DECEMBER 2012
BREAKFAST WITH THE BLADES
|
TARA’S JINGLE JOG
|
THE BUZZ
ROBUST SEASON FOR ESTERO RETAIL NEW YEAR’S EVE
VEGAS STYLE MEET THE NEW
ECCL EXECUTIVE BOARD LA FONTANELLA
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM LI LIF IF FES EST E S YLE L MAG MAGAZI AZ AZI A Z ZINEG EGRO EG R ROU P.COM P.C OM M | DE DECEM DECEMBER CEM EM MBER BE B ER E R2 20 2012 012 12
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FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY REQUESTS THAT YOU SAVE THE DATE FOR THE
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DIVORCE, MARITAL AND FAMILY LAW
When it comes to sensitive divorce, marital and family issues, we understand. Meet the Henderson Franklin attorneys ready to help:
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DECEMBER 2012
from the publisher
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS, ESTERO!! Once again, we find ourselves poised to finish off yet another year!! It won’t be long until we say. ‘So long’ to 2012. I, for one, am looking forward to welcoming the New Year 2013!!! For those of you who are new to the area, you will find that the holidays in SW Florida look and feel just a little but different. Temperatures in the 80’s, shorts, flip-flops, palm trees decorated like barber poles and boat parades are just a few differences. Even the bellringers for the Salvation Army are dressed in their ‘holiday’ shorts & t-shirts!! It’s always fun to call the friends and family up north to tell them we are relaxing by the pool and inquiring, “How’s the weather up there?” And then there is the perennial favorite, “Christmas Across the Lands” produced by 20+ year veteran radio personality, Randy Sherwyn. This beautiful 12-hour collection of music and stories is syndicated around the world on more than 65 stations and also brings our troops, serving far and near, a bit of holiday cheer and memories to let them know they are not forgotten. Tune in Christmas Eve and Day to 106.3fm and experience it for yourself. In this issue, find out what’s in store at the three retail locations in our area, Coconut Point, Gulf Coast Town Center and the Miromar Outlets. There are plenty of activities planned for young and old alike. We would also like to introduce you to the new Estero Council of Community Leaders’ (ECCL) Executive Board. I would personally like to thank retiring chairman, Don Eslick, for his support and encouragement as we launched
Estero Lifestyle Magazine 27 months ago. Don deserves much of the credit for the ‘Lifestyle’ we all enjoy here in Estero. We have asked the current presidents of the Bonita SpringsEstero Association of Realtors and the Women’s Council of Realtors to give us the ‘state of their industry’ and to give us their best assessment of the near future. Let’s just say the future is bright for Estero!! Keeping on a positive note, it’s time once again for the 3rd annual Tara’s Jingle Jog, which supports the Passion Foundation, which is dedicated to providing shade nets to local elementary schools’ playgrounds to protect our children from the risks of melanoma. A legacy left to us by our friend, Tara Parla, who recently lost her battle against this voracious cancer. Dust of your sneakers and come join in!! This month’s restaurant feature is that of another white-linen restaurant, La Fontanella (the
DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Fountain). Tucked inside a bustling strip mall, this family run business strives to ensure guests enjoy the total dining experience. And we did!! I hope you enjoy our travel, dining and scene pages. Please support our many advertising partners who make it possible for you to receive Estero Lifestyle Magazine each month. On behalf of my wife and me and the entire staff of Lifestyle Publications, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Chanukah. We hope that each of you will find a way to keep the spirit and meaning of the holidays in your hearts the whole year through. And please, have a very safe New Year’s celebration. So until next year… “Enjoy the Lifestyle”
Gary
AD
Lifestyle
Estero PUBLISHER Gary
Israel
EDITOR IN CHIEF Michael
Koretzky
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Danielle
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melanie
Tarrant
Geronemus Smit
ART DIRECTOR Alexander
Hernandez
MARKETING MANAGER Megan
Sadaka
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
CHAIRMAN Gary PRESIDENT Jim
Press
Norton
88 NE 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33483 239.287.4246 | fax 954.252.4432 www.lifestylemagazinegroup.com 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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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Judi Gietzen
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
Estero Resident & Realtor Committed to the Community Assisting Buyers, Sellers, Investors & International Clients
The Gietzen Group
Charter Member: Women’s Executive Golf Association
“Specializing in Estero’s Elite Communities�� ESTATE HOMES, VILLAS & CONDOS
Featured Communities
Miromar West Bay Grandezza The Brooks Wildcat Run
Selling Lifestyles, Not Just Real Estate!
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jgietzen@amerivestrealty.com www.JudiGietzen.com LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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DECEMBER 2012
BREAKFAST WITH THE BLADES
contents DECEMBER 2012
16
ON THE COVER
26 ROBUST SEASON FOR ESTERO RETAIL NEW YEAR’S EVE
VEGAS STYLE MEET THE NEW
ECCL EXECUTIVE BOARD LA FONTANELLA
12 THE BUZZ STYLE 16 The Need For Speed 20 Get Your Sexy On: New Year’s Eve, Vegas Style FEATURE 22 Meet the New ECCL Executive Board 26 Local Mall Anticipate Robust Retail Season
12
IN THE BURBS 30 Tara’s Jingle Jog BIZ STYLE 32 Real Estate Outlook 2013 DINING 36 La Fontanella 40 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
20
SCENE ON SITE 42 Meg Judge Golf Tournament 44 Breakfast With the Blades 46 Dancing Under the Stars 48 Riverfest
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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
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|
TARA’S JINGLE JOG
|
THE BUZZ
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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S L
the buzz
LULU FROST
buzz
Lulu Frost is a jewelry brand founded in New York City in 2004 by designer Lisa Salzer. The Frost family, led by Lisa’s maternal grandmother Elizabeth Rock Frost, has been involved in the estate jewelry business for generations. Lisa’s work blends antique, vintage and modern elements to reinvent timeless classics. These earrings are not only hip, they are classic, sassy and most certainly eye-catching. Pair them with your favorite Saturday night party dress, or your relaxed jeanslook to a more formal outfit. Prices start at under $100 and go up above $400. Lulu Frost also offers beautiful bracelets, necklaces and rings. m out at http://lulufrost. Check them m/ com/
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DECEMBER 2012
SPIRITS BRIGHTEN YOUR HOLIDAYS
Here are two fabulous recipes that will bring a twinkle to your eyes – brought to you by Crystal Head Vodka and Four Roses Bourbon. CRYSTAL SKULL CIDER 1 1/2 oz. Crystal Head Vodka 1/2 oz. vanilla liqueur 1 oz. apple cider Dash of angostura bitters Ginger Ale Add all ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice in the order given. Give a quick stir and add the garnish. Garnish: an apple slice on the rim or inside of the glass OLD-FASHIONED EGGNOG 6 eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 pint cream 1 pint milk 2 cups Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon 1 oz. aged Jamaica rum
C
Beat the yolks and whites of 6 eggs separately. Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the yolks while beating. Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the whites after they have been beaten very stiff. Combine the egg whites with the yolks. Pour in cream and milk, as well as the bourbon and rum. Stir thoroughly. Serve very cold.
CAVIAR MANICURE KIT
Sexy, cool and extravagant – that’s how some describe Ciaté’s new concept, threedimensional nails created by Ciaté’s Caviar Manicure Kit. And it’s easy to apply: Prep the nail by swiping on a coat from their Paint Pot product. Let it turn slightly sticky and then … Sprinkle with the color pearls that you have chosen (rainbow, black pearls, mother of pearls). Place your finger, one at a time, over the tray and sprinkle the caviar pearls onto your nail, gently tap down to make them adhere … After approximately 20 minutes seal the edges with the clear top coat to strengthen the bond, and reapply top coat daily. Your new look may last up to three to five days. Check it out at http://www.ciate.co.uk/ caviar-manicure.html/
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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One of our most important goals at Lifestyle Magazines is to provide you with an outstanding publication that is designed especially for you. Therefore, we are asking for your help to accomplish this by completing this short survey. This survey is conducted by a third party professional research firm. All data and information is strictly confidential and reported only in the aggregate. Lifestyle Magazines does not have access to the data or individuals responses, and will receive only an overall summary report of the findings. In return for your valuable time, you will be entered into a drawing for prizes including complimentary dinners at local restaurants, shopping sprees at local retailers, tickets to Club Red at the BB&T Center, a brand new iPad mini and more!
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First ECCL Chairman
Finance Director
Don Eslick
Bob Lienesch
Vice Chair & Governmental Relations Director
John Goodrich
Environment Director
Chairman
Phil Douglas
Nick Batos
Communications Director
Transportation Director
Marilyn Edwards
Jim Boesch
Community Planning Director
Roger Strelow
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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Meet the New Estero Council of Community Leaders Executive Board By Laura J. Cummings
A
s chairman of the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL), Don Eslick has been the maestro of Estero, keeping everything in harmony as an array of developers discovered the quiet community nestled between Naples and Fort Myers. Now he is passing the baton to longtime friend and environmental advocate Nick Batos, along with a team of six directors. It will take seven people to replace the efforts of one man who hasn’t known the meaning of retirement. “Don’s legacy will be carried on,” said Marilyn Edwards, the new Communications Director. “Our board will continue to protect the quality of life we are accustomed to.” In recent years, Eslick wisely began to nudge others into leadership roles in preparation for the current transition, which will become official Jan. 1, Batos said. Although the leadership model has been revamped, the mission of the ECCL remains the same: “Informing and defending the residents of Estero against efforts that would destroy or diminish their quality of life.” Formed in 2001 as an advocacy organization for Estero’s residential communities, the ECCL has become a respected advisory council to local governing bodies, delving into everything from mining permits to signage regulations to airplane noise. Stepping into Eslick’s shoes as chairman was not a something Batos wanted to do. “It is something that I felt I had to do,” he said. “Don Eslick started something that has greatly improved and protected the quality of life for those who live in Estero and indeed all of Southern Lee County, and I did not want to see it fade away.” As founder and former chairman of the Brooks Concerned Citizens, along with an active role in ECCL since 2004, Batos knows the long hours required to ensure outside interests don’t hijack Estero’s quality of life. He encourages all residents to volunteer with the ECCL on one of its many committees. “It is important for all residents, no matter where they live, to stay vigilant and involved if they want to maintain and protect their quality of life,” Batos said. “It is hard
enough to do this when you work at it, but impossible if you let others who have self-serving goals do what they want with your community. If you are complacent, you will get not what you want but what is forced upon you by others.” The new structure of the ECCL divides duties among six directors. Their collective expertise and experience includes directing policy for the federal government, running local governments and working for top U.S. corporations including NASA.
Vice Chair and Government Relations Director John Goodrich John Goodrich has been the Pelican Sound delegate to the ECCL since 2002. His professional background in organization design landed him the role of restructuring the ECCL leadership model as Eslick retires. His career with AT&T and Pitney Bowes prepared him for working with government leaders on quality of life issues in the community. HOW DOES YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR NEW ROLE WITH ECCL? As Director of Human Resources, I was responsible for community affairs for my Division and became very active with executives, the government, the school district and the local college in addressing social and economic issues of our community. I also was the Industrial Chair of the United Way. WHAT ARE THE MOST PRESSING GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS ISSUES FACING ESTERO IN THE YEAR AHEAD? There are two new county commissioners who we need to communicate with to understand their goals for the county and how that affects Estero. There will be new appointments to county advisory groups and commissions, and we will want to have representation. We also want to continue our good relationship with Bonita Springs and support our mutual efforts to improve business development. LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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Financial Director Bob Lienesch
Transportation Director Jim Boesch
With an extensive background in accounting, Bob Lienesch was recruited by Eslick in 2010 to help with a series of projects for the ECCL. Lienesch’s career included 11 years in public accounting with Ernst & Young, followed by 26 years at Cincinnati Milacron, where he finished his career as Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer.
Since retiring to Stoneybrook in 2003, Jim Boesch has remained as active in his community as he was in Wethersfield, Conn., where he served as Mayor for four years (following four years as deputy mayor and town councilor). During his time as mayor, Boesch celebrated the historic town’s 350th birthday, directed an annual budget of $30 million and saw the town through three natural disasters. Within two months of moving to Estero, Boesch became the first president of the Stoneybrook Master Board, and later the first chairperson of the Stoneybrook Community Development District. Along with his role with the ECCL, Boesch chairs a committee for the Lee County Citizens Advisory Council to the Metropolitan Planning Organization and is a Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT ESTERO RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH EXPERTISE, BE INVOLVED WITH THE ECCL? There is a huge talent pool in Estero of extremely competent retirees who would benefit themselves and our community by lending their talents to help Estero to continue to be a magnificent, special place to live. We need a continuously evolving supply of Estero citizens to work together with our neighbors in Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers to continue to protect and enhance our natural resources and quality of life. WHY SHOULD ESTERO RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE ECCL? Having volunteers donate their time is not enough. We need cash for miscellaneous expenses and to hire professionals to assist us. For example, working with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, we incur legal costs to support the county in defending the DR/GR (Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource area) from those who are pursuing their own interests. We also are involved in updating the Estero Plan, in coordination with Lee County. The county and an independent foundation are helping offset some of the costs through matching funds, but we must come up with the rest.
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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO VOLUNTEER IN YOUR COMMUNITY? If only the residents of any entity, especially local governance, realized how much money can be saved by volunteer efforts, I am sure many more people would become actively involved. WHAT ARE THE MOST URGENT TRANSPORTATION ISSUES FOR ESTERO IN THE YEAR AHEAD? Our current concerns are improving the intersection of Williams Road and U.S. 41, getting a full traffic signal at U.S. 41 and Sweetwater Ranch Boulevard, and lowering the speed limit on U.S. 41 between Corkscrew and Coconut roads. Future challenges will be planning and implementing new bike/walk routes, revamping the I-75 interchange at Corkscrew Road, and finishing Corkscrew Road improvements east of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway past Bella Terra.
Communications Director Marilyn Edwards Along with handling public relations and mailings for the ECCL, Marilyn Edwards serves on the Brooks Concerned Citizens and chairs the Spring Run External Affairs Committee. Before moving to Estero full time in 2005, Edwards enjoyed a 32-year career with NASA’s Lewis Research Center (now the John H. Glen Research Center), serving as NASA’s first female News Chief. She helped set the Center’s policy for communications with the media and the community. WHY DID YOU TAKE ON A LEADERSHIP ROLE WITH THE ECCL AS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR? My goal is to enhance communications within the Estero community, as well as the membership. With the help of other team members, I will be editing the monthly Estero Development Report and the Executive Summary of ECCL meetings, which are currently distributed to about 2,000 Estero residents (via email). We also plan to initiate a new web page called EsteroToday.com, which will contain the most current ECCL information and will allow for a two-way dialogue. HOW CAN ESTERO RESIDENTS GET INVOLVED WITH THE ECCL AND STAY INFORMED ON ISSUES? All Estero residents are invited to attend our monthly ECCL meetings. If a resident has a particular interest or concern, they are welcome to join one of our committees. All residents can access the website at http://esterofl. org and read the Estero Development Report containing details of many of the ECCL’s projects.
Environment Director Phil Douglas Anyone who knows Phil Douglas knows “shy” is not a word to describe this community advocate who captured the ECCL’s 2012 Village Visionary Award for his passionate work to protect Estero’s natural resources. “When he gets up to speak, you remember he was there,” Batos said. Douglas was a varsity debater in college, followed by a 39-year career in public education in Indianapolis -- 20 years as a teacher and 19 in administration. “Speaking to people or groups like the MPO or the County Commissioners has always been easy for me,” he said. “I know the importance of being prepared, and I believe we must develop strong working relationships with public officials at all levels of state and local government.” WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE ON THE ROLE AS ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTOR? I have always been an environmentalist at heart. I see protecting our environment for future generations as both a local and national priority. Most of the issues
with which I have been involved, such as mining, the South Lee Watershed Study, the culvert issue and the proposed Coconut Road interchange, have had some strong environmental implications. WHAT ARE THE MOST CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FACING ESTERO IN THE YEAR AHEAD? We must be ever vigilant to those who would like to increase mining within the DR/GR in areas that are not currently permitted for mining. Mining has devastating impacts on the environment and our quality of life.
Community Planning Director Roger Strelow Copperleaf resident Roger Strelow is uniquely qualified for his role as Community Planning Director, having been appointed by the President to serve as Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He managed the nation’s air quality regulatory program and served as an officer of global corporations, including General Electric and Bechtel Environmental, Inc. Strelow also founded a law firm in Washington, D.C., and served on various nonprofit and academic boards. He currently is an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). WHY DID YOU TAKE ON THE ROLE AS COMMUNITY PLANNING DIRECTOR FOR THE ECCL? Lee County has some exciting opportunities for further improving its overall sustainable growth plan and especially for high tech, new economic activity, especially in the area encompassing FGCU and the “It is important for Southwest Florida Regional all residents, no International Airport, now known as the “Research and Enterprise matter where they Diamond.” live, to stay vigilant
and involved if they WHAT ARE THE MAJOR COMMUNITY PLANNING want to maintain ISSUES FACING ESTERO IN and protect their THE YEAR AHEAD? quality of life,” We are reviewing our Estero Community Plan. We are also continuing to help keep our southeastern Lee County environment protected from activities that would be inconsistent with our quality of life or impair important groundwater, wildlife and other resources. We want to make sure the economy of our county and our region can grow as productively and sustainably as possible. To learn more about the ECCL or get involved with a committee, visit http://esterofl.org/. The ECCL meets the second Friday of every month at 10 a.m. in the Estero Community Center meeting room at Estero Park. LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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Local Malls Anticipate Robust Retail Season By Laura J. Cummings Santa will be visiting all three of Estero’s major shopping became the first shopping center in Southwest Florida centers this holiday season, promising presents to good to open at midnight on the day after Thanksgiving. Last boys and girls, as well as pets. year, the outlet mall pushed its opening up to 11 p.m. This Local mall managers say they are encouraged by sales year, it’s even earlier. thus far in 2012, and they expect seasonal sales to be strong. “It’s crazy,” said General Manager Jeff Staner. “We have to Coconut Point, Miromar Outlets and hire extra traffic control and security. Gulf Coast Town Center each have It’s a constant rush of people. They’ll “The holidays are always a favorite a full lineup of festivities planned start showing up at nine o-clock and throughout the months of November stay until nine o’clock in the evening time of year here at Coconut Point. and December. next day.” This year, for the first time ever, we are theThe “The holidays are always a favorite outlet mall will be fully time of year here at Coconut Point,” thrilled to be able to bring Santa Claus decorated for the holidays, and will be available for photos said Tara Beauchesne, director of to the shopping center to meet with Santa marketing and business development. with children and pets. Gulf Coast Town Center also goes “This year, for the first time ever, we our young visitors, families and even all out with holiday decorating. The are thrilled to be able to bring Santa furry friends to share the spirit and Claus to the shopping center to meet mall lights up its 40 Medjool Palm with our young visitors, families and trees along University Plaza and magic of the holiday season.” even furry friends to share the spirit Market Plaza, as well as the trees in and magic of the holiday season.” the sign on I-75. This year, the shopping center is adding a Santa arrives at Coconut Point November 24 for the 24-foot LED Christmas tree to the scene in University Plaza. Tree Lighting ceremony. The evening also includes family Santa must be an outdoorsman because he arrives Christmas caroling. earliest of all to Bass Pro Shops. Old St. Nick arrives at 5 The Jolly Ol’ Elf will arrive a few days earlier at Miromar p.m. on Nov. 10 and stays through Christmas as part of Outlets. Holiday shopping madness begins at 10 p.m. on Bass Pro’s enchanting Santa’s Wonderland. Before Santa Thanksgiving night during the annual Before Midnight arrives, families may enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as at Miromar. they wait for his sleigh to land, followed by the ceremonial The tradition started four years ago, when Miromar tree lighting. LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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Gulf Coast Town Center also is host to a number of holiday concerts and school performances throughout the months of November and December. Miromar is planning several children’s activities throughout the season, including cookie decorating in Playland on December 15. At Coconut Point, the Green Market begins this month, happening every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The seasonal market, which runs through April, is a great place to find unique artisan gifts. Other gift ideas from local mall managers include fragrance gift sets, designer handbags, Waterford Crystal stemware or the new iPhone5. Lindsay Nicole is a new boutique at Gulf Coast Town Center featuring unique gifts for the home, babies or any woman on your list, said Assistant General Manager Ashleigh Henry. For guy gifts, she suggests shopping at Giacomo Battaglia for Men, which sells custom-made Italian dress shirts, ties and suits. For the more sporty members of the family, Henry suggests skateboards, surfboards or swimwear from Ron Jon Surf Shop, or any number of outdoor recreation items from Bass Pro. Gulf Coast Town Center Assistant General Manager Ashleigh Henry At Coconut Point, Beauchesne highlights the lovely and unique jewelry pieces from Pandora. She also notes Felix Andrew Aveda Salon will help with hair and makeup for holiday festivities. If you’re looking for something chic to wear to the party, try an Antonio Melani Italian Cashmere sweater, available in bright colors and color block styles, exclusively from Dillard’s. Miromar has added a Coach Men’s Outlet to its list of more than 140 Miromar Outlets General Manager Jeff Staner designer and brand name retailers. Staner notes that a gift card is always the perfect size and color. Estero is known as the “shopping capital of Southwest Florida,” and for good reason. With the many gift options available at Coconut Point, Miromar Outlets and Gulf Coast Town Center, there’s no need to look anywhere else this holiday season.
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Upcoming Retail Events COCONUT POINT MALL www.simon.com/mall Nov. 8-April 2013 -- Coconut Point Green Market every Thursday from 10 a.m.-2p.m. Nov. 11 -- Cruise-in to see classic cars from 11-3 p.m. Nov. 24 -- Tree Lighting Ceremony. Festivities and caroling begin at 5 p.m. December 2012 - Santa and other holiday activities will be at the mall every Saturday in December. Dec. 6 - Dog’s Nite Out from 6-8 p.m. MIROMAR OUTLETS www.miromaroutlets.com November & December -- Live entertainment every Saturday from 4-7 p.m. and every Sunday from 1-4 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza Nov. 9-11 -- Veteran’s Day sidewalk sales Nov. 10 -- Car Cruise-in by West Coast Muscle Car Club Nov. 10 - Holiday Fashion Show Nov. 17 -- Kids Day in Playland from 10 a.m.noon Nov. 22 -- Before Midnight at Miromar: After Thanksgiving shopping opens at 10 p.m.; $100 gift-card giveaways every hour and photos with Santa Dec. 15 - Free cookie decorating in Playland GULF COAST TOWN CENTER www.GulfCoastTownCenter.com November & December -- Concerts every Friday and Saturday nights from 7-9 p.m. in Market Plaza (see www.GulfCoastTownCenter.com for complete list of bands) Nov. 10 -- Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting at Bass Pro. Festivities start at 5 p.m. Dec. 13 -- Lights of Love, hosted by the Animal Refuge Center from 6-9 p.m.
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in the burbs
Tara’s Jingle Jog By Laura J. Cummings ace those jingle bells to your running shoes. It’s time for the Third Annual Tara’s Jingle Jog in Estero Community Park. The 5K cross-country race and one-mile Fun Run, presented by Riverchase Dermatology, will be Dec. 8 and includes festivities for the whole family while raising funds for The Passion Foundation, a Melanoma Initiative. Tara Parla was the passionate force behind the foundation. She and husband Jon started the initiative to raise funds for sun shades to cover playgrounds at Southwest Florida elementary schools. The Foundation also raises awareness about preventive measures to limit risks for developing melanoma. Tara faced her battle with the disease gallantly and selflessly, said her husband of 11 years. He considers the legacy left by Tara, who died Sept. 6, a gift to the next generation, including the couple’s own two elementaryaged children. When Tara was young, no one told her about the dangers of slathering on the oil and baking in the sun. She never wanted to scare people away from enjoying the Florida sunshine; she just wanted them to take protective measures. Tara will be missed at this year’s Jingle Jog, but she will be there in spirit, Jon said. He hopes people remember her as someone who used her circumstances to care for others. “She’s someone who’s taken a negative in her life and turned it into a positive to help others,” he said. So far, the Passion Foundation has erected shade tents over the outdoor play areas at Pinewoods and Three Oaks elementary schools. This year’s Jingle Jog will raise funds for a shade awning at Rayma C. Page Elementary School. Each covering costs $15,000 to $25,000, Jon said. “They block 97 percent of the UV rays and keep the playground 20 degrees cooler,” he noted. Three Oaks Elementary Principal Vicki Parks said as children hit the playground each day, they run to the shaded play area, as if drawn by magnet. “It’s a lot cooler, and it is an attractive area,” she said. “Their interactions are happier because they’re comfortable.” The school has a sign near the play area designating it “Parla’s Playground.”
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“It’s a tribute to Tara. She had such a short life, but she was just a very brave role model,” Parks said. “The best tribute we can give her is to spread her message about protecting our kids.” This year’s Jingle Jog not only features the officially timed 5K race, it also includes plenty of family fun. Santa will be there, along with vendor booths, bounce houses, food, music and face painting. The one-mile Fun Run is perfect for strollers and runners of all ages and abilities. To add to the festivity, runners are asked to dress up in holiday attire, said event organizer Shanai Hill. “It’s a super fun day,” she said. “And it’s for a good cause.” Hill and a group of friends from Bella Terra started the Jingle Jog as a way to show support for the Parla family soon after Tara was diagnosed. Instead of using the money for medical bills, the Parlas decided to start The Passion Foundation. “Tara didn’t want to take the money,” Hill recalled. “She thought it was a great way to start a foundation and benefit her community. Jon Parla said he is pleased to see awareness of the foundation’s work growing each year. Schools and other organizations frequently inquire about getting on the foundation’s list for shade awnings. The foundation hopes to partner with as many organizations as possible to provide sun protection everywhere kids play outdoors. “If more people knew this benefits local schools and their kids, it might be a 5K they would want to participate in,” Hill said. LP
When: Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8 a.m. Where: Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Registration: Online at Active.com or day-of at 7 a.m. Fees: $30 for 5K officially-timed, cross-county race or one-mile Fun Run (children 12 and under free) Benefits: Passion Foundation, www.passion-foundation.org
DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
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biz style
Real Estate Outlook 2013 By Laura J. Cummings When the local real estate market crashed in 2006, property values plunged rapidly, and home sales dried up seemingly overnight. It was a painful time for Estero homeowners, but 2012 has given them reason to look up. The real estate forecast for 2013 is even brighter, say representatives from two local Realtors’ associations. It’s blue skies and sunshine ahead – just the way Southwest Florida is supposed to be. “I am surprised at how quickly the market was ‘turned back on’ in the last 18 months,” said Joe Harris, president of the Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors. “It is like when the market was ‘turned off’ in 2006, overnight we saw a huge climate change in real estate.” This time, the change is a welcome one. Harris is confident, reporting the Southwest Florida real estate market is officially in recovery. Judi Gietzen, president of the local chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors, agrees. “Our local economy has been thriving with the buying frenzy, reducing inventory in all categories, such as primary residence, secondary condos and single-family homes,” Gietzen said. “Investors are back, too. They have made a great impact over the past few years purchasing foreclosures and providing a solution to a major rental problem, as well as providing housing for the families
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which lost their homes due to the market collapse in 2006.” The numbers support the optimism of local Realtors. Compared to 2011, this year has seen an increase in sales prices and number of sales for both single-family homes and condos. Pending sales for single-family homes were up by about 32 percent this year, while sale prices crept up by about eight percent. Days on the market decreased slightly, indicating “buyers are purchasing, and sellers are getting realistic on price,” Harris said. Estero is rebounding quicker than many of its neighbors due to its size and diverse amenities. “With advantages such as the proximity of Florida Gulf Coast University, Southwest Florida International Airport minutes from our doors, three large, new shopping malls, and the Germain Arena offering various sporting and entertainment events, we are certain to win in the recovery race,” Gietzen said. Many of the “bargain” distressed properties have disappeared and are reentering the market as renovated rentals. In Lee County, foreclosures are down by 55.6 percent and short sales by 25 percent over 2011. Most of those left on the market aren’t the super deals of years past, Harris noted.
“Are there ‘bargains’ still out there? Yes, but very few,” he said. “As banks have learned to get their distressed property priced right to get fair market value when they sell their inventory, the bargains disappear.” Total inventory levels are at a six-year low, creating a favorable climate for new home construction. An estimated 225 new homes will be built in 2013 along the East Corkscrew Road corridor. Other areas showing potential for both residential and commercial development include the Estero Parkway and Three Oaks Parkway corridors, Harris said. Many buyers are eager to take advantage of interest rates which remain at a historic low. However, the market may be shifting from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market over the course of the next year, Gietzen said. “There will always be sellers who need to sell, which may translate to advantages for buyers,” she said. “But if our resale inventory continues to be low, we’ll see a gradual transition to a seller’s market. We must remember our area is always competing with newer communities, so we need to be realistic when marketing existing homes built prior to 2007.” She sees owners of older homes increasing their property values through beautification and renovation projects. Estero’s future continues to look bright with economic growth opportunities coming through FGCU, the International Airport and Lee Memorial Health System. When the new Children’s Hospital opens at Health Park, it will bring many professionals relocating from other parts of the country, Gietzen said. Each new home sale has an average positive impact of $60,000 to the local economy, she adds. It’s a “ripple effect” from the real estate transaction, including homeowners insurance, remodeling contracts, landscaping, interior decorating and service providers such as lawn and pool maintenance. In the year ahead, Harris predicts Estero’s real estate sales will continue to rise but at a much more stable rate than what the community experienced during the building boom of the early 2000s. “In the new year, I see some stronger sales in real estate with resales and in new developer products,” he said. “Give it 10 years in Estero, and you will see rapid growth in the real estate market both in individual homes and commercial. Due to increase of growth at FGCU and in the housing market, the landscape in Estero will change but still keep the charm the community has put in place.” Joe Harris is Managing Broker for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Bonita Springs and president of the Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors. B.E.A.R. is a local trade organization of about 900
Judi Gietzen
Joe Harris
Realtors and 100 affiliated industry members and is part of the National Association of Realtors, the largest trade organization in the United States. Judi Gietzen, of Amerivest Realty, is a director with B.E.A.R. and president of the Women’s Council of Realtors of Bonita Springs-Estero. WCR is a network of successful Realtors empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
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diningstyle
La Fontanella BY LAURA J. CUMMINGS
ESTABLISHED IN 2000, LA FONTANELLA HAS LONG BEEN A FAVORITE FOR WHITE-LINEN DINING IN THE ESTERO-BONITA SPRINGS AREA. EGYPTIANBORN OWNER MOE ABDELMASIH TRAINED UNDER SOME OF THE BEST SELF-TAUGHT CHEFS IN NEW JERSEY BEFORE TAKING OVER OPERATIONS AT LA FONTANELLA.
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Just a few doors down from Publix in the Shoppes at Pelican Landing, sits a gem in fine dining which seems worlds away from its bustling strip mall location. While shoppers rush in and out of the grocery, La Fontanella beckons them to linger and indulge in a slowcooked Italian repast. Established in 2000, La Fontanella has long been a favorite for whitelinen dining in the EsteroBonita Springs area. Egyptian-born owner Moe Abdelmasih trained under some of the best self-taught chefs in New Jersey before taking over operations at La Fontanella. His wife, Mona, greets each guest warmly at the door. We had the privilege of being served by their son, Mina, a student at Florida Gulf Coast University. The owners are always on site, ensuring guests are enjoying their meal and the total dining experience. The menu features much more than spaghetti and lasagna. Those basic dishes aren’t even listed. Spaghetti alla Rotese dresses the traditional dish up with imported pasta, broccoli, artichoke hearts, black olives, capers and fresh tomatoes. Dinner menu highlights include an array of fresh seafood dishes, along with several versions of veal scallopini, each complemented by a varied assortment of vegetables, herbs and tantalizing sauces. Each night at La Fontanella also brings a number of “featured” dishes not on the standard menu. Our heads were spinning as
DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Mina expertly recited eight daily specials, complete with all of their tantalizing ingredients. We asked him to repeat the lineup several times before making our selections. Who can choose between Chilean Sea Bass, homemade cannelloni, rack of lamb and veal shank? We started our culinary adventure into Italy with Eggplant Rollatini and Portabello alla Griglia, featuring grilled portabello mushrooms topped with a hearty helping of melted mozzarella and fresh basil olive oil. The scrumptious eggplant antipasto featured four cheeses -- gorgonzola, parmesan, ricotta and fontina -- combined with a fresh tomato basil sauce and homemade pesto. Next, Mina brought out “Moe’s Special,” a seafood sensation featuring marinated, grilled calamari and jumbo shrimp on a bed of baby arugula with cannellini beans, grape tomatoes, red onion and two types of olives in balsamic vinegar. Bon appétit! We moved on to the special salad of the evening, the Mediterranean, paired with fresh
crab bisque. The creamy bisque provided some zip, along with the bold flavor of gorgonzola in the salad. Choosing a dinner entree proved a daunting task with so many succulent-sounding pasta, meat and fish dishes. “Every night there are many more dishes not on the menu, so if you don’t see something, just ask,” Mina added reassuringly. He recommended the Osso Bucco, a signature dish of slow-roasted veal shank, served with a small fork for scraping the marrow out of the bone. Bathed in a wellseasoned gravy and paired with risotto, this dish was a hearty and flavorful treat. One of my dining companions also chose veal, but ordered the Scaloppine di Vitella Pizzaiola, enjoying the thin-sliced cutlets with artichoke, olives, tomatoes and basil in a light garlic chardonnay sauce. “If you can’t cut it with a fork, the veal is free!” Moe likes to tell his customers. He personally pounds the veal into scaloppine each afternoon. “We clean it ourselves, we cut it ourselves, and we pound it every day,” Moe said. The rest of our dinner party chose to go with pasta, but the two dishes were quite diverse. Cavatelle con Broccoli Sausage pairs imported sweet Italian sausage
with broccoli in a buttery white wine sauce. The homemade Meat Cannelloni combines veal, chicken and beef with mixed vegetables in a classic red sauce, accented with a sprig of fresh basil. La Fontanella also offers an extensive wine list with the perfect match for every entree. We tried valiantly to save room for sampling those luscious Italian desserts. We ordered cappuccino and settled in for guilty pleasure as we tried the classic crème brûlée, an amazing rice pudding with white raisins and macadamia nuts and the cannoli, filled with smooth, sweet cream and chocolate chips and garnished with pistachio nuts. (Mina swears he gained six pounds the first week Moe started making the homemade cream.) Mona says her husband is successful as a chef because he simply enjoys eating. He would never serve a dish to a customer unless he loved it. “You have to have the taste for how to mix things together to create a good meal,” he said. La Fontanella Ristorante is located in the Shoppes at Pelican Landing, 24600 Tamiami Trail, in Bonita Springs. Reservations are recommended by calling (239)498-6808.
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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The best homemade breakfast and lunch in Bonita Springs!WINNER-2008/2009/2010 BEST OF BONITA News-Press Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Realâ&#x20AC;? Philly Cheesesteaks, and homemade rice pudding.
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(239) 596-6844 ÂŁĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;ääĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;/>Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;>Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x160;/Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; />Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;>Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6; /Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2C6;Â? U >ÂŤÂ?iĂ&#x192;]Ă&#x160; Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;`>Ă&#x160;Ă&#x17D;{££ä >ÂŤÂ?iĂ&#x192; Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;`> Ă&#x17D;
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We are honored to introduce Golisano Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Scheduled to open in 2016, this lifesaving facility will house 128 beds and provide p new and expanded specialty pediatric health care services to children from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. Now through May of 2016 all donations to the Golisano Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital N capital campaign will be matched dollar for dollar.
Please consider a holiday or year-end gift to the health and wellness of the children in our community.
Call C al 239-343-6950 or visit www.childrenshospitalgoal.org
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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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calendarofevents
ESTERO EVENTS DECEMBER 2012
HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? Email us at info@lifestylemagazinegroup.com
MERCY ME Germain Arena, Estero (239)948-7825 or www.germainarena.com
VILLAGE BOAT PARADE Village on Venetian Bay (239)261-6100 or www.venetianvillage.com
DEC 3 CIRQUE CHINOIS Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org
DEC 8 NAPLES FINE ART & CRAFT SHOW Cambier Park, Naples
OAK RIDGE BOYS Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (239)481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com DEC 4 HOLIDAY IN THE PARK Riverside Park, Bonita Springs (239)949-6262 or www.cityofbonitasprings.org
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DEC 1 EVENING WITH MICHAEL BOLTON Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org
DEC 1-23 I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Off Broadway Palm Theatre (239)278-4422 or www.broadwaypalm.com DEC 1-24 MERRY LITTLE MURDER Seminole Gulf Railway (239)275-8487 or www.semgulf.com
DEC 6-8 BRANFORD MARSALIS Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org
DEC 1-25 MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre (239)278-4422 or www.broadwaypalm.com
DEC 7 SANIBEL LUMINARY FESTIVAL Sanibel and Captiva Islands www.sanibel-captiva.org
DEC 1-30 EDISON & FORD HOLIDAY Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers (239)334-7419 or www. edisonfordwinterestates.org
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DEC 6 NAPLES 5TH AVE/ CHRISTMAS WALK & TREE LIGHTING Fifth Avenue Shopping District, Naples (239)213-1000 or www.naplesgov.com
DEC 1, 8, 15 & 22 LET IT SNOW HOLIDAY FEST Village at Venetian Bay, Naples (239)403-2218 or www.naplesgov.com
DEC 2-23 ELVES & THE SHOEMAKER Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre (239)278-4422 or www.broadwaypalm.com
DEC 1-15 LEADING LADIES Sugden Community Theatre, Naples Fifth Avenue S. (239)263-7990 or www.naplesplayers.org
DEC 2 CHORUS LINE Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org
DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
PALMGRASS BLUEGRASS FEST Alliance for the Arts, Ft. Myers (239)248-8906 or www.palmgrass.org DEC 9 BONITA SPRINGS CONCERT BAND Riverside Park, Bonita Springs (239)405-3320 or www. bonitaspringsconcertband.com BOWZER’S ROCK ’N‘ ROLL HOIDAY PARTY Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org SPIRIT OF THE GULF: CELEBRATE JOY Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (239)481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com DEC 10 PAUL TODD’S ILLUMINATED MUSIC OF LIGHTS Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (239)481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com DEC 10, 11, 17 & 18 CHRISTMAS RAIL-BOAT TRIP Seminole Gulf Railway (239)275-8487 or www.semgulf.com DEC 11 NAPLES CHRISTMAS PARADE 2012 Parade route: 3rd Street S. to 5th Ave. S. to 8th Street S. (6-8 p.m.) www.naplesgov.com DEC 13 BEAUTIFUL MUSIC OF DECEMBER Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs (239)495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org
DEC 13-15 NPO: HOLIDAY POPS Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org DEC 15 ISLAND HOPPING HOLIDAY CRUISE Edison & Ford Winter Estates (239)334-7419 or www. edisonfordwinterestates.org MARCO ISLAND CHRISTMAS PARADE 2012 San Marco Road and Balfour Road (6:30-8 p.m.) www.marcoislandchamber.org JOE BONAMASSA Germain Arena, Estero (239)948-7825 or www.germainarena.com DEC 16 DECK THE HALLS: BALLET/ SYMPHONY/SYMPHONIC CHORALE Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (239)481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com DEC 20-23 MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org DEC 22 GULFSHORE BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island (239)395-0900 or www.bigarts.org DEC 26 MOSCOW BALLET: GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (239)481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com DEC 28 JACK HANNA’S INTO THE WILD Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (239)597-1900 or www.thephil.org DEC 29-FEB. 16 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre (239)278-4422 or www.broadwaypalm.com DEC 30 ESTERO CONCERT SERIES: VOICES OF RUSSIA Koreshan State Historic, Estero (239)596-8404 or www.floridastateparks.org
NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS
SPORTS & RECREATION
NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND ART FESTIVAL Coconut Point Mall, Estero (239)992-9966 or www.simon.com
DEC 1 FL EVERBLADES VS. GREENVILLE ROAD WARRIORS Germain Arena (239)948-7825 or www.floridaeverblades.com
THE CRYSTAL BALL/SWFL SYMPHONY Harborside Event Center, Ft. Myers (239)418-1500 or www.swflso.org RIVER DISTRICT: DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN Downtown Fort Myers, River District (8 p.m.-2 a.m.) www.riverdistrictevents.com FT. MYERS BEACH FIREWORKS Times Square, Fort Myers Beach www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov NAPLES NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS Naples Pier, 7:30 p.m. (239)213-7120 or www.naplesgov.com
FGCU W. BASKETBALL VS. MAINE Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com FGCU M. BASKETBALL VS. LOYOLA Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com DEC 6 ESTERO HIGH BASKETBALL v. LELY Estero High School (239)947-9400 or http://est.leeschools.net/ DEC 7 PGA TOUR: FRANKLIN TEMPLETON SHOOTOUT Tiburon Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples (239)593-2000 or www. franklintempletonshootout.com FREE FAMILY GOLF CLINIC BY GREG NORMAN Tiburon Golf Club Driving Range, Naples (239)593-2000 or www. franklintempletonshootout.com DEC 8 TARA’S JINGLE JOG Estero Community Park, 8 a.m. www.passion-foundation.org
STRIDES FOR EDUCATION 5K WALK/RUN Florida Gulf Coast University at noon www.active.com DEC 13 ESTERO HIGH BASKETBALL v. LEHIGH Estero High School (239)947-9400 or http://est.leeschools.net/ FGCU M. BASKETBALL VS. FIU Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com DEC 18 FGCU M. BASKETBALL VS. SOUTHEASTERN Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com DEC 19, 21&22 FL EVERBLADES VS. ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS Germain Arena (239)948-7825 or www. floridaeverblades.com DEC 22 FGCU W. BASKETBALL VS. UCF Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com DEC 28 FGCU W. BASKETBALL VS. LSU Alico Arena www.fgcuathletics.com DEC 28-29 FL COLLEGE HOCKEY CLASSIC Germain Arena (239)948-7825 or www. floridaeverblades.com
LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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scene on site
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Billl Mullin, Je Bil enniifer Un Unwin n, Kath Ka ath thy hy Per errrrott & Ron Ron Pe Ro Perr rro r ttt
Meg Judge Memorial Golf Tournament
Tom m Schm hmi h midt, Mo orga rgan n Bowd Bowde owd w e wd en en, n, Dan Beau au ulie ie eu & Chrissto oph op her er Cl er Close os ose os
The Estero Chamber of Commerce held its second annual Meg Judge Memorial Golf Tournament October 18th, 2012, at the Estero Country Club at The Vines, followed by a Business After Hours event with tournament awards, rafďŹ&#x201A;e and auction items. A percentage of proceeds will be dedicated to the Meg Judge Memorial Scholarship Program.
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Ma y Lis Mar iist s on, st on Pa Pam m Bi Biish shop, sh hop, Li Linda Kli Kliin ngerm ngerm man & Jilll Ki Kirsamm mer me
Ric ch Coo olen,, Ke Kevin vin Co vi Coole ole len, en,, Bill Bil Bi i l Camp amposs & Bru uce Vand anderv erveen een n
Mar Ma a k Schwart r z, Sandy yS Se See eekel ee ell, el l, Am Amy y Ha arr rri r s & Ja amess No ova akov viich v ic ch h
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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Lauderdale BMW
LauderdaleBMW.com
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visit us at www.LauderdaleBMW.com LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
43
scene on site
De Der De Derek errek ek L Lowe & Ga Low ary ry Isr Israel Is a ae
De D ebbi bie ie & Joh hn Picone e
Cha C Ch h rle rless Land Land dry, ry Al A iva Sc S ha har argor go ods gor o ki, kii, Ji Jill ll O Ottte & Tommi Ott mm Ki Kivis Kiv visto o
Ernie & Miranda a Ha Hartl r le rt eib b
Breakfast with the Blades October 28, 2012 at the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort & Spa to benefit The Children’s Hospital of SW Florida. Sponsor was Picone Financial. Sandy San andy y & Ja ay y Rus R sso so
Linds Lin dse sey Burc se rc ch & Ev Everb erb rrb blad lades ess Coa Coach, ch, h, Gr Greg eg Posss
Walter Wal er & Mon Monica ica Hi Hines nes
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David Rutherford & Allex Ree ee ed
DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
R nee & Chri Re Ren Chri hr s Palin P n
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GET THE 2nd FOR
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Dr. Alexandra Konowal
Latisse® for Longer, Thicker & Darker Eyelashes
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
9500 Corkscrew Palm Circle #3, Estero, FL 33928
Voted The Best Eye Doctor/Eye Surgeon 7 Years Running!
To schedule an appointent call: 239.948.7555
www.DrKonowal.com
BONITA SPRINGS Sandpiper Plaza 3725 Bonita Beach Rd. Suite #6
CUSTOM & PRESERVATION
FRAMING
HOURS Monday - Friday
Additional services such as:
9am-5pm
Dry Mounting Flat Screen TV’s Sports Memorabilia
9am-3pm
Many More Artistic Services Turnaround time 3-5 days
ds.gallery@comcast.net
Stop on by and say hi to “Lil Bit!”
Saturday
239-390-2381
We offer pick up, delivery, & installation!
scene on site
M sha Mar alll Bow B e er, r,, M Ma arg rga aret An A ton to ier ie & Pie Pierre r Du Dulai lai a ne ai e
Joh ohn n Com ome eau au, u Je Jefff Sta Staner ner,, Pier ner erre e Du Dul u ain ul a e & Ma Marne r e Craw rn awfor ford for d
Dancing Under the Stars
Ja anell lle le Beaber & Constan nce ce Joness
Dancer Extraordinaire Pierre Dulaine, founder of Dancing Classrooms, joined Margaret Antonier, CEO of Miromar Development Corp., for Dancing Under the Stars on Oct. 19 at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club. The gala included a demonstration from Lee County school children, who performed several dances, including the foxtrot, the rumba and the swing. Guests then got their chance to see if they could “dance like a fifth grader.” Proceeds from the event benefitted the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
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Gis Gi i ele e & Dav David d At Attk Atk kins n on ns n
Jim m&A Ann n ette ett t e Dati tii wi with Dr. Cl Claud audie udiie eD Del ellgad g do-Feen o-F -Feen ee ene ney & Dr. Owen Feeney
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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Car C Ca a men ar n & Bill Taylor
Anthon Ant hon ony on y Tine neo o (ttea eachi ch ng g arttist) isst) & Ch ist C ris rii tina tina Tu tin ull ul llly
“We treat our patients like our family.” We provide all phases of general dentistry including:
Claudie I. Delgado-Feeney, D.M.D. Owen F. Feeney, D.M.D.
Cleanings
Dentures
Root canal
Periodontal therapy
Extractions
Crowns and bridges
Fillings (White - composite - only)
Nitrous oxide analgesia
We also offer Cosmetic dentistry and Implant dentistry
Tel (239) 948-4886 www.bonitaesterodental.com FL License # DN-0014293
Holiday Special
Sonicare Toothbrush with Sanitizer Reg. $159 Now $129 24940 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 202
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Member, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
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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2012 APRIL
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All stories will be reviewed by the Lifestyle Editorial Team for consideration. LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM | DECEMBER 2012
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scene on site
Na Nam am a m Da Dalla llass Revo vo ord r & Jane anett Mart artiin ar in
Cap Capt Ca a t. t. Ka Kat K athy yR Rai Ra a rde de den, en, Dep Dep.. Scot Scottt Pepi Pepin n & De Dep. p Rya p. Ryan n Just us ha ham ham m
Sixth Annual RiverFest Bonita Springs celebrated the Imperial River with the Sixth Annual RiverFest and fall festival Oct. 26-27. The event featured the Imperial River Challenge, a two-mile paddling race with winners awarded in six categories: men’s kayak, women’s kayak, tandem kayak, surf ski, canoe and stand up paddle board (SUP), new this year. Children’s activities included hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin decorating and the Great Quacker Race, a rubber duck race benefitting the Bonita Nature Place. RiverFest is an eco-friendly festival, also benefitting the Waterways Conservation Fund and the Bonita Assistance Office. It was a pre-event to the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival Nov. 1-4. Dave Mill Da Dav iller, e Betsy Clayt ayton o & Sue Mil Miller ler
Kel Ca Cam mpb m pbe pb elll & Lauren ell Lau uren Si Sinet net ett et tt
May Ma May Mayor ayorr Ben Be Ne Be elso lsson, n, R Rob bertt M Mc cGra Grath t & Tina th na Pe Pettr tre rrella la a
Dal Da Dal ale e Tim Tim im mp ple, le Ki Kim m Kels Kels elsey ey & Teri ey T La am ma mai aine a ne
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49
AND
another thing...
THE FIVE RULES FOR CREATIVE SUCCESS IN 2013 BY BRUCE TURKEL
Seems like many of the blogs and articles I read just posted their best or worst of lists for 2012. I thought maybe it would be a little more useful to create a list of five important ideas for marketing success in 2013. 1. THE FUTURE STARTED YESTERDAY. When I speak on social media issues at corporate conferences, I always tell my audiences that “this whole Internet thing is going to catch on…it’s going to be huge.” Before you award me The Master Of The Bleeding Obvious medal of honor, please take my statement to heart. If your company hasn’t fully embraced the new online technologies, you’re already out of business; you just don’t know it yet. 2. GOOD ENOUGH IS GOOD ENOUGH. Trained as an art director, I always considered part of my position to be the protector of quality. We designers would spend hours on typesetting, worrying about kerning and line spacing, for example – painstaking chores that can now be done with the click of a mouse. In the name of fine resolution, we’d also fight with our clients to spend enormous sums for 16 or 35mm film when today you can buy a higher resolution Canon HDSLR for less than two grand. But regardless of what equipment you use, when was the last time you heard someone complain about the resolution on YouTube? As Sting sang in Consider Me Gone, “To search for perfection is all very well. But to look for heaven is to live here in hell.” Or as Seth Godin wrote, “Get it out the door” already. 3. FASTER, CHEAPER. BETTER. PICK ALL THREE. The old line used to be, “Faster. Cheaper. Better. Pick any two.” If you wanted it fast and good it was going to be expensive. Good and cheap would take time. And if you wanted it fast and cheap it would suck. But that was back in the day when our clients used to ask “what have you done for me lately?” With the advent of online technologies, today’s question is “what have you done for me next?” As the taciturn comedian Steven Wright quipped, “I put instant coffee in a microwave oven and almost went back in time.” Or to quote Groucho Marx, “I’ll stay a week or two, I’ll stay the summer through. But I am telling you that I must be going.” 4. BE DIFFERENT. OR BE DEAD. In his best-selling book “A Whole New Mind,” Daniel Pink writes about the dangers of the ‘Three As’: Abundance, Asia, and Automation. Pink explains that anything that can be created in
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DECEMBER 2012 | LIFESTYLEMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
abundance will be; anything that can be made in Asia will; and anything that can be automated will be as well. As Pink sees it, if your products or services are so generic or duplicatable that those three factors can come to bear, you’re in big trouble. Pink’s solution? Develop and cultivate six senses: design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning. His example of a successful business that can’t be copied; Madonna. (Needless to say, his book was written before Lady Gaga.) In other words, just standing up isn’t enough anymore. To be successful you have to stand out and stand for something. Otherwise, no one will care. 5. THEY DON’T BUY WHAT YOU DO. THEY BUY WHO YOU ARE. Because of the three As, and because good enough is now good enough, consumers no longer need to buy products or services for their functions. Not because the functions no longer matter but because the functions have become ubiquitous. Instead, the best sellers are purchased because of the relationships they create with their buyers. If Madonna is the perfect product, then what steps can you take to build your brand and its value (both real and perceived) to your customer? After all, if you’re not providing it then someone else will. And as we’ve already seen, they’ll do it faster, cheaper and maybe, even better. Taken together, these five observations may appear discouraging, suggesting that technology has superseded the need for quality and craftsmanship. Instead, I think they provide benchmarks for building a successful business in this new technological age. As I see it, the future for everyone in my business and all creative businesses is in their ability to create powerful, compelling ideas. Whether it’s a new way to get attention, a new way to deliver customer service or a new way to build a better mousetrap, 2013 will be the year of the idea. After all, despite how powerful computers have become, they haven’t started to think…yet. I’ll explore that further with you soon. In the meantime, here’s to a happy, healthy and very creative 2013 for you and everyone you hold dear! 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
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