A Grand Opening for The Watermark

The Watermark at Marco Island, a premier senior living destination for Assisted Living and Memory Care, had its long-awaited grand opening on Thursday, January 29.

It was all hands on deck from the eager Watermark team. From back of house, to front desk, and to those who travelled just for the event, each looked on with proud anticipation as Executive Director Robyn Johnson took a moment to address them prior to the doors opening, “Every single person here has made a ridiculous contribution of self and of heart. It is so momentous to be standing on Marco Island after a seven-year journey.”

Jeff Slichta, Chief Operating Officer of Watermark Retirement Communities, added, “This is absolutely one of our most stunning communities in the company.” Citing that this is due to a team effort from those working behind the scenes, founding members, and staff, “They put such effort forth to make this spectacular for the members here, I am super proud to be here.”

Wanting the grand opening event to be one that Marco Islanders will be talking about for years to come, the Watermark Team spared no expense! Chef Salvatore created three stations of food offerings and Chef Analisa curated a bite-sized dessert buffet. Wicken Dolphin Rum from Fort Myers offered tastings. Fresh Coconuts were available to enjoy from Cameron, aka Coconut Boy. An open bar was ready to serve and wine tastings from Massimo Olivella Wine Makers Import Sarasota brought his private cellar of small production fine wines from Italy. Fresh coffee from a local Naples Company (Yim) was available along with custom lattes and other hand-crafted drinks. David and Jenny Burd, Master Gardeners and local legends, set up a gorgeous display of the tropical plants of Marco Island’s original vegetation to taste and touch. Geezers in Paradise provided quality entertainment in the courtyard, and Madi Hilton set the vibe in Taboon Café, creating a welcoming environment.

Walking through the first-floor halls and taking it all in, you’ll notice the wide variety of offerings for the residents. There’s a library, a hang-out room called The Burrow complete with a pool and shuffleboard table, tons of comfortable outdoor seating with a water view, a beautiful private dining room, and much more.

Johnson discussed what this grand opening meant to her and what it means for both the current and hopeful residents. “One of the things that I have come to deeply appreciate is that those who have chosen Marco Island as their forever home are aging more beautifully than any other human on the planet. And we really think of this as a healthy aging destination that is right on par for Marco Islanders. There’s one thing I hear every day is I don’t want to ever cross the bridge. And it’s pretty cool to be able to give the pioneers of this community a place to spend their aging years.”

“The Watermark was designed to be able to support an individual to age in place, another way of saying ‘through end of life’,” said Johnson. “We have the highest level of grade of ALF memory care licensing available for this quality of care, which means we have 24/7 nursing. We have a whole host of recurring providers. We have a running primary physician, practitioners, a home health agency, hospice, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dermatology. We like to bring all of the great care that’s available on our island into our residents’ home so they don’t have to go out.” She shared that they do house many individuals who don’t need any care at all but like to have the peace of mind in knowing that it’s here.

Johnson is proud to say that they have created a lifestyle that not only engages socially and offers excellent dining but also a lifestyle that includes an exercise regime with physical therapy, one that helps reduce falls, as fall prevention is one of the most important ways to help people stay independent.

The aroma in the air for the event was an excellent reflection of the quality of food prepared in-house by Executive Chef Salvatore Pezzella and his team. Chef Pezzella, from Napoli, Italy, was an executive chef in Monte Carlo for 15 years, came to Miami, and ended up on 5th Avenue in Naples. He transitioned to caring for seniors because he loves the way they take their time when eating, which is the Italian way.

The Watermark can accurately boast that everything is made from scratch, even the soup stocks and sauces. They also have an in-house pastry chef. “Everybody loves to eat three times a day. It’s what more people look forward to more than anything else,” Johnson said with a smile.

Resident Dawn Henderson confirmed that the food was excellent and that she enjoys the variety of activities available. Her service dog, and resident cutie, Sunshine, was also all smiles as they took in the crowd at the event.

A generous group of visitors looked on as the ribbon-cutting neared. Each was greeted warmly by a member of the staff.

Several guests traveled for the event, including CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities, Paul Boethel, COO Jeff Slichta, VP of Marketing and Communications Jamison Gosselin, and Ricky Rookis, owner of The Watermark at Maro Island and Managing Partner of BRW Marco.

In addition to these guests were many local dignitaries. Councilwoman Bonita Schwan and Deb Henry, Interim City Manager Casey Lucious, Becky Irwin, Marco Island Police Chief Tracy Frazzano with many MIPD officers, members of the MIFD, and previous Marco Island Chamber President Colleen Long.

Rick Popoff was pleased to take the mic for the proclamation, “A few years ago, we were told by several people that the Watermark was going to be the place to be on Marco Island. Well, guess what? It didn’t disappoint. It’s a fabulous place. We are so delighted to have this community in our backyard. I can’t tell you how nice it is to work with Robyn and her staff. Her team is incredible.”

“From a personal standpoint, housekeeping, nurses, caregivers, they’re all wonderful,” Popoff continued. “And I know firsthand because this little cute lady here is my mother-in-law, and she’s a resident here.” He gestured with a beaming smile, “We spend a lot of time here and it’s really a wonderful thing.”

Diana Dohm, Executive Director of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, presented Johnson with a certificate of membership and added to the praise of Watermark. “This is a really important facility for Marco Island,” Dohm said. “It is the center of the care corner, as Robyn and I have called it. With Watermark, NCH, the Fire Department, the Police Department, and City Hall right across the street. And what we do have, which is so important, is a community that supports all of these.” She closed by personally thanking Walt Chancey for bringing the Watermark to the Island.

Chancey, owner of The Watermark and Marco Island, Sr. Managing Partner of Chancey Design and Development and BRW Marco, came forward and raised a toast, “This is to all the wonderful people that made it possible for us to be here today. It was a long and challenging journey, but the destination is well deserved. May our Watermark community serve the Marco community for years to come with honor and dignity and grace.”

And with his toast, the long-awaited ribbon was cut, and the crowd made its way into the welcoming halls and began a night to remember.