Page 46 - LIN_February 2025_web-file

What Do Y aples ?
ou Love about Life in N
What Do You Love about Life in Naples?

by Karen Coney Coplin
ell me yours and I'll tell you mine! Speaking of friendly and welcoming people, I love shopping at
I've lived here for 31 years (over half places like Wynn's Market where our family favorites are the chicken
T my life). I love the sunshine and the salad, orzo salad, and we will never pass up the spinach mushroom
beach breezes. I don't miss the heavy snowfall lasagna when available.
in wintry upstate New York. I also love that I'm a "regular" at my neighborhood 7 Eleven.
I love that my daughters were born in this I'm happy that the Third Street location has finally reopened after
beautiful gulfside town. renovations from Hurricane Ian.
Thank you Drs. Floreani and Heitmann for I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful Saturday
helping welcome them to this world! morning Farmers' Market located on Third Street. People watching,

I love having breakfast at the Cove Inn Coffee Shoppe. pets, produce and so much more!
Everyone, including me, loves their pancakes, but my particular I love the USPS staff at the Goodlette Road Post Office. They get
favorite is a yummy egg dish called the Galley's Greatest. things done with a smile on their faces. I'll say the same about all of
I'm grateful I could start New Year's Day there with my dear the city staffers who have helped me in many ways over the years.
friend Carol, and enjoy the entire gang at this family owned and I love the generous spirit of so many who have made Naples their
operated Naples icon. If you haven't been, just make a note that adopted home. I love that for virtually every conceivable need, a
it's cash only. They'll happily pour you a coffee while you wait if philanthropic organization exists to lift, collectively, the well being of
there is a full house. all residents.
I love that all of the avenues in the city end at the beach This also includes shelter pets and strays -I give a special shout
and, more than anything else, I love the sunsets that create a out to Tom Golisano, who recently made a substantial gift to many
memorable bookend at the end of the day. SWFL charities; including $10M in gifts dedicated to animal welfare
I love all of the alleyways which sometimes allow a hidden organizations. Bravo to Mr. Golisano and happiest congratulations
look to Naples of old, where classic cottages remain standing in to all beneficiaries (he also donated an additional $75M million to
parts as if time stood still. several local not for profits at the same time.)
Perhaps the most famous of these is Palm Cottage, located on Finally, for a cause near and dear to my heart, The Conservancy of
Broad Avenue, not far from the Naples Pier. Kudos to the Naples Southwest Florida and in particular, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital
Historical Society and all of the generous supporters and donors staff, does a remarkable job in rehabilitating injured creatures who
who helped bring this landmark back to its former glory in the inhabit the natural world around us.
aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Part of their efforts are directed toward educating people
I love all of Collier County's public libraries; the most to minimize their impact on wildlife and the environment.
special one to me is the former headquarters on Central Ave., Of special note is their effort to assist local associations and
which operates now as a branch library. My daughters enjoyed homeowners in humane ways to implement pest care;
reading time in the kids' room with its colorful and inspirational though this is but one small part of their educational outreach.
decorations/artwork plus a massive and beautiful aquarium. Curious? Pay them a visit -in person or online.
I hope sharing my moments of joy, gratitude and
I love that just around the corner I've spied two "Little Free"
libraries that a thoughtful resident established for passersby. enthusiasm will encourage you throughout this month.
(Hard to believe that Naples doesn't have a bookstore at this Happy Valentine's Day!
time, but perhaps Barnes & Noble will have re-opened by the Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions
time this goes to press.) for future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable
I love that, by and large, most people I meet are friendly and organizations in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer.
ready to help whether in a store or on the street (most recently Additionally, for more vignettes about life in Naples, give her a
when my car died half in and half out of my driveway!) follow on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers.

46 www.LifeInNaples.net