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S O U T H W E S T

NOVEMBER 1-15, 2012Vol.3, No.11 FRE

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

PRSRTSTDU.S.POSTAGEPAID

FTMYERS,FLPERMIT#980

RESIDENTIALCUSTOMERECRWSS

Sheriff Scott on Fire Election 11

Back in the Saddle 38

Restaurants 41 to 44

Bonita residents at Bonita Beach awaiting the arrival of the snowbirds.

Octo by Alexis Baughman, Estero High Sch


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www.swspotlight.com PSouthwest Spotlight


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age 6 November 1-15,Southwest Spotlight

Locally owned andoperated since 2010

(239) [email protected]

PO Box 1946Bonita Springs, FL 34133

Southwest Spotlight, LLC

swspotlight.com

S O U T H W E S T

Publisher & Editor

Peter A. O'[email protected]

Advertising SalesTeri LamaineKathy O'Flinn

Office ManagerKatie O'FlinnContributing WritersCharles J. CavaliereD. K. ChristiMartha CriderMeghan EasterlyMark GeneralesMax HarrisDorota Harris

Joyce McDonaldJosh MusselmanBen Nelson Jr.Peter R. O'FlinnStan J. Strycharz, Psy.D.

Contributing

PhotographersDavid Michael

8 Lee Commission RaceA primer on why County Commissionelection matters to Bonitians

9 Issues and AnswersKiker and Whitehead vie for LeeCommission District 3 seat

11 Mike Scott Parses BonitaFire Board PoliticsLee Countys Sheriff on the dust upover Bob Sharkeys ads

11 A Park for Rosemary ParkCity OKs Caf of Lifes $500,000 gift

18 Neighbor SpotlightMark Generales profiles Rabbi Green-bergs vibrant faith and family

19 Opportunities to Give BackEvents for charitable causes & volun-teer tutors needed

20 American Dream or BeRoad Nightmare?

A Bonitian pushes the envelopolitical dialogue

22 Town TalkRibbon cuttings galore

31 Taste of BonitaThe Bonita classic returns toRiverside Park

34 Brenda Warner in BoniD.K. Christi interviews ChristiaForum Speaker

36 Mound KeyProfessor Annette Snapp on tCalusa capital

38 Back in the SaddleTwo Bonitians wild west adve

40 Bonita Bay Border BattClub hosts Lee Collier tennischallenge

Commentary24 Fred Forbes for Bonita Fire

CommissionerThe Spotlight endorses a community

stalwart

24 Letters to the SpotlightBonitians weigh in on Fire Boardbattles

24 City Council CornerSteve Slachta on No OneLeft Behind

Arts & Entertainment11 A Warhol Lotta Art

A first class show at the Center forthe Arts

13 CalendarWhats happening in & around Bonita

28 Dave Koz at the PhilGrammy award winning sax player

Business15 Relax at The Salon

Hair care and giving back

17 Real Estate WatchThings are looking up in Bonit

Columns32 The Other Ben

The Nelson family takes a Thaing cruise

35 Bonitas Best FriendsPepper is a true friend to AndBruno

39 Tee Box TipsDefining your wedge design

41 Why I Love BonitaMarjorie Rubacky on the peopBonita

Restaurants42 Restaurant Guide

News & Features


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age 8 November 1-15,

Spotlight News

y Peter R. [email protected]

onita Springs Lee Countyoters will elect three of theve members of the Boardf County Commissioners

November. Though theote is countywide, Com-ission seats are designatedr defined geographic areas,

nd in practice, commission-s function as representativesf these areas.

Larry Kiker and CharlieWhitehead are running for

e District 3 seat, whichcludes Bonita Springs. Eachar Bonitians pay close to

30 million in property taxesLee County. Thats about

0% more than Fort Myersr Sanibel, based upon tax-ble value numbers in Coun-

records.

The Spotlightinvited theandidates to discuss sub-antive issues of particularterest to Bonita Springs

oters in separate extensiveterviews at our Beach Road

ffices.Both candidates are FortMyers Beach residents. Kiker

ost recently was mayorere, and Whitehead, a for-er political reporter for theaily News newspaper inaples, is a long time Fort

Myers Beach resident.Kiker defeated long serv-

g Commissioner Ray Judahthe August Republican

rimary. Whitehead, also aepublican, skipped the pri-ary, choosing instead to

un as a non-party affiliatendidate. Both present their

ositions as fiscally conser-

vative. Latelythey have been

trading chargesin a quintessen-tial southwestFlorida Whosmore Republi-can? contest, aswell as contest-ing issues fromKikers tenureas Fort MyersBeach mayor.

It appearsthat, whoeverwins in Nov-ember, Bonitacan look for-ward to en-gaged repre-sentation on

the County Commission.Kikers plans include a localoffice that he will regularlyvisit, and Whiteheads twodecades of reporting haveput him in close touch withBonitians and their issues.

Here is a primer on thefive Bonita related issues cov-ered in the accompanyingarticle.

Bonita Library ManyBonitians believe that theCounty library on PineAvenue is outdated and toosmall. Lee County staff hasproposed an $11 million newfacility for the site, but the

most recent budget adoptedby the County Commissionincludes no funding for theproject. In the last few yearsthe Lee library fund has beendepleted. That is the resultof tax rate reductions, as wellas the construction of a newCape Coral library and theongoing construction of anew $30 million Fort Myerslibrary.

Project proponents pointout that, during the lastdecade, Bonita taxpayershave paid about $25 millionin library property taxesabove the cost of running

the Bonita branch.Some have suggested that,

if Lee County will not builda new Bonita library, then itshould allow Bonita to secedefrom the system, replace theCounty library tax with itsown designated tax, andbuild its own library. That iswhat Fort Myers Beach andSanibel have done.

Beach parking LeeCounty controls substan-tially all public parkingplaces along Bonita Beachand charges parking fees ofup to $2 an hour, other thanfor a small number of accessspaces and City owned spots.

Unlike neighboring Col-lier County, where all resi-dents park for free at the

beach, Bonitianspay full freight

for beach park-ing. Two yearsago, Lee Countydiscontinued $10annual beachpasses for Bonitaresidents. UnderCounty rules, theCountys ownbeach pass is notaccepted at themain BonitaBeach Park southof Docs.

Road land-scaping TheCounty has re-sponsibility forlarge stretches of

road medians in Bonita thatremain devoid of landscap-ing. That includes four milesof Imperial Parkway northof Terry Street, barren foryears.

By contrast, in Esteronorth of the Brooks, whereImperial Parkway is calledThree Oaks, Lee County hasspent several million dollarson roadway landscaping, theresult of diligent efforts bythe Estero Council of Com-munity Leaders. The Countyhas also installed landscap-ing on the recently con-structed Estero Parkway

flyover of I-75.Tourist DevelopmentCouncil Visitors enteringRSW airport quickly en-counter kiosks branded withthe name, The Beaches ofFort Myers and Sanibel. Thatis the public face of the LeeCounty Visitor and Conven-tion Bureau, which is fundedby a bed tax at hotels andother short-term accommo-dations. In 2011 that taxtotaled $24 million.

Lee County Commission-ers appoint a nine memberadvisory board, called theTourist Development Coun-

cil, to oversee the tand make recomme

on spending.The County Comitself and Cape Colargest municipalitynently occupy twothree municipal seaTDC. The remainrotates among otheripalities.

As a result, Bonitawont have represon the TDC until 202in Bonita and othmunities have asthe system be adjuallow for more frequresentation, includina seat or making Caa rotating, rather tha

manent, member. Garrett Richter has dlegislation that wouthe rotation.

Some have quethe branding, with on Fort Myers and considering Bonitahas miles of beacheing Lovers Key Staone of Floridas mular.

Bonita Fire/ LeeBonita Springs Fire and Rescue Distrapplied to the Lee Commission to repCountys own Em

Medical Services as pof ambulance serBonita Springs. Bonsays it gets to the scener and can providecost efficient and resservice. Lee EMS allowing Bonita to wwould fragment a fluty service, and wouldcost.

Earlier this yeCounty Commissioninclined to reject request, but agreedthe question to a magreed hearing exama recommendation

County Commission ElectionIt Matters to Bonita

Each year Bonitianspay close to $30

million in propertyaxes to Lee County.

Larry Kiker Charlie Whitehead

Staff | [email protected] pay to park at Lee County Bonita Beachaccess. Next door, Barefoot Beach is free for all Collierresidents.


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www.swspotlight.com P

Spotlight News

Issues & AnswersKiker and Whitehead

vie for Lee Commission Seaty Peter R. [email protected]

onita Springs The Spot-ght conducted extensiveterviews at our Beach Road

ffices with Larry Kiker andharlie Whitehead, candi-ates for the District 3 seatn the Board of Countyommissioners. The electionon the same ballot as the

residential race. Here arexcerpts from the candidates

views on five issues of par-ticular interest to BonitaSprings voters. See theaccompanying article forinformation about the can-didates and a primer on theissues discussed.

Bonita Library. ShouldLee County fund construc-tion of the proposed $11million library facility inBonita Springs? If not,should Lee County allowBonita to form its own

library taxing district thatwould replace the Lee librarytax in Bonita?

Kiker: I would be in favorof library funding, in a pri-oritized process. Communi-ties should be setting theirpriorities, not the Countystaff. Mayor Nelson has toldme that the library is a verycritical and high priority forBonita Springs.

I am a proponent thatcommunities make up theirown priorities and it wouldbe my job, the Countys job,to put those in line withother communities, prioritize

them and then fund them.Then let the communitiesknow where they are in thatline and set expectations.That Bonita has put so muchmoney into the library sys-tem and waited so long ishorrendous.

At Fort Myers Beach, Ifound in working with theCounty that the biggest thingis to get into the Countysfunding process. By statestatute, you have to be inthe capital improvementbudget [CIP] for five years.If you are not in the five-year CIP right now, its going

to be five years before youget a library unless somebodydoes something extraordi-nary.

Regarding a special taxingdistrict I think we are goingto have to relook at every-thing we do, and sometimesall you need is a catalyst tolook at how taxes are spreadout and why. This could cer-tainly serve as one. Specialtaxing districts probablybring in more money thanthe County does. There arehundreds of them. Who iswatching them? Nobody.

Continued on page 10

Staff | [email protected] Countys Bonita Springs library branch on Pinevenue needs replacing, many Bonitians say.


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Spotlight News

They are kind of off on theirown. Some are doing a mag-nificent job; some are doingpoorly. There is a culture

adjustment that needs tohappen.

Whiteh ead: Yes is theanswer. Bonita is in need ofit and right now the Countyis the library provider forBonita.

I love Bonitas little library,but I do understand that thedemand has risen exponen-tially and the library has not

grown to keep up with it.Bonita needs a bigger library.Whether it is brand newfrom the ground up or anexpansion is basically forBonita to decide in workingwith the County. Maybe theplan works better if you selloff the existing library andbuild a new one.

I also think that it wouldbe appropriate for the Coun-ty to let Bonita form its ownlibrary district, for the samereasons they have them atFort Myers Beach and Sani-bel, in part at least becauseof geographic isolation. If

Bonita wants to go its ownway, there would obviouslybe some fleshing out to do.

Beach Parking: ShouldLee County reinstate a park-ing pass for Bonita residentson Bonita Beach?

Whitehead:There shouldbe some acknowledgementthat locals pay for the beach,whether they are paying bysitting in lines of traffic onthe way to work or whetherthey are paying for it other-

wise. I dont have a problemwith a local beach parkingsticker. Maybe it is $5; maybeit is $10 or $25 a year.

In the 1990s, I wouldoccasionally have a beer atChucks Poorhouse, therestaurant/bar that was locat-ed just south of Docs. It wastorn down to build the beachparks at Bonita Beach. Collier

was redeveloping their parkand so was Lee. They weresinging kumbaya. They weregoing to do it together. Wewere going to have one nicebig beach park. It was allgoing to work great.

Well it didnt work great.There were utility and otherissues. Apparently, you cantrun utilities across countylines without a papal edict.So instead of a coordinatedbeach park we ended up withtwo parks side by side.

Frankly that is the typeof thing I am good at pre-venting from happening.

There was no reason to havetwo separate facilities there.Thats just silly. There shouldbe one park and it shouldbe a joint Collier-Lee park.

Kiker: How about all Leecounty residents having aparking sticker? I have beena proponent of this already.

Beach parking works dif-ferently in towns around LeeCounty. Bonita is differentthan Ft Myers Beach, andway different than Sanibel.

If you look at Sanibel parksand recreation, whichincludes parking, the townruns it even though LeeCounty still owns it. Sanibelgets the revenue, they pullin the parking fees and theydo the maintenance, and sothey make their own rules.In Fort Myers Beach, we getridiculed because parking is

expensive. But we dont setthe rates. Under an interlocalagreement we have to dowhatever Lee County does.And the County does notask us what we think.

Again, this is your com-munity. If Bonita can figureout a better way to deliver aservice, then lets do it. Iwant to shrink big govern-ment. If we are going toshrink government, we willreduce it at the County level,not where the service is beingdelivered.

Road Landscaping: Themedian on Lee Countys por-

tion of Imperial Parkway(north of Terry Street) isdevoid of trees. Is road land-scaping an economic devel-opment issue or an aestheticissue?

Kiker: We just finished aproject on Fort Myers Beachthat I would encourage any-body to go see. We put intrees, bike paths and trolleypull offs. People love it. Ithas changed their lives. Ithas been used by BikeWalk-

Lee as an example all of Lee County coshould look like.

The estimates I hais that the prices oin that area went more than the resisland.

Quality of life is ca big thing to thewho live here. We ca

to see the palm treethe people who viThey want to see ttrees. They want toflowers. Is it expensBut we dont have tohundred trees in on

Whitehead: To extent it is an ecdevelopment issuehave expectations wcome here, and we do our best to meexpectations. That saasked a similar questsomeone who said thscaping should beimprovement prior

tell you that safetroad improvement When we have schthat have to be at stop before light ahave to walk in thbecause there are nwalks, that is a waimportant priority than road landscap

Frankly I think riroad landscaping ithing we want to d

Commission Election

om page 9

Continued

Staff | [email protected] On Imperial Parkway, the Lee Countyaintained median is devoid of trees for four miles.


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www.swspotlight.com Pa

Community

ews and Viewsy Peter R. [email protected]

Mike Scott Parsesire Board PoliticsI admire these candidates for partici-

ating but you would think it was a con-essional or Presidential election. We arelking about a local election here. Its pol-cs.With those words Lee County Sheriff

Mike Scott, in an interview with the Spot-ght, summed up an ongoing dust upetween Bonita Fire Board candidatesobert Sharkeyand Steve Lohan.

Sharkey has featured Scott in his cam-aign literature. A photo of Sharkey andcott dominates a full-page ad in Octoberspotlight. Other Sharkey campaign literatureas identified Scott as his friend or supporterr, alternatively, as an endorser of Sharkeys

andidacy.All this has not sat well with Lohan, thecumbent Fire Board chairman who iscked in a three-way race with Sharkey

ndJoseph Zagursky. Lohan claims Sharkeyas deceived voters, according to his com-aint filed with the Florida Elections Com-

mission in October. It states, Sheriff Mikecott has not endorsed or supported, finan-ally or otherwise, the candidacy of Robertharkey

Scott regularly gains outsized victoriesthe polls in Bonita. In a town where

many seasonal residents pay scant attentionthe issues in Fire Board races, political

upport like his can be important.So, what is the nature of Scotts political

essing of Bob Sharkey?In his interview with the Spotlight, Scott

id he supports Sharkeys candidacy.Scott also confirmed his emailed state-

ments to Sharkey approving the use of hishoto with Sharkey. GREAT pic Shark, itated, feel free to use it as you please. Ialue your friendship.

There is nuance in Scotts support ofharkey.

Bob Sharkey has my friendship, heas my support, but I am not endorsingim, said Scott. I see endorsements

giving money, speaking on a personsehalf and lending your name to a hostommittee.

Maybe its semantics, said Scott. Iont see that the photo and his use of it

means an endorsement, but I guess it coulde implied. In that sense I guess it could

mean he has been endorsed.Scott takes photos with lots of people.

Boy scouts, girl scouts, beauty queens.ou name it, he said. I cant controlhether they go on someones refrigeratorr 50 yards downrange for target prac-ce.

Bob Sharkey is brazen, said Scott.He has a hell of a campaign underway.e is pushing, moving and working hard.

ometimes, he gets a little bit ahead ofmself.It seems like a lot is being made of this,

id Scott of the controversy about his sup-ort. To me its kind of like splitting hairs.

A Warhol Lotta ArtTo see a first class Andy Warhol exhibit

his fall you have two choices.You can hop a plane to New York and

visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Oryou can jump in your car and drive overto Old 41.

The Center for the Arts has put togethera Warhol retrospective that runs throughmid-January.

Its all there, from Marilyn to MickeyMouse, Superman to Santa and the WickedWitch from the Wizard of Oz. And ofcourse Campbells Soup Cans (the flavoris Beef Noodle.)

A canned show this is not. The exhibitis two years work by Susan Bridges andher team. Anchored by a collection borrowedfrom the Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh,it contains pieces from over 20 sources.We sent out emails, and got very luckywith photographs, prints and images, saidBridges.

The result is a slice of American life inthe 60s, 70s and 80s.

It includes Warhols campyWild Rasp-berriescookbook, featuring the recipesA&P surprise(start with a 2 day old sponge

cake from A&P) and the Omelet GretaGarbo(always to be eaten alone.)

Warhols art speaks to people, saidBridges. I think that is what art shoulddo.

Admission is free, but donations areaccepted. So when you go, you mightremember the airfare and the cost of aNew York hotel room you saved by drivingover to Old 41.

Rosemary Park ParkIn October City Council voted to accept

Caf of Lifes proposed gift of a $500,000public park on a currently overgrown sur-plus County lot at the back of RosemaryPark. As previously reported by the Spotlight,

it will include a pavilion, basketball courts,play areas, a playground, picnic tables, grillsand restrooms.

Council first had to work through theissue that regularly accompanies the Cafsmission its compatibility with its sur-roundings, in this case a residential com-munity. The Caf serves hot meals in theCitys Banyan Tree Park for up to 100needy persons on weekday mornings. Thatservice will move to the new park.

The Caf surveyed more than half theresidences in the area, and 92 percentapproved of the proposal.

Former Mayor Jay Arend, a proponentof the plan, believes that the park andthe Cafs hundreds of volunteers canhelp improve the Rosemary Park neigh-borhood.

Mayor Ben Nelson, and Council mem-bers Stephen McIntosh, Steven Slachtaand Bill Lonkart agreed. Council membersJanet Martin, Peter Simmons and MarthaSimons disagreed, and expressed reserva-tions about the Cafs relocation to a resi-dential neighborhood. Martin applied astraightforward litmus test, saying shewould be troubled if an open-air foodservice set up next to her house.

Simons said she would explore the pos-sibility of the Caf serving at the LionsClub. When asked about that proposal, theCafs Bruce Wheatley told the Spotlight,We wont close any door.

Duly notedWords from Pastor KevinBradleys invocation at City Council, Lord,in this election year, with so many issues

and passions, help us to guard what we sayand do, so that we will not further dividebut be a source of unity.

Up and Down the Trail


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Spotlight News

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Tourist Developmentouncil: Should the com-osition of the TDC behanged so that Bonita hasseat more often? The TDCs

dvertising effort is brandedThe Beaches of Fort Myersnd Sanibel yet Bonita hasiles of beaches including

overs Key, one of Floridasost popular. What is yourew on this?Whitehead: The TDC is

n appointed body createdy the County Commission-s. It has been my observa-on that the TDC hasorked well. They tend to

onsider the County as ahole. I think there is acognition there that Bonitaeach is part of the Beachesf Fort Myers and Sanibel,

you will. (People say) thate brand works better if itFort Myers. The TDC has

eople who are researchinghat works and what doesntork. That said, to me theand is secondary. Whether

onita is mentioned in theame, it is part of the pro-otion that is going on.The representation thing

a more serious issue. Thereas been a lot of influencen the TDC from Fort

Myers Beach and Sanibel.Maybe there has been lessfrom people from Bonita. Idont think the TDC is any-thing that is carved in stoneor should it be. There areat-large seats on the TDCand it is my understandingthat they have gone, by andlarge, to people from FortMyers Beach who, to be fair,have vast amounts of expe-rience in the tourist industry.Maybe we will need to lookat appointments based onpopulation, beach miles andease of access to the thingsthat bring tourists here. CapeCoral does have sometourism, and I am not surethat I would take away theirseat. There are hotels thereand they pay the tourismtax. I think you can adjustBonitas influence withoutdoing that. Maybe its timefor Bonita to have a per-manent seat.

Kiker: The town of Fort

Myers Beach has taken excep-tion to the way representationworks on the TDC. I believeit is every 14 years that Bonitagets a seat. We challenged itwith the County after talkingwith Mayor Nelson and [theother Lee County mayors]including Mayor Sullivan ofCape Coral, who has the per-manent seat. We challengedthe current system on every-ones behalf.

The County told us, That

is a state statute. Cant helpyou. Sorry. But if you can getit fixed we will support you.

So I got on a plane, wentto see Senator Garrett Richterand said, We have a problem.Legislation was developed toincrease the number of seatsby two, one to go to themunicipality that is the high-est contributor; the other anadditional business seat. Alsothe rotation and the termwould be compressed sotowns would have represen-tation more often. In thealternative Cape Coral mightgive up its permanent seat.

But then [County Com-missioner] John Manninggot on a plane, flew to Talla-hassee and told them Youcant do this to us, withpromises that if the legisla-tion was dropped he wouldgo back and fix it.

We are waiting. Its onhold. We need to rethinkrepresentation, how it is

done. I intend to make thathappen.

On branding. If you addFort Myers Beach, BonitaBeach and others to thename, pretty soon it gets toolong. I believe a survey wasdone in Europe asking peopleto name a place they know.They came up with FortMyers and Sanibel. That isall they know. So, it wasdecided to invest the moneyin The Beaches of Fort

Myers and Sanibel, whichincludes Bonita and whichincludes Fort Myers Beach.

Do we need to look atbranding? Sure. But I thinka good businessperson wouldtell you that an awful lot ofmoney has been spent onthe brand we own right now.Its like changing Coke. Doyou really want to?

Bonita Fire/Lee EMS. Areyou in favor of Bonita Firesapplication to take overambulance transport inBonita from Lee EMS?

Kiker: The answer is yes.As I understand it, your guysget there first. They may havealready gone through all theprocedures to save lives, andmay be sitting there three tofive minutes waiting fortransport. When EMS arrivesthey go through the life sav-ing exercises again. If youare the patient you mightsay, Are you kidding me?Take me to the hospital. We

have done this already. It istotally inefficient.

The way Bonita wants torun it is the way we run iton Fort Myers Beach. Itworks, and I would never beagainst something that Iknow works. Maybe the jus-tification numbers need tobe played with, but it works.It is a proven model.

In cases like this it can bejustified on its own from acost standpoint. From what

I understand, Bonita hasthought this out pretty well.I would bring in the rightfinancial resources from theCounty to sit with your folksand make sure that we areall comfortable that the costjustification is completelyunderstood, and that Bonitais comfortable with it.

Whitehead:Yes. That oneis easy for me.

I made my positionknown very early in the cam-paign on this issue. LeeCounty Commissioners havecomplained at length aboutthe state legislature. Theysay, Dont they believe inhome rule?

It is my understhat the elected Firof Bonita Springs that ambulance should be done throBonita Springs Fire Also, the elected Citcil of Bonita SpringI dont understand hcan complain aboutlegislature not allowhome rule and thallow Bonita Sprisame consideration are demanding frstate.

If the elected Firand City Council thigood idea, I believe yoallow them to do it.

ommission Election

m page 10

Staff | staff@swpBonita Fire has applied to replace Lee Countys Ebulance service in Bonita.


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Spotlight News

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onita Springs At thisusiness they not only carer the customer but theyve back to local charities.he Salon, located near Pub-x at the corner of W. Terrynd Tamiami Trail, Bonitaprings, became an integralart of the community ine three short years sinceorinne Kleinberger moveder hair care business fromorth Naples. Originallyom New Jersey, Kleinbergerved most of the last twentyars in Bonita Springs, so

he brought her salon home.ne of two sisters raised bysingle parent, she is proudf the mom that made sureoth girls had solid careers.er sister, a landscape archi-ct, also lives in Southwestorida. Kleinbergers spouse

owns Kleinberger Lawn care a family of entrepreneurs.

The Salon provides anexperience not just haircare. The Aveda productsare 99% organic and providea pleasant aroma for cus-tomers who are greeted withan offer of herbal tea andconsult with the beauticianto determine their best tierof service. Stress relievers,either a head massage orarm and hand massage, areincluded. Each customerreceives a follow-up plan.According to customerNicole Somsen, (The Salon)is upscale but unpretentious.Thats why I like cominghere; I can relax

Caeleb Bosscher, origi-nally from Michigan andmanager since January, waspractically born into haircare. I was doing hair inmy home as young as 14

until local salons began tocomplain. When the inspec-tor realized I was only 14,he didnt know what to do.My dad asked me if I wasgoing to stop. When I said,no, I became the youngeststudent enrolled at the localbeauty school at the age of15; and that wasnt quitelegal either.

The Salon offers theirstress relief services to otherbusinesses and organizationsto enhance their special eventactivity and share informa-tion about The Salon. Onepartnership is a free cut andblow dry for new members

at the New Image healthclub at Sunshine Plaza. Otherpartnerships include a dis-count at the Salon, such asthe partnership with Table52. Being active in the com-munity is important to us.We are happy with our loca-tion and enjoy serving year-round and seasonal residents.I am pleased that many ofmy North Naples customerscontinue to receive their haircare with us, added Klein-berger.

Clean water is an Avedacorporate mission. Cancer

research is another corporatecharity. The Salons localactivity donations go straightto the charity needs, notadministration. The Ever-glades Foundation is a localrecipient. A December cus-tomer appreciation day openhouse with appetizers,drinks, samples and an intro-duction to the Salons stressrelieving services includes acharity component. Waterbottle and candle sales con-tribute to those activities.

The Salon provides staffupdate education. All hair

care services are pbut no nail care. hours are Tuesday Saturday 9:00 a.m.p.m. and eveniappointment. They chave a reward sysproduct purchases ato implement one fices in the future. Rbring a customer a 1count and accuAccording to Bexpertise may be fmany upscale salons,an experience thathe difference.

Business Beat

Staff | staff@sws

Corinne Kleinberger, owner, with Caeleb Bosscher, Manager, at The Salon.

The Salon

provides anexperience notjust hair care.

Relax at

The Salon


16/48

age 16 November 1-15,Business & Real Estate

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17/48

www.swspotlight.com PaBusiness & Real Estate

Spotlight Real Estate WatchSpotlight Staff [email protected]

Bonita Springs The Septembernumbers are in for residentialreal estate in Bonita Springs andEstero. Month to month fluctu-ations persist in all categorieswith most indicators showingimprovement on a year over yearbasis.

Pending sales saw the biggestincreases with a 79.2% jump inthe single family market in Sep-tember compared to September2011; the townhouse-condo mar-ket experienced an increase of63% in September compared tothe same month in 2011.

The median sales price for

the single family market increased25.4% in the month to $251,500with a year to date increase of5.9% to $259,500 compared to2011. The median sales price inthe townhouse-condo marketdid not fair as well with a -5.4%decline to $149,950 in the mediansales price for the month. Theyear to date was better at $178,500or -0.8%.

Inventory decreased 27.2%for single family homes whiletownhouse-condos fell 26.2%.Days on market is down to 103days for both segments ofthe market but that representsa percentage change of -23.4%for the townhouse-condomarket.

January 160

February 175

March 219

April 263May 174

June 179

July 144

August 132

September 121

October 80

November 125

December 177

2011

January 165

February 214

March 271

April 312

2010

June 216

July 183

August 189

September 183October 133

November 153

December 188

2012

January 195

February 170

March 256

April 294

May 272

June 257

July 200

August 196

September 158

May 236

Monthly TransactionsNumber of real estate transactionsin the Bonita Springs Estero market


18/48

y Mark Generales

[email protected]

onita Springs Mendyreenberg, Rabbi of thehabad Synagogue of Boni-Springs/ Estero welcomed

me into his home in Bonita.had had a brief discussionfew days prior and felt

most fortunate that myntrusion at this busy timeas accepted. The Jewishew Year Rosh Hashanaas upon us and for Rabbireenberg this is a timef much preparation andctivity.

Rabbi Greenberg is a

oung man. His directionn life was formed at anven younger age. Both

Mendys father and his fatherefore him, Rabbi Meyerreenberg of Patterson, NJ,

ommitted their lives to theirod and their communities

nd their passion is evidentthe drive of their progeny.

an we say that the task heas committed himself tokes the energy and vision

f someone young? Rabbi

Greenberg had never heardof Bonita much less knewits location less than 10 yearsago.

Only 9 years ago he mar-ried Luba and their 6 chil-dren followed. Born inBuffalo, joining the Chabadin Brooklyn and asked to

create the Chabad commu-nity in Bonita, MendyGreenberg moved his familyand established the Syna-gogue here in September of2004.

In 2004, the Chabad Syn-agogue had temporary spaceat the Trianon Hotel forservices. Today the Syna-gogue has its own homeand is now physically locatedin the Bernwood Center.What is the community

offered at the Synagogue?The Rabbi responds helping

to explain his effort to offerGod to all of the faith with-

out constraint by category my term.

Services are what RabbiGreenwood terms pre-denominational. This syn-agogue is not bound bydenominational constraintsof orthodoxy, reform or con-servative. While the Sabbathis a traditional service inHebrew, Rabbi Greenwoodcharacterizes Chabad as pro-viding a buffet an effortto provide to all as the Torahhas been for centuries. Weare here to serve anyonewho is looking to reinvigo-rate their spirituality, asMendy continues, . . . toprovide an awareness in away that is comfortable.

The formal service is justone avenue of reaching,teaching and connecting asRabbi Greenberg seeks totouch all of the Jewish faith.It is his consideration thatfundamentally God under-stands every language.

Therefore, it is his challengethat his Synagogue serve adiverse group and spirituallyprovide something in com-mon for everyone.

Today, Chabad Syna-gogue holds traditional serv-ices on the Sabbath Saturday.The service is followed by atraditional Kiddush meal.Every Wednesday, Chabadhas a lunch and learn withspecific topics covered in arelaxed setting of communal

discussion and learnon Friday nightsGreenberg and hiopen their home tothe Synagogue so thhow much food toas they celebrate a Sdinner blessing wbread and a four coditional meal thaGreenwood describeing Thanksgivingweek.

If meeting and and holding serviattending to those doesnt fill the cRabbi Greenwood avides a Kosher foodto those visiting oand delivers to homhotels meals that mitual as well as nuneeds.

age 18 November 1-15,Town Talk

Staff | [email protected]

Greenberg family at home from left Ita, 4, Meyer, 2,Luba, Chaya Mushka 8, Yehoshua, 9, Rabbi Mendy,Sholom Ber, 11 months, and Avraham, 6.

Neighbor Spotlight

We are here toserve anyone who

is looking toreinvigorate their

spiritualityMendy Greenberg

Where:Chabad of Bonita/ Est

Bernwood Center24850 Old 41Unit 20Bonita Springs, FL 341239-949-6900jewishbonita.com

When:For Friday Shabbos din

The Greenberg residen24809 Rodas DrBonita Springs, FL 341239-949-6900

Mendy Greenberg


19/48

www.swspotlight.com PaGiving Back

ining for a Cause

ri. Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.

his elegant evening at Vi Bentley Village offerstendees an intimate multi-

ourse surf & turf dinnernd a cooking demonstra-on of holiday cooking tipsy award-winning Executivehef Ed Padden, with specialuest Celebrity Sous Chef,

Mayor Ben Nelson. All pro-eeds will benefit Bonitaprings Assistance Office.ost: $75 per person. Forservations or for moreformation on how you

an support The Bonitaprings Assistance Officeontact 239-992-3034.

owling Partyat. Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.njoy a fun filled afternoonowling at Beacon Bowlongside the Bonita Springsotarians. Proceeds will ben-it Special Olympics of Col-er County and Bonitaprings and Immokaleeelay for Life. Cost: Firstame for athletes is free.dditional games are $2.

Guest fee is $30 and includes3 games, shoes, and sponsors

2 athletes. RSVP to JamieWeaver 239-676-2663 [email protected].

Footloose & FancyFree 5KSat. Nov. 10 at 7:30 a.m.registration

This 5K trail run/walk atKoreshan State Park, Esterois a benefit for Soles 4 Souls.Bring your used shoes to berecycled or donated to thosein need locally and world-wide. Cost: $20 before race$25 race day. Register at Foot

Solutions in Estero (cornerof US41 & Corkscrew Roadnext to Publix) or online atactive.com

New HorizonsExpands into EsteroNew Horizons of SouthwestFlorida has received a $20,000grant to expand their tutor-ing and mentoring servicesto students who have beenidentified as academically

and socio-economically dis-advantaged. With this expan-

sion they will be able to reacha total of over 250 childrenat their 4 locations includingEast Naples Baptist Church,and Manna Christian RVPark and Rosemary Park inBonita Springs. Volunteerswho want to provide aca-demic assistance and hopefor a brighter future can con-tact 239 565-6714.

4th Annual GlassSlipper BallSat. Nov. 10 at 9 p.m.

The Hyatt Regency CoconutPoint Resort & Spa will bethe setting for this eventpresented by the Zonta Clubof Bonita Springs to benefitlocal nonprofits workingto provide educational pro-grams, health related assis-tance and an end to violenceagainst women within ourlocal community. The ZontaClub will be honoringtheir Woman of the Year,Jennifer L. Benton. For tick-ets and information go tozontabonitasprings.org

Opportunitiesto give back


20/48


TOWN TALKWelcometo BonitaChristine A. Bauder, RCE, ePro, hasjoined the Bonita Springs Estero

Association of REALTORS as theirnew Association Executive (AE).Bauder spent 9 years as the AE inOcean City New Jersey. She is aNational Association ofREALTORS Real Estate CertifiedExecutive and served as the Chairof the New Jersey Association Ex-ecutives Committee in 2012. Wel-come to Bonita Christine.

AmericanDream orBeach RoaNightmareIn a political sceneflowing with rancoill will, a Beach Ro

board is a sign of times.

Contributed | [email protected]

David Michael | [email protected]

Congratulations Terieri Lamaine was honored as the Ambassador of theear at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber Awardsuncheon. Congratulations Teri. Bonita is better be-ause of you.

Small Businessof the YearUS Metropolitan Telecom is theBonita Springs Area Chamberof Commerces Small Business of

the Year. The internet and com-munications service provider isbased in Bonita Springs andprovides service in Lee and Col-lier counties. From left, ChristineRoss, President and CEO of thechamber, Frank Mambuca, Ger-ard Sola and Nicole Somsen ofUS Metropolitan Telecom andJames D. Dati, Esq., outgoingChairman of the Board of thechamber. David Michael | towntalk@swspo


21/48

www.swspotlight.com PaTown Talk


22/48


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TOWN TALKibbon Cuttings Galoreotos Contributed | [email protected]

usiness seems to be booming in Bonita. Theonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce held

bbon cuttings last month for Concept 1010,ungry Hound Dogs, Iberia Bank, Mario Brothersetailing, and XLR8 Power Plate as well as around breaking for the Growing Roomhild Development Center.


23/48

www.swspotlight.com PaTown Talk

FIRE BASED

AMBULANCE SERVICE!

Lowered the budget withoutcutting services

Eliminated 18 positions

Reduced take home vehicles

Negotiated a pay freeze

Increased Employee benefitcontribution

Added second tier pay scalefor new hires.

Started functionalconsolidation

Now a Certified District

Official

If Re-Elected I Will: Obtain a county permit for fire

based ambulance service Develop a leadership succession

policy

Continue to grow functionalconsolidation.

Keep Bonita Springs Fireand Rescue in the top threepercent of the country

STEVE LOHAN

www.SteveLohan.comPaid for and approved by Steve Lohan

for Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner, Seat 4

I will continueto serve theresidents to

keep theBonita Springs

Fire Districtin excellentfinancial shape!


24/48


Commentary

It would be great if wead dozens like Fred Forbes

Bonita Springs. We arecky to have the one we

ave.He is the right choice to

e a member of the Bonitaire Control and Rescueistrict Board of Commis-oners.

Forbes is thoughtful, col-gial, and constructive in

his approach. As a resulthe gets things done forBonita, like the sound wallHunters Ridge was told itwould never have.

He is an active volunteeron the library task force, theYMCA advisory board andthe local planning agency.Underline the words activeand volunteer. Forbes doeshis homework and, as he

likes to say, Thinks outsidethe box.

Fred Forbes regularlyattends Fire Board meetings,and invariably makes con-structive suggestions onmany issues. Its time to electhim to office.

We have no endorsementfor the other Fire Board raceamong Steve Lohan, BobSharkey and Joe Zagursky.

y Steven Slachtaouncilman, District 3

Once again, on Novem-er 11, 2012, the wonderfuleople of Bonita Springsill join together to honorur cherished Veterans. Theeremony will take place at

p.m. at Riverside Park.ear after year, the citizensf our great communityave exhibited their over-helming support of our

military personnel. Howev-

er, this year, Bonita Springshas a very special tributeplanned.

It is with great pride thatwe will unveil the citys newmonument dedicated to ourVeterans. David Grossi,Chairperson of the VeteransAdvisory Committee, willhave the honor of intro-ducing this treasured land-mark to the public.

This Veterans Day affairpromises to be a memorableone. Our city is blessed tohave secured a special speak-er, Randy McConnell, ahighly decorated Vietnamveteran whose brave servicehas earned 2 silver stars, abronze star with V device,

7 purple hearts, an armycommendation medal withV device, Combat InfantryBadge, Jump Wings,Pathfinder Badge etc. Mar-ried to his wife Becky since1970, three daughters, 9grandchildren, 4 greatgrandchildren.

The dedication of ournew monument is a reflec-tion of the unending gen-erosity of our community.This memorial was possible,not only from the effortsof the Veterans AdvisoryCommittee, the Veterans ofForeign Wars and the Amer-ican Legion, but from manyof our citizens. These benev-olent citizens recognize thatthe patriotism and selfless-ness of our Veterans allowthem to enjoy freedom everyday in our beloved coun-try.

Looking forward to see-ing you there!

Fred Forbes for Fire Board

City Council Corner

Honoring OurCherished Veterans

This Veterans Dayaffair promises to bea memorable one.

Doing My Due DiligenceIm doing my due diligence for the

Bonita Springs Fire Control and RescueDistrict (BSFCRD) commissioner races. Icouldnt help but raise my eyebrows whileexamining the BSFCRD payroll budget2011-2012.

The average BSFCRD employee earns$67,522 of regular pay per year and receivesa total of $125,915 per year with benefits.Therefore, total budgeted benefits are about86 percent of total regular pay. This isnearly three times the average cost ofbenefits that typical government agenciesand Fortune 500 companies incur, even ingood economic times.

Total pension benefits are the biggestabuse. They are nearly 53 percent of totalregular pay and average $35,658 per employ-ee. This is about 7 times more than manygovernment agencies provide. For example,under the federal governments CSRS pen-sion system federal employees receive 7.5percent matching contribution from theiremployer.

Total incentive pay is about 10 percentof total regular pay. Obtaining and main-taining certifications are part of the joband are necessary to do the work. Theyare the employees personal responsibility.Furthermore, certifications are of a formof pay since they are a major factor in pro-motions. Paying for training makes sense.Repetitive pay outlays make no sense.

Total overtime and holiday pay areabout 10 percent of total regular pay. Highperforming organizations keep this under5 percent.

It is absolutely clear that we need somenew fire commissioners who are sensitiveto taxpayer wallets without compromisingservice levels and will not cave into specialinterests that push greedy schemes.

Neil Arnal, Bonita Springs

Consider ForbesThere are many issues before the Bonita

Springs Fire Control and Rescue Districtmaking the upcoming election especiallyimportant to Bonita citizens.

I urge you to consider the candidacy ofFred Forbes for election to the Fire Boardbecause of his support for consolidatingservices between fire districts, improvingtransparency in the budgeting process,maintaining quality service and increasingcooperation between the Fire Board andthe business community.

He has an outstanding background asan architect and civil engineer and hasshown his dedication to our community

through involvement with floodnoise issues in our city. He serves aactive member on the advisory bthe Bonita Springs YMCA.

Bonita Springs will be well seelecting Fred Forbes.

Marjorie Rubacky, Bonita

Advised Against NepotismPlease vote for Robert Sharkey fo

Springs Fire Commission Seat 4.At the August 13 Board of Fir

missioners meeting I witnessed the aby three fire commissioners (ChLohan and Commissioners Liles anforti) of the hiring of the fire chiand the son-in-law of the deputy ffor suppression and public informBonitas newest firefighters. The odidate for fire commissioner that against nepotism in hiring practRobert Sharkey. Roberty Sharkey courage to face the majority of fimission members telling them thwere making the wrong decision.

I also know that Robert Shardone his homework and knows abious over budgeted costs of Fire Four and One (One with 20 inbedroom units for a station thaseven man crew staffing it 24 hoday) as well as questioning why whad excess collections of impact flected for the debt service to the banot applied to paying down the pfor construction cost of Fire Statio

I believe that Robert Sharkeyversed in the operations of BonitaFire and Rescue Control District anserve as a very good watch dog wcommunity desperately needs at commission board.

AlexanderFormer City Councilman a

Council Liaison to Bonita Fire

A Vote in Your Best InterestRobert Sharkey should be you

for District 4, Fire Commissioner inSprings. As a long standing citizen oSprings, he has seen this communand he knows and understands thof this growing community.

Of utmost importance to ourRobert Sharkey supports Bonita Fcues application to conduct amtransport service. He has vowed tthis a priority when elected becknows, too well, how precious j

Letters to the EditorCommentary

E D I T O R I A L

Continued on


25/48

www.swspotlight.com PaSouthwest Spotlight

minutes of life can be. Bonita Springs Firend Rescue currently has 44 EMTs and 36aramedics, many of whom are cross-ained as EMTs, paramedics and firefighters.e does not believe our residents should

e dependent on other agencies for ambu-nce transport services, especially consid-ing Bonitas finest respond first.Robert Sharkey also supports consoli-

ation, beginning with consolidated pur-hasing and training. He received stateertification and training in Emergencyesponse and Preparedness as well as andumerous other courses. He was certified

instructor techniques and as such henderstands the benefit of consolidatednd cross training. Not only is there a

nancial benefit, but Bonita Springs respon-ers will gain invaluable insight and gainhe benefit of sharing and learning fromther districts if consolidated trainingecomes a reality. Bonitas taxpayers shouldke note of Robert Sharkeys fiscally respon-ble goals.

Overall, Robert Sharkey supports a fis-ally responsible district, answerable to thesidents of our city. He supports trans-

arency between the commissioners and

public and encourages our residents toattend Fire District meetings which areopen to the public.

A vote for Robert Sharkey is a vote inyour best interests.

Amanda and David Ross

Keeping Costs in LineJoe Zagursky, candidate for Bonita

Springs Fire District Seat 4, will not bowto special interests and will keep operationalcosts in line. I have known Joe for 10 yearsas a fellow Worthington Country Clubmember, active together to improve ourclubs operation. Joe is hard working andscrupulously honest.

Joe was instrumental in leading Wor-thington Clubs $9 million renovation andworked tirelessly to implement the planwhich resulted in the project coming inon time, within budget and as promised. I

have also worked with Joe to improve ourclubs internal communication. Thanks toJoe, we substantially improved our internaltelevision information network and ourwebsite.

Finally Joes only ambition is to servethe citizens of Bonita Springs. Joe is listedlast on the ballot but he should be yourfirst choice when you cast your ballot.Count on Joe to get the job done.

Morris J. Courchesne, Bonita Springs

Letters to the Editor PolicyThe Southwest Spotlight publishes letters to the editor as space allows. All letters

epresent the views of their authors, not of the Southwest Spotlight. Please writehoughtfully on local topics and be respectful of others. Letters containing personalttacks and abusive language will not be considered for publication. Include a phone

umber to verify writers identity. Letters are published at the Spotlightsdiscretion. Alletters are subject to editing for space, grammar and factual accuracy. Send to [email protected]

etters

om page 24

Sunset of the month

Nancy Kish | [email protected]

ancy Kish took this stunning sunset photo from her driveway last month. Its onethe most beautiful she has seen in the 10 years she has lived in Bonita. Email your

est sunset photos to [email protected] and your photo could be the nextunset of the month.


26/48

Government Day atCity Hall

Come watch the studentsof the Bonita Springs MiddleSchool fill the seats of ourCity Council for one day. Itmay very well happen thatthese youngsters will takethat seat for real when thetime comes.

Untold StoriesTuesday and Friday are

Untold Stories Days. Pro-

duced by WGCU these pro-grams document the historyof southwest Florida. This

month the focus is on LaBelle, The Lake Okeechobee,The Fishermen Folk andImmokalee.

City MeetingsDont miss a beat. The

City broadcasts its electedofficials meetings live onchannel 98. Every week youcan re-visit the most recentCity Council Meetings, CityCouncil Zoning Meetings,Local Planning Agency Meet-

ings and the Zoning BoardMeetings. You can also seethe latest Fire Commission-

ers meeting every Mat 8pm. Re-broadcscheduled to play thrthe week. Check wwtatv.org for up to dings.

Government WoPedestrian Safe

Come along anthe efforts of ourSprings Communiing in making oursafer for pedestria

duced in collaboratthe Lee County SOffice.

age 26 November 1-15,Arts & Entertainment

B: Bonita Springs E: EsteroFM: Fort Myers N: Naples

English CafFridays, 10 a.m.

Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30.Each 90-minute session pro-vides adult learners an oppor-tunity to practice speakingEnglish with native speakers.This Bonita Springs PublicLibrary offering will be heldat the Literacy Council GulfCoast, 26820 Old 41 RoadB. FREE.

Third SaturdayDiscoveriesEvery 3rd Sat., 8a.m.- 1p.m.Discover gently used treas-ures. Donate householdgoods, furniture, clothing.

Proceeds benefit the Councilsliteracy programs. Where:Literacy Council Gulf Coast,26820 Old 41 Rd. B. Formore information, call 239-676-5202.

The Farm FreshMarketSat., Nov. 3,10,17,24,7:30a.m.-noonCome to one of the mostpopular markets in theregion. Fully stocked farm-fresh vegetable vendors plusvendors selling frozen fish,baked goods, cut flowers,orchids, cosmetics, antiques,fashions, jewelry, books,and more. Where: Prome-nade at Bonita Bay B. Formore information, visitbonitalions.org.

Farm GrowersMarketWed., Nov. 7,14,21,28,8a.m.-1p.m.If you can eat it and watch

it grow, its here! Where: Old41 and Childers St. B. Formore information, visit boni-talions.org.

Family Story TimeWednesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 28 at10:30 a.m.This program is for the wholefamily and lasts about 30minutes at the Bonita SpringsPublic Library, 26876 PineAvenue B. For more infor-mation call 533-4860. FREE.

Luau at theBonita YMCA

Fri., Nov. 9, 6 p.m.Come get reacquainted withthe reopened Bonita SpringsYMCA at a poolside luau.Cocktail hour and live musicbegin at 6 p.m., dinner servedby Russells Clambakes .Where: YMCA 27200 KentRoad B. Tickets $75/couple; $300 for a table ofeight. Dress cocktail casual(Tommy Bahama shirtsencouraged). RSVP by Nov.2 at 221-7560.

Veterans DayCelebrationSun., Nov. 11, 1p.m.The new Veterans Memorial,bearing the image of 3 ser-vicemen with the legendLeave No One Behindalong with seals of the 6service branches, will be for-mally dedicated. Where:Riverside Park, Old 4l Rd.B. For more information,call 239-949-6262.

Fruit Tree& Plant SaleSat., Nov.17, 9a.m.-3pPurchase fruit treeslocal honey, hom

soaps, plant soap,herbs, jams and jellieexperts will answer ydening questions. Riverside Park, Oldjust south of the banB.

Taste of BonitaSat., Nov.17, 5:30-9p.mSun., Nov.18, 11 a.m.-A kick-off concert performed by the CaChillers. Bring youchairs. Refreshmentsold. Where: RiversiOld 41 Rd.B. FREE. Oday there will be ta

provided by local resand fun for the wholat this annual evensored by The Rotaof Bonita Springs, tolocal charities. Wherside Park, Old 41 Rdmore informationinfo@tasteofbonitCost: Admission isPrices for food will v

Sports

32nd Annual NaFort Myers TennChallengeSat., Nov. 10, 2p.m.View 76 of the aretennis players in teapetition. Where: theBay ClubB. For mormation, visit naplesstennischallenge.com

CALENDAR

Continued o

This month on BTV98 Channel 9


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www.swspotlight.com PaArts & Entertainment


28/48


By Joyce [email protected]

Naples Dave Koz has beenreferred to as the leadinglight in smooth jazz, havingstolen the spotlight fromKenny G. and Chris Botti.This seven-time Grammynominee and saxophonistextraordinaire is returningto Southwest Florida. DaveKoz and Friends will cele-brate the fifteenth anniver-sary of their Smooth JazzChristmas Tour with a con-cert at The PhilharmonicCenter for the Arts in Napleson November 28.

Philharmonic Director ofProgramming Naomi Bucksaid, This Novembers per-formance will mark the 12thtime that the Phil has pre-sented Dave Kozs SmoothJazz Christmas Show. Its aholiday favorite - a world-class evening of great jazz,gorgeous lighting and jaw-dropping special effects. Theuplifting Smooth Jazz Christ-

mas Concert will presentmany of the old seasonalfavorites such as WhiteChristmas, Have Yourself aMerry Little Christmas andLittle Drummer Boy, andDave will introduce newerChristmas melodies likeDecember Makes Me FeelThis Way, and Eight Candles,a Hanukah favorite.

The group will begin theirFlorida tour with stops atSarasota, Clearwater, WestPalm Beach and Melbourneas well as Naples. The quintetis made up of pianist/com-poser David Benoit, JavierColon, vocalist and drum-mer/percussionist, vocalistSheila E., and a newcomerto the group, singer/song-writer Margo Rey. The ver-satile Koz leads the musicalpresentations with jazz selec-tions on the alto, sopranoand tenor sax. He may alsosurprise the audience witha vocal rendition.

Koz recorded his self-titled debut album in 1990

and has since added elevenmore albums as well asGrammy nominations. Hislatest Grammy nominatedalbum Hello Tomorrow(Concord Records) wasreleased in 2010. His soft,warm, relaxation-producingtones are appealing to allages and will convert his lis-teners to loyal jazz fans onthe spot. Dave started to playthe saxophone as a teenagerto try to earn himself a spotin his older brothers band. Itbecame a driving force inhis life and he has been play-

ing ever since.Nate Chinen, writingfor The New York Times,said of Koz, hes a musicianof unflappable rhythmic

aplomb, which hesquares against thefunk of his band. Afrolicsome perform

Dave Koz and FSea just completed a ranean cruise tour Italy and France on tCaribbean ship, Nof the Sea. The cruwas so successful thatour is scheduled tember 2013.

Dave Koz is faceted talent. He aa syndicated two-hoend radio show on

Los Angeles where views top artists ahis favorite music.

His favorite topabout is the Starligdrens Foundationhe has representGlobal Ambassadoteen years. He devottime to this orgaand was awardeHumanitarian of tAward in 2006.

Contributed | Special to the Spotlightave Koz will be appearing at the Phil November 28.

Entertainment Spotlight

Jazz Saxophonist Dave Koz

to Appear at the Philharmonic Koz recordedself-titled de

album in 199has since ad

eleven more aas well as Gra

nominatio

If you goWhat: Dave Koz and FriendsWhere:The PhilWhen: Wed., Nov. 28Tickets:www.thephil.org


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The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon

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30/48


Florida EverbladesHockeyWed., Nov.7, Fri., Nov.9, Sat.,Nov.10, Fri., Nov.30Hockey fans, here is yourchance to come out to sup-port the local team! Where:

Germaine Arena, 11000 Ever-glades Parkway E. For moreinformation, visit germain-earena.com. For tickets, call866-459-2035.

3rd Annual ChildrensHospital Golf Classicat Pelicans NestMonday, Nov. 12All proceeds from this golfevent will benefit theChildrens Hospital of South-west Florida. Where: PelicansNest Golf Club B. For moreinformation, contact LarryMcPherson at lpmcpher-

[email protected].

Arts &EntertainmentOpenings & Events

Naples InternationalFilm FestivalFri., Nov.2 Sun., Nov. 4This 3-day film festival cel-ebrating independent filmsand filmmakers is quicklymaking a name for itself inthe world of cinema. Where:Silverspot Cinema, MercatoShopping Center N. SeeNaplesfilmfest.com for filmlistings, times, and ticket

information.

Craft ShowSat., Nov.3, 10a.m.-1p.m.Come browse, and find theperfect Christmas gifts!Where: Bonita Springs Recre-ation Center, 26740 Pine Ave.B. For more information, call239-992-2556.

Bonita SpringsConcert BandSundays, Nov.4 &Dec. 9, 2-4p.m.Enjoy beautiful music in the

great outdoors! Bring yourlawn chairs. Where: band-shell, Riverside Park, Old 41Rd.B. FREE admission.

Films for Film LoversMon., Nov.12, 7p.m.Valentin, Nov.12, is a warm,quirky film about an 8 yearold boy, surrounded by fam-ily problems. Where: Centerfor the Arts of BonitaSprings, 26100 Old 41 Rd.B. Cost: $8

Award Winning Plays:ArtandGod of Carnage.Through Sun., Nov. 18,matinee and eveningperformances.Enjoy 2 Tony Award winningplays by Yasmina Reza.Where: Gulfshore Playhouse

at The Norris Center, 7558th Ave. N. For more infor-mation, visit gulfshoreplay-house.org. For tickets, startingat $33, call 1-866-811-4111.

Rachmaninoff PianoConcert #2Sun., Nov. 18, 7 p.m.The Gulf Coast Symphonywill perf orm this class ic.Where: Barbara B. MannPerforming Arts Hall 13350Edison Parkway. FM. Formore information call800 440-7469 or go tobbmnnpah.com.

Workshops for Kids

Single SessionArt ClassesSaturdays through Dec. 22,9-11a.m. and 11a.m.-1p.m.These will be 2 hour artclasses for children that rangefrom duct tape crafts tocooking to painting. Where:Center for the Arts of BonitaSprings, 26100 Old 41 Rd.B. For more information,call 239-495-8989, or visitartcenterbonita.org. Cost:$20 per class.

Meetings

Republican CluBonita & EsteroThur., Nov.1, 4:30 -8pAll are invited to a bat 4:30p.m. CongrCandidate, Trey Rspeak following tbeque. Where: B

Boathouse ClubhouBonita Beach Roadmore informationKathy McMichael 23934.

Bonita SpringsCity CouncilWed., Nov. 7, 5:30p.m

Tues., Nov. 13, 9 a.m.Come watch local ment in action. WhCouncil ChamberBonita Beach Rd. B

Bonita SpringsNewcomers CluLuncheon MeetThur., Nov.15, noon a3rd Thur. of each moMembership is owomen who reside iSprings and surroundmunities. Where: Cnity clubhouses in area B. For more ition, visit bonitaspr

comersclub.com. Toluncheon, email bocomers@ gmail.comJoan at 239-947-294

Democratic Cluof Bonita Springand South LeeCountyTues, Nov. 20, 7p.m.Where: Center forof Bonita Springsmore information cByrnes 239-634-64

All dates, times anare subject to chang

Calendarfrom page 26

Small TownBig Bright

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31/48


y D. K. [email protected]

onita Springs Riversideark will once again be filledith crowds who come fore food and the fun. The

opular Jimmy Buffet Trib-te Band, The Caribbeanhillers, kicks off the Annualaste of Bonita at Riversideark on Old 41 in Bonitaprings again this year from30 to 9 p.m. Saturday,ovember 17. We tried

omething new last yearid Rob Grady, Event Chair-an. With all the tents set

p early, we decided to pro-de a free concert with foodnd drink for sale on Satur-

ay. Over 4000 peopletended; we look forwardmore this year. Lawn

hairs are encouraged; buto coolers or pets. Admis-on and parking for the kick

off concert Saturday andTaste of Bonita Sunday arefree.

Sunday, November 18,event participants may sam-ple menu items from at least25 area restaurants; arrivehungry. Beer, wine, margar-itas, soda and water will besold also. Food tickets at$1.00 each may be combinedfor dishes from pizza towings and pasta to seafood

from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weare highlighting area momand pop restaurants whoparticipate to support charityand introduce over 9000potential new customers totheir menu. They barelybreak even at the event,said Grady who added,One hundred percent ofall proceeds support localcharities such as Gift ofLife, Bonita Springs Assis-

tance Office, ChildrensAdvocacy Center, InteractClub at Estero High Schooland grants and scholar-ships.

Nineteen years ago, TheRotary Club of BonitaSprings Noon sponsored thefirst Annual Taste of Bonitaunder large white tents atthe Sunshine Plaza parkinglot to acquaint Bonita citizenswith the wide restaurant fair

and raise money for charities.It was a major success. River-side Park offers its own shadeand ambiance that adds tothe event Saturday and Sun-day. We want the commu-nity to enjoy Riverside Park,said Grady. An extensiveyouth to teenage areaincludes ten different inflat-ables, a rock climbing wall,laser tag and more. TheEstero High School Jazz band

and Tim BoogPoindexter & 2-4-U vide live music Sun

added. Good weexpected. Only one rain, and it didnt cevent.

We have a formsuccess, Grady coOver 9000 people cyear. This year, someresidents are arrivifor their Taste of Four radio statiobroadcast live remotTaste of Bonita. Tweve also added a mike to interviewpants for extra excisaid Grady who footnote, Next yea

of Bonitas 20th Yhave even more splanned.

Taste of Bonita at Riverside ParkAn Annual Tasty Treat

Staff | [email protected] soared from the bandshell at lastyears Taste of Bonita.

Staff | [email protected] enjoyed the fare at one of many restaurant booths lastyear.

Event participantsmay sample menuitems from at least

25 area restaurants.

If you goTaste of Bonita

Where: Riverside ParkWhen: Sat., Nov. 17, p.m., Sun., Nov. 18, 15 p.m.


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Community

onita Springs I dontink Im going to have

hanksgiving at the houseis year... Its just gotten to

e too much work. I tooke phone down away fromy ear and looked at it sus-ciously. My mother, on theher end of the phone, was

pparently offering to sur-

nder the family traditionf Thanksgiving Dinner tomeone else. Thanksgivingmy parents house has

volved with our family.hrough the years this holi-ay has ticked off the changesall our lives. My sister andother and I had become

dults, of a sort, addingouses, kids and grandkids

f our own to the list. Andthough the circumstancesf our lives have changed

along with our cast of char-acters, once a year we stillsit down together and marvelat each others wellentrenched quirks whileMom provides us with thesame delicious dinner, thesame sides, the same way,year after year at the samehouse.

Are you sure Mom? Iasked. She sighed. Yes... Ithink so. I thought for amoment just not longenough of a moment, andthen suggested Hey... howabout we all go on a Thanks-giving cruise! Long storyshort, the entire extendedfamily was soon booked ona 5-day cruise to Mexico orsomewhere I dont know.(As it turns out, that partwasnt important... what was

important is that it was myfault.)

Months later, there wewere aboard ship. And atour appointed time, all thir-teen of us met in the maindining area at our carefullypre-assigned table for ten.For a long moment, we justsat there, elbow to elbow,awkwardly squirming in ourformal wear and looking ateach other. Then it began.I picked up a small cup of

whipped butter, smelled itand made a face. My very

proper and polite sister, Juliewas predictably concerned.Whats wrong? she saidsweetly. (Excellent!) I smelledit again then held it outto her. Does this smell alrightto you? Julie, with her perfectlittle pointy nose, bent overto take a whiff. As soon asshe did, I shoved the cupstraight up...cramming butterin her nostrils. ARGGGH!She yelled as she searchedfrantically for the napkin

that I had hidden from her.The kids and I all laughed

hysterically as Lori calmlyhanded Julie a napkin andlooked at me with thatreally? look.

My mother though, wasbusy checking out thearrangements. She lookedback and forth a little nerv-ously and for a moment Ithought she was going to goback into the kitchen andtake charge. Are you all rightMom? I asked. Oh (shepaused)yeah. It hadnt

occurred to me, but this wasprobably the first Thanks-giving in about 45 years thatshe was sitting instead ofcooking. She was obviouslyfeeling a little out of place.

But then, without missinga beat, my brother Tim cameto the rescue. He finished offhis fourth piece of bread andthen explained in detail howhe had made the origamitowel creation that the cabinattendant had left on hisbed... anatomically correct.Tim chuckled as he watchedeveryone around the tablereact to his famous brand ofshock and ugghh... humor.As usual my mom just giggledand said Oh Timmy! I couldtell that we were almost infull Thanksgiving mode.Then my dad called the waiter

over. Buddy! (His namewasnt Buddy) Yes Mon-sieur? the very French waiterreplied. Dad proudly lookedaround the table at the familythat he had created and pro-vided for...his living legacy.Arms outstretched, he proud-ly ordered... Bring us a bottleof your cheapest wine!Thanksgiving was here atlast.

On the way out of therestaurant that night, my dad

and mom hugged uas we were headinour rooms my dad by the arm and puclose. The turkey wgood as your momyear... our house! loved Thanksgivingbut he loved it MomAnd that was that.

Our lives have coto change since that giving Cruise. My passed on and weveon different jobs andresponsibilities in oBut at my moms hyear she will worcooking, my brothestories and jokesnephews and niece; will dutifully help mthe dinner and I wget her to fall for th

in the nose trick agaas laughter fills the hwill sit down togetremember Dads Thing Blessing For are about to receivetruly be thankfuland eat!

Read more antics flife of Mayor Ben Nat www.spotlight.www.theotherbennelsot.com

The OtherBEN

BEN NELSON JR.

The Thanksgiving Cruise


33/48


Community


34/48


Community

By D.K. [email protected]

Bonita Springs BrendaWarner, Christian author andspeaker, opens the BonitaChristian Forum Season 8on November 13, at 7:00 PMin the Sanctuary of FirstPresbyterian Church, BonitaSprings, her first visit toSouthwest Florida. I wish Ihad the time to enjoy thearea, she said, but I havebeen on the road withWomen of Faith speaking

engagements and need to behome with my children.Her oldest, Zack, has

moved into a group home;the next sibling, Jesse Jo, isin college. They are bothintegral to the first half ofthe life story she shares dur-ing the testimony that is hercalling, this mother of sevenchildren and the wife of for-mer NFL star, Kurt Warner.Five children at home rangein age from fourteen to six-year old twins.

The telephone interviewwith Warner caught hermeeting her spouse inNashville to celebrate theirwedding anniversary. Imissed my eight year-oldsbirthday. These are the chal-lenges I face today balanc-ing my speaking and qualitytime with my family. I dontwant them some day to say,while you were off changingthe world, I wanted you to

be a part of mine.Both her son Zack and

her daughter, Jesse Jo, oftenappear with her on stage,sharing their part of the story.Zack is blind and has trau-matic brain injury. His storybrings down the house, saidhis proud mother. Jesse Joshared the food stamp dayswith her mom and was oftenthe eyes for her older brother.The challenges we facedtogether are openly sharedin my recent memoir, OneCall Away; my children know

Im the real deal, open andhonest; and we learn as wego so they too can be thereal deal. The sincerity inher voice confirms it.

Warner consulted withher two daughters for thefirst book, First Things First,a parenting guide. She sug-gested to them that theirfamily didnt have manyrules; they gave her a longlist. One of her favorites isrequiring her children to tellher the color of a waiters

eyes. I want them to knowthe server as a person, eye toeye.

She began speakingengagements before she start-ed writing and publishing.I had a story to tell thatcould benefit other womenwho were struggling andneeded to know that I sur-vived because I always knewthat God was right there withme. I often prayed He wouldget me out; instead, He gotme through. With the bookscame a deeper relationship

with readers who shaexperiences and htouched their heart

I have learned experience sharingtimony and my memwe all have a storyall in this life togeone is exempt fromthat might just be away. Her traumexperiences gave hferent perspective onother paths she michosen. Trust God

is there, she emphaShe doesnt consself a motivational but people considerational when I sharstory; people relateasked what the Bonitian Forum theme, in the Lord and emthe path before youto her, Warner replcan go through lifewithout purpose; Ifaith in God, the Gloves me and does nme.

Brenda WarnerOpens the Bonita

Christian Forum

Contributed | Special to

Brenda Warner will be the first featured speakeBonita Christian Forum November 13.

I had a story to tellthat could benefitother women whowere struggling.

-Brenda Warner.


35/48


Community

y Andrea Brunopecial to the Spotlight

stero When I adoptedepperoni Pepper, a miniapple Dachshund, I nevernew that by saving him,e would one day save me.

I have been battlingrohns disease since age6. I adopted Pepper at age5. When I adopted Pepper,e had been at the sheltero long he was set to beuthanized the next day.

Not long after adoptingepper, I became very ill,nd had to have a colonsection. I was in the hos-

ital for a while. My won-erful brother stayed at my

ome with Pepper but Pep-er refused to eat, and myrother would have to lit-rally pick Pepper up andke him outside becausee was in such a depressedate. A week went by and

my brother became so wor-ed about Pepper, not to

mention my health waseteriorating as well.

Since it was hospital pol-y not to let animals in

unless they were service ani-mals, my brother begged

my doctor to write a notesaying that it may be bene-ficial to my health if I couldhave the dog visit on oneoccasion.

At this point Pepper wasweak, and my brother pickedhim up and carried him tomy bedside. Much to thedoctors and my brotherssurprise, Pepper startedbarking and whimpering.

He laid him next to me onthe bed. I cant even begin

to tell you how happy I wasto see him.We had to hand feed Pep-

per that day as he was soweak. My blood pressurehowever came back up, andthe doctors were able torelease me from ICU to thefloor. However, when visitinghours were over, Pepper,who has never bit or growledand rarely barks, startedgrowling at anyone thatcame near him. We receivedspecial orders to let mybrother and Pepper stayovernight. The next day thenurse had to wheel medownstairs and help us putPepper in the car.

When I was finallyhome, Pepper never let meout of his sight. After a fewdays of being home, I had

a surgical complication andpassed out in the bath-room. It was winter in NewYork and my stepbrotherhappened to be plowingmy driveway when he heardPepper clawing at the win-dow and barking. My step-

brother knew this to beodd behavior on Pepperspart so when he rang thedoorbell and no oneanswered, he realized some-thing was wrong.

After being readmittedand treated, I was fine, and

here I am sharing oSeven months agobirth to a beautifboy. Now anytime Jax cries, Pepper cget me.

Pepper truly is tfriend I could ever

Bonitas Best FriendsIf you have a dog that you think is particularly wonderful,contact us at [email protected], and he or she could be

the next dog featured in this column.

My bloodpressurecame

back and thedoctors were able to

release me fromICU.

Andrea Bruno

Staff | staff@swspPepper keeps a watchful eye on his owner Andrea Bruno.

Bonitas Best Friends

Pepper - My Lifesaver

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