120424 Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

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JOG N JAM to feature 10K/5K, kids run and concert

trepecki@breezenewspapers com

There is still time to participate in an annual fundraiser to benefit FISH of Sanibel-Captiva

The 2024 JOG N JAM will take place on Dec. 7 on the islands It will kick off in the morning with the 10K and 5K

Walk/Run at The Community House on Sanibel, including the Kids Fun Run at the Sanibel Community Park Later that evening, a concert featuring the band Funk You and fireworks on the beach will be held at the 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva

City reports on stormwater management for past season

The city of Sanibel reported that its Public Works Department actively managed the city's weirs throughout the hurricane season and proactively adjusted levels to manage potential rainfall associated with storm events

The Sanibel Slough system is the main mechanism for surface water management for portions of Sanibel between Beach Road on the east end and the Chateaux Sur Mer subdivision at its westernmost point It is used to manage freshwater storage on the island generated by rainfall and main-

County School Board

sworn in on Nov 19, the board selected it chair and vice chair, keeping the members w

roles before the Nov 5 General Election

Sam Fisher was reelected as chair and J

Fleming was re-elected as vice chair

B

Debbie Jordan, who nominated herself for both positions, voted against the motions to

roles Fisher thanked the board, as well as the

City: Contractors to begin final pass of debris pickup

The city of Sanibel reported that property owners are asked to place storm-generated debris on the public right-of-way by Dec 8 to ensure pick up by its contractor

Additionally, the city has secured authorization from FEMA for reimbursement of debris removal costs for commercial properties, including condominiums Commercial properties may now place storm-generated debris in the public right-of-way by Dec 8

The public right-of-way is the area of property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement

Starting on Dec 8, once the debris trucks make their final passes on streets picking up debris, they will not return and it will be the responsibility of the property owner to properly remove the debris

Separate the debris as follows:

∫ Vegetative debris (whole trees, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks and other leafy material)

∫ Building demolition debris (damaged components of buildings and structures such lumber and wood, wall board, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings, and fixtures)

∫ Appliances/white goods (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers and water heaters)

∫ Electronic waste (computers, televisions and office electronic equipment)

∫ Household hazardous waste (materials that are ignitable, reactive, toxic or corrosive such as paints, cleaners and pesticides)

Only loose debris will be collected; bagged debris should not be placed on the public right-of-way It is a requirement of FEMA for the city to be reimbursed for storm debris pickup

Make every attempt to avoid stacking debris below low hanging power or utility lines. Do not place debris within 4 feet of mailboxes, water meters, fire hydrants and any other above ground utility

As debris is cleared, it is likely nails, screws and small pieces of material may be dropped in the roadway To prevent flat tires, property owners are asked to collect and dispose of any small items

For more information, contact Public Works at 239-472-6397

CITY OF SANIBEL

OPINIONS

Web Poll

Previous Question

How did you commemorate veterans Day this year?

∫ Attended ceremony, 50% (2)

∫ Visited family/friends, 0% (0)

∫ Did not do anything, 50% (2)

∫ Other, 0% (0)

Current Question

How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?

∫ Home with family/friends

∫ Out to eat for dinner

∫ Went to beach/out on boat

∫ Worked/volunteered

∫ Other

Be proactive to keep health care affordable

Open enrollment is the yearly period during which people can enroll in, renew or change their health insurance coverage for the upcoming year

There are several ways to enroll for health insurance in the coming months:

Open Enrollment for health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Exchange is now open and continues through Jan 15

Many employers who offer insurance to their employees also have open enrollment to select health insurance for the coming year, usually between October and December

Medicare Open Enrollment is from now to Dec 7

Guest

Healthcare.gov (the ACA Marketplace) has promised improved user experience, simplified plan choices and potential state variations during sign-up And for the first time this year, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients can enroll in Marketplace plans

No matter how simple the enrollment process is, it can still be confusing Questions regarding what’s covered, what’s not covered, in-network, out-of-network, deductible, copays and much more are an annual refrain nationwide.

As a result of varying levels of coverage and annual changes typical for health insurance, everyone, whether signing up in the Marketplace or not, should take the initiative to ensure their plans provide the expected coverage

Many people are unaware that some plans don’t cover primary, preventive and hospital

An islander's dilemma To the editor:

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, I am wondering whether “Weather Central” has it in for Sanibel and her coastal neighbors Are the long stretches between consequential storms getting shorter? A whole 13 years passed after Hurricane Charley blew through before Irma thrashed her way up Florida’s west coast in 2017 Just five years later, Ian punished Sanibel with his “dirty side” winds and 8-10-foot surge, and two months ago, Helene and Milton landed successive blows on the islands just as they’d begun to show new life

I moved to Sanibel in 2021 after 40 years of vacation visits a familiar story My spouse and I chose a ground-level “Michigan” home in Gulf Pines as our new full-time residence, one of only three not elevated. Our community is an eco-friendly interior wetland

care at Lee Health In fact, several Marketplace plans currently exclude Lee Health as a participating provider Without full coverage for the medical care provided by trusted doctors across our entire network of services, your healthcare costs could increase significantly

For example, a few of the plans on Healthcare gov will cover your visits to your Lee Health primary care physician with in-network and less expensive coverage, but coverage at Lee Health hospitals may be out of network, and more expensive for you, on the same plan

In emergencies, Lee Health’s emergency departments are open to everyone, regardless of insurance coverage. Federal law mandates emergency departments to provide care without considering a patient’s ability to pay or insurance status However, that doesn’t mean your visit is free If your insurance plan does not include Lee Health, you could be responsible for the cost of care

Here are some reasons to make sure you review your health insurance plans: If you already have Marketplace coverage, you’ll automatically be re-enrolled in the same plan for the next year if you do not make changes. It is worth checking to see if your current plan’s coverages or participating providers have changed That way, you can select another plan if needed

Commercial health insurance plans, like employer options, may also offer varying levels of coverage at Lee Health

Not all healthcare practitioners who provide services in Lee Health’s hospitals participate in

Letters to the Editor

of 100-plus homes begun in 1973, purposely designed with native species and gravel/shell roads to invite the gamut of flora and fauna right into our midst Bobcats, coyotes routinely saunter through, resident gators catch rays at the edge of our lagoons, and great flights of shorebirds often mistake us for the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and convene in our waters

But, for Gulf Pines, already at the lowest elevation on the island, recent storms are exacting a toll Flooding is more severe, high water lasts longer and for all of us islanders, it’s more frequent It’s become an ongoing conversation In our case, Ian brought 58 inches of sea water and left behind a sodden, total loss, except for concrete block and slab

Reactions to this frequency of nasty storms have run the gamut, some feeling emotionally drained and worn out, others just trying hard to sort it out logically So, what is going on? And

the same health insurers or health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that Lee Health does Medicare plans are also facing changes. Cigna Medicare Advantage Plan is discontinuing its individual PPO Medicare Advantage

include Lee Physician Group primary care providers as preferred, while still including Lee Health hospitals and specialists. Patients who continue to see Lee Physician Group primary care doctors on this plan may incur additional costs in 2025

For individuals uncertain about their coverage by insurance plans or HMOs, we recommend contacting both your insurance provider and Lee Health's billing department to confirm Lee Health is a network or preferred provider on any plan This proactive step ensures clarity for details such as copayments, deductibles and any additional costs Understanding the financial aspect of your healthcare journey is crucial to avoiding unexpected bills

Selecting the right health insurance to cover your medical care requires a thorough understanding of your insurance plan, network status and available financial assistance options. Proactively addressing these considerations during open enrollment ensures you can access the services you need while minimizing financial strain As the healthcare landscape evolves, staying informed and engaged in your health decisions remains paramount for a healthier future.

To check if you are covered on the Marketplace with Lee Health, visit LeeHealth org/OpenEnrollment

Dr. Larry Antonucci is president and chief executive officer of Lee Health For more information, visit https://www leehealth org/

what, if anything, can we on Sanibel do about it?

At one level, the answer is obvious elevate (which we are doing) At another level, answers are elusive A world of factors is in play, affecting when, where and how much, that identifying our options as a city, and individually as residents, takes time and patience Adaptation proceeds no faster than understanding, and our island population has begun to realize an important distinction in flood types those that result from rain, and those produced by a storm surge

Two elongated basins (usually referred to as the Sanibel “slough” or “river”), dredged in the 1950s (an east and a west, each three and five miles in length), allow the city a modest degree of flood water management over perhaps 75% of the island’s total area Two weirs, installed at Tarpon Bay and at Beach Road in

See LETTERS, page 21

The

Dr Larry Antonucci
Commentary

CIHS mourns loss of board member, volunteer

Chances are, if you ever attended an event on Sanibel or Captiva over the past decade or so, you may have met Molly

Downing She was an everenthusiastic volunteer involved in many island organizations

Among those groups was the Captiva Island Historical

Society. Downing joined the CIHS in 2014, most recently serving as secretary of the board of directors

D o w n i n g , s m i l i n g a n d a l w a y s impeccably dressed, was often the first person to welcome guests at the registration table

Downing died on Oct 17 at her home in Chagrin Falls, Ohio

The CIHS is mourning the loss of her involvement, wisdom and

support.

“Molly was the consummate volunteer,” CIHS President Tom Libonate said “We are a working board of all volunteers, and Molly was always volunteering for everything ”

After an impressive career in education, Downing enjoyed sharing her wisdom with others, always exuding style and charm Her many talents enhanced the historical society, particularly her expert-

Outreach program connects youth to coastal ecosystem

On Nov 16, middle and high school

s t u d e n t s f r o m N e w H o r i z o n s o f Southwest Florida in Fort Myers traveled out to the islands to take part in a No Child Left On Shore field trip

A joint outreach initiative between the S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n Foundation (SCCF) and Captiva Cruises, the program provides youth who rarely interact with the local coastal ecosystem the opportunity to experience it up close

The SCCF reported that 32 students and four New Horizons staff boarded Captiva Cruises' Playtime with the crew

a n d S C C F e n v i r o n m e n t a l e d u c a t o r Richard Finkel for an afternoon of cruising, shoreline exploration and environmental discovery

No Child Left On Shore fills the need of providing local youth with an informative and fun way to gain experiential knowledge of the ecology of the region's marine environment The enriching initia-

tive enables local youth to form a deeper connection to their coastal surroundings and sparks their curiosity

The initiative was founded in 2010 by C a p

Cruises, as a collaborative effort with the SCCF.

The SCCF acknowledged the support of The L A T Foundation, Charlotte

, Shirley Schlossman and other donors who help to sustain the program For more information or

rfinkel@sccf.org.

ise in grammatical structure, which was invaluable in fine tuning communications

“Molly was the definition of a lady,” he added, noting that she leaves a legacy among the organizations she touched In addition to the CIHS, Downing volunteered at the Captiva Island Yacht Club, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends

, which includes the Captiva Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:

Adult programs

∫ Today, Dec 4: Online Author Event with Jeff Post from 2 to 3 p m

Join us for an absolutely dazzling presentation with the emeritus curator of the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection, Dr Jeffrey E Post He will talk about “

m Collection Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels ” The event is part of t h

s S e

e s Registration is required

Migration from 10 to 11:30 a m

Immigration has played a significant role in shaping the world as we know it For many, the stories of our ancestors' journeys to new lands are a fundamental part of our family histories The program will cover information about ethnicity and m

family names sequences Registration is required before Dec 9 at 8 p m ∫ Dec 11: Online Author Event with Laura Dave from 2 to 3 p m

Molly Downing
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

CCA kicks off season series

The Captiva Civic Association hosted its Porch & Patio Season Kick Off Party on Nov. 11 at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva. Bringing together friends and neighbors to celebrate community spirit, the event featured live music, refreshments, and a variety of drinks.

CIHS mourns loss

Conservation Foundation.

Her energy also extended into athletics, as she was an avid tennis player and kayaker

“Her inherent poise, grace and gen-

From page 6

Libonate said “She will be missed by so many within the island community that she loved and worked hard to make better ”

Library programs

Join us for a captivating conversation with No 1 New York Times bestselling author of “The Last Thing He Told Me,” Laura Dave She will chat about her new book, “The Night We Lost Him.” The event is part of the Online Author Events Series Registration is required

∫ Dec 11: Online All About Strokes Presentation from 3 to 4 p m

Morgan VanDyke, registered nurse and community liaison with Assisting Hands Home Care, will share information on strokes such as warning signs, risk factors

From page 6

and treatment She will speak from her experiences as a nurse and from her personal experience caring for family members at home Registration is required before Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

Download books, stream video and o t h e r o n

a t www leelibrary net

The Captiva Memorial Library remains closed post-storms

The library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva

CAPTIVA CIVIC ASSOCIATION

BUSINESS

Business Notes

Chamber to host business luncheon

The SanCap Chamber will hold its next business luncheon on Dec 11 from 11:30 a m to 1 : 3

, Sanibel

T

will be Sanibel Fire and

Department Police Chief William Dalton and Captiva Island Fire District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul They will speak about current operations in their respective departments post Hurricane Milton.

Cost is $35 for chamber members

Chamber speakers explore education for growing workforce

Economic Development Office Director John Talmage have one thing in common: their concern for Lee County's ability to educate a workforce to meet future needs

T

Chamber's business luncheon on Nov 13 at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel

Talmage talked about future industry growth and the aging of today’s workforce to illustrate shortcomings in available skilled trades and medical staffing on the road ahead

“Unfortunately, right now we’re facing a gap of 200,000 workers from people both retiring and new jobs coming into the area that we have to fill in the next three to five years,” he said. “That’s a lot of workforce. That’s a lot of housing We just don’t have the educational infrastructure we need to fully prepare our workforce for the future ”

Talmage spoke of government grants and other programs that are targeting the problem through Florida SouthWestern State College and Florida Gulf Coast University and mentioned a medical school that will open in the near future

“We can’t build enough schools quickly enough,” he said “This is all a challenge But one of the bright lights in all of this has been the Harlem Heights Foundation Because Kathryn came to me seven-and-a-half years ago and said, 'We’re going to build a 60,000-square-foot technical college ’”

Registration is required by Dec 6 at 5 p m at sanibel-captiva org or by contacting Aaron Walton at a a r o n @ s

g o r 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 8 7 5 9

Payment is due at the time of registration

City reminds of rental proper ty criteria

The city of Sanibel reminded the community that most homes on the island may only be rented for a minimum of four consecutive weeks

Those interested in renting their property should ensure that they have a rental dwelling license and business tax receipt

To view the Sanibel Code on permitted use of residential dwellings, visit https://library municode com /fl/sanibel/codes/code of ordinances?nodeId=SPBL ADECO CH126ZO ARTVIIREDI

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 t h e P l a n n i n g Department at 239-472-4136 or sanplan@mysanibel com

For more information about licensing, call the Finance Department at 239-472-9615

Sanibel Sea School to provide scholarships

The Sanibel Sea School is now a provider for Step Up For Students scholarships in Florida

It reported that the action not only reflects its dedication to providing top-quality educational services, but it also opens up new opportunities for families seeking financial assistance for their children's ocean education

Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to low-income and special-needs students, empowering them to attend the schools that best fit their unique learning needs It offers multiple scholarship programs, such as the F l o r i d a T a x C r e d i t S c h o l a r s h i p , F a m i l y Empowerment Scholarship and Hope Scholarship

See BUSINESS NOTES, page 10

Kelly explained how the foundation has progressed from its outreach mission and after-school and summer programs for Harlem Heights students to an elementary school and now to its latest goal to build a $42 million technical school

“Now we’ve got kids graduating from high school, now what do we do? Because a lot kids aren’t going to college, and we know that, but we want them to get a

See CHAMBER, page 11

Director John Talmage was one of the guest speakers at the SanCap Chamber's business luncheon on Nov 13 on Sanibel

Rotar y Club holds meetings with speakers

P

Kevin Barbot William Dalton
Jeff Pawul
SANCAP CHAMBER
Officer Kathryn Kelly as one of its guest speakers at its business luncheon on Nov 13 on Sanibel
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROTARY CLUB
From left, The Heights Foundation community advocate Monica Lopez and Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club President Rachel Tritaik

F

scholarship-provider/.

For more information about Step Up For Students and the eligibility requirements, visit https://www stepupforstudents org/

SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA ISLANDS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

SCIAR holds Lunch & Lear n event

Th e S an ib el an d C ap tiv a I s lan d s A s s o ciatio

Realtors (SCIAR) recently hosted a Lunch & Learn focused on hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts for a stronger future

It brought together real estate professionals and local contractors to discuss the latest strategies for rebuilding and fortifying homes on the islands following two backto-back hurricanes Key sponsors Alair Homes, Newport P r o p e r t y C o n s t r u c t i o n a n d S u n s e t B u i

Maintenance offered insights into the rebuilding process

SCIAR noted that the event underscored the importance of collaboration, education and forward-thinking strategies necessary for preparing homes for the future.

THE SANIBEL CAPTIVA TRUST COMPANY

From left, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company founder and Chairman S. Albert D. Hanser, author Annabelle Tometich and trust company Fort Myers President Megan Marquardt. Trust company kicks off speaker series

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company opened its 202425 “Wisdom of Women” speaker series by hosting local author Annabelle Tometich, whose memoir “The Mango Tree” has drawn acclaim from The New York Times, NPR, The Washington Post and others

Held on Nov 15 at MacIntosh Books + Paper on Sanibel, she discussed the inspiration behind her humorous witty book, which has a tagline of “A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony ”

The speaker series highlights topics of interest that transcend through the phases of a woman's life, presenting strategies to navigate the world of giving, saving, caregiving and advancement while leaving a personal legacy

Dr Jessica Comolli

CROW director ear ns ACZM distinction

announced that Research and Medical Director Dr Jessica Comolli has become a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM)

She is now a recognized board certified specialist in zoological medicine, which includes reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, birds and non-domesticated mammals.

Comolli joins a group of under 300 similarly qualified specialists in the world, and she is the first veterinarian at CROW to receive the distinction

The ACZM is a global leader in the health and welfare of zoological species through excellence in training, education, and certification of specialists in zoological medicine Zoological medicine is a discipline that integrates clinical sciences, preventive medicine, and ecology to advance the health, wellbeing, and conservation of freeliving and managed wildlife and non-traditional companion species

CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE

Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club members and Community Housing and Resources

Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale, center seated.

decent job,” she said “Our mission is to build self-sufficient families and to do that, you have to have a decent job ”

Before Hurricane Ian caused a serious setback to its plans, the foundation began plotting a way to provide a “decent education” post high school that would prepare students for the needs of the community

“So, the whole reason we were building a career tech school in Harlem Heights was for our folks in the community,” Kelly said “It’s going to help everybody

in Lee County and Southwest Florida ”

With $18 million left to raise on the project, she hopes to begin construction by March with the goal of starting classes in the fall of 2026 Fields of study will include construction trades, automobile and marine engine labs, health care skills, and culinary arts

“Every child is valuable, and I believe this career tech school is a bold way of making sure they don’t fall through the cracks,” Kelly said

Kiwanis holds meeting with speaker

Resources Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale as its

meeting She highlighted the work of CHR, which stands as the first affordable housing program of its kind in the

annually The club meets on Tuesdays at 8 a m at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club,

Sanibel For more information, visit www sanibelkiwanis org

“Together, Kathryn and John made a strong case for providing more opportunities to round out the workforce for island b u s i n e s s e s a n d b e y o n d , ” c h a m b e r

President and Chief Executive Officer

John Lai said “As close to the islands as Harlem Heights is, the community has long staffed our island restaurants, hotels, and service businesses. We must support this effort ”

In other announcements, Lai outlined three new programs through the chamber,

Foundation of the Islands and others, that will help island businesses procure lowinterest loans for hurricane recovery. The luncheon was sponsored by R L R

Relations Ali Kendall spoke about the firm's community commitment, including the announcement of the Village Wine Bar & Bistro to open in the Village Shops next year

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB

PRESERVING PARADISE

REFUGE/DDWS

Betty Bishop gives back to the J N “Ding”

N

years of wildlife enjoyment it has afforded her.

Refuge donor funds annual WoW internship

As a clinical child psychologist in private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Betty Bishop sees daily the importance of education at all levels. As a devoted, 50-year fan of the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, she understands the need to support environmental education with the end goal of maintaining a supply of conservation stewards to carry forward the refuge’s mission to protect wildlife

Bishop discovered the refuge in 1963 while visiting family in Naples Since 2010, her visits to the island include almost daily birding excursions along Wildlife Drive and the Bailey Tract As a result, Bishop established the permanently endowed Betty Bishop Education Fund with the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) in 2021 to support a variety of education initiatives

She also saw, however, the need to support a refuge intern, and since she loves the work of the Wildlife on Wheels (WoW) mobile classroom, she chose to support it through her IRA minimum distributions

“I see the importance of nature for all generations, and ‘Ding’ Darling is in my heart,” Bishop said “I believe in the need for the next generation to learn about birds, mammals, plants, insects, and marine life, so they realize the importance of protecting places like national wildlife refuges around the country. The WoW interns are today’s environmental teachers, and what better way to support the WoW effort than through an annual internship ”

“'Ding' Darling is at the heart of the island, and friends like Betty and so many others hold the refuge in their own hearts, making a very real difference,” DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman said “Supporting internships is vital to fostering the next generation of environmental stewards Internships offer hands-on experience, equipping young conservationists with skills in wildlife management, environmental education, and research. By supporting interns, we are investing in the future of these precious ecosystems and cultivating a passionate workforce dedicated to protecting our planet’s natural resources ”

For more information about funding an intern, contact Wildman at 239-789-8991 or wildman@dingdarlingsociety org

SCCF, Audubon to host bird walk

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society will host a bird walk on Dec 10 from 7:30 to 9:30 a m at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Participants will observe various songbirds, wading birds, shorebirds and other avian species that call Sanibel home either year-round or in fall and winter Binoculars are recommended The walk is free, but registration is required Parking is free For more information or to register, visit

Shell museum to host guided walk

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum &

Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers Participants will search for land snails, document their sightings for the benefit of science, and explore the flora and fauna The walk is free, but advance registration is required Parking is free For more information or to register, contact Jorden Falker at jfalker@shellmuseum org

Coastal Watch to hold mangrove day

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Coastal Watch will host an Adopt-A-Mangrove Adoption Day on Dec 11 from 9 to 11 a m at the Bailey Homestead Preserve, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel The program invites local community members to “adopt” mangrove seedlings to nurture at home Those interested can pick up their seedlings and all needed supplies at the event Adopted plants will eventually be returned and planted at an SCCF restoration site To RSVP for the event, visit https://www facebook com/ sancapcoastalwatch/events For more information about the program, visit https://sccf org/adoptamangrove/ COASTAL WATCH

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Refuge welcomes visitor services intern

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel recently welcomed a new intern for the 2024-25 season The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) is supporting Olivia “Liv” Hay as this year's Sue Tray Memorial Visitor Services intern

Originally from Somerset, Pennsylvania, she moved to Sanibel from St Petersburg, where she worked in a small, family-owned boutique while earning a double major in animal studies and psychology at Eckerd College

At the refuge, she will assist Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland with programs and services for visitors Former, longtime island resident Hal Tray established the permanently endowed internship in memory of his wife through the DDWS It guarantees ongoing funding for one intern annually to assist the refuge visitor services staff

“I am excited to work on and develop my weekly program that I will get to do at the refuge as part of our free winter programs,” Hay, who has been impressed by the warm

welcome she received from refuge personnel, said. “I am not positive on what topic or activity I will plan just yet, but I have a few ideas brewing ”

The DDWS provides housing, living stipends and other benefits for six to eight interns each year Since Hurricane Ian destroyed onsite intern housing, the DDWS has procured off-site housing with the intent to build on-site housing in the future

“We welcome Liv’s energy and enthusiasm,” Westland said “She brings fresh ideas and perspective to our mission to reach people of all ages with the refuge’s conservation message ”

The DDWS currently stewards four named internships for the 2024-25 year and is accepting donations for future named intern funds For information about supporting the internship programs, contact DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991

REFUGE/DDWS

Olivia Hay will assist the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge team with welcoming and educating visitors

Isl and lIvIng

SPD releases weekly blotter

The Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued to include recent information about law enforcement response to criminal activity.

Arrests

∫ Noel Aguilar Rodriguez, 33, of 8368 Beacon Blvd , Fort Myers, was charged on Nov 21 with one count of operate motor vehicle without valid license first conviction.

∫ Viktor Chance Knight, 18, of 7727 Breeze Drive, North Fort Myers, was charged on Nov 20 with two counts of drive while license suspended revocation equivalent status and one count of fail to register motor vehicle

∫ Jose Guadalupe Morales Victoriano, 21, of 12131 Live Oak Drive, Fort Myers, was charged on Nov 25 with one count each of operate motor vehicle without valid license second conviction and out-ofcounty warrant

∫ Jesse Warren Trumpp, 42, of 717 Castlestone Ave. S., Lehigh Acres, was charged on Nov. 22 with one count each of probation violation and drive while license suspended revoked revocation equivalent status third subsequent violation

Other enforcement actions

∫ On Nov 19, a records check during a traffic stop revealed the driver had an expired driver’s license The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for driving with a suspended license The driver’s license and vehicle license plate were seized, and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

∫ On Nov 19, a records check during a traffic stop revealed the driver had a canceled driver’s license The driver was subsequently issued a notice to appear for driving with a suspended license Arrangements were made to remove the vehicle from the scene

Enforcement operations statistics

From Nov 19-25:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 7

∫ 911 non-emergency calls: 9

∫ Traffic crashes: 1

∫ Radar details: 53

∫ Traffic stops: 38

Citations issued: 14

Written warnings issued: 0

Verbal warnings issued: 29

∫ Residential area checks: 426

∫ Business area checks: 233

∫ Total area checks: 948

∫ Reported burglaries: 0

∫ Reported thefts: 0

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,196

November 2024 to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 21

∫ Non-emergency calls: 45

∫ Traffic crashes: 3

∫ Radar details: 179

∫ Traffic stops: 217

Citations issued: 68

Written warnings issued: 1

Verbal warnings issued: 147

∫ Residential area checks: 1,423

∫ Business area checks: 674

∫ Total area checks: 3,223

Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics

The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children W i t h s u p

Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders The next one will take place on Dec 11 at 2 p m with Laura Dave, New York Times bestselling author of “The Last Thing He Told Me ” She will chat about her new book, “The Night We Lost Him ” Dave is the author of several novels, including “Eight Hundred Grapes ” Her novels have been translated into 36 languages and six of them, including “The Night We Lost Him,” have been optioned for film and television

A question-and-answer session with the author will follow

See LIBRARY, page 15

SPD under goes gator training

Sanibel Police Department o f f i c e

y trained on capturing alligators on the island by officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

SANIBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT

SANIBEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Sanibel Public Library will host a virtual author talk on Dec 11 with Laura Dave

T o r e g

https://libraryc org/sanlib/upcoming

Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled:

Creative Writing Program will be held today, Dec 4, from 1 to 2 p m Attendees can bring their work to share and get feedback on, workshop their ideas, and have some dedicated time to work on new writing prompts and projects The program is welcome to all ages, but caters towards an adult audience

Today, Dec 4, Crafternoon will take place from 3 to 4:30 p m The project will be “Painted Mini Wood Slice Ornaments ” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance.

A Book Club Discussion will be held on Dec 5 from 2 t o 3 : 3 0 p m

Apothecary” by Sarah Penner Staffers will lead the discussion

On Dec 5, LEGO Club will take place from 3 to 4 p m Participants can meet new friends, create a masterpiece, play and display their creation

Game Night will be held on Dec 5 from 5:30 to 7:30

Blotter From page 14

∫ Reported burglaries: 0

∫ Reported thefts: 4

∫ Total CAD calls: 4,203

Impor tant reminders

Recreation Center and are valid through N o v 3 0 , 2 0 2 5 T

e 2 0 2 4 p

expired on Nov 30; a 2025 permit is now required

Roadside parking is not allowed on Sanibel and is enforceable with a $150 fine

p m Beat the traffic and pass the time by exploring the library's gaming section There will be an array of board games to choose from. Snacks will be provided.

On Dec 6, Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will take place from 10:30 to 11 a m Sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity The program will include an art/craft center

Life and Contributions of Stephen Hawking will be held on Dec 6 from 11 a m to noon IT librarian Andrew Dyen-Shapiro will discuss the life, legacy and groundbreaking contributions of Stephen Hawking Attendees will discover the journey of one of history's most renowned theoretical physicists and they will explore how his work reshaped the understanding of the universe.

On Dec 7, Strengthen & Stretch with Ms Robin will take place from 10 to 10:30 a m for ages 4-10 The class will combine energetic movements, playful stretches and calming breathwork Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle and towel

Baby & Toddler Storytime and Playdate will be held on Dec 10 from 10:30 to 11 a m Open to ages 4 and under, babies and their caregivers will take part in a short

When leaving Sanibel, motorists are encouraged to travel east on Periwinkle Way In order to minimize the number of

neighborhoods and increase traffic flow, priority is being given to vehicles eastbound on Periwinkle Motorists using Bailey Road southbound, Lindgren northbound and Periwinkle westbound may experience additional delays as traffic flows are adjusted for efficiency

Ramp:

∫ Parking and boat launching fee is $40 per day

story time, sensory play, literacy activities and more

On Dec 10, STEM: Light Up Holiday Cards will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Youths will make their own light up holiday cards Participants will be able to choose a circuit-machine designed card, decorate it and create a DIY electrical circuit to make the card light up

Crafternoon will be held on Dec 11 from 3 to 4:30 p m The project will be “Gingerbread House ” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance

For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://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 library is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a m to 8 p m and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a m to 5 p m

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit https://sanlib org/

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

weekends and holidays is with AC/BC permit only

∫ Commercial use is prohibited

∫ Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $500

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

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

https://www facebook com/SanibelPolice

THE DUNES WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION

Jill Johnson shot a hole-in-one on Nov. 18 at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club on Sanibel.

DWGA holds tourney, reports on hole-in-one

The Dunes Women's Golf Association (DWGA) held a tournament on Nov 15 with a best odd/best even format at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club on Sanibel

Best odd holes went to Lesley Simmons for first place, Darby Ziruk for second place and June Muench for third place. For the even holes, first place went to Mary Cavendish, second place to Lesley Simmons and third place to Sandy Sauer

On Nov 22 at The Dunes, the DWGA played a Stableford points format June Muench won the first flight and Cathy Sleiter won the second flight.

Additionally, Jill Johnson shot a hole-in-one on Nov 18 on the par 3, sixth hole at The Dunes She used a 9 iron for the 87-yard hole It was Johnson's second hole-in-one

If interested in joining the DWGA, contact June Muench at jamtwo@comcast net

Zonta registering players for ‘Peekleball’

The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida will host the new Peekleball Volley Against Violence tournament on Dec 1415 at the Sundial Resort & Spa on Sanibel

“Peekleball” is a nod to the club's annual Peek at the Unique home tour on the islands

The tourney will serve as a charitable fundraising activity supporting Zonta's 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence an annual international campaign that aims to inspire action and end violence against women and girls Gender-based violence includes psychological, physical and sexual violence, sexual harassment, child marriage, and human trafficking

All of the tournament funds raised will be distributed in local grants that support Zonta's mission to build a better world for women and girls, to halt gender-based violence and to aid victims of the same

“In addition to pickleball play at all levels for doubles, mixed and singles, there will be pickleball-related sales, auctions and giveaways,” event organizer and Zontian Barbara Beran said

“The first day of play will start off with an honor guard, courtesy of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which will also bring its ICRT (Ice Cream Response Team) truck with free ice cream and Robbie, the RoboDog, who will offer photo opportunities,” she added

The registration cost is $75

The deadline to register is Dec 10

In addition to the Sundial, event sponsors include CPX Pickleball, Engage Pickleball, Kingfisher Real Estate, Lee

ZONTA CLUB OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida will host the Peekleball Volley Against Violence tournament on Dec 14-15 at the Sundial Resort & Spa on Sanibel

County Sheriff’s Office, On Island, Paddletek, PickleBelle, Rauch Brands, Sanibel Carts, Selkirk Sport and Tunaskin

For more information or to register, visit https://zontasancap com/

For more information about sponsorships, visit online or contact info@ZontaSanCap com

The Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel

Motor club to hold monthly event

The San Cap Motor Club will hold its next Cruise-in on Dec 7 from 9 to 11 a m at the Periwinkle Place Shops, at 2 0 7 5 P e r i w i n k l e W a y , Sanibel Coffee and donuts will be provided The event is open to the public; no registrat

club com/

SAN CAP MOTOR CLUB

Beach renourishment resumes at Lighthouse Beach Park

The city of Sanibel reported that phase II of the beach renourishment project is underway at the Lighthouse Beach Park Crews will place approximately 105,000 tons of sand to strengthen the beach coastline and protect the Sanibel Lighthouse. The project is part of the larger beach renourishment activities that took place earlier this year and was paused for sea turtle nesting season

Work is expected to be completed by mid-January

Key points on the project:

∫ W o r k w i l l t a k e p l a c e M o n d

y through Friday from 6 a m to 6 p m

∫ The two bayside parking lots will remain open while construction is underway.

∫ Crews will temporarily close portions of the beach to the public while placing sand

∫ For your safety, please follow all signage and verbal instructions provided by the parking lot and beach attendants

Stay clear of equipment and construction areas

“We appreciate your patience as we

resiliency project As witnessed over this very active hurricane season, our beaches play a vital role in protecting our coastlines and interior island structures,” the

Debbie, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton produced significant storm surge

t

island, the damage caused by these events would be far worse without the buffering effect of robust and healthy beaches ”

Additional Sanibel beach parks that are

Beach Park (Algiers), Bowman's Beach Park, Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park, and the Sanibel Boat Ramp Beach Park For

or sandnr@mysanibel

CITY OF SANIBEL

“We've had our 5K/10K now for many years It is our second year with the concert,” FISH Executive Director Maria Espinoza said, explaining that they added the JAM portion to attract more people to take part in the fun and support their mission “It's the way we fundraise for all of our programming ”

The only wrap-around social service agency on the islands, it provides essential support through food programs, education, senior services and emergency financial assistance, plus disaster recovery aid

She noted that FISH only does two fundraisers each year.

“They support our work year-round and what we do to give back to our community,” Espinoza said

For the JOG portion, day of registration will take place from 6 to 6:45 a m

The 10K and 5K will follow at 7 a m

Both races will be timed by Lin-Mark S p o r t s u s i n g t h e C

g System

The Kids Fun Run will be held at 9 a m

“We've got people cheering all along the race route, a great awards ceremony afterwards,” she said “We even have the smallest, littlest of our runners participating It really is a fun family event ”

The cost is $45 through Dec 6, with a

$10 discount for ages 16 and under Day of cost is $55

Open to ages 10 and under, the Kids Fun Run is free, but participants must sign up

Every runner will receive a finisher's m

s include top female and male overall, first place female and male, and age groups Team registration is open until Dec 6 at 6 p m

Additionally, a 10K/5K virtual option is available for $50 through Dec 7

To register in advance or for more information, including the course map, p r e

times, and parking sites for participants, visit https://www fishofsancap org/jog-njam/

The JAM portion will kick off at 5:30 p m

“We're so excited for the concert It's really one of the only events of its kind on the island,” Espinoza said, explaining that 'Tween Waters is the perfect venue “We have a wonderful band coming into town They're just as funky and fun as their name suggests ”

Funk You is a dynamic eight-piece band with an intoxicating mix of modern and vintage sounds From soulful grooves to high-energy beats, their passion for live

performance leaves the audience buzzing

“At intermission, we'll have a wonderful fireworks show going on,” she said.

Attendees are welcome to bring beach chairs or blankets

Food and beverages will be available for purchase

No outside alcohol, beverages or food will be permitted

In addition, FISH will sell tickets for r a f f l e p

i z e s p r o v i d e d b y c o m m u n i t y members, including experiences and baskets For those not attending, tickets will also be available for purchase at the JOG event in the morning, as well as on Dec. 6 at the FISH center, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

The concert tickets cost $75 for adults and $25 for ages 7-17 through Dec 6

“We definitely have tickets still available,” Espinoza said last week

There will be limited parking at 'Tween Waters, so overflow parking will be available at Castaways Beach & Bay Cottages, with shuttle transportation from the lot to the resort included in the price

If concert tickets are still available the day of, they will cost $150 for adults

To purchase tickets or for more inform a t i o n , v i s i t

https://www fishofsancap org/jog-n-jam/ FISH thanked its JOG N JAM spon-

sors

“Without whom we could not do this event,” she said, noting that many are businesses that have been impacted by the storms the last two years, yet still felt strongly about supporting FISH's mission

Residents and visitors are invited to take part in the celebration of community

“JOG N JAM is a fun event, but at the end of the day, it's a way to support our vital efforts in disaster recovery and our l o n g - t e r m a s s i s t a n c e p r o g r a m m i n g efforts,” Espinoza said

“It promises to be a really, really great weekend for the island and a testament to the strength and resiliency of our community, despite the impacts we've faced,” she added

For more information or questions, visit the website or call FISH at 239-4724775

For those interested, event merchand

8 2 0 667 myshopify com/

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

The Sanibel Community Park is at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

The 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa is at 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva

School board

prior board, for having faith in him to serve in the position

“I appreciate that. We’ve gotten a lot done in these past two years We are in a good spot I am excited for the future of this board I am looking forward to putting the pedal to the metal,” he said

The board also approved the action meeting dates for next year, which include Jan 7, Feb 4, March 4, April 8, May 6, June 3, July 29, Aug 5, Sept 9, Oct 7, Nov 4 and Dec 9

Before the date calendar passed 6-1 with Jordan’s dissenting vote, Jordan made

Stormwater

From page 1

an amendment to the motion to include Feb 19, April 23, June 17, Aug 19 and Oct. 21 as additional board meetings.

“I am asking for the additional meetings We have always had two meetings for our action board meetings If we look at counties and cities around us multiple meetings a month I believe we need to have meetings to have conversations,” she said “I am putting this motion forward to add these additional meetings so we can do the work of the board

N

Schools Dr Denise Carlin said they can

From page 1

tain the freshwater basins of Sanibel, while protecting properties against rainfall flooding

The Sanibel Slough and associated w a t e r c

designed to protect against storm surge like the island experienced in Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Tropical Storm Debbie and Hurricanes Helene and Milton this year

The city continued that the surge associated with each event was enough to overwhelm any barrier island stormwater system and resulted in significant, islandw i d e f l o o d i n g U

, even during a hurricane, occurs more slowly and over a longer duration, surge causes a rapid rise of a tremendous volume of water from the Gulf and bay that overtops the island from all sides, pushing i n t o

Slough This year, Sanibel was impacted by three major surges within weeks of each other on top of an already saturated

make the meetings work

“We intend to be one of the highest performing districts in the state of Florida. Many have once-a-month meetings,” she said, adding that if they are “thoughtful and strategic in our approach we can make this happen ”

Fisher said he does not want to waste any of the staff time, as the focus is on student achievement in the district He said it does not preclude the board from adding other workshops or meetings

If the board decides to add a meeting to the calendar, there would have to be at

ground from a well-above average rainy season

The widespread flooding caused by the surge during the events was well above the levels of Sanibel's roads and weir structures for the Sanibel Slough The levels persisted for significant periods of time (24-plus hours), as it takes time for

surge waters to recede

The city reported that as it prepares for potential storm events, which includes l o w e r i n g S a n i b e l S

s when necessary to prepare for rainfall, it is important for residents to monitor local weather forecasts and prepare properties accordingly Unfortunately, there is no

least 48-hour notice to the public

“You want to be careful with special meetings because they should be reserved for emergencies,” Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said

The school board also approved:

∫ The renaming of Bayshore Elementary School to Bayshore School, as it is adding grades sixth through eighth grade

changes to the schools in the zones and

schools

way to prevent island flooding from the s u r g e s t h a t m

storms and hurricanes Monitor the city's information releases and follow guidance from authorities regarding evacuations or emergency orders

The Public Works Department will c

respond to issues with the stormwater system, in accordance with the city's weir policy For questions related to the city's

sanpw@mysanibel com

To view the slides of the Milton and stormwater management report presented t

November meeting, visit https://mysanibel legistar com/View ashx?M=F&ID=1

4B67-B004-27BE41F0EEFE

surge, visit the National Hurricane Center at https://www nhc noaa gov/surge/

CITY OF SANIBEL

County launches ‘Flooding Facts’ resource website

Lee County recently launched a new resource website, “Flooding Facts,” to offer information about the various types of flooding seen in Lee County in the past 10 years, explain the causes of flooding, outline Lee County Government’s efforts to mitigate the impacts and demonstrate why storm flooding can vary dramatically

From page 4

conjunction with the twin basins, enable the city to retain fresh water helpful for habitat and replenishing aquifers and rapidly dump excess storm water during severe flood events In 1994, the city modernized the weirs, replacing the old wooden slats with longer hydraulically-controlled spillways While larger and capable of faster releases, the island’s 4 5 foot average elevation remains the limiting factor in how much flood control is actually possible.

The slough and weir system, designed primarily to manage flooding from rainstorms, has little to no chance of dealing with massive inflows from storm surge And furthermore, the system has slowly been losing its grip in the face of sea level rise (about 8 inches since 1965) and more violent storms, generated by a warming Gulf of Mexico

Successive drenching rains, much like what occurred prior to Helene, saturate the land, leaving no place for more rain or worse, a salty surge over the dunes The 51 inches of rain thus far in 2024 is double 2023’s rainfall Hence, with flood management as its top priority, the city’s Public Works Department began rapid releases of interior water three days prior to Helene, and later, Milton, to cre-

The website outlines the difference between riverine, sheet flow, storm surge and flash flooding and it explains how Hurricanes Charley, Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton resulted in different damage impacts based on storm tracks, size, strength and forward speed

The site includes videos created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and links for

Letters

ate room for waters from the advancing storms

What is not widely understood despite diligent effort by the city, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and others to educate, are the inevitable limitations levied by the island’s 4 5 foot average elevation Colloquially, there’s only so much you can do digging retention basins, or pre-releasing interior fresh water in the face of a massive storm surge. The island is not getting higher; it’s getting lower

Keeping all island animals safe

To the editor:

The new art installation of parrots at Jerry's Foods on Sanibel is a beautiful memorial to all the birds who perished in Hurricane Ian

I would like to suggest that if the community and the city want to pay lasting tribute to the birds, they should institute a regulation on all organizations that market and/or profit from live animals on their premises and require a current disaster evacuation plan for those animals

additional resources from partner agencies

A Frequently Asked Questions section also includes information on what residents can do to be aware of their flood risks

For more information, visit www leegov com/flooding

to be kept on file at the city

We all know the parrots were loved, but if we want to truly honor those birds, as well as other captive animals who lost their lives in Ian (the octopus at the BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and others), we should take the steps necessary to make sure it never happens again

Before Ian, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife successfully evacuated all the animals in its care, which was around 160 patients and ambassador animals, showing it can be done

This is not about blame We know everyone did what they could amidst a Category 4 hurricane with unprecedented storm surge This is in the spirit of Maya Angelou's words, “When you know better, you do better.”

Sanibel prides itself on its commitment to the environment and the animals who live in it, let's keep that commitment and ensure the safety and well-being of the captive animals on our island as well

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o m W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , D e c e m b e r 4 , 2 0 2 4 ■ P a g e 2 2

Recovery Operations to begin for Lake O

T h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a C o n s e r v a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n

r e p o r t e d t h a t a t t h e R i v e r s C o a l i t i o n m e e t i n g o n N o v

2 1 i n S t u a r t , U S A r m y C o r p s o f E n g i n e e r s M a j C o r y

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l a k e f o r t h e b e n e f i t o f t h e l a k e ’ s e c o l o g y , i n c l u d i n g

t h e h e a l t h o f s u b m e r g e d a q u a t i c v e g e t a t i o n ( S A V )

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r e l e a s i n g 2 , 1 0 0 c u b i c f e e t p e r s e c o n d ( c f s ) f r o m t h e

l a k e t o t h e C a l o o s a h a t c h e e E s t u a r y u p f r o m t h e c u r r e n t 2 , 0 0 0 c f s a n d 1 , 4 0 0 c f s t o t h e S t L u c i e

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Transportation reported that crews have moved traffic to the permanent lanes on the Sanibel Causeway. The causeway islands surrounding the temporary roadway are an active work zone and closed to public access, including from the water

a

The following work activities

However, unforeseen underground conditions and weather may affect the schedule:

East from toll plaza

I s l a n d R e p o r t e r

∫ Both directions of McGregor Boulevard traffic are shifted to the south side of the road from approximately 1/2 mile from Shell Point Boulevard to west of Port Comfort Road Westbound traffic headed to Port Comfort may continue straight to turn right to Port Comfort The shift is necessary for the contractor to reconstruct the underground pipe crossing under the north side of the road McGregor is scheduled to remain reduced to one lane in each direction through early 2025

∫ Motorists should expect the eastbound (south/beach side) shoulder on McGregor to be fully closed to access Crews have completed work to reinforce the shoreline, as well as paving of the area Work

continues to place sand along the shoulder The contractor is scheduled to remove the barrier wall in early December.

∫ Motorists should expect temporary daytime lane closures on M c G

Punta Rassa Road, for crews to move equipment and materials as necessary

West from toll plaza

∫ Crews will begin removing the barrier wall along the Causeway

asphalt The Causeway Islands Park remains closed to public access

∫ Lee County is installing a post

delineate pedestrian traffic on the

reconstruction

∫ Motorists should expect traffic to be intermittently stopped at the staging area entrance as equipment crosses the road with materials for work on the south side of McGregor and on the south side of the toll plaza

∫ Crews are currently placing armor stone near the south side of the road by the toll plaza.

∫ Crews are continuing to install

sod for roadway stabilization and pond construction in the coming w

debris removal continues along the Causeway Islands Expect construction equipment periodically entering/leaving the travel lanes when necessary The contractor is limiting the interruption during peak hours

∫ The westbound merge locat i o n i s w e s t o f t h e t o l l

Motorists are urged to use caution and obey the 20 mph speed limit Construction vehicles and equipment continue to enter/exit the staging area near the location

∫ Crews continue work in the area of the off-island U-turn under Span A

crossing the causeway to assist with

Please be patient as travel may be slower than usual Bicyclists are encouraged to utilize another mode of transportation to travel the causeway and pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit of 20 mph throughout the work zone

For more information about the project, visit www swflroads com/ SanibelCauseway

Lions Club builds kits for campers

In conjunction with The Woodshop at the Shell Point Retirement Community, the Sanibel Captiva Lions Club recently constructed birdhouse kits for campers at the Trailways Camp Each camper was presented with a kit containing the pieces to be assembled and the necessary fasteners After they assembled their birdhouses, the campers painted them in a variety of colors and designs They got to take home their camp creations.

Recreation center provides update on activities, events

The

Sanibel Recreation Center reported on upcoming programs and activities

Thrfitmas Thrift & Sift will take place on Dec 5 Participants will “thrift and sift” their way through local secondhand shops in Fort Myers, with self-pay lunch options along the way Transportation will be provided via city van, departing from the center at 9:30 a m and returning by 4:30 p m Cost is $5 for members and $7 50 for non-members Registration is required

Wreath Decorating will be held on Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.

a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l d e c o r a t e a f e s t i v e w r e a t h

Complimentary coffee and cocoa will be provided Cost is $23 for members and $28 for non-members; wreath and all supplies included Registration is required

Holiday Bingo will take place on Dec 18 at noon

There will be prizes, fun and more, including a special appearance from the Grinch Cost is $4 for members and $5 for non-members and includes one Bingo card; additional cards will be available for $3 each, with a limit of five cards Best holiday attire will win an extra playing card

In addition, Sanibel Beach Parking Permits for residents/property owners and non-residents/non-property owners are available for purchase at the center, along with Sanibel Dog Licenses

New and current members can call 239-472-0345 or stop by the front desk for help with setting up their CivicRec account A variety of memberships, passes and punch cards are available

The center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a m to 7 p m , Fridays from 7 a m to 5 p m and Saturdays from 8 a m to 5 p m

For more information about fitness classes and activities or to register, visit https://secure.rec1.com/FL/sanibel-fl/catalog

For questions, call 239-472-0345

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 Sanibel-

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
CITY OF SANIBEL
SANIBEL CAPTIVA LIONS CLUB

The art of pretentiousness

In a world where anyone can tweet about their brunch or post an unflattering photo of their cat's paw on Instagram, it’s refreshing to encounter someone who truly understands the value of pretending to be

Pretentiousness, you see, is an art form a delicate dance between insuf-

complete absurdity And,

sion, and the occasional glass of overpriced wine

A t i t s c o r e , p r e t e ntiousness is about creating a carefully curated persona that suggests you're always just one step ahead of the masses, even if that step is, in fact, into a pit of complete delusion The best pretentious people aren't just smarter, richer, or more cultured than you they're aware of it. And they'd like to make sure you are too How do they do this? With subtlety, my friend Pretentiousness is not about being loud or brash (that’s merely obnoxiousness) No, true pretentiousness is all about the understated flourish the knowing wink after an unnecessarily long explanation of something no one asked about

For example, when you meet someone who casually drops the phrase “I was just in Marrakech for a weekend retreat,” you don't need to ask any follow-up questions The tone says it all You're meant to assume that their life is as rich and vibrant as an artisanal Moroccan rug, woven by fair trade artisans in a loft somewhere in Brooklyn It's not about the trip itself after all, anyone could book a last-minute flight to Morocco for $400 but about what that trip symbolizes It means they have the taste to appreciate something authentic, something unlike the common masses who “vacation” in places like Orlando or, god forbid, Idaho

And what's the point of vacation if you can’t bring back a few Instagram photos of yourself looking pensive next to a fire pit, wrapped in a blanket that costs more than your monthly rent? Bonus points if you c a p t i o n t h e p h o t o w i t h s o m e t h i n g c r y p t i c l i k e , “Finding peace within the chaos,” because, let's face it, a caption with zero context makes it clear you have a profound understanding of life's most complicated mysteries In reality, you're probably just trying to figure out how to take a decent selfie with a quinoa salad

Another key element of pretentiousness is the ability to talk about absolutely nothing with absolutely everything in your voice The art of delivering a statement so dripping with condescension that even the most innocuous sentence sounds like an invitation to a TED Talk on existentialism. For example, try saying, “I've really been exploring the concept of time recently,” with a sigh that suggests you've solved the mysteries of the universe but don't want to burden us all with your epiphanies You're not really exploring time; you're just struggling to balance your Netflix subscription with your need for self-fulfillment But the phrase sounds so deep, doesn't it?

Of course, no discussion of pretentiousness would be complete without mentioning the role of food True pretension in dining is about eating things that are both complicated and obscure, like an avocado toast topped with activated charcoal and a drizzle of truffle oil It's the kind of dish you describe as “flavor-forward” when what you really mean is “I don't actually enjoy this, but it's very photogenic ” And let's not forget wine If you've ever found yourself nodding seriously at the suggestion that a wine is “highly expressive with notes of forest floor, leather, and unspoken longing,” then you, my friend, are experiencing the true essence of pretentiousness The more words you can use to describe the unremarkable, the better

Annual Luminary Stroll to light up community with holiday spirit

After a two-year hiatus due to the devastation from Hurricane Ian, a beloved tradition will return to the islands this week to once again usher in the holiday season as well as mark the city of Sanibel's yearlong anniversary celebration

The SanCap Chamber will host the 2024 Luminary Stroll on Dec. 6 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. along Periwinkle Way and Palm Ridge Road on Sanibel, with some festivities beginning earlier

“Luminary was originally started to bring awareness to the retail and restaurants on the islands to kick off the holiday season,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said, adding that it was intended to serve as a “shop small” event for the local community to shop on Sanibel and Captiva

For the event, luminary bags will be placed along the Shared Use Path from the Sanibel Lighthouse west to Tarpon Bay Road and on Palm Ridge Road The lit path will lead the way to landmarks, where the public can enjoy activities, snacks and refreshments from businesses, organizations and entities

“We light up Periwinkle, which we all know is our main street on Sanibel,” he said

The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club and Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club will again set up and light the luminary candles Also, Teen Challenge of Southwest Florida will volunteer and help clean up

Lai explained that the shopping plazas will feature live music, visits with Santa, dancers, children's choirs and more, and the event will be an opportunity for owners to showcase their businesses.

“All of the stores and restaurants that are open will have some element of Luminary that night,” he said, noting that this year's event will also celebrate the 50th year of the city's incorporation

In recognition of the return of the holiday tradition, posthurricane recovery of the islands and celebration of the city's anniversary, the event will feature some new and special elements this time around with the festivities starting earlier than the lighting of the luminary bags at 5:30 p m

Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson will provide a welcome speech at about 3:30 p m at the Tahitian Gardens, then he will introduce Luminary guest of honor and WINK News chief meteorologist Matt Devitt Devitt will broadcast the weather forecast every half hour from 4 to 7 p m from the

plaza.

“One of Southwest Florida's most highly respected broadcast meteorologists, Matt has been a local celebrity long before his guidance during recent monster storms like Irma, Ian and Milton,” Lai said

“There will be live shots showing the festivities, the fact that Sanibel is back with open stores, and the energy that Luminary brings,” he added “Our other Luminary celebrity, Santa Claus, will join him at 5:30 p m for live broadcasting ”

Starting at the east end of the island at the East End Shops, The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine will have fun ice cream specials, hot cocoa and treats, and Tuttle's Seahorse Shell Shop will feature live music Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant will offer up festive drink specials and live music for attendees

Heading west along the Luminary path, MacIntosh Books + Paper will feature treats and Santa and Home by Rachel Pierce will offer beverages and special sales in the Heart of the Islands plaza

“Jerry's Foods will be hosting caroling, food sampling, wine tasting,” Lai said of The Shops at Jerry's, adding that there will be Santa, special photo ops, and the Boy Scouts providing hot dogs and soda

Sanibel Community Church will have a petting zoo, pony rides, food, drinks and more

“They'll do their live nativity,” he said “And games for the kids ”

In addition to hosting Devitt for his broadcast, the Tahitian Gardens will feature the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Roving Ranger and selfie station, a holiday party and giveaways, live music, face painting, games and food Wilford & Lee Home Accents will offer up holiday treats and specials, and Adventures in Paradise Outfitters will provide finger foods and entertainment

“They will have sing-a-longs, Christmas carols,” Lai said of the plaza. “They'll have Santa.”

The Periwinkle Place Shops will feature the Children's Education Center of the Islands' choir, an appearance by Santa and live music The stores will offer discounts and light food and refreshments, including Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream with holiday swag bags for the first 50 attendees

Over at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, there will be a free holiday concert, followed by the Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music and

See LUMINARY, page 25

Art Stevens Shell Shocked
SANCAP CHAMBER

Pretentiousness

From page 24

Perhaps the highest form of pretentiousness is a quality I like to call deliberate disinterest. This is where you feign a complete lack of concern for the opinions of others, particularly when it comes to things that the hoi polloi care about Take, for instance, the person who, when asked about their taste in music, says with a half-smile, “I don't really listen to mainstream stuff ” Of course not They're busy listening to obscure Mongolian throat singing or an experimental jazz album that's never been released outside a 50-mile radius of a Berlin warehouse You wouldn't get it

In the end, pretentiousness isn't about having the best taste, the most knowledge, or the highest status It's about making sure everyone knows that you do. And if, at any point, you're unsure whether you're being too pretentious, remember this: If you have to ask, you're probably doing it right

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the SanibelCaptiva Islander His tongue-in-cheek humor is always offered with a smile

Luminary

From page 24

other activities

Saint Michael and All Angels Church will offer up holiday snacks, goodie bags, glow necklaces and more to attendees There will also be live music and a Christmas carol sing-a-long to participate in

“They'll have a bounce house for the kids, homemade cookies, free popcorn and beverages, and free crafts for the kids,” he said

Along Pine Ridge, Landgraphics Sanibel-Captiva will host a toy drive and will provide snacks and drinks Kingfisher Real Estate will have refreshments, while Coastal Vista Design offer mini-key lime

Junonia found on Sanibel

Shell Find

found a junonia on Nov 19 near the Hurricane House Resort on West Gulf Drive on Sanibel She found it after 40 years of searching Her daughter, Jenna Hirsch, reported that three generations of their family have been vacationing on the island for four decades as of this year To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers com

PHOTO PROVIDED

and special surprises for youths, with the first 25 attendees receiving a mini native butterfly orchid

The Olde Sanibel Shoppes will feature live music and more

“Jrod's Surf Fish & Style and On Island will do activities,” Lai said “Suncatchers' Dream will have refreshments and snacks ”

Other Luminary activities will include:

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille with crafts and live music; Sanibel Historical Museum and Village with free admission from 3 to 5 p m ; The Community House with refreshments and entertainment; The Grog Shop with wine and liquor tastings; The Sanibel

Captiva Trust Company with a Christmas pizza buffet, drinks, snacks and live music; The Shack of Sanibel with special deals; Traders with refreshments, flatbread and a complimentary small gift while supplies last; and VCA Sanibel Animal Hospital with tours, a pet photo booth and other activities

This year's presenting sponsor is Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

Additional supporters include: Landgraphics Sanibel-Captiva, LCEC and Lee Health as gold sponsors; and Coastal Vista Design, Decorating Den Interiors, The Island Store and The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company as bronze sponsors

“The Luminary Stroll is free and open to the community,” he said “We invite our community and regional residents to come out and see Sanibel on this special night ” Vehicle parking for attendees will be available at the East End Shops, Olde Sanibel Shoppes, Periwinkle Place, Tahitian Gardens, The Community House, The Shops at Jerry's and Village Shops For more information, call the chamber at 239-472-1080 or visit https://sanibelcaptiva org/

ISL AND HOME islander

Old Man Palm

named so for bearded trunk

The Old Man Palm (Coccothrinax crinita) is native to Cuba and is well-known for its unique trunk, with its thick covering of fibers that resembles an old man’s long beard We typically use it as an ornamental accent in our gardens, but it can also be grown in a container indoors

The palm tree is typically under 20 feet tall.

mately 10 years to grow 5

with yellow flowers can reach 5 feet above the fronds, followed by dark purple rounded fleshy fruit

It can tolerate partial shade to full sun and cold temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit Along with a strong tolerance for drought and salt, the Old Man Palm is a perfect accent palm for the seashore areas of Sanibel and Captiva

So, if you are looking for that special accent piece or conversation starter in your landscape, we recommend this palm as a key focal point

In The Garden is provided by In The Garden, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-395-5859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

FISH collecting food, toys for holiday programs

Now through Dec 13, FISH of Sanibel-Captiva will collect food, toys and holiday gifts for its Winter Holiday programs, which support families, children and seniors living and working on the islands

The food drive will provide holiday meal baskets, which will include vegetables, traditional holiday sides and a gift card to purchase a protein of choice, to residents and workforce members in need

Desired donations include cranberry sauce, canned beans, canned corn, stuffing, gravy, canned protein and holiday treats Other non-perishable items are also welcome Items may be dropped off at: Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille, at 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel; FISH, at 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; and the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel In addition, Jerry's Foods is offering $20 pre-packaged holiday food bags at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

FISH OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

The Sanibel Captiva Business Women's Association decorate trees with decorations donated by the United Way for FISH of Sanibel-Captiva's toy drive.

Donations of new toys can be dropped off at: Bank of the Islands, at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; FISH, at 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; and The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine, at 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Additionally, the Sanibel Captiva Business Women's Association (SCBWA) decorated trees with decorations donated by the United Way for FISH's toy drive The trees will be distributed throughout the community with orna-

ments containing wish list QR codes for the organization's holiday drive

“We are incredibly grateful to SCBWA for their joyous gathering in decorating trees and to United Way for providing beautiful decorations that inspire the spirit of giving,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said “A heartfelt thank you to all the businesses participating in our holiday drives your support ensures that the holidays are brighter for so many in need ”

The meal baskets will be distributed on Dec 20-22 from 10 a m to 3 p m at FISH

For those seeking support, interested parties must sign up by Dec 13 To register, fill out the forms at

https://forms gle/fww221PmA1vhjpQy9 Paper forms are also available for those who prefer them

In addition, FISH's Adopt-a-Family/Senior program ensures personalized support for families and seniors who might otherwise go without during the holidays Donors can help make the season special by adopting a family or senior For more information, contact Community Outreach Manager Merari Salinis at 239-472-4775, ext 101, or merari@fishofsancap org or Senior Services Director Erika Arnowitz at erika@fishofsancap org or 239-472-4775, ext 107

For more about donating or volunteering, call 239-4724775 or visit www fishofsancap org

Household chemical waste collection set

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

Hosted by the city of Sanibel and Lee County Solid Waste, a household chemical waste collection event will be held today, Dec 4, from 9 a m to 1 p m in the parking lot of the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road

Sanibel Drop off of items will be an easy drive-through process, at no charge

Islands (PCI) is holding a toy drive

Donations of unwrapped new toys,

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

The collection events are for residential waste only Businesses that need chemical waste disposal can call 239-533-8000 to schedule an appointment for the monthly business collection at the county's Household Chemical Waste drop-off location, at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers

gifts and gift cards for children and teens can be dropped off at PCI's Happy Hour on Dec 5 at 4 p m at Trader's, at 1551 Periwinkle Way,

The following items are not chemical waste and can be set out with regular garbage:

∫ Empty paint cans and dried paint

∫ Empty automotive fluid containers

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

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

∫ Small appliances

∫ Tires

Progressive Club to hold drive for FISH Bank

donations at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

In partnership with Landgraphics Sanibel-Captiva, Bank of the Islands is holding a toy drive from now through Dec 7 to benefit foster children through the Children's Network of Southwest Florida Donations of new unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the bank's

Landgraphics is spearheading the effort For more information, contact Lauren Blackburn at Landgraphics at 239-980-3409

, J

Landgraphics Sanibel-Captiva with Bank of the Islands Vice President David Lowden, Heather Harrison and Kelsey Hamilton.

BANK OF THE ISLANDS

Sanibel
Captiva
IN THE GARDEN
Old Man Palm

Recipe of the Week: Ragu Alla Bolognese

This is my family's version of Bolognese sauce My Nonna used to make it every Sunday for our family dinner As children with my cousins, I used to sneak by her and dip bread in the sauce as it was cooking The wonderful flavor was worth her getting mad at us and chasing us all over the house Notice that there is no milk added in our Bolognese sauce (Chef tip: To make the perfect s a u c e , a l w a y s u s

saucepan It will prevent the sauce from scorching and from having the acidity of the tomato sauce react with an aluminum pan

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 carrot, peeled, finely minced

1 stalk celery, trimmed, finely minced

1 small yellow onion, peeled, finely minced

CROW Calendar

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

∫ Today, Dec 4

Program of the Week at 11 a m

T h e

CROW ”

∫ Thursday, Dec. 5

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be “Ecosystems Of Florida ”

∫ Friday, Dec. 6

Program of the Week at 11 a m

The presentation will be “If You Care, Leave it There ”

∫ Monday, Dec 9

The presentation will be “Wildlife And Roads ”

∫ Tuesday, Dec. 1 0

The presentation will be “A Day In The Life.”

∫ Wednesday, Dec. 1 1

CROW ”

Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $7 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under

In addition, CROW offers a Wildlife Walk Hospital Tour on Mondays through F

Limited to 12 people; participants must be age 10 or older. The cost is $25 per person; advanced registration and payment is required To register, contact 239-4723644 ext 229 or reservations@crowclinic org

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

Choosing joy

The Christmas season brings forth many emotions, but surely the one that stands near the top of the list is the emotion of joy As the angel said to the shepherds on that starry night in a field outside of Bethlehem, “Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11) The birth of Jesus intends to evoke great joy because of how it conveys God's presence with us in every circumstance of life

Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch

Faces on Faith

I don't know of another truth people today could benefit from than this one All around are folk who have a void in their lives that they try to fill with things that bring them no joy What they would do well to understand is that lasting joy can only occur when people choose to embrace the gift of God's abiding presence so that they experience it even in the bleakest of situations an alarming health diagnosis that calls tomorrow into question, a volatile economy that doesn't seem to be working anymore, another hurricane rebuild we don't know we have the strength to undertake I have seen people claim God's joy in such places, as have you, and I never cease to be amazed at how that joy sustains them and sees them through their challenging times

As we move into the Advent season, a season of preparation for Christmas, I trust that you will make the choice of joy by

2 pounds lean ground veal

1/2 cup Pancetta (Italian bacon), finely diced

1 cup dry red wine

2 cans (16 ounces each) tomato sauce

1 can (16 ounce) chopped tomatoes

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In an eight-quart heavy bottomed, non-reactive stockpot, cook carrot, celery and onion in olive oil at medium heat until onion turns transparent, about seven to 10 minutes Add pancetta and ground veal Cook until meats are cooked thoroughly and light brown in color

Add wine and cook until it evaporates, about 10 more minutes Add chopped tomatoes and sauce to meat mixture Season to taste with salt and pepper Bring to a boil

Lower heat and simmer, partly covered, stirring once in a while, for 45 minutes to an hour, until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning before serving with pasta.

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 and via Zoom Torah (Bible) Study on

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 Dr Doug Dortch

In-person service on Sunday at 11 a m through April Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page Services from the past season can also be found online

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida P O Box 722, Sanibel, www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org Shabbat service on Friday at 7:30 p m Torah Talk on Tuesday at 7:30 p m There are also speakers, discussions and informal “schmoozes ” 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

opening your soul to the reality of God's presence that has come to us through the birth of the babe of Bethlehem

My prayer is that you will avail yourself of the many opportunities we have in this season of the year to enter into the presence of God and allow your spirit to be lifted by the good news of Immanuel, “God with us ”

I remember a small church near my house in Birmingham that would occasionally put out little signs in their church yard that carried inspiring phrases One that caught my attention one Advent season said, “Enter Into Joy ” I thought that was the right way to phrase it Because joy is tied to the presence of God and because it is also a choice one makes to embrace, I don't know of a better way to phrase the opportunity than to offer it as an invitation At the end of the day, joy is not anything you can define or analyze; joy is something into which you simply choose to enter

So, I invite you to do so even now, at the beginning of this most special season of Advent For only then will the joy of Jesus be in you, and only then will your joy be made complete

“You show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11)

The Rev Dr Doug Dortch is the pastor at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea

Sunday service at 10 a m in the Sanctuary Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel

∫ 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 in the Sanctuary

∫ Saint 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 Saturday Vigil Mass at 5 p m Sunday Mass at 10 a m

∫ Saint 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

Saturday service at 5 p m in the Sanctuary, with a social to follow Sunday service at 9:30 a m , with a social to follow; service is available via livestream and the link on the website

BIG ARTS Calendar

BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

Workshop

Zentangle Holiday Cards with Donna Lee Cole will be held on Dec. 12 from 10 a m to 2 p m Cost is $36 for donors and $45 for non-donors The deadline to register is Dec 5

Film Series

“Wicked Little Letters” (2023) will be shown on Dec 9 at 7 p m Tickets are $12

Workshop

Wine & Paint Mixer with Tammy DeCaro will be held on Dec 17 from 4 to 6 p m Cost is $52 for donors and $65 for non-donors The deadline to register is Dec 10

Registration is required for workshops by calling 239-395-0900 For more information or tickets, visit www bigarts org or call 239-395-0900

Cheeburger Cheeburger, 1975 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

MudBugs

Cajun Kitchen, 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Eats, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva

Cantina, 975

islandBEAT islander

Santiva Islanders Calendar

The Santiva Islanders will present the following:

Cardio & Strength

Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength today, Dec 4, from 10 to 11 a m at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club will be held on Dec 5 from 9 to 10 a m at Jerry's Cafe, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Attendees will order and pay individually For more information, contact Dan Hopta at 978-239-4612.

Social Mahjong

Social Mahjong will be held on Dec 5 from 1 to 3:30 p m at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Cost is $5 For more i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t B e t h F u n d e r b u r g a t bfundy4648@gmail com

Cardio & Strength

Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on Dec 6 from 10 to 11 a m at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought. Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members

Cardio & Strength

Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on Dec 9 from 10 to 11 a m at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members.

Social Hour

Social Hour will be held on Dec 9 from 4 to 6 p m at Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, at 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Enjoy happy hour drink and appetizer specials Attendees will order and pay individually.

The Community House Calendar

‘Cold

Page Tur ners Book Club

Page Turners

Club will meet on Dec 10 from 1 to 2:30 p m via Zoom The book for discussion will be “The Address” by Fiona Davis For questions or to

santivaislanders@gmail.com.

Cardio & Strength

Mahnaz Bassir will host Cardio & Strength on Dec 11 from 10 to 11 a m at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Bring water and a towel; no mat is required Light weights may be brought Cost is $5 per class and $60 per month for members or $10 per class and $120 per month for non-members

The Santiva Islanders serve all adult islanders and visitors, regardless of age The cost is $25 for an annual membership The Island Seniors raise funding to help defray the cost of the program activities For more information, visit https://santivaislanders org/ or contact santivaislanders@gmail com T

3

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, will present the following:

Painting With Friends

Painting With Friends will take place today, Dec 4, from 9 a m to noon New painters welcome Bring your own supplies Cost is $10 donation at the door

Sanibel Hear ts Club

The Sanibel Hearts Club will meet on Dec 6 from 1 to 3 p m Beginners to experts are welcome to participate and play the card game No reservations are required Suggested donation of $5 The winners on Nov 15 were: Dick Beatty and Jim Marianski, tied for first place; and Jim Liichow and Joanie Moody, tied for third place The winners on Nov 22 were: Nancy Beatty and Pat Reid, tied for first place; and Trudy Williams and Mary Beth Zerby, tied for third place

Shellcrafters

The Shellcrafters will meet on Dec 9 from 10 a m to 1 p m in the lobby A shell crafting class will take place at 10 a m ; it is free and supplies range from $510 Items will be available for sale All sales benefit the operations of TCH

Painting With Friends

Painting With Friends will take place on Dec 11 from 9 a m to noon New painters welcome Bring your own supplies Cost is $10 donation at the door

Shell Critter Kits are available for purchase in a variety of different options Cost is $5 per kit with all of the supplies included, except for glue Order them inperson at TCH or call 239-472-2155

TCH office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a m to 3 p m

For more information, visit www sanibelcommunityhouse net or contact 2394 7 2 - 2 1 5 5

house net

Winter

For blood grown thin forty Fahrenheit is Siberia; breezes suddenly blue and brittle shiver through citrus leaves; a birdsong bleak and off-key chills our sense; sunlight, pale and tentative, shelters us from shade where wisps of vapor from our mouths recall northern winter breath thicker than cigarette smoke, that reminds us:

Death owns a time share here and watches, dressed in warm-ups, from his lanai

in Florida’

Rosalita's
Rabbit Road, Sanibel
Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, 1200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Morn
Joe Pacheco

SCAL, SCCF par tner on ar t exhibit

The Sanibel-Captiva Art League and S a n i b e l - C a p t i v

Foundation are hosting “FLIGHT” from

Homestead Preserve, at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel The exhibit features works that portray the fascinating creatures that take flight in the environment The artwork aligns with the SCCF's mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems The public can view the exhibit on Tuesdays through Friday from 10 a m to 1 p m

Junonia found on Sanibel

Janet Zylstra, of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, found a junonia on Nov 21 at the water's edge off of West Gulf Drive between the Shalimar Cottages & Motel and the Island Inn on Sanibel She was shelling with her sister-inlaw, Elise Zylstra, at the time Zylstra reported that she is an occasional visitor to the island “I've been shelling on Sanibel since 2014,” she added To report a shell find, 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 papers com

PHOTO PROVIDED

FISH to host monthly luncheon with speaker

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva will hold its next community-wide Friendly Faces Luncheon on Dec 10 at 11 a m at the Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel, with a virtual option available

It will feature Edison and

Alexandria Edwards as the guest speaker She will talk a

unique treasure in Southwest F

Edwards will shed light on the story of why Edison and Ford chose to build vacation homes in Fort Myers and how they shaped the development of the region into what is today She will also share some of the Edison's holiday memories and traditions

“We hope everyone will join us in December for a fun and festive time This month, we'll be offering a holidaythemed meal consisting of ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetables and a dinner roll,” Senior Services Director Erika Arnowitz said “Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today ”

Prepared by the Sanibel Deli, the lunch will be complimentary for those who attend in-person

The program will also include giveaways and interactive group games

Reservations and meal choices are required by Dec 6

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Arnowitz at 239-472-4775 or erika@fishofsancap org Zoom instructions will be provided to those attending virtually

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

Jennifer Dorning
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ART LEAGUE Dragonfly sculpture by Justin Wilson.

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