Chamber gearing up for popular Luminary Festival on islands

Chamber gearing up for popular Luminary Festival on islands

A variety of scenes from previous Luminary Festivals on Sanibel, which this year will celebrate 25 years of holiday tradition.

The Islands of Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 25th Anniversary Luminary Festival on Friday, Dec. 4 (on Sanibel) and Saturday, Dec. 5 (on Captiva).

The Luminary Festival is an islands-wide holiday event that brings together residents, visitors, businesses and organizations, promoting goodwill and community spirit.

As participants "travel the trail," look for several fun and festive places to stop and enjoy. Once again, there will be complimentary trolley service, visits and photos with Santa, a live nativity scene, music and activities for the entire family.

"Our goal is to offer recognition to island businesses and encourage local shopping while providing a fun-filled evening for family and friends," a chamber press release stated. "All chamber merchants are invited to participate and show off their creative decorated storefronts and host holiday celebrations at their center."

On Sanibel, Luminary Festival participants include:

East End/Seahorse Shops - Reggae band and refreshments
Sanibel Island Book Shop - Book signing, music and refreshments

Jerry's Center - Pictures with Santa and refreshments

Sanibel Community Church - Live nativity, music and refreshments

Tahitian Gardens - Cracker Blues Band and refreshments

Forever Green - Refreshments

Periwinkle Place - Pictures with Santa, entertainment and refreshments

Sanibel Congregational Church - Boutique, music and refreshments

Sanibel Community House - Santa's Workshop, Cypress Lakes Choir and cookie decorating

The Village Shops - Guitarist Michael David and refreshments

Hungry Heron Plaza - Refreshments

Tower Gallery - Refreshments

Olde Sanibel Shoppes - The Sanibel School Choir and refreshments

Bailey's Center - Gospel choir, music and refreshments

Participants on Captiva will include South Seas Island Resort, R.C. Otters, Keylime Bistro, Cantina Captiva, The Bubble Room, The Mucky Duck, Island Store, Royal Shell, Captiva Pizza & Yogurt and The Green Flash.

There will be 13 trolley stops along the trail, including East End/Seahorse Shops, Jerry's Center, Tahitian Gardens, The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater/Sanibel Community House, The Village Shops, Hungry Heron Plaza, Tower Gallery, Olde Sanibel Shoppes and Bailey's Center. Trolleys will operate from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Sponsors and special contributors for this year's Luminary Festival include ShopOnSanibel.com, SandCastles, The Cedar Chest, CROW, the City of Sanibel, Waste Pro, Sanibel Fire Rescue District, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, ABWA, Zonta, Tarpon Bay Explorers, Adventures In Paradise, South Seas Island Resort, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, Hillgate Communications, Sanibel Community Church, Sanibel Congregational Church, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 'Tween Waters Inn, Giggles, Sanibel Air Conditioning, Sanctuary Island Electric, chamber staff, ambassadors and volunteers as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

For additional information, call the Islands of Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce at 472-1966 or visit www.sanibel-captiva.org.

To inquire about volunteering at the Luminary Festival, call Bridgit Stone-Budd at 472-8255 or Bob Harrington at 472-2783.
By JEFF LYSIAK, jlysiak@breezenewspapers.com

BIG ARTS holds artist reception for Matsumotos'

"BIG ARTS holds artist reception for Matsumotos'"

Ikki an Polly Matsumoto have added new pieces for their exhibit at the Founders Gallery at BIG ARTS.

Ikki and Polly Matsumoto.

Their names seem to be synonymous with island life.

The well-known and popular artist couple are exhibiting 21 pieces of their artwork at BIG ARTS Founders Gallery, 900 Dunlop Road. A reception for their exhibit called Take 2 will be held, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21.

Their work whimsical, earthy, delicate, strong and sophisticated draws islanders to their exhibits. Last year BIG ARTS hosted a crowd that came to see the Matsumotos'' exhibit.

The Matsumotos',' who recently arrived from their Ohio home, hung all of their work in two hours early this week.
"We're excited," said Polly Matsumoto.

The couple said they are happy to be back in the area and have just bought a new home in Southwest Florida. They are moving back to the area to be closer with family and friends. They had lived in the area in prior years before moving back to Ohio.
Polly's weavings are filled with earthy colors and rich textures. And Ikki's pieces are fun and thoughtful. In several pieces his cat Chica is depicted doing feline things such as prancing through a grove of clovers and standing plump and happy with feathers cascading around him.

Ikki's voice softens as he chats about Chica whom he rescued at the side of the road.
He and Polly said they do not have a specific theme to their work. But a sense of happiness tends to be a key hue in their work which mostly depicts animals and nature.

"You need that these days," Ikki said of happiness.

BIG ARTS staff expects a similar turn-out for this year's exhibition Take 2 in comparison to last year's exhibit.

"It was such a successful and great show we wanted to have them back," said BIG ARTS Program coordinator, Natalie Cunningham. "They're huge island favorites."

Shareen Groce, coordinator of the exhibit is elated to have new pieces by the couple. Shortly after the Matsumotos' hung their exhibit on Monday, a crowd gathered wanting to buy pieces.

"It's a fabulous exhibit," Groce said.

The exhibit is open through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Founders Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Take 2 Ikki and Polly Matsumoto Exhibit supported by Visual Arts Patron Season Sponsors Deborah and John La Gorce.

For further information about this exhibit, call 395-0900, or email info@BIGARTS.org. To learn more about BIG ARTS visit go to www.BIGARTS.org. This includes links to artists' sites.
By ELLA NAYOR, enayor@breezenewspapers.com

"Make your reservations for “Plaza Suite”

 "Make your reservations for “Plaza Suite”"

The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater is back for more after wowing islanders with the revue, "Lovely Night" - their first play of the 2009-10 season, a comedy by legendary playwright Neil Simon.

Originally a three-act play first performed in 1968, "Plaza Suite" revolves around three very different stories that take place in Suite 719 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Artistic director Victor Legarreta opted to take only two of the three original acts to the Schoolhouse stage, and, whether you're familiar with the play or not, you won't be disappointed by the two Legarreta chose!

The first act focuses on Karen Nash (Jennifer Smith), a somewhat forgetful but sympathetically endearing character, and her husband Sam Nash (Michael Dunsworth), a narcissistic, over-worked businessman.

Karen has made reservations for Suite 719 - the site of her and Sam's honeymoon - with hopes of rekindling their miserably crumbling marriage.

An appearance by the young and attractive Miss Jean McCormack (Madison Mitchell), Sam's secretary, starts the wheels in Karen's head turning and her scheme for re-seducing her career-obsessed spouse of more than 20 years comes crashing down around her as Karen finds out there's more to Sam's reluctance to reconnect.

Smith is delightful as the sometimes flaky but down-to-earth Karen Nash - remarkably funny and saucy with every comedic twist and turn.

Dunsworth's rendition of Sam Nash is seething with discontent and various mid-life crises that all seem to be flaring up at once - his portrayal of middle-age-induced neuroses is fabulously irritating, making you want to side with Karen even more!

Mitchell - who plays the tall, young, thin blonde you love to hate - is adorably sweet and utterly reprehensible all at the same time, reaffirming our loyalty to Karen.

In Act Two, Smith and Dunsworth play another couple, Norma and Roy Hubley, who are desperately trying to get their daughter - who has barricaded herself in the bathroom of Suite 719 - to her wedding, which is about to begin downstairs.

After a series of failed - but hilarious - attempts, the Hubleys discover why their daughter Mimsey (played by Mitchell) refuses to come out.

Miguel Cintron (who also plays the loquaciously friendly Plaza bellhop and waiter in Act One with terrific humor) saves the day as Borden Eisler (the groom) and delivers the line of the evening at the end of Act Two as he, with only a few strong words, successfully retrieves his bride from the bathroom.

In this act, Dunsworth has more opportunity to show off his comedic abilities as the desperately agitated father-of-the-bride, allowing Smith to slip into hilarious bouts of sheer panic and presumed cardiac arrest.

All in all, "Plaza Suite" is a kind of comedic study on the dynamics of relationships - the trials and tribulations, the ups and downs - and if you're up for an evening of laughs, get your tickets now for "Plaza Suite" at the Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater.

"Plaza Suite" will run at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday until Dec. 5. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children 16 and under. For more information and to order tickets, call 472-6862.
The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way.
By JANE BRICKLEY, jbrickley@breezenewspapers.com

"Author shares virtues of vertical gardening"

"Author shares virtues of vertical gardening"

Vertical gardening allows growers to enjoy a garden with a minimal amount of space.

Psst. Have you heard? Gardening is in vogue.

Between the First Lady Michelle Obama encouraging children to learn to garden coupled with a growing desire to eat healthier and cheaper while saving the environment, gardening is increasing in popularity.

But what if one wants to cultivate a garden but does not have the space for it?
Worry not.
Think vertical gardening.

Vertical gardening is growing plants up rather than out.

Gardening author and part-time Sanibel resident Derek Fell has a possible new book in the works about vertical gardening.

Two weeks ago he attended a Congressional meeting to discuss creating programs for children to learn gardening at school.

Fell who spends his time between Pennsylvania and Sanibel had at one time been appointed chairman of the Committee to former President Gerald Ford's initiative to plant a garden at the White House. At the time President Ford had been looking to save money during the Vietnam war, Fell said. Though the garden plan got scrapped, the concept lay in wait. And now that wait is over as First Lady Michelle Obama encourages children to learn how to garden, Fell said.

So with the initiative in place, Fell is working to make gardening accessible through vertical planting.

"I advocate vertical gardening," he said. "It's labor saving."

In order to create a vertical garden a narrow strip of land is needed

Fell created a special system for making vertical gardens called the Skyscraper Garden. The system works by letting growers use an easy-to-assemble kit that contains two cedar brackets, a sturdy metal crossbar, a strong 4 feet wide by 6 feet high section of netting that includes reach-through mesh for easy picking, and ground anchors to hold the netting taught.

Produce such as tomatoes, climbing cucumbers, climbing spinach and pole beans do well in a vertical garden.

"It's a very sensible way for people who do not have a lot of time or space," Fell said.

Fell said with the cooler winter season underway on the islands, vertical gardening is ideal for folks who would like to plant some veggies but have smaller lots.
By ELLA NAYOR, enayor@breezenewspapers.com POSTED: November 19, 2009

Brown Anole is common critter on Sanibel"

"Brown Anole is common critter on Sanibel"

Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) Other names: Cuban anole, Key West anole / Status: FL-Invasive, still expanding its range, IUCN=LC / Life span: to five years / Length: Length: 6-8 in. (15-20 cm) / Weight: 0.05-1.5 oz (1.5-4 g) / Nests: on island / Found: IW (Interior Wetlands), MZ (Mangrove Zone), UA (Urban Areas), GB (Gulf Beaches, ............CW (Causeway).

Although no one is certain when the brown anole arrived on Sanibel and Captiva, the consensus is that it was shortly after the completion of the original causeway. It probably hitchhiked over in the root balls and canopies of the many ornamental palms imported from the Miami area when the island was experiencing the rapid growth of the early 1970s. Once here, it quickly became the most prolific lizard on the islands. An invasive species, its sheer numbers now prohibit any viable attempts to contain its spread or effectively remove the species. Its range continues to expand across the Southeastern U.S.

The brown anole has a number of subtle color and pattern variations, but its dewlap, the throat fan you can often see the male extending when announcing its territory to other males, is always yellow or reddish-orange. It is one of the easiest reptiles to find on Sanibel and Captiva, occurring around condominiums, homes, pools, screen enclosures, and the bike path-virtually every island habitat harbors at least a few, if not scores of brown anoles.

It feeds mostly in the daytime and prefers foraging on the ground where it eats beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, and roaches.The brown anole is a favorite food for white and cattle egrets, as well as great blue herons. An injured lizard often succumbs to overwhelming attacks of fire ants, and it is also favored by many of the islands' indigenous snakes.
To learn more about "Living Sanibel" go to http://www.indigopress.net/.
Living Sanibel, by Charles Sobczak POSTED: November 19, 2009

Sanibel and Captiva Restaurants open on Thanksgiving.....

Happy Thanksgiving from the VIP Vacation Rental Staff!

Sanibel and Captiva Restaurants open on Thanksgiving.....

Casa Ybel – 20% Discount w/reservations before 11/21.

Courntey’s – Open – 4 PM – 8:30 PM Thanksgiving Dinner Reserv. Not Necessary

Dairy Queen – 11 AM – 4 PM

Dunes – Open – 11 AM – 3:00 PM

Gramma Dots – Open Reg. Hours – Serving Thanksgiving Dinner

Il Tesoro – Open Serving Italian Turkey Dinner & Goose Roost

Keylime Bistro – Open serving Traditional T. Dinner 12 – 10 PM

Lighthouse Café – Open 7 AM – 3 PM

Sandy Butler – Open - Preparing Menu – Take out menu available.

Sanibel Steakhouse – Regular Hours & Menu & Thanksgiving Special

Schnapper’s - 7 AM – 4 PM

Timbers – Open 2 PM – 8 PM Accept. Resv. Turkey Dinner $13.95

Locations that are closed: Doc Ford’s, Mucky Duck, Green Flash, Matzaluna, Sanibel Cafe
and Island Cow.

CCA holiday party to support Salvation Army’s ‘Christmas Cheer’ campaign

CCA holiday party to support Salvation Army’s ‘Christmas Cheer’ campaign

Crystal, Alan and Amber Falde show their holiday spirit as the CCA gets ready for their Christmas party and toy drive in support of the Salvation Army.

With the holidays just around the corner, the Captiva Civic Association is getting in the spirit by hosting a Christmas party with a special purpose, on Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Captiva Civic Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The event will be a chance for Captivans to catch up with old acquaintances and make new friends while enjoying their favorite beverages and sharing hors d'oeuvres. Attendees are asked to bring their favorite appetizer for all to sample.

But this year's party is more than just a way to reconnect - it's also a great way to spread a bit of holiday cheer to Lee County's less fortunate families through the Salvation Army's "Christmas Cheer" campaign.

"Christmas Cheer" is a community-wide effort and the Salvation Army's largest outreach event each year.

The program organizes and distributes donated toys, food and gifts to those in need throughout Lee County during the holidays.

Last year, the Salvation Army reached over 4,700 families, but their goal for 2009 is 6,000.

To participate, simply bring new, unwrapped toys or gift cards (from businesses such as Wal-mart and Target) to the party and place them under the CCA Christmas tree.

Or, you can make a cash contribution with a check made out to the Salvation Army.

You may also deliver toys, gift cards or cash donations to the CCA office between 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. from Monday, Nov. 30 through Dec. 4. The CCA will do the rest.
If you have questions about the CCA, the upcoming holiday party or the Christmas Cheer program, call 472-2111.By JANE BRICKLEY, jbrickley@breezenewspapers.com