Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Rare wild flamingos spotted in SW Florida


They may be an unofficial Florida mascot, but wild-born flamingos have all but disappeared from the Sunshine State. Spotting one in these parts is "rarer than rare" says naturalist Vince McGrath, which is why area birders are abuzz about several recent sightings of the graceful creatures in Lee County.
A group of Alva Elementary School fourth-graders on a field trip to Bunche Beach near the Sanibel Causeway last week watched a lone flamingo feeding, preening and resting in the shallows before it took flight. The bird's feathers had only traces of the characteristic coral pink, which leads McGrath to believe it's a youngster.
Other birders have seen flamingos elsewhere in the region. Nine flew north past Barefoot Beach near Bonita Springs last week, says Gayle Sheets, who volunteers with Lee County Bird Patrol (birdpatrol.org), a group that monitors birds throughout Lee County.
It's a common misconception flamingos aren't native to Florida. Actually, before much of the state was replumbed and its wetlands drained, they were common here.
"Blame the (U.S.) Army Corps of Engineers," McGrath laughed.
Occasionally, captive flamingos escape from zoos and tourist attractions, especially after hurricanes. And judging by the behavior of the the young Bunche Beach bird, that may be the case, McGrath says.
"It let people get pretty close," he says, "and it didn't seem too bothered by them."

 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Media release from Edison Ford Winter Estates
Edison & Ford Winter Estates Programs – November 2011
Fort Myers, Florida (October 25, 2011) –November at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with the return of the Edison Annual Garden Market and Boat Tours from Captiva Island and “The Past in Paintings:  Edison & Ford Era” exhibit opening as well as a variety of other special programs and activities throughout the month.  The November schedule of programs and events include:
NEW - Emerging Inventors Early Learning Class, November 3–The Wheels on the Ford… and November 17, Gobble Gobble, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates newest education program series is a child and parent learning class for children ages 1 - 3 years and their parents to involve children and families in informal learning at the world famous historical site.  Grandparents and caregivers are invited and neighborhood groups are also encouraged to attend.  The classes are theme based and combine science, invention, story book reading and hands-on activities as well as immersion into the historic gardens, buildings and museum.  The Early Learning Class continues twice a month throughout the year.  Cost:  Edison Ford Members $5, non members $15 each class.  Registration is required by calling 239-334-7419.
Etiquette at Edison Ford:  Mina & Mimi’s Manners, November 5, 11 a.m.
Mina Edison, wife of Thomas Edison, was a gracious hostess and interested in the well being of children and the community.  Following in this tradition, Etiquette at the Edison Ford includes one day (two hour) lessons in etiquette and social skills.  Children will learn proper introductions, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three course meal.  Class will be taught by Suzanne Willis who has taught similar classes at the Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout the nation.  Registration required.  Edison Ford Members $40; non members $50.
Monthly Volunteer Meeting and New Volunteer Orientation, November 8, 9:30 a.m.
Join Edison Ford volunteer staff and Charles Sobczak author of Living Sanibel – A Nature Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands and The Living Gulf Coast – A Nature Guide to Southwest Florida.   Sobczak will present “The Nature of Southwest Florida,” chronicling the beauty of the region and state of the area’s natural environment. This is a regular monthly volunteer meeting and mandatory training for all new Edison Ford volunteers but potential volunteers are also welcome.
FREE Admission to Veterans and their Families, November 11
The Edison Ford is offering free admission to United States Veterans and their families on November 11th.  Free admission includes a tour of the historic homes, botanical gardens, the Estates Museum and the Edison Research Lab.  Veterans must present a VA identification card or their DD214 papers to receive free admission.

Media Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Our mailing address is:
PO Box 2368
Fort Myers,

Chris Pendleton, President & CEO
Lisa Sbuttoni, PR/Mark

Chris Pendleton, President & CEO
Lisa Sbuttoni, PR/Marketing Director
293-334-7419
Photos:  Edison Annual Garden Market, November 19 & 20; Boat cruises return for season; Artist Marie Dyer to teach floorcloth painting class November 19eting Director
293-334-7419
Photos:  Edison Annual Garden Market, November 19 & 20; Boat cruises return for season; Artist Marie Dyer to teach floorcloth painting class November 19
We're located at:
2350 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901

Wednesday, October 19, 2011


Center 4 Life Expanded Fitness Class Schedule Starts Monday, October 31st
   
Expanded aerobics classes will be available at the Center 4 Life starting Monday, October 31st.

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
newWeekly Fitness Class Schedule - Effective Monday, October 31st

Mondays
8:00a Happy Hour Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness

Tuesdays
8:00a Power Hour Fitness
9:30a Gentle Yoga     

Wednesdays
8:00a Happy Hour Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness

Thursdays
8:00a Power Hour Fitness
9:30a Gentle Yoga     

Fridays
8:00a Happy Hour Fitness
9:30a Essential Total Fitness

To view the Center 4 Life Newsletter, click here. The Center 4 Life is located at 2401 Library Way. For more information please call (239) 472-5743.

 The Sanibel Recreation Center is located at 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road.  Daily, weekly and annual memberships are available.  For more information call the Sanibel Recreation Center at (239) 472-0345 or visit our web site at www.mysanibel.com.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Ding Darling Days to Start Oct 16th

Only 4 days until the start of Ding Darling Days. Family fun Day is SUNDAY OCT 16th 
from 10:30am - 4pm. FREE. First 500 get free goody bags, live animal shows, 
recycled arts and crafts, exhibitors, butterfly tent, touch tank, trams, hotdogs and
more... 




Ding Darling Days

Sanibel Island - Periwinkle Place


Not to stereotype, but what woman on vacation doesn't want to include a little recreational shopping?
Periwinkle Place is the "granddaddy" of Sanibel Shopping. More than two dozen shops - the only national chain is Chico's, which had its first store here. The rest are locally owned stores with the kind of island eclectic merchandise you wom't find on the mainland.
The  grounds are 1400 acres of boardwalks, paths, greenery, and a playground for kids. Plenty of shopping too., in the  front off of the Periwinkle Way entrance and in the back. If shopping is on your agenda, Periwinkle Place is pleasant place to do it. 
Periwinkle Place was selected by the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau as both Sanibel’s top shopping destination, and as one of Lee County's top attractions.  Trip Advisor 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

E-books now available at Sanibel Public Library


The Sanibel Public Library announces that its ebook collection is now compatible
with the Amazon kindle. You can now download ebooks to a kindle device or any mobile devise running the
free kindle app, such as iphone, ipad, android and more.
The Library, through its eshelf service, also offers ebooks and audiobooks for useon a PC or Mac computer
or smartphone, mp3 player and ebook reader .

 Just visit www.sanlib.org

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Sanibel Farmer's Market

Sanibel Farmer's Market - Opening Day for the market is Sunday
November 6 !!

Location - 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel FL  33957

Halloween Party - Loggerhead Cay


- HALLOWEEN PARTY -
Calling all Loggerhead ghosts, witches, goblins, mummies,
etc.–
Plans are under way for a fun and ghoulish Halloween
dinner party in the Loggerhead Recreation Building
on Sunday night, October 30th, at 6 p.m.
Owners and renters are invited to attend, but
everyone needs to bring a creatively named dish to
share (plan for it to serve a minimum of 10) such as bat
wings, buzzard droppings, spider cupcakes with black
widow icing, bloodshot eyeballs, witches fingers, etc.
(Get creative!)
Non-alcoholic Witches Brew and Brain Wash will be
served. Please BYOB if you wish.
Costumes encouraged, but not mandatory...and, of
course, Halloween treats for all!
Come one! Come ALL!!! It's going to be a Ghostly
night! Join us...if you dare....!
Please RSVP by Friday, 10/28, to
Loggerheadmgmt@comcast.net

Gulfside Place 110

Enjoy all that Gulfside Place has to offer from this ideal location within the complex featuring gorgeous direct gulf views, situated next to the pool with a private staircase allowing for easy access to miles of shell strewn beaches. No other complex on the islands compares to Gulfside in that it sits on a ¼ mile of beach totaling 10 acres with low density of only 84 units, 2 pools, clubhouse, fitness center, 6 tennis courts, storage, ample parking under bldg, and onsite mgmt. This lovingly maintained unit flows beautifully with a den that can be utilized as a third bedroom, large kitchen with gulf views and expansive lanai focusing on the great view

ONE MONTH MINIMUM RENTAL              

Available for Winter Rental - Call for availability, this one won't last long.
                                                                           



lanai

kitchen

living room
master bedroom 

dining room 

living room 
breakfast bar 

Taste of the Islands - November 13th



Taste of The Islands - November 13th! Don't miss it. 
On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) will present the 30th Annual Taste of the Islands, with 20 participating island restaurants.
Pizzas, specialty salads, gourmet hot dogs, sinfully delicious desserts, pastries, beef delicacies and a wonderful variety of drinks will tempt all palates. Live music, provided by Marty Stokes and The Captiva Band, will add to the fun and enjoyment.
The Taste of the Islands is always a good place to sample some unusual offerings from the islands' best. Last year's winner for "Best Appetizer" was Chef Melissa Talmadge of Sweet Melissa's. This year she says, "I choose the crepes and grilled octopus salad because they are two of my favorite items on the menu and I wanted to do something out of the ordinary."
"Out of the ordinary" is a good description of the Taste - a wonderful chance for some new taste adventures.
Participating restaurants include:
Blue Giraffe
Bubble Room Restaurant
Chip's Sanibel Steakhouse
Cip's Place
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
East End Deli
George & Wendy's Corner Grill
Gramma Dot's
Il Tesoro
Island Pizza
Jacaranda
Matzaluna
Over Easy Cafe
Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream
Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory
Sea Star Cafe & Bar
Sunshine Seafood Cafe
Sweet Melissa's Cafe
Timbers Restaurant
Traders
Activities also include server relay races, a chef challenge, celebrity judges and the highly-coveted People's Choice Award, as voted by attendees of the Taste.


.Special to the REPORTER Island Reporter, Captiva Current, Sanibel-Captiva Islander

For more information, visit www.tastesanibelcaptiva.com.