OCTOBER 2012
TASTE OF COCONUT POINT
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HEALTH MATTERS
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THE BUZZ
BREAKFAST WITH THE
BLADES
COSTA RICA CIRELLA’S
FLORIDA EVERBLADES LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM LI LLIF IIF FES FE EST E STYLEM S EMA MAGAZ GAZINE INE N GRO OU UP UP. P.C P COM OM | O OM OC OCT OCTOBER CTOBER CT R 2 2012 01 0 1 12 2
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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OCTOBER 2012
from the publisher
HAPPY OCTOBER, ESTERO! We have made it through one of the hottest summers on record and we are two-thirds of the way through hurricane season with little more than some anxious moments during Isaac as he skirted by! We are now heading into the time when we all enjoy Estero. Fall and winter. It won’t be long until we feel that pleasant, slight chill in the morning air and some welcome relief from the summer humidity. Soon, our Northern friends will be coming ‘home’ and will be planning for all the wonderful activities we enjoy each year. We are well into the football season at every level. The fall sports at FGCU are in full swing and the Kelly Cup Champion Florida Everblades open their season on October 12th. I am honored to have been asked to sing the National Anthem on opening night, the highlight of which will be the raising of the Kelly Cup Championship Banner at Germain Arena. To honor our home team, this month’s cover story recalls the final surge to victory. With more than a dozen returning players, the 2012-13 season promises to be another thriller. With the ‘target’ on their backs it may prove to be even tougher. Would you like to meet the Everblades, up close and personal? Why not have “Breakfast with the Blades”. This special annual event gives fans a chance to really enjoy the players off the ice while supporting the Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Did you know that FGCU had two swimmers competing in the London Olympics? Read about the experiences Coach Neel Studd and swimmers Danielle Beaubrun and Karen Vilorio had this summer. Speaking of FGCU, we would like to introduce our readers to a new neighbor in Estero. Dr. Rosemary Thomas is Vice President for University Advancement. Thanks to her energy and commitment, we are all going to learn and enjoy more of what the university has to offer. As always, Enjoy the Lifestyle
TM
Gary 4
OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Judi Gietzen
Estero Resident & Realtor Committed to the Community Assisting Buyers, Sellers, Investors & International Clients
Member: 2012 WCR Bonita Springs-Estero Chapter President WCR Top Producer Award Recipient 2006, 2008, 2010 & 2011 2012 Estero Chamber of Commerce Membership Chairman Bonita Springs-Estero Board of Realtors & 2012 Board of Director National & Florida Association of Realtors Charter Member: Women’s Executive Golf Association
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OCTOBER 2012
TASTE OF COCONUT POINT
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HEALTH MATTERS
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THE BUZZ
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contents OCTOBER 2012
BREAKFAST WITH THE
BLADES
COSTA RICA CIRELLA’S
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FLORIDA EVERBLADES
10 THE BUZZ HEALTH & WELLNESS 12 Health Matters STYLE 14 Spa Style: Canyon Ranch 18 Travel Style: Costa Rica COVER STORY 20 Florida Everblades Arrive: Kelly Cup Champions Take to the Ice
DINING REVIEW 40 Cirella’s 44 CALENDAR OF EVENTS SCENE ON SITE 46 Business After Hours 48 iHeart Radio Music Festival 50 AND ANOTHER THING
HAPPENINGS 24 Taste of Coconut Point 26 Breakfast with the Blades 28 FGCU Swimmers Recap Olympic Experience PEOPLE 30 Heidi Ruster 32 Rosemary Thomas BIZ STYLE 34 Pet Paradise 36 St. Paul’s Holistic Institute 38 Pawngo
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Lifestyle
Estero PUBLISHER Gary EDITOR IN CHIEF Brian
Israel Nienkowski
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Danielle
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melanie
Tarrant
Geronemus Smit
ART DIRECTOR Alexander
Hernandez
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WRITERS
Laura Cummings, Laura Gates, Kevin Lane, Bruce Turkel PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laura Gates Downtown Photo/Fort Lauderdale, Dreamfocus Photography
ADVERTISING SALES Gary Israel Jill Horowitz Rona Levenson Sally Nicholas Beth Tache
LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS, LLC
Sunday, October 28, 2012 10:00am-1:00pm The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa Honorary Chair Former Florida Everblades Star Tom Buckley
CHAIRMAN Gary PRESIDENT Jim
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Š2012 Estero Lifestyle is published by Lifestyle Publications, LLC, all rights reserved. Estero Lifestyle is a monthly advertising magazine. All contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. The advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher harmless from any error.
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Spider webs on chandeliers, people hanging from the rafters, freaky clown heads that talk, animated scarecrows, bats, life-sized stuffed dummies, baby werewolves, and zombies – you name it and you can find it online. Use these and other grotesque decorations to bring your house and yard alive with the Halloween holiday spirit. Websites such as thehorrordome.com and halloweenasylum.com make it easy. If you’re not into the weird and bloody-type decorations try getting into the spirit of fall and Halloween by checking out Martha Stewart (marthastewart.com) online. You will find an abundance of spirited ideas to dress up your house, like candlesticks, cheese cloth spider webs, vampire pump pumpkins, pkins,, gl glow glowing owin ingg ghosts spider cupcakes and more.
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POWER TOOLS FOR CARVING PUMPKINS! Let’s face it, most men love power tools and now they, and their spouses, can unleash the fury of power tools on their pumpkins to make the most extreme Jack O’ Lantern on the block. Even the kids can join in the “fun.”
DREMEL 764-04 CORDLESS PUMPKIN CARVING KIT Check out the Dremel 764-04 Cordless Pumpkin Carving kit. As stated on the Dremel website: “the Pumpkin Carving Kit allows fast, easy carving of spectacularly sculpted pumpkins. Using the templates provided (or one of the thousands of pre-made templates available on the market), the Pumpkin Carving Kit makes carving intricate pumpkin designs as easy as tracing a drawing.” The features on the Dremel Cordless carver include: light weight and easily handled; cordless convenience; AA batteries to eliminate batter charging (not included); ten bonus carving templates; two speeds, 6,000 and 12,000 RPM for superior power; and a two year warranty. Accessories include: 191 high speed cutter, 6.0V Dremel alkaline cordless rotary tool and wrench. PUMPKIN MASTER’S POWER POKER AND SAW But that’s not the only tool you’ll need to create the most distinctive and radical Jack O’ Lantern. Try the Pumpkin Master’s Power Poker and Saw. It is the newest and quickest way to carve your pumpkin. This tool includes a battery operated saw with a replaceable saw attachment and a replaceable poker attachment, which makes carving a pumpkin like running a hot knife through butter. Requires 4 AA batteries (not included). PUMPKIN GUTTER And for the finale, don’t forget this pumpkin “gutter” drill attachment, created to help with the gooey mess inside the pumpkin. Just insert the attachment’s shaft into your drill chuck, just like a drill bit. Have a helper hold the pumpkin steady, then turn on your drill, and the attachment will loosen and grip the pumpkin goo making it easy to remove from the pumpkin. It’s also great for shaving down the inside of the pumpkin wall, which should be about ½ inch for carving.
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OCTOBER 2012
buzz
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health & wellness A HEALTHY, QUICK BREAKFAST Tired of trying to get ready for work and school and prepare a healthy breakfast for you and your kids? Well here’s one solution – breakfast bars. Not all breakfast bars are created equal; some are filled with sugars and lots of empty calories. So try these healthy bars and feel better every morning. s FiberOne Oats and Chocolate Bar: 140 calories, 9 grams fiber s Kashi TLC Chewy Peanut Peanut Butter Bar: 14 calories, 300 mg Omega-3s s Clif Kid Organic Chocolate Brownie ZBar: 120 calories 3 grams fiber s All-Bran Strawberry Drizzle Fiber Bar: 120 calories, 10 grams fiber
HEALTHY MAC AND CHEESE That’s right, most Mac and Cheese meals are full of sodium and saturated fats, but you can create a creamy delicious meal that’s much healthier. And guess what – you won’t taste the vegetables in this dish! INGREDIENTS s 4 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pound squash) s 4 cups of low- fat milk s 2 teaspoons of kosher salt s 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper s 9 ounces of cheddar cheese s 1/4 cup finely grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese s 1 pound uncooked favorite pasta s 1 head of cauliflower finely chopped INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the squash, and milk, in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, being careful not to scorch the milk. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat. Blend the milk and squash until it’s smooth. While it’s still hot, add in the 9 ounces of cheese.
QUICK BURST EXERCISES Recent research has found that quick bursts of exercise combined with less aggressive exercise enhances muscle and relieves stress just as well as longer periods of more leisurely exercise. For example, if biking or walking on a treadmill commit to one minute bursts of intense walking or biking followed by one minute intervals of less strenuous walking or biking. You can even use some intervals for rest if you need to catch your breath. This actually cuts the amount of time required to exercise and the amount of exercise itself – and you can achieve better results! Remember to start slowly and check with your doctor if you have any doubts about your health.
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
health
MATTERS KITCHEN GADGETS s Vertical SteakHouse Grill: Cooks steaks vertical as the fat drains from the steak making them moist and healthier. s Food Steamers: Oster 5712 Digital Food Steamer -- Cook healthier meals by steaming them. Vegetables and meats can be steamed to perfection. s Cuisinart SmartStick Hand Blender: Blend fresh fruit smoothies right in the glass with no blender clean up. s Oil Mister: Instead of pouring oil into a pan (healthy olive oil has 120 calories and 14 grams of fat) mist the bottom of the pan. Try Williams-Sonoma or Amazon for products.
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spa style
FINDING YOUR PATH…
CANYON RANCH HOTEL & SPA MIAMI BEACH BY RANDI AILEEN PRESS
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
F
inding your path at Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa begins when yo u arrive in the hotel lobby. You are greeted by your personal check-in concierge who provides you with a delicious glass of tea, a folder with details about the hotel and spa, a water bottle included in a custom carry bag and a lanyard you will need to use for accessing your room and specific parts of the property. You are escorted to your suite which overlooks the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and you begin to feel yourself relaxing. Every detail is well thought out with your experience in mind. You won’t need to bring anything but some comfortable clothing, a few minor personal items and a willingness to let yourself disconnect from technology and the outside world. The spa is unprecedented. And, it is within driving distance from where you live. Once you have unpacked and are ready to explore, visit the fourth floor spa to begin your experience before dinner, which by the way, is also an event of its own! The AquavanaTM experience is a new depth of luxury for a healthier, happier, better you. For thousands of years, people have found that water movement and temperature variations provide relief to muscle and joint problems and create a higher sense of relaxation. Canyon Ranch Miami Beach brings the first complete suite of European-inspired thermal spa cabins, tubs and aquathermal bathing experiences. There are both advanced therapeutic cryo (cold) and thermo (hot) cabins and pools for a spa experience with profound effects on both the body and soul. Consider beginning with an extraordinary circuit experience. Based on traditional Roman baths to relieve sore muscles, the HydroSpa has a variety of body jets that provide gentle massage to the body in the optimal temperature for rebalancing and release. The heat loosens sore muscles, opens pores and increases blood flow. You are ready now to step into the Experiential Rains for an invigorating, multisensory cooling treat that will have you dreaming about reproducing this shower in your home. There are three selections for you to enjoy. The Atlantic Storm is a refreshing calm shower that will energize your senses and rinse away any toxins brought to the skin’s surface by sweat. Follow the storm with the Caribbean Monsoon. This is rejuvenating! You’ll find yourself inhaling a mist of something deliciously familiar while you experience the thunder and lighting effects of this marvelous cascade of water. Finish with the Polar Mist’s cool invigorating water and tingling shower. Towel off and head to a heated room beyond anything you
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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For more information: Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa Miami Beach 6801 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33141 Main: 305.514.7000 www.canyonranch.com/miamibeach
may have previously experienced. I found myself mesmerized in the Herbal Laconium. This warm, misty ceramic-tiled room with heated individual seating thrones and a color-changing fiber optic ceiling is not to be missed. You will want to take deep cleansing breaths while you enjoy the aromatic atmosphere. The delicious smell of lavender fills the air and an iced towel is brought in at your request if that’s your pleasure. The suggestion is to leave the thermal areas periodically to cool down. You will now want to walk into the Igloo. The cool air and three Arctic Mist experiences await your arrival. Your choices include the menthol, mint or eucalyptus-enhanced by twinkling fiber optics. The Igloo constricts blood vessels and cools your system. This is brilliant! The Thermal Heated Loungers keep your muscles warm and relaxed as you lie back between thermal experiences. After you have spent an afternoon discovering the pleasures and benefits of this extraordinary environment, head back to your room to change for one of Canyon Ranch’s fantastic classes. The Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa has a weekly newsletter
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
that includes a daily class schedule. There are classes for every fitness level. Yoga, cycle, cardio circuit, dry and wet workouts are included. There are four pool locations at the hotel. And, if you aren’t one for the classes, there’s a wonderful area for walking or running behind the hotel. Dining at Canyon Ranch can be a mixture of a gourmet dinner, in-suite dining or a snack by the pool. Every menu provides nutritional information, from calories to fat grams, so you’ll be well informed. The Canyon Ranch Grill brings a fresh approach to health-conscious gourmet dining. Even your drinks are prepared with your health in mind. You can invent your own favorite by pairing one of their refreshing mixers – crafted in-house using fresh ingredients – with your choice of their select organic spirits. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the artichoke french fries. They are beyond delicious! Whether you are celebrating something special, desire time with a group of friends or just need your own time to recharge, Canyon Ranch Miami Beach is one path you will enjoy traveling on. LP
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Got story ideas Lifestyle Magazines wants to know about y! what’s happening in our community! Please submit story ideas to dtarrant@lifestylemagazinegroup.com
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LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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travel style
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COSTA RICA
OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Costa Rica is a country overflowing with diversity, allowing you to traverse through the densest rainforest one day, and relax on white sandy beaches the next, drawing both adrenalin junkies and beach lovers alike. It’s no wonder every trip to Costa Rica is as unique as the people traveling! Laura Hildenbrandt, Personal Ticket & Travel Concierge with SitInMySeats VIP Tickets & Travel says: “Creating a vacation to Costa Rica is a new experience, every time! While some clients want to bask in the sun with the rainforest at their back, others want to hike, explore and truly immerse themselves in this ecochic country.” At SitInMySeats, the travel professionals love to unearth the untouched side to Costa Rica, where nature in its blissfully raw state, is enhanced by beautiful eco-lodges and sanctuaries that are scattered across the landscape. Recently, Laura tailored a trip for some clients who wanted it all! The end result was a 14 night adventure designed to immerse her clients in the lush forests, take on the waves on empty beaches and be beguiled by this magical Central American gem. Her clients experience was very “eco-inclusive,” including witnessing turtles laying eggs on one of the world’s most important nesting sites, s, Tortuguero; exploring the rainforest orest with treks to see endangered wildlife dlife and stunning waterfalls; gazing outt on panoramic views of the ocean and soft white sands at Punta Islita and surfing the epic Costa Rican waves at Guiones Beach. While this adventure was comprehensive, Laura explains that
you can experience Costa Rica and all of its wonder, in a much shorter time period. A great way to do this is to head to the Pacific Coast, check into one of the luxury resorts and then day trip from there. This gives travelers the comfort of a luxury resort, great meals, beautiful vistas and white-glove service, while allowing them to trek, explore, hike, swing along the rainforest canopy, soak in the hot springs... or whatever their heart desires! History buffs... don’t dismay! The country and its capital offer an amazing look into the history and culture of this amazing Latin tin American country. The ways ys to customize a vacation there ere are many and many clients return again and again to have a brand new experience each time! The “Rich Coast” iss relatively easy to get to, whether you’re traveling aveling to the capital al city of San Jose ose and exploring from there, or if you want to head right to the coast. Either way, flights are plentiful. Costa Rica is the perfect rfect harmony of beach, eco-travel, history, scenery, cenery, adventure and rich experiences. s.
Regardless ess of how you explore an and discover over this amazing country, you will surely return home refreshed, sun-kissed and longing for your next journey back! For more information on trips to Costa Rica or any other travel destination, please contact us at 954-456-0419/ 866-798-7328 or email Lisa at lisa@sitinmyseats.com.
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM LIFESTYL LEM EMA MAG GAZ GA AZ A ZIINE NE EGR GR GRO RO OUP..CO C COM | OCTOBER 2012
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EVERBLADES ARRIVE: KELLY CUP CHAMPIONS TAKE TO ICE FOR 2012-13 SEASON BY LAURA J. CUMMINGS
There were tears as the Florida Everblades closed out an overtime victory against the Las Vegas Wranglers to win the ECHL Kelly Cup Championship last May, marking the Blades’ first postseason championship in the team’s 14-year history. Expect to see tears again as the Kelly Cup banner goes up at Germain Arena during the season opener against the Orlando Solar Bears October 12. “It’s what our diehard fans have been waiting for,” said Head Coach Greg Poss, who is entering his third season leading the Blades, along with Assistant Coach Brad Tapper. Everblades President Craig Brush found it difficult to describe his emotions as he realized his team was finally bringing home the Kelly Cup. “After we won, it was just relief,” he said. The 14-year yearning for a championship title was “like birthing a baby,” he added. Intense anticipation, wrought with anxiety, but he knew the big day would eventually arrive. It was far from certain the 2011-12 team would be the one to fulfill fans’ longing for a championship title. At one point, just making the playoffs seemed an incredible feat. “We were concerned in February whether we were even going to make the playoffs,” Brush recalled.
“We’d lost our goalie and couldn’t seem to be getting on a win streak.” The Blades hit their lowest point as they struggled to break out from a nine-game losing streak. “Unfortunately, good teams have to go through bad times to become good,” Poss said. “The team developed a good balance between working hard, learning and having fun.” David Rutherford, the Blades’ leading goal scorer last season, recalled Poss telling the team to determine to win or go home early. “I give a lot of credit to Greg to get us out of those funks,” Rutherford said. “I don’t think I’ve been on a team that went through as many struggles through the year. We found a way to get hot at the right time.” Things started to look up in March, as the Blades went 12-3. They not only made the playoffs, but posted a 15-3 record in postseason play, culminating with the Kelly Cup win. “It’s a matter of peaking at the right time and having the personnel at the right time,” Brush said. The final game of the series packed plenty of excitement. Tied 2-2 in overtime, Ryan Donald passed to Matt Beca, who instantly sailed a perfect pass to rookie Brandon MacLean. As MacLean smacked the puck into the goal, Beca didn’t immediately realize it was the series ender. “It was an unbelievable feeling,” he recalled. The team also owes a great deal of credit to goalie John Muse, who was named the series MVP. Muse saved 41 of 43 shots in the championship game, including a spectacular save to keep the game tied and force overtime.
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“To have a goaltender of that caliber helps so much and really gives the team confidence,” Poss said. “Off the ice, he is very intense, very focused and has the ability to mobilize the team.” Muse is moving up to the NHL this season, signing with the Carolina Hurricanes. Last season -- his first in the pros -- Muse split his time between the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL and the Everblades. This season, the Blades have been assigned a new goalie from Charlotte, Rob Madore. He played for the University of Vermont and appeared in five playoff games with the South Carolina Stingrays last season. Madore made 54 saves in his professional playoff debut during the Stingray’s 4-3, four-overtime victory over Gwinnett. Despite the Everblades championship win, the team will have more returning players than usual this season, thanks in part to an impending NHL lockout. At least a dozen players are expected to return to defend their title, Poss said. “I can’t wait to go back to training camp to see everyone,” said Team Captain Matthieu Roy, entering his fifth season with the Blades. The Quebec native was the first to take home the Kelly Cup, which
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traveled throughout the summer to the hometowns of most Everblades team members. Roy tied his career high last season, posting 46 points. His coach and teammates credit him with solid leadership through his quiet willingness to do the “dirty work” on the ice. After leaving Quebec, the Cup traveled through the hands of several players in the Toronto, Ontario, area, including MacLean, forward Matt Marquardt and defenseman Bobby Raymond, who had a barbecue with his buddies and some aspiring hockey players coached by his dad. Rutherford hosted a grand gathering of 200 friends and relatives when the trophy made its way to his native British Columbia. Although he has won seven championship victories in his career, Rutherford says the Kelly Cup victory has been the most special. Perhaps it’s because the Cup shares a name with his late father, Kelly Rutherford, a one-time NHL hockey ref who sparked his son’s love of the game. The traveling trophy made its way to Rutherford’s home on the anniversary of his father’s passing. “It really was more touching than any other trophy I’ve ever won,” he said. The victory also was special because
OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
of the intensity of the Southwest Florida fans who have longed for a championship title for so long. “The people of Southwest Florida, I’ve never seen a group of people want something as much as they did,” Rutherford said. “It was much more than a hockey championship to the people in Estero and Fort Myers. It was kind of overwhelming. I saw people crying. They’ve wanted this for 14 years.” Now the challenge will be to keep the momentum going as the Blades enter the 2012-13 season as reigning champs. Not only will rival teams be looking to dethrone them, the Eastern Conference is restructuring and adding more teams. “This year, it’s going to be more difficult to make the playoffs,” Brush said. “Getting off to a fast start is going to be important.” Success will continue if the team remembers lessons learned through struggles, perseverance and coming together as a team, Poss said. “The year after a championship season is always a bit difficult because you have a bit of that hangover,” he adds. “It’s going to be important to pick up from day one. If we handle it correctly, it will make us a better team.”
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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happenings
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OCTOBER 2011 Taste of Coconut Point. (c) 2011 Simon Property Group.
COCONUT POINT 12 P.M. - 4 P.M.
Taste Of Coconut Point More than 4,000 people are expected to attend Coconut Point’s signature event Oct. 7. Taste of Coconut Point is a succulent celebration of all the mall has to offer. “We’re going to make it more of a Coconut Point community event,” said the mall’s new marketing director, Tara Beauchesne. “I want families here. I want them to get a taste of Coconut Point -- not just the restaurants. We’re getting more retailers involved.” The party is planned for Columbus Day weekend and will take place in the parking lot behind the Hyatt Place hotel and in front of Barnes and Noble bookstore. Beauchesne hopes to create more of a festival feel with individual food and merchandise tents. Live music will set the tone for a festive afternoon, and alcoholic beverages will be available. The event kicks off with the Estero High School Jazz band playing from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Naples party band CTO High Voltage will play throughout the event from noon to 4 p.m. A children’s area will feature a host of fun activities for kids. Kid-friendly cuisine will include cool treats from Yogurt Mountain and Tropical Sno. The new Olive Garden will join other popular restaurants, such as
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
2011 Taste of Coconut Point. (c) 2011 Simon Property Group.
Hemmingway’s and South Fork Grille, providing sample-sized “tastes” for $1.00-$6.00 apiece. “You can get everything from fries to cupcakes to a Ruth’s Chris burger, all in one area,” Beauchesne said. Along with bites from more than 20 of the mall’s restaurants, guests also may sample offerings from beverage vendors like Teavana and Starbuck’s. “There aren’t any other malls that have this amount of variety in restaurants,” Beauchesne noted. A chef’s competition will be held the Tuesday before the event, with the winning restaurant to be announced at Taste around 3 p.m. Non-food retailers will also be participating in the event, offering a
sampling of the many novelties which may be found along Fashion Drive. “You really can get a taste of everything we have at Coconut Point,” Beauchesne said. Under Beauchesne’s direction, Coconut Point plans to start hosting more events than it has in the past. Santa will be making his first appearance at the mall this holiday season. Other events will be planned each month throughout the year. The gates will open for Taste of Coconut Point at 11:30 a.m., with food service beginning at noon. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools and the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. LP
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happenings
28 OCTOBER
HYATT REGENCY COCONUT POINT RESORT & SPA
Breakfast With The Blades BY LAURA J. GATES
Have breakfast with hockey players from the 2012 Kelly Cup Championship Florida Everblades team as the Blades support The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida during the fifth annual Breakfast with the Blades Oct. 28. Just 250 tickets will be sold for the popular family event, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s breakfast will feature decor and auction items highlighting “The Wonders of the West.” “We love getting people involved, letting them see what The Children’s Hospital does,” said presenting sponsor John Picone of Picone Financial Planners. Former Everblades player and jersey retiree Tom Buckley, who finished his hockey career with the Blades in 2005, will serve as honorary chairman for the event. His daughter, Piper, spent the first 28 days of her life in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after being born prematurely. Piper lived as a happy toddler before unexpectedly dying from an enlarged heart at age three. Her memory lives on through a foundation in her name, which has raised about $150,000 for the Lee Memorial NICU. Buckley tries to combine his passion for hockey with philanthropic events whenever possible. “It’s something very near and dear to my heart,” Buckley said of his mission to help The Children’s Hospital.
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The Everblades organization has been a consistent supporter of The Children’s Hospital, said Jeannie Cummings, senior director of marketing for Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. The Everblades’ involvement goes beyond a onetime event, with players and staff frequently visiting sick children. “A lot of the players are young and are kids at heart,” said Trent Ferguson, group sales manager for the Everblades. “They love being around kids at The Children’s Hospital.” The hospital is in the midst of a campaign to raise $125 million to build a new, state-of-the-art pediatric health care facility. The expansion will bring subspecialties currently unavailable and allow the hospital to better meet the needs of young families in the growing Southwest Florida area, Cummings said. Event organizers are hoping Breakfast with the Blades will raise $200,000 this year. The event has grown in popularity each year, starting with a modest $12,500 in 2008 and doubling each year. This year, gross proceeds from the event will be matched dollar for dollar by a private, anonymous donor. At least one Everblades player will be seated at each table, and all players will participate in an autograph session. They’ll also address the youngsters in the crowd with some advice on healthy living. “The players serve as mentors to a lot of the children who are there,”
OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Cummings said. “They talk to them about healthy habits and active play.” Three patients from The Children’s Hospital will attend the breakfast as honored guests. “Supporting The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is extremely important to us,” Ferguson said. “It’s one of the backbone charities of our community.” Guests will have the opportunity to bid on exclusive auction items such as hand-signed memorabilia from the world of sports and entertainment, tickets to sporting events, gourmet dinners and travel packages. Drawings will be held for three luxury trips: to The Boulder Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas; and The Arizona Biltmore Hotel & Spa in Phoenix. Tickets for the event are $100 per adult and $50 for children under age 12. To register for Breakfast with the Blades, or to purchase chance drawing tickets, contact Cummings at (239)343-6060 or email her at Jeannie. Cummings@leememorial.org. LP
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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happenings
FGCU Swimmers Recap Olympic Experience BY LAURA J. CUMMINGS
Heading to the Olympic Games in London this summer was both a homecoming and the fulfillment of a longtime dream for Florida Gulf Coast University Swimming Coach Neal Studd. A native Britt, Studd grew up just outside of London and narrowly missed representing his home country in the 1996 Olympic games. As an athlete, Studd swam in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic trials as part of the British team, but he failed to qualify for the Olympics. Thanks to an outstanding FGCU swimmer from Saint Lucia, Studd finally got his chance to experience the intensity and grandeur of the Olympic Games, all within minutes of his hometown. Only this time he’d be coaching as part of the St. Lucia team. Studd also provided moral support to another member of his FGCU women’s swimming team.
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Karen Vilorio competed in ke the 100-meter backstroke for her native Honduras, as, le while teammate Danielle Beaubrun represented St. t. Lucia in the 100-meterr breaststroke. Both women say they owe much to the training they have received from Studd at FGCU. Beaubrun fought to bring Studd with her to the Games rather than a St. Lucian coach. ch. He had already coached for St. Lucia at the Pan American Games and the World Championships in Shanghai. “Neal knows me better than anyone else,” Beaubrun said. “He knows how I train. It’s a comfort thing for me.” Beaubrun is St. Lucia’s top female swimmer, hailing from an island nation with a population less than a third the size of Lee County. She also
OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
competed for St. Lucia in the 2008 Beijing Games, but was considered a wildcard entry. It was an overwhelming experience for the then 18-year old. This time, Beaubrun went as a “legitimate Olympian,” having posted a qualifying time of 1:10.63, a personal best, at the Pan Am Games. “This time around I qualified,
and that meant a lot to me,” said Beaubrun, a senior majoring in biochemical engineering. In London, she went out hard, leading the heat of eight swimmers for the first half of the 100 meters. However, she let nerves get to her, finishing the event 36th of 46. Vilorio also failed to make the semifinals. She won her heat of five, but her time of 1:06.38 wasn’t enough to advance. It was just a fraction of a second from her personal best time logged during a Gulf Coast Swim Team qualifying meet in May. “I’ve been very excited at how much Karen has improved,” Studd said of the sophomore who has three more years to swim for FGCU. Both women posted their secondbest times at the Olympics, which is commendable considering the overstimulation which comes with an Aquatic Center packed with more than 17,000 fans. “They did a great job,” Studd said. “It’s amazing how massive it is, the whole of the thing. Swimming at the Olympics is just unbelievable. The
standard really jumped. It gets faster every time.” Both Beaubrun and Vilorio competed on the second day of the Olympics, leaving them plenty of time to enjoy life in the Olympic Village. “I did love just being in the Village,”
“It has been the greatest experience I’ve ever had. I’ve improved so much since I’ve been here. I would definitely not be where I am today without Coach Neal.” Beaubrun said. “You always see someone famous, and you realize not many people have the opportunity to see all the top athletes in the world in one area.” They also enjoyed sightseeing around London and watching other athletes compete. “It has been the greatest experience I’ve ever had,” said Vilorio, who has been living in the United States just
two years while attending FGCU. “I’ve improved so much since I’ve been here. I would definitely not be where I am today without Coach Neal.” Studd is a three-time Coastal College Swimming Association Coach of the Year. FGCU’s young swimming program has captured the CCSA title for the last four of its five seasons. Vilorio and Beaubrun both plan to continue training, with sights on competing in the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. “I’ll work myself to get there,” said Vilorio. Beaubrun and Studd are hoping the Olympic committee adds her best event, the 50-meter breaststroke, in 2016. By then, she hopes to have a career in the biomechanics of athletes, with a specific interest in helping people with prosthetics. Vilorio is studying finance and plans to operate her own business someday. The next major goal for both girls will be coming out on top at the World Swimming Championships in Turkey this December. LP
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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people happenings
Making A Difference Heidi Ruster is a 20-year veteran of the American Red Cross, starting as a volunteer at the U.S. Naval Station in Rota, Spain, in 1992. Moving frequently as part of a military family (she and her husband both served in the Navy), Ruster continued to work with the Red Cross in Jacksonville, Fl., and Oklahoma City, before becoming Lee County Red Cross CEO in 2005. She stepped up as Regional CEO for the newly organized Florida’s Southern Gulf Region in May 2011. More than 500 individuals are assisted with disaster response in our region each year, with the most common disaster being house fires. The local region also aids 4,000 active and veteran military members and their families each year. Florida’s Southern Gulf Region operates through the service of more than 750 trained volunteers. The Red Cross reorganized its chapters into regions last year, with Florida’s Southern Gulf Coast now including Lee, Collier, Henry and Glades counties. How has this change affected local operations? The regional change has been very positive. Previously, there were two separate chapters who would support each other in larger disasters but had separate systems for smaller disaster response, volunteer recruitment, training and service to military. The change has allowed us to lessen the number of paid staff (nine instead of twelve), have increased focus and more effective follow up. Why have you chosen a career with the American Red Cross? I chose this career due to my strong belief in the difference this organization makes in people’s lives everyday. An example is a recent fire response where a young mother and her three children (eight, two and six-months-old) were asleep. Around 5 a.m., the mother was awakened by the smoke alarm. The room was filled with smoke and the ceiling in flames. She gathered her children, and they escaped through a window. Their apartment, along with the whole building, was destroyed. Red Cross team members provided the family and three other tenants with lodging at a hotel and funds for groceries and clothing. Emotional support, stuffed animals and coloring books were given to the children. Families
heidi ruster i i
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HEIDI RUSTER
also were referred to partner agencies for further assistance. As a tropical storm or hurricane brews in the Caribbean and threatens our area, how does the local chapter begin preparing? Initially, while working with the American Red Cross State Disaster Coordinating team and our Florida regional counterparts, we confirm the availability and status of our volunteers and materials. We are part of the County Emergency Operations Centers and assist with location and opening of shelters. We meet with our volunteer leadership to work through timelines to ensure readiness for pre- and post-storm response for sheltering, feeding, staffing, case management, health and mental health, logistics, communications, statistics and related activities. How can families prepare for unexpected disasters, whether they be house fires or hurricanes? Get Red Cross Ready: “Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed” (See http://www.redcross.org/ prepare/disaster-safety-library). Additionally, we have volunteers constantly available to provide preparedness education. Those who may be in the path of a storm can download the new free Red Cross Hurricane App, which puts real time information on hurricane safety at your fingertips. Search the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for “American Red Cross.” What is something most people might not know about the American Red Cross? The American Red Cross in Florida’s Southern Gulf Region has a 95-year history of supporting our active and veteran military and their families. We send messages to members of the U.S. military regarding familial emergency situations. These communications are delivered around-the-clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year, by our wonderful volunteers and staff. This year we have sent over 304 messages. LP
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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people happenings
Taking FGCU To The Next Level Eight months ago, Dr. Rosemary Thomas joined Florida Gulf Coast University as its new vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FGCU Foundation. She relocated from Maryland, where she held identical positions for Salisbury University, receiving honors for “Most Improved Fundraising.” Now, Thomas has settled in Estero with “the best neighbors in the world” and is taking on the challenge of cultivating FGCU’s relationships with alumni and community partners while boosting recognition of the FGCU Eagle brand of excellence beyond our region. Why did you decide to come to FGCU? I saw the opportunity at FGCU as one that was unique in the world of higher education. The “newness” of the school coupled with the tremendous growth and potential was very attractive and exciting on both a professional and personal level. With 15,000 alumni now on the books, the time is perfect to start building traditions and programs to entice them to stay connected and engaged. How do you like living in Southwest Florida? I absolutely love the community…the land, the sea, the culture and, of course, the shopping! My family and friends have already taken full advantage of the fact that I am living in this wonderful location. Some already have dates reserved for the winter months… but oddly, no one signed up for hurricane season. I am blessed to have friends from West Virginia who winter in Naples, a childhood friend who lives in Naples, close friends from Clemson days right up the road, and my best friend of 40+ years due-east in Jupiter. I am honored to be developing strong relations on behalf of FGCU and the FGCU Foundation while reconnecting with dear friends who are now only a short car ride away. What is the biggest fundraising need for FGCU? Past success with building projects and program development have been awe inspiring. I think attention is shifting somewhat definitively toward scholarship and academic program support. With diminishing public funds, it is imperative we secure private money to sustain and improve upon the excellence so quickly achieved. The key is to create a culture of philanthropy where everyone understands and embraces the role they can play in taking FGCU to the next level. What are the current challenges to university
i idr. rosemary
thomas
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
DR. ROSEMARY THOMAS
fundraising? The unique challenge FGCU faces as a higher education institution is that, at only 15 years old, most of our graduates are still under the age of 40. While some have already met with tremendous professional success and are very philanthropic, it is just not the same as institutions with hundreds of thousands of alumni and generations of graduates for whom giving back is part of the culture. FGCU alumni are starting to give back, initiate scholarship programs, support their colleges, and even make plans to put their names on facilities. What do you wish everyone knew about FGCU? This is a vibrant institution and vital part of Southwest Florida. I hope people understand just how committed FGCU is to student success – in the classroom and beyond. Being student-centered is not simply an attribute here, it is a way of life for this university. How do you hope to reach out more to the Estero community? We hope to be able to promote events so people don’t miss out on amazing opportunities taking place on campus. We also intend to partner with local businesses and organizations which engage and employ our students and graduates. Our graduates are well prepared, and they are eager to get out into the world and make a difference. What is FGCU’s greatest selling point, compared to other state universities? We are small enough to care but also large enough to meet growing and changing needs. You are definitely not just a number here. People matter, and that goes for students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and friends. It may sound a bit cliché, but this truly is a Field of Dreams story in the world of higher education: They built it, and indeed they came… and continue to come in droves with each new semester. LP
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biz style happenings
Pet Paradise “Do you carry natural duck and potato dog food?” she asks “See, my dog has skin allergies and the vet thinks it might be a food allergy.” The owner of the shop, Karine Belisle knows exactly what’s on her shelves as she has carefully hand-selected all the natural foods and treats. She quickly finds a sample of a product for the woman to take home for her pet to try. “People are starting to know the importance of what they feed their pets,” says Karine as she walks back through her new store. She recently moved Paw-radise to its new location in a strip mall at 21740 S. Tamiami Trail. She’s located between Jimmy John’s and ABC Liquors and has quite a bit more space. “Moving here I decided to add the day care. We have no cages so it’s a stress free environment for the animals. They love it here,” she beams. Karine was raised on a farm and always wanted to work with animals, but after working with a veterinarian and coming home crying because of some of the sad stories she’d see, she decided to create a little bit of Karine was raised on paradise for pets. Thus, Paw-radise a farm and always was created. The store houses a wanted to work full complement of pet accessories with animals, but in addition to the natural foods -- all of which come from the U.S. after working with “So many pet foods come from a veterinarian and China, and their standards are so coming home crying day in a cage waiting. We don’t do it like much lower. Usually people don’t because of some of the that. We have appointments. We treat realize it because it’s written so sad stories she’d see, these animals like they are little kids, small on the package, so I weed she decided to create little two year olds. We groom them and through them all before anything a little bit of paradise they go into this room here and play with comes into my store.” She also for pets. the other dogs until their mom or dad bakes homemade cookies, cakes, comes to get them.” she says, gesturing and cupcakes for pets -- all of which toward a windowed room dotted with she says she’d have no problem eating herself because she knows exactly what goes in doggie-loungers and a flat screen TV on the wall. Today an English bulldog, a schnauzer mix, a pug, and them. Grooming is another service that Karine has put her a mixed breed share the room with one cat. “The cat own spin on. “Usually groomers take all the animals in at is mine. She loves dogs,” smiles Karine. Just like her nine in the morning and the dog or cat has to sit there all mom. LP
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
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biz style happenings
St. Paul’s Holistic Institute Opens New… Larger Location in Bonita Springs BY KEVIN LANE
For more than two decades, St. Paul’s Holistic Institute of Southwest Florida has provided their patients a specialized medical practice that focuses on healing health problems holistically… without prescription medication! According to founder and owner Germain Tarquino, DN, BS, CNC, the difference between the Institute’s practice and everyone else’s is that the team of holistic practitioners don’t work on symptoms. “Our goal is to find the root cause of the health problem at the cellular and chemical level, locate the source of where the symptoms are coming from, and start supporting those organs from there. When we get rid of the root cause, then the symptoms disappear. The results are just fantastic!” The Institute, originally located in Fort Myers, has moved to 11100 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 102 in Bonita Springs. The new facility features a larger clinic with multiple examination rooms and the addition of a licensed registered nurse and medical assistant to the team. To mark the occasion, the Institute will be celebrating their Grand Opening on Friday, October 5th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to learn how St. Paul’s Holistic can help restore health and happiness. There will be free complimentary consultations to all new patients, glucose screenings, blood pressure assessments, ultrasounds, cranial sacral mini-massages and more. Food and refreshments will be provided along with special guest speakers and door prizes. “We are unique, far ahead and more advanced in Holistic Medicine. There is no other practice that comes close to us as far as knowledge, technology and ethics,” Dr. Tarquino said with pride. “We are very involved in research of major illnesses, including Cancer and Autism. We’ve been ahead of the curve in Cardiovascular diseases for years.” Dr. Tarquino has 26 years of experience and ongoing training in natural and holistic medicine and is a
DR. GERMAIN TARQUINO
certified nutritional consultant. He has been practicing holistic medicine in Southwest Florida for more than two decades. When a patient comes to St. Paul’s Holistic Institute, Dr. Tarquino performs a complete assessment of all the body organs, stating that “most illnesses come from multiple sources. Our group devotes an extensive amount of time into research in Bio-chemistry and DNA analysis to meet the needs of our patients and find simple solutions for chronic diseases or autoimmune disorders.” Dr Tarquino added that most organ malfunction is caused by nutritional deficiencies that can be naturally corrected with diet changes and phytonutrients. If you’d like to attend the Grand Opening, please R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, October 2nd. The Institute is staffed by Dr. G. Tarquino and Sabrina Arguelles, BSN, RN. To schedule a complimentary consultation or find out about future free seminars call (239) 495-7850, email drt@stpaulsholistic.com, or visit www.stpaulsholistic. com. LP
i i THE 411 St. Paul’s Holistic Institute Of SW FL
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biz style happenings
Online Pawn Shop Offers Smart Financial Solution For The High-End Customer With the innumerable amount of financial tips and savings strategies available to consumers, it’s rare you come across pawning as a way to deal with burdening expenses. However, one company is revolutionizing the pawning industry by offering their services as more than just a pawn shop, but as an alternative financing solution - and it’s all conveniently online. Pawngo.com is the first full service online pawn shop in the U.S., specializing in loans of up to $1 million to help individuals, families, and even small businesses get the immediate cash they need. Pawngo appraises your item, provides shipping, and is able to “My Pawngo Rep was deposit the loan into your so wonderful and bank account within days of supportive. I placed my receiving the item. Launched by Todd Hills checking account info in June 2011, Pawngo on the web and the began after Hills’ 25 years loan quote came back, of experience owning and just as promised, which operating more than 50 pawn shops. When starting was a relief.” Pawngo, his mission was to bring convenience and credibility to the increasingly popular pawning industry. Hills states that: “Traditional lending institutions are simply not able to meet the cash-flow needs of America right now. When the bank says no, individuals seeking immediate funding don’t have a ton of other options. Pawngo gives consumers access to capital without credit checks or financial disclosures.” The growing demand of alternative lending services across the country has allowed Todd Hills to reinvent the industry by expanding g the breadth of Pawngo’s product offering and delving into untapped markets. One of these markets includes their new Luxury Asset Division, which caters to a large y portion of their customer base who occupy d a higher income bracket than standard pawn shops. Led by GIA Gemologist, Kelle Graham, Pawngo’s Luxury Assets Division is dedicated to providing a more personalized experience for customers who have large scale loans. Graham notes that her high end clientele are always pleasantly surprised when they come across Pawngo, as most were not previously aware they could secure money against items they already own. One such customer is Linda Wintersteen. Living in a small ski resort town means few places to secure money against high end assets, but after some research, Linda used Pawngo to secure a loan on her
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Louis Vuitton handbags and luggage. When asked about her experience with Pawngo, Linda states: “I felt comfortable from the moment I started looking at the website and then a chat came on. My Pawngo Rep was so wonderful and supportive. I placed my checking account info on the web and the loan quote came back, just as promised, which was a relief. I filled out the form and then I got an email back saying my account will have the cash in tomorrow.” High end jewelry, fine watches, diamonds and precious gems are some of the luxury items Graham and her highly-trained team appraise based on several criteria such as current diamond values and market vs. retail value. Pawngo currently holds a $100K diamond ring on loan in their vault. Pawngo has already loaned nearly $9 million since opening last year, and Hills believes the difference lies in the trust his company has built with their customers. Hills wants to keep his online business personal and even goes so far as to prefer the term “life event” over “transaction.” With more people than ever struggling in this economy, Pawngo offers a discreet, quick and safe way to pawn luxury items without losing precious heirlooms for good. If you or someone you know might be interested in speaking with Kelle Graham directly about any luxury items, feel free to contact her directly at Kelle@Pawngo. com or call Pawngo’s direct line at 1-(866)-499-2363. LP
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dining style
“CIRELLA’S OFFERS A FULL MENU OF COOKED ROLLS AND RAW ROLLS, ALONG WITH SEVENTEEN ASIANINSPIRED APPETIZERS. “
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CIRELLA’S BY LAURA CUMMINGS
With roots in the hearty Italian cuisine of Sicily, Cirella’s serves up Old World comfort food while adding sophisticated flavors from the East with its full sushi bar. Executive Chef Michael Cirella grew up in the kitchen. His father, Sal Cirella, opened his first restaurant in New York City almost five decades ago. During season, regulars of Cirella’s in Bonita Springs will certainly meet Sal as he exuberantly greets guests. Michael will more likely be found in the kitchen, having trained and worked 35 years as a chef. Michael opened the Bonita location in the Prado at Spring Creek six years ago, serving up classic Italian dishes. Before long, he brought in Sushi Chef Ron Mendoza, uniting the divergent cuisines of two cultures under one roof -- something common in New York but more exotic on Florida’s Southern Gulf Coast. “It took a little while for the people down here to accept it,” Michael admits. “Now, it’s very popular.” On a recent night, a large party ordered the restaurant’s most dramatic dish, the sushi and sashimi Boat for Four. This impressive, wooden structure spans the entire length of a small dining room table and is filled with 40 pieces of sashimi and 24 pieces of sushi, along with a California roll, JB Roll, rainbow roll, tuna roll and tuna tataki or seafood salad. We started our culinary journey with Cirella’s Signature Roll, featuring crunchy shrimp
OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
tempura, asparagus, avocado, chives and cream cheese, topped with baked shrimp and sea scallops in a creamy dressing and drizzled with eel sauce. The fresh flavor explosion was enough to make my non-sushi-loving dinner companions (or so they said...) help themselves to seconds. Cirella’s offers a full menu of cooked rolls and raw rolls, along with seventeen Asian-inspired appetizers. For those who prefer their seafood breaded or drizzled with sauce, the Italian side of Cirella’s menu also offers some tantalizing appetizers, including mussels marinara and fried calamari. And, of course, there are always the meatballs! Other popular starters are zuppa (soup) and antipasto, served either cold or hot. The Zuppa di Pesce is served family-style and includes seven types of seafood over linguine and your pick of marinara, fra diavlo (spicy) or bianco (white) sauce. For starters, we tried two of Cirella’s gourmet salads, served with warm, seasoned garlic knots. The sweet and tangy Paese Salad features mesculin greens, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, sliced apples and gorgonzola cheese, drizzled with honey mustard. The equally flavorful Insalata di Spinaca blends baby spinach, warm dijon vinaigrette, pancetta, artichoke hearts, red onions and shaved parmesan. For the main course, Cirella’s menu is packed
with classic Italian dishes, as well as tantalizing modern approaches to Italian cuisine. Feeling overwhelmed with the choices, we turned to our server, Ella, who was delighted to share her favorite picks. Of the nine House Plates, she recommended the Pollo Scapariello -- combining oven-roasted chicken with sausage, onions, roasted potatoes and peppers -- or the Vitello di Parma -- veal medallions sauteed in olive oil with tomato, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto and basil over spinach. I chose one of Michael Cirella’s signature dishes, the Costoletta di Vitello Parmigiana, an impressive veal parmesan served on an oversized plate with bone protruding from the 16-ounce chop. The veal is pounded thin, breaded and pan fried, then topped with tomato sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella. The size of this hearty dish makes it perfect for sharing. “It’s Italian comfort food,” Michael Cirella says. “You can get veal parmesan anywhere, but you’re not going to get veal parmesan like this. It’s an eye-catcher.” My dining companion ordered the Shrimp Oreganata, which features eight jumbo shrimp breaded with a parmesan, garlic and oregano blend and infused with a creamy white wine sauce. Although we were feeling quite content in the relaxed atmosphere of Cirella’s, we couldn’t help but sample one of the restaurant’s homemade desserts. While the classic tiramisu is always tempting, we opted for the Tartufo ice cream treat. With this cool, sweat dessert, chocolate and vanilla ice cream encase a cherry and almond center. The entire treat is enrobed with dark chocolate. Split into four, bite-sized pieces, this was the perfect ending to a delightful meal. It’s easy to see why Cirella’s has been voted “Best Italian Restaurant” and “Best Sushi” by readers of the Fort Myers News-Press for the last four years in the newspaper’s “Best of Southwest Florida” poll.
Cirella’s is located at 25265 Chamber of Commerce Drive in Bonita Springs. Although walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended by calling (239)948-3885.
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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R I S T O R A N T E
Soup/salad bar included with every entrĂŠe
Fine Italian Cuisine
15% OFF
Early Dine In for 2
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2 Courses Each & Bottle of Wine
tax & $44.99 Plus Gratuity
DISTINGUISHED SELECTION OF 80 WINES
DINNER SERVED - RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED
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COOKING CLASS DEMONSTRATIONS MON & WED 12:30PM 3 COURSE MEAL WITH WINE PAIRINGS
MON - SUN 5PM-10PM
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CORKSCREW VILLAGE 21301 TAMIAMI TRAIL SOUTH, STE 460, ESTERO Corner of US41 & Corkscrew Rd. ELM
The best homemade breakfast and lunch in Bonita Springs! WINNER-2008/2009/2010/2011/2012 BEST OF BONITA News-Press People’s Choice Awards. Homemade specialities including eggs,omelets, pancakes, waffles, homemade soups, salads, chili,Taylor Pork Roll, scrapple, sausage gravy, corned beef hash, creamed chip beef, roast beef and turkey and “Real� Philly Cheesesteaks, and homemade rice pudding.
3ERVING "REAKFAST AND ,UNCH s /PEN $AILY AMn PM Beer &Wine Served "ERNWOOD $RIVE s "ONITA 3PRINGS &LORIDA /LD "ERNWOOD 0ARKWAY s OR
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Lifestyle Magazine is looking to feature some of South Florida’s most pampered pets. Please submit a photo of you & your pet for consideration for an upcoming issue to:
dtarrant@lifestylemagazinegroup.com
da Vinci Surgery - Smaller
Incisions,Faster Recovery
Don Crosswell Robotic Surgery Patient
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ven with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, Glades County resident Don Crosswell found his surgery simple and recovery quick. Robotic surgery made the difference in Don’s patient experience and allowed him a rapid return to his normal activities. To read more of Don’s story, please visit www.LeeMemorial.org/caring
Caring people, caring for people.
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www.LeeMemorial.org
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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calendarofevents
ESTERO EVENTS
OCTOBER 2012
HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? Email us at info@lifestylemagazinegroup.com
BATTLE OF THE BORO’S IV: DOO-WOP/OLDIES Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (239)481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com OCT 15-31 LAKES PARK HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA/ SCARECROWS IN THE PARK Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Ft. Myers (239)533-7575 or www. parkenrichmentfoundation.org
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OCT 1-NOV 22 HAUNTED BY DEATH Murder Mystery Dinner Train/ Seminole Gulf Railway (239)275-8487 or www.semgulf.com/murdermysteries OCT 3-27 SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL Blackburn Hall, 701 5th Ave. S, Naples (239)263-7990 or www.naplesplayers.org
OCT 5-JAN 5 ‘POP ART’ WITH ANDY WARHOL EXHIBITION Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs (Free family activities on Saturdays) (239)495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org
OCT 11 LIVE AT THE PROMENADE: DANCE AROUND THE WORLD Promenade at Bonita Bay, Space 114 (239)495-8989 or www. artcenterbonita.org
OCT 5-7 RHYTHM & REELS REDFISH TOURNAMENT/MUSIC FESTIVAL The Resort at Marina Village, Cape Coral (239)541-5000 or www.rhythmandreels.com
OCT 11-31 HAUNTED WALK Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Ft. Myers (239)275-3435 or www. calusanature.org
OCT 6 PLANETARIUM THEATER: BATMAN RETURNS Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Ft. Myers (239)275-3435 or www.calusanature.org OCT 7 TASTE OF COCONUT POINT Coconut Point Mall, Estero (239)992-9966 or www.simon.com
OCT 4-6 TOM JONES: THE PAINTING EXPERIENCE Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs (239)495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org
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OCT 18 LIVE AT THE PROMENADE: EVENING OF JAZZ Promenade at Bonita Bay, Space 114 (239)495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org
OCT 13 PLANETARIUM THEATER: Rocky Horror Picture Show Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Ft. Myers (239)275-3435 or www. calusanature.org OCT 14 NICOLE BRITT/ WAY-FM 25th ANNIVERSARY SERIES Germain Arena, Estero (239)948-7825 or www. germainarena.com
OCT 19-NOV 16 ADVENTURES OF FLAT STANLEY Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre (239)278-4422 or www.broadwaypalm.com
OCT 7&9 BEAUTIFUL BRASS Daniels Pavilion, Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239) 597-1900 or www.thephil.org
OCT 19-21 & 26-28 OKTOBERFEST German American Social Club, Cape Coral (239)283-1400 or www.gasc-capecoral.com
OCT 11-NOV 17 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre (239)278-4422 or www.broadwaypalm.com
OCT 21 GOING FOR BAROQUE! Daniels Pavilion, Naples Philharmonic Center Arts (239) 597-1900 or www.thephil.org
OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
OCT 23-NOV 17 LEND ME A TENOR Florida Repertory Theatre, Ft. Myers (239)332-4488 or www.ямВoridarep.org OCT 24-NOV 17 LES LIASONS DANGEREUSES Tobye Studio Productions, 701 5th Ave. S, Naples (239)263-7990 or www.naplesplayers.org OCT 25 NAPLES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: FREE CONCERT Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples (239) 597-1900 or www.thephil.org OCT 26 EVENING WITH DOOBIE BROS. Hayes Hall, Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239) 597-1900 or www.thephil.org SPORTING EVENTS OCT 26-31 FRIENDLY FOREST Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Ft. Myers (239)275-3435 or www.calusanature.org
OCT 19 FGCU VOLLEYBALL VS. MERCER Youth Volleyball Night Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com
OCT 27 EVERBLADES VS. GREENVILLE RD WARRIORS Germain Arena (239)948-7825 or www.germainarena.com
OCT 19 EVERBLADES VS. ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS Germain Arena (239)948-7825 or www.germainarena.com
OCT 27 FGCU VOLLEYBALL VS. STETSON Mat Hatter/Dig Pink Night Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com
OCT 19 FGCU W. SOCCER VS. KENNESAW ST Free admission to youth wearing soccer jerseys Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com
OCT 20 FGCU VOLLEYBALL VS. KENNESAW STATE Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com
OCT 30 FGCU VOLLEYBALL VS. JACKSONVILLE Costume Night - Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com
OCT 19 ESTERO HIGH FOOTBALL VS. CYPRESS LAKE Estero High School (239)947-9400 or est. leeschools.net/athletics.html
OCT 24 & 26 EVERBLADES VS. S.CAROLINA STINGRAYS Germain Arena (239)948-7825 or www.germainarena.com
OCT 31 FGCU M. SOCCER VS. STETSON Costume Contest Night Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com
OCT 5 ESTERO HIGH FOOTBALL VS. CAPE CORAL Estero High School (239)947-9400 or est. leeschools.net/athletics.html OCT 12 FGCU M. SOCCER VS. USC UPSTATE Coaches vs. Cancer/ wear pink - Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com OCT 12-13 SEASON OPENER: EVERBLADES VS. ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS Germain Arena (239)948-7825 or www.germainarena.com OCT 13 FGCU W. SOCCER VS. STETSON Mad Hatter/Kick Pink Night Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com
OCT 27-28 ESTERO FINE ART SHOW Miromar Outlets (239)948-3766 or www.miromaroutlets.com OCT 27 HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Hayes Hall, Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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scene on site
Me M elliss e iissssa Morriso on & Jo oe Tayl aylor orr
Pat Pa attric ric ck W Walt alter,, Ka Kathy th Ka thy Kalva lvan n & Ty Tyron rone ro e Clar lark k
Business After Hours Estero business leaders donned Hawaiian shirts and leis for a “Business After Hours” Luau Party Aug. 23, hosted by San Carlos Park Self Storage. The Estero Chamber of Commerce event included Hawaiian decor and live entertainment by the Dead Letter Band. The party was co-hosted by Costco, Hemingway’s Island Grill and California Pizza Kitchen.
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
K ley Denny, Luisa Gon Kel onz nzza ale lez & Aiixa a McH McHugh ugh ugh
There has never been a better time to expand your horizons, think about developing new skills or advancing your career. "NMS@BSĂ?%&"4iRĂ?.EĂŽBDĂ?NEĂ?&Q@CT@SDĂ?2STCHDRĂ?ENQĂ?HMENQL@SHNMĂ?NMĂ?NTQĂ? L@MXĂ?CHRSHMBSHUDĂ?CNBSNQ@K Ă?L@RSDQiRĂ?@MCĂ?BDQSHĂŽB@SDĂ?CDFQDDĂ?OQNFQ@LR
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LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
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scene on site
Chrriss Goldhorn & Kell elly y Puhl uh
Hollly l & Robe ober b rt Go Gon o za zalez,, Je J re rem emy y & Je essi ss c ssica ca a Kin ng g,, Ca Cat atth a her he e ine & J Jac ack Manc Mancini ini n ni
Jason She Ja Jas Sh rma rman, n Gar n, ary y Isrra ael & Todd odd Schusterman
Je s & Les Jes Je Le es Jame a s
iHeart Radio Music Festival Jack Man Jack Ja anc nc n ncini cini n , Jon n Pa Par P arla, Ja Jason s Sherrm rma an n & Bob Bob o Ho ollor ol lora an n
Pat Pa attti t & Pe ete te eO O’’’Bri Br en Br n
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The Diamond District and Cat Country 107.1 sent one lucky winner to Las Vegas for the iHeart Radio Music Festival Sept. 21-22. The iHeart Radio Music Festival Giveaway bash was hosted by the Diamond District Aug. 24, and Jan Li of Fort Myers won the trip to attend radio’s biggest live event.
Eileen & Al Beaude Bea aude udettt tte tte e
Ric ck Swain, Todd Schuste t rma man, ma n, Flo F o Sw S ain n & Jasson on She She herman rma man
OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
2012 / 2013
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239.948.7825 floridaeverblades.com LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | OCTOBER 2012
49
AND
another thing... THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT WORDS IN SALES BY BRUCE TURKEL
We’re sitting in the large conference room of a Fortune 500 company in a small town somewhere in the Northeast. The company has filled the room with their best thinkers — the president of industrial products, their CIO and CMO and the VPs of marketing, product development, IT, innovation, and consumer insight. We’re here to present and discuss a new product and partnership opportunity that my client is pitching to the Fortune 500 group. And our team is no slouch, either. We’ve got the two founders of the company—who each have more than 20 years of entrepreneurial success in the market—our system designer, our carefully selected celebrity spokesman (who’s name and photo you’d recognize in an instant if I included it here), and me. The best part is that the Fortune 500 team loves the concept. They understand how it makes sense for their business: They see the clear connection between what our product offers and what their consumers are looking for, and they’ve already figured out the value proposition and how it will both enhance customer loyalty and generate a brand new revenue stream. In other words, they’re ready to buy. There’s just one little problem: My client won’t shut up. She’s so excited about her business that she feels the need to explain every detail of the plan to the group — even though they’ve already told us that they get it. And she’s so wrapped up in her unfolding rap that she’s not glancing in my direction or at her partner. If she did, she’d see that we’re both vainly trying to signal her to be quiet. Finally the meeting ends, a good 45 or 50 minutes later than it should have. The folks from the Fortune 500 team are very polite and friendly as they walk us out and promise to be in touch. And when we pile into our rented mini van, the client high fives everyone on the team for a great presentation. On the way to the airport we stop for a celebratory dinner and a few great bottles of wine. Of course you know what came next. A whole lot of nothing. The buyers didn’t call back when they said they would, and after some gentle prodding, the head of the Fortune 500 team
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OCTOBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
told my client that they’d decided to “back burner the project for a bit while they prioritize their activities.” That’s corpspeak for “don’t call us, we’ll call you.” What happened? Simply put, it was a classic case of talking the buyer right out of the sale. What had seemed like a good idea at first got more and more mundane and more and more complicated as the sales pitch meandered on and on. My client had violated the cardinal rule of sales: “always take yes for an answer.” Her prospect wanted to buy until she convinced them that they didn’t. “Yes” is the most you can hope for in a presentation. “Yes” is what you’re working towards. “Yes” is what you want. Who cares if you spent weeks perfecting your presentation and you have to cut it short? Who cares if you’re only up to point four of a 17-point outline? Who cares if you flew halfway across the country to make your pitch? When your buyer is ready to sign on the dotted line, end the PowerPoint and turn the projector off. After all, showing your full dog-and-pony show isn’t the goal — getting to “Yes” is what you’re there for in the first place. Decisions — no matter how large — are often made without all the facts. And once the decision has been made to purchase, more facts can only do one of two things: enhance the decision or kibosh the deal. But when you’re already got a “Yes,” how much more can you enhance it? Why press your luck and risk snatching defeat from the jaws of victory? The simple solution in sales presentations — especially the ones that are going well — is to let the buyer talk as much as possible. And to do that, just remember the two most important words in sales: Shut Up. There. I’ve made my point and I’ll take my own advi… Bruce is a branding expert who makes his clients’ brand experiences more valuable. He’s worked with great organizations including Discovery Channel, Baptist Health, MetCare, and Miami. He’s spoken at MIT, Harvard, and hundreds of conferences. He’s been on NPR and CNN and featured in The New York Times and Fast Company Magazine. He has published three books on advertising including Building Brand Value. You can reach Bruce at bturkel@ turkel.info LP
2012-13 Basketball Season Tickets
AVAILABLE NOW! Visit the Alico Arena ticket office or call 239-590-7145 today!
Combined season tickets for both teams available at a 50% discount
MEN’S BASKETBALL 11/13 12/1 12/13
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