Southwest Spotlight December 16, 2012

S O U T H W E S T
DECEMBER 16-31, 2012 Vol.3, No.14 FREE
Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
P R S R T S T D
U . S . P O S T A G E P A I D
F T M Y E R S , F L
P E R M I T # 9 8 0
R E S I D E N T I A L C U S T O M E R
E C R W S S
Restaurants 26 to 28
Cheetahs, Leopards & Penguins, Oh My! 21
Homeless Shelter Issues Considered 14
It was snowing in Bonita earlier this month at Holiday in the Park.
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Southwest Spotlight
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Restaurants
Page 6 December 16-31, 2012
8 Bonita Assistance: An
Ecumenical Birth
Bonita Assistance Offce is nur-
tured by all today
10 New Businesses Open
Ribbon cuttings at two local
businesses
News & Features
Business
12 Ghost Tales
Local business brings alive tales
of Calusa Indians
Commentary
14 Homeless Shelter Issues
Considered
Councilman Dr. Steve McIntosh
shares his views
S O U T H W E S T
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Contributing Writers
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D.K. Christi
Martha Crider
Meghan Easterly
Mark Generales
Max Harris
Joyce McDonald
Josh Musselman
Ben Nelson, Jr.
Peter R. OFlinn
Stan J. Strycharz, Psy.D.
Contributing Photographers
David Michael
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11 Surrounded by the Tides
Hurricane Sandy brought out the
best in neighbors
11 Calling Yellow Jackets
Bicyclists can help plan for safe
riding
13 Christmas Boat Parade
Illuminates Imperial River
Big turnout of boaters lights up
the river
16 Calendar
Whats happening this month in
Bonita?
18 Painting with Beads
Artist Cynthia Slack creates
unique conversation starters
19 The Townsmen Band to
Play Miller, Ellington and
Dorsey
Bandshell will swing to music of
the 30s and 40s
20 Creative Saturdays for
the Younger Set
Center for the Arts has fun
classes designed for youth
21 Cheetahs, Leopards and
Penguins, Oh My!
Wild animals are the stars at the
Phil
Columns
22 Mega Mom
A Wish Granted
23 Then & Now
Liles Hotel and Imperial River
Cottages
24 Goober
Painted Bunting can be seen in
SW Florida in winter
25 Mind & Soul
The Gift of Yourself
26 Boating Bonita
Corn and Sugar Cane at the
Pump
Restaurants
27 Restaurant Guide
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Restaurants
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Spotlight Dogs
Karen Bucy | dog@swspotlight.com
Karen Bucy sent us this photo of her two Bichon Fris girls. Sof (left) and Elli
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could be the next Spotlight Dog. Southwest Spotlight
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Community
Restaurants
Bonita Assistance: An Ecumenical
Birth, Now Nurtured by All
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com
Volunteers, Donnie Derviter, Lucy Rodriguez, Sally Schreck, Leticia Santos and
Margaret Gabriel assist with food distribution at the Bonita Assistance Offce.
We are sustained
by our community.
Maribel Slabaugh,
executive director
We are aware of
the history, and we
honor it.
Father Michael Rowe,
St. Marys Episcopal Church
By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs One day
in the late 1970s, leaders of
local churches sat down for
one of their regular klatch-
es to discuss all things spir-
itual, and all things Bonita.
In the course of their
conversation, Father John
Foley of St. Leo Catholic
Church mentioned that he
had given money to a man
who knocked on the rec-
tory door, asking for help.
Wait a minute, said
another pastor. I think I
helped the same guy, but he
had a diferent story.
Me too, said a third.
Time has blurred the
details of one mans tall
tales. Today, some around
town say it involved deaths
in the family, others a job
of Father Foley, Christus
Victors website states to-
day.
Te churches, working
together with the Bonita
Lions Club, raised $6,000.
Te Bonita Assistance
Ofce was formed.
A Community
Effort
More than three de-
cades later, Bonita Assis-
tance serves thousands of
Bonitians. During the frst
ten months of 2012, 4,200
individuals in 1800 house-
holds were helped.
We are sustained by
our community, said Mari-
bel Slabaugh, its executive
director. Bonita Assistance
receives no government
funding, other than in lim-
ited FEMA emergencies.
Last year Bonita As-
sistance raised almost
$60,000 through its holi-
day Stocking Fund. Many
Riverside Park events, like
Celebrate Bonita, also pro-
vide support. So do the Ro-
taries, businesses and other
associations. Individuals
give directly or indirectly
through funds like Spanish
Wells Cares or the United
Way.
Te Bonita Lions Club,
one of the nations most
charitable, has always been
a stalwart supporter. For
years it provided Bonita
Assistance a home on its
campus. Bonita Assistance
moved up Old 41 to Bern-
wood when it outgrew that
space, and the Lions Club
eye clinic needed more
room. Today the Lions
provide substantial sup-
port, including a subsidy
for ofce rent.
A History Honored
Father Foley, who the
Assistance Ofce credits
with being a guiding light,
died in 1990. By every indi-
cation the organization he
helped found is true to its
original mission.
Many Bonita religious
organizations continue as
prime supporters.
We are aware of the
history, and honor it, said
Father Michael Rowe, rec-
tor of St. Marys Episcopal
Church, a major contribu-
tor to Bonita Assistance.
We are following through
on a commitment St.
Marys made, and was glad
to make, years ago.
Its consistent with our
ethos, a deep commitment
to reaching out and helping
others.
St. Marys involvement
extends beyond monetary
contributions. At Christ-
mas time, wrapped toys sit
under a Giving Tree in its
narthex, destined for chil-
dren suggested by Bonita
Assistance.
Bonita Assistance is
consistently reliable, we
know that they do careful
evaluations, provide prac-
tical assistance and coach
people in good directions,
Father Rowe said. We are
confdent that what we give
is well used.
A Hand Up, Not a
Hand Out
Its all about helping,
said executive director Sla-
baugh, and we have a lot of
people to help in this com-
munity.
Last year, Bonita Assis-
tance provided food worth
about $75,000 at its choice
food pantry, the only one
in south Lee County. Or-
ganized like a small store, it
allows people to make their
own selections, rather than
be handed a bag of canned
goods.
Volunteers help clients
make better, healthier,
food choices. Selections are
weighed, and tracked by
family or individual.
Early concerns, that
people might take advan-
tage, did not materialize.
People in need are con-
scious of their situation,
said Slabaugh, Tey know
they are not the only ones.
If they need more, they ask
for more.
When someone asks
for food, that is ofen the
tip of the iceberg, she said.
Bonita Assistance provides
temporary help with rent,
utility bills, medical and
similar needs. Clients may
have a crises caused by an
illness, job loss, or other
personal circumstance.
Investigations verify
need. We talk to landlords
to see that the person has a
record of paying, and keep-
ing the place in good shape,
said Slabaugh. Sometimes
landlords will tell us, You
know what, dont waste
your money.
If there is a constant
situation of need, we prob-
ably wont be able to help,
said Slabaugh. Referrals are
made to other organiza-
tions.
411?
As the City has grown
in size, Bonita Assistance
has received requests from
some with a rather broad
interpretation of its name.
At election time we
get calls from residents in
some gated communities
asking where they should
vote, said Slabaugh. Oth-
ers want to know where
they can dock a boat, or get
a drivers license. We get
calls like that all the time,
she said.
Tats not what Father
Foley had in mind.
loss. Maybe a trafc acci-
dent.
Whatever the story, it
helped galvanize a power-
ful collaborative response
by Bonita Springs churches
for the truly needy.
It was a time of bloom-
ing ecumenism. When
Christus Victor Lutheran
Church started in the 70s,
its ministry took place at
St. Leos. We are still very
grateful for the kindness Southwest Spotlight
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Hair By Blanca Salon Celebrates Grand Opening
The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening
and ribbon cutting ceremony of Hair by Blanca Salon last month. Hair by Blanca is
located in Bonita Springs at 28811 S. Tamiami Trail Suite #6.
Contributed | towntalk@swspotlight.com
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News and Views
By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
A Village in the City,
Surrounded by Tides
On the evening of October 29, John Brando
got an eyewitness view of Hurricane Sandy
slamming into his New York City business, all
the while sitting at his desk in Bonita Springs.
Brando owns and rents a block of retail
stores in Howard Beach, Queens, near Ken-
nedy airport. Tey are located a few hundred
feet from Jamaica Bay.
As Sandy churned toward New York that
Monday evening, Brando clicked on the com-
puter in his Bonita Bay home.
Holy spit, he remembers saying when he
frst peered at the screen. Before him were vid-
eo images of waves lapping against his build-
ing, displayed in a checkerboard of views from
15 security cameras.
I could not believe what I was watching,
he said.
During the course of the evening, Brando
saw the tide rise, surrounding his building with
fve feet of water.
Two hours in, the wall of water buckled two
storefronts, swamping a dance studio and a
tanning salon.
Cars bobbed up and down in the waves and
wind. Blown into the corner of the parking lot,
they stayed stuck at diferent angles.
I didnt panic because there wasnt a thing
I could do, said Brando. I just watched in dis-
belief. Afer four hours, the cameras ficked
of. Power was down in New York.
When Brando arrived in Howard Beach
two days later, he found less damage than
expected. Seven of his nine storefronts had
mostly withstood the assault, with about a foot
of seepage around doorjambs. Tere was no
structural damage.
His house, built well above grade, had mi-
nor damage.
I felt like I was very lucky, he said.
All around him, however, in the neighbor-
hood he has called home for over 60 years, he
found devastation. It was like New Orleans,
except the water did not stay because the tide
went out, he said.
Vast portions of Howard Beach had been
submerged. Streets were lined with discarded
furniture and debris. Tree of every four cars
were totaled, it is estimated.
People lost keepsakes, things handed down
that belonged to their parents, said Brando. It
breaks your heart.
Brando also experienced something that
did not surprise him as a native New Yorker.
Neighborhoods like Howard Beach bring the
metropolis down to village-like scale, where
neighbors help neighbors.
His next-door neighbor hooked up a gener-
ator, run with scarce gasoline, so Brando could
drain his fooded basement. People shared
their food with neighbors. Tey are extremely
generous and friendly, he said.
Tey are also resilient. Within days, wet
sheet rock was stripped from his fooded stores,
and storefronts rebuilt.
Te dance studios foating wood foor,
which foated away, was replaced. Te butcher
shop, produce store, hair salon and bait and
tackle shop reopened.
So did the deli.
I had to have a pastrami sandwich, said
Brando. Its the best in the city.
Calling Yellow Jackets
Attention: Bicyclists who swarm out of
Bonita Bay like a pack of yellow jackets. City
Council member Janet Martin wants to hear
from you.
City Council recently approved a citizens
bicyclist and pedestrian committee at Martins
request. Te City is looking for volunteers from
all around town to kick start the seven member
group.
Martin, who rides on Imperial Street and
Terry Avenue, has had one too many car side
view mirrors buzz by her head. And she has
heard an earful from residents.
In fve years sitting on Council I have been
contacted many times by diferent people say-
ing why dont we have more bicycle paths, she
said.
We need to fgure out how everybody can
be safe. We need people to give us their ideas.
Tere is plenty of room for improvement,
she said, and ofered a sampling of hot spots,
like U.S.41 (absolutely terrifying, particularly
where bike lanes continue through car turn
lanes), Terry Street east of Imperial (I have
seen cars drive right up on the sidewalk) and
the area around the YMCA (Teres no way to
ride safely to the Y).
Martin has plenty of ideas for the new com-
mittee to consider. For example, last summer,
while in France, she saw networks of paved
lanes delineated for walkers and bikers. Te
City should consider a pathway on the perim-
eter of the Mayhood property, she said, where
parents can push baby carriages while young-
sters ride bikes. She would like to see bike paths
on power company right of ways hook into fu-
ture Collier and Lee County trails.
Every time we build a new road, bike lanes
and bufering should be thought of from the
get-go, not afer the fact, she said.
Te new committee is a great opportunity
to develop progressive ideas, said Martin. I
would like to see some serious cyclists on it,
she said. I know, for example, that Bonita Bay
has a large bike club. It would be great to get
representatives from our communities.
A Tasty Community
When asked for ftting words to describe
this years Taste of Bonita, recently held at
Riverside Park, Noon Rotarys Rob Grady did
not hesitate.
Community, community, community, he
said.
It seemed like half the community was
there that day. An estimated 10,000 showed up
to enjoy special dishes prepared by 22 locally
owned restaurants.
It was Noon Rotarys most successful
Taste in an 18 year run. Over 70 volunteers
work the event. Proceeds beneft local nonprof-
its like Bonita Assistance and Rotary scholar-
ships and charity programs.
Tis years event showcased local eateries.
Its the Taste of Bonita, so we decided to have
restaurants you can only fnd in Bonita, said
Grady. People embraced the fact that they
were supporting locally owned businesses.
We wanted to help the little guy, he said.
Its all about community.
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Business & Real Estate Page 12 December 16-31, 2012
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41
Coconut Rd
P
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Murano
Del Lago Dr
By D. K. Christi
dkchristi@swspotlight.com
Bonita SpringsTe conch
shell and rising smoke were
yesterdays signals to na-
tives in the waters of Estero
Bay. Today when the conch
shell is heard it is probably
John Paeno conjuring up
the ghosts of the Calusa, the
earliest inhabitants of Es-
tero Bay.
Paeno rents kayaks and
standup paddleboards and
arranges fshing charters.
His guided adventures, the
Calusa Ghost Tours, are for
the local and visitor who
want a vision of the past, and
whose curiosity is aroused
by the indian artifacts and
replicas in Paenos cottage
alongside the Imperial River
in Riverside Park, Bonita
Springs.
I started out on Pine
Island when I frst came to
Southwest Florida, walking
on the beach and discover-
ing artifacts, said Paeno.
I recognized their historic
value afer my career with
the New York State Depart-
ment of Historic Preserva-
tion. Pontiac signed the
Peace Treaty of the 1600s at
the Fort Ontario, New York
the Spanish. Te Calusa king
imprisoned so many Cu-
bans seeking the Fountain
of Youth, that he had a city
of slaves. Te Indians made
fun of the men drinking
the water in search of their
fountain, smiled Paeno.
Stories and artifact dis-
cussions enliven Paenos
presentation paddling two
hours round trip from Lov-
ers Key to Mound Key and
one hours historical ex-
perience on the Key, a 183
acre island. We make our
adventures as accessible as
possible; I have two-person
kayaks for those that wish to
ride, adds Paeno.
Another trip, In the
Shadow of Cushing, follows
the famous explorer and ar-
chaeologist whose detailed
explorations are shared by
Paeno for the Pine Island
tour. Tis trip also entails
two hours of round-trip
paddling with an hour on
the site.
Pine Islands indian
town, inhabited by the Calu-
sa for over 1,500 years, is
listed on the National Reg-
ister of Historic Places and
included on both the Calusa
Heritage trail and Lee Coun-
tys Great Calusa Blueway.
Historic remains include
artifacts, shell mounds and
the remnants of an ancient
two and a half mile Calusa
canal.
Its amazing what the
Calusa accomplished with
no electricity or modern
tools using shells and cab-
bage palms as their main
material, said Paeno. He il-
lustrated their talent with a
thin white catfsh spine, the
culprit that cost the life of
explorer Ponce de Leon on
his last trip to Estero. Te
Calusa threw a spear with
that spine, hitting Ponce
de Leon in the thigh, caus-
ing an infection from which
he died upon his return to
Cuba. Sting ray spines are
equally lethal, added Pae-
no.
Tese are just a sample of
the legends; the rest are re-
served for the Calusa Ghost
Tours.
Bonita Business Beat
Conjuring the Ghosts
of the Calusa
John Paeno, owner of Calusa Ghost Tours, with
one of his many kayaks in Riverside Park along the
Imperial River.
Indian artifacts were
a natural for me.
John Paeno
State Historic Site. Indian
artifacts were a natural for
me. Paeno discovered arti-
facts that are now on display
at the Smithsonian.
Cottage visitors enjoy
Calusa replica hammers,
axes and cording Paeno
makes from shell, cabbage
palms and natural materi-
als. Te Calusa Indians
built Mound Key in Estero
Bay from shells a thousand
years before the arrival of
If you go:
What: Calusa Ghost Tours; Where: Cottage 6, Riverside Park;
Contact: www.calusaghosttours.com; 938-5342
Southwest Spotlight
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David Michael| towntalk@swspotlight.com
A good time was had by all at the Christmas Boat Parade earlier this month. Since
Adam Botana of Bay Water Exclusive Boat Club took over as Chair of the event last
year, the number of boats in the parade has more than doubled. Expansion plans are
already in the works for next year to lengthen the parade route. Merry Christmas!
TOWN TALK
Christmas Boat Parade
Southwest Spotlight
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Commentary
By Dr. Steve McIntosh
Councilman and Deputy
Mayor, District 1
City Council Corner
Homeless Shelter
Issues Considered
Over the past few
months, the City Council
has been dealing with its
most contentious issue ever
our own rules and regula-
tions, we are still saddled
with some remnants of Lee
Countys zoning regula-
tions. Under those guide-
lines, it appears there are
portions of the city in
which a homeless shelter
could have been built. And
according to the best legal
advice I have been able to
obtain, there is no legal
standing for a decision that
there will be no homeless
shelter ever in Bonita.
Is there a community
need? Tis is a more tenu-
ous question. I have never
been involved with an issue
that conjured up as many
questionable and contra-
dictory statistics as this
issue. Part of the problem
is defnition. Part is the
ability some people have
of manipulating statistics.
And part is there are no
truly reliable statistics on
the issue.
How will it afect our
citizens quality of life?
Tere have been literally
hundreds of citizens jam-
ming City Hall and just as
many making their opin-
ions known by email. Te
overwhelming position
is that a homeless shelter
would ruin our neighbor-
hoods and destroy our city.
I frmly believe the City
Council is taking the ap-
propriate course of action.
We have given ourselves
the time to work through
the issue and establish a
logical, legal, viable posi-
tion. A group of citizens,
both pro and con on the is-
sue, were asked to take part
in creating our own zoning
and operating standards,
and they have made both
remarkable progress and a
valuable contribution. Te
Land Planning Agency
(LPA), the citys volunteer
advisory board on land use,
will take those suggestions,
and in public hearings for-
mulate a draf ordinance.
Our City Attorney will
carefully review the draf,
and likely enlist the advice
of other well regarded le-
gal counsel. Te draf will
be brought to City Council
for review, revision, and at
least two public hearings
before an ordinance is put
into practice.
Tis article will un-
doubtedly be distorted by
those adamantly for or
rigidly against a home-
less shelter, regularly mis-
quoted, and used for other
than the purpose intended.
I took this chance because I
have tremendous empathy
for our citizens who are in
turmoil about this issue. I
want them to understand
that no decision will be
made without public in-
volvement, transparency at
every step, and the honest
intentions of City Council
to represent the wishes of
our citizens and the best
interests of our city.
Your opinions on any
topic are important, so
always contact your City
Council representative
and make your thoughts
known.
Letters to the Editor Policy
Te Southwest Spotlight publishes letters to the
editor as space allows. All letters represent the views
of their authors, not of the Southwest Spotlight. Please
write thoughtfully on local topics and be respectful of
others. Letters containing personal attacks and abu-
sive language will not be considered for publication.
Include a phone number to verify writers identity.
Letters are published at the Spotlights discretion. All
letters are subject to editing for space, grammar and
factual accuracy. Send to editor@swspotlight.com
a homeless shelter in Bo-
nita Springs. Regardless of
your immediate reaction
to the issue, the decision is
far more complicated than
many understand.
For me, this decision
rests on the same three
questions on which I make
all decisions about the city.
Tey are not based on my
religious beliefs, my civic
orientation, or my societal
values. Tey are:
What is the legal stand-
ing? We are a relatively new
city, and although we are
working hard to establish
Southwest Spotlight
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Spotlight Sunset
Ysa Rojas | sunset@swspotlight.com
Ysa Rojas took this photo on Bonita Beach behind Docs Beach House. Send your best sunset photos to sunset@swspotlight.com and your photo could be the
next Spotlight Sunset.
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CALENDAR
B: Bonita Springs E: Estero
FM: Fort Myers N: Naples
Continued on next page
16 Sunday
Te Townsmen Band
2 p.m.
Bring your lawn chair and be
ready to dance to the tunes of
Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey
and Duke Ellington. Where:
bandshell, Riverside Park. B.
Cost: Free. Voluntary con-
tribution to beneft Bonita
Springs Assistance Ofce.
Gif Collection
9:30 a.m.
Te Springs of Bonita, a local
nondenominational church,
will be sponsoring 60 chil-
dren for the Christmas Pres-
ent Project. Presents will be
collected following the 9:30
service on December 16th
and distributed to the chil-
dren throughout the week.
Where: Riverside Park B. For
more info contact Ann Mus-
selman at ann@golfexpress.
org or call 297-2926.
and popcorn are available.
Where: Center for the Arts,
B. For more info call 239-
495-8989. Cost: $8 per per-
son.
18 Tuesday
Improv Showcase
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Students in the adult edu-
cation Improv II class will
perform improv games and
scenes based on audience
suggestions. Be a part of the
show. Where: Promenade at
Bonita Bay. B. For more info
call 495-8989. Cost: Free.
19 Wednesday
Te Santaland Diaries
Dec. 19 to Dec. 30,
matinee & evening per-
formances
Crumpet the Elf is back for
the fourth smash season
of yuletide mischief in this
thorny comedy from ac-
claimed satirist David Se-
daris. Te Santaland Dia-
ries exposes the underside
of Santas workshop when
David, a down and out-of-
work cynical writer, desper-
ately takes a job as Macys elf
during the holiday crunch.
Where: Florida Repertory,
2267 Bay Street FM. Cost: all
seats $25. For more info call
332-4488 or visit foridarep.
org.
20 Thursday
Art Walk at the Promenade
5 to 8 p.m.
Retail storefronts have been
transformed into studio and
gallery spaces alive with ar-
tistic energy and creativity.
Visit with the artists includ-
ing potters, jewelers, painters,
sculptors, glass artists, mixed
media artists, photographers
and more. Live music and
refreshments round out the
evening. Where: Promenade
at Bonita Bay, of US 41. B.
Cost: Free.
22 Saturday
Single Session Art
Classes for Youth
9-11 a.m. and
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tese will be 2 hour art
classes for children that
range from Duct Tape-Gifs
to Painting and Drawing.
Where: Center for the Arts
of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old
41 Rd. B. For more informa-
tion, see article page 20; call
239-495-8989, or visit art-
centerbonita.org. Cost: $20
per class.
26 Wednesday
Moscow Ballets Great
Russian Nutcracker
7:30 p.m.
Tis 20th Anniversary pro-
duction overfows with 40
top Russian dancers, lavish
costumes, falling snow and
9 hand-painted backdrops
all set to Tchaikovskys com-
plete score. Where: Barbara
B. Mann Performing Arts
Hall, 13350 Edison Parkway,
FM. Tickets $29.50 and up.
For tickets 800-440-7469.
Holiday Camp for Kids
9 a.m.to noon & 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m. , (noon to 1
p.m. packed lunch and
movie)-7 days beginning
12/26
Give your child a great gif
this holiday season. Tey
can attend one or all of the
classes. Projects will be dif-
ferent each day and can be
completed and taken home
the same day. No reserva-
tions are needed. Drop your
child of while you work or
shop. Where: Center for the
Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road,
17 Monday
Films for Film Lovers
Callas Forever
7 p.m.
Tis fctional story, Callas
Forever, starring Fanny Ar-
dant as Callas, has parallels
with real life. It is in English,
French and Italian with Eng-
lish subtitles with discus-
sion aferward. Wine, non-
alcoholic beverages, snacks
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Calendar
from page 16
Call NOW to claim your
FREE
7-Day Pass
Valid thru December 31, 2012.
Come into our studio now!
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Shape up faster with Power Plate
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tness needs for the absolute
best results quickly and safely. No
crowds. No pressure. Just you and
20 minutes twice a week of pure
body beautiful work.
Give us a call for your
complimentary sessions and 7
days pass. Enjoy full studio access
to personalized session, nutrition
classes and more. Your Body
Beautiful starts today.
B. For a full listing of dates,
times and classes visit www.
artcenterbonita.org
28 Friday
Jack Hannas Into the
Wild Live 6 p.m.
Wild animals on stage with
television personality Jack
Hanna and exciting flm
clips of animals in exotic
locations. Go early and ask
questions of this acclaimed
animal expert. Where: Phil-
harmonic Center for the
Arts, N. Tickets $25 to $40.
www.tickets.thephil.org or
call 239-597-1900.
29 Saturday
Second Annual
Coconut Point New Years
Weekend Art Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tis two day festival, De-
cember 29 & 30, will include
hundreds of participating
artists in all media including
paintings, sculpture, jewelry,
photography, ceramics and
more. Where: Coconut Point
Mall, B. For more info visit
artfestival.com. Cost: Free.
30 Sunday
Holiday Concert Voices
of Russia 4 p.m.
Te Art Hall in the Historic
Settlement comes alive with
professional classical music.
Hear the beauty and mysti-
cism of Russian song. Re-
ception to follow. Where:
Koreshan Historic Site,
intersection of US 41 and
Corkscrew Road. E. Tickets
$30 each; $45 each includes
reception. For tickets call
239-596-8404.
Salute to Vienna
7:30 p.m.
A festive New Years concert,
featuring a brilliant new cast
of over 75 musicians, stellar
European singers and danc-
ers in beautiful costumes. A
light hearted blend of popu-
lar Strauss waltzes, polkas
and famous operetta ex-
cerpts from Die Fledermaus,
Te Merry Widow and more.
Where: Barbara B. Mann
Performing Arts Hall, 13350
Edison Parkway, FM. Tick-
ets $40 and up. For tickets
call 800-440-7969
31 Monday
Te Gershwin Concert
Experience 9 p.m.
Celebrate New Years Eve at
the Phil with the Naples Phil-
harmonic Orchestra, David
Snyder conducting. Tis all-
new multimedia show fea-
tures new arrangements and
rarely seen items from the
Gershwin archives. Ring in
the New Year with a Cham-
pagne/Jazz Reception im-
mediately following. Where:
Philharmonic Center for the
Arts, N. Tickets $79 to $89.
www.tickets.thephil.org
ONGOING
Saturdays
Te Farm Fresh Market
7:30 a.m. to noon
Come to one of the most
popular markets in the re-
gion. Fully stocked farm-
fresh vegetable vendors plus
vendors selling frozen fsh,
baked goods, cut fowers,
orchids, cosmetics, antiques,
fashions, jewelry, books, and
more. Where: Promenade at
Bonita Bay B. Cost: Free. For
more information, visit boni-
talions.org.
Family Activity Days at
Andy Warhol Exhibit
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Pop Art with Andy Warhol
continues thru January 5.
Saturdays feature a mini lec-
ture of the exhibition and a
variety of Pop Art projects
for children to create and take
home. Where: Center for the
Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100
Old US41 Road, B. Cost:
Free
Wednesdays
Farm Growers Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you can eat it and watch it
grow, its here! Where: Old
41 and Childers St. B. For
more information, visit bo-
nitalions.org.
Meetings
Democratic Club of
Bonita Springs and
South Lee County
Tur., Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
Where: Center for the Art
of Bonita Springs B. For
more information call Larry
Byrnes 239-634-6469.
Bonita Springs
City Council
Wed. Dec. 19, 9 a.m.
Come watch local govern-
ment in action. Where: City
Council Chambers, 9101 Bo-
nita Beach Rd. B.
Bonita Springs
Newcomers Club
Luncheon Meeting
Tur., Dec. 20, noon and
the 3rd Tur. of each
month
Membership is open to
women who reside in Bo-
nita Springs and surround-
ing communities. Te club
ofers an opportunity to
meet other women, develop
friendships, share common
interests, and participate in
a variety of other activities
organized by club mem-
bers. Where: community
clubhouses is the local area
B. For more information,
visit bonitaspringsnewcom-
ersclub.com. To attend a
luncheon, e-mail bonitanew-
comers@gmail.com or call
Joan at 239-947-2944.
All dates, times and prices
are subject to change.
Southwest Spotlight
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By D.K.Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Cynthia
Slack spent her career in
textile design; color was
her life personally and pro-
fessionally. She was also
a portrait artist, sculptor
and creative director for
her own experiments in
three dimensional media
using acrylic boxes and
renderings, that border
on the abstract, in her
own words.
When we moved to
Florida from Connecticut
seven years ago, I couldnt
bring my large studio or
continue works of art on
that scale. I needed to ex-
press color through sculpt-
ing and painting that
would ft in a small, home
studio. Painting with beads
was my answer. Cynthia
Slack Designs in jewelry
was born.
I experimented with
diferent materials until I
found just
the right
c o m b i n a -
tion of plastic
coated wire that
I could crochet and bend
creatively with home made
jigs and beads with infnite
texture, color and stories
that I collect from across
the globe, said Slack as she
displayed several unique
pieces. Anyone who owns
a Cynthia Slack necklace
knows the importance of
the stories that accompany
the beads; wearing a work
of art is noticed, a conver-
sation starter.
All of my pieces tell a
story, said Slack. Perhaps
its just about color and
how it fows through the
textured beads that I buy
at the Paris fea market
where the same vendor is
still selling beads her father
made in
the 30s
and 40s. She
charges $25 for as
many beads as the
cup holds thus a lot
of shaking is part of the
carefully orchestrated
selection process. One
sculpture contains a large,
square bead made from
melted coke bottles. Other
necklaces might include
taking apart jewelry I fnd
at shows and fea markets
when I recognize a piece
that I need or want.
A surprise is the amaz-
ing light weight in spite of
their substantial appear-
ance. All beads are qual-
ity plastic and the clasps
are formed from the wire,
easy to fasten. Te entire
necklace has an element of
fuidity as it may be shaped
to ft the neck as preferred
by the customer.
Tese pieces are very
individual. I enjoy selling
them at intimate home
parties over a glass of wine
where friends pass the
pieces around comment-
ing on which designs, col-
ors and shapes look best
on each other, said Slack.
Tey are sold at the von
Liebig Art Center where
unique pieces are appre-
ciated and at other simi-
lar locations. Once a year,
Slack has a discounted sale
at her home studio in early
December.
Slacks painting on can-
vas is not entirely lost. Her
home is decorated with
saved pieces of her art,
many that have a social
commentary. Tey may
tell life stories, incorpo-
rating elements from the
persons life in their por-
trait. A few new pieces are
smaller works that were
painted from her jewelry
designs. She has printed a
few books that tell the his-
tory of her painting with
beads, including photo-
graphs of the designer
necklaces alone, on mod-
els and on canvas.
Designer necklaces
from Slack are works of
art, incorporating her love
of complementary col-
ors that fow through her
bead paintings and pop
Artist Spotlight
Painting with Beads
All of my pieces tell
a story. Tese
pieces are very
individual.
Crae Clements |
Special to the Spotlight
A Cynthia Slack
necklace
as sculptures around the
necks of savvy customers.
Her life overfows with the
art she loves including the
additional quest for just the
right beads during travels
with her spouse. She will
make custom designs that
may include earrings or
bracelets, but her neck-
laces are her artistic signa-
ture. More of her work can
be seen at cynthiaslackde-
signs.com.
Walter Slack | Special to the Spotlight
Cynthia Slacks favorite stall for buying antique
beads is the Marche au Puces in Paris.
Crae Clements | Special to the Spotlight
Neck sculptures by
Cynthia Slack
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Te Townsmen Band to Play Miller, Ellington and Dorsey
We encourage concert attendees to dance.
Kathy Light
If you go:
What: The Townsmen Band
Where: Riverside Park bandshell, 2:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE, voluntary contribution to beneft Bonita
Assistance Offce
When: Sundays: December 16, 2012, January 6,
2013, February 10, 2013, March 3, 2013
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Get out
those dancing shoes. Te
sounds of Glen Miller,
Duke Ellington and Tom-
my Dorsey will soon fll the
air at Riverside Park, be-
ginning with the opening
sounds of the Townsmen
Band, Sunday, December
16, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to
3:30 p.m. Bring chairs and
enjoy the free concert with
songs from the 30s and 40s
mixed with standard favor-
ites. Ralph Firestone leads
the eleven piece orchestra.
Music mixed with charity
accounts for passing the
hat at the intermission for
those inspired to register
their enjoyment with a do-
nation. Te majority of the
funds support the Bonita
Assistance Ofce with a
small honorarium for band
member travel expenses.
Donations are strictly
voluntary; said Kathy
Light, the only woman in
the band and publicist for
the group. Tey play pri-
vate, paid performances
and free community con-
certs.
Stan Spiro and Te
Townsmen were frst or-
ganized on Marco Island
over thirty years ago.
Spiro gave up leadership
in 2007 and continued as
a band member well into
his 90s until his passing
a year ago. Current band
leader, Ralph Firestone,
has a strong musical back-
ground that started with
piano and classical music
in his youth. My mom
wanted me to pursue mu-
sic and my dad wanted me
to be an engineer; I stud-
ied engineering and con-
tinued to play in bands in
Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Firestone plays duos and
solo in local venues and
restaurants and also sings.
He plays alto sax for Te
Townsmen in addition to
planning the music and
engaging musicians.
Te Townsmen re-
hearse at the Park Alli-
ance Church in San Carlos
Park; band members come
from all over southwest
Florida from Marco Is-
land to Cape Coral and in
between. Many have for-
mer careers in bands and
as music teachers; I am
a former music teacher,
said Light, who plays the
trombone. Im in my 50s
and among the youngest
players. Many of our mu-
sicians play well into their
senior years. Most mem-
bers come from other pro-
fessions including school
administrators and paint-
ers; their second love, mu-
sic, has now taken a larger
role. Te Big Band sound
of the 30s and 40s appeals
to those who love to dance,
and we encourage concert
attendees to dance, said
Light. One of my favor-
ite events was the birth-
day party for a 95 year old
woman on Pine Island at
the American Legion. She
was dancing and everyone
had fun.
Our partnership with
the Bonita Assistance Of-
fce began three years ago,
said Light. We are happy
to provide music to the
community in partnership
with a community char-
ity. Maribel Slabaugh,
Executive Director for the
Bonita Springs Assistance
Ofce added, We appre-
ciate the generous beneft
performances at Riverside
Park that also help us meet
our mission to serve needy
residents. We provide a
shopping food pantry;
partial emergency pay-
ments for rent, utilities
and medical expenses; and
an extensive referral ser-
vice for counseling, dental
and other services.
Itll be a perfect afer-
noon. Te Townsmen have
never cancelled due to
weather!
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Creative Saturdays at the Center for the Arts
Hanna Hersh and Emma Hersh
danced with ribbons in their Mod-
ern Dance class at the Center for
the Arts.
Sarah Bender and Gabby Conte show off their
Cookonomics creations at Center for the Arts.
Renzo Soriano, Instructor/Actor in
Movie Makers class, reviews the
mornings flms with Jacob Houck
(center), Daniel Drew (at keyboard)
and Nina Nieto.
By D.K. Christi
Bonita Springs Te Center
for the Arts Bonita Springs
welcomes experienced and
hopeful artists with color-
ful buildings, open porches
and classrooms equipped
for everything from dance
to pottery and cooking to
sophisticated movie pro-
duction. On one Saturday,
classes included improvi-
sation, cook-
ing, modern
dance, movie
pr o duc t i on,
and a free fam-
ily afernoon
in the Andy
Warhol exhibit
with hands-on
stations to imi-
tate his art - all
classes titled to
attract youth.
Obser vi ng
classes on an
active Satur-
day morning
begins in the
Sup Acting
for Real Life
class for children age sev-
en to ten. Sup is youth
language for Whats Up?
Students practice improv
techniques that teach stan-
dard phrases for improved
communications on
stage and with their teach-
ers, peers and families.
Craig Price, Perform-
ing Arts Director, has the
children respond to cues
with a standard improve
technique such as yes,
and followed by addi-
tional information. Why?
Harmony is created by af-
frming another persons
opinion and then adding
more instead of no which
ends communication. On
the stage, being prepared
with the and continues
the action. Students shared
how useful the techniques
could be with friends, at
home and at school.
Cookonomics students
flled the chairs around
the table and made Turkey
treats corncob facsimiles
of Kix, blueberries, cran-
berries and fruit rollups
combined with turkey
place markers that started
with egg cartons. Teacher
and artist Kalon Baqueros
absolute patience kept or-
ganization among the stu-
dents perfect, assigning a
job for each child.
Mother was sorry I ate
Te ribs on the skel-
eton cupcakes were made
from pretzels; they had
marshmallows for heads;
really cool, added Sarah
Bender, 10. She contin-
ued, I think the classes
help with life; I took acting
too.
Tree students in Mov-
ie Makers created a movie,
transferred it from the
recorder to the computer
program and began to edit
their own flm with the
nearly one on one instruc-
tion of Renzo Soriano, an
actor in local Shakespeare
in Paradise with years of
Los Angeles flm making
experience.
Nina Nieto, 10, said,
Acting is my favorite. I
enjoy acting, painting and
editing. Last year I was
Agnes, the cook, in Dress
Rehearsal for Murder.
I like the small class-
es and a chance to make
movies, said Daniel Drew,
12. His mother is glad he
enjoys the movie making
class because his brother
plays football and now
Daniel has something too.
I want to be in a play,
said Jacob Houck, 8. Im
into acting and make be-
lieve. We edit out the slow
parts in this flm. His
family includes profes-
sional musicians; he comes
by his art naturally.
Kim Hersh waited for
her two daughters, Hanna,
9, and Emma, 6, at Modern
Dance and said, Tey love
to dance and love coming
here. Te instructor is en-
ergetic and allows for free
style, fun dancing. Te
girls leave with a smile.
the cupcake I made last
week before she got a pic-
ture, shared Gabby Conte,
9, adding, I think all the
classes are awesome. Last
year Gabby spent a whole
year in pottery, furnishing
her home with lots of Raku
fred dishes.
A glimpse into the Andy
Warhol exhibit room dur-
ing the Free
Family Ac-
tivity caught
tiny Violette
Damon, 2,
working at
the collage
station, one
of many de-
signed to
give patrons
an experi-
ence with
Andy War-
hols art
methods.
Te Cen-
ter for the
Arts Bonita
Springs is exceptional in
at least three ways: the
instructional quality, the
small class size and the af-
fordability. No student is
turned away. Te Center
for the Arts ofers gener-
ous discounts and schol-
arships so that art, theater
and dance are afordable to
everyone, added Patrice
Shields, Marketing Direc-
tor.
I think all
the classes are
awesome.
Gabby Conte
To register
for class:
Visit artcenterbonita.
org or call
239-495-8989 for
class schedules, fees
and scholarship
applications. Classes
are available all year.
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Cheetahs, Leopards and Penguins, Oh My!
By D.K. Christi
Bonita Springs Imagine a
cheetah, a clouded leopard,
a penguin, a sloth, a palm
civet and several other sur-
prises on stage at the Phil-
harmonic Center for the
Arts, live. Add acclaimed
animal expert, journalist
and Emmy award winning
television star Jack Hanna
sharing humorous and
frightening experiences
flming Into the Wild and
other wild animal adven-
tures in exotic locations.
Imagination becomes re-
ality December 28, 2012
at 6:00 p.m., Hannas frst
show on a whirlwind Flor-
ida West Coast tour that
includes Naples, Sarasota
and St. Petersburg in three
days.
Director Emeritus for
the Columbus Zoo, Hanna
would say the animals are
the stars. Te fast-paced
hour and a half live show
is for young and old from
three years and up and in-
cludes exciting flm clips,
said Hanna whose high en-
ergy and humor captures
audiences.
Live shows and ben-
efts give me the chance to
talk with people, sign au-
animals helps
people under-
stand conser-
vation. Over
220 zoos and
aquariums had
an attendance
of 176 million
plus people in
total last year;
its the largest
recreation to-
day. Accidental
education from
a zoo experi-
ence teaches
love. You can-
not teach peo-
ple to conserve
what they do
not love, and
conservation is
the end goal.
Te wild animals on
stage are courtesy of the
Columbus Zoo. Zoo staf
members accompany the
travelers. Te danger asso-
ciated with wild animals,
according to Hanna, re-
quires understanding each
others comfort zone: the
animals and mine. Viola-
tion of either can jeopar-
dize safety. Most mishaps
with animals are the result
of human error. I am very
aware of safety precautions,
especially as I age. No live
orchestra will accompany
this production, respecting
the animal comfort zone.
Hannas demanding
schedule of television pro-
ductions, travel and flm-
ing leaves little personal
time; but he enjoys family
time, backpacking in the
Montana wilderness with
his wife or a visit to the rare
mountain gorillas of Rwan-
da. Tey capture wildlife
Hanna would say
the animals are
the stars.
tographs, answer questions
and hear concerns about
animals before the show,
said Hanna. I share the
audience excitement when
Im live on stage instead
of facing twenty cameras.
Arrive early.
What does a lifetime
working with animals
mean to Hanna? I appreci-
ate the unconditional love
from domestic animals
and the nearly (remember
they are wild) uncondi-
tional love from animals in
the wild. Tey require re-
spect; but learning to love
If you go:
Where: Philharmonic Center
for the Arts
What: Jack Hannas Into
the Wild Live
When: Friday, December 28, 6 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$40 www.tickets.
thephil.org or 239-597-1900
Jack Hanna will appear at The Phil December 28 with wildlife
as the stars.
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
on flm. Te improvement
in technology makes flm-
ing in remote and high alti-
tudes or underwater easier
than in the past; efciency
also adds to the expectation
of more accomplishments,
Hanna shared.
Florida is special for
Hanna who began his ca-
reer as a zoo director at the
Sanford and Central Flori-
da Zoos. Ive seen sunsets
on every continent, he
reminisced, but those on
the West Coast of Florida
are the best. Jack Hanna
is a man in touch with na-
tures wonders.
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MEGA
MOM
MEGHAN EASTERLY
Meghan Easterly | meghan@swspotlight.com
Colton was adopted from the Humane Society of
Naples.
Afer two years of
begging, my
daughter fnally had
her wish granted.
By Meghan Easterly
meghan@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs We have a
new baby at our house. Sud-
denly we are up fve times
a night, have tripled our
laundry piles and dont have
a moment to ourselves. We
tiptoe around, hoping not
to wake him as he lies in a
warm patch of sunlight. He
is so sweet when he is sleep-
ing, and you just cant help
but rub his sof brown and
white fur.
Yes, Colton is a dog. We
arent exactly sure what kind
of dog, but afer two years of
begging, my daughter fnal-
ly had her wish granted and
we adopted Colton from the
Humane Society of Naples.
Nobody told me that adopt-
ing a dog would be like add-
ing another child to our
family.
Lately Ive been enjoying
the beautiful moon at 4 a.m.
while Im out walking the
dog. We are getting plenty
of exercise because hope-
fully a tired dog is a happy
dog.
Colton is not a puppy. He
is two years old. Te thought
was that an older dog would
already be house broken,
which he is. But, we dont
know the history of the dog.
Although he whines at the
door anytime he has to go
out, and doesnt have acci-
dents, anytime my husband
comes near him he rolls on
his back and goes a little. It
seems to be a terrifed reac-
tion to men. Perhaps he was
mistreated. In any case, my
carpet has never been steam
cleaned so many times in
one week.
Despite his troubled past
though, he is a sweet dog.
He follows me around and
keeps me in his sight at all
times. If I am working on
the computer, he is on my
lap. If I am cooking, he is
under my feet. When I leave
for work, he sits at the door
and howls.
I have to admit that this
much attention was wearing
me out at frst. We are a fam-
ily that each likes our space,
and suddenly I had none. As
the week went on though,
my 4-year-old daughter
started taking more respon-
sibility with the dog. She
was getting jealous that he
was so enamored with me.
She was up at 5:30 a.m. this
morning helping me walk
the dog. She comes home
from school and walks him,
plays with him and gives
him treats. Tey sit and
watch movies together, and
he goes to sleep at the foot of
her bed.
He is patient while she
carries him around the
house, but he looks at me
with an expression that
says, Help please. She
loves throwing the ball
for him and chasing him
around the yard. We sat on
the porch with the neigh-
bors yesterday and laughed
as the two of them kept
streaking by us.
Afer one week, everyone
seems to be adjusting fairly
well. Colton is feeling a little
more secure and spending
more time lying in sun-
beams instead of sitting on
my lap. He is getting used
to my husband and knows
that when he comes near, it
is for a pet or a tummy rub.
My daughter is in love with
him so watching them to-
gether makes the laundry,
A Wish Granted
lack of sleep and carpet ac-
cidents seem less important.
We are all fnding that our
hearts have plenty of room
to stretch and let a little
more love in.
Meg-a-mom is the secret
identity of Meghan Easterly
a writer, editor, photographer
and all around supermom
living in Bonita Springs.
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BONITA SPRINGS YMCA
27200 Kent Road, 239.221.7560
www.BonitaSpringsYMCA.org
/BonitaSpringsYMCA
NOT JUST
KID STUFF
(Although the kid
stuff is awesome, too)
CHECK YOUR HEALTH PLAN FOR SAVINGS!
Our Y partners with Healthways SilverSneakers,
a wellness plan benefit that covers all or part of your
YMCA membership.
Then and Now
No Mints on the Pillows
Imperial River Court built by pioneer James Wallace Liles. The Liles Hotel today in Riverside Park.
By Ronda Lawhon
Special to the Spotlight
Bonita Springs Te Liles
Hotel and Imperial River
Cottages, located at 27300
Old 41 Road are, under lo-
cal ordinance, designated as
historic by the City of Bonita
Springs.
Known for most of its
existence as Imperial River
Court, the two story build-
ing was built by pioneer,
James Wallace Liles. Origi-
nally from Alabama, J.W.,
as he was more commonly
known, and his brother,
Marvin, were enticed to
Florida by a newspaper
ad calling for citrus grove
workers. As a result, the two
brothers migrated by train
as far south as Punta Gorda
where the train line ended.
From there they took a boat
to Ft. Myers where they
briefy stayed and worked in
the citrus groves for a year
or so.
But the harsh freezes in
the 1890s rearranged the ge-
ography of the Florida citrus
industry. So in 1897 J.W. and
his brother, Marvin, moved
further south to work as
grove managers in the newly
planted citrus groves of the
small community known as
Survey, modern day Bonita
Springs. It was these tropical
fruit groves along the Impe-
rial River and its tributaries
that helped to further spur
the development of Survey,
so called for the encamp-
ment of Te Army Corp of
Engineers who surveyed the
area.
Afer his marriage to
Mary Luella Mc Swain in
1905, J.W. lef the grove work
and developed a trucking
business. Later, his skill and
love of horses served him
well at the cattle ranch he
owned. Ten, in 1927, he
opened this hotel, which was
actually more of a board-
ing house than a hotel. Te
peaceful river setting of the
property and its location
along the newly opened Ta-
miami Trail made it a popu-
lar stop for seasonal travelers
and winter visitors. On the
grounds of the hotel, camp-
sites accommodated the tin
can tourists, so called be-
cause the campers primarily
ate canned food that theyd
brought with them from the
north.
Years later, in 1945, nu-
merous wood frame cot-
tages were added to the
property. With most set just
feet from the Imperial River,
renters could literally fsh
within a dozen steps of their
cabins door. Common to
the era, the bungalows had
tin gabled roofs and walls
that were constructed using
board and batten siding. Te
cottages that remain have
been relocated away from
the riverfront and now serve
as artists cottages frequently
visited by the public.
Over the years, the two
story building has had at
least two dramatic make-
overs. In the early 1990s, the
exterior was boldly painted
with a tropical motif to serve
as a setting in the movie, Just
Cause, starring Sean Con-
nery. Later, in 2003, the three
acre parcel was purchased
by the City of Bonita Springs
and the building was con-
verted to ofce space.
Currently, it serves as
the headquarters for Bonita
Springs Code Enforcement
and does double duty as a
venue for various exhib-
its displayed by the Bonita
Springs Historical Society.
Te Society has decorated a
frst foor room as a period
bedroom, representative of
the 1930s. Upstairs, the Soci-
ety has created a historic re-
source center to help further
the understanding of local
heritage.
Tis article was adapted from
the script written by Ronda
Lawhon for the Bonita Springs
Historical Societys DVD His-
torical Walking Tour.
Bonita Springs Historical Society | Special to the Spotlight Staff | staff@swspotlight.com
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Bonita Springs Assistance Ofhce
2012 Stocking Fund
PROUD PARTNERS WITH
Thank You for Your Support!
For many years my three children and I lived with an abusive, alcoholic
husband and father. Although he was offered help to repair the damage
he had done to his family, he stubbornly refused. He became increasingly
unpredictable, and in August of this year it became clear that we could
no longer subject ourselves to the instability and unhealthy life we had
suffered so long. I obtained a restraining order and our home became a
more peaceful and harmonious place.
This also meant that we were destitute. I had been a stay at home mom
for 11 years. I found work a few hours a week, but this was not sufficient
to support our family. I could not afford groceries, utilities, diapers or
health care.
I learned about Bonita Springs Assistance Office from a friend, who
urged me to see what options were available. I was hesitant. I had never
asked for assistance. BSAO took me under their wing, and what once
looked hopeless became hopeful. They helped me apply for emergency
benefits, provided food for my family and helped with past due bills.
They made referrals to other local agencies to assist with other needs,
including counseling.
I do not know where I would be without the help I received from the
Bonita Springs Assistance Office. They were a valuable resource at a
time when we were completely out of options. The Bonita Springs
Assistance Office should be commended for its helpful, knowledgeable
and caring staff, as well as the high quality of their well-organized (and
very clean!) self serving food pantry. I am extremely grateful.

~
Carolyn
Because of people like yourself,
%RQLWD6SULQJV$VVLVWDQFH2IFH
has been able to provide
HPHUJHQF\IRRGDQGQDQFLDO
assistance to neighbors
in need for over 34 years.
With more than 4,200
people served in 2012,
it is more important
than ever that BSAO
continue to provide
a hand up,
not a hand out.
You can help someone like
Carolyn who recently
YLVLWHGWKHRIFHDQGZDV
able to regain control of
her and her childrens
lives despite adverse
circumstances.
Every donation that comes in means that another family is helped.
You can make a meaningful difference in your own community.
(DFKGRQDWLRQZLOOKHOSWRJKWKXQJHUDQGSUHYHQWKRPH
displacement, so please act now and contribute what you can to:
%RQLWD6SULQJV$VVLVWDQFH2IFH
P.O. Box 16, Bonita Springs, FL 34133
or go online to www.bonitaassistance.org and donate securely.
Thank You!
Maryle Barbe | Special to the Spotlight
Bonita Springs Hanging
around at the Bonita Nature
Place, I get to hear about all
sorts of interesting topics.
Painted Buntings is one of
them. Do you know what
a Painted Bunting is? I just
had to fnd out, so I listened
as one of the people visiting
the Bonita Nature Place ex-
plained.
Te male Painted Bun-
ting has to be the most col-
orful bird in North Ameri-
ca. Its colors make it very
easy to identify. You know
when you spot one, seeing
its blue head, red belly, and
green back. Te female is
a pretty yellow-green. Te
Buntings are about the size
of a large sparrow.
He went on to say that
the Painted Buntings are
migratory and can be found
spring to fall in North
Carolina to Mississippi to
Kansas to SE New Mexico.
Tey will head south for
the winter to Florida, Mex-
ico and Panama. He stated
that he has seen them in his
backyard feeder feasting on
sunfower seeds and white
millet, their favorite. Tey
are considered a shy bird
and can be dif cult to see.
Tey are at home in dense
shrubbery and bushy ar-
eas. Tey enjoy seeds from
many plants and grasses
and can be seen hopping
on the ground, always on
the look out for trouble.
He added that they ap-
pear to be monogamous
and usually travel in pairs.
Te female can lay 2-3 eggs
in their woven nest, using
plant leaves, hair and grass
fbers. She will care for the
young herself feeding them
spiders, insects, snails and
grasshoppers. Tey can
live to be ten years old, but
most do not.
Because of the males
beautiful colors, they were
once a very popular caged
bird. However, due to a
sharp decline in their num-
bers, the Painted Bunting is
now under Federal Protec-
tion and is listed as Near
Treatened. Some coun-
tries still allow capturing
them for sale. In the States,
their numbers are declin-
ing due to a lack of suit-
able habitat. Development
has removed the scrub and
feld areas necessary for the
plants and grasses that they
feed on as well as nesting
sites he said.
Once again, that is a
very familiar problem that
many of us are experienc-
ing. From the honeybees,
the bats, butterfies and
me, a Gopher Tortoise, we
are all dealing with a loss
of suitable habi-
tat. Just because
there is an open
feld somewhere
doesnt mean that
all of the neces-
sary conditions
are correct for us
to call that feld a
home. Conserva-
tion lands with
varying environments play
an important role in our
survival.
I was very excited to
hear about the beautiful
Painted Bunting and I will
be keeping my eyes open
with the hopes of seeing
them as they pass through
the Bonita Nature Place for
the winter.
Goober is a gopher tortoise
living at the Bonita Nature
Place.
Painted Buntings
This month on BTV98 Channel 98
City Meetings
Te City broadcasts its
elected of cials meetings
live on channel 98. Every
week you can re-visit the
most recent City Council
Meetings, City Council
Zoning Meetings, Local
Planning Agency Meetings
and the Zoning Board Meet-
ings. You can also see the
Fire Commissioners Board
Meetings every Monday at
8pm. Tis program is pro-
duced by the Bonita Springs
Fire Control & Rescue Dis-
trict. Re-broadcasts are
scheduled to play through-
out the week. Check www.
bonitatv.org for up to date
listings.
Untold Stories
Produced by WGCU
this series tells the who,
what, when and why of the
most signifcant places in
Southwest Florida. Two new
shows every week.
Beautiful Bonita
Veterans Day 2012
One of the most beau-
tiful and well-attended
ceremonies we have ever
had. Also in this program,
the unveiling of the Bonita
Springs Veterans Memorial.
Program hosted by David
Grossi Chairman of the Bo-
nita Springs Advisory Com-
mittee.
If you have any ideas for pro-
gramming you would like to
see on BTV98 please e-mail
us at lora.taylor@cityofoni-
tasprings.org . Please write in
subject: BTV98 suggestions
Please note: BTV98s sched-
ule is subject to change. For
more complete information
on all current programming,
please visit us at www.boni-
tatv.org
Bonita
Nature Place
GOOBER
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MIND
&SOUL
STAN J. STRYCHARZ, Psy.D.
Bonita Springs Over Tanks-
giving weekend while stand-
ing in the check-out line at
Publix, I listened in wonder-
ment at the conversation be-
tween two people in front of
me. Te discussion of their
Black Friday eforts sounded a
bit apocalyptic and when the
conversation turned to Cyber
Monday I had visions of a nas-
ty scene involving R2D2 and
Darth Vader!
Holidays are ofen stress
flled. Tis is especially true
of the winter holidays when
we sometimes feel identifed
by the gifs we give. Lets face
it, toys that have moving parts
(and obnoxious sounds) do
break, golf clubs are certainly
sturdy yet can sometimes be
dangerous to other golfers
(not to mention the mental
well-being of the recipient),
and shirts well, realistically
at some point, they just wont
ft anymore!
Perhaps now, before the
holiday gif giving monster
jumps out in front of us and
points its fnger in our direc-
tion, we should all pause and
make a list. Te list should
include the best, most long
lasting gifs that you can give
to your spouse, your children,
your friends and co-workers.
Once the list is completed,
spend time determining how
you can acquire, perfect and
share them. I promise you
these gifs wont involve long
lines, grumpy sales clerks or
internet shopping. Best of all,
they are cost efective and in
the long run are pleasing and
benefcial to the giver as well
as the receiver:
Te Gif of Truth
Te Gif of Patience
Te Gif of Understanding
Te Gif of Forgiveness
Te Gif of Laughter
Te Gif of Joy
Te Gif of Time
Te Gif of Loving Kindness
Consider developing these
gifs so they become blessings
for yourself and others; know-
ing that through cultivating
these positive qualities you
will experience an improved
physical and psychological
well-being for yourself.
As stated in Te Art and
Science of Mindfulness, writ-
ten by Shauna Shapiro & Lin-
da Carlson: Most people live,
whether physically, intellectu-
ally or morally, in a well re-
stricted circle of their potential
being making use of a very
small portion of their possible
consciousness. We all have
reservoirs of life to draw upon,
of which we do not dream.
Consider using this holiday
season to make the most of
these gif-like qualities which
reside within ourselves, our
hearts and minds.
As we have all experi-
enced, when the day is done,
the wrapping paper and bows
have been bundled and the
desserts are gone the gifs
you give are truly what re-
main. Make sure the gifs you
give this year are lasting gifs!
Give the gif of yourself!
Dr. Stan J. Strycharz is a licensed,
clinical psychologist practicing in
Bonita Springs. He can be con-
tacted at www.drstan.net
A Gif of Yourself
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BOATING
BONITA
MARK GENERALES
Corn and Sugar Cane at the Pump
When we fll our car tank its
with 10% ethanol. Should we use
it in our boats?
Ethanol dissolves fuel lines and tanks
of many older engines not designed
for contemporary fuel.
By Mark Generales
mark@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs I want
to touch on a subject that
is really important to all
of us ethanol and its ef-
fect on our boat engines.
For where there is etha-
nol, either greater care or
use is needed or you invite
trouble.
We drive our cars daily,
fll our tanks ofen and ser-
vice our cars with frequen-
cy. But the family boat of-
ten sits in her slip or trailer
without being used for days
or even weeks. We get in
our boat and if the battery
is charged, expect our mo-
tor to crank right over.
It doesnt end there. Our
car engines get us roll-
ing. Yet our boat motors
constantly push water and
work to overcome real fric-
tion and drag. Auto mo-
tors give you long term ef-
fectiveness at about 65% of
max RPMs. Go above that
ofen and you invite early
wear and shorter life.
Now lets add ethanol,
that is, E10 gas with 10%
ethanol, to the picture.
What is ethanol? Etha-
nol is the alcohol in your
drink before having a bit of
petroleum-based gasoline
added. Te US Govern-
ment says 69% of ethanol
is produced in the US from
corn and in Brazil from
sugar cane. Bonita based
Algenol hopes to change
that with algae another
fascinating story.
Mike Allen of Popular
Mechanics explains . .
. fuel that burns properly
and causes little damage
to internal engine parts is
a homogenous mixture
of ingredients. Ethanol
sufers phase separation
where fuel components
break apart with time and
temperature. As our tanks
condensate, the alcohol
(ethanol) attracts and holds
water. Te water and alco-
hol layer sink to the tank
bottom as your gasoline
layer rises above it sep-
arated. Allen adds more to
this bad scene . . . the oc-
tane in your separated gas
drops 3 points. And being
a wonderful solvent etha-
nol actually cleans the bot-
tom of your tank and the
old crud is dissolved and
gets sucked into your en-
gine.
Ethanol dissolves fuel
lines and tanks of many
older engines not designed
for contemporary fuel.
Nothing worse than open-
ing a tank and seeing the
phosphorescent green col-
or of a tank fouled with old
fuel containing ethanol or
fuel lines that are literally
falling apart because they
werent made to handle to-
days modern fuels.
So what to do?
If you trailer your boat
you have options: buy
cheaper E10 fuel at the local
gas station, have fuel deliv-
ered to you or buy the more
expensive ethanol free
marina mixture at the ma-
rina. Engine manufactur-
ers prefer no ethanol, but
if you use E10, drain your
tank before leaving it for an
extended period. Obvious-
ly fll your tank with fresh
fuel before fring her up the
next trip.
E10 regular at
the local station is
$1 less than fuel at
the marina. So ex-
actly what are you
getting at your lo-
cal marina? Clean
fuel with no etha-
nol that adds no
water. Greater
octane with more
power. Gasoline
that wont sepa-
rate in the short
time frames as
E10 will. Fuel
that wont dis-
solve your fuel
lines nor, within
reasonable time,
gum up your tank
(though watch those old
carburetors).
And note: every article
I have read stipulates there
is no, repeat NO additive
that will eliminate phase
separation once it occurs.
Te only cure is not to let it
happen in the frst place.
If you run your boat all
the time and have access
to E10 at a cheaper price at
the local gas station not to
worry. All engines 5 years
or younger can run on it.
Got an older engine? Gonna
leave your old or new boats
sit for extended time? Save
yourself the worry and buy
the more expensive fuel at
your marina.
Southwest Spotlight
Spotlight News
Town Talk
Giving Back
Commentary
Community
Restaurants
A Table Apart
Chef Jeff Acols profound love for
the ocean is rooted in his early
childhood years growing up in
Hawaii and helps explain his
commitment to serving sustainable
seafood and seasonal ingredients.
This talented chef offers a limited
but diverse menu. Dishes offer
global fair with Asian and French
infuence. Open for dinner 7 days
a week 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.4295
Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs.
239-221-8540. www.atableapart.
com
Bellissimo
Ristorante
Chef Jose Benavides and partner Ed
Falcone are looking forward to
their frst season together in
Bonita Springs. Chef Benavides
has fne-tuned his culinary skills
in area restaurants for years.
Together he and Ed Falcone, a
former restauranteur, will be
offering specialties like Bellissimo
Paella and Veal Scallopini Di Vitello
Alla Pizzaiola. Open for lunch Mon
thru Sat and dinner 7 days a week.
26251 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 9,
Bonita Springs. 239-405-8957.
www.bellissimobonita.com
Buffalo Chips
Al, Chip and JC Greenwoods Old
41 original for 30 years strong. Its
where locals go. 1st place winner,
Florida State chicken wing and
chili cook-offs. Full menu including
burgers, fsh and steak and spuds.
Boars Head premium deli sand-
wiches. Featuring Bonitas Hall of
Fame. If it looks good, well fnd a
place for it on the walls or ceiling,
says Al. Lunch and dinner daily.
26620 Old 41 Rd. 239-947-1000.
www.buffalochipsrestaurant.com.
Don Panchos
Mexican Restaurant
Owner Javier Moya says he has the
best tacos in town at his new Mexi-
can eatery. Handmade tortillas
and the freshest ingredients await
diners to this nicely renovated
location next to the railroad tracks
in Bonita. Alambres, a delicious
dish with steak, chorizo, onions,
jalapenos and cactus, is a specialty
offered daily. Prices are very rea-
sonable with burritos only $5.99.
Open daily. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun.
to Thur; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri.;
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat.10401 West
Terry St. 221-8681.
Hemingways
Island Grill
Experience a taste of the islands
with Caribbean inspired dishes. The
tropical favors will take you on a
sea cruise with seafood, chicken
and steaks infused with coconut,
key lime, rum sauce, cilantro or
jerk barbecue sauce. Make your
selections from an extensive menu.
Theres even a kids menu. Open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Shops at Coconut Point 8001
Plaza Del Lago #113 Estero. www.
hemingwaysislandgrill.com
Hungry Hound
Dawgs
Outdoor picnic tables invite
Bonitians to enjoy locally made
frankfurters and sausages with
only the freshest ingredients.
Owner Rick Price, a 30 year Air
Force veteran, dreamt for years
of owning a hot dog vending com-
Cointinued on page 28
Southwest Spotlight
Spotlight News
Town Talk
Giving Back
Commentary
Community
Restaurants
pany. He developed his passion for
German sausages while stationed
in Europe and now offers a full
menu of dawgs and sausages. Pick
one of his specialties or create your
own! Open Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat
until 2pm, closed Sun. Corner of
Old 41 & Abernathy Street. 239-
877-6501. www.hungryhound-
dawgs .com.
Johnny Malloys
They say its game day everyday
at Johnny Malloys. Come for the
game but stay for the food. Try the
Shredded Pork or Classic Rib Eye
Steak Sandwich, Specialty pizzas,
the Malloy Classic Burger, or a
fresh tortilla wrap. Watch the game
on the new outdoor patio with TVs
everywhere. 10347 Bonita Beach
Rd. #101 (corner of Old 41). 239-
992-5000
La Fontanella
Ristorante
Owner Moe has over 35 years in
the business, and the experience
shows. He and his staff assure
customers the fnest dining experi-
ence. Serving gourmet Italian
cuisine, specializing in pasta, veal,
chicken, seafood and steak. If you
cant cut the veal with a fork, the
meal is free. Specials daily. Open
daily 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 24600 S.
Tamiami Trail at the Shoppes at
Pelican Landing. 239-498-6808.
www.lafontanellarestaurant.net.
Lake House
Bar and Grill
An open air caf with one of
Bonitas fnest water views. A hot
spot for lunch and dinner, popular
among both locals and tourists.
Featuring the Bonita Burger,
veggie rollup, tuna salad and
sandwiches and more sandwiches.
Plus tacos, fsh and chicken din-
ners. Open daily 11:30 a.m. to
10:30 p.m., happy hour 11:30
a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Located next to
the Trianon Hotel. 3401 Bay Com-
mons Dr. 239-948-4400. www.
lakehousebarandgrill.net.
Manhattan
Steakhouse
Specializing in USDA Prime Dry
Aged steaks and sizzling platters
up to 1800 degrees. Enjoying
its second season, Bella Purisic
oversees this relative newcomer
to the Bonita Springs restaurant
scene. The extensive menu includes
fresh catches such as grouper,
tuna and jumbo Maine lobster.
Ask about their extensive wine list.
Open daily for dinner 4:30 to 9:30
p.m. 24940 S. Tamiami Trail #103
(Behind Zazou in Bonita) Reserva-
tions are required. 239-676-8687.
www.manhattan1steakhouse.com
Molinos Ristorante
Classic Italian in a beautiful indoor
room and an al fresco patio
setting, featuring pasta, meat and
fsh dinners. Family owned since
2003. Try the Vitello alla Saltim-
boca or one of the many other
specialties of the house. Full bar
and wine cellar. Summer hours,
serving dinner only. Smoking
section available. Open daily 11:30
a.m. to 9 pm. 26841 South Bay
Dr. at the Bonita Bay Promenade.
239-992-7025. www.molinosris-
torante.com.
Old 41 Restaurant
A sure bet since the day it opened
in Bernwood. Specialties include
eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffes,
homemade soups, salads, sand-
wiches, Angus burgers, chili, Taylor
pork roll, sausage gravy, creamed
chipped beef, home cooked roast
beef and turkey and real Philly
cheese steaks. Open daily 7 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Corner of Old 41 and
Bernwood Parkway. 239-948-
4123. www.old41.com.
Pinos Pizzeria
Joe and Linda Russo, are the
owners and operators of Pinos
where, Its all about the taste.
They offer the kind of Brooklyn
family owned and operated busi-
ness you dont often fnd these
days. Their big portions, low prices
- and friendly attitude will have
you coming back for more...and
moreand still more! Open Mon.
thru Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat.
& Sun 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pelican
Landing Publix Plaza, 24600 S.
Tamiami Trail. 239-676 5332.
www.pinospizzeria.net.
Ristorante Enrico
Owner Enrico Costagliola was
born in his mothers restaurant in
Torregaveta, Italy, south of Naples.
I still cook like my mother, with
only the freshest ingredients.
Fresh pasta, seafood and Italian
specialties. Antipasto salad, penne,
lasagna, lobster ravioli, linguini
with white clam sauce, zuppa di
pesce, veal, chicken and shrimp.
18 pizza and calzone creations.
Lunch and dinner specials. Open
daily Mon-Sat 10am to 10 pm; Sun
11am to 10pm; 26831 S. Tamiami
Trail near Publix across from
Bonita Bay. 239-949-2204.
Royal Scoop
Lifes shorteat dessert frst! The
oldest homemade ice cream store
in Bonita. 35 ice cream favors,
12 lowfat and sugar-free choices.
Their scoopologists make the
thickest shakes, biggest sundaes
and best cones. Delicious lunches
featuring Boars Head meats
and cheeses and fantastic family
recipes for chicken, egg and tuna
salad. Kids menu. Open til 10 p.m.
at Vanderbilt Dr. & 8th Street in
Bonita Springs 992-2000; open til
9:30 at Pavillion Shoppes (Vander-
bilt Beach Road & 41) 239-597-
4043. www.royalscoop.com
The Survey Caf
Lori Nelsons tribute to old Florida,
oozing with southern charm and
updated with an organic sensibility.
Fresh ingredients, wraps, salads,
panini, fatbreads and the house
specialtyGrandpas Gator
gumbo. Try the Chokoloskee
Chicken sandwich. Shade grown
coffee from Grounds for Change.
Dine inside or out. Summer hours,
open Wednesday thru Sunday, 8
a.m. to 2 p.m. 10530 Wilson Ave.
off Old 41. 239-992-2233. www.
thesurveycafe.com.
Cointinued from page 27
Help Save a Childs Life
This Holiday Season

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Help Save a Childs Life
This Holiday Season

our g YYour g
olisano Childr G

t of hope wil if ft of hope will be ma our g
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e WWe ar

ched dollar f t t of hope will be ma
s Hosp s Hospital of S en olisano Childr
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or dollar dollar f for dollar and will help pr
outh s Hospital of S
oduc tr o in ed t

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lor est F w outh
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vide o or dollar and will help pr
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Carol Wood
CRS, GRI, REALTOR
239-822-3709
CWood@JohnRWood.com
Claire McMahon
GRI, REALTOR
239-405-2794
CMcMahon@JohnRWood.com
CAROL WOOD AND CLAIRE MCMAHON TEAM

www.HomesSWFL.com
a Shadow Wood at the Brooks A a Bonita Beach A
WE ARE READY TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS THIS SEASON
a Bonita Bay A

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S O U T H W E S T

DECEMBER 16-31, 2012 Vol.3, No.14 FREE

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