Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

VOLUME 61, NUMBER 28

B y M E G H A N B R A D B U RY n e w s @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m T h e S c h o o l D i s t r i c t o f L e e C o u n t y c o n t i n u e s t o m a k e p r o g r e s s i n t h e w a k e o f d a m a g e l e f t b e h i n d f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n S u p e r i n t e n d e n t D r C h r i s t o p h e r

B e r n i e r s a i d l a s t w e e k t h e r e h a s b e e n a n a d v e r t i s em e n t f o r b i d r e g a r d i n g d e m o l it i o n o f t h e H e c t o r

A C a f f e r a t a J r

E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l i n C a p e

C o r a l T h e d e m o l i t i o n d r a w i n g s h a v e b e e n c o m p l e t e d a n d t h e d e m o l i t i o n w i l l b e p o s t e d t h i s w e e k

T h e r e a l s o h a s b e e n a c o m p e t i t i v e b i d f o r d e m o l i t i o n a t t h e F o r t M y e r s B e a c h E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l , e x c l u d i n g t h e h i s t o r i c a l b u i l d i n g

B e r n i e r s a i d t h e r e i s a l o t o f w o r k

See STORM RECOVERY, page 5

Sanibel fire taking registrations for CPR/AED class

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

island community is encouraged to sign up for a class that could help save a life one day

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District is taking registrations for the Heartsaver CPR/AED First Aid course on June 17 from 9 a m to 1 p m at Station 171 on Sanibel Taught by certified American Heart Association instructors with the district, participants will learn how to recognize and perform CPR on an

individual in cardiac arrest and how to render basic first aid during certain medical emergencies.

“We want this kind of information disseminated because

See CPR/AED CLASS, page 17

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently offered the Heartsaver CPR/AED First Aid course at Station 171 on Sanibel. Registration is open for another class on June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

Split vote leaves open seat on Sanibel library board vacant

B y T I F FA N Y R E P E C K I t r e p e c k i @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

T h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r y D i s t r i c t ' s b o a r d w a s u n a b l e t o f i l l a n o p e n s e a t a t i t s m e e t i n g O n M a y 2 5 , t h e d i s t r i c t ' s B o a r d o f C o m m i s s i o n e r s h e l d a v o t e t o m a k e a n a p p o i n t m e n t t o f o r m e r C o m m i s s i o n e r B a r b a r a R u b e n ' s s e a t ; R u b e n h a d t o r e s i g n b e c a u s e s h e h a d m o v e d o f fi s l a n d O f t h e s e v e n p e o p l e w h o a p p l i e d , f o u r c a n d i d a t e s e a c h r e c e i v e d o n e v o t e f r o m t h e f o u r m e m b e r s p r e se n t D u e t o v i r t u a l a t t e n d a n c e , a f i f t h

c o m m i s s i o n e r o f t h e s i x w a s n o t a l l o w e d t o c a s t a v o t e I n r e a d i n g t h e b a l l o t s , l i b r a r y O f f i c e M a n a g e r C a t h y C a m e r o n e x p l a i n e d t h a t n o a p p l i c a n t g o t t w o v o t e s M a t t h e w G a u d r e a u , S h e l l e y G r e g g s , L i n d a H i n e s a n d P a t r i c i a N o r t o n e a c h r e c e i v e d o n e “ E s s e n t i a l l y , w h a t w e h a v e i s a f o u rw a y t i e , ” T r e a s u r e r S a n d r a Z a h o r c h a k s a i d L e s l i e C i m i n o , R o b i n C o l e m a n a n d S u s a n W e n e r w e r e t h e o t h e r c a n d i d a t e s T h e b o a r d d i s c u s s e d h o l d i n g a s e co n d v o t e , b u t a c k n o w l e d g e d t h a t n o o n e w a s l i k e l y t o s e l e c t a d i f f e r e n t a p p l i -

c a n t A f t e r a l o o k a t t h e c o m m i s s i o n ' s b y l a w s a n d s o m e f u r t h e r d i s c u s s i o n , i t d e c i d e d t o d e f e r t h e v o t e t o t h e n e x t m e e t i n g o n J u n e 2 2 s o m o r e c o m m i ss i o n e r s c o u l d b e p r e s e n t a n d v o t e Z a h o r c h a k q u e s t i o n e d i f t h e s e v e n c a n d i d a t e s w o u l d b e r e c o n s i d e r e d o r h a v e t o r e a p p l y .

C o m m i s s i o n e r M e l a n i e C o n g r e s s r e p o r t e d t h a t s h e w o u l d r e s e a r c h t h e p r o c e s s m o v i n g f o r w a r d a n d n o t i f y t h e o t h e r s o f h e r f i n d i n g s , t h e n t h e l i b r a r y c o u l d c o n t a c t t h e a p p l i c a n t s a n d l e t

See LIBRARY BOARD, page 5

Dr. Christopher Bernier

Sanibel police release annual crime, call statistics report

O n M a y 1 7 , t h e S a n i b e l P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t r e l e a s e d i t s

C r i m e a n d C a l l S t a t i s t i c s R e p o r t f o r 2 0 2 2

T h e S P D r e p o r t e d t h a t i t s h o w s a 9 1 % i n c r e a s e i n t h e o v e r a l l n u m b e r o f f e d e r a l r e p o r t a b l e c r i m e s o v e r t h e p r e v i -

o u s 2 0 2 1 y e a r T h e i n c r e a s e i s r e l a t e d t o r e p o r t e d c r i m e s f o l l o w i n g H u r r i c a n e I a n a s 6 4 % o f t h e c r i m e s o c c u r r e d b e t w e e n S e p t 2 8 a n d t h e e n d o f 2 0 2 2

T h e r e p o r t s h o w s a 6 1 0 % i n c r e a s e i n r e p o r t e d b u r g l a r i e s f r o m n i n e i n 2 0 2 1 t o 6 4 l a s t y e a r F i f t y - s i x o r 8 8 % o f b u rg l a r i e s o c c u r r e d b e t w e e n S e p t 2 8 a n d t h e e n d o f 2 0 2 2 L i k e w i s e , t h e r e p o r t s h o w s a 6 4 % i n c r e a s e i n t h e f t s f r o m 4 4 i n 2 0 2 1 t o 7 2 l a s t y e a r T h i r t y - f i v e r e p o r t e d t h e f t s , o r 4 9 % , o c c u r r e d b e t w e e n S e p t 2 8 a n d t h e e n d o f t h e y e a r “ W h i l e t h e n u m b e r o f f e d e r a l l y r e p o r t e d c r i m e s i n c r e a s e d d r a m a t i c a l l y i n 2 0 2 2 , p r i m a r i l y d u e t o b u r g l a r i e s a n d t h e f t s t h a t t o o k p l a c e i n t h e m o n t h s f o l l o w i n g H u r r i c a n e I a n , I a m h a p p y t o r e p o r t t h a t r e s i d e n t i a l a n d b u s i n e s s p r o p e r t i e s h a v e b e e n s e c u r e d a n d r e p o r t s o f t h e f t h a v e d e c l i n e d , ” P o l i c e C h i e f W i l l i a m D a l t o n s a i d “ H a d i t n o t b e e n f o r t h e i n c i d e n t s r e p o r t e d p o s t - H u r r i c a n e I a n , t h e n u m b e r o f r e p o r t e d b u r g l ar i e s a n d t h e f t s w o u l d h a v e b e e n s t a t i s t i c a l l y s i m i l a r t o 2 0 2 1 ” T h e S P D r e p o r t e d t h a t o t h e r d a t a i n t h e r e p o r t s h o w s a s i g n i f i c a n t r e d u c t i o n i n a s s a u l t s f r o m 2 0 i n 2 0 2 1 t o t h r e e l a s t y e a r a n 8 5 % d e c r e a s e a n d v e h i c l e t h e f t s w e n t f r o m t w o i n 2 0 2 1 t o t h r e e i n 2 0 2 2 T h e t o t a l n o n - f e d e r a l l y r e p o r t a b l e c r i m e s , w h i c h i n c l u d e s t r e s p a s s , d r u g v i o l a t i o n s , D U I , c r i m i n a l t r a f f i c v i o l a t i o n s , c r i m i n a l m i s c h i e f a n d h a r a s s m e n t , d e c r e a s e d f r o m 9 1 0 i n 2 0 2 1 t o 8 9 8 l a s t y e a r , w h i c h i s a 1 % d e c r e a s e “ D e s p i t e t h e r e p o r t e d i n c r e a s e , S a n i b e l r e m a i n s a s a f e c o m m u n i t y , a n d t h e S a n i b e l P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t i s c o m m i t t e d t o m a i n t a i n i n g a h i g h l e v e l o f s e r v i c e t o r e s i d e n t s a n d b u s in e s s o w n e r s , ” D a l t o n s a i d T o v i e w t h e f u l l r e p o r t , v i s i t t h i s a r t i c l e o n l i n e f o r f r e e a t h t t p : / / w w w c a p t i v a s a n i b e l c o m /

Sanibel teacher selected as 2023 National STEM Scholar

The Sanibel School science teacher Michele Mitnitsky is among 10 educators from eight states who have been selected to participate in the National STEM Scholar Program

It is a professional development program that provides advanced STEM science, technology, engineering, and math training, national network building and project support for middle-school science teachers nationwide

Created in partnership between the National S t e m C e l l F o u n d a t i o n a n d W e s t e r n K e n t u c k y University's The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, the program selects 10 teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on the description of a “big idea” Challenge Project that the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available. Selected projects are chosen for maximum impact in middle school classrooms, where research shows lifelong STEM career decisions are being made

STEM Scholars convene on WKU's campus for a week of advanced STEM training and finalize their projects with input from their STEM Scholar class colleagues The 2023 class will be hosted by The Gatton Academy from now through June 2 The other STEM Scholars include:

∫ Laura Cummings of Sunset Beach Elementary School in Haleiwa, Hawaii

∫ James “JJ” Frye of Grayson County Middle School in Leitchfield, Kentucky

∫ Emily Harer of Global Arts Plus Upper Campus in St Paul, Minnesota

∫ Erin Hullinger of Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton, Maine

∫ Patricia “Pati” Huntington of Farb Middle School in San Diego, California

∫ Jennifer “Jenny” McCall of Winburn Middle School in Lexington, Kentucky

∫ Teresa Robertson of Munfordville Elementary School in Munfordville, Kentucky

∫ Sarah StCyr of W W Lewis Middle School in Sulphur, Louisiana

∫ Kandice Taylor of Brinkley Middle School in Jackson, Mississippi

In its eighth year, there are 80 National STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 33 states Ninety-one percent teach in public schools, 41% teach in mid- to high-poverty schools and 38% teach in communities with a population under 15,000 A requirement of the program is the responsibility for STEM Scholars to share lessons learned with colleagues in their home schools, districts or states, magnifying impact over multiple classrooms and years By June, National STEM Scholars will have directly and indirectly impacted more than 104,000 middle school students in the United States

School board seeks advisory committee members

T h e S c h o o l B o a r d f L County is searching fo b e r s t o j o i n i t s C i t i A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e The committees meet o a regular basis to pro vide input, support and advice to the board

There are five comm i t t e e s o n w h i c h members of the public may serve:

∫ C o n s t r u c t i A d v i s o r y C o m m (CAC)

∫ C o n t i n u o u s I m p r o v e m e n t ( C S I ) A d v i s o r y Committee

∫ Curriculum Advisory Committee (CUAC)

∫ E q u i t y a n d D i v e r s i t y A d v i s o r y Committee (EDAC)

∫ Finance Advisory Committee (FAC)

Anyone interested in serving on one of the committees can fill out an online a p p l i c a t i o n a t https://www leeschools net/school board/ advisory committee information

S h l b o a r d m e m b e r s w i l l a n d a p p r o v e n e w bers at a future meetCommittee members erve for two years and may be appointed to serve additional terms on the same committee

In appointing members, the school board hall make every effort reflect the diversity of community population ver possible In addill seek to appoint citizens with knowledge and skills that are beneficial to specific committees

All advisory committee meetings are open to the public and will be videotaped and uploaded to the district's YouTube channel Each committee shall be subject to the Sunshine Law

Applications will be taken continually to be considered for appointments made when vacancies occur throughout the appointment year(s) on each of the committees

Web Poll

Ask governor to veto Line Item 146

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Local governments could be preempted from establishing or modifying fertilizer ordinances if Line Item 146 under Florida’s budget, SB 2500, is passed The single line item is tied to $250,000 in funding for a study to determine the effects of seasonal fertilizer bans on water quality

Restricting the ability of local governments to protect their constituents while this study is completed would be both unnecessary and an overreach

Luckily, the governor has the power to veto specific line items and still pass the large r b u d g e t J o i n t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a Conservation Foundation in asking Gov Ron DeSantis to veto Line Item 146 of SB 2500

Fertilizer ordinances are one tool local

Guest Commentary

governments can use to ensure their citizens are applying fertilizer responsibly and allows

F l o r i d i a n s t o f i g h t t o x i c h a r m f u l a l g a e blooms at the local level These measures benefit Florida’s ecosystems, economies, and communities

“If this line item is not vetoed, it will result in more nutrient pollution in our waterways,” SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis said

As we begin the summer rainy season, we should be using every tool available to protect our water Please urge DeSantis to veto L i n e I t e m 1 4 6 b y v i s i t i n g https://p2a co/7HoBfd3

Another avenue to send the governor this

Guest Commentary

Advocate for change: Protect water quality

By 'DING' DARLING WILDLIFE SOCIETY-FRIENDS OF THE REFUGE

Please join the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and many other conservation-environmental organizations in Florida to urge Gov Ron DeSantis to veto line item 146 of SB 2500, which allows for a complete ban on creating or modifying local fertilizer ordinances

Through history, each year the Legislature has found ways to insert language into bills at the last minute This is one of those examples in the final days of the legislative session, where this line was added without public input or debate It is unacceptable that our elected leaders would attempt to eradicate home rule in such a secretive and clandestine manner

Florida has the longest coastline in the continental United States and is one of the states with the most amount of water We have experienced immense water quality issues through the years, and it is imperative that we have our voices heard The Legislature should be listening to its voters and allow the local governments to make their own decisions

This line item undermines local protection efforts for our water supply and overall quality by avoiding large levels of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers being dumped or washed into our waterways during high-risk times of year Without the ability to control local ordinances, there is increased risk for harmful algae blooms, dangerous to all of us and deadly to our wildlife that depend on the water to survive

Please have your voice heard by asking the governor to exercise his ability to veto line item 146 of Senate Bill 2500 by visiting https://www dingdarlingsociety org/articles/advocate#/17

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge is the nonprofit that financially supports nature conservation, wildlife protection and education efforts for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Florida For more information, visit www dingdarlingsociety org

veto message would be to call his office directly at 850-717-9337 or email him by v i s i t i n g h t t p s : / / w w w f l g o v c o m / e m a i l - t h egovernor/ This is a way that those of you who do not have qualifying Florida zip codes can still make sure your voices are heard

Thank you for joining our campaign to e n s u r e l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t s c a n c o n t i n u e strengthening their fertilizer ordinances and supporting good water quality!

Founded in 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal e c o s y s t e m s F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www sccf org

‘Ding’ cartoon of the month

In honor of Memorial Day on May 29, we will feature a potent message from our namesake in the form of an editorial cartoon titled “To sacred memories and forgotten h a t r e d s

Norwood “Ding” Darling published the cartoon in the May 30, 1928,

edition of the Des Moines Register His cartoons have remained famous nationwide for a relevancy that carries on to this day The “Ding”

Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge owns the copyright of the “Ding” Darling cartoons REFUGE/DDWS

Guest Commentary Governor signs harmful growth management bill

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Gov Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 540 Local Government Comprehensive Plans into law on May 24 This bill will have a significant chilling effect on citizen challenges to local comprehensive planning decisions These decisions contribute to poor growth management and incentivize damaging sprawl, leading to poor water quality

t h a t n e e d s t o b e d o n e b e f o r e d e m o l i t i o n c a n h a p p e n , s u c h a s e n s u r i n g t h e p r o p e r p i p i n g h a s b e e n d o n e , a s w e l l a s t h e e l e c t r i c a l a n d w a t e r c a p p e d a p p r o p r i a t el y “ W e a r e m o v i n g a s q u i c k l y a s p o s s ib l e I t ’ s a c o m p l i c a t e d i s s u e , e s p e c i a l l y o n F o r t M y e r s B e a c h , ” h e s a i d , a s t h e y a r e a l s o p r e p a r i n g f o r a d d i t i o n a l s t r u ct u r e s i n c a s e e n r o l l m e n t i n c r e a s e s B e r n i e r s a i d a l l h u r r i c a n e - r e l a t e d s e r v i c e r e q u e s t s h a v e b e e n a s s i g n e d t o v e n d o r s f o r p r i c i n g a n d a l l v e n d o r p r op o s a l s a r e d u e b e t w e e n n o w a n d M a y 3 1 d e p e n d e n t o n t r a d e H i s h u r r i c a n e u p d a t e a t t h e M a y 2 3 s c h o o l b o a r d m e e t i n g a l s o i n c l u d e d u p d a t e s o n v a r i o u s s c h o o l s t h r o u g h o u t t h e d i s t r i c t O n e o f t h o s e i n c l u d e d N o r t h

t h e m k n o w . T h e b o a r d r e c e n t l y h a d t o r e o p e n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n p r o c e s s t o t r y t o f i l l t h e s e a t a n d t h e r e m a i n d e r o f R u b e n ' s t e r m , w h i c h r u n s u n t i l 2 0 2 4 I n A p r i l , i t a p p o i n t e d L a u r a G a l e s o n e o f s i x t o a p p l y i n a m a j o r i t y v o t e ; h o w e v e r , u n f o r e s e e n c i r c u m s t a n c e s p r e v e n t e d h e r f r o m b e i n g a b l e t o a c c e p t t h e s p o t T h e b o a r d i s a n i n d e p e n d e n t g o v e r ni n g b o d y w i t h t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r l i b r a r y f i s c a l o v e r s i g h t a n d b u d g e t a n d p o l i c y a p p r o v a l . I t i s c o m p o s e d o f s e v e n m e m b e r s w h o a r e e l e c t e d o n a n o n - p a rt i s a n b a s i s T h e b o a r d m e e t s o n t h e f o u r t h T h u r s d a y o f e a c h m o n t h T h e n e x t m e e t i n g w i l l b e o n J u n e 2 2 a t 9 a m

Our state Legislature has incrementally weakened environmental protections over the past 10 years and this bill is another blow to citizen participation in good growth management planning in Florida

We are grateful to the thousands of anti-sprawl advocates from around the state that called and emailed the governor’s office to warn them about the dangers of this bill We are deeply disappointed that this bill passed, but it will not lessen our resolve to continue to defend and preserve our vital natural resources that protect us

F o r t M y e r s H i g h S c h o o l , w h i c h n o w h a s a c o m p l e t e d r o o f a n d a n e w g u a r d s h a c k T h e S a n i b e l S c h o o l , w h i c h n e e d e d p a i n t d u e t o i t t a k i n g o n a g r e a t a m o u n t o f s e a w a t e r , a s w e l l a s n e w c e i l i n g t i l e s , h a s m a d e p r o g r e s s B e r n i e r s a i d t h e f u rn i t u r e w a s r e - e s t a b l i s h e d , c a r p e t s i n s t a l l e d a n d c e i l i n g t i l e s r e p l a c e d C a l o o s a M i d d l e S c h o o l i n t h e C a p e a l s o h a s n e w t i l e i n t h e f i r s t h a l l w a y

A s f a r a s b i d s , t h e C a p e ' s D i p l o m a t M i d d l e S c h o o l a n d S k y l i n e E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l n e e d n e w r o o f s B e r n i e r s a i d t h e p r i c i n g i s l e s s t h a n t h e o r i g i n a l e s t i m a t e o f m o r e t h a n $ 4 m i l l i o n “ A s w e b i d a p p r o p r i a t e l y t h e r e i s c o s t s a v i n g s f o r e a c h o n e o f t h e p r o je c t s W e a r e a b l e t o f i n d c o s t s a v i n g s , ”

I n o t h e r n e w s ∫ C o n g r e s s n o t e d t h a t t h e b o a r d w i l l s o o n u n d e r g o i t s b u d g e t p l a n n i n g f o r t h e n e x t f i s c a l y e a r a n d p r o p o s e d t h e y f o r m a b u d g e t s u b c o m m i t t e e t o a s s i s t T h e o t h e r m e m b e r s a g r e e d w i t h t h e i d e a ∫ A d i s c u s s i o n a b o u t s h o r t s t a f f i n g l e v e l s a n d p o t e n t i a l n e w h i r e s l e d t o c o n c e r n s s h a r e d b y s o m e c o m m i s s i o ne r s a b o u t r e c e n t a b s e n c e s b y l i b r a r y E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r M a r g a r e t M o h u n d r o d u e t o m e d i c a l i s s u e s D u e t o t h e n u mb e r o f d a y s , t h e b o a r d a g r e e d t o r e q u e s t a d o c t o r ' s n o t e p e r t h e s t a f f p o l i c y “ W e a l l w a n t a n d w i s h t h e b e s t f o r M a r g a r e t , b u t w e d o h a v e a l i b r a r y t o r u n a n d s h e ' s t h e e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r , ”

C h a i r N i c o l e M c H a l e , a d d i n g t h a t s h e n e e d s t o w o r k w i t h h e r a d m i n i s t r a t i v e s t a f f w h e n o u t

from storms and provide us with a thriving tourism and nature based economy

We look forward to working to change these bad laws in future sessions and to support the good efforts that impact our daily quality of life

Founded in 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation

F o u n d a t i o n ' s m i s s i o n i s t o p r o t e c t a n d c a r e f o r Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems For more information, visit www sccf org

h e s a i d F o r i n s t a n c e , i n s t e a d o f r e p l a c i n g a s h i n g l e d r o o f a t t h e s c h o o l s , t h e y a r e p u t t i n g i n a s t a n d a r d s e a m m e t a l r o o f T h e b o a r d a p p r o v e d A d v a n c e d R o o f i n g I n c . f o r t h e r e m o v a l o f a s p h a l t s h i n g l e r o o f i n g s y s t e m s a n d f l a s h i n g s w i t h t h e r e p l a c e m e n t o f a c o m p l e t e n e w s t a n d i n g s e a m m e t a l r o o f i n g s y s t e m a t D i p l o m a t M i d d l e f o r $ 3 , 5 9 5 , 0 3 5 4 0 C o n s t r u c t i o n i s s c h e d u l e d t o b e g i n i n J u n e a n d b e c o m p l e t e d b y D e c e m b e r T h e b o a r d a l s o a p p r o v e d C F S R o o f i n g S e r v i c e s f o r t h e r e m o v a l o f a s p h a l t s h i n g l e r o o f i n g s y s t e m a n d

f l a s h i n g s w i t h t h e r e p l a c e m e n t o f a c o m p l e t e n e w s t a n d i n g s e a m m e t a l r o o f i n g s y s t e m a t S k y l i n e E l e m e n t a r y f o r $ 2 , 8 7 9 , 4 0 4 T h e p r o j e c t i s s c h e du l e d t o b e g i n J u n e a n d b e c o m p l e t e d b y D e c e m b e r . “ W e a r e g e t t i n g p r e p a r e d w i t h f o o d s e r v i c e a n d s h e l t e r i n g W e p r a y e v e r y d a y t h a t t h o s e s t o r m s A t h r o u g h Z w i l l g o s o m e w h e r e e l s e W e h a v e t o b e p r ep a r e d W e h a v e t o b e c o n s c i o u s o f w h e n w e r e p a i r t h o s e b u i l d i n g s t o m a k e t h e m s t r o n g e r a g a i n s t h u r r i c a n e s i n t h e f u t u r e , ” B e r n i e r s a i d

Library system kicks off summer reading program

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

A jammed-packed schedule of new and returning programs will hit Lee County libraries this summer during its annual S u m m e r R e a d i n g P r o g r a m , t h i s y e a r s p o r t i n g t h e t h e m e o

l l T o g e t h e r Now ” Lee County Library System Manager o f P r o g r a m m i n g a n d C o m m u n i t y

Outreach Manager Melissa Baker said the

Spring brings more activity from Florida’s wildlife

Th e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d

W i l d l i f e C o n s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n r e c e n t l y shared the annual reminder that many native wildlife species are more active during this time of year. By becoming more aware of spring wildlife activity, the public can help conserve native species and reduce conflicts with them

With spring bringing warmer weather across the state, several species of wildlife become more active for migration, breeding, feeding and nesting This increased level of wildlife activity means that people could be more likely to encounter wildlife and should take precautions to avoid disrupting the natural behaviors and prevent conflicts with wildlife

Tips on how to enjoy and help conserve Florida wildlife during spring:

theme is interpreted through acts of kindness As she is creating the challenges she could not help but smile, as she can only imagine the kindness that is going to be spreading this summer

Acts of kindness include doing trash control throughout one's neighborhood, helping someone with their chores, letting someone go ahead in line, volunteering

See SUMMER READING PROGRAM, page 7

SCBWA hosts annual Open House at civic center

T h e S a n i b e l C a p t i v a B u s i n e s s Women's Association held its Second Annual Open House on May 9 at the Captiva Civic Center Over 60 women gathered for the event and 11 new members signed up SCBWA members and non-members celebrated a successful year for the organization Live music was provided by Dave Confrey, with food from the Blue Giraffe and wine from Bailey’s General Store P r e s i d e n t T a y l o r O s b o r n e g a v e a review of the year and how far SCBWA has come since its start

“It was incredibly encouraging and uplifting to see so many strong Sanibel and Captiva women come together as we c e l e b r a t e d c u r r e n t m e m b e r s a n d w e lcomed new members,” she said “As we embrace our third year as an organization, we remain focused on being a kind, inclusive, diverse group of women supporting women through networking relationships, m e n t o r s h i p , c o n t i n u i n g e d u c a t i o n a n d career advancement.”

“In the year to come, SCBWA will continue to nurture and support fellow members and our community through a v a r i e t y o f c h a n n e l s , s u c h a s m o n t h l y l u n c h e o n m e e t i n g s , n e t w o r k i n g a n d fundraising events,” Osborne added SCBWA is dedicated to empowering and supporting the women who work and live on the islands through networking, m e n t o r s h i p , c o n t i n u i n g e d u c a t i o n a n d

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

TOP PHOTO: A snowy plover and its chick. ABOVE: Sea turtle hatchlings. See SPRING WILDLIFE ACTIVITY, page 7

Summer reading program

time, donating clothes, leaving an anonymous note of encouragement, to saying I'm sorry and remembering to say please and thank you

The Summer Reading Program is held for all ages from June 1 through Aug 1, with kick-off parties taking place at most library branches to celebrate the program

The intent of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage school-aged children to continue reading throughout the summer to keep their reading skills fresh. In addition to maintaining learning through the summer, Baker said the program is to promote reading for enjoyment and pleasure

“It’s about instilling that life-long love of reading and getting kids reading for enjoyment,” she said

As part of instilling that love, every child and teen will receive a free book, which they get to choose from the library

“A couple of weeks ago we bought 20,000 copies of books that go out to all of our branches in English and Spanish The kids can choose what they want and take their free book,” Baker said, adding that they can also find more books to check out at the library, log their reading, do kindness Bingo and win fun prizes

This year, the library system is doing a soft program opening at most of its branches, with regular programming beginning the following week on June 12

“All summer long you can expect special programs I am excited about the variety that we are bringing to the community this year,” she said

The Summer Reading Program offers three layers,

From page 6

with the first being the reading challenge, which can be done through READsquared, an app that can be downloaded Participants can complete online mission challenges and activities, as well as log the books they have read to receive points Games will become unlocked at various thresholds

If a participant receives 500 points through reading or missions, Baker said they are eligible for branch drawings, which are split among birth to 5 years old; kids 6 to 11 years old, teens 12 to 18 years old; and adults 18 years old or older

The winners will be drawn the week of Aug 7 The prizes include board and picture books for birth to 5 years old; 2023-24 Sunshine State Young Reader Award and Jr Award titles for kids 6 to 11 years old; 2023-24 Florida Teens Read books and popular titles for teens 12 to 18 years old; and popular donated titles for adults 18 and older There also are an assortment of puzzles, science kits, journals and more included in the prize baskets

“They are all really awesome Every branch has the same prize package. Pick a branch and participate,” Baker said

Those who would rather do the paper challenge can drop by a library and pick up the sheet that includes both English and Spanish The paper challenge includes a kindness Bingo, which is for every age group from pre-K to adults The idea is to complete five tasks in a row, just like a Bingo board through various activities Individuals can also read for an hour and mark off one of the Bingo squares

Spring wildlife activity

∫ Bats: Spring is when bats start to give birth and raise their young Bat maternity season started on April 15 and runs through Aug 15 During this time, it is illegal to block bats from their roosts If bats are excluded during maternity season, flightless baby bats can be trapped inside the structure and die

∫ Gopher tortoises: Spring days are a good time to spot a gopher tortoise, as Florida’s only native tortoise becomes more active, foraging for food and searching for a mate If you see gopher tortoises o r t h e i r h a l f - m o o n s h a p e d b u r r o w entrances, it is best to leave them alone You can help a gopher tortoise cross a road by picking it up and placing it in a safe location along the roadside in the direction it was heading. But only do this if it is safe for you to do so and remember the tortoise is a land animal, so never attempt to put it into water

∫ Injured and orphaned wildlife: If you find a baby animal, it is best to leave

SCBWA

From page 6

career advancement Its focus is the a d v a n c e m e n t o f w o m e n ' s c a r e e r d e v e l o p m e n t t a r g e t e d t o w o r k s , workers and the islands residents

“Hurricane Ian has not stopped this amazing group of women from continuing to grow this network of island women,” Board Member and C o m m u n i c a t i o n s C h a i r M a u r e e n McGauran said “This organization serves as a tangible reminder of the resilience of our islands and its community We look forward to the year ahead and all that we can accomplish as women on the island.”

F o r m e m b e r s h i p i n f o r m a t i o n , contact Osborne at taylor@irisprintdesigns com

For information about SCBWA, v i s i t w w w f a c e b o o k c o m / S a n C a p B W A o r h t t p s : / / w w w e v e n t b r i t e c o m / o / s a n i b e l - c a p t i v a - b u s i n e s sw o m e n s - a s s o c i a t i o n -

31396730367

“Once you get a Bingo, it is equivalent to getting 500 points in READsquare,” she said

The special programs are scheduled throughout June and July for youths She encourages individuals to visit leelibrary net/events, as the programs include registration due to their popularity

“Check the online calendar of events and register ahead of time to guarantee a spot It’s only guaranteed to the start of the show. We want to fill the room to capacity If they still have spots they might let you in,” Baker said “These presenters, we block them in groups of 10 programs If it is full at one and you’re willing to drive, there’s always an alternative There are four days of programming for each presenter ”

A new program, the Joshua J Superstar Show, features comedy, circus stunts and a great deal of audience participation GiGi and Friends, another favorite, features GiGi and her dog SuperZeus The act will feature comedy, magic, dog tricks, sing-alongs and circus Another fun program features Adams Animal Encounters with wildlife biologist Adam Pottruck. A teen program, Bunny Yoga and Mindfulness, will feature both yoga and free roaming bunnies to pet Others include storytellers, dance parties, bubbles and live theater

In addition to the programs, the library branches will have self directed activities and a variety of different crafts during the Summer Reading Program

For more information, visit www leelibrary net/summer

From page 6

i t a l o n e Y o u n g a n i m a l s a r e r a r e l y orphaned; a parent may be nearby searching for food You can report common wildlife you think could be injured or orphaned to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator People can also contact the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel at 239-472-3644, Ext 222 For further guidance, you can also contact the nearest FWC Regional Office

∫ Manatees: As manatees leave their winter habitats and travel the waterways along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and other inland waters, chances of close encounters between manatees and boaters increase Go slow and look out below for manatees when boating or using personal w a t e r c r a f t F o r b o a t e r s a n d p e r s o n a l watercraft users, it is a critical time to be on the lookout for manatees to avoid collisions with the large aquatic mammals Boaters should follow posted speed limits as many areas have seasonal zones in spring that reflect manatee migration pat-

terns

∫ Nesting waterbirds: Keep your distance from birds on the beach or on the water If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close Disturbance can cause birds to abandon their nesting sites, which exposes their eggs and chicks to predators, sun exposure and other harm Because shorebirds and seabirds build well-camouflaged shallow nests out of sand and shells on beaches, their nests, eggs and chicks are vulnerable to being stepped on unless people look out for them Wading birds, such as herons and egrets, and pelicans also are nesting now on mangroves and tree islands

∫ Sea turtles: The large marine turtles start nesting on Florida beaches in spring

You can help by keeping beaches dark at night and free of obstacles during their March through October nesting season Artificial lighting can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient hatchlings, so avoid using flashlights or cellphones on the

beach at night Turn out lights or close curtains and shades in buildings along the beach after dark to ensure nesting turtles are not disturbed Clear away boats and beach furniture at the end of the day and fill in holes in the sand that could entrap turtles.

∫ Snakes: Keep an eye out for snakes in your yard or when hiking, as they could b e e n c o u n t e r e d m o r e a s t h e w e a t h e r warms What should you do if you come upon a native snake? Just give them space Snakes do not purposefully position themselves to frighten people and usually try to avoid encounters

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t MyFWC com/News and click on “Spring Wildlife News ”

If you witness someone committing a w i l d l i f e v i o l a t i o n , c a l l t h e F W C ’ s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the violation

SANIBEL CAPTIVA BUSINESS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION From left, Sanibel Captiva Business Women's Association Board Members Emily Ankerson, A n g i S e m l e r We l c h , K e l l y H u g u e n i n , Ta y l o r Osborne, Maureen McGauran, Colleen ZurcherMcGauran and Chelsea Sweiss.

Melissa Halliburton, April Haas, Becky Mulka and Audrey Stewart

Kira Sonin-Dworkin and Julie Pinnicks DeBord

Are your finances on track?

By ROBIN L. COOK

Whether you are focused on accumulating enough funds for a worry-free retirement, ensuring that the funds you have already saved will be protected and l a s t t h r o u g h o u t y o u r lifetime, or aiming to reduce estate taxes for y o u r f a m i l y , t h e c r ea t i o n o f a f i n a n c i a l r o a d m a p c a n e n s u r e you are successful

Y o u r f i n a n c i a l r o a d m a p c o n s t r u c t i o n starts with some basic building blocks:

∫ A personal financial statement listing all o f y o u r a s s e t s ( b a n k a c c o u n t s , i n v e s t m e n t a c c o u n t s , r e a l e s t a t e , business interests, insurance, et cetera) and liabilities

TCH anticipates full reopening for upcoming season fall-spring

Robin L Cook

∫ Your estimated annual spending amount/needs

∫ Income sources and amounts both now and future

∫ Future large purchase desires or liquidation expectations

∫ Charitable intentions

∫ Legacy desires for family/heirs

∫ Date you would like to retire if you are still employed

Once you have gathered this pertinent information, it would be beneficial to have discussions with your wealth advisor so they can communicate and help build a strategy with your wealth team Your wealth team will often include your wealth advisor, estate attorney, tax advisor and insurance agent who join forces to help create a road map specifically tailored for your desired outcome Your personal roadmap will use the variables you shared above to illustrate how your assets with last throughout your lifetime and the estimated value of your estate when it passes to your heirs or charity

The value of your estate when it passes on is important because tax laws are continually changing For example, the current 2023 federal estate tax (currently 40%) exemption limit of $12 92 million per person/$25 84 million per couple is sunsetting in 2026 As a Florida resident with no state gift or estate tax, these limits are currently the amount of money you can leave to heirs with no federal estate tax minus any prior gifts over the current annual $17,000 per person gift limit In 2026, the exemption limit drops back to the 2017 number of $5 million per person adjusted for inflation There are various types of trusts, gifting strategies, charitable giving, portability and other techniques that your estate attorney, tax advisor and wealth advisor can help you employ now to take advantage of the current high limits to reduce future federal estate taxes for your heirs You should also confer with your advisors about the most tax advantageous assets to give now or bequeath to charities Since withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and annuity gain withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax rates, they can be a good choice to bequeath to your favorite qualified non-profit organizations If your passing estate is over the federal estate tax limits, these assets could be subject to a dual tax 40% federal estate tax, plus income tax when withdrawn Your tax advisor should always be consulted for the most advantageous gifting methods and beneficiary designations to fit

See FINANCES, page 9

Like many facilities, The Community House on Sanibel has had some challenges in recovering from Hurricane Ian Items needed to make repairs have been in short supply, slowing down restoration

However, officials recently announced that the facility expects to return to full operation in September, in time to host meetings and events for groups and organizations planning for the fall-spring season

Executive Director Teresa Riska-Hall explained that the opening will happen in three phases over the summer, with partial access for some smaller events by June 15 Phase II will be added by Aug. 31.

Groups that held their meetings at The Community House in the past, including the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club and Shellcrafters, will move their activities back to the facility in the coming weeks

The final phase Phase III will come on stream by Oct 1 It will entail adding the Founders Room, which was part of the original Community House historic structure dating from 1927

“The floodwater from (Hurricane) Ian washed out the original foundation pillars of the Founders Room, and repairing that area has been one of the most complicated parts of our restoration work, requiring the most time to complete,” Riska-Hall said

“But we are happy to report it should be ready to go by October,” she added

The Community House is owned and operated by the

Sanibel Community Association

“This is a very happy announcement for us The SCA board has been anxious to get The Community House back in service and available to our island neighbors to help them return to normal,” SCA Board President Carol Townsley said “Many groups rely on the house as a place to meet, and island non-profits rely on it for their very important fundraising activities ”

“We look forward to welcoming them back and supporting their work,” she added

To reserve event space for activities, contact the office at 239-472-2155.

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

CHR welcomes new leadership to drive future strategic growth

Community Housing and Resources announced the appointment of Roger Grogman as the new president of the board of directors, as well as the resignation of the executive director.

Grogman has been a CHR supporter and board member He is also chair of the Sanibel Planning Commission With a background in retail consulting, marketing and logistics, as well as achievements in corporate leadership roles, Grogman's expertise in business positioning, strategic planning and customer acquisition will contribute to the board's strategic initiatives

Continuing CHR board members include Vice President Erika Steiner, Treasurer Doug Babcock, Secretary Laura DeBruce, and Landlord and

Tenant Committee Chair Robert Miller

In gratitude for their years of service and dedication to CHR, the board honored previous and retiring President Dr Stephen Brown and Dr. Philip Marks with the board director emeritus designation

In addition, the board announced that Executive Director Melissa Rice has resigned to pursue other opportunities She has been committed and hardworking during her 11 years with CHR, including five years as a board member, plus a term as treasurer, and six years as executive director Rice leaves the organization with a legacy of leadership, passion and contributions.

The board also announced the appointment of Nicole Decker-McHale

as acting executive director. An island resident for 30 years, she has played a strategic role in CHR's fundraising efforts over the years Decker-McHale was named Nonprofit Board Leader of the Year by ENPY (Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly), SanCap Chamber's 2019 Sue Rocia Gray Volunteer of the Year and Committee of the Islands' 2018 Citizen of the Year She serves as chair for the Sanibel Public Library District's Board of Commissioners, has been an active volunteer and board member for F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva for 10 years, and has served in the roles of board chair and secretary

Also, Bonnie McCurry will continue in her role as housing administrator and property manager

LWV of Sanibel holds annual meeting

The League of Women Voters of Sanibel held its 2023 Annual Business meeting on May 23

On the business agenda looking toward the 2023-24 season were items such as proposed programs and the proposed budget, plus the election of officers, directors and Nominating Committee members Members were present during the Zoom gathering to listen and contribute to the votes and discussion

Retiring President Robyn Cook reported that the Sanibel venues for luncheon programs, such as the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, will likely not be available for the coming year However, the league will again use Zoom to offer educational programs for members and the public There will be a number of high profile and con-

City awarded for financial repor ting

The city of Sanibel reported that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and C a n a d a r e c e n t l y a w a r d e d i t t h e C e r t i f i c a t e o f

Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended on Sept 30, 2021

T h e r e p o r t w a s j u d g e d b y a n i m p a r t i a l p a n e l t o m e e t t h e h i g h s t a n d a r d s o f t h e p r o g r a m , w h i c h i n c l u d e s d e m o n s t r a t i n g a c o n s t r u c t i v e “ s p i r i t o f f u l l d i s c l o s u r e ” t o c l e a r l y c o m m u n i c a t e i t s f i n a n c i a l s t o r y a n d m o t i v a t e p o t e n t i a l u s e r s a n d u s e r g r o u p s t o r e a d t h e r e p o r t

The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the

Finances

your circumstances.

From page 8

None of us know for certain what the future holds Many of us who own prope r t y o n S a n i b e l a n d C a p t i v a a n d i n Southwest Florida had our financial cir-

troversial policy issues that the programs will highlight, including the importance of home rule to the city of Sanibel As a non-partisan organization, the league's mission is to educate the public on the major public policy issues of the day and continue working to get out the vote

With a unanimous vote, Cathie Kozik was elected president A long-time supporter of the league, she signed on as a member in 2021 when she and her husband purchased a home on Sanibel Also elected were Vice President Janice Block Chaddock, Secretary Wendy Harriman, Secretary Ellen O’Neill and Directors Chris Schluter, Linda Kramer, Maddie Stewart and Jen Scuteri. Judy Adler and Robyn Cook were elected for the

Business Notes

area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management

Outlier Brands adds D'Aurelio to team

Outlier Brands recently welcome Alyssa D'Aurelio as senior brand leader

She will help power client success through strategic direction, creative solutions and brand management

D'Aurelio's ability to multi-task is the result of continued growth and expanded responsibilities across nine years for the Tampa Bay Rays and four years for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, culminating most recently as manager of marketing and creative services the past six years

c u m s t a n c e s c h a n g e d c o u r t e s y o f Hurricane Ian You or a family member may develop a health concern adding excessive medical needs and expenses

You can ease the burden of unforeseen

events and expenses by having a solid roadmap This map will have its fair share of detours, but it will help keep your finances on track and ultimately give you the best chance to reach your desired des-

of her career In the posit i o n , s h e m a n a g e d a n d coordinated production and d e l i v e r y o f m o r e t h a n 2,500 projects annually

D'Aurelio specializes in sports, tourism and hospitality marketing She holds a Bachelor of Science in tourism and sports management from the University of Missouri

D'Aurelio See BUSINESS NOTES, page 18

tination.

Robin L Cook is with wealth advisor for Suncoast Prosperity Advisors, a division of Suncoast Equity Management

Nominating Committee Cook was appointed as director, and Carla Benninga as founder and director emerita

Cathie Kozik Janice Block Chaddock

Alyssa

ISL AND FACES

Sanibel fire undergoes hazmat training

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District reported that with the help of the Island Water Association, crew members recently were able to conduct multiple, hazardous materials training evolutions in preparation for a possible

hazmat incident The evolutions allowed the crews to train on different levels, including hazmat awareness operations, mitigation, incident command, and both fire and EMS operations

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

PRESERVING PARADISE

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 May

R e n s h a w a c c o m p a n i e d t h e C h a r l o t t e H a r b o r Aquatic Preserve's team, which is part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, on its monthly nesting survey of state and federally owned colonial bird rookery islands in the upper Pine Island Sound The surveys monitor the nesting effort of wading and water birds, such as egrets, herons, brown peli c a n s , d o u b l e - c r e s t e d c o r m o r a n t s a n d a n h i n g a s .

Wading birds are useful indicator species for estuary health as their reproductive performance can alert scientists and natural resource managers to a change in the biological condition of the local ecosystem

Designated a Critical Wildlife Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Hemp

Key an island in the Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is part of the Sanibel refuge complex was bursting with nesting activity In past years, Hemp Key has been among the top rookeries supporting the most nesting activity, often hitting a peak nest count of more than 200 nests.

The refuge reported that it will continue monitoring all the new life being produced in local rookeries

T h e p a r t n e r s h i p b e t w e e n t h e r e f u g e a n d F D E P ensures that all state and federal rookery islands in the Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass are routinely surveyed and monitored during the nesting season The data contributes to the South Florida Wading Bird Report compiled by the South Florida Water Management District every year

SCCF applauds new Everglades restoration groundbreaking

On May 18, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation attended the groundbreaking for the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) North the first of four phases to restore the hydrology of the central Everglades

The SCCF reported that CEPP will include an aboveground reservoir, storm water treatment area and conveyance features to redistribute necessary additional water flows to the Everglades It will also improve the timing and distribution of water to the Everglades and Florida Bay, allowing water to flow south along its natural historic paths

“Rehydrating these dry areas through CEPP North will ensure that the restoration progress we have made is not undone by a muck fire and will strengthen these complex ecosystems,” SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis said “This brings us one step closer to a healthy restored Everglades ”

At the event, he spoke with key water management leaders about restoration efforts across Southwest Florida, including South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Drew Bartlett and Governing Board Member Charlette Roman

During his opening remarks, Bartlett explained how CEPP will improve and backfill canals and build new structures to re-establish the ridge, slough and tree-island landscape that once provided resources to the Everglades’ vast biodiversity

“This project directly restores the habitat of the Everglades,” he said

CEPP is part of the Central Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a multibillion restoration plan passed by Congress in 2000 and the largest hydrologic restoration plan ever undertaken in the United States Since CERP was passed, about 50 projects have been initiated or completed

Adult reddish egret, a state-designated threatened species, with two new branchlings

Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis

FDEP/MELYNDA BROWN Bird nesting activity on Hemp Key

FDEP/MELYNDA BROWN

Refuge, DDWS to host inaugural Art in the Wild

In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week and Jay Norwood “Ding”

D a r l i n g ' s 1 4 6 t h b i r t h d a y , t h e “ D i n g ”

Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge and J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will introduce Art in the Wild on Oct 21 at the Sanibel refuge The refuge originally scheduled the inaugural event for last year, but canceled it after H u r r i c a n e I a n c l o s e d t h e r e f u g e i n September

There will be free art activities honoring the 2023-24 Duck Stamp artists and legacy of “Ding” Darling, the refuge's namesake and a Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist during the early 20th century

The famous Hautman brothers, multiple Federal Duck Stamp Contest winners, will make personal appearances A special exhibition of their nature art also will be on display in the Visitor & Education Center auditorium during the month Joe Hautman won the 2023-24 contest and will be signing his winning stamp depicting three tundra swans

R e f u g e A r t i s t - i n - R e s i d e n c e J a c q u i Roch will be on hand to lead nature-art demos and workshops, plus expect the a n n o u n c e m e n t o f t h e 2 0 2 3 “ D i n g ”

Darling Amateur Photo Contest winners, unveiling of The Roost outdoor pavilion, a n d a t r a v e l i n g F e d e r a l D u c k S t a m p exhibit, which will be on display Oct. 1029 Admission to Wildlife Drive will be free on Oct 21

“This will become an annual fall tradition to celebrate 'Ding' Darling’s art legacy and role in creating the Federal Duck Stamp Program, which has continued for nearly 90 years and preserved six million acres of sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitat,” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said

The DDWS is seeking event sponsors

REFUGE/DDWS

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Artist-in-Residence Jacqui Roch is scheduled to lead a nature journaling walk for Art in the Wild

at aprilb@dingdarlingsociety

For more information about Art in the Wild, visit dingartinthewild com

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge provided the foll o w i n g u p d a t e s f o r t h e J N “ D i n g ” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel:

∫ Through September, a mini-exhibition of Artist-in-Residence Jacqui Roch's refuge-inspired work is on display in the Visitor & Education Center Auditorium

∫ Art in the Wild Day will take place

Refuge to kick off summer programming

on Oct 21 at the refuge For more information, visit https://www dingdarlingsociety org/articles/art-in-the-wild

∫ P h o t o - a r t i s t N i k i B u t c h e r w i l l mount an exhibition of her work in

January and February in the refuge's Visitor & Education Center

∫ The “Ding” Darling Lecture Series will return to the refuge from January through March

T h e J N “ D i n g ”

Darling National Wildlife

R

,

W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , M a y

Isl and lIvIng

SPD releases weekly blotter

Other enforcement actions

∫ On May 16, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for unlawful speed (67 mph in a 35 mph zone)

∫ On May 17, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for never having a driver's license issued and a citation for failure to obey a traffic control device The vehicle was removed by a licensed driver

∫ On May 18, three separate traffic stops resulted in three drivers being issued notices to appear for never having a driver's license, along with citations for various other traffic violations

∫ O n M a y 2 0 , a t r a f f i c s t o p w a s i n i t i a t e d o n a v e h i c l e f o r e x c e s s i v e s p e e d o n S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a R o a d T h e d r i v e r w a s s u b s e q u e n t l y i s s u e d a n o t i c e t o a p p e a r f o r u n l a w f u l s p e e d ( 6 8 m p h i n a 3 5 m p h z o n e )

∫ On May 21, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed (75 mph in a 30 mph zone) The driver was subsequently issued multiple notices to appear for never having a driver's license issued and unlawful speed

∫ On May 21, two notices to appear were issued to separate drivers on Sanibel-Captiva Road for unlawful speed Both vehicles were going 65 mph in a 35 mph zone

∫ On May 22, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for never having a driver's license issued. The vehicle was removed by a licensed driver

∫ On May 22, a traffic stop was initiated for expired registration on a vehicle A records check revealed the driver had a suspended driver’s license and a seize tag order on the vehicle. The driver was cited, the vehicle towed, and the license and tag were seized

Enforcement operations statistics

From May 16-23:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 6

∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 70

∫ Traffic crashes: 3

∫ Radar details: 93

∫ Traffic stops: 96

Citations issued: 39

Written warnings issued: 1

∫ Field interviews: 0

∫ Residential area checks: 621

∫ Business area checks: 291

∫ Total area checks: 1,317

∫ Reported burglaries: 0

∫ Reported thefts: 2

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,731

From May 2023 to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 17

∫ Non-emergency calls: 186

∫ Traffic crashes: 6

∫ Radar details: 307

See BLOTTER, page 15

year's Kick-off Party for the

annual Summer Reading Program at the Sanibel Public Library.

The annual Summer Reading Program Kick-off Party is back at the Sanibel Public Library

Stop by on June 3 from 10:30 a m until noon for games, snacks and raffles, plus the ever-popular Guess How Many (candies in a jar) During the party, families can sign up children ages baby to teen for the program Those unable to attend can register using Beanstack at www sanlib org/children

Over the past decade, children have read “for others” during the annual program Participants earn books for their personal collection and for patients at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Since the program's inception in 2012, readers have helped to contribute more than 12,000 books to the hospital New books are needed every year because books are given to

See LIBRARY, page 15

T h e f o l l o w i n g p u b l i c meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ June 6: Sanibel City Council meeting at 9 a m at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, and via Facebook Live For more informat i o n o r t h e a g e n d a , v i s i t www mysanibel com

F.I.S.H. on the importance of helping others

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva continues to assist the residents and workforce of the islands

More than eight months after Hurricane Ian, islanders and businesses including the F I S H Walk-In Center and Food Pantry, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel are still without electricity and water

“Even though we are facing tremendous obstacles ourselves, we are still providing necessary supplies and resources to those we serve,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said “It’s a little discouraging knowing that we are coming into the heat and humidity of the summer months, and another hurricane season, but we are working hard to resolve our own building issues while continuing to help our neighbors ”

The food pantry has been and continues to provide water, shelf stable food, cleaning and hygiene supplies, and more F I S H is also providing a range of types of assistance for long-term recovery to community members, including aid with FEMA applications and appeals, resources like ground and individual counseling, and connecting peers to create a support system and social outlet

From page 14

young patients to take home As in years past, babies through sixth grade can earn books and more Teens can earn volunteer time when they read a book and write a book review, thus gaining needed service hours

For readers who are traveling this summer, the library’s eShelf offers a selection of eBooks and audiobooks in several lang u a g e s f o r a l l a g e s I t a l s o f e a t u r e s movies, magazines and more

A l o n g w i t h t h e J o a n H u n t C o r y C h i l d r e n ’ s F u n d , t h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c Library Foundation underwrites the program The fund was established in 2008 to honor volunteer and supporter Joan Hunt Cory

“We are appreciative to the library foun-

Blotter

From page 14

∫ Traffic stops: 221 Citations issued: 82 Written warnings issued: 12

∫ Field interviews: 5

∫ Residential area checks: 2,339

∫ Business area checks: 909

∫ Total area checks: 4,412

∫ Reported burglaries: 2

∫ Reported thefts: 5

∫ Total CAD calls: 5,635

Impor tant reminders

Updated information on the Sanibel Boat Ramp:

∫ The boat ramp is open to permit

City reports on issues with phone lines

The city of Sanibel reported that as it continues to deal with the impact from Hurricane Ian, it is experiencing issues with multiple phone lines due to physical damage to Lumen phone lines

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these line issues,” city officials said

The city asked that the public use the following numbers:

For more information about hurricane recovery and other services provided by F I S H , contact Espinoza at 239-472-4775 For more information about F I S H , visit https://www fishofsancap org/

dation for supporting the summer reading program,” Executive Director Margaret Mohundro said “I think earning of books for Golisano patients is an example of the wonderful generosity of islanders and continues their giving legacy ”

The program will run from June 3 to July 29 Locals and visitors are welcome to take part

Summer in-person programs for elementary-aged children are planned for most Tuesday afternoons, with Storytimes f o r y o u n g e r c h i l d r e n o n W e d n e s d a y mornings. Family-friendly feature films will be shown on Monday afternoons Some school-aged programs include visits from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of

Wildlife and Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, along with a mammal program w i t h l i v e b a t s , M a s t e r S t o r y t e l l e r W i n d e l l Campell and more

∫ 239-472-4135: Administrative Services/HR, City Manager, City Council, City Clerk/Legislative Department, IT/MIS, Natural Resources and Public Works

∫ 239-472-9615: Finance

∫ 239-472-4555: Building Department

∫ 239-472-4136: Planning Department

∫ 239-472-0345, 239-472-0302 or 239-3951860: Recreation Department

The city also asked that the public not use the main City Hall number (239-472-3700) or the main Public Works number (239-472-6397) until notified of restoration

Teens and 'tweens grades sixth to 12th can look forward to Thursday evening programs, including an escape room, potluck, craft programs, and trivia

“I am really looking forward to meeting more families and can’t wait to start t h e S u m m e r R e a d i n g P r o g r a m , ”

Children's Librarian Megan Willis said. “Many exciting presenters are booked, including the Didgeridoo Down Under music program and the robot 'dog' from Lee County Sheriff’s Office ”

For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at www sanlib org Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee

The Sanibel Public Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a m to 5 p m

For more information, call 239-4722483 or visit www sanlib org

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

holders on weekdays, weekends and holidays.

∫ The boat ramp is open to the public (non-permit holders) on weekdays that are not holidays for a $40 daily fee

∫ There is no beach access at the Sanibel Boat Ramp at this time

∫ 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

Some beach park facilities on Sanibel are still closed. For more information on S a n i b e l b e a c h e s , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w m y s a n i b e l c o m / g o v e r n m e n t / p u b l i c - w o r k sd e p a r t m e n t / u s e f u l - l i n k s / p a r k s - p u b l i cbeaches

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

Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411

Repor ting suspicious activity

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

∫ Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411

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

F i n d t h e S P D o n F a c e b o o k a t https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

NICK ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Registration still open for Fun Days and summer camp

The Sanibel Recreation Center is still accepting registrations for its Fun Days on June 7-9 from 8 a m to 5:30 p m and its Summer Day Camp, which will run weekly from June 12 through July 28 on Monday through Friday from 8 a m to 5:30 p m

Fun Days will offer a variety of farm-themed craft activities, games and swim time

Enrollment is available for kindergartners through eighth-graders

Each child will need to bring a lunch, water, swimsuit, goggles, towel and sunscreen

For June 7, the cost is $36 75 for members and $49 for non-members for those registered by today, May 31 The cost is $38 25 for members and $51 for non-members for those registered on or after June 1

For June 8, the cost is $36.75 for members and $49 for non-members for those registered by June 1

The cost is $38 25 for members and $51 for nonmembers for those registered on or after June 2

For June 9, the cost is $36 75 for members and $49 for non-members for those registered by June 2

The cost is $38 25 for members and $51 for nonmembers for those registered on or after June 3

This year's Florida-themed Summer Day Camp will include swim time, crafts, inflatable fun, trips to on-island businesses, activities with the Sanibel Sea School, special guests, and more Campers will also take weekly field trips to offsite locations, such as 31 P r o d u c e , S u n - N - F u n L a g o o n , S p r i n g t i m e F a r m s ,

Iguanaland, Skatium and more

Registration is open to children entering kindergarten through eighth grade

Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily Campers will need to bring water, a swimsuit, towel, goggles and sunscreen each day

The cost per week for members is: $135 for early bird registration, at least 14 calendar days prior to the start of the program; $162 for on-time registration, seven to 14 days prior to the start of the program; and $168.75 for late registration, less than seven days prior to the start of the program

The cost per week for non-members is: $174 for early bird registration, at least 14 calendar days prior to the start of the program; $209 for on-time registration, seven to 14 days prior to the start of the program; and $217 50 for late registration, less than seven days prior to the start of the program

F o r t h e r e g i s t r a t i o n p a c k e t , v i s i t https://web1 myvscloud com/images/flsanibel/youth program registration form pdf? csrf token=f3200f e914cb798e45590b7ba36d0b6e4a71e69f8c558e7 884e8b066bc0be2b5.

T o v i e w t h e s u m m e r c a m p f l y e r , v i s i t https://files constantcontact com/97af97e6001/a829 ade3-81ab-40fe-bea8-0a1067ed39dc pdf

The center offers daily, weekly, semi-annual and annual memberships

For more information or to register, call 239-4720302 or 239-395-1860 or visit www mysanibel com

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

Kayaks are available to rent four days a week from Tarpon Bay Explorers

TARPON BAY EXPLORERS

TBE to offer summer discount to residents of Lee County

From June 1 through Aug 31, Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel will give a 25 percent discount to Lee County residents on kayak, SUP stand up paddleboard and Hobie fishing kayak rentals

TBE is the concessionaire for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

The island is still feeling the impact from Hurricane Ian, but progress is being made every day

“We want people to experience the refuge and all its beauty,” TBE Managing Partner Wendy Schnapp said “The bay is a new version of beautiful Though the mangroves are not as lush, the trail is peaceful, clear and fully accessible ”

“We still see great wildlife on a daily basis Manatees are regularly in our harbor,” she added “We hope locals

take advantage of the discount and support us, the refuge and the island in general ”

In addition to rentals, TBE offers Kayak Trail Tours on Wednesdays at 10 a m and Tram Tours of the Sanibel refuge on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations recommended; discount not valid

It also operates a nature-themed gift shop, with home decor, toys, fishing tackle and more

TBE is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m

The last rentals for the day go out at 3 p m

For more information or reservations, visit www tarponbayexplorers com or call 239-472-8900

Tarpon Bay Explorers is at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

F.I.S.H. offering summer scholarships for families

With Lee County Schools wrapping up the year on June 6, F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva is working with households to ensure they have plans for children during the summer that keep them safe and active

For those who qualify, F I S H offers scholarships to send youths to summer camps throughout the county The Youth Summer Scholarship P r o g r a m o f f e r s l i m i t e d f i n a n c i a l assistance for families who cannot afford the rising cost of summer childcare and camps

“ M a n y s t r u g g l e t o f i n d b a l a n c e b e t w e e n w o r k a n d c h i l d c a r e , p a r t i cu l a r l y d u r i n g t h e s u m m e r m o n t h s , ” S o c i a l S e r v i c e s D i r e c t o r N i t z a L o p e z s a i d “ W e w i t n e s s e d a d e c l i n e i n a v a i l a b i l i t y d u r i n g t h e C O V I D y e a r s a n d s i n c e t h e h u r r ic a n e a v a i l a b i l i t y h a s l e s s e n e d e v e n m o r e W h i l e s o m e h o p e t o r e o p e n

i n t i m e , s t a f f i n g r e m a i n s a n i s s u e , w h i c h m e a n s f e w e r c h i l d r e n c a n a t t e n d S u m m e r m o n t h s i n o u r a r e a o f t e n m e a n s a r e d u c t i o n i n w o r kh o u r s f o r t h o s e w e s e r v e W i t h r i si n g t u i t i o n c o s t s , i t ' s d i f f i c u l t t o a f f o r d s u m m e r c h i l d c a r e ”

F.I.S.H. helps to ease the burden by providing assistance to families with the scholarships

“We offer scholarships for summ e r p r o g r a m s t o e n s u r e c h i l d r e n remain active and in enriching envir o n m e n t s w h e n t h e y ’ r e o u t o f school,” she said

F I S H is in close contact with area camp directors on and off island so it can provide families with appropriate options

“ W e w o r k w i t h t h e S a n i b e l Recreation Center and Sanibel Sea School, as well as off-island locations, so that our families have an

array of options,” Lopez said. “It’s a l l a b o u t f i n d i n g a b a l a n c e t h a t makes sense, keeps children engaged and, most importantly, keeps them safe ”

T h e p r o g r a m i s s u p p o r t e d b y donors and grant funding from the L e e C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n Foundation

Scholarship assistance is evaluate d o n a c a s e - b y - c a s e b a s i s T h e F I S H Social Services Department determines eligibility for need-based financial assistance through a review of a family’s income and expense documentation Scholarship amounts vary depending upon the length and cost of the program and family's financial status Available funding is limited, and scholarships may cover only a portion of the cost

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t Lopez at 239-472-4775

Annual Road Rally may take place post-storm

i s l a n d s L a s t y e a r , i t t o o k o v e r m a n a g em e n t o f t h e e v e n t f r o m t h e S a n i b e l C a p t i v a O p t i m i s t C l u b T o r e c e i v e a r e g i s t r a t i o n f o r m o n c e t h e y a r e a v a i lc o u g a r 3 3 3 @ y a h o o c o m o r 2 3 9 - 6 9 99 4 7 4

CPR/AED class

early access is vital to survivability,”

Capt John DiMaria said, explaining that people with CPR training can apply it until first responders arrive

“It increases the survivability rate by 80 percent,” he added

Class participants will start off learning about CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“What we teach is the dynamics of CPR and why it's important,” DiMaria said Instructors will cover compressions, including why they are important, proper form and hand placement Participants will learn how to open a person's airway and provide rescue breathing They also will learn how to apply those techniques to different patients: adults, children and infants

“There's different techniques based on the size of who you're doing CPR on,” he

From page 1

said

Participants will learn about AEDs, or automated external defibrillators

“The AED is a machine that recognizes t w o , s p e c i f i c l e t h a l h e a r t r h y t h m s , ” DiMaria said, explaining that the machine then delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish a normal rhythm

“We teach people how to use it,” he added “It's a very simple machine to use ”

Another topic covered is adult, child and infant choking Participants will learn how to clear each patient's airway of obstruction, as well as what to do it they find they cannot clear the airway

“We also introduce basic first aid emergencies,” DiMaria said

He explained that participants will learn how to recognize common emergencies, like a heart attack, stroke or diabetic incident, and what they can do to help the

person until first responders arrive

“It's mostly trying to recognize these major medical events that people have,” DiMaria said

He noted that the course entails a lot of practice and hands-on application

“The goal is to ensure they have the knowledge on how to recognize and respond to these medical emergencies,” he said “But we also want them to be comfortable doing it ”

Registration is open to all ages

“There's no age limit to this class,” DiMaria said, explaining that fifth-graders at The Sanibel School were scheduled to take part in the course on May 26, so families are welcome to sign up together

Space is limited to 12 participants, andthe public is invited to reserve a spot

“It's a priceless class that gives individuals the ability to recognize when somebody may be having one of these medical

events,” he said, noting that it could be a family member or stranger on the street

“If everybody has the knowledge and skills and abilities, it gives our community a better chance at surviving an event like this,” DiMaria added

T h e c o s t i s $ 3 0 p e r p e r s o n Participants will receive a student manual and certification card.

For more information or to register, contact DiMaria at 239-472-5525 or jdimaria@sanibelfire com

Those unable to attend the June 17 course can have their name put on a list for notifications about future classes In addition, the district offers the class to businesses, organizations and groups

“We can go to them, or they can come to us,” he said

Station 171 is at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.

SANIBEL FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT

Sanibel

Michael J. Gillespie

Michael J. Gillespie, of Weston, Massachusetts, formerly of Sanibel Island, Florida, passed away on December 15, 2022, at the age of 86, surrounded by his family and his friend and caregiver Prudence Nabagesera.

Michael was born in 1936 to Olga (Gambal) Gillespie and John Gillespie in the small coal town of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, and spent his later childhood years in the Philadelphia area. (His brother and best friend Bill was born two years after Michael, but passed away in 1977.) Promptly following graduation from Hamilton College (the first in his generation to attend a four-year institution), Michael married his high school sweetheart, Norma Fiss, a musician, with whom he raised their family in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. He built and then sold Walker-Davis Publications, a novel controlled-circulation publishing business focused on the plant engineering and energy management sectors. In those years he found time to participate in a range of theater productions with the local “Wyncote Players” group. Following the successful sale of Walker-Davis, Michael and Norma moved full-time to Ganoga Lake, Pennsylvania, where the family had spent years of wonderful summers. From there it was on to Sanibel Island, Florida, another foundational family getaway, where they lived and loved together for decades. Michael was an active member of the board of Committee of the

Islands (COTI) and Norma was involved throughout those years in Big Arts. Some years after Norma’s passing in 2014, Michael moved to Weston, Massachusetts, to be nearer to family. He was a fixture in the senior community at Maplewood at Weston, where his walls were festooned with photographs showing the arc of his life — mostly of his cherished time with Norma and his children, grandchildren, and (last but certainly not least) the family dogs. He reveled too in keeping close tabs on the history, present and future of the world, views on which he continued to offer to anyone who came within range.

Michael is survived by Michael Jr. (Lauren Glant), Paul (Susan Gillespie), Anne Gillespie, Stacey Gillespie (wife of son Kevin, who passed away in 2021), and nine grandchildren, Will, Sam, Ben, Carrie, Cullen, Owen, Maddy, Brooks, and Evie.

The family is planning a celebration of life for later this year. Those who wish to join or share reflections should send a note to mjgsanibel@gmail.com.

Business Notes

From page 9

Mayor, council member receive FLC award

The city of Sanibel reported that Mayor Richard Johnson and City Councilmember Holly Smith were awarded the Florida League of Cities' Home Rule Hero award during its meeting on May 18

Jon L. Apmann

Jon L. Apmann, 78, of Barrington Hills, IL & Sanibel passed peacefully surrounded by his family on May 8, 2023 at his home in Illinois.

Jon is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Nancy; his children, David (Kathleen) Apmann, Mark (Katy) Apmann, Missy (David) Poepping; his grandchildren, Scotty, Kevin and Peter Apmann and Allison and Amanda Apmann; his sister, Madge (Edward) Baumann; and his mother-in-law, Marilyn Zillner.

Services were held in Illinois. Donations may be made in Jon’s memory to C.R.O.W. Sanibel at www.crowclinic.org.

Each year, the FLC recognizes multiple municipal officials with Home Rule Hero Awards. Recipients, who are both elected and non-elected government officials, are chosen for the award for their dedication to local issues in their community and for actively advocating They used their voice and advocated for their community by reaching out to members of Legislature regarding city issues

The city reported that Johnson and Smith protected the Home Rule power for Sanibel

Richard Johnson Holly Smith

Tab Hunter, Rock Hudson and Reginald Picraccio

Brian Sturdevant woke up one morning and asked himself how he ever got the name Brian Sturdevant Brian was head of the CIA, and many people knew of him and his name But Brian was a character in a movie thriller about spies, espionage, menage a trois and such.

He was being played in t h e m o v i e b y R e g i n a l d Picraccio, who also wond e r e d h o w h e g o t h i s n a m e R e g i n a l d w a s a movie star whose original n a m e w a s J o h n S m i t h B u t o n c e h e b e c a m e a solid bit player in minor m o v i e s w i t h t w o - l i n e parts, the studio decided that it wanted to make him a star He had long flowing blonde hair, an elegant mustache, and big biceps The studio head decided to put his money on John but didn’t fully engage with his original name He sat around one day with his number three person who specialized in creating names for movie stars

Studio Head: So what the heck do we call John? We can’t let someone named John Smith star in a movie It’s too common and unoriginal

Name Expert: I agree. We need something original and memorable We want people talking about this great new star every time they leave a movie theater or turn their Netflix off What’s your plan for his first starring movie?

SH: We’ve got a great script from Sidney Lumet about a retired plumber who witnesses a murder The plumber is a mole working at the home of a nuclear physicist who decides to destroy Lower Mongolia in the interests of peace and harmony The plumber is an expert at juggling pipes and uses this skill to decipher the formula of the nuclear weapon the physicist is inventing in his basement. It’s just the part for John Smith

NE: Wait a second Isn’t Sidney Lumet dead?

SH: Son of a gun, that’s right Then it must be from someone who took Sidney Lumet’s name and took it as his own to get to the front of the line in sending movie scripts to the studios

NE: Here’s an idea Why don’t we preempt this new Sidney Lumet and use that name for John?

SH: No good Sidney Lumet’s name is widely known He was a great director No one would believe he rose from the dead to become a movie star

NE: Guess you’re right. Well what about “Tab?” That hasn’t been used in a long time None of the current generations will ever remember Tab Hunter How about Tab Schwartz?

SH: Look, if I’m old enough to remember Tab Hunter, then a lot of other people will also No point taking a chance

NE: Then what about “Rock”? We could name him Rock Starr It’s got a contemporary sound The kids will love it

SH: Listen, pal, how long have you been working here? One day? Rock Hudson was a famous movie star and his movies are now on the Old Folks channel. Let’s forget the standard Hollywood names and go for something different I’ve got scripts coming up for John that call for him to play European characters Let’s go for a foreign sounding name

NE: Great Let me look in my naming book Here are a few Polish names Vladimir Pokareski, Porky Sadkowski and Adolf Hitler

SH: Hitler, Hitler That name really sounds familiar

See HUNTER, HUDSON AND PICRACCIO, page 21

Second-place Team Spartan Stix won $13,915 at the 11th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament on May 19.

Refuge tarpon tourney nets $165K

Despite unprecedented obstacles, early estimates for the 11th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon T o u r n a m e n t o n M a y 1 9 s h o w e a r n i n g s o f a b o u t

$165,000 from sponsorships and donations to support water-quality research and conservation at the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge organizes the tourney with Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Typically, the captain's meeting and Silver King Awards ceremony take place at the restaurant's Fort Myers Beach location, but as it was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September, the events were moved to its Sanibel flagship location

Doc Ford's owners worked closely with DDWS staff to make sure the tournament would take place again in 2023 in spite of challenges and logistics

The tourney paid out a total of $55,665 in prizes to five winning teams out of 53 registered Anglers photorecorded 40 tarpon catches this year The first-place prize of $25,050 went to Team TowBoat US, including capt a i n K y l e P o t t s , M i k e P r i c e , J e s s i c a P o t t s , C h r i s Magnano, and Josh Constantine The team caught and released a total of seven fish.

“Congratulations to Kyle! He now wears the coveted pink tarpon jacket,” Doc Ford's partner Joe Harrity, whose family introduced the jacket in 2017 as an added incentive for taking first place, said “It's kind of like the green Masters tournament jacket in golf The winning captain gets the honor of wearing the pink tarpon jacket each year ”

Second-place Team Spartan Stix, led by captain Cory McGuire, caught six fish and won $13,915 In third place, captain Jason Moore’s Team The Wreck Guys caught three the first at 10 a m and took home $ 8 , 3 5 0 F o u r t h - p l a c e w i n n e r s T e a m S e a R e a p e r Sportfishing, with captain Chris Argiro, won $5,565 with three fish the first caught later at 12:47 a m ; fifth-place winners Team Bay Marine, with captain Kyle Petrick, took home $2,785 for two fish

The tourney also handed out awards for female angler to Kristin Aley with Team K2TB, senior angler to Gary Biltgen with Team Chasin Poon, and amateur team to Team EZ Livin’ with captain Preston Towle, Jack Swedberg, Carson Towle and Trevor Zamniak

“Because all boat registration fees go into the awards purse, sponsorship partners are extremely important to this tournament,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said “They make it possible to raise vital financial support for the conservation mission of DDWS and the refuge ”

To date, the tournament has raised $1,180,000 for refuge water research, wildlife research and education It has awarded $376,790 to winning teams during its 11year history The first-of-its-kind tourney to benefit conservation and award 100 percent of its fees to winners, the competition began to support local professional fishing guides and connect with anglers to educate and make them part of conservation efforts

See TARPON TOURNEY, page 21

Art Stevens Shell Shocked

REFUGE/DDWS

First place winners Team TowBoat US scored a check for $25,050 at the 11th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament on May 19. From left, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge Development Officer April Boehnen, Mike Price, Chris Magnano, Jessica Potts, captain Kyle Potts, and Josh Constantine

at the 11th annual

Fourth-place

11th

Tarpon tourney

“We can't thank Doc Ford's enough for their incredible show of support these past 11 years,” DDWS Development Officer April Boehnen, who organized and led this year's tournament, said “They’ve already committed for the 12th annual tourney, which will take place on May 10, 2024 ”

Registration will open in November for the 2024 tournament

“We are so grateful for this fundraiser, because not only does it add much-needed dollars to the ever-shrinking refuge budget after a tough seven months of hurricane recovery, it also supports our conservation m i s s i o n , ” S u p e r v i s o r y R e f u g e R a n g e r Toni Westland said “Plus, it is an opportunity to remind anglers, both professional and amateur, about the importance of ethical and responsible fishing ”

Event sponsors included: Doc Ford’s a s t i t l e s p o n s o r ; S z y m a n c z y k f a m i l y , Gretchen Banks, and The Law Office of

From page 20

Christopher G Hill as champion sponsors; Bass Pro Shops, and The Historic Bait Box as premiere sponsors; David and Judy Baum, Captiva Divas, Bill and Laurie Harkey, and Two Lane Lager as presenting sponsors; Diversified Yacht Services, Captain Shawn Kelly Fishing Charters, CustomTeesNow, HighTower, Organized Chaos, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, and Whitney’s Bait & Tackle as platinum sponsors; Anisa Stewart Jewelry, Bay Marine, Congress Jewelers, Fort Myers

M a r i n e , J e n s e n ’ s M a r i n a & C o t t a g e s ,

M a b r y B r o t h e r s , M i l e s t o n e A u c t i o n s , Capt Matt Mitchell Fishing Charters, On Island, RS Walsh Landscaping, Trophy Case of Fort Myers and YETI as gold s p o n s o r s ; a n d C a p t i v a C r u i s e s , L a w Office of Janet Strickland, and Peter & Barb Rogers/Hey Mon Sanibel as silver sponsors

For more information, visit dingdarlingtarpontourney org

Hunter, Hudson and Picraccio

From page 20

NE: Whoops I forgot that we gave that name to a rising starlet We named her Scarlet Hitler She’s going to be in a remake of Gone with the Wind

SH: How about something Italian.

NE: How about Rudolf Valentino? No one will remember It’s been a hundred years

SH: My dad is a hundred and twenty years old He’ll remember

N E: T h e n h o w a b o u t R e g i n a l d

Picraccio?

LONG PAUSE

SH: By George, we’ve got it We’ve really got it I can see it now Reginald Picraccio starring in the spy thriller “Murder Under the Sink ”

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander His t o n g u e - i n - c h e e k h u m o r i s a l w a y s offered with a smile

REFUGE/DDWS

In third place, Team The Wreck Guys took home $8,350

“Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament on May 19.

winners Team Sea Reaper Sportfishing won $5,565 at the

annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament on May 19

The amateur team award went to Team EZ Livin’ at the 11th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament on May 19

The female angler award went to Kristin Aley, of Team K2TB, at the 11th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament on May 19

ISL AND HOME islander

Big

Multiple clumps curving as they rise with a fanshaped leaf, in colors ranging from sage green to bluish green, give the European fan palm an edgy modern look

C h a m a e r o p s i s a g e n u s o f d w a r f f a n palms that have “teeth” on the long petioles or s t e m s e n d i n g i n t h e spiky fan-shaped leaves

It is a small and elegant accent palm that is used by many gardeners and l a n d s c a p e r s I t d o e s especially well in drier areas and looks good in m o d e r n t o

Mediterranean-inspired landscapes

The European fan palm is a drought and wind resistant palm that is native to the Mediterranean region It is cold hearty and has been known to withstand temperatures as low as 6 degrees Fahrenheit It is very slow growing, which makes it ideal for planters or as an accent within a garden

The flowers, although not significant, will typically bloom from April to May The palm has many material benefits, as well Once the fronds become mature, it has been used as a material for baskets, brooms, weaving mats and other similar items The small fruit, measuring one-half inch to 1 1/2 inches and yellow to brown in color, is not edible but has been used as an astringent in traditional medicine

More commonly the European fan palm is a desirable choice to be utilized in a landscape for many residential and commercial gardens Since the palm rarely exceeds 10 feet, it is an ideal choice in areas where space is limited. It grows well in both sun and shade environments, as well as coastal areas where salt spray is prevalent However, the palm will not thrive in wet areas and prefers a dry to moist soil environment

Overall, the European fan palm is an elegant palm, low in maintenance and adds to the Mediterranean look and feel that many homeowners and gardeners desire in their landscape

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local g a r d e n c e n t e r , a t 3 8 8 9 S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a R o a d , Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

F.I.S.H. hurricane packets now available

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva reported that its annual Hurricane Preparedness Resource Packet is a valuable island resource It provides detailed information on where to go, what to do, and how/when to begin preparing for hurricane season, including:

∫ Suggested do's and don'ts

∫ City of Sanibel hurricane pass application

∫ List of hotels

∫ Special needs application

∫ Check lists

∫ List of shelters/map

∫ Pet information

∫ Hotline numbers

∫ Evacuation routes

T h e y a l s o a r e a v a i l a b l e t o d o w n l o a d a t fishofsancap org

For a packet by mail, contact contact 239-472-4775 or clientservices@fishofsancap.org.

Household chemical waste collection set for islands

Island residents will be able to safely and responsibly dispose of household chemical waste leftover paints, cleaners, herbicides, pesticides, automotive fluids and pool chemicals on June 7

Hosted in partnership with Lee County Solid Waste, a household chemical waste collection event will be held from 9 a m to 1 p m in the parking lot of the Sanibel Public L i b r a r y , a t 7 7 0 D u n l o p R o a d Sanibel. Drop off of items will an easy drive-through process available

to all residents at no charge.

It is part of an interlocal agreement between the city and Lee County to provide residents convenient and responsible disposal of chemicals that might otherwise be harmful to people and the environment

T

n o t chemical waste and can be set out

∫ Empty paint cans and dried paint

∫ Empty automotive fluid containers

∫ Small-engine equipment, such as pressure washers, lawnmowers, and weed eaters

∫ Small electronic parts, such as routers, mice and keyboards

∫ Small appliances

∫ Tires

USPS: Spring cleaning for mailbox week

I n r e c o g n i t i o n o f M a i l b o x Improvement Week on May 21-27, the U S Postal Service asked all homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes

“Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of our community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for our carriers and customers,” Florida 2 District Manager Richie Fermo said. The Postal Service makes the annual request because of the wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year

“This is especially important after the effects of the last winter and hurricane season,” he said Some typical activities homeowners may need to do include:

∫ Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door

∫ Repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or has started to peel

∫ Remounting a loosened mailbox post.

∫ Replacing or adding house numbers

“If a homeowner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one,

h e o r s h e m u s t u s e o n l y P o s t a l Service-approved traditional, contemporary or locking full/limited s e r v i c e m a i l b o x e s , ” F e r m o s a i d

“Customers must be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited Customers may use a custom-built mailbox, but they must consult with their local Post Office to e n s u r e i t c o n f o r m s t o g u i d e l i n e s applying to flag, size, strength and quality of construction ”

For more information, homeowners can contact their local Postmaster

Sanibel Captiva

PHOTO PROVIDED

European fan palm

design in a small palm

Recipe of the Week:

Roasted Beet Carpaccio with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

This is a very simple recipe and a little time consuming since the beets take about one hour to roast, but since beets can be roasted up to a week ahead and kept in the refrigerator I love to always have a few on hand to prepare this delectable recipe Serves eight (Chef tip: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil when making this recipe )

4 ounces goat cheese

4 cups arugula

4 medium beets

Olive oil, as needed

Salt, as desired

Wash beets, trim and peel Wrap in foil and drizzle

CROW Calendar

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Visitor Education Center, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

∫ Today, May 3 1

Triage of Wildlife Patients at 11 a m

The program will discuss the steps CROW's veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and wildlife rehabbers take when wild animals are admitted to the hospital for treatment

∫ Thursday, June 1

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The program will cover a variety of topics related to wildlife and patient care at CROW

∫ Friday, June 2

Wild Babies at CROW at 11 a m

The program will discuss the different wild babies admitted at CROW, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. It will cover how CROW's certified wildlife professionals treat, raise, and prepare the babies for release back to the wild

Admission to the center is free for a limited time It includes the above daily p r e s e n t a t i o n s , a n d n o r e s e r v a t i o n s a r e required to attend F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t

http://www crowclinic org/ or call 239472-3644

Power of connecting with God, others can transform

Loneliness is killing us. In a recent report from the U S s u r g e o n g e n e r a l , a panel of experts has sounded the alarm about an epidemic of loneliness, stating that it is as much a risk to o u r h e a l t h a s s m o k i n g After hearing this news, I wondered how this could be Connecting with others has never been easier, and y e t w e a r e l o n e l i e r t h a n ever

At the same time we are learning this, we know that r e s e a r c h e r s a t t h e P e w Research Center have been reporting for a long time on the decline in Americans' participation in faith comm u n i t y T h e y c a l l i t t h e r i s e o f t h e “nones:” people with no religious affiliation This is a large and fast-growing group, especially among younger people. More and more people are not connected to a church, synagogue, mosque or other organized faith community

Faces on Faith

unconditionally. We vow (in our baptismal covenant) to “seek and serve Christ in a l l p e r s o n s , l o v i n g o u r neighbor as ourself” and to “ s t r i v e f o r j u s t i c e a n d peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being ”

Do we do this perfectly?

Of course not Do we strive to live up to these ideals e s t a b l i s h e d b y G o d i n Jesus? We do with God’s help

As a pastor, I witness the power of faith community all the time I see people reaching out to love and care for their neighbor in need I see people surround someone who is hurting or grieving to uplift and support them I see people working for a more just and peaceful world where God’s beloved children can experience respect and safety I have seen loneliness and isolation overcome by care and belonging

with oil, salt and seal Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to one hour, or until fork tender. Remove from the oven and cool for about 10 minutes.

Once beets are cool enough to handle, open the foil and trim off any dry flesh Place in a bowl and refrigerate for a few hours

Thinly slice chilled beets Arrange beets attractively on a plate over arugula and dress with vinaigrette and top with crumbled goat cheese Serve immediately

Balsamic vinaigrette:

2 shallots, roasted

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon imported mustard

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Wrap shallots in foil Roast in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes Prepare dressing by placing roasted shallots in the food processor to mince Add oil, mustard, honey, juice, vinegar, salt and pepper Process until it emulsifies

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com.

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea

Services will return for season in November Videos of services from the past season can be found on the chapel's website and Facebook page

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida

www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Classes and discussion on Thursday at 11 a m via Zoom Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom An informal “schmooze” session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com.

∫ Sanibel Community Church

1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/

Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Sanctuary Sunday service at 4 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/

Senior Minister Rev Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a.m. at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

∫ St Isabel Catholic Church

3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/

Father Edward Martin

Friday Mass at 9 a m Weekend Masses on Saturday at 4 p m and Sunday at 10 a m

∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Some of this is understandable When Pew researchers asked the “nones” to describe church, they used words like “hypocritical,” “judgmental” and “homophobic ” Sadly, this is sometime true It’s not difficult to imagine why people with these perceptions or experiences would not want to join But not every faith community is like that.

Some of us strive to follow Jesus in the way of love We seek to build beloved community, where we proclaim that each and every person is created in the image and likeness of God and loved fully and

If you are not already connected to one, I encourage you to check out a faith community Check out a few of them Go online and see if something on their website speaks to you It’s an easy and nonthreatening way to check out a church before walking in the doors The power of connecting with God and others can help transform loneliness into a deep sense of connectedness

The Rev William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

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

Loretta Paganini

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

islandBEAT islander Sanibel Captiva

Exhibition on display at BIG ARTS

BIG ARTS is hosting an exhibit, “Art as Therapy: A Journey of Hope and Healing,” now through June 2 in the D u n h a m F a m i l y G a l l e r y o n S a n i b e l A c o l l a b o r a t i o n between Art by the disABLEd a t L e e H e a l t h a n d H o p e Healthcare, it shares the vision of healing through art and feature more than 50 artists The expressive arts, in all forms, strive to provide hope and heali n g t h r o u g h t h e c r e a t i v e process The exhibition shares the journey of each artist during b e r e a v e m e n t , g r i e f , i l l n e s s , depression, physical and emotional challenges, rehabilitation a n d r e c o v e r y T h e g a l l e r y i s o p e n Monday through Friday from 9 a m to 3 p m F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t

Shell Find

0900 BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Junonias found on Sanibel

L e e A n n a n d T r a v i s L i n d n e r e a c h recently found their first junonia at Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel LeeAnn Lindner reported that she found hers on May 15 and was so excited that she came running out of the surf screaming Her husband thought she had been bitten or stung by something underwater, but that was not the case at all she had hit the shell jackpot and found a perfect junonia Her husband found his shell on May 19 Part-time residents of Fort Myers and Richmond, Virginia, the couple visit Sanibel almost d a i l y t o s h e l l w h e n i n F l o r i d a . T h e y snorkel and walk the surf for shells and

have been fortunate in the past couple weeks to find many large shells. “Of c o u r s e , w e a l w a y s c h e c k c a r e f u l l y t o make sure no live animals inhabit the s h e l l s w e k e e p , ” s h e n o t e d L i n d n e r reported that Sanibel has a special place in their hearts “It's been bittersweet to be shelling again since the storm,” she added “It's also changed snorkeling a bit as there is still lots of debris just beyond the surf to watch out for We have been removing and discarding what we are able to ” To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

SANIBEL CAPTIVA COMMUNITY BANK

From left, Children's Education Center of the Islands Executive Director Michelle Keltner, CECI Board Member Laura Gales, Board Treasurer Matt Guadreau, Board President Andrea Murphy, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank Main Office Branch Manager Sandy Doubles, and CECI Board Secretary Chelsea Sweiss

San Cap Community Bank donates to CECI

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

Islands The funds will help cover the cost of rebuilding the school after major storm damage caused by Hurricane Ian Thompson Hall, one of two buildings on

the campus, is undergoing renovations and will open in the fall with limited student capacity The other larger building will be razed to make way for a new structure built by Benchmark General Contractors, which has offered it services to rebuild at cost.

Traders, 1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel PETER REDPATH 5:30 to 8:30 p m

DANNY MORGAN AND JOHN McLANE 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

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

SCOTT McDONALD 5 to 8:30 p m

NICOLE FIUMARA

“School is in Session”

LETTY DEGUZMAN “Mystical Moon”

JARED MOORE “Gold Tree”

JOLEEN FORGIE “Soon Enough”

Bat Yam provides highlights of past season

Janice Block Chaddock, president of the Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sanibel, recently offered some of the following highlights from the past season:

∫ In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Bat Yam's Torahs were found and rescued by two residents who boarded a police boat to Sanibel One was a Czech Torah t h a t w a s r e s c u e d i n t h e H o l o c a u s t , wrapped in heavy duty plastic and completely dry NBC's “Nightly News with Lester Holt” reported on the story.

∫ O n c e t h e h u r r i c a n e - d a m a g e d S a n i b e l C a u s e w a y w a s r e p a i r e d a n d reopened to traffic, Bat Yam retrieved its prayer books, arks, spiritual leader robes, a n d s u p p l i e s f r o m t h e S a n i b e l Congregational United Church of Christ All were transferred to a secure storage facility in Estero

∫ Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur were conducted online by Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Murray Simon

∫ The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties offered the use its

s p a c e f o r B a t Y a m ' s F r i d a y n i g h t Shabbats In addition, Bat Yam's hurric a n e r e c o v e r y e f f o r t s a n d f i n a n c i a l reserves have received a healthy boost from the support of many donors poststorm

∫ Bat Yam members researched the answers to Fuchs' Quiz Questions about the torah each week

∫ Bat Yam member Vickie Fuchs, who had been treated for stage 3 lymphoma at the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, rang the bell at the successful conclusion of her cancer treatments

∫ Fuchs ordained he and his wife's son, Rabbi Leo Eliezer Fuchs, at a ceremony in Los Angeles

Block Chaddock added that there will be lay-led, summer Shabbat gatherings on June 9, July 7 and Aug 4 It is the tradition of Bat Yam to arrange a dinner at an area restaurant before the services The services will also be available via Zoom For more information, contact batyamsanibel@gmail com

‘Pedrito II’

In Memoriam of Peter Paul Pacheco (Pedrito) 1924-1944 I

It wasn’t at all like the movies, There was no last thing for him to tell me, No brotherly advice, no dying wish I couldn’t sit through the Coming Attractions

And wait for him to come on again: His screen was blank forever

This was the fact of death

His cold clammy face

Made me face for the first time

In the chill of Rotella’s Funeral Parlor, Arrayed in his coffin in khaki, Soldier hat fitted on To cover the wound in the head, Killed not in battle but in accident of war, Not in glory but in unlucky break.

II

For a while I remembered him Dearly and clearly, but reminiscence Weakened with each resurrection, And the relentless fact kept leaving Fewer and fewer to share remembrance;

I kept thinking of him less and less Until hardly at all, Until almost out of mind

But he would appear in dreams, Often to tell me it was all a big mistake,

His death had been faked by his superiors

To allow him to go “undercover”

And he was sorry he had made us suffer

But when could he see his nieces?

In another dream we sat on my patio Drinking Ruppert’s beer and reminiscing

About the old neighborhood, He had acquired a wife and two children,

And we watched the cousins play

Joe Pacheco Poetic License

IV

Now as the deaths keep piling up And the distance between us

Like daylight in winter

Grows relentlessly shorter, He reappears in reverie

Like a sequel

To a movie I once loved,

To pick up seventy years later From where “The End” left off,

And we get to share our manhood And talk about women and sports, And we are there for each other At births, graduations, weddings And our parent’s funerals, And on the soundtrack of Pedrito II A voice like his keeps saying: “That wasn’t my face in Rotella’s, I am not buried in Pinelawn”

But then, in sudden flashback, The cold clammy fact of him Intrudes in black and white, His screen goes blank again And there is only present and pain

DDWS thanks WoW volunteer teachers, team

T h e “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that it recently showed love to all its talented devoted staff on the Wildlife on W h e e l s t e a m I n a d d i t i o n t o l e a d e r

Melissa Maher, Urban Ranger Yvette Carrasco, WoW intern Diana Iglesia and t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e ' s V i s i t o r S e r v i c e rangers, it had three indispensable volunteer teachers to thank Retired teachers Kathy Sanders, Diana Wideman and

Cheryl Tice have made it possible for WoW to reach more than 7,700 School District of Lee County students this y e a r , d e s p i t e t h e h u r r i c a n e a n d i t s impact on refuge staffing In honor of t h e r e c e n t N a t i o n a l T e a c h e r Appreciation Week, the DDWS recognized their important contributions to its missions of conservation education and community connection.

REFUGE/DDWS

Shell Find

Junonia found on Sanibel

J o e M c M u l l e n , o f O v e r l a n d P a r k , K a n s a s , f o u n d a j u n o n i a o n M a y 1 6 n e a r B l i n d P a s s o n S a n i b e l H e r e p o r t e d t h a t h e d o v e i n t h e w a t e r a b o u t 2 0 f e e t o f f t h e b e a c h a n d s a w w h a t h e t h o u g h t w a s s i m p l y a n o t h e r b r o k e n r e m n a n t o f a j u n o n i a W h e n M c M u l l e n p i c k e d i t u p , h e c o u l d n o t b e l i e v e w h a t h e h a d f o u n d “ W e h a v e b e e n v i s i t i n g S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a f o r 1 7 y e a r s a n d f i n d i n g t h e j u n o n i a w a s s o m u c h f u n , ” h e s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t h e

h a s n e v e r f o u n d a f u l l o n e “ O u r f a m i l y i s a d d i c t e d t o s h e l l i n g a n d h a v e t h e m p r o u d l y d i s p l a y e d t h r o u g h o u t o u r h o m e

W e a r e a l r e a d y l o o k i n g t o b o o k o u r n e x t t r i p t o t h e b e a u t i f u l i s l a n d s n e x t y e a r ”

T o r e p o r t a s h e l l f i n d , c o n t a c t 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 -

1 5 8 7 o r t r e p e c k i @ b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s c o m

But on the soundtrack of every dream

A voice like my own kept whispering: Whose face was that you kissed in Rotella’s?

Whose grave is that in Pinelawn?

III

Then he stopped appearing altogether, And for the longest time

In the feverish daylight of waking, There were only glints of thought, Or occasional wisps of memory

To remind me I had not always been Without a brother

Dearest only brother, Never father, never uncle, Too briefly lover, Of all who have ever lived You are the one most like me

Now four times longer unlived, The life you lived still lies Embedded in my own, And what is left of you will remain In whatever is left of me

Until I face for myself

The fact of death

I first learned to face

When I kissed you so uneasily In Rotella’s Funeral Parlor, 13th Street and Avenue A, New York City.