Global Village, Mount Victor and Amazing Moringa, sound like a new adventure park opening? Or some exciting new ride at Busch Garden or Six Flags? No you can visit or see all of them at ECHO right here in N. Ft. Myers.
ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) held an open house last Saturday at its facilities located off Durance Road. ECHO began in the 70Õs as a dream of Richard Dugger to help the people of Haiti. It later expanded its mission to help peoples all over the world grow food to feed themselves. ECHO sends seeds and information to over 160 countries around the globe.
At its N. Ft. Myers headquarters and farm, ECHO attempts to duplicate different climates and growing conditions around the world, opening its Global Village to the public for tours every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. There is only one tour, so be sure to be on time.
The Global Village consists of five different growing environments which ECHO cultivates seeds for or helps develope methods of cultivation. They are: 1) Urban (rooftop gardens), 2) Forest clearing (such as in South America and other third world countries where clear cutting of forests occurs.), 3) Semi-arid (dry or little rainfall such as Etheopia), 4) Monsoon (such as the Caribbean Islands), and 5) Low lands (hot and humid).
The newest addition to the Global Village is Mount Victor, named after Victor Winn, an ECHO volunteer who developed the idea to use sharp slopes for gardening. Our tour guide was Krista Pendergrass, a volunteer from Minnesota who is studying mushroom cultivation.
Mount Victor was a confusing sight to see. Old tires, discarded timber, sand dug to build a pond for fish and several grasses made up this mountain of life. Actually, it was a tribute to man working with his environment, taking used or discarded items and using them to help feed the starving.
Used tires were used to hold the sand from erosion, along with vetiver grass, which has an intricate root system which can grow ten feet deep. The mount was built by slope, concave growing area, lip, slope, concave growing area, lip...The growing area is built concave to catch the water flowing down the sloop, the lip to help retain the water. The mount also had pineapple and forage peanuts planted on it. Pineapples to help retain the soil with it long maturation time and the peanuts to re-nourish the soil.
From Mt. Victor we went to a rain-forest area, ECHO attempts to duplicate rain forest conditions with irrigation. Rain forest is defined as 120" + rainfall per year, we average 50 to 52" here in Southwest Florida.
ECHO volunteers have successfully grown the Kacow Tree in its rain forest. Cocoa is produced from the Kacow tree, which could give farmers in Columbia and other South American countries a new cash crop.
As we entered the semi arid area we learned ECHO not only works with vegetation, but also with livestock, which may help feed a family or village. They deal primarily with smaller animals, since most farmers in regions they serve are not large land owners, attempting to eke out an existence on an acre or two of land. Hair sheep, nubian goats and zebo cattle were on exhibit.
One of the major problems for women in third world countries is smoke inhalation. Since most are scavenging for fire wood and having to settle on soft woods like pine, which create lots of smoke and soot, their lungs congest with soot, like a chimney.
ECHO volunteers heard of a squash which grows like a weed, and can be dried and used like charcoal for cooking, producing little smoke or soot while providing as much heat as charcoal. They are now developing seeds to of this Buffalo Squash to send around the world. Mesquite, a common wood used for cooking and charcoal, produces 6 tons a year per acre, Buffalo Squash produces 11 tons on that same acre, in 3 months.
The monsoon area is the last being developed at ECHO. It currently consists of a Haitian Church/classroom and a few garden areas. ECHO is attempting to grow northern temperature plants during our mild winters to take better advantage of limited growing area by using it year round.
The no-till garden was an exciting development which can be used by any backyard gardener. Starting with newspaper covering the ground, then covering it with mulch, wetting, then planting your crops. More information can be obtained by contacting ECHO at 543-3246 or visiting their website at www.echonet.org.
ECHO is in its first steps of producing two more meat sources for people in third world countries. One is the California white rabbit. It does well in the heat, takes little upkeep and, as the tour guide said, Òis a meal in a package, meat for an entire meal for one family. One buck and 5 does in a hutch can sustain an entire family. The rabbit droppings are used with compost to help re-nourish the garden.
ECHO is delving into the world of Aquaculture. For years farmers have been raising catfish, on Pine Island, misplaced fisherman from the net ban have had government funding to start clam farms.
ECHO is working with Talpia fish, which eat algae, will grow in close quarters and are good tasting. Their system consists of a pond with ducks, which they feed on a wire floor, the duck droppings fall into the water, spurning the growth of algae which the Talpia fish then eat. The tanks are just being built.
Another ECHO success story is the Amazing Moringa. ECHO send its seeds around the world, and more uses for the plant are still being found. Its leaves are dried and powdered and fed to malnourished children in Africa. Its seeds are ground and used to purify water. Nurturing mothers eat the moringa and produce more milk which contains more nutrition for the infant. The leaves are used as mulch to spur growth by 30% in crops.
ECHO, a whole world in our own back yard.
The North Fort Myers Fire Control and rescue Service District held its monthly board meeting on Monday, March 18. First on the agenda was graduating new CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) members from The Heritage, Lake Fairways and the second class from Buccaneer Estates. Fire Chief Terry Pye called each graduate to the front and presented them with a certificate as the Commissioners shook eachÕs hand. Team leaders from each park were: Marty Barrett for Lake fairways, Bill Richardson for The Heritage and Harold Jackson for Buccaneer Estates.
After the ceremonies, the regular business meeting began with the approval of the minutes from the past meeting. The Treasurer's Report was next. The District is 43% of the way though the budget year, has collected 63% of its expected revenues and spent 39% of expenditures not including reserves.
Chief Noble gave his report that the new truck should be delivered in the next few weeks. On final inspection with Hallmark (the firm which the District purchased the truck through) their inspector found a few minor flaws. The truck is being outfitted with a few items the District purchased and will be delivered.
The possible new state law, requiring fire fighting units to have two men outside before two men may enter a fire may go into effect this year. The District has already filed with the State of Florida asking for an exemption to the law for six months.
The two in/tow out proposal is being pushed by OSHA and the fire fighters union. If it becomes law, many independent fire districts will have to raise taxes to be able to stay in compliance with the law. Bayshore Fire District does not have the funds to hire enough full time fire fighters, since they are mainly staffed with volunteers.
N. Ft. Myers Fire District would have to raise the millage amount to hire extra staff needed to man each fire truck at all four stations with four fire fighters per shift. The alternative is waiting for the second fire truck to arrive before entering a burning structure. When one considers that less than 2% of all the calls the fire district runs are for burning structures, is the expense worth the raise in taxes?
Last month, the district ran 551 calls, 6 were for structure fires (1%), 27 were for all other fires (5%), 53 were false alarms or good intentions (10%), 445 were emergency medical calls (81%) and the remaining 3% were service calls etc.
It would cost taxpayers to have four fire fighters on every truck to respond to the 99% of the calls which were not structure fires. Every auto accident would also have four men in the truck responding.
Rick Jones gave the Fire Marshal's report. His department did 204 inspections, attended 18 meetings, did 3 waterflow tests, answered one complaint, had 30 hours of training, did 4 plan reviews and four public relations. 264 work units in 480 man hours.
Commissioner Mere asked about the high amount of re-inspections, 67 out of 204 or 33% of the inspections. Jones answered that many are because they have to go back when they find things wrong to make sure they are corrected, businesses are not contacted before an inspection. Jones also mentioned that the fire extinguisher companies have backlogs.
Jones said they are allowed to charge a $25.00 reinspection fee, but have no way of enforcing payment of the fee. On extreme cases of non-compliance, the inspectors can write a citation. Mere pointed out that money goes to the county no the District.
Marie Hagan, Public Education Officer was not present, she was teaching a life saving course. Besides her regular duties of making presentations at schools, she is also writing for a grant to continue the CERT program. Her report included statistics for the Junior FireStarter program, which helps youth whom have been caught committing crimes concerning fire. N. Ft. Myers has five youth in the program, compared to Cape CoralÕs 42.
In a follow-up story to our last issue, no major changes are going to take place concerning the widening of Bayshore Road. The Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 2 at the Best Western Motel starting at 7:00 p.m. is concerning minor Right of Way acquisitions which need to be made, according to Debbie Tower, PIO for the Florida Department of Transportation. The widening is remain on schedule to start fiscal year 2003/04.
The reason for the Public Hearing is to inform the public of the new minor acquisitions, property owners have already been contacted. The new Right of way is to allow for safer entry to Bayshore Road from arterial roads. Some intersections will be widened, other will round out corners. The State is having to purchase small 10 to 15 foot parcels.
No significant changes have been made in the alignment of Bayshore Road. The widening has been the number one priority for four years and has been moving through the work process. The reason other roads in Lee County have been widened before Bayshore is Commissioner Judah made a motion that all extra road tax dollars be spent in the south end of the county. Commissioner Coy said nothing, and voted for the motion.
So, while Bayshore has remained the number one priority, it has had to wait the full six years to go through the program, while other roads have been funded for improvement ahead of it.
Good news for those who have to travel Bayshore Road, the state will be resurfacing the most severely pitted and damaged spots in mid to late April. This will not be a full resurfacing, it will only include the worst areas, such as where the road is uneven.
As a reminder, the Public hearing on April 2 is the last opportunity to make suggestions for the widening of Bayshore Road. FDOT will take public input as to breaks in the road, where curb breaks will be located, etc. After this meeting, the design will be finalized and construction will begin.
The Lee Memorial Auxiliary awards four new scholarships annually to qualifying high school seniors or those presently enrolled in a school of higher learning. The scholarships are for $2,000 per semester for tuition and books, up to eight semesters.
Scholarship criteria includes enrollment in a Lee County School, entering a program or presently in a program in the medical field, financial need, minimum grade point average of 3.0, community service, ability to communicate and curriculum.
Applications can be picked up at Lee Memorial Hospital, Cleveland Ave., in the south end of the building near the Wellness Center.
For more information call 334-5388.
For only $15 the Arthritis Foundation Golf Book will allow you to play at over 300 Florida golf courses at free or reduced green fees. The Golf Book is valid from May 1 through October 31, 2002. When you buy three Golf Books you one free. By purchasing the Arthritis Foundation Golf Book you are joining the battle to find the cure for arthritis.
Call 1-800-741-4008 or 941-739-2729, or send a check or money order made out to the Arthritis Foundation to: Arthritis Foundation, 6221 14 Street. W., Suite 305, Bradenton, FL 34207 to order your books.
Meals On Wheels of Lee county has an urgent need for new volunteer drivers to deliver meals to people in our community who are unable to shop and/or prepare meals for themselves. They have had a 50% increase in the number of meals delivered over the past year, without a corresponding increase in drivers.
Meals On Wheels specifically needs drivers in North Fort Myers and East Fort Myers. The time commitment is approximately two hours (from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.). All that is required is an automobile, valid drivers license, insurance and the desire to help people in your community.
Some may volunteer as a regular one day a week driver, as a back up driver when the regular is unavailable or through the Adopt A Route program where one shares a regular route with others. The Adopt A Route program is a great idea for any individual who doesnÕt have the time every week or for groups and organizations to share one day a week commitment and alternate drivers.
For more information, contact Leslie Jander at 337-1055.
Beginner's Computer Class
Monday's April 1-April 22 (4 classes) 10am-11:30 am
Thursday April 4-April 25 (4 classes) 10am-11:30 am
To Register call 461-7440 Call 652-6002 for more information.
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 April 26th-May 28th, 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 April 30-May 28 Cost $15.00. Contact Christine Schirmer, Call 652-6002 for more information, Call 461-7440 to register
Afterschool program
Free Afterschool program ages 2nd grade *13. Call 652-6002 for more information.
Walk For Fitness
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. Cal 652-6002 for more information.
Summer Camp
Plan ahead and sign up for summer camp today to take full advantage of a 10% discount. Cost is $50 per sessions (one-week sessions). There are eight sessions total. Call 461-7440 to register. For more information 652-6002. Looking for a Summer Job?
We are looking for Summer Councilors. If you are interested call 652-6002 for more information or sign on to www.leegov.com under job list.
You've heard the stories about winter residents returning to Florida, expecting to be greeted by beauty, only to find mold, mildew and musty smells in their homes.
While many Southwest Florida homeowners choose to reside elsewhere during the hot summertime, homes have ongoing energy needs. Some appliances, like ovens and clothes dryers, are selective-use devices and consume no power unless used for a specific task; however, other appliances, like refrigerators and pool pumps, are automatic and will continue to use power as long as they are plugged in.
Here are a few tips to prevent coming home to mold and mildew, while keeping electric bills low:
Install a timer on the air conditioner to cycle the air for two hours per day. Or, install a humidistat on the air conditioner. Set it to cycle the air conditioner whenever indoor humidity exceeds 65 percent. This is will prevent humidity from causing mildew damage.
Leave all interior doors open to promote airflow and prevent mildew. Space out clothing, shoes and other stored materials for the same reason.
Use jugs of tap water to fill the refrigerator/freezer, because a full unit will use less power than an empty one. If you unplug the refrigerator, prop the door open and be sure it’s clean.
Unplug the water heater since it will not be used.
Have a neighbor, friend or professional house sitter check your home periodically during your absence.
For more information, contact LCEC's energy experts at 997-SAVE (7283), 1-800-201-SAVE (7283), or visit
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-Lee County announces a Family-to-Family education and support program for families/caregivers who have loved ones who are diagnosed with a mental illness. The 12-week course starts Tuesday, April 16 at the Community Health Association Building, 9 Beth Stacey Road, Lehigh Acres. The course meets once a week from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The course is taught by trained family members. The course discusses the clinical treatment of mental illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that loved ones need to cope with persons who have been diagnosed more effectively. There is no cost for the class or materials. Registration is necessary, call 278-0981.
Mental Health Meeting
After reporting on the School Board Budget for six issues, and listening to their din of "we have no money", it was heartening to read that the five members of the School Board finally made a decision to do something. Last week they voted to change the start times of the schools to save $1.5 million. Those opposing the change gave lots of personal reasons why not to, but no hard facts nor did they offer an alternative plan.
With all the students and a few parents who complained, i didn't hear of one who was willing to pay for the difference of not changing the schedule. It is very easy to complain, hard to come up with alternative means of saving the same money.
It would now be nice to see the School Board start cutting away at the fat in their budget. Such as the special schools for pregnant girls, or for TV/media studies? Or the $6.7 million for computer services?
For years the School Board has let committees make decisions for them. The voters did not elect the committee members, they elected the Board members. They are finally making the hard decisions required to correct the problems in our schools.
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It is always nice to visit ECHO, the little farm here in N. Ft. Myers with global influence. I hope everyone enjoyed the story. One other minor detail, ECHO sells seedlings of different types of plants and herbs. The next time you need something for the garden, try shopping at ECHO first and help them with their mission of teaching others how to grow food.
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With Easter quickly approaching, it will soon be time to say good-bye to our seasonal residents. We will miss them and the dollars they bring to our economy. Many of the clubs and events at the parks will begin to gear down.
From the Examiner, have a safe trip and see ya'll next year.
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The Florida legislature may pass a law this session which will be devastating to small fire districts. The two men in - two men out for a structure fire will make most fire districts have to employ more fire fighters. The fire fighters union loves it, more people for them to collect union dues. What is the reality of the law though?
Fire Districts like Tice and Bayshore, which are already cash strapped, will either ignore the law or be swallowed up by larger districts. Districts like N. Ft. Myers will have to raise taxes or make decisions of equipment over manpower.
Why?
County Manager Don Stilwell received a lot of bad publicity when he made the comment that we could save tax dollars in Lee County by doing away with fire departments, let homes burn to the ground, and pay to rebuild them and replace personal belongings. We donÕt have the math he used, but lets look at N. Ft. Myers.
The N. Ft. Myers Fire District has a expected tax revenues of $3.4 million. Lets use the average home replacement cost as $200,000, personal belongings of another $100,000 ( both numbers are high for the average home). We could totally replace eleven homes a year.
This, of course, will never happen. However, to quote Brian Griffin, a commissioner on the Pine island fire Board, "I would love to have a deputy, a fully manned fire truck and a fully staffed ambulance sitting in my driveway at all times. It is cost prohibitive. Now we just need to determine what is logical and practical."
by Tom Comingore (token democrat)
Often I think I should write my articles for several years ahead. What seems like news today so often is just the same as it was many years ago. Certainly the school board is not very popular today with a large number of the population and I well remember some of the same comments coming from the school board twenty five years ago here in Lee County. I even remember some of the same comments being made when I was in school which I assure you was a lot more that twenty-five years ago.
One of their biggest cries of today is to switch the highs school hours and the grade school hours to save busing cost. I know they have their story on how that can save money but it sounds to me their accounting department must have gone to school with some of the Anderson accountants. Perhaps ENRON has a web sight to teach their systems of deceit to interested public officials.
When you rank as low as our county in state grading scores and national rankings it probably is a good idea for the school board to draw the attention of the public away from grades and put their attention on anything else. Certainly we all would like to save money but if the school board follows their past practices somewhere along the way we will end up paying extra taxes to cover the cost of extra wages for crossing guards or more wear and tear on the tires or who knows what excuse the board will come up with for higher cost. Perhaps they will need to hire extra counselors to take care of the trauma caused by youngsters falling asleep in class (they said they had it on record that teens did better work when they started later in the day) and the high schools would become a place of great intelligence. If that bright idea works maybe they will eliminate all grades except high school. Think how much money they would save that way.
I have attended many school board meeting in the past and will admit that I have given up even attending the meetings. I have in the past heard the members berate the audience quite badly for asking very simple questions when in fact the school board was designed to work for the general public.
The ultimate blame for the problems must rest 100% on the general public for not really taking the board members to task and forgetting who at election time did what TO the schools instead of for the schools.
Our schools spend more money than any other of our governing bodies and for some reason seem to have the least oversight over them. The members so often talk down to anyone who questions them in the same way they would talk to a child. They seem to have spent so much time in the never land of their own egos that they have forgotten they were put in office to manage the largest public venture in the county FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
You can Email Tom TComin1551@aol.com
March 8 545 Pine Island Road, Willie Mae Burton was arrested for retail theft. 545 Pine Island Road, Kana LaFaye Brown was arrested for retail theft and a bench warrant. Littleton Road, Stephen J. Earles was arrested for DUI. March 9 13352 N. Cleveland Ave., Gerald Mark Nielsen was arrested for an open container and a bench warrant. 2742 Winona Dr., Michelle Marie Muri was arrested for battery/domestic violence. 7656 Breeze Dr., Britt Combs III was arrested for battery/domestic violence. Bayshore Rd. at Newpost, Troy Robert Marx was arrested for DUI. Ebson Dr., Stephen John Earles was arrested for DUI. Washington St., Earl Sessions was arrested for DUI. March 10 1851 N. Tamiami Trail, Richard Rutrauskas was arrested for retail theft. Nalle Road, Jeffery Adam Iach was arrested for grand theft auto and possession of a controlled substance. 1064 N. Tamiami Trail Lot 68, Christina Lynn Simmons was arrested for burglary and grand theft. 1064 N. Tamiami Trail Lot 68, Jefferson W. Simmons was arrested for burglary, grand theft and dealing in stolen property. March 11 545 Pine Island Road, Carlos R. Lopez was arrested for retail theft. March 13 2001 N. Tamiami Trail, Bryan Keith Satana was arrested for a bench warrant. 545 Pine Island Road, Zachery Antorn Lolloway was arrested for grand theft. 75 Evergreen Rd., Mary Faith Cathey was arrested for Capias Battery. Laurel Lane & Marx, Thomas B. Lamay was arrested for failure to appear. March 15 N. Tamiami Trail & Mariana, Joseph M. Carr was arrested for DUI. March 16 545 Pine Island Rd., Judith W. Crandall was arrested for retail theft. 321 Stockton St., Charity B. Hall was arrested for battery/domestic violence. 9381 Stonewater Lane, Brandon E. Henderson was arrested for throwing a deadly missile into an occupied building. 951 Poinsettia Dr., Charles Melvin March was arrested for failure to pay fine. March 17 1891 Evalina Lane, Jammy Alexandria was arrested for burglary and grand theft. 8335 Tolles Road, Jackie Lee Caldwell was arrested for two failure to appear warrants. 13921 N. Cleveland Ave., Jarep Mastroianni was arrested for burglary to a conveyance. Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Nicole Lee Sosa was arrested for a bench warrant. 1021 N. Tamiami Trail, Larry Eugene Carter was arrested for violation of probation. 883 Iris Road, Bozena Margarotta Willis was arrested for DUI March 18 121 Pondella Road, Crystal Dawn Dooley was arrested for failure to appear. 15201 N. Cleveland Ave., Nga Nguyen was arrested for retail theft. 10165 Deal Rd., Wayne Monroe Miller was arrested for a bench warrant. 339 San Diego St., Tony Allen Doden was arrested for violation of probation/home detention. 2810 Garden St., Michael Edward Straub was arrested for a warrant. Yankee Beach, Jeffery Michael Spain was arrested for resisting an officer without violence. Marx Dr. & Gish Lane, Shawn C. Speicher was arrested for grand theft auto. 5690 Bayshore Rd., Matthew Swain Ellis was arrested for failure to pay fine. 545 Pine Island Rd., Bruce Brian Bargerhuff was arrested for battery and burglary of a conveyance. Cabana & 4th Way, Alton Scott Horne was arrested for breach of peace. Cabana & 4th Way, Richard L. Bennett was arrested for breach of peace. March 19 N. Cleveland Ave., Belinda Shay Hart was arrested for driving while license was suspended with knowledge. 931 Lakeview Drive, Norman Lee Bangs was arrested for a warrant. March 20 556 Gnu Drive, Peter Andrew Perry was arrested for a bench warrant and giving a false name to a law enforcement officer. Orange Grove & Pondella, John William Waldrip was arrested for petit theft. 225 Sacramento St., Michael Bernhardt Beckman was arrested for battery. March 21 128 Holland St., William Andrew Gregoirie was arrested for battery/domestic violence. 7378 Coon Rd., Jorge Edwards was arrested for burglary of a dwelling and grand theft. 7760 Bogart Dr., Nicholas Ponder was arrested for battery/domestic violence. State Road 78, Ryan M. Bedoni was arrested for driving without a drivers license. 746 Pondella Rd., Fernando Gonzalez was arrested for battery/domestic violence. 150 Pondella Road, Pedro Gamez Lopez was arrested for operating a motor vehicle with no drivers license. March 22 1064 N. Tamiami Trail, Leia Dawn Rossier was arrested for child neglect
Kiwanis Club of N. Ft. Myers recognized Rose Marz, a sixth grader at N. Ft. Myers Academy for the Arts, as the winner of the short essay contest on "Why I Should Just Say NO to Drugs" at their meeting on Tuesday, March 19. Rose is the daughter of Barry and Amy Marz of N. Ft. Myers. Rose was presented a trophy, a check for $25.00 and a one year Prestige Youth Membership in the Math, Science and Technology Foundation of Florida, Inc., sponsor of the Children's Science Center.
The Calusa Rare Fruit Exchange Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. on the back porch of Terry Park, 3406 Palm Beach Blvd.
This month's speaker will be master Gardner Terry Wolfey, talking about insects and pest control, a common problem with fruit and vegetables.
Meetings are open to the public and membership in the club is encouraged. For more information call Bill Thompson at 731-1430 or Lee County Terry park info at 461-7500.
Former officers and crew of the USS Georgetown (AG-165/AGTR-2) will have a reunion April 11-14 in Key West Fl. Info at ussgeorgetown.com, jmerrill@jmerrill.net (web master) Also Hank Tapken e-mail tbirdlake@aol.com or 941-945-2891.
The Republican Women's Club of Cape Coral Federated regular monthly luncheon meeting will be held at Palmetto Pines Country Club, 1940 SW 9th Court, on Thursday, April 4 starting at 11:30 p.m.
The program will feature Joe Fuller, Executive Chairman of the Lee County Republican Party. Mr. Fuller's topic will be "Past Accomplishments of the Republican Party and Predictions for the Coming Election Year."
Members are invited to bring guests. Reservations are required. Please call Sue Skillas at 542-8275.
Sierra Club Calusa Group meets every 2nd Thursday of the month (March 14, April 11, 2002, etc.) at the Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL. Directions - 1 block west of I-75 exit 22 (Colonial Blvd.), 1st intersection turn North on Ortiz Ave. Nature Center is immediately on left.
For questions please call Connie at 941 694-8192.
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.
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.
There may be as many as 100 million species of plants and animals on our planet. The ChildrenÕs Science Center will be exploring the local diversity of habitats and species outdoors on the Spanish Moss Nature Trail. Children will make observations and collect data, and record it all in hand-made field journals.
The program will run from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on April 13. The fee of $5.00 per child or $2.00 for members covers materials and admission (Adults attend for free). Appropriate for ages six to twelve. At least one parent must participate in the program with their child. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 997-0012 for reservations or more information.
The Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida presents the 7th Annual Estero River Bluegrass Festival at Koreshan State Historic Site, US41 and Corkscrew Road. The festival begins Thursday, April 18 and goes through Saturday, April 20. Admission is $3.25 Thursday, $5.00 Friday and $8.00 Saturday. The festival hours are Thursday: 6 to 10:00 p.m., Friday: 7 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The festival will feature Bluegrass Central, Borderline Bluegrass, Fifth Gear, Nubbin and Company, The Peace River Band, The Sawgrass Drifters and Wild Flower.
Camping will be available at additional charge.
For tickets or more information call 941-992-0311.
You can grow salads, vegetables, herbs and flowers all year long in Florida. Up north you can extend your growing season, and grow all you want with less work space.
Square foot gardening is ideal for all ages, levels of experience, physical ability and geographical location.
This hands-on class will be taught by Suzy Valentine. As International Coordinator of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation she has traveled throughout the United States and Latin America teaching this unique and earth friendly method.
The seminar will be held on Saturday, April 20 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the ECHO Classroom and Square Foot Gardens located off Durrance Road in N. Ft. Myers. Cost is $10 per person, $15 a couple, reservations can be made by calling 543-3246.
Star watching returns for the finale of another fun season at the Children's Science Center. With help from the SWFL Astronomical Society, the last Astronomy Night of 2002 starts at 7:30 p.m. on April 6. Come on out and view the moon, Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. Admission is only $2.00 per person, Children's Science Center members get in for free.
For more information call 997-0012.
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