Seniors Inspired by Talk on Spirituality and Brain Health

Lunch with Friends gathered some 175 seniors at the Marco Lutheran Church on March 18 where the special lunch was provided by The Watermark of Marco Island and prepared by their Executive Chef, Chef Salvatore Pezzella.  

The Watermark of Marco Island opened on April 8, 2025, and is the first assisted living and memory care community in Marco. “It is hard to believe that we will soon be celebrating our one-year anniversary,” said executive director Robyn Johnson. She shared that “the menu today was Chef’s Pezzella’s grandmother’s lasagna recipe.” 

Chef Pezzella incorporates fresh and local ingredients into his menu and everything is homemade from the soup stock to the bread. At Watermark, they have a 654-degree open hearth oven where he prepares classic Italian flatbreads and roasted meats and he tries to keep it simple and let the ingredients stand on their own. For dessert, the seniors were treated to Italy’s most beloved dessert, Tiramisu – creamy and rich! 

Now that the body was nourished, Dr. Paul Nussbaum, chair of the Champagne Center for Brain Health shared his educational, scientific and practical insights to support lifelong brain health. “Brain health is not just a medical issue but also a spiritual one,” remarked Dr. Nussbaum. He shared his insights on the intersection of spirituality and brain health and how spiritual beliefs and practices can have a positive influence on our overall mental health.  

The Champagne Center for Brain Health is an initiative of Marco Dementia Respite (MDR) and dedicated to advancing evidence-based approaches to brain health through education, advocacy, and innovative programming. The Center will be located adjacent to the new NCH Urgent Care on Marco Island. For more information, visit MDRYourBrainHealthMatters.org. 

A big thanks to the many sponsors such as Al’s Pals, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Marco Lutheran Church and the YMCA and also to the dedicated volunteers who made this monthly luncheon possible.