ISSUE 03 / NOVEMBER 2026 / THE GOOD STUFF

SMILE & THRIVE

The Maris Dental Studio Journal

Good stories, healthy living, and Southwest Florida life.

Inside This Issue:

From Dr. Mat ✦ Patient Spotlight ✦ Local Life ✦ Something Yummy ✦ Annual Pumpkin Bread

The people, passions and stories beyond the smile.

Meet Cheri Clearwater

The Art of Enjoying Life

After more than 30 years in banking, Cheri Clearwater is enjoying a different kind of investment... time.

Time with family, time outdoors, and time to pursue her lifelong love of painting.

Cheri's artwork is as varied as her interests, from animals and portraits to crashing waves and motorcycles. Sometimes she knows exactly what she's going to paint. Other times, she lets the painting lead the way.

As Cheri puts it:

"The process feels like a dance with the universe, and that's where the magic happens."

From early morning walks at Six Mile Cypress Slough to dreams of painting among the redwoods, Cheri has plenty of adventures still on her list.

After a career spent helping others plan for their futures, she's enjoying living hers.

Read Cheri's Story → Here

Discover - Cheri and her stunning artwork → Here

Worth Knowing

The Power of Pursuing Your Passions:

Researchers have been discovering: staying curious, creative, and engaged in activities we enjoy can contribute to our mental and emotional well-being throughout life.

What a great year it's been!

It's incredible how quickly a year can go by.

One minute you're looking ahead at everything you hope to accomplish, and the next you're wondering where the time went.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I've been thinking about this past year at Maris. And how grateful I am for each of you!

I've met some wonderful people, shared plenty of laughs, and felt right at home. Some of you have been coming to this office for years, while others are just getting to know us. Either way, I'm glad you're here.

One of the things I've enjoyed most this year is getting to know you. Every day brings different personalities, conversations, and a few good laughs. I enjoy hearing what's happening in your lives, remembering something we talked about at your last visit, and getting to know a little more about you each time.

It's those connections that make coming to work something I look forward to.

Thank you for the warm welcome and the trust you've placed in our team.

We're grateful for each of you and look forward to another great year together.

And speaking of Thanksgiving, we're keeping a favorite tradition going! Our homemade pumpkin bread will be available the week of Thanksgiving.

Stop by and pick some up. We'd love to see you, even if you don't have an appointment.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Mat

LOCAL LIFE

We had a great time at Jog & Jam!

We traded our dental shoes for running shoes and joined the fun at Jog & Jam! There may have been a little more jogging than some of us wanted, but it was all for a great cause.

We had a wonderful time supporting FISH of SanCap and the important work they do for our Sanibel and Captiva neighbors.

Our legs have recovered. The need for support continues!

FISH of SanCap welcomes donations year-round, so you can still be part of the good.

Keep the Good Going! Donate to FISH of SanCap

November in Southwest Florida.

Cooler Days, More Ways to Play!

Fort Myers Boat Show

November 12–15 | Downtown Fort Myers

Boats, marine gear, and plenty of reasons to dream about your next day on the water. The River District becomes a boater's paradise for four days.

Event link: Fort Myers Boat Show

American Sand Sculpting Championship

November 19–23 | Fort Myers Beach

Sandcastles are one thing. These are works of art! Head to Fort Myers Beach to see incredible creations made entirely from sand.

Admission to the Sand Sculpting Championship is free on Thursday, November 19.

Event Link: Sand Sculpting

Edison Turkey Trot

November 26 | Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Earn that second helping of pumpkin pie! Kick off Thanksgiving morning with the 47th Annual Fort Myers Turkey Trot. Run or walk the 5K along beautiful McGregor Boulevard, or cheer from the sidelines. A fun holiday tradition for the whole family!

Event link: Turkey Trot

White Christmas

November 20–December 30 | Broadway Palm

Dreaming of a white Christmas in Southwest Florida? Here's your chance without the snow shovel! Enjoy a holiday classic filled with music, dancing, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Event link: White Christmas

Coconut Point Art Festival

November 21–22, 2026 | Estero

Art, sunshine, and a little shopping! Stroll through Coconut Point and discover paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other creations from talented artists.

Event link: Art Festival

Lisa's Pumpkin Bread

This month’s recipe comes from Lisa, one of our amazing hygienists!

This one has a surprise. Dark, moist, and spicy.

Makes 2 loaves

Thanks for sharing one of your fall favorites with us, Lisa!

INGREDIENTS

3 eggs
1 pound can solid-pack pumpkin (about 1 1/3 cups)
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup golden raisins

DIRECTIONS

In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, pumpkin, oil, and water.
Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices. Fold into the pumpkin mixture, mixing well.
Stir in raisins and nuts.
Pour batter into two greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
Bake at 325°F for 1 hour.
Reduce oven temperature to 275°F and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the bread tests done.

Recipe Note

The golden raisins give this bread such an interesting flavor, so don't be tempted to substitute dark raisins just because you have them on hand.

Something Sweet Is Coming…

We’re planning a little something to celebrate one of our favorite people... you!

Mark your calendar for February 13th - 11am-2pm - and stay tuned. We’ll be sharing all the sweet details soon.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you. ❤️

Maris Dental Studio | Fort Myers, Florida

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