Simply Ave Maria Winter 2026 ISSUU

Constitutional Minute

BROUGHT TO YOU BY AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY

The preamble to the Constitution invokes the majestic principles of Union, Justice, Tranquility, Welfare, and Liberty. Excluded from this list is Equality. Before the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Declaration of Independence was the source to which those opposed to slavery turned to legitimize the idea that “all men are created equal.” It took the Civil War to include an equal protection clause in the Constitution. A guarantee of equal protection was won at the cost of hundreds of thousands of American lives. This hard-fought victory illustrates that our dearest principles require real sacrifices to be manifested.

® OWNER/PUBLISHER

Chad Beatty

MAGAZINE DESIGNER

Kacie Cotter-Harrigan

ADVERTISING DESIGNER

Jocelyn Lucey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chad Beatty

Becky Bruehl Bestul

Jim Feipel

Trevor J. Ganzi

Mary Harp-Jirschele

Sharon Levesque

Lauren Maxwell

Katherine Morna Towne

Caleb Polhill

Ralph Vincent

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ave Maria Development

Jorge Molina, Florida Urban Photography

Randall Perry Photography

EDITORIAL/PHOTOGRAPHY 518-248-2080

cbeatty@oilwellpublishing.com

SALES

Chad Beatty cbeatty@oilwellpublishing.com

PUBLISHED BY

OIL WELL PUBLISHING

Ave Maria, FL

COVER PHOTOS BY:

contributors

BECKY

BRUEHL BESTUL

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

SHARON LEVESQUE

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

JIM FEIPEL

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

LAUREN MAXWELL

Lauren Maxwell, Executive Vice President of "MAXWELL MORTGAGE TEAM" at CrossCountry Mortgage, is known for her catchphrase, "Financing the world one loan at a time." With 37 years of experience, she specializes in FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. Serving Ave Maria and Naples, she is the top female loan originator at CrossCountry Mortgage, closing over 4,100 loans totaling $1.3 billion since 2018.

CHEF TREVOR J. GANZI

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

KATHERINE MORNA TOWNE

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

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

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Greetings my fellow Ave Marians, I can’t believe I’m sitting down to write my winter letter already. Time goes by fast, but luckily life in Ave Maria seems just a little slower and a little more enjoyable. From iconic scenes of children playing around our church, to family walks around the lakes, Ave Maria is a big community with a small hometown feel. If you are a tourist reading this, welcome to our town! We hope you enjoy our little slice of heaven in SW Florida. Inside this edition we have 2 of the top local realtors: Sharon LeVesque of Realty One Group, and Joe Rivera of John R. Wood Properties.

Make sure you reach out to one of them, and before you know it, you will be on a golf cart driving to your favorite local events and hotspots. I remember when we were making plans to move here, my first priority (not my wife’s) was buying a golf cart. Ironically, we bought the golf cart before we bought our home and had to store it at a friend’s house for a few months. There is nothing like driving everywhere in town on a golfcart with the sun on your face and the wind at your back.

Speaking of driving a golfcart to local events, make sure to check out ‘Save The Date’ on pages 12 & 13. From trolley tours to Blues, Brews and BBQ, there is something for everyone.

There are so many great stories in this edition I don’t know where to begin. Did you know there is a local wild animal preserve with tigers and zebra? Neither did I. If you are a fan of our ongoing series, The Path, turn to page 22 and follow Chief Choate’s journey to Ave Maria.

If you are looking for a spiritually uplifting story, look no further than ‘A Life of Prayer’ on page 52, following the beautiful journey of an AMU graduate from Ave Maria to a cloistered monastery.

This is just a sampling of the features, so settle into your favorite chair, grab a cup of hot tea, or a cold beer, and enjoy.

As always Thank You to our advertisers who make it possible for us to offer a high-quality glossy magazine free of charge to the public. Please make sure to frequent their businesses and make sure you mention that you saw their ad in Simply Ave Maria.

God bless. - Chad

Chad Beatty, Owner & Publisher cbeatty@oilwellpublishing.com 518-248-2080

UPCOMING events

TROLLEY TOURS

TUESDAYS

JAN 12 –APRIL 14

TUESDAYS JAN 12 –APRIL 28

Ave Maria Welcome Center, 5076 Annunciation Circle

Climb aboard our trolley for a complimentary, 1-hour narrated trolley tour. Hear about the town’s history, take in live music and soak up the community atmosphere. After your tour, stay for lunch and browse our local shops.

The trolley departs on the hour from 11 a.m. –2 p.m. Admission is first-come, first-served. For questions, call (239) 352-3903.

AVE MARIA CHURCH TOURS

Ave Maria Parish

From 1 – 3 p.m. docents will be available to answer questions and give tours of the stunning Oratory. Self-guided tour brochures are also available.

AVE MARIA PRO-LIFE MARCH

SATURDAY 17 JAN

THURSDAY 22 JAN

AMU Stadium, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Show your support for vulnerable unborn babies and their mothers.Visit AveMariaparish. org for more information.

CLASSICAL MUSIC & OUR NATURAL WORLD: DISCOVERING OCEAN MOVEMENT THROUGH MUSIC

Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples

Discover the motion of ocean waves and currents through examples in classical music. In this lecture presentation, we will use carefully curated classical music to hear the difference between surface and internal waves, the motion of northern and southern ocean gyres, and the sounds of ocean stratification. Repertoire includes music by Debussy, Bach, Glass and Mendelssohn. Visit ArtisNaples.org to purchase tickets.

EVENTS AT AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY

The town of Ave Maria is blessed to have a college campus right in town. Visit the following web addresses for details and dates of a variety of sporting events, lectures, plays, and musical performances. Avemariagyrenes.com/calendar • AveMaria.edu/events AveMaria.Universitytickets.com

SATURDAY

24 JAN

SUNSHINE

STATE STEAK COOK-OFF

Ave Maria Town Center, 2 – 6:30 p.m.

Get ready for a sizzling good time at The Knights of Columbus’ 16th annual charity steak competition. Enjoy an afternoon packed with live music and entertainment, a lively beer garden, farmers' market and inflatables for the kids. Then, watch as grill masters go head-to-head, preparing 2,000 mouthwatering steak dinners served from 5 – 6 p.m., with winners announced at 6:30 p.m. Steak dinners are $35 in advance at www.sssco.org or $40 on event day.

XAVIER’S RUN MEMORIAL 5K

SATURDAY

31 JAN

Ave Maria Town Center

Beginning at 8:15 a.m., run with purpose in the Ave Maria Community at the first annual Xavier Randolph Memorial Run — celebrating Xavier Randolph’s life, a passionate runner whose life was tragically cut short. The proceeds from this race will go into the Xavier Randolph Memorial Scholarship at Ave Maria University, the school he was planning to attend. Register at runsignup.com/xaviersrun5k

TASTE OF AVE

Ave Maria Town Center, Noon – 5 p.m.

Open to all, this community event features live music, family-friendly activities, food booths, local artisans and more.

SATURDAY 07 FEB

COMMUNITY YARD SALE

North Park, 4010 Anthem Pkwy.

Visit avemariamasterassociation.com for more information.

FRIDAY 13

FEB

SATURDAY 14

FEB

FRIDAY 06

MARCH

SATURDAY 14

MARCH

TEEN GLOW PARTY

Ave Maria Waterpark, 4015 Anthem Pkwy, Ave Maria

Visit avemariamasterassociation.com for more information.

SATURDAY

28

MARCH

TACOS AND MARGARITA FESTIVAL

Ave Maria Town Center, Noon – 5 p.m.

This festival features an afternoon of music, good and family fun. Visit Avemaria.com for more information.

SATURDAY 28

MARCH

BLUES, BREWS AND BBQ

Ave Maria Town Center, Noon – 5 p.m.

Listen to live music, check out the vintage and high-performance car displays, enjoy great BBQ food trucks and let the kids enjoy the petting zoo and other activities. No coolers, please.

For additional event details, contact the Ave Maria Welcome Center at (239) 352-3903.

FRIDAY 10 APRIL

FIRST FRIDAY

Ledo’s Pizza, 5360 Ave Maria Blvd., 5 – 7 p.m.

Visit avemariamasterassociation.com for more information

THE KILT RUN 5K/10K

Ave Maria Town Center

Beginning at 8 a.m., celebrate your Irish heritage or just run. Either way, this is a great day to run in Ave Maria. This event will feature our 1st 10K race for those seeking a longer distance. Register at runsignup.com/ thekiltrun5k

SHAMROCK FESTIVAL

Ave Maria Town Center, Noon – 5 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Ireland with live music by Michael Joyce and a Celtic dance performance by Ave Maria Dance Academy, a stein mug holding contest, an Irish soda bread contest and children’s activities. Visit Avemaria.com for more information.

SPRING FESTIVAL AT THE WATERPARK

Ave Maria Waterpark, 4015 Anthem Pkwy

Visit avemariamasterassociation.com for more information.

FIRST FRIDAY

Ave Maria Town Center, 5 – 7 p.m.

Visit Avemariamasterassociation.com for more information.

FRIDAY FLASH EMAILS FROM THE MASTER ASSOCIATION

Watch your Friday Flash emails from the Master Association for information about possible group outings to Baseball Spring Training or Blueberry picking.

1st Place

Loren P’laez – Silverwood

Two-night suite stay at Compass Hotel by Margaritaville

2nd Place

Yolanda Flores –Avalon Park

Two round-trip tickets on the Key West Express

3rd Place

Amanda Vanegas –Silverwood

Ten FC Naples tickets for the 2026 season

4th Place

Michele Guadagno –The National at Ave Maria

One hour massage from Flowing Grace Massage.

Community Favorite Ebelin Delgado –Avalon Park

Local gift cards and a gold cocktail mixer set

STAY CONNECTED

In late August 2025 the Ave Maria Master Association launched their custom ‘Ave Maria Master Association App’ as an additional way for residents to stay connected with all that is happening in Ave Maria. Within the app, residents can register for classes and events, find information about upcoming events, community news and learn about the different entities within the community.

"Our team is excited about the new Ave Maria app that launched earlier this summer. We have heard from many residents both new and seasoned how easy it is to use, a great way to learn about upcoming events and a wonderful way to increase our communication to residents at the tip of their fingers."

- Jackie Ventura,

Event Director for AMMA

WORKPLACE Etiquette

WRITTEN BY STAFF REPORTER

In this edition of MANNERS, we will cover the elusive topic of Workplace Etiquette…the unwritten rules that govern professional interactions. These are the acceptable social norms that promote respect and create a productive work environment. While many of our readers have home based businesses, or just work from home, don’t fall into the trap of thinking these don’t apply to you. They are just as important, or maybe more important for the sanity of those you live with.

The Communal Kitchen/ Breakroom

• Wash and dry your dishes immediately after using them and put them away.

• Label your food in the fridge and throw away items by their expiration date.

• If your food in the fridge has leaked or made the shelf dirty, clean it up.

• Wipe down the table and counter after eating.

• Refill the water in the coffee machine if it is low.

• Clean the inside of the microwave after using it. It wouldn’t hurt to wipe down the outside as well.

• Wipe your food containers out with a paper towel in the garbage, not in the sink where it will clog the drain.

In Your Workspace

• Declutter your area and clean your desk weekly.

• If you need to have a prolonged personal or sensitive phone conversation, take the call to a more private space.

• Don’t gossip about co-workers or your boss.

• Be the person who builds up your co-workers and company culture.

• Don’t use profanity or tell off-color jokes.

• Be known for your honesty and integrity with your boss, co-workers and customers.

• Handle constructive criticism with grace and use it as an opportunity to grow in your profession.

New

Year’s Resolution: Bring Your Kids to

CHURCH

In our house, going to church on Sunday (or the Saturday Vigil Mass, which counts for Sunday) is a nonnegotiable — all members of the family go to church (barring illness or other serious impediment). I know families who don’t bring their children to church until they’re old enough to sit and behave, but we are not that family, so we’ve had to figure out how to manage the one hour at church with a mix of newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers (the schoolage kids tend to do pretty well).

Mothering Boys

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE MORNA TOWNE

I wrote this almost ten years ago, when my older six were still little and living under our roof (and my youngest wasn’t even on the way yet). Now that I have adult children, I am grateful they still take seriously going to church! There are certainly no guarantees, but I do believe that instilling the importance of faith in children when they’re young is important. It’s not easy! Hopefully this article encourages any of you who are struggling to make church happen.

I’m not going to lie, bringing little ones to church can feel like having your fingers chewed off. What seems like an event intended for spiritual nourishment and refueling can actually make you feel worse than you did when you walked in. I have by no means figured out how to have a wonderful experience at church when I’m in the midst of the smallest, grabbiest, loudest, most unreasonable of children, but I so firmly believe that it’s imperative for the health of my kids’ faith life in the long term to be as familiar with Mass and to understand its importance as much as possible that I’m willing to do what needs to be done to get them there each week. And though I don’t always get out of church what I’d like to, I really think the effort on the part of the adults counts for something. God knows what we’re dealing with and how hard we’re trying. So. How on earth do we manage? We use these strategies...

1

Don’t go alone if you can help it

While I know it might not be possible every time or for every parent, and I’ve taken the kids to church by myself many times, it’s infinitely easier to have another adult with you to help manage everyone. Having both parents there is the best, but my parents and sisters have helped me out many times in the past as well.

2

Divide and conquer, and/or figure out a seating chart ahead of time

Having more than one adult can help keep the kids separated from each other, which is such a key part of helping them stay calm. If you’re alone, or if you have more kids than adults, consider figuring out the best way for them all to sit to avoid conflict and goofing around during church. For us, our oldest goes into the pew first, then no. 2, then no. 4, then me, then no. 6, then my husband, then no. 5, then no. 3. We’ve tweaked this and edited it as needed, and some Sundays need to be different from others. We’ve also put the troublemaker in the pew right in front of us on occasion — whoever it happens to be that Sunday, separating him from his brothers is almost always the best solution. Also, some families find that their kids behave better in the front row, but we have always vastly prefer the back row (or as close as we can get) so our shenanigans aren’t on display and distracting to others.

3

Be sure to bring necessities

I don’t mean “distractions” — I’ll get to those in a minute — I mean the things without which you’re nearly guaranteed a disaster for the three-and-under set. For us, it means bringing their lovey (blanket or stuffed animal, depending on the boy), a bag of Cheerios, and a cup of juice (or a nursing cover, if I’m still breastfeeding). If I have those things, our chances of making it through Mass are so much better.

4

Child-friendly distractions

These are nearly on par with the necessities listed above. I bring teethers or toys for the little ones that can be attached to them with a pacifier clip (so they don’t bean someone in the head when they inevitably toss them), but the older they get, the more churchfocused things I bring, like children’s books of the Saints, laminated holy cards, and a rosary or two. Also, “delayed gratification” is key. Don’t give them everything at once — give them one thing when they start to get fussy, and wait for them to have their fill of it before moving on to the next item (this is the same for the necessities listed above).

5 Choose the right time for your schedule

I know not every church offers multiple services, but I’m so grateful ours does — it allows us to go to the Mass that doesn’t fall during naptime, for example. Or if getting out of the house early is problematic for your family, choose a later time if you can.

6

Take them out when they cry — but bring

them back in

Certainly if a child is causing a ruckus, he or she needs to be removed from church. While I believe children should be welcome at church, I do also think we should be as sensitive as possible to those around us. But always bring them back in once they’ve calmed down! Even if you have to take them right back out again, even if you have to go in and out of church seventeen times during the service, I think bringing them back in is so important. My boys love being taken out of church, and if we stayed out with them, you can bet they’d start acting up just in order to be taken out. Bringing them back in — after a stern talking to outside — ensures they realize that acting up will not give them a free pass to get out of church.

These are the things that have worked for us over the last thirteen years, and still do (our youngest is still learning). Some Sundays are harder than others, for sure, but these tips have helped us cope and keep going to church each week. And remember: if you have to leave church early one week, or just can’t seem to make it at all, get up and try again! Eyes on the prize! If you make church a priority and commit to going, you’ll figure out the best way to do so for your family.

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 21, 19, 17, 15, 14, 11, and 7. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

Q + A

Q. Give us a 30-second overview of the book…

A. Salvation is a classic American “tough guy” detective mystery with a faith-adjacent twist. It’s not preachy, like so many other Christian works of fiction, but it also doesn’t hide its light under a bushel. If you like writers like Robert B. Parker or Raymond Chandler or the Florida-centric works of Randy Wayne White or John D. Macdonald, you’ll probably enjoy this book as well.

Q. What was your motivation behind this book?

A. I read a lot of detective fiction from authors like the ones I just mentioned as well as Elmore Leonard, Sara Paratesky and others. Their heroes are trying to solve the injustices of an unjust world, but most of them, at some point, take a turn for the lurid side of life which conflicted with my deeply held beliefs.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT KEVIN CREIGHTON

Q. How long was the writing process?

A. To borrow from Hemingway (I mean, show me a writer who hasn’t borrowed from him…), slowly, and then all at once. I had the basic plot sketched out about five years ago, then two years ago, one of my best friends, Jon Gabriel, published his novel, and he started writing after I did. This shamed me into writing more frequently, and I wrapped things up in August of 2025.

Q. Is this your first book written/published?

A. First so far. The book’s title, Salvation, was chosen with the thought of doing at least a trilogy titled Salvation, Absolution, and Redemption. My hero is a former Master Sergeant in the Ranger Recon Company, a “Tier One” unit that very few people know about. I want to write at least two more books which go into his faith journey and his deepening relationship with a woman he meets in the first novel.

Q. What was most challenging about writing this book?

A. Keeping the plot under control. I am not one of those writers who outlines the plot in detail at the very beginning. I create interesting characters, then turn them loose in the world I’ve created. I try to stick to the plot outline, but quite often, I realize that what I want and what the character would do are two different things, so it’s my plot that needs to adapt to what’s happening in order for the novel to feel authentic.

Q. Do you have any other writing projects planned?

A. I’ve started pre-production work on Absolution, the next novel in the series. It’s set in Kosovo, Detroit and Venezuela and will go into the ugly world of human smuggling. I’ll be working with the people from Operation Underground Railroad to make sure I get the details correct.

Q. Where can interested readers pick up a copy of your book?

A. Salvation is currently available on Amazon.com as a paperback and an e-book. An audiobook and massdistribution version for local bookstores will be released in the very near future.

SPEED ROUND

FAVORITE AUTHOR:

Robert B. Parker

BOOKS ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE: Dr. No - Ian Fleming

The Abolition of Man - C.S. Lewis

Strategies and Standards for Defensive Handgun Training - John Daub and Karl Rehn

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“I could not love thee (Dear) so much, Lov'd I not Honour more..”

- Richard Lovelace, To Lucasta, Going to the Wars

FAVORITE SITCOM: M.A.S.H.

THE PATH CHIEF CHOATE

WRITTEN BY MARY HARP-JIRSCHELE

PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

The path to Ave Maria was a long and winding road for Michael J. Choate after he was hired as Chief of the Immokalee Fire Control District in 2016. Initially, he opted to commute to his office in Ave Maria – more than two hours each way, each day – while his family continued to live on their 10-acre “little piece of heaven” in Wauchula, FL. That lasted for two years, when he decided to buy a camper and station it in LaBelle, cutting his commute to the fire district to just 30 minutes. But it also meant a lot of time away from his family, seeing them only on weekends. He weathered that for two more years until the family’s four boys were grown and his wife, Linda, casually mentioned that she had been looking at houses in Ave Maria via the internet. That was the spark that led to finding their dream home and making the big move after four long years of “working hard to make it work.”

Michael and Linda love Ave Maria’s small-town atmosphere and the pace of life here. But truth be told, it was Immokalee that really drew the Chief to this area and his position with the Immokalee Fire Control District, the official name of his service area. “When I first came here, I fell in love with Immokalee,” he said. “They are the hardest working folks on the planet. They keep to themselves, they work tirelessly and they create a life for their families.”

Most people are not aware that the fire district’s service area, based in Ave Maria since 2022, encompasses 234 square miles flowing north, south, east and west. The

Chief controls $10 million in tax funding, “and that’s a big responsibility,” he says. But it’s not one he handles alone. “It’s ‘WE’ not ‘ME,” he emphasizes. “It’s a team effort to run an organization of this size.

“My responsibility is to ensure that our staff has everything they need to fulfill any task at hand. I make sure the mental, physical and financial well-being of the staff is taken care of. That, in turn, ensures that our citizens and visitors are taken care of.”

Chief Choate is known as an encouraging, passionate and motivational leader. “I want my staff to want to work here. I want them to love their jobs,” he said. “The staff is a direct extension of me and they know that. I tell them and try to show them all the time that I appreciate them. I have a steadfast commitment to them and I work hard not to let them down. And they do the same for me.

“These are not easy jobs,” the Chief continued. “When it’s been a trying day and you get your third call for medical assistance, I remind them, ‘While this might be your third chest pain call of the day, this is probably that person’s first.’ It’s a good reminder for us all. We’re here to serve the people.” And serving the people can have its challenges.

“There are so many different points of view out there,” the Chief says. “I try to explain things to people who are unhappy in such a way that it calms them down. I take the little things seriously. I’m certainly not afraid to challenge unreasonable people, but my goal is to de-escalate the situation and come to a resolution.”

“Our fire district has some of the most dedicated and passionate members I’ve ever served with in my 35-year career. I am deeply honored and immensely proud to serve as the Fire Chief of the Immokalee Fire Control District.”

In addition to his local responsibilities, the Chief just came off two additional assignments that could be stand-alone full-time jobs. He was president of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, which required a tremendous amount of travel throughout the state for speaking engagements, work with the Florida Legislature, dealings with Congress in Washington, DC, and so on. In addition, he was Public Safety Director for Collier County – during the same period of time. “There was a vacancy in Collier County, and after multiple meetings with County management and because I had 10 years previous experience as public safety director for Hardee County, I decided to take this challenge head on. I was an outsider with a different set of eyes and helped to find some efficiencies and streamline some processes. I didn’t need that job, but they needed me and I wanted to see them successful.”

During that “perfect storm” of three jobs at one time, and the Chief’s need to focus on issues outside of the Immokalee Fire Control District, the strength of his staff here became obvious. “We have such a dynamic staff. In fact, the bulk of our command staff have spent their entire career here,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of them."

“Succession planning is really big for us. My job is to prepare the deputy for the job,” he said. The Chief’s absence was perfect training ground for Deputy Chief Thomas Cunningham, and in turn, those chief officers who report to him. They came through with flying colors.

“Tom is at the 23-year mark here and came from the days when guys were sharing gear, equipment wasn’t dependable and living conditions in the stations were substandard,” the Chief said. “Some of these guys have enough history here to know what it was like not to have any money to do their jobs.”

Choate’s other direct report also has a wealth of experience, this time from North Collier Fire & Rescue. As the Chief tells it, Becky Brondson was retiring and “I went to her retirement party. She said to me, ‘If you have anything part-time…’ and I said, ‘Done!’ She became my Chief of Staff and she saves me an incredible amount of time and keeps me on task.”

Saving time and watching cash flow is critically important to the entire department. The Chief notes that call volumes in Ave Maria alone have increased by 21% year over year.

“It’s because of the growth of the community, and because as residents get older our call volume increases,” he says. “There are far more fires, accidents, and ‘aids and assists’ than when I arrived nine years ago. As a system, we are very, very busy.”

In order to meet the needs of the massive area served by the district, the Chief is adamant that they need the right people and the right equipment. “We stretch our dollars so much,” the Chief said. “We shop around and look for deals. What people don’t realize is that we need to have duplicate and triplicate of everything. Reserve apparatus is critical. And it costs money to do that. But we are taking care of your taxpayer dollars. You have to remember that you get what you pay for, and cheap doesn’t always mean dependable.”

Chief Choate pointed to one of the shiny new firetrucks that was ordered when the new Ave Maria Fire Station was built in 2022. “Pierce is a firetruck manufacturer in Wisconsin and it’s the only place I will ever buy a truck. Pierce Fire Trucks are THE most reliable and dependable trucks on the market. And their service is incredible. If something is wrong, they will take care of things. They are not the cheapest, but they are the best.”

“To the citizens of this area, thank you all so much for always supporting us. Your kindness and generosity is appreciated and certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Many people in the community point to the new fire station in Ave Maria as Chief Choate’s most impressive accomplishment. The 22,000-square-foot complex is clearly striking in looks but the Chief assures constituents that “We have built within our means. This is a very common style of fire station in the south. It’s nothing fancy and everything is fairly inexpensive. That’s not saying it’s cheap – we always say that anything we purchase has to be fireman-proof,” he chuckled.

Even more impressive than the structure itself is how it came to be. For years, the project languished as people stewed over the agreement with Barron Collier Companies that said they “shall provide” the property for a fire station. “Some people thought that meant ‘free.’ I know better than to expect something for nothing, so I wasn’t going to fight about that. Instead, I offered to lease a 4-acre piece of property for 60 years – which is about the lifespan of this building – and reimburse Barron Collier Companies for the infrastructure they had to put in place for us to be able to build. Things like sewer and water, lighting, sidewalks, the roadway, etc. This current location was site-ready. We wrote a check to them for roughly $127,000 to cover that site prep and it was done. It got things moving.”

By the time Chief Choate retires late in this decade, he will have replaced all three fire stations in his district. Looking to the future, there is a fourth “growth station” in the works to support two different neighborhoods at the corner of State Road 29 and Oilwell Road. And, when the new Margaritaville development off Camp Keais is built, it will require a fifth station. A sixth station is already being planned for the corner of State Road 82 and Corkscrew Road to support the massive growth that is planned in the north part of the district.

Though retirement is a few years off, the Chief relishes the thought of more time with Linda, who has been in education for almost two decades and works at Corkscrew Elementary School. The couple, who were high school sweethearts, welcomed the titles “PawPaw and MeeMaw” a few months back as son Keith and wife Madison added a little girl to the family fold.

Even after retirement, as a secondgeneration firefighter, it's a sure thing the Chief will never really leave behind the “family business” of firefighting. Just as he followed in his father’s footsteps, so too did three of their four sons. Keith is a driver engineer with the Immokalee Fire Control District and Cole is with North Collier Fire & Rescue. Tragically, Keith’s twin brother, Kyle, died three years ago just after graduating from the EMT program and was about to enter the fire academy. Only the oldest son Clay has chosen a different career path, “And I’m sure he sometimes feels a little out of it at family gatherings when we’re all rehashing our days,” the Chief laughed.

COMING TO AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY… THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CATHOLIC SCHOLARS AND ARTISTS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Ave Maria University is honored to host the 5th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Catholic Scholars and Artists (AACSA) from March 11–13, 2025. Widely regarded as the nation’s premier forum for Catholic intellectual and artistic exchange, AACSA brings together leading scholars, artists, and cultural leaders committed to advancing truth, beauty, and faith in public life. This distinguished gathering will welcome approximately 40 members of the Academy to campus for lectures, conversations, and prayer. A highlight of the meeting is the Mass of the Americas, a profound musical setting composed by Frank La Rocca and celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, reflecting the richness and universality of the Catholic tradition. All are welcome to attend this Mass in the Ave Maria Church at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Carter Snead is one of the world’s leading experts on public bioethics – the governance of science, medicine, and biotechnology in the name of ethical goods.

Robert P. George is an American legal scholar, political philosopher, and public intellectual, Robert P. George is the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University.

The University warmly invites the public to attend two panel discussions. These panels discussions will explore themes of civic knowledge, moral responsibility, and the foundations of a flourishing society, featuring nationally recognized scholars from Notre Dame, Catholic University of America, Princeton, Louisiana State University, and Vilanova. The public sessions will be held on Friday, March 13, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and from 12 noon - to 2 p.m. in the Thomas and Shelby Prince Building.

By hosting AACSA, Ave Maria University continues its mission to foster meaningful dialogue at the intersection of faith, culture, and reason inviting the broader community to engage in conversations that shape both minds and hearts. For more information about AACSA, please contact, Dr. Gerald Boersma, Director of the Academy of Catholic Scholars and Artists (Gerald. Boersma@avemaria.edu)

Kowiachobee

Big Cats Up Close and Personal

BRUEHL

Whenyou pull into the driveway of the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve in Golden Gates Estates, you might wonder if you arrived in the right place. Signage isn’t much more than a mailbox painted like a zebra. But as you get out of your vehicle, you might be greeted by a turkey named Henry that wants you to give him a pet, or a zebra in a nearby corral looking for a treat.

Kowiachobee (pronounced Koo-eye-ah-CHO-bee) is a Seminole word meaning big cat or screaming big cat—and the nonprofit preserve and educational facility has several. They are part of the menagerie of exotic and domestic animals--and their stories--that visitors experience when they schedule an educational tour at the preserve.

Startedby Gracelyn and John Slaby in 2001, the facility’s mission is to “protect, educate, and inspire through compassionate animal care and community connection.” John Slaby is quick to explain that his five-acre preserve is not a zoo. “I love zoos, but they’re there for entertainment. They are for-profit businesses that have to make money,” he said. If animals get too old or are injured, they are usually removed from display and may be surrendered to sanctuaries like his.

When they started the sanctuary, the Slabys’ dream was to provide a place where animals in need could live out their lives with dignity, care, and respect. Over the years, the sanctuary has been home to hundreds of animals, including big cats, birds, primates, reptiles, and domestic farm animals.

In addition to caring for the animals, Slaby’s passion is education. He believes that teaching the next generation about topics such as genetics, conservation, habitat protection, and animal husbandry will help prevent animal species from going extinct.

If you schedule a visit to the preserve, you will receive a guided tour in a small group led by John Slaby, who will use the domestic and exotic animals as examples in his strolling lecture. He explains preypredator dynamics, habitat loss, the genetic issues caused by a lack of population diversity, and that while humans have caused many of the problems, they can also help reverse them. He uses the Florida panther (puma) as an example of how humans introduced pumas from Texas to diversify the big cats' gene pool here and literally brought them back from the brink of extinction.

Slaby also encourages young people who visit or hear his off-site presentations to be curious and learn on their own. While he grew up with a set of encyclopedias, kids today have the whole internet at their fingertips. “I’m not just teaching kids, I encourage them to research on their own.”

Some of the animals at the sanctuary started their lives as exotic pets whose owners realized they couldn’t adequately care for them. “The problem is people getting pets that get away from them. In Florida it’s a massive problem,” he said, citing pythons and iguanas as two examples of former pets that turned into wild invasive species doing damage to an environment that wasn’t meant to support them.

All the animals at Kowiachobee have backstories, and Slaby shares several of them with visitors. The large African Spurred Tortoise was found in someone’s yard. The peacocks wandered onto the Slaby property and stayed. The two ringtail lemurs named Zoey and Joey were owned by a married couple. After the husband died from COVID-19 several years ago, the wife’s homeowner’s insurance was going to be canceled because of the animals. “The wife looked around for a home for the lemurs, and she chose us,” Slaby said. “She still comes to visit them, and the best thing is she still helps support them financially.”

Finances have not been easy over the nearly 25 years the Slabys have operated the sanctuary. “There’s no money in it,” he said. They have been through three bankruptcies. They both drive old vehicles and have sacrificed their personal needs to meet those of the animals. “I have never given up, despite the challenges. I do what I do because it’s a passion,” Slaby said.

As in human health care, the animals have a primary veterinarian who oversees their diets and conducts annual

health checks. But if an animal needs specialty care, Slaby will drive the animal to wherever the specialist veterinarian is located. They get by on donations, business sponsors, tour visitors, and volunteers.

“We are always looking for volunteers,” Slaby said. The barn roof was recently replaced and the stalls will be refurbished next. The lion enclosure is being updated with volunteer labor, and it takes a lot of volunteer help just to care for the animals on a day-to-day basis, according to Slaby.

One of those volunteers is Rebecca Kampen, a full-time nurse who spends her free time at the sanctuary. When she first moved to Florida, she was looking to meet friends. A doctor she worked with said he had a friend who volunteered at Kowiachobee, so she visited. “When I arrived, a turkey and a cat jumped into my car,” Kampen said. She was hooked. She’s been volunteering there for seven years. “I love how relaxed and friendly the animals are. They want to spend time with you, and I’m happy to spend time with them,” she said.

People doing a tour should expect to be surprised, Kampen said. “We are different than a zoo—expect interaction.” Visitors can pet the miniature horses, feed the zebra, and hug Henry the turkey, who is on a mission to make friends. Kampen has accompanied Slaby doing school and other educational visits. “The kids are so eager to learn. John stresses that children are the future of conservation, of keeping species alive.”

Booking a Tour Visit Kowiachobee.org

SELECT FROM:

• VIP Tours ($100-$500) Private, two-hour+ tour, feed and interact with tigers, lions, zebras, lemurs, marmosets

• Regular group tours ($10-$25) For all ages, two hours, educational, no animal feeding

• Movie nights with the big cats and Bubba the alligator ($10-$15) bring your own lawn chair

2861 4th Ave. SE, Naples, FL 34117 (about a 15-minute drive from Ave Maria) Phone: 239-352-5387

Email: kowia.info@gmail.com

Interested in Volunteering?

ROLES INCLUDE:

• Animal care and feeding support

• Habitat cleaning and enrichment

• Groundskeeping (mowing, weed whacking, weeding)

• Event set up and guest assistance

• Fundraising and outreach help

• Photography, marketing, or administrative support

No prior experience is required; training and guidance provided Register for Volunteer Orientation at Kowiachobee.org

(all ages, two hours, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times)

At the preserve, visitors get a close-up view of the animals that include Bubba, a hand-raised alligator that has appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s TV show along with the late Steve Irwin (you can find the videos on YouTube). Although the big cats are behind two fences for safety, visitors are close enough to get sprayed with urine (step back if the lion backs up to the fence--one of my visiting friends learned that the hard way).

On a recent visit, as John unlocked the perimeter gate to the big cat enclosures, he said the locks are to protect the animals from people, not the other way around. Inside, the beautiful female orange tiger named Sabeena, lounged against her enclosure fence. Sebeena previously traveled to area events, including visits to Ave Maria, but new, more restrictive regulations have reduced such visits.

While Slaby focuses on education, he still has to manage to regulations. He is inspected at least twice a year by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and maintains multiple licenses. If a member of the public calls those organizations with any question or concern about the animals, they are required to conduct additional inspections.

Slaby has lectured at universities and hosts interns and veterinary students seeking practical experience. “After they

graduate, they still come back to visit. A biologist in training can get experience here that lets them go further because of the head start they got volunteering here,” he said.

Becky Knapp began volunteering at the sanctuary in early 2025. Also a nurse, she had been searching for volunteer opportunities online, and Kowiachobee was one of the options that came up. “It’s less than 15 minutes from my house so that’s nice,” Knapp said. “It’s my second home now. I like being involved with the animals, and the people are amazing. It’s a good way to spend time.”

Slaby customizes his presentations to the many different groups that visit. A scouting group working toward a badge will receive a different presentation than other visitors, for example. Kowiachobee has been the destination for field trips for the elderly, special needs groups, charter schools, and for those in therapy overcoming mental health issues. Other visitors may be tourists or family members visiting from different parts of the country.

A visit to Kowiachobee is definitely different than visiting a zoo. But by allowing people an opportunity to experience the animals and wildlife up close, the Slabys hope visitors will gain a deeper understanding of our shared world--and a stronger desire to protect it.

TAKING ON HOLLYWOOD

WRITTEN BY CHAD BEATTY | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Known for its glitz, glamour and opulence, Hollywood has long been revered as the pinnacle of movie creativity and arts; the aspirational destination for actors and directors alike. But that shiny image is becoming tarnished as the darker side of Hollywood is brought to light.

When asked how evil Hollywood is, actor James Woods responded, “Multiply your worst fears by 100.” From sex scandals to satanic imagery, the silver screen has become a medium to push boundaries to the extreme, often to the detriment of society.

But there is hope, and it is coming from Ave Maria! Welcome to Reclaim Films, a new production company with the goal of “moving the world to Christ by building a Christocentric film industry.”

The production company has three Pillars:

• Galvanize an audience with a proprietary Movie Ratings app steeped in Catholic moral theology.

• Operate a film studio dedicated to deeply faithful and highly artistic films.

• Launch a film school to develop the next generation of filmmakers.

If everything goes according to plan, the three pillars will work together symbiotically. “The app builds the audience; the audience funds the films; the films train the filmmakers; the filmmakers make the films for the built-in audience,” explained CEO Tony Shriner. But is the morality of the film industry really something about which we should be concerned? Yes, it is! Pius XI warned that the entire mission of the Church can be undermined by the plague of evil in motion pictures, and stated “impure entertainment destroys the moral fiber of a nation.” Expanding on that thought, Pope Pius XII taught, movies "can lead him thus to the realm of light, of the noble and beautiful, just as they can bring him under the sway of darkness and deprivation."

The four leaders behind this movement are Ave Maria residents Cameron O'Hearn, Tony Shriner, John Machado, and Lucas Diaz of Park City Utah. O’Hearn and Shriner already have a proven track record of success in the Catholic media space. O’Hearn is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Mass of the Ages, and Shriner serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

Operating as a nonprofit, Mass of the Ages is dedicated to bringing Catholic Tradition to life through movies and media. The production company has more than 35 million views worldwide on their platforms, with their most popular being the acclaimed Mass of the Ages Trilogy, available on Youtube.

The duo also created Latin Mass University, the only lay apostolate in the world that trains priests how to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass via twenty-two well produced videos. MASS

Circling back to Reclaim Films, their first project is the narrative film, Godbread; three stories spanning ancient Jerusalem, 17th-century France, and 1950’s Communist China.

With a $2.1M production budget, the film follows a mother, a mystic, and a martyr, as they each encounter the haunting mystery of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

“This isn’t another ‘inspirational’ faithbased film.” according to Shriner. “The tone is bold and unflinching. The stories resist easy answers, because the truth is too enormous.”

As viewers transition through the three stories, they will witness the mystical realities as they encounter the Real Presence of the living God.

Partnering with the Passion of the Christ team for distribution, the film will have a limited theatrical release. “We hope to have it filmed and ready for release by the end of 2026.” Shriner added.

Currently the company is actively seeking investments for the project. “This is an amazing opportunity to get a competitive rate of return and support authentic Catholic art.”

If anyone is interested, please contact Tony at: tony@reclaimfilm.com

Concurrently, the team is working with Catholic theologians to write

The Gabriel Code, the company’s proprietary movie rating app. While it will be somewhat like the Hays Code which was written in 1930, The Gabriel Code will be much more powerful and all-encompassing.

Heavily influenced by three Church documents (Pope Pius XI’s 1936 encyclical Vigilante Cura; Pope Pius XII’s apostolic exhortation The Ideal Film; and Pope Pius XII’s 1957 encyclical Miranda Prorsus), Shriner said The Gabriel Code will provide the objective moral standards to create the most reliable movie ratings in history.

With an anticipated release date in 2026, the app will be completely free, and owned by The Gabriel Code Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. “Donations of any amount can be made to the GCF.” Shriner added. If anyone is interested in donating, please contact Tony Shriner directly at the email previously mentioned.

With three of the leaders living in Ave Maria, it is no surprise that they have a small production studio in town and look forward to working with Ave Maria University students in the future. “We already had several meetings with about twenty AMU students who have an interest in film.” Shriner added. While they always shoot on location, the film school and the local studio are a perfect fit for our local students to gain experience.

When asked why they are taking on such an enormous project, Shriner quickly responded, “We believe people are spiritually starving, they are sick without knowing it.” He concluded with, “The world needs stories that lead back to truth, goodness, and God.”

For more information on any of their projects visit:

ReclaimFilm.com

LatinMass.com

DiscoverTradition.org

MOVIE POSTER

- Due to release by the end of 2026

From Jamaica with Joy

Carol DiFlorio: “The Voice” of Ave Maria

WRITTEN BY BECKY BRUEHL BESTUL | PHOTOS PROVIDED

When the world shut down during COVID in 2020, Carol DiFlorio, Ave Maria’s Lifestyle Director, knew the children of Ave Maria weren’t going to be able to see the Easter bunny. So, she put on an Easter bunny costume and had her husband, Tom, drive her around Ave in a golf cart. “She made sure the kids got to see the Easter bunny that year,“ said Kim Twiss, executive director of the Ave Maria Master Association.

Carol also planned and executed an outdoor graduation ceremony for all Ave Maria seniors that year. “For some seniors, this was the only high school celebration they got,” Twiss said.

Carol is part of a three-member lifestyle team at the master association that plans and executes events for residents, including the Fall Festival and Hometown Christmas. “Carol is always the light of the party; she’s always smiling and truly trying to get and keep everyone fully engaged in an event,” Twiss said.

Residents and visitors also see her with a microphone in hand, working with Tom in their DJ business, leading trivia, music bingo, or dances at Oil Well Craft Beer and other local venues.

In December, Carol was presented with a “Hometown Hero” award from the local chapter of Modern Woodmen at a surprise recognition event at Oil Well.

Kristina Ribali, a managing partner at the fraternal financial organization, said the annual award recognizes a local hero who improves the lives of people in their community. “She consistently goes above and beyond to entertain and connect the people of Ave Maria,” Ribali said. “She’s a joy! She is a huge part of the reason people say Ave Maria feels like a big family. People move here from everywhere around the globe, often without family, but if you hang around long enough, attend the events, and get connected, soon you’ll have a great new family in Ave, and Carol is a huge part of that.”

Local business owner, Danee Williams, of The Secret Ingredient and Oil Well Brewery, said Carol works tirelessly to ensure that Ave Maria families enjoy the very best lifestyle possible. “She does it with passion, heart, and an energy that never seems to run out,” Williams said.

Carol, singer, songwriter, musician, and the mother of two daughters, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and got her start on the stage, singing and playing guitar or piano, at various celebrations and Kiwanis events with her late father, Frank Walsh. “My dad used to sing,” she said. “He was known in many circles as Jamaica’s Frank Sinatra. I guess I got his genes and the entertaining bug.”

After high school, Carol started working at Sandals Montego Bay, the “flagship” property of Sandals Resort, as a “playmaker.” The role encompassed performances and all aspects of guest entertainment. “I learned a lot from a Sandals legend, ‘Mr. Entertainment’ Basil Cahusac de Caux,” she said. After a while, she returned home to go back to school. She also began singing with a band at the Sheraton Hotel and even learned how to play the drums.

“I feel it was God’s design. Everything that happened, this was where God wanted me to be.”

While participating in a Sony video program at a ministry of tourism conference, she ran into the wife of the owner of Sandals Resorts, who told her she should return to Sandal’s, they would put her in the management training program. She did, and worked in various roles at Sandals Resorts International for 17 years, including at some of its overseas properties. She also recorded her first CD.

Carol met her future husband when he was vacationing in Jamaica with friends. Tom DiFlorio was a Philadelphia police officer. They connected over music (Tom had been in a band as a young man), and Carol said she appreciated that Tom respected her Christian faith. They communicated long-distance for a while, then Carol, with her first daughter, Shannon, traveled to the U.S. to meet Tom’s family. Later, he traveled to Jamaica to propose (after getting permission from her father). They were married in 2001 and made their home in Philadelphia. “I am the luckiest guy on earth,” Tom said.

Carol said Tom was the driving force behind her performing in the U.S., where she recorded a second CD. She was a band member and sang at Philadelphia festivals and shows. The couple welcomed their daughter, Danielle, in 2002. In addition to performing, Carol worked in an administrative role at the Philadelphia Police Department.

One year, she was asked to sing the song ‘Ave Maria’ at church. Tom went online to research versions of the song. He ran across the under-construction community of Ave Maria. They followed progress on live cameras and decided to visit during a holiday trip to Orlando. “I remember driving and thinking, Are we there yet?” she laughed.

They visited homes for sale in Hampton Village and Emerson—and they asked people they met on the street if they liked living in Ave Maria. “One couple said they weren’t even Catholic, but it was a great place to raise their kids. We got good vibes,” she said.

The following year, in 2009, one of the homes they liked in Ave went on sale. Then three things happened that led to the move: On the last day of school, Danielle told her little friends that she was moving to Florida before they had made an official decision; Carol’s older daughter, Shannon, had been accepted into a high school in New York that she wanted to attend, which was near her aunt; and last but not least, their family house in Philly had a buyer.

“I feel it was God’s design,” Carol said. “Everything that happened, this was where God wanted me to be.”

After the move to Ave Maria, Carol served in an administrative role for the Faculty and Finance Administration at Ave Maria School of Law for six years. While she enjoyed the role and learned a great deal, she told her husband she missed engaging with people, especially children. Randomly, children would approach her and want to interact with her. “I asked God, what are you telling me?”

Tom had heard the town’s developers were interested in starting a lifestyle position. Carol applied for and got the job in 2015. “I like creating joy in people’s lives,” she said. “The events and things we do bring people together and create community.”

The core values of her employer, First Service Residential, resonate with her, she said. “It’s all about building great relationships and enhancing our residents’ lives.”

Despite being seen often on stage and behind a microphone, Carol said people don’t realize she’s actually a very shy person. Every time she steps on stage, she prays to God for help. “I’m as nervous as a bucket of chicks. But I pray that God uses me to reach someone that day who needs to be reached. It might be to bring joy into someone’s life or lift someone’s spirits.” She credits her mother, Sueyoung Cynthia Walsh, for being her spiritual inspiration.

Tom said his wife is a strong woman of faith. “She’s the perfect blend of strength and tenderness. She has boundless patience with me and the kids, unwavering support, and is the anchor of our home.”

Carol has been in her lifestyle role for 10 years and despite the growth of the community, people still see her as the go-to person when they have questions about anything happening in Ave. “She’s like an ambassador of the town,” according to Tom, who serves on the Ave Maria Stewardship Board of Supervisors.

“When we go into Publix, what should take us 10 minutes takes us an hour. She’s constantly engaging with people to make sure they are getting communications and telling them what events are coming up.”

Ribali said Carol is like the Energizer Bunny. “It doesn’t matter what event it is, how long she’s been there, or how long she’s been on her feet running around, she shows up with a smile, engages the crowd, and finds ways to bring everyone together.”

John Bestul said that when he retired in 2017 and realized Ave Maria didn’t have a veterans group for all veterans who lived in Ave Maria, Carol helped him identify interested veterans. By February of 2018 a group was formed under the master association. The Ave Maria Veterans Association works with her on Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. “Carol has been a huge supporter of our group.”

Resident Martin Doman said he loves Carol’s spirit. “She’s always so joyful…everything is a party when you’re around her, it’s just super fun.”

Debbie Fornwall volunteered with Carol for many years and said that entertaining is Carol’s personal calling. “It has become a unique fingerprint on this town.”

“I love working with Carol,” said Betsy Barnes, another of Carol’s volunteers. “She has a heart for the community, and I think we are all blessed.”

Ave Maria

CHOIR

Performs in our Nation’s Capital

STAFF REPORT | PHOTOS PROVIDED

On Tuesday, December 9, The Ave Maria Choir performed at the White House for the 2025 Holiday Open House!

Selected from more than 600 applicants across the nation, the musicians represented both our parish and the State of Florida on a national stage.

Traveling under the guidance of Fr. David Vidal and music director Mr. Mark Haas, the White House performance was more than a musical engagement, it was a pilgrimage of faith and gratitude.

Truly representing our little town in SW Florida, and the Mother of God, the choir sang ‘Ave Maria’ inside the White House.

During their time in Washington, the Ave Maria Choir also performed at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

May their music bring beauty, peace, and hope to all who hear it for years to come.

Congratulations Ave Maria Choir, you made us proud!

WRITTEN BY MARY HARP-JIRSCHELE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AVE MARIA DEVELOPMENT

Meet Your Guide: Joe Marinelli

When Joe Marinelli did his first trolley tour through Ave Maria, there was a lot to talk about but very little to see. “The church was a steel skeleton, a few buildings were coming out of the ground at the university and there were lots of dirt roads,” he said. Today, Joe has 20 years of sharing the history and growth of Ave Maria under his belt as the official narrator of the trolley tours that circle the city every Tuesday from January to April.

“When I first arrived at Ave Maria to begin the trolley tours in 2006, I turned off Oil Well Road and it was a dirt road three miles into the town center,” Joe said. “I went out with the news media in the trolley on its maiden voyage. The construction foreman and an executive from Barron Collier Companies led the tour and explained what was planned. Everywhere you looked there were ‘Coming Soon’ signs – for the waterpark, for North Park, for South Park, and everything in between. There were no residents and no students. There were four model homes and that was it. It was a pretty short tour at that time.”

As Joe starts his 21st season of sharing the story of Ave Maria in 2026, he has become part of the city’s history himself. Few people were in on the ground level, literally. “Everyone loves the trolley tour and especially Joe, because he brings two decades of Ave experience with him,” said Donna Marquez, Events Coordinator and Community Representative at the Ave Maria Welcome Center. She continued, “We get a variety of people who want to tour Ave on the trolley. Some are coming because they happen to be visiting and want to learn more about the area, and some already live here and want to hear the history of the town. Joe gives them a great overview and we’re lucky to have him telling the story for so many years.”

Joe is the “walking history book” of the town. “I spend a lot of time digging for details that will be interesting for people,” he said. “Over the years I’ve studied not only Ave, but I like to think of myself as a Florida historian. Barron Collier Companies provides me with talking points, but it would be boring if I just read a script. I’ve picked up a few stories over the years and also try to throw a little humor in.”

TROLLEY TOURS

through Ave Maria are offered every Tuesday, from Jan. 13- April 26, 2026. The tours are free and depart from the Ave Maria Welcome Center, 5076 Annunciation Circle #104, at the top of the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is first-come, first-served and it’s recommended you arrive at least 15 minutes before departure for check-in.

Carol Bailey, who works with Donna at the Ave Maria Welcome Center, says that “People get off the trolley and are really excited about what they saw. We’ve had people stop back here and tell us they bought a house just because of the tour. It’s really touching when that happens.” Rosemary Schoenborn, Carol’s colleague at the front desk, added, “The fun part of our job is hearing people say, ‘From the moment I drove in, I knew Ave Maria was where I wanted to be.’ People say it’s a FEELING. They truly FEEL it. And Joe is part of what makes that happen.”

Donna says that the trolley tour offers a good introduction to the community. “It’s all very interesting about how this town came together, and Joe tells the story in a unique and interesting way.”

Joe’s interest in Ave Maria may stem from the fact that he was a mechanical engineer by trade prior to retirement. He worked in heavy steel fabrication, early jet engine testing, fiber optics and lens design. “When the steel industry died in the 1980s I retired early and I just changed my style of working from stressful to fun,” Joe said. And that’s how he looks at trolley tours.

“I love when there are new things to share, and with Ave Maria, there is always something new to mix in with the history of the town,” he said. Joe enjoys having town residents and business owners on the trolley. When there are children riding along with their parents or grandparents, he keeps them in check by saying that there will be a test when they finish the tour. “I had one dad tell me he had never seen his son so quiet – he was taking it all in for the test,” he laughed.

When asked if anyone famous had taken the tour, Joe told about the day Tom Monaghan, founder of Dominos Pizza, rode the trolley and was chatting with people. “When he got off, I asked anyone knew who he was…and no one did! He was just another person along for the ride.” Little did they know that if not for the partnership between Barron Collier Companies and Mr. Monaghan, Ave Maria would not exist today.

Joe says there’s an art to being a good tour guide. “You have to speak slow enough to be clear but fast enough to be engaging. Too many guides speak too fast and you can’t keep up with them.” Joe can’t help but assess other tour guides when he travels and he occasionally offers them feedback. “This summer in Switzerland I told our tour guide how good she was. I know when someone is good – and I told her that. She made it look easy, and that is not an easy thing to do.”

It’s hard to imagine that Joe was a very shy student in his younger years. “I had dyslexia and I wouldn’t ever get up in front of class to read. I’ve found a niche for myself in narrating. I learned I could narrate but not read,” he said. For most of his career in Ave, Joe not only told the story of the town, but he also drove while doing it. He gave up driving the trolley two years ago. At age 85, he is now relishing the opportunity to focus on the story and those in the seats who hear it.

“I really enjoy doing these tours,” he said. “Two years ago I told them I was going to retire. But I just keep coming back. You know, I never really understood entertainers, singers and actors, but now I understand that the reaction you get from your audience is what makes it satisfying.”

Audience satisfaction is measured in many ways by Ave Maria Welcome Center personnel, who work for Barron Collier Companies. Donna explained that “We track how many people take the tour, why they came here, where they came from and how they heard about Ave Maria in the first place. For some, it’s simply word of mouth and for many others it’s Ave Maria’s public presence. We are much more visible now than we were in the early days.

“Our motto here is, ‘You never get a second chance to make a good impression,’ and our Welcome Center and trolley tours are where that first impression happens. So we all work hard at it.”

A LIFE OF PRAYER

AMU ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

WRITTEN BY MARY HARP-JIRSCHELE | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Ave Maria University is known in Catholic education circles as an idyllic location for students to focus on their education in an environment that nourishes their mind, body and soul. As the AMU website declares, “Students enjoy many opportunities to build their faith as they learn in a caring and supportive environment. We envelop students, faculty and staff in a truly Catholic atmosphere.”

Maria Theresa Dinan was one of those students who embraced the Catholic traditions of the school, thrived in the environment, and found her calling in life while enrolled as a Classics major.

“I benefitted from the theological formation I received through my classes, which gave me a good foundation and preparation for understanding the beauty and riches of the religious life,” she said. “Ave Maria University was impactful in my religious vocation in many ways, and I am very grateful for the time I spent studying there and for the formation I received.”

Maria heard the call to religious life loud and clear, and in November 2025 became a novice with the Poor Clares in Roswell, New Mexico. The Poor Clares are historically significant as they were founded by Saint Clare and St. Francis of Assisi in 1212 and they now number more than 20,000 sisters in 70 countries.

As Maria joined the order in a ceremony rich with tradition, her family was there to celebrate her chosen vocation. Andrew and Sandra Dinan, who make their home in Ave Maria, were filled with joy as Maria Theresa became Sr. Marie Bernadette of the Immaculate Conception. In one of the many emotional points of the rite, Maria was escorted to the ceremony wearing her sister Anna’s wedding gown. As her mother explained, “Maria couldn’t come to Anna’s wedding so I talked to the Mother Superior and got special permission for her to wear the gown. It was important to us and very special that she could wear it.”

One of the interesting parts of the ceremony involved the cutting of Maria’s long dark blonde hair. “It’s a ceremonial letting go – letting go of your physical world and entering a spiritual world,” Sandy said. “Cutting of the hair is letting go of your earthly crown and getting a spiritual crown.”

The Poor Clares are part of the Franciscan Order, members of which take a vow of poverty. It is a fundamental aspect of their identity and mission. A Poor Clare is a nun - meaning that she lives in one monastery (usually) for her whole life. It is a commitment to living simply, sharing resources and service to others without the burden of personal possessions.

Thus Maria, now Sr. Marie Bernadette, has forsaken all of her worldly possessions, with the exception of the Miraculous Medal that she received for her First Communion. “Maria has a special devotion to Our Lady, who has helped her all her life,” Sandy said. “The Blessed Mother has helped her receive many graces, which is told by Mary in the apparition of the Miraculous Medal.” Maria received special permission to keep and wear this medal from her childhood.

Interestingly, Andy noted that “It’s kind of incongruous. Maria gravitated toward nice things while growing up. She was drawn to beauty. Not only did she give 100% to her studies, but she also gave it to her style of dress,” Andy said. Her mother added, “She had some beautiful clothes, and I now have a beautiful wardrobe thanks to her!”

The Dinan family came to Ave Maria when Maria was 3 years old and she attended Donahue Academy through the 5th grade, when the four Dinan children began homeschooling. Both Andy – a professor at Ave Maria University since 2004 – and Sandy played major roles in the educational experience. Beyond her studies, Maria enjoyed ballet, gymnastics, crocheting, painting and drawing. “We could see from the time she was little that she was very deep,” Sandy said. Andy added, “We were always wondering, ‘What is this girl going to do in life?’”

AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY is dedicated to “the formation of men and women in the intellectual and moral virtues of the Catholic faith.” During their time at the school, at least 75 students have been called to religious life. Forty-three men have become priests, six have become brothers, three have become deacons, and 23 women have become sisters.

Sr. Marie Bernadette says that she seriously began contemplating religious life when she was in high school. “At that time, I had an opportunity to spend some time at a contemplative monastery, and I felt very drawn to that form of life. Over the next few years I came to learn about the Poor Clare Order and particularly the monastery in Roswell, New Mexico. My general interest soon grew into a desire to discern for the Poor Clare vocation more seriously, and I set up a ‘come and see’ visit, followed by another visit about a year later. The beauty of the Poor Clare vocation, centered on worshipping and praising God, moved me, and I knew God was calling me to live this life for Him.” Maria entered the monastery one month after graduating from Ave Maria University.

As she tells it, “Ave Maria University was impactful in my religious vocation in many ways. Praying in our perpetual adoration chapel on campus was a tremendous blessing and helped me discern God’s will for my life. I benefited from the solid theological formation I received through my theology classes at AMU, which gave me a good foundation and preparation for understanding the beauty and riches of religious life. The Classics courses I took for my major were helpful to me in understanding the Latin hymns and prayers present in the liturgy.”

The Dinan’s home life was also a factor in her chosen vocation. “Growing up, my siblings and I would all pray a Hail Mary each day to know our vocations, and surely Our Lady answered this prayer,” Sr. Marie Bernadette said. Both her parents were highly supportive as she began her journey to the Poor Clares. “We took her out to Roswell as few times,” Andy said, “and in the summer of 2022 she did a retreat there. I drove her home to Ave and we had a lot of time to talk. That’s when she told me she wanted to complete an application.”

The entire Dinan family is very close and includes siblings Paul, Anna and Veronia along with Sr. Marie Bernadette. They’re learning to navigate the rules of the Poor Clare order, which includes limited personal touch. The family can visit twice a year for a few hours and between those trips, some letters can be exchanged. Sister Marie Bernadette can write home once a month, and she can receive letters from home on Sundays with the exception of some holy seasons. But the family bond remains steadfast, Sandy says. “The closeness is very spiritual. There is such great peace around her. When I go to communion, I am united with her in Christ.”

“I never saw her so satisfied until she went to the Poor Clares,” Andy said. And the family finds great satisfaction in that.

Unique Towers of Florida

Shark Valley Observation Tower

Florida Everglades 36000 Shark Valley Loop Road, Miami

Shark Valley lies in the heart of the "True Everglades," or river of grass, that stretches 100 miles from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico. Wildlife abounds here where animals share a freshwater ecosystem of sawgrass marsh and tree islands. Those wishing to explore alone can walk or bike the short trails and portions of the tram road. An observation tower located halfway around the tram road provides a spectacular view into the sawgrass marsh.

Facts Courtesy of: www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/sharkvalley-trails.htm

Lake Placid Tower

Town of Lake Placid, Highlands County

The Lake Placid Tower in Lake Placid, Florida, formerly named Placid Tower, Tower of Peace or Happiness Tower, is a closed observation tower between 240720 ft tall depending on the source. The tower has three observation levels, at 192 feet behind windows, at 200 feet on an open air balcony, and at 225 feet in the open air crow's nest. The apex of the tower is a flashing red aircraft warning light. The tower offers a 40-mile view in every direction. Because of low ticket sales, the tower closed in 1982, but it was re-opened in 1986. It still faced sluggish sales, and the tower and its restaurant continued to struggle, despite features such as a petting zoo in its plaza, and a pay phone at the top billed as the ‘highest pay phone in Florida.’

It was again sold in 1992, then again in 2003 when it closed to the public, instead, operating as a cell phone tower. In 2019, it closed completely.

Credit for the data above is given to the following website: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Placid_Tower

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Boulevard, City of Lake Wales boktowergardens.com

Bok Tower Gardens (also known as Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower) is a contemplative garden, and bird sanctuary located north of Lake Wales. It consists of a 250-acre garden, the 205-foot tall Singing Tower with its carillon bells, Pine Ridge Trail, Pinewood Estate, and a visitor center. The tower is built upon Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida, estimated to be 295 feet above sea level. It is a National Historic Landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, nationally significant for its association with Edward W. Bok and its designers.

Bok Tower Gardens is open daily, and an admission fee is charged.

The gardens began in 1921 when a Dutch immigrant, Edward W. Bok, editor of the popular women's magazine Ladies Home Journal and his wife, Mary Louise Curtis Bok, who would found the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia in 1924, were spending the winter beside Florida's Lake Wales Ridge and decided to create a bird sanctuary on its highest hill, 295 feet above sea level.

Bok commissioned noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to transform what then was an arid sandhill into "a spot of beauty second to none in the country". The first year was spent digging trenches and laying pipes for irrigation, after which soil was brought to the site by thousands of truck loads and plantings began. Attempts were made to introduce flamingos to the sanctuary several times, which is why early renderings of the tower show flamingos at the reflection pool rather than swans. These early efforts were unsuccessful,

however, as the flamingos were not native to central Florida and could not survive the winters that were cooler than those of southern Florida, where they may be found.

Under construction for over five years, Bok Tower Gardens was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929. Edward Bok died on January 9, 1930 and was interred at the base of the tower.

The Singing Tower is the centerpiece of the gardens. The tower was built at the highest elevation of the site, south of a reflection pool that allows the water to reflect its full image. A 60-bell carillon (cast by Taylor set within the 205-foot (62 m) tall, Gothic Revival and Art Deco tower that was designed by architect Milton B. Medary. Construction on the tower began in 1927 and was completed for the dedication of the gardens in 1929, when it was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge.

Inside the bell chamber is a playing room that houses a clavier, or keyboard, that is used for playing the carillon bells. Recitals are given daily from the 60-bell carillon set. 8 acres of the Gardens include the Pinewood Estate, which features a twenty-room Mediterranean Revival mansion named El Retiro. This mansion was built between 1930-1932 by C. Austin Buck, vicepresident of Bethlehem Steel Co. in Pennsylvania, as a winter residence. Guided tours of the 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion are given daily.

Credit for the data above is given to the following websites: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bok_Tower_Gardens boktowergardens.com

Florida Citrus Tower

141 US-27, City of Clermont, Lake County citrustower.com

The Florida Citrus Tower is a 226-foot-tall structure built in 1956 in Clermont, Florida. Once the most famous landmarks of the Orlando area, it was built to allow visitors to observe the miles of orange groves surrounding it; developments in the citrus industry since its construction have left it providing a view of suburban neighborhoods today. With the antenna reaching over 500 feet above sea level, it is the highest observation point in Florida.

In early 2015, the Citrus Tower received a new paint job, giving it a new but retro look, with an orange line going down the middle of each side. An elevator takes guests to the top, where there is a newly renovated banquet hall which can seat up to 250 guests.

During Christmas season, lights on the tower dance to Christmas music

Credit for the data above is given to the following websites: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Citrus_Tower en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clermont,_Florida citrustower.com

Alhambra Water Tower

2000 Alhambra Circle, City of Coral Gables

This “lighthouse” which has never seen the sea, serves as a testament to Coral Gables’ early boom years, a time when everyday practical things could be turned into works of art. Built c. 1923. A steel tank was erected first and then enclosed with a wood frame and reinforced concrete structure designed to resemble a lighthouse, thus concealing the less attractive water tank behind an aesthetically pleasing and architecturally playful face. The Alhambra Water Tower was part of the City’s domestic water supply system until 1931, when it was disconnected from the system. The Alhambra Water Tower was listed in the Coral Gables Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Credit for the data above is given to the following website: www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=73629

FOLLOW US AS WE EXPLORE SOME OF THE AREA'S UNIQUE SPACES

ARCHITECTURALLY Speaking

Turning a White Rectangle into a Home

When an artist looks at a white canvas, he or she can often close their eyes and envision the finished masterpiece. For the artistic mind it’s like the blank page is waiting to be filled with thoughts, words and ideas; a space to experiment, take risks, and express your personality.

Unfortunately for Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner in Silverwood, their new home just looked like a big bright white rectangle. “It was very boring and cookie-cutter” stated Mrs. homeowner. “It was literally a long white rectangle with no style or personality.”

Unlike some of the other home models in Maple Ridge, which may include such features as cutouts, offices or walk in pantries, the main living space of their ‘Huntington’ model was, literally, a long rectangle. Luckily, what the new Ave Maria residents lacked in artistic ability, they made up for in creativity. “We wanted add character and make it feel like it was our home” she added.

Her desire to add character to the home was certainly understandable, because, while their move to Ave Maria was a big move geographically, it was a much bigger move historically and architecturally. Mrs. Homeowner grew up in central New England, in a little town in Connecticut. “The town was settled 1672.” she added. “There are homes around our area with historic markers in front that date back hundreds of years!”

That rich history may include homes with such features as stone walls, exposed beams, wide plank floors, large roughhewn fireplaces and mahogany studies. A leisurely Sunday drive through New England neighborhoods will expose you to a variety of home styles including Colonial, Cedar Shake Shingle, Cape Cod, Victorian and saltbox. OK, back to the story and our family in SW Florida.

Acknowledging their limitations, the homeowners began to mull over design options. One of their main goals was simply to create the feeling of multiple living areas within the main part of the house. To break down the details of the transformation I will hand it over to Mrs. Homeowner.

“In the entryway we wanted to feature something which would grab the attention of our guests as they walked through the front door. My husband and I both immediately agreed on a wooden archway. We went with a more polished rustic feel, adding charm as well as architectural interest.

“For the main area of the home, our goal was to add depth, and some warmth to the long, white, boring wall. As a native New Englander, I have always loved wainscotting, so this seemed like the natural choice. The finished product was a clean, well-built look that was visually pleasing and functional. To top it off, literally, we added crown molding throughout the main living area.

“The biggest project we undertook was my husband’s idea. As we were sitting on the couch, he said “I don’t want to see my entire home in one glance.” I couldn’t have agreed more. While we like open floor plans, we wanted a physical and visual divider separating our living room. After toying around with a variety of plans, we decided on partial walls on each side connected by a header between the two walls. We added a built-in bookshelf on the kitchen side of the wall to fish off the look. *A larger built-in bookshelf for the living room side is in our future plans.

“Last but not least, we worked on our bedroom. Originally the bedroom opened right into the closet area, and bathroom. When both closet doors were open (folding doors), it left little room to walk through, and it just looked cheap. Our goal, once again, was division. We wanted it to seem like we were walking into a new area. So, we removed the closet doors, added a header above the entryway, and installed a rustic barn door. A simple slide of the barn door, and you were in the closet area and bathroom with privacy.

“In addition to the visual appeal, the barndoor divider is also practical. I often wake up before my husband, and I can shower and get dressed with the barn door closed, keeping noise and light out of the bedroom.”

As we were ending our interview, Mrs. Homeowner added one last comment. “I forgot to mention an upgrade that made a huge difference. We replaced our front door with a hurricane rated glass front door. It illuminates the front hallway and really brightens up everything!”

Reclaim, Reuse, Refurbish

In a culture where consumerism and excessive consumption have become the norm, instant gratification often trumps sustainability. But one Ave Maria resident is tackling this problem head-on, at least when it comes to furniture and home décor.

WRITTEN BY CHAD BEATTY | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Kim ‘Adele’ Newton believes in ‘upcycling’ and puts her money where her mouth is. Her company, Adele’s Consignment Boutique, takes old forgotten furniture and accessories, and gives them new life.

“Upcycling old furniture and accessories is more than just a hobby for me—it’s a way of nurturing my soul and honoring the world around me.” stated Newton.

"Art isn’t just trendy—it’s timeless, and I aim to express that in every piece of furniture I design."

Newton began her upcycling journey when she was living on the east coast of Florida, amid an abundance of charity thrift stores. “I took a 6-hour class and was completely hooked. My passion grew so much that I eventually filled two storage units with quality used furniture, each piece waiting to be transformed.” Through this journey, Newton discovered the joy of creating artistic looks that simply can't be found in big box furniture stores. “Every project became a unique expression of creativity and sustainability, fueling my commitment to giving old items new life.” Newton added.

Kim and her husband Andy chose Ave Maria as their home after a visit in October of 2022.

They knew this was the right place, partly because of the name. Her Mother-in-laws favorite song had always been…‘Ave Maria’!

DID YOU KNOW

In 2017 the EPA stated that 12.2 million tons of furniture waste was produced by Americans alone. We’ve become a culture that throws things away instead of reusing them.

Newton’s company, “Adele’s Consignment Boutique” upcycles old pieces of furniture, lamps, and décor accessories. Whether it is one of her original pieces, or a custom piece with sentimental meaning, her goal is always the same: To transform your living space from a house, into a home.

When it comes to her own home, it shows like an art gallery. If you are interested in viewing her home, and perusing her pieces, she accepts appointments to tour and purchase her repurposed beauties.

As Newton’s company grew and her skills blossomed, her business has evolved into three parts...

1. Personal shopping for customers (searching thrift shops to find a particular furniture item and then upcycling the item for them.)

2. Commission Design - Upcycling a piece of furniture for a customer so that they can keep the piece in their family while at the same time giving it a more relevant/current look.

3. Thrift shopping and finding a quality piece, bringing it back to my studio for an updated makeover.

“In the end, I upcycle old furniture and accessories because it brings warmth, purpose, and love into my life. The process allows me to create a home that feels uniquely mine— one that holds not just beautiful things, but cherished memories and hope for the future.” Newton added. “Upcycling isn’t just about objects; it’s about making each day, and each space, a little more meaningful.”

You can reach Kim at:

ItsAnAdele@gmail.com or 513-607-1330

Showcase Your Home | Part 1

Professional Photography

WRITTEN BY SHARON LEVESQUE, REALTOR

Selling a home can be an exciting and stressful time, even in the best of circumstances, but it can be even more complicated when it's a “buyer's market”. A buyer's market refers to a situation that favors people looking to buy homes due to a high volume of homes for sale. In such a circumstance sellers are challenged to find a way to make their homes stand out to potential buyers. One way to do that is through the use of professional photography to showcase your home.

We are all aware of the numerous real estate search sites that people access when looking for a new home. Since the internet is primarily a visual medium one way for home sellers to stand out in that arena is professional photography. Caleb McConnell, founder and owner of Gulfside Media, who does extensive work for agents with clients looking to sell their homes shared, “Buyers make quick decisions without even realizing it. As they scroll through homes the photos are the first thing they see, making quick decisions on what stands out and what doesn't. Strong photos grab attention and create interest. Poor photos can cause buyers to skip a listing altogether. In fact, 97% of home buyers used the internet to search for a home, making photos the first impression.” Referencing the website, Gitnux that tracks customer trends related to real estate, Caleb notes, “Eighty-seven percent of buyers found the photos to be the most useful feature of a real estate website.”

It seems clear then that having a visually pleasing presence online can be a great help in selling a home. When asked if hiring a professional photographer is important to selling a

home, Caleb said, “Yes. A professional knows how to use lighting and angles to show a home at its best. Good photos build trust with buyers and reflect well on both the seller and the agent. If your agent says you don't need professional photos, RUN!!!”

Levity aside he continued, “Professional photos usually lead to more online views, more showings, and often a faster sale. They also help support the home’s value and reduce low offers.”

Once a decision has been made to use a professional photographer what can the homeowner do to prepare the house for the photo session? Caleb suggested, “De-clutter, clean thoroughly, and remove personal items. Open blinds, turn on lights, and

keep spaces simple so the home feels bright and welcoming. Yes, you can "over stage." Buyers connect better to homes that don't look "lived in." Things like removing family photos help depersonalize the home. Removing trash cans, pet beds, toiletries, shampoo and soap, etc., greatly help. Staging the home simply can help them imagine living there and present the home as move in ready.”

In regards to enhancing photos to make the home look even better Caleb is clear, “Editing is used to enhance accuracy and clarity, not to mislead. This includes correcting lighting, color balance, and perspective so the photos reflect how the home looks and feels in person. The goal is always to present the home honestly and attractively.” The idea is to portray the home in the best possible light so that potential home buyers can see the beauty that drew the seller to the home in the first place.

In the next edition of Simply Ave Maria, Caleb will share how evolving technologies are impacting photography and providing potential home buyers a perspective on homes and properties that were not available until very recently.

BASIS POINTS, MORTGAGE RATES,

WRITTEN BY LAUREN MAXWELL, CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE

Interest rates get all the attention, but the real story is what those numbers really mean over the long term. One of the most misunderstood pieces of that story is the basis point. A basis point is simply one one-hundredth of one percent. That means:

• 1 basis point = 0.01%

• 25 basis points = 0.25%

But here’s the part most people miss: A 0.25% change in rate does not mean your payment changes by 0.25%. The impact on your monthly payment is much smaller.

On a typical 30-year mortgage, a 0.25% rate shift usually changes the payment by around $15 per month for every $100,000 borrowed. It matters, but it’s rarely the deal-breaker people imagine. Too many buyers freeze over a handful of basis points and miss the bigger opportunity: the power of time in the market.

& WHY 2026 IS THE YEAR TO MOVE

Looking back, 2025 proved this clearly. It was a standout year for buyers and homeowners who chose action over hesitation. We saw creative financing, smart strategies, and people building real wealth instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment. And now, in 2026, the landscape is even more promising for those who are prepared. Timing plus strategy continues to be where the magic happens.

Buying now allows you to start building equity immediately instead of paying rent and helping someone else build theirs. Every month you wait is a month you can’t get back. As home values rise and rates shift — as they always do — homeowners gain options. You can always refinance later, improve your cash flow, or use your equity to reach bigger goals. Ownership creates leverage. Waiting only delays opportunity to become a homeowner. And this isn’t just for first-time buyers.

Ready

Even if you already own a home, there are strategic ways to expand your portfolio. With the right planning, smart leverage, and the right loan structure, I can teach you how to buy five homes in five years. Real estate remains one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available when used intentionally.

Another major advantage in 2026: the number of down-payment assistance programs available right now is higher than most people realize. This is exactly why a quick conversation matters. Most people are shocked by how many options they actually qualify for once we take a closer look. So yes — basis points matter. But they’re only one small part of a much bigger picture. The real advantage comes from acting strategically, taking advantage of the opportunities in front of you, and letting time work in your favor.

Let’s talk. It’s absolutely worth the call. I’m here.

to start? Let’s connect!

Lauren Maxwell, Maxwell Mortgage Team –CrossCountry Mortgage Executive Vice President

NMLS #331415

239-596-0500 | Lauren@MaxwellMortgageLoans.com

Cooking Chef Trevor with

TREVOR J. GANZI, PRIVATE CHEF

"In The Comfort Of Your Home" • Capeesh Italian Street Food (Food Truck)

Everyone has a favorite dish which brings back childhood memories. They may be linked to a family holiday, or to the region in which you grew up. For me it was Westchester NY, and the dish was Classic NY Italian Chicken Marsala.

If you are not a fan of chicken, no problem. This classic dish can also feature veal or pork, and the sauce can incorporate any of your favorite meat dishes like a mushroom marsala filet mignon. Just the thought of that has my mouth watering! OK, on to our feature dish: Classic NY Italian Chicken Marsala

Classic NY Italian Chicken Marsala

ingredients

Serving 2-4

• Two chicken breasts

• Salt to taste

• Pepper to taste

• Flour for coating

• 1 stick Butter

• Olive oil

• 4 Cloves Garlic

• 1 Sliced Shallot

• 32 oz Bella mushrooms

• 32 oz Marsala Wine

• 10 Sage leaves

directions

First slice your chicken breast horizontally as thin as you can. Try to get 3 for each breast if only two slices come out for the thinnest that is fine.

Season with salt and pepper and then coat each side with all purpose flour.

In a saucepan add a dollop of butter and olive oil and sauté the chicken breasts to golden brown, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Next in the same pan add rest of butter and more olive oil and throw in diced garlic and sliced shallot and sauté till translucent and add all the sliced bella mushrooms.

Once mushrooms are softened and cooked though, add the marsala wine and start to mix so alcohol is cooked out.

Add back in all the chicken breasts and let the entire dish come together.

Note: if you like your marsala sauce a little thick add a sprinkle of flour and mix.

Add your sliced sage leaves in the sauce for the final touch, you have a one pan beautifully cooked chicken marsala dish.

Serve with linguine pasta or potatoes and green beans.

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

Entertaining with Ralph Vincent

Game Day Celebration with a Winning Twist!

The Big Game is fast approaching and many of us are planning to host a game day party or have been invited to one. These lively gatherings are all about watching the game and enjoying delicious food and drinks with family and friends.

A Game Day celebration would not be complete without the signature foods we have come to expect like chicken wings, pizza, sliders, and guacamole. But I like to shake things up a bit, so I have put together some unexpected and fun recipes that will add a delicious twist to your Game Day spread.

My Wingless Buffalo Dip is a delectable meat-free alternative to the traditional Buffalo style chicken wing dip. White Albacore tuna works beautifully as a substitute for chicken. Blue cheese salad dressing and wing sauce infuses this warm dip with classic Buffalo flavor.

Next up are my Tikka Masala Cocktail "Meatballs". My Tikka Masala sauce tastes like the original version with a rich, creamy texture. The "meatballs" are made with a plant-based ground meat substitute, and flaxseed and water as a binder instead of eggs. The result is a lighter textured and tender "meatball" with traditional flavor. There are a number of ingredients, but once they are measured out the sauce comes together easily. And you can make the "meatballs" and sauce the day before and warm them up at party time.

Crostini with Feta Cheese, Honey, and Toasted Walnuts is a sweet and savory bite. Even better, they can be put together quickly before serving.

Something magical happens when you pair raspberries and chocolate, and my Black Raspberry Chocolate Martini combines both in this delectable cocktail. You can make this by the drink or take the easy route and combine the ingredients for multiple cocktails in a pitcher and keep it chilled until you and your guests are ready.

I hope you enjoy these recipes. Until next time, have fun in your kitchen cooking for the people you love and always remember... it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good!

Wingless Buffalo Dip

Ingredients

• 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened

• 8 ounces of blue cheese salad dressing

• 8 ounces of wing sauce

• Four 5 ounce cans of water packed solid white Albacore tuna drained and flaked with a fork

• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

In a medium bowl combine all the ingredients until well combined. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until the ingredients are melted and bubbling a bit. Serve with crackers and carrot and celery sticks.

Crostini with Feta Cheese, Honey & Toasted Walnuts

Ingredients

• 1 baguette cut into 1/4 inch thick slices

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 8 ounces of cream cheese softened

• 1/4 cup of mayonaise

• 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

• 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts

• Honey to drizzle

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and palce in a single layer on a large baking tray. Bake for

about 5 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Toast the walnuts in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Watch carefully and shake the skillet frequently for 3 to 4 minutes or until the walnuts are fragrant. Remove from heat and pour onto a plate to cool. Place the rest of the ingredients except the honey into the bowl of a food processor and mix on high speed until combined into a creamy consistency. To assemble spread each baguette slice with the cream cheese mixture, drizzle each with honey and sprinkle with the walnuts. Serve immediately.

Black Raspberry Chocolate Martini

Ingredients

(for One Cocktail)

• 1 ounce of blackberry liqueur

• 1 ounce of premium vodka

• 1 ounce of white creme de' cocoa

• Fresh blackberries to garnish

Tikka Masala Cocktail "Meatballs"

Ingredients

"MEATBALLS":

• 12 ounces of plantbased ground beef substitute. I prefer to use Impossible Plant Based Burger Ground in this recipe.

• 2 tablespoons of flaxseed

• 5 tablespoons of water

• 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs

• 2 teaspooons of minced garlic

• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

TIKKA MASALA SAUCE:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• One 14 ounce can of tomato sauce

• One 13.5 ounce can of coconut milk

• 1/4 cup of water

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons of agave nectar or honey

• 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger

• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of garam masala seasoning

• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of cumin

• 1 teaspoon of tumeric

• 1 teaspoon of coriander

• 1 teaspoon of chili powder

• 2 tablesoons of olive oil

Directions

Mix the flaxseed and water in a small bowl ane let it thicken for about 5 minutes. Place all the ingredients except the olive oil in an large bowl and with scrupulously clean hands mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch round balls. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the "meatballs" in bathces until nicely browned and cooked through. Cool on a paper towel lined platter and refrigerate until ready to use.

Directions

Pour the first 3 ingredients into an ice filled shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. strain into a martini or coupe glass and garnish with 2 or 3 blackberries in a cocktail skewer. Cheers!

TIKKA MASALA SAUCE: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the spices and salt and cook for another minute. Lower the heat and add the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and agave syrup or honey and simmer for 5 minutes. Allow to cook and refrigerate until ready to use. To serve combine the sauce and cooked meatballs and gently heat until warmed through and transfer to a heat proof serving dish or chafing dish.

THE ADVANTAGES OF LITHIUM BATTERIES IN GOLF CARTS

Why More Owners Are Making the Switch

WRITTEN

BY

CALEB POLHILL, OWNER OF AACTION POWER EQUIPMENT

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Over the past several years, lithium battery technology has rapidly transformed the golf cart industry. Once considered a premium upgrade, lithium batteries are now becoming the preferred power source for both recreational and commercial golf cart owners. From improved performance to long-term cost savings, lithium batteries offer clear advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries.

One of the most noticeable benefits of lithium batteries is consistent performance. Lithium batteries deliver steady power throughout the entire discharge cycle, allowing golf carts to maintain strong acceleration and reliable speed even as the battery level drops. This results in smoother operation, especially on hills or when carrying passengers or cargo.

Lithium batteries are also significantly lighter than traditional lead-acid battery packs. This reduction in weight improves handling, increases efficiency, and reduces wear on suspension, tires, and drivetrain components. Lighter carts often experience improved range and overall responsiveness.

Another major advantage is maintenancefree operation. Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries require no watering, no corrosion cleanup, and no special charging habits. This convenience makes lithium batteries ideal for owners who want reliable performance without routine upkeep.

Charging speed is another key benefit. Lithium batteries typically recharge much faster than lead-acid batteries and can be opportunity-charged without damaging the system. This is especially valuable for daily users, fleets, and commercial operations.

Although lithium batteries have a higher upfront cost, they provide long-term value. With a lifespan that is often two to four times longer than lead-acid batteries, fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs make lithium batteries more economical over time.

Modern lithium systems are also safer and more environmentally friendly. Built-in battery management systems protect against overcharging, overheating, and electrical faults, while eliminating acid spills and reducing hazardous waste.

In conclusion, lithium batteries represent a major advancement in golf cart technology. With better performance, lighter weight, faster charging, zero maintenance, longer lifespan, and improved safety, it is easy to see why more people are choosing lithiumpowered golf carts.

TIPS FROM THE GOLF PRO

Unusual Lies –

Pinestraw & Coquina

Shell Cart Paths

WRITTEN BY JIM FEIPEL, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Playing golf in Southwest Florida is a little bit different than other parts of the country. We use materials such as pine straw and coquina sand in different areas of the golf course for different reasons. When your ball lands on these particular surfaces it’s important to have some working knowledge as to how to hit off of these impediments.

Pine straw plays a big role in golf course maintenance. It’s used to cover shaded areas where grass struggles to grow and provides clean definition around fences, boundaries, and wooded areas. But for golfers, pine straw usually signals one thing: trouble.

If you’ve watched The Masters on TV, you have seen players play from pine straw. Here at Panther Run we are no different. There is plenty of pine straw distributed around the golf course and many courses use this material in southwest, Florida.

If you find your ball nestled in the pine straw, you’re likely off the fairway and facing a tricky recovery. The good news? With the right strategy and technique, you can get back in play. Let’s walk you through the two common situations and how to approach them.

HOW TO ESCAPE PINE STRAW LIKE A PRO

THE PUNCH OUT: After a wayward drive, you may find your ball resting on pine straw under a canopy of trees. Your goal? Get the ball back to the fairway with a low, controlled shot that avoids catching any limbs or obstructions. Here’s your punch out game plan.

CLUB SELECTION: Use one of your least lofted irons, 4, 5, or 6-iron. These clubs naturally keep the flight of the ball low. Avoid your hybrids; they’re built for height and can launch the ball too high in this situation.

SET UP: Stand square to your target line to keep the swing on a flatter, more sweeping plane. Shift about 60% of your body weight onto your front foot to create stability and prevent slipping on the pine straw. Keep your stance firm but not rigid – you’re aiming for control, not power.

SWING THOUGHT: Think slow and short. Make a smooth, half swing to limit spin and launch. Avoid the temptation to swing harder – extra speed equals more spin, which you don’t want here.

COQUINA SHELL SAND PATHS:

WHAT IS IT? AND CAN I PLAY OFF OF IT?

In Florida, it is very common for courses to have cart paths made from substances other than concrete or asphalt. Due to the abundance of shells and coquina (rock limestone made up of fragments of mollusks and other sea animals), many courses used crushed shell or crushed coquina mixed with some sand to surface their cart paths. Additionally, courses use those substances in other areas of the course for various reasons. While the surface are normally fairly hard, players can usually play off them (might scratch the bottom of the clubhead).

HOW TO HIT OFF COQUINA CART PATHS:

THE SET UP: Take a stance that is square to the target. Shift your weight to your front foot to promote a downward descending blow as to hit the ball first. Ball position should be towards the back foot for better contact with the compacted surface. Take a low lofted club and use a three quarter swing to maintain control and avoid needing a full fast swing. Commit to a full balanced finish, letting the club work naturally towards the intended target. Aim to hit the ball first and sand second. Understand that the cart path has give in it and its ok to scrape the surface to ensure maximum solid contact.

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Waving to you from another fairway!