NORTH NAPLES NEWS DECEMBER 2023 BERNINA EXPRESS THROUGH SNOW-CAPPED GLACIERS ARTIS —NAPLES DELIGHTS IN DECEMBER FIFTH AVENUE 50th Annual Christmas Walk FEATURING: STUART DUNKIN, OWNER OF DUNKIN’S DIAMONDS AND ALLYSON BERLEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AT DUNKIN’S DIAMONDS Naples Art District THE ART OF GIVING
Volume 6 Issue 2 December 2023 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 | 2023 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. PUBLISHER a word from your nother year has almost passed. I would like to say it’s been a good year; however, the world is in turmoil and our politics in our own country are as unsettling as I have ever witnessed in my lifetime. Fortunately, while we are not without our own little problems in our part of paradise most seem to be under control. We have a new Naples Police Chief as well as a new Superintendent of Schools. Our Sheriff ’s Department and Naples Fire Department are doing their usual great jobs and three people have registered to run for Naples Mayor. Our winter residents are now arriving and by the time you read this Thanksgiving will have come and gone. I hope everyone had a wonderful Turkey Day! I know I celebrated as November 24th was my 61st wedding anniversary. Christmas and Hanukkah are right around the corner so we hope you will enjoy our holiday issue. Fifth Avenue will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Christmas on Fifth, with a two-day event filled with the Annual Tree Lighting, A Live Nativity, dining under the stars, and a skating rink. Third Street’s famous “Snowfall on Third” and “Santa Paws!” are sure to be favorite traditions that you do not want to miss. There will be a Hanukkah Menorah lighting in Mercato and Cambier Park and possibly in the new Jewish Community Center on Pine Ridge Road. Our stores on Fifth Avenue and Third Street will be lit up and ready for business as will the stores in Mercato, Venetian Village, The Galleria Shoppes, The Design District, and of course all the wonderful stores in the Waterside Shops and Coastland Center. We at Old Naples News and North Naples News want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah as well as a happy and healthy New Year. To our advertisers, thank you for your business, and to our readers thank you for all your kind words about both our publications. Joel Kessler A
8 | North Naples News December 2023 Happy HolidaysJohnsonville Night Lights The day after Thanksgiving, Naples Botanical Garden transforms into its annual nighttime wonderland, a uniquely tropical spin on the winter season. Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden runs November 24 – January 7 (no event December 24, 25, or January 1). Thousands of lights cast vibrant pinks, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and reds, on the plant collections, highlighting unique textures and intricate details. A towering “tree” composed of bromeliads offers a greeting card-worthy backdrop. Performers fill the air with music. Food vendors and the Garden’s Fogg Café staff tantalize guests with sweet and savory fare. The Garden is honored to be part of so many families’ holiday traditions. It is also deeply appreciated: Johnsonville Night Lights patrons advance the Garden’s work in plant conservation, environmental education, and horticultural excellence. As a private, nonprofit organization, the Garden relies on memberships, ticket revenue, philanthropic gifts, grants, and revenue from special events to fund its multipronged efforts. As you enjoy Johnsonville Night Lights, consider how you impact projects such as these: Coastal resilience – The Garden, in conjunction with Florida Gulf Coast University, has developed a blueprint for restoring beach dunes, the first line of defense against water and wind damage. It relies on native plants and is based on a multiyear study of undeveloped coastal ecosystems. The Garden is currently collecting seeds and cuttings from local dunes and growing thousands of new plants for future restoration. Seed banking – Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Ian (2022) offer stark reminders of nature’s fury—and its fragility. Garden conservationists amass seeds from native plants and store them for the long term in the region’s only conservation seed bank. The efforts will help protect Southwest Florida’s rich biodiversity for future generations. Horticultural excellence – The Garden is one of the few tropical growing operations in the United States, and it’s about to get much bigger with the opening of the Evenstad Horticulture Campus this winter. The custom-designed facility will allow the Garden to increase its collections, care for the most sensitive of plants, expand plant conservation, and refine growing practices. Environmental education – The Garden aspires to be a leader in environmental education. Educators introduce the botanical world to thousands of students each year through field trips, offer daily tours and experiential programs, and provide expertise on matters such as stormwater management. “Johnsonville Night Lights is such a critical event for Naples Botanical Garden in terms of both revenue and audience development,” says Andrea Nickrent, the vice president of development and marketing. “We anticipate 60,000 guests will attend this year, many of them first-time garden visitors. Ticket sales alone make up almost 10% of our annual operating budget. This support means we can continue to conserve plants and habitats of the tropics and educate people about their importance.” For more details on Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden, including ticket information, visit naplesgarden.org. If you wish to support the Garden in other ways, including membership purchases and philanthropic gifts, please see naplesgarden.org/ support. IN THE GARDEN JOHNSONVILLE NIGHT LIGHTS Johnsonville Night Lights is such a critical event for Naples Botanical Garden in terms of both revenue and audience “ development.” –Andrea Nickrent Courtesy of Naples Botanical Garden
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10 | North Naples News December 2023 MARINE INDUSTRIES CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE ON NAPLES BAY LET IT GLOW Happy HolidaysChristmas Boat Parade The 34th Annual Marine Industries Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay will be held on Saturday, December 9. This year’s parade theme is “Let It Glow.” Winners will take best in class and best overall theme winner. The Naples City Dock will host the judging committee and VIP guests, with limited presale tickets for a front-row seat to the spectacle. The parade of lighted boats will start at 6:15 p.m. All size boats are welcome to enter, in-lieu of an entry fee, donations will be accepted for the Ricky King Foundation. Frank Perrucci, Boat Parade Chairman asks that participants and patrons consider a tax-deductible donation to the Ricky King Foundation, the parade committee’s charity benefactor for the annual event. The Christmas Boat Parade is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! Decorate your boat and invite your friends and family aboard for a fun evening or charter a decorated yacht and plan to participate in your company Christmas party! It’s also tons of fun to watch! Raft up with friends on the bay, host a watch party in your Naples Bay waterfront backyard, or come to one of the many public viewing locations. It’s a Naples tradition you will love taking part in! PARADE ROUTE: The parade will start at 6:15 p.m. from Marker 18 (Bayview Park & Hamilton Harbor marina area) and will continue north to the Naples City Dock, then to Pincher’s at Tin City at the Gordon River bridge, then travel back down the bay into Port Royal’s Man-O-War and Morgan Cove. The parade may be viewed from: Naples City Dock (ticketed), Pincher’s, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, The Boat House on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park. Awards and gift certificates will be given to the best-decorated boats in their category. There will be approximately eight to ten winners. The Captain’s Meeting is a must-attend for those wishing to participate. It will be held Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Pincher’s in Tin City. The Boat Parade is sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County and benefits The Ricky King Fund, a foundation that since 1978 has provided support for the unmet medical needs of children of Southwest Florida. Tax-deductible donations are welcome and 100% of donations will be presented to the Ricky King Fund at a special Parade Award Ceremony in January 2024. Parade entry for this event is FREE and entry forms are available at miacc.org. For more information or to become a sponsor, phone 239.682.0900 or email [email protected].
12 | North Naples News December 2023 As we approach the end of the year and embark on the festive season, the enchanting spirit of the holidays comes alive through a stunning array of visual and performing arts offerings that are sure to captivate and inspire Southwest Florida. From the harmonious melodies of the Naples Philharmonic and renowned guest artists to an array of fascinating exhibitions at The Baker Museum, Artis—Naples promises a truly engaging celebration of the arts. This December, the spotlight belongs to the Naples Philharmonic as they prepare to serve up a symphonic feast that fully embraces the holiday season. Joining forces with Associate Conductor Radu Paponiu, the orchestra is gearing up for its annual Holiday Pops program from December 14-17. The program will feature the melodic talents of special guest Clay Aiken, a former American Idol star whose soaring vocals will undoubtedly usher in the holiday season. Accompanied by the Naples Philharmonic Chorus and the Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus, this promises to be a musical event not ARTIS—NAPLES DELIGHTS IN DECEMBER Artis—NaplesDelights in December to be missed. And of course, no holiday season would be complete without the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker. From December 20-22, Naples Ballet presents this beloved ballet as the Naples Philharmonic performs Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. Additionally, other orchestral highlights for December include a Masterworks program that features the illustrious violinist Vadim Gluzman performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto on December 1-2 and the awe-inspiring multimedia presentation of America’s Wonders in Holiday Pops Installation view of Tamara Kostianovsky: Botanical Revolution. Naples Philharmonic Masterworks | VadimGluzman photo by Marco Borggreve Dave Bennett Courtesy Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum. Photo: RoseBudz Productions.
December 2023 North Naples News | 13 Artis—NaplesDelights in December Naples Philharmonic Masterworks 3D on December 5 that takes the audience on a mesmerizing audiovisual journey through the grand scenery and cityscapes of America. Visitors to The Baker Museum this month are also in for a treat, with a chance to explore a range of thought-provoking exhibitions. Tamara Kostianovsky: Botanical Revolution showcases the artistry of LatinX artist Tamara Kostianovsky, who ingeniously repurposes clothing and textiles to create dynamic sculptures mirroring the forms of birds, tree stumps, plants, and even cow carcasses. The annual Florida Contemporary exhibition presents a select group of notable visual artists currently active in Florida: Yanira Collado, Mernet Larsen, and Pepe Mar. The recently unveiled exhibitions The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation and The Face of Immokalee spotlight the myriad ways that food, and those who provide it, are deeply interwoven into our communities. As it enters its final month at the museum, be sure to visit Frank Stewart’s Nexus: An American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s to the Present, which offers a window into the photography of Frank Stewart, a long-serving senior staff photographer for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Artis—Naples also brings a lineup of guest appearances that promise to be the cherry on top of this holiday season. Multiinstrumentalist Dave Bennett presents a show of wide-ranging influences on December 7-8. Superstar soprano Sarah Brightman A Christmas Symphony on December 10, a grand holiday performance that harmoniously blends a variety of favorite Christmas tunes. And closing out the new year in style, the new Broadway revival of Funny Girl kicks off the Broadway series December 26-31. For tickets and further information, please visit artisnaples.org.
ON FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER The holiday season is upon us, and Fifth Avenue South is already abuzz with good cheer. As the lyrics go, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Once again friends and family come together to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the same excitement that abounds in our community each and every year. As the City of Naples and Fifth Avenue South celebrate our centennial anniversary in 2023, it’s hard to believe this year’s Christmas on Fifth Avenue marks our 50th year of turning the Avenue into a magical experience for children and adults of all ages. DECEMBER 5TH CHRISTMAS PARADE Organized by the City, the parade kicks off the season on December 5 and will once again be grand and colorful. Floats, fire engines, school bands, dance troupes, scouts, civic groups and more bring this annual tradition to life, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at 11th Avenue South and proceeds north on 3rd Street to 5th Avenue South. It then turns on 8th Street South and ends on 11th Avenue South, where it began. CHRISTMAS WALK AND TREE LIGHTING This year’s Christmas Walk takes place on December 8 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and December 9 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Thousands of people from all over Southwest Florida and other parts of the state, the nation, and even internationally, attend. Visitors will Happy HolidaysChristmas on Fifth
December 2023 North Naples News | 15 Tour & Taste Tour our community and stay for a free lunch! Get a taste of senior living! Thinking about an assisted living community? Find out what it’s all about when you take a tour of Amira Choice Naples. We’ll show you around, answer all your questions, and treat you to an amazing meal created by our own chefs. Call 239.299.9415 for a tour! AmiraChoice.com/Naples Offer good through Jan 31, 2024 ©2023 Fairview Health Services 10582 License # 13385 experience the same joy and many of the same festivities the BID and its members have hosted in the past, including a live Nativity scene, dining under the stars, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus. The Tree Lighting portion will take place on December 8, at 6:00 p.m. A twinkling 20-foot Christmas Tree, trimmed with more than 10,000 LED lights, will be lit in Sugden Plaza and will glow through early January. Our Live Nativity scene, conducted by the First Church of the Nazarene, is such a beautiful tradition, and features live animals. Donkeys, sheep, and goats will be on hand for the kids to pet, as a stunning angel literally hovers above the stable. Another tradition families love is our half-block-long skating rink, constructed with synthetic ice, on the west end of Fifth Avenue. Ice skates for children and adults will be available, and the rink will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on December 8 and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on December 9. And last but not least, a shopper’s delight Christmas market, featuring Fifth Avenue and outside vendors, will offer cakes, pastries, candy, jewelry, artwork, and more for shoppers looking for special holiday gifts. TUBA CHRISTMAS This event is also a Fifth Avenue highlight and will make a return this year on December 15 at 6:30 p.m. Tuba Christmas in Sugden Plaza is a hugely popular event where more than 50 musicians of all ages perform popular holiday tunes and sing-a-longs. In addition to tubas, the evening of music features sousaphones, euphoniums, and baritone horns. Most orchestras have only one tuba, so the night literally “blows” you away!! We also hope you will join us for our New Year’s Eve celebration, as we say goodbye to a year of recovery and reflection and welcome in 2024 as Naples appears even brighter and more beautiful. Happy HolidaysChristmas on Fifth
Holiday festivities have already begun on Third Street. Third Street South, Naples’ historic and iconic downtown shopping and dining district, celebrates the holiday season with its 46th Annual “Christmas on Third” festival, a month-long calendar of events for all ages. TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY STROLL Third Street South Traditional Holiday Stroll offers a special treat. Dress festively to stroll along Third Street South, reveling in the holiday spirit with our Christmas Carolers, the sparkling lights and decorations. Start on your Christmas List. Stores will offer fun promotions and services and restaurants will create Holiday Stroll menus or cocktails. Dining reservations are encouraged. 46TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS ON THIRD SANTA PAWS! Santa Paws Returns! On Saturday December 9th from 12-2 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos with your furry, four-legged, and feathered friends. Bring your pet on its leash and pose with Jolly Old St. Nick for a treasured memory. A professional photographer will be on site, capturing memorable photos. NAPLES SNOWFALL Join us throughout December for a family favorite, as Naples experiences a Christmas Snowfall on Third, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. during December. Happy HolidaysChristmas on Third Photography by Reagan Rule
December 2023 North Naples News | 17 SANTA NEEDS YOUR HELP This year Santa is asking for everyone’s help in bringing The North Pole spirit to Naples and beyond. You can help Santa by taking a picture capturing your favorite North Pole on Third scene and posting it on social media with #ChristmasonThird to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $250 gift card from one of Third Street South’s restaurants or shops. For more information please visit thirdstreetsouth.com/christmas-on-third/ Happy HolidaysChristmas on Third Bring your pet on its leash and pose with Jolly Old St. Nick for a treasured memory.” “ THE HUMBLE BEE 2312 PINE RIDGE RD, NAPLES, FL 34109 | 239.435.0553 WWW.HUMBLEBEE.BOUTIQUE 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. BOUTIQUE
18 | North Naples News December 2023 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] The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a popular choice for just about anyone who enjoys flexibility and mobility while computing. This device physically transforms from a laptop to a tablet in seconds by simply removing the signature magnetic keyboard (sold separately) to utilize the 13” touchscreen. Microsoft Windows 11 allows you to switch the operating system from laptop mode to tablet mode as well. With icons or apps, you will learn to love Microsoft’s two-in-one hybrid design. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is available in two models, having different processors and additional capabilities. For those who are on the go, the Surface Pro 9 is ultra-portable due to its size, weight, and aluminum casing design. Traveling is easy because of the battery life that allows up to eight or more unplugged hours. The surprisingly impressive performance is a win for this device weighing under two pounds. The powerful 12th-generation Intel Core processor in the Surface Pro 9 can be coupled with up to 32 GB of memory to keep you moving rapidly. Microsoft can integrate OneDrive for cloud storage but if you prefer to store files locally, the Surface Pro 9 offers 1 TB of storage. If you are continuously on the road, consider the Surface Pro 9 with 5G capability. An upgrade to the Surface Pro 9 and a little more expensive, this 5G model has a longer battery life and an SQ3 processor. Second, this Surface Pro allows you to have internet anytime, anywhere. It will require a cellular subscription, but you will never have to seek out a public Wi-Fi connection in a time of need. Third, it has NPU (Neural Processing Unit) which solely handles AI Voice Focus to block background noises, and Auto Framing which adjusts the camera while in motion. Both AI features were built for precise video calling. This unique package is undeniably the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one who enjoys Microsoft applications. MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 9 THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT Happy HolidaysThe Perfect Holiday Gift
December 2023 North Naples News | 19 FINE JEWELRY SINCE 1966 Home of the “NAPLES MEDALLION” 300 FIFTH AVE SOUTH, SUITE #211 Appointments are preferred 239-261-7952 | [email protected] Marilyn Janss will be specializing in custom designing and redesigning fine jewelry with your gems and/or ours. We will continue to do repairs and special orders. BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER BEFORE 1 BEFORE 2 COMBINED FOR BRACELET BRACELET FROM 3 OLD PINS BRACELET FROM OLD PINS NECKLACE FROM BRACELET LINKS ONYX, LAPIS & DIAMOND RING RARE BRAZILIAN PARAIBA TOURMALINES 18K DIAMOND BRACELET DESIGNED BY MARILYN JANSS Named Naples Best Jewelry Store by Naples Daily News FINE JEWELRY FLORIDA NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS OLD NAPLES & NORTH NAPLES NEWS GET YOUR NEWS ON THE GO FLORIDANEIGHBORHOODNEWS.COM
20 | North Naples News December 2023 Casanova Art & Fashion recently opened their new location at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt. “We are thrilled to be a part of North Naples, utilizing a larger, more spacious facility. It gives us the opportunity to import many more incredible lines of women’s apparel and accessories, along with spectacular glass creations from Murano, Italy,” said co-owner Keith Davison. For 18 years, Casanova has offered fine women’s fashions from Italy. They have one of the largest selections of Murano Glass in the United States, as well as fine art from around the world. With their expanded showroom, they have extended their inventory to include 18K gold jewelry from Florence, sunglasses from Armani, Versace and D&G, Merchant of Venice perfume, as well as Italian handbags and accessories. “We are constantly searching for new and unusual lines that no one else in Southwest Florida offers. We recently returned from Italy, meeting with art and fashion artisans, and found wonderful treasures,” said Marina Montmorency, co-owner. Casanova Art & Fashion also features Venetian masks, ancient coins, Murano stemware, glass art, mirrors and sculptures from over 65 Murano Glass Masters. Several lines of Italian wine from Piedmont and Veneto are now available in their showroom. They work with the furnaces of Murano to create custom chandeliers and lighting. Casanova’s showroom is open seven days a week and is located at 2363 Vanderbilt Beach Road at the corner of Airport Road and Vanderbilt Beach Road, in the Galleria Shoppes. OPENS IN NORTH NAPLES Horse by Pino Signretto Vase by Schiavon Fashion Sunglasses Handbags from Italy
Luxury Fashion from Italy Murano Glass Aquarium New North Naples Location! Galleria at Vanderbilt 2363 Vanderbilt Beach Rd | Naples FL 239.571.1610 | casanovashowroom.com
22 | North Naples News December 2023 As always, I have used or setup all of these products, so if you have any questions, please contact me! Apple 15” MacBook Air tinyurl.com/bp8m3365 This year Apple introduced the first ever larger MacBook Air, and this 15” model is a powerhouse! With an average of 15 hours of battery life, it will last all day. And it has Apple’s M2 chip, their in-house chip that replaced Intel chips. These chips are lightning-fast and run much cooler, which is important for a machine that weighs just 3.3 pounds and is 1.15 cm thick. The large trackpad makes it easy to navigate, and the speakers are so good you’d think there was a larger speaker nearby! If you are looking for a new laptop, this is the one! Apple AirTag, $29 tinyurl.com/mryb2s38 Apple AirTags are small, quarter-size discs that you can attach or hide in items that you may need to track. The internal cointype battery lasts for a year and is easy to replace. Keep track of your keys, wallet, luggage, backpack, and more, all in the Find My app. Play a sound on the built-in speaker, or say “Hey Siri, find my gym bag.” JEFF BOHR Naples Mac Help Happy HolidaysHoliday Tech Guide With select iPhone models, Precision Finding can lead you right to your nearby AirTag. If it’s further away, hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network can help track it down. All are anonymous and encrypted for privacy. AirTag is IP67 water and dust-resistant as well. Crosley C62 Belt-Drive Record Player With Speakers, $280 tinyurl.com/pzy4uvf4 The Crosley C62 was designed to be an easy-tosetup and simple turntable system that doesn’t break the bank. This fully manual, two-speed (33 1/3 & 45 RPM) turntable is wrapped in a faux walnut veneer. The cartridge is mounted with the standard 1/2” mount, so you can always upgrade your cartridge/stylus combo as your vinyl collection grows. The super minimal, two-knob design makes it easy to switch speeds, turn up the volume, and switch to the built-in Bluetooth receiver if you want to stream music from your favorite digital playlist. Apple TV 4K with 32GB Storage (2nd Generation) $135 tinyurl.com/5f77kvn3 As a streaming box to make your nonsmart TV smarter, the AppleTV is easy to set up and easy to use. We no longer have cable THE 2023 HOLIDAY TECH GIFT GUIDE
December 2023 North Naples News | 23 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 Happy HolidaysHoliday Tech Guide service, and the AppleTV gives us everything we need, you can subscribe only to the channels you want and save money over cable fees. Features: • Dolby Atmos for immersive, room-filling sound • A12 Bionic chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics, for even better game and app experiences, • 4K High Frame Rate HDR with Dolby Vision for fluid, crisp video, Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ • More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music • Private listening with up to two sets of AirPods • Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your iPhone, iPad, and Mac on your TV. • Get a live view of your HomeKit-enabled cameras and control your smart home accessories. Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Fit Pro Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, $180 tinyurl.com/9t6cedmv Working out or at work, these earbuds are engineered to consistently pump out high-quality audio. Using this technology and Spatial Audio, the Beats Fit Pro is designed to envelop you in your favorite music, which becomes even more immersive thanks to active noise cancellation technology that actually adapts to your ever-changing environment as you move throughout your day. Transparency Mode Sometimes you need to interact with the world around you, but with the Beats Fit Pro, that doesn’t mean you need to take out your earbuds. Just activate Transparency Mode to use the external-facing microphones to capture surrounding audio and mix it in with your music. Apple Features Beats by Dr. Dre integrated an Apple H1 chip within the earbuds to greatly enhance their abilities when paired with Apple mobile devices. It adds Automatic Switching, which re-routes your audio as you switch between devices. You also get Audio Sharing, which lets you share music without having to remove an earbud. Audio can be shared with someone who owns another set of compatible Beats headphones or those with Apple AirPods. Dynamic head tracking uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to adjust the sound from your iOS device as you turn your head, for a multi-dimensional experience that makes you feel like you’re inside of it. The Beats Fit Pro also lets you use your voice to interact with devices by saying “Hey Siri”. And if you lose your Beats Fit Pro, Find My Beats uses Apple’s Find My network to help you locate them. Android Features Equip your mobile device with the Beats app for Android and you can pair the Beats Fit Pro with a single touch. The app also lets you customize the controls, view battery levels, and update the firmware. It can even help to improve your audio quality with a Fit Test, which you can use to learn which earbud/ear tip setup is right for your ears. BIRD BUDDY Original Smart Bird Feeder with Camera and Solar Powered. $299.00 tinyurl.com/szsd3pmb This High-resolution AI Bird Feeder Camera is equipped with artificial intelligence, it can recognize over 1,000 bird species. Bird Buddy comes in two colors and with a variety of cool add-ons. It also includes a lifetime app membership for local bird observation and learning. • Recyclable Plastic Housing • Designed for Birds’ Safety • Weather-Resistant • Lightweight
24 | North Naples News December 2023 The Naples Art District is a perfect place to explore in December. Not only can you enjoy the season by being out in your community with friends and family, but you can also enjoy beauty, find inspiration, and discover unique and original artwork and gifts for the holidays. You’ll enjoy browsing at our December Open Studios, free to the public every Thursday from 1-5 p.m. and on the second Saturday of every month from now through April. Our December events are scheduled for Thursday, December 7, Saturday, December 9, and Thursday, December 14. Our 50 galleries are easier to find this season with our new, colorful feather flags along Shirley Street and J & C Blvd. Purchasing original and one-of-a-kind artwork makes gift-giving more meaningful and special, and the Naples Art District is CATHY BONACCI Author and Marketing & Events Manager | Naples Art District THE ART OF GIVING the ideal place to find gifts that will bring surprise and magic to the holidays. Located north of Pine Ridge Road, in the midst of an eclectic neighborhood, you will find 100 painters, photographers, ceramists, sculptors, woodworkers, glass artists, and jewelry makers, as well as those working in fiber art, printmaking, pastels, and collage. A bonus is the personal experience you will have while shopping for those on your gift list. You will be able to engage with the artists while they are providing live demonstrations, and you will hear about the stories around their artwork. Here is just a sampling of the unique gifts you can find or commission in the Naples Art District: • Artistic wearables in silk and casual fabrics • Tote bags transformed with paint • Ceramics in raku, rustic, and refined styles • A glass golf putter for that golfer on your list that has everything. • Art baskets, traditional techniques in contemporary forms • Home décor and customized lazy Susans • Pet and people portraits • Car photography of personal vehicles for the auto enthusiast • Photography that captures the natural world • Pop art to add fun to your spaces • Wood carvings for walls to complement coastal decor • Resin trays and coasters with beach themes Leigh Herndon Ashleigh Poirier “ A bonus is the personal experience you will have while shopping for those on your gift list.” Fabrizio Venuta
December 2023 North Naples News | 25 Lou Cristo Ray Mathews Jr • Textiles using Japanese batik technique • Quilts in an assortment of colorful traditional and modern designs • Memory shadow boxes. Commission one for a personal gift • Jewelry in a variety of handcrafted styles and materials • A gallery of curated geodes and minerals to add sparkle to your spaces • Furniture, painted accent tables, and live edge tables • Sculptures in bronze, wood, and stone to add drama, texture, and shadow to your spaces • Paintings, reproductions, and prints, in all sizes, in all media The Naples Art District can also provide an art experience with a gift certificate for art classes. There are over 50 classes taught in our artists’ studios throughout the season. Choose from ornament glassblowing, shoe painting, jewelry making, the potter’s wheel, painting in every medium, and so much more. Classes are for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Also, during our Second Saturday Open Studio event on December 9, the District is offering a Feliz Navidad Piñata Creation Workshop taught by Mercedes Perez. The fee is $25 per person, and all supplies are included to make your original piñata. Please contact us to register for this community event. Call 239.249.1977 or email [email protected] to register for the piñata event, for inquiries regarding other events and art classes, and any other questions we can help you with. The Naples Art District wishes you the happiest of holidays, and we hope to see you this season. 100 ARTISTS WORKING IN THEIR STUDIOS CREATING PAINTINGS, SCULPTURE, PHOTOGRAPHY, JEWELRY, FIBER ARTS, WOODWORKING, CERAMICS, GLASS & MORE Art Starts Here Located just off Pine Ridge Road in North Naples 239-249-1977 • NaplesArtDistrict.com Discover original artwork in the working studios & galleries of the Naples Art District. Engage with the talented artists & buy or commission art directly. • Open Studios on Thursdays Nov - April • 1-5 pm • Second Saturday Events Nov - April • 1-5 pm • Art Classes & Demonstrations 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
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LORNA FEDELEM, MD Unravel the mysteries and challenge your mind with a fun crossword puzzle on this National Crossword Puzzle Day and prevent your brain from shrinking in the process! Get your pencils ready and join the celebration of National Crossword Puzzle Day on December 21! This special day commemorates the very first crossword puzzle that was published in 1913, a feat that marked an incredible milestone in word game history. Since then, these puzzles have been enjoyed by people all over the world who love to solve brain teasers or just enjoy a good challenge. Interestingly, a study published in the NEJM Evidence found that people with mild memory problems who did web-based crossword puzzles showed improvement in cognition and experienced less brain shrinkage, compared to those who played web-based cognitive games. In individuals with mild cognitive impairment and in those aging normally, the brain tends to shrink. Compared to playing online cognitive games, working on online crossword puzzles resulted in between 0.5% and 1% less shrinkage in both the hippocampus and the cortex over the course of the 18-month study. This is an impressive difference! WHY ARE CROSSWORD PUZZLES BENEFICIAL? There are several reasons why working on crossword puzzles in daily life could improve your thinking and memory, and even slow the shrinking of your brain. • First, doing crossword puzzles is difficult, and many studies have shown that performing moderately difficult cognitive tasks is helpful for cognitive and brain health. • Second, a well-designed crossword puzzle engages multiple brain regions in your search for the right word. Moreover, crossword puzzle clues often force you to link concepts you hadn’t pictured together. These features mean that crossword puzzles cause large areas of your cortex to be active and stimulate new connections in your brain. The hippocampus will then remember those new connections, strengthening both your hippocampus and cortex. • Lastly, crossword puzzles are generally a social activity. Social activities like this have been linked to better connectivity between different parts of the brain. HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CROSSWORD PUZZLE DAY Create your own crossword puzzle. Design a unique crossword puzzle based on a theme of your choice and share it with family and friends. All you need is a pencil, paper, and a few words to get started. Solve a crossword puzzle online. In honor of National Crossword Puzzle Day, take on one of the many challenging puzzles available online. You can find puzzles in varying difficulty levels depending on your level of expertise. Gather with family and friends to solve crosswords together. Invite family, friends, and colleagues over for a night of crosswords. Assign each person a different puzzle and let the fun begin! Visit a local bookstore. Head over to your local bookstore and pick up some new crossword puzzle books or magazines. There are plenty of options from beginner to advanced difficulty levels. Host a crossword tournament. Organize a tournament in celebration of National Crossword Puzzle Day. Invite everyone to compete against each other in timed rounds to determine who’s the ultimate puzzler. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a crossword puzzle today and start improving your cognitive and brain health! NATIONAL CROSSWORD PUZZLE DAY Call and schedule a complimentary meet and greet with Dr. Fedelem. 9150 Galleria Ct., Suite 200, Naples, FL 34109 | LornaFedelemMD.com | 239.580.6390
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 SALE PENDING
30 | North Naples News December 2023 uilting is one of the most feminine ancient crafts. It is the technique of joining layers and patterns of fabric together through stitching to represent objects of the surrounding world and natural phenomena. Quilting is a world of colors. Let’s immerse ourselves in this bright world of Naples quilt artist Lauren Maskowitz. It has been said that you are never too old to start over, to find your best self in a new way. In her 70s, Lauren discovered quilting and elevated it to a new art form. She has had a lifelong passion for textiles. Maskowitz began sewing on her grandmother’s Singer treadle machine—doll clothes at age seven and prom gowns in her teens. She learned to weave in her mid-twenties and continued for Q LEEZA ARKHANGELSKAYA Owner, East West Fine Art Lauren Maskowitz | Flower Garden | 28 x 24 LIKE ART, Art Quilts by Lauren Maskowitz IS UNPREDICTABLE the next forty-five years. Lauren combined this passion with a background in fine arts and a career in art therapy. As a result, quilting became her own late-life art therapy. Lauren says: “There is adventure in the art of creating—being unafraid to cut apart and sew back together, getting past the notion that anything is too precious, taking one pathdestination in mind but having the courage to travel a different path if that road does not take me where I want to go. Art, just like life, is unpredictable…you begin a certain direction but never know exactly where it will lead. “My pieces are textile collages, paintings using fabric as the medium. Each quilt begins as a blank canvas: fabrics and shapes are ‘rehearsed’ on my design wall, moved around until the composition emerges.” LIFE, Lauren Maskowitz
Lauren’s goal is to create pleasing fabric assemblages— more painterly than traditional quilts, using a variety of techniques. She starts with a general idea, often working from a photograph or sketch. Lauren admits that she is influenced by the aesthetic of her favorite artists: the serene landscapes of David Hockney, the dynamic flowers of Robert Kushner, and Henri Matisse’s use of textiles and interiors. Lauren’s quilts are available in the Mercato gallery location at 9115 Strada Place, Unit 5155 East West Fine is also open downtown at 472 5th Ave. S. [email protected] | EastWestFineArt.com Lauren states that each of her pieces is a journey. She begins with a blank canvas intuitively adding layer by layer. The artist enjoys the interplay of colors and the rich textures of silks and cotton. Plain fabrics are printed, stenciled, and stamped. Others are fused and appliquéd. “I have a general sense of how I want to construct the piece, but I allow the colors and shapes to guide me. I work on a design wall by pinning and ‘auditioning’ shapes. This process allows me to change direction as I go, to see images and move pieces to create the vision I see in my mind.” For Lauren quilting is not just a relaxing pastime. “I came into the art quilt world at age 70 and hope to never stop. Creating art quilts has become a daily ritual. It is a spiritual experience that has carried me through troubled family waters, two hurricanes, and the Covid lockdown. Quilting feeds my soul.” Lauren Maskowitz | Sunflower | 30 x 24 Lauren Maskowitz | My Hawaiian Shirt | 44 x 36 “ Art, just like life, is unpredictable…you begin a certain direction, but never know exactly where it will lead.”
Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services to support local seniors, is proud to announce that its new permanent home in North Naples has been honored with a Silver Aurora Award as one of the Top Commercial Projects across the Southeast United States. The 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility located at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane was built by local contractor BUILD LLC and opened to members in January. It replaced the organization’s formerly leased facilities and provided additional space for new and enhanced social services and activities to serve the region’s surging senior population. Established by the Florida Home Builders Association in 1979, The Aurora Awards recognize outstanding projects from across the Southeast during the annual Southeast Building Conference. Categories span across residential, commercial and remodeling industries as well as 12 categories to recognize sales and marketing efforts related to new home sales. Awards are presented to building industry professionals in a 13-state region. “We are delighted to share this prestigious award with the team at BUILD,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/ CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “From the start, we designed this new building with a residential feel so as to blend in with the neighborhood and make our members feel at home, and BUILD was able to fulfill this vision for us.” Baker Senior Center Naples is the only human services agency of its kind, providing “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties. Since opening its doors in 2014, the organization has seen a surge in the depth and scope of need for comprehensive senior services in this region. All programs and services are provided by licensed and credentialed professionals. These include Structured Dementia Respite Support; Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs; and Geriatric Mental Health Counseling as well as a Food Pantry. An average of 40 different social, educational and wellness programs also are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of more than 200 trained and vetted volunteers. Among these social programs are classes in art, music and film, brain fitness and educational seminars, courses in technology and computer science, physical wellbeing, and interest groups. The center serves everyone regardless of backgrounds and beliefs. Baker Senior Center Naples is one of just 111 senior centers all across the United States, including just eight located within the state of Florida, to achieve accreditation from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Accreditation means that the senior center meets the standards as developed by NISC in developing quality programs and services to meet the needs of seniors in the community. For additional information on Baker Senior Center Naples and its comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, visit NaplesSeniorCenter.org. CONE COMMUNICATIONS CO. NEW BAKER SENIOR CENTER BUILDING HONORED AMONG TOP PROJECTS
CRP, BROKER ASSOCIATE I am proud to announce that I have been ranked on the 2022 America’s Best Real Estate Professional’s list by Real Trends. This honor means I am part of an elite group of sales associates across the country recognized for my knowledge, expertise, and commitment to extraordinary service. It would be my pleasure to assist you with any of your real estate needs, so please call me today. 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. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate and neither suggests nor infers that Sotheby’s International Realty participated as either the listing or cooperating agent or broker in the sale or purchase of the properties depicted. [email protected] 239.293.941 1 Patrick O'Connor PARK SHORE 4 Individua 8 l by Sales 2 Volume in Florida Top 1.5% of REALTORS® in the U.S.
34 | North Naples News December 2023 The Village School of Naples, an independent school serving students in Preschool through 12th grade, announced the appointment of former professional football player and manager Piotr Nowak as its Head Boys Varsity and Middle School Soccer Coach and Athletic Department Consultant, beginning with the 2023-2024 season. “As an accomplished player and sports executive, Piotr has successfully built soccer programs around the world,” said Dennis Chapman, Head of School for The Village School of Naples. “We are thrilled to welcome him to our Athletics Department and look forward to building The Village School into a perennial contender at the varsity level.” A native of Poland, Nowak brings more than 25 years of playing experience and 19 years of executive experience in the global football and business. Nowak made his debut in the Poland national team in 1990. During his playing career, he was named captain of the Polish National Team, Polish Player of the Year (1996) and Bundesliga Best Playmaker (1995). In 1998, Nowak moved to the United States and joined the Chicago Fire for the team’s inaugural season and was named as Major League Soccer Club MVP five times. Nowak transitioned from playing to coaching in 2004, leading D.C. United in his first year as a coach to win an MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield. He was elected three times as Head Coach of the MLS AllStar Team. In 2005, Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski honored him for his contributions and achievements as a player and coach, bestowing him the prestigious Cavalier Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. Armed with his international credentials, Nowak became an Assistant Coach to the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team under Head Coach Bob Bradley. Nowak also served as Head Coach of the USA Olympic National Team, advancing to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He has coached more than 70 national team players and orchestrated the USA’s championship run to a title in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and Mandela Cup. Nowak later became Team Manager and Executive Vice President of the new MLS Club Philadelphia Union, where he was in charge of helping design a brand new $120 million stadium and building a new MLS team and youth academy sport and financial model. More recently, Nowak served as FIFA Chief Analyst and Football Expert under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, former Manager of the English Premier League team Arsenal London, in a newly created program FIFA Global Talent Development FORMER SOCCER PLAYER AND MANAGER JOINS VILLAGE SCHOOL OF NAPLES
December 2023 North Naples News | 35 Program where he speaks on how to help, improve and develop players, systems, methodology and finances. Founded nearly four decades ago as a private institution for pre-school students, The Village School of Naples introduced an Upper School division for high school students in 2017. Since then, the school’s leadership has been aggressively renovating and expanding the academic, arts and athletic facilities to accommodate current and future growth. Located at 6000 Goodlette-Frank Rd., The Village School of Naples originally began as The Caring Place Preschool in 1985 as an outreach at North Naples United Methodist Church. In 2000, the church relocated to the present campus location and added The Village School, beginning with K-2 and 37 students. In 2006, the school was accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council. In 2009, parents asked The Village School for a middle school to be added and soon after added the middle school one grade a year to complete the eighth grade. Four years later, the Board of Directors voted to add an upper school with 17 students in the fall of 2017. In June 2020, The Village School celebrated its first-ever graduating class of seniors. The school currently has over 135 upper school students and will graduate its largest senior class (33 students) this spring. For additional information: villageschoolnaples.org. “ We are thrilled to welcome him to our Athletics Department and look forward to building The Village School into a perennial contender at the varsity level.” -Dennis Chapman Piotr Nowak
36 | North Naples News December 2023 HOLOCAUST MUSEUM “I just hope we can expand,” said late museum benefactor Janet G. Cohen to Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center President and CEO Susan Suarez during the 2018 ceremonial “Demolition Day” when construction began on the museum’s new permanent home. The permanent location was a longawaited dream made possible by Janet’s generous gift to the museum’s first capital campaign. The late Naples philanthropist cared deeply about children and felt that the museum’s work to educate students about the lessons of the Holocaust was extremely important. Janet’s wish for expansion is now a reality. On Saturday, November 4th, 2023, the museum re-opened following a recently completed, extensive sixmonth expansion and renovation project. The museum previously purchased two adjacent office suites which have been combined to create the new North Wing, adding another 3,600 square feet to the property. The renovation portion of the project allowed for major renovations to each of the existing museum’s galleries including updated exhibits, additional displays of artifacts, and interactive exhibits. The new North A REALITY OF EXPANSION Wing is comprised of the Auschwitz Gallery, the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery for Special Exhibits, the Shelley and Steven Einhorn Genocide Gallery, the Herbert H. Schiff Classroom, and relocated Education Department offices. The Price Gallery has the capacity to display larger special exhibits from other Museums, as well as larger exhibits created in-house with items from the museum’s permanent collection archives. The Einhorn Genocide Gallery is a new addition dedicated to an overview of human rights and genocides through history. The Schiff Classroom will allow the museum to host larger student field trips and private group tours. The classroom also provides a new meeting space for community organizations. “ The award-winning Museum’s mission is to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence. ” Docent and students looking at artifacts | Courtesy of Holocaust Students looking at Simko exhibit case Museum & Cohen Education Center Front Row L to R: Treasurer Alan Englander, Vice Chair Fred Roth, Maureen Lerner, Development Chair, Museum President & CEO Susan Suarez, Board Chair Stuart Price cutting ribbon, Naples Chamber of Commerce Representative Matthew Morinello, & past Museum Board Chair Fred Hirschovits. | Photo courtesy of Charlie McDonald Photography
December 2023 North Naples News | 37 As part of its grand re-opening, the museum hosted a special Family Day event with children’s programming and a special Veterans Day program. The latter featured complimentary museum admission, and a discussion with Heinz Wartski, Holocaust Survivor and Korean War veteran. The award-winning museum’s mission is to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred, and violence. Founded in 2001, the museum was inspired by a local Naples middle school’s classroom project on the Holocaust. Age-appropriate Holocaust education programs are offered for middle and high school students in five Southwest Florida counties. The museum also hosts museum field trips, pop-up museum exhibits, and Holocaust education workshops for teachers. The traveling boxcar exhibit, on loan to the museum from F.E. and Jack Nortman and The Boxcar Foundation, visits local schools, public libraries, and other locations in Southwest Florida. Private group tours are also available. The museum is open yearround, with permanent and special traveling exhibits, film and lecture series, and special events. Upcoming exhibits include Forgeries and the Holocaust in December 2023, Stitching History from the Holocaust from January – March 2024, and Lawyers without Rights: The Fate of Jewish Lawyers in Berlin after 1933 from April through October 2024. Please visit the museum’s website for more information: hmcec.org. Herbert H. Schiff Classroom rendering – Courtesy of David Corban Architect
38 | North Naples News December 2023 CHAD OLIVER Chief Communication Officer Collier County Public Schools BIG CHECKS BRING BIG SMILES CLASSROOM GRANTS HELP TEACHERS AND STUDENTS A Tuesday morning in October turned into anything but typical as surprise visits to 240 teachers delivered more than $270,000 to inspire and support learning for students. The Education Foundation of Collier County—Champions for Learning—awarded a recordbreaking 434 grants to 62 schools in Collier County. The grants aim to provide funding for supplies, classroom items, and enrichment activities that extend beyond a school’s budget. This year, each teacher received $300 through the Florida Teacher Classroom Supply Assistance Program. Those funds certainly help, but educators often spend their own money on supplying above and beyond the state allotment. Some of the creative local grants that caught my eye are throwable, wireless microphones to encourage students to speak up and share ideas, supplies for entrepreneurship students to create products, and launch businesses, two counter pizza ovens for culinary art students, and 3D models of a heart and eye to teach students the anatomy and physiology of different organs. Make sure to read to the bottom to learn how you can spread more smiles because there are still unfunded grant requests. These classroom grants are available to all Florida Department of Education-approved schools in Collier County, including traditional public, charter, and private schools. The classroom grants funded in October were either funded by individual donors or from Champions for Learning’s Classroom Grant Fund. To award these funds, a volunteer selection committee scored each grant application against a rubric. Here are some of the Collier County Public Schools grant recipients who work within the circulation of North Naples News. AUBREY ROGERS HIGH • Milagros Lee • Naomi Rothring • Bahareh Wahba BARRON COLLIER HIGH • Gina Manville DeJager GULF COAST HIGH • Teresa Hendry • Michael Miller LAUREL OAK ELEMENTARY • Patricia Auriana • Sheila Blaisdell • Thomas Davison • Jayme Deardorff • Susie DeLadurantey • Laurie DeMorett • Austin Gomez NAPLES PARK ELEMENTARY • Darcie Argabright • Cassy Eaton • Shannon Foley • Dina Griffin • Brandon Grindle • Candace Johnson • Keely Williams NORTH NAPLES MIDDLE • Angela Brintnell • Janet Gentile • Kathrin Hans • Ellen Romano • Samantha Senkarik Laurel Oak Elementary Music Teacher Austin Gomez Aubrey Rogers Teacher Naomi Rothring
December 2023 North Naples News | 39 Thanks to all the teachers who took the time to write these grants to enhance the learning experience of their students. There are still many Classroom Grants that did not receive funding. Unfunded grants and additional requests submitted by teachers will remain open on the online Classroom Grant Portal until March 2024. Donors may support Champions for Learning’s overall execution of the program by making a gift to Champions for Learning’s Classroom Grant Fund at www. championsforlearning.org/makeagift or by utilizing the online Classroom Grant Portal to hand-select specific requests to fund at www.ChampionsForLearning.org/CWACgrants. Thank you to Champions for Learning, the generous donors, business partners, and volunteers who support this program. OAKRIDGE MIDDLE • Taylor Arnold • Amy Diemert • Elizabeth Draper • Maria Hill (LaRocco) • April Jaycox- Varga • Anne O’Renick • Rayna Overmyer • Andrea Polanco • Cindy St. John • Mary Thompson PINE RIDGE MIDDLE • Pamela Schram POINCIANA ELEMENTARY Lani Mastrangelo Thomas Scalise Sally Tillotson VETERANS MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY • Carole Burn • Lisa Casey • Laura Cecil • Marsha Colbert • Susie Daye • Erin Delgado • Danielle Eisenberg • Lisa Heben • Janice Iacovino • Jacqueline Jardin • Mattea Marks • Katelyn Osborne • Blank Story Books • Katelyn Osborne • Maria Padilla • Kathryn Robison • Marissa Santucci • Stephanie Scalise • Kara Schaps • Barbara Schini • Randi Sheltra • Mary Sundall • Karen Thistle • Jennifer Torkelson • Heather Van Osten • Anne Young Gulf Coast High Teacher Michael Miller
BERNINA EXPRESS The travel gods work in mysterious ways. Sometimes, as I was reminded recently, an unpleasant last-minute glitch can enrich the experience beyond all expectations. Here’s what happened… Like many girls who’d read Heidi as a child, the grownup me still dreams of spending idyllic summer days running barefoot among the wildflowers at Grandfather’s hut high in the Swiss Alps. But when I made reservations for the Bernina Express, one of the most stunning scenic train excursions in the world, Heidi was far from my mind. The famous red train slices through iceage mountains and glides across 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels, snaking its way south from Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, to the medieval alpine town of Tirano, Italy. For four jaw-dropping hours, one ooh-and-aah vista follows the next with barely time to breathe in between, as the landscape transitions from forests, gorges, waterfalls and emerald rivers to picturesque settlements with castle ruins and ornate church spires. The main event is the crossing of the Landwasser Viaduct, a single-track limestone-and-concrete bridge atop six 213-foot arches. There’s a whistle stop at St. Moritz to grab a photo op (and maybe stock up on some luscious Swiss chocolates), and a longer stop at the spectacular scenic overlook at Alp Glüm/Palu Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approaching the southern terminus, the landscape narrows, squeezing right through the center of colorful Italian villages. In Tirano, noble palaces with lush semitropical gardens rub shoulders with crumbling medieval city walls along the cobblestoned, tree-lined boulevard, Viale Italia. The train tracks run so close to the magnificent Basilica of the Madonna di Tirano that one could almost reach out and touch the chapel where the Virgin Mary traditionally appeared in 1504. Sidewalk cafes line its piazza, and nearby, a rocky path through terraced vineyards leads to the 9th century hilltop Church of St. Perpetua. In Tirano, tourism is the ragione di vita and homestays are plentiful. Ours doesn’t come with meals, but as our nonna will point out, it’s stocked with the true necessities: coffee, pasta and olive oil. SNOW-CAPPED GLACIERS...MEDIEVAL ALPINE VILLAGES, & AN UNEXPECTED HEIDI MOMENT KAREN T. BARTLETT Travel Editor The Bernina Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct | Karen T. Bartlett
December 2023 North Naples News | 41 THE GLITCH, THE MISCALCULATION AND THE HEIDI MOMENT We’ve booked overnights at each end of our train trip to explore each of the two medieval towns. The day before our journey, our room reservations near the Chur train station fall through, but there’s an option just two short train stops farther north. Our hostess texts that she’ll collect us at the new station. We’ll stop for groceries in the next village, and then on to our lodging. The reason for the grocery run soon becomes clear: our very remote cabin turns out to be another half-hour drive straight up a mountain. Rustic enough outside, it’s artfully luxurious within. The tinkling of cowbells alerts us to the small delegation of Switzerland’s famous gold and white cows peeking between the cedars to check out the newly arrived humans. From our panoramic kitchen window, we’ll watch the Bernina ExpressYour Travel Guide Spectacular views reward ambitious hikers to the peak at Kurhaus Sennis near Walenstadt. A bus takes summertime visitors to the meadow below. | C.Y. Bartlett 16th Century Basilica della Madonna di Tirano | Karen T. Bartlett
42 | North Naples News December 2023 Bernina ExpressYour Travel Guide The iconic Swiss cows that graze all summer on the mountaintops produce some of the world’s finest chocolates and cheeses. Each September, they return to their valleys in colorful processions, bedecked in greenery and flowers. | Roger Ganter, shutterstock Church spire above the alpine village of Berschis, Walenstadt | Karen T. Bartlett Alp Glüm/Palu Glacier | Karen T. Bartlett For global and one-country Eurail passes, visit eurail.com sunrise glistening on a jagged range of snow-capped alps. At sunset the vast sky turns orange as the sun drops below the peaks. We have our wildflower meadow. In one direction is the trailhead to a near-vertical waterfall, and in the other, a challenging ascent through primeval forests to a soaring glacial peak that presides over a sparkling ice-blue lake and a vast summertime meadow awash in purple, white and yellow wildflowers. It’s all, in fact, very much like the very place where Heidi’s author spent her alpine summers. Which happens to be barely more than a bike ride away. Thank you, travel gods. TRAIN DETAILS Rhaetian Railway, est. 1889, runs The Bernina Express and her sister train, the Glacier Express. Both are included in the vast 33-country Eurail system but require confirmed reservations and extra fees. Most passengers start in Chur, spend the day or overnight at the southern terminus, and hop back aboard for the return to St. Moritz or Chur. First-class tickets (worth the extra cost!) secure luxurious private car seating with extra perks. Photo tip: for the perfect non-glare shot, stake out your spot at the open window at either end of your car as the train approaches the Landwasser Viaduct. Glacier Express, which bills itself as the world’s slowest express train, takes eight hours to travel 180 miles between St. Moritz and the postcard-perfect town of Zermatt (the Matterhorn). It covers some of the same route as the Bernina Express, including the Landwasser Viaduct. An Excellence Class ticket includes a five-course meal with wine pairing. See both at rhb.ch/en.
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44 | North Naples News December 2023 In today’s fast-paced world, living a healthy life is a goal that often feels like an uphill battle. We are surrounded by a multitude of chemicals and toxins in our environment, from the air we breathe to the food we eat, and even the products we use daily. It’s an alarming reality, but there are steps we can take to minimize our exposure and lead healthier lives. In my article last month, we started describing the stark reality of this chemical-laden world and I gave you some advice on how we can make informed choices for a healthier, toxin-free lifestyle. Today, we will focus on some common toxic culprits and learn how to avoid them the best we can. Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA is one such scary chemical. It makes its way into a lot of food and drink packaging, Tupperware, plastic containers, and many canned foods. BPA can have a very disruptive effect on the body. It disrupts normal estrogen metabolism, increases the risk of diabetes and weight gain, and contributes to developmental delays and ADHD in children, to name a few. In manufacturing, A SMART PERSON’S GUIDE BPA is often added to known human carcinogens such as vinyl chloride. What to do? Here are some useful tips: • Avoid water and sports bottles made with any plastic, even if it is labeled “BPA-free,” because they are likely to contain other harmful BPA substitutes. • When you go for takeout food, bring your own glass or stainlesssteel food containers, to avoid using heated plastic. • In general, avoid the use of any plastic containers, especially in the heat, like in a car. • Do not heat or microwave any plastic containers and do not wash them in a dishwasher. • If you absolutely must use plastic— carefully look at the recycling codes on the bottom and avoid numbers 3,6, and 7—as they are likely to be the most toxic. • Try to eat fresh foods and avoid the use of canned foods and drinks. DR. KOGAN Concierge Holistic Internal Medicine TO THE TOXIC WORLD
December 2023 North Naples News | 45 The author of Diet Slave No More!, Svetlana Kogan, MD is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience. :: CustomLongevity.com | 239.676.6883 Buy milk and other liquid food like soups sold in glass containers instead. • If possible, buy food and produce which are not wrapped in plastic. The food we consume is a significant contributor to our daily chemical intake. Modern agriculture relies heavily on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to maximize crop yields. These chemicals can leave residues on the fruits and vegetables we consume. I usually recommend buying ‘USDA organic’ labeled food. This way you can be sure that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic, which means they are free of synthetic additives, artificial preservatives, colors, chemical pesticides, and toxic fertilizers. The label also ensures that the food was not processed using industrial solvents and that no bioengineering was involved. This automatically means that the foods are non-GMO. If USDA organic food is not available where you live, the next best thing is a “made with organic ingredients” label. Regardless, remember to rinse all your produce before using it. Use a reputable vegetable cleaner or mix clean warm water with baking soda or white vinegar (in a ratio of one part vinegar to four parts water). Soak and mildly agitate produce for five minutes, then rinse with clean water. Sea salt can also be used as an abrasive agent to clean produce skin. Reducing exposure to chemicals and toxins is smart, but it is essential to be realistic. We cannot eliminate all risks, but we can minimize them. Start small and make gradual changes. Incorporate a few organic foods into your diet, avoid plastic containers and packaging, and switch to natural cleaning products or personal care products. Over time, these changes can add up to a significant reduction in your chemical exposure. We are surrounded by a multitude of chemicals and toxins in our environment, from the air we breathe to the food we eat, and “ even the products we use daily.”
46 | North Naples News December 2023 PREPARING YOUR HOME Your house is on the market and you’re hoping that potential buyers fall in love. In order to make sure your property is properly prepared for prospective buyers before your open house and that it stands out from other homes for sale in Naples, consider these four simple tips. INVEST IN NEW BATHROOM TOWELS AND ACCESSORIES As the saying goes, love is in the details. And when your home is on the market, every detail matters. That’s why it’s important to offer buyers a sense of luxury in your loo by giving it a spa-like atmosphere. On open house day, this can mean staging the en suite bath in your primary bedroom with items like plush towels and robes, loofah sponges, soaps, and candles. Consider adding plants for a lush vibe. Do everything you can to make your bathroom feel like a destination so that when potential buyers visit your space they’ll feel like they’ve stepped into their own private retreat. CREATE INVITING DINING Be sure to set your dining table on the day of your open house. Not only will potential buyers see how their families may dine, they’ll also be able to visualize how they might entertain guests. And don’t forget spaces like breakfast bars. Make sure there’s seating and place settings there, too. House hunters will be able to imagine their family enjoying a leisurely breakfast on weekends, or the kids having an after school snack. Be sure that your table decor fits with the theme and vibe of your interior design. (Do remember to keep things relatively neutral, though). MAKE YOURSELF SCARCE Throughout your open house there may be many individuals and families who cross the doors of your home. If you’re tempted to attend the event and introduce yourself to potential buyers, you wouldn’t be alone—many sellers would probably want to, too. Resist the temptation, though. It’s almost never a good idea. Your presence would likely inhibit buyers’ ability to freely express their opinions and feelings as they evaluate your home, and negatively impact their overall experience and impression of your residence. While you’re away, be sure to carry your pets with you. A barking or roaming fur baby may be a turnoff for some homebuyers. GET RID OF ODORS Before open house day, make sure the interior of your home smells fresh. However, avoid using things like incense, plugin air fresheners, and heavy aerosols, since their scents could be off-putting to some buyers. Simply give your home a thorough cleaning and proper ventilation before the event. ALEXANDRA JANZ Broker Associate & Luxury Properties Specialist William Raveis-Florida, LLC 239.315.1079 | www.ajnaplesrealty.com FOR AN OPEN HOUSE “ Not only will potential buyers see how their families may dine, they’ll also be able to visualize how they might entertain guests.”
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48 | North Naples News December 2023 Jasper Flats is a 54-villa community on a quiet Naples street. Its residences project clean lines and contemporary profiles that take their inspiration from the bold geometrics of Mid-Century Modern architecture, rendering them in a rich palette as earthy and organic as Florida’s native flatwoods. Jasper Flats’ developers are pleased to announce that their first showcase unit is now 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 presold Phase One and Two units are completed, new units will also come available for occupancy later this year. Priced from the low $400,000s. 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 three-bedroom units are available, the latter with full upper-floor suites. Individual Villa walks and driveways are installed in value-adding brick JASPER FLATS OPENS ON-SITE SALES ‘MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN - MILES FROM THE CROWD’ LUCITT & CO. 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
December 2023 North Naples News | 49 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 lights are also included. All units are pre-wired 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, wideprofile 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 unit’s exterior. Jasper Flats is south of Davis Boulevard, between County Barn Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard, via GPS, the address is 5767 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, [email protected], or Cheryl Deering, [email protected], 239.691.4455. Sales representatives will be on-site Sunday noon-5 p.m., Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday-Saturday by appointment only. Pre-scheduled showings are appreciated. 1350 1555 - Unit A Lower 1350 1555 - Unit A Upper
50 | North Naples News December 2023 BOOK REVIEW reviewed by anna karras his is the story of Jack and Elizabeth and a portrait of their marriage, although think less of a Sears studio photo and more of a still life oil painting—lots of layers of paint laid down to make a rich and glistening image that your eyes sink into, roaming from object to object. Jack and Elizabeth meet in 1992 in Chicago when they are both alone in the world and just starting college. They come from drastically different backgrounds, though equally horrible. Jack is the product of a loveless marriage from the Kansas plains, Elizabeth the descendant in a long line of East Coast entrepreneurs who made their money in shady business practices, her father the latest incarnation. Both are desperate to redefine themselves as their own persons, free from the shackles of a miserable childhood. They are young, idealistic, artists. Together they feel invincible. Fast-forward twenty years and Jack and Elizabeth are married, have a young son named Toby, and are struggling with the realities of middle age. They feel isolated from each other, dissatisfied with their careers (Jack teaches art at the local university, Elizabeth works for a research facility that focuses on debunking health fads), and grappling with the best way to raise a son in a technological age. Their dreams and ideals from their youth seem distant, as does that wild bloom of love they felt for each other in their early years. The question is, do they have what it takes to make it work? Flipping back and forth between the past and the present, Hill reconstructs not just their marriage, but also the secret foundations of their motivations and actions that spring from childhood. Woven into this are Hill’s trademark quirky ruminations about the juggernaut of the “wellness” craze and the science of feeding picky toddlers, as well as larger themes such as why art is important and if we can ever really know truth. Told with equal parts humor and heartbreak, Hill’s novel will make you laugh, squeeze your heart, and leave you thinking about it long after you finish. ∞ AUTHOR'S PROFILE Nathan Hill’s debut novel (The Nix, 2015) was an award-winning New York Times bestseller. In September, Oprah Winfrey chose Wellness to be the next pick in her book club. Originally from Iowa, Hill has been living in Naples, Florida with his wife for many years and used to teach creative writing at Florida Gulf Coast University. T WELLNESS: A NOVEL by Nathan Hill Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf 624 Pages $30.00 US