North Fort Myers Living by BreezeNewspapers

2 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — January/February 2024

Tommy Bohanon Foundation raises $25,000 at annual softball tournament

he Tommy Bohanon Foundation hosted its fourth annual Softball Tournament recently, raising $25,000 to purchase toys for several local charities. Ten coed teams participated in the event at the Cape Coral Northwest Softball Complex on Dec. 9. Participants and sponsors donated 500 toys worth nearly $5,000, including a $1,000 donation from Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida. The toys were donated to Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, Living Word Ministries and North Fort Myers Fire Department for distribution before the holidays. On the field, the Goon Squad captured first place in the softball tournament. “We appreciate the support of the Southwest Florida community at this event,” said Foundation Co-Founder Tommy Bohanon. “The tremendous amount of toys and money raised will go a long way toward assisting the charities and making sure the kids have a great Christmas.” The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. Its programs and community outreach events have helped hundreds of children in Southwest Florida. Opportunities to help through volunteering, participating or donating, can be found at TommyBohanonFoundation.org. For more information, please contact Katie Bohanon at 239-671-0441 or katie@tommybohanonfoundation.org. NFMNL

Tommy and Katie Bohanon./PHOTOS PROVIDED

LEFT: Debra Marlowe, Lily Cersesimo and Angela Cersesimo ABOVE: Katie Bohanon, Donna LaMay and Marsha Newcomer

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contents on the cover New nestling!

The Southwest Florida Eagle cam’s M15 and F23 are caring for their first hatching in the nest on the Pritchett property off Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. As always, fans across the globe watched the hatching process from egg to pip to welcome to the world, E-23! The eaglet hatched just before the new year on Dec. 31 at 7:04 a.m. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DICK PRITCHETT REAL ESTATE AND THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA EAGLE CAM

$ 27

‘The world is but a canvas to the imagination’

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Principal Andrew Miller

Winter Field Day to come to Southwest Florida Dedicated teachers drive education

Full calendar ahead for Civic Happy New Year everyone. The North Fort Myers Civic Association ended the year with our fourth annual Santa Parade on Dec. 9 where Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a crew of elves, trucks, drivers, road walkers, firefighters, LCSO deputies and volunteers took to the streets again this year by sleigh and float along with our newly formed golf cart and three-wheel bicycle brigade to help distribute gifts to the anxious children ready to see Santa, sit on his lap and tell him their wants and wishes. As always, the smiles from the children make it all worthwhile. It is a very humbling experience. The kids are fortunate that all our volunteers love Christmas and took their costumes seriously and we were kids that day as well. It takes a village of about 25 people for our parade. The Community Service Awards this year will be held Jan. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center which is located behind the library at 2000 Recreation Park Way We will be presenting awards to amazing people in North Fort Myers who deserve recognition for helping to make North Fort Myers a better place for all of us. What better way to celebrate these awesome people? Tom Cronin Award – Person of the year- This award is given to an individual who has demon-

strated an active participation in the North Fort Myers community, through giving and self-sacrifice in the betterment of North Fort Myers. The recipient of the Tom Cronin Community Service award will be recognized as the North Fort Myers Person of the Year. Diamond Award -This award is to be given to a woman who has made a significant impact in the North Fort Myers Community and is named to honor Cheryl Diamond, who was the first female president of the North Fort Myers Civic Association. Ron Hoover- North Fort Myers Legends Award, Our Pioneer Award is given to an individual who has been instrumental for the community of North Fort Myers and its history, prior to the years of 2000. The individual does not currently have to be a North Fort Myers resident to be nominated. Community Service Medals- Medals and certificates will be presented to individuals who have been in the right place when needed and did the right thing at the time. If you can’t attend, visit northfortmyersneighbor.com for the winners who also will be featured here next month. February brings our annual election for the Board of Directors. Candidates listed on the ballet so far are incumbents Toni Hill and Debra Ballard.

The election is Feb. 13 at our NFMCA monthly meeting. If you are a paid members and have attended a minimum of three meetings, please come out and vote. April 20 is our Pickleball tournament to be held at the Lee County Civic Center. Details are still being hashed out. Additional information coming or email at nfmcapickleball@gmail.com Mark your calendars golfers, our Father’s Day Golf tournament will be held this year on June 15 at Del Tura Country Club in North Fort Myers. More information to come. Questions can be emailed to Danny Ballard at nfmclash2024@gmail.com The Board of directors appointed two new directors in December. We welcome Kelly Hill and Matthew Bonsall to our Board of Directors. I am looking forward to a positive year for the community and for our little part in helping our neighbors. We at the NFMCA wish everyone a Heathy, Happy and Prosperous New Year 2024 . Toni Hill President NFMCA

the pulse Lots of good news on the school front Happy New Year North Fort Myers! I hope you enjoyed time with family and friends over the holidays and are ready for great things in 2024. As our students return to school, it’s hard to believe they are starting the second semester. There is so much to celebrate and it is my pleasure to share with you some of news affecting the North Fort Myers community. First, Open Enrollment started Jan. 16. This is the opportunity for students entering kindergarten, rising into sixth or ninth grade, re-enrolling from a private school or interested in trying to change schools to select their choices for the school assignment lottery. New proximity-based assignment zones for middle school will be in place so that students will attend schools next year closer to their home. Just as with elementary proximity a year ago, every student in, or moving up to middle school, must take at least some action. Please use the School District’s website at www.leeschools.net to find more information and then submit your choices through your FOCUS Parent

Portal. Open Enrollment closes Feb. 29. Every entry is processed into the lottery at once so take the time you need to make the right choices for you. Our holiday season got off to a great start thanks to the students and staff at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts. Once again, they put on an amazing performance of The Nutcracker at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. This 21-year old tradition overall, features more than 200 students from 6 to 14 years old. If you missed the performance this year, make sure you catch them back on stage in 2024. Speaking of the arts, we can all be proud of the 13 students from NFMAA and North Fort Myers High School selected for All-State Musical Ensemble Honors. They will attend the Florida Musical Educators Association conference in January to practice and perform an All-Star caliber concert. More than 10,000 students applied for the honor but only the best of the best was chosen. The College Board also recently rec-

ognized six North Fort Myers High School students with academic honors from its National Recognition Program. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully engage with colleges and stand out during the admissions process. North Fort Myers High School was named a 2023 Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School. Renewing their distinction first awarded in 2019, the honor demonstrates the continued commitment to inclusive practices involving all Red Knight students. Students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates and work together to participate in activities that include Unified bowling, basketball, and track, along with the Un-Knighted Club and Student Government Association. Only 16 other schools in Florida and 205 in the United States can call them-

selves a 2023 National Banner Unified Champion School. Lastly, I want to congratulate the Boys JROTC Raiders team at Island Coast High School for winning the 2023 State Championship. Raiders is a physical fitness contest where teams are scored for their group performance. The Island Coast Boys finished first in three events and second in a fourth to claim the state title. Two years ago, they didn’t even have enough members for a full team, so very impressive. North Fort Myers High School’s coed team qualified for the completion and finished fifth, so congratulations to them as well. I wish for our students to have even more success in the second semester and I wish you the best for the year ahead. Debbie Jordan represents District 4 on the Lee County School Board

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community connection

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Lee County Civic Center site of 11th annual Holidays Without Hunger

eals of Hope gathered together thousands of volunteers at the Lee County Civic Center where they packed 433,440 meals for those in need last month. Volunteers worked in groups to pack our Fortified Cinnamon, Sugar and Diced Apple Oatmeal to be distributed throughout Southwest Florida. “We are thankful and appreciative of the support provided by the Lee County Civic Center and all the volunteers to help us combat the hunger epidemic,” said Stephen Popper, President/CEO of Meals of Hope of the meal packing event held Dec. 16. “These types of events make for a fun and rewarding day for the volunteers, and they help us deliver healthy meals to underserved individuals.” In 2022, Holiday Without Hunger volunteers packed 400,000, surpassing that number at the

Meals of Hope gathered together thousands of volunteers at the Lee County Civic Center where they packed 433,440 meals for those in need last month./PHOTOS PROVIDED

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2023. event held before the holidays. Meals of Hope developed seven dried fortified meals specifically designed for the American palate and with added vitamins, minerals and proteins to supplement an unbalanced diet. Food packages are designed to address the need for an economical, nutritious solution to aid in the fight against hunger. Each packet contains enough food to provide six to eight meals.

About Meals of Hope Meals of Hope, is the largest food pantry provider serving 16 weekly locations and distributing to more than 4,000 needy families per week. Meals of Hope, is the only food packing organization with a priority on keeping that food within the United States. More than 35,000 volunteers and 15 full-time staff members assist Meals of Hope in achieving its Mission of “communities coming together to end hunger.” Meals of Hope combats hunger through

three primary initiatives: meal packing events; 16 local food pantries where families receive frozen meat, fresh produce and canned goods, and various out of school programs such as a Weekend Backpack program where approximate 10,000 weekend backpacks are distributed monthly to Elementary School aged children throughout Southwest Florida. For more information about Meals of Hope visit www.mealsofhope.org or follow on social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and Linked In. NFMNL

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Birth of eaglet caps busy year for Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Story by Chuck Ballaro

hat a year 2023 was for the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. It started with the disappearance of Harriet and the remarkable raising of two eaglets by mate M15 and ended with the first clutch of eggs with his new mate, F23, in the nest off Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. Unfortunately, the first clutch produced by the cam's new international stars will result in only one eaglet being raised. M15 and F23 saw the hatching of eaglet E23 early Dec. 31 around 7 a.m. However, the second egg, which was badly damaged, did not hatch. Ginnie Pritchett-McSpadden, co-founder of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, said that since this was the first clutch by the pair, the result isn’t that surprising. “We assumed this was the first attempt for F23 laying and incubating. She was a rookie all-around so our expectations were low. We didn’t know what to expect,” Pritchett-McSpadden said. “She incubated the eggs and feels more comfortable being the matriarch.” The pip from the first egg, created by the eaglet with the “egg tooth” on its beak, was spotted Dec. 29 at 8:54 p.m. However, before that there was a large crack spotted in the second egg. Many at first thought it was just a different pip from all the others, and the chick was seen and heard from inside. Over the course of the next 24 hours, the condition of the egg worsened, with a spot of blood visible. By Sunday morning, the egg was cracked and crumbled. “That second egg doesn’t seem to be developing or hatching any further. We have to assume that egg is no longer viable,” Pritchett-McSpadden said. The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam was evaluating what exactly happened to the second egg. It is the first time this has happened on the live 24/7 multi-camera eagle cam founded by the Pritchett McSpadden in 2012. While there have been eggs that were viable (it has happened twice), never has

Newly hatched E23 in the nest./PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA EAGLE CAM an egg cracked in the nest in this manner. “We’ll be speaking with wildlife experts. We’re watching and waiting to see what unfolds like everyone else,” Pritchett-McSpadden said. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had an egg not hatch. It’s not that uncommon.” People on social media were hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. As it was just Day 34 for the second egg, the eaglet inside would have been premature. F23 laid her first egg Friday, Nov. 24, at around 5:47 p.m., with the second egg coming Monday, Nov. 27, at around 1:45 p.m., with the first view at 2:28 p.m. All seemed normal for the new pair, with the first egg beginning the hatching process pretty much on schedule.

M15 and F23 saw the hatching of eaglet E23 Sunday, Dec. 31, around 7 a.m.

As always, the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam provided viewers with all the action in the nest. This is the 12th season the 24/7 live eagle cam will show the goings on in and around the nest at the Pritchett Farm. Pritchett-McSpadden said that it’s better that the eagles have one hatchling to celebrate than to mourn the other egg that didn’t make it. “It’s big because it’s the first attempt ever for this couple. To successfully hatch one egg, let alone any, is a huge story,” Pritchett-McSpadden said. “Four months ago we didn’t think we would be looking at any eggs. It’s an amazing blessing to have one to watch and hopefully grow.” View the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam at http://dickpritchettrealestate.com. NFMNL

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Arts culture runs deep at North Fort Myers academy Story by Meghan Bradbury

rich arts culture has transformed the North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts, which dates back to the early 2000s when the K-8 school opened its doors to students. There were two separate campuses – an elementary school on the north side and middle school on the south side – before the creation of North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts evolved in 2000-2001. The older school, Suncoast, was knocked down and rebuilt as a K-8 academy using the original building, but a different layout. The theater became the middle of the school, while moving the middle school closer to join the elementary school together with the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. The students were in portables for more than two years before moving into the new school in 2003-2004. The school had a peak enrollment year in 20192020 with 1,153 students. The lowest enrollment since the 2007-2008 school year fell in 2012-2013 with 976 students. There are just under 1,200 now. North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Principal Andy Miller said the school has 110 staffers, 75 of whom are classroom teachers. “We are all one level, all spread out,” he said of the beautiful property. “There are two wings of the building – the central part of the building is the theater and media center. We share one cafeteria and one gymnasium for everybody and one media center.” When the academy came together there was CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Principal Andrew Miller./PHOTO BY MARK CLIFFORD

School a ‘perfect fit’ for principal Story by Meghan Bradbury

orth Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Principal Andrew Miller enjoys coming to work every day. “I do have the decision to change a lot of things for a lot of people for the better. I have a huge responsibility to do that,” he said, adding that coming to the K-8th grade academy is the perfect fit for him. “I enjoy it every day. I leave here proud of the work every day.” While this is Miller’s first year at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts, he has been an educator for more than a decade. The Wisconsin native began in the School District of Lee County as a teacher where he spent seven years in both elementary and middle schools before being placed in the assistant principal roles at the same levels. Before taking the principal position at the academy, he was the assistant principal of curriculum at Cypress Lake Middle School. Miller said his first year as a principal has been incredible, especially coming off the annual performance of 'The Nutcracker' with two brand new dance teachers. “It takes a village to pull something like 'The Nutcracker' off,” Miller said. “It was just as good as ever. I was really proud of them.” The academy is comprised of an awesome team – administrative and faculty, which includes Assistant Principal James Samz, who also is experiencing his first full year at the academy. Miller said Samz was a previous band director and worked at the academy as a teacher years ago. “I was a math teacher. I was on the academic side. He (Samz) always served on the arts side. He’s just such a hard worker. My whole admin staff. We have a really cool dynamic. Hard workers and dedicated people all here for the same reasons, which is for the kids,” Miller said.

The school has about 110 staffers, 75 of whom are classroom teachers. “The teachers are so passionate,” Miller said. Before the school year began, he sat down and talked with all of the teachers over the summer. They all expressed they wanted to feel as one big family again. With the distancing constraints of COVID, Miller wanted to bring positivity to the schoolhouse, as morale is important. “If they feel happy and want to come to work it changes everything because it trickles into what the kids do,” he said. With a plethora of arts options, as well as academics, the academy is a very busy school with performances taking place all the time, as well as sports and testing. “There is never a dull moment,” Miller said. With more than the first half of the school year under his belt, his goal is to continue to work on academics. “I believe we have to continue to push and challenge our students. We have very capable students at our school. With the right intervention, instruction, and lesson design we are really going to push our students to reach their full potential,” Miller said. “I want to be the best. That is who I am as a person. I want students and staff to feel success.” The great thing about the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts is the great “marriage” it has with the arts. As a pianist and artist, Miller also understands that the arts are what helps bring students to school every day. “I want to move our school grade up as high as we can. We can only do that one day at a time. Our teachers work very hard every week collaborating with each other designing lessons and all that centers around what the kids need,” he said. NFMNL

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North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts K-8 school opened its doors to students in the early 2000s./PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD

Arts culture runs deep at North Fort Myers academy Story by Meghan Bradbury

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Principal Andrew Miller./PHOTO BY MARK CLIFFORD

School a ‘perfect fit’ for principal Story by Meghan Bradbury

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North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts K-8 school opened its doors to students in the early 2000s./PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD

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In addition to education, the academy provides an opportunity not all schools have – elective, or special classes – dance, art, band, orchestra, choir, set design, costume design, drama, musical theater, visual arts and digital design./PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD

academy FROM PAGE 10 additional funding for teachers, as well as the building to come together to entice people to come to the performing arts school. In addition to education, the academy provides an opportunity not all schools have – elective, or special classes – dance, art, band, orchestra, choir, set design, costume design, drama, musical theater, visual arts and digital design. “It’s a pretty comprehensive offering of arts classes,” Miller said. The academy has a focus on high academic achievement as well. “Both together, we believe is the right formula in creating well-rounded students prepared for high school,” Miller said. Miller said they want students to come to school because if they are not there they cannot learn. “Art is another reason they do come to school. They have a purpose,” he said. With the district implementing the elementary school proximity zone this year and a middle school proximity zone plan expected next year, students who are closer to the school will have greater access. Miller said for the arts program, they have 42 seats available for sixth grade students next year. “Any student in the entire district, if they wanted to come, can audition for art areas. If chosen they bypass the lottery

process,” he said. “Forty-two seats are guaranteed. Art seats is the way for students who are really dedicated to the arts to audition and get in here.” Those students, if they live outside of the new proximity zone, would need their own transportation to the school. The primary level students have the opportunity to experience every single art, so when they reach the fourth grade, they can choose which they would like to “major in” by selecting two they want to focus on and pursue throughout their educational career at the academy. As with any other school, there are requirements of how many minutes, as well as days core classes are taught at the academy. Miller said some students may have more electives than others, due to such things as remedial classes, or additional intervention classes a student may need. “For the most part, every one of the middle school students get two electives, and some have more depending on their level,” he said. “We do follow the Lee County progression and are in line with what the state requires. We want them to have the well-rounded education and have the academics too.” NFMNL

edication and the desire to reach every student has kept the passion alive for two North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts fourth grade educators. Joanne Conde began teaching at the academy 18 years ago after Dr. Douglas Santini encouraged her to come down to the academy, as he heard and knew of her. “I personally travel down here to teach. I live up here on the Sarasota County line,” she said. “I loved it so much I could not leave. It is a commute, but worth it.” Why? Because of the family feeling that is embraced in the building – not just with the faculty and students, but with everyone involved in the school. “We are all here for each other and the students, adults, administration and teachers,” Conde said of everyone being involved and invested in the school. She explains the academy as the “diamond in the rough,” another reason the school holds a special place in her heart. There have been many proud moments for the educator, especially with the ability to see many of the students grow from kindergarten through eighth grade. “You see them grow through the years all the way up to eighth grade,” Conde said.

Joanne Conde./PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD

Stacy Taylor.

In primary grade levels, the students experience every art, so when they reach the fourth grade they can “choose what they want to major in” – two arts they wish to focus on while at the academy. She pulls the arts into her classroom to entice the learning of her students. Conde said they do a lot of drama plays in the classroom, as well as singing and teaching through song because the material sticks with the students. “We write our own songs,” she said. Conde said although she did not integrate the arts as much into her classroom before arriving at the academy, it is always part of the lessons now.

“The kids do have much more presence,” she said. “They don’t feel afraid to stand up in front of each other to read something, or act something out because of the art classes. They don’t have the fear of just speaking. The fear of speaking or getting in front of the class, they kind of lose that.” Stacy Taylor is also a longtime fourth grade teacher at the academy – now in her 21st year. She applied to work at the school after the new campus was constructed and they were just moving back in the building. Administration showed her around the building and she fell in love and was hired.

January/February 2024 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

Story by Meghan Bradbury

Dedicated teachers drive education

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Longtime fourth grade teacher Stacy Taylor reads to students./PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD

Taylor brought her children to the school to attend. “I love what they were provided. They thanked me all the time for bringing them to the school,” she said. Her oldest was into arts – enjoying visual arts – which is why they were all enrolled into the school. Taylor’s middle child, who was not really into the arts became interested in chorus and later drama and her youngest started with the violin, then visual art, digital art and music. “She was very well-rounded. They all carried on with the arts into high school,” she said.

Taylor’s middle child also teaches at the academy. One of the reasons she enjoys teaching is she sees how the arts builds confidence in the students. “That is important. I have watched it in my own children as they have grown and gone into their own careers,” Taylor said. She said confidence is incredibly important because it teaches students how to feel good in their own skin – speaking and expressing themselves. For that reason, Taylor brings a lot of art into the classroom encouraging more Joanne Conde instructs fourth grade students. movement and collaboration. NFMNL

“Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Don't Be Cruel,” and soul-stirring ballads like “Love Me Tender.” The show covers the full spectrum of Elvis’ discography, catering to every fan’s musical preference. “All Shook Up” is surefire fun for rock ‘n’ roll rebels of all ages! Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of “All Shook Up” as the show combines music, dance and storytelling into a seamless and captivating experience. The skilled performers engage the audience, creating a connection that makes you feel like you’re a part of Elvis’ entourage. Prepare to sing along, dance in your seat and relish in the excitement that fills the air! Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., with Sunday's performance at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on TicketLeap.com or at the door. Student tickets are $7 or $15 for VIP, with adult tickets $12 or $20 for VIP Doors open 1-hour prior to show, house opens 30-minutes prior to show. North Fort Myers High School is at 5000 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers. For additional information, call the school at 239995-2117. NFMNL

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orth Fort Myers High School will present the Elvis Presley-inspired musical, “All Shook Up,” Feb. 2-4, in the school’s auditorium. “All Shook Up” tells the all-new story of a square little town in the middle of a square state in the middle of a square decade where a lonely young girl dreams of hitting the open road. Into her life rides a guitarplayin' roustabout who changes everything and kick-starts a hip-swivelin’, lip-curlin’ musical fantasy that will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes. “All Shook Up” features a lineup of Elvis’ greatest hits, ensuring an unforgettable night for music enthusiasts of all ages. Songs include the foot-tapping rhythms of

North Fort Myers High to present ‘All Shook Up!’ Feb. 2-4

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Hamfest the place for radio enthusiasts Story by Chuck Ballaro

s ham radio operators love to mention, it is not just a bunch of boomers in basements trying to reach fellow operators all over the world. Ham radio operators provide an important service to their community in the event of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane. Operators throughout Southwest Florida are welcoming everyone to step into the world of amateur radio enthusiasts at the Southwest Florida Hamfest, a blend of flea market finds, FCC license testing, and workshops. Hosted by the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club,

Hamfest is set for Friday, Jan. 19, from noon until 5 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 20, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Florida Southwestern College Building U in Fort Myers. It’s a $10 admission, with students and children 12 and under admitted free with a valid student ID or their parents for the latter. Daniel Eaton, FMARC spokesperson, said it’s an opportunity to learn about amateur radio and see what they’re all about. “We want people to learn more about the hobby. It’s a fun hobby, and it’s not expensive to get involved with it. You can buy a Handy-talkie for $35. With that, you can talk to anyone in the state,” Eaton said. “With the digital, you can talk to anyone around the world.” There are more than 48,000 amateur radio operators in Florida alone, so this event is more than just a gathering — it’s a celebration of the crucial role amateur radio plays in emergency communications. Hamfest is a golden opportunity for anyone interested in amateur radio to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and start new friendships. Among the features will be on how they connect to the International Space Station. Established in 1957, FMARC is dedicated to fostering camaraderie among individuals with a shared passion for amateur radio. Committed to facilitating the exchange of information, promoting

electronics and amateur radio knowledge, advocating for good radio operating practices, and advancing the hobby, the club strives to create a vibrant community. Additionally, the club sponsors and promotes various activities related to amateur radio, provides crucial public service during emergencies and actively engages in other community initiatives. One of the events they participate in is Field Day, a national event where operators attempt to contact fellow operators throughout the country within a 24-hour period. It is held every June at the North Fort Myers Community Park. Field Day serves as a place where people can see how amateur radio works and for practice for when there is a real emergency, like Hurricane Ian was in 2022. Eaton said you don’t have to be a computer whiz to get involved, even if much of the equipment today is computerized. “It’s a hobby anyone can do. It doesn’t take any special requirement other than the FCC license,” Eaton said. “Hamfest gives us an opportunity to show what we can all do.” FMARC is affiliated with and sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, which is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information, and resources. For more information about Southwest Florida Hamfest, visit https://swflhamfest.info/ or by email hamfest@fmarc.net. NFMNL

Winter Field Day to come to Southwest Florida

a valuable and enjoyable way for ham radio operators to hone their skills, showcase the capabilities of amateur radio, and engage with the community. Established in 1957, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, Inc. has been dedicated to fostering camaraderie among individuals with a shared passion for Amateur Radio. With a commitment to facilitating the exchange of information, promoting electronics and amateur radio knowledge, advocating for good radio operating practices, and advancing the art of Amateur Radio, the club strives to create a vibrant community. Additionally, the club actively sponsors and promotes various activities related to amateur radio, provides crucial public service during emergencies and actively engages in other community initiatives. FMARC is affiliated with and sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national amateur radio association, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information, and resources. For more information about the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC), visit https://www. fmarc.net, or Winter Field Day at https://winterfieldday.org.

January/February 2024 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

Ham Radio Operators deploy in North Fort Myers

am Radio Fort Myers Field Day, a special event in the amateur radio community, will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27 and 28, at the North Fort Myers Community Park. The event serves as both a practice exercise and a public demonstration of the skills and capabilities of amateur radio operators, aka hams. The primary purpose of Field Day is to test and improve the ability of ham radio operators to quickly deploy and operate in emergencies, such as natural disasters or other events that may disrupt regular communication channels. During Field Day, ham radio operators set up temporary radio stations in various locations, such as parks, open fields, or even parking lots. The goal is to simulate the conditions of an emergency response and demonstrate the ability to establish reliable communication in less-than-ideal situations. Key aspects of Ham Radio Field Day include: ● Operating on emergency power: Participants are encouraged to operate their radio stations using alterna-

tive power sources, such as generators, batteries, or solar power, to simulate the conditions of a power outage during an emergency. ● Setting up temporary antennas: Ham radio operators deploy portable antennas to establish communication over various bands and frequencies. This helps demonstrate the adaptability and versatility of amateur radio equipment. ● Contacting other stations: Participants aim to make as many contacts with other ham radio stations as possible within a 24-hour period. Points are awarded for each contact made, and bonus points may

be earned for factors like using alternative power sources or incorporating new technologies. ● Public awareness: In addition to the emergency preparedness aspect, Field Day also serves as an opportunity to promote amateur radio to the public. Many operators welcome visitors, provide information about amateur radio, and may even offer the chance for non-hams to make a radio contact under the supervision of a licensed operator. The North Fort Myers Community Park is at 2000 Recreation Park Way. Winter Field Day is sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association. It's

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18 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — January/February 2024

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Sprinkler Systems & Irrigation

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