North Fort Myers Living

E22 hatches, joins E21 in Harriet and M15’s nest

Story by Chuck Ballaro

Southwest Florida’s most famous eagle pair, Harriet and M15, are once again proud parents with the hatching of eaglets E21 and E22 earlier this month at the Pritchett Farm in North Fort Myers

Eaglet E21, whose egg was laid in the nest on the Pritchett property off Bay Shore Road on Nov. 29, finally came out of its shell on Jan. 4 at 8:22 p.m., about 36 hours after pipping out of the shell Meanwhile, a pip was seen in E22’s egg at around 11:16 a m on Jan 5 A close-up showed a small crack as the

new baby used it to keep its balance. It wasn’t until 4:43 a.m. on Jan. 7 that hatched, 37 days after the egg was laid on Dec 2

Both eggs were laid in the early evening shortly after nightfall They also came a little bit later than normal as Harriet and M15 were busy rebuilding their nest after it was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

Ginnie McSpadden, who helps run the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, which broadcast the day-to-day lives of the eagle family in and around the nest, said it’s amazing that there was even a season at all

“It’s been challenging Like everyone else with the hurricane and the recovery

E21 and E22 are fed in an image captured by the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam.

WWW DICKPRITCHETT REALESTATE COM

process, the eagles have done the exact same thing,” McSpadden said. “Their nest was destroyed, but within two days, they were rebuilding in the original tree It was amazing to see them rebuild the nest and be able to hatch two eggs ”

People were able to watch the event on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, now in its 11th season of showing us the daily goings on with Southwest Florida’s most famous feathered couple. McSpadden said they weren’t sure they would be able to have an Eagle Cam, but they were able to pull it off

“The technology is still in the tree. We had to make some minor switches to get it back streaming again,” McSpadden said “It’s a storybook season for us ”

What happens next?

According to www eagles org, When first born, the eaglets are covered with white down. By the time they are 9 to 11 days old, the first down is replaced by a second down which is much darker in color

For Mary Fischer, now-retired educator and school board member, it’s always been about the kids — the kids in her classroom, the kids in the School District of Lee County and, of course, the kids who call her mom or GiGi. On the cover, she is pictured with grandchildren Madison Fischer and Ryan Fischer and great grands Allison McClary, Jacob Preston, and Isabelle Preston and Riley Preston-Bray, both also pictured at left.

RV show returns to the Lee Civic Center

Story by Chuck Ballaro

For those who live the RV lifestyle, it brings adventure, freedom and ability to share time with family and friends

For those who want to, the Fort Myers Recreation Vehicle Show will motor back to the Lee Civic Center for its 37th annual show from Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 26 to 29.

This year ’s show will provide attendees an opportunity to see the latest and best camping products available to RVers and lovers of the great outdoors offered by a slew of local RV dealers and vendors

Dave Kelly, executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association, said the show will appeal to all levels of travelers and provides the perfect learning ground for those interested

but afraid to ask questions at a dealership.

“RV shows are a great place to come whether they are just getting started or experienced RVers The great thing is you have multiple dealers showing multiple brands and styles of RVs,” Kelly said “There are RVs for every price point, hobby and interest ”

The Fort Myers RV Show is one of the largest RV shows in the state, with more than 11,000 attending for last year ’s show and as many as 16,000 during its heyday 20 years ago.

Attendees can view hundreds of recreation vehicles aged 2018 and newer of all different types, sizes and price points

In years past, the show featured mostly new RVs, with some models costing nearly $1 million That changed a few years ago so the event could include older models to allow

community connection

I am ready for a New Year, how about you?

I am not so sure it is all about the New Year, or ending the disaster known as 2022.

We have all lived through it and we are now looking for something else

In reality, it is just like any other day, but Jan 1 resembles a fresh start I have never been much for resolutions as they typically never get implemented

So, I encourage you to write down what you want to change this year, then review that list periodically and act. If no action is taken it is just a dream so go ahead and get ‘r done.

My staff and I started work on Tuesday in a new temporary office, (thanks to hurricane Ian) I have a list of things that I want to change, and I will en-

the pulse

deavor to make them happen because the future is the ONLY thing we can change.

What are you ready to change? Business plan, better time management, more delegation, organization, saying NO to things that keep you from achieving your goals Restricting use of that stupid smart phone and other time wasters Read more, relax more, work less, develop better office procedures so staff can benefit from efficiencies also

A friend of mine who is also an agent, is OCD about efficiencies and he has a saying that he uses often. “What would it look like if it were easy.” I plan to use this in some of my changes for the year

Well, the first thing I am doing this year is in-

stalling NEW insulation at my house, so the drywall guys can install NEW walls at the end of the week. The NEW Air Conditioner goes in next week. Then the NEW Cabinets, NEW floors, NEW roof, NEW pool cage and then I go buy everything else NEW for inside

I am starting to like the NEW Year already

John Gardner Chamber President Agency owner at Lee County Insurance

Lock it or Lose it

Using the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office social media platforms, speaking at numerous community gatherings and asking the media to share the message regarding locking your vehicles and securing valuables has somewhat reduced the number of vehicular burglaries in our county

Still, each morning the calls for service regarding car and truck burglaries and thefts are received by our agency.

Despite the aforementioned pleas, which the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office has been issuing for years, the vast majority of reports that we receive involve unlocked vehicles In some cases, vehicle fobs are left inside of these unlocked vehicles and result in

the theft of the car or truck.

On occasion, reports are filed regarding stolen firearms that were left inside of the unlocked vehicle This is of enormous concern to me and it should be to you, as well Stolen firearms pose an immense threat to everyone in the community everyone

At the very least, your unlocked vehicle will result in a sense of violation as you wake the following morning to find your glove box and center console torn open and your belongings strewn about your vehicle’s interior and/or your driveway

The very worst, should a firearm be removed from your vehicle, is that the stolen weapon is used

to commit a violent crime, injure an innocent victim or result in the loss of life.

As we begin this new year, I am once again imploring Lee County residents and guests to remove all valuables from their vehicles, each and every evening, and to lock all vehicle doors

Carmine Marceno Sheriff of the Lee County Sheriff's Office

more people the opportunity to afford one, including a growing number of younger people

“Some people don’t want to buy something brand new as a first unit, so seeing some used models gives them an idea of where they can get started,” Kelly said “For a while, bigger was better It’s now switching with a younger audience, who now just want a place to sleep because they’re going to use them to do things outside the RV.”

Units on display will include gas and diesel motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, 5th wheels, park models and van campers

The show also will feature more than 50 outdoors and camping supply vendors that focuses on the fun, flexibility and affordability RVs can provide, along with equipment and accessories to help outfit RVers or provide information on camping through-

out the nation.

Items will include new towing systems, specialized lighting RV insurance, unique camping equipment and where to camp throughout the nation Daily free RV travel and maintenance seminars also will be offered

There is a fundamental change happening in the way Americans travel, work, and live. More people are choosing RVs as their preferred option for travel as they prioritize spending time outdoors and embracing the freedom that comes with RVing

The new RVs Move America Economic Impact Study, released by the RV Industry Association shows the RV industry has an overall annual impact to the U S economy of $140 billion, supporting nearly 680,000 jobs and paying more than $48 billion in wages. This is a 23 percent increase in economic

output in just the past three years.

“Even after COVID, you see how storms have impacting flying and having trouble getting people where they need to be Since 2020, people have reevaluated how they travel and vacation,” Kelly said “They want those experiences that you want in traveling, not just getting on a plane and going somewhere ”

The 37th-annual Fort Myers RV Show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday (Jan. 26, 27, 28, 29)

Admission is $10 with children under 16 free Parking is free courtesy of the RV Trade Association

For more information, visit www FRVTA-Region1 org or www FRVTA org/show/ft-myers-rvshow

Gumbo Fest returns to the Shell Factor y Feb.

Story by Chuck Ballaro

Every year, the Shell Factory & Nature Park pays homage to not only one of the signature Cajun dishes, but also the Cajun lifestyle in general.

On Sunday, Feb. 5, the 21st annual Gumbo Fest will kick off at 11 a m and wrap up around 5 p m in the center parking lot and, once again, it will feature that rich soup built around a base of a dark, rich roux, supplemented with celery, onion, peppers, spices and either meat or seafood

The event, which has free admission, will benefit the Shell Factory’s Nature Park Foundation, which serves to keep the park in good working order and pays for buses so that grade school students can take field trips to the park

Considering the damage Hurricane Ian caused, the park can use every penny it can get this year “This is our biggest event of the year and the biggest fundraiser for the Nature Park,” Shell Factory General Manager Anne Sheridan said “People have been wonderfully generous. We have a couple sponsors, but we need a lot more and we’ve been grateful by how kind they’ve been, but we need more ”

The event that was dreamed up by Tom Cronin’s stepson in 2003 has become the Shell Factory’s sig-

nature event, with many different kinds of gumbo from vendors and from the Southern Grill Jambalaya, Jello-shots and more traditional foods like burgers and dogs are also featured.

If this isn’t enough, there also will be lots of accordion-driven Zydeco music featuring the traditional headliners, Dwayne Doopsie & th Z d Hellraisers from New Orleans and

There will also several raffles th day, with great prizes available in l $5,000 reverse raffle that have done the past.

Attendees can purchase tickets t purchase items from the many foo trucks that will be there

Between seven and 10 trucks are expected at the event, with many of them selling gumbo and other Cajun favorites

All the usual attractions, such as the nature park, the fun park and the store, will be open for busi ness.

“We’re looking forward to anoth big event as usual We’re going bac old days with all the trucks, and it terrific if we could do it again,” sai said, added the Shell Factory is loo

ting on newer events for 2023

“Little by little, we’re looking to make this an entertainment destination for everyone.”

The Shell Factory is at 16554 N. Cleveland Ave. For more information, visit www.shellfactory.com.

NFMNL

North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com

Lee schools back in full swing

Story by Meghan Bradbury

Although Hurricane Ian left students out of Lee County classrooms for days as debris removal and remediation took place at campuses, students are back in school and on task

All of the schools in North Fort Myers reopened from Oct. 18 through Oct. 20 after going through a nine point reopening criteria checklist. Reunification days were set for both staff and students before returning to the classroom, enabling everyone to share hugs and stories before teaching and learning took place

Although Hancock Creek Elementary School had some surface damage, as well as debris, an inquiry through social media and Dojo brought parents to the campus to help clean up.

Principal Dr. Cynthia Phillips-Luster said the request was made early on after the hurricane with cleaning up the school yard and the school building

"It was a school family team effort," she said

Once the school reopened, approximately 300 students from Hector A Cafferata Jr Elementary School came onto the campus to continue their learning

"It's been a wonderful experience It brought the school family closer. We welcomed their staff members, kids, parents and community members. We moved around team members and they were happy to do that We made space for 18 units," Phillips-Luster said "It's been a blessing working with the Hector family and their parents, students and staff members have been absolutely wonderful "

The Hector students returned to their new temporary campus on Dec 19 The students had been split between two campuses with those in kindergarten through second grade attending Hancock Creek Elementary School and third, fourth and fifth grade attending Pelican Elementary School

The temporary campus is adjacent to Cape Coral Technical College property with a perimeter fence separating the schools

Hancock Creek Elementary School was among the second round of schools that cleared to go back to school on Tuesday, Oct. 18. She said it was really nice that Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier allowed staff members to return before the students, as it allowed everyone to see one another and share their stories and feelings, as well as prepare themselves for the

Hannah Mack teaches her first grade class during the first day back for class on Monday, Dec . 19, at Hector A. Cafferata Elementary Jr. / CHUCK BALLARO

return of students.

"When kids came back it was light and bright," Phillips-Luster said, adding that the students also had an opportunity to share their stories if they wanted

As with every school, some families were impacted more than others, as were staff members She said the teachers were happy to return, as they needed their school family and normalcy to return

"We pretty much allowed them, if they needed to take care of home, we rallied around them and embraced their kids, so they can continue to learn," Phillips-Luster said

For the families that were impacted greatly, they had a school social worker and mental health team members reaching out and helping with appropriate resources The school has partnered with the Harry Chapin Food Bank and have meals delivered once a month.

"We receive approximately 50 boxes each month," she said, adding they were provided on a first-come, first-serve basis "If they are in need, they can come and they can pick up a meal "

In addition, the school's social worker also delivered boxes to the students' homes

Hancock Creek also partners with Pan-Florida, stationed out of Naples, as they provide 154 meals each Friday for kids to have a nutritious meal to eat over the weekend. There are close to 800 students enrolled at the school.

From there teaching and learning continued

"The teaching and learning is taking place as best as teaching and learning can take place We are headed in the right direction The right direction is making sure all the kids learn," Phillips-Luster said

With so much time spent out of school because of Hurricane Ian, she said teachers did not skip lessons, but rather they picked up right where they left off at the end of September. Phillips-Luster said the district's academic department has provided instructional guides for teachers to use as a resource to help fill the gaps

North Fort Myers High School reopened its campus on Oct 19

The campus endured some damage

Principal Debbie Diggs said they had 18 rooms that sustained significant damage as those classrooms had windows that blew open. She said they recently had a brand new roof installed courtesy of the voter-approved the half cent penny sales tax

"It got really windy and wet during the storm in 18 of our classrooms," Diggs said, adding that those rooms were remediated with everything dried

The campus went through two air quality tests to ensure the remediation worked.

"The kids are in there. It's concrete floors and miss-

e22 hatches

ing cabinets That will all get repaired and fixed soon, " Diggs said last month.

In addition, the school lost a softball scoreboard and the baseball scoreboard endured some damage, as well as fencing down There were also light poles in the courtyard that came down, as well as the loss of several trees and tree damage

"I was on the campus the next day," Diggs said following Hurricane Ian "I walked it, myself and another assistant principal I was on the campus for the entire three weeks that we were shut down."

Since the high school works with Community Cooperative, they had to do initial clearing of debris, so they could open up for the mobile food pantry In addition, Diggs said the Miami Dolphins used their front parking lot to distribute generators, food, water and supplies

"We had to get the front parking lot clear enough to bring those agencies in to help the community That happened pretty quickly," she said.

Diggs said the entire district was very sensitive to what the community, families and staff had gone through with a well thought out plan for the first day staff and students returned

"We did a reunification, bringing people in together and talking about what everyone experienced and made sure they had the support they needed," Diggs said, as everyone ' s homes and situations were at a different state. "We did the same type of thing when kids came back."

After the hurricane, they jumped in right away to make sure all of their students were safe, as they have 21, of 22 kids that live on Bokeelia, St James City and Matlacha

"That's a lot of what I did during the three weeks," Diggs said, adding that on the first day back they made sure they accounted for every child

The efforts created a super high attendance rate. Support was provided for students as they accumulated back into the school day.

By the third day back in school, teachers and students ease back into learning content

FROM PAGE 3

Eaglets come into the world totally helpless They cannot hold their head up; their vision is limited; their legs are too weak to hold their weight, cannot regulate their body temperature, and must rely 100 percent on their parents to protect them and care for them.

Feathers begin to appear when they are about 24

days old and grow in by the time they are six weeks old, able to stand and tear up their own food

Fledging occurs at 10 to 14 weeks. They are still fed by their parents for a time before they leave the nest.

The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam may be viewed at dickpritchettrealestate com/southwest-florida-

HANCOCK CREEK PRINCIPAL DR. CYNTHIA PHILLIPS-LUSTER

"We still have families displaced," Diggs said "We lost some kids that had to move. Some families are still not in their homes. The social workers and counselors are in regular communication with them (to address their) needs and hook them up with resources and support "

In addition, some students moved into their zone

The activities have resumed at North Fort Myers High School

"When we got shut down from the hurricane, that was our week of homecoming," Diggs said. "That was really our first full blown homecoming since COVID."

North Fort Myers High School was able to book a DJ for the following Saturday after the kids returned to the school, to provide some normalcy for the students

With the arts, Diggs said several performances had to be cancelled With that said, the marching band went to the state competition on their very first complete run

"They had to go over near Boca and they just killed it. The marching band did their whole performance," Diggs said.

She said the director gave the students the option of scrapping this year ' s competition, or going out and having fun doing "Alice in Wonderland " With the kids wanting to go to the state competition, they practiced every day and on Saturdays

"They didn't have the same amount of practice That is just one example of a group that just grows to the occasion," Diggs said.

In December, the students at North Fort Myers High School did two children's shows of "Beauty and the Beast," as the ticket sales were incredible

Diggs said although things have been very difficult from what the community went through, the community agencies and district embraced schools and families, showcasing the love and community they have for kids and families.

"As schools we were able to get things back up and running in order to provide those supports and structures for our kids," she said

eagle-cam Four cams provide a variety of viewing options, including a primary cam, a noiseless camera, which also provides night vision, positioned six feet above the nesting tree.

NFMNL

"The teaching and learning is taking place as best as teaching and learning can take place. We are headed in the right direction. The right direction is making sure all the kids learn.”

Acareer that began in the school district in 1981 recently turned a new page: Longtime educator Mary Fischer decided to not run for another term on the Lee County School Board.

"This year I turned 80 and my kids were like Mom, come on. it is time to take a break. I am stil going to stay active in the community God wi ling I won t be on the board anymore It's t me for some new young blood," the three-term board member said "Turning the page is kind of exciting "

F scher began work ng in the distr ct at Caloosa Elementary School in 1981 Over the years she worked at Gulf E ementary School, Pine Island Elementary School Tropic Isles

E ementary School and Hancock Creek Elementary School

From there, Fischer worked for Student Services for e ght or nine years, traveling the district do ng anti-bul y ng and drug prevention programs before returning to Gulf Elementary School

"Then I sort of retired," she said She decided to run for the school board after people ment oned it to her over the years in 2006, but did not w n

the seat.

‘What’s best for the students:’ West Zone reps get to work

Hu r r i c a n e I a n h a s l e f t t h e L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l B o a rd w i t h s o m e b i g d e c i s i o n s t o m a k e .

Its members veterans returning and new comers al ke say that together recovery s not on y possible it s under way

"I m very proud of our commun ty for the way everyone came together," recent y re-elected board member Debbie Jordan, D str ct 4, said "That strength has helped so much I m also very proud of all our principals, teachers, support staff and district leadersh p for the immense amount of work they did from the time it looked ike Ian could impact us, through the storm the closures and the reopening That work continues today and they continue to do amazing things to support our kids and emp oyees "

The goa for Jordan, whose district is in the West Zone, is to rema n focused on what is best for students.

MARY FISCHER

"Then I went to work at Ida Baker for four years. I ran in 2010 and then ran twice more and retained the seat I enjoyed the opportun ty to learn all about the different departments in the district and have the opportunity to work with so many community agencies and community partners It kept me going and kept me active " Fischer said

"I wi l continue to advocate for the learn ng supports they need to be academ cally successful and the menta health support they need to meet today s challenges," she said "As ong as we put the students first in every decision we make we wi l be successful "

Since Hurr cane Ian made landfall on Sept 28 causing up to $273 mil ion in damages to schoo fac lities alone, the board has been very careful to make sure it geta all the nformation they need to make decisions, Jordan sa d.

"It s better for us to make the r ght choice than a

fast choice," she said "We were able to return every student to a learning environment 23 days after Ian hit We set up a temporary campus for Hector A. Cafferata Jr E ementary students before winter break The Sanibe School may be ready for students to come back to campus as early as January We were just presented the opt ons for the future of Fort Myers Beach Elementary and we wi l vote on a path forward early next year These weren t, or won t be easy choices, but when you ask questions gather the data, and have the full facts before you you can effective y do your job "

As throughout the d str ct, schoo s n North Fort Myers and Cape Coral sustained roof damage, as we l as damage to some classrooms and gyms

"Hector Cafferata was our most damaged school in this area In addition, after clearing debris we had some minor repairs, but nothing substant a , " Jordan said

The delay in opening campuses was due to air qual ty tests, a requ rement put into place by the d strict.

"It was the right thing to do and while it s owed the open ng across an entire week we know our staff and students returned to a safe environment On a personal level, we have school staff and students who lost everything, while others are dealing with significant repairs We have been supportive of whatever they need to help them recover, " Jordan said

The biggest mpact caused by Hurricane Ian was the closure of schools for three weeks, resulting in the makeup of time the students were faced with when returning back to the classroom

"My life has been better because of the people that I served, the students, families and fellow educators and of course the community members. I am grateful for that."

"I believe our admin strators teachers and stu-

Mary Fischer / VALARIE HARRING

Story by Meghan Bradbury

Story by Meghan Bradbury

“As long as we put the students first in every decision we make we will be successful ” - recently re-elected District 4 School Board member Debbie Jordan, pictured with the Honorable John S Carlin after her swearing in

PHOTO PROV DED

Mary Fischer with family / PHOTO PROVIDED

Acareer that began in the school district in 1981 recently turned a new page: Longtime educator Mary Fischer decided to not run for another term on the Lee County School Board.

"This year I turned 80 and my kids were like Mom, come on. it is time to take a break. I am stil going to stay active in the community God wi ling I won t be on the board anymore It's t me for some new young blood," the three-term board member said "Turning the page is kind of exciting "

F scher began work ng in the distr ct at Caloosa Elementary School in 1981 Over the years she worked at Gulf E ementary School, Pine Island Elementary School Tropic Isles

E ementary School and Hancock Creek Elementary School

From there, Fischer worked for Student Services for e ght or nine years, traveling the district do ng anti-bul y ng and drug prevention programs before returning to Gulf Elementary School

"Then I sort of retired," she said She decided to run for the school board after people ment oned it to her over the years in 2006, but did not w n

the seat.

‘What’s best for the students:’ West Zone reps get to work

Hu r r i c a n e I a n h a s l e f t t h e L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l B o a rd w i t h s o m e b i g d e c i s i o n s t o m a k e .

Its members veterans returning and new comers al ke say that together recovery s not on y possible it s under way

"I m very proud of our commun ty for the way everyone came together," recent y re-elected board member Debbie Jordan, D str ct 4, said "That strength has helped so much I m also very proud of all our principals, teachers, support staff and district leadersh p for the immense amount of work they did from the time it looked ike Ian could impact us, through the storm the closures and the reopening That work continues today and they continue to do amazing things to support our kids and emp oyees "

The goa for Jordan, whose district is in the West Zone, is to rema n focused on what is best for students.

MARY FISCHER

"Then I went to work at Ida Baker for four years. I ran in 2010 and then ran twice more and retained the seat I enjoyed the opportun ty to learn all about the different departments in the district and have the opportunity to work with so many community agencies and community partners It kept me going and kept me active " Fischer said

"I wi l continue to advocate for the learn ng supports they need to be academ cally successful and the menta health support they need to meet today s challenges," she said "As ong as we put the students first in every decision we make we wi l be successful "

Since Hurr cane Ian made landfall on Sept 28 causing up to $273 mil ion in damages to schoo fac lities alone, the board has been very careful to make sure it geta all the nformation they need to make decisions, Jordan sa d.

"It s better for us to make the r ght choice than a

fast choice," she said "We were able to return every student to a learning environment 23 days after Ian hit We set up a temporary campus for Hector A. Cafferata Jr E ementary students before winter break The Sanibe School may be ready for students to come back to campus as early as January We were just presented the opt ons for the future of Fort Myers Beach Elementary and we wi l vote on a path forward early next year These weren t, or won t be easy choices, but when you ask questions gather the data, and have the full facts before you you can effective y do your job "

As throughout the d str ct, schoo s n North Fort Myers and Cape Coral sustained roof damage, as we l as damage to some classrooms and gyms

"Hector Cafferata was our most damaged school in this area In addition, after clearing debris we had some minor repairs, but nothing substant a , " Jordan said

The delay in opening campuses was due to air qual ty tests, a requ rement put into place by the d strict.

"It was the right thing to do and while it s owed the open ng across an entire week we know our staff and students returned to a safe environment On a personal level, we have school staff and students who lost everything, while others are dealing with significant repairs We have been supportive of whatever they need to help them recover, " Jordan said

The biggest mpact caused by Hurricane Ian was the closure of schools for three weeks, resulting in the makeup of time the students were faced with when returning back to the classroom

"My life has been better because of the people that I served, the students, families and fellow educators and of course the community members. I am grateful for that."

"I believe our admin strators teachers and stu-

Mary Fischer / VALARIE HARRING

Story by Meghan Bradbury

Story by Meghan Bradbury

“As long as we put the students first in every decision we make we will be successful ” - recently re-elected District 4 School Board member Debbie Jordan, pictured with the Honorable John S Carlin after her swearing in

PHOTO PROV DED

Mary Fischer with family / PHOTO PROVIDED

West Zone reps

FROM PAGE 11

dents will work together and master the material before the end of the school year, " Jordan said

When schools were cleared to reopen, staff had the opportunity to go back to school on their own, allowing them to reconnect, seek support and begin planning for students. The students, the following day, had the opportunity to visit their school to see their teachers again

"The third day, students returned for class and the first order of business was to talk about what everyone had been through and bring each group of students back together again as a family," Jordan said "It was also an opportunity to make sure students knew help was available and all they had to do was ask."

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the district stepped up and helped families that were displaced and impacted by Ian Assistance included food and supply distributions, including one in which the Miami Dolphins took part Jordan said they handed out tens of thousands of dollars in supplies at North Fort Myers High School

"Schools continue to connect families in need to community organizations that can meet their needs. Our school counseling staff went through extra training to prepare for the trauma caused by the hurricane and has been available since schools reopened," Jordan said

The district also recently began ResilientLee, a counseling program that includes small group discussions for students

The district worked with families displaced by the storm, allowing them to enroll their child in a school closer to where they relocated. In addition, the district became lenient on attendance policies, allowing students to return to schools when they were ready, or miss school for important events

"We continue to be flexible and work with families on an individual basis to support their needs," Jordan said

The district also is working with teachers who were impacted. The district began with three days of support the week following Hurricane Ian, providing staff with the opportunity to meet with FEMA and other support in the district headquarters In addition, there was staff embedded at the Lee County EOC, who were able to expedite staff member requests

"All employees were paid during the time off, so they didn't have to worry about a paycheck," Jordan said.

Attendance was also lenient for employees when they returned to work, as well as remaining flexible for any time they needed to meet with FEMA, insurance adjusters, or contractors

"We had extra mental health support on campus

as they came back to school and have shared with them frequent access to other resources We needed our staff to come back so it was vital that we helped them find a way to do it," Jordan said

District 4 School Board Member Debbie Jordan with family. / PHOTO PROVIDED

“Schools continue to connect families in need to community organizations that can meet their needs. Our school counseling staff went through extra training to prepare for the trauma caused by the hurricane and has been available since schools reopened.”

West Zone reps

Rounding out the board are three new members who were elected in November Vice Chair

Samuel Fisher, District 1, Chair Armor Persons, District 5, and Jada Langford-Fleming of District 6, an at-large, countywide district as well as Melisa W Giovannelli, District 2, Chris N Patricca, District 3, and Cathleen O'Daniel Morgan, District 7, the second at-large district.

Fisher, whose district is also is in the West Zone,

agreed the biggest issue and challenge is the recovery from Hurricane Ian

"It was a devastating hit to our community that will impact us for years to come Our students, especially, have been put through a lot over these past years and my heart goes out to them, both as a board member and a parent," he said.

Some of those challenges include the futures of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School and Hector A. Cafferata Jr Elementary School

Fisher said both schools need to be addressed, as well as helping students, teachers and staff with support that have been displaced by the hurricane

"I can tell you that as a board member I am listening to our community and that my focus is on making our district whole again," Fisher said.

There are also discussions resuming about proximity plans to foster student assignment to schools closer to home

"There are a number of policy issues that go with that change that have to be fully understood and fully explained before we approve and implement any changes," Jordan said

In addition, the new board also showed a renewed interest in the Guardian Program. The Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, which was named after the coach who was killed after trying to stop the gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was established in 2018 The Guardian Program is designed to take down the active threat

using school employees who volunteer for an additional role, or through hired personnel

Jordan said the Guardian Program provides another layer of armed security on campus

Another challenge is the funding shortfall that has been a result of the hurricane's impact on property taxes.

NFMNL

Sam Fisher with wife Cecilia, son Logan, daughters Annika and Nora. / PHOTO PROVIDED

"I can tell you that as a board member I am listening to our community and that my focus is on making our district whole again,"

SAM FISHER, DISTRICT 1

New United Way House opens

Story and Photography

by Chuck Ballaro

One of the most underserved demographics in Southwest Florida is Latino women, who often have nowhere to turn because of language barriers, family issues and other problems

The United Way cut the ribbon on its 17th United Way House at 1621 N Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers on Jan 12 as a way deliver the services they and others need.

Many non-profit leaders and other dignitaries attended the Ian-postponed ceremony at the location they hope will provide Latinas and others in the community with resources to improve their lives and empower them

United Way Houses provide human services throughout Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. United Way Houses provide space for agencies to reach clients who may not be able to access services outside of their neighborhood or near their work

The lead agency for the North Fort Myers location is Organización Internacional de Latinos en el Exterior of SWFL, also known as Healing Stitches, specifically for women who have been abused.

Lucy Garcia, founder and CEO of Healing Stitches, started this program in 2015 as a project for her master ’s degree at Barry University She saw the gap in

services for the Spanish-speaking Latino population

“There is perhaps a lack of understanding what their needs are and probably the language Because they don’t speak English, they do not know where to find services,” Garcia said “We will take any case, regardless of their race. They may need help filling out applications for food stamps or therapeutic programs ”

They will teach English and Spanish as a second language as well as teaching women who have experienced trauma how to sew as a way to become self-suf-

ficient and empowered, Garcia said.

“If they learn and stay committed to it, they will be able to keep that sewing machine,” Garcia said “Grants help us

purchase those machines.”

Jeannine Joy, president and CEO of the United Way of Lee Hendry and

The ribbon cutting at Healing Stitches , the new United Way House in North Fort Myers on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Lucy Garcia stands in front of her United Way House during the ribbon cutting on North Fort Myers on Thursday, Jan 12.

Crowther rides her way to world-standing in

Story by Chuck Ballaro

Longtime competitor Margo Crowther made q u a l i f y i n g f o r t h e N a t i o n a l F i n a l s R o d e o i n b a r re l r a c i n g o n e o f t h e i t e m s o n h e r b u c k e t l i s t .

I n 2 0 2 2 , s h e n o t o n l y m a d e t h a t d re a m c o m e t ru e , b u t a l s o m a d e t h e m o s t o f i t , w i n n i n g n e a r l y $ 9 0 , 0 0 0 f o r 1 0 d a y s o f e ff o r t i n L a s Ve g a s C ro w t h e r m a d e a m o re - t h a n - re s p e c t a b l e s h o wi n g a t t h e N F R , f i n i s h i n g n i n t h i n t h e a v e r a g e , j u s t o u t o f t h e m o n e y, c o m i n g i n s t ro n g t h e f i n a l t w o d a y s , f i n i s h i n g f o u r t h a n d s e c o n d

Crowther was in contention for the average midway, moving up to third place. However, she knocked down a barrel in Round 6 and another in Round 8, which resulted in five second penalties for each, dropping her in the standings Several draws where she was among one of the last riders, on choppy ground that resulted in finishes just outside the money, were also a hindrance

H o w e v e r, s h e d i d c u l l a w i n a n d o n e w i t h h o no r s S h e w a s t h e J e r r y A n n Ta y l o r B e s t D re s s e d Aw a rd w i n n e r f o r a t t i re w o r n t h ro u g h o u t t h e c o m p e t i t i o n , i n c l u d i n g a h e a v i l y f r i n g e d p i n k s h i r t

w i t h b l u e f r i n g e s S h e a l s o h a d a s i m i l a r s h i r t w i t h p u r p l e a n d p i n k , g i v i n g h e r a “ M a c h o M a n ” R a n d y S a v a g e l o o k , w i t h t h e h u g e b e l t b u c k l e t o m a t c h A c c o rd i n g t o t h e N a t i o n a l C o w g i r l M us e u m H a l l o f F a m e t h e a w a rd i s n a m e d a f t e r t h e " d a r i n g t r i c k r i d e r w h o b ro u g h t a s t y l e , g l a m o u r a n d s p i r i t t o t h e ro d e o a re n a . C ro w t h e r, 3 7 , m a d e t h e N F R o n t h e s t re n g t h o f a g re a t s u m m e r w h e re s h e w o n s i x ro d e o s , i n c l u di n g t h e t o u r f i n a l e i n P u y a l l a p , Wa s h

T h e $ 9 6 , 8 7 1 s h e e a r n e d t h i s s e a s o n p u t h e r e i g h t h i n t h e w o r l d s t a n d i n g s , re s u l t i n g i n h e r N F R q u a l i f i c a t i o n S h e a d d e d n e a r l y $ 9 0 , 0 0 0 t o t h a t a t t h e T h o m a s & M a c k C e n t e r i n L a s Ve g a s , b r i n g i n g h e r t o t a l t o $ 1 8 4 , 7 5 1 w h e re h e r 2 0 2 2 f i n a l s t a n d i n g w a s l i s t e d a t N o . 7 .

C ro w t h e r w o n $ 2 2 , 8 5 1 i n t h e f i n a l ro u n d w i t h a 1 3 4 3 s e c o n d ru n , o n l y 0 8 s e c o n d s b e h i n d H a i l e y K i n s e l , w h o w o n t h e w o r l d c h a m p i o n s h i p , w i nn i n g m o re t h a n $ 3 0 2 , 1 7 2 d e s p i t e f i n i s h i n g e i g h t h i n t h e a v e r a g e , w h i l e S h e l l e y M o rg a n w o n t h e a ve r a g e , o n e o f o n l y t w o r a c e r s t o n o t t i p o v e r a b a rre l

I t w a s a g o o d y e a r f o r t h e N o r t h F o r t M y e r s p ro f e s s i o n a l b a r re l r a c e r w h o h a s a l o n g r i d e t o Ve g a s .

S h e m a d e a ru n a t t h e N F R i n 2 0 0 8 , b u t h e r m a re , L e x u s , d i e d o f s a l m o n e l l a

S h e m a r r i e d , s t a r t e d a f a m i l y a n d t o o k a b re a k S h e t h e n c a m e b a c k e i g h t y e a r s l a t e r, w i n n i n g t h e 2 0 1 6 W P R A Wo r l d F i n a l s r i d i n g S i s s y, h e r c u r re n t

h o r s e .

C ro w t h e r w o u l d d a b b l e w i t h g o i n g o n t h e ro a d f o r t h e n e x t f e w y e a r s b e f o re w i n n i n g h e r n e x t h u g e e v e n t , t h e N a t i o n a l B a r re l H o r s e A s s o c i a t i o n w o r l d c h a m p i o n s h i p i n O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

T h a t w i n g a v e h e r a w i n d o w o f o p p o r t u n i t y, a n d t h e " p ro f e s s i o n a l ro d e o m o m , " w e n t a l l i n , b r i n g i n g h e r t h re e c h i l d re n w i t h h e r o v e r t h e s u mm e r, s t a r t i n g a l i t t l e s l o w b e f o re p e a k i n g d o w n t h e s t re t c h w i t h s e v e r a l v i c t o r i e s a n d h i g h f i n i s h e s , c u l m i n a t i n g w i t h t h e w i n a t P u y a l l a p

Margo Crowther made qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in barrel racing. / FILE PHOTOS

Margo Crowther

For 41 years the amazing kids, the opportunity, satisfaction and working with people who are building the community for the future kept her wanting to give more of her time.

While serving, Fischer, the District 1 board member in the district's West Zone, was a huge advocate for improvements in the code of conduct, as well as comprehensive health

"I managed to get baby steps for health education and wellness programs back into the district," she said "Young people who are healthy are ready to learn Education is the economic driver for this community. I think we need to have that. I will continue to advocate that through the Drug Free Coalition and Healthy Lee "

Those 12 years spent on the board was "such a positive experience "

"I probably got more out of it than I put into it I loved working with the young people and I loved having an opportunity to set policy and to make sure the kids were getting what they needed in order to promote student growth and achievement. And to advocate for employees and try to get employee satisfaction," Fischer said "My life has been better because of the people that I served, the students, families and fellow educators and of course the community members I am grateful for that "

In the wake of the General Election in November, three new board members have come on board

Samuel Fisher, District 1, elected vice chair; Armor Persons, District 5, elected chair, and Jada LangfordFleming, District 6, an at-large, countywide district Fischer said she wishes them every success

"I know it is a learning curve when you get on the

ribbon cutting

board You find out quickly what you can and cannot do There is a lot that is dictated by the state that you have to follow to uphold the Constitution and the law. That is what we do while working to give kids what they need to be successful and learn and how to be good citizens," Fischer said "The board is an integral part of the community because they do get to make decisions My hope is that they will listen to the community at large and make sure what they do is what is needed by the constituents I am confident that this board will be listening carefully to the community "

Although this new chapter is going to be an adjustment, Fischer said she will remain active in the community while supporting education and the Lee County School District

FROM PAGE 15

Glades counties, said these houses allows partner agencies to offer numerous services under one roof The more partners they have, the better.

“We were going to do this around the time of the hurricane and we couldn’t do it then,” Joy said. “They have been such incredible partners They continued to serve the community and they’ve been amazing They not only allow people to heal but to have a craft ”

The new house in North Fort Myers will pro-

vides services to the entire community

In 2022, the United Way houses served more than 400,000 individuals. The United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades was established in 1957 and more than $210 million has been raised and distributed since then

For more information, call 433-2000 or visit UnitedWayLee org

Some of the items women have made at Healing Stitches, the new United Way House in North Fort Myers.