As promised, the holidays are over and the Examiner is continuing to delve into the abyss of the School District of Lee County financial reports. A quick recap, Lee County School District's total budget is $661,914,697 or $10,931 per student.
So far we have shown a comparison of all Lee County Schools as to what dollars are actually being spent at the school level, our elementary schools average spending $3,947 per student, middle $3,993 and high schools $3,806. Average students to teacher (classroom size) are: elementary 22.4/, middle 20.0 and high school 21.5.
This is just a paper trail, counting the number of teachers shown on payroll, we have not actually visited the schools. These figures were gathered from a copy of the detailed budget acquired from the School District and the website which gives current student enrollment at the schools.
This issue we explore the "Special" schools in the district, these range from schools for the severely handicapped to those for the exceptionally gifted and everything in between. For example, as taxpayers we are paying for a special school for teenage mothers and mothers to be, the Lee Adolescent Mother Program. The average dollar per student spent there is $6,445, almost twice what is being spent on the average student. There are 197 adolescent mothers attending the school.
Royal Palm and Buckingham Schools for the Exceptional Student spends quite a bit more than our regular schools. These schools are dealing with children with severe learning difficulties, pupil to teacher ratios must be lower and teachers have to give much more individualized attention to the children. The same can be said for the County Exceptional Student line item and Edison Center.
The highest dollar amounts spent on education comes from our vocational schools. Using the District's numbers for enrollment, Lee County taxpayers are spending a whooping $46,054 and $33,428 per student for vocational education.
$4451,614 tax dollars are being spent for Business and Industry Services, according to the School District's webpage this school locate in High Tech North, "Provides economical, customized training programs to local, existing, new and future employers in Lee County at 76 different training sites county wide."
The New Directions Center Academy High spends an average of $1,000 more per student, with only 413 students allowed this extra endowment. On its webpage they state, "Academy High School is committed to fundamental educational reform and is exploring innovative educational theories and practices including extended time on task, total quality education and management, authentic assessment, flexible scheduling, advanced technology and an interdisciplinary curriculum."
" A fundamental tenet of Academy High School is that students must be personally responsible for their own education." Very nice rhetoric, why do taxpayers pay an extra $1,000 per year per student for 413 students?
The Examiner could find no information on Dunbar Community School, according to information from the School Board, it has no students, no teachers, no principal. It does have one custodian and one Building Supervisor, at a cost of $101,039.
The Island School and R. Milborn Academy are Charter Schools, Lee County School District contributes $100,710 to the Island and $514,154 to Milborn.
The Alternative Learning Centers is the politically correct name of the schools for wayward youth. Children that are too disruptive to be in our mainstream schools. To which, as taxpayers, we pay a premium price to educate. The Middle School costs taxpayers $6,770 per student or $2,777 more than a regular student. The High School costs $7562 per student or $3,756 more.
Cypress Lake Center for the arts is a part of Cypress Lake High School. From the webpage it was not easily discernible what the difference may be, however, taxpayers are footing an extra $749,953 to the school for something.
Price Halfway House, SWFL Marine Institute, SWFL Juvenile Detention Center and Lee County Jail is the school boardÕs way of making sure even those who break our laws still receive an education at a cost to taxpayers of $1,381,209.
The total for all these "Special" schools is $29,720, 283. Every one of them spent more per student than the mainstream student receives. Most of us have lived through the battles of desegregation and equal education for all students, no matter of their race, religion or creed.
During this time of budget crunching because of lost tax revenues after September 11, it is particularly interesting our elected officials and hired Superintendent speak of taking more away from the mainstream student than to touch any of these special programs. As taxpayers and parents we have been threatened with no summer school for the mainstream children who fall a little behind, yet no mention is made of the $2 million being spent to give 413 privileged children a better education than the masses receive.
In a land where education is supposed to be equal for all, why are we, as taxpayers, paying so much more for a few? In Lee County, we spend $3,947 on the average Elementary student, $3,993 on the average Middle School student and $3,806 on the average High School student. Yet if a child is disruptive in High School it costs taxpayers $7,562 per student.
This article will raise as many questions as it answers. What are we morally committed to in educating a violent youth? Will giving them a better education now save society money in the long run? Should we spend the same dollars on each child, no matter the circumstances?
And for the "Exceptional" (handicapped) student, do we try to help them fit into our society through education? How much is enough?
And now, when parents are concerned about what kind of education their child is receiving, do we cut back on how much we spend on "Special" students? Add the budget crunch to the equation, do we take away from the many and continue to give the few extra services? Or do we continue to raise taxes?
The Federation of Manufactured Home Owners (FMO) District 7 held its monthly meeting at Buccaneer Estates last Friday. Ron Ludington welcomed the approximately 100 members to Buccaneer and the meeting.
Dr. Barron Mayberry was the first speaker, his topic, Stress Relief. Mayberry asked the crowd, "Would you like to live a happy and satisfying life?"
He then went on to three simple principles for having a happy and stress-free life. Love God. Love yourself. And love everyone as if they were your brother or sister.
Discussion then turned towards membership. Having as many members as possible is important for the organization to have clout in Tallahassee with the politicians. The higher the number of members FMO can claim, the more our elected officials listen to them.
Legislation which may effect manufactured home owners this coming session was discussed. A bill for RV and campgrounds to begin collecting the three cent tourist bed tax which hotels and motels currently collect will be introduced. This bill will not include manufactured home parks.
The FMO is working with a large company to lower prescription drug costs by up to 50% is in the works. More details will be available net month.
All 55+ Communities in Florida must file with the state government or risk losing their status as a 55+ Community.
Attorney Louis St. Laurent, an advocate for manufactured home owners, took questions from the audience. His main answer to most questions dealt with the Prospectus each renter should have received when they moved into the rental park from the owner.
According to St. Laurent, the Prospectus details what is expected from the park ownership. Such things as who is responsible for maintenance of landscaping, replacing trees, irrigation systems, etc. are all spelled out in the Prospectus.
By law the Prospectus remains the same for a manufactured home even if it is sold. Park owners cannot change a Prospectus if one sells their manufactured home. St. Laurent was asked, "what if the park owner won't approve a buyer unless the buyer accepts the Prospectus?"
He answered that one can take the park owner to court if it occurs, the park owner is then interfering with a contract.
A park owner has to supply a renter with a Prospectus. If you have lost yours, and the owner refuses to give one, you can contact the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes and request a copy of the prospectus and all amendments made to it.
By law, the park owner has to have a recent copy of the prospectus on file with them. If the owner does not, they have violated state law and will be fined and forced to file one. Another point St. Laurent made was that all renters in a park are represented by the Homeowners Association whether or not if they are members. Any agreements made with a HOA effect everyone in a park.
The next meeting of the FMO will be Thursday, February 28 at Blue Heron Pines in Punta Gorda starting at 1:00 p.m.
The North Fort Myers Civic Association will hold its monthly general membership meeting on Monday, January 28 at the N. Ft. Myers Methodist Church located at 81 Pondella Road starting at 7:00 p.m. The invited guest speaker is Lee County Tax Collector Cathy Curtis. Nominations for four seats on the Board of Directors will also be taken. The Board of Directors consists of twelve seats, fours seats rotating off each year. To be on the Board, one only needs to be a member of the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association.
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.
Literacy Volunteers of America, Lee County, (LVA) will conduct tutor training classes for anyone interested in helping other adults improve their English skills.
A mandatory orientation meeting will be held at the Kenwood Lane office of the LVA on Wednesday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested should call 278-4400 to sign up for the orientation. at this first meeting, LVA members will answer questions and outline the tutoring process as well as describing the organization, its background and its funding. The tutor training classes will be held on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
LVA provides free, one on one confidential tutoring to adults in the community who would like help to improve their reading, writing and English speaking skills.
If you know of someone who is an outstanding citizen, you can nominate that friend or neighbor for the Paulette Burton Citizen of the Year Award. The County is looking for the kind of persons who get involved in the community and work diligently for causes in which they believe. The award strives to recognize a citizen who has provided outstanding civic contributions to Lee County government.
The selection criteria include a positive attitude, knowledge of the objectives and activities of Lee County government, a demonstrated interest in community/county government partnerships and promotion of harmony between the community and county government. The Board of County Commissioners will select the winner. Nomination forms are available at Lee County libraries and recreation centers. Citizens can also complete and submit a form on the Lee County Government website (www.lee-county.com/burton ). Nominations are due by Monday, January 28, 2002, 5 PM.
For additional information, please call Booch DeMarchi, program director, at 335-2481.
The North Fort Myers Public Library is offering great programs this month for adults and children. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information or to register, please call (941) 997-0320 . The North Fort Myers Public Library is located at 2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE, North Fort Myers.
De-Stress Through Hypnosis Wednesday, January 16, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Stressed out from the holidays? Learn to relax through self-hypnosis. Certified hypnotist and wellness coach Christa Brooks will guide you through the basics. Get comfortable by bringing a pillow, blanket, or floor mat for the light trance demonstration. Seating is limited, please call to register.
Book Discussion
Thursday, January 17, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Michener's novel, set in Afghanistan, tells the story of Mark Miller, assigned to the U.S. embassy in Kabul and his mission to discover what has happened to a young American woman whose family has not heard from her in months. Seating is limited, call to register.
Children's Program, Harry Potter Program
Saturday, Jan. 26, 3 p.m.
Harry Potter fans - muggles and magical folk alike - grab your wand or broomstick and come in costume. We'll compare and discuss the book and the movie. Contests, prizes, and lots of fun Ages 6 to adult. Please preregister.
Sign language interpreter available with 48 hour notice. Call the Deaf Service Center at 461-0334 (voice or TTY). Assistive listening systems are available upon request at the desk.
NFM Community Park is offering an exciting new class called Walk for Fitness. Grab your neighbor and a friend for a morning walk. This is an ongoing program that you can start at anytime. Wear your walking shoes and a smile. This program is FREE and meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-11am at the NFM Community Park under the Pavilion. Call 652-6002 for more information. First walk will be on Monday February 4th at 10 am sharp.
NFM Community Park is having a Flea Market on Friday February 9th from 8:30 am-12 noon. It will be held in the back parking lot of the park located on N. Tamiami Tr. behind NFM Library. If you are interested in participating cost is only $2 per table. Call 652-6002 to reserve your table. Space is limited so call today!!
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.
As I was writing the last school comparison, many moral and ethic questions were raised. As a society, we pay much more for educating the handicapped and troubled youth of our community. And we spend more for our gifted or exceptionally intelligent students than we do for the average child in our school system.
Most of us will agree, an education is of prime importance for the individual and our society as a whole. The mainstream opinion has been everyone deserves an education and is going so far today to include a college education. To what expense?
If one takes the time to look at your TRIMM notice, which breaks down all the property tax one pays, one will see education is the single most expensive item. One pays more for education than roads, lights, fire protection or police/sheriff protection.
In the past few years, more and more have become concerned about the quality of education our children are receiving and more demands have been made to our educational system.
As taxpayers, most have said nothing when the local School Boards have asked for more money. Impact fees have just recently been approved to help fund the building of more schools to help keep up with fast paced growth Lee County is experiencing. But at what time do the taxpayers say enough is enough?
As high school graduates have fewer skills than a generation ago, test scores have been plummeting on national achievement tests, we have continued to throw money at the problem. President Bush just announced his national testing program to attempt to get accountability in our education system.
At what time as taxpayers do we get involved? Do we elect five individuals to sit on the School Board and then walk away, ignore the moral and ethical questions, leave them to those elected?
I invite all our readers to write to us concerning these issues. Do we continue to pay more for educating juvenile offenders? Or handicapped children? Or gifted children? Should the tax dollars be distributed equally among all of the children in our schools?
During this budget crunch, do we cancel summer school or close an Alternative Learning Center and mainstream the troubled youth going there? If you sat on the School Board, what decisions would make? Do we need psychologists on the payroll? Guidance Counselors?
We look forward to your letters. Our email address is examiner@cyberstreet.com
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The front page picture may be confusing to some. In the past few years, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners have passed several laws which are usually found only in deed restricted communities. Such as telling businesses how they may trim trees on their property, and how many trees and shrubs they must plant to get an Operating permit. Now they are beginning to dictate what residential property owners may and may not have on their land. Many of us live in N. Ft. Myers because of the freedom it provides from silly city laws such as Cape Coral's no work trucks in the driveway law.
Slowly but surely, our County Commissioners are eroding away our freedoms. N. Ft. Myers may become the first city to incorporate to have "fewer" laws than the county provides. Ironic isn't it. The sad part is, all five commissioners call themselves Republicans, yet vote unanimously for these new laws.
As we enter this election year, please, educate yourself on what our current elected officials have done since they have been in office, or not done. A glowing example is the widening of Bayshore Road to I-75. Commissioner Coy has had eight years to get it done. Instead we have the Del Prado Extension and now the widening of N. Tamiami Trail from Bayshore to Littleton Road. To hell with priorities, it whatever the developers want, Coy does.
by Tom Comingore (token democrat)
Over my desk I have a copy of the historial picture of George Washington standing up in the lead over filled boat crossing the icy Delaware River with his troops in the middle of winter with the Stars and Stripes being blown by the winds. What a picture!
My teacher of history in my highschool days did his best to teach the true facts of history which sometimes was actually a little disappointing. According to my teacher then and some of my later readings and study George really was not clean faced like the pictures of him show but had smallpox when he was young and carried the marks of it on his face all of his life. Some historians write about the fact he also had Anthrax at one time and the doctor at that time used a very questionably way of curring him by cutting the Anthrax sores out of him.
Some of my very early family fought with Washington and some fought against him and some were wiped out by the flu and other diseases.
There are two special pieces of family furniture that I have in my home I truly enjoy from a historical aspect, both date back to shortly after the civil war. One is a mirror that hangs in the entry way of my home. When guest come into my home it is very hard for them not to notice their reflections in the mirror and I frequently wonder, sometimes even out loud, how many hundreds of people have glanced to see if their clothing was straight and to get a glimpse of themselves as they entered or left my home.
OH MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL, if you could only speak of the true history that appeared in your time what stores you could tell. Certainly you could tell of many scandals in government, death in horrible ways, accidents and sickness not only in wars but on the home front too.
The other piece of old family furniture is a clock that is about as old as the mirror. It needs to be wound two times a week so it is easy to figure that at least ten thousand times that clock has had someone put their hand on it and kept it running by winding it up over the years. My grandfather won several medals in the civil war and contacted a disabling illness in the service but wound this clock many years before his death. My father won several medals in WW1 for saving lives and I certainly remember him winding it hundreds of time.
Nearby my Bible rest as it is old and worn (like me) and I frequently think about not only was Christ put on the cross but that the Romans once put ten thousand of their slaves on crosses at one time just to make a point. Most people of my era have known people who have killed other family members, died of illnesses, died in accidents and gone what we called crazy in our time. We certainly see the same things on the TV news today and we do not really like admitting what was really true in our history. When I look in my mirror and hear my clock ticking way, down deep inside of me I am pretty sure this same story could be used by one of my great great grandchilden a hundred years from now with very few changes.
You can Email Tom TComin1551@aol.com
December 28 887 Java Way, Gerald E. Hopewell was arrested for failure to pay fine. Wonderland Motel, David M. Hush was arrested for a warrant. December 29 Hessmart, Brett William Cummins was arrested for four counts uttering a forged instrument and grand theft. 1117 Seventh Way, Craig W. Hanhurst was arrested for bench warrant (child support). 1098 N. Tamiami Trail, James Armel was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. East Northshore Ave., Christopher M. Nunnick was arrested for failure to appear, a bench warrant for grand theft and driving while license was suspended. December 30 N. Cleveland Ave & Littleton Rd., Terry C. Gero was arrested for driving while license was suspended. December 31 Hart Road, Kevin Jon Hopper was arrested for failure to appear petit theft, Failure to comply and failure to appear leaving the scene of an accident, giving a false name to a law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 1691 Bogart Drive, Shawn Christopher Byrd was arrested for a bench warrant. 545 Pine Island Road, Betty R. Melvin was arrested for retail theft. January 1 Brooks Road, Julie A. Danker, Rick Miller and Janice Scott were arrested for trespass after warning. Pondella Rd., Ryan Marclas was arrested for no drivers license and tag attached not assigned vehicle. Brooks Road, Gary Dean McCammon was arrested for failure to appear grand theft. Brooks Road, John Brown was arrested for trespass after warning. Econo Lodge, Michael Dennis Ashley was arrested for a bench warrant. January 2 545 Pine Island Road, William Matthew Clay was arrested for retail theft. 545 Pine Island Road, Josh Jackson was arrested for retail theft. Pondella Road, Julio A. Collazo was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident, no drivers license and resisting without violence. 2170 Laurel Lane, Terry Lee Bramlett was arrested for attempted robbery while wearing a mask. January 3 2033 Laurel Lane, Steven Snaguski was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine. Pondella Road at River Road, Wesley E. Adkins was arrested for provoding a false name to a law enforcement officer. Hessmart, Christine A. Malloy was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 216 Pondella Road, William S. Gillis was arrested for loitering and prowling and trespass of a conveyence. Pineapple Lane, Jess Edward Allen was arrested for a warrant. January 4 N. Tamiami Trail, Micheal J. George was arrested for DUI. West Mariana, Nancy L. Caltrider was arrested for DUI. 8376 Sevigney, Harold Luther Justus was arrested for battery. 3031 Pine Island Road, Mark P. Morgaolo was arrested for driving while license was suspended. January 5 238 Capital St., Donna Yvonne Crosby was arrested for failure to appear. Pine Island Road, Gerardo Matoss was arrested for driving while license was suspended and no registration. Bayshore Road, Rafik Kamal Hassan was arrested for DUI. January 6 Stringfellow Road, Serafin Reyes was arrested for DUI. January 7 Motel 6, Micheal Ray Ball was arrested for a warrant. Pondella Road, Susan B. Osteander was arrested for obstruction. 545 Pine Island Road, Eddie L. Pearson was arrested for retail theft. January 8 545 Pine Island Road, Dontate Francis was arrested for retail theft. 545 Pine Island Road, Krystal Lashawn Brown was arrested for retail theft and resisting a merchant. Bayshore & N. Tamiami Trail, Christina Tiffany Wazenski was arrested for driving while license was suspended. 1475 N. Tamiami Trail, Lois Renee Kimball was arrested for a felony bench warrant. Merchants Crossing, Michael R. Tyndall was arrested for failure to appear burglary and failure to appear criminal mischief. January 9 Weavers Corner, Donald Gene Woolbrant was arrested for uttering a forged instrument. Moody Road, Kelly Ludwig was arrested for DUI. 545 Pine Island Road, Efren Martinez-Rojano was arrested for retail theft. January 10 1231 Laurel Lane, Jason Wesley Parker was arrested for sale of cocaine and possession of cocaine. January 11 Moody & Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Evlalio Sanchez Naranjo was arrested for DUI and possession of alchol by a minor.
Don Gill - E-mail VFVflorida@aol.com
Local veterans to stage county-wide Veterans' Conference on Sunday, April 7, 2002. The Lee County United Veterans' Conference will be held at Buccaneer Estates Rec. Hall from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. One of the keynote speakers for the event will be General James Dozier.
"The conference is being held so that veterans in our area can openly discuss issues very important to them," states Conference Co-Chairman Allan Brown. "Since there are over 60,000 veterans in Lee County alone, we felt that there are a lot of issues to be brought up. The VA Clinic in Ft. Myers is only one."
"This conference is open to any veteran and there is no fee involved to come. We would like to have veterans just call and make reservations so that we know about how many to expect," continued Brown. 'Reservations and further information can be made by calling 691-8648."
On the agenda are discussion group sessions as well as the speakers for the April 7 conference. Questions and answers will be encouraged as area government officials and all veteran organizations are invited to attend. Please call, 691-8648 for information and suggestions as to the subjects that you would like covered.
WASHINGTON: Veterans who currently make co-payments for outpatient health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will have lower bills, and in some cases, no bills at all, under rules published today in the Federal Register.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi is lowering the $50.80 co-payment some veterans now pay for outpatient care. This decrease is part of an evaluation of co-payments-outpatient, medication and long-term care by VA.
The new regulation sets up a three-tier co-payment system for outpatient care. The first tier will be for preventive care visits and will cost veterans nothing. This care includes flu shots, laboratory tests, certain radiology services, hepatitis C screenings and numerous other preventive services.
Primary care outpatient visits comprise the second tier and will require a co-payment of $15. The last tier includes specialty outpatient care, like outpatient surgery, audiology and optometry and will cost $50.
The co-payments do not apply for the treatment of medical problems that are officially recognized as Òservice connected.Ó For non-service-connected conditions, the outpatient co-payments apply primarily to veterans enrolled in Priority Group 7.
"This is great news for veterans," said Principi. "It eliminates barriers for veterans to get the preventive care they need and will lower the cost of health care for many. Although VA recently announced increases in medication co-payments, the decrease in outpatient co-payments often will offset the pharmacy increases." Another VA regulation will increase the co-payment some veterans make for outpatient medications from $2 to $7 for each 30-day supply, with maximum annual out-of-pocket payment of $840 for veterans in certain enrollment priorities.
The $7 medication co-payment would be lower than-or equal to-most medication co-payments charged by the private health care industry. On the other hand, the existing outpatient visit co-payment was too high compared to private health care, Principi said. Consequently, VA is readjusting both to provide fair and equitable costs for veterans who must make co-payments.
Every dollar collected from outpatient and medication co-payments is returned to the VA facility where the veteran received medical care. The co-payment collections are used to improve medical care for veterans.
VA is proposing no changes to the hospital care co-payments. Currently, some veterans pay $792 for each 90 days of hospital care. In addition to this, there is a $10 per diem charge. For each subsequent 90 days of care in the same fiscal year, the charge is $396, or half the cost of the first 90 days.
Congress gave the VA Secretary the authority to change outpatient and medication co-payments in Public Law 106-117 (November 1999). The new regulations changing outpatient care co-payments became effective today, Dec. 6. The medication co-payment regulation will be effective Feb. 4, 2002.
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 public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Lee Republican Women Federated (LRW) on Monday, January 21. Three speakers will explain LRWÕs affiliation with the Florida Federation of Republican Women (FFRW) and the National Federation of Republican Women. Although LRW has local, Republican - related activities, the overall program of work parallels those of the state and national organizations
Scheduled speakers include Pat Barton, former local, state and national federation officer; Marilyn Stout, current local and state federation officer and Pixie Livingston, current local and state federation officer. A question and answer period will follow.
Reservations for the LRW luncheon, held at the Holiday Inn Bell Tower, are required by Wednesday, January 16, included are an 11:15 a.m. social hour, 11:45 lunch, business meeting and candidate forum. The cost is $12.00. Call 482-4116 or 489-3483 for reservations.
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.
The Navy SeaBee Veterans of America, Island X-8 in Lee County will have a non-smoking luncheon meeting on Monday, January 28 at noon at the Holiday inn Select, 13051 Bell Tower Dr., Ft. Myers. The group is having a Membership Campaign to reach all Seabee veterans in Lee and Collier Counties.
Beginning in January 2002, meeting will be held on the fourth Monday of each month at noon at the Holiday Inn Select.
Wives and visiting SeaBees are welcome to attend. Reservations are required, for reservations or information call Raymond Reed at 731-1901.
The Southwest Florida Chapter of The Destroyer Escort Sailors Association [DESA] will meet for lunch at noon, Thursday, January 17th, at Hurricane Harry's, located just East of US41 on Hancock Bridge Rd. North Fort Myers. Making a return engagement as guest speaker will be Captain Vince Carroll USN Ret. former fleet Chaplain, who also served at Camp David during the administration of former President George Bush. Reservations necessary. Fort Myers 941 458 8471, Port Charlotte 941 629 3481, and Sarasota 941 355 1935.
The Florida members of the USS Coral Sea Association are having their Fourth Annual Spring Fling Reunion on March 9. Members will meet at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at Valenti's Ristorante as 1200 E. Venice, Ave., Venice FL 34292. We would also like to extend an invitation to join us to shipmates from our sister ships, the USS Midway and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.
For more information, contact Bud McKay at 941-371-3790 or Bill Johnson at 941-485-4360.
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 Herons Glen Artist Group presents a Fine Art Show on Sunday, January 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The show will feature works from 26 local artists, with works for sale starting under $100. The show will be in the Grand Ballroom.
Herons Glen is located four miles north of the Shell Factory on US 41.
Another season of stargazing and planet watching is here. This winter, Jupiter and Saturn make dazzling night appearances in the skies. This year's Astronomy Nights program kicks off on January 19. The SWFL Astronomical Society will be on hand with telescopes for planet viewing and plenty of advice on stargazing.
The program will run from 7 to 9:00 p.m. Fee is $2.00 per person (non-members), free for members of the Children's Science Center. Children 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Long sleeves and long pants, closed toed shoes and socks and mosquito repellent are recommended. Call 997-0012 for reservations or more information.
The Cape Coral Doll Guild and the Fort Myers Doll Club present their annual Doll Show and sale on Saturday, February 9 at the Araba Temple located at 2010 Hanson St., Ft. Myers from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., admission is $4.00 for adults, children under 10 are free.
This Doll Show and sale is your source for both the collector and the doll artist's needs. Everything will be available from antique, modern, cloth and composition dolls for sale. There will be doll clothing and furniture by the tons and lace ribbon by the yards. Toys, beanies, memorabilia and more.
The theme this year is Dolls & Toys On the Move. The clubs members have put together a large display of their personal dolls for you to enjoy. After you have viewed the displays and shopped, one can sit and relax while you order lunch.
The Lee County Sheriff's Pose versus the Police Blues in an Arena Football Game, Saturday, January 19 at TECO Arena. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 general admission or a Special Offer of $10.00 a ticket and receive a Florida Firecat home opening game ticket.
All proceeds benefit the Silver Shield Fund for disaster relief.
Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass will present hymn classics with a contemporary flair. The King's Brass features three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, percussion and keyboards. These instruments blend together to create an innovative worship.
The King's Brass will be playing at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2691 Pine Island Road on Sunday, January 20 at 2:00 p.m. There is no admission, however, a free will offering will be received.
The Southwest Florida Symphony Society will host it's annual Jazz Concert on Friday, January 25 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway. Entertainment will be provided by the Jerry Winter Quintet and Shalimar.
Setups and popcorn will be provided, bring your own beverage. Watch the crowning of the King and queen of Mardi Gras. Join the Processional with decorated umbrellas. Enter the Charleston contest. There will be Dancing Girls and surprise entertainment, costumes optional.
Tickets are $15.00, reservations can be made by calling 542-7846 or 542-6820. All proceeds go to the Southwest Florida Symphony and Chorus and the Symphony Youth Orchestra.
The Pine Island art Association presents its 30th Annual Fine Art Show and sale on Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Matlacha Community Building, just west of the Matlacha Bridge on the south side of Pine Island Road.
this popular area art show features the work of more than 100 artists.people attend this show each year, eager for an opportunity to see the work of well established local artists. A large selection of artwork in oil paint, acrylics, watercolors, pastels and collage. Available are, Florida seascapes, landscapes, wildlife and still life. Mini paintings, 3 1/2' x 41/2' are available for as little as $6.00 each.
For more information call 283-7864.
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