Simply Ave Maria Fall 2025

Constitutional Minute

BROUGHT TO YOU BY AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY

Most Americans don’t know what ‘federalism’ means, even though it is essential to the US Constitution. Perhaps this is because the term isn’t mentioned explicitly in the document. Federalism entails the division of powers between the states and the national government. You won’t find the powers of the states listed in the Constitution because our original thirteen states predated it. States do not get their powers from the Constitution. As the Tenth Amendment explains, if state powers aren’t prohibited by the Constitution, the states reserve their powers. Where the Constitution is silent, the power belongs to the states. For this reason, most laws affecting the typical American are determined at the state level. States are primarily responsible for matters like healthcare, education, marriage and family, and criminal law. The concept of federalism also explains why abortion is decided by the states as a matter of constitutional law.

® OWNER/PUBLISHER

MARIA

Chad Beatty

MAGAZINE DESIGNERS

Kacie Cotter-Harrigan

Kelly Schoonbeck

ADVERTISING DESIGNER

Julia Ettkin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Becky Bruehl Bestul

Colleen Coleman

Jim Feipel

Paul Forte

Trevor J. Ganzi

Charles and Laura Gingerelli

Mary Harp-Jirschele

Wendy Hobday Haugh

Sharon Levesque

Lauren Maxwell

Katherine Morna Towne

Thomas J. Nuttle

Jeff Plys

Caleb Polhill

Ralph Vincent

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Becky Bruehl Bestul

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Yvette Forte

Wendy Hobday Haugh

Linda Jansen

EDITORIAL/PHOTOGRAPHY

518-248-2080

cbeatty@oilwellpublishing.com

SALES

Chad Beatty

cbeatty@oilwellpublishing.com PUBLISHED

contributors

THOMAS J. NUTTLE

Tom Nuttle is an independent licensed and insured Medicare agent here in the state of Florida. Owner of NLTA Health Insurance and Consulting, LLC, Tom has worked and consulted nationally for numerous health care providers and insurance carriers specializing in finance and contract negotiations.A native of Buffalo NY, Tom Nuttle currently resides in Del Webb, Naples with his wife Kathleen and their youngest son Andrew.

Ralph Vincent enjoys writing about casual home entertaining. For him its all about making entertaining easy and in sync with Florida'a laidback lifestyle. His food and craft cocktail recipes reflect this vibe, and he is thrilled to share them in Simply Ave Maria magazine.

BECKY

BRUEHL BESTUL

A resident of Ave Maria since building a home here in 2015, Becky Bruehl Bestul is an award-winning, former print and broadcast journalist from Wisconsin who later entered the business world. After retiring from corporate management, Bestul sought the Florida sunshine with her husband, John Bestul. She immersed herself in the community supporting a number of volunteer activities. Writing is her first love and she looks forward to sharing the stories of the area. The Bestuls live in Maple Ridge with their two dogs. They enjoy hosting friends and family (especially their grandchildren) and introducing visitors to the uniqueness of Ave Maria.

KATHERINE MORNA TOWNE

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Jim was elected as a Member to the PGA of America in October of 2000. In 2005, Jim moved to Naples, Florida, where he accepted the position of Head Golf Professional at Tiburon Golf Club. Jim was also a golf instructor at the Rick Smith Golf Academy at Tiburon Golf Club, where he was able to learn and teach alongside PGA tour Instructor Rick Smith. In October of 2022 an opportunity came about to join the Del Webb community as the new Director of Golf at Panther Run Golf Club. In the past 3 years, Jim has assembled a truly unique team of golf professionals who provide instruction to players of all ages and skill levels.This year Jim will be inducted into the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America for 25 years of service being a PGA Member!

Kate is wife to a really good man and mom to their seven sons, as well as a professional writer, collegelevel writing tutor, and high school Spanish teacher. Her work has appeared both in print and online in such places as the Saratoga TODAY family of publications, CatholicMom.com, Nameberry, and Mothering magazine; she also wrote a book entitled Catholic Baby Names for Girls and Boys: Over 250 Ways to Honor Our Lady (Marian Press, 2018). You can email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

PAUL FORTE

Paul is a writer originally from Edinburgh, Scotland. He is a graduate of the Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in English Literature, Journalism, Communications and Media Studies. After graduating, he embarked upon a career as a columnist, feature writer and editor. Upon moving to the United States, Paul turned to freelance writing and, while living in East TN,he enjoyed writing for the ‘Visiting the Smokies’ magazine, showcasing one of the most popular vacation spots in Eastern US. To relax Paul enjoys finding new spots to eat breakfast with his wife, Yvete and playing games.

Mary started playing with her dad’s L.C. Smith manual typewriter as a child in the 1960s, and followed him into the newspaper business as a teenager. After 20 years in smoke-filled newsrooms chasing ambulances for stories, she joined the world of corporate communications where her passion for nonprofits was born. She went on to run two private family foundations helping to solve world problems, one person at a time. She and her husband Jeff found their retirement nirvana in Ave Maria five years ago and haven’t missed Wisconsin winters one little bit.

Sharon has been an active member of the Ave Maria community both professionally and personally since relocating to SWFL in 2018. As a fulltime REALTOR®, Sharon has consistently won awards as a top producing agent. She is a mom of three adult children and is fondly known as Nana to her two grandchildren. Coming into the real estate industry five years ago, Sharon sought to understand God's mission in her new career. Having worked for the Church previously, she began to understand that she was called to serve God's people in real estate. Serving her customers in her capacity as a REALTOR® with Realty ONE Group MVP and previously with MVP Realty has become her passion

CHEF

TREVOR GANZI

An Italian American chef from Ave Maria, Trevor has over 15 years of experience. Coming from backgrounds of Michelin recognized restaurants from farm to table to classic french, we know how to cater to all personalized requests. Specializing in Italian, French, American, and Mediterranean cuisines. Owner of Ganzi Hospitality LLC that works in 10 different states that brings events to your home with a private chef experience or food truck Capeesh Italian Street food for a more casual event.

RALPH VINCENT

MARY HARP-JIRSCHELE

JIM FEIPEL

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Greetings fellow Ave Marians and esteemed visitors.

I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to the cooler months ahead. I spent a few months this summer in the Adirondack mountains of upstate NY. I must admit it was a pleasant change to be at elevations which varied more than a dozen feet. While I may be a flatlander now, the call of the mountains will always echo in my ears.

Although the high peaks were enchanting, it is always a blessing turning onto Ave Maria Boulevard.

As our little town in SW Florida matures and expands, sometimes the growth can be confusing. I regularly hear questions such as “so and so is going where?’ or “what is going near North Park?"

So, beginning with this edition we are going to include a series of simple maps to clear it up.

We will begin with the main entrance to Ave Maria located along Oil Well Road. (If you have any questions you would like us to explore, send me an email at: cbeatty@oilwellpublishing.com)

- Chad

cbeatty@oilwellpublishing.com 518-248-2080

CHAD BEATTY, OWNER & PUBLISHER

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

FALL

2025 EVENTS

FORTNITE COMPETITION

5080 Annunciation Circle #101

Join us from 6–8 p.m. for an epic night of gaming fun and friendly competition. $15 per participant (ages 13+). Dinner & refreshments included. Featuring Game Changers Entertainment Mobile with a full gaming setup onsite. Bring your friends and game on! For more information call (239) 867-4322 or visit avemariamasterassociation.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Mother Teresa Museum

5050 Ave Maria Blvd. Prince Building, Ave Maria University

From 7–9 p.m. Visit motherteresaproject.org/museum for more information.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8

COMMUNITY

YARD SALE

North Park, 4010 Anthem Pkwy.

From 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit avemariamasterassociation.com for more information.

AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY DRAMA CLUB PERFORMANCE

5050 Ave Maria Blvd, Prince Building, Ave Maria University

Visit AveMaria.Universitytickets.com for details

18

SATURDAY, OCTOBER

AVE MARIA FALL FESTIVAL

North Park 4010 Anthem Pkwy.

From 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., join your friends and neighbors for crafts, music, food trucks, pumpkin painting, petting zoo, pony rides and more for all Ave Maria residents. $10 per person. Children 3 and under, free. Visit avemariamasterassociation.com for more information.

SATURDAYS NOVEMBER –APRIL

AVE MARIA

FARMERS' MARKET

Town Center | Browse and shop locally sourced goods and services with entertainment from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Saturday.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

YOUR FIRST MUD RUN

North Park, Ave Maria

Get ready for an action-packed adventure at North Park’s Mud Run! Whether it’s your first mud run or you're a seasoned pro, this event is all about fun, fitness, and family! Expect exciting obstacles, muddy challenges, and plenty of laughs along the way. Bring the whole family and make unforgettable memories together! Who’s ready to get muddy? Let’s run, climb, and splash our way through an epic day of fun! Visit: https:// yourfirstmudrun.rsupartner.com/

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16

DONAHUE ACADEMY BOOK FAIR

Ave Maria Parish Hall

Begin your Christmas shopping early as Donahue Academy brings their book fair to the Parish Hall in the Town Center.

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8-10

ADVENT RETREAT

Ave Maria Parish Church

Join us in reflecting on the Advent season from 7–8:30 p.m. No registration required. Come one night or all three. For more information visit AveMariaParish.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

EUCHARISTIC DIALOGUE AND PROCESSION

Beginning at Ave Maria Parish processing through Ave Maria neighborhoods from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21

NATIVITY PLAY

Ave Maria Parish Piazza

Enjoy our town’s Nativity Play from 3 – 4 p.m. on the Parish Piazza in the Town Center. Children may enjoy the petting zoo beforehand from 2:30 to 3:00 pm. For more information visit AveMariaParish.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS

Ave Maria Town Center

Enjoy the festivities, including rock climbing, a skating rink, vendors, photos with Santa, and more from 4–9 p.m. And don’t miss the parade, which kicks off at 6 pm. For more information visit avemariamasterassociation.com

BLACK EDITION MILITARY HUMIDOR

Limited Black Edition

This one-of-kind humidor is finished in a unique matte black paint, topped with modern black stenciling on the sides. The prefect addition to every Ave Maria home.

AVAILABLE AT... THE BROUTIQUE thebroutique.com

Look for us weekly this Fall at the Farmers Market

THE EMERGENCY TACTICAL PEN

Designed for emergencies and everyday utility, it features a tungsten steel tip that can shatter glass in seconds and doubles as a reliable self-defense tool.

IMMACULATE MARY

AVAILABLE AT... THE BROUTIQUE thebroutique.com

Look for us weekly this Fall at the Farmers Market

The perfect edition to any home, artwork of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

AVAILABLE AT...

AVE MARIA RELIGIOUS GIFTS

5068 Annunciation, Ave Maria 239-867-4336 • AveMariaReligiousGifts.com

EASY SHOPPING

We make shopping easy... from apparel, leotards, shorts, skirts, shoes, and tights!

AVAILABLE AT...

AVE MARIA DANCE ACADEMY

5068 Annunciation, Ave Maria 239-261-2606 • AveMariaDanceAcademy.com

BIBLES, BOOKS & MORE…

Whether you are searching for a family bible, or a bedside book, we have you covered.

AVAILABLE AT...

AVE MARIA RELIGIOUS GIFTS

5068 Annunciation, Ave Maria 239-867-4336 • AveMariaReligiousGifts.com

BRIMS & LIDS FOR THE FLORIDA SUN

The perfect hats for very occasion.

AVAILABLE AT...

AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS STORE

5060 Annunciation Circle • campusstore.avemaria.edu

FUN, FAITH-FILLED, AND TOTALLY UNIQUE

Whether you're rocking St. Michael socks for spiritual protection or Our Lady of Guadelupe, these designs help you wear your faith proudly.

AVAILABLE AT...

AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS STORE

5060 Annunciation Circle campusstore.avemaria.edu

#8

JEWELRY FOR EVERY WOMAN’S STYLE.

If you are searching for world class designs, that are handcrafted to last, Brighton is for you.

AVAILABLE AT...

STELLA ROSE WAY

5064 Annunciation Circle 239-207-6560 • Stellaroseway.com

Mothering Boys:

Helpful tips

for

next year’s back-to-school

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE MORNA TOWNE

that all of my boys are in school now and have been for a few years — my youngest just started second grade.

Gone are the days when I was home with a little one or two (or more)! While thinking about the first day of school, and getting back into the school routine, I realized there are a few things I’ve learned that I wish I knew when my oldest was starting school all those years ago. Maybe you all can benefit from this as well!

NOT HAVING EVERYTHING ON THE FIRST DAY ISN’T THE END OF THE WORLD

I eagerly look forward to getting the supply lists from school so I can get a jump on buying what the boys need for the new school year or identifying supplies we already have that can be reused. But even with the best planning (and often with a last-minute plan), sometimes we run into trouble: Maybe the store is out of the specific kind of scissors the teacher is requesting (all the pointy tips are gone and only blunt tips remain!); or the composition notebooks are on Amazon backorder and won’t be delivered until the second week of school; or you missed the whole back page of the supplies list and didn’t realize it until you’ve already dropped your child off for the first day of school. Don’t panic, it’s really not a big deal. Did you forget to buy his spiral-bound 70-page wide-ruled notebook for the first day of school? Just send it in the next week! And write a little note to the teacher letting him or her know. No problem at all!

LABEL EVERYTHING

(LAST NAME ONLY IF THERE ARE YOUNGER SIBLINGS)

I’ve been told a thousand times by teachers and administration via letters and emails to label everything belonging to my children, from water bottles to coats to school supplies. Most years I forget to label something, and it often comes back to bite me — usually because my children don’t recognize their own things. This is particularly true of anything new I might have gotten them for school — they honestly don’t remember what their new water bottle or backpack looks like! I remember when my Number Six started Kindergarten and I was in a panic on his first day of school because I’d forgotten to label his hoodie and I wasn’t sure he’d remember what it looked like if asked! That said, if you have younger children who might be using that coat/backpack/ lunchbox in a couple of years, labeling with your last name only is probably best, so as to avoid future total meltdowns in your own house about what belongs to who.

DON’T EXPECT TO FEEL LIKE YOU’RE BACK IN THE ROUTINE UNTIL THANKSGIVING

At the end of every school year, we as a family are such a well-oiled machine that we can practically roll out of bed in the morning and into the van with everyone fed, wearing appropriate clothes, and ready for school. We know what needs to be done to get out the door and we can do it in record time. We even remember that Wednesdays and Fridays are gym days without having to check the schedule on the fridge. But after the summer, getting back into the routine is an uphill battle. The morning routine feels unfamiliar and takes longer to be sure we’ve done everything we need to do, and everyone has what they need. IN my experience it’s not usually until Thanksgiving that we’ve basically got it down pat. Don’t fret if these first few weeks feel extra hard!

While this comes too late to help with this year’s back-to-school preparations, I hope my experience is helpful to you all in the future! Have a great school year!

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 20, 19, 17, 15, 13, 11, and 7. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

GYM ETIQUETTE

Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned gym-goer, it’s never a bad time to review common courtesies of the gym.

1 4 2 3

Ask Gym Staff for Help with an Unfamiliar Machine

Even seasoned gym-goers come across equipment that they’ve not used before. To prevent injury, read the instructions and ask for a tutorial if you are still unsure.

Clean Up After Yourself

Put away your weights in the proper place after using them. This includes the plates for the Smith machine. Keep like weights together, don’t mix the 45’s, 25’s, and 10’s on a single storage peg. Generally speaking the 45’s go on the bottom peg, with the 25’s up next, followed by the 10’s and 5’s.

Let People “Work In”

Especially when the gym is busy, while you’re on your recovery rest let the person waiting for the equipment to “work in”, that is allowing them to do their set while you’re resting and vice versa.

If you don’t want to work in with someone, it is also acceptable to ask someone how many more sets they have. This allows you to decide if you want to wait for the machine and lets them know that you are waiting for it.

Wipe Down Equipment

Gyms usually offer sanitizing wipes; please use them on all surfaces you touch.

5 6 7 8 9 10

Don’t Come to the Gym

Sick

If you have a stomach virus, stay home. If you have an active cold with coughing and sinus issues, stay home or exercise outside. It is inconsiderate to everyone to spread your germs in the gym.

Keep Your Grunting to a Minimum

When lifting heavy it’s common to grunt your way through the set, however everybody in the gym doesn’t have to hear it. Keep your volume moderated and definitely don’t curse.

Don’t Stand Directly in Front of the Dumbbell Rack and Mirror

Take your weights and move back a bit so you aren’t blocking others from grabbing their weights and don’t walk directly in front of someone while they are doing a set.

Use Your Phone Outside

If you need to take a phone call during your workout, do it outside.

Save Supersets and Circuits for Non-Peak Hours

Be considerate and don’t use multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously when the gym is busy.

Don’t Judge Others

Everyone is on their own journey, you don’t know their story…don’t judge.

Navigating

WRITTEN BY THOMAS J. NUTTLE

COMPLEXITY

I was once told by a life-long CPA that understanding tax law was much simpler than understanding the rules and regulations of Medicare. I believe both to be a daunting task that’s best left to professionals. As with most of our responsibilities in life, the goal should be organization and preparation for what will be needed when the time comes.

After working hard all your life why would you choose otherwise?

Many individuals understand Medicare as a comprehensive no cost health insurance benefit most of us earn the right to receive when we turn 65. Of course, it is not free and is much more complex since the program was introduced along with Medicaid back in 1965. Additional needs have been identified along with new regulations whose intent has been to expand recipients’ benefits, reduce costs and improve population health. Today, dozens of private health insurers cover 68 million Medicare beneficiaries, of which nearly 12 million qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. The information offered below is merely an outline of the programs available today. The most important thing to remember is that every individual has unique characteristics and needs that need to be taken into account when they select a plan.

MEDICARE - UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANT TERMS

As part of the needed organization and preparation for Medicare, it is helpful to be generally familiar with the “alphabet soup” of Medicare services and plans. Medicare services (or benefits) can be summarized as follows:

Part A – Hospitalization

Part B – Medical (primarily physician) *

Part D – Pharmacy (introduced in 2007)

These three key categories are used in varying ways to develop Medigap, Medicare Advantage and standalone Part D pharmacy products. All have been designed to supplement the benefits of original Medicare and the eventual explosive growth in the use of pharmaceuticals.

While Medicare Part A automatically begins at age 65 for those eligible, Parts B & D do not. It is important to remember that insurance is underwritten to cover expected expenses, not when medical needs arise as they surely will when we continue to age. It is for this reason that everyone is expected to contribute to the total cost of medical care for the entire population whether through Medicare premiums or employer health plan contributions.

MEDICARE PLAN OPTIONS

Medigap Plans – A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M & N. Medigap plans cover most hospital & physician services at varying percentages and deductible amounts and may or may not have annual out-pocket spending limits. Medigap products are underwritten by private insurance carriers that must offer identical benefits to all enrollees. None are permitted to cover pharmacy benefits. In Florida, Medigap plans are subject to medical underwriting. Outside of your initial enrollment period you may be denied coverage due to poor health or a pre-existing condition.

Medicare Advantage Plans – often referred to as Medicare Part C, these plans currently charge zero premiums while combining hospital, medical and usually pharmacy benefits. They also offer benefits not included in Medigap plans such as vision, dental, and hearing and nonemergency medical transportation which has been identified as a critical need here in Ave Maria. Medicare Advantage plans are never subject to underwriting or pre-existing conditions.

Part D – a standalone pharmacy benefit. (most often used in conjunction with a Medicare Supplement product.

*Part B – every non-Medicaid eligible must pay the Medicare Part B premium regardless of whether they select a Medigap or Medicare Advantage product. The current 2025 premium is $185.00 and typically increases every year based on medical inflation. In addition, the passing of the Medicare Modernization Act in 2007, now requires high income individuals to pay more based on a two year look back of earnings. Payment for Part B premiums is usually administered through deductions in an individual’s monthly social security check or through quarterly invoices for those not yet collecting social security.

“My parents unexpectedly had their health plan terminated mid-year due to the loss of participation of their long-term primary care physicians. Tom was able to find a new plan with even better benefits for them and still maintain all of their physicians. I highly recommend Tom and his services.”

- Lina Maria Gallego Dicent, Maple Ridge, Ave Maria

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGISTERING FOR MEDICARE

While individuals with permanent disabilities and those with certain chronic illnesses such as endstage renal disease qualify for Medicare, the vast majority of Medicare enrollees (90%+) are age 65 or older. Medicare registration is completed through the Social Security Administration at SSA.gov (not the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which administers the program).

So why is it important to register for Medicare if I am still working and covered either under my employer or my spouse’s employer? Simply put - facing the possibility of incurring lifetime financial penalties should credible medical or pharmacy coverage lapse. Failure to maintain credible medical coverage will increase your Part B premium 10% for each 12-month period. For pharmacy, the penalty is 1% per month for each one-month period that benefits have lapsed. Medicare eligibles who maintain credible coverage for medical and pharmacy should not register for Part B until

they (or their spouse) retirees. Their effective date of Medicare Part B coverage will then be later then the effective date of Part A coverage. Securing ones Medicare number when first eligible is highly recommended as it will avoid delays in approval when you are ready to receive full Medicare benefits (A&B).

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT PERIODS

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – a 7-month period that begins three months prior to the month of the individual turning 65, and three months after.

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) –each October 15th – December 7th when beneficiaries can join, switch or drop a Medicare plan.

• Open Enrollment Period (OEP) –each January 1st to March 31st when beneficiaries may change or drop their Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription plan.

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) –the most common reasons an eligible person may elect to initiate a special enrollment include: moving outside the service area, mid-year retirement and loss of current coverage due to plan termination.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR VETERANS

Since the Veterans Administration does not coordinate benefits with Medicare, Medicare eligible veterans can supplement their VA coverage separate and independent with a full Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) program. As such, age eligible veterans can choose which insurance coverage to use. This allows veterans to conveniently see Medicare providers for services they would otherwise not have access to.

Tricare for Life veterans become eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan as well once they turn 65. Because TFL veterans are offered favorable drug coverage they should only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage (MA).

A CASE FOR ASSISTANCE

A recent survey by Becker’s Health found that half of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries don’t fully understand their health plan! Just over half of the survey respondents said confusion about their plan led to an unexpected bill. As such, an individual scratching the surface of Medicare options is a sure bet to end up in a program that may not be their best option. Just as picking a hospital instead of a surgeon because its closer to home is a poor decision, so is selecting a health plan because your neighbor has “never had any problems.” Having a reputable local agent best ensures the most appropriate plan has been selected and helps avoid the headaches of trying to understand or challenge a benefit determination. The best agents are those intimate with the variances of local plan benefits and are willing to contact the health plan carrier on behalf of the member whenever necessary.

KNOWING WHEN TO MAKE A CHANGE

As we age and undergo changes in our healthcare needs, we need to review our Medicare choices on a regular basis. Who are my doctors today? What prescriptions am I now taking? Do I have any chronic disease that may qualify me for a special needs program? Not unlike home and auto insurance, health plan carriers often change premiums and benefits offered in a given geography, sometimes discontinuing services altogether. In addition, recent changes in administrative leadership in our government and new value-based programs planned at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) could very well lead to insurance carriers to drop current plans and revisit their offerings which many times significantly vary by state, county and in the case of 34142 - zip code! It is therefore important that Medicare beneficiaries track their use of medical services and related costs in order to evaluate whether or not making a plan switch at annual enrollment time might make sense.

Medicare’s open enrollment is coming up soon. From October 15th through December 7th, all eligible Medicare enrollees will have the option to:

1. Join a Medicare plan 2. Switch to a different plan

3. Drop your current plan Call 239-922-5118 or email Tom at thomasjnuttle@gmail.com to schedule an appointment

NLTA Medicare and Consulting LLC does not offer every plan in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Bear Country AVE MARIA IS...

BECKY BRUEHL BESTUL

Del Webb resident Marlo Mortier-Hower estimates she experienced about 50 bear sightings in Ave Maria last year—a record for her.

“Between walking the dogs, my walks to North Park, and just noticing them while I was looking out the window, I was at about 50 sightings,” she said. “We had the privilege of watching a female bear build a makeshift bed in a tree right outside our window. We felt like we were on an episode of National Geographic!”

Despite the frequency of her bear sightings, Mortier-Hower, who has lived in Ave Maria for eight years, isn’t fearful. “Anytime I am out and about with the dogs or even just by myself, I pay attention to my surroundings,” she said. “We have found ourselves within five feet of bears on several occasions without incident. They exhibited zero interest in us. We just continued to walk away slowly.”

The frequent bear sightings in Ave Maria along roadways have been known to cause traffic jams---or what have been dubbed, “bear jams,” sometimes resulting in fender benders and the need for law enforcement to direct traffic.

It’s not the bear’s fault, though. The bear is likely just eating acorns and minding its own business.

Kim Twiss, executive director of the Ave Maria Master Association, said it saddens her when people try to get too close to wild animals such as bears. “Ave is not a zoo where people can safely look at animals,” Twiss said. “There are wild animals all around us here in Ave. Watch and enjoy looking at these wild animals from a safe distance. NEVER approach any wild animals out in the wild.”

WRITTEN BY

PHOTOS BY LINDA JANSEN

Twiss provides information to residents about the local wildlife during new owner orientation sessions. She said she’s not surprised by the number of bears in Ave. “We’re surrounded by wildlife preserves, and unfortunately, we have dumpsters and resident trash cans that the bears love to eat out of. Please don’t put your garbage cans out for pickup until the morning of service.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) estimates there are approximately 4,050 black bears in the state of Florida. In the South Florida management area that includes Collier County, the FWC estimates there are about 1,044 bears, made up of a subpopulation called Big Cypress.

Thousands of years ago, there was one bear population estimated at more 10,000 that roamed the entire state. Because of human development and habitat loss, the bear population has become fragmented into several subpopulations. It is estimated that a subpopulation needs at least 200 adult bears to maintain adequate genetic diversity.

The FWC classified bears as a Threatened Species starting in 1974 when the statewide population was down to just several hundred animals. That classification was removed after 2012 when the population was considered recovered. Biologists use scent and bait to lure the animals to “hair corrals” where they collect tufts of bear hair to genetically analyze and identify individual bears and measure population size.

Since the bear population has been considered recovered, a regulated hunting season was held in 2015 in four bear management areas with the largest number of bears, including the South unit. A total of 305 bears were taken after two days, and the hunt was closed.

The FWC voted this August to reopen the bear season. Hunting will be allowed in four of the seven existing Bear Management Units, including the South Bear Management Unit, which is considered to have a sustainable population. One hundred eighty-seven permits will be issued in total and each permit will allow the harvest of one bear within an assigned area. The hunting season is scheduled for fall, when cubs born in the early spring of that year are considered self-sufficient by the FWC in case they become orphaned due to hunting.

”The primary objectives of regulated hunting are to balance species population numbers with suitable habitat and maintain a healthy population,” according to the 2019 Bear Management Plan. The FWC indicates, “it’s

important to acknowledge that managing bear populations does not manage human-bear conflicts. Conflict prevention and management still need to continue regardless of whether the commissioners choose to re-open regulated bear hunting.”

Ave Maria resident Larry Fornwall doesn’t support a bear hunt. “Bears were here first, and we continue to develop subdivisions on the land where they have lived for years,” Fornwall said. “What we do support is teaching people to co-exist with all the wildlife and RESPECT their space.”

Fornwall and his wife, Deb, have lived in Avalon Park since 2017 and have seen bears on at least five different occasions. “We love all the wildlife,” he said. But they take precautions. His wife recently purchased an emergency alarm that she carries when out walking in the neighborhood.

Twiss said when she’s walking her dog in Ave at dawn or dusk, she also carries a whistle or small air horn to scare away any bears she might encounter. “Also, if someone is walking after dark, they need to have a flashlight. Bears are black and extremely hard to see at night.”

Florida black bears range in size from 150 pounds to 400 pounds, with males often twice the size of females. Their territories range from 15 square miles for females and up to 60 square miles for males. Cubs are born in early February.

The FWC says black bears are shy and generally not aggressive. When frightened, they typically run away or climb a tree. If in a tree, the agency recommends keeping people and pets away, and the bear will leave on its own, usually after dark.

While it is rare for wild black bears to injure people in Florida, the FWC reports bites and scratches have occurred most often when there are cubs, food sources, or dogs present. Since the 1970s, when comprehensive records began, the FWC has documented 42 incidents in which wild black bears made physical contact with people.

This past spring, Florida recorded its first fatal bear attack in state history in Jerome, about 30 miles south of Ave Maria on State Road 29. On May 5, the body of 89-year-old Robert Markel was found about 100 yards from his home. Investigators found evidence that a bear had entered the residence, and a dog had also been killed by a bear.

By the next day, FWC personnel had killed and removed three adult male bears from the area. They weighed 207, 263 and 434 pounds. The 263-pound male’s DNA was found on Markel, inside his residence, and on the dog’s body. The only bear DNA found at the scene matched the three bears taken. All three bears tested negative for rabies. The FWC followed its Human-Bear Conflict Response Policies and Guidelines in removing the three bears to ensure public safety.

Twiss said in the seven years she’s worked in Ave, she hasn’t had any reports of bears acting aggressively, although there was an incident before she arrived when an FWC officer had to shoot an aggressive bear.

Debra Forma and her family have lived along the preserve in Coquina for nearly 10 years. “I have looked in wonder from afar, watching the bears walk behind my home,” she said. Her heart was broken seeing a young bear that was killed by a car in Ave Maria.

“Our most memorable encounter was when my husband took the dog out in the back and didn’t look before leaving,” Forma said. “The bear was right there! Dog barked, bear ran, and we learned a valuable lesson to always be aware of your surroundings.” After that,

Forma said she also got a bear whistle.

Twiss said she was aware of three bears that have died on Ave roadways. They darted onto the road, and the drivers didn’t see them until it was too late. “Drivers need to be alert at all times,” Twiss said.

It is against the law to feed bears or put out food or garbage that attracts them and could cause conflicts, according to the FWC. Anything that attracts dogs, cats, or raccoons can also attract bears. Bears can pick up scents from over a mile away. Their sense of smell is seven times better than that of a bloodhound and the best of any land mammal. When a bear stands on its hind legs, it's trying to get a better view or scent.

Bears who receive food from people may lose their natural fear and are more likely to damage property or become a public safety risk. If a bear is eating something on your property, secure it after the bear has left the area.

Mortier-Hower said she has had a juvenile bear walking through her yard and neighborhood several times this summer. “I love sharing space with the wildlife in Ave Maria! Every place you live, you have to be aware of your surroundings. Ave Maria is no exception.”

Twiss said residents need to be aware that we live with wildlife here, which includes bears, alligators, panthers, foxes, turkeys, hawks, and more. “Just respect the wildlife and enjoy them from a distance,” she said.

Forma said she enjoys living with the bears and nature in Ave Maria. “I believe the bears are part of what makes Ave special and a wonderful place to live.”

Be Bear Wise

Tips from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• Never approach a bear. Keep as much distance between you and the bear as possible.

• If a bear changes its behavior because you’re there, you are too close.

• If you encounter a bear at close range, stand with arms raised, back up slowly and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice.

• Do not turn your back, play dead or run from a black bear.

• Make sure you are in a secure area, such as a car or building, and the bear has a clear escape route, then scare the bear away with loud noises, like yelling, blowing a whistle, or using an air or car horn.

• Install a motion-activated device, such as flood lights, a water sprinkler or audio alarm, to scare a bear away from a location when you are not present.

• Report any bear threatening the safety of people, pets or livestock, or causing property damage, to the FWC.

• Walk dogs on a non-retractable leash and be aware of your surroundings. Dogs can trigger defensive behaviors from bears.

• If you are experiencing bear conflicts, contact the nearest FWC regional office. The sooner the FWC knows about bear activity, the more options are available to prevent a bear from becoming a public safety risk.

South: West Palm Beach 561-625-5122

• In an emergency or if you suspect illegal activity, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922

Interested in Becoming a Bear Stakeholder?

The FWC has created Bear Stakeholder groups for each of the seven bear subpopulations. They are made up of local residents, government officials, non-profit staff, FWC staff, business owners, and other interested individuals. The group meets several times a year to discuss bear management and research. If you’re interested, email the FWC at: BearPlan@MyFWC.com

Path

SCOTT TAGGART: the man behind the pizza

WRITTEN BY MARY HARP-JIRSCHELE

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Chances are, unless you came from the DMV region of the country – that is, Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia – you probably never heard of Ledo Pizza before it opened here in September 2024. Well, the same goes for Ledo owners Scott and Colleen Taggart – they never heard of Ave Maria before finding their way here.

The Taggarts were more-than-busy Maryland residents running one of the Top 10 Ledo franchises when they started looking for a place in Florida where they could relax and play golf a few times a year. Take note that “Top 10” is a big deal when there are 120 Ledo Pizza places. That means not only are you consumed by everyday work life, but you’re also called upon by the corporate office to serve on various committees and provide input that will trickle down to other franchise operators. The Taggarts’ days, nights and weekends were focused on the business for as many as 70 hours a week. They agreed they needed to find the perfect place to escape to occasionally.

Their search started in Sarasota and they worked their way south, hunting for somewhere to “play golf, relax, get out of DMV and do anything but work,” Scott said. While driving down I-75, they happened to see a sign for Ave Maria, and made the left turn down Immokalee Road. When they hit Oil Well Road and turned right, Scott chuckled that “it was the longest 10mile drive of my life. I kept wondering where I was headed and why it was taking so long to get there.” It took less time than that to fall in love with Ave Maria. “I drank the Kool-aid here,” Scott said. He loved the golf course at The National – “and I’ve played on a lot of championship courses. And the people here were wonderful and welcoming.” It wasn’t long before they bought a lot and built a house. All this time, there was never any intention of opening a Ledo Pizza in Ave Maria. “We were trying to get away from that,” Scott said. And yet, one day Scott said the words out loud: “But they could really use us down here.” And the rest is history. They got in on the new “strip mall” being constructed on Ave Maria Boulevard.

Knowing the backbone of their Ledo Pizza franchise in Crofton, Maryland, is centered around youth and sports, Scott made a bee-line for Ave Maria University and struck a deal to sponsor the athletic program. He then set about creating a Gyrene Room in the floor plans for the pizzeria. A place designed for youths from not only AMU but surrounding schools to call their own after ballgames and other special events. Today, that dedication to youth has already escalated into fundraisers for various schools’ sports programs, make-your-own pizza parties for kids, movie-and-pizza nights, and other activities designed to bring kids and their families into the establishment.

Scott knows the pizza business inside and out after 28 years. He says that once you get the kids in the door, “because they make all the decisions you know,” the family follows. “You can feed a family of 4 here for $50,” Scott said, “and you can’t say that about many places.” He’s intent on “shifting the mentality that this is a fast-food place. It is not. It’s a restaurant with multiple menu items, one of them being pizza.”

That shift is important, he says, because people get impatient when food isn’t on the table as quickly as it might be in a fast-food restaurant.

“If we only sold pizza, it would be a different thing,” Scott said about the time it takes to complete a food order. “We can make a lot of pizza fast. If the football coach calls, I can put out 60 pizzas in 75 minutes. But I can’t do that with many of the other menu items. People get frustrated with that.”

Interestingly, other Ledo Pizza franchises average 62-70% in pizza sales. Thus far in Ave, it’s only 32%.

Scott admits that part of the reason is “people didn’t

grow up with this kind of pizza. Ours is different. Our pizza isn’t everyone’s favorite. It’s not better or worse than any other pizza, it’s just different.”

Because Ave residents are ordering things other than pizza, Scott has been working hard with the corporate office in Maryland to allow him to put other things on the menu. “No one here in Ave grew up with this pizza – but everyone in DMV did, so they’re used to it,” he said. One of the first menu additions he got approval for was sliders, and they’ve been very popular.

The Taggarts still own the Ledo franchise in Maryland called Eddie’s Place, a tribute to the first owner. “I bought the business from Eddie when he got sick, and I’ll never take that name off the place,” he said. “I met Colleen at Eddie’s funeral. She had worked for him in high school and came to the funeral. I took one look at her and said to Eddie’s brother, Dave, ‘I’m going to marry that girl.’” That prediction came through 27 years ago.

Scott and Colleen’s son, JD, has joined the couple in their move to Ave Maria, and he is the only other full-time employee. You’ll usually find him at the grill or making pizza. He is now being trained for more customer interaction and troubleshooting and looks forward to the management side of the business. Colleen is “probably the best grill person in the history of the franchise,” Scott said proudly, and added that she’s adept at all phases of the operation. It’s clearly a family business. But make no question, the business is very different from the Maryland restaurant.

“There is no down season up there (in Maryland),” Scott said, referring to the number of snowbirds who live in Ave Maria. “And, our busy times here are almost opposite of those in the Maryland store. Our busiest days up there are Super Bowl Sunday, Halloween, Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, in that order. Here, there were almost no customers in the place on those nights. It was almost vacant.”

Scott’s passion for things beyond pizza – which is his favorite food – are obvious and admirable. He loves kids, sports, and kids in sports. He was a baseball coach for years and is proud of the role he played in many young lives. The size of his heart is shown in numerous ways, including taking in an AMU student who was without housing when the home he was renting was sold and he had nowhere to go. The Taggarts welcomed him into their home until the end of the school year.

“I love this place and I want it to be great,” Scott said. “I want people to come here and love it here. I want the sports programs around the area to use the Gyrene Room. I fought corporate hard to get the Gyrene colors in here – they said ‘They aren’t Ledo colors.’ I told them ‘No one knows Ledo here, so it doesn’t matter.’”

He won that battle with corporate. Now his ongoing battle is to find a little more time for golf, to sit on the patio with Colleen, to enjoy their home and neighbors, to play with their two dogs… Which is, after all, why they came to Ave Maria in the first place.

The Ave Maria

WRITTEN BY

MARY HARP-JIRSCHELE

PHOTOS PROVIDED

ve Maria University is known as a place where students can “obtain a comprehensive liberal arts education that goes beyond simply gaining knowledge.” In addition to its 70 majors and minors as well as four graduate programs and one Ph.D. offering, students expand their learnings and life experiences through clubs that focus on the arts, faith, service and sports.

A relatively young school, AMU already boasts 27 varsity athletics programs, 5 club sports and 6 intramural teams. There’s everything from the usual football and basketball teams to ultimate frisbee, rugby and women’s competitive dance. But one of the most unique programs under the umbrella of the Athletic Department is the Ave Maria University Band.

“We were founded as an athletic band,” said Trenton Phillips O’Neil, Band Director. “In the beginning, we were a very small pep band comprised of 5-6 undergraduates, local alumni and even a few community members. We simply sat in the stands at games and contributed to the atmosphere with our music.”

AMU head football coach Joe Patterson said that "It's been wonderful to see Trenton build the AMU Marching Band into what it is today. He is both innovative and motivating, allowing the Band to increase its appeal and reach. When I hired him, Trenton made an immediate impact, changing the culture to one of excellence and energy. The band provides a great gameday experience for both football and basketball.”

Under Phillips O’Neil, the band quickly evolved into a full-fledged marching band and color guard with 35-40 members, each of whom receive a scholarship and college credit for their participation. And now the program is becoming equally well known for its jazz and ensemble concerts that take place when sporting programs have ended their seasons.

Interestingly, the students in the band program are not usually music majors. “We have a lot of STEM students (those studying science, technology, engineering and math) who have been in band since they were in the 4th grade,” Phillips O’Neil said. “It’s very much been a part of their lives, and it’s hard to stop.” So they find their way to the AMU Band.

Music was part of the very fiber of Phillips O’Neil’s life as a youth, too. “The most influential people in my life growing up were my middle school band and chorus teachers. They imparted a passion for music that has stuck with me ever since,” he said. And that’s part of why he jumped at the chance to lead the band program. “I was hired in the middle of the season as an interim. I took the job because it was important to keep the band program alive.”

That interim job started in 2022 and evolved into a permanent very-part-time position while Phillips O’Neil held fulltime jobs first at Village Oaks Elementary School in Immokalee and then at Donahue Academy in Ave Maria. Then earlier this year, while studying for his master’s degree in music from Kansas State University, he was recruited to join the faculty at AMU, where he is a fulltime music instructor focused on ensemble and individual instruction, didactic courses with structured lessons and lectures, and – the thing he is most excited about – sacred music.

“I dreamed of teaching at AMU at some point in my life – I did not expect it to happen at 26!” he said. “I have big expectations of myself. I want to make an immediate impact on the program – mentoring students, planning performances, and providing topnotch music activities.”

Though the band program is only one segment of Phillips O’Neil’s responsibilities, it’s clearly one he’s passionate about. “Music shapes you as a person,” he said. “As humans we have a unique ability to use music-ing to communicate our messages. These students have recognized that ability and value.”

When asked what type of student makes a good band member, Phillips O’Neil was quick to acknowledge that “these are students who strive for excellence in all that they do. They are really, really bright kids. They’ve dedicated themselves to a mission – and the mission here is to build a culture of beauty through music.

“These students are organized and faithful,” he continued. “We are more than a team, we’re a family – a band family.” He noted there are many siblinglike relationships in the band, where students take each other under their wing and serve as mentors. One element of band life that may be unique to AMU is the band’s dedication to the school’s Catholic roots. “As a team we spend time in prayer together,” he said. “Thanks to Campus Ministry, we have built faithfulness as a group.”

At 35-40 members, the band is small compared to some universities where there may be 200-400 musicians. “Despite our size, we still have a sizeable sound and even more importantly, we have a sizeable energy,” Phillips O’Neil explained. “During football season, there is definitely a lot of excitement. And basketball games are more about having fun since there is no marching aspect to the performances.”

Once the sports seasons have concluded, the band moves into jazz and concert season, “which looks very different,” he says. “This is the period of the year when the students are challenged the most musically. Many students come from very strong high school concert band programs so there is a lot of dedication to the finished product.” This past year’s jazz program highlight was playing at the Chancellor’s Gala, the group’s biggest and most influential audience to date. “It was live and it was energizing, for the band and the attendees,” Phillips O’Neil said. Jim Thomas, Vice President of Advancement at AMU, was in attendance and added, “The AMU Jazz Band was extraordinary and added an elegant and classic touch to the Gala. It was powerful to watch how our amazing students brought their best under Trenton’s guidance. It was wonderful!”

This school year, the band moves into a new stage of life as Isaac Cordero becomes the first-ever drum major. Cordero is a senior majoring in physics and philosophy yet has made band a priority in his campus life. Drum major is the top leadership position in the band and his responsibility includes conducting the ensemble during performances, leading in parades and maintaining musical quality. He is joined by 10 other student musicians who have various other leadership roles with the band.

“I want the band to be theirs – to have the students impart their values and traditions on the group,” Phillips O’Neil said. “They have actually made the band what it is. Drum major is the next big step in the band’s evolution. Isaac is very well respected and many students look up to him already. His leadership will be key to the growth and development of the band.”

When asked about his hopes and dreams for the future of the band program, Phillips O’Neil is quick to respond that “it’s a program that should have a light shining on it. We’re still in the young era of the program, and it has so much potential.” But that potential is restricted by space limitations on campus. “To attract musicians to our program, we need rehearsal spaces appropriate to the sizes of our band and choral ensembles, as well as storage space. On top of the physical needs, the sense of having a ‘band home’ is a big part of a band program. We don’t have that right now. But all it takes is one person – the right person – to see that need and help us move forward.”

It's clear that Phillips O’Neil has big plans for the band program as it enters its 5th full year of life. When he’s not dreaming about “what’s next for the band,” he has plenty to do at home. He and his wife, Elizabeth, both graduated from AMU and have three active little ones to keep them more-than occupied. Not surprisingly, they spend time with their children watching musicals and going to band concerts, “because little minds are very impressionable,” he says.

V eteran s club of del webb

WRITTEN BY JEFF

PLYS

| PHOTOS PROVIDED

The Veterans Club of Del Webb was founded in 2014 and currently has 190 members. The club has raised and donated over $250,000 to various patriotic causes, primarily to benefit disadvantaged and homeless veterans in Collier and Lee counties.

IN 2023 THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED THE CLUB FOR ITS ASSISTANCE TO THE DEPARTMENT IN CARING FOR HOMELESS AND DISADVANTAGED USA MILITARY VETERANS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.

Some of the club’s major contributions include:

• Items and monetary assistance are donated to the disadvantaged and homeless veterans, including clothing, tents, backpacks, bedding, and other needed items to the housing units where qualifying homeless vets are provided with temporary residential opportunities while being helped to become self-sufficient again. Local USA Veterans Administration officials regularly provide the club with lists of items needed.

• Annually funding to the JROTC Program at Palmetto Ridge High School, which includes grants and several $1,000 annual scholarships.

• On Memorial Day 2021, the club dedicated a bench and a personalized paver for every deceased veteran member of the club since the club was founded in 2014. This memorial is in front of the Grand Hall in Del Webb.

• Annual donation to the Collier County Honor Flight Program. This program offers veterans to be flown to Washington, DC for ceremonies and experiences provided to honor them for their service.

• A significant donation to the establishment of the Ave Maria Veterans Memorial, in Ave Maria, FL

• Financial support of the Port Charlotte Veteran Nursing Home that includes home furnishing, entertainment, and special meals.

• In 2018 the club began an effort to encourage donations of diapers around the Christmas holidays to needy families in and around Immokalee. The organization has received and donated over 100,000 diapers.

The biggest source of revenue is the annual Veterans Cup Challenge Golf Tournament, which will be held on March 21, 2026, at the Panther Run Golf Course in Ave Maria. The Golf Tournament is supported by the Panther Run Golf Club, Pulte Homes, Del Webb resident participants, volunteers and by generous local businesses in Collier County. In 2025, the Golf Tournament raised over $45,000. For more detail information on the 2026 event, please contact Mark Clayton at markclayton1956@ yahoo.com or call 210-422-2743.

Other fundraising events include annual Veteran Cruise, music bingos and our monthly Pancake Breakfast open to the residents of Del Webb, and significant contributions by Del Webb of Naples residents.

For additional information or interest in joining the Veteran’s Club please contact our Secretary, Jeff Plys at delwebbvetsclub@outlook.com. The Club meets on the 1st Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Del Webb Grand Hall.

Veterans Club Del Webb Naples is an IIRC 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, 509(a)(2) charitable corporation.

Veterans Cup Challenge Golf Tournament

Water, Fun,

& PHOTOGRAPHED

WRITTEN

BY BECKY BRUEHL BESTUL

& Fitness...

Just over a year ago, Emerson Park resident Mindy Stuart walked bent over from arthritis and had to lean onto her center island to get around in her kitchen. Her husband, John, had passed away in July 2022 after 54 years of marriage. For two years, she barely left the house.

“I kept up the house, but wasn’t doing anything socially,” Mindy said. “It didn’t dawn on me that I wasn’t out and about…I was becoming more and more immobile. My health was excellent except I wasn’t moving.”

The wake-up call came one day when she ventured out to an area mall. A man told her she was walking like Quasimodo (a fictional character from the Hunchback of NotreDame) and that she should have surgery.

Mindy, 76, said Kellie Powell, the former director of the Ave Maria Water Park, “saved her.” Kellie had started the water aerobics classes when she arrived in Ave Maria about four years ago. Kellie encouraged Mindy, a retired waterpark front-desk employee, to join the class and gave Mindy her first punch card (a method of paying for the lessons).

Mindy hesitated at first. But when Mindy’s daughter was visiting her about a year ago, she insisted that her mother attend the class while she swam laps.

“After a week, I was hooked,” Mindy said. “It starts my day and gets me up and moving. It’s helped me physically, emotionally and mentally. And it’s fun!”

Mindy surprised herself recently at the grocery store by being able to lift a couple, on-sale, 32-count cases of bottled water into her grocery cart and load and unload them from her car. Mindy said being in the water helps her feel better; she’s getting stronger and standing straighter.

Maple Ridge resident, Betsy Barnes, was one of the first attendees at Kellie’s water aerobics classes and used her background in ballet, Pilates, and jazzercise to lead the class as a sub when Kellie couldn’t teach. Before Kellie moved and left her post at the waterpark early in 2025, Betsy let her know she was interested in taking over the classes. She’s been the full-time instructor since March, with another student, Kevin Schang, filling in as her sub.

“I used Kellie’s classes as the launching point and added exercises using my ballet background. I researched water aerobics programs and how to translate land Pilates to water Pilates. I work on breathing and better posture and try to find ways to help people work through physical ailments by being in the water,” Betsy said.

The Details:

What: Adult-only Water Aerobics classes

Where: Ave Maria Waterpark

When: Monday-Friday at 9 a.m.

Cost: $5 per class or $65 for a 20-class punch card ($3.25 per class)

Classes:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Cardio

Tuesdays: Stretch and Tone

Thursdays: Aqua Pilates

All equipment is provided: pool noodles, resistance gloves, dumb bells, pull buoys, kick boards

The classes focus on cardio, toning and strengthening, or water Pilates, depending on the day.

“We have people of all ages and abilities,” Betsy said. If someone has mobility issues, she offers modifications of the exercises.

Class participants come from all neighborhoods in Ave Maria. While most are women, the classes also attract men. “Everyone seems to enjoy it and there’s good camaraderie within the group,” Betsy said. “Everyone helps one another out. We are very encouraging of each other's accomplishments.”

Maple Ridge resident Sandy Kukalis has been attending classes since the very first one. “I wanted to be outside and get a non-impact workout…I loved it!”

Besides the workout, Sandy said participants get to enjoy the water, the sunshine, and meet friends. “It’s good for the soul,” she said. “We genuinely care about each other’s well-being! If someone misses a class, the rest of us are asking if they’re okay.” Sandy had been having some fluctuating blood pressure issues before attending water aerobics. After starting the class, her doctor said she should keep it up---her blood pressure was perfect!

Avalon Park resident Cindy Schang said water aerobics helped her recover from a serious illness. “I joined the class to exercise, move my body, and to do something in exercising that I never did before,” Cindy said. “It helped me get back to being ‘me’ after cancer and chemo.”

Cindy’s husband, Kevin, said it has been a nice husband/ wife activity. “Something we can do together. It’s a very good workout. You can work at your own pace with different levels of intensity,” Kevin said.

Cindy also bikes and does water walking in the pool before the water aerobics class begins. “All this in the morning helps strengthen my legs. With chemo, my legs got weaker. Now they are feeling stronger.”

Several people reported appreciating the “fun” aspect of participating. Betsy said she likes to brighten the mood during class. “I think humor in the class is very important. You can’t be serious all the time.”

Kevin said it’s a social group. “There’s a lot of laughter and joking around and it’s a great way to pass on ideas for restaurants, food and almost anything else. Time goes by fast.”

The results are serious. Water aerobics offers significant health benefits, according to a June 2024 study by Harvard Medical School. Aqua fitness works the whole body, lessens impact and is an ideal environment for resistance training, according to the study. In addition, it eliminates the risk of a fall, and helps keep bones

strong. Because water is denser than air, it provides 12%-14% more resistance. Due to the resistance factor, water exercise serves as a double-duty workout— combining cardio and strength training, according to the study. The resistance also means you burn more calories than on land, and helps to work more muscles.

The Ave Maria water park classes are offered yearround. “You can do this all seasons,” Betsy said. “We’re fortunate that the water park staff monitors the pool temperature and heats or cools it accordingly. In the cooler months, many of us jump in the hot tub after class.” If the air temperature is 62 degrees or cooler at the normal class start time, there is the option to move it to the afternoon after it warms up, Betsy said.

Mary Weaver was invited to attend the classes by a Silverwood neighbor when she was new to Ave Maria. “Betsy, our instructor is very caring and knowledgeable. It’s a good way to get low-impact exercise, and I have met many friends there.”

Kevin said more men should give it a try. His two brothers were visiting on a day Kevin was subbing, so they went to class with the intent to razz him about leading a “girlie sport.” But they joined in, felt good afterwards, and came back the next day!

“Some of us have been together long enough that we know each other’s lives and see each other outside of the pool,” Betsy said. “There’s always room for more. It’s a good way to fellowship with one another while you work out.”

FAITH WHEN

Matters

Circle when I popped into their office. As an avid reader, I was thrilled when they offered me a copy of George Schwartz’ book, In God We Trust. In his book, George chronicles how Morally Responsible Investing is helping long-term investors put their money to work in accordance with their moral beliefs.

The book is part financial history lesson, part marketing class, part world of high-finance, and part faith. I would never have guessed the amount of work and due diligence that goes into this sort of project,

but George and his team had a higher calling guiding them through the process. As I flipped the pages and read his story, the three transcendentals kept popping into my mind: truth, goodness, and beauty.

If you are looking for a great read about the trials and tribulations of starting a company from scratch, I would highly recommend picking up a copy!

OK, on to the gist of the story. Let’s assume you are like me, and you are diligently planning for your future retirement (or you may already be retired and are exploring new investment vehicles.) It goes without saying that our goal is to maximize equity growth, but too often we don’t consider the ethos of the companies in which we are investing. So, is it possible to balance solid financial growth with moral responsibility? If you ask one local company, the answer is a resounding YES.

Welcome to Ave Maria Mutual Funds.

Based on one core principle: Morally Responsible investing, Ave Maria Mutual Funds places bottom lines, and heavenly aspirations side by side.

According to AMMF President & Chief Executive Officer Tim Schwartz, “Morally Responsible Investing, is investing in a manner that is consistent or aligned with one’s faith and moral beliefs.”

Tim Schwartz, President & CEO

Created in 2001, Tim’s father George Schwartz (Executive Chairman & Founder) launched the Ave Maria Mutual Funds with the inspiration and support of Tom Monaghan and Bowie Kuhn. For those of you who aren’t familiar with them, Tom Monaghan was the founder of Domino’s Pizza (and the visionary behind Ave Maria,) and Bowie Kuhn was the commissioner of Major Leage Baseball from 1969 to 1984. “They wanted to offer investors the opportunity to invest in mutual funds that were managed in a morally responsible manner, with Catholic-oriented principles.’ stated Schwartz. “Tom invested the first $10 million to help get the AMMFs started. They were both part of the original founding Catholic Advisory Board. Tom still serves on the Board, while Bowie passed away many years ago.”

One question I had for Tim was how they balance the oftendichotomous roles of finance and faith? Tim assured me “We offer investors both. Our tagline is ‘Smart Investing and Catholic Values.’”

He continued “all companies owned in the AMMFs have to meet certain criteria. The first step is determining whether or not a company will pass our stringent financial criteria.

Schwartz family

Geroge Schwartz, founder

Q: WHAT IS A MUTUAL FUND?

A: A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to purchase stocks, bonds and other assets. You can think of them as ready-made portfolios. The funds are managed by finance professionals who aim to generate returns for the investors.

In general terms, we invest in high-quality, established companies that have demonstrated track records of producing rising sales, earnings, cash flows, and dividends. If a company passes our financial criteria, it then must pass our moral screening process.

“In order to pass the moral screening process, the company must not have any involvement in the following: 1. abortion 2. Pornography/ embryonic stem-cell research or 3. contribute corporate funds to planned parenthood.”

As the largest Catholic mutual fund family in the U.S., AMMF’s offers 7 different mutual funds, each with a distinct investment approach. “There are 6 equity funds and 1 bond fund. This allows investors the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio across a broad range of different mutual funds” stated Schwartz.

Now that we know their history, ethos and criteria, our next logical question was:

How have the funds performed over the past 5-10 years compared to other mutual fund sectors?

“Each of the 7 different funds has a different track record.” Schwartz stated. “Over the past 5 years, 4 of the 7 funds have outperformed their Morningstar peer group of mutual funds, with the Ave Maria Value Fund, Ave Maria Growth Focused Fund, and Ave Maria Value Focused Fund dramatically showing the strongest outperformance.

“Over the past 10 years, all 7 funds have performance records that are in line with their Morningstar peer group of mutual funds, with the Ave Maria Value Focused Fund showing the strongest outperformance.”

By the end of our conversation, I was sold on Morally Responsible Investing. It seems like a win/win for everyone involved, especially society.

If you are interested in learning more about Ave Maria Mutual Funds, a good starting place is their website: avemariafunds.com. On the site you can find detailed information about their investment philosophy, Catholic Advisory Board, and fund specific data.

Tim ended with “Your readers can also call our tollfree telephone line at 866-AVE-MARIA. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide additional information.”

THRILL LIFETIME THE OF A

STANDING BESIDE CRAZY HORSE!

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED

BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH

I was a young mother herding three active little boys when I first read about Korczak Ziolkowski (Korchock Jewel-kuff-ski), the sculptor who dedicated half his life to carving the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota. Fascinated by the story of the late Polish-American pioneer, humanitarian, and worldrenowned sculptor, I vowed to visit the Black Hills one day and see this amazing site for myself.

In 1939, Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear and a group of Native American elders invited the Connecticut sculptor to carve a mountain memorial honoring their revered leader, Crazy Horse. They couldn’t offer Korczak any monetary compensation or equipment. Legally, they couldn’t even offer him the mountain they’d chosen overlooking the Black Hills, sacred lands of their people. Korczak would need to purchase the mountain and equipment, clear and create nearly six miles of rough road, build himself a home, and fashion 741 wooden steps from the base of the 600-foot mountain to its peak at 6,740 feet above sea level. All this in addition to designing, engineering, and transforming a mountain into a 3D sculpture of Crazy Horse mounted on his steed, pointing to the sacred lands “where (his) people lie buried.”

(top) Korczak labored with minimal equipment and none of today's required safety gear.

(bottom left) Korczak Kiolkowski, visionary sculptor.

(bottom right) Korczak and son, Adam, walk through the tunnel beneath Crazy Horse's outstretched left arm.

Crazy Horse points to the lands where his people lie buried.

Korczak considered the intriguing request for years as he finished commissioned sculptures, enlisted in the Army, and served overseas in World War II. He finally accepted the challenge and moved to South Dakota on May 3, 1947. From the start, Korczak visualized the project as a nonprofit humanitarian undertaking with three distinct goals: the carving of the mountain, the creation of a comprehensive museum honoring the history and traditions of Native Americans, and the creation of a University and Medical Training Center for Native American students. A firm believer in the merits of free enterprise, the sculptor steadfastly refused to accept any State or Federal funding, even years later when millions of dollars were offered.

After two backbreaking years spent taming the land, finally—at age 40, with just $174 to his name—Korczak began work on the peak he’d christened Thunderhead Mountain. Knowing the project would never be completed in his lifetime, he also began penning three thick volumes detailing the sculpture’s long-range execution, a plan his family still follows today with some modifications.

Korczak encountered many obstacles during his 36 years on the mountain, but his commitment never wavered. “I would do it all over again,” he said. “The treatment of the American Indian is the blackest mark on the escutcheon of our nation’s history. By carving Crazy Horse, if I can give back to the Indian some of his pride and create the means to keep alive his culture and heritage, my life will have been worthwhile.” Having always considered himself “a storyteller in stone,” he felt the story of the Native American people was “truly an epic tale that needs telling.”

By the time of his death on October 20, 1982, the 74-year-old sculptor had constructed 61 buildings on the property and chiseled and blasted away 7,200,000 tons of rock. He had also raised a family of 10 children with his wife and steadfast workmate, Ruth, built a dairy, hauled in an old one-room schoolhouse, and hired an onsite teacher for their kids.

The Crazy Horse memorial beckons in the distance.

The panoramic views are stunning!

After first learning about Crazy Horse in the mid-1980s, my desire to visit persisted for 25 years. Finally, in May of 2010, my husband, Chuck, and I spent an extraordinary day with relatives perusing the museums, touring Korczak’s rustic log home and studio, and admiring his many stone and wood carvings. Later that day, I was thrilled to learn that, for an additional charge, we could visit the top of the mountain and see the sculpture up close. Exhausted from an already full day, we vowed to return later in the week. But somehow, with so many other amazing South Dakota sights to see, we never made it back. Dogged by regret, the urge to stand on that mountaintop persisted until May of 2024 when, at the suggestion of our eldest son, Henry, the three of us traveled to South Dakota. I will never forget the glorious evening we spent standing beside Crazy Horse as daylight eased and cool breezes whispered around us. Awed by the majestic sculpture and the sweeping mountaintop vistas, I couldn’t help but think about the extraordinary man who had embraced the bonds of brotherhood and labored faithfully, year after year, to honor a noble people.

Inevitably, visitors ask when Crazy Horse will be completed, often comparing it to nearby Mt. Rushmore which was carved in 14 years. But Korczak’s grandson, Caleb Ziolkowski, who works on the mountain, points out that the scale of the two sculptures differs dramatically. Mt. Rushmore was carved in high-relief, the presidential busts only partially protruding from stone, whereas Crazy Horse will be a massive 3D sculpture depicting a warrior astride his horse. In fact, all four presidential heads could fit inside Crazy Horse’s 90-foot-tall head. Additionally, Mt. Rushmore’s 10,000 square feet of rock were carved at a rate of 714 square feet per year. Yet if Crazy Horse proceeded at that lowly pace, the sculpture would take 404 years to complete!

“We’re moving about seven times as fast as they were moving at Mt. Rushmore,” Caleb explains. “I can’t guarantee when the memorial is going to be done, but I can guarantee that people are not going to be disappointed in the progress they see going forward.”

Opportunities to stand beside Crazy Horse on Thunderhead Mountain are dwindling fast. If predictions hold, within another five to eight years the sculpture will be too far along to allow any more topside visitors. As I stood there last May, savoring the mountain’s mystical aura, I couldn’t help but think . . . maybe, just maybe, we’ll return one more time.

To learn more, visit www.crazyhorsememorial.org.

Korczak carved this marble replica to show visitors what the finished mountain will look like. His lengthy tribute, left, will also be included.

PythonHunters PythonHunters

BY PAUL FORTE

WRITTEN

There are quite a few non-native invasive plants and animals now in the United States.

While they are all a threat to our ecosystem, some are more of a threat than others. Plants include the beloved feature of many western movies, the tumbleweed and Kudzu, also known as the plant that ate the south.

Even species that don’t necessarily appear to be a cause for concern, still compete with species that are indigenous. This can adversely affect our eco system by impacting food sources for our animal life as well as threatening extinction of native life.

Some of these non-indigenous species were introduced on purpose, while some were not. For instance, the dandelion was introduced in the 1600’s as a source of both food and medicine.

Although it has been the cause of ire for many gardeners since that time, it has not had a detrimental impact on our eco system. Unlike Kudzu which grows at an alarming rate, estimated anywhere from 2,500 to 150,000 acres annually.

In the animal kingdom there are also some species that are known to be more invasive than others. Some of these species are prey to our own wildlife, but perhaps the most concerning ones are those that have no predators….They are the Apex predators!

Of those Apex predators one species has captured the attention of Florida residents for some time now and is still an often-featured news headline.

That species is, of course, the Python, of the genus Python Daudin, also known as The Burmese variation.

Since it was first discovered in Florida, experts warned that its reproduction would be swift, given the abundant food supply in the everglades, coupled with the lack of a predator. While the alligator has seen the demise of some Pythons, man remains its only real predator.

While there have been sightings of these snakes dating back to the 1970’s in Florida, they did not appear in the Everglades until the 1990’s. They were recognized as a reproducing species in 2000 and since then sightings reached a record 30,000 between 2008 and 2010 alone. There is no exact count of Burmese Pythons in the Everglades, but estimates range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands, making it a problem that is difficult to ignore.

The threat of an invasive species, that has no predators, makes this more than just a nuisance. Their impact upon native species is already devastating and the effort to try and curtail the damage that they are causing is already underway. Whether or not these efforts can thwart the extinction of our own native species, remains to be seen.

So, just what is being done to combat this threat to our wildlife?

Well, there are two very different approaches. The first, and perhaps the most promoted, is the Florida Python Challenge. Organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) it allows the capture and humane killing of pythons on private lands.

During this challenge entrants can pay a $25 fee, complete required online training, which requires passing a test and, unsurprisingly, sign a waiver of liability.

Then, they can register in one of two categories, either Novice or Professional. Novice is for untrained members of the public that are not already registered as a paid python contractor.

Professionals, on the other hand, are those registered as contractors or sub-contractors who are paid by the F.W.C. or the South Florida Water Management System, for Python removal.

Veterans and active-duty military are also eligible, in a separate category.

Incredulously, children can also enter, if accompanied by an adult.

Perhaps the most surprising rule of this contest though is the one that prohibits the use of firearms.

Other than that, Novices are not allowed to transport live snakes and they must be humanely killed at the capture site. Then they can be chilled or frozen before turning in the carcass. Professionals, though, do not have to adhere to this rule. They can transport their captives live.

Check stations are available to deliver your entries, where they are then later measured and weighed by the University of Florida.

The prizes for the categories in 2025 are:

• The Ultimate Grand Prize is $10,000

• The most Pythons: $2,500

• Runner up gets $1,000

These are across all three categories of Novice, Military and Professional.

The Florida Python challenge ran from July 11th-20th, the ultimate prize winner capturing an incredible 20 Pythons.

While this approach shows some progress in culling the active population, science-based initiatives being utilized are perhaps the more effective.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is at the forefront of research and removal initiatives. Their program has no connection at all to the Python challenge or any other Python hunting programs.

Since its inception in 2013 Wildlife Biologist and project manager Ian Bartoszek and the invasive species team have removed over 42,000 pounds of Python from south west Florida. While concentrating their efforts on removing breeding females they have also removed over 20,000 eggs.

The team also employs radio telemetry, having implanted some 40 Pythons with a radio transmitter. This allows them to effectively track and better understand the Pythons habitat and their behavior. Closely monitoring these ‘scout’ Pythons they can remove previously undetected female snakes, preventing them from laying eggs.

Studying the snakes has also yielded vital research and the team has humanely euthanized captured snakes for this endeavor. Recording related data from the deceased animals has been instrumental to the project.

While the team has achieved so much, there is clearly still work to be done. Two radically different methods of Python removal. Both facing an ever-increasing problem that has decimated the population of small mammals, particularly in the southernmost region where Pythons have been established for longer.

Since the 1990’s studies have documented drastic declines in mammal populations, with some species like raccoons and opossums experiencing declines of over 99%.

So, how can you help?

Both initiatives rely heavily on donations from the general public and a visit to the following websites will offer you the opportunity to donate, as well as learn more about the important work being carried out: conservancy.org and flpythonchallenge.org

Another important resource, particularly because Ave Maria is situated on the western fringe of the Everglades, is the number to call if you see a Python. Which is: 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681)

dr. Mark miravalle...

Mariologist

WRITTEN BY CHAD BEATTY

Q:

Thank you for meeting with me Dr. Miravalle. Let’s start with the basics, what is Mariology?

A:

Mariology is the theological study of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she is revealed in Scripture, Church Tradition, and in the teachings of the Papal Magisterium, that is, the official teachings of the Popes. Our Lady, as the Mother of Jesus Christ, not only brought the world our Divine Redeemer through her perfect, “yes,” at the Annunciation, but she also suffered with him at the foot of the cross as the human “Co-redemptrix” with the Divine Redeemer. Not only is she the most important human person that ever lived (Jesus, of course, being a divine person), but she is also the most celebrated human being throughout history, as seen, for example, through Marian art and architecture, poetry, and literature, and in most every expression of authentic human culture.

It’s a joy and a privilege to be able to teach the wonderful students at Ave Maria University about our Blessed Mother, and hopefully in some small way, to encourage a greater love and appreciation of the world’s greatest woman and the spiritual Mother of all peoples.

Q:A:

How long have you been teaching Mariology and what led you into this field of study?

I am beginning my 40th year of teaching Mariology this year at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and my eighth year of teaching Mariology here at Ave Maria University. It was during my doctoral studies in Rome during the early 1980’s that I began writing Marian articles for various Catholic publications, particularly on Our Lady’s apparitions at Fatima. I then began hearing reports about the Medjugorje apparitions and decided to pilgrimage there from Rome. I felt such profound graces from Our Lady there that I decided to change my doctoral dissertation topic to a theological study of the messages of Medjugorje in light of Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, Vatican II, and other approved apparitions such as Lourdes and Fatima. It became the first doctoral dissertation n the world written on Medjugorje, and subsequently projected me into a Mariological direction from then until the present. Again, it’s an unmerited privilege to be able to teach about the truth, beauty, goodness, and wonders of Immaculate Mother of God and the Mediatrix of all graces as she continues to dynamically “show herself our mother” as the liturgical hymn states, in our own present times.

Pilgrims atop Apparition Hill in Medjugorje.

Page from Ilustração Portuguesa, 29 October 1917; The Miracle of the Sun, during the Fátima apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Dr. Miravalle attends a ceremony at AMU.

Talk to us about Mary’s role in Salvation History.

Great question! Our Lady’s role in human salvation really tells us why every Christian, and ultimately every person, should call her “Mother.”

First, Mary’s fiat brings Jesus into the world to save us. No other creature can claim such a historic achievement. Mother Teresa once said to me during a trip to Calcutta, “Of course, Mary is Co-redemptrix. She gave Jesus his body and the offering of his body is what saved us.” I responded: “Mother, that’s what separates saints from theologians: you just said in one line what it takes us books to write.”

After bringing us our Savior and then suffering with him at Calvary, Jesus declares,“Woman, behold your son” and to John, “behold your mother” (Jn. 19:26-27). As Pope St. John Paul II tells us, Jesus from the cross made a personal gift of his mother to every single human being. As our Spiritual Mother, Mary mediates every redemptive grace of Jesus to our human hearts as the Mediatrix of all graces. As Vatican II rightly states, “she is a mother to us in the order of grace.” How incredible it is to have the Lord’s mother as our own mother— forming us, guiding us, protecting us, loving us.

Good mothers also protect their children. As our Advocate, Mary’s most ancient title from the 2nd century, she spiritually defends and protects her human family, especially at times of dangers and difficulties. This is why she continues to visit us through authentic Marian apparitions: to return us to Jesus and his Gospel when much of contemporary humanity is tragically going in the opposite direction.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.

Q:A:

I have always been fascinated with Marian apparitions. For the readers that may not be familiar with that term, what is an apparition?

An apparition is a supernatural appearance of Mary (or in some cases, Jesus such as in the Divine Mercy apparitions, or even on occasion a saint or angel), whereby Our Lady conveys a message either for the individual, a local region, or the entire world. It is a call to live more fully and generously the message already revealed in the Gospel as taught by the Church. Apparitions are the Mediatrix of all graces and Advocate in action, exercising her motherly roles to return us to her Son and his saving truth.

As we read the daily headlines, it should be obvious to us as to why the Queen of Peace is coming to the world with such a “peaceful urgency.” Her messages at places like Medjugorje and the Church approved apparitions in Kibeho, Rwanda ask us to pray the 15-decade Rosary daily and to fast twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays, so as to avert or mitigate through our prayers and sacrifices some of the significant challenges facing our world and others soon to come. It is the cry of a Mother desperate to protect her children from spiritual and physical dangers present and approaching, but always enveloped with her tender maternal love and peace.

A:Q:Are there any Mariological projects that you are presently working on?

For several years, I have been involved with an international movement to pray and petition for the papal definition of Our Lady’s roles as our Spiritual Mother, inclusive of her motherly roles as Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix of all graces and Advocate. Many international Marian cardinals, bishops, priests and lay leaders believe that only when Our Lady is officially and formally recognized by our Holy Father as the world’s Spiritual Mother can she then fullly activate and exercise her powerful maternal intercession in order to bring true peace to the world. Over 700 cardinals and bishops and over 8 million Catholic faithful from 150 countries have offered prayers and specifically petitioned the Vatican for this fifth Marian dogma, and great saints like St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Teresa of Calcutta and others have also prayed and work for this fifth Marian dogma. The great Marian witness of Pope Leo within the first months of his papacy has encouraged many that he may be the Holy Father to give Our Lady this dogmatic crown, which so many Marian faithful throughout the world believe is the key to the Triumph of her Immaculate Heart and the ultimate victory of world peace.

Q:

If a reader wants to learn more about Marian apparitions, or Mariology, what do you recommend?

We have the website, Mother of All Peoples.com (www.motherofallpeoples. com) which has over 300 articles on Mariology, Marian Apparitions, and great Marian devotions, such as the Rosary, Marian Consecration, the Brown Scapular, and many others.

Q: A: A:

Before we wrap it up, what is your perspective about the city of Ave Maria after having lived here for several years?

I think Ave Maria is an anointed place. I have never lived or visited a place (except for an actual apparition site like Fatima, Lourdes or Medjugorje!) where the presence and spirit of Our Lady is so clearly manifest. From the centrality of the Marian parish church, to the joy and welcoming witness of the people, to the ubiquitous statues of Jesus and Mary, it truly seeks to be Our Lady’s city. Most everyone has a “story” as to what or who brought them to Ave Maria , and more often than not, Our Lady is the main character and catalyst. I am most grateful and feel truly blessed to be living in Ave Maria.

Thank you so much for your time. Are there any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

I believe our present time has rightly been designated as the historical highpoint of the Age of Mary. It is a time of great grace, but also of great responsibility. I would encourage us all to prayerfully and seriously consider incorporating our Lady’s messages for daily Rosary, weekly fasting, daily mass where possible, Marian consecration, and frequent Eucharistic Adoration as the means by which we each, personally, do our own humble part in bringing about the Triumph of Our Mother’s Immaculate Heart and the only true peace for the world—a peace firmly grounded on the spiritual peace of Jesus Christ in the hearts of humanity.

Dr. Mark Miravalle earned his Sacred Theological Doctorate at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He holds the Saint John Paul II Chair of Mariology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has been teaching since 1986.

Dr. Miravalle is the founder and senior editor of Ecce Mater Tua, an international journal of Mariology research. He is also president of the International Marian Association, comprised of more than 130 theologians, bishops, clergy, and laity worldwide who seek to promote Marian devotion and doctrine.

Dr. Miravalle is the author and editor of over 20 books in Mariology and Spiritual Theology

Ave Maria Catholic Church

WRITTEN BY PAUL FORTE | PHOTOS

BY YVETTE FORTE

If you are like me, when driving around Ave Maria you don’t rely on GPS or maps, you simply look up and find the cross sitting atop Ave Maria Church. It is a beacon for travelers, a hotspot for tourists, and a sanctuary for the faithful.

Most of you also know that the church and the surrounding town were founded by a shared vision between Barron Collier and Tom Monaghan, the Domino’s Pizza guy.

But do you know how the church construction was imagined and brought to life?

Here is the story of how an idea became a reality…Though many more pages could be written on the intricacies of its design and construction.

(Stay tuned to future editions!)

Ground was originally broken for the construction of the church in 2007, which was later completed and dedicated as a "quasiparish" by Bishop Frank Dewane in 2008. This meant, that although it was served by a pastor and was attended by a Catholic congregation, it would need to be established as a parish by the diocese.

This was done in 2017, again by Bishop Dewane, when the oratory was purchased by the Diocese of Venice, FL, where he served.

The unique architecture of the church draws from many influences, Roman, Gothic and modernist. The most striking influence though, being that of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose work was much admired by Tom Monaghan. In fact, Tom had been an avid collector and had, reportedly, spent more than $14 million dollars on furniture and objects related to the architect. The massive Domino’s HQ built in 1985 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was even built in the Prairie School Style associated with Wright. No wonder then that the church was also heavily influenced by his work.

The Gothic steel frame that houses the structure bears a striking resemblance to that of Thorncrown Chapel in Arkansas, designed by E. Fay Jones, who was mentored by Wright. Tom’s idea of the structure drew heavily from this and from the similar bowed wooden structure of Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, also designed by Jones and constructed in Arkansas. That idea seems to have been realized in the final structure of the Ave Maria Oratory, designed by architect Harry Lewis Warren.

Above: The Thorncrown Chapel in Arkansas, designed by E. Fay Jones. The steel frame heavily influenced Tom’s vision for Ave Maria Church. Below: The iconic interior of Ave Maria Church.

Travertine blocks and rough, decorative stones combine to form the formidable exterior. Evoking a somewhat imposing feeling of strength and beauty. Viewed off to the sides, the metal frame seems to give a waterfall impression, with its drop curved appearance. While from the front the Gothic peak of the building, mimicking hands clasped in prayer provide a symbolic, reverent tone.

At the front, above the heavy, wooden doors, sits a twenty-five foot, white basrelief carving of the Archangel Gabriel kneeling before the Virgin Mary. This, the Annunciation, was hand carved on site, by the renowned contemporary artist Márton Váró and lends a more modernist impression to the structure.

In contrast, directly below, rest the twelve apostles, each nestled in their own niche. These were bronze cast and coated in 24 karat gold leaf and imported from Italy.

This rich blend of art and the clash of the myriads of media crashes upon your vision, while, somehow, still commanding all your attention. Surely a testament to both Warren, Monaghan and their combined imagination.

The inside of this magnificent building is no different. Medieval eloquence mixes with modern and Romanesque design.

The ornate tranquil alcove at the rear of the church, houses the apse that can be seen clearly on the exterior. It, along with the interior walls, are made up of 50,000 sq ft. of custom acoustical stone textured Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum panels. A product of Stromberg Architectural Products, selected because of its combination of appearance and acoustic values.

The skylights above bring a surprising amount of light filtering down through the ribbed ceiling, where it blends into the lower church to be replaced by modern artificial lighting. This is done with a combination of LED lit, modern sconces, recessed lighting and floodlights partially concealed within the steel frame.

The ceiling of the apse is sparsely adorned, leaving its alabaster color to be pierced only by the light bathed crucifix below. The crucifix, made of bronze, was sculpted by Catholic artist Timothy Schmalz and weighs over two tons, standing almost twenty-four feet tall. A hidden skylight, above, creates an effect which produces twin shadows on each side, creating a Trinity effect, clearly intended. There is also such a careful consideration given to ensuring that modern technological advances are utilized without being obtrusive. From the forementioned floodlights, tucked away into the steel frame to the long, thin speakers housed inside beams at the front of the altar. Alongside the recessed lighting that illuminates the stations of the cross, housed on either side of the pews. The LED bulbs of the ornate sconces are completely shrouded by panes of red and white glass.

At night the lighting also comes to life, particularly on the exterior of the church. Again, a combination of floodlights, recessed and not, draw attention to both the building itself and its manicured surroundings. The building itself, the many red and charcoal colors brick pavers that make up the plaza in front, the white apse at the rear and even the lush, green landscaping are completely bathed in artificial light, providing the town with a beacon, both literally and spiritually, with its light piercing the darkness. But, while all these clever aesthetics and technology do add to the symbolism of the physical church, the soothing appearance that it provides pales in comparison to the solace that it brings to its congregation. This house of God, while opulent, fulfills the purpose for which it was intended. Services are held, confession taken and comfort given. Its true worth, that has no price tag.

& Sailing Sightseeing

There’s a point on the water when the Captain of the Sweet Liberty catamaran, Shane Chaplin, turns off the boat’s engine and relies on the sails. Passengers hear only the lap of the water, the wind on the sails and maybe the sounds of sea birds.

“It’s really relaxing,” said Chaplin, who is also a co-owner of the catamaran that carries guests on sightseeing and sunset cruises, shelling excursions and private charters from the Naples City Dock.

Chaplin grew up sailing in the Florida Keys and had many sailboats over the years. He was a deckhand on the Sweet Liberty when he and his then-wife Susan Powell bought it from the previous owners Lenny and Anita Wassmer in 2015. Chaplin and Powell still operate the business together and if you call for reservations you’ll get Susan on the phone.

“I still answer the phone seven days a week,” Susan said. “We are a small business. This is a family livelihood and our life.”

The couple’s two daughters, Grace, 18, and Chloe, 14, grew up on the boat, Powell said. Grace sometimes works as a deckhand for her father.

The 53-foot catamaran was built by Gold Coast Yachts in Saint Croix, Virgin Islands, and sailed over to Naples. The website bills the Sweet Liberty as Naples’ largest and longest-running sailing catamaran, established in 1991. It can hold 44 passengers.

On a recent morning cruise to Keewaydin Island, Marcy and Tony Hill, visiting from near Daytona, Florida, were looking forward to shelling on the island. They had never been on a catamaran before and were enjoying the ride.

Ann Preston and Alan Bratt, originally from the UK, had been on the Sweet Liberty previously and brought some visiting friends along this time. “We like to shell, we always learn something new,” Preston said. “I like that you can bring your own drinks and food.”

The captain on this outing was Fran Macaulay a semi-retired marine biologist who moved to Florida from California several years ago. “This is a perfect gig,” he said. “It’s a unique way to travel, it’s beautiful and it’s unique to have a boat of this size pull up on the beach and let passengers off.”

Macaulay, who started the cruise by blowing a conch shell, has been a captain for 32 years. We weren’t underway long when a large bat ray jumped out of the water near the boat. Macaulay was able to educate the passengers on the breeding and migratory habits of the rays. “This area is teeming with life,” he said. As the boat made its way down the Gordon River he also provided information on the neighborhoods we passed, some of the history of the area and its wildlife. Passengers were also treated to dolphin sightings.

Graham Montgomery was serving as the captain’s first mate on this trip. He provided safety information for the passengers. Some sat outside on the top of the boat, others chose inside seats. Montgomery said people really enjoy taking the boat to the beach. “It’s a laid back, take it easy and enjoy life for a few hours kind of experience,” he said. Because of the direction of the wind on this particular morning, Captain Macaulay took the boat down the intercoastal to pull up on the back side of Keewaydin Island instead of the Gulf side. Montgomery said it would have been a bit rocky for people to safely walk down the boat’s steps to the beach on the Gulf side. So after disembarking, passengers walked a short path through the mangrove trees to reach the beach on the Gulf side of the island.

Liz Stupka and her two young children came from San Francisco to visit her parents in Naples. She found the Sweet Liberty on Google and thought the shelling trip sounded kid-friendly. “It’s a lot of fun in the sun. They liked the boat ride, it was the perfect amount of time for the kids,” she said as Lucy, 4, and JJ, 2, searched the beach for shells. Not far from where passengers were shelling, swimming and sunbathing (as the only people on the beach), there was a newly marked and protected sea turtle nest. The sea turtle tracks were still clearly visible in the sand, from where she came up the beach to lay her eggs and then returned to the water.

After about an hour on the island, passengers returned to the catamaran. Macaulay blew the conch shell again and the catamaran took off back to the dock.

Powell said she’s helped guests facilitate many special occasions on the catamaran, from weddings to spreading ashes in the sea. Chaplin said he’s witnessed a lot of marriage proposals on the Sweet Liberty, too. “I enjoy the people and the sailing,” Chaplin said. Many of their guests are repeat passengers and some who board as strangers become good friends and return together.

“It’s a great place to meet people,” Chaplin said. “The beauty, the sunsets, it’s Southwest Florida. You can’t beat it--I love my job!”

Sweet Liberty at a glance

Website: sweetliberty.com

Location: Naples City Dock, 880 12th Avenue S., Naples (Just over an hour drive from Ave Maria.)

Phone: 239-793-3525

Email: sailing@sweetliberty.com

Offerings include: Sunset cruises, Beach Island Shelling Cruises, Sightseeing cruises, Private Charters

You can bring your own beverages and snacks on board the Sweet Liberty.

A small six-person floating tiki bar boat is also now available for excursions, docked next to the Sweet Liberty catamaran. Booking for both boats is available on their website.

Know Your Knots

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Area rugs…we all use them, in every home and style.

Signature of Weaver

We see countless options online and in stores and wonder “What’s the difference? Why are some so inexpensive and others thousands of dollars? What am I paying for?” Glad you asked…you’re not the first! Many rugs are machine woven, perfect in design from one rug to the next. Some are printed on the very end of the fiber keeping costs low and affordable. And then there’s the hand-knotted market. A totally different construction all together. There’s still different grades of construction and costs…and THIS is where we will take a little expedition and explore the knots of the Oriental Rug world. One small disclaimer…I could write a book on this subject so please understand that this is just a glimpse of the information available concerning the rug market. With that said, let’s discover the world of rugs!

Let’s take some time to chat about the history of rugs and weaving; one of the most ancient crafts in the world, passed on from generation to generation and was considered the most valued heirloom. The oldest rug, found in the mountains of Siberia, was crafted about 2500 BC. The advanced techniques, however, suggest that the art of carpet weaving dates back to over 4,000 years! Google Altai Rug, also known as the Pazyryk Rug, which hangs on display in the Hermitage Museum in Leningrad, Russia…bordering where? China & Kazakhstan! You see, hand woven rugs were most often named after the town, village or tribe they were crafted in. Each region had its own distinguishable designs and use of color depending on the vegetation and natural dyes available in that region.

The term “Hand Woven” in today’s market can be used like Kleenex for facial tissue. When deciding to invest (yes, a genuine oriental will appreciate in value) in a truly hand knotted piece, insist every piece be entirely handmade! It’s ONLY the handmade Orientals that appreciate in value and outlast their machine made counterparts by 50 years or more! Talk about an investment! An accurate test of hand knotted is to turn your carpet upside down and look at the back. The knots will be tied around the warp threads (those running top to bottom of the rug) and these threads should NOT be seen. You should see the same pattern on the back as you do on the front. Another test is to bend the front side of the carpet back on itself and expose the roots of the pile. Can you see rows of knots at the base of the tufts? A true indication of hand knotted. Or do you see a loop which may be easily pulled out with tweezers? Yup, that’s a machine made rug!.. BIG difference in quality, value, longevity and price!

While I’m on the subject of hand knotted, let's discover the difference between a Persian Knot (Senneh knot) and Turkish Knot (Ghiordes knot). Turkish knots are used in rugs made in northwestern Iran, Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The knot is strong due to its double loop and results in a very consistent pile, therefore used in rugs with a thicker pile. Persian knots are used mostly in rugs from eastern Iran, Pakistan, and India. This knot is asymmetrical with one half tied tightly around a warp with the other half left loose, allowing the knots to be packed tighter than the Turkish variety. These knots produce a dense rug with extremely detailed patterns.

This is a pic of the OLDEST RUG ever found... so amazing... over 2,500 years old!

Map

PERSIAN KNOT

TURKISH KNOT

Traditional Loom

Still, yet another quality is the dye. Hand woven rugs are also hand dyed. Originally, all dyes were fashioned exclusively from animal or vegetable elements such as blues from the indigo plant or yellows from the saffron corocus. By the 1860s, aniline dye was developed and used readily in Turkey and Persia. However, the color faded soon after the rug was taken off the loom. By 1903, aniline was outlawed by Persia with stiff penalties but its use was continued in surrounding countries. Then by 1930, synthetic dyes (chromatic dyes) were developed proving to be more permanent than vegetable dyes and equally as beautiful with an expanded range of colors. Most Orientals are now made with a combination of both. A hand dye is recognized by the irregular color in the weave, making each rug unique. Lastly, the knot count has a direct proportion to the quality and value of the carpet. If you turn a carpet over, you’ll see the difference between 100 knots per square inch up to 1,200. A higher knot count obviously takes longer to make and produces a more defined pattern.

Just as a reference, a single 8x10 Kazak rug requires 9,216,000 knots or 12,288 hours of labor (4.2 years) for one weaver to complete…now you understand why these beautiful rugs are more expensive than a machine look-alike!

To have a better understanding of different rug designs, let’s explore four of the more common types you’ll see in American shops. Starting with the Kazak, these rugs were originally made in the Caucus during the 1800s. These rugs are now hand crafted by the weavers in Pakistan. The most recognizable motif is the medallion with other geometric elements. Also found are depictions of animals, birds, trees and humans. The boarders may include a pattern called the “running dog” (similar to the Greek key). Looking more closely, you’ll note the use of only straight lines to produce these motifs. These rugs use a Turkish knot on wool warps with the pile cut short after being removed from the loom. The color palette of reds, indigo and ivories are staples with an accent of teal creating a casual warm appearance. This particular rug is quite easily incorporated into most homes, adding sophistication, color, pattern and a lifetime of wearability.

Serapi, which originated in the village of Serab (southeast of Turkey), are now crafted in Northwest Iran. The main characteristic is a central medallion in blue or blue and ivory on a field of deep red or terracotta. The medallion typically emits a jutting branch finishing in large palmettes or leaves. The boarder is noted as featuring the “turtle” vinescroll pattern. Serapi rugs are always constructed on a cotton warp and cotton weft, which is sometime dyed. Typically, a Turkish knot is used. The Serapi rug is noted as being crafted by wives and daughters of shepherds with the designs being woven by eye alone rather than the exactness of more urban weavers. This natural construction is noted as being more sought after in the American market, increasing the value of the Serapi rug.

KAZAK RUG

SERAPI RUG

A third category of rug is the Tabriz, from the city of Tabriz, the capital of East Azarbaijan Province in north west of Iran. It is one of the oldest rug weaving centers and produces a wide array of carpets. The Tabriz is the most diverse of designs with medallions, Herati (“fish”), to figural, pictorial, and even 3-d shaped rugs. The pile is trimmed short with a high precision of the Turkish knots on wool or cotton warp and weft. Silk is used in higher end rugs. It’s known for its wide variety of refined colors such as ivory, copper tones, terracotta, burgundy, Navy and baby blue, salmon, gold, tan and green may be used to accent the main colors with an eye-catching effect.

Lastly, the Oushak rug is a Turkish design after the city of Usak, just south of Istanbul, Turkey which was a major center of rug production from the early days of the Ottoman Empire into the early 20th century. The highly recognizable star and medallion motifs originated from the Oushak rugs during the 15th and 16th centuries and considered to be masterpieces of the highest quality of Turkish rugs. In Europe, Oushak rugs were dubbed “Lotto” or Holbein” carpets as they were depicted in Renaissance paintings by these artists suggesting wealth, largely adorning cathedrals and the homes of the rich and powerful. Less complicated in construction, these rugs use a singular Turkish knot but are highly decorative and made from wool on a cotton foundation. The dyes used to craft these very luminous wool rugs feature cinnamons, terracotta tints, gold, blues, greens, ivory, saffron and grays. The motifs most often noted are geometric of a prayer niche design with scattered sprays of vine scroll and palmettes or leaves. Most Turks are Muslim thus observing the exclusion to include images of people or animals in their craft. Oushak rugs are still today considered nothing less than sophisticated.

Oh, how I could go on...oriental rugs are a magnificent investment and not to be taken lightly when purchasing. For more expert advise and best quality, I recommend you stop at Alis Oriental Rugs in Naples, and ask for Carlos or Ali, or visit online at alisorientalrugs. com. Their knowledge of the oriental rug market far surpasses any article I could ever write and their inventory is endless. You’ll fall in love with hand knotted carpets once you take the time to truly see their beauty, durability and quality…it’s KNOT a hard choice!!

Until next time my friends,

Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC National Award Winner AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net #cmcdesignstudiollc “Creating Environments for Life” TM

SILK TABRIZ RUG

OUSHAK RUG

THEY’VE GOT YOUR BACK

WRITTEN BY SHARON LEVESQUE, REALTOR

As most of you know, Florida is home to many temporary residents we affectionately refer to as “snowbirds.” With the Fall months upon us in Southwest Florida, our Northern friends will be returning soon for what is known as “peak season,” which runs roughly from November to April. With the comings and goings of these temporary residents, houses can sit empty for up to six months annually. In their absence, many of these homeowners hire home watch professionals to ensure they return to a home that is safe and secure. Home watch professionals are not just for snowbirds, any homeowner, for whatever reasons, may be travel for extended periods of time, and can benefit from home watch services. Home watch professionals offer a sense of security and peace of mind.

If you’re wondering what a typical home watch service includes, our local professionals at Patron Property Services and Faithful Home Watch, do a check of all interior systems ensuring everything is working properly. Outside the home they look for things like weather and pest related damage as well as making sure the home is secure. When visits are completed, photos are sent directly to the homeowner to verify all is well.

According to Patron Property Services, inspections should be completed “...weekly, bi-weekly and monthly." Faithful Home Watch warns, “Florida’s climate (heat, humidity, and storms) makes regular checks critical to prevent small issues from becoming major problems.” It’s true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

When it comes to insurance and liability, both Patron Property Services and Faithful Home Watch indicate that the proper insurance is a must. Owners of Patron Property Services said, "A professional home watch company should carry both general liability insurance and bonding, which protects homeowners if something goes wrong during a visit. Many also carry errors and omissions (E&O) coverage, which adds protection in case of oversight or missed issues." Faithful Home Watch added that carrying the proper insurance gives "you peace of mind that your property is protected, and you’re working with a fully professional and accountable home watch service.” Both companies indicated that home watch professionals should be Certified Home Watch Professionals, trained to identify problems early and should participate in ongoing professional training and industry best practices.

In instances where something unforeseen happens Patron Property Services stated, “...we respond just as a homeowner would – by taking immediate action to address the issue and prevent further damage. Once the situation is under control, we promptly contact the homeowner with a detailed update and consult on the best course of action.”

As hurricane season approaches both Patron Property Services and Faithful Home Watch state that they secure the property and bring in any outdoor items. After a hurricane they inspect the property for damage and report to home owners with photos of any damage that might have resulted from the storm.

So if you are a snowbird or will just be away from your home for an extended period of time, consider enlisting the help of a home watch professional. A home is a major investment and the peace of mind that comes from having someone look after it in the homeowners absence is valuable.

If you have any questions or for more detailed information about how a home watch professional can help you, don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with professionals like Patron Property Services and Faithful Home Watch. They are eager to assist you in keeping your home safe and secure.

WRITTEN BY LAUREN MAXWELL

Mortgages 101

You’ve Worked Hard to Build Home Equity — Now Make It Work for You

I'M LAUREN MAXWELL with the Maxwell Mortgage Team of CrossCountry Mortgage. Over my 37 years of lending, I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of homeowners leverage their home equity to achieve major goals—from funding renovations to building wealth through real estate. If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built equity too—and now may be the perfect time to put it to work.

Home equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. As you pay down your loan and your property value increases, your equity grows. This equity can become a powerful financial tool when used wisely.

HERE

ARE SOME OF THE TOP WAYS TO TAP INTO YOUR HOME EQUITY:

1. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC gives you access to a revolving line of credit based on your equity. You can draw funds as needed, similar to a credit card, and only pay interest on what you use. This is great for ongoing expenses like home improvements, education costs, or emergency needs.

2. Home Equity Loan

This is a lump-sum loan with a fixed interest rate and consistent monthly payments. It’s ideal for one-time, larger expenses—think debt consolidation, medical bills, or a big remodeling project.

3. Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, larger one. You take the difference in cash to use however you wish. If today's interest rates are lower than your existing mortgage, this option could help you save on interest while accessing extra funds.

4. Invest Back Into Your Home

One of the smartest uses of equity is to reinvest in your property. Kitchen upgrades, bathroom remodels, or energy-efficient improvements can increase your home’s value, which in turn grows your future equity.

5. Fund Major Life Goals

Your home equity can help pay for a child’s college tuition, cover startup costs for a business, or support retirement planning. Just be sure to evaluate the risks and rewards carefully, as your home serves as collateral for any funds borrowed.

6. Buy an Investment Property

Some homeowners use their equity as a down payment on a second home or rental property. Real estate can be a powerful wealth-building tool, providing both appreciation and potential rental income.

APop of Color

Turns a House into a Home

WRITTEN BY CHARLES AND LAURA GINGERELLI | PHOTOS BY YVETTE FORTE

From the beginning I had a vision in my mind: I wanted a Coastal Decor but relaxing and not too busy.

Light Blue was my start. I love various blues with whites, accented with greenery; it just naturally brings in a coastal vibe!

I chose white for the walls because it gives a bright background for any color combo you choose. And it makes it easy to change your decor colors at any time.

The baby blue sofas (I second guessed myself on the color for months until they were delivered!) were my first purchase and then I decorated around them.

But even the best plans may change once I get in the store. An example would be the cabana bathroom. A trip to Home Goods led to the purchase of fuchsia towels, and before I knew it, I had a color scheme of fuchsia and green. Everything fell into place from there.

Moving forward will be the finishing touches: drapes, wallpaper, and some odds n' ends to make it cozier!

- Laura

Cooking

CHEF TREVOR WITH

TREVOR J. GANZI

Private Chef

"In The Comfort Of Your Home"

Capeesh Italian Street Food (Food Truck)

Something that I can eat for lunch on a weekly basis is tuna. Sushi grade tuna is accessible to all of us, not just the high-end Japanese restaurants. It is a great appetizer to show off to your friends, and a great addition to an outdoor party here in Southwest Florida.

This is a great recipe I like because of its versatility, it can be plated in so many different ways. My favorite way is by using crown molding and stacking the avocado mousse high with the tuna on top. You can also serve mini portions by putting it on top of your favorite chip like a wonton or a simple fried corn/flour tortilla chip. If you want it as more of an entree, cook some sticky rice, let it cool and make it into a tuna poke bowl!

Cheers!

tuna tartar

ingredients

8 oz sushi grade tuna

1/2 of a shallot

3 tablespoons fresh ginger

5-8 sprigs of fresh cilantro (I like alot)

9 macadamia nuts

1 de-seeded serrano pepper

4 oz. soy sauce

2 oz yuzu lime (regular lime if you cannot find)

2 oz. black sesame seed

directions

Dice and cube the tuna into small pieces. Size should resemble smaller than a dime.

Dice all other ingredients, as fine as your knife skills let you.

Once all is chopped, mix well and add your lime juice and soy sauce. TASTE TASTE TASTE! If you think it needs more soy sauce, please add. Same with any other ingredient. The best part of this dish is the crunch of the macadamia nut. It gives it a Hawaiian poke bowl feel, and the nuttines enhances the dish to the next level and will not be your typical tuna tartar.

To finish the dish you can make a traditional guacamole or I like using an immersion blender with avocado, lime juice, salt, pepper to make an avocado mousse.

Enjoy this simple dish... It is a great one to prepare the night before as well.

Entertaining

RALPH VINCENT

Ideas for relaxed entertaining your guests will love… and you will too!

Celebrate the Summer's Bounty with a Healthy and Delish Veggie Filled Taco Bar!

One of the things I love best about Fall is the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables available in and around Collier County. I am always looking for ways to feature the season's bounty in delicious and healthy party ideas and recipes, especially at this time of year. So, with that in mind, I have an easy and fun way to wow your guests at your next get together, my fit and fabulous Veggie Filled Taco Bar!

Like I said, my Veggie Filled Taco Bar is easy and fun. It’s easy because all of the ingredients are prepared in advance. At party time you just lay everything out buffet style. And it’s fun because everyone gets to build their own tacos with their choice of healthy toppings.

But before I go any further it’s time for a drink and my latest libation creation is easy and fun as well! I call it the Pink Flamingo Paloma, a refreshing blend of tequila Blanco, pink grapefruit and lime juices sweetened with agave nectar.

For the tacos, let’s start at the bottom and build our way up. You can use regular taco shells, but I prefer soft flour or corn tortillas. Count on one to two per guest. Next my PlantCentric Taco Filling is a great alternative to the usual ground beef. It has a meat-like texture and just enough spice. Now let’s pile on the veggies! There are so many to choose from besides the usual chopped lettuce and tomatoes. How about sliced radishes, chopped zucchini, or grilled fresh corn to name a few. There are no set amounts, just estimate how much of each you will need based on the number of guests. There are more suggestions listed in the recipe section of this article. All that’s left is to add a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of Cilantro Lime Taco Sauce. This creamy sauce adds flavor and richness without going overboard with fat and calories.

I hope you enjoy these recipes. As always have fun in your kitchen cooking (and making drinks!) for the people you love, and remember...

it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good!

The Pink Flamingo Paloma

• 2 ounces of tequila Blanco, I like to use 100% agave tequila such as Mi Campo or Lalo brands.

• 2 and 1/2 ounces of pink grapefruit juice

• 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice

• 1 teaspoon of agave nectar

• Chilled seltzer

• Pink Grapefruit slice to garnish

DIRECTIONS: Measure the first four ingredients into an ice filled shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass or cocktail tumbler, and top with a splash of seltzer. Cut a notch into the pink grapefruit slice and secure on the rim of the glass...Salud!

Cilantro Lime Taco Sauce

• 1 cup of low-fat sour cream

• 1/3 cup of light mayonnaise

• 2 teaspoons of chili powder

• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

• 2 tablespoons of minced fresh cilantro

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt and more to taste if needed.

DIRECTIONS: Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Plant-Centric

Meat Free Taco Filling

Veggie Filled Tacos

VEGGIE TOPPING IDEAS:

• Thinly sliced radishes

• Diced sweet bell peppers

• Grilled fresh corn cut from the cob

• Shredded fresh carrots

• Shredded red or green cabbage

• Chopped leaf lettuce

• Chopped and drained fresh tomatoes

• Sliced fresh jalapeno peppers

• Sliced scallions

• Thinly sliced onion or my Quick Pickled Purple Onions recipe available on simplysaratoga.com

OTHER TOPPINGS:

• Pico de Gallo or salsa; store bought or homemade

• Sliced ripe olives

• Shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

• Crumbled cotija cheese

• Guacamole; store bought or homemade. Or try my recipe available on simplysaratoga.com

This recipe makes enough for about 6 tacos so increase the ingredient amounts to what you will need. Count on 1 to 2 tacos per guest.

• 1 pound of ground meat substitute. I like Beyond Beef Plant-Based Ground with avocado oil.

• 1/2 cup of water or vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons of chili powder

• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon of dries oregano

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.

DIRECTIONS: Mix the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Cook the meat substitute crumbles according to package directions. Add the water or broth and seasoning mixture and cook for a few more minutes to warm through and combine flavors. Cool and refrigerate if not using right away, gently reheat before serving.

Rolling in Style

The Art of Golf Cart Customization and Fabrication

WRITTEN BY CALEB POLHILL, OWNER OF AACTION POWER EQUIPMENT | PHOTOS PROVIDED

In recent years, golf carts have rolled well beyond the greens. Once confined to country clubs and retirement communities, these compact vehicles are now turning heads on neighborhood streets, at music festivals, beach towns, and even in commercial and industrial spaces.

What’s fueling the craze? A booming interest in golf cart customization and fabrication. From Stock to Spectacular Golf cart customization starts with a vision-whether it’s turning a standard four-seater into a rugged off-road explorer, a luxury street cruiser, or a sleek utility vehicle tailored for a specific job site. At the heart of this transformation is fabrication-the custom-built upgrades and parts that bring function and flair together.

“People don’t just want a golf cart anymore-they want their golf cart,” says Scott Wagner, owner of Olde Florida Motor Coach in Hendry County. “They want it to reflect their personality, needs, and lifestyle.”

A World of Custom Possibilities

The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing a cart. Some of the most popular upgrades include:

• Lift Kits & Suspension Mods: For tackling rough terrain or simply achieving a more commanding street presence.

• Custom Paint & Wraps: From matte black to metallic flake, custom finishes turn heads and set carts apart.

• Wheels & Tires: All-terrain or low-profile, custom rims are one of the fastest ways to give a cart a signature look.

• LED Lighting Systems: Underglow kits, halo headlights, and interior lighting add both safety and swagger.

• Audio & Tech Upgrades: Bluetooth sound systems, digital dashboards, GPS, and even backup cameras.

• Luxury Interiors: Plush seating, stitched upholstery, custom steering wheels, and floor mats for that high-end feel.

• Utility Add-ons: Cargo beds, tool racks, towing hitches, and enclosures tailored for commercial use.

Built, Not Bought

Fabrication goes beyond bolt-on accessories. It includes welding custom frames, building extended bodies, adapting new powertrains, and creating carts from the ground up. Electric or gas-powered, street-legal or off-road capable, today’s custom carts are built to perform as well as they look. Shops specializing in fabrication often work closely with customers to design solutions for specific environments-resorts, campuses, farms, or fire departments. The result? A tool that’s as functional as it is cool.

Eco-Friendly and economical with growing attention on sustainability, electric golf carts are an eco-friendly option that’s both quiet and costeffective. Many customization shops now specialize in performance battery upgrades, solar charging options, and regenerative braking systems that maximize range and efficiency.

A Lifestyle on Wheels The custom golf cart trend is more than just a hobbyit’s a lifestyle movement. Communities across the country host golf cart parades, shows, and meetups. Whether you’re a DIYer looking to wrench in your garage or someone searching for a turn-key masterpiece, there’s a place for everyone in the custom cart culture.

Where to Begin

For anyone considering entering the world of golf cart customization, start by partnering with a trusted shop that understands both the mechanical and creative sides of the process. Customization isn’t just about aesthetics-it’s about performance, safety, and longevity.

Final Thoughts

Golf cart customization is proof that small vehicles can make a big impression. Whether you’re cruising the beach, commuting around a gated community, or just turning heads at a tailgate, your golf cart can be as unique as you are. So go and ahead-dream big, because in the world of golf cart fabrication, the only limit is your imagination. And when you’re ready to turn that dream into reality, visit AACTION Power Equipment in LaBelle. With expert craftsmanship, personalized service, and a passion for performance, they’ll help you design and build the custom cart that fits your lifestyle. Whether you want bold, practical, or completely one-of-a-kind-you’ll find it at AACTION.

The Art of the Putt

WRITTEN BY JIM FEIPEL, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF PHOTOS PROVIDED

TIPS from the Golf PRO

Welcome back golfers. In this next installment of golf instruction with PGA Director of Golf Jim Feipel, we will cover all you need to know about becoming a better putter.

Putting is arguably the most critical aspect of golf, as it accounts for a large portion of a golfer’s total strokes in a round. Although you may be a long and accurate driver of the golf ball, as well as show precision with your irons shots, having a consistent putting stroke is what truly can separate you from an average golfer to a more advanced player. Take into consideration that a professional golfer will spend approximately 40% of their practice time perfecting their putting stroke. Developing a reliable putting stroke, a consistent pre-putt routine, and an accurate green reading ability are all vital for improving your performance on the greens.

UNDERSTANDING THE PUTTING FUNDAMENTALS:

• SET UP & ALIGNMENT: A strong foundation begins with proper setup and alignment. This involves aligning your feet, hips, shoulders and putter face parallel to your target line. Golfers also have found it useful to use the alignment aid on the golf ball that you play in an effort to be parallel to the intended target.

• GRIP: Choosing a grip can be subjective. There are several different ways to assemble the hands on the putter grip. Whether you use a traditional grip, cross handed grip, or another variation, I would recommend using a grip where both palms tend to face each other. This will help establish a more repeatable pendulum stroke. Also remember light consistent grip pressure will help develop better feel and control when making a stroke and will help to reduce mishits on the putter.

• MAKING A STROKE: There are three primary forms of making a putting stroke. 1. Straight back and straight through. 2. The arc. 3. Inside and down the line. I have found that novice golfers find the most success in the straight back and straight through method. The ability to have the arms and shoulders rock back and through in a pendulum motion, on the intended target line, keeping the putter face square, while the lower body remains still and stable, seems to yield most consistent results. This stroke is often paired with a face balanced putter. The arc stroke, often favored by those with a conventional grip, involves the putter head following a natural inside – to – inside path mirroring the body’s rotation. The inside – down – the – line stroke blends elements of both, with a slight arc on the back swing and a movement down the target line on the follow through.

• PACE & MOTION: Developing a smooth and consistent tempo is vital for distance control and striking the ball cleanly at impact.

• DISTANCE CONTROL: To break this topic down into its simplest form, I believe that when arriving to the green there are three different lengths of putts. Short putt = 1-9 ft. long, Medium putt = 10 – 21 ft. long, and a Long putt = 22 ft. and longer. Each of these putts require a length of back stroke that matches each length of putt. You see the most common mistake that any player makes when putting is taking too long a backstroke and then subconsciously realizing the backstroke is too long or too much, we commit the biggest error, which is to decelerate the stroke as we approach impact and therefore leaving the putt well short of the hole. Then as we approach the next putt we commit the second biggest mistake which is to make the same overly long backstroke again and then apply more velocity in an effort to not be short of the hole, we hit the putt so hard it goes by to a considerable distance that makes the next putt even more challenging. We then miss again and walk away dejected because we just achieved the infamous 3 putt and sometimes even 4 putt.

• SPEED & AIM: Two most important factors in putting are speed and aim. Speed is more important than aim, as speed directly affects aim. A putt that is struck with speed generally rolls through the break. A putt that is struck with less speed will adapt more to the curvature of the surface and break more, hence where aim can become more relevant. I have found that novice players tend to always take the same backstroke (which is always longer not shorter) no matter what the length of the putt is. So when you were reading about distance control above you can understand that a short stoke matches a short putt. A medium stroke matches a medium length putt and so on. Ask yourself this: Is a putt that ends up short a good putt or not? The answer is NO. It is not a good putt. Putts that end up short never have a chance to go in and it's almost as if you're training yourself that it's ok to never make a putt. If your putt is 30 feet or more away, then it's ok to end up short because the probability of making a 30 feet plus putt is not of a high percentage

• YOUR PUTTER IS YOUR GUIDE: To figure out how much backswing you need to match the length of your putt we start by understanding that your putter is roughly 3 feet in length. In your practice putting, you will use 1 inch of back swing for every 3 feet away from the pin you are. The first thought that comes to mind is that that is not enough back swing. Well it actually in fact is and the reason we start so small is for the player to concentrate more on the follow through with speed rather than make a longer backstroke. Also as we focus more on the follow even if we make good contact, because the backstroke is so short, and if you miss the hole, the missed putt only goes by 6 to 8 inches which leaves a makeable putt coming back. That is how you control distance. One more example: If your putt is 18 feet away then you are going to have 6 inches of backstroke and always follow through until the ball has left the putter face. If you use a mid-length putter stick to the 1 inch for every three feet rule.

• LAWS VS PRINCIPLES: The laws in your putting set up are the following…feet shoulder width apart for stability and keeping the body still from the waist down during the stroke. Grip pressure constant with palms facing one another as to not twist the face during the stroke. Feet pointing straight forward to keep shoulders, hips, and feet square to the target as the arm will rock along the path that the feet create. Last, we make sure that the golf ball is slightly forward of middle in the stance. This is to ensure that the ball is being struck on the upstroke and therefore having a truer roll to the target because topspin has been established. The principles refer to whether or not green speeds are slow or fast, your putt is going uphill or down-hill, and whether your putt is above the hole or below the hole. All three of those principles can effect the aim and pace of a intended putt. Here is where your 1 inch of backstroke will need to be recalculated. If I have a 6 foot putt and I’m getting 3 inches of backstroke (1 inch for every 3 ft.) but my putt is going downhill, then I will need only 2 inches of backstroke because I’m counting on the downhill slope to make up speed for the 1 inch of backstroke that I was going to use.

• GREEN READING: Understanding slope, grain, and speed of greens is important as you determine the correct line and pace for your intended putt. Factors like the direction of the grain, surrounding water obstacles, and general green architecture can all offer clues about how a putt will break. Also determining where high ground and the low point of a green can offer great insight to the success of making a putt or getting very close.

• DRILLS: Here are a couple of drills that I offer my students to improve their putting.

Drill # 1

Drill #1 – Set up 3 balls from 3ft. 6ft. and 9ft. use a relatively flat put. Concentrate on taking the putter straight back and straight through, use 1 inch backstroke for the 3ft putt, 2 inches of backstroke for the 6ft. putt, and 3 inch backstroke for the 9ft putt. You will find that more putts are going in because the putter face can twist as much when you take a shorter backstroke. More putts go in because your controlling the speed better. If you miss a putt you will be able to tap in the putt coming back because you controlled speed better. Also your shoulders, hips, and feet are square to the target helping to make sure your stroke stays true on the intended target line.

Drill #2

Drill # 2 – To help get your shoulders, hips and feet square to the target better, take 7 golf balls and set them up in a half circle with all the balls 3 feet from the cup. It should look like a clock from 3pm to 9pm. Start at the ball from 3pm and keep putting straight through till you get to the ball at 9pm. This will help you get comfortable resetting your feet and body each time as you go around the semi-circle and the ground surface may change and teach you to see subtle breaks as you go through the drill.

WRAP UP: Next time you play a round let your routine be as such. As you're walking to the green you notice your golf ball. Determine where the high and low point of the green are and decide if it will influence your putt. Then ask yourself, 'is my putt a short, medium, or long putt?' When you determine what length of putt it is then estimate in feet how far you are and convert for every 3ft you will give yourself 1 inch of backstroke. Take a practice stroke to see what that feels like. Establish your target line and follow through on that line for as long as you can. Control distance first and once you get the hang of a shorter backstroke and a longer follow through you can then focus harder on aim.

I am always available to provide private instruction or instruction in a group environment. Please see the number below and let's work on making your game better.

Waving to you from another fairway! - Jim (239) 304-2835

A Birthday Blessing

On a recent trip to Rome, Ave Maria residents, Adrian and Viviana De La Rosa had the amazing experience of meeting Pope Leo XIV.

“One of the prayers Vivi and I had when we got married was to receive a blessing from Pope Leo. We chose Rome for our honeymoon, hoping we might get the chance to meet him. But when we realized our trip was in July—the month Pope Leo usually goes on vacation—we weren’t sure it would happen and weren’t expecting anything.

“We did some research and found that he would be celebrating Mass on Sunday, July 20th, at his vacation home in Castel Gandolfo. Vivi and I knew we had to go, especially considering it was her birthday that day. We woke up at 5 a.m. to be among the first at the gate.

“After three hours of waiting, Pope Leo finally walked into the church. On his way in, he stopped to greet every person in the ADA section. When he reached me, I knew I might never get another chance to see him, so I asked him to bless our marriage, and he did.

Vivi and I are so incredibly blessed to have received a blessing from Pope Leo—especially at this time in our lives, as we begin our vocations together. When he asked where we were from, we said “Ave,” and he smiled and said, “I know where that is.”