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Recreational boating safety after a hurricane
By U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY FORT MYERS BEACH
Recreational boating after a hurricane is unwise. While the sun is shining and it’s been a couple of weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall, it left many hazards on land and in the water. The local bays and canals are loaded with unseen dangers lurking in the water. You’ve seen the damage, imagine some of that debris in the water. Everything from trees to dangerous germs, such as Vibrio vulnificus and tetanus. There are estimates of thousands of vessels producing a toxic soup of gasoline, diesel fuel, engine oil, battery acid and boat sewage spilling into the waterways. We’ve seen the power of the wind and waves. This power can shift the sandy bottom making customary navigation channels become impassable and producing dangerous new sand bars and shoals that can cause you to run aground. The U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners reflects that most Aids to Navigation (ATONs) and channel markers are off-station, missing or damaged, producing hazards to navigation. Due to the passage of Ian, aids to navigation may be damaged, destroyed or submerged. They may be broken just under the water line. Running over them can damage your boat or outdrive. Lighted and unlighted buoys may have been moved from their assigned positions, be damaged, extinguished, sunken or otherwise inoperative. Coast Guard units are actively working to restore the aids to navigation in affected areas. Mariners should not rely entirely on the position or operation of an aid to navigation in these areas and should also employ such other methods of determining their position as may be available. Wrecks, submerged obstructions and shoals may have moved from charted locations, and pipelines may have become uncovered due to the force of storm surge. Do what the professional captains do and check the most current local notice to mariners (LNM) available on the Coast Guard Navigation Center at https://bit.ly/3MPPXe8 before getting underway. The Coast Guard reminds travelers to the barrier islands to be certain that the operator is a licensed captain if they are charging you for the trip. Trips by unlicensed captains are simply illegal. Owners and operators can face maximum civil penalties of over $59,000 for conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations. Travelers should ask to see their Merchant Mariner Credentials and inspection certificates before you get underway. Report unlicensed captains to the Coast Guard at 727-824-7534. The bottom line, reconsider getting underway, at least for now. Give those who maintain our waterways a chance to recover. They’re working hard to get some resemblance of normalcy.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, visit www.cgaux.org.
Golf tourney registrations to support local chambers of commerce
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce recently announced sponsors, remaining registration opportunities and new fundraising details for its annual Golf Classic set for Nov. 4 in Fort Myers. Traditionally, the event is a fundraiser for the chamber, which is working to restore and reopen its office after flood damage due to Hurricane Ian. This year, it is expanding its fundraising to support its fellow beach chambers that have been impacted by the storm. The chamber is dedicating $100 from every foursome sold to the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce and Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce to support their recovery efforts. “Since Hurricane Ian, the chamber has been working hard to check on businesses, inform members with important information and advocate on their behalf to federal and state agencies who are assisting in recovery. The Golf Classic supports the chamber in these efforts, while also helping us physically rebuild, ” chamber Chair Michele Hoover said. “We are extending our fundraising this year to rally alongside our fellow chambers of commerce on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel and Captiva, whose physical buildings and membership have been devastated. ” This year's annual Golf Classic will be held on the greens of the Fort Myers Country Club, at 3591 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Check-in will open at 10:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at noon. A limited number of foursomes are still available. Registration is $199 for individuals and $799 per group of
four and includes cart and green fees, food from “Taste of theChamber”restaurantsalongthecourse,boxedlunchand beverages. Corporate foursomes are also available at $999 for four people with all the benefits of the standard foursome registration, in addition to two mulligans, $20 in prize drawing tickets, 5 feet of golf rope and other promotional materials provided to each golfer. The presenting sponsors are B2 Technology Solutions and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. Additional event sponsors include Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers Brewing Company, Hedberg Wealth Management, Image One Facility Solutions, Knight Barry Title Group, Midwest Cartz, Omni Title of Southwest Florida, Orthopedic Specialists of Southwest Florida, Scanlon Auto Group, Solomon & Hoover CPAs, PLLC, Southern Oak Wealth Management, Suncoast Beverage Sales, Suncoast Credit Union, TECO Peoples Gas and Val Ward Cadillac. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, to register or for details about sponsorship opportunities, visit FortMyers.org or contact info@fortmyers.org. Refuge reports on programming, annual contests
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that hurricane damage has meant the closing of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor & Education Center and Wildlife Drive until further notice. Consequently, many programs and events — including art exhibits and Art in the Wild — have been canceled. ∫ While staff is focused on recovery efforts, they make time to offer occasions for locals to engage and heal through nature during this trying time. The DDWS will soon report on free 30- and 60-minute
REFUGE/DDWS
Mindfulness Walks at the Bailey Tract for groups and individuals who are working on the island. “Start your day or take a break, by yourself or with a work group, from that stress component of cleaning up, ” Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland said. “We hope our free mental health breaks will be an asset to the community, to help people go through what they’re going through. Take 30 minutes for yourself to ground yourself, decompress. ” ∫ The refuge will go forward with its annual Cartoon Contest in local schools. Staff hopes to recover the submissions already completed by The Sanibel School students, which are locked away in the school during its closure, and engage other local schools. ∫ The annual “Ding” DarlingTheodore Cross High School Photography Contest will go on. The deadline for entries is Jan. 15. For information, contact DDWS Associate Executive Director Sierra Hoisington at shois@dingdarlingsociety.org. FWC responds to red tide in Southwest Florida
On Oct. 21, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that it was monitoring Southwest Florida, since Karenia brevis — also known as red tide — was detected in multiple samples in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties during the week. The FWC reported that red tide is a naturally occurring microscopic alga that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840s and occurs nearly every year. As part of the FWC Center for Red Tide Research, the USF-College of Marine Science and the Mote Marine Laboratory each deployed a glider equipped with sensors to better understand conditions offshore. The information collected will help direct future sampling and forecasting efforts. For more information, visit: https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/.
Farmers markets make adjustments Page 18
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Local Roots, which owns and operates the Sanibel Island Farmers Market and Captiva Island Farmers Market, is adjusting and relocating some of its markets across Lee County following Hurricane Ian. The following markets will be operational weekly beginning today, Nov. 2: ∫ Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harbour Plaza, at 17660 South Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers (previously the Lakes Park Farmers Market) ∫ Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coconut Point, at 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero (Coconut Point Farmers Market) ∫ Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at The Promenade at Bonita Bay, at 26795 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs (Bonita Springs Farmers Market) ∫ Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founder’s Square at Babcock Ranch, at 42850 Crescent Loop, Babcock Ranch (Babcock Ranch Farmers Market) The Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market is on hold due to Ian's impact to the area. “We continue to work on trying to find new locations for markets that have been temporarily closed, ” co-owner and Sanibel resident Jean Baer said. “Rest assured, as soon as Lee County re-opens Lakes Park and allows the market to return, we will be back. This is true for all our locations that have been closed due to the Hurricane Ian. ” “We opened the Sanibel Island Farmers Market with 15 vendors, ” co-owner Betsy Ventura added. “Before Ian, we had nine farmers markets six days per week across Southwest Florida with over 150 vendors and small businesses. We are excited to be able to reopen four markets after the devastating storm. Our motto is eat, shop … BuyLocalLee.com. ” Ventura and Baer said they are thankful for the support they have received from the community. In 2009, Lee County approached them to organize a market at Lakes Park and soon others followed. For more information or to become a vendor, visit https://www.buylocallee.com/.
A shell of a lot of ‘Hope’
By MARY ELIAS-NEWMAN
Everyone knows the devastation Hurricane Ian caused in Southwest Florida — Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Captiva and Sanibel, as well as many other areas in the region. What you may not know is that I work at the Sundial East on Sanibel. On Oct. 21, I walked down to the beach to not only take in the sheer destruction the storm caused, but to take a moment to feel the sand on my feet and the sunshine on my face and to hear the timeless sea lapping at the shore. At that moment, I knew the places I call home, that held so many amazing memories, would be OK. I felt the tightness and weight that’s been on my shoulders this past month suddenly begin to ease. You also may not know that there is a tradition on Sanibel to decorate seashells and leave them behind for others to find and enjoy. I turned to walk back into the semi-organized chaos that was my life after Ian. Time to get back to work. I walked, glancing occasionally down to the sand. It was then that I spotted an unusual colored shell, a shell that was half-buried in various diatribe left by an angry sea. I picked up the little shell and it was then I realized I had found an amazing treasure. I smiled for the very first time in many weeks. We’ll be okay! We’ll get through this! The person who painted the “Hope” shell, and left it behind to brighten a stranger’s day, could not know that little shell of “Hope” would be battered and beaten by the worst of Ian. “Hope” finally took rest on the beach. She patiently waited to be found by someone who truly needed her message at that exact time. The person who painted “Hope” on a little shell will never know what that short message would come to mean to a battered, tired soul. You gave a community a “shell of a lot of 'Hope.
ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS
‘Feedback Loop’ exhibit to open at Alliance
The exhibition “Feedback Loop, ” featuring the works of Anne Stagg and Laura Tanner, will be on display from Nov. 426 at the Alliance for the Arts, at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. A free opening reception will be held on Nov. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. Stagg and Tanner are visual artists whose work pulls from their experiences growing up in the South. Though outwardly, their work appears to be very different, one using abstraction and the other using collage with pictorial imagery, they both turn a critical eye towards the South and explore how built systems and false narratives reinforce systems of inequity and invisibility. Gallery admission is free, but a $5 donation keeps programming affordable and accessible. For more information, visit https://www.artinlee.org/event/ feedback-loop/2022-11-04/ or call 239-939-2787.
“Edits & Omissions”
ANNE STAGG
“Lithotomy”
LAURA TANNER
Alliance accepting vendor applications
The Alliance for the Arts will host its annual Arts and Ends Holiday Sale on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. It is taking vendors applications from those who make art or handmade gifts of any kind. The deadline to submit an application is Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.artinlee.org/event/artsale/.
ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS
Edison, Ford estates to offer art classes for adults
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers offers opportunities throughout the year to learn painting techniques, create floral arrangements or other pieces of artwork taught by local artists. Classes scheduled for the month of November include the following: ∫ Nov. 5: Floral Still Life Painting with Marie Dyer at 10 a.m. Impressionist painter Marie Dyer will explain color mixing, effect design, impressionistic techniques, shading and effective color contrast to create mood. The acrylicon-canvas painting workshop is for any experience level. Cost is $90 for members or $100 for non-members. ∫ Nov. 12: Silk Scarf Painting with Marie Dyer at 10 a.m. Marie Dyer has been teaching at the estates for years. Participants will paint a scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork. Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Cost is $90 for members or $100 for nonmembers; all materials are included. ∫ Nov. 13: Fall Floral Arranging with Anita Singh at 10 a.m. Anita Singh, with Flowers by Anita, has been creating floral displays for years. The class offers an opportunity for participants to learn floral arranging and they will make an arrangement to take home. Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Cost is $75 for members or $85 for non-members; all materials are included, as well as printed notes, an apron and refreshments. Seating is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, visit EdisonFord.org. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.
GO Divas to perform at dinner concert
The GO Divas — the Gulfshore Opera’s women’s vocal ensemble — will perform on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in the outdoor courtyard at Carmelo's Italian Ristorante, at 321 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Their repertoire ranges from opera scenes to popular contemporary songs of the '60s and '70s, and their program features new selections like pop favorites “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Happy Together, ” plus a passage from Handel’s “Dixit Dominus. ” Appetizers and a cash bar will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 and include an Italian-plated dinner during the performance. For tickets or more information, visit https://www.gulfshoreopera.org/.
GULFSHORE OPERA
DDWS creates merch to help fund rebuilding
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge reported that it has created a Hurricane Ian Relief Fundraiser on Bonfire, a merchandise company that allows non-profits to develop designs for items to sell and raise money for a cause. For its fundraiser, the DDWS has used Bonfire to create shirts and sweatshirts. Due to the destruction of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Nature Store2 on Periwinkle Way and inaccessibility of the flagship Nature Store, e-store operations are stalled for a few weeks. Supporters who would like to purchase merchandise to help with rebuilding can visit https://www.bonfire.com/dingstronghurricane-ian-relief-fundraiser/. REFUGE/DDWS
Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings Orchestra to present season opener
The Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra will present its season opening concert, “Beethoven Eroica Symphony, ” on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Music & Arts Community Center, at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. A new season begins with conductor Andrew M. Kurtz and the orchestra performing one of Beethoven's most celebrated works, a large-scale composition that marked the beginning of the composer's innovative “middle period. ” Composed mainly in 1803-04, the work broke boundaries in symphonic form, length, harmony, emotional and cultural content. It is widely considered a landmark in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras. It is also often considered to be the first Romantic symphony. Tickets range from $35-41. For more information or tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony.org/concerts/. GULF COAST SYMPHONY
Rotary Happenings …
Rotarians hear from chamber on recovery efforts
We have all been affected in various ways from the winds and rain of Hurricane Ian. It was very reassuring to be able to hear from Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai. The chamber has over 450 members and operates the “Francis P. Bailey” Visitor Center, the only Visit Florida-certified visitor center that is open 365 days a year and sees over 80,000 visitors per year. Professionally, Lai has been in the hospitality and tourism industry for more than 28 years and a resident of Lee County for over 30 years. He has operated resorts on Sanibel, Captiva, Clearwater and Vero Beach. Lai joined the chamber staff in 2017 and was promoted to president and chief executive officer in 2018. Personally, he has been in Southwest Florida for more than 36 years, skateboarding all over the island. Since Sept. 29, when we started to see the devastation of our beloved islands and the mainland, Lai reported that residents, business owners and Florida politicians were “working hand in hand like never before. ” For example, the Sanibel Causeway being passable in 10 days is just short of unbelievable. While we all have a long road ahead of us, we can rest assured that Lai has our best interests in mind and he is facing the challenges face on. Another resource that may be of help is RotaryFL.org.
John Lai
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club holds a Zoom meeting on Fridays at 8 a.m. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 81545260726; Meeting ID: 815 4526 0726 and Passcode: 955563. To connect via phone, call 646-931-3860. For more information, visit sanibelrotary.org or www.facebook.com/sancaprotary.
Why?
The destruction that we see on our island and elsewhere is incomprehensible. Lives lost, jobs lost, homes and businesses and church buildings lost … We might shake our fist at God and scream, “Why? Why would a good and loving God allow such a thing to happen?” I have a friend whose daughter has a rare form of cancer. They have taken her to medical centers around the country to treat her, and the cancer keeps coming back. This family’s suffering is incomprehensible, and yet they live with faith in a loving God. Recently my friend wrote this piece about her faith in light of her daughter’s cancer. I thought it might be helpful as we make our way through our own struggles: “When asked why I still believe in a loving God in the face of Amara’s cancer … this is the best I have to offer: It is not that I haven’t had my anger and rage … and even those do not melt my conviction that God is a God of compassion and love. It helped when my faith matured beyond seeing God like Oz who orchestrates everything from behind a curtain. When I no longer saw God in my image, but myself in God’s image. I have accepted that I cannot fully comprehend God. My faith is faith, it is not certainty. I have grown more comfortable these past few years with living in uncertainty and sometimes just plain living in the dark.
Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss Faces on Faith
“I have learned things in the dark that I could never have learned in the light, things that have saved my life over and over again, so that there is really only one logical conclusion. I need darkness as much as I need light. ” — Barbara Brown Taylor, author of “Learning to Walk in the Dark”
The great love of God is shown when God joins us, becomes one of us. God, incarnate, knows what it is like to have fear, doubt, suffering and pain. The Holy one journeys close in our suffering. Why do I keep believing in this Holy source? Because I see and experience small miracles that matter. I am sustained by a living presence that has not abandoned me, but has carried me. Rabbi Steven Leder in his book “The beauty of what remains” reminds us that the tragedy is not that one dies. The tragedy is that one does not fully live. “If you want to change your life — really change — wake up to the blessed life you already have despite your pain. ” “The single most important thing in life is showing up. ” “I have never understood how people can pray for mercy and compassion from God but not be merciful and compassionate themselves. ” My friend Dana’s words have been helpful as I’ve walked this post-Ian road together with my spouse, friends and church family, and I hope they are helpful for you too. I hope that you are able to see compassion and goodness in the midst of the pain and suffering. I have seen it at every turn: in a kindly boat captain helping us to shore, in government officials working tirelessly, in police, utility and debris removal workers, in a cold bottle of water and a satisfying BBQ. “Small miracles that matter. ” The God of love is with us in a myriad of ways in all of this.
The Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church.
St. Michael and All Angels to resume monthly gathering
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will host its next Messy Church on Nov. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at its temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Road, Fort Myers. The event will feature free crafts, games, service projects, songs, storytelling and a meal. The church is requesting RSVPs this time so it can plan ahead for the food. Held on the second Sunday, Messy Church is for all ages and family types. Attendees can choose to take part in themed activity stations and crafts, plus activities, games and a community meal. To RSVP or for more information, contact 239-472-2173 or parishsecretary@saintmichaels-sanibel.org or visit www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/messychurch.
∫ 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 Stephen Fuchs and acting Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer SabbathserviceonNov.4and11at7p.m.viaZoom.InpersonserviceonNov.18at7p.m.attheJewishFederation, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers. For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com. ∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www.captivachapel.com/, www.facebook.com/ Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev. Larry Marshall Sunday service will resume for the season online on Nov. 13; in-person services have been postponed until further notice. Services from the past season have been videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page.
∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org LectureanddiscussiononThursdayat11a.m.viaZoom. 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. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom @gmail.com. ∫ Sanibel Christian Science Church 2950 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-810-1077 Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services. ∫ 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 Historic Chapel. Sunday service at 5 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 Dr. Mark Boyea Sundayserviceat10a.m.atTheRefugeChurch,at1901 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 Ed Martin Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services. ∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss 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.
Island Worship
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Adonidia palm
PHOTO PROVIDED
Adonidia palm is easy and elegant
The Adonidia palm (Veitchia merrillii) is an ideal palm for a small entry or to put in a container on a pool deck or patio.
The palm only grows to between 12 feet and 15 feet tall, which is rather small for palm trees. The Adonidia looks like a miniature royal palm with its gray trunk and long graceful fronds. It is a singletrunk palm, but growers can put them together to produce multi-trunk palms. Either way, it is a great palm to use in small tropical landscapes where you would like a smaller specimen palm. The palms perform best in full sun, but can tolerate a little shade. The Adonidia is a self-cleaning palm, which means the old fronds will drop off naturally. You can trim brown fronds off if seeing a brown frond now and then does not appeal to you. New fronds are formed from the bud or crown of the palm tree in the center of the fronds. Adonidia palms are also known as the Christmas palm. As it matures, the Adonidia will bloom with white flowers and then large clusters of red berries — the seeds — in the winter time. This makes for a pretty holiday look in the tropical landscape. The palm is moderately salt-tolerant and does not like consistently cold weather or frost conditions. If you have space for a small pretty palm, the Adonidia may be just the right palm for you.
In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.
FEMA extends renewal grace period for flood insurance policyholders
Certain National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders impacted by Hurricane Ian now have a limited opportunity to renew their policies without a consequence of a lapse in coverage. Previously, NFIP announced that policyholders in Florida who had flood damage from Ian had a 90-day grace period to renew their policies and file a claim for flood damage. The extension applies to policyholders whose flood insurance policy expiration dates began on Aug. 25, through and including Oct. 23. For example, if the original renewal date for a policy was Aug. 25, the policy may be renewed on or before Nov. 23 and you can file your claim for damage received from Ian. If the renewal date was Oct. 23, the policy may be renewed on or before Jan. 21. As of Oct. 24, there were 26 Florida counties designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program where policyholders could take advantage of the grace period. FEMA encourages all affected policyholders residing in the counties to jumpstart their recovery by using the grace period to renew their policies as soon as possible. Policyholders who wish to take advantage of the grace period should contact their agent or insurance company today, or within 90 days of their policy expiration date. All Florida policyholders — even those in undesignated counties — should monitor fema.gov because more counties may be added. Policyholders who do not have their insurance agent or company’s contact information should call 877-336-2627 for assistance. To learn more about how to file a flood insurance claim, visit floodsmart.gov.
GULF COAST HUMANE SOCIETY GCHS and partners to host Pet Food Pantry
The Gulf Coast Humane Society, along with the Lee County Game Room Association and in cooperation with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Cruelty Task Force, will host a Pet Food Pantry on Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5781 Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. There will be free dog and cat food, cat litter and other pet items to pick up, while supplies last. Representatives from the LCSO Animal Cruelty Task Force will be on hand. Prizes will also be up for grabs with the purchase of a raffle ticket, including a 14-inch HP touchscreen laptop, grill and other pet-centric raffle baskets. The GCHS has distributed over a ton of pet food since Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28 and looks to help those forever families in need to feed their pets. “The outpouring of generous donations to GCHS since Sept. 28 has enabled us to help those families who were affected by Hurricane Ian and aiding them in feeding their pets, ” Executive Director Gary Willoughby said. “Helping families feed their pets can at least take some pressure off of them, because we know these peoples’ pets are a part of their family. ”
By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI
I think my family, especially my grandchildren, love this recipe. I never get to taste it during our family dinners since it disappears before I have a chance. Farm fresh tomatoes and basil are the secret ingredients that make this recipe so delicious, together with good extra-virgin olive oil and good quality balsamic vinegar, which creates a flavor that is hard to resist. I prefer to grill the bread after brushing it with olive oil and roasted garlic. Makes 36 pieces. (Chef tip: Ricotta Salata is a slightly salty soft cheese from the south of Italy. If you cannot find it, mix one cup of whole milk ricotta cheese with a teaspoon of salt and let it drain in a small strainer in the refrigerator overnight and use as garnish on top of the bruschetta.) 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup balsamic vinegar, reduced by half 4 cups ripe salad tomatoes, chopped 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade 36 slices Italian bread, cut 1/2-inch thick 6 cloves of roasted garlic, peeled 1 teaspoon salt Freshly grated Ricotta Salata, for garnish Prepare a dressing by mixing together half the vinegar, garlic, basil, salt, pepper and olive oil. Marinate the tomatoes in the mixture for 30 minutes or overnight. Toast or grill the bread slices. Place on individual serving plates, and rub the garlic over the slices. Drizzle about two teaspoons of the balsamic glaze over each slice. Serve the crostini topped with tomato mixture. Garnish with Ricotta Salata.
Chef Loretta Paganini
Governor suspends payment deadlines for property taxes
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed an executive order to suspend deadlines for payment of property taxes in counties that have been impacted by Hurricane Ian. The order extends to real property, including personal homes and commercial property, that was destroyed or otherwise rendered uninhabitable. “Floridians who have lost their homes and businesses because of Hurricane Ian shouldn’t have to now worry about their property taxes, ” he said in a prepared statement. Counties included in the order are Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia. To read the full order, visit https:// www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads /2022/10/EO-22-242.pdf.
Hope Healthcare to host ‘After the Storm: Coping with Disaster’
Hope Healthcare will offer a new support group, After the Storm: Coping with Disaster, to help the community start to heal in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories, learn ways to cope and engage with other area residents in a safe and supportive space. Led by professional counselors, the group will help participants grieve the missing pieces in their life — the loss of a home, pet, business or priceless treasure — while preparing to rebuild their future. Virtual sessions will be held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. via Zoom. Advanced registration is required at 239-322-4867 or Lorrie.McCann@HopeHCS.org. In-person sessions will be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 2430 Diplomat Parkway E., Cape Coral. Advanced registration is required at 239-322-4867 or Tricia.Betters-Black@HopeHCS.org. The group is open to the public at no cost, thanks to community support.
I Eleven o’clock. Category two. The reds, yellows and greens Of Wilma’s eyes glare From the motel room TV screen: Wilma spirals and spins — Landfall in five hours.
Under the mock moons Of the motel parking lot lamps The pool glimmers eerie green. A mad-dog couple frolics in the Jacuzzi.
II One o’clock. Category three. Cone of uncertainty Grows more certain In the left bottom corner Of the Mad TV rerun On the screen.
Outside the eye Wilma’s advance gusts Rattle the pool and motel signs. Sleep is difficult — Waiting — slow madness.
III Four o’clock. Category four. The wake and wait is on, Wilma howls horribly, Hurling horizontal rain, Shingles and debris Through the helpless air, The mad sea of pool rages Then disappears into darkness As the power failure begins. In the unconditioned darkness The battery-powered radio and flashlight Connect us to the world and each other But not to the evacuated home Where the backups beep to no one.
IV Five o’clock. Final burst of Category Three. Wilma locomotors and thunders, Body parts of buildings and trees Collide and explode With maddening nearness While our own bodies hold on to each other.
V Five thirty. Category two. Wilma weakens to tropical, Then gale force And finally — random gusts. Flashlights lighting our way, We emerge from the musty cocoon Of motel room, descend to the lobby Where other untouched and grateful Riders of the storm will help us wait For the return of light and power.
Joe Pacheco Poetic License
Lee Health to offer self-management program
Lee Health's “It’s All About You” — a self-management resource program with the SMRC — is offering the following research-basedprogramsforfreetothecommunity:
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program Would you like to learn how to better manage chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, headaches and more? Information presented in the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program can help you become empowered to improve your quality of life. Learn how to more easily manage your medications; understand the benefits of exercise; manage symptoms of stress, pain and fatigue; and make smarter decisions related to health eating. The virtual workshops are held once a week for six weeks. Participants will receive a copy of the book “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain. ” The program will be offered virtually on TuesdaysstartingonNov.8from1to3p.m. For more information or to register, call 239-424-3121.
