Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

Sanibel Sea School hosts camps over holidays

Over the holiday break, the Sanibel Sea School offered six days of Winter Camps on and o f f S a n i b e l , e n g a g i n g w i t h 1 2 8 c h i l d r e n Campers learned a little marine biology, created works of art from nature, and made friendships to last a lifetime Favorite camp traditions lived on as campers sipped hot coco each day and surfed in the chilly Gulf of Mexico

On Dec 28 and Jan 4, Captiva Cruises and Sanibel Sea School teamed up to offer “A Day on the Bay,” a full day charter to North Captiva aboard Captiva Cruises' catamaran The mornings were spent exploring the bay and Gulf side of the island, nets in hand Campers encountered ragged sea hares, sea stars, juvenile horseshoe crabs, tunicates, snails, and more After lunch on the boat, they headed back out for sand sculpture making, shelter building, and scavenger hunts “It was amazing to be out on the water with k i d s a g a i n , ” m a r i n e s c i e n c e e d u c a t o r J o e y Garofano said “Everyone had so much fun You could feel the excitement and positive energy just to be together again ”

See CAMPS, page 2

Island officials describe first week of reopening as ‘smooth’

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

With access to Sanibel and Captiva reopening to the public last week for the first time since Hurricane Ian, island officials called it a smooth transition but asked for patience as recovery efforts continue

On Jan 2, the city of Sanibel rescinded the requirement for a hurricane re-entry pass to get onto the islands via the Sanibel Causeway The Sanibel Police Department, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District and Captiva Island Fire Control District all reported a smooth first week, with less traffic than expected

“We are happy to report that our first week without the checkpoint went very smoothly,” SPD Deputy Chief Anthony Thompson said, adding that the only day when traffic was an issue was on Jan 5 “As our causeway emergency restoration

continues, it was necessary for the Florida Department of Transportation's contractor to require one lane of traffic between 7 a m to 5 p m , ” he said

Thompson noted that the traffic flaggers, however, regulated the flow very well

“It is important to remember that there will be a need for FDOT and their contractors to interrupt the causeway traffic flow in the future,” he said of the work planned before permanent repairs even begin

“The Sanibel Police Department encourages patience and understanding during these times as FDOT and their contractors continue emergency restoration to the Sanibel Causeway and move our island for-

ward,” Thompson added

He also noted that:

∫ The city's curfew from 9 p m to 6 a m remains in effect It prevents anyone, absent of a legitimate purpose to be on Sanibel during the evening hours, from gaining access However, Sanibel and Captiva residents can access the islands between 9 p m and 6 p m

∫ Beaches and beach parks on Sanibel, including the Sanibel Lighthouse, remain closed Sanibel is not open to beach visitors

∫ The fishing pier and boat ramp on Sanibel are closed

DeSantis delivers inaugural address

Gov Ron DeSantis delivered his second inaugural address on the morning of Jan 3 on the steps of the Florida Historic Capitol Museum i n T a l l a h a s s e e , k e y i n g i n o n a c e n t r a l t h e m e : “ F r e e d o m l i v e s here ”

The Office of t h e G o v e r n o r r e p o r t e d t h a t DeSantis outlined p r o m i s e s m a d e a n d a cc o mp lis hments delivered; reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring “our state remains the Free State of F l o r i d a ; ” a n d p l e d g e d a r e j e c t i o n o f “ w o k e i d e o l o g y ” a t t h e “ e x p e n s e o f enduring principles ”

Below is the full transcript of his inaugural address:

Mr Chief Justice, members of the Cabinet, and fellow citizens:

From the Space Coast to the Suncoast, from St Johns to St Lucie, from the streets of Hialeah to the speedways of Daytona, from the Okeechobee all the way up to Micanopy

F r e e d o m l i v e s h e r e , i n o u r g r e a t Sunshine State of Florida!

It lives in the courage of those who patrol the streets and keep our communities safe, it lives in the industry of those who work long hours to earn a living and raise their families, it lives in the dedication of those who teach our children, it lives in the determination of those who

Isl anderInsIde

Deputy Police Chief Anthony Thompson

Gov. Ron DeSantis

SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

TOP PHOTO: A Sanibel Sea School camper surfs in the chilly Gulf of Mexico during the “A Day on the Bay” trip. ABOVE: A Sanibel Sea School camper finds a sea star on North Captiva.

Emergency room waits spike; hospitals nearing capacity

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Rising wait times experienced at l o c a l h o s p i t a l s l a s t w e e k c a n b e attributed to a number of circumstances, health officials said

While hospitals are not completely full, they are on the brink Lee Health spokesperson Meaghan Smith said on Jan 5, “Our hospitals are not at 100% capacity, but are very close ”

Smith added that an influx of visitors and seasonal residents returning to the area has contributed to hospitals seeing higher volumes currently Last week, Lee Health officials reported a “significant” rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the past month, a contributing factor to beds being needed for a longer period of time

On Jan 4, Lee Health Hospital-Based Care & Quality and Safety Chief Clinical Officer Dr Stephanie Stovall said, “Over the past month, we have seen a significant increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations at Lee Health They have more than doubled Today, we are treating 111 COVID patients inside of our hospitals while just a month ago, we were treating 54 We continue to encourage everyone to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID, influenza

Camps

From page 1

Dec. 28 was a day of firsts for everyone the first charter for Captiva Cruises, the first re-imagined camp for the Sanibel Sea School, and the first time many campers had seen each other since Hurricane Ian closed The Sanibel School Both trips were offered for free in an effort to support island families

In addition, the IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers offered space for the Sanibel Sea School to host day camps on Dec 29-30 and Jan 5-6 IMAG features aquariums and animal exhibits, interactive displays, and activities The camps focused on a different marine creature each day while incorporating new experiences

and other illnesses Get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask if you are at-risk or not feeling well, gather outside if the weather allows, and stay home if you’re sick ”

Smith added that during this time, it is essential for people to know where to go for immediate, high-quality care Long wait times at local facilities have resulted in some frustrated patients

“Every patient who arrives in our emergency departments is treated as quickly as possible,” Smith said “Emergency departments may have long wait times for non-life-threatening conditions because the care team ‘triages’ patients, which means they treat the most critically ill patients first Patients with lower acuity, such as the flu, non-life threatening COVID, minor sprains or dental pain may end up experiencing a longer wait ”

She said that customarily, people tend to use the emergency room for not only urgent medical needs but also when they suffer minor injuries or come down with the flu

“Not all injuries and illnesses require a trip to the emergency room, and many emergency room visits can generally be avoided,” Smith said “There are several options patients have to avoid the longer wait times and increased costs of the emergency department when they are feeling sick and not experiencing an emergency ”

Options other than the emergency room include:

∫ Lee Convenient Care: LCC operates four locations throughout the county that are open seven days a week, require no appointment and offer extended hours

∫ Lee TeleHealth: The service is available 24/7 from a smartphone, computer or tablet Visits are $49 dollars, and patients can see a physician in minutes for any of the same ailments they would use a walk-in clinic for If needed, the physician can also make a referral or write a prescription

∫ DispatchHealth: Lee Health also offers a mobile h e a l t h c a r e s e r v i c e t o c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r s i n L e e County, provided through DispatchHealth, a national provider of in-home medical care Through the service, patients can be treated at home for many conditions that are commonly treated in urgent care settings

∫ Primary care physician: Patients can call their physician office to make an appointment if not experiencing an emergency.

“Anyone experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, strokelike symptoms, persistent vomiting or abdominal pain should call 911 or seek immediate medical attention,” Smith said

For more information on Lee Health, visit www leehealth org

tles, dolphins,

“I was nervous to come back to help with camp at a different location,” camp counselor Joe Uhlir, a previous summer camp counselor who returned to volunteer over his winter break, said “But I’ve learned that Sanibel Sea School isn’t always about the place it’s about the people. As long as we’re together, it feels like sea school ”

The Sanibel Sea School reported that the camps would not have been possible without the support of the community and generosity of Captiva Cruises and IMAG

“Each day was proof that we are resilient, better together, and exemplary of the beauty behind collaboration,” Youth Education Director Shannon Rivard said

Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, family, the Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future one person at a time. For more information, visit sanibelseaschool org

From page 1

∫ The city’s Shared Use Path bike path still has stacked debris on it waiting for pickup in many places Nails from debris that could cause flat tires may exist on the SUP The city is discouraging people from using the bike path

In addition, Thompson urged the public to immediately report any suspicious activity.

“Our residents, business owners and visitors are the first line of defense against crime and criminal activity,” he said “Make a difference Make a call ”

The SPD can be reached at 911 or its non-emergency line at (239) 472-3111

Sanibel fire Division Chief of Training Tim Barrett described last week as “not too bad ”

“I don't think as many came out as we thought were going to come,” he said of non-pass holders “Our call volume went up slightly, but it wasn't the big rush that people thought we were going to have ”

In the weeks leading up to the reopening, the city had repeatedly shared that it is discouraging visitors for now as recovery efforts are ongoing, but it looks forward to welcoming everyone back later on

In light of the continuing circumstances on-island, Barrett also provided some guidance

“I think the big thing is to just be patient because we still have a lot of haulers, the big trucks still out there,” he said “There's still a lot of construction, a lot of big trucks that need a long time to stop ”

When entering traffic on busy roads, do not try to pull out quickly in front of trucks

“Let them go on by because they require a lot more stopping distance,” Barrett said

Trucks stopped in the road to pick up debris may or may not have flaggers to direct traffic

“Everybody just really has to be patient Take your time,” he said of preventing crashes and injuries

When trucks are collecting roadside debris, do not travel under their large arm grab

“You shouldn't try to scoot underneath the arm when it's lifting stuff up,” Barrett said of pedestrians and bicyclists

The district is also asking people not to burn on their property due to the conditions

“No fire at all for any reason. Things are very dry,” he said “Be extra careful ”

Captiva Fire Chief Jeff Pawul shared a similar overview of last week for the sister island

“I think overall it was fine,” he said, explaining that there was an uptick in traffic, but not to the extent that officials and the community were anticipating “It was more than what we've had prior to that ”

Pawul noted that the district did not experience an increase in emergency calls

“It was what I expected,” he said “People were going to drive out just to drive out and see ”

As recovery efforts continue on Captiva and Sanibel, Pawul also offered some thoughts

“I would encourage people to not pull over and park to take pictures of houses and damages,” he said, explaining that doing so will only add to the current traffic congestion experienced on the islands

“Also, please remember that these islands are still recovering from a major hurricane,” Pawul added “The pictures you are taking are of a family's home and belongings that were destroyed ”

through IMAG Campers learned about sharks, sea tur-

and cephalopods Each day was filled with ocean-themed games, art projects, and experiments

SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

Camp counselor Joe Uhlir leads Sanibel Sea School campers through a squid dissection.

Sanibel Sea School campers explore tide pools on North Captiva during the “A Day on the Bay” trip.

Division Chief of Training Tim Barrett Fire Chief Jeff Pawul

Local pastors provide prayer at governor’s inauguration

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

Two local pastors one from Sanibel, and one from Cape Coral provided prayer at Gov Ron DeSantis' second inauguration on Jan 3 outside the Florida Historic Capitol Museum in Tallahassee

The benediction was delivered by the Sanibel Community Church Senior Pastor Jeramie Rinne

He said the church regularly prays for the leaders in their community and country

“It was a privilege to be able to do that in person at an inauguration,” Rinne said

He said he felt a little sense of pressure that he does not normally have when sitting down to write the prayer “It took more time to pray about the prayer,” Rinne said “I think it was a special privilege and honor because it’s such a unique event, regardless of who the governor or leader is ”

He said he was very humbled to be able to pray on behalf of the community and state

Grace Baptist Church Senior Pastor Tom Ascol provided the opening prayer

He said members from DeSantis' team reached out to him at the Cape church and said he was at the top of the list to deliver the prayer for the inauguration

“It was wonderful,” Ascol said “The staff was professional, courteous Everything was done extremely well The tone of the inauguration was appropriately serious With the governor’s children there, it was very family oriented also I was very honored to be a part of it ”

He said being among the various dignitaries, officials and Supreme Court justices reminded him of how blessed the community is to live in the free state of Florida and have a man like DeSantis leading it “It was a great opportunity,” Ascol said The congregation prays for DeSantis and President Joe

DeSantis

From page 1

grow our food, it lives in the wisdom of our senior citizens, it lives in the dreams of the historic number of families who have moved from thousands of miles away because they saw Florida as the land of liberty and the land of sanity

Over the past few years, as so many states in our country grinded their citizens down, we in Florida lifted our people up

When other states consigned their people’s freedom to the dustbin, Florida stood strongly as freedom’s linchpin

When the world lost its mind when c o m m o n s e n s e s u d d e n l y b e c a m e a n uncommon virtue Florida was a refuge of sanity, a citadel of freedom for our fell o w A m e r i c a n s a n d e v e n f o r p e o p l e around the world

In captaining the ship of state, we choose to navigate the boisterous sea of liberty rather than cower in the calm docks of despotism

We face attacks, we take hits, but we weather the storms, we stand our ground, and we do what is right

As the Book of Psalms reminds us, “I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side ”

We have refused to use polls and to put our finger in the wind leaders do not follow, they lead

We have articulated a vision for a free and prosperous state

We have, through persistence and hard work, executed on that vision

We have produced favorable results

And now we are here today because the people of Florida have validated our efforts in record fashion

Florida shows that results matter We

Biden during every Sunday service

“It wasn’t anything different or new that I had to think about. I told someone there that there was nothing I prayed that the people of the church had not heard in one way or another,” he said “We are to pray for our civil authorities We do that because our Lord Jesus tells us to do that ”

There was a private time of prayer for the governor before the inauguration, which Ascol also was invited to attend Ascol said DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis

and their son, as well as the lieutenant governor, were present

“It was an intimate time of prayer The governor had asked for that, just a time of prayer,” he said, adding that DeSantis has a deep faith and knows he needs the help of God

“I was so impressed by that It was a privilege to pray with him,” Ascol said “I am thankful to God for how kind he has been to our state. He is the beacon for the rest of the nation ”

lead not by mere words, but by deeds

Four years ago, we promised to pursue a bold agenda We did just that and we have produced results:

We said we would ensure that Florida taxed lightly, regulated reasonably, and spent conservatively and we delivered

We promised we would enact big education reforms and we delivered

W e s a i d w e w o u l d e n d j u d i c i a l activism by appointing jurists who understand the proper role of a judge is to apply the law as written, not legislate from the bench and we delivered

We promised to usher in a new era of s t e w a r d s h i p f o r F l o r i d a ’ s n a t u r a l resources by promoting water quality and Everglades restoration efforts and we

delivered

We said we would stand for law and order and support the men and women of law enforcement and we delivered.

We promised to remedy deficiencies in Florida’s election administration and to hold wayward officials accountable and we delivered

Grace Baptist Church Senior Pastor Tom Ascol p r o v i d e d t h e o p e n i n g p r a y e r a t G o v R o n DeSantis' second inauguration on Jan 3 outside t h e F l o r i d a H i s t o r i c C a p i t o l M u s e u m i n Tallahassee

PHOTO PROVIDED

Florida Gov Ron DeSantis took his second oath of office on Jan 3 on the steps of the Florida Historic Capitol Museum in Tallahassee

PHOTOS PROVIDED

S a n i b e l C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h S e n i o r P a s t o r Jeramie Rinne delivered the benediction at Gov Ron DeSantis' second inauguration on Jan. 3 outside the Florida Historic Capitol Museum in Tallahassee.

Count us among those who are happy to flip the calendar over to 2023

For Southwest Floridians for far, far too many of us 2022 will be the year of the hurricane

I m a g e s s h a r e d i n t h e a f t e r m a t h o f Hurricane Ian shocked But for those of us who lived through the devastation, the pictures were mere two-dimensional snapshots of a three-dimensional catastrophe of lost lives both literal and figurative

These are the impacts that will put the Sept 28 storm that roared ashore at Cayo Costa just shy of a Category 5 hurricane in the record books:

Sustained winds at landfall were 150 mph, tying at the No 5 spot in terms of strength Storm surge was as high as 18 feet along the coastlines with Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva inundated with flood w a t e r s w h i c h a l s o s u r g e d u p t h e Caloosahatchee, pouring into homes, including those along Cape Coral’s Gold Coast and Yacht Club neighborhoods The city of Fort Myers experienced a record storm surge of 7 26 feet while a portion of the roadway leading to the Matlacha bridge washed away with the funky art community and St James City suffering devastating damage to their homes and businesses

There were 144 confirmed deaths in Florida, including 67 in Lee County, accordi n g t o t h e F l o r i d a M e d i c a l E x a m i n e r s Commission report released on Dec 9

Property damage estimates, which are still being tallied, are collectively in the billions

In Lee County alone, Hurricane Ian damaged 50,313 homes, destroying 5,076 of them with another 13,532 suffering major damage

FEMA reports there have been 27,303 Lee County claims filed under the National Flood Insurance Program, with $1 15 billion paid out for the 14,329 closed thus far.

Statewide, the number of property claims has hit nearly 1 13 million 102,319 of them in Lee County with 955,852 classified as residential

Based on claims thus far, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has estimated these insured losses total nearly $20 67 billion.

Some are predicting that the total tally could be 10 times that when all is said and done

According to the AccuWeather website, AccuWeather founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr Joel N Myers predicts total Hurricane Ian damage tallies will come in between $180 billion and $210 billion

Taken in the context of total losses, including damage to infrastructure such as the Sanibel Causeway, public buildings and facilities and Florida’s power grid, the numbers strike home

Very close to home

The city of Cape Coral estimates its damages at $86 million

The School District of Lee County puts its tally as high as $273 million

The city of Sanibel and Lee County numbers are still being computed

NOAA’s Hurricane Ian Special Summary summed up the impact of Ian’s direct hit here succinctly:

“…According to state authorities, Lee and Charlotte counties were essentially ‘off the grid’ and would likely require a rebuild of the infrastructure to bring the systems back to full capacity Significant parts of many coastal communities, including those along the barrier islands of Captiva, Sanibel, Pine (Island) and Fort Myers Beach, were washed away by the winds and surge The Sanibel Island causeway, which provides the only

roadway access to the island, was partially washed away, limiting access to the island by air and boat. Similarly, the sole bridge connecting Pine Island to the mainland was destroyed during the storm and residents of the island can only access the island by air and boat ”

And yet… and yet… here we are just three months after one of our county’s worst natural disasters ever with recovery under way

A startling amount of recovery that can only progress

When we recap the process this time next year will we, as longtime Lee Countians, be happy with all of the “build back better” changes to come in 2023 and beyond?

Probably not

We expect we’ll miss the “old” locals look of Fort Myers Beach; kitschy, arty “old” Matlacha; and even, yes, the neighborhood park aspect of the historic Cape Coral Yacht Club

But likely laments aside from we oldtimers and Cape pioneers, change, per se, is not bad

And building back even “building back better” can only be a good thing

To 2023 and beyond

We wish you a very happy New Year

And we wish that we, as a community, remain as strong, as resilient, as hopeful as we are today

a phone number for verification purposes Letters considered

Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to Tiffany Repecki at trepec-

newsroom at captivasanibel com; or mailed to 2340 Periwinkle Way,

Island

The city of Sanibel reported that it requested an update from the United States Postal Service concerning the reestablishment of postal services on the island and received a response on Jan 3

The USPS reported that due to Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Post Office sustained extremely heavy damage to the building and its delivery fleet. Mail delivery has been temporarily suspended and will remain suspended until all necessary repairs have been made to ensure a safe workplace for its employees and a safe environment for conducting business for customers

“Although we are working diligently to restore mail

delivery as soon as possible, the anticipated resumption of delivery operations is not expected to be completed until late summer,” officials said

The USPS noted that it has established a Mobil Retail Unit (MRU) in the parking lot of the Fort Myers Processing and Distribution Center, at 14080 Jetport Loop, Fort Myers, to service Sanibel customers. The MRU's retail hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a m to 4:30 p m and closed on Sundays

The USPS added that customers can also forward their mail to a more convenient location by submitting a temporary Change of Address at usps com, via its Informed

Delivery App, or in person at the Captiva Post Office, at 14812 Captiva Drive, Captiva, which is open and offers a retail option Additionally, post office boxes are available at the Captiva site as another delivery alternative

“Please accept our sincere apologies for any failure to meet your expectations and for any inconvenience which may have been caused because of these unanticipated delays,” officials said

The city reported that it will continue to request periodic updates from the USPS on the Sanibel Post Office and will continue to advocate for service restoration onisland at the earliest opportunity

Islanders asked to renew LeeWay as tolls resume on causeway

Lee County reported that it resumed normal toll operations on the Sanibel Causeway on Jan 1

The county restored tolls to the Cape Coral Bridge and Midpoint Bridge in November following the suspension of tolls on all three of the bridges shortly before Hurricane Ian's landfall on Sept. 28.

The county's toll program LeeWay

DeSantis

From page 3

We said we would support the areas in Northwest Florida stricken by Hurricane Michael and we delivered

And when Hurricane Ian came last year, the state coordinated a massive mobilization of response personnel, facilitated the fastest power restoration on record, and even quickly rebuilt key bridges that had been wiped out by the storm We have stood by the people of Southwest Florida and we will continue to do so in the weeks, months and years ahead

Because of these efforts and others, Florida is leading the nation:

We are #1 in these United States in net in-migration

Florida is the #1 fastest growing state

We are #1 in new business formations Florida is #1 in tourism We are #1 in economic freedom Florida is #1 in education freedom And we rank #1 in parental involvement in education

Florida also ranks #1 in public higher education

This is a record we can all be proud of And we are far from done:

F l o r i d a h a s a c c u m u l a t e d a r e c o r d budget surplus, and we need to enact a record amount of tax relief, particularly for Florida families who are grappling with inflation.

We must ensure school systems are responsive to parents and to students, not partisan interest groups, and we must ensure that our institutions of higher learning are focused on academic excellence and the pursuit of truth, not the imposition of trendy ideology

Florida must always be a great place to raise a family we will enact more family-friendly policies to make it easier to raise children and we will defend our children against those who seek to rob them of their innocence

We will always remain a law-andorder state, we will always support law enforcement, and we will always reject soft-on-crime policies that put our com-

will honor its discount programs for island residents who had them prior to the s t o r m t h r o u g h J a n 3 1 I s l a n d - b a s e d LeeWay customers are asked to renew their programs for 2023 Typically, the annual renewal process takes place in O c t o b e r I s l a n d r e s i d e n t s c a n r e n e w online at www.leegov.com/tolls. A phone line for renewal also is available at (239)

533-9297

Contractors doing work on the islands can visit the website to obtain a free LeeWay transponder and deposit funds into an account to avoid paying the $3 administrative fee that is applied to those without transponders Transponders from other entities,like SunPass and E-ZPass, also work For a complete list, visit

www leegov com/tolls All three county toll bridges are all-electronic; no cash is accepted

The city of Sanibel ended the requirem e n t f o r r e - e n t r y p a s s e s o n J a n 2 However, the city’s curfew remains in effect from 9 p m and 6 a m daily A police checkpoint is in place during the curfew hours

munities at risk

Florida is now in a golden era for cons e r v a t i o n o f o u r t r e a s u r e d n a t u r a l resources Our momentum is strong and we will finish what we started we will leave Florida to God better than we found it!

This much we pledge and so much more

It is often said that our federalist constitutional system with fifty states able to pursue their own unique policies represents a laboratory of democracy

Well these last few years have witnessed a great test of governing philosophies as many jurisdictions pursued a much different path than we have pursued here in the state of Florida

The policies pursued by these states have sparked a mass exodus of productive Americans from these jurisdictions with Florida serving as the most desired destination, a promised land of sanity

Many of these cities and states have embraced faddish ideology at the expense of enduring principles

They have harmed public safety by coddling criminals and attacking law enforcement

They have imposed unreasonable burdens on taxpayers to finance unfathomable levels of public spending.

They have harmed education by subordinating the interests of students and parents to partisan interest groups

They have imposed medical authoritarianism in the guise of pandemic mandates and restrictions that lack a scientific basis

This bizarre, but prevalent, ideology that permeates these policy measures purports to act in the name of justice for the m a r g i n a l i z e d , b u t i t f r o w n s u p o n American institutions, it rejects merit and achievement, and it advocates identity essentialism

We reject this woke ideology

We seek normalcy, not philosophical lunacy!

We will not allow reality, facts, and

From page 4

Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, and Medicaid

The best way to get access to your statement and the new fact sheets is by using your personal my Social Security

account. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, be sure to create o n e a t w w w s s a g o v / m y a c c o u n t Y o u can even view your full earnings history there

truth to become optional

We will never surrender to the woke mob

Florida is where woke goes to die!

Now Florida’s success has been made more difficult by the floundering federal establishment in Washington, D C

The federal government has gone on an inflationary spending binge that has left our nation weaker and our citizens poorer, it has enacted pandemic restrictions and mandates based more on ideology and politics than on sound science and this has eroded freedom and stunted commerce

It has recklessly facilitated open borders: making a mockery of the rule of law, allowing massive amounts of narcotics to i n f e s t o u r s t a t e s , i m p o r t i n g c r i m i n a l aliens, and green lighting the flow of millions of illegal aliens into our country, burdening communities and taxpayers throughout the land

It has imposed an energy policy that has crippled our nation’s domestic production, causing energy to cost more for our citizens and eroding our nation’s energy security, and, in the process, our national security

It wields its authority through a sprawli n g , u n a c c o u n t a b l e a n d o u t - o f - t o u c h bureaucracy that does not act on behalf of us, but instead looms over us and imposes its will upon us

The results of this have been predictably dismal

This has caused many to be pessimistic about the country’s future Some say that failure is inevitable

Florida is proof positive that We the People are not destined for failure

Decline is a choice Success is attainable And freedom is worth fighting for

Now fighting for freedom is not easy because the threats to freedom are more complex and more widespread than in the p a s t t h e t h r e a t s c a n c o m e f r o m entrenched bureaucrats in D C , jet-setters in Davos, and corporations wielding public power

But fight we must

We embrace our founding creed that our rights are not granted by the courtesy of the State, but are endowed by the hand of the Almighty

We reject the idea that self-government can be subcontracted out to technocratic elites who reduce human beings to mere data points

We insist on the restoration of timetested constitutional principles so that government of, by and for the people shall not perish from this earth

Florida has led the way in preserving what the father of our country called the “sacred fire of liberty ”

I t i s t h e f i r e t h a t b u r n e d i n Independence Hall when 56 men pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to establish a new nation conceived in liberty

It is the fire that burned at a cemetery at Gettysburg when the nation’s first R e p u b l i c a n p r e s i d e n t p l e d g e d t o t h i s nation a “new birth of freedom ”

It is the fire that burned among the b o y s w h o s t o r m e d t h e b e a c h e s o f Normandy to liberate a continent and to preserve freedom for the world

It is the fire that infused a young preacher’s dream, relayed at the steps of t h e L i n c o l n M e m o r i a l , t h a t t h e Declaration of Independence said what it meant and meant what it said: all men are created equal

It is the fire that led a resolute president to stand in Berlin and declare “tear down this wall,” staring down the communists and winning the Cold War

It is our responsibility here in Florida to carry this torch

We do not run from this responsibility; we welcome it

We will be on our guard.

We will stand firm in the faith

We will be courageous

We will be strong!

And we thank God and are proud to be citizens of the great Free State of Florida!

For more information, visit the Social Security Administration at www ssa gov

People can also contact the area office in Fort Myers at 888-318-9114 or the national number at 800-772-1213 for assistance

e e

CEPD readdresses assessment letters, tax bills

t r e

To provide additional tim for clarification to Captiva p

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

wners, it extended the due date payment in full to the CEPD ffices to Dec 20 The date to pay an assessment in full has passed

The CEPD reported that all p a y m e n t s t h a t h a v e b e e n eceived have been reported to e Lee County Tax Collector, t h e y a r e p r o c e s s i n g t h e

requests Owners whose tax bill has been a m e n d e d a n d r e m a i n s u n p a i d w i l l receive an updated bill Owners who have paid both the CEPD and tax collector will receive a refund for any overpayment of the amended line item provided by the tax collector

Any payments received after the due date will be returned to the sender

The CEPD encouraged owners to pay

their tax bill early and in full to take advantage of the discounts available To l o o k u p o n e ' s t a x b i l l , v i s i t h t t p s : / / lee county-taxes com/public/search/property tax

The CEPD added that after the first round of amortized payments, owners will retain the ability upon request to coordinate an early payoff of the remaining balance of their assessment

h e L e e C o

u n t y L i b r a r y S y s t e

Adult programs

∫ Today, Jan 11: Online English Cafe at 6 p m

The session will provide adult learners a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o p r a c t i c e s p e a k i n g English with native speakers Topics will i n c l u d e e v e r y d a y s i t u a t i o n s , c u r r e n t events and cultural areas Program presented in partnership with the School District of Lee County's Adult & Career Education Program

∫ Jan 17: Online Wellness Book Club at 12:30 p m

Captiva

Cruises has reopened to the public after a temporary closure due to Hurricane Ian

The Online Wellness Book Club will feature a variety of books on this month's topic, “Healthy Habits ” Guest panelists will share their expertise and participate in the book discussion Participants are invited to share books that they have read related to the topic Advance registration required before Jan. 17 at 12:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, visit leelibrary librarymarket com Questions can also be directed to 239479-INFO (4636)

Download books, stream video and o t h e r o n l i n e c o n t e n t a t www leelibrary net

The Captiva Memorial Library is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian

T h e C a p t i v a l i b r a r y i s a t 1 1 5 6 0 Chapin Lane, Captiva.

c r u i s e s c h e d u l e t r a v e l i n g t

County reports on schedules for upcoming holiday

Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed on Jan 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day The county’s holiday schedule adjustments are as follows:

Domestic animal ser vices

Animal Services, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed on Jan 16 and will resume regular business hours on Jan 17

LeeTran

There will be no change to LeeTran’s regular bus, trolley and paratransit service on Jan 16 Route schedules and maps are available at www rideleetran com

Captiva Cruises

Libraries

All library locations will be closed on Jan 16 Each branch will resume regular operating hours on Jan 17 The Lakes Regional Library, which is serving as a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, and Captiva Memorial Library remain closed post-Hurricane Ian The online library is at www leelibrary net/online

From page 6

Deadline extended for student art contest

Keep Lee County Beautiful recently announced that it has extended the submission deadline for the 2023 “Leave the Scene Clean” art contest for local youth The new deadline for entries is Jan 31 Open to K-12, Lee County students are to visualize a correct environmental action and transfer that mental picture into a work of art Possible ways of expanding on the theme could include: litter prevention, clean-up campaigns, beautification efforts such as landscaping and tree planting, protecting the environment, and recy-

cling

For the contest, the four overall winning illustrations will be enlarged and appear on the side of a Lee County Waste Pro truck and printed on reusable tote bags The overall winning and honorable mention artwork will be on display in April in honor of Earth Month All winners will also receive a certificate and prize pack

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www.klcb.org/get-involved/leavethe-scene-clean-art-contest/

Parks & Recreation

Recreation centers and administrative offices will be closed on Jan 16 and will reopen on Jan 17 Some boat ramps, parks and preserves will be open; for the list of open locations, visit www leeparks org All beach parks remain closed due to damage from Ian

Solid waste

There will be no change to collection schedules on Jan 16 The Resource Recovery Facility on Buckingham Road will be open for regular hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lee County Solid Waste offices and the Household Chemical Waste Collection Facility, at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers, will be closed on Jan 16 and will reopen on Jan 17

said “We have been inspired by the resiliency of our island community and encouraged by the progress that has been made, yet we know there is still a long way to go As we reopen, we remain committed to leading guests in enjoying some much-needed fun while respecting the important work being done to help our islands and waterways recover ”

In the months following the storm, Captiva Cruises focused on helping staff clear debris from their homes and served as a ferry service to support the recovery It has been transporting food and supplies to Captiva, along with relief workers and employees who are helping hotels and businesses reopen

“We moved to Southwest Florida in the early '90s and have worked on Sanibel and Captiva for the entirety of our adult lives,” Bob Rando said “We were employees at Captiva Cruises and learned from the best, founder Paul McCarthy, who guided us through Hurricane Charley in 2004 and continued to pay us as employees, even when we couldn’t operate He did it for us, and we have been proud to carry on his legacy of caring for our staff during this challenging time while supporting our island community in moving toward recovery ”

Captiva Cruises is running cruises from its 45-foot catamarans, Playtime and Santiva Its 65-foot flagship boat, Lady Chadwick, was damaged during the hurricane and will undergo repairs

All of the cruises are led by U S Coast Guard-licensed captains, guiding passengers in encountering Southwest Florida and providing educational insights on the local ecosystems and native wildlife

For more information, visit CaptivaCruises com or call (239) 472-5300

Lee Health seeks blood donations

Lee Health is seeking blood donations to help replenish supply levels

Blood and blood products are not only used in the trauma center, but also t o t r e a t c a n c e r p a t i e n t s , p r e m a t u r e babies, anemia and a variety of other conditions Lee Health’s blood centers are the sole supplier of all products for the health system About 800 units of blood are needed per week, and the blood centers rely on life to saving donations from the community to maintain inventory levels.

The Lee Health Blood Mobile will be at the following locations:

∫

Jan 13: Scanlon Auto Group, at 14200 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, from 9 a m to 3 p m

∫ J a n 1 5 : N e w H o p e B a p t i s t Fellowship Church, at 431 Nicholas Parkway, Cape Coral, from 8:30 a m 12:30 p m

p.m.; bus will be parked in Lot 12, behind the S building

∫ Jan 18: Lee County Sheriff’s Office, at 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, from noon to 5 p m

∫

Jan 15: St Michael Lutheran Church, at 3595 Broadway, Fort Myers, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

∫ Jan 18: Florida Southwestern S t a t e C o l l e g e , a t 8 0 9 9 C o l l e g e Parkway, Fort Myers, from 10 a m 3

All blood donated at Lee Health stays within the system to care for patients in Southwest Florida If unable to attend a drive, donations can also be made at one of Lee Health’s blood centers

For more information on how and where to donate, visit https://www.leehealth org/our-services/blood-centers

CAPTIVA CRUISES

Santiva catamaran

BUsIness

The benefits of passing on your wealth now

By JEFFREY A MUDDELL

The number is staggering to comprehend: $60 trillion For the record, that’s $60,000,000,000,000 a six with 13 zeroes. That’s how much money is expected to be passed down to various generations over the next 25 years in what is simply being called the Great Wealth Transfer M e m b e r s o f t h e Silent Generation (born b e t w e e n 1 9 2 5 a n d 1 9 4 5 ) a n d B a b y Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) will l e a v e t h i s c o l l e c t i v e amassed fortune to child r e n , g r a n d c h i l d r e n , other heirs, and charities But how and when they do so is a multi-trilliondollar topic of great importance one your family should be discussing

Jeffrey A. Muddell

Americans are living longer life expectancy is now nearly 80, and the fastest growing demographic in our country is those aged over 100 In many cases, this also means that wealth transfer to the next generation could be significantly delayed. Only a few decades ago, adult children typically received an inheritance from their parents in their 40s or 50s when those extra funds helped pay off a mortgage, sent grandchildren to college or allowed for family vacations and other lifestyle benefits But with longer lifespans, the next generation often receives an inheritance in their 60s and 70s, well past when it could have been of the most benefit

For high-net-worth families, this is the time to discuss whether it makes sense to begin passing assets onto children, grandchildren, or charities before death while both you and they can witness its rewards. Also, getting assets out of your estate now and letting the future appreciation of those assets accrue to beneficiaries rather than to you, can result in sizable estate tax savings someday

It is likely you have a long life ahead, so now is the time to consider these objectives:

∫ Clearly state and communicate to your family members and wealth advisors your goals and values as they relate to money and family Make sure everyone is on the same page

∫ Your values can be conveyed through a family meeting. The conversations can be delicate at times, but it is usually best to have a family meeting while you are still living, so your intentions are clear

∫ Consider skipping a generation Many parents are now skipping their aging adult children, and instead are creating plans to help their grandchildren and great-grandchildren get started in life

∫ Create and regularly update your estate documents to reflect your choice of heirs or beneficiaries, as well as the timeframe for asset transfer

∫ Help your family understand the challenges that lie ahead for you as you age What do you expect if you fall ill or become incapacitated? Do you prefer to receive care at home, a senior living community or full-skilled nursing? Answers to questions such as these will prepare them for the responsibilities and circumstances in your later years

On-island primary care practice, walk-in clinic reopens post-storm

Lee Physician Group, the physician practice of Lee H e a l t h , r e c e n t l y a n n o u n c e d t h a t i t s S a n i b e l

Primary/Walk-In Care has reopened its doors to patients

Originally opened in July, the clinic suffered damage during Hurricane Ian. Lee Health reported that crews have been working tirelessly to ensure that it is ready to again provide the island communities with primary care and walk-in services, especially as recovery efforts continue on Sanibel

“Reopening this clinic was extremely important to us because we want to make sure that those on Sanibel can receive much-needed care and medical services without having to leave the island,” Kris Fay, Lee Health’s chief officer of community-based care, said “I’m so proud of the teams that have been working diligently to repair the building and get it back up and running so we can begin seeing patients again in a location that’s convenient for them as they work to rebuild their community ”

Drs Robert Bussing and John Schmidt have returned

to begin seeing patients Both had been based out of the Bass Road location while the Sanibel building was being repaired Bussing and Schmidt will continue to see patients at both locations as they work to increase the hours of operation on the island

Hours are Saturdays from 9 a m to 1 p m and Wednesdays from 1 p m to 6 p m

Visit www leehealth org to make an appointment in MyChart or contact 239-343-6990

The Sanibel Primary/Walk-In Care is at 2495 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.

Bill and Lise Letendre, owners of the Blue Giraffe and the Blue Giraffe 2 at Beachview Estates, recently announced the opening of their new food trailer Both restaurants have made a commitment to the

island to be a part of its comeback, and the couple has created a way to serve their customers and community The trailer is set up at the Periwinkle Place Shops, at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

BLUE GIRAFFE

Blue Giraffe open food truck post-stor m

VIP Realty Group announces top producers for month

VIP

Hendrix joins refuge team

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge announced that it has hired Kelsey Hendrix, a former educator at t h e B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l Museum, as a part-time staffer to help out with the refuge's Wildlife on Wheels following staffing cuts due to Hurricane Ian

Since January 2020, she has worked as the education coordinator and marine biologist at the shell museum on Sanibel, which is currently closed until further notice.

“Kelsey’s training in conservation-related education and Spanish makes her a good fit for the WoW mission to bring a love for nature to local Title I school students,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said “We also are happy to be able to employ someone from our partner organizations job-displaced by the hurricane ”

2011, 2012, 2013 and 2017 The Bell Team was recognized as the “Best of the Islands” Best Real Estate Team in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022

B o b B e r n i n g h a d t h e t o p l i s t i n g s .

Through his specialty in residential, luxu-

ry, new construction, golf course and gated communities, he shares his expertise Berning applies his negotiating skills and strategies to ensure his client’s goals are reached

Deb Smith was the top producer. She has a background in accounting and holds t h e S e c o n d H o m e a n d R e s o r t S p e c i a l i s t , S a n i b e l C a p t i v a I s l a n d S p e c i a l i s t ,

Make it a point to introduce your heirs to your wealth advisors so they know where to turn for help when needed, resulting in a more seamless and less stressful transition after passing

Open For Business Post-Storm

Restaurants and Grocer y

Blue Giraffe food truck, at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Captiva Island Pizza, at 11513 Andy Rosse Lane,

Cielo, at 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Huxters Market & Deli food truck, at 1203 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Jerry's Foods, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫

Old Captiva House, at 15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva

Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory, at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel ∫ The Island Store, at 11500 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Business Note

∫

The Sanibel Grill, at 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

The Shack of Sanibel, at 1219 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Traders, at 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Retail and Ser vice

∫ Beach Stuff and Barracudas, at 14970 Captiva Drive, Captiva

∫

Rachel Pierce Art Gallery, at 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ SanCap Pak-N-Ship, at 2341 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel

∫ Sea Oats Day Spa, at 1149 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ Whitney's Bait and Tackle, at 1554 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

∫ YOLO Watersports, at 11534 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Jeffrey

Muddell is the Sanibel market president for The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company

Realty Group announced its top producers for the month of December Karen Bell and the Bell Team, which includes John Bates, Holly Peeples and

Sherrill Sims, had the top sales Since 1986, Bell has been a prominent broker in the region She was recognized as the “Best of the Islands” Best Realtor in

The Bell Team of Sherrill Sims, Holly Peeples, Karen Bell and John Bates. Bob Berning Deb Smith

Kelsey Hendrix works with a group of s t u d e n t s a t J a m e s S t e p h e n s Elementary.

REFUGE/DDWS

PreserVInG ParadIse

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

Shell museum launching new citizen project

T h e B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l M u s e u m r e p o r t e d t h a t a q u a t i c m o l l u s k s a n d t h e i r s h e l l s a r e k n o w n i n L e e C o u n t y , b u t p e o p l e o f t e n f o r g e t a b o u t t h e a r e a ’ s o t h e r m o l l u s k s : l a n d a n d t r e e s n a i l s , a n d s l u g s

T h e s e a n i m a l s a n d t h e i r s h e l l s m a y b e o v e rl o o k e d , b u t s n a i l s a n d s l u g s a r e c r i t i c a l d e c o mp o s e r s , b r e a k i n g d o w n o r g a n i c m a t e r i a l a n d p u t t i n g t h o s e n u t r i e n t s b a c k i n t o t h e s o i l T h e y a r e a l s o p r e y f o r o t h e r a n i m a l s , a n d s o m e a r e c a r n i v o r e s t h e m s e l v e s , h e l p i n g t o k e e p t h e l o c a l f o o d w e b i n b a l a n c e

T h e m u s e u m i s l a u n c h i n g a n e w c i t i z e n s c i e n c e p r o j e c t c a l l e d S n a i l S e a r c h o f L e e C o u n t y t h a t a i m s t o g a t h e r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e b i o d i v e r s i t y o f l a n d a n d t r e e s n a i l s . P r e v i o u s s t u d i e s i n t h e a r e a a r e s p a r s e a n d o u t d a t e d , a n d d o n o t i n c l u d e p h o t og r a p h s a n a r e a w h e r e c i t i z e n s c i e n t i s t s c a n p l a y a r o l e

T h e m u s e u m r e p o r t e d t h a t w i t h t h e i n f o r m a t i o n g a t h e r e d , s t a f f a r e h o p i n g t o l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e p o p u l a t i o n s o f c o m m o n a n d r a r e l y s p o t t e d l o c a l s p e c i e s , a n d i n t r o d u c e d a n d i n v a s i v e s p e c i e s T h e p u b l i c c a n p a r t i c i p a t e b y : ∫ D o w n l o a d i n g t h e i N a t u r a l i s t a p p a n d c r e a t i n g a f r e e a c c o u n t

∫ G o i n g o u t a n d f i n d i n g s n a i l s a n d s l u g s ∫ T a k i n g c l e a r p h o t o s o f o b s e r v a t i o n s . P h o t o s s h o u l d b e a s c l o s e a s p o s s i b l e a n d c l e a r l y f o c u s e d ∫ U p l o a d i n g p h o t o s t o t h e a p p ( t h e o b s e r v a t i o n w i l l a u t o m a t i c a l l y b e a d d e d t o t h e p r o j e c t p a g e ) o r e m a i l i n g p h o t o s w i t h l o c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n a n d d a t e t o j f a l k e r @ s h e l l m u s e u m o r g I n f o r m a t i o n G P S c o o r d i n a t e s o r e x a c t a d d r e s s , d a t e a n d t i m e a r e r e q u i r e d f o r e a c h p h o t o s e n t v i a e m a i l F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w s h e l l m u s e u m o r g / s n a i l - s e a r c h

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e Society-Friends of the Refuge reporte d t h a t t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g National Wildlife Refuge's waters, lands and facilities are closed to the public until further notice due to hurricane damage Consequently, many programs and events are canceled

In addition, the DDWS provided the following updates:

∫ Refuge Cleanup with a Ranger will take place every Wednesday at 9 a m Meet at the Visitor & Education Center parking lot for a safety brief before traveling to the cleanup site of the week The refuge will provide g l o v e s , b a g s a n d g r a b b e r s Participation is limited; preregistrat i o n r e q u i r e d a t DingDarling Eventbrite com

∫ The annual “Ding” Darling & D o c F o r d ’ s T a r p o n T o u r n a m e n t remains on the calendar for May 19 Registration will open on Jan 17 The DDWS thanked the 2023 sponsors To become an event sponsor, c o n t a c t A p r i l B o e h n e n a t aprilb@dingdarlingsociety org

∫ T h e 1 0 t h a n n u a l “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g - T h e o d o r e C r o s s H i g h School Photography Contest continu e s T h e d e a d l i n e f o r e n t r i e s i s March 1 For information, contact DDWS Associate Executive Director

Sierra Hoisington at shois@dingdarlingsociety org ∫ T h e D D W S ' m a j o r a n n u a l fundraiser, “Go Bully for “Ding” An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt,”

REFUGE/DDWS

will take place on March 6 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers ∫ “Ding” Wellness Week will align with National Mental Health Awareness Week on May 10-16.

Conservation Cleanup Crew The group will focus on removing nonnatural debris trash from the S a n i b

Join J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge ranger for posthurricane clean up

BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM

o l u n t e e r s t o j o i n t h e

For grades 4-8, the contests include 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 To access the Essay or Poem Contest Form, visit https://files constantc o n t

PHOTO PROVIDED

Paul and Liam Triteck with Neil, Alex, William and Christopher Erickson

Island Boy Scouts recently helped in the post-hurricane clean up of Frannie's Preserve on Sanibel

SPD releases weekly blotter

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

L a s t w e e k , t h e S P D p r o v i d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g updates:

Other enforcement actions

∫ On Dec 28, a traffic stop for an unbelted driver yielded four grams of marijuana The driver was issued a notice to appear for possession of marijuana under 20 grams and paraphernalia

∫ On Dec 28, a Lee County Sheriff's Office deputy interviewed four men who were digging through garbage piles. A counterfeit hurricane pass was seized and destroyed The men were then escorted off island

Enforcement operations statistics

Week to date for Dec 27 to Jan 2:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 7 ∫ Non-emergency calls: 10 ∫ Traffic crashes: 0 ∫ Traffic stops: 28 ∫ Residential area checks: 532 ∫ Business area checks: 231 ∫ Field interviews: 16

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,074

Month to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 26

∫ Non-emergency calls: 73

∫ Traffic crashes: 3

∫ Traffic stops: 133

∫ Residential area checks: 3,421

∫ Business area checks: 1,219

∫ Field interviews: 57

∫ Total CAD calls: 6,266

Reminders from the SPD

The Sanibel Lighthouse area, fishing pier and all beach parking lots are currently closed Anyone found in these areas may be subject to trespassing charges

Dewatering of a pool or spa directly into a waterbody, into the city’s stormwater system or onto any third-party’s property without the third party’s consent is expressly prohibited

Multiple search warrants have been issued and executed as part of post-hurricane investigations, resulting in the discovery of items that may be missing property Residents, property owners and business o w n e r s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o r e v i e w p h o t o s a t http://www mysanibel us/police/property/ Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share a n y p h o t o s o f s o l i c i t a t i o n h a n g t a g s t o police@mysanibel com or use Tip411

Repor ting suspicious activity

Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

∫ W e b t i p s c a n b e s u b m i t t e d a t https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert group id=2 2450

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239-472-3111 Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook com/SanibelPolice

Sanibel library to present next lecture in virtual series

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 lecture will be held on Jan 17 at 2 p m and will feature Dana K White, creator of the podcast and blog “A Slob Comes Clean” and author of “Organizing for the Rest of Us” and “Decluttering at the Speed of Life ” She will share actionable mindset shifts to make fast decluttering progress using minimal emotional energy In addition, White will offer sustainable ideas to simplify and manage one's home and will teach how to make great strides with minimal effort in every room of one's home

White is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a decluttering expert She shares realistic home management strategies and a message of hope for the hopelessly messy in her books, which also include “How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind,” and her blog, podcast, and videos

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow.

To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc org/sanlib/21773

In addition, the library is offering some programming post-storm for adults and youths

A Saturday Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held on Jan 14 at 10 a m Parents and caregivers should plan to be engaged with their child for the program The storytime

City

e l R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r P r o o f o f c u r r e n t r a b i e s i n o c u l at i o n i s r e q u i r e d S i n c e v e t e r i n a r i a n s a r e n o w g i v i n g r a b i e s i n o c u l a t i o n s w i t h 1 - t o - 3 - y e a r v a l i d i t y , g i v e t h e e x p i r a t i o n d a t e o n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n

portion is approximately 20 minutes, then play and craft centers will be available

On Jan 18, staffer Duane Shaffer will present “WWII 1945: Operation Bodenplatte: Last Hope of the Luftwaffe” at 10 a m via Zoom Early on the morning of Jan 1, 1945, as the Battle of the Bulge ground to a halt, the German Luftwaffe assumed to be starved of fuel and fighting spirit launched a massive low-level airstrike on Allied airfields throughout France, Belgium, and Holland. More than 900 German planes took to the skies Fewer than 600 would return The Allied planes that were lost on the ground were quickly replaced The German planes were not Shaffer will discuss the strategy and tactics of the air campaign

For the most up-to-date information, visit the library's calendar at www sanlib org

If you have photos taken during Hurricane Ian or of poststorm damage or recovery in Southwest Florida, consider allowing the library to archive the images It is also looking for photos of the islands before the causeway, during the land boom of the early 1920s, and of notable locals Images, videos and stories can be emailed to sanibelpubliclibrary@gmail com

The Sanibel Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a m to 3 p m

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit www sanlib org

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

a n d n o t t h e d a t e o f i n o c u l a t i o n T h e f e e f o r a l i c e n s e i s $ 1 0 ; c a s h o r c h e c k o n l y F o r t h e a p p l i c a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p s : / / f i l e s c o n s t a n t c o n t a c t c o m / 9 7 a f 9 7 e 6 0 0 1 / 7 5 1 7 c 0 6 e - 5 9 9 54 0 a 9 - a c 7 6 - b c 6 9 8 d 9 e a 4 5 3 p d f T h e c e n t e r i s o p e n o n T u e s d a y s

t h r o u g h S a t u r d a y s f r o m 8 a m t o 5 p m F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l ( 2 3 9 ) 4 7 2 - 0 3 0 2 o r ( 2 3 9 ) 3 9 51 8 6 0

T h e S a n i b e l R e c r e a t i o n C e n t e r i s a t 3 8 8 0 S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a R o a d , S a n i b e l

Sanibel Public Meetings

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Jan 17 with Dana K White

Harvest of gag grouper and gray triggerfish closes

The recreational harvest of gag grouper and g triggerfish closed in Gulf state waters on Jan 1

The recreational harvest of gag grouper for all Gulf state waters, excluding Monroe County, will open on Sept 1 The recreational harvest of gray triggerfish in Gulf state waters will open on March 1

The modification of the Gulf gag grouper recreational season was approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission i July in order to reduce overfishing and improve abundance

The FWC is committed to collecting recreational harvest fishing data to inform management of popular reef fish The State Reef Fish Survey provides a clearer picture of stock health, so make sure you are signed up as a State

f Fish Angler The designation is required for ecreational anglers and spearfishers who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish species from a private vessel in Florida

To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC com /SRFS

For more information on recreational grouper regulations, visit MyFWC com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef ish” and then “Grouper ”

For more information on recreational gray triggerfish regulations, visit MyFWC com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and then “Triggerfish ”

People can also download the Fish Rules App to keep up to date on current fishing regulations

Harvest of red grouper and lane snapper reopens

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that the harvest of red grouper and lane snapper reopened in Gulf state waters on Jan 1, after early season closures

The FWC is committed to collecting recreational harvest fishing data to inform management of popular reef fish The State Reef Fish Survey provides a clearer picture of stock health, so make sure you are signed

up as a State Reef Fish Angler The designation is required for recreational anglers and spearfishers who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish species from a private vessel in Florida

To learn more about the State R e e f F i s h S u r v e y , v i s i t MyFWC com/SRFS

For more information on recreational regulations for red grouper,

visit MyFWC com/Marine and click o n “ R e c r e a t i o n a l R e g u l a t i o n s , ”

“Reef Fish” and then “Grouper

For more information on recreational lane snapper regulations, visit MyFWC com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and then “Snapper ”

People can also download the Fish Rules App to keep up to date on current fishing regulations

Refuge expands wellness program for new year

Building on last year's Wellness Week and Bailey Tract Mindfulness Trail debut, staff from the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel are partnering with the Sanibel Recreation Center to offer up opportunities to relieve stress through free meditation and nature mindfulness programs

Refuge mindfulness specialists are leading half-hour, entry-level Mindfulness Meditations on Wednesdays at 8:30 a m at the center It is a seated meditation program On Saturdays at 10 a m , 60-minute Guided Mindfulness Walks depart from the center for an outdoor grounding experience.

The programs are walk-in; no preregistration is required at this point Participation in the walks is limited to 25 people, so it is on a first-come basis.

“We are so grateful to Sanibel Rec for helping us present our wellness programs to the public while the facilities at 'Ding' Darling undergo h u r r i c a n e r e c o v e r y , ” S u p e r v i s o r y Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said “These programs are a part of our greater 'Ding' Wellness Program: Mind, Body & Heart Its purpose is to provide programs and opportunities to connect individuals and communities to themselves, each other, nature, and the U S Fish & Wildlife Service’s mission of conservation ”

With support from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the

Refuge, initiatives since Hurricane Ian have included social media posts and remote mindfulness programs The team plans to further expand its programs to include yoga, mindful birding, journaling, a mindfulness workbook, participation in February’s Heart Healthy Month, and a second annual Wellness Week in May to align with National Mental Health Awareness Week

The refuge is also taking the mission into the community with mindfulness garden activities at certain Title I schools throughout the School District of Lee County

“The mental health of our youth is so important these days, and the more

REFUGE/DDWS

removed they become from nature by urbanization, the more important our wellness initiative becomes to keep them centered and in touch with their mind, bodies, and heart,” Ranger Jessica Barry, who leads the design of the programs, said “Our wellness program makes that connection between physical and mental health and the healing properties of being out in the natural world, especially coming off the stressful climate of pandemic and hurricane recovery in our communities ”

For more information, visit dingwellness com

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

Red Sox to begin Spring Training season at JetBlue Park

T h e R e d S o x r e c e n t l y a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h e 2 0 2 3 S p r i n g T r a i n i n g e x h i b i t i o n s e a s o n w i l l b e g i n o n F e b 2 4 a t J e t B l u e P a r k i n F o r t M y e r s , w h e r e t h e t e a m w i l l l a u n c h t h e s e a s o n w i t h a g a m e a g a i n s t t h e N o r t h e a s t e r n U n i v e r s i t y H u s k i e s T h e c l u b w i l l p l a y 1 8 h o m e g a m e s a n d 1 6 a w a y g a m e s , i n c l u d i n g 3 2 G r a p e f r u i t L e a g u e g a m e s a g a i n s t s e v e n A m e r i c a n L e a g u e t e a m s a n d f o u r N a t i o n a l L e a g u e t e a m s F o r t h e f i r s t t i m e s i n c e 2 0 1 7 , a W o r l d B a s e b a l l C l a s s i c e x h i b i t i o n g a m e w i l l b e p l a y e d a t J e t B l u e P a r k o n M a r c h 8

T h e R e d S o x w i l l p l a y 1 1 g a m e s a g a i n s t d i v is i o n a l o p p o n e n t s , i n c l u d i n g t w o a g a i n s t t h e i r A m e r i c a n L e a g u e E a s t r i v a l N e w Y o r k Y a n k e e s . T h e c l u b w i l l f a c e t h e Y a n k e e s o n M a r c h 9 a t G e o r g e M S t e i n b r e n n e r F i e l d i n T a m p a a n d w i l l h o s t t h e Y a n k e e s a t J e t B l u e P a r k o n M a r c h 1 2 O t h e r d i v i s i o n a l m a t c h u p s i n c l u d e f o u r g a m e s a g a i n s t t h e T a m p a B a y R a y s , t h r e e g a m e s a g a i n s t t h e B a l t i m o r e O r i o l e s , a n d t w o a g a i n s t t h e T o r o n t o B l u e J a y s T h e t e a m w i l l a l s o s q u a r e o f f a g a i n s t t h e A t l a n t a B r a v e s , M i n n e s o t a T w i n s , M i a m i M a r l i n s , H o u s t o n A s t r o s , P h i l a d e l p h i a P h i l l i e s , D e t r o i t T i g e r s , a n d P i t t s b u r g h P i r a t e s

T h e R e d S o x w i l l l o o k t o d e f e n d t h e i r L e e C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r s C u p t i t l e a g a i n s t t h e i r c r o s s - t o w n f o e s t h e M i n n e s o t a T w i n s a t J e t B l u e P a r k o n F e b 2 7 , M a r c h 2 2 a n d 2 6 A t o t a l o f f i v e m a t c h u p s w i l l t a k e p l a c e b e t w e e n t h e L e e C o u n t y r i v a l s w i t h t h e R e d S o x h e a d i n g t o H a m m o n d S t a d i u m a t L e e C o u n t y S p o r t s C o m p l e x o n M a r c h 3 a n d 1 1

T h e R e d S o x w i l l p l a y s i x g a m e s a g a i n s t t h e A t l a n t a B r a v e s , t h e m o s t o f a n y o p p o n e n t T h e f i n a l t w o e x h i b i t i o n m a t c h u p s o f t h e s e a s o n w i l l b e a g a i n s t t h e B r a v e s , w i t h t h e R e d S o x s e t t o t r a v e l t o C o o l T o d a y P a r k o n M a r c h 2 7 , a n d h o s t t h e B r a v e s a t J e t B l u e P a r k t h e f o l l o w i n g d a y , M a r c h 2 8 , t o c l o s e o u t t h e S p r i n g T r a i n i n g s e a s o n

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n i n c l u d i n g g a m e t i m e s a n d t i c k e t s , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w m l b c o m / r e d s o x

J e t B l u e P a r k i s a t 1 1 5 0 0 F e n w a y S o u t h D r i v e , F o r t M y e r s

Report your sports news to THE ISLAND

e d n e s d a y , J a n u a r y 1 1 , 2 0 2 3 b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s . c o m

s l a n d R e p o r t e r

The Sanibel Recreation Center is partnering with the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to offer free mindfulness sessions.

e e

New Year ’s resolutions that are easy to keep

W h a t ’ s t h e p o i n t o f making New Year’s resol u t i o n s t h a t y o u k n o w you’ll never keep? Isn’t it frustrating to constantly make the same goodieg o o d i e r e s o l u t i o n s o v e r and over like this year you w o n ’ t e a t d e s s e r t s o r i n s u l t y o u r m o t h e r - i nlaw?

Well, this column’s for you, my friend Here’s a list of New Year’s resolutions you can plan for 2023 which you absolutely will be able to keep

Art

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m

Stevens

∫ 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

BIG ARTS to host community gathering with demos and more

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

An upcoming event hopes to bring the islands together to heal through the power of the arts.

BIG ARTS will host a “New” New Year Community Gathering on Jan 18 from 4 to 6 p m on its campus on Sanibel The free open house will feature artist demonstrations, music and more

“It's for the community,” Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder said, explaining that BIG ARTS was lucky to suffer only about a quarter-million in manageable damages as a result of Hurricane Ian

“We know we're in much better shape than many on the islands,” she added “We want to make a contribution to the community with no cost to it with these healing community events.”

Harder noted that next week's event will be the first of several

“We're going to have one every month,” she said

There will be a handful of artists conducting demonstrations in the education classrooms

“It's going to be three artists, instructors doing demos,” Harder said, adding that each one will showcase their medium, which they provide instruction on through classes offered at BIG ARTS

Attendees will be able to see what Zentangle drawing entails from Donna Cole There will be basket weaving offered up by Gisela Damandl, and Petra Kaiser will showcase how glass fusing works

“We want to encourage people to go to the Education Center,” she said

Live entertainment will be provided by Jenny Ve in the Sculpture Garden, weather permitting

“We want people to roam,” Harder said of the building and campus

The Mezzanine Gallery, with its elevator access, will be open

“It's featuring Lynda Fay Braun,” she said “Finding Perfection” features her digital art, which combines photography, digital applications and painting. Braun's exhibit will be on display through the end of July,

WoW

What “New”

New Year

which is the end of season

There is no exhibition in the Dunham Family Gallery, but attendees will want to stop in

“There will be two different projections on two different walls,” Harder said, explaining that they will be slideshows of past exhibits “The gallery will be open for people to sit and have drinks and food ”

Complimentary bites and beverages will provided

Attendees can also browse and shop the recently reopened gift shop.

“The gift shop will be open,” she said

The community in encouraged to come and relax

“It's an opportunity for all of us to reconnect and just experience the healing power of the arts and community,” Harder said “To be with each other in a beautiful atmosphere ”

“We're really looking forward to it and anxious to see everyone again,” she added

R S V P s a r e r e q u e s t e d a t 2 3 9 - 3 9 5 - 0 9 0 0 o r info@bigarts org

For more information, visit https://bigarts org/ or call 239-395-0900.

BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels mobile classroom managed to reach more people in 2022 than it did the previous year 10,330 versus 10,030 “As an educator, it is not the num-

bers that matter,” Urban Education Leader Melissa Maher reported on Dec 29 “What matters the most is for the WoW to get students engaged i n t h e i r i n d i v i d u a l i z e d l e a r n i n g , along with them becoming inspired to carry on our mission. The last few weeks out at schools have proven this to be true ”

∫

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!

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. His tongue-in-cheek humor is always offered with a smile

REFUGE/DDWS The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels is back on the road. Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www SouthFloridaAl-Anon org Meetings are held every day in Lee County Al-Ateen meetings are alsoµ offered for ages 1018

T h e n u m b e r s f o r l a s t y e a r , nonetheless, illustrate the impact the WoW team is having It visited eight schools throughout the year, where it reached 5,060 students Nearly half of that number 2,125 visited after Hurricane Ian between Nov 1 and Dec 20 Another 715 children learned from the WoW team at five off-campus summer camps. At 10 public outreach events, including open houses at the Sanibel refuge, 2,430 toured the WoW

“The impact they are making with the students, as well as with the families, is evident and so important to continuing the conservation mission in our wider communities and with our next generation of conservation s t e w a r d s , ” D D W S E x e c u t i v e

Director Birgie Miller said

The WoW currently operates with a r e d u c e d t e a m b e c a u s e o f t h e storm's impact on staffing

Shell Shocked

Local youths receive adaptive tricycles

Robbie’s Riders, Grampy’s Charities and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank recently presented six custom-made adaptive tricycles each worth $3,000 to $5,000 to Southwest Florida children with special needs at the bank’s Bridge Branch in Fort Myers

Between the ages of 6 and 11, all of the recipients were referred from the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida,

GiGi’s Playhouse and various therapy centers in Naples

The children will benefit from general strengthening, new proprioceptive sensory input and improved reciprocal coordination of the legs by riding the tricycles They can also participate in activities with their families and peers and enjoy the childhood experience of riding a bike

Robbie’s Riders, Grampy’s Charities and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank present custom-made adaptive tricycles to local children with special needs and their families. PHOTO PROVIDED

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB

The Sanibel School Principal Jamie Reid and Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club Treasurer Doug Congress

The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club recently presented a check donation to The Sanibel School

Isl and HOMe islander

The native coral bean (Erythrina herbacea) is ready to branch out along your coastal seascape, brightening the mood with evergreen and scarlet hues The bloss

s h

b b l o o m s bright red during spring and early summer, popping out tubular flowers and pods full to the brim with beans. What a wonderful piece of natural beauty to raise in your own backyard T h e c o r a l b e a n ’ s foliage owns a distinctive look of bright green trifoliate leaves, meaning three leaflets in each b u

h

h i s armored plant, as little prickles line the underside of each leaflet, along with thorns running down the stems. It is a way to fend off pesky birds trying to take a grab at all the luscious fruitful seedpods that look irresistible to them The zippy hummingbird though cannot be easily deterred, as it is known for finding the coral bean highly attractive The tube-like flowers grow in groups of 2-foot long racemes, reaching a deep shade of ruby at their peak The seed pods, which stay somewhat hidden while growing, split in the months of fall to release their mass of bright red beans

To keep into consideration when harvesting such a plant, the coral bean is high salt and drought tolerant perfect for the island atmosphere and they grow 5-10 feet high and 8-12 feet wide at a moderate rate They suit well as borders against a fence line or in masses, but also fit as a specimen piece for an accent among other mild greenery Partial shade is ideal Alongside its regular position as a landscape plant, the coral bean has also been known to have other uses Florida’s Native Americans were known to use its seeds to poison rodents and paralyze fish What a versatile plant with an intriguing background and attractive qualities to bring to an island garden

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

Gallery hosting displaced businesses and non-profits

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery has organized an Outdoor Gallery and Island Market on Monday through Saturday from 10 a m to 2 p m outside of her business

The outdoor event features artwork and creations by Pierce, along with other displaced island businesses and non-profits Attendees can browse and shop from the par-

ticipants, which have included Adventures In Paradise Outfitters, CJ's Swimwear, Coco y Cabana, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, Island Shells, MacIntosh Books and Paper, Pandora's Box and others

Starting this week, Spoondrift Island Bowls was scheduled to begin selling its dishes.

The Rachel Pierce Art Gallery is at 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Sanibel Captiva

PHOTO PROVIDED

Coral bean

RACHEL PIERCE ART GALLERY

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Indulge in these delicious chocolate truffles or make them as hostess gifts to share with family and friends Fast and dangerously scrumptious (Chef tip: For best results, use good quality European chocolate )

8 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate 1/2 cup heavy cream

Finely chopped nuts, as needed Cocoa powder, as needed Confectioners’ sugar, as needed

Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place in a bowl Heat the cream until bubbles form around the edge of the pan Pour the hot cream over the chocolate Mix

T h e 2 7 t h A n n u a l W i n t e r

Home & Garden Show will return on Jan 14-15 from 10 a m to 4 p m at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center at 1375 Monroe St , Fort Myers

Admission is free for attendees

“With all the damage from Hurricane Ian, the Home & Garden Show is a great opportunity to meet with contractors, remodelers and home specialists to help residents that were impacted,” Bill Anderson, president of Expo Management that produces the shows, said “During this show, attendees can find experts to address all their home

improvement needs under one roof over two days.”

The show will feature local and regional companies that display and present products and s e r v i c e s t o h o m e o w n e r s

Attendees will experience the new es t in-home improvement products and services inside and out from furnishings, accessories, decorating and remodeling ideas, to landscaping and more

In addition, hourly drawings and door prizes will be given away.

For more information, visit expomanagementinc com

with a rubber spatula until all the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth Refrigerate the ganache until it is very firm, about three to four hours

Using a melon baller or small scoop, shape the cold ganache into balls and place on a cold baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet and chill until firm, about two hours Dust hands with cornstarch Roll the truffles between palms to form smooth balls Dredge the truffles in chopped nuts, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar Place truffles in an airtight container, with wax paper between each layer

Variations: Truffles can be flavored with flavoring oils, which can be found available at candy supply stores Do not use alcohol-based flavorings (extracts) as they may cause the chocolate to seize

For milk chocolate truffles: Use 12 ounces of milk chocolate and 1/2 cup heavy cream

For white chocolate truffles: Use 12 ounces of white chocolate and 1/3 cup heavy cream

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 Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, 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-The-Sea

Rev Larry Marshall

Sunday service available online; in-person services have been postponed until further notice Services from the past season have been videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page.

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida

www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Lecture 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 For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com

∫ Sanibel Christian Science Church 2950 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-810-1077

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ 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 Historic Chapel Sunday service at 5 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers 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 Dr Mark Boyea Sunday service at 10 a m at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

The

Programming scheduled for the month of January includes the following:

Garden Talks

∫ Jan. 14: Staghorns and Jungle

Cactus at 10 a m

Learn about the largest “ferns” that hang on heavy chains at the estates and about another kind of “epiphyte,” the jungle cactus While some have adapted to growing in a loose soil medium, many of these are pendulous and do not tolerate drought Cost is $10 for members or $15 for non-members

Gardening Classes

∫ Jan. 24: Introduction to Florida

Gardening Part I from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Participants will receive a foundation of how plants work, their nomenclature and understanding of unique weather patterns and unusual soils found only in Florida, zone 10 The class will educate

them with identification of native and non-native plants and how to recognize invasive species. Palms will also be discussed and participants will spend the l a s t 2 0 m i n u t e s i n t h e P a l m e t u m

Participants should bring a notebook, pencil and drinking water Hats, sunscreen and good walking shoes are reco m m e n d e d f o r t h e o u t d o o r p o r t i o n

Participants will receive handouts, a recommended reading list and additional resources Cost is $45 for members or $55 for non-members

∫ Jan. 28: Introduction to Florida Gardening Part I from 10 a.m. to noon

Participants will receive a foundation of how plants work, their nomenclature and understanding of unique weather patterns and unusual soils found only in Florida, zone 10 The class will educate them with identification of native and non-native plants and how to recognize invasive species Palms will also be discussed and participants will spend the last 20 minutes in the Palmetum Participants should bring a notebook, pencil and drinking water. Hats, sunscreen and good walking shoes are recommended for the out-

∫ St Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www.saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Ed Martin

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ St 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

Service with optional healing prayers on Wednesday at 9 a m at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Sunday service at 11:30 a m at the same location, followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall

door portion Participants will receive handouts, a recommended reading list and additional resources Cost is $45 for members or $55 for non-members

∫ Jan. 31: Introduction to Florida Gardening Part II from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Participants will be introduced to the concepts of “Florida Friendly Gardening,” including learning the proper use of fertilizers and soil amendments Pest identification will be covered, as well as when to use chemical versus biological controls as recommended by the Green Industries B e s t M a n a g e m e n t P r a c t i c e s c o n c e p t s

Weed identification and diseases will also be covered, along with a discussion on

selecting plants for a Florida landscape, followed by a question-and-answer session The last 20 minutes of class will be held in the Butterfly Garden Participants should bring a notebook, pencil and drinking water Hats, sunscreen and good walking shoes are recommended for the outdoor portion Participants will receive handouts, a recommended reading list and additional resources Cost is $45 for members or $55 for non-members

Seating is limited and registration is required

For more information or to register, visit EdisonFord org

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers offers opportunities throughout the year to learn about gardening in Florida

Chef Loretta Paganini

Lee

ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS

Alliance taking submissions for juried exhibit

The Alliance for the Arts is accepting artist submissions for the 37th Annual All Florida Exhibition, scheduled for March 3 through April 1 at the alliance, at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

The juried exhibit will feature pieces created by artists in a variety of media from all over the state

Categories for entry are sculpture, painting including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor and mixed media photography,

prints and drawing. An entry may consist of one to three artworks Awards will include $1,000 cash for Best In Show, a second place gift certificate, $100 cash for third place and Juror's Choice Award(s) of Alliance membership(s)

All entries are due by Jan 23

To download the prospectus, visit ArtInLee org/AllFlorida2023

For more information, email exhibitions@ArtInLee org

Information presented in the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program can help you become empowered to improve your quality of life Learn how to more easily manage your medications; understand the benefits of exercise; manage symptoms of stress, pain and fatigue; and make smarter decisions related to health eating The virtual workshops are held once a week for

six weeks

Participants will receive a copy of the book “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain ”

The program will be offered virtually on Thursdays starting on Jan. 12 from 1 to 3 p m

For more information or to register for one of the programs, call 239-424-3121

Louise Farrenc, “Symphony No 3 in G minor” is the last of the symphonies she composed It is the best known and most appreciated of Farrenc's symphonies The all French program will also include Darius Milhaud's “Le Boeuf sur le t

Gounod's “Symphony No 1 in D Major ” Tickets are $35-41 For more information and tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org

Collective to per for m Jazz at the MACC

The Gulf Coast Jazz Collective will present “Jazz at the MACC: Jazz Funk” with bass player Dan Navarro on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Music & Arts Community Center, at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers It will play some of his compositions, as well as music from the Jazz masters who entered the funk genre, including Herbie Hancock, Jacoi Pastorius and others Featured alongside Navarro will be James Suggs on trumpet and Zach Bornheimer on saxophone Tickets are $38-44 For more information and tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/

Alliance for the Arts to host movie night

The Alliance for the Arts will host an outdoor double feature, Disney’s “Freaky Friday” and “Friday the 13th,” on Jan 13 starting at 6 p m at 10091 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Doors open at 5 p m

Attendees are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. Coolers and pets are prohibit-

ed

Food trucks and beverages will be available

Tickets are $12 for members and $15 for non-members; children under age 5 are free

For more information or tickets, visit https://www.artinlee.org/.

GULF COAST SYMPHONY

GULF COAST SYMPHONY

Nuyorican Child’s Christmas In Vieques’

“No hableh ingléh en Viequeh,” (Do not speak English in Vieques) I still remember my mother’s words a few days before Christmas and after we had just completed a five-day steamship voyage to Puerto Rico and a long drive in a público to Fajardo where we were waiting for “La lancha” to brave the choppy straits for two hours and land us on my mother’s home island, Vieques, an island off the eastern shore of Puerto Rico, itself an island in the West Indies

And I still remember that when half the island came to greet my mother and see the first americano born in the family and hear him speak English and kept demanding “Habla ingléh, habla ingléh ” that I held out for as long as I could, repeating after each request my mother’s admonition, “No hableh ingléh en Viequeh ” but the bribes of bananas, oranges, sugar cane and pennies were too great for four year old me to resist and I succumbed by reciting the first stanza of the Star Spangled Banner that my brother had taught me before I left New York and even though I was not too sure of the meaning and pronunciation of many of the words, a shower of applause and pennies rewarded my first adventure into performance poetry

A few days later I wowed the crowd even more at my uncle Agustin’s house when I remembered it was Christmas and added to my repertoire “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” but when I asked,

“¿cuándo viene Santa Claus?” I was given the bad news: Vieques was one town Santa (San Nicolás) didn’t go to

Everyone watched my reaction in a careful silence until my devastation was relieved by my uncle’s revelation that there were Tres Reyes, Gaspar, Melchor and Baltasar who delivered presents not on Christmas Day but on January 6 because the camels on which they traveled were much slower than reindeer They would be tired and hungry and if I left some straw for them in a shoebox, the next morning I might find presents

‘Three Santa’s! Three times more presents!’ I remember thinking in English, ‘and they don’t even have a list of who’s naughty and nice ’

I obeyed and did not speak English in Vieques except on those performance occasions and that one time when my Uncle Braulio tripled the ante to three pennies to hear me say the “f” word but the Spanish I spoke was an equal source of delight larded with English words and syntax hybrid utterances such as me comí five bananas and no me gustan anyway were preserved in family lore for decades I didn’t realize then: I was one of the pioneer speakers of Spanglish

There were parties every night, and three of my uncles were the island’s musicians and my cousins and I would accompany them on parrandas to people’s houses where they played while everyone sang aguinaldos and danced and ate and drank and partied on to the next house

Poetic License

with many of us being carried sleepily and piled on beds and hammocks at each stop

On New Year’s Day, I wept with my cousins who were heartbroken over the slaughter of their pet suckling pig, Cucharón, but that same evening we fought over the rights to his cuerito roasted crinkled skin, that tasted better than candy

Barefoot and happy the entire time, I spent my second remembered Christmas with coconut palms instead of pine trees, sand instead of snow, sleeping in open shacks without doors, rocking softly in hammocks canopied with mosquito nets, with Three Kings and camels and straw and hand-made gifts in shoeboxes, and family singing and dancing every evening the rhythmic joy and faith of the aguinaldos shining through their poverty, illuminating and deepening the memory and celebration of all my Christmases to come

Sunday Night Chamber Music concer t

‘Changing Direction’ exhibit opens at Alliance

United States

In addition, the exhibition’s juror will host a panel discussion with several artists on Jan 21 from 11 a m to noon The discussion is free and open to the public; however, RSVPs are recommended

Gallery admission is free, but a $5 donation keeps programming affordable and accessible

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www artinlee org/event/changingdirection/

Joe Pacheco

GULF COAST SYMPHONY