February 2012 - Southwest Spotlight

Page A28 Southwest Spotlight February 2012

S O U T H W E S T

FEBRUARY 2012Vol.3, No.2 FREE

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Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

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Market Pulse A12

Love of Bonita Award B1City ElectionResults B4

The Diabetic Detector B17

Bonita BusinessBeat A25

Building in Bonita A9

20,000 circulation12,000 direct-mailed

By Peter R. O’[email protected] Springs – The Bonita Springs YMCA is poised toreopen under the ownership of the South County FamilyYMCA of Venice, nine months after being shuttered byCollier County based YMCA of the Palms.In late January the Venice Y reached an agreement in

principle to assume ownership of the Kent Road facilityfrom the Palms. The deal is subject to remaining duediligence, documentation and formal lender approval.“The Bonita YMCA is going to be front and center in

the community or I would not do it,” said Ken Modzelewski,chief executive of the Venice Y. “That will be my drivingprinciple.” (See related article regarding the Venice organi-zation on page A22.)”If all goes well I might be trying to shoot for a March 1

opening,” he said. “I feel confident that the due diligenceshould go quickly.” Prompt lender approval to decouplethe facility from the Palms can’t be presumed, althoughverbal assurances have been given. “We are putting plans in place,” said Modzelewski. “The

pool is a big mess. There is no doubt about that. We willpurchase new equipment, which has to be prewired intothe floors. We need to determine whether there are enoughcircuits to handle the equipment.”The deal came together in late January when the Palms

accepted a price from Modzelewski significantly belowthat previously proposed by the Palms. It was the culminationof two years of behind the scenes work by members of theformer Bonita Advisory Board to the Palms, led by Dennis

Continued on page A22

By Kathy O’[email protected]

Bonita Springs – Esteroresident Pamela Jones-Mor-ton, 64, phoned her col-leagues at Lovers Key andtold them she would notmake it to the holiday partybecause there was an accidenton Hickory Boulevard. Shedidn’t offer the details. Shewas too shaken. Moments earlier Jones-

Morton was driving behinda convertible Camaro, just

about to approach the bridgeto cross Big Hickory Pass,when an oncoming SUVcame into her lane, barreledright up the front of the Ca-maro immediately in frontof her and rolled over on itsside. She slammed on herbrakes and then did whatmost ordinary people woulddo. She dialed 911. After that, her actions

were extraordinary.Running up the bridge

she yelled into the phone. “Idon’t remember exactly what

I said, something along thelines of, ‘We have an accidenton Hickory Bridge. It’s a badaccident. There’s a roll over.’” When she reached the

car she saw a woman gettingout of the Camaro and thenshe saw fire coming frombeneath the SUV. “I screamed, ‘Fire!’ I just

gave the phone away. I didn’thave time. When I saw theflames I knew this wholething was going to get outof control. And something

Local Hero – Pamela Jones-Morton


Staff Photo | [email protected] Modzelewski, chief executive of the South County Family YMCA of Venice,stands outside the Bonita Springs YMCA on Kent Road. Nine months after closing, the Bonita Y is poised to reopen.

Outlook brightas Bonita Y plans

reopening

Inside

SS_FEB_A_Cover and A28 1/31/12 10:31 AM


Locally owned andoperated since 2010

(239) [email protected]

PO Box 1946Bonita Springs, FL 34133

Southwest Spotlight, LLC

swspotlight.com

S O U T H W E S T™

PublisherPeter A. O'Flinn

[email protected]

This monthA4 The wrong pair

of shoes

A7 Dog Track update

A7 Bonita Library

A9 Habitat buildingin Bonita

A10 Prayer Breakfaast

A12 Market Pulse

A17 Tennis tournament

A21 City compensationstudy

B1 Love of Bonita Award

B4 City Election results

B7 Bob Gillette

B9 Open for business

B17 The diabetic detector

Every IssueA4 Ben Nelson’s column

A7 Up and Down the Trail

A14 Spotlight Real Estate Watch

A21 Healthy News

A25 Bonita Business BeatPerez IndustriesBonita Estero Dental Group

B1 Why I love livingin Bonita SpringsDeborah MacleanKathy Anderson

B2 Events

B11 Artist SpotlightDick Cunningham

B14 Teacher SpotlightTJ Cheever

B15 Catch of the month

B16 Community updates

B17 Bonita’s Best Friends

B18 BTV Schedule

B19 Opportunitiesto give back

B22 Restaurant Guide

Advertising SalesKathy O'[email protected] ManagerKatie O'[email protected] WritersBill BarnesCharles J. CavaliereD. K. ChristiMeghan EasterlyChad GillisMax Harris Dorota HarrisBen Nelson Jr.Peter R. O'FlinnHeather ThomsonChristina WellsContributing PhotographersWilliam L. MeyersDavid MichaelRobert L. Smith

Three outstanding

properties all in popular Harbor Lakes and

all with outstanding lake views. They are very reasonably priced and range from $260,000 to $329,000.

Beautiful custom built Rutenberg home with one of the best lake views in Bonita Bay situated on I/2 acre lot. Remodeled

kitchen with granite counters and more. Priced at $797,000. (Below)

Downing-Frye Realty, Inc.

BONITA BAY

Joyce Maloney, CLHSjoycemaloney.com

[email protected] 273-5272

Million dollar views from this upscale hi-rise decorator-ready unit with a private 2-car garage included

(a $75,000 extra). Experience the elegance of Esperia South at Bonita Bay with the ultimate in amenities.

Priced at $849,000.

A18

B11

SS_FEB 2012_Section A 1/31/12 6:24 PM Page A2

February 2012 Southwest Spotlight Page A3


By Ben Nelson [email protected]

Bonita Springs – As I hur-ried home one evening froma Council meeting, I had ahundred things goingthrough my head, none theleast of which was trying tofigure out if I had packedeverything for the Orlandovacation that my wife and Iwere going to leave on assoon as I arrived home. Lorihad the car ready to go, sowhen I got home we leftimmediately… me stilldressed in my suit and tie.Although we were going toarrive late at the hotel, theplan was to have a goodnights sleep, head out thenext morning and then walkway too much, eat way toomuch and spend way toomuch money at the “Houseof the Mouse”.

After completing thethree hour drive, we werechecking in at the resort’sfront desk when suddenlyit dawned on me that Ihadn’t packed any shoesother than the black dressshoes I was wearing. Now,I know that I’m getting alittle “long in the tooth” butI’m not quite ready to go

out in public wearing shortpants with black socks andblack dress shoes... yet. “Isthere a store open in thehotel where I can buy somesandals?” I asked the clerk.She paused typing for aninstant and motionedtowards the map of the hugeresort. We found the storejust as it was getting readyto close and although theyhad mouse ears all overthem, I found a pair offorty-dollar flip-flops. Theylooked comfortable, so wepaid the nice young ladyand went to our room forthe night.

The next morning we gotdressed in our tourist garband headed out, hand inhand towards the “happiestplace in the world”.... or atleast a hundred yards downthe long hallway to the ele-vator. After I pushed thelobby button I looked downat my feet. Lori was lookingat me. “What?” she said. Imade a face and wiggled myfeet. “I can’t believe thisbut, I already have a blisterbetween my toes. Theseshoes obviously aren’t goingto work out.” She shrugged.“No big deal...There has tobe somewhere in this place

where you can find some-thing better, right?”

We began by stopping atevery little shop in the resortuntil we found a reallyexpensive looking store thathad beach apparel and otheroutdoorsy stuff. The closestthing that I could find thatlooked like something agrown man would wear wasa pair of opened toed sandalsmade of black rubber. (No...they weren’t “Crocs”) Theylooked more like bedroomslippers but, they felt likeheaven compared to the flip-flops that were eating mytoes… so for another fiftydollars, my feet were happy,the offending flip-flops werein a bag and we were onour way to Epcot.

After we got off the buswe walked briskly towards

that giant silver ball at theentrance, anxious to finallyget started having fun. (Flip,flip, flip, flip...) Lori lookedover at me and frowned. Ilooked down at my comfy,yet noisy bedroom slippers.Little repetitive noises makeLori crazy, so I curled myfeet up tight like a bird on aperch as I walked and thenoise stopped. But within60 seconds, I was concen-trating so hard on keepingmy feet scrunched up thatit was causing me to walklike I had mashed potatoesin the back of my pants.Lori, being like every otherunderstanding and compas-sionate wife, started laughingat me, “What in the worldare you doing?” she giggled.“Is there something youwant to tell me?” “Oh, you’re

funny!” I said, throwing myhands in the air. I relaxedmy feet and kept walking.(Flip, flip, flip...) “See! I’mjust trying to stop them fromdoing that!” (Flip, flip, flip...)“Well...” Lori said frowningdown at my noisy feet aswe walked. “Don’t worryabout it, it’s not that bad.”Ten minutes later. (FLAP,flip, FLAP, flip, FLAP,FLAP.....) Lori stopped deadin her tracks in front of adinosaur and spun mearound like I was one of theother ten year olds at DisneyWorld. “What!” I whined.She pointed at my rubberfeet. “Those have got to goor we’re going to go!” Ilooked down. “But... They’reso comfortable!” Lori wasalready walking towards thegiant souvenir store. “… and

it feels like I’m walkingaround in bedroom slip-...”“Don’t care... Let’s go!” Shesaid dragging me by thehand. (FLAP, FLAP, FLAP...)“Mannnnn…!”

In the store we foundactual shoes... well, close toactual shoes. They were“Crocs” with closed toes,heels and of course... mouseears everywhere. They werealso comfortable, quiet and“only” 60 dollars. But allfour of us; my lovely wife,me and both my feet, werehappy for the rest of theday...all for just under $150.(Well, not including admis-sion, food, lodging, travelexpenses and Excedrin.)

To this day the shoes stareat me from a dark corner inmy closet, reminding methat you can never be tooprepared. But if you see meat the grocery store someday, walking rather oddly,it’s just me trying to get mymoneys worth out of thewrong pair of shoes.


The wrong pair of shoes

To this day the shoes stare at mefrom a dark corner in my closet

Lori Nelson | Special to the Spotlight


Open Friday-Monday



Spotlight Staff [email protected]

Dog Track slot vote ontrack, sort of

As reported in lastmonth’s Spotlight, the ownersof the Bonita dog track wantto introduce slot machinegambling. First they needLee County voter approval.

In early January, BonitaSprings City Council unan-imously requested LeeCounty Board of Commis-sioners call a referendum ofall Lee County voters on theproposal. “Let’s find out ifthe County wants it,” saidCouncil member MarthaSimons. “It is not for us tosay whether we want it ordon’t want it. It’s to see ifthe people want it.”

On January 24, Simonsand other Bonita represen-tatives spoke in favor of thereferendum at a Lee CountyCommissioner meeting.

At that meeting CountyCommissioners, by a 3-2vote after considerable dis-cussion, directed Countystaff to begin work on anordinance that, if adoptedby the Commission at a laterdate, would put the refer-endum on the Novemberballot.

The ordinance itselfwould be considered foradoption only after a publichearing. As CommissionerTammy Hall said to her fel-low commissioners, “Youwill have another bite at theapple.”

But one week later, at itsJanuary 31 meeting, theCommissioners found them-selves playing "beat the clock"to meet a deadline under alaw proposed the previousday in Tallahassee. That pro-posed law allows a Countyto set a slots referendumonly if action is taken by January 31. By another3-2 vote Commissionersapproved putting the refer-endum on the Novemberballot. But, a prior publichearing on the issue and anordinance will still berequired, the County Attor-ney's office told the Spot-light.

“It is true that jobs willbe created by the expansionof gambling,” said Commis-sioner Frank Mann on Jan-uary 24, when he andCommissioner BrianBigelow voted no."Whatconcerns me is that it is ashort-term solution that willhave a long-term negativeimpact on the quality oflife… I am concerned aboutthe foot in the door," saidMann.

“Lee County has all ofthe beneficial assets anyplace

in the world would like tohave, the beaches and thewarmth,” he said. “Folks havecome here for the last half-century because of that. Idon’t want to have to hanga sign on the county linethat says, ‘Whatever happensin Lee County stays in LeeCounty."

Tax dollars and the Library

The issue of expandingLee County’s Bonita branchlibrary has been around fora quite a while. Who knewit could trigger a philosoph-ical debate on governmentspending on the City Coun-cil dais?

But that’s what happenedin mid January when JohnSpear took exception to theCity’s continuing demandthat the County fund libraryexpansion, and Bill Lonkarttook exception to the excep-tion. Their exchange ofviews carried faint echoesof a statewide debate lastyear, when Governor Scottrejected federal mass trans-portation dollars for aTampa- Orlando railway.

The City Council dia-logue started amidst a dis-cussion of strategicpriorities. “The library didnot make the cut, and yetwe continue to pound onit,” said Spear, referring tothe City’s ongoing questthat Lee County expand thefacility.

That got Lonkart’s atten-tion. The citizens of Bonitahave “paid through thenose” to the County, anddeserve more, he said. Herecounted the work of thelibrary task force that deter-mined Bonita taxpayers havepaid a lot more than theCounty has spent on theBonita branch, which thetask force found insufficientin size.

“I have never seen a pub-lic groundswell to doubleor triple the size of thatlibrary,” said Spear. “A placewhere you stack dusty oldbooks in a two story build-ing …I don’t think that is a21st century approach.”

“Frankly it offends mejust as much to waste $4million of Lee Countymoney as Bonita Springsmoney because it is all ourmoney,” said Spear. “I amas outraged as you” that theCounty has spent less thancollected “but that is aCounty governance issue.”

“It all comes down todollars and cents,” saidLonkart. “The County hasan obligation to give us thesame treatment they giveeverybody else, and theyhave kept all the money…

If we can utilize moneymore effectively, then weshould do it. We should getcompensation for all theyears.”

City taxpayers paid about$2.5 million toward LeeCounty library operationsin each of the last threeyears, about $1 million moreyearly than the County allo-cated for the Bonita branch.

Before the recession,when tax rates and propertyvalues were higher, the dis-crepancy was greater. In theperiod 2001 through 2008Bonita taxpayers paid $24million more than theCounty spent on the Bonitabranch. That money andpayments by other Countytaxpayers helped fund aCounty library reserve thatreached $60 million in 2007.Since then, the reserve hasfunded operating expenses,and the construction of newCape Coral and Ft. Myerslibraries. Recently, thereserve stood at $9 million.

In February, Countycommissioners are antici-pated to consider Bonita’srequest for funding libraryexpansion, according to Citystaff. Ray Judah, one of thefive commissioners, hasindicated his support for a$4 million expenditure.

Fertilizer folliesThere is too much nitro-

gen in parts of the ImperialRiver, according to Floridastate standards.

In a Catch-22, the Citymay need to spend close to$1 million for projects toprevent fertilizer fromreaching the river, whilebattling proposed state leg-islation that would nullifycurrent City fertilizer userules. Those rules aredesigned to curtail the flowof fertilizer into the river.

Water quality in theImperial River has improvedin the last decade, but thefreshwater section of theriver is still “impaired”according to the state. Thenitrogen content is too high.To help meet state standardsBonita Springs, like othermunicipalities in southwestFlorida, adopted rainy sea-son restrictions on nitrogenand phosphorous applica-tion a few years ago.

This is chemistry 101.Fertilizer is applied, rainswash fertilizer into the river,nitrogen levels rise, dissolvedoxygen levels fall. Fish leaveor die. Increased nutrientloading has also been linkedto harmful algae blooms.

Bonita Springs’ restric-tions are similar to manyother municipalities in


Up and Down the Trail



By Heather [email protected]

Bonita Springs – It’s earlySaturday morning at Ren-aissance at Rosemary Parkoff Old 41 Road in BonitaSprings. The air is crisp andthe sun is peeking throughtrees, slowly warming BonitaBay volunteers and Habitatconstruction crew membersas they gather to work.

Alongside Shadow Woodand Pelican Landing, com-munity members of the threecommunities have raisedover $2.6 million and built54 homes since 1996. Thiswinter culminates in thebuilding of three new homesin Bonita Springs, which thegroups are very excitedabout.

Kitty Green, Presidentand CEO of Habitat forHumanity of Lee andHendry Counties, stands at

the foundation of the homeand talks to the group, brief-ing them on what their jobswill be for the day and howthe volunteer organizing has been going. She stepsaside for Cal Walker, leadvolunteer and fundraiseralongside his wife Judy, tolead the group in a shortprayer and pep talk. Todayis an exciting day. Today isa wall-raising day.

“We just love this,” saysJudy while the guys slip intotheir gloves and receiveinstructions from the con-struction crew about safetyand the floor plan. “It’salmost like a club for thepeople who have been doingit for a while. There are jobsthat we all like to do andthat we kind of excel at.”

The guys laugh and teaseeach other as they grab wallafter wall, shifting and turn-ing to help each other withthe weight. No one ever holdsmore than anyone else. Theyare glad for the work, though,and happy to be helpingwith the project.

“There’s nothing worsethan getting here at eighto’clock in the morning andnot having any work to do,”says Cal, laughing, “But with

three houses there’s plentyof work to divvy up betweenall of us.”

Aside from Cal and Judy,there are over 50 other vol-unteers in the Bonita Baycommunity who literally godoor to door making sureinformation is spread aboutHabitat. Pelican Landing’s10th home stands next toBonita Bay and ShadowWood’s, already having host-ed a kickoff party inside itsfour walls. Shadow Wood’sis the center home, withbuilding coming right along,and a community golf tour-nament culminating in asurpassing of their million-dollar fundraising goal.

Habitat for Humanity’sReStore second hand resaleoperation at 27821 S. Tami-ami Trail in Bonita Springsopened last month, offeringfurniture, appliances, andhome improvement items,all keeping in the spirit ofHabitat’s mission: “to followGod’s lead and partner withthe community to providedecent, affordable homes for


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By D. K. [email protected]

Bonita Springs – The BonitaSprings Prayer breakfast isa lesson in faith. It is remi-niscent of the famous quotefrom Field of Dreams: “Buildit and they will come.” Nearly15 years ago, Bonita Springsresidents Jim and NatalieWismar were involved inmultiple neighborhoodimprovement projects suchas Habitat for Humanity,Paint Your Heart Out andRenaissance. Former MayorJay Arend provided encour-agement and the City part-nered on many initiatives.

“Six years ago Jay Arendapproached me about estab-lishing a non-denomina-tional Prayer Breakfast inBonita Springs,” said NatalieWismar, ”to bring citizensinto an awareness of River-side Park and to enjoy it. Inthe end it became clear thatthe outdoor facility wouldnot be a feasible venue. Thefirst Prayer Breakfasts wereheld at Spanish Wells.”

This year’s event, sched-uled for February 21 at 7

a.m., has grown from theoriginal 200 diners to anexpected attendance of near-ly 1,000 at The Hyatt RegencyCoconut Point Resort & Spa.

“Mary Catherine andLarry White had been a part

of the St. Louis Prayer Break-fast. She has produced theBonita Springs Prayer Breakfast program from thebeginning,” added Wismar.“Bonita Springs is a won-derful and diverse commu-


Food for thoughtand action

Staff Photo | [email protected]


nity comprised of peoplefrom all over the country,and indeed the world, manyof whom bring their vastresources and talents to thearea. However, it is also acommunity with tremen-dous needs and challenges.Scripture tells us that ‘towhom much is given, muchis required,’ and the PrayerBreakfast, encourages thosein our community who havebeen given much to help theless fortunate among us andto pray for the well-beingof our city,” added CarolynHerbold, another boardmember.

Ron Miller, a board mem-ber since its beginning, workswith the keynote speakers.“The original ten to fifteenpeople worked on a designsimilar to the National PrayerBreakfast and became theBoard of the Breakfast. Ourspeaker this year is ChipIngram, teaching pastor forLiving on the Edge, a dailyradio and TV program heardon over 800 stations andeven in numerous interna-tional areas, including Chinaand the Middle East.”

Ingram is the author of11 books, including hisnewest release: Living onthe Edge: Dare to ExperienceTrue Spirituality. Past speak-ers include Ambassador TonyHall, Andy Card (PresidentBush’s Chief of Staff), Wayne

Huizenga, and Jim Daly(President of Focus on theFamily).

The program has typicallyhad a patriotic theme, andhas included both local andnationally known musicians.Last year’s program high-lighted one of the SistersSledge, of “We Are Family”fame. This year’s programwill be a Salute to Presi-dents.

The agenda includes pro-fessional Christian enter-tainment. Singer LindseyGraham was privileged at ayoung age to open for TheCrabb Family and to sharethe stage with Kevin Spencer.She continues to open forknown groups, and she par-ticipated in the AmazingGrace Gaither Homecomingvideotaping in Nashville, TN,released in 2007. Grahamhas also performed for theNaples Opera Society.

Gordon and Carol Bleichare a husband and wife team

from Bonita Springs. Gordonis on staff at The First BaptistChurch of Naples as a pianistand together they are chil-dren’s choir directors. Gor-don has a Music EducationMaster’s Degree from Oak-land University, RochesterHills, MI. Their love for eachother, music and the Lordenable them to uniquelyshare the gospel in vocal andpiano artistry.

The Bonita Springs PrayerBreakfast brings together awide cross-section of peoplewho find a common bondof service to the communitythrough service committeesand contributing time, talentand financial resources to along list of service and charityorganizations. One thing forcertain, you’ll be in thecompany of people who puttheir heart into the Bonita Springs Community.


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The Bonita SpringsPrayer Breakfast has grown from200 people to an expected attendanceof nearly 1,000 this year.

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By Nigel P. Fullick Special to the Spotlight

Bonita Springs – I doubtmany of us think of BonitaSprings when consideringkey economic events towhich the entire world paysattention but, on February10 at FGCU, our commu-nity and country will againturn to Bonita Springs/Estero for a snapshot of theeconomy in 2012.

Over the past six years,Market Pulse has not onlybecome the premier eco-nomic event in our South-west Florida community,but also one that has beenbroadcast live worldwide.Reuters News Service, theWall Street Journal andBloomberg have all senttheir reporters to streamthe conference live around

the country and the world.In 2010, Federal ReserveDistrict President SandraPianalto was the keynotespeaker followed by SixthDistrict President DennisLockhart in 2011. The 2012event will feature anotherfirst. Michael Bryan, SeniorEconomist for the FederalReserve Bank’s Sixth Districtis the keynote speaker.

FGCU business studentsand faculty also look for-

ward to Market Pulse. “We had been trying for

several years to get anyonefrom the Federal ReserveBank to speak at FGCU. Forthe Chamber to bring inactual Fed Presidents, whowere also sitting membersof the Federal Reserve’sOpen Market Committee,is nothing short of amaz-ing,” stated Dr. Gary Jackson,

Director of the RegionalEconomic Research Instituteat the University and a pastpresenter who also assistswith the format of the event.

Brad Hunter, NationalDirector of Consulting atMetrostudy, who has pre-sented to the FDIC, Harvardas well as the Federal ReserveBank, returns as the intro-ductory speaker.

“He has proven to beuncannily accurate with hisforward looking overviewsof the local and regionaleconomies,” says BonitaSprings Area Chamber CEOChristine Ross, sharing herpride in the event’s success.“It is exciting that our com-munity is now recognizedfor being serious about busi-ness and providing nationalspeakers to present the mosttimely information to ourcitizens. FGCU President,Dr. Wilson Bradshaw, hasmade a personal commit-ment in supporting MarketPulse and we are so proudof our chamber committeemembers who use their

influence to bring the worldto Bonita Springs’ door.”

The event is open to thepublic and starts at 8 a.m.February 10 with a conti-nental breakfast and pre-sentations begin at 8:45 a.m.in the university main ball-room. Tickets may only bepurchased by calling theBonita Springs Area Cham-ber at 239-992-2943.

Nigel P. Fullick is a mem-ber of the 2012 Market PulseCommittee and is Vice-Pres-ident of Element Funding inBonita Springs.


Federal Reserve Senior Economistto speak at Market Pulse

“It is exciting that our community is nowrecognized for being serious about business.”

– Christine Ross, CEO, Bonita Springs Area Chamber

If you go…

Bonita EsteroMarket Pulse

Where: Florida Gulf CoastUniversityWhen: February 10, 8 a.m.Cost: $35For more information: 239-992-2943

David Michael | Special to the SpotlightBrad Hunter, National Director of Consulting at Met-rostudy, returns to the Bonita Estero Market Pulseas the introductory speaker this month.


By Bill BarnesChief Executive OfficerBonita Springs EsteroAssociation of Realtors

Bonita Springs – We arenow able to report on thereal estate activity for all of2011 for the Bonita Springs-Estero market area, as thedata done for the year iseffectively complete. Thegeneral summary is that itwas a much more active yearthan in 2010 or 2009, inevery category that werecord.

Following the nationaltrends we see that SouthwestFlorida is affected by the“upstream” markets that flowto this area, that being thecentral Midwestern states,with an increasing flow com-ing from the New York andConnecticut markets. Alsoin 2011 the flow here hasbeen accelerated by inter-national buyers from north-ern Europe and Brazil.

The big four reasons forthe increased activity levelare (1) Ability of the buyersto have the funds, mostlycash reserves from stock sales,corporate bonuses and assetsales in the north. (2)Expanded marketing of the

area by our tourist develop-ment organizations and oureconomic developmentorganizations, such as theBonita Springs Estero Eco-nomic Development Coun-cil, of which our organizationis a proud member in 2012.(3) The favorable tax struc-ture and political stabilityof both Florida and the Unit-ed States. And (4) the excel-lent high tech marketing thatis being done worldwide byreal estate companies andagents in this area. The pow-erful attractive websites,many with multi-lingual

pages and auto response sys-tems bring our market tothe fingertips of buyersworldwide.

The 2011 market in con-dominiums and single familyhomes was almost a mirrorof each other. This similarityin numbers means that weare not a condo dominatedmarket as you see in someparts of Florida. We are alsonot a track house single fam-ily home market with littleor no options for genera-tional stepping up or “down-sizing”, which allowseveryone to stay in the same

area and yet find housingfor their needs.

There were 2060 Condo-miniums that came into themarket in 2011, and 2032single family homes thatcame into the market, withonly a gap of 28 units whichis exceptionally unusual andspeaks well for our market.Given the end of the yearnumbers it was a year ofhighs and lows. In March255 condominiums cameinto the market, after whichthe new listing declines forfour consecutive months,


7

0

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5

6

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Highlights

26868 Hickory Blvd. Bonita Beach $2,375,000

4851 Bonita Bay Blvd. Bonita Bay $2,300,000

23790 Tuscany Way Pelican Landing

$1,875,000

18149 Via Portofino Way Miromar Lakes

$1,835,000

2010 January 160February 175March 219April 263May 174June 179July 144August 132September 121October 80

Monthly TransactionsNumber of real estate transactions in the Bonita Springs Estero market

December 177

2011January 165February 215March 271April 312May 236June 216July 183

189August

183133153

SeptemberOctoberNovemberNovember 125December 188

Spotlight Real Estate Watch




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then reversed and increasedfor four months beforedeclining to a monthly totalof 180 new listings inDecember.

The single family homesmarket hit a high of newlistings in March of 193,then began a four monthdecline in new inventorybut again peaked in Sep-tember then declines forDecember. As with theother parts of the market,both national and interna-tional news daily affects thesellers and the buyers intheir decisions.

In sales, the longest trendline of 2011 was the sevenconsecutive months of

declining sales. This startedin March and then for sevenmonths declined to only65 condo sales which wereabout only a third of the193 condo sales sevenmonths before. This is dueto financing problems,tighter restrictions, objec-tions to condominium rulesand regulations, and lackof buyers with cash for sec-ondary homes. Howeverafter October we have seentwo months of condo salesincreases, most of whichhave come from exception-ally low prices and sellerswilling to sell at pricessometimes 24 percentunder the original list priceand in other cases less thanowed to the bank.

Single family home salespeaked in April but never

returned to that high of143 sales. But like the con-dominiums, the sales inNovember and Decembertrended up from 65 to 79sales. The price reductionshave helped make the salesattractive to many new buy-ers.

The end of the yearDecember sales of luxuryhomes showed continuedstrength. Market activitywas strong by all reportsfrom the field and weexpect 2012 to be less errat-ic than 2011 and showingan increase in all marketsectors in Bonita Springsand Estero.

Jody Burr, of the MLSService/Data Department ofBEAR, contributed to thereporting in this article.

Real Estatefrom page A14


Karson and Madisonwould be healthy. For a

parent, the diagnosis of can-cer in a child could not pos-sibly be more devastating.Barbara’s Friends is doinga great service to this com-munity of parents and I amthrilled to be a part of it. Inaddition, I recently movedto the northeast and Floridain March sounded like theplace to be.”

Since its inception, theTour Players Classic hasbeen an event enjoyed by

Bonita Bay mem-bers. This year, the fundrais-er is open to the public.The schedule features avariety of tennis events andmatch ups.

On March 2, the nightmatches will feature mixeddoubles and men’s doublescompetition. In the MixedEvent, Gigi Fernandez andMikael Pernfors will playJoanne Russell and Tim

Wilkinson. In Men’s Dou-bles, Rick Leach and JimmyArias will face Jared Palmerand Don Johnson. Fernan-dez ,who formerly held the

world’s #1 doubles rank-ing, is an Olympic

gold medalistand Tennis Hallof Fame induc-tee. Pernforswon three ATPTour titles.Palmer, Wilkin-son, Leach, andJohnson each won

grand slams and heldtop ten world rankings.Eight-time Grand Slamchampion Fred Stolle willserve as commentator forthe matches. Gates open at5 p.m. with the matchesbeginning at 6 p.m. The$75 admission fee includesfood, beverages, and anaccess book providing dis-counts and coupons atBonita Bay Club andMediterra.

March 3 begins with apro-am event at 10 a.m. fol-

lowed by the Wells FargoKids Cup Challenge featur-ing local pediatric cancersurvivors swinging with thepros. The $50 spectator fee

includes lunch. At 2 p.m.,touring pro-led mini clinicswill offer participants theopportunity to improvetheir game for a $100 fee.A gala dinner dance andlive auction will take placeat the Bonita Bay Club Sat-urday evening. Tickets are$200 each.

Serving as this year’sM.V.P. (most valuablepatient) for the event, willbe Olivia Ramsey, a seven-year-old pediatric cancersurvivor from Fort Myerswho has received treatmentat the Children’s Hospitalof Southwest Florida andthe Barbara’s Friends Out-patient Clinic.


By Christina WellsSpecial to the Spotlight

Bonita Springs – On March2 and 3, 18 touring progreats will join the fightagainst cancer at the FifthAnnual FineMark NationalBank & Trust Tour PlayersTennis Classic held at BonitaBay. The tournament, whichhas raised more than$565,000 for Barbara’sFriends, The Children’s Hos-pital Cancer Fund, hasattracted former FrenchOpen, Wimbledon, U.S.Open and Olympic cham-pions. This year’s proceedswill support the construc-tion of a new pediatric phar-macy in the Children’sHospital of Southwest Flori-da 136-bed, 292,000-square-foot expansion.

The tournament hasbecome a yearly traditionfor a number of the com-petitors.

“More than 70 percentof the professionals playingin this event are repeat par-ticipants,” says Pat Valva,tournament co-chair. “Theplayers appreciate the charityand the generosity extendedby our membership. In fact,nearly half stay at resident

homes for the duration ofthe tournament.”

“We play the event forthe children, to give themhope and to improve theirfuture,” says ProfessionalDonald Johnson. “We lovethe opportunity to help theBonita Bay members withthis charitable endeavor.”

“It is a great organizationand I have made somew o n d e r f u lfriends overthe years,”says Profes-s i o n a lMikael Pern-fors. “I alsoenjoy seeingthe otherpros. If wecan have funplaying andhelp some-body in need, it’s all worthit.” First-time participantGigi Fernandez felt a per-sonal tie to the beneficiaryof the event.

“Being the mother ofhealthy twins, who spentthe first two weeks of theirlives in the neo-natal inten-sive care unit, I have a softheart for anything to dowith kids’ health,” says Fer-nandez. “I knew in the end

If you go…Tour PlayersTennis Classic

Where: Bonita Bay ClubWhen: March 2, 5 p.m.Cost: $75, includes matches,dinner and 2 drink ticketsFor more information:239-343-6950 orwww.tourplayersclassic.com.

The tournament has attracted formerFrench Open, Wimbledon,

U.S. Open and Olympic champions.

Tennis greats play for new pediatric pharmacy


needed to be done rightaway.”

She knew the peoplefrom the Camaro got outsafely but they hadn’t hearda peep, not a cry, nothingfrom the rolled SUV. Thepassenger windows weredown on the ground andthe driver was on the highside. When she lookedthrough the windshield allshe saw was the driver’sface pleading, “Help me!Help me!”

She ran around the SUV,tried to open the back doorwhich was locked thenscreamed at the window,“Unlock your doors.” Assoon as she heard the clickshe ran to the back dooragain, swung it open, threwstuff out, a cooler and floorpads like a dog digging ahole and she stepped intothe smell of smoke.

“As soon as I looked upthe baby was right there,in the car seat sideways.”

At the same time thedriver said, “Save the baby.”

“The baby seat was anightmare. I don’t havechildren or grandchildren.I was pushing buttons.Which buttons open it? SoI’m pushing and pushingand finally it snaps. Thatwas valuable seconds.”

She grabbed the babyand got her outside the car.Then she went back in andwalked up to the front onthe passenger side windowsas the glass crunchedbeneath her. The driver washanging and was havingtrouble with her seatbelt.

“That I knew how towork. I pushed the seat beltand she dropped down. Shesaid something about her

back and I said, ‘Mam yourcar’s on fire you got tomove now’. When I saidthat, she was out of there

in a hurry with me”. Smokewas visible at that pointand soon the car wasengulfed in flames. It wasn’tuntil the fire engine arrivedthat the flames were putdown leaving a charredmetal skeleton of a wreck.

Even as she tells the storyalmost a month later, Jones-Morton doesn’t think whatshe did was heroic.

“I did what needed to

be done. I would hope thatif I needed help someonewould be there.” For hervaliant efforts in saving thelives of the woman andchild, Jones-Morton wasrecently awarded the veryfirst Medal of Valor fromthe Bonita Springs Fire andRescue District.

When asked what in herbackground may have con-tributed to her selfless andcourageous act, this retirededucator and volunteer atLovers Key State Parkexplained that maybe heryears of living abroad asan educator in Japan, Ger-many and Brazil taught herself sufficiency and inde-pendence and enabled herto help when it was needed.

This isn’t the first time


Pamela Jones-Mortonfrom page A1

Kathy O’Flinn | [email protected] Jones-Morton was recently awarded thevery first Medal of Valor from the Bonita SpringsFire and Rescue District.

“When I saw the flames I knew this wholething was going to get out of control. Andsomething needed to be done right away.”

“As soon as I lookedup the baby wasright there, in thecar seat sideways.”

Pamela Jones-Morton | Special to the SpotlightPamela Jones-Morton pulled a baby and a woman out of this SUV before itwas completely engulfed in flames.

that Jones-Morton has beencommended for heractions. In 2008 she wasnominated by the Park Serv-ice and recognized by Gov-ernor Charlie Crist for aGovernor’s Points of Lightaward for her hundreds ofhours of volunteer work asa Master Naturalist at LoversKey State Park and for herexemplary service to thecommunity. At the time, itwas a surprise to her andlater at a reception at theGovernor’s mansion she andthe other winners were ableto share their experiences.Her reaction at the time was“You gotta be kidding me.Me?” Today she says, “But itwas just a wonderful kudo.It was very very nice”. Andso is she.


southwest Florida, includingSanibel, Sarasota, and Leeand Charlotte counties.

For several years, somestate legislators in Tallahasseehave introduced legislationthat would effectively striplocalities of their “homerule” ability to regulate fer-tilizer use. According to pre-emption supporters, like theFlorida Retail Federation,local laws “restrict state com-merce and act as a redun-dant regulation on Florida’sretailers.” A website calledthefertilizerfix.com has beenset up to support their view.State regulation is goodenough, they say.

The City, along withmany other members ofthe Florida League of Cities,disagrees. City Councilrecently unanimouslyapproved a letter to statelegislators opposing thestate preemption bill. “Thisbill effectively denies localcommunities the ability toprotect our water bodieswith more stringent stan-dards,” it said. The Boardof Lee County Commis-sioners has expressed a sim-ilar view.

While the City fightsstate preemption of its fer-tilizer law, it may need toimplement projects to cap-

ture nutrients before theyreach the Imperial River. AStorm Water Master Planprepared for the City byIntera, Inc. proposes thecreation of nine retentionponds or similar facilitiesover a five-year period tomechanically reduce nitro-gen inflow into the fresh-water portion of theImperial River.

The total cost of theseprojects is $1,710,000.Intera’s report states thatsome projects could be eli-gible for cost sharing, poten-tially bringing the cost to$925,000. City staff isreviewing the proposed proj-ects and will make recom-mendations to City Councilas to which to pursue.

City employee compensation study

A review done by con-sultant Katie M. Busch ofDelray Beach for the Cityprovided some interestingdata points to enable theCity to begin analyzing com-pensation arrangements forits 62 employees.

Busch categorized theemployees into 42 differentjob positions and then com-pared their wages to theaverage wages of employeesholding similar jobs in othersouth Florida cities. Theseincluded Cape Coral, Clear-water, Fort Myers Beach,

Naples, Wellington and Col-lier and Lee Counties.

The report offers a roughgauge that City employees,who have not received ageneral salary increase inover four years, are not over-paid as a group. Thirteenof the jobs in the City hadwages at or around the peergroup averages, 22 were sig-nificantly less and six weresignificantly more than thoseaverages.

The report does not showthat any individual employeeis overpaid or underpaidrelative to market averages.Any interpretation of thatsort would be simplistic,and erroneous. That’sbecause any individual’scompensation is the productof various factors notaddressed in the report,including professional expe-rience, job tenure, specificduties and performance. Thereport provides a frameworkfor next steps, which includeanalyzing employee specificdata.

Busch also quoted othercompensation studies thatshow wages of public andprivate sector employees inFlorida are roughly equal.Benefits are slightly higherfor public sector employees,but this is more than offsetby incentive pay in the privatesector, she reported.

By JL WatsonLee Memorial Health System

Tennis elbow—caused byoveruse of the arm and fore-arm muscles that results inlateral elbow pain—is a bitof a misnomer. Though thecondition does affect manytennis players, it is morecommon in those who donot play tennis at all; suchis the case of BenjaminCrews.

A recreational golfer,Crews noticed an uncom-fortable and annoying pain.After a few weeks, the painworsened. He started corti-sone shots, wearing a braceand playing less golf. Whenthe pain became unbearable,he met with orthopedic sur-geon Antonio J. Flores, M.D.

Dr. Flores explains thattennis elbow involves themuscles and tendons of thelateral forearm that attachto the outside bony area ofthe elbow.

“Even though this con-dition is commonly referredto as ‘inflammatory,’ it isthought to be a degenerativeprocess that results in micro-

scopic tears of the affectedtendons,” Dr. Flores says.

Patients like Crewsdescribe pain on the side oftheir elbow, just below thebony prominence—knownas the lateral epicondyle.Pain often is associated withactivities such as extending,gripping or twisting motionsof the wrist.

“Simple tasks like open-ing a door or shaking handsbecome painful,” Dr. Floressays.

According to Dr. Flores,most cases of tennis elbowresolve without the need forsurgery. But, when respitefrom sports activities orstrenuous work, braces orsteroid injections do notwork, surgical interventionmay be necessary.

“Tennis elbow surgery isusually performed throughan incision on the outsideof the elbow,” Dr. Floresexplains. “The damagedmuscle or tendon then isremoved or released.”

A monitored postopera-tive rehabilitation programallows all tissues to heal andinvolves specific stretchingexercises, ultrasound, icemassage and muscle-stim-ulating techniques.

For Crews, tennis elbowsurgery meant three monthsoff the golf course. But, nowhe is pain-free and back tothe game.

“I have a five handicap,”Benjamin says. “I can play alot of golf without any pain.”


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Up and Downfrom page A7


Church. That group’s effortswere crucial in raising fundsneeded to facilitate thetransfer.

Since 2010, when thePalms began to consideralternatives to its ownershipof the Bonita facility, it’sbeen a roller coaster ridefor the Bonitians whoworked hard to keep aYMCA in Bonita.

Early on, others madeovertures to purchase thebuilding, including St.Matthew’s House and a localBonita Springs church.

Before narrowing thesearch to the Venice Y, thePalms gauged interest fromother YMCA organizations,including the Marco IslandY and other Florida Y’s fromthe east coast and as farnorth as Tampa.

And then there was thematter of price. At first,Modzelewski thought thePalms was ready to simplyhand over the Bonita Y. TheBonita Advisory Board,impressed by the strengthand success of the Venice

operation, supported thatoption.

Then a price was put onthe building. The Palms lostmoney operating the Bonitafacility, it said, and neededto recoup those losses.

That notion didn’t sitwell with many Bonitianswho contributed about $7

million in cash and in kinddonations to build the facil-ity. In 2004 the Palms washanded the keys when thenational Y encouraged for-mation under a preexistingorganization.

During 2011, as negoti-ations continued, Modzel-ewski practiced patience and

restraint, so that the pur-chase price did not eat upfunds needed to restart theoperation.

“The day we reopen thedoors, there won’t be amember there,” he saidwhen contacted by the Spot-light around Labor Day. “Weare anticipating losses in

the first year or two orthree.”

And then, at Thanksgiv-ing time, “We are still work-ing on it. It’s a negotiation.They want more moneythan we want to offer.”

Also the Venice Y, thoughfinancially strong, stretcheda bit to take over other LeeCounty Y operations in2011.

Like Modzelewski, for-mer members of the BonitaAdvisory Board were notfans of paying for a buildingthat Bonitians had alreadypaid for. But if a YMCAwas to return, they tackleda practical necessity, raisingmoney to enable Bonita tomove on.

Tom Schreck, who ledthe fundraising effort, hadhigh praise for those whostepped forward. “Peoplecalled or let it be knownthey wanted to help. Theyasked, ‘What can we do?’”he said.

The purchase will befunded by substantial con-tributions of a few donors,who asked to remain anony-mous. They are a mix oforiginal Bonita Y contrib-utors and new supporters.

“There was a genuineacknowledgment of theneed of the community, andthat the YMCA is a worthything to invest in. That moti-vation is a very positivething,” said Schreck.

Some dissatisfaction withthe past is understandable,he said. “But there is a timeand place when you justhave to put it behind you.The sooner we can get overthe issue of the history, thebetter off we are.”

In past years the Bonitacommunity has displayedits customary generosity,contributing upwards of$140,000 annually to defrayoperating costs at the BonitaY.

The Spotlight has previ-ously reported that thePalms first asked $1.5 mil-lion and then around$900,000 for the Bonitafacility. Subsequently, theasking price was cut to anamount substantially lowerthan that. The Spotlight hasbeen asked to keep theagreed price confidential,but can report that it is asix figure amount signifi-cantly less than half the lastasking price reported.


Staff Photo | [email protected] months after closing, the Bonita Springs YMCA on Kent Road is poised toreopen.

YMCAfrom page A1

Looking to Venice,Bonita Y sees its reflection, and hope

By Peter R. O’[email protected]

Venice –Newspaper articlestell the story of a financiallyfailing YMCA, the victim ofoverly ambitious plans, errantpredictions of growth duringa boom period and a facilitybuilt in an area isolated frommany in the community itwas supposed to serve.

“YMCA in Trouble,” readsone headline. “YMCA losesbattles with financial woes,likely to close,” reads another.And then, “Will YMCA turninto just another memory,”and “Must the Y die?”

Is it the story of the BonitaSprings YMCA? No. The arti-cles hang on storyboards ina corridor of the VeniceYMCA. From the SarasotaHerald-Tribune 30 years ago,they tell of an organizationnear demise.

A determined communitysaved the Venice Y, as subse-quent headlines tell, “Y fundgrowing,” “Y contributorswork to make the difference,”“YMCA funders hangingtough,” and finally “YMCAsaved.”

Today, the Venice YMCA,or the South County FamilyYMCA as it is officially called,is a vibrant organization. It

operates two facilities, inVenice and Englewood. In2011 it took over YMCAoperations in Lee County,other than Bonita Springs.

Now the Venice Y ispoised to reopen the BonitaY, after striking a deal withCollier County based YMCAof the Palms. The deal cul-minates two years of workby the Bonita Advisory Boardto the Palms.

Spend an afternoon at theCenter Road facility in Veniceand it’s easy to see the poten-tial the Bonita AdvisoryBoard saw. It’s a far cry fromthe Y of work-out machines,a gym and a pool.

Think of it as the YMCA,reimagined.

“The South County Y isa community hub, and weare very proud of that,” saidKen Modzelewski, chief exec-utive of the Venice operation,“We sponsor and partnerwith eighty communityorganizations.”

He ticked off a few. TheWomen’s Resource Center,the American Cancer Societyand the Seratoma speechclinic. They are given per-manent space “because weare the Y,” he said.

Not to mention the Sher-iff ’s department that trains

scuba divers in the pool, theLoveland Association ofHandicapped Adults, theSenior Friendship Center,the Boys and Girls Club, theSalvation Army summer

youth program, Big Brothersand Big Sisters, and the bas-ketball programs of theVenice Christian School andthe Epiphany Cathedral.

Its mantra is ‘get involved’.“Community outreachmeans immersion in thecommunity,” saidModzelewski. “We have start-ed coalitions to improve thecommunity, whether itshealthy kids or adult pro-grams. We work with church-es and youth programs. Ifthere is a fundraiser, even ifit is for somebody else, weshould be there.”

“If a community groupwants to have a meeting inour conference room, theyjust let us know and theycan use it,” he said, “For any-

one who wants to work withthe YMCA, we are here. Mostof it is free of charge.”

“Part of the Y is the build-ing, but then you take theprograms into the commu-nity. It is a process and doesnot happen overnight. Butonce it does, everyone says,‘Gee, look at what the Y did’.”

“I am not a fisherman,and I am a bad golfer,” saidModzelewski. “To me this ismy world.”

And quite a world it is.Modzelewski’s small officejust off the reception area issimply furnished. But theVenice facility is virtually avillage.

There are eight buildingswith over 100,000 square feeton the campus. The 55,000square foot health and well-ness center is the centerpiece.There is an Olympic sizepool, 25,000 square foot gym,infant care center, preschoolcenter, before and after schoolbuilding, skate park, a cafe-teria, and a charter schoolfor 350 students.

“We have nearly 25,000members,” said Modzelewski.“On a daily basis 3,500 peoplego through the door, andthat’s not counting the kidsin our after school program.We have over 130 pieces of

cardio equipment, so evenat peak time anyone can geton the equipment.”

Ken Modzelewski hasspent “a lot of time” in Boni-ta. “I have walked the Y. Ilooked at the communities,starting with google earth. Ihave driven around figuringdistances between the Y andthe schools, and 41.”

Modzelewski is aware thatmany Bonita residents livein gated communities withtheir own facilities. In Venice,he says, many members comefrom gated communities.They are great places, he said,“but many don’t have thedepth and breadth of whatwe bring if you want to livea healthy lifestyle.”

“What we also bring issocialization,” he said. “Wehave the 94 year old on thetreadmill, and the six weekold in infant care. We havegroups that drink their coffeeand read their newspaper.You have to create thatatmosphere of enthusiasm

and synergy.” “I attempt to inspire folks

to do better, and I expect Iwill be personally spendinga lot of time in Bonita,” saidModzelewski.

“We have to get the com-munity to love their Y,” hesaid. “Venice loves its Y,Englewood loves its Y. Noone knows what the SouthCounty Family YMCA is,and who cares?”

“Community outreach means immersion in thecommunity.” – Ken Modzelewski

“We have to get the communityto love their Y.” – Ken Modzelewski



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Bonita Springs – BeforeBonita Springs was incor-porated and when farmsbordered each side of Old41, Joe Perez was doingadditions and lanai enclo-sures to RVs and mobilehomes in places like LimeTree Park in Bonita andRiverwoods Plantation inEstero. That was in themid-1980s when he startedPerez Aluminum. In 1999he changed the name toPerez Industries.

“Today I domore residentialhomes. Most ofit is for privatehomeowners. Therest is subcon-tractor work forbuilders. We domostly exteriorwork: storm shut-ters, pool enclo-sures, fascia androof repairs,impact windows,”said Perez. “I’m ageneral contrac-tor. We do justabout anything.We do a lot ofwork by referral,mostly by word ofmouth. We’vebeen here solong,”

Perez workedfor a number ofcompanies, prior to startinghis own company. Heexplained that lanai con-struction is ex-posed trusswork. It’s finish work.

“With what we do,everything is exposed soyou have to be very neat.And that’s one of the thingswe try to stress – neatness,”

Perez explained. For homeowners who

don’t like pool enclosures,

he installs decorative pow-der coated aluminumfences since state coderequires a barrier aroundpools. A grandfather of twoyoungsters, he speaks pas-

sionately about this subject. “We have more drown-

ings of children in Floridathan any other state in thecountry. I recommendalarms on doors and a bar-rier around pools becausea child can wander offwhile you’re on the phone.It only takes a few minutes.

It’s so tragic.” He attributes his success

to continually trying toimprove his methods andproducts.

“We always think thereis room for improvement.We’re always looking fordifferent fasteners that willwithstand the weather bet-ter, different methods ofdoing things so they’restronger,” he said.

The biggest challengehe faces right now is theeconomy and the cost ofgoods. “The market on alu-minum fluctuates so

much.” He addsthat his prices aregood for 2 monthsand sometimes hehas to absorb theloss. Fluctuatingfuel prices alsopresent a challenge.But he said, “Find-ing the work isn’tthat difficult if youdo good work andit’s very easy towork with theBuilding Depart-ment here in Boni-ta.”

Perez is mostproud that his com-pany has been ableto survive the eco-nomic downturnand not diminishedthe quality of thework. He says hestill tries to put out

the best possible productfor the customer.

“We don’t cut corners– never will. We try to makesure that the customer hasa satisfactory businesstransaction with us and hefeels good about what he has spent his moneyon.”


BONITA BUSINESS BEAT


Bonita Springs – A coffeetable-sized book of testimo-nials sits on the table as youenter Bonita Estero Dental.That and a friendly greetingfrom the staff help makepatients feel welcome andcomfortable.

“We have a great staff.We truly enjoy being in eachothers company,” explainedDr. Feeney.

At Bonita Estero Dental,Dr. Owen Feeney and Dr.Claudie Delgado-Feeney, par-ents of four young children,have TVs for patients whowant to watch Ellenand laugh.

“We keep thepatient engaged, talk itthrough and make surethey are comfortablewith what we aredoing,” said Dr. Feeney,and in the end, “it’s notas bad as what yourmind had planned”.They offer general andcosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetics is whatDr. Delgado-Feeneyloves to do. “I like work-ing with people, mak-ing them improve theirsmiles and improvetheir confidence. Ienjoy cosmetics andwould do it all day if Icould,” she explained.

Dr. Feeney likes doingimplants. “It’s exciting tohelp patients gain function-ality,” he said.

Studies have shown thatpeople see their dentist farmore often than they seetheir physician. “So webecome screeners for a lotof other things as well.When we do our checkup,we always check the tissueand look for different signs

of disease,” said Dr. Feeney.Many diseases do show upin the mouth. Inflammationmay be a sign of periodontaldisease or something moreserious. Early detection by the dentist can be life-saving.

“We’ve become moreaware of the links of peri-odontal disease and heart

disease. If you have peri-odontal disease, you have anincreased chance of heartdisease,” said Dr. Feeney.There are cases of patientswho, once they have theirperiodontal infection re-solved, can get off their heartmedications. With theinflammation cleared up, theheart has an easier job.

Fluoride and sealants havechanged dentistry “in a dra-matic fashion,” explained Dr.

Feeney. The populationunder 39 years of age has had fewer cavities. Thedays of silver fillings arelong gone. A more conser-vative approach, sometimesreferred to as microdentistry,is used today with the adventof white composite fillingswhich don’t require thedrilling of a massive channel.Other techniques include theuse of computerized anes-thetic and nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughinggas.

Along with a passion fordentistry, Dr. Feeney teachesanatomy and physiology atFlorida Gulf Coast Univer-

sity. A past chairmanof the board of theBonita Springs AreaChamber of Com-merce, and currentlyChairman of theChamber’s FoundationBoard, Dr. Feeneysomehow finds time toplay rhythm guitar inthe classic rock bandhe founded called theMighty Quint. Over thepast six years his bandhas played for severalcharity events hostedat various local venues.

Dr. Delgado-Feeneycurrently is a memberof the board of directorsof the Bonita SpringsArea Chamber of Com-

merce. When they are notin the office, the doctorsmight be attending anyoneof their children’s athleticevents. “They are all physi-cally active,” explained Dr.Delgado-Feeney, in TaeKwon Do, gymnastics andbasketball.

With busy careers, com-munity and charitableendeavors, and a big family,these two doctors are quiteactive as well.

Perez Industries –Room for improvement

The changing face of dentistry

“We don’t cut corners – never will.” – Joe Perez

Staff Photo | [email protected] Perez started Perez Aluminum, nowPerez Industries, over 25 years ago inBonita Springs.

Staff Photo | [email protected]. Owen Feeney and Dr. ClaudieDelgado-Feeney

Studies have shownthat people see theirdentist far moreoften than they seetheir physician.



Sunset of the month

Maxine Saul | [email protected]’s sunset of the month was submitted by Maxine Saul. Maxine is the winner of two tickets to the Bonita Blues Festival March 9 and 10 at RiversidePark. Email your best sunset photos to [email protected] for a chance for your photo to be the next sunset of the month and win tickets to the Bonita BluesFestival.



S O U T H W E S T

FEBRUARY 2012Vol.3, No.2 FREE

™

Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

FT MYERS, FLPERMIT #980

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERECRWSS

Market Pulse A12

Love of Bonita Award B1City ElectionResults B4

The Diabetic Detector B17

Bonita BusinessBeat A25

Building in Bonita A9

20,000 circulation12,000 direct-mailed

By Peter R. O’[email protected] Springs – The Bonita Springs YMCA is poised toreopen under the ownership of the South County FamilyYMCA of Venice, nine months after being shuttered byCollier County based YMCA of the Palms.In late January the Venice Y reached an agreement in

principle to assume ownership of the Kent Road facilityfrom the Palms. The deal is subject to remaining duediligence, documentation and formal lender approval.“The Bonita YMCA is going to be front and center in

the community or I would not do it,” said Ken Modzelewski,chief executive of the Venice Y. “That will be my drivingprinciple.” (See related article regarding the Venice organi-zation on page A22.)”If all goes well I might be trying to shoot for a March 1

opening,” he said. “I feel confident that the due diligenceshould go quickly.” Prompt lender approval to decouplethe facility from the Palms can’t be presumed, althoughverbal assurances have been given. “We are putting plans in place,” said Modzelewski. “The

pool is a big mess. There is no doubt about that. We willpurchase new equipment, which has to be prewired intothe floors. We need to determine whether there are enoughcircuits to handle the equipment.”The deal came together in late January when the Palms

accepted a price from Modzelewski significantly belowthat previously proposed by the Palms. It was the culminationof two years of behind the scenes work by members of theformer Bonita Advisory Board to the Palms, led by Dennis


By Kathy O’[email protected]

Bonita Springs – Esteroresident Pamela Jones-Mor-ton, 64, phoned her col-leagues at Lovers Key andtold them she would notmake it to the holiday partybecause there was an accidenton Hickory Boulevard. Shedidn’t offer the details. Shewas too shaken. Moments earlier Jones-

Morton was driving behinda convertible Camaro, just

about to approach the bridgeto cross Big Hickory Pass,when an oncoming SUVcame into her lane, barreledright up the front of the Ca-maro immediately in frontof her and rolled over on itsside. She slammed on herbrakes and then did whatmost ordinary people woulddo. She dialed 911. After that, her actions

were extraordinary.Running up the bridge

she yelled into the phone. “Idon’t remember exactly what

I said, something along thelines of, ‘We have an accidenton Hickory Bridge. It’s a badaccident. There’s a roll over.’” When she reached the

car she saw a woman gettingout of the Camaro and thenshe saw fire coming frombeneath the SUV. “I screamed, ‘Fire!’ I just

gave the phone away. I didn’thave time. When I saw theflames I knew this wholething was going to get outof control. And something

Local Hero – Pamela Jones-Morton


Staff Photo | [email protected] Modzelewski, chief executive of the South County Family YMCA of Venice,stands outside the Bonita Springs YMCA on Kent Road. Nine months after closing, the Bonita Y is poised to reopen.

Outlook brightas Bonita Y plans

reopening

Inside

SS_FEB_A_Cover and A28 1/31/12 10:31 AM Page 1

Page B24 Southwest Spotlight February 2012 S O U T H W E S T S P O T L I G H TEvents, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs

FEBRUARY 2012Vol.3, No.2 SECTION B

Why I love living inBonita Springs

Love of BonitaBy Heather [email protected]

Bonita Springs – There was once a manwho lived in a small town on the border of asmall county. No one ever took great noticeof this town, but this man knew that therewas something special about it. When hewas young, he had moved there with hisfamily and they welcomed guests to theirnew motel from all over. He went to schooland his family sold themotel, and soon he wasa successful lawyer.

He had a lovely wifewho had grown up inthe same town, and fourchildren who theybrought everywhere withthem. Life was good forthem. But he had a prob-lem; his heart was over-flowing. This is not thekind of overflowing thata doctor can fix. Thisman had to find a wayto fix it himself.

And so when his fa-ther-in-law invited himto join a club of volun-teers, he did, soon afterinviting his own father.Suddenly he realized thathe loved his town morethan he ever realized. Andsoon he was joining moreclubs and volunteeringmore, his family in towall the way.

When the announce-

ment was made that their hometown wouldbecome a city, there were concerns. Wouldthe independence of their town be threatened?But he assured his friends that he trusted inhis town-turned-city new government, smallbut strong, new but ready to learn. He sawin his surroundings a place that could thriveand would benefit from the title “City ofBonita Springs”.

And soon he found that his overflowing

Heather Thomson | [email protected] Thompson has been named the 2012 Love of BonitaAward recipient.

By Deborah M. MacleanSpecial to the Spotlight

Bonita Springs – I haveread with interest the oth-er submissions titled un-der ‘Why I love living inBonita Springs’. I ampleased to have beenasked to share why I livehere with you. I live herebecause of the locationand natural resources.

We live in a humidsubtropical climate characterized by hothumid summers and mild dry winters. Weare protected on our westerly boundary bythe Gulf of Mexico and on our easterlyboundary by the DRGR [Density ReductionGroundwater Resource] which is adjacentto the Everglades. Right down our center isthe Imperial River. This triage swaddles usand gives us our near tropical climate zone.

I love our balmy summers and the wildsexy storms that replenish the DRGR andthe Everglades. These monsoons cause ex-plosions of growth a natural pruning anda heightening of color and a cleansing ofbuildings and roadways. To me summer isglorious. Did you know that if you and Ihad chosen to live just a few miles northnear the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers;we would experience colder winters. Sadlyif we continue to sprawl eastward we will,as in Atlanta, disrupt this delicate weatherpattern.

By Kathy AndersonSpecial to the SpotlightBonita Springs–In 1969, duringa family Christ-mas vacation inMiami, my sis-ter, her friend,and I were al-lowed to havethe car for oneday as long aswe promised notto go to the out-door rock con-cert in Ft. Laud-erdale. Begrudg-ingly, we agreedand headed weston Alligator Al-ley (2 lanes back then). Arriving in down-town Naples with nothing happening there,we pulled over at the phone booth on FifthAvenue and called our friend’s mom backin Indiana. When Mrs. Ford told us how toget to Sanibel, off we went!

Arriving on Sanibel and following signsdirecting us to the beach, the three of usfelt as though we’d arrived on Gilligan’s Is-land! The day was glorious. We picked upbeautiful shells, listened to the surf, andwatched many different types of birds. Oncewe realized the time was getting late andwe were told to “be back by dark”, weheaded down McGregor Boulevard, which

Kathy Anderson

Continued on page B8

Continued on page B8Continued on page B8

SS_FEB_B Cover and B24 1/31/12 10:32 AM Page 1

Page B2 Southwest Spotlight February 2012

Beginning BirdingThur., Feb. 2, 10 a.m.This beginning birding pro-gram is just one of manynature programs offered bypark services at Lovers Key.Bike tours, beach walks, kayaktours, manatee and dolphintalks and a fishing clinic andmore fill out the Februarycalendar. For reservations call239 465-4588 or for detailsgo to floridastateparks.org/loverskey. Cost: programsare free, charge for parkadmission, discounted priceon kayak, bicycle and canoerentals if registered for a pro-gram.

Farm Fresh MarketSaturdays 7:30 a.m. to noonCome to one of the mostpopular markets in the region.Fully stocked farm-fresh veg-etable vendors plus fish, bakedgoods, cut flowers, orchids,cosmetics, antiques, fashions,jewelry, books and more.Where: Promenade at BonitaBay. Cost: Free. For moreinformation go to www.boni-talions.org.

Book SaleFri., Feb. 3 & Sat. Feb 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Friends of the Library ofBonita Springs will be holdingtheir book sale to raise fundsfor Library programs. Findyour favorite authors at bar-gain prices. There will be alarge selection of gently usedpaperbacks, hard cover fictionand nonfiction books, chil-dren’s books, tapes, CDs andpuzzles for sale. Where: BonitaSprings Library meetingroom, 26876 Pine Avenue.

Bark in Riverside ParkSat., Feb. 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Bring your dog for a day offood, music and more: petcontests all day, pet CPRdemonstrations, raffle andsilent auction, microchippingon site. All event proceedsbenefit Southeastern GuideDogs. Where: Riverside Parkon Old 41 Road ½ mile northof Bonita Beach Road. Cost:Free

Bonita Estero MarketPulseFri. Feb. 10, 8 a.m.Economic overviews of thelocal and regional economieswill be presented by keynotespeaker Michael Bryan, SeniorEconomist for the FederalReserve Bank’s Sixth District.Brad Hunter, National Direc-tor of Consulting at Metros-tudy, returns as theintroductory speaker. Thisevent is open to the public.Where: Florida Gulf CoastUniversity, main ballroom.Cost: $35. Tickets may onlybe purchased by calling theBonita Springs Area Chamberof Commerce at 239 992-2943.

City Hall Open HouseSat., Feb. 11, noon to 2 p.m.To inform residents aboutthe new communication ini-tiatives it is undertaking, thecity will host an interactivetour of new technologies ithopes will encourage residentsto connect with the city. Res-idents will learn about QRcodes, new web templates,social media platforms, chan-nel 98 and more. There willbe fire and police cars andtrucks and gadgets for familiesand kids to explore. Where:Bonita Springs City CouncilChambers and parking lotarea. Cost: Free.

Old-Time Florida Fish FrySun. Feb 12, noon to 2 p.m.The Lions Club and the His-torical Society will co-host aFish Fry. The American FolkTrio will provide the enter-tainment with a variety ofcountry, folk and gospel tunes.The artist cottages will beopen. Reservations required.For advance tickets throughthe Lions call Ken Shivel at239 992-0154 or the HistoricalSociety at 239 992-6997.Where: Liles Hotel in HistoricBonita Springs. Cost: $10 perperson in advance or $12 atthe event.

Vow Renewal Ceremonyat Lovers Key State ParkTues., Feb. 14, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.Love is in the air at LoversKey on Valentine’s Day. Cou-ples are invited to the park

for a special wedding vowrenewal ceremony at the gaze-bo on the beach. Each couplewill receive a photo taken atsunset and champagnepunch, treats and music willcomplement the sunset. Pre-registration is required byFebruary 6 so that all couplescan be entered into a drawingfor a Valentine’s Night staydonated by the nearby LoversKey Resort. To register go towww.friendsofloverskey.orgor call the event chair, CherylHohmann, 239 765-9482.Where: Lovers Key State Park.Cost: $45 per couple, non-refundable donation.

Celebration of ReadingFri. Feb. 17, 6 p.m.Best selling authors will joinGov. Jeb Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush for this annualevent which is in its 12th consecutive year. Individualtickets, available at www.celebrationofreading.org orby contacting Tina Matte at239 277-6295, include thereading event followed by agourmet dinner and a book-signing with the authors.Florida’s Celebration of Read-ing raises funds for familyliteracy programs. Where:Hyatt Regency CoconutPointe Resort & Spa. Cost:$250 per person.

Lions Pride ParkSat., Feb. 18, 11 a.m.Celebrate with the BonitaSprings Lions Club when theribbon is cut for the new nat-ural playground, Lions PridePark, their gift to the childrenof Bonita Springs. CurrentLions Clubs InternationalPresident Sidney “Sid” L.Scruggs will be in attendance.Where: Depot Park, off Penn-sylvania Avenue. Cost: Free.

Bonita Springs PrayerBreakfastTues. Feb 21, 7 a.m.Chip Ingram, teaching pastorfor Living on the Edge andauthor of 11 books, is thefeatured speaker. Musicalentertainment provided bysinger Lindsey Graham andpianist Gordon Bleich. Formore information visitwww.bonitaspringsprayer-breakfast.com. Reservations

EVENTS


SS_FEB 2012_Section B 1/31/12 6:17 PM Page B2

February 2012 Southwest Spotlight Page B3

www.LeeMemorial.org

For Your HealthL E C T U R E S E R I E S

Lee Memorial Health System brings you a complimentary lecture series designed to introduce you to the latest health topics and treatments available right here in Southwest Florida.

Lectures are scheduled through April with topics to include cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and cancer.

Seating is limited. Reservations are requested. Please call 239-454-8762.

Brian Hummel, M.D.Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Murali Muppala, M.D.Cardiologist

Steven Priest, M.D.Cardiologist

New Treatment Option for Aortic StenosisJoin cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Brian Hummel and cardiologists Dr. Murali Muppala and Dr. Steven Priest as they introduce you to transcatheter aortic valve replacement, also known as TAVR. An alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR is performed through an artery in the groin. Lee Memorial Health System’s HealthPark Medical Center was the �rst facility in Florida to o�er this procedure outside of clinical trials.

Trianon Bonita Bay3401 Bay Commons Drive, Bonita Springs



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By Peter A. O'[email protected]

Bonita Springs – On January 31 Ben Nelson Jr. was reelectedMayor of Bonita Springs in a landslide victory over challengerDavid Grothaus. Nelson's tally was just short of two-thirds of theballots cast, according to unofficial results of the Lee CountySupervisor of Elections. On election night Nelson and his wife Lorigreeted well-wishers at a packed Trianon Hotel on US41.

"This isn't about me, it's about the people of Bonita Springs,"said Nelson. Throughout the campaign Nelson stressed theimportance of civic pride in the City's accomplishments, as well asthe need for consensus building and civil discourse. His affirmationby the voters appears as a mandate for that style of government inthe City, which was formed on a nonpartisan basis just 12 yearsago.

This election marked the fourth time Bonitians have sent Nelsonto City Hall, first as District 6 Councilman for two terms, and nowtwice as Mayor. Grothaus put a strong effort into his campaign. Inthe end his uphill climb against the incumbent proved too steep.

Peter Simmons won the other contested City election, for CityCouncil member in District 4. He garnered 47 percent of the voteaccording to unofficial results. "I am humbled and excited to servethe citizens of Bonita Springs,” said Simmons, as he and hissupporters celebrated their victory at Backwater Jacks in BonitaBay.

Roger Brunswick was the first runner up to Simmons with 22percent of the vote, followed by Barbara Barnes-Buchanan andWes Norris. Many observers viewed the group as a high qualityfield with little difference among them on substantive issues.

Simmons conducted a high energy campaign. "We knocked onclose to 4,000 doors over the course of the last six months,” he said.

Council members Janet Martin and Bill Lonkart were reelectedwithout opposition. The unofficial election results are subject tocertification.

Nelson in a landslide,Simmons for District 4

Staff Photo | [email protected] Simmons, right, celebrates with campaignmanager Joseph Russo after learning he won theDistrict 4 City Council seat.

Staff Photo | [email protected] cheer as Mayor Nelson addresses thecrowd. Nelson was reelected Mayor of BonitaSprings in a landslide victory over challengerDavid Grothaus.

Staff Photo | [email protected] Ben Nelson and Lori Nelson at the Trianon Hotel, after the Mayor’s reelection.



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Three years in the same location

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By D.K. [email protected]

Bonita Springs – BonitaSprings philanthropist BobGillette says he is “one ofthe oars in the boat – eachdoes what they can to moveit ahead.” He finds himselfin the middle of a projectand wonders how he gotthere. He says he “agreed tobe adopted” by the BonitaSprings Veterans’ AffairsCommittee (VAC). DavidGrossi and City CouncilmanSteve Slachta are the primemovers. Just in time, Gilletteadded the extra financialpush that the VAC neededto bring the Vietnam Warreplica memorial to RiversidePark this past November.

Gillette repeated thatprocess in support of a per-manent memorial honoringall veterans, etched marblewith figures and “No oneleft behind” in the same parkby next Veterans’ Day. TheVAC is currently raisingmoney through donationsand brick sales to fund thememorial and needs about$25,000 more. Gillette’s sup-port has moved the projectforward timely while fund-raising continues.

“Really, David and Steveare out front, doing all thework,” says Gillette. “Manycommunity organizationsare engaged in fundraising.Things that would happenwithout me anyway occur alittle faster. Everyone’s specialcontributions are important;mine might be a timelycheck.”

Involvement with veter-ans developed throughfriendships with veterans likethe Tuskegee airman, 90-year-old Washington Ross,who flew the legendary P51Mustang, and other veteranswho resided in the Birm-

ingham, MI retirement com-munity Bob Gillette’scompany built. Many of theresidents were World War IIveterans, often living in iso-lation and alone. He organ-ized a trip to a meeting thathonored a group of elderlyveterans that for many wastheir first time out in a longtime. The veterans’ storiestouched his heart and led toGillette funding two award-winning documentary filmsas co-producer, sitting in onveteran interviews and trav-eling to foreign war sites.

The documentaries, OurGreatest Generation, veteransfrom WWII, and mostrecently, Our Vietnam Gen-eration, included full-colorphoto books of each. KeithFamie was Producer/Direc-tor.

“When I tell you thatnearly every veteran in thecity and every employeeattended the premiers at theDetroit Fox Theater, youunderstand why – to honorveterans whose lives were

forever changed and manyVietnam vets who weredenied honor when theycame home. I just naturallycontinued supporting vet-erans when I bought myhome in Bonita Springs.”

Gillette served in the mil-

itary; his lack of combatexperience gave him an evenstronger desire to honorthose who fought in thewars.

One of Gillette’s favoritecharities is New Horizons,

providing tutoring and afterschool activities for BonitaSprings youth.

“Bob and Ellen Nicholsdo an excellent job; I enjoyhelping them. New Horizonsis one of the Bonita SpringsPrayer Breakfast supportedcharities.” He also praisesthe Prayer Breakfast Com-mittee members with whomhe works closely. The VACwill host a table at the break-fast this month.

Gillette’s analogy to oarsin a boat, each person con-tributing their best, prettymuch sums up why he is soinvolved in Bonita Springsactivities and the All ServiceVeterans Tribute Monumentin particular.

“This is a small city withbig hearts. Many people worktogether across organizationsto produce big results. TheAll Service Veterans TributeMonument is an example.This memorial honors allthose who served in allbranches of the service, menand women who deservehonor and respect. Hope-fully, it will give the youngergenerations in the commu-nity an idea of what camebefore them. Veteran families


Bob Gillette – one of the oars in the boat

Contributed | Special to the SpotlightBonita Springs’ philan-thropist Bob Gillette’slocal contributionshonor veterans.

The Bonita Springs Veterans Advisory Committee iscurrently raising funds for a proposed Veterans Me-morial slated for Riverside Park on Old 41 Road.

This is a small citywith big hearts.

Many people worktogether across organizations to

produce big results.—Bob Gillette



was lined with such beau-tiful Royal Palms! Eventuallywe made it back to Miami(after dark). Our enthusi-asm about the beauty ofsouthwest Florida inspiredmy parents to visit Ft. Myersbefore heading back to Indi-ana. Like my sister and I,they were so enchanted withsouthwest Florida that theybought a winter home herein January 1972.

Now that I had a placeto come to, I seemed tovisit southwest Florida atleast once a year. After justa few years, I knew thatsomeday I would also makethis my winter home too.

Fast forwarding to retire-ment from teaching in Ohioin 2002, I was experiencingmany life changes and suf-fering empty nest syn-drome! While visiting agood friend the followingspring at Highland Woodsin Bonita, I decided it wastime to leave Cincinnatiand fly south to become asnowbird. Everyone seemedso nice and friendly.

After spending a couple

weeks unpacking boxes, Idecided I had the rest ofmy life to unpack boxes soI contacted the LiteracyCouncil of Bonita Springsto volunteer to teach Eng-lish as a Second Language.Making many friends withother tutors and with thestudents made me feel asthough I had lived here along time. It truly gave mea new life! Within a fewmonths, the director calledand hired me part-time.Eventually I was asked tohelp start a Moms & TotsProgram for the LiteracyCouncil. I continue to thisday serving as Moms &Tots Family Literacy Pro-gram Coordinator for thenew Literacy Council GulfCoast.

A friend and tutor toldme about Newcomers Clubof Bonita Springs and sug-gested that I consider join-ing. Newcomers and itssister organization, Encore,have given me the oppor-tunity to develop manywonderful friendships withpeople I feel I’ve known allmy life. There are so manyactivities to be involved inthat I could be busy sevendays a week if I wanted.

I’ve traveled to Costa Rica,Alaska, and Turkey withsome of the women. Andmy latest addiction, MahJongg, was learned in New-comers!

Living in Bonita Springsis wonderful! Most every-thing I do is close by. Afterliving in a large city for 31years, I like the simplicityand friendliness that Bonitaoffers. Everyone is so niceand friendly. Our beautifulBLUE sky is amazing andputs a smile on my facewhen I wake up each morn-ing. The twinkling stars aregorgeous. Going to all thebeautiful places southwestFlorida has to offer is justa short drive away. As I toldone of my sons whilewatching our beautiful sun-set one evening, I havewidened my horizon sinceliving here. Like many peo-ple, I started out as a snow-bird but found myselfhappier when in southwestFlorida. Although I havewonderful memories ofCincinnati, I sold my homein 2009 and haven’t lookedback since. Southwest Flori-da and especially BonitaSprings truly is Paradisefor me!

heart was finally sated byhis love for his newfoundcity. Organizations abound-ed, and he found himselfsurrounded by people andevents and growth that ben-efited not only from hisdedication, but from hisfamily’s also. From Cele-

brate Bonita to Movies inthe Park to Rotary Christ-mas Tree Sales, it is apparentwhen he is not present.

This man’s name is G.Donald Thomson. This yearhe is being honored withthe Love of Bonita Award,following past recipientsAudrey Georges, Ira Hawk,Hank Hochstetler, the latePat Lord, Jacqueline “Jacke”

McCurdy, Richard “Dick”Miller, Donna Roberts,Marjorie Rubacky, DavidShort, and David and SarahZimmermann. His love isone that has become all-inclusive, with communityand family working in com-munion with one another.Welcome to the family,Bonita Springs, from ourfamily to yours.


Love of Bonitafrom page B1

We have since the begin-ning been careful to preserveour climate and quality oflife. I love Bonita Springsbecause we continue to pro-tect ourselves.

This is not to say we area bunch of tree-huggers. Ialso love Bonita Springs forall its eccentricities. The hotcompetition for political con-trol between factions is notnew to us. Near the end ofthe last Great Depression

our recent forefathers burntthe town hall and all the taxrecords. Many of the menof Bonita Springs partici-pated in the shooting ofEdgar Watson in Evergladescirca 1918. We are a fiery lotand it looks like we attractthe same ilk from afar tolive here on the coast andthe edge of the Glades. Surelyyou remember the movie‘The Wind Across the Ever-glades’?

So I love Bonita Springsfrom the ground up and forbeing the crazy melting pot

it is from the mutinousislanders on Hickory Island,to the brilliant minds in Bar-nacle Bay and the other gatedcommunities and lastly thefew remaining rebelliousCrackers.

I love Bonita Springsbecause we all fiercely andpublically protect what wehave and we don’t seem tohave any trouble keeping itinteresting.

Deborah M Maclean ispublisher of The Banana Peel,a free e-zine on local politics.

Deborah Macleanfrom page B1

Kathy Andersonfrom page B1

and friends will have a placeto know that their commu-nity says thank you.”

Gillette’s fishing boat isdocked at Pelican Bay YachtClub, and he is a memberof several organizations such

as the men’s Bible studygroup. “I’m not much of agolfer; but I keep my mindbusy.” Retired from 32 yearsin the retirement home busi-ness he founded in Michigan,his firm is building the Amer-ican House senior livingcommunity on ImperialStreet in Bonita Springs with

partners. “It will offer residents a

full kitchen in each unit sothat communal dining is achoice, not a replacementfor independence. I wantto support independent liv-ing as long as possible.”

Senior residents can counton gaining a new friend.

Gillettefrom page B7



TOWN TALK

Contributed | [email protected] 2012 City of Bonita Springs/Estero High School Government Day was held lastmonth at City Hall. Students shadowed different positions throughout the Cityincluding the Mayor, City Attorney, Bonita Springs Community Policing Sergeant,Community Relations/Special Events Coordinator, City Clerk and President ofChamber of Commerce. Each student was briefed for a mock council meeting.

Government Day

Habitat for Humanity ReStore opens

Open for businessMembers off theCommunity alongwith the FGCU –Small BusinessDevelopment Staff ata Ribbon Cuttingceremony last monthto celebrate openingthe SBDC office at27300 Old 41 Road,Artist Cottage #1, inBonita Springs.

Contributed | [email protected] Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce helped celebrate the ribboncutting ceremony of Habitat for Humanity ReStore last month at 27821 S. TamiamiTrail in Bonita Springs. In the center holding the scissors is Donna Marie Clavin,Vice President Habitat for Humanity of Lee & Hendry Counties.

CouncilmanStephenMcIntosh with EsteroHigh Schoolstudents Victor Arriagaand KaelinGroce.

Contributed | [email protected] | [email protected]


By Meghan [email protected]

Bonita Springs – Whenlooking at the vivid naturephotography of Dick Cun-ningham, viewers don’talways realize the patienceand sometimes perilinvolved in capturing theperfect shot. The beauty ofphotography is that behindeach perfectly capturedshot, is a story that is oftenas colorful as the photo-graph.

Talking to Cunninghamat his Bonita Beach gallery,buyers can hear the storiesbehind the photos that spanthe photographer’s 40-yearcareer.

“I’ve been involved inart and photography mywhole life, having had afather who was a profes-sional photographer andan artist mother,” Cunning-ham said. “Ever since I wasa kid I loved to tromparound in the woods.”

Cunningham receivedhis degree in professionalphotography from Roch -ester Institute of Technologyin 1971 and has been refin-ing his craft ever since.

Like many photogra-phers he started out doingportraits and weddings, butas the wild called to himhe found himself more andmore capturing nature.

“You know it’s funny butyou can wander around fordays sometimes and never

get a shot and allof a suddens o m e t h i n gchanges, light ora storm and youquickly get a halfdozen shots in afew minutes thatare all good,”Cunn inghamsaid. “It’s verysatisfying to cap-ture a feelingthat other peoplesense also.”

The photog-rapher is shoot-ing mostly dig i tal these daysbut says he still shoots withhis Fuji panorama film cam-era too because the qual ityis so good.He does his ownprinting and sells imagesup to 4x8 feet on paper orcanvas.

“I’ve had mixed feelingsabout digital; each tech-nique has its own uniquepros and cons,” Cunning-ham said. “The digital ismuch faster to use andlighter and the quality isnow outstanding plus youknow immediately whetheryou have the shot you werelooking for.”

In the end, Cunninghamfinds beautiful results and

has shown his work in themost prestigious art showsin the United States andwill be at the Bonita SpringsNational Art Festival at thePromenade this month onFeb. 11 and 12 from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. The festivalbenefits the Center for theArts of Bonita Springs.

“My photographs arefrom the swamps of Floridato the mountains of Alaskaand the wilds of Africa,”Cunningham said. “I seemto be drawn to the west,especially Utah for pho-tography. There’s some-thing about the vastness,the way the light glows,and all the weird rock for-

mations that I find veryfascinating.”

Sometimes Cunning-ham’s work takes him intouncomfortable situationsand even dangerous ones.

He was once shooting inAlaska when he begancrossing a river on a floatingfoot bridge.

“When I was abouthalfway across I looked upand a Grizzly and her cub

were sitting at the end ofthe bridge so I turnedaround and a grizzly wassitting at the other endwhere I had just comefrom,” Cunningham. “I

bided my time wonderingif I was going to have toswim. Luckily they left after a few minutes.”

No matter where he isshooting, Cunningham sayshe finds no subject as inter-

esting as nature.“My work showcases

the incredible beauty anddiversity of this country by careful use of light, color and composition,”

Cunningham says.Dick Cunningham’s

work can be seen athis gallery at 3421 BonitaBeach Road, Unit #408or online at www.DickCunningham. com.


Artist Spotlight: Dick Cunningham

Meghan Easterly | [email protected] Cunningham has been involved in art and pho-tography his whole life.

“My workshowcases the

incredible beautyand diversity of this country

by careful use oflight, color and composition.”

Floating Aspen by Dick CunninghamThe Sentinel by Dick Cunningham

Brooks Lake Wyoming by Dick Cunningham

The Wave by Dick Cunningham


Double Truck _ pottery as art_Layout 1 1/31/12 10:30 AM Page 1

By Heather [email protected]

Bonita Springs – BonitaSprings Charter School isabuzz with students playingoutside, and teachers andstaff working busily inside.But at the library, studentsand teachers work quietlythrough stacks of books asthey finish their day. One inparticular leads the way to atable in the back, where wecan draw the least attentionfrom the busy students.

Meet TJ Cheever, 6thgrade World History teacher.

How long have you beenteaching at Bonita SpringsCharter School?

This is my 4th year here.Was there anything spe-

cific about the charterschool setting that drew youhere?

No; they hired me rightout of college. I went toFGCU. I applied and I waslucky enough that they hiredme. There weren’t that manyCounty jobs at the time, soI was lucky to get a job here.Since I’ve been here I’vereally enjoyed myself.

You teach World Historyto 6th graders here. Was

that something you studiedin college?

My degree is in SocialStudies. I can teach anythingfrom 6th to 12th grade, aslong as it’s Social Studies. Itaught Geography for threeyears, so this is my first yearteaching World History. Thewhole county will be chang-ing to that next year, but wewanted to get a jump starton that, so we just startedwith it this year.

It’s been a bit toughbecause we don’t have textbooks. It’s been interestingtrying to find ways of keepingthem interested and investedwithout the assistance of abook. But in my class we’vedone a lot of projects. I’vemade lots of packets of notes,things like that. We watch alot of videos, too. They havefun with that; they play alot of games, too.

Is there any reason thatyou chose middle schoolover high school?

I intern at the high schoollevel, with seniors. I go toDunbar high school, and atPalmetto Ridge HighSchool. In middle school,especially 6th grade, theyare still young enough that

you can scare them a little[laughs], and you canstraighten them out a littleeasier. They’re still eager to

learn. You can sense thechange when they comeback from Christmas break;they are suddenly more

interested in girls or boys,so it’s more difficult to keeptheir attention.

But I like middle schoolbecause you can try andhelp them to make gooddecisions before they get oninto high school wherethey’re going to be facedwith a lot more decisions,tougher decisions.

Are there any specialprojects you start with thestudents now that you haveentered the second semester,and the new year?

We’re coming up onstudying Greece and Rome,so they are very excited aboutthat. We’re going to buildour own Roman arch bridge,which is cool. They can seehow the construction work-ed. They come in little pack-ets, and they are actuallystrong enough that the kidscan stand on them. It’s coolbecause they can see howthe bridge stays together evenwithout having to use glue

or any kind of adhesive. It’s just the pieces fittingtogether.

For Rome we are all goingto create our own mytho-logical gods. We talked aboutthe importance of dragonsin China, where they alldesigned their own dragonand its name and what kindof power it would have. Weall built our own boardgames when we learnedabout Mesopotamia. It’s real-ly a lot of fun.

Is there any specific placeor time that you would liketo go back to, as a WorldHistory teacher?

I would want to go backto see ancient Greece andRome, just to see what itwas really like. I mean, weknow what historians tell us,but history is written a cer-tain way. I have the kids readpolitical cartoons so they seethat the artist always wantsyou to see the image theywant you to. To prepare themfor later learning. I alwaystell them to think smarter,not harder. So that’s where Iwould go, because I feel likeit would be exciting and justdifferent from what we’velearned.


Teacher Spotlight: TJ Cheever

TJ Cheever teaches World History at Bonita SpringsCharter School.

We’re going to buildour own Roman

arch bridge.



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Catch of the month

Contributed | [email protected] Palson of Bonita Springs with a 28 1/4 red grouper that he caught on apin fish while fishing 26 miles offshore with recreational fisherman Gregg Be-dell. Email your photos to [email protected] and your photo could be thenext catch of the month.


By Martha CriderSpecial to the Spotlight

Spanish Wells – For six yearsin a row, February is CharityMonth at Spanish Wells. Thenon-profit organization,Spanish Wells Cares, Inc.,will host its annual tennisand golf tournaments, Feb.25 and 26, respectively, to

raise funds for Bonita’s dis-advantaged kids. The Sundayafternoon golf tournamentwill be followed by an awardsbanquet and “lively” live auc-tion, open to everyoneregardless of their partici-pation in tennis or golf. It isall great fun, and it is all forthe kids!

This year’s recipients of

the proceeds are BonitaSprings Assistance Office(BSAO) and the BonitaChapter of Shoes That Fit,Inc (STF). Support for BSAOis for the Health Care Pro-gram for Children, providingspecialized dental and med-ical care as well as productssuch as diapers and baby


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By Charles J.CavaliereSpecial to the Spotlight

Bonita Bay – The thermome-ter at the entrance of BonitaBay indicates residents haveraised over $800,000 to datefor this year’s United Way ofLee County Campaign. Theyare on the way to over$900,000. Grant Kurtz, whovolunteers as head of theneighborhood campaign por-tion of the fundraiser, reportsthat Bonita Bay residents havedonated over $9 million dol-lars since 1999, when the pro-gram started. “Dick Millerhas done a fabulous job aschair,” said Kurtz. DickBeightol now co-chairs the

campaign with Miller. The community patrol at

the north gate replaced over4,000 car windshield stickersin the last month. That’s alot of elbow grease for thisyearly chore.

Paula Scheb, Director ofTennis, reports that the Fine-Mark Tour Players TennisChallenge is scheduled forMar. 2 and 3 with some ofthe best tour players com-peting. Funds raised will goto the event’s charity, Barbara’sFriends, the cancer fund ofthe Children’s Hospital ofSouthwest Florida. For moreinformation about this event,turn to page A17.

Joe Calabrese, Co-Presi-dent of the Bocce Club, saidthat two tournaments are

planned in February – a Cou-ples Tournament (Feb. 15 &16) and a Women’s Tourna-ment (Feb. 29 & Mar. 1).Ground breaking for threeadditional courts is expectedshortly after Easter.

The Pickle Ball Club ex-pects tournament play to beintroduced in the winter orearly spring according to theClub’s President, Dave Zaun.

Claude Weir, President ofthe Bike Club, has severalorganized rides planned formembers during season inaddition to a beach partycookout.

Over 4,100 members haveused the Fitness Center sinceJan. 1, says Tammy Mugavero.Hours are now 6:30 am to 7pm, daily.

Bonita Bay Banter

Spanish Wells Snippets



By Max Harris andDorota HarrisBonita’s Best Friends

Bonita Springs – Thismonth we met a really usefuldog! She is a service dogcalled Maxine, a blackLabrador, and she has a veryspecial skill. She senses whenher owner is suffering froma potentially dangerousmedical condition, and takesthe necessary steps to alerther.

Maxine’s teenage ownerAmy suffers from Type 1Diabetes. This is a difficultcondition, which requiresconstant monitoring of thelevel of sugar in the blood.When blood sugar levelsmove outside the prescribedrange, remedial action isneeded quickly. Now thetask of monitoring Amy’sblood sugar level has beentaken over by Maxine.

Amy and her parents hada dog previously, and werealready thinking of gettinganother, when they heardabout diabetic alert dogs.The family lives in Omaha,and got only the seconddiabetic alert dog to arrivein their state. Maxine wasbred in Virginia, by Warren

Retrievers, who have a com-prehensive training programto prepare their dogs forthe important task aheadof them.

Maxine works on smell,which tells her when Amy’sblood sugar is moving out-

side its safe limits. She usesdifferent gestures as warn-ings – when Amy’s bloodsugar is high, Maxinenudges her, and when it islow, she offers a paw. Oncealerted, Amy can bring lowsugar levels back to normalquite quickly, but bringinga high sugar level down cantake half an hour, duringwhich Maxine remains ananxious observer.

Maxine is also trainedto recognize if Amy is non-responsive to her warnings.In those circumstances shefinds another member ofthe household whom shecan alert. The family plansto install in their home aK9 rescue phone. Thisphone is specially designed

for the dog to use if all otherwarnings fail. When acti-vated by the dog, the phonedials directly to the emer-gency services, which havebeen pre-notified that thereis a dog phone at that num-ber, and will deploy

resources accordingly.We were so impressed

by Maxine’s relationshipwith her owner. After herschool graduation, Amywants to study AnimalBehavior. Consequently shevolunteers at her local zoo,and as a service dog, Maxinegoes to the zoo with her.The zoo animals find herfascinating – of course sheis a novelty, because dogsare normally not permitted– and come forward towatch her. She tells us thegorillas in particular try toreach out for her and pether.

Now some of the funnierfacts about Maxine. Sinceshe identifies incorrect sugarlevels by smell, she has a

tendency to approachstrangers whose blood sugarlevel is not correct in orderto warn them too! She alsofinds loud noises distressing,which is difficult becauseAmy loves music, choirs,concerts . . . where musiccan be loud and applausecan be sudden. But of courseMaxine goes everywherewith Amy – so she has apair of ear muffs which shewears in noisy surround-ings!

We found our conversa-tion with Amy truly fasci-nating. It was a real pleasureto meet such a dog with apurpose.


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Maxine the diabetic detector

Contributed | Special to the SpotlightMaxine is a diabetic alert dog. She alerts her

owner when her blood sugar level is too high ortoo low.

Bonita’sBest

FriendsIf you have a dog that you think is

particularly wonderful,contact us at

[email protected],and he or she could bethe next dog featured

in this column.

She has a tendency to approach strangerswhose blood sugar level is not correct in

order to warn them too.


Our Town – District 3In this segment Council-

man Steve Slachta takes uson a tour throughout district3, Bonita’s most western dis-trict. Re-visit our beautifultrademark beaches, andwaterways. There is alwayssomething new and excitingto explore in district 3.

Government Works – Boni-ta Springs Tree City USA

Produced by the BonitaSprings Tree Advisory Board,this program showcasessome of the most beautifultrees in our City. The pro-

gram also raises awarenessof the Florida indigenousspecies, and what to do tofight exotic species.

Government Works – SolarPanels in Bonita.

A presentation of the rib-bon-cutting ceremony forthe new solar panel systemnow powering the BonitaSprings Parks and Recreationbuilding.

The City ReportHosted by Bonita’s City

Clerk this program containsa short summary of the

major decisions taken by thelast City Council Meeting.City Report airs every dayat 8 a.m., 12 p.m. and 10p.m.

If you have any ideas forprogramming you wouldlike to see on BTV98 [email protected] . Write BTV98suggestions in subject.

BTV98’s schedule is subjectto change. For more completeinformation on all currentprogramming, go to bonitatv.org.


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food. STF provides shoesand clothing for children inneed, providing them com-fort and dignity.

For more informationabout the tennis and/or golf

tournaments, banquet andauction, email [email protected]

In March Spanish WellsCares will provide a teamfor the Susan G. Komen Racefor the Cure Mar. 10. To jointhe team, check the website,

www.komenswfl.org to signas a walker or runner. Theteam will meet in front ofthe Spanish Wells Golf andCountry Club clubhouse at6:30 a.m. Mar. 10 for a teamphoto and caravan to therace. Join the group for agreat cause!

Spanish Wellsfrom page B16


City Wide Cleanup Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to noonHelp keep the beautiful inBonita. Volunteers are need-ed to clean up. Supplies willbe provided. Volunteers geta t-shirt and breakfast com-pliments of the Survey Café.Meet at Community Hall bythe Banyon Tree to beassigned areas.

Shoes That FitShoes That Fit is a non-profit organization createdto easily and quickly get newshoes and clothing to schoolchildren in need. The BonitaSprings Chapter was estab-lished in 2004 and is cur-rently sponsoring eight localschools. Since starting theprogram, volunteers havedonated over 45,000 articlesof clothing and 3,500 pairsof shoes to local school chil-dren. The school identifiesthe children in need, providesthe correct shoe and clothingsizes, then needed items arepurchased by individuals orsponsoring group. The itemsare delivered to the schooland the school distributesthem to the children. To

learn about volunteer oppor-tunities and for more infor-mation go to www.leggettshoefoundation.com

Bonita Springs AssistanceFor over 30 years the BonitaSprings Assistance Officehas served as a primarysocial service agency inBonita Springs. Their objec-tive is to provide emergencyrelief for Bonita Springs res-idents to lessen the impactof financial and personalcrises. Volunteers are neededto lead food drives aroundthe area, to do grant writing,office work, to translate,and to help distribute foodin the food pantry. If inter-ested please [email protected] call 992-3034 between 1and 4 p.m. weekdays.

PACE Center for GirlsSince opening in 2007, PACEhas made a significant impactin the lives of over 350 girlsin Lee County. Its missionis to provide girls and youngwomen an opportunity fora better future through edu-cation, counseling, trainingand advocacy. PACE reducesthe significant long termcosts associated with teenpregnancy, substance abuse,unemployment and longterm economic dependency.Volunteers, sponsors andadvocates are always needed.To learn how you can help,go to www.pacecenter.org

Voices for Kids of South-west Florida

This non-profit agencyrecruits, trains, and supportsGuardian ad Litem volun-teers who advocate forabused, neglected and aban-doned children and ensuresthat each child has availablefinancial assistance andresources for health, educa-tional and social needs. Makea difference in the life of achild. To learn more go towww.voicesforkids.org


Opportunitiesto give back


must be prepaid by check.Where: Hyatt RegencyCoconut Point Resort & Spa.Cost: $35.

City Wide Clean UpSat., Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to noonKeep the beautiful in Bonita.Volunteers get a t-shirt andbreakfast. Where: Meet atCommunity Hall by theBanyan tree to be assignedareas. Cost: Free.

Shoes That Fit —Luncheon and Fashion ShowMon., Feb. 27, 11 a.m.The Bonita Springs Chapterof Shoes That Fit/LeggettShoe Foundation will holdits annual luncheon and fash-ion show. Fashions will beprovided by Kay’s on theBeach as well as ShadowWood Golf and Tennis Shops.Shoes That Fit provides cloth-ing and shoes to children inour local schools. Have agreat time while supportinglocal children. For reserva-tions contact Sally Lipsey at949-7250.Where: HyattRegency Coconut PointResort. Cost: tickets are $75.

Arts & Entertainment

Art in the ParkEvery Sunday noon to 5 p.m.Artist cabins will be open tothe public to meet with theartists and watch them atwork. For more informationcall 239 938-5342. Where:Riverside Park. Cost: Free.

Historical SocietySpeaker SeriesFri., Feb. 3, 7 p.m.In honor of the upcoming500th Anniversary of the firstSpanish landing on Floridasoil, highly acclaimedactor/scholar Chaz Mena willportray Pedro Menendez,Admiral of the Spanish Mainand founder of St. Augustine,to take stock of his accom-plishments and to dispel liesand myths about his belovedLa Florida. Where: LionsClub, 10346 PennsylvaniaAvenue. Cost: Free.

Art ExhibitionFri., Feb. 3, 6 to 8 p.m.This is a chance for members

and guests to enjoy an eveningof socializing, art and lighthors d’oeuvres at the Centerfor the Arts. At this campus-wide open house studentsand faculty members demon-strate, display and sell theirart in the studio/classroomsduring the evening. Where:Center for the Arts of BonitaSprings. Cost: Free.

All Things IrishWed., Feb. 8, 2 to 4 p.m.Traditional Irish Music andStorytelling with Kate Dana-her. Lively jigs, lovely airs,authentic and amusing storiesof old Irish country life withsongs and a fiddle tune ortwo. Where: Meeting Room,Bonita Springs Library, PineStreet. Cost: Free.

National Art FestivalSat. Feb. 11 & Sun., Feb. 12, 10a.m. to 5 p.m.The Center for the Arts ofBonita Springs presents itssecond fine arts/fine craftsfestival of the season. Enjoythe artworks of over 211National and Internationalartists in this juried event.Proceeds support communityart activities. Where: Prom-enade at Bonita Bay. Cost:$5 donation suggested.

Films for Film LoversMon., Feb. 13 & 27On Feb. 13, The Man wholoved Women, starring BurtReynolds and Julie Andrews,will be the featured film. This1983 film is the tale of asculptor named David(Reynolds) who sees a psy-chiatrist named Marianna(Andrews) to cure him ofhis obsession with women.His story of sexual andromantic exploits with theladies is told by Marianna.On Feb. 27 A Man and aWoman, an Oscar winner forBest Foreign Film almost 40years ago, is the story of twoyoung widows. A thoroughlyFrench example for its takeon romance. It was France’sdefinitive love story for adecade.Where: Promenadeat Bonita Bay. Cost: $8 perperson. For more informationcontact the Center for theArts at 239 495-8989.

Movie in the ParkTues., Feb. 14, 7-9:30 p.m.Enjoy a movie with your

Valentine under the stars.The Original Footloose(1984) starring Kevin Bacon,Lori Singer, John Lithgow,Dianne Wiest and Chris Pennwill have you dancing beforeit’s over. Where: RiversidePark. Cost: Free.

Bonita Springs Concert BandSun. Feb. 19, 2 p.m.Head to the band shell to lis-ten to marches, pop, jazz,ragtime, light classics, showtunes and big band medleys.Sing along as they play yourschool song from Michigan,Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin,Minnesota, Northwestern,Michigan State, Illinois, Pur-due, Ohio and Penn State.Bring a chair and refresh-ments. Where: Riverside Park.Cost: Free.

Author Luncheon SeriesThur., Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m.Phyllis Smallman, part timeFlorida resident, is the guestspeaker. Winner of the first

Arthur Ellis award for bestunpublished manuscript, shewrites mysteries about themangrove coast of Florida.Reservations required. Formore information contactFran Gallo at 239 949-9565or [email protected]: Pelican’s Nest. Cost:$32.

Art WalkThur., Feb. 23, 5 to 8 p.m.Visit the artists’ studios, viewtheir art, demonstrations, andenjoy a live musical concert,light refreshments and visitthe other merchants of thePromenade. Where: Prome-nade at Bonita Bay. Cost:Free.

Florida Premiere of Ansel Adams: AmericaSun., Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.This symphonic tributesalutes one of America’s mostcherished artists, composedby father and son music icons,Chris and Dave Brubeck. The22 minute piece fully inte-grates sweeping melodies with102 striking images of or byAnsel Adams. Concert alsofeatures Copland’s A LincolnPortrait, patriotic tunes, fea-turing Broadway star Marc


R E S T A U R A N T & L I V E M U S I C

Las Vegas Tribute Bands are Performing at the Stage Call for upcoming schedule or check www.thestagebonita.com

9144 Bonita Beach Rd.in Sunshine Plaza,

Behind Fitzgerald’s Pub

239-405-8566

For updated information, please check out

our website at

www.thestagebonita.comInsert your email address and get specials & updated

news every week!

OPEN 4PM TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY,

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE Wednesday, February 8th

ROD STEWART TRIBUTE Thursday, February 9th

FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE Friday, February 10th

U2 TRIBUTE Saturday, February 11th

UPTOWN EXPRESS Tuesday, February 14th

JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE Wednesday, February 15th

JAMES BROWN & MOTOWN Meet Doo Wop Tribute Thursday, February 16th

LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE Friday, February 17th

BIG 50s TRIBUTE Friday, January 20th

NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE Tuesday, February 21st

ROD STEWART TRIBUTE Thursday, February 23rd

THE EAGLES TRIBUTE Friday, February 24th

JOURNEY TRIBUTE Saturday, February 25th

BRYLCREAM Tuesday, February 28th

JIMMY BUFFET TRIBUTE Wednesday, February 29th

JIMMY BUFFET TRIBUTE Wednesday, February 1st

ABBA TRIBUTE Thursday, February 2nd

ERIC CLAPTON TRIBUTE Friday, February 3rd

THE BEATLES TRIBUTE Saturday, February 4th

ELVIS YOUNG & OLD TRIBUTE with Full Band Tuesday, February 7th

Eventsfrom page B2

Continued on next page



Kudisch. Where: Barbara B.Mann Performing Arts Hall.Cost: for ticket info call 239481-4849 or go to gulfcoast-symphony.com

Sports

ACE Classic Pro-AmMon., Feb. 13 to Sun. Feb. 19Rub elbows with some of thegame’s greatest players in apro-am setting. Limited num-ber of spots remain. Grouphospitality and ticket packagesavailable including daily andweekly tickets. Where: TwinEagles, Naples. For moreinformation go to www.ace-groupclassic.com or call 239593-3900.

Twins Golf ClassicThur., Feb. 23, 11 a.m.Meet, mingle and play golfwith members of the Min-nesota Twins at the 14thAnnual Minnesota TwinsCelebrity Classic. Event sup-ports lifesaving care topatients treated at Lee Memo-rial Health System’s RegionalCancer Center. Scramble for-mat. Play as individual orteam. Prizes, golf, lunch, din-ner, auction and hole-in-onecontests. Where: FiddlesticksCountry Club, Ft. Myers. Formore information [email protected]

Meetings

Southwest Florida Feder-ated Republican WomenWed. Feb. 1, 11:30 a.m.If you are a registered Repub-lican, interested in making adifference and meeting otherdedicated Republican women,join us for our monthly lunchmeetings, the first Wednesdayof every month, starting witha social hour, luncheon atnoon and a program of distinguished speakers. Reser-vations required. For infor-mation and reservations callAnne Brown 254-9979.Where: Arbor Trace ClubHouse, Vanderbilt Drive,Naples. Cost: $18 lunch.

Republican Club of Bonita & EsteroThur., Feb 2, 6 to 8 p.m.Guest speaker Charlie Green,Clerk of the Courts Lee Coun-ty. Meets first Thursday of themonth. (Jan/Feb/Mar) Where:Barefoot Boat Club, 5025 Boni-ta Beach Road. For more information contact KathyMcMichael, 239 248-3934.

Newcomers New Member TeaFri. Feb 10, 10 a.m.to 11 a.m.Discover what Bonita SpringsNewcomers Club has to offer.Meet officers and club mem-bers and ask questions aboutactivities. Light refreshmentsserved. RSVP required. CallJoan Patel 239 947-2944.Where: San Remo Clubhouseat Palmira. Cost: free

Newcomers Club luncheonThur., Feb. 16, noonMembership is open towomen who have been resid-ing in Bonita Springs full-time or part-time for a periodof up to 5 years. An oppor-tunity to meet other women,develop friendships and sharecommon interests. A varietyof other activities are organ-ized by club members. Formore information visitwww.bonitaspringsnewcom-ersclub.com. To attend lunch-eon email [email protected] or call Joan at947-2944.

Democratic Club ofBonita Springs & SouthLee CountyTues. Feb. 21, 7 p.m.Meets 3rd Tuesday of eachmonth. Where: BonitaSprings Lodge & Suites, 28600Trails Edge Blvd. (behindMel’s Diner on US 41 southof Bonita Beach Road) Formore information contactLarry Byrnes at 239 634-6469.

Come watch the actionlive and in personWed., Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m.Wed., Feb. 15, 9 a.m.Bonita Springs City Council.Where: City Council Cham-bers, 9101 Bonita Beach Road.

All dates, times and pricesare subject to change.

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RESTAURANT GUIDEB O N I T A S P R I N G S

A Table Apart4295 Bonita Beach Rd.

Angelina’s Ristorante24041 South Tamiami Tr.

Anthony’s Trattoria28340 Trail’s Edge Blvd.Bella

Colombia3431 Bonita Beach Rd.

Baleen’s at La Playa9891 Gulf Shore Drive

Bay House Restaurant799 Walkerbilt Drive

Bernwood Grille25221 Bernwood Dr.

Bha Bha A Persian Bistro847 Vanderbilt Beach Road

Bice Grand Cafe23161 Village Shops Way

Big Al’s Sports Grill25101 S. Tamiami Tr.

Big Hickory Grille26107 Hickory Blvd.

Blue Water Bistro23151 Village Shops Way

Bonefish Grill26381 S. Tamiami Tr.

British Open Pub24630 S. Tamiami Tr.

Brooklyn Oven26251 S. Tamiami Tr.

Buffalo ChipsRestaurant26620 Old 41 Rd., . Where lo-cals go! Home of the Wing King.Daily specials everyday. Lunchand dinner daily. 947-1000.

California Pizza Kitchen23181 Village Shops Way

Carrabba’s Italian Grill27220 Bay Landing Dr.

Chen’s Chinese Buffett26051 S. Tamiami Tr.

Chops City Grill8200 Health Center Blvd.

Cirella’s Restaurant�25265 Chamber of Commerce Dr.

Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille5370 Bonita Beach Rd.

Cruzin Café3600 Bonita Beach Rd.

Doc’s Beach House27908 Hickory Blvd.

Dolly’s ProducePatch & Eatery9930 Bonita Beach Rd. S.E.

Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano4351 Bonita Beach Rd.

Figs Grille25987 South Tamiami Tr.

The Fish House4685 Bonita Beach Rd. Fish and other specialties. HappyHour all day Saturday and Sun-day. Lunch and dinner daily.495-5770.

First Watch26381 South Tamiami Tr.

Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub9070 Bonita Beach Rd.Home of the Famous Belly

Buster Burger. 12 and under eatfree from kid’s menu 3 to 5:30every day. Lunch and dinnerdaily. 949-2111.

The Grape23161 Village Shops Way

Hemingway’s Island Grill8001 Plaza del Lago Dr.

Home Thai Sushi Bar3300 Bonita Beach Rd.

Hurricane Grill & Wings8017 Plaza del Lago Dr.

Iguana Mia28051 S. Tamiami Tr.

IHOP27240 Bay Landing Dr.

Johnny Malloy’sSports Pub10347 Bonita Beach Rd.

Johnny Rockets23111 Fashion Dr.

La Fontanella Ristorante24600 S. Tamiami Tr., PelicanLanding Publix Plaza.Gourmet Italian Cuisine. Specializing in pasta, veal,chicken, seafood and steak.Dinner daily.498-6808.

Lansdowne Street24851 S. Tamiami Tr.

Lake House Bar & Grill3401 Bay Commons Dr. at theTrianon Hotel Bonita Bay. Aunique experience open-aircafé. Lunch and dinner daily.948-4400.

Marsala Pizza12870 Trade Way Four

Maria’s Restaurant27080 Old 41 Rd.

Mel’s Diner28601 Trails Edge Blvd.

Mister Chile26455 Old 41 Rd.

Molino’s Ristorante26841 South Bay Dr. at theBonita Bay Promenade. FineItalian Ristorante. Delicious fullmenu. Lunch and dinner daily.992-7025.

Old 41 Restaurant8091 Plaza Del Lago dr.

Olive Garden27230 Bay Landing Dr.

Outback Steakhouse27230 Bay Landing Dr.

Pagelli’s Italiano8017 Plaza Del Lago Dr.

Paradise Buffett25201 Chamber of Commerce Dr.

Perkin’s Restaurant &Bakery27941 Crown Lake Blvd.

The Pewter Mug12300 Tamiami Tr. N.

Pincher’s Crab Shack28580 Bonita Crossings Blvd.

Pino’s Pizzeria andItalian Kitchen24600 S. Tamiami Tr., PelicanLanding Publix Plaza. Hand-tossed New York style pizza.Serving moderately priced mealsin a casual setting. Lunch servedMon. to Fri., dinner served Mon.to Sun. 676-5332.

Randy’s FishmarketRestaurant10395 Tamiami Trail N.

Ristorante Enrico26831 Tamiami Tr. S. off WestTerry St. across from BonitaBay. Lunch and dinner daily. 949-2204.

Rodes Fresh & Fancy3756 Bonita Beach Rd.

Royal ScoopVanderbilt Dr. & 8th Street

Roy’s 26831 South Bay Dr.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House23151 Village Shops Way

Sam-Bucco Bistro14700 Tamiami Tr. N.

Sami Lee’s Deli3501 Health Ctr. Blvd.

Seasons 528930 Tamiami Trail N.

Senior Tequilas26801 S Tamiami Tr.

Silver Spoon Café26851 South Bay Dr.

Skillets9174 Bonita Beach Rd.

Sneaky Pete’s3465 Bonita Beach Rd.

Table 8213800 Tamiami Trail N.

The Stage9144 Bonita Beach Rd.Servingdinner, live music and Las VegasTribute Bands Wed. to Sat.405-8566.

Stir Crazy23106 Fashion Dr.

Survey Café10530 Wilson Ave. off Old 41.A nostalgic Florida experience inold Bonita! Breakfast and lunchspecials every day. Sundaybrunch. Dinner served Fri. &Sat. 992-2233.

Ted’s Montana Grill8017 Plaza Del Lago Dr.

Terri’sSummer Breeze Café3300 Bonita Beach Rd.

T.G.I. Friday’s7991 Plaza del Lago Dr.

Tijuana Flats8350 Hospital Dr.

Tony Sacco’sCoal Oven Pizza8001 Plaza del Lago Dr.

Turtle Club Restaurant9225 Gulf Shore Drive

Tuscan Bistro4480 Bonita Beach Rd.

Waffle House28100 Quails Nest Ln.

Zorba’s Greek Restaurant9106 Bonita Beach Rd. S.E.



Shoppes at Pelican Landing24600 Tamiami Trail S#204Bonita Springs, FL 34134

(239) 498-6808Open Daily 5 - 10 pm

For menu & wine list visit us at lafontanellarestaurant.net

We specialize in Pasta, Veal, Chicken, Seafood & Steak

Celebrating 12 years in Bonita Springs

(Max discount $30 per table) Exp 2/29/12Not valid with any other offer or Fri. or Sat or Valentine's

10% OFFENTIRE CHECK

with ad onlySun. thru �urs

MolinosMolinos’’# 1 I T A L I A N R I S T O R A N T E

OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER 11:30AM-9:00PM

RESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOM

OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER 11:30AM-9:00PMOPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER 11:30AM-9:00PM

RESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOMRESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOM

Reservations Required - 992-7025RESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOMRESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOM

IN THE PROMENADE26841 South Bay Drive - Bonita Springs

’VOTED

DINNERS2 FOR 1Must Present Coupon ~ Monday thru Thursday

Must be seated by 6 pm


Page B24 Southwest Spotlight February 2012 S O U T H W E S T S P O T L I G H TEvents, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs

FEBRUARY 2012Vol.3, No.2 SECTION B

Why I love living inBonita Springs

Love of BonitaBy Heather [email protected]

Bonita Springs – There was once a manwho lived in a small town on the border of asmall county. No one ever took great noticeof this town, but this man knew that therewas something special about it. When hewas young, he had moved there with hisfamily and they welcomed guests to theirnew motel from all over. He went to schooland his family sold themotel, and soon he wasa successful lawyer.

He had a lovely wifewho had grown up inthe same town, and fourchildren who theybrought everywhere withthem. Life was good forthem. But he had a prob-lem; his heart was over-flowing. This is not thekind of overflowing thata doctor can fix. Thisman had to find a wayto fix it himself.

And so when his fa-ther-in-law invited himto join a club of volun-teers, he did, soon afterinviting his own father.Suddenly he realized thathe loved his town morethan he ever realized. Andsoon he was joining moreclubs and volunteeringmore, his family in towall the way.

When the announce-

ment was made that their hometown wouldbecome a city, there were concerns. Wouldthe independence of their town be threatened?But he assured his friends that he trusted inhis town-turned-city new government, smallbut strong, new but ready to learn. He sawin his surroundings a place that could thriveand would benefit from the title “City ofBonita Springs”.

And soon he found that his overflowing

Heather Thomson | [email protected] Thompson has been named the 2012 Love of BonitaAward recipient.

By Deborah M. MacleanSpecial to the Spotlight

Bonita Springs – I haveread with interest the oth-er submissions titled un-der ‘Why I love living inBonita Springs’. I ampleased to have beenasked to share why I livehere with you. I live herebecause of the locationand natural resources.

We live in a humidsubtropical climate characterized by hothumid summers and mild dry winters. Weare protected on our westerly boundary bythe Gulf of Mexico and on our easterlyboundary by the DRGR [Density ReductionGroundwater Resource] which is adjacentto the Everglades. Right down our center isthe Imperial River. This triage swaddles usand gives us our near tropical climate zone.

I love our balmy summers and the wildsexy storms that replenish the DRGR andthe Everglades. These monsoons cause ex-plosions of growth a natural pruning anda heightening of color and a cleansing ofbuildings and roadways. To me summer isglorious. Did you know that if you and Ihad chosen to live just a few miles northnear the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers;we would experience colder winters. Sadlyif we continue to sprawl eastward we will,as in Atlanta, disrupt this delicate weatherpattern.

By Kathy AndersonSpecial to the SpotlightBonita Springs–In 1969, duringa family Christ-mas vacation inMiami, my sis-ter, her friend,and I were al-lowed to havethe car for oneday as long aswe promised notto go to the out-door rock con-cert in Ft. Laud-erdale. Begrudg-ingly, we agreedand headed weston Alligator Al-ley (2 lanes back then). Arriving in down-town Naples with nothing happening there,we pulled over at the phone booth on FifthAvenue and called our friend’s mom backin Indiana. When Mrs. Ford told us how toget to Sanibel, off we went!

Arriving on Sanibel and following signsdirecting us to the beach, the three of usfelt as though we’d arrived on Gilligan’s Is-land! The day was glorious. We picked upbeautiful shells, listened to the surf, andwatched many different types of birds. Oncewe realized the time was getting late andwe were told to “be back by dark”, weheaded down McGregor Boulevard, which

Kathy Anderson


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February 2012 - Southwest Spotlight

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