BB Feb 3, 2017

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Vol. 38, No. 5

Boca Grande, Florida

Inside: ELS TEUNISSEN OLIVE & FLORENCE FOOD FOR THE POOR

CHOWDAH, HEAH! GET YA CHOWDAH! ■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE

T

his Saturday there’s a lot going on, but one thing you won’t want to miss is The Island School’s 3rd annual Chowder Dinner.

It will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (it has been timed nicely around several other events that day) at the Crowninshield Community House.

Not only will you find some of the best chowder around, there will also be a silent auction held during the dinner.

Restaurants participating in the dinner include the Outlet at the Innlet, PJ’s Seagrille, The Temptation, Loose Caboose, the Boca Bay Pass Club, Eagle Grille, 3rd Street Cafe, the Pink Elephant, South Beach Bar & Grill and the Boca Grande Club.

Two Island School families will also be bringing their chowder as well.

Silent auction items include: See CHOWDER on PAGE 19

Three more days for Love Lines !

■ STAFF REPORT

I

50¢

G

E DANCIN

Y FOR TH

D, STA THE FOO

f you’re going to submit a love line in the Valentine’s edition of the Boca Beacon, Monday is your last day to get them in to us.

Yes, that’s right, Monday, Feb. 6 is the cutoff, and just know if your signficant other put one in for you and you didn’t reciprocate, you’re pretty much finished..

Our only stipulations for these free words of love are that you keep it clean and at a word count of 50 words or less.

Send all submissions to mshortuse@bocabeacon.com.

Your Locally Owned Weekly Newspaper

February 3, 2017

The trestle will remain Charlotte County working on, not removing historic railroad trestle ■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE

I

f you’ve been on or off the island recently you might have noticed some work crews surrounding the old railroad trestle near the mainland. Contrary to what you may have heard, they are not tearing the trestle out. They are instead inspecting the trestle and, in some circumstances, replacing parts of the structure.

According to Tina Powell, Charlotte County’s Park and Natural Resources Division Manager, representatives from the West Coast Inland Navigation District did a comprehensive assessment of the trestle earlier this year, and the ongoing project is a result of that assessment.

Some pilings and other pieces of the structure are being replaced as workers see fit.

Powell said there should be no problems with the project affecting marine navigation in the area at this time, but when the workers get to the area of the swing bridge those channels will be closed during construction. A Notice to Mariners has gone out to the Coast Guard regarding that closure.

The project is expected to take 90 days to complete, and will cost the county approximately $240,000.

■ At approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31 the Boca Grande Fire Department and the

Four injured in boating accident

Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at the Innlet on 12th Street, where a boat that had struck a pole in the water just south of Three Sisters Island was located. Four people were transported to Bayfront Hospital in Port Charlotte after being injured in the accident. The inset photo above shows the boat damage.

Photos by Marcy

Swine, bivalves and much, much more

Taste of Boca - Part III

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE

T

he 2017 Taste of Boca is just around the corner, and if you haven’t gotten your tickets yet you need to make haste. So far sales are brisk, and those last-minute purchases can be made on Monday at several island locations (see Ballyhoo for more on that).

This week we focus on the last few restaurants on our list that will be participating in Taste. While we have some great dishes to discuss, we would be remiss not to mention once again the reason for the evening.

When you buy a ticket to Taste of Boca, that money goes to the Harry Chapin

Food Bank of Southwest Florida, and you will be feeding the hungry. There are more than 164,000 people in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Lee counties who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. About 54,800 of these Southwest Floridians are children. Each dollar donated to the Food Bank stretches much further than $1, so you’re actually helping out much more than you know.

Remember, there by the grace of God go we. If you’ve ever been in a tricky life situation where money is scarce you know how frightening it is, especially when you’re looking down into the eyes of your own hungry child.

See TASTE on PAGE 28 ■ Monchong fish

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

ETC.

Around the island

Bridge tourney to benefit Health Clinic G ■ STAFF REPORT

rab your partner and sign up for the highly-anticipated 2nd annual Hank Wright Bridge Tournament to benefit the Boca Grande Health Clinic on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Gasparilla Inn’s Beach Club.

Jean Seward will once again direct play and Master Points are available.

A buffet lunch is included with your entry and will be available beginning at noon. Play begins at 1 p.m.

Call (941) 964-0099 or email maryanne@bghcfoundation.com to reserve your spot. Please include your partner’s name when your reserve your spot.

Mail your payment of $150 per player to: Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 2340 Boca Grande, FL 33921

Page 3

PROFILE: Keeping all those folks at the Boca Grande Health Clinic in line

A firm believer in paying it forward ...

Hilja Bilodeau H

■ BY SUE ERWIN

ilja Bilodeau has been keeping very busy as CEO of the Boca Grande Health Clinic since last summer.

She officially started the job on August 1, replacing former CEO Jon Sielert. Her duties include overseeing all of the operations at the clinic on a day-to-day basis.

“My responsibilities include making sure every patient gets the care they need and making sure we are providing the level of care that our mission says we are here to do,” Hilja said.

Hilja has an extensive background and came to the clinic with a long and distinguished healthcare career, beginning with her training and clinical work as a registered nurse at Brigham & Women’s Hospital to her most recent executive position with Harbor Medical Associates in Weymouth, Mass.

“I was a senior vice president for a midsize physician group for 19 years in a suburb of Boston. It was a wonderful place, and I really loved my job,” Bilodeau said.

In her last role she was directly responsible for the management of clinical operations for a multispecialty clinic, an AAAHC-accredited endoscopy center, an IAC-certified vein center and an urgent care center. She was instrumental in growing the practice from 15 to 75 physicians and from two locations to eight.

Hilja and her husband, Paul, live in Rotonda. They purchased property there several years ago and had a house built with plans to eventually retire in the area.

Paul is a retired firefighter/captain and also owned a side business as an electrician.

He retired last summer, but Hilja admits she wasn’t ready to slow down just yet.

“I love working. I could have chosen to retire, but I didn’t want to,” she said.

While working in Massachusetts, she had a conversation with a colleague during a conference call one afternoon and learned about the CEO vacancy at Boca Grande Health Clinic.

“I think it was fate that we had that conversation. I called to inquire about the position and came down for the interview, and the stars just aligned. I could not be happier,” she said. Hilja said the dedicated staff at the clinic been so welcoming, and the physicians are of very high caliber.

e l i f l a n o s er

HOMETOWN: OCCUPATION: HOBBIES: FAVORITE BOOK: FAVORITE TV SHOW: FAVORITE MOVIE: THE PERSON I ADMIRE MOST: LIKES: DISLIKES:

P

Hilja Biladeau

“They have exceptional competency and provide highquality care,” she said.

After becoming a nurse and working in the field for many years, she realized there was more she could do to help with the broader aspects of healthcare. That’s what led her to pursue an administrative role. She went back to school and took business classes in healthcare reform and accepted a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield for seven years.

“As a nurse I’ve always been an advocate for patients getting the quality care they deserve,” she said.

Hilja added that she knew Boca Grande was the right move at this point in her career.

“When I spoke with the physicians and staff and learned about the quality of care they strive to achieve, I knew that it would be a good fit. Plus, we’re avid boaters and golfers, so this move is really perfect for us,” she said.

Hilja’s father was from Finland and her husband is French, so she often gets inquiries about the origin of See PROFILE on PAGE 4

Cohasset, Mass Boca Grande Health Clinic CEO Golf, fishing, reading Clive Cussler novels The news “It’s a Wonderful Life” My family Boston pizza and hamburgers Seafood

Is there someone you would like to see profiled? Chances are you’re not alone. Everyone has a story to tell.

Why not share yours, or give us your suggestions? Call the Beacon at 964-2995.

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Visit our website for information and other listings

P.O. Drawer 1446, Boca Grande, FL sealefamilysales@gmail.com

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VACATION RENTALS (941) 964-2210 800-741-8272 P. O. Box 216 sealerentals@gmail.com

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Completely renovated and beautifully furnished.

Gated property includes pool, tennis, clubhouse and ground floor covered parking. Easy to see, call for appointment. $980,000. Furnished

Boca Grande Residential Building Site

1940 19th Street 4 BR, 4 Bath Ground level residence with pool.

Designed by Ralph Twitchell & built on 3 lots with 150' frontage. New roof, cypress cabinetry, 2 fireplaces & Larry Anderson murals. Easy to see, call for appointment. Reduced to $1,850,000.

Gulf Shores North #4 Three single family building sites, all with deeded beach access. Low density waterfront neighborhood with beautiful new homes. #40 & #41 - SOLD #44 - $625,000

150 1st Street Vacant Deep water building site with 80' frontage on canal. Improved with dock, electric and water. $1,395,000.

Page 4

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

PROFILE - Keeping all those folks at the Boca Grande Health Clinic in line Profile From PAGE 3 her name.

She met Paul when she was in kindergarten.

Growing up, she was best friends with his sister.

“It was a small town. He’s a year older than I am, and we did everything together as kids. Everybody knew everybody,” Hilja said.

They attended different colleges, and later, when they were in their late 20s, they ran into each other at a party.

“I just happened to come home and visit that weekend. We ended up talking that night and made plans to play racquetball the next day, and that was it. People from our old neighborhood joked and said they always knew we’d end up getting married,” she said.

Hilja and Paul have three adult children: Paul Jr., Thomas and Holly. Paul Jr. lives in Boston, Thomas lives in New Hampshire, and Holly lives in Nova Scotia.

“Holly went to college in Canada at the same school my husband attended (St. Francis Xavier Catholic University), and she met her current husband there. They’ve been married for two years and she works in finance and acquisitions,” Hilja said.

Paul Jr. has his own executive recruiting business, and Thomas is a school psychologist. Thomas also has a music company called “In Your Life.”

Hilja said that since he is a middle child, Thomas was always very creative as a child. He picked up playing the piano and guitar quite naturally.

“I’m so very proud of all three of them. They are really wonderful adults and give a lot of their time back to the communities where they live. I have always stressed how important it is to pay it forward.

And my children have good moral compasses. I feel very fortunate,” she said.

Paul played college football while attending St.

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Francis Xavier. All three children were athletic kids and played basketball. Thomas played football in a league in high school and travelled around the country. They still play and coach youth teams as well.

Paul Jr. has a son, Parker, two. He is the only grandchild at this time.

Hilja and Paul are both avid golfers and boaters.

“We love golfing at The Gasparilla Inn’s course on the weekends. It’s a beautiful course. And Paul golfs almost every day,” she said.

Hilja also enjoys reading, walking on the beach, going kayaking and being on the water as often as possible.

She describes her hometown of Cohasset, Mass.

as very much like Boca Grande without the golf carts.

“It’s a small village right on the water on the Massachusetts Bay. It’s a pretty little New England town – a great place for summer sailing,” she said.

Although she has lived around water since she was a child, she’s not a fan of seafood.

“My whole life I’ve always gone power boating, sailing and kayaking. Every minute I could spend on water I would. People thought I was crazy when I used to turn down fresh lobsters for five dollars right from the boat … but I just don’t like seafood,” she said.

Hilja said the best part about her position in Boca Grande is the connection between the patients and the staff at the clinic.

“I feel very fortunate to be a part of this team.

Everyone is very patient-centric. The staff is very competent and very caring, and our patients always come first. It’s so nice to see them here and then out in the community. Being a nurse, I’m always out talking to people and seeing what’s happening in town,” she said.

As the clinic’s CEO, Hilja said she looks forward to continuing her work with the dedicated staff, each of whom is committed to providing exceptional healthcare to the community. Look for Hilja at community events hosted by the Boca Grande Health Clinic, or say hello when you see her mingling with folks around town.

Del-Bourree Bach Ongoing exhibition Reception. Fri. & Sat., Feb. 3 and Feb. 4, 6- 9 p.m.

Join us for our annual Valentine Celebration Friday, February 10, 6-9 p.m.

5800 Gasparilla Rd., Boca Grande • (941) 964-2243 • courtyardhairetc.com

A Winter’s Tale - 20 x 32, framed

Morning Commute - 20 x 42, framed

Golf Cart Repairs NOW offering onsite service for most golf cart repairs Golf Cart Rentals

Flying Home - 32 x 44, framed

Pretty Boy - 17 x 17, framed

Daily, Weekly & Monthly

Preview paintings online: www.hughesgallery.net

Please call or visit us at Kappy’s Market

Hughes Gallery, Inc. • 333 Park Ave. (Across from The Temptation Restaurant)

4, 6 or 8 Seaters available

( 9 4 1 ) 9 6 4 - 2 5 0 6 • 5800 Gasparilla Road Open Everyday ‘til 8 p.m.

941-964-4273 • www.hughesgallery.net

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 5

ISLAND PERSPECTIVES

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Many thanks to ‘Fabulous Fakes’friends and artists FIVE YEARS AGO Mitt Romney came out as the winner at the Boca Grande polls in the Republican presidential primary election. By the end of the day, he garnered 346 votes at the Boca Grande Community Center polling place.

The Boca Grande Fire Department and Sea Tow responded to a call of a boat that washed up on the rocks by Boca Bay. Three people were on board and the boat was undamaged.

TEN YEARS AGO An eagle was rescued from Waterways Avenue and successfully released by three volunteers from Peace River Wildlife Center.

The Lighthouse Methodist Church held a grand opening of its new sanctuary and social hall. The event featured tours and performances by various musical groups.

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association held a meeting to unveil the findings of its committee charged with finding more space for the island’s service organizations.

The home of Skip Perry and Victoria Kittredge was among the eight island houses in the Boca Grande Art Alliance “Art At Home Tour.”

Royal Palm Players for ‘acting it up’ and adding the extra color by way of famous artists on site! Thank you to Newlin’s for catering, Fat Point Brewery for the beer tasting, and Chuck Lange for the music.

And finally, a huge thank you to Tom and Nancy Tussing, without whose support of this evening we would not have been able to provide such fine food and fun entertainment.

On behalf of the Boca Grande Art Center and the Event Committee, thank you all!

To the Editor: Thank you to everyone who helped make our Member Appreciation Party, “Fabulous Fakes with a Twist,” a huge success on January 22.

The Boca Grande Art Center was proud to provide a fun night at no charge for all of our members to thank THEM for supporting the Art Center by attending shows, taking classes and coming to lectures.

The Art Center is an important part of this community, and we take pride in our programs at The Island School, our collaboration with other nonprofits and our commitment to enhance the lives of all residents.

We would like to thank all of the artists who donated a Fun Fake to our raffle. Also to

Tonya Doherty, Executive Director Boca Grande Art Center

Thanks to Dr. Frank for flying Matt!

To the Editor, Mark and I wish to express a heartfelt “thank you” to Dr. Frank Haws for his kindness in flying our son, Matt, from Alabama after his ongoing training at Red Stone Academy of extensive bomb technical prac-

tice.

We are very appreciative.

Mark and Kathy Futch Boca Grande/Punta Gorda

TWENTY YEARS AGO The Lee County Commission put off voting on the resolution restricting golf cart use on some of Gasparilla Island’s roads while the county attorney reworded the resolution to allow use on Gilchrist Avenue.

See LETTERS on PAGE 6

BOCA BEACON www.BocaBeacon.com Copyright © 2016

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On the island, above

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Publisher/General Manager Dusty Hopkins ... dhopkins@bocabeacon.com Editor Marcy Shortuse ... mshortuse@bocabeacon.com Reporter Susan Erwin ... susane@bocabeacon.com Sales Rep Caroline Clabaugh ... carolinec@bocabeacon.com Sales Rep Julianne Greenberg ... jgreenberg@bocabeacon.com Art Director Daniel Godwin ... dgodwin@bocabeacon.com Classifieds Karen Clark ... karenclark@bocabeacon.com Office Manager Karen Clark ... info@bocabeacon.com Office Assistant Lynn Erb Proofreader Dean Laux Distribution Tracy Bowe, Ryan Weitzel Columnists Delores Savas, Capt. Sandy Melvin, Bob Elliott, Phil Snyder, Phil Woods, Julianne Greenberg, Tina Marelli Glass, Capt. Joe LeClair, Boca Grande Historical Society, Dean Laux, Jen Fiers, Dave Horton & Tim Banfell BOCA BEACON © 2017

The BOCA BEACON (005-207) is published weekly by Hopkins & Daughter, Inc., 431 Park Avenue, Boca Grande, FL 33921. Annual subscription rates: $52/year for all states; $110/year for first class and foreign. Periodicals postage paid USPS at Boca Grande, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BOCA BEACON, P.O. Box 313, Boca Grande, FL 33921.

BOCA BEACON SUBSCRIPTIONS $52 for all states $110 a year for Canadian and first class mailing Mail to: Boca Beacon, PO Box 313, Boca Grande, FL 33921 or subscribe online at BocaBeacon.com

Page 6

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Letters

HORTOONS by DAVE HORTON From PAGE 5

Historical Society offers private museum tours

To the Editor: In November the Boca Grande Historical Society opened its refurbished museum with a new exhibit about the history of the Gasparilla Island Bridge and its importance to the development of the island to where it is today. The positive reaction to the exhibit by long-time island families, current residents and visitors alike has resulted in the Society adding Saturday hours to its museum schedule.

Now it is offering private tours to groups of 10 or fewer people. These tours are free to Historical Society members and their guests. Nonmembers may schedule a private tour at a charge of $6 per person (children under 12 are no charge). Jim Blaha, who chaired the creation of the exhibit, notes that children have enjoyed their visits very much – especially the hands-on elements.

Highlights of the exhibit include filmed interviews with the Sprott family, who tell the story of the ferry that operated before the bridge was built, the controversy over the building of the original bridge, the early years of

the bridge use and the original toll system, the purchase of the bridge by the residents of Boca Grande, the creation of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority and the recent construction of the new bridge. The exhibit includes the control panel from the old bridge and the opportunity to fly with a drone under and around the bridge.

To schedule a private tour, call the

Historical Society at 964-1600. The museum is located at 170 Park Avenue in the historical Teacherage next to Boca Bargains. Regular (nonprivate) tours are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Karen Grace Boca Grande Historical Society

Boca Grande somewhat-but not always –accurate weather 5-day forecast

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

77/61 Yes, it will.

77/62 Hope your morning is like this ...

75/62 It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

77/61 Ready for Monday, oh yea!

78/66 It taco time, come eat meeeeeee.

Babe’s

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 7

Have a Ballyhoo item?

Call us at 964-2995

You can support our local Megalops, local artists and local island kids this weekend ... think locally!

Happening Today!

See what’s new at Barbara Anne’s ...

Just in at Barbara Anne’s Jewelry & Repair ... new nautical & tie-dyed shirts, new sand dollar and coral dresses, new line of costume jewelry from Norway (called ‘Nanni’) and new jewelry from the Judy Kolk collection.

Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook & follow us on Instagram @barbaraannesjewelry. Open in the Railroad Depot Building Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (941) 964-1776.

Banyan Street Trunk Show ...

All are invited to attended a mega trunk show with several curated vendors. The vendors are: Boo Gemes, Charleston Shoe Co., Charlotte Kellogg, Details & Goods, Gramercy Atelier, Yatra Collection, Zwikker & Zacker Jewelry at the Crowninshield Community House, 240 Banyan Street, Boca Grande.

The show is today, Friday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Gasparilla Inn invites you to attend a trunk show with Lalo Handbags, Helga Wagner Jewelry and Liz Paper in the Garden Room. The show is today, Friday, Feb 3 through Saturday, Feb. 4.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer at (941) 964-4548.

Three amazing individuals and a sunset ...

The Hermitage Artist Retreat invites you to bring your beach chairs and refreshments to the Manasota Key beach campus, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood, today Friday, Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. to enjoy the words of noted novelist Jonathan Wilson, the stories of Paris Busker Nisha Coleman and the voice of acclaimed mezzo-soprano Carla Dirlikov Canales.

While you are there, you will enjoy amazing culture as you relax in the beautiful beach surroundings, followed by the sunset at 6:15 p.m.

The program is free and all are welcome. The Hermitage does ask for reservations in the unlikely chance that the program needs to move indoors where space is more limited. To place your reservation, email reservations@HermitageArtistRetreat.org or call reservations at (941) 475-2098, ext. 8.

The Hermitage is located at 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood.

For more information about The Hermitage Artist Retreat, call (941) 4752098, ext. 5, or visit the website at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust ... n It all comes down to this.

JOE FUZZ picks NE and BOCA BOB picks ALT to win.

We all will know by Sunday night.

Good luck!

DATE IT’S A

Trunk Show at The Inn ...

Make plans to join us for the 8th Annual BTT Boca Grande fundraiser tonight, Friday, Feb. 3.

Anglers from around the area will gather at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club beginning at 6 p.m.

Lowest Boat Gas Prices in the Area!

This is sure to be an event that you will not want to miss. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music from the JR Davis Band, and learn about BTT’s ongoing tarpon research, which is critically important to the future of adult tarpon populations.

The evening will also feature silent auctions and raffles for lodge trips, guide trips, fishing gear, unique experiences and more.

This event sold out early last year, so please reserve your space today.

Price is $100/person or $175/couple.

To register online or learn more, visit BTT.org/BocaGrande. For questions or reservations, contact Mark Rehbein at (703) 350-9195 or e-mail mark@bonefishtarpontrust.org.

Feb. 3: Lee Krauter, Jackie Allen, Tom Cross, Susan Vollmer, Bob Melvin, Feb. 4: Betsy Joiner, Nancy Kershaw, Melvin Pointon, Feb. 5: Jody Savarese, Melissa Laterza, Feb. 6: Diane Louis, Tim Janz, John Cochran, Cheryl Hopkins, Feb. 7: Mike Vollmer, Larry Allen, Feb. 8: Dottie Stover, Larry Anderson, Feb. 9: Patty Ahrens

Annual One-Man Exhibit ...

Hughes Gallery in Boca Grande invites all to see nationally recognized and winner of multiple awards, DelBouree Bach’s one-man annual exhibit that opens today, Friday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m.

Dels’ reception is on Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days. The Hughes Gallery is located at 333 Park Ave (across from The Temptation Restaurant). To preview the painting and for More BALLYHOO on PAGE 8

The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Finance Committee will be conducting a meeting on Monday February 6, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority administration building. NOTICE: Two or more voting and/or non-voting members of the GIBA Board of Supervisors may participate in the discussions of the Committee. A verbatim record of the proceeding will be necessary to appeal a decision made at the meeting.

Last week’s mystery birthday baby was Tommy Locke.

We’re looking for birthday baby photos Do you know someone who has a birthday coming up and would like to be on our birthday list? If so, we need their name and a photo of them as a youngster. Email the picture, name and birth date to dgodwin@bocabeacon.com or just stop by the office with the info and a photo.

Economic Summit Wednesday, Feb. 8, 3:30 p.m., $20 BG Community Center Auditorium

Publish February 3, 2017

Literature Forum The Razor’s Edge Thursday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m., Free BG Woman’s Club Room

Uncle Henry’s Marina (941) 964-0154 • VHF CH-16

Current Daily Rates Nov. 1 - April 30 - $3 per ft.

Current Monthly Rates Nov. 1 - April 30 - $17 per ft.

Best wishes to those celebrating birthdays this week:

MEETING NOTICE

Non-Ethanol $3.91/gal.

Diesel $2.53/ gal. plus 7% tax

Price Rollback on Marina Rates

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Ballyhoo is compiled by Julianne Greenberg, the Beacon’s island advertising sales representative. If you would like to share information about an event, contact her at 964-2995 or email her at jgreenberg@bocabeacon.com.

Global Issues Simulcast Series

Best Food In Paradise

Serving Lunch & Dinner Every Day! Waterfront Dining Spectacular Sunsets Over the Gulf

Annual rate - $12 per foot annually

Jessica Lewis-McFate Women in Combat Friday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m., Free Pre-Registration Required BG Community Center Auditorium

Alzheimer’s Education Series Understanding Behavior Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease Monday, Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m., Free Pre-Registration Required, Houghton Room

Cable, Water & WI-FI included

All That Jazz Call for more info.

Uncle Henry’s Marina 5820 Gasparilla Road, Boca Grande 941-964-0154 • unclehenrysmarina@comcast.net

777 Gulf Blvd., Boca Grande

941.964.0765

Peter & Will Anderson Trio Monday, Feb. 13, 1 p.m., $25 Crowninshield Community House 131 First Street West I Boca Grande, FL 33921 941-964-0827 I friendsofbocagrande.org

Page 8

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Have a Ballyhoo item?

BALLYHOO

Call us at 964-2995

from PAGE 7

more information see hughesgallery.net or call (941) 9644273.

Local Color ...

There will be a “Local Color Art Show” at Whidden’s Marina on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local artists Patti Middleton, Carroll Swayze, Beth Perkins, Melissa Joiner Steyer, Melissa Perkins, Stuart Hoeckel and many more will be featured. Carroll Swayze will also be signing her coloring books.

Art of the River & Rio de la Paz Festival ...

Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free and open to the public – $3 donation for parking: • Coffee ‘n Canvas: $25 per person, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Live entertainment and open mike all day • Face painting, caricature portraits, BBQ, fine art and craft vendors, authors’ room and more • Collectors’ preview Friday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The festival is at the South Florida State College DeSoto Campus, 2251 N. Turner Ave., Arcadia. For more information, see: desotoartscouncil.org/artoftheriver.htm

All are invited to the Art of the River and Rio de la Paz Festival on

WEATHER WATCH

GASPARILLA ISLAND WEATHER Jan. 26 - Feb. 1

Boca Weather: A nice day, to say, have a great day.

Saturday, Feb. 4 Sunrise – 7:19 a.m.

Sunset – 5:53 p.m.

More BALLYHOO on PAGE 9

THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. WED.

Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Feb.

26 27 28 29 30 31 1

Restaurant Subs • Salads • Pasta Specials Lunch & Dinner Open Mon.,-Sat., 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun., 4-9 p.m.

Railroad Plaza • 964-2002

FRESH SPECIALS NIGHTLY CRAFT BEERS & FINE WINES Tues. - Sat., 11 am - 9 pm Closed Sunday & Monday

Best Fried Oysters in Town!

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GULF HIGH TEMP 77 63 72 62 63 60 63 58 66 59 73 59 79 59 Total Rain

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Career Day at LBHS

ing. The Englewood Sun’s Chris Porter talked about how an entry-level job can lead to a lasting career. Keith Rowley of Rowley Insurance told the students that “you always need to be willing to change and learn something new every day.” Alisha Weaver, REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty Gold, spoke of the importance of mentors. She recommended finding someone who is doing what you want to do and learn from them. Ed Hill, executive director of the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, answered a student’s question about what technology is important.

Ed said, “Typing is a must, and it’s important to know Microsoft office and excel.”

Charles Miller of Home Spec talked about how important it is to enjoy your job.

The career day activity was designed to make sure that whether or not the students are college bound, they recognize that there is a connection between high school and this community and to provide the chance to network and imagine their future as productive citizens.

Pictured above, from L-R:Chris Porter-Englewood Sun, Keith Rowley-Rowley Insurance, Alisha Weaver-Keller Williams Realty Gold, Irene Slattery-Stonegate Bank, Ed Hill-Englewood Chamber of Commerce and Charles Miller-Home Spec.

Photo submitted

n The Englewood Area Board of REALTOR’S Young Professionals Network (YPN) hosted their 2nd annual “Ask the Experts” at Lemon Bay High School. The expert panels consisted of six EABOR business affiliates in Mary Jo Holleran’s Career Resource Center for the day. Senior students learned the importance of being involved in community and networking. Mrs. Holleran’s catchphrase, “You’ve got to network to get work,” was the theme of the day. After the experts gave their career advice, students were able to ask questions and network with the participants.

Irene Slattery, Stonegate Bank VP, expressed the importance of proper dress for interviews and that typing is a must.

Slattery also mentioned that one needs to know one’s own talents. Construct a resumé that showcases them and tailor that resumé for the job for which one is apply-

chill

(941) 964-2506 Home of Joe’s Deli Open Sundays!

Island Ice Cream • Groceries • Beer & Wine Kappy Karts Golf Cart Rentals Propane Tank Exchange

• T-Shirts, Sundries & Souvenirs • Live Bait • Ice•Ice Cream • ATM

Open 365 days a year Located at North End Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

5800 Gasparilla Road

The

The

Restaurant Open for LUNCH & DINNER - Mon.- Sat. “Old Florida” Cuisine since 1947

Boca Grande’s Old Florida Bar Wine • Spirits Cold Beer To Go

Only Fresh Local Seafood, including Grouper, Tuna, Snapper, Grilled, Baked or Sauteed, Great Steaks and Our Chef’s Specials of the Day. RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED • 964-2610

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from 4 pm until 6 pm Nightly

6800 Placida Rd., (at Fiddler’s Green) Englewood, Florida 34224

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DINING ROOM

At the Temptation Homemade Ice Creamery • Coffees • Large, pet friendly dining patio.

Local Fish & Produce in a comfortable, family atmosphere.

4th & Park Ave. TheLoose Caboose (941) 964-0440 • www.loosecaboose.biz

Miller’s Dockside

Open Monday - Saturday for Dinner Reservations recommended but not required.

Featuring smaller portions at smaller prices or the full Temptation Menu Casual Attire 964-2610 Caribbean entrance off West Railroad

• Fine Wine - Spirits & Cold Beer to go.

Open every day

• Competitive “Off-Island” pricing • Free On-Island Delivery • Case Discounts (Minimum 10%) Open Mon. - Sat. • 10 am - 9 pm After hours go to The Temp Bar for package

Dinner - Tues.-Sun., 5:30 - 9 pm Lunch - Sat. & Sun., 11:30 am - 2 pm

350 Park Ave. • Downtown Boca Grande

220 Harbor Dr., 964-8000 • eaglegrille.com

A Temptation Restaurant Affiliate

964-2900 • www.temptationbocagrande.com

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“Shimmy Mob” founder comes to Englewood ...

Francesca Anastasi (aka Sabeya) is the founder of the annual international charity event, “Shimmy Mob,” which raises money for local Women’s and Children’s Abuse Shelters around the Globe.

Francesca is coming to Englewood on Saturday, Feb. 4. Francesca will offer a business workshop: Simple Strategies to Stand Out from the Competition.

She will share some of the tools and principles that have worked for her and made her companies successful against all odds. If you own a small business, or are thinking of starting a business, get ready to be inspired, motivated and empowered!

Cost of class is $20, all of which will be donated to CARE Victims Services Center of Charlotte County. To learn more about Francesca Anastasi and her businesses, go to: francescaanastasi.com and shimmymob.com.

The workshop will be held at Dance Etc., 3372 N. Access Road, Englewood on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m.

For more information, call Tami at (941) 286-6203.

Island School PTO chowder dinner fundraiser ...

All are invited for this year’s fundraising event for The Island School PTO, “The 3rd Annual Chowder Dinner & Silent Auction.”

Enjoy a variety of chowders prepared by many of your favorite local restaurants, served up by the parents, staff and alumni of The Island School.

Salad and desserts will also be served.

During the event there will be a silent auction of various Items up for bid, as well as a 50/50 auction.

Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Crowninshield Community House, located at 131 Banyan St.on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Can’t stay for the event? We will be providing chowder to-go orders as well!

Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for kids, cash at door. Questions? Call Mark Teaney at (941) 830-3106.

‘Taste’ tickets available ...

The gastromic event of the season is being held on Monday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Boca Bay Pass Club. Tickets are $100 per person.

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Call us at 964-2995

A Preview of Beautiful Artwork for a Cause ...

cial deal to see both casts. This will be one battle you don’t want to miss.

Shows start on Tuesday, Feb. 7 and run through Sunday, Feb. 12, with different casts performing on different days and times.

Call the Royal Palm Players office to get your tickets to see one or both shows. Call (941) 964-2670 to find out when your favorites are performing.

Hungry for History? ...

n Bonefish Tarpon & Trust is pleased to offer a sneak preview of two works of art created by the island’s own artist Kelly Reark, which will be up for auction at the organization’s fundraising event on Friday, Feb. 3 at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club.

Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., and a program by Jim McDuffie and Aaron Adams will begin at 7 p.m. The price is $100 per person or $175 per couple. Go to btt.org/bocagrande for more information.

Images submitted

History Bytes continue on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the Loggia of the Johann Fust Community Library at 11 a.m.

Join us for “The Englewood Connection,” featuring guest speakers Tom & Annette Dignam and Mac & Esther Horton; Tom Dignam, retired CEO of Key Agency; and Mac Horton, former Charlotte County commissioner.

Esther Horton is a descendant of one of Englewood’s pioneer families. Tom Dignam and Mac Horton are both members of “The Smoked Mullet Society.”

This program is free and open to all, with refreshments to follow. Donations are appreciated. For more information, call (941) 964-1600.

Economic Summit 2017 ...

The few remaining tickets can be purchased locally at the Boca Beacon office, the Boca Bay Pass Club, the Boca Grande Club, Michael Saunders & Company, the BRC Group and Prime Time Steak House. Online ticket sales have been discontinued at this time.

WWII and the things you didn’t know ...

Museum President Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, who joined military historian Stephen Ambrose in founding the New Orleans institution, will explore the boat-building and amphibious invasion story. The title of his lecture is; “The Boats that Won the War: D-Day, Operation Overload and the Creation of The National WWII Museum.” This narrative is central to the American WWII experience and to the Museum’s teaching mission.

This lecture is included in the WWII Symposium package. Single lecture ticket: General admission is $35, reserved are $50. The discussion will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. in the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium. Call (941) 9640827 to reserve your tickets.

Boca Grande Friendship Village ...

Join your friends and neighbors for a cocktail hour on the deck at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club, followed by a short presentation about this year’s fundraising project in Gressier, Haiti, where families desperately need our help, especially since the devastation of Hurricane Matthew.

Lesly Clervil, Food For the Poor Project Manager for Haiti, will update the group on post-Hurricane Matthew relief efforts, the state of Alpha Village in Gressier, and how you can help make a difference in the lives of Haitian families.

The event is on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

The cocktail hour and silent auction begins at 6 p.m.

For more information please see the ad on page 12.

RPP Presents – The Battles of the Sexes ...

The Odd Couple ... Royal Palm Player’s event of the season ... two casts will be perform alternating shows of Neil Simon’s famously hilarious comedy.

Many of the cast will be well known to you, so take advantage of the spe-

Residents are invited to a financial discussion at the annual 2017 Economic Summit planned for Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 3:30 p.m. in the Boca Grande Community Center’s auditorium.

Island resident John Kissinger will be moderating the event. This season’s summit will focus on the outcome of the presidential election, with members of the Boca Grande Economics Group commenting on their areas of particular focus and expertise.

The panelists will include Mike Giobbe, Walter Meanwell, John Kissinger, Martin McFadden and Jim Runde.

“What we plan to do this year is talk about the major issues and opportunities of the current times. That will include challenges in tax policy, healthcare and trade policy and other items.

We’ll talk about policies and programs that our new administration will be facing in the next 100 days, including the federal debt.”

Kissinger and Giobbe formed the Boca Economics Group about 10 years ago along with several likeminded residents interested in studyMore BALLYHOO on PAGE 10

Smart Studio Valentine’s SALE 25% off all jewelry!!

370 Park Ave, Boca Grande • 964-0519 www.smart-studio.com • Open Mon. - Sat., 10 - 5

Page 10

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Historical Society offers private museum tours

The presentation will be on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. in the Boca Grande Community Center’s auditorium. For more information, call BIPS at (941) 964-0060.

Literature Forum ...

n In November the Boca Grande Historical Society opened its refurbished museum with a new exhibit about the history of the Gasparilla Island Bridge and its importance to the development of the island to where it is today. The positive reaction to the exhibit by long-time island families, current residents and visitors alike has resulted in the Society adding Saturday hours to its museum schedule.

Now it is offering private tours to groups of 10 or fewer people. These tours are free to Historical Society members and their guests. Nonmembers may schedule a private tour at a charge of $6 per person (children under 12 are no charge). Jim Blaha, who chaired the creation of the exhibit, notes that children have enjoyed their visits very much – especially the hands-on elements.

Highlights of the exhibit include filmed interviews with the Sprott family, who tell the story of the ferry that operated before the bridge was built, the controversy over the building of the original bridge, the early years of the bridge use and the original toll system, the purchase of the bridge by the residents of Boca Grande, the creation of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority and the recent construction of the new bridge. The exhibit includes the control panel from the old bridge and the opportunity to fly with a drone under and around the bridge.

To schedule a private tour, call the Historical Society at (941) 964-1600. The museum is located at 170 Park Avenue in the historical Teacherage next to Boca Bargains. Regular (nonprivate) tours are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BALLYHOO from PAGE 9 ing macroeconomic issues. They have since met on a monthly basis, and five years ago they decided to put together an annual economic summit and invite the community to attend.

Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased at the Boca Grande Community Center or by calling the Friends office at (941) 964-0827.

See Alex Live!

Meet and listen to internationally known master metalsmith Alex Klahm, who will be speaking about the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse project and providing a little history on lighthouses in general.

He has personally worked on 22 lighthouses around the world and holds a master’s degree in education.

The Literature Forum’s next meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 in the Woman’s Club Room of the Community Center and will be led by Edes Gilbert and Susan Hastings.

The classic novel to be discussed is The Razor’s Edge by William Somerset Maugham, who is considered one of the foremost authors of the 20th century. Combining brilliant prose with psychological insight, The Razor’s Edge contrasts the adventures of Larry Darrell, a “seeker” who travels widely in search of life’s meaning, with that of his former fiancee, Isabelle, who sacrifices her love for Larry in favor of wealth and social standing.

Maugham’s biting social commentary on American and European society is supremely satisfying. All are welcome to attend.

Captiva Cruises with a trained naturalist from the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center on Thursday, Feb. 9.

The naturalist-guided 2-hour boat excursion will leave Cape Haze Marina 1 hour before sunset to travel on Lemon Bay through Stump Pass to watch the sun drop below the western horizon into the Gulf of Mexico. Dolphin, wading birds and bald eagles may be sighted as the cruise travels along the mangrove forests.

Space is limited; Call Captiva Cruises at (239) 472-510 to reserve your space and receive a departure time. A portion of the $25 per person fee is donated to Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, a local nonprofit organization which provides environmental education to the local community.

Love of Art ...

The Boca Grande Art Center and More BALLYHOO on PAGE 11

Trunk Show at The Inn ...

The Gasparilla Inn invites you to attend a trunk show with Isabelle K Jewelry and Nina MacLemorer in the Garden Room. The show is Thursday, Feb 9 through Saturday, Feb. 11.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer at (941) 964-4548.

Sunset Boat Cruise ...

Enjoy a sunset boat cruise aboard

Goats ...

n Kingbirds Fletcher & Young flank Jenkins

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 11

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the society at (941) 964-1600.

Key Agency, Inc. are proud to bring the 2017 Love of Art Valentine Show to the community.

The members' opening reception is on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The show continues Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Boca Grande Art Center is located at 236 Banyan St. Question? Call (941) 964-1700.

Art, Champagne & Dessert ...

2nd Annual Hank Wright Memorial Bridge Tournament ...

Beatles Tribute band in Englewood ...

Grab your partner and sign up for the highly anticipated 2nd annual bridge tournament to benefit the Boca Grande Health Clinic on Friday, Feb. 10 at Gasparilla Inn’s Beach Club.

Jean Seward will once again direct play and Master Points are available!

A buffet lunch is included with your entry and will be available beginning at noon. Play begins at 1 p.m.

Call (941) 964-0099 or email maryanne@bghcfoundation.com to reserve your spot. Please include your partner’s name when your reserve your spot.

Mail your payment of $150 per player to: Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 2340 Boca Grande, FL 33921

Boca Grande Historical Society Lecture The Boca Grande Historical Society presents a very special lecture: “Mayflower, The Voyage That Made A Nation” at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 in the auditorium of the Boca Grande Community Center.

The lecture will be presented by the Plimoth Plantation of Plymouth, MA and the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, CT. The speakers will be Richard Pickering, Deputy Executive Director and Mark Whitney (Whit) Perry, Director Maritime Preservation and Operations of Plimoth Plantation, and Stephen C. White, President of the Mystic Seaport. The lecture will cover the voyage of the original Mayflower and the restoration of Mayflower II in the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard at the Mystic Seaport. The restoration work will conclude just in time for the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival in the New World in 2020.

Let us not forget the men and women who crossed the Atlantic on Mayflower’s original voyage to the New World in the fall of 1620 who planted the seeds of a government based on the will of the people, in a new country which would become the United States of America.

Following the lecture there will be a reception for the attendees which will give them a chance to mix with the speakers.

BGHS lectures are free and open to all, suggested donation of $10 per person is appreciated. No tickets necessary to attend. For more information call

Boca Boat Cruises on “Katara” Daily Boat Excursions from Boca Grande

Cabbage Key • Useppa - $59. per person Sundowner Cruise - $39. per person Private Charters • Dolphin Shows on Most Trips

1-888-416-2628 Reservations Required

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BOCA GRANDE OFFICE: Above the Pink Pony 941-855-9256 Serving Boca Grande for over 20 years

Interior & Exterior Painting ENGLEWOOD OFFICE 155 S. McCall Rd. 941-474-9091 • office@superiorpaintinginc.us

All are invited to Hughes Gallery on Friday, Feb. 10 for the annual Valentine’s Champagne and Dessert event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Hughes Gallery is located at 333 Park Ave (across from The Temptation Restaurant). (941) 9644273.

Looking for something unique for your sweetheart?

This is not your ordinary Beatles tribute band. The world’s only all-Liverpool-born Beatles tribute band was formerly the resident band for over a decade at the world-famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles got their start. They have played in 20 countries, selling out shows worldwide.

Find out why John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird, said: “There are a lot of Beatles tribute bands from all over the world, and I’ve seen them all, but The Mersey Beatles are the most authentic I have heard.”

Showtime is Friday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets start at $25. To purchase tickets and for more information, see englewoodeventcenter.com or call (941) 270-3324. The Events Center is located at 3069 S. McCall Rd., Englewood.

Alzheimer’s Education Series The next meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the Houghton Room of the Boca Grande Community Center. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required.

The meeting will be facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. The topic of discussion will be: Understanding Behavior Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.

The group will discuss common behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Learn how to process, evaluate and interpret behavior, including how to better understand and respond to behavior. Medications are also discussed. To pre-register, call the Friends office at (941) 964-0827.

Learn to Paint Sea Turtles ...

Carroll Swayze is known worldwide for her paintings of tropical fish and sea creatures. Learn the actual techniques that Swayze uses in her original acrylic paintings. Carroll will teach her students how to draw three different sea turtles, then share her secrets of painting with acrylics washes on paper to create beautiful paintings to take home. Learn the anatomy of sea turtles, then learn to draw and paint these beautiful creatures using colorful acrylic washes.

n Smart Studio will be having a big sale in honor of Valentine’s Day. Take 25 percent off all jewelry starting Friday, Feb 3. Smart Studio is located at 370 Park Avenue. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (941) 964-0519. smartstudio.com.

Photo submitted

See BALLYHOO on PAGE 12

NOTICE OF VARIANCE MEETING On Wednesday, February 7, 2017 at 9 a.m. there will Be a meeting at the Boca Grande Community Center, 131 First Street W. (in the “Special interest Room”), Boca Grande. Grant Pools is requesting a street setback variance at 404 Kidd Street, Boca Grande for the installation of a swimming pool and pool cage.

All interested parties should attend.

Publish February 3, 2017

Maryjo Mostyn, Broker Associate • Luxury Home Marketing Specialist • Certified Negotiation Expert • Resort & Second Home Property Specialist

(941) 961-0630

336 Park Ave., Downtown maryjo@sothebysrealty.com

SearchBocaGrandeHomes.com

Page 12

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

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Carroll Swayze’s class will be at the Boca Grande Art Center, Monday, Feb. 13 through Wednesday, Feb.15, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cost is $250 for members, $275 for nonmembers.

Call the Boca Grande Art Center at (941) 964-1700 to sign up.

Creating Sacred Space: Inside & Out ...

Ladies ... you are invited to join fellow women who will be setting time aside to relax, contemplate and connect during this special retreat on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and again on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the gathering at the Boca Bay Beach House, participants will share discussions, relaxation practices, gentle movements and such.

The retreat will be facilitated by author Michele Rae. The cost of the retreat is $125, which includes a copy of Michele’s book and a continental breakfast and lunch on Thursday.

Questions and registration? Please contact Susan Johnson at susanandmickjohnson@gmail.com or Anne Bonney at annegbonney@gmail.com.

Banyan Street Trunk Show ...

All are invited to attended a mega trunk show with several curated vendors. The vendors are: Angela Alvarez Bags, Asiatica, Trillion, Hingham Square Needlepoint, MyPet by N.S. and Snappy Gator at the Crowninshield Community House, 240 Banyan Street, Boca Grande.

The show is Thursday, Feb. 16 and Friday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lessons Learned from Living ...

The next session of Lessons Learned from Living will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. in the Community Center’s Houghton Room. Pre-registration is required. Free to attend.

This series addresses the experience of illness, loss, trauma, survivorship, and the inspiration that can follow. From coping to surviving to living and thriving; in each session, educational information will be provided along with sharing of personal stories from the keynote speaker and/or other guests who will address the topic at hand. Time for a question and answer period will be provided.

The topic of the session is: One Conversation Can Change a Life. Keynote speaker is Carol Napoli, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Carol has a B.S. in nursing from Syracuse University and a graduate degree in counseling from George Washington University. She has been coming to Boca Grande for 20 years and has spent 18 years sharing her expertise on suicide and the aftermath of this most tragic loss with surviving friends and family. It is time to bring this mental health issue to the forefront and help reduce the stigma around it in order to prevent the loss of life to so many cherished people in the fu-

n A packed house attended the “Come Share the Light” concert last Sunday evening at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church in Boca Grande with Lynda Jamison and Joy and Rev. Matthew Williams entertaining. The musical concert benefitted the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home.

Photo by Bob Elliot

ture.

For more information, contact the Friends office at (941) 964-0827.

Romanyic standards ...

Love songs will fill the Venice Performing Arts Center when The Venice Symphony presents a concert of romantic standards at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 and 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, at the VPAC, One Indian Ave. in Venice.

Guest vocalists Mark Raisch (marksings.com) and soprano Monica Gonzalez will sing Broadway showstoppers like “I Could Have Danced All Night” and songs from the Sinatra era.

The concert will indulge classical music lovers as well, as Interim Music Director/Conductor Maestro Imre Palló leads The Venice Symphony in Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet Overture.”

Raisch and Gonzalez will join Palló for a pre-concert talk at 6:15 p.m., Feb. 17, 2:15, and 6:15 pm, Feb. 18, at the VPAC. These talks are sponsored by Bank of America and are free and do not require tickets or reservations.

Concert tickets starting at $22 are still available.

Student tickets are always half-price. Purchase tickets and see our dining partner specials for this concert at thevenicesymphony.org. Tickets are also available by calling (941) 207-8822 or at the box office at 230 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Open house at LBC ...

Lemon Bay Conservancy invites everyone to a free “Open House” at Wildflower Preserve on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The open house will include guided nature walks,

displays by local environmental and gardening groups, presentations on a variety of topics, and a freshwater wetlands exploration activity.

Wildflower is an 80-acre former golf course that is being restored as a wildlife preserve. Come explore nature and learn about the restoration project.

Guided trail walks with our knowledgeable guides will leave throughout the event. Various walks will focus on different natural elements of the preserve.

The first walk of the day, the “Early Bird” Birding Walk, will depart at 8 a.m. to observe some of the upland and wetland bird species that frequent the preserve.

At 8:30 am, a Juvenile Tarpon Walk will allow visitors to observe juvenile tarpon netting work being conducted as part of the ongoing tarpon research project in Lemon Creek.

Other planned walks include Butterflies, Ecology of Wildflower, Restoration in Progress and Freshwater Wetlands. Visitors should wear shoes, hats and clothing appropriate for a nature hike over rough terrain.

Wildflower Preserve is located on the Cape Haze peninsula, at the southeast corner of the Gasparilla Pines Boulevard and Placida Road (Hwy 775) intersection. The parking lot address is 3120 Gasparilla Pines Boulevard, Englewood, FL 34224.

For questions or additional information, call 941830-8922 or email wildflower@lemonbayconservancy.org.

To see the full schedule for activity start times go to lemonbayconservancy.org

See BALLYHOO on PAGE 13

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Venice Chorale concert On Sunday, Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m., the Venice Chorale presents the second of three concerts in its 15th annual season in the Venice Performing Arts Center on the Venice High School campus. Led by Artistic Director Peter Madpak, “From the Stage: Music of Opera, Oratorio, and Broadway” will feature some of the greatest classics

by Irving Berlin, the Gershwins, Puccini, Verdi, Mozart and more.

The Youth Chorus of talented area 4th-8th graders and Venice High’s Le Voci di Venezia will perform. Purchase individual concert tickets for $15 or $18 (students $5) online at thevenicechorale.org, at the box office 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by leaving a message at (941) 4848491 for a returned call.

Bolshoi Ballet!

Classical ballet at its finest, born at the Bolshoi. World-famous prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova transforms

Page 13

Call us at 964-2995 into the dual white and black swan unlike any other in this breathtaking production. The video performance can be see at the Boca Grande Community Center’s auditorium on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. To purchase the $15 ticket, call the Friends office at (941) 964-0827.

Save the Date!

EZ Pet’s sedation-free teeth cleaning is scheduled at Boca Grande’s Island Dog Boutique & Supply Co. on Monday, March 20 and Tuesday, March 21.

Please stop by with your cash deposit of $25 to hold an appointment time.

The total cost of the pet dental is $165, with $140 due at the time of the pet’s cleaning.

Island Dog Boutique & Supply Company’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment by calling (941) 964-9663. Grooming is available by appointment. 964-9663.

Ongoing Events – around the Island Churches • Lighthouse United Methodist Church - Sunday worship services are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., 300 Gilchrist Avenue - Fellowship hour is between the Sunday morning services.

- The Island Youth Group meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. For more information, call (941) 964-2479 or see bglighthouseumc.com.

• First Baptist Church - Sunday morning is at 10 a.m.

• Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church - Weekday mass at 8 a.m.

- Saturday vigil mass at 5 p.m. - Sunday mass at 9 & 10:30 a.m.

• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church - Sunday worship and Eucharist at 8 & 10 a.m, followed by a coffee hour after the 10 a.m. service in the Chapter House.

Pastoral care is always available by calling (941) 964-2257, ext. 1.

Weekly Events • Al-Anon Discussion Meeting (closed) At 8 p.m., Tuesdays at United Methodist Church, Third Street & Gilchrist Avenue. Enter behind the church from Third Street.

• Alcoholics Anonymous (closed) weekly meeting at 8 p.m., Tuesdays at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Fellowship Hall.

• Boca Bargains is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesday and Saturdays.

The volunteers look forward to accepting your donations, large or small, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays until further notice.

• Boca Grande Fire Control District monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m., 360 E. Railroad Ave. • Learn how to download free ebooks and audio books from the library to your iPad, iPhone, Kindle or laptop. Call the Johann Fust Community Library at (941) 964-2488 for your one-on-one appointment.

• Stay fit and relaxed! Boca Grande’s Banyan Tree Pilates and Yoga is open for personal training, Pilates, yoga classes, private training classes and massages seven days a week. Private sessions or small group trainings are appointment-based. 320 East Railroad Ave. Call (941) 964-4404.

• The Boca Grande Duplicate Bridge Club - Classes will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. in the back room of the Crowninshield Community House.

Learn and enjoy bridge with Marvin by contacting medarter@yahoo.com, or call (941) 423-3034. Consult the Boca Grande Duplicate Bridge Club website at bgdbc.org regarding additional levels of lessons, reservations and for additional information.

• The Gasparilla Inn & Club offers a guided walking tour of the Inn’s main kitchen every Thursday and Saturday. The tour takes approximately a half hour. Attendees should meet in the lobby at 2 p.m. Tour is free of charge.

• Guided grounds/botanical walking tours of The Gasparilla Inn & Club property take place every Friday at 9 a.m.

The walking tour meets on the front porch of The Inn and takes approximately a half hour. Tour is free of charge.

February 3 Photographer: Pat Wright Title: Great Egrets Nesting Camera: Canon1Dx+500 mm lens n For Boca Grande Camera Club membership information, call David Pearah at (610) 780-7204 or email him at redeye37@aol.com. Upcoming Boca Grande Camera Club Meeting Dates: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.

Houghton Room, BG Community Center. The guest speaker is Mike Mathews and he will be discussing macro photography.Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.

Houghton Room, BG Community Center • Historical walking tours of the main building of The Gasparilla Inn & Club are twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday.

The walking tour meets on the front porch of The Inn at 10:30 a.m. and takes approximately one hour. Tour is free of charge.

• Grande Glee - The group sings for 90 minutes every Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium. The format is: warm-ups and breathing exercises led by our Music Director, Sharon Pontes. Then each member has the opportunity to work on a song of his or her choice. The rest of the group sings backup.

The cost is $30 each week, with 20 percent going to the Boca Grande Community Center. Join them! There’s no memorizing. No stress. Just 90 minutes of singing songs you love. Grande Glee. It’s time to sing your heart out.

• SilverSneakers FLEX Cardio Go - Get up and go with an aerobics class that increases upper-body strength and abdominal conditioning. There are stretching and relaxation exercises designed to energize your active lifestyle. Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m., Multi-Purpose Room, Boca Grande Community Center. $10 per class.

• SilverSneakers FLEX Daily Living - Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and ability to perform activities of daily living. A chair is available if needed for seated or standing support. Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Multi-Purpose Room, Boca Grande Community Center. $10 per class.

• Tap Dancing - Tap your way to fun, fitness and friends. Come join Boca Grande’s favorite dance class Thursday mornings. Learn to tap with Chris Lee, a nationally known tap dancer and choreographer. Classes are $20 each and are held in the Boca Grande Community Center’s Houghton Room. For more information, contact Carol at (404) 5809223.

• Yoga With Dennis is on Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Houghton Room at the Boca Grande Community Center. All levels of ability are welcome to this open and ongoing Monday class. For more info, call Dennis at (941) 830-1313.

• The Placida Art Market is every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday, April 22, 2017 (except March 19). Contact (941) 698-0603 for information. 13020 Fishery Road, Placida.

• Reading has gone to the dogs! Smokie is back and is ready to listen to you read him a story! Every Wednesday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. at the Johann Fust Community Library located at 1040 W. 10th Street, Boca Grande. Questions? Call (941) 964-2488.

• The Boca Grande Fish & Farm Market is a weekly seasonal, outdoor farmer’s market for the residents and visitors on Gasparilla Island.

Join your friends and neighbors every Friday, at the Boca Grande Ball Field on Wheeler Street. Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Stop by for fresh local produce, just- caught seafood, cut flowers, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, cheese, soaps, gluten-free organics, coffee, tea, orchids, grass-fed beef and much more. Over 30 local vendors!

• Bible Study - Ladies! Come and join the nondenominational bible study at the Fellowship Room of the Boca Grande First United Baptist Church. The study runs for 11 weeks every Thursday at 1 p.m.

The 2017 study will be on the life and ministry of John the Beloved Disciple. During the study, participants will be using a study guide, the bible, group discussions and a DVD lecture by Beth Moore. For additional information, call JoBeth Harrison at (941) 964-0669.

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Page 14

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

History Bytes: Boca Blue, Spook and Faithful II ■ BY SUE ERWIN

L

ocal fishing guide Sandy Melvin spoke to guests about tarpon boats of the pass at the first “History Bytes” event of the year at the Johann Fust Community Library.

Melvin has been a local fishing guide since 1987. He’s won many catch and release tarpon tournaments over the years on his boat, Boca Blue.

“I caught my first tarpon in a 24-foot fishing boat with Capt. Buster Herzog and that’s when I got the bug,” he said.

Melvin’s parents moved to Florida when he was in grade school. His grandparents owned a bait shop in North Carolina and he’s been fishing since he was a young boy.

He’s locally known as an expert captain, historian and conservationist.

The captain said it’s impossible to talk about tarpon boats without discussing the Knight brothers boat yard.

“John Senior and his brothers began building boats around 1946. They built the Moonraker right here in Boca Grande. And it wasn’t named after the old James Bond movie. The client they built it for read a book about fishing guides in the Florida Keys who fished by the light of the moon. So they chose the name Moonraker.

You’ll still see that boat in the Pass along with it’s sister boat, Casuarina,” Melvin said.

He went on to discuss Faithful II, another legendary vessel that’s been around for years.

“Matt Coleman and two of his friends recently did a full restoration on that boat and it’s back in action today.”

And then there is Spook, captained

by Nat Italiano, often called the mayor of Boca Grande.

Melvin said the Morgan fleet of boats is popular because they’re the right size and they’re very economical.

“You don’t see many wooden boats these days because they’re so expensive to operate and maintain,” he said.

Rumor has it some of the old Morgan boats were used to transport drugs to the area.

A former island deputy owned Boca Blue and Melvin purchased the boat in 1987 when he decided to become a full time fishing guide.

He said some local guides don’t want to give newcomers too much information about tarpon fishing and others can be a little bit too bossy.

“Those are the ones that really want to see you catch a fish, so listen

closely and do what they say if you really want to catch one. Generally you want to fish during the moving tide.

And you can’t go wrong by fishing at sunrise and sunset,” he said.

Melvin also talked about why tarpon are so attracted to Boca Grande Pass.

“They come by the tens of thousands to our 80-feet deep Pass starting in March every year. It’s like a big conveyor belt of food. Then they go out and spawn during the full and new moons. It’s really an amazing thing to see. It’s like a big tarpon night club,” he said.

A question and answer period and refreshments followed the presentation.

The History Bytes events are free and open to the public and sponsored

by U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management.

The next event will feature Tom and Annette Dignam and Mac and Esther Horton. They will speak about the “Englewood connection” as related to the island. The discussion will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7 in the Loggia of the Johann Fust Community Library.

Fun facts about Megalodon sharks ...

Photos by Sue

■ Guests were invited to find out more about the prehistoric Megalodon shark at a program offered on Thursday, Jan. 26 in the Amory Memorial Chapel inside Gasparilla Island State Park. The event was hosted by park ranger Jon Dillard and Barrier Island Parks Society volunteer Frank Koffend. Attendees learned about this prehistoric shark's size, teeth, and appetite. For information on upcoming programs, visit barrierislandparkssociety.org.

Shown above left, Barrier Island Parks Society volunteer Frank Koffend shows an example of a shark’s anatomy. At right, Frank Koffend shows an example of a white shark tooth at the event, explaining that the color of the tooth depends on the sediment of the water they lived in and dif ferent kinds of mineral deposits that exist.

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A Premier Mercury Service Dealer Fully Certified Mercury Technicians • Ship’s Store has fuel, bait, clothing, snacks and boating supplies.

• Wet & dry boat storage available on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis.

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 15

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Page 18

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Els Teunissen ‘wows’ the Boca Grande Garden Club ■ SUBMITTED BY THE BOCA GRANDE GARDEN CLUB

F

rom the simple to the sublime, from the playful to the formal, and from the stark to the ridiculous, Els Teunissen presented twenty masterful floral designs to a packed house at the meeting of the Boca Grande Garden Club on Wednesday.

Before beginning her floral presentation, she shared photographs of a floral car parade in Holland reminiscent of the Boca Grande Golf Cart Parade, but much more elaborate, followed by a number of pictures and tales of the club members who had accompanied her on the Viking Tulips and Windmills tour a couple years ago.

Els arrived on Monday and with the help of members, she immediately began clipping, soaking and prepping the numerous flowers that she had shipped from around the world so that she could create what President Clare Doyle called the “Flower Magic of Els.” And “Magic” it was! While keeping up a running monologue of tales of her

experiences, punctuated with much advice on how to be a cool grandmother in today’s world, Els created several arrangements that she said were for children, but until she arrived at the final touches it was hard to see how they could be. In one, the final touches were marshmallows on stalks in the middle of the centerpiece sur-

rounded by low glass multi-stemmed containers that filled with small flowers for each child at the table. In another she used topiaries and matching low square containers of flowers, but the final touch was ice cream cones in metal stands filled with flowers!

While she created some designs from scratch on the stage, she also presented numerous complicated and simple arrangements she had prepared ahead of time, which she either completed or explained how they were created. Her designs ranged from very contemporary to very traditional and all were incredibly breathtaking.

She also exhibited several new flowers that are just coming on the market and made use of many vases from Accent Décor, a company that she designs for in Atlanta. These included the whimsical small vases Els called “selfies” since they had a face on them. She created several different designs for the faces that showed the

variety of ways they could be used.

It would be impossible to describe the excitement she brought to the room with her enthusiasm and obvious love for the flowers she was working with and the pleasure with which she used them to create her floral arrangements. You really had to be there. Even photos do not give the full impact of the massiveness of some of the designs, nor the moving impact of the simple miniatures. Els left the audience in awe of her talent, her creativity, and her devotion to her craft.

For over an hour she kept everyone spellbound, using an incredible array of well-known and unusual flowers and greenery.

After the presentation, the arrangements were raffled off, with the multipieced ones divided in to separate raffle items so that almost 40 people were able to take home a prized creation from the Designer’s Designer, Els Teunissen.

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Railroad expert speaks to islanders about phosphate transport history at Historical Society presentation ■ BY SUE ERWIN

T

heodore Cover, member of the Suncoast Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, spoke to island residents about the history of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway and how it fostered the popularity of Boca Grande during the phosphate transport years on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

Cover talked about the role of the railway in the growth and development of Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island.

“The railroad made land transport possible. Before it, everything came to Boca Grande by boat.”

Cover said when the United States purchased Florida from Spain in 1819, land routes were created for military to move equipment between various destinations.

“The Florida transit railroad was established in 1860.

By 1880, farmers began to realize the importance of phosphate in relation to maintaining healthy crops. The rail line opened in 1907. Equipment for deep water dredging didn’t exist until the 1920s,” Cover said.

He added that Charlotte Harbor is not a deep harbor so only smaller vessels can travel through it, making Boca Grande a very important hub for the larger ships.

In 1907, a single round trip to Tampa was scheduled daily by CH&N Railway. By 1915, two daily roundtrips were made every day.

“The port at the south end of the island was mainly used for storage and mooring. Phosphate moves were treated as ‘extra’ moves on the island.

The railway didn’t follow a regular schedule. Passenger transit was always a priority.”

Before the railway was installed, steam ships were the principal mode of transportation to bring people and goods to Boca Grande.

The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse was built in 1890 and consisted one a one-story dwelling supported by pilings, with a square tower protruding through the center of its roof.

“In 1969, Port Boca Grande was Florida’s fourth busiest port, and Florida provided well over half of the nation’s supply of phosphate, which was used primarily in fertilizer,” Cover said.

Once the timber was gone from the central area of state and the land was cleared for citrus groves, the need for the railroad no longer existed. Passenger services ended in 1939.

By 1979, most phosphate traffic was going to Tampa ports.

Official abandonment occurred in 1981.

Cover ended the discussion with a humorous anecdote, saying that CH&N was originally named after Peter Bradley, who was known to be very generous to the railway workers and treated them very well. He later turned the company over to his brother, Robert, a skimp of a man who failed to provide materials to keep things running smoothly. The workers then called CH&N the “Cold Hungry and Naked” railway.

Page 19

The Island School presents ...

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P ner n i d r io n e t d c u w c h o s i le nt a

Chowders from local restaurants

Chowder From PAGE 1 • An Anchor Inn certificate for a twonight, three-day stay for up to four people; • A private round-trip air charter to Key West for up to four people; • Golf lessons with the Gasparilla Inn & Club pro Robert Duke; • An original Boca Nut (artist Daniel Godwin; • A framed vintage World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament poster; • A framed vintage Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament hand-drawn poster; • A 1/2 day fishing charter with local captain (and Island School dad) Dave Chatham; • A 1/2 day fishing charter with local captain (and Island School dad) Char-

lie Coleman; • A gift basket from the James Griffith Salon; • A family portrait session and 11 X 14 watercolor portrait from Photographic Images, Heidemarie Burke; • A gift certificate for massage, bodywork and stretching from BodyworX by Sierra The Island School’s Parent/Teacher Organization will be the recipient of all proceeds from the dinner. They will use the money for yearbook costs, field trips, the Friendship Dance, teacher supplies and special projects.

The cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children, payable at the door. That includes your chowder, salad, desserts and drinks.

Call the school at 964-8016 for more information.

Page 20

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Warn when passing with a free GICIA bike horn for your mode of transport ■ STAFF REPORT

A

s Gasparilla Island enters the busiest time of the year, it is imperative that all users of the GICIA Bike Path be courteous and cautious when utilizing the path.

As the Gasparilla Island Conservation and improvement Association (GICIA) continues in its ongoing efforts to maintain a safe bike path we have initiated daily safety patrols be conducted by the Lee County Sheriff's Department at varying shifts between now and the end of April.

The off duty deputies conducting the patrol will be insuring that the GICIA Bike Path rules are being followed by all users.

The rules are: 1. Persons under age 14 are prohibited by law from operating golf carts.

2. Bicycles and golf carts must observe the 15-mile per hour bike path speed limit.

3. Gas powered vehicles (including gas powered golf carts) are prohibited from traveling on the bike path.

4. All users of the bike path must yield to traffic where the path intersects with public roads and streets.

5. The jogging path is for pedestrian use only.

6. Electric golf carts must yield to all other path users.

7. Golf Carts operating on the path after dark must have adequate head and taillights.

“Beyond the safety rules we also encourage all users to warn pedestrians and slower traffic when they are approaching to pass,” said Misty Nichols, Executive Director.

Due to the quiet nature of electric golf carts and bikes it can create an uncomfortable or frightening situation if someone is startled by being passed within close proximity at a faster rate of speed.

To encourage all users of the bike path to “warn when passing” GICIA has acquired a supply of bike horns that can be mounted on a bicycle or golf cart.

The GICIA logo embossed horns are free to GICIA members and will be a fun reminder to give a friendly “warning” when you are approaching a pedestrian or slower traffic from behind. Stop in the GICIA Office and pick up a horn (while supplies last).

If you are not currently a member stop by the office (Room #8 in the community center) and Misty or Sue will be happy to get you signed up.

Want to take some time and learn in a quiet setting? Historical Society offers private museum tours ■ STAFF REPORT

who tell the story of the ferry that operated before the bridge was built, the controversy over the building of the original bridge, the early years of the bridge use and the original toll system, the purchase of the bridge by the residents of Boca Grande, the creation of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority and the recent construction of the new bridge. The exhibit includes the control panel from the old bridge and the opportunity to fly with a drone under and around the bridge.

To schedule a private tour, call the Historical Society at 964-1600. The museum is located at 170 Park Avenue in the historical Teacherage next to Boca Bargains. Regular (non-private) tours are available Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and most Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

I

n November the Boca Grande Historical Society opened its refurbished museum with a new exhibit about the history of the Gasparilla Island Bridge and its importance to the development of the island to where it is today.

The positive reaction to the exhibit by long-time island families, current residents and visitors alike has resulted in the Society adding Saturday hours to its museum schedule.

Now it is offering private tours to groups of 10 or fewer people. These tours are free to Historical Society members and their guests. Non-members may schedule a private tour at a charge of $6 per person (children under 12 are no charge). Jim Blaha who chaired the creation of the exhibit notes that children have enjoyed their visits very much especially the handson elements.

Highlights of the exhibit include filmed interviews with the Sprott family

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 21

Come check out some ‘local color’at Whidden’s this weekend!

■ STAFF REPORT

artwork.

Whidden’s Marina is a wonderful he Annual Whidden’s Marina eclectic blend of old and new Boca “Local Color” Art Show is this Grande. Founded by Sam Whidden in Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. 1926, the marina has been run by the 4 p.m. on the grounds of Whidden’s Whidden family ever since. One of Marina at 190 1st Street East in Boca Boca Grande’s oldest marinas, WhidGrande. den's was also a restaurant and a well The show motto, “Local Color, Local known night spot for live music and Art” describes the exhibitors who will dancing in the past. be there to show and sell their art“Whiddens has been a part of the work. The brainchild of Melissa local color of the island Steyer, daughter of Whidand a part of my life as den’s owner Isabel Local Color long as I can remember,” Joiner, the show was Art Show said painter Carroll started to give local Saturday, Feb. 4 Swayze. “I spent many a artists a place to exhibit 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. night at Whidden's dance and sell their work on the Whidden’s Marina hall listening to live music island during social seaand dancing on the dock. son.

190 1st St. E Some of my fondest memHosted by Whidden’s, Boca Grande ories of the old island the show is held under a Artists featured times happened at Whidlarge tent in the side include Patti Middleton, den’s surrounded by parking lot of the marina Stuart Hoeckel, friends and family listenand will include the work Melissa Steyer, ing to the Smoked Mullet of Melissa Steyer, Patti Melissa Perkins, Band and having fun. It alMiddleton, Beth Perkins, Beth Perkins ways makes me smile Stuart Hoeckel, Melissa and Carroll Swayze when I round that curve Perkins and Carroll and see that beautiful old building with Swayze. The show was started years all her history standing tall and proud.” ago to showcase the work of wonderWhile many things have changed on ful local artists who were not included the island what hasn’t changed is the as exhibiting artists in the Boca old fashioned hospitality and old Grande Art Alliance. Around the same Florida charm of the marina, her owntime “The Blacksheep in Paradise” ers and her fishermen on the dock.

Gallery was opened by Stuart Hoeckel Added to the National Register of Hisand Patti Middleton so that local toric Places in December of 2000, artists would have an outlet for their

T

Whidden’s maintains a store, a bait shop, a marina, a fishing center, as well as housing the Gasparilla Maritime Museum where the family works hard to preserve the history of fishing and life as it was on the island.

This years show will include a fundraiser for the Maritime Museum sponsored by local artist, Carroll Swayze. Swayze recently published her Coloring Book and she will be on hand to sign her books at the Local Color Show. Swayze’s Coloring Books will be for sale and she will be donating part of her sales to the Museum this year. As she stated, “I think it’s important for everyone to do their part to

preserve the history of our amazing community and I’m happy to donate for this good cause.”

The Whidden’s Marina ‘Local Color’ Art Show is this Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Whidden’s Marina at 190 1st Street East. The art show is free and everyone is invited to come out, spend the day, get to know your local artists and hopefully add something beautiful to your art collection.

For more information contact Carroll Swayze at (941) 266-6434 or email Carroll at SwayzeArt@msn.com.

Literature Forum to discuss Maugham’s ‘The Razor’s Edge’ ■ STAFF REPORT

T

he Literature Forum’s next meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 in the Woman’s Club Room of the Boca Grande Community Center and will be led by Edes Gilbert and Susan Hastings.

The classic novel to be discussed is “The Razor’s Edge” by William Somerset Maugham, who is considered one of the foremost authors of the 20th century.

Combining brilliant prose with psychological insight, “The Razor’s Edge” contrasts the adventurous life of Larry Darrell, a “seeker” who travels widely in search of life’s meaning, with that of his former fiancee, Isabelle, who sacrifices her love for Larry in favor of wealth and social standing.

Maugham’ biting social commentary on American and European society is supremely satisfying. All are welcome to attend.

The Literature Forum’s January

gathering was well attended and featured a lively discussion of “The Narrow Road to the Deep North,” presented in their usual thorough and thoughtful manner by Forum veterans Tim Yonker and David Jenkins.

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Page 22

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

RPP’S ‘Odd Couple’X 2 is one of the reasons why local theater is the best ■ SUBMITTED BY RPP

R

oyal Palm Players has a simple strategy: FUN. Everything RPP does is supposed to be fun for the people in the show, working behind the scenes and most importantly, for the audience.

This time, RPP has topped itself in the FUN category!

In an unusually ambitious move, they are producing both versions of Neil Simon’s comedic masterpiece ‘The Odd Couple.’ On alternate nights, you can see the male version originally written in 1965 and the female version written in 1985. Simon penned both and they are equally funny.

In fact, this production is double the FUN. Everything is doubled - the shows, the casts, the crews, the number of performances. Everything except the Director. The exceptionally talented Tad Ingram has taken on this enormous task and somehow manages to create two hysterical plays that are similar without being the same.

The RPP run begins with two wonderful actors, Terry Seitz as Felix and Mike Gilbert as Oscar. Their neat vs. sloppy tug of war as they learn to live together is the heart of the show. As Felix, Terry treats us to a one of the prissiest, most exacting characters we ever seen on Boca Grande. Every move he makes is funnier than the last. His messy counterpart, Mike Gilbert creates an Oscar who is gruff, crude and also loving toward annoying friend and roommate. The depth of their relationship proves their acting goes far beyond easy laughs.

The guys are surrounded by a group of poker-playing friends, so Tad has cast a group of new faces and familiar RPP stars. Dan Headington plays, Roy, Oscar’s accountant known for his dry wit. Dan plays this role to perfection, even down to his pocket protec-

tor. Jim Grant, another familiar RPP star is marvelous as Speed, the most sarcastic of the friends. Hal McCombs plays Murray the Cop, a proud member of the NYPD who he has some of the funniest lines in the show. A new actor is John Moenning as Vinnie, the mild-mannered, henpecked butt of many of Speed’s jokes. The timing among the poker players is fabulous.

The jokes fly as the cards playing heats up. Every member of this ensemble is on their game.

To add a spark of romance, Neil Simon created the Pigeon Sisters, two giggly English sisters who are invited to dinner at Felix and Oscar’s apartment. Nancy Ryan plays Cecily, a technical widow, while Margaret Bush is her sister, Gwendolyn. I don’t know if they were close friends before this production but I am certain they will be now. The moment they enter as two Swinging ‘60’s British Sisters, the story gets even funnier. Both Nancy, a new actor, and Margaret, a wellknown American actress, seem to be having as much fun playing their parts as you will have watching them. They are a perfect together.

So the male version is a show you must see. But how does the female version stack up on the laugh-ometer?

For starters, there’s the over-the-top comic presence of Boots Tolsdorf as Olive. Her deadpan way of dealing with her new roommate, Flo, is priceless. Like the male version, Tad has cast the roommates so they are a visual cue for the mayhem to come.

Boots/Olive towers over her counterpart, Flo, played by new RPP actor Julia Pierce. (You probably know Julia’s mother-in-law, Jeje Pierce and are not surprised at Julia’s enormous talent.)

Instead of poker players, the audience attends a game of Trivial Pursuit.

With RPP stars like Linda Rollyson, Sally B. Johnson, Karen Snyder and Priscilla Masselink, the audience knows it is in for something special from the moment they begin their scene. Although the Boca Grande au-

dience has seen all four of these stars in other uproarious roles, the rapid-fire pacing and dry wit will have you falling out of your seat.

Simon reinvented the Pigeon Sisters as the Costazuela Brothers for the female version and I believe he outdid himself. As the dinner dates for Flo and Olive, Kris Doubles and his onstage brother, Ed Vick, are irresistible as the dates who speak ‘Englith’ with a lisp because they are from Barcelona. (I dare you to watch this scene with a straight face).

All in all, Tad Ingram has done an incredible job directing two completely different, yet similar, plays. With twice the normal RPP rehearsal period, no one has complained, except for a few spouses.

Veteran Stage Managers Robbie Stanley (female version) and Sharon Sullivan (male version) are ably assisted by newbie, Andrea Nielsen. The Stage Management team worked 24/7 with RPP’s Managing Director, Kathy Kelleher, and her assistant, Shauna Lee Lange, to keep everyone up-todate on changes.

Meryl Schaffer, RPP’s new Artistic Director spent hours assembling and grooming a group of very enthusiastic new talents to work behind the scenes. Her leadership inspired Francie Johnson to lead Props and Margaret Norvell to head Set Décor. Lisa Erdekian, Kerrill Taylor, JoAnn Barwick and David Jenkins developed the Props/Set Fabrications. The Backstage Committee included Gail Miller, Pat Hamilton and Vicki DeBoest.

Richard Malcolm and Nando Luna Erica Ress Martin, who conceived this idea, and Dan Headington produced both worked overtime building the set alongside Tad when no one was on stage. The Set Painting group had so much fun that everyone from actors to spouses (thank you, Blake DeBoest), from crewmembers to Board Presidents (thank you, Jim Sullivan) all joined together to get the

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stage ready for opening night. Then Alex Newberry designed the sound and lighting for each variation of this funny masterpiece.

You MUST see both shows if you want to see ALL of your friends accomplish a new level of laughter in Boca Grande. Both shows are raucous, side-splitting events, filled with joy. As Royal Palm Players promised, this is one battle of the sexes where everyone wins, especially the audience. Don’t miss it! It is FUN! The Male Odd Couple runs Tuesday, Feb. 7, Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m..

The Female Odd Couple runs Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. And Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.

For more information, call Kathy at 964-2670 or stop by the RPP office at the Boca Grande Community Center.

Ask her if there are any tickets for the show you want. Or you can buy tickets online at royalpalmplayers.com.

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Boca Grande Food for the Poor event to feature many fine auction items n SUBMITTED BY FOOD FOR THE POOR

T

here’s a story behind every work of art and one of the art pieces by well-known Haitian painter Fritz Rock, up for auction at this year’s Boca Grande event, tells the tale of generosity and hope.

Rock was a visual artist who was born in Port-au-Prince in 1944. He started to paint under the influence of Casimir Laurent and is known for his market scenes. His style was influenced by the circular forms of the late famous Haitian artist Petion Savain and by Casimir’s sense of populous known as “the egg people’ that is still being copied by many contemporary Haitian artists today.

Rock died in 1976.

But before he died, one of Rock’s works ended up in the hands of Florida couple, Paul and Lorraine Hiznay, who visited the Caribbean country in 1976. While strolling along in one of the markets, the image of four women dressed in pops of purple and red caught the couple’s eye and they purchased the painting.

Now after 41 years, the Hiznays, new found friends of Ben and Louise Scott have donated the painting as an auction item for the Boca Grande Hope For Haitians annual cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club in Boca Grande, Fla., on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 at 6 p.m.

“The Hiznays checked with an art dealer in Naples who was aware of this artist’s work and valued the painting between $500 and $700,” said Scott. “We are very thankful for their generous donation, which is a perfect addition with the rest of the art collection that’s up for auction.”

The fundraising goal for the up-

Food for the Poor “Rebuilding Haiti, one brick at a time” Tuesday, Feb. 7 Gasparilla Inn Beach Club coming event is 50 homes, and with the housing match that would equal 100 new homes. “A Home for the Holidays” fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Club in Piqua, Ohio, in December raised enough for 30 homes giving Boca Grande an early start on its total fundraising goal of 130 homes for families in Haiti.

“One’s creativity should never be defined by the economic conditions of their homeland. There are so many gifted artists who represent a variety of genres who have come out of Haiti,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “It’s nice to see Fritz Rock’s painting come full circle.

The idea of the image was conceived in Haiti and now it’s up for auction and the proceeds from the painting will be used to help families in Haiti.”

The theme for this year’s event is “Rebuilding Haiti, One Brick at a Time.” Committee members

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Our area is currently virus free.

Call the office for the latest information and mosquito control service. Call 941-964-0888.

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include: Chairpersons Ben and Louise Scott, the Rev. Gary Beatty, the Rev. Jerome Carosella, the Rev. Michelle Robertshaw, the Rev. Matthew M. Williams, Henry and Ginny Bryant, George and Lois Castrucci, Patricia Chapman, Charlie and Florita Field, Lou and Corie Fusz, Stephen and Susan Jansen, Mick and Susan Johnson, Tom and Nancy Lorden, Colvin and Madelaine McCrady, and Peter and Elsa Soderberg.

Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor primarily in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America.

This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. Over the last 10 years, fundraising and other administrative costs averaged less than five percent of our expenses; more than 95 percent of all donations went directly to programs that help the poor. For more information visit foodforthepoor.org. n Surrounding photos are many of the auction items that will be up for bid at the Food for the Poor fundraiser on February 7.

Photos submitted

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 25

CHEC and Charlotte County Natural Resources to hold programs in February L ■ STAFF REPORT

ooking for something to do in the upcoming weeks that will get you outside and help you learn a little about Florida wildlife?

Stop by Cedar Point Environmental Park, located on Placida Road just across from Lemon Bay High School, and check out some of the programs they have going on.

Charlotte County Natural Resource Department will be conducting the following free guided walks and programs this month: • Saturday, Feb. 4: Join Bob “Coop’ Cooper on a guided walk through the old growth pine flatwoods and mangrove fringe of 125-acre Oyster Creek/Ann Dever Regional Park in Englewood. Meet at the San Casa entrance.

• Sunday, Feb. 5: Join Dave Clayton on a guided walk through the 81-acre Bill Coy/Buck Creek Preserve in Englewood. The scrubby flatwoods and mangrove swamp border Buck Creek, which flows into Lemon Bay. Meet in the parking lot.

• Wednesday, Feb. 8: Join Greg and Ruth Brezicki at a lecture at Bayshore Live Oak Park to learn about the local Naval Store industry of the pre-20th century. This PowerPoint presentation includes period photos researched by Mr. Brezicki. This industry made products associated with the maintenance

of wooden ships. Lecture begins at 10 a.m. Call for reservations.

• Wednesday, Feb. 8: Join Kate Borduas on a guided walk through the scrub and pine flatwoods of 217-acre Amberjack Environmental Park in Rotonda. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Gasparilla Pines Blvd.

• Wednesday, Feb. 9: Join Jean Leavitt on a guided walk through Tippecanoe II Mitigation Preserve in Port Charlotte. This walk through the 150 acre preserve will more than two miles and moderately strenuous. Meet in the parking lot.

• Thursday, Feb. 9: Join Kate Borduas on a narrated Sunset Cruise on Lemon Bay into the Gulf of Mexico through Stump Pass. This naturalist led boat cruise leaves Cape Haze Marina one hour before sunset and returns after a two to three hour journey in search of dolphin and wading birds. $25 per person. Call Captiva Cruises at (239) 472-5100 for reservations.

• Sunday, Feb. 12: Join Bob “Coop’ Cooper on a guided walk through the old growth pine flatwoods and mangrove fringe of 125-acre Oyster Creek/Ann Dever Regional Park in Englewood. Meet at the San Casa entrance.

• Tuesday, Feb. 14: Join Margaret Dunson on a guided birding walk through the scrub and pine flatwoods of 217-acre Amberjack Environmental Park in Rotonda. Meet at the end of

BIZARRE FEB HOLIDAYS 2-3, Cordova Ice Worm Day, 2-4, Create A Vacuum Day, 2-5, Disaster Day, 2-6, Lame Duck Day, 2-7, Charles Dickens Day, 2-8, Kite Flying Day, 2-9, Toothache Day

Gasparilla Pines Blvd. Walk begins at 8 a.m.

• Wednesday, Feb. 15: Join Dave Clayton on a guided walk through the 81-acre Bill Coy/Buck Creek Preserve in Englewood. The scrubby flatwoods and mangrove swamp border Buck Creek, which flows into Lemon Bay. Meet in the parking lot.

• Thursday, Feb. 16: Learn about the life cycle and family breeding of the endemic Florida Scrub Jay with Kate Borduas at this free lecture at Bayshore Live Oak Park in Charlotte Harbor. This endangered bird species is found nowhere other than Florida.

Hear how we can all help to keep the population alive. Lecture begins at 10 am. Call for reservations.

• Thursday, Feb. 16: Join CHEC naturalist on a guided walk through 308acre Tippecanoe Environmental Park.

This Charlotte County park includes habitats such as scrub, pine flatwoods, marsh and wetlands. Meet behind the Charlotte County Sports Park.

• Friday, Feb. 17: Get wild & wet!

Join Bobbi Rodgers at Cedar Point Park on a Seagrass Adventure Wading Trip into Lemon Bay in search of marine organisms such as sea horse, crabs and juvenile fish. Registration required.

• Sunday, Feb. 19: Join Bob “Coop” Cooper on a guided walk through the scrub and pine flatwoods of 217-acre

Amberjack Environmental Park in Rotonda. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Gasparilla Pines Blvd.

• Wednesday, Feb. 22: Join Kate Borduas and Bob “Coop” Cooper on an Eco-adventure on Lemon Bay. This naturalist led boat cruise and guided walk at Don Pedro Island State Park, which is accessible only by boat, leaves Cape Haze Marina at 9 a.m. and returns at noon. $25 per person.

Call Captiva Cruises at (239) 4725100 for reservations.

Unless noted, all walks begin at 9 a.m. For directions or further information, call Cedar Point Environmental Park at (941) 475-0769.

All programs can be found at CHECflorida.org

Page 26

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Stop by and see Alex for a chance to learn a little more about island history n STAFF REPORT n Thursday, February 9 at 10 a.m. you can have a chance to get inside the mind of the Mas-

O

ter Metal Smith who has been working on the Range Light renovation.

Alex Klahm is internationally known for his work, and he will be speaking about the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse Project and providing a little history on lighthouses in general.

Klahm has personally worked on 22 lighthouses around the world and holds a Masters in Education.

The event will be held in the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium.

Stop. Take a breath. Look around at our island’s natural wonders

n Some days this time of year it may feel like the people are elbow-to-elbow on our little island, but even now our wildlife is out in full force. We recently received these photos from island residents Phyllis Slutzky and Len Tatko.

Phyllis got photos of a big, BIG cat at the south end of the island that she said was so large it would be hard to believe it was a bobcat. Len got these pictures of a mama and baby dolphin taken from the Boca Grande Isles bridge.

The Boca Beacon is sponsoring

The Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic 2017 Everyone welcomed!

Looking to find Boca Grande’s next tennis champions in Singles and Doubles.

Week 1 - Jan. 28 to Feb. 4

Open to all island residents and members and guests of all three clubs: Boca Bay Pass Club Gasparilla Inn Tennis Club Boca Grande Club

Open Mixed Doubles 70+ Mixed Doubles

Entry fee: $30 per player per event. Includes tournament shirt.

Men’s & Ladies’ Singles

Men’s Open Doubles

Get an application at the Boca Beacon, 964-2995, Boca Bay Pass Club, 964-2145, Boca Grande Club, 964-2211 or at the Gasparilla Inn Tennis Club, 964-4615

Ladies’ Open Doubles

All ages - All levels - Don’t be left out - sign up today!

Week 2 - Feb. 5 to Feb. 11

Men’s 70+ Doubles

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 27

Page 28

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Taste Taste From PAGE 1 We also need to remind everyone that the entertainment this year is the Brett Foreman Band, a well-known name around the state.They are a hip, organic, high-energy party band that has become a household name at premium venues throughout the state of Florida. Bandleader Brett Foreman manages productions utilizing years of experience, consisting of thousands of shows, and extensive training that began with the ‘Art of the Party’ curriculum at The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia.

OK, on with the final restaurants participating in Taste of Boca this year.

PJ’s Seagrille 321 Park Avenue, Boca Grande (941) 964-0806 Chef JT Turner Chef JT’s grouper corn chowder Chef JT Turner has been known far and wide as a truly great Boca Grande chef, a fact his patrons at PJ’s Seagrille can attest to.

He can turn something as simple as grouper corn chowder into something that can transform your taste buds and leave you talking about it for days.

Chowder is an interesting dish that has fed the poorer folks of this nation for centuries. While many people first think of New England when they hear the word,

it was actually created in the fishing culture of Newfoundland. Hundreds of years ago Breton fishermen returned home to Bordeaux or Brittany with their catch to find their wives sitting at home with the kids. When they asked what was for dinner, the wives shrugged and said, “I don’t know. Just make something with what you have.”

That last part isn’t exactly true. The wives would actually mix up huge pots of hot food for the fishermen who returned, but because pickings were slim they had to find a way to make the odds and ends of food that they had into something tasty. With a milk base (or water and flour paste) they could slow-cook vegetables and meat bits and turn it into something ribsticking for the men who hadn’t had a hot meal in a long time.

New England's culinary history is marked by a varying array of chowders. Early forms were thick and layered, but the adaptability of this beloved recipe has allowed for a multitude of tasty preparations to emerge.

Thick or thin, brimming with fish or clams or corn, chowder springs up throughout the region in as many distinctive varieties as there are ports of call yet always remains the quintessential expression of New England cuisine. Food writers and chowder connoisseurs Robert S. Cox and Jacob Walker dish out the history, flavors and significance of every New Englander's favorite comfort food.

The word “chowder” originated from the Latin word “calderia,” which meant “a place to warm food.” Later it was used as the word for a cooking pot,

2017 and then became “caldron.” The French made the word “chaudiere,” and the Old English culture took it a step further and called it a “jowter.”

Maybe chowder was a simple poor man’s food centuries ago, but it has been taken to magical heights since then.

While chowder frequently has a seafood component, there are always those vegetarians out there who want something hearty as well, and corn chowder is just the ticket.

Of course, when you add grouper to the mix it turns into something otherwordly.

Placida Grill 6800 Placida Road, Englewood (941) 828-1437 Chef Susie Gordon Bay scallops with pork belly and baby salted caramel crème brûlée Chef Susie from Placida Grill will be making some bay scallops with pork belly for Taste, and you’d have to be a fool to argue with that. Take a treasured medallion of local waters and wrap it in piggy goodness, and you’d be crazy to turn it down.

Before we begin with this entry, you need to understand there is a whole underworld culture committed to finding out how many foods they can combine with bacon, and this culture has been around for centuries. People in the UK are particularly fond of their pig products, and have created dishes such as “angels on horseback” (bacon-wrapped oysters) and “devils on horseback” (fruit such as prunes or even mango chutney wrapped in bacon). Their version of scallops wrapped in bacon is called a “bacon sarnie,” or a “bacon butty” or “bacon cap.” During the Gold Rush in America one of the most decadent dishes served in the small towns that popped up was called the “Hangtown Fry,” which combined bacon, eggs and oysters. In the Netherlands a “zeeuws” (a heavily-seasoned scallop wrapped in bacon) has been around forever.

Yes, the pig has been a highlyprized food animal since they were created by God. Every bit of the animal was used after slaughter … even the bladder was dried, filled with air

and tied up for the kids to bat around as a balloon. It makes sense that cutting thin strips of meat from the fattiest part of the pig and including a small portion of said meat in a meal would make it go farther.

You might be asking yourself what the difference is between pork belly and bacon, and the truth is there isn’t much difference at all. Unless, of course, you’re talking about pork bellies that are traded on the Mercantile Exchange, because then you would be talking about trading in stock futures based on supply and demand projections. Then you’re so far off course you might as well just go vegetarian, and you should certainly stay out of the kitchen and should go have a drink.

Both pork belly and bacon start out from the underside, or belly, of the pig, you just have a little more creative freedom with pork belly.

It is an uncured meat, and it’s not smoked and sliced the same way.

American bacon that you buy in the store is already cured with salt and smoked.

If you were to walk up to your local butcher at Publix and ask for pork belly, you might find yourself with a big slab of meat weighing more than 10 pounds. If you take it home and brine it or smoke it, you just made bacon.

We are lucky to live in a state where scallops run wild and free in herds, as they have for centuries. While we go oystering in cold-weather months, scallop season is usually from July See TASTE on PAGE 29

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Taste Taste From PAGE 28 through September. They are simply amazing creatures, with a multitude of unique traits that are often overlooked because of their plain demeanor and appearance. For instance, did you know that only one in about 12 million scallop eggs ever reach adulthood?

Or that they have approximately 100 eyes around the edges of their shells (even with all those eyes, they can still only see simple light and motion patterns). Did you know they are filter feeders, which means they are a vital part of our ecosystem and that local waters as we know them would be devastated if they weren’t around to clean the water?

Here’s another interesting fact: Like humans, scallops often eschew tradition and cross genders. They are a dioecious species, which means while males and females are usually separate, others are called “simultaneous hermaphrodites,” which means they are both sexes. There are even a few “protoandrous hermaphrodites,” meaning they are born one sex and switch to the other as they age. A Florida bay scallop, for instance, can develop both male and female sex organs AND both eggs and sperm.

This is a complicated life force, I’m telling you. There’s so much more to the scallop than meets the eye.

Generally bay scallops are smaller than sea scallops, and are often more tender and sweet. Those are the ones that Chef Susie will be serving with pork belly, and we are anxiously awaiting that first taste of swine and bivalve.

In comparison to the ultra-savory dish mentioned above, Placida Grill will also be serving the sweetness in the form of a baby salted caramel crème brûlée. Most of you will have had this dish before, but perhaps you haven’t spent the proper time researching its background. The name means “burnt cream,” so right away I thought this might be a good dish for me to try to make. Burning things is my specialty. However, it’s not that easy.

Crème brûlée has a custard base and is usually flavored with vanilla and, in this circumstance, caramel. Its first mention in history was in a cookbook written in 1691 by Francois Massialot. It was found in history again in 1740 in another book when the same guy, Massialot, referred to it as “Eng-

lish cream.” In 1879 is was referred to as “Cambridge burnt cream” and it became a favorite dessert at Trinity College, where they would brand their school’s logo on top of the cream.

But strangely enough the dish didn’t become a worldwide smash until the 1980s, when it became a symbol of decadence and excess in restaurants worldwide.

Another fun fact about crème brûlée stems from how it is served. You know those little bowls that often have fluted edges that litter your cupboard and Goodwill stores everywhere? Those are called ramekins, and they are usually what this dessert is served in.

A good friend of mine casually asked me one day to hand her a ramekin that was sitting on her counter, and I kind of fell in love with the word.

The term comes from the French word “ramequin,” which actually means “a cheese- or meat-based dish baked in a small mold.”

The French took the word from the Flemish word “rammeken” which translates to “toast” or “roasted minced meat,” and also can mean “battering ram.”

Prime Time Steak & Spirits 5855 Placida Rd., Englewood 697-7799 Chef Andy Tobin Garlic-sauteed shrimp finished in beer & butter, served on a baguette with Boursin cheese Sometimes, it’s better not to ponder your food too much. In the case of shrimp, one has to wonder who the first person was to look at one of these bugs of the sea and think, “You know, that looks tasty.”

But tasty they are, so we have to

Page 29

2017 thank whoever that human was. In the immortal words of Bubba from the movie “Forrest Gump”: “Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sautée it. Dey’s uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That…that’s about it.”

The word “shrimp” comes from Middle English “shrimpe,” and means “pygmy.” The Romans called them “squilla.” and according to historical reference they preferred them to lobster or other crustaceans. Even in the 1st century A.D. Apicus waxed philosophical about shrimp. Back then the Greeks wrapped their shrimp in fig leaves to cook them, and sometimes used a honey glaze.

Chef Andy’s shrimp will be served on a baguette after being sauteed in garlic and finished in beer, which makes it a truly American dish. The shrimp will then make the acquaintance of a bit of Boursin cheese, which was created by Francois Boursin in 1957 in Normandy. It is a cow’s milk cheese with a soft texture, and can be off-white or yellow in color.

South Beach Bar & Grill 777 Gulf Blvd., Boca Grande (941) 964-0765 Chef Osmar Orozimbo • Smoked veal short ribs: Tender veal short ribs slow smoked for over six hours, served on a bed of Yukon gold potato puree and finished

with South Beach’s own wild mushroom island sauce • Asian-style lemon snapper (monchong): Fresh Hawaiian monchong grilled with a Honolulu fish rub, topped with wasabi lump crab slaw and finished with a mandarin orange ginger sauce South Beach chefs don’t mess around, particularly when it comes to meat. You can be sure that Chef Orozimbo’s short ribs and fish will be some of the best you’ve ever had.

What are short ribs? They are some of the most tender pieces of the animal, and very flavorful. Cook them for six hours and you have a culinary experience to be remembered.

The ribs will be paired with Yukon gold potato puree and wild mushroom sauce. An interesting bit of information about Yukon gold potatoes is that they were created at the University of Guelph in Canada, where they have a prolific potatobreeding program. They crossbred a North American white potato with a wild South American yellow-fleshed potato, and the Yukon gold was born.

Chef Orozimbo’s second offering at Taste will be an Asian lemon snapper, otherwise known as monchong.

Monchong is actually a name used in Hawaii for two species of deep sea pomfret. You have the sickle pomfret (named for the forked shape of its fins and large scales) and the lustrous pomfret (named for its bronze skin, larger eyes and thicker body. It is the Kardashian of the pomfret family).

They have a firm texture, have a high oil content and are moderate in flavor.

The secret herbs and spices in Chef Orozimbo’s Honolulu fish rib are still secret. Ancient Hawaiians had a bit of a bland diet so they relied on sea salt to jazz things up.

Eventually other cultures became included in Hawaiian dishes, especially Asian spices.

The Temptation Restaurant 350 Park Ave., Boca Grande (941) 964-2610 Chef Kevin Stockdale Heirloom tomato salad with burrata See TASTE on PAGE 30

Page 30

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Taste Taste From PAGE 29 cheese, pork belly with white bean puree and a maple gastrique It looks like Chef Kevin is getting a little fancy on us this year, using words like “white bean puree” and “gastrique.” This is an interesting of-

n It’s a little more complex than this ...

processing in their creation. If they grow, they grow. If they don’t, they don’t.

They come in all colors, and are occasionally known as “ugly” tomatoes because they can sometimes have cracks and bumps on their surface. They make up for their physical appearance in their juicy, buttery texture.

Burrata is an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft texture. In the early 1900s it

fering to break down, so let’s begin.

Heirloom tomatoes are a prize in this age of hybrid foods. There are three primary reasons a seed strain is called heirloom, and those reasons are age, pollination and quality.

Not only do they have a superior taste, they are created from seeds passed down through generations (the strain usually goes back about 50 years to be called “heirloom”).

Heirloom vegetables are open-pollinated, meaning there is no artificial

2017

was created in southern Italy to repurpose scraps of mozzarella, but it has now been established as an “artisanal cheese.”

White beans have many names – Navy, Great Northerns and cannellini just to name a few. While all kinds of beans are classified as “white beans,” they all have a little bit different texture and taste. They are often combined in a puree, as Chef Kevin has done with his Taste recipe.

Beans have many benefits, including being high in potassium, folate, vitamins C and B6, calcium and iron. They are believed to help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels, and are often used in vegetarian diets as a protein source.

We all know the downside to beans in our diet, but soaking the beans thoroughly prior to cooking them often helps with the unfortunate flatulent circumstances that can arise. Remember the old playground song, “Beans, Beans, the Magical Fruit?” The basis of the song is the fact that beans contain a high amount of oligosaccharides, so

when the bacteria in your large intestine digest these sugars it producing carbon dioxide and hydrogen. If you add those ingredients together you get farts.

Speaking of gastrointestinal issues, what the heck is a gastrique?

It sounds fancy and it certainly looks fancy, but in reality it’s quite simple.

A gastrique is a reduction of vinegar and sugar that you can add pretty much anything to ... in this case it would be maple. It is a combination of sweet and sour that can bring out the flavor in almost any food.

3rd Street Cafe 310 E. Railroad Ave., Boca Grande (941) 964-0155 Chef Larry Eppler Ahi tuna tacos, smoked spare ribs with chimichurri sauce and crispy sweet potatoes, baklava with rose water whipped cream You’re talking my language when you’re talking tacos. They are truly a perfect food in every way, so many props are given to Mexico for creating them.

The word “taco” originally applied to little folded wads of paper loaded with gunpowder that the Mexicans used to mine silver. They would shove the little “tacos” into a hole in a rock bottom or rock wall, then light them and blow them up.

I don’t know about you, but knowing that makes me love tacos even more.

Sometime in the 1800s the word became the name of the first food tacos, See TASTE on PAGE 31

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Taste

Page 31

2017

Taste From PAGE 30 and coastal Mexican people have been adding fish to tacos since then.

Tacos hit the United States in the very early 1900s when Mexican immigrants started to cross the border to work here. So you can love Trump’s policies all you want, if it weren’t for Mexico we wouldn’t have tacos.

That would be a travesty we really don’t want to contemplate.

The popularity of ahi tuna has taken off in the last decade or so, as has the popularity of fish tacos for that matter.

Once known only by a smiling fish named Charlie, tuna has gone from the tin can to the gourmet table recently, and the very existence of certain species of tuna has become a point of concern in many parts of the world.

At this point in time, though, we have not yet run out of this healthy, flaky fish. Ahi, or yellowfin tuna, comes from warm pelagic waters worldwide and it is a common ingredient in many dishes, including sushi.

They an grow up to around 100 inches long and can weigh more than 400 pounds. The record holder right now weighed 880, if you can imagine that.

Chimchurri sauce is an addition to our diet courtesy of South America. It is created from herbs such as coriander, parsley, garlic, onion, a chili or two, a little olive oil and some white wine vinegar. It was created to compliment the taste of meat, and it does its job well.

While most of us are familiar with the traditional Turkish nut and honey dessert wrapped in filo that is known as baklava, not as many of us are familiar with rosewater whipped cream.

It actually is whipped cream containing rosewater, but a very small

amount of the flavored water is used.

Rosewater was first used in the Middle East and Asia, and the first solid reference to using it in food was from Persia where many fragrant flowers were grown to use for food experimentation. It is the leftover distillate from mixing rose petals and water together, and the key to using it in food is to know exactly how much to use.

Zydeco Grille 8501 Placida Rd., Englewood (941) 828-1472 Chef Joan Sambucci

Creole corn and crab bisque, seared sea scallops on three-cheese grits with Zydeco chili sauce Zydeco is going traditional at this year’s Taste, and incorporating a true Creole dish into the mix with their corn and crab bisque.

Creole cooking may have originated in Louisiana, but it is truly an eclectic combination of food styles. You have French influence, of course, mixed with Spanish, Indian, Caribbean, Portuguese, Greek Canarian, West African, American Indian, German, Italian and Irish. In other words, it is truly an American way of cooking.

n Go ahead and eat me, then. I have been deemed an inferior crustacean.

Many people wonder what the difference is between Cajun and Creole cooking, and the answer is simple: Creole cooking uses tomatoes, while Cajun food does not. Creole is referred to as “city food,” and Cajun is its country bumpkin brother.

A bisque is a smooth, creamy, seasoned French soup and usually has a base of crustacean broth (crustacean broth would be a great name for a band). While many think the word “bisque” comes from the Bay of Biscay, it actually refers to the crustacean’s name “bis cuites,” or “twice-cooked.” That means the lobster, crayfish or other sea bug is sauteed in their shell, then simmered in wine and other ingredients.

The bisque was created as a method of utilizing “imperfect crustaceans” that weren’t good enough for market as a stand-alone product.

Cheesy grits are pretty amazing, if you ask me. The consistency matches up, and the cheese adds just enough “oomph” to the grits to make them pop.

In the immortal words of Joe Pesci in “My Cousin Vinny,” what is a grit?

They are usually made from corn or hominy, and it is made from the chaff left over after processing kernals of corn. They are a gift from Native Americans, who have been using corn and hominy as a staple food source for centuries.

Add a little of Zydeco’s own chili sauce, and your otherwise-bland grits shall be bland no more!

See you at Taste!

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

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Tennis - Love GASPARILLA ISLAND TENNIS CLASSIC

n Cockwise from top left: Jordan Ittersagen prepares her top spin for women’s singles; Jeff Corkhill and Kathleen Francis playing mixed doubles; Cliff Comfort and Julie Sparks playing mixed doubles; Grace and Michael Ott playing mixed doubles; Ann Beatty returns a slice backhand in women’s singles; Skylar Warren (Boca Grande Club Tennis Pro) plays an exhibition match at The Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic Cocktail Party; Jane Shanley plays mixed doubles; Sparky Christakos plays mixed doubles.

The finals are tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4. The men will play at 9 a.m. at the Gasparilla Inn Tennis Club, mixed doubles will be at 11 a.m. at the Boca Grande Club, and ladies singles will be at 2 p.m. at the Boca Grande Pass Club.

Photos by Dusty

O

N Friday, February 3, 2017

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Page 34

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Schmidt and Zsiros advance to finals

n BY JEN FIERS

T

he first semifinal match of the Women’s Doubles event in the 19th Annual Pro Tennis Exhibition Series, benefitting the Suncoast Humane Society, was held at the Boca Grande Club on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. The players used the last few moments of daylight to determine who would move on to the finals on Wednesday, March 1. Last year’s champion, Mara Schmidt, and first-time Series player Gyorgyi Zsiros prevailed over Tatiana Soldtadova and the Boca Grande Club’s Karin Miller.

Mara and Karin teamed up against Tatiana and Gyorgyi for the first and longest of three sets that were played in front of an audience of about 100 spectators. Tatiana and Gyorgyi took the lead quickly to go up 5-2 in the set with their aggressive approaching of

the net by returning serves from inside the baseline and using their angles to pull their opponents off the court. This strategy worked especially well when they could push Mara and Karin deep behind the baseline to open up the short court for a winning angle volley. But Mara and Karin fought back to tie the set at 5-5 as Karin took advantage of Mara’s powerful groundstrokes to surprise Tatiana and Gyorgyi with her quick poaching and touch dropshots.

However, Tatiana and Gyorgyi stopped Karin and Mara’s momentum by hugging the center at the net to

n Karin Miller

poach and approaching the net on the returns to take the last two games and win the set, 7-5.

The second set paired Karin and Gyorgyi against Tatiana and Mara.

Despite playing the first set for over an hour, the players were just as aggressive and competitive for another close set. All of the players started employing lobs and dropshots to win their points at the net. One point saw an exchange of about 20 shots as Karin and Mara traded lobs over their partners’ heads until one lob was just not enough for Gyorgyi’s overhead footwork. Another point saw poaching from both sides as Tatiana and Gyorgyi traded groundstrokes and tried to pass the other team’s net

n Gyorgyi Zsiros

player. Most points ended with all four players at the net, a sign of advanced doubles strategy. Tatiana and Mara won the second set at 6-4.

By the beginning of the third set, Tatiana was in the lead, with Mara and Gyorgyi tied for second place.

But the third set always dictates the winner in the Series. Karin and Tatiana’s extraordinary poaching and touch volleys were not enough for Mara’s serve and Gyorgyi’s quickness. In the setting sun, Gyorgyi and Mara proved to be the strongest team of the evening as they won the set over Karin and Tatiana quickly with a score of 6-2. With this, Gyorgyi and See TENNIS on PAGE 35

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BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Tennis From PAGE 34 Mara both advanced to the finals with 17 games, while Tatiana and Karin finished this year’s Series with 15 and 11 games, respectively.

Next week, the first men’s semifinal match will be played on Wednesday,

n Mara Schmidt

Feb. 8. To ensure the match finishes before sundown, they will begin by 4 p.m. sharp, with introductions starting at 3:45 p.m. The players will include Adam Zastempowski, Nate Griffin, Scott Harrington and John Janes – all of whom have played the Series a number of times since the Series began.

A donation of $5 is suggested of all

spectators to benefit the Suncoast Humane Society. Please email jen@bocagrandeclub.com for details.

Jen Fiers is currently the tennis director for the Boca Grande Club. She has degrees in psychology and cultural anthropology, and has coached at Manhattan Plaza and Sutton East tennis clubs, and in The

n Tatiana Soldtadova

Page 35 Hamptons. She has traveled worldwide with the Women’s Tennis Association professional circuit as well. Jen is married and has a son and a new baby daughter (born on Jan. 12, 2017).

Page 36

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

The hammer or the anvil? Which one are you?

M

n BY BOB ELLIOTT

ost of us know people who are hard chargers, people who let you know what they think and proffer every thought they have.

Everything is about them. We also know others who are the opposite – rocks of solitude, passive in their ways and means. Then there are most people, who exhibit some of both characteristics. To make a point, let’s discuss the first two characters, one we shall call the sword and the other the shield. The aggressor versus the passive participant In one-on-one situations, some people feel like hanging back behind their shield and communicating when asked, although sometimes they aggressively pursue a topic with vengeance. It depends on your natural personality and your mood. The antithesis of the shield is the sword, the person who is always cutting and slashing, giving out opinions, always looking for attitudes with information and spewing out their own truisms as they go.

In speech situations, the same thing occurs. The

shield’s presentation may bore you to death, even though he or she is presenting a cure for cancer. Not the sword. They may be egregiously extolling the virtues of nuclear war, and all you can do is think about shooting yourself. Not much you can do about it.

Imagery has become a popular subject, so here’s another one for you. When you are communicating, the metaphor of the hammer and the anvil, which goes back to blacksmithing days, comes to mind.

The hammer is incessantly pounding down on the anvil, rendering damaging blows with consistency.

When you think about it, it’s idiomatically the choice between two unpleasant and distasteful options in a predicament or quandary. And here’s another use of the hammer and anvil metaphor. It was once a maneuver used in wars to describe a movement of the troops getting behind enemy lines.This points out that the use of metaphors sometimes has flaws.

If you choose one, beware, it may have many meanings.

The question on the table is how to deal with these diametrically opposite sides of communications. How do we reach into the mind of the hammer going a million miles an hour and also of the anvil, the analytical mind just hanging back looking to make a point or two? One strategy with the hammer might be to be passive yourself. Let the aggressor take charge and vent, spewing out all that pent-up energy. We once had a friend like that, full of himself, ready to solve all of life’s problems.

We just sat back and enjoyed the fireworks. The alternative is to load up with a wide diversity of questions that may lead him or her back to an understandable path. Keep them off-balance and off-message, which may lessen their verbosity. This may work in conversations, but in presentations you just may have to bite the bullet and grin and bear it.

To motivate the passive ones, you are going to have a more daunting task getting them out of the

comfort of their shells. Two ideas: First, create a situation which is friendly and comforting to them.

Second, ask provocative, open-ended questions to look into their minds. Your demeanor can be a big part of the first. Use body language to create the openness – a lively face, a smile, gestures that are welcoming.

The open-ended questions must be well thought out. Don’t ask questions which can be answered with “yes” or “no” or with any single fact. Rather, ask a question like “What was the process like that led you to the plan you adopted?” This then allows you to ask follow-up questions like “What was the most important piece of that process?” or “How long did that process last?” or “Where does this plan go from here?” Pretty soon the anvil may be showing its style and growing bigger and stronger.

The New Yorker literary magazine has a semiregular column entitled “Block that Metaphor.” It’s all about the misuse or overuse of metaphors. Risking falling into that category, there’s an irony in the hammer and anvil metaphor. After a while, the hammer breaks down and falls apart while hammering on the anvil, which remains strong. So, wouldn’t you rather be the anvil?

Bob Elliott, creator of the Boca Grande Camera Club, spent a career improving communications at large corporations, where he witnessed many of the faux pas detailed in the book “Make Your Point” which he cowrote with Kevin Carroll. As a communications consultant he developed relationships with top American companies and worked with model, actress and sport personalities.

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 37

It’s tournament time! n BY PHIL WOODS

S

orry about the absence of this column the last couple of weeks, but when it’s 45 degrees and/or blowing 30 to 35 mph, it’s difficult to get enthusiastic about outdoor activities.

So last Saturday night I saw Weldon and Jean Rogers at the Royal Palm Players show. Weldon is a past president of Lemon Bay Golf Club and largely responsible for ramrodding building of the new clubhouse. He also holds membership at Gasparilla Golf Club, and last week they held their annual member/guest tournament. Weldon invited his good friend Peter Soderberg for his guest partner, and by golly they came in second place after a tie in regular

competition sent them to a playoff with Jim Murphy and his guest, Brad Rendell. Congratulations guys!

On the subject of club tournaments, the annual Lemon Bay “Kim Honey” match play event started on February first, and first-round pairings will be announced this week. That will be followed by the Valentine’s Day event on February 11 and the men’s member/member on February 15.

Last Tuesday the ladies’ invitational member/guest at Lemon Bay was

underway, with 88 members and guests participating. Results will be in next week’s column.

If I may, I would like to offer a tip for the ladies. At Lemon Bay Golf Club, ladies’ day is on Tuesdays during the season, and men’s day is on Wednesdays. When I am going to play, I always start off at the short range to warm up, specifically in the bunker, and I mostly work on 10- to 12-yard shots.Twelve or fifteen balls out of the sand is enough to warm up and establish a rhythm.

On Tuesdays, when the ladies are on the golf course, I often go to the short range to practice bunker, chip and pitch shots. Not once have I ever seen evidence of anyone having set foot (or club) in the sand. I know that

a bunker shot terrifies some people, but the way to get over it is to build confidence.

Take a lesson from a pro, and then practice. There are no shortcuts to improvements.

Keep it in the short grass!

Islander Phil Woods has been a golfer for the past 40 years. He is a member of the Lemon Bay Golf Club and has a 19 handicap.

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Page 38

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Tick tock, time waits for no man

n BY DELORES SAVAS

“It is just human nature to take time to connect the dots.

I know that, but I also know that there can be a day of reckoning when you wish you had connected the dots more quickly.”

Al Gore, former U.S. vice president and environmentalist.

N

ormally 30 seconds is not a very long span of time – unless we are referring to the metaphorical Doomsday clock, which recently was moved some 30 seconds closer to midnight by the advisory board of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

This is the closest to midnight it has been since the 1950s, when the threat of nuclear disaster was everpresent during the Cold War. According to the Bulletin, the Doomsday clock was conceived in 1947 by scientists who had participated in the Manhattan Project. Initially seen as an indicator of the likelihood of disastrous nuclear conflict, the Doomsday clock now also takes into account other threats, such as climate change, biological weapons and cyber threats. It is the first time in the 70-year history of the Doomsday clock that the advisory board has adjusted the clock by 30 seconds.

Explaining its move, the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board said, “Over the course of 2016, the global security landscape darkened as the international community failed to come effectively to grips with humanity’s most pressing existential threats, nuclear weapons and climate change.

This already-threatening world situation was the backdrop for a rise in strident nationalism worldwide in

2016, including in a U.S. presidential campaign during which the eventual victor, Donald Trump, made disturbing comments about the use and proliferation of nuclear weapons and expressed disbelief in the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change.”

Also mentioned among the reasons for the move-up was the board’s concern about climate change. “As long as Earth’s climate continues to change,” they wrote, “we are at risk of suffering potential consequences – in particular, disruptions in the environment, such as extended droughts, change in growing seasons, sea-rise and fishery die-offs – that threaten human survival.”

Many environmental organizations have heeded the escalating storm that is headed our way. Some are listed below, but as always, they need

people to become involved and to wake up to the serious days ahead for all of us.

Scan these groups that seek to inform the public with factual information. If you are concerned about our fragile planet, decide for yourself if you choose to get involved.

• The Daily Climate: Publication of environmental and health sciences with daily climate news. Go to dailyclimate.org.

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• Science Daily: sciencedaily.com.

Your source for the latest research news.

• The Daily Catch: bringing you the best ocean, river and lake news from around the world at hello@theterramar.project.org.

• ENN Environmental news offers information on varied topics: dailynews@ENN.com.

• One Green Planet: team@onegreenplanet.org. “We’re your online guide to making choices that help people, animals and the planet.”

• Florida Earthquake News offers a host of information on many topics: Newsletter@norply.einnews.com.

email: gaiasvigil@gmail.com

“Your local marine contracting professional” CGC 1506904

• Dredging • Permitting • Consulting • Maintenance • Seawalls • Docks • Boat Lifts • PWC lifts 7571 Sawyer Circle, Placida 941-697-7000 • innovativemarinefl.com

In Home professional pet sitting We sit-stay-feed-play-cuddle & love 24 hour pet care Take pets to vets or to be groomed

941-416-6027

Allaboutwetnoses@gmail.com Certified Licensed & Insured

Pest Control

• Truthout, a founding member of the Newspaper Guild/CWA local36047, offers thought-provoking stories at messenger@truthout.org.

• Center for Science in the Public Interest@cspinet.org.

• NRDC, The Natural Resources Defense Council serves to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends: nrdc.org.

• Common Dreams, from the Progressive Community with breaking news and views. It is an independent, nonprofit news center; since 1997 their mission is to inform, to inspire and to ignite change for the common good. commondreams.org.

• Bulletin of Atomic Scientists: newsletter@the bulletin.org.

These are just a few of the many organizations primed to defend our planet. Future articles will provide more information on where to access information.

If you care to comment to your senator on the pressing environmental crisis, you can call the Capitol Hill switchboard@ 202-224-3121.

The Science and Security Board warned in 2015, “The clock ticks.

Global danger looms. Wise leaders should act immediately.”

Good news! Malia, President Obama’s 18-year-old daughter, nixed plans to spend a special vacation with her family and instead went to protest with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe at the Dakota Pipeline area to show support.

This area is set to explode as the current president has ordered the goahead on using eminent domain to take over the pipeline route.

Lawn Spray Termite Control

Quality Service at Affordable Prices Ask About Our Once A Year Pest Control Special

941-475-9551 • 941-629-4015 1560 S. McCall Rd., Englewood, FL 34223

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 39

THE BOCA BEACON AROUND THE WORLD i Hustedt, Larry and Pam n Boca Grande residents Lindy and Kath to a villa in Puerto Vallarta, led Hannah and John and Pat Rice, trave five days. It was a purchase for Mexico, known as the “Casa Do Re Mi” h, 2016.

Marc from the BIPS/Green Gala auction last

Mexico

From help with bathing to help having fun this is home care.

Cape Haze

Cape Haze Sales Office

At FirstLight™ the care we provide goes beyond the basics of meal preparation, house cleaning and medication reminders. If you or your loved one want to work in the garden or play a game of cards, we’re there. We care for seniors, people with disabilities, those recovering from surgery and any adult who needs assistance.

7090 Placida Road

We are your Local Dealers: Specialists Minutes from Your Dock. Why drive for hours?

We’ll bring it right to your dock.

We are caregivers.

And more.

Call us to learn about the many ways we can help.

941-208-3109

Capt. Tom Healey - 941-626-3741

www.portcharlotte.firstlighthomecare.com

Page 40

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

B EACON C ROSSWORD

Charlotte County Seawalls, Inc.

Seawalls, Docks & Boat Lifts Complete Marine Construction

BY CALVIN & JACKIE MATHEWS

Custom Made Slipcovers Casual relaxed look and feel ... Washable, heavy duty, 100% cotton fabrics • white & indigo blue denims • white & natural color twills • canvas & more.

Manufacturing slipcovers for more than 25 years in New York.

Seawalls, Docks, Boardwalks, Piers, Piling Driving & Drilling, Boatlifts, Marinas, Dredging & Repairs

Port Charlotte (941) 629-4900

Toll Free (877) 554-DOCK (3625)

Serving: Charlotte, Lee & Sarasota Counties w w w. c h a r l o t t e c o u n t y s e a w a l l s . c o m

Slipcovers by Frank - 941-769-3465

I need your help?

I’m a dolphin. I eat fish.

Try calling 941.964.2995 For all your advertising needs.

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Pets of the Week

Meet Bella! She is a very youthful senior dog at 11-yearsold. She is a Lab mix with a blond & white coat and weighs 67 lbs. Her behavior is that of a dog half her age. She loves to run around and play in a fenced yard and has a very good natured personality. Bella has shared a home with adults and another large breed dog.

To visit these pets and their friends, come to Suncoast Humane Society at 6781 San Casa Dr. in Englewood, call (941) 474-7884, or visit humane.org.

Meet Captain! He is a 4-year-old Domestic Shorthair weighing 17 lbs. He sports a soft grey & white coat and bright, golden eyes. He was front declawed upon arrival.

This big boy is a very sweet cat who loves to be petted. And he is a lap cat who will happily warm you up on a chilly day.

Captain also has a playful side. He has lived with adults, children & another cat and enjoyed everyone.

earsanimalrescue.com.

Meet Little Rainbow. She is also from Sebring Florida.

She is a 2-month-old spayed female kitten with lots of colors. She is considered a Torti Cat and is just waiting for someone to play with her.

If you would like to adopt one of these animals, visit the Animal Welfare League, 3519 Drance St., Port Charlotte or call (941) 625-6720.

To see all of the adoptable pets, log on to awlshelter.org.

All animals are spayed/neutered & are current with their How about some kitten fun? Dickens, as in cute as a dickshots, except rabies, ens is a 3-month-old little boy who is just ready to entertain prior to adoption. you! Kitten season came late this year and we are still getting some litters coming through, but you have to act fast before these little ones fly off the shelves!

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.

Pet Sitting in your home Are your pets pampered, precious and part of your family?

If so, consider hiring

At Home But Not Alone

to provide superior care and company for them during your absence.

Licensed & insured for your protection with local island references. www.AtHomeButNotAlone.com

Look to the stars and know the future ...

BOCASCOPES ARIES Trying to right the wrongs of the world is not your job right now, 3-21–4-19 Aries; you would have to time travel in the wayback machine to the era of shoulder pads and leg warmers. When it’s time to buy Post-it notes avoid the lime green ones.

For more information on these pets and others, call EARS, (941) 681-3877.

To see all the EARS adoptable animals, visit 145 W. Dearborn St., Englewood or

This is Charlotte. She came from Sebring Florida.

Charlotte is a mix of Boxer and perhaps Setter? She is about 1-year-old, a spayed female, up to date with her shots and microchipped. Charlotte loves people and his very smart.

Page 41

TAURUS Tell your totally obnoxious neighbor to pound sand.

Eat the 4-20–5-20 extracrunchy chips in the crowded movie theater.

Buy that Shetland pony and keep it in your sideyard. This is your time to do what you want.

GEMINI Large, obtrusive potholes are not your friend while driving off5-21–6-20 island. Large heads of lettuce in the grocery may look tantalizing, but they’re not for you. Pick a smaller one instead and load up on green peppers. A sweet moment will occur this week involving a binder clip and dental floss.

CANCER You’re feeling tempted to ditch social media. Go for it.

6-21–7-22 Another fat cat meme or pumpkin bread recipe and your head might explode.

Flynn, a 3-year-old Amstaff mix, through no fault of his own, has lived here at the shelter for 1 1/2years, so to say we love him dearly is an understatement. He’s a big, lovable goof ball who has no idea of his strength, he thinks he’s a lap dog and everyone needs kisses. Please read his full story on our website.

Meme of the Week

LEO You hear a strange voice calling from the north. As you get into 7-23–8-22 Englewood and turn right onto 776 it gets stronger. You realize it’s coming from Nando’s taco truck.

Follow the voice and order the pork tacos.

VIRGO Contemplate the seahorse.

You’ll find yourself wondering 8-23–9-22 why you upgraded to a phone that no longer fits in your pocket. Lots of questions for the universe this week, in other words.

LIBRA Watch the sunset on Wednesday, it will be spectacular.

9-23–10-22 Hold the dog leash extra tight when

you go out for a walk on Thursday. Call an old friend who has been dancing through your mind.

SCORPIO When the phone rings on Wednesday and it’s a 10-23–11-21 949 area code, don’t answer it. It might be some of the swallows from San Juan Capistrano asking where the money is that you owe them.

SAGITTARIUS Picturing yourself in a cabin in the woods with no cell 11-22–12-21 phone reception is tempting, but just picturing it won’t get you there. An opportunity arises on Saturday you should not turn down. The mail will contain something freakish, so be careful when opening.

CAPRICORN Don’t harsh your dog’s buzz when he’s trying to 12-22–1-19 make time with the neighbor’s retriever. He’s got a good thing going, and you’re just jealous. Eat less meat, but drink more rum.

AQUARIUS Beware the pelican who speaks of flying bicycles on the 1-20–2-18 Fifth Street Docks. He has no clue what he’s talking, and has been spending far too much time with Nate. Be aware of rogue drones.

PISCES On Monday you’ll realize the old coffee in your Yeti isn’t the 2-19–3-20 Yeti’s fault.

You picked up the wrong one from the counter and are drinking last Friday’s coffee. By some weird quirk of fate your third grade classmate who sat behind you and wiped boogers in your hair will also be sitting behind you at South Beach one night this week.

Page 42

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

CLASSIFIED CATEGORIES 100 Notices Announcements 101 Child Care Wanted 102 Child Care Available 103 Nanny Available 104 Adult Care Available 105 Lost 106 Found 107 Personals 108 Tutoring 109 Caregiver/Companion 110 Child/Adult Care Avail.111

200 General Merchandise Antiques/Collectibles 201 Art For Sale 202 Merchandise For Sale 203 Merchandise Wanted 204 Free Merchandise 205 Pets 206 Golf Equipment 207

300 Employment Help Wanted 301 Employment Wanted 302 Computer Programmer303 Volunteering 304

400 Professional Services Cleaning Charters Cooking Miscellaneous

401 402 403 404

500 Marine Insurance Boats For Sale Products For Sale Products Wanted Dockage Available Dockage Wanted Dockage For Sale Boathouse For Sale

501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508

600 Transportation /Services Vehicles For Sale Autos Wanted Auto Services Driver Available Marine Golf Carts

601 602 603 604 605 606

700 Rentals On-Island Rentals 701 Off-Island Rentals 702 Apartment Rentals 703 Room Rentals 704 Mobile Home 705 Home to Share 706 Rentals Wanted 707 Out of Country Rental 708 Vacation Rental 709

800 Real Estate On-Island For Sale Off-Island For Sale Water Front Property For Sale Water Front Property Real Estate Wanted Lots For Sale Misc. Rentals Trade/Exchange

801 802 803 804 805 806 807 808

900 Business/Commercial Business For Sale 901 Commercial For Sale 902 Commercial Rental 903 Business Opportunities904 Financial 905

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

401 CLEANING

If you have lost items, check with the Boca Grande Sheriff’s Sub-Station or the Boca Beacon.

TFN

Experienced Polish/German cleaning lady. Home watch.

908-494-1544. 3/31 Polish lady available for cleaning/homewatch, ironing. Boca references.

941-456-4780. TFN

201 ANTIQUES/ COLLECTIBLES Steven Postans Antiques 28,000 sq. ft. warehouse full of 18th & 19th century English & Continental furniture.

7881 15th St. E. (old 301) Sarasota, Florida 34243 941-755-6063 stevenpostansantiques.com We are always interested in purchasing 18th and 19th century furniture, art, silver, porcelains and bronzes. One piece or an entire estate.

TFN

203 MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Free Upright Piano.

Photos available.

Call 941-698-4695.

2/3 ORIGINAL BOCA NUTS $15 $20 $25 Boca Beacon Office.

Ask for Daniel.

DID YOU SEE A PHOTO YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IN THE BOCA BEACON? Call the Beacon at 964-2995 or 800-749-2995 for info.

BIG GREEN EGG Hardly used.

941-964-0389 or 201-390-9300. TFN

400 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Estate Caretaker For Interview Duties and responsibilities to be discussed, Private living quarters required. Current reference available.

Contact George.

941-475-5490. 2/24 Computer Services Laptop and desktop repair.

Printers,scanners,data recovery and more.

720-660-4843.

2/24 ESTABLISHED CLEANER 15 years serving Boca Grande/Englewood area. References.

Animal care, home watch, babysitting available.

Organize your home move and home management also.

Lisa. 941-815-5750. TFN

502 BOATS FOR SALE 28’ Lazzara/Aura.

1997 550 hour Yanmars 2014 upgrades www.StPeteYachtSales. .com 727- 823-2555

504 PRODUCTS WANTED I buy boat parts and come to you and pay cash. 941-704-4828 TFN

505 DOCKAGE AVAILABLE BOAT SLIP FOR RENT One boat slip 12’ wide.

Water and electric.

140 Damfiwill St. Rent negotiable.

941-964-2348 or 352-208-7774.

TFN

701 ON ISLAND RENTAL

802 OFF-ISLAND FOR SALE

Commercial or Retail Office For Rent 613 sq. ft. available in historic downtown Boca Grande, 333 Park Ave. Includes storage loft and a bathroom. Available immediately. Contact Darlene@Zobrist.com or 304-667-8044. TFN

Last Best Commercial Lot at Merchant's Crossing Almost an acre at 1599 Placida Rd. (Rt 775) Englewood across from Publix, Bealls & Fifth Third Bank. All utilities on site (no assessments). Ideal for multi-unit building(s), office, or condos. Only $349,900.

Call 941-769-0200. TFN PROPERTY FOR SALE IN TERLINGUA RANCH, TEXAS Amazing mountain views, excellent hunting, total isolation.

Call Jason Shortuse at 941-587-9331.

TFN

BOCA GRANDE NORTH SEA OATS CONDOS 2bd./2ba., lower units. All amenities. Boat slip. Call now for owner discount.

Joy & Denny Flaherty, 563-359-0748.

Beachfront Village Home Boca Grande Club 3 bedroom 3 bath completely updated. Available 5/15/17-10/15/17.

7 night minimum.

SPECIAL RATES for social members. Contact turtles.rest@gmail.com for pictures and pricing.

BOCA’S BEST VACATION RENTALS Beach, bay, deep water & inshore: Homes & condos.

Call The Seale Family Inc. Realtors, 800-7418272 or 941-964-2210, seale-family.com.

Book now for 2017-2018 season.

TFN

DEEPWATER SLIPS • 11’-1” wide ... $500/ month • 14’ wide, uncovered, Slip #3 ... $500/month Open to gulf.

Water, electric, storage box & bath /shower amenities provided.

941-964-0585.

BOAT SLIPS $300-4. Damifiwill Street, Boca. 941-964-0565. TFN

LARGE FAMILY COMPOUND 3 bedroom/3 bath Main House + 2 bedroom/1 bath Cottage. Fish off private deep water dock, kayak around uninhabitated islands. Fabulous waterviews of Charlotte Harbor, amazing birdlife.

917-589 0437.

TFN

601 VEHICLES FOR SALE

702 OFF ISLAND RENTALS

2007 Volkswagon Turbo Beetle $5,000 40,000 miles Perfect island car with style.

941-964-0149.

2006 Honda Civic Always reliable and peppy!

914-760-7816.

CAPE HAZE – PLACIDA Two 2B/2BA vacation rental condos at The Cape Haze Resort across from Don Pedro Island gulf beaches. Neither occupied since total renovation.

One large 2B, 2-1/2BA penthouse at Hacienda Del Mar right on Bay/ICW. All condos have large heated pools, spas, club houses, tennis, fitness centers. Some availabilitythrough April 2017 and next season. Pet possible.

Great rates.

Call 941-769-0200. 3/31

1999 BMW Z-3 RED CONVERTIBLE. 72,000 miles. $7,000 or B/O. 941-258-5090. 2/3

Golf Cart- 2013 Club Car Precedent, 48 volt electric, front and rear lights, folding rear seat- great condition. $3995.00 813-624-4337.

75¢ per word for commercial, 35¢ per word for private parties.

Call: 941-964-2995, 800-749-2995; Fax: 941-964-0372 Email Karen at karenclark @bocabeacon.com

A island gif t to take back home.

A Boca Nut! At the Boca Beacon Office 431 Par k Ave., Downtown

EDGERTON REALTY

& Development LLC • www.BocaGrandeRealtor.me • 941-460-1900 or for faster service anytime, call Cell 201-953-1309 COMMERCIAL! Commercial Space for lease on 776.

Signaled Corner w/signage.

Can divide space to suit, from $500 - $1,400/month.

Commercial/Industrial 6,000 sq. ft. loading dock, OH doors, 3 phase elec, fenced parking $990,000.

Beauty Salon - Building & Business Est many years in this location. $499,900.

DEEP WATER on Stump Pass.

Almost 1/2 acre of land with community dock. $74,900.

SIX WATERFRONT LOTS In Rotonda, all in upscale newest White Marsh neighborhood. All in a NO FLOOD ZONE for economical build. No flood insurance required. From $32,000.

941-769-0200.

LEMON BAY LOT Seawalled lot in Safety Harbor on Lemon Bay. VERY large, zoning approved for 5 residences, great views, deep water.

Can be subdivided.

Nothing else like this out there! Have plans for 5unit townhome building if interested. $549,900.

Call 941-769-0200.

ESTATE ON LEMON BAY 4 bed, 3-1/2 bath, oversized 3-car garage, and large attached luxury guest apartment.

World class 180 degree views over widest part of Lemon Bay (nearly a mile across).

Brand new highest quality designer pool and spa with cabana bath.

New heavy duty dock. Not enough words to describe it all!

This designer intensive home shows like a featured property in Architectural Digest.

Email us for additional information: beezerandco@comcast.net $1,259,000 Shown by appointment only, to well “prequalified” prospective buyers. Some owner financing possible.

Call: 941-769-0200. TFN

606 GOLF CARTS

1000 Storage

Lovely 3 br., 2 Bath POOL home with many upgradees, tile throughout, freshly painted.

Offered at $279,900.

804 WATERFRONT PROPERTY

Lost something you had? or Found something did you?

Free classified we do.

LAND!

No Bridges to Bay Waterfront lot, pilings in for dock or your sailboat. $59,900.

Sailboat lot Waterfront to Gulf with Concerte Seawall 80 ft frontage. $89,900.

East Englewood corner lot $17,900.

South Gulf Cove building lot $14,600.

2 Lots side by side $12,900 each.

Single family lots $7,900 & $9,900.

BRAND NEW WATERFRONT SAILBOAT HOMEs NOW COMPLETED! No Bridges to the Bay! 4 BRs, 2 Baths, 42” cabinets, granite counters, SS appliances, open floorplan, choose from 2 locations. $299,900. Call 201-953-1309 for appt.

Beautiful home with a “million dollar” view on sailboat water on the south island of South Gulf Cove. Concrete seawall 153 Ft. Open floor plan, tile floors, granite countertop & pool.

Offered at $359,900.

DUPLEX - 2 BR apartments on each side, both rented. Great investment or live in one side & rent the other. $169,900.

Lovely Gardens of Gulf Cove home. 2 Community pools. Almost new roof & A/C. Offered at $125,000.

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

Page 43

FISHIN’ AROUND SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

n Charlie and Lincoln Gayle were happy kids when this big redfish showed up along side the boat as dad Rob hold the fish up.

n Mom Liz Kennedy and daughter Hanna share a moment with this redfish, this past winter in the back country while fishing with Capt. Melvin.

n Everyone is catching redfish in the back country this season with the weather perfect. James McKenna is no different.

n Tom McRae with what looks like a keeper. The easy part is fishing, the hard part is getting the right size red in the keeper slot.

n Dad Tom with son Thomas and his own red. And it looks bigger. Bigger isn’t always better when you want dinner.

n Everybody is seeing red these days. And so is John Gillman with this red in the afternoon.

Photos courtesy of Capt. Sandy Melvin. Capt. Sandy Melvin is a local fishing guide and is the proprietor of Gasparilla Outfitters. He can be reached at 941-964-0907, or on the web at 4tarpon.com

BOCA GRANDE PASS TIDES February 3 - 9 3 FRI First Quarter

4 SAT

5 SUN

High 5:48 am Low 10:25 am High 5:34 pm

6 MON

Low 12:58 High 7:52 Low 10:54 High 6:29

7 TUE

am am am pm

Low 2:17 am High 7:33 pm

Low 3:25 am High 8:36 pm Low High Low High

4:22 11:52 2:20 9:34

am am pm pm

8 WED

9 THU

Low 5:11 High 12:20 Low 3:29 High 10:27

am pm pm pm

Low High Low High

am pm pm pm

5:54 12:48 4:30 11:15

SUNRISE Friday, Feb. 3 - 7:12 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4 - 7:12 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 5 - 7:11 a.m.

Monday, Feb. 6 - 7:11 a.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 - 7:10 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 - 7:09 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 - 7:09 a.m.

SUNSET Friday, Feb. 3 - 6:14 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4 - 6:14 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 5 - 6:15 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 6 - 6:16 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 - 6:16 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 - 6:17 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 - 6:18 p.m.

Page 44

BOCA BEACON - February 3, 2017

L O C A L LY K N O W N . G L O B A L LY C O N N E C T E D .

BOCA GR ANDE 161 Gilchrist Avenue Carol Stewart 941-276-1162 D5915030 $9,700,000

BOCA GR ANDE 16191 N Island Court rt Carol Stewart 941-276-1162 D5914806 $5,5000,000

BOCA GR ANDE 1400 14tth Street W Carol Steewart 941-276-1162 D5912381 $5,495,000

BOCA GR ANDE 1050 E Railroad Avenue Carol Stewart 941-276-1162 D5914897 $2,050 0,000

P L AC I D A 4700 Arlington Drive tthastt-Haynes, P. P. A. Johns Knight & Krista S. Pott 0 941-855--0263 & 941-759-3796 D5912662 $1,800,000

BOCA GR ANDE 1674 740 Grande Quay ay Drive Carol Stewart 941-276-1162 D5910516 $1,795,00 0

PA L M I S L A N D 61 S Gulf Boulevard Ellen Baker & Kevin Mackin 999 & 941-769-0198 D5913680 $1,490,000 941-268-49

BOCA GR ANDE 5000 Gasparilla Road 72A Carol Stewart 941-276-1162 D5916048 $1,025,000

PA L M I S L A N D 71 N Guulf Boulevard Kevin Maackin 941-769- 0198 D5911902 $899,900

BOCA GR ANDE 5700 Gulf Shores Drive C-256 Dee Dee Zor 614-330-2210 D5915653 $820,0000

P L AC I D A 30 Buccaneeer Bend Carol Stewart rt 941-276-116 62 D5914455 $647, 7,500

P L AC I D A 11000 Placida Road 1703 Debi Benson 941-815-5969 D5914986 $514,9900

P L AC I D A rd A201 11220 Haacienda Del Mar Boulevard otthast-Haynes, P. P. A. Krista S. Pot 941-759-3796 D5916007 $489,900

PA L M I S L A N D 11 Bocilla Drive Kevin Mackin 941-769-0198 D5911216 $485,000

R OTO N D A W E S T 38 Bunker P Place Christina Seexton 941-270-215 54 D5915345 $212,000

RENTAL BOCA GR ANDE 1674 740 Grande Quay Drive 3 Bed 2.5 Bat ath Sharon Pay ayne 941-964-2000

NEW CONSTRUCTION P L AC I D A 8944 Scallop Way Marci Davis 941-698-9200 A4156358 $396,900

MSC MOR RT TGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS & C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS | RENT TA AL

BOCA GR ANDE 4079 Shore Lane Carol Stewart 941-276-1162 D5913252 $5,495,000

OPEN HOUSES SUNDA AY YS 1–4 PM michaelsaunders .com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

michaelsaunder s.com m L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R