Fiddler’s Creek, a private, master-planned, residential community offering complete resort lifestyle amenities, has sold 91 single-family home sites to the nation’s largest homebuilder.

The South Florida division of D.R. Horton, Inc., America’s Builder plans to initiate construction on the sites soon in the Veneta section of Fiddler’s Creek. The purchase represents the company’s entrance into the community.

“We are delighted to welcome such a well-known and well-respected national homebuilder to Fiddler’s Creek,” said Aubrey J. Ferrao, President and CEO of Fiddler’s Creek, LLC. “The homes to be constructed by D.R. Horton will complement the residential offerings currently available and will provide buyers with a high-quality product in a distinctive neighborhood.”

There are numerous charities to support in the Naples area. So why is Jerry’s Kid’s and the Muscular Dystrophy Association so special? Do you really need an answer for that? Well, Mary Jane Chappy, the Director of Membership, Communications & Marketing at Fiddler’s Creek doesn’t have the heart to turn away a child in need.

An anonymous friend or colleague from the Naples Chamber volunteered Mary Jane a.k.a “MJ” to be placed “behind bars” to raise money for Jerry’s Kids. Not knowing who volunteered her, MJ’s decision was not only an easy one when asked to help raise money for the kids in the community, but an honor as well. The tricky part was getting the donations, especially since things are still tight for most people and asking for money from others is not her forte.

Well after sending out emails to family, friends and neighbors and putting the information on facebook, she had this great idea. Maybe her coworkers at Fiddler’s Creek and Fiddler’s Creek homeowners would like to help — all the while not being too pushy. So emails were sent and guess what? Yes, some even made a donation! In a few days MJ was going to get picked up by the local authorities and brought to “Lock Up” at Naples Grande. Will she make bail?

It’s 10:30am on July 13th and she is ready for pickup. Fiddler’s Creek employees gather to say farewell in hopes she makes bail and returns to work. Collier County Deputy John Lambley arrives and proceeds to place handcuffs on the “jailbird” as he gets ready to transport MJ to lockup. Upon arrival she gets dressed in the traditional stripes and a mug shot is taken.

Now it’s the moment of truth as all the jailbirds are calling and emailing everyone they can think of to help bail them out. With the “behind bars” photo on MJ’s iPhone, she starts sending it to people hoping to get more donations. More calls were made in an attempt to raise a few more dollars.

At the event was Dalton, a teenager in the community who lives with the challenges of MD. He is one of the kids who will benefit from everyone’s hard work. His mom, Ginger with all her family’s challenges appears upbeat and smiles as her photo was taken with her son and Patrick Nolan of Fox News.

After a few hours, MJ was able to get a few more donations which got her over her personal goal of raising $1000. With the help of friends, coworkers from The Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek, Gulf Bay, The Golf Club, The Tarpon Club, The Tarpon Club Marina, Marco Beach Ocean Resort and Fiddler’s Creek homeowners, her goal was accomplished! What a great feeling. Now it was time to get back to work. The ride back to Fiddler’s Creek was quite comfortable in the limousine. Not a bad way to end the day.

By the time MJ left the event, Jerry’s Kids / MDA had raised over $161,000, exceeding their goal of $150,000. Now it’s MJ’s turn to nominate potential jailbirds for next year!

Although MJ is no longer in lockup, donations for Jerry’s Kids are still being accepted through August by visiting https://www.joinmda.org/naplestelu2011/chappymj

Fiddler’s Creek® community located on your way to Marco Island welcomed Guest Speaker and Meteorologist, Jim Farrell of WINK News to The Club & Spa at Fiddler’s Creek. Homeowners were offered a complimentary seminar on hurricane preparedness. About 100 people attended this informative seminar and handouts and other materials were provided. A special thanks was extended to the Fiddler’s Creek CERT Team, led by Russ Rainey for putting this event together.

Jim began speaking with his usual humorous tone and then continued with the seriousness of potential hurricanes to our area. “Water temperatures are warmer than average this summer indicating the potential for hurricanes… a busier than average season is expected with 11 anticipated storms,” says Jim.

“If there is a mandatory evacuation, the big question is, will you stay or will you leave? A decision you won’t want to make at the last minute. If you stay, you are on your own. Authorities are not obligated to help you, meaning they may not respond to a 911 call. If you seek shelter, remember space may be restrictive so calling a friend or staying at a hotel may be your best option. Pets are also a consideration wherever you choose to go. Just remember, don’t seek shelter in an area where the hurricane may move towards. You may end up evacuating from that area as well,” another consideration Jim points out.

What would happen if a hurricane did hit landfall in Naples or somewhere in Southwest Florida? “A storm surge would be the concern,” according to Jim. “So are we going to get hit,” a homeowner asks? Jim replies, “I don’t know, but a storm surge would be greater in our area than the Eastcoast because the Gulf water is much shallower here.” “The good news is that Florida has the best building code for wind,” continued Jim.

Being prepared, whether you are asked to evacuate or not, your family’s safety should be your number one priority. If you don’t have to evacuate, you still need to be prepared in case there is a power outage. Storms and hurricanes…. something you accept when choosing to live in beautiful Southwest Florida.

Following the presentation, homeowners were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Summertime in Naples lends itself to a relaxed pace in comparison to the busy seasonal months that leave us all wondering where the time went. It’s also a great time for Fiddler’s Creek homeowners to explore and re-discover Naples all over again. Fiddler’s Creek homeowners have a great summer line-up of events including dining, cooking classes, jewelry classes for the artistic, as well as movies, shopping, nature tours and casino runs.

On Tuesday mornings, Fiddler’s Creek homeowners can join the fun on the “Ride to Riches” bus trip to the Seminole Casino in Immokalee departing bright and early at 8:30am and returning at 3:15pm.

The “Dine Around” events in the summer are a hit with Fiddler’s Creek residents. A few of the restaurants residents will be exploring include Le Lafayette in the Third Street South District, M Waterfront Grille on Venetian Bay and Café Lurcat located on 5th Ave.

This summer a “Summer Cooking Class and Tasting” has been added to the mix, where Chef Eric and his team guide you through the preparations of several summertime favorites. Attendees need to bring their appetites as there will be plenty of food!

Jewelry making has become a popular art and craft with Fiddler’s Creek homeowners as they create their very own one-of-a-kind piece including a Lotus Necklaces using glass Japanese Seed beads in a variety of colors along with silver charm beads in various shapes accented with Swarovski Crystals.

Another new event this summer is the “Movie Day and Lunch at Mercato”. The first of this classic combo includes lunch at McCormick’s & Schmick’s followed by the hit movie hit “Larry Crowne” at the Silverspot Cinema at Mercato. “Crazy, Stupid, Love” starring Steve Carell and Julianne Moore will be the next movie on the list to see later in the summer.

What would the summer be without a few special nights at Caxambas? Starting with a Fiddler’s Creek homeowner favorite “Wine Tasting at Caxambas” then shortly thereafter with “Bring Your Own Wine” night. Later in the summer you can witness Fiddler’s Creek bartenders concoct an assortment of refreshing summer cocktails.

Discover the Naples Botanical Gardens with a guided tour of the Lea Asian Garden and the Scott Florida Garden and learn all about the creation, vision and design of the gardens. Shortly after the tour, lunch will be served at Bone Fish Grille.

And finally let’s not forget shopping at the Waterfront on Venetian Bay after a fabulous lunch at Bayside Seafood Grille & Bar. After a great meal, what could be better than shopping to burn off a few calories?

Before you know it, the summer is over and season arrives. The 2011-2012 Club event calendars have been completed so Fiddler’s Creek residents can begin planning for another exciting season!

One of Fiddler’s Creek honored residents, Jack Toole, begins planning the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 364 days before the actual event. Mr. Toole has been elected as the Mayor of St. Patrick’s Day at Fiddler’s Creek. St. Patrick’s Day celebrated on March 17th is a very special event to Fiddler’s Creek homeowners both for the Irish and the not so Irish, filled with traditional Irish sing-a-longs, river dance performance, Irish flare and authentic Irish cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Eric Long and his team. With beef barley soup, braised corn beef and cabbage and Ballymaloe lamb stew, this special celebration is sure to please every pallet imaginable. This event attracts over 250 people each year and is definitely on the “must attend” list of the year. Fiddler’s Creek homeowners take this opportunity to dress in their customary kilts, as well as other green garments and wild accessories. To top off a truly exceptional night, Fiddler’s Creek homeowners sang along to Irish favorites, such as “My Wild Irish Rose,” “Danny Boy” and “You Are My Sunshine” just to name a few.

Collier County has the largest concentration of migrant farm workers east of the Mississippi River. During the height of the growing and picking season, the population of school-aged migrant children can be upwards of 7,000. Migrant farm workers live in camps with multiple families in tiny trailers, many with holes in the floors, broken windows and no furniture, bare floors with little or no bedding. Many workers are undocumented and are not entitled to any assistance whatsoever. The children are innocent victims of circumstance and spend their young lives crisscrossing the country with their families, traveling from crop to crop. They must leave behind whatever personal belongings they have, keeping them in a constant state of need.

The goal of Bedtime Bundles is to provide every migrant child ages 3 -12 with a “Bundle” and their family with basic first aid supplies, toiletries, new or gently used clothing, pajamas, blankets, books, toys and food. Bedtime Bundles is a not-for-profit program that helps address the most basic needs of these migrant children by giving them an easy to transport pillowcase filled with these essentials.

Bedtime Bundles was started by Karen Saeks in her home with items being stored and bundles assembled in her garage. Through the efforts and generosity of friends and neighbors, local religious congregations, clubs, and corporations, Bedtime Bundles has grown in leaps and bounds. A donated office facility is now headquarters which allows us to expand and increase the number of children who are served. This past school year we have been able to exceed our goal of 1500 bundles!

As part of the partnership of the local religious congregations and local corporations, a second outreach for Bedtime Bundles is a “bread run”. In the early morning hours, seven days a week, volunteers from several churches and the synagogue drive to the two Publix stores on Marco and the Starbucks at the Esplanade to collect the left over breads and pastries. Delivery is made to the Manatee School and to the farm workers at 6L Ranch on Route 41. The need is great and this program is a benefit to all parties.

On Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 5-7 pm, the 3rd annual Mutts and Martinis Yappy Hour benefiting the migrant farm workers will be held at CJ’s on the Bay at the Esplanade on Marco Island. The presenting sponsor is Seminole Casino Immokalee and 100% of all proceeds are to benefit children of migrant farm workers. There is a $5 donation which includes a free glass of wine, domestic beer or soft drink. Bring your four legged friends dressed to the nines so they can strut their stuff on the red carpet. If you are “fur – less” not to worry -please just come and have a great time for a worthy cause.

There are wonderful silent auction items to bid on. Again this year, The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek has generously and graciously offered four rounds of golf at the fantastic Creek Course.

Living in this beautiful area of southwest Florida we have so often heard the saying, “just another day in paradise”. It is easy sometimes to take this beautiful lifestyle for granted. For some of our neighbors who live in this paradise, everyday life is a struggle and it is hardest on the little ones.

If you would like to lend a helping hand or make a donation, please contact Fiddler’s Creek homeowner, Sandra Carinci at 239-207-0978.

Sandra Carinci is the Co-Chair Business/Civic/Congregational Liaison for Bedtime Bundles.

“From your heart to their homes – thanks a bundle”!

Fiddler’s Creek homeowners anxiously look forward to this all time favorite event – Fabulous 50s Party on March 11th! Walking through the Caxambas doors, you are transported back in time to a very special era. Walls are decorated with records and antique cars, soda and milk shake stations and buffets filled with all your favorite foods from the 50’s. Fiddler’s Creek staff enjoy recreating the atmosphere and ambiance wearing poodle skirts and bowling shirts. All the Fiddler’s Creek homeowners and their guests were welcomed with complimentary Jack Daniels and Coke to get the night started right. Fiddler’s Creek favorite singing DJ, Jason DeSimone, kept the dance floor busy performing all the most popular 50’s music. Everyone loved reliving one of their favorite pastimes and look forward to the festivities every year.

Billy Dean and Dawn have been making music together for almost two decades performing at hotels, cruise ships and country clubs throughout the world. On Monday, March 7th, about 100 Fiddler’s Creek homeowners came to this special event held on the tennis lawn. Attendees caught an intimate glimpse of this husband and wife duo and their personal journey through an array of songs. Dawn Birch, lead vocalist, captivated the audience with an eclectic mix of Broadway tunes, Opera, old time favorites like “Pretty Woman,” as well as songs written by her mother. Her voice, beauty, charm and notable height fascinated the audience. It was a delightful evening filled with great food, beautiful weather, glamorous costumes and remarkable entertainment, as Bill Dean and Dawn shared their story with Fiddler’s Creek homeowners.

On Friday, February 18th, Fiddler’s Creek Club & Spa hosted the nationally known show by “The British Invasion” with the sights, sounds and magic of the greatest group of all time, the Beatles.

Fiddler’s Creek homeowners and their guests had the opportunity to relive the excitement of Beatlemania as the Fab Four – John, Paul, George and Ringo – took the stage and recreated the thrill of a live Beatles concert within their own community.

The British Invasion came to Fiddler’s Creek directly from The Disney Epcot Center, performing there for 14 years. They have performed to millions of guests throughout Florida and the United States.

The evening began with a fabulous buffet style dinner prepared by Chef Eric at Caxambas prior to the show. To tease the pallet, Jumbo Gulf Shrimp and Chilled Oysters was the perfect appetizer. Followed by a Garden or Caesar Salad presented beautifully as members would expect, came the main entree, Mahi Mahi, Roasted Beef and Roasted Organic Chicken Breast as well as several sides to choose from. Now for the sweet tooth in everyone, a selection of mouth-watering pastries and cakes were enjoyed with coffee.

By the end of the evening, the groups received a standing ovation by everyone. This event is one of several dinner shows, concerts, gala events, themed parties and specialty dinners scheduled every season at Fiddler’s Creek.

Resort style living has reached all time heights at Fiddler’s Creek, a community like no other.