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Turtle Time
STAFF REPORT
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s von Arx Wildlife Hospital will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during temporary closure of the Conservancy’s Nature Center Sept. 4 to Sept. 27. The center will be closed for maintenance work on buildings and grounds. Administrative offices are open for business as usual during the Nature Center closure. Normal operating hours at the Nature Center are expected to resume at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28. More than 4,000 injured, sick, and orphaned native animals are admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital each year. Most of those injuries stem from interactions that involve humans — including car strikes, domestic pet attacks, window collisions, fishing line and hook injuries, gunshots, and toxicosis. If you find injured or orphaned native wildlife, contact the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at 239-262-2273 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Check www.conservancy.org for additional Nature Center updates.
Day at the dog park
Just a hop down Estero Boulevard from Lovers Key State Park is the Bonita Beach Dog Park. That's where Alex Fowler (left), of Brandon, and Ripken Olegario, of Fort Myers, took their mini Australian shepherd Huckleberry. The Florida Gulf Coast University graduates have been to the park a couple times before. “It's where the dogs can run free, play in the water and have friends,” Olegario said. NATHAN MAYBERG
Turtle Time
Fort Myers Beach
Never shine a light on or use flash photograph on a hatchling. If you see a hatchling at night, “Hands off”... let it crawl to the water. If you find a hatchling wandering/lost in daytime, please place it in a DRY container and call 239481-5566 right away. Turtle Time volunteers ask that Beach residents and visitors remember to turn off or shield their lights at night, and remind everyone never disturb a sea turtle or nest. For more information or to report a nest, please contact Turtle Time, Inc. at 481-5566. visit Turtle Time at turtletime.org.
Family Initiative, an autism and child welfare community service organization based in Cape Coral, is hosting a speaker series focused on Redefining Autism this fall.
On Sept. 23 at 3 p.m., speaker Haley Moss will engage the community in a discussion of inclusion, acceptance and redefining the confines of autism. Free and open to the public, the event will be held at the Family Initiative Autism Center, at 734 SW 4th St., Cape Coral.
Registration is requested by emailing info@fi-florida.org.
Moss was diagnosed with autism when she was 3 years old and today, she is a 28-year-old attorney, author, advocate, artist and consultant who is passionate about disability inclusion and neurodiversity. She is featured in several news articles, including the Associated Press, documenting her personal experience becoming the first openly autistic lawyer in the state of Florida, if not the entire country.
Raised in Miami, Moss attended the University of Florida after high school and graduated in three years with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and law as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She then attended the University of Miami Law School, where she was named a Miami Public Interest Scholar and was the Student Commencement Speaker. Moss graduated with her law degree in 2018.
She has written four books, is an accomplished artist with an influence between pop art and anime, and is actively involved in autism advocacy and serves on the constituency board of UM-NSI CARD.
For more information about Family Initiative, visit https://www.fi-florida.org/.
Peace Day From page 1 breathing empowerment for peace for 100 people to focus on the breath and hold intention for a massive shift for humanity. ∫ Druid Elder Opening Ceremony ∫ Vendor and artisan booths ∫ Delicious food and sweet treats: Vegetarian, vegan & omnivore ∫ Live music and DJs throughout the day: Hosted by Jenni B (All Smiles Entertainment) and featuring David “Bear” Delli Paoli, Family Music Time, Violet Midnight, Luna Muni (violin), The Markleys, and BLove ∫ Live entertainment, featuring the Calendar Girls, the Belly & Hula Connection SWFL, Poets Realm, and Luna Moonz ∫ A Peace Day FIRST: Mermaids, sponsored by Freedom Roofing, will be making a big splash on-site at Peace Day! ∫ Dog Park for our Furry Friends ∫ Massage, Reiki, & Crystal Bowl Sound Baths
∫ Living Universal Medicine Wheel ∫ Meditative Peace Grid for Transformation ∫ Educational talks ∫ Local non-profit organizations ∫ Food and Supplies Drive for ACT (Abuse & Counseling Treatment) and GCHS (Gulf Coast Humane Society ∫ Peace Blood Drive (One Blood Bloodmobile) ∫ Closing Drum Ceremony with Ernel Grant
Especially for the Kids: ∫ Family Time Music Singalong after Tai Chi ∫ Kids’ Yoga ∫ Bounce houses and rides ∫ Coloring/art activities ∫ Wa-Ke-Hatchee play areas ∫ Face painting ∫ Free gifts
For Kids of All Ages: ∫ Butterfly Tent ∫ Chill out zones with umbrellas by Umbrella Mafia ∫ Mocktails and kid-friendly drinks by Millennial Brewing ∫ Interactive Live Art Stations ∫ Photo Op stations ∫ Volleyball and tennis courts
Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park is at 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket or chair, relax on the grass to amazing music and entertainment, and enjoy a peace-filled day with friends and family! 15th Annual Peace Day sponsors include Thinking Peace, Helping It Grow: CasaShanti, Grand Illusion, Mitra 9, Millennial Brewing, Freedom Roofing, Neenie’s House, Iona Cannabis Clinic, Zak’s Jewelers, Mystic Moon, What’s Up SWFL, Bath Fitter, Solar Bear, and EPEC.
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