on the Suncoast—biking the Legacy Trail, exploring local restaurants, and, most recently, taking up ballroom dancing. “Our new passion is we take dance lessons,” she said. “It was something that we, as a couple, can do together. It’s physical and mental and social.”

When asked about being named a “Remarkable Woman,” her response was characteristically humble. “I was very humbled to receive this recognition,” she said. “It really has been a privilege to be in this career, to continue to train the next generation of physicians, knowing that in doing so, the number of patients that they touch will continue to grow for years to come.”

In the end, that multiplying impact may be her most remarkable achievement of all.

Girls Weekend Getaway

Sometimes the best kind of getaway is a simple one—good girlfriends, a change of scenery, and uninterrupted time to relax. Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa offers just that, set on 85 waterfront acres about 77 miles south of Venice, with sweeping views across the water toward Sanibel Island and Captiva Island.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the resort underwent a thoughtful rebuild, highlighted by a fully reimagined spa and wellness center. Now spanning 40,000 square feet, the spa brings together treatment rooms, salon services, and fitness amenities in one serene, easy-to-navigate space—ideal for a full day, or an entire weekend, devoted to unwinding.

The spa itself sets the tone with a clean, coastal design—soft neutrals, natural textures, and an atmosphere that feels calm from the moment you arrive. Inside, 28 treatment rooms are staffed by experienced providers who tailor each service to the individual, making it easy for groups to book together while still enjoying personalized care. Signature treatments include the Aroma Fusion Wellness Journey, a multi-focused massage designed to drain, sculpt, relax, and energize, and the Ultimate Oxygen Facial, which delivers a boost of oxygen and vitamins to leave skin refreshed and radiant.

Beyond the treatment rooms, the experience continues apace. Guests can rotate between an indoor pool and two outdoor pools, linger in whirlpools, or unwind in steam rooms and saunas. The Spa Bistro offers light, healthy options between appointments, while the fitness center, group classes, and tennis and pickleball courts give more active groups plenty to do.

Part of the appeal of a weekend here is the flexibility. Mornings might start with yoga or a walk along the water, followed by spa appointments, then an afternoon by the pool. For those who want to explore, biking, kayaking, or a short trip to Sanibel Island adds variety without overcomplicating the itinerary.

With multiple on-site dining options—including the award-winning Courtside Steakhouse for a more polished evening out—the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa (SanibelMarriott.com) makes it easy to stay in and enjoy the time together. It’s a setting designed for connection, relaxation, and a reset—no overplanning required.

ARTICLE BY JESSIE MARIE GLANTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

VISION, INFLUENCE, and Impact

HOW BERTHA PALMER’S ARRIVAL AT HISTORIC SPANISH POINT SECURED SARASOTA’S FUTURE

Legend has it, Bertha Honoré Palmer was reading the newspaper on a cold, windy Chicago Sunday in 1910, when she came across an ad for Sarasota citrus groves placed by extensive landowner and real estate developer Joseph Lord. Drawn in by the warm climate and natural beauty unique to southern Florida, Palmer came to Sarasota that same year with her brother and sons. She then purchased the land that would make up her Osprey Point Estate—30 acres of which is now Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point—from the Webb family, who owned most of Osprey. In the eight years between her arrival in 1910 to her death in 1918, she would influence the economic, agricultural, and social future of

and beyond.

When Palmer’s husband, Potter Palmer, passed away in 1902, it was rare for widows to inherit their husbands’ wealth. “It usually bypassed the wives; the wives were not thought of as being intellectual enough to know how to spend money,” explained John McCarthy, Vice President for Regional History at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “It was a unique situation where, in her husband’s will, he made it clear [that] she’s getting the money.” Potter, a highly successful figure in Chicago business and real estate, knew Palmer’s capabilities equaled his own. “Somebody recently described her [as] a Chicago socialite; that’s kind of an insulting term for someone who multiplied her husband’s fortune several times before she died,” McCarthy said. Palmer would come to own 90,000 acres in Sarasota alone, and the land she acquired at what is now Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point campus would become an enduring source of intrigue and enjoyment.

“When she came to Sarasota, she was probably one of the most famous women in the world,” said McCarthy. At this point, Palmer was not only known for her real estate holdings in Chicago, but for being significantly involved in the World’s Fairs in Chicago and Paris. Elected President of the Board of Lady Managers and tasked with constructing the exhibition building for women’s accomplishments at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, Palmer hired a staff of female architects, muralists, and artists. Using her connections to French aristocracy and close ties to Europe, she effectively “convinced people all around the world to send their accomplishments to America to be put on display,” said McCarthy. In 1900, against the objections of Congress, President McKinley appointed Palmer as a United States ambassador for the Paris World’s Fair. “As I understand it, that’s the first time a woman was ever appointed as an ambassador to represent the United States,” said McCarthy.

In Sarasota, Palmer continued to assert herself in and attract people to her community. Upon her arrival, she participated in the male-dominated Board of Trade, a predecessor to the Chamber of Commerce, and announced her development plans. “Back in those days, it was more unusual for a woman to be involved in real estate … for a woman to be an entrepreneur … for a woman to be a large-scale developer, but that’s what she was doing,” explained McCarthy. Palmer even developed a demonstration farm on the property adjacent to Historic Spanish Point to showcase the rich agricultural opportunities Sarasota offered potential buyers. Palmer’s influence on the area was so great that her presence was often touted on brochures produced by the Board of Trade, and picturesque images of her Osprey Point Estate frequently graced Sarasota postcards. McCarthy noted that while John Ringling also arrived in Sarasota in 1910, “there weren’t any articles in the newspaper about it.”

Although Ringling did not bring the circus to Sarasota until the late 1920s, he is often credited with introducing it to the arts. As early as 1915, however, Palmer began organizing art lectures at the women’s clubhouse she helped establish downtown. “In Chicago, she basically introduced the United States to Impressionist art,” said McCarthy. Palmer, along with her friends, routinely traveled to Europe and purchased the art of Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Mary Cassatt. “She had Monets hanging on her wall here at Historic Spanish Point,” said McCarthy. Palmer’s European

“Palmer would come to own 90,000 acres in Sarasota alone, and the land she acquired at what is now Historic Spanish Point would become an enduring source of intrigue and enjoyment.”

connections continued to inspire her home and garden at Osprey Point Estate. King Edward VII, who was close friends with Palmer, felt that his gardens should have a more “deliberate but casual” design than those of his predecessors, and Palmer appeared to follow suit.

She had a remarkable appreciation for the natural contours of her gardens. At a time when most landowners were selling their property’s ancient shell mounds—built by Native Americans thousands of years prior—to be made into roadway material, Palmer understood the importance of preservation. At that time, it was believed the shell mounds were only hundreds of years old. It wasn’t until the 1950s that radiocarbon dating was used to determine they were in fact constructed as long as 4,500 years ago.

Historic Spanish Point, adopted by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in 2020 likewise preserves and shares Palmer’s sprawling gardens today. When asked what Palmer would be most proud of if she could see the grounds now, McCarthy did not hesitate: “The Sunken Garden and Pergola; that it’s here and looks just like when she built it, that thousands of people come here every day to enjoy it. That would make her smile.”

UPLIFTING Women Through SHARED EXPERIENCE, Insight, and ENCOURAGEMENT

The Women Empowering Women Spring Luncheon, Featuring Keynote Speaker Simone Knego, Inspired Motivation and Confidence

ARTICLE BY JESSIE MARIE GLANTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY

The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Women Empowering Women Spring Luncheon at Plantation Golf & Country Club fostered an atmosphere of inspiration and community. Keynote speaker Simone Knego, author of The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You  and  REAL Confidence, revealed the staggeringly common ways women are conditioned to diminish their power— and how to recover it. Knego expertly balanced compelling statistics with humor and motivational insights with personal stories of trial and triumph.

From her bold choice to climb Africa’s highest mountain to her life-changing decisions to adopt three children, Knego demonstrated that life’s most important moments happen when self-worth wins against self-doubt. In 2015, Knego scaled Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Livestrong Foundation, a source of support for cancer survivors. Although she had never undertaken such a feat, Knego embraced the challenge and believed she could reach the summit. She describes the experience of making it to the top of the mountain as a major turning point in her life and one of her greatest accomplishments—the first being her six children, three of whom are adopted. On adopting her children from South Korea and Ethiopia, Knego recalled that some of the most impactful decisions happen at home, and changing the lives of others begins with believing in oneself.

Knego has since written two books, become a motivational speaker, performed two TEDx Talks, and more. Her keynote speech, delivered on the cusp of International Women’s Day, left the audience feeling seen and significant.

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FIND YOUR FIT: Top Women’s WORKOUTS IN OUR AREA

Venice and her surrounding area offer an amazing variety of fitness options for women. From high-energy boot camps to mindful yoga, there’s a class and community to match every goal.

BLUSH BOOT CAMP: EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH FITNESS

1240 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 2, Nokomis | 941-786-1968 | blushbootcamp.com/

About: Supportive, results-driven workouts in an elegant, welcoming space. Personalized goal setting, a complimentary kids club, and a focus on confidence and mindset.

BODYBAR PILATES – VENICE

4135 S. Tamiami Tr. | 941-493-2990 |  venice@bodybarpilates.com | BodyBarPilates.com/studios/venice/

About: Reformer Pilates meets modern movement for strength, tone, and flexibility. Classes for all levels with expert instructors who guide and motivate every step.

ENDLESS SUMMER HOT YOGA

744 E. Venice Ave. Unit B | 941-445-1213 | EndlessSummerHotYoga.com

About: Venice’s only studio with Original Hot Yoga 26+2 series. Hot Flow, Hot Mat Pilates, and non-heated classes help build strength and balance while offering the ultimate relaxation.

JAZZERCISE VENICE

1505 S. Tamiami Trl. Unit 404 | 847-361-5810 | Jazzercise.com/studio/fl/venice-1-2

About: Fun, full-body workouts combining dance, cardio and strength training. Classes for every fitness level, focused on wellness, stress relief, and total-body results.

WE CAN DO IT NOW FITNESS STUDIO

1936 Tamiami Trl. | (516) 709-2849 | wecandoitnowfitnessstudio.com | facebook.com/Ilenewecandoitnow/

About: Personalized training and dynamic group classes in a vibrant, supportive space designed to energize, empower, and help women achieve their goals.

DELIGHT MOM WITH HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES

ARTICLE BY MATTHEW SOUSA

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.

CLASSIC BELGIAN WAFFLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 eggs, separated

• 1¾ cups milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4.  In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.

5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour in enough batter to cover the surface and cook until golden brown and crisp.

Serving Suggestions:

Top the waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

This simple yet elegant breakfast is a heartfelt way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

BREAKFAST Mother’s Day

Gayle Cain Licensed Insurance Agent/Broker (941) 504-6540 By calling this number, you will be directed to a licensed insurance agent/broker.

To find out more about Medicare Advantage enrollment eligibility, visit freedomhealth.com.

Have a chronic condition? You may qualify for a Freedom Chronic Special Needs Plan, a type of Medicare Advantage plan with benefits tailored to you. Plus you can look forward to more in your Social Security check every month. Up to $185 back in your Social Security check every month $70 every month for healthy foods* and utilities* $80 allowance every month for OTC items

That’s $335 total benefit value per member, per month!

*The benefits mentioned are Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). You may qualify for SSBCI if you have a high risk for hospitalization and require intensive care coordination to manage chronic conditions such as Chronic Kidney Diseases, Chronic Lung Disorders, Cardiovascular Disorders, Chronic Heart Failure, or Diabetes. For a full list of chronic conditions or to learn more about other eligibility requirements needed to qualify for SSBCI benefits, please refer to Chapter 4 in the plan’s Evidence of Coverage.Freedom Health, Inc. is an HMO C-SNP with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Freedom Health, Inc. depends on contract renewal. We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities. Freedom Health, Inc. konfòm ak lwa sou dwa sivil Federal ki aplikab yo e li pa fè iskriminasyon sou baz ras, koulè, peyi orijin, laj, enfi mite oswa sèks. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 800-401-2740 (TTY: 711). Hablamos español y podemos ayudarle a encontrar el plan ideal para usted. Llame al 800-401-2740 (TTY: 711). We speak Spanish and can help you find the ideal plan for you. Call 800-401-2740 (TTY: 711). If you speak a language other than English, translation and alternate format services are available to you on a standing basis, free of charge. Just call 800-401-2740 (TTY: 711). From October 1 through March 31, we are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (our office will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). From April 1 until September 30, we are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (our office will be closed on federal holidays). This plan has exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, please contact your agent or the health plan. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B Premium. Y0114_26_3016331_0000_U_M 10/01/2025

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!

MAY 5TH, 7TH, 12TH & 14TH

Venice High School Spring Concerts: Chorus, Jazz Bands & Orchestra

Venice Performing Arts Center

Enjoy the talents of Venice High School musicians during their annual spring concert series. Performances include Chorus on May 5, Orchestra on May 7 at 6 p.m., Jazz/JV Bands on May 12, and Band on May 14, with all other concerts beginning at 7 p.m. Each performance showcases student artistry and dedication. All concerts are free and open to the community. VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com

MAY 8TH

Friday Night Concert Series with Joshua Reilly & Mercy McCoy

Centennial Park Gazebo | 7:00 PM

Enjoy an evening of live music at the Friday Night Concert in the Park Series hosted by Venice MainStreet. This free event invites guests to relax under the stars while listening to great music. Bring chairs or blankets for a comfortable experience. The series takes place twice monthly in the heart of downtown. May 22 features Clover's Revenge. VisitVeniceFl.org

MAY 15TH

DANCELAND – Pop-Up Dance Concert

Centennial Park Gazebo | 7:00 PM

DANCELAND brings a lively, family-friendly dance experience to Centennial Park with recorded music, live emceeing, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or a picnic and enjoy casual social dancing under the stars. Visual media enhances the experience, creating a unique community gathering centered on music and movement. VeniceGov.com

MAY 15TH-16TH

Downtown Venice Spring Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Venice (Miami, Tampa & West Venice Avenues) | 10:00 AM

Discover great deals and unique finds during this lively two-day sidewalk sale in downtown Venice. Local businesses line the streets with special offers, making it the perfect time to shop, dine, and explore the charm of the area. Enjoy a festive atmosphere while supporting small businesses at this popular seasonal event. VisitVeniceFl.org

MAY 17TH

4th Annual Epiphany School Golf Classic

Lake Venice Golf Club

Support Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School at this annual golf tournament benefiting student programs and community initiatives. Hosted by the Home & School Association, the event helps fund enriching activities and provides essential resources for the school. Participants and sponsors contribute to a meaningful day of golf, camaraderie, and giving back. For details or registration, email ndkearns@gmail.com.

MAY 23RD

The Venice Symphony’s Star Spangled Spectacular

CoolToday Park | 7:30 PM

Music Director Troy Quinn leads The Venice Symphony in a patriotic pops concert featuring classic American favorites, film scores, and an Armed Forces Medley and Tribute. The Key Chorale joins the orchestra for this inspiring evening, preceded by a special Symphony video and presentation of the colors by the Sarasota Police Department Honor Guard. TheVeniceSymphony.org