North Fort Myers Living by BreezeNewspapers

2 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

County commissioners Brian Hamman and Mike Greenwell spoke about what a tremendous success the facility has been.

Rec center celebrates 10 years Story & Photography by Chuck Ballaro

decade ago, North Fort Myers finally got a place of its own for community meetings, summer camp, sports and all sorts of classes. The North Fort Myers Recreation Center has proven to be all that and more: Its opening proved to game changer for the entire area. Residents and dignitaries got together in the gym earlier this month to celebrate the Lee County center's 10th anniversary with decorations and a birthday cake. County commissioners spoke about what a tremendous success the facility has been, which along with the new library that was built a few years ago, has become the go-to place for people to come for everything from hurricane seminars to card games. It has even been an emergency shelter for hurricanes. Commissioner Brian Hamman, who attended the grand opening just before being appointed county commissioner in 2013, said it was a great day for the area and a tremendous milestone. “This facility has provided 10 years of great service to the community. This has really become a hub where the community comes for town halls, election debates, and for wonderful recreation and activities,” Hamman said. “It’s become part of the fabric of the community.” Also speaking were commissioners Mike Greenwell and Cecil Pendergrass, as well as Lee County Parks & Rec director Mack Young. Green well said the rec center is an example of what a great facility should be, hoping that when they get the improvements on the civic center grounds it can be used as a template. “It’s great to come out and realize we have these wonderful facilities. This anniversary gives us the opportunity to remind people this facility is here and what a great job the county does providing

these places for the youth and community in general,” Greenwell said. Steve Cox, supervisor at the rec center, said the facility has provided lot of recreational experiences for the entire community. “This is the place for people to come and gather and play, and everyone can afford to come and have recreation in various ways,” Cox said. Former County Commissioner Tammy Hall and North Fort Myers Civic Association President Gregg Makepeace championed the new rec center for years, which had been in several smaller locations at the community park since it opened in 1997. The new 33,000-square-foot facility was completed and opened on Oct. 25, 2013 to great fanfare. The center has multipurpose rooms for meet-

ings, youth and adult recreational and educational programs, a fitness center, game room and a gymnasium. The gymnasium has multipurpose basketball and volleyball courts built to traveling-tournament standards. The North Fort Myers Recreation Center is one of four large rec centers in the county’s parks department. Participating in most programs at the center requires a one-time, lifetime membership of $10 per individual or $25 per family. The recreation center is at 2000 N. Recreation Park Way, adjacent to the North Fort Myers Public Library just off Business U.S. 41 north of Bayshore Road. For more information, go to www.leegov.com or visit www.leeparks.org. NFMNL

3 November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

4 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

contents on the cover A Florida Christmas

Leave ho-ho-hum holiday decor in Santa’s rearview this year by adding a little Florida flair to your tree and home. Pictured: Possible Dreams Santas at the Shell Factory Christmas House

8 Animal Refuge Center’s 29th annual Starlight Auction $ 27

LARC breaks ground for new group residence

For collectors, the holidays are more than just Christmas

11 14

Chamber hosts seventh-annual Calvin Peete Classic

Help us make the holidays bright Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I can't believe it's November, this year sure has flown by here at the North Fort Myers Civic Association we will be busy as elves in December! We were invited to set up at the Fall Festival, hosted by the North Fort Myers Rec Center, again this year. It’s always a good time. The kids came out in force. There was plenty to see, eat and do. Thank you to Allison Savage Font, Dora Mae and Haley Belle, Bob Hill, Christy Iwanow, Deb and Danny Ballard And myself. We are a motley crew but we get things done. I have never seen so many kids as we did at the Trunk or Treat that the Faith Assembly Church put together. This was our second year and did not disappoint. It took the four of us to take care of all those children so I would like to thank Danny and Debbie Ballard, and Bob Hill who dressed up with me for our chance to act like a kid for the night. Why do we do it? Because we enjoy it. Danny Ballard and John Mooney were at the Lee Civic Center on Oct. 14 and spent the day at the Senior Expo, talking and answering as many questions as they could, giving out information on the area and the North Fort Myers Civic Association and making new friends. The North Fort Myers Civic Association will again this year give four families a $100 gift card to purchase a nice

meal to enjoy on Thanksgiving day. It is a day of giving and thanks, we are giving and we are thankful. I touched on our Angel Tree last month. We are honoring the veterans of North Fort Myers. Our 10-foot veteran-inspired tree will be dedicated to our local veterans. We hope you'll come to the North Fort Myers Recreation Center and select a vets tag. We invite you participate and help make the holidays a little bit less lonely for some of our homeless vets and some of our veterans who live alone. The tree will be up until Dec. 8 so you have plenty of time to come in see our tree, select a name and return an un wrapped gift back to the Rec Center before Dec. 8. There are 75 cards on our tree and if you know of a vet in the North Fort Myers area who could use a little cheering up feel free to contact us. Contact Allison at 239-410-7482 or reach put to nfmcivic@gmail.com to add their name to our tree. This year's community service awards are approaching fast. Please think for a minute — you have to have a hero in your neighborhood who always helps others. A local person who you admire for their selflessness and kindness. Someone you feel should be honored or recognized. The deadline to submit your applications for community service awards Dec. 31.

The North Fort Myers Civic Association was invited to help set up at the Fall Festival, hosted by the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 North Fort Myers Rec Center./PHOTO PROVIDED

the pulse Fraud Alert: Unsolicited encounters The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, in an effort to protect the residents of our county, will always share information regarding newly created scams and trending fraudulent practices. Despite these efforts, the volume and variety of these scams makes it nearly impossible to catalogue and to combat. What is feasible is to make our residents aware of the commonalities found in nearly every fraudulent transaction. By familiarizing yourself with these prevalent components, you are far less likely to find yourself a victim of fraud. Today, let’s discuss unsolicited interactions. A red flag must be raised immediately due to the fact that “they,” an unknown entity, contacted you. This is a significant component. Unlike a phone call that you made to a business or government agency, or an email/text that you sent, someone has reached out to you. As a result, you are unable to be certain as to the individual or agency

that you are interacting with. Remember… caller ID can be manipulated, corporate and government logos can be copied and pasted. The individual knocking on your front door, much like the random email that you received, is just another example of an unsolicited contact. The ID badge dangling from their lanyard can easily be produced on a home printer. In all such encounters… be it in person, email, text or by phone… remember that they contacted you and you do not necessarily know who you are dealing with. This does not mean that the Girl Scout ringing your doorbell, in an effort to sell cookies, is a criminal or fraudster, or that the email message that you receive from your bank is a scam. However, that element of uninvited and unrequested contact must prompt you to pay close attention to the transaction. Carpenters and tailors have a universally

accepted rule… “measure twice, cut once.” It is a reminder to double check before committing to cutting wood or fabric. Once the cut is made, there is no correcting the error. Similarly, while perhaps tedious, take the time to “measure twice” before entering into a transaction, sharing personal information or sending money. If you are a victim of fraud, please contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by phone at 877-382-4357 and report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Sheriff Complaint Carmine Center at Marceno IC3.gov. Lee County Sheriff’s Office

November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

community connection

6 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

Holidays FROM PAGE 5

The kids came out in force to the Fall Festival hosted by the North Fort Myers Rec Center./PHOTO PROVIDED

Submit your application to the nfmcivic@gmail.com or, if you have questions or need more information, contact me, the chairperson, at tonihillnfmc@gmail.com or 239244-7890. Please go to our website www.nfmcivic.com or our Facebook page North Fort Myers Civic Association Inc. (the new page with the red logo. ) At our August meeting I again brought up a new swing on the scholarship program. As important as it is to support our graduating seniors I felt it was just as important to support in a different way. The board voted to offer a $2,000 scholarship to an adult towards tuition for a trade at one of Lee County's technical colleges for expenses. We're looking to benefit a man or woman who is starting new or starting over. We will take applications towards a new occupation to help achieve financial independence.

More information will be available soon. tonihillnfmc@gmail.com @nfmcivic@gmail.com It’s Santa time! Our fourth annual Santa parade is happening Saturday, Dec. 9. We will be delivering gifts with Santa and his crew in the Palmona Park neighborhood. Parade route and Santa stop signs will be posted. It’s almost election time. Applications for the Board of Directors February 2024 election must be received by Jan. 15, 2024. More information on our Facebook North Fort Myers Civic Association Inc. or our website nfmcivic.com Enjoy your holiday.

Toni Hill President NFMCA

LARC breaks ground for new group residence

Story & Photography by Chuck Ballaro From left, Contractor Stephen R. Bowen, State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, LARC Executive

little over a year ago, Hurricane Ian wiped out the North Fort Myers riverfront house that adults with developmental disabilities have called home for more than 25 years. Five adults were displaced and are now living in temporary housing. Come April, those adults with special needs will again have a place they can call home. In October, LARC –Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens — held the groundbreaking on a new group home in Cape Coral which will replace the home that was destroyed. Angela Katz, LARC executive director, said this “dream home” will house six residents and will serve as a sanctuary for some of Lee County’s most vulnerable people who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. “It will be a haven to the residents we serve. Some of the residents have been with us for more than 20 years and many of those who live with us do so their entire lives,” Katz said.

Director Angela Katz, designer Dwayne Bergmann, client Theresa Mount, LARC employee Vickie Chapman and LARC President Austin Clinton break ground on the new LARC group home. “They have a range of ages and a range of abilities. The more they age, the more assistance they need.” Austin Clinton, president of LARC’s board of directors, said the road leading to this was bumpy and shattered the sense of security the residents had. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter, a testament to our commitment to those we serve. A significant step forward in rebuilding our home and independence to our residents,” Clinton said. The house will have six bedrooms, four baths and 4,800 square feet of living space. It will be ADA compliant and will create the highest level of independence and provide its residents with a sanctuary. “We want to go home at night and feel comfortable and safe with our family. It’s no different than any other home,” Katz said. The cost of the house is around $1 million, with much of it coming from insurance, money saved for renova-

The house will have six bedrooms, four baths and 4,800 square feet of living space.

tion on the old house, and the sale of the property. They are still trying to raise around $200,000 to fund the remainder, Katz said. The site was given to LARC years ago and they considered building a home there in 2021. However, the timing wasn’t right. Katz said the hurri-

cane made the decision an easy one. Currently, those who lived in the old house, who lost everything including mementos, are with their families or are bunking with LARC’s other residents in Fort Myers. They will move to a transitional home next week. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

New home on the horizon

8 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

Animal Refuge Center’s 29th annual Starlight Auction set for Nov. 25 Renowned Artist Myra Roberts contributes exclusive painting

he Animal Refuge Center's 29th Annual Starlight Auction will take place at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa on Saturday, Nov. 25. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for an event that "promises to be an unforgettable evening of art and philanthropy." A highlight of ARC's primary fundraiser this year is a contribution from Myra Roberts of an original acrylic painting. “We are thrilled to have Myra Roberts support for the Animal Refuge Center,” said ARC Board Treasurer Betty Hughes. “The Starlight Auction is our signature event and largest fundraiser of the year. Having a Myra Roberts original available for sale during the live auction could attract a record setting sale to benefit the care of our cats and dogs, community education and eliminating euthanasia.” "With a reputation that transcends borders, Myra Roberts has captivated art enthusiasts not only across the United States but also in Europe, earning her a place in the private collection of none other than the legendary Robert Rauschenberg," a release from ARC states. "Roberts' artistic journey has been nothing short of remarkable, featuring numerous exhibitions and permanent installations in esteemed museums. Her commitment to philanthropy is equally

impressive, having contributed to a myriad of humanitarian causes and charitable organizations. Notably, her passion for animals has garnered recognition from fellow advocates, including the renowned Jane Goodall. "Myra Roberts' signature style encompasses the nostalgia of retro bathing beauty art, as well as an extraordinary ability to capture the essence of animals, wildlife, and the natural beauty of Florida. With a heart full of compassion for all living creatures, her decision to support ARC's noble cause is a testament to her dedication to making a difference in the lives of animals in need." In addition to the auction of this exclusive painting, Robert will offer limited-time pet portrait commissions, with a portion of the proceeds earmarked for ARC's fundraising efforts. "This unique opportunity allows art enthusiasts and animal lovers alike to contribute to a meaningful cause while acquiring a cherished piece of artwork," ARC officials said. For more information about ARC’s Starlight auction or to inquire about tickets, visit

new home FROM PAGE 7 “This will return them to some kind of normalcy while they wait for this home to be completed. The loss of the other house was terribly traumatic. All they had was their overnight bags they had taken to a shelter,” Katz said. “They wanted to go back home and they couldn’t understand until we drove past the home so they could understand there was no going back.” The new home is being built with the help of Stephen R. Bowen Construction and Dwayne Bergmann Interiors. Bowen, who has worked with LARC for a while, said this is a big day. “We’ve partnered with LARC for about a decade and they lost one of their group homes in the storm. This gives them a home from the ground up and has all the features they have needed,” Bowen said. “The fact so many people showed up today shows the great way LARC will be able to continue their mission.” LARC provides 24-hour supervision in a person-centered, home-like environment where residents are provided with life-skills training. Since 1954, LARC has been dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Southwest Florida. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 80. NFMNL Theresa Mount and Vickie Chapman

www.Animalrefugecenter.com or contact Betty Hughes, Auction Director, at (239) 841-0810. Located in North Fort Myers, ARC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals in need. Committed to the welfare of all creatures, ARC strives to make a positive difference in the lives of animals through rescue efforts, education, and community outreach. The organization is a 501c3 Non-Profit animal welfare society. As the largest no-kill, no euthanasia shelter/sanctuary in SW Florida, ARC provides interim shelter and medical care to cats and dogs who were once pets, and through no fault of their own, found themselves homeless, injured, or abandoned. Its philosophy avows that once an animal is accepted into ARC's care, it will not be destroyed to make room for another. ARC places approximately 500 dogs and cats per year into responsible, loving homes through direct and indirect adoptions. ARC’s on-going mission is to provide community education as to the needs and care of animals, and public awareness regarding the importance of spaying and neutering their animal companions, with the ultimate result being the elimination of euthanasia. NFMNL

9 November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

Add a touch of whimsy — or Disney — to your decorating this year

Story by Meghan Bradbury Photos by Valarie Harring

his holiday season, as you sprinkle Christmas magic throughout your home, dream big. General Manager Anne Sheridan said The Christmas House, which has been part of the Shell Factory & Nature Park for 28 years, offers a vast variety of Christmas decorations sure to entice every visitor. “If you start thinking, it comes to you. Your heart has to be in it,” she said of decorating for the holiday season. The simple question, what do you like?, can spark an entire theme of a Christmas tree, or decorations perfectly placed around the home. “Have it come from your heart and have fun with it. Nothing can be wrong, you can’t make a mistake,” Sheridan said of finding the most beautiful decorations. “If you have a theme in mind, come on in, we will help.” For those looking for a Florida theme, there are many options as The Christmas House has ornaments galore, everything one can possibly hope for to include on their tree, friend, or loved one. Coastal ornaments are highly desired in Southwest Florida — everything from Santa on a dolphin or surfboard, to beautiful mermaids, shells, sand dollars and starfish. The beautiful thing about coastal ornaments as they can be simple and plain, to glittery and ribbons. “There’s a lot to do with it to dress it up, or leave it as it is from the ocean,” Sheridan said. “I found a new place that had the most beautiful coastal ornaments. (They are) decorated with lace and ribbon in different spots. They will be here for October and November for customers.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Various “village” collectibles are popular for more than just Christmas with Department 56 pieces bridging the season from Halloween to Christmas where Christmas in the City, the Dickens Village Series, Snow Village, A Christmas Story and more also have their faithful fans.

For collectors, the holidays are more than just Christmas Story by Meghan Bradbury Possible Dreams Santas are a popular choice and may be found at the Shell Factory Christmas House. Below, handcrafted coastal ornaments, like ribbon-dedecked shells, add Florida flair to trees and garlands.

Mickey himself welcomes visitors to the Shell Factory Christmas House. Disney collectibles are popular year round with the extraordinary Disney100 Celebration Collection now available.

n 2012 a passion took hold of one North Fort Myers resident when she purchased her first Department 56 piece for her Halloween decorations. The Southwest Florida resident first stumbled upon Department 56 when she lived in New Jersey. A the time, it was not feasible to purchase any pieces. But when the family moved to the area in 2010, and Shirley Digug found the Shell Factory’s Christmas House, her Department 56 collection just grew. “I love the Halloween, and I just started Christmas a few years ago,” she said. “Halloween, I have a massive amount of collectables for Department 56.” Digug fell in love with Department 56 because of the intricacy of the pieces and buildings. “The little lights and people and everything that moves. It is just beautiful,” she said. “I like dioramas. I like to put things together. I’m very symmetrical and everything has to match. If there is one on one side, there has to be one on the other. The kids help me because it takes me so long to set up.” Set up begins a month before the holiday. The Scaredy Cat Halloween piece, a Ferris wheel that plays music, was a first love. “I fell in love with that one piece and I just bought it this year,” Digug said. “I found it on eBay in mint condition. It has been retired for years and I couldn’t believe I found it.” Now the Scaredy Cat is used as the center piece for decorating her village this year.

Although she does not have a large space to display all of her Department 56 village pieces, she finds a way by using the back part of her kitchen where the breakfast bar chairs are, as well as the entertainment center and huge table by the door. “It is everywhere. I have four separate villages. The carnival, the vampire graveyard, witches,” Digug said. From there, she dove into Christmas with her first piece from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” “There was a woman online in Marketplace that was selling her entire collection. She let me buy it in payments and I bought it a little bit at a time. Now I buy all my stuff from the Shell Factory,” Digug said. This year she is expanding her Christmas collection, as she is “addicted.” “I like Christmas in the City. That is one of my favorites. Dickens Village too. Those are my two favorites,” Digug said. She also has a few really nice pieces from “The Christmas Story.” Before she began collecting Christmas items from Department 56, her house was already completely covered in Christmas decorations. “My mom used to decorate the ceiling of the house when we were kids. Top to bottom and everything decorated,” she said. “I loved it as a child. I still have some of her decorations. I love the holidays.” The collectables also extend to Santa Claus, as she began collecting Hallmark Santas in the '80s. “I have mom’s old ones. My tree is nothing but Santas,” Digug said. NFMNL

November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

10 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

Florida home for the holidays!

Add a touch of whimsy — or Disney — to your decorating this year

Story by Meghan Bradbury Photos by Valarie Harring

Mickey himself welcomes visitors to the Shell Factory Christmas House. Disney collectibles are popular year round with the extraordinary Disney100 Celebration Collection now available.

November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

10 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

Florida home for the holidays!

12 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

Florida home FROM PAGE 10 Hand-painted coastal ornaments on shells, sand dollars and more provide some whimsy.

Ideas to showcase the vast array of decorations within the Christmas House almost become second nature. “If you listen carefully to a customer, they don’t realize they are giving you a

great idea,” she said. “People love to share how they are doing their home. You have to listen to what your people say.” In addition, Sheridan said going to shows are over-the-top beautiful with fan-

NFMNL

November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

“Everything you can think of,” she said is part of the villages. “It’s a part of people’s lives. People like sharing it with their friends around the holidays.” Every year, it’s exciting because they come out with more parts, homes and decorations for the villages to add to the collection. “It’s a lot of imagination and love put into it. You can emulate your background, where you grew up and memories from life. You can make your own village. They are phenomenal,” she said. In addition, the Christmas House has 32 trees, providing visitors with numerous opportunities to gather ideas for their own homes. Many years ago, the upside-down tree was introduced, which many people fell in love with. “If you have a cat, the upside-down tree is the best,” Sheridan said. “They are absolutely beautiful.” The idea stemmed from a buying show she attended in Atlanta. “We are all about having fun and something different,” she said. Each tree has a different theme, such as a cocktail tree with wine and beer mugs, princesses, to a sports tree. The Christmas House is at 16554 N. Cleveland Ave. For more information, visit www.shellfactory.com, or call (239) 9952141.

tastic ideas. “We keep trying to make reasons for people to come back,” she said, adding that with holiday decorations you have to really be on your game and think every day. "We are about to make a Grinch room. That is on the horizon. We want it done by Christmas.” For collectors, or those who want to be, The Christmas House has an assortment of pieces from well-known companies, ornaments, night lights, lanterns with Christmas scenes, nutcrackers, Santa Claus figurines, The Grinch, Disney characters, snow angels, nativity figurines and buildings. Companies include Department 56, Snowbabies, Fontanini Figurines, Seraphim Angels, Willow Tree, The Trail of Painted Ponies, Charming Tails, Disney, Foundations by Enesco and Possible Dreams. “That is huge here,” Sheridan said of the collector pieces. There are so many collectors from all over the United States call or come here because we have what they are looking for. All of these are a collector’s dream.” Department 56 is one of the best village companies in the world, as it reminds people of their youth with such scenes as Christmas in the City and Dickens Village, she said. There is also a Harry Potter village, The Nightmare Before Christmas and FAO Schwartz, and North Pole fun.

14 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

Chamber hosts seventh-annual Calvin Peete Classic Story & Photography by Chuck Ballaro

he North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce hosted its seventh-annual Calvin Peete Classic at Magnolia Landing Country Club in October. Twenty teams played to benefit the organization in its biggest fundraiser of the year. And it was the most successful tournament to date, chamber officials said. The teams were completely booked for the 8 a.m. shotgun start, with several teams turned away because it was sold out. There was also a record number of sponsors, including three main sponsors and some other creative ways to raise funds. Wendy Murray, executive director at the chamber, expected to raise $20,000 to go toward scholarships and events at the chamber. “Our community is rebounding from COVID and the storm. People are ready to get out and involved in the community and do some fun things,” Murray said. This year's Classic had a few interesting opportunities. On the 18th hole, there was something called

Artifacts of Calvin Peete's career are placed at a table during the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce's Calvin Peete Golf Classic on Saturday at Magnolia Landing Country Club. the “Rotary Rocket” where the golf ball is launched from a gun in lieu of a tee shot. John Gardner was in charge of the gun, with several golfers deciding to pay $10 to have their ball shot 200-plus yards down the fairway. “People had a chance to register and they said no, but when they got out there and saw it, they changed their minds and they all wanted to do it,” Murray said.

Ryan Longo hits his tee shot on the 13th tee wearing a tutu, which raised awareness to cancer and money for the Chamber, during the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce's Calvin Peete Golf Classic at Magnolia Landing Country Club.

Brian Rink shoots his "tee shot" on the 18th hole with a ball launcher during the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce's Calvin Peete Golf Classic at Magnolia Landing Country Club. word out that we’re excited to come to the neighborhood,” said Miguel Carmona, owner-operator

of the local Culver’s. NFMNL

November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

On the par-5 13th hole, players could hit the ball from the women’s tee, nearly 100 yards closer, provided they paid $5 and wore a pink tutu. One of the teams paid $10 so that a team behind them could do it. This also raised $300 for the chamber while also showing support for those with cancer. with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked by the color pink. There were also contests you would expect to see in similar golf events such as the longest drive and closest to the tee. There was also a post-round Italian buffet, raffles and an auction. Pepper Peete, the widow of the late Calvin Peete, couldn’t make it this year after attending several times in the past. Charles Bart from the Black History Museum came with some mementos from Peete’s career. The winning team by one stroke was made up of Curt Randall, Bryan Wolcott, Ryan Patterson and Adam Trelow, who shot -21. Lee County Insurance was the title sponsor, with Ellsworth Heating & Cooling and Eagle Roofing as Eagle sponsors. Regents Bank sponsored the golf carts along with many more sponsoring holes and booze carts. “We’ve been doing this for a number of years. It’s great to see the new businesses come to town and they’re the ones who reach out to the community,” said William Barnes, owner of Ellsworth. “There are a lot of new faces here, which is good to see.” Also, representatives at Culver’s, which will be opening a new location in North Fort Myers across from Merchants Crossing toward the end of the year, gave out frozen custard to the players as they finished their round. “I came to sign up to be a member of the chamber, getting to know the members and get the

16 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

The Tommy Bohanon Foundation delivers $50,000 in sports grants to local programs

he Tommy Bohanon Foundation has delivered $50,000 in sports grants to local programs in Southwest Florida, last month awarding grants to five deserving programs. Tommy Bohanon and his wife, Katie, traveled to local high schools, dedicated to empowering young athletes on and off the field. These grants were awarded to the following programs: Mariner High School Athletics Program, North Fort Myers High School Athletics Program, Dunbar High School Athletics Program, Pathways to Opportunity Program, Riverdale High School Athletics, and Island Coast High School Athletics. The funds provided support diverse needs, from purchasing shoulder pads to renovating sports facilities and more, making a tangible difference in each school's athletic program.

"We are thrilled to support these outstanding programs that contribute to the growth and development of our local youth," said Tommy Bohanon, former NFL fullback and founder of the foundation, in a prepared statement. "Sports can be a transformative force, and we believe every young athlete deserves the opportunity to excel in a supportive environment." As a former student-athlete, Bohanon understands the challenges that come with using old and outdated equipment and is thrilled to provide opportunities that might not have otherwise been afforded to today's student-athletes. The foundation's Sports Grants Award represents another significant step in its mission to empower at-risk youth and create opportunities for their success. Since its inception in 2017, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation has donated nearly $1,000,000 back into the Southwest

On behalf of the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, Tommy and Katie Bohanon present a $10,000 check to North Fort Myers High School, part of a $50,000 donation to local sports programs./PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOMMY BOHANON FOUNDATION. Florida community. By providing financial support to these programs, the foundation contributes to the growth of local communities, allowing young athletes to reach their highest potential. The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to supporting young athletes to reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. Its programs and community outreach

events have helped countless kids in the Southwest Florida area. Opportunities to help through volunteering, participating, or donating, can be found at https://tommybohanonfoundation.org/. For more information, contact Katie Bohanon at 239-671-0441 or katie@tommybohanonfoundation.org. NFMNL

Girls Club programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. The title sponsor was Lee Health. Event sponsors included Lennar, Geraghty Stockman Attorneys at Law, Pacific Peak, Metromont, Catalyst, Sherwin Williams, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Pulte Homes, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Point Properties and BCI Pools. In-kind sponsors were Sysco, Coke Florida and Suncoast Beverage Sales. The three winning teams were: • First place: Robbie Gergley, Cisco Navas and Renny Razor

• Second place: Dylan Hissam, Kevin Hoffer, Eddie Metzger and Ross Metzger • Third place: David Beck, Eric Gutridge, Butch Moore and Andrew Starnes About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County Established in 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County serve children and teens through schoolbased, neighborhood and community club locations. The nonprofit’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. After-school and summer programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. For more information, please visit BGClee.org or call 239-3341886. NFMNL

November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

oys & Girls Clubs of Lee County raised $50,000 at its third annual Golf Tournament, which attracted 21 foursomes and 11 sponsors for a day on the links at Babcock Ranch. Held Oct. 6 at Babcock National Golf & Country Club, the golf tournament featured 18 holes of championship golf along with on-course activities, raffle prizes and a barbecue lunch. “Golf is a favorite pastime in Southwest Florida, and our supporters enjoyed an opportunity to play the game they love while generating revenue for programs that serve so many children and teens in Southwest Florida,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. Proceeds will help enhance after-school and summer programs at eight community, neighborhood and school clubs across Lee County. Boys &

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County raises $50,000 at annual golf tournament

18 North Fort Myers Neighbor Living — northfortmyersneighbor.com — November/December 2023

Wanted To Buy

Automobiles

Air Conditioning

Contractors

& $

<=47,=0<

(+ 9><0< %0,6 <=,=0

6<9 >B

!0;.0/0<

5*1.81 /, 1.0*6 0*&2 &5+&; 5.67.2* 32) *&0*5 "*59.(*)

24óHOUR SERVICE NO OVERTIME CHARGES FAMILY OWNED/OPERATED Lic#CAC1817070

,66 ,?4/

(239) 573-2086

08 >B< ?0;B=3482 .97

Medical & Health

!0;.0/0<

5*1.81 /, 1.0*6 0*&2 &5+&; 5.67.2* 32) *&0*5 "*59.(*)

,66 ,?4/

INSTANT REBATES AVAILABLE óAir Purification Systems óHigh Efficiency Systems óDuct Cleani ng Free Estimates on Replacement Systems

%)C<

239-236-5311 CMMDR.COM

Garage Sales

= 3(&0

Power Boats (+

# '&

$ + & :.00 31* #3 %38 #3 "** 7 8.(/ &6< "&0*

& #" ' &$#'

$.2(* =

= 3(&0

Apartments & Duplexes For Rent North Fort Myers COMMUNITY CRAFT FAIR THE HERITAGE

Indoor Craft Fair Saturday 12/2, 8am - 1pm (Rt 41N. 1 mile past the Shell Factory) Bake Sale Door Prizes All Day Long Raffle for 3 CASH Prizes

Bonded - Lic CBC058576 - Insured

BulldogBuildersInc.com

q q AFFORDABLEq qq

4&571*27 +35 5*27 '*)5331 '&7- $*5< 2.(* &4&571*27 *&5 300*,* /:< &( 5*,35 09) 7 <*56 *&6* 7&/* 39*5 :.7- 13 5*1&.2.2, 4*5 13 &7*) (31182.7< :.70376 3+ &1*2.7.*6 &00 3-2 &7

Condos For Rent

WE BUILD QUALITY DOCKS HAWLEY CONSTRUCTION OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ALL IN LEE COUNTY. FREE ESTIMATES www.marinedocks.net

D 960< ,6982 &0,@,66<

D&96>=498< =9 :996482 @,=0; 4.08<0/ 8<>;0/ @@@ .,7:4986,8/<.,:0 .97

Handyman 0= 70 :>= 7B B;< 91 0A:0;408.0 =9 @9;5 19; B9>

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981 LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

&9114=< >==0;< 9@8<:9>=< D$;0<<>;0 *,<3482 D$,48=482 D ,;:0= D ,748,=0 699;482 D'460 "0@ %0:,4; %02;9>=482 D 97:60=0 *99/@9;5482 D 99; *48/9@ %0:,4; D)48B6 08.482 ;00 <=47,=0<

8<>;0/

Painting

CBC026058

Concrete tors

ContracResidential/Commercia l

One-Man Painting Company

Full Service General Contractor

0,.3 $5@B "0,; ,B 00 $,;5 *)5331 &7- 852.6-*)

TOMáS CONCRETE, INC àn Tractor Service

*Additions *Remodels *Renovations

Interior & Exterior Detail Oriented Tidy and Personal

30 Years Experience Veteran Owned

No Job to Large or Small

239-560-5448

And Always Free Estimates References Furnished

Specializing in

bestorcontracting.com Licensed & Insured

HOLLY BERRY & CANDY CANE CRAFT FAIR Sat Nov 18th

Concrete Slabs Drives Patios Sidewalks

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM 2210 N Tamiami Trail

Stucco - Landscape Curbing Spray Crete - Keystone

40+ Vendors

âNo Job Too Smallã

Locally Made Arts & Crafts Paintings, Quilts, Sewn Goods Glasswork, Ornamental Cards Woodwork, Xmas & Gift Items Raffle Baskets Home Made Bakery Goods Great Place for Lunch

D 8?,<4?0 A9=4. %079?,6

Call (239) 561-8074

(32)3 32 7-* 5.9*5 327-0< +35 1327-6 4*5 1327- &00 5&2/ 3 *76

Buccaneer Estates

D'9: &946 D 466 4;= D ;,/482 D&3066 &=980 D ;9<498 98=;96 D 9= .;0,20 !9@482 D ;4?0@,B< %9,/< D <:3,6= $,=.3 &0,6 D >6?0;= $4:0< D ,8/ 60,;482

*4664,7 %4803,;= ,8/B7,8

q FREE ESTIMATESq q

Get your

call for a FREE EVALUATION BY PHONE

239-707-0654

CUSTOM DOCKS & BOAT LIFTS

& #" ' &$#'

$.2(* =

Fast Easy Appro-val

You Can Trustã Residential ¯ Commercial New Construction Remodels ¯ Repairs Room Additions

Recreation Vehicles Boat Lifts & Docks $ + & :.00 31* #3 %38 #3 "** 7 8.(/ &6< "&0*

Medical Marijuana Card

âNo Bull - Just Quality Work

Free Estimates

Household Goods 87)335 '53:2 :.(/*5 6*7 > :33) 7&'0* 7:3 039*6*&76 &2) 7:3 6.77.2, (8'*6 5&2) 2*: .2 '3; &.) 6/.2, 35 '*67 3++*5 &00

-<96>=06B

BackHoe - Grading - Fill Top Soil - Rock - Bush Hogging Pond Digging - Land Clearing We fix Drainage Problems

Laborers Wanted

239-543-3700 Cell 239-849-5375

License #CGC1532266

Thank You In Advance

Fill & Dirt Grading

(239) 339-7361 Steve

qq q q AFFORDABLEq

;7,8/9C< ';00 &0;?4.0

'4: '9: %0<.;008 $996 &.;008 %0:,4; %0<.;008 ,8/ %0:,4; 19; ,8 119;/,-60 $;4.0 ,66 9; +9>; ;00 <=47,=0

4.08<0/ ,8/ 8<>;0/ q FREE ESTIMATESq q

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981 LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

"C& & % " % $ %

$%#!$' $%# && #" & %)

% &' ! ' & 4.08<0/ 8<>;0/

"9@ 4;482 A:0;408.0/ &.;008 8<=,660;<

Sprinkler Systems & Irrigation

Tree Service

q FREE ESTIMATESq q

New Installation Includes Permit 2 Year Warranty Rain Bird Contractor A+ RATED - ANGIES LIST

Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1981 LEE#LSO200031 CAPE#06938 Sanibel #S11-000923

#5.1 #5**6 "7814 !*139&0 37 0*&5.2, &2)6(&4.2, !*6.)*27.&0 311*5(.&0

"9@ #110;482 $,?0; 8<=,66,=498

.(*26*) &2) 2685*) $ $

"& "&(% *#% %& #!$ #) % #!! % % & "'

% '# &! '% *#% &'(!$ % !#) ( ' '%( & %) *## $$ % & %) * "' '# +#(% '% (+ ! #% * ' ) % +#( " % &' ! ' &

Tony’s Tree Service

';00 %079?,6 ';00 ';477482 &=>7: ;48/482

November/December 2023 — northfortmyersneighbor.com — North Fort Myers Neighbor Living

qq q q AFFORDABLEq

Screening

Plants & Trees