This is our fifth installation on the Lee County School District budget. We have compared Lee County schools to others in the state and to those in our own county. We have printed how much each school receives from the $661,914,697 tax dollars the district has. Last issue we printed budgets from the "Special" schools, which include those for the handicapped, the gifted, the troubled children, the pregnant teens and our jails.
Lee County School Board is spending $116,766,116 or $3,947 per student in our elementary schools, $54,035,397 or $3,993 per student in middle schools, $59,707,145 or $3,806 in our high schools and $29,720,283 or $14,227 per student in our "Special" schools or a total of $260,228,941 of $661,914,697 (39.3%) of tax dollars is being spent directly on education at the school level. An average of $4,298 per student. Where are our tax dollars going? There are three areas the Examiner has yet to report on, General Administration, Bussing and Food Services.
This issue we delve into the General Administration Budget. Since we have been using a per student basis for comparison so far, weÕll continue the trend. General Administration cost $1,133 per student. $68,609,487 or 10.4% of the total budget. Between schools and General Administration, a total of $329,216,006 is being spent, or 49.7% of the total budget. The other 50.3% is spent on food and bussing.
The Examiner started this trek through budgets when our local school officials said they could not cut back anywhere and needed to decrease services or raise taxes because of tax collection shortages after the September 11 terrorists attacks. Local officials were warned of as much as a 5% cutback, as severe as it has gotten so far is 2%. After Governor Bush's State of the State Address, educators have taken a deep sigh of relief.
However, lets go back to the original scenario. School officials have stated they have cut the budget to the bone, the only options were cutting back classes or raising taxes. The Examiner has been printing the schools budgets since, letting taxpayers see for themselves if there is ant fat in the budget.
Taxpayers are paying $1,645,455 to employ 25 psychologists, or $27 per student. When did it become the School District of Lee County responsibility to provide psychologists for students?
Taxpayers are paying $1,301,714 or $21.50 per student for Curriculum/School Improvement. Every school already has at least one employee as a Curriculum Specialist, do we need more in an administration building? This is in a school district which already offers over 950 different courses.
There are several duplications of services in the budget, such as payroll and personnel departments. A Deputy Superintendent position is funded for $14,211, there is no Deputy. And between a Chief Financial Officer, an Accountability & Planning Department, a Budget Department, a Financial Accounting Department and Internal Audit Department, none of them caught it and it remains in the budget. (Wonder if these employees get graded like students?)
The Examiner is printing in this issue each departments budget and how many employees it has. It is difficult to print much more for space limitations and not knowing the true job description of each department. However, there are glaring questions which rise when reviewing the budget.
The district has a Department of Intervention Programs with a budget of $448,767 and another department called early Intervention Programs funded at $2,092,146 or $34.55 per student. Between the two departments, $2,540,913 is being spent to keep children from dropping out. This could not be cutback instead of raising taxes or punishing students by cutting out summer school? The two departments employ 50 people.
It was just announced last week the school district is proposing a drastic change to bussing schedules. Swapping starting times for elementary with middle schools. One advantage of this plan, younger children will not be waiting for the school bus in the dark, older middle school students would. It also will save $2.5 million in expense.
Now parents are complaining about having to have day care in the morning. Before parents were complaining their children were out in the early morning dark. Is it possible to make everyone happy?
Out point, is once again, the school district is looking drastic changes which effect students rather than how to cut the budget without effecting so many. Is it deliberate so they can ask for more tax dollars? Or is it being incompetent?
The InterPark Council met on Friday, January 18 atBuccaneer Estates. The InterPark Council meets monthly. It consists of presidents and vice-presidents of homeowner associations of manufactured home communities throughout Lee and Charlotte Counties. They meet once a month to share ideas and discuss common problems.
Frank Smith opened the meeting, then asked if anyone else had received a letter from the owners of their parks concerning changes in the prospectus. Some parks are making changes in their prospectus. A positive change being made are fees which are shared by all residents (pass onn fees) being done by the total number of lots rather than number of residents, so owners pay for vacant lots.
Frank spoke of a problem at Horizon Village with palm trees. Several palm trees have been hit by lightening. The park owner is attempting to bill the renter of the lot. According to the prospectus, a plam tree, light and planter for each lot will be furnished by the owner, upkeep and replacement is not covered in the prospectus.
According to Mr. Smith, they went to their attorney, Mr. Burandt, who, in an hour, came back with the decision that it is not the lot renters responsibility to replace the palm. The owner is still billing the renter, planning on collecting when the home is sold.
Smith went to say that Burandt advised that the renter would have a legal case against the owner for charging them for the palm tree. If the owner of the park made paying for the palm tree a part of the acceptance of the new tennet, it would constitute an interference of a contractual agreement.
A representative from Tamiami Village said residents there have received a letter informing them of chnges in their Deed of Restrictions. Conversation went on to the Department of Business Regulation, the government agency which all manufactured home parks must file a Deed of Restrictions or prospectus. Some in attendance complained about getting poor or no service. Others contradicted that, saying they have received excellent service the past two months. Mr. Fleetwood, the department head, was mentioned specifically as taking care of home owners questions and needs.The next meeting of the InterPark council will be Friday, February 22 at a site to be determined.
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.
Lee County Government has posted its Fiscal Year 2001-02 Budget Book - a 320-page publication of how the county spends taxpayer dollars - on the Internet.
The link to the budget is at www.lee-county.com under Lee County Documents Online The budget book takes three months to compile and is the culmination of an annual budget process that begins in March, with public workshops held during the summer and two final budget hearings in September. The countyÕs fiscal year begins Oct. 1. The countyÕs Budget Book has received the ÒDistinguished Budget Presentation AwardÓ from the Government Finance Officers Association for the last 16 years.
New this year are bookmarks that automatically pop up and allow users to easily locate what sections and tables they are looking for. The online book is divided into the following categories:
A. Budget Message from the County Manager/Users Guide
B. Budget Summary
Includes color charts with current and historical information.
C. Financial Policy
Includes policies regarding the budget, revenue, appropriation and fund types.
D. Services By Organization
Includes organizational structure and responsibilities of County departments, actual expenditures for FY1999-2000, estimated for FY2000-2001 and the budget for FY2001-2002.
E. Capital Improvement Program/Long Term Debt
Includes detailed presentation of capital improvement program and debt activity.
F. Budget By Function
Includes department summary according to Activity and Fund Type Categories established by the State of Florida.
G. Appendices
Includes discussion of Fund Structure, Budgetary Accounting Policy, Budget Process and Glossary of Terms.
Have you ever walked through your house in the morning and discovered that a light has been left on all night? Or, have you come home after a day at work or the beach to find that an exhaust fan has been running since the morning?
New digital timers remember to shut things off when you forget. The newest generation of digital timers can be installed right in the wall, where you would put a regular wall switch. Some of the new timers even come with specific time intervals already preset. In a bathroom, consider a timer with preset time intervals of 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes to control a heat lamp or an exhaust fan. Simply push the button for the length of time you want the lamp or fan to be on; the timer will turn it off automatically.
To control outside lights, you might consider a digital timer that can be programmed for longer time intervals. Once you set the time of day and length of time you want the lights to be on, the timers will automatically manage your outdoor lights. Also, look for digital timers that have a built-in battery-powered backup, to protect your settings during power outages.
If you would like more information, call LCEC’s energy experts at 997-SAVE or 1-800-201-SAVE.
At its regular meeting Tuesday (Jan. 29), the Board of Lee County Commissioners will consider approval of construction of nearly three miles of pedestrian sidewalks around the county.
The $1.35-million allocation for Fiscal Year 2001-02 is based on recommendations by the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which is made up of local residents.
The approved list and projected costs are:
1. Lehigh Acres - Joel Blvd. from Bell Blvd. to 6th St. (1.7 miles), cost: $710,000.
2. North Fort Myers - Laurel Dr. from Gage Dr. to U.S. 41 (1.2 miles), cost: 640,000.
Lee County allocates a little more than $1 million a year for the construction of sidewalks and bikepaths. Currently, the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee has outstanding requests for future projects of $18.8 million, which would build 48 miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths.
For more information about how to request that a project be considered, contact Andy Getch at 479-8510.
A new kind of coffee shop debuted in downtown Ft. Myers on January 25 at the First United Methodist Church. Breaking Grounds is open from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and will feature live music, board games, books, fellowship great coffee and other refreshments.
There is no charge for Breaking Grounds, donations are accepted. Couples and singles of all ages are welcome to gather and meet. Breaking grounds is located at 2466 First Street, at the churchÕs Life Enrichment Center.
Beginner's Computer Class
Monday's Feb 4-Feb 25 (4 classes) 10am-11:30 am Wednesday Feb 6-Feb 27 (4 classes) 10am-11:30 am Thursday Feb 7-Feb 28th (4 classes) 10am-11:30 am Call for info after noon 652-6002 To Register call 461-7440
Two New Preschool Classes to begin at North Community Park
Tiny Tots Arts, Crafts and & Ball Skills This new class offers arts and crafts projects to take home and different ball games to be learned and played each week. We will focus on small and large motor skills and learn good sportsmanship as well. Your children will have a great time interacting and sharing with other children and enjoy a snack after class. Limit is 8 children per class. Ages 3-6 years old. Friday's 10:00-11:00 AM Dates Feb. 1 to March 1, Cost $10.00 Contact Christine Schirmer 652-6002 or 461-7440 to register Tumbling (pre-school)
Let your little ones tumble off their extra energy. Children will learn the basic skills of forward rolls, crab walk, and balance. This class will help them develop coordination through games and skills. Enjoy a snack after class and socialize with friends. Ages 3-6 years old. Limit 6 Tuesday's-10:00-11:00 AM Dates Feb. 5 to March 5. Cost $15.00 Contact Christine Schirmer Call 652-6002 for more information Call 461-7440 to register.
Afterschool Program
Free Afterschool program till 6pm daily. Call 652-6002 after noon for more info
Wallk For Fitness
NFM Community Park is offering an exciting new class called Walk for Fitness. This program is FREE and meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-11am at the NFM Comunity Park under the Pavilion. Call 652-6002 for more information. First walk will be on Monday February 4th at 10 am sharp.
Flea Market
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.
We made a mistake. In the January 16 issue we reported the FMO meeting to be February 28, that is incorrect. The next FMO meeting will be February 8, at 1:00 pm at Blue Heron Park in Charlotte County.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
It was enjoyable watching the news last week. Back when school started this year, many parents were complaining about their young, elementary age children, having to wait for school busses early in the morning, before the sun rose.
Now the school district proposes to swap starting times with middle schools, so older children will be waiting for the bus early and elementary children would be catching their bus later in day, and a whole new group of parents complains that they would then have to pay for day care in the morning.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
The Lee County School Board has approved a system called "quality management" which allows for the teachers union and parents to approve new ideas before a proposal reaches them. Management by committee, one step away from socialism.
It seems only one group is being forgotten here, the average taxpayer. Most forget, the average taxpayer in Lee County is retired, no children in school, yet this is the last group consulted about how to spend our education tax dollars.
It is no wonder our schools are failing so miserably. Can you imagine if business was run the same way? Why bother with School Board elections if decisions are going to be made by committee? We can do public opinion polls and make decisions on our childrenÕs education that way, after, of course, checking with the union.
In any government decision, some will be displeased with it. We opposed the football fields being built to a tune of $1.5 million at N. Ft. Myers Community Park. We voiced our opinion, gave speeches at the County Commission meeting, and lost. That's called democracy. At least our elected county commissioners are brave enough to carry the burden of an unpopular decision.
The School Board would prefer ruling by committee than to be accused of an unpopular decision. Thus, nothing gets done. The poor education our children are receiving is proof that "quality management" doesn't work.
What cost cutting measure can pass committee? The union will scream about anything which effects pay, benefits or number of teachers (members). Parents are wanting different things according to their own circumstances. The perfect example is bussing. This county is still paying to bus over 1,000 children who do not qualify for bussing by state standards. (Children living closer than two miles to a school do not qualify for state paid bussing. We had a simple solution for that elsewhere, private buses which parents paid for, not taxpayers.)
Hey, its only money. Taxpayers have more.
Since the original threat of cutbacks after September 11, the only options given so far would only effect our children. Sanders spent money so his fellow Superintendents could tell us to hire more superintendents. Then it was no summer school, now swapping starting times.
The Examiner has spent the past two months actually examining the budget, what a novel idea. Our state legislative group is pushing for an external audit of the school district. It couldnÕt come at a better time.
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Affluence: an abundant flow of supply: abundance of property.
Thank God our country has the affluence it does. Take a look at the money we spend everyday on medical care, education, parks, government, defense the list goes on and on. While our school district is having to cut $8 million from its budget, other countries don't have an education budget of $8 million.
We have spoiled ourselves on the riches of capitalism. To the point of where elected officials have no clue as to how to do without. Our county government is spending more and more tax dollars on landscaping, in a county which has water shortages every summer. We spend millions on sidewalks in neighborhoods while the homes are in disrepair. Do sidewalks really improve the quality of life for people who donÕt have food or medical care?
Do not fret, we are not becoming a socialist or democratic newspaper. We are just getting disgusted with how elected officials buy the pretty bells and bows, while ignoring the true needs of the populace. Is landscaping more important than hurricane shelters? Is landscaping more important than drinkable water?
Our elected officials have forgotten the priorities of the populace, and have gone with the priorities of the developers. This is an election year, let the politicians know you are upset, vote all county incumbents out. Send a message.
by Tom Comingore (token democrat)
Schools have been in the news for years here in South West Florida because of the tremendous population growth we have been experiencing over the last twenty years. We spend thousands upon thousands of dollars each years and send a few of our ball players on to national fame, send some on to higher education and many to very menial jobs for life.
It is my understanding that we no longer rank 65th out of out of the 67 counties here in Florida in over all grade scores but now were are in the high 50s. Big deal! We have Edison Collage here in the county and for many years they ranked number one in the state on the state test given to ALL university and college students after their second year. I do know that many of their students needed to take remedial classes (non credit) before they started their regular classes.
It was never a case that the students did not want to learn or have the ability to! learn but that they were never taught or encouraged to learn just for the sake of learning. We now have a new full fledge State four year university here in the county and many of us truly question where our county school are headed. Our school system is the highest taxing unite in the county and often the board members are so aloof in there school board building that to get a straight answer from them is next to impossible.
The last time I attended a meeting about the schools there was absolute controlled order to the meeting and stock answers given by the board members. You or I could have answered all the questions that were asked in virtually the same way all were answered with "I will have to check on that and get back with you".
We have coaches that truly have a hard time speaking English that you or I can understand, math teachers that could not add 2 plus 2 unless they use a calculator and how can we expect the school counselors to know how to handle personal problems of the students when they have so many of their own that they certainly can not counsel from their own experience.
President Bush has picked up one of the Democrat cries of the past that we need to test and test and test again to make sure the younger generation is being taught rather that just passed to move them on out to flip hamburgers or mop floors for the rest of their lives. Even Governor Bush has begin to echo his brothers words all around the state.
Many teachers have certainly picked up their attitude to the public from the school board and have looked down not only to the students but to the voting public as well. They may think they are only talking to the parents of the students but the products of their labors show up all over our community to the rest of us tax payers.
I for one would be happy to pay more school tax IF I THOUGHT FOR ONE MINUTE I WAS GETTING MY MONEYS WORTH NOW!
You can Email Tom TComin1551@aol.com
Chuck,
Thanks for the research you have provided on the Lee County Schools. A look at my TRIM notice for 2002 tells me I am paying $686.50 (35.9%) of my homeowner's taxes to the school system. I donÕt begrudge this money since I graduated from a public school system 52 years ago and somebody paid for that. That was before busing, yes everbody went to the neighborhood school.
We had classrooms for the mentally and physically handicapped kids (retarded and crippled). They were a part of our school, not off in some special building. Corporal punishment was a given if you got out of line (tried to express yourself at the expense of the rest of the class). That was nothing compared to what you got at home when you had a bad day. The really problem kids(mostly boys) went off to reform school. Gifted kids had after school opportunities to explore their talents, no special classes or buildings were provided for this. Children of School Board members, School Administration and Faculty all went to Public Schools. I know, that was yesterday and this is today, things are different now. I don't think so.
We are now into the fourth major war of my lifetime (WW II, K, VN and T); I have seen 6 Dem. and 6 Rep. Presidents; 40 Dem. years and 29 Rep. years (FDR skewed that); our churches have had another renewal; the foreigners are now not from another State but from another country; we have gone to the moon, have computers, SUV's and cell phones; and we still believe throwing money at a problem (education) is the answer. I don't think so.
Our local elected officials have similar relatives across the United States and they are all elected by a few of us, isn't that the problem.
Chuck, the sun came up this morning, I saw a man laying in the middle of US 41 on the way to work, and I thank God for two beautiful grandchildren. Frank S. sang "That's Life." I appreciate someone like you for keeping after the spenders and keeping us informed.
Thank you,
Chuck Short
January 11 Merchants Crossing, Glenn Gordon Krimm was arrested for petit theft. N. Tamiami Trail, Richard A. Desosiers was arrested for DUI. 1850 N. Tamiami Trail, Robert Michael Plano was arrested for petit theft. January 12 4441 Frankie Ct., Dale A. Low was arrested for battery/domestic violence. January 13 Barrett Park, Pierre Noundhit was arrested for grand theft auto. 345 San Diego St., Larry Charles Sullivan was arrested for battery/domestic violence. Pondella Road, Edwin Rodriquez was arrested for DUI and possession of marijuana. January 14 North Key Drive, Clifton George Naylor was arrested for child support payments. 4152 Pine Drop Lane, Sylvia E. Pecina was arrested for two failure to appear warrants. 4152 Pine Drop Lane, Jason Robert Wall was arrested for failure to appear. January 17 545 Pine Island Road, Gale Mooreland was arrested for retail theft. January 18 Beau Drive, Susan Norma Potts was arrested for a warrant. N. Key Drive, Frederick Lee Wilson was arrested for a US Marshall warrant. January 20 74 Vine Street, Candace Lynn Mchale was arrested for disorderly conduct. 2063 Laurel Lane, Horst Markus Bohlander was arrested for battery/domestic violence. January 21 Poetry at St. Clair, John Doe was arrested for an open container, false name to a law enforcement officer and battery on a law enforcement officer. 545 Pine Island Road, Jenny Lee Howell was arrested for retail theft. 2133 Laurel Lane, George Albert Fowler Jr. was arrested for two warrants. 545 Pine Island Road, Maurice Lashawn Allen was arrested for retail theft and a warrant. 15201 N. Cleveland Ave., Walter Robert Stubblefield was arrested for failure to appear. 8081 Breeze Dr., Robert Earl Tipton was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
Don Gill - E-mail VFVflorida@aol.com
Subject: President Signs Smith Veterans' Health Legislation Adding $1.4 Billion in Expanded Medical Benefits.
RELEASE DATE: January 23, 2002 CONTACT: Peter Dickinson (202) 225-3664
President Bush today signed legislation (H.R. 3447) authored by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) that adds $1.4 billion to expand and strengthen health care programs for the nation s 25 million veterans, including almost 700,000 who live in New Jersey.
The new law, H.R. 3447, the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act, is the fifth major piece of veterans legislation sponsored by Smith, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, to be enacted into law during the 107th Congress. Perhaps most important for New Jersey is a provision, which could provide significant relief for thousands of lower-middle income veterans, said Smith. This could translate into an out-of-pocket savings of over $600 for each hospitalization. Since national formulas to determine financial need often fail to take into account the regional differences in the cost of living, this provision is a pivotal step towards ensuring full equity for New Jerseys veterans, who live in one of the most expensive regions of the country.
Another innovative new program will allow the VA to provide trained service dogs to veterans who are paralyzed, suffer severe immobility problems, loss of hearing or other conditions that would benefit from a service dog, said Smith. Similar to guide dogs for the blind, trained service dogs can provide vital assistance such as listening for door bells, retrieving food or medicines from other rooms, or physically moving people that could allow many disabled veterans to lead more independent lives.
Other provisions of H.R. 3447 will establish a National Commission to enhance recruitment and retention of nurses at VA facilities; establish chiropractic services within the VA health care system on a nationwide basis; and require the VA to maintain specialized medical programs such as for mental illness, spinal cord injuries and prosthetics in each of the VA's 22 health care networks.
The four Smith laws previously enacted during the 107th Congress are: H.R. 1291 Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act (P.L. 107-103) Increasing educational, housing, burial and disability benefits by $3.1 billion Signed by President Bush on December 27, 2001. It boosts the MGIB college education benefit amount by a record 46% within 2 years, increasing the lifetime college benefit for qualified veterans from $24,192 to $35,460.
The GI Bill is among the most successful government programs ever passed by Congress, helping create the middle class and serving as the military s top recruiting tool. HR. 2716 Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act (P.L. 107-95). Authorizes $1 billion to aid homeless veterans and prevent at-risk veterans from becoming homeless. Signed by President Bush on December 21, 2001 H.R. 2540 Veterans Compensation Rate Amendments of 2001 (P.L. 107-94) Boosts compensation payments for disabled veterans by $2.4 billion over five years. Signed by President Bush on December 21, 2001 H.R. 801 Veterans Survivors Benefits Improvements Act (P.L. 107-14) Adds $100 million in new health care benefits for surviving spouses of veterans, and extends life insurance coverage to spouses and children of service members. Signed by President Bush on June 5, 2001.
In addition, two other Smith veterans bills have passed the House and are in the Senate awaiting action: H.R. 3423 Reforming Burial Rules at Arlington National Cemetery Reforms Arlington National Cemetery burial regulations for Guard and reserve.
Passed the House on December 20, 2001 pending in the Senate H.R. 811 Veterans Hospitals Emergency Repair Act Authorizes $550 million to repair and renovate dilapidated VA medical facilities. Passed the House on March 27, 2001. Still pending in the Senate.
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 Hellenic American Club of S.W. Florida is presenting its 12th annual dinner dance .
In keeping with the patriotic fervor in our country today, our theme this year is "YASSOU to the Red, White, and Blue!" The dinner/ dance will be held at the Italian American Club at 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral on Sunday evening, February 17th at 6:30-11 p.m. Greek and American music featuring the Peter Lambropoulos Band. $45.00 per person, Children under 10 years of age $12. Dinner served at 7:00 p.m.
For tickets and reservations please contact: Ann Constan 941-540-1819, Terry Kalogridis 941-549-4270 or dance Chairman Phil Pappas at 941- 481-4814.
The Hellenic American Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Cape Coral Yacht Club in Cape Coral. New members and snowbirds welcome. Call Mel (Zogopoulos) Schunemann, Pres.941-656-1341 for further information.
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.
Lecturer Trevor deSuze presented a check for Special Education Program at J. Colin English Elementary School to Ms. Vetter, Pincipal. The monies was raised by the Knights of Columbus, All Saints Council in N. Ft. Myers. The Knights of Columbus and members of their families collected the money during thier annual Tootsi Roll Drive for handicapped persons. Last year they collected over $4,500 and divided it among programs for the handicaped in N. Ft. Myers.
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.
This year's North Fort Myers 2nd Annual Community Festival is slated to be even bigger than last years! How? By first moving the location to the North Shore Overlook Park (AKA Yankee Beach) located at the North end of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge from downtown Fort Myers. March 16th from 10 am to 8 pm with food, live music, activities, games, art, crafts and personalities!
If you want to join as a merchant, restaurant or seller of crafts, call the Chamber at 997-9111 for info. Volunteers always welcomed!
The Cypress Lakes High School Center for the Arts Dance department and Symphonic Orchestra will present the full evening ballet Dracula. The performances will be presented at the Cypress lake High School Auditorium on February 7, 8 and 9 at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $5.00 and reservations can be made by calling 481-2233 ext. 251.
Set to the music of Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi, the story follow Bram Stroker's classic tale of good and evil. Join Lucy, Mina, Renfield and Count Dracula for a suspenseful trip to Transylvannia, 19 century London and a centuries old mountain legend.
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.
Calusa Musicale will hold its fifth musical concert of the season on Monday, February 11 at Cypress Lake United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall located at 8570 Cypress Lake Drive at the corner of Winkler Road starting at 10:00 a.m.
The musical program is entitled Land of dreams, and is an operatic spoofo on retirement life in Florida. It is comprised of arias from famous operas by Mozart, Verdi, Gounod, Wagner, Puccini, Bizet, Saint Saens and Leoncavallo.
The Literacy Volunteers of America, Lee County will hold a book sale for the general public on February 7,8 and 9 at the Edison mall in the Courtyard near Entrance D. Hundreds of fiction and nonfiction books will be for sale from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
On Sunday, February 17, the LVA will have a 10th Anniversary party at the Unitariona Universalist Church located at 13411 Shire lane (off Daniel's Parkway) from 2 to 4:00 p.m.
The LVA is the local affiliate of a national organization which provides free, confidential, one to one tutoring for adults with low reading and writing skills or adults for whom English is a second language.
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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