Grandeur Magazine - October 2018 by Grandeur Magazine

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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2018

16 GRAND FACES

Marco Island novelist Jill Baguchinsky empowers teens to find their inner uniqueness. Keith Raygor engages the imagination with his magic and comedy. London Amara reveals key insights to life with her dramatic photography.

22 MODEL BEHAVIOR

The Cabin: This model home at Babcock Ranch evokes the feeling of a rustic mountain retreat with the coastal affluences of Southwest Florida.

31 COVER STORY

These six Southwest Floridians are making their marks in the arts, regionally and beyond. One you’ve probably heard on TV or in the movies, another leads the way in music with an all-female brass band. All abound in talent and love for the arts.

57 GRAND RIDE

Ron Patterson’s 1971 Cutlass Supreme made its national debut this summer with much acclaim.

IN THIS ISSUE 12 Editor’s Letter

47 Shopping

14 The Colors Page

50 Getaway

27 Dining 41 Pets

67 Make it a Double

60 Grand Case

70 Behind the Benefit

62 Open Door

72 Grand Times

27 GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 7

HIGH STYLE FASHION at LOW PRICES

CELEBRATING THE GOOD LIFE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Part of the USA TODAY Network | Volume 17, Number 1

Publisher

William R. Barker

Editor | General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kkinsey@grandeurmagazine.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel ldaywalt@grandeurmagazine.com Associate Editor Pamela Hayford phayford@grandeurmagazine.com Contributing writers

Gina Birch, Stephanie Borden, Cathy Chestnut, Sara Coggin, Tricia O’Connor, Jennifer Thomas, Andrea Stetson

Contributing photographers Dorothy Edwards, Amanda Inscore, Andrea Melendez, Logan Newell, Nicole Raucheisen, Brian Tietz, Andrew West

GIFT CARDS MAKE THE

Perfect Gift

Vice President Advertising Sales, The News–Press

Nancy M. Solliday

Vice President Advertising Sales, Naples Daily News

Shawna Devlin

Dennis Wright drwright@grandeurmagazine.com

Production Director

Advertising Account Executive Nicole Holey nholey@grandeurmagazine.com Director Circulation Distribution Jim Keeble jkeeble@gannett.com C O M P A N Y

S T O R E

Circulation Support and Logistics Manager

Cheryl Cushman ccushman@gannett.com

Distribution Manager Brian Franz bfranz@gannett.com

ON THE COVER

OVER

140 OUTLET STORES & RESTAURANTS UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICES

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8 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

A detail from Paul Arsenault’s “Old Naples Alley” painting. The cottage on the left is part of the Arsenault property. The alley is now paved though Paul Arsenault has painted this view many times, and paints it as though it is still unpaved and as if the Gulf of Mexico is still visible in the distance (though the view is blocked today by a large house). Read more about Paul Arsenault’s home and property on page 62. Grandeur is published 8 times a year. Complimentary copies are home delivered to The News-Press and Naples Daily News subscribers in select neighborhoods throughout Lee and Collier counties. Subscriptions to the magazine are $24.95, and single copies are available at The News-Press and Naples Daily News offices, and at various locations throughout Lee and Collier counties. To read the free e-edition visit grandeurmagazine.com. To advertise: 239-335-0457 To subscribe: 239-335-0211 To reach the editor: editor@grandeurmagazine.com

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grand | EXTRAS

Soon you can explore the Grand life anywhere you go with our new mobile-friendly website. It’s the same URL — grandeurmagazine.com — but a whole new experience with free access to all we have to offer. From galas and fine dining to the amazing homes of Southwest Florida, look for our new site this fall.

Plan for your future. And theirs. We promise trusted advice and tailored solutions. After years of hard work, you want to see your efforts pay off—literally. Our team of professionals takes the time to understand where you’re coming from and answers any questions you may have. Then we create a sound investment plan that best fits your unique financial goals—leaving you more time to enjoy the achievements of your life and work. At Busey, we are dedicated to enhancing and preserving your financial future—simplifying the complexities around your finances while maximizing the opportunities available to you. Whatever your dream, our wealth management team can guide you through every important financial decision.

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Like us on Facebook @GrandeurMagazine

Read any issue of Grandeur on Issuu at issuu. com/grandeur2

Grandeur Advisory Board The board is a group designed to help ensure that our coverage of the good life in Southwest Florida reaches the high expectations we always strive to meet.

Susan Bennett

President, Susan Bennett Marketing & Media

Gail Markham

busey.com 239.790.8000 10 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A.

Dwayne Bergmann Principal/ Designer Dwayne Bergmann, LLC

Larry Norris

Founder, Norris Furniture & Interiors

Karen Johnson– Crowther

Principal, Director of Retail Services, Colliers International

Robbie Roepstorff President, Edison National Bank

Tracey Galloway

CEO of Community Cooperative

Jennifer Williams

Owner, Jennifer’s Inc.

grand | EDITOR’S LETTER

We’re back … with big news!

12 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ

Kathryn poses, on location at the Waterside Shops in Naples, in an Altuzarra EOS printed A-line dress with feather design, Coltra lambskin letaher jacket by The Row provided by Saks Fifth Avenue, and walnut locket necklace provided by Tory Burch.

hile you’ve been enjoying the slower days of summer, the Grandeur staff has been hard at work researching the most beautiful homes in our area, uncovering the hottest Southwest Florida fashion trends and compiling a list of must-have cocktails and fine dining experiences, all to share with our readers this coming season. We’ve also kept busy with a redesign of grandeurmagazine.com. This new mobile-friendly website complements our print product with the same Grand experience we offer each month. From sharing profiles on our accomplished neighbors to taking you on exciting travel excursions, we have it all right at your fingertips. Our cover story this month shares six of these talented locals making their marks in the arts. From an internationally acclaimed voice who is content with staying behind the scenes to the art director at the helm of the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery with a passion for advancing the icon’s legacy, starting on page 31. We also spotlight a select sampling of performing arts highlights to kick-start your planning, page 38. Art is everywhere in this issue. We introduce you to Penelope a 6-year-old mixed breed canine that has become a muse to pet portrait artist Gretchen “KISH’ Serrano in our Grand Pets feature, page 41. You’ll tour the artistic retreat owned by Paul and Eileen Arsenault. This century-old oasis in the heart of Old Naples has hosted famous and creative guests, page 62. For the past 40 years, Abuse Counseling & Treatment Inc. has brought critical support to thousands of people in our community. To mark this milestone, the Arts for ACT Fine Art Auction and Gala raises funds to continue this mission. You’ll meet this year’s passionate co-chairs Jennifer L. Benton, Marc Collins and Stephen Blanchett, pages 70. Even this month’s Grand Ride is a work of art. Get behind the wheel of a classic 1971 Cutlass Supreme lovingly maintained by a dedicated son with a life-long promise to keep this iconic ride in the family, page 57. Lastly, don’t forget to check out our Grand Events, page 72, for pics from an abundance of summer gatherings throughout Southwest Florida. It’s great to be back and especially exciting to share what makes our piece of paradise so amazing with more readers than ever. Enjoy!

KATHRYN ROBINSON KINSEY EDITOR & GENERAL MANAGER

Have you thought about what you will do if, someday, your heart needs help? We’d like to suggest that you (and your heart) turn to us. Our dedicated cardiac care team works for you. We can help you prevent heart disease. And, if you ever need the tools, techniques and talent to meet a complex situation head on, our doctors are right here. Every day. For you. Take our new heart risk assessment at HeartHealthPRHS.com to get heart health tips and information you can share with your physician. Or, we can introduce you to a member of this team.

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Left to Right: Leandro Perez-Segura, M.D.**, Richard Prewitt, M.D.*, Louis Wasserman, M.D.**, Vinh Luu, M.D.*, Sarah deLeon Mansson, D.O.*, Carlos Cuello, M.D.**, Daniel Masvidal, M.D.**, Mouhannad Dalao, M.D.**, Ahmet Gursoy, M.D.**, George Gamouras, M.D.**, Andrew Yin, M.D.**, Joseph Califano, M.D.**, Kenneth Plunkitt, M.D.** Not pictured: Ariel De La Rosa, M.D.**, Ryan Houk, M.D.**, Ronald L. Levine, M.D.**, Roland Werres, M.D.** *Members of the Medical Staff of Physicians Regional Healthcare System **Independent Members of the Medical Staff of Physicians Regional Healthcare System

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 13 103391_PHPIN_CARD_11x12_5c.indd 1

8/29/18 9:32 AM

grand | COLORS

Polarized perfection •

Sunglasses have long been the accessory that epitomizes cool, and no one produces polarized sunnies cooler than Costa. These Del Mar acetate frames feature a timeless round shape with keyhole nose-bridge. The medium fit suits most face shapes. Available in four colorways, we’re partial to the mocha tortoiseshell with hints of turquoise and chartreuse tucked into its chocolatey base. Starting at $249, available through Elmquist Eye Group in south Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

Anything but

Curve appeal • The dizzying collection

of white and chocolate diamonds in this Le Vian yellow gold ring may capture your initial attention, but the ring’s sculptural design will keep you rapt for the rest of your life. Sensual curves embrace at the crown and as the ring itself wraps playfully around your finger. Price available upon request. Available at the Diamond District in Estero.

BASIC T

errible name. Terrific color. If brown were defined simply by its true name, no one would pay any attention to the earthy, organic, and quite honestly, complementary hue. But when you pair it with fashionable names like mocha, tawny, chestnut or coffee, suddenly everyone wants to be a brown-eyed girl. The warm color is equal parts wholesome, reliable, secure and elegant. It’s a gentler neutral than stark black or white, and plays well with virtually every other color, especially green. So while it may be safe, brown is anything but basic. — TRICIA O’CONNOR

Keeping time • Luxury-inspired but without the exclusive price point, the Belfort watch is crafted from stainless steel and genuine leather. Heavily influenced by architecture, with a powerful crown shape and fine details like a dotted steel face and coffee-colored leather band, the watch is masculine, but its textures make it a modern standout. Water resistant and assembled in the USA, the Belfort Watch comes with a 10-year warranty on case and construction. $645 at modernmademan.com.

14 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Plant based • Elevate your garden,

green room or home with these beautiful, woodsy teak ball pots. They’re perfect for orchids or other small potted plants. Each one is unique and brings an organic, earthy element to any décor. $62 for the 8-inch ball pot, $110 for the 12-inch. Find yours at R.S. Walsh Landscaping’s In the Garden on Sanibel.

Haute hoot • Bring a bit

of wilderness into your home with this gorgeous, shimmery pillow and pillow cover. Evoking the exotic feather patterns found in brown owls, the plush faux fur on both sides has subtle variations of color, shading and patterns. Equally glamorous as living room or bedroom throw pillows. $16-$22 for the pillows, $79$99 for the covers at williamsonoma.com.

Details, details • From

the orange crown to the burgundy handles and from the double-toggle zipper to the detachable cross-body strap, the latest incarnation of the Tuileries handbag from Louis Vuitton is all about the details. Designers at the renowned fashion house created a visual feast for saddle-bag lovers with an eye-catching mix of monogram canvas, tricolor leather and twin Toron handles. This is the must-have bag for transitioning from fall to winter. $2,630 at us.louisvuitton.com.

Table that thought • Soft shapes make this brown beauty

alluring to the eye. With a top in glossy glass Bordeaux, the Concorde table’s frame and structure are made with black elm. The Sophie chairs and Jane bench complement with simple lines and black elm legs on the chairs and glossy brown nickel on the bench. All by Poliform. $8,886, Concorde table; $2,993 each, Sophie chair ($2,571 without armrests); $3,723 for the Jane bench at Richlin International, Miromar Design Center, Estero.

Working girl • Who does the Heritage check blazer make you think of? If you answered

Diane Keaton and Melanie Griffith, the iconic actresses who brought the 1980s working woman’s wardrobe into high fashion, then you’re correct. Proving that blazers are indeed timeless, the Heritage features a timeless tawny color, faux double breast and a relaxed, streamlined shape. Layer it over a simple white top and jeans for a chic menswear look. $250 at Jennifer’s in Fort Myers.

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 15

grand | FACES

OUTSIDER

ART

Marco Island novelist empowers teens to find their inner uniqueness.

arco Island is a slow-paced barrier island with a rich archeological legacy left behind by the Calusa long ago. But the specter of the vanished natives isn’t what draws writer Jill Baguchinsky to themes of paleontology and paranormal activities, or teenage angst, set against the backdrop of the island, where she moved as an infant. Her interests were fueled by her close encounter to the impressive T. rex skeleton at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City as a youngster and the 1990 release of the novel “Jurassic Park.” She’s gobbled up Stephen King since she was 10 or 11, and can’t walk away from a horror flick. “I’m warped,” she declares. As for teen angst, the voracious reader has felt like an outsider since she was a Lely High School student toiling away on her first novel (about an Irish werewolf roaming Marco Island). The lifelong islander, 39, will be hitting the road soon to promote her second young adult novel, “Mammoth” (Turner Publishing Company), set to launch November 6. Here’s how she describes the girl-empowering plot: “It’s the story of a teenaged, plus-size fashion blogger and paleontology geek who lands an internship

at an Ice Age dig site. To stand out in the field, she has to find — to dig up — her true awesomeness.” The main character, Natalie, 16, is a rising junior with a serious self-esteem deficit who has created what Jill calls “her armor” as a defense against bullies. “She created a persona: vintage clothes, dark eyeliner and heavy lipstick. That sort of thing doesn’t work well when you’re digging in the dirt or prospecting for fossils, so she has to be herself and find her true confidence,” Jill says. It also celebrates females working in STEM fields as Natalie — from a fictional Florida town that local readers might recognize as Naples — heads to a Texas dig site based on Waco Mammoth National Monument. It explores body positivity, bullying and finding passion and integrity — along with light romance. This follows her “Spookygirl: Paranormal Investigator,” published by Dutton in 2012 after Jill beat out 10,000 other contenders in a competition run by Amazon and Penguin for writers unable to break into the publishing world. “Spookygirl” — about a Marco teen who can see ghosts and is grappling with her mother’s mysterious death — earned the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in Young Adult Fiction and a publishing contract.

STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT | PHOTO BY DOROTHY EDWARDS

16 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Jill Baguchinsky in her Marco Island home. Jill’s second book “Mammoth” is publishing November 6.

Her love of reading led Jill to become a writer. “My mother jokes, even at the dinner table, I would eat with one hand and have a book in the other, because I was constantly reading,” she says with a laugh. She earned a degree in liberal arts from Florida Gulf Coast University, where she took a broad range of history and anthropology, psychology, literature and writing courses. “I tried to take things that would be helpful when I was writing books,” she says. The self-proclaimed homebody likes to keep her hands busy on artistic projects. She knits, embroiders, hand quilts, sews and embraces DIY projects — “whatever grabs my attention. It’s just the creative process, like writing.” Jill is a freelance writer and graphic designer who assists with websites, blogging and marketing. For 11 years, she had her own Etsy store, called Mint Conspiracy. She sold little plush monsters, which she describes as “squeeful,” that she handstitched herself, inspired by her family’s toy store, Teddy & Friends. “After years of hand sewing thousands, I was literally burned out. It’s fun to make the first monster, but after 2,000, it gets a little old,” she says. This summer, she was diligently creating keychains to pass out at book-signing and speaking engagements. They feature metal charms that represent elements of paleontology: a shovel, a small hand brush and a bone. Paleontology is in her bones. “I was just always one of those kids who was super into dinosaurs,” she says. “I never grew out of that.”

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 17

grand | FACES

MAGICAL INSPIRATION More than a magician, Keith Raygor engages imaginations with music and comedy in his performances.

eith Raygor hands an audience member a card and asks her to write down the name of a favorite song. Then, without looking at the card, he asks her to sing the song in her head without making a sound. Moments later Keith is at a piano playing the tune. The audience is amazed. People gasp and ask, “How did he do that?” Keith is more than a local magician. He does more than a musical magical show. He’s a man with an extensive background in entertainment that includes being a stage hand for Bruce Springsteen, Boston, Grateful Dead, The Police, Jackson Browne and others. He was a cruise director and an entertainment director. Now he’s known for his Musical Mindreader show, which he performs throughout Southwest Florida. Keith says he got the idea to do something different from the famous magicians Penn & Teller. “Teller does not speak and Penn talks a lot, and that is their thing that sets them apart,” Keith says. “So I thought,

‘What do I have to offer that other people don’t?’ and that is music. I am the only one in the world that does that.” His show spans a variety of tricks and several ways of incorporating music into his acts. “It’s about defining an act that makes you unique,” Keith says. “That’s what drove me to the rhythm of magic and the Musical Mindreader. It was a journey of what can I bring to the stage that no one else can. That defines me.” Keith says it’s a lot more than making an audience wonder how he performs a trick. “It’s about engaging people, involving their imagination,” he explains. “I think the automatic response of most people is ‘How did he do that?’ and that is normal, but I don’t want to leave them there, because that is not the point. My background is theater, so I am more interested in the whole experience, not just the magic, not just the music, but how does it all come together to fill their hearts. The responsibility of an entertainer on stage is to remove them from their everyday issues for an hour or two and just come together as a group and laugh.”

STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE 18 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Keith Raygor

Keith’s career began with drums. “I started drums when I was 7 years old, because my mom needed to find an outlet for my energy,” he says. “Otherwise I was banging on the dining room table.” He was a percussionist in the United States Air Force Band and then traveled around the country playing drums in show bands. But he also has roots in magic. “Magic has been my hobby since I was about 10,” he explains. “It is what kept me grounded when I was on the road playing music. All the other guys were out doing what musicians do. I was always trying to find the local magic store. Back then in the ’70s and ’80s, there were lots of magic shops, and I would buy magic tricks that were made by local craftsmen. By the time I got off the road in 1989, I knew I wanted to try to do magic full time.” Keith moved to Naples in 1989 and began his shows. He does many of his performances at country clubs and top resort hotels. He also does corporate performances, private shows and a weekly show at Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page in Fort Myers. He began his Musical Mindreader act eight years ago. Some of his tricks take months to learn, other’s take years, and yes, tricks have gone wrong on stage. “But I am happy to say that no one in the audience knew,” Keith says. “That is something that would never happen. If something goes wrong, my job is to make sure I still have a fruitful ending, but it may not be the ending I planned on. That comes from years of having a lot of different tools in my tool box, so I can think of two or three ways to get out of it and make it worthy of being on stage. That is my goal to have the ending just as strong as it would have been.” Keith’s goals are more than a happy ending for his tricks. He also aims to use his magic to help others. He was part of the Dramatic Results Troupe, a group that used theater and comedy to conduct corporate training in an entertaining way. Now, besides paid performances, Keith does several for charity. Years ago he did a paid show at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers and saw children with a wide variety of ailments, from cancer to severe injuries. He realized how lucky he was that his own children were healthy. “So I said, ‘I want to come back as often as I can with no charge,’” he says. “So for the next four to six years, I came back. The only thing I told them was I didn’t want any recognition for it.” Every year Keith donates a show to the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County to use in a fundraising auction. He does a free show each year for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and for the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee and for KidsCAN, which is part of the Cancer Alliance of Naples. “I am never bored,” Keith says about his busy schedule. He hopes to be even busier when his dream comes true. “I want to take the act to Europe,” he confides. “I want to tour and bring the Musical Mindreader to theaters in Europe. There is something about being over there, and the people over there. It would really resonate with them. That would be a dream life for me.”

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 19

London Amara poses with her camera on location in Estero.

THE art OF FAILING FORWARD

London Amara finds beauty — and perhaps a key insight to life — in art’s imperfections. rowing up, I don’t remember a line between doing and not doing art. It was just part of my lifestyle,” says artist London Amara about early life in rural Ohio. “I came from a family of makers. My mom has a degree in art education and dad is a hands-on entrepreneur. They were like hippies but without the drugs, Amish without religion.” Today London is a successful and sought-after painter, sculptor and

collodion photographer with a studio in Bonita Springs. Her family vacationed on Vanderbilt Beach, and those childhood memories drew her back to Southwest Florida upon graduation from Columbus College of Art & Design. Renting a small place on Fort Myers Beach, she would kayak to work at the Silver Sands Hotel and remembers, “I thought I had died and gone to heaven.” Eventually working in furniture design, faux finishing, and then real estate, she says, “I was looking for ways to make money, so I could buy STORY BY GINA BIRCH | PHOTOS BY LOGAN NEWELL

20 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

grand | FACES

back my time and space to be able to work on my art.” Inspired by the outdoors, she likes to “throw paint and burn things” using oxidized processes for a bold twist. Photography didn’t come onto her radar until a year ago, and now it is in full focus. She remembers, “I took a class (photography) in college but barely passed. It was too slow and precise, and I didn’t have the patience.” Collodion is anything but your everyday photography. The birth of the art form dates back to the mid-1800s. The process begins in a darkroom that has to be close at hand. In the field, a blackout tent becomes her portable darkroom. She must also haul an array of chemicals, 5-by-7 to 12-by-20 glass slides, and a cumbersome tripod-mounted camera that looks like it belongs in a museum. In the dark tent, she coats a glass or Plexiglas plate with a complex solution that dries in 10 to 15 seconds, creating what London calls “a syrupy surface.” The plate is then submerged in silver nitrate to create light sensitivity. A placeholder protects the glass as it is moved from the darkroom and slipped into the camera, still dripping. The image appears upside down and backward through the viewfinder. Her camera lens comes from an old bomber plane, and the film speed is not 800,

400 or even 200 — it’s 1, and it requires lots of light to work. Immediately after exposure, the plate is returned to the darkroom for processing. “When my first image came through, I was so taken by what was happening in front of me that I cried,” London says. The plate is an exquisite negative. When its image is transferred to paper, it is silvery, almost haunting, and it grabs you. There are very few photographers in the U.S. who do this labor-intensive art, and the results are one of a kind. London is in the middle of a two-year project called First Language, a photo documentary of the places in nature that have played a role in shaping the artist and woman she is today. It might sound counterintuitive, but for her next shoot, she is looking for failure. Instead of shunning imperfections in her plates, she is looking for and finding beauty in them. “It’s failing forward. It’s difficult, because we are programmed to do the best version we can of something.” However, “When I push it to failure, some of the coolest stuff keeps popping up.” Each plate takes about 45 minutes to make, and that doesn’t account for location scouting, equipment hauling and set up. “It’s scary, but it feels like good medicine.” The inspiration came during a frustrating week working out of her father’s garage in Ohio where particles of petroleum in the air were affecting the sensitive chemicals London uses. “I had these wild swirls and white smoky things all over and I kept changing the chemistry to get rid of them.” By the end of the week, she figured it out, but when she looked at the perfect photos, they bored her. Her realization is something that could be applied to many things in life. “The thing I wanted to happen had already happened, it was just different,” she says. “I just needed to relax and enjoy the experience. It took all of that stress to come full circle and for me to realize I was exactly where I wanted to be all along.”

Find photos of London’s work and a video of her in action.

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 21

STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTOS BY AMANDA INSCORE

THE CABIN Somewhere between beach and mountain, this model home at Babcock Ranch evokes a rustic Colorado feel.

Clockwise from above: The Cabin looks like a cottage–style home from the outside, but once inside it looks like a log cabin. • Wooden beams frame the kitchen and soar all the way to the second story. The ceiling beams are all made from Douglas Fir. The floors are made of Cypress. • The master bedroom has touches of a cabin feel with its rustic dresser and nightstands. • All the homes in Babcock Ranch have a front porch. The peaked roof of this porch has the wooden beams that are found throughout the home. • While the house has a rustic feel, the bathrooms and kitchen are modern. A trio of windows brings lots of light into the bathroom.

22 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

grand | MODEL BEHAVIOR

he home is called the Cabin. From the outside people might wonder why. It looks coastal with its wide front porch, taupe colored siding and large picture windows. But once inside it’s obvious why it has that name. The interior looks much like a log cabin with its wood ceilings and floors and thick wooden beams. “I just love all the exposed timbers,” says Ken Fox, owner of Fox Premier Builders. “The feel you get when you go in there feels like nothing else in Florida.” The home is one of four Fox models at Babcock Ranch, and the most unusual. Ken says it was a Babcock tradition that inspired him to design the Cabin. “Back in Babcock, there is an old, old cabin deep inside Babcock,” Ken describes. “We used to have all our builder meetings there. That is the true sense of Babcock, so we said, ‘Let’s put a twist on that cabin.’” The twist is that while it has the old-fashioned log cabin look, it is very modern with its open floor plan, soaring ceilings, loft, mud room and spacious bedrooms. Modern touches continue in the master bathroom with its large glass shower and stone wall, and in the kitchen with its stainless steel appliances and stone backsplash. The Cabin also uses some modern and very energy-efficient building techniques. Behind all the visible wood, the home has six-inch foam core on the interior walls. It is made with 5/8 Huber Zip board and is termite and mold resistant.

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 23

grand | MODEL BEHAVIOR

FROM LEFT: The guest bedroom keeps the cabin theme with its wooden ceiling and thick accent beams. • The family room features a stone fireplace and is framed by a wooden accent that leads to the kitchen and staircase. The ceiling beams are all Douglas fir. The floors are made of Cypress.

“It is plywood with a rubber membrane on the outside, so if it gets exposed to the weather, it is not going to decay, because it has the rubber membrane over it,” Ken explains. The exterior walls are made of Hardie board. The windows have three panes of glass that can withstand 180-mph winds. Yet the modern is framed with an historic look. “It’s a true timber-built frame house,” Ken says. “All those timbers you see are all structure. It is all true natural wood, and it is all pegged. It is all hand built. That is the difference between that and any other house.” There is even a floor-to-ceiling wood column in the laundry room. Ken says that was not intentionally done for aesthetics. “That is actually part of the structure,” he says. “That actually had to be there. It is actually how it happened to lay out. I wish we could take credit for it. Those big wood beams are actually the structure of the house.” Ken says the home was easy to build. The structures were built in a factory and then brought in with a crane. “It kind of went together really easily,” he says, “Putting the timbers together with a peg; that was amazing.” Ken says it’s that look that makes it so special. “It is just that feel,” he explains. “It has that quaint cabin feel like you are on vacation. This is something special.” When Ken began planning the Cabin, he originally hired an interior designer, but the designer wasn’t getting his vision. So he and his wife, Tracy Fox, did all the interior designing themselves. To keep that rustic cabin look, Ken and Tracy added 24 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

touches that give the home that lodge feel. The white kitchen cabinets have a glazed rustic look. The couch has a vintage, comfortable appearance. “It was from Ashley Furniture,” Tracy says. “They have some really cool, funky pieces in there that you usually can’t find at a brand name store. It is really soft, too.” A wreath of wild cotton hangs on the wall of the master bedroom and in a hallway. “I am from Louisiana, and cotton is just one of those staples that is everywhere,” Tracy says. “I have it on my dining room table.” Tracy says a lot of the design was just done by trying things to see what works. “A lot of it is just test it and see,” she explains. “You kind of lay there in bed and think ‘I wonder how that would look’ and it is either fabulous or terrible.” Working with her husband on the project also helped. “It is neat to be able to run ideas past each other when you don’t have to do it in the office,” she says. “A lot of the ideas come to you when you are cooking dinner, so we have the ability to hash it out all of the time.” The main door of the house leads to the family room with its two-story ceiling covered in wooden planks. The ceiling beams are all Douglas fir. The floors are made of cypress. A stone-framed fireplace nestles along the wall opposite the sofa. A side table that looks like a puzzle of various sizes of wood keeps the theme going. A thick wooden dining room table sits near a large window. Wood beams form a frame around the kitchen and soar all the way to the upper level. Beyond the kitchen a hallway leads to a half bathroom. There’s also a mudroom just off a side entrance to the home. The

lower level also has the laundry room and then finally the master suite. A metal frame bed, cowhide rug and wild cotton wreath create a rustic yet modern feel in the master suite. Upstairs the spacious loft has a peaked ceiling made of wood with additional beams that give it a layered look. The loft overlooks the family room and gives people a closer look at the log ceiling. “I love the loft area,” Tracy says. “I think that is such a neat area up there.” The upstairs bedroom suite has a slanted wooden ceiling with thick cross beams. The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home spans 2,001 square feet under air and 2,814 of total living space. Ken says buyers can easily add more space. “We could add another bedroom and bathroom upstairs,” he explains. “We could make it a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home.” The model also comes with a one-car garage. But that can be made into a two-car garage. Ken also gives people the option of adding a guest apartment over the garage. The home can be built for a buyer starting at $529,000. The furnished model is on sale at $510,000. Ken says the Cabin can appeal to a wide variety of buyers, but he also has a target audience. “I think it’s a middle-age couple to an older couple that is retired that wants to be in Florida, but still wants that Colorado rustic feel,” he says. Ken and Tracy both think the cabin is for anyone who wants something unique. “I love the cabin,” Tracy says. “It is not something that you come across very often. I think it is so cool.”

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grand | DINING

The Tuna Rosini features Fresh tuna topped with seared foie gras at Sails in Naples.

IT’S ALL IN THE

DETAILS Sails Restaurant blends expert hospitality with international fine dining on Fifth Avenue South.

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO GRANDEUR

STORY BY GINA BIRCH

Sealed With a Chois is Sails’ twist on a whiskey sour

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 27

ifth Avenue South in Naples is known for its fine dining, and the addition of Sails Restaurant has upped the ante and the expectations. The vision of Corinne Ryan and Veljko Pavicevic, it is the couple’s first restaurant and they’ve hit it out of the park. They travel to dine and have done so all over the world, gathering inspiration. The idea was to create something that felt homey and inviting but still had elegance, not to mention superb food. Veljko is from Montenegro, a small sovereign state on the Adriatic Sea, near Croatia. His family often spent summer holidays in Greece and this Mediterranean influence can be seen everywhere. He credits the polished hospitality he offers to both his grandmother and the many years he spent working at The Ritz-Carlton. Corinne, born in New Zealand, grew up in Australia and worked for years in the meat import business. “I was trading all over the world,” she says. “It 28 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

gives me a unique perspective to open a restaurant.” Her relationships in the meat and seafood world give Sails an “in” that very few places have, both in selection and price. “We have great quality and value because of my buying strength,” Corinne says. “Take for instance our wagyu; it’s significantly less than most in the area.” The fish counter is the heartbeat of the restaurant and makes an Instagram-worthy photo. There are local selections as well as delicacies from all over the country and the world, flown in fresh almost daily. The kitchen is loaded with what the couple calls the Cadillac of equipment, like a unique oven from Italy that both steams and dry roasts. Cherry wood is used on the grill; it burns hot and adds flavor without overwhelming the sometimes-delicate fish. Sails has a little something for everyone, from Bar Bites starting at $6, happy hour specials and carafes of wine for an extra splash to a full-on fine dining experience with perfectly set tables and impeccable service.

grand | DINING

Start with a sophisticated cocktail, such as the Gin Cin. Made with St. George Terroir gin, passion fruit and wild elderflower, it’s topped with sparkling wine for a refreshing, palate-awakening start to the evening ($14). Sealed With a Chios is a twist on a whiskey sour. Made with rye whiskey, fig, honey and lemon, the top is frothy like a pisco sour, thanks to egg whites — an enjoyable fall treat. The special touches found in Sails are almost too many to mention. The handmade copper lights, water pitchers and heavy wine buckets from Greece, the leather straps supporting bottles in the wine room, and — perhaps my favorite — purse chairs for the ladies. Some of the serving boards are made from the trimmings of a 125-year-old tree that belongs to Veljko’s grandfather in Montenegro. Dining at a restaurant that specializes in both seafood and Mediterranean fare, one can hardly bypass octopus. The night we dined, it was brined, sous vide, then finished on the wood grill before being drizzled in a savory emulsion — cooked to perfection. Decadent and delicious is the tuna Rossini. Fresh tuna is crusted in black and red pepper and then topped with seared foie gras and truffle sauce. Foie gras and tuna? Yes! If you’re craving pasta, Sails makes it fresh daily, and the linguini is mouthwatering. Topped with little neck and razor clams, the pasta is infused with nori sauce. Calabrian chilis add a touch of heat, and the yakitori glaze offers some sweet.

It’s delicate and flavorful at the same time ($24). Sommelier Michael Bevacqua expertly paired this dish with a glass of fresh grenache blanc from France. The wine list is carefully crafted to include a mix of favorite brands, small producers and harder-to-find treasures. A must-try for both flavor and presentation is the scallop. It’s cooked inside of its huge, beautiful shell. Servers open the shell (trimmed in a homemade crust) at the table, and then dress the scallop with a roe and citrus emulsion. No meal is complete without dessert. We opted for the Valrhona chocolate soufflé, battling for the last bite. Prepared tableside, it’s light and fluffy with the right amount of decadence ($18). The menu is seasonal and continues to evolve. A variety of seating is offered and live music in the bar adds to the ambience. The little details are big deals at Sails and it shows both in décor and spirit. “I like to be involved with guests and be like my grandma,” Veljko says, beaming. While at The Ritz, he learned the art of impeccable service but says, “The grandma is truly the beacon of hospitality.” His grandmother died nine years ago, but Veljko says, with eyes glistening, “She is here with us every day, through the hostess stand (antique furniture that belonged to her), the crystal candle holders (also his grandmother’s), and through my stories.” Which are many. — Sails is located at 301 Fifth Ave S, Naples. For more information call 239360-2000 or visit sailsrestaurants.com

OPPOSITE PAGE: Sails’ kitchen is open and loaded with the Cadillac of cooking equipment. • Veljko Pavicevic and Corinne Ryan are the fusion behind Sails. THIS PAGE: The wood grilled octopus is a Sails signature, cooked to perfection. • The wine room is full of special touches for private events or special dinner celebrations. • The pasta is made fresh daily and served in manageable portions. • Sails has lots of fashionable outdoor seating on the trendy corner of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street in Naples.

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 29

grand | COVER STORY

“Everglades IV” by Madeline Sugerman

Artful

EXPERTS From behind-the-scenes masters of their art to all-out celebrity, these six artists make an impact on Southwest Florida and beyond. STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 31

The invisible man rom Disney-Pixar and Sony Pictures movie trailer campaigns to Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks and Katie Couric shows, you have heard his voice everywhere. Ubiquity has made Fort Myers resident Brian Lee the success that he is — though he’s quite content with his off-screen anonymity as a voice talent. “I don’t like adulation. I don’t want it,” says Brian, who attended Cypress Lake High School. He left his junior year to earn his GED and pursue his passion. Today, Brian, 48, is demure about his phenomenal success. “I read out loud into a microphone and get paid for it,” he is likely to shrug. Brian has contracts with more than 70 radio and television stations across the nation. His voice is heard daily on WINK News and on television stations in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and beyond. He is primarily a “promo” guy who announces what’s coming up: “On the next ‘Shameless’ on Showtime…” or TV news, “Find out what the governor had to say tonight at 6...” A member of the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Brian voices the promos for “Entertainment Tonight” and heavy-hitters on cable and subscription channels, streaming services and movie studios: DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Warner Bros., CNBC, CBS and NBC. He sets the tone for “Shark Tank,” “Jay Leno’s Garage” and many sporting events on NBC Sports. “I would say that 98 percent of what I do is all about what’s coming up, what day and what time — that really sums up my life,” Brian says. He’s being humble, of course, because he helps build the excitement and anticipation of young theatergoers for the next “Goosebumps,” “Hotel Transylvania” or “Angry Birds” movie, and has voiced longer features. Because of the ability to deliver his voice over the internet, Brian can live anywhere, but he has built his business and delivered the goods — his voice — since 1993 from his high-tech home studio in Lee County, while helping raise his daughter, Taylor Kennedy, 19, a singer-songwriter studying in Nashville, Tennessee. He attributes his success to the broad experience and technical knowledge he gained in Naples and Fort Myers beginning in radio. Both of Brian’s parents worked in the media, and his father spurred his passion for the broadcasting business. The family was living in Albany, Georgia, when at age 13 32 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Brian was invited into a Top 40 AM station to push buttons and play music at night. Later, he became a part-time disc jockey for a country music station. His family moved to Lee County in 1985 for his father’s job at WEVU (now ABC-7). As a high school sophomore, Brian became a part-time weekend DJ at Top 40 WINK-FM. “That was the place to be. It was the No. 1 station in town,” he recalls. He “popped around” to different stations, working his way up to producing on-air commercials by the age of 17 at WRGI in Naples. Brian returned to WINK-FM as production manager until 1991. There, he was mentored in sophisticated multi-track production by station manager and radio personality C. David Bennett (real name Bob Grissinger, owner of Bennett’s Fresh Roast today). In 1991, Brian’s boss from Naples hired him away to a radio station in Richmond, Virginia. That’s where Brian began freelancing production and voice-over side jobs. It was so lucrative, he built his own studio, amassing many stations on retainer, and moving back to Lee County in 1993. He and his father established a high-tech studio, Advantage Productions. Ad agencies throughout the region came calling, and clients turned to his professional studio for post-production services. “I had a digital studio with a music and sound-effects library, which could create more elaborate commercials, using voice-over talents from all over the world,” he says. “There was nothing like it.” From 1997 to 2010, Brian owned and operated Sky Audio Productions and began reaching out to agents in New York and Photo by AMANDA INSCORE

Behind the silver screen, Brian Lee is content being a household voice.

Los Angeles. What’s been his secret to success? Being diversified is important, he says, and responsive and efficient. It certainly helped to understand the radio and network television production process. To keep his vocal chords in shape, he is careful to remain hydrated and rested and says cardio workouts boost vocal energy. Voice artists are chosen for their interpretation of all kinds of scripts through inflection, emotion, pacing, tone and pitch. “You kind of strike gold if you have a tone people like,” he says. Being willing to step up to a microphone at 2 a.m. during the roll-out of a movie campaign helps, too. Movie trailers and television network promos are the Holy Grail “and I hit that a long time ago. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t appreciate it,” he says. “I’m proud of my accomplishments but not a proud person. It’s a hard thing to explain.”

grand | COVER STORY

A waxing medium Naples Art Association teacher Madeline Sugerman launched a Southwest Florida chapter of International Encaustic Artists to promote this timeless art form. ments or oil paints. Regardless, the result is a highly textured, layered image, sometimes elevated to sculptural. “When people see encaustic art, they don’t know what it is, but they connect with it. There’s something about the layering of the art, the translucency, the movement, fusing of the colors, fusing of the wax,” Madeline says. “Also the texture — that’s very important.” When making a second home in Naples nine years ago, she immediately got involved with the Naples Art Association and United Arts Council of Collier County to meet like-minded artists. Earlier this year, she launched SWFL Wax, a chapter of International Encaustic Artists. “The awareness of encaustic art in Southwest Florida is really not up to where it is in other parts of the country, like Miami, New York, Los Angeles and Santa Fe,” Madeline laments. Madeline, 65, has been an artist since she was a child, so she first earned a bachelor’s in fine arts in painting, graduating cum laude from Lehman College in New York City. Then, she decided to take the path more profitable, and assured, by earning another degree in interior design and establishing a large, successful firm in Atlanta. At a Dunwoody, Georgia, design center, she enrolled in an encaustic workshop seven years ago and hasn’t looked back. “I fell in love with the process. It frees you up, so you don’t have to worry about every little line. Encaustic painting enables you as an artist to look at a more abstract view of what you are creating, and Photo special to GRANDEUR

adeline Sugerman believes that encaustic painting has gotten the short shrift in the visual art world, and she’s out to change that. Encaustic painting is done using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. Also known as hot wax painting, several other elements or components can be added to the mix, such as resins or linseed oil, or powdered pig-

that’s freeing,” she says. Many of hers are abstractions of nature and the landscape, though practitioners of the encaustic technique since the Egyptian era have created intricate portraits. Today, Madeline is specializing in a different technique — the cold wax method, which doesn’t employ heat but incorporates oil paint. “I loved it even more. I became obsessed with cold wax,” says Madeline, who took an intensive workshop in Berkeley, California, this summer and is heading to Ireland in March for another. “I’m not going to study techniques, but how to advance my thinking for my intentions for my painting.” Madeline teaches encaustic painting and collage and cold wax at the NAA and in Punta Gorda. “There are many artists who now want to do it, which is why I am teaching,” she says. Establishing SWFL Wax about eight months ago was another way to expand artists’ expertise and the general public’s appreciation for the timeless art form. There are 10 members who meet once a month to expand their knowledge — a solid beginning considering encaustic’s relative obscurity. Already three exhibitions are planned this season: at FineMark National Bank & Trust in Estero and on the second floor of the NAA, both in October, and another in November and December at the Punta Gorda Visual Arts Center. “A lot of these artists are not ready for a one-person show or galleries. It’s a great way to get them to exhibit their work,” she says. Santa Fe, New Mexico, is home of the nonprofit Encaustic Art Institute, located at the Museum of Encaustic Art, which proclaims that encaustic “is arguably the fastest-growing art medium in the world.” In 2017, Madeline’s “Continuum C” was included in the museum’s national, juried exhibition, “Global Warming is REAL.” Madeline was thrilled that it was added into the museum’s permanent collection. Her work has also been shown at Rookery Bay and other galleries and exhibitions, earning awards. Though she and her husband, Randy, are inching closer to becoming full-time Neapolitans to be closer to their grandson, Madeline enjoys her 2,000-square-foot studio in Macon, Georgia, and “just working on my craft. Every time I am done with a painting, I set it aside and depart from it and think about what I can do to improve the next one.”

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 33

grand | COVER STORY

Broadway in our midst Carolann Sanita shares her international stage experience with local audiences, performing arts groups and budding Southwest Florida talent.

34 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

over,” she says, noting that it was Broadway composer and singer Craig Carnelia (“Working,” “Sweet Smell of Success”) who “changed the way I act through singing. I auditioned and was lucky enough to get in. He changed my life — the way I approach a piece. I still take that with me to my students.” Carolann and Gerritt team up for a cabaret-style program, “An Evening with Rodgers and Hammerstein,” a fun collaboration with a pianist. Based on extensive research, Carolann offers snippets of interesting anecdotes about plays such as “Carousel,” “The King and I,” “Oklahoma!,” “The Sound of Music” and “South Pacific” that made the revolutionary work of the composers timeless classics destined for the “Great American Songbook.” The “Evening” tends to sell out at local venues, she says. “The way that they wrote really speaks to people on a personal level. Rodgers and Hammerstein were actually kind of ahead of their time. They wrote about things people were afraid talk about: conflict through our feelings, through society,” she says. “They didn’t shy away from the bad stuff. The main objective is to write something your audience can relate to” Carolann is headed to California in February to perform in “Judy and Liza” at the Palladium Concert with the Santa Rosa Symphony. Before that, she can be seen in TheatreZone’s December holiday show, “Home for the Holidays,” and the Photo by DOROTHY EDWARDS

hough she is formally trained in opera, Carolann Sanita has a deep affection for musical theater. It’s a passion that transported her as the character Marian on the first national tour of the Broadway remake of “The Music Man” and through Europe and Asia as Maria in “West Side Story.” The native of New York City met her husband, Gerritt VanderMeer, while he was playing opposite of her in the lead role of Harold Hill — the music man. Gerritt decided not to return to Los Angeles after the tour’s run but to move to the Big Apple to be with Carolann. The couple relocated with their young son, Cooper, to Estero seven years ago when Gerritt accepted the position of associate professor of theater at Florida Gulf Coast University. “He moved to New York for me, which was nice. So I moved to Florida for him,” she says. Carolann has been an adjunct voice professor at FGCU for six years — one of multiple ways she’s made cultural connections in Lee and Collier counties. Audiences can also find her playing with the Naples and Bonita Springs Concert Bands and soloing with the Naples Philharmonic, Southwest Florida Symphony and Gulf Coast Symphony. “It’s different than the stuff I did in New York, but it’s a lot of fun. And crazy enough, it’s all through word of mouth,” she says. A professional Actors’ Equity Association actress, Carolann, 44, can be found in the cast of plays at TheatreZone and the Florida Repertory Theatre. Combining her acting and singing talents, she’s musically directed young casts and performers at the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, The Village School of Naples and Community School of Naples. She earned a master’s in music in opera from the North Carolina School of the Arts but spent 14 years in New York’s musical theater scene. In North Carolina, students demanded the ability to enroll in cross-disciplinary courses, other than their intended major. The school demurred, and Carolann took drama classes and continued in acting classes after graduating and returning to New York. “I took countless acting classes from people all

fundraising benefit, “AllStars of TheatreZone,” guest starring Tony Award-winning Rupert Holmes, on January 25, in Naples. Carolann taught private voice and group lessons through her CSV Vocal Studio and recently set up a studio in North Naples to teach students from throughout the region in group classes. She plans to bring in New York acting, dancing and singing colleagues to provide weekend intensives to local students. “I’m really excited about that,” she says. “Parents have been asking about that for a while, but I didn’t have space.”

ill Taylor, the founder and producing artistic director of Theatre Conspiracy in Fort Myers, heads into his 25th consecutive season with a firm grip on the guiding principle that has fueled his success. “To sustain it for this long on the type of work we produce is rewarding. We’re not mainstream. We’re not musicals. We’re not Neil Simon,” says Bill, 54. “We’re trying to bring shows you haven’t seen before.” That is exactly what he’s done with a mix of community and professional Equity actors at the Foulds Theatre on the campus of the Alliance for the Arts. “Lamenting there weren’t many great roles for us to perform in,” he and an acting friend produced plays locally before Bill began working for his mentor, local theater teacher and producer Dick Westlake, at the Alliance. When Westlake retired, the nonprofit’s board approached Bill about leading the resident company at the Foulds. Bill did that and more, offering an annual New Play Contest and staging the winner’s work, bringing meaty,

off-the-beaten-path works and expanding its casting diversity. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” by August Wilson is slated for March. It’s a lyrical play set in a Pittsburgh boardinghouse in 1911 that attracts African-American boarders looking for new jobs and beginnings. It is one in the 10-series Pulitzer Prize-winning The Pittsburgh Cycle. Bill staged another, “Seven Guitars,” last year and is committed to producing all 10 in what has become known as August Wilson’s American Century Cycle. “We’re producing work geared toward the minority community and for minority artists and minority audiences,” Bill says. “Last year, 48 percent of our casts for the whole year were minority actors. That is not typical of local stages. There have been shows I wanted to do but didn’t have minority actors. It was a matter of reaching out and letting them know there was opportunity for them.” This impetus evolved into taking theater classes into the Dunbar community, he says. This season also brings “The Elephant Man” in

November, “The Agitators” in January, “Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood” in February, and the comedy, “Rancho Mirage,” in May. “We provide a new theatrical experience for theatregoers in Southwest Florida,” he says. “It’s presenting a new point of view. It may challenge their beliefs or reinforce something they haven’t had reinforced in a long time. It may make them uncomfortable or make them laugh, but it will always be something new to them.” Already, his crew is reading through piles of scripts submitted for the 20th annual New Play Contest. The first year resulted in about 52 submissions. “The very last play I read won that contest. I was sweating bullets,” Bill recalls. These days, submissions flow in batches of 500plus from near and far. For the first seven years, the contest was for plays that had not yet been staged, but Bill talked with the dramatists and decided to give their work a third or fourth staging — perhaps not its world premiere. “It’s a tough road. You’ve got to admire the playwrights,” he says. “We’re probably the only contest in the country that is open to plays previously produced, up to three productions. We’re not hung up on that, and that makes us unique.” Bill, a 1981 graduate of Fort Myers High School, studied acting on scholarship under Westlake at Edison Community College and lived in other states plying and studying the craft before returning to his hometown. He may be switching stages this fall. He is running for a spot on the Lee County Board of County Commissioners. He has tapped a replacement at the theater if the votes go his way and will always feel the rewards of his life in theater. “I have had one of the best theatrical careers anyone could hope for,” Bill reflects. “I have done anything and everything I wanted to do in terms of acting, producing, set designing…you can’t beat it.” Photo by AMANDA INSCORE

Theater magic

Bill Taylor reflects on 25 years of expanding cultural boundaries for regional audiences.

NOTE: Theatre Conspiracy hosts its New Play Contest fundraiser Saturday, November 3. There will be food, wine, beverages and the reading of this year’s top three finalists. Learn more at artinlee.org/theatre. GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 35

grand | COVER STORY

A musical powerhouse Trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden raises up female brass players.

36 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

rehearse together, we feel comfortable and at ease. We have a lot fun together,” Mary says. This season will find the trio on one local stage during Shell Point Retirement Community’s Concert Series in April. Mary’s horn rarely rests. She is the principal trumpet of the Artosphere Festival Orchestra but had to give up that same role with the Sarasota Opera Orchestra due to her demanding tour schedule. That’s in addition to co-founding Seraph Brass and launching Chrysalis. “We do a lot of touring. During the last two seasons, we had about 100 dates around the country. We have played in Finland and in Mexico,” Mary says. In January, the group released its first album through Summit Records, “Asteria,” which includes commissioned new works by arranger and composer Catherine McMichael as well as by Opera Philadelphia Composer in Residence Rene Orth. “Asteria” earned a Silver Medal Global Music Award. This season, Seraph Brass is scheduled to perform two “Classical Holiday Brass” concerts at Sarasota’s Historic Asolo Theater in December. Mary included Catherine’s trumpet sonata on her first album, “Radiance.” Mary and her husband had met Catherine when they were on the same program for the Naples Symphony, and the topic of the trumpet sonata arose. “That all comes from being in Naples. It’s interesting how everything works,” Mary says. Seemingly tireless, Mary recently recorded an album with the Pittsburgh-based trumpet, strings and harp Kassia Ensemble, comprised exclusively of women who play in professional orchestras. “Rêverie,” a studio recording of Mary as soloist accompanied by the Kassia Ensemble, will be released in April. Mary is collaborating with Kassia on several tours, and the group will perform at First Presbyterian Church in Photo special to GRANDEUR

eading up to these #MeToo times, Mary Elizabeth Bowden had already been focused on advancing the autonomy of one group of powerful female performers: musicians. Mary, 36, is a trumpeter who started two allfemale ensembles in 2014: She co-founded the Naples-based nonprofit Chrysalis Chamber Players and founded the innovative all-brass group Seraph Brass, which performs new arrangements and commissions new works. The founding of Chrysalis as an all-female group was serendipitous, and male musicians are often invited to perform, though the philosophy behind Seraph was more pointed. “With Seraph, I wanted to provide role models, especially for young female musicians playing brass. The brass world is very male-dominated, and when I was a kid, my role models were all-male ensembles,” Mary says. “I wanted to showcase America’s top female brass players. When we tour, and we see the excitement, it reminds of me why we do what we do. But ultimately, it’s about the music.” It was in Naples that Bowden met her future husband, David Dash, also a trumpet player, during auditions for the Naples Philharmonic in 2008. David served as the Phil’s assistant principal trumpet for nine seasons, and Mary embarked on an independent solo career in chamber music. After she moved to Naples in 2010 to be with David, Mary connected with pianist Catherine Lan and flutist Meghan Brachle, both of Miami and highly esteemed in their own careers. They had met while performing in various concerts. “We wanted to form a chamber group with flexible instrumentation, because there’s so much repertoire we wanted to explore. We had the same vision to create something new,” Mary recalls. It’s not often that the three Chrysalis co-founders are the only ones on stage; local and returning musicians from Naples, Miami and Sarasota often collaborate. As a 10-piece ensemble, Chrysalis toured the Green Bay, Wisconsin, area. Performing a range of works by classical and contemporary composers, Chrysalis has fun no matter the program, ensemble makeup or venue. “First of all, we’re really good friends. When we

Naples in February. “Rêverie” will be available for purchase at the concert. Dave and Mary became part-time Neapolitans after moving to North Carolina last fall. The move puts him closer to his position as assistant professor of trumpet at North Carolina School of the Arts, where she is a resident artist. She estimates she spends 60 percent of her time on the road, returning to North Carolina to perform in a faculty brass quintet or as a duo with her husband and also teach a few classes. However, they have no plans to abandon their part-time Southwest Florida residence, where Chrysalis and Seraph Brass grew from dreams into reality. “We spent so many years being integrated in the Naples community, and we have a lot of dear friends,” she says. “Chrysalis is one of the big reasons for me to come back, so we can create new programs for the community.”

Collaborating through time and space Jade Dellinger is bringing a renewed relevancy and retrospective understanding of Rauschenberg’s place in the local and global community. home a specialized flashlight and “Imagine Peace” button to spread the message. (Ono collaborated again in 2017 with the installation of an “I Love You Earth” billboard.) From the beginning, Jade’s priority has been connecting the space with the global importance of Rauschenberg — one of the most influential artists of the second half of the 20th century, not only in the United States but around the world. Contemporary artists in China, such as Ai Weiwei, still point to the impact of Rauschenberg’s influence, Jade says. Jade earned his undergraduate degree in art history at the University of South Florida, then lived in New York City, obtaining his master’s in arts administration from New York University. He was an independent curator for 20 years, first in New York, working with contemporary artists — some Jade has invited here for their first museum shows. Jade returned to his roots, curating shows at the Tampa Museum of Art and the Contemporary Art Museum at the University of South Florida that traveled widely to other museums, from Miami to Mexico to Cincinnati. The author of the illustrated biography of America’s pioneering art rock group, “We Are Devo!: Are We Not Men?,” Jade has also assisted in several catalogs and publications. He writes for

Photo by ANDREW WEST

ade Dellinger was preternaturally drawn to the curatorial helm of the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery, where he has brought in rigorous, collaborative and site-based shows that explore connections with the gallery’s namesake, initiating a renewed relevancy to the world-famous artist who chose to be part of the local community. It’s clear that Jade has come full-circle when he recounts how, at the age of 14, he wrote a letter to Robert Rauschenberg care of the Mucky Duck, where the Captiva resident strolled and dined at sunset. Enclosed was $10 for drinks. A week later, Jade, who grew up in Land O’ Lakes, received a tube with a handwritten note from the great artist and a lithographic poster for his recent exhibition at the National Gallery in Beijing. “It’s the first thing I put on my wall in my office,” Jade, 50, is happy to report. After being hired by Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers in September 2013, he set about having a to-scale model of the gallery created to better visualize and plan exhibitions. And he got busy bringing in collaborative shows such as “Yoko Ono Imagine Peace,” for which the conceptual artist designed a billboard that was erected in Fort Myers; visitors could take

national art magazines. Jade also has an affinity for John Cage, to whom he also wrote in his youth and met in New York. Cage, a post-war avant-garde composer and music theorist, had a close friendship with Rauschenberg, and their work impacted each other — a phenomenon explored in some FSW exhibitions. Rauschenberg firmly believed that art can change the world. To that end, Jade has traveled to Venezuela and Ukraine to give cultural exchange lectures on the artist through the U.S. State Department, often tied to historic arts milestones connected to Rauschenberg. This month will find Jade at a space museum in Slovenia. It’s no surprise that Jade has a rigorous season lined up for 2019, which marks the 40th anniversary of the gallery and the 15th since it was renamed for Rauschenberg. Running through December 8, “The Art of Peter Greenaway & Jack Kerouac” is the largest U.S. survey of the visual art by Jack Kerouac with more than 60 paintings and drawings, featuring newly commission works (inspired by “On the Road”) by the British filmmaker Peter Greenaway. Next year, there will be a major Rauschenberg show, as well as an exhibition centered on John Cage. Jade is working with world-renowned photographer William Wegman (think: famous Weimaraner portraits) to curate an exhibition of his rare and never-before-seen photographs, video and drawings. No matter the year or anniversary, “we always have to return to Bob,” Jade says. “A big part of my interest has been to leverage our history and Bob’s association with our gallery to find ways to extend his legacy. Everything we do is informed by him in a way.” For decades, Rauschenberg could premiere ambitious new work at the gallery before debuting it in New York, including multiple installations of the “¼ Mile or Two Furlong Piece.” He also drew star power to the growing town: the works of James Rosenquist, Roy Lichtenstein, Cy Twombly and other major artists. He had close friends, assistants and friends in town and an intimate connection with the community. “What’s important is being true to the high bar Bob set in what this was and what it has become,” Jade says. “An artist of that stature and historical significance, that he engaged so deeply here is quite unique.”

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 37

grand | PERFORMING ARTS

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SEASON A sparkling cultural season is in store for Southwest Florida audiences — and here is a select sampling of performing arts highlights to kick-start your planning. Be sure to check grandeurmagazine.com for a full, updated calendar.

“Becoming Dr. Ruth” (through

October 21) A funny, poignant one-woman show based on the life of famous sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers, 239-332-4488, floridarep.org

Jack Everly. Don’t miss this special screening of “Star Wars: A New Hope” as you experience John Williams’ iconic score in real time. Artis—Naples, Naples, 1-800-5971900, artisnaples.org

Get ready for hits such as “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga” and “Get on Your Feet.” Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers, 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”

Master guitarist Albert Cummings has played with blues legends B.B. King, Johnny Winter and Buddy Guy — and he has a multi-album deal with Blind Pig Records. Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, Hinman Auditorium, 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org

(November 28-December 23) Two World War II veteran buddies with a successful song-and-dance act follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge in this heartwarming classic. The Naples Players, Sugden Community Theater, Blackburn Hall, 239-263-7990, naplesplayers.org

Dweezil Zappa (October 26) The

lead guitarist and singer (and son of Frank Zappa) released his first single, “My Mother is a Space Cadet,” at the age of 12. He will play his unique repertoire of original songs with his full band and teach a master guitar class. Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs, 239-245-9910, swfleventcenter.com

“On Your Feet!” (January 1-6) From the Tony Award-winning director of “Kinky Boots,” this dance-filled musical tells the story of how Emilio and Gloria Estefan of Miami Sound Machine made it to the big time.

“Star Wars” Live in Concert

SUMMERLIN RD

(October 30) Experience the original film like never before with a live symphony orchestra under the baton of principal pops conductor

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38 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Albert Cummings (January 18)

GO Cabaret (January 19–27 at

venues in Collier, Charlotte and Lee counties). Enjoy a fun and casual evening of nostalgic hits from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s with Gulfshore Opera’s professional artist in residence and jazz trio accompaniment. gulfshoreopera.org

grand | VIEW “Everyone on this Train” (January

18-26) Ilya and her mother flee war via train; a commuter contemplates his imminent firing; a circus act stops among the cornfields of Indiana; hobos sing of runaway locomotives. These loosely knit stories slowly fold together, drawing together good people who seek connections to their pasts. Written by Florida Gulf Coast University poet and playwright James Brock. Southwest Florida Community Foundation Collaboratory, Fort Myers, ghostbirdtheatrecompany.org

New Shanghai Circus (February 14) An acrobatic troupe featuring about 30 Chinese performers demonstrating show-stopping agility, flexibility and skill. BIG Arts, Sanibel Island, 239-3950900, bigarts.org

“Hay Fever” (February 15-March 6)

Set in the glamour of the 1920s, this comedy is Noël Coward at its finest — razor-sharp and dry as a martini. The Bohemian Bliss family is gathered for a relaxing weekend in the country — or that’s what their unsuspecting guests are looking forward to. Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers, 239-

332-4488, floridarep.org

Dance Theatre of Harlem with the Naples Philharmonic (February 26) The troupe performs two powerful works: “New Bach,” an expression of post-modern-urban neoclassicism and a tribute to George Balanchine’s neoclassical ballet, and the spare but demanding “Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven.” Artis—Naples, Naples, 1-800-597-1900, artisnaples.org

Judy Collins (February 22) The

classically trained, Grammy Awardwinning singer is known for her own songs and eclectic interpretations of folk, jazz and pop hits. BIG Arts, Sanibel Island, 239-395-0900, bigarts. org

Disney’s “The Lion King” (April 3-21) The blockbuster musical based on the hit

Disney movie is the winner of six Tony Awards and features jaw-dropping puppetry of African wildlife and indelible songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers, 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com

“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”

(March 1–18) Set in Pittsburgh during the early 1900s, this play is part of August Wilson’s Century Cycle. The story unfolds in a boarding house — a microcosm of African-American life — as each character searches for identity and a sense of greater self. Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, 239-939-2787, artinlee.org

“The Immigration Project Play”

(April 24-28) An original work featuring stories, songs, jokes and prayers drawn from 10 months of interviews with local immigrants and journalistic reports. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers, 239-218-0481, laboratorytheaterflorida.com

Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Miguel (November 2)

Best known for his 2012 album “Kaleidoscope Dream,” Miguel is the featured performer of Eaglepalooza. Hertz Arena, formerly Germain Arena, Estero, germainarena.com. Tickets: 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com

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grand | PETS

An artist’s muse Penelope inspires the work of Gretchen ‘KISH’ Serrano, who creates dog portraits for numerous well-heeled hounds.

enelope lies under a long table on a huge piece of canvas that’s covered with dried splatters of colorful paint. Sometimes she even gets paint splattered on her white, black and brown coat, but that’s just part of the job of being an artist’s dog. The 6-year-old mixed breed canine is the only pet in the KISH Original art studio, but not the only image of one. Huge portraits of dogs, done in the drip, brush or gold style, fill

the walls of the studio in Cape Coral. Gretchen “KISH” Serrano says she was inspired to paint pictures of dogs almost 20 years ago when she adopted a canine named Sophie. “She inspired me with painting,” Gretchen explains. “Sophie really was the reason.” Now for the past six years, Penelope inspires Gretchen and keeps her company at work. Gretchen found Penelope through Petfinder and adopted her from an independent pet rescue facility in Central Florida. Gretchen believes her dog is mostly Australian cattle dog, also known as a blue heeler.

STORY BY ANDREA STETSON | PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE

GRANDEUR | FEBRUARY 2017 | 41

grand | PETS “We had lost our dog, so I was looking around, and I saw her picture,” Gretchen says. “She was adorable.” While adorable, her new dog was not always easy. “She chewed one of every shoe, so I wore mismatched shoes for a while,” Gretchen explains. “Everyone that came to visit, we said, ‘Put your shoes up.’ But she doesn’t do that anymore. She’s an adult now.” Penelope and Gretchen have a daily routine that begins with yoga. “I put a mat out for her because she will try to lay on my mat,” Gretchen says. “Then we go on a runwalk and then come home and have breakfast and then we come here.” Gretchen and Penelope spend about three days a week at the studio. The other days Gretchen works at home. In nice weather, Penelope sits by the studio door watching people in the alley. In hotter weather, she alternates between resting in a cushy chair, her dog bed, the rug or under the painting table. “Occasionally she gets splattered,” Gretchen admits. “She likes to lay under that table. I think she is protected, but as soon as she gets up to walk out, she can get splattered. It’s happened.” She can also get her paws in the paint as Gretchen illustrated with a photo of Penelope with bright blue paws. Bright blue is not Penelope’s favorite color. “I want to say teal, because that is my favorite color, but she also likes pink,” Gretchen says, pointing to Penelope’s pink collar. “I like to put her in pink.” Gretchen says Penelope is the perfect pet for an artist. “I’m a designer and an artist, and she is very graphic,” Gretchen says as she points out the array of colors and spotted patterns on Penelope’s coat. Gretchen has illustrated more than 100 breeds of dogs for her notecards as part of her Paw Palettes art collection. She started Paw Palettes about 12 years ago. Her goal is to have cards for all 167 breeds of dogs along with the variety of colors each breed has. Now she has expanded into dog portraits. Her latest style is drip painting inspired by Jackson Pollock. Gigantic portraits of dogs splattered with drips fill the walls. “The drip series is different,” she says. “I am super excited about the drip series. I have never seen any other artist do a drip series of a dog.” Nearby are other dog portraits in the brush style inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Gretchen also has a few paintings in the gold type of art inspired by Gustav Klimt. While she has painted hundreds of dogs, she has not painted Penelope. “It is like a carpenter, their house is always the last one fixed,” Gretchen says. She does have plans to paint her dog. But for now, Gretchen just takes lots of photos of Penelope, which she posts on Instagram. “She probably gets more comments than my art,” Gretchen jokes. 42 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Find more pictures of Penelope and see some of Gretchen’s paintings.

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Talis Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic obelisk and great lawn. Photo by Caronchi Photography

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 43

Award-winning models on display at Talis Park Talis Park offers an expanded collection of new resort-style coach homes, terrace homes and penthouse homes in its Corsica and Viansa neighborhoods. These thoughtfully-designed residences offer a low-maintenance lifestyle with fairway, water, and nature preserve views just moments from Talis Park’s award-winning Vyne House clubhouse. FrontDoor Communities’ Coach Homes at Corsica recently received a Grand Aurora Award for Best Multifamily Housing during the 39th Annual SEBC Aurora Awards, a program affiliated with the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) and the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC), one of two regional trade shows recognized by and affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The recently-completed Messina II coach home model is now open for viewing in Corsica. Located at 16158 Corsica Way #101, the 2,532-square-foot under air first-floor coach home model features interior design by Allied ASID interior designers Jean

44 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Losier and Christina Rosolia of Clive Daniel Home. The Messina II model has an air of luxurious comfort throughout its three-bedroom, three-bath design. Soft tones of beige and white provide a neutral backdrop while rich pops of jeweled blue greens offer a depth of color. With a splash of sparkling champagne finishes and warm grays, there is a polished feeling that is felt throughout the spaces. This color palette invites the lush landscape and lake views from outside to blend seamlessly with the home. The air of luxury can be felt with dramatic wood detailing of the master bathroom vanity and the great room entertainment built-in. This is all anchored by warm gray wood flooring that helps balance the rich finishes and textures found throughout the home. WCI/Lennar offers two new furnished models in the Viansa neighborhood. The new Viansa Terrace Model is sumptuously furnished by the awardwinning Naples design firm, Cinnabar Design. The Terrace home features a formal foyer leading into an open kitchen and great room, with glass sliders that

seamlessly blend the indoor space with the gracious lanai for an emphasis on alfresco living. The home is complete with three full bedrooms, three full baths, a powder room and a den. Terrace Homes at Viansa are priced from the high-$600s. The second model is the new Penthouse home at Viansa. Naples’ own Beasley & Henley have stylishly designed the model with transitional furnishings, rustic touches, and light, fresh tones of cream, grey and aqua accents. The Viansa penthouse-style homes feature private elevators, breezy living areas, and ample space for entertaining indoors and out. Penthouse Homes at Viansa are priced from the low-$900s. Prospective homebuyers may experience Talis Park by participating in the community’s Gold Pass program. For details, call 239-292-0846. Community tours are available seven days a week by visiting Talis Park’s Garden House Information & Sales Center, 16980 Livingston Rd. (just north of Immokalee Rd.). For details, call 239-449-5900 or visit talispark.com.

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GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 46

grand | SHOPPING

SECRET SOURCE

The Source Clothing Company is a hidden gem for nautical treasures in North Naples.

K Alex Olivera finishes a line on a car at a shop in Naples.

nown for its beautiful beach sunsets, scenic golf courses and ideal weather for boating, Naples is a seaside playground for residents and tourists alike. So it’s no surprise that shopping centers and boutiques often position their businesses in the heart of Naples’ hot spots, except for this hidden gem in North Naples off Immokalee Road: Source Clothing Company. Brenda Robinson, a seasonal resident of Talis Park, also refers to the boutique as her “hidden source” to find unique resort wear for dining and socializing. About six years ago, Brenda was first introduced to the New England coastal boutique by a friend, and both continue shopping at Source to support the owners, Jennifer and Scott Toth, who are known to turn customers into life-long friends. STORY BY MICHAELA VATTIMO PHOTOS BY DOROTHY EDWARDS GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 47

grand | SHOPPING

The Toths, who moved from the Connecticut area, agreed on the name “Source” and a location for their new venture that would fill a void for both men and women in the North Naples area. Source Clothing Company opened in the fall of 2012. It has evolved over the years from an off-price retailer to a high quality, resort wear boutique with a touch of New England coastal design. Items are priced from $14 to $145.

Navigation • Chart your course by choosing

Interstate 75 or Tamiami Trail/US Highway 41 and steer toward 2700 Immokalee Road near Airport Pulling Road. Source Clothing Company is in The Uptown Center near Jason’s Deli and Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill.

Treasures • Known to carry some local or one-

of-kind nautical designs of clothing (for men and women), scarves, swimwear, sunglasses, tote bags, accessories and sandals, you can also expect to find these favorite brands as well: Tommy Bahama, Southern Tide, Hatley, Patagonia, Escapada, Tempo Paris, Hiho, Southwind, All For Color, Mud Pie, Smathers & Branson, and Brighton Collectibles.

Sailing forward • Opening at Mercato

this fall, the Toths’ second store will exclusively carry one of their best-selling brands, Southern Tide, and be the first signature store in Southwest Florida. Southern Tide is a mix of American, classic coastal design and premier quality fabric. The store will provide men, women and youth lines. —Michaela Vattimo is a wardrobe stylist and fashion writer living in Southwest Florida. 48 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

grand | GETAWAY

Athens

Where the line between myth and history becomes beautifully blurred. STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS Athens

his trip will spark your senses beyond anticipation and quench your thirst for knowledge of ancient cultures and Greek mythology. A trip to Greece is one of the most iconic and picturesque getaways a visitor can experience. From the domed blue roofs and whitewashed houses to maze-like streets, colorful verandahs and striking archeological sites, Greece takes travelers back centuries but also impresses with modern, cosmopolitan touches. Greece is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 100 archaeological museums and over 50 historical and folk-art museums, according to Mikela Mandalenaki, a spokesperson for Marketing Greece. “A visit in Greece is a journey through history that goes back at least 5,000 years, where the dividing line between myth and history 50 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Athens

become beautifully blurred,” Mikela says in an email. Greece has the most coastline in Europe due to its numerous islands scattered in the Aegean and Ionian seas — more than 6,000, although only 168 are inhabited and all differ, with some being greener, more mountainous, more populated or having unusual characteristics. “They are separated into island chains,” Mikela explains. “The best known is possibly the Cyclades, including Santorini and Mykonos but also a number of lesser known gems (such as Folegandros, Kimolos, Sikinos, Anafi and others) and the Dodecanese (Rhodes and Kos).” Cape Coral resident Dennis Gingerich, founder of the Cape Christian church and owner of Gingerich Tours, has traveled to Greece multiple times over the past 14 years. On some of those trips, he led groups through ancient ruins and cultural mainstays of history. He and his wife, Linda,

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recently returned from Greece with 15 others in a 10-day “Footsteps of Paul” tour. He has visited Thessaloniki, Kavala, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Delphi and the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Patmos and Rhode. In Greece, Dennis says what surprises him most are the mountainous area and pinnacles of Meteora in the north with Byzantine monasteries built on top of them. The highest mountain peak is at Mount Olympus, which has an elevation of 9,573 feet. North Fort Myers resident Theresa Kruse traveled via cruise to Greece, including visits to Mykonos and Athens. “The mountains coming out of the sea is just really cool to see,” she recalls. “I was struck by the stark white buildings and homes. It does really look like the movies. And the crystal-clear water — you could see at least 50 to 60 feet down. The Mediterranean is breathtaking.”

Photo provided by: Konstantina Sidiropoulou | www.kyellow.photo • Getty Images • Wanderlust Athens Greece

B R E AT H TA K I N G

The Parthenon

ATHENS Crete

With so much to explore, Mikela suggests starting with the country’s capital, Athens, which is the No. 1 attraction in Greece. “Athens is considered an open-air museum and the home of ancient civilization,” Mikela says. “Visit the Acropolis of Athens and the surrounding archaeological sites and then move on to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Afterward you might head for ancient Olympia, home of the Olympic Games in antiquity, or Delphi, the site of the famous oracle and thought by the ancients to be the navel of the world, or to the ancient theatre

at Epidaurus with its pitch-perfect acoustics.” During her stop in Athens, Theresa embarked on a guided private tour for 21 of her family members. “We stopped at all of the archeological sites, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon,” she says. It’s an incredibly exciting time for Athens, Mikela says. “The city has managed to retain all the classic elements that make it a must for visitors, but there is also an exciting vibe in the city that has become one of Europe’s top city break destinations,” Mikela says.

“Athens is alive and kicking with a creative and business spirit as a fresh generation of talented young Greek fashion designers, musicians, artists, galleristas, photographers, chefs and other forward-looking types have launched their own business, brand or creation reinvesting their talents in their home country. Ironically, this is partly because of the economic difficulties the country went through, where many people are reinventing themselves in other careers.” Another unexpected side of Athens is the run of beaches, bars and restaurants along the Attica Coastline — all within 30 GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 51

grand | GETAWAY

to 45 minutes from the city center, known as the Athenian Riviera. “Up until the last few years, this was a secret known only to Athenians, but more and more visitors are discovering it,” Mikela says. “At the same time, all the classic highlights — the Acropolis and its museum (often included among the top 10 museums in the world), the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Zeus, and more are all must-sees for Athens, whether you come for a city break or tag it on to an island visit.” Fort Myers resident and Florida Gulf Coast University student Lindsey Morimanno traveled to Greece this summer via a Royal Caribbean cruise. She visited Santorini, Mykonos, Athens and Olympia. She was particularly impressed by the Parthenon. “It is something you learned about in class and see pictures online. When you were actually standing underneath the pillars and the rundown structure, it is so overwhelming to think that this has been here for thousands of years,” she says. “The history is so dense that you can feel it around you.”

SANTORINI Santorini was Lindsey’s favorite port of call, because it’s relatively small, yet beautiful. “I love to shop, and there were so many cute places to visit. I met this one lady who had a small store who also sold her clothes in the United States,” she says. “I loved getting the chance to talk to her and get the perspective of moving to a different country to do what she loves.” Santorini is Dennis’ favorite, too. “Santorini is incredibly beautiful,” he says. “Nothing like being on the edge of the cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea at sunset eating baklava and drinking Turkish coffee.” Its beaches are in colors of black, red and white, a product of their volcanic sand. The medieval capital Skaros, a conically shaped rock visible from Fira and Imerovigli, rises 1,082 feet above sea level. There’s a Venetian castle with a panoramic view of a volcano’s caldera. It’s also home to Akrotiri, a prehistoric city destroyed by volcanic eruption, and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where you can admire its famous frescoes, among them “Spring,” “The Monkeys,” and “The African.” Mikela also recommends visiting the hamlet of Finikia. “These old wineries have been converted into homes that are not your typical Cycladic stonewash white but rather are painted in ochre, blue and pink, and provide a beautiful contrast against the dark blue background of the Aegean,” she describes. “Walk the cobblestone streets, take a rest in the courtyard of St. Matrona, with its huge palm tree, and taste the local delicacies in the local tavern of this very special village.” Santorini restaurants and cafes boast extraordinary ingredients thanks to the region’s nutrient-rich volcanic soil, she says. “Amongst the island’s specialties are its world-famous sun-dried cherry tomatoes, fava beans (split peas), capers and white eggplant,” Mikela says. “Santorini’s chefs are 52 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Oia is a coastal town on the northwestern tip of Santorini, a Greek Aegean island.

always experimenting with local products, combining traditional recipes with modern gastronomy and making Santorini a top culinary destination.” Greece is a foodie’s paradise. “In every region of the country, there are a thousand and one little-known foodie tales to tell,” Mikela says. “The Peloponnese is bursting with flavor in every town and at every corner, from Kalamata olives to Nemea wines. Greece’s Epirus region is known for its meat- and vegetable-based dishes, porridge-like trachanas soup and other winter-warming rustic fare… Traditional Cretan cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world.” As a vegetarian, Lindsey thought the cuisine might be limiting for her, but she was pleasantly surprised. “The restaurants were so accommodating to what I needed and made the most exquisite food. When I glanced at everyone’s dishes at the table, it was just as beautiful as the history and architecture,” she says. “Food is a craft in Europe and does not get taken lightly on flavor and display. A common thing you see is most restaurants are run by the people who own them, which gives it the most genuine feel and really makes a difference in the quality of food.” Dennis enjoys the baklava and a flaming cheese calledsaganaki. “I recommend eating at local restaurants in the Plaka area of Athens or visiting a street side gyro vendor,” he says.

CRETE “Each time, we take our groups on a countryside excursion on the Isle of Crete, which takes us through small villages and to a multi-generation family vineyard that makes their own unique wine, and they perform traditional Greek dances with Greek foods, such as local cheeses, local vegetables and serve their own wines and ‘raki’,” Dennis says. Crete may be a much-loved and frequently visited destination, yet this vast island — almost a small nation in itself — holds a great many surprises, even for those of us who think they know it well. “No matter how many times you might visit Chania’s

atmospheric Venetian harbor and old town, there is always something new to discover: a tiny taverna known only to locals, a hidden beach, an archaeological site under excavation or an interesting coffee shop where jazz tunes flow,” Mikela says. She recommends the beaches of Falassarna, Balos and Gramvoussa and the sailing regattas on the gulf of Mirabello. The 10-mile hike of Samaria Gorge takes visitors to a remote spot only accessible by foot or boat. Or take a caïque to the car-free town of Loutro or the Robinson Crusoestyle isle of Gavdos, the southernmost point of Europe. Frangokastello castle, situated on the beach in Sfakia, is the site of a fearsome battle whose warriors are thought to linger in spirit. “I think I was the most surprised how real and genuine everything was. When you look at pictures online, it had a picture-perfect feel,” explains Lindsey. “There were definitely places that replicated that feeling but a lot of it was just a place where people lived, went to work and cared for their families. It was so breathtaking and homey at the same time.” The cultural connections with people are Lindsey’s most memorable moments. “I think just by taking the time to have intentional interactions with the locals in the spots that you visit is probably the most cultural experience you can have. It amazes me how similar and how different life in another country is from the one I live,” Lindsey says. “Often times those conversations can make you appreciate what you have and also make you think about how yours can be better.” Mikela says hospitality is in Greece’s DNA. There’s a word for it, philoxenia meaning “guest friendship.” “It’s not only about the warm welcome or the top-level customer service at, say, a beachside tavern,” she explains. “Philoxenia is part of Greece’s history and mythology, as the main role of the Greek god Zeus, sometimes called Zeus Xenios, was to protect the guests. In modern history, Greek philoxenia is the hospitality and courtesy shown to visitors who come from afar. … For visitors, it translates as being shown friendship and warmth — even being invited into a home and sharing a home-cooked meal.”

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Women must make their health and well-being a priority Kae Ferber, M.D., has a prescription for women who are struggling to balance the roles of mother, spouse, daughter and career woman: get your hair professionally styled. It may sound simple, but women who take time to do something for themselves have lower stress levels and better overall health, says Dr. Ferber, who practices with Millennium Physician Group in Naples. “Women tend to be the caretakers of their families and feel guilty taking time for themselves, but maintaining your appearance—including hair, clothes, skin and even makeup—can go a long way toward lowering stress and bolstering self-esteem,” she says. The same goes for maintaining your health, she also says. “Most women are pretty good at keeping up with their mammograms and pap smears, but they let things like a proper diet and exercise slide,” says Dr. Ferber. “A calcium deficiency or those extra 10 pounds could lead to bigger health problems.” Taking a daily multivitamin, calcium supplement and fish oil requires almost no time and has longlasting results, says Dr. Ferber. Getting enough sleep is also a big factor. “Many women are so crunched for time. We’re working and caring for our families and sometimes our parents. We’re pulled in all directions, and sleep helps us recharge,” says Dr. Ferber. A yearly physical is something no woman should

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put off, especially as she nears menopause. “By age 30, a woman really should know her blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels and have a complete physical. If there are no problems, then you probably don’t need to do a full physical for another five years. If there are problems, then being pro-active can make a big difference,” says Dr. Ferber. Women in the 30 to 40 age range also tend to neglect their exercise routines, says Dr. Ferber. “Women in this age group are likely not exercising the same as they did 10 years prior, but you really need to do some kind of cardio at least three days a week,” she says. As women enter their forties and fifties, is especially important to maintain their physical appearance, in addition to their weight, she also says. “Neglecting your looks can hurt your self-esteem by making you appear to age faster than you might otherwise and, combined with high stress levels, could lead to depression.” Taking time to have a social life and do something you enjoy also goes a long way toward decreasing stress and increasing self-esteem, says Dr. Ferber, who plays the piano and has sung with the Naples Philharmonic Chorale for over a decade. “I do music for myself, and that’s part of taking care of me,” she says. “How you choose to manage your stress really affects how you age.” Stress management is also incredibly important when it comes to cardiovascular health. “Women are

much more likely than men to have a heart attack under severe stress. The heart attack is not from blockages but from repeated spasms of the blood vessels due to a surge of adrenal hormones.” Even more alarming is that symptoms of a heart attack in women—including nausea, a feeling like heart burn, shortness of breath and fatigue—are often not recognized, she says. “But women cannot ignore their health or let guilt keep them from taking care of themselves.” The main takeaway? Don’t forget to take care of your health this year. Schedule your annual check-ups, your annual mammogram appointment and call your doctor if you have noticed new symptoms or health concerns. Make yourself the priority! Take care of your health. About Kae Ferber, M.D. Kae L. Ferber, M.D., earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Ferber is a professional member of American College of Physicians, American Society of Internal Medicine, and American Medical Association. Dr. Ferber currently cares for patients in Naples, Florida. To learn more, visit www.MillenniumPhysician.com.

Millennium

“Goes Pink”

For Breast Cancer Awareness

Prevention. Detection. Cure. Millennium Physician Group is proud to “go pink” this October for all the moms, sisters, daughters, aunts, and grandmothers battling breast cancer.

save your life.

Don’t wait another day. A mammogram can

This October, Millennium will once again“go pink”across Southwest Florida to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is key in fighting cancer! If you haven’t already, please talk with your physician about your cancer risks and schedule your mammogram today. And, this isn’t just for women. Men also need to consult with their doctor and share any family history of breast cancer. Mammograms save lives! Make sure you schedule one today. Millennium is proud to support all of our team members and patients who are breast cancer survivors or currently fighting this battle. We also remember and honor those who we have lost to this disease. This month we “go pink” across our company for you -- our courageous fighters. Sincerely, Dana Planer, D.O. Preventive Medicine & Women’s Health Advocate

www.MillenniumPhysician.com Mammograms offered in Charlotte, Lee, & Collier Counties

Women’s Center Port Charlotte 19621 Cochran Blvd., Ste. 1 Port Charlotte, FL 33948 1-855-674-4624

Women’s Center Naples 4330 Tamiami Trail E. Naples, FL 34112 239-430-5525

Imaging Center Cape Coral 1528 Del Prado Blvd S. Cape Coral, FL 33990 239-458-3338

Imaging Center Fort Myers 13813 Metro Pkwy. Fort Myers, FL 33912 GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 67 239-938-1777

What is Botox Cosmetic and how does it work Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxin A) is a prescription medicine that is used to decrease wrinkles associated with muscle movement, also referred to as “dynamic wrinkles”. The medication is injected into muscles and works by blocking communication between nerve endings and the muscle fibers. Treated muscles relax reducing facial lines and active wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother look. As skin ages, wrinkles become more prominent and will become present even when the face is not moving. Many people feel like their wrinkles make them look tired or sad, even when they feel great. Botox Cosmetic can be used to prevent, reduce and erase these lines. If you want to look as great as you feel or look your best, it’s time to consider getting a Botox treatment. It’s safe, effective and easy! Contact The Aesthetic Center at Eye Centers of Florida at (239) 939-3456 to schedule a free skincare consultation to see if Botox is right for you. We proudly serve Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte and all of Southwest Florida.

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Ron Patterson’s 1971 Viking blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

ORIGINAL SURVIVOR Layers and layers of wax, meticulous maintenance and lots of love helped this 1971 Cutlass Supreme weather the years.

hen Ron Patterson’s 1971 Cutlass Supreme won first place in its class at this summer’s Oldsmobile Club of America National Meet in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, he had a feeling his late father was looking on with pride. The Cutlass with 55,000 original miles on its Rocket V8 350 engine was making its national debut. Ron calls his car

an “Unrestored Original Survivor” because the Viking blue exterior, black cloth interior, shocks, brakes, head lights and tail lights are all original. Earlier that day, as Ron was preparing his Cutlass for the judges’ inspection, he deliberately left exposed an old 3-inch scratch below the tail light. “I will never fix that scratch,” Ron vows. “My father’s spirit is there. It’s very meaningful to me.”

STORY BY STEPHANIE BORDEN | PHOTOS BY NICOLE RAUCHEISEN GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 57

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: An informational poster for Ron Patterson’s 1971 Viking blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, which he displays at car shows, includes an overview on the car as well as photos of the original warranty and bill of sale from 1971. • Ron sits in his Cutlass outside his home in Naples. • Ron’s parents in an undated photo. • Trophies Ron has won for his Cutlass sit on display in his garage. • The Viking blue of the Cutlass carries through onto the rims of the car.

Ron views his Cutlass as a testament to the close relationship he had with his father, Harry Patterson, and the values his father taught him through example. “He came here from Italy through Ellis Island at age 17 with 25 bucks,” Ron says. “He had a sixthgrade education and spoke no English.” Harry worked his way up in the steel mills of northwest Indiana, got married and became a father. As a boy and a teenager, Ron shared many hours with his dad talking about cars and working on them, teaching his son traditional values of hard work, caring for family and always doing the right thing. In 1967, Ron went to Vietnam to serve as a combat engineer, armed with a Purdue University degree. “We would get car magazines from the States,” Ron recalls, “and we would all talk about our dream cars — a Mustang or a Chevelle or a GTO. Once I saw a photo of the Cutlass Supreme, I promised my58 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

self I would do whatever it took to get this car when I got back from Vietnam. It became my reason to get home in one piece.” After his discharge, Ron began working as an engineer for Inland Steel, saving money from each paycheck until he had the $4,000 for a new 1971 Cutlass Supreme. “I asked my dad to come with me to the dealership to help me negotiate the price,” Ron says with a laugh. But when he began reading the long list of options Oldsmobile offered, his father’s frugal side emerged. “I wanted to get the new remote control to adjust the driver’s side mirror from inside the car. My dad’s response was ‘Why spend $12 when you can just roll down the window, stick your hand out and tilt the mirror any way you want it?’” He also told Ron that spending $455 for air conditioning was a waste of money, because “our summer only lasts three months. Why can’t you just roll down

the windows?” Ron remembers he stuck to his guns on the options he wanted, and that his dad skillfully helped negotiate the final cost from $3,858 to $3,350. Ron saved the 47-year-old order sheet, owner’s manual and warranty. He displays the documents at car shows on a poster board detailing his car’s history. “One of my dreams,” Ron says, “was to keep this car as long as I could.” While working in the steel mills, he parked his Cutlass in the garage and took a daily driver to work and on his road trips. After his father retired, Ron recalls, “he was bored. So he waxed the car by hand with Simoniz paste wax. He probably put a dozen coats of wax on that car.” To this day, Ron has never washed the Cutlass with soap and water. He simply wipes the car gently with a clean chamois. Ron’s father even installed a wood-burning stove

in the garage, so they could handle basic maintenance duties together during cold Indiana winters. But one day, when Ron arrived home from a business trip, his 80-year-old father approached him and said he had done something â&#x20AC;&#x153;really badâ&#x20AC;? to the Oldsmobile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was almost in tears,â&#x20AC;? Ron remembers, â&#x20AC;&#x153;when he took me to the garage and showed me a 3-inch scratch just below the tail light, where he had backed into a light pole in a parking lot.â&#x20AC;? Arthritis in Harryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neck had prevented him from turning his head far enough to see the pole. Six years later, when Ron and his mother were visiting his father in the hospital, Harry asked to speak to his son alone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He told me he had lived a good life and that he had done all the things he wanted to do. Then he asked me to promise him two things: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;First, take care of your mother.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And then he asked me to promise I would take care of the car for as long as I lived. I promised him I would, and those were the last

words we said to each other. He died the next morning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So this car is a member of our family, and it always will be.â&#x20AC;? Ron has entered the Oldsmobile in regional car shows in Indiana and in the Chicago area, winning 55 awards in the past 10 years. His trophy case displays a treasured award from the 2010 Cedar Lake, Indiana, Car Show, where the judges gave Ron their most prestigious honor: the Best of Show trophy. The Cutlass was ranked first in a field of 110 competing cars and trucks. After moving to Naples with his wife six years ago, Ron joined the Cool Cruisers, the West Coast Muscle Car Club and other car clubs to meet some new car guys and show his Oldsmobile to car fans at local cruise-ins and car shows. If you go to one of the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming events, you might get to see Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Viking blue â&#x20AC;&#x2122;71 Cutlass Supreme close up, complete with the scratch that will always be there, like a signature from his cherished father.

FROM TOP: A look inside Ron Pattersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1971 Viking blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. â&#x20AC;˘ Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exact replica of his unrestored Cutlass.

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www.floridacoastaldermatology.com GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 59

FACIAL

PLASTIC SURGEON SPECIALISTS

grand | WINE

STOCKING UP O It’s a great time of year to fill up your wine cellar.

Dr. Prendiville is excited to announce his collaboration with Dr. Newlon. Both are Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons. Combined they have over 30 years of experience in facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries.

The Southwest Florida Facelift and Rhinoplasty Experts

ne of the best things about Southwest Florida summers for a wine lover is the large number of restaurants running half off bottles of wine. Not only does it help to get butts in seats, but it’s also a wonderful way for patrons to try new things. As the deals begin to dwindle and the holidays loom, it’s time to work on your home wine stash. For help putting together this month’s Grand Case, I turned to Higor Valle, sommelier of The Continental

in Naples. He recently passed the rigorous Advanced Sommelier exam, the third of four levels on the way to a coveted Master Sommelier diploma. Higor is one of only 651 people in the world to hold an Advanced Sommelier title, and he put his knowledge to work selecting some true gems here. I’ve completed the case with some good values that are mostly easy to find. If you can assemble a case like this going into fall, you will certainly have all bases covered.

Weingut Knoll, Grüner Veltliner, “Loibner Federspiel,” Niederösterreich, 2015 ($35) » Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s signature grape, and every wine lover should venture into it. Almost always a value, it is the ultimate white wine to pair with vegetables, cold appetiz-ers and even soups. Weingut Knoll is one of Austria’s top producers and their wines are always incredible. This Loibner Federspiel is full of flavor, boasting notes of citrus, honey-suckle and Grüner’s signature sharp structure.

Rhys Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Sonoma County, 2015 ($50) » Rhys is making some of the most compelling wines in the country today. The focus is cooler sites that will produce elegant, ethereal and age-worthy wines. Immediately after opening, this 2015 Anderson Valley pinot boasts layers and layers of red fruit and floral notes, with great length and complexity. Yet, one will be greatly rewarded by laying a few bottles down in the cellar.

James L. Newlon, MD, FACS Residency Trained Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Stephen Prendiville, MD Fellowship Trained Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

9407 Cypress Lake Drive Fort Myers, FL 33919 239-437-3900 DrPrendiville.com 60 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

Tamber Bey “Trio,” Unoaked Chardonnay ($34) » Overoaked chardonnays are becoming passé in many circles. This one from Napa Valley is fresh and a good reminder of what a beautiful wine can be made with the Dijon grape clone and no wood to cover the rich, tropical fruits. Owner Barry Waite rescues horses, and when you visit his tasting room in Yountville, you can walk the stables and see some of them.

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GINA BIRCH

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Gina Birch is the wine columnist for The NewsPress in Fort Myers. Follow her social media here: Twitter: @ginabirch Facebook: GinaBirch

Hedges Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($40) » I love supporting wineries that give back to the community and Hedges is one of them, donating 10 percent of profits to community outreach programs. And who doesn’t love a good cabernet? 2015 was a challenging year — it was hot, the grapes ripened early, but Hedges made it work. This one smells like cedar and red fruit. It has a nice mouth feel with plum, blackberry and chocolate.

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HIGOR VALLE

Guest columnist, sommelier at The Continental in Naples

Domaine Huet, “Le Mont,” Vouvray Sec, Loire Valley, 2016 (Under $40) » This wine is all fun with sharp mineral notes and lipsmacking acidity that is balanced by a touch of residual sugar. Domaine Huet is arguably the most important producer of this region and Le Mont is often said to be Huet’s best vineyard. Plus, there should always be room for a good chenin blanc on the table given how food-friendly the grape is.

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Donnafugata “Ben Ryè” Moscato di Pantelleria, Sicily 2013 (Under $40) » Ben Ryè is the “best dessert wine no one knows about.” Made from dried Zibibbo grapes, on the island of Pantelleria, this wine is a secret weapon you can use to wow your guests at the end of a meal. Bittersweet orange scents with a smoky note, it is thick, intense and weighty. A saline note adds a final touch of balance to this exotic wine.

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Archery Summit Vireton Pinot Gris 2016, Oregon ($24) » When I hear the name Archery Summit, my mind immediately thinks of killer pinot noir. However, the winery also makes a killer pinot gris. Soft and floral on the nose, it’s quite lively on the palate with nectarine and tropical fruits. It also has something spicy and herbal that makes it nice for both sipping and noshing.

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Mud House Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2016 ($16) » I do love a good Sonoma pinot noir like the one Higor selected, but it’s also fun to find one from an area you might not normally think of for bottling this temperamental grape. This one comes from a New Zealand winery known for its outstanding sauvignon blanc and was deemed the value of the night at a recent party I attended. Although its body is sleek, the wine is still a bit meaty, with cherry cola, a spicy finish and a breath of eucalyptus.

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Lopez de Heredia, “Viña Tondonia,” Rioja Reserva 2005 (Under $50) » As traditional as a great Rioja can get, Lopez de Heredia over-delivers in all aspects. Rioja is a perfect “transition” red, matching well with a range of meals — from filet mignon to grilled salmon. Complex, properly aged, from an iconic producer, and very versatile on the table — what else can you ask from a wine?

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Flora Springs Napa Valley Merlot ($30) » It might be fall, but it’s still hot outside. If you’re not quite ready for a big bad cab but want a nice red, this is the ticket. A solid merlot from a respected winery, in the glass it is dark, juicy and a little toasty as it opens up. Put a slight chill on it and enjoy while the kids are out trick-or-treating this month. Hmm, I wouldn’t mind some dark chocolate with this at all.

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Lillian, Syrah, California 2013 ($85) » Lillian is a project from Maggie Harrison, the proprietor of the revered Antica Terra Winery in Oregon. Maggie started Lillian while working as the assistant winemaker at Sine Qua Non, under the guidance of Manfred Krankl. This wine is rich and expressive while maintaining class and elegance.

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*Prices listed can vary. Some of these wines can be found in local wine shops, others are limited production and may require shipment from the producers themselves.

Clos du Val Rosé 2017 ($30) » Don’t put away the rosé just yet. Made from pinot noir, you’ll have to get this one shipped from the winery or even better, plan a visit. Over the summer this landmark Napa estate opened Hirondelle House for a new, personalized visitor experience. Their rosé smells and tastes fresh and crisp, with a lingering finish that includes limes and watermelon candy. It’s a delight regardless of the season.

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OOR

STORY BY CATHY CHESTNUT PHOTOS BY DOROTHY EDWARDS

Paul and Eileen Arsenault’s centuryold oasis in the heart of Old Naples has served as a comfortable, artistic retreat for them and for a host of famous, creative visitors.

hat would you call a little-changed, 100-year-old home in Naples that has become increasingly surrounded by modern mansions and urban bustle? Paul and Eileen Arsenault endearingly call their retreat on a large parcel at the corner of 12th Avenue South and Gordon Drive the “Banyan Arts Social and Pleasure Club.” Built in 1918, their home is located in the Naples hotspot where Naples awoke as a resort town — where the first hotel and iconic pier were born. Of course, many of Naples’ turnof-the-19th-century cottages have made way for newer, slicker abodes. But Paul, a contemporary impressionist in Naples since 1974, and Eileen have had a long commit-

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ment to historic preservation and the region’s natural environment. They’ve lovingly embraced their property’s legacy as a turnstile retreat for visiting writers, artists and others — the property includes three 950-square-foot cottages. Among celebrated overnight guests and drop-in visitors: poet Robert Frost, third-generation New England painter Emile Gruppe, Key West mystery writer Laurence Shames, artist Richard Segalman, James Jones, author of “From Here to Eternity,” Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough, and Rebecca Wells, famous for her Ya-Ya Sisterhood series. They are proud that Florida environmental champion Nathaniel Reed was a guest; Eileen is president of the Audubon of the Western Everglades. These and others have met the Arsenaults through their vast network of Collier County creative types or discovered the rentable cottages for extended stays through word of mouth. “We’ve had a lot of good people,” Paul says. “It’s been a terrific oasis as Naples has been unfolding.” The Arsenaults are trying to contact their eclectic range of guests and visitors for a 100th anniversary gathering in December.

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Cultural crosscurrents There are other cultural crosscurrents, such as the landmark banyan tree planted shortly after the home’s construction — a sapling provided by horticulturist Henry Nehrling, whose nearby gardens evolved into the Naples Zoo. In the 1930s, the Arsenaults’ kitchen operated as a toy shop selling kaleidoscopes, Seminole dolls and “Snow White” paraphernalia. Recently, the Arsenaults came across a 1920 calendar of events for the Naples Hotel, which opened in 1889 and would be across the street from the Arsenaults, if it was still in existence. The calendar calls the intersection Oceanview Junction. The home was built by wealthy entrepreneur Norman Prentis “N.P.” Sloan, who owned productive silver and gold mines in the West. Arsenault has been told that their seven children lived in the main house while the parents shacked up in a cottage. Sloan built another cottage that served as Naples’ first private real estate office. During the Great Depression, N.P. Junior took over the real estate business, making his first sale to Phillip and Eleanor DuPont Rust. The couple erected a tall security wall around their Palm Villa at the corner of

Broad Avenue South and Gulf Shore Boulevard after the shocking 1932 kidnapping of Charles and Ann Morrow Lindbergh’s baby. The Arsenaults also added a wall along one side of their property 10 years ago to buffer Gordon Drive noise. “That was the model I used for my place because of the inundation of idling trucks and intensity of commercial traffic,” he says, adding that it “created courtyard charm.” In addition to the wall, there have been a few other modifications along the way. Long ago, the interior staircase in the main house, which is about 2,300 square feet including the porches, was removed to create upstairs and downstairs rentable apartments. It has never been replaced. The upstairs guest room/studio is reached by an exterior stairway. Eileen began renting in 1982, and Paul moved into a cottage the following year. They married, and in the late 1980s, there was talk of demolishing the buildings to make room for a parking lot. The Arsenaults scrimped and saved, going in with the renter of the third cottage, to buy it. “I loved the house from Day One,” Eileen says. “It has so much character, and it’s a great place to live.” The couple has enclosed the porch on one cottage and added central air to the cottages and split air-conditioning units for the main house. They modestly renovated the kitchen, though Eileen cooks on a 1920 gas stove, which she operates with aplomb. “Eileen is a brilliant and successful hostess — a gourmet, organic cook. She does a remarkable job with a stove she can’t monitor the heat on,” Paul says, noting the house has “a certain museum authenticity.” Made of Dade pine, the board-andbatten home has strong bones that have survived its share of massive storms. And, Paul says, it’s haunted. Several guests have sensed some type of vortex portal, and he has, too. Visions of the Native Americans who dug a nearby canoe canal to connect the Gulf of Mexico to Naples Bay have emerged, and Paul reports they’ve had “somewhat dramatic paranormal activity and the rattling of doors.” It doesn’t bother him, though, because he wills the forces away with “You had your shot. This is our time here.” Now, the Arsenaults are haunted by the future of their retreat at 1188 Gordon Drive. In May, the Naples City Council approved the development of the Old Naples Hotel to replace the longvacant Third Street Plaza. Plans for the 109-room hotel include a spa, two retail shops, café and rooftop pool. The location isn’t far from their home and the Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery on Third Street. The resort is expected to be operational by 2021; as a result, Paul says, they are in a “state of unknown.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: • Eileen and Paul have lovingly preserved their century-old property, which they affectionately call “Banyan Arts Social and Pleasure Club.” • The focal point of the backyard patio between three historic cottages is the Steve Coenen memorial fountain, named for a long-time friend who installed it after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Paul put the finishing touches on it, including the mosaic tile work. • Eileen works her culinary magic on a 1920 gas stove. • Eileen and Paul Arsenault’s home is cozy and intimate, filled with a collection of works by local artists, gifts and meaningful souvenirs from their travels and visitors. “Everything has a story,” says Paul. • The Arsenault’s home is cozy and intimate, filled with a collection of works by local artists, gifts and meaningful souvenirs from their travels and visitors. “Everything has a story,” says Paul.

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 65

grand | OPEN DOOR AT RIGHT: The second floor of the home serves as guest room and studio, accessible only by exterior stairs. BELOW: At the end of a six-week painting trip in Vietnam in 1995, Paul bought this painting from an artist, who captured a portrait of his wife opening her kimono to the sun on a warm spring day. Paul had run out of canvases and donated his paints to the artist.

1010 WINTERBERRY DRIVE, MARCO ISLAND, FL 34145

PHONE: 239-394-4221 REGULAR HOURS: M - F, 9AM - 4PM Visit our website or call the center to view our complete schedule and to sign up for classes & events!

WWW.MARCOISLANDART.ORG

• Art Galleries with monthly

Exhibits & Opening Receptions • Adult Classes & Workshops • Children & Youth Programs • Indoor & Outdoor Events • Musical Interludes • Gift Gallery & Much More! P ROMOTING EDUCATION & APPRECIATION OF THE A RTS ON M ARCO I SLAND SINCE 1969 This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida. (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).

NP-0000964299

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Recorder of history Arsenault graduated from art school in Boston and saw South Florida as a deckhand on a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution ship. He moved to Naples in January of 1974 to begin his career as a formal painter — developing his signature style and becoming a recorder of historic Naples buildings through his street and cottage vignettes. In the mid-’70s, the Naples scene “was diverse — on the edge of the Everglades wilderness. [Drug] smuggling was going on but that was a certain period and circumstance of Naples’ geography,” he recalls. Paul borrowed chicken-wire screens and set up his first show on Third Street South at Swan Court (Campiello’s courtyard). He sent out press releases and the local television station covered the event. Life in Naples “was very simple. There was nothing to do,” he says. The still-ritzy Third Street South district was developed as a resort destination by Julius “Junkie” Fleishmann of the Fleishmann Yeast fortune. “I’m on the

same block now but paying big rent,” notes Arsenault, 66. Eileen, 67, runs their gallery. Paul was involved in the early efforts to refurbish the Naples Depot and has created a book to raise funds for the Naples Historical Society. He continues recording on canvas the quaint alleys, cottages and establishments that comprise a Naples that is fading into the 21st century. Earlier this year, he curated an exhibition about coastal trade from Naples to Key West featuring some of his early paintings, posters, artifacts and folk art at the Marco Island Historical Museum. He’s been painting along the region’s shores so long, he recalls an art reception at the Collier Inn on Useppa Island when “raccoons were living in the lodge.” He’s curating a new exhibit for Ave Maria. “I’ve been a historian in the paintings I’ve been doing,” he says. “In the 1970s, I had the curiosity and motivation to paint the scene early on and things are gone or real different now. Getting out and about in those early stages has given me a terrific opportunity to paint a more poetic time of the waterfront.”

grand | MAKE IT A DOUBLE

NOT YOUR EVERYDAY

bar Point 57 craft cocktails invoke a sophistication not often expected in Cape Coral.

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grand | MAKE IT A DOUBLE

STORY BY GINA BIRCH PHOTOS BY ANDREA MELENDEZ

t’s a rustic coastal restaurant and bar fronting the bustling Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral, and its craft cocktails are unlike almost any this side of the Caloosahatchee River: Point 57. Bar shelves are stocked with more than 100 spirits in a design that looks like something you might see in California rather than Cape Coral. With more than 60 selections of bourbon, whiskey and scotch, the drink menu features numerous cocktails. Take, for instance, Dead on Bourbon Street. General Manager Zak Wutsch describes it as, “an eerie feeling of old-school New Orleans.” It’s not just about taste but presentation. Get your camera ready for this one. A smoke gun pumps aromatic hickory into a glass skull that is then filled with rye whiskey, New Orleans-style creole seasonings and coffee liqueur, imparting flavors such as chicory and hazelnut. The mix is poured over an ice brick in a rocks glass. It’s a perfect fall cocktail, smoky like a campfire, but sweet, nutty and balanced.

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See a video of the Point 57 bartender in action.

This spring, Point 57 added a line of old-school, Mason jar cocktails. At 16 ounces, they “make it a double” in more ways than one. The Blueberry Lemonade is a twist on the mojito, but not as sweet. Zak calls it “dangerously good.” We agree. Good on a hot day, or anytime really, a good choice is the Coastal Gimlet. Point 57 infuses vodka with sage and pineapple for three days, and for this cocktail, adds elderflower liqueur and citrus for a tropical, frothy riff on an old-school fave. Flo 57 is a bar signature. Strawberry-infused Hendrick’s gin is the base. Mixed with elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon juice, it’s topped with brut Champagne for a dry touch. The strawberry is subtle with the botanicals of the gin showing up at the end. Nosh on the fish dip. Made from Matlacha mullet, smoked in house. It’s served with an unconventional fennel salad and brown mustard aioli, and it works. Happy Hour is hopping, and live music keeps the party going during season. “Our bartenders take pride in coming up with ideas for new cocktails,” Zak says, “using fresh herbs, house-made infusions and the likes — things you’re not going to find at your everyday bar.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Coastal Gimlet features pineapple and sage infused vodka. • The fish comes from Matlacha and it’s smoked in-house for this tasty appetizer dip. • Strawberry infused gin and Champagne are the base for FLO 57, Point 57’s signature cocktail. • Blueberry Lemonade is one of Point 57’s new mason jar cocktails. • Bartenders experiment with infused vodka for Sunday Brunch Bloody Marys. • The rustic bar is stocked with more than 100 spirits, 60 bourbon, whisky, and scotch selections GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 69

grand | BEHIND THE BENEFIT

art THE

HELPING ACT has brought critical support to more than 75,000 people over the last 40 years.

hen crisis hits, it is hard to find help. That’s why Abuse Counseling & Treatment Inc. has worked tirelessly to make services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Its shelters never close, and all services are free. The shelters provide food, clothing and personal care items along with children’s needs. It is not just a roof over someone’s head and food in their stomach, which is imperative for overall health, but all receive individual and group counseling to nourish their equally important mental and emotional health following trauma. This year marks the organization’s 40th anniversary — and 30 years for the Arts for ACT fundraiser. ACT serves Lee, Hendry and Glades counties, offers a 24-hour hotline and provides safe emergency shelter with 115 beds. Two of the shelters are in Lee County, and one is in Hendry County. Other “ACTs of caring” include: » Outreach counseling » Rape crisis center with forensic examinations for victims » Children’s program » Legal help, including injunction for protection representation in court by an attorney » Advocacy: information and support throughout the judicial system for victims, community and professional education and a volunteer program Jennifer L. Benton is CEO and has devoted 30 years to ACT, driven by her love of the agency and the arts. Marc Collins, a long-time attendee, was 2017’s honorary chair. This year he is stepping in as co-chair for the big event. Stephen Blanchett, also co-chair, has 70 | OCTOBER 2018 | grandeurmagazine.com

dedicated 16 years to seeing the program forward for thousands of people in need. Here’s what they had to say about the upcoming event:

Exciting changes this year Jennifer: The gala theme is “A

Night at Studio 54,” an evening of disco and glam. Doors open at 5 p.m. with registration and silent auction. Dinner is served at 6, and live auction starts at 7. We have entertainment immediately following the live auction by The Original Studio 54 Band. Stephen: This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary

of ACT and the 30th year for this event, so our theme is a flashback to the ’70s… This is sure to be a funfilled evening of fine art, disco, glam and philanthropy. We are honored to have community leaders and star confectioner Norman and Mary Love as our honorary chairs. Norman will be creating something very special for the attendees. Also, the artwork this year is incredible. There is something for everyone. Marc: There will be lots of detail and “moments of re-

membrance” of previous years. We have gone to great measures to make this relevant yet nostalgic for many of our long-time guests. “A Night at Studio 54” will be filled with tons of great art and various other auction

items. The Original Studio 54 Band is coming back. They are incredible and a real crowd pleaser. I was so honored to ask my dear friends, Norman and Mary Love to be the honorary chairs for this event.

Personal connections Jennifer: I started volunteering at a craft fair to raise

money for the agency. I offered to get some art, since my brother was an artist and knew Robert Rauschenberg, so I suggested we add an art auction addition to the craft fair. The first year we made $10,000 in a small restaurant in the previously named Rafters Mall. With that success, the next year we decided to take it to one of the hotels and do on a larger scale, and it has evolved from there.

From left Stephen Blancett, Jennifer Benton and Marc Collins stand for a portrait at the Arts for ACT gallery in downtown Fort Myers.

STORY BY SARA COGGIN | PHOTO BY ANDREW WEST Stephen: I grew up with an abusive father who would

threaten to burn our house down if my mother ever reported or left him. We lived in a small town and had no place like ACT to go. Marc: I have a passion for all the people of Southwest

Florida. Especially those that don’t have a voice, or those that need help. I’m convinced that we are put on this earth for a greater purpose, and it is in giving that we receive. ACT is a wonderful organization that helps so many. As our community grows, charitable organizations are added, and the older ones are often overlooked or are forgotten. I try to give my efforts to “remind”

people of these organizations and the needs they have.

Gala goals Jennifer: It is always so important we raise enough

money to support our programs for victims of domestic violence and their children, and survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. We must always be able to open our doors and be able to provide the services they need. Stephen: Our No. 1 goal is to raise a lot of money

for this great cause. I have chaired and co-chaired this

event for the past three years. This is my last year, and my goal is to hit $500,000. Between my co-chair, Marc Collins, our awesome committee and our generous sponsors, supporters and artists, I think we can make that happen. Marc: My No. 1 goal is twofold: to raise a lot of money

for the organization and to raise awareness for the organization. The organization helps so many that don’t have another option. The greatest thing I can do is to leave ACT in better shape than we found it. If we can help to “lock in” some great support and refresh or find new relationships, then we’ve done our job.

Arts for ACT Fine Art Auction and Gala • 5-10 p.m. November 10 • Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, 5001 Coconut Road, Estero • 239-444-1234 • artsforactfineartauction.com • For more about Abuse Counseling & Treatment: 239-939-2553 or actabuse.com.

GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 71

grand | TIMES

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Here are some photos from a few of the events that happened this summer.

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Photos special to GRANDEUR

SoCe Flats is a new construction development in Old Naples, South of Central. The SoCe launch party was August 16 at Clive Daniels Homes in Naples. 1. Carrie Cammons, Kelly Assaad, Melissa Belz and Alex Aronson 2. Mary Vanmeter, Joe Belz and Chip Vanmeter 3. Ashley Silvers and Daryl Silvers

12 13

PACE Center for Girls, Lee County raised $8,420 during the Love That Dress! season finale “Glam! Bam! River District” event on July 17, hosted by Red Door Photography and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida in downtown Fort Myers. 4. Sara Mader, Anne Wittenborn and Dawn Scarmozzino 5. Cyndie Witthuhn and Erin Mallari 6. Diana Willis, Gina Birch, Shelley Starner and Jennifer Pfenniger The PACE Center for Girls, Lee County raised more than $35,500 during its “Sunset at St. Charles Yacht Club” Love That Dress! collection event on June 5 hosted by Sandy Stilwell-Youngquist and St. Charles Yacht Club in Fort Myers. 7. Andrea Henderson, Robert McDonald, Mackenzie Bart 8. Sandy Heinrich and Gail Markham 9. Scott and Mary Fischer with Meg Geltner “Laughter Is the Best Medicine” raised $122,317 for SalusCare. The event was held August 21 at The Broadway Palm. 10. Tracey Toscano, Dom Toscano, Linda Knowlton and Marc Collins 11. Norman Love, Karen Feldman McCracken and Mary Love 12. Luis Insignarres, Dwayne Bergmann and Marcus Jansen The 15th annual Rumrunners Celebrity Chef Night was held August 15 at Rumrunners in Cape Coral. The event raised more than $150,000 for Barbara’s Friends — Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund. 13. Harold Balink, Avery McCaskill and Ruth Anne Hargreaves 14. Al Kinkle, Sue Robbins and Scott Massengill 15. Beverly and Tom Fewster, Mark Loren, Cara Chase and Max Dean

Find more event photos, as well as a calendar of upcoming events online now. GRANDEUR | OCTOBER 2018 | 73

grand | NOVEMBER

Next month Whether you are a serious foodie or just an occasional diner, who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to experience fining dining from our areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s master chefs? Coming in November, Grandeur shares a handful of the best culinary artists in town.

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