WEEk OF FEBRUARY 7, 2024
VOLUME 62, NUMBER 12
School district: Making progress but looking to do better yet
Sanibel educator named on Golden Apple finalist list
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
By TIFFANY REPECKI
T
news@breezenewspapers.com
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The School District of Lee County discussed school grades, graduation rate and student progress on Jan. 23 with one overall message: Lee schools still has a long way to go to get to where district officials want it to be. “I am happy with the progress, but not content. We have a long way to go,” School Board Chair Sam Fisher said. “We are still not there. I know we are making progress, and we have a ways to go. It doesn’t take away from any of the hard work. This is our No. 1 job up here. I want to make sure we are really looking at things.”
he Foundation for Lee County Public Schools recently announced the 37th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program finalists, and one island educator made the list for the first time. Comprised of community and business leaders, the foundation's Golden Apple Selection Committee is charged with the task of picking the recipients as the applications are narrowed down to 30 finalists. “All of these exemplary professionals represent the outstanding teachers who work, day in and day out, to make sure our community's greatest asset, our students, achieve at their highest potential,” foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Marshall T. Bower said. “Our community is indebted to them.” Among this year's finalists is middle school teacher Alexis Camputaro of The Sanibel School. As part of the process, dozens of Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction are also recognized. Sanibel school elementary music teacher and Music Department Director Joseph Giangreco is a recipient. Camputaro was a Teacher of Distinction last year for the first time. “It's such an honor to represent The Sanibel School and to be a potential third winner from the school,” she said of being a finalist this year, pointing to Stephanie Yanik last year and her own husband, Joseph Camputaro, in 2021. “It says a lot about our school to have such a good representation for such a small school on this high of a level.” The 2023-24 school year marks her seventh year on the
See SCHOOL DISTRICT, page 19
IslanderInsIde
See GOLDEN APPLE FINALIST, page 19
Chamber, CFI host State of the Islands breakfast summit Over 230 SanCap Chamber of Commerce business members and island residents recently learned that the city of Sanibel's finances are stable, real estate values remain steady, and 70% of businesses have come back in some capacity. The State of the Islands Summit and breakfast held on Jan. 29 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers brought nearly 20 speakers and panelists to the podium to assess Sanibel and Captiva's hurricane recovery. The chamber, in partnership with the See STATE OF THE ISLANDS, page 19
Dr. Amir Neto shares a business climate outlook based on survey findings of anticipated reopening timelines for local businesses and services on Sanibel and Captiva. SANCAP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
alsOInsIdetOday Guest Commentary........................4 Web Poll.........................................4 Captiva Current..........................6-7 Business......................................8 Preserving Paradise.....................14 Island Living................................16 Sports.........................................18 Classifieds 31
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Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 2 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter
Application portal open for Ian housing recovery program The application portal for the LeeCares Hurricane Ian Housing Recovery Program opened on Feb. 1. Lee County and its partners are ramping up outreach to increase awareness and assist residents impacted by the storm. LeeCares outreach includes community events and presentations, door-to-door contact, and in-person case managers at various locations. Funding for the LeeCares housing program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) allocation to address the disaster recovery needs of residents affected by Ian. There are three programs for which individuals can apply: ∫ The Housing Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Elevation program may assist income-eligible property owners to repair, replace and/or elevate property
that suffered hurricane damage. ∫ The Home Purchase Assistance may assist income-eligible home buyers to purchase a qualifying primary residence outside of the flood zone in Lee County. ∫ The Voluntary Residential Acquisition program may assist income-eligible homeowners of a repetitive loss property relocate outside of flood-prone areas in Lee County. To view a full list of eligibility requirements and documents needed to apply, visit www.leeflcares.com. Questions can be emailed to leecares@leegov.com. Individuals also can call 239-382-5453. Once an application is submitted, individuals will be assigned a designated LeeCares case manager to provide updates. If an application is approved, the funding is a grant — not a loan — and does not need to be repaid if applicants comply with the terms of the grant. In partnership with Harry Chapin Food Bank and Lee County Libraries, LeeCares intake staff will be available at upcoming food distribution events to help individuals with the application process: ∫ Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at 7101 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers ∫ Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at 2980 Edison Ave., Fort Myers ∫ Feb. 19 and 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at 10346 Pennsylvania Ave., Bonita Springs Residents can also apply in person at the following locations:
∫ Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. LeeCares Outreach Center, at 9400 Gladiolus Drive, Suite 270, Fort Myers ∫ Mondays (Feb. 12, 19 and 26) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. City of Fort Myers, at 1825 Hendry St., Fort Myers ∫ Tuesdays (Feb. 13, 20 and 27) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel ∫ Wednesdays (today, Feb. 7, and Feb. 14, 21 and 28) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pine Island Library, at 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia ∫ Thursdays (Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City of Bonita Springs, at 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs ∫ Fridays (Feb. 9, 16 and 23) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Town of Fort Myers Beach, at 2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach ∫ Saturdays (Feb. 10, 17 and 24) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Northwest Regional Library, at 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral LeeCares is distributing information via the U.S. Postal Service. Mailers will be sent to residents who may be eligible in Bokeelia, Matlacha, St. James City, Sanibel, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs. With coordination through county's Floodplain Management division, separate mailers also were sent to individuals that may be specifically eligible for the Voluntary Residential Acquisition program. For additional outreach information, visit https://www.leeflcares.com/pages/outreach. Comprehensive and detailed information about the county's CDBG-DR Action Plan, program allocations, activities and expenditures, is available at https://cdbgdr.leegov.com.
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Island Reporter
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 4
OPINIONS
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SCCF provides Week 4 legislative update Budget proposals advanced last week, and a bad attorney's fee-shifting provision that would have stifled the public's ability to challenge permit decisions was taken out of a Senate bill to match it's companion in the house. The Everglades Protection Area bills cleared their first committees.
Budget proposals advance
Holly Schwartz
captivasanibel.com
Guest Commentary
House Budget The Proposal, PCB APC 24-01, and the Senate Budget Proposal, SB 2500, both advanced in their respective Appropriations Committees. The end of federal pandemic aid and shrinking revenue projections are leading to slightly smaller budget proposals, with the draft House budget totaling $115.5 billion, and the Senate’s proposed budget recommending $115.9 billion for a $400 million difference between the two chambers. Environmental spending highlights from the proposed House budget include:
∫ $1.4 billion for Everglades protection and water quality projects ∫ $158 million for Florida Forever land acquisition ∫ $220 million for Resilient Florida Program The Senate budget proposal includes: ∫ $1.1 billion for Water Improvement Quality Programs and Everglades restoration ∫ $416 million for conservation acquisition programs ∫ $120 million for Flood and Sea Level Rise programs The differences in budget proposals will be reconciled in joint budget committees during the last several weeks of
session. Environmental Management (SB 738) by Sen. Danny Burgess thankfully followed the lead of the House companion, HB 789, by eliminating the provision to add the prevailing parties attorney’s fees up to $50,000 for citizen challenges to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Water Management District actions. The provisions merit being taken out of the bill for
their threats to citizen engagement alone, but another key reason they were scrutinized is that they may have violated an agreement Florida entered into with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency when the state assumed wetland permitting authority a few years ago. The agreement required fair access to the legal process, something that would have been greatly restricted by the provisions in the bills. Unfortunately, SB 738 contains another troubling provision the House bill does not — it orders the DEP to “increase efficiency” on issuing coastal development permits. This order could weaken environmental protections by putting pressure on permit review staff to approve complicated permits without the requisite time for a proper evaluation of potential environmental damage. Our coastal systems deserve appropriate and adequate reviews to ensure that they continue to provide their important storm resilience function. Our coasts also face increasing threats from sea level rise, and this bill runs contrary to the millions of dollars our state and local governments have invested in our coasts to protect the people and wildlife that rely on them for environmental and economic support. See SCCF, page 20
Island Reporter
What you need to know about your heart health Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and February is American Heart Month. There is no better time to think about your heart health and make sure you're heart-healthy all year long.
Why heart health is important
Web Poll
The heart pumps blood and oxygen throughout the body. If the heart is weakened, the body's organs won't receive enough blood to function at an optimum level. The heart is part of the circulatory system, a network of blood vessels, including arteries, veins and capillaries, that carry blood to and from all areas of the body. Blood carries the oxygen and nutrients that organs need to work properly. Valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the right direction and without a healthy heart, none of this would work correctly.
Previous Web Poll Question How much post-storm recovery work does your home/business require? ∫ None, fully recovered, 27% ∫ Much/some still needed, 47% ∫ All, nothing recovered, 26%
When to see a cardiologist Patients don't always see a cardiologist because there is a problem. Many appointments are centered around prevention and treating concerns before they become problematic. If someone has a strong family history of heart disease, they may see a cardiol-
ogist to mitigate potential ∫ Feeling like you might long-term risk factors, such as faint high cholesterol or high blood ∫ Shortness of breath pressure. that's worsening A family history of heart ∫ Chest discomfort or bad disease is constituted by a indigestion that's not going diagnosis of coronary artery away disease or stroke in a first ∫ Swelling in the legs degree (parent or sibling) ∫ Noticeable weight gain before the age of 55 in a male Adults with a family history or 65 in a female. of heart disease should consider Additionally, a history of visiting a cardiologist in their blood clots in the legs/lungs, twenties or thirties to make sure aortic or brain aneurysm, heart all is well with their heart health failure or sudden death are also and to develop a plan for how Dr. Malissa Wood very important factors to share frequently they should come with your clinician. back for a check-up. Some patients may see a carYounger adults who do not diologist more frequently for have a family history but want ongoing or regular checkups to to make sure they're heart monitor their progress and to healthy should discuss a plan develop a treatment plan if they've already with their primary care physician who can been diagnosed with a heart condition. refer them to a cardiologist if needed. If you're experiencing the following symptoms, consider sharing them with your Age and heart health primary care physician to help determine best Heart disease is more common in older next steps: adults, but everyone should always be aware ∫ A feeling like your heart is racing very of their risk factors and current health. fast See HEART HEALTH, page 20
Guest Commentary
Current Web Poll Question
We want your opinion
Did you attend the SanCap Chamber of Commerce's “State of the Islands 2024” on Jan. 29 in Fort Myers?
The views expressed on the Opinions Pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of The Island Reporter. Opposing views are welcome. All letters must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. Letters considered for publication must relate to subjects of public interest. Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to Tiffany Repecki at trepecki@breezenewspapers.com; posted to the virtual newsroom at captivasanibel.com; or mailed to 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Letters are due no later than noon Thursday. The Island Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.
∫ Yes. ∫ No. Share your opinion at captivasanibel.com
Page 5 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 captivasanibel.com
Island Reporter
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7, 2024
CIHS author talk to focus on aviation pioneer By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The Captiva Island Historical Society is taking reservations for its next program of the season. Featuring author Benjamin Barrett, “The Spirit Behind the Spirit of St. Louis” will be held on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. The grandson of Harold “Bix” Bixby and “self-appointed family historian,” he will speak about his
The Captiva Island Historical Society will host Benjamin Barrett, author of “The Spirit Behind the Spirit of St. Louis” and grandson of Harold “Bix” Bixby, on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. CAPTIVA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
grandfather and discuss highlights from his book on his grandfather's varied career in aviation, entrepreneurship, conservation and public relations. Bixby was “The Spirit Behind the Spirit of St. Louis,” as Barrett explains in his book, and at the heart of the St. Louis group that funded Charles Lindbergh's solo trans-Atlantic flight on May 21,
1927. “As president of the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce, Bixby was credited with naming Lindbergh's plane 'The Spirit of St. Louis' to promote the city of St. Louis as an aviation hub for the country,” the CIHS reported. “Subsequently, Bixby was hired by Pan American Airways to explore and pioneer passenger and airmail routes between the U.S. and China, retiring as vice See AUTHOR TALK, page 7
Captiva library, county system offer programs Part of the Lee County Library System, the Captiva Memorial Library is offering the following free programming:
Adult programs ∫ Feb. 12-14: Make an Origami Heart Bookmark (daily during operating hours) Celebrate your love of reading in the month of love. Make an easy origami bookmark. The origami heart looks just like a conversation heart and fits on the corner of a book page.
Teen programs ∫ Feb. 12-14: Make an Origami Heart Bookmark (daily during operating hours) Celebrate your love of reading in the month of love. Make an easy origami bookmark. The origami heart looks just like a conversation heart and fits on the corner of a book page.
Children's programs ∫ Feb. 12-14: Love Bug Bookmark (daily during operating hours) Valentine's Day is coming up and what says “Happy Valentine's Day” more than See LIBRARY, page 7
Captiva Public Meetings
CCA to unveil next art exhibition, hold wine tasting By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
T
he Captiva Civic Association has a mix of community events planned in the coming weeks. An opening reception for “Kaleidoscope Mind: A Rose-Colored
Spectacle,” showcasing the work of artist Lacy McClary, will take place on Feb. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. On Feb. 19, the CCA will host its next Perfectly Paired Wine Tasting event from 5 to 7 p.m. at the center. See CCA, page 7
The Captiva Civic Association will exhibit “Kaleidoscope Mind: A Rose-Colored Spectacle,” by local artist Lacy McClary, from Feb. 8 to March 14 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. LACY MCCLARY
The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Feb. 12: Captiva Erosion Prevention District meeting at 1 p.m. via Zoom. For more information or the agenda, visit mycepd.com. ∫ Feb. 13: Captiva Community Panel meeting at 9 a.m. via Zoom. For more information or the agenda, visit captivacommunitypanel.com. ∫ Feb. 13: Captiva Island Fire Control District meeting at 4 p.m. at the fire station, at 14981 Captiva Drive, Captiva. For more information or the agenda, visit captivafire.com.
Lee County reported that Feb. 1 was the start of the implementation of a one-day-a-week watering schedule. It encourages residents in unincorporated areas like Captiva to visit its Water Smart website, which has been refreshed to reflect the recent change to the county Water Conservation Ordinance. The website is at www.leegov.com/watersmart. The Lee County Commission voted on Jan. 16 to amend the ordinance to one-day-a-week watering from the beginning of February through the end of May to conserve water and protect the aquifers. Odd-numbered addresses may only water on Saturdays and even-numbered addresses and common areas may water on Sundays. No watering can occur from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Typically, the aquifers peak toward the end of rainy season and show the most stress during the April through May timeframe. The county has launched an informational and interactive campaign featuring Captain Conservation to help the community understand ways to conserve water and the importance of doing so. For example, it created downloadable, educational coloring pages for youths. Visit the Water Smart website for details. The county has had a water conservation ordinance for unincorporated communities since 2005. Last year, the county worked with the South Florida Water Management District to raise concerns with water levels within the area's aquifers.
While the county ordinance applies to those in unincorporated Lee, a comprehensive list of the local rules for all additional areas can be found at www.sfwmd.gov/mywateringdays. All local ordinances have provisions for enforcement of violations, which vary by community. People in unincorporated Lee who irrigate outside the permissible days and hours can receive a warning on a first offense and fines following a warning; however, the main objective is education of the ordinance. Neighborhood groups, Homeowners Associations and others are encouraged to share the above link.
Author talk From page 6
If you go What “The Spirit Behind the Spirit of St. Louis” When Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.
“The Spirit Behind the Spirit of St. Louis” by Ben Barrett CAPTIVA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Where Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva Details Tickets are $15
The third exhibit of the season, “Kaleidoscope Mind: A Rose-Colored Spectacle” will be on display from Feb. 8 to March 14. McClary's pieces celebrate the diversity, resilience and true spirit of the island community — a beauty in everyday forms that can be embraced through the lens of a keen observer. “McClary presents a fresh perspective on life where each day offers change and growth. Much like the ever-shifting patterns within a kaleidoscope,” the CCA reported. “Her artwork celebrates the organic beauty that arises from diverse perspectives.” Instead of focusing on the broken parts, McClary skillfully assembles them to create breathtaking images that reflect her unique viewpoint — to look past the broken and see the beautiful. “McClary's paintings symbolize resilience as some have survived storms and embody the spirit of our island community and its vibrant inhabitants. Her
work inspires hope, joy and a fresh perspective on the beauty that surrounds us,” the CCA reported. “In a world of constant change, 'Kaleidoscope Mind' serves as a reminder to embrace change and remember your roots.” It is dedicated to McClary's Aunt Elsie, whose favorite song is “Rose-Colored Glasses,” as well as pays tribute to her strong mother and those who have shaped her life and encouraged her artistic journey. “As an artist who has called these islands home for 18 years, McClary finds inspiration in their captivating beauty, infusing her art with a deep connection to this cherished place,” the CCA reported. The opening reception for the exhibition will feature light fare, refreshments and live music. While the event is free and open to the public, RSVPs are requested. The sponsor for this season's art show series is Bank of the Islands. To make a reservation, visit the Captiva Civic Association on Eventbrite or https://ccacaptiva.org/. For more information, visit the CCA
website or contact 239-472-2111 or info@ccacaptiva.org. The gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Adult programs
the most out of the session. Advance registration is required before Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. ∫ Feb. 13: Online Virtual Cemeteries and Genealogy Research from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Cemetery and burial records are an excellent resource for genealogists. Multiple virtual cemeteries and online memorial websites allow users to honor deceased family members and connect
Perfectly Paired Wine Tasting Part of an educational wine and food series, the event's theme will be “It’s Not a Blind Tasting.” “Embark on a sensory expedition with a different tasting experience, where the labels remain a mystery and your palate becomes the guide,” the CCA reported. “As you explore each glass, you’ll unravel the secrets concealed in the depths of these wines.”
The tasting will be led by Calli Johnson, wine steward for Bailey's General Store on Sanibel and The Island Store on Captiva. Chef Karl Hamme will craft food pairings to go with the wine selections. “Let your senses take the lead as you discern the subtleties of diverse varietals, from the crisp freshness of whites to the robust complexity of reds,” the CCA reported. “This educational journey encourages you to trust your taste buds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking.” Tickets are $55 for non-members. CCA members were emailed a link to discounted tickets. The deadline to reserve a spot is Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. The sponsor for this season's series is The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company. For tickets, visit https://ccacaptiva.org/ or the Captiva Civic Association on Eventbrite. For more information, visit the CCA website or contact 239-472-2111 or info@ccacaptiva.org. The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
Library From page 6 a love bug? The Love Bug Bookmark can be handed out as a gift, a Valentine or simply used to celebrate the holiday. The library is open on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. For more information about a program or to register, call 239-533-4890. In addition, the library system is offering the following free virtual programming:
∫ Feb. 8: Online Spanish Conversation Club from 6 to 7 p.m. Are you ready to take your Spanishspeaking skills to the next level? Improve your fluency by chatting with adults. Practice speaking Spanish with others on a variety of topics, including current events and everyday situations. Intermediate to advanced Spanish-speaking skills are recommended in order to get
various generations. The workshop will cover using Find a Grave, Billion Graves and other sites for family research. Advance registration is required before Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. Download books, stream video and other online content at www.leelibrary.net. The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
Captiva Current
CCA From page 6 ‘Kaleidoscope Mind’
breezenewspapers.com
president of PAA in 1955.” During his retirement on Captiva, Bixby worked with Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling on conservation issues. The two often traveled together to Tallahassee to lobby the state government to set aside land for a wildlife refuge on Sanibel. It is known today as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The CIHS added that Bixby was one of the original three men to serve on the commission for the newly-formed Captiva Erosion Prevention District and work on mitigating the island's erosion. Copies of Barrett's book will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15 and include snacks. A cash bar will be available. “The Captiva Island Historical Society recognizes and appreciates the support of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company as the presenting sponsor of our programs,” the CIHS reported. For tickets, visit http://www.captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org/ or call 239-472-2323. For more information, visit the website, call or email mail@captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org. The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.
Page 7 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
County reminds residents of new watering schedule
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 8 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter
BUSINESS
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Business Notes
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROTARY CLUB
Rotary recognizes Paul Harris Fellow The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club recently recognized a member as a Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient. Rotarian Lee Almas was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow +8 — the highest level. Presenting a Paul Harris Fellow Award is the Rotary Foundation's way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs.
ABOVE: The SanCap Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting at the Hilton Grand Vacations office on Sanibel. LEFT: The SanCap Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting at Huxters Liquors on Sanibel. SANCAP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
REFUGE/DDWS
From left, “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge Board President Bill Harkey and U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz.
DDWS board attends annual conference The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that Board President Bill Harkey, along with a number of other board members, attended the 39th annual Everglades Coalition Conference on Jan. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs. In addition, the DDWS sponsored the conference dinner on Jan. 26. See BUSINESS NOTES, page 11
Ribbon-cuttings celebrate Hilton Vacations and Huxters Liquors The SanCap Chamber of Commerce recently hosted ribbon-cuttings to celebrate the re-emergence of two Sanibel businesses from Hurricane Ian destruction: the Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) office and Huxters Liquors. HGV, which had an office in the island for more than 25 years, relocated to a new location after sustaining storm damage at its previous office on Periwinkle Way. “Our new local office has been 486 days in the making,” Senior Vice President of Resort Operations Kevin Speidel said. “Our entire history of paper files, dating back several decades, was ruined by flood waters. Luckily, we had been converting many of the files to a digital, cloud-based format and starting over has been and will be fairly smooth.”
With efficient planning and excellent insurance coverage, the office was able to keep all its internal staff employed and got employees back onsite as quickly as was safely possible. “Keeping our people engaged in the rebuilding of our location and active within the local community was important to them and the surrounding community as a whole,” he said. “We applaud the Hilton Grand Vacations team for pulling together to bring back their services and further the islands' mission to recover quickly by providing more accommodations for visitors,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “The hospitality See RIBBON-CUTTINGS, page 9
The Sanibel City Council is accepting applications for the city's Historical Preservation Committee and the Sanibel Vegetation Committee. Applications for both committees will be accepted through Feb. 9.
of Sanibel, Captiva and their environs. To access the application, visit https://mysanibel.granicus.com/boards/w/ff750aa1174c29f2.
Sanibel Vegetation Committee Historical Preservation Committee The committee can have up to 10 members. The terms will begin on March 5 and expire on March 3, 2025. Qualifications include: ∫ Members are appointed by the city council for oneyear terms. ∫ Appointees must be full-time residents of Sanibel. ∫ Appointees must have knowledge, skills or interest in historical preservation. Responsibilities include: ∫ Attend committee meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. ∫ Assist in the committee's procedures for acquisition and de-accession of materials and objects acquired by the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. ∫ Assist the committee in collecting, procuring, preserving and displaying items relating to the history of the islands
The committee is composed of five or more members. The terms will begin on March 5 and expire on March 3, 2025. Qualifications include: ∫ Members are appointed by the city council for oneyear terms. ∫ Appointees must be full-time residents of Sanibel. ∫ Appointees must have knowledge, skills or interest in vegetation. ∫ Appointees must earn a passing score on the city's Vegetation Competency Exam. Responsibilities include: ∫ Attend committee meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. ∫ Other duties as outlined in the city's Code of Ordinances. To access the application, visit https://mysanibel.granicus.com/boards/w/f08c141a1b9ce309.
monthly meeting The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club will meet on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center, at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel. The guest speaker will be Sanibel resident Dr. Ken Piech. He will discuss shell collecting in the Florida Keys, with a focus on the different locations and habitats where shells can be found. Piech and his wife are avid shell collectors with a special interest in snorkeling and collecting shells in the Keys. They have amassed a collection of helmets, conchs, cowries, tuns, tellins, vase shells, tritons and nerites. As a treat, they will give away some of their shells. Prior to Dr. Ken Piech the meeting, a silent auction will be held at 1:30 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://sanibelshellclub.com.
market is the bedrock for our business community, and each new step in its progress is cause for celebration.” “Being based in hospitality, the chamber has always been an exceptional partner, not only to HGV, but to all the businesses on Sanibel,” said Speidel. “So many people from all walks of life have had a special moment or two on Sanibel at one time or another, and the chamber has done a great job of subtly reminding people of those memories in all of the promotions they do.”
Huxters Market reopened its iconic storefront in March in the space originally occupied by Huxters Liquors. Co-owner Dan Murphy said both businesses will now resume operations in their traditional spaces as the liquor store reopens and the market returns to its space, working to restore its hot deli component for a full reopening. He said the liquor store offers a full selection of spirits, wine, fine cigars and “the coldest beer on the island.” “The rebuild certainly took longer than we could have imagined, but our hard-
working contractors as well as the city and the chamber have been helpful every step of the way,” Murphy said. “We are especially grateful for our employees who stuck by us and went above and beyond in helping us get to this point.” The owners plan to have everything at 100% in the next few weeks and are looking forward to seeing all their regular customers back. “They can expect the same Huxters tradition of everything you need in a quick, convenient stop, along with delicious,
fresh food and smiling faces,” he said. “This step toward full recovery for Huxters is the brightest ray of hope,” Lai said. “For so many residents and visitors, Huxters is an integral part of their island experience. Congratulations to the Murphys for keeping us all in 'good spirits' with the liquor store unveiling.” The HGV office is at 2460 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel. Huxters Liquors at 1203 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
captivasanibel.com
Ribbon-cuttings From page 8
Page 9 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
City taking applications for committees Shell club to hold
Island Reporter
Island Reporter
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Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 10
From page 8
another member of the Pfeifer team. In addition, Bryan Hall was installed as a new board member.
Outlier Brands adds Raddatz to team
PFEIFER REALTY GROUP
From left, Brendan Albright, Greg Demaras, Kim Alexander and Cathie Lewis of the Pfeifer Realty Group. Several members of the Pfeifer Realty Group received awards and recognition at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors's 2024 Installation and Awards Dinner. Cathie Lewis received the Community Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community through volunteerism and charitable work. Listing specialist Kim Alexander was recognized as the Administrative Assistant of the Year, which acknowledges the exceptional work of administrative staff in supporting real estate agents. Greg Demaras was named Realtor of the Year. As the outgoing SCIAR board president, he also passed the gavel to incoming President Brendan Albright, who is
John R. Wood agents, teams recognized John R. Wood Christie's International Real Estate announced that 25 of its top-performing agents/agent teams were recently named to the Christie's International Real Estate 2024 Masters Circle.
The Progressive Club of the Islands will present its next Intergenerational Learning Center program on Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. The topic will be “Lessons in Spanish,” taught by Spanish teacher Gina Nolan. The program is geared to all ages. Refreshments will be served. For more information or to register, contact Annette.Pacyga@gmail.com. For more information about the club, visit https://pcislands.org. The agents are: Bill Earls and Larry Lappin (Earls | Lappin Team); Douglas Grant and Samantha Taravella (The Grant Group); Thomas and Carmen Grifferty (Quail West Sales Group); Stacy Witthoff and Scott Needles (The Needles Group); Patrick Dearborn (Patrick Dearborn Team); Jill Kushner (Jill Kushner Team); Elise and Tom Starr (Starr Family Team); Virginia Lickley, Michael Lickley and Lynette Grout (Lickley Group); Roxanne Jeske and Nancy Koeper (Roxanne Jeske & Team); Kimberly Alvord (Kimberly Luxury Group); Karyn and Rowan Samuel (Samuel Team); Lorri Poulos Bruno and Chad Long (The Luxury Living Team); Jane Wood and Emma Beckman (Jane Wood Team); Monika DeBenedictis and Michelle Vacondios (Monika DeBenedictis Team); Tade Bua Bell and Emily Bua (Bua-Bell Group); Marc Galanto, Judy Kemble; Greg Gorman and David Burke (Team Paradise); LeAne and Ken Suarez (LeAne Suarez Group); Mari Vesci (Vesci Team); Diedre McClain, Teresa Rucker and Mike Hagan (Golf to Gulf Group); Beth and Joe McNichols (McNichols Team); Blagoja Zdravev; Blaze Luxury Team; Craig Jones, Tracy LeBaron. The program recognizes elite luxury real estate specialists within the Christie's International Real Estate Affiliate network.
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Pfeifer Realty recognized by SCIAR
Outlier Brands recently announced the addition of Eric Raddatz to a newlycreated position of multimedia executive director. He will serve clients on assignment providing content development, content marketing, video marketing, and social and podcast marketing, as well as engagement efforts across all media and platforms. In Eric Raddatz addition, Raddatz will assist in business development and revenue generation. While he has served Southwest Florida media companies in various creative capacities for more than 15 years, Raddatz's passion and expertise are found in the arts — both participating and promoting various arts events and organizations. His experience includes: founder and executive director of the Fort Myers Film Festival; founder and host of T.G.I.M. (Thank God It’s Monday), an indie film live theater series; on-camera entertainment editor for ABC7 and NBC-2 Fort Myers; and writer, director, producer, actor, videographer, podcaster and content creator for his brands, as well as hospitality, entertainment, arts companies and more.
Progressive Club to host learning program
Page 11 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Business Notes
Island Reporter
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 12 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter
Lee’s growth boom FDOT provides update on causeway project brings challenges By NATHAN MAYBERG
nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com
The good news for Lee County is it is growing, with the number of businesses increasing by 18% over the last three years and a population that has expanded by 5% to more than 800,000 residents since 2020. The issues that those new businesses and residents are facing primarily include a lack of affordable housing for workers and a shortage of qualified applicants to fill positions. With that backdrop, a full house of county business leaders met at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers on Feb. 1 for the annual review of the Horizon Foundation and Horizon Council. Funded by local businesses, the organization works closely with the county's Economic Development Office as well as the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on policy and improving the business climate. Sanibel City Councilmember and outgoing foundation President Holly Smith said a shortage of available workforce housing for employees is one of the main issues that businesses are having in attracting and keeping workers. “Workforce housing is a big deal,” she said. For Lee Health Chief Financial Officer Ben Spence, who helps oversee the county's largest employer, a shortage of workers has been so pronounced that the organization spent about $150 million on traveling nurses in 2022. That dropped to roughly $80 million last year and is on pace to be lower this year. Before COVID, Spence said they spent about $4 million to $5 million on traveling nurses. Lee Health hired more than 1,000 people last year. Spence, who is treasurer for the council, said there are currently about 1,200 unfilled positions at Lee Health. With approximately 15,000 workers, it is the county's largest employer. Spence said Lee Health has a shortage
The Florida Department of Transportation reported that emergency restoration crews have moved traffic to the permanent lanes on the Sanibel Causeway. The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and closed to public access, including from the water. ∫ Crews continue earthwork and debris removal along the causeway islands. Expect construction equipment periodically entering/leaving the travel lanes when necessary. The contractor is limiting the interruption during peak hours. ∫ The westbound merge location is now west of the toll plaza. Motorists are urged to use caution and obey the 20 mph speed limit. Construction vehicles and equipment continue to enter/exit the staging area near the location. ∫ Beginning on Feb. 12, motorists traveling eastbound from Sanibel should expect one lane of travel to continue from the toll plaza to Port Comfort Road to allow the contractor to perform shoulder work.
Significant traffic delays are not expected during the operation. The lane closure is expected to last for 90 days while crews work to install underground devices to reinforce the shoreline. During the work, beach access from McGregor Boulevard will be unavailable. Many oversized vehicles are crossing the causeway to assist with recovery efforts on the island. Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual. Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway. Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit of 20 mph. Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway. For more information about the project, visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway. For questions, contact FDOT's Sanibel Causeway Community Liaison Jennifer Dorning at Jennifer.Dorning@dot.state.fl.us or 239-338-7723.
of nurses, certified nursing assistants and information technology workers. Spence and Smith said they have been working on a micro-credentialing program that could serve as a central place for workers seeking jobs to find what is available and to get credentialed locally. Spence said many young professionals do not know what jobs are available and in demand before they start entering the workforce or pursuing their education. Lee Health works with local universities to help support staffing and development. Foundation President Mark Stevens said they are working with the county to invest in the long-term vitality of a diverse economic environment. “We saw our economy continue to grow,” he said of 2023. According to statistics provided by the foundation, the median family income rose from $68,727 in 2020 to
$85,884 in 2023. The county has seen year-to-year job growth of 8.6%, according to Kellie Burns, a NBC news anchor who emceed the event. She said that was the largest increase in jobs in the state, with more than 20,000 jobs added. “We need high-wage jobs, quality schools and quality health care,” Burns said. In the first three quarters of 2023, there were 2,850 new businesses added. Burns said news reports on increased car traffic in Lee County are emblematic of the county's growth. Much of the county's business growth has been centered in the Alico Road area, near the county airport. Burns said there are currently about 50 active development projects in that area. Smith said she was “proud of the progress we’ve made.”
Page 13 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 captivasanibel.com
Island Reporter
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 14 captivasanibel.com Island Reporter
PRESERVING PARADISE
REFUGE/DDWS
A red-bellied woodpecker at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Refuge provides highlights of monthly biology activities J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge biological science technician Avery Renshaw recently reported on the Sanibel refuge's following biology activities for the month of January. While her survey route at the refuge got rained out, Renshaw did participate in the annual, nationwide 2023 Christmas Bird Count (CBC) at the Florida Panther and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuges, which — along with the Sanibel refuge — are part of the Southwest Florida Refuges Complex. The CBC is a mass, collective effort each winter to count the number of birds observed across North America at a given time. At the Florida Panther refuge, the crew counted more than 2,000 American robins flying over their particular route, which only covers a portion of the refuge. At the Ten Thousand Islands refuge, CBC participants collectively counted 21,913 individual birds during the count window. They tallied over 5,000 tree swallows and 1,000 white ibis, short-billed dowitchers and American white pelicans.
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Weeds ‘n’ Seeds plant walk planned The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will host a Weeds 'n' Seeds plant walk on Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. at the Bailey Tract off of Tarpon Bay Road at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. It will last about two hours. No reservations or
Shell museum to host sunrise stroll The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will host a guided Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Stroll on Feb. 8 at 6 a.m. at the Lighthouse Beach Park, at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Participants will join a marine biologist to learn about local mollusks and their shells and to search for live mollusks during low tide. They will also gain a closer under-
standing of molluscan biology and biodiversity. Registration is required. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for museum members and ages 17 and under; parking is not included. For more information or to register, contact Associate Director of Education Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum.org or visit ShellMuseum.org/sunrise-stroll.
fees are required. Parking is limited, so carpooling or riding a bike is recommended if possible. There are three parking options: park for free with a Sanibel Resident “A” sticker in the beach lot at 520 Tarpon Bay Road and walk 0.3 miles north; limited parking is
available at the tract parking lot off of Tarpon Bay Road; or carpool for free at 8:45 a.m. at SCCF's headquarters building, at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. Access from Island Inn Road is closed. For more information, visit https://sccf.org/.
Volunteers sought for habitat restoration The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Coastal Watch is signing up volunteers for a mangrove habitat restoration on Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at the York Island Preserve. Volunteers will assist SCCF and
MANG staff in planting a few hundred mangroves; boat transportation will be provided. For more information or to sign up, visit https://dash.pointapp.org /events/119899.
Page 15 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
From left, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria and Fire Chief Kevin Barbot. SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT
Historical village to present At The Shore Haven
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Members of the Sanibel City Council and City Manager Dana Souza recently met with state legislators in Tallahassee to discuss the city's 2024 legislative priorities. In addition, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot and Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria recently visited the state Capitol to advocate and secure funding for new Fire Station 172 on SanibelCaptiva Road.
From left, Sanibel City Manager Dana Souza, Mayor Richard Johnson, City Councilmember Holly Smith and Vice Mayor Mike Miller. CITY OF SANIBEL
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The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will host “Once Upon the Island Known as Sanibel,” part of its At The Shore Haven programs, on Feb. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Shore Haven building, at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. It will feature a presentation by historian and Sanibel author Betty Anholt. Namesake of the Captiva Island Historical Society's Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award, she will share stories of islanders. Seating is limited, so registration is recommended. To register, contact 239-472-4648 or info@sanibelmuseum.org.
Island officials meet with Florida lawmakers
Island Reporter
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 16 captivasanibel.com
Island lIvIng
SPD releases Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics 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.
Arrests ∫ Richard Earl Swanson, 77, of 710 Birdie View Point, Sanibel, was charged on Jan. 25 with one count each of flee elude police fair to obey law enforcement officer order to stop and aggravated assault on specified personnel.
Other enforcement actions ∫ On Jan. 23, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for running a stop sign. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for never having a driver’s license issued. ∫ On Jan. 23, a traffic stop was initiated due to a driver not wearing a seat-belt. The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for never having a driver’s license issued and the vehicle was towed due to being uninsured.
Enforcement operations statistics
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From Jan. 23-29: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 6 ∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 11 ∫ Traffic crashes: 2 ∫ Radar details: 52 ∫ Traffic stops: 64 — Citations issued: 24 — Written warnings issued: 2 — Verbal warnings issued: 43 ∫ Residential area checks: 413 ∫ Business area checks: 158 ∫ Total area checks: 871 ∫ Reported burglaries: 0 ∫ Reported thefts: 0 ∫ Total CAD calls: 1,179 January 2024 to date: ∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 17 ∫ Non-emergency calls: 45 ∫ Traffic crashes: 7 ∫ Radar details: 206 ∫ Traffic stops: 253 — Citations issued: 94 — Written warnings issued: 7 — Verbal warnings issued: 175 ∫ Residential area checks: 1,946 ∫ Business area checks: 778 ∫ Total area checks: 4,006 ∫ Reported burglaries: 3 ∫ Reported thefts: 2 ∫ Total CAD calls: 5,180
Important reminders The 2024 Annual Beach Parking Permits are available at the Sanibel Recreation Center and are valid from the date of purchase through Nov. 30. The 2023 permits have expired and are no longer valid. The city of Sanibel's 2021 and 2022 Hurricane Re-entry Passes are still valid. If you have one, you do not need to re-apply for a new pass. Information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp: ∫ The boat ramp is open to permit holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays. ∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit See BLOTTER, page 17
The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children. With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders. The next one will take place on Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. with Tessa Bailey, New York Times bestselling rom-com author of “It Happened One Summer” and “Hook, Line, and Sinker.” She will talk about her new book, “Fangirl Down.” A question-and-answer session with the author will follow. To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/upcoming. For help setting up or logging into webinars, contact islandlibrary@sanlib.org or 239-472-2483. Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled. On Feb. 8, a Teen Study Session will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Come to the library after school for study hall. Snacks will be provided. To learn about earning volunteer hours for school, contact staffer Megan Willis at mwillis@sanlib.org or 239-472-2483. Family Storytime for ages 5 and under and their caregiver will be held on Feb. 9 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with Shannon Gafgen. Sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity. The program will include an art/craft center. On Feb. 12, Crochet & Chat will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Explore of the art of yarn crafting with staffer Ariana McDaniel. For beginners and enthusiasts, the class will provide a hands-on experience in mastering essential crochet techniques. Attendees will embark on small projects to reinforce their skills. An iPhone Photo Class will be held on Feb. 13 from
SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Feb. 8 with Tessa Bailey. 10 to 11 a.m. with staffer Danny Hussey. Learn about the phone's camera features, including: how to send photos; how to backup photos; how to send photos to print; and how to use different camera accessories and apps. On Feb. 14, Frankincense and Other Aromatic Tree Resins Throughout History will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Staffer Matt Gindling will provide an olfactory experience that delves into the historical uses of botanically derived resins within the cultures and religions of the world. See and smell some of the plant resins of the Old World, like frankincense, myrrh, styrax, labdanum, galbanum and mastic. Some of the aspects that will be discussed will include their appearance in myths, uses in religious rituals and utilitarian applications. For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://sanlib.org/. Stop by the library in February to see a collection of World War II models created by Executive Director Duane Shaffer. See LIBRARY, page 17
F.I.S.H. planning Valentine’s Day tribute week During the week of Feb. 12, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will focus on “Hearts & Health.” It will provide heart healthy products and additional fresh produce at the food pantry, along with special treats on Feb. 14 for Valentine's Day. In addition, F.I.S.H. will connect with island youths to make holiday cards, which will be distributed to seniors living in CHR and throughout the islands. “We're looking forward to working with Sanibel school students, club members and other young
islanders who are excited to bring joy to our older population,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “We want to remind seniors that they aren’t forgotten and that they have a
loving, caring community of all ages looking after them.” The food pantry is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is located at 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. If you or someone you know is in need of F.I.S.H. services, call 239472-4775. For more information about F.I.S.H., visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/.
American Legion American Legion Post 123 reported that it is partnering with The Great White Grill to host a Super Bowl extravaganza for the game on Feb. 11 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Post. Ribs and other food will be available; donations only. In addi-
tion, the Tiki Hut will be open on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. It serves burgers, hotdogs and other specials. There are TVs available for sports. The Post is open to the public. Membership applications
are also available. For more information, call 239-579-0130 or visit American Legion Post 123 Sanibel Florida on Facebook. Post 123 is at 4929 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
Sanibel Public Meetings The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Feb. 13: Sanibel Planning Commission meeting at 9 a.m. at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road,
Sanibel, and via Facebook Live. For more information or the agenda, visit www.mysanibel.com. ∫ Feb. 14: Sanibel Fire and Rescue District meeting at 9 a.m. at
Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel. For more information or the agenda, visit www.sanibelfire.com.
SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Library From page 16 Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee. The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8
p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 239-4722483 or visit https://sanlib.org/. The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee. ∫ Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited. ∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250. Roadside parking on Sanibel is not allowed except in the case of special events requiring a permit. It is enforced and can result in a $150 fine. Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel. Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411.
Reporting suspicious activity Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411: ∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411. ∫ Web tips can be submitted at https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_g roup_id=22450. ∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device. The SPD's non-emergency line is 239472-3111. Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanibelPolice.
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Blotter From page 16
Page 17 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
A Family Storytime will be held on Feb. 9 with Sanibel Public Library staffer Shannon Gafgen.
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Lighthouse Beach reopens to public The city of Sanibel reported that the Lighthouse Beach Parking lots reopened on Feb. 3. Officials thanked the community for its patience as crews worked to renourish the beach near the Sanibel Lighthouse. For more information about the beach renourishment project, visit www.mysanibel.com.
CITY OF SANIBEL
Sanibel FlyFishers to meet
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Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 18
SPORTS
CITY OF SANIBEL
The Sanibel FlyFishers will hold its monthly meeting on Feb. 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The guest speaker will be legendary fly fisherman Chico Fernandez. He is an author, a teacher, an International Game Fish Association world record holder for redfish, a fly designer and world traveler. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, visit https://www.sanibelff.org/.
Chico Fernandez SANIBEL FLYFISHERS
The Sanibel Recreation Center's outdoor court project is projected to be completed at the end of February. The ballfield restoration work continues, with the projected reopening date in April.
Recreation center provides update on activities, events The Sanibel Recreation Center reported on the following upcoming programming. Throughout February, Wild Card Wednesday will be offered on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Access an array of card and board games. Free for members; non-members must purchase a pass. A new time has been added for the indoor pick-up pickleball. It will now take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Dr. Greg Walsh, of Sanibel Chiropractic, will perform complimentary posture/scoliosis screenings today, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. Some of the common issues that he will evaluate will be in regards to people dealing with low back pain, neck pain, hip pain, sciatic discomfort or distress in the rib cage. A Pickleball Movement Clinic will be held on Feb. 9 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. It is designed to improve participants' mobility while on the court. The benefits include increased athleticism, improved speed and improved recovery time, and it may help reduce the risk of injury. The clinic is free. Also on Feb. 9, Youth Speed and Agility Training will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. It can offer young athletes a chance to help develop their skills. The benefits include increased athleticism, improved speed and See RECREATION CENTER, page 20
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will hold its final Pine Island Sounds of the season on Feb. 11 featuring Casey Dreissen.
SCCF to host Pine Island Sounds The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s final Pine Island Sounds cruise will feature Casey Dreissen on Feb. 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; it will depart from McCarthy’s Marina, at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. A GRAMMY-nominated fiddle
player, he loves to experiment, collaborate, teach, travel and push the boundaries of not only his fivestring fiddle, but of what it means to be an independent working musician in the modern music industry. Tickets are $100 and include light bites and one complimentary cock-
tail, thanks to SCCF supporters Jack Thomas and Janie Howland. A cash bar will also be available. The event proceeds will support the SCCF's research and programs to protect the local water quality. For more information or tickets, visit sccf.org/pine-island-sounds.
island. Camputaro is teaching English Language Arts to grades 6-8 this year. Prior to that, she taught second grade and third grade. Previously, Camputaro taught second and first grades at Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School and fifth grade at Manatee Elementary, both located in Fort Myers. She has been with the School District of Lee County for 13 years, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Michigan State University. “It is such a special year for me,” Camputaro said. “I feel such a calling this year.” She explained that she has been certified in language arts since graduating from Michigan State. Following the pandemic and Hurricane Ian, Camputaro felt that the students needed a familiar
face. “It's been awesome because I had these kids before when I taught third grade,” she said, noting that it has enabled her to further develop those relationships with them. “I think we have a unique bond.” “I'm so glad I'm a finalist this year and I get to share it with my kids,” Camputaro added. She thanked the Sanibel school's administration for being very supportive and community-centered. Camputaro also thanked her husband, noting that his support also comes being a teacher himself. “It's nice to have a spouse in the same field,” she said. “Somebody who really gets me.” Camputaro expressed her appreciation for the
middle school team at the school. “What has really helped me this year has been a great middle school team,” she said. “They have really been awesome with their support and me joining them this year, so I really want to thank my team.” Camputaro called it an honor to be with the other educators who are finalists. “I'm grateful to the foundation,” she said. “It's really such a positive and impactful program.” The finalists will be interviewed and observed in their classrooms by the selection committee, and six will be selected for the Golden Apple Award. The winners will be honored at the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet in April at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater in Fort Myers.
School district From page 1 School grades
an A or B based on the new threshold and 46.3% received a C or D. Four schools received an incomplete, which signifies a school grade was withheld or revoked and designated as incomplete. There was 78%, or 68 schools, that maintained their same school grade. Eighteen schools increased by one letter grade, and one school by two letter grades. “Five schools decreased by one and one school by two letter grades,” she said. The grades did not include learning gains, as did the 2021-22 school year. There were three improved schools that went from a D to a C — Manatee Elementary School, G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School and Fort Myers Middle Academy.
Progress monitoring
43%. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said the assessment given is for what the students should know for the entire year. As more instruction and curriculum is given, those numbers will improve. “We have a long way to go to reach proficiency. (When we) shoot for proficiency will find learning gains in the process,” he said. For sixth-grade math, the target was 55% with the first progress monitoring at 14% and the second at 34%. Cupid-McCoy said they have to engage in deep conversations of what that means as a whole and for the individual child. “When we take a look at PM 2 data in exemplars, we cannot be satisfied with progress to date. We must continue to determine what steps and those next steps must be viable,” she said. Read the full article for free online by visiting www.captivasanibel.com.
and Jeff Burns with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. The panel discussed in detail the status of residential, condominium, commercial and vacant land availability and sales. It generally agreed Sanibel is seeing a shift in age demographics as a result of the hurricane, with younger families moving in and older residents moving off-island because of anticipated long waits to get back into their homes. “But it’s the same type of people, people who love Sanibel,” Pfeiffer said. He reported in his conclusion of commercial property status, based on limited available data, the average and median price has increased after the storm. “What I really want to tell you today is that the city of Sanibel, from a financial perspective, we are in excellent shape, we are stable and we are firm,” City Manager Dana Souza told the crowd as part of the State of the City presentation. The panel was moderated by Public Information Officer Eric Jackson, and Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Steve Chaipel and Building Official Craig Mole also spoke. Souza reported on the decrease in taxable property values, which influenced the decision to increase the millage rate this year to the same rate as post-Hurricane Charley. “That was a tough decision,” he said. Souza repeatedly thanked the state for coming to the city’s rescue in monetary
ways, including an advance on monies to help with current beach renourishment. He commended city staff for its expediency with permitting. Mole reported 7,700 permits since the storm, compared to 1,800 in a normal year before Ian. Panelists addressed affordable housing issues, saying the city is looking both on and off island for solutions. Souza explained the city’s new policy for bringing traffic issues back to pre-hurricane status by urging everyone to travel on and off island via Periwinkle Way rather than backroad routes through neighborhoods. He reported the plan has already reduced his travel time leaving the island. Mayor Richard Johnson wrapped up the summit with hope, optimism and a message of working together. “We all here are linked to each other by these islands we know and we love,” he said. “We heard an incredible volume of take-away information this day,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “It was a truly inspiring and pragmatic exercise for so many in our community looking for answers and guidance. This is only the beginning of our series of recovery outlooks, which we will continue monthly at our business luncheons. We urge all island businesses to participate in the survey.” To view the full business climate survey report, visit sancapoutlook.com.
State of the Islands From page 1 Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) and with sponsorship from Bank of the Islands and other local businesses, presented the summit. Dr. Amir Neto, director of the Regional Economic Research Institute at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, was the keynote speaker, disclosing findings from a survey the chamber has asked local businesses to complete. Based on surveys received to date, he presented a benchmark standard for future outlooks to come. “This does not pinpoint numbers, but shows trends,” Neto said, indicating that predicting a timeline for the return of accommodations and non-accommodations businesses is a process that will take time. “It’s going to be a long-term recovery … This is where we come into our crossroads to decide which path we want to take to grow Southwest Florida, to grow the islands.” He explained that the 70% figure of reopened businesses includes those who have moved off-island and those doing business online or remotely without a storefront. The summit also presented three panels to explore recovery within different facets of island operations. CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell moderated the first panel, State of Non-Profits, which also included Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium Executive Director
Sam Ankerson. F.I.S.H. of SanibelCaptiva Executive Director Maria Espinoza, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Chief Executive Officer James Evans, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge Board President Bill Harkey and Community Housing & Resources Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale. They addressed challenges and issues including affordable housing, transportation frustrations and food insecurity. The panelists recognized the importance of accommodations, the business community and the maintenance of the islands’ environmental priorities. “Our business community and our conservation community are inextricably linked,” Evans said. “The way businesses and our nonprofits work together it’s just seamless … That’s exactly what we need to get our vitality back is to get resort housing back up … We always support the chamber of commerce for getting back up on their feet. The chamber needs your help as well.” The State of Real Estate panel, likewise, recognized the importance of the islands’ environment and nonprofits in elevating property values and desirability. Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors Chief Executive Officer Bill Robinson moderated the panel, which also consisted of Kasey Albright and Eric Pfeiffer with the Pfeiffer Realty Group
Island Reporter
The progress monitoring 1 and 2 data also showed more improvements need to be made in some areas, including English Language Arts and mathematics.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Cupid-McCoy said responding to the data is a critical step. “How a teacher changes instructional approach, adjustments for each student within small group instruction, fidelity to teaching the benchmarks,” she said is the critical step. Marks said the target is determined through some data analysis of students who took the assessment the prior year. They looked at how much scored in each achievement level and what was the district average, top average, lowest average and state average. “We can look and see what should be an expectation of a student that took the assessment last year,” she said. “Based on these multiple data points, we understand the higher quartile and lowest quartile and average of level three.” An example was given for sixth-grade ELA with a target of 47%. The first progress monitoring showed 39% against the PM objectives and the second showed
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Research, and Accountability, Assessment Director Joy Marks began the presentation by sharing information about the Florida Department of Education Accountability Model — school grades, which includes areas of English Language Arts, math, science, social studies, graduation rate, middle school acceleration and college and career acceleration. “Each category allows schools to earn up to 100 percent of points. Final grades are calculated by dividing the total number of earned percentage of points by the number of categories the schools had sufficient results in,” she said. For example, K-5 school achievement percentage of points falls with ELA, math and science, for a total possible points of 300. Sixteen elementary schools earned an A, with four for middle school, three for high school and one for a combination school, or a K-8 school. Marks said 49.9% of schools received
Page 19 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Golden Apple finalist From page 1
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 20
Everybody's an expert when it comes to education Why is it when it comes to educational decision-making, everyone is an “expert?” Why do parents, residents and anyone else with a grudge, who have absolutely zero expertise in educational methodology, practice, curriculum, evaluation or policy, feel they can demand change based on personal or religious beliefs? Would those same individuals challenge their physicians and demand to perform a specific medical procedure on their child without medical training or the doctor's assistance? How about flying a commercial plane, with absolutely no training? Would you want your family on that plane knowing your lives are in the hands of someone who has never sat in a cockpit before? If loved ones are critically hurt in a car accident, would you allow someone off the street, who has no training in law, to defend them in court? Of course you wouldn't.
Jill Pellis
Guest Commentary
Then why, when it comes to educating our most cherished and beloved children, do we allow anyone and everyone with an opinion and hidden agenda to make essential decisions for all students? It is time to correct the insanity, injustice and chaos presently occurring in our schools and return to sound educational practice. All citizens have a right to collaborate with educators. They have the right to participate on committees. They have a right and a moral obligation to speak up on behalf of their own children if the school has failed them. They are welcomed into schools as partners and volunteers to contribute to the improvement of the overall program. Citizens do not, however, have carte blanche and absolute power to determine who, what, when, where or how the instructional program must be presented or practiced.
It is high time we leave school decision-making, based on sound, student data-driven evidence, to the educated, certified professionals in our schools. We trust all other professionals. How about putting our faith and trust into the hands of our hard-working, sincere, highly trained experts in the field? You want a say? You want change? Step up to the plate, put in your time and effort, attend and speak at school board meetings, volunteer, speak to your child's teachers and guidance counselors, write letters to your legislators and do your due diligence to make Lee County schools halls of excellence, not vaults of shame. Jill Pellis is a retired public school principal and member of The Purple Group of Lee County. It is a nonpartisan group of residents who believe high-quality public schools should welcome all students and their families as the bedrock of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic democracy. For more information, visit on YouTube @ThePurpleGroupLeeCountyF-vw4kg.
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SCCF From page 4 SB 738 passed by a vote of 7-2 and advances to its third and final committee, Senate Fiscal Policy, next. Everglades Protection Area Bill (HB 723) by Rep. Demi Busatta-Cabrera passed its first committee stop, the House Agriculture, Conservation and Resiliency Committee, with a supportive unanimous vote. The bill was introduced last year but session closed before it completed its
committee appearances. The bill proposes to lessen the impacts to and increase the level of protection to the Everglades by creating a two-mile buffer zone to restrict development. The bill and its Senate companion, SB 1364 by Sen. Alexis Calatyud, proposes to follow Florida’s coordinated review process rather than the expedited review process, in which the DEP would deter-
mine whether proposed development would adversely impact the Everglades Protection Area. The House bill applies to all counties surrounding the Everglades, but the Senate version only covers Broward, Dade and Monroe counties. The Senate version has also passed its first committee of reference. Both the House and Senate version await to be scheduled in their next committee stops.
Visit the 2024 SCCF Legislative Tracker at https://sccf.org/what-wedo/environmental-policy/. Holly Schwartz is policy associate for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. Founded in 1967, the SCCF's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. For more information, visit www.sccf.org.
Island Reporter
Heart health From page 4 Adults who are 65 years old and older are more likely than younger adults to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Aging can cause changes in the heart and blood vessels that can increase a person's risk of developing heart disease. However, things like smoking, a poor diet, high cholesterol, being overweight and a lack of regular exercise can also influence someone’s heart health and exacerbate any potential health concerns.
Way to keep your heart healthy According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), incorporating the following habits into your lifestyle can help keep your heart in good shape: ∫ Eating healthy ∫ Being active ∫ Staying at a healthy weight ∫ Quitting smoking and staying away from secondhand smoke ∫ Controlling your cholesterol and
Lee County Public Meetings The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Feb. 13: Lee County Charter Review Commission public hearing at 5
p.m. at the Cape Coral Public Library, at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral. For more information, visit https://www.leegov.com/charterreview.
TBE to expand seasonal offerings Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel will expand its tour availabilities for the season. Starting in mid-February, Kayak Trail Tours will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; the typical start time is 10 a.m., but it can vary depending on the tides. Tram Tours will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. “We have another trip that we haven't offered since the storm and will add in March and are very excited to announce in the upcoming month,” General Manager Adam Sauerland said. Concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, TBE offers recreation activities like guided tours and kayak and paddlecraft rentals; reservations are recommended for the tours. Its hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rentals stopping at 3 p.m. TBE also hosts a nature-themed gift shop. For more information or reservations, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900. TBE is at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.
blood pressure ∫ Only drinking alcohol only in moderation ∫ Managing stress Your age and family history also play a role in the potential for heart disease. Your risk is higher if: ∫ You're a woman over 55 years old ∫ You're a man over 45 years old ∫ Your father or brother had heart disease before 55 ∫ Your mother or sister had heart dis-
ease before 65 If you are experiencing any symptoms, have a family history of heart disease or have any questions about your heart health, make an appointment with a physician and learn more at www.leehealth.org. Dr. Malissa Wood is the chief physician executive for the Lee Health Heart Institute. For more information, visit https://www.leehealth.org/.
Recreation center From page 18 improved recovery time, and it may help reduce the risk of injury. The trial lesson is free. Bloomin' Bouquets will be offered on Feb. 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. Participants will create a mixed flower bouquet for that special someone, including the opportunity to hand-pick a unique vase or wrap it up with a bow. Cost is $19 for members and $24 for non-members per bouquet; all materials are included, along with a complimentary card and candy. Registration is required.
Outdoor recreation space survey The center has launched an online survey asking for community feedback. The “Reimaging Outdoor Recreation Space” survey is collecting input on the potential redesign of the outdoor multigenerational recreation space, which currently consists of the skate park, archery range and basketball court area located behind the center and The Sanibel School. The survey ends on Feb. 9. The options to pick from include mini golf, multi-use sport court, dedicated lighted pickleball courts —in addition to the existing four shared-use outdoor courts and indoor lined courts — and a
traverse climbing wall, along with an “other” selection where respondents can fill in an answer. To participate, visit https://www.surveymonkey .com/r/recspaces.
Ballfield, outdoor court update The center reported that the projected completion for the outdoor court project is at the end of February. It includes a new foundation, courts, net posts and fencing. The courts will be lined for tennis and pickleball play. The ballfield restoration work continues with grading, irrigation replacement, installation of new sod and clay, fencing repair/replacement, a new ballfield lighting system, repair of dugouts, and new shade structures and bleachers. The projected reopening date is April. The center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available. For more information, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/government/recreation2. The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7, 2024
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
ABOVE: Science writer and journalist Elizabeth Kolbert will be the guest speaker for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's 6th annual Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series on Feb. 15. LEFT: “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert
SCCF announces guest speaker for annual lecture Page 22 aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday aLSOinSidetOday Shell Shocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 In the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 CROW Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Faces on Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Island Worship . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Recipe of the Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 BIG ARTS Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Island Beat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Santiva Islanders Calendar . . . . . . . . 26 The Community House Calendar . . . . 26 Shell Find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 & 29 Poetic License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2023 ■ Page 22 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander
Connecting the digital TV adaptor to the refrigerator The directions looked easy enough. They said to plug the cable connector into the “in” plug on the TV set which then gets plugged into the back of the digital cable adaptor which in turn gets plugged into the cable outlet which in turn gets plugged into the back of the TV set. This wire goes here and that cable goes there and that plug goes that away. What the cable company didn’t count on is that I have three left hands. I am so mechanically deprived that I require technical assistance from some Art Stevens phone service in India to charge the battery on my electric shaver. Plus a follow up call to change the rotating blades once a year. I almost always need assistance when devices go haywire. I have no natural talent to fix them myself. My handyman is always available if something goes wrong in my Sanibel home. If I hear beeping somewhere or the water pressure gets dangerously low; or the hot water isn’t hot enough; or there’s a small leak from one of the air conditioning vents; or the water filter needs changing — it’s the handyman to the rescue. But for some masochistic reason I decided to try to install the digital adaptor myself. If it weren’t for the handyman I’d be completely lost around the house. He’s incredible at assembling anything that comes out of a carton. You name it — a chair, table, cabinet — he can assemble it. He’s got the gift. Sometimes I think he can assemble a Boeing 747 if they’d just let him. But I draw the line when it comes to turning on the air conditioning system, the DVD player, the clock radio and the sprinkler system. So the arrangement I have with the handyman is that he assembles — I turn things on. He also replaces the batteries in the smoke detector devices. That’s the story of our arrangement. But recently I volunteered to attach a digital adaptor device to the one TV set that wasn’t serviced through a cable box. My handyman was astonished that I volunteered to do this because he assumed I would be calling India for technical assistance. I had assumed that the cable company would send a technician to attach it. Little did I know that the cable company would simply send the device with all the cables and wires in the mail with instructions on how to assemble them. My handyman normally assembles things but he was busy that day assembling a Boeing 747. When the instructions made it clear that even a child could assemble this simple device in five minutes, I decided to give it a try. Obviously, the cable company’s instructions weren’t meant for guys like me with three left hands and fifteen thumbs. Five minutes? It took me four days just to work up some courage to give it a shot. So there I sat reading the instructions and getting my equipment lined up: the digital transport adapter, a 3-foot coaxial cable, a power cord, a remote control signal receiver, adhesive fasteners and a new remote control. I made sure no one else was in the house to watch me go for the gold. Humiliation is something I try to shy away from. Not a chance. I wanted no audience to watch a prime time klutz at work. I guess I was a bit nervous to start with and almost strangled myself with the coaxial cable. Believe it or not, this actually got a chuckle out of me as I removed the cable from my neck. There was no one standing next to me to witness an unintentional suicide attempt. So I huffed and I puffed and began plugging wires and cables into what I thought were the appropriate outlets. When I thought I was done I tried turning the TV set
Shell Shocked
See TV ADAPTOR, page 23
Annual SCCF lecture to feature award-winning writer, journalist The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will present its 6th annual Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series on Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will feature Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer and journalist Elizabeth Kolbert as the guest speaker. The program will include a conversation with SCCF Chief Executive Officer James Evans. Kolbert is best known for her book, “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History,” which has amassed awards from the 2015 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction and No. 1 on The Guardian's list of 100 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, to a New York Times 2014 Top Ten Best Book of the Year. She traveled from Alaska to Greenland and visited with top scientists to write the book about mass extinctions. Kolbert also wrote “Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change.” Her most recent book, “Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future,” is about humanity's harmful impact on the environment and ideas to rectify that harm. A national bestseller, it was named one of the best books of the year by the
Washington Post, Time, Esquire, Smithsonian Magazine, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal. The book was also recommended by Barack Obama and Bill Gates. Kolbert is working on her next book, “H Is for Hope: Climate Change from A to Z.” She has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1999 and was a political reporter for The New York Times. SCCF is partnering with MacIntosh Books to sell copies of Kolbert's books at the lecture. The Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series was conceived by the Boler Family Foundation, which underwrites the series to honor its dear family friend. McCarthy was the founder of Captiva Cruises, an SCCF trustee and an active presence on the islands for many years. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students; ages 12 and under are free. For more information or tickets, visit https://sccf.org/events-programs/fundraisingevents/mccarthy-lecture-series/.
Thrift shop at Sanibel church set to reopen in October Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel reported that its Noah's Ark Thrift Shop is slated to reopen in October. Like the main buildings, it sustained major damage from Hurricane Ian. Repaired first, the building housed church services and gatherings following the storm, as well as provided free space to displaced island organizations as The Gathering Place @ St. Michael's. With the main buildings now restored, the church and groups have relocated to the office and main building. The thrift shop received several upgrades to enhance the building and bring it up to required codes, including an expanded entrance ramp, higher ceilings, scratch-resistant flooring, two ADA accessible restrooms, three new A/C units, a sound system and more. The process of selecting, purchasing, delivery and assembly of the items needed to display donations will now begin, like racks, shelving and display units, and sorting and check out stations. This will take several months, plus the restocking of merchandiser, with an opening set for the next week in October. The church reported that donations are not being accepted at this time as there is no place to accept and sort them. Donations can be dropped off at one of several other locations in Fort Myers or kept until
Noah's Ark can again start receiving them, which is expected to be at the end of summer at the earliest. The thrift shop was created over 60 years ago to provide a way to serve others in need through selling donated items and giving away the proceeds to organizations that aid those in need.
For more information and progress updates, visit visit www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org or https://www.instagram.com/noahsarkthrift.sanibel/ or follow Noah's Ark Thrift Shop on Facebook. Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop is at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
After an absence due to the pandemic and Hurricane Ian, Japanese artist Hatsue Iimuro will return to the Sanibel Shell Show on March 8-9 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club reported that she first encountered sailor's valentines while in Boston in 2005 and has been fascinated by shell art ever since. Not only is Iimuro entering her artwork into the Artistic Division, she is also bringing several of her students with her from Japan and her artwork will be sold at a vendor's table. Iimuro is particularly known for her valentines that remind people of kaleido-
scopes, but has a keen appreciation for all shell art. She and her students will be entering a total of nine works of art. The show hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A cash donation of $5 is requested. The show is the club's annual fundraiser, which provides research and education grants to local non-profits, such as the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Commission. The grants support work in water quality, conservation, malacology and conchology. The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers.
Page 23 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2023
Japanese artist to return for annual shell show
TV adaptor From page 22 cord from the outlet and plugged in the TV. I rebooted the fridge and found a free outlet for the TV. I could swear I heard sarcastic applause coming from somewhere. My paranoia was kicking in. But the good news is I actually did it all by myself — with one final suggestion from the cable. I now get all the TV channels that I couldn’t get when the universal TV system went from analog to digital. So I’m on a roll and am now confident that I can set the alarm button on my travel alarm clock without any assistance whatsoever.
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Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. His tongue-incheek humor is always offered with a smile.
Sanibel-Captiva Islander
on. Nothing except snow flakes on the screen. Back to the drawing board. I restudied the instructions and realized that one of the cables should have been connected to the “in” plug and not the TV plug and went at it again. I clicked on the TV set again assuming that all was well. Nothing. I called the cable company. “Can I suggest something?” the technician asked. “I’ve almost got it. What is it?” I responded haughtily. He suggested that I connect the power cord from the digital device into the electrical outlet. I did so and when I turned on the TV set again I got a fine looking picture. I was feeling proud of myself when I realized that I had removed the refrigerator power
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Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2023 ■ Page 24 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander
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Going native trending on islands
Old Man Palm
PHOTO PROVIDED
Old Man Palm named so for bearded trunk The Old Man Palm (Coccothrinax crinita) is native to Cuba and is well-known for its unique trunk, with its thick covering of fibers that resembles an old man’s long beard. We typically use it as an ornamental accent in our gardens, but it can also be grown in a container indoors. The palm tree is typically under 20 feet tall. It is so slow that it would take approximately 10 years to grow 5 inches. But in the summer, a long stalk with yellow flowers can reach 5 feet above the fronds, followed by dark purple rounded fleshy fruit. It can tolerate partial shade to full sun and cold temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with a strong tolerance for drought and salt, the Old Man Palm is a perfect accent palm for the seashore areas of Sanibel and Captiva. So, if you are looking for that special accent piece or conversation starter in your landscape, we recommend this palm as a key focal point. 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.
Island gallery to present exhibit The Tower Gallery will host a special exhibit, “Duality,” on Feb. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 751 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel. The event has duality and contrast as its subject, and the co-operative's artists have interpreted TOWER GALLERY the theme in their own style. Works of art measuring 11-by-14 inches and 16-by-20 inches will be on sale. Attendees will be able to select a work of art from a “gift basket” with a purchase of $100 or more. For more information, call 239-579-0659 or visit www.towergallery.net.
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that planting native is thriving as islanders are redoing their landscapes post-Hurricane Ian. Sales are booming and house calls are in high demand at its Native Landscapes & Garden Center on Sanibel. “We welcome residents and visitors to stop by during our regular hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday,” center Manager Becca Grotian said. “If those hours don’t work for you, we now are also offering sales by appointment on Saturdays. Just call us during the week to schedule.” With the help of a grant facilitated by the Shell Island Garden Club and donations to the “Tree-build” campaign launched last year, the center is also progressing with its own post-Ian restoration efforts. “The local garden club applied to the National Garden Club’s Natural Disaster grant on our behalf for replanting the residential gardens directly around the historic Bailey house. Those gardens have now been fully restored,” she said. “Other demonstration gardens are also coming back into shape.” The SCCF reported that demonstration gardens help customers envision how various island habitats can be landscaped with resilient native plants. By planting native, islanders help protect water quality and coastal resilience, while providing habitat for wildlife. Native landscapes do not need fertilizers, which are damaging to water quality, and they support birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Restoration is nearly complete on the Beach Dune garden and part of the Tropical Hammock garden. Other areas, including the Pollinator, Hardwood Hammock and Scrub gardens, as well as the Devitt Pond, are currently being worked on and weeded for future restoration. “It takes time to recover from an event as pervasive as Ian,” Grotian said. “Like we encourage our clients, we all have to be patient and nurturing to revive our landscapes.”
Donate to earn a house call To thoughtfully approach replanting, island residents and businesses are utilizing the center’s house call program. Donations to the SCCF of $100 or $250 for a business earn members an on-site visit.
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
“A landscaping for wildlife house call entails a walk around a homeowner’s property, identifying the existing or, in a lot of cases now, what’s come up since Ian plants and explaining if they are native, non-native or invasive species,” she said. After the walk around, plant recommendations are made for the different areas of the yard, and questions are answered regarding maintenance and specific plants. “From there, we put together a brief report that basically summarizes what is discussed during the site visit and includes lists of recommendations and plants identified on the property,” Grotrian said, adding that house calls are currently booked out into April.
Privacy buffers, groundcover in demand The SCCF reported that the center's team bases its stock on customer demand and needs. They are currently finding a lot of demand for shrubs as customers are trying to revegetate their privacy buffers. Resilient and attractive native groundcover options are also in demand as residents are moving away from the use of grass or sod. For more about options for replanting and the best use of specific species, check out the SCCF's Post-Hurricane Ian Replanting Guide at https://issuu.com/sccf3/docs/sccf_ replanting_guide-final.
F.I.S.H. to host monthly luncheon with speaker F.I.S.H. of Sanibelserve as a Cabinet Captiva is continuing its Secretary. Active with community-wide the Frances Perkins Friendly Faces Center, Corcoran will Luncheon. The next one also provide updates on will be held on Feb. 13 the Frances Perkins at 11 a.m. at the Sanibel Center in Newcastle, Recreation Center, with Maine, and its work a virtual option availthere and across the able. nation. It will feature Dr. Corcoran has been a Peter Blaze Corcoran, faculty member at professor emeritus of College of the Atlantic, Environmental Studies Swarthmore College and Environmental and Bates College. He Dr. Peter Education at Florida has held appointments Blaze Corcoran Gulf Coast University. as a visiting professor at In his illustrated talk, he will share universities in Australia, the Frances Perkins' life story, her faith- Netherlands, Fiji, Malaysia and Kenya, based activist journey and her legacy. and Corcoran has long served as a She was the first woman in history to research fellow at the Earth Charter
Center for Education for Sustainable Development at the University for Peace in San José, Costa Rica. “We're excited to continue our 2024 event with Dr. Peter Blaze Corcoran,” F.I.S.H. Senior Services Director Erika Broyles said. “His presentation is sure to interest many, and we hope you'll join us.” Prepared by the Sanibel Deli, the lunch will be complimentary for those who attend in-person. Reservations and meal choices are required by Feb. 9. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Broyles at 239472-4775. Once registered, Zoom instructions will be provided to those planning to attend virtually. The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
Volunteers sought to help pack meals Feed My Starving Children is seeking local volunteers to pack meals on Feb. 9-10 at the Faith United Methodist Church, at 15690 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. There are six sessions to choose from and each session is two hours long. For more information or to sign up, visit GIVE.FMSC.ORG/SANIBEL.
By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI Such a scrumptious dessert, this cake is easy to make and it is guaranteed to make quite an impression with your family and guests. Serves eight. (Chef tip: I like to use Amarena Fabbri wild cherries soaked in syrup and then toss them with a little Chambord liquor.) 12 tablespoons unsalted butter 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened Droste cocoa powder 1/4 cup Chambord liqueur 1/2 cup fresh or frozen or dry pitted cherries 1/4 cup almond flour 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 6 large eggs, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt
Loretta Paganini
Island Worship
Chocolate glaze: 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons Chambord liqueur 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste
Captiva. Learn about the importance of these ecosystems and the efforts being made to restore and protect them. Cost is $10. To register, visit http://www.crowclinic.org/. ∫ Wednesday, Feb. 14 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The presentation will be about CROW.
Success On Epiphany Sunday 10:30 service this year. I last month, we once again couldn’t believe it: gave out “star words.” “Success.” When I went to Some people call them a the pulpit to share my word “word for the year.” With with the congregation, peoour star words, the word ple clapped. Yes, we have chooses you. They are achieved some success. passed out in small We were sitting in our envelopes. The word is beautiful, rebuilt sanctuary. intended to be reflected on We enjoyed spirited through the coming year. Christmas services there. Look it up in the dictionary. Our long rebuilding project Find it, or its synonym, in has been a success thanks the Bible and read those to the hard work and dediRev. William “Bill” passages. Sit with it in a cation of a whole lot of Van Oss moment of quiet at the people. beginning of the day. A I placed my new star simple spiritual practice word in its place on my intended to open a path for dresser. But as I began to God to speak to you in a reflect on “success,” I new way. could hear a still, small Last year my star word was “attitude.” voice reminding me that there is more to It sat on top of my dresser, so I saw it each life than material success. Jesus’ words morning and evening. It was a wonderful “For what will it profit them to gain the way to reflect on how I would approach whole world and forfeit their life?” (Mark the joys and challenges of the day as we 8:36) came to mind. Perhaps God was rebuilt our buildings and continued to calling me to look for something deeper. engage in ministry as followers of Jesus. Perhaps God is calling me to look for, and I received my star word during the work at, spiritual success.
Guest Commentary
And then a lovely parishioner sent me this: Success To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a gar-
den patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Yes indeed. I love my new star word. The Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.
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Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under. In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Wednesdays through Fridays after the daily presentation. Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older. The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required. To register, contact 239472-3644 ext. 229 or reservations@crowclinic.org. For more information, visit http://www.crowclinic.org/ or call 239472-3644.
∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www.batyam.org/, https://www.facebook.com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p.m. and via Zoom. For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com. ∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www.captivachapel.com/, www.facebook.com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch In-person service on Sunday at 11 a.m. through April. Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page. Services from the past season can also be found online. ∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com. ∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch.com/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne Sunday service at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. in the SCC Sanctuary. Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday. ∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www.sanibelucc.org/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Mark Boyea Sunday service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. ∫ Saint Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www.saintisabel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Edward Martin Friday Mass at 9 a.m. Saturday Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. Sunday Mass at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. ∫ Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www.saintmichaelssanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss Saturday service at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary, with a social to follow. Sunday service at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with a coffee hour to follow each.
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CROW Calendar The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following: ∫ Today, Feb. 7 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The presentation will be about “Armadillos.” ∫ Friday, Feb. 9 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The presentation will be about “If You Care Leave It There.” ∫ Monday, Feb. 12 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The presentation will be about CROW. ∫ Tuesday, Feb. 13 Program of the Week at 11 a.m. The presentation will be about “One Health.” Speaker Series at 4 p.m. Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal will present “Mangrove and Oyster Restoration” in-person and via Zoom. She will share her expertise on mangrove and oyster restoration around Sanibel and
For the cake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a nine-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper circle. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Set aside to cool for five minutes. Whisk in the cocoa powder, flour, almond flour, Chambord and vanilla and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs, sugar and salt on high speed for five minutes, until pale yellow and doubled in volume. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and fold them together with a rubber spatula. Stir in the cherries. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, until just barely set in the center. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes and then invert the cake carefully onto a cake rack. Remove the parchment paper and cool completely at room temperature. For the glaze, melt the chocolate and cream together in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until smooth. Off the heat, whisk in the Chambord and vanilla. Allow to cool for 15 minutes and pour over the cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the glaze.
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Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Chambord Cake with Cherry Sauce
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2023 ■ Page 26 captivasanibel.com Sanibel-Captiva Islander
islandBEAT islander Sanibel Captiva
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Cielo, 1244 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
SLIMTRONIC5000 5 to 8:30 p.m.
YARD DOG CHARLIE 5 to 8:30 p.m.
PRESTON HAMILTON 5 to 8:30 p.m.
BRIAN BEARDEN 5 to 8:30 p.m.
ROY SCHNEIDER 5 to 8:30 p.m.
J.D. INGALLS 5 to 8:30 p.m.
ANTHONY PICONE 5 to 8:30 p.m.
RC Otter's Island Eats, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva
ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m. FRANK THOMSON 5:30 to 10 p.m.
SAMUEL FELKER noon to 4:30 p.m. PAT MCCUNE 5:30 to 10 p.m.
ARON SEYFFERTH noon to 4:30 p.m. FRANK THOMSON 5:30 to 10 p.m.
ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m. FACE2FACE RENITA AND PAUL 5:30 to 10 p.m.
SAMUEL FELKER noon to 4:30 p.m. GEO RODERICK 5:30 to 10 p.m.
ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m. PAT MCCUNE 5:30 to 10 p.m.
ROYCE ALLGOOD noon to 4:30 p.m. GEO RODERICK 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
DANNY MORGAN AND JOHN MCLANE DUO 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
JOHN MCLANE 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
DANNY MORGAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
CHRIS WORKMAN 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
JENNY VE 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
MEAGAN ROSE AND AARON 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
BUCKEYE KEN 5:30 p.m. KARAOKE 8:30 to 10 p.m.
Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength today, Feb. 7, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.
Social Bridge will be held on Feb. 8 from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Cost is $5. For more information, contact Bryant Korn at bryantekorn@gmail.com.
Cardio and Strength
Workshop
Happy Hour at MudBugs will be held on Feb. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, at 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials. Participants will order and pay individually.
Page Turners Social Mahjong Social Mahjong will be held on Feb. 8 from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the music room at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Cost is $5. For more information, contact Beth Funderburg at bfundy4648@gmail.com.
Coffee & Conversation Coffee & Conversation will be held on Feb. 9 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the library at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Volunteers will be available to answer questions, register new members, sign up for activities and more.
Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Feb. 9 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for
MICHAEL DAVID 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, will present the following:
Happy Hour at MudBugs Social Bridge
The Page Turners will meet on Feb. 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. The book for discussion will be “The Little Village of Book Lovers” by Nina George. For questions or to receive the Zoom login, contact santivaislanders@gmail.com.
Cardio and Strength Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Feb. 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members. The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age. The cost is $25 for an annual membership. The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities. For more information, visit https://santivaislanders.org/ or contact santivaislanders@ gmail.com.
TUESDAY SCOTT MCDONALD 5 to 8:30 p.m.
non-members.
Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio and Strength on Feb. 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It will involve light to moderate aerobics, strength and balance exercises, and stretching. Bring water and a towel; no mat is required. Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.
MONDAY
BUCKEYE KEN 6 to 9 p.m.
BIG ARTS Calendar
Santiva Islanders Calendar The Santiva Islanders will present the following:
SUNDAY
Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser will be held today, Feb. 7, and Feb. 14, 21 and 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $135 for donors and $168 for non-donors.
Workshop An Invitation to Photographic Storytelling with Dr. Harvey Schipper will be held today, Feb. 7, and Feb. 8-9 from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost is $85 for donors and $106 for non-donors.
Workshop “Are You Stuck?” Open Paint and Critique with Jan Ellen Atkielski will be held on Feb. 12-13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $135 for donors and $168 for non-donors.
Workshop ArtTalk: Looking to Learn with Anne-Marie Bouché will be held on Feb. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $120 for donors and $150 for nondonors for all three sessions, which includes Feb. 19 and 26. Cost is $50 for one session.
Film Series Workshop Watercolor Fundamentals with Sunny Krchmar will be held on Feb. 8, 15 and 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $119 for donors and $149 for nondonors.
Workshop Glass Fusing with Petra Kaiser will be held on Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $135 for donors and $168 for non-donors.
Performing Arts The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Wind Ensemble will perform on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $79 for adults and students are free.
“The Holdovers” (2023) will be shown on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.
Workshop Tape It Up: Technique of Masking Tape Sculpture with Jeff Ocasio will be held on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $52 for donors and $65 for nondonors.
Workshop Fluid Art with Tammy DeCaro will be held on Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $39 for donors and $48 for non-donors. Registration is required for workshops by calling 239-395-0900. For more information or tickets, visit www.bigarts.org.
The Community House Calendar The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:
Line Dancing Valorie Wolf will teach Line Dancing on Feb. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. Cost is $8 at the door.
Sanibel Art Fest The Sanibel Art Fest will take place on Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is a suggested $5 donation at the gate.
Sanibel Art Fest The Sanibel Art Fest will take place on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is a suggested $5 donation at the gate.
Shellcrafters The Shellcrafters will meet on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby. A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a.m.; it is free and supplies range See THE COMMUNITY HOUSE CALENDAR, page 29
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Sanibel-Captiva Islander
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2023 ■ Page 28 captivasanibel.com
Art exhibit on display at Bailey Homestead The Sanibel-Captiva Art League and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is hosting “WILD” from now through March 14 at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Reflecting the SCCF's mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida's
Shell Find
Shell Find Junonia found on Sanibel Terry Piotrowicz, of Missouri, found a junonia on Jan. 30 at about 8 a.m. while walking on the beach west of the Sundial Beach Resort and Spa on Sanibel. He reported that he as been wintering on the island for six years. “This is my second junonia,” Piotrowicz added. “My first was on Jan. 31, 2020.” To report a shell find, contact 239472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com. PHOTO PROVIDED
Sanibel-Captiva Islander
coastal ecosystem, the exhibit features original works that reflect any interpretation of “wild” related to the region's natural environment, both flora and fauna. The public can view the exhibit on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. All of the works are available for sale.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Lion's paw and Scotch bonnet found on Captiva Joanne Kleist of Richfield, Minnesota, found a lion's paw and Cynthia Kleist, of Shoreview, Minnesota, found a Scotch bonnet on the morning of Jan. 25 after low tide near The Mucky Duck on Captiva. The sisters-in-law have been shelling on Sanibel and Captiva for 25 years. Cynthia Kleist reported that they were looking for a junonia, but these shells are just as exciting. “We're trying hard to find a complete junonia this year, but
we're also happy with our current finds! We've found seven junonia pieces so far this trip, so a complete junonia is hopefully in our future,” she said. “In the meantime, a complete lion's paw and a complete Scotch bonnet is pretty good!” Kleist added that for them, it is all about the hunt and spending time on the beautiful islands. To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.
(For my daughters Miranda and Allegra)
Joe Pacheco
Poetic License
If you’re not from Spain or Puerto Rico Then you’ll pronounce my name Pacheeko, Pachenko, Patcheck or Pacheo The latter to rhyme with Galileo, Or if you’re French or really slow Then you’ll call me Pah-sheh-co — Paycheck or Paczechoslovakia If you’re a Slavic telemarketer. But if you can sing “Little Sir Echo” Have a Chinese rug that’s real Art Deco, Admire the paintings of El Greco, The power of Jose Canseco, Buy insurance from the Geico Gecko, Then you’ll pronounce my name Pacheco.
The Community House Calendar
Painting with Friends Painting with Friends will be held on Feb. 14 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring you own supplies. Cost is a $10 donation at the door. For more information, contact Jane Hudson at janehudsonpainter @yahoo.com. Shell Critter Kits are available for purchase in a variety of different
options. Cost is $5 per kit with all of the supplies included, except for glue. Order them in-person at TCH or call 239-472-2155. TCH is accepting art vendors for the 87th Sanibel Historical Annual Shell Festival on March 7-9. Reservations are available for 8-foot tables for $150 and include all three days. TCH office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net or contact 239472-2155 or office@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.
Junonia found on Sanibel Glenn Noe, of Louisville, Kentucky, found a junonia on Jan. 30 at about 5:30 p.m. in front of the Signal Inn on Sanibel. Karen Noe reported that her husband was walking their dogs when he spotted the shell, which he believes rolled in on a recent wave. The couple have been spending three months out of the year at the Signal Inn for about 15 years. She added that it was their first junonia. To report a shell find, contact 239472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.
PHOTO PROVIDED
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From page 26 from $5-10. Items will be available for sale. All sales benefit the operations of TCH.
Shell Find
Page 29 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2023
‘Sonnet: Pacheco Pronounced’
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Sanibel-Captiva Islander
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Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2023 ■ Page 30
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4-Wheel Vehicles
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Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2023 ■ Page 32