October 2012 - Southwest Spotlight Newspaper

S O U T H W E S T
OCTOBER 2012 Vol.3, No.10 FREE
Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
P R S R T S T D
U . S . P O S T A G E P A I D
F T M Y E R S , F L
P E R M I T # 9 8 0
R E S I D E N T I A L C U S T O M E R
E C R W S S
Fire Commissioner Elections 8 to 10, 20
Mightier than the Mississippi 16
Restaurants 33 to 36
The Sentinel, the work of sculptor and former Bonita firefighter Mark Harris, stands outside Fire Station
One on Old 41. Two of Bonita Fire's five Commissioners are seeking reelection this fall.
Omar De La Garzam, Bonita Springs Middle School
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Events, things to do andopportunitiesto give backto ourcommunity inandaroundBonitaSprings

Publisher & Editor
Peter A. O'Flinn
peter@swspotlight.com
Advertising Sales
Teri Lamaine
Kathy O'Flinn
Office Manager
Katie O'Flinn
Contributing Writers
Charles J. Cavaliere
D. K. Christi
Martha Crider
Meghan Easterly
Mark Generales
Max Harris
Dorota Harris
Joyce McDonald
Josh Musselman
Ben Nelson Jr.
Peter R. O'Flinn
Stan J. Strycharz, Psy.D.
Contributing Photographers
David Michael
Page 6 October 2012 Southwest Spotlight
8 Bonita Fire Board races
Five candidates are competing for
two seats in the November election
11 Bonita Charter High
School Planned
Bonita YMCA on Kent Road would
build facility
11 Dog Track Slot Update
City and Track owners ready to ink
Development Agreement
11 Bonita Hurricane Shelter
County staff nixes Bonita Y as
emergency shelter
11 Opening the Back Gate
Out east, hiking trails planned on
CREW lands
12 Bonita Riverfest
A Bonita classic returns on
October 26-27
16 Mightier than
the Mississippi
Hector Manley, a hero for the
Americas
19 Bonita Veterans Memorial
No One Left Behind to be
dedicated on November 11
Commentary
20 Myth of Victimless Vice
Pastor Doug Pratt on slots plan for
the dog track
20 Letters to the Spotlight
Bonitians weigh in on Fire Board
races
Business
15 My Shower Door
The Daubmann family builds on
success
Arts & Entertainment
22 Calendar
Whats happening this month in
Bonita?
24 Faux Diamond at The Stage
Neil Diamond Tribute
Columns
26 The Other Ben
Mayor Nelson all alone at age 10
28 Bonitas Best Friends
Baily is not a latch key dog
30 Mind and Soul
Welcoming change in your life
30 Why I Love Bonita
Anna Craig Garner, Glimpsing Gods
Glory in Bonita
31 Meg-a-Mom
Watching a child stretch her wings
32 Boating Bonita
Surveying a boat
Restaurants
34 Restaurant Guide
News & Features
239.947.0Bb2

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Page 8 October 2012 Spotlight News
By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs The Spot-
light conducted extensive
interviews with each of the
active candidates for two
Bonita Springs Fire Control
and Rescue District Board
of Commissioners seats.
They are on the same ballot
as the presidential race. In
one race, Robert Sharkey
and Joseph Zagursky are
challenging incumbent Steve
Lohan, currently Fire Board
chair. In another race, Fred
Forbes is challenging incum-
bent Wayne Edsall. Here in
their own words are their
views on three important
issues. Go to swspotlight.com
for their views on fire depart-
ment consolidation.
Fires. Most would agree
that, thanks to the efforts
of Bonita Fire, Bonita has
first class fire protection.
Also, Bonita does not have
many fires. In 2011, there
were a total of 15 house fires
and 140 other fires, an aver-
age of about three fire calls
per month for each of Bonita
Fires five firehouses.
Are current utilization
levels simply a necessary
part of the system we need,
or is there another way to
go forward?
Lohan: If there is a better
way I am open to suggestions.
But if we only have one fire
we need the manpower and
the equipment to handle it.
I dont see any way to cut
any leaner or to close stations.
It all goes back to the ISO
(insurance) ratings. If our
ISO rating significantly dete-
riorated, it would make
homeowners property insur-
ance more expensive and it
would make commercial
property almost uninsurable.
I think the fire department
is very much like an insur-
ance policy, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
Fires are a very small part
of what the fire department
does. We answer thousands
of calls for medical, haz-
ardous materials, car acci-
dents and other emergencies.
Also, our safety inspections
and public education pro-
grams help reduce fire inci-
dents.
Sharkey: Bonita Fire is
one of the best in the state.
They are built like a Mercedes
and run like a Mercedes. I
think we can build it like a
Chevy. A Chevy gets to the
same place as Mercedes 80
miles down the road. I believe
Bonita Fire has been run
very well and provided top
of the line service. However,
we have to cut the cham-
pagne taste down to a beer
mans taste in terms of fiscal
responsibility.
Today we are more of a
rescue district than a fire
district. But the brush fires
are just as important. So you
need good fire service.
Zagursky: Although we
have very few fires, I have
come to a place very quickly
that I think we need to have
firefighters available 24 hours
a day because a fire can hap-
pen at any time. Also, the
number of emergency med-
ical service calls is substantial.
When examining this I
think our fire district does a
bang up job. There is no
question about that. What I
worry about is the expense
ISSUES AND ANSWERS
Candidates Vie for
Two Bonita Fire Board Seats
LOHAN SHARKEY ZAGURSKY EDSALL FORBES
Continued on next page
staff@swspotlight.com
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associated with all of this. It
is a compilation of equip-
ment, buildings, salaries, pen-
sions and benefits. It all adds
up.
I think we need this kind
of staffing but I am con-
cerned that we are doing
what happens in a lot of
municipalities, and that is
toss dollars at government
employees. I worry about
that because we are all getting
squeezed more and more.
********************
Edsall: Bonita Fire is an
emergency medical respon-
der and not as much a fire
department any longer. Over
the last four or five years
our fire losses have averaged
maybe $800,000 a year in
losses. We could reimburse
the people $800,000 and save
$20 million by not having a
fire department.
There are ways to reor-
ganize the fire department.
I would like to see it have a
smaller permanent staff,
together with paid volun-
teers. There are cities our
size that have 30 or 40 full
time employees on the pay-
roll. They have another 15
or 20 firefighters who are
on call as needed and are
paid an hourly rate when
they come to work.
The ISO (insurance) rat-
ing is in my opinion a union
and fire department scare
tactic to keep jobs. Its used
to justify the hiring of per-
sonnel that you dont need.
The significance of ISO rat-
ings is blown way out of
proportion. If that rating
diminished because of cuts,
you might pay a small
amount more in homeown-
ers insurance, but save mil-
lions in the process.
Forbes: If you reduce
manpower and equipment
you will diminish the ISO
(insurance) rating. As a result
the cost of your homeowners
insurance attributable to fire
coverage would go up. How-
ever, it would be difficult to
justify the manpower just
on the basis of fires.
The big thing is that the
fire district is also the first
responder on medical emer-
gencies. They get there before
Lee EMS in most cases. They
save peoples lives.
To understand manpower
utilization, you need to
understand the medical
emergency part of Bonita
Fires mission. If Bonita Fire
takes over EMS transport
from Lee County, it will help
utilization, and its not going
to raise the cost to the tax-
payer.
Efficiencies: During the
last four years, annual prop-
erty taxes to support Bonita
Fire have been reduced by
$3.5 million to $16.5 million.
Yet they are 45% greater
than ten years ago.
Should more efficiencies
be achieved, and if so, how?
Sharkey: I would rec-
ommend that we bring in
an out of state private con-
sultant and pay him. There
is a lot of in house informa-
tion being gathered. I believe
that information but I think
it could be a little biased.
82% of that budget is salaries
and benefits that could be
looked at with a closer eye.
So lets go out of state and
get someone to come in to
do an audit on cost efficiency
and services.
Millage has been in -
creased two times in the last
four years. In that budget,
there are certain items a bean
counter can look at but can-
not change because they are
state mandated.
Zagursky: I looked at
the gross revenue of Bonita
Fire. That money goes to
paying staff, and depreciation
of the equipment and other
cost factors. I divided that
number by the number of
personnel. While the num-
ber I got reflects more than
just personnel cost, it is illus-
trative of costs. Back in 1979
we were spending $60,000
per person. We are now
spending $170,000. We have
some expenses that just will
not quit, and I am not con-
vinced that all of those
expenses are appropriate.
I think we could do sev-
eral things. I would have
them crawl through these
expenses. As a result we
would get into a better pos-
ture.
Last year Bonita Fire took
out 17 or 18 people through
early retirement. There were
monetary incentives given
to accomplish that. But now,
it is hiring nine more people.
Are we hiring them because
we were ineffective in man-
ning the fire operation? Or
are we hiring them because
we are getting ready to do
EMS transport?
Lohan: I am proud of
the job I have done. We have
cut payroll. We have stream-
lined a lot of things. We have
a department rated in the
top 3% in the country.
I compare Bonita Fire to
turning around an oil tanker.
You dont just whip the wheel
and turn it over. And there
are many non-negotiable
mandates affecting our costs
where Tallahassee tells us we
have to do things.
When I came on board I
told these guys, who were
well into their careers, that I
would not take away any-
thing that was promised to
them. But I met with the
head of the union and told
him that I am not promising
this to anyone else who gets
hired here. I would not let
the department hire without
having a second tier on the
contract. The union has been
open-minded and there has
been some good give and
take. The citizens of Bonita
will see a noticeable differ-
ence over the long haul.
When I first started we
had 9 take home vehicles,
we had all kinds of people
who had chief titles and
deputy chief titles and train-
ing officers, division chiefs.
Now, we are barebones at
the administrative level. We
are now at a point from a
personnel standpoint that I
am not willing to cut.
********************
Forbes: If I get elected
there are two things you can
expect. I am going to think
outside the box, and I am
interested in anything that
will generate additional rev-
enue outside the real estate
tax base.
EMS transport is some-
thing that will help out. You
cant close fire stations
because if you do that the
EMS response time is going
to go south.
There is a union contract
in place. The union did agree
that all new hires would be
under a new tier where their
increases will be less. It will
take new hires 9 years to get
to where the other guys got
in 5 years. That is an increase
in efficiency.
I am in favor of doing
anything you can for cost
savings. Win or lose, I will
make myself available to
explore ideas to decrease
Continued on page 10
Continued from previous page
Page 10 October 2012 Spotlight News
energy use. I used to do that
for a living.
Edsall: I am running
again as an advocate for the
taxpayer on the Bonita Fire
board, while not diminishing
the service in the process.
I have brought issues up
that other commissioners
have had to go along with
that have saved taxpayers lit-
erally millions of dollars. We
have reduced the number of
employees from 125 to 89,
representing a combined
annual savings of over $3.8
million. We have restructured
the department with fewer
deputy chiefs. We have elim-
inated one engine truck and
eight staff vehicles and six
take home vehicles. We have
created a two-tier system
with lower pension costs.
Every employee we hire
cost us a minimum of
$100,000 per year in salaries
and benefits. With a part
time paid volunteer depart-
ment we could drop from
89 full time employees to
34.
EMS Transport. Bonita
Fire responds to medical
emergencies with Lee Coun-
tys Emergency Medical Serv-
ices, and last year Bonitians
saw a fire truck and an
ambulance pull up over
3,000 times.
Are you in favor of Bonita
Fires application to replace
Lee EMS for ambulance
transport? And is the double
taxation that will result
(property owners will con-
tinue to pay Lee County
property tax for Lee EMS)
a concern?
Zagursky: I understand
and like why folks want to
do this. The performance
should be better. However, I
have not been persuaded
that this is going to work
financially.
If Bonita Fire is successful
in its EMS transport appli-
cation, we are going to have
to pay for a whole bunch of
equipment with a loan or
reserves. We will need nine
persons staffing three ambu-
lances. Some people are
beginning to ask the fire
department, Are those nine
the ones you just hired? All
of this is very important.
If you consider the depre-
ciation for the equipment
and the additional recent
hires as your cost, and com-
pare that to the insurance
proceeds for EMS transport
that we will receive, will we
be financially better off than
we are right now? If not then
a cost problem shows up.
So, financially it is just not
clear. I have been working
at finding out what the con-
siderations are.
Lohan: I am passionate
about EMS transport because
it is the thing to do, and it is
a major piece of unfinished
business for me.
Lee County EMS only has
two and half ambulances
here. They have closest unit
response requirements. So
if they go north we may not
see them for the rest of the
shift. Bonita Fire already
answers every medical call.
The lions share of the time
we are there first. We have
our own hands-on medical
director. When Bonita Fire
answers, we can wait and
wait and wait for a Lee Coun-
ty ambulance.
Lee EMS collects all of
the money, over $1.1 million
last year. We house all their
people and they pay nothing.
Taking over Lee EMS is a no
brainer for us. The only extra
expense we will have after
the cost of the ambulances
is fuel money to the hospital.
This will pay for itself.
The taxes we pay to Lee
County will provide a back
up. We will still need a back
up from Lee County, and
we have to rely on their hel-
icopter service for critical
care.
Sharkey: I waited, and I
was sitting on the fence for
a long time, but I am now
in favor of the Bonita Fire
getting the right to transport
for life saving purposes.
97% of the time Bonita
Fire is on site prior to Lee
EMS. On average they are
there two minutes earlier,
and those two minutes can
be life saving.
If multiple calls stretch
Bonita Fire, then the same
old game plan kicks in, with
North Naples, Estero and
Lee EMS backing us up.
The double taxation and
the cost is a concern. Hope-
fully we can afford three or
four ambulances in Bonita.
I dont know of a plan where
Bonita Fire will recoup any
of the tax money paid to
Lee County. It can get the
fees that Lee EMS currently
receives for the service. I
question how many people
will be hired to do the billing.
I question the insurance issue
for transport. Also a lot of
people can sue an ambulance
transport operation. Sooner
or later someone will make
a claim.
********************
Edsall: I voted to go
ahead with Bonita Fires
application to take over
ambulance transport. How-
ever I definitely have reser-
vations regarding the cost.
There is no way that Lee
County is going to reduce
our property tax rates
because we have our own
ambulance service.
We have some studies that
show on paper that the serv-
ice would pay for itself. How-
ever, looking at collection
rates around the country
and in Naples, they lose
money on their ambulance
service. I doubt that it will
be a break-even situation
even though some of the
commissioners make a case
that we will be on the plus
side of that.
Forbes: Absolutely I am
in favor of this. Almost every
firefighter is a licensed EMT
or a paramedic, and they
can be used in medical
emergencies and ambulance
transport. The recent 9 hires
are all EMTs or paramedics.
If Bonita Fire gets ambu-
lance transportation, then
anytime there is a medical
emergency not associated
with a fire or hazardous sit-
uation, the fire truck will
not have to roll if the ambu-
lance is closer to the emer-
gency. The amount of dual
response situations will be
significantly reduced. Instead
of over 3,000 dual runs, you
should have fewer than
1,000.
I would be nave to say
that double taxation is not
a concern. At some point
we should get a stipend back
from the County for what
our residents pay in to the
Countys EMS system.
By collecting fees for
transport, Bonita Fire would
bring in $1.1 million in rev-
enue that otherwise would
not have been there. That
should pay for salaries,
retirement of the ambu-
lances and medical equip-
ment over time.
Fire
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Up and Down the Trail
News and Analysis
By Peter R. OFlinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita High
School Planned
The Bonita Springs YMCA plans to open
a new charter high school in Bonita Springs.
If all goes well, the school could be open in
the fall of 2014, said Ken Modzelewski,
chief executive of South County Family
YMCA of Venice, which reopened the Bonita
Y in June. The school will be located adjacent
to the Bonita Y on Kent Road.
I have heard about this need since day
one, said Modzelewski. We are not here to
be a sit in the box YMCA. We want to be a
full partner for health, wellness and education
in Bonita Springs.
The high schools curriculum will be
centered on educational concepts pioneered
by Harvard professor John Ratey. In his
book Spark, Ratey demonstrates the link
between physical activity, healthy eating and
academic achievement. South County Y
already operates an A-rated charter school
with 300 students on its Venice campus.
Bonita Y advisory board chair Richard
Garner has formed a project committee.
Regulatory approvals are required.
Mayor Ben Nelson called the planned
school a fantastic idea. I have a lot of
confidence in this group of people that have
helped resurrect our Y, he said. If there is
anything Bonita Springs will unanimously
support, this is it.
Dog Track Update
This November, Lee County voters will
decide whether to approve slot machines at
the Bonita dog track.
A draft agreement between the City and
the dog track lays out potential new devel-
opment at the 99 acre site if slots are
approved, as well as the Citys take from
slot machine gambling. Approval of the
agreement by City Council is anticipated in
October, perhaps at its October 3 meeting.
Potential new development at the site
includes 250,000 square feet of retail space,
a 20,000 square foot bar/nightclub, an 80,000
square foot clubhouse addition, and an
80,000 square foot office addition, according
to a preliminary spreadsheet prepared by
the Citys Community Development Office.
The site may be used as a performance
venue. The agreement requires the City to
issue permits for outdoor amplified per-
formances, other than during quiet hours
of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., subject to noise rules
and other requirements.
Other provisions effectively insulate the
dog track from certain future permit and
impact fee rate increases and future planning
and regulatory changes, according to City
staff.
The agreement contains the owners
agreement, as previously reported by the
Spotlight, to pay the City 1.5 % of the tracks
slot winnings from gamblers. Last year, at
the dog track owners Magic City Casino in
Miami, winnings were about $80 million,
according to Florida state records. Revenue
like that in Bonita would mean about $1
million for the City. The owner has agreed
to adopt a policy giving Bonita residents
preference for 40% of entry-level jobs.
The agreement has a 30-year term, with
owners options to extend.
Fired up Elections
Bonita Fire elections can be rough and
tumble affairs. In 2010 fiscal conservative
Pat McCourt found his photo plastered on
urinals around town, courtesy of an uniden-
tified person or group that calls itself Bonita
Citizens against Disaster, or CAD.
This year, civility has not yet gone down
the drain. CAD has a lighter touch in its
negative campaigning. In late September, it
produced two YouTube videos, complete
with Daffy Duck-like soundtrack, criticizing
conservative candidate Wayne Edsall for
his attendance record at Bonita Fire board
meetings.
When asked about his attendance by the
Spotlight, Edsall said, For a while I had
some health concerns, a heart problem, so I
used a heart specialist in Minnesota rec-
ommended by my cardiologist in Bonita.
So I missed some time with that. For some
meetings I was not physically present, but I
attended and voted via teleconference, which
is permitted.
Hurricane Shelter
Lee County will never open the Bonita
YMCA building as an emergency hurricane
shelter, City Manager Carl Schwing has
been told by County staff.
As a result, the County will have no des-
ignated hurricane shelter in Bonita Springs.
The City will consider developing its own
emergency staffing plans for the Y building
together with the Bonita Fire District,
Schwing said.
When the YMCA building was con-
structed in 2005, the County and City
entered into a 50-year lease agreement with
the YMCA for use as a temporary emergency
shelter in the event of a hurricane.
County staff decided it will not use the
building because recent FEMA maps put it
in a higher risk of flood zone than previous
maps. Also, the American Red Cross is reluc-
tant to staff certain facilities more exposed
to risk.
Schwing believes the City should be pre-
pared to open the YMCA building as an
emergency shelter if conditions are appro-
priate.
The Back Gate
Bonita Springs is the gateway to the Gulf,
but Mayor Ben Nelson sees an attraction
out the back gate as well. He has pushed for
CREW Land and Water Trust to open trails
on the east end of Beach Road. They would
give resident and visitor hikers access to
what is called the Flint Pen area, and thou-
sands of other acres of public lands.
We have preliminary layouts for trails,
said Brenda Brooks, executive director of
CREW, which manages the public lands. I
think they will be heavily used, she said.
They will be so close for so many people.
The trails could be opened after planned
restoration work is completed in 2014.
Nelson also would like CREW to open
an office at Bonita Nature Place.
Meandering City Council, in a split
vote, recently reduced the property tax rate
a smidgen. The owner of a $400,000 home
will save enough to buy one gallon of gas
(regular) Congratulations to Josh Eaton,
who finished 45th of 6,000 entrants in the
recent Chicago Triathlon. Josh is the son of
Lisa Spear and step-dad John Spear.
Page 12 September 2012 Spotlight News

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Springs Special Events River-
fest Chair, is passionate about
the upcoming Riverfest and
Fish Fry, October 26 and 27,
2012 at Riverside Park.
Riverfest puts Bonita
Springs on the eco-tourism
map and focuses attention
on the beautiful Imperial
River. Any time of day it
offers a leisurely experience
of old Florida, undisturbed
by the bustling city that has
grown up around it.
The Great 191- Mile
Calusa Blueways southern-
most point is right here, in
Bonita Springs, at the end
of Kent Road just past the
YMCA and the Nature Cen-
ter, she emphasizes. Its a
great place to start or end a
magnificent river experience.
Riverfest offers Southwest
Florida an old fashioned
Florida weekend that begins
Friday night with the Liles
family secret recipe, a local
fish fry, starting with happy
hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The fresh fish is cooked on
the spot, served with beans,
coleslaw, hush puppies, rolls
and iced tea. Beer and wine
sales benefit the Bonita
Springs Assistance Office.
The guitar and vocal sounds
of the Mark Rachel & Ben
Hughes duo will entertain
diners.
The Imperial River 2-Mile
Challenge registration is
8a.m. Saturday morning; the
first vessels starting at 9 a.m.
Stand Up Paddlers (SUPS)
are a new category this year.
Up to 41 vessels were on the
river last year. The Bonita
Springs Riverfest is one of
the pre-events to the Calusa
Blueway Paddling Festival in
November. Riverfest proceeds
benefit the Bonita Springs
Waterways Conservation
Fund.
The famous Quacker
race, with rubber ducks
dropped from the bridge,
starts at noon, Saturday.
Ducks are $5 for one and
$20 for five in a Quacker
Pack; proceeds benefit the
Bonita Nature Place. Satur-
days events and exhibits from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. will please
every adult and child with
petting zoos, hayrides, pony
rides and pumpkin decorat-
ing in addition to local restau-
rant foods, ice cream and
information booths. The chil-
drens events are free.
Riverside Park dock is the
finish for the Imperial River
2-Mile Challenge. Cash
awards up to $100 are pro-
vided in each category in
addition to two named tro-
phies this year, the Martha
Simons award and The
Mayors Cup, kept at the city
offices. Serious competition
between the Sheriffs Depart-
ment staff and the Fire Rescue
staff is expected. The Riverfest
party includes serious river
vessel times recorded with
an atomic clock in the morn-
ing and rooting for the rubber
ducks at noon! All races end
with monetary prizes; even
a prize for the last duck was
added this year, a Bonita
Springs Recreation Center
Riverfest Returns
If you go
What: Riverfest
Where: Riverside Park off Old
41 Road
When: Friday, Oct. 26 Fish Fry 5
pm; Saturday, Oct. 27 races &
activities 8 am to 2pm. Childrens
events are free.
gym membership.
Our goal is a community
event that appeals to families,
added Lamaine. Fish Fry
tickets are $15 and sold
out last year. The Imperial
River 2-Mile Challenge is
$15 for pre-registration or
$20 for registration the day
of the event. Theres some-
thing for everyone at River-
fest.
A banana and gorilla teamed up as com-
petitors in last years 2-Mile Challenge.
Boaters crossing the finish line at last
years event.
Crowds lined the dock to cheer on competitors in last years event.
FIRE BASED
AMBULANCE SERVICE!
Lowered the budget without
cutting services
Eliminated 18 positions
Reduced take home vehicles
Negotiated a pay freeze
Increased Employee benefit
contribution
Added second tier pay scale
for new hires.
Started functional
consolidation
Now a Certified District
Official
If Re-Elected I will:
Obtain a county permit for fire
based ambulance service
Develop a leadership succession
policy
To continue to grow functional
consolidation.
To keep Bonita Springs Fire
and Rescue in the top three
percent of the country
STEVE LOHAN
www.SteveLohan.com
Paid for and approved by Steve Lohan
for Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner, Seat 4
I will continue
to serve the
residents to
keep the Bonita
Springs
Fire District in
excellent
financial shape!
Page 14 October 2012 Business &
www.swspotlight.com Page 15 Business
By D.K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Bill and
Donna Daubmann moved
from Springfield, Massachu-
setts to Bonita Springs eleven
years ago to retire. Daub-
mann, however, missed his
two sons who worked by his
side in the family Mr. Shower
Door business since they
were young boys. He wanted
an incentive for his sons to
join him in Southwest Flori-
da. Little did his family realize
how that incentive would
grow. Today, their family
business, My Shower Door,
encompasses a growing
frameless glass shower door
company with several show-
rooms and, most recently, a
new manufacturing facility
for tempered flat glass, with
the only tempered glass fur-
nace in Southwest Florida.
Their business success is
an American family story:
seeing an opportunity, step-
ping in, taking risks and gar-
nering the resources that
helped their business grow.
Most recently they received
the Small Business Admin-
istration Family-Owned
Business of the Year Award
for the State of Florida.
Mr. Shower Door opened
in 2003; Daubmann recently
changed the name to My
Shower Door as part of an
expanding business plan.
According to Daubmann,
My oldest son, Keith, is the
financial expert and Presi-
dent; my son, Doug, is the
visionary; Dad is the referee;
and Mom does a bit of
everything from payroll to
human relations. Dougs
vision is taking us beyond
the comfort zone and into
manufacturing.
Entrepreneurs always set
out on a road, continued
Bill Daubmann. Sometimes
to get there is winding. We
set out to straighten ours
with a new business plan.
Business management mod-
els often illustrate three cor-
ners to successful business
enterprises: quality, time and
cost. Controlling two of three
is usually the best one can
accomplish. Doug suggested
that we could do all three by
manufacturing our own tem-
pered glass.
Their new manufacturing
facility, D3 Glass, recently
opened on Alico Road and
not only services their show-
rooms (four Southwest Flori-
da locations by October and
growing) but will also dis-
tribute to other businesses
in need of flat tempered glass.
Part of their expansion plan
includes affiliate shower door
businesses, in Florida and
nationally, for which My
Shower Door provides train-
ing, various levels of support,
and tempered glass for instal-
lation. Several beta test com-
panies have already open-
ed and their owners will
receive their training from
My Shower Door.
Daubmanns new venture
included support from Chris-
tine Ross, President of the
Greater Bonita Springs
Chamber of Commerce and
the local Economic Devel-
opment Councils that
encourage a diversified local
economy beyond tourism.
Other area manufacturers in
non-competing industries
were generous with their
support and advice. Daub-
mann toured their shops,
observed their processes and
shared information about
human relations, insurance,
financing, and how deals are
structured in small manu-
facturing businesses.
Were no longer buying
glass in Alabama with ship-
ping costs and damage risks,
says Daubmann. Turn
around time is minimal. This
is a value added for the cus-
tomers of My Shower Door.
We live and work in the
Bonita Springs area, and D3
Glass is now employing up
to 29 people with great
expectations for expansion.
Our next goal is up to 100
employees with My Shower
Door showrooms statewide
and nationally.
Bill Daubman (right), sons Keith (left) and Doug now own the only tempered glass
furnace for flat glass in Southwest Florida.
Bonita Business Beat
My Shower Door
Their business
success is an
American
family story.
Page 16 October 2012 Giving Back
By D. K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs An eleven
year old boy in an impover-
ished El Salvador village
played at the edge of the
dump where children looked
for a toy or a pair of shoes.
Their village was poor; even
food was scarce. We didnt
feel like we suffered; everyone
was the same, explained
twenty-three year old Hector
Manley, whose story is an
inspiration to anyone who
might think, I cant in times
of challenge. The El Salvador
earthquake eleven years ago
threw young Hector into the
burning pit at the dump; he
felt his young life slipping
away until a rescuer dug him
out of the burning rubble.
He had extensive injuries;
both legs required amputa-
tion.
The journey from El Sal-
vador to Bonita Springs start-
ed with Earthquake Relief
and a Rotary project deliv-
ering wheelchairs. Don and
Karen Manley began helping
the courageous child, taking
him into their hearts. With
his El Salvador familys agree-
ment, they adopted Hector.
I have two families, he
explained, one in El Salvador
that I talk to often and see
at least twice a year and my
adopted family here. My El
Salvador parents attended
my University of Tampa
graduation in May.
Manley is a young man
who plans and accomplishes
his goals. He is interested in
El Salvador politics as a
potential career and looks
forward to returning for a
long visit. He started a schol-
arship fund to help children
in his village complete more
than a few years of education.
He just finished a 2,700-mile
kayak run down the Missis-
sippi River to benefit two
charities, Wounded Warriors
Project and the Wheelchair
Foundation, his idea to cel-
ebrate graduation. The grad-
uation gift from his U.S.
parents included their par-
ticipation in the 90-day trip
that ended just before Labor
Day.
Manleys dad said hand-
icap is not in his sons vocab-
ulary: he refused a sticker
for his car. His next adven-
ture is mountain climbing.
Hell need to do it soon if
Im going to accompany
him, said his dad with muted
enthusiasm after paddling
in a second kayak for about
half the trip down the Mis-
sissippi. He never dreamed
the Christmas gift of kayaks
a few years ago would lead
to the Mississippi River.
The northern Mississippi
beginning in Minnesota had
many towns and marinas.
Amazingly supportive people
offered meals, accommoda-
tions and donations. The
widow of a veteran from
Iowa, who appreciated the
support for Wounded War-
riors, told me to meet her at
her dock when I arrived; sure
enough, she was there with
support. A man in a paddle
boat joined Manley for part
of the trip to hear his story.
The beautiful northern Mis-
sissippi had its challenges:
cold winds and miserable
hail found him on the river.
The Mississippi was so
low in places further south
it was closed to barge traffic
with a narrow channel down
the middle. Drought-
scorched fields with shriveled
crops stretched on either
side. In some places the low
water endangered the kayak
near barge traffic and at other
spots he was at the mercy of
the barges five foot wakes.
He did stop at museums and
landmarks: the Civil Rights
Museum in Memphis and
climbing to the top of the
St. Louis arch were favorites.
The Southern Mississippi is
a commercial through way,
with as many as 350 miles
without a town or marina.
Temperatures soared over a
hundred degrees beginning
in July. Drinking water was
limited to the filtered river
and he was very grateful I
did not get ill in the middle
channel of the Mississippi.
It was impossible to get cool.
I focused on the New
Orleans finish where we
planned a celebration -
upstaged by Hurricane Isaac.
I made it into New Orleans
just before the hurricane and
waited it out before returning
to Florida. One last fearful
experience came at the bitter
end, crossing a nine mile
lake in the New Orleans bay-
ous with lightning, wind and
waves in the middle of the
lake. I had visions of over-
turning and floating in to
shore. The unexpected lake
was a reroute to be safer out-
side of the low water shipping
channels. Once I entered
Lake Pontchartrain, I raised
my paddle in victory. Even
at the most difficult
moments, giving up was
never an option; the number
of people I would help kept
me going.
Mightier than the Mississippi
giving up was
never an option;
the number of
people I would help
kept me going.
Hector Manley
Hector Manley, triumphant as he nears New Orleans.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis dwafts Hector Manley as
he passes by in his kayak.
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
If you want to contribute to
the $40,000 already raised for
the Wheelchair Foundation and
Wounded Warriors, go to www.
paddlingforapurpose.org 100% of
all money donated goes directly
to these charities.
www.swspotlight.com Page 17 Giving Back
Make a Wish
Southern Florida
Last year 546 heartfelt
wishes were granted because
of the generosity of the South
Florida community. Since
Make a Wish Southern Flori-
da does not receive any fed-
eral or state funding, it relies
on donations from individ-
uals, corporations, and family
and private foundations in
the local community to fund
each wish come true. Chil-
dren up to 18 years of age
with life-threatening medical
conditions are considered.
Wishes are as varied as a
visit to Disney World, travel,
a shopping spree, meeting a
celebrity and computers and
electronics. The average cost
of a wish is $5,000. Help
make a difference in a childs
life. The next event benefiting
Make a Wish is Celebrity
Bartenders Night, Tuesday
October 16, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
at Caf Luna located at 467
5th Avenue South, Naples.
Admission is free. 50% of
bar proceeds and 100% of
bartender gratuities will ben-
efit Make a Wish. For more
information about Make
a Wish and this event and
others call Lesley at 239-992-
9474.
Poinsettia Sale
The Rotary Club of Boni-
ta Springs announces its
annual Poinsettia Sale, sup-
porting charities including
the Bonita Springs Assistance
Office, college scholarships,
for local high school students,
the Clean Water Project in
Guatemala, and lifesaving
heart surgery for children
through the Gift of Life Pro-
gram. Buy beautiful, fresh
poinsettias and support your
community for only $16.
Order by October 27. To
order call 239-287-6474 or
email suschmitt@aol.com.
Breakfast
with the Blades
Come celebrate Breakfast
with the Blades on Sunday
October 28 at 10 a.m. to 1
p.m. This is a full Everblades
team event! Former Florida
Everblades star Tom Buckley
is Honorary Chair to benefit
The Childrens Hospital of
Southwest Florida. There will
be auctions full of sports
memorabilia, trips & adven-
tures. Where: The Hyatt
Regency Coconut Point
Resort & Spa. For reservations
call 239-343-6950.
Opportunities
to give back
Page 18 October 2012 Town Talk
TOWN TALK
Contributed | towntalk@swspotlight.com
Over 400 Volunteers Clean Up Bonita Beach
Vapor volunteers from the First Baptist Church of Bonita Springs, Mayor Nelson
and Councilman Slachta were among 400 volunteers at last months successful
Beach Clean Up at Bonita Beach.
Get Ready for the
Boat Parade
The 27th Annual Bonita Springs
Christmas Boat Parade is set for
December 8 at 6 p.m. For more
information on entering your
boat in the parade, call 239-
495-0455.
Nature Place Installs New Board Members
Friends of Bonita Nature Place recently elected new officers for the 2012-2013
term. Pictured from left to right are Nicole Perino (City Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment Supervisor), Treasurer Dallas Revord, Alex Grantt, David Green, Chairman
Steve Trudnak, Cullum Hasty, Secretary Kathy McGrath, Councilmember Janet Mar-
tin (City Liaison) and Steve Trumbull. Vice Chairman Andy Bravo (not pictured). To
learn more about the Bonita Nature Place, go to www.bonitaspringsrecreation.org
Look Like Hemingway?
Ed Lindoo (left) and Jim Greene have won
the Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest
the past two years at the Rumfest at Hem-
ingways Island Grill at Coconut Point. This
years contest is set for Oct. 13 from 5
p.m. to 11 p.m. A Panama Red look-alike
contest will be held Oct. 12 from 5 p.m. to
11 p.m.; the winner will receive $500 cash
and will star in Panama Reds promotional
video. A silent auction will benefit The
Childrens Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Call 239-287-8756 for more information.
Contributed | towntalk@swspotlight,com Chris Griffith | towntalk@swspotlight.com
Contributed | towntalk@swspotlight.com
www.swspotlight.com Page 19 Town Talk
TOWN TALK
Staff | towntalk@swspotlight.com
No One Left Behind
The new veterans memorial, No One Left Behind, was delivered to Riverside Park
last month. The official dedication and unveiling will be held next month on Veter-
ans Day. The Bonita Springs Veterans Advisory Committee raised funds through
brick sales for the Veterans Memorial Walkway at Riverside Park and through large
donations from Bonitians and our local service clubs.
Valuable Expertise
I am supporting Fred Forbes for Bonita Springs Fire
District Seat 2. I have listened to Fred speak as a member
of the Local Planning Agency and as a concerned citizen
at City Council Meetings and I am always impressed with
his knowledge and well thought out comments.
Due to his persistence and detailed facts and figures he
finally convinced FDOT that a sound barrier was needed
at Hunters Ridge along I-75. As a member of the LPA, he
has been a key contributor in fixing our zoning problems
and drafting an operating ordinance identifying the threat
of homeless shelters.
His valuable expertise is needed on the Fire Board and
I urge every voter to join me and support Fred Forbes in
the upcoming election for Fire Commissioner District
Seat 2.
Kathy McGrath, Bonita Springs
For Lohan
In the upcoming Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner
race I support Steve Lohan. Steve has done an outstanding
job the last four years. He has worked hard to reduce the
budget to help keep our taxes down during these hard
economic times while maintaining our high quality of
service.
For years everyone has commented on why fire trucks
show up for an emergency. Steve has been working hard
to start fire based service in Bonita Springs but as we all
know, the wheels of progress move slowly in politics. He
is almost there, I trust him to finish the job.
Chris Holtrop, Bonita Springs
For Sharkey
Robert Sharkey is running for Fire Commissioner of
the Bonita Springs Fire District. He is also an elected
member of the Board of Directors of Bonita Springs
Utilities, and he has distinguished himself to the rate
payers in that capacity.
Mr. Sharkey has had almost 30-years experience and
schooling in public safety and served with distinction as a
Lieutenant in the State Department of Corrections. He
has proven to be a common sense decision maker, and he
will prove to be a great Fire Commissioner when elected.
His main issues of rapid response time in emergencies,
consolidation of training and purchasing, and his fiscal
conservative nature is why I am voting for him, and I
hope you will as well.
Richard A. Ferreira, Former Deputy Mayor
and City Councilman, City of Bonita Springs
A Vote for Yourself
Robert Sharkey is a particularly strong candidate for a
seat on the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District
Board of Commissioners.
Robert Sharkey is actively involved in more than 10
civic organizations and has volunteered many hours to
help our community.
Robert Sharkey has board experience. Currently he is
a member of the Bonita Springs Utilities Board of Directors
where his votes have always been about whats best for the
membership.
Robert Sharkey has many sensible ideas for improving
fire service, all aimed at achieving effective and efficient
operations. He is a strong advocate for allowing the district
to have its own ambulance service thereby getting those
in need to the hospital faster. This will save many lives. He
strongly believes that every fire hydrant should be in
good working order at all times and hydrants on newly
paved roads must meet state mandated requirements. He
believes in getting a head start on fire district consolidation
now by centralizing training and purchasing and encour-
aging collaboration. He favors an objective independent
study of all operational areas. This report is needed to
help guide much needed improvement.
Robert Sharkey feels strongly about increasing citizen
participation in fire district matters. As such, he constantly
encourages community members to attend fire commission
meetings and be constructively involved in the proceed-
ings.
A vote for Robert Sharkey is a vote for the community
and yourself. Vote Robert Sharkey for Fire Commissioner
November 6th.
Jim Lawson, Bonita Springs
For Forbes
I am a resident of Bonita Springs for 12 years. I am
going to support Fred Forbes for Fire Commissioner
because he will do a great job for the people he will be
representing.
Fred and I have worked together on many projects for
the past 4 years, the most recent being the sound wall
barrier for Hunters Ridge Golf community. He is the
spokesperson for the Bonita East Stake Holders.
I know him to research, talk to people that are knowl-
edgeable about whatever he is working on and listen to
your input then go forward and make a decision. He will
work to compromise if necessary.
I feel very comfortable in supporting Fred Forbes in
the upcoming election.
Mary Copeland, Bonita Springs
Does What He Says
We have worked with Fred Forbes for several years on
Page 20 October 2012 Commentary
ight
oves
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Brenda Bergin
Downsizing & Moving Coordinator
NEED ASSISTANCE DOWNSIZING & MOVING?
Call: 239-248-7284 or email: BrendaBergin@earthlink.net

Member: National Association of Senior Move Managers
www.SeniorHomeMoves.com free in-home consultations
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Commentary
By Dr. Doug Pratt
Senior Pastor
First Presbyterian Church
The Bonita Springs City
Council is apparently mov-
ing swiftly towards facili-
tating casino gambling with
slot machines at the dog
track located off Bonita
Beach Road. It strikes me
as curious how little dis-
cussion and debate has
occurred over this issue,
which in many other com-
munities has been quite con-
troversial. What a contrast
to the strong feelings
expressed by some council
members in opposition to
enhanced services for the
poor and needy (Caf of
Life, homeless shelter, etc.).
The arguments I have
heard in favor of recom-
mending for Lee County
voter approval an expanded
casino in Bonita Springs are
that it will (1) give a cash
infusion to the citys coffers,
and (2) bring carloads (even
busloads) of day-tripper
gamblers to our city, spawn-
ing some sort of broader
economic development. The
second premise is highly
questionable. If city leaders
havent yet done so, they
ought to study the experi-
ence of Atlantic City (which
has continued to decline in
spite of the arrival 40 years
ago of waterfront casinos),
and other cities and states
across the country who
swallowed the hook of the
gambling industry. In nearly
every case those commu-
nities found that casinos do
not produce development
as promised. Simple logic
tells us that the more our
own residents spend on
gambling, the less they will
have available to spend on
other leisure, recreational
and discretionary options.
If I lose $500 a month in
the slot machines at the dog
track, that is $500 less that
I and my family will have
to spend in local restaurants,
retail stores, movie theaters,
golf pro shops, etc. Our
business community should
rally against the casino for
their own self-interest, for
it will do them significant
damage. Surely the casino
operators will do everything
they can to keep their cus-
tomers captive, selling
them all the food and bev-
erages they wish to consume
while they play the machines
and tables.
But in addition to the
economic argument against
allowing casino gambling
to operate in our commu-
nity, there is also the matter
of hidden social costs. While
hard to quantify, these are
nevertheless very real. A cer-
tain percentage of people
will become problem gam-
blers if the temptation is
made easily accessible to
them. Some may even
The Myth of
Victimless Vice
Continued on next page Continued on next page
Letters to the Editor
I implore the
members of our
City Council to look
at all dimensions
of the Casino
gambling issue.
www.swspotlight.com Page 21 Commentary
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the Bonita East Stakeholders organization which has truly
benefited from Freds leadership. We are supporting his
candidacy for Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner because
Fred actually does what he says he will do, and he follows
things through to completion. Best of all, we believe that
this man really loves his community and wants only the
best for it. We have never seen any evidence of a personal
agenda, only good common sense support for ideas which
will benefit Bonita Springs.
We are fortunate to have someone of Freds character
running for public office. The voters of Bonita Springs
would be very wise to cast their ballots for him in November.
Tom and Sandy Gibbons, Bonita Springs
A Thorough Understanding
I am writing to support Fred Forbes bid for Bonita
Springs Fire Commissioner. As a member of the Local
Planning Agency (LPA), Fred has been instrumental in
formulating regulations for a proposed homeless shelter
and in working with Bonita residents and City officials in
reviewing zoning of non-residential properties. His credentials
as a registered architect and engineer and his breadth of
experience in volunteer and nonprofit organizations have
made him an invaluable member of the LPA.
He works tirelessly to research issues, build consensus
and share information. He has a thorough understanding
of the issues facing Bonita Springs in general and those of
the Fire Commission in particular. Freds experience, skills
and accomplishments make him an excellent choice for
the Bonita Springs Fire Commission.
Linda Schwartz, Bonita Springs
A Proven Record
I say vote for Steve Lohan. Knowing Steve for many
years, I believe he should be allowed to continue to be a
Fire Commissioner for Bonita Springs Fire Department.
He has a proven record of success in cutting their budget
and is the citizens voice on the Board. Steve Lohan is
always the voice of reason and has been working to have
fire based ambulance service in Bonita. He believes that
two separate departments with five professionals arriving
at a medical emergency is a waste of time and taxpayers
money.
Lets control our own destiny and keep Steve on as Fire
Commissioner Seat 4 so that he can win his battle to have
Bonita Springs very own ambulances instead of depending
on Lee County.
Patsy Doss, Bonita Springs
of chance. The only motive
for those who play is to try
to get rich. In the end, every-
one who tries will fail. It is
public knowledge that the
odds are inherently and
overwhelmingly stacked in
favor of the casino operators
and against the gamblers.
In a sense, the gambling
losses incurred serve as a
painful penalty or tax levied
against the nave.
Some might argue that
the elected officials of Bonita
Springs should abdicate
their leadership role by sim-
ply letting the public
decide on a county-wide
ballot. I am not comfortable
with entrusting our future
to voters in Fort Myers or
Lehigh Acres or Cape Coral.
We the residents have the
ultimate responsibility for
deciding what our city
becomes. I implore the
members of our Council to
look at all the dimensions
of the casino gambling issue,
and to publicly acknowledge
the so-far hidden and unac-
knowledged economic and
social costs if the current
slot machine proposal is
approved.
Letters to the Editor Policy
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as space allows. Please write thoughtfully on local topics
and be respectful of others. Letters containing personal
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identity. Letters are published at the Spotlights discretion.
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factual accuracy. Send to editor@swspotlight.com
Commentary
from page 20
Myth
from page 20
become fully addicted to
gambling, which can ruin
lives and marriages. Gam-
bling is considered a vice
because it has historically
led to many other self-
destructive problems: high
debts and bankruptcies, loss
of personal financial disci-
pline, time taken away from
marriages and family life,
and distraction from service
and social activities that
strengthen relationships and
undergird a community.
Anyone who claims that
vices are victimless
because they are individual
personal choices is nave.
The American health care
industry has demonstrated
that cigarette smoking (a
seemingly harmless vice)
actually victimizes those
who are affected by second-
hand smoke, and ultimately
hurts all of society by
increasing the medical costs
for smokers. Alcoholics
Anonymous representatives
have demonstrated that
alcohol abuse (another
seemingly harmless indi-
vidual choice) hurts every-
one within the circle of
family, friends and work
colleagues of an alcoholic.
A similar persuasive case
can be made that gambling
is not by any means a vic-
timless vice.
The proposal to allow
slot machines, as the next
step in the development of
a casino at the dog track,
will permanently transform
the activities at that location
from gaming to gam-
bling. The gambling indus-
try wishes to use the
euphemism of gaming for
all its activities, implying
that they are harmless and
wholesome contests of skill
comparable to bowling or
golf. But in fact a slot
machine (as opposed to
poker, which does contain
an element of skill as well
as luck), is purely a game
Sunset of the month
Contributed | sunset@swspotlight.com
Email your best sunset photos to sunset@swspotlight.com and your photo could be
the next sunset of the month.
Page 22 October 2012 Arts & Entertainment
J oi n us L i v e at t he Pr omenade i n Boni t a Bay.
Tickets: call 239-495-8989 or visit www.artcenterbonita.org
Li ve!
The Center for the Arts Bonita Springs Presents
Pop Art with Andy Warhol
October 5, 2012 thru January 5, 2013
POP ART
with Andy Warhol
This unique and interactive exhibition
features the whimsical spirit of the
art of Andy Warhol and the Pop Art
movement:
Sponsored by: Sansom Foundation
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Center for the Arts Bonita Springs
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Boni t a Spr i ngs
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239- 495- 8989 vvv. er | ccn| cr con| | e. or
Dance Around the World
Angela & Jessica Hicks
Tickets:$15 members/ $20 non-members
October 11, 7:00pm
A Night of Jazz with
Dan Heck &
Rebecca Richardson
Tickets:$20 members/ $25 non-members
October 18, 7:00pm
Enjoy Family Activity Days 1 to 3pm on
scheduled Saturdays through Jan. 5
The Silkscreen Studio - Try a
variety of art-making techniques
used by pop artists.
The Factory - Dress up like the
characters in some of Warhols
artworks; enjoy toys like those
collected by Warhol through
books and video installations.
The Gallery - View examples of Warhols
iconic prints and learn about the life of
this unusual artist.
Li ve!

Li ve!


Li ve!
October 11, 7:00pm

Li ve!
October 11, 7:00pm
October 18, 7:00pm

October 18, 7:00pm

ickets: call 239-495-8989 or visit www T
J oi n us L i v e at t he Pr omenade i n Boni t a Bay
ickets:$15 members/ $20 non-members T
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.art 5-8989 or visit www w.
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ickets:$20 members/ $25 non-members T
Rebecca Richardson
Dan Heck &
ickets:$15 members/ $20 non-members
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. J oi n us L i v e at t he Pr omenade i n Boni t a Bay
ickets:$20 members/ $25 non-members
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Dan Heck &


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CALENDAR
B: Bonita Springs E: Estero
FM: Fort Myers N: Naples
Taste of Coconut Point
Sun., Oct. 7, 11:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
Get a taste of your favorite
restaurants and browse the
tables of the top retailers,
while enjoying the music.
Over 20 restaurants partici-
pate in this annual event.
Where: Coconut Point Mall
E. For more information, call
239-992-9966.
The Farm
Fresh Market
Sat. Oct 13, 20 & 27,
7:30 a.m.-noon
Come to one of the most
popular markets in the region.
Fully stocked farm-fresh veg-
etable vendors plus vendors
selling frozen fish, baked
goods, cut flowers, and more.
Where: Promenade at Bonita
Bay B. For more information,
visit bonitalions.org.
3rd Annual Stiletto
Sprint-
5th Avenue South
Sat., Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m.
To support breast cancer
awareness and programs in
our local area, Susan G.
Komen for the Cure and Gar-
den of Hope and Courage.
In addition to the Sprint,
Fifth Avenue South will be
full of activities starting at
4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. including
games for kids, live music, a
sidewalk sale, special promo-
tions in the restaurants and
more. Runners, walkers and
all footwear are welcome.
Where: Fifth Avenue South
N. For more information,
call 239-498-0016 or visit
www.komenswfl.org.
Riverfest & Fish Fry
Fri., Oct. 26, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
& Sat., Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The City of Bonita Springs
is hosting this two day event.
Friday night happy hour, live
entertainment and $15 fish
fry. Saturday 2-mile Imperial
River races start at 9 a.m. at
Kent Road and finish at River-
side Park. Rubber duck races
at the bridge at noon. Chil-
drens events are FREE and
include pumpkin decorating
contest and hayrides. Where:
Riverside Park off Old 41 Rd.
B. For more information and
costs see Riverfest article on
page 12.
Halloween in the Park
Trick or Treat
Wed., Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
Dress yourself and your kids
in costume and head to River-
side Park for candy. Spon-
sored by Bonita Springs
Estero Association of Realtors
and City of Bonita Springs.
Where: Riverside Park off
Old 41 Rd. B. For more infor-
mation, call 239-949-6262.
Arts & Entertainment
Openings & Events
Films for Film Lovers
Mon., Oct. 8, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.
The Screaming Man, Oct. 8
is a drama from Chad
described as a deeply humane
study of family life in war-
torn Chad, beautifully com-
posed and absorbing. Cost:
$8 per person. Only When I
Dance, Oct. 22 is the kick off
of the Centers Dinner &
Documentary Night. Includes
an international documentary
complemented by delectable
food samplings and wine
from the country portrayed
which in this case is Brazil.
Where: Cost: $25 per person
includes film and dinner. B.
For more information, call
495-8989.
Community Theater
Auditions for Adults
Sat., Oct. 20, noon to 2 p.m.
The Center for the Arts of
Bonita Springs is holding
open auditions for the first
of many community theater
productions entitled The Per-
fect Game, Jim Naismith
Invents Basketball. The play
focuses on the story of the
true inventor of basketball
in 1891 and now he has been
sent to the present day to
teach a few things about life,
basketball and the good old
days. B. For more informa-
tion and registration call 495-
8989.
Bling, Baubles
and Bubbly
Mon., Oct. 22, 5 to 8 p.m.
This charity event to benefit
Shoes That Fit is a one night
onlyfor the ladies! Bring
your friends to meet 2 jewelry
artisans and purchase their
exquisite original jewelry,
experience a free massage
and enjoy free refreshments.
20% of all sales will be donat-
ed to the charity Shoes That
Fit, an organization dedicated
to purchasing new shoes for
all school children that need
them. Where: Artist Kathleen
Bradford Studio/Gallery, 4259
Bonita Beach Road B. For
more information, call 239-
776-6844.
Meetings
Republican Club of
Bonita & Estero
Thur., Oct. 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Winning Republican Candi-
dates from the primary.
Refreshments will be served.
Where: Barefoot Boathouse
Clubhouse 5025 Bonita Beach
Road B. For more informa-
tion, call Robert Sharkey 239-
405-0077.
Democratic Club of
Bonita Springs &
South Lee County
Tues., Oct. 16, 7 p.m.
Democrats are looking for
phone bank volunteers for
all Democratic candidates.
Where: Center for the Arts
of Bonita Springs B. For more
information call Larry Byrnes
239-634-6469.
Reception in support
of Sheriff Mike Scott
Fri., Oct. 19, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Peter and SueZahn
Simmons. Where: 3291 River-
park Ct. B. For more infor-
mation or to RSVP contact
Peter Simmons at 239-405-
8787 or peteresimmons
@gmail.com.
Come watch the
action live and in
person
Wed., Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 17, 9 a.m.
Bonita Springs City Council.
Where: City Council Cham-
bers, 9101 Bonita Beach Road.
All dates, times and prices
are subject to change.
Small Town Charm.
Big Bright Future.
South
5th
South
venue A
South
venue
South South South
Heels Breast Cancer Heels Breast Cancer
One Step at a Time
Heels Breast Cancer
One Step at a Time One Step at a Time
www.swspotlight.com Page 23 Arts & Entertainment
By Joyce McDonald
joyce@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Sounding
more like Neil Diamond than
Neil Diamond himself, Del
Ray Beach resident Neil Zir-
conia paid tribute to the
beloved star before a large
crowd at The Stage in Bonita
Springs recently. He calls
himself The Fabulous Faux
Diamond, but he has the
real stuff. The familiar
throaty, sexy voice rolls out
over the audience with those
spinetingling vibrations
immediately recognized by
all Neil Diamond fans.
Zirconia has built himself
a reputation up and down
the Florida east coast during
the past five years, playing
at all the hot music spots in
West Palm Beach, Del Ray
Beach, and Boynton Beach,
as well as the casinos in the
area. He also does gigs at
country clubs and private
parties. The vocalist is not a
newcomer to The Stage, hav-
ing entertained sell-out audi-
ences several times during
the past season. The crowd
was enthusiastic and obvi-
ously enjoyed them -
selves. Dinner is included in
the price of the show. My
companion and I selected
the beer-battered tilapia- deli-
cious, nicely browned and
tender, and the chocolate
cake was an excellent finale.
The Faux Diamond was
discovered by an Elvis Presley
look-alike scout quite by acci-
dent. He was in a music store
trying out a new guitar, just
picking a few notes and
singing along when in walks
this guy who said, Wow!
You sound just like Neil Dia-
mond! Do you ever perform
on stage?
The then-shy, future Neil
Diamond impersonator
replied, Oh, I could never
do that, and kept strumming
the guitar. When the fellow
introduced himself as a scout
for Elvis Presley look-alikes,
Neil began to listen more
seriously. A week later he
was appearing on stage and
has been doing it ever
since. He will celebrate five
years of performing on New
Years Eve on December 31st
in Boynton Beach.
The popular performer
was born and raised in Pitts-
burgh, PA and was graduated
from Penn State Univ -
ersity. He has moved around
on the eastern seaboard ever
since. He began picking on
the guitar when he was five
years old and has an extensive
collection of old guitars. He
is always on the lookout for
others.
He is married to Lori
Paglia, a talented artist who
has displayed her paintings
and won prizes throughout
the east coast region. Lori
also accompanies him and
handles the backup tracks
for his performance. She lends
a lively note with her cute
little figure and sparks the
more catchy tunes with her
dancing and playful attitude.
We all sat back and let
the honeyed tones roll over
us along with the memories
of the old songs. You Are
The Sun, I Am The Moon,
Play Me, sent those silvery
shivers up my arms, and I
could see the same reaction
from the other women in
the audience. It was lovely. I
sat back with a glass of wine
and relaxed, willing to relive
the hey-days of Neil Dia-
mond and the soft warm
feeling of September Morn
and Like Saying I Love You,
I Am, I Cried and Hello,
My Friend, Hello.
Throughout his perform-
ance he worked in bits and
pieces of Neil Diamonds life,
making sure the tribute was
to the singer himself, not
only his music. We felt as
though we knew both by the
time the show ended. Zir-
conia brought down the
house with Sweet Caroline
and The Story of My
Life. He certainly made A
Beautiful Noise.
The Stage brings music
for all ages to the area with
tributes to groups like The
Beach Boys, Elton John,
and The Eagles. The atmos-
phere is warm and friendly
with plenty of room for
dancing.
Joyce McDonald is a local
author and a thirty-year res-
ident of Bonita Springs. She
is the author of two novels,
The Benediction and Killing
the Cure and is the co-author
of a biography, Semka, The
Sammy Skobel Story.
Page 24 October 2012
Community
Entertainment Spotlight
For the latest show information
visit www.thestagebonita.com
Photos Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
Neil Zirconia entertains a crowd of ladies.
Neil Zirconia, also known
as The Fabulous Faux Dia-
mond.
The Faux Diamond
was discovered by
an Elvis look-alike
scout quite
by accident.
The Stage: A Tribute To Neil Diamond
www.swspotlight.com Page 25 Community
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Community
Bonita Springs Come on
Joe Lets go camping this
weekend, I pleaded over the
phone in my preadolescent
voice. But Joe couldnt. He
was in trouble from our last
camping trip. I was deter-
mined to go anyway, so I
went downstairs into our
familys hardware store and
asked my Dad if he would
drop me off with my camp-
ing gear east of town and
pick me up in the morning.
He didnt look up as he
worked with a torch, rosining
a new tip onto a fishing pole.
By yourself? he asked, a
cigar dangling out of the
corner of his mouth. Yep!
I said proudly. He nodded
at the truck outside. Alright...
load it up!
As we drove through the
woods that evening I kept
waiting for some advice,
parental or otherwise, like
Dont get eaten by a pan-
ther! or Dont set yourself
on fire! Thats why my
buddy Joe was in trouble.
He had a habit of over tend-
ing a campfire by casually
kicking the logs around with
his bare foot. So when he
returned home last weekend
with one leg of his pants
burned off, his mom seemed
to think it was a pretty big
deal. Anyway... Dad didnt
say a word as I unloaded my
camping gear next to a dry
creek bed. He didnt even
shut the truck off! See you
in the morning! he said and
then he drove away.
I looked around and
immediately felt a wave of
anxiety wash over me. It was
the first time I had ever been
truly alone. It was just me,
versus my busy little imagi-
nation. (Whoa Ive got
to shake this feeling off. Its
OK... Ill feel better if I get
busy.) So I began setting up
the tent, and starting a fire
under the watchful eye of a
huge yellow October moon
rising in the east.
Before long it was dark,
my belly was full of fried
Spam and I was trying to
keep myself busy, poking at
the fire with a stick while I
sat on the ground, my chin
propped up on my knees. It
was unpleasantly quiet and
as I sat listening to my ears
ring, my bored ten-year-old
imagination decided to run
amok. (I wonder what time
it is? How in the heck did I
get sand in my... Are those
eyes over there?) SNAP! I
froze. I couldnt see past the
light of the fire, so I crept
off to the side to take a peek.
The moon made everything
look suspicious. I listened
carefully, but all I could hear
was my heart beating. (Its
nothing... Just quit thinking...
Quit thinking? How do you
do that? Ill just go to sleep.)
I climbed into the tent,
zipped it up and lay there
watching the spooky shadows
of the fire dancing on the
walls. The more I tried to
calm down and distract my
thoughts, the more anxious
and alert I became. (Maybe
theres something wrong with
me... no, Im fine... but what
if Im not?) I didnt know it
at the time, but I had worked
my way into a full-blown
panic attack. Fortunately I
was still capable of making
a calm, rational decision.
IM GETTIN THE HECK
OUTTA HERE! Even
though I was certain it was
around three a.m., I decided
to put out the fire and walk
well actually, run like a wild
man towards Jones Mobile
Village, where I could find a
phone. When I finally burst
out of the woods, I saw that
the lights were on in the
Joness mobile home. Sur-
prisingly, when I knocked,
Mrs. Jones opened the door
immediately. Ben Jr.? I was
out of breath but puffed out
a Yes maam. She clutched
the neck of her housecoat.
What in the world are you
doing out here? I skipped
the details, Can I use your
phone?
To my surprise, when I
spoke to my dad on the
phone he didnt say much
of anything. And on the ride
back to the house he didnt
ask any questions He
didnt even tease me! But
the strangest thing was that
when I got home... It was
only 8:30 pm! I had only
been in the woods for three
hours!
My parents never said
anything about my humbling
experience under that Octo-
ber moon. They didnt have
to. Snug in my bed that night,
I listened to the comforting
sounds of family and home
I had taken for granted, and
that just a few minutes ago
had seemed so far away... the
television, my parents voices,
dishes clinking, the humming
of a fan... my dad burping
loudly from the couch to the
delight of my little brother
who giggled from his bed-
room. I smiled, closed my
eyes and drifted peacefully
off to sleep.
Read more antics from the
life of Mayor Ben Nelson Jr.
at www.spotlight.com or
www.theotherbennelson.
blogspot.com
The Other
BEN
BEN NELSON JR.
The moon made
everything look
suspicious.
Alone Under an October Moon
By D. K. Christi
dk@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Baily is
one lucky dog. Not only does
he have a caring owner in
Laura Pascal of Bonita
Springs, but he is the beloved
pet of two families. Laura
received Baily, an eight-week
old puppy, as a gift; but
Lauras working hours as an
association manager left her
little time to enjoy her new
companion. Baily, a Maltese
and poodle mix, thrives on
love and attention.
What started as a favor
from her parents, Susan and
Charles Aufdehaar, also of
Bonita Springs, became four
wonderful years to date of
sharing Baily. Just as many
parents pack their children
off to school or babysitters
as they leave for work at 7:00
in the morning, Laura takes
Baily to the Aufdehaars every
weekday and picks him up
at 5:30 to go to his other
home. This may be a
new solution for working
owners - sharing their pet
with retirees.
When Baily bounds
through the door he brings
unbridled enthusiasm, said
Charles Aufdehaar, and he
doesnt come just for play
but definitely has a job he
feels serious about - to pro-
tect us from any threat that
he sees coming including the
door bell, strange people,
other dogs, and for some
reason he barks at the Pro-
gressive Insurance sales girl
on television.
Sharing a pet has many
advantages for both families
and their pet. Aufdehaars
have their evenings and
weekends without the
responsibility of dog care
while their days are full of
the joy delivered by their
loving companion on shop-
ping trips, walks, carefree
days at the beach and general
activities that they love shar-
ing with Baily.
When Laura is home after
a long days work, she and
Baily enjoy each other. Week-
ends are their time for play
activity. When the family
gets together, Baily has no
loyalty issues; he simply basks
in the attention!
The American Kennel
Club describes the Maltipoo,
Moodle, or Malt-A-Poo, the
Maltese Poodle hybrid as a
designer dog cross between
a Maltese and a Toy Poodle.
It is highly intelligent, sheds
very little, and stands approx-
imately 10 to 14 inches tall
at the shoulder when fully
grown. It weighs anywhere
from 2 to 12 pounds, coming
in a wide variety of colors.
Maltipoos are spunky,
active dogs who love people.
They are also loyal, affec-
tionate, playful and energetic.
In general, Maltipoos are
good with children and the
elderly due to their friendly
nature. They are often used
as therapy dogs in nursing
homes or hospitals to interact
with patients. Maltipoos also
tend to be good with dogs
and other pets (provided
that they have been socialized
with these other animals).
There are life lessons
that we are learning from
Baily, said Aufdehaar. He
greets each day positively
not looking for problems.
He lives one day at a time
and in the moment not
worrying too much about
the past and probably not
at all about the future. He
doesnt have an agenda and
doesnt gossip. He is just
there to love and be loved
by us. And when he gets
tired he clunks down and
goes to sleep without stress,
without sleep aids, without
thinking of any future prob-
lems. Isnt that a nice way to
live?
Community
Bonitas
Best Friends
D.K. CHRISTI
Bonitas Best
Friends
If you have a dog that
you think is particularly
wonderful, contact us at
info@swspotlight.com, and
he or she could be
the next dog featured
in this column.
Baily Two Times the Love
Baily, a Maltipoo, enjoys dining out.
There are life
lessons that we
are learning
from Baily
- Charles Aufdehaar
R E S T A U R A N T & L I V E M U S I C
Las Vegas Yztbu4e ands aze PezFozmtng a4 4he S4age
0aII tcr upccmIng scheduIe cr check www.thestagebcnIta.ccm
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Gracie is Octobers
dog of the month,
and is the winner
of a $25 gift certifi-
cate to Pet Para-
dise in Bonita
Springs. Email your
favorite photos of
your best friend to
dog@swspotlight.c
om and your dog
could be the next
dog of the month.
Dog of the month
Kristy Smith | dog@swspotlight.com
Community
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Bonita Springs It is easy
to sense that a new season is
fast upon us. The tempera-
ture is slightly cooler, the
humidity a bit less over-
whelming and while we dont
experience the vivid, chang-
ing colors of leaves, we are
beginning to see car carriers
arrive with many multi-col-
ored styles of automobiles!
With this years change of
season, perhaps we should
consider cool changes in
our lives: changes of heart,
changes of habit or changes
of attitude
As a clinical psychologist,
I have the privilege and
opportunity to help people
usher in changes in their
lives. People choose to see
psychologists for a broad
range of reasons. Oftentimes,
it is because they have come
to the realization that there
is a need for change in their
lives and they are looking
for guidance or input, a
roadmap so to speak, on how
to effect such change
Studies have shown that
people who willingly seek to
make changes in their lives
have greater satisfaction in
their daily living, as opposed
to those who are resistant to
change. It makes sense! Those
who welcome new oppor-
tunities allow themselves to
experience greater joy and
fulfillment, whereas those
who are resistant to change
expend their energy in neg-
ative ways, fighting off what
may have been a new and
bright window of opportu-
nity. It takes more energy to
dig your heels in the sand
rather than to let new growth
and change begin.
Change is both essential
and good for our lives. With-
out change, life becomes
stagnant and we cannot
expe rience new growth.
Change doesnt have to be
scary. Change doesnt have
to be of monumental pro-
portion. Subtle change can
be significant! The question
is: when will you make
that cool change for your-
self.
Dr. Stan J. Strycharz is a
licensed, clinical psychologist
practicing in Bonita Springs.
He can be contacted at
www.drstan.net.
MIND
SOUL
STAN J. STRYCHARZ, Psy.D.
Tips for Change
Work on changing yourself rather than your neighbor or relative; you
will have a much greater chance to succeed.
Resolve one problem at a time; otherwise you might find that you are
not effective in reaching your desired outcome usually 80% of lifes
difficulties are due to 20% of lifes problems.
Face each problem individually and remember, pretending the problem
does not exist will not solve it.
Take STEPs to make positive changes in your life:
Select a solution.
Try it out.
Evaluate the outcome.
Persist until you notice growth and change.
By Anna Craig Garner
Bonita Springs My name
is Anna Craig Garner, and I
have been a resident in Bonita
Springs for five years. Bonita
Springs is a far cry from the
Central Indiana farm town I
was raised in, but I am enjoy-
ing the new surroundings.
There is so much to see and
do in this beautiful beach
town that it cant be done in
one day. From visiting local
restaurants, like Fitzgeralds
Irish Pub and Senior Tequilas,
to the white sandy beaches
of Little Hickory Island, Boni-
ta Springs has a lot to offer.
I remember watching
Coconut Point Mall being
built. It was the first outdoor
mall I had ever visited. I enjoy
the tropical feel it has due to
the architecture and the
Mediterranean style.
When the days festivities
are over, you can always visit
the nightlife. One local
hotspot is The Stage restau-
rant. They host tribute bands
of all genres and have karaoke
contests. Another place to go
is Buffalo Chips. This local
dive has been here for 30
years serving up the best
chicken wings money can
buy.
Setting aside the restau-
rants and local activities, my
favorite thing about Bonita
Springs is the sunsets. Know-
ing that each night I can drive
to the beach and see an orig-
inal painting from God fills
my heart with joy. No two
sunsets are the same so each
time I see one is another
glimpse of Gods glory. Im
thankful for my new life here
in Bonita Springs and I look
forward to living many years
in this beautiful and peaceful
town.
Season of Change
Why I Love Living in Bonita Springs
Anna Craig Garner
Do you love living
in Bonita Springs?
Let us know why in 600 words or
less and your article could appear
in the next issue as part of the
Why I Love Living in Bonita
Springs series. Contact us at
love@swspotlight.com
City Budget Workshops
Its that time of the year.
In case you did not have the
opportunity to see it live,
follow our re-broadcasts to
see how the City budget is
prepared, discussed and pre-
sented to the public.
Beautiful Bonita
Patriot Day of Service
Relive the beautiful cer-
emony at Riverside Park held
September 11.
Untold Stories
Produced by WGCU, this
program focuses on several
locations throughout South-
west Florida. Check our list-
ings for more information.
City Meetings
Dont miss a beat. The
City broadcasts its elected
officials meetings live. Every
week you can re-visit the
most recent City Council
Meetings, City Council Zon-
ing Meetings, Local Planning
Agency Meetings and the
Zoning Board Meetings. You
can also see the latest Fire
Commissioners meeting
every Monday at 8 p.m. Re-
broadcasts are scheduled to
play throughout the week.
Check www.bonitatv.org for
up to date listings.
This month on BTV98 Channel 98
Bonita Springs As I
walked through our hallway
last week, I noticed a strange
array of visitors waiting to
enter my 4-year old daugh-
ters room. Lined up on
little chairs sat, Winnie the
Pooh, Rosalie the Cow,
Tramp, Eeyore, dolls, frogs,
teddy bears and several
other stuffed friends. As I
peeked into the room, my
daughter sat at her little
table examining Tigger
Hold still, Im going to
give you a shot, but its only
going to hurt for a minute
and youll get a sticker, she
told her patient
Tigger had a few tears,
but a Scooby Doo bandage
and a few encouraging
words from his physician
seemed to cheer him up.
Tigger was released with
a clean bill of health and
the next patient was call-
ed in.
What are you playing?
I asked.
Im nurse Rae, she
replied as she escorted a
pink frog into her office.
Nurse Rae is the nurse
at my daughters school. We
had visited her last week to
say hello. I wanted to ask
some common new-to-
school mom questions.
Whats going around? Just
making sure you know
about my daughters gluten
allergy. How do I check for
head lice? Yes, Im paranoid
about that one, especially
at the age where everyone
plays dress up and shares
hats, crowns, mouse ears,
etc.
Our visit to Nurse Rae
apparently made a huge
impression on my daughter
because now if the stuffed
friends eat gluten at our
house, they are whisked into
the nurses office (a.k.a. my
daughters room). A few
have even been checked for
head lice. Im happy to say,
that they are all clear! Others
though leave wrapped in
bandages. They have had
the misfortune of falling
out of windows and break-
ing both legs or encoun-
tering other such tragedies.
When I told Nurse Rae
about the little clinic she
has inspired at my house,
her question was, Have I
inspired a future nurse?
Sorry Nurse Ray, you
would be first career choice
if not for Mrs. Hammond,
the school librarian. She
has two very cool perks to
her job that, to my four-
year-old, trump every other
job at the school. The librar-
ian can read (to a four year
old this is cooler than some-
one walking on the moon).
She also gets to bring her
dog to school. Blue, the
therapy dog, comes to
school on Fridays to help
the children practice their
reading skills. To a four-
year-old, and her mom, any
job that enables you to have
a dog is totally awesome.
I love when my daughter
comes home and tells me
she wants to be a librarian.
The library is my favorite
place on the planet to hang
out. Maybe all of those hun-
dreds of books I have
bought for her have paid
off. But the best part of
school is the immersion
into all of the things that I
dont know about and cant
teach her. Its so much fun
to watch the world of imag-
ination open up as she takes
these first tentative steps
into the world of school.
She encounters people with
different jobs, librarians,
gym teachers, nurses, teach-
ers. She encounters art and
music from teachers who
share their passions and tal-
ents with such joy. She is
exposed to different lan-
guages both in class and
through other children who
are bilingual.
She loves telling me
about new books, artists or
songs that she
assumes I
h a v e
n e v e r
h e a r d
of and is amazed when I
know what she is talking
about. She loves teaching
me about things I have no
knowledge of.
I feel that every day that
she learns something new,
we grow closer. We have
new things to talk about
every day and new experi-
ences to try and share. Its
so enjoyable to watch her
stretch her wings and fly
into this interesting world
that surrounds us.
Mega Mom is the secret iden-
tity of Meghan Easterly, a
writer, photographer, editor
and all around supermom
living in Bonita Springs.
MEGA
MOM
MEGHAN EASTERLY
When I Grow Up
Community
By Mark Generales
mark@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs Ten years
ago things were sure different.
Buying a boat was easy
loans were easily gotten and
money was cheap but
prices sure werent. We all
know its tougher to get a
loan for anything these days
houses, you name it. But
buying a boat remains rela-
tively easy. Note, I said rel-
atively. And prices they
havent been this low since
the days of the US Govern-
ment luxury tax that put
so many boat builders out
of business.
Note that I said above
buying is relatively easy. I
want to focus on a very
important issue too many
people today overlook a
survey. Now I know a lot
of what I am saying is so
basic some readers may be
wondering if this is just
another fluff boating article.
Not if you spend time at
yards or talk with local
mechanics. The lack of sur-
veying is endemic and frankly
on small boats, if they
arent purchased from a rep-
utable dealer few buyers
take the time to have a
mechanic take a look.
Now Ill admit I am
not mechanical in any big
way. Oh, if I have a problem,
Ill check wires, connections,
solenoids, filters and pumps.
But then its time for the
knowledgeable mechanic to
come aboard. I understand
concepts just fine. Yet, motors
are darn expensive and
frankly, so are tools. So, unless
its rudimentary, I use the
fellow I know is reliable as
hes worked on my boat for
4 years solid. Yup, I cringe
($$) when there is a problem
but I know I am going to
be treated fairly and in most
cases the work is only done
once. And then I go boating
with the most important
ingredient of all confi-
dence.
Now the basics here apply
to large and small alike. Boats
including small boats
have complications. Mini-
mally, steering, engines, hull
condition all need to be care-
fully examined. In my case
an engine survey or having
a trusted mechanic test out
any small boat I am consid-
ering buying is de rigueur.
On a large boat the sur-
veyor checks all systems
including the moisture con-
tent of the hull, etc, as repairs
here are way too expensive
to be hit with a surprise.
We all know salt eats just
about anything. Hence the
lure of the lightly used
boat. However, we also know
the biggest enemy of any-
thing mechanical is lack of
use. And of course isnt
that the largest factor in the
sale of a boat it just doesnt
get used? Yet, for the sake of
$200, too many buyers dont
get their engines and rig test-
ed. I have experience here.
I once bought an old
Boston Whaler Montauk. A
great boat. A senior couple
in Tampa owned her for bet-
ter than 20 years. They used
the boat on a freshwater lake
behind their house (no salt
water.). In 20 years the boat
had about 200 hours on her
(light use.). They had her
serviced locally by the
Whaler dealer. I spoke with
the dealer and decided to
skip an inspection (well
taken care of.). I got her
home and within the first
week of running her all
the fuel lines broke apart
and entered the engine and
stupid me I now needed
the top of the engine rebuilt.
An expensive lesson. I never
even think of buying a boat
without having a mechanic
scheduled to dig through
everything.
So here we are in 2012.
In this market do you need
to buy a tinkerers dream to
get a good deal? Of course
not. Values today are so sig-
nificant that there is zero
need to buy a boat that is
wanting for mechanical
repairs or replacements. But
my message is simple large
or small a survey must be
part of the process. Boats
are cheap repairs are not.
And an expensive surprise
is the quickest way to destroy
your dream. Be smart get
your new joy examined by
a pro. Youll save big time
and youll boat with fun and
the most important ingre-
dient to a great day on the
water confidence. Happy
boating.
BOATING
BONITA
MARK GENERALES
Boating With Confidence
I never even think
of buying a boat
without having
a mechanic
scheduled to dig
through everything.
8aturdays

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RESTAURANT GUIDE
B O N I T A S P R I N G S
A Table Apart
Chef Jeff Acols profound love
for the ocean is rooted in his early
childhood years growing up in Hawaii
and helps explain his commitment to
serving sustainable seafood and sea-
sonal ingredients. This talented chef
offers a limited but diverse menu
which spans the globe. Dishes have
an Asian flair with French and Mexican
influences. Open for dinner Tuesday
thru Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 4295
Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs
239-221-8540 www.atableapart.com
Bellissimo
Ristorante
Chef Jose Benavides and partner
Ed Falcone are looking forward to
their first season together in Bonita
Springs. Chef Benavides has fine-
tuned his culinary skills in area restau-
rants for years. Together he and Ed
Falcone, a former restauranteur, will
be offering specialties like Bellissimo
Paella and Veal Scallopini Di Vitello
Alla Pizzaiola . Open for lunch Mon
thru Sat and dinner 7 days a week.
26251 S. Tamiami Trail Suite 9 Bonita
Springs. 239-405-8957 www.bellis-
simobonita.com
Buffalo Chips
Al, Chip and JC Greenwoods Old
41 original for 30 years strong. Its
where locals go. 1st place winner,
Florida State chicken wing and chili
cook-offs. Full menu including burgers,
fish and steak and spuds. Boars
Head premium deli sandwiches. Fea-
turing Bonitas Hall of Fame. If it
looks good, well find a place for it
on the walls or ceiling, says Al.
Lunch and dinner daily. 26620 Old
41 Rd. 239-947-1000. www.buf-
falochipsrestaurant.com.
The Fish House
A Bonita bayside bistro. Come by
car or boat. Fresh seafood in a relaxing
environment, dining inside or out,
with a pet-friendly outside patio. Spe-
cialties include blackened tuna bites,
hot blue crab and shrimp dip, oyster
baskets, grouper tacos and lobster
tacos. Alternative choices, including
heart healthy items. A key-lime pie
that melts-in-your-mouth. Open
daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 4685 Bonita
Beach Rd. 239-495-5770. www.the-
fishhouserestaurants.com.
Fitzgeralds
A taste of the old country right
on Bonita Beach Road, from the
Kilkenny crab dip and Mulligans Irish
stew to Granny McCarthys bailey
cheesecake. Home of the belly-buster
burger. salads, sandwiches and full
meal menu. Traditional flat breads.
20 beers on tap. Open daily 11:30
a.m. to close. Open Sunday for break-
fast at 7:30 a.m. 9070 Bonita Beach
Rd. 239-949-2111. www.fitzgerald-
spub.com.
Gatsbys Pizza
Owners Greg and Jackie Chapin
are reopening in a new Bonita location.
Gatsbys, making pizza since 1977,
famous as the home of the Buckeyes,
will reopen on Sept 1st for the first
Ohio State game. Plenty of TVs for
all those Buckeye fans and a piano.
Open Mon. thru Thur. 11 a.m. to 9
p.m. and Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Closed Sun. 4450 Bonita Beach Road
in Liberty Bank Plaza. 239-676-5011.
Hemingways
Island Grill
Experience a taste of the islands
with Caribbean inspired dishes. The
tropical flavors will take you on a
sea cruise with seafood, chicken and
steaks infused with coconut, key lime,
rum sauce, cilantro or jerk barbecue
sauce. Make your selections from an
extensive menu. Theres even a kids
menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner. The Shops at Coconut Point
8001 Plaza Del Lago #113 Estero.
www.hemingwaysislandgrill.com
Hot Caboose
Island Grille
Featuring foods from the
Caribbean and American South. For
lunch, try the Island Paradise grilled
jerk chicken with homemade southwest
dressing, avocado and red onions
wrapped in a garlic-crusted naan.
Enjoy indoors or outside patio. Open
Mon-Fri 10am to midnight; Sat &
Sun 7am to midnight. 27755 Old 41
Road at the corner of Dean Street.
239-676-7997.
Hungry Hound
Dawgs
Outdoor picnic tables invite Boni-
tians to enjoy locally made frankfurters
and sausages with only the freshest
ingredients. Owner Rick Price, a 30
year Air Force veteran, dreamt for
years of owning a hot dog vending
company. He developed his passion
for German sausages while stationed
in Europe and now offers a full menu
of dawgs and sausages. Pick one of
his specialties or create your own!
Open Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat until
2pm, closed Sun. Corner of Old 41 &
Abernathy Street. 239-877-6501.
www.hungryhounddawgs.com.
La Fontanella
Ristorante
Owner Moe has over 35 years
in the business, and the experience
shows. He and his staff assure cus-
tomers the finest dining experience.
Serving gourmet Italian cuisine, spe-
cializing in pasta, veal, chicken,
seafood and steak. If you cant cut
the veal with a fork, the meal is
free. Specials daily. Open Mon.
thru Sat., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 24600
S. Tamiami Trail at the Shoppes at
Pelican Landing. 239-498-6808.
www.lafontanellarestaurant.net.
Lake House
Bar and Grill
An open air caf with one of
Bonitas finest water views. A hot
spot for lunch and dinner, popular
among both locals and tourists. Fea-
turing the Bonita Burger, veggie
rollup, tuna salad and sandwiches
and more sandwiches. Plus tacos,
fish and chicken dinners. Open daily
11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., happy
hour 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Located
next to the Trianon Hotel. 3401 Bay
Commons Dr. 239-948-4400.
www.lakehousebarandgrill.net.
Manhattan
Steakhouse
Specializing in USDA Prime Dry
Aged steaks and sizzling platters up
to 1800 degrees. Enjoying its second
season, Bella Purisic oversees this
relative newcomer to the Bonita
Springs restaurant scene. The extensive
menu includes fresh catches such as
grouper, tuna and jumbo Maine
lobster. Ask about their extensive
wine list. Open daily for dinner 4:30
to 9:30 p.m. 24940 S. Tamiami Trail
#103 (Behind Zazou in Bonita) Reser-
vations are required. 239-676-8687
www.manhattan1steakhouse.com
Molinos
Ristorante
Classic Italian in a beautiful indoor
room and an al fresco patio setting,
featuring pasta, meat and fish dinners.
Family owned since 2003. Try the
Vitello alla Saltimboca or one of the
many other specialties of the house.
Full bar and wine cellar. Summer
hours, serving dinner only. Smoking
section available. Open daily 5 p.m.
to 9 pm. 26841 South Bay Dr. at the
Bonita Bay Promenade. 239-992-
7025. www.molinosristorante.com.
Old 41 Restaurant
A sure bet since the day it opened
in Bernwood. Specialties include eggs,
omelets, pancakes, waffles, homemade
soups, salads, sandwiches, Angus
burgers, chili, Taylor pork roll, sausage
gravy, creamed chipped beef, home
cooked roast beef and turkey and
real Philly cheese steaks. Open
daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Corner of Old
41 and Bernwood Parkway. 239-
948-4123. www.old41.com.
Pinos Pizzeria
Joe and Linda Russo, are the
owners and operators of Pinos where,
Its all about the taste. They offer
the kind of Brooklyn family owned
and operated business you dont
often find these days. Their big
portions, low prices - and friendly
attitude will have you coming back
for more... and more and still
more! Open Mon. thru Fri. 11 a.m.
to 9 p.m. and Sat. & Sun 3 p.m. to 9
p.m. Pelican Landing Publix Plaza,
24600 S. Tamiami Trail. 239-676-
5332. www.pinospizzeria.net.
Ristorante Enrico
Owner Enrico Costagliola was
born in his mothers restaurant in
Torregaveta, Italy, south of Naples.
I still cook like my mother, with
only the freshest ingredients. Fresh
pasta, seafood and Italian specialties.
Antipasto salad, penne, lasagna,
lobster ravioli, linguini with white
clam sauce, zuppa di pesce, veal,
chicken and shrimp. 18 pizza and
calzone creations. Lunch and dinner
specials. Open daily Mon-Sat 10am
to 10 pm; Sun 11am to 10pm; 26831
S. Tamiami Trail near Publix across
from Bonita Bay. 239-949-2204.
Royal Scoop
Lifes shorteat dessert first!
The oldest homemade ice cream store
in Bonita. 35 ice cream flavors, 12
low-fat and sugar-free choices. Their
scoopologists make the thickest shakes,
biggest sundaes and best cones. Deli-
cious lunches featuring Boars Head
meats and cheeses and fantastic
family recipes for chicken, egg and
tuna salad. Kids menu. Open Mon.
thru Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday
open at Noon. 15- 8th Street, eight
blocks south of Bonita Beach Rd. off
Vanderbilt Dr. 239-992-2000.
www.royalscoop.com.
The Stage
Come for the food, and stay for
the dancing. Full menu, including
Maryland crab cakes, sweet and sour
tenders, egg rolls, vegetable salad,
grilled salmon salad, prime rib, filet
mignon, salmon, roasted chicken,
signature meatloaf, full bar with 10
beers on tap. Live music, with tributes
from Led Zeppelin to Jimmy Buffett,
from Elvis to Rod Stewart. Open 4
p.m. to close Wednesday thru
Saturday.9144 Bonita Beach Rd. in
Sunshine Plaza, behind Fitzgeralds
Pub. 239-405-8566. www.thestage-
bonita.com.
Community
Shoppes at Pelican Landing
24600 Tamiami Trail S#204
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
(239) 498-6808
Open Daily 5 - 10 pm
For menu & wine list visit us at lafontanellarestaurant.net
We specialize in Pasta, Veal, Chicken, Seafood & Steak
(Up to $18 value per couple)
18% gratuity added before
discount. Dine in Only
Exp. 10/31/12
Buy One
Entre and
2 beverages
Get second
Entre
FREE!
LARRY
LEE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
FOR
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As your current tax collector
Based on his qualifications and experience Governor Rick Scott has appointed Larry Hart to
serve as your Lee County Tax Collector. His 10 plus years of cost saving leadership has cre-
ated both transparency and service time reductions for the citizens of Lee County. Responsi-
ble for the administration and daily operations of the six service locations, Larry Hart has
been a statewide champion of strategic programming and workflow efficiencies.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As the Chief of Police for the City of Fort Myers
For 6 years, Larry Hart served the citizens of Fort Myers with distinction as the Chief of Po-
lice having progressed through a 22 year career as a professional law enforcement officer.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
As the Chairman of the
Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees
Larry Hart was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governors Bush, Crist and Scott. He
was appointed for the leadership qualities that he possesses. Larry Hart has been a driving
force to help FGCU grow into a successful University and an asset to our community.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
* Member of the Florida Tax Collectors Public Information Coalition and
Legislative Committee
* Board of Directors: Southwest Florida Addiction Services
* Board of Directors: Hope (Hospice) Health Care Services
* Member of the Children Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida
* Member of the FBI National Academy and International Police Chiefs
Association
EDUCATION
* Associates Degree Edison College
* Bachelors Degree, Barry University
* Graduate, 161st National FBI Academy
* Veteran, United States Air Force
www.votelarryhart.com 239.337.4237
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Larry Hart, Republican for Lee County Tax Collector
FORT MYERS
POLICE CHIEF
Early voting starts Oct. 27th to Nov. 3rd
Election Day November 6th
Dear Voter,
The proper collection and administrative
function behind accounting for your hard
earned tax dollars is essential to sustaining
the quality of life we have in Lee County. As
your current Lee County Tax Collector, I
pledge to serve you as your next elected Tax
Collector with the same determination and
commitment as I have shown in my entire
career of public service.
Larry Hart
Tax Collector Larry Hart
will ensure
+ Cost savings initiatives will continue
+ Community outreach will be a priority
+ Transparency and +responsiveness to
our citizens will be a cornerstone
of service
+ Respect toward our citizen
customers and fiscal responsibility
for your tax dollars
VACANT LOT FOR SALE. River front vacant residen-
tial lot ready to build the estate home of your
dreams. Located in the Gull Haven Subdivision in
Bonita Springs, where homes are a display of the
relaxing and luxurious southwest Florida lifestyle
and only a short thirty minute peaceful boat ride to
Gulf of Mexico. This property would support up to
a 4,500 Sq Ft home and two boat docks. Land has
been reworked (80K) to remove old vegetation and
a 100% lime rock base has been built to eliminate the need for pilings
to be driven for building purposes. All public utilities are ready to be
installed and there is a fresh water well on the site that can be utilized for irrigation or other purposes. Con-
tractors and developers are encouraged to view this property for their prospective clients. MLS 212022796.
Contact Don for appointments.
Worthington-28008 Cavendish Court #4904 Bonita Springs. The Southwest
Florida luxury lifestyle is accessible to you from this one-of-a-kind home lo-
cated in Worthington in Bonita Springs. Nearby beaches, great restaurants,
upscale shopping and entertainment venues. This Winchester model offers
2Bed/2Bath plus den, wood
flooring, newer carpets, his
and her walk-in closets, al-
most new appliances, new
washer and dryer in 2008
and impressive renovations
to both bathrooms were
made in 2001. A/C unit and water heater tank 3 years old.
New roof on building.
Beautiful Southern exposure. Tranquil lake & golf course
views. Worthington is a great community offering to its residents a myriad of social activities, one of the best
championship golf courses in the area, golf shop, tennis, clubhouse, tropical pool and cabana, tiki bar, ball-
room, outstanding dining options, state-of-the-art fitness center and more. Recent $9 million renovation to all
amenities and lakes. Easy access to I-75. Wont last, priced right!
ENJOY THE TOUR
COMING SOON IN BELLE LAGO1 A beautiful & elegant
Aragon floor plan pool home with private lot that will
show like a model. ALSO COMING SOON IN ESTERO
a 5-minute Gulf access & waterfront vacant lot, ready
to build your SW Florida boat & pool home.
STAY TUNED! For pre-showings please call Don at
239.770.3002
Plenty of lime rock on the property to
meet additional elevation needs.
With a southwest exposure this would
make a great pool home.
ENJOY THE TOUR

October 2012 - Southwest Spotlight Newspaper

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S O U T H W E S T

OCTOBER 2012 Vol.3, No.10 FREE

Events, things to do andopportunitiesto give backto ourcommunity inandaroundBonitaSprings

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