WEEK OF JANUARY 3, 2024
VOLUME 62, NUMBER 7
18 Lee County public schools receive an 'A' By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
Eighteen schools earned an “A” grade from the state of Florida, which officials said is a win for the School District of Lee County as the results are from the year when many were impacted by the devastating path Hurricane Ian left behind. “Our administrators, principals, teachers, paraprofessionals and students worked diligently under very trying circumstances last year and the overall rise in achievement is due to their effort and hard work,” Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said in a prepared statement. “Lives and learning were interrupted by a major hurricane and new state implemented testing standards. Our staff rose to the challenge and removed three schools from state supervision and increased the overall student outcomes which are reflected in the improved school grades. We are proud and they should celebrate and recognize their commitment that led to the outcomes and the
Refuge to offer Wellness in Nature both on, off island Save the dates for a four-day weekend focusing on the getoutdoors nature cure. Wellness in Nature will take place at “Ding” centers at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel from Jan. 18-21, but it will also reach out into the greater Lee County community with activities planned both at Lakes Park and Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. “The past two years, the refuge has hosted Wellness in Nature events, which started with unveiling our self-guided Mindfulness Trail at the Bailey Tract, the first of its kind in the nearly 570 national wildlife refuges across the U.S.,”
Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said. “This year, we have reorganized activities into a condensed series whose purpose is to get people outdoors to better their health and wellbeing.”
See SCHOOLS, page 17
IslanderInsIde
See REFUGE, page 17 The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel will offer open-air yoga at The Roost, its new outdoor flex space, as one of the activities scheduled for Wellness in Nature on Jan. 18-21. REFUGE/DDWS
The Purple Group looks to advocate for education in county By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
A nonpartisan group formed in Lee County to become advocates for public schools, students, parents and educators is making its voice heard at school board meetings and is sharing information with the public in a variety of ways. Madelon Stewart said The Purple Group of Lee County is a subcommittee of a group that formed Quality Schools for the Future of Lee County. “We formed when there was a referendum put on the ballet that called for a partisan superintendent of schools. We
are educators, parents, grandparents and know it was a horrible idea. We unfortunately failed,” she said. Following that, Stewart said people from various organizations shared that a “very right-wing political agenda,” not necessarily comprised of parents, but those that lived in the community, were funded with outside sources, so they began making statements at the school board meetings. “We felt they were everywhere all the time,” she said, adding that perhaps people began thinking this was what the community believed to be true.
The Purple Group formed as nonpartisan, which is essential to their focus — student learning, parental rights, respect for education, and accountability and transparency. The leadership group has 15 individuals with others who are members, but do not wish to speak in public. They spend their time educating the public through the public comment portion of the school board meetings, as well as other events, two of which are scheduled in January. See THE PURPLE GROUP, page 17
alsOInsIdetOday Letters to the Editor........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................12 Island Living................................14 Sports.........................................16 Classifieds 27
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ACT to host teen empowerment sessions for girls and boys By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
Teens are invited to join Abuse Counseling and Treatment for a conference in January that will empower them while helping them recognize personal boundaries. “Our mission is basically to support, educate and empower victims of domestic violence and their children, survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking,” ACT Violence Prevention educator Kelly Rico said. “We want to empower them to be able to recognize personal boundaries and prevent sexual and relationship violence and have the confidence to speak up for themselves, as well.” The “Main Character Energy Teen Female Conference” will be held on Jan. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Collaboratory, at 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers. “We are trying to have them register at least a week before the event, so we have enough time to create the swag bags gifting for the kids,” she said, as well as meal count. Rico said the girls conference will feature several motivational speakers. “We want to be able to create that awareness for teen girls,” she said. “We have Claribel Bocanegra, who is the founder of Gemstones; Marilyn Santiago, who is the founder of Creative Architectural Resin Products; and Chantel Rhodes, who is a medical social worker at Golisano’s hospital.” Rico said rather than teens just listening to these empowering women, they will have several interactive activities through-
out the event in breakout sessions. The “Main Character Energy Teen Male Summit” on Jan. 17 will be offered in a hybrid format, with attendance via Zoom or at Collaboratory in Fort Myers. Registration will start at 3:30 p.m., with the presentations beginning at 4 p.m. Rico said they realize that because they offer services in three counties — Lee, Hendry and Glades — everyone might not have transportation. “We wanted to be able to create that hybrid for the rural areas,” she said. “We will have two keynote speakers. For the teen boys summit, we have Devon Beck, facilitator of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Talbot County Public Schools, and Zachary Mason, who goes by Capt. Mason and is a Florida Army National Guard and part of the Florida counterdrug task force.” It is the first time the male summit will be held. The girls conference was held last year. “Both events are free. We are going to provide a boxed lunch for teen girls and dinner for the teen males. We are also going to provide the swag bags full of gifts at both events,” Rico said. “We just want to invite everyone who wants to really know about our mission and be able to prevent sexual and relationship violence. If the mother, or the fathers, or any parents, caregivers want to attend with their teens, they can also attend. We want to create that safe environment and invite everyone.” To RSVP, contact Rico at 239-9392554 or KRico@actabuse.com, or bgrot@actabuse.com.
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Letters to the Editor 'Huge change isn't easy,' South Seas says
Island Reporter
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Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ■ Page 4
OPINIONS
Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question Are you planning to make New Year's resolutions for 2024? ∫ Yes, 13% ∫ Maybe/undecided, 25% ∫ No, 62%
Current Web Poll Question Have you noticed improved traffic in recent weeks for the Sanibel Causeway? ∫ Yes. ∫ No. Share your opinion at captivasanibel.com
hotel rooms and 140 units of employee housing. The rebuild plans envision 435 rooms, 272 multi-bedroom condos, hotel To the editor: That was the response of South Seas and no employee housing. In order to Ownership Group President Greg Spencer expand from a total of 247 pre-existing when asked by reporters how the locals units to as many as 707 new units (an might react to the resort's dramatic new increase of 460 units, an almost tripling of development plans. He had invited the total units, and quadrupling of total bedmedia out to show them renderings of the rooms), the resort would need to be blannew plans, just one week after the Lee keted with new buildings. The new buildCounty Commission approved special ings are planned to not only have more stoexemptions for South Seas from long- ries than the pre-Ian hotel, they would be the tallest and largest buildings ever constanding density and height limits. structed on all of Captiva. “Huge change” is no exaggeration. The reason for adding so many condos, Before Hurricane Ian, the resort had 107 instead of building all hotel rooms, is that the brand-new waterfront condos could then be sold upon completion, allowing South Seas to promptly recoup most, all, or even more than the total costs of the entire redevelopment. The best way to maximize profits is to build large, multi-bedroom condos, which have a greater rate of return than smaller units. For example, around the time that the Timbers Company co-purchased South Seas, it was selling out a new all-condo waterfront development on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The smallest condos in that project had three bedrooms. Timbers could of course choose to retain ownership of some of the new South Seas condos as rentals; in Kiawah, The new year 1931 banished the Great Depression from the they sold them all. landscape, at the hands of Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, the Let’s do a little Pulitzer-winning editorial contest whose local conservation efforts back-of-the-envegave the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge its name. lope business We hope 2024, likewise, brings a hopeful outlook and good formath. First, we’ll tune as the calendar turns. Happy New Year to all! The “Ding” estimate how Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge owns the copymany more people right of the “Ding” Darling cartoons. on any given day REFUGE/DDWS would be staying
'Ding' cartoon of the month
at the resort, pre-Ian versus post-Ian. PreIan, the 107 hotel rooms probably had about two persons per room, and at almost full occupancy, that would be about 200 guests on a good day. The 140 employee units were intended as double-occupancy, but many of the units were single-occupant. In the years before Ian, more and more of the employee units were found uninhabitable and left vacant. We’ll estimate that in the best of times about 200 employees were living on site. That would make a pre-Ian maximum of about 400 resort-related overnighters (200 guests, 200 employees). Post-Ian, based on South Seas’ new plans, there would be as many as 435 hotel rooms. Again estimating an average of two persons per room, and almost full occupancy, that would come to about 800 hotel guests on a good day. As for the 272 condos, let’s make some conservative estimates: that they’d all be three-bedrooms, and that an average of four persons would be staying in those units. Allowing for some vacancy, we’ll then estimate that there would be about 1,000 condo dwellers per day. If pre-Ian the resort had about 400 overnighters, and post-Ian would have about 1,800, the difference would be an average of 1,400 more people staying at the resort under South Seas’ new redevelopment plans. For anyone familiar with the resort pre-Ian, that is an unimaginable increase in density. For decades, South Seas during high occupancy bulged at the seams. Given a corporate conference or even a sizable wedding, it was a game of musical chairs. During those times, having deeded parking was quite an advantage, because there were very few extra spaces up for grabs. Almost no one came out to South Seas without a car, which will be no less true in the future. If we estimate about two persons per car, the 1,400 extra overnighters South Seas imagines it can accommodate would bring about 700 extra cars along with them. Seven hundred cars is a typical capacity for a Costco or Wal-Mart parking lot. Only it’s worse than that, when we factor in the elimination of all employee housing. Even though the South Seas Ownership Group would run a fleet of employee vans to and from the mainland, some of the employees would need to drive themselves in, commuting back-and-forth over the Sanibel Causeway every day. A luxury resort of the quality being promised will require about one employee per resort unit. Seven hundred and seven units would See LETTERS, page 7
We want your opinion The views expressed on the Opinions Pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of The Island Reporter. Opposing views are welcome. All letters must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. Letters considered for publication must relate to subjects of public interest. Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to Tiffany Repecki at trepecki@breezenewspapers.com; posted to the virtual newsroom at captivasanibel.com; or mailed to 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Letters are due no later than noon Thursday. The Island Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.
Page 5 ■ Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 captivasanibel.com
Island Reporter
WEEK OF JANUARY 3, 2024
Captiva library, county system offer programs The Captiva Memorial Library will host an Open House on Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will offer year-round and seasonal residents the opportunity to meet the staff, tour the library, and hear about services and programs provided by the library. Refreshments will be provided. Part of the Lee County Library System, it is also offering the following free programs:
Make your own Apple Core Magnet, complete with a bookworm for your little reader.
Children programs ∫ Jan. 8-10: Apple Core Magnet Craft (daily during operating hours)
The library is open on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. For more information about a program or to register, call 239-533-4890. In addition, the library system is offering the following free virtual programming:
Adult programs ∫ Jan. 9: Online New Frontiers in Genealogy at 10 a.m. Artificial Intelligence (AI), NonFungible Tokens (NFTs) and the Metaverse. You may have heard these terms on the news, but what do they have to do with genealogy? The session will demonstrate how these emerging techSee LIBRARY, page 7
CAPTIVA CIVIC ASSOCIATION
CCA to hold third Porch & Patio Social By STAFF REPORT
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
SANIBEL CAPTIVA BEACH RESORTS
Kayley Bishop will perform on Jan. 12-13 at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva.
'Tween Waters to host two performances by Bishop Kayley Bishop will return to Southwest Florida on Jan. 1213 for “From Nashville to Splashville,” an exclusive two nights of live concerts planned at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva. Born in east Tennessee and raised in Fort Myers, she moved to Nashville in 2013. Bishop has written hundreds of songs in the last 10 years, with a national breakthrough coming in 2018 when she was a finalist on NBC's “The Voice.” Her music has been described as “genre defying,” combining old and new with bluegrass, country, soul and rock. Currently, Bishop is recording a project with Grammy-nominated producer Eric Torres.
Acoustic Garden Party The Acoustic Garden Party will be held on Jan. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. The intimate and up-close evening with Bishop and her bandmates will take place under the stars, outdoors at the Garden Terrace at the Old Captiva House at 'Tween Waters. See PERFORMANCES, page 7
Reservations are open for the Captiva Civic Association's next “Porch & Patio” series event. The Porch & Patio Social will take place on Jan. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. outdoors on the porch and patio at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. Free and open to the public, the casual cocktail party will feature live music, bar refreshments and appetizers, along with a chance for the community to connect. The Pfeifer Realty Group is the sponsor for this season's series. While the event is free, RSVPs are requested in advance. To RSVP, visit https://ccacaptiva.org/ or the Captiva Civic Association on Eventbrite. For more information, visit the CCA website or contact 239-472-2111 or info@ccacaptiva.org. The rest of the series events will be held on March 11 and April 4. The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
Captiva Public Meetings The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Jan. 8: Captiva Erosion Prevention District meeting at 1 p.m. via Zoom. For more information or the agenda, visit mycepd.com. ∫ Jan. 9: Captiva Community Panel meeting at 9 a.m. via Zoom. For more information or the agenda, visit captivacommunitypanel.com.
nologies will shape a new frontier in family history, including how we research our ancestors and share their stories. Advance
registration required before Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. Download books, stream video and
online content at other www.leelibrary.net. The Captiva Memorial Library is at
11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
'Spashville' Beachfront Live
door. To book a stay at the resort, visit www.Tween-Waters.com or contact (800) 223-5865. The 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa is at 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva.
Performances From page 6 Attendees will hear stories about her songs and the passions and heartaches that inspired them. Seated admission is $25 per person, plus a minimum $25 food and beverage purchase. Standing room only admission will be based on availability, also with a minimum $25 food and beverage pur-
chase. It is a limited availability event. Ticket sales and dinner reservations must be made no later than Jan. 10. To make a reservation, contact Elizabeth@Tween-Waters.com or (239) 472-5161, Ext. 403.
'Spashville' Beachfront Live will take place on Jan. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. With Captiva's sunset as the backdrop, Bishop and her bandmates will hit the stage and perform live for those in attendance. Tickets are $25 in advance at www.bit.ly/KayleyBishop or $30 at the
Letters those 13 words, South Seas would be limited to the pre-Ian 247-unit count in its rebuild, and the same height restrictions as everyone else on Captiva. Those words are a glaring example of what is sometimes referred to as “special law.” In the United States, we’ve become accustomed to the converse of special law, or “general law,” that is, law that is written to apply uniformly to all of us. We expect that all laws, which are really the rules by which we play the great game of life in our society, will apply equally to everyone, without favoritism. When that favoritism occurs, we object, as we rightly should. No persons should be above the law, or have “special law” that favors only them. The universality of general law is a modern phenomenon. Through most of the centuries of our legal history, special law was the unfortunate norm. Monarchs, lords and parliaments routinely handed down edicts or enacted laws that were intended to favor (or disfavor) only one or more particular persons. These days many of us wouldn’t even dignify such special treatment or mistreatment with the name of law; to us it is edict, or rule by fiat. Special law didn’t die out with the birth of the United States, but it was becoming more and more suspect. The Civil War broke the dam, because the cruel mistreatment of slaves and freedmen produced so many horrendous examples of special law. In the war’s aftermath, the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause was intended to pound a stake into the heart of special law, wherever it might rise from the grave in American life. The clause is also intended to defend us against the selective, unequal application or enforcement of general law. That can be more difficult to prove than examples of special law, where the unequal protection is written into the language of the law itself. So: Are the 13 words special law? Do they give South Seas a competitive business advantage over all other Captiva property owners, especially other resorts, hotels, motels, condos
and other rental properties, because South Seas can now build denser and taller than anyone else? This stunning new advantage does not appear to be lost on South Seas. A local news article on Dec. 14 reported after interviewing Spencer that an “overarching goal” of his expansive rebuild plans was to “gain a competitive edge.” And the expansiveness of those plans — the competitive edge — depends squarely on the 13 words of special law the county added for South Seas, and South Seas alone. This issue can go in many different directions. State administrative review may reject or modify the code amendments South Seas is relying upon. The state Legislature may schedule a local referendum to approve a Captiva conservation area that would retain the existing height and density limits for everyone. Or it may end up in court, state and/or federal. Opponents may argue that the county’s changes violate their own statutes, or the state Community Planning Act, or environmental law. If the argument is made that the 13 words violate the Equal Protection Clause, the deciding issue will be whether the county’s exemptions for South Seas further a legitimate government purpose. By all appearances they do precisely the opposite, in fact vitiating a variety of important government purposes. It is an important government purpose to safeguard a fair, even playing field for competing businesses, not to grant the already dominant resort on Captiva a discriminatory advantage over all others, by uniquely exempting it from long-standing height and density limits. It is an important government purpose to ensure public safety, and protect the environment, against reckless overdevelopment. And above all, when public authority puts its thumb on the scale for a private interest through special law, it is an important government purpose for the courts to affirm that we are a nation of laws — not a nation of edicts. Don Bacon Montara, California
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number of extra hotel rooms, over and above the number that existed prior to Ian. The $49 million per year does not include gross revenue from the number of pre-Ian hotel units. Using the same math, those units add about another $15 million per year (107 rooms by 300 nights/year by $500/night). Each year, the combined $64 million dollars in gross annual hotel room revenue would dwarf the $50 million paid for the entire resort in 2021. Someone new to this twisted tale would surely ask: How is this even possible? How is it possible for a resort to get damaged in a hurricane, then be permitted to apply to rebuild four times as many hotel rooms, and even build 272 luxury condos, when before Ian it had none? Tough question to answer, huh? Actually, it’s quite easy. The reason South Seas can apply for a colossal enlarging of the resort is because Lee County made changes to its Land Development Code solely to accommodate South Seas. In fact, the deed was accomplished in a mere 13 words, two brief phrases of legal code that if allowed to stand will permit South Seas to sell over a half-billion dollars in new condos, and achieve more gross hotel room revenue every year than was recently paid for the entire resort. The county has had long-standing height and density limitations on buildings on Captiva, limits that have applied uniformly to all properties. What the 13 words did was specifically and exclusively exempt South Seas from limitations that apply to everyone else. Here they are: ∫ In specifying height limitations for all Captiva properties, the exemption phrase is “except South Seas Island Resort” (Sec. 34-2175(a)(2) Height Limitation, Special Areas, Captiva). ∫ In specifying density limitations for all Captiva properties, the exemption phrase is “With the exception of South Seas Island Resort” (Sec. 341805 Density Limitation for Captiva Island). Without the exemptions captured in
breezenewspapers.com
From page 4 mean about that many employees, if not more; in the absence of any public transit, even with resort vans and ride shares, employees would need plenty of parking spaces. Next, let’s try to estimate how much South Seas’ expansion plans could be worth. There are a number of revenue streams, but we’ll focus on the two largest: condo sales, and extra operating revenue from having 328 more hotel rooms than existed pre-Ian. Whatever happens at South Seas, nothing will be ready to sell or rent for years, so we’ll use present-day conservatively realistic values. Based on Timbers’ Kiawah condos, we guessed previously that condo sizes would be on average at least three bedrooms. Three-bedroom condos at South Seas, such as at Land’s End, can be worth well north of $2 million. If we assume that all 272 of the new waterfront condos went for a cut-rate price of $2 million, gross sales would be $544 million. Of course the real number would probably be higher: the South Seas Ownership Group wouldn’t be handing out bargains, and it might chop many of the condos into partial ownerships (i.e. timeshares as they did at Kiawah) to maximize total sales revenue per unit. Extra operating revenue from having 328 more South Seas hotel rooms than were purchased in 2021 can be estimated from current rack rates for other Timbers resorts. The company occupies an ultra-luxury niche in the hotel industry, with each property possessing unique characteristics. In order to arrive at an average rack rate, we’ll need to throw them all in a blender, and then knock the cream off the top to arrive at a conservative estimate of $500 per night per room. To calculate the annual revenue from the extra hotel rooms, we will again very conservatively assume that the rooms only rent 10 months of the year, or 300 nights. Multiplying 328 extra rooms by 300 nights/year by $500/night equals $49,200,000 per year in estimated gross revenue for the
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Library From page 6
Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ■ Page 8
BUSINESS
F.I.S.H. welcomes new board members
REFUGE/DDWS
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The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's restrooms will inspire new SanCap Chamber facilities design.
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Refuge to design Learning Lavatories for chamber visitor center As one of the first stops visitors to Sanibel and Captiva often make, the SanCap Chamber restrooms will become something of a billboard for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge — modeled after the refuge's popular and award-winning Learning Lavatories. Funded by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge, with support from the Lee County Tourist Development Council, the artistic redesign is expected to debut in February. “When 'nature calls,' visitors will find themselves surrounded by scenes from 'Ding' Darling in the restrooms at the back of the chamber visitor center,” DDWS Events, Marketing and Communication Manager April Boehnen, who is working with chamber staff on the project, said. “In 2018, the refuge won the America’s Best Restroom award for its nature-inspired artistic restrooms, and we are using them as a springboard for introducing visitors to the islands and refuge during their 'pit stop' at the chamber.” The design will start with the door and wall just beyond the glass door to the restroom area and continue into each restroom, running along the bank of floor-to-ceiling cupboards that are inside the entry and then inside and out of all the stalls and around the fixtures. “We have a captive audience for a few minutes to make use of,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said when she announced the new project at a recent chamber business luncheon. “It's a good way to give visitors an introduction while giving the chamber a conversation-piece facility.” “We are so excited about this fun and informative upgrade to the visitor center restrooms,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “We applaud 'Ding' Darling for its always innovative and creative ways to turn visitors on to all the refuge has to offer. It really is a gem when it comes to island attractions, and visitors are always interested in learning more. This is a win-win.” The chamber's Francis P. Bailey Jr. Visitor Center is at 1159 Causeway Road, Sanibel.
F.I.S.H. of SanibelCaptiva recently announced John Morse as chair and Susan Ryckman as vice chair of the board of directors for 2024, as well as welcomed new Directors Bill Hayles and Leah Winkler and returning Director Sheridan Snell. “Jim (Metzler) and Ellen (Sloan) have been outstanding F.I.S.H. officers, and I am grateful for the leadership and direction John Morse they have provided to our organization. We’re thankful for their support and continued service,” President and Chief Executive Officer Maggi Feiner said. “We are also looking forward to working with John Morse as chair and Susan Ryckman as vice chair as they lead the F.I.S.H. organization through our recovery journey. They both bring a wide range of business and professional expertise, as well as in-depth knowledge of our community, to our organization.” Morse is currently serving on the board and is past board chair of the F.I.S.H. Foundation. He was originally appointed to the board in 2011 and served until 2021. Morse was board chair for 2013 and 2014, and was elected board emeritus in 2022. A retired corporate attorney, he serves as general counsel for F.I.S.H. Morse also serves on the boards of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. Ryckman joined Lee Health in 2012 and served as the vice present of Operations and chief nurse executive for the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida until retiring in 2020. A Chicago area native, she is a pediatric nurse practitioner who held clinical and leadership roles since completing her undergraduate work at Northern Illinois University. Ryckman has a Master of Science in nursing from the University of Cincinnati. She also serves on the Ronald McDonald House Charities board as president and on the local March of Dimes board, as well as supports other organizations focused on the care and nurture of children and families. Hayles has leadership and operation management skills, having worked in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and went on to complete an Advanced Management Program for the Hospitality Industry at the University of Guelph (Ontario). Throughout his career, Hayles was recognized for excellent customer service, developing teams with high employee engagement and service ratings, and receiving numerous service awards, including the ITT Ring of Quality Award. Winkler holds master's degree in occupational therapy
Susan Ryckman
Bill Hayles
Leah Winkler Sheridan Snell from Towson University and held a career in the field of therapy. In 2021, she began volunteering at the F.I.S.H. food pantry. Winkler also co-chaired the 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K and F.I.S.H. Sound+Waves Music Festival last year. Her professional career included the position of vice president of Operations at Genesis Health Ventures. Snell was elected to the board for her first term from 2016-18 and a second term from 2019-2021. She was elected board emeritus in 2023 and is a member of the F.I.S.H. Donor Development and Building Committees. Snell is involved with raising donor awareness to the operational needs of F.I.S.H., as well as other essentials F.I.S.H. has in order to meet client needs. “Their life experiences and passion for our neighbors helping neighbors organization will enhance our mission as we continue to assist Hurricane Ian survivors and those in need,” Feiner said of working with the new and returning directors. Additional board officers include: Jim, past board chair; Feiner; Greg Blurton, treasurer; and Nicole McHale, secretary. Additional directors include Jim Brady, Melissa Congress, Jane Majeski, Lisa Ann Miller, Kathy Samson and Sloan.
Progressive Club to host learning program The Progressive Club of the Islands will present its next Intergenerational Learning Center program on Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sanibel Public
Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. It will be a continuation of Sign Language, presented by Margo Long. The program is geared to all ages. For more infor-
mation or to register, contact Annette.Pacyga@gmail.com. For more information about the club, visit https://pcislands.org.
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Representatives from local legal, tax ually with the speakers to ask quesaccounting and financial advisory firms will tions. team up with the “Ding” Darling Wildlife “We see this free 'class' as providSociety-Friends of the Refuge for a free Estate ing a valuable public service and Planning 101 panel presentation on Jan. 30 giving attendees insights, guidance from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the J.N. “Ding” Darling and tools to help them plan their National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor & Education estate or develop questions for their Center on Sanibel. own advisors and family members,” Doors will open at 8:30 a.m., with a free DDWS Executive Director Anncontinental breakfast provided by the DDWS. Marie Wildman said. “It provides a The speakers will include: wills, trusts and means to take that first step for those estate planning attorney Janet Strickland; who haven't already done so and may Trevor Swartz and Jack Thomas, managing feel overwhelmed with the process. directors and partners at HighTower Attendance is free and open to the Advisors/Thomas and Swartz Wealth public, but limited on a first-come Janet Strickland Trevor Swartz Jack Thomas Management; and a certified public account, basis. how to get started with the process. who will be announced at a later date. They will present For more information, contact the DDWS at (239) Afterward, attendees will have time to meet individinformation about the importance of estate planning and 789-8991.
The SanCap Chamber has a list available of businesses back in operation after Hurricane Ian on Wander: Maps & Navigation. The GPS-enabled interactive map also pinpoints beach accesses that have opened, bike parking areas and the user's relative location. Points of interest can be filtered by seven categories. Users can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play. They can also access the map online at tinyurl.com/sancapwandermap.
captivasanibel.com
Interactive guide to open island businesses
Page 9 ■ Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024
DDWS to host free estate planning seminar
SANCAP CHAMBER
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Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ■ Page 10
Mayor thanks causeway construction crews The city of Sanibel reported that on Dec. 22, the Sanibel Causeway construction crews accomplished the task of completing the roadway to allow for smoother travel to and from the island. The achievement comes less than 15 months after Hurricane Ian destroyed sec-
tions of the causeway. Mayor Richard Johnson thanked the crew as it wrapped up things for holiday weekend and celebrated its accomplishment with an employee barbecue. “I'm here this morning to say a huge, huge thank you. I want you to know that as a community we recog-
nize the help that we're getting from the outside. I drove across the bridge … and what a beautiful ride. It is you and workers that came before you that are responsible for what we have today,” he said.
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, is expanding its focus to serve a broader group of children and teens in Southwest Florida. The nonprofit will now be known as A.N.A.’s Friends. The acronym represents the three groups of youth that the organization supports — Abused, Neglected and Abandoned children and teens. A.N.A.’s Friends will continue providing programs that support youth in the
child welfare system, including those living in foster homes and temporary shelters, as well as other vulnerable children whose lives can be positively impacted by providing emotional support, financial resources and educational services. “Our name is changing, but our organization remains dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of abused, neglected and abandoned children in Southwest Florida, just as we have for
nearly 40 years,” A.N.A.’s Friends Executive Director Jessica Stanfield said in a prepared statement. “We want to empower children to heal, grow and thrive despite the challenges they have faced in their lives, and expanding our focus will magnify our impact across the region.” A.N.A.’s Friends will continue offering the Children’s Needs Program, which allows advocates to request funds for expenses that foster parents and care-
givers are unable to afford and other agencies do not provide, including birthday parties, tutoring, summer camp programs, movie tickets and registration fees for clubs and sports. It also offers a Comfort Closet to assist with emergency needs, including stuffed animals, beds, bedding, clothing and car seats. Additionally, it is maintaining Hoagland’s Happy Stories Collection, a literacy outreach program See FOUNDATION, page 18
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Guardian ad Litem Foundation expands focus, rebrands
Page 11 ■ Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024
CITY OF SANIBEL
Island Reporter
Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ■ Page 12 Island Reporter
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PRESERVING PARADISE
CALUSA WATERKEEPER
Monthly water sample results The Calusa Waterkeeper recently released its monthly water sample results for fecal indicator bacteria on Dec. 17. For more information, including historical data, visit https://calusawaterkeeper.org/.
Refuge provides highlights of monthly biology activities Volunteers spots still available for Live Mollusk Count The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club are partnering for a Live Mollusk Count on the morning of Jan. 13 on the beaches of Sanibel. The club reported that there are still openings for participants who would like to take part. In groups of two or more, volunteers will count and identify live mollusks that they encounter. The event will last for two hours between 6:45 and 10 a.m., See VOLUNTEERS, page 13
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge biological science technician Avery Renshaw recently reported on the Sanibel refuge's following biology activities for the month of December. Staff are used to visitors confusing the beloved roseate spoonbill for an American flamingo. Many are sorely disappointed when they learn it is rare to see a flamingo at the refuge. The vast majority of American flamingo sightings in Florida are in the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and Keys. However, for multiple days, flamingos were recently spotted on a mangrove island in the Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge — part of the refuge complex. Adventures in Paradise spotted 13 individuals on one occasion. Most of the individuals were juveniles, suggesting they potentially could be here to stay. While American flamingos are native to Florida, they
mostly vanished from the state after being hunted to near extinction locally in the 1800s. However, evidence has emerged that some level of breeding population remained established in Florida. Rare flamingo sightings have been occurring in many surprising parts of the country since Hurricane Idalia blew through in August, pushing some flamingos north with the winds or the storm's eye. The flamingos sighted on the refuge may have been a part of that. Now, thanks to successful conservation efforts in the Caribbean and restored and protected habitat in Florida, flamingo populations may be recovering in Florida. While it is still rare to observe an American flamingo at the refuge, perhaps that will change as their populations recover and expand.
Page 13 ■ Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter REFUGE/DDWS
As part of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's free Winter Programs, explore nature at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Fridays at 4 p.m.
DDWS reports on refuge programming and more The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge provided the following updates for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel: ∫ The refuge will offer Free Winter Programs daily from Jan. 8 through March 30 for groups of 20 people or less, to include Beach Walks, Wildlife Drive Caravans, Medicinal Plants of the Refuge and Lakes Park Nature
Explorations. ∫ The Winter Lecture Series will return from Jan. 18 through March 21. ∫ The Go Wild for “Ding” — Into the Night fundraiser is slated for Feb. 7. ∫ The refuge will host a unique Solar Eclipse Viewing on April 8.
∫ The “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival will be held on April 20 at Lakes Park in Fort Myers. ∫ The 12th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament will take place on May 10. ∫ Photographer-artist Niki Butcher “Daydreaming” exhibition kickoff has been postponed until the late fall.
Volunteers From page 12 depending on the section of the beach chosen. For the purposes of the count, volunteers count all of the shells that have a mollusk inside as “live.” After the count, participants will
meet at the museum for a coffee and pastries social function. The club noted that volunteers can keep any empty shells found for their own collection.
To sign up, email jfalker@shellmuseum.org with “Live Mollusk Count” in the subject line; include your name, email address and phone number, along with whether you possess an “A” or “B”
Sanibel parking sticker or no sticker. Parking stickers will not be required to participate.
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Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ■ Page 14 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter
Island lIvIng
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SPD releases Sanibel library offers range weekly blotter of programs and topics As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure. To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity.
Other enforcement actions ∫ On Dec. 19, officers responded to the call of an alligator stuck in a culvert. Officers removed the storm drain cover and freed the approximately 5-foot alligator, which was then safely relocated to another area on the island.
Enforcement operations statistics From Dec. 19-25: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 7 ∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 1 ∫ Traffic crashes: 0 ∫ Radar details: 27 ∫ Traffic stops: 45 — Citations issued: 11 — Written warnings issued: 2 — Verbal warnings issued: 32 ∫ Residential area checks: 595 ∫ Business area checks: 150 ∫ Total area checks: 1,060 ∫ Reported burglaries: 0 ∫ Reported thefts: 1 ∫ Total CAD calls: 1,285 December 2023 to date: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 22 ∫ Non-emergency calls: 24 ∫ Traffic crashes: 4 ∫ Radar details: 137 ∫ Traffic stops: 176 — Citations issued: 65 — Written warnings issued: 21 — Verbal warnings issued: 97 ∫ Residential area checks: 1,825 ∫ Business area checks: 614 ∫ Total area checks: 3,539 ∫ Reported burglaries: 1 ∫ Reported thefts: 5 ∫ Total CAD calls: 4,452
With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the Sanibel Public Library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders. The next one will take place on Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. with New York Times bestseller Rebecca Serle, author of “One Italian Summer,” “In Five Years” and “The Dinner List.” She will talk about her novels, including her new one due out in March, “Expiration Dates.” Serle is also the New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels “The Edge of Falling” and “When You Were Mine.” She developed the TV adaptation “Famous in Love,” based on her YA series of the same See LIBRARY, page 15
SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Jan. 10 with Rebecca Serle.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Important reminders The city of Sanibel's 2021 and 2022 Hurricane Re-entry Passes are still valid. If you have one, you do not need to re-apply for a new pass. Updated information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp: ∫ The boat ramp is open to permit holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays. ∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee. ∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited. ∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250. Roadside parking on Sanibel is not allowed except in the case of special events requiring a permit. It is enforced and can result in a $150 fine. Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel. Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411.
Reporting suspicious activity Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411: ∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to See BLOTTER, page 15
Basil Rudawsky, third from left, and his family at the unveiling of the Little Free Library on Sanibel.
Islanders unveil free community library The Rudawsky family celebrated the unveiling of the fourth, Little Free Library on the islands with a ribbon-cutting on Dec. 23 at 1350
Middle Gulf Drive, Unit 1F, Sanibel. Sanibel resident Basil Rudawsky reported that he become aware of Little Libraries a few years ago and
immediately wanted one. Knowing it was his wish, his family gifted him one earlier this year for his 60th birthday.
American Legion American Legion Post 123 reported that the Tiki Hut will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It serves burgers, hotdogs and specials. There are TVs
available for sports. The Post is open to the public. Membership applications are also available. For more information, call 239-579-0130 or visit American Legion Post 123
Sanibel Florida on Facebook. Post 123 is at 4929 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
Sanibel Public Meetings The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Jan. 9: Sanibel Planning Commission meeting at 9 a.m. at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road,
Sanibel, and via Facebook Live. For more information or the agenda, visit www.mysanibel.com. ∫ Jan. 10: Sanibel Fire and Rescue District meeting at 9 a.m. at
Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel. For more information or the agenda, visit www.sanibelfire.com.
Page 15 ■ Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 captivasanibel.com
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will host a Weeds 'n' Seeds plant walk on Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Sanibel Gardens Preserve on Island Inn Road on Sanibel. It will last about two hours. No reservations or fees are required. Meet at the trailhead. For more information, visit https://sccf.org/.
Library From page 15 name. Serle is a graduate of USC and The New School. A question-and-answer session with the author will follow. To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/upcoming. For help setting up or logging into webinars, contact notices@sanlib.org or 239-472-2483. Additionally, the library has scheduled upcoming programs. Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held on Jan. 5 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with Megan Willis. Literacy is a family bonding experience with stories read aloud, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, develop motor skills and increase creativity. The program will include an art/craft center. On Jan. 9, a Book Club Discussion will
take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Attendees will discuss “Band of Sisters” by Lauren Willig. Library staffer Arianna McDaniel will lead the discussion. Youth programs are designed for children and accompanying adults. For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://sanlib.org/. Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee. The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 239-4722483 or visit https://sanlib.org/. The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
Blotter From page 14 847411. ∫ Web tips can be submitted at https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_g roup_id=22450. ∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for
your Android or iOS device. The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111. Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanibelPolice.
Island Reporter
Weeds 'n' Seeds plant walk planned
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Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ■ Page 16
SPORTS
SAN CAP MOTOR CLUB
San Cap Motor Club to hold monthly event
Island Reporter
The San Cap Motor Club will host its first Cruise-in of the new year on Jan. 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Periwinkle Place Shops, at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The event is open to the public; no pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Scot Congress 239-472-4177 or scot@scongress.com.
San-Cap Audubon resumes bird walks The Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society is resuming its Saturday birds walks. The first event will take place on Jan. 6 at 8 a.m. at Wildlife Drive at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. The walk will be a car caravan tour; meet in the overflow parking lot on the left side upon entering the refuge. For more information, visit h t t p s : / / s a n capaudubon.org/.
Keep Sanibel beautiful... Please recycle!
Rec center provides update on activities, events The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on the following upcoming programming. A Fun Day will take place on Jan. 8 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will offer a variety of fun craft activities, games and swim time. Enrollment is open for kindergartners through eighth-graders. Each child will need to bring a lunch, water, swimsuit, goggles, towel and sunscreen. Cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. The center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available. For more information, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/government/recreation2. The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
CITY OF SANIBEL
America’s Boating Club to offer boating course The America's Boating Club of SanibelCaptiva will present the U.S. Power Squadron's “America's Boating Course” in two sessions — Jan. 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Feb. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — at the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. The course covers basic boat operation and safety, with an emphasis on boating the waters around Sanibel and Captiva. Among the topics covered are federal and state required safety equipment, basic boat handling underway, docking and anchoring, aids to navigation, right of way rules, traditional and GPS navigation, VHF radio operation and handling emer-
gency situations. Also, the characteristics of the local boating area and important destinations, channels and waterways are reviewed. The course is designed for those new to boating or the area, as well as experienced boaters who would like to strengthen their skills. Senior, highly experienced instructors present the material through lectures, demonstrations, discussions and navigation charts of the local waterways. Completion of the course and passing an exam qualifies participants to receive the state Boating Safety Education ID card. The registration fee is $65 and includes a
copy of the “America's Boating Course” text. Registration is required no later than Jan. 20. Class size is limited, so early registration is advised. Participants will pay the registration fee and obtain their copy of the text at the first session on Jan. 25 To register, visit www.sancapboating.club, click on the “Education” tab at the top of the page and complete the registration form for the “America's Boating Course” scheduled for Jan. 25. For more information, contact lead instructor Bob Orr at 239-579-0139 or robert.orr1663@comcast.net.
Sanibel FlyFishers to gather for monthly meeting The Sanibel FlyFishers will hold its monthly meeting on Jan. 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Point Ybel Brewing Company, at 16120 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers. The guest speak-
er will be Capt. Justin Nguyen, an Everglades guide specializing in peacock bass fishing. Afterward, member Pete Squibb will share what he keeps in his beach fishing pack and
what stripping techniques he uses for various species and conditions. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, visit https://www.sanibelff.org/.
The event will kick off on Jan. 18 with a free guided biking tour led by Westland starting at 7:30 a.m. Participants must bring their own bikes and pre-register via Eventbrite. Later that day, University of Florida's Soil and Water Sciences Department professor, founder of UF's Mindfulness Program and keynote speaker Dr. Sabine Grunwald will present “Unplug to Reconnect: How Less Time on Screens Makes You a Happier Person.” Lectures will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are limited on a first-come basis. On Jan. 19, when Wildlife Drive and the refuge's Visitor & Education Center are closed for weekly maintenance, the wellness team has scheduled a photography workshop at the Bailey Tract and Energy Medicine Walks at Lakes Park
and FGCU’s Food Forest. On Jan. 20-21, Wellness in Nature will reach it peaks with a Wellness in Nature Fest, including open-air yoga, live music, creation stations, ranger-led archery, a birding tram tour and a refuge estuary clean-up (bring your own paddlecraft or join by foot).
Schedule of activities JAN. 18 ∫ 7:30 to 9 a.m.: Bike the Refuge with Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland; sign up via Eventbrite ∫ 10 to 11 a.m.: Keynote lecturer Sabine Grunwald, University of Florida's Soil and Water Sciences Department professor and founder of UF's Mindfulness Program, on “Unplug to Reconnect: How
Less Time on Screens Makes You a Happier Person” ∫ 1 to 2 p.m.: Grunwald on “Unplug to Reconnect: How Less Time on Screens Makes You a Happier Person” ∫ 2:30 to 4 p.m.: Tote Bag Painting at The Roost; sign up via Eventbrite JAN. 19 ∫ 8:30 to 10 a.m.: Energy Medicine Walk at Lakes Park in Fort Myers; sign up via Eventbrite ∫ 9 to 10 a.m.: Nature Photography Workshop at Bailey Tract; sign up via Eventbrite ∫ 5 to 6:30 p.m. Energy Medicine Walk at Florida Gulf Coast University's Food Forest in Fort Myers; sign up via Eventbrite JAN. 20 ∫ 9 to 10 a.m.: Movement and
Meditation at The Roost; sign up via Eventbrite ∫ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Creation stations, archery and live acoustic jazz ∫ 10 to 11 a.m. Grounding in Nature 101; sign up via Eventbrite ∫ 11 a.m. to noon: Nature Journaling; sign up via Eventbrite JAN. 21 ∫ 9 a.m.: Peace of Birding Tram Tour ∫ 9 a.m. to noon: Wellness for Nature Paddle Clean-up (refuge estuary clean-up) ∫ 10 to 11 a.m.: Yoga at The Roost To register for activities, visit DingDarling.Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit dingwellness.com or call 239-472-1100, Ext. 221.
tation of Hurricane Ian, our educational community bravely came together and continued to put our students first, which made this progress possible. Together, we will continue to support our educators and students as they strive for academic excellence.” With Florida being the first in the nation that transitioned to progress monitoring from traditional high stakes testing, grades for the 2022-23 school year serves as the baseline, therefore not carrying any negative consequences. The new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards were adopted by the State Board of Education after dozens of workgroup meetings were held in a year’s time with educators and stakeholders. The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), progress monitoring provides real-time,
immediate and actionable data at the beginning, middle and end of the school year for teachers, students and parents, was developed. Board Member Debbie Jordan said principals and schools are working very hard to get their grades to where they need to be for a better outcome with students. “It’s a very positive,” she said of the scores. “Coming out of COVID to hurricanes just really shows the dedication of all — teachers, administration, students and even families. It’s everybody.” Jordan said it has been really hard on teachers with everything new coming down the pike with laws. “The concentration of the outcome of children is prevalent. We need to celebrate those gains and wins. I am extremely excited for them,” Jordan said.
sorts of topics. “We went to school board meetings. We believe in parents’ rights. What we don’t want is parents saying, ‘It’s not good for my child, not good for your child either.’ We support individual rights to make decisions for their own kids,” Stewart said. Ray Clasen, another leader of The Purple Group, said he had written several letters to the editor and tried to get involved in his own little way before finding out about the group. He is trying to be as active as he can, as he was not in favor of the school district’s media access form. “I think we are fortunate in Lee County. We haven’t gone as extreme as other counties have done; they have banned many more books than Lee County,” he said. “Our number is relatively small. Book banning is something that doesn’t happen in a free democratic secular society. We need to make people understand that there is a movement. There is a movement in this country that wants to undermine public education just like we have undermined some of our other foundational institutions. We are sliding towards something other than democracy in this country and I think to most of us that is not acceptable. The minority that wants to get rid of democracy in this country is very loud and very well-funded.” Clasen said they have to find ways to
educate the public about what is taking place. “I taught for 35 years. Parents went to the teacher to try to resolve the problem. Now parents seem to go straight to the school board with any issue that concerns them,” he said. “A lot of power seems to be in the hands of very few people in respect to what children get to read. It’s not so bad in Lee County, but across the state this is a very concerning situation.” Porter said she has served on a couple of the school ad hoc committees that have reviewed the book challenge form. The form for the district is probably one of the better ones out there, she said. “There is a new law coming out in January — a statewide form for media access for all the schools,” Porter said, adding that they want a list of all the books challenged in the state in the school districts. She said there is one problem with the current state law book challenge — the person submitting the challenge does not have had to read the book. “These parents that are challenging the books are making the decision for all the parents. They are taking away parents’ rights,” Porter said. “If you don’t like the stuff, don’t let your kids read it. Let the parents make the choice, or the student make the choice. Don’t take the choice away from them.”
Page 17 ■ Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Refuge From page 1
Schools From page 1
The Purple Group From page 1 The Purple Group will share information on Jan. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Collaboratory, at 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers. They will also be featured on Jan. 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bonita Springs Public Library, at 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. The public is welcome to attend both events. The group continues to educate themselves on what is taking place in and outside of school, so they can further inform the community. “We are not afraid to speak out. Some of us are retired. We feel this is the right thing to do. We can’t just stand by and let people who really are trying to undermine the foundations of our democracy in so many institutions. We are positive. Our focus is — we want to educate people on how important public schools are in America,” Stewart said. “We want to support public schools because we think they are the foundation of the American democracy. If we don’t have educated citizens, we can’t have a democracy. We need to have kids make rational decisions based on true information and not just emotions and fear.” Paula Porter is another leader of The Purple Group and is the social media guru, relaying information through The Purple Group of Lee County's Facebook and YouTube pages. “We’ve met individually with each
of the school board members to promote our agenda a little bit and let people realize we are not radicals trying to change the world. We are trying to support students, teachers, and parents’ rights as well,” she said. Some of their areas of focus thus far include ensuring school district staff that they are valued professionals, as well as providing information about book bans. “These groups are doing it across the board for all of our institutions saying, 'You can’t trust these people anymore,' and we know that is wrong,” she said. “It sends the wrong message to the community. It sends the wrong message to teachers and other professions.” The Purple Group has met with the educators to ensure they know their professionalism is valued. When books began being challenged across Florida, the group took this area as another focus. “We know the schools have to follow the laws, but the law is very vague and now getting more specific. The last two years, they have just been going crazy. They put in hurdles. Students cannot have free access to books or any other educational materials in the library,” Stewart said. She said Lee County has a wide range of multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities that are from all walks of life who need information about all
Island Reporter
earned a B for the 2022-23 school grades report. According to the district, they had an increase in its overall score by six points in the 2022-23 school grades report. Under the new standards, the district maintains its B grade for the ninth consecutive year, but according to Bernier the district is on the path of becoming an A district. District staff and schools will use the baseline grades from the FAST assessment to make changes in their instructional. “I echo the statements of Superintendent Bernier in expressing my deepest gratitude to our hardworking teachers, staff, administrators, students and everyone else involved in achieving these positive results,” school board Chair Sam Fisher said. “Coming off the devas-
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grades they earned.” The A schools consisted of 12 elementary, three middle, two high schools and one K-8, including The Sanibel School for another consecutive year. The new additions to the A list included Gulf Elementary School, Edison Park Elementary School and Trafalgar Elementary School. Three Oaks Middle School also joined the highest-ranking schools. There were also 10 schools that improved their school grade by one letter from the previous year. According to the district, the most notable included G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School, Manatee Elementary School and Fort Myers Middle Academy as they improved to a C grade, which will release them from state supervision. There were also 19 district schools that
Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ■ Page 18
Substance use disorders are on rise, while fewer are seeking treatment By KRISTIN BRYAN The use of addictive substances has been on the rise in recent years. This increase has been linked to a number of factors, including the availability of drugs, the normalization of substance use in popular culture and the rise in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. As a result, substance use disorders (SUD) impact many that we know and love. Yet, a recent study released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that 94% of patients with a substance use disorder don’t get treatment.
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What is substance use disorder? Substance use disorder occurs when a person’s brain and behaviors limit their ability to control their use of legal or illegal substances. People with SUD may have issues with alcohol, recreational, “street” or synthetic drugs and even prescribed medications. With the rise of substance use, the prevalence of SUDs has been steadily increasing as well. It is estimated that one
Guest Commentary in seven people suffer from a substance use disorder, occurring when an individual has difficulty controlling their use of substances, such as alcohol, drugs or both. Often a SUD is accompanied by other co-occurrences of mental health stressors, conditions or disorders. In fact, one in four people with a SUD also have a diagnosis of a serious mental illness. In many instances, their substance use is a contributing factor to a mental health issue.
Impacts of SUDs Substance use disorders can adversely affect a person’s health, relationships and work, leading to risky behaviors that can have serious consequences. However, we know how to treat substance use disorder and there is hope for those who suffer from it. A variety of treatment options are available, and research has shown that integrating mental health treatment along with substance use disorder treatment can have a positive impact on recovery. Treatment options may include: ∫ Medication-assisted treatment:
Island Reporter
Local students encouraged to enter annual shell show The 2024 Sanibel Shell Show will take place on March 8-9 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort in Fort Myers, and local students are encouraged to enter both the Artistic and Scientific Divisions. There are different categories within each division and opportunities for students to display their creativity. The specific guidelines for entering can be found
at http://sanibelshellclub.com. Entries should be postmarked no later than Feb. 1. For more information, visit the website. Students can also contact Scientific Chair Kathy Kenley at Dolphin_Gal2000@yahoo.com or Artistic Chair Linda Arnold at lindagravesarnold@gmail.com.
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MAT involves the use of medications prescribed by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to manage any withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for substances. ∫ Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, helps you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors related to substance use. ∫ Psychotherapy: Talk therapy can provide you with support, guidance and a safe space to explore the underlying issues that may have contributed to your substance use. ∫ Group therapy: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where you can share your experiences and receive feedback from others. Our group therapy offerings are helpful for individuals with conditions that co-occur to substance use, like depression and anxiety.
conditions can be part of what’s preventing people from seeking and receiving the treatment they need and deserve. “Substance use” risks defining people by their disease. Instead, we should recognize them as a person with a medical condition. No one wakes up and decides they want to put substances in their body without reason. Substance use disorder is a disease that needs to be properly treated and addressed.
Recovery is possible
If you, or someone you love, is struggling with substance use, local health care professionals can help offer solutions. Seeking treatment can help provide personalized care, support and the tools needed to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but with a strong support system, open discussion and understanding, recovery is possible.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the severity of the disorder and improve an individual’s quality of life. Additional support from family and friends can also play an important role in overcoming a substance use disorder. Yet, the stigma around mental health
Kristin Bryan is an advanced practice registered nurse with Elite DNA Behavioral Health. It is a comprehensive behavioral and mental health service provider. For more information, visit https://elitedna.com/.
SPD, LCSO respond to bomb threat at synagogue The Sanibel Police Department reported that on Dec. 28, it was informed that a bomb threat had been sent by email to a member of the Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The SPD secured the site where Bat Yam holds its services, which is also the location for the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office also deployed assets to search the property. The SPD reported that the threat was deemed not credible after a thorough sweep of the building and surrounding area. “The Sanibel Police Department and
our partner law enforcement agencies take these threats very seriously,” Deputy Chief Anthony Thompson said in a prepared statement at the time. “The threat was deemed a hoax and the scene has been cleared by the Sanibel Police Department.” “I'm thankful for the quick response by the Sanibel Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to secure and clear the church and synagogue grounds,” Mayor Richard Johnson added. “It is unfortunate that this threat against Sanibel’s Jewish community took place, and I am grateful everyone is safe.”
Foundation From page 11 named for longtime advocates Richard and Mary Ellen Hoagland that provides books to local children. A.N.A.’s Friends will partner with other organizations to meet the needs of children in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. It also will become a stronger advocate for issues and policies impacting abused, neglected and abandoned children. “A.N.A.’s Friends will be a collaborative organization that partners with other nonprofits in Southwest Florida to bring together individuals, businesses and institutions to collectively work toward a safer, more nurturing environment for all children in our community,” Board
President Bruce Greenberg said in the statement. “Through these collective efforts, we can provide a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow for children who need us most.” A.N.A.’s Friends celebrated its expanded focus and rebranding at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 5 at its new office, at 11691 Gateway Blvd., Suite 102, Fort Myers. The office contains multipurpose spaces for tutoring sessions, SAT and ACT prep classes, supervised visits, board meetings, art therapy sessions, small community gatherings and more. For more information, visit ANAsfriends.org or call 239-245-7787.
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WEEK OF JANUARY 3, 2024
San-Cap Audubon to host anniversary celebration
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aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday Shell Shocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Island Worship . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Island Beat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 In the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Recipe of the Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Santiva Islanders Calendar . . . . . . . . 24 CROW Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The Community House Calendar . . . . 23 Poetic License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 n Page 20 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander
New Year’s resolutions that are easy to keep Now that we’re into 2024, isn’t it time you reviewed all the New Year’s resolutions you made during your inebriated state on New Year’s Eve? Weren’t some of them a bit too ambitious and truly out of reach? What’s the point of making New Year’s resolutions that you know you’ll never keep? Isn’t it frustrating to constantly make the same goodie-goodie resolutions over and over like this year you won’t eat desserts or insult your mother-in-law? Well, this column’s for you, my friend. Here’s a list of New Art Stevens Year’s resolutions you can plan for 2024 which you absolutely will be able to keep. ∫ Since red wine is considered by health experts a means to a healthy heart, I resolve to consume ten glasses a day until I’m in a healthy stupor. ∫ I will ask every Minnesota Twin during their spring training in Lee County in March why they can’t beat the New York Yankees when it counts. ∫ I resolve to eat blackened pizza. ∫ I will join the Polar Bear Club this year in its annual ritual of manhood and prepare by removing ice cubes from my martini and strategically placing them on various parts of my body. ∫ I’m going to start smoking this year. ∫ I’m going to gain fifty pounds. ∫ This is the year that I’m finally going to embezzle funds from my boss’s business. ∫ I’ve put off splashing graffiti on my neighbor’s house much too long and I plan to do it this year. ∫ I promise to raise my cholesterol count to titillating levels. ∫ I resolve to become more sedentary until my waist line increases by six inches. ∫ I plan to practice aerobics by holding my breath. ∫ I plan to snub my niece on her sweet sixteen celebration as a steppingstone to a clean break with my entire family. ∫ I plan to root for the British on July fourth. ∫ I plan to fail my stress test. ∫ I promise to raise my blood pressure this year. ∫ I promise to include ten “have a nice day” during a three-minute conversation with the next person I meet. ∫ I promise to give up my volunteer work at the pizza rehab facility. ∫ I promise to litter the streets. ∫ I promise to honk my horn in front of the Sanibel Public Library. ∫ I promise to send Christmas cards to the first sixteen U.S. presidents. If you can keep even half of these New Year's resolutions then I will happily turn the deed of the Brooklyn Bridge over to you. Happy New Year!
Shell Shocked
Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. His tongue-in-cheek humor is always offered with a smile.
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San-Cap Audubon to mark anniversary with celebration Free and open to the public, the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society will hold its 70th Anniversary Celebration on Jan. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Founder's Room at The Community House on Sanibel. The communities of Sanibel and Captiva are invited to attend. “We are excited to host the community and celebrate with those who share the common mentality for the love of birds and their conservation,” outgoing President Phyllis Gresham said. One of the oldest organizations on the islands, it is excited to finally recognize its milestone year. “We had plans of celebrating our 70th anniversary in a timely manner in early 2023, but Hurricane Ian put us on a different timeline,” she said. In the early 1950s, B.K. “Ben” Boyce recognized that Sanibel and Captiva had a population with a strong awareness and appreciation for conservation engendered by Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling's local influence. In 1953, he organized the Sanibel-Captiva chapter and was elected as its first president. The San-Cap Audubon reported that many past presidents have been staunch local conservation influencers. Name recognition of these past leaders will be on display during the celebration. Since the chapter's inception, it has been involved in local conservation efforts and collaborations, including conducting guided bird walks, hosting speakers series, funding scholarships, holding Christmas bird counts and assisting other conservation efforts. The chapter's achievements include posting bird crossing signs and lowering speed limits on the Sanibel Causeway and Sanibel-Captiva Road, establishing the Sanibel Vegetation Committee, starting native plant walks and advocating for land conservation.
If you go What 70th Anniversary Celebration Who Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society When Jan. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. Where The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Details Free and open to the community “We are very proud to represent such a long-standing organization and are excited to celebrate with valued San-Cap Audubon affiliates and the community,” Gresham said. Complimentary cake, cookies and refreshments will be served. RSVPs are requested by Jan. 13. For more information or to RSVP, contact san.capaudubon@gmail.com. For more information about the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society, visit https://san-capaudubon.org/ or its Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups /703490130369847/ The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
F.I.S.H. to host monthly luncheon with speaker F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is continuing its communitywide Friendly Faces Luncheon. The next one will be held on Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center, with a virtual option available. It will feature resident Frances Tutt. She will share her experience and tips on how to create a thriving vegetable garden on the islands. Tutt will discuss how she is growing healthy and organic food on Sanibel, and Tutt will share information from books, YouTube channels and other resources she uses. “I admit that I’m on a never-ending learning journey and hope you will find some benefit from hearing what has and has not worked for me over the years,” she said. “I look forward to seeing you in January.” Tutt will also share her experiences working as a food scientist for McCormick, where she was employed for 30 years in the industrial flavor division. Before retiring as a
principal scientist in 2018, she worked with flavor chemists to develop beverages for manufacturers like Anheuser-Busch. “With so many returning to the islands for season, we hope you will join us at our 2024 Friendly Faces kick-off,” F.I.S.H. Senior Services Director Erika Broyles said. “We’ve scheduled a great line up of speakers for the New Year, and we will continue with our interactive games and giveaways.” Prepared by the Sanibel Deli, the lunch will be complimentary for those who attend in-person. Reservations and meal choices are required by Jan. 5. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Broyles at 239-472-4775. Once registered, Zoom instructions will be provided to those planning to attend virtually. The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel.
Bat Yam highlights activities from Hannukah season The Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sanibel reported that this year's Hannukah was splendid. Officials shared that Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer and Bat Yam's congregants intended for it to be a major Jewish festival. After the darkness wrought on Jews by the Hamas terrorists, they needed to rededicate — Hannukah means “dedication” — their commitments, reinforce their Jewish identity, embrace the light, to use well what they have and never give up. Bat Yam, Schnitzer and the board were inspired by Shine A Light, a national initiative to spotlight modern-day antisemitism, including anti-
Zionism. In partnership with hosts Oded and Tal Yahav and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, it held the third Chanukah Menorah Interfaith Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 14 at the Seahorse Shopping Center on Sanibel. Clergy, dignitaries from the SanCap Chamber and Sanibelians, both congregants and friends, made up the almost 100 people celebrating. Officials reported that the clergy's and dignitaries' speeches shone a light against hate, and Hannukah songs filled the night air and sufganiyot — Israeli doughnuts — were enjoyed.
Bat Yam enjoyed a surfeit of lighting candles beginning with Shabbat on the second night of Hannukah, when congregants brightened the Friendship Hall with their — in some cases, self-made — menorahs. Officials reported that the Hannukah season ended with a special Shabbat, entitled “A Taste of Bat Yam.” Samples of recipes selected from the temple's new cookbook were prepared for the congregation and friends. The service was held afterwards, led by Schnitzer and Rabbi Emeritus Stephen Fuchs.
REFUGE/DDWS
Ann-Marie Wildman said. “Melissa and her team have established a reputation in only a couple years for taking conservation education to the next level in our community.” To donate to support the upkeep and programming for the WoW efforts, visit https://interland3.donorperfect .net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E54182&id=12.
Sanibel-Captiva Islander
am proud to lead this team, and I could not do it without all their help. We are making a positive difference in the lives of our future stewards of conservation and wildlife protection.” “The largest piece of that pie — 8,450 students in local Title I schools were able to visit and learn and become excited from WoW,” DDWS Executive Director
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The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that over 20 board members, interns, staff and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge friends recently boarded the big yellow bus to visit the refuge's Wildlife on Wheels mobile outreach classroom at Varsity Lakes Middle School and the Pocket Refuge garden at East Lee County High School, both in Lehigh Acres. “The WoW team would like to send a big thank you to all who visited Varsity Lakes to observe middle school students engaged in learning,” Urban Education Leader Melissa Maher said. “They were able to witness the WoW team teaching the eighthgrade curriculum consisting of red tide, pH scale, ocean acidification, and how humans impact these issues.” The DDWS and refuge support the Pocket Refuge gardens with funding and staff assistance. The high school treated the visitors to fresh-picked lettuce, tomatoes and cabbage, plus chocolate chip cookies from its cafeteria. The kitchen crew incorporates the produce from the garden in its daily offerings. In addition, the DDWS reported that the statistics are in for calendar year 2023. The WoW reached 10,168 individuals, despite challenges as the refuge continued its post-Hurricane Ian recovery. “This is such a huge accomplishment,” Maher said. “I
Page 21 n Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Refuge supporters, staff tour WoW and Pocket Refuge
Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 n Page 22 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander
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City committee to offer free guided plant walk
PHOTO PROVIDED
Xanadu philodendron
Xanadu philodendron is a versatile plant Xanadu philodendron (Philodendron Xanadu) is a widely used and very popular South Florida plant that will bring unique green foliage to a tropical landscape. The small philodendron species forms a natural mounded shape, an aspect that lends the plant to a low maintenance landscape. It looks great in mass planting, as a singular specimen or for highlighting other more colorful tropical species. The plant grows about 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It will grow in full sun to full shade, and best of all, rabbits seem to avoid this plant on Sanibel. The Xanadu philodendron thrives in well-drained soil and does best with organic material added to the space where planted. The history of the plant arose in 1983 in a western Australian nursery as a chance seedling from a batch of imported seeds. The plant was first thought to be of Australian origin, until it was recently identified as an undescribed species from Brazil. The plant was first patented as Philodendron “Winterbourn,” then renamed “Xanadu” by House Plants of Australia and released as its plant of the year in 1988. Now more than two million plants are sold worldwide yearround, making it one of the most used tropical landscape plants on the market. Because the Xanadu philodendron is so versatile, it makes a nice addition to any tropical landscape.
The city of Sanibel's Vegetation Committee will offer a guided native vegetation and landscaping tour on Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. of the City Hall grounds, which is planted exclusively with native plants. Although the FNPS award-winning Native Plant Demonstration Garden sustained a great deal of damage during Hurricane Ian, new wildflowers sprout every day. Walk the grounds for ideas on planting native vegetation that requires no fertilizer. See how to plant a garden that reseeds itself with very little maintenance, is good for the environment and will attract birds and but-
terflies. Committee members will provide valuable information on proper planting and care of native vegetation. The city encourages planting of vegetation that is indigenous to the area as it requires very little maintenance, no fertilizer and no supplemental irrigation. Registration is not required. Meet at the bottom of the main staircase at City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact the Natural Resources Department at sandnr@mysanibel.com or 239-472-4135.
F.I.S.H. to hold distribution event In partnership with the United Way's Gifts-in-Kind Program, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva continues to distribute furniture and rebuilding supplies through its Hurricane Ian Point of Distribution (POD) program. The next event will take place on Jan. 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Walk-In Center, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The program is available to Sanibel and Captiva residents and workers; recip-
ients must show proof of residency or employment. Available items
include furnishings, doors, windows, cabinetry, linens, microwaves and more. Recipients should bring a vehicle large enough for the items and some extra hands to lift them. For more information, contact Disaster Administrative Director Manuela Martinez at 239-472-4775 or manuela@fishofsancap.org. For more information about F.I.S.H., visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/.
PTA hosts toy drive for F.I.S.H. The Sanibel School Parent Teacher Association recently thanked those who participated in its holiday toy drive for F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva. It also extended its appreciation to the PTA members who organized and coordinated the drive.
In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.
Enhancements to county property appraiser website Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell recently announced some upcoming changes to the office's website, staying committed to providing the most userfriendly experience possible. The “Property Details” page has been reorganized, giving users a more comprehensive and consistent view of each property and minimizing duplicative presentations. Current and historical values, exemptions and classifications, as well as detailed location information are now displayed on the page. For more information, visit www.leepa.org.
THE SANIBEL SCHOOL PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
For tartar sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon drained capers, chopped 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped 1/4 cup cornichons or dill pickles, finely chopped
By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI This is such a delicious recipe, easy to prepare and so quick. We serve it at my restaurant paired with sweet potatoes and a big salad. You can make it with your favorite fish fillet; just make sure that all the fish bones have been removed. Serves eight. (Chef tip: Use vegetable or corn oil for frying; they can reach a higher smoking temperature than olive oil.) 1 1/2 pounds 3/4-inch-thick catfish filets, cut into 3 x 3/4-inch strips 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 cup grated Parmesan 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Loretta Paganini
CROW Calendar ∫ Wednesday, Jan. 10 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW.
BIG ARTS Calendar BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, will present the following:
2 p.m. Cost is $10 for donors and $12 for non-donors per hour.
Workshop
Workshop
Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser on Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $135 for donors and $168 for non-donors.
Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser on Jan. 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $135 for donors and $168 for non-donors.
Workshop
Workshop
From Life with Juli Bobman on Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $128 for donors and $160 for nondonors.
Fluid Art with Tammy DeCaro on Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $39 for donors and $48 for non-donors.
FORUM Workshop Structural Drawing Light & Shadow with Juli Bobman on Jan. 8 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $36 for donors and $45 for non-donors.
Film Series “The Quiet Girl” (2022) will be shown on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.
Open Studio Open Studio on Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to
The FORUM will take place on Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m., with a livestream option available. Commissioner William Bratton will speak on “The Fundamentals, Practicalities, and Realities of Good Policing in America.” Tickets are $55 for adults and students are free. Registration is required for workshops by calling 239-395-0900. For more information or tickets, visit www.bigarts.org.
Island Worship ∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www.batyam.org/, https://www.facebook.com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p.m. and via Zoom. For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com. ∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www.captivachapel.com/, www.facebook.com/Captiva-Chapel-By-TheSea Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch In-person service on Sundays at 11 a.m. through April. Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page. Services from the past season can also be found online. ∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com. ∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch.com/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne Sunday service at 10 a.m. in the SCC Sanctuary. Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday. ∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www.sanibelucc.org/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Mark Boyea Sunday service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. ∫ Saint Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www.saintisabel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Edward Martin Friday Mass at 9 a.m. Weekend Masses on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. ∫ Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www.saintmichaelssanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss Saturday service at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary, with a social to follow. Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with a coffee hour to follow each.
The Community House Calendar The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:
Painting with Friends Painting with Friends will be held
today, Jan. 3, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring you own supplies. Cost is $10 donation; register and pay at the door. For more information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter@yahoo .com.
Shellcrafters The Shellcrafters will meet on Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby. A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a.m.; it is free and supplies range from $510. Items will be available for sale. All
sales benefit the operations of The Community House. See THE COMMUNITY HOUSE CALENDAR, page 24
Sanibel-Captiva Islander
Admission to the center is currently free. Admittance includes the above daily presentations, and no reservations are required to attend. In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Wednesdays through Fridays after the daily presentation. Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older. The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required. To register, contact 239-472-3644 ext. 229 or reservations@crowclinic.org. For more information, visit http://www.crowclinic.org/ or call 239-4723644.
captivasanibel.com
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following: ∫ Today, Jan. 3 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. ∫ Thursday, Jan. 4 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW. ∫ Friday, Jan. 5 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. To make the tartar sauce, combine the mayonnaise, capers, chopped dill, chopped chives and chopped pickles in a small bowl and mix together with a fork. Place the cut fish strips into a small baking dish. Salt and pepper both the top and bottom of each strip. Beat the eggs in a small bowl with salt and pepper. Place the breadcrumbs and the Parmesan into a small bowl and place the flour with salt and pepper in a third small bowl. Coat the fish pieces in the seasoned flour and pat to remove any excess flour. Dip the floured fish in the eggs and then into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the mixture into the fish to make sure it is well coated. Place coated strips on a separate plate, and repeat until all the fish sticks are coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan to 350°F. Cook a few sticks at the time until golden brown, turning them a couple of time. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Place drained fish sticks on a baking dish to keep warm until ready to serve. Arrange the fish sticks on a serving platter and serve with the tartar sauce for dipping.
Page 23 n Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Recipe of the Week: Fried Catfish Fingers with Tartar Sauce
Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 n Page 24
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
SLIMTRONIC5000 5 to 8:30 p.m.
YARD DOG CHARLIE 5 to 8:30 p.m.
PRESTON HAMILTON 5 to 8:30 p.m.
BRIAN BEARDEN 5 to 8:30 p.m.
ROY SCHNEIDER 5 to 8:30 p.m.
J.D. INGALLS 5 to 8:30 p.m.
ANTHONY PICONE 5 to 8:30 p.m.
RC Otter's Island Eats, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva
ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m. FRANK THOMSON 5:30 to 10 p.m.
SAMUEL FELKER noon to 4:30 p.m. PAT McCUNE 5:30 to 10 p.m.
ARON SEYFFERTH noon to 4:30 p.m. FRANK THOMSON 5:30 to 10 p.m.
ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m. FACE2FACE RENITA AND PAUL 5:30 to 10 p.m.
SAMUEL FELKER noon to 4:30 p.m. GEO RODERICK 5:30 to 10 p.m.
ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m. PAT McCUNE 5:30 to 10 p.m.
ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m. GEO RODERICK 5:30 to 10 p.m.
JOHN McLANE 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Rosalita's Cantina, 975 Rabbit Road, Sanibel
SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
MARIACHI VILLA DE GUADALUPE 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
DANNY MORGAN AND JOHN McLANE DUO 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
CHRIS WORKMAN 6 to 9 p.m.
JENNY VE 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
JOSH ROWLAND AND DANI LIGHTNER 6:30 p.m. KARAOKE 8 to 10 p.m.
MICHAEL DAVID 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
LAST CALL TRIVIA 7 to 9 p.m.
Santiva Islanders Calendar
Sanibel-Captiva Islander
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islandBEAT islander Sanibel Captiva
The Santiva Islanders will present the following:
Participants will order and pay individually.
Cardio and Strength
Page Turners
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength today, Jan. 3, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members.
The Page Turners will meet on Jan. 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and via Zoom. The book for discussion will be “The River We Remember” by William Kent Krueger. For questions or to receive the Zoom login, contact santivaislanders@gmail.com.
Cardio and Strength NANCY SPERTE
SCAL, SCCF call to artists The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel-Captiva Art League will partner on an exhibit from Jan. 22 through March 14 at the Bailey Homestead Preserve on Sanibel. Open to SCAL and SCCF members, it will feature fresh works of art in the theme of “wild.” The artwork should align with the SCCF's mission “to protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems.” The subject should reflect any interpretation of “wild” as it relates to MAUREEN GINIPRO the region's natural environment, but it need not be literal. All exhibitors must act as docents at least twice during the opening period. For more information, visit https://sccf.org/blog/2023/09/27/calling-all-wild-artists/.
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Jan. 5 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members.
Happy Hour at MudBugs Happy Hour at MudBugs will be held on Jan. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials.
Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $40 per month for members or $10 per class and $80 per month for non-members. The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age. The cost is $25 for an annual membership. The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities. For more information, visit https://santivaislanders.org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail.com.
The Community House Calendar From page 23
Painting with Friends Painting with Friends will be held on Jan. 10 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring you own supplies. Cost is $10 donation; register and pay at the door. For more
information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter@yahoo.com. Shell Critter Kits are available for purchase in a variety of different options. Cost is $5 per kit with all of the supplies included, except for glue. Order them in-
person at TCH or call 239-472-2155. TCH is accepting art vendors for the 87th Sanibel Historical Annual Shell Festival on March 7-9. Reservations are available for 8-foot tables for $150 and include all three days. TCH office hours are Monday through
Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net or contact 239472-2155 or office@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.
Page 25 n Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 captivasanibel.com
THE SANIBEL SCHOOL
Student trip to Carnegie Hall fully funded event, the school made a major announcement. Through the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, an anonymous donor recently contributed $25,000 to the Seahorse Chorale's trip in April to Carnegie Hall in New York
City, New York, to perform at the New York Invitational Music Festival. Combined with the contributions from the local community, the student portion of trip is fully funded.
Sanibel-Captiva Islander
The Sanibel School's Music Department held its annual School Holiday Program on Dec. 14, featuring performances by the Steel Drum Band, Elementary Choir, Orff Club, Seahorse Chorale and K-3 classes. At the
Make America America again, Make us good and kind and whole. Beam to all our smile of welcome, Rescue and restore our soul. Shout down the howls of bigotry, Drown out the Hitler Heils of hate, Extend our hands to lift the poor Reopen wide our golden gate. Learn to love again thy neighbors, With them proudly this planet share, America once more the star, A beacon shining everywhere. Joe Pacheco Make America America again And let the whole world join this prayer.
Poetic License
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Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 n Page 26
‘Make America America Again’
Arbor Day contests open to island youths In conjunction with its Natural Resources Department and Vegetation Committee, the city of Sanibel's Recreation Department will host a youth coloring, essay or poem contest to celebrate Arbor Day. For grades 4-8, the contest includes an essay or a poem. The topic is “Why is Arbor Day so important?” If the child is submitting a poem, it will need to be a minimum of three lines. For grades K-3, the contest is to submit a drawing inspired by Arbor Day. The winners will receive a prize and be featured in a city press release. The deadline for entries is Jan. 5 at 5 p.m. To access the Essay or Poem Contest Form, visit https://outlook.office365.com/owa/redir.a spx?REF=7MJas8gUFM8XrMx14yELf VGmS7ttkS7VNLPI2wffCb4qLoThbAL cCAFodHRwczovL3IyMC5yczYubmV0 L3RuLmpzcD9mPTAwMXBHU3dKNzl CR25fUUNLcXlJMjRnbVVDbTQyNXd lUjROUXk4UWtuaE54MjZVcW9PMW hGQXBnWkJ3U2hYV3FZS0FqeG0yMj FDMmlPcVFLbFFPUFlQSGFpMVVsZ W9oUTNTZnFjdjJUWG96MDNuRmg wbDRzYS13THhuWlBsUEx5TVZZUU pUaXVPZk8tUTc2dDJyQ01BUTVjdldj SFNKRDJEVHNfX2JTUFBWT1pWbT E2X1lRaHJGT211U09GSE5GMHRM VUhrQmV2d3VkZERNdlJjNDE1VnNz T2N6V0dMSHFmakZaRk95aWJHaGp4 UTA9JmM9Q1RBVnZrTjhlNWpGVW 9pY1diVVQ2NEJ0OHE0d3drRFVTM
XFMS2hucjNfc1o1Wm44SFZYTTNRPT0mY2g9NFljLTZpcEhZTDFxZl AwZmpHc3JEQk5MenB6Q0pCc2NBT zB3SDJKemZNUUxxaWZUMFR3cmx BPT0. To access the Coloring Contest Form, v i s i t https://outlook.office365.com/owa/redir.a spx?REF=c4t13iA7yzrQjcfg7Yfdb4nYK U2Rc4srEGsQEehGPkQqLoThbALcCA FodHRwczovL3IyMC5yczYubmV0L3R uLmpzcD9mPTAwMXBHU3dKNzlCR 25fUUNLcXlJMjRnbVVDbTQyNXdlUj ROUXk4UWtuaE54MjZVcW9PMWhG QXBnWkJ3U2hYV3FZS0FvMVRNSld hYVNDc05JT0cyam1aNHRiajVha2ZzR Thhc2NobTZVVzNDYlM5ZERndnlpTF 9pRkZIeE9JdzFGX19mN1drb0R2b281 bzROUU51T3VkS1NLQlozMkdVcV8w eDlmXzVfSHpzQkRTR0dEb1NTYi1zU mRBRUZCdVJmZUMxZlJ3UVhLcnlfd mNfd1RpSTlUWUtxZUJrcVVnU01KR EJLVFVfRk5MN3NmYU09JmM9Q1R BVnZrTjhlNWpGVW9pY1diVVQ2NEJ 0OHE0d3drRFVTMXFMS2hucjNfc1o1 Wm44SFZYTTNRPT0mY2g9NFljLTZ pcEhZTDFxZlAwZmpHc3JEQk5MenB 6Q0pCc2NBTzB3SDJKemZNUUxxaW ZUMFR3cmxBPT0. Entries can be emailed to gabrielle.cooper-angeles@mysanibel.com or dropped off in person at the Sanibel Recreation Department, at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, call the center at 239-472-0345 or visit www.mysanibel.com.
Author releases ‘After the Storm’ book
BANK OF THE ISLANDS
“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge Events, Marketing and Communication Manager April Boehnen and Executive Director AnneMarie Wildman, center, with Richard Shera, Vanessa Flynt, Kelsey Hamilton and David Lowden of Bank of the Islands.
Bank underwrites refuge learning space Bank of the Islands recently made a long-term commitment to education at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge by underwriting an outdoor learning space, known as The Perch. It will
provide “cubby” seating for use by small groups of up to nine people. The u-shaped area is designed for more intimate storytelling and opportunities to connect with nature.
Sanibel resident and author Angelika Geerlof announced the publication of her new book, “After the Storm: A Post Ian Photo Anthology.” The 115-page, fullcolor, high-definition anthology is a posthurricane compilation of photos and quotations depicting and precipitated by Ian's aftermath. It aims to provide joy, hope and inspiration for the future of Sanibel. Geerlof survived the hurricane with her son and two dogs after being in the surge for three hours holding on to palm and sea grape trees. The cost is $55. It is available at: the Island Market, at 1609 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; Tuttle's Seahorse Shell Shop, at 362 Periwinkle Way, Suite 3, Sanibel; and Whitney's Bait & Tackle, at 1554 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The book can also be purchased by contacting Geerlof at mood-
PHOTO PROVIDED
scapes99@gmail.com or on Venmo at sanibelmoodscapes. Her previous books are “Sanibel Treasures” and “Sanibel Moodscapes.”
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Contractors
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Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 n Page 28