Sanibel Sea School purchases historic Lagoon Drive building

On Tuesday, Sanibel Sea School announced that it had "tied the knot" on an agreement to buy the building at 414 Lagoon Drive, the facility it has occupied since it was founded in 2006.

The structure, which legend says began its life on Sanibel as an Army Signal Corps barracks during World War II, was later moved to the present location. It features Dade County pine floors, rustic paneling, surfboards hanging in the rafters and aquaria lining the walls.

“As most folks know, we really wrestled with what was right for us and right for Sanibel for a long time," said Executive Director, Dr. Bruce Neill. "And we feel that this is where we’re supposed to be. It’s not a big land deal and it’s not a state-of-the-art new facility, but it’s home to us and to hundreds of kids on Sanibel and we have decided that we can do more with less."

“We can stay in this place that has come to mean Sanibel Sea School to us and we can, with a little elbow grease and ingenuity, make it better suited to our programs. We also think this really maximizes our donors’ investment and their faith in us in this new economic world we’re all in. We’ve been working on this for some time. We’re going to be very smart in our deployment of the funds we receive,” added Dr. Neill.

Sanibel Sea School has grown over the years with a robust summer camp and holiday camp, programs with adults and teens, as well as scholarship programs for kids who would not otherwise be able to afford Sanibel Sea School.

One such program, the PACE at Sanibel Sea School program, has been providing marine science education for at-risk teenage girls for four years.

“I realized the other day,” said Dr. Neill, “that we have been the longest consistent presence to these PACE girls. We started working with them right after they opened. And we have seen graduates go out into the world to overcome the gravity of their lives. It’s profoundly fulfilling.”

As Gail Markham, chair of the Lee PACE Board of Directors explained, “I look at the partnership between Sanibel Sea School and PACE and I believe this is the way it should be. This is what we all envision when we invest our time and resources to grow nonprofit institutions like these two. Together, they are making a big difference in the lives of young people.”

With the Lagoon Drive real estate purchase, Sanibel Sea School has a permanent home on the east end of Sanibel to be the hub of its mission to create a world where people understand, value and take care of the ocean. And that is a fitting solution for Maureen McClintock, who previously owned the building.

“My parents loved this building. It was built with a sense of purpose," she said. "I always felt an obligation to make certain it had a rightful owner who would continue to give it meaning. I could not be happier at this moment. Sanibel Sea School’s mission is exactly the future my parents would have wanted for this place.”

So, Sanibel Sea School is nestling into 414 Lagoon Drive for the holidays and forever. And that means there will be lots of joy and crazy ideas on the east end of Sanibel for years to come. If you’ve been to Bailey’s General Store lately, you’ve seen the bins for Sanibel Sea School collecting plastic bottles with caps. During Camp Calypso in the next few weeks, campers will be building a vessel made out of these bottles and launching it into the brine!

And so, begins a season of education about plastics in the ocean. If the plastic Calypso sinks, it’s just a short walk to Sanibel Sea School’s new old home on Lagoon Drive, to tow the sodden recyclables to shore.

“We really want to thank everyone for supporting Sanibel Sea School in the past, present and future. We had over a hundred letters of support,” said co-founder Evelyn Neill. “This is a small building but a huge step. I am constantly reminded of how meaningful this simple building is for many kids. I am very proud that we have a permanent home on Sanibel now. It’s an excellent finish to an excellent year.”

Sanibel Sea School is a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization. If you would like to find out more, call 472-8585 or visitwww.sanibelseaschool.org.

 

Churches and Temples on Sanibel - Schedules for Holiday Service

SANIBEL CONGREGATIONAL

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST:

2050 Periwinkle Way 472-0497

The Reverend Dr. John Danner, Sr. Pastor.

Sandra Mineau, Interim Associate Pastor

Sunday worship services:

7:45 a.m. Chapel Service

9 and 11 a.m. Full service with nursery,

child care and Sunday School. Elevator

access.

ST. ISABEL CATHOLIC CHURCH:

3559 San-Cap Rd., 472-2763

Pastor: Rev. Christopher Senk,

Christmas Schedule of Masses

Friday 12/24/10  5 pm and 10pm

Saturday Christmas Day 12/25/10

Mass at 10:30am

Saturday Vigil, 5 p.m.;

Sunday Masses 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Daily Mass Wed., Thurs., Fri. at 8:30 a.m.

Communion Service Mon. and Tues.

at 8:30 a.m.

ST. MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS

EPISCOPAL CHURCH:

2304 Periwinkle Way between the

Bean and Baileys 239-472-2173

Rev. Dr. Ellen Sloan, Rector

www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org

Worship Services:

Saturdays at 5 p.m.

Sundays at 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Morning Prayer: Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

 Churches/ Temples

BAT YAM-TEMPLE OF THE ISLANDS:

The Reform Congregation of Bat Yam,

Temple of the Islands, meets for Friday

night services at 8 p.m. in the Fellowship

Hall, of the United Congregational Church,

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Call Temple President Dr. Michael Raab, at

395-1432 for more information.

CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY THE SEA:

11580 Chapin Lane

The Rev. Thomas E. Nyman

Nov 14, 2010 thru April 24, 2011

Sunday 11 a.m., 472-1646

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST:

2950 West Gulf Dr., Sunday - 10:30 a.m.;

Sunday School - 10:30 a.m., Wednesday

evening meeting - 7:30 p.m.; Reading

room open, Monday, Wednesday and

Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (November through

March), Friday 10 a.m. to

1 p.m. (summer hours). 472-8684.

SANIBEL COMMUNITY CHURCH:

Sanibel Community Church:

1740 Periwinkle Way, 472-2684

Dr. Daryl Donovan, Senior Pastor

Barb Nave, Associate Pastor

Tom Walsh, Youth Pastor

Sunday Worship Hours:

8 a.m. Traditional Service with Communion

9 a.m. Contemporary Service

with Kids’ Church

10:45 a.m. Traditional Service

Childcare available at all services.

Use your Sanibel Public Library Card to visit the Shell Museum, Historical Village

Your Sanibel Public Library card just got more valuable! The library now offers passes to two of the area’s most popular attractions – The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village. 

Cultural Activities Passes to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum or the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village may be checked out with your Sanibel Public Library card.

“In addition to checking out books, movies, music, and magazines, you can check out these passes," said Wendy Lambrix, head of circulation. "It’s a great addition to library service."

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum features more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world. Exhibits include shell art and history, shell habitat, rare specimens, fossil shells and common Southwest Florida shells. There is a learning lab featuring a hands-on play area for children, displays, games and a tank with indigenous mollusks.

The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, founded in 1984, was established with a mission to preserve and share Sanibel history. Here you can find the story of Sanibel told form the Calusaand Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. It is the story of warriors, adventurers, fisherman, farmers and proprietors. Seven historic buildings were moved from their original island locations to the Historical Village. Each building has been restored to its original state.

Cultural passes may be check out for one week with a Sanibel Public Library card. Library cards are available at no charge to all Lee County residents. Visitors may also purchase a library card for $10. Cards are valid for one year.



The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is location at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel. One pass per family visit is accepted at the Shell Museum.

The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road on Sanibel.

For additional information, please contact the Sanibel Public Library, located at 770 Dunlop Road, by calling 472-2483. Submitted by CATHY HED

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)

Date: December 16, 2010 - December 18, 2010
Time: 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
http://www.bigarts.org

Event Description

This production, written by Michael Carleton, John Alvarez, and Jim Fitzgerald, is a non-stop holiday romp through everyone's favorite Christmas stories. Three quick-witted actors put the audience to the test as they portray as many holiday traditions and stories as they can remember. Say "BAH!" to classic Tiny Tim (there's always next year) and "HA!" to a show that takes Christmas customs to the extreme. The Grinch, Frosty, Linus, Rudolph, Marley, and more - all in one night! If you liked The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), you'll enjoy this show that fits all your favorite classic (and not-so-classic) holiday stories into a hysterical sleigh ride of fun.

Event Location

Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Date/Time Information

Performances run Monday - Saturday 8PM, December 16 - 31 (No performances 12/24 & 12/25, 12/31 performance @ 7 PM)

Contact Information

BIG ARTS: 239-395-0900 HSST Box Office: 239-472-6862
info@bigarts.org

Fees/Admission

$30, Child (16 and under) $20 

Captiva Holiday Marketplace comes to Chadwick’s Square this weekend

This weekend, tents will fill Chadwick’s Square with Captiva business owners selling their wares and services in a festive, three-day Captiva Holiday Marketplace experience, accentuated by various events, programs and art exhibits going on all over the island. 

“The idea germinated from the concept of a European holiday marketplace like they have in Germany, France and Switzerland,” said South Seas Island Resort Retail Manager Michael Brosy. “We’re bringing together a group of product and service people in a concentrated area to make it really easy on the shopper.”

Twenty-five local merchants will be participating, Brosy said, including gift shops, restaurants, a florist, marinas, service providers, two spas and many local artisans and craftspeople. 

“We have a very interesting array but it’s all uniquely Captiva — and pretty much everyone on Captiva is participating. It was a tremendous turnout of support for this marketplace, which is very Captiva-centric. That’s the flavor of this event — all things Captiva.”

Merchant tents will fill Chadwick’s Square, and many additional events will be going on simultaneously with the marketplace, including a fashion show, Leoma Lovegrove’s “Painting Out Loud,” and demonstrations in fine dining, holiday cocktails and floral arranging. 

“2 Islands Gallery will also be hosting a plein air event, where a group of artists will be painting during the weekend, ending with an exhibit, awards and an auction at the Marketplace,” Brosy said, noting that South Seas will also be hosting the Skimboard Art Show exhibit, held in conjunction with the Captiva Holiday Skim Jam going on throughout the weekend. 

Perry Thompson of 2 Islands Gallery said he is glad to be coordinating the plein air event for local artists — though he’s also been keeping busy as one of the Captiva Holiday Village’s lead marketing organizer. 

“Getting involved in the Captiva Holiday Village has been great for me — I ended up getting to meet all the other Captiva businesses owners and people involved with those business. It’s really brought the community closer together, and as I kept getting more involved, we started developing this plein air art show concept,” Thompson said. “I’ve been going to many art studios and art leagues all over dropping off information for interested artists. This whole show is about painting Captiva — anywhere from Blind Pass up to South Seas.”

The artists that take first and second place will receive prizes and all artists will have the opportunity to put their work up for auction. 

For more information about the Captiva Holiday Marketplace, go towww.CaptivaHolidayVillage.com. 

Sanibel and Captiva Restaurants open on Christmas Day

               Sanibel and Captiva Restaurants open on Christmas Day

Courtney's on Sanibel Open Christmas Eve & Christmas Day w/specials 

 Ellington's Jazz Bar & Restaurant  open

       Great White Grill open

 Greenhouse Grill   open

 Holy Smoke Heavenly Barbecue
 Open
Christmas Eve and  Christmas Day 

 Hungry Heron Open Christmas Eve until 4pm Closed  Christmas Day

 IL TESORO Inc. open

 Island Cow, The  open

 Island Pizza Company open

 Jacaranda Restaurant   open

Key Lime Bistro   open

 Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant,
 Christmas Day 2pm-8pm Limited Menu 

Old Captiva House   open

RC Otters Open
 
 Sanibel Grill  open
   
 Sanibel Steakhouse   open

Sea Star Cafe  Open for 
 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Closing 8:30pm

Sunshine Seafood Café  open

 Thistle Lodge Restaurant Open 12n-7p: Holiday Buffet $54.95 Adult 

 Timbers Restaurant  open

BIG ARTS presents variety of holiday programming

This December, BIG ARTS will continue the tradition of presenting quality holiday entertainment for Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors. 

But this year, things will be just a little different. 

Though islanders can expect the 9th annual performance “Excerpts from the Nutcracker” by the Gulfshore Ballet, this year, the BIG ARTS Community Chorus and Band will be parting ways and performing their own separate holiday concerts on Dec. 9 and Dec. 14, respectively. 

The BIG ARTS Community Chorus and Band holiday concert has generated a lot of interest over the years, causing people to be turned away from Schein Hall due to lack of room. 

To accommodate the increased community support and interest in the holiday concert, this year, the two groups decided to each perform their own shows to allow more people to attend. 

Over the years, the BIG ARTS Community Chorus and Band has swelled not only in popularity, but in membership, and the directors of both groups say that it’s a true love for singing, playing instruments and of course, performing, that unites these vast and varied community groups. 

“We are truly and accurately the definition of a community chorus. We have a mix of singers — from former professional singers, to active and retired

members of the Mastersingers, to those who have been in choruses for years but don't classify themselves as soloists, to singers who are beginners

just finding their voice,” said BIG ARTS Community Chorus director Steve Cramer. “It's an amazingly wonderful bunch of fantastic people who love to sing and want to have fun in a chorus right here on the island.”

“Singing is one of the things I’ve always loved to do and singing under the tutelage of Steve Cramer has been an extraordinary experience,” said Chorus member Lillian Decker, an alto. “And you don’t have to try out — if you want to sing in the chorus, you sing in the chorus!”

Decker will be part of a duet during the holiday concert on Dec. 9. 

“When I first joined the chorus, we had about 20 members,” said bass Clint Parsons, a BIG ARTS Community Chorus member of eight years. Now, the chorus’ membership has jumped into the 80s — depending on the time of year. “It’s quite enjoyable. I like to sing and I like being part of a team, as I call it. Steve makes it fun — we’re not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I’m not an opera singer, I just like to sing, and Steve makes the most out of our talents.”

It’s that same passion that draws people like Parsons to the Chorus, that brings musicians to the BIG ARTS community band.

“It’s definitely a community band. We have people from Sanibel, Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Some are retired executives and a lot of them hadn’t played their instruments in over 30 years.” said BIG ARTS Community Band Director Don Knowland. “But we also have some that are very professional. One of my trumpet players plays with the Gulf Coast Symphony and another trumpet player played with the Philadelphia Symphony. But what they have in common is that they all love to play. It’s a community group through and through.”

During the holiday concert, the Community Band will perform various marches, patriotic tunes and holiday standards.

“It’s always fun digging out those old Christmas favorites,” said BIG ARTS Community Band trumpet-player Gary Eertmoed. “Some of the highlights this year, for me, include ‘Christmas in the Mountains,’ an authentic German Christmas folk tune, a Hannukah piece and a Christmas medley. The one that I really like that we did last year — and was a real crowd pleaser — is a recitation of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ with the band playing between lines of the poem read by a narrator.”

Community Chorus member Shirley Bohnert, also an alto, said that this year’s holiday concert is mostly going to be a lot of fun.

“I think Steve has picked out a great selection of music and the audience will really enjoy it — we enjoy singing it!” Bohnert said. 

For more information about all that BIG ARTS has to offer this holiday season, go to www.BIGARTS.org. 



Holiday Art Show and Sale

Friday, Dec. 3, 5 to 7 p.m.

Experience holiday shopping during Luminary featuring work created by BIG ARTS artists and guest artist Che-Ke-Ka. 

As part of their Holiday Art Show and Sale on Sanibel Luminary Night, Dec. 3, BIG ARTS invites guests to meet Che-Ke-Ka at the artists reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Che-Ke-Ka’s Seminole Patchwork Exhibit, open at BIG ARTS on Periwinkle Gallery & Gift Shop until Dec. 8, features colorful wallhangings that tell stories with time-honored Seminole patchwork designs. 

Members of BIG ARTS faculty will also be available that evening to discuss upcoming workshops and classes and demonstrate and share samples of their work.

BIG ARTS on Periwinkle Gallery & Gift Shop is located at 2244 Periwinkle Way. Admission is free. 



Messiah and More

Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

This concert will feature treasured choruses from Handel’s Messiah and many other holiday favorites, performed by the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers. 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.



BIG ARTS Chorus Holiday Concert

Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. in Schein Hall

The BIG ARTS Chorus will sing classic holiday selections like “Silent Night,” “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas,” music from “The Nutcracker Suite,” and many favorite traditional carols and Hanukah songs, including a sing-a-long at the end. 

Tickets are $7 for adults ($5 when purchased with Band Holiday Concert) and free for children. 



Excerpts from ‘The Nutcracker Suites’

Saturday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Gulfshore Ballet and BIG ARTS present their 9th annual production of Excerpts from The Nutcracker. The role of the Cavalier will be performed by New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Tyler Angle, who will be partnering with Gulfshore Ballet’s senior student, Deidre Rogan. Matinee tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children under 17, with paying adult and the evening performance is $10 for children, $20 for adults. The evening performance will be preceded by a "Nutcracker Sweets" reception on the BIG ARTS Gainer Veranda.



BIG ARTS Band Holiday Concert

Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. in Schein Hall

Island Brass will open the concert with various Christmas-themed arrangements. Following Island Brass, the BIG ARTS Band will perform a variety of music, ranging from marches and patriotic selections to a number of Christmas and Hanukah arrangements. 

Tickets are $7 for adults ($5 when purchased with Band Holiday Concert) and free for children. 



For more information about tickets — or joining the BIG ARTS Community Band and Chorus — 395-0900. For more information about upcoming shows, programs, workshops, classes and more at BIG ARTS, go to www.BIGARTS.org. 



BIG ARTS contributed to this story