North Fort Myers Living

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ARC to hold annual Casino Royale fundraiser

You can almost hear the James Bond music playing in the background every time the Animal Refuge Center holds its annual Casino Royale fundraiser

And that day is coming upon us again as ARC will hold its 11th annual Casino Royale 007 fundraiser on Saturday, May 18, from 7 to 11 p m at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Estero

Many who attend this 007-themed event will don formal dresses or white tuxedos while they play their favorite games of chance like blackjack, poker, roulette and craps to support the mission of the Animal Refuge Center.

“This is one of our three major fundraisers with a James Bond theme We’ve had impersonators here in the past and we encourage people to come and play the part,” said ARC vice president Rob Spicker “Part of the game is to take in the theme and dress like you’re at the casino with Bond himself ”

The play money you win increases your chances of winning one of many great raffle prizes There also will be a live auction with jewelry, weekend hotel getaways, a $500 martini package, and 10night vacation packages to Antigua, Spicker said

All the proceeds raised will support the dogs and cats in ARC’s care, some of whom will be there to remind the crowd about the purpose of the night

Tickets are $75 and include $2,000 in “cash” to gamble with Additional gambling “cash” can be purchased at the event

This year ' s Casino Royale is presented by Paul and Rosalie Watson

If still available, the 007 sponsorships are $2,750, License-to-No Kill sponsorships are $1,250, Diamonds are Furever sponsorships are $600, and The Dog Who Loved Me sponsorship is $300

Sponsorships come with event tickets and various levels of advertising.

“We’re almost where we were last year with sponsorships We hope to cross that line and exceed what we had last year,” Spicker said “Ticket sales are always available through our website ”

The Animal Refuge Center is a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare society They are a non-euthanasia

organization dedicated to caring for all owner-surrendered cats and dogs received into their care

ARC places approximately 500 dogs and cats per year into homes through direct and indirect adoptions

“We depend entirely on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and grants This is your opportunity to help us control the animal population, take care of the cat and dogs here and find them permanent homes here in Southwest Florida,” Spicker said ARC is at 18011 Old Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers.

Tickets and sponsorships are available at https://animalrefugecenter com/all-upcomingevents/2016/5/21/arcs-casino-royale-007

Nashville musician adds to Babcock’s art scene

ANashville musician, whose primary business is teaching music and guitar, is igniting a musical community at Babcock Ranch

“During the pandemic I had the most online

business I ever had in my career Among the people who reached out to me was Al Dougherty from Babcock,” Dave Isaacs said of his guitar student of four years, who also is the chief operating officer of Kitson & Partners

Isaacs, is a guitarist, educator, mentor, and author of “The Perpetual Beginner ” As a teacher, he works primarily with adults who have played music for a long time and want to either hone in on their own music, or overcome hurdles that have

been intractable for years

Over the years of Isaacs and Dougherty working together they talked about doing a guitar workshop at Babcock Ranch

“I came down to do that in March 2023 and that basically opened the door, and I got the invitation to help plan the Nashville Night Festival,” Isaacs said.

At that same time there were conversations brewing around the lack of an arts presence at Babcock Ranch

“It was a fortuitous meeting at the right time,” he said “Over the course of the conversations throughout 2023, we came up with the idea of Babcock Jams, implemented at a grassroots level ”

The idea behind Babcock Jams is encouraging musicians to work together

“Officially we launched it in March. That was the beginning of my formal arrangement with Babcock,” Isaacs said of becoming a musician in residence “I am also working as a consultant behind the scenes with planning some of the larger things – festival events and construction of a Community Center to accommodate the arts program ”

He said when Babcock Ranch comes up in conversation the word community and innovation are always mentioned, which connects to the philosophy of music. Music, Isaac said, when done as a community building endeavor, is much better than in isolation

“People are coming out of the woodwork,” Isaac said of a barber shop quartet, a pianist for musicals at Babcock Ranch “The playing together part is the most exciting part for me A great thing for us to do as humans ”

Isaac said it has felt very natural for him to step

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BY
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Nashville musician Dave Isaacs is igniting a musical community at Babcock Ranch.
/ PHOTOS
JIM HARTZELL
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on the cover Beacon of Hope

13

Amy Singer joins Lighthouse of SWFL as its new executive director. Longtenured in non-profit work, her goal is to aid as many people as possible and provide access to resources for those who are visually impaired.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIGHTHOUSE OF

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Lighthouse of SWFL to celebrate 50 years with fundraiser

Pioneer Club marks 75 years at annual picnic

9 Summer programs for fun, activities , reading ready to roll.

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The Neighbor is excited to bring back the Best of North Fort Myers It all starts May 15 and ends May 29 We encourage the residents of North Fort Myers to make their voices heard for who they rely on for the very best in goods, services, and restaurants The winners will be announced July 17 Voting is both via the ballot in North Fort Myers Neighbor Living as well as online Just go to northfortmyersneighbor com and click on the Vote Now banner.

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SWFL

community connection

Some welcomes and thank yous

Hello everyone!

I am going to start out this month with a thank you to all the kids who participated in the NFMCA EGGSTRAVAGAZA! After volunteer bunnies spread 3,000 eggs throughout North Fort Myers more than150 winners claimed their prizes Thank you volunteer bunnies We appreciate your willingness to help

May brought us new board member George Sand George is a 20-year member of the NFMCA and longtime advocate of the NFMCA and his community Welcome, George

The NFMCA was on hand to welcome Culvers to North Fort Myers Our director and media representative, Bob Hill, was on hand at the ribbon- cutting ceremony and sampled a few things Welcome, Culvers!

May is our get-ready-for-June month Tying up our scholarship awards The awards will be presented at our June 11 meeting. Please plan on attending and showing your support. If you are a NFM resident or going to a NFM high school graduating this year, please visit our website for more information www nfmcivic com

June 15 is our third annual golf tournament This year the Father ’s Day Saturday tournament will be held at Del Tura Golf Club Information is available on our website and Facebook Or email us at nfmclash2024@gmail com

The kids will be out of school for the summer. This also is my time to start asking for donations to send as many kids as possible back to school in a pair of new shoes and a “feel-good” attitude Once again, the NFMCA voted to match all donations up to the

the pulse

first $1,000

This is my personal favorite giveback that we do Our first year we gave certificates to 22 kids from PreK to 12th grade. This past year we helped 87 kids with new shoes. My goal is 100 plus pairs of shoes this year

As always, we love volunteers If you have been thinking about doing some volunteering this year we have a place for you We are always looking for community-minded residents for our events and for our Board of Directors

We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p m at the NFM Recreation Center

A year of school & student achievement

The school year is moving at such an amazing pace that it won’t be long now until we celebrate the Class of 2024 at their graduation ceremonies What we’ve seen already is that there is plenty to cheer about for our students and schools in North Fort Myers As your District 4 School Board representative, it is my pleasure to share with you some of their accomplishments from this school year Academically, our students are once again among the highest performers Brody Yeung from North Fort Myers High School earned a Cambridge Scholar Award with Distinction, the highest level possible, for his performance the on the 2023 Cambridge examinations Thirteen more North students earned Cambridge Scholar Awards with Merit and 33 won Scholar Awards At Island Coast High School, seven students earned Cambridge Scholar Awards Six students at North Fort Myers High School and one at Island Coast earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. This recognition helps them stand out during the college admissions process We also saw new Carson Scholars recognized at Littleton Elementary, Tropic Isles Elementary, North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts and North Fort Myers High School The Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities

Students are also excelling in their extra-curricular activities Thirteen students at North Fort Myers High School and four at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts were selected for All-State Musical Ensembles They attended the Florida Musical Educators Association conference in January for an All-Star caliber concert The Island Coast Boys JROTC Raider Team won a State Championship in November Two years ago, they didn’t have enough members to even form a team, so this was quite the accomplishment. The North Fort Myers Girls’ Soccer team nearly won a state title They beat rival Mariner in Regionals and only lost in the state championship game after eight rounds of penalty kicks Congratulations on a great season

Schools in our community are also being recognized for their success Tropic Isles Elementary was named an Imagine Nation Beacon School Imagine Learning is a supplemental program the school uses to help students learn English and the designation recognizes student improvement. Island Coast High School launched the state of Florida’s only “Into Space” curriculum this school year Taught by NASA Rocket engine Quality Management Scientist Dr William Downes, and part of the school’s Earth & Space Academy, “Into Space” prepares students for all types of careers in the aerospace industry North Fort Myers High School was recognized for achieving Level 1

Certification in Marzano High Reliability Schools. Level 1 certification means the school has created a “Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture,” which is the foundation for improved student achievement and effective day-to-day school operations North was also honored with the school’s second Special Olympics National Unified Champion School Banner One of only 16 schools in Florida to be recognized, National Unified Champion schools are committed to inclusive practices for all students. And one last honor for North, the school maintained its “A” grade when the 2023 School Grades Report was released late last year During a school year impacted by Hurricane Ian and testing to new standards, this was an amazing accomplishment These are some of the examples of the great things happening in our schools every day Congratulations to all our students on their successes this year. I can’t wait to see what you will do next

Debbie Jordan, Lee County School District, School Board Member, District 4

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into the role of the musician in residence

“It’s an unfolding situation, especially in a sense that these people are idea people People are trying to find ways to do things better That resonates with me and resonates with the way that I think in terms of playing music,” he said “How can we elevate this – I hear that type of language all the time at Babcock. That is engaging and inspiring to me. It’s energy to work off of. It’s been really great for me personally The next challenge I didn’t see coming ”

Once a month Isaac travels from Nashville to Southwest Florida to hold a monthly workshop with the last one attracting 30 people

There was a regular beginner guitar class for

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musician
FROM PAGE 2

Pictured here and on page 6, musician-in-residence Dave Isaacs helps cultivate an art community at Babcock Ranch.

adults held in April and a Ukulele class starting in the fall There is also a partnership beginning between a dance and visual arts business at Babcock Ranch in the beginning of May There is also a band in residence that gets together every Tuesday afternoon in Founder ’s Square to play Isaac said he fell in love with playing the guitar immediately while growing up in New York That passion eventually led him to Nashville in 2005 when he began looking for the next round of opportunities

“When I got here, the groove that I found was as a teacher,” he said because he found a way to work with creative people and songwriters to build musical careers “It gives you a chance to work at a higher level ”

He settled into an area of problem solving, helping individuals hone their musical talents and overcoming hurdles

His business, Nashville Guitar Guru, resonates with the way he thinks and the direction he wanted to lead people when it came to music

“I love Nashville It gives me all

kinds of great opportunities. I am at a point in my life where I love to perform, write music and play I will never stop doing that I am not climbing a ladder here When this Babcock opportunity appeared, it has really expanded in ways I could not have foreseen,” Isaac said.

He said planning has already begun for another Nashville Night Festival, which will resemble more of a festival kind of atmosphere this year

“Last year as friends of

mine from Nashville, all basically unknown, but working musicians that are good at what they do This year we have names that you will know in addition to people I have invited I am looking to curate a musical experience,” Isaac said “Hopefully, this year there will be an overlap with Babcock Jams One of the things I want to do is to showcase the jammers How many people can we get up on the stage?”

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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM HARTZELL PHOTOGRAPHY
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Pioneer Club celebrates 75 years at annual picnic

Story & Photos by

Chuck Ballaro

Back in 1949, a man named R.A. Henderson wanted to do something to honor those residents who had lived in Lee County for 50 or more years

He started the Pioneer Club, started to hold an annual picnic at Lions Park, and the rest is history

On April 27, that tradition continued as more than 700 current and former Lee County residents came to the Lee Civic Center ’s Tinsley Pavilion to catch up with old friends and reminisce about the good old days and lament how things have changed so much since they were kids growing up here

The picnic has been a tradition for decades, except for the two years during the pandemic when it was cancelled In the three years since its return, the event has become more popular than ever, with people coming from all over the country, including one who was 101 years old

Pat Mann, president of the Pioneer Club, said this is an event many people look forward to every year, even as everything around them has changed

“This is just a get-together of old friends they only get to see once a year and some come from long distances and school will time their reunions with when we hold the picnic,” Mann said Attendees enjoyed some barbecue but mostly they talked about the old times and remembered what Lee County used to be

Sherry Middleton, who went to Alva High School, Class of 1967, said things have changed so much

“I lived in Olga There were a couple stores, a

couple houses in Fort Myers Shores It was very remote and we went to town once a week,” Middleton said “There was nothing in Olga;

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The Jones sisters , Andrea Rothwell, Ally Pohle and Deborah Noonan, at the annual Pioneer Club picnic at the Lee Civic Center.
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Joanna and Wayne Vanetta, married 71 years , was the oldest couple at the annual Pioneer Club Picnic at the Lee Civic Center

Riverdale was just palmetto bushes It was much better back then ”

Back in their day, Fort Myers ended at Colonial Boulevard, which was a dirt road back then, and downtown Fort Myers was the social hub of Lee County, with four movie theaters. It was, like the Cheers song, “where everybody knew your name ”

Judy Moore Frank, Fort Myers Class of 1970, said the great thing is that you get to meet people you haven’t seen in 20 years

“I see some of these people every day, which is also a blessing It’s great to reestablish friendships,” Frank said. “I’ve been here since 1957 when Cleveland Avenue was a two-lane road Driving to where the Edison Mall is now was like driving to Naples From the hospital to where the mall is now was barren ”

Andrea Jones Rothwell was attending her first Pioneer Picnic as a member of the North Class of 1992, along with her two older sisters and parents, who came here from England.

“It’s exciting It makes me feel a little old because I finally made the quota of being 50 Now, we have electricity and automobiles,” Jones Rothwell joked “It’s grown expo-

nentially It was very small and you knew everybody ”

Loring Strickland has roots in town going back to the 19th Century Her grandfather, Henry, founded Bartley Sporting Goods in 1910 and moved around a little bit before moving to its current location in 1995

“When I was growing up there was all fishing equipment During the depression he sold anything that would sell, like candy,” Strickland said “Now, we do a lot of screen printing, corporate wear and things like that ”

Jinya D’India, of North Fort Myers, came to the picnic as part of the Fort Myers Class of 1959 Reunion, a weekend-long event that included the picnic and dinner at Whiskey Creek She said it was great to reconnect with old friends and talk about how things were

“It was a nice little town where everybody knew each other It was a nice, safe place Now, it’s the traffic Everywhere you go out, you go see places where the cows were out and now it’s housing and buildings going up,” D’India said

picnic FROM PAGE 8
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Lighthouse of SWFL to celebrate 50 years

‘Under the Banyan’ to mark golden anniversary

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Carol Sue Henry of Fort Myers plays the piano at the Lighthouse of SWFL recently at 35 W Mariana Ave. in North Fort Myers.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Artwork from Letty de Guzman at the Lighthouse of SWFL recently at 35 W. Mariana Ave.

Lighthouse has new executive director at the helm

by

Amy Singer has spent most of her life immersed in the nonprofit sector, starting an at earlier age than most

She was just 8

Now, she will use that passion to help one of Southwest Florida’s most important resources for the blind and visually impaired

Lighthouse of SWFL, a vision rehabilitation, education and support agency serving Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, has hired Singer as the new executive director for the not-for-profit organization

Singer started her job on April 15, though her learning curve was thrown off a bit after being sidelined with COVID

Still, Singer said she was thinking about the mission

“I am deeply honored to uphold the legacy of Lighthouse of SWFL, which has served as a beacon of hope the past 50 years by providing people of all ages living with low vision or blindness valuable services to maintain their independence,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with the board of directors, our dedicated

staff and the community to advance this vital mission ”

Singer holds a Master ’s in Mass Communication from the University of Central Florida and has been a resident of Southwest Florida for the past 13 years

Her diverse professional background spans 20 years and includes a decade working for United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties

Most recently, she served as director of United Way’s WeCare program which provides lifesaving medical care to the low-income uninsured population Her commitment to making a positive social impact has been a driving force throughout her career.

50 years FROM PAGE 12

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t h i n g s p e o p l e w i t h v i s i o n c a n d o ”

O n c e L i g h t h o u s e o f S W F L c a m e

t o b e , t h e y s t a r t e d p ro v i d i n g s e r v i c -

e s f o r e v e r y o n e f ro m b a b i e s t o t h e

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l e a r n a b a b y i s b l i n d , t h e y h a v e a l o t o f q u e s t i o n s a b o u t re s o u rc e s a n d t h e

p a t h a h e a d

L i g h t h o u s e p ro v i d e s t h e a n s w e r s ,

t h a n k s t o a d e d i c a t e d s t a ff s u c h a s

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s a i d E a d s , w h o h a s b e e n w i t h

L i g h t h o u s e s i n c e 2 0 1 6

E a d s w o r k s w i t h m a g n i f i c a t i o n

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t h i n g t h a t h a s t o d o w i t h c o n t ro l l i n g

l i g h t a n d re a d i n g a n d w r i t i n g

M u c h d e p e n d s o n t h e e y e re p o r t

E a d s g e t s f ro m t h e o p h t h a l m o l o g i s t a n d w h e t h e r t h e c l i e n t h a s t h e p o t e n t i a l t o b e a b l e t o re a d “ I p u l l o u t a l l t h e t o y s a n d w e g o

t h ro u g h e v e r y t h i n g I f I c a n ’ t g e t

t h e m t o re a d w i t h a v e r y l a rg e

d e v i c e , t h a t ’ s w h e n w e s t a r t t h i n k -

i n g o f o t h e r w a y s t o k e e p y o u re a di n g , ” E a d s s a i d “ T h e re a re a l l k i n d s

o f a p p l i c a t i o n s o u t t h e re t h a t c a n

t e l l y o u t h i n g s l i k e p a c k a g e d i re c -

t i o n s L i g h t h o u s e i s a b o u t k e e p i n g

p e o p l e i n d e p e n d e n t ” “ We t a l k t o p a re n t s a b o u t w h a t

t h e y c a n d o t o g i v e t h e i r c h i l d a p ro -

d u c t i v e l i f e We a l s o c o n n e c t p a re n t s w i t h o t h e r p a re n t s i n t h e s a m e s i t u -

a t i o n , ” C o rd i s c o s a i d “ O n c e t h e

b a b y g e t s o l d e r, w e t e a c h t h e m h o w

t o f u n c t i o n i n s c h o o l . H o w t o p u t

t h e i r c l o t h e s t o g e t h e r. ”

E v e n t u a l l y, t h e y l e a r n t o u s e t h e

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

s w i n g i n g i t l i k e a b a t L i t t l e k i d s

s t a r t u s i n g t h e c a n e , a s w e l l a s o l d e r o n e s w h o h a v e j u s t b e c o m e b l i n d

C o rd i s c o s a i d t h o s e w h o a re b o r n

b l i n d t e n d t o b e e a s i e r t o t e a c h t h a n

t h o s e w h o a re o l d e r “ I d o n ’ t k n o w i f y o u c o u l d m i s s w h a t y o u n e v e r h a d A c h i l d k n o w s t h a t ’ s t h e i r w o r l d a n d h e re ’ s h o w

y o u f u n c t i o n i n t h a t w o r l d , ”

C o rd i s c o s a i d “ K i d s a re m o re a p t t o

Amy Singer has spent most of her life immersed in the nonprofit sector.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Singer said she started her experience in non-profit from her family when she was a little girl “I like to say my non-profit career started when I was 8 years old My mom was executive director of the Red Cross in Norman, Oklahoma and she would take me to disaster training events From that young age it instilled a love of giving back to the community,” Singer said

Although it has only been a short time, Singer said she was impressed by the staff with which she’s going to work

“Getting the ability to meet and interact with the staff and clients and to see the work that it takes for these

individuals and giving someone the ability to have independence again that maybe they lost,” Singer said “It’s wonderful to see the strides the clients make through the great work provided at Lighthouse

Singer has her work cut out for her. She has the organization’s 50th anniversary coming up with the “Under the Banyan” fundraiser in June and “Dinner in the Dark” later that summer

She said that her goal is to help as many people as possible, which takes going out and finding those resources and donors who can help them do that

“One of the things I value is the input of the staff, community and clients In that learning stage, it’s knowing what the needs are and then creating a vision for that,” Singer said “Lighthouse has been around for 50 years and I hope to carry on that vision and see where we can taker this in the future ”

Singer said she is looking to add specialists to the staff and to make more people aware of Lighthouse and its mission through guided tours She said those with low vision are welcome and encouraged to apply NFMNL

l e a r n T h e y ’ re s p o n g e s ”

A d u l t s d o n ’ t t e n d t o re a l i z e w h a t

L i g h t h o u s e c a n d o f o r t h e m a n d

h o w e a s y i t i s t o g e t s e r v i c e s f ro m

t h e s t a t e T h e y h a v e a ro u n d 4 0 0

c l i e n t s , m o s t o f t h e m o l d e r, b u t

C o rd i s c o k n o w s t h e re a re m a n y

m o re o u t t h e re u n a w a re o f

L i g h t h o u s e a n d w h a t i t c a n d o

A m o n g t h o s e w h o k n o w s w h a t

L i g h t h o u s e c a n d o i s C a ro l S u e

H e n r y, f ro m F o r t M y e r s S h e h a s

b e e n a c l i e n t f o r m o re t h a n 2 0 y e a r s ,

s h o r t l y a f t e r m o v i n g t o F l o r i d a f ro m

I l l i n o i s S h e s a i d i t h a s h e l p e d h e r

b e c o m e m o re i n d e p e n d e n t

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o p e r a t i o n s o n h e r e y e s t h a t s a v e d

h e r f ro m b e c o m i n g c o m p l e t e l y

b l i n d . S h e h a s o n e d e c e n t e y e , b u t

s h e s o m e t i m e s h a s t ro u b l e i d e n t i f y -

i n g p e o p l e a n d c a n ’ t s e e c o l o r s S h e

c a n i d e n t i f y i n d i v i d u a l s b y v o i c e

S h e w a s s t i l l a b l e t o w o r k f o r a n a t t o r n e y ’ s o ff i c e f o r 2 8 y e a r s i n s e cre t a r i a l w o r k , a n d w a s a n a v i d a r t i s t w h o w o n a w a rd s f o r h e r w o r k “ I l e a r n e d p a i n t i n g h e re a n d s o l d

s o m e o f i t A n d m u s i c i s a n o t h e r

o n e o f m y i n t e re s t s , ” H e n r y s a i d

“ W h a t e v e r I w a n t t o d o , I p e r s i s t . I t

g e t s d o n e ” Wi t h t h a t , H e n r y w e n t t o t h e

p i a n o i n t h e m a i n ro o m a n d s t a r t e d

t o p l a y S h e a l s o s h o w e d s o m e o f

h e r p a i n t i n g s , a n d f ro m o t h e r s a s w e l l “ I w a s l o o k i n g f o r a p l a c e f o r p e o p l e w i t h l o w v i s i o n a n d I f o u n d t h i s o n l i n e o r i n a n a d I c a m e a n d t a l k e d t o t h e m a n d re t u r n e d t o t a k e

c l a s s e s h e re , ” H e n r y s a i d “ L e a r n e d t o u s e a c o m p u t e r w i t h l o w - v i s i o n a i d s a n d w a l k w i t h t h e w h i t e c a n e ” L i g h t h o u s e i s u n d e rg o i n g s o m e c h a n g e s I t h a s h i re d a n e w e x e c ut i v e d i re c t o r i n A m y S i n g e r, w h o s t a r t e d o n A p r i l 1 5 a n d s a i d s h e i s i m p re s s e d b y w h a t t h e y d o “ G e t t i n g t h e a b i l i t y t o m e e t a n d i n t e r a c t w i t h t h e s t a ff a n d c l i e n t s a n d t o s e e t h e w o r k t h a t i t t a k e s f o r t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s a n d g i v i n g s o m eo n e t h e a b i l i t y t o h a v e i n d e p e n de n c e a g a i n t h a t m a y b e t h e y l o s t , ” S i n g e r s a i d . “ I t ’ s w o n d e r f u l t o s e e t h e s t r i d e s t h e c l i e n t s m a k e t h ro u g h t h e g re a t w o r k p ro v i d e d a t L i g h t h o u s e ” T h e f u t u re i s s h i n i n g b r i g h t f o r t h e L i g h t h o u s e o f S W F L T h e re i s a n o t h e r re b r a n d i n g c o m i n g d o

n o l o g y, e s p e c i a l l y w h e n t h e i P h o n e b e c a m e p o p u l a r i s w h e n t h e y re a li z e d s e r v i c e s w e re n e e d e d , ” C o rd i s c o s a i d “ P
w n t h e p i k e , a n d t h e y a re l o o k i n g f o r a f e w i n s t ru c t o r s T h e y a re a l s o g o i n g t o d o a d i ff e re n t v e r s i o n o f “ D i n i n g i n t h e D a r k ” t h i s A u g u s t , w i t h l e s s e m p h a s i s o n t h e d i n i n g p a r t N F M N L 1 3 M a y / J u n e 2 0 2 4 n o r t h f o r t m y e r s n e i g h b o r . c o m N o r t h F o r t M y e r s N e i g h b o r L i v i n g

When school’s out

Lee County rec & librar y programs are in

There is plenty to do during May and beyond to keep kiddos active while school is nearing the end of the year and summer break begins

Lee County Library System Youth Services Program Coordinator Marquelle LaRue said the North Fort Myers Public Library runs a lot of programs on a monthly basis, such as STEAM and craft Saturday, Read Down Fines, Read to the Dogs, family storytime and baby rhyme time

“The special things about the STEAM Saturday and Family Craft Saturday are they will cater each program with a theme,” she said, adding it draws families in with toddlers, elementary aged kids, and teenagers “There is a version of what is being offered to fit all age ranges It is catered to the complexity and level of difficulty ”

The STEAM program has a new theme every month with the recent one being related to the eclipse

They have done different building challenges –catapult marshmallows, spaghetti sticks and marshmallows to fairy tale theme kits such as “Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears” to build a house that can withstand the wolf Activities have instructions to meet the ability and mindset of whomever is tackling the activity

“They are pretty good about running a variety of all-age programs as it makes sense throughout the year,” LaRue said “They really embrace programming for all age audiences and go above and beyond ”

There is also a gaming program provided for teens and a monthly trivia based on classic literature for both teens and adults.

“There are robust offerings at North Fort Myers,” LaRue said

The big event for the month of May is “Help Me Grow – Books, Balls and Blocks” from 11 a m to 1

p m set for Thursday, May 23 The event is geared towards youngsters birth to preschool

LaRue said they began the event last year due to a partnership with Healthy Start of SWFL and Help Me Grow There are various stations set up to engage the children while the parents are doing development assessments

Some of the stations that will be set up include building blocks, manga tiles, modeling clay, aqua doodle map, and arts and crafts

“There are resources and extra goodies provided to help parents continue to work with kids at home,” LaRue said

She said they are very proud of this event as it was so well received by the community with close to 100 people showing up for the inaugural event

The library is at 2001 N. Tamiami Trail. For more information, visit www leegov com/library

Summer camp

Once summer hits, there are also traditional summer camps offered at both North Fort Myers Recreation Center, and Pine Island Elementary School.

Recreation Specialist Jessy Zukaitis said the traditional camp at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center is for youngsters in kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as the middle school camp that caters to those in sixth through eighth grade

The traditional camp can take in 180 partici-

pants every week, while the middle school camp can accommodate 40 participants

Some of the traditional camp activities includes going to the North Fort Myers Community Pool, tours at the North Fort Myers Fire Department stations, a field trip to the Naples Zoo, as well as hearing from guest speakers and learning how to can vegetables with a 4-H representative

“They typically are with their counselors rotating throughout different stations,” Zukaitis said which includes both inside and outdoor activities

The middle school camp will have a trip to Top Golf for their field trip and the North Fort Myers Community Pool, as well as different activities geared towards their age group at the center

To register for the camps a facility membership must be obtained, which can be done in person at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way It is a $10 lifetime membership With the membership, individuals can sign up for the week, which is $75 per week, by visiting leegov com/parks, calling (239) 5337220, or going to the Rec Center in person

“We have eight weeks this year,” Zukaitis said Lunch and breakfast are provided for each of the campers

The other option, which does not include a membership fee, is at Pine Island Elementary School This traditional camp is for kindergarten through fifth grade students

“They have 40 kids in their camp There are still spots available,” Zukaitis said of the eight-week camp

Campers will go to the Naples Zoo, the Pine Island Community Pool, and go fishing and kayaking

The camps begin June 10 and run through Aug 2 with the earliest drop off at 7:30 a.m. and latest pick up at 6 p m

Zukaitis said they are still looking for summer camp counselors

“You have to be 18 or older and have two years’ experience working with children,” she said, adding they can apply on the website

N o r t h F o r t M y e r s N e i g h b o r L i v i n g — n o r t h f o r t m y e r s n e i g h b o r . c o m — M a y / J u n e 2 0 2 4 1 4

Making a splash

Another great way to wear children out and keep cool this summer is by visiting the North Fort Myers Community Pool, 5170 Orange Grove Blvd

North Fort Myers Community Pool Supervisor Amy Pendarvis said registration for swimming lessons are currently open The swimming lessons begin on June 8

There are two-week sessions offered Monday through Thursday from 8 a m to 11 a m There are also Saturday and Sunday lessons.

“They are $50 per session, which includes eight classes Most of the classes are 45 minutes long Preschool, or infant toddler, or less-than-3 children in the class – it is 30 minutes,” she said

The infant toddler swim classes are offered for children 6 months to 2 years old, which includes a parent in the pool with their child Preschool aged children – 3- and 4-year-olds –practice without parents in the water

“The classes are limited to six children for all swimming lessons,” Pendarvis said.

The pool also offers open swim time Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a m to 5 p m ; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a m to 8 p m ; Saturday from 10 a m to 5 p m and Sundays from 1 to 6 p m

There are family passes, single passes, and senior passes available for purchase It is $2 for children up to 17 years old, $3 for adults 18 to 54 years old and $2 for seniors 55 and older

The pool also offers a Junior Lifeguard Program, which is held from July 8, through July 12 It is $75 for 10- to 14-yearolds to participate The program goes over lifeguard skills, CPR, first-aid, water rescue, as well as health and endurance games

“They do have a lot of fun We try to schedule guest speakers throughout the week for them,” she said

For more information, call (239) 652-4520

1 5 M a y / J u n e 2 0 2 4 n o r t h f o r t m y e r s n e i g h b o r . c o m N o r t h F o r t M y e r s N e i g h b o r L i v i n g
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‘Adventure Begins at Your Librar y ’ Summer Reading Program offers fun for all ages

Story by Meghan Bradbury

No matter the age, the Lee County Library System has something fun for everyone during this year ’s “Adventure Begins at Your Library” Summer Reading Program

Lee County Library System Manager of Programming and Community Outreach Melissa Baker said the theme this is “Adventure Begins at Your Library ”

“It’s going to be from June 1 through Aug 3 You will see some kick-off programs happening in that last week of May It starts when the kickoff is happening,” she said “This year for adventure we are creating a couple different options of how to participate – an online and offline option ”

The online, virtual, option can be found through the READsquared app – the same as previous years. Baker said once an individual is logged into the account, they can choose the 2024 adventure theme program once it is activated

The Lee County Library System Summer Reading Program “Adventure Begins at Your Library” kicks off on June 1 and runs through Aug. 3./PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LEE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

“READsquared will prompt you to update kids ages and your age,” she said

The online program will feature adventure themed missions

“I had a lot of fun with these These are really fun missions,” Baker said

Some of the missions include backyard campouts, Olympic themed missions, visiting a book walk at an area park – Veterans Park, Lakes Park and soon to be Three Oaks Park Others include

creating your own escape room, glow in the dark adventure, scavenger hunt, spy tech gadget, treasure map, time capsule and going on some type of stake out

She said her favorite mission is for the Pre-K aged children – a hot lava obstacle course in the living room where they have to keep off the ground as they make it from the start to finish.

The missions are endless and expand the age groups

N o r t h F o r t M y e r s N e i g h b o r L i v i n g — n o r t h f o r t m y e r s n e i g h b o r . c o m — M a y / J u n e 2 0 2 4 1 6

Participants in the summer reading program are encouraged to log their reading throughout the summer through the app to gain points The points are either logged by every minute read, or a book completed for the younger aged groups, which all towards a reading goal

“The missions are an extra 100 points,” Baker said, adding that participants are encouraged to combine their mission activities with reading to meet their reading goals and complete the program.

The paper version, which is also available in Spanish, is a mirror of the app There are pre-K, kids, teen, and adult options for the “Adventure Bucket List Bookmark ”

The missions are similar to the online version with such missions as trying a new food, watching an action video, doing something nice for someone else, making a fort with a blanket, playing dungeons and dragons, going offline for the night and playing board games, or having a dark night with only glow in the dark objects and flashlights

For both the online and offline version, participants are eligible for book baskets from their library branch, which is filled with award winning book titles, puzzles, journals, games, and literacy activities Baker said each branch will have a pre-K winner, kids’ winner, teens winner and adult winner

As with every other summer, there will be free book for every child and teen. The system has 20,000 books to get out to the branches before the Summer Reading Program begins

“We have a stash of brand-new books that kids can choose from It’s about keeping that learning loss and summer slide to a minimum,” Baker said “We know kids that aren’t reading can lose up to 20% of their reading skills (It’s about) making reading fun and giving kids and teens books and resources to make sure we equip them with the ability to keep reading throughout the summer.”

The system has a community outreach team that is all over the community during the summer to make sure kiddos have access to the Summer Reading Program and receive a free book

“There are a lot of kids in summer camps that can’t get to the library The library comes to them Our outreach teams, they are out there providing the free books at summer camps and various points in the community to make sure they have access to the reading program as well,” she said, adding that it is about reaching beyond the 13 branches “It’s about keeping kids reading and making reading fun ”

Summer Reading Program free events

Lee County Library System Youth Services Program Coordinator Marquelle LaRue said although all of the branches will have a Summer Reading Program kick-off party, a select few are doing a never before launch with a foam party

One of the branches is the Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd., N., from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 29. LaRue said it a 25x25 square space will literally be filled with foam

The North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N Tamiami Trail, will have its kickoff party from 2 to 3:30 p m Wednesday, June 5, with the event inspired by Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief ” “Camp Halfblood” offers participants with the opportunity to claim their cabin and craft their symbol, archery skills and crafting their own Camp Halfblood necklace

“We are excited to bring on some special kinds of things for the kickoffs,” LaRue said

Other kickoff parties include Pelican’s SnoBalls, face painters, food trucks and someone

Adam’s Animal Encounter is one of the returning presenters this summer for the Summer Reading Program. / PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEE COUNTY

on stilts making ballon animals

There are also many presenters for youth of all ages, ranging from Adam’s Animal Encounters, Bunny Yoga for Teens, Didgeridoo Adventure

Down Under, JJ Superstar comedic stunt show, Magically Ever After to IMAG providing a science show that is messy, fun, colorful and loud

There are also many teen programs ranging from a local author and artist doing a cartoon workshop, how to create your own home recording studio to ancient pottery

The littles also have special programs, such as Moving the Story off the Page that is an interactive and engaging storytime and Smokey the Bear storytime

“Some presenters do have a max capacity,” she said “Check the online calendar or give a call to the branches to see if registration is required ”

The programs can be found at www leelibrary.net/summer.

LaRue said teens have another opportunity this summer to earn service-learning hours through the Teen Summer of Service (SOS) online pro-

gram

“It opens teens' eyes and awareness to local civic organizations,” LaRue said “We are running it for three weeks – biweekly – this year ”

Teens, middle and high school teens up to 18 years old, are encouraged to visit www leelibrary net/SOS to get more details and to register for the program Registration is open from May 1 through June 1.

Participants will receive program kit bags, which will include information about the three organizations the library is partnering with this summer The program includes online meetings with the organization with additional options for service-learning projects

“It gives teens more opportunities from the comfort of their homes This is the way they can earn those service hours,” LaRue said

Baker said it is useful for younger teens to get hours while planting that seed to give back to the community

1 7 M a y / J u n e 2 0 2 4 n o r t h f o r t m y e r s n e i g h b o r . c o m N o r t h F o r t M y e r s N e i g h b o r L i v i n g
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Former North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts assistant principal Chuck Vilardi receives USF’s Education Dean’s Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award

Aprincipal educated in Lee County School District has just received the 2024 University of South Florida Education Dean’s Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award

The award recognizes an individual who graduated from the USF College of Education who has demonstrated long-term contributions, achievement, and service within education, or a related profession

“This honor was a huge surprise I am deeply honored and humbled For me, it represents all the teachers, staff, and colleagues I have worked with over the years who taught me so much,” Diplomat Elementary School Principal Chuck Vilardi said “I am thankful for USF for bestowing this award upon me It is the highest and most prestigious honor a university can give to their alumni I am grateful for the education I received at USF ”

The reception, which was held Wednesday evening at the University of South Florida College of Education, gave him the opportunity to meet many faculty and former faculty members, as well as other award winners.

“Being with other educators that share the same passion and drive for their work is inspiring,” Vilardi said

A product of the school district, he attended Pelican Elementary School, Gulf Middle School, Cape High School, and graduated from Mariner High School in 1989

As a young boy he wanted to be a movie star, which changed after the city of Cape Coral gave him his first job working with elementary aged children at 16 years old

“At the age of 18, I realized that acting affects people for one night Teaching can affect people for a lifetime It’s a noble profession I have the best job in the world No two days are the same,” Vilardi said

Now in his 31st year as an employee of the district, he has been a principal at Diplomat Elementary School for four years He began his career as a teacher at Gulf Elementary School before becoming the assistant principal at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Over the years,

he has also been the principal at Pine Island Elementary School, Skyline Elementary School, and The Sanibel School.

“The children, teachers, and staff at all of these schools have inspired me,” Vilardi said “My career is something I consider a gift It is not something I take for granted ”

In 1993, Vilardi earned his bachelor ’s degree from USF He also earned his master ’s degree in educational leadership from USF in 1997

He has earned many accolades throughout the years, such as a Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction and District’s Teacher of the Year. Vilardi has also been named Principal of the Year by the Lee County Counselor ’s Association and by the Teachers Association of Lee County

While a principal at Skyline Elementary School it was named a National Model School and during his tenure at The Sanibel School it was named a Florida School of Excellence

Since becoming the principal at Diplomat Elementary School, it has been recognized by US

News and World Report as one of the best elementary schools

“All of these accolades are due to the wonderful teachers and staff members that I have had the honor of working with,” Vilardi said “They keep me motivated to do better and help me strive to continue finding ways of helping our students I am proud to say that USF gave me the guidance and tools to become successful ”

The kids and amazing people he works with remain his favorite part of the job

“Helping a student learn, or even through a tough time, fills my heart. My job is to help make their world a better place, help them to succeed, and be the best they can be My goal is to help them know they can be anything they want to be The best gift I can give is that high five to build their self-confidence I believe all children can learn,” Vilardi said

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Diplomat Elementary School Principal Chuck Vilardi accepts the 2024 University of South Florida Education Dean’s Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award./PHOTO PROVIDED

Culver’s opens in North Fort Myers

Story & Photos

North Fort Myers now has a Culver's For people in love with their famous Butterburgers and frozen custard, that's good news

The new Culver ’s opened Monday across from Merchants Crossing at 2974 Pine Island Road, adjacent to a new development which should bring in a built-in audience

Dozens had already arrived at the new location 30 minutes before the 10 a m ribbon cutting to be the first to order food and perhaps grab some Culver ’s swag, which included free frozen custard for a year

For them and for owner Miguel Carmona, it was a long time coming since his first interview with the company with Justin Lawler, who is now his partner

“Today, I’m opening my first Culver ’s Me and my wife have been with them since 2014 and it’s been a goal to open a store of our own,” Carmona said “From day one, I was motivated and driven and today, we get to achieve that goal ” Lawler was already opening his second Culver ’s 10 years ago and now owns 11 Carmona said if Lawler can do what he’s done, he could,

too

Carmona said Culver ’s success is because they are something between fast food and casual dining, with the Butterburgers and frozen custard their signature items

“Everything comes straight from the farm to the table. You can’t get that anywhere else. It’s quality over quantity,” said Carmona, whose 11-year-old son, Miguel Jr , and wife, who was born and raised in the area, was also there for the happy occasion

The impact of Culver ’s for the North Fort Myers community is expected to be huge It will not only employ close to 80 people, but also be a contributor to the community

It showed that months before they opened by offering frozen custard to the golfers at the Calvin Peete Golf Classic in October.

It has become a member of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Wendy Murray, executive director, said the new Culver ’s is a great addition to the area, along with the new Starbucks

“We are excited to have something like Culver ’s come into our community I’m a huge fan The pot roast sandwich is excellent and the custard is great,” Murray said “They are a great community partner and will host some events here ”

Carmona said there were some hiccups with permitting that delayed the opening, but thankfully everyone was patient and the day has finally arrived Now, locals don’t have to go to the other end of Cape Coral or South Fort Myers for

Culver ’s

Phil Metzler is a huge fan of Culver ’s and was happy to see the new location open

“It’s just good fast food. It’s right there with Chick-fil-A. People from Wisconsin and the Midwest love Culver ’s,” Metzler said “It’s in a great location with an apartment complex right behind us that I’m sure they’re going to get lots of people from there ”

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Ashley Douglas rings up a customer during the grand opening of the new Culver's at 2974 Pine Island Road in North Fort Myers . Culver's owner Miguel Carmona cuts the ribbon to open the new Culver's at 2974 Pine Island Road in North Fort Myers . Partners Justin Lawler and Miguel Carmona before the grand opening of the new Culver's at 2974 Pine Island Road in North Fort Myers .
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