wavebreakmedia | shutterstock Lately, I have been reflecting on what truly makes Naples such a special place to call home. Beyond our natural beauty and quality of life, it is the people who give of themselves every day. I think of community leaders, some whose names make headlines or appear on the façades of buildings, and others who work quietly under the radar. I think of people who lead nonprofits, civic efforts, women’s groups, business organizations, and environmental

TheatreZone announces the casting of audience favorites Larry Alexander and Adolpho Blaire in its production of Gutenberg: The Musical , opening February 5, at TheatreZone, Naples’ premier musical theatre. The show is about two enthusiastic wannabe playwrights pitching their over-the-top “Gutenberg” musical to Broadway producers. With a trunk full of baseball caps and wild imagination, the pair act out dozens of characters in their quest for a Broadway deal. Adolpho Blaire –

Dentistry Rooted in Education, Heart, and Community "Her heart for the community is evident through her involvement in international dental mission trips, local outreach efforts, school programs, and volunteering within underserved populations.” For Dr. Lavinia Popescu, dentistry is far more than a profession—it is a calling grounded in education, compassion, and service. As co-founder of Elysium Dental Naples, she brings to North Naples a thoughtful blend of advanced clinica

A Mother–Daughter Story of Vision and Resilience "Working twelve-hour days, seven days a week, she grew the gallery into one of Florida’s most beloved art destinations.” Olga and Leeza Arkhangelskaya The engaging, art-savvy duo of Olga and her daughter, Leeza Arkhangelskaya—owners of East West Fine Art—are celebrating the gallery’s 25th anniversary. Now located in the Vanderbilt Galleria Shoppes, they continue their mission of bringing soulful, professional, and uplifting art

"Professional, connected, and committed, we serve as your trusted advisors through every step of your real estate journey.“ The Beckmann Wood Team is proud to be the #1 Small Team at John R. Wood in 2024, with over $200 million in career sales and a reputation built on trust, discretion, and exceptional results. As a Mother-Daughter Team with unrivaled local expertise, we offer a rare blend of generational insight, refined market knowledge, and white glove service. We were ho

Inside Dr. Kogan’s Concierge Functional Primary Care Practice “Functional medicine has expanded my ability to help people heal in meaningful ways." Since 2019, when leading holistic medical doctor, Svetlana Kogan, M.D., moved her practice from Manhattan to Naples, her fresh approach to patient care has continued to make an impression. Now, one of the very few physicians in the area formally educated and certified in functional medicine, Dr. Kogan offers a unique blend of soli

Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon "Enhancing the natural beauty that lies within us is deeply empowering. My mission is to help men and women feel refreshed, confident, and at home in their own skin.” Dr. Burchhardt is more than a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon — she is a trailblazer who pairs artistic vision with leading-edge surgical expertise and the latest advances in regenerative medicine. She is certified by both the American Board of Facial P

Empowering others to realize their potential for a joyful life and legacy "It’s cherishing family stories and passing on values to future generations." Heather Clegg and her son I believe that we were designed to live in connection with others. Community allows us to thrive in ways that we cannot when we are isolated or lack a circle to embrace us as we are. The concept that we are better together shapes our family life, guides the way we serve our clients, and influences the

Personalized Care for Optimal Health Lorna J. Fedelem, MD, is a proud Naples native and a graduate of the Florida State University College of Medicine. She is board-certified in both family medicine and obesity medicine and is deeply committed to helping patients achieve better health, longevity, and overall well-being. This dedication serves as the cornerstone of her practice. At the Lorna J. Fedelem, MD Concierge Medicine and Wellness Center, Dr. Fedelem blends highly perso

"Each interaction not only allows me to share my expertise and knowledge but also enriches my own understanding and builds lasting friendships.” My name is Alexandra Janz, and I am a Realtor® and Luxury Properties Specialist with William Raveis-Florida, LLC. My husband Juergen and I moved to Naples in 2016 after growing up in Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest in Germany. Since then, we have proudly called Naples our home. With over 26 years of passion and dedication i

"The strength of Naples can be found in its communities. With more than 30 years as a local resident, I’ve seen how waterfront access, recreational and lifestyle amenities, and a rich cultural, dining, and shopping scene contribute to neighborhoods valued over time and generations.” Karen with her daughters Phoebe and Tabitha Perhaps we’ve met, or, if we are connecting for the first time, I wanted to share a little bit about myself. Naples has been my home since 1994, and dur

Leading with Vision at Gulfshore Playhouse "My first covenant is with the audience, and I care about what they think.” Kristen Coury is a leader who knows that great institutions are built not only on success, but on courage. Courage to take risks, honor the past, and shape the future. As Founder, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, she continues to redefine what professional regional theatre can be in Southwest Florida and beyond. Now in just its seco

"With close ties to the business community in Naples, Jennifer specializes in point-to-point customer care from retirees to high profile executives relocating to Florida.” Jennifer Gibson is an entrepreneur, a top-performing real estate agent, a builder, and a residential designer in Southwest Florida. She began her business journey at the age of six working at her family’s gas station and car wash in Pennsylvania. As a result of living in a godly family, she acquired a stron

"My goal was to create a fabulous setting offering the finest in luxury goods while offering the highest quality customer service." In 2010, in Baltimore, I had a dream. It was my vision to create an elegant space with a wide variety of luxury, beautiful, high-end designer and vintage clothing and accessories for sale at far below retail prices. A place where customers could find unique and stunning pieces without breaking the bank. My goal was to create a fabulous setting of

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive programs and social services to support older adults and their families, has announced the passing of its Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jaclynn Faffer. A visionary leader and innovator, Dr. Faffer was the leading advocate for seniors in our community. Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Faffer was a fearless professional and systems builder in the field of human services, with over

Artist Danell Somers, Chef Marina Nikolic On February 12, from 6–9 p.m., creativity takes center stage in the Naples Art District as Palette to Palate  returns. Hosted by SOHO Design Group at 1610 Trade Center Way, guests are invited to experience culinary dishes inspired by original artworks by Naples Art District artists. This year, accomplished chefs will participate, including restaurant owners, private chefs, Michelin-trained professionals with experience in the yachting

When you thought of moving to Naples, you probably thought of the sunshine, the beaches, the lifestyle. And, yes, the tax benefits. You did what you were told to do to become a Florida resident. You got the driver’s license. You registered to vote. You filed for the Homestead Exemption. You logged your six months plus one day here in the Sunshine State. These are the commonly accepted steps for establishing Florida residency (sometimes called “claiming domicile”). The problem

Kitchen Tour Guides Naples is widely known for its refined lifestyle—luxury shopping, acclaimed restaurants, and world-class cultural offerings. Yet alongside this abundance are children and families facing hunger, homelessness, trauma, and mental health challenges. Fortunately, Naples is also home to a strong philanthropic community, supported by local nonprofit organizations dedicated to meeting urgent needs and strengthening the future of Collier County through health, edu

Charity for Change is Bringing Back Humanity Children today are growing up in a world that feels increasingly negative. Bullying, loneliness, anxiety, and mounting academic pressures threaten not only how students learn, but how they see themselves and one another. For many families, especially those with limited access to mental wellness and enrichment resources, these challenges can seem overwhelming. Charity for Change exists to meet this moment, with hope, purpose, and pr

Why the Most Important Opportunities Rarely Feel Obvious at the Time "The biggest opportunities never feel obvious when you're standing in them." pics five | shutterstock History has a way of revealing its turning points only in hindsight. In 1996, Apple looked like a fading computer company. In 2006, Netflix appeared to be a quirky DVD-by-mail service. In 2016, Nvidia was viewed as just another gaming hardware stock. Today, these companies sit at the center of the global ec