Women taking part in an enrichment and wellness program at Fiddler’s Creek recently raised funds for the Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children.

Participants donated $30 to attend the Women’s Wellness Circle, a 3.5-hour body, mind and spirit workshop led by Fiddler’s Creek residents Martine Amundson, a registered nurse and spiritual director, and Sylvia Pazolt, a licensed social worker.

The circle is offered three times during the winter season and provides an opportunity for Amundson, Pazolt and their fellow residents to help the shelter while connecting to themselves and others. Amundson and Pazolt donate all of the money to the nonprofit organization.

“I’m a part-time resident, and the shelter needs volunteers who are available year-round,” said Amundson. “This is our way of helping and also raising awareness among other Fiddler’s Creek residents of the shelter’s needs. We try to direct ladies to the website so they can also donate on their own and volunteer.”

The Women’s Wellness Circle is one of many enrichment and wellness programs, personal fitness classes, seminars and clubs offered by The Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek. The activities are designed to appeal to a variety of interests, and also include cooking demonstrations, history lessons, ballroom dancing, art classes and exhibits, book clubs and more. Many of the programs are offered year-round. Circle workshops typically average about 20 women per session and collectively raise $2,000 annually.

“This is another example of how the residents of Fiddler’s Creek give back,” said Aubrey Ferrao, president and CEO of Fiddler’s Creek. “They embrace every opportunity to support the local community, whether they’re donating to the shelter, Manatee Elementary School, participating in our Volunteer Day or donating time and resources toward a variety of worthy causes. Their contribution to these organizations demonstrates an innate culture of giving back that is shared by many of our Fiddler’s Creek residents and benefits the community.”

The January Women’s Circle attracted a record number of attendees. “It’s really grown over the years,” Amundson said. “We started it among friends and began offering it to the community four or five years ago. The Women’s Circle is always mind, body and spirit related with an intellectual learning component, creativity and guided meditation.”

Subjects have explored aging well, the meaning of dreams, and giving back to the community. On the creative side, women have made inspirational tiles and collages, and written poetry.

“I think the circle is so popular because it gives women time for themselves – they’re not on duty,” Amundson said. “We always say everything that happens in circle stays in circle. It’s a powerful experience, and Fiddler’s Creek is very supportive of our mission.”

Fiddler’s Creek announces that only two move-in ready coach homes remain available in Sonoma, a village of 44 classic Mediterranean residences. The three-bedroom, two-bath homes by national homebuilder Lennar Homes represent the Florence floor plan, a first-floor residence designed for convenient, maintenance-free living.

The Florence offers a living room, kitchen, breakfast area and dining room within its 1,741 square feet of air-conditioned living space. It also has a two-car garage, screened patio and 2,338 total square feet.

Upgraded features include 20-inch diagonal tile in main living areas and entryways; granite countertops and raised panel wood cabinetry in kitchens and baths; and Colonial-style wood casing and baseboards.

The Florence kitchen offers a closet pantry, an extended peninsula breakfast bar, and stainless steel Energy Star-rated GE appliances.

The Florence features a split floor plan separating the master suite and guest bedrooms. The owner’s retreat offers his-and-her walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, Roman tub, vanity with two sinks, linen closet and water closet. The floor plan is base priced from $304,999.

The village of Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek features 11 two-story buildings offering only four residences in each, with most homes overlooking lakes. Buildings have brick paver entryways and are designed with numerous green and eco-friendly features.

Fiddler’s Creek raised $9,000 during its second annual Bosom Buddies tennis exhibition and silent auction, more than doubling its contribution to the Naples charity from the inaugural event in 2015.

“Fiddler’s Creek is a compassionate and generous community,” said Aubrey Ferrao, president and CEO Fiddler’s Creek. “We’re pleased to make this contribution on our residents’ behalf to such a worthwhile organization.”

Bosom Buddies provides physical, emotional and educational support for women with breast cancer and lymphedema.
The Jan. 30 exhibition featured Scott Pennington and Desislav Borov, tennis pros at The Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek, who competed against two local players and attracted so many attendees the staff had to expand the available spectator seating.

Silent auction items featured ballroom dancing lessons; tennis, wine and food-themed baskets; boating and fishing excursions; kayak ecoadventures; rounds of golf and more, which were donated by Fiddler’s Creek tennis league members, residents and local businesses.

“We are thankful for everyone who donated and bid,” said Ron Albeit, general manager. “It helped us double our contribution to Bosom Buddies in two years – and we hope we can double it again next year.”

Because of the success of the exhibition and silent auction, Fiddler’s Creek is recruiting a volunteer tennis committee to plan the 2017 event. “We are already planning for big things next year,” Albeit said.