The diners arrived early at The Palms Restaurant in anticipation of this year's announcement of North Fort Myers Citizen of the Year. At the end of the evening, when Howard Silverman came forward to accept the "soaring eagle" given each year to N. Ft. Myers Citizen of the Year, the crowd rose in a standing ovation. Many milling around afterwards offering congratulations.
The evening began with Charles Liedtke, Publisher of the Lee County Examiner, welcoming the over 100 diners to the Seventh Annual North Fort Myers Citizen of the Year Banquet. Liedtke went on to explain the original Citizen of the Year was given by the Caloosahatchee Beacon, when the Examiner came into existence six years ago, it revived the award.
The North Fort Myers Citizen of the Year is a way to honor those individuals who have gone the extra mile to make N. Ft. Myers a better place to live. "When you open your daily newspaper or turn on the television, all one hears about is what tragedy has struck a foreign country, what has happened in Washington D.C. or Tallahassee. All these things are too far away for any of us to affect directly. We like to honor the people who have made a difference in our town, who have taken on county government to affect a change for the positive in our community," Liedtke said.
Nominations are accepted from anyone in the community for anyone in the community. Liedtke introduced the six persons nominated for the Citizen of the Year and presented them with a framed certificate. They were: Cheryl Diamond, Julie Flake, Karen Landis, Charles Liedtke, Terry Pye and Howard Silverman.
After an invocation by Father Mark of the Holy Theotokos Monastery a delicious meal of either prime rib or stuffed breast of chicken with a peppercorn sauce was served. After a desert of chocolate mousse, the guest speaker, Lois Thome, Anchorwoman for WINK News was introduced.
Ms. Thome's speech began with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." Followed by a quote from Albert Schweitzer, "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing i do know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."
She went on to share with the audience a simple rule she uses in her own life which comes from a work of Og Mandino's, "today and every day do more than you are getting paid to do. The victory of success will be half won when you learn the secret of putting out more than is expected in all that you do. Make yourself so valuable in your work that eventually you will become indispensable. Exercise your privilege to go the extra mile, and enjoy all the rewards your receive...you deserve them."
Ms. Thome went on to share some of the "good" stories she see's from her job: school children collecting can goods for the hungry, or making ashtrays to raise money for the homeless. Or the boy who started his own business making shadow boxes, which sold like hotcakes, he was clearing hundreds of dollars a month. Instead of buying himself a new bicycle or video game, he gave it all to charity.
Ms. Thome than challenged the audience, "All of you here know and appreciate the ideals of giving back, and providing community service. What I ask you here tonight, is the next time you plan a project to help someone else, take someone along. Partner with a school, or a young person who needs your guidance and your attention. It doesn't have to be a big project...remember, you have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."
She closed her speech with a Casey Stangel quote, "There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who say what happened? Make things happen for your community."
The three finalists for North Fort Myers Citizen of the Year were announced with a brief bio given of each. They were awarded a plague recognizing them as a finalist. They were, Cheryl Diamond, Karen Landis and Howard Silverman.
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 didn't 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."
Cheryl Diamond, President of the North Fort Myers Civic Association was introduced. She introduced a few the dignitaries in attendance, County Commissioners Bob Janes, Andy and Assistant State Attorney Marshall Bower and Captain Gene Sims from the Sheriff's Department.
Ms. Diamond then went on to award the North Fort Myers Deputy of the Year, Corporal Kim Vayo. Corporal Vayo thanked the organization for the award and her fellow deputies for all their support on the job.
Next Ms. Diamond announced the North Fort Myers Merchant of the Year, Hair connection. Owner Janet Shidler accepted the award saying, "This award goes to all my staff who make all of this possible and take such good care of our customers."
County Commissioner Andy Coy was introduced to read the official proclamation from Lee County Board of County Commissioners proclaiming Howard Silverman as North Fort Myers Citizen of the Year for 2001. After accepting the Proclamation from Commissioner Coy, Examiner Publisher Charles Liedtke presented Mr. Silverman with the Soaring Eagle.
Mr. Silverman thanked the crowd, those who voted for him and most importantly, "I want to thank my wife, for without her help neither the sidewalk nor the traffic light would have happened."
Last Thursday Night, the North Fort Myers Civic Association and the Lee County Examiner honored Corporal Kim Vayo as Deputy of the Year. She was selected amongst many fine deputies who serve the N. Ft. Myers community. It was announced she would be the new Community Police Officer for Suncoast Estates.
Corporal Vayo was born and raised in N. Ft. Myers and still lives here with her husband and two children. She started with the SheriffÕs Department in April of 1994.
Captain Sims, of the North District, informed us of some of Corporal Vayo's exploits last year:
*Nominated for officer of the Month: January, February, May
**Selected for Officer of the Month: June and September 2001.
On January 22, 2001, at approximately 2:00pm, Lee County Sheriff's Office received a call of a subject who was walking southbound toward the Edison Bridge. This subject had reportedly told others he was going to kill himself by jumping off the bridge.
Corporal Kim Vayo along with several other deputies, responded to the call and observed a subject later identified by name walking southbound over the bridge fitting the description given by dispatch.
Upon arrival, officers immediately climbed over the railing of the bridge. To the horror of the deputies, the gentleman had positioned himself on the outside of the bridge with his feet on the top of the retaining wall and his hands clinging to the top of the railing. The officers quickly realized that any false move by this gentleman, could send him to his watery death as he was yelling to the officers to stay back or he would jump.
On February 21, 2001, the Lee County Sheriff's Office received a call from a victim of a mobile home park concerning a occupied burglary with shots fired. Several agents and deputies met with the victim who then stated that a unknown white male had entered into his broken bedroom window when the victim had fired of a shot towards a door when the suspect immediately fled the scene with another accomplice.
Descriptions of both suspects were transmitted to other area deputies and the mobile home park was tightly secured by Corporal Vayo and other deputies. While at the scene, a report was received with a suspect matching the description of one of the perpetrators was seen leaving the area and was bleeding. While an attempt to locate was in the process, one person was later identified as one of the burglars and arrested for the crime. Information was also received and was learned that the second perpetrator was also charged for the same incident.
On May 31, 2001, Lee County Sheriff's Office received a call of burglary in progress from another individual who is with another law enforcement agency giving a excellent description of the suspect vehicle and also alerting responding deputies to the direction of travel of the fleeing suspect.
Corporal Kim Vayo responded to bolo (be on the look out for) where the suspect vehicle was last seen. Due to Vayo's rapid response, she was able to locate the suspect during a traffic stop and was able to take the suspect into custody with further incident. It was later learned that the vehicle was in fact stolen and had property inside which was taken from several different residential burglaries.
On June 28, 2001, Lee County deputies responded to a stabbing at a local North Forth Myers residence. Corporal Vayo immediately began checking areas frequented by transients and the homeless of suspects fitting the description of any attacker such as names or addresses.
After a short time later Corporal Vayo recovered the murder weapon and arrested the suspect for the homicide crime.
On September 2, 2001, the Lee County Sheriff's Office received a telephone call from Mrs. Leslie Wallace describing in detail how she was attempting to kill her family. Wallace told dispatcher's that she had already taken the life of her 6 year old son at their North fort Myers home and subsequently attempted to murder another teenage youth while he was attending church services on Pondella Road. A third child , currently working at the North Fort Myers Pizza Hut, refused to exit the business when he observed his mother brandishing a shotgun in the parking lot.
Corporal Kim Vayo and several other North District Unit Deputies were right behind Wallace as she attempted her escape. While on the bridge, a marked patrol car was able to pass Wallace and get in front of her car thereby effecting the "boxing" technique to stop her. As Corporal Vayo along with many deputies set up a perimeter around Wallace, she exited her car with a shotgun in hand and fired off a round. With only one Deputy having a clear view of the situation and fearing for his safety and the lives of his fellow officer's another Corporal returned fire and hit Wallace with several rounds. Wallace was incapacitated and taken into custody.
Delving into the depths of the accounting for the School District of Lee County is similar to diving into an abyss, however, we did find a bottom, 1,200 pages later or so. The Examiner requested a detail budget from the School District which would include each school's budget. We attempted to develop an equal measuring form to discover how our tax dollars are currently being spent.
With teachers, administrators, a few parents and the teacher's unions all clamoring for more taxes for education, the Examiner is attempting to explore how our current tax dollars are being spent. Since we are not staffed like government, we are publishing the stories as we go, and hopefully will have a synopsis at the end.
In our first story we compared the elementary schools by total enrollment, minority enrollment, free/reduced lunches, percentage of students at each school with limited use of the English language and School Performance as measured by the state.
In our second tome we compared Lee County Schools to the state and three other counties in Florida. Lee county had a higher graduation rate than the state average, but was below in three test categories (SAT, ACT and High School Competency). We also compared how the districts were staffed and compared teachers by advance degrees and average years teaching.
In this edition, we again use the total enrollment of each school, expanding to include all schools not just elementary. We also included the total dollars budgeted each school (except food services and transportation), the dollars per student each school has, total teachers at each school and pupils per teacher (which should indicate classroom size if all teachers are teaching).
School size by student population varied greatly, from Ft. Myers Beach Elementary with 191 students to Skyline ElementaryÕs 1,037 (N. Ft. Myers Academy figures include 6 through 8 grade also). Middle Schools had a low at Michigan Montessori of 307 to Caloosa Middle SchoolÕs 1,252. Dunbar High School with an enrollment of 627 was by far the smallest high school, the rest were grouped fairly close with Fort Myers High School the largest with 1,988 students.
The average tax dollars spend on student education for elementary schools was $3,947, the highest being Ft. Myers Beach at $5,197 per student to a low at Bonita Springs Elementary of $3,163 per student.
The Middle School average dollar per student was $4,137, the schools being close with Lee Middle the highest with $4,348 to Three Oaks the lowest at $3,750.
The High School average for Lee County was $3,806, Dunbar far ahead of the pack at $4,480 per student and Estero spending the least at $3,619 per student. One should remember the total taxes collected for education in Lee County is $10,931, by their own budget figures, our school district is using well less than half of the taxes collected for education. The rest is in administration, bussing and the school lunch program.
With all the talk of overcrowded classrooms, the figures do not justify the gripping. If all the positions principals classified as teaching in their budgets, are actually in a classroom teaching, the average teacher to pupil for elementary schools is 22.4, middle schools 20 and high schools 21.5.
The Examiner went exactly by the detailed budgets, we did not include "Educational Paraprofessionals," or Guidance Counselors, Media Specialists, Primary Specialists nor Help Teacher in our count. We only counted the positions titled "teacher." If your child's classroom is larger than the average for your school, ask where the teachers are if not teaching.
One thing we did notice in the elementary schools was the preponderance of "Primary Specialists" and Guidance Counselors at an annual salary of $48,450 plus benefits. Many of the middle and high schools not only had multiple Assistant Principals, but also multiple Guidance Counselors, with salaries ranging from $43,000 to $67,000 per year plus benefits.
This survey did not include the Alternative or ESE Schools of Lee County. In this category will go the Vocational Schools, the Alternative School, and the schools for the exceptional/handicapped students. Also in this group are the teachers at our jails. The average student cost and teachers per pupil will be higher than in the regular schools. One should also know that some schools have exceptional student programs in them.
The School District of Lee County places children with learning disabilities in the same category as children with very high IQÕs, both are classified as Exceptional Students.
According to the schools budget a total of $230,508,658 of $661,914,697 is being spent on education at the school level, or 34.8% of the school district's total budget.
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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.
The North Fort Myers Civic Association held its General membership meeting on Monday, November 19, over 50 members were in attendance.
Chuck Liedtke gave an update on the Redistricting Committee, because of the events of September 11, the legislature has changed its schedule of when the legislative committees will hold their final meetings. We were one of the few groups that made a proposal for the boundaries of State Representatives being changed. Porter GossÕ Congressional Seat has been getting most of the publicity.
Fred Schilffarth, a new member to the Civic association, has graciously accepted the Chairmanship of the Incorporation Committee. Fred is new to our area and brings some new insights to the committee.
Cheryl Diamond, President of the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association, announced that the organization is working with Assistant State Attorney Marshall Bower to start a new juvenile justice program in N. Ft. Myers. The Neighborhood Advisory Boards will give first time juvenile offenders an option. Instead of going the court system, their parents may opt for the Neighborhood Advisory Board (NAB) instead.
The juvenile offender and parents would meet with the NAB. The NAB would then hear the evidence and announce the sentence, which could include restitution to the victim and hours of service to the community. The NAB is also charged with making sure the juvenile follows up on the restitution and community service. If the juvenile completes his sentence satisfactorily, no record will remain. If there is a problem, the juvenile will be placed back into the court system.
North Fort Myers Fire Chief Terry Pye announced that CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Teams) would be graduation at Buccaneer Estates on November 11 and Lake Fairways on November 26. If any other communities would like to start a CERT please contact him at 997-8654.
Vince Rizzo was the guest speaker. He is a new member of the Civic Association and pastor. Rizzo said their goal is to help the community. ÒA few years ago several people in N. Ft. Myers wanted to run us out of town on a rail. People made assumptions of what we would be doing, nobody approached us and asked.Ó
Rizzo also runs a homeless kitchen on the N. Tamiami Trail, they served over 12,000 meals last year feeding 30 to 50 per night they are open.
The new ministry, located just north of the apex of the two 41Õs, is a mission to take a few men and giving them a second chance. It is a one year program that shapes men with new ideas and work ethic.
The day begins every morning at 6:00 a.m. Prayer is from 7 to 8:00 and then the men go to work, either at a job or around the mission and kitchen. The idea is to create a discipline in life, give the men a sense of control in their lives. The ultimate goal, is to put the men through the program and back into society as a productive member of it.
Rizzo said the mission also wants to give back to the community which is now warmly accepting them. They can provide security or clean-up for events.
Rizzo pointed out that the mission is not a halfway house, none of the men staying there or going through the program has been ordered by the courts to do so. The men must pass a very rigorous testing program to be accepted at the mission, they just donÕt take anybody. The mission is for men only, no women or families. The men go through a six month discipleship program and then a six month leadership program. Rizzo was proud to announce the first few men are entering the second six month stage and he hopes to begin a new cycle with new men.
The mission has an agreement with HRS that when a man graduates from the program, they will help him find permanent housing.
The United Way of Lee County hopes that area golfers will "Golf the United Way" from Dec. 12 through 20 at The Golf Club in Cape Coral. For a $60 United Way contribution, golfers will be among the first to play the newly restored and just reopened championship course, formerly the Cape Coral Country Club.
Tee times will be accepted beginning Dec. 1. To reserve a tee time or for more information about "Golf the United Way," call The Golf Club at 542-7879.
Originally opened in 1963 and designed by Dick Wilson, the course at The Golf Club has been completely restored under the direction of Chip Powell to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The Golf Club, which provides a private club experience on both an annual membership and daily fee basis, is located at 4003 Palm Tree Blvd. in Cape Coral. The United Way of Lee County supports the work of 52 local human service agencies. The agencies, which include the Salvation Army, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Abuse Counseling & Treatment and the Boys and Girls Clubs, help more than 230,000 local people each year. For more information, to volunteer or to contribute, please call 433-2000.
A Self help course for people with Fibromyalgia will be held starting Monday, January 7 at the Wellness center in Cape Coral from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The course is a series of seven weekly classes designed to teach people with Fibromyalgia how to take a more active role in their healthcare. It offers information about pain control, relaxation, exercise, doctor/healthcare, professional/patient relationships, fatigue and depression.
Pre-registration is required in order to attend the course, deadline is January 3. To receive an application form call the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-741-4008.
Have you ever driven by a house that looked like the owner spared no expense when putting up holiday lights and decorations? Did you wonder how much their electric bill must be?
Surprisingly, lighting alone doesn’t use a large amount of energy, but you could see a significant increase in your bill by using many strands of lights during the holiday season. The following are a few estimates on how much it costs to run different types of holiday lights. Estimates are based on five hours per day, for each day during December:
A string of 50, large, non-flashing, outdoor bulbs will cost about $4.30. If you decorate your home with 10 strands, you’ll pay an extra $43 in electricity costs.
A string of miniature lights will cost just about $3 for one strand, or $30 for 10 strands. Icicle lights will cost about $3.70 per strand, or $37 for 10 strands.
For more information, call LCEC’s energy experts at 997-SAVE or 1-800-201-SAVE.
Scouts in North Fort Myers collected over 2,000 pounds of food for 1000 meals. Food will be distributed by Helping Hands to North Fort Myers residents in need. Scouts participating were, Troup/Pack 82 sponsored by Grace Methodist Church and Troop/Pack 761 sponsored by Messiah Lutheran Church.
During 2001, Helping Hands distributed over 20,000 pounds for 10,000 meals. Their goal is to provide free temporary assistance and reduce duplication of multiple providers by efficient use of available volunteers and donations. Helping Hands is 100% volunteer, no payroll.
Helping Hands and Lee County HUMAN Services are partnering to maintain their goal. Helping Hands provides the bags of food, for the counselors at Lee County Human Services to distribute, directly from their offices at 83 Pondella Road, phone 652-7900. Counselors are available Monday thru Friday, 8 AM until 5 PM. When funds are available, other types of assistance are provided.
Funds, donated to Helping Hands, begin the process of providing assistance to local residents. Mail address is Helping Hands, c/o LCHS 83-1 Pondella Rd, N Fort Myers 33903. Info at phone 543-8011 and website www.HHnfm.com
The North Fort Myers Public Library is offering great programs this month for adults and children. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information or to register, please call 997-0320. The North Fort Myers Public Library is located at 2001 North Tamiami Trail. NE in North Fort Myers.
The Lee County Library system will be closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1 for county holidays.
A Holiday Chorus by the J. Colin English Elementary Chorus Friday, December 14, 1:15-2:15 PM The Friends of the North Fort Myers Public Library present A Holiday Chorus featuring the J. Colin English Elementary Chorus directed by Mrs. Donna Smith. Seating is limited, please call to register.
Introduction to Computers for Adults, Tuesday, December 18, 2-4 PM Interested in computers but not sure what you need to know to get started? Learn the basics of computing and the Internet from members of the Southwest Florida PC Users Group. Find out what you need, how to get it, and what to do with it. Perfect for the computer novice; no computer experience necessary. Seating is limited, please call to register.
Teen Poetry Cafe, Tuesday, December 18, 6:30-7:30 PM Teen Poetry Cafe Teens can share a poem, win a prize, and enjoy refreshments in a relaxed cafe atmosphere. Kids' Club: The Giving Cactus, Friday, Dec. 28, 3-4 PM "The Giving Cactus" and other audience participation stories about sharing will be presented. This program is for ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is requested.
Sign language interpreter available with 48 hour notice. Call the Deaf Service Center at 461-0334 (voice or TTY). Assistive listening systems are available upon request at the desk.
Southwest Florida International Airports 14th annual Holiday Park & Fly program will run from Friday, Dec. 14, through Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002. The off-site parking program reduces traffic and parking congestion at the airport during one of the busiest times of the year while offering travelers the convenience of curbside drop-off and savings on parking fees.
"Short-term parking at the airport costs $8 a day, long-term parking is $6 a day, and the economy lot is $5 a day or $25 per week," said Susan Sanders, director of aviation marketing for the Lee County Port Authority, operator of the airport. "The Park & Fly program offers real savings as well as convenience for travelers parking their vehicles for more than four days."
Travelers departing from the airport from Dec. 14 through Dec. 24 and returning anytime from Dec. 26 through Jan. 3 are encouraged to Park &Fly. In light of heightened security measures, travelers should contact their respective airlines to confirm how early they should check in at the airport and then add an additional 30 minutes to their schedules in order to use the Park & Fly program. Program participants park their vehicles at the Lee County Sports Complex between 4 a.m. and 5 p.m. and pay a flat fee of $19.95 in cash when parking. Complimentary shuttle service transports travelers to the airport terminal curb. Return transportation to the Sports Complex is provided from Dec. 26 through Jan. 3. No parking or shuttle service will be available Christmas Day.
The Park & Fly program, hosted by the Lee County Port Authority, has accommodated more than 2,000 vehicles during each of the past six years. For more information, please call the Park & Fly Information Hotline at (941) 768-4477, or visit the airport's Web site at www.SWFIA.com.
For those of you who missed the Citizen of the Year Banquet last Thursday, you missed one of the truly super events in N. Ft. Myers. Over ninety diners enjoyed a superb meal served by the staff of the Palms Restaurant, the food and service were excellent. The Examiner would like to thank the N. Ft. Myers Civic Association for co-hosting the Citizen of the Year. When I looked up to see how far along everyone was with dinner and when to start the program, I was amazed at how everyone was enjoying their meal and the conversations at the tables. Unlike most banquets, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and in no hurry for the evening to end.
Congratulations go out to not only the Citizen of the Year, Deputy of the Year and Merchant of the Year, but to everyone who was nominated and everyone who took the time to vote.
There has been discussion to change from Citizen of the Year to Citizens of the Year since, clearly, there are no losers.
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The legislature is almost finished making their budget cuts. Education took some cuts. Now we will hear the clamoring from the school board to the teachers to the teachers union to the Superintendent. Am I the only one it scares when management and union agrees?
Our local school board hopes you have already forgotten the increased taxes they will get from the Impact Fees which went into affect this week. Impact Fee monies can only be used for capital Improvements, not for salaries or administration. Let me help out the elected school board members, if you really feel the district will be hurt by the budget cuts, transfer funds from capital Improvements before any impact fees get mingled with it.
Before anyone from our local schools decides raising taxes is the answer to their problems, they had better be prepared to explain how they are currently spending over $660,000,000 and still not education our children.
They can explain how they collect over $10,000 per student in taxes yet spend less than $4,000 on education?
They can explain how School Choice is a good thing, considering we have over 490 bus routes in Lee County?
They can explain why over 962 courses being taught in the School District of Lee County?
They can justify the almost $80,000 a year salaries paid principals?
They can explain the need for four Vice Principals and six Guidance Counselors in one school?
They can explain why all schools aren't teaching the same subjects?
They can explain why we are bussing children from Bonita Springs to N. Ft. Myers?
They can explain if we are still bussing, why the minority levels are not equal at all schools?
I almost wish the School Board would ask to raise taxes, just so they would have to come out of their offices and meet with the people and answer these questions. One thing we learned from the one-cent sales tax fiasco, government doesn't fair well in open debate of how they are spending our tax dollars.
The voters of Lee County turned down the one-cent sales tax by an 84% majority. This was after county officials cried gloom and doom, our quality of life would suffer and they had no clue how we would survive.
Is your life any worst off after voting no to the one-cent sales tax?
If our local school board wants to raise taxes, let them first undergo an independent audit. Not one done by Sanders and his cronies organization, but a true independent audit. The last one done, several years ago by the State of Florida, was very critical and quickly swept under the carpet. Our local school district did little to correct the problems it highlighted. We now have our third Superintendent since that audit. Three of the elected School Board members were seated during the audit, yet basically ignored the audit.
Maybe instead of new taxes, Lee County needs new School Board Members.
by Tom Comingore (token democrat)
This time of year is usually the happiest time of the year for me. I know that some people have problems every year at this time but I just enjoy going to the different stores and greeting the clerks with a happy thought. It does seem like in most of the stores I visit the employees seem to be busy and yet have time to extend a true happy holiday spirit to me. I really had not planned to write about the Christmas spirit taking over my thoughts so soon but certainly donÕt feel like writing about the gloom and doom of wars today. I think we can rest assured there will undoubtedly be time to write about thousand of thoughts on war and doom next year and probably the year after and the year after that for many years to come.
This past week I was watching the late news and about fell out of my favorite chair and certainly frightened my cat so much she almost jumped clear across the room, when the TV was interviewing a Philip Rasmussen in his den as he was getting ready to take a trip with his children and grandchildren to show them where he was when the Japs bombed us in WW2. What a wonderful trip for all twentyfive of them.
On his wall they briefly showed a picture of him with four other young pilots who had shot down at least one Jap airplane, but in the picture Lt. Rasmussen was describing with his hands how he did it and had one of those ear to ear smiles not often seen in war pictures. I was too young to be in WW2 and Lt Rasmussen was one of the first fighter pilots to shoot down a Jap plane. What a great picture.
I pulled my WW2 scrapbook off the shelf once again and knew right where I had kept that picture in my scrapbook for about 60 years. Lt. Rasmussen had been one of my heros all of these years even though I had never met him I had often wondered what ever happened to him.The other four in the picture were Lt Sanders, Lt Taylor, Lt. Welch and Lt. Brown.
My brother Dan was a B-24 bomber pilot with many missions over Germany, my brother Bruce slept in the mud holes and snow banks on the Rhine River and as a younger sibling they along with brothers Joe, Bob and Bill became some of my true heros, but Rasmussen and company were some of the very first.
We have many retired heros here in Lee County who have a lot of history to tell and Art Kuespert of N.Ft. Myers has even written a book about some of his stories while in a prisoner of war camp.
When you are out shopping for your Christmas surprises this year please remember to wish every person and creature you meet a great day. Our beliefs and way of life is truly being protected this Christmas season. My cat enjoys a happy Christmas greetings too and I suspect your pet does also.
Hope you have a great season!
You can Email Tom TComin1551@aol.com
Dear Editor:
Thanks to everyone who voted for me for "North Fort Myers Citizen of the Year." It is a great honor to be chosen. i appreciate your acknowledgement of my efforts toward getting the traffic signal and sidewalk.
Sincerely,
Howard Silverman
Over the past quarter century of writing these letters, I have, occasionally, corrupted a line from a famous 1801 Supreme Court case to the effect that "the power to print is the power to destroy." it is also the power to expose the dishonest, the duplicities or merely the shabby or totally inept.
Several recent letters have decried the article about Sheriff Shoap visiting his administrative assistant at her home during traditional working hours. One said that it was "sleazy and contrary to every canon of journalistic ethics and fair play" for innuendoes of conjugal visits. It seems to me that these letters are in the shoot the messenger school of political defense and attack the wrong party.
The problem is the Sheriff's total lack of tact, discretion and political savvy. He brought this storm upon himself when he appointed his campaign manager to a $68,000 per annum job with benefits, deluxe department car, etc. although she had no law enforcement experience and the job has neither job description, schedule nor description of responsibilities. From a media standpoint she may just as well had a red neon arrow pointing at her. The media, curiosity whetted, merely did its job.
Had the Sheriff the meagerest understanding of public relations, media management or discretion, he would, like Ceasar's wife, avoided any circumstance which might be misinterpreted into scandal.
Instead, he opened himself up to the media scrutiny by the meetings in he home. After a press inquiry, he began parking his car two blocks away and walking to the condo, because "he was afraid people were talking." This, to me, was a key admission of political ineptitude. Do you hide your car if you have nothing to hide?
So, don't blame the media for merely reporting the facts. They were just following the red arrow, a red flag the sheriff himself raised.
I hate to think I have wasted my vote. I am sure the Sheriff is an honest man and no immorality occurred. I must question the SheriffÕs naivete, his lack of public relations, discretion, media management and the art of politics.
Elected officials must not only be above reproach, they must work to be seen as such 24 hours a day.
Sincerely,
Peter Hare
November 17 1084 N. Tamiami Trail, Timothy Bentsen was arrested for DUI and driving while license was suspended. Palm Ave., Clinton J. Coons was arrested for DUI and driving while license was suspended. N. River Road, Jose Hernandez was arrested for WWRD. Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Scott Bazly was arrested for loitering and prowling and retail theft. November 18, 8375 Tolles Rd., Alexander Allen Hefner was arrested for armed home invasion and grand theft auto. 7907 Marx Dr., Cecil R. Cavenaugh was arrested for failure to pay fine. November 19 2215 Laurel Lane, Shawn P. Speelman was arrested for two failure to appear. 7 Eland Dr., John Robert Fassler was arrested for battery/domestic violence. November 20 East North Shore Drive, Tina K. Wise was arrested for failure to pay fine. Laurel Lane, Ronald Lee Farabee was arrested for possession of cocaine and giving a false name. November 21 Hart Road, Harry Gerald Grimm was arrested for three warrants. November 23 121 Pondella Rd., John E. Riggs Jr., was arrested for battery/domestic violence. 545 Pine Island Rd., Jacquelyn Pooser Davis was arrested for retail theft. 545 Pine Island Rd., Bridget L. Cooks was arrested for retail theft. Laurel & Breeze, Daniel Joseph Eden was arrested for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. 15201 N. Cleveland Ave., Albert Wayne Rjordam was arrested for retail theft. 2238 Laurel Lane, Ryan Patrick Fox was arrested for resisting a merchant, retail theft, possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. Yankee Beach, Jose Maurisio Oyuela was arrested for an open container. Yankee Beach, Cesar Rodriguez was arrested for an open container. November 24 Pine Island Rd., Brian Michael O'Connell was arrested for DUI. 244 Capitol Street, Eric Richard Nockengost was arrested for battery/domestic violence. November 25 Pine Island Road, Groves Lee Courtney was arrested for DUI. 33 West North Shore, James Odell Johnson was arrested for battery/domestic violence on a pregnant female. 7575 Peyraud Court, Bryan C. Beck was arrested for battery/domestic violence. Yankee Beach, Anthony D. Gibson was arrested for possession of marijuana. Yankee Beach, Jiavier A Diaz was arrested for an open container and possession of a suspended drivers license. Yankee Beach, Carlos Alberto Pavon was arrested for an open container. November 27 Pine Island Road, Martin W. Jevyak was arrested for DUI and driving while license was suspended. November 28 N. Cleveland Ave., John Walter Gilbert was arrested for DUI. 5690 Bayshore Road, James Alan Likes was arrested for retail theft. 3256 West Green, Rudolph Cleveland Boyd was arrested for violation of an injunction. November 29 780 Pondella Rd., James Hession was arrested for trespass after warning.
Students of the Month
Bayshore Elementary announces the following as their Students of the Month for November: Ronald Cujas, Allison Harbin, Shana Martin, Ana Juan, Lindsey adams, Gloria Simon, Ronald baxter, Connor Denny, Amber Nisbet, Luz Hernandez, Melissa Nova, Anselmo Juan, Tyler Cornett, Matt Zinnbauer, Brittany Dull, Blaine Burrell, Maria Medina, Quinton Winslow, Blake Daniels, Cayla Reeves, thomas bartley and jake Broomfield. Congratulations boys and girls.
Note Dates On Christmas Vacation
We want to make sure all parents understand that December 18, 19 and 20 are early dismissal days with school dismissal at noon on those three days. If your child is normally parent pick-up, make sure you note these dates on your calendar.
Also note that school is out for vacation on the 20th, a thursday. in addition, students do not return to school until Tuesday, January 8. This is quite different from past years and we want all aprents to make note of this change.
Don Gill - E-mail VFVflorida@aol.com
Vets Can Build Better Homes
Any veteran interested in first time home buying or simply up-grading to a bigger, better home should visit Military.Com. Just select the following: Under "Benefits of Military Service": select "Financial and VA Loans;" then, "VA Loans: Use your valuable benefit." Once you are in "Financial Home Buying," you will find many short-cuts to any questions you might have under "Get A Head Start On Buying a Home", or, "Understand Your VA Loan Benefits,Ó"or, "Compare VA and Conventional Loans."
You can actually punch in your personal financial situation and see where you stand as far as acquiring your dream house. It's really fun and you're not getting any high-pressured sales talk while you do it. And remember, if you don't have a computer, visit your public libraries. They'll get you in. Then you can check out all the possibilities for yourself.
National Veterans Museum
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has commissioned LORD Cultural Resources and Cannon Design to create a Master Plan for an exciting new museum in the Nation's capital to open in 2004. The National Veterans Museum will tell the story of the VA-a story that is inextricably linked to American history and begins in the earliest years of colonization. The Museum will complement the National Veterans Memorials and military museums in Washington and around the country while providing visitors with a more comprehensive experience.
LORD has developed a dynamic concept for the Museum based on the ÒhomecomingÓ theme. A range of interactive exhibits will introduce visitors to the services provided by the VA and its precursors including: the benefits programs which have shaped many of the social services Americans know today; the VA health care services and medical research that have helped not only veterans and their families, but people all over the world; and finally, the National Cemeteries. Highlights of the Museum will include state-of-the-art theatrical presentations, a Connections Center where visitors use multimedia computer terminals with Internet access, and interactive audio-visual exhibits.
The National Veterans Museum will reach people all over the United States through a sophisticated outreach program that makes traveling exhibitions, internet-based programs and other programs available to the many VA regional offices, medical centers and other facilities.
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 Southwest Florida chapter of the Destroyer Escort Association {DESA} will meet for lunch Thursday, December 20, 2991 at noon at the Quality Inn Ft. Myers, 2431 Cleveland Ave. [US 41, three blocks South of the bridge]. Wayne Smith, former USAF pilot and POW at the ÒHanoi HiltonÓ for five years will be the guest speaker. Reservations necessary. Ft Myers 458 8471, Port Charlotte 629 3481, and Sarasota 355-1935.
The Democratic Party of Lee County holds their monthly meeting the second Wednesday of each month in the County Commission Chamber of the Old Lee County Courthouse. Enter the building via the 2nd Street entrance. Themeeting begins at 7:00 P.M. and is open to the public. For more information contact the headquarters at 334-0908 or e-mail LeeDems @Juno.com.
The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Lee Republican Women Federated (LRW) on Monday, December 17. Lee County Tax collector Cathy Curtis will discuss the leadership roles women have had and currently have in government and other walks of life. She will also discuss changes she has madein the Tax Collector's Office.. A question and answer period will follow.
Reservations for the LRW luncheon, held at the Holiday Inn Bell Tower, are required by Wednesday, December 12, included are an 11:15 a.m. social hour, 11:45 lunch, business meeting and candidate forum. The cost is $12.00. Call 482-4116 or 489-3483 for reservations.
Breakfast with Santa at the Burroughs Home will be held on Sunday, December 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The Burroughs Home is located at 2505 First Street, Ft. Myers. Tickets are $4.00 for children and $6 for adults. For reservations call 332-6125.
The Christmas Story depicting the birth of Jesus, will be presented in a live drive-through viewing, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; December 13, 14 and 15 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2691 NE Pine Island Road (one mile west of Cleveland Ave.)
The public is welcome to drive through the live nine-scene diorama that depicts events surrounding Christ birth. The Diorama is presented as a gift o the community and has a large cast with wonderful costumes, and a variety of live animals. The presentation will be from 7 to 9:00 p.m. each night. A free will donation is welcome.
Fir more information call 995-0133.
Kids Conspiracy will present Goldilocks and the Three bears by Tom McCabe at the Riverside Community Center on December 15 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. The Foulds Theater in Ft. Myers on December 22 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $5.00 with group rates available.
This classic takes a different look at the bear facts of summer camp life. It is full of eating chairs, talking bears and a nervous Ranger Roger, with a dash of vaudeville and lots of laughter. This is a super show for grandparents and children together.
The Riverside Community Center is located at the corner of Palm Beach Blvd. and Seaboard and Foulds Theater is located at the Lee County Alliance of the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. For more information or tickets call 936-3239.
Join the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in welcoming Ed WindDancer, and others, for a Native American journey through traditional dance, music and singing on Sunday, December 9 at 2:00 p.m.
The program will feature dances such as the Exhibition Sneak-Up Dance and the Crow Hop. Powerful drumming will move your soul and ancient flute songs will lift your spirits. The physical and spiritual meaning of their regalia will also be discussed.
The exhibition is free with the regular paid admission to the museum and trails. Donations for the performers are suggested.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is located at 3450 Ortiz Ave., Ft. Myers. For more information call 275-3435.
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.
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