Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

Our Amazing Planet

HOME + DESIGN P R O T E C T IN G N AT I V E P L A N T S FLOWER POWER ORCHIDS REIGN FOOD + DRINK COFFEE FROM T HE E ART H TO O U R H E A R T AT N A R R AT I V E

FINE WINES & LUXURIOUS MENSWEAR

THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE 386 BROAD AVE SOUTH | JOSEPHWENDTCC.COM

SOUTH FLORIDA DESIGN

C U S T O M H O U S E P L A N S F O R YO U R F L O R I D A L I F E S T Y L E

239-431-1818 - INFO@SFDESIGNINC.COM Greg Weber

Corporate Execuuve/Owner

W W W.S F D E S I G N I N C.C O M

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Hello friends, FOR THIS ECO ISSUE, WE REACHED OUT TO ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE PROTECTING OUR PRECIOUS NATURE A PRIORITY. We are so thankful for them! The volunteer crew at Naples Native Plants explains how native plants form the backbone of our natural ecosystems, from coastal mangrove wetlands to inland high and dry scrub habitats. What is a Naples native? A plant is considered to

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Wade Gurley, Hayley Hyer, Vikki Locke, Andee Naccarat, Brianna Reid CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Megan Macpherson, Jonathan James Roberts, Sugarshack

be “native” to our state if records indicate that it was present before European explorers made landfall (over 500 years ago) and started trading goods (including plants) between the Old World and New World. I, for one, appreciate the work this group does to protect our precious earth. Read more about their efforts on page 26. Whether you’re the one who always stops to pick up trash during your morning walk, or say NO to the plastic straws during happy hour, we applaud every effort you make to keep our planet clean. Keep it up! Enjoy this issue of local information and inspiration. That’s what we are all about! Be sure to continue to send our editor your story ideas of the good things your neighbors and favorite businesses are doing to make our community stronger and healthier.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

All my best,

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Rob Hannon, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Isn't it magic when you

find a special shell that sings to you? Lorna

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Littrell focuses on finding moments of nature's finest near water, woods, and historic architecture. Custom canvas and prints for the home and office. Browse more at LornaLittrellPhotography.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORNA LITTRELL 4

Naples Lifestyle | April 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.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 12 Coffee Convo Meet Caleb MacPherson, owner and ring leader at Narrative Coffee and CHEERS to Earth Day on April 22!

16 Be a Good Neighbor Sharing The Landscape project makes us better neighbors.

20 Flower Power The Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance promises, the orchid’s beauty is more than skin deep

30 20

30 Benefits of a Chemical-Free Home

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local’s Choice

Artist’s Palette

30 DIY 32 Trend Setter 34 Locals Only

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GOOD TIMES

Let the Fun Begin Guadalupe Center’s Circtacular, a circus-themed virtual fundraising extravaganza, raised more than $950,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. The event is the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser and traditionally kicks off Naples’ winter season of philanthropic formal galas. In 2021, Circtacular was live-streamed across Southwest Florida and beyond.

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle 8

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/Naples

AROUND TOWN Oaks Country Club. Emery oversees management and operations for the club’s three championship golf courses, two clubhouses, three restaurants, a team of more than 20 PGA professionals, an industry-leading wellness center and fitness program, member spa, and a sports center with tennis, pickleball, bocce and aquatics. For more information, visit GreyOaksCC.com, 239.262.5550.

GOING SOLAR The Conservancy of Southwest Florida received a generous donation from The Martin Foundation that will dramatically expand solar power to its Naples-based campus, further enhancing the

NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL MARKS ITS 21ST YEAR

Conservancy’s commitment to sustainability and addressing the impact of climate change on the environment. A total of 537 solar panels will be

The Naples Children & Education Foundation

installed on the roofs of four campus buildings,

(NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine

which in 40 years could result in a cumulative

Festival (NWWF), is pleased to announce its

energy savings of $1 million, allowing these dol-

first-ever virtual Festival raised close to $7.2 mil-

lars to be invested into direct program work of the

lion for the underprivileged and at-risk children

Conservancy. Savings estimates equate to 21,394

of Collier County. This brings the total amount

barrels of oil saved, 235, 887 trees planted and 1,917

raised by the Festival to nearly $220 million since

vehicles off the road. Forty existing panels on the

its inception in 2001. “We are so grateful to every-

von Arx Wildlife Hospital will be moved to another

one who participated in this year’s NWWF who,

building to make room for more panels.

despite the devastating global health pandemic, generously supported the children in Collier County,” said Maria Jimenez-Lara, NCEF Chief Executive Officer (pictured).

PLANT A TREE TODAY More than 20,773 trees of 148 different species grace our parks, public spaces, and City streets. Naples has received the “Tree City USA” designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 23 years! When Hurricane Irma struck Naples in September 2017, nearly 2,000 trees were lost. Since the hurricane nearly 1,000 trees have been planted throughout the city. Thanks to the generosity of the Blair Foundation, Naples has an exceptional opportunity to replace more trees. The Blair Foundation Tree Challenge will match dollar for dollar, up to $500,000 for a total of $1,000,000, donations for trees planted in the City. Your gift will be used for trees within public spaces on your neighborhood street, along main roadways or in City parks. Due to the generosity of many, the Tree Challenge has currently raised

GREY OAKS WELCOMES EMERY

$146,388, to be matched by the Blair Foundation. Consider making a gift of any amount to the Blair

Don Emery, an industry leader at premier golf

Foundation Tree Challenge by contacting the

and country clubs across the U.S. for more than two

Naples Community Services Department at 239-

decades, has been named general manager at Grey

213-7120 Naplesgov.com/parksrec.

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

8™ 15

EGYM

LOCAL’S CHOICE

coffee convo

MEET CALEB MACPHERSON, OWNER AND RING LEADER AT NARRATIVE COFFEE AND CHEERS TO EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22!

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN MACPHERSON & SUGARSHACK

E 12

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

NAR R ATIVE R OAS TERS

CONVO SGC: HELP US FEEL EVEN BETTER ABOUT DRINKING YOUR DELISH COFFEE. CM: The great majority of our coffees are USDA certified organic and fair trade. The coffees that are not certified by USDA are most often certified by third parties. On average we pay 300%-900% more for our green bean than the current commodity market pricing. It's worth it! SGC: WHAT SORT OF CLIMATE PRODUCES YOUR FAVORITE BEAN AND WHY IS THAT SLICE OF THE EARTH SO SPECIAL? CM: Excellent coffees typically grow in high elevation between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Coffee can taste so diverse between micro-regions of the same country. Most of this flavor is derived from a combination of the terroir, CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

COFFEE MERCATO SHOPS, 9106 Strada Pl, Naples NarrativeRoasters.com

seed varietal, climate, elevation, processing method, roast profile, and plenty of other factors. It’s really difficult to pin down a coffee from just one region. However, my current favorite is our Anerobic processed Colombian from Ciudad Bolivar. SGC: YOUR DRINK MENU IS EXTENSIVE AND INVITING. WHAT SHOULD WE BE DRINKING THIS MONTH IN NAPLES? CM: Many choices! As we get into the hotter months an iced pour-over is a fun way to enjoy some funky coffees cold. If you’re craving a classic an iced latte is the way to go. We roast our own coffee, and we love to cultivate community and culture through specialty coffee. We have teas, beer, wine, local pastries, lunch items, our retail bags, and merchandise all for sale at the shop.

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTIST’S PALETTE SHARING THE LANDSCAPE PROJECT MAKES US BETTER NEIGHBORS

ARTICLE MEREDITH BUDD PHOTOGRAPHY FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION

be a good neighbor STUNNING

TROPICAL

LANDSCAPES

AND DIVERSE WILDLIFE DRAW PEOPLE TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. It’s not surprising that when people decide to move to Naples, they want to live, work and play where they can enjoy all the beauty Florida has to offer. While living close to natural areas gives people exactly what they love about Florida, it also increases the likelihood of interaction with wild animals. And, while our homes belong to us, we are actually sharing backyards and surrounding lands with wildlife. The Florida Wildlife Federation recognizes that education on the importance of sharing the landscape with wildlife is an important tool to reduce potential human-wildlife conflict. Accordingly, in May of 2020, the Federation launched the ‘Sharing the Landscape’ Project. This project, being carried out in

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

These lovely creatures were captured on camera with the Florida Wildlife Federation's Sharing the Landscape project.

partnership with the fStop Foundation, is a photo/video-based education initiative that places cameras in people’s backyards to document wildlife that are ‘sharing the landscape’ with them. The project had immediate success collecting hundreds of photos and videos in the first few months documenting deer, bobcats, panthers, and more! Soon the project gained national and international attention. Do you remember Gunner, the small puppy, who was saved from the jaws of an alligator? The jarring footage that went viral in November 2020 was captured as part of this project. Thankfully both man and dog are doing well and the gator continues to thrive in the same retention pond. While this incident did have a happy ending, it could have been much worse. The Federation released the video to the public with a targeted message: homeowners need to respect wildlife. Dogs need to be kept on a leash and people and pets should not linger by the edge of water bodies where alligators are known to occupy. Then all can safely enjoy the outdoors! The photos/videos collected from this project will be used in media campaigns to highlight how humans and wildlife in Southwest Florida can, in fact, share the landscape. FloridaWildlifeFederation.org/sharingthe-landscape.

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

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ARTICLE VIKKI LOCKE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

F L OW E R P OW E R 20

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

THE GULF COAST ORCHID ALLIANCE PROMISES, THE ORCHID'S BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

STUDIES SHOW THAT JUST BEING AROUND ORCHIDS CAN LOWER STRESS LEVELS, IMPROVE MEMORY, PROMOTE CREATIVITY AND BASICALLY MAKE US HAPPY. So it’s easy to see why members of the Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance are giddy. GCOA is a non-profit organization with one goal. To gather with other orchid lovers and enhance their orchid growing experience. “We strive to teach, not just how to grow and thrive, but how to show our beauties in exhibitions. Members can win ribbons and other awards for their most outstanding blooms,” says Elaine Gates, GCOA VP of programs. “For most of us, it starts with a gift,” says Gates. “I got my first orchid from a friend when I moved to Naples in 1980. It was an Encyclia tampensis, or Tampa butterfly orchid, and I had that plant for almost 4o years! It had over 100 spikes, and each spike produced 10 to 20 flowers. You could say, I was hooked by then.”

CONTINUED >

2019 Winner

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

FLOWER POWER (CONTINUED)

Membership starts at $35 and includes monthly programs featuring expert speakers and hands-on activities all to help you grow your best orchid. The group consists of beginners to American Orchid Society judges. (The AOS is internationally renowned and based in Miami.) Safety is priority one right now. Gatherings take place in large rented spaces, giving everyone plenty of room for social distancing. The GCOA’s biggest fundraiser is its annual orchid show, which in the past has brought in over 7,000 spectators. Due to the pandemic, the event was canceled last March but they hope to be back sometime this fall and set up at the North Naples Community Park. This nationally recognized show features vendors from all over the state. And it gives orchid lovers the chance to see rare plants not always available locally. Believe it or not, the orchid is the largest plant family. Some produce blossoms as small as a mosquito, others as large as a dinner plate. Every country in the world and every state in the United States has orchids, and Naples is famous for its orchid displays. Gates has about 400 plants on her lanai but others in the group have thousands in their collection. It’s easy to see why Naples is considered the orchid growing capital of the world. GulfCoastOrchidAlliance.com 239.269.6389

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

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s r t a ruck t s

FIVE COOL SPOTS TO VISIT IN JACKSON COUNTY, NC TO BE ONE WITH THE NIGHT 1. BLACK BALSAM KNOB One of the greatest hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Balsam Trail scales Black Balsam Knob. Once you reach 6,000 feet, the mountaintops are almost completely void of trees, making for incredible views and invigorating hikes.

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

2. WATERROCK KNOB For a steep hike with great views along the way, Waterrock Knob Trail will literally take your breath away. A 1.2-mile roundtrip hike will take you to the top of the 6,292-foot summit. The vigorous climb gains 412 feet in elevation and features great views along the way. See up to 50 miles out on a clear day to the Smokies. 3. WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN Whiteside Mountain now boasts the highest vertical cliffs in the eastern United States—about 1,800 feet. 4. PINNACLE PARK TRAIL After a 7-mile trek that ascends more than 3,000 ft. in elevation, enjoy incredible views of the mountains below and the stars above. The 1,000-acre town park features streams, waterfalls and panoramic views throughout. The 3.4-mile trail to the top follows an old logging road for most of its length.

5. RICHLAND BALSAM TRAIL The best-smelling trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 1.5-mile loop winds through a spruce-fir forest. Easy hike to the highest peak along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even though the climb is about 700 vertical feet, the Richard Balsam Trail is not overly strenuous, and the cooler temps make for a refreshing hike during hot summer months. When hiking to view the beautiful night skies, guests are recommended to either pack gear to stay the night, or bring flashlights and take care while climbing down since you only have natural moon and starlight to guide you!

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

PRO T E C T I NG N AT I V E S

THE FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY IS HERE TO PRESERVE, CONSERVE, AND RESTORE NAPLES' NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES.

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE ANDEE NACCARAT PHOTOGRAPHY FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY, NAPLES

PERHAPS YOU’VE STROLLED ALONG THE GORDON

The Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society

RIVER GREENWAY OR EXPLORED THE INTIMATE

(also known as Naples Native Plants) offers free public

FOREST OF THE NAPLES PRESERVE AND FELT THE

meetings (currently on Zoom) that feature guest speakers

SENSORY EXPERIENCES CONJURED BY THE PRES-

representing the fields of native plant botany, gardening,

ENCE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S NATIVE PLANTS.

ecology, and conservation. Chapter members are eligible

But, do you actually know which plants are native? Some

for free native landscaping consultations from knowledge-

well-known examples include sabal palms (Florida’s state

able volunteers who identify existing plants and suggest

tree), slash pines, and bald cypress trees.

additional native plants that would thrive in the homeown-

In total, Florida boasts over 3,000 species of native

er’s garden. New members may join online at FNPS.org

plants. Native plants form the backbone of our natural

and will be eligible to receive one free native plant from

ecosystems, from coastal mangrove wetlands to inland

Cutting Horse Eco-Center, a native plant nursery in Bonita

high and dry scrub habitats. A plant is considered to be

Springs managed by the Coccoloba Chapter of FNPS.

“native” to our state if records indicate that it was present

Naples Native Plants is primarily led by 11 volunteers

before European explorers made landfall (over 500 years

who focus on providing a variety of opportunities for native

ago) and started trading goods (including plants) between

plant education, such as expert presentations, field trips,

the Old World and New World.

hands-on volunteer experiences, and outreach appear-

The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS), including

ances, including local Earth Day celebrations ithis month.

the local Naples Chapter, has a mission to preserve, con-

The positive impact of this small non-profit organization

serve, and restore Florida’s native plant communities. The

is magnified by partnering with Naples Botanical Garden,

Naples Chapter is composed of nearly 100 members who

Cypress Cove Landkeepers, Collier County Parks and

are passionate about getting to know Collier County’s

Recreation, and the Coccoloba Chapter in Lee County.

native plants in natural settings and including native plants in their home landscapes. Florida native trees, shrubs, and

Connect with Naples Native Plants online by visiting

flowers help connect those pieces of natural Florida that

FNPSNaples.org.

remain and provide valuable natural resources to diverse

Facebook @FNPSNaples

wildlife species, including butterflies, songbirds, and more

Direct inquiries may be sent to Naplesnativeplants@fnps.org.

animals who share our land. In contrast, non-native orna-

New members are always welcome, especially individu-

mental plants (although they may be beautiful to our eyes)

als and businesses who are eager to embrace the natural

usually provide little for our native wildlife.

beauty of native plants.

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

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DIY

Benefits of a

chemical-free home

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think! We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products. When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do! However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets. The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most. If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace. To get you started, here is a DIY product that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer. The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life! There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with likeminded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

TREND SETTER

MANAGING THE EXOTIC INVASIVE AND EXOTIC PLANTS AND ANIMALS ARE UNDER THE CAREFUL EYE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COOPERATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT AREA TEAM EXOTIC SPECIES ARE THOSE WHICH ARE

in southwest Florida. Their member-

NOT NATURALLY FOUND WITHIN AN ECO-

ship is comprised of both conservation

SYSTEM. When species are introduced into an

professionals and concerned members

area outside of their native range, they are often

of the community with a goal to restore

able to rapidly reproduce and outcompete native

of native ecosystems for the protection

species. Such species causing harm to the ecol-

of native habitats, plants, and wildlife

ogy, economy, or human health and safety are

species that can be found in southwest

considered invasive. Southwest Florida CISMA

Florida. The Southwest Florida CISMA is

(Cooperative

Management

just one of 16 regional CISMA’s and cov-

Area) is an organization dedicated to the control

ers the following counties: Hendry, Lee,

of invasive and exotic plant and animal species

Collier, Glades, and Charlotte.

Invasive

Species

ARTICLE WADE GURLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

1. ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM:

2. INVASIVE FISH ROUNDUP:

3. PYTHON PATROL TRAINING:

They host a symposium each year

Invasive fish roundups are great

Burmese pythons pose a major threat to

where local land management agen-

opportunities for anglers to use their

native wildlife. We collaborate with the

cies, students, and members of the

skills to benefit our waterways and

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

public can gather and learn more

the native fish species that depend

Commission to offer people a chance

about invasive species management

on them. During this event people are

to attend Python Patrol trainings.

in our area. This is a great opportunity

encouraged to catch as many exotic

These classes offer an opportunity to

to collaborate and network with others

fish as possible. Prizes are awarded in

learn how to identify, report, and safely

who are interested in conservation.

several categories.

capture Burmese pythons.

4. WEED WRANGLE:

5. LOCAL OUTREACH EVENTS:

6. JOIN US:

Weed Wrangle is an event where vol-

There are several outdoor events

To learn more about our organization

unteers focus on the removal of exotic

every year to help educate members

or any of the programs we offer please

species in local green spaces. These

of the public on invasive species

events are supervised by land manag-

issues. Events include the Florida

to the leadership: FloridaInvasives.

ers and offer participants the chance

Panther Festival at the Naples Zoo,

org/southwest/ or on Facebook.

to learn non-native species in their

Earth Day at the Conservancy of SW

com/Southwest-Florida-CISMA

area as well as methods of treatment.

Florida, Cape Coral’s Burrowing Owl Festival, and many more.

CityLifestyle.com/Naples

LOCALS ONLY

taking pride in stride KIDS LEAD THE BATTLE AGAINST LITTER, LEARNING IT'S EASY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, ONE BAG AT A TIME. ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY MARY MURPHY MARCHING PAST THE OTHER STUDENTS WAITING TO BEGIN THEIR DAY AT HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY, A BRAVE AND MIGHTY GROUP OF KIDS GEAR UP WITH GLOVES, MASKS AND PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS AND HEAD TO THE COURTYARD, CAR RAMP AND BORDERS OF THEIR SCHOOL’S CAMPUS. Their mission? To pick up the sea of discarded masks, half-empty plastic water bottles, coffee cups, straws and any assortment of flotsam littering their school campus in Immokalee. These students are a part of the student leadership team and thought the litter was getting out of hand, so decided to do something about it. “It’s fun! We get gloves and bags and work with a partner,” says Betsy Cornejo-Ibarra. Her last partner was Ashley Morales Jimenez. “She makes it fun.”

Johnny Perez-Lopez explains the logistics. “We get to go into the school early, leave our backpacks in Ms. Murphy’s computer lab then head out to get to work.” Antonio Moya-Bedolla says the area that’s the worst is the front of the property, in the bushes. “We fill at least eight bags.” Jazmin Gutierrez is another member of the beautification team who just enjoys being helpful. There’s a lesson we can all learn. Highlands principal, Margaux Horne applauds the work of these exemplary students and staff liaison, Mary Murphy, an instructional resource teacher. "The kids started this themselves," says Ms. Horne. They will also plant flowers, coordinate a decorative tiling project, and learn how to recycle water on the property. "We found the coolest thing," explains Adrian Chavez-Magana whose little brother Dariel gets to join the group too. Along with their partner, Anderson Rojas-Martinez, they unearthed something unusual while working one morning. "It's a kind of gadget, maybe a bike part or part of a machine. We're going to figure it out!" We have no doubt he will.

MEET THE HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY BEAUTIFICATION CLEANING CREW: Adrian Chavez-Magana, Dariel Chavez-Magana (honorary member, Adrian’s second grade brother), Betsy Cornejo-Ibarra, Jazmin Gutierrez, Cristopher Medina Arias, Ashley Morales Jimenez, Antonio Moya-Bedolla, Johnny Perez-Lopez, Anderson RojasMartinez plus a handful of others who help when they can. 34

Naples Lifestyle | April 2021

“

I was widowed and broken, now restoring

HOPE

for the future.”

Begin Your Journey WWW.JANASEAMAN.COM 405 5TH AVENUE SOUTH NAPLES FLORIDA 34102