Another year has come to a close, making it time once again for the Examiner's Year In Review. This is our fifth year in doing such. 2001 was an eventful year, even here in N. Ft. Myers.
January
Lee County Conservation 2020, a program voted for by taxpayers to purchase environmentally sensitive land for future generations, bought 1,115 acres along the Caloosahatchee River for $6.4 million.
Rod Shoap was sworn in as Lee County Sheriff, the first new Sheriff in twelve years, after beating incumbent John McDougall.
Vandals burn the portable at N. Ft. Myers Community Park which was being used by the after school program.
A group presented a petition to Bayshore Fire District trying to stop Rick Pritchett from excavating his property. Pritchett wants to mine limestone from his acreage, local citizens are concerned about the blasting and the amount of truck traffic the operation would place on the surrounding roads.
The N. Ft. Myers Civic Association elects new officers. A committee was formed to ask state government to give N. Ft. Myers just one State Representative. Currently N. Ft. Myers is divided into three State Representative districts.
Lee County government starts group call the Smart Growth Task Force. The task force is dominated by local developers. Many civic groups and environmentalists oppose the task force saying it is sponsored by the developers.
Residents in west N. Ft. Myers receive good news in that they will finally be getting their refunds due to them by Florida Cities Water Corporation, which was purchased by Lee County last year. The water plant is in such poor condition, drinking water for the area will be augmented by Cape Coral.
A new organization, Veterans Helping Veterans gets started.
February
The N. Ft. Myers Civic Association votes to sponsor a 4th of July Parade. Initial committee persons are Julie Flake, Karen Landis and Chuck Liedtke. After the parade an old fashioned Family Fun Day will be held at the park.
Pine Lakes settles its case with N. Ft. Myers Utility and MHC concerning sewers in their park.
The State Attorney's Office continues its investigation into the actions of former Lee County Public works Director J. W. French, local attorney James Garner and MHC over letters concerning condemnation of the package sewer plant at Windmill Village.
Lee County Board of County Commissioners decide to reverse an earlier decision and take back over operations of Lee County Utilities. Several years ago the County privatized the utilities. In light of all the investigations and allegations of mismanagement and several damning audit reports, commissioners voted to hire a new Utility Director.
Citizens wanting Free Public Access Television meet with county commissioners. The county is negotiating new contracts with cable providers which will have the clause for FPAT or not. Cable companies management are opposed to FPAT.
Bayshore Fire District Chairperson Tracy Hansen raised the question of having a time clock installed to track the employee's time. Several taxpayers have complained there is no one answering the phone. Chief Hickin defends himself saying he puts in his required hours and overtime attending the incidents at night.
Over 435 residents of Buccaneer Estates sign a petition complaining about the odor coming from the lift station connecting their park to N. Ft. Myers Utility.
Lee County purchases another 2,388 acres in N. Ft. Myers with Conversation 2020 monies. The land runs from the Charlotte County line south to the new Del Prado Extension. The land cost $6.35 million.
March
Crime statistics for N. Ft. Myers were released by the Lee County Sheriff's Department. While all over crime was up slightly, crime dropped in several significant categories, business burglaries, forcible sex acts, robberies and homicide were all down.
Bayshore Fire Chief Ian Hickin was granted a medical leave of absence. Hickin has been embroiled in an investigation by the State of Florida Insurance Commission concerning some of his certifications.
Lee County Sheriff Rod Shoap spoke to the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association. In his short time in office he has added more deputies by cutting back on administrative personnel. He also changed back to four districts from five, allowing more deputies to be in cars. Shoap has added to the Narcotics Division, his feeling that many crimes revolve around drugs. Bayshore Fire Chief Ian Hickin resigns from his position.
N. Ft. Myers Firs District completes it's independent financial audit with no problems. The Interpark Council met. Many members complained about the noise coming from the new Del Prado extension and the lack of any help from County Commissioner Andy Coy in resolving the problem.
Lee County Board of County Commissioners vote to build a new water plant in N. Ft. Myers.
April
Former Florida Cities Water Company, Inc. customers finally receive the refunds due them from a rate increase denied by the Florida Public Service Commission two years ago. Since, FCWC has been bought by Lee County.
N. Ft. Myers Fire District completed their Five Year Plan. The District rated highly in many areas, including cost per resident at $85.05 being the second lowest in the county. The District pays its firefighters at 120% of the average for the county.
Initial Hurricane forecasts call for a 70% chance of a hurricane making landfall in our area. Supervisor of Elections Philinda Young held an open house showing off several of the new voting machines available. After last years debacle of the Presidential Election in Palm Beach County, all Florida Counties using the punch card have to change methods of voting. Lee county moves its Vets Center to Evans Ave., a smaller office which has vets up in arms.
Lee County Commissioners John Albion and Andy Coy announce they plan on campaigning for Porter GossÕ Congressional seat.
SheriffÕs Department tries to start a Neighborhood watch Program in Suncoast.
May
The N. Ft. Myers Civic Association hears from William Finniman who was instrumental in Captiva's incorporation efforts. He outlines what an area has to do to be considered for incorporation by the legislature. He also speaks on how important it is to build a community wide support group for it.
The Presidents Club holds it's first meeting. Over forty community leaders meet for the first time to share ideas for N. Ft. Myers.
The Interpark council meets. More complaints about noise from the Del Prado arise. Captain Sims tells them he has increased patrols and has issued numerous tickets.
Lee County hires a new planner to help areas which choose to do a Community Plan. The Smart Growth Task Force held a meeting at N. Ft. Myers High School, twenty five residents showed up to hear the proposal. The task Force is going to focus on five issues: Land Use, Community Character, Transportation, Environmental and Water Supply. Their idea is for everyone to bring forth their ideas and when everyone agrees on the idea, it will be incorporated as part of the Lee Plan.
Bayshore Fire district was having problems completing their annual audit because of computer problems. The District received the first bill from Hickin's and Ramsey's attorneys concerning the alleged forgery of certifications.
June
N. Ft. Myers residents experience foul tasting water from their faucets. County government blames the odor and taste on algae blooms in the Caloosahatchee River from lack of rainfall.
State Representative Jeff Kottkamp addresses the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association over the state legislatures last session. Which bill passed and how it would effect Lee County. He noted that the Education Bill included the "Sharpening Pencil Act" which means all school districts in the state will be audited by an independent auditing team.
Bayshore area is divided about its future growth. One group in Bayshore, which formed to fight against Rick Pritchett mining his property, has gotten with county government to write a Community Plan. In this groups proposal, the would give up any new roads or improvements to leave the area as it is today. Opposing sides do not want to give up road and drainage improvements and are not against controlled growth, such as US Homes developing one of Pritchett's older developments.
July
Sewer issues once again come to the forefront. Two signatures from the original complaints filed with the Public Service Commission against MHC/Buccaneer Estates and N. Ft. Myers Utility were never gotten on the final settlement. State Representative Harrington and two new members of the PSC staff met with Don Gill, one of the complainants who never signed off on the settlement. They are supposed to get back with Gill after researching his new complaint.
The parade route for the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association 4th of July Parade had to be changed at the last moment because of Florida Departments of Transportation reluctance to close State Road 78 for a few hours.
The parade went on to a great response from floats in the parade to residents lining the N. Tamiami trail to watch it. Estimates were over 800 view the parade. A Family Fun Day followed the parade at the N. Ft. Myers Community Park. Pie Eating, Watermelon Eating and several other contests were held. A good time was had by all.
County Commissioner Andy Coy officially announces his bid for the Congressional seat currently held by Porter Goss. Coy says he will campaign for the seat no matter if Goss resigns or not.
Lee County Utilities announces it will be doing its annual chlorine flush of the drinking water system in N. Ft. Myers. They warn residents to take precautions.
August
Commissioner Coy recommends to borrow $1.5 million from reserves to build football fields at N. Ft. Myers Community Park. No other project will be built at park until the $1.5 million is paid back with impact fees. The NFM Civic Association opposes spending tax dollars for a single interest group, recommends instead that a multi-purpose building be built instead.
Bayshore Fire District is "tight" because of the over $50,000 spent for attorney fees in the past fiscal year.
Sidewalks are completed along Hart Road.
Bayshore Fire Commissioners debate how much of exChief Hickins and Lt. Ramsey's attorney fees they agreed to pay.
North Fort Myers Art League forms.
N. Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce moves from Shell factory to North Key Drive. The new Sheriff's North District Station opens on Pondella Road.
Captain Sims speaks to NFM Civic Association about new anti-crime measures put in place.
September
the NFM Civic Association outlines the nine major topics which need to be covered to consider incorporation.
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners approves $1.5 million for football fields despite over 50 people showing up to speak out against it.
Fiscal year 2001/02 government budgets are printed.
N. Ft. Myers Fire District approves $4.4 million dollar budget for fire and rescue (not ambulance service) for N. Ft. Myers.
Tropical Storm Gabrielle (which struck 3 days after September 11 terrorists attacks) causes $5.7 million in damage to Lee County.
October
Nominations open for the Sixth Annual North Fort Myers Citizen of the Year, sponsored by the Lee County Examiner and the NFM Civic Association.
At the NFM Civic Association meeting, the main topic was the burglaries being committed inside the manufactured home parks. According to Sheriff's Deputies, the bulk are committed by juveniles.
The second Presidents Club meeting was held, Capt. Sims briefs them on crime prevention.
The N. Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce hires a new Executive Director, Leelo Kinnett. Kyle speaks to NFM Civic Association on State Representative redistricting, because of September 11, new lines will not be drawn till after the turn of the year.
Bayshore Fire District falls behind in state required recodification.
Lee County formulates anti-terrorist response.
November
The 2001 N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year Nominees were narrowed to three from six nominations. The Original six nominees were: Terry Pye, Julie Flake, Howard Silverman, Cheryl Diamond, Karen Landis and Charles Liedtke. A committee narrowed it to three finalist, they are: Cheryl Diamond, Howard Silverman and Karen Landis. Readers will vote for their choice.
School comparisons were printed comparing Lee County Elementary Schools in five categories: Total enrollment, Minority enrollment, Amount of students qualifying for free or reduced lunches, percent of students with Limited English and school Performance for the 99/00 and 2000/01 school years. Two N. Ft. Myers schools ranked high in Minority and Free Lunches, J. Colin English and NFM Academy of the Arts. Since N. Ft. Myers has a low minority population, the School District is bussing the minority students in.
The N. Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce hosts a block party.
The second in the series on our schools compares the School District of Lee County with the average of the state and three other comparable school districts. Lee County spent less dollars per student than the state average, scored lower on SAT and ACT tests than the state average but spent more on instruction than the state average.
Lee County sets new restrictions on how trees should be trimmed and makes it a priority for code inspectors. New regulations do not allow lolipopping of trees or trimming back too far. You tax dollars at work.
December
Howard Silverman was chosen N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year sponsored by the Lee County Examiner and the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association. Howard was instrumental in getting the sidewalk built from TaraWoods south to DelTura Plaza and currently in getting a traffic light at the intersection of US41 and TaraWoods and Lake Fairways. Howard accepted the award at a banquet held at The Palms restaurant with over 100 guests in attendance.
Corporal Kim Vayo was selected Deputy of the Year and just recently became a Community Police Officer for Suncoast Estates.
Merchant of the Year was Hair Connection located at Weavers Corner.
In the continuing stories on the School District of Lee County, the Examiner printed a comparison of all schools in Lee County which included : Total enrollment, Total dollars allocated to each school, dollars per student, total teachers at each school and teachers per pupil. J. Colin English was only allocated $3,667 per pupil while the county average was $3,947. The disparity of allocation of dollars to different schools was evident.
Ft. Myers High School was allocated $4,027 per student while N. Ft. Myers High School was allocated only $3,685 per student, a difference of $342 per student or $654,930 for the year. Why?
The N. Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce sponsored the First Annual Christmas Boat Parade in N. Ft. Myers.
The First Annual Southwest Florida Disc Golf Tournament was held December 8 & 9 at N. Ft. Myers Community Park.
How do we know about dinosaurs? Fossils. You'll learn how fossils are formed and how to get clues about what dinosaurs were like. Children will make their own cast of a dinosaur fossil.
The program will run from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.. A fee of $5.00 per child for non-members or $2.00 per child for members covers admission and materials. Appropriate ages are 6 to 12 year old. At least one parent must be present.
For more information contact the ChildrenÕs Science Center at 997-0012.
Creepie Crawlie Fair on Saturday, January 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. meet all things creepy and crawlie, reptiles, insects, arachnids, bats and more. Meet venomous snakes up close, win creepie crawlie products and much more. Admission is $4 for adults and teens, $2.50 for children and includes admission to the museum and trails.
The Cosmic Voyage, January 10, 17, 24 and 31. Come along on a journey through the universe. This course will offer you the opportunity to learn bout the constellations of the night sky as well as basic general concepts about the solar system, types of stars and star systems, the Milky way and the universe, as well as we know it.
Topics covered include what to consider when purchasing a telescope, how to use it and locating incredible deep sky objects. Learn how to read and use star charts and sky maps and get started in an intellectually challenging hobby. $30 per person or $50 per couple. Call and register by January 7 for this class. Or call and register for any event at 275-3435.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is located at 3450 Ortiz Ave., Ft. Myers.
LCEC recently received the results of an annual benchmarking study that shows how LCEC rates in financial areas compared to other electric cooperatives across the country. The report, called a Key Ratio Trend Analysis (KRTA), is conducted by Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) and analyzes more than 50 ratios, including, "Operating & Maintenance Expenses (O&M) per KWH Sold," "Total Operating Expenses per KWH Sold" and "Average Number of Consumers Per Mile."
LCEC rated number nine in the O & M ratio, revealing that only eight cooperatives in the nation ranked higher. In addition, LCEC ranked the highest in the state and the highest of cooperatives of similar size.
Nationwide, LCEC ranked 33 in Total Operating Expenses per KWH Sold. Statewide, LCEC ranks number one, and when compared to cooperatives of similar size, only one other cooperative in the nation has total operating expenses lower than LCEC.
A ratio that helps LCEC keep costs low is the average number of consumers per mile of energized line. Only eight cooperatives in the nation have more consumers per mile than LCEC. Where LCEC has approximately 24 consumers per mile, the median number is six. In Florida, only one cooperative has more consumers per mile, and of cooperatives of similar size, only two have more consumers per mile.
Lee County is using a "Brontosaurus"-like machine to "mulch down" exotic vegetation on some of its Conservation 2020 lands.
The equipment is a vehicle on tracks that has an articulated arm with a rotating-teeth attachment on the end. As it winds its way through a site, it chews up heavy infestations of exotic vegetation - such as melaleuca and Brazilian pepper - and leaves only a layer of fine mulch and the interspersed native plants.
The countyÕs Parks & Recreation Department and Conservation 2020 program are using the "Brontosaurus" through an $80,000 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Invasive Plant Management. The county is matching the grant with $27,000 of its funds.
Currently, it is eating its way through an 80-acre Conservation 2020 preserve off Burnt Store Road near the Charlotte County line. The preserve is adjacent to a Florida Forever project called the Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods. Plans are to use it on other sites in the future. Lee County voters approved Conservation 2020 in November 1996 through a referendum that increased property taxes for seven years by 50 cents for every $1,000 of taxable property value. The increase raises about $12 million a year to buy environmentally sensitive lands. More than 7,500 acres has been purchased to date. The Conservation 2020 Program is a willing seller program, which means that only properties that are nominated by landowners are considered for acquisition. The county does not pursue acquiring properties by its legal power of Eminent Domain.
A Board-appointed, 15-member citizen advisory committee - the Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) - has been meeting since February 1997 to recommend appropriate properties to be pursued for purchase.
A Self help course for people with Fibromyalgia will be held starting Monday, January 7 at the Wellness center in Cape Coral from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The course is a series of seven weekly classes designed to teach people with Fibromyalgia how to take a more active role in their healthcare. It offers information about pain control, relaxation, exercise, doctor/healthcare, professional/patient relationships, fatigue and depression.
Pre-registration is required in order to attend the course, deadline is January 3. To receive an application form call the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-741-4008.
The N. Ft. Myers Civic Association has established a priority to seeing if incorporation is a feasible as well as practical for our community. They have formed a Fact Finding Committee chaired by Fred Schilffarth, one of the Directors. In order to accomplish this task, they need twelve more citizens of N. Ft. Myers from each of the following areas:
Sheriff's Department; Fire Department; Education; Large Business 50+ employees; Small Business 5-10 employees; Homeowners Association Presidents; Utilities; Building/development Industry; Real Estate and Media.
The first goal is to get answers from all the citizens questions, to facilitate this an e-mail address has been set up to send your concerns to nfmcityqa@hotmail.com, please be brief and to the point.
The legislature has established 17 elements that must be net in order to be considered for incorporation and these are mandatory. The final stages could be expensive, however no money can be spent unless the citizens of N. Ft. Myers decide what they want by a straw vote (referendum).
The second goal is to provide all the information necessary to place this concept on the November 2002 ballot and let the 29,000 registered voters in N. Ft. Myers say "let's move forward."
The NFMCA would like to thank you in advance for all your help and even prayers in undertaking this important task which will probably take three to five years.
The Anne Morrow Lindbergh Shell Coast Poetry Festival is accepting poetry submissions from Lee County public and home schooled students, grades K-12, now through Wednesday, February 27, 2002. Conceived in 1999, the Festival celebrates young people's poetry by emphasizing the joy and creativity that comes from writing. Selected submissions are published in an annual anthology which is available in local bookstores and libraries as well as the Lindbergh Foundation book list. The Festival culminate in a poetry reading to be held on Saturday, April 27.
Poetry submissions should be mailed to: Anne Morrow Lindbergh Shell Coast Poetry Festival, c/o Margaret E. Morgan, 7000 Estero Blvd., #301, Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931.
The new version of GIS is available to the public at www.leepa.org and then click on Web Based GIS System (on left of screen). Here you will be able to view parcel information including zoning, flood info, soils, etc by owner, strap, or address. This newly updated information source should be very helpful to realtors, developers, and contractors alike. The information is being provided through the Lee County Property Appraiser's Office and offers you the same information we have access to in our office. We are hoping this will help you gain the zoning district information so many of you inquire about. If you need help using this tool, you may contact us at our zoning information line at 479-8394.
The Department of Community Development recently completed the Fall 2001 round of Land Development Code amendments. On November 13, 2001, the Board of County Commissioners held the second of two public hearings and adopted the amendments. They became effective around November 20, 2001. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained from Lee Cares at 332-2737.
The Department, in conjunction with the County Attorneys Office, presented an Interim Tower Ordinance to the Board of County Commissioners for its second public hearing on November 27. The Board of County Commissioners adopted the ordinance and it will become effective immediately.
The Interim Tower Ordinance removes the moratorium on new communication tower construction and allows some limited towers to be built while the Department, with the help of the consultant, prepares a master plan for tower location and regulations. The consultant will also assist in the drafting of new regulations.
Lee County Human Services is looking for low-income, working individuals who would like to get free job training in medical office careers. The six-month training begins the end of April. Screening and testing must be done ahead of time. Telephone interviews begin January 7.
The program has won a National Association of Counties Achievement Award for employment and training. The training is available through the Lee Education & Employment Program (LEE) and is funded by a Community Services Block Grant. The federal grant gives low-income persons the opportunity to raise their incomes and enter a new career. The targeted applicant is usually working at a low-level service industry job. He or she must have a high school diploma or GED.
All applicants must pass the Test of Adult Basic Education. If they score below the 10th grade level in reading, language, or spelling, upgrading assistance can be provided to raise the score to a passing level. There is no math requirement. They'll then be enrolled in Edison Community College's Continuing Education Program in the Medical Office Skills Program. The grant is aimed at working households; therefore, all testing, upgrading and classes are in the evening.
The Medical Office Skills Program provides training in front office positions such as: admitting, insurance, clerical or medical records for hospitals, doctor's offices and medical billing companies. The class runs two nights a week from the end of April through November 2002.
The LEE program covers all costs for tuition, books, childcare (during class hours) and necessary car repair while in school, and for possibly 90 days after graduation. Maximum household incomes to participate are $22,062 (four-person household), $18,287 (three people) and $14,512 (two people). Starting wages on completing the program are $8.50-$9.00 per hour with benefits and can be more if the applicant has any medical or office background.
For more information contact Lynn Northrop (278-7887) at Lee County's Department of Human Services.
As of today, the implementation date for the new statewide building code is still January 1, 2002; however, the legislature is now considering changes to delay the effective date to March 1, 2002.
We hope everyone had a joyous holiday season. Did you notice the Christmas Banners along the N. Tamiami Trail? For the third year, the Lee County Electric Co-op has hung the banners and taken them down after the holiday season. Thank you LCEC for being such a good corporate neighbor.
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Back to our good ole faithful School District of Lee County. Did you know that not only were the schools closed last week, so was the Administration building. Might be interesting to visit the Administrative budget to see what kind of fat is there. Did your company give you the week between Christmas and New Year off? Wonder whoÕs footing the bill for it?
The School District is clamoring about having to cut $8.9 million form its $662 million budget, or 1.3% of its budget. The teacher's union is supporting the School Board in its Public Relation attempts to convince the taxpayers that our schools need more money. How many times have you seen or heard of management and union agreeing on anything? And who believes that either side has the taxpayers best interest at heart, or for that matter, the students?
One of the first things our new Superintendent John Sanders asked for was an audit conducted by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (and this is supposed to be an unbiased audit?).
Their recommendations:
1) Create an assistant superintendent position.
2) Create an assistant superintendent position for instructional services
3) Create three zone superintendents positions
4) Create a facilities operations department
5) Do not restrict curriculum
6) Form a committee to review school nursing services
7) Review ways to reduce bus riding time
8) Review incentive pay standards.
Is it any surprise that the Florida Association of School Superintendents recommended creating five new superintendent positions for our district. Was the audit to help our district or increase the membership in the Superintendents Association? If the Superintendents which conducted this survey were truly interested in improving education, why does only two of their recommendations directly effect the students?
Number 5 was our favorite, do not restrict curriculum to Sunshine State Standards. According to the School Districts computer printout, there are currently 962 different course taught in Lee County Schools. 962 choices students have to make over what classes they will take. This includes 12 different dance courses, 6 Art Appreciation, that didn't include over 80 different art classes such as Ceramics/Pottery 1, 2 and 3.
Beside having Band 1 through 5 and Orchestra 1 through 4 our schools also offer Instrument Tech. 1 through 4. Our schools offer Chorus 1 through 6 and Vocal Tech 1 through 4. Eurythmics 1 through 4 and Vocal Ensemble 1 through 4.
Not to be highlighting the Humanities: Besides offering Basic Physical Education (PE) such courses as Individual Sports 1,2 and 3 are offered. Four different Weight Lifting courses are offered. Team sports 1&2.
And not to leave Academia out, do we really need to offer: Visions & Pursuits and Visions and Countervisions (200 students are currently enrolled), Applied Economics, (six students enrolled), International Relationships (four students), Sport & Recreational Turf (sixteen students), Early Child Education 4 (eight students), and our favorite, Customer Service Rep 1, 2 & 3 has a total of six students registered.
With our schools stretching to educate our children in the basic fundamentals, why do we need to pay, as tax payers, for Ceramics 4? Ceramics, Voice Tech, Weightlifting, these were not subjects cover by the FCAT's, the SAT's or ACT's or any other college entrance exam I have seen, yet tax dollars are used to teach these classes.
Want to know how to trim $8.9 million, if it isn't basic education, or has less than 100 students registered in the course, drop it! Way to easy for our educated educators to understand. If a child is staying in school just to take Weighlifting 4, he/she is going to have a rough time finding a job with Weightlifting as his/her main skill.
And to finish off the ridiculous study, the last recommendation was to "review ways to reduce bus riding time." Not reduce busing, just riding time, lets see, by increasing the amount of busses? It's easy to decrease bus riding time, let children go to the schools in their neighborhoods. All schools should be equally funded, so no school is better than another. Magnet Schools have accomplished nothing but increased busing and a disparity in funding for our schools.
Neighborhood schools worked for over a hundred years, why change?
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I happened by Toys R Us last week, their shelves were almost empty. In spite of what one reads, Christmas came to the children of Lee County. Makes one proud to be an American.
by Tom Comingore (token democrat)
Many of the news media have been writing and talking about how we have changed since September 11th and comparing it to Pearl Harbor, but I am not sure that we have changed much. After December 7, 1941 we had lines of young men signing up for the armed service, price and wage controls, food rationing, shoes and certain clothes rationed, and many people hoarded everything they could get their hands on. I remember well that one of my rather well to do uncles even went out and bought four extra tires for his car and hid them in his basement.
We signed up for stamps that would let us buy a certain amount of food each month. If you spent your stamps on items that were in short supply you had to eat foods that were "cheaper in point value" by the end of the month. According to some of my old books we were allowed to buy about a pound of meat a week per person. Gas for your cars was rationed to only give you enough gas to go back and forth to work or needed trips required for business.
As the war went on for several years we got less and less ration stamps but almost everyone I knew grew ( in what we called in those days Victory Gardens) many vegetables in our back yards or on vacant lots nearby. My mother always had canned many fruits that we gathered in the woods and vegetables we grew in our garden so she just kept on doing the same but because all my brothers were older than me and in the armed service and being fed quite well by Uncle Sam we had plenty at home. I must admit that being the youngest I was pretty well taken care of with hand-me-down clothes and was one of the best dressed young men at that time of my life and do not think I ever needed to use my shoe stamps.
My father wrote a open letter to all my brothers and my sister about once a week telling about all the family news and interesting sidelights of the neighborhood and my sister kept all those letters. A few years ago she made copies for my family. I cherish my copy and it really brings back true memories about WW2 years.
Actually in my family we really didnÕt need all of our ration food stamps because even though I was quite young I put a lot of wild game on the table summer and winter. I was even allowed and encouraged to work part time in a defense factory after school and in the summer. Child labor laws wouldn't allow young people today work in defense factories like I did then but then our lives really were changed on December 7, 1941.
I have not seen much change in our lives since our September experience even though many people keep saying how their lives have changed there seems to be more clothes and gas and food then we can use today. There are no price controls, my cat can still eat real tuna and I have not planted a victory garden. I have not seen any one selling black market items and frankly doubt if there are many today that know what the black market was. WE REALLY HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR IN FRONT OF US!
You can Email Tom TComin1551@aol.com
Dear Editor:
I am glad that the state cut the school allotment by nine million dollars because the response demonstrated the self-serving, asinine mentality of school authorities. They rushed into their sky is falling mode with ideas like a four day week, cutting staff and programs, reducing busing, etc.
Note that all these ideas hurt the students but nobody suggested a 20% pay cut for the bloated bureaucracy at Board headquarters, or, perhaps, a 20% symbolic give back by the Board members themselves of their salary.
The astonishing point of this Chicken Little exercise is that nine million dollars is a mere trifle. It is less than two percent of the six hundred and seventy million dollar school budget. It is chicken feed to Chicken Little. I assume the hand wringing and weeping is mere PR to pressure voters for more money.
In my thirty years of Board watching, I have assumed that voter ignorance is based upon the fact that said voters went through Lee County Schools and were, thus, poorly educated.
Since whitewash is a professional courtesy in Florida. I presume nothing will improve until the voters are pressed by economic catastrophe or more fiascoes like the fire alarm debacle.
I suppose that it is poetic justice the fire alarm fiasco will end up costing about nine million dollars.
Peter Hare
December 14 1788 N. Tamiami Trail, William Williams was arrested for an open container. Hart Road, Cindy Joanne Webb was arrested for DUI. December 15 Littleton Road, Richard Glen Bartolomei was arrested for driving while license was suspended. N. Cleveland Ave., James Hession was arrested for trespass after warning. 545 Pine Island Road, Irma Compos was arrested for retail theft. December 16 428-B Pine Island Road, Sam W. Riche was arrested for two failure to appears. December 18 1100 N. Tamiami Trail, Bernie Nichols and Richard A. Godfrey were arrested for loitering and prowling. Marinatown Lane, David Lee Evans was arrested for driving while license was suspended and using N. Carolina while Florida license was suspended. 14195 Warner Circle, Michael M. Watkins was arrested for failure to appear, petit theft and violation of probation. December 19 571 Pine Island Road, Leann D. Chambers (AKA Leanor Chambers) was arrested for giving false name to a law enforcement officer, driving while license was suspended and an out of county bench warrant. 545 Pine Island Road, Jeanette D. Allison was arrested for retail theft. Star Plaza, Marvin Hernandez was arrested for no drivers license. December 21 Beau Drive, Tod Wayne Piltz was arrested for DUI and DUI property damage. 2760 Bogart Drive, John D. Murphy was arrested for an out of county warrant and failure to pay child support. 3911 Orange Grove Blvd., Cassy Jo McKinney was arrested for uttering a forged instrument and petit theft. December 22 3061 Pine Island Road, Tiffany Elaine Backer was arrested for violation of probation. N. Cleveland Ave., Christopher W. Hensley was arrested for DUI, DUI property damages and driving without a valid drivers license. Pine Island Road, James Edward Ingeliclo was arrested for DUI. December 23 2420 Zoysia Lane, Joseph Martin Sheets was arrested for disorderly conduct. 2400 Zoysia Lane, Barney James Pospisil was arrested for disorderly conduct. December 24 3350 Marinatown Lane, Troy Earl Hipkins was arrested for a bench warrant. 13971 Windrush Court, Arturo Hurtado was arrested for filing a false report. December 27 17711 Old Bayshore Road, Harrison John Rivera and Michael Lee Simmons were arrested for burglary and grand theft.
The Kiwanis Club of N. Ft. Myers honored the four Science Fair winners from the N. Ft. Myers Academy of the Arts at the clubÕs December 18 meeting. The first place winners were: Lacee Goodhew, 5th Grade; Rose Marz, 6th Grade; Kristin Quinly, 7th Grade and Brandon Deaver, 8th Grade.
The students whose projects were on display, spoke briefly about thier individual scientific findings. Each student was presented a trophy and a one year Prestige Youth Membership to the ChildrenÕs Science Center.
Don Gill - E-mail VFVflorida@aol.com
The following article from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs' Executive Director is a couple of months old; however, I believe that it is worth reading.
Article #14 Homeless Veterans in Florida
Last year a report prepared by the Florida Department of Children and Families indicated that of the approximately 52,500 people who are homeless on any given day in Florida, 22% of them are veterans. Nationally, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that between one-quarter and one-third of all homeless are veterans.
Major causes of homelessness include poverty, unemployment and poor wages, a lack of affordable housing, alcoholism, drug abuse, lack of education and training, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and free will. Regardless of the cause, those numbers are real people: real people who served their country when duty called; real people to whom we must reach out and help.
With this in mind, we at the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, recently held our first-ever statewide conference on homelessness among veterans. Our goal was to take a comprehensive look at the issue, share information and opportunities for resources, investigate best practices, discuss challenges, and begin to chart a course for future action.
I am so pleased that we partnered with the Florida Coalition for the Homeless and the Florida Education for Homeless Children & Youth Program. Together we brought together more than 400 attendees for more than 40 different general and breakout sessions. The highlight of the conference was the closing speech by Lt. Governor Frank Brogan who serves as Chairman of the State of FloridaÕs Commission on the Homeless.
While the many goals of our conference were achieved, the most important work remains to be done. For any conference to have lasting value, follow-up is key. Part of the follow-up is to share this information with you and urge you to get involved. If you are interested in more information about the issue of homelessness among veterans please visit our website at http://www.floridavets.org/facts/homeless.htm. If you would like to become active as a volunteer to assist the homeless, visit the "Florida Coalition for the Homeless" website at http://www.flacoalitionhomeless.com/ or call Toll Free: 1 (888) 917-3223. I hope you will join us.
For more information, contact Cat Mills, Public Information Administrator at 1-800-827-1000 ext. 7432, or (727) 319-7432, or e-mail at millsc@fdva.state.fl.us Check out our website at www.floridavets.org or write to: PO Box 31003, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.
The North Fort Myers Lions Club meet the first and third Mondays of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Visually Impaired Persons Center located at 35 W. Mariana Road, just west of the N. Tamiami Trail.
The next meeting of the Hellenic American Social Club of S.W. Florida will be held at the Cape Coral Yacht Club on January 8th at 7:00 p.m.
The newly elected officers and board members are as follows: Pres. Mel (Zogopoulos) Schunemann, N. Ft. Myers; Vice Pres. Angelo Constan ,Cape Coral; Treas. Jim Avtges, Secretary Kitty Avtges, Ft. Myers . Elected to the Board of Directors are Phil Pappas, Bill Mandros of Ft. Myers, and Nick Koukos of Cape Coral .
The Club is in session from Nov. to May . Snowbirds and new members are always welcome. Call Mel Schunemann, Pres. at 656-1341 or Angelo Constan, Vice Pres. 540-1819
The Democratic Party of Lee County holds their monthly meeting the second Wednesday of each month in the County Commission Chamber of the Old Lee County Courthouse. Enter the building via the 2nd Street entrance. Themeeting begins at 7:00 P.M. and is open to the public. For more information contact the headquarters at 334-0908 or e-mail LeeDems @Juno.com.
Calling all teens 13 years old and older, Friday nights will never be boring again! Friday nights from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Lee County Parks and recreation and the Lee County Sheriff's Department will sponsor "pick-up" basketball games at J. Colin English Elementary Schools outside basketball courts.
Everyone must sign up to play and have a signed permission slip. Pick up the permission slips at N. Ft. Myers Community Park.
For more information call 652-6002.
The Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida will sponsor Basically Bluegrass Concert and Pick In at the Buckingham Community Center on Sunday, January 6 beginning at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per person and free for children under 12.
The Buckingham Community Center is located at 4940 Buckingham Road.
Scheduled to appear are: The Sawgrass Drifters, The Peace River Band, Wild Flowers and Curt Dunn & Company. Acoustic musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in various jam sessions. The concert will be outside, so bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
For more information call 626-5399.
Two quartets and a quintet headline the 2002 UU Performing Arts Society concert series, now in its third season, offering a varied program of vocal and instrumental performances. Tickets, which can be ordered, beginning Saturday, Dec. 1 by calling 275-2640, are $30 per person for the three-concert series. Individual tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. The Sunday evening concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are followed by receptions for the performers. The concert venue, favored by performers and audiences alike for its excellent acoustics and aesthetic appeal, is the sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church, at 13411 Shire Lane, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75 in Fort Myers.
The series kicks off Sunday, Jan. 20, 2001, with the Neapolitan Quartet featuring Geoffrey Day and Ruth Leone, violins, Glenn Loontjens, viola, and Eric Dochinger, cello, performing the works of Joseph Haydn, Maurice Ravel and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Sunday, Feb. 10 program, Quartet with Variations, features soprano Helen Bovbjerg Niedung, baritone Douglas Renfroe, oboist Ruth Kostush Christman and pianist Mary Griffin Seal. The series finale on Sunday, March 24, showcases the Florida Wind Quintet, including Betsy Hudson Traba, flute, Michael Austin, oboe, Bharat Chandra, clarinet, Fernando Traba, bassoon and Lydia Van Dreel, horn.
The UU Performing Arts Society was established in 1999 to promote the fine performing arts in Lee County. Its members strive to showcase the best Southwest Florida professional musicians at affordable ticket prices.
The 15th Annual Southwest Florida Woodcarving Exposition will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 12 and 13 at the Harborside Convention Center in Ft. Myers.
The show will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., admission s $5.00 per day or $7.00 for a two day pass.
There will be hundreds of carvings on display and vendors to supply materials for the beginner or professional.
For more information call 561-5614.
Every Monday from Jan 7-Jan 28th (four classes) from 10-11:30am, Every Wednesday from Jan 9-Jan 30 (four classes) from 10-11:30 am. Cost is only $30 for four classes. Even if you have never even seen a computer, these classes are for you! Classes are held at the North Ft Myers Community Center located behind the NFM Library. Space is Limited so sign up today. Register by calling 461-7400. For more info call Kathy at 652-6002. Come catch the computer craze.
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