A card of Thanks from Kevin Joe Stahl. A huge success and out reach from Sanibel Island and Captiva Island.WORKER OF:  C.R.O.W. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc

“THANK YOU ALL WHO HAVE SUPPORTED AND STILL SUPPORT ME. IT IS AN ODD FEELING HAVING PEOPLE HELPING YOU. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE GIVER, THIS FEELS INCREDIBLE. YOU FIND OUT VERY QUICKLY WHO CARES ABOUT YOU WHEN THINGS GO BAD.

I THANK YOU ALL ESPECIALLY: MATT ASEN, MARK BLUST AND KIMBERLY WITH ALL THE STAFF AT MATZALUNA’S.  SO MANY VOLUNTEEERS I HAVE WORKED WITH FOR YEARS FROM C.R.O.W.: CHARLY HART AND MARILYN HART, DENNY TOLL, JEAN AVRE, WARREN SEAWARD, JAVIER EDUARIDO, LINDA ESTEP, PAT APPING, KATHY GREEN, MARY PATTISM, THE BOWSELL’S, CLAUDIA, THE TUCKERS,  AND SO MANY AKA CROWBARS.

TO ALL THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE FROM THE ST. MICHAELS ALL ANGELS EPICIPAL CHURCH. THIS LIST CAN GO ON AND ON.

SPONSORS:

GIGGLES, LILY & CO, GATERBITES, Il TERSORO, MUCKY DUCK, SANIBEL HEALTH CLUB, DOC FORDS, JB DESIGNS, GROG SHOP, TUTTLE’S, SANIBEL DAY SPA, KATIE GARDENIA, LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ, DAVID ESSEL, GREENFLASH, SCOTT MCPHEE, REX RYAN NY JETS, MIKE WESTOFF NY JETS, LAZY FLAMINGO, LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT, SWEET MELISSA’S, ISLAND PIZZA, ‘TWEEN WATERS INN, SOUTH SEAS RESORT, BAILEY’S, BAIT BOX, ALAN MALZ, SHEILA HOEIN, RICHARD SULLIVAN, TERRY, D&D TAXI SERVICE, SUN HARVEST, GUNS ON 41, JENSONS MARINA, ISLAND PAWS, NORMAN ZIGLAR, ISLAND STORE, MIKE GULNIC, JUDY Z OF REC CENTER, JOANNE MUPHY OF MARYKAY, CAPTIVA CRUSIES.  AND SO MANY MORE…..

SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO ALL OF THE VOLENTEERS: SANDY KOSTICK, BUZZIE AND JOANNE MURPHEY, DELOY WILKERSON, JAMIE  PYOTT, ALEX FLOR,  COLLEN WRIGHT-WHITE, MICHELLE HUFFMANN, LENA , ROBBIE HUTTO, SPECIAL SUPER COOL JAZZ DUDE, DICK  OF ST. MICHAELS,  AL FARRELL AND RICHARD ALONG WITH JOHN WOLF, SUSAN GONZALAS,  BARRY GORDAN OF QUICK PRINT, 94.5, ISLAND SUN, THE BREEZE, THEWWW.SANIBELCAPTIVADAILY.COM,  WILLIAM WAITES, TARA GEISSINGER, DENNY TOLL, MR. EDWARD MONK AND JACK LUZIER.

AGAIN, A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU PEOPLE WITH BIG HEARTS. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. IF I HAVE FORGOTTEN ANYONE, I AGOLOGIZE. THIS HAS BEEN SO INSANLY OVERWHLEMING AND I AM IN AWE. I KNOW WHY SANIBEL IS NUMBER ONE!” KEVIN JOE STAHL. CLICK BELOW TO SEE PICTURES OF THE EVENT.

WORKER OF: C.R.O.W. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc

 Photo Credit: Jean Avre

View photos and read more »

New Auction Items Announced for Kevin Joe Stahl Fundraiser

A benefit fundraiser for Kevin Joe Stahl, to be held on Saturday, January 21 from 2 to 4 PM at Sanibel’s Matzaluna Restaurant, will have an abundance of valuable auction items offered to those who bid. These include a New York Jets game ball signed by Head Coach Rex Ryan. The authentic game ball has been donated by 2nd Head Coach Mike Westoff. It joins other recently donated items such as gift baskets, jewelry, fine art from Sanibel and Captiva Island artists and galleries, and much more from South Seas Resort, The Bait Box, Bailey’s, Grog Shop, Tuttle’s, Lily & Co, JB Designs and artists such as Alan Maltz, Richard Sullivan, Katie Gardenia, Sheila Hoen. Restaurant also are represented, with Il Tesoro, Sweet Melissa’s, The Mucky Duck, The Lighthouse Restaurant, The Green Flash, Island Pizza and more.

Kevin Joe Stahl, has been the Sexton at St. Michael’s & All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel, and an employee at Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), which treats and cares for injured wildlife during their recovery. Now, it is Stahl’s turn to be in recovery after corrective surgery for a recent injury damaging four discs in his lower back. During this recovery he is unable to do heavy work associated with his employment.

Sandy Kostick, organizer of the fundraiser, advised that proceeds will  assist Stahl with living expenses while he is unable to work. Kostick added, “We are thrilled at the response from Sanibel and CaptivaIsland friends of Kevin’s. The outpouring of contributions for the silent and live auctions is very gratifying. We look forward to a large turnout Matzaluna on Saturday.

A light buffet and beverages will be served at the event, which will also include live entertainment by Robbie Hutto.  A $10 per person contribution will be collected at the door. There will also be a cash bar.

Those unable to attend the event are requested to send donation checks, payable to Kevin Stahl, c/o Reverend Ellen Sloan, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida33957.

The event is being supported by friends and acquaintances of Kevin and the following local businesses:www.prawnbroker.com/floridawest/Matzaluna/index.php, Sanibel CaptivaDaily.com
Online PR News.com, Native American Jewelry.com

For questions and more information, please contact: Sandy Kostick @ 239-822-6593

Grow Your Food Course. Are you interested in: Community Garden, Urban Gardening, Garden, Organic?

 Lee County, FL. – Heartland Gardens, a not-for-profit community garden in South Fort Myers is hosting for the third season running their fifteen-week organic crop cultivation course, entitled the “Grow Your Food Course”. The course is now being offered on both Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate demand.  “We’ve had a wonderful response from the community ever since we first held the course! This last Fall we not only filled the forty seats but had a long waiting list prior to it starting. We’re all about serving our local community here at Heartland so we just had to expand the course” said Andrea Guerrero, co-founder of Heartland and course instructor. The course will be taught in Heartland’s unique raised-bed labyrinth and mini-farm from 9:30am to 11:00am and will run for 15 weeks, starting on January 14^th for the Saturday class and January 15^th for the Sunday class.

The course covers just what its title implies, teaching how you can grow your food right from the comfort of your Florida yard. “Our motto here at Heartland is: Reconnecting you with real food. We want to enable everyone access to the healthiest, least processed, nutrient rich food available. Our students learn to earn the equivalent of $40/hr growing the healthiest and freshest organic food around” said Ben Pino, the courses second instructor. “Just imagine stepping out into your yard to find more organic vegetables growing than you know what to do with” Pino went on to say.

The course goes for 15 weeks to ensure participants full confidence in growing in Florida’s balmy but productive sunny weather. Heartland’s expert staff will guide students in each step essential to organic cultivation, starting with the basics of seed starting and soil building.  Students will advance through the course learning an abundance of skills in permanent agriculture, bio intensive gardening, composting techniques, and sustainable gardening practices. These cultivation techniques will be first covered in a classroom setting and then taken immediately out into the garden. There, teams of 5 students will have a parcel in which they will reinforce the day’s lesson through experiential learning. As students’ crops come time to harvest they will not only enjoy bringing them home but also participate in cooking and food preservation demonstrations right on site.

Priced at $125 for all 15 weeks the course comes out to about $8 per class. This all-inclusive price covers cost of seed, irrigation, curriculum, and guest speakers. Heartland is offering a “bring-a-friend” discount that will reduce the cost of the class to $100 for both students.

Class size is limited to 40 students and seats must be reserved prior to January 14th. Heartland can be reached at (239)689-4249 or on the web at HeartlandGardens.org.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR

WINS AWARD

  Edison State College Child Care Center Director Martha Kebhart has earned the Outstanding Member Award from the Lee County affiliate of the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FLAEYC).

The Lee County Association for the Education of Young Children nominated Kebhart for the award, which is presented to one person each year who has played a vital role in the local  association and demonstrated outstanding dedication and work for young children.

“Martha has been a backbone of our local organization.  She is always available to answer questions, get people involved and keep our local group on track and doing what is right for the children and the staff that take care of them.  She is a professional and models professionalism in the early childhood field,” said JoAnne Fuciu, president of the Lee County Association for the Education of Young Children.

Martha has worked for Child Care of Southwest Florida since 1977, beginning as a teacher in the classroom, and later serving as an assistant director before becoming director of Edison State College Child Care Center in 2003.

She graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education.

Edison State College Child Care Center is located on the Lee County campus of Edison State College at 13311 Edison Lane in Fort Myers and is operated by Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc.  The center is licensed to care for 139 children from ages 1 to 5.

For more information, call the center at (239) 267-1136 or visit www.ccswfl.org

.About Child Care of Southwest Florida

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc., is a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality child care services throughout Southwest Florida. The agency provides child care for 600 children from infancy through age 8 at its six child care centers throughout Lee and Hendry counties.   In addition, the agency conducts training for child care workers, and administers the federal food program for child care centers and family child care homes.  More information is available at www.ccswfl.org.

About the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children

The Florida Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest organization for early childhood professionals in the state of Florida.  The association’s 3,500 members serve in all levels of early childhood education, working directly with thousands of families with children from birth to age eight, as well as at the high school and college level training teachers.  They teach in approximately 525 publicly funded programs; 450 private, nonprofit schools; 400 private, for-profit child care centers and family child care homes; and 15 corporate on-site child care centers.  For more information, visit www.flaeyc.org.

Blessings in a Backpack is excited to announce they will be hosting the 3^rd Annual “Girls’ Night Out” (GNO) event on Friday, February 3^rd at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers.

In excess of 300 women are expected to attend this fun-filled, networking evening  from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Complete with delectable food and wine, raffle items, motorcycle photo ops, swag bags filled with goodies and more. The premise of this event is to raise awareness for Blessings in a Backpack and their local efforts at several local elementary schools. While mingling, guests will have the chance to learn more about the cause and its impact on the hungry children of Lee County. Last year, the event raised more than $12,000 and this year the organization hopes to exceed that goal.

For just $35 online or $40 at the door, each guest will receive a color photo on a motorcycle, drink tickets, one raffle ticket, free mini massage, hair and make-up styling. Tickets are going fast and participants are encouraged to register and pay in advance on the website at http://www.blessingsinleeco.org. The website conveniently accepts pay pal ticket purchases that will make registering much easier.

ABOUT BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK

Blessings in a Backpack is a non-profit organization designed to feed elementary school children who qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. $85 feeds a child for an entire school year. 100 percent of the proceeds will directly benefit the local effort currently focused at four elementary schools in Lee County. For more information please visit http://www.blessingsinleeco.org or contact the local effort via mail at 5781 Lee Boulevard suite 208-239 Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971.

HOLIDAY CAROL SING TO HELP

CCMI FEED THE HUNGRY;

NEED FOR FOOD CALLED “CRITICAL”

        Residents, both young and old, can celebrate the holidays by singing together to help feed the hungry at the 21st Annual Holiday Carol Sing, presented by First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers and sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.

                The Holiday Carol Sing will be Tuesday, Dec. 13, at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second Street in downtown Fort Myers, between Lee Street and Royal Palm Avenue.  Admission is at least two cans of non-perishable food for the Everyday Café and Marketplace (formerly known as The Soup Kitchen), operated by Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. (CCMI), and a voluntary cash donation, if you can.

“We certainly need to raise all of the money we can to feed the hungry, but in the event you don’t have the money, do not feel embarrassed or let that keep you away.  This is a birthday party – it’s Jesus’ birthday,” said Organizer Sam Galloway, Jr.  “Our birthday party is in God’s house and He welcomes everyone – regardless of means – and so do we.”

Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, three birthday parties are planned at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.  The doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.

First Presbyterian’s pastor, Rev. Paul deJong, is urging the community to help with canned goods and cash donations to help those in need.

“The need for food has become a desperate situation for many families in our community,” Rev. deJong said.  “Continued unemployment and the ongoing downturn in our local economy have caused many of our neighbors to ask for food to feed their families for the first time in their lives.  We need our community to come together and help with all the canned goods they can.”

Galloway said cash donations are especially needed because CCMI can buy five times as much food for the same amount of money that residents spend at local grocery stores.

“This way, we can take every dollar and make it stretch as far as is humanly possible,” he said.  “The need is greater now than people realize.  Please dig as deep as you can.”

Residents who cannot attend any of the Holiday Carol Sing performances may donate canned goods at either the Galloway Ford dealership on Boy Scout Drive or the Coconut Point Ford dealership on U.S. 41 in Estero or mail donations to CCMI, P. O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL  33902

The Holiday Carol Sing is a festival of holiday music and family fun.  This year’s 90-minute performance will feature the First Presbyterian Church Choir, soloists and other special guests singing favorite holiday carols with audience sing-a-longs.

There is a strong rumor that Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman will be making a surprise visit for the “children in all of us” along with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and other holiday characters.

All canned goods and cash will benefit CCMI, which operates two locations of the Everyday Café and Marketplace in Cape Coral and on Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard in Fort Myers.

The Holiday Carol Sing is the third of three hymn sings sponsored annually by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.  The other two are Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing in February and A Midsummer Night’s Sing in July.  All three events benefit the Everyday Café and Marketplace of CCMI, which was started in 1984 by First Presbyterian Church as The Soup Kitchen to help alleviate hunger and suffering in Lee County.

CCMI is an innovative nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in our community. The agency provides more than 14,000 meals each month through their Everyday Café and Marketplace and Home Delivered Meals programs. CCMI also educates 40 children in their Community Montessori, offers homeless and comprehensive case management services through the Cape Coral United Way Resource House, oversees an emergency mobile food pantry and supplies weekend backpacks full of food to more than 1,500 children each school year.

Last year, CCMI received more than 2,000 pounds of canned goods and other non-perishable items from the Holiday Carol Sing.  The food was immediately distributed to those in need.

For more information, call First Presbyterian Church at (239) 334-2261.

Welcome to the 2011 Oktoberfest!

Florida’s biggest and most original Oktoberfest

- Our 26th Year! – The German-American Social Club of Cape Coral

We had so much fun with all the great people! Thank you! What a pleasure it was to cover this event!!!   This was a great! (Photo credit: Kevin Stah)l click below to see more and download for free. :

Florida sunsets( See all pictures on thehttp://www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com/ ) Flordia sunsets

Six Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool. From Indian Creek Veterinary Hospital in Fort Myers, Fla

Many areas of the world are seeing record high temperatures, which makes it even more important to ensure that your pets are kept cool. Veterinarians commonly see dogs with heat stroke, but most of these cases could easily have been averted with some easy precautions.

The following six tips will help you keep your dog cool:

1. The best method for keeping your dog cool is to simply allow him or her to stay inside a house with air conditioning.  Dogs want to be part of the family and almost always enjoy being inside.
2. If your dog must be kept outside in the heat, one tool to help keep your dog from overheating is a child’s small hard plastic swimming pool. Place it in a shaded area of the yard and fill with a few inches of water. Your dog can drink from it, walk through it, or even lie in it.
3. Misters are another good tool which can be installed on your patio or any shaded area of your back yard. These emit a fine mist of water that your dog can use to keep cool.
4. Another trick is to take large plastic jugs such as milk containers, fill them with water and then freeze them.  Place outside in an area where your dog usually stays, preferably in a shaded area.  Behind the ice-filled jugs, place an electric fan so it blows across the ice and creates a cool breeze for your dog.
5. Of course, never leave your dog in a car without the air conditioning on.  Even in relatively mild outdoor temperatures, on a sunny day the environment inside the car can get dangerously hot in just a few minutes.
6. Never leave your dog tied to a tree or a post. A common scenario is for a dog to keep circling the tree, winding the rope shorter and shorter until it is caught close to the tree trunk. As the sun moves across the sky, eventually the dog is in the full sun, and not able to reach its water bowl to try to help keep itself cool. Heat stroke can quickly ensue.

If your dog is heat stressed, it will be panting heavily, with its tongue hanging out long and wide. This increases the surface area of the tongue and allows for more evaporation to happen, which helps keep your dog cool. Another symptom is the color of the gums will be a very bright red or sometimes a muddy color. If you notice any of these symptoms, take action immediately! Cool down the dog and call your veterinarian for further instructions.

Heat stroke in dogs is usually easily preventable. Using these tips will let you enjoy hot weather safely with your dog and may even save your dog’s life! For more info: go to: http://www.indiancreekvet.com/

They also are a drop off for C.R.O.W: please click here to learn more: http://www.crowclinic.org/

It is 7:00 a.m. on Sept. 18 on the beach at South Seas Island Resort, and you are eagerly and anxiously awaiting the start of the race.  You’ve trained, you are ready.  The air horn sounds and you are off.  It’s all good.

You are standing at the intersection of Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse Lane on a warm morning on Sept. 18 watching and cheering as 500 cyclists ride by.  Some ride like the wind and others and working very hard with less forward motion.  It doesn’t matter, you cheer for all of them.  It’s all good (and there is no charge for spectators).

You more than anyone know about doing more with less.  At CCMI you are facing more hungry people and emptier shelves.  You know that Galloway Captiva Tri will help fill those shelves.  It is all good.

You are filling cups with water and watching the runners on the beautiful golf course path. It is a beautiful day and you are helping 500 people make their dreams a reality.  It’s all good.

You are the Lee County economy, facing one of the bleakest months of the year.  Over 600 people from throughout Florida as well as Georgia, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana come to race in September.  It’s all good.

You are not a great runner, but your best friend is and your cousin is a fast swimmer.  Together you make an awesome team that is out to have a good time and a good race. It’s all good.

You are a six-year old still wearing your race tee shirt and medal from the kids’ tri yesterday. You are watching Dad race, feeling very proud.  It’s all good.(Well mostly all good, there is one really angry three-year old who wanted to race, but has to wait until he is six).

You are watching your significant other racing, knowing that he or she is no longer a couch potato –he or she has lost weight, gotten in shape, and turned his or her life around.  The family doctor is thrilled.  It’s all good.

On Sept. 17, more than 100 children will compete in two age groups in a mini-tri beginning at 8 a.m.  Everyone who finishes will receive a medal.  The purpose is to encourage lifetime fitness and family fun.

On Sept. 18, more than 500 people ages 14-75+ will compete to swim 440 yards, bicycle about 10 miles, and run 3.1 miles on Captiva Island to raise funds (to help the needy)and have fun.

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Galloway Captiva Triathlon at South Seas Island Resort

The Galloway Captiva Triathlon at South Seas Island Resort is a weekend family, fun and fitness event comprised of two children’s triathlons on September 17 (Ages 6-9:100 yard swim, 1.5 mile bike, 0.5 mile run; Ages 10-13:200 yard swim, 3 mile bike, 1 mile run) and an adult sprint length triathlon on September 18 (Swim 440 yards [0.25 mile], Bike 10 miles, Run 3.1 miles [5K].)  All events will take place on Captiva Island.  For more information go to www.captivatri.org

About our race charity:  CCMI

CCMI provides more than 14,000 meals each month through their Soup Kitchen and Meals On Wheels programs. The nonprofit agency also educates 40 children in their Community Montessori Preschool, provides weekend backpacks full of food to more than 2,500 children each school year and oversees a mobile food pantry, everyday choice marketplace and cafe.

For more information, visit www.ccmileecounty.com<http://www.ccmileecounty.com

The Southwest Coast Division of the March of Dimes is preparing yet again for their annual Bikers for Babies events happening Friday through Sunday, November 4th to November 6th.
The weekend will be action-packed, kicking off with a with the CenturyLink Prism TV Battle of the Bands and bike night at Fort Myers Harley-Davidson with live entertainment by Backlash, PUSH, SandFleas, M80 and DVS, vendors, food and refreshments at Fort Myers Harley-Davidson. The events includes a Bike Show on Saturday, local bands jamming it out all weekend in the “Battle of the Bands”, a variety of vendors, great food and beverages, games, pre-registration for the RIDE and much more.

The series of events will start on Friday, November 4th. On Saturday, November 6th there will be a poker run taking riders through beautiful southwest Florida. The grand finale will be on Sunday, November 6th - a 35-mile, law-enforcement escorted ride starting at the North Collier Regional Water Park on Livingston Road in Naples going up Livingston Road to Bonita Beach Road, along Bonita Beach, Fort Myers Beach, ultimately ending at Fort Myers Harley-Davidson. Once at the dealership, there will be a celebration with more live entertainment, food, refreshments, vendors and awards for the individuals and riding groups that have raised the most money.

Other events leading up to the Bikers for Babies weekend include the Big Kahuna Bed Race, Saturday, October 1st at the Cape Coral Bike Night, Poker Nights at Fort Myers Harley Davidson and Naples Harley-Davidson, golf tournament for the medical community at Cypress Lake Country Club and be sure to watch out for the Helmet Drive the weekend of October 8th. Supporters can make a donation at anytime by purchasing “wings” at either dealership as well.

To learn more about these events and the Bikers for Babies weekend, please call the March of Dimes office at (239) 433-3463 or visit our website at www.bikersforbabiesflorida.com. You can start raising money now by signing up on line at www.bikersforbabies.org.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit www.marchofdimes.com or www.nacersano.org.

MUSIC WALK Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary

The monthly Music Walk returns August 20th to the downtown Fort Myers River District for its 1 Year Anniversary. Music Walk started in August of 2010 and was modeled after the extremely successful Fort Myers Art Walk. Over a dozen restaurants, bars, and galleries became Music Walk venues, and a massive outpouring of local musicians continue to perform month after month. The interest and attendance in the event has only grown since the first Music Walk in August of 2010, with the off-season summer months being just as busy as the traditional in-season months.

Music Walk founder and chairman of the event, Andy Howl, who co-owns HOWL Gallery/Tattoo, attributes the success of the event to the area’s need for more monthly entertainment options and a untapped grass roots music culture. “I think Fort Myers has the potential to be a magnet for art and music, it just takes the right timing and mixture of people to make it happen. Downtown Fort Myers has everything to be a state-wide destination for art and music.”

The first 400 attendants of the 1 Year Anniversary on August 20th will be able to get a free Music Walk guitar pick manufactured by Clayton Guitar Picks. Guitar picks will be evenly distributed among the venues. Additionally, a limited edition 1 Year Anniversary button will also be available at the venues. Blue Music Walk balloons will decorate the historic downtown streets. Visit the Music Walk website for a list of venues. www.fortmyersmusicwalk.com

The 3rd Saturday event features live music at over a dozen venues, including restaurants, galleries, and bars, plus street performers all over the beautiful downtown streets. Music Walk venues showcase a variety of music, from punk, rockabilly, indie, reggae, and folk, to piano, steel drums, and more. The event is the largest of its kind regionally. Music Walk is an all ages event that starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. or close at many venues. Free parking available.

Music Walk partners and venues include: HOWL Gallery/Tattoo, Spirits of Bacchus, Space 39, Red Rock Saloon, United Cafe, French Connection Cafe, Enjewel, Happenings Magazine, Hotel Indigo, Twisted Vine Bistro, Indigo Room, Harborside Event Center, Coloring The World, City Tavern, Downtown House of Pizza, World Famous Cigar Bar, Hideaway Sports Bar, Morgan House, The Veranda Restaurant, Market America Realty, Syzygy Gallery, Main Street Antiques, WinkNews6, Classic Rock 94.5, Cool Hand Luc’s, and AmeriDry.

Each month brings more people to Music Walk, with an estimated 4,000 attendees to the July event. Music Walk is organized by Andy Howl with help from Dee Hohimer, Suzy Lewis, and Jamie Kuser of Happenings Magazine.  Music Walk is a River District Alliance event. The River District Alliance is a non-profit organization that manages events and unifies business owners in the Fort Myers River District.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

In honor of the sacrifices made by our local veterans Fort Myers Harley-Davidson recently hosted the third annual photo shoot this past Saturday, July 9^th, for both past and present Southwest Florida military personnel to partake in a group “Freedom Photo”. There was even a very special visit from PFC Corey Kent who lost both legs and the fingers on his left hand during his time in Afghanistan.

Special guest speaker, City of Cape Coral Mayor John Sullivan, spoke and a reenactment of The Last Patrol by the Suncoast Vietnam Veterans was held. A large group of veterans wearing their uniforms, colors and patches participated in the mass photo, each receiving a copy.

In addition, veterans received free counseling and assistance with their government benefits as Harley-Davidson and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) coordinated with the Harley’s Heroes™ program also at the dealership on Saturday.

Veterans who suffer from injuries or disabilities related to their military service, and may have never filed a claim for benefits with the VA or have found it difficult working through the red tape, are encouraged to attend. The DAV counselors at this event are highly trained professionals who are skilled experts in developing and prosecuting veterans’ claims.

ABOUT FORT MYERS HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Fort Myers Harley-Davidson, located at 2160 Colonial Boulevard, has a strong commitment to motorcycle safety as well as the community. For more information on this event or other local Harley activities, please call (239) 275-HOGS (4647) or visit www.hdfortmyers.com.

The Octagon  The Octagon, Local Wildlife Sanctuary  

A lot of people do not know about the wildlife sanctuary called the Octagon in Fort Myers. This place is a hidden gem within Lee County! It provides a healthy recovery and living environment for abandoned and abused exotic wildlife. NONE of the animals have been taken out of the wild! They all come from abused, injured or unwanted situations.  

Octagon is a non-profit, charitable 501(c) (3) organization. Their motto is helping animals in need and that is just what they do!

Volunteers are always needed for the Octagon, if you are an animal lover and would like to donate some of your time to a great and rewarding cause, please check out their link here.

With animals ranging from a Liger (Half Tiger / Half Lion) to a raccoon, the octagon helps them all. It is sad to see many of these animals because they came to the Octagon declawed and abused, through the help of volunteers and Lauri Caron, owner and operator, they on the road to recovery.With well over 100 animals, the Octagonis truly an amazing place. Because the Octagon is a non-profit, volunteers are crucial to the success of the facility and care for these animals. Volunteers range from wonderful veterinaries like Dr. Dieter, Dr. Scott, Dr.Winter, Dr. Bogert, Dr. Folk, to other volunteers who give up Saturdays and Sundays to help out around the 10 acre property.

“What a pleasure to work with Lauri, she is incredible woman, hard working, and passionate. She truely loves what she does and cares so deeply for all of the animals she helps. It is an honor to know her!” Sandy Kostick, owner of the SanibelCaptivaDaily.com.

• Click below for more photos and be sure to visit the Octagon which is located at :41660 Horseshoe Rd
• Punta Gorda, FL 33982
• (239) 543-1130
• or visit their website
• www.octagonwildlife.org

View photos and read more »

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MILLION MILE MONDAY
Fort Myers & Naples Harley-Davidsons Join National Effort to Log as Many Miles as Possible in 24-Hour Period

On June 27th, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.®) members around the world will band together in a singular challenge, to log as many cumulative miles as possible in a 24-hour period.

The local Southwest Florida H.O.G.® Chapter will be leading two rides at Fort Myers Harley- Davidson as part of their Million Mile Monday activities. This year, both H.O.G.® Members and non-H.O.G.® members are encouraged to participate, regardless if they ride a Harley or other brand of motorcycle. Kicking it all off, the dealership will open at 8 a.m. for breakfast.

The all-day ride is to depart from Fort Myers Harley-Davidson at 9 a.m. A shorter ride will be offered, leaving at 1 p.m. Both rides will meet back at the dealership at 6 p.m. where all miles will be logged on the Harley-Davidson website. Snacks and refreshments will be offered.

Naples Harley-Davidson’s H.O.G.® Chapter, Collier County’s Paradise, and other riders can meet at the dealership as early as 7 a.m. for complimentary coffee, donuts and bagels. Their 300-mile ride will officially kick off at 8 a.m. heading to Long Boat Key and stopping for lunch at St. Armands Circle.

After the ride, members will arrive back at the dealership for a BBQ dinner and drawing. Prizes will include one $200 gift card, one $100 gift card, two $50 gift cards and two free oil change vouchers. VIB members will also earn 20 points for participating.

Whether participants ride around the block or all day, solo or as part of a group and wherever in the world they ride, all motorcycle riders are encouraged to participate in Harley-Davidson’s 2011 Million Mile Monday event.

Million Mile Monday, an annual event on the last Monday of June, is open to all H.O.G.® members – riders or passengers. The feat will be recorded by logging into the club’s exclusive members-only website (http://members.hog.com), where participants can register the miles they’ve ridden that day. For more information about H.O.G., please visit http://www.hog.com.

Founded in 1983, the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.®) is the official riding club of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. H.O.G.® currently has more than one million members and over 1,400 chapters worldwide, making it the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world. H.O.G. rallies are held around the globe to celebrate Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding.

For more information, please call Fort Myers Harley-Davidson, located at 2160 Colonial Boulevard or visit http://www.hdfortmyers.com. For Naples Harley-Davidson, located at 3645 Gateway Lane, please call (239) 594-5504 or visit http://www.hdnaples.com. Fort Myers Harley-Davidson and Naples Harley-Davidson have a strong commitment to motorcycle safety as well as the community.

The Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club is pleased to offer one, and possibly two, 4-yr college scholarships to graduating seniors in Lee County schools.

The Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club is pleased to offer one, and possibly two, 4-yr college scholarships to graduating seniors in Lee County schools. This brings to six the number of current Optimist Club scholarships.  Each scholarship is $1250 per year ($5000 total). The competition is open to all graduating seniors in Lee County.
Applications are available at most Lee County high schools (see your guidance councilor). Packages for download may be requested by emailing to: SanCapOptimist@comcast.net. The application package WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE from Sanibel City Hall as reported earlier.  Scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, June 17, 2011.  The scholarship committee plans to make the final selection by July 8, 2011.
Applicants should be aware that academic records, financial need, extracurricular activities, civic/community service records, and references are integral parts of the selection criteria.  The application package gives exact procedures.

“911 River Rally at Sunsplash Family Water Park”

The Communications Training Team of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to the second annual “911 River Rally”, being held on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at the SunSplash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral.

The event is a duck race fundraiser, aimed at raising money to send Lee County Sheriff’s Office 911 Professionals to advanced communications training classes and activities. The race begins at 5 P.M., when plastic ducks are released into the Lazy River. The first one to finish will receive a prize of two-hundred dollars ($200). In addition, second place will receive a one-hundred and twenty-five dollar ($125) prize, third place receives seventy five dollars ($75) and the last duck to finish receives fifty dollars ($50). A total of 2000 ducks will be available for the race.

Ducks can be purchased for two dollars ($2) each or three for five dollars ($5), by calling the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1213 or (239) 477-1222. They can also be purchased at SunSplash beginning at 10 A.M. the day of the event. A total of two-thousand ducks will be available for the race.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida unveils new logo, evolves mission and brand

Conservancy of Southwest Florida unveils new logo, evolves mission and brand
Conservancy retires “Saving Southwest Florida” campaign logo

NAPLES, Fla. (May 19, 2011) –  Upon raising $38.8 million and exceeding its “Saving Southwest Florida” capital campaign goal, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has retired its campaign logo, unveiling a new logo to represent the “reborn” Conservancy and to evolve the brand identity of the Conservancy.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Marketing and Development Committee, chaired by board member Maureen Lerner, provided the leadership and guidance for this important step. Conservancy of Southwest Florida Director of Marketing and Communications Barbara Wilson and Graphic Designer Kate Kintz devoted countless hours of research and explored over 100 potential designs to ensure the logo accurately reflected the Conservancy of Southwest Florida “brand.”

“We believe the new logo represents the next generation of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida,” said Wilson.  “Our research indicated that logo revision is a very disciplined, deliberate process, and we did not take on the task lightly. We adhered to the best practices and guidelines for logo revisions implemented by environmental organizations and some of the largest brands in the world as they evolved their mission and brand.”

Wilson added that it was very important to keep the rich history of the Conservancy in the new logo.  “We accomplished this by maintaining the historical green color, the typeface and the eagle, all core elements of the previous logo,” she said. “The eagle, although updated, is still the main feature. It has been part of Conservancy history from the beginning. Its keen eyesight keeps track of our environment. Furthermore, the eagle is a brave animal and is not afraid to stand up for what is right. Once on the endangered species list, it represents hope for all native wildlife. We added the blue color to represent the water element of our mission, while the green represents the land. All three elements, the water, land and wildlife, capture the essence of our mission.  Lastly, the new color yellow was added to signify the dawning of a new age and a bright future for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the community and our quality of life.”

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay. The Conservancy is a not-for-profit grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region with a mission to protect the region’s water, land and wildlife.  This is accomplished through the combined efforts of environmental education, science and research, policy and advocacy and wildlife rehabilitation. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half of them back into their native habitats. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Nature Center is located in Naples, Fla. at 1450 Merrihue Dr., off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14^th Avenue North. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit www.conservancy.org.

SUSAN BENNETT, SWFAS, CHILD CARE OF SWF EARN TOP PUBLIC RELATIONS HONORS

SUSAN BENNETT, SWFAS, CHILD CARE OF SWF

EARNED TOP PUBLIC RELATIONS HONORS

FORT MYERS, FLA., May 9, 2011 – Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C., earned three top awards on behalf of its clients at the local Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Image Awards ceremony May 2.

It marks the 18^th consecutive year that Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C., has been recognized, making it the most honored marketing firm in Southwest Florida with 183 awards from FPRA for campaigns on behalf of its clients.

Two Image Awards (top award given) and a Judges Award (for achieving maximum results using a minimum amount of money) were presented for the following:

●          Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS) – Image Award and a Judges Award in the Special Events category for “SWFAS Celebrates 30 Years of Recovery.”  In deference to the poor economy, SWFAS sent invitations in brown paper bags and invited guests to a FREE brown bag lunch that really was served in brown paper bags.  Sponsors picked up 100 percent of the cost and four “You’ve Got A Friend” Awards were presented to individuals who have helped SWFAS become the region’s leader in addiction prevention and treatment.

●          Child Care of Southwest Florida – Image Award in the Institutional category for a two-year branding campaign that included a marketing plan, strategic news announcements, three new annual events, newsletters, annual report and a renewed focus on core services.  Child Care of Southwest Florida Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. operates six child care centers in Lee and Hendry counties, offers training for early childhood professionals, and administers the federal food program for eligible centers and family child care homes in 13 counties.

Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C., is celebrating its 20^th year of providing strategic solutions in public relations and marketing for the area’s leading businesses and not-for-profit organizations.  The full-service public relations and marketing firm was founded in 1991 by Susan Bennett, an accredited public relations professional (APR), certified public relations counselor (CPRC), and a charter member of the Counselors’ Network for the state’s most experienced professionals.  Bennett is a former Gannett Co. executive and member of the launch team of USA TODAY.

The Local Image Awards competition is conducted annually by the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA to recognize outstanding public relations programs in Southwest Florida, and to encourage and promote the development of public relations professionalism in our area. Winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning, and design.

Fort Myers Miracle and HTC

Contact info: Joy J. Donahue
Community Relations Coordinator
Miracle Professional Baseball
14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy.
Fort Myers, FL 33912
Ph:  (239) 768-4210
Fax: (239) 768-4211

On Thursday April 29th at 7:40 pm Carla Lee Brooks Johnston died quietly and comfortably at her home with her son and daughter by her side.

This is shocking news because most had no…… idea that she was ill. She wanted it kept a secret and no one knew. Carla figured this out as she describes below. She told her daughter at the end of December and her Son in February, but we were under strict instructions not to tell a soul–please read the explanation she wrote below and understand that she went exactly the way she wanted to go, quietly and quickly without pain. As just as she led her life, when she decided it was time to go, she went.

We are asking friends to forward this email on to other you know to be good friends.

Thank you all!

FROM CARLA:
Dear Friends,

In late November 2010, some health problems popped up that, by late December, seemed serious.

I made two choices at that time:

FIRST: I chose to tell only my children and my friend Bob because I greatly value my privacy and because I see myself on the ‘console, not be consoled,’ side of any equation. In fact, there are few things that I would have a harder time with than having friends caring, asking, wanting to help. I apologize for not sharing this life altering information. I hope you will understand why I made this choice.

SECOND: I chose not to engage in the usual life-prolonging medical treatment for my cancer. I made this choice because for me life can only be ‘the quality of life’ that enables me to combine using my skill and knowledge with the gifts that happened to make a difference in lives. I find value in bringing together the appropriate people to analyze and have the necessary clout to solve complex public policy problems. I find value in spending quality time with loved ones and friends and in traveling. At my age, I cannot imagine being stripped of the ‘quality of live’–not burden for others. I have been extraordinarily fortunate over the years to have been afforded the experiences and opportunities I have had. I hope that I have used at least some of my skills and opportunities well. What a waste it would be for me now, at 71, to reverse my philosophy and spend my time, energy, and money on self-preservation. Were I a couple decades younger and with considerable responsibility for others, I may have justified a different choice. But, at this point in life, two things must be considered: a) my above stated view toward life’s value, and b) my position on what’s happening in America’s medical care. I simply won’t be part of an all-to-common insidious symbiotic relationship between so many in the medical industry who play on fears of seniors to pretend that death is a myth. All that is accomplished is to strip people of their dignity and quality of life while draining their family’s energy and resources. It benefits the medical industry, not the lives in question, not the families, not the larger civil society involved in advancing quality of life.

Just know that I love you all. I cherish the times we have had together. I hope that each of you will walk future paths that are as filled with gifts as those I have walked. And I hope that you will pass on this Spirit of Life to those who follow you.

Carla
(the ultimate “control freak”)

Obituary

Attached please find a copy of the obituary. Her family will be making arrangements for its publication.

You are invited to join us in the celebration of the life of Carla Brooks Johnston
In Florida
Saturday May 7th at 1:00 PM
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church
2304 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957-3209
(239) 472-2173www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org

In Boston / Somerville
The family hopes to plan a similar
celebration to be held in
Somerville, MA
in the coming weeks.
Please watch her website or join her email list if you would like to be notified. http://www.CarlaBrooksJohnston.com/

Sharing Memories of Carla On-line:

We are pulling together a website:

http://Remembering.CarlaBrooksJohnston.com/
as place where people may share stories and photographs.

Please do not send flowers – Instead we would suggest:

Considering a tax-deductible contribution to Carla’s Non-Profit Organization

New Century Policies Educational Programs (NCPEP)

Bank of America

Account # 004632487136 (Ready Tuesday May 3rd–this account has been established especially for this program.)

NCPEP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which Carla Founded back in 1982.

Our intent is to launch a seed funding grant program for Change Makers, following in line with Carla’s new book–Change Makers: Four Stories which is being published now. The grant program will be oriented to individuals and community organizations that are prepared to make positive and sustainable changes that will benefit their communities. You can watch Carla’s website for more information. (Currently Dr. Robert Hilliard, Eric Johnston, and Dr. Deborah Johnston sit on the Board of Directors.)

Our mother was enriched and invigorated by her community of friends here and around the world. We were all blessed to have her in our lives, teaching us and challenging us to be better human beings. Thank you for respecting her wishes.

Love,

Eric and Elise

May Adoption Promotion :  In Celebration of our Grand Re-Opening, all pet adoptions are half off the regular fee during the Month of May.  At our May Madness Pet Adoption Special Event on May 21^st pets may be adopted for only $25.  Don’t forget to join us for our Ribbon Chewing Ceremony (a dog-inspired Ribbon Cutting) on May 18^th.  Details are available at www.LeeLostPets.com.

• For information about this week’s pets, call 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or log on to Animal Services’ website at www.LeeLostPets.com.  When calling, please refer to the animal’s ID number.  The website updates every hour so you will be able to see if these or any other pets are still available.

• The shelter is open for adoptions from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday.  The Shelter is located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, off Six Mile Cypress Pkwy.

• All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination & county license if 3 months or older, flea treatment, worming, heartworm test for dogs 6 months & over, feline aids & leukemia test for cats, training DVD, 10 day health guarantee, and a bag of Science Diet pet food.

• The adoption package is valued at $500.

Pet Bio

Name: Linkin
ID #: 503685
Breed: American Bull Dog Mix

Sex: Male

Age: 2 months

Color: White & Brindle

Comments: I’m a young, playful, loving puppy that’s going to be a big dog.  The good news is there’s lots of love to go around because I have six brothers and sisters that are also available for adoption.  A dog that could be 65 to 130 lbs. may sound like more dog than you want but just like any other puppy we need love, training, and attention and we can be awesome family members.  The shelter is taking applications on all of us puppies to find us the right home.
Adoption Fee: $47.50 during May’s Grand Re-Opening Celebration (all pets may be adopted for half off the regular adoption fee during May).

Pet Bio

Name: Glenda
ID #: 494453
Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Sex: Spayed Female

Age: 2 years old

Color: Cream and white

Comments: As my namesake, Glenda the Good Witch of North, would say, “there’s no place like home!”  I sure hope it’s true because I’ve been wanting a home of my own for a while.  I’m really a good girl and need a good family to love me back.
Adoption Fee: $25 during May’s Grand Re-Opening Celebration (all pets may be adopted for half off the regular adoption fee during May).

Pets for the Week^{, Fort Myers FL}

• For information about this week’s pets, call 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or log on to Animal Services’ website at www.LeeLostPets.com.  When calling, please refer to the animal’s ID number.  The website updates every hour so you will be able to see if these or any other pets are still available.

• The shelter is open for adoptions from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday.  The Shelter is located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, off Six Mile Cypress Pkwy.

• All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination & county license if 3 months or older, flea treatment, worming, heartworm test for dogs 6 months & over, feline aids & leukemia test for cats, training DVD, 10 day health guarantee, and a bag of Science Diet pet food.

• The adoption package is valued at $500.

View photos and read more »

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: “KUNG FU PANDA”, Alliance Art, Fort Myers

Friday, March 11th at 7:30PM (North Lawn)

Join us for a family movie night! Bring your family and friends and plan to have a picnic as you watch “Kung Fu Panda,” under the starts on a giant inflatable screen. A suggested $5 family donation supports future family events at the Alliance. This event was made possible by a generous donation from FineMark National Bank & Trust.  A special thanks to all of our Family Movie Night sponsors: Winged Foot Title, Riverside Realty Group, Staging Matters and Fireservice Disaster Kleenup.

BOWLING FOR BABIES, MARCH 12th, Fort Myers

Fun Event Helps Give Babies Healthier Start at Life

Dust off those old bowling shoes and come out to the 6th Annual Bowling for Babies event to benefit the March of Dimes. This charity event will happen on Saturday, March 12th from 1 PM to 4 PM at Pin Street Bowling Alley in Fort Myers.

Bowling for Babies is a fun-filled event that includes a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Competitors can enter in teams of four people each. Tickets are $35 per person and include three games and shoe rental.

View photos and read more »

TOURING VIBRANT ARTS SHOW BRINGS ART AND MUSIC TOGETHER AT HOWL GALLERY, DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

OPENING RECEPTION MARCH 4TH DURING FORT MYERS ART WALK

HOWL Gallery/Tattoo presents The Vibrant Arts Movement, a visual art exhibit and musical experience featuring artists Ronnie Ford, David Acevedo, Jonathan Jay Lee, and Marcello. Ronnie Ford is known for his highly textured canvases and bright colors. David Acevedo’s highly regarded abstract expressionist paintings are known for being “abstract in essence, but realistic in message”. Jonathan Jay Lee creates superbly drawn figurative illustrations and has done work for among others, Marvel Comics, EMI, and Hong Kong Magazine. Marcello is a Swiss graffiti artist that combines abstract elements with his unique graffiti lettering into designs inspired by hip-hop and jazz cultures.

View photos and read more »

PACE Center for Girls, Fort Myers

Tickets to the Grande Dames Tea hosted by the PACE Center for Girls are now on sale at the Broadway Palm.  This is the event honoring Kathleen Nealon of Captiva, Myra Janco Daniels of Naples, and Mimi Straub of Estero.  Can you let your website visitors know about this AND let them know that Kevin Nealon will be here to introduce his mother? Release is attached as well as mug shots and bios on each of the Grande Dames.

AN EVENING OF HOPE AND BUTTERFLIES
Dunkin’s Diamonds to Host Benefit Event for Hope Hospice, March 19th

FORT MYERS, Fla. – February 25, 2011 – A delightful evening of hope and butterflies is coming to Fort Myers on Saturday, March 19th when Dunkin’s Diamonds will host a benefit event for Hope Hospice.

The event will be held at the Dunkin’s Diamonds Gulf Coast Town Center location at 9918 Gulf Coast Main Street from 4 PM to 7 PM. The opening ceremony will include an introduction to Hope Hospice and a live butterfly release followed by the reception with hors d’oeuvres by PF Chang’s China Bistro.

Gold and sterling silver butterfly jewelry will be on display with a portion of the proceeds of each piece sold to be donated to Hope Hospice. Guests will also have the opportunity to buy a bag of “Healthy Chocolates” for $10. Inside select bags, are gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100, provided by Dunkin’s Diamonds and local Gulf Coast Town Center merchants. Infiniti of Fort Myers will have the 2011 QX56 and M Class available for viewing as well.

Spectacular raffle items up are up for grabs including a sunset dinner cruise for two on the Sanibel Harbour Princess, two tickets to a performance of “Rent” at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater and a $1,000 Dunkin’s Diamonds gift certificate. Tickets can be purchased starting at 10 AM up to the drawing at 6:30 PM.

For details on the event, please call (239) 267-4547.

Hope Hospice’s mission is to provide exceptional care and support to every individual and their loved ones as they fulfill life’s journey. For more information on Hope Hospice, please visithttp://www.hopehospice.org.

Dunkin’s Diamonds is known for having the largest selection of designer jewelry, precious gems and diamonds. A third generation tradition, starting in Europe, the company has since grown into Southwest Florida’s Premiere Jewelry Company. The diamonds are direct from the world’s top diamond cutters, enabling Dunkin’s Diamonds to offer the best prices in Southwest Florida. For more information or to view the online gallery, please visit http://www.DunkinsDiamonds.com or call (877) 343-4883.

Crown Colony Golf & Country Club Fort MyersCrown Colony Golf & Country Club Fort Myers

Crown Colony Golf & Country Club Fort Myers has a great offer. New memberships which include a special snowbird introductory golf, corporate and junior executive opportunities. Annual dues, $7200 full golf, $3600 sports and $1000 social. What a great deal! This club is stunning and always gives back to the non profits. Call Rudy Lanza GM for more info: 239–590-9044. (Photo credit: Trevor Borchelt.) Tell him we love the PINK AND GREEN. ( or should we say GREENS) HA HA.

View photos and read more »

Florida Art Fair, ROTARY CLUB OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA 28th ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR, Photos

Here are pictures from the 28th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair, Florida Art Fair from photographer Trevor Borchelt. As you can see from some of the pictures, the Florida Art Fair Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva did a wonderful job bringing people from all around to Sanibel Island. A HUGE SUCCESS! Many Artist sold out. The 2012 Arts & Crafts Fair will be super. Great site too. www.sanibelartfair.com Click below to see some of the booths and art that were there on this weekend, including Ikki Matsumoto!

View photos and read more »

Crowne Colony Golf and Country Club, Fort Myers, Play for PINK Golf Tournament

Crowne Colony Golf and Country Club, Fort Myers, Play for PINK Men’s Golf Tournament. The course was covered with golfers wearing pink at Crowne Colony Golf and Country Club yesterday. Our photographers were out and about taking pictures of this great event for a great cause. Keep posted to learn more about the upcoming Women’s Play for PINK Golf Tournament.

View photos and read more »

Peyton Hornung Produce Stand, Coconut Creek Fundraiser, Fort Myers & Fresh

In connection with South Fort Myers Food Bank, Peyton Hornung is continuing her produce stand concept with the announcement of a special event.

Coconut Creek Garage Sale Fundraiser

Saturday February 12th

Guests to Coconut Creek will receive a Fine Florida Gift with a donation to the South Fort Myers Food Bank. Most of Peyton’s Place’s products are donated but we could use more help to make this event a landmark. We feel that any additional help will add to the long term success of this event as well as future endeavors. Thanks in advance for your support.

Peyton

Peyton’s Place

Coconut Creek’s Finest Produce since 2006

Peyton Hornung

Proprietor

“Local girl, local products.”

All Products Donated By Terry Dean, Owner of Happy Foods of SWFL, 239.267.2130

SWFL Pet Adoption, Fort Myers Pets for the Week

• For information about this week’s pets, call 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or log on to Animal Services’ website atwww.LeeLostPets.com.  When calling, please refer to the animal’s ID number.  The website updates every hour so you will be able to see if these or any other pets are still available.

• The shelter is open for adoptions from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday.  The Shelter is located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, off Six Mile Cypress Pkwy.

• All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination & county license if 3 months or older, flea treatment, worming, heartworm test for dogs 6 months & over, feline aids & leukemia test for cats, training DVD, 10 day health guarantee, and a bag of Science Diet pet food.

• The adoption package is valued at $500.

View photos and read more »

ROTARY CLUB OF SANIBEL CAPTIVA TO HOLD 28th ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
February 19 & 20

Fort Myers Locals Helping Out, Heartland Gardens, Sign up for Gardening Classes

Grow Good Food Crash Course

Heartland Gardens in South Fort Myers debuts their thirteen-week organic crop cultivation courses come February 5th, 2011. The course will be taught in Heartland’s unique raised-bed labyrinth on Saturdays from 9:30am to 11:00am. Students will team up and proactively cultivate crops that they will be able to take home and enjoy as their plants bear fruit.

Heartland’s expert staff will guide students each step of the way, starting with the basic essentials of soil preparation and seed propagation, through to preparation of the produce they have grown.  Topics covered include: garden planning and design, growing fruits, herbs and vegetables, soil amendment and care, watering techniques, pest management and so much more.

Priced at $125 for all 13 weeks the course comes out to less than $10 a class. This all-inclusive price also covers cost of seed, irrigation and a variety of guest speakers.  Heartland is offering a “bring-a-friend” discount that will reduce the cost of the class to $100 for both students.

In addition to learning how to garden organically in SW Florida students will also become well versed in Ecology Action’s GROW BIOINTENSIVE gardening method. Ecology Action, a young nonprofit environmental research and educational organization has collected data on this growing methodology over an impressive 35 years at the University of Santa Fe, California.

Utilizing the GROW BIOINTENSIVE method allows for even a marginally experienced grower to yield as much as 300 pounds of vegetables and soft fruits (the average American eats 322 lbs of these foods annually) with a 8- to 12-month growing season in 100 to 200 square feet with an upkeep of 15-30 minutes a day. Indeed, the Irish call it the “lazy bed” method of growing food!

Even students with previous experience and success in growing stand to increase their yields as much as four times in the equivalent amount of space. Class size is limited to 40 students and seats must be reserved prior to February 5^th. Heartland can be reached at (239)689-4249.

For more information or interviews, contact Bernard Pino at (239)689-4249.

Heartland Gardens, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit public charity on a mission to educate the public on the importance of local, organically grown foods and to provide people with the tools to achieve nutritional wellness and self-sustainability through the creation of food producing gardens.

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com. It truly has been a great week to be in and around Fort Myers, this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Fort Myers Daily. Take some time and enjoy.

• Jan 22 - Special Congratulations to Jess Telford on her first employment venture!
• Jan 22 - Minnesota Twins Spring Training
• Jan 22 - Fort Myers Daily Clothes, The Southwest Florida Store
• Jan 21 - Fort Myers Vacation
• Jan 20 - Fort Myers Wildlife, Sea Birds
• Jan 19 - Builders Care unveils home makeover for Elderly Dunbar woman, Lee Building Industry Association
• Jan 18 - Great Weather Fort Myers Beach
• Jan 17 - “Crimson Red”, Star Grapefruit, Sun Harvest Citrus, Fort Myers Citrus
• Jan 16 - 3rd Annual Surf & Song Festival, Downtown Fort Myers, Local Music

Builders Care unveils home makeover for Elderly Dunbar woman, Lee Building Industry Association

• What: Builders Care, with the help of several local Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) members and volunteers, will unveil renovations at the home of the Strong family. The project includes the complete remodel of the bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, new air conditioning system and more.
• When: After two weeks of renovations, the project will wrap on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. with the unveiling of the home improvements. This will be the first time that the family has seen the completed renovations.
• Where: The home of Eva Mae Strong, 2370 Barden Street in Fort Myers.
• Directions: From I-75: Take Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. west to Barden Street.  Take a Left on Barden Street.  End at 2370 (blue house last on the right before Edison Ave.) From US 41: Take Colonial Blvd. east to Veronica Shoemaker Blvd. and take a left.  Head north to Edison Avenue and take a right.  Take a left on Barden Street.  End at 2370 (blue house first on the left; corner of Edison Ave.)
• Contact: Heidi D. Taulman, Builders Care, 239-872-3779 cell

Second ACT Thrift, Fort Myers Shopping, Great Deals!

Check out Second ACT Thrift, this is a store that raises money for Abuse Counseling & Treatment, INC. The second hand store is like non you will ever see, full of great things from clothes, household items, books, music, electronics and so much more! Take a look at http://www.secondactthriftstore.com to see our weekly sales and specials.
A premier Thrift Store with over 15,000 square feet of clothing, shoes, household items, furniture, and more. Volunteers are needed to assist with the thrift store.  For more information on volunteering, please contact us at 239-939-2553.

Second ACT Thrift 12519 South Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers, FL 33907
239-418-0331

Open Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30p.m.  and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

All proceeds for the sale of items at Second ACT are used to fund ACT’s many services:

• 24-Hour hotline
• Residential Program
• Children’s Program
• Non-residenial Counseling Program
• Advocacy Program
• On-Call Crisis Program
• Rape Crisis Center
• Community Education
• Professional Trainings
• Volunteer Program

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8th ANNUAL AMERICAN HERITAGE CAR & BIKE SHOW ON SUNDAY, Fort Myers
Presented by Corvettes on the Gulf, Hosted by Fort Myers Harley-Davidson Event Raising Money for Barbara’s Friends

This Sunday all American auto enthusiasts are invited to come out for the 8th Annual American Heritage Car & Bike Show at Fort Myers Harley-Davidson. Rain or shine from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM the public is invited to enjoy the impressive exhibit.

Those interested in participating pay a $20 entry free in advance or $25 the day of the event. Registration on Sunday will be from 9:00 AM to noon. Judging will take place at 11:00 AM with awards presented at 3:00 PM. 116 awards will be given with awards to the first and second place in each class.

All funds collected from the event will go to Barbara’s Friends, The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida’s Cancer Fund. The non-profit supports the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Center at The Children’s Hospital. For additional details, please visit http://www.leememorial.org/foundation/barbaras-friends.asp.

For more information on the event, contact Don Stad at DonStad@embarqmail.com or call Larry Dudley at (727) 547-8082.

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers, located at 2160 Colonial Boulevard, has a strong commitment to motorcycle safety as well as the community. For more information on this event or other local Harley activities, please call (239) 275-HOGS (4647) or visit

Pets of the Week for December 27th, Fort Myers Pet Adoption

• For information about this week’s pets, call 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or log on to Animal Services’ website at www.LeeLostPets.com.  When calling, please refer to the animal’s ID number.  The website updates every hour so you will be able to see if these or any other pets are still available.

• The shelter is open for adoptions from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday.  The Shelter is located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, off Six Mile Cypress Pkwy.

• All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination & county license if 3 months or older, flea treatment, worming, heartworm test for dogs 6 months & over, feline aids & leukemia test for cats, training DVD, 10 day health guarantee, and a bag of Science Diet pet food.

The adoption package is valued at $500.

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Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com

Fort Myers Florida Weekly Wrap Up from the FortMyersDaily.Com. It truly has been a great week to be in and around Fort Myers, this week. Below, we are taking a look back at what events we covered at the Fort Myers Daily. Take some time and enjoy!

• Dec 17 - AVOIDING HOLIDAY UPSETS FOR OUR LOVING COMPANIONS, Indian Creek Pet Hospital, Vet for Fort Myers and Sanibel & Captiva
• Dec 16 - Benefit for the St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Center
• Dec 14 - Fort Myers, Charles Ross is bringing One-Man Star Wars Trilogy to the Foulds Theatre, at the Alliance for the Arts
• Dec 12 - Harry Chapin Food Bank, Fort Myers
• Dec 11 - Fort Myers Art Walk celebrates the holidays
• Dec 10 - Sun Harvest Citrus, Florida Oranges, Online Shopping
• Dec 09 - “The Object Show – An Invitational”, Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers

Lexington Middle School Students Hold Fund Raiser for Kids with Cancer

Benefit for the St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Center

Over $400 Donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Center

The students of the Lexington Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club held a carnation sale fund raiser to benefit the St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Center. The fund raiser resulted in over $400 in donations to the center. Ballantine Florist donated the carnations for the sale.

The Kiwanis Builders Club sold carnations during their lunch hour. They encouraged their fellow students to give a flower to their favorite teacher, parents and classmates. Flowers were delivered on Friday of that week with a message from the student giving the flower.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer, and we just wanted to help out. It is wonderful to see young persons serving their community,” said Lisa Ballantine of Ballantine Florist.

Lexington Middle School Builders Club is sponsored by the Gateway to the Islands Kiwanis Club. Kiwanis is a global service organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The club is looking for more service-minded individuals and business professionals who would like to make a direct impact on the community through volunteering. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 11:45 a.m., call (239) 415-3100 or visitwww.kiwanisgtti.comfor information.

Media Contact:

Viki Luster, Gateway to the Islands Kiwanis Club,viki_luster@yahoo.comor (239) 415-3100