Southwest Spotlight Newspaper - December 1 Edition

Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
S O U T H W E S T
Vol.3, No.13
DECEMBER 1-15, 2012
FREE
This Hickory Boulevard mailbox on Little Hickory Island is dressed for the holidays.
English Without Borders Giving Locally Restaurants

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FT MYERS, FL PERMIT #980 RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS
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Southwest Spotlight Spotlight News Business & Real Estate Town Talk Giving Back Commentary Arts & Entertainment Community Restaurants
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News & Features

15 English Without Borders
An international community greets students at Literacy Council
Business & Real Estate
Downtown Upbeat
Community Redevelopment Agency a potential catalyst
Color Town Talk palette designed to boost retail on Old 41
11 Muted Colors for a Bright Future
16 Giving Locally
Local organizations for giving your time and treasure
11 Sheldon Kaye Has His Say Giving Back 12 A Hundred Hugs Commentary
18 Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
Lee Library Director says Bonita benefits from system Volunteers knot blankets that offer comfort to kids
Rotary Christmas tree sale helps local charities
Arts & Entertainment

24 Calendar
Whats happening this month in Bonita? Laughter at the Off Broadway Palm Theater
Arts & Entertainment Commentary

22 Remember the Needy
Community
Please support local charities this holiday season Track Agreement a win for city
26 Off Broadway is Right On
22 Councilman Simmons
Restaurants to the Editor 22 Letters Business

20 Real Estate Watch
Fourth quarter off to a strong start
Columns
28 The Other Ben
When a stranger visits
30 Bonitas Best Friends 31 Tee Box Tips
Phoebe Jo, adopted in Hannibal, Missouri Time for a tune up Russ and Angelia Winn have a unique ministry
21 A Love Story from New York
Manhattan Steakhouse has roots in New York
32 Neighbor Spotlight
Restaurants
34 Restaurant Guide
S O U T H W E S T
Advertising Sales Teri Lamaine Kathy OFlinn Office Manager Katie OFlinn Contributing Writers Charles J. Cavaliere D.K. Christi Martha Crider Meghan Easterly Mark Generales Max Harris Joyce McDonald Josh Musselman Ben Nelson, Jr. Peter R. OFlinn Stan J. Strycharz, Psy.D. Contributing Photographers David Michael
Locally owned and operated since 2010
(239) 287-6474
info@swspotlight.com PO Box 1946 Bonita Springs, FL 34133 Southwest Spotlight, LLC
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Southwest Spotlight
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Bonita Springs A few days before Bonita Springs City Council rolled up its sleeves for a four-hour workshop on Old 41 redevelopment, Mayor Ben Nelson sat down with Jacqueline Genson of the Citys Community Development Office to review that departments handiwork, a hundred pages of presentation material for the meeting. Nelson had just returned from visiting his daughter, who lives on the east coast. We took a ride over to Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, he told Genson. It was awesome. I think you will like these slides, said Genson, as she clicked on her PowerPoint. Photos of Delray Beach were displayed on the screen, showing the transformation of dilapidated streetscapes into one of Floridas most vibrant downtowns. No other area really hits the button as to what we have downtown and what we want to be, said Nelson in an interview with the Spotlight. But Delray Beach is a great example.
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A Community Redevelopment Agency In Delray Beach and other Florida areas, Community Redevelopment Agencies are financial catalysts for downtown renewal. At the November workshop, City Council gave initial approval for formation of a Community Rede-
A Financial Engine In a CRA, taxes on property value increases are plowed back into the redevelopment area for infrastructure improvement. For example, if property worth $100 at the start of the CRA increased in value to $125, then property taxes on the $25 increment would be available. There can be a multiplier effect, said Nelson. Reinvesting taxes in the area can encourage more growth and, in turn, more reinvestment. Property values in the redevelopment area, currently about $65 million, have dropped significantly in recent years. Ironically, depressed valuations present an opportunity for a new CRA, because of future growth potential. This is the perfect time to do this, said Nelson.
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velopment Agency for the Old 41 area, now dubbed downtown. City Council likely will serve as its governing board. Other details remain, including the exact contours of the redevelopment area and the term of the CRA, likely to be 20 to 25 years. The CRA will focus on needed infrastructure downtown. We are going to do parking and drainage, said Nelson. Those two things are bargaining chips to attract new businesses.
A Prior Proposal K DR E EE RE L E I T NER C R The timing was inopportune earlier in the 2000s GOODWIN ST when the City approached PARK AVE II Lee County about a differRS RS ent Old 41 CRA. LONGFELLOW LN S S County approval is needAVOCADO DR ed, and its financial interests DR DR R R ELW are in play. Lee property tax VE RI V E O O on Bonita property is four MAIN DR IR times the City tax, and a TONYA CRA will receive tax incre-CT RAGSDALE ST ments that would otherwise YLVANIA AVE PENNS ORANGEWOOD DR TE accrue to the County. NN E RE ST TANGELO TER The County would DELAWA not HAMPTON ST do it, and for good reason, CTICUT ST CONNE ROSLIN D CITRUS DR said Nelson, recalling the CROCKETT ST previous proposal. There was a lot of speculation in the Old 41 area and property prices were way up there. The Citys consultant W W NE NE CI R kept expanding development district boundaries to include areas with more po865 tential for value growth. L A PL AYA C T Contributed | Special to the Spotlight Don Stillwell, who was Lee County Manager, finally said, I am not doing The preliminary boundaries of proposed downtown CRA area are outlined in O WO D VE W yellow in this mapOprovided by City of Bonita Springs. that. Its just way too big, LEGEND recounted Nelson. there is a good argument have made the connection from Little Hickory Island. Old 41 Redevelopment District NORTH Times Have Changed Bonita that this infrastructure work between the people, via Bob Wagner could have Beach Road Corrdior should have been Bonita Beach Road Corridor done a their government, investing said, The heck with that. I Figure Old 41 Redevelopment District and Today, it makes way too long time ago, before we in themselves and knowing am more interested in the Old 41 Redevelopment Distric much sense not to do it, were a city. that if they did that there beach. But he didnt. Bonita Spring City of said Nelson. Bonita The impact of a CRA can Springs, F So now we are going would be a tangible return. City of Bonita Springs Community Developme A CRA will build on ac- be substantial. In 25 years, When the term of the to do it ourselves. All we CRA expires, it is money are asking is to reinvest the tions of past City Councils, the Delray Beach CRA has in the bank for the County, benefit of doing something he said, including Liles Ho- funded more than 40 projtel and Riverside Park reno- ects. he said. It takes vision and good. We have to temper our vations, the Bamboo Village politicians who are willing purchase, and Downtown expectations, but things are to wait. But if nothing is Bonitas City Councils starting to happen, said done, property values could Nelson said he was Master Plan creation. Nelson recalled, as an Nelson. It is an exciting just stay where they are. proud of City Council in I am not blaming the moving forward with the example, support from the time. County, said Nelson, but CRA. It looks like they former City Councilman
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Community Redevelopment Agencies Town are financial catalysts for downtown renewal.
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Southwest Spotlight
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Spotlight News Business & Real Estate Town Talk
December 1-15, 2012
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Up and Down the Trail & Real Estate Business

News and Views By Peter R. OFlinn prof@swspotlight.com
Muted Colors for a Bright Future

At a recent workshop, City Council approved a range of colors, or palette, for buildings in the Old 41 area. The goal is to encourage shopping and to make people feel good about being downtown, City Architect Sam Vincent said at the workshop. Many Florida cities have designated color palettes. The palette suggested by Vincent contains many colors. They all have muted tones, running from warm to cool hues. We want to provide merchants with a cost effective way to create unifying relationships among buildings, said Vincent. Its a way to say we are fresh, we are new and here for the people of Bonita. Vincents career as an architect includes over fifteen years with a retail focus. Color was one of the things we used to get shoppers to stores, he said. Vincent pointed to an example right up the road. Simon brought harmonious colors into Coconut Mall, he said. They limit the use of bright and garish colors that tend to distract and isolate buildings rather than provide a more uniformed streetscape. In the Citys new palette, the colors are pleasing, said Vincent. None stand out more than another. I spoke with some people down on old 41 who just want their buildings to jump out and yell. They want to paint them a real bright garish color, said Vincent. We dont want garish, said Mayor Ben Nelson, a view shared by other Council members. The residents are saying that for their community they want a pleasant palette, said Councilmember Janet Martin. The word pleasant makes a lot of sense to me, said Councilmember Steve Slachta. Martha Simons agreed, but observed that perhaps the palette is a little too beige. Details remain, including transitional arrangements, and a community outreach effort. The Citys recent budget contains some funds for Old 41 painting.
Lee Library Director: Stay With Us

An Up and Down column in our last issue prompted a call from Lee Library Director Sheldon Kaye. The column described efforts of Bonitians who believe a new Lee County library is needed in town. County staff has moved forward with preliminary plans but, after more than five years of discussion, the Lee County capital budget contains no funding for the project. One particular statement in that column caught Kayes eye. From a Bonita perspective, it said, there is a certain appeal to going it alone, with its own independent library, as Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach have done. That would require County approval, to avoid double taxation. In Kayes view, an independent Bonita library is a bad idea for Bonita Springs and the
Lee County library system. In an interview at Lee library administrative offices, Kaye, together with his senior staff, discussed the benefits to Bonita of being part of an integrated Lee County system, and other issues relating to a new Bonita library. A single library operating in isolation cant do nearly the job of meeting the needs of the people it serves as it can when its part of a larger system, said Kaye. The sum of the aggregate parts is huge. The Lee library system has a staff of 245. The 1.5 million items in its collection can be reserved through an on line system. In spite of budgetary constraints, the system has stayed on the cutting edge of electronic services. Last year, members downloaded a half million magazines, audio books, music and e-books. It seems like no matter how many times we talk about these benefits, they are disregarded in favor of a discussion of hard numbers, said Kaye, referring to the disparity between library property taxes paid by Bonitians and the cost of running the Bonita branch. Bonitians currently pay Lee County about $1 million more in library property taxes than the operational cost of the Bonita branch. In the last decade the aggregate gap was about $25 million. Kaye offered his perspective on this disparity. The library system tries to maintain fairly even service levels throughout Lee County, he said. Communities that are more wealthy dont get a disproportionately higher level of serviceI think that is a virtue. Kaye and his senior staff said they do not get complaints about the Bonita library from its users. Under current practices, members of Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach independent libraries are eligible to use Lee County library services. Kaye said that, particularly considering Bonitas proximity to the South County regional library in Estero, it would be unreasonable for Bonita to expect to use Lee library services for free if it formed an independent district. I would encourage the Lee Commissioners not to forgive the Lee library tax (in Bonita), he said. We have joined hands with Bonita Springs, and support the need for a larger library, said Kaye. In December he will meet with Bonitas volunteer Library Task Force. Kaye has recommended a countywide library tax increase to meet operating needs, and to replenish depleted library reserves for building projects. Kaye said he is considering a new North Fort Myers library at the same time as a new Bonita Springs library. This year or next, Lee Library staff plans to seek community input for a program statement, a document which is a starting off point for planning a new library. What about expectations of County funding for a new Bonita library? It would distress me if the Lee County Commission was seen as not fulfilling a promise that they made, said Kaye, because they never really made it. CorrectionThe cost of the new Fort Myers library is estimated at $20 million in Lee County funds, plus approximately $3.9 million reportedly spent by The City of Fort Myers for land acquisition, not $30 million as previously reported in the Spotlight.
Town Talk
Giving Back
Commentary
Restaurants
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Giving Back Commentary Arts & Entertainment Community Restaurants
December 1-15, 2012
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com Volunteers knotting blankets for Hugs for Kids
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com Margo Peyrot of Bonita Springs tied this blanket and added a huggable toy to go with it during Hugs for Kids.
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com Carol Greenberg shows the blanket she knotted and the frog that will go with it for some child in need of comfort.
A Hundred Hugs
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Naples Kermit the Frog sat on a fleece blanket with knotted fringe, accompanied by a menagerie of stuffed lambs, dogs, monkeys and turtles. The Hugs for Kids sets were gathering on Carol Greenbergs couch, awaiting a hundred more brightly colored blankets with huggable stuffed animals. Women seated around tables in the living room and on the lanai tied knots around the edges of colorful blankets on a cool November day. Several husbands prepared lunch in the kitchen for nearly 50 participants at this annual sewing bee. Ive been with the Hugs for Kids project since it started; I met Carol in our Walking Club, said Margo Peyrot of Bonita
Springs. Carol cuts two to three inch strips around the edges of the blankets; we simply tie them in knots to make a colorful fringe finish. I look forward to our Hugs for Kids day each year. Its a joy to bring some comfort to a young child. We also make slightly larger blankets for adults around Valentines Day. It started as a small project, added Carol Greenberg who spent her career managing projects and who thought that children in difficult situations needed something huggable during the holidays. She purchased colorful fleece material that she cut into 1 yard pieces and added the knotted trim. Later she added a variety of stuffed animals that matched the blankets. A small group of Greenbergs friends and
continued throughout the year. Women also donated neighbors finished the first materials and money to 30 Hugs for Kids sets in purchase them. Initially, November 2006 and deliv- Greenberg did most of ered them to the Battered the cutting for the fleece Womens Shelter. The chil- trim. Now, small groups of drens excitement as they women gather for cutting picked their favorite stuffed time also. toy and blanket led to two Its a mindless activmore recipient organiza- ity where we can chat and tions that include children have a good social time. It from Botakes no talnita Springs I look forward to our ent, smiled to Naples: Greenberg. Hugs for Kids day Grace Place One year, and Youth each year. Its a joy to we made Haven. adbring some comfort 200 The few ditional to a young child. friends I inblankets for vited before Margo Peyrot, w o u n d e d ThanksgivBonita Springs service men ing to help and womwith tying the knots on en. If there is a need, I put the fleece turned into an out the word and women annual pre-Thanksgiv- gather. Its like a calling ing project open to more for me. The Valentines women, said Greenberg. project group makes fleece She bought stuffed ani- blankets for people in Bomals and fleece on sale nita Springs and Naples right after Christmas and receiving Meals on Wheels
or in nursing homes. It was quite a surprise to those that received the Valentine gifts, perhaps their only valentine. One recipient just couldnt believe it was hers at no cost, suspicious of something free. Were open to providing the blankets and stuffed animals to other organizations, especially those for our Thanksgiving and Valentines projects, added Greenberg. They give children the sets before Thanksgiving to help them through holiday stress. Women watch for fleece fabric sales during the year to donate. Others watch for huggable, new stuffed animals that are safe for young children and tie in with fleece patterns. Monetary donations fill the gaps, especially for the stuffed toys. Some donations come from those who cant participate in the
knot-tying activity but just like the project. Greenberg puts out a flyer at a few churches and womens groups just before the November event. The women from Bonita Springs and Naples enjoy the chance to give of the heart with a task that leaves the mind free to visit and meet new and interesting people. Friendships develop during their afternoon of food, friends and knots. Its reminiscent of the old fashioned quilting bees with a modern twist: the following week, a small contingent delivers the blanket sets to the recipient organizations.
To Volunteer or Donate
Email Carol Greenberg treasurescj@ embarqmail.com
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Giving Back Commentary

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Giving Back Commentary Arts & Entertainment Community Restaurants
December 1-15, 2012
ENSURE A BRIGHTER FUTURE

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Giving Back Commentary

easier as she learns English with her Literacy Council family. Volunteer tutor Jeff Tarallo also found a second family. Suddenly alone with the passing of his wife, his students helped fill that empty space in his heart. Family is a key component of the Literacy
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on large, colorful boards followed by songs that included arms and hands illustrating the words. Her assistant, Heather North, is a freshman nursing student at Florida Gulf Coast University, earning her required ten hours community service at the Literacy Council.
English Without Borders

English well in her native Spain; its conversation thats difficult. I am so grateful I can study English here, she said with little accent. I didnt need English in Los Angeles, said Ofilia Ramirez from El Salvador. She stopped for her English practice on her way to work; her uniform had a Nordstroms nametag. People see my uniform tag and ask me for information; I want to help them. Her youngest grandchild also asks eagerly, Granma, are you learning English? Citrus Park is the winter home for Daniele Fortin and her spouse, Michil Simard from Quebec, Canada. We love each other, said Fortin, but we need other friends too. They are improving their conversational English to help make new friends in their winter home. Jarica Martinez from North Coahuila, Mexico wants to improve her English so she isnt so shy, to help her son and daughter and to speak English when shopping. Arts & Entertainment I love this country and
Community
Restaurants
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com This English class at the Literacy Council represents several countries: (Standing left to right) Ray Espinosa, Mexico; Michil Simard, Canada; Daniele Fortin, Canada; Adriana Perez, Mexico; Jarica Martinez, Mexico; Instructor Jeff Tarallo; (seated) Claudia Mejia, Colombia; Maryory Baradaranghasemi, Colombia, Gia Crespo, Mexico; Ancharee Romei, Thailand.
my job at Capital Grill Restaurant where they have the best steaks, smiled Gia Crespo from Guanajuato, Mexico, more English may help with new opportunities; perhaps someday my own business. Ray Espinosa, also from Mexico, is already speaking English quite well. Ancharee Romei from Thailand wants to learn English because, My husband is American and when he gives me docu-
I am so grateful I can study English here.

Sandra Sanchez
ments to sign, I want to know what they say. Claudia Mejia found she was in a lonely place without command of the language. Its difficult; I left my job, my family and everything I know in Colombia. I am totally dependent on my friend. English will help me understand things on my own. Adriana Perez from Mexico City is a homemaker who wants to learn English to help her children. Maryory Baradaranghasemi celebrated her 34th birthday with her multicultural classmates who help her overcome the losses from leaving Colombia family, friends, career and all thats familiar made
By D. K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs They come by bus, on bicycles and carriages. When the doors swing open, determined students from the four corners of the world know they are taking positive steps as they learn a new culture and a new language. The attractive Literacy Council Gulf Coast building faces Old US 41 in the center of Bonita Springs. Eight hundred volunteer tutors serve 3200 students from 41 countries annually, said Susan Acuna, President and CEO. An international community greets visitors to the active center. Students from China, El Salvador, Spain, Mex-
ico, Honduras, Colombia, Quebec, Thailand, Guatemala and Uruguay engaged in conversations with tutors in classrooms and the Mom and Tots room on a busy Monday morning. Students eagerly attend classes for a variety of reasons. Gui Lin Zheng helps her husband at their Bonita Springs Chinese Restaurant, China King. I take orders and make deliveries; better English is needed. My children speak English. When her youngest was complimented for being a pretty Chinese girl, she said in perfect English, I am American. My mother is Chinese. Sandra Sanchez plans to teach English in Costa Rica. She learned to write
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com Volunteer Carolyn Lepore gets enthusiastic responses when she drills the students on their alphabet at the Literacy Council Gulf Coast in Bonita Springs.
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com These youngsters are absorbed in their books during the Moms and Tots program.
Center, expressed by staff and students. In the Moms and Tots program, the mothers learn English in three different class levels while the children, as many as 14 to 20 each day, ages one to three, interact with each other and their teachers. Volunteer Carolyn Lepore had eleven children eagerly helping her with letters, numbers and shapes
The Literacy Council offers students a new culture and a new language and for both its students and teachers, it offers family.
To volunteer or donate:
Call 676-5202 or visit literacycouncilgulfcoast. com
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Giving Back
December 1-15, 2012
Bonita Springs Assistance Office Commentary 2012 Stocking Fund
Because of people like yourself, many local charities that can use your time and contribuBonita Springs Assistance Office tions this holiday season. has been able to provide Blankets for emergency food and financialCommunity Bonita The Lighthouse Fellowship assistance to neighbors Congregational Church, in in need for over 34 years. conjunction with the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, With more than 4,200 Restaurants is holding its second annual people served in 2012, Blankets for Bonita, colit is more important lecting new blankets to help the needy in Bonita Springs. than ever that BSAO New blankets can be dropped continue to provide off at the Bonita Springs Asa hand up, sistance Office, 25300 Bernnot a hand out. wood Drive, Unit 6 in Bonita You can help someone like Carolyn who recently visited the office and was able to regain control of her and her childrens lives despite adverse circumstances.
For many years my three children and I lived with an abusive, alcoholic husband and father. Although he was offered help to repair the damage he had done to his family, he stubbornly refused. He became increasingly unpredictable, and in August of this year it became clear that we could no longer subject ourselves to the instability and unhealthy life we had a suffered so long. I obtained a restraining order and our home became l and harmonious place. more peacefu This also meant that we were destitute. I had been a stay at home mom for 11 years. I found work a few hours a week, but this was not sufficient to support our family. I could not afford groceries, utilities, diapers or health care. I learned about Bonita Springs Assistance Office from a friend, who urged me to see what options were available. I was hesitant. I had never asked for assistance. BSAO took me under their wing, and what once looked hopeless became hopeful. They helped me apply for emergency benefits, provided food for my family and helped with past due bills. They made referrals to other local agencies to assist with other needs, including counseling. I do not know where I would be without the help I received from the a Bonita Springs Assistance Office. They were a valuable resource at The Bonita Springs time when we were completely out of options. Assistance Office should be commended for its helpful, knowledgeable and caring staff, as well as the high quality of their well-organized (and very clean!) self serving food pantry. I am extremely grateful. ~ Carolyn
Springs or call Jim at 2676661 to arrange for a pick-up. The final collection will take place at Bonitas Holiday in the Park at Riverside Park on December 4.
Listed below are some of Arts & Entertainmentthe
Giving locally
charitable organizations. For more information visit their website bonitalions.org. the hospital. Visit www.tourplayerstennisclassic.com or call 239-343-6950.
Caf of Life
The Caf of Life has become a fixture in Bonita Springs, serving luncheon meals Monday through Friday to individuals and families from all walks of life. Volunteers contribute over 10,000 hours in shopping for groceries, preparing and serving meals, serving on the Board of Directors, arranging special events such as Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheons. To donate or volunteer email volunteer@cafeoflife.org or call 239-495-9325.
Habitat for Humanity

Help make home ownership a reality. Sponsor a project, volunteer to help build by calling 239-652-1684 or donate used furniture to the Bonita Springs Habitat Restore. Visit www.habitat4humanity. org for more info.
Center for the Arts Bonita Springs

Because of the Annual Fund and generous contributions from caring donors, thousands of deserving children and adults receive scholarships and for many more it helps keep the arts affordable. Make a pledge or send in a contribution. Call 495-8989 or visit www.artcenterbonita.org.
Bonita Springs Assistance Office

For over 34 years the Bonita Springs Assistance Office has served as a primary social service agency in Bonita Springs. Their objective is to provide emergency relief for Bonita Springs residents to lessen the impact of financial and personal crises. Each donation to the 2012 Stocking Fund means that another family is helped to fight hunger and prevent home displacement. Mail your check to Bonita Assistance Office, P.O.Box 16, Bonita Springs, FL 34133 or go online to www.bonitaassistance.org and donate securely.
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

The food bank depends on volunteers who help distribute millions of pounds of food throughout southwest Florida. During regular weekday business hours and most Saturdays, volunteers help the warehouse team prepare orders for agencies, receive incoming donations, or answer telephones. To volunteer or donate email Martahudson@harrychapinfoodbank.org. or call 3347007.
Golisano Childrens Hospital of Southwest Florida

Scheduled to open in 2016, this lifesaving facility will house 128 beds and provide new and expanded specialty pediatric health care services to children from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. Now through May of 2016 all donations to the Golisano Childrens Hospital capital campaign will be matched dollar for dollar. The Sixth Annual FineMark Tour Players Tennis Classic, scheduled for February 22, 2013 benefits
Bonita Springs Lions Club

Their weekly farm markets, thrift store and pancake breakfasts during season help them operate a charitable eye clinic and contribute to the support of many local
Joannes House at Hope Hospice

Hospice serves anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age or illness. Joannes House at Hope Hospice is located in Bonita Springs.
Every donation that comes in means that another family is helped. You can make a meaningful difference in your own community. Each donation will help to fight hunger and prevent home displacement, so please act now and contribute what you can to: Bonita Springs Assistance Office P .O. Box 16, Bonita Springs, FL 34133 or go online to www.bonitaassistance.org and donate securely. Thank You!
PROUD PARTNERS WITH
Thank You for Your Support!
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There are many ways to give Hope. Visit www.hopehospice.org
Giving Back
ing the musical education of children. For more information, call 239-947-1943
Page 17
Commentary
Literacy Council Gulf Coast

The Literacy Council Gulf Coast, located in Bonita Springs (which is its new name after merging with Literacy Volunteers of Lee County) provides free instruction in reading and writing in English for adult speakers of other languages. They also offer a Moms and Tots Family Literacy program for mothers and their preschool children. Their programs serve residents of Bonita Springs, San Carlos Park, Estero, Fort Myers and North Naples. Their motto is Each one, teach one and they are always looking for volunteer tutors. For more information call 239 6765202.
New Horizons
Super Kids Club is part of a Christian ministry outreach to children provided by New Horizons of Southwest Florida, serving over 200 at-risk children and their families at four sites in Bonita Springs and East Naples. New Horizons students learn to become productive and responsible members of society through education, career development and community service. During the school year it provides over 20,000 hours of tutoring and mentoring. There are many ways you can help. For information, call 239-565-6714.
Whats Luck Got Community To Do With It?

In matters of money and managing wealth, its not about luck. Its about expertise, attention-to-detail, superior asset management and building trust with a team of professionals dedicated to doing whats right for you and your family. At FineMark National Bank & Trust, we believe trust is earned, not assumed. Thats why we place particular emphasis on earning your trust. Choose FineMark. Make your mark.
cal community to fund each wish. Children up to 18 years of age with life-threatening medical conditions are considered. Help make a difference in a childs life. For more information call Lesley at 239-992-9474.
Restaurants
Meals on Wheels of Bonita Springs

For over 40 years this organization has served prepared meals to homebound people in Bonita Springs. It is a nonprofit organization operated by local volunteers. Last year they delivered over 9,000 meals to anyone who needed a meal. They deliver to clients from Coconut Point Road south to Bonita Beach Road and from the Gulf of Mexico to Bonita Grande Road. If you would like to become a volunteer delivering meals to the homebound, call 239775-0443.
Shoes That Fit Foundation-Bonita Springs Chapter

Shoes That Fit is a non-profit organization created to easily and quickly get new shoes and clothing to school children in need. The Bonita Springs Chapter has donated over 45,000 articles of clothing and 3,500 pairs of shoes to local school children. The school identifies the children in need, provides the correct shoe and clothing sizes, then needed items are purchased by individuals or sponsoring group. The items are delivered to the school and the school distributes them to the children. To learn about volunteer opportunities and for more information go to www.leggettshoefoundation. com
Love INC
Love INC-Love in the Name of Christ-operates a phone-in clearinghouse where trained church volunteers screen requests for help from callers within their service areaAlico Road to Immokalee Road. Love INC verifies the need then connects individuals and families to a church ministry, church volunteer and/or local service agency best equipped to meet those needs. Love INC assistance may come in the form of needed transportation, job search assistance, clothing donations, etc. Prayers, volunteers and donations are needed to transform lives. To contact Love INC call 239 405-8595.
Music for Minors Foundation

The Foundation works closely with middle school string orchestra and band leaders to identify qualified seventh grade students that demonstrate a sincere desire, and that have a financial need. The students that are accepted into the program receive a yearly grant for the instrument of their choice. The organization offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups who have an interest in further-
Make a Wish Southern Florida

Last year 546 heartfelt wishes were granted because of the generosity of the South Florida community. It relies on donations from individuals, corporations and family and private foundations in the lo-
YMCA of Bonita Springs

Our local Y offers numerous programs including sports, aquatics, gymnastics and many opportunities to volunteer. Help your local Y fund scholarships for families and children. To donate contact Michelle Butler 941375-9104.
Learn More
Fort Myers Bonita Springs Naples Palm Beach Scottsdale

www.finemarkbank.com 239-405-6700 Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender
Trust and Investment Services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value.
Page 18
Giving Back
December 1-15, 2012
Christmas Tree,Commentary Oh Christmas Tree

By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Overnight, it seems, a grove of Christmas trees grows in the parking lot of Sunshine Plaza on Bonita Beach Road. Its been a perennial event for more than 20 years, as the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs hosts its Christmas tree sale to raise money for local charities. This years sale runs through December 22. The lot boasts the fin-
est Fraser, Douglas and Noble firs from as far away as Oregon and as close as the Carolinas, hauled in by air-conditioned semis. Some are accompanied by snow. Trees are available from four feet to ten feet. Rotarians listen carefully to each familys specifications. They will help you pick out the perfect tree, run your credit card and tie it onto your car. Rotary Christmas trees are special beyond the quality of the timber; 100
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs is selling Christmas trees to raise money for local charities this Christmas season.
percent of the profits are returned to the community, nearly $20,000 each year. Bonita Springs Assistance Office, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life and the YMCA are some of the recipient charities. When I started with the tree lot in my forties, I hauled trees and chain saws, hacked stems, drilled holes and tied a tree on a car with the best of them. Now in my sixties, I sign onto a shift with the younger members and claim the position of cashier for the night, shared George Cohan, past Rotarian of the Decade. All Rotary Club of Bonita Springs members volunteer for sales lot shifts. This year marks nearly 20,000 trees sold under the tent at Sunshine Plaza, said Jay Berube, in charge of the Christmas tree project for the last four years. At least 75 percent of the purchas-
Arts & Entertainment last minute or you Community

might be disappointed.
Dont wait for the
Restaurants
ers are returning customers, through the generations. Last year, Shangri-las Open House event included trees and wreaths from the Christmas tree sale. Dont wait for the last minute or you might be disappointed. They expect to sell out again this year. The Wynn family provides the parking lot at no fee to the charity so that children and the young at heart might enjoy the northern pine scent at home on a brightly lit Christmas tree from snow country. The best part of my week is my Rotary meeting; seeing all my friends and knowing were making
the world a better place. Dont be surprised if Mayor Ben Nelson or Joe Murgalo, the General Manager of the Hyatt and Chairman of the Bonita Springs Chamber, is hauling and preparing your tree. Its a good time to catch up with your city council members, too, smiled Berube. Selling Christmas trees is more than another opportunity to give back and raise money for charity. Its an opportunity for Rotarians to share fellowship outside of their weekly breakfast
meeting. One year, Berube continued, we sold a tall tree to a young man with a wife and child who had just returned from Iraq; Afghanistan was next. All of us on the lot chipped in to buy his tree. The surprise and joy on his face were the reason we are Rotarians. The high-quality trees can last well through January with water and Tree Life food. The money that goes back to the community will last much longer.
If you go:
Christmas Tree Sale Where: Sunshine Plaza (Bonita Beach Road) When: Now through December 22 Mon. to Fri. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sat 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun noon to 8 p.m. Why: To support local charities.
www.swspotlight.com
Giving Back
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Commentary
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Spotlight News
Page 20
Monthly Transactions
Number of real estate transactions in the Bonita Springs Estero market
2010 February March April May June July August September October November December 2011 January February March April May
175 219 263 174 179 144 132 121 80 125 177 165 215 271 312 236
June July August September October November December 2012 January February March April May June July August September October
216 183 189 183 133 153 188 195 170 256 294 272 257 200 196 158 228
Spotlight Real Estate Watch Town Talk

Spotlight Staff Report
staff@swspotlight.com
Business & Real Estate
December 1-15, 2012
Bonita Springs The fourth quarter was off to a strong start in October, with significant improvements in the Bonita/ Estero area in several key metrics, when compared to October of 2011. In the single-family market, closed sales were up 76.3% and pending sales were up 83.7%. New listings were up 12.4%. Reflecting the sales activity, homes for sale dropped 24.3%. Time on the market decreased to an average of 119 days, and the average home received almost 92% of sales price.
Giving Back
Commentary
The townhouse market also saw October-to-October improvements in pending sales and closed sales, up 68.8% and 34.3%, respectively. Year to date numbers also point to a continuing recovery, with improvements in key metrics in both single family and townhouse markets, when com-
pared to 2011. Pending and closed sales were up, and median and average sales prices were up. The Bonita Springs- Estero Association of Realtors also reports a general easing of foreclosures and short sales, with less resulting drag on prices.
Arts & Entertainment Snapshot Monthly

Monthly Snapshot
Community
+ 76.3% - 10.6% - 24.3% + 76.3% - 10.6% - 24.3%
One-Year Change in One-Year Change in in One-Year Change in One-Year Change in One-Year Change in One-Year Change Median Sales PricePrice Homes for Sale Sale Closed Sales Homes for Median Sales Closed Sales Single-Family Homes Homes Single-Family Homes Single-Family Homes Single-Family Single-Family Homes Single-Family Homes
New Listings
A count of the properties that have been newly listed on the market in a given month.
Closed Sales
Year to Date October
2,490 2,485 2,166 134
Restaurants
Year to Date
1,330 1,172 990 94 975 1,242 1,328
Days on Market Until Sale

Median number of days between when a property is listed and when an offer is accepted in a given month.
A count of the actual sales that closed in a given month.
October
272 289 271 271
October
130 119 124 110 119
Year to Date
115 99 125 113 121 116
2,425 2,332 2,370
223
242
87
76 59 50
70
2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 -13.2% +8.5% +12.4% +26.8% -6.2% 0.0%
2010 2011 2012 -2.3% -3.8% +1.6%
2010 2011 2012 +5.6% -0.2% -12.8%
2010 2011 2012 -37.9% +28.8% +76.3%
2010 2011 2012 -49.5% +40.0% +34.3%
2010 2011 2012 -1.7% +18.4% +13.5%
2010 2011 2012 +13.5%+27.4% +6.9%
2010 2011 2012 -13.9% +49.4% -8.5%
2010 2011 2012 +5.1% -11.7% +8.7%
2010 2011 2012 -3.9% +16.2% -1.7%
2010 2011 2012 +7.8% -3.6% -3.7%
Single-Family
Townhouse/Condo
Single-Family
Townhouse/Condo
Single-Family
Townhouse/Condo
Single-Family
Townhouse/Condo
Single-Family
Townhouse/Condo
Single-Family
Townhouse/Condo
Spotlight News
www.swspotlight.com
Business & Real Estate Town Talk Giving Back Commentary Arts & Entertainment Community Restaurants
Page 21
Bonita Business Beat
A Love Story from New York

By D.K. Christi
dk@swpotlight.com
Bonita Springs Bella Purisic and her husband Kenny worked together at their popular Molinos Italian Ristorante at the Promenade, Bonita Springs where she learned the business from the ground up. Her roots are in New York where her familys restaurant success is famous. The bar was set high for her dream. In February, Purisic spread her wings. This mother of three and loving spouse of 16 years (a poetic tribute to their romance currently hangs on the restaurant wall) opened the Manhattan Steakhouse in Bonita Springs. I wanted to bring a bit of New York to Bonita Springs, she said. Mahogany paneled walls, embossed ceilings and tables set with fine linen greet diners with an aura of sophisticated elegance. A full bar and wine cellar add to the ambiance. Purisic extends her personal welcome to each arriving guest and continues her gracious attention until she walks them to the door at the end of their meal. Home and family are important to her; she brings those values to her restaurant. Its so nice to see you and welcome back ring out as new and repeat guests arrive. A family meeting with staff each day highlights the smallest quality details. I sit with my children at home to go over their day; my meetings at the restaurant just have a different slant. My family is first at home; the customer is the priority at Manhattan Steakhouse, she said.
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com Bella Purisic, owner of Manhattan Steakhouse, extends her personal welcome to each arriving guest.
A la carte entrees and sides are generous enough to share just like dining at home in some respects, smiled Purisic. Sizzling porterhouse steaks arrive on plates at 1800 degrees, expertly tipped by the waiter who drizzles the flavor on the prime beef, dry
Home and family are important to her; she brings those values to her restaurant.
aged 21-28 days, cooked to perfection and cut with a table knife. Cashews replace croutons in the crisp Caesar salad (Purisics personal touch). Gourmet desserts include Purisics own tiramisu, apple strudel and pecan pie with crme brulee by her New York chef. Fish entrees include a large Maine lobster enjoyed by Alfred C. Desecki of Bonita Springs and his wife. We dine here two times a week everything is excellent! They will custom pre-
pare a childs meal. As a parent, I know the attention needed for children, said Purisic. The fine dining environment entices patrons to dress in their finest for a special evening. However, this is Florida, Purisic advised a potential customer on the phone, casual is appropriate everywhere. Purisic and her family spend time in New York and Southwest Florida since their first honeymoon trip to Miami. Florida just sort of grows on you. Now we have the best of both worlds. The poem on the wall at Manhattan Steakhouse ends with, Kenny and Bella were young when they met; still, they knew it was love from the start; he told her hed give her all that she deserved; in return, he only wanted her heart. Manhattan Steakhouse at 24940 S. Tamiami Trail is a dream come true for Bella Purisic and offers Bonita Springs a New York dining experience seven evenings a week. Reservations are required 6768687.
Giving Back
Page 22
Commentary Arts & Entertainment Community
December 1-15, 2012
Commentary
EDITORIAL
A few weeks ago I was chatting with a Bonitian who, for more than two decades, has been heavily involved in local volunteer efforts. He told me about a service initiative his volunteer organization started a year ago. Today, the demand for that service has reached levels no one thought imaginable. You know, he said, we just never realized how much need there really is in Bonita.
City Council Corner
Please Remember theRestaurants Needy

Even as the local economy seems poised to finally turn the corner, our local charities continue to deal with the persistent difficult realities of the needy among us. Since the Southwest Spotlight started, we have sought to spread the word about organizations that give back to the community, year in and year out. In this, our Giving Issue, we have included an expanded Giving Locally listing of opportunities to give back
Track Agreement a Win for City

pletely voluntary agreement. The owners of the track the Havenick Family did not have to enter into this agreement. The Havenick Family has owned the track in Bonita Springs for 52 years. This is not a new group or new business with grandiose dreams. They have been invested in Bonita Springs for years long before the vast majority of us reading this ever moved to town. Izzy Havenick has been quoted as saying, We plan on doing everything with locals. I commend the Havenick family for their dedication to Bonita Springs. We heard testimony from the Lee County Sheriff s office that they do not anticipate an influx of new crime.
on pages 16 and 17. Please remember the needy, particularly in this holiday season. Inevitably and unintentionally we have left some organizations out. Please pardon us for that, and let us know.
Peter OFlinn is the publisher of the Southwest Spotlight News Magazine. He can be reached at peter@swspotlight.com
Peter Simmons
Councilmember
By Peter A. OFlinn
Publisher
Letters to the Editor

Eight Years and Two Fire Chiefs Later
I was elected in 2004 to the Board of Fire Commissioners in Bonita Springs, and rapidly learned of the machinations that ruled the conduct of the Board of Fire Commissioners. What I believed I was joining were the voices of the taxpayer; what I found was a group of men who tended to follow the lead of the Fire Chief. I was aware that I was in for a rough ride when I decided to run as a reform Fire Commissioner. But I felt that I had the support of the residents of Bonita Springs, and that my goals and intentions were honorable. Little did I know, at the time, just how difficult the road would be; nor did I know why it had to be so. What I did learn quickly was that I was often alone in my goals. Eight years and two Fire Chiefs later the struggle continues in Bonita Springs; my accomplishments are measured, and the barriers to making progress are as strong as ever. The results of the November election for Bonita Fire Commissioners will make it very difficult to make significant changes in the department for the next two years; those still in control of the Board of Fire Commissioners will continue as in the past. A ray of hope that I see for the Bonita Springs Fire Department is the newly appointed Chief of the Department Joe Daigle. Joe brings to his new position a professionalism that is rooted in service to the public before commitment to the culture of the fire service. Rare is such commitment among fire chiefs, but so desperately needed in these times of economic pressure that it may become a hallmark for the Fire Chiefs Association of Lee County. Over the next two years, I ask that everyone pay more attention to decisions made at the monthly Fire Board meetings as reported in the news media, watch the rebroadcasts of the meetings on Bonitas Channel 98 during the week, attend fire board meetings and write to: Commissioner Ed Fitzgerald, 27701 Bonita Grande Road, Bonita Springs 34135, or email me at fitzgerald@bonitafire. org. I will respond to all questions, complaints or commentary. I offer a special thanks to Southwest Spotlight for having the only reporter at the November Fire Board meet-
ing. I hope that they will continue the practice in the future. Ed FitzGerald, Bonita Springs
Ed FitzGerald is a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District. Thanks to Supporters and Friends
150 votes was the difference in my election, out of 14,789. The incumbent won by only 1.1%. Here are some things you deserve to know. First. From the bottom of my heart, all of you have made myself and my family extremely proud with your consistent and unwavering support and enthusiasm. Simply put, I thank you so much. This journey began 12 months ago as you recognized the need to address the inadequate representation of the current Fire Commissioners. Second. We beat the third candidate in every precinct, but one. Third. Our planning was right on, we won the absentee vote, and made all the right connections, and reaching out at the right folks at the right time. Sheriff Mike Scott, a true friend, set it all in perspective properly. We were so close. I am extremely fortunate to know all of you, I am so proud of meeting so many new friends, and I feel so rich, that all of you have the confidence in me, I hope you still will, in the future. Bob Sharkey, Bonita Springs
Letters to the Editor Policy

The Southwest Spotlight publishes letters to the editor as space allows. All letters represent the views of their authors, not of the Southwest Spotlight. 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. Send to editor@swspotlight.com
I hope and trust each of you is well, enjoying our great fall weather, and a special welcome back to the snowbirds! Recently the Bonita Springs City Council voted 7 0 in favor of entering into an agreement with the Ft. Myers Naples Greyhound Track that could generate substantial tax revenues for the city. I heard from several folks on this issue both pro and con and I feel it is important that you know why I am supportive of this measure. Our agreement was contingent on the voters of Lee County approving the referendum to allow slot machines in Bonita Springs which they did with an overwhelming margin on election day November 6, 2012 by a 63% - 37% margin there were three precincts in Bonita Springs that voted in favor of it with a 70 - 71% approval. The final step in the process is obtaining approval by the state legislature. If approved by the legislature, the referendum will create over 500 full time good paying jobs in Lee County and a minimum of 200 or 40% of the jobs will be for Bonita Springs residents. The plan is to break ground in June, 2013 which will create 900 construction jobs and for the facility to open the summer of 2014. The 99 acre site calls for an expansion of 200,000 square feet in all that will include a clubhouse, several retail shops, offices, a night club and restaurant space. The agreement calls for the City of Bonita Springs to receive 1.5% of the tracks annual slots revenue up to the first $250 million dollars, and any amount over $250 million will result in the city receiving 2.5% of the revenues. One thing that the residents of Bonita Springs should know is that this is a com-
In my humble opinion this is a win for the City of Bonita Springs.

In fact, given the increased amount of track security and police monitoring the counter intuitive effect should happenvery little crime at all. The track should have more security and police protection than anywhere else in the county. All of this new activity will spur new business and economic development in Bonita Springs and beyond. The referendum will also generate millions of dollars for the state of Floridas Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, which provides funding for public schools. In my humble opinion this is a win for the City of Bonita Springsa win for the Bonita Springs Economic Development Councila win for the local economy a win for the local workersand goes a long way in helping us adhere to our city motto - Bonita Springs Small Town Charm, Big Bright Future! Wishing you and your family a warm and wonderful holiday season. Please contact me anytime peter.simmons@ cityofbonitiasprings.org 230-949-6262; I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas! Peter Simmons is a Councilmember from District 4 in Bonita Springs.
www.swspotlight.com
Page 23
Spotlight Sunset
Monika Tuttle | sunset@swspotlight.com Monika Tuttle took this photo of Joe Tuttle with his two daughters enjoying another day in paradise. Send your best sunset photos to sunset@swspotlight. com and your photo could be the next Spotlight Sunset.
Commentary
Page 24
December 1-15, 2012
CALENDAR
B. For more information, visit bonitalions.org. be $10/per person, kayak rental included.
Restaurants and prices All dates, times

are subject to change.
B: Bonita Springs E: Estero FM: Fort Myers N: Naples
The Farm Fresh Market
Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade
Sat., Dec. 1, 8 & 15, 7:30a.m. to noon Come to one of the most popular markets in the region. Fully stocked farmfresh vegetable vendors plus vendors selling frozen fish, baked goods, cut flowers, orchids, cosmetics, antiques, fashions, jewelry, books, and more. Where: Promenade at Bonita Bay B. For more information, visit bonitalions.org.
Sat., Dec. 8, 6 p.m. This is the 27th Annual Boat Parade and it is expected to be bigger than ever. Begins and ends at Fish House Restaurant. Viewing areas are at The Fish House and Imperial River Boat Ramp. For more info call 239-4950455 or visit www.bonitaboatparade.com
Concert in the Park
Sun., Dec. 9, 2 to 4 p.m. Bring a chair and a friend and enjoy the Bonita Springs Concert Band as they perform Christmas music at the band shell. Where: Riverside Park and Old 41,B. Cost: FREE.
Naples Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Quintet
Sports
Red Sox Spring Training
Holiday in the Park & Annual Tree Lighting
Tues., Dec. 4, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy holiday music , blizzard in the park with giant snow slide, snow pile, train rides, free cider and cookies. See Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus arrive by horse and carriage. Holiday train rides and horse and carriage rides are free. Where: Riverside Park, off Old 41. B. For more info call 239949-6262. Cost: FREE.
Sat., Dec. 8, 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale Saturday, December 8; first workouts scheduled for February 12; first game is February 21. All workouts at Player Development Complex are open to the public, free of charge. The Red Sox will host 28 games at JetBlue Park. Where: JetBlue Park box office, online at redsox.com or by phone at 888-REDSOX6.
Wed., Dec. 12, noon and 2 p.m. Trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba combine for an outdoor holiday music performance. Where: Waterside Shops Pavilion, N. Cost FREE.
The Second Annual Holiday Showcase
Great Outdoor Adventure DayLovers Key
Farm Growers Market
Wed., Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 8a.m.-1p.m. If you can eat it and watch it grow, its here! Where: Old 41 and Childers St.
Sat., Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food, music, touch tanks, childrens activities as well as guided kayak tours, walking nature tours, Black Island bike tours, geocaching and fishing clinics. Where: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., B. Cost: FREE with regular park entrance of $8 per vehicle of up to 8 people. Guided kayak tours will
Fri., Dec. 14, 6 to 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, family and friends and experience a holiday fun-filled evening presented by the Bonita Academy of Dance and its young dancers. Where: Riverside Park band shell off Old 41. B. For more info call 239777-3933. Cost: FREE.
Youth Art Competition Call for Entries
Sat., Dec. 15 deadline The 11th Bi-Annual Estero Fine Art Show invites young artists in grades K-8 or ages 5 to 12 to submit their original art for entry with a chance to win a cash prize in the Youth Art Competition being held on Jan. 5 & 6, 2013. Where:
Continued on next page
CHRISTMAS
P.O. Box 367872. Bonita Springs, FL 34136 Tel: 239-405-3320 Fax: 239-236-3630 email: bonitaspringsconcertband@yahoo.com
FREE! FUN!
BRING A CHAIR OR A BLANKET AND
SUNDAY DECEMBER 9
RIVERSIDE PARK, OLD US 41
www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com
SPONSORED BY:
CONCERT
2:00 - 4:00 PM
HAVE A PICNIC IN THE PARK
Commentary
www.swspotlight.com Calendar
from page 24

darep.org.
Page 25
Application at www.hotworks.org Cost: There is a $3 fee for each entry.
Galleries & Workshops
Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
Winter Wonders!
Sat., Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Head to the library for a winter-themed childrens program. Listen to a chilly story, do some wintry activities and make a cool craft. Registration is required. Call to register 239-533-4860.Where: Bonita Springs Library, 26876 Pine Ave. B. Cost: FREE. Mon., Dec. 17, 7 p.m. This fictional story, Callas Forever, starring Fanny Ardant as Callas, has parallels with real life. It is in English, French and Italian with English subtitles with discussion afterward. Wine, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and popcorn are available. Where: Center for the Arts, B. For more info call 239-4958989. Cost: $8 per person. Wed., Dec. 19 to Sun., Dec. 30, matinees & eve performances Phone box office for times Crumpet the Elf is back for the fourth smash season of yuletide mischief in this thorny comedy from acclaimed satirist David Sedaris. The Santaland Diaries exposes the underside of Santas workshop when David, a down and out-of-work cynical writer,desperately takes a job as Macys elf during the holiday crunch. Where: Florida Repertory, 2267 Bay Street FM. Cost: all seats $25. For more info call 332-4488 or visit flori-
Films for Film Lovers
Kids Single Session Art Classes Saturdays through Dec. 22, 911a.m. and 11a.m.-1p.m. These will be 2 hour art classes for children that range from duct tape crafts to painting. Where: Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd. B. For more information, call 239-495-8989, or visit artcenterbonita.org. Cost: $20 per class.
through Jan. 20. An experiential and interactive exhibition exploring the methods and attitudes of the world renowned kinetic and constructivist sculptor. Where: Philharmonic Center for the Arts, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. N. For more information call 239-597-1900. Cost: Adults $10, Students $5.
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Painting Watercolor Still Life
The Santaland Diaries
Fri., Dec. 14 & Sat., Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to noon This class, with instructor Anne Chaddock, will begin with a demo and then artists will work on their own with plenty of time for one on one. Learn to see as an artistcolor, texture and more. Where: Center for the Arts, 26100 Old 41 Rd. B. For more info call The Center for the Arts 495-8989. Cost: $54.50 members, $104.50 non-members.
Wed. Dec. 5, 9 a.m. Wed., Dec. 19, 9 a.m. Come watch local government in action. Where: City Council Chambers, 9101 Bonita Beach Rd. B.
Democratic Club of Bonita Springs and South Lee County
Thur., Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Where: Center for the Art of Bonita Springs B. For more information call Larry Byrnes 239-634-6469.
Bonita Springs Newcomers Club Luncheon Meeting
Naples Museum of Art Art After Hours

Last Wed. of every month, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainment, interactive activities and wine and light fare from the Philharmonic Caf. Where: Naples Museum of Art, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. N. Cost: FREE. For more info call 239-597-1900.
Fletcher Benton: The Artists Studio
Tues.-Sat., 10a.m.-4p.m. & Sun., noon-4p.m.,
Thur., Dec. 20, noon and the 3rd Thur. of each month Membership is open to women who reside in Bonita Springs and surrounding communities. The club offers an opportunity to meet other women, develop friendships, share common interests, and participate in a variety of other activities organized by club members. Where: community clubhouses is the local area B. For more information, visit bonitaspringsnewcomersclub. com. To attend a luncheon, e-mail bonitanewcomers@ gmail.com or call Joan at 239-947-2944.
Commentary
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the prowl or a sixty-something widow who still has an eye for the gentlemen. You may have seen her as Vivienne in Legally Blonde at Broadway Palms main theater. Adam Clough and Erik Hogan are the two male actors in I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change. They are both mid-westerners and are enjoying the Florida hiatus. Playing many roles is nothing new to Adam. He appeared as both Curly and Jud in Okaloma! and as Billy and Jigger in Carousel. Erik can be remembered playing the part of Rodney Dangerfield in Las Vegas Legends at the Off Broadway Theatre eight years ago. The entire performance is held together by pianistpar excellence, William Asher, who returns to the Off Broadway Palm after a stint as music director for productions of Chicago and The Sound of Music. You may remember him
December 1-15, 2012

as music director for Off Broadway Palms production of Forbidden Broadway. Also a composer, Asher recently did the musical score for the stage productions of Tuesdays With Morrie, and Dracula. The Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is sure to please both diners and theatre-goers. The buffet has a nice variety of soups, salads, main courses, and of course, elegant desserts. The theater presentations are top-notch. I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change plays through December 23.
Community Off Broadway is Right On

400 cities worldwide and translated into eleven different languages. It was written by Joe DiPietro and composed by Jimmy Roberts, premiered at New York Citys Westside Theater in 1996 and ran for 5,003 performances. The Off Broadway Palm Theatre is an intimate theatre, seating fewer than 100 music lovers and is located just off the main lobby of The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. Here you can find those off-Broadway hits that didnt quite make it to the big stage but were, nevertheless, hits all over the country and internationally. The four-person cast of I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change is made up of two men and two women who play as many as twenty different roles through-
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out the evening, complete with makeup and costume changes as they age along with the relationships. Caitlin Newman, who hails from the mid-west,
Caitlin Newman repeatedly steals the show.

repeatedly steals the show with her strong soprano voice and her acting ability. Her contorted facial expressions bring down the house, and leave the audience in no doubt as to her feelings. She last played here in A Christmas Survival Guide and has several national tours to her credit. Kate Marshall, the plays other female star is a versatile performer with a crowd-pleasing voice. She can convince you shes a twenty-something gal on
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight The cast of I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change now performing at the Off Broadway Palm Theater.
By Joyce McDonald
joyce@swspotlight.com
Fort MyersLaughter, they say, is one of lifes best medicines. Add to that a dose of lively music and youll have a prescription for a wonderful evening of entertainment at the Off Broadway Palm Theatres performance of I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now
Change. The show, one of the funniest spoofs on love and marriage, is a series of hilarious vignettes of the various stages of dating, falling in love, and the foibles of marriage, even into parenthood and retirement. The show was one of the longest running off Broadway musicals and has been performed in
If you go:
Off Broadway Palm Theater 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Tickets: 239 278-4422 or visit broadwaypalm.com
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The Other BEN
The Stranger
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his relatives sat in the living room and began catching up. As I listened to the conversations, I noticed that they all seemed to revolve around relatives that had passed away from various horrible diseases. You remember Uncle Billy? Sure...Hes a great guy! Hows he doing? (Tick, tick, tick...) Hes dead. Died of the consumption last year. (Tick, tick, tick...) Before they could kill off another relative, I excused myself and went out for a walk in the sunshine through the tobacco fields. It wasnt long before I ran straight into an old man hunched over, hoeing between the rows of tobacco. He looked up at me like he had been expecting me, wiped his brow and gave me a nod. Howdy! I suddenly felt like a trespassing stranger that was about to be shot and held up my hands. Im sorry. I didnt mean to... Where you from? he interrupted. I turned and pointed cautiously. Well, Im staying with Nooo! He spat on the ground and then pointed at me. Where YOU from! Oh! Im from Florida, south of... FLORIDA? he said, amazed. Yep! I said nodding my hippy head. He threw his hoe over his shoulder, turned and began walking away. Will you go with me? he said without turning around. I had no idea what he meant. What? He turned towards me and pointed down the hill. Will you go with me? OH! I said, pausing at the thought of what might be in store for me. But then Yeah, sure! and I ran to catch up. Soon, we came upon a colorless old wooden house with a pleasant looking older lady in a freshly pressed dress on the porch. Margret... we got company! From FLORIDA! the old man yelled proudly, propping his hoe against the porch. Ooohh! she marveled. Ill get some lemonade. We sat there for a bit, their smiling at me until finally the lady announced matter-of-factly. So, Florida is an island! My eyebrows popped up. Umm... no. Its a peninsula. They
Community
December 1-15, 2012

asked slowly. So you can look in all three differnt directions and see water? I shook my head. No, Its big... I mean... when youre near water and you look out at it, you cant see anything but the water. And when youre not near it you cant see it... the water... that is. I rubbed my neck. (Why was this so difficult to explain?) The nice lady leaned forward as if to help. So, when you look out cross the water, what place do you see on the other side? I leaned back in my chair and rocked a bit. Having lived in Florida my entire life, it never occurred to me that some people had never seen a horizon. I shrugged. Well... all you can see is a line. Her hand went across her mouth, and then she almost whispered. A line of what? An hour later, after describing what a horizon was and why you couldnt see Mexico from Florida, they told me that they had never been out of the valley, never watched television, and had never been to school. This beautiful valley was the only world they had ever known. As evening came and the shadows grew long, the couple graciously thanked me for the conversation, hugged me, gave me a generous portion of cornbread and pointed me towards home. I often think about them and the stories they must tell about their encounter with the skinny young stranger with the long hair, who appeared in the tobacco field one day. But more often it reminds me that although we are all products of our environment and preconceived notions its never too late to learn from each other. My new friends in Kentucky learned a simple lesson in geography that afternoon I learned how a simple act of kindness and acceptance can make our fear of others fade, turning strangers into friends.
Read more antics from the life of Mayor Ben Nelson Jr. at www.swspotlight.com or www.theotherbennelson. blogspot.com
BEN NELSON JR.

Bonita Springs In 1975 I took a trip to Kentucky with a friend who wanted to visit with his relatives. Before the Dukes of Hazard, before I decided to cut my shoulder length blonde hair...bell-bottom jeans and all, I spent a week in Hazard, Kentucky. Despite my apprehension, when we got to my friends aunts house it was all hugs and kisses. And although her house wasnt fancy and was missing an indoor toilet, it was clean and charming. Soon after we arrived, as the grandfather clock patiently ticked off the time, Tommy and
looked at each other then back at me. You see, its only surrounded on three sides by water, not four. I said making a U in the air. They looked at each other again. The old boy scratched his chin and
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December 1-15, 2012
Phoebe Jo from Hannibal, Missouri Restaurants Bonitas Best Friends

D.K. CHRISTI By D.K Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Phoebe Jo was about 14 pounds of black fluff in a precarious position, looking out from under another dog in the cage sitting on the St. Louis, Missouri Pet Smart table on Adoption Day. Two years had passed since Cyndy Nayer had a pet. She told her friend that Phoebe looked at her as if to say Rescue me and she just had to adopt her. Her friend replied that Nayer didnt pick Phoebe, Phoebe picked you. Phoebe had been in foster care. The man who brought her from Hannibal, Missouri on that special day was very grateful to Nayer and she wondered why. Black dogs dont adopt well; he told her, we usually have to put them down.
Nayer always adopted rescue dogs; the exception was her first dog as a child: a beagle that she won at a state fair, the beginning of her love for dogs. Phoebe receives a little more attention than previous pets
us hugging, she wants part of the group hug. When Nayer first picked Phoebe up from the adoption table and held her, the affectionate nature was evident: she laid her head on Nayers shoulder with a sigh of relief. She had a home at last where she has lavished love on her Bonita Springs family for seven years. Phoebes empathetic nature is particularly appealing. Ive been making
Owning Phoebe is like having a four-legged treadmill; I have to keep moving and take her walking.
Cyndy Nayer
since she is the first dog without children at home. Nayers two daughters are grown and enjoying their own careers and homes. However, when the girls visit, Phoebe claims them immediately as family. My husband and I are celebrating 40 years of marriage this year; we travel a lot with different careers; but when Phoebe catches a job transition lately that has caused me some concern and serious thought. Phoebe stays at my feet as though she knows I am in a difficult time and need additional support. My work supports employers that manage employee insurance plans to give employees more leverage in seeking healthier lifestyles it affects many lives. Nayer
adds that statistics support pet ownership as contributing to lower blood pressure and a longer life, fitting well with the healthy concepts in the non-profit business she founded. Owning Phoebe is like having a four-legged treadmill; I have to keep moving and take her walking. Just the mention of a walk and she has her leash ready. Sometimes we go to Dog Beach so she plays with other dogs and goes for a swim. Phoebe also loves staying at her favorite Bonita Springs kennel when Nayer travels, a truly social animal. Phoebe is a lab mix. According to the American Kennel Club, Labs are ideal family dogs and thrive as part of an active family. Because of an even temperament and trainability, millions of Americans own Labrador Retrievers as pets. Nayers work life centers around benefits, risks and rewards. Phoebe provides all benefits and rewards; no risks.
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight Phoebe Jo enjoys playing with other dogs and going for a swim at Dog Beach.
Bonitas Best Friends

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.
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it requires less grip pressure to hold the club. Less grip pressure can easily increase club head speed and distance. It is extremely difficult to make solid contact and maximize club head speed when you need to squeeze the grip, resulting in tension throughout your hands, wrists, arms, etc. Your grips can be cleaned with denatured alcohol or acetone on a towel, which easily removes oil and dirt, or simply use soap and a scrub brush. However, be advised, acetone should not be used on Winn grips, because of their soft material acetone will quickly cause this particular brand to deteriorate. If your grips are course of a season these angles can change up to 3 degrees. Reason being, the force of impact each time you strike the ball. For an illustration, imagine that your 7 iron is hitting the ball at least 50-70+ MPH (average club head speeds) as well as colliding with the ground. Over time this will generally cause the lofts to get weaker, and the lie angles get flatter, also known as toe down. Flatter angles result in a weak or short right miss. If your lofts decrease by 2 degrees you will lose around 5-7 yards in distance. Since wedges up through the 6 iron are utilized more frequently, these clubs will have more obvious consequences of unchecked loft and lie angles. Another angle to focus on and check often is the loft angle. The correct sequence of lofts will be around 4 degrees of loft between each club, which will produce a 10-12 yard progression. A professional club fitter can check, alter and provide recommendations on the accurate angles for your swing as well as fit you for new grips. At the start of each season, take these suggestions seriously, and your clubs will be fine tuned machines adjusted for optimal performance.
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.
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TEE BOX Time for a Tune Up Restaurants TIPS
JOSH MUSSELMAN
By Josh Musselman
josh@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs This time of year many golfers are returning from out of state and getting settled in for the season. With all the tasks on the to do list, golf equipment is typically not a top priority, but it should be. Similar to a car, boat, or anything that takes frequent abuse, you need to address a few items to maintain peak performance. Since your Florida set of clubs have probably sat the entire summer, its crucial you first review these suggestions to preserve their optimal playing potential, before taking them to the course. First and foremost, it is likely time to change your grips. These should be changed twice a year (or more frequently if youre a daily golfer) and cleaned between every other round. Every time the grip is cleaned, it extends the life of the grip and maintains the best tack or stickiness the grip can provide. As you can imagine, when the grips are tacky,
Less grip pressure can easily increase club head speed and distance.
Josh Musselman
glossy, shiny or hard like plastic, you are way overdue for replacing them and will no doubt benefit from the new ones. When you purchase new grips it is vital to get the correct size for your hand because an inappropriate size will affect direction and control. For example, too large you will miss more to the right, and too small of a grip causes the ball to go to the left. Next on the maintenance list is the clubs loft and lie angles. Over the
Spanish Wells Snippets

By Martha Crider
Special to the Spotlight
Spanish WellsDecember will be kicked off with the annual Golf Cart Parade. Spanish Wells club members decorate their golf carts in festive holiday decorations, are judged and then they parade throughout the community. The members have amazing talents, with Christmas and Hanukah decorations, music, flashing lights, fake reindeer, and real decorated dogs. A highlight for the 9 hole and 18 hole womens
golf leagues is their Charity event December 5. Members of the leagues donate books for children of the Bonita Springs Elementary School; the books are delivered for the childrens selection shortly after the collection. The books are for the children to take home, often the only book the child owns. The following week, December 12 will be the annual 9 hole and 18 hole drop out scramble and luncheon. The members Holiday Party will be held in the Clubhouse December 7. This is the time for mem-
bers to leave their golf and tennis attire behind and wear their finest. Other events at the Club include Interclub Bridge December 6, the Book Club December 28, and the New Years Eve Party. Homes will be bright, Christmas trees decorated, cookies baked and all the usual December parties and activities will be celebrated throughout the community with family and friends. Happy Hanukah , Christmas and New Year.
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Community Restaurants
December 1-15, 2012
Neighbor Spotlight
Russ & Angelia Winn

By Mark Generales
mark@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Having people and places that are supportive and not overly judgmental provides welcome relief. Russ and Angelia Winn offer this unique approach in their ministry while their local work also fi lls several needs in our community. Russ is pastor of Springs of Bonita, a non denominational Christian congregation. The Springs is unique not only in its worship focus, but also in its followers diversity and the physical location of its Sunday offering outside at Riverside Park in Bonita. Originally from Newport News, Virginia, and with his Masters in Divinity from Southwestern in Texas, Russ came to Southwest Florida in 1995 to lead Living Waters Church as pastor. He began the Springs at Easter Service in 2011, and one year ago had 40 in attendance. Today, 100 folks join Russ and Angelia in the Park and as the word of mouth spreads, and if Russ dreams are realized, in 5 years that 100 will swell to 500 each and every Sunday.
Russ and Angelia leave home early every Sunday morning and bring their truck and trailer full of chairs and equipment to the park. They are met by those that provide music a blend of traditional hymns and some more contemporary songs, and the children and their par-
less in attendance. The childrens program while nearby, is away from the adults where they can play and be children. Imagine how much easier it is to get the kids to church when they know theyll be outside and can play. The Winns Sunday follows a very busy week.
For those that cant find a place to recover, we oer restoration to help them get into the game of life again.
Russ Winn
ents and a diverse, growing following. Russ teaches that our lives are fi lled with flops, fumbles and failures. He calls them trainwrecks. For those that cant find a place to recover, we offer restoration to help them get into the game of life again, he said. Its the strength of God that gives us the ability to recover, renew and regroup. The message is uplift ing and positive and recognizes human frailty. A typical Sunday finds a row of MDs in attendance; rows with retirees from Bonita Bay, a group of the disabled being assisted by LARC, many Bonita families and several folks we might call homeAngelia, a self described Florida cracker from Titusville, owns and operates her faith-based preschool called Noahs Ark. With an average of 100 full and part time children attending daily, Angelia and her staff of 15 have their hands full. From infants to before and after school children up to age 12, Noahs Ark is not only a member of the Florida League of Christian Schools, but is licensed by the State of Florida under the Department of Children and Families. For Angelia and parents, this assures both accountability and the assurance the children will receive a core foundation of biblical knowledge. Russ spends the large
Staff | staff@swspotlight.com Russ and Angelia Winn have a unique ministry with Sunday services in Riverside Park.
measure of his week as a Wedding Officiant, performing wedding services from Marco to Sanibel. A typical week will find Russ conducting 5 to 6 weddings, and assisting families with funeral and other public services. Russ and Angelia met in Bonita years ago. Both had been married previously and they tied the knot in 2010. Between them they have five children, four girls and a boy,
and one grandson. If all this work and commitment werent enough, Angelia volunteered to help her best girlfriend in California by acting as a surrogate mother for her child and is pregnant expecting delivery in 2013.
If you go:
The Springs of Bonita, Sundays 9:30AM, Riverside Park. For more info call Pastor Russ at 293-3310 or visit www. thespringsofbonita.com
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Community
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Restaurants
December 1-15, 2012
A Table Apart Chef Jeff Acols profound love for the ocean is rooted in his early childhood years growing up in Hawaii and helps explain his commitment to serving sustainable seafood and seasonal ingredients. This talented chef offers a limited but diverse menu. Dishes offer global fair with Asian and French influence. Open for dinner 7 days a week 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.4295 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239221-8540. www.atableapart.com Bellissimo Ristorante Chef Jose Benavides and partner Ed Falcone are looking forward to their first season together in Bonita Springs. Chef Benavides has fine-tuned his culinary skills in area restaurants for years. Together he and Ed Falcone, a former restauranteur, will be offering specialties like Bellissimo Paella and Veal Scallopini Di Vitello Alla Pizzaiola. Open for lunch Mon thru Sat and dinner 7 days a week. 26251 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 9, Bonita Springs. 239-405-8957. www.bellissimobonita.com
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. buffalochipsrestaurant.com. Gatsbys Pizza Owners Greg and Jackie Chapin are reopening in a new Bonita location. Gatsbys, making pizza since 1977, is famous as the home of the Buckeyes. Plenty of TVs for all those Buckeye fans and a piano. Open Mon. thru Thur. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Sun. 4450 Bonita Beach Road in Liberty Bank Plaza. 239-676-5011. Hemingways Island Grill Experience a taste of the islands with Caribbean inspired dishes. The tropical flavors will take you on a
sea cruise with seafood, chicken and steaks infused with coconut, key lime, rum sauce, cilantro or jerk barbecue sauce. Make your selections from an extensive menu. Theres even a kids menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Shops at Coconut Point 8001 Plaza Del Lago #113 Estero. www. hemingwaysislandgrill.com 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 11am-5pm, Sat until 2pm, closed Sun. Corner of Old 41 & Abernathy Street. 239-8776501. www.hungryhounddawgs .com.
SIMPLE FLORIDA CHARM... CASUAL... LAID BACK... DELICIOUS!

Come see what everyones talking about!
A hidden gem in Bonita Springs. The food is just fantastic. Lots of great avours... BLT great, French toast great, Sandwich Cubano great.
Trip Advisor Aug. 2012
The ambience was so quaint and friendly it made us want to move in... a delicious omelette with bacon & mushrooms covered in gravy & the best French toast ever with a homemade sauce. Trip Advisor Oct. 2012
i! Wi-F Freefriendly! Dog
Breakfast available all day and Brunch all day on Sunday!
Open Tues-Sun 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
10530 Wilson St Downtown Bonita 992-2233 thesurveycafe.com Facebook/surveycafe Across from Riverside Park one block east of Old 41
Community
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Johnny Malloys They say its game day everyday at Johnny Malloys. Come for the game but stay for the food. Try the Shredded Pork or Classic Rib Eye Steak Sandwich, Specialty pizzas, the Malloy Classic Burger, or a fresh tortilla wrap. Watch the game on the new outdoor patio with TVs everywhere. 10347 Bonita Beach Rd. #101 (corner of Old 41). 239992-5000 La Fontanella Ristorante Owner Moe has over 35 years in the business, and the experience shows. He and his staff assure customers the finest dining experience. Serving gourmet Italian cuisine, specializing in pasta, veal, chicken, seafood and steak. If you cant cut the veal with a fork, the meal is free. Specials daily. Open daily 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 24600 S. Tamiami Trail at the Shoppes at Pelican Landing. 239-498-6808. www.lafontanellarestaurant.net. 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. Manhattan Steakhouse Specializing in USDA Prime Dry Aged steaks and sizzling platters up to 1800 degrees. Enjoying its second season, Bella Purisic oversees this relative newcomer to the Bonita Springs restaurant scene. The extensive menu includes fresh catches such as grouper, tuna and jumbo Maine lobster. Ask about their extensive wine list. Open daily for dinner 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. 24940 S. Tamiami Trail #103 (Behind Zazou in Bonita) Reservations are required. 239-676-8687. www. manhattan1steakhouse.com 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 11:30 a.m. to 9 pm. 26841 South Bay Dr. at the Bonita Bay Promenade. 239-992-7025. www. molinosristorante.com.
Restaurants
more! Open Mon. thru Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat. & Sun 4 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 lowfat 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 til 10 p.m. at Vanderbilt Dr. & 8th Street in Bonita Springs 992-2000; open til 9:30 at Pavillion Shoppes (Vanderbilt Beach Road & 41) 239-597-4043. www. royalscoop.com The Survey Caf Lori Nelsons tribute to old Florida, oozing with southern charm and updated with an organic sensibility. Fresh ingredients, wraps, salads, panini, flatbreads and the house specialtyGrandpas Gator gumbo. Try the Chokoloskee Chicken sandwich. Shade grown coffee from Grounds for Change. Dine inside or out. Summer hours, open Wednesday thru Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10530 Wilson Ave. off Old 41. 239-992-2233. www. thesurveycafe.com.
Molinos olinos
# 1 I T A L I A N R I S T O R A N T E
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VOTED
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Maximum 6 people Expires January 1, 2013 Does not include any other promotion
2 FOR 1
Must Present Coupon Must be seated by 5:30 PM
Open Christmas Eve & Day Open New Y ears Eve & Day Regular menu
OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER, 11:30AM
TO
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. 239-9484123. 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 moreand still
RESERVE
Reservations Required - 992-7025

A PRIVATE
9PM
26841 South Bay Drive - Bonita Springs
IN THE PROMENADE
WINE CELLAR DINING ROOM
Community
Page 36
Restaurants
December 1-15, 2012
Help Save a Childs Life This Holiday Season
We are honored to introduce Golisano Childrens Hospital of Southwest Florida. Hosp

Your gift of hope wil be matched dollar for dollar and will help provide f will for lifesaving care and healing for thousands of local children. f for o
To learn more about how you can help save a childs life o fe through this amazing new medical facility, please call
239-343-6950 or visit ChildrensHospitalGoal.org
a Bonita Bay A
a Shadow Wood at the Brooks A
a Bonita Beach A
WE ARE READY TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS THIS SEASON
www.HomesSWFL.com
Carol Wood
CRS, GRI, REALTOR
Claire McMahon
GRI, REALTOR
239-822-3709 CWood@JohnRWood.com
239-405-2794 CMcMahon@JohnRWood.com
CAROL WOOD AND CLAIRE MCMAHON TEAM

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Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs

DECEMBER 1-15, 2012

English Without Borders Giving Locally Restaurants

Southwest Spotlight Spotlight News

December 1-15, 2012

News & Features

Business & Real Estate

Color Town Talk palette designed to boost retail on Old 41

11 Muted Colors for a Bright Future

Local organizations for giving your time and treasure

18 Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Rotary Christmas tree sale helps local charities

Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment Commentary

26 Off Broadway is Right On

Restaurants to the Editor 22 Letters Business

30 Bonitas Best Friends 31 Tee Box Tips

21 A Love Story from New York

Manhattan Steakhouse has roots in New York

Locally owned and operated since 2010

Prepare for exceptional living.

MORGAN RD SUN AQUA LN

Arts & Entertainment Community

PINE HAVEN WAY

Business Downtown Upbeat & Real Estate

December 1-15, 2012

Spotlight News Business & Real Estate Town Talk

December 1-15, 2012

Tired of Boat Maintenance? Join the Club!

With Prestige Comes Privilege...

Reserving Your Boat is Easy...

Enjoy Real Freedom on the Water! Come to...

Up and Down the Trail & Real Estate Business

Muted Colors for a Bright Future

Lee Library Director: Stay With Us

Arts & Entertainment Community

Giving Back Commentary Arts & Entertainment Community Restaurants

December 1-15, 2012

Staff | staff@swspotlight.com Volunteers knotting blankets for Hugs for Kids

Giving Back Commentary

Arts & Entertainment

In-Stock Flooring Community Blowout Specials

Includes Furniture Moves!

Stanton Softique Nylon Fiber Infinity Nylon Carpet Fiber

Includes Removal of old carpet & Pad

IN-STOCK AND READY FOR IMMEDIATE INSTALLATION

Carpet starting at $1.49 sq.ft.

Mansion Size Rugs

25% -75% OFF!

Giving Back Commentary Arts & Entertainment Community Restaurants

December 1-15, 2012

ENSURE A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Help us Strengthen our Community.

Giving Back Commentary

English Without Borders

I am so grateful I can study English here.

December 1-15, 2012

Bonita Springs Assistance Office Commentary 2012 Stocking Fund

Listed below are some of Arts & Entertainmentthe

Habitat for Humanity

Center for the Arts Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs Assistance Office

Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

Golisano Childrens Hospital of Southwest Florida