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LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Here's to you! ELEVATED BURGERS, CRAFT COCKTAILS, SEASONAL BEERS, HAND TACOS, ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS, CAULIFLOWER PUREÉ, KIMCHI THIS AND KALE THAT, FARM-TO-TABLE HERE AND DOCK-TO-TABLE THERE. I like all food trends. They are fun and sometimes even tasty. But mostly, trying something new builds our confidence and gives us perspective. I remember begging my mother to buy individually wrapped processed cheese slices thinking my street cred in the lunchroom would significantly improve. No such luck on either front. My mom was dedicated to Koepplinger's 100% whole

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Paige Shirk AD DESIGNER

Mary Albers L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marlissa Gardner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michelle Tricca, Michael Caronchi

wheat bread and natural peanut butter. And, rather than the zip-top sandwich bags, I’d get wax paper or the basic fold-top sandwich bags. She was not one for trends, gadgets or even shortcuts. And now, I appreciate that as I cook for my family and watch my grandson's palate develop and expand. It's exciting! In this food and wine issue, we have the pleasure of celebrating restaurateur Tony Ridgway's 50th anniversary in Naples. His history begins on his family's orchard in Pennsylvania where he learned to bake fruit pies. Today, his kingdom includes Ridgway Bar & Grill, Tony's Off Third (bakery, coffee shop, wine boutique), Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, and Sukie's Wine Shop (small wine boutique and a private dining Vintner's Room for Bayside). Read his story on page 20 and stop in to toast to Tony's good fortune and good health.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Also, meet Jerry and Janet Belle, who give of their time and resources to The

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Immokalee Foundation, celebrating its 30th year. Together with Carol and Tom

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Joseph, they are chairing the Charity Classic Celebration and Fund A Dream

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Auction on November 5. We raise our glasses to them and all of you who give so

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

generously to make our community stronger and help others.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Enjoy this issue and have a tasty month! And, do let Rob or me know if you have story ideas and news from your neck of the woods. Cheers! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER The Berries and Bubbles cocktail at Ocean Prime is a delicate but sassy

Sue G. Collins, Editor

drink with fresh blackberries and strawberries

soaked in Grand Marnier and simple syrup

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

with Belvedere Cytrus, Crème de Cassis, house-made sour mix and a splash of Domaine Chandon Brut. And to that, we say, CHEERS!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE TRICCA, SHOT ON LOCATION AT OCEAN PRIME. 4

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

Proverbs 3:5-6 Naples Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Naples area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Naples Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

ou have a world to explore. You have a passion to follow. You have a desire to enjoy all that life has to offer. And at Fifth Third Private Bank, we’re here to help write your story. Fifth Third Private Bank is proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Best Private Banks in 2021.* For more information, please call 239-449-7002 53.com/privatebank

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INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2021

FEATURES 18 Happy Happy Hours From Ocean Prime, with love.

20 Tony's Take Celebrating Tony Ridgway’s reign.

24 Corporate Art is More than an Amenity 26 Home is where the giving begins At home with The Immokalee

24 18

Foundation Charity Classic co-chairs, Janet & Jerry Belle

20 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

Food & Wine

24 Artist's Palette 26 Giving Back

Naples, FL 375 Broad Ave South 239.261.4300 Nantucket, MA 26 Main Street 508.228.4300 Westport, CT 12 Wilton Road 203.226.3304

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GOOD TIMES

The club is open! The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County welcomed members back to the club for after-school programming this fall. The club serves low-income and at-risk families in Collier County at locations in East Naples and Immokalee, as well as site-based learning centers at various schools in Immokalee. Support the Boys & Girls Club and its mission at BGCCC.com.

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

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AROUND TOWN

LEARNING LAB FUNDED

Naples Philharmonic. CEO and President Kathleen

Collier County Commissioners approved a

van Bergen said, “We are deeply grateful to Ellen

Workforce Development Grant of $500,000 for

and David Ryan for this remarkably generous gift,

The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways

which will provide critical support for the Naples

Learning Lab. The Learning Lab is a hands-on

Philharmonic at a time when the world is gaining

professional

students

momentum and we are looking forward to a full and

in the foundation’s Business Management &

robust season. Ellen and David have been part of

Entrepreneurship and Engineering & Construction

the Artis—Naples family for many years, and their

Management pathways. “The foundation is help-

unwavering support helps us sustain our mission

ing develop the workforce for the future,” says

to provide the community with the very best in the

Commissioner Bill McDaniel. “They have identified

visual and performing arts.” ArtIsNaples.org

career

experience

for

careers in high demand and developed programming specifically to train and prepare students for their chosen professions. The Learning Lab is an outstanding example of real-world training.” Learn more at ImmokaleeFoundation.org.

OPERA, OF COURSE Opera Naples, one of Naples’ leading performing arts organizations, has announced the 202122 season. The 2021-22 season will be conducted

WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE OCTOBER 2

by Artistic Director and conductor Ramón Tebar and include productions at the newly renovated

The Paradise Coast Wine & Food Experience,

Wang Opera Center, the II Festival Under the

proudly sponsored by Fifth Avenue South, takes

Stars, and an extraordinary concert with Anna

place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 2.

Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov at Arthrex One. The

Enjoy an afternoon of fine wine, craft beer, extraor-

season will also include the annual Gala featur-

dinary food and live entertainment in Cambier

ing one of the world’s top tenors, Joseph Calleja.

Park and Sugden Plaza. Enjoy the Grand Tasting:

Tickets are on sale now. For additional information

a gourmet showcase by local chefs, emerging tal-

visit OperaNaples.org.

ent and nationally renowned culinary leaders who mix with patrons in a convivial setting. Indulge in the VIP Experience for an hour early admittance into the experience. Tickets start at $50 per person. WineAndFood.usatoday.com.

A GREAT TIME TO GIVE

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO HOST GOLF TOURNAMENT NOV. 6 The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County will host its 18th Annual FORE-the-Kids Golf Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 6 at The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek. Player registration is $500 per golfer and

Artis—Naples announced recently that Ellen

includes 18 holes of world-class golf and a ticket

and David Ryan have pledged to match all

to the outdoor after-party, which features an eve-

donations made through December 31, 2021,

ning of food, decadent desserts, an open bar,

dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million, in support of the

and other festivities. Guests also can participate CONTINUED >

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

ESPL ANADE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Ryan Chiodo

Private Office Advisor 837 Fifth Avenue South · Naples · FL 34102 BK3035763 239 . 248 . 0551

ENGEL&VÖLKERS RYAN CHIODO

©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing

AROUND TOWN in live and silent auctions. Non-golfers can purchase after-party tickets for $40 each. Proceeds support the Boys & Girls Club’s six core program areas: education, career development, character and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County serves more than 3,000 children and teens annually through clubs, camps and after-school programs.“For many golfers, FOREthe-Kids is like a welcome back celebration, the first social event of the winter season and the first opportunity to support a worthy charitable cause,” said Megan McCarthy Beauvais, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. BGCCC.com or 239.325.1700. "We greatly appreciate the City's monetary support as well as their expression of support for the sacrifices of our fellow veterans and ancestors," said Alexander Leoni, CCVC Vice President.

TELL US YOUR LOVE STORY! Here in the publishing world, we're always thinking ahead. And, for our February issue, we want to feature your love stories. Where did you and your spouse meet? How did you feel the first time you saw your grandchild? Do you have a special neighbor who makes everyone's day more joyful? Are you a romantic? Tell us, in 200 words or less, your story. Send it to the editor by October 20. SCollins@LifestylePubs.com.

NARRATIVE COFFEE’S NEWEST LOCATION

We want to hear from you and will read and consider each and every submission. Email a photo too! Ain't love grand?

Narrative Coffee Roasters, new location at 1103 Central Avenue is OPEN! Find friendly team members serving up the best coffee in Florida, MondaySaturday from 7 AM-9 PM and Sundays from 7 AM-6 PM. On top of stellar coffee, they also have a variety of pastries, lunch options, and some of the best craft beer and wine. Stop in and see what all the hype is about!

CITY SUPPORTS VETERANS COUNCIL The City of Naples City Council presented a $1,000 contribution to the Collier County Veterans Council. The City of Naples has a longstanding relationship with the CCVC, including the Veteran’s

Memorial in Cambier Park. The annual contribution

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

will assist the CCVC with events they organize

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

such as veteran ceremonies, flag replacements,

com/Naples using the Get In Touch link and let us

and assisting with various needs of local veterans.

know what you think.

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

Integrity. Trust. Knowledge. Looking to BUY or SELL a home? Call Joe Joe Pavich Jr.

pavich123@gmail.com 239.910.0304 joepavichjr.com

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

FOODIE DURING THE HARVEST SEASON, OUR FOODIE COMMUNITY IS RIPE FOR THE PICKING. From family-friendly outings to adults-only wine tastings and seasonal dinners, our city has plenty to offer during this time of year.

BREWERIES + WINERIES + DISTILLERIES + Naples Beach Brewery for high-quality, small-batch brews with an ever-changing rotation of seasonal and specialty taps. Always 20+ house beers on tap! 4120 Enterprise Ave + Riptide Brewing Company pours Porpoise Party, with amazing citrus, tropical, and floral aromas with a pleasant hop bitterness. And so much more 987 3rd Avenue North + Bone Hook Brewing Company is family owned, making beer and food on location with the largest selection of freshly made beer in Florida. 1514 Immokalee Rd # 106 c + The Naples Winery's premium specialty wines are made from 100% pure Florida Citrus Juice and other select fruit. Complimentary tastings daily. 1200 5th Ave S + Hailstones Vineyards focuses on producing small lots of premium wine from varying regions of the valley and spotlighting the Napa Valley.

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

scan for more city-wide tips

SEASONAL COMFORT FOODS + Take a Chef presents Chef David Rashty, who cooks in your home, a tasting menu from shopping to service, clean-up. From $92 pp. + Learn to cook at Kitchen Social. Classes, team building, date night, private events. 14261 S Tamiami Trl Fort Myers, FL 33912 + Third Street South Farmer's Market for fresh local produce and goods. Saturdays, 7:30 until 11:30 a.m. 245 13th Avenue, S, Naples + Vanderbilt Farmers Market is Naples, largest, longest running, year round, pet & family friendly Farmers Market open 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. from October - May 9015 Strada Stell Ct + Wellness Wednesday Happy Hours at Edgewater Beach Hotel. Healthy, boozy beverages along with light bites by the beach.

scan for more city-wide tips

Gulf Shore Blvd N Naples, Fl

FALL ACTIVITIES + Surf Naples for skimboaring and surfing lessons. Along with private lessons, summer camps, and after-school programs, plus kids parties! + Naples Swim School offers group classes and private lessons to people of all ages. Entry-level classes, private lessons for one-on-one help! 13275 Livingston Rd + Get out on the water in this beautiful weather. Kayaks, paddleboard rentals and lessons, eco-tours, hydrofoil surfing at Naples Paddleboard. + Have you ever thrown an axe? Now's the time! Swamp Axe Co where the vintage vibe and rustic decor embody the spirit of old Naples. 2487 Linwood Avenue + From the moment you leave the Naples City Dock, cruise the Gordon River, through mangrove protected areas and out to the Gulf of Mexico with Sweet Liberty.

scan for more city-wide tips

880 12th Ave S.

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

WELCOMES

Oculofacial & Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. Christine L. Bokman

Dr. Jonathan M. Frantz is pleased to announce that Christine L. Bokman, MD, has joined the surgical team at Frantz Cosmetic Center. Dr. Bokman’s prestigious Beverly Hills training brings a unique expertise to Southwest Florida. To view her bio, please visit our website: FrantzCosmeticCenter.com.

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DIAL **2020 from your mobile or CALL 239.418.0999 Today To Schedule A Consultation with Dr. Bokman! FrantzCosmeticCenter.com Convenient Locations in Lee and Collier County

239-920-TECH | techsavvynaples.com 25270 Bernwood Dr, Suite #2, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

What We Can Do For You Home Audio Video Home Cinema Home Automation Networking

Security & Cameras Lighting Control Automated Shades Fiber Optics

Employee Spotlight Anthony has been installing and designing audio/video systems for the last 18 years. He started in phone and data for Lee county where he would run and terminate 300 wires a day. After that, Anthony moved into highend custom residential work. This is where he polished his skill to become proficient and certified in Control 4, Lutron, URC and Luxul system design and programming. He is now one of Tech Savvy’s proudest and newest additions. Anthony grew up on a farm and loves working on cars and riding BMX.

ANTHONY MATTURRO Lead Savvy Technician

IAN BOWERS

Savvy Technician

Ian started complex commercial system installations at age 17. After trying his hand at residential installations, Ian’s skills expanded into an expertise of “tough jobs; made simple” and maneuvering wiring. Able to fit under sub-floors and up into condo ceilings, Ian has installed wire in “places people shouldn’t be able to go”. When Ian is not being “tech savvy”, you may find him getting exercise on his skateboard or at the park with his dog, Ruby. In the rare occasion of rain in the Sunshine State, Ian also loves playing video games and the guitar.

FOOD & WINE

ARTICLE NAPLES LIFESYTLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE TRICCA

s for m e l b b s bubbl iles u e b l es i for m

OCEAN PRIME'S BEGUILING COCKTAILS

WHEN IT COMES TO BEAUTIFUL COCKTAILS, OCEAN PRIME REIGNS ON FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH IN THE HEART OF OLD NAPLES. Flanked by some of our favorite boutiques, art galleries and locally owned businesses, and nestled next to the Inn on Fifth, Ocean Prime offers a charming location for family affairs, business meetings and a night out with good friends. The general manager, Rick Giannasi will personally welcome you.

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

Don’t you love the cover this month? That’s their famous Berries & Bubbles, a fantastical vodka martini made with fresh berries soaked in Grand Marnier and topped with bubbly. And that magical plume of “smoke?” Just ask the bartender and he might tell you the secret. Cheers!

O cean Prime HOURS SUNDAY - THURSDAY 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM FRIDAY - SATURDAY 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Rick Giannasi, general manager, Ocean Prime

Adjacent to the Inn on Fifth 699 5th Avenue South

01 | The Cucumber Gimlet Bombay Sapphire gin, fresh lime juice, simple sytup and a swatch of cucumber as garnish.

02 | Tuna tartare for happy hour, or anytime. 03 | Layers of perfection in this carrot cake, served with an espresso martini.

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

To n y R i d g w a y 's 5 0 Fa b u l o u s Ye a r s

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE TRICCA & MICHAEL CARONCHI

TONY 20

BRATE 50 YEARS OF FEEDING NAPLES. On October 4, 1971, Tony opened his first restaurant on 12th Avenue South serving his signature bratwursts and familiar food that kept his mostly Midwestern clientele clambering for more. Then, Tony sourced his brats from Usinger’s in Wisconsin. And, while The Wurst Place has long since shuttered, diners (from the Midwest and beyond) still look for the bratwurst sandwich on the lunch menu at Ridgway Bar & Grill. And, Usinger’s is still the sausage of choice. Tony’s portfolio now includes Ridgway Bar &

You may remember The Chef’s Garden and

Grill, Tony’s Off Third (bakery, coffee shop, wine

Truffles Cafe, which helped cement Tony’s rep-

boutique), Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, and Sukie’s

utation in Naples. His love of food grew from

Wine Shop (small wine boutique and houses pri-

the ground up. He baked pies with fruit from his

vate dining Vintner’s Room for Bayside.) Ridgway

family’s Chester County, PA orchard and learned

and Tony’s are co-located off Third Street South in

at an early age to appreciate local ingredients. He

Old Naples. Bayside and Sukie’s Wine Shop are

still loves to bake and his restaurants and bak-

co-located in Venetian Village.

ery prioritize preparing foods from scratch using high-quality ingredients. “His focus focus is on creating dining destinations, as well as the retail stores we have, that are welcoming and comfortable,” says Caroline Ridgway, Tony's daughter and marketing director for the family business. “The cuisine is influenced by classical French techniques but is predominantly American in style.” Today, Tony’s business partner is Sukie Honeycutt. She is integral to the business. She began working for the restaurants in 1979 and has been an equal co-owner since the late 1990s. She is also the wine director, and is nationally respected for her wine knowledge. On October 4, the Ridgway family, Sukie and their restaurant family and friends will celebrate the anniversary at Ridgway and Tony's with specials featuring bratwurst sandwiches and carrot cake cupcakes.

R I D G WAY

THIS MONTH, TONY RIDGWAY WILL CELE-

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

TONY RIDGWAY (CONTINUED)

TOP DOLL AR:

S u k i e a n d To n y’s p i c k s fo r w i n e s this month:

Shafer Hillside Select - Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

RED: Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve - Pinot Noir, Willamette

WHITE: Chateau Montelena - Chardonnay, Napa

BUBBLES: Graham Beck Rose Sparkling - South African Sparkler

U N D E R $25: Chave Mon Coeur - Cotes-Du-Rhone

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

MICHELLE TRICCA FAMILY PORTRAITS

michelletricca.com

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

ARTIST'S PALETTE

A work by master artist Dario Campinale called Pears in Plastic, 16" x 20" oil on canvas

ARTICLE MARLISSA GARDNER, EMILLIONS ART PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Corporate Art is More than an Amenity ART IS MORE THAN AN AMENITY. It gives life to any setting where people gather, singly or in groups. Art inspires emotional response and conversation. It moves you, whether it’s a serene backdrop or a provocative message in color and shape. More than interior decor, we believe that art deserves a prominent and intentional place in spaces with a purpose. What is the intention of your space. Is it a convivial setting, should it stimulate the mind or provide a serene ambiance? Great art is not restricted to the homes of art collectors. Often, we notice that in corporate settings, art is relegated to an accessory of interior design — like a lamp or a pillow. Some enlightened companies devote resources for art investment and an art consultant to help guide the acquisition of a corporate art collection that gains value over time as well as establishes the intentional mood of the space. Emillions Art can help select art for hospitals, hoteliers and commercial clients in the renovation or revitalization of country clubs, community centers and public spaces. We also work with customers building private “spec” homes, developers requiring help with furnished models and luxury home renovations. An example of our collaboration with the corporate sector is our work with Ferrari. Artwork from two of our artists, Dario Campanile and John Robbolino Jr. was on display at the opening event, greatly enhancing the aesthetics by pairing glorious engineering with the machinations of the heart and soul.

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

MARLISSA GARDNER Emillions Art, llc Emillionsart.com "Living, Loving, Dealing Fine Art"

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

GIVING BACK

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

Home is where the giving begins AT HOME WITH THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION CHARITY CLASSIC CO-CHAIRS, JANET & JERRY BELLE

THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION, CELEBRAT-

NL: YOUR KITCHEN IS GORGEOUS!

ING ITS 30TH YEAR, PRESENTS THE CHARITY

JERRY BELLE: We enjoy cooking together, so the

CLASSIC CELEBRATION AND FUND A DREAM

kitchen was designed to facilitate two “chefs.” Wine

AUCTION ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, AT THE

is a part of our everyday life, so our 2,500-bottle wine

RITZ-CARLTON

NAPLES.

cellar has a 12-foot-high glass wall so that it is visible

Sponsorship and ticket information is available

from the kitchen. (Full disclosure: There is less inven-

by visiting ImmokaleeFoundation.org/Events.

tory than that after a year of Covid seclusion!) As for

Event Co-Chairs are Janet and Jerry Belle and

the rooster, he is a special part of the family. The day

Carol and Tom Joseph.

he was acquired, he came home in the front seat of

BEACH

RESORT,

We caught up with the Belles in their beautiful

Janet’s BMW Z-3 with the top down and a seat belt

Aqualane Shores home to talk about entertaining,

securing him. Needless to say, Janet and the rooster

home sweet home and why giving back is so important.

got a lot of attention from other drivers! Our rooster has reigned regally and colorfully since 1998.

NL: YOUR HOME IS LOVELY! JERRY AND JANET BELLE: Thank you. We are “year-rounders” living in Aqualane Shores. We bought

NL: WE HEARD YOU ARE WONDERFUL HOSTS. WHAT ARE YOUR SECRETS?

property in 2007 when Jerry retired. Janet oversaw the

JANET BELLE: We do like to entertain.Jerry is

design and construction of our home, which was com-

known for grilling fish and pizza and prefers to be in the

pleted in 2010. We were familiar with Naples through

outdoor kitchen with the TV tuned to sports. I prefer to

many personal and business trips here, and fell in love

be inside and have a few specialties such as roasted

with the community of Aqualane Shores. Jerry is cur-

pork loin with bourbon sauce (perfect when accompa-

rently president of the Aqualane Shores Association

nied by a Southern Rhone wine), black rice salad with

and Janet is Chair of the social committee.

shrimp, and raspberry cognac sauce over ice cream.

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE TRICCA

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

For special events, we call in a pro. Michael Madsen, the Executive Chef at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, hails from Denmark and has created some spectacular cuisine prepared in our kitchen. We also keep a fully stocked bar hoping to never disappoint one of our guests. NL: WHAT MADE YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION'S CHARITY CLASSIC EVENT AND WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR'S EVENT SOMETHING NOT TO BE MISSED? THE BELLES: We first became involved with The Immokalee Foundation after Hurricane Irma. We stayed in our house through the storm (we live on the water which made it really exciting!) and had no damage. When we heard and saw what happened to the Immokalee community, we wanted to help in some way. Through a friend with Lipman Family Farms based in Immokalee, we were put in touch with the Foundation. We were exceptionally impressed with what the Foundation does to support students in a variety of ways. Our involvement expanded over time: Jerry became a mentor and also was asked to join the Board, and now serves as the Board Chairman. Jerry and Janet volunteered to co-chair the annual Charity Classic Gala in 2019, 2020 and again this year. The Charity Classic will once again be held at The Ritz-Carlton at the Beach on November 5. The Charity Classic has a long history of being the kick-off event of the “philanthropy season” in Naples. We look forward to bringing together friends and supporters of the Foundation to “raise paddles,” not for live auction items, but rather as an opportunity to help fund a selection of specific programs that support our students. It is a unique format that ensures that donations are maximized for both the Foundation and the donors. NL: AND, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELVES. HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO MAKE NAPLES YOUR HOME? JERRY BELLE: We have been married for 53 years. Our three children, now very successful adults, roamed the world with us for almost 20 years as my career took the family to various assignments in Asia, Europe, Canada, as well as numerous cities in the U.S. When I retired (for the second time), we lost no time setting our sights on Naples, the only location we ever considered for retirement. The six grandchildren from Boston, Seattle and Dallas enjoy spending time in Naples. Janet is a retired cardiovascular nurse (if a nurse ever really retires). She is a member of Greater Naples Leadership, Inc. She is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club and Chair of the Captain’s Table. We are long-time supporters of my alma mater, Xavier University in Cincinnati. I am a member of the President’s Advisory Council. Janet and I established a speakers’ series in the Business School titled, “Heroes of Professional Ethics.”

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

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Visit Crestron.com/HomeConferencing All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2021 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

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Raise your glasses WHEN IT'S TIME TO TOAST, SPEAK FROM YOUR HEART.

Nena and Bill Beynon

BILL BEYNON, Trustee with the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, January 28-30, 2022. “Every day is a gift, not a promise.” MICHELLE TRICCA, Naples Lifestyle Photographer Cin cin (pronounced, chin chin) is the Italian version of “Cheers” and a fun & informal way of making a toast. Italians value it as it demonstrates a sense of unity, insinuating mutually exclusive shared sentiment amongst the entire group taking part in the toast. It can be followed with “alla nostra salute,” which means “to your health”. Italians love to say “cin cin” because it recalls the sound of glass touching when making the toast. SUE G. COLLINS, Editor At family dinners (we had 22 for a family reunion this summer in Northern Michigan), I always start by thanking the cook and host, acknowledging people who made the greatest effort to join us, and thanking the good Lord above for bringing us all together safely and in good health. Then, I clink glasses with every single person, looking them in the eye, of course! Our family also has three blessings our parents taught us to sing (stemming from Methodist potlucks) and we get a bit dramatic breaking into parts, causing eye-rolls from the long-time in-laws.

ARTICLE NAPLES LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 32

Naples Lifestyle | October 2021

“ There are good sh ips, and there are wood sh ips, the sh ips that sai l the sea. But the best sh ips, are friendsh ips, A nd may they a lways be.”

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

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