Published by the VGRCCA as a service to our members and residents of the Venetian Golf and River Club.

Thank you for reading Parcels. If you have a story idea click on “reply” and let us know.

IN THIS EDITION: Last seminar; Car and Bike Show at the River Club; Summer Golf Membership; Shark’s Tooth Festival; Recent VGRC Fire

“There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.”~― Idowu Koyenikan

APRIL 2019

WE ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON...( We’re leading off this month’s Parcels with our regular column on issues the Community Association

is monitoring. The monitoring/action process is one of the primary missions of our organization)

New Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Laurel & Pinebrook: Site clearing is under way. The official groundbreaking will be on April 4. Completion is scheduled for the fall of 2021. Your Community Association is represented on the Sarasota Memorial Hospital –Venice Neighborhood Advisory Board. Regular updates will be provided.

Dona Bay Water Reservoir: We have previously reported on the Dona Bay Water Reservoir to be constructed by the County in the old Venice Minerals mining pit on our north border. The County is in the process of a design update which will reduce the amount of dewatering and earthwork required as well as a shorter construction time. Once the redesign is completed, the County will hold a Public Workshop open to all Northeast Venice residents. The start of construction is projected to be in November 2020 with a completion date of November 2022.

New Pumping Station: The City of Venice is planning the construction of a new potable water pumping station. It will

be located in the northeast corner of the City owned property on our northern border. Pumps will be electrical driven and

enclosed in a building. The station will include a large ground level storage tank with accommodations for a future second

tank. The complete site will be surrounded by a dirt berm with a landscaping buffer on the top. This berm will not only buffer

the pumping station but also help mitigate noise generated within the easterly portion of the Gene Green Industrial Area. The

start of construction is a year off. . A direct benefit to our community is this new pumping station will also go a long way in

stabilizing potable water pressure to our homes here in the Venetian

City Takeover of EMS Services: The Venice Fire Department is having discussions with Venice City Council on the possibility of the VPD taking over Emergency Medical Services (EMS) which are presently provided within the Venice City limits by Sarasota County. City Council has asked for additional information and we understand that the VFD will make another presentation to City Council meeting on April 9. We will keep you advised!

Parcels from Paradise - Keeping Venetian Residents Connected...

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APRIL 2019

Click on http://www.vgrcca.us/wall-of-something/

RIGHT HERE IN RIVER CITYLast Seminar of the Year: Tracing Your Family History

Our seminar series ends with a very interesting seminar on Monday, April 8, 5 pm at the

River Club. One of our fine residents who specializes in Genealogy will share his expertise,

possibly sending you on a journey that will bring more details as to your background. You will

walk out curious as to whether you want to take that journey. If you have not attended any of

the fine seminars this year, this would be one of high interest to all.

Ideas For Next Year’s Seminars…..Let’s Hear ThemThe VGRC Community Association was pleased to present a number of educational seminars this year. They were well attended, and we received positive feedback from those who in attendance. Now, we are planning steps for next year’s season and that’s where you can help.

If you have a suggestion(s) for a seminar please provide them adding your name. Perhaps a short description of what you envision with the seminar would be beneficial.

We attempt to hold seminars that appeal to the demographics of our community and that have wide interest. If you have a suggestion please hit reply to this email and let us know.

Car Show and Biker BashThe Car Show and Biker Bash now in its second year is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th at the River Club. From 10-3:30 pm you will see an array of outstanding cars and bikes plus you can chow down on food (Burgers, hot dogs, Chicken, BBQ Ribs) fit for the occasion. Lunch is just $17.00 and will be served anytime from 11:30 am -3 pm. There is also entertainment by the Nor’Easterns. So, c’mon down to the River Club for this fantastic event for bike lovers, car lovers and great grill out food.

LOVE IS IN ……….LAKE NUMBER 12April begins the courtship for our friend, the Alligators. Two possible changes may take place this month with these prehistoric beings. First, you may see Alligators go from lake to lake attempting to find that perfect mate. Sometimes the “walk” takes place under the cloak of darkness so be careful when you go out at night. Secondly, you may hear a barking sound from the males. Parcels assume this sound is to gain attention from the female and might be translated into “ I’m a good provider, I will take care of you in sickness and health and I surely guarantee you that I will not make a mess around the lake.” Courtship begins in April, mating occurs in May and June, Females build a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris and deposit an average of 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. Incubation requires approximately 63-68 days, and hatching occurs from mid-August through early September. Sorry, baby lovers, there will be no “gender reveal” party prior to that big day.

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Parcels from Paradise - Keeping Venetian Residents Connected... APRIL 2019

Charity Food Distribution DriveThe Laurel Civic Association provides a monthly food distribution program for families and those in need. Need is up considerably, and everyone deserves not to be hungry!

A donation box for nonperishable food items will be set up at the River Club near the Tennis Shop for your convenience. High need items include: canned meats and fish (tuna, chicken, Spam), canned meals (chili, ravioli, spaghettios), peanut butter, jelly, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, beans, soups, and vegetables, but all other canned/dried goods are accepted.

So...take advantage of those BOGOs or clean out that pantry of items you have had and not used! Snowbirds especially may find this a great opportunity to take a second look at their pantry before leaving. The food drive ends on April 12th.

LEADERSHIP CHANGESA few changes in the leadership of the VGRCCA. John Moeckel has stepped down after years of dedicated service as President. He will remain on the Board. Diane Maskol is the new President with Tom Long as Executive Vice President. Bill Dwyer, long time member of the Community Association Board and outstanding membership chair decided not to reup his term due to outside commitments. New Board members are Michael Wendroff and Nancy Spokowski.

Golf Club Offers Summer MembershipNot a current member of the Golf Club but enjoy the game and plan to be around during the so called non season? The Golf

Club is running a summer special at the cost of $500.00 The membership is effective from May 7-October 31, 2019.

The summer membership includes spouse/significant other or children under 23 living at home. Members will enjoy unlimited

golf, unlimited use of the practice range, charging privileges, 20% off of all apparel in the pro shop, 7-day advance tee time,

dining (luncheon) privileges and reciprocity with other selected Venice area golf clubs. If you have an interest in golf, there

is no better place to play than the course a few minutes away. For further information contact Patrick Cattanach, General

Manager, 941-441-2287 or pcattanach@theiconteam.com

OUTSIDE EVENTS OF INTERESTShark’s Tooth Festival (April 12th – 14th)The 27th Annual Shark’s Tooth Festival will be at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds with proceeds directly benefiting the athletes at Special Olympics Florida - Sarasota County. The festival encompasses three days of live music, foods (from seafood to barbecue), arts & crafts, a “kids-friendly” game area, and the world’s most comprehensive offerings of shark’s teeth and other fossils for purchase. Musical entertainment this year includes American Idol Finalist Sam Woolf, VEVO Hit maker Caitlin McGrath, Florida music sensation Maiden Cane and several others over the three days. All proceeds of the Shark’s Tooth Festival benefit the local Special Olympics Florida - Sarasota County athletes and programs, including 14 sports, Young Athletes and Little ELITES, Healthy Athletes, Unified Champion Schools, Unified Sports, Motor Skills Training and Athlete Leadership. The Shark’s Tooth Festival opens at 4 pm on Friday April 12th to 9pm, Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm. Tickets are $5 at the gate includes free parking. Location is Venice Airport Festival Grounds at 610 E. Airport Avenue, Venice FL. 34285. See details at http://www.sharkstoothfest.com/.

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Parcels from Paradise - Keeping Venetian Residents Connected... APRIL 2019

“The H Word”: HURRICANE PREPARATIONThe Challenges of Placing ShuttersLet’s talk first to those who will be leaving to go north. Your attention should be directed to two things. The first is preparing your house for departure. The POA should be putting out soon a list of suggestions, but it makes sense to bring in outside furniture and tie down anything that has the potential to become a missile and cause damage to your house or your neighbor’s house. The second item of mention was a tremendous challenge when Irma struck….. that being, putting up shutters. The POA gives the signal as to when the shutters can be put in place determines based on the path of the potential hurricane. Our last experience with shutter put ups with Irma resulted in a “shutter mess”….. couldn’t find people to put up the shutter, people who did work became exhausted due to the heat. Therefore, before you leave, perhaps you can line up a person or company who will put them up. You might start with googling “Hurricane Shutters” and see if any of the listed companies provide a service. If you feel like sharing someone or some company who does this, post their name on the Wall of Something.

For those staying put in Venice during H seasonFor those who will remain here in the summer, keep your eyes on announcements when we will recruit volunteers for our Hurricane Readiness Team In early June, the start of the official hurricane season. We will also have an all community meeting to explain the HRT and what happens when a hurricane is imminent.Our Community Association has assumed responsibility for the HRT program. Everyone benefits from this program especially in the communication process. Frankly there is a cost for the HRT which is supported by our members. If you are not a member and believe that our hurricane efforts deserve your financial support, please complete the membership form at the end of Parcels

EASTER GREETINGS!

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Parcels from Paradise - Keeping Venetian Residents Connected... APRIL 2019

FIRE IN PARADISE: BY THE NUMBERS502 Veneto Blvd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Location of the fire

3/14/19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date of the fire

9:34 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First 911 call received

9:40 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine 53 ( Laurel Rd.) on the scene

9:51 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine 52 ( Grove St.) dispatched along with Brush Fire Truck

10:18 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Engine 51 ( S.Harbor) dispatched

10:38 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarasota EMT dispatched

11:34 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nokomis FD Engine dispatched

17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total number of responders to fight the fire

1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of reported fire personnel injury

1500 ft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amount of hose line to fight the fire

4:34 am, 3/15/19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time fire vehicles left scene

7 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Approximate time involved with this fire

Other Notes➢ The Fire as of this writing is still “under investigation” (until an official report is released on this fire, comments regarding the start of the fire or individuals involved is purely conjecture).

➢ Water airdrops via helicopter (Air 1) took place the next day when it became light enough to deal with potential hotspots. Air 1 was on the scene the night of the fire to assist those on the ground with an aerial view.

➢ Chief Shawn Carvey responded from his home to take command of the operation.

➢ Finding an access point to fight the fire was one of the first challenges faced by first responders

➢ Bringing water from the Myakka River was not the first option of gaining water; hydrants were available and used.

➢ Upon arrival, crews used the hydrant water supply and stretched 1500 ft. of hose line. Water for this fire came through the fire truck which controls the pressure needed to fight this specific fire.

➢ Department of Forestry personnel were also on the scene as was the Venice Police Department. VPD Chief Tom Mattmuller also responded to the fire.

➢ The VFD were at all times acutely aware of the presence of nearby homes and the River Club in planning their strategy.

➢ First caller indicated that he/she was “unable to see the fire exactly, only could see orange glow and smoke, near the Myakka River, looks large and a bright glow.”

The above report was based on a review of the public record report of this incident along with an interview with Assistant Chief Frank Giddens. We thank those who supplied photos on the next page for this article.

• •

Venetian Calendar Upcoming meeting dates

These meetings are held at the River Club and are open to all residents: April 3 – POA board meeting –1:00 pm POApropertymanager@castlegroup.com (Meetings are held monthly on the 1st Wed. at 1pm) April 8 –VCDD board meeting – 9:30 am www.venetiancdd.org (meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 9:30 am) April 8 – Geneology – 5:00pm www.vgrcca.us (presentation on learning about your past)

April 9 – Architectural Control Committee (ACC) – 2:00 pm NOTE: Submit ACC forms at the Property Manager’s office by Monday of the prior week. (meetings held monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 2 pm) POApropertymanager@castlegroup.com

April 22 –VCDD board meeting – 9:30 am www.venetiancdd.org (meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 9:30 am) April 23 – VGRCCA board meeting – 3:00 pm www.vgrcca.us (meetings are held monthly on the 4th Tuesday at 3:00 pm) April 25 – POA Rules Committee – 10:00 am POApropertymanager@castlegroup.com (meetings are held monthly on the 4th Thursday at 10:00 am) May 1 – POA board meeting –1:00 pm POApropertymanager@castlegroup.com (Meetings are held monthly on the 1st Wed. at 1pm)

U P C O M I N G M E E T I N G D A T E SThese meetings are held at the River Club and are open to all residents

2016 DUES & MEMBER INFORMATION FORM

Dues Per Household (Please check the appropriate box)

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO JOIN:

Pay securely on-line with PayPal at www.vgrcca.us Click on “membership”

Or mail your check to: Treasurer 305 Martellago Drive

North Venice, FL 34275

Payable to: VGRC Community Association, Inc.

MEMBER INFORMATION: Property Owner(s): ________________________________________________________Date:__________________ Venetian Golf & River Club Street Address: ___________________________________________________________ Other Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Preferred Telephone #: ___________________________________________________________________________ E-mail address: _________________________________ Alternate E-mail: _________________________________ ________________________________________ _________________________________________ Printed Name Owner Signature

Membership Term

Membership Cost

___ One year $35.00 ___ Two years $55.00 ___ Three years $75.00

2019 DUES & MEMBER INFORMATION FORM

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO JOIN:

MEMBER(S) INFORMATION (Please Print)

Dues Per Household (Please check the appropriate box)

We consider our household (Please check the appropriate box) Full-Time at the Venetian Part-Time at the Venetian We do not live at the Venetian,

but own property at the VGRCCA

Note the discount for multi-year membership.

1. Online at http://www.vgrcca.us/membership/ We accept credit cards and use Pay Pal as our secure server. The information below is on the website.

2. Write a check, payable to VGRC Community Association and mail to:Treasurer305 MartellagoNorth Venice, FL 34275

Name(s): Date:

Venetian Address:

Other Mailing Address:

Preferred Telephone #:

Email Address:

Additional Email Address:

Thanks again for joining, and through your email we send you our very informative newsletter, Parcels.

073117 - MeMbership inforMation forM

Joining The VGRC Community AssociationJoining The VGRC Community Association

Thank you for your VGRC Community Association membership. Your dues keep both our organization and community strong!

Please complete the items below.

$30.00$50.00$70.00

___ One year___ Two years___ Three years (Best Offer!)

Membership Term Membership Cost