b"Orangecommunity to connect with her aboutfutureretreat ideas. Because of her interestsinhealth and wellness, she has expandedthescope of her retreats to in-clude personal train-ing, yoga, and flower arranging. The private Montecastelli wine cellar is filled with over 2,000 bottles of the best Italian wines. Nomatterwhat the focus of the retreats, for Ruditz it will always be about the personal connec-tionsbetween purveyors and distributors, teachers and students, humans and nature, or even past, present, and future. Just like that original grove of olive tree bulbs, now intertwined with Villa Montecastellos new roots, Ruditz wants to bring these experiences to as many generations and populations as possible. As I ask her about any new adventures she has planned, Ruditz breaks into a Each of Villa Montecastello's rooms is filled with beautiful antiques, warmth andhuge grin. Shes moments away from signing a lease on a space here in Maple-charm. wood for a gourmet food shop. She and her partner, Maggie Marotta, plan expectations and their joy. Making ittime when shes running a retreat. Herto open on Baker Street later this fall, offering delectable imports from Italy feel really easy. husband, Rob, her babysitters, and her(Think amazing olive oils, vinegars, capers, and more), as well as fresh artisan For Ruditz, that includes her fam- parents pitch in every time she is trav- breads, cheeses, salads, and grab-and-go sandwiches. ilys expectations here in Maplewood.eling, which she recognizes is a hugeTo learn more about all of Ruditzs endeavors and the olive oil that tastes like Sheismarriedandhastwoyounggift. She tries to keep her administra- the sun, check out the mouth-watering possibilities at buonascuola.org, or email daughters,Rain(7)andLulu(4).tive hours from nine to five so she canher directly at amie@montecastelli.com. While shed love them to come withbehomeformorningsandeveningsAbby Sher is a writer, performer and mom who lives in Maplewood, NJ. She is a her to Italy, she knows that would betoo. And she welcomes entrepreneursco-producer of the Chucklepatch Comedy Show, and her next book is due out in too stressful, given the demands of herand artists from the Maplewood-SouthFebruary 2020.LET ME GO THE DISTANCE FOR YOUI enjoy spending time outdoors and one of my favorite activities is to hike with my chocolate lab Cooper. Although I often walk the same trail, its different every time. Thats what makes it fun.In real estate every client and transaction is different too. My goal is to zero in on what each client needs and walk them through the details of selling or buying their homegetting it staged, preparing it for market, qualifying buyers, or managing the inspectionso they feel comfortable and prepared at every step. Let me help you with your next real estate sale. Ill be with you through the end.DENNIS HEPWORTH |BROKER ASSOCIATECell: 862.252.0866 Office: 973.762.5400 E Fax: 862.206.8025 Dennis.Hepworth@kw.com dennishepworth.kwrealty.comEXPERIENCEDTRUSTWORTHYPROFESSIONAL181 Maplewood Avenue | Maplewood, NJ 07040Serving communities in Essex, Union, Morris, and Somerset counties.feature story /17"