30 minute read
Sports
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FWC announces Triple Threat Throwdown challenge
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory, will give away a fully outfitted fishing kayak to one angler in its first-ever Triple Threat Throwdown. The challenge will run from Jan. 1 through Sept. 5, and it will be an exclusive raffle opportunity for Triple Threat Club members to win a Bonafide SS127 fishing kayak, fully outfitted with an accessory package from YakAttack. To enter, participants must qualify for a Catch a Florida Memory recognition between Jan. 1 and Sept. 5 and be a member of the Triple Threat Club at the time of the raffle drawing, which will take place after all submissions from the challenge period have been processed. Triple Threat Club status is awarded to anglers who have qualified for recognition in all three Catch a Florida Memory programs. This means the angler has caught a Saltwater Grand Slam, a Saltwater Reel Big Fish and has qualified for at least the Saltwater Life List 10 Fish Club. Anglers only need to qualify for the Triple Threat Club once and membership never expires. Catch a Florida Memory’s saltwater angler recognition program rewards anglers for their fishing efforts while encouraging them to target a diversity of species. Anglers do not have to harvest their fish to be eligible for prizes and are encouraged to use proper fish handling techniques. Learn more and submit catches at CatchaFloridaMemory.com. Check out the latest catches and see your achievements highlighted by following the Catch a Florida Memory Facebook page at Facebook.com/CatchaFLMemory. View angler catches and much more on Instagram and Twitter by following @MyFWC. For questions about the program, contact AnglerRecognition@MyFWC.com.
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County board approves agreements for beach and shoreline projects
On Dec. 20, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve interlocal agreements to fund 14 Lee County Beach and Shoreline projects using more than $5.78 million in Tourist Development Tax revenue. The interlocal agreements are between the county and the Barrier Island Parks Society, Captiva Erosion Prevention District, city of Cape Coral, city of Sanibel, town of Fort Myers Beach, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The projects primarily allow for maintenance of beach park facilities, including public accesses, parking lots, restrooms and equipment in Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Captiva, Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach. Capital improvement projects include restrooms and shoreline monitoring and expansion in Cape Coral. The Beach and Shoreline funding is an annual program, with the application deadline early in the calendar year. The applicants receiving funding this year all remain committed to the identified projects following Hurricane Ian’s landfall in September. Beach and shoreline project funding accounts for 26.4% of the proceeds from the Tourist Development Tax assessed on short-term lodging such as hotels, resorts and vacation rentals. The agreements are part of more than $15 million in projects using Tourist Development Taxes, including a $4 million allocation for beach nourishment. For more information, visit www.leevcb.com/funding-programs/beach-and-shoreline.
Periwinkle Park provides poststorm update
Periwinkle Park recently reported that a week after Hurricane Ian ravaged Sanibel, General Manager David Muench and his crew arrived to begin the long recovery process. With no services on-island, he and his wife, Marisa, began providing lunches daily in their home for workers and residents. Though providing lunches daily to 30 or more people is a daunting prospect, the Muenchs are happy to be a part of the island's recovery. As of Dec. 15, they had served more than 1,400 meals. Periwinkle Park is at 1119 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
PERIWINKLE PARK
TBE shares possible reopening date post-storm
The concessionaire to the J.N.
“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, Tarpon Bay Explorers recently reported that it hopes to reopen for business in February. It explained that Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage to a variety of equipment, so it will only have certain rentals and tours available during limited days throughout the week when it does. TBE is working with the refuge's rangers and staff to ensure that the site's safety concerns are addressed and completed before visitors are allowed to return and enjoy Tarpon Bay. For updates, follow on Facebook @Tarpon Bay Explorers Inc. or Intagram @tarponbayexplorers. For more information, visit www.tarponbayexplorers .com.
County board pursues two Conservation 20/20 purchases
In November, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to pursue the purchase of two parcels through the Conservation 20/20 program; both are adjacent to already preserved land. The parcels are: ∫ 1.99 acres at 5031 Pine Island Road N.W., Bokeelia. The land is near the county-owned Buttonwood Preserve in Bokeelia. ∫ 0.23 acres located within an existing Conservation 20/20 preserve boundary known as the Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve. The Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval of both parcels. The Lee County Conservation 20/20 program acquires land from willing sellers for resource-based recreational opportunities such as hiking, birdwatching, nature study, photography and paddle craft launches. The program for environmentally sensitive land acquisition and management has preserved more than 30,000 acres since its inception. In addition to recreation, conservation lands help the county to protect drinking water, enhance water quality, protect areas from flooding and provide wildlife habitat. For more information, visit www.Conservation2020.org.
PAGE 18 ‘WILD About CROW’ to raise needed funds for mission
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CLINIC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WILDLIFE
Tickets are on sale now for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's fundraising event, “WILD About CROW, ” on Jan. 20 from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. at
the Burroughs Home and Gardens in Fort Myers.
CROW announces tickets on sale for ‘WILD About CROW’
Tickets are on sale now for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's fundraising event, “WILD About CROW, ” on Jan. 20 from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. at the Burroughs Home and Gardens in Fort Myers. “Hurricane Ian will not spoil our fun or stop us from continuing CROW's mission to save wildlife and educate others on what they can do to save them too, ” Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey said. “We are thrilled to bring back WILD About CROW for another year and provide an opportunity for those in the community to enjoy themselves, as well as supporting our rebuilding efforts. ” The “animal print attire optional” event will feature a sit-down dinner, behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the CROW Clinic and fun surprises for attendees. The night will include a live auction and, for the first time ever, a silent auction with virtual bidding for out-of-town participants. Edison National Bank is the Golden — Bald Eagle presenting sponsor.
“WILD
About CROW is one of our favorite events, and we are so pleased to be able to support CROW's rebuilding after the wrath of Ian, ” Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands Chief Executive Officer Geoff Roepstorff said.
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church hosted its Messy Church on Dec. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. at its temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers. The event featured making Christmas crafts, ornaments and gifts, including a wooden Sanibel lighthouse, along with games, a retelling of the Christmas story, singing carols and a meal. 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.
CROW From page 18 Ticketsare$250eachforthoseattending in-person. Virtual attendees can register to bid on silent auction items or make a onetime donation. Attendees also have the
ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Island HOMe Report your news to CAPTIVASANIBEL.COM islanderSanibel Captiva
Prickly pear cactus
PHOTO PROVIDED
Salt-tolerant prickly pear is like candy for tortoises The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) is from the Cactaceae family and is native to Florida and the deserts of the American Southwest. Although they look like they only belong in the deserts, there is a variety that loves the sandy shores of the island beaches. They are highly drought tolerant, of course, but also have developed a good salt tolerance. There are many varieties of the prickly pear cactus, but the one seen on the islands may range in height from 1-foot to several feet tall. They form clumps or shrub-like mounds and have a very course texture. The actual leaves of the cactus are unnoticeable; it is the plate-like stems of the plant that are often thought of as the leaves. These sections are the fleshy plates that reach a length of 2 inches to 6 inches, are green and covered with 3inch-long spines, so watch your step. The prickly pear cactus mainly blooms in the summer with flowers ranging in color from orange, red and purple, to white. It will bloom over a period of several weeks, but the individual flowers will only last for one day. The fruit of the cactus is oval in shape and about 1 inch to 3 inches long, fleshy and purple in color. The plant grows well in full sun. The best part of having the prickly pear cactus in your yard or along your beach is the gopher tortoises. They love to eat the flowers, fruit and even the spiny plates of the plant. It is a favorite in their diet. You have to wonder how they manage to eat something so prickly. Gopher tortoises do not have teeth, but they do have a beak to break off foliage and food. They also get their water from the plants they eat and that may be why they are willing to brave the stickers for some prickly pear cactus.
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.
“Back of the Bubble Room”
PAUL ARSENAULT
Local artist supporting recovery fund
The Captiva Civic Association reported that local artist Paul Arsenault is donating all of the proceeds from the sale of his giclee prints from his “Shorelines” collection from now through Jan. 31. The funds will benefit the Charitable Foundation of the Islands' Nonprofit Employee Assistance Program to help island employees who were impacted by Hurricane Ian. For more information or to view the collection, visit http://www.arsenaultgallery.com/shorelines---captiva--pine-island-sound.html.
“Beach Flowers, Sanibel”
PAUL ARSENAULT
County enhances outreach for residents in need of assistance
Officials recently reported that Lee County Human & Veteran Services enhanced its resources in an effort to reach out to those who may need assistance with resources after Hurricane Ian. The department’s Coordinated Entry team was expanded to help complete assessments for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness as a result of the storm. The phone number remains the same, but new resources are available. It is critical because some residents who previously were not familiar with services may now need them postdisaster and may be new to the process. Officials reported that coordinated entry is the gateway to all housing and services for persons who are experiencing homelessness in Lee County. To access street outreach services, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing, call 239-533-7996. The number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People also can visit the Homeless Resource Day Center at the Salvation Army, at 2450 Edison Ave., Fort Myers. Another tool Lee County Human & Veteran Services developed and launched post-Ian is the Lee REACH app for the local community. It was created to deliver information to the community quickly via a preferred form of notification among county residents. People with the app can connect with resources at the click of a button. The app is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Residents can find applications for help with rent, electric, water, housing rehabilitation and downpayment assistance. They can find their closest food pantry along with directions. There also is a schedule for mobile food pantries. Persons experiencing homelessness can sign up for push notifications for severe weather outreach, such as cold fronts this winter. The push notifications also help residents learn about events happening throughout the county for those in need of services. For more information, call 239533-7900 or visit www.leegov.com/dhs.
By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI
Indulge in this quick appetizer and celebrate the holidays with this fabulous dish. I make it for all of our clients and it is a big hit at all of our catering events. Let the good times roll at your next party with these delicious shrimp fritters. (Chef tip: Make the batter the same consistency as a thick pancake batter.)
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter 2 cloves garlic minced Whole milk as needed 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup shredded zucchini, shredded on the large holes of a cheese grater 1/2 cup potato, shredded on the large holes of a cheese grater 2 cups canola oil 1 pound large shrimps, peeled and deveined and chopped 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and eggs. While whisking, add enough milk to form a fairly loose, sticky batter. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, potato, shrimp, butter, garlic, Parmigiano and salt and pepper to taste. Mix just enough to combine all ingredients. In a tall-sided pot, heat the canola oil over high heat to 375 degrees F. Dip the vegetable mixture, by the tablespoonful, into the batter, making sure to coat all surfaces of each fritter. Drop the fritters into the hot oil, a few at a time, and cook until deep golden brown. Remove from the oil, and allow to drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Sweet and sourdipping sauce: 1 cup canned pineapple juice 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/3 cup rice vinegar 3 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
Place all of the ingredients, except for the cornstarch slurry, in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the cornstarch slowly and simmer for another minute until thickened, stirring constantly. Let the sauce cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.
Chef Loretta Paganini
New guide for advanced lung care patients, caregivers
Hope Healthcare recently released a new guide that may improve the quality of life for people living with advanced lung disease. Produced in collaboration with the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation and American Lung Association, the “Advanced Lung Care Patient and Caregiver Guide” is a helpful resource available to families at no cost. The publication contains the collective input of more than 90 advanced illness and hospice care organizations, including tips for symptom management, self-care, medications, diet and advance care planning. It serves as a valuable resource for people experiencing severe symptoms from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary hypertension or lung cancer. “An important part of living with chronic lung disease is finding the right support, both for the patient and the caregivers, ” Deb Brown, chief mission officer for the American Lung Association, said. “Whether you have COPD, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease or another type of chronic lung disease, this guide will help you learn new home care strategies to manage symptoms. ” Lung disease often represents an outsized burden on strained healthcare systems. In 2016, there were more than 2 million emergency department visits and more than 650,000 hospitalizations related to COPD alone. Using the best practices in the guide, patients may be able to manage some respiratory symptoms, reduce or prevent unnecessary medical visits and continue to receive support at home. “It’s easy to take every breath for granted, unless you have advanced lung disease, ” Hope Healthcare President and Chief Executive Officer Samira K. Beckwith said.
“Every person coping with these difficult symptoms deserves our utmost compassion and, when appropriate, our comforting care. ” The guide is available for download at HopeHCS.org/Guides.
Sign language classes available to the public
The Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center in Fort Myers will offer weekly American Sign Language (ASL) classes in four locations and online starting on Jan. 4. I n - p e r s o n classes will be held: ∫ Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the G o o d w i l l C o m m u n i t y Resource Center, at 11601 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs ∫ Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. at the Goodwill Community Resource Center, at 5100 Tice St., Fort Myers ∫ Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Lehigh Acres Community Center Building, at 201 Plaza Drive, Suite 103, Lehigh Acres ∫ Thursdays at 2:30 and 6 p.m. at the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center, at 1860 Boy Scout Drive, Suite B208, Fort Myers Online classes via Zoom will be offered on Wednesdays at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Each course is taught in a fun and engaging way by qualified instructors. Students will receive a certificate of completion at the end. Cost is $75 for the five-week course, with discounts for hard of hearing individuals and immediate family members of a deaf person. The classes are free for the deaf. “We are so grateful to United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, which has allowed us to expand our ASL program by collaborating with other United Way partner agencies, ” Executive Director Amy Turner said. “ASL is key for communicating with deaf or hard of hearing individuals. And it also gives your brain a workout, introduces you to a new culture and community, and gives you a new way to meet people and make new friends. ” For more information or to register, visit www.dhhc.life or call 239-4610334, ext. 6.
Island Worship
∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www.batyam.org/, https://www.facebook.com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom. For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com. ∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www.captivachapel.com/, www.facebook.com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev. Larry Marshall Sunday service 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 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.
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA KIWANIS CLUB
Kiwanis presented with donations
The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club was recently presented with checks amounting to $7,500 from Cielo General Manager. The donations will be directed toward the club's mission of providing grants and scholarships to the young adults of the islands.
BIG ARTS launches outreach initiative post-hurricane
Always part of its long-term planning, BIG ARTS will use the window of time post-Hurricane Ian to reach a broader audience in Lee County by launching a new initiative, “BIG ARTS on the Road. ” Its initial foray into the outreach program will be a series of plein air workshops at the Berne Davis Botanical Gardens in Fort Myers, under the direction of Workshop Manager Aimee Harrison. They will feature some of Southwest Florida's popular instructors, including visiting artists Douglas Davis, Jane Slivka and others. In addition, BIG ARTS will host a free open house on Jan. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. on its campus, where a variety of artists will conduct demonstrations in the education classrooms. There will be complimentary food, beverages and music. The Mezzanine Gallery, with its elevator access, will be open to attendees. BIG ARTS is also assisting with recovery efforts on the islands. “While BIG ARTS did not sustain the heartbreaking damage to property that our friends and neighbors have suffered — due in great part to the integrity of the new building constructed in 2019 — we were so glad to be able to offer the space as a location for all Sanibel city meetings, ” officials reported. “And for two months, our parking lots were jammed with dozens of trucks, and used as a staging area for the hundreds of workers restoring power and electricity and clearing debris. ” For more information, contact 239395-0900 or info@bigarts.org. BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
F.I.S.H. receives another challenge
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva reported that its first matching opportunity has surpassed its initial $100,000 goal. In addition, another anonymous donor has stepped forward with a $55,000 donation to the original matching donation challenge to help F.I.S.H. continue its work serving the islands. “First and foremost, we want to thank everyone that has contributed to our organization, ” President and Chief Executive Officer Maggi Feiner and Executive Director Maria Espinoza shared. “Given the level of devastation to our community, we know this cannot be easy for some of you and we are truly grateful for your kindness. ” Donations made by Dec. 31 will be matched for the increased goal of $250,000. “As we have for over 40 years, F.I.S.H. is adapting to local crises in order to support our community, ” they shared. “We are proud to assist the thousands of individuals we help annually and others who have never needed our help before, and so grateful for our community’s continued support. ” To donate, visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/donate/.
Al-Anon, Al-Ateen meetings
Are you concerned with a friend or family member's drinking? Let us help. Call our 24-hour helpline at 941-564-5098 or visit www.SouthFloridaAl-Anon.org. Meetings are held every day in Lee County. Al-Ateen meetings are also offered for ages 10-18. The Fort Myers Film Festival is continuing its 13th season with the film series T.G.I.M. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. Local celebrity judges and attendees get a chance to watch and then weigh in on how they feel about short indie films. Grab a drink and intellectualize with host Eric Raddatz and co-host Melissa DeHaven. Special guests, musical acts and interviews will be announced prior to each Monday night. An afterparty follows at Blu Sushi. The remaining schedule is as follows: ∫ Jan. 2: Celebrity judges Evgeniya Radilova, Richard Chin Quee and Amy Oshier ∫ Feb. 6: Celebrity judges John Biffar, Jamie Hufford and Katarina Danks ∫ March 6: Celebrity judges Victoria Martin, Gina Birch and Darrell Nutt The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. The annual Fort Myers Film Festival is set for May 17-21. Screenings, panels, events and gatherings will be held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and other venues. Submissions are
Pacifico proceeds to benefit SCCF
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that Pacifico beer is donating$1forevery12-packsoldinCollier,Leeand Charlotte counties from now through Jan. 31 to the SCCF. The partnership is being advertised on signage on top of Pacifico displays in stores, including at Publix, ABC Liquor and Total Wine. The campaign is also being promoted on iHeart Media radio channels and on digital billboards near Southwest Florida International Airport and on Colonial Boulevard.
Fort Myers Film Festival continues film series
EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES
Megan Kissinger teaches painting techniques at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. Edison, Ford estates to offer art classes for adults
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers offers opportunities throughout the year to learn painting techniques, create floral arrangements or other pieces of artwork taught by local artists. Classes scheduled for the month of January include the following: ∫ Jan. 14: Silk Scarf Painting with Marie Dyer at 9 a.m. Marie Dyer has been teaching at the estates for years. Participants will paint a scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork. Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Cost is $90 for members or $100 for non-members; all materials are included. ∫ Jan. 15: Palm Weaving with Megan Kissinger at noon Participants will join local artist Megan Kissinger to learn how to make woven crafts that they can take home. All materials and tools will be provided, but participants may bring their own specially chosen ribbons and scissors. They are also encouraged to bring a snack or lunch. Cost is $40 for members or $60 for non-members. ∫ Jan. 21: Floral Still Life Painting with Marie Dyer at 9 a.m. Impressionist painter Marie Dyer will explain color mixing, effect design, impressionistic techniques, shading and effective color contrast to create mood. The acrylic-on-canvas painting workshop is for any experience level. Cost is $90 for members or $100 for non-members. ∫ Jan. 28: Zen Drawing with Megan Kissinger at 10 a.m. Participants will explore meditative drawing with local artist Megan Kissinger. The class will take place outdoors in the grounds of the estates. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The class will meet at the Visitor Pavilion before departing to paint on the grounds. All materials are included. No experience is required. Cost is $40 for members or $60 for non-members. ∫ Jan. 29: Pre-Valentines Floral Arranging with Anita Singh at 10 a.m. Participants will learn how to create their own botanical masterpiece. The class will highlight designing with roses and foliage, and how to create a Valentine's Day floral arrangement. Each participant will take home their custom arrangement. All materials are included, as well as tools and refreshments. Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Cost is $75 for members or $85 for non-members. Seating is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, visit EdisonFord.org. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.
“Peaceful Solo Sunset”
LAURA BLACK
FMB art association hosting Winter Show
Sponsored by the Fort Myers Beach Art Association, the Winter Show is open now through Jan. 30 at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, at 9751 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. The show, “Finding Inspiration, ” will help the arts group raise money for rebuilding. Since the art association’s building was destroyed by Hurricane Ian, the group has found exhibit and meeting space with area churches. Fort Myers Congregational Church has provided meeting and painting space. Another show will be hosted on Jan. 13-15 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Naples. For more information, visit www.fortmyersbeachart.com or call 239-9923233.
Even though it was three months ago, it seems like yesterday that Hurricane Ian arrived with a fury and left us with a mess. So I’m guessing that anyone who lives in Southwest Florida would love to celebrate a new year and begin 2023 with a new outlook, a new attitude. And I don’t mean just a new roof (although many of us need that) or new windows, but what is most needed right now is a whole new thought about what our lives will look like in the future. With Ian’s arrival, everything changed in a matter of hours, leaving us struggling to know how to move forward. Or even if we wanted to move forward at all. Could this be the time to leave altogether? Or will our love of our island community be strong enough to support us as we rebuild? I’m voting for a total rebuilding, even if it takes the patience of Job. We hear about Job’s patience mentioned frequently, but let’s do a quick review of his story. In the Old Testament of the Bible, the prophet Job is described as a blessed man who lives righteously and is protected by God. But even when the time comes that Job finds himself in trying conditions, he still persistently sees only the good in his life. His three friends (friends, really?) argue that his difficulties are somehow Job’s own fault. But despite his untoward circumstances, Job patiently perseveres and continues to steadfastly place his faith in God, frequently thanking God for his blessings, even though they’re hardly evident. With Ian, the unexpected 500-year storm that we’ve endured recently, there were times we could all relate to Job. Hopefully we’ll be able to be as patient in the trying circumstances we find ourselves in as Job was, and continue to
acknowledge even the tiniest bit of good that we see in our daily lives. Actually, there’s another Bible character that can provide another relevant example for us. In the Bible, the book of Nehemiah tells the story of another rebuilder. In 445 BC, Nehemiah was distressed to learned that the walls of his father’s city of Jerusalem were broken down, and he requested Mary L. Miller that he be allowed to go and rebuild them. Even Faces on Faith though this task involved multiple walls and included many disappointing delays, the work was completed in 52 days! Sanibel may not enjoy the quick success that Nehemiah and his work team enjoyed, especially since we’re already past the 52 day mark! But we all can adopt Nehemiah’s determination and remember that it’s not a race. Our sanctuary island is our priceless piece of paradise and we’ll do whatever it takes to rebuild it back even better once again. Usually a change in our thinking can make the difference in the outcome. And this change is one that takes place in human consciousness when we listen for direction from God. It’s the sunlight of truth, the Christ, that changes the very foundation of human thinking, with no need to give any credence to the negativity that Job’s friends were suggesting. Who needs negative thinking? Our rebuilding will take time and there will be days of frustration, but we can follow Nehemiah’s example and endure until those walls are up and our precious island is whole again. As our Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith is fond of saying, we can all be “impossibly optimistic” and let that uplifted thought lead us every step of the way. Let’s happily leave 2022 behind and celebrate the New Year of 2023 with abundant joy! Mary L. Miller is affiliated with the Sanibel Christian Science Church.
Obituary
George Gordon Coughlin Jr
George Gordon Coughlin Jr. passed away September 18, 2017 in Sanibel Island, Florida. He was born in 1929 to George Gordon and Laura Crossley Coughlin. Gordon was predeceased by his first wife Patricia P. Coughlin. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth J. Coughlin; three sons and daughters-inlaw, George and Dr. Anne VitalettiCoughlin, Stowe, Vt., Robert and Patricia Coughlin, Binghamton, N.Y., and Crosby and Deirdre Coughlin, East Burke, Vt.; six grandchildren, George W. Coughlin, Phoebe L. Coughlin, Charlotte H. Coughlin, Patrick Y. Coughlin, Finnegan P. Coughlin and Declan W. Coughlin, and His Sister Susan Guild of Winchester Ma. Gordon was a graduate of South Kent School, Colgate University and The University of Virginia Law School. Gordon practiced law for over 40 years and is the author of Your Introduction to the Law (Harper Collins, 5th ed.) which has sold over a quarter million copies. He served on numerous community and corporate boards. Gordon was an accomplished artist. His oil paintings are in many private and corporate collections throughout North America and Europe. Gordon was a member of Big Arts, The Sanibel Captiva Art League, The Art Mission Ltd., The Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery and The Bryan Memorial Gallery. He painted en-plains air on the coast of Maine, the Spanish coast, the Catskill Mountains and Sanibel Island. The family invites Gordon’s friends to a celebration of his life to be held at his house on Sanibel on March 10th from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.
‘Twas the night before Christmas on Sanibel Isle, Not a gator was stirring, not our one crocodile. The Roseate Spoonbills wore pink underwear While Blue Herons were sleeping legs up in the air. The shops had been emptied of I-Pods and stones, And last-minute shoppers dialing cell phones. The Drawbridge Protection was in its last throes, And from Lake Okachobee poured freshwater woes.
But I with my Flo-Max and Ma with Botox Were just settling down to our new cable Box, When all of a sudden nothing bright did appear, A Lee County Light outage — the one hundredth this year. The cordless phones in an instant went dead, No television programs to be watched while in bed. But the land line we’d kept and the cellular phone Brought assurance from police we weren’t alone. When would lights go on? — the police had no clue, But ‘twas holiday season and they were only a few: The rest had all gone to Bell Tower Fair In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there. The generator purchased after Charlie’s big blow Had gone back to Costco when FEMA said no.
So with one trusty flashlight we walked to the beach, Met snowbirds collecting every shell within reach. The moon shining down on red seaweed below Made some of us wish we had stayed north with snow. But Sanibel’s no-see-ums not blinded by light Had all come to wish us Merry Christmas that night.
So back to our houses we ran like a flash, Closed all our windows and pulled down the sash, Called Lee County Electric on our cellular phone — Their message informed us they had all gone home: In the spirit of Christmas they were proud to say, An emergency crew would work Christmas Day.
Till then, it concluded, cheerful and bright, “Merry Christmas to customers, from Lee County Light. ”
Joe Pacheco Poetic License
