SPRING 2021 www.avemariasun.com Vol. 2, No. 2 • FREE
“Our estate series is selling faster than anything else. I think a lot of people are buying the bigger homes because they can work from home and want a bigger space.” — Scott Schilling, area sales manager for Lennar Homes
AVE MARIA SUN COURTESY IMAGE Ave Maria ranked Top 50 Master-Planned Community
Special to The Ave Maria Sun
In recognition of Ave Maria’s record-setting 506 new-home sales in 2020 and the caliber of amenities and lifestyle it offers, two respect- ed national real estate consulting agencies, RCLCO Real Estate Advisors and John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC), have named the development one of the 50 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities (MPCs) in the United States. According to RCLCO Managing Director Gregg Logan, the purpose of their annual rank- ing is not just to highlight real estate trends and locate markets with the most significant Bougainvillea Exterior momentum, but also to commend the most suc- cessful communities and identify development best practices from MPC pioneers. Collier County’s Ave Maria experienced one of the highest year-over-year growth rates Homeowners in new home sales of all Top Master-Planned Communities. “With a 95% increase over its sales pace in 2019, Ave Maria’s strong perfor- start moving into mance in 2020 reflects the careful planning and investment in community place-making done by Barron Collier Companies,” says RCLCO report writer Karl Pischke.
AVE MARIA SUN COURTESY IMAGES MARIA SUN COURTESY AVE The master-planned community benefits from a great quality of life and a small town feel that offers residents everything from THE NATIONAL schools, shopping and activities, most with- BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA in walking, biking or golf-cart riding dis- tance from their home. “We expect continued Ave Maria Sun Correspondent growth for Ave Maria in 2021 as future resi- AROL AND DON VOGT WILL BE AMONG THE dents escape crowded cities and towns to find first residents of The National Golf & walking trails, bike trails, wide-open spaces Country Club. And, in a way, they are and a family-friendly town,” JBREC reports. actually moving north to do so. SEE AVE MARIA, A8 X C The couple has owned time shares on Marco Island for 35 years and stay there when not living in Colorado. “We are very pleased After deciding to move to Florida full time, the with this record-breaking couple said The National fit exactly what they were looking for. milestone and expect SEE NATIONAL, A8 X our sales growth to The National Golf & Country Club. continue into 2021.” Above: Carol and Don Vogt — Cee Cee Marinelli, director of development for Ave Maria
Around Meet a Play ball town townmaker Retired MLB Blues, brews, Cee Cee Marinelli, pitcher BBQ, tacos, vice president of pitches in margaritas commercial real helping little and much estate for the Barron leaguers. more. A2 X Collier Companies. A19 X A4 X A2 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN
Publisher AROUND AVE MARIA Shelley Hobbs [email protected] Editor Eric Raddatz [email protected]
Section Graphic Designer Scott Sleeper Graphic Designer Lindi Feazel Production Manager Alisa Bowman [email protected] Circulation Supervisor Alea Feeley Plenty of fun was to be had at Ave Maria Blues, [email protected] Brews & BBQ, with music from Little Eddie and the Fat Fingers. Account Executives Cori Higgins [email protected] Dave Rosado [email protected] Nicole Ryan [email protected] Brandon Trenasty [email protected]
Operations Manager Kelli Carico
Advertising Operations Manager Megan Roberts
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At least one resident must be 55 years of age or better, a limited number of residents may be younger and no one under 19 years of age. Some residents may be younger than 55. Prices shown are estimated base prices, do not include lot premiums or options and are subject to change without notice. Community Association fees required. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only, are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, and depict models containing features or designs that may not be available on all homes or that may be available for an additional cost. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Please see a sales associate for details. ©2021 Pulte Home Company, LLC. All rights reserved. CBC057850. 3-23-21 Avalon Park at Ave Maria from the low $300s
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4972 Seton Street | Ave Maria, FL 34142 | 239-842-1657
*Prices shown are estimated base prices, do not include lot premiums or options and are subject to change without notice. Photos are for illustrative purposes only, are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific home being offered and depicts a model containing features or designs that may not be available on all homes or that may be available for an additional cost. Community Association fees required. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Square footage listed is approximate. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Please see a sales consultant for details. Pulte Homes® and More Life Built In® are registered trademarks of PulteGroup, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ©2021 PulteGroup, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. CBC057850. 3-23-21 A4 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN Meet a Townmaker: Cee Cee Marinelli BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA handles all commercial real estate Ave Maria Sun Correspondent for Barron Collier Companies. “I’ve really enjoyed “I love it,” she said. “It keeps me Helping build Ave Maria runs in the fam- busy.” the excitement of ily for Cee Cee Marinelli, vice president of One of the best parts of her job, the growth. We all commercial real estate for the Barron Collier she said, is that it allows her to meet Companies. many people and to help them knew it was going Her father, Paul Marinelli, joined the com- achieve their goals as Ave Maria has to happen. Being pany in 1986 and served as president and CEO flourished. before he passed in 2008. “I’ve really enjoyed the excite- part of it and “I always admired him and looked up to ment of the growth. We all knew him, Ms. Marinelli said. “We grew up talking it was going to happen. Being part getting to know real estate and development. I enjoyed it.” of it and getting to know the resi- the residents, who Born in Tampa, Ms. Marinelli moved to dents, who are so committed and Naples at age two when her father took the job passionate, is never boring.” are so committed with Barron Collier. She praises the “pioneer tenants” “I have very fond memories of growing up,” who shared the developer’s vision and passionate, is she recalls. “We were a big boating family and and got in on the ground floor. She never boring.” loved the beach and outdoors. We went camp- said she worked with them during the economic downtown. ing and fishing, and I played sports. It’s a nice – Cee Cee Marinelli area. It’s why people move here.” “I like to think we were good While earning a bachelor of science degree partners and worked together to in economics from Elon University in North get through that time. A lot of our Carolina, Ms. Marinelli took an urban eco- decisions are based on making sure outdoors, the beach, fishing and nomics class. She enjoyed studying how cities our tenants become successful.” boating to them. and towns are developed. Ms. Marinelli encourages busi- Ms. Marinelli earned her MBA The timing coincided with the launch of Ave nesses to consider operating in Ave from Florida Gulf Coast Univer- Maria. Ms. Marinelli took a six-month intern- Maria. She points out that they sity and was named to the Busi- ship with Barron Collier Companies and, she have built around 3,000 of the pro- ness Observer’s 40 Under 40. She quips, “I never left.” She has been with the posed 11,000 homes, so there is serves on the board of directors company for 15 years. room for growth. She also notes for the Greater Naples Chamber of “It was fun to be part of a brand new proj- that Ave Maria is the top selling Commerce and volunteers with the ect,” she recalls of her start in 2006. “They were master planned community in Healthcare Network of Southwest so busy and just threw me into it.” She got Southwest Florida, and it is in the Florida. involved with pre-leasing, pre-selling, mar- top 50 of master planned commu- “I know that in order to keep the keting and tenant coordination of the first nities nationwide. COURTESY PHOTO community a great place to be, it’s buildings. “We’re validated by a lot of orga- Cee Cee Marinelli is the vice president of commercial real estate for the important to give back.” Her dad’s passing two years later reaffirmed nizations,” she said. “The growth is Barron Collier Companies. While she acknowledges how her commitment to the project. happening. If they can get in early, her past in southwest Florida gave “Losing my dad made me personally invest- they can capitalize on the upside.” her such enjoyment and contrib- ed to see the town thriving. It is now becoming She calls the Collier family’s vision and com- Chad Hankins, who works for Ferguson uted to her success, she keeps her eye on the his vision, which makes it exciting.” mitment to Collier County “second to none.” Waterworks, and their three children ages 6, future and how Ave Maria will do the same for Today, she works not only on Ave Maria but Her own family consists of her husband, 3, and 2. She has passed along her love of the its residents.
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SPORTS CLUB: T Fitness Center | Nail and Beauty Salon | Yoga /Aerobics Room | Spa/Massage Rooms | Men’s and Ladies Saunas OLD 41 75 I-75 to Exit 111 (Immokalee Road), go east 10 mimilesles ththenen turtturnrnn 846 right onto Oil Well Road. After 10 miles, turnurn rightright ontoonto Ave 116 BONITA BEACH
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1 0ffer available on select new homes in the The National Golf & Country Club community if buyer signs a purchase agreement by July 6, 2021 and closes by November 29, 2021. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions. Certain incentives could affect the loan amount. Lennar reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Offer requires financing through Lennar Mortgage and Lennar Title, but is not required to purchase a home (See Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure). At closing, Lennar will provide to buyer a credit in an amount not to exceed $5,000 as determined on your Loan Estimate, excluding prepaids.
Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Sq. ft./acreage/dimensions is estimated; actual sq. ft./acreage/dimensions will differ. Garage/bay sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate all vehicles. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Maps are not to scale and are for relative location purposes only. Lennar does not guarantee the availability of homes within the price ranges above. Price subject to change without notice. Site plans, community maps and/or aerial photos are conceptual in nature and are merely an artist’s rendition. They are solely for illustrative purposes, should never be relied upon, and are subject to change. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2021 Lennar Corporation, Lennar, the Lennar logo, WCI, the WCI logo, Everything’s Included and the Everything’s Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. LENNAR HOMES LLC CBC038894 and CGC1523282. LENNAR REALTY INC (CQ1013633) 03/21.
A6 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN Spring events bring Ave Maria residents together BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA Ave Maria Sun Correspondent
Spring into fun with all the clubs, events and activities planned by the Ave Maria Mas- ter Association. “Our social committees and subcommit- tees do a fantastic job,” said Carol DiFlorio, lifestyle director for the Ave Maria Master Association. “They helped with the recent health and education fair and we are planning a lot of outdoor things right now.” The town has many sports leagues and pick-up teams, including flag football, Little League and a disc golf group that meets on Saturday mornings at the nine-hole course. Soccer and basketball are played twice a week, a bocce group plays on Wednesday mornings, and on Sundays there are coed softball groups for adults and for those 55 and older. Plans are being made for half-day, day and weekly summer camps once students are out of school. Interest areas include sports, dance, arts and crafts, CPR, and swimming. Ms. DiFlorio said to watch for details from the lifestyle department. COURTESY PHOTO She confirmed the activities below for the Ave Maria residents during an outing to Naples Beach. next few months. Ave Maria residents should read emails from the master association and check the association’s Facebook page for this day to get out and walk,” said Ms. DiFlo- Craft Beer, music and lawn games with prizes. April 10 at 2 p.m. updates and to see which events are open to rio. “They can even take their canine pals.” She Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs Outing to PopStroke in Ft. Myers the public and which are for Ave Maria resi- invites people to send their walking pictures if the musician is playing outside. The new 36-hole putting facility and res- dents only. to the lifestyle department or post them on April 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. taurant is a new chain developed by golfing the master association’s Facebook page. A big legend Tiger Woods. Residents will meet at 1 April 7 OnSpot Dermatology mobile clinic event on the Sunday after National Walking p.m. in front of the master association office National Beer Day Pre-registration required for screenings and Day is planned. and convoy to PopStroke. Enjoy specials and activities at Oil Well various treatments; walk-ins are welcome if Craft Beer and other local restaurants. April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. spots are available. “We started this in Febru- April 16 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. First Friday’s Celebration ary and it has been going really well. I thought Dive-in Movie at the Ave Maria Water Park April 7 Open to the public this would be a lot easier for residents, espe- Residents can have the option to float National Walking Day This family event at the Park of Commerce cially if they’re new to town and don’t have a around in the water while enjoying the Disney Ave Maria celebrates its lake and park trails. will include a food truck, specials at Oil Well dermatologist yet.” animated film Lilo and Stitch. “We are asking people to take 30 minutes on
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COURTESY RENDERINGS COURTESY Movement YOUR EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS COUPON at The Marketplace BY EMILY LEINFUSS Publix on track Ave Maria Sun Correspondent TONES GOT IT HE ROLLING S STARTING AT to open in early WRONG. You can get what you need and what you want, it’s just a matter of which one you’ll get fourth quarter, T first. Call now to redeem your exclusive off er! When it comes to the two planned retail hubs at Ave Maria with the majority everyday “needs” will arrive before more wide- ranging “wants” when The Marketplace at Ave of additional Maria opens before the end of 2019. $ The Marketplace broke ground at the south- west corner. Its opening is slated for sometime tenants in this fall, “the goal is before Thanksgiving,” 99 says Josh Beyer, vice president of development with the developer, Sembler. to follow The anchor store, Publix, plans its opening for early in the fourth quarter, according to /mo Brian West, media and community relations manager for the grocery chain. The majority of additional tenants will open QUINN SEDASEDAMAMAM/A / AVE MARIA SUN 1-855-972-3315 Tyler Vansant , leftleft, and Josh BBeyer, Sembler senior vice president,dent, overoverlookinglooking 19 MOVEMENT, A4 X BONUS $100 off installation SEE plans on the jobsite at The Marketplace at Ave Maria.
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St. Matthew’s House will be on-site to accept donations from all residents, whether or not they participate in the yard sale. A golf cart service company will offer vehicle checkups and annual service at a discounted rate. Ave Cares will collect towels, blankets, sheets, canned pet food for dogs and cats, animal toys, and financial contributions for the Humane Society. Kids of all ages will also enjoy the petting zoo and a food truck. April 17 at 8 a.m. in Annunciation Circle Lipman 5K Run/Walk For Backpacks Open to the public. COURTESY PHOTOS Proceeds from this 11th annual event help Participants in the Ave Maria 5K Fun Run . purchase backpacks and school supplies April 27 at 7 p.m. May 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Lipman’s Annual Backpack Giveaway in Embrace the Journey photography presenta- International Water Safety Day Immokalee every August. There will also be a tion Activities at the Water Park will include 1-mile walking course and a free Junior Fun Ave Maria resident Pat O’Flaherty is a wild- music, games, poolside exercise, water safety Run for kids 10 and under. Register at lipman- life and nature photographer who has trav- talks and more. Free. familyfarms.com. eled the world. He set his beautiful images to May 29 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. music and includes inspirational quotes while Glow Party answering questions about his travels. Mr. High school juniors and seniors will gather at O’Flaherty is the author of two photography the water park for music, food and a volleyball books. Learn more about embracinglifepho- tournament, all highlighted with glow sticks. tos.com. Free. May 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 29 at 6:30 pm Memorial Day Residents honor veterans on Memorial Day Outing to Yucatan Beach Stand Residents will honor the day with a parade with a parade, a name reading ceremony and Residents will meet in front of the master into South Park led by the Ave Maria Veter- more. association office at 5 p.m. and convoy for din- ans Association and the Knights of Columbus. ner and sunset in Fort Myers Beach. Names of Ave Maria residents who are veterans June 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. will be read during a ceremony that includes Flip Flop Day First Fridays celebration remarks from a veteran and the playing of Taps. Get crafty with a flip flop decorating kit Open to the public. A hot dog lunch is provided by the Knights and distributed at the water park and enjoy other This family event at the Park of Commerce residents are given pinwheels to put in their activities. Pre-registration and payment will include a food truck, specials at Oil Well lawns to honor a loved one. Free. (Veterans are required. April 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Craft Beer, music and lawn games with prizes. invited to join the Ave Maria veterans club. Con- June 19 Bloodmobile Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs tact [email protected].) Father’s Day Golf and Brunch Outing Held in the parking lot at the corner of if the musician is playing outside. June 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A special day to celebrate dads living in Ave Avila Avenue and Roma Street. Pre-registra- May 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Splash Into Summer Maria. tion required; walk-ins welcome if spots are OnSpot Dermatology mobile clinic returns. Mark your calendar for this annual event available. See April 10 listing. that is held at the water park. '4 '2'#'2#$ & "'5!3" 1 $#1' ! " # $ ! ! ! !! ! -!" $ #./ ' '0"# 1' .'2 .!!$2#$ 3 3"'!. % & ' ! ( ( ! " % ! !"!#$%#& ' % !(!"%)*+(,( , A8 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN NATIONAL From page 1 “There were two things we preferred,” Don Vogt said. “We wanted a golf commu- nity, and we preferred new construction.” Victoria pool He said the peace and quiet of Ave Maria along with reduced traffic also appealed to them. They purchased a three-bedroom Bougain- villea, which has enough room for their three children and four grandchildren to visit. Carol Vogt said they “feel like pioneers” moving in so early in the community’s con- struction. “We’re very excited.” The National Golf & Country Club offers Lennar’s signature designs in both single fam- ily and multi-family homes with stunning views of water, the golf course or both. Luxury upgrades are incorporated in every home with Maria dining room Victoria open living room Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program, and LENNAR HOMES / COURTESY IMAGES all homes include a bundled golf membership. Lennar has fully furnished models of the Bougainvillea, Maria and Victoria. Residents will enjoy on-site amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf gainvillea and the Napoli. Bougainvillea, Maria and Victoria. The builder The National will have for its residents. These course that is now open, resort-style pool, The Bougainvillea, which the Vogts pur- will open six more models, including of the mul- include a pool, pool café, fitness center with state-of the-art fitness center with sauna, ten- chased, is 2,800 square feet on one level with a tifamily homes, this fall. spa, tennis courts and tennis pro shop. Lennar nis center, and the community clubhouse. separate office, spacious undercover lanai and Mr. Schilling said buyers are coming from the plans to open these features by January 2022. The National is set in the town of Ave large pool deck. northeast, midwest and even Florida’s east coast. Of course, the golf course is a huge draw. Maria, a six-time recipient of Collier County’s The Napoli, with almost 2,400 square feet, is “A lot of people are keeping their condos in Since opening in January, the course had an Community of the Year award, recognizing the similar in size but the guest room has its own Miami and having a second home in Ave Maria average of 200 players per day. A highlight of master-planned community’s incredible ame- wing. or commuting from Ave Maria,” he said. the Gordon Lewis design is the longest par 5 in nities that include parks, trails, sports fields, The Maria and the Victoria, in the executive Golf is a big draw for many people he hears Collier County at 701 yards from the back tees. nature, a vibrant town center and more. series, are also popular. from. “Golf has been a huge benefit to us in our “Our estate series is selling faster than any- “The Maria is a great entertaining home “Typically, our golf communities attract success that we’ve had so far,” Mr. Schilling thing else,” said Scott Schilling, area sales man- because the kitchen opens up to the living room semi-retired or retired folks,” he said, “but said. “People have raved about the course and ager for Lennar Homes. “I think a lot of people and dining room,” Mr. Schilling said. The four recently we’ve seen families looking at the said the undulations of the greens are different are buying the bigger homes because they can bedroom, three bath has 2,247 square feet and a community and the lifestyle. They love the than any course Gordon Lewis has done for work from home and want a bigger space.” lot of kitchen cabinets. small town feel and that they don’t have to us. People are coming for the lifestyle and the He noted that in all Lennar communities, The two bedroom Victoria appeals to people leave town for shopping or dining.” bundled golf.” the larger floor plans are selling faster than the who want a second home and don’t expect a lot He said activities such as the university’s To learn more, call 888-214-1476, visit The- two bedrooms that typically appeal to seasonal of visitors, Mr. Schilling said. He noted that the athletics, the waterpark and community events National-AveMaria.com or stop by Lennar’s residents. side-load garage of the 1,850-square-foot home help people visualize all the things they can Sales Center located at 6098 Artisan Court, The top sellers at The National are the Bou- is aesthetically appealing to a lot of people. enjoy in Ave Maria. Ave Maria. Lennar has fully furnished models of the Construction is underway on amenities that tained MPC is that it is self-contained, with restaurants, a Publix supermarket, a commer- everything a homeowner might need or want cial center with a Mobil gas station, preschool AVE MARIA close by. “Buyers see the value of owning and K-12 schools, an awe-inspiring church a home in our master-planned communi- and Ave Maria University—an accredited lib- From page 1 ty. People are drawn to the recreation and eral arts university—as well as free events amenities, education options, lifestyle and throughout the year. The Ave Maria Master ideal location between both coasts of Florida,” Association organizes ongoing events for resi- “We are very pleased with this record- Marinelli explains. dents including virtual trivia, happy hours, fit- breaking milestone and expect our sales Ave Maria is the result of a partnership ness classes and club meetings, while provid- growth to continue into 2021,” says Cee Cee between Barron Collier Companies, a family- ing access to free outdoor seasonal events with Marinelli, director of development for Ave owned real estate developer for more than 100 proper social distancing guidelines. Maria. To date, they have sold over 200 new years, and Tom Monaghan, founder of Domi- Upon completion, the development will homes this year. More than 3,000 new homes no’s Pizza. Their vision was to create a town that include up to 11,000 residences and 1.7 million have been sold since the community first values family, education and community, taking square feet of retail, office and business park opened in 2007. AVE MARIA SUN COURTESY IMAGE full advantage of Southwest Florida’s temperate uses in its 4,000 acres. Ave Maria is located at the Home sales were reported from all four, weather and exquisite natural setting. intersection of Oil Well and Camp Keais roads award-winning residential builders in Ave “With over 75 floor plans to choose from, Among numerous amenities and social in eastern Collier County. The main entrance, Maria—CC Homes, Del Webb Naples, Len- including condominiums, attached villas and opportunities are championship golf courses, on Oil Well just west of Camp Keais, leads to nar, and Pulte Homes—in prices ranging from single-family homes, Ave Maria offers some- an amphitheater, bocce and tennis courts, the Town Center. Take I-75, exit 111, follow the low $200,000s to more than $500,000. thing for everyone.” More than 20 model walking and running trails, a dog park, soccer the signs east to Ave Maria for approximately “We are seeing families, young professionals homes are open daily for viewing. and baseball fields, a water park and fitness 20 minutes. For more information, visit Ave- and retirees moving to town,” says Marinelli. The allure of a well-envisioned and main- center, the Town Center with boutiques and Maria.com or call 239-352-3903. SALES & LEASING NEW, RECONDITIONED & USED AVE MARIA WE COME TO YOU! FULL SERVICE FOR ALL BRANDS! On-Site RepairsBatteriesTiresAccessories 239-267-8555 Since 1973 17O51 Jean Street t Fort Myers, FL www.GEVehicles.com Corner of Alico Road & Jean Street AVE MARIA SUN www.AveMariaSun.com SPRING 2021 A9 Ave Maria Denistry providing comprehensive dental services in Town Center BY SANDA YEYATI their gums and the supporting structures of Ave Maria Sun Correspondent their teeth. A biannual professional cleaning and check-up is the recommended protocol to pre- Whether it’s a winning smile or being able to vent cavities and maintain proper oral hygiene. eat anything pain- and worry-free, Ave Maria When more extensive work is required, like Dentistry offers solutions for adults and chil- whole mouth rehabilitation or cosmetic den- dren in the heart of Town Center. Led by oral tistry, dental images are taken to provide a surgeon Dr. Wisdom Akpaka, a team of hygien- clear understanding of their oral health. After ists and dentists perform a full range of services, reviewing the pictures, Dr. Wisdom will meet including preventative checkups and cleanings, the patient for a free, initial consultation. “I root canals, crowns, veneers, bridges and even go through the steps that are involved. I let implants. them know how long it will take, how much Dr. Wisdom studied dentistry in the Republic discomfort or pain to expect, how much time of Ghana, in West Africa, where he was born, they’re going to miss from work and the medi- and practiced there for three years in the early cations they will need to take,” he says. “We have 2000s. “Healthcare delivery was pretty substan- many different ways to provide solutions for dard in Ghana, and I wanted to be a dentist to COURTESY IMAGE patients—some are more costly than others. help my people,” he says. “We saw so many who Ave Maria Dentistry offers solutions for adults and children in the heart of Town Center. This gives them the information and allows them the time to make a decision as to which of were sick and didn’t get the attention they need- you’re missing a tooth, we can put an implant in, know. You meet him, you don’t want to see the options they want.” ed. The nation needed a and the problem is solved. When you can help another dentist. He’s seen my patients when I’m Dr. Wisdom is an avid student of the latest lot of healthcare provid- somebody like that, it’s one of the best feelings not there, and they don’t come back to me,” Dr. technologies, clocking 50 to 100 continuing ers, and I decided to be in the world.” Wisdom relates with a chuckle. education hours every year. “We are perfect- one of them.” In addition to his surgical skills, Dr. Wisdom Also on board is Dr. Carolina Cortez. “She is ing dentistry so much that the failure rates are In 2009, he came to is a savvy entrepreneur. By 2018, he already had a very strong, restorative dentist. She knows how becoming lower and lower,” he says. “The transi- the United States to four dental practices in Broward County and to do crowns, fillings and such things very, very tion between when you lose your teeth and hav- study advancements two in Naples when he decided to purchase an well. And I do the surgery, so that covers every ing all new teeth back is becoming really smooth, in dental technolo- existing dental office in Ave Maria. “I thought it aspect of dentistry. Anything surgical we can do and I’m really excited about that.” gies. “We didn’t have was a good opportunity to have a community in the office. Anything cosmetic we can do in Ave Maria Dentistry accepts all dental insur- most technologies back to myself,” he says, noting that he has a home the office. For patients who are afraid and need ance and works with Care Credit to help patients home, so I came here WISDOM in Fort Lauderdale and one in Ave Maria, and loving, tender care from Dr. Munoz, they get it, pay for their dental work. According to Dr. Wis- to improve myself, and regularly crosses the state to serve patients on and then of course the kids are not left out. That dom, “Care Credit pays us up front on behalf of then ended up staying,” he says. Through an both coasts. was my mentality at Ave Maria, to make sure that the patient. In return, we pay the interest for the advanced standing program, he earned a Doc- When putting together his team at Ave Maria people didn’t have to travel to get things done. patient, and the patient has a fixed loan to pay torate in Dental Surgery at the New York Univer- Dentistry, Dr. Wisdom’s first order of business We can provide them comprehensive dental care little by little.” sity College of Dentistry. was to address children’s need. “There are many right here.” The dentists are available for emergencies, “I love dentistry. I don’t think I want to do families in Ave Maria that have multiple kids per The hygienists play an integral part. “As den- whether it’s after hours or on weekends. Because anything else,” Dr. Wisdom says. “In other fields, household, so it was important for me to find a tists, we fix and solve problems, but the hygien- of COVID-19, patients are asked to wait in their if you have diabetes, they give you medication, dentist who specifically focused on kids, and I ists are like primary care physicians and the key cars rather that in the reception area to minimize but the diabetes doesn’t go away, or if you have brought in Dr. Steve Criscuolo, a very fantastic to keeping the good oral healthcare that we want interactions with other patients. high blood pressure, they give you pills to take pediatric dentist,” he says. to deliver to patients,” Dr. Wisdom says, not- For appointments and more information, for the rest of your life. In dentistry, we don’t Dr. Wisdom also asked Dr. Kenninthon ing that every six months, they spend close to visit AveMariaDentistry.com or call 239-919- manage, we treat. If you have a toothache, I Munoz to join the team. “Dr. Munoz has one one hour per visit with patients, cleaning their 6930. treat the tooth and the toothache is gone; if of the most amazing bedside manners that I teeth and educating them on how to maintain A10 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN Students recognized with Do the Right Thing Award BY MARY WOZNIAK Ave Maria Sun Correspondent All Bryana Hamilton knew was that she saw people hurting in the wake of a natural disaster and she wanted to help. She never expected that she and three of her fellow students would wind up being recognized for their efforts with the Do the Right Thing Award. Bryana, an Ave Maria resident and Cork- screw Middle School student, initiated a proj- ect to raise money to help the people of the Bahamas who were devastated by the impact of Hurricane Dorian. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office presented the award recently to her and the students who supported and assisted in the fundraising campaign: Omar Rosado, Kadlyn McMillan and Zoey Seng. Hurricane Dorian was a Category 5 hurri- cane and considered the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of the Bahamas. The winds of the 2019 storm reached a height of 185 mph. Bryana, now 13 and in the eighth grade, remembers that she was scrolling through the news online when she saw photos of how the storm ravaged the island and how its people AVE MARIA SUN COURTESY IMAGES were suffering in the aftermath. She also learned The students display their Do the Right Thing certificates, standing with friends and family at the awards ceremony in Ave Maria. Students holding about the Bahamas Relief Fund. certificates, L-R: Zoey Seng, Kadyln McMillan, Bryana Hamilton, Omar Rosado. Bryana knew from having traveled occa- sionally with her father in his work to several “The Do the Right Thing Caribbean islands that the island residents are often poor and lack resources to deal with a Program is always looking for large-scale natural disaster. Her father’s work involves installing Geotube systems by bodies kids who are doing the right of water, to help protect against erosion and thing – the name says it all.” storm damage. She started gathering information together, — Cpl. Eric Grundeman created a PowerPoint with accompanying docu- ments and statistics, and presented them to Ronna Smith, her school principal. Smith was enthusiastic in backing the project. “It was principal and staff sent it to a corporation in amazing to have her support,” Bryana said. Naples that sent it straight to Bahamas. The The fund-raising method was a tried-and- students received a letter that the fundraising true one: selling candy. She knew that it would money made it safely, and that the community be popular and something everyone would was so thankful for the donation. enjoy, Bryana said. “Candy was kind of our Since the Hurricane Dorian project, Ham- best target market.” Omar, Kadlyn and Zoey ilton and a group of friends have donated to pitched in. The students purchased the candy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dur- themselves and then sold it before school and ing COVID-19 last year, she and three other Do The Right Thing winning students: Omar Rosado, Bryana Hamilton, Kadlyn McMillan and girls donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital after school, on school grounds. They also sold Zoey Seng candygrams and delivered them to classrooms. of Southwest Florida, including a large check, “My friends, they started the project and I recently. Her principal had nominated the stu- nered with the national “Do the Right Thing” hand-made blankets, masks and more. thought I should help,” Omar said. “No. 1, they dents. program in 1998. The program recognizes and Bryana wants to inspire people to be kind are my friends. No. 2, it is the right thing to do. “I was very surprised,” Bryana said. Doing rewards area youth for exemplary behavior, to others and spread the word. And she already And in Florida, we know what it’s like to deal the fundraiser was reward enough and they accomplishments, good deeds and making a knows what she wants to be when she grows up. with hurricanes.” Yet, the Bahamas is an island didn’t think twice about it, she said. Then to difference in their communities. “I definitely want to be a businesswoman,” she nation surrounded by water, so that makes it receive a phone call that they were receiving an “The Do the Right Thing Program is always said. Bryana has already started a small business more vulnerable, he said. award “was so unexpected, so kind,” she said. looking for kids who are doing the right thing – selling gemstone jewelry and essential oils. She Friendship also helped spur Zoey’s partici- At the awards ceremony in North Park in the name says it all,” said Cpl. Eric Grundeman, wants it to grow and make charity fundraising pation. She also lives in Ave Maria. “I decided Ave Maria, the students received certificates, who oversees the committee responsible for this and volunteering a part of it, to give back to the to help Bryana because she is one of my close trophies, medals and gift cards. The Collier program at the sheriff’s office. “The sheriff’s community. friends and she was very passionate about this,” County Sheriff’s Office went above and beyond office is big on getting kids the recognition they Omar also encourages others to make a dif- Zoey said. “She thought it would be a good with their presentation, said Allyson Hamilton, deserve.” This also lets adults see that so many ference with positive action in their communi- experience for us.” Bryana’s mom. “Many police cars and officers children, like these students “are out there doing ties. “If you see someone in need, you should The students ended up raising $200 to $300, came in with lights and sirens blaring and really good stuff,” he said. “That’s what I love about always try to help if you can,” he said. Bryana said. She was in sixth grade at the time made it a special event for the kids. And they our program.” Zoey agrees. “It’s good for everybody to get of the project. She learned of the award just even gave the moms bouquets of flowers.” After the fundraiser was complete, they put out there and experience helping others,” she The Collier County Sheriff’s Office part- the collected money in an envelope and the said. 1.25% APY* 1-Year Guaranteed! Multi-Year Guaranteed Deferred Annuity Rates 1-Year - 1.25% APY 4-Year - 2.00% APY 2-Year - 1.75% APY 5-Year - 2.25% APY To Lock In Your Rate, Call Security Investment Group Inc., William Irving (Ava Maria Resident) 954-257-1708 *APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Rates effective 1-1-2021. Rates subject to change. Policy forms: ICC19-MYGA1-19, ICC19-MYGA2-19, ICC19-MYGA4-19, ICC19-MYGA5-19. Contracts issued by ELCO Mutual Life and Annuity. Not FDIC insured. Refer to the contract for complete details. AVE MARIA COMMUNITIES SPRING 2021 WWW.AVEMARIASUN.COM | A11 About the Community From $240s -$600s It’s easy to stay active and have family fun at 11 consumer-inspired 1- and 2-story single Avalon Park. Located within the highly sought family homes from the low-$300s that combine after Collier County School District, Avalon Park Pulte’s signature quality construction and attracts families looking for exceptional schools, consumer-first designs. With 2-7 bedrooms and close proximity to neighborhood parks, plenty 2-6.5 bathrooms in 1,600 to 5,300 square feet of living space, and walkability to downtown of living space, you are sure to find a new Pulte OPT. DROPPED TRAY OPT. OUTDOOR Easley KITCHEN PREP COVERED LANAI 35'-4" x 10'-0" Ave Maria. Avalon Park offers spacious home to fit your family’s needs now and in the • 2,685-4,494 Sq. Ft. OWNER'S SUITE homesites, unique architectural exteriors, and future. 13'-1" x 21'-11" OPT. TRAY • 3-6 Bedrooms P. CAFE 10'-10" x 7'-7" • 2.5-5.5 Bathrooms GATHERING ROOM 17'-2" x 21'-6" • 2-Car Garage ™ O. KITCHEN BATH WIC ENTRY ZONE OPT. DROP DINING More Life Built In® 11'-4" x 19'-1" 15'-2" x 18'-11" LAUN BEDROOM 3 13'-2" x 10'-11" One of the nation’s largest homebuilders with easy personalization options and versatile OPT. over 70 years of homebuilding experience, Pulte living spaces make everyday moments easier L. PDR. Homes takes pride in putting that experience and more enjoyable. With a focus on quality BATH 2 FOYER OPT. DOORS to work for you. With insightful, well-designed construction and a simplified buying experience, 3 CAR TANDEM GARAGE 18'-8" x 22'-0" OPT. DROPPED TRAY ® homes, and Life Tested design features Pulte will help you get into your new home easily, FLEX 9'-6" x 10'-0" ® inspired by actual homeowner feedback, without the headaches. That’s More Life Built In , BEDROOM 2 13'-1" x 10'-11" Pulte homes offer the best in livability. And, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Avalon Park. OPT. 4' EXT GARAGE Avalon Park at Ave Maria 4972 Seton Street, Ave Maria, FL 34142 239-842-1657 A12 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN About the Community From the Low $200s - $600s The pioneer in 55+ active-adult communities Director who plans clubs, classes and events all and America’s leading builder of new homes year long. With so many ways to stay active and for pre-retirement and retiring boomers, Del have fun, it’s easy to see why Del Webb Naples Webb brings premier resort-style amenities neighbors become long-time friends. Offering 21 and a lifestyle nothing short of extraordinary to home designs to choose from including carriage Ave Maria. Del Webb Naples has redefined homes, villas and single family, starting from the retirement, boasting an optional 18 holes of $190s to $600s, you are sure to find a home pristine championship golf, 18 sports courts, where you can create an inspired, personalized resort and lap pools, a community garden, full- design to fit your style, and budget. End your service, community-exclusive restaurant and bar, search for your ideal Florida oasis…it’s all waiting 2 beautiful clubhouses, and a full-time Lifestyle for you at Del Webb Naples. Mystique • Starting from the No one understands the importance of of homebuilding experience. With homes low $300,000s community like Del Webb. Del Webb designed for how you live, including the • 1,889-3,037 Sq. Ft. communities are an extension of the features that matter most to you, all backed by • 2-5 Bedrooms homeowners who live there – a collection a warranty you can rely on, you’ll feel secure • 2-4 Bathrooms of passions and activities you love to enjoy now and in the future. And, a streamlined • 2-Car Garage with others. When you choose to build in a process makes it easy for you to build the Del Webb 55+ active adult community, you home you’ve always wanted, in the vibrant get the benefit of more than six decades community you’ve been looking for. Del Webb Naples 6028 Victory Drive, Ave Maria, FL 34142 239-842-9643 AVE MARIA SUN www.AveMariaSun.com SPRING 2021 A13 About the Community Maple Ridge at Ave Maria is a thoughtfully CC Homes communities throughout the State of designed community with a myriad of home Florida have been recognized for their incredible designs, all of which combine beautiful curb market appeal, outstanding quality, and resident appeal with impressive interior layouts built satisfaction time and time again, having built for modern lifestyles. CC Homes is the builder thousands of homes and residences. Homes built behind this community and they are among by CC Homes are designed to improve people’s the many reasons Ave Maria has become lives. Modern features, smart floor plans and such a rapidly growing neighborhood attracting upscale amenities combine for the ultimate South new residents from the Gulf Coast, Southeast Florida lifestyle. Florida and beyond. With more than 75 years Homeowners at Maple Ridge are pampered with of combined experience in South Florida real high-end designer features included in the base Harbour estate, Mr. Armando Codina and Mr. Jim Carr price. Maple Ridge neighborhoods include a along with Mr. Andres Miyares have set a new brand-new clubhouse for residents with resort-style • 3,522 a/c square feet standard for quality new construction homes in pool and cabanas, fitness center, billiard room, • 4 to 6 bedrooms desirable communities, with a wide range of exercise park, concierge, coffee bar, exhibition • 3.5 to 5.5 bathrooms pricing from entry-level to prestigious exclusivity. kitchen and kids’ room. • Ground floor New Contemporary Homes Available Now at owner’s suite Maple Ridge, Tour New Models Today! • 2 or 3-car garage Second Floor Starting from $340,990 to $564,990 First Floor CC Homes is ranked as one of the top five the base price. Maple Ridge neighborhoods new home builders in South Florida and include a brand-new clubhouse for residents Southwest Florida, offering affordable single- with resort-style pool and cabanas, fitness family luxury in Ave Maria’s Maple Ridge center, billiard room, exercise park, concierge, neighborhoods. Homeowners are pampered coffee bar, exhibition kitchen and kids’ room. with high-end designer features included in Maple Ridge 5009 Alonza Avenue, Ave Maria, FL 34142 833-729-1783 | www.MapleRidgeFL.com A14 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN About the Community As part of the highly sought after new home Floor Plan Spotlight: The Huntington is a new community, Maple Ridge at Ave Maria- construction, one-story home with 3 bedrooms, Silverwood offers exciting residential choices to 2 baths, great room, eat-in kitchen, storage, buyers. Silverwood provides homeowners the master suite with walk-in closet and attached perfect home at a great value. All of these garage. Premium features included standard, single-family homes are beautifully designed such as designer brand faucets & fixtures and with Mediterranean-inspired architecture and tile flooring. Gourmet kitchens have stainless an inviting array of designer features included steel appliances, European-style wood cabinetry as well as some custom options available. Both and quartz countertops. A spa-like master Silverwood and Maple Ridge have a superb bathroom features double sinks with quartz location within Ave Maria, so residents benefit from vanity tops, a spacious shower. a great school district and sense of community. Huntington Model home is now open for viewing. • 1,630 a/c Sq. Ft. • 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • His and her walk-in closets at master bedroom Starting from $274,990 to $325,990 • 1-car garage CC Homes is ranked as one of the top five the base price. Maple Ridge neighborhoods new home builders in South Florida and include a brand-new clubhouse for residents Southwest Florida, offering affordable single- with resort-style pool and cabanas, fitness family luxury in Ave Maria’s Maple Ridge center, billiard room, exercise park, concierge, neighborhoods. Homeowners are pampered coffee bar, exhibition kitchen and kids’ room. with high-end designer features included in Maple Ridge 5009 Alonza Avenue, Ave Maria, FL 34142 833-729-1783 | www.MapleRidgeFL.com AVE MARIA SUN www.AveMariaSun.com SPRING 2021 A15 About the Community Lennar is excited to bring its popular The National Golf & Country Club will feature Everything’s Included® homes and its own Clubhouse with a pro shop, formal and resort lifestyle amenities to the charm, casual dining, a resort-style pool and spa, convenience, and values of Ave Maria. The state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga/aerobics National Golf & Country Club will offer a room, spa treatment rooms and beauty salon. fresh coastal aesthetic throughout the home Active residents can take advantage of Har-Tru designs and on-site amenities including an tennis courts, pickle and bocce ball, putting 18-hole Gordon Lewis-designed golf course, green, chipping area, and a driving range. This complimented by world-class amenities all-encompassing amenity campus is designed for the entire family to enjoy. A variety of to bring our community together, with spaces floorplans will be offered in Terrace and to congregate with friends new and old. Veranda Condominiums, plus Executive and Whether you are a seasonal resident or looking Estate single family homes, starting from the to lay down roots, The National Golf & Country upper $100s. Club has the ideal home for you! Overall starting price: from the low $200s Lennar is one of America’s leading builders of Simplify your home buying experience by quality homes since 1954, and is one of the including everything you need in a new home biggest homebuilders in Southwest Florida. and community. And once you find your Bougainvillea II perfect home, our family of companies are • 2,799 Sq. Ft. Experience unprecedented value through there to assist you every step of the way with Lennar’s Everything’s Included®, simply including • 3 Bedrooms + Den your mortgage, title and insurance needs for quality features and finishes that homeowners • 3 Bathrooms an enjoyable and hassle-free closing. want and need, at no extra charge. • Starting at $529,999 The National Golf & Country Club 6090 Artisan Ct. Ave Maria, FL 34142 888-214-1476 | www.TheNational-AveMaria.com GOOD. CLEAN. FUN. MOREINPARADISE.COM MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD TO PLAY SLOTS AND TABLE GAMES OR TO RECEIVE SEMINOLE WILD CARD BENEFITS. IF YOU MINUTES AWAY OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS A GAMBLING PROBLEM, PLEASE CALL 1.888.ADMIT.IT. FROM MORE A18 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN Ave Maria now offers 36 holes of golf BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA “The response has been great,” said Ryan Ave Maria Sun Correspondent Hagerman, head golf professional. “People are loving the course.” Just as Ave Maria got a second golf course, Mr. Hagerman said people are traveling one of them is going offline for six months. from Naples, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte But, that’s actually a good thing. and even Florida’s east coast to see and Panther Run Golf Club, which opened in play the new course. 2007, will be undergoing its first renovation One of the enticements is the longest and come back as an even better place to play. par 5 in Collier County at 701 yards from The entire course will be re-seeded, with the tips. Bimini replacing Celebration on the fairways, “It’s a beast of a golf hole,” Mr. Hager- and refreshed TifEagle on the greens, which man laughs. “You could land a jet on it. It’s will be re-contoured. Bunkers will get new unique and a conversation starter.” liners and new sand, and drainage will be There are also two shorter par 3s that improved. balance the course. “Golfers will have improved playing condi- The National was designed by golf tions throughout the year, because this (fair- course architect Gordon Lewis, a long- way) grass is supposed to hold a lot better time Naples resident who has worked on during the winter months,” said Gerardo Lugo, dozens of courses for Lennar and about head pro. “Once we reopen, we expect it to be 100 courses in southwest Florida. in tip top shape year round.” “I told him I think he’s outdone himself Original course architect Gordon Lewis, a here, and he agreed,” Mr. Hagerman said. Naples resident, is overseeing the renovations. He said the course has a lot of doglegs PHOTOS BY ANNALEE HULL Panther Run will hold a Renovation Kick- and “an abundance” of water. Maria Scott tees off at the Panther Run Golf Club driving range. Off Party for members only on May 2. The “Off the tee, be sure what you want to do,” event will feature an 18-hole par three contest he advised. “It can reward you for taking an followed by lunch and then long drive and chip aggressive line off the tee box but punish “We’re ready to get people excited about & putt contests. you if you don’t accomplish your goal.” the golf course and we’re ready to help them “We wanted to give members one last final Mr. Hagerman said the greens are excit- run at the course and send them into summer ing and challenging, and that golfers need achieve their goals.” with something fun,” said Mr. Lugo. to “think their way around” the course. The course will officially close on May 3, The five sets of tees range from around – Ryan Hagerman, head golf professional at though the maintenance staff will start to kill 5,000 to 7,300 yards. “The course can The National Golf and Country Club at Ave Maria off grass in mid-April. accommodate a variety of skill levels,” Mr. Panther Run is managed by Hampton Golf, Hagerman said. so members will have access to local Hampton New courses often require some time properties such as Golf Club of the Everglades, to settle in, but Mr. Hagerman said the AVE MARIA GOLF COURSES The Plantation and Verandah. course is in good shape and getting better Practice facilities will also be closed, but Mr. every day. >> The National Golf and Lugo encourages members to use the club’s “It takes time for grass to fill in and Country Club at Ave Maria golf simulator or to speak with him about golf develop a root system to really thrive and 5909 Double Eagle Ct. lessons that he will offer at nearby clubs. handle an abundance of traffic on it. It will 239-867-9090 thenationalgcc.com Mr. Lugo expects the course to reopen on age and soften up.” He expects to see increased play as the https://www.youtube.com/ Nov. 1. watch?v=RYMA _ Mq6He8 Luckily, golfers now have a second course in area’s full-time residents explore the new Ave Maria to enjoy. course this summer and as people realize The National Golf & Country Club, man- that Panther Run is closed for renovations. >> Panther Run Golf Club aged by ICON Management Services, opened He and first assistant golf professional 6005 Anthem Pkwy. 239-304-2835 to the public on Jan. 15 and has been extreme- AJ Pascua are also available for lessons. pantherrungolfclub.com ly popular. The course sees an average of “We’re ready to get people excited about 200 golfers each day and had almost 10,000 the golf course and we’re ready to help The National Golf & Country Club opened to rounds played within its first two months. them achieve their goals,” he said. the public on Jan. 15. Ave Maria is a place the Greens have loved from Day 1 (and still love) BY GLENN MILLER Ave Maria Sun Correspondent Nina Green and Gov. Ron DeSantis, when It was a golfing trip to Ave Maria by Tom she served as presi- Green with a buddy named Dave Iuliani from dent of the Ave Maria his kindergarten days that changed everything Little League. for the Green family. Changed everything for the better. … hher after his golfing Mr. Green was visiting from Parsippany, ttrip with a buddy has N.J., a place where winters can be cold and pproven true. bleak and long. On his trip to play at Panther “People have to see Run Golf Club, Mr. Green took a 15-minute iit to believe it,” Ms. tour of Ave Maria. GGreen said. It took one look. … Mr. and Mrs. Green Just one. … are professionals. Tom is an associate director Just 15 minutes. … in human resources and IT for Merck. Nicole Just a quarter of an hour. … has an accounting degree from The Catholic Mr. Green was compelled to tell his wife University of America in Washington and an about this wondrous place called Ave Maria MBA in information systems from Fairleigh and convinced her to pack up and move more Dickinson University in New Jersey. than a thousand miles away from the state COURTESY PHOTOS Parsippany and far-away New Jersey is now where they both grew up. Mr. Green was con- The Green family, Tom, Nicole, Thomas III and Nina. in the Green family’s rearview mirror. Their vinced it would be a good move for their two home has been and will remain Ave Maria. It young children as well. was suggested to Ms. Green that perhaps in a In August of 2018 they left the Garden State The children have settled in to the com- she said, for the children of other moms. few years Thomas III and Nine might stay in for the Sunshine State, left dreary weather munity. Thomas plays Little League and has The idyllic lifestyle she has discovered and town and attend Ave Maria University. for sunshine, left the hustle and bustle of the started playing basketball. Nina has joined a treasures can’t be found many places, she “They’re so young,” Nicole Green said. Northeast for a community nestled in a quiet swim club, plays basketball and is in a junior believes. Yes, they have more years of childhood, corner of sub-tropical Southwest Florida. choir. Nicole served for a time as president of “It doesn’t exist now,” Ms. Green said. more Little League games and swim meets They built a house and have made it a home the Ave Maria Little League. Except in Ave Maria. and choir practices and recitals to enjoy in Ave in a community of homes. Ave Maria is an oasis for more than its balmy The impersonal hurly-burly of a megalopo- Maria before college beckons. Ave Maria is a place they’ve loved from Day climate for the Green family. lis does not exist here, in Ms. Green’s experi- Nicole and Tom and the kids have embraced 1 and still love. “We enjoy like-minded civic people,” Ms. ence. In Ave Maria, neighbors are neighborly, ‘ Ave Maria but Nicole still misses close friends “Oh, it’s an oasis,” Ms. Green said. Green said. “Friends go out of their way to help “They wave,” she said. “They know your and family back in New Jersey. They’ve helped make it a community. Their neighbors.” name.” But New Jersey is most definitely in the rear- children, 12-year-old Thomas III and 10-year- Here, she believes, neighbors are more than Yes, Ave Maria, Nicole Green has learned, is view mirror for Nicole Green and her Florida old Nina, attend the Donahue Academy. neighbors. They are friends. Moms look out, not like other places. What her husband told family. AVE MARIA SUN www.AveMariaSun.com SPRING 2021 A19 Retired MLB pitcher pitches in helping little leaguers BY GLENN MILLER Ave Maria Sun Correspondent “To see kids who don’t know how to hold a glove now be When Josias Manzanillo left his Dominican Republic hometown of San Pedro Macoris as able to play catch. That is a teenager in 1983 to report to the Boston Red priceless. So memorable.” Sox minor-league camp in Winter Haven he didn’t speak English. — Josias Manzanillo He left behind behind his family and the comfort of knowing the culture currency and language of the Dominican Republic for an adventure. He could not have foreseen as one of 11 kids born to parents who owned a bakery the miles he would travel and places he would see and the town he would someday call home. Now, nearly 40 years later, Mr. Manzanillo is 53, a veteran of 11 big-league seasons as a pitcher and an Ave Maria resident with his wife, Delmaris. He helps coach ballplayers MANZANILLO in the Ave Maria Little League and regularly commutes to Davie on the east coast in his Ford F-150 to coach there. “We love it here,” Delmaris said. They are building a home and have been Maria.Maria renting for four months. They expect the new Mr. Man- house to be finished by December, zanillo’s career The couple fell in love with the town when ended before they visited more than a year ago. Mr. Man- today’s Little zanillo fell in love with Delmaris a long time LLeaguers were ago and calls her his “gift from God.” bborn. On early visits to town Mr. Manzanillo was “Normally, I pleased to see kids riding bikes to Publix. The don’td get many couple kept returning, driving across the state questionsq from from their east coast home. them,”th Mr. Man- On one of their trips they spotted a sign for zazanillo said. the Ave Maria Little League and reached out But accord- to Nicole Green, who was then league presi- ining to LeWayne dent. Manzy, as he is widely known, offered CCheney,h coach his expertise to the league. of the Nationals He operated a coaching clinic on the east in the Ave Maria coast known as Manzy’s Pitching Farm. The Littlei League, name will soon change. players know about Mr. Manzanillo. “We are re-branding now,” Mr. Manzanillo “They know who he is,” Mr. Cheney said. said. The kids can use Google and find out about Mr. Manzanillo brings an incredible depth the coach’s career. More important than his of experience to coaching Ave Maria. He’s resume is what he is doing now. played all over North America in either the AVE MARIA SUN COURTESY IMAGES “He’s already making an impact,” Mr. minors or majors. Josias Manzanillo pitched for seven MLB teams from 1993 through 2004. Cheney said. After his 1983 signing, he worked his way But if the young players have baseball ques- steadily but surely up through the Red Sox average of 18.00. He pitched one inning, as the Miami Marlins. tions he can answer. minor-league system. walked three, gave up two hits and two earned In 11 seasons, he compiled a 13-15 record His goal as a coach isn’t to reminisce. It’s to Finally on Oct. 5,1991, the 6-foot, 190- runs but also struck out two. with six saves and a 4.71 earned run average. teach the game and values. pound right-hander made his major-league Despite the rough outing, Mr. Manzanillo Through his career teammates included Hall “To see them develop is my biggest joy,” Mr. debut. It was in Fenway Park vs. the Milwau- wasn’t done. of Famers Wade Boggs, Robin Yount, Eddie Manzanillo said. kee Brewers. From 1993 through 2004 he pitched for Murray, Ken Griffey, Jr. Edgar Martinez, His goal isn’t developing pitchers for the “I was so nervous I looked like an amateur,” seven teams, bouncing from the Brewers to Randy Johnson, Mike Piazza, Rickey Hender- Marlins, Mets or Yankees. The goals are more Mr. Manzanillo said the New York Mets and the New York Yankees son and Barry Larkin. meaningful than statistics. The statistics back up his recollection. On and Seattle Mariners, back to the Mets and He also played with all-time greats Roger “To see kids who don’t know how to his page at baseball-reference.com, it shows then three seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clemens and Alex Rodriguez. hold a glove now be able to play catch,” that Mr. Manzanillo pitched in one game in on to the Cincinnati Reds and finally, in 2004, Now, this man who pitched in Fenway Park Mr. Manzanillo said “That is priceless. So the majors that year and had an earned run with the Florida Marlins, who are now known and Yankee Stadium, brings his expertise to Ave memorable.” LOW DOWN PAYMENTS - LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS. (<;6/64,*644,9*0(3)6(;9=46;69*@*3,.63-*(9;>692,9:*647 WE MAKE SURE YOU’RE ALWAYS WITH THE BEST COMPANY! >,:/67-69@6< 6=,9 +0--,9,5;*647(50,: 711 West Main Street, Immokalee, FL 34112 Phone: (239) 657-3614 | Email: [email protected] | www.bhins.com | Se Habla Español A20 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN New businesses to explore in Ave Maria BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA ■ Ave Nails Ave Maria Sun Correspondent When Danny Dang and his wife, Marie Nguyen, took a vacation from their home in A woman’s clothing store, one-stop shop Fridley, Minnesota, to Southwest Florida, they for sports, and the town’s first nail salon are visited Ave Maria and fell in love with the among the new businesses opening in Ave town. Maria this spring. So after 20 years of working in nail salons up north, Mr. Dang and his family are now ■ Hoja de Menta Ave Maria residents and the owners of Ave Nails. Many people have met Reina Del Mar Tor- “Since I’ve been in the business so long, res at the farmer’s market, where she sells I’m pretty confident and I’m good at it,” Mr. women’s clothing, handmade jewelry and cus- Dang said. “There’s not a nail salon in this tom furniture. Now, they can find her in Hoja town. We specialize de Menta, her retail store at 5052 Pope John in what we do and Paul II Blvd., Suite 112. the products we Hoja de Menta, which means “mint leaf,” provide.” represents the Bohemian feel that Ms. Torres The salon offers said she presents. manicures, pedi- “My husband came up with that name and cures, gels, waxing, I fell in love with it. It’s a fresh vibe.” and lash lift and tint. There is a staff of four, Her goal is to help young women be but Mr. Dang is looking for more licensed “trendy and effortless.” manicurists. “I think this is going to be a busy For the past 15 years, Ms. Torres worked location.” as a stylist for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Mr. Dang said he designed the salon to BCBG and Dolce & Gabbana. She also styled have a modern, classic and bright atmosphere. celebrities, including Gloria Estefan, for red He emphasized that he takes pride in his carpet events. cleanliness and sanitation practices to protect The pandemic motivated the Ave Maria his clients and staff. resident to focus online and locally. To celebrate its grand opening, Ave Nails is “My experience of styling and having sales offering 20 percent off during the month of experience was the key that motivates me to April, including on the purchase of gift cards. start this beautiful journey,” she explained. “I Ave Nails is located at 5052 Pope John Paul started the business online and then saw the II Blvd., Suite 110. It is open Monday through opportunity to open a booth in the farmer’s Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and market.” Sundays by appointment. For more informa- She said she enjoys showing ready-to-wear tion, call 239-658-5745. clothing and to providing one-on-one styling consultations. She said that people appreciate AVE MARIA SUN COURTESY IMAGE her affordable prices and expertise. For the past 15 years, Reina Del Mar Torres, owner of Hoja De Menta worked as a stylist for brands “Since I was 16 years old and started with such as Louis Vuitton, BCBG and Dolce & Gabbana. BCBG,” she explained, “I discovered that I have an eye to style other people’s bodies no matter their silhouette. That critical eye helps people feel and look beautiful with what they are wearing. It’s very satisfying.” Ms. Torres buys her inventory from bou- tiques in California and expos in New York, Las Vegas and Orlando. Her focus is on maxi and mini dresses and handmade accessories. Hoja de Menta is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ms. Torres can be reached at 787-412-9338 and thestyl- [email protected]. Learn more at hojade- menta.shop. AVE MARIA SUN COURTESY IMAGE Ave Nails Danny Dang and wife Marie Nguyen ■ So Balling Sportswear Athletes will begin running to So Balling Sportswear this month. The new retail store stocks clothing, accessories and equipment for just about every sport. “We’re like a small Dick’s Sporting Goods,” said Adrien Harris, who owns the store with Christina Zibell. “We have everything that we can fit in without looking cluttered.” So Balling Sportswear is a Nike dealer and affiliated with the NFL and Jr. NBA. The clothing includes soccer and football pants and jerseys, fitness shirts and shorts, and yoga wear. Brands include Adidas, Under COURTESY IMAGE Armour and Nike as well as a custom So Ball- Ave Maria residents Christina Zibell and Adrien ing Sportswear line. COURTESY IMAGE Harris started Ave Maria Youth Sports and are The store will carry shoes and cleats for all Reina Del Mar Torres, owner of Hoja De Menta co-owners of So Balling Sportswear store. types of exercise. modeling for Dolce & Gabbana. Swimmers will find goggles, pool floats and oversized beach towels to purchase. ■ Ave Maria Bike Rental She has adult and children’s bicycles on Maria. Bats, basketballs, footballs and other sports racks in front of her new retail store. Adult bicycle rental rates are 1 1/2 hours equipment are due in later this spring. Not only is Ms. Torres taking Hoja de “They are charcoal gray with mint to flow for $20. Each additional 1/2 hour for $7. Kids So Balling Sportswear is located at 5064 Menta out for a spin, she’s inviting Ave Maria with the store’s mint leaf vibe,” she said. bicycle rentals (training wheels optional) are Annunciation Circle, Suite 108. The store is residents to literally do the same with her sec- Ms. Torres said bicycles are a great way 1 1/2 hours for $15. Each additional 1/2 hour open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. ond new business, Ave Maria Bike Rental. for families and their friends to explore Ave for $5. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. AVE MARIA SUN www.AveMariaSun.com SPRING 2021 A21 ALL AROUND AVE MARIA Ave Maria Master Association June 19th June 14th is National Bourbon Day! Come Camp Ave Maria Events (resident only) Father’s Day Golf & Brunch Outing! ENJOY $2 off our BEST-SELLING Beer, Ken- Summer Camp registration is OPEN! Sum- tucky Bourbon Barrel Ale at Oil Well Craft mer Camp begins Monday, June 14. Visit April 7 Look out for more details to come on this event. Beer-ALL DAY LONG! CampAveMaria.com for more information National Beer Day Open to the Public Meet & Greet – Tuesday, June 29th at 7PM about this recreational summer camp for kids Watch for specials and activities at Oil Well Ave Maria Farmer’s Market 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Are you new to Ave Maria? Come out and ages 6-12. Craft Beer and Local Restaurants. meet your neighbors at Oil Well Craft Beer’s Every Saturday now through May 1st Welcome to Ave Maria Meet & Greet! FREE Ave Maria Dance Academy April 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 20 vendors offering one-of-a-kind items OnSpot Dermatology mobile clinic with WELCOME bags! Summer Dance Registration is OPEN! such as handmade jewelry, candles, soaps, Summer Dance begins Tuesday, June 15th. screenings and various treatments. fresh produce and jams. The Secret Ingredient Pre-registration required; walk-ins welcome if Visit AveMariaDance.com for more infor- spots are available. April 17 at 8 a.m. in Annunciation Circle Women’s Boutique mation. Lipman 5K Run/Walk For Backpacks. (Open to the Public) May 21 and 22nd Ave Maria Dance Academy April 10 at 2 PM is holding their 13th annual dance recital at Register at lipmanfamilyfarms.com. Every Monday at The Secret Ingredient Outing to PopStroke in Ft. Myers. the O’Bryan Performance Hall in Ave Maria. April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. is 55+ and FABULOUS Day-10% off your April 16 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. FAVORITE item-ALL DAY-EVERY MONDAY! May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. Ave Maria University Dive-in Movie at the Ave Maria Water Park First Friday’s celebration April: 4th Annual Golf Tournament, April 30, 2021 April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family event at the Park of Commerce Don’t WINE, Just Go TRAVEL EVENT on Afternoon shotgun – Scramble format April 21st from 6PM-8PM. Community Yard Sale in North Park. will include a food truck, specials at Oil Well All proceeds to benefit AMU’s NAIA Football Craft Beer, music and lawn games with prizes. May: Team. Register online at: www.GlideGolf.com April 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs May 4th is National Teacher Apprecia- Bloodmobile if the musician is playing outside. tion Day! Teachers can receive 20% off their Ave Maria University Athletics Home games schedule. April 27 at 7 p.m. FAVORITE item at The Secret Ingredient! June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 4th is National Moscato Day- Live streaming available only at www. Embrace the Journey photography pre- First Friday’s celebration Come ENJOY a FREE glass of Moscato while thesundigitalnetwork.com/avemariagyrenes sentation. Ave Maria resident Pat O’Flaherty This family event at the Town Center will you shop at The Secret Ingredient. Must be 21 is a wildlife and nature photographer who April 6 at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. include food specials, live music, and lawn and older. has traveled the world. Learn more about Baseball vs Florida Memorial games with prizes. Tuesday, May 25th is National Wine Day- embracinglifephotos.com. Free. April 7 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. Oil Well Craft Beer Come ENJOY a FREE glass of WINE while Lacrosse vs Webber April 29 at 6:30 pm you shop at The Secret Ingredient. Must be (Open to the public) April 9 at 3 p.m. Dinner & Sunset Beachwalk Outing to 21 and older. April: Baseball vs St. Thomas Yucatan Beach Stand for dinner and then June: April 10 at 12 p.m. enjoy walking on the Fort Myers Beach to Friday Fun! Friday, April 9th from 5PM to Saturday, June 5th is National wear BLUE Baseball vs St. Thomas watch the Sunset. 7PM Day! Wear ANY BLUE outfit into The Secret Saturday, April 10th - New Food Truck: Chef Softball vs Keiser May 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ingredient and receive 20% off your FAVOR- Global from 5PM-8PM ITE item! April 10 at 1 p.m. OnSpot Dermatology mobile clinic returns. Karaoke Dance PARTY with DJ DiFLO from Friday, June 18th is National Flip Flop Day- Men’s Tennis vs Warner See April 10 listing. 8PM-11PM! 10% off ALL of our FLIP FLOPS at The Secret Women’s Tennis vs Warner May 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet & Greet Tuesday, April 20th at 7PM Ingredient! April 10 at 2 p.m. International Water Safety Day Are you new to Ave Maria? Come out and Wednesday, June 23rd is National wear Softball vs Keiser Activities at the Water Park will include music, meet your neighbors at Oil Well Craft Beer’s PINK Day! Wear ANY PINK outfit into The April 10 at 3 p.m. games and poolside exercise, water safety talks Welcome to Ave Maria Meet & Greet! FREE Secret Ingredient and receive 20% off your Baseball vs St. Thomas and more. Free. WELCOME bags! FAVORITE item! April 14 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. May: May 29 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. Softball vs Southeastern Free BINGO - Saturday, May 1st from 6PM to Fellowship Church Glow Party April 19 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. 8PM. Open to ALL ages! Eden Earth, Wind & Fellowship Academy Open Enrollment High school juniors and seniors will gather at Softball vs Trinity Baptist Fryer Food Truck will be serving AMAZING Grades 1-12 the Water Park for music, food and a volleyball food from 5PM-8PM. Email: [email protected] April 22 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. tournament, all highlighted with glow sticks. Website: www.fellowshipacademy.co Softball vs Thomas May 5th at 5 p.m. celebrate Cinco de Mayo April 23 at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Conference at Oil Well Craft Beer with Taco Tummy Food Baseball vs Thomas Memorial Day Truck, Mexican inspired BEER, Margaritas, Description: Parents and their kids will be Residents will honor the day with a parade GAMES and More. equipped to serve the Lord in a Deuteronomy April 24 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. into South Park led by Ave Maria Veterans Softball vs Coastal Georgia Meet & Greet – Tuesday, May 25th at 7PM 6 manner. Kids will do crafts and games. Par- Association and the Knights of Columbus. ents will have interactive seminars. April 24 at 3 p.m. Free. Contact [email protected]. Are you new to Ave Maria? Come out and Baseball vs Thomas meet your neighbors at Oil Well Craft Beer’s Dates: July 25-28 June 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Welcome to Ave Maria Meet & Greet! FREE Time: 6:30p-8:30p April 30 at 12 p.m. Splash Into Summer event at Ave Maria WELCOME bags! Email: [email protected] Baseball vs Southeastern Waterpark June: Student Camp May 1 at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Baseball vs Southeastern June 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 4th is National Doughnut Day-Beer Description: Student Camp is 3 night/4 day event for students grades 6-12. Flip Flop Day and Doughnut pairing at Oil Well Craft Beer- Dates: July 25-28 — Events are subject to change. Events will Get crafty with a flip flop decorating kit 7 PM. Come try 4 DELICIOUS Doughnuts Cost: $75 be following CDC guidelines and social distanc- distributed at the Water Park. Watch for addi- paired with 4 AMAZING BREWS-$15 per Grades: 6-12 ing procedures. Visit AveMaria.com for more tional details. Pre-registration and payment Flight of 4. Email: [email protected] information. required. Free BINGO on Saturday, June 5th from 6PM to 8PM. BINGO is open to ALL ages! New Public Safety Complex almost ready to open BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA three bays that can hold six vehicles, including through an iPad. It’s a big change from the 1970s- The complex is built with further expansion Ave Maria Sun Correspondent a ladder truck, medic unit, brushfire unit and era former trucking company metal building that of services in mind, including space for 14 staff water tender. has served the district’s headquarters. to sleep. Chief Choate said he anticipates that Construction of the Immokalee Fire Control One wing has offices and a board room. The “It was never designed to house public safety or this station will utilize two fire trucks within District Ave Maria Public Safety Complex is other wing is the living quarters where four fire- be a fire station,” Chief Choate said. “What we’re five years. proceeding smoothly, according to Michael J. fighters and two medics will be available 24 hours coming from and going to is a complete contrast.” “Our call volumes are increasing every year in Choate, fire chief and Immokalee Fire Control a day, seven days a week. But the district’s history will be represented Ave Maria,” he explained. “We went from one or District manager. “They’ll be moving into a very efficient and in old photos and memorabilia throughout the two a day to about four or five a day. We know Groundbreaking took place on March 5, 2020. ergonomically-friendly building that flows prop- public spaces. “We don’t want to forget where we that trend will continue as folks continue to build With slight delays and pricing increases due to erly for response times,” the chief said. “Everything come from,” Chief Choate said. in Ave Maria. It’s our job to be ready for that.” materials shortages during the pandemic, the is designed for their benefit and, in turn, benefits Funding for the $10 million public safety com- The chief encourages certified firefighters, new building is still expected to be ready for the end user of our system.” plex came from impact fees, not taxes. EMTs and paramedics as well as secretaries to occupancy in late spring. The support services captain will work out of “Every homeowner in Ave Maria paid an watch for job openings in the 234-square-mile “For the most part, it’s still on time,” Chief the 5,400-square-foot logistics building in the impact fee and it can only be used for expansion district. “We would love to hire from within our Choate said. “We’re at the part where it doesn’t back of the complex. This building will house the of services like a new fire station and new appa- district,” he said. look like there’s progress, because they’re work- reserve engine that is used when the main engine ratus, not to pay personnel or replace apparatus,” A public grand opening celebration with tours ing indoors, but I expect us to be in by the end is out for maintenance, hurricane and brushfire the chief explained. “All of the impact fee money will take place this summer on a date not yet of June.” materials, and supplies such as hoses, boots, hel- that the residents of Ave Maria and Immokalee announced. The complex will serve as an emergency oper- mets, gloves and air packs. have given us, we’re giving back to the commu- “We tried our very best to make sure we’ve ations center and house the fire department, Energy efficient elements such as light sensors nity (in this complex).” provided not only something for the residents county sheriff’s office staff and EMS. and low-flow water were used in the construction, The board room, complete with dais, will be of Ave Maria to be proud of but something our The main 22,000-square-foot building has as well as smart technology to control features available for community organizations to use. firefighters will be proud to live in every day.” A22 SPRING 2021 www.AveMariaSun.com AVE MARIA SUN Judi’s Gym will honor donor and benefit student athletes BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA itself for other university activities. Ave Maria Sun Correspondent Among those who will enjoy seeing the courts utilized are Judi and George Schwartz’s George P. Schwartz has been good friends children and grandchildren who live in or near with Tom Monaghan for decades. So when Mr. Ave Maria. Monaghan said he was going to build a town Michael Schwartz is executive vice president in Southwest Florida, Mr. Schwartz came with for Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc., which him from Michigan to tour the tomato fields has an office in the Ave Maria Town Center. He and hear more about the plans. and his wife, Lisa, and their daughter, Madi- “A lot of people have said, jokingly, that son, have lived in Ave Maria for almost nine they thought Tom was dreaming too big,” Mr. years. Michael Schwartz has served on the Ave Schwartz said. “But he’s a visionary and knew Maria University board of trustees for the past what he wanted to build. He put a lot of his five years and previously was chairman of the own money into it and helped raise money board for Donahue Academy. from outside. It’s been a great success from Katie (Schwartz) Hord lives in Ave Maria everything I can see.” with her husband, Andy, and their two chil- Mr. Schwartz and his wife, Judi, invested in dren, Nicky and Aubrianna Judi. She works in the town right from the start. They bought a the family business. condominium 10 years ago and now own two, Tim Schwartz has lived in Naples for the opened a branch of their financial services past nine years with his wife, Trish, and their company in Ave Maria 10 years ago, and have son, Gabriel. He is president and chief invest- supported Ave Maria University for years. ment officer for Schwartz Investment Counsel, “We think it’s a fabulous place to live and Inc. visit and do business,” Mr. Schwartz said. Two other Schwartz children live in Michi- Sadly, Judi P. Schwartz passed away in April gan. Annie Malcolm is married to Greg and 2020, leaving behind George, her husband has three children, Kristen Malcolm, Matt of 52 years, as well as five children and their Malcolm, and Jennifer Strickland, who is mar- spouses, and 10 grandchildren. ried to Ben and has a daughter, Marianne The family wanted to honor Judi’s life with COURTESY IMAGE Ruth. Annie Malcolm is operations manager a legacy gift. They combined her love of sports Judi and George Schwartz, front, with their children Annie Malcolm, Michael Schwartz, Tim for the firm. with the family’s commitment to Ave Maria Schwartz, Bob Schwartz and Katie Hord. Bob Schwartz and his wife, Michelle, are by creating Judi’s Gym. The outdoor pavilion parents to Emily, Russell and Ryan. He is near the university’s rugby field and dorms will senior vice president and portfolio manager house six outdoor basketball courts. The com- growing up. She played basketball, volleyball exercise is crucial for mental development for Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. plex will have a 25-foot ceiling and steel roof. and softball, and she enjoyed swimming. With besides physical developmentment and A groundbreakinggrou ceremony for Judi’s George P. Schwartz donated $2 million to her encouragement, all of her children played socialization. I think getting exer-exer- GymGym was held in February with a lun- Ave Maria University last year to pay for the basketball, some in high school and some cise is much more beneficialial chcheon and remarks from Ave Maria construction. in college. Judi Schwartz enjoyed watching than sitting at a computerr UUniversity President Christopher “Judi and I were big supporters of Ave women’s basketball. screen.” Ice, Athletic Director Joe Patter- Maria University,” Mr. Schwartz said. “We’re “After her passing, I told Tom I wanted Mr. Schwartz expects son, and George P. Schwartz. very impressed with the board of directors, to have some sort of memorial in honor of the university’s basketball Michael Schwartz was recently administration and faculty. It’s such a first-rate Judi and we came up with this.” Mr. Schwartz teams to practice on the appointed chairman of the uni- university that were very enthused about.” shared that Mr. Monaghan suggested the name courts, intramural teams to vversity’s new physical plant com- Construction should be completed in of Judi’s Gym. play there, and students too mmittee. He looks forward to over- August or September. “The athletic director thinks it will get a lot enjoy pick-up basketball gamesmes seseeinge all infrastructure, including Mr. Schwartz said his wife was very athletic of student play,” Mr. Schwartz said. “I think as well. The space can alsoolend lend progreprogresss on Judi’s Gym. New lifestyle director brimming with ideas BY MARY WOZNIAK life,” she said. Carr company. The fast-growing Ave Maria Sun Correspondent Every month, she prepares an community currently has about events and social calendar. Activi- 1,150 homes, with buildout expect- Alejandra Vazquez is making things happen ties had been curtailed due to the ed to be about 2,780 homes, Russo at The Club at Maple Ridge and she’s loving COVID-19 pandemic, but now said. every minute. things are slowly starting to rev The community has a wide Vazquez is the new up again, she said. Of course, new demographic mix, from toddlers to lifestyle director at the activities will resume or be added families to older people. Vazquez club, which is the ame- according to CDC guidelines. has a great personality to work with nity complex exclusive The Club features a gathering that range of people, Russo said. to homeowners living in lounge that serves as a commu- “She is very engaging, very com- the Maple Ridge neigh- nity space for special events, casual fortable.” Because Vazquez is a col- borhood of Ave Maria. meet-ups, and social celebrations. lege student who is just about to The club features about A fitness center with state-of-the graduate, she should also bring in 10,000 square feet of art equipment has adjacent men’s the younger-age residents, tweens, recreation and relax- and ladies’ locker rooms. There is teens and college-age. “She’s got a VAZQUEZ ation space. That’s a lot also a private fitness studio to host lot of community spirit,” Russo said. of ground to cover, but group classes. “She’s got really good energy. It was Vazquez is up to the task. With just about two Fitness classes include yoga, a very good fit.” months under her belt in her new job, she is up self-defense and Zumba, Vazquez When Vazquez graduates in and running and brimming with ideas. said. She is starting a new health spring, will her degree in account- Vazquez plans events, schedules fitness and wellness group called “Mind- ing still be in line with her future classes, books parties and rentals and basically ful Mandate,” which features a life career goals? “The type of person I coordinates activities in the club according to coach coming to the club to talk am, I learned I can’t have a set plan,” the needs and wants of the residents. about issues like how to handle she said. “The world will always pull She was previously an attendant for a year stress and live a more mindful life. you different places. This is another and a half at the club, taking care of the front For example, one session is called side to my personality. I had a plan. desk, walking around the club making sure “Calming Confidence.” Plans always change. Let the world residents were happy and that everything was Then there’s the new Pickleball take you where you need to go at going smoothly. In short, it was great training club and soon, a new billiards club the moment.” for her new position. “Now I still do all those and chess club. There will be more Vazquez currently lives in Immo- things, but I have more responsibility,” she said. art classes and even BINGO. kalee, but she has been a part of Vazquez was inspired by watching the previous The club also has a billiard room the Ave Maria community since lifestyle director and found herself thinking, for men and a card room; and COURTESY IMAGE she started living in the dorms as a “Maybe one day I can do that,” she said. a children’s room, designed with Alejandra Vazquez, new lifestyle director at the The Club At Maple student in 2017. “I do feel like I live She is also balancing her new job with murals by a local artist. Outdoors, Ridge, shows off the club’s lobby area filled with natural light. here,” she said. “When you work finishing up her degree in accounting as a there is a resort pool, outdoors fit- in the club you kind of live and last-semester senior at Ave Maria University. ness trail and children’s playground. breathe it.” Ironically, working as a lifestyle director is Maple Ridge residents come to Vazquez with ager for Maple Ridge, is more than happy with For Vazquez, Ave Maria feels like home. completely different from her field of study, ideas, but she also goes out to the residents. “I the new hire. “She is excellent. She is just such “What I like about Ave Maria in general is that but it works, Vazquez said. “Accounting is want to make sure the residents have the kinds a pleasure,” Russo said of Vazquez. it’s so peaceful,” she said. “I love the openness really black and white. The lifestyle director job of activities they want,” she said. Maple Ridge is built by top-ranked South- of it, how safe it feels, how homey it feels. It’s is really creative. It balances two aspects of my Lori Russo, community association man- west Florida builder CC Homes, a Codina- just a beautiful place to live.” AVE MARIA SUN www.AveMariaSun.com SPRING 2021 A23 Ave Maria University athletes triumph in gyms and on fields BY GLENN MILLER Ms. Romig said. Brody Rubenstein, a speedy 5-foot-7 out- Ave Maria Sun Correspondent She said the team’s improvement can also be fielder from Bushnell, led the team with 16 attributed to Coach Kelly recruiting players with stolen bases in 18 attempts and also led the Playing through the worst pandemic in “grit and desire” as well as a “love” for the sport. team with four homers. more than a century, Ave Maria University ath- Ms. Shepard also evoked the same trait to Ethan Bergkamp from Wichita, Kansas, a letes triumphed in gyms and on fields through explain the success. She also used the word “grit.” catcher and first baseman, was hitting .294 at the winter and into the spring. Ms. Padgett cited another reason. that point with a team-leading 25 RBI. “We have the strongest teams in the history of “I’ve never played on a team that has as Freshman pitcher Ethan Wood from Vero the school,” athletic director Joe Patterson said. much togetherness,” Ms. Padgett said, Beach was 2-0 with a 0.64 earned run average. That was evident as the team prepared for In 14 innings, he had struck out 17 and walked ■ Softball the season through its conditioning and extra only four. AVE MARIA SUN COURTESY IMAGE The softball team was 14-4 overall and com- practice before the coaching staff began work- ing with players. The women’s tennis team entered the change of ■ Women’s Basketball ing off a doubleheader sweep of St. Thomas seasons with a 6-3 record. in the first two games of conference play. The The season is far from over and the players The women’s basketball team posted an Gyrenes beat St. Thomas 9-1 and 11-3 on are looking to snag the first conference softball 8-19 record but played with pluck right to March 17. title in school history and advance to the NAIA zilian Lara Teodoro, who in 2020 set a school the end in a 65-59 loss to St. Thomas in the Coach John Kelly has big expectations. The World Series. record with 11 consecutive wins. She is far quarterfinals of the conference tournament. program has never won a Sun Conference title. “We are a team to watch,” Coach Kelly said. from the only Gyrene on the team with a win- Ave Maria outscored St. Thomas 26-14 in the “Hope to change that this year,’ Mr. Kelly said. The first conference championship in pro- ning record. fourth quarter to make a game of it. One of the team’s assets, according to Mr. gram history is one goal. “We can’t win with just one player,” tennis Senior Taylor Allen closed out an outstand- Kelly, is speed. Mr. Kelly believes his Gyrenes are “We won’t be satisfied,” Ms, Shepard said. coach Carlos Pinel said. ing career with a team-high 14 points in the the fastest team in the country, The bigger goal is reaching the NAIA World Indeed, other players are performing well. game. She was named second-team All-Con- One of the keys is freshman Marisa Michi, Series. Katie Fuller from England was 11-6. Two other ference, averaging 11.4 points per game. International players were 8-5 - Brazilian Kelly who was batting .378 as the calendar turned to ■ Lacrosse ■ Men’s Basketball spring. She led the team in RBI (25) doubles Oliveira and Aethelle Kelboom from Aruba. The lacrosse team had played only two The men’s basketball team was 20-11overall (4) and homers (3). ■ Men’s Tennis “She’s going to be an All-American,” Mr. matches as this issue of the Sun was being pre- and 13-7 in conference play. Kelly said. pared. The team lost both but had five matches The men’s tennis team started 4-4. Senior guard Eric Klekas led the team in At the same date on the calendar Miriam scheduled between March 22 and April 10. The best individual records were 7-3 scoring, averaging 17.5 points a game. He also Padgett was hitting .537 and pitcher Sarah The leading scorers in the first two matches by Brazilian Luca Cirenza and 9-5 by led the team in minutes played, averaging 36.4 Shepard was 6-2 with a 1.88 ERA. are both from Maryland - Emma Davis and Nicholas Hofmeister. minutes per game. Orianna Eldridge. Coach Jamon Copeland was effusive in Through 18 games they had 81 stolen bases, ■ Baseball praise for the student he described as a “devout which led the nation. No other team had more ■ Beach Volleyball than 53. Ave Maria’s 4.50 steals per game also Nearly two months after opening the base- Catholic.” Coach Copeland talked about the lead the nation. Mr. Kelly said the Gyrenes are The beach volleyball team had also yet to hit ball season the Gyrenes were 8-17. They started heart and soul he displays in athletics and “the fastest show on dirt.” the meat of its schedule as spring was winding 1-5 and were 2-8 after 10 games but improved academics. Klekas sports a 4.0 grade point Kalie Romig led the team with 30 steals in down. At that point Gyrene beach volleyball along the way. In late February Ave Maria won average. 33 attempts and Ms. Padgett was 24-for-24 in was 4-1. a weekend series at Edward Waters College in “I could go on and on,” the coach said. Jacksonville. The Gyrenes won 20 games for the third steal attempts. ■ Women’s Tennis Ms. Romig, who already has an accounting Several Gyrenes are enjoying stellar seasons. consecutive season. games. They were noticed degree from Ave Maria, said more than speed The women’s tennis team entered the Junior Kolby Blanchard from Prairieville. around the country, receiving votes in the explains the team’s success. change of seasons with a 6-3 record. La, was hitting .366 with 11 stolen bases three NAIA Top 25. “The key point has been playing together,” The headliner on the women’s team is Bra- weeks into March. ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY AVE MARIA SUN NEXT PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 7, 2021 SUMMER 2020 www.avemariasun.com “I love the community. Everyone here is super friendly. Most of the people who live on Vol. I, No. 3 • FREE my street I’ve met because they’ve either stopped by or I’ve seen them on my walks.” Meet the new — Cyndi O’Brion, Ave Maria resident president of Ave Maria University BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA Ave Maria Sun Correspondent Some of life’s biggest challenges are the loss of a loved one, moving and starting a new job. Add in a pandemic and that describes the last six months for new Ave Maria University Presi- dent Chris Ice. After moving from Kansas to start as the university’s third presi- dent on Jan. 1, Mr. Ice lost Mary, his wife of 31 years and mother of his 10 children, in April. “I firmly believe if it weren’t for my deep faith, I’m not sure how I ICE would have persevered,” Mr. Ice says. “When you’re in the midst of chal- lenges, if you don’t have a vision of the future and faith in God and pray every day for the New residents Faith James and Jim Schmitz felt a higher power nudging them to move to Ave Maria. MILA BRIDGER / AVE MARIA SUN intercession of our Blessed Mother, it’s easy to think you’re in control. These are the times you realize you’re not.” Mr. Ice also credits the university’s board of trustees and executive team, as well as the local community, for supporting him and his family. “They have been absolutely fantastic and a true the blessing,” he says. His faith goes back to his childhood, when he accompanied his grandmother to daily Mass. Living life Around age 7, he started serving Mass and helping during funerals and weddings. Buyers flock to Ave Maria as new home sales break the record Mr. Ice heard the call of the priesthood and went to high school at St. Henry’s Preparatory Seminary in Illinois, but he says he “determined BY EVAN WILLIAMS that God was calling me somewhere else.” He played college baseball and graduated Ave Maria Sun Correspondent from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kan. He set numerous baseball records S THEIR CAR PASSED AGRICULTURAL there, including the NAIA baseball career bat- LAND on the way to Ave Maria ting average at .480, and was inducted into the to look for a new home, Faith SEE PRESIDENT, A17 James and Jim Schmitz, both age X A 52, wondered if this town would be disconnected from the urban lifestyle to which they were accustomed. “When you’re in the midst of As it turned out, they discovered a vibrant challenges, if you don’t have community with a robust menu of ameni- ties that was for them a perfect fit. a vision of the future and It even seemed that nearly from the time they arrived. When they got out of the car at faith in God and pray every the model home center, Ms. James recalls, day for the intercession of her hand accidently activated a song on iTunes in her phone; Beyoncé’s “Ave Maria” our Blessed Mother, it’s easy began to play. to think you’re in control. Later in May, with face masks and behind These are the times you SEE LIFE, A16 X Ave Maria posted record new-home sales in June. AVE MARIA SUN realize you’re not.” — Chris Ice, president Ave Maria University The grads Why graduation Labor day was most of love Drink up memorable, Grand Hall Relax, enjoy and different, opens at the food this year. Del Webb and feel A6-7 X Naples. like family at the Pub. A4 X A14 X SPACE/CREATIVE: 7EDNESDAY *UNE RD s PM At Cheney Landscaping, we offer the best lawn care CAMERA READY ADS: 4UESDAY *UNE TH s PM service and the best pool cleaning service, not the most expensive. 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