NORTH NAPLES NEWS FEBRUARY 2024 FEATURING AMANDA VATURI, DNP, FNP-BC, DANA ZEITLER, PA-C, AND CHELSEY SCHEINER, DO FROM DLUX MED SPA WOMEN IN BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP & LEADERSHIP
Volume 6 Issue 4 February 2024 Direct mailed to the communities of Grey Oaks • Estuary at Grey Oaks • Pine Ridge Bay Colony Golf • Tiburon • Monterey Pelican Marsh • High Rises in Bay Colony • The Vineyards • Talis Park Mediterra • Collier’s Reserve • Bear’s Paw NORTHNAPLESNEWS.COM NORTH NAPLES NEWS FLORIDA NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS PO Box 10514 | Naples, FL 34101 Joel Kessler, Publisher 239.248.1641 | [email protected] Rebecca Boucher, Editor 239.285.5101 | [email protected] ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Susan Ashton 239.821.5119 | [email protected] Pamela Thompson 312.515.7286 | [email protected] Travel Editor, Karen T. Bartlett Creative Director, Opus Studio, Inc. Dan Sheridan, Founder & Consultant We hope you enjoyed, and you may recycle when finished. Text Copyright | 2024 all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means without permission from the publisher. Old Naples News regrets that no responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher. EDITOR a word from your This issue we focus on the strong women entrepreneurs and professionals that have made significant contributions to their industries. Their achievements and innovative ideas have not only inspired others, but have also paved the way for future generations of women in business. We are proud to showcase their stories and celebrate their remarkable accomplishments. By highlighting the stories and successes of these incredible women, we recognize the indelible contributions to their field. We also hope to encourage and inspire other women to pursue their own dreams and goals in business. It is crucial to celebrate and support women in business as they continue to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and create lasting impact in their industries. It gives me great pride to put together this month’s issue as a woman in business myself. As we turn the page into the New Year and our 7th year of publishing Old Naples News and 6th year of publishing North Naples News, we would especially like to thank our continued advertisers. Many of them have been with us from the beginning. We also want to send warm regards to our readers and consumers. Without all of you, our continued success would not be possible. Rebecca Boucher ALL ABOUT THE WOMEN
Suite 4266 239-262-4040 The Village on Venetian Bay
8 | North Naples News February 2024 SHOW YOUR LOVE WITH THE BELLARRI COLLECTION Dunkin’s Diamonds would like to extend our love for finely and uniquely crafted jewelry into your hearts this Valentine’s Day. And what better way to do that than with the beautiful saturated hues of the Bellarri Jewelry line? As a fashion-forward designer jewelry brand, Bellarri creates works of art that establishes new rules and unleashes trends. One of those masterpieces that we believe deserve to grace your loved ones’ wardrobe is the Bellarri Butterfly Collection. This diamond jewelry collection is perfect for this Valentine’s Day season due to its wonderfully vibrant pink aura and 14-karat rose gold accents. The Bellarri Butterfly collection consists of diamond earrings, necklaces, and rings each featuring a whimsical butterfly wing design made out of rich pink-colored enamel. Surrounding the luxurious yet playfully romantic butterfly wings is a 14-karat rose gold contour. One that outlines the diamond jewelry composition in a way that makes the piece feel like an ornamental artwork or like a real butterfly sprinkling in the spring sun. To top it all off each of the butterflies in the collection nurtures anywhere from 0.44 to 0.69 carats of genuine diamonds depending on which of the three you select. If you believe your partner’s heart would heat up at the thought of even just one of the pieces in this collection then you are in luck! Most of Bellarri’s jewelry has a similar ornamental and sculpture-like atmosphere so your valentine is sure to find something that makes them flutter with joy. If it isn’t already obvious, we believe that Bellarri Jewelry, as stated by the CEO and Designer Bellarri Adlema, will capture the “eyes, soul, and hearts” of many for years to come. If you’re getting butterflies in your stomach just thinking about delivering the jewelry to your loved one, don’t worry — we do too! Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your one and only how much you care about them and adore them for who they are at their very essence. Presenting them with a new box of Bellarri jewelry is a romantic way of doing just that! Imagine the memories that will be created and how each time they wear their Bellarri necklace or earrings it will remind you of that sweet moment. You can find the Butterfly collection on the Dunkin’s Diamonds online store and at select locations. Embrace Bellarri and go all out for your lover this Valentine’s Day. DUNKINSDIAMONDS.COM COASTLAND CENTER 1948 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida 34102 MERCATO 9118 Strada Place Naples, Florida 34108 GULF COAST TOWN CENTER 9918 Gulf Coast Main Street Fort Myers, Florida 33913 US-41 FORT MYERS 11500 S. Cleveland Ave. Fort Myers, Florida 33907 PORT CHARLOTTE TOWN CENTER 1441 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, Florida 33948
Sun, serenity and Southern sweet tea MODELS OPEN DAILY Monday - Saturday :: 10AM-5PM Sunday :: 12-5PM Coach Homes From the High $400’s Ahh...Antilles • Resort-Style Living • Two Options for Living Available • Serene Views 239.691.4455 | AntillesNaples.com
FEATURED PROPERTY BRUCE MILLER 720 5th Avenue South, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102 | (239) 206-0868 CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST® , REALTOR® [email protected] | www.NaplesBeachesRealEstate.com ACHIEVE EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS WITH BRUCE MILLER #1 Listing and Resale Agent in The Isles of Collier Preserve • 2021, 2022 & 2023 8919 NEVIS WAY • 4BR + DEN • 4.5BA • 3 CAR GARAGE • POOL/SPA $3,860,000 (Photos are virtually staged) 6197 MEGANS BAY DRIVE | $2,850,000 4BR + DEN | 3.5BA | 3 CAR GARAGE | POOL/SPA | FURNISHED
New construction and resale homes from $592,000 to over $3.8 Million THE ISLES OF COLLIER PRESERVE Naples’ premier gated community, The Isles of Collier Preserve, is only 4.5 miles from 5th Avenue S. internationally acclaimed restaurants, shopping, art galleries, theatre and Naples pristine white sand beaches. Whether you are a current resident considering a move or you are new to Naples, call me for a personalized tour of The Isles of Collier Preserve. You’ll be glad you did! When it’s time to consider selling or buying your home in The Isles of Collier Preserve, then it’s time to call THE ISLES OF COLLIER PRESERVE’S TOP PRODUCER & RESIDENT HOMEOWNER IN “THE ISLES”. 5943 BARTHELEMY AVENUE | $2,395,000 | 3BR + DEN | 3.5BA | 3 CAR GARAGE | POOL | FURNISHED 6333 LYFORD ISLE DRIVE | $2,150,000 | 2BR/DEN + SITTING ROOM | 2.5BA | 2 CAR GARAGE POOL/SPA | PARTIALLY FURNISHED 6225 ANTIGUA WAY | $1,699,000 | 2BR + DEN | 2BA | 2 CAR GARAGE | POOL/SPA | FURNISHED
12 | North Naples News February 2024 Women in BusinessAlexandra Janz ALEXANDRA JANZ Broker Associate & Luxury Properties Specialist William Raveis-Florida, LLC 239.315.1079 | ajnaplesrealty.com My name is Alexandra Janz, and I am a Realtor and Luxury Properties Specialist with William Raveis-Florida, LLC. My husband Juergen and I moved to Naples in 2016 after growing up in Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest in Germany. Since then, we have called Naples our home. My passion has been Real Estate for more than 23 years now. It is hard to imagine another job that offers such a wide range of opportunities and the chance to assist people in achieving their dreams and goals. I work with so many different people of different ages, nationalities, financial backgrounds, and lifestyles, sometimes over months and years. And not only can I give them my experience, advice, and knowledge of Real Estate but I also learn so much from each and every one of them. It is through both working relationships that friendships are being built that will last a lifetime. But how did I start this business and why? After studying and working in different careers I searched for something that combined my work experience, passions, and talents. Due to my good listening skills and my ability to understand people’s needs and fears, I found that working as a Real Estate Agent gave me not only what I was looking for, but also variety and freedom. My career started in Kehl, a small city in Germany, on the border to Strasbourg, France, where I became the co-director and managing partner in a family-owned Real Estate Brokerage. In 2008 I decided to open my own brokerage in Freiburg, my hometown, which I managed successfully with my team for many years. My company was chosen by the popular business magazine Focus among the top 1000 brokers in Germany for many years. I also received the “Best Property Agents” award from Europe’s largest real estate magazine Bellevue. What I have been able to accomplish and still do in the Real Estate Business gives me great satisfaction and pride. For this reason, I never stop learning and finding new ideas to assist my customers in making informed decisions about their finances and homes. In Naples, I specialize in working with affluent customers from all over the world. Having fluency in multiple languages, aside from English, facilitates communication and builds trust. In addition, I use my knowledge of how people in other countries are searching for homes abroad to market my listings so they will be found both locally and nationally as well as internationally. It is important to remember that the second largest group of foreign buyers comes from Europe, especially Germany and Switzerland. Furthermore, I have obtained the designation of CIPS, Certified International Real Estate Specialist, which gives me the opportunity to network with 4000+ other CIPS Specialists and their customers in 60 countries worldwide. It is an additional advantage for my customers to list their properties with me and the AJ International Group Naples. Working with seniors is another very important part of my job in Real Estate. Right-sizing elderly people is something I love to do when they reach that point in their lives. It’s important to me that they make the right decision and find the perfect new place in Naples or elsewhere. Together with a network of other Seniors Specialists in different areas behind me, I handle everything around the sale and/ or purchase of a new home or finding a place in a senior living facility. As a result, I became an SRES®, which stands for Senior Real Estate Specialist®. Having mentioned in the beginning that Real Estate is my passion, I hope our paths cross in the future and that I will have the opportunity to assist you with your real estate transaction whether you are selling or buying. CREATING LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS Alexandra Janz | Realtor® and Luxury Properties Specialist
February 2024 North Naples News | 13 Fillers Botox Dysport Sculptra Sciton BBL MOXI HALO 2171 Pine Ridge Rd, Ste E Naples, Florida 34109 239-776-4956 www.dluxmedspa.com Beautiful Natural Results SylfirmX BAREHR Hydrafacial Amanda Vaturi, DNP, FNP-BC Dana Zeitler, PA-C Chelsey Scheiner, DO Felicia Luminiello, CMA, CLT, LE
14 | North Naples News February 2024 Sweet Art Gallery is a contemporary modern art gallery that is home to works by more than 35 established artists. Since 2005, the gallery has been one of the first to offer contemporary fine art in Naples. The majority of our artists have their master’s degrees in Fine Art. There are also some teaching and professorial artists whose work has been exhibited in museums. The gallery is part of the new metropolitan Naples with its combination of luxurious downtown living in close proximity to the beaches and Fifth Avenue. The Sweet Art Gallery has opened a second location in Ponte Vedra Beach. “We Women in BusinessDede Sweet SWEET ART are excited to be part of the fine collection of shops and restaurants that make up Sawgrass Village,” says Sweet. Visit the Sawgrass gallery and meet our gallery director Carrie McGregor, 310 Front St., Ste 875, Ponte Vedra Beach. Both galleries offer in-home showings to allow customers to view the art in their own space before buying. We offer approachable galleries that assist clients in building collections of value. “The process of collecting art should be enjoyable and educational,” says Sweet. Please visit us in either of our gallery locations or call us to make a consultation appointment. Visit our comprehensive website to see the complete list of contemporary artists. THE SWEETARTGALLERY.COM 852 First Avenue South I Suite 100-101 Naples, FL 34102 239.597.2110
Incorporating the Collier Community Foundation into your will continues your legacy and inspires others to create a legacy for our community. The Foundation team is knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about making Collier County a great place to live for all. Through their guidance, you can benefi t local needs in perpetuity. — Alison K. Douglas Principal, Cummings & Lockwood Private Clients Group Is it time to think about giving here? You can support the community you love by opening a charitable fund or naming the Collier Community Foundation in your will. Call us at 239-649-5000 to learn more.
16 | North Naples News February 2024 Emily Monty is a native Neapolitan. In 2015, Emily and husband Ted took on their biggest endeavor yet by purchasing Spanky’s. This year Spanky’s celebrates its 40th anniversary! Besides being a landmark to their community, they are also one of the originals still standing. Spanky’s is known for its warm southern charm atmosphere. They continuously concentrate on the quality of their product while providing it at an exceptional value. Often called one of Naples’ most unique dining experiences, Spanky’s has something for everyone. Nestled on the Coconut River, diners can enjoy their waterfront patio in addition to their nostalgic dining room or cozy lounge. Their specialties include prime rib, fresh seafood, and their famous soup and salad bar. In Emily’s spare time she can be found baking Spanky’s famed key lime pie. Her dad, Ken, created the masterpiece by baking it for a family dinner years ago. “It was so good we joked with him that we should sell it at Spanky’s,” Emily recalls. Fast forward and now they can hardly keep it stocked! Emily also has a true passion and love for fashion. “It just makes me happy. My life is too short to wear boring clothes!” The couple also loves spending time with their four English bulldogs. Whether you are a local at Spanky’s or have only driven by, now is the time to visit. Some of their regulars have been bringing their families there for three generations now. “Once you’re here, you’re part of our family.” SPANKY’S IS AND FABULOUS! Emily Monty | Owner of Spanky’s Speakeasy HOURS: Monday - Saturday | 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Dinner served after 4 p.m.) 239.643.1559 1550 Airport-Pulling Rd. N. | Naples, FL 34104 SPANKYSSPEAKEASY.COM Women in BusinessSpanky’s Speakeasy
February 2024 North Naples News | 17 Wherever you are in your Yoga practice, we honor that. 239.438.4036 Two Locations: 1107 Central Ave & 2228 Logan Blvd N. Naples.HonorYoga.com 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH! Unlimited In-Studio & Live Streaming Classes Come connect with your community, lean into mindfulness, and leave feeling restored. HONOR YOGA OLD NAPLES NOW OPEN! Our company is proud to be owned and led by women
TO REACH THE UNREACHABLE STAR EAST WEST FINE ART TURNS In 2024, one of Naples’ oldest and most beloved galleries - East West Fine Art will turn 25 - a quarter of a century. Looking back 25 years, neither Olga nor her daughter Leeza Arkhangelskaya had ever dreamt of becoming gallerists. Both found their way into the arts later in life, after careers in the international sphere. They half-jokingly call themselves “recovering economists,” insisting that it is ART that is curing them and the world. Coming from Russia, where love for fine art is cultivated from early childhood, mother and daughter lived their entire lives surrounded by the finest works of art, architecture, music, and books. In the mid-1990s, running from turmoil and war in Russia, Olga and Leeza arrived in America with only two suitcases and a strong desire to rebuild their lives on their new soil. Starting over in a foreign country presented numerous emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges that the women faced head-on. Years went by, and Olga and Leeza settled in Washington DC, pursuing careers and studies in the field of international economics. After graduating from Harvard University, Olga began a promising career at the World Bank in Washington DC. Later, Leeza, with a graduate degree from the University of Geneva, started to work for the United States Agency for International Development. It was during that time, the late 1990s when the first pieces of art for their collection were acquired – these were historical items bought through Sotheby’s and from art galleries in Paris and London. And then, quite unexpectedly one visit to Naples changed everything. Olga MERCATO 9115 Strada Place, #5155 DOWNTOWN 472 Fifth Avenue South [email protected] EastWestFineArt.com Women in BusinessEast West Fine Art Leeza and Olga Arkhangelskaya
February 2024 North Naples News | 19 was fascinated by the small yet cultured town, flourishing with art galleries and art admirers. The idea of having her own art gallery and influencing people’s tastes and aesthetical perceptions captivated Olga. The gallery would also allow her to continue her life-long mission of being a cultural ambassador between the world’s greatest cultures: American, Russian, and European. Here in Naples, Olga and Leeza decided to pursue this goal through fine art, versus economic policies in Washington DC. Nonetheless, the transition from the world of social science to business was the toughest challenge in their lives. Olga and Leeza set high goals: through art, they would share the idea of beauty, educate, and cultivate good taste, and raise the spirit of everyone who visits the gallery. Olgas’ and Leeza’s parents and grandparents were teachers and university professors, so the mission to educate and share ideas is in their blood. Another serious undertaking was finding artworks appropriate for the specific Naples art market. These artworks need to speak to local people, correspond with their aesthetical aspirations, and resonate with their personal experiences, and cultural traditions. This task required perceptiveness, observation, and good psychological analysis. Olga and Leeza work very hard to discover artists who are original, educated, inspired, and highly skilled. They avoid bringing trendy and popular artworks but rather focus on unique non-commercial, aesthetically, and spiritually timeless pieces from many countries. No wonder that for almost a quarter of a century, East West Fine Art has acted as a true community cultural center and plays an important role in the Naples Art scene. They half-jokingly call themselves “recovering economists,” insisting that it is ART that is curing them “ and the world. Women in BusinessEast West Fine Art Home of the “Naples Medallion” 239.261.7952 300 Fifth Ave S • #211 CleopatrasBarge.com GIA Certified Apprasier • Custom Design • Redesign • Repairs Appointments Preferred FROM OUR COLLECTION OF RARE BRAZILIAN PARAIBA TOURMALINES WE BUY AND TRADE GOLD, PLATINUM AND JEWELRY FINE JEWELRY SINCE 1966
20 | North Naples News February 2024 Born and raised in Ukraine – Dr. Svetlana Kogan dreamt of two things since early childhood: to become a doctor and to move to the United States – the land of the free and opportunities. It took her family 14 years to obtain permission to leave what was then the Soviet Union. In 1986, Svetlana and her parents arrived in New York, and the teenager started toiling at excelling in high school and working in a bagel shop and a pharmacy on the weekends. Having won the Presidential Award and a Westinghouse Science Talent Search Semifinal for her summer research in diabetes, she was one of the first graduates of her public high school to get accepted to Cornell University. After graduating with a B.A. in Biology, she pursued her Medical Degree at the New York State Program at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Dr. Kogan fell in love with Internal Medicine because it was a bit like solving mysteries and yet allowed her to bond with the patients and continue to follow them on their path to wellness. She ended up completing her medical internship and residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Following her ‘carpe diem’ philosophy, she passed the National Boards and gave birth to a baby girl the day after. When her daughter was six months old, Dr. Kogan finally opened her private practice. Having business in NYC was very tough and competitive, and yet early on in her medical career, she began expanding her professional horizons by studying Holistic and Functional Medicine, Hypnosis, and Ayurveda. This made her a doctor with a unique set of skills and the patients started coming from different states, and even flying in from abroad to benefit from Dr. Kogan’s medical expertise and holistic philosophy. She even authored a book, Diet Slave No More!, in 2016 and over the years has published hundreds of virtual and in-print articles about holistic health. What’s more, she has appeared as a guest holistic health expert on various primetime TV programs on Fox News, ABC, CBS, and NBC. While visiting Southwest Florida, Dr. Kogan fell in love with the peace and quiet of the whispering waves, the mesmerizing flights of pelicans, and the amazing public schools where she envisioned her children would thrive and moved to Florida at the end of 2018. It was incredibly hard to leave behind everything she’d worked so hard for and to start her business from scratch. Yet, she knew that her unique professional skill set, two decades of experience, and being hard-working were ingredients for success. Naturally, this formula worked: today she does exactly what she always dreamt of doing – helping people to live healthy and vibrant lives. HELPING PEOPLE TO LIVE HEALTHY LIVES Women in BusinessDr. Svetlana Kogan DR. KOGAN, MD Concierge Holistic and Functional Internal Medicine 720 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 209 Naples FL 34102 239.676.6883 CUSTOMLONGEVITY.COM Dr. Svetlana Kogan, MD
February 2024 North Naples News | 21 The Humble Bee Boutique was inspired by the hardworking, community-driven nature of bees, and that humble dedication is at the core of our brand values. At The Humble Bee, we believe in uplifting our community to feel confident, stylish, and comfortable in their own skin. Our clothing, accessories and gifts are carefully selected to act as feel-good reminders to embrace your inner grace, strength, and sense of adventure every day. THE HUMBLE BEE B O U T I Q U E 2312 PINE RIDGE RD, NAPLES, FL 34109 | 239.435.0553 PINE RIDGE CROSSINGS | AIRPORT & PINE RIDGE WWW.HUMBLEBEE.BOUTIQUE
22 | North Naples News February 2024 There is an interesting history behind the fine jewelry store called “CLEOPATRA’S BARGE”. Originally from Bronxville, NY, Marilyn Janss moved to Naples with her husband in 1966 where they first had a gift store on Fifth Avenue South. In 1967, Janss moved onto the “Big Dipper,” an 80 x 20, 80-ton displacement, 15-room, 3-deck houseboat with two Chrysler Crown engines. She was opening another store on Third Street South and decided to call it “CLEOPATRA’S BARGE.” It was named after the first ocean yacht built in the United States in 1816, by the Crowinshields in Salem, Massachusetts. Designing and manufacturing jewelry had always been an interest of Janss’s. She considered taking a jewelry class at Endicott College, but it was a Friday, 5:00 p.m. class. She realized that it would probably conflict with weekend plans, so she decided not to attend. When she was offered the chance to take some jewelry classes with a friend in Punta Gorda, she jumped at the chance. After several trips, she produced her first three pieces of fine jewelry. Her husband exclaimed, “Wow, these are great! I have a customer who would like you to make her a diamond ring with her alexandrite.” She wasn’t exactly sure how to make it. So, she got in touch with a jewelry friend of hers in Coral Gables and he said, “You are in luck!” My good friend is visiting from New York, and he is one of Tiffany’s, Van Cleef & Arpel’s, and Cartier’s jewelry designers. For a fee, he will teach you everything you need to know.” Janss returned to Naples and completed the ring. Her first commission was $1,450.00 in 1967. A few weeks later while visiting her parents in Bronxville, NY, her girlfriend called to have lunch in the city. During the train ride, she sat next to a gentleman called Joe Costelli. He was wearing two very beautiful sapphire and diamond rings. She commented on them. He said he made them and that he did all of Tiffany’s, Van Cleef & Arpel’s, and Cartier’s diamond settings. She responded, “I’m a budding young jeweler.” He said, “Come to my office and I will teach you everything there is to know about trimming and setting diamonds!” So, she naturally rescheduled lunch and went with him. In 1992, Janss designed and copyrighted “The Naples Medallion©.” It is the image of the Naples Pier available in four sizes in 14k gold and three sizes in sterling silver. She has also just designed the new “Naples Centennial Pier Medallion©,” which will be available soon. Janss has moved her location from Third Street South to 300 Fifth Avenue South • Suite 211 above Bice Restaurant. There is an elevator and plenty of parking in the rear. She is there quite frequently but prefers appointments because she is often at a customer’s home to discuss redesigning their old heirlooms into new heirlooms with their gems or from her wide array of gems. She also has a large selection of jewelry from other suppliers available for purchase. Janss can be reached at 239.261.7952 and looks forward to your call. A NAME TO BE TRUSTED 300 Fifth Ave S • #211 Naples, FL 34102 239.261.7952 [email protected] CleopatrasBarge.com APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED Women in BusinessMarilyn Janss
239.325.1606 ReedDesignBuild.com Wiggins Pass Center Plaza 13500 Tamiami Trail N • #10 | Naples, FL 34110 Mondays-Fridays: 9AM-5PM Saturdays by Appt Only Florida Licensed Contractor CBC1259565 TIMELESS DESIGNS. new beginnings,
24 | North Naples News February 2024 Wendy Wagner THE ARTIST AND THE MUSE Both artists and art collectors have their sources of inspiration, muses, and influences when it comes to creating or acquiring pieces for their collections. Creating artwork and collecting artwork both curate a narrative. FOUR WOMEN ARTISTS OF THE NAPLES ART DISTRICT share a glimpse of their muses and influences and the sources that fuel their imagination and work. Each artist has a unique journey, multiple talents, and a story to tell. Learn more about them and their work by visiting their working studios and galleries in the Naples Art District. ARTIST WENDY WAGNER paints and draws in oil and egg tempera, red chalk, and charcoal and is inspired by the Old Masters. The Old Masters painted and drew people and things of their time, and Wendy continues this thread of art history by portraying the people and world around her. Wendy stated, “I love people as my subject because of their complexity. I really want to show their humanity underneath. Faces tell stories of who we are, where we have been, and a life lived.” Visit Wendy Wagner Art at 5760 Shirley St, #4 to see more of Wendy’s contemporary realism. ARTIST LINDA THOMPSON feels a deep connection with the work of Vincent Van Gogh. She traveled to France and painted in many locations that inspired his paintings. Van Gogh’s bold use of complementary colors can be seen in her vibrant oils.” Thompson also resonates with Henri Matisse and his still life color palette. She notes “Picasso visualized his paintings using many shapes which is how I begin each of my paintings.” See Linda’s artistry at Inspirations Artists & Design Gallery located at 5450 B Shirley St. ARTIST ANIKA SAVAGE is also inspired by the colors and brushwork of Vincent van Gogh and the impressionists, and she’s influenced by artists who don’t fit neatly into a category. Anika’s mother fit painting Linda Thompson Anika Savage | Night Life Women in BusinessNaples Art District
February 2024 North Naples News | 25 CATHY BONACCI Author and Marketing & Events Manager Naples Art District Discover our Art Studios just North of Pine Ridge Road and West of Airport Road 239.249.1977 • NaplesArtDistrict.com Discover, buy and commission original artwork from our 100 talented artists SCAN HERE TO VIEW OUR EVENTS AND INTERACTIVE MAP OR VISIT NAPLESARTDISTRICT.COM PINE RIDGE RD AIRPORT-PULLING RD NAPLES BLVD SHIRLEY ST J AND C BLVD Free Open Studios Month Thursdays 1-5pm Saturdays 1-5pm Wednesdays Art After Dark 4-8pm February March April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 7, 14, 21, 28 4, 11, 18, 25 10 9 13 7 6 3 into her busy life and demonstrated that creativity is a necessity. Anika incorporates realistic elements within abstract work with texture through collage, mixed media, and layering. Anika feels, “flow is consistent throughout my work. Drawing the eye through a work of art creates a feeling of movement, rhythm, much like experiencing performance art.” Her former career as an architect can be seen in her artwork, creating a sense of discovery similar to moving through a natural landscape, an urban environment or a well-designed building. Visit Tapestry Fine Art at 5760 Shirley St, #13 to experience Anika’s work. ARTIST CARLY KLINGBIEL’S work spans multiple mediums and has themes of femininity, beauty, and happiness. Carly is inspired by the range and scale of the large installations of artists Liza Lou and Yayoi Kusama. These artists fuel a vision for Carly to create an experience of installing her vertical flower gardens on all surfaces of a room. Interestingly, cake decorating is also a major influence in her work, expressed with textural flowers of colorful acrylics and modeling paste. Carly’s goal is to make people happy with her work and shared, “No one is ever sad when presented with a beautiful cake.” Visit Shirley Street Art Galleria located at 5311 Shirley Street to view Carly’s artwork. In February, the artists of the Naples Art District will create unique artwork with Pablo Picasso as their muse. To view this Picasso-inspired and other art in a wide array of mediums, visit us on Saturday, February 10, 1-5 pm. You can also find inspiration with over 50 classes offered in our working studios. Please visit naplesartdistrict.com for more information. Carly Klingbiel
Our clients entrust us with over $1.5 billion in assets under management (As of 6/30/23)
Lori Fowler began her career selling luxury properties in Naples in 2012. After spending over 20 years in philanthropy raising money for a myriad of local and national causes, Lori decided to join Coldwell Banker. That love of serving and helping the community never left her and a few years into her successful career, she decided that she could continue to make a difference while serving her clients. In fact, the more opportunities to serve her clients, the better she could do for her community. In 2015, she formed a personal scholarship for local high school students supporting their first “move” in life furthering their academic careers. This scholarship affirms and financially supports the post-secondary education endeavors of young, talented, and committed leaders who have also served in the local community. Lori knows firsthand that it is important to give back while furthering yourself professionally. Some of the greatest life lessons can be learned in looking beyond the self and focusing on our contributions to others allowing us to become a better version of ourselves. Having supported her own way through college without financial support, Fowler knows it takes balance in academics, local service experience, and drive to meet your goals. Since 2015, 20 students have been awarded a Lori Fowler | Naples Luxury Scholarship via secret ballot by a committee of past clients and respected professionals in the community. Students have attended schools ranging from the University of Miami to Hope College, and many Florida schools in between. This $2000 scholarship offered over 4-years allows many students to pay for their books, lab materials, moving expenses, housing, dining, and whatever they wish, if they maintain full-time status, a minimum GPA, and connect in person at least once a year to share about their college experience. Through this accountability, Fowler strives to be an additional advocate and mentor in their college career facilitating their experience and guiding the trajectory of their future. This is about more than being a source to help fund educational endeavors, this is another adult playing a small role in developing future leaders of our community. Lori looks forward to the summer and winter breaks which are busy with one-on-one visits from scholarship recipients before returning to school or internships. They stop by her office on Fifth Avenue to share their experiences, ask questions, and discuss career interests and endeavors. Overall, they are learning the value of this professional interaction and the balance between academics and life beyond school, hopefully connecting the pieces of future plans and their investment in their future. The size of this scholarship may not be impressive, but for someone needing one more engaged adult willing to be a sounding board and mentor, the award is priceless. In any given year, Fowler can find herself supporting nine students at once. One day, it would be very exciting to see these students all together and absorb the impact this scholarship and community engagement has made. For more information about the scholarship, the Community Foundation of Collier County has a database of available scholarships for local high school students. MAKING A DIFFERENCE LORI FOWLER, REALTOR® Specializing in Naples Luxury Homes 239.877.3822 [email protected] LORIFOWLERNAPLESLUXURY.COM ® Women in BusinessLori Fowler Lori Fowler, Realtor®
February 2024 North Naples News | 29 NAPLES? Why not LORI FOWLER, Realtor® 239.877.3800 [email protected] SPECIALIZING IN NAPLES LUXURY HOMES LORIFOWLERNAPLESLUXURY.COM “Are you looking for a real estate experience curated to your individual needs by a professional with a track record of success and satisfied customers?” 550 Fifth Avenue South | Naples, Florida 34102 239.877.3800 Real Trends Reports #309 in all of Florida Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents in the Nation Top 2% Globally in Anywhere Real Estate, Inc. #1 Individual Agent, Coldwell Banker Naples 5th Ave ®
30 | North Naples News February 2024 MASTERING FINANCIAL WELLNESS THE IMPACT OF UNITED WAY’S VITA PROGRAM ON COLLIER COUNTY As the winter sun casts its golden glow over this tropical paradise we call home, a hidden challenge lurks beneath the surface—financial uncertainty for many in our community. However, in response to this challenge, the United Way of Collier and the Keys have created a beacon of hope: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Winter not only brings us a pleasant change in weather but also marks the beginning of tax season. Navigating the intricacies of taxes is a challenge that transcends age and circumstance. The VITA program, established by the IRS in 1969, was developed to assist low-income taxpayers with their tax returns. Since its inception, VITA has evolved and expanded, becoming a vital component of community-based efforts to promote financial literacy and assist those in need – which happens to also be a core component of United Way of Collier and the Key’s mission. VITA volunteers provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families with a modest income, ensuring they not only maneuver through the complexities of the tax system but also maximize their returns. In 2023, United Way of Collier and the Keys’ VITA volunteers assisted 346 families, saving them more than $100,000 in taxpayer preparation fees and generating almost $250,000 in refunds. But the program isn’t merely about crunching numbers; it’s about empowering our community to thrive financially. Consider a retiree, a neighbor, or perhaps even yourself, finding reassurance in the midst of tax uncertainty. VITA volunteers step in to offer not just financial guidance but a lifeline to stability, alleviating financial stress and injecting funds back into the pockets of our neighbors living paycheck to paycheck. Participants gain valuable insights into managing their finances, making informed decisions, and planning for a secure future. The ripple effect of financial stability extends far beyond a tax return. When individuals and families thrive financially with the support of initiatives like VITA, the positive effects extend beyond households, fostering a resilient economic ecosystem that strengthens the entire community. In the ever-changing landscape of our global economy, programs like VITA have become indispensable. They serve as a safety net for individuals facing unexpected financial hardships, a light guiding them through uncertain times. VITA isn’t merely a tax assistance program; it’s a community builder. Supporting and advocating for VITA means contributing to a community where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive. The VITA program stands as a testament to our commitment to building a community where financial stability is not a privilege but a shared reality. Wondering how you can contribute to this crucial community initiative? The United Way is always recruiting VITA volunteers to serve as tax preparers, greeters, and interpreters – no prior experience is necessary! You can also support by simply spreading the word about VITA among friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we will forge a legacy of positive change that will resonate for years to come. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program isn’t just a seasonal service; it’s a year-round commitment to building a community where financial well-being is a shared journey, not an isolated destination. TIFFANI MENSCH President & CEO United Way of Collier and the Keys
call...(239) 250-0580 | [email protected] SIGN UP FOR MY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER AT KEEGANSELLSNAPLES.COM DOWNING-FRYE REALTY INC. Leave your worries behind and enter the relaxing, low key, amenity rich enclave of Aqua at Pelican Isle. This lovely 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath condominium offers 3940 square feet of living space, plus an additional 400 square foot, 1 bedroom, 1 bath Cabana. Enjoy the Gulf of Mexico/Bay views to the west and to the east, the new Kinsale Golf Course. Fresh paint compliments the wood flooring throughout the living areas and provides a crisp neutral palette for your interior design ideas. The bedrooms have brand new neutral color carpeting, the kitchen boasts fine cabinetry with quartz tops and top end appliances, and the bathrooms are spacious and tastefully done. Amenities within the building are exceptional and too numerous to mention here. Aqua at Pelican Isle needs to be seen to genuinely appreciate all it has to offer. Call today for your personal showing. $4,795,000 13665 Vanderbilt Dr. #402 SOLD
JEFF BOHR Naples Mac Help (WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND) HOW TO CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS Jeff is your one stop Mac expert, an • Certified Support Professional, and 37-year Mac user. He can be reached at [email protected] or 239.595.0482 Do you have an AOL email address? AOL started in 1993. Yahoo started email service in 1997. Gmail started in 2007, a relative newcomer. That means your email address could be over 30 years old! IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE I am often asked about how to change an email address. Sometimes a client has been “hacked,” and their email and password have been compromised more than a few times. Sometimes the amount of junk mail, or spam, becomes a relentless barrage that cannot be held back. There are several solutions to these dilemmas, including creating a stronger password, unsubscribing … which only works when it is a legitimate site(!), and using junk mail filters. It is often easier to start fresh with a new email address, and I will describe that process in this article. Contrary to what most people think, changing your email address can be a rather easy process, if you plan and follow the steps reviewed here. First, it is important to keep your current email active even when creating a new one. This will allow you to monitor the old account and check for any messages from senders not aware that your email has changed. Plus, it is almost impossible to truly delete an email address. Next, you need to decide on a new email provider, or you can reserve your own domain for email. There are several free services: Gmail ([email protected]) and Apple’s iCloud ([email protected]) are some of the largest and most stable. Another option is to get your own domain (www.yourname. com) and then you have a personal email address ([email protected]) that is unique and memorable. No one can take away your email address if you own the domain. Domain names can be purchased for under $15 per year, and adding an email account is usually just another $20 annually. After you create the new account, you will need to send out an electronic ‘Change of Address’ notice. This can be simple and to the point, it will go to those friends, family, and associates that you correspond with regularly, we will address other accounts shortly. You have probably received several such emails from your friends and colleagues, now it’s your turn. Here is a simple template: SUBJECT: MY NEW EMAIL ADDRESS Message Body: Effective immediately, my new email address will be example@ example.com. Please copy this address and paste it into your address book, replacing my prior email. Thanks! Jeff • Important: Send this email from your new email address, and make sure to put all the recipients into the BCC field to avoid sending your entire address book to everyone. This is short, simple, and to the point. You now have a fresh, clean email account that is only known by those whom with you shared it. Continue to monitor your original address for any stragglers who did not get the notice, and you can notify them of your new address on a case-by-case basis. UPDATING YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNTS Rather than sitting down and trying to remember all the places your email address is stored online, update websites as you visit them. This applies to banks, credit cards, airlines, and other online retailers. Fill out the change of email address forms on sites you are registered with as you return to them, this will make the task less daunting. Also, remember that your username is often your email address, and this may not need to be changed everywhere it is used. You often have a separate username and contact email; you may keep your old username but make sure to change your contact email in your account settings for each website. For example, if you have an iTunes account, it can be difficult to change the original email you signed up with due to music copyright laws. In that case, keep the original email you used for future iTunes purchases, but change your contact email so that you still receive receipts. There will come a time when you only need to check that old email account once a month or less! Changing your email does not have to be a difficult process, and by following the steps listed it should be an easy endeavor. Meanwhile, go through all of the websites you log onto via your email address, and change your account information to reflect your new address. Do the same with mailing lists. If you subscribe to a blog, a newsletter, or just a group of friends, make the change so you won’t fall off the mailing list. Have tech questions? Send them to jeff@ jeffbohr.com and I’ll answer them in a future column!
Selling the Florida Lifestyle since 1978 CRP, BROKER ASSOCIATE 239.293.9411 [email protected] 4001 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 102 | Naples, Florida 34103 Over $34 million in closed sales volume in 2023 The Club 1744 2023 Top 1.5% Club 1744 is made up of the top 100 advisors company wide and the top 10 by region, based on the previous year’s closed sales volume. PremierSothebysRealty.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. of Agents in Florida in 2023
LORNA FEDELEM, MD HEART DISEASE As a primary care physician, heart disease is a topic I discuss with my patients daily. I might sound like a broken record, but every February I can’t help but try to educate as many women and men as I can about heart disease and how different it is for women versus men. Despite the American Heart Association (AHA) stating that 1 in 3 women will die of heart disease and that there’s an increase in heart disease in women under age 55, there are still many disparities in how women pursue preventive measures and receive care. For instance, women wait more than 30 percent longer than men to get to a hospital after first experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. Women are also 50 percent more likely to be diagnosed incorrectly after a heart attack. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in this country. The most important thing for all women to understand is that 80 percent of the time, heart disease is preventable. THESE GENDER DISPARITIES ARE CAUSED BY A FEW FACTORS: 1. Lack of awareness Less than 60 percent of women recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. That statistic has improved over the last couple of decades, but not to where it needs to be. Physicians need to do a better job of educating the general population, especially women. Even women who had a heart attack are more likely to think they will die from some form of cancer rather than heart disease, especially breast cancer, and sometimes even lung cancer. As often as women think about an annual mammogram, they should also be thinking of visiting their PCP for their yearly heart checkup. 2. Different symptoms from men While men most often present with chest discomfort in the middle of the chest under the sternum, women can experience more subtle and different signs of heart disease, such as: • shortness of breath • nausea • vomiting • fatigue • back pain • sweating • jaw pain
February 2024 North Naples News | 35 Call and schedule a complimentary meet and greet with Dr. Fedelem. 9150 Galleria Ct., Suite 200, Naples, FL 34109 | LornaFedelemMD.com | 239.580.6390 Naples Trust Company Speaker Series 2024 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7th Integrity, Persistence & A Look At AI In The Financial Industry Noreen Harrington - President of DataWhys - An Artificial Intelligence Company Noreen Harrington will discuss the advantages and challenges the lightning-quick resource of AI brings and cover trending topics in the financial world that affect us all. TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH Lessons of Abe Lincoln: How Effective Leadership Can Change the World Dr. Louis P. Masur - Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History | Rutgers University In today’s world, what can we learn from Lincoln to manage our current conflicts? How can we become more effective leaders in our workplace and community? Tiburon Golf Club | 2620 Tiburon Drive | Naples | 10 AM | Continental Breakfast NOT FDIC INSURED I NOT GUARANTEED I MAY LOSE VALUE Reservations required. RSVP to [email protected] or 239.774.4000 $2 million in investible assets and higher When women are not aware of the symptoms being connected to a cardiac event, they don’t get to the emergency room in time and there is more likely to be damage to the heart muscle. When women and men don’t get appropriate therapy immediately, then that muscle is forever scarred and more likely to have heart failure, arrhythmias, or recurring events. 3. Lack of women in studies There is not nearly as much research about women and heart disease as there is in men. Up until recently, heart disease was felt to be a man’s disease, therefore, women were not included in medical research. Today strides have been made and more women are included in studies. Now the American Heart Association has an educational initiative for women to really understand their heart disease risks and the AHA is also supporting research and science. WHAT CAN WOMEN DO? Family history of heart disease puts women and men at increased risk, and both genders need to practice the same lifestyle habits for heart health, including: • not smoking • drinking in moderation • exercising - moderate activity for 30 minutes, 5 day a week • maintaining a moderate weight • getting adequate sleep, ideally 7 hours per night Additionally, research is showing that women who have abnormalities associated with arthritis like systemic lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which are associated with chronic inflammation, may be at greater risk for heart disease, as well as women who experience hypertension or gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The bottom line is that going for a well visit every year, where you can get screened for the markers of heart disease with a primary care physician is important. Prevention begins there. Develop a relationship with your doctor, advocate for yourself, and make lifestyle changes. Hug your mom, hug your sister, hug your friend, and tell her about heart disease. Happy Heart Day, Naples! ◆ ◆
36 | North Naples News February 2024 SCHOOL DISTRICT EARNS A-RATING LOCAL PRACTICE NOW STATEWIDE STANDARD CHAD OLIVER Chief Communication Officer Collier County Public Schools Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) is proud to announce the district has once again earned an “A” rating, continuing a successful “A” streak dating back to 2017. Two hurricanes and a global health pandemic during that time span underscore the resiliency displayed by students and staff. Consider where our local school district ranks when compared to the other 66 in Florida. CCPS is ranked sixth in the state and is one of only 16 Florida school districts rated as an “A.” Only five districts earned a higher number of points on the accountability model. “None of those [five] districts are as large or diverse as CCPS, specifically in the subgroups of students who are English Language Learners (ELL), migrant, and/or economically disadvantaged,” explained CCPS Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli following the State’s announcement. “Our District’s ‘A’ rating is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our exceptional teachers, administrators, and support staff who work with our students each day.” Of the six counties (Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, DeSoto, and Glades) that comprise the Southwest Florida media market, Collier County is the only one with an A-rated school district. Of the traditional neighborhood public schools operated by CCPS, 47 of 50 (94%) CCPS schools earned an “A” or “B” rating, and none earned a grade of D or F. Four schools improved their grades from a “B” to an “A,” including Golden Gate Elementary School, Palmetto Elementary School, Poinciana Elementary School, and Everglades City School. Additionally, three schools improved their grades from a “C” to a “B,” including Avalon Elementary School, East Naples Middle School, and Lely High School. All 31 traditional elementary schools are rated an “A” or “B.” None of our schools have a “D” or “F” rating. The “secret sauce” so to speak may be found in the intentional practice of addressing each unique student. Focusing on individual student needs and monitoring progress throughout the year—a practice used by CCPS teachers and administrators for more than a decade—is now a statewide standard. In December, the Florida Department of Education released school grades for the 2022-23 school year to provide a baseline for Florida’s first-in-the-nation transition to using progress monitoring instead of traditional high-stakes testing. Progress monitoring of schools and districts is now carried out through Florida’s new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards. The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) assessments and any end-of-course exams that are B.E.S.T.-aligned are also included in these calculations. Dr. Ricciardelli — who the School Board named as interim superintendent in December of 2022 and appointed superintendent in May 2023 — welcomes high expectations and adds, “Our Collier County community holds us to a high standard, and it is my honor to report that even with new State standards, new instructional materials, and new State assessments with new cut scores we are meeting and exceeding those expectations.” Classroom at Laurel Oak Elementary Classroom at Oakridge Middle Gulf Coast High National Merit Semifinalists
February 2024 North Naples News | 37 ESTD 1989 Valentine’s Day February 14, 2024 | 5-10PM 239-430-4999 for reservations | $110++ CHOICE OF STARTER Butternut Squash Soup with Pancetta & Parmesan Wedge Salad with Bleu Cheese CHOICE OF ENTRÉE 7 ounce Filet with Wild Mushrooms, Herb Oil Seared Atlantic Salmon with Peppered Orange & Pesto DESSERT Valentine Bomb Cake Complimentary Norman Love Confections for each guest while supplies last 5111Tamiami Trl N • Naples, FL | Located inside Hilton Naples
38 | North Naples News February 2024 ROB EDWARDS Managing Director – Investments Senior PIM® Portfolio Manager Edwards Group of Wells Fargo Advisors EdwardsGroupNaples.com GETTING YOUR INVESTMENTS As inflation continues to show signs of cooling, the Federal Reserve has signaled that it intends to cut short-term interest rates at least three times in 2024. For income-oriented investors, this means that those high-yielding CDs, Treasury bills, and money market funds are coming to an end. These short-term investments helped provide stability, certainty, and attractive yields during a time of uncertainty. But, as recession fears fade, investors are now asking: HOW DO I PUT CASH BACK TO WORK IN THE STOCK MARKET? While it’s a simple question, it’s one of those decisions that can be paralyzing as we fear that we may make the wrong decision at the worst time. However, the solution doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complex. In fact, investing cash back into the stock market is analogous to merging your car onto the highway! So, whether it’s a fast-moving highway or market, we can apply the same decisionmaking framework to help get our investments back on track: IMMEDIATELY: Before getting onto the highway, we use the on-ramp to get us up to speed. By hitting the gas from the onset, it sets us up to make a safe and smart merge. The same holds true in investing. By taking a portion of your cash and investing it Investment and Insurance Products: Not FDIC Insured / No Bank Guarantee / May Lose Value BACK IN THE FAST LANE immediately you are jump-starting the process of re-investment. While this initial step may be met with hesitation, anxiety, or overwhelm, it is important to get started. OPPORTUNISTICALLY: As you speed up to cruising speed, you begin looking for clear gaps to merge into. Sometimes they are right there when you need them and sometimes you need to exercise some caution and patience. These same disciplines apply to investing. In strong bull markets, pullbacks tend to be short and shallow, so you have to be ready (and willing) to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. EVENTUALLY: As the merge lane starts to narrow, you are gradually forced onto the highway. Re-investment windows also must come to an end because staying sidelined in cash for too long can undermine your long-term goals. We often recommend that investors dollar-cost average their way back into the market over a period of months. You may choose whatever rule works for you but just make sure you stick to it! A trusted advisor can help hold you accountable for your plan. If you follow this decision-making framework, you’re never going to get the best entry, but you’ll also never get the worst entry. Most importantly, you’re going to be back on track towards achieving your long-term goals. Wells Fargo Advisors did not assist in the preparation of this report, and its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. The report herein is not a complete analysis of every material fact in respect to any company, industry or security. The opinions expressed here reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of the report and are subject to change without notice. Any market prices are only indications of market values and are subject to change. The material has been prepared or is distributed solely for information purposes and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. Additional information is available upon request. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
February 2024 North Naples News | 39 Board Certified M.D. with 20+ years of Experience in Concierge Holistic Internal Medicine • Moved practice from NYC to Naples • A Cornell University graduate, authored hundreds of print & online publications and has appeared as a medical expert on FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC. • Author of ‘Diet Slave No More!’ book, phone app, & weight management program. • A luxury concierge-style private practice with direct access to the doctor herself & instant feedback to your questions & needs. • Holistic Primary Care with meticulous attention to lifestyle, nutrition, and Mind- Body balance. Will help you manage your most important asset - your health. Svetlana Kogan, M.D. (239) 676-6883 www.customlongevity.com 720 Fifth Avenue South • Suite 209 Naples, FL 34102
40 | North Naples News February 2024 Artis—Naples continues their vibrant 2023-24 season this month with an array of captivating exhibitions at The Baker Museum, enthralling performances by the Naples Philharmonic, enlightening educational opportunities and even a taste of Broadway. But what truly sets this February apart is the commencement of a season-long celebration dedicated to George Gershwin, marking the centennial of his iconic masterwork Rhapsody in Blue. Seamlessly blending classical and jazz, the piece forever left its mark on the world of music. And this season, Artis—Naples not only honors Gershwin as a composer, but also as a multidisciplinary artist who transcended boundaries between visual and performing arts. The Baker Museum kicks off the celebration with the unveiling of the first major museum exhibition dedicated to Gershwin’s profound connection to the visual arts on February 10. George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue is a landmark exhibition that features paintings, drawings and photographs created by Gershwin himself, alongside works from his extensive modern art collection. The exhibition also showcases pieces from contemporary artists inspired by Gershwin and his work. The works were generously loaned from museums around the world, Gershwin’s family and even the Library of Congress—providing an original manuscript of Rhapsody in Blue. Curated by Olivia Mattis, Ph.D., and The Baker Museum Director Chief Curator Courtney McNeil, the exhibition aims to show viewers how Gershwin’s love for the visual arts inspired his compositional practice—and how generations of artists and musicians continue to be inspired by his work. The Naples Philharmonic also contributes to the festivities with their Masterworks performance of Rhapsody in Blue from February 15 to 17. The performance showcases Gershwin’s masterpiece in its original version for piano and jazz band as well as its better-known version for full symphony orchestra. Guest conductor David Robertson leads the performance, making his Naples Philharmonic debut, alongside his wife, piano virtuosa Orli Shaham, as a soloist. Beyond Gershwin, additional highlights include a Sypert Salon program of works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn on February 11 and 13, a Wang Chamber Music program on February 18 with music by Brahms and Robert and Clara Schumann and Naples Philharmonic Pops program She’s Got Soul, led by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, from February 27 to March 2. A diverse range of special guests join in the celebration of Gershwin and beyond. Great American Songbook Ambassador Michael Feinstein returns to Hayes Hall on February 12 for a revival of his iconic show A Tribute to George Gershwin. Patrons A GERSHWIN CENTENNIAL WITH ARTIS—NAPLES may also join Feinstein on February 11 as he engages in a moderated conversation, delving into the George Gershwin and Modern Art exhibition. Drawing from his experience as an archivist and close friend of George Gershwin’s brother, Ira Gershwin, Feinstein offers insights into Gershwin and his continuous legacy. Jodie DeSalvo also puts a Gershwin spin on her Piano Talks series on February 29 with All Gershwin All the Time. Other notable performing arts highlights include jazz vocalist Jane Monheit on February 5, Miami City Ballet’s first 2023-24 performance on February 6, uproarious comedian Steve Solomon February 6-7 and the sold-out Broadway show Tina – The Tina Turner Musical from February 20 to 25. Tickets and additional details can be found at artisnaples.org. George Gershwin at his 132 E. 72nd Street apartment in New York with his 1929 portrait by Isamu Noguchi, 1934. Photo by CBS via Getty Images David Robertson | Photo by Chris Lee Capathia Jenkins Miami City Ballet dancers in ©Twyla Tharp’s In The Upper Room performed by Miami City Ballet. Photo © Gene Schiavone.
February 2024 North Naples News | 41 Expertise — Professionalism — Personal Service Tom McCarthy (239) 243-5520 [email protected] NaplesShore.com 787 Fifth Avenue S. | Naples, FL 34102 Stunning Gulf Views & Sunsets from the 6th floor! Within the gates of Crown Colony in world renowned Pelican Bay. Highly sought after southwest corner residence with 2 lanais, 3-bedrooms 2-baths. Residence 604 is luxuriously appointed updated kitchen with newer appliances. The baths have been tastefully updated. Hurricane shutters & Impact glass. Furniture included. Ready for season. Pelican Bay is in the heart of everything Naples! Tennis, fitness, classes, clubs, ARTIS, and unlimited activities await. Waterside Shops, Mercato, Venetian Village, or Old Naples within minutes! Make this spectacular residence yours today before its gone, gone, gone! Call for a personal showing. It’s All About the View... Stunning Gulf Sunsets! St. Kitts 6585 Nicholas Blvd., #604, Crown Colony Pelican Bay
42 | North Naples News February 2024 “MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN - Jasper Flats is a 54-villa community on a quiet Naples street. Its residences project clean lines and contemporary profiles, taking their inspiration from the bold geometrics of Mid-Century Modern architecture and rendering them in a rich palette as earthy and organic as Florida’s native flatwoods. The developers are pleased to announce that their first showcase unit is available to introduce the community’s building standards, materials, options, and selections. Since it is an active construction site, please note that Jasper’s various two- and three-bedroom units can only be toured when accompanied by an on-site agent for safety reasons. As pre-sold Phase One and Two units are completed, new units will also become available for occupancy this year. Pricing starts in the low $400,000’s. Jasper Flats offers every homeowner a choice of either landscaped or lake orientations enhanced by cascading fountains. The community outdoor living area includes a pool, grilling, and lounge settings. All units have attached garages. Two- and threeLUCITT & CO. Jasper Flats offers every homeowner a choice of either landscaped or lake orientations enhanced by cascading fountains. “ MILES FROM THE CROWD”
February 2024 North Naples News | 43 bedroom units are available, the latter with full upper-floor suites. Individual villa walks and driveways are installed in value-adding brick paver stone patterns. Overall site improvements and landscape installations are being expanded and installed almost weekly as materials become available. All villas feature side-entry floorplans that open into the main living area at its widest point for a spacious first impression. High ceilings, eight-foot stack-back slider doors, and open space great room floorplans incorporate multiple windows, adding a sense of comfortable roominess throughout each bright unit. Every villa is built with reinforced concrete block construction up to the engineered roof trusses, which include hurricane-rated tie-downs. Insulated entry doors and durable automatic metal garage doors are standard, as well as low-E impact-rated sliding glass doors and windows. Laundry and stainless-steel kitchen appliances, recessed lighting, and kitchen island pendant fixtures are also included. All units are prewired for cable, additional ceiling lights, and fans. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed with battery backups. Highly efficient, space-saving tankless water heaters are standard in all units. Air conditioning systems are included, and all air-conditioned spaces are insulated. Eight-foot panel doors are standard and on-trend, wide-profile wood trims and baseboards are included. All closets are fitted with ventilated wood shelving systems to promote air circulation and all garages include exit doors to the sidewalk. Jasper Flats is south of Davis Boulevard, between County Barn Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard, via GPS, the address is 5840 Whitaker Road, Naples, FL 34112. Sales and marketing are represented by John R. Wood Developer Resources, a division of John R. Wood Properties, Christie’s International Real Estate. For further information, contact Jaime Fliniau, 239.537.5805, jfliniau@johnrwood. com, or Cheryl Deering, cdeering@johnrwood. com, 239.691.4455. Sales representatives will be on-site Sunday from noon-5 p.m., MondayThursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and FridaySaturday by appointment only. Pre-scheduled showings are appreciated.
44 | North Naples News February 2024 BY HEATHER HALL Virtual Computer Service, Inc. Heather is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer that also has a background in teaching. She can be reached at 239.825.0011 or by email at [email protected] If you avoid a computer because of a disability, do not feel discouraged anymore because Microsoft Windows 11 has advanced built-in technology to accommodate you. Whether it be an impairment with sight, hearing, or motor skills, specific Accessibility features will eliminate frustration and allow every person to enjoy their PC. These features are inside of Settings (Vision, Hearing, and Interaction) and you may be surprised to see just how many accommodations are available! VISION If you have reading glasses or are visually impaired you will benefit from increasing the text and curser size, or even taking advantage of magnification. Filters were designed specifically for users with color blindness while others may take it a step further to utilize the Narrator that will read the words or describe images aloud. The Narrator can do so much more than just read words so if you plan to use it, take time to review the Complete Guide to Narrator that is available. HEARING Those with hearing difficulties may struggle with the computer while listening to audio or video, which is why Microsoft offers Live Captions to transcribe sound. INTERACTION People that struggle with mobility while using a personal computer can now use their voice to control it, including switching apps, browsing the web, and reading emails. In addition, Speech Recognition is a popular feature that enables you to dictate to the computer while watching it do all the work for you. There are many commands to know but the more you use them, the easier this process will become. I personally know many people that use this feature just because they are not proficient at typing. Inside the Interaction menu you will also find assistance with the keyboard and mouse. Explore your system to discover what is available to you or family members so that everyone can experience technology! WINDOWS 11 CAN ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES People that struggle with mobility while using a personal computer can now use their voice to control it, including switching apps, browsing the web, and reading emails. ” “
ACCESS healthline YOUR NEW PHYSICIAN IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY If you are looking for a doctor close to home, want more information about our services, or have a question about NCH, call to speak with one of our representatives today. Call us from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week at NCH-7777 (239-624-7777)
46 | North Naples News February 2024 BOOK REVIEW reviewed by anna karras assie Andrews would be the first to admit that she doesn’t have much of a life. In her thirties, she works in a bookstore, doesn’t have many friends, and no family. But when the kind old gentleman, Mr. Webber, dies reading The Count of Monte Cristo right in the bookstore, she feels a pang of grief that reminds her of her grandfather, the one who raised her. Next to Mr. Webber’s body is a nondescript little book. Cassie picks it up to examine it and finds an inscription on the front page which leaves the little volume to her. It is filled with drawings and doodles, most of the written text unintelligible, save for an inscription that reads, “The Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand and any door is every door.” Puzzled, she keeps it and takes it home. Her roommate and only friend in New York City, Izzy, is waiting. As Cassie tells her about her day and poor Mr. Webber, she keeps the book close by. It was so unremarkable that Cassie forgets about it and daydreams about a bakery she visited in Venice during the year she spent traveling. With that image in her head, she picks up The Book of Doors and goes to her room. But behind the door is not her bedroom but the exact scene in Venice she had just pictured. And it isn’t just a scene—Cassie realizes she can step through the door into the actual Venice. Cassie and Izzy spend a wild night learning what the book can do. It opens doors all over the world. They explore first with hesitancy and a bit of trepidation, but as the night wears on, they find the joy of stepping into new worlds blocks or continents away. What they don’t realize is that they are spotted. Someone out there sees them disappear through a door and knows what is happening, and that someone has special books of his own: The Book of Luck and the Book of Shadows to name two. Drummond Fox knows much more as well. He knows there are many more books like The Book of Doors out there and powerful people in the world would pay big money or even kill to get their hands on one. Drummond sets out to find Cassie and Izzy, and with his Book of Luck, he does. But what are Drummond Fox’s intentions? Who is the shadowy figure known only as “the woman” who will gleefully murder for possession of all the books? And where can Izzy and Cassie hide where they will be safe? Gareth Brown has constructed a whirlwind of a story, filled with action, adventure, and fantasy. Fans of Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus or Matt Haig’s Midnight Library will be gripped by the roller-coaster plot and the fantastical elements. Like The Book of Joy, this one was a joy to hold. ∞ AUTHOR'S PROFILE Gareth Brown has been writing since he was a child. He has worked in the UK Civil Service and the NHS while writing in his spare time. The Book of Doors, his debut novel, will be published simultaneously in the UK and the US this month. He lives near Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife. C THE BOOK OF DOORS by Gareth Brown Publisher: William Morrow 416 Pages $30 US | Released 2.13.24
prepare to be IMPRESSED We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers, insuring we consistently deliver the best printed materials possible. D ESIGN PRINT PUBLISH MAIL 11000 Panther Printing Way, Fort Myers, FL 33908
48 | North Naples News February 2024 KAREN T. BARTLETT Travel Editor WILD HORSES, WISTERIA, AND ROMANCE GEORGIA ISLANDS ON MY MIND There’s something transcendent about the flavors and fragrances that infuse the coastal South, where a short boat ride or bridge across vast creeks and marshlands leads to lyrical barrier islands with rolling sand dunes fringed with sea oats, and where tiny fiddler crabs scurry about their business at low tide in the saltwater flats. On Georgia’s Golden Isles, mottled sunlight filtering through ancient live oak canopies casts moving shadows, and at dusk, spooky apparitions of Spanish moss seem to reach down from the branches with long, ghostly arms. Here, 19th century millionaires’ cottages-turned-inns feature sitting rooms and porches (not a single lanai, bless their hearts). Homemade biscuits and gravy, a lowcountry boil or fish fry, and chefcurated picnic lunches are raisons d’etre. Early spring is the perfect time to visit the Golden Isles. Morning and evening air still carries a perfect chill, giving way to warm days before summer humidity sets in. Fragrant purple blossoms of wisteria are awakening on their gnarled brown vines, winter’s final display of camellias remain just long enough to greet the saucer-size azaleas just unfolding into bloom. For early risers, there’s the spectacle of morning mists rising over the marsh. Photo(s) by Karen T. Bartlett
February 2024 North Naples News | 49 Because it’s the month of romance, may I present two of my favorite romantic inns among Georgia’s Golden Isles. ON JEKYLL ISLAND, architecturally preserved and sensuously updated Gilded Age mansions— the former Newport-style “cottages” of Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, Rockefellers, and Cranes —were reimagined as luxury-to-the-max inns. Sixty-three stunning holes of golf dating back to 1898 lure golfers from around the world on three courses that meander through deep forests, marshes and waterways. It was here, while kitchen staffs were perhaps collecting wild blackberries for homemade pies and shrimpers delivering bushels of the famed Wild Georgia Shrimp direct from the trawlers, that some of America’s most powerful financiers gathered in secret to create the Federal Reserve. In its day, Jekyll Island Club was called the richest, most exclusive, most inaccessible club in the world. Today, guests still breakfast lavishly like those millionaires in the Grand Dining Room, and savor the same sunset views —now with dining and dancing to live music— on the Jekyll Creek pier. The bar in the Club’s lounge is a replica from The Legend of Bagger Vance, which was filmed at the resort. For the romantically inclined, the Italian Renaissance palace-style Crane Cottage is the most opulent of Jekyll’s Millionaire’s Row mansions. Its ohso-genteel Southern guest rooms and suites range from 269 to 500 square feet. ON CUMBERLAND ISLAND, wild marsh tackys descended from the horses of 17th century Spanish invaders still roam free across the tall dunes, and graze beneath the tabby ruins of the storied Dungeness mansion (think LightHorse Harry Lee, father of Robert E. Lee). A meandering hard-packed road canopied by centuries-old, wind-twisted live oak trees seems to disappear into another dimension. Following over half a century of superhuman preservation efforts, the island is protected as the Cumberland Island National Seashore: no restaurants, no shops; only some convenient amenities like bike rentals and nature tours. The only commercial entity is Greyfield Inn, a former Carnegie family estate and now one of the most romantic inns in America. Casual during the day, its evening meals are announced with the ring of the dinner bell and jackets are still suggested for gentlemen. With only A shrimp trawler navigates a saltwater creek Main Road, Cumberland Island. No public-use motorized vehicles are allowed. Before it was salvaged, the ruins of Dungeness were nearly swallowed up by a century of overgrowth. TravelGeorgia Islands on My Mind
50 | North Naples News February 2024 the most tasteful modern refinements and the addition of haute southern coastal cuisine, the mansion blends seamlessly into the raw island ambience, especially when a few wild horses stop by for a graze beneath the oaks. Honey comes from Greyfield’s bees; herbs, produce and cut flowers from the inn’s garden. There’s islandgrown citrus, and oysters from the pristine tidal creeks. ROMANCE, ANYONE? With its ultrapampering staff and commitment to privacy, Greyfield Inn has hosted many a famous engagement and honeymoon. (No, of course they’re not dropping names). There also are complimentary private shark tooth hunting, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching and history tours. For day visitors as well as Inn guests, there are networks of crushed-shell trails, and the miles of isolated beaches are a shell-seeker’s dream. National Park Service’s ranger-led and selfguided tours, plus private walking tours, the rugged Lands and Legacies motorized tour, and other experiences are available with reservations. You may not be in love on arrival, but please tell me if you’re not head over heels in love with my Georgia Sea Islands when you leave. GETTING THERE Both islands are between six and seven hours from Naples. Advance reservations are a must for both inns and the Cumberland Island Ferry. • Access to Jekyll Island is via the soaring Sidney Lanier Bridge with breathtaking views over the Brunswick River. • Access to Greyfield Inn is via a 45-minute private ferry ride aboard the Lucy R. Ferguson from historic downtown Amelia Island (worth exploring before or after Cumberland). Access to the island for day trips is aboard Cumberland Queen, the National Park Service ferry from St. Mary’s, Georgia. RESOURCES • cumberlandislandferry.com • greyfieldinn.com • jekyllresort.com • goldenisles.com Greyfield Inn Sidney Lanier Bridge TravelGeorgia Islands on My Mind