Life + Culture

A Swing for a Cause

Venetian Golf Club women raise a total of $42K for foster children Article and Photography by The women golfers of The Venetian Golf & River Club turned their passion for the game into a force for good. At a recent fundraiser, they raised $21,000 for The Twig Cares Inc. Thanks to a generous matching grant from an anonymous donor, procured by the golf club, the donation doubled to $42,000. The funds will provide clothing, shoes, and accessories—free of charge—to nearly 400 foster children who...

Health + Wellness

Women & Medicine Luncheon Raises $70K for SMH-Venice

Inaugural event educates and inspires with women’s heart health focus Article and Photography by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s inaugural Women & Medicine Educational Luncheon made a remarkable debut at Plantation Golf & Country Club. The sold-out event drew over 300 guests and raised more than $70,000 to support world-class healthcare in the community. The luncheon featured an interactive panel discussion on women’s heart health, a crucial topic as cardiovascular disease remains...

Life + Culture

Passionate, Positive & Purposeful!

Venice City Lifestyle Names Realtor Sally Abdella Second Annual Remarkable Woman of the Year Article by Emily Leinfuss When Sally Abdella received the news that she had been named Venice City Lifestyle’s Remarkable Woman of the Year, her reaction was disbelief. “My first thought was, ‘are you kidding me?’” she said with a laugh. “I was somewhat embarrassed. I’m just doing my thing on a daily basis, trying to live a life I can be proud of.” But to those who know her, this recognition can’t...

Food + Beverage

Elegant Indulgence

Tender grilled pomegranate rack of lamb—rich, flavorful, and perfect for celebrating Mom’s special day Article by Chef Jimmy Nadel of Tuscany Nokomis The association of pomegranate juice and lamb dates back almost 3,000 years to the Middle East. Here, the sweetness of the pomegranate marinade balances the flavor, while its acidity helps tenderize the lamb. Ingredients 1 large, Frenched, eight-bone rack of Colorado lamb Pink sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Aluminum foil For...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of Freshness

Discover a vibrant, flavor-packed salad recipe from “The Savory Sommelier Salads” by Marci Weidemiller of Venice Olive Oil Co. Article by Marci Weidemiller Salads are beautiful and delicious – good and good for you. So says Marci Weidemiller, Venice Olive Oil’s retail store manager, a certified olive oil sommelier, and author of the new book, “ The Savory Sommelier Salad s.” Organized by season, “Salads” celebrates special occasions while showcasing the peak freshness of fruits and...

Shopping

The Thrifting Queen’s Reign

How Patti Clark built The Happy Thrifter into a thriving business that fuels local economies, connects communities, and turns shopping into an adventure Article by Emily Leinfuss If you look back on Patti Clark’s life, it all seems to have led to this—celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her multi-faceted business, The Happy Thrifter LLC. From her first job in newspaper advertising to a corporate position at Goodwill Manasota in Mission  Services, her skills and entrepreneurial spirit...

Finance + Legal Services

Callie W. Cowan Esq. Named Partner

Enhancing legal capabilities and services at Ledbetter Cowan Law Group Article and Photography by The newly named Ledbetter Cowan Law Group is proud to announce that Callie W. Cowan, Esq., has been named partner, marking a milestone in her distinguished legal career and reinforcing the firm’s commitment to growth and excellence. “Callie’s promotion enhances our capabilities and aligns with our mission to serve families with compassion and reliability,” said founder Steve Ledbetter. The firm...

Wellness

A Woman Determined to Bloom

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles Swindoll Article by Janice Marie Meidel There is a common thread woven into the tapestry of every woman who leads a happy and meaningful life. That colorful strand refuses to allow negative circumstances to define her. She is tenaciously aware of what goes into her mind, knowing that it will land in her emotions, find expression in her behavior, and thereby reap positive or negative consequences. “Stinking thinking” can...

Home + Design

Investing in Hope

How Habitat for Humanity South helps families and the community by providing forever homes Article by Emily Leinfuss Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota provides affordable housing while requiring homeowners to contribute time, effort, and pay a mortgage at an adjusted rate. In Venice—and everywhere Habitat builds—this not only creates homes but also fosters long-term stability. In return, these new homeowners gain a foundation for a better future, improving their lives and strengthening their...

Arts + Culture

Juried Exhibition Showcases Inspired Works

Venice Art Center’s latest exhibition proves that art is truly “All In Your Head” Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Stephanie Snow Photography The Venice Art Center’s juried exhibition, “It’s All in Your Head,” was a captivating showcase sponsored by “Venice City Lifestyle.” It featured the works of 72 talented artists and was juried by artist Mary Voytek. Now, let’s meet the winners! FIRST PLACE: Linda Zentz Artist Linda Zentz won first place at the Venice Art Center with her...