Wellen Park Living | Winter 2024

WELLEN PARK

TOGETHER

79 The Harvest Community Garden which opened in September is Wellen Park’s freshest new amenity. 84 Rick LaBerge is thrilled to call the Renaissance neighborhood of Wellen Park his home. 88 Teaming up with nonprofit partners like the Rotary Club and Salvation Army, Wellen Park brings holiday joy to all members of the community. 94 Parting shot.

SPECIAL SECTION

56 Explore Wellen Park’s neighborhoods and the builder’s model homes.

COVER CREDITS Left to right: Lilly Gillies, Agility Physical Therapy; Dr. James Pineno, MD, Millennium Physicians Group; Jay Humphrey, PA, Millennium Physicians Group; Frank Morgan, Vice President, Ambulatory Services, Sarasota Memorial Hospital; T.C. Lackey II, D.O., Founder and Owner, Florida Lakes Vein Center, Florida Lakes Spa and Florida Lakes Surgical

CALENDAR

Come to Downtown Wellen to enjoy a variety of local family-friendly events including the Wellen Park Wine Festival and Wellen Wonderland for the holidays. Turn to page 71 for upcomng events.

For advertising or distribution inquiries, contact us, WellenPark@srqme.com

EXPLORE

11 With numerous hospitals and medical providers nearby Wellen Park has become a hub for healthy living. 18 Wellen Park restaurants Acqua Pazza, Banyan House and Villani & Co. have put together palate-pleasing food and wine pairings. 24 Be in the know about the 2024-25 arts & entertainment scene. 32 Wellen Park favorite No Filter lights up the night with their signature concert experiences. 36 Myakka River State Park, Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center and Deer Prairie Creek Preserve are time machines back to Old Florida. 40 At Sarasota’s Big Cat Habitat, the animals always come first. 44 The holiday season is just around the corner, and our gift guide will help you find the perfect gifts. 50 In model homes throughout Wellen Park, the latest kitchen trends are on display.

Welcome to your new friend: Wellen Park Living. You’ll find stories about the people behind fun-loving experiences in the neighborhood and beyond, sips and forkfuls of scrumptious food and crafted beverages and ways to soak in the abundant outdoor adventures just around the corner.

HARVEST COMMUNITY GARDEN Enjoy working your own garden plot.

WINE PAIRINGS

Villani & Co. pairs their grilled Cheshire pork chop with Cline Eight Spur Zinfandel.

EXPLORE Healthy Living

With numerous hospitals and medical providers nearby, Wellen Park has become a hub for healthy living. WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

Healthy Living at Wellen Park

Wellen Park® has become a vibrant center for health and well-being— offering everything from outdoor activities on the Great Lawn and Grand Lake to a diverse range of fitness meetups and classes. With an increasing number of hospitals and medical providers setting up in the area, maintaining your health and getting the care you need has never been easier. The healthcare sector is booming nationally, and this influx of new medical facilities is set to drive even more job growth locally. These new establishments are anticipated to create hundreds of jobs in the community, spanning from entry-level positions to management roles.

HCA Wellen Park

In May 2024 HCA Florida Englewood Hospital broke ground on a freestanding emergency center in Wellen Park. The new $31 million HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency Center is anticipated to open in spring 2025, the 40th anniversary of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, and is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced and accessible healthcare services to meet the healthcare needs of the growing population of the area. The new 11,300-square-foot facility located at the corner of Tamiami Trail and Preto Boulevard at 7070 S. Tamiami Trail will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with full services including laboratory, X-rays, CT scanning and ultrasound. This will allow greater access to emergency services to the community as it grows. This project connects the Wellen Park residential community to HCA Florida Healthcare services already available in Sarasota County and across the state with more than 650 affiliated sites of care—including hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms. Through its many partnerships with various organizations, HCA Florida Englewood Hospital is able to bring important health education to the community, such as Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program, an in-person group meeting to help people quit smoking. Additionally, with SunCoast Blood Centers, the hospital holds ongoing drives to provide lifesaving blood to local residents.

“The Wellen Park residential community is one of the fastest growing areas of the city. At buildout we are estimating 65,000 people just in that community so having high-quality medical services available so close to home for those folks is a huge addition and plus for this city,” said City of North Port Mayor Barbara Langdon. “We have been serving patients from South Sarasota County for more than 35 years,” said Englewood Hospital CEO Steve Young. “We are seeing a dramatic increase in patients from South Venice and North Port. Adding an emergency care center in that area will make access to services easier for people to visit and receive care near their home.” For more information visit hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/englewood-hospital

Millennium Physician Group

A brand new 13,000-square-foot facility recently opened at 8036 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice bringing close-to-home healthcare to Wellen Park residents. The state-of-the-art healthcare center offers primary care, lab and imaging services to patients of all ages. The new Millennium Physician Group location has 15 exam rooms and laboratory, X-ray, CT scan and MRI services. Millennium Physician Group has two primary care physicians, Jim Pineno, MD and Patricia Daneshmand, DO, and offers same day appointments. Millennium Physician Group is one of the largest comprehensive independent physician groups with more than 600 care teams located throughout Florida, Texas and North Carolina. “It has been such a pleasure and peace of mind to have such comprehensive, state-of-the art offices and equipment with kind, compassionate staff, nurses and doctors who take the time to listen and partner with their patients for a comprehensive, holistic approach all within just a few minutes of home,” says local resident, Felecia H. “I can even ride my bike if I want; how cool!”

“Convenient access to top-rated primary doctors, specialists, urgent care and medical centers always factors into the decision of where to live,” said Wellen Park President, Rick Severance. “The new facilities coming to Wellen Park will serve from the youngest to senior members of our community—from routine wellness exams, management of existing conditions and more immediate needs.” For more information visit millenniumphysician.com/wellen-park-office

“Most people would agree that Wellen Park is a great place to live and work. I had been up in Bradenton for a little over 12 years but was looking to make a change and fell in love with this community where I plan to stay hopefully for many decades to come.”

— Dr. James Pineno, MD Millennium Physicians Group

PHOTO

THIS PAGE Venice Primary Care Physician James Pineno, MD, is your primary partner in health and connection to a healthier life.

Q&A

DR. JAMES PINENO, MD

Venice Primary Care Physician

James Pineno, MD is an expert in preventive care and patient-centered services proven to improve health outcomes. He is a family medicine doctor with clinical interests in Preventative Medicine, Evidence-Based Medicine, Chronic disease management, Geriatrics and Adolescent Health. Dr. Pineno is a graduate of University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at Bayfront Health Family Medicine Residency in St. Petersburg, FL and specializes in Family Medicine. When he is not practicing medicine, Dr. Pineno enjoys boating, fishing, reading and family time.

What lifestyle recommendations do you have for patients to live their best, healthiest lives? Many of the conditions I treat every day in the office can be prevented or treated with a healthy lifestyle. All patients should strive to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains. I also encourage patients to remain active within their abilities, aiming for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise. And lastly, I work with patients to help them quit tobacco and alcohol which are each responsible for many of the chronic ailments we see on a daily basis.

You have expertise in treating chronic disease. What are some examples of chronic diseases you see in your practice and how do you help your patients manage these conditions? As a family physician, I treat a wide range of chronic conditions. Some of the more common conditions I manage include high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia. I work with patients on an individual level to help them control their conditions through both lifestyle and medication management. I believe in the biopsychosocial model of medicine where the patient is viewed as an individual with unique experiences and goals and will tailor treatment to each individual patient within that fram work.

The new offices of Millennium Physician Group are now open and accepting new patients. Call or visit today. 8036 S. Tamiami Trail Venice, 855-674-4624, millenniumphysician.com/wellen-park-office.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Sarasota Memorial Hospital has been consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals, with superior patient outcomes and a comprehensive network of outpatient services. The public health system opened its second acute-care hospital, SMH-Venice, in November 2021 to serve the growing south Sarasota County region. SMH has worked with North Port city officials since early this year to create hospital specific site development and zoning standards to build North Port’s first hospital. The City Commission approved the hospital’s development conditions in September after a series of community and public hearings. The city requirements will now be incorporated into SMH’s master plans and an ongoing comparative analysis it is preparing of land it owns in North Port to include N. Sumter Blvd and Wellen Park. “Our goal is to develop master plans for our two south county campuses that are forward-thinking, financially-sound and flexible enough to meet the needs of those communities now and well into the future,” said Sarasota Memorial Health Care System CEO David Verinder. “We look forward to completing the master planning process and working with our governing board, city leaders and surrounding neighborhoods to build North Port’s first hospital and provide 5-star care to residents of south county for decades to come.”

Although master planning two sites at once has resulted in a lengthier, more complex review process, hospital leaders believe the dual approach is a critical step that will enable SMH to accelerate development on the first campus in the coming year. The master plans, which should be complete by year end, will help SMH leaders understand the implications of the city’s development and zoning requirements for each site and work on operational and financial strategies necessary to recruit physicians and address a regional, long-range forecast of services needed to sustain a new hospital. SMH hopes to break ground in 2025—the same year the health system celebrates its 100th anniversary.

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is the philanthropic partner that helps Sarasota Memorial Health Care System bring world-class healthcare to our community. Since 1976, the Healthcare Foundation, through the generosity of many donors, has helped SMH raise the bar for healthcare in our community. While the Healthcare Foundation’s primary areas of focus are patient care, technology, facilities, staff education and clinical research, it is a nimble organization with a philanthropic base ready to step forward when a critical need arises. Over the years, Healthcare Foundation donors have supported a multitude of important SMH initiatives throughout Sarasota County including the North Port ER and SMH-Venice. As plans for the new Wellen Park medical campus unfold, the Healthcare Foundation stands ready to help ensure exceptional healthcare will be available right in your community—close to home. The importance of community support cannot be overstated. With over $95 million raised to support the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, over $24 million raised to support the Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion and over $29 million raised for the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute, SMH has demonstrated that an investment in quality healthcare is an investment in the health and well-being of our growing population. “With nearly 49 successful years behind us, we are grateful for our generous community,” says Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation President Stacey Corley. “Their contributions have helped SMH earn multiple accolades for superior patient care and maintain its ranking as one of the best hospitals in the country.”

health

Florida Lakes Vein Center

At Florida Lakes Vein Center Wellen Park, Dr. Lackey provides compassionate care and laser focus on patient health. As founder and owner of Florida Lakes Vein Center (FLVC), Florida Lakes Spa and Florida Lakes Surgical, T.C. Lackey II, DO, serves patients at his offices in Wellen Park, Sebring, Venice and Lakewood Ranch.

Dr. Lackey attended the University of Florida at Jacksonville and Vanderbilt University for his residency after earning his medical degree at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and his undergrad at Georgetown College. He began his practice in Sebring, Florida, nearly twenty years ago after settling in the area due to its numerous lakes that reminded him of his Kentucky childhood.

Dr. Lackey boasts the only VenaSeal™ teaching facility in Central Florida. When not performing surgeries and vein treatments, he can be found on the tennis courts as President of the Highlands County Tennis Association, coaching varsity girls’ soccer and varsity boys’ tennis teams, or just relaxing with his wife and six children.

Florida Lakes Vein Center Wellen Park provides the latest technologies to treat chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcers. Varicose veins are not “just” something to deal with as you age. They’re a medical condition and can be treated. Vein disease is actually two times more prevalent than coronary heart disease and five times more prevalent than peripheral arterial disease. Yet, it’s misunderstood, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Nearly 40 million people suffer from venous insufficiency, yet fewer than two million people seek treatment. “At FLVC, we focus solely on vein disease. It’s not an add-on to our practice. It’s our specialty,” shares Regional Director, Sara Roberts. “Our providers offer compassionate and attentive care and have been trained by Dr. TC Lackey II, who trains providers worldwide in the latest advancements in vein care. Our patients regain their active lifestyles and enjoy the life they once led.”

19790 Wellen Park Boulevard, Suite 201A, 941-777-7772, flspa.com

THIS PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Lackey and his team at Florida Lakes Vein Center take the time to make sure you feel heard and understood, for compassionate, professional vein health care. The team of therapists at Agility Physical Therapy treat all ages and conditions and help you remain active.

The Medical Center at Wellen Park

New medical services and healthcare options are coming to the region with The Medical Center at Wellen Park, a planned 75,000-square-foot medical office building just east of the River Road and US 41 intersection. The new three-story facility, developed and managed by Sarasota-based CASTO Healthcare Real Estate, will provide multidisciplinary medical suites for physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals with custom-designed spaces for in-office procedures and outpatient services. The medical center is anticipated to open in early to mid-2025. “Wellen Park offers a great location for medical professionals and the community’s tremendous growth will appeal to doctors seeking to establish or expand a successful practice,” said Aaron Ruben, executive vice president of CASTO’s Southeast operations and the leasing agent for the Wellen Park center. “As a Class A medical facility, the building will be state-of-the-art and dedicated solely for healthcare professionals. Each medical office will be tailored to meet the needs of the practice.”

Agility Physical Therapy

If you’re seeking a top-notch outpatient rehabilitation and sports performance center, look no further than your local neighborhood. Agility Physical Therapy, now conveniently located in Downtown Wellen Park, was founded by Alan and Alicia Dalton over a decade ago in Venice. Since then, they’ve been providing the latest scientifically supported treatments to everyone, from amateur and professional athletes to those recovering from injuries that impact their daily lives. Their highly qualified clinicians specialize in evaluating and treating a broad range of outpatient physical therapy needs, particularly orthopedic conditions of the spine and extremities. With Agility’s expert care, you can regain strength and get back in your game before you know it. The team at Agility Physical Therapy strives to create a friendly and relaxed environment, but providing a high level of care remains their highest priority. Clinicians are well-versed in a variety of scientifically-supported treatment modalities which allows them to create individualized treatment plans for an array of conditions, including joint and muscle pain, dizziness, vertigo, gait and balance disorders, and much more. They take pride in giving back to the local community and assisting those in need by actively supporting local, national and international charities, as well as local schools and youth sports programs. As part of their community outreach efforts, they have partnered with Sarasota County schools to supply certified athletic trainers to eleven public high schools, ensuring the safety and well-being of thousands of student-athletes. These trainers deliver emergency care and create injury prevention programs, while also assessing, managing, treating, rehabilitating and reconditioning student-athletes. Call or visit Agility Physical Therapy to learn how they can customize a plan that works just right for you. Agility Physical Therapy, 19790 Wellen Pk Blvd, Suite 205, Venice, 941-584-8320. improvemyagility.com

Perfect Pairings

Wellen Park restaurants Acqua Pazza, Banyan House and Villani & Co. have put together palate-pleasing food and wine pairings. WORDS BY KATE WIGHT

THIS PAGE

THIS MONTH, RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ARE IN FOR A TREAT AS THE INAUGURAL WELLEN PARK WINE FESTIVAL MAKES ITS DOWNTOWN DEBUT. Guests at this ticketed event will be able to sip samples of wine while enjoying small bites of food from featured Wellen Park restaurants. But you don’t need to wait for a festival to discover how the right wine can elevate your dining experience. A wine pairing is the practice of selecting a wine that complements a specific dish. The goal is to enhance the meal by combining the aromas, flavors and textures of the wine with the food in a complementary manner. A wine with citrus notes might pair well with seafood, while a sweet wine may balance the heat of a spicy dish. Many restaurants that have made the effort to curate a good wine list are happy to recommend the right wine to accompany your chosen meal. Acqua Pazza, Banyan House, Villani & Co. and Oak & Stone will be serving up tasty morsels at the Wellen Park Wine Festival. And when the festival is over, they’ll still be ready to make wine pairing recommendations to accompany their thoughtfully designed menu items. In fact, readers can enjoy curated wine and food pairings at all three eateries right now.

THE BANYAN HOUSE | RACK OF LAMB + CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Nothing says autumn like a hearty, flavorful and comforting meal, and Banyan House is bringing in that fall-feeling with their Colorado rack of lamb entree. The meal actually features lamb in multiple presentations. First there is the rack of lamb, which is brought in fresh several times a week and hand-cut at the restaurant, then prepared on a woodfired grill. That is accompanied by a Moroccan kefta skewer composed of ground lamb, harissa paste and panko. The skewer then rests on a bed of tzatziki; a traditional yogurt and cucumber-based Greek sauce. “Harissa has a really spicy taste to it, which is a nice contrast to the cool and refreshing tzatziki sauce,” says Stacy Jones, general manager of Banyan House. “It gives the dish a great balance.” The lamb may be the star of the dish, but it’s bolstered by an impressive supporting cast of sauteed brussel sprouts, harissa-spiced baby carrots and colorful confit marble potatoes that are crisp and salty on the outside but tender inside. As a final touch, the meal is served with a fresh mint jus. Cabernet sauvignons are generally a great pairing with lamb, as the bold tannins and fruit flavors of the wine complement the richness of the meat. Jones recommends the Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles as the ideal pairing for the Colorado Rack of Lamb. The wine is aged in French oak and has a smoky undercurrent that plays well with the rack of lamb, which was grilled using cherry wood. This wine also has notes of cherry fruit, clove, nutmeg and vanilla bean, which contrast against the spicier elements of the meal. The Banyan House Restaurant, 19725 Wellen Park Boulevard, Venice, 941-584-5300, banyanhouserestaurant.com.

The Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon paired with the Colorado rack of lamb entree at Banyan House makes for the perfect autumn meal.

BELOW Acqua Pazza’s handmade lobster ravioli paired with he Viberti Unoaked Chardonnay is a showstopper for a delicious, creamy, comfort food experience.

ACQUA PAZZA | HANDMADE LOBSTER RAVIOLI + VIBERTI UNOAKED CHARDONNAY

Acqua Pazza specializes in coastal Italian cuisine, so it’s fitting that handmade lobster ravioli is one of the restaurant’s mainstay menu items. Like all of the pasta at Acqua Pazza, the ravioli is made in house. In this dish, velvety sheets of handmade ravioli are filled with a blend of fresh Maine lobster meat, silky mascarpone cheese, a hint of aromatic herbs, then topped with a light and creamy sherry bisque sauce. “The dish is very balanced,” says Mark Barbee, Acqua Pazza’s general manager. “The ravioli is pillowy soft, and the sweet, succulent lobster meat really balances out the richness of the sherry bisque. The dish has a really elegant taste and texture.” When it comes to choosing a wine pairing to go with this dish, Barbee recommends the Viberti Unoaked Chardonnay from Piedmonte, Italy. Wine is traditionally aged in oak barrels, but the Viberti is instead aged in stainless steel tanks. This fermentation maintains the bright fruit flavors and natural characteristics of the grape, ultimately resulting in a wine that has a youthful crispness. “The Viberti is not a traditional buttery, oaky chardonnay,” Barbee says. “It has a lively freshness that lifts the lobster’s natural sweetness against the creamy bisque. You get a really neat bouquet of zesty citrus and bright green apple that we feel echoes the freshness of the handmade ravioli.” Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian Restaurant, 19750 Wellen Park Boulevard Unit D, Venice, 941-244-5147, acquapazzaitalian.com.

forkful

BELOW Villani & Co. prides itself on serving the best quality meats available. This includes their grilled Cheshire pork chop which pairs well with the Cline Eight Spur Zinfandel .

VILLANI & CO. | GRILLED CHESHIRE PORK CHOP + CLINE EIGHT SPUR ZINFANDEL

Chef Michael Leopold is always making magic at Villani & Co. and the brined and grilled pork chop meal from the special menu is his latest trick. “With this dish in particular we start with a super high-quality product,” Leopold says. “It’s Cheshire pork from North Carolina that has been sustainably raised with no steroids, hormones or artificial ingredients. I buy the whole rack of pork and we break it down ourselves.” For this dish, Leopold utilizes the pork rib chop. He starts by brining the chops for 24 hours in a brown sugar and kosher-salt-based brine that is packed with fragrant ingredients like garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary and bay leaves. Pork is a lean meat, so brining it imparts moisture, while the aromatics infuse it with flavor. The brined chop is seared in a cast iron skillet until it develops a golden crust, and then basted with whole butter with the same herbs from the brining liquid. The pork is served on top of a creamy polenta made from stone-ground cornmeal, and then topped with a red-wine-based gorgonzola cream sauce with shallots and fresh thyme. The dish gets a pop of sweetness from bourbon-soaked dried cranberries, while the addition of peppery arugula helps cut through the richness of the gorgonzola sauce. The dish is a symphony of flavors, textures and colors, but everything comes together in perfect harmony. Pork can be paired with either red or white wine depending on the cut of meat and how it’s prepared. This dish has a lot of strong flavors, so Leopold feels it pairs best with a wine that can hold its own against it. His recommendation is the Cline Eight Spur Zinfandel from Dry Valley Creek in California. Bold and fruit-forward, this red wine is bright enough to hold up against the assertive gorgonnzola and helps pick up the sweetness of the bourbon-soaked berries. Villani & Co., 19790 Wellen Park Boulevard, Venice, 941-584-4434, villaniandcowellenpark.com. WPL

ArtsWinter Season

AS THE DAYS GROW SHORTER AND THE TEMPERATURE BEGINS TO FALL, the arts and culture scene of Florida’s Gulf Coast begins to stir from its summertime slumber. The 2024-25 season kicks off with a bang in November with two one-ofa-kind arts festivals and continues strong throughout winter. Gallery openings, world premieres and can’t-miss performances fill the season’s slate—here are just a few of the region’s many art offerings to keep your eye on. COMPILED BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

OPPOSITE PAGE The SunHAT Eco-Performance Festival brings a diverse array of programing to The Ringling’s campus. RIGHT: Developed in-house at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Ken Ludwig’s Lady Molly at Scotland Yard promises a madcap race against the clock to save Great Britain from Axis forces.

RINGLING MUSEUM

SunHAT EcoPerformance Festival

THIS SEASON, THE RINGLING IS THINKING GLOBALLY in the most literal sense of the word. As a part of the organization’s Art of Performance series, The Ringling is hosting the all-new SunHAT Eco-Performance Festival. The week-long festival, which is named after the organization’s Historic Asolo Theater and takes place across The Ringling’s campus, looks to start conversations about climate change, ecology and environmental justice in new and unique ways. Instead of just hosting lectures around these topics, the SunHAT festival integrates them by presenting a diverse array of artists who explore these narratives in their own work. “This is new for us, because we don’t usually put on a festival, but it’s an intense week of artist presentations happening all around the campus. Some shows are outdoors, we have a couple shows indoors, but the idea is that we’re out in the elements enjoying performance on our campus,” says Elizabeth Doud, the museum’s Connie-Kuhlman Curator of Performance.

“The performances are specifically by artists that are looking at issues of climate change, ecology, environmental justice and are practicing at this intersection of climate and performance.” The festival is primed to include presentations and events from five distinct artists that vary widely in both discipline and scale. SunHAT Eco-Performance Festival kicks off with an outdoor performance of You Look Like a Fun Guy by Dance Heginbotham, a dance performance inspired by mushrooms that will be followed by a mushroom dinner and a talkback with choreographer John Heginbotham. Other highlights of the festival include Invisible Rivers, a performance-oriented

oof f KEN LUDWIG’S KEN LUDWIG’S

most, produced playwrights in the English

LADY MOLLY LADY MOLLY SCOTLAND YARD SCOTLAND YARD

Lady Molly of Scotland Yard

THIS SEASON, SOMETHING TRULY SPECIAL IS COMING TO THE ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE. Ken Ludwig’s Lady Molly of Scotland Yard is set to make its world premiere at the Asolo in January 2025. The play,which was developed at the Asolo and will be directed by Peter Rothstein, Producing Artistic Director at the Asolo, is at once a screwball-romp and a high-stakes thriller. The story, set in London during the heart of WWII, follows Molly and Peg, two detectives from

‘Wow this is in incredible shape for a rough draft.’ I told him that we would love to be the creative home for the play while it was being developed.” Over the course of the workshopping process, which will continue into this fall, Ludwig eventually asked Rothstein if he would be interested in directing the play. “To be honest, I kind of assumed that it would be a director that he had worked with before, but over the course of our conversations he asked if I would be interested in directing it,” says Rothstein. “When you do new work, you have to make sure the writer is at every step in the creative process. So Ken has a voice in scenic design, Ken has a voice with how we sell the show and you want

BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Sarasota Contemporary Dance has been bringing their signature choreography to the area for 19 years. For the first time ever, the Sarasota International Chalk Festival is bringing multi-national delegations of Infiorata and Rangoli artists to the United States.

that. It’s such a privilege to be able to give birth to a new work, especially from such an esteemed writer.” — D.Campbell Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Box office: 941-351-8000, 800361-8388, asolorep.org

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Natalie Helm Collaboration

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE (SCD) is quickly becoming a hub for artistic collaboration in the region. The company, which kicks off its 19th season this December, has built its reputation as one of the preeminent dance organizations in the region in part through its willingness to work alongside different area artists and musicians. This season, dubbed “Shine,” is no exception to the status quo. Four shows headline the main stage, the second of which is a collaborative work between SCD and Natalie Helm, the Principal Cellist of Sarasota Orchestra. “We actually had presented her a couple years back as part of our In-Studio series. I had the privilege of collaborating with her as a solo artist in two of the shows,” says Leymis Bolanos Wilmott, Artistic Director of SCD. “What I love about Natalie is that she is a classically trained musician, but she really thinks

outside the box. I reached out to her and said ‘Why don’t we use some of the things that worked well from our In-Studio series and expand it to a bigger scale?’” The show, which will feature a group of star musicians handpicked by Helm to accompany her on stage, is expected to be an evening-length work that will lean into the cellist’s Bluegrass roots—Helm is a native of Louisville, Kentucky. “We started talking about having a Bluegrass feel to the show,” says Wilmott. “I know that it’s going to be a full company work, meaning that it will likely start with everyone on stage, but then I start to think about what color palette will the show have? What brush strokes? What colors will the audience see on stage?” — D.Campbell Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts Suite 300, Sarasota, 941-2608485, sarasotacontemporarydance.org

SARASOTA INTERNATIONAL CHALK FESTIVAL

Floralia Infiorata

THIS NOVEMBER, ONE OF SARASOTA’S MOST SPECIAL EVENTS IS BECOMING EVEN MORE UNIQUE. For its 18th iteration, The Sarasota International Chalk Festival is extending its branches of artistic diplomacy even more than it usually does by introducing a brand new exhibition titled Floralia Infiorata. If that name doesn’t ring any bells then good—it

shouldn’t. The Floralia Infiorata section of the Chalk Festival, will also feature a myriad of other events, including an interactive area, the famed Illusion Rooms and a 3-D Pavement Art Exhibition, bringing a new element to the festival by introducing a very old art form. For the first time ever, this year’s festival will bring multiple contingents of Infiorata and Rangoli artists to the United States. These age-old art forms, Infiorata originating in Italy and Rangoli on the Indian subcontinent, use flowers, sawdust, sand and other natural materials to create beautiful, highly-detailed, devotionally-oriented carpets on the pavement. What is particularly unique about this year’s Chalk Festival is that it is serving as a cultural meeting point for these artists that hail from all over the world—the festival will host delegations from India, Spain, Mexico, Australia, Italy and Japan. “Over the next few months we’ll be organizing some materials locally for these artists. Whether it’s coffee grinds or certain types of sand, different colors separate different colored themes that are part of the designs. Within the teams that we have coming, there are three teams that will be working just with flower petals,” says festival Founder Denise Kowal. “The pieces will be about 20 by 24 feet, roughly 75 feet of just flower petals. It’ll be incredible.” — D.Campbell Sarasota International Chalk Festival, November 8, Burns Square, Sarasota, 941488-8877, chalkfestival.org

BELOW: A circus tradition like no other, CAC’s annual Windjammers Unlimited concert combines live music with performances from the Sailor Circus Academy troupes.

CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY

Windjammers Unlimited

THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE AMERICAN CIRCUS IS ALIVE AND WELL in Sarasota with the Circus Arts Conservatory’s (CAC) annual Windjammers Unlimited performance. The performance, which is scheduled for January 2025, combines the new and old guard of the circus in a spectacle free for the community. Every year the Windjammers Unlimited, a circus music historical society, comes to Sarasota for their annual convention. The organization is made up of both playing and non-playing members, musicians from the era in which live music always accompanied the circus. Naturally, the CAC has always welcomed them with open arms, resulting in an annual performance that combines the regality of the Windjammers’ music with performances from the organization’s Sailor Circus Academy students. “The Windjammers Unlimited have been longtime supporters of the Sailor Circus. Additionally, this is the kids’ opportunity to be a part of something historic,” says Jennifer

Mitchell, Executive Vice President/COO of CAC. “The show is approximately two hours long with an intermission. The first hour features nearly 100 musicians from the Windjammers in a beautiful performance of pieces of music that have been played throughout the history of the American circus and the second hour includes students of the Sailor Circus Academy performing about 10 acts to live music from the Windjammers.” The annual performance not only gives the Sailor Circus troupe an additional opportunity to showcase their skills, it also keeps a storied circus tradition alive. — D.Campbell The Circus Arts Conservatory, 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, 941-355-9805, circusarts.org

SARASOTA ART MUSEUM

Joe Fig

JOE FIG KNEW THAT IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY HE COULDN’T PASS UP. In 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam was holding the biggest museum exhibition of the year—a blockbuster showing of the works of legendary Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, the most complete collection of Vermeer’s works ever dis-

played. Fig, who is a nationally exhibited artist and author in his own right, as well as the Department Chair of the Fine Arts and Visual Studies programs at Ringling College of Art and Design, had to go. Fig’s attendance, however, was more than just the chance to see a once in a lifetime show. It was a research trip as well, informing his latest exhibition—Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer, set to debut this November at Sarasota Art Museum (SAM). “Joe is an absolutely great painter and paints these amazing, small paintings that have miniature paintings within them. His Contemplating series is really a voyeuristic series where he travels to galleries, museums and openings, documents people looking at art and then paints from the photos that he takes,” says Virginia Shearer, Executive Director of SAM. “We will probably never in our lifetimes have all of these Vermeer paintings in one place again. Joe’s paintings are exquisite, little love letters to Vermeer, his light, his drapery and the way that people are just riveted to his works.”— D.Campbell Sarasota Art Museum1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-309-4300, sarasotaartmuseum.org

Home for the Holidays

THIS SEASON AT THE VENICE SYMPHONY, CLASSICAL REIGNS SUPREME. Three concerts headline the winter months from November through January: Instrumental Influencers in November, Home for the Holidays in December and Sports Orchestrated in the new year. November’s Instrumental Influencers is a tribute to some of classical music’s most influential composers, featuring music from legendary figures such as Beethoven and Vivaldi. “The concert features a very interesting piece by Vivaldi,” says conductor Troy Quinn, Music Director of the Symphony. “It’s a mandolin concerto by our principal violist Rafael Ramirez. There’s a very classical tinge to that concert, we’ll also be performing Haydn’s Symphony No. 88 as well as a Brahms variation on a theme by Haydn.” Home for the Holidays includes the classics such as Rudoph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The First Noel along with contributions from local outfit Key Chorale and guest vocalist Liz Callaway. “We have a wonderful Hanukkah medley that we’re doing in addition to featuring our Grammy and Tony-nominated artist Liz Callaway,” says Quinn. “We’ll also be featuring our concert master Marcus Ratzenboeck in a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tune.”January’s Sports Orchestrated looks to bridge the gap between music and athletics in a couple of ways. The first, and most obvious, is by performing some of the most memorable music from sports-films such as Rocky and Rudy. The second way is by performing the works of what Quinn is calling an “All-Star Suite” of composers, with excerpts from “some of the greatest classical music of all time”. The Venice Symphony, 1 Indian Ave, Building 5, Venice, 941-207-8822, thevenicesymphony.org

Diamond Anniversary

SALUTING 75 YEARS BRINGING STORIES TO THE STAGE, Venice Theatre’s Diamond Anniversary season offers many of the fan-favorite musicals and theater traditions that audiences have come to know and love, while showcasing both where the theater comes from and where it’s going. “It’s a chance to celebrate three quarters of a century of theatrical accomplishments,” says Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush, “While also signaling a view looking forward to the next 75 years.” So, in addition to regular offerings like the

seasonal performance of A Christmas Carol and tentpole musicals like 9 to 5 opening October 24 and My Fair Lady opening January 31, Venice theatergoers can expect both the world premiere of a new musical, Don’t Touch That Dial, running January 17 through February 9 as well as a restaging of the very first show Venice Theatre ever performed. Don’t Touch That Dial takes audiences on a nostalgic trip through the world of classic TV jingles and theme songs— largely through a TV game show format. Expect audience participation. As one last surprise, this season also marks Venice Theatre’s first foray into standup comedy, with Venice Laughs opening on December 6. — P.Lederer Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, 941488-1115, venicetheatre.org WPL

VENICE SYMPHONY

VENICE THEATRE

music

Ordinary RockStars

Chaz Robinson of No Filter dishes on what it means to be a part of the region’s most exhilarating cover band.

WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

With his band, No Filter, Chaz Robinson combines smooth vocals with creative choreography covering Top 40 music through the ages.

THERE’S A FEELING THAT CHAZ ROBINSON GETS WHEN HE’S ON STAGE. It’s a mixture of nerves and excitement, somewhere between exhilaration and trepidation, an energy that can only be found when he’s performing. It’s a feeling that’s difficult to describe, to the point where it’s probably best stated as this—when Robinson is on stage, he feels at home. “To a lot of us in the industry, performing is all we really know,” says Robinson. “Performing is my identity in any form.” Ever since dropping out of college to pursue a career in entertainment, Robinson, now 34-years-old, has been chasing that energy that he feels on stage. During that journey, he’s learned a lot about himself.

HE CHASED FAME, RECEIVED OVER 10 MILLION SPINS, PLAYS AND LISTENS internationally with his original music, performed on shows like MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew and received two nods on the 2015 Grammy Ballot for Best Pop Solo Performance, before deciding that the pursuit of stardom wasn’t worth it. “A lot of people assume that to be a successful entertainer you have to be famous. And that’s just not the case. In fact it’s quite the antithesis,” says Robinson. While international superstardom wasn’t in the cards for Robinson, he still gets to be a rock star while performing as a member of No Filter, who rock the Solis Hall Stage in Wellen Park on the first Friday of every month. Robinson joined the group—a 12-member, high-energy, production-heavy cover band in 2019. At that point he was a veteran of the entertainment industry, a solo, roaming artist looking for a space to call home. In No Filter he found it—a group of likeminded performers who would happily join him in the constant chase of the on-stage adrenaline rush he gets from performing. “I’ve been in the band for almost exactly five years. One of the things that I tell people pretty often is that as performers we move around a lot. We don’t stay in one place or with a single product for very long. I can quite confidently say that No Filter is not just the longest-lasting product I’ve been a part of, it’s also one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten to do,” says Robinson. “It’s not very often that you get to feel like a rock star every night you perform with a cover band.”

A concert experience with No Filter is decidedly not that of your typical cover band. Somewhere between a rave and a hair metal jam festival, although without the sweaty mosh pits and disconcertingly loud bass tracks, a No Filter concert is a production in and of itself. Fog machines, full light and video shows accompany the band members, all of whom play multiple instruments and join in on vocals. “We cover what we like to call the Top 40 through the ages, everything from today back to the ‘80s or even beyond. The concert experience is

very much like listening to a DJ but live. It’s not super often that we do full songs,” says Robinson. “With our typical set up, we have five musicians, all of whom sing and even our drummers Caroline Vargas and Natalie Mustang can rap in our shows.”

The No Filter experience is one defined by energy—for nearly three hours, band members must dance around one another in a highly choreographed performance, jumping from song to song, genre to genre at the flick of a switch. It’s an exhausting, unyielding feat—the band plays three to five shows a week and hundreds of shows within a calendar year—which require Robinson to drain himself of every last ounce of energy night after night. An “extroverted introvert,” Robinson spends his weekends away from the stage recharging, “sitting inside of my house like a caveman playing video games all day.” He attributes his ability to bounce back night after night, however, to the bond that he has with his bandmates. “We’re so passionate about what we do that it doesn’t often feel like work. Obviously, every job no matter how much you like it is going to feel like a job at some point, but No Filter is magical in that it almost never feels like a job. It always feels like a party. I think that plays a big role in maintaining the super high-energy of the show,” says Robinson. “Additionally, No Filter really is a family. We really are each other’s best friends and at the end of the day we’re not just coworkers, we really care about each other. Unfortunately, in our industry that’s not something that’s super common and is another reason why this group is so special to me.” WPL Learn more about No Filter at nofilterband.com

BELOW Chaz Robinson and No Filter perform on the Solis Hall stage on the first Friday of every month.

ROBINSON.

outdoors WildWithin Reach

Immerse yourself in the natural world at these three incredible wildlife preserves. WORDS BY DYLAN

CAMPBELL

ON FLORIDA’S GULF COAST, THE WILD IS ALWAYS WITHIN REACH. Nestled amidst the towns, highways and communities that call this area home are remnants of old Florida, parks and wildlife preserves that are gateways to the past—embalming what once was in a sense of time and place. These spaces are where Florida’s true identity is on full display, where animals roam, wild flowers bloom, rivers run and nature rules all. This is Florida and here’s where to find it.

Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center

Snaking through the narrow, shallow sand flats between Englewood and Manasota Key, the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve is one of the oft-overlooked gems of the region. The bay, which is fed by seven tributaries and is one of the five Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, is home to a medley of diverse flora and fauna. Winding along the shoreline of the bay is Englewood’s Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, a 210-acre natural county park that features paved and unpaved hiking trails, a scenic boardwalk, a kayak/canoe launch and an educational butterfly garden. The park provides a launching pad for visitors to explore both land and sea. Hike through the sandy forests filled with Florida native plants like the live oak, cabbage palm and slash pine. Paddle out on a kayak through the park’s black mangrove forest and into the spectacular oasis of the bay. At Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, the true beauty of Florida is at your fingertips.

BELOW Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center. RIGHT Deer Prarie Creek Park

outdoors

THIS SPREAD The natural wonders of the area as diverse as the species that call these parks home. Explore fields of rare Florida Dry Prairie, walk along the banks of the Myakka River and lose yourself in the mesic flatwoods of the interior Gulf Coast.

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve

Further inland, along the banks of the Myakka River lies Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, a 6,500-acre protected natural area that is home to some of the region’s rarest and most diverse ecosystems. The area,named after Deer Prairie Creek, a 22 mile tributary of the Myakka, includes complete protection of the creek in Sarasota County as well as nearly six miles of Myakka’s east bank. A hike through the preserve’s more than 60 miles of natural trails will show visitors a side of Florida nearly untouched by time. Walk through fields of Florida dry prairie and mesic flatwoods past fields of tarflower and pine lily where cabbage palms burst out of the ground like rockets aiming for the sky. Hydric hammocks and wetlands house all types of native plant and animal species, from the endangered Florida Scrub-Jay to alligators, deer, river otter, Gopher tortoise and more. Straddling the Myakka and its tributaries, Deer Prairie Creek Preserve offers visitors a unique and comprehensive exploration of the Myakka River Watershed.

Myakka River State Park

Flowing southwest from the Hardee-Manatee county line and straight through the heart of Sarasota County is the Myakka River—the lifeblood of the region’s diverse ecology. Thirty-four of the river’s 72 miles run through Sarasota County. These 34 miles are designated as the state’s only Florida Wild and Scenic River. Not coincidentally, 12 of those miles are within the lines of one of the state’s oldest parks—the Myakka River State Park. The over 37,000-acre state park, originally founded in the 1930s, is a shining example of the life that the Myakka River Watershed breathes into Southwestern Florida.

“The Myakka River is a rainfed river which means that its levels greatly fluctuate depending on precipitation. During the summer, which is typically our rainy season, the levels of the river rise, they overflow into the Myakka River’s floodplains and hydric hammocks and basically flood the park. This is absolutely natural for this area and the ecosystems have adapted to those fluctuating levels of water,” says Dr. Miri Hardy, Executive Director of Friends of Myakka River, a citizens support organization for the state park. A vast array of wetlands and topographies, such as Florida dry prairie, which varies from extremely wet to extremely dry by the season, southern coastal plain hydric hammocks (areas with a dense, mixed hardwood forest that typically grows on soils that are seasonally saturated or flooded, making it wet). These habitats are located in low-lying areas and are often found near rivers, streams, or wetlands. “The park contains one of the largest remaining areas of Florida dry prairie, which is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. When people think of wild Florida, that’s it in a nutshell,” says Dr. Hardy. “You’re surrounded by these amazing, wide open vistas where you can go for miles and miles and miles and not see another human and just connect with nature.” American Alligators lurk within the shadows of the park’s river and surrounding wetlands. Over 100 species of birds, including the endangered Roseate Spoonbill, Florida Burrowing Owl and Florida Sandhill Crane call the park home. Countless species of native animals like bobcat and otter roam across the park’s diverse biome. With so much to see, the park offers an equally abundant slate of opportunities through which to experience the special landscape. A bird walk winds through wetlands, putting visitors at ground level with these creatures. Hiking, horseback riding and bicycle trails weave their way throughout the park. A 25-foot canopy walkway puts visitors in the treetops. Flat-bottomed boat tours run daily and the 12 miles of river and adjacent Upper and Lower Myakka lakes are a paddler’s dream. WPL

daytrip And Even Bigger Hearts

BigCats

At Sarasota’s Big Cat Habitat, the animals always come first. WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

“SO, IF I WERE TO BOOK AN ANIMAL ENCOUNTER WITH AN AFRICAN CARACAL, WOULD I BE ABLE TO GO INTO THE PEN AND PET IT?,” I ASK. “It’s not so much that you get to pet the caracal. They interact with you, you don’t interact with them. We let the animals do what they want to do,” Clayton Rosaire kindly corrects me. “You might get the opportunity to give them a treat or play with them with a toy or if they want to come over and rub on you then that’s fine. But you don’t pick ‘em up, you don’t grab’ em—you don’t do anything like that. It’d be rude to the animal.” It doesn’t take long into my conversation with Clayton, who runs Sarasota’s Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center, and his mother Kay, who founded the large-animal sanctuary in 1987, to figure out what they’re all about. They love animals—62 different species call the sanctuary their home, from big cats like the Bengal Tiger, African Lion and Jaguar to smaller critters such as the Spider Monkey, Ring-tailed Lemur and Red-necked Wallaby.

THIS SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT: Animal encounters offer a personal, educational, and interactive experience to our visitors. You may have the opportunity to feed some animals, you will not be able to hold the animal but if the animal comes to you, you can interact with it. Encounters can be booked with a Bennett Wallaby, Two-Toed Sloth, Ruffed Lemurs, Silver Foxes, Arctic Wolf and Caracal.

day trip

BELOW: The mission of Big Cat Habitat is to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for exotic and domestic animals in need and to educate guests on the importance of species preservation to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals for future generations. Big Cat Habitat is firmly committed to keeping alive the human-animal connection in our world and in our community. 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, 941-371-6377, Friday–Sunday: 12–4pm, bigcathabitat.org.

“We’re different from other places, we love our animals, we want them to be part of the family and we want our crew, which is an extension of our family, to love them and treat them the same way as well,” says Clayton. “Our people give them treats and have favorites and we want that. We want them to love them and really care about each individual animal.” They love creating lasting, impactful experiences by introducing newcomers to these amazing creatures. “That’s one of our primary functions here, to make sure people cherish that bond and relationship with animals and continue to do so. And continue to keep animals in their hearts,” says Kay Rosaire. “That’s part of our goal, to educate and let people be aware of how important it is that we take care of animals.”

What they don’t like is when people or corporations use the plight of these endangered animals for their own gain—or mischaracterize their mission as something other than providing a loving, permanent home for domestic and exotic animals in need. “There’s no money in taking care of animals, it costs money,”

says Kay. “We do what we do because we love animals,” adds Clayton. “I was brought up my entire life being taught that animals are the most important thing in our lives. They eat before us, they drink before us, they go to bed before us and that’s the way it has to be.”

The sanctuary was founded by Kay and her family in 1987, after she pivoted away from a circus career and became a 501(c) (3) non-profit in 2005. It grew organically and at first, somewhat incidentally—after a two-week fostering of a tiger named Nadu turned into a permanent home, calls began to flood in from people with animals in need. “Initially we just took in apex predators because very few people are qualified to take them in, you have to have a class-one permit. Very few people have that but because of my growing up around animals, I did. We decided that if an animal was going to be euthanized, we’d just take it and figure out how we were going to manage later,” says Kay. Big Cat Habitat began opening to the public on Sundays, allowing visitors to see how they managed, interacted and trained the animals. Those Sunday open-

ings gave way to the rescue being open more and more, incorporating more experiences such as guided tours, animal feedings and educational programs into the fold. Following a six-month shutdown during the pandemic, Big Cat Habitat introduced animal encounters, where visitors can interact face to face with select animals. Silver Foxes, Arctic Wolves, African Caracals, Ruffed Lemurs, Bennett’s Wallaby and Two-Toed Sloths eat treats out of your hand or wrestle around with toys. A Wild Yoga fundraising series has been incorporated into the sanctuary’s program as well. Participants can align themselves with nature alongside tigers (safely in their own habitats) and practice their technique alongside two of the sanctuary’s Silver Foxes, Stormy and Miko as well as with two Ruffed Lemurs, Marley and Ziggy. Capybara Yoga is set to debut this season.

While offerings like Wild Yoga may seem somewhat silly, they’re not a gimmick. Everything that Big Cat Habitat does is driven by a love and respect for their animals. After all, they’re family—and what wouldn’t you do for family? WPL

HolidayGifts

FROM EXQUISITE DINING GIFT CARDS TO SPECIAL SURPRISES FOR YOUR LOVED ONES, our curated Wellen Park holiday gift guide has something for everyone. Explore a collection of cozy essentials and unique treasures designed to bring joy and warmth to your celebrations. With options to suit every taste and budget, you’ll find thoughtful presents that spark happiness and create lasting memories. COMPILED BY MEGAN

MITCHELL

RIDE IN STYLE Aventon Level.2 Step-Through Commuter Bike $1900, Kind Vibe Outfitters, 19755 Wellen Pk Blvd, North Port, 941-244-5888.

Emergence Organic Skin Care Facial Recovery Oil $85, Florida Lake Spa Gift Card Holiday Special Buy $100 Gift Card, Get a $25 Gift Card for Free, Florida Lake Spa, 19790 Wellen Pk Blvd Suite 201A, Venice, 941-777-7772; Oyster Napkin Rings $20, Lunch Napkins $20, Cheese Spreaders $20, Breakwater Home Fashions, 19795 Wellen Pk Blvd Suite B, Venice, 941-584-5234; Primers by PAINT Honey Pumice Foot Body Scrub $12, Primers by PAINT A Show of Hands Hand Repair Cream $24, SOI Candle $30, Dazzle Dry Mini Flight $44, PAINT Nail Bar, 19790 Wellen Pk Blvd Suite 105, Venice, 941-681-2762; Florida Fresh Luxe Box $149, Naples Soap Company, 19790 Wellen Pl Blvd Unit 102, Venice 941-841-2467; Kristal Halo Necklace $183, Dana Tyler, 1979 Wellen Pk Blvd Suite 104, Venice, 941-416-0456.

home design

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE Woven fibers like rattan add visual texture and a natural element to your decor. Look for warm wood like bamboo with a visible grain pattern for a laid-back, natural look. The Brightmore Sapphire kitchen by TRIO Design incorporates rattan light fixtures and wicker seating. Swapping out your old lampshades for woven ones is a quick and easy way to

KitchenTrends

IN EARLY HUMAN SETTLEMENTS, THE HEARTH WAS THE CENTER OF THE HOME, both physically and socially. The fire in the hearth provided warmth, light and means to prepare food, making it essential for survival. Today, the modern kitchen has taken the place of the humble hearth. It’s the central place where families gather not just to cook but to connect. Whether you’re home with your immediate family or hosting a gathering of friends, the kitchen is the place where people naturally gravitate as they seek out conversation and nourishment. Because of this phenomenon, homeowners want their kitchens to be as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. Incorporating interior design trends into your home is a great way to showcase your personal style. Liz Dulacki Eberhard from TRIO Design has designed homes for Mattamy Homes as well as Neal Communities throughout Wellen Park. Focusing on the kitchen, Liz Dulacki and Jennifer Joslin from Neal Communities share some insights into the trends they’re embracing in their Wellen Park homes.

GO AU NATUREL

Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone and woven fibers into interior design has been ontrend for some time. Natural materials have a tactile appeal, offering unique textures and warmth that synthetic materials can’t replicate. As environmental awareness grows, people have begun to appreciate that natural materials are renewable, biodegradable and often sourced through more sustainable practices, giving them an eco-friendly edge. Natural materials can help create a sense of calm and well-being by bringing elements of the outdoors inside, a practice known as biophilic design. Eberhard and the TRIO Design team frequently utilize neuroaesthetics into their design philosophy and biophilic design is one of its core principles. “With lighting right now, we’re seeing a lot of organic components like bamboo and rattan shades,” says Joslin. “It’s really cool.” She also notes that beams have been making a comeback in kitchens, which gives homeowners the opportunity to bring in some of the warmer wood designs that are popular.

home design

LET THERE BE LIGHT

There are plenty of trends in kitchen lighting beyond the use of natural materials. Eberhard has been utilizing layered lighting in many of her design projects, so a kitchen might have recessed lights in the ceiling, pendant lights over the island, under-cabinet lighting to illuminate counter space and even small accent lamps to create a warm, homey vibe. Kitchens are task-oriented spaces, requiring ample light for activities like cooking, chopping and cleaning. Layered lighting ensures that there’s plenty of bright light available for those tasks, but also gives homeowners the opportunity to use softer accent lighting to create a cozy atmosphere for dining or entertaining. The size and scale of the lighting is also going through an evolution. “Regarding pendant lighting, people are going for bigger fixtures,” says Joslin. “Instead of a row of mini pendants, generally you’ll see two large pendants that are more like dual chandeliers. And mostly what we’re seeing is that people want a chandelier that’s open or clear glass to create an uninterrupted view.”

THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE: Large pendant lamps and recessed ceiling lights provide layered lighting options in the Brightmore Lapis kitchen by TRIO Design.

home design

TWICE THE TONE

Eberhard and Joslin agree that one of the biggest trends in kitchen design is two-tone cabinets. Instead of using the same color throughout the kitchen cabinetry, homeowners might choose one color for the upper cabinets and another for the lower cabinets, or they might do the upper and lower cabinets in the same color and do the kitchen island in a contrasting color. Two-tone cabinets can create visual interest by introducing contrast and creating a more personalized and modern aesthetic. They also offer homeowners the opportunity for more creative expression, like pairing painted cabinets with natural wood finishes. Another style in kitchen cabinetry is color. Eberhard and Joslin are seeing more and more homeowners getting adventurous by using hues of green or blue in their cabinetry. Introducing a pop of color onto the island or lower cabinets can also be a great way to try out this fashionable look without making a big commitment. WPL

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE Two-tone cabinets are the perfect way to introduce a pop of color into your kitchen. Navy blue is a classic color for kitchen cabinets. Earthy neutral colors like olive green are very on-trend right now. In the Brightmore Sapphire kitchen by TRIO Design, the natural wood island breaks up the all-white cabinetry.

WELLEN PARK NEIGHBORHOODS MAP

BISCAYNE II EVERLY

CRYSTAL SAND II WYSTERIA

DREAM II PALMERA

DUNNET SOLSTICE

EDGEWATER GRAN PLACE

EGRET V PALMERA

EVERGREEN PALMERA

FRESH SPRING BOCA ROYALE

JUBILEE PALMERA LARGO RENAISSANCE MARIA WELLEN PARK GOLF & COUNTRY

TRADEWINDS

TIDEWIND

FALL 2024 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

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• Featuring the latest Modern Elevation

• Kitchen with an oversized island and hidden pantry

• 12’ Ceilings, Impact Glass Windows, 10’ Glass Sliding Doors

• Outdoor Open Air Cabana –almost 900 sf of outdoor living!

• Infinity Edge Pool and Spa

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• Chef-inspired kitchen with an

• Spacious primary suite creates a serene retreat

• Expansive covered balcony is connected through 2 expansive sliding glass doors

• Leisure

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• Personalization: Spacious & open plan with flexibility at every corner. The Jubilee fits the needs of your family perfectly, offering a flex room & optional bonus room.

• Entertainer’s Delight: Gather with family & friends in the gourmet kitchen, open great room & expansive lanai over looking the most beautiful views in Wellen Park.

• Tranquil Retreat: Rest and relaxation awaits in your private owner’s suite with spa-like owner’s bath and walk-in closet.

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• Spacious great room & kitchen filled with natural sunlight.

• Sliding glass doors extend living outside to the lanai

• Chef’s kitchen’s wide layout with a corner walk-in pantry & a center island/breakfast bar.

• Owner’s suite has two walk-in closets & a spa-inspired bath with luxe soaking tub.

• Two guestrooms & den are located off the foyer hallway.

MATTAMY HOMES

• Open concept living areas with abundant light and inspiring style, perfect for hosting or everyday living

• Designer kitchen and Great Room flow seamlessly together and open to the expansive covered lanai

• Flex room or study perfect to use for an office or hobby room

• Vibrant 55+ living with 11-acres of vacation-style amenities under construction

LENNAR HOMES

• Spacious two-story home with open layout among the kitchen, breakfast nook & Great Room with access to a lanai

• Separate formal dining room & living room for versatile living

• Additional bedroom for guests Second level includes four secondary bedrooms, an owner’s suite & multipurpose bonus room

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• Stylish Italian arched entryway or open courtyard walkway

• Walk-in pantry and large countertop island is included, private powder room for guests is quietly tucked down the hall

• Many flexible options are available for this home, including options for a fourth bedroom, a wine room, expanded utility room, and private access to the lanai from the master bedroom

• Sunny family & dining spaces throughout to the serene lanai

• Heart of the Home Kitchen

• Private Owner’s Retreat: Large walk-in closet & bath

• Three Secondary Bedrooms: Privacy & space for personal style.

• Versatile Sunlit Study: Ideal for home office, student library, or welcoming lounge.

• Includes a guest suite with en suite bath and walk-in closet, perfect for out of town visitors

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EXPLORE PARADISE

CALENDAR ofEvents

Wine Festival 15 16

NOVEMBER

Over 30 Vintners, including: Cakebread Cellars, Delicato Family Wines, Babich, Sovereign Brands, Château de Berne, Banfi, Santa Margherita USA, Frog’s Leap, Bogle Family Vineyards, Zonin, Vina Robles Winery, Lunea USA, St Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery, Union Wine Co, Frederick Wildman and Sons, Martin Ray Winery, Share a Splash of Wine Co. Michael David Winery, Opici Family Distributing, Pacific Southern Wine Co., Crimson Wine Group, Palm Bay International, Provenance Vineyards, Tri-Vin Wine & Spirits and Vina Concha Y Toro.

VIP Winemakers Dinners Wine Tastings

November 15-16 The inaugural Wellen Park Wine Festival will celebrate distinguished vintners and the culinary talents of our Wellen Park restaurateurs for an unforgettable weekend event where attendees can sip, sample and shop a variety of wines while tasting small bites from our restaurant partners. wellenpark.com/wine

LINEUP OF EVENTS

Friday, 11/15 from 6pm-8:30pm: Exclusive Premium Dinner and Preview Tasting

Saturday, 11/16 from 11am-12pm: Wine Tasting 101 Class

Saturday, 11/16 from 1pm-4pm: Wine Festival Grand Tasting

For tickets, wellenpark.com/wine

events Glow Bike Ride and Glow Kayak Adventure

DECEMBER

December 19 Be sure to register for the Glow Bike Ride & Glow

Kayak Adventure on December 19 from 6pm-7pm. Led by Kind Vibes Outfitters, deck out your bike in LED holiday lighting and dress in your most festive outfits. Meet on Wellen Park Boulevard on the closed off portion next to the Info Hub. Don’t forget to stick around after for live music by Dueling Pianos until 10pm. 19

Wellen Wonderland

Celebrate the season with a weeklong wonderland featuring nightly events and performances from local schools and charity groups, and so much more! Make sure to explore our Cottages for Kids Christmas Village, a walkable display of kid-sized Christmas cottages created by our Wellen Park homebuilders. There will also be a trio of Christmas playhouses built by the Rotary at Wellen Park for the littles to explore. On December 12, the Cottages will be auctioned off and all proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army.

DECEMBER

Tree Lighting & First Friday Concert | December 6

Join us for an exciting evening of holiday cheer! Our Wellen Park Tree Lighting will kick off with a handbell performance by a local homeschool group at 6pm, followed by the tree lighting at 6:30pm, End the night with an energectic performance by community favorites NoFilter. Santa will also be visiting Wellen Park, so make sure you stop by for photos.

Photos with Santa & Christmas Parade | December 8

Stop by Downtown Wellen for photos with Santa from 4-6pm! As leaves to return to the North Pole, the CoolToday Christmas Parade will be making its way through Downtown Wellen.

Storytime with Santa’s Elves & Snow Party | December 11 Bring the kids for an evening of Christmas stories, followed by a snow party on Hammock Lawn!

Building Community | Ongoing Event Programs

Wellen Park invites the community to celebrate the season with a new lineup of events. Come to Downtown Wellen to enjoy a variety of local family-friendly events. From live music to fun-filled festivals, there are plenty of ways to participate in the fun. Most activities are free and open to the public.

Music and Art

Wellen Park hosts a variety of musical genres and musicians throughout each week. Visitors are invited to bask in the captivating scenery and waterfront vibe by bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets for maximum comfort. These musical gatherings offer an open-door policy, requiring no prior RSVP for attendance. Guests can participate in Wellen Park’s Sip & Stroll program by purchasing to-go alcoholic beverages from Downtown Wellen food and beverage merchants.

Friday Concert Series

Every Friday, 6–10pm

Sunday Groove

Every Sunday, 9am-1pm

Community Connections

Dueling Pianos

Third Thursday, monthly

November 21

December 19

January 16

Farmers Market/Night Market Join us at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market every Sunday from 9am-1pm where you can shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seafood, cut flowers and more. This season, enjoy the Wellen Park Night Market, bringing together independent artists and makers specializing in home decor, fashion, art, design, food (and more!) in a fun and inspiring environment that champions community. The market takes place on the 2nd Thursday and 4th Tuesday of each month from 6pm-9pm in Downtown Wellen Park. The market will feature a rotating line-up of vendors each month on November 14, December 12 and January 9.

Cars & Caffeine—First Saturday of the Month Rev up your engines! Wellen Park and Co-Sponsors, Foxtail Coffee and Antique Automobile Club of America-Venice Region, are excited to offer car enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to come together for an informal early morning gathering to share their passion for all things automotive. Welcoming all makes and models to join monthly on the first Saturday of the month from 7:30am-10:30am. Show cars will be in the parking lot behind the two-story building downtown. All attendees will receive 50 percent off of drip, iced and cold brew coffee from 7am-10am at Foxtail Coffee

Drop-In Cornhole—Every Wednesday, 6pm-10pm Play a game or two with your fellow neighbors and enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds and tastes of Downtown Wellen Park. Cornhole tournament draw time will be precisely at 6:30pm with a $5 fee. No outside food or alcoholic beverages is permitted during this event. To-go alcoholic beverages are sold by the restaurants and food containers.

Fun Fitness

Get your fitness on with a dynamic lineup of weekly fitness activities for the community. Groups will meet in Downtown Wellen in front of Kind Vibes Outfitters. Yoga and Zumba classes meet on the Great Lawn.

Walking Group Meet-Up

Every Saturday, 9–10am

Cycling Group Meet-Up

Every Saturday, 9–10am

Yoga Meet-Up

Every Saturday, 9am–10am

Mind & Body Fitness Meet-Up

Every Wednesday, 9am–10am

For more details on Wellen Park events, visit: wellenpark.com/events

events

4

Luminescence Festival

JANUARY

January 4, 6-10pm Enjoy an evening of illumination and music in Downtown Wellen! Join your community to place hundreds of glowing luminaries in a moment of reflection and celebration at Downtown Wellen’s Grand Lake. There will be a jazz band performing on Solis Hall stage from 6pm-10pm. Once you pick up your luminary bag, you’ll be able to decorate it and place it around the beautiful Grand Lake. At sundown, you’ll be able to take in the vibrant displays of projection art.

Full event details at WellenPark.com.

Around Wellen Park

Participants will have the opportunity to personalize their luminary bag with New Years’ wishes or remembrances of loved ones ahead of placing them along the lake. You must RSVP ahead of time to receive a bag. We recommend bringing lawn chairs to sit on. Lanterns Available for Pick Up and Placement, 4-6pm. Live Jazz Band and Projection Art Display, 6-10pm.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL WAGNER

Around Wellen Park

OKTOBERFEST | SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

THIS PAGE A family-friendly event, Oktoberfest in Wellen Park featured lively German dancers, a live polka band, a stein-hoisting competition, and of course, plenty of beer, brats, and other traditional eats.

PHOTOGRAPHY

THIS PAGE Garden Manager

Jeremy Waters puts in the work at the Harvest Community Garden.

garden

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Residents can grow food and flowers in the community garden. Right: The garden beds are equipped with microjets for irrigation.

THE WELLEN PARK COMMUNITY WAS DESIGNED WITH OUTDOOR LIVING IN MIND. A network of multimodal walking paths connect neighborhoods and grant residents easy access to nature. Grand Lake in the heart of downtown provides a convenient locale for outdoor recreational activities like fishing and kayaking. Now, Wellen Park has a new outdoor amenity to offer residents with the two-acre Harvest Community Garden which opened in September.

Jeremy Waters is the garden manager for the Harvest Community Garden, but his involvement with Wellen Park goes back almost a decade. He was originally hired as a foreman in 2015 when what is now Wellen Park was still largely pastureland. He estimates that he was originally managing about 14,000 acres of land, but as more houses have gone up that has gone down to about 4,000 acres.

Waters has always had a sustainable mindset when it comes to Wellen Park. Whenever it was time to clear land for new development, he would preserve and reuse as many trees as possible. To this day, he still harvests sabal palms and uses them in landscaping projects throughout the community. Each year, he grows hundreds of acres of grass which he ultimately cuts into sod to plant around retention ponds and common areas. Renewing the grass patches has also attracted more wildlife like deer to the area. The Harvest Community Garden allows him to continue his mission.

“When they came to me about the garden I thought it was a great opportunity to grow some things and kind of give back some of the stuff we took away,” Waters says. In the first phase of the Harvest Community Garden rollout, residents were offered access to 37 raised garden beds as well as nine garden beds specially designed for people with limited mobility. The beds were custom made out of recycled plastics so they’re incredibly durable, and they’re outfitted with microjets for irrigation. There is an annual fee of $150 to reserve a gardening bed—that cost includes a free two-hour rental of a pavilion in the garden where residents can host events like birthday parties and weddings.

If you’re interested in gardening but don’t have a lot of experience, there are plenty of free local resources to help you get started. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (UF/IFAS) offers a wealth of information to gardeners of all skill levels on their

website. “One of our newest resources that offers convenient online learning at your own pace is our Neighborhood Best Practices series,” says Mindy Hanak, the Community and School Garden Coordinator for the UF/IFAS Extension in Sarasota County. “We also have the Sarasota County Starter Kit which is full of insightful information.”

Hanak also recommends the Florida Fresh Now website, which allows users to type in their zip code to find out what edible plants will grow best in their area in any given month. In November, Wellen Park gardeners will want to look more toward cold season crops like shallots, spinach and turnips.

In addition to online classes and resources, UF/IFAS also offers plenty of in-person classes. To learn more about all of their initiatives, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl. edu/sarasota. WPL

THIS PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT Raised garden beds are available for residents with mobility challenges.

UF/IFAS has plenty of free resources for gardeners of all skill levels.

GARDENING WITH THE BURKES

The Burkes are one of the pioneering families of the Harvest Community Garden. Parents Brian and Amber and their ten-yearold daughter Raegan moved to Wellen Park from Northern Virginia where they had a large garden, so when the opportunity to have a plot here came they jumped at the chance to work on it as a family project. “We want our daughter to be involved with every experience, from the seedlings to the growth to the watering to the harvesting,” Brian says. The family started planting right away. Raegan is a salsa enthusiast, so they made sure to include plants that can be turned into fresh homemade salsa including tomatoes, four varieties of peppers (red, green, yellow and purple), jalapenos and onions. They’ve also planted broccoli, green beans, squash and zucchini. “It’s always trial and error. We will make mistakes and we’ll correct them the next time around and that’s the point. We’re all learning,” Brian says. “We are not experts by any means, but we have fun doing it.”

Picture Perfect

Rick LaBerge and family are living their best life in Paradise.

RICK LABERGE IS THRILLED TO CALL THE RENAISSANCE NEIGHBORHOOD OF WELLEN PARK HIS HOME—a place he fondly describes as his “paradise.” What makes this experience even more meaningful is the fact that he lives alongside his entire family, a rarity that many residents can only dream of. Originally from the charming town of New Market, New Hampshire, Rick is a proud father of three who dedicated six years to the Coast Guard, serving four of those on active duty. After his military service, he transitioned to a career in cable television, applying his electrician training. Later, he utilized his GI Bill to become a certified logical circuit designer and engineer, ultimately designing computer network systems for the U.S. government in Washington, D.C. In his spare time, Rick pursued his passion for photography, capturing moments at weddings and other events.

WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

IMAGES COURTESY OF RICK LABERGE

THIS PAGE Rick LaBerge and his family at Wellen Park.

AFTER RETIRING IN 2013, Rick and his wife, Becky, moved to Florida in 2020 to join their daughter and son-in-law during the pandemic—and they’ve never looked back. His oldest son, Chad, lives in Tampa with his wife and their 14-year-old daughter, and Rick is grateful for the time he spends with them. His daughter, Theresa, resides just a few houses away from him, while his youngest son, Michael, along with his wife and their two-year-old son, Sebastian, is in the nearby Oasis neighborhood.

“Renaissance was just beginning to take shape when we arrived—they had just started two of the three phases,” Rick recalls. “We lived with my daughter and her family for three months and watched our home being built.”

Living in a multigenerational community has been a true blessing for Rick and his family. His grandson is thriving at a local day school in Venice, where he is taught by wonderful teachers and is forming great friendships. The whole family revels in their outings to Venice and Nokomis Beach, participating in various local activities. Rick hits the trails on his bike every evening with his cameras in tow. He’s found excellent healthcare providers in the area and feels more physically active now than ever before. The family loves exploring local dining options, with favor-

ites like Oak & Stone and The Banyan House. Rick has become particularly fond of the Cuban sandwich at Lakeside Bites.

While he appreciates many aspects of life in Wellen Park, Rick says that the warmth of his neighbors stands out above all. “In my old neighborhood, I didn’t even know my neighbors after 15 years. Here, we’re family—the whole community feels like family, extending beyond just Renaissance. No matter where you live in Wellen Park, everyone is so friendly. The same goes for the Venice and North Port areas—just a wonderfully welcoming bunch of people. I’m never leaving!”

As a well-known freelance photographer in the area, Rick captures the beauty of nature, wildlife, sunsets, and more, sharing his work on various platforms. “I’ve become known as the area’s nature photographer on Facebook. I’m out downtown every evening, engaging in all the activities Wellen Park has to offer,” he says. “I’ve participated in events like the 4th of July celebration and Oktoberfest, and I’m heavily involved in the local happenings.” Rick reflects on his past workaholic tendencies with satisfaction, knowing that they’ve led him to a beautiful retirement in this vibrant community. “I don’t regret a single thing,” he says with a smile.For anyone considering a move to Wellen Park, Rick’s advice is simple: “It’s a no-brainer—just do it!” WPL

THIS PAGE Photo of Downtown Wellen Park by Rick LaBerge.

Teaming up with nonprofit partners like the Rotary Club and Salvation Army, Wellen Park brings holiday joy to all members of the community.

WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

heart SpreadingJoy

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With the help of the Rotary Club and many giving neighbors, Wellen Park will fill tummies and bring smiles to the faces of those who need it most.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

— Go into the Wellen Park Welcome Center.

Thanks4Giving Is Back

THE ROTARY CLUB AT WELLEN PARK AND THE WELLEN PARK WELCOME CENTER are partnering again this year for Thanks4Giving, a Thanksgiving service project. From October 1 through —November 19 the Thanks4Giving Tree will be up and stocked with tags at the Wellen Park Welcome Center. On November 20 the Rotary Club at Wellen Park will pick up the cards. They will go to Publix and Walmart to purchase complete Thanksgiving dinners. The dinners consist of frozen turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the fixings for a complete Thanksgiving dinner. On Thursday, November 21 Awaken Food Pantry will pick up the food. Last year, The Rotary Club at Wellen Park was able to feed 100 families who rely on the Awaken Food Pantry to assist them with their needs. This year’s goal is to feed 125+ families. We invite the community to come to the Wellen Park Welcome Center and pick up a gift card tag to help make this Thanksgiving memorable for so many of our deserving neighbors.

— Select a tag (they range in dollar denominations) from the Giving Tree.

— Purchase either a Publix or Walmart gift card in the dollar amount on the tag you choose.

— Take your gift card back to the Wellen Park Welcome Center where they will be collected.

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Colonel Michele Matthews is hopeful that this year’s Angel Tree will help more families in need than ever before.

Salvation Army Angel Tree

BACK THIS YEAR BY POPULAR DEMAND, The Salvation Army Angel Tree program wish lists will be displayed in the Wellen Park Welcome Center from November 17 through December 5. With this program, The Salvation Army helps to provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of children in our community each year. As Area Commander for the Salvation Army in Sarasota County, Colonel Michele Matthews has oversight and responsibility for all county programs and services, including the Angel Tree program. “Angel Tree is our biggest holiday program and it’s really a homelessness prevention program,” she explains. “We categorize it as that because we know that parents everywhere want to provide a special holiday for their children. All parents tend to overspend during the holidays and the Angel Tree program allows parents to not be so concerned about buying gifts for their children. The gifts will come from donors through the Salvation Army and come January, there’s still money left to pay rent, to pay utilities, to put food on the table, to buy those prescriptions or whatever is needed so that folks aren’t going deeper into debt and possibly even ending up out on the street after the holidays.” The Angel Tree will also be on display at Downtown Wellen’s Friday Night concerts and at the Sunday Fresh Harvest farmers market. Look for it at the Wellen Park ambassador Info Hub kiosk adjacent to the Great Lawn. “When you adopt an angel, you feel that angel,” adds Matthews. “It’s just amazing how much this paper angel actually speaks to you. It’s really an incredible experience.” Last year, the Angel Tree program helped 840 families and almost 1,800 children throughout the county. With a little Christmas magic and support from the community, this year’s program will be even more successful.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

— In early October, qualified parents register their children for the program.

— In November, the Salvation Army creates an angel ornament for each child.

— Wellen Park participants select an angel from the Christmas tree in the Welcome Center that contains a child’s first name, gender and wish list items.

— They then shop for new clothing and toys on the child’s wish list and return gifts to the Welcome Center.

— Donations are distributed to local children who seldom receive Christmas gifts.

Wine

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enthusiasts

and food

joined Banyan House for an Italian Wine Dinner at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen Park.