Sanibel Island Reporter/Islander

The 10th annual “Ding” Darling-

s s H i g h S c h o o l Photography Contest has kicked off with a deadline of March 1 It invites high school students in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties to compete for prizes that include a Canon digital SLR camera package, oneyear subscription to Adobe photography software, and one-year family pass to all Florida state parks

C r o s s , w h o l i v e d p a r t - t i m e o n Sanibel, marched with Dr Martin Luther King Jr ; advised the Johnson and Nixon a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s o n a n t i - p o v e r t y p r ograms; wrote the influential book “Black Capitalism,” am p r o m i n e n t r o l e Barack Obama’s t i o n ; a n d c r e a t e B i r d e r s U n i t e d a b i r d i n g w e b s i t e t h a t r a n k e d l e g i s l ators according to t h e i r r e c o r d o f b i r d p r o t e c t i o n support

L a t e i n l i f C r o s s d e c i d e d indulge his love birds and photography and traveled the world to collect stunning portraits and stories to chronicle his adventures He shot often at the J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e Refuge on Sanibel, and a number of the images in his book reflect his love for it

C r o s s p u bl i s h e d “ W a t e r b i r d s ” n 2009 at age 5; he passed w a y s h o r t l y e r t h a t i n 0 o s s F a m i l y Charitable Foundation has made possible this contest with a generous grant to the 'Ding' Darling Wildlife SocietyF r i e n d s o f t h e R e f u g e , ” D D W S Executive Director Birgie Miller said “We couldn’t be more thrilled that they wanted their donation used in this way

for a 10th year ”

“We are so happy to be supporting a contest in my father’s name, a contest that will get our youth involved with nature by looking at it as my father so loved doing through a camera lens,” daughter Amanda Cross said

D i g i t a l i m a g e e n t r i e s c a n b e s h o t f r o m a n y o u t d o o r v e n u e i n F l o r i d a A w r i t i n g c o m p o n e n t t o t h e c o n t e s t r e q u i r e s e n t r a n t s g r a d e s 9 - 1 2 t o s u bm i t a 1 0 0 - w o r d d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e “ m o m e n t ” c a p t u r e d a n d h o w i t r e f l e c t s w h a t n a t u r e a n d w i l d l i f e m e a n t o t h e p h o t o g r a p h e r

City expects to reopen islands to all in January

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel City Council learned of an anticipated opening date for the Sanibel Causeway to those without city-issued, hurricane re-entry pass

of

t h e causeway can be reopened to non-pass holders starting on Jan 2

“This has not been a decision we have taken lightly,” he said, noting that he and S a n i b e l P o l i c e C h i e f W i l l i a m “ B i l l ” Dalton have had lengthy conversations about when it would be possible to do that

“Jan 2 is the date that we anticipate passes will no longer be needed,” Souza added

As for why that date, he explained that

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel and Fire Rescue District's commission recently approved the purchase of a temporary structure for Station 172 during a special meeting, as well as signed off on a resolution, a procurement policy and a disaster loan

On Dec 5, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on the purchase of a single-wide trailer from Industrial Housing Solutions to serve as temporary housing at the station on Sanibel-Captiva Road The lease agreement is for six months and the initial deposit is $14,050, including delivering and set up

The district will have to cover the water and electricity

A l l c o s t s a r e r

Prior to the vote, C o m m i s s i o n e r Richard McCurry asked what would happen if the district still needs the trailer to serve as temporary housing at the station when the lease expires after the six months

Fire Chief Kevin Barbot r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e y c a n renew the lease if they need to

A l s o a t t h e m e e t i n g , t h e c o m m i s s i o n v o t e d 3 - 0 t o a p p r o v e a r e s o l u t i o n f o r

m i c r o - p u r c h a s e s e l f - c e r t if i c a t i o n I n o r d e r t o c o mp l y w i t h f e d e r a l , s t a t e a n d e m e r g e n c y p u b l i c - a s s i s t e d g u i d a n c e , t h e d i s t r i c t h a d t o e s t a b l i s h a n d s e l f - c e r t i f y a m i c r o - p u r c h a s e t h r e s h o l d a m o u n t o f $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 f o r e m e r g e n c y a n i n c r e a s e f r o m $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 a n d a t h r e s h o l d a m o u n t o f $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 f o r n o n - e m e rg e n c y p r o c u r e m e n t s .

During the meeting, the commissioners also voted 30 to approve the district's Procurement Policy in order to proceed with rebuilding Station 172

T h e o d o r e C r o

Fire Chief Kevin Barbot

DANI MOSER

Dani Moser, of Cape Coral High School, won first place in last year's contest with “Fly.”

Eagle resigns from Department of Economic Opportunity post

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Cape Coral native Dane Eagle announced he will resign as Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary

In a letter to Gov Ron DeSantis, he showed his gratitude for the opportunity Eagle's official last day will be Dec. 30.

“Serving in your administration has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity,” he wrote “At this point in my life, however, my responsibility to my growing family is of the utmost importance ”

Eagle joined the DeSantis administration in September 2020 after his bid for the 19th Congressional District was slimly dashed in the Republican Primary by eventual winner Byron Donalds Eagle took over as head of the DEO when the department faced a large backlog in unemployment insurance claims stemming from the pandemic

“When I joined your administration in September 2020, the state’s unemployment rate was 8 7 percent, which was quickly rebounding from the 13 9 percent rate a few months earlier due to the global pandemic,” he wrote

to DeSantis. “These economic headwinds also contributed to a growing crisis with the state’s reemployment assistance system operated by DEO, requiring an all-handson-deck effort to secure funding to modernize the system and swiftly help hard-working Floridians get back on their feet ”

Eagle formerly served as the state House majority whip from 2016-18 and majority leader from 2018-20 He was also vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee from 2018-20 Eagle won election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 in the then-new 77th District He was re-elected to the House in 2014 and 2018; he could not run again in 2020 due to term limits

Eagle also touted the work done by the administration on Hurricane Ian relief efforts

“We have responded to multiple disasters, including Hurricane Ian which devastated my home community, and awarded over a billion dollars in long-term disaster recovery funds to homeowners and communities across Florida,” he wrote “We led the nation in fully obligating over half-a-billion dollars to assist homeowners and prevent foreclosures in record time, we awarded bonus pay-

ments to over two hundred thousand first responders and law enforcement officers, and we announced over a hundred million dollars for infrastructure and workforce development projects across the state, which will help create countless jobs to support our growing economy

Via Twitter, DeSantis shared kind words for Eagle amidst his upcoming leave

“Thank you, Secretary Dane Eagle, for your outstanding service to Florida’s businesses and workforce,” he wrote “Under your leadership at Florida DEO, you helped to strengthen our communities and nation-leading economy We wish you the best in your next endeavors ”

Eagle ended with his own kind words for DeSantis and members of the administration

“These are only a few of the many examples of how, under your leadership, the exceptional people at DEO are assisting in advancing Florida’s economy by helping citizens, businesses and communities thrive,” he wrote “Your leadership has made all aspects of Florida’s executive branch a well-oiled machine that promotes efficiency over bureaucracy, and the citizens of Florida are the ultimate beneficiaries of this success I have no doubt that Florida and DEO will continue to excel under your bold leadership Again, thank you for this extraordinary opportunity, but most importantly, thank you for keeping Florida free ”

Hurricane recovery legislative requests discussed by school board

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

T h e L e e C o u n t y S c h o o l B o a r d l a s t w e e k b e g a n t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n o f i t s l e g i s l a t i v e p r i o r i t i e s , w h i c h i n c l u d e s t h r e e “ a s k s ” i n b u s i n e s s a n d f i n a n c e t o a d d r e s s p o s t - H u r r i c a n e I a n r e c o v e r y e f f o r t s

T h e p o s t - I a n r e c o v e r y l e g i s l a t i v e r e q u e s t s , w h i c h h a v e n o t b e e n a p p r o v e d y e t , i n c l u d e a “ s p e c i a l a l l o c at i o n t o p r o v i d e s t a t e f u n d i n g i n r e p l a c e m e n t o f u p t o 1 0 0 p e r c e n t o f l o s s o f p r o p e r t y t a x f u n d i n g d u e t o h u rr i c a n e i m p a c t s ”

I n a d d i t i o n , t h e r e q u e s t a l s o i n c l u d e s a “ s p e c i a l a l l o c a t i o n t o p r o v i d e f u n d i n g t o m i t i g a t e t h e i s s u a n c e a n d i n t e r e s t c o s t s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a l i n e o f c r e d i t m a d e n e c e s s a r y b e c a u s e o f t h e d e l a y i n t h e r e c e i p t o f p r o pe r t y t a x r e v e n u e s d u e t o t h e i m p a c t o f t h e h u r r i c a n e ”

T h e l a s t r e q u e s t i s t o r e q u e s t “ t o i n c r e a s e t h e t o t a l p r o j e c t c o s t t h r e s h o l d o f c o n s t r u c t i o n p r o j e c t s t h a t r e q u i r e p r o f e s s i o n a l s e r v i c e s o n a c o n t i n u i n g c o n t r a c t , f r o m a l i m i t o f $ 4 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 t o a l i m i t o f $ 1 5 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 f o r H u r r i c a n e I a n r e l a t e d r e c o v e r y p r o j e c t s ” R o b e r t S t u a r t , w i t h f i r m G r a y R o b i n s o n , s a i d t h e r e a r e a h o s t o f i s s u e s t h a t F l o r i d a ’ s l e g i s l a t o r s a r e g o i n g t o h a v e t o d e a l w i t h

“ O u r a s k , L e e C o u n t y i s i n a v e r y u n i q u e a n d i m p o r t a n t p o s i t i o n c o m i n g i n t o t h e l e g i s l a t i v e s e s s i o n d u e t o t h e i m p a c t s f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n W e h a v e t h e s t a n d a r d l e g i s l a t u r e a s k s , ” h e s a i d , a d d i n g t h a t t h e r e i s a l s o a n e d u c a t i o n a s p e c t o f q u a l i t y a n d t a k i n g c a r e o f t h e k i d s “ Y o u a l s o h a v e t h e a d d e d c h a l l e n g e o f t h e s t o r m a n d t h e v e r y r e a l a n d p r e s e n t n e e d c o m i n g o u t o f t h a t ”

Other 2023 legislative priorities include increasing student achievement, safety, teacher certification and retention, and school facilities’ utilization

S t u a r t s a i d l e a d e r s h i p h a s t a l k e d a b o u t p r o p e r t y i n s u r a n c e a n d p r o p e r t y t a x i s s u e s H o u s i n g i s a k e y i s s u e t h e y w a n t t o s e e t h i s y e a r w i t h a l o t o f f o c u s o n i n f r a s t r u c t u r e T h e r e i s a n e w c o m m i t t e e i n t h e

FEMA: You can appeal if been denied assistance

If you applied for FEMA assistance but received a letter stating you are “ineligible,” try not to feel discouraged or frustrated Instead, focus on writing an appeal. Officials reported that you have 60 days from the date on your letter to send FEMA additional information, documents or a summary of why you disagree with the decision For more information, contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 or visit a local Disaster Recovery Center

H o u s e f o r i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , a s w e l l a s a f i s c a l p o l i c y c o m m i t t e e c r e a t e d i n t h e S e n a t e .

“There will be another budget surplus this year,” he said “That will be impacted heavily by the storm There is significant dollars that goes into infrastructure rehab, hardening, resiliency and repairs from the storm The state is going to have a surplus even with that To be in the position that Lee County is in right now to ask for significant funds We are standing ready and excited to get to work alongside you as we begin a new legislature year ”

School Board Chair Armor Persons said he recently attended a round table discussion with the House majority leader and head of Commerce, as well as the Cape Coral mayor and some Lee County commissioners

“They were very much aware of our needs,” he said, adding that the discussion enabled him to share the district’s needs “The one thing they did say was this was going to be a multi-year recovery ”

Persons said he believes the legislature’s ask is a very good one, as it also mentions specifically the labor force with technology

School district to resume events to improve student enrollment

T

Events postponed by Hurricane Ian were rescheduled for Dec. 12, 13 and 20 The community discus-

Photo contest

T h e e n t r y r u l e s a n d g u i d e l i n e s a r e a s f o l l o w s : E n t r i e s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n m u s t b e s u b m i t t e d i n d i g i t a l f o r m a t t o d d h s p h o t o c o n t e s t @ g m a i l c o m S u b m i t y o u r f u l l n a m e , h i g h s c h o o l , g r a d e a n d a n o r i g i n a l p h o t o g r a p h t h a t y o u t o o k o f n a t u r e a n d / o r w i l d l i f e i n t h e o p e n o u t d o o r s I n c l u d e a t i t l e f o r t h e p h o t o g r a p h a n d a w r i t t e n d e s c r i p t i o n ( m i n i m u m 1 0 0 w o r d s ) o f t h e “ m o m e n t ” c a pt u r e d a n d h o w i t r e f l e c t s w h a t n a t u r e a n d w i l d l i f e m e a n t o y o u Y o u a n d y o u r e n t r y m u s t c o m p l y w i t h t h e f o ll o w i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s :

∫ S t u d e n t s a t t e n d i n g s c h o o l s i n L e e , C o l l i e r , H e n d r y , G l a d e s a n d C h a r l o t t e ( F l o r i d a ) c o u n t i e s i n g r a d e s 9 t h r o u g h 1 2 m a y e n t e r t h e c o n t e s t

∫ O n l y d i g i t a l i m a g e s a r e a c c e p te d a n d m a y b e t a k e n w i t h a n y c a m -

sion on Dec 20 will take place from 5:30 to 7 p m at Heights Elementary, at 15200 Alexandria Court, Fort Myers

Due to the time lost by Ian, the district is focused on improving the enrollment and assignment system for elementary school in the 202324 school year. Parent feedback will help district staff develop a

plan for school board consideration i n J a n u a r y A p l a n f o r m i d d l e school will be revisited later High schools are not impacted by the potential changes

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t https://www leeschools net/cms/on e aspx?portalId=676305&pageId= 32186600.

From page 1

e r a , i n c l u d i n g s m a r t p h o n e s ∫ I m a g e s m u s t b e s u b m i t t e d i n J P E G f o r m a t a n d m u s t h a v e a s i z e o f a t l e a s t 2 0 0 0 - b y - 1 5 0 0 p i x e l s o r r e so l u t i o n o f 2 m e g a b y t e s ∫ T h e p h o t o g r a p h m u s t b e t a k e n o f n a t u r e a n d / o r w i l d l i f e i n t h e o p e n o u t d o o r s i n t h e s t a t e o f F l o r i d a , w h i c h m a y i n c l u d e p a r k s , r e f u g e s , b a c k y a r d s , a n d o t h e r o p e n s p a c e s

∫ P a n o r a m i c p h o t o s a r e n o t a l l o w e d

∫ F i l t e r s , c r o p p i n g , e n h a n c em e n t s a n d b o a r d e r s a r e p e r m i t t e d H o w e v e r , a d d i n g a n y e l e m e n t s n o t e x i s t i n g i n t h e o r i g i n a l s c e n e w i l l n o t b e a l l o w e d J u d g e s , a t t h e i r d i sc r e t i o n , w i l l d i s q u a l i f y a n y p h o t o s t h a t a p p e a r t o b e m a n i p u l a t e d b e y o n d t h e s e g u i d e l i n e s

∫ E a c h p a r t i c i p a n t m a y e n t e r u p t o t w o p h o t o s b u t i s e l i g i b l e t o w i n o n l y o n e a w a r d

∫ J u d g i n g w i l l b e a n o n y m o u s P l e a s e d o n o t p u t y o u r n a m e o r a n yt h i n g t h a t w i l l i d e n t i f y y o u o n y o u r p h o t o g r a p h

∫ T h e r e a r e t h r e e j u d g e s : a r e f u g e s t a f f p e r s o n , p r o f e s s i o n a l p h o t o g r a p h e r a n d r e s i d e n t o f t h e f i v e - c o u n t y r e g i o n

∫ J u d g i n g c r i t e r i a : t e c h n i c a l e x c e l l e n c e ( s h a r p n e s s , l i g h t i n g , c o m p o s i t i o n , e x p o s u r e ) ; c r e a t i v i t y ; a n d e x p l a n a t i o n o f p h o t o g r a p h ( m i ni m u m o f 1 0 0 w o r d s )

∫ A l l p h o t o s w i l l b e c o m e t h e p r o p e r t y o f t h e D D W S P h o t o s m a y b e u s e d b y t h e s o c i e t y i n a n y w a y w i t h a p p r o p r i a t e c r e d i t

F i n d g u i d e l i n e s a n d p r i z e i n f o rm a t i o n a t w w w . d i n g d a r l i n g s o c ie t y o r g / a r t i c l e s / p h o t o - c o n t e s t s

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 D D W S a t 2 3 9 - 2 9 2 - 0 5 6 6

Dane Eagle

Harriet lays two eggs

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

After the area was struck by one of the worst hurricanes to ever hit Southwest Florida, many people wondered whether the area’s most famous birds would be able to rebuild their nest and have it ready in time for nesting season

That question was recently answered when Harriet laid her first egg on Nov 29, shortly after sunset at 6:09 p m The second egg was laid on Dec 2 at 8:09 p m

Harriet has traditionally laid her eggs in late afternoon or early evening, so that stayed pretty much the course The eggs also came a little bit later than usual, as they are usually laid before Thanksgiving

According to the YouTube video that showed the first egg being laid, viewers can see the egg briefly three times before Harriet began incubation M15 was on the attic during her labor and delivery and had not seen the egg until later

Once he saw it, he started taking turns with Harriet incubating and rolling the egg

When Harriet and M15 came home after Hurricane Ian and saw they no longer had a nest, they went right to work rebuilding it in the same location it has been for years In about two weeks, the nest had been rebuilt and the eagles went about the business of mating as they have done since 2015, after Harriet’s previous partner, Ozzie, died

The eagles will continue to incubate and rotate the eggs every two hours, which is important because it helps distribute warmth and nutrients evenly The yolk stays in the middle of the egg and does not stick to the inner membranes It helps the developing chick inside the egg grow healthy and balanced

The eggs will incubate for about 35 days, which means the hatchings should come just after the new year

People can watch all the happenings in the nest on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, which is fully operational post-storm For more information or to view the cameras, visit dickpritchettrealestate com

Fire commissioners

From page 1

The policy is necessary for the district to enter into substantial agreements with outside agencies, especially under the circumstances of working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency or other public assistance program post-Hurricane Ian.

Staff reported that the policy had been in the works for some time Given the destruction as a result of Ian and the critical need to rebuild Station 172, the finalization of the policy was fast-tracked and reviewed by Hagerty Consulting and Lewis, Longman & Walker in order to move forward with FEMA

Also at the meeting, the commissioners directed Barbot to proceed with the application process for a Community Disaster Loan, which staff reported is meant to assist state and local government agencies

T h e C D L i s a n o p e n l i n e o f c r e d i t a n d h a s a f o r g i v e n e s s p r o g r a m a t t a c h e d i f k e p t w i t h i n c o n s t r a i n t s T h e c r e d i t c a n o n l y b e u s e d f o r o p e r a t i n g e x p e n se s a n d t h e r e i s n o a c c r u e d i n t e r e s t u n t i l t h e f u n d s a r e w i t h d r a w n T h e d i s t r i c t w i l l h a v e t o p r o v i d e t h r e e y e a r s ' w o r t h o f a u d i t s a n d w i l l w o r k w i t h a n a d v i s o r t o a c q u i r e a p p r o v a l I t w i l l t h e n l o o k a t h o w m u c h r e v e n u e t h e d i s t r i c t w i l l p o t e n t i a l l y l o s e d u e t o t h e d i s a s t e r a n d w i l l a c c e p t a n e s t i m a t e f r o m B a r b o t a s t o w h e r e t h e d i s t r i c t i s h e a d e d w i t h t h e n u m b e r s

PHOTO PROVIDED

Conservancy of SWFL wins Riverwalk appeal

Guest Commentary

s t r e n g t h e n i n g o u r n a t u r eb a s e d e c o n omy That is why t h e S a n i b e lC 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 , among several o t h e r s t a t ewide conservat i o n g r o u p s , joined together to support the C o n s e r v a n c y of Southwest Florida’s legal efforts to oppose the sprawling 1,000-acre Rivergrass development plan in Collier County’s Rural Land Stewardship Area This development borders the greater Everglades and contains critical Florida panther habitat

The conservancy argued that the approved development plan for Rivergrass did not appropriately address traffic impacts and fiscal neutrality as required by Collier County’s comprehensive plan and land development rules

The court initially ruled against allowing the conservancy’s arguments to be included in their opposition to the Rivergrass development, but the conservancy appealed that decis i o n T h i s m o n t h , t h e c o n s e r v a n c y w a s pleased to announce that the Second District Court of Appeal ruling has confirmed their legal right to present evidence at the Circuit

The

BBB: Shop safe and shop smart this holiday season

By BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

The 2022 holiday shopping season promises to be an unpredictable one High inflation rates and increased prices of consumer goods are already throwing a wrench into holiday shopping Electronics, toys, and other products will be (or already are) in short supply, and retailers are struggling to staff up as the shopping season nears

Product shortages and increased online shopping are likely to result in even more online purchase scams this year These scams accounted for nearly 40 percent of all scams reported to the BBB Scam Tracker in 2021, according to the 2021 BBB Scam Tracker

“Shop Safe, Shop Smart” this holiday season:

∫ Research before you buy. Use BBB.org and shopper reviews to do your homework before paying Also, read our tips for spotting phony reviews

∫ If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is The top motivating factor for people who made a purchase and lost money was the price Don’t shop on price alone

∫ Beware of fake websites: Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research the age of the domain, and search for contact information See BBB’s tips for identifying a fake website.

Tiffany Repecki at trepec-

Court level against the Rivergrass Village Development Order with regard to traffic impacts and fiscal neutrality

SCCF congratulates and supports the conservancy on their diligence to protect the public’s ability to present evidence in challenging these development cases in court with the ultimate goal of protecting our criti-

cal natural systems

Matt DePaolis is the environmental policy d i r e c t o r f o r t h e S a n i b e l - C a p t i v a Conservation Foundation Founded in 1967, the SCCF's mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems For more information, visit www sccf org

Matt DePaolis

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Risk Report Shortages are likely to make purchase scams even more common as desperate shoppers turn to shady websites in hopes of finding this year’s must-have gift. The BBB recommends the following tips to

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

∫ Professional photos do not mean it’s a real offer Respondents reported that website photos motivated them to engage with scammers, especially for pets/pet supplies, clothing/accessories, and vehicles

∫ Make sure the website is secure. Look for the “HTTPS” in the URL (the extra s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only “HTTP” it is not secure

∫ Be careful purchasing sought-after products, especially during the holiday season The risk of online purchase scams rises during the holidays because more

people are making online purchases, and scammers offer the most popular products for the season at great prices

∫ Beware of making quick purchases while scrolling through social media Scammers have access to tools they need to learn about your buying behaviors, offering exactly what you want at enticingly low prices

∫ L o o k f o r t h e B B B s e a l B B B Accredited Businesses pledge to uphold the BBB Standards for Trust and to deal fairly with consumers If a business displays a BBB seal, verify it by going to BBB org

∫ Use secure and traceable transac-

Islands to reopen

it is a Monday and will start the week, plus Lee County has announced that it will resume collecting tolls on the causeway starting on Jan 1 Also, the city's storm debris contractor expects to have 80 percent of the debris collected off the right-of-way by Dec. 23.

“That gives another week for them to collect debris and have those big trucks out of the way at the level that they're been,” he said, noting that LCEC will be continuing with its pole replacement

Souza explained that he and Dalton discussed the city's curfew from 9 p m to 6 a m

“The curfew will remain in place,” he said “We're going to continue to evaluate that and we'll update you regularly, as we have been, if we need to make a change to the curfew ”

Souza acknowledged that some want the causeway open to all, while others think it is too soon

“The message to the community is that we know there are folks on both sides of this issue,” he said “Please secure your homes and businesses as soon as you can to make sure that you have comfort level in your property being secured ”

The public is urged to contact the Sanibel police for concerns and if they see suspicious activity

“They want to respond to that concern,” Souza said “They're happy to come out ”

Also in his report, he explained that those with resident passes will be permitted on and off the islands outside of the curfew hours starting on Dec 19 Souza added that the city beaches will not be open

“No beach parking will be open,” he said in reference to the anticipated causeway's reopening

Additional storm recovery updates from city staff included:

∫ B u i l d i n g D e p a r t m e n t D i r e c t o r

Craig Mole' reported that residents in condominiums, apartments, resort buildings and commercial buildings will first need to obtain a current elevation certificate

∫ Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller reported that staff anticip a t e t h e l a p p o o l a t t h e S a n i b e l Recreation Center will be able to reopen to the public this week

∫ Administrative Services Director Crystal Mansell provided an overview of the city's assets

City Hall sustained storm surge on the f i r s t f l o o r l e v e l , i n c l u d i n g N a t u r a l Resources, IT and police squad room

From page 1

The elevator shaft flooded and will need to be replaced as it has been deemed a total loss There was also A/C and electrical damage A temporary roof has been installed over the main section of the Sanibel Recreation Center, including over the gym, administrative offices, front lobby and weight room A total roof replacement is expected, and the gym floor was removed due to standing water

All mitigation and stabilization has been finished at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village Three buildings schoolhouse, Rutland House and Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room had substantial damage

The site of the future senior center, the bank building on Library Way had about 32 inches of storm surge, requiring a full demolition of the flooring and flood cuts There was electrical damage, and when water was restored to the building, there was damage discovered to the underground waterlines The Center-4-Life sustained substantial damage estimated at about $475,000 There was extensive electrical damage and roof damage, and an entire gut of the structure was needed, including flooring and walls

“This building is likely to be demo,” Souza said, adding that staff were looking to extend the life of the building for office use “I think it looks very challenging At some point, we'll have to cut our losses ”

∫ Public Works Deputy Director Scott Krawczuk reported that staff are clearing major vegetation from lots, trails and public areas The next step is handling the damaged dune walkovers and boardwalks, along with areas of severe erosion Waterway wet debris and beach debris removal is also taking place.

∫ Natural Resources District Holly Milbrandt reported that the city's annual beach surveying was completed before the storm, but now a second post-hurricane beach surveying is underway

Captiva Sewer Project Transmission

Tetra Tech presented the results of its study on the necessary improvements to the city's wastewater transmission system that would enable Sanibel to accept Captiva's flow, with and without South Seas

The summary of the findings included:

∫ The Sanibel wastewater transmission system was designed for Sanibel build-out conditions and currently cannot reliably accept and convey flows from

tions and payment methods According to the BBB's research, those who paid with a credit card were less likely to lose money Be cautious when paying by digital wallet apps, prepaid money cards, or other nontraditional payment methods

∫ Shipment tracking information can be faked Look closely to make sure it is a legitimate business Avoid clicking on the tracking link; go to the shipper's website and type in the code to see if it is real

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py with a purchase, file a complaint at BBB org/complaints If you never got what you paid for, consider reporting it to the BBB Scam Tracker to help other consumers avoid being scammed

For more holiday tips from the BBB, visit https://www.bbb.org/all/holiday.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior For more than 100 years, the BBB has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust For more information, visit https://www bbb org/

C a p t i v a t o t h e D o n a x W a s t e w a t e r

Reclamation Facility without significant improvements to the Sanibel conveyance infrastructure

∫ T e t r a T e c h r e c o m m e n d s t h a t Sanibel consider implementing a fivey e a r c a p i t a l i m p r o v e m e n t p l a n t o upgrade the city’s wastewater transmission system Initially, the focus should be on the west wastewater system that would convey flows from Captiva

∫ Improvements to the city’s wastewater transmission system are recommended, regardless of whether additional flows from Captiva are accepted into Sanibel’s system Upgrades that would correct the existing deficiencies in the system include replacing the Master Lift Station pumps with larger pumps and replacing 4,100 linear feet of the 12inch force main downstream of Master Lift Station 3 with a 16-inch force main or adding a 12-inch parallel force main to attain the equivalent capacity

∫ Some improvement projects would be the responsibility of Captiva or Lee County and some improvement projects would be the responsibility of Sanibel Tetra Tech also provided the following breakdown of the project costs:

∫ Sanibel capacity improvements: Present-day cost range of about $2 76 million to $2 95 million, with a future cost range of about $3 32 million to $3 54 million

∫ A d d i t i o n a l C a p t i v a c a p a c i t y improvements: Present-day cost range of about $13 04 million to $13 90 million, with a future cost range of about $15 64 million to $16 68 million

∫ Additional South Seas capacity improvements: Present-day cost range of about $4.55 million to $4.86 million, with a future cost range of about $5 46 million to $5 83 million

In other news

∫ C o m m u n i t y H o u s i n g a

as quickly as possible

Council also requested another update at its Dec 20 meeting to review the scope of work

∫ The council voted 5-0 on a resolution to approve relief of sanitary sewer charges for October.

∫ The council voted 5-0 on a temporary waiver of the temporary structure fee of $431 for recreational vehicles and park trailers on residential lots, retroactively to Nov 12 for six months to May 12

∫ The council voted 5-0 on guidance for regulating pool and spa dewatering that prohibits emptying into a waterbody, into the city's stormwater system or onto a third-party property without consent

∫ The council voted 5-0 on a temporary waiver of the building permit demolition fee of $53 25 for those substantially damaged by Hurricane Ian, retroactively to Nov 7 for six months to May 7

∫ The council voted 5-0 on an ordinance to amend sections of the city's Code pertaining to the Sanibel Boat Ramp and beach parking areas, including renaming boat ramp permits as residential and non-residential, changing fees and hours of usage, and increasing the commercial use penalty for the ramp.

∫ The council voted 5-0 to approve $ 1 2 , 3 6 9 f o r t h e S a n i b e l P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t t o p u r c h a s e t h e T 2 M o b i l e P a y p a r k i n g p a y m e n t s y s t e m from T2 Systems and an enhanced LPR plate scan and integration from Duncan Parking Technologies to allow for a new mobile payment system for beach parking

∫ The council voted 5-0 on an ordinance to amend the city's Code pertaining to the effective date for the prohibition of gas-powered leaf blowers, postponing that start date from Dec 31 to June 30

∫ The council voted 3-2 on an ordinance to amend the city's Code based on the updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), including delineation of L i m i t o f M o d e r a t e W a v e A c t i o n (LiMWA)

∫ The council recognized the retirement of Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief William “Bill” Briscoe in a proclamation He officially retired on Oct 8 after serving the fire district for 22 years

P a g e 5 ■ W e e k o f W e d n e s d a y , D e c e m b e r 1 4 , 2 0 2 2 b r e e z e n e w s p a p e r s . c o m I s l a n d R e p o r t e r

CHR hired a public adjuster and was expecting to receive a scope of work within 10 days

A majority of the council pressed CHR to get residents back into their units

∫ The council voted 5-0 on an ordinance to amend the city's Local Register o f H i s t o r i c L a n d m a r k s t o p l a c e t h e P r i s c i l l a M u r p h y C e n t e r , a t 1 0 1 9 Periwinkle Way a condominium on the register

‘Tweens Waters to open fully for reservations

The 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa announced that starting Dec 17, it has received approval to welcome all guests with valid lodging reservations to t h e r e s o r t , a t 1 5 9 5 1 C a p t i v a D r i v e , Captiva.

Guests will receive a corporate email confirmation that includes their name

and date of reservation Each day, the resort will supply officials at the Sanibel Causeway checkpoint a list of the reservations Guests will provide authorities with a printed copy of the reservation and their photo identification.

“As the first full-service resort to open on the islands, we’re absolutely

thrilled with the trust and cooperation the city of Sanibel has shown in granting all of our guests access,” Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Babcock said.

“ W e a c c e p t t h i s g r e a t o p p o r t u n i t y with sincere responsibility, and ask our

guests to travel safely, yet directly, to 'Tween Waters Captiva to allow the work of islands' repair and restoration to carry on easily,” he added

For more information or reservations, v i s i t w w w . T w e e n - W a t e r s . c o m o r c a l l 239-472-5161

County library system offering virtual programming

The Lee County Library System, w h i c h i n c l u d

FoCC reports on nesting activity on Cayo Costa

The Friends of Cayo Costa State Park recently reported that nesting season was a huge success

“Thankfully, most turtle and shoreb i r d s w e r e d o n e n e s t i n g b e f o r e t h e storm,” officials said.

T h e F o C C r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e f i n a l reports show it was a record sea turtle nesting season on Cayo Costa, with 572 nests and just over 40,000 successful hatchlings In context, the total number for all of Lee County was 2,000 nests and 125,000 hatchlings

It added that a large colony of least terns nested for the first time in a while, and there were 114 successful fledglings Cayo Costa had the only American oyster catcher nest in Lee, which produced three fledglings In addition, there were three snowy plower and nine Wilson plover fledglings

a Memorial Library, is offering the following free virtual programming:

Adult programs

C a p

∫ Today, Dec 14: Online Spanish Conversation Club at 6 p m

Are you ready to take your Spanishs p e a k i n g s k i l l s t o t h e n e

speaking skills are recommended in order to get the most out of the session Program presented in partnership with the School District of Lee County's Adult & Career Education Program Advance registration required before today, Dec 14, at 6 p m

∫ D e c 1 7 : O n l i n e L e t ' s T a l k Photography at 11 a m

Advance registration required before Dec 17 at 11 a m

For more information or to register, visit leelibrary librarymarket com

Questions can also be directed to 239-479-INFO (4636)

The FoCC extended its appreciation to park environmental specialist Samantha Spooner, who managed a new volunteer shorebird monitoring program, and Dr Phil Allman and student interns from Florida Gulf Coast University's School of Marine Science for monitoring the sea turtle nests

e

? Improve your fluency by chatting with adults Practice speaking Spanish with others on a variety of topics, including current events and everyday situations I n t e r m e d i a t e t o a d v a n c e d S p a n i s h -

Join photographer Andres LaBrada to talk about photography and share and discuss photos from the group Get tips and tricks on taking the best pictures just in time for the holiday season and all those family photos coming up.

Download books, stream video and o t h e r o n l i n e c o n t e n t a t w w w l e e l ibrary net

The Captiva Memorial Library is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian

The Captiva library is at 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva

“We appreciate everyone who adopted turtle nests this season and will reopen the program in the spring,” officials said

Post-stor m update

The FoCC reported that Cayo Costa sustained a great deal of damage due to

FRIENDS OF CAYO COSTA STATE PARK

ABOVE: Sea oats impacted by the dune being overwashed on Cayo Costa by the storm.

RIGHT: Some of the damage cause by Hurricane Ian to areas on the south end of Cayo Costa

FAR RIGHT: Damage on Cayo Costa from the rip currents caused by Hurricane Ian

Based on Pine Island, the FoCC is a subcommittee of the Barrier Islands Parks

heavily dam-

aged The good news is vegetation is recovering and wildlife is back to normal behavior

Society a nonprofit that is the official citizens support organization for Cayo Costa, Gasparilla, Stump Pass, Don Pedro State Parks, Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum, Gasparilla Island Lighthouse

and Amory Memorial Chapel All funds raised by the FoCC are used exclusively for Cayo Costa State Park

MARGI NANNEY

Record-breaking $11.7M home sale on Sanibel

McMurray & Members of Royal Shell Real Estate recently announced that it set a new record for the highest home sale on Sanibel

Listed and sold by Mike McMurray, the 3 29-acre estate is located at 3845 West Gulf Drive and includes five-plus bedrooms and six bathrooms The record-breaking sale closed on Nov. 30.

Sold for $11 7 million, the home features 6,654 square feet of total living space and 300 feet of beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico It includes floor-to-ceiling columns, sculpted arches, a gourmet kitchen, wine room, separate guest house and panoramic views of the ocean

SCCF focuses on vigilance at annual meeting

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reinforced its core commitment to conservation and community during its 2022 Annual Meeting on Dec 6 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott in Fort Myers

“Aside from the 1960s and '70s, there has never been a time more important than now to remain vigilant against external development pressures,” Chief Executive Officer James Evans said “I want to thank our community for standing strong in the face of what we expect to be tremendous challenges that threaten our wildlife, our way of life, and our local economy ”

“There is no question that the conservation spirit continues to glow brightly on our islands and is a beacon of hope for future generations,” he added

Recognizing leaders from Sanibel and Captiva, Evans thanked them for their support of the SCCF's mission to protect and care for the region's coastal ecosystems

SCCF members welcomed four new trustees to the board, appointed new officers, heard leadership reports, and watched a 17-minute episode of “The Rebuild” that featured the SCCF's boots-on-the-ground hurricane and community recovery efforts Outgoing Board of Trustees President Don Rice applauded the way the SCCF responded to the historic storm

“I simply want to declare SCCF our leaders, our team performed magnificently, and continue to perform with great courage, competence, and commitment,” he said “We are where we are today, and we have the strength we have because of our legacy of work, our selfless dedication to the task at hand, and … the sacrifices and personal losses that our own folks have suffered at the same time they remain committed to our conservation mission ”

Treasurer John Raho shared a financial report

“The overall financial strength of SCCF remains solid in the face of challenges from COVID overhang, the ongoing weak equity market, and now Ian,” he wrote “We still face headwinds in fundraising from an uncertain economy, but we remain cautiously optimistic as the team has already achieved momentum ”

Recognizing the challenges and opportunities that the SCCF faced during the July 2021 through June fiscal year, Rice cited the transition from outgoing Chief Executive Officer Ryan Orgera to Evans in January as a key shift

“We were able to expand the roles and capabilities of many staff people, and James moved to a more collegial and

“We view Hurricane Ian as more of an opportunity than a hardship and we will build back better than before the storm Rising seas and more intense, more frequent storm events will continue to shape the future of our communities,” he said “We must rebuild in a way that not only makes our infrastructure more resilient to climate change, but also protects our unique wildlife habitats and the character of our barrier island sanctuaries ”

The new trustees include John Morse, Mary Ellen Pfeifer, Lisa Riordan and Doug Ryckman The new officers are President Anne Nobles, Vice President Doug Ryckman and Secretary Megan Doss

In a post-Ian resolution, all current trustees will continue to serve through the end of the fiscal year, including Rice, outgoing Secretary Ran Niehoff, Bob Brooks, Laura DeBruce, Sandra Gross, Nik Khakee, Tom Libonate, Jill McCormack, Dick Pyle, Chip Roach, Laura Shaffer and Christine Szymanczyk

Legacy Society inductions included the Estate of Sally Lichtenstein, Estate of Beverly Ball, Estate of Thomas Bone, Estate of Breese Tomick, Jill and John Kirkpatrick, Peter Siegenthaler, and Daniel P Hagerman Foundation, represented by George, Audrey, and Lisa Hagerman.

MCMURRAY & MEMBERS OF ROYAL SHELL

collaborative approach to mission fulfillment,” he said as he reported on successes across all of the SCCF's programs Evans encouraged attendees to read the FY 2021-22 Annual Report to learn about the mission-focused work the SCCF accomplished, including a four-page Hurricane Ian insert

SANIBELCAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Lily & Co. closes island storefront post-storm

By TIFFANY REPECKI trepecki@breezenewspapers com

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Lily & Co. Jewelers announced the closure of its Sanibel shop

Last month, co-owners Dan Schuyler and Karen Bell shared via social media that their physical storefront at 520 Tarpon Bay Road would not be restored and reopened following the storm

“It is with great sadness that Dan and I let you know that the physical business of Lily & Co will no longer be a part of Sanibel,” Bell reported, adding that they decided to sell the “historic gem ”

The building has a rich history, spanning over 100 years, according to the company's website Constructed in 1915, it was originally owned by the Florida Baptist Convention of Jacksonville In 1929, the building opened as a school for Black children during Lee County's efforts to update the educational facilities throughout the county The school remained in service until around 1963

At that time, the building was converted into the Schoolhouse Art Gallery As the years went by, it served as a bank and podiatrist's office On July 8, 1999, the school was added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the website In 2006, the building was transformed into Lily & Co

“The physical store Lily & Co. will no longer be able to be up and running,” Schuyler shared

“We're not going away,” he added “We're just going online ”

Bell explained that the shop will have an online presence, especially through the end of the year for holiday shoppers She added that Lily & Co will be able to accommodate its customers online

“ O n e o f t h e o t h e r t h i n g s w e r e a l l y w a n t t o s a y i s t h a n k y o u s o m u c h f o r t h e l a s t 1 6 y e a r s , ” B e l l s h a r e d “ I ' v e l o v e d L i l y & C o I ' v e l o v e d t h i s f a m i l y I ' v e l o v e d t h e g a l s t h a t w o r k w i t h u s I ' v e l o v e d a l l o f o u r v e n d o r s . I ' v e l o v e d e v e r y t h i n g a b o u t t h i s o p p o r t u n i t y

I ' m v e r y g r a t e f u l ”

She noted that people were not quite sure when they started the business 16 years ago

“But Lily & Co became a part of Sanibel, and Sanibel is a very special place You all our family, friends, and customers have made our lives amazing,” Bell reported. “Sanibel is a very special place and will be even better than it was before ”

Schuyler shared the same sentiment

“We want to thank everybody for being there and that everybody is safe and sound through this tough situation with the hurricane,” he reported

Schuyler encouraged people to stay tuned online for updates

“We'll keep you (apprised of) what's going on as we move forward in the future,” he said “So we're going to say goodbye for today, but not for forever ”

For more information about Lily & Co Jewelers, visit LilyJewelers.com.

VIP Realty Group announces top producers for month

VIP Realty Group announced its top producers for the month of November

Teresa Baker had the top sales Since becoming a Realtor, she has furthered her education by obtaining her designation from the Graduate Realtor Institute and t h e S a n i b e l C a p t i v a I s l a n d Specialist, as well as her broker’s license

Karen Bell and the Bell Team, which includes John Bates, Holly Peeples and Sherrill Sims, had the top listings and were the top

producer. Since 1986, Bell has been a prominent broker in the region She was recognized as the “Best of the Islands” Best Realtor in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2017

The Bell Team was recognized as the “Best of the Islands” Best Real Estate Team in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l 2 3 9 - 4 7 2 - 5 1 8 7 o r g o t o

SanCapIslandRE.com.

VIP Realty Group is at 1560 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Teresa Baker

The Bell Team of Sherrill Sims, Holly Peeples, Karen Bell and John Bates

Isl and FaCes

Football tourney raises funds for storm relief

The Hurricane Ian Relief Flag Football Tournament took place on Dec 3 at Dunbar High School in Fort Myers The 7-versus-7 adult tourney included a men's division and a co-ed division Event coordinator and The Sanibel School teacher Joe Camputaro reported that the $775 raised will benefit The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools' Hurricane Ian Relief Fund The tournament was hosted in partnership with the foundation and Employee Wellness Camputaro added that the tourney would not have been possible without the support of Dunbar High School and Principal Carl Burnside

Te

e Hurricane Ian Relief Flag Football Tournament.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Second place went to Team Dynasty in the Hurricane Ian Relief Flag Football Tournament.

Event coordinator and The Sanibel School teacher Joe Camputaro and Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Chief Executive Officer and President Marshall Bower

PreserVInG ParadIse

Shorebird numbers increase on islands, SCCF reports

November’s monthly shorebird surveys on Sanibel and Captiva revealed a noticeable spike in total bird numbers, as well as a slight increase in species diversity compared to October’s surveys, according to the SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation

In October, just under 2,000 individuals and 24 species were observed In November, the SCCF shorebird team observed 4,734 individuals and 27 species

REFUGE/DDWS

DDWS reports on refuge programming and more

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's waters, lands and facilities are closed to the public until further notice due to hurricane damage Consequently, many programs and events are canceled

In addition, the DDWS provided the following updates:

∫ Refuge staff is structuring a new program to take Mobile Mindfulness to the island workplace and organizations Starting with a collaboration with Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith and city employees, mindfulness guides will lead groups along a soothing trajectory to ease the stress of post-storm trauma and related issues Interested groups can contact Ranger T o n i W e s t l a n d T o n i W e s t l a n d a t Toni Westland@fws gov or Ranger Jess Barry at jessica barry@fws gov

∫ The refuge will judge its annual Cartoon Contest submissions from the Patriot Elementary School in Cape Coral on Dec 19

∫ Steps are being taken to remove the walls in the downstairs former DDWS office to begin drying it out and protecting the upstairs from further mold damage The office has been deemed a complete loss

∫ A hazardous material government contract has been awarded and work started last week to clean up all hazardous materials on the refuge's lands

C o m p a r e d t o the previous five N o v e m b e r s u rv e y s , t o t a l n u mbers of individuals h a v e r e t u r n e d t o their normal leve l s T h i s y e a r ’ s count is the second highest number of individuals recorded in November in the past five years. The SCCF reported that the increase is partly due to many birds making their way south to their wintering grounds

“One species of particular note that was observed this month is the Franklin’s gull, which is usually documented at least once on our surveys over the winter season,” shorebird technician Aaron White said on Nov 28

Franklin’s gulls are most easily distinguished from similar looking laughing gulls by their smaller overall size, smaller bill, and thick white eye ring He said the birds primarily nest in freshwater marshes across the central provinces of Canada and some parts of the north-central United States.

After nesting season, Franklin’s gulls migrate 4,000 to 7,000 miles one of the longest migration distances among gull species down the Central Flyway to spend their winters on the western coastline of South America

“Although Florida’s not along their usual route, small numbers of Franklin’s gulls are seen in the state while on their migratory journey,” White said “One possible reason they turn up outside their primary migration route could be the effect of weather ”

Winds and storms that occur within the central United States can cause migrants to go off course and seek clearer conditions elsewhere. In 2015, a west-to-east moving

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

low pressure system with tropical storm force winds caused a massive fallout of Franklin’s gulls on the east coast of the country Flocks of 60 or more Franklin’s gulls were spotted in some areas a rare sight to see along the east coast

The SCCF reported that Franklin’s gulls are known to be social during migration, often mixing with large flocks of other gull and tern species

“Keep your eyes peeled for the Franklin’s gull next time you stumble across a shorebird flock just be sure to give them plenty of space to regain their energy for their journey farther south,” he said

Oyster reef restoration site still intact after hurricane

In May, Coastal Watch and 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's Marine Lab received state and federal permits to restore an oyster reef in the Charlotte Harbor that had experienced substantial erosion and mangrove losses, according to the SCCF Volunteers loaded buckets of oyster substrate that were transported to the site, located near Pirate Harbor, on the SCCF’s R/V Norma Campbell

Recently, the team re-visited the reef to measure progress by determining oyster density and shell height It was delighted that the reef appeared to be unaffected by the strong winds and waves from Hurricane Ian and had several hundred oysters in each q u a d r a n t P a r t n e r s i n t h e e f f o r t include the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves and Friends for Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves

The SCCF reported that monitoring of the reef will continue in May

The J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge celebrated Luminary off-island on Dec. 2 at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers with other community organizations, stores and residents.

Volunteer Nancy Riley staffs the “Ding” D a r l i n g W i l d l i f e S o c i e t y - F r i e n d

Refuge's pop-up stand at the Coconut Point Farmer ’s Market in Estero

SANIBELCAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SCCF educators visit island students in Fort Myers

Richard Finkel recently visited The Sanibel School eighth-graders at the San Carlos Elementary in Fort Myers for the first time since Hurricane Ian to continue being involved in their curriculum

Before the storm, SCCF had initiated a mangrove growth study project with the students. Although the scope of it has changed, the students will still conduct a community mangrove planting in the spring

During their visit, Rivard and Finkel discussed hurricane impacts to wildlife, encouraging the students to take part in the SCCF’s citizen science effort to report wildlife observations Students also tested their knowledge on the science and environmental impacts of hurricanes with an interactive Jeopardy contest

P a r t o f t h e S a n i b e l - C

Foundation, family, the Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future one person at a time For more information, visit sanibelseaschool.org.

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 d u r i n g f a l l m i g r a t i o n , t h o u s a n d s o f s h o r e b i r d s a n d s e a b i r d s m a k e t h e i r w a y d o w n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s t o t h e i r w i n t e r i n g g r o u n d s M a n y o f t h e b i r d s a r e b a n d e d w i t h u n i q u e t a g s t h a t a l l o w s c i e n t i s t s t o i d e n t i f y a n d t r a c k i n d i v i d u a l s , a n d a l a r g e p a r t o f t h e S C C F s h o r e b i r d t e a m ’ s w o r k i s o b s e r v i n g a n d r e p o r t i n g t h e t a g s .

“ T h i s d a t a f u r t h e r s o u r u n d e r s t a n di n g o f t h e e x a c t m i g r a t i o n p a t h w a y s b i r d s t a k e , ” s h o r e b i r d t e c h n i c i a n A a r o n W h i t e s a i d o n D e c 5 “ C o n s e r v a t i o n e f f o r t s c a n t h e n b e f o c u s e d o n p r o t e c t i n g t h e l o c a t i o n s t h a t a r e m o s t i m p o r t a n t f o r t h e s u r v i v a l a n d s u c c e s s o f m i g r a t o r y s p e c i e s ”

R e c e n t l y , h e s p o t t e d a n d p h ot o g r a p h e d a s p e c i e s w i t h n o t o r i o u s l y d i f f i c u l t - t o - r e a d b a n d s : t h e c o m m o n t e r n . A m e d i u m - s i z e d t e r n , i t i s m o s t

e a s i l y d i s t i n g u i s h e d b y a b l a c k m a r k i n g o n t h e l e a d i n g e d g e o f t h e w i n g , c a l l e d t h e c a r p a l b a r “ B i r d b a n d s c o m e i n d i f f e re n t s h a p e s , c o l o r s a n d s i z e s , a n d i t t a k e s p r a c t i c e a n d e x p e r ie n c e w i t h b i n o c u l a r s a n d c a me r a s t o b e a b l e t o a c c u r a t e l y d o c u m e n t b a n d s , ” W h i t e s a i d

A f t e r r e p o r t i n g t h e t a g , t h e S C C F w a s c o n t a c t e d b y o r n i t h o l o g i s t D r . L e e H a r p e r , w h o b a n d e d t h e t e r n a s a n e s t l i n g i n 2 0 1 1 a t L a k e S t L a w r e n c e i n N e w Y o r k S i n c e t h e 1 9 9 0 s , H a r p e r ’ s t e a m a t R i v e r e d g e E n v i r o n m e n t a l h a s b a n d e d o v e r 4 4 , 0 0 0 c o m m o n t e r n c h i c k s i n t h e G r e a t L a k e s r e g i o n , w h e r e s e v e r a l s t a t e s l i s t t h e s p e c i e s a s t h r e a t e n e d o r e n d a n g e r e d T h a n k s t o t h e e f f o r t s , a s w e l l a s c o l l a b o r a t i o n s w i t h o t h e r o r g a n i z a t i o n s a n d v o l u n t e e r s , t h e n u mb e r o f c o m m o n t e r n n e s t s o n t h e S t .

L a w r e n c e R i v e r h a v e n e a r l y d o u b l e d s i n c e t h e p r o j e c t b e g a n “ B a n d i n g h e l p s u s i d e n t i f y p o s tf l e d g i n g d i s p e r s a l p a t t e r n s , i m p o r t a n t m i g r a t i o n s t o p o v e r p o i n t s , a n d h o w l o n g t h e s e b i r d s l i v e a n d r e p r o d u c e R e - s i g h t r e p o r t s o f o u r l i v i n g b i r d s a r e e s p e c i a l l y u s e f u l t o a i d i n o u r c o n s e rv a t i o n e f f o r t s , ” H a r p e r s a i d “ I v e r y m u c h a p p r e c i a t e S C C F ’ s s h a r p - e y e d t e c h n i c i a n s ’ h a r d w o r k i n r e a d i n g t h e s e l e g b a n d s ”

T h e S C C F r e p o r t e d t h a t S a n i b e l i s a p a r t i c u l a r l y r i c h l o c a t i o n f o r m i g r a t i n g b i r d s , p r o v i d i n g f o o d a n d r e s t t o l o n gt e r m w i n t e r r e s i d e n t s t h a t s t a y i n S o u t h w e s t F l o r i d a f o r t h e s e a s o n , a s

w e l l a s s h o r t - t e r m r e s i d e n t s t h a t s t o p b e f o r e c r o s s i n g t h e o c e a n t o c e n t r a l a n d s o u t h A m e r i c a . H a r p e r ’ s p r i m a r y o b j e c t i v e s w i t h t h e c o m m o n t e r n p r o je c t m i r r o r t h e S C C F ’ s w o r k b a n d i n g a n d m o n i t o r i n g s n o w y p l o v e r s , W i l s o n ’ s p l o v e r s , a n d l e a s t t e r n s

“ I f w e h o p e t o c o n s e r v e a n d r e s t o r e o u r r e s p e c t i v e s p e c i e s , w e m u s t i n c r e a s e t h e n u m b e r o f h a t c h e d e g g s a n d t h e n u m b e r o f c h i c k s t h a t s u r v i v e t o f l e d g e , ” W h i t e s a i d “ W i t h o r g a n iz a t i o n a l p a r t n e r s h i p s a n d h e l p f r o m h a r d - w o r k i n g v o l u n t e e r s , w e c a n a l l w o r k t o g e t h e r t o w a r d o u r u l t i m a t e g o a l

c o n s e r v i n g w i l d l i f e ”

Sanibel Sea School Director Shannon Rivard and 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 e d u c a t o r

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

and lIVInG

SPD releases weekly blotter

l i n c l u d e r e a l t i m e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t l a w e n f o r c e m e n t r e s p o n s e t o c r i m i n a l a c t i v it y

L a s t w e e k , t h e S P D p r o v i d e d t h e f o l l o w i n g updates:

Enforcement actions

∫ A vehicle occupied by two men was escorted off the island for not having a hurricane pass displayed and suspicious activity

∫ Residential and contractor hurricane passes continue to be confiscated due to misuse

∫ One search warrant was in process

Enforcement operations statistics

Week to date for Nov 29 to Dec 5:

∫

Alarm calls (business and residential): 5

∫ Non-emergency calls: 16

∫ Traffic crashes: 0

∫ Traffic stops: 25

∫ Residential area checks: 669

∫ Business area checks: 269

∫ Field interviews: 14

∫ Total CAD calls: 1,338

Month to date:

∫ Alarm calls (business and residential): 4

∫ Non-emergency calls: 10

∫ Traffic crashes: 0

∫ Traffic stops: 15

∫ Residential area checks: 445

∫ Business area checks: 208

∫ Field interviews: 11

∫ Total CAD calls: 944

Reminders from the SPD

Sanibel Residential Hurricane Passes are not transferrable In addition, Sanibel Commercial Reentry Passes are not transferrable; unauthorized use of passes by individuals other than the contractor to whom a pass was issued will result in immediate revocation of the commercial entry pass Contractors from whom passes have been revoked will be ineligible to receive new passes

Multiple search warrants have been issued and executed as part of post-hurricane investigations, resulting in the discovery of items that may be missing property Residents, property owners and business o w n e r s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o r e v i e w p h o t o s a t http://www mysanibel us/police/property/ Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel Please share a n y p h o t o s o f s o l i c i t a t i o n h a n g t a g s t o 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.

∫ Web tips can be submitted at https://www tip411 com/tips/new?alert group id=22450

∫ Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device

The SPD's non-emergency line is 239-472-3111

Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www face book com/SanibelPolice

Sanibel library to present next lecture in virtual series

W i t h s u p p o r t f r o m t h e S a n i b e l P u b l i c L i b r a r Foundation, the Sanibel Public Library has launched series of virtual author talks to include bestselling author and thought leaders

The next lecture will b held today, Dec 14, at noo and will feature Nicol Eustace, author of “Covere with Night: A Story o Murder and Indigenou Justice in Early America Explore early-American his tory with the Pulitzer Prize winning historian as she dis cusses her award-winnin book Eustace reconstructs murder and its aftermath bringing readers into the overlapping worlds of white colonists and Indigenous peoples in the early 1700s

She is a professor of history at New York University A historian of the early modern Atlantic and the early U S , Eustace specializes in the history of emotion She also authored “Passion Is the Gale: Emotion, Power, and the Coming of the American Revolution” and “1812: War and the Passions of Patriotism,” as well as co-edited “Warring for America: Cultural Contests in the Era of 1812 ”

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

T o r e g i s t e r f o r t h e a u t h o r t a l k , v i s i t https://libraryc org/sanlib/20927

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the library is offer ing limited services

Patrons can browse the bookshelves, check out materials and use the public computers The drive-up book drop located in the parking garage on the west side of the library is also accepting returns

Currently, overdue fines are not being assessed for materials returned late

In addition, it is offering curbside assistance on weekd a y s f r o m 1 1 a m t o 1 p m f r o m n o w t h r o u g h December To use the service, place items on hold online or make requests by calling the library at 239-472-2483 Patrons will then be notified when their items are ready for pick up

The library’s eShelf and all online services are available 24/7 Library cardholders can stream or download eBooks, movies, music, newspapers, magazines and

The Sanibel School

The Sanibel School, at 3840 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, reported the following:

Students to per for m Holiday Program

The Sanibel School will present its “Holiday Program” on Dec 15 at 6 p m in the South Fort Myers High School auditorium, at 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers

Led by Music Department Director Joey Giangreco, it will feature performances by students in the grades K-2 classes and grades 3-5 classes, along with the Seahorse Chorale and The Steel Drum Band.

The performance is free to attend

For more information, call 239-472-1617 or visit sbl leeschools net

more. For assistance with the services or a library card, contact notices@sanlib org

If you have photos taken during Ian or of post-storm damage or recovery in Southwest Florida, consider allowing the library to archive the images It is also looking for photos of the islands before the causeway, during the land boom of the early 1920s, and of notable locals Images, videos and stories can be emailed to sanibelpubliclibrary@gmail com

The Sanibel Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a m to 3 p m

For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit www.sanlib.org.

The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Sanibel Public Meetings

The following public meetings/hearings are scheduled: ∫ Today, Dec 14: Sanibel Fire and Rescue

District meeting at 9 a m at Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel For more information or the agenda, visit www sanibelfire com

Dec 20: Sanibel City Council special meeting at 9 a.m. at BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, and via Facebook Live For more information or the agenda, visit www mysanibel com

Nicole Eustace

CECI offers update on recover y effor ts

The Children's Education Center of the Islands recently provided an update on the post-hurricane recovery efforts taking place at its facilities on Sanibel Last week, officials shared that remediation has been finished at the center To support the CECI in its recovery, visit https://gofund me/7debba48

CHILDREN'S EDUCATION CENTER OF THE ISLANDS

County launches website with housing resources

T o b e t t e r a s s i s t H u r r i c a n e I a ni m p a c t e d r e s i d e n t s c o n n e c t w i t h s t a t e , f e d e r a l a n d o t h e r p a r t n e r i n g e n t i t i e s f o r h o u s i n g n e e d s , L e e C o u n t y h a s l a u n c h e d a n e w l a n d i n g p a g e a t i t s s t o r m w e b s i t e

V i s i t w w w l e e g o v c o m / s t o r m a n d c l i c k o n t h e h o u s e i c o n o r l o o k f o r “ H o u s i n g ” i n t h e r a i l o n t h e l e f t .

L e e C o u n t y r e p o r t e d t h a t p e o p l e w h o a r e h o m e l e s s o r i n d a m a g e d h o m e s d u e

t o I a n c a n s t i l l a p p l y t o F E M A f o r h e l p T h e d e a d l i n e w a s e x t e n d e d t o J a n 1 2 V i s i t w w w D i s a s t e r A s s i s t a n c e g o v a n d c o m p l e t e a n a p p l i c a t i o n , c a l l 8 0 0 - 6 2 13 3 6 2 o r v i s i t a l o c a l D i s a s t e r R e c o v e r y C e n t e r ( D R C ) A c o m p l e t e l i s t o f D R C l o c a t i o n s i s a v a i l a b l e a t w w w l e e g o v c o m / h u r r i c a n e / s t o r m / a v a i l a b l e - r e s o u r c e s .

O n c e r e s i d e n t s h a v e c o m p l e t e d a F E M A a p p l i c a t i o n , t h e n t h e y c a n a p p l y

f o r S t a t e o f F l o r i d a h o u s i n g a s s i s t a n c e b y v i s i t i n g w w w I a n R e c o v e r y f l g o v I t i s t h e U n i t e F l o r i d a p r o g r a m p a g e I t i s f o r p e o p l e w h o n e e d t e m p o r a r y s h e l t e ri n g a n d t e m p o r a r y o r p e r m a n e n t r e p a i r s t o t h e i r h o m e s I t a l s o o f f e r s h e l p w i t h u n m e t n e e d s s u c h a s t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , s e n i o r s e r v i c e s a n d h o u s e h o l d s u p p l i e s

A d d i t i o n a l f e d e r a l , s t a t e a n d l o c a l r e s o u r c e s a r e a v a i l a b l e T h e n e w l a n di n g p a g e e x p l a i n s t h e p h a s e d - i n h o u s i n g

p l a n p o s t - h u r r i c a n e t h a t F E M A a n d i t s p a r t n e r s u s e T h e r e i s a l s o i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e U S S m a l l B u s i n e s s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n l o a n s f o r h o m e o w n e r s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n o n c o u n t y r e c o v e r y r e s o u r c e s f o r h o m e o w n e r s a n d r e n t e r s , i n c l u d i n g h o m e - r e p a i r a s s i s t a n c e , i n s u ra n c e - d e d u c t i b l e a s s i s t a n c e , u t i l i t y a s s i st a n c e a n d t h e c o o r d i n a t e d e n t r y p r og r a m f o r p e o p l e a t r i s k o f h o m e l e s s n e s s o r w h o a r e h o m e l e s s

n e s

Rec center to hold holiday event for community

The Sanibel Recreation Center will host a Community Holiday Event on Dec 17 from 4 to 6 p m

Free and open to the community, it will feature pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus, holiday crafts, an ice cream bar and a h o t c o c a b a r

Everyone is invited to stop by and participate in the holiday fun

c a p t i v a s a n i b e l . c o

In addition, it will offer a free Saturday Fun Day program on Dec 1 7 b e t w e e n t h e hours of 9 a m to 4 p m for children i n g r a d e s K - 8

Please make sure

to send children with a bagged lunch, water and snack The program will include arts and crafts, games and more It is an opportunity for island youths to reconnect with friends, while parents and guardians continue their personal recovery efforts

Also, the center has added pick up pickleball on the outdoor courts on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paddles and balls are available at the front desk for use; supply is limited

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a m to 5 p m

For more information, contact 239-472-0302 or 239395-1860

The Sanibel Recreation Center is at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel

T h e b e g i n n e r b o a t i n g c l a s s w i l l p r o v i d e t h e novice recreational boater with the knowledge neede d t o o b t a i n t h e F l o r i d a F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e Conservation Commission's safety certification The presenters are trained Auxiliary members who facilitate sharing experiences and relate courseware to the local area

“Education and awareness of potential risks while boating is the key to safe boating Understanding the hazards is especially important after a hurricane,” Fort Myers Beach Flotilla 91 Commander Greg Masonick said “Participants learn the different styles of life jackets, minimizing risks, being prepared, and exercising good judgment Unlike online classes, this program offers student interaction, shared perspectives, and local area knowledge ”

Many boat insurance companies offer discounts to boaters who have completed the class

The cost is $45 per person and includes study material

Advance registration is required

Report your

news to CAPTIVASANIBEL COM

FWC proposes rule to help improve survival of released reef fish

At its recent meeting, the Flo and Wildlife Conservation Comm proposed a rule to require the pos sion of a descending device or ven ing tool that is rigged and ready fo use on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest, including catch and release, reef fish in state waters.

The proposed rule is designed to increase the survival of released reef fish, a top priority management issue in the Gulf and South Atlantic If approved, it would also require the use of a descending device or venting tool if releasing a fish that is exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release As reef fis are reeled up from depth, they can su fer pressure-related injuries know barotrauma. These injuries inclu stomach protruding out of the mou , g g eyes, bloated belly, distended intestines and inability to swim down independently If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to reef fish

ncluding descending devices or g t o o l s c a n h e l p r e l e a s e d f i s h over from the effects of barotraua D e s c e n d i n g d e v i c e s a r e w e i g h t e d d e v i c e s c a p a b l e o f releasing fish at a depth that is sufficient to recompress expanded gas and help fish recover from t h e e f f e c t s o f b a r o t r a u m a . Venting tools are sharp, hollow instruments that allow expanded g a s t o e s c a p e f r o m a n o v e rexpanded swim bladder B a r o t r a u m a m i t i g a t i o n t o o l requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters In Gulf federal waters, ishers have the choice of possessg either a descending device or a ng tool that is rigged and ready for Atlantic federal waters, fishers are q have a descending device that is readily available for use

A final rule hearing will be presented at a future commission meeting

SCCF: Red tide counts down and Lake O too high

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that over the past couple of weeks, water quality has been improving with fewer fish kills, increased water clarity, and a reduction of red tide concentrations around Sanibel

Flows to the Caloosahatchee Estuary from the W P Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) have been in the optimal flow envelope for 41 days and releases from Lake Okeechobee have begun to supplement flows from the watershed as the dry season progress The current lake regulation schedule (LORS08) recommends up to 4,000 cubic feet per second from S79.

“However, there is concern that high flows could result in excess nutrient loading, which could fuel red tide,” SCCF Policy Associate Leah Reidenbach, who produces the weekly Caloosahatchee Conditions Report for water managers and policymakers, said on Dec 7

On Dec 3, the U S Army Corps of Engineers increased the flow at S-79 to a seven-day average of 2,000 cfs from 1,200 cfs Lake Okeechobee is high for this time of year after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, so releases combined with decreased inflow and increased evaporation can help lower the lake. To decrease flows from the LORS08 guidance, the Corps is utilizing a water banking tool that allows it to reduce flows now and “save” them for beneficial releases (up to 2,800 cfs) later in the dry season when LORS08 guidance falls below 2,800 cfs

“This will benefit us now by preventing excess nutrient flows and by providing beneficial flows in the dry season,” she said “The drawback to this plan is the lake is currently too high, which is bad for its ecology, and fewer outflows lead to a slower rate of decline of lake levels When Lake Okeechobee is too high during this time of year, it

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

can cause the nutrient-rich sediment on the bottom of the lake to get stirred up, making phosphorous available to blue-green algae ”

The sediment can get washed into the marshes, where cattails can take over and outcompete native species High lake levels also reduce light availability for submerged aquatic vegetation and reduce habitat availability for millions of migratory birds that need shallow water for feeding There are often many tradeoffs to consider when managing a large system with a diversity of needs

“We will continue to monitor this dynamic system, which can change rapidly from week to week during these times when tough decisions need to be made,” Reidenbach said “The science and data that is generated from the SCCF Marine Lab, our policy team’s dedication to monitoring and advocating for the estuary, and our collaboration with stakeholders allow us to give conditions updates and recommendations to the Corps every week in our Caloosahatchee Conditions Report ”

Refuge provides update on Wildlife Drive

Last week, the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel reported that the damage to Wildlife Drive due to Hurricane Ian is extensive along the fourmile one-way road Safety is the limiting factor for

reopening it to the public The plans are to add fill and rebuild the sides of the road where there was significant erosion of the levee The birding platform approaching the water control structure was destroyed, and the man-

grove overlook also suffered significant damage The boardwalk trails Indigo Trail and Calusa Shell Mound need to be cleared and assessed for safety Crews are being assembled to work on the projects

REFUGE/DDWS

Sanibel Sea School announces options for Winter Day Camps

By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers com

The Sanibel Sea School is unable to hold its weeklong camp on Sanibel over this year's holiday break, but it will host a variety of Winter Day Camps while its east end main campus is under construction

“We may not be surfing or snorkeling, but there will still be plenty of ocean love We’ll learn a little marine biology, create works of art from nature, and make friendships to last a lifetime,” officials reported “And you better believe we’ll continue our favorite winter camp traditions of sipping hot chocolate and 'Giving Our Worries to the Sea '”

IMAG Histor y & Science Center

The IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers has provided space for the Sanibel Sea School to offer day camps. Each day will focus on a different creature, and camp favorites will be played Campers will also have access to aquariums, animal exhibits, science shows and more

∫ Dec 29: “Sharks: Cartilaginous Fish, Not Foe” from 9 a m to 4 p m

Sharks have thousands of teeth, some with multiple rows Despite their toothy grin, there is no reason to fear sharks Campers will learn to love these misunderstood fish and find out which species swim nearby

some of the most intelligent invertebrates in the sea and explore what makes them move, eat and exist.

∫ Jan 5: “Dolphins: Flipping Through Life” from 9 a m to 4 p m

Mexico Campers will uncover the mysteries of a sea turtle's life cycle They will learn where sea turtles lay their eggs and how to make the beach a bit safer for these incredible reptiles.

Open to ages 6-13, the camps cost $65 per camper

Counselors in Training (CITs)

Held simultaneous with each day camp at the IMAG History & Science Center, the Sanibel Sea School will offer its Counselors in Training (CITs) program on Dec. 29-30 and Jan 5-6 from 8 a m to 5 p m

It is designed to teach older campers the skills needed for leadership and future employment CITs are a vital link between the younger campers and counselors in the Sanibel Sea School's programs Through theory and practice, CITs learn how to be leaders and positive role models to those around them The Sanibel Sea School assigns duties and creates and maintains performance expectations for the young leaders While treated with gentleness, love and respect, they are shown how to carry out the responsibilities they are now capable of and how to use their abilities to become excellent role models.

CITs arrive one hour prior to the start of camp and leave one hour after the camp ends

Open to ages 13-17, the program costs $45 per CIT

A Day on the Bay

∫

Dec 30: “Squid & Octopus: Naked Mollusks” from 9 a m to 4 p m

Close relatives to snails and clams, these animals either have their shell inside their body, or have no shell at all Campers will go inside literally the world of

What is not to love about dolphins? Campers will explore the underwater world, learning how differently dolphins “view” the ocean from the way humans do They will also enrich their understanding of dolphins' social nature by experimenting with team-building activities

∫ Jan 6: “Sea Turtles: From Sand to Sea” from 9 a m to 4 p m

Hundreds of hatchlings burst out of the sand from nests all summer long in a mad dash for the Gulf of

Captiva Cruises and the Sanibel Sea School will team up to offer a fun day on the water for island youth and children of island workers on Dec 28 and Jan 4 Campers will depart from the McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva aboard a catamaran and cruise the Pine Island Sound searching for dolphins, playing bird bingo and more Open to ages 6-15, the camp is free Registration required as space is limited

To register, email the following information to sanibelseaschool@sccf org:

Campers' names and ages

Parent/guardian contact information (phone and email)

Proof of Sanibel residency or re-entry pass

Date attending

https://www sanibelseaschool org/

org

Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, family, the Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future one person at a time For more information, visit sanibelseaschool org

SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL

Mark Loren Designs collection to benefit CROW

One hundred percent of the profit sales of a new collection created by Mark Loren Designs that is based on sea oats will go toward the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel

“CROW was hit hard and had to move animals off the island and now they need to rebuild their enclosures and other parts of the campus,” Loren said “Since CROW is animal-related, they may not have access to the funds that some other organizations might ”

A frequent runner along Sanibel's beaches, he said he

Wonder Gardens announces winter camp sessions

The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs will host Winter Camp Wonder day camp sessions

“We invite local and visiting children to celeb r a t e o u r r e s i d e n t a n i m a l s a n d p l a n t s a s t h e y explore cultural and artistic connections and tap into their creative sides,” Education and Volunteer Manager Katie Grimes said “Activities include inquiry-based tours, games, science, art and free time.”

The weekly sessions will include:

∫ Dec 19-23 from 9 a m to 4 p m : “World of Wonder” for ages 6-9 will explore resident animals, the countries where species live in their natural habitats, and some celebrations associated with those countries Campers will make some special gifts for animals to help them celebrate the season

∫ Dec 19-23 from 9 a m to 4 p m : “Creatures and Cultures” for ages 10-12 will offer campers more advanced opportunities to get to know the animals, plants, and their global communities as well as design gifts through the lens of cultural inclusion and conservation

∫ Dec 26-30 from 9 a m to 4 p m : “Nature’s Canvas” for ages 6-9 will look at nature like an artist, exploring how animals create patterns and forms and then use similar processes for selfexpression

∫ Dec 26-30 from 9 a m to 4 p m : “Wild Design” for ages 10-12 will give campers an opportunity for creative expression as they are inspired by natural elements, from scales and feathers to tendrils and fronds Campers will tap into principles of sustainable design and draw on nature to inspire their own works of art

The sessions are $175 per week for members and $200 per week for non-members

To register, visit wondergardens org/camps

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 G r i m e s a t

Education@wondergarderns org

The Wonder Gardens is at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs

has always been intrigued by the sea oats that grow on the dunes About 10 years ago, Loren tried to devise a way to replicate the details of the seed pods in jewelry When he felt he could not get the look he wanted, he shelved the idea About two months before Hurricane Ian, Loren was able to get the details he wanted using a 3-D, high-resolution jewelry scanner He decided to fast-track development of the collection to help after the storm.

“We were so fortunate in our store and gallery,” Loren said “We are grateful and need to do what we can to help

St. Michael and All Angels to resume monthly gathering

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will host its next Messy Church on Dec 18 from 4 to 6 p m at its temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Road, Fort Myers

The event will feature making Christmas crafts, ornaments and gifts, including a wooden Sanibel lighthouse, along with games, a fun retelling of the Christmas story, singing carols and a meal

The church is requesting RSVPs so it can plan ahead for the food

Held on the second Sunday, Messy Church is for all ages and family types Attendees can choose to take part in themed activity stations and crafts, plus activities, games and a community meal

To RSVP or for more information, contact 239472-2173 or parishsecretary@saintmichaels-sanib e l o r g o r v i s i t w w w s a i n t m i c h a e l s - s a n i b e l o r g /messy-church

our community ”

The significance of sea oats to Southwest Florida was not lost on him The slow-growing perennial grass is an important plant for coastal areas, protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection because of the vital role it plays in shoreline stabilization, particularly on barrier islands

The collection can be customized in gold or white gold and with birth stones or other gems

DDWS receives matching challenge grant

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge reported that it recently received an anonymous $100,000 matching challenge grant from a Bainbridge Island, Washington, family to help raise funds to rebuild the J N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel

From the refuge's destroyed boardwalks, downed trees, Wildlife Drive dam-

age, a complete loss of intern housing and the DDWS offices, roof damage and more, government funding will not cover the full $26 million in damages, according to the DDWS

The grant will match donations and pledges dollar-for-dollar made by Dec 31

To donate, visit https://interland3 donorperfect net/weblink/WebLink aspx? name=E54182&id=12

Annual Bonita Holiday Fair to return with rides, more

The Bonita Holiday Fair will return for its second year from Dec 16 through Jan 1 on the grounds of the Bonita Springs Poker Room, at 10601 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs

Hours will be Thursdays from 5 to 10 p m , Fridays from 5 to 11 p m , Saturdays from 3 to 11 p m and Sundays from 3 to 10 p m There will be special hours on Christmas Eve from 1 to 5 p m and New Years Eve from 1 to 6 p m Opening night will feature “First Responder Friday” with free admission for first responders and hurricane relief workers

The fair will feature more than 30 state fairstyle amusement rides and Kiddieland, with a selection for youths, families and thrill seekers. The Giant Ferris Wheel stands over 100 feet tall and the midway will be packed with games, prizes, fun and fair food Entertainment will include The Magic of Lance Gifford, Rosaries' Royal Racing Pigs, Wolves of the World the world's only traveling wolf pack a petting zoo and more family-friendly attractions Attendees will also find holiday displays and music, visits from Santa until Dec 24, games of skill and festive merchandise vendors

Admission and ride tickets can be purchased at BonitaHolidayFair.com or onsite at the fair.

MARK LOREN DESIGNS

BONITA

Isl and HOMe islander

Lignum vitae is known as Tree of Life Garden center staff cleaning up and working on guide

Lignum vitae (Guaiacum officinale) is a native tree to Florida and the Caribbean that is known for its extremely dense and strong wood with some specimens known to live up to 1,000 years

T h e t r e e c a n b e g r o w n i n f u l l t o p a r t shade and is able to tolerate a wide variety of s o i l c o n d i t i o n s T h e Lignum vitae tree is very compact and slow growing and is often used as a s t r e e t t r e e i n t r o p i c a l regions

Characterized by its beautiful purple flowers that grow solitarily or in clusters, the flowers have five petals and are only a few centimeters across The leaves of the broadleaf evergreen native are comprised of three to five pairs of dark green leaflets During hot days, the leaves will sometimes fold together to reduce water loss The small yellow and orange berries provides a vital food resource for many species of bird

The word “Lignum vitae” is latin for “wood of life” due to its historical use as traditional medicine for people of the Caribbean It was used for the treatment of arthritis, coughing, syphilis, gout and chronic rheumatism and is used in blood-purifying compounds The resin of the tree acts as a stimulant and induces sweating Its dense nature made it extremely popular in the sport of cricket The lumber from the tree also found its way into ship building, clock making, railroads and even hydroelectric dams

Due to its historical popularity, in addition to loss of its native habitat due to development and deforestation, the tree is listed as endangered by The World Conservation Union Support the effort to maintain the beautiful and fairly petite tropical tree by planting one in your yard It will take decades to grow only about 10 feet or so, but it is a beautiful legacy tree that is worth preserving

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that staff have been working to clear its Native Landscapes & Garden Center and Bailey Homestead Preserve of debris, trash and downed trees

“Lots of work remains to bring the preserve back to its verdant condition, but it has been amazing to see how many plant species survived such an impactful storm surge,” Adult Education Director Jenny Evans said “Though the demonstration gardens took a serious blow, we hope to open the Garden Center and the Shipley Trail in a limited capacity in January ”

The SCCF reported that staff are also working on publishing a replanting guide this month to aid residents in using resilient native species to revegetate their yards post-Hurricane Ian.

F I S H OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA Donations bins are set up at BIG ARTS on Sanibel.

F.I.S.H. seeking donations for holiday program

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva reported that donation bins for its Holiday Assistance Program have been placed at the Captiva Civic Association, at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva, and BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop

Road, Sanibel It is seeking smaller gifts and toys for the annual “Adopt-A-Family” and “Adopt-A-Senior,” as well as stockings and stocking stuffers. Items will be collected from now through Dec 19

PHOTO PROVIDED Lignum vitae

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Captiva Civic Association Executive Director Emily Ankerson and F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Director Maria Espinoza.

Crab and Goat Cheese Strudel with Lavender Sauce

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Strudel is a classic dessert from eastern Europe; thin dough is stretched out and filled, then rolled up and baked until it is crisp It is everyone's favorite, whether it is savory or sweet and in a variety of fillings This easy savory version uses phyllo dough instead of the time-consuming classic dough, and it is filled with crab meat, vegetables and goat cheese Serves eight (Chef tip: Defrost phyllo dough in the refrigerator overnight before using it Keep the dough covered until ready to use )

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 shallots, minced sliced

1/4 cup dry white wine

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red and/or yellow pepper, finely diced

1 carrot, finely diced

1 stalk celery, finely diced

1 cup soft goat cheese, crumbled

1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked through

1 teaspoon fresh chives, finely chopped

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

For strudel assembly:

8 fresh phyllo pastry sheets or frozen, thawed

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

2 teaspoons herbs de Provence

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

LCDAS to celebrate with Gift Giving Tree

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will celebrate the upcoming holiday season with its annual Gift Giving Tree in the lobby of the adoption center, at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers

The tree is decorated with ornaments that have a wish list of gifts for the shelter pets on it Visitors may pick one up and return them to LCDAS by Dec 21 to help

Honor

Hope Hospice’s Tree of Lights tradition offers a meaningful way to commemorate loved ones while providing essential funds for those in need of hospice care and grief support

Hope’s Care Centers in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres will each feature a Tree of Lights adorned with white paper butterflies With

Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-5645 0 9 8 o r v i s i t w w w S o

make the animals’ holiday a little brighter

The ornament is the gift giver's to keep for their tree

The adoption center has dogs, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs looking for a home just in time for the holidays To see pets available for adoption or for an application, visit www leelostpets com

Lavender sauce:

1/2 shallot, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon lavender

2 cups dry white wine

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubed

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

For the sauce, place the shallots, lavender and wine in a sauce pot and place over high heat Reduce to half of the original quantity Lower the heat to a bare simmer and slowly whisk in the butter a piece at a time Season the sauce with white pepper and salt to taste Set aside over warm water Whisk the sauce before using it

For the filling, in a medium saute pan, heat olive oil Add shallots, carrots and celery to the olive oil and saute for five minutes Add garlic and peppers and saute for two more minutes at medium heat Add the wine and let it evaporate Remove the vegetable mixture from the heat and place in a medium bowl. Mix in goat cheese. Add crab and chives. Gently stir and set mixture aside to cool slightly before using it

In a small mixing bowl combine bread crumbs, herbs de Provence and parmesan cheese Make sure to have two pieces of parchment to help with the rolling of the strudel

For the strudel assembly, spread one sheet of phyllo dough on top of one of the parchment sheet, brush with melted butter and sprinkle bread crumb mix on top Top first sheet with a second sheet of phyllo and repeat so you will have four complete layers Place 1/2 cup of crab mixture onto one edge of the phyllo sheets Roll up jelly roll-style, place on a parchment lined cookie sheet With a serrated knife cut into slices, brush with butter

For individual strudels, spread one sheet of phyllo dough on top of one of the parchment sheet, brush with melted butter and sprinkle bread crumb mix on top Fold prepared phyllo in half brush with butter and fold it in half again brush with melted butter Place one tablespoon of crab mixture onto one edge of the phyllo sheets. Roll up jelly roll-style, place on a parchment lined cookie sheet Brush with butter Repeat until all phyllo dough is used

Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown Serve hot with sauce

Island Worship

∫

2050

Sabbath

Counties,

links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev Larry Marshall

Sunday service available online; in-person services have been postponed until further notice Services from the past season have been videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Lecture and discussion on Thursday at 11 a m via Zoom Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail com

∫ Sanibel Christian Science Church 2950 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-810-1077

a $50 gift, Hope will customize a butterfly with the name of your loved one and place it at the location of your choice Donors who give $100 will also receive a 2022 keepsake metal ornament engraved with the Hope Hospice logo

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Historic Chapel Sunday service at 5 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫

Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www sanibelucc org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/

Senior Minister Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a m at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers.

∫

St. Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Ed Martin

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel org/, https://www facebook com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Service with optional healing prayers on Wednesday at 9 a m at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Sunday service at 11:30 a.m. at the same location, followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall.

Chef Loretta Paganini

Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte

at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom For Zoom

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers is providing families with a chance to decorate cookies and see the holiday lights all in one night with classes on Dec 19-22 from 6-8 p m

Cookies are unfrosted sugar cookies that are pre-cut in various Christmas-themed shapes

The class will include a do-it-yourself cookie bundle kit with 12 cookies, four different icing options and three types of sprinkle toppings A hot cocoa bar and admission to Holiday Nights is included

The river pavilion will be festively decorated and holiday music will be played.

A family ticket is $115 for four people for members and $125 for four people for non-members Up to two more family member tickets can be purchased for $30 each, with additional cookies included

Space is limited to 12 families per class, and each family will have a reserved table

F

EdisonFord org

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

Gulf Coast Jazz Collective will perform “Swinging Holiday” on Dec 15 at 7 p m at the Gulf Coast S y m p h o n y ' s M u s i c & A r t s Community Center, at 13411 Shire Collective

Lane, Fort Myers Valerie Gillespie on vocals and Herb Bruce on trombone will team up with the collective for an evening of swinging holiday favorites

Families enjoy the holiday lights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

Tickets are $38-44 For

org/

Rotary Happenings

Rotarian’s spouse presented with Paul Harris Fellow

Rotary is many things to many people. It can be a place to meet new friends, a place to network your business, a place to “do-doodery” locally and around the world One of the meaningful things of Rotary is to be a Paul Harris Fellow, a coveted honor for Rotarians

Recently, 51-year Rotarian Roger Triftshauser shared his experiences throughout his many years In a heartfelt dedication, he also honored his wife, JoAnn, with an honorary Paul Harris Fellow recognition He shared seven pages about how JoAnn has supported him through the years and was his “enabler,” in the best sense of the word The dynamic duo raised a family together, including seven Rotary Exchange students, and created quite a legacy for themselves.

Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Rotary Foundation by honoring others The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the foundation Many times, the contribution is in recognition for outstanding service in the name of a Rotary member, citizen of the community or family member JoAnn stands beside many other notable figures who have been named

When I was a child, t h e d a y a f t e r Thanksgiving was a very special day It was the d a y m y m o t h e r w o u l d climb up to the attic (a place too dark and scary for me to go) and retrieve a w e l l - w o r n c a r d b o a r d box and bring it downstairs A table in our family room usually filled with family pictures was cleared, and I was given the supreme honor of sett i n g u p o u r f a m i l y ’ s Christmas creche

With JoAnn by his side, Triftshauser has certainly demonstrated Rotary's motto of “Service Above Self,” along with “Be an Inspiration” and “Be a Gift to the World" his favorite annual Rotary themes We are lucky to have people like Roger and Joann in our club, in our lives and in our world

The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club holds a meeting on Fridays at 8 a m at The Heights Foundation, at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, and via Zoom; doors open at 7:30 a m For more information, visit sanibelrotary org or www facebook com/sancaprotary

Love of God more often happens in ordinary acts

with each passing year Then a single lightbulb on an electric cord was fitted into a hole in the back of the stable

T h e n t h e f i g u r e s , e a c h carefully wrapped in wellu s e d t i s s u e p a p e r , w o u l d e m e r g e f r o m h i b e r n a t i o n Carefully pulled out one at a time, this was the most exciting moment I would anticipate which figure it would be: The ox or donkey? A shepherd or sheep? A wise man? Mary? Joseph?

Faces on Faith

O p e n i n g t h e b o x , I would first pull out the wooden stand and pieces o f t h e s t a b l e t h a t s l i d together easily after so many years Next came some straw that seemed to diminish

Each one had a certain place The shepherds were positioned near the stable while the wise men were placed on the other side of the room (They would make a journey across the room that lasted until Jan 6 I was a nativity “purist ”) The ox

and donkey each had its spot inside next to Mary and Joseph Sheep could be scattered about (creative license) Baby Jesus remained wrapped up inside the box until Christmas eve

After placing all the other figures in their proper places, the last one to find its home was the angel She had a wire loop on her back so she could hang from a small nail in the gable of the stable She was brightly colored, with a beaming s m i l e , h o l d i n g a b a n n e r t h a t r e a d : “ H o s a n n a ” M y m o t h e r t o l d m e t h a t meant joy

After it was all set, my family would gather around, and I would plug in the light From above, like the angel with the Hosanna banner, we would behold the glowing scene: Ordinary people who said “yes” to God’s invitation now gathered to welcome the Son of God into the world

Setting up that Christmas creche was always a reminder of how ordinary people

(those in the scene and those standing in the room) can know God and make God known Throughout more than 30 years of ordained ministry, I have witnessed this in a myriad of ways

I have also seen God at work in people reaching out to neighbors in need during this hurricane-recovery time, offering a place to stay, serving meals, helping with “mucking out,” clean up and removal, and offering a listening ear to someone who is hurting.

The love of God is sometimes made known in big and spectacular ways, but more often it happens in ordinary acts of human kindness and compassion May God’s love be manifest in and through us this Christmas and always

‘Underwater Christmas Past’

Tis the night before Christmas in our “underwater” house, Not a crumb left over for even a mouse, We’re dining on food stamps this Christmas night In our remodeled kitchen, our Euro delight The extension we added to help entertain Still cluttered with posters from Obama’s campaign

Tis the night before Christmas in Florida’s Southwest, Not a bank that survived will lend or invest. The stores are all open till the stroke of midnight In hopes a late shopper will come into sight Portfolios still hang with their stocks stripped bare While Republicans dream of repealing health care The home equity we tapped has completely run dry, But the rich keep getting a bigger slice of the pie, Like rats returning to a sinking ship, They’ve auctioned the condos we once planned to flip

c h e r i s h e d s o n g s , i n c l u d i n g “ C l i m b

E v ’ r y M o u n t a i n , ” “ M y F a v o r i t e T h i n g s , ” “ D o R e M i , ” “ S i x t e e n G o i n g o n S e v e n t e e n ” a n d t h e t i t l e n u m b e r , “ T h e S o u n d o f M u s i c , ” i t e a r n e d f i v e T o n y A w a r d s a n d f i v e O s c a r s T i c k e t s a r e $ 2 5 - 3 5 F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d t i c k e t s , v i s i t h t t p s : / / f t m y e r s t h e a t r e c o m / FORT MYERS THEATRE

I’ve cut down on Viagra as has Mom on Botox We’ve sent back to Comcast our new cable box That cruise round the world seems far off tonight As we lie down in darkness to save on the light, Waiting like children for the clatter and click Of someone downstairs who won’t be Saint Nick

The Rev William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

Joe Pacheco

Paul Harris Fellows, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U S retired astronaut James Lovell, former U N Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club past President John Danner, Rotarian Roger Triftshauser, JoAnn Triftshauser and President Annie Campbell

PHOTO PROVIDED