(Next season’s events will be posted by October 2023)
Thursday, December 1st “Conversation with Mitzie”
9:30 – 10:30 AM, in the LaVista Room at the River Club, the VGRC Community Association will hold a “Conversation with Mitzie.” By the way, Mitzie is Mitzie Fiedler, Venetian resident and Venice City Council member serving her second term. Given the recent City Council elections, it should be interesting to hear her observations. The Conversation starts with Mitzie providing some brief, opening comments with the remainder of the time devoted to audience engagement. Free coffee and pastries will be available. Attendance is limited to the room capacity of 50 people.
Saturday, January 7th Bike-O-Rama
The Bike-O-Rama this year is scheduled for Saturday, January 7th, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. in the River Club parking lot. Bicycles International has committed to just two hours this year, instead of the original three hours in past years. There will be three stations set up as in previous years with two lines for residents to bring their bicycles for a free tune-up. Community Association members receive priority registration.
Tuesday, January 10th “Using Food as Medicine”
5:00 – 6:00 PM in the River Club Dining Rm 45 min presentation, 15 min Q&A
At this educational seminar you will learn about preventing and reversing heart disease and cancer, and reducing pain and inflammation through diet. Evelisse Capo, PharmD of The Food Pharmacy will be sharing success stories, tips, and recipes.
Monday, January 23rd “Florida Friendly Landscaping 101”
5:00 – 6:00 PM in the River Club Dining Rm, 45 min presentation, 15 min Q&A
Renee Pearlman is back at it again providing very knowledgeable speakers from Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability department. This seminar is for those who want to explore Florida gardening, learn what grows well here, understand native species, and how to attract pollinators to your yard.
Tuesday, February 14th Shredfest / Junk Fest
7:30 to 9:00 AM in the River Club Parking lot
At this popular annual event, join in with many of your fellow neighbors dropping off your unwanted “stuff.”
Thursday, March 2nd CPR Training by Venice Fire Dept.
9 AM – 12 PM, and 1 PM – 4 PM in La Vista room in the River Club
Community Association members may choose from one of two 3-hour sessions to learn CPR from Venice’s finest.
Tuesday, March 7th “Why Conservation Matters”
5:00 – 6:00 PM in the River Club Dining Rm 45 min presentation, 15 min Q&A
Join us to learn about efforts to preserve the environment of southwest Florida. Jenna Biggs from Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast will present fascinating facts of conservation and what is most important. Learn about threatened species such as gopher tortoises, manatees, panthers, roseate spoonbills, and burrowing owls. Did you know that the Florida Scrub Jay is a bird that only lives in Florida? Come to this seminar and explore Florida ecosystems with us!
Monday, March 20th Town Hall
The Community Association has had an amazing turnout for the Annual Town Hall Meeting (THM). The theme this year is “Facing the Challenges Ahead.” After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the Town Hall meeting returns in person on March 20, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the Laurel Nokomis School just down the street. The Town Hall program is divided into two parts. Part One includes a number of speakers addressing specific issues, Part Two, after a short break, residents have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the speakers.
Monday, April 3rd “Reversing Cognitive Decline“
5:00 – 6:00 PM at the River Club (45 min presentation with 15 min Q&A)
If you or someone you know suffers from memory loss mark your calendar NOW because you won’t want to miss this seminar! The presenter, Dr. Glenn of The Carroll Institute is a recognized leader in the field of the effects of neurodegeneration and is certified in reversing the symptoms of cognitive decline. Are chronic diseases preventable and reversible? Is it possible to reclaim your brain? Learn about the root causes of declining brain health and the most up-to-date research in this field. This seminar might just change your life, or the life of someone you love.
Monday, April 17th “Active Shooter – What You Need to Know and Do”
It’s a topic that we would prefer not to have on our seminar schedule. However, the reality is that the active shooter incidents are so random in nature, that no community in America, whether urban, suburban or rural, can escape the possibility of it occurring one day in your community. Featured will be Venice Police Department Lt. Jason Adams who specializes in this topic. The title of this seminar clearly outlines what Lt. Adams will address. It will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the River Club. Sufficient time will be given for Lt. Adams to answer any question audience members may have.