Table of contents for April 2020 in Naples Illustrated

As the rigors of season begin to ebb like the afternoon tide at Lowdermilk Park (the perfect precursor to a sunset sip at a laid-back bar), there’s time to ponder the less hectic joys that define the Paradise Coast and boost our quality of life. Think a meandering kayak trip to explore swamp-grass patches or a gala-free night that replaces paddle-raising with stargazing. In this wellness-themed issue, we join Naples nature photographer Dennis Goodman to revel in the resplendent beauty of the outdoors. Turn to page 76 to learn why the self-taught lensman swapped a property management career for a camera in the woods and to see some of his signature images. Studies such as one published last year in the journal Scientific Reports show that spending just two hours…

STYLE NOTES AU NATUREL: Opt for ethically sourced materials like wood, raffia, and organic fibers. GO GLOBAL: Support artisans by purchasing handmade items created with age-old techniques. BUY SMART: Invest in made-to-order pieces that help cut down on unused materials and unbought products.…

Like many Neapolitans, it was a combination of amenities and family that drew Dan Jensen to the Paradise Coast. The Illinois-born artist was living in Chicago when he took a golf trip to Naples and fell in love with the area. He married his wife, Nancee Martin, on the beach at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, and they now live near Delnor-Wiggins State Park. Jensen, who earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Denver, counts dining with fellow artist David Hockney and having his own work sold at auction at Sotheby’s as personal and professional highlights. Locally, he’s involved with Naples Art and even had a one-man show at the organization in March. Though Jensen and Martin are enthusiastic devotees of the Naples lifestyle, they relish…

For nature photographer Dennis Goodman, it’s all about the crop and the pop—of color, that is. “I find the uniqueness of a subject through composition and lighting,” says the Minneapolis native, who’s lived in Naples since 1985. “Normally, people wouldn’t crop a hawk the way I did [photo above], but I try to find the soul of the bird. I don’t want to just take a picture. I want my work to be an art form with a unique pose and an impact that changes people.” A former property manager, the father of two changed careers “in a leap of faith,” he says. “Photography was always my way to relieve stress, and I didn’t think about anything else when I was outdoors. When I was growing up, I’d take off…

ADDICTION MEDICINE Scott Jaffe Dr. Scott Jaffe, MD Bonita Springs 239-498-5760 drscotthjaffe.com Samuel K. Parish NCH Physician Group - Family Medicine Naples 239-624-0870 nchmd.org ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY Fikria E. Hassan Allergy, Asthma, Sinus and Immunology Center Naples 239-261-5599 allergytoday.com Shawky A. Hassan Allergy, Asthma, Sinus and Immunology Center Naples 239-261-5599 allergytoday.com Maria T. Olivero Allergy, Sinus & Asthma Specialists of Naples Naples 239-434-6200 naplesallergy.com Kevin P. Rosenbach Naples Allergy Center Naples 239-596-5560 naplesallergycenter.com Brett E. Stanaland Allergy, Sinus & Asthma Specialists of Naples Naples 239-434-6200 naplesallergy.com ANESTHESIOLOGY Myles Alpert American Anesthesiology of Naples Naples 239-304-4862 physiciansregional.com Russell C. Brockwell American Anesthesiology of Naples Naples 239-304-4862 physiciansregional.com Deborah D. Cooper American Anesthesiology of Naples Naples 239-304-4862 Chad J. Purdom American Anesthesiology of Naples Naples 239-304-4862 physiciansregional.com Chad M. Stine American Anesthesiology…

Sajan Rao, MD, specializes in complex cardiovascular disorders and helms prominent medical committees in Southwest Florida. He leads community outreach events and volunteers to provide free care to the working poor at the Neighborhood Health Clinic. He looks after his own health with daily exercise and is fully invested alongside his wife—an accomplished cardiologist—in the lives of their three young children. “I’m just trying to do the best job I can as a cardiologist and serve the community,” says Rao, who began practicing at SWICFT Institute of Southwest Florida and Naples Community Hospital in 2009. “I feel fortunate to be a cardiologist here in Naples. We have an extraordinary community that’s willing to support good causes and a lot of people who are very interested in their health.” A George…

GOINGS ON 1 Art Alive, Naples Art District, also April 18, free. (naples artdistrict.com) Lunch & Lecture: “Gangsters, Jazz, and Flappers,” Center for Performing Arts, Bonita Springs, $38. (artcenterbonita.org) Walking Tour of the Naples Historic District, Naples Historical Society, $22. (napleshistoricalsociety.org) 3 April Foolin’ in the Garden, Naples Botanical Garden, $750. (naplesgarden.org) Luncheon and lecture with The Sea of Lost Girls author Carol Goodman, Vi at Bentley Village, Naples, $46-$61. (collier-friends.org) 4 10K Run for Music, benefiting Artis—Naples’ youth education programs, Artis—Naples, $30-$35. (artisnaples.org) Art in the Park, Cambier Park, Naples, free. (naples art.org) Corkscrew Swamp Meditation, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, $10-$25. (corkscrew.audubon.org) Party for the Planet, Naples Zoo, free for Collier County residents or regular admission. (napleszoo.org) 6 “Groundbreaking Moments in Modern Art” lecture, Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, $45. (artisnaples.org)…

Her idea of R&R: Congregating on the beach with friends for small talk, laughs, and lounging. Wanda Zaiser credits a temporary transfer to Naples with finding her forever home. While working for Butler Telecom, the North Carolina native was assigned to a three-month stint at United Telephone Company of Florida on Fifth Avenue South. Three months turned into 40 years, and Zaiser and her husband, Len, an entrepreneur who has founded several manufacturing companies, have become prominent members of the community. Zaiser is devoted to numerous children’s causes and recently completed two terms on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. She also has a special connection to the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, where her sons, Oliver and Alex, would…

NAPLES CHILDREN & EDUCATION FOUNDATION WHAT: Naples Winter Wine Festival SUPPORTS: Programs that improve the physical, emotional, and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples YOUTH HAVEN WHAT: Soiree on the Strip SUPPORTS: Programs that protect and empower children and strengthen families through shelter, comprehensive care, and community collaboration. WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Naples Illustrated sponsored the event. CHAMPIONS FOR LEARNING WHAT: Sixth Annual Night of Champions HONORS: Community members who improve the lives of students through mentorship, leadership, and collaboration with educators. WHERE: Naples Grande Beach Resort ST. MATTHEW’S HOUSE WHAT: The Road to Recovery Cornerstone Event SUPPORTS: Programs that house, feed, and provide job training for hundreds in Southwest Florida. WHERE: Artis—Naples The event included art by the late Patrick Atkinson. His…

TAKE FLIGHT Carrying brands from Kahala—a broadcloth cotton printed in Hawaii that’s been around since the 1950s—to cutting-edge Miami designers and more, Butterfly Beach Clothing has taken flight on Fifth Avenue South. The family-owned retail group, which has a second Collier County store on Marco Island, gutted its 2,000-square-foot location to create a tropical vibe for its tasty wave selections (think Billabong, Surf, and Hook & Tackle) and other contemporary apparel and swimwear. “A butterfly represents every phase of life—change, transition, adaptation, and growth,” says owner/manager Jodi Ellis, who hails from Annapolis, Maryland. “Butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life, and everyone deserves a little sunshine.” At the boutique, new wood floors and a metal ceiling create an industrial look, while handmade pine fixtures, pine tables, and barn…

1. THREE’S COMPANY Lagos Rare Wonders honeybee statement ring with black rhodium, sterling silver, and 18-karat gold, $1,500. (lagos.com) 2. SPARKLING STINGER Provident Jewelry bee pin with diamonds set in 18-karat gold and white gold, $7,450. Provident Jewelry, Naples (providentjewelry.com) 3. GOOD AS GOLD Graziela Gems bee necklace with an emerald set in 18-karat gold, $4,990. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com) 4. FLY HIGH Staurino Fratelli Orange Concept II bee earrings with diamonds and citrines set in 18-karat gold and white gold, $2,950. (staurinofratelli.com) 5. ALL YELLOW Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Love Bugs bee pendant with yellow quartz, silver, and 18-karat gold, $1,300. Tiffany & Co., Naples (tiffany.com) 6. HONEY PIE Gumuchian Honeybee B collection The Life of the Bee charm bracelet with diamonds set in 18-karat gold and…

Whether treating his patients with caring expertise locally or during medical missions overseas, Naples plastic surgeon Paul Gardner, MD, has repeatedly distinguished himself as a “top doctor” by patients, peers, and the community. Distinction in Castle Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors and other industry honors reflect Gardner’s dedication and skills, which he first honed as a medical student at the University of Florida and as an attending surgeon working with children and veterans for a dozen years in Birmingham, Alabama. At Gardner Plastic Surgery, which he opened in 2006, Gardner emphasizes discrete, natural-looking outcomes in rejuvenating facial, breast, and body enhancements. “I don’t try to change how a person looks; I just turn back the clock,” he says. “The biggest compliment is always when my patients are told, ‘Oh, you look…

The “Smoking” shellfish tower is the signature appetizer at the Naples location of Ocean Prime, and the perfect way for a party of four, six, or eight to begin their meal. Dry ice is concealed within to create a dramatic display and also keep the shellfish chilled. “This is a trophy presentation of our finest crustaceans,” says executive chef Vladimir Trivunovic. As pictured, it contains both East and West Coast oysters, North Atlantic lobster tail, Alaskan king crab legs, lump crabmeat, and colossal shrimp, but the dish is customizable, too, with no limitations or restrictions. “We go through a lot of shellfish, so the product is always fresh,” he says. “We have our own exclusive sources, and we pick the finest available on a daily basis.” (ocean-prime.com)…

Part-time Neapolitan Meghan FitzGerald, an author and managing partner at an international investment firm, lays out the case for making personal health a priority in our career climb. FitzGerald, whose study on the health of executive women was featured in the Harvard Business Review, says women especially need to seek out employers that will partner with them to create a healthy work-life balance because doing so will be mutually beneficial. She explores these findings further in her new book Ascending Davos: A Career Journey from the Emergency Room to the Boardroom. Here, she shares five tips to keep in mind when pursuing a a career and also prioritizing your health. 1. Look for a portfolio of benefits. Think: flexibility, reciprocity, and autonomy. 2 Value your health status as much as…

The Mather Institute, which conducts research on senior living, has released the findings from the first two years of its Age Well Study. Compiled in partnership with Northwestern University, the study analyzes the impact living in life-plan communities has on the health and well-being of the seniors who call them home. Data is gathered through annual surveys taken by more than 5,700 residents from 122 life-plan communities across the country, including residents of Naples' Moorings Park, which now operates three campuses. Thus far, results indicate that residents’ behavioral traits may affect their ability to thrive in a senior living community. Below, we outline some key findings. (matherinstitute.com/agewellstudy) • More extroverted and open residents reported the highest levels of healthy behaviors.• Residents with strong bonds in their communities have better overall…

A sage insight that “beauty is a light in the heart” is an ideal that Naples native Monique Evans exemplifies as the recently crowned Miss Florida USA. Evans, 28, has been attending a swirl of events while promoting her pageant platform: Be kind to your mind. The 2010 Naples High School graduate says she is volunteering with a NAMI mental health program designed for at-risk Collier County children and also plans to partner with the Southwest Florida Blue Zones Project. “Being able to give back to the community is really important to me,” says the pharmaceutical sales representative, who has a degree in nutritional science. “I really believe in the mind-body connection: nutrition, exercise, mindfulness.” A self-described introverted science nerd, Evans made concerted efforts to break out of her shyness.…

If any fashion house is the authority on color, it’s Hermès. The French label has amassed more than 75,000 silk color references in its archives in Lyon and adds hundreds to its library each season. It comes as no surprise then that artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas decided to launch Hermès Beauty with Rouge Hermès, a collection of lipsticks in 24 shades, including—yes—the inimitable Orange Boîte. Infused with white mulberry extract and lightly scented with notes of sandalwood, arnica, and angelica, the lipsticks ($68 each; refills $42) apply velvety smooth with a weightless feel in either satin or matte finishes. Now the Hermès Birkin bag, lacquered cuff, or printed silk scarf has its own accessory: a matching lip steeped in the wearer’s personality.…

Despite being 20 years old and in need of a facelift, this Pelican Bay condominium had a lot going for it. Most notably, it was blessed with phenomenal views of the Gulf of Mexico—a vista that enticed first-time Florida homebuyers to take the plunge. Because it was their first residence in the state, they wanted to imbue their new two-bedroom dwelling with a distinctly Southwest Florida ambience, complete with decor that recalls the area’s ecological beauty and an open floor plan that invites the oceanfront scenery in. They enlisted Kara Hardt, a senior designer at Naples-based Interiors by Agostino’s, to bring the concept to life. “It was a full-gut remodel,” she says. “We opened the ceilings to 9 feet to create an open-concept feel and tried to make what felt…

Brenda Melton’s friendships are so strong that when a fellow St. Louis native went through a divorce several years ago, she didn’t just offer support—she wrote a book. “Suffice it to say that she needed to vent, and it was through those conversations, some of them very funny, that I came up with U’ve Been Served,” Melton says. “It’s amazing what stress can do to a person, but it’s even more amazing how relationships and a good laugh can help you heal.” The Naples philanthropist’s tongue-in-cheek tome isn’t a recipe book, although it includes Full-of-Bologna Sandwiches (“for the ex who never told the truth a day in his life”), Mis-Steaks (“learn from them and move forward”), and, well, Jerk Chicken. It’s fodder for a girlfriends’ gathering. The happily married founder…

Joe Kandel, MD, was in disbelief when he was told that his eldest daughter, not yet 3 years old and profoundly autistic, would be a lifelong burden to his wife and him. He certainly didn’t like the way the message was delivered—without much care for the complex emotions being wrought. The board-certified neurologist revered for the compassion he brings to his relationships with patients points to that exchange, and his daughter’s journey, as turning points in his career. “She still has deficits but she’s doing spectacular,” Kandel says. “When people ask me what I expect of her, I say, ‘The same thing I expect of my other two children: to be productive, to be happy, to reach their fullest potential.’” A physician in Naples for more than 30 years, Kandel…

Ever wake up on a weekend morning with the desire to drink 48,000 Bloody Marys? While you might not want to follow through, you could accomplish your goal and never taste the same Bloody Mary twice at The Catch of the Pelican at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. The seafood-centric restaurant’s build-your-own Bloody Mary bar offers a dizzying number of possible combinations: • EIGHT RIM SPICES SUCH AS OLD BAY AND PERUVIAN CHILI CITRUS, SRIRACHA, AND GOCHUJANG SALTS• YOUR CHOICE OF VODKA, TEQUILA, OR THE VIRGIN VERSION (A BLOODY SHAME)• HOMEMADE RED OR GREEN TOMATO MIX• 75 TOPPINGS, BOTH HOT AND COLD, INCLUDING EGG ROLLS, EMPANADAS, WATERMELON, AND BLOCKS OF GORGONZOLA• MORE THAN 20 SAUCES SUCH AS TABASCO, CRYSTAL, AND LOUISIANA HOT SAUCES “The Bloody Mary bar defines who we…

THE LISTINGS The Naples area is packed with an abundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on can’t-miss places for dining delights. ⋆ = NI’s Dining Hall of Fame* *Dining establishments that have won three or more Dining Awards in the same category are inducted into NI’s Dining Hall of Fame. AMERICAN 7TH AVENUE SOCIAL Eclectic Southern fare and craft cocktails with an outdoor patio and live music. 849 Seventh Ave. S., Naples (7thavenuesocial.com) ALEXANDER’S The tastes of farm-to-table American and European cuisine commingle at this fine dining establishment. 4077 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (alexandersnaples.com) ALICE SWEETWATER’S BAR & GRILLE An institution of more than 25 years, this local’s favorite serves a large array of lunch and dinner…

A NEW HEALTH-CARE FACILITY WILL OPEN THIS MONTH TO HELP SERVE 36,000 GOLDEN GATE–AREA RESIDENTS. THE 50,000-SQUARE-FOOT NICHOLS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, A PROJECT OF THE HEALTHCARE NETWORK OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, WILL BRING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE TO CHILDREN, ADULTS, AND SENIORS, AND OFFER OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, PEDIATRIC DENTAL, AND INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES. A PHARMACY WILL ALSO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE PRESCRIPTION ACCESS. AN OPEN HOUSE IS PLANNED FOR MAY 30. THE CENTER, WHICH IS LOCATED AT 12655 COLLIER BOULEVARD, WILL SERVE RESIDENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR INSURANCE COVERAGE. BY DOING SO, SUPPORTERS SAY, THE NAPLES COMMUNITY NOT ONLY WILL BECOME HEALTHIER BUT ALSO MORE PRODUCTIVE, TO INCLUDE IMPROVED SCHOOL AND WORK ATTENDANCE. ESTABLISHED IN 1977, THE HEALTHCARE NETWORK OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INITIALLY OPERATED OUT OF TWO SMALL TRAILERS SERVING THE MIGRANT AND SEASONAL WORKERS…

Ancient civilizations sang honey’s praises in the earliest written languages and gifted this ambrosial elixir to their gods. Traditionally known for its healing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can enhance the hydrating, nourishing, and free radical–fighting radical–fighting powers of any formula. Our hive of panacean products includes: Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam with moisturizing aloe vera and pumpkin seed oil ($28 for 6 fl. oz., innersensebeauty.com); Trilogy Everything Balm with nourishing rosehip oil ($22, trilogyproducts.com); Lano Golden Dry Skin Salve with quadruple lanolin and manuka honey ($26, neimanmarcus.com); Bliss In the Honey Mega Moisturizing Lavender Honey Mask ($15, Ulta Beauty); L’Oréal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel ($20, Target); and Leonor Greyl Shampooing Au Miel ($36 for 4 fl. oz., neimanmarcus.com).…

COVER Dress ($4,500), Valentino, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples; turquoise earrings ($2,400), Vhernier, chrysoprase bead necklace ($12,500), Dorota, Betteridge, betteridge.com. PAGES 86-87 Fantasy tweed jacket ($9,450), Fantasy tweed skirt ($4,300), tweed handbag ($5,400), sunglasses with pearl strand ($1,140), sequin and grosgrain shoes ($1,200), necklace ($1,775), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples PAGE 88 Polka dot organza blouse ($1,140), polka dot ruffle organza skirt ($2,130), Erdem, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples; bubble siderite ring ($8,350), Vhernier, Betteridge, betteridge.com. PAGE 89 Dress ($4,500), Valentino, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples; Thyra suede sandals with pavé crystal cord details ($1,495), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com; turquoise earrings ($2,400), Vhernier, chrysoprase bead necklace ($12,500), Dorota, Betteridge, betteridge.com. PAGE 90 Long-sleeve blouse (price upon request), sleeveless V-neck vest ($2,010), ruffled skort ($3,350), Dauphine 26-mm…

JEN MITCHELL TRAVEL WHAT: Jen Mitchell 2020 Travel Show BENEFITS: Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida, which provides programs and services to educate, enrich, and empower people impacted by Parkinson’s disease and related neurological conditions. WHERE: Venue Naples CHABAD NAPLES WHAT: Party for Rabbi Fishel Zaklos CEL-EBRATES: Zaklos’ fortieth birthday and his accomplishments in building the synagogue and education center. WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples CULINARY & HOSPITALITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION (CHEF) OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WHAT: Culinary CHEF Showdown SUPPORTS: Scholarships for Collier and Lee county students pursuing degrees and careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. WHERE: Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CLINIC WHAT: Gourmet Vintner Dinner SUPPORTS: The volunteer efforts of health care professionals who seek to provide medical and dental services to low-income, uninsured Collier County…