http://www.italianamericanclubofvenice.com/feast/
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
Showing posts with label Neal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neal. Show all posts
Friday, January 28, 2022
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE
https://www.wellenparkjournal.com/articles February 17, 2021
BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA, Wellen Park Journal Correspondent
Future Downtown Wellen will feel well established thanks to an investment by developer Wellen Park, LLLP.
“The developer is making the investment to relocate 26 heritage trees along the boulevard entrance and throughout the mixed-use development to give Downtown Wellen a sense of maturity.”
“This was the right thing to do both from a conservation point of view as well as creating a sense of place,” says Christine Masney, vice president of marketing for Wellen Park. “These trees are beautiful and worth saving, plus they will allow us to create a truly special environment at the entrance to Downtown Wellen and throughout the mixed-use project.”
The 26 live oak trees vary in size from 14 inches in diameter to one with a trunk that is 96 inches. Some of the younger trees are about 15 years old, and one is close to 90. Most are 60 to 80 years old.
They are growing on the old Taylor Ranch property, which means they need to be moved anywhere from a quarter-mile to almost a mile.
Eleven will be showcased at the Wellen Park entrance from U.S. 41 and along Preto Boulevard. The others will bring shade and provide color around the stores, restaurants and businesses around Downtown Wellen.
The project, which Ms. Masney calls “a labor of love,” cost $1 million, which was paid for solely by the developer.
Almost two years ago, Wellen Park engaged the services of Environmental Design, a national leader in tree transplantation, and Kimley- Horn, a nationwide planning, engineering and design firm, to help select the trees.
“It was determined by the team that a major investment in the relocation of mature oaks and trees into the new downtown was something that would really help set Downtown Wellen apart from other new master-planned communities by utilizing the existing vegetation and natural resources on the property,” says Chris Cianfaglione, a landscape architect with Kimley-Horn. “The design of the downtown is organized around those relocated trees as the predominant feature. Every important space is anchored by the relocated trees.”
Wellen Park is bearing the entire cost of about $1 million for moving the trees to their new homes.
Once the trees were identified, preparation for their eventual move began.
Staff from Environmental Design dug a trench around each tree, pruned each tree’s root ball to encourage new root growth and then backfilled the trench. The staff have monitored and watered the trees daily to ensure a successful transfer. “Oak trees can live for hundreds of years,” says Paul Cox, a certified arborist and eastern division vice president for Environmental Design. “Root pruning has a rejuvenating effect on older trees, giving them additional lifespan. The trees will be there way after all of us and our grandchildren aren’t.”
Environmental Design has a patented process for the actual relocation process.
Each root ball will be wrapped with burlap and wire fencing to make it stable. Pipes will be pushed under the root ball in a grid-like fashion, and those platforms will be tied together with proprietary hardware.
The company’s ArborLift system uses a series of inflated pneumaticbladders with extremely low ground-bearing pressure that roll around each other for minimal disturbance to the trees.
“The beauty of this method,” Mr. Cox says, “is that in the past, you had to use gigantic and expensive cranes. It was labor intensive and dangerous to the people involved. This method takes root ball deflection out of the equation, is low to the ground, safer and more cost efficient.”
It’s a slow process, rolling about 100 feet per hour. It takes 10 hours to move 1,000 feet.
Mr. Cox expects to start moving Wellen Park’s trees in March. The effort should take up to 16 weeks.
Wellen Park residents will be able to see photos and a time-lapse video of the tree relocation at http://www.wellenpark.com and on social media @WellenParkFL.
Mr. Cox says Environmental Design has a 98% success rate in moving trees. His firm will conduct post-transplant maintenance for a year, paying particular attention to soil moisture management.
“Because of the soil condition and forgiving nature of the environment, I suspect that once the irrigation is fine-tuned, we will be on autopilot with oversight,” he says.
The relocated trees will do more than provide beauty and shade for Wellen Park residents.
Mr. Cianfaglione says the mature trees will minimize runoff of rainwater and remove thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide from the air annually.
The trees are part the sustainability strategy that Wellen Park is creating around the grand lake, which serves as a stormwater basin and focal point for the downtown.
“We trying to create a more urban setting and be more efficient in the use of the land,” Mr. Cianfaglione says.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
'It's nice to be kind'
Anita Riska, of Venice, leaves a note that says "It's good to be kind" at the Positivity Wall at Centennial Park in Venice.
https://www.yoursun.com/venice/its-nice-to-be-kind/article
By Scott Lawson Gondolier Editor Sept 23, 2020
VENICE — It didn’t take long for the Positivity Walls constructed at five Venice-area locations to start sprouting statements of unity, silliness and smiles.
On Tuesday, a day after the walls were installed in and around the city, Venice resident Anita Riska was inscribing a small note and tying it to the wood.
“It’s nice to be kind,” she said, noting that’s what her saying stated on a small piece of blue paper.
Among the other sayings by Day Two: Love; Kindness to All; Breathe — It will be ok; Appreciate the things you have; Joy & Positive Thoughts; Blue Lives Matter; Buckeyes National Champs; Be the change you want in others!; Never Give Up; Love Living in Paradise; Love your beaches, hug your family, smile big, life is good!; and Hug your dog today.
Residents and visitors glanced at the walls at Venice Beach Pavilion and at Centennial Park along Venice Avenue.
The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce teamed with area businesses and governments for the walls.
The walls went up at:
• Centennial Park, 200 E. Venice Ave., Venice
• Venice Beach Pavilion, 101 The Esplanade, Venice
• Sky Family YMCA, 701 Center Road, Venice
• Laurel Civic Center, 509 Collins Road, Nokomis
• Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library, 4141 Woodmere Park Boulevard, South Venice.
“The chamber is asking the community at large to contribute to the community positivity walls,” the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce said in its news release. “Residents and visitors alike are invited to leave a positive message, a wish, or words of encouragement to share with the community. To participate, complimentary supplies can be found attached to each wall. Each wall will have a box of tags, markers and zip ties.”
The walls stay up until sometime in December until a second phase begins, involving the Venice Art Center.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
Friday, September 11, 2020
Allegiant adds routes for Sarasota and Punta Gorda airports
https://www.yoursun.com/venice/allegiant-adds-routes-for-sarasota-and-punta-gorda-airports
An Allegiant A-320 jet takes off — with the airline recently announcing new flights set for Boston, Houston and Chicago. PHOTO PROVIDED
By DANIEL SUTPHIN and SUE ERWIN Staff Writers
SARASOTA — Allegiant Travel Company announced Thursday three new routes to major cities out of airports in Sarasota and Punta Gorda.
The company added a seasonal nonstop route to Boston out of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport starting Nov. 19.
“Florida is an important part of Allegiant’s network, which is built around connecting people in small and medium-sized cities to vacation destinations such as Sarasota and Punta Gorda,” Allegiant Media Relations spokesperson Sonya Padgett said. “More than half of our passengers system-wide fly through the state. Because of the pandemic, we believe there will be pent-up demand for travel during the winter months, so adding these routes now will provide our customers with more options when they’re making travel plans.”
Beginning Nov. 20, Punta Gorda Airport will offer nonstop seasonal flights to Houston and Chicago.
“Southwest Floridians will be thrilled to fly with ease from Punta Gorda into these major metropolitan areas,” said Punta Gorda Airport’s CEO James W. Parish. “These new routes mark Allegiant’s first flight from PGD into the great state of Texas, and will connect thousands of Chicago’s residents to our sunny beaches and outdoor paradise.”
The new nonstop routes will operate twice weekly, flying into Boston Logan International Airport, William P. Hobby Airport in Houston and Chicago Midway International Airport.
Padgett added that the company’s health and wellness protocols are standardized across the network and are designed for maximum effectiveness.
“Travel Pulse named Allegiant the top airline for COVID-19 traveler safety measures,” Padgett said. “The air quality on our planes has always exceeded HEPA standards thanks to the VOC (volatile organic compound) filters we use. The cabin air is a mix of fresh and filtered air, which is refreshed every three minutes during flight.
Several studies show that the in-cabin air on commercial jets meets or exceeds hospital grade standards because of those on-board air filters. To better assist customers, we’ve created a landing page on our website that provides details about our cleaning program, on-board air quality and social distancing practices.”
Flight days, times and costs can be found at Allegiant.com.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
An Allegiant A-320 jet takes off — with the airline recently announcing new flights set for Boston, Houston and Chicago. PHOTO PROVIDED
By DANIEL SUTPHIN and SUE ERWIN Staff Writers
SARASOTA — Allegiant Travel Company announced Thursday three new routes to major cities out of airports in Sarasota and Punta Gorda.
The company added a seasonal nonstop route to Boston out of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport starting Nov. 19.
“Florida is an important part of Allegiant’s network, which is built around connecting people in small and medium-sized cities to vacation destinations such as Sarasota and Punta Gorda,” Allegiant Media Relations spokesperson Sonya Padgett said. “More than half of our passengers system-wide fly through the state. Because of the pandemic, we believe there will be pent-up demand for travel during the winter months, so adding these routes now will provide our customers with more options when they’re making travel plans.”
Beginning Nov. 20, Punta Gorda Airport will offer nonstop seasonal flights to Houston and Chicago.
“Southwest Floridians will be thrilled to fly with ease from Punta Gorda into these major metropolitan areas,” said Punta Gorda Airport’s CEO James W. Parish. “These new routes mark Allegiant’s first flight from PGD into the great state of Texas, and will connect thousands of Chicago’s residents to our sunny beaches and outdoor paradise.”
The new nonstop routes will operate twice weekly, flying into Boston Logan International Airport, William P. Hobby Airport in Houston and Chicago Midway International Airport.
Padgett added that the company’s health and wellness protocols are standardized across the network and are designed for maximum effectiveness.
“Travel Pulse named Allegiant the top airline for COVID-19 traveler safety measures,” Padgett said. “The air quality on our planes has always exceeded HEPA standards thanks to the VOC (volatile organic compound) filters we use. The cabin air is a mix of fresh and filtered air, which is refreshed every three minutes during flight.
Several studies show that the in-cabin air on commercial jets meets or exceeds hospital grade standards because of those on-board air filters. To better assist customers, we’ve created a landing page on our website that provides details about our cleaning program, on-board air quality and social distancing practices.”
Flight days, times and costs can be found at Allegiant.com.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Masks now required at Venice Farmers Market
Face coverings are now required for those visiting the Venice Farmers Market at City Hall on Saturdays. If customers do not have a face covering, cloth masks will be provided for them by the Market, while supplies last.
Farmers Market fruit July 2020 Market staff and vendors have gone to great lengths to create a CDC compliant and safe socially distanced outdoor shopping experience for our community. Please follow the posted signage.
The Market reopened on July 11, with all staff and vendors wearing masks and gloves and sanitizing stations available. Their plan has been approved by the City of Venice in order to comply with all federal, state and local guidelines for food and personal safety. Please visit the Market website, www.thevenicefarmersmarket.org, and select the FAQ tab to read about the new operating guidelines.
The Market’s summer vendors are offering amazing produce, fresh baked goods including breads, pies, bagels and pretzels, wild caught seafood, Florida grown mushrooms, boutique cheeses, locally roasted coffee, kettle corn, hand crafted soap, essential oils, nursery plants, and fresh cut flowers. In addition, your favorite local artists will be attending the market offering award-winning photography, unique clay art and jewelry, hand designed clothing for children and adults, and much more.
During the construction of the new Fire Station 1 and expansion of Venice City Hall, the Farmers Market has relocated out of the parking lot but is still operating at City Hall. The Market will set up on W. Venice Avenue between Harbor Drive and Avenue des Parques, located between City Hall and the Hecksher Park tennis courts. Summer hours are from 8 a.m. to noon. Only service animals will be allowed during current COVID-19 rules.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
Farmers Market fruit July 2020 Market staff and vendors have gone to great lengths to create a CDC compliant and safe socially distanced outdoor shopping experience for our community. Please follow the posted signage.
The Market reopened on July 11, with all staff and vendors wearing masks and gloves and sanitizing stations available. Their plan has been approved by the City of Venice in order to comply with all federal, state and local guidelines for food and personal safety. Please visit the Market website, www.thevenicefarmersmarket.org, and select the FAQ tab to read about the new operating guidelines.
The Market’s summer vendors are offering amazing produce, fresh baked goods including breads, pies, bagels and pretzels, wild caught seafood, Florida grown mushrooms, boutique cheeses, locally roasted coffee, kettle corn, hand crafted soap, essential oils, nursery plants, and fresh cut flowers. In addition, your favorite local artists will be attending the market offering award-winning photography, unique clay art and jewelry, hand designed clothing for children and adults, and much more.
During the construction of the new Fire Station 1 and expansion of Venice City Hall, the Farmers Market has relocated out of the parking lot but is still operating at City Hall. The Market will set up on W. Venice Avenue between Harbor Drive and Avenue des Parques, located between City Hall and the Hecksher Park tennis courts. Summer hours are from 8 a.m. to noon. Only service animals will be allowed during current COVID-19 rules.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
Friday, January 17, 2020
Cool Today Stadium Auditions for Singers and Performers
https://www.facebook.com/CoolTodayPark/
Do you have a unique talent that you'd like to showcase at a 2020 Braves Spring Training game? This Sunday, January 19th 1p-4p we will be holding open auditions for singers and performers. Entry and registration will be at gate 1. This is your opportunity to perform in front of Braves staff and possibly be selected to perform at a Braves home game during 2020 Spring Training.
Stadium location:
Cool Today Park
18800 S. West Villages Parkway
Venice, FL 34293
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
Monday, January 13, 2020
Sunset of the decade
People congregate at the last Venice Drum Circle sunset of 2019 and watched the last sliver of sun drop below the horizon.
https://www.yoursun.com/sunset-of-the-decade/
Staff Report
VENICE — Residents and visitors near a recent Venice Drum Circle at Venice Beach took in the final sunset of the decade on Dec. 31.
Between 2010 and 2019, West Villages has grown by literally thousands of homes and residents.
In the latest release of master-planned communities in America, West Villages was again fourth in growth.
During 2018, 1,108 homes were built. The population is edging toward 9,000 within the entire West Villages community.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
AWESOMEover60 event set
https://www.yoursun.com/westvillagessun
Staff Report Jan 10, 2020
Madeline Ross Mojica and Annette Z.P. Ross sponsor and support the work of the Venice Historical Society. They are a mother-daughter legal team in Venice.
PHOTO BY FRAN VALENCIC
SOUTH VENICE — A mother-daughter legal team will be assisting area residents with learning about estate planning and wills with their ongoing AWESOMEover60 series.
Annette Z.P. Ross and/or Madeline A. Ross Mojica will be guest speakers on estate planning, wills, elder law and other issues to assist residents along with people considering becoming Florida residents in the region.
The event is from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at Blue Lotus Meditation Center, 714 Shamrock Blvd.
Annette Z.P. Ross has practiced law for more than three decades in Massachusetts and Florida. She set up her law practice in Venice in 1999.
Madeline A. Ross Mojica graduated from the Michigan State University College of Law, and is licensed in Michigan and Florida.
AWESOMEover60 said in a news release they are pleased to have the duo.
“Self-care, the gift you give yourself, is priority and taking care of the business of life is essential at the start of a new year, a new decade,” Joan Wright, founder, said in the news release. “Please join us in a comfortable setting for easy conversation about hard decisions.”
AWESOMEover60 continues “Self-Care, the gift you give yourself,” with a two-part series on the Business of Life.
Next month, the presentation is “Good Life, Good Death,” on Feb. 20, presented by Karen Orr, certified end of life doula.
To make reservations, call 201-970-5350 or email. jwright@awesomeover60.com $10 payable at door.
AWESOMEover60 stands for Accomplished Women Exploring Self-actualizing Opportunities, Making a Difference, Ever-evolving Programs. The program’s collaboration is with the Blue Lotus Meditation Center, a 501©(3) nonprofit, according to a news release.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West Villages Realty LLC
19503 S West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)
Venice, Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
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