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contributing Writer
Katie Egan
Habitat for Humanity Celebrates
Habitat for Humanity Celebrates Record-breaking 15th Anniversary Women Build Season, Raises More than 600k
Elisha Baird, Vicki Cooper, Ashleigh Droz, Becky Lucas
On May 15, the season culminated with a Thank You Party at the Habitat ReStore
Funds support home-building projects for female-led households
Habitat for Humanity recently concluded its 15th anniversary season of Women Build, raising more than $601,000, the largest single-year fundraising total in Women Build history for Lee and Hendry counties.
Women Build is an annual initiative to engage women in the effort to provide safe and decent homes for families in need of affordable housing. During the 2025 season, 170 volunteers contributed 1,037 hours to building homes for female-led families. Habitat also celebrated the support of 168 SuperPeople, each pledging at least $250 annually for five years to support Women Build’s mission in Lee and Hendry counties.
On May 15, the season culminated with a Thank You Party at the Habitat ReStore on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers. The event celebrated the record-breaking support of local sponsors, donors and 10 fundraising teams, which exceeded the 2025 Women Build goal of raising $600,000 to assist female-headed households partnering with Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity staff group photo
Karen Pati, 2025 WB Homebuyer Lissy
This year’s fundraising teams accounted for 46% of the overall goal, raising a total of $269,000.
“We are incredibly proud to have reached our 15th anniversary fundraising goal, a milestone that truly highlights our community’s generosity and dedication to Habitat’s mission,” said CEO Becky Lucas of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “Women Build continues to be a vital initiative that empowers women and strengthens our mission to build hope and stability for families and generations to come.”
This year, Habitat is set to build 62 affordable homes.
A portion of the funds raised during this year’s Women Build will cover the construction costs of a new affordable home for a single mom and her two teenagers. Through the partnership with Habitat, the future homeowner will put in 300 hours of sweat equity, attend more than 20 hours of homeownership classes, contribute to their closing costs and pay an affordable mortgage set at no more than 30% of their monthly income.
Since 2011, Women Build has partnered with 30 female-headed families to build strength and stability through local fundraising and volunteer efforts. This year, Habitat is set to build 62 affordable homes, with female-headed households making up 42 of its future homeowners.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties or to get involved, visit Habitat4Humanity.org.
Laura Bary, Stephanie Davis
NORM’S TASTING NOTES
by Norm Bentley • The North Georgia Wine Advisor
FEATURED WINE:
2023 F errari -C arano
S onoma F ume B lan C
In 2020 I published a list of the Top Wines that I had tasted during that year which I had scored a 90 or above. I am re-tasting several of the current vintages of those wines to see how they rate five years later. The Ferrair-Carano Fume is the third from that list for this year. The complete list from 2020 is shown below.
2023 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma Fume Blanc:
We enjoyed our Fume Blanc with a sauced dish of Salmon and Shrimp, Artichoke, and a fresh baked Baguette. This fresh and crisp white opens with a nose of citrus and tropical fruit. The flavors include Myer lemon, stonefruit, and maybe a hint of grapefruit. The finish is clean, and sails off into the night! The alcohol content is 13.9%. and Norm’s score is 90.
The previous vintage was a 2019 with a 91 score, while this 2023 gets a 90. This is definitely a “Go To” white wine for almost any food or occasion, including “Back Porch Sipping”
2020 WINES WITH A 90, OR ABOVE, SCORE FROM NORM
2017 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Louis Martini Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Sterling Napa Merlot
2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel
2016 Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir
2018 Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay
2018 Landmark Overlook Chardonnay
2018 Fritz Zimmer Piesporter Goldtropfchen Spatlese
2018 Cline North Coast Viognier
2018 Honig Sauvignon Blanc
2017 Joel Gott Oregon Pinot Gris
2016 Ruffino Modus Toscana
2016 Francis Ford Coppola Black Label Claret
2019 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc
2019 J Vineyards California Pinot Gris
2018 Napa Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay
2016 Rodney Strong Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Coppola Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon
“Now, that’s just the way I see it,
SOCIAL SCENE
Premier Mobile Health Unveils
Refurbished Mobile Clinic
Premier Mobile Health Services unveiled its newly renovated mobile clinic during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.
Held June 3 at Mount Hermon Church in Fort Myers, the unveiling event attracted community leaders, government officials and health care providers, as well as Premier Mobile Health staff, board members and families.
Premier Mobile Health Services is a
nonprofit that provides quality health care services to medically vulnerable individuals and those most at risk of developing chronic illnesses and facing hospitalization.
The organization operates two mobile clinics, one of which sustained severe water damage during Hurricane Ian in 2022 and was uninhabitable. The American Red Cross generously donated $36,000 to support its refurbishment, which included new flooring, walls, exam tables, medical equipment and more.
American Red Cross’ Cindy Starnes, Premier Mobile Health Services Founder Nadine Singh and Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson
Members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce at the Premier Mobile Health Services ribbon cutting
Florida Blue staff at the Premier Mobile Health Services ribbon cutting
Interior of Premier Mobile Health Services’ refurbished mobile clinic
Premier Mobile
Health Services is a nonprofit that provides quality health care services to medically vulnerable individuals
About Premier Mobile Health Services
The mission of Premier Mobile Health Services is to provide quality health care services to the medically vulnerable and those most at risk of developing and experiencing long-term illnesses and hospitalization.
Available services include early-detection health screenings, blood pressure and diabetes checks, drug screenings, basic metabolic profiles, nutrition counseling, basic vaccinations, health education, school and sports physicals for children, as well as acute and chronic disease management.
Premier Mobile Health Services holds a 2025 Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics’ Quality Standards Program, highlighting the organization’s commitment to quality patient care. The mobile clinic includes an onsite pharmacy and point-in-care laboratory for immediate analysis of test results. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 239-288-7949. Additional information, the monthly mobile clinic schedule, can be found online at www.premiermobilehealth.org.
Premier Mobile Health Services board members and guests at ribbon cutting
Wine Takes Center Stage at These Restaurants
By Katie Egan • For Community Lifestyles
Pairing a great glass of wine with an even better meal is one of life’s simple pleasures.
The right wine can transform a meal and bring out different flavors and transform the entrée experience. But where do you begin?
Whether you’re a seasoned wine drinker or you’re sipping to learn more, these restaurants in Fort Myers and Cape Coral are some great places to start.
Nonchalance Restaurant Fort Myers
• Custom Cabinet and Drawer Installation
• High-Quality Countertops
• Tile and Backsplash Installation
• Custom Lighting
• Always Green
• No Maitenance
• Pet-friendly & Safe For Children
• Long-lasting & Weather-resistant
• Bug Free Outdoor Living
• Reduces Pool Maintenance
• Blocks UV Rays
• Increases Home Value
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
CLIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
TIMELY DELIVERY
• Patios
• Pool Decks
• Driveways
• Walkways
• Garden Pathways
• Brick, Concrete and Natural Stone Pavers
Nonchalance offers something a little different from the traditional wine and steakhouse experience that’s conjured up when we think of a luxurious wine dinner.
Nonchalance has a wine and comfort food vibe and they’re happy to educate patrons who want to learn more about all things vino.
“We’re educators,” said Dan Keagins, who owns the restaurant alongside his wife, Sarah. “We want to give people the option to try wine at a reasonable price so they can get to know their palette.”
Nonchalance also offers wine tasting events. More information can be found on their website
“Our main goal is to strip away the pretension about wine,” Dan Keagins said. “We curated our wine list so it wouldn’t be overly intimidating.”
There are familiar options everyone will know as well as some recognizable choices for more seasoned wine drinkers.
“The wine list is very affordable and there are lots of hidden gems – not stuff you’d see at Total Wine or Publix,” Keagins said. “We try to do stuff that’s off the beaten path.”
The wine tastings are always evolving. Keagins likes to pair wine with small bites. It could be something that grows in the same region or a contrasting pairing like a heavy butter dish and an acidic wine like a Burgundy. It wouldn’t seem like it goes together, but somehow it does.
“People can smell when you’re trying to sell them something,” Keagins said. “They prefer to be educated, not sold.”
Both Sarah and Dan Keagins have a passion for helping customers find their palates and sharing their passion for wine.
“We are different,” Sarah Keagins said. “We are outside of the box. We have fun food, fun wine, fun décor and fun music. It’s a whole experience.”
It’s also a family-run restaurant with Dan in the kitchen and Sarah in the front.
“This is our love and our passion in a glass and on a plate for you,” she said. “This is us living out our dream.”
“It’s approachable. That’s why the name is Nonchalance.”
Reservations are encouraged.
“Our main goal is to strip away the pretension about wine,” Dan Keagins said. “We curated our wine list so it wouldn’t be overly intimidating.”
The Silver King Ocean Brasserie, Fort Myers
Chef de Cuisine Zachary Geerson and the Silver King Ocean Brasserie at the Luminary Hotel in downtown Fort Myers offer five-course tasting experiences with wine pairings Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are requested 24 hours in advance.
The five-course experience is $90 per person with curated wine pairings for $35 for a three-course wine pairing and $60 for a five-course wine pairing.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of tasting menus,” Geerson said. “It gives the chef and restaurant a fuller experience and it’s something more curated and special.”
There are eight seats in front of the kitchen and it gives guests and the chef a chance to interact.
The menu isn’t planned in advance. It’s often focused around an ingredient or concept or it could be focused on something the culinary team already has in the works.
One thing Geerson tried recently was a dolce
The front of house team studies wine and discusses the menu with the chef, who also sometimes recommends wine pairings himself.
de leche Popsicle mold with bananas and apricots.
There was also a teriyaki-glazed Spanish-style octopus served with fresh ginger and Japanese green peppercorns and white beans cooked with dashi and butter.
The front of house team studies wine and discusses the menu with the chef, who also sometimes recommends wine pairings himself.
“They write the wine list and then we all talk,” Geerson said. “They are seasoned servers who have been doing this for 15-20 years. They’ve been around the block and know their pairings well.”
The wine dinners are for all types of wine drinkers.
“You can just be starting out with wine,” Geerson said. “It’s a lot less formal than what people think. We talk about the varietal, flavors they experience and how it interacts with the food.”
“We want people who have never done food and wine pairings to come.”
Prime 239 in Cape Coral is offering a new type of fine dining adventure.
The game meats program was curated by executive chef Matt Thompson and it features small-batch seasonal dishes made with elk, bison, wild boar, ostrich, venison and other unexpected cuts of meat.
“I wanted to offer our guests something exciting and unexpected,” Thompson said. “Game meats offer deeper, more complex flavors and the creative challenge to push culinary boundaries beyond traditional steakhouse classics to deliver something unforgettable.”
Game meats are naturally lean, lower in fat and cholesterol, and compared to farm-raised meats, they are higher in protein. The game meats are sourced from regulated game farms and enclosed ranches, ensuring every cut is USDA-inspected, sustainably raised and transparently sourced – not hunted – to ensure consistency, quality and safety.
Thompson uses different fresh and seasonally available ingredients to pair with the game meats for something new and unexpected each time.
“We try to switch it up,” he said. “And see what’s seasonal and what we can get our hands on to pair with it. We keep it fresh so you may not get the exact same thing each time, but we listen to customers and if something is popular or in demand, we can re-run some specials.”
Some past dishes have included Cajun seasoned blackened ostrich filet with roasted fingerling potatoes and chargrilled eggplant topped with a rich horseradish and caramelized onion sauce, blended until smooth with Dijon mustard and crème fraiche.
The game meats are sourced from regulated game farms and enclosed ranches … to ensure consistency, quality and safety.
Prime 239 bar manager Emily Schwartze suggests a light-bodied red wine to pair with the ostrich entree, an IPA or light lager to enhance the meat’s delicate flavor.
Another game meat example is the grilled elk tenderloin served atop a basil pesto alongside a house made potato gnocchi in a shallot and fresh rosemary cream sauce dotted with sweet peas, onions and wild mushrooms.
Schwartze recommends either a bold cabernet sauvignon or a citrusy and sweet Rye Old Fashioned cocktail.
“You can get what’s on the regular menu or try something you’ve never had before,” Thompson said. “There’s something for everyone.”
“We try to make it as relatable as possible.”
The ostrich has been popular and the restaurant has received positive feedback on the boar chops and tenderloin.
“It’s something good and different for people to try,” Thompson said.
“Game meats offer something that’s both primal and elegant,” he said. “They give us a way to tell a bigger story on the plate. We’re not just serving dinner, we’re serving a unique dining experience every time.”
There is no set schedule for when the game meats are available as their availability can be unpredictable. When they’re gone, they’re gone, so reservations are highly recommended.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Fort Myers
Wine club members are also invited each month to partake in the monthly Wine Club Dinners, which are themed around a wine, cheese, recipe or cultural experience.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is also focused on all things wine and they offer something unique all types of wine drinkers will love.
Visit the restaurant at 13671 Olympic Court, Fort Myers and pickup the exclusive wine of the month. After browsing the menu and seeing how scrumptious everything sounds, you’ll probably want to stay for dinner, too.
The 1 bottle per month club for $22.99 offers members one bottle of exclusive vino each month. The monthly wine tasting for two is included in the 2- and 3-bottle memberships. A two-bottle membership is $44.99 and the three-bottle option is $64.99.
Membership is month-to-month and it can be updated or canceled at any time.
The handcrafted wine of the month is released each month with insider tasting notes and recipes to guide the discovery journey. There are different club types: variety, red, white and sweet wines. Members can get the Wine of the Month or swap for
other wines on the wine list.
If you’d like to give a friend, coworker or loved one the gift of wine, gift memberships are available in three, six or 12 month periods.
Wine club members are also invited each month to partake in the monthly Wine Club Dinners, which are themed around a wine, cheese, recipe or cultural experience.
One example is Cooper’s Hawk’s La Buena Vida (the good life!) dinner throughout May. The Latin American-inspired menu features standouts like ahi tuna crudo, a modern twist on ceviche, and chuletas asado, a smokey, twice-sauced ribeye with a bright citrus finish.
Wine pairings will include the May wine of the month, Las Americanas!, a Tempranillo and Chocolate Almond Wine.
Discover these blends and learn something new about wine each month. Get to know your palette and pair your new favorite blend with a delicious meal.
It doesn’t get much better than that.
If You Go...
Now that you’re on your way to becoming an amateur sommelier, here are some local restaurants and wine bars to try:
• Prime 239 Steakhouse: www.prime239.com 1715 Cape Coral Pkwy. W., Cape Coral 239-673 8816
• Nonchalance: nonchalanceeatery.com 15200 South Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-202-8927
• The Silver King Ocean Brasserie: www.silverkingoceanbrasserie.com 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 239-207-4613
• Flock Wine Bistro: www.flockwinebistro 9405 Cypress Lake Drive A, Fort Myers 239-245-7105
• Golden Rind Cheese & Wine: www.goldenrind.com 13251 McGregor Blvd. #108, Fort Myers 239-313-6001
“Investor Lifeguard: The One-of-a-Kind Handbook for Avoiding Bad Investments”
New Book Offers Insights on Making the Best Investment Choices and Avoiding Risk
With decades of experience representing investors in complex financial disputes, Christopher Vernon, Founder of Vernon Litigation Group in Naples, has authored a guide to navigate the best investment choices and avoid fraudulent exposure. Investor Lifeguard:
The One-of-a-Kind Handbook for Avoiding Bad Investments is a must-read book for anyone looking to invest in today’s market while determining the best way to shield any financial risks.
Investor Lifeguard is a reliable guide to assist investors as a navigational map in the complex world of investments, offering practical insights and easy-to-use resources to safeguard individuals from risky investments, questionable experts, and financial pitfalls. The book provides detailed information on everything from selecting the right professionals to assist with investments to avoiding the top 10 pitfalls that are most common when making financial decisions. To pre-order or purchase Investor Lifeguard: The One-of-a-Kind Handbook for Avoiding Bad Investments, visit this Amazon link.
Vernon applies his years of experience representing hundreds of clients who have fallen victim to fraudulent investments or worked with unqualified professionals to provide a framework that prioritizes the investor’s needs over those of advisors and
BOOK REVIEW
the securities industry. Based on his legal expertise in complex financial disputes due to rogue brokers and unreliable advisors, and upon witnessing the impact of these fraudulent transactions, he searched for a way to prevent fraud proactively.
“I have witnessed the challenges and devastation that bad investments have caused individuals, which could have been avoided,” said Vernon. “Following an encounter with a local retired teacher who informed me that information in a recent article I wrote saved her from a bad investment and avoiding a financial catastrophe, I was inspired to share my knowledge with others. With the economy always changing, making good investment choices is vital, and I hope my experience can offer some direction and peace of mind.”
“I have witnessed the challenges and devastation that bad investments have caused individuals.”
Investor Lifeguard is a reliable guide to assist investors as a navigational map in the complex world of investments
About Christopher Vernon, Esq.
Christopher Vernon is the Founder of Vernon Litigation Group. In his decades of experience, Vernon has represented clients in complex financial disputes related to bad investments and inexperienced guidance in cases across the board, including contract, construction, probate, and real estate disputes. Vernon’s national practice encompasses the representation of investors in all manner of securities disputes throughout the United States. He is “AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated” by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating an attorney can receive for their professional ethics and legal ability by their peers and the judiciary. He has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers (2006-2022) and The Best Lawyers in America (2009-2025) in multiple categories (Commercial Litigation, Securities/Capital Markets Law, and Bet-the-Company Litigation). He has also testified as an expert on investment matters and matters relating to FINRA arbitration. To learn more about Vernon Litigation Group, visit www.vernonlitigation.com or call (239) 319-4434. To pre-order or purchase Investor Lifeguard: The One-of-a-Kind Handbook for Avoiding Bad Investments, visit this Amazon link.
The Place: Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders, 1511 NE Pine Island Road, Cape Coral; 239-441-4191; HueyMagoos.com
The Bill: $30
The Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The Details: This fast-casual restaurant bills its signature munchies as the Filet Mignon of Chicken.
Indeed, the chicken tenders taste soft and juicy, just like that upscale steak.
That’s not all this outlet delivers on its platters. Also coming at you are salads, wraps, coleslaw, cheese dip, banana pudding and fresh-cut chips that are simply the best on the planet.
I hit the jackpot by meeting this franchise’s co-owner Matthew Walker. He gave me the lowdown on Huey Magoo’s history and went to the kitchen to give me a bunch of those chips on the house. They’re made right there and taste like it. Took them home and scarfed ’em.
As for Huey Magoo’s genesis, it came from a couple of guys from Ole Miss who named it for their college nicknames after learning the food business with Wingstop. Now this eatery that
.
started in 2004 is booming mostly throughout the South.
Not that Walker is a fan of the Mississippi Rebels. He graduated from Miami University in Ohio, and when the big games hit the national stage he roots for his home-state Buckeyes.
This isn’t a sports bar, but Huey Magoo’s in Cape Coral is often packed like one on a football weekend.
The Orlando-based chain sure knows how to jazz up the tenders. They come hand-breaded and grilled or sauced with special dip. Just delightful.
No wonder Huey Magoo’s keeps growing. General Manger Drew Stamm said next up is an opening in Naples by the end of the year.
Here’s to more good eating.
SOCIAL SCENE
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Swings into Spring with Annual Fundraiser
Bob Beville, Lisa Sands, Barbara Mundy
Pat and Stanley Heath
Guests were treated to a wonderful evening
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades held its annual “Swing into Spring” fundraising event for its Hendry and Glades agencies, raising more than $27,000 in front of a sold-out crowd.
The money raised will ensure that 20 local agencies are able to continue over 40 programs and initiatives to focus on issues that improve lives and can further United Way’s mission of improving the quality of life for all people in the community.
The event took place April 26 at the LaBelle Civic Center. Guests were treated to a wonderful evening filled with dinner, games with chances to win great prizes, music from the LaBelle High School musicians as well as live and silent auctions.
Sponsors for the event included:
• Title Sponsor – Florida Power and Light.
• Platinum Sponsor – First Christian Church of LaBelle.
• Gold Sponsors – Area Agency on Aging, Robert & Ellen Ferguson Foundation, Healthy Start, Pat & Stanley Heath, Modern Woodmen Financial Services, Refuse to Sink, Seacoast Bank and Southern Heritage.
• Silver Sponsors – Child Care of SWFL, Dell Schlaht, First Bank, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, Suncoast Credit Union, The Mangroves and The Salvation Army.
• Bronze Sponsors – Britton G. Swank, Chris Fassnacht, DAM Gym, iTech Glades, Donna McAvoy, Patti Rigby and Sue & Tim Stanley
Dr. Joe Pepe and Josh Coley
Michelle Hidalgo, Amy Singer Price, Danyale Kinney, Linda Hafner, Hannah Pelle
Ellen Ferguson, Pauline Carmean, Amanda
Abee
United Way’s mission as a volunteer-driven organization is dedication to improving the quality of life for all people in our community.
Sponsors for the event included:
• Title Sponsor – Florida Power and Light.
• Platinum Sponsor – First Christian Church of LaBelle.
• Gold Sponsors – Area Agency on Aging, Robert & Ellen Ferguson Foundation, Healthy Start, Pat & Stanley Heath, Modern Woodmen Financial Services, Refuse to Sink, Seacoast Bank and Southern Heritage.
• Silver Sponsors – Child Care of SWFL, Dell Schlaht, First Bank, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, Suncoast Credit Union, The Mangroves and The Salvation Army.
• Bronze Sponsors – Britton G. Swank, Chris Fassnacht, DAM Gym, iTech Glades, Donna McAvoy, Patti Rigby and Sue & Tim Stanley.
About United Way
In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies, helping them to work together focusing on issues that continue to improve lives. United Way’s mission as a volunteer-driven organization is dedication to improving the quality of life for all people in our community. United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades was established in 1957 and over $232 million has been raised and distributed since that time. For more information, please call 239-433-2000 or visit UnitedWayLee.org.
