Mark Mandela and Marty Harrity of “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s dingdarlingtarpontourney.org/‎ Award-winning Doc Ford murder-mystery series novelist White has already signed on for fishing … Doc Ford’s, with locations on both Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach, sponsors the tournament to support the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge through … “There’s not another tarpon tournament like it in the area.

WELL THEN, AS WE  DONATED OUR TIME, ENERGY, EFFORTS AND $$ TO THIS WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS A GREAT CAUSE…….WE HAVE BEEN HAD!!!!

SILVER SPONSORS:

We as a  team signed up for” in kind sponsor” silver”. Our job…obvious, promote the charity event, cover it, and take pictures. As many of you know what we do. We were asked to leave via owner : I was with Des, my new photographer and ad rep whom just finished her last chemo treatment wanting to work. This is what she got………

Well, we put our entire weekend aside for this as you all know charities are near and dear to me personally, that is why we are doing this blog!!!! We got screwed!  13 weeks of promotion, seen in 400 countries, 368 Social media and not to mention the RSS fees that  picked up because we are so super powerful. And wait, more………We donated an ad on my sites for the auction………..and brought my new Photographer Des, who wants to work and not feed the system. It is all about Charity Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.Owners Mark Mandela and  Marty Harrity of Doc Fords told us to leave……….we got some pictures. (photo credit Des and anyone that could take one? lol..nice job Doc Fords)  Great job Harrity… are you kidding us?? Please phony, politician…..City council……..get your game on……..we have never done a negative post……..this was below the belt on their part……….here is all we got……..sorry all……….complain to Mr. Marty on the City Council (lol, what a joke!) You sure liked our camera’s when you where up for election 2009………..Remember? we do. We have all the pics and emails from you and your cronies……….BRING IT!

Birgie Vertecsch Welcomed us with a hug and our press passes. Gm comes out and states”We need to leave and now”  Well, mighty kind………..Capt’s, clients, sponsors and even any of the staff was astonished. So many wanted their picture taken with logo (obviously). So we are so sorry to say this is all we got……Emails, Text messages and phone calls came pouring in…………..like Crazy. We have done tons of fundraisers………..this was way out of line. Birgie was…… a great friend of mine……..no longer…texting us late apologizing, saying out of her control……um can you say BS? …..FAILED!  and to put the anglers in the the lightening with crazy bad weather. Of  Course after they all paid a hefty fee to support or what they though would be supportive no one cared about the safety.  And behind her was out right WRONG!  MARTY HARRITY AND BIRGIE VERTESCH  KNOW BETTER………..they put people in harms way. Dangerous. Tons of emails, texts and phone calls came pouring into me………outraged.

IF YOU DID NOT HEAR IT IT YET, THANK YOU ALL THAT SUPPORTED……….YOUR HEARTS ARE CORRECT……NOT SURE ABOUT THE EVENT…BUT LIKE YOU , WE TOO TRIED TO THE RIGHT THING……LUV LUV Sandy Kostick!!!!!

Due to Capt. John “Giddy Up” Bunch of OOA: http://operationopenarms.org/ Christian Brown is having what is well deserved. A great time here in SWF. In Fort Myers to Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. To enjoy time with his family and our beautiful surroundings. Time at Jensons Marina many restaurants, AND SO MANY OTHERS and yes some fishing trips. God Bless you L/CPL Christian Brown USMC! And God Bless America. Thank you for all you have endoured for us. Enjoy your vacation. See you around Hero!!!

“Thank you so much to the citizens of Ft. Myers, Sanibel and Captiva!!! What a warm welcome. You guys really know how it’s done!!! And, to all those precious children on the side of the highway chanting U.S.A., that’s the way to be proud Americans!!! We love you !!! The tears of happiness were flowing after that show of support !!! ♥” Quoted from his Facebook. Literally 30 min. ago. To learn more feel free to reach him via his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-LCPL-Christian-Brown-USMC-Combat-Wounded/294258117278988

Check out the wonderful welcome he was given.  Thank you all involved.

More to come as he enjoys his time here.

New:

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.  Beach Tennis USA (BTUSA), the official sanctioning body for beach tennis (under the International Tennis Federation and with permission from the United States Tennis Association) is hosting its first Grade 1/ITF event on Fort Myers Beach at the Holiday Inn. Officially named the Publishers Printing Company BTUSA Sunshine Open, the event will take place April 19th through the 21st. This family-friendly, fun for all ages event is offered at no cost.

The best players from around the world will hit the sand to compete in the three-day event. Players hail from USA, Brazil, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Italy, France, Aruba, Russia and other nations. More than 100 players in total are expected to make an appearance.

Kicking off the event and sponsored by Pagelli’s, the public is invited to a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction on Friday, April 19th at the Holiday Inn. Serving as a fundraiser for local charities, tickets are $75 per couple or $50 each. Couples receive four complimentary beverages, singles receive two and both can enjoy the silent auction with packages including tickets to major sporting events including a Knicks, Ranger and Yankees games, and even a two-night stay at the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Beach. Portions of the reception and tourney will benefit local charities including the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Gulf Coast Humane Society and the Lee County Tennis Association.

In addition to the pro competition BTUSA is hosting advanced and amateur levels of play. Newcomers are also welcome to try the sport for $10 for the day, subject to availability. For event details and schedule please go to beachtennisusa.net.

“We are very excited to bring the inaugural 2013 BT event to Fort Myers Beach this year,” said Marc Altheim, Founder/CEO of BTUSA.  “Our local partner, Pat Glaunert of Three Oaks Tennis, has done an incredible job of organizing this event. With his expertise we have decided to make the metro Fort Myers area a model city for Beach Tennis and All-Volley Tennis programming.

ABOUT BEACH TENNIS
Beach Tennis, a combination of volleyball, tennis and paddleball, takes the best parts of each sport to create something exciting and fun for all ages and it’s growing around the world. The International Tennis Federation expects to oversee more than 90 tournaments this year on 6 continents. In the USA there will be at least eight major events this season. For more information, contact Marc Altheim at (917) 453-7502 or maltheim@beachtennisusa.net or Jim Lorenzo at (917) 559-4497.

Riders can win $500 cash at BBQ, Bands & Brew Poker Run on April 7

Final destination is fourth annual BBQ, Bands & Brew event to benefit Builders CareFORT MYERS, Fla. (April 2, 2013) –  The Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) is hosting the fourth annual BBQ, Bands and Brew to benefit its nonprofit charitable arm Builders Care on Sunday, April 7 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. This year’s fundraiser includes a Poker Run that starts out at Fort Myers Harley-Davidson located at 2160 Colonial Blvd. Participants can register online or between 9 and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 7 at the Fort Myers Harley-Davidson. Riders will vie for Best Hand of the Poker Run which earns them $500 cash and a basket of Harley-Davidson gear Registration is $25 for each rider and $10 for the passenger and includes admission to the BBQ, Bands & Brew event at the Alliance for the Arts. Stops for the Poker Run include The TikiHut in Buckingham, Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon in Cape Coral and Victory Lane Café in North Fort Myers. The ride ends at the fourth annual BBQ, Bands & Brew event at Alliance for the Arts off McGregor Blvd. Poker Run registrants get in free to the event with proof of participation. The fundraiser is open to the public and will feature local music, several local barbecue restaurants, a barbecue competition to name the “best barbecue in town” and kids’ activities. Admission is $10 per person. Children ages 12 and under are free, and free parking is available. Local bands include Alter Ego, Cracker Blues and Deb & the Dynamics. Barbecue themed foods between $2 and $5 will be provided by Blue Crawfish Catering, Bubba’s, Famous Dave’s, Jonesez BBQ and desserts by Ben & Jerry’s.  Kid’s Barnyard will feature a petting zoo, inflatable slide, arts and crafts and more. The event is sponsored by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Moen, Cape Coral Plumbing, Truly Nolen Pest Control, Sunset Air, Action Automatic Door & Gate, All-Star Equipment Rentals & Sales, Batteries Plus, Stevens Construction, Suncoast Beverage, Wallace International Trucks, Bolaños Truxton, LCEC, Nilles Design and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.  Media and publicity partners include WINK News, Florida Weekly, Priority Marketing, Cat Country 107.1, 95.3 The River, Lamar and Happenings Magazine. Other supporting companies include Kinetico Quality Water Systems and T&M Portable Restrooms. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at Lee County Alliance for the Arts at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers; Stevens Construction at 6208 Whiskey Creek Drive, Fort Myers; the Lee BIA office at 10501 Six Mile Pkwy, Suite 104 in Fort Myers, or reserve your tickets by calling 239-938-0056 or e-mail bbq@bia.net. Additional information is available atwww.bbqbandsandbrew.com.

 Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 10501 Six Mile Pkwy, Suite 104 in Fort Myers. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

Nicole Glover won the Do The Right Thing in March. This young lady is on her way making a big difference! We are really proud of you Nicole!

Location: Scholl Board

 Photo: From left Major Kathy Rairden, Nicole Glover & Sgt. William Troutt

Nicole Glover won the Do The Right Thing in March because she decided she wanted to help someone in need around Christmas.  She collected change and any money she got and filled a jar with it.  She then took the jar to her guidance counselor and asked her to pick a family to receive the jar to buy Christmas presents.     I t was not a lot of money but every little bit helps.

This is Nicoles 3^rd time winning DoThe Right Thing always to help someone else or animals.  She is currently in the People to People Ambassador program and trying to raise the money for her trip this summer to England but after that I am sure she will be back to helping others.  Nicole would appreciate any help she can get at Nemomoon@aol.com or 239-849-0198

Nicole Glover won the Do The Right Thing in March. This young lady is on her way making a  big difference! We are really proud of you Nicole!  A true role model for many. Congrats from the Daily! P.S: Nicole, just happens to be wearing our colors……yes, a pink shirt with a super cool green award. You go young lady!

GREEK FEST FORT MYERS FLORIDA 2013 PICTURES

GREAT FOOD!

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!

GREAT DRINKS!

FUN FOR ALL: CLICK BELOW TO SEE ALL THE GREAT PICTURES OF GREEK FEST FORT MYERS FLORIDA 2013 (PHOTO CREDIT: KEVIN STAHL)

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THANK YOU TO ALL THAT HAVE SERVED! 

Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Ms. Wendy having a great time.

Florida Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto learned more about issues facing child care centers during a visit to the P.A. Geraci Child Development Center in Fort Myers June 6.

Benaquisto spoke with Child Care of Southwest Florida Executive Director Beth Lobdell, Operations Director Nancy Coker, and Education Specialist Deb McCarthy. The P.A. Geraci Child Development Center at 3713 Canal St. is one of six child care centers operated by Child Care of Southwest Florida.

“We were very happy that Sen. Benacquisto accepted our invitation to come to the center and hear our opinions about policies and legislation affecting early childhood education,” Lobdell said. Among the topics they discussed was the low state reimbursement rate for centers that have earned Gold Seal status for exemplary programs. All of Child Care of Southwest Florida centers have earned Gold Seal status.

“Gold Seal status comes at a high cost to centers like ours. For example, the ratios of children to staff are quite a bit lower than licensing standards. This is a very expensive choice for us, but one that research shows is a definite quality indicator,” Lobdell said.

During her visit, Benacquisto also spent more than an hour interacting with the children. In the Preschool 4 and 5 year old room, she planted watermelon seeds in cups and asked the children to let her know how her watermelon grows. She also read to children in the Toddler Room.

“Oh, I could do this all day,” she said several times.

Benacquisto was first elected to the Florida Legislature in 2010 representing the 27th district. This summer, she was named deputy majority leader of the Florida Senate, a notable leadership position for a freshman legislator. She sits on several significant committees, including Pre K-12 Education. She was recently named Children’s Advocate of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County and PACE Center For Girls Senator of the Year.

The P. A. Geraci Child Development Center is licensed to care for 116 children from infancy to age 8. Enrollment is now open for the Voluntary Pre-K program, which begins this fall. The child care center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information about P.A. Geraci Child Development Center, call 239-337-4995 or visit www.ccswfl.org

About Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. P.A. Geraci Child Development Center is among six child care centers operated by Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. The private non-profit organization provides high quality child care services throughout Southwest Florida from infancy through age 8. In addition to providing child care, Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc., conducts and coordinates training for child care workers, and administers the federal Child Care Food Program for child care centers and family child care homes.

Photo Cutlines (all children are from P.A. Geraci Child Development Center):

1) Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto reads to two-year-old King Lewis

2) Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto and Bryant Murph, age 4

Residents can help feed the hungry and give hope to the needy while enjoying an evening of music and fellowship at the 15th Annual A Midsummer Night’s Sing, presented by First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers and sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.

The event, planned for Tuesday, July 24, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Myers, will be a 90-minute performance of hymns, instrumentalists, and special guests beginning at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free, although voluntary cash donations and cans of non-perishable food will be accepted to benefit Community Cooperative Ministries (CCMI – The Soup Kitchen).

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

“Ladies and gentlemen, we desperately need your help. The need for food continues to be absolutely critical. Please love your fellow neighbor and attempt to do what God would do and want you to do,” Rev. deJong said.

Organizer Sam Galloway, Jr. 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.

“We can take every dollar and make it stretch as far as is humanly possible,” he said.

Galloway, who has made feeding the hungry part of his life’s work, has arranged for refrigerated trucks to take the food to the neighborhoods that most need help this summer.

“Continued high unemployment and our poor economy have caused many of our neighbors to ask for food to feed their families for the first time in their lives. Our director has told me, ‘Sam, I cannot tell you who, but people are coming for groceries whom you and I know.’ We can’t allow our neighbors and friends to be hungry. Please – we need our community to get together and help with all the canned goods they can. We need to raise the roof with money and food, please!” Galloway said.

Galloway annually sponsors the popular Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing as part of the Edison Festival of Light in February. Because more than 4,000 people attend Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing in the winter, organizers planned A Midsummer Night’s Sing to allow more local residents to enjoy the same type of activity during the less crowded summer months.

The First Presbyterian Chancel Choir and friends will be featured during the evening, which will include sing-a-longs of well-known hymns everybody knows.

“Please try to bring whatever cash donation you can and at least two cans of non-perishable food And, if you’re among those impacted by our poor economy, come anyway and have a good time,” Galloway and Rev. deJong said.

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

First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers is located at 2438 Second St., in downtown Fort Myers. For more information, call 334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org

Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida announces the members of its 2012 Business Hall of Fame, Collier County Advisory Board. The chair is John English, PE of Barron Collier Companies and the vice chair is Dr. Paul Jones.

Other members selected to this year’s advisory board include: Wilma Boyd, president/CEO of Preferred Travel of Naples; Carleton Case, vice president of business development of Brown & Brown Benefits; Clay W. Cone, president of Cone Communications Company; Kristin Conroy, attorney with Conroy, Conroy & Durant; Carl Howes, vice president/controller of Pachira Company; Jerry Nichols, executive vice president of Brown & Brown Benefits; Craig Sherman, senior vice president of commercial lending Collier for CNL Bank; Katie Sproul, vice president of real estate for Barron Collier Companies; Lisa Barnett Van Dien, attorney at Cheffy Passidomo, P.A.; and Len Zaiser IV of Azimuth Technology, Inc.

The advisory board selects Laureates for the 2012 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, Collier County, which recognizes individuals who have served as positive role models and have made significant contributions to the local business community. The Laureates will be honored at the 2012 Business Hall of Fame, Collier County event, which will take place Oct. 30 at the Waldorf Astoria Naples. For more information including sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets, visit www.jaswfl.org.

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida provides in-school and after-school programs for students in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties that focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Today, 122 individual area operations reach more than 4 million students in the U.S., with an additional 5 million students served by operations in 120 other countries worldwide. For more information about Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, contact Anne Frazier at 239-225-2590 or info@jaswfl.org. The website is www.JASWFL.org.

Check out the www.Sanibelcaptivadaily.com to see all pictures and final results from the Ding Darling Tarpon Tournament.G0 here to learn more: http://www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com/

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The Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida has awarded an $8,900 grant to Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS) to provide educational needs for women recovering from substance abuse at SWFAS’ Transitional Living Center on Dixie Parkway in Fort Myers.

The money will be used to purchase computers, software and educational materials for about 25 women in recovery to enable them to complete coursework and file job applications.

The overall goal is to help women in recovery obtain the skills they need to earn a living wage and become self-sufficient in the workplace.

“We are so grateful to the women of Zonta who have so graciously supported our women for many years,” said Transitional Living Center Director Rosemary Boisvert. “Our goal is to remove the barriers that prevent them from being successful. If they need financial assistance for tuition, we can help with that. If they need help with supplies or transportation to get to school or training, we can assist with that as well.

“While at SWFAS’ Transitional Living Center, the women work very hard at learning skills for the job of living in sobriety, this grant will help them build on their newfound skills and give them something more to enhance their chances of maintaining their sobriety and self-sufficiency,” Boisvert said.

“We have been very fortunate to have this long lasting relationship with the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva. The Zonta Club gives our women far more than dollars. They also give of themselves,” Boisvert said.

Zonta has been a partner with the women in the SWFAS Transitional Living Center since 2000 and has provided grants totaling $65,724 to support the needs of women recovering from substance abuse.

SWFAS opened the 16-bed women’s halfway house at the SWFAS Transitional Living Center in 2009. The women’s facility provides treatment for 40 to 50 women per year who have completed the residential treatment program and moved into the halfway house for extended treatment.

SWFAS is the most comprehensive substance abuse treatment and prevention program in Southwest Florida, serving 6,000 people per year from ages 9 to 90. SWFAS offers outpatient and residential programs for both adults and youngsters from five locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County. In addition, SWFAS provides detoxification services for adults, prevention programming, and an Employee Assistance Program for about 50 Southwest Florida businesses.

SWFAS services are not free. Payment plans are available and, in many cases, private insurance may cover some of the cost of treatment. Many prevention and treatment services are partially supported by Lee County and state funding to help income-eligible residents. SWFAS is a United Way agency. SWFAS provides services for all regardless of disability or handicap. Accommodations will be provided upon request.

For more information, contact Boisvert at (239) 338-2977 or visit www.swfas.org.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic

Wake up people and help these little animals. Please! Don’t normally cover anything outside the area, but this is super amazing. They really need your help. Please tell them the daily sent you!Local restaurants participating in “Dining for Wildlife” are dishing out proceeds to support the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic. On select dates in April and May, the restaurants will donate half of the proceeds from special “Dining for Wildlife” certificates to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic.  The Clinic treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals are treated annually and approximately half of those animals treated are released back into their native habitats.

Patrons can choose from fixed-price meals at $40, $60 or $80 per person. The price includes a three course meal, non-alcoholic beverage and sales tax.  Alcoholic beverages and gratuity are not included.

Dining for Wildlife kicks off April 22 and runs through May 17. To participate, diners must visit www.conservancy.org/dining where they will choose the time period when they would like to dine, select from participating restaurants and price points, and purchase dining certificates. Once the certificate is purchased online, a copy will be sent via email. The diner must make a reservation at the restaurant accordingly and bring their printed certificate(s) to the restaurant. Additional terms and conditions are available online. For more information or questions, emailnikkied@conservancy.org or call the Dining for Wildlife Hotline at 239-325-2666.

Dining for Wildlife is sponsored by Naples Daily News. Participating restaurants include Alexander’s of Naples, Barbatella, Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, Bistro 821, Bleu Provence, CaféLurcat, Campiello, ChezBoet, Ciao Ristorante, HB’s on the Gulf at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, M Waterfront Grille, Pagelli’s Rustic Tuscan Grill, Preston’s Steakhouse, Ridgway Bar & Grill, Sam Sneads Oak Grill & Tavern at Lely Resort, Sea Salt, Season’s 52, St. George & the Dragon, The Bay House Restaurant, The Dock at Crayton Cove, The Real Macaw Restaurant, The Turtle Club and Vergina Restaurant.

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 Conservancy Wildlife  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.What a cutie!!!

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

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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.