The nominations for the year 2001 N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year are over, the selection committee has narrowed the field from the six nominations sent in, to the three finalists. Nominations came from many different places for many different reasons. All the nominees had one thing in common, care for their community and a commitment to get something done.
This is the last seven days to vote for you choice of N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year. Ballot boxes will be picked up on Tuesday, November 27. (Any ballots with hanging chads or improperly marked will be held till a panel of national media can blow it totally out of proportion and several different courts decide how they should be handled.)
"Being the local newspaper affords me the opportunity to meet a lot of residents of N. Ft. Myers who are doing something to make our community a better place to live," said Chuck Liedtke, publisher. "If you don't believe one person can make a difference, you should take the time to meet any of the nominees. Each person nominated has made at least one significant contribution to our community. Each of them saw a need and worked diligently to accomplish their goal, asking nothing in return for themselves."
The six nominations the committee had to choose from were: Terry Pye, Julie Flake, Howard Silverman, Karen Landis, Cheryl Diamond and Charles Liedtke. The committee narrowed these six down to the three finalists which we ask for you to now vote for who you feel deserves the honor of being 2001 N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year. A ballot will appear in the November 7 and November 21 editions of the Examiner. All ballots must be in by November 27. Just drop your vote off at any of the businesses on the ballot or mail it to the Examiner, 72 Pondella Rd., Suite 108, N. Ft. Myers, FL 33903.
This is the seventh year the Lee County Examiner has sponsored the N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year. This year we welcome the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association as co-sponsors. Past N. Ft. Myers Citizens of the Year are: Ruth Garcia, Betty Blanchette, Forrest Wilt, Bobbie Dewey, Tom Mere and Joe Devine.
The nominee with the most votes from the Examiner's readers will receive the "Brass Flying Eagle" award given each year to the Citizen of the Year. The winner will be announced at a banquet hosted by the North Fort Myers Civic Association at the Palms Restaurant located inside Sabal Springs Country Club on Thursday, November 29. Tickets for the banquet are $20.00 per person for a prime rib dinner. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7:00 p.m. The guest speaker is WINK Anchorwoman Lois Thome For reservations call 656-5029.
The nominees are:
Cheryl Diamond: "Cheryl is a gifted organizer. Through her efforts many people and groups are brought together in common causes," her nomination began.
Ms. Diamond is President of the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association, Secretary and co-founder of Veterans Helping Veterans, Secretary of Chi Omega Sorority and was appointed by Governor Bush to the Southwest Florida Regional Planning council Emergency Planning Committee.
She almost single-handedly started the Presidents Club, an organization which bonds together the leaders of many different N. Ft. Myers organizations. She was instrumental in establishing the Arts Council of North Fort Myers.
Ms. Diamond worked with N. Ft. Myers Fire Department in having the first CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team) program taught to the residents of Buccaneer Estates. She also helps many individuals, from doing sewing for the Monks to helping widows stay at home instead of being institutionalized.
"Because she so affects and helps the lives of so many in her community, I respectfully submit that Cheryl diamond should be N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year."
Karen Landis: "We would like to nominate Karen Landis for Citizen of the Year. Karen has worked for the betterment of her community over the last 22 years."
Karen worked for several years trying to form a group and fight to get paved roads in Suncoast Estates. She organized meetings, created newsletters, and attended many County Commission meetings. Even though the roads are still not paved, it is not because she didnÕt try, but due to lack of involvement from other residents.
"Karen has sponsored a team for the Walk for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation for the past three years. The team donates their entire sponsor dollars to JDF. Over the past three years she was able to raise over $3,000.00."
"Karen was one of the original founders of the North Fort Myers Civic Association. As a Board member, she has worked on several committees including Membership, Grant Finding, Incorporation and many others."
"Karen was one of few who coordinated the First Annual North Fort Myers Fourth of July Parade. The parade was a success and Karen has volunteered to work on the committee again for the upcoming year."
"Karen is an outstanding citizen and does more than her fair share for her community. As a sole proprietor, mother of four, grandmother of seven and member of Bayshore Community Chapel, it is amazing how much time and effort she is able to put forth for her community."
Howard Silverman: "Howard was instrumental in getting sidewalks from TaraWoods to Del Tura Shopping Center along US41. He helped raise large amounts of funds to meet the county's requirement of financial contribution to get the project done." "At present, Howard is doing the same thing, raising funds to meet state financial contribution requirements to have a traffic light installed at the junction of entrances to TaraWoods, lake fairways and US41."
"The time and effort in meeting with county and state officials as well as raising the thousands of dollars to complete these projects warrants his selection as N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year."
Don't forget to make your reservations for the N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year Banquet to be held at The Palms, in Sabal Springs Country Club on Thursday, November 29. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Call 656-5029 or 656-5569 to make your reservation.
Normally when the Examiner does an investigative piece, we have done the research and consulted a few experts in the field before we write the story. We would report the facts and possibly do a few comparisons with other areas to get a balance or show what the national/state average is.
Delving into education is a whole new game. To try to compare, what do we compare to. Take teacher's salaries for example, $29,000 for a starting wage in Southwest Florida does not compare to Atlanta or New York because of the cost of living, yet here, $29,000 is a super starting wage, check the local classified ads for comparable starting positions with a four year degree, we did.
So using out of state statistics would not be a fair comparison, that left us with using other counties in Florida. The Florida Department of Education has a very useful website (http//info.doe.state.fl.us/fsir/) for doing comparisons, once one keeps in mind all the information was provided by the local School Boards.
The information on the site is current to the 1999/2000 school year, so is a year old. If other counties are like Lee County, not much has changed in a year anyway.
We used three other counties for comparison, Brevard County, Broward County and Escambia County. Brevard because when the examiner was doing research on the Sheriff's Department a few years ago, it resembles Lee in many ways, barrier islands, mileage, population etc. Broward county because it went through the growing pains we are currently under 20 years ago, and is still growing. Escambia (Pensacola) because it is both a retirement area and has a constantly changing population from the military bases and is currently in growing again after a few years of slow growth.
We tried to select the areas which would best compare the school districts. We by-passed using elementary tests and used only tests which seniors would be taking. Our feeling was tests on an unfinished product still doesn't show what the finished product will be, or, does it really matter what a child knows in fourth or eighth grade, its how well were they educated when they are leaving the system.
Some may argue it is not fair to use just seniors because new programs have been started to improve education. In that debate, do the taxpayers get a refund for the money used to educate those before the new programs started, or may seniors start again to take advantage of the new programs? With the average teacher teaching for 12.9 years in Florida, the teachers today are totally responsible for the seniors of today. For test score comparison we used the High School Competency Test (which results of proved interesting, roughly 25% more seniors were tested for Communication than for Math, in Lee County 1,941 seniors took the Communication Test while only 1,467 took the Math Test).
We also used the nationally recognized American College Test (ACT) and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), these are the test scores used for college admission across the United States. One must keep in mind, not all seniors would take either of these tests and some would take both. The ACT and SAT are usually only taken by college bound students, or the cream of the crop of high school seniors, so the scores will show how the school district prepared their best students for college.
Per-student cost for school operations, that's the total explanation. After calling Tallahassee Department of Education, we were told per-student cost is the total school operations cost divided by number of students. In our first article on schools in the last edition, we divided the total number of students in the Lee county School District by the District's total budget of $632,381,914 and divided it by total students of 60,553 to get a per student cost of $10,931, which only differs from the 1999/2000 year by $6,114. Allowing for inflation, that still leaves over 50% of our tax dollars spent on education not going towards students. We have requested a detail budget from the School District of Lee County and will report on it in the next issue.
When comparing Lee County Schools to the others, Lee County is above the state average in present of staff in instructional positions, average years of teaching, graduation rate and average class size.
Lee county is below the state averages in support personnel, teachers with advanced degrees, high school seniors Communication skills, SAT score, ACT score and Operating Cost.
Escambia County, which has the lowest Operating costs, scored the highest on SAT and High School Competency Math, was second highest in ACT scores and had the lowest average classroom size.
Much has been reported about retaining teachers in Florida schools, the average teacher has taught for almost 13 years in our state. Considering the private sector employee retention is well below 10 years, our schools are doing well.
The most alarming figure is the graduation rate, only one county used in the survey is above 75% and the state is only at 62.3%. Lee county was second in the selected counties with a 67.8% graduation rate, following Brevard County at 80.4%.
The Examiner did this comparison to find any patterns which may exist. We found none. Lee county has the highest spending per student but didn't rank above the state average in any testing category.
Escambia County spent the least, yet had the highest amount of employees in Instructing and the lowest in teachers experience, the smallest classroom size and their seniors scored well on all the tests.
The only conclusion to be made, is money is not the answer. The solution is in the way the tax dollars are spent by the elected School Board and the staff they employ.
District Seven FMO Meeting Heard Rep. Green at Lake Arrowhead
On Friday, November 9, 2001, the Federation of Mobile Home Owners (FMO) District Seven was called to order by President J. Bowman. The keynote speaker was Representative Carol Green. Representative Green spoke to the 75 attendees on the upcoming Special Legislative Session of the state legislature. "Although I really don't like spending time in the cold weather in Tallahassee, I know we have to cut more from the budget than we already have. I had to spend this time last year there writing out Christmas cards because of the election problem. I only hope that the budget crisis from the short fall in tourism dollars will be settled soon," she said.
Rep. Green recounted all her trips around the state to inspect potential security areas in light of the national attacks. "We need to make sure that Florida does everything it can to protect our water supplies, ports, airports, and government buildings. I want to talk to as many people in charge of these facilities and make sure as much as possible is done. We also need to make sure that the professional security people do as much as possible too by having hearings and talking to their staffs."
When asked by this reported about the security issues in N. Ft. Myers and the 41% cut in the budget for the Department of Juvenile Justice, Rep. Green announced that she had called it a "moral shame" that that had happened. In the budget cuts, the probation officers and home detention officers were severely cut if not eliminated. "How does that increase security for the citizens in their homes if the positions and programs are eliminated?" asked this reporter. Rep. Green replied that the DJJ was being reorganized to provide for detention centers and it would take a while to work out the details. Green promised to keep looking at the issue.
Other questions to her involved Redistricting and Manufactured Home legislation. Rep. Green said that Southwest Florida really needed another seat because of the population increase here. "With current seating and district boundaries, our area lost to the other coast in transportation funding because one legislator's allegiances were to the other coast. So, I hope that issue will be resolved."
Jerry McHale, the newly appointed Board representative, thanked Rep. Green for answering their questions and giving an update on the current legislative issues. (William Collinson, the elected representative) has asked for time to recuperate.) Get well cards or calls were requested for Mr. and Mrs. Collinson.
The next speaker was Attorney St. Laurent who spoke to the value of the FMO, to which anyone can join. "The FMO is so important for our residents because it is the only voice heard by the state legislators. Numbers are important when we need favorable laws," he said. "So, encourage people to join. That way our rights are protected."
He continued by encouraging each park to do a rent survey and he explained that there is a simple form to fill out. Each park should be surveyed detailing the amenities, including size of the pool(s), pool furniture, size of the common recreational facilities, landscaping, etc. He promised to provide the sample survey to anyone who asked for it.
Questions concerning the make-up of homeowners associations and rights of renters when the parks were sold followed. Mr.Laurent directed those who came to the meeting to read Florida Statute 723 closely. "The statutes are online for those who have access to the internet," he said. "Or, contact your FMO representative in your park for information and membership."
District President Jim Bowdin thanked him for a long question-and-answer period and his being available to the group. The meeting adjourned at about 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact J. Bowman at 575-6616.
Boy Scout Troop 82 is holding their 6th Annual Christmas Tree Sale starting Saturday, November 24 till Sunday December 26 at Grace United Methodist Church located at 13 SE 21 Place, one mile west of Orange Grove Blvd, on Hancock Bridge Pkwy. The troop will be selling 5 to 10 foot Fraser Firs priced form $35 to $80 and 14 inch wreaths for $15.
One may begin ordering trees and prepaid trees before November 13 will receive a $5 discount. To order a tree or wreath call 690-2448.
The Interpark Council meeting for December will be Friday, December 7, 2001, at Del Tura at 1:00 p.m. Any representative from a manufactured/mobile home park in the area is welcome at this meeting.The Lee County Sheriff's Department has been invited to speak at this meeting. A rent survey form from the FMO will be available.
Please bring topics/questions for discussion. For more information, please call 997-7149 or 656-5029.
Renown artist from New York, Helen Pearce of Sabal Springs has donated one of her paintings for a raffle to benefit the N. Ft. Myers Cultural Art Council. Sponsored by the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association, the Cultural Arts Council seeks to promote Art in the area schools and artists in the commmunity. Tickets will be on sale for $5 each or 3 for $10 at November 29, 2001 Citizen of the Year Banquet at Sabal Springs.
"This is a wonderful way to bring the communities of citizens, artists and youth together to benefit each other! Thank you, Helen!" responded Cheryl Diamond, President of the N. F. Myers Civic Association.
Edison University Center will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, November 27 at Edison College, Ft. Myers Campus at 6:00 p.m. in room A202.
Learn about bachelor's degree completion opportunities offered by various colleges and universities in alliance with Edison Community College.
For more information call 1-800-749-2322, option 5.
On November 8, 2001, Deputy Michael J. Shostak passed away due to complications sustained in an on-duty motor vehicle crash. Deputy Shostak is survived by his wife and 3 year old daughter.
Fellow deputies at the Lee County Sheriff's Office have established a fund in memory of Deputy Shostak. All proceeds will be given to his wife and 3 year old daughter. Donations can be made at any area First Union Bank Branch in the name of Deputy Shostak.
Publix employees set a new record for the Lee County United Way, as a Pacesetter for United way with a total of 32 Keel Club contributors ($1,000+) and 71 Sextant contributors ($500+).
Employees of the two N. Ft. Myers stores contributed $29,067, DelTura giving $11,655 and Hancock Bridge Pkwy. donating $17,412.
Money raised during the United way campaign stays here in Lee County and will help support more than 52 local human agencies in our community. These agencies helped more than 230,000 people in Lee County last year.
Calusa Nature Center will host its annual Thanksgiving for the Animals on Sunday, November 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Ave., just north of Colonial Blvd. on the west side of the road. Bring a gift for the animals and receive free admission to the museum and trails for the day.
Special programs for the day include:
11:30 - snake feeding
12:30 - gopher tortoises
1:30 - alligators/crocodiles
2:30 - raptor feeding/tour
3:30 - snakes of Florida
Suggested gifts for the animals are: antibacterial soap, 5 1/2 gallon aquariums, unsalted peanuts, pine/cedar shavings, ziplock bags, hamster water bottles, sunflower seeds, Friskies canned cat food, ReptoMin turtle sticks, new spray bottles, bleach, Cheerios, cat litter (not the clumping kind), fish (fresh or frozen) or paper towels.
For more information call the Calusa Nature Center at 275-3435.
The continuing incidence of excessive pruning of trees throughout unincorporated Lee County is prompting county commissioners and code enforcers to enact tougher enforcement actions and request that businesses and landscapers familiarize themselves with county tree maintenance requirements.
The Board of Lee County Commissioners today unanimously approved allowing environmental code enforcers to issue on-site county court citations for up to $500 per tree to violators and to authorize the county attorney's office to secure injunctions for repeat violators. The county court citations are either paid or appealed through the court system, not the typical hearing examiner process.
Citations will be given on an individual tree basis and fines are $100 for the first occurrence, $200 for the second and $500 thereafter.
The requirements apply mostly to industrial, commercial and multi-family residential development projects and specify that trees must not be severely pruned to permanently maintain growth at a reduced height or spread. Instead, vegetation may only be pruned to promote healthy, uniform, natural growth of the vegetation, except where necessary to promote health, safety and welfare. Generally, these pruning standards do not apply to single-family residential home sites, although the standards also are valuable to trees on these sites.
Tree topping and severe crown pruning practices are a threat to trees. This type of pruning is also known as hat racking, balling, rounding over, poodle tailing and lollipopping. The practice shears off the top part of the tree crown regardless of branching structure causing dense new growth that is weakly attached. Some topped trees are so severely injured they must be replaced.
Some businesses complain that trees decrease visibility to their establishments, but appropriate plant selection can help in this regard and, according to county standards, a new or existing plantÕs potential growth must be considered in advance of conflicts that might arise due to development. County Environmental Sciences staff always is willing to work with property owners to address visibility and landscape requirements.
For information about plant selection, tree protection and pruning, you can contact Lee County's Division of Environmental Sciences at 479-8585 or Lee County Extension Services at 461-7500.
Lee County took the next step today in creating a paddling trail that, eventually, will span the length of the county and encompass its Gulf front, bays and rivers.
By resolution, the Board of Lee County Commissioners today unanimously created the "Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail," which will be part of the statewide Florida Greenways and Trails System upon successful application and designation.
The Board's action also authorizes county staff to complete Florida Department of Environmental Protection applications for trail markers The 50-mile trail will be created in two phases. The first phase will begin in Bonita near the Imperial River and end at Bunche Beach. The second phase of the trail will begin at Bunche Beach and extend to the shorelines of the back bays of Sanibel Island, Captiva, North Captiva and Pine Island Sound. The trail will end at Boca Grande.
Portions of the trail also will include the Caloosahatchee River and canoeing and kayaking opportunities around Caloosahatchee Regional Park and Hickey Creek Mitigation Park. Along with markers, the trail will include picnic sites, launch sites and places to get out and stretch. Boaters and jet skiers will be alerted they must idle speed near the trail.
Funding for the project is coming from the Tourist Development Council and the 3-percent bed tax charged on short-term room rentals. The TDC approved $85,000 last year and $85,000 this year. The countyÕs construction plan also calls for an additional $170,000 in fiscal years 2003 and 2004.
The trail will provide additional eco-tourism opportunities for visitors to our area as well as added recreational outlets for residents.
Is it just us or is County Government attempting to take over how we live? We have known that Comrade Judah has never met a law or tax (or developer) that he didn't like, but now we have four self-named Republicans on the county commission marching to the beat of JudahÕs Communist Order.
Two months ago the started their campaign against trucks parked on privately owned property, most called home. This week the county is marshaling its forces against those who trim their privately owned trees not to Comrade Judah's liking.
If I buy a tree, with my money, plant it on my property, I should be allowed to trim it any way I want, even if it kills the tree...its my damn tree...not the governments!
First I build a home in unincorporated Lee County, not in a city or a deed restricted community, and park my work truck in my driveway. Now Comrade Judah and his cronies on the Board of County Commissioners say I have to move my truck...did they purchase the land? NO.
Now they are dictating how to trim the trees in my yard.
What is next? Uniforms? ( I'll assume we'll start with Brown Shirts)
All five County Commissioners claim to be Republicans, yet they have tried to raise taxes. Now they are busy chipping away at our freedoms.
Elections are a year off...lets start now on finding replacements for any seats which may open.
***
One needs only to enter the Dr. Adams building housing the Lee County School District to immediately spot the problem with Lee County Schools. There on the wall in the lobby are pictures of the five School Board members, a place for the Superintendent's picture, the Teacher of the Year's picture and Support Personnel Person of the Year, not a picture or mention of a single child/student.
Once one enters the bowels of the administration building, students artwork lines the walls, in custom framing. Adults first, students second. Driving on Pine Island Road past J. Colin English, does one see students names on its sign board out front? The same with Tropic Isles and Hancock Bridge Elementary. Wouldn't it be nice to see our schools acknowledging student achievements instead of the Teacher of the Month?
We were amazed to discover that as of last week, no list exists in the School District of Lee County which lists all courses taught in Lee County Schools. To know what courses are being taught, one must look at each individual school. This should have been an easy request, basic courses should be taught at each level of education, the only varying courses being electives.
However, this goes along with School Choice, which is another way of saying, "Lee County Schools are not all equal, some are better than others." Rather than bring all schools up to the same standard, our leaders decided to keep the inequality and call it "School Choice."
We were talking to one parent whose child is graduating to high school next year, they have no way of comparing the high schools objectively. The only way to decide which school to attend is to go to open houses at each one. Once again, no list to see which courses are taught.
One has to wonder, if the School Board doesn't have an inventory of what they are teaching our children, what else do they not know?
***
We are entering the holiday season. Thanksgiving is later this week and Christmas a little over a month away. With the tragic events of September 11 still fresh in everyone's mind, it should not be difficult to think of things to be thankful for.
While gathering for the holidays, enjoying one's family and the warm feelings of the season, please take a moment to think of those less fortunate. As food banks and charitable organizations try their best to fill the needs of our community, we suggest doing something different this year. Adopt a family for the holidays. Let your children or grandchildren see and feel for themselves directly what the true meaning of the season is.
Go out and personally make the purchases needed for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Pass on the true meaning to the next generation. It is one thing to give money or food, it is quite different to become personally involved.
Most churches and charitable organizations have a list of those needing help. Pick a family and truly experience the feeling of the holidays.
by Tom Comingore (token democrat)
From: TComin1551@aol.com
In the days of my youth if a friend or neighbor would visit our home they would always notice as many as a half a dozen guns in the corner of our diningroom. We were not farmers but grew a lot of our food and much of our meat came from hunting. We lived a block away from a pretty large woods and in the summer many a squirrel adorned our table as the main course but when the cool winds of fall showed up many a wild duck, rabbit , quail and even pheasant became the meat of choice at our dinner table. I was too young to own one of the guns but never missed a chance to tag along.
Almost every Thanksgiving, early in the morning in my early days, my father would take all of my older brothers out hunting together and when I became six or seven years old I was allowed to go along and Òplay dogÓ. That meant if we would see a clump of grass or snow that looked like it MIGHT have a rabbit hiding in it I would get to go into the bush and try to run it out. Surprisingly enough frequently there would be a rabbit or some quail hiding in the brush.
One of the rewards of being "the dog" was that my father and brothers ALLOWED me to carry ALL the game in a bag over my shoulder and sometimes towards the end of the hunt I would need to put the bag down before I would go into the brush to flush out the game because it had become too heavy.
While we were out hunting my mother would be getting the Thanksgiving dinner ready which always included homemade rolls, noodles with big chunks of chicken in them and mashed potatoes with chicken gravy. Some years we would have a turkey but my mouth waters when I think back to chicken and noodles.
We would often have rabbit and other wild game that had been shot in the days before. What a feast we would have and to top off the hunting ritual by coming home to the blends of smells of pumpkin pie and mincemeats pie (made with real meat the old fashion way) along with roasting meats with sage dressing still lingers in my memories and puts a smile on my face just writing about it.
Usually my brothers would honor me by LETTING me clean the game they had shot that morning. This they convince me was really part of the job of playing DOG. Come to think of it today though I do not remember ever seeing a dog cleaning rabbits or birds. Oh well that was years ago and I knew if I wanted to go the next time I would need to play DOG their way.
When I was about nine years old I bought my first shotgun (that I still have) for $7.00 from money I had saved from selling The Saturday Evening Post. It sure was nice not to need to play DOG anymore. I hope you all have pleasant memories of years past and make new ones this year.
You can Email Tom TComin1551@aol.com
Dear Editor:
I was curious as the actual cost of Lee County School system and was shocked to find that, over the last decade, it has cost six billion dollars! Last year alone it cost nearly seven hundred million in tax dollars. And, yet, it cries for more. The school system has become a bottomless pit into which we shovel ever increasingly large amounts of tax dollars.
The problem, as I see it, is that for all the treasure spent, there is little improvement in education. We get mediocre test scores, drop-out rates, academic achievement. We do get seven million dollar fire alarm fiascoes, unhealthy buildings, etc.
Now, I fully realize the burgeoning school population, state mandates, federal edicts, etc., but other school districts meet and best these same problems while improving educational quality.
We are running a billion dollar business like a Mom & Pop grocery store. We have two problems, the fat in the budget and the fatheads.
I want to see the Commissioners reject school impact fees and curtail any additional spending and bail outs until we have a complete impartial audit of spending, personnel and policies. There is no one watching where the money goes.
We are to have an audit by the School Superintendents Association. I have been in politics long enough to be suspicious when a group wants to examine the work of one of its fellows, some of whom may be current members or will seek employment in Florida. Will we get more window dressing? Will the predominate color be whitewash? I have my jaundiced eye ready to view the results.
Perhaps the new Supt. is a paragon of business acumen who will drag our system, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century, but, until such is proven, we should rename the School Board as the Board of Educational Amateurs.
How much longer will taxpayers tolerate a second class system at first class rates?
Peter Hare
November 2 121 Pondella Rd., Charles Sherman Miller was arrested for grand theft, uttering a forged instrument and forgery. November 3 Bayshore Billiards, Andrew Mark Ballard was arrested for violation of probation and providing false information to a law enforcement officer. 50 Pine Island Rd., Charles D. Mote was arrested for DUI. November 5 7055 New Post Rd., Terry D. Sumner was arrested for no drivers license. November 6 8086 Heck Dr., Mary Marie Simmons was arrested for failure to appear. 3471 Papaya St., Justin Byrd was arrested for burglary of an occupied dwelling and grand theft. 15671 Quail Trail, Justin Byrd was arrested for armed burglary of a dwelling and grand theft. November 7 Publix, Victor Stewart McCoy was arrested for grand theft and uttering a forged instrument. November 8 545 Pine Island Road, Malcolm Lee McComb was arrested for retail theft. Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Andrew Siroki was arrested for no drivers license. November 9 124 Holland St., William Vernon Holland was arrested for violation of an injunction. 1130 N. Tamiami Trail, Sandra Deborah Gibson was arrested for failure to appear. Crescent Lake drive, Rosalinda Rivera was arrested for an open container and resisting without violence. November 10 545 Pine Island Rd., Elvin Jeron Thomas was arrested for retail theft and trespass after warning. November 12 7760 Bogart Drive, Kennel Gipson was arrested for an out of county warrant. 1533 Mathews Drive, Jessica Erin Shepard was arrested for grand theft. November 15 Yankee Beach, Randy Edward Karshnock was arrested for an open container. Yankee Beach, Janick Gerald Gendrault was arrested for an open container, disorderly intoxication and battery on a law enforcement officer.
At the November 12, 2001 meeting of the Bayshore Fire and Rescue District Commission, Clyde Bowles was elected Chairman; Tracey Hansen, Vice-Chairman; and Walter Neubauer, Secretary-Treasurer.
Present at the meeting also was Commissioner Mason Scott, Chief Chad Jorgensen, Office Manager Sandy Hefner-Roberts, and Attorney Terry Lenick. Absent was Commissioner Ron Weirengo.
During the first Public Input, members of the community, including Mrs. Mason Scott, thanked the Bayshore Fire Department for the thorough and speedy attention to the house fire on the previous Saturday. Mrs. Scott complimented the department for the cooperative effort with North Ft. Myers Fire Station. "It seemed like your departments have been working together for a long time the way you all coordinated the work! Thank you for your excellent work! Very professional! Thank you very much," she said.
Minutes for the last meeting were approved. The Treasurer's report including the review of the check register and the transfer of funds from the department's credit line were discussed and approved.
A petition from Lt. Russ Hogensen was heard. Lt. Hogensen asked the Board to review the administrative action Chief Jorgensen had taken in regard to his (Hogensen's) failure to accurately to log the department over the course of several months.Hogensen asked the Board to reduce his penalty to six hours docked time from twelve hours.
Attorney Lenick said that, since Hogensen had approached the Board to discuss the matter in public, it could be discussed here as Hogensen's permission had been given. The Board consulted Chief Jorgensen as to whether or not he concurred in the request. The Chief said that whatever the Board decided was fine. Attorney Lenick suggested that the Board might recommend that the penalty be extended to include a six hour docking with the rest imposed within a twelve month period if the infraction occurs again.
The Board did that.
Lt. Hogensen was reminded by Chairman Hansen that it was so important to the department to have the logs imputed in a timely manner because of the recent case involving former Chief Hickin and Rick Ramsey. Lt. Hogensen admitted that he had not kept timely logs because "someone had just given him the data." Chief Jorgensen said that Hogensen had since been diligent in putting the information in the computer.
There was no Old Business to discuss.
Under New Business, Attorney Terry Lenick asked the Board to negotiate with the Bayshore Community Association regarding their (Bayshore Fire District's) lease with the Tarpon Way property. "Since I am the district's attorney, I can not negotiate a new lease for both. I ask the Fire District Board to consider me a "transactional attorney" so that I can be involved ethically."
The Board voted to do so by a vote of three in favor and one (Mason Scott) opposed. The representative for the department in negotiations for the extended lease is Chief Jorgensen and for the Bayshore Community Association is Clyde Bowles, the President of the Community Association, Fire District Commissioner, and candidate for the Board of Lee County Commissioners.
The meeting adjourned after the elections were held.
Don Gill - E-mail VFVflorida@aol.com
G.I. Bill
How do I get started?
The Montgomery GI Bill, called "MGIB" for short, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for: College, Business, Technical or Vocational School, Correspondence Courses, Apprenticeship/Job Training, Flight Training Remedial, Deficiency and Refresher Training.
Who is Eligible?
If you are in service, you may be eligible after 2 years of active duty. Please consult with the Education Services Officer at your installation. If you are separated from service, you may be an eligible veteran if you:
¥ Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985,
¥ Got a high school diploma or equivalent (or, in some cases, 12 hours of college credit) before the end of your first obligated period of service. (If you were on active duty on August 2, 1990, you may be eligible if you received your high school diploma or equivalent before October 28, 1994. You may not use 12 hours of college credit to meet this requirement.),
¥ Got an honorable discharge from your first obligated period of service,
¥ Continuously served for 3 years, OR 2 years if that is what you first enlisted for, OR 2 years if you have an obligation to serve four years in the Selected Reserve AND entered Selective Reserve within a year of leaving active duty.
Note: Different rules apply if you entered active duty before July 1, 1985, and in certain other cases.
Are There Any Pitfalls?
You should be aware that the following pitfalls could cause you to lose all MGIB benefits:
Honorable discharge. You must have an honorable discharge. A "general" or "under honorable condition" is not qualifying.
Early discharge. To be eligible with an early discharge, your separation reason must meet certain requirements.
How Much Does VA Pay?
The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called kickers). You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer under certain circumstances.
How Can I Apply?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits.
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Combat Infantrymen's Assn. Company A of Southwest Florida / Fort Myers, will hold their third Thursday of the month lunch meeting at a new time and location. Location: Cape Coral Elks Lodge at or an application to join the Combat Infantry Association, contact Company Adjutant Dan Sankoff: phone 941-368-5006.
E/Mail: SilverFoxx236@aol.com. If you're a recipient of the COMBAT INFANTRYMAN'S BADGE you are encouraged to join this ELITE group of men.
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 Navy SeaBee Veterans of America, Island X-8 in Lee County will have a non-smoking luncheon meeting on Monday, December 17 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 N. Ft. Myers Cultural Arts Council will meet on Friday, December 7, 2001 at 10:30 am at 674 Brigantine Blvd., N. FT.Myers. Any artist or anyone interested in teh promoting the arts is encouraged to attend.Plans for the future gallery space in N. Ft. Myers will be discussed.
Please call 656-5029 for more details.
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.
Spirit of the Gulf Chorus of Sweet Adelines Intl. presents Celebrate the Magic Show on Saturday, December 1 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Theater starting at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are $18.00 all seats are reserved. Call 339-4036 to reserve your seat.
Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group meetings include an opportunity for caregivers to meet others who are facing similar challenges and to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and effective coping strategies. The meetings often feature a guest speakers as well as an informal time for sharing. The next meeting in N. Ft. Myers will be held on Thursday, November 29 at Pine Lakes Country Club starting at 2:00 p.m.. Pine Lakes is located three miles north of the Shell Factory.
For more information call 437-3007.
Lazy Days Craft Club will hold its annual Bazaar on Saturday, December 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Florida quilt will be raffled off. Christmas and craft items along with baked goods, coffee and refreshments will be available.
Lazy Days is located across from the drive-in theater on the N. Tamiami trail.
National Adult Immunizations are being sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Southwest Florida. Rotarians will offer make up and hand out brochures, provide transportation and perform clerical tasks. Flus shots will be available in N. Ft. Myers ate the following locations:
November 26, The Heritage, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
November 29, TaraWoods, 1 to 4:00 p.m.
For more information call the Lee County Health Department at 332-9501.
The Rotary Club of N. Ft. Myers meets every Thursday morning at 8:30 at Lochmoor Country Club, 3911 Orange Grove Blvd.
HealthPark Medical Center is celebrating its 10th Anniversary on Sunday, December 2 from 2-5:00 p.m. Special events include a birthday cake and entertainment, displays, tours of the hospital and a Teddy Bear Clinic by the Children's Hospital, bring your favorite teddy bear or doll for a free "check-up" by the staff.
The Children's Science Center announces a new series of hands on science programs for families. Science Saturdays kicks off December 1 with, Solar system Saturday. Learn about and explore the solar system through models. How big is the sun? How far away is Pluto? What is gravity anyway? make and take home your own scale model solar system mobile.
The program will run from 1:30 to 3:00 pm.m. The charge is $5.00 for adults 17 and older, $3.00 for children, and includes a materials fee and admission. recommended for ages 5 and older, one parent must participate in the program with their children. For more information or to reserve a space call 997-0012.
Lake Arrowhead will have its annual Trash & Treasure sale on Saturday, December 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Crafts, baked goods, raffles, door prizes and lunch will be served. Lake arrowhead is located at 2860 N. Tamiami trail.
Sweet Adelines International, Spirit of the Gulf presents Celebrate the Magic on Saturday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Theater. Special guests include the Ditchfield Family Singers, SpiritÕs talented quartets and the comedy magic of B.J. Odom. Tickets are $18.00 per person, for reservations call 339-4036.
Faith Assembly of God in N. Ft. Myers will present The Gospel According to Scrooge, an adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas carol from December 7 to December 10 in the Faith Worship Center.
Performances are nightly at 7:00 p.m. with matinees at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free and doors open an hour before each performance. Faith Assembly of God is located at 6950 Bayshore Road, 2 miles west of I-75.
For more information call 543-2700.
Scale Rails of Southwest Florida will sponsor its 23 annual Model railroad Show on November 24 and 25 at Ft. Myers High School. Attractions include layouts in several scales, dealers, collectors, train videos and swap tables. Show times are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the 24 and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the 25th. Ft. Myers High School is located at 2635 Cortez Blvd., Ft. Myers. Admission is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for teens, children under 12 are free.
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