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

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