August 2012 - Southwest Spotlight

S O U T H W E S T
AUGUST 2012 Vol.3, No.8 FREE
Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
P R S R T S T D
U . S . P O S T A G E P A I D
F T M Y E R S , F L
P E R M I T # 9 8 0
R E S I D E N T I A L C U S T O M E R
E C R W S S
Stop, in the Name of the Law 13
Its Time to Clean Up 20
Restaurants 31 to 36
SPLASH! Thanks to strong community support, our Bonita Springs YMCA has made a big splash since its
Memorial Day reopening.
Dejnita Dedja, Bonita Springs Elementary
Summer is the perfect time for renovations!
Portfolio:
www.GulfCoast.DecoratingDen.com
Cli Cheryl
ASID Project Mgr
Judy
Allied ASID
Lois
Designer
We usually recommend that lightly used furnishings and
kitchen/bath cabinets be donated to our local partner:
We arrange for free pick-up.
YOU receive the tax receipt.
CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS FURNITURE LIGHTING FLOOR COVERINGS ACCESSORIES
LARRY
LEE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
FOR
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As your current tax collector
Based on his qualifications and experience Governor Rick Scott has appointed Larry Hart to
serve as your Lee County Tax Collector. His 10 plus years of cost saving leadership has cre-
ated both transparency and service time reductions for the citizens of Lee County. Responsi-
ble for the administration and daily operations of the six service locations, Larry Hart has
been a statewide champion of strategic programming and workflow efficiencies.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As the Chief of Police for the City of Fort Myers
For 6 years, Larry Hart served the citizens of Fort Myers with distinction as the Chief of Po-
lice having progressed through a 22 year career as a professional law enforcement officer.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As the Chairman of the
Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees
Larry Hart was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governors Bush, Crist and Scott. He
was appointed for the leadership qualities that he possesses. Larry Hart has been a driving
force to help FGCU grow into a successful University and an asset to our community.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
* Member of the Florida Tax Collectors Public Information Coalition and
Legislative Committee
* Board of Directors: Southwest Florida Addiction Services
* Board of Directors: Hope (Hospice) Health Care Services
* Member of the Children Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida
* Member of the FBI National Academy and International Police Chiefs
Association
EDUCATION
* Associates Degree Edison College
* Bachelors Degree, Barry University
* Graduate, 161st National FBI Academy
* Veteran, United States Air Force
www.votelarryhart.com 239.337.4237
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Larry Hart, Republican for Lee County Tax Collector
FORT MYERS
POLICE CHIEF
LARRY HART
Early Voting Starts August 4th
Primary Election Day August 14th
Dear Voter,
The proper collection and administrative
function behind accounting for your hard
earned tax dollars is essential to sustaining
the quality of life we have in Lee County. As
your current Lee County Tax Collector, I
pledge to serve you as your next elected Tax
Collector with the same determination and
commitment as I have shown in my entire
career of public service.
Larry Hart
Tax Collector Larry Hart
will ensure
+ Cost savings initiatives will continue
+ Community outreach will be a priority
+ Transparency and responsiveness to
our citizens will be a cornerstone
of service
+ Respect toward our citizen
customers and fiscal responsibility
for your tax dollars
www.swspotlight.com Page 5

Spotlight News

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SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 5
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S O U T H W E S T
Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
Publisher
Peter A. O'Flinn
peter@swspotlight.com
Editor
Meghan Easterly
Advertising Sales
Teri Lamaine
Kathy O'Flinn
Office Manager
Katie O'Flinn
Contributing Writers
Bill Barnes
Charles J. Cavaliere
D. K. Christi
Martha Crider
Max Harris
Dorota Harris
Josh Musselman
Ben Nelson Jr.
Patrice Shields
Peter R. O'Flinn
Heather Thomson
George White
Contributing Photographers
David Michael
Vicki White
Page 6 August 2012 Southwest Spotlight

8 Eye of London Captures
the Heart of the World
Dominic Harris creates art for 2012
Olympics
9 Morgan vs. Cochran
in School Board Race
District 3 candidates discuss spend-
ing
11 Mayor of Survey
BSHS fundraiser earns
record amount
11 Working Away
Downtown sculpture glistens
like new
12 Local Horse Whisperer
Amanda Cassese
National Champion Cassese still win-
ning even after injurious fall
13 Stop in the Name
of the Law
Citys outside lawyer clarifies mora-
torium
16 Something Shiny and New
Food for the Mind
Caf of Life offers books to
children as food for the mind
17 Women Build
Zonta and Habitat bring local women
together to build a house
18 Grants for Education
Community Foundation gives grants
to YMCA and New Horizons
19 Back to School Checklist
Lee County students can find back to
school information online
31 Insomnia
Solutions to a common problem
Commentary
20 Peter A. OFlinn
Its Time for the City to Clean Up its
Room
20 Mayors Corner
Mayor Ben Nelson Jr. reflects on the
will of the people
Business
14 Bonita Business Beat
Brenda Bergin of All the Right Moves
helps customers downsize
15 Spotlight
Real Estate Watch
High-end real estate continues to do
well in units and price points
Arts &
Entertainment
22 Events
Whats happening this month in
Bonita?
25 Artist Spotlight:
Sculpting Life
The otherworldly art of Tom OHara
Columns
26 The Other Ben
Mayor Nelson recalls fond memories
of the Scout
27 Why I Love Bonita
Sara Haven
27 Tee Box Tips
High price equipment doesnt
guarantee high quality
28 Bonita Nature Place
Goober and the bats
29 Bonitas Best Friends
Curious and calming dachshund
named Satcha
30 Mind and Soul
Relax and enjoy the storm
30 Meg-a-Mom
Technology keeps long distance
families close
Restaurants
35 Restaurant Guide
News & Features
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 6
www.swspotlight.com Page 7 Southwest Spotlight

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Page 8 August 2012

Spotlight News

Eye of London Captures the Heart of the World
By Meghan Easterly
meghan@swspotlight.com
London As the world gath-
ers to watch the 2012 Summer
Olympics in London, there
will be one couple in Bonita
Springs who will have their
eyes on The London Eye.
This iconic Ferris wheel on
the Thames will be turned
into an interactively controlled
lighting installation by artist
Dominic Harris. Harris is the
Director of Cinimod Studio
in London and also the son
of Max and Dorota Harris
who live in Bonita Springs.
Harris works in the medi-
um of light and interactive
design. His designs can be
found throughout the world
in both private collections
and in very public spaces,
such as the Peru National
Football Stadium in Lima,
Peru. There an interactive
lighting system has been cre-
ated that establishes a visual
connection between the fans,
their passions and the game.
The lighting actually mirrors
the mood of the crowd.
This interactivity between
the viewer and the artwork
is the soul of Harriss work.
For the Olympics he will
install a Mood Conductor
on the London Eye. This will
enable the participants to use
gestures to control the lighting
on the wheel.
The Mood Conductor is
an interactive installation
enabling a single user at a
time to express their mood
on an unforgettable archi-
tectural and visual scale, Har-
ris said. It is the first time a
large public landmark within
London has been controlled
directly by members of the
public.
The performer will be
able to use his arms and
hands to interact with the
system, and he will also be
able to use a more subtle
movement to affect the light-
ing: his heartbeat.
The symbolism of the
heart as an epicenter of felt
emotion is not merely an
artifact of mythology and
early philosophical thinking,
Harris said. Whilst there is
no evidence of hearts actually
skipping beats at the sight of
a loved one, we can be certain
that the beating of our hearts
is inextricably linked to the
way we feel.
Depending on the mood
of the user, the London Eye
may appear to sparkle or
recoil as the patterns of color,
speed, brightness and scale
mimic emotion.
Harris and his Cinimod
Studio are synonymous with
cutting edge interactive
design. The popularity of his
work world-wide keeps the
artist busy not only creating
ideas and developing the tech-
nology to follow through with
the ideas, but also traveling
throughout the world to
install his artwork.
I am most excited by my
trip to Miami where I will be
installing two very large inter-
active artworks in a home
located on Key Biscayne,
Harris said.
The collector has acquired,
among other artworks, Flutter.
Flutter mimics the motion of
butterfly flight. As the viewer
moves along the 14-foot art-
work, the butterflies respond
to the viewers movement.
Harris and his team will work
to seamlessly integrate the art-
works into the home.
Traveling to Florida is
always a pleasure as it is nor-
mally to see my parents, Har-
ris said. But, to be there in
the official capacity of artist
is fantastic too whether I
am there for the Art Basel
show or for an artwork instal-
lation.
Those wishing to see
examples of Harriss unique
work can find a list of his
installations on his web sites
www.dominicharris.com or
www.cinimodstudio.com.
While everyone will see
his Mood Conductor on The
London Eye during the
Olympics, his artwork is best
experienced in person, as the
movements and feelings of
the viewer are inherently part
of the art.
The London Eye will become a work of art during the 2012 Summer Olympics as artist Dominic Harris conducts the mood of the people with interactive lighting.
Artist Dominic Harris, Director of Cinimod Studio in
London works in the medium of light and interactive
design.
Flutter, a 14-foot artwork by Dominic Harris mimics the motion of butterfly flight as
the butterflies respond to the viewers movement.
Contributed Photos | Special to The Spotlight
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 8

Spotlight News

By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs The Lee
public school budget exceeds
$1 billion, and school prop-
erty taxes are about ten times
city property taxes in Bonita.
Nevertheless, school board
elections, with 17 percent
turnouts recently, dont seem
to attract the interest city
races do. The elections are
scheduled for the dead of
summer, when many snow-
bird voters reside up north.
This year, Les Cochran
and Cathleen Morgan are
vying for the District 3 school
board seat, which includes
the southern part of Lee
County. Incumbent Jane
Kuckel of Estero decided not
to run again, and endorsed
Morgan.
Cochran, a San Carlos
Park resident, had a try at
elective office four years ago
when he challenged incum-
bent Lee County Commis-
sioner Ray Judah.
Morgan is a Bonita Bay
resident. Its her first attempt
at elected office here.
In separate interviews,
Cochran and Morgan set
forth their qualifications and
their views.
Commitment
to Education
Each candidate has
demonstrated a commitment
to education.
Morgan served two terms
as an elected school board
member in a New York City
suburb. There, she says, I
realized how a great super-
intendent backed by a moti-
vated board could change
the thinking and change the
culture. After a career as a
Wall Street executive, she
earned a masters degree in
educational administration.
She currently serves as chair
of the Finance Advisory
Committee to the Lee School
Board.
Cochrans professional
career in education included
five years teaching in inner
city Detroit. My 38 years
of experience give me an
advantage, he said. He served
as President of Youngstown
State University and Provost
of Southeast Missouri State
University. Change is what
it is all about and I have had
experience affecting it, he
said.
School Busing
A signature theme of
Cochrans campaign is his
criticism of Lee school
spending for school bus
transportation. Morgan
views Cochrans emphasis
as a sounds good political
gambit. Thats the way the
election was won two years
ago, busing and neighbor-
hood schools, she said.
Busing costs more than
$50 million a year. In
Cochrans view that expense
is exacerbated by a school
choice system under which
parents can apply to the
school they think best for
their child, not just the one
nearest to home. He would
like to change that.
Over 70 percent of the
people who pick choice do
it for convenience, because
of where they work or the
kid gets back at 5:00 after
they get off work, said
Cochran. I am all for choice
as long as it is driven by aca-
demics.
Lets bring this thing
back to reality, Morgan said,
when asked about Cochrans
busing proposal. She sees
the busing issue as more
complicated than Cochrans
analysis would imply. Busing
costs will reduce if the Lee
Schools continue to develop
quality magnate programs
within each school zone,
Morgan said. She also favors
the revision of school choice
rules to give each child the
best chance of attending
school closest to home.
The amount we spend
on busing is consistent with
the state average in other
districts that have school
choice, she said. Thats not
a justification, thats just the
context.
The Jump Shift
The district needs a jump
shift in expectations, said
Morgan, and a strategic plan
to affect it. Every child must
graduate with 21st century
problem solving and inter-
disciplinary skills, she said.
I am all about targeted
spending, said Morgan.
Find out what works and
apply it to programs that
have demonstrated effective-
ness. As an example, she
described the transformation
of Tropic Isles Elementary
School in North Fort Myers
through the Glasser method
of managing outcome and
expectations.
Cochran too sees the ben-
efit of emulating other suc-
cessful programs. He points
to the inner city Milwaukee
school system, where 90 per-
cent of the students read at
or above grade level.
Both candidates say that
more accountability is need-
ed in the system, and that
improved student perform-
ance should be a top pri-
ority.
Social promotion is a
big part of the problem,
said Cochran. Does anyone
know of a child who has
been held back? Its a rare
occasion. We are not doing
a good job of assessing and
remediating kids on their
academic path, said Mor-
gan.
Longer School Day
The candidates disagree
on Cochrans proposal to
extend the school day. Money
spent on busing, and bloat-
ed administration, he said,
could be better used to add
an hour, costing $23 million
by his estimate. He also favors
adding a student enrich-
ment hour from 3 to 4 p.m.,
using volunteers.
Adding hours does noth-
ing when you have ineffective
school cultures, said Morgan
when asked about Cochrans
plan. We dont need one
size fits all spending pro-
grams. For example, she
said, a school like Sanibel
elementary, the highest rated
in the state, could better
spend available money on
other things if given the
choice.
Election Day is August
14, and the race is non-par-
tisan. Although the District
lines are locally defined, all
voters in Lee County are eli-
gible to vote.
Morgan vs. Cochran in
School Board Race
Morgan Cochran
Anne Macias | Special to The Spotlight
Recent
Sightings
in Bonita
Springs
A striking and gregarious
duck of the Neotropics,
the Black-bellied Whistling
Duck reaches the United
States only in the very
southern parts. Its long
neck, long legs, black belly
and white wing patch
make it a distinctive look-
ing waterfowl. Its call is a
high-pitched, soft wheezy
whistle of four to six
notes.
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 9
Page 10 August 2012

Spotlight News

TOWN TALK
The Best, and the Fastest
Joe Murgalo, General Manager of the Coconut Point Hyatt, says the Hyatt has
the best beds in town. Now it also has the fastest. Last month, the Hyatt (right)
beat the Bonita Springs Historical Society (left) and five other teams in an Old
Fashioned Bed Race on the Fourth of July in Downtown Bonita Springs.
Nine Ninety Nine
Opens on Beach Road
The Nine Ninety Nine Store celebrated their opening and ribbon cutting
ceremony with the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce recently. The
store offers a selection of clothing, jewelry, beach shoes, hats, cosmetics,
greeting cards and more for $9.99 or less.
Contributed | towntalk@swspotlight.com
Staff Photo | towntalk@swspotlight.com
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 10

Spotlight News

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Demolition Derby
Plans are in the works for
the City to tear down and
remove four private houses
that have been deemed
unsafe. The buildings are
located on Calypso Way,
Shriver Street, Wagon Trail
and Sherwood Lane, accord-
ing to city documents.
A look at Lee County
property records shows the
declining fortunes of these
properties. One building,
which today is an open shell,
was purchased in 2006 for
$175,000.
Another was bought at
tax sale for $5,100 in 2010,
after having sold for $72,000
four years earlier. Code
Enforcement Manager Chris
Campbell recently tracked
down the owner in New
Zealand. The owner has
never seen the property or
appointed anyone to look
after it, Campbell was told.
The property may come off
the demolition list if the
owner develops satisfactory
plans.
We dont take it lightly
that we are knocking down
a structure, said City Man-
ager Carl Schwing. Its a
safety issue. This is a last
resort because we cant get a
private owner to take respon-
sibility. An independent
hearing examiner has
reviewed and approved the
demolitions. Schwing dis-
tinguished these buildings
from others in town that are
not completed, but secure
and sound.
The City is seeking bids
from contractors to demolish
the structures. Costs, which
are the owners responsibility,
are estimated at about
$10,000 per property.
A BSHS Record, Aided
by Quiet Giving
The Mayor of Survey
election is the mock polit-
ical contest where the can-
didate who collects the most
charitable donations for the
Bonita Springs Historical
Society wins. This year Bill
Simons and Joe Cofield col-
lected a record amount,
$12,846.15 to be exact,
according to treasurer Veron-
ica Cleary.
The money will be well
used on the historic McSwain
House, the Old 41 building
BSHS was given 18 months
ago. Their goal is a first class
and cost efficient restoration.
In August the building will
be stabilized on a new foun-
dation. It will be lifted to
restore its appearance to its
original cracker style, accord-
ing to BSHS president Ronda
Lyles Lawhon.
Simons collected more
than $11,000, a record
amount. Cofields grand total
exceeded $1,500, including
all 8,330 dimes. The largest
check Cleary deposited was
$5,300 from the Havenick
familys Bonita dog track,
$100 for each of its years in
Bonita. We have had a great
history in Bonita but we are
not looking for recognition
for our gift, said Izzy
Havenick when reached by
phone. We really believe in
trying to give quietly. He
quickly changed the subject
to two Bonita perennials, St.
Matthews House and Florida
politics.
Other substantial contri-
butions were made, including
gifts by the Lions Club,
Shangri-La Hotel and Todd
Michaels.
Working Away
On a July Wednesday two
city maintenance men, Jason
Jaccarino and Murray Mor-
ris worked feverishly on
Away, the sculpture that
stands in Riverside Park.
Recently, the 12-foot alu-
minum piece began to sport
a tan. That unwanted patina
resulted from a chemical
reaction between the metal
and residue in water broad-
cast from an errant sprinkler
head.
After three hours work,
Away was glistening again.
The antidote was an appli-
cation of Sno Bowl, a
cleaner sometimes used on
ship hulls. Neal Rodgers,
the sculptor, mailed a how-
to video to the City showing
the cleaning process that
included a spritz of WD-40
as a finishing touch.
Its a beautiful piece,
and it looks 100 percent
better, said Nigel Fullick,
chair of the volunteer Bonita
Springs Art in Public Places
Board.
The name Away fits
the upward stretching of
the piece, said Rodgers
when interviewed by the
Spotlight early last year. Its
meant to convey a sense of
family, community and har-
mony.
The City recently pur-
chased Away for $10,000
with remaining funds in the
public art budget, and pri-
vate contributions. I am so
proud of the fact that our
community, despite hard
times, not only puts a value
on art in the city but that
we find responsible ways
for obtaining it, said Fullick.
Three years ago, with
money for arts tight, Fullick
convinced Rodgers to lend
the sculpture to the city at
no charge for 18 months,
then followed that up with
a low cost lease deal. Similar
pieces have sold to private
collectors for over $30,000.
The arts have been inte-
grated into our community,
just the way we wanted them
to, said Fullick. I cant tell
you what a kick I get out of
couples and kids taking pic-
tures of themselves with the
sculptures in Riverside Park.
Both Fullick and the
Citys Arleen Hunter singled
out the contributions of
Susan Bridges and the Cen-
ter for the Arts for creative
ideas and working with the
City.
For several years, faculty,
sculptors and other volun-
teers from the arts center
have applied wax protection
to the Citys bronze sculp-
tures. Protocols will be
developed for Away, now
that the City owns it.
There needs to be an
understanding and a write-
up that goes with each art
work that is in a public col-
lection. If work is done, it
needs to be documented,
said Bridges.
Lets focus on getting
some nice things for the
city, and some fun stuff for
the community to enjoy,
said Bridges. We want to
be of help.
Working on the
Railroad
Its a tight squeeze for
Middle School children as
they walk over the railroad
tracks on the north side of
Terry Street just west of Old
41. The metal guardrail is
close to the roadway, so the
city plans to construct a side-
walk and canal crossing on
the other side of the
guardrail. The project will
cost $40,000, to be funded
by federal community devel-
opment block grant funds.
Since the city will be con-
structing the walkway on the
railroad right of way, it will
be making a payment of
$15,000 to Seminole Gulf
Railway, LP. This is in addi-
tion to a $50,000 payment
the City makes each year to
allow traffic to traverse six
railroad crossings, according
to City officials. Railroads
have a particular set of rights
and immunities that are
granted to them, said John
Gucciardo, Assistant City
Manager.
Dirty Doggin? Next
years YMCA Independence
Day bed race should be quite
a competitive rematch. There
are whispered allegations
around town of some dirty
doggin in this years race.
Some are asking about the
accident, where a small fry
stepped in front of one of
the favored beds as it hurtled
down Old 41, causing it to
swerve and lose time.
Up and Down the Trail
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 11
Page 12 August 2012

Spotlight News

By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs A drive
down the dusty end of East
Terry in Bonita Springs yields
a piece of Florida not shared
by everyone, yet very much
part of the landscape, Prov-
idence Equestrian Center.
Horses and Florida have a
long history. Most often, the
white fences and rolling
greens of Ocala come to
mind, not the Bonita Springs
neighborhood riding center
that produces national horse
show winners.
Amanda Cassese is such
a winner. Just as the inter-
view began, a young rider
elegantly slid from her mam-
moth horse to surprise Cass-
ese with a bear hug.
We have not seen each
other in a while, Cassese
explained as the rider
returned skillfully to her
horse. I just returned from
in-patient treatment for post-
concussion syndrome.
Casual and modest with
a smile that lights up a dark
day describes Cassese. Her
best friend is Mariah, the
pony she first received as a
child and that has the tem-
perament for the children
with autism that 19-year old
Cassese currently trains.
Together Mariah and Cassese
won the Marshall & Sterling
League National High Point
Pony Jumper Championship
in 2009.
When asked about future
dreams, Cassese smiled, I
want a house with a center
courtyard for Mariah.
According to her friend,
Amy Opteyndt, 19, Amanda
is the strongest person I know,
not only physically but men-
tally. She never gives up on
anything; always finding a
way around any obstacle.
Thanks to Amanda, I am no
longer afraid of horses.
Cassese is already over-
coming obstacles to reach
her dreams. A student at
Florida Gulf Coast University,
Cassese proved her friend
right. She lost her junior and
senior year of high school
from what she calls an ordi-
nary fall in November 2009
while riding a horse that
stopped at a fence. That ordi-
nary fall led to neck and
spine injuries and concussion
symptoms that have plagued
her since, including bouts
of unexpected paralysis that
did not stop her. She gradu-
ated with her senior class
and continued at Florida
Gulf Coast University where
she currently is majoring in
psychology. She still suffers
from post-concussion syn-
drome; shes had no paralysis
for a year.
She turned pro at the age
of 18, after scoring 11th in
the nation, the first person
in Southwest Florida to go
to Intercollegiate Equestrian
Association Nationals at the
age of 17. At that event, I
selected a horse from a hat
and went on in to jump,
Cassese said.
After years winning
national horse shows, most
recently winning her division
at the Marshall & Sterling
League Nationals in 2011 in
Saugerties, New York, she is
moving into the training and
entrepreneurial aspects of
horsemanship. She coached
a young 4H rider, Morgan
Mueller, who went on to
place second at the 4H
Regional Finals in Mississippi
in July 2011. Cassese cur-
rently owns eight horses
counting her beloved Mariah.
While Providence Equestrian
is a family business, Cassese
is building her own income
stream buying and selling
horses, training horses as
well as giving riding instruc-
tions.
When I am on my horse,
we move as one. We tran-
scend anything that came
before or will follow and are
in that moment when my
horse and I each know what
to expect. With the slightest
movement, my horse knows
the command. You have to
know the language of horses.
They have one brain to
engage in repetition; their
ability to learn is within three
seconds. I seem to have an
innate ability to communi-
cate commands even with
unknown horses. Thats why
Im called the horse whis-
perer.
Cassese credits her eques-
trian activity and horses as
her therapy even though
concussions from a youth
living on the edge continue
to haunt her life. She has no
fear, ever.
Cassese is a coach for the
center's Interscholastic Eques-
trian Association (IEA) team
of middle and high school
students. She is also a coach
for the FGCU equestrian
team of about 30 members
that practices at the Provi-
dence Equestrian Center.
Sometimes we have
shows and special benefits
to raise money for our organ-
ization, including bake sales,
Cassese said. During the
summer, though, most of the
members leave the local area.
That beautiful smile is not
just for friends. Cassese also
models occasionally with
assignments that most often
relate to her equestrian activ-
ities. This is a busy young
woman, building for her
future as a college student
and working at part-time
jobs that include: horse train-
er, riding instructor and
model.
Local Horse Whisperer
Amanda Cassese
Contributed Photos| Special to The Spotlight
Amanda stands with her pony Mariah.
Amanda Cassese is shown here at the International
Equestrian Association finals with her blue ribbon.
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 12

Spotlight News

By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Finally,
City staff got the word.
After three months of
processing a development
application for a proposed
Bernwood homeless shelter
on Old 41, including two
full months since City
Councils moratorium on
shelter approvals became
effective, City staff was told
to stop.
The (moratorium)
states that it prohibits the
issuance of development
approvals, Beverly Grady,
Bonitas newly hired special
outside lawyer, told City
Council in a July meeting.
Thereforethat is the
direction given to staff, she
said.
For good measure Mayor
Ben Nelson, at Gradys sug-
gestion, asked City Council
members if they had intend-
ed to exempt the Bernwood
application, originally an
application for a St.
Matthews House shelter,
from the moratorium. Not
surprisingly, their answer
was no.
When it was filed, the
Bernwood application was
said by some to be exempt
because it was submitted
the day before City Council
enacted the moratorium.
Not so, said Grady. Her
research of what she
described as the leading legal
case led her to conclude that
the Bernwood application
is not exempt. Most impor-
tant was the fact that the
application was filed after
the moratorium was already
being considered, she said.
Is St. Matts application
really exempt? was a ques-
tion asked on these pages
when the accepted wisdom
around town was that it had
beat the clock. Gradys
straightforward analysis pro-
vides a welcome and clear
answer to that question.
So, case closed? Maybe
not yet.
The City should keep
Grady on speed dial. The
proponents of the shelter
application have another
argument. They were told
the law did not apply to
them, they say.
I communicated with
the City as soon as I heard
about the moratorium, Neil
Montgomery, attorney for
the Bernwood developer,
said at the City Council
meeting. We were advised
that we could proceed and
that if we submitted prior
to the effective date of the
moratorium, we would not
be subject to it.
Thats an argument with
a superficial appeal, but its
not the way it normally
works with government in
everyday life. Just ask anyone
who has waited in line for a
drivers license, only to be
informed that he needed
three more documents than
he was told when he called
the office.
Lets say a building offi-
cer tells a developer that
the maximum building
height is 200 feet, but the
law actually allows only 50
feet. Does he get to rely on
what he was told, and build
to four times the allowable
height?
Allowing the actual law
to be reshaped by the state-
ments and opinions of indi-
vidual government emploees
would be an unfair and
chaotic public policy.
Montgomery said she
would be submitting a letter
to the City explaining how
the applicant spent consid-
erable amounts of money
in reliance on the Citys
statements.
There are a lot of impor-
tant facts that need to be
evaluated, she said. In her
remarks before City Council,
and in a letter by the devel-
opers planner to the Citys
Community Development
department, references were
made to statements by Boni-
ta Springs City Attorney to
the effect that the morato-
rium would not, under cer-
tain circumstances, apply to
certain applications.
When asked about these
issues after the City Council
meeting, outside lawyer
Grady demurred and said
she would wait and see what
Ms. Montgomery claimed
in writing.
At the City Council meet-
ing there was a lot of talk
about fairness and appar-
ently, in the future, City
Council may be asked to
consider what is fair.
Here is a suggestion. If
the developer, in reliance
on City employee state-
ments, continued to incur
costs on his application dur-
ing the moratorium period,
the City should consider
picking up the tab for those
costs.
But it hardly seems fair
to use those statements as a
ticket to ride roughshod
over the provisions of the
law.
City Hall Commentary
Stop, in the Name of the Law
visit the all new www.swspotlight.com
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 13
Page 14 August 2012

Business & Real Estate
Downsizing? Meet a Specialist
By D.K Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Moving to
a new home is one of those
major life events that ranks
high on the stress scale. Bren-
da Bergin has experienced
it firsthand.
The move from Boston
11 years ago was a downsiz-
ing experience for me, said
Bergin owner of All the Right
Moves. The difficulties of
letting go of treasured pos-
sessions is only tempered by
the fact that I can visit my
sisters home and feel the
comfort of former belong-
ings that I gave to her in the
process.
My career path began
as an engineering manager
in the early days of the com-
puter industry I had one
of the first Macs in 1984.
After she moved to South-
west Florida, she became
involved in real estate and
still is; but in the last two
years, she found a new niche
assisting primarily seniors
with downsizing and letting
go of items no longer needed
for their future residences.
Last year she provided door-
to-door downsizing assis-
tance to approximately a
dozen clients.
In real estate, I staged
homes for sale and experi-
enced the trauma owners
felt facing the daunting task
of packing up and moving
when it also included elimi-
nating possessions they had
owned for years, Bergin said.
I found a niche market for
customized services.
Bergin meets with the
potential client and plans
their downsize experience
from sorting every possession
into categories, labeling, tak-
ing inventory, deciding where
those items selected for elim-
ination will go (charities,
Goodwill, Salvation Army,
consignment shops, EBay,
friends, relatives) packing,
labeling boxes for the move
to the new place, and arrang-
ing for moving and super-
vising setup in the new
location. Most clients con-
tract for the complete door-
to-door service.
They can see whether I
am helpful by buying four-
hour blocks of time, Bergin
said.
She has found that her
patience and communica-
tions skills are as important
as her technical skill.
I take the time necessary
for a client to become com-
fortable with the move and
the process, Bergin said. By
the time its complete, we
have become friends.
She gets to know them
intimately from the discus-
sions and counseling that
occur sorting through their
lifes possessions.
Licensed, bonded and
certified by the National
Association of Senior Move
Managers, she stresses this
is a career for a person of
high ethical standards and
empathy for seniors and their
life stories and understanding
sentimental attachment to
possessions. Most of her busi-
ness is from referrals: realtors,
retirement communities,
assisted living facilities, funer-
al homes (surviving family),
attorneys, estate managers
and word of mouth. She
networks with community
service and business organ-
izations.
Bergin explains that it
helps to let go when the
items will be valued in their
next use.
I had one client whose
spouse had a major invest-
ment in woodworking equip-
ment that was very
meaningful, Bergin said.
Gifting it to the Youth Ranch
made it possible to let go.
Another client, a local
artist, was able to part with
paintings by donating them
to the Art League.
Bergin offers the following
tips for those beginning a
downsizing project: 1) resist
the urge to rent a storage
unit; 2) sort items into sell,
donate, give away and keep;
3) consider putting valuables
in a safe deposit box and
keep medicines well-located
and available and 4) invite a
friend to comfort and assist
with the tough decisions.
Kathy O'Flinn | kathy@swspotlight.com
Brenda Bergin owner of All the Right Moves helps those moving to downsize and
then manages the move for them.
I take the time
necessary for a client
to become comfortable
with the move and
the process.
By the time its
complete, we have
become friends.
Brenda Bergin
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 14

Business & Real Estate
By Bill Barnes
Chief Executive Officer-
Bonita Springs Estero
Association of Realtors
Bonita Springs The start
of the summer season in the
Bonita Springs-Estero market
continues to be a road of
erratic sales and listings. The
overshadowing of the Presi-
dential and local elections
and the daily roll out of news,
laws and programs have
caused some buyers and sell-
ers to delay or accelerate their
plans.
The number of new single
family home listings contin-
ues to grow in this market.
Despite reports from realtors
in the field that good new
listings are hard to find, some
sellers are deciding to place
their property on the market.
In June, 173 new single family
homes entered the market,
an increase of 26 over the
147 in April. However, the
month to month increase for
the last three months is not
near the 260 new listings in
January or the 205 in March.
These do not for the most
part include any shadow
inventory of bank owned
properties that may be seen
in other parts of Lee County.
In the condominium mar-
ket, the number of new prop-
erties entering the market is
on a four-month decline
from 235 in March to 167 in
June. One reason appears to
be that some sellers are hold-
ing out to re-enter the market
in the fall in hopes of a better
price. Another reason may
be that the potential inventory
is low because 778 have sold
in 2012 and there are not a
lot of new units or big com-
plexes in the Bonita Springs
Estero market. Condomini-
um sales have declined in
the past three months. There
may be an increase in July
and in August despite it not
being season. The increase
will come if buyers from the
north were able to sell their
northern homes this past
spring, which is their best
selling season.
The high end of the mar-
ket continues to do very well
in units, and in price points.
June saw 13 homes sell and
close over $1,000,000. This
is the second month of 13
sales in this price range. There
have been 57 homes and 14
condominiums sold at over
a one million closed price in
2012. In June, Bonita Bay,
Bonita Beach and Shadow
Wood at the Brooks lead the
high-end market in sales.
Jody Burr, of the MLS Serv-
ice/Data Department of
BEAR, contributed to the
reporting in this article.
Monthly Transactions
Number of real estate transactions in the Bonita Springs Estero market
2010 April 312
January 160 May 236
February 175 June 216
March 219 July 183
April 263 August 189
May 174 September 183
June 179 October 133
July 144 November 153
August 132 December 188
September 121 2012
October 80 January 195
November 125 February 170
December 177 March 256
2011 April 294
January 165 May 272
February 215 June 257
March 271
Spotlight Real Estate Watch

80
90

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10
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30
40
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70
80
10
20
30
40
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80

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Highlights From Junes top 10 sales
27836 Hickory Blvd. $2,975,000
Bonita Beach
29110 Marcello Way $2,050,000
Mediterra
9451 Lakebend Preserve Ct. $1,485,000
Shadow Wood at the Brooks
3684 Woodlake Drive $1,225,000
Bonita Bay
The high end of the
market continues to
do very well in units,
and in price points.
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Page 16 August 2012

Giving Back

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By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Arlene Rutstein and
Nancy White demonstrate the generosity
of Bonita Springs residents once again.
They saw a need and didnt wait for
someone else but stepped in to fill it,
proving that two people can make a
positive difference in the lives of many
young children, the future leaders of
this country, according to Rutstein.
Both Rutstein and White started serving
Caf of Life participants after they
heard a presentation at United Way in
2008. They have been engaged in Caf
of Life meals since then.
They observed the many young chil-
dren and wanted to do something
special for them. If they needed meals,
chances were slim there was anything
extra to buy new books. Rutstein and
White decided to provide each child
with something new, a shiny new book
to enjoy reading food for the mind.
Rutstein started with the magic book
bag. She was joined by Nancy White
and Dianne Gigligetti. Gigligetti is bi-
lingual and acts as liaison among the
parents, kids and magic book bags.
At first, the goal was one book for
each child. Several days a month, just
before lunch ends, the books are set
out on tables for the children to look
through and pick one. Depending on
the number of books and children,
each child might receive as many as
two or three books. By the third year,
the children know what to expect and
are ready for their walk around the
tables to find their books under the
watchful eyes of their grateful parents.
Occasionally, donations from libraries
provide books that are in fine condition,
just not quite as shiny. The primary
goal is for each child to take home at
least one brand new book to open the
first time.
Nancy furnishes most of the books,
clarified Rutstein. Many books are
Scholastic Publications that she sends
from her northern residence. I fill in
the gaps so we have books that appeal
to many ages and interests.
Something Shiny and New Food for the Mind
ing July were engaged in
summer camps and not in
need of their books so no
distribution was scheduled.
Rutstein spent much of
her career with the title Edi-
tor based on occupations
that took advantage of her
journalism background. She
has a strong appreciation for
the written word and the joy
children experience with their
shiny new books. Families
in need of food support and
childrens books may find
both at Caf of Life. New
book donations for youth
pre-school through middle
school ages and financial
donations to purchase books
are welcomed.
I brought these kids
some booksmore kids
gathered. I opened my bag,
spread the books so they
could see and quietly they
took their turns and picked
their favorites, in both English
and SpanishIt feels good
to make a kid happywhen
a kid reads these books, that
small person is closing the
culture gap.
They occasionally receive
donations from individuals
and organizations, but they
havent made a point of seek-
ing help.
Its mostly been our own
small attempt to provide
something important to the
next generation, an appre-
ciation for books and read-
ing. These children are
wonderful, eager to read their
new books and thrilled when
they have a second or third
to take home to a sibling or
friend, said Rutstein.
Her friends have pictures
of family on their phones;
Rutsteins cell phone is also
full of pictures of the children
at the book events.
Book distribution dates
are announced at the Caf
of Life with cards Rutstein
prepares in Spanish. The next
distribution is during the
first few weeks of August,
August 1 and 2 and August
6 and 7. Many children dur-
Dianne Gigligetti talks to children as they
select books at the Caf of Life.
A child holds up the new
book that he chose at a
Caf of Life book distribu-
tion day.
Contributed Photos | Special to The Spotlight
Gigligetti is bilingual and acts as a liai-
son among the parents.
Want to help?
Email
ArlenRut@aol.com
I brought these kids some
booksmore kids gath-
ered. I opened my bag,
spread the books so they
could see and quietly they
took their turns and
picked their favorites.
Arlene Rutstein
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 16

Giving Back

Recently 55 women
volunteers helped ren-
ovate a home in Bonita
Springs to enable a
mother and her chil-
dren to realize the
dream of home own-
ership. The Zonta Club
of Bonita Springs
helped coordinate the
volunteers and raise the
funds for The Habitat
for Humanitys Women
Build and renovated a
home for Brandy Flores.
The work took place
from July 7 to 13 with
a home dedication on
July 14 following many
months of fundraising
totaling $50,000. Flores
also contributed time,
money and had to qual-
ify for a mortgage. Our
mission is to enhance
the status of women,
said Patty Gift, President
of Zonta Club of Bonita
Springs. What better
way to make a womans
life better than to help
her in her own efforts
to provide safe, decent,
affordable housing for
her and her family?
Opportunities
to give back
Zonta Renovates Home for
Bonita Springs Mother
Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated
CCMI is made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and
hunger in Lee County. Their reach stretches to Bonita Springs for several programs
including their backpack program. This program has provided approximately 1,400 Lee
County children with approximately 28,000 backpacks full of emergency food. Bonita
Springs Elementary is one of four schools that participates in the program. They
welcome volunteers in many areas including sponsoring a food drive, homeless services,
administrative help, Community Montessori Preschool, Meals on Wheels, the Everyday
Caf (soup kitchen) and the Choice Marketplace. Many of these services are located in
Fort Myers, but events such as food drives can be sponsored from any location. Information
on CCMI can be found on their web site at www.ccmileecounty.com.
New Horizons
New Horizons works with children in Bonita Springs and East Naples who are at-risk.
They have both a super kids club and a super teens club to help students succeed in school
and in life. As children prepare to head back to school, New Horizons purchases school
supplies, shoes and other items and gears up for a busy year of tutoring and afterschool
programs. They seek volunteers, donations and sponsors for students. When sponsoring a
student, students have access to after school tutoring, individualized learning, back to
school supplies and shoes and many more activities. Information on New Horizons can be
found at www.mysuperkidsclub.org
Contributed Photo | Special to the Spotlight
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 17
Page 18 August 2012

Giving Back

TOWN TALK
Grant Focuses on YMCA
Scholarships
As part of a focus on childrens education and
youth development, the Southwest Florida Commu-
nity Foundation recently donated $8,000 to the
Bonita Springs YMCA. The money will help the
YMCA to provide scholarships for children in the
summer camp and after school programs. Pictured
are Christine Ross, Anne Douglas, Nancy Ross,
Kenneth Modzelewski, Jacke McCurdy, Don Thom-
son, Debi Braendle and Sarah Owen with kids
from Bonita Springs.
Grant Will Bring New
Technology
to New Horizons
New Horizons recently received a
$10,000 grant from Southwest Florida
Community Foundation. The grant will
help the organization purchase iPads and
related equipment for the Super Teen
Club. The iPads will enable the teens to
complete assignments and projects for
school, to find study material such as on-
line textbooks and journals, to access the
Internet and to use free educational ap-
plications. Pictured in the photo are Ellen
Nichols, Debi Braendle, Anne Douglas
and Sarah Owen and students from New
Horizons.
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 18

TOWN TALK
Lee Back to School
Information Available Online
A Back to School section containing information for children attending Lee County
Schools is available on the districts website www.leeschools.net. The Back to School
section contains links to information such as lunch menus, supply lists, bell times,
registration information and more. Families looking for additional information that
is not on the website can call their childs school. The first day of the 2012/13
school year is Wednesday, August 8th, 2012.
2012 Candidate Forum at the Bonita
Grande Fire Station
A candidate forum will be hosted by the Bonita
Springs Chamber of Commerce on August 7 from
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The forum will feature candi-
dates running for Lee County Clerk of the Circuit
Court 20th Judicial Circuit, Lee County School
Board District 3, Bonita Springs Fire Control
and Rescue District - Seat 2 and Bonita Springs
Fire Control and Rescue District Seat 4. The
forum consists of a Q & A panel format as well as open questions from the public.
The 2012 Candidate Forum is open to the public and will allow them to become fur-
ther acquainted with the positions of these candidates prior to voting. Candidate po-
sition papers will be posted on ww.bonitaspringsgovernmentaffairs. com. The forum
will be held at the Bonita Grande Fire Station, 27701 Bonita Grande Drive Bonita
Springs. Information is available by calling the Chamber at 239-992-2943.
Dress Collection for Love That Dress
The Laser Lounge Spa hosted a dress collection party this summer. Pictured here are
Nanette Staropoli, Owners April and Jonathan Sigg and Ashley Biddinger. Dresses
collected and funds raised supported Love That Dress! benefiting PACE Center for
Girls. Its not too late to donate dresses which will be resold for nominal prices at the
main events occurring simultaneously on August 29, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m. Local
drop off locations to donate a dress before August 16: Laser Lounge Spa and BB&T
offices. See Events listing for more information.
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 19
Page 20 August 2012

Commentary

By Peter A. OFlinn
Publisher
Bonita is beautiful. Just
look at Riverside Park, for
example.
But lets be frank. The
landscaping of our public
roadways, what little there
is, leaves much to be desired.
Bonita Beach Road east
of the interstate looks like
two super-sized bowling
lanes, complete with mega-
gutters. Imperial Parkway is
almost barren, until you get
to the Collier County line.
Beach Road, our gate-
way to Bonita, is filled with
scruffy swales. Privacy walls
that the City erects around
town, including on East
Terry, Imperial Parkway and
now along Beach Road have
been left bare, giving our
town a latter day Jericho
look, as a city council mem-
ber once put it.
Lets face it. We all love
Bonita, but this is an embar-
rassment, and like your
messy room when you were
a kid, it has gone on so long
that we dont even see it.
Some say there is no
money. Thats incorrect.
There is plenty.
It is simply a matter of
priorities. The proposed city
budget is filled with millions
for road construction, includ-
ing an ongoing $6 million
project to connect a road to
Imperial Parkway. Now there
is talk about four laning Old
41 south of Beach Road just
so it better meets up with
Beach Road, which is being
widened to six lanes.
Do we need a vision for
road construction? Sure. But
how about a vision for what
we want to look like?
In the same budget, road
median landscaping projects,
that are long failed promises
from previous road building,
are relegated to a wish list
of additional items. Limited
improvements are approved
at the most basic level.
Mayor Nelson long has
been a singular leader in
community clean up efforts.
Thanks to him and others,
our dedicated tree committee
has worked hard to improve
the Citys appearance. But
we cant lay this problem at
the feet of a volunteer group
with a budget less than the
cost of a traffic study.
What needs to be done?
The City needs to define a
clear mission, and a plan to
get there quickly. That is easy
to do. You can actually see
it. Just get in your car and
drive south.
In 2003, Collier County
adopted a Landscape Master
Plan for its roadways. Its
goals include traffic calming,
screening of adjacent prop-
erties, improved property
values and a pleasant com-
munity ambiance.
Colliers plan has been
wildly successful, and so has
the City of Naples. There is
no reason why Bonita cant
be too, in a cost efficient way.
Unless our goal is to look
like Ft. Myers, its time to
stop planning landscape
improvements at the sug-
gested Lee County basic lev-
els; and its time to stop
waiting for Lee County or
our gated communities to
lead the way.
Before the City builds
another road, it should finish
the work on the roads it
already has, with proper
landscaping.
Its time for the City to
clean up its room.
Peter A. OFlinn is the Pub-
lisher of the Southwest Spot-
light News Magazine. He can
be contacted at peter@swspot-
light.com.
Commentary
Its Time for the City
to Clean Up its Room
Its an interesting and
inspiring expression, isnt it?
There seems to be a pre-
sumption built into it that
collectively we all agree and
that floating out there some-
where is an obvious and well
illustrated communal opin-
ion. But its rarely that simple.
More often than not, on
some very specific subjects
the people just dont agree,
and a clear compromise or
consensus eludes us. So, the
larger challenge may well
be How do we distill
thousands of disparate voices
into one vision or course of
action? I mean, lets face
it it can be hard enough
to get four Councilmembers
to agree on something, much
less the other 45,000 people
in our City.
Not that we dont hear
from quite a few people. We
do. But in general, we mostly
hear from the same persistent
individuals or from very pas-
sionate people who are con-
cerned about a specific issue.
This should be of particular
interest to the remaining
40,000 or so of you, who live
in Bonita Springs; because
for better or for worse, these
voices are quite often the
only ones that Council hears
from and as the saying goes
Decisions are made by peo-
ple that show up. Further
complicating the gathering
of a more representative com-
munity consensus, all of us
have a relatively small group
of people that we actually
see and hear from on a reg-
ular basis. If you take a couple
of minutes and count for
yourself youll probably come
up with no more than a
dozen or so people that you
know well and converse with
frequently. And Im betting
that the people in your group
shared most of the same
interests and opinions as you
did to begin with. (If not,
you probably wouldnt be
hanging out with them in
the first place.) This is why
during a debate youll often
hear someone say Everybody
I talk to agrees with me about
this! I have no doubt that
statement is true but does
that really qualify it as the
Will of the People?
All the studies, letters,
emails, meetings, workshops,
public comment, blogs, polls
and conversations at the club
and in the grocery store are
a good source of raw infor-
mation; but it is time, the
attentive ear, and a little
healthy skepticism that pro-
vide a steady platform for
examining and weighing all
of these voices collectively.
And beyond anyones singular
opinion or particular issues
that have come before our
City, over the last 12 years
there have been consistent
themes that have solidified.
A communal personality or
picture of who we are as
Bonitians can create a foun-
dation for the decisions that
we will make together in the
future. So if our community
could literally speak as one,
perhaps just perhaps it
would sound something like
this
We want our City to be
represented by strong, common
sense leaders that will hear
our voices and show compas-
sion and respect to all. We
love our beaches and our other
natural resources and we want
other people to love them too
but not to death. We are gen-
erous and kind, but we are
not enablers. We understand
the need to invest in ourselves
and our community, but we
demand accountability and
efficiency. We want people to
have fun, as long as they arent
too noisy, for too long. We
enjoy each others company,
but we treasure our privacy.
We love to go out to eat, but
we want to be fit and active.
We love being a small town,
but we desperately want a
successful downtown. We rec-
ognize the need for economic
development, but we dont
want our City to be over devel-
oped. We love to volunteer,
but we dont like being told
what we have to do. We like
our neighbors, but we like
them quiet, clean and law
abiding. We love to drive, but
we hate traffic. We want gov-
ernment to be light, but not
so light that it cant do
some heavy lifting for us
when we need it to. We
love to play to play golf,
to play cards, to play tennis,
to play soccer, to fish, to
boat, to shell, to swim, to
bike, to walk, to run and
to go shopping; but were
not afraid to work hard for
what we believe in. We are
proud to be patriotic indi-
viduals, and together we will
protect our community, our
children, our homes and this
City we love, with faith and
courage.
Ben Nelson Jr. is the Mayor
of Bonita Springs.
Mayors Corner
The Will of the People
Some say there is
no money.
Thats incorrect.
Letters to the Editor Policy
The Southwest Spotlight publishes letters to the editor
as space allows. Please write thoughtfully on local topics
and be respectful of others. Letters containing personal
attacks and abusive language will not be considered for
publication. Include a phone number to verify writers
identity. Letters are published at the Spotlights discretion.
All letters are subject to editing for space, grammar and
factual accuracy.
Ben Nelson Jr.
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 20

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SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:20 PM Page 21
Page 22 August 2012

Arts & Entertainment

Mature Womens
Fashion Show
Wed., Aug. 15, Noon to 2 p.m.
The Bonita Springs Recre-
ation Center will hold a fash-
ion show for mature women
with a light lunch provided.
Where: Bonita Springs Recre-
ation Center, 26740 Pine Ave.
Information: 239-992-2556.
Cost: FREE.
Arts &
Entertainment
Show Me Your Abs
Fri., Aug. 3, 6 to 8 p.m.
OpeningReception, on
display through August 30
This exhibition features
abstract art in all its forms.
This journey into abstract
art will give viewers a taste
of painting, sculpture, draw-
ing, assemblage, video, dance
and music. While most art
begins with color, form, line,
shape and composition, the
abstract artists journey takes
them to a very different con-
clusion. Opening Reception,
August 3, will also feature
live abstract artworks in
music and dance, as well as
opportunities for visitors to
create their own abstract
imagery at a unique Creation
Station. Where: The Center
for the Arts of Bonita Springs
26100 Old 41 Road. Infor-
mation: www.artcenterboni-
ta.org or call 239-495-8989.
Cost: FREE.
Improv Showcase
Tuesday, Aug. 7, 7 to 9 p.m.
The audience is part of the
show as students from the
Center for the Arts Adult
Improv II class show off their
new skills. The performance
includes games and scenes
based on audience sugges-
tions. Where: Promenade at
Bonita Bay. Information:
www.artcenterbonita.org or
239-495-8989. Cost: FREE.
Films for Film Lovers
Mon., Aug. 13 & 27, 7 p.m.
On Aug. 13, The Five Senses,
an award-winning Canadian
film, stars Mary-Louise Park-
er and Gabrielle Rose as it
explores the senses and what
it means to be human. On
Aug. 27, a French film, The
Grocers Son, is the captivating
portrayal of a young man
who left his village 10 years
earlier to pursue his dreams
in the city. When his grocer
father becomes ill, he returns
to his village to fill his fathers
role. Where: Promenade at
Bonita Bay. Information
www.artcenterbonita.org. or
239-495-8989. Cost: $8 per
person.
Art Walk
Thur., Aug. 30, 5 to 7 p.m.
Visit the artists studios,
view their art, demonstra-
tions and enjoy a live musical
concert, light refreshments
and visit the other merchants
of the Promenade. Where:
Promenade at Bonita Bay.
Cost: FREE.
Fundraisers
Love That Dress!
Wed., Aug. 29, 6 p.m.
This fundraiser for PACE
Center for Girls became an
instant hit several years ago.
Throughout the year gently
used or new dresses are
donated by their owners. On
Aug. 29, the dresses are resold
for nominal prices and all
of the proceeds go to PACE.
This year the Lee and Collier
events will be held simulta-
neously at two different loca-
tions. Separate tickets are
required. Where: Lee County,
Embassy Suites Fort Myers-
Estero, 10450 Corkscrew
Commons Drive, Estero, FL
33928. Collier County, Wal-
dorf Astoria Naples, 475 Sea-
gate Drive, Naples, FL 34103.
Information: www.lovethat-
dress.org. Cost: $25
Meetings
Southwest Florida
Federated Republican
Women
Wed., Aug. 1, 11:30 a.m.
If you are a registered Repub-
lican, interested in making
a difference and meeting
other dedicated Republican
women, join us for our
monthly lunch meetings, the
first Wednesday of every
month, starting with a
social hour, luncheon
at noon and a program of
disting uished speakers. Reser-
vations required. For infor -
mation and reservations call
Anne Brown 239-254-9979.
Where: Arbor Trace Club
House, Vanderbilt Drive,
Naples. Cost: $18 lunch.
Big Hickory Island
Preserve Plan
Meeting
Tues., Aug. 7, 6 p.m.
A public meeting regarding
the land stewardship plan
of Big Hickory Island Pre-
serve is being held at the
Bonita Springs Public
Library. The meeting focuses
on the draft of the land stew-
ardship plan of the approx-
imately 186 acre parcel
managed by Lee County
Parks and Recreation that is
directly adjacent to the Gulf
of Mexico with planned
future amenities. The draft
is available for viewing at
the Bonita Springs Public
Library or online at
www.conservation2020.org.
Where: 26876 Pine Ave.
Bonita Springs, FL 34135.
Democratic Club of
Bonita Springs &
South Lee County
Tues., Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
Meets 3rd Tuesday of
each month. Where: Center
for the Arts of Bonita Springs,
26100 Old 41 Road.
For more information con-
tact Larry Byrnes at 239-
634-6469.
Toastmasters
International
Wed., Aug. 8 & 22, 7 p.m.
The Bonita Springs
chapter of Toastmasters
International meets the sec-
ond and fourth Wednesdays
of each month. Toastmasters
teaches their members good
communication by helping
with public speaking and
leadership.Where: Bonita
Springs Fire House 27701
Bonita Grande Drive. For
information call Scott Vail
at 239-777-3642.
Come watch the
action live and
in person
Wed., Aug. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 15, 9 a.m.
Bonita Springs City
Council. Where: City Council
Chambers, 9101 Bonita
Beach Road.
All dates, times and prices
are subject to change.
EVENTS
Small Town Charm.
Big Bright Future.
Small wn Charm. T
Big Bright Future.
Small
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Big Bright Future.
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SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 22


SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 23
Page 24 August 2012


Show Me Your Abs Exhibition
Opening Reception & Campus Open House
Center for the Arts of Boni ta Spri ngs
Friday August 3, 2012; 6:00pm
J oi n us L i v e at t he Pr omenade i n Boni t a Bay.
Tickets: call 239-495-8989 or visit www.artcenterbonita.org
Terry Cole &
the Honky Tonk Hitmen
Thursday, August 9, 7:00pm
$15 members / $20 non-members
Li ve!
at the Promenade
The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs Presents
Sunny by Eileen Walden Johnson
On display through August 30, 2012
Center f or the Arts of Boni ta Spri ngs
2100 O|d 41 koad onita Springs PL
239.495.8989 www.artccntcroonita.org
Down Home Country Classics...Put on your cowboy hats and boots for this
night of country music with Terry Cole & the Honky Tonk Hitmen. Just try
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SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 24


By Meghan Easterly
meghan@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs The work
of Tom OHara is some-
times otherworldly, with a
science fiction feeling.
Other times it is a primor-
dial creature that could have
crawled from the primitive
Earth. It is always unique
and intriguing, a blend of
painting and sculpture that
seems to take on life and
walk from the gallery walls.
OHara moved to Bonita
Springs this year, and has
made an impression on the
local art scene. His art is
well received throughout
Florida and other
parts of the United
States, perhaps
because it is so dif-
ferent and makes
such a statement.
This uniqueness
comes from the life
of the artist, which
itself has been a
unique opportunity
to study artistic styles
and cultures.
I can remember
it as if it were yester-
day, OHara says. I
began art starting in
kindergarten when I
impressed my teacher
with my drawings.
The young artist was
encouraged by his parents
and teachers throughout
his early life. They supplied
him with materials and fed
his curiosity. He attended
the Worcester Art Museum
classes for gifted children,
and continued to expand
his artistic endeavors
through high school as he
prepared for college.
High school was the
same. They offered good
courses in art and the teach-
ers were first rate, OHara
said. Fortunately I was
raised in the Boston area,
a place where numerous
museums and cultural
activities were available to
young people.
As OHara studied art
at Clark University he had
the opportunity to become
an exchange student in
Mexico. There he attended
the well-known Instituto
Allende where he immersed
himself in art.
The dramatic Mexican
style and social art was very
different from what I was
used to and the vivid colors
were a revelation which
deeply affected my work,
OHara said.
Upon graduation from
Clark, OHara was awarded
a Fulbright Fellowship for
overseas study in Brazil.
The Brazilians freedom
of style and tropical colors
allowed me to see art in a
new light, and profoundly
affected my early work,
OHara said. As a society,
Brazilians are very creative
and imbued with a rich
artistic sense that I enjoyed
being a part of.
When OHara returned
to the United States, the
Abstract Expressionism
movement was winding
down and he says the art
world became a free-for-
all.
He began experimenting
with 3D mixed media art,
then sculpture, later dis-
covering 3D Assemblage
Art.
This is a bridge between
painting and sculpture,
OHara said. That seems
to be my comfort zone and
I continue to work in three
categories of this art form.
The categories are:
1. Organic, using complete-
ly organic materials found
in nature.
2. Bionic: a combination
of organic and man-made
materials.
3. Counter-culture Steam-
punk art which creates
strange inventions and
imaginary contraptions
from discarded electro-
mechanical materials in
order to form sculptural
art forms.
The combination of
materials and styles in this
artwork is captivating. It
makes one imagine crea-
tures from the deepest
depths of the oceans and
the outer reaches of the
Universe. It is truly a unique
experience to stand before
the work of OHara.
Currently, OHaras work
can be found in the summer
exhibitions at the Center
for the Arts of Bonita
Springs. Examples are also
available on the artists
web site at www.
artistohara.com.
Other Worldly Art of Tom OHara
Contributed Photos| Special to The Spotlight
Tide Traveler wall sculpture by Tom OHara.
Gatekeeper wall sculpture by Tom OHara.
Resonance combined mediums assemblage painting by Tom OHara.
Tom OHara
Artist Spotlight
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 25
Page 26 August 2012

Community

Bonita Springs Yesterday
at lunch an employee of mine
told me that all four of his
children, all under the age of
10, each had their own iPad.
Yep... thats what I said too!
Thats NUTS! He put his
hands on his hips and looked
at me like I was 100 years old
and said You know its
not just something to play
with. It teaches them stuff
too. How to solve problems,
how to fix things... But his
voice faded into the back-
ground as I thought back to
a time when my father gave
me a gift that probably elicited
a similar reaction. The Scout.
I was 10 years old when
my dad gave me the small,
green, 4-wheel-drive jeep type
pick up truck made by Inter-
national Harvester. It was
good enough to drive in the
woods but not legal to drive
on the highway. Since I was
in elementary school, this
described me as well, so we
were a perfect fit.
For the next few years I
would drive the Scout around
and around and around a
self-made off road racetrack
in the woods next to my par-
ents hardware store on Old
41 (where Stans Subs and
the Literacy Council are now),
until the Scout would break
down, catch on fire or get
stuck. When it broke down,
I would fix it myself, replacing
broken axels, springs, the
clutch or whatever else was
wrong learning by doing.
When I got it stuck or flipped
it over on its side, I would
work by myself with a shovel,
scrap boards and a car jack
for as long as it took to get it
moving again. Although at
the time I thought I was just
having fun, I was actually
learning valuable lessons in
problem solving, the laws of
physics and mechanical engi-
neering, as well as building
self reliance and confidence.
It also fed the inventive
side of me, like when I
attached a snorkel to the
Scout, which allowed me to
drive it under water when
my buddies and I traveled in
the swamps east of Bonita.
The Scout would bubble
along quietly while our grin-
ning disembodied heads glid-
ed along the surface of the
dark brown swamp water.
But, being a preteen boy, I
was also inspired to engage
in some rather questionable
creative behavior (dont try
this at home!) like towing
one of my buddies little broth-
ers behind the Scout on a
piece of plywood.
In all fairness, I have to
give a great deal of credit for
this idea to my friend Billy.
(Youre welcome Billy!) He
came up with the idea and
also supplied his little brother
Danny as a test pilot for what
he believed would be a new
sport. Amazingly, while his
big brother sat in the back of
the Scout as spotter, little
Danny managed to stay on
his wooden sled, tied onto
the back of the Scout with a
30-foot-long rope, for over a
minute before it plowed
through a palmetto patch at
20 miles an hour and became
airborne. When Billy saw his
screaming little brother flying
through the air clutching the
piece of plywood, he realized
that he had just invented the
sport of parasailing, and in
his excitement yelled WHOA!
Now, I thought that WHOA
meant stop, so I slammed on
the brakes, which caused little
Danny to make a perfect crash
landing into the back of Scout
on top of his brother. (Lets
see you do that with an iPad!)
I thought this was hilarious...
until the plywood came
smashing through the Scouts
back window. And although
we had broken the window
and possibly a couple of laws,
I have to point out that we
did not break Danny... at least
physically. To his credit, Billys
little brother never squealed
on us. So to show our grati-
tude we let him ride inside
the Scout most of the time.
Im not sure that my father
intended the Scout to be a
teaching aid, but as I type
this story on my iPad... I do
remember his nodding his
head and smiling as he
watched me crawl out from
under the hood, turn the igni-
tion key and bring the Scout
back to life, one more time.
Thanks Dad.
Read more antics from the life
of Mayor Ben Nelson Jr. at
www.swspotlight.com or www.
theotherbennelson.blogspot.com
The Other
BEN
BEN NELSON JR.
The Scout
Neil Nelson | Special to The Spotlight
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 26

Community

ight
oves
the ll
Brenda Bergin
Downsizing & Moving Coordinator
NEED ASSISTANCE DOWNSIZING & MOVING?
Call: 239-248-7284 or email: BrendaBergin@earthlink.net

Member: National Association of Senior Moe Managers
www.SeniorHomeMoves.com free in-home consultations
Licensed
Bonded
Insured
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Bonita Springs My name
is Sara Haven. Ive been in
Bonita Springs for 21 years.
This is my home. I am a
Bonitian.
Even though I was born
in Massachusetts, I would
never want to move away
from here. It is a true par-
adise! What is there not
to love about this place?
Growing up here I spent
most of my time at Bonita
Beach or at Shangri-la
hotel and Spa. Both of my
parents worked there. I
loved walking the grounds
beneath the giant trees pre-
tending I lived in a differ-
ent world.
I went to school here
and decided to stay here
to live and work. I meet
the most interesting people
at my job at LaMouche
Salon and Spa. I couldnt
ask for better clients and
co-workers. Its nice to live
in a place where you really
know the people in your
community and they know
you.
I had the best childhood
and Im excited to live
here with my husband
and raise our daughter
Ava here. Im happy to
know that she will be sur-
rounded by the same
magic that I was.
Why I Love Living in Bonita Springs
Sara Haven
Bonita Springs Would you
purchase a $500 suit (or
dress) off the rack without
having it tailored or altered?
For the price youre paying,
it should be perfect. This is
the same expectation I have
for golf equipment. It is
unfortunate however that
the price we pay for the
equipment, does not guar-
antee a high quality or con-
sistent product. Similar to
the range of sizes that fit
from different clothing lines,
there are no standards in the
golf industry when it comes
to the clubs shaft flex. A reg-
ular flex shaft from one man-
ufacturer could be as soft as
the ladies flex in another, or
the complete opposite can
occur, and it could end up
being a stiff flex.
The goal behind a prop-
erly fit golf shaft is to help
load and unload as much
energy as possible, and trans-
fer it to the golf ball at impact.
Besides the flex, there are
other important factors to
consider when choosing a
driver shaft model. Shaft
weight, flex or bend point,
the spin rate generated, and
the torque are all equally
important. Where the shaft
bends will help determine
the ball flight or trajectory
and can influence the golf
balls launch angle by at least
2 to 3 degrees. It can produce
a high ball flight by flexing
at the lower end of the shaft
near the club head, or it can
help produce a lower ball
flight by flexing towards the
top of the shaft. Golf shafts
are available from 34 grams
up to 115 grams in graphite
for woods and irons. Steel
shafts also provide many
weight choices from 65
grams up to 160 grams.
Heavier shafts will generally
fit golfers with an aggressive
swing tempo by slowing the
club down slightly, but just
enough to move impact clos-
er to the sweet spot. Lighter
shafts are effective in increas-
ing club head speed, but too
light of a shaft, and the out-
come is lost control of the
club head and shot.
Due to marketing, most
golfers believe that the slower
the club head speed, the soft-
er the golf shaft flex should
be to fit them. This is not
true because golfers can have
a slow club head speed but
an aggressive tempo or short
abrupt back swing. Since
the shaft takes this abuse it
will need to be a stiffer flex
to hold all of its energy until
impact. Vice versa is true,
when a golfer has fast club
head speed but a slow grad-
ual acceleration and tempo,
i.e. Ernie Els. The shaft flex
will need to be softer to
ensure it doesnt unload prior
to striking the golf ball.
Golf shafts are a lever that
load and unload in the same
manner of a fishing rod.
There are devices other than
a launch monitor that will
measure this pressure and
force applied to the shaft so
that acceleration is consistent
throughout the entire back
swing. It is crucial to be fit
for both. An improper shaft
will create inconsistent club
head speed, thus distance
issues and haphazard golf
shots. Drivers and fairway
woods will become unreli-
able because the shaft launch-
es the ball to different
distances and in different
directions. So the next time
your tee shot goes astray,
look to alter the shaft for
your solution.
Josh Musselman is a PGA
professional, 2008 Horton
Smith Award recipient,
2006-2012 Worlds Top 100
Club Fitter recipient and can
be reached via email at
info@golfexpress.org.
TEE BOX
TIPS
JOSH MUSSELMAN
High Price Doesnt
Guarantee
High Quality
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 27
Page 28 August 2012

Community

Bonita Springs Butterflies,
Bees and Batsoh my!
For over 3 years, I had to
wonder what the box on
top of the pole was all about
and recently I finally found
out. I learned that the wood-
en box donated by Bonita
Nature Place neighbor Cul-
lum Hasty was a home for
bats and the pole it sits high
upon was also donated by
Florida Power and Light.
But, it wasnt until one
evening when a group of
people gathered around that
pole that I found out more.
I listened as Cullum
explained the bat house and
that these tiny creatures that
come out in the night live
in the box; its their home.
Wow, I am usually snuggled
down in my burrow for the
night and had no idea that
there was so much life going
on at night.
He told the
group who
were waiting
for the bats to
emerge that
they are called
Free Tailed bats
and they are
about 4 inches
long and weigh
half an ounce. They are
mammals and love to eat
mosquitoes. They sleep all
day and then leave the box
to hunt all night. Cullum
stated that he had counted
over three hundred bats
leaving the bat house each
night at dusk in search
of food and returning to
the bat house early in the
morning.
I made myself comfort-
able at the opening of my
burrow within the Gopher
Tortoise preserve area and I
waited and watched too.
Sure enough, a couple of
minutes after he said they
would, they started leaving
the box. They actually started
dropping from the slight
opening in the bottom of
the box and then became
airborne. We could hear
them squeaking, it was like
they were so happy to be
out and flying and gathering
up insects to eat.
Cullum also explained
how the Florida bat popu-
lations are declining due to
the overuse of pesticides,
insecticides and from a loss
of suitable nesting habitat.
Boy, that all sounded too
familiar like what is hap-
pening to so many Florida
natives, including the
Monarch butterfly, panthers,
honeybees and Gopher Tor-
toises, like me.
Everyone there was excit-
ed to see the bats and learn
more about these little guys.
I have to say that I was
most surprised at how fast
they were flying overhead,
but then again, well, almost
everything moves fast com-
pared to me.
Goober is a gopher tortoise liv-
ing at the Bonita Nature
Place.
Goober and the Bats!
Dog of the month
Buddy graduated with his owner, Stephanie Mejia, from the University of South
Florida. Buddy is back in Bonita Springs and is Augusts dog of the month, and is the
winner of a $25 gift certificate to Pet Paradise in Bonita Springs. Email your favorite
photos of your best friend to dog@swspotlight.com and your dog could be the next
dog of the month.
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 28

Community

By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Satcha and
Pam Umscheid started their
11 year relationship with a
fish. Umsheids previous
long-haired dachshund was
a rescued dog and a beloved
family pet that had been
gone for nearly two years.
Their busy lifestyle did not
leave room for a new dog.
Lets go to Fort Myers
and trade my fish, suggested
her spouse, Tom, one Florida
morning. You can play with
the puppies.
The trip to the pet shop
was for the aquarium. Little
did they know that the pup-
pies that day would include
a charming dachshund, black
with long hair.
Umscheid made three
more trips to the pet shop
in Fort Myers to visit the
puppy before she could resist
no longer. She bought the
puppy and took her home.
Soon Satcha was playing
puppy tricks on the family
in their Bonita Springs home.
The first look at the black
puppy with big feet stole
Umscheids heart. It was true
that the entire family had
careers and a new puppy
was challenging compared
to an older dog. They pre-
ferred dogs from shelters.
Their son Luke started with
a list of reasons why they
did not need another dog
and ended naming the new
puppy.
Satcha was supposed to
be a mini. Big feet were a
clue to the present 21 pounds
instead of six to eight,
explained Umscheid.
The dachshund, meaning
badger dog in German,
was bred in Germany three
centuries ago as a hunting
dog with a keen sense of
smell. It is one breed with
three varieties (longhaired,
smooth and wirehaired) and
two sizes (standard and
miniature). Described by the
AKC as a lovable and playful
companion, it is a popular
pet, no longer thought of as
a fighter of vicious badgers.
The puppy trained quick-
ly and slept most of the day
when the family was not
home. Umscheid returned
home at lunch. An active life
has never required a kennel;
friends or family watch
Satcha if she just cant travel
along. She would miss her
neighborhood where shes
everyones friend and has a
special ability to calm even
the hyper dogs. She simply
sits still until they calm down.
As a puppy, she tried the
usual puppy tricks: trailing
toilet paper around the
house; wearing embarrassing
articles of clothing into the
midst of company; and actu-
ally fighting for clothing
while a family member was
dressing. Those days evolved
into watching the neighbor-
hood from the window and
enjoying her visits on the
leash.
Her special friend is the
neighbors small parrot,
Sport, perhaps more a curios-
ity than a friend. When the
neighbor travels, Umsheid
and Satcha watch the parrot.
Once, when Sport was on
the porch, an open cage door
provided unexpected free-
dom; Umscheid found both
the parrot and Satcha walking
in circles around the table
legs, stopping to stare at each
other, not quite sure how to
react to sharing the same
space.
Satcha learned quickly
that Sport is an eating
machine. Satcha hovers
around the cage to pick up
what Sport might throw out
or drop. Each time Satcha
eats on schedule, Sport dines
as well. Satcha is quite toler-
ant of the feathered visitor
just as she is tolerant of other
dogs.
Satcha is content watch-
ing clouds and birds and
neighbors from the front
window, said Umscheid.
She is a very calming influ-
ence by her own easy going
disposition; however, she can
be quite stubborn. When its
time for a walk, she might
decide to just sit instead. I
have actually carried her
nearly half a block to let her
know sitting was not an
option!
Satcha has one speed,
slow (unless she sees a squir-
rel). As a result, she forces
her busy family to slow
down and appreciate a walk
and what they see around
them.
Taking care of her yields
unconditional love and
appreciation thats hard to
find everywhere. She makes
us laugh. We are more
human because Satcha is in
our lives, Pam said with a
smile.
If you have a dog that you think
is particularly wonderful, contact
us at info@swspotlight. com and
he or she could be the next dog
featured in this column.
Bonitas
Best Friends
D.K. CHRISTI
Contributed | Special to The Spotlight
Satcha is a long-haired dachshund that stole Pam
Umscheids heart.
Curious and Calming Satcha
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 29
Bonita Springs I was
recently taking a walk on
the beach as part of my
evening routine. I consis-
tently tell my patients that
exercise is an integral part
of our physical and mental
well-being so Im sure to
practice what I preach!
However, as is typical of
Southwest Florida weather,
a small storm was brewing
on the horizon. I saw the
dark clouds, with dashes of
lighting thrown in for effect,
and hurriedly ended my walk
and rushed back to my
home. For a brief moment,
I thought, Phew! Its too
muggy today for a walk any-
how! and I smiled when I
reached the air-conditioned
comfort of my living room.
As expected, I took off
my shoes, poured a glass of
iced tea, got comfortable and
picked up the news. With
that I was barraged with a
variety of stories, some good,
some entertaining but many
were stress filled: economic
woes, housing crisis, military
strife and suddenly I realized,
I needed to be more mindful
of the importance of daily
routines. The benefit of taking
time for yourself, away from
the daily grindto be mindful
and appreciative of the simple
things in life (and, yes, that
includes a brewing storm) is
essential to our mental and
physical well-being.
Whether it is a walk on
the beach, a cup of tea on
your patio while listening to
the crickets chirp in the yard,
or meditating for 10 minutes,
the need for your brain to
relax is essential. As noted
in Psychology Today, The
Benefits of Meditation, neu-
roscientists have found that
people who routinely use
meditation as a way of relax-
ation shift their brain activity
to different areas of the cortex
brain waves in the stress-
prone right frontal cortex
move to the calmer left
frontal cortex. This mental
shift decreases the negative
effects of stress, mild depres-
sion and anxiety.
Im glad to report that I
did put down the news and
took my own advice. On
went my shoes as I headed
back to the beach. What I
found was amazing! A cooler
breeze wafted across the
waves, crabs scurried about
finding evening shelter, sea
shells in abundance and 10
minutes of listening to the
rumble of the sea found me
at peace with the day.
Gratefully, when I awoke
the next day, I found a smile
on my face and a jump in
my step, eager to meet new
patients and share important
relaxation techniques with
everyone who was available
to learn!
Helpful tips:
Daily meditation, 5-10
minutes of quiet time, will
help you to relax and bring
your thoughts, feelings and
energy into focus. Be sure
to schedule it into your
day.
Routine exercise is impor-
tant to keep your body
and mind healthy. Schedule
it into your calendar and
stick-to-it!
Do exercises which you
enjoy 5 days a week
keeping in mind that
morning exercise is best
for your body. Occasionally
reward yourself with a
break from your routine.
When you wake up in the
morning be grateful for
the gift of a new day. Cher-
ish the gift of life!
Dr. Stan J. Strycharz is a
licensed, clinical psychologist
practicing in Bonita Springs.
He can be contacted at
www.drstan.net.
Bonita Springs When I
met the man who would
become my husband, he had
the cutest little 3-year-old
niece, Ellie. Her parents came
to visit us in Florida (they
lived in Tennessee where my
husband is from). We took
Ellie sailing, went to the
beach and she and I loved
each other instantly. I
remember giving her the
book Click, Clack, Moo:
Cows that Type by Doreen
Cronin because it was one
of my favorites at the time.
We later moved to Ten-
nessee for a short period
when Ellie was four. We spent
time hiking in the Smoky
Mountains, boating on the
lake, playing with ink stamps
and markers. That fall, her
parents found out they were
having twins. We were on
the cusp of moving back to
Florida.
The twins were born that
spring and Ellie turned 5.
Later that year we had our
first child and then Ellies
parents had another baby
the next summer. Basically,
life got busy for us, and for
Ellie.
We go to Tennessee once
or twice a year and see Ellie
and her three little sisters
for a day or so. It never feels
like enough time to really
know them. But, life is busy,
and thats all we have.
This summer though, we
got a surprise. While we were
staying with my husbands
parents near Nashville, Ellies
parents decided to bring all
four girls to spend half the
week with us and our daugh-
ter. So, now we had 10-year-
old Ellie and four little girls
under the age of 5. Our
daughter, an only child,
couldnt have been happier.
She clung to Ellie, just as
Ellie had clung to me when
she was 4. She giggled, and
whispered with all of her
cousins. My mother-in-law,
Mama Dean, and I had an
assembly line of meals, hair
braiding, bath time, teeth
brushing and bed time. We
were exhausted and I wonder
how my brother-in-law
and his wife keep up!
Every morning
my husband and I
went golfing, and Ellie
came along to drive
the cart (and escape
the four little girls).
Dont get me wrong,
they are all sweet and we
love them to pieces, but they
argue over everything, what
color of cup they get, who
had more milk in their glass,
who got to play with each
toy and on and on. It was
nice to get Ellie alone for a
while so we could talk. Morn-
ing golf with Ellie became a
respite for the three of us.
During these outings to
the course, Ellie and I began
to talk about books. It turns
out she was reading The
Hunger Games by Suzanne
Collins which I still had not
read. I couldnt believe she
had never read one of my
all time favorites, the Harry
Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
I realized, sitting there with
her, that Ellie is at one of
my favorite reading ages.
The books for 5th grade to
high school readers are
amazing. I started ticking
off a list to her, some she
had read, and some she had
never heard of. Then she
ticked off a list for me, many
I had never read either. We
decided that we need to e-
mail booklists back and
forth.
Luckily, Ellie received an
iPod touch for her 10th
birthday so we can stay con-
nected through text and
e-mail and during our two
busy lives, we can pause and
say hello, how are
you and what
are you reading today?
My daughter loves to
FaceTime with all of our
family. Its as if, because of
technology, we are never
really far away. For me, this
is such a gift for my daugh-
ter. My family has always
given me the strength and
courage to do everything
that I do. I watch my daugh-
ter developing the same rela-
tionships, and sigh with
relief. I know that she will
have that firm sense of fam-
ily, of love and security and
I am happy.
Meg-a-mom is the secret iden-
tity of Meghan Easterly, a
writer, photographer, editor
and all around supermom
living in Bonita Springs.
Page 30 August 2012

Community

MEGA
MOM
MEGHAN EASTERLY
Beautiful Bonita
Star-Spangled Bonita.
Your opportunity to
relive the great 4th of July
party. From the 5K race to
the old-fashioned bed race,
from the cupcake war to
the hot dog contest, from
the live music to Bonita
Fire Parade, check it out.
You are probably in it.
Untold Stories
Bonita Springs
A trip to the past. How
Bonita Springs became
Bonita Springs. Produced
by WGCU.
Government Works
Rain Barrels Work-
shop
Catch up on a quick and
easy way to save money
and save water at the same
time. Rain barrels are a
great idea already adopted
by hundreds of folks in
Bonita. Are you one of
them?
City Meetings
Dont miss a beat. The
City broadcasts its elected
officials meetings live on
channel 98. Every week you
can re-visit the most recent
City Council Meetings, City
Council Zoning Meetings,
Local Planning Agency
Meetings and the Zoning
Board Meetings.
Also, you can see the
latest Fire Commissioners
meeting Monday at 8pm.
This program is produced
by the Bonita Springs Fire
Control & Rescue District.
If you have any ideas for
programming you would
like to see on BTV98, email
lora.taylor@cityofboni-
tasprings.org . Write BTV98
suggestions in the subject.
BTV98s schedule is subject
to change. For more complete
information on all current
programming, visit www.
bonitatv.org.
Keeping in
iPod Touch
MIND
SOUL
STAN J. STRYCHARZ, Psy.D.
Relax and Enjoy
the Storm
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 30

Community

By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs A good
night of sleep is essential
to good health, according
to Mitchell Petusevsky,
MD, FCCP of Bonita
Springs. Correction of habits
that contribute to insomnia
is a much better form of
treatment than long-term
use of sleeping medications.
Petusevsky is one of this
areas few physicians board-
certified in sleep disorders.
His recommendations fit
with those of the Mayo Clinic
and nationally recognized
sleep disorder expert, Claudia
M. Toth, Psy.D., CBSM,
Behavioral Sleep Medicine
Specialist, Harvard Medical
School. A summary of their
common sense approach fol-
lows.
Adults with sleep depri-
vation may be subject to
mood changes, immune sys-
tem weaknesses, difficulties
with weight control and a
general lethargy and lack of
vitality. Quality of life is
diminished and the aging
process feels worse due to
the lack of energy. Adults
need from seven to nine
hours of quality sleep,
depending on the individual.
Awaking rested provides a
sense of well-being that con-
firms a good nights sleep.
Insomnia is a regular topic
of conversation around the
bridge table, on the golf
course and in the workplace.
Grocery shopping at 2 a.m.
at the 24 hour Wal-Mart or
picking up pharmacy items
at the 24 hour CVS and Wal-
greens pharmacies is a solu-
tion for some who give up
on sleep and attempt to make
use of the time beyond read-
ing, computer use or house-
hold activity. Others catch
up on their exercise at a 24-
hour fitness location. Actu-
ally, instead of remaining in
bed stressed from wakeful-
ness, occasionally using that
time for an activity may con-
tribute to a good nights sleep
the next night. Making it a
habit is the risk.
Dr. Petusevskys patient
survey elicits possible sources
for sleep deprivation and
provides a reference for solu-
tions:
n What time do you go to
sleep and wake up? Do
you maintain the same
sleep and wake schedule
on the weekends or tend
to sleep longer?
n How much caffeine do
you drink?
n Do you smoke?
n How much alcohol do
you drink?
n Is your room dark, quiet
and comfortable?
n Do you read, watch tele-
vision, or engage in activ-
ities other than sleep in
the bedroom?
n Do you nap during the
day?
n How long does it take for
you to fall asleep most
nights?
n Do you have pets that
sleep in the bedroom?
n Do you have young chil-
dren who keep you awake
at night?
n Does your bed partner
snore or interfere with
your sleep?
n When do you eat dinner?
n Do you exercise? What
time of the day?
Corrective solutions
include the sleeping envi-
ronment, lifestyle and med-
ical issues.
Keep the sleeping envi-
ronment free of distractions,
dark and preferably cool.
Eliminate electronics. Even
a clock creates stress as the
wakeful person sees another
hour has passed without
sleep. Green and red dots
blinking, cell phones vibrat-
ing and televisions flashing
even the anticipation of
their use changes the brain
chemistry to expectation
instead of relaxation. Pets
sleep best in their own quar-
ters. Anecdotal evidence sug-
gests that counting
backwards, thinking about
a gratitude list, and distract-
ing a busy mind with a single
problem like consecutively
subtracting three from 100
sometimes help that first
drift into sleep.
Lifestyle changes include
breaking old habits and start-
ing new ones. Eliminate
excessive salt, sugar, caffeine,
alcohol and nicotine. They
interfere with the natural
body rhythms. Eat nutritious
meals and drink water
instead. Keep heavy meals
early in the day and only
light food choices in the
evening. Skip the 11 p.m.
news for its stress inducing
messages; watch at 6 p.m.
Avoid emails and stress
inducing texts, computer
issues or television that
evokes negative emotions
just before bed. Relax with a
soothing bath, a massage,
pleasant reading and con-
versation, soothing music
and smiles. Exercise earlier
in the day; nothing like a
run before bed to keep run-
ning all night. Maintain a
consistent waking and sleep
schedule, even on weekends
and vacations. Train the brain
to turn off and the body to
relax. Train family and
friends to respect the sched-
ule.
The third area, medical
issues, requires consultation
with a physician. Medications
and illness may interfere with
sleep patterns. Occasionally,
sleep disorders require sleep
analysis that leads to a med-
ical intervention. Sleep dep-
rivation is serious; try new
habits and sleep well.
Cant Sleep? Try This
Adults with sleep deprivation may be
subject to mood changes, immune system
weaknesses, difficulties with weight control
and a general lethargy and lack of vitality.
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3300 Bonita Beach Road, Ste.122
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
(Bonita Beach Rd & 41-next to Publix)
9$&880 '(327
Super Store
239-947-1955
e Cadillac of Vacuums
that Deserves a Test Drive
#1 Rated by Consumer Guide
Come in for a test drive and get a
$25 gas card for any Simplicity
purchased over $199.99
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SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 31
Page 32 August 2012

Community

By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Estero The Koreshan State
Park experience is two-fold,
an historical walk through
the remnants of a thriving
utopian 19th century reli-
gious commune and a mod-
ern day retreat with camping,
canoeing, picnicking and
hiking on over 650 acres
along both sides of the Estero
River where Corkscrew Road
meets U.S. 41.
The modest entry fees
provide the visitor with end-
less hours in a natural envi-
ronment, in the midst of
developments all around.
Giant stands of ancient bam-
boo play their music along
the trails with over 1,700
foot frontage on the Estero
River offering a cool breeze
on a hot summer day. Canoes
provide escape from the heat
under the moss draped tree
canopies over the river. Trail-
ing a line in the water might
yield an edible fish or two
for the licensed fisherman.
The modern world disap-
pears.
Ghost Walks and Histor-
ical Luncheons are two very
popular events unique to the
history of Koreshan State
Park, officially deeded to the
State of Florida in 1961.
From 1894 to 1961, Koreshan
State Historic Site was home
to a small sect of religious
people whose ideas and
beliefs ranged from sheer
genius to nearly ludicrous
from a modern perspective.
It all began with Cyrus Teed
of New York.
Teed had some experience
with Shakers, a religious sect
that had their own modest
ways of life that included
celibacy and raising other
peoples children. One night
Teed had an illumination
in a dream, visited by a
female embodiment of a
spiritual experience, telling
him to form a new religious
sect (some called it a cult)
and laying out the principles.
He and a few of his followers
left New York and merged
with another similar sect in
Chicago. They had about 75
members with beliefs that
included communal living,
separation of the sexes,
celibacy for the highest spir-
itually evolved members, the
equality of women and a
strange view of the cosmos.
According to Michael
Heare, Park Services Spe-
cialist and expert on Kore-
shan history, Teed believed
no God would allow people
to live on the outside of the
earth, hurling into space. He
believed our Universe was
contained inside a giant hol-
low sphere, the Earths land
and seas were on the inside
surface of this sphere; the
Sun, Moon, Planets and Stars
were all in the center of this
sphere in a giant ball of gas;
in other words, the Universe
was finite.
Teed named himself
Koresh, a Hebrew word for
shepherd; his followers
became Koreshans.
About 75 members fol-
lowed him to the present
site of the Koreshan State
Park that the founders
named, New Jerusalem.
Their society grew to about
250 members before it started
to decline. They were an
independent commune,
nearly self-sufficient and very
industrious. Today, volun-
teers in vintage dress carry
on the occupations of the
original Koreshans for tour-
ing history buffs during win-
ter Ghost Walks. Eleven
remaining buildings are listed
on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Koreshans were known
locally for their bakery and
had their own generator to
provide alternating current.
Plans were underway for
underground utilities. Kore-
shan governance gave equal
voice to women; it was a
cult without prejudice,
ahead of its time. Principles
included an appreciation for
books, education, music, sci-
ence and art and forbade
alcohol, opium and tobacco.
The model of the cosmos
inside a giant globe is on
display at the park.
Their decline may be
credited to celibacy, the strict
and disciplined lifestyle, the
death of Teed and the chang-
ing society around them. In
reality, Teed was probably a
genius, carried away by his
belief in his own immortality.
The history of this unusual
community enriches a visit
to Koreshan.
Two for One Koreshan Historic Site
If you go
Koreshan State Park
Where: U.S. Highway 41 and Corkscrew Road
When: Park is open sunrise to sunset. Settlement is open 8
a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Entrance fee to Park $4 for 1 person, $5 for 2 or more
people. Guided tours of historic settlement $2- Sat. & Sun. 10
a.m. April thru Dec.
For more information: www.floridastateparks.org/koreshan
Koreshan State Historic Site Photos | Special to The Spotlight
The Koreshan Unity Store and Post office was one of the original buildings in Estero
Florida.
This historic photo shows the bamboo landing from the river
Koreshans settled along the banks of the Estero River in what is now Koreshan State
Park.
Koreshans stand in front of the Tea House.
In this historic photo the Koreshans are dressed up for the Lunar Festival. They
believed that the universe was contained within a giant, hollow sphere.
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 32

Restaurants

SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 33
Page 34 August 2012

Restaurants

By George White
george@swspotlight.com
Key West Most people
think of Key West as a ham-
mock-swinging, pia cola-
da-drinking destination and
The Keys as the 120-mile
set-your-jaw-and-grimace
road to Key West.
I took the drive from
Bonita Springs again last
month. This time, more than
ever before, I learned that
both visions are wrong,
wrong, wrong. Key West,
with the arrival of the cruise
ships, has become a southern
version of Las Vegas. The
Keys themselves, though, are
still what theyve always been.
Each individual Key is an
utter delight if you only know
what youre looking for.
Do you think the Keys
and Key West are synony-
mous? If so, you are merely
rushing from this world to
that world, never pausing
along the way to view the
scenery that most will rush
on by. The destination may
be Key West, but the journey
is truly the Keys. Here is a
sample of what youve been
missing:
The Keys dont really
begin until you reach Islam-
orada. Key Largo and Tav-
ernier are the first two Keys,
but honestly, the scenery is
simply mundane. That
doesnt mean those two Keys
dont have some good spots.
But the Overseas Highway
down through this area is
landlocked. You need to keep
driving. Suddenly you will
be able to see the blue-green
water that makes The Keys
famous. Now the real fun
begins.
On the outskirts of Islam-
orada, at Mile Marker (MM)
84, is a delightful bar called
Rumrunners. Rumrunners
is a speakeasy raised approx-
imately 20 feet high. Its set
on concrete pillars with a
thatched roof and located
in the back near corner of
Holiday Isle. Bartender Norm
serves up the suds with an
affable, if somewhat eccentric,
sense of humor. When you
grow weary of laughing, you
can retreat further upstairs
to one of the six sky-pods
that overlook the Gulf of
Mexico. Its an excellent way
to start the decompression
process that you undoubtedly
will feel as you go deeper
and deeper into the Keys.
Continue traveling into
Marathon, another 35 miles.
As you come to MM 49 you
will find 35th Street. Two
blocks to the right, on Florida
Bay, is Keys Fisheries. Its a
quirky place where ordering
is done at a window, and
the bar is again high atop
pillars overlooking a marina.
Fishermen peddle their wares
at the adjoining market,
meaning you cant get any-
thing fresher than that days
catch.
The Seven-Mile Bridge is
actually 6.79 miles in length,
but by now youre in no
mood to quibble over a foot
or two. Five movies have
been filmed on the bridge,
including the thriller True
Lies that starred Arnold
Schwarzenegger and Jamie
Lee Curtis. Did they ever
make it to an out-of-the-
way tavern called No-Name
Bar & Grill? Not likely, but
had they been able to find
this place, undoubtedly they
would have loved it.
No Name is at MM 30 in
Big Pine Key, but you have
to leave U.S. Route 1 to travel
the mile-and-a-half to try
to find it. Forget searching
for it yourself stop in at
the visitors center and get
directions. Suffice it to say
that its on No Name Key,
the walls are covered in dollar
bills five or six bills thick,
and the official slogan is, A
Nice Place If You Can Find
It.
Have a pizza and a No
Name Ale. Local secret: sit
at the bar where you can
chat leisurely with bartenders
Linda and Kristi. As the world
outside whizzes by at 100
miles per hour, youre ban-
tering at the speed of a horse
and buggy. And, as an added
bonus, you may see a key
deer on your way to the pub.
Geiger Key Marina and
Smokehouse is 20 miles
down the road, ocean side,
behind Big Coppitt Key.
On the Backside of Para-
dise, Geiger Key proudly
proclaims. Turn on Boca
Chica Road near MM 9.5
and follow it to near the
end, watching for a sign to
the location.
Geiger Key is reminiscent
of a time 60 years ago when
the beer was ice cold, the
food was nothing but
scrumptious, and the ladies
who are employed there just
know how to make it all
come together. This little
joint is built waterside, also,
and is a wonderful place to
while away an hour or two
as the world passes by.
The last place before you
cross the bridge going into
Key West is the Hurricane
Hole. Its also built on the
water beside a marina, and
the fish dishes are other-
worldly. This place has a split
personality. Eat upstairs on
the inside and youre in Hur-
ricane Joes. Remain down-
stairs, and its the Hurricane
Hole. Regardless, youre going
to be eating and drinking
some of the best fare the
Keys has to offer.
Drive across the bridge
into Key West and suddenly
the prices double and the
crowds are absolutely insuf-
ferable. But the Keys are,
quite simply, the Keys. Slow
down, explore a little, and
find out for yourself.
The Keys and Key West
are not Synonymous
Bob Krist | Florida Keys News Bureau
As the sun sets, a Florida Keys bonefish guide, right,
guides an angler in the waters off Islamorada in
the Florida Keys. More than 200 International Game
Fish Association saltwater world records have been set
in the Florida Keys.
Andy Newman | Florida Keys News Bureau
About two miles west of Marathon, nestled beneath
what is now called the Old Seven Mile Bridge, lies Pi-
geon Key. The five-acre island once served as a base
camp for workers during construction of the original
Seven Mile Bridge.
Molinos Molinos
# 1 I T A L I A N R I S T O R A N T E
OPEN DAILY FOR DINNER ONLY, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Reservations Required - 992-7025
Maimum 8 p~opl~ Lpir~- ~~pt~ml~r 30, 2012
Do~- not in.lu1~ any oth~r promotion
IN THE PROMENADE
26841 South Bay Drive - Bonita Springs
VOTED ++++
Must Present Coupon - Dinner Only
Must be seated by 7:15 pm
Enjoy our 40% discount
thru the whole summer
40% OFF
Entire Check Everyday
RESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOM
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 34

Restaurants

RESTAURANT GUIDE
B O N I T A S P R I N G S
Buffalo Chips
Al, Chip and JC Greenwoods Old 41 original for 30
years strong. Its where locals go. 1st place winner,
Florida State chicken wing and chili cook-offs. Full
menu including burgers, fish and steak and spuds.
Boars Head premium deli sandwiches. Featuring Bonitas
Hall of Fame. If it looks good, well find a place for it
on the walls or ceiling, says Al. Lunch and dinner daily.
26620 Old 41 Rd. 239-947-1000. www.buffalochip-
srestaurant.com.
The Fish House
A Bonita bayside bistro. Come by car or boat. Fresh
seafood in a relaxing environment, dining inside or out,
with a pet-friendly outside patio. Specialties include
blackened tuna bites, hot blue crab and shrimp dip,
oyster baskets, grouper tacos and lobster tacos. Alternative
choices, including heart healthy items. A key-lime pie
that melts-in-your-mouth. Open daily 11 a.m. to 10
p.m. 4685 Bonita Beach Rd. 239-495-5770. www.the-
fishhouserestaurants.com.
Fitzgeralds
A taste of the old country right on Bonita Beach
Road, from the Kilkenny crab dip and Mulligans Irish
stew to Granny McCarthys bailey cheesecake. Home of
the belly-buster burger. salads, sandwiches and full meal
menu. Traditional flat breads. 20 beers on tap. Open
daily 11:30 a.m. to close. Open Sunday for breakfast at
7:30 a.m. 9070 Bonita Beach Rd. 239-949-2111.
www.fitzgeraldspub.com.
Hot Caboose Island Grille
Featuring foods from the Caribbean and American
South. For lunch, try the Island Paradise grilled jerk
chicken with homemade southwest dressing, avocado
and red onions wrapped in a garlic-crusted naan. Enjoy
indoors or outside patio. Open Mon-Fri 10am to midnight;
Sat & Sun 7am to midnight. 27755 Old 41 Road at the
corner of Dean Street. 239-676-7997.
Hungry Hound Dawgs
Outdoor picnic tables invite Bonitians to enjoy locally
made frankfurters and sausages with only the freshest
ingredients. Owner Rick Price, a 30 year Air Force veteran,
dreamt for years of owning a hot dog vending company.
He developed his passion for German sausages while
stationed in Europe and now offers a full menu of dawgs
and sausages. Pick one of his specialties or create your
own! Open Mon-Fri 10:15am-5pm, Sat until 2pm, closed
Sun. Corner of Old 41 & Abernathy Street. 239-877-
6501.www.hungryhounddawgs.com.
Lake House Bar and Grill
An open air caf with one of Bonitas finest water
views. A hot spot for lunch and dinner, popular among
both locals and tourists. Featuring the Bonita Burger,
veggie rollup, tuna salad and sandwiches and more
sandwiches. Plus tacos, fish and chicken dinners. Open
daily 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., happy hour 11:30 a.m.
to 6:30 p.m. Located next to the Trianon Hotel. 3401 Bay
Commons Dr. 239-948-4400. www.lakehousebarandgrill.net.
Molinos Ristorante
Classic Italian in a beautiful indoor room and an al
fresco patio setting, featuring pasta, meat and fish
dinners. Family owned since 2003. Try the Vitello alla
Saltimboca or one of the many other specialties of the
house. Full bar and wine cellar. Summer hours, serving
dinner only. Smoking section available. Open daily 5
p.m. to 9 pm. 26841 South Bay Dr. at the Bonita Bay
Promenade. 239-992-7025. www.molinosristorante.com.
Old 41 Restaurant
A sure bet since the day it opened in Bernwood.
Specialties include eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles,
homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, Angus burgers,
chili, Taylor pork roll, sausage gravy, creamed chipped
beef, home cooked roast beef and turkey and real
Philly cheese steaks. Open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Corner
of Old 41 and Bernwood Parkway. 239-948-4123.
www.old41.com.
Pinos Pizzeria
Joe and Linda Russo, are the owners and operators
of Pinos where, Its all about the taste. They offer the
kind of Brooklyn family owned and operated business
you dont often find these days. Their big portions, low
prices - and friendly attitude will have you coming back
for more... and more and still more! Open Mon. thru
Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat. & Sun 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pelican Landing Publix Plaza, 24600 S. Tamiami Trail.
239-676-5332. www.pinospizzeria.net.
Ristorante Enrico
Owner Enrico Costagliola was born in his mothers
restaurant in Torregaveta, Italy, south of Naples. I still
cook like my mother, with only the freshest ingredients.
Fresh pasta, seafood and Italian specialties. Antipasto
salad, penne, lasagna, lobster ravioli, linguini with white
clam sauce, zuppa di pesce, veal, chicken and shrimp. 18
pizza and calzone creations. Lunch and dinner specials.
Open daily Mon-Sat 10am to 10 pm; Sun 11am to 10pm;
26831 S. Tamiami Trail near Publix across from Bonita
Bay. 239-949-2204.
Royal Scoop
Lifes shorteat dessert first! The oldest homemade
ice cream store in Bonita. 35 ice cream flavors, 12 low-
fat and sugar-free choices. Their scoopologists make the
thickest shakes, biggest sundaes and best cones. Delicious
lunches featuring Boars Head meats and cheeses and
fantastic family recipes for chicken, egg and tuna salad.
Kids menu. Open Mon. thru Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Sunday open at Noon. 15- 8th Street, eight blocks south
of Bonita Beach Rd. off Vanderbilt Dr. 239-992-2000.
www.royalscoop.com.
The Stage
Come for the food, and stay for the dancing. Full
menu, including Maryland crab cakes, sweet and sour
tenders, egg rolls, vegetable salad, grilled salmon salad,
prime rib, filet mignon, salmon, roasted chicken, signature
meatloaf, full bar with 10 beers on tap. Live music, with
tributes from Led Zeppelin to Jimmy Buffett, from Elvis
to Rod Stewart. Open 4 p.m. to close Wednesday thru
Saturday.9144 Bonita Beach Rd. in Sunshine Plaza,
behind Fitzgeralds Pub. 239-405-8566. www.thestage-
bonita.com.
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 35
Page 36 August 2012

Restaurants

Ristorante
Enrico
Four years in the same location
26831 Tamiami Trail S.
off West Terry Street
(239) 949-2204
Mon-Sat 10-10, Sun 11-10
SS_August 2012 7/30/12 9:21 PM Page 36
ITS EVERYWHERE!
Capital Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8100 Health Center Boulevard
Finemark Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10010 Coconut Road
Florida Gulf Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23250 Via Villagio
Bonita Community Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3501 Health Center Boulevard
Joint Replacement Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3501 Healthpark Boulevard
Downing-Frye Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27180 Bay Landing Drive
Gulf Coast Coin & Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25987 S Tamiami Trail
Rapallo Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8551 Via Rapallo Drive
Hampton Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27900 Crown Lake Boulevard
Holiday Inn Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27891 Crown Lake Boulevard
Homewood Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8901 Highland Woods Boulevard
Habitat for Humanity ReStore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27821 S. Tamiami Trail
Bonita Springs Chamber & Visitors Center . . . . . . . .25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive
Agostinos Fine Furnishings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24971 S Tamiami Trail
Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8200 Health Center Boulevard, Ste. 101
Extra Space Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8420 Murano Del Lago Drive
Exit Platinum Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26381 S Tamiami Trail
John R. Wood Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26269 S Tamiami Trail
Keller Williams Elite Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24851 S Tamiami Trail
The Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26831 Tamiami Trail
Living Well Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10020 Coconut Road
Kitchens by Ambiance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8871 Brighton Lane
Royal Shell Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26811 S Tamiami Trail
Hurricane Grill & Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8017 Plaza Del Lago Drive, Ste. 107
IHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27240 Bay Landing Drive
Lansdowne Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24851 S Tamiami Trail
Perkins Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27941 Crown Lake Boulevard
Bank United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3300 Bonita Beach Road, Ste. 115
Amore Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24600 S Tamiami Trail
Frame It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24600 S Tamiami Trail, Ste. 216
Bonita Estero Dental Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24940 S Tamiami Trail, Ste. 202
Bonita Bubbles Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24296 S Tamiami Trail
Tuffy Auto Service Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27790 S Tamiami Trail
Bay Presbyterian Chruch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26911 South Bay Dr
Trianon Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3401 Bay Commons Drive
The Promenade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26841 South Bay Drive
Prudential Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24880 S Tamiami Trail
Pinos Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24600 S Tamiami Trail
CNL Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9160 Bonita Beach Road SE
Animal Wellness Center of Bonita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10347 Bonita Beach Road SE
SWFL Veterinary Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28400 Old US 41 Road
Walgreens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11494 Bonita Beach Road
City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9101 Bonita Beach Road SE
Lee County Sheriff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE
Dollys Produce Patch & Eatery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9930 Bonita Beach Road SE
Johnny Malloys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10347 Bonita Beach Rd SE
Skillets Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9174 Bonita Beach Road SE
Florida Community Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3360 Bonita Beach Road
Bay Water Boat Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5124 Bonita Beach Road
Walgreens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28100 S Tamiami Trl
Nu U Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4450 Bonita Beach Road
Acodi Realty Welcome Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3570 Bonita Beach Road
Docs Beach House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27908 Hickory Boulevard
The Fish House Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4685 Bonita Beach Road
Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 8th Street
Sneaky Petes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3465 Bonita Beach Road
NGX Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3725 Bonita Beach Road, Unit 5
Citrus Park Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25501 Trost Boulevard
Southern Pines Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26300 Southern Pines Drive
Bonita Grande Fire Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27701 Bonita Grande Drive
Estero Executive Center, 2nd Floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10600 Chevrolet Way
FGCU Business School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10501 FGCU Boulevard
Lee County Sheriff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10520 Reynolds Street
B.E.A.R./Lee County Tax Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25300 Bernwood Drive
Lions Club Thrift Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10346 Pennsylvania Avenue
Lions Club Clubhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10346 Pennsylvania Avenue
Center for the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26100 Old US 41 Road
Literacy Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26820 Old US 41 Road
Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26876 Pine Avenue
Old 41 Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25091 Bernwood Drive
Liles Hotel - Historical Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27300 Old US 41 Road
Recreation Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26740 Pine Avenue
First Community Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28235 S. Tamiami Tr.
Buffalo Chips Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26620 Old US 41 Road
Trackside Donuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2800 Old US 41 Road
Stans Super Subs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26880 Old US 41 Road
The Survey Caf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10530 Wilson Street
Your Garden Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27746 Felts Avenue
Corner Produce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26752 Old US 41 Road
Bonita Springs Assistance Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25300 Bernwood Drive
Pewter Mug Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12300 Tamiami Trail N.
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