Florida Panther Biologist Coming to 'Ding' Darling

Larry Richardson, biologist and photographer at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge near Naples, will make a guest appearance to speak about Where Photography Meets Science: Using Remote Cameras to Capture the FloridaPanther.

His presentation takes place on Friday, February 3 in the Education Center at the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Richardson and his staff track and treat Florida panthers within the 26,400-acre Everglades-area refuge in an effort to help

the endangered species survive. He assists with cat examinations and radio-collar tagging, and will explain how new technology is helping in the refuge’s mission.

This year for the first time, due to their popularity, the free lectures will be held twice each Friday, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. Admission is free to the event, which is sponsored by The Sanctuary Golf Club and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge

As usual, Wildlife Drive is closed on Friday, but visitors are welcome to enjoy the free Education Center and recreational

opportunities at Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge’s official concessionaire located at its Tarpon Bay Recreation Area.

The remaining 2012 “Ding” Darling Friday Afternoon Lecture Series includes:

• February 10 – Charles LeBuff –

Images of America: J.N. “Ding” Darling

National Wildlife Refuge*

• February 17– Nationally famous

birders, authors Don & Lillian Stokes –

Bird Identification*

• February 24 – No lecture (Volunteer

Award Luncheon)

• March 2 – Author Blair Witherington

– Florida’s Living Beaches* (part of the

75th Shell Fair & Show Shellabration!

2012)

Island Sun (January 27, 2012)

Master Gardener Lecture Series

The 56^th Master Gardner Lecture Series will be held on Thursday, February 2^nd, at the Sanibel Library at 10:00 a.m.

                Holly Downing and James Evans of Sanibel’s Department of Natural Resources will discuss and illustrate the status of recently completed projects, describing current programs underway as well as future projects scheduled for Sanibel. These include completion of Pond Apple pond restorations, the Sanibel Community Park trail, the Bailey Beach restoration a comprehensive report on the status of three golf courses – The Sanctuary, Beachview and The Dunes – compliance with the city’s Fertilizer Ordinance, an update on the Sanibel Bayou project, pursuing and implementing state and federal water resource grants and creating a comprehensive storm water management plan for our island.

                Additionally the department continues to focus on habitat restoration and exotic plant eradication. The department is responsible for monitoring the ecosystems on Sanibel such as the beaches, dunes, wetlands and city preserves, and partners with the Vegetation Committee to educate the landscape workers regarding fertilization regulations and removal of exotic vegetation such as Brazilian Pepper and Air Potato.

                The Department of Natural Resources also inspects all properties for exotic vegetation and the proper ratio of native plants when permits are pulled for commercial or residential development. The department also applies for and receives many county, state and federal grants which greatly reduce the cost of the city’s projects. And if that were not enough, they monitor invasive animal species such as iguanas, nile monitor lizards and coyotes. Admission is free and open to the public, but plan to arrive a little early as seating is limited.

Sanibel-Captiva Island January 20, 2012

Under the Sea to be under the stars at Island Inn

Be under the stars on the beach at Island Inn for “Under the Sea.” an annual benefit for the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Sponsored by the Sanibel-Captiva Trust Co., Under the Sea will be a fun-filled evening with a Polynesian luau, authentic fire dancers and live music by a beach bonfire and a delicious meal catered by Traditions and Bailey’s General Store.

                “The great thing about Sanibel and Captiva is there are always treasures to be discovered,” said San-Cap Trust president Terry Igo about why the company is a grand sponsor of the event. “Many islands don’t realize The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is a one-of-a kind, internationally-known museum, with one of the most extensive collections anywhere.”

                As original host of the event, Under the Sea will return to Island Inn’s beachfront property. The Gulf front inn, built in 1895, is the oldest inn on the islands. It has recently been modernized to accommodate a relaxing stay in a charming, historical atmosphere with modern comforts and amenities. All 49 spacious cottages feature screened porches with views of the Gulf. Island Inn also features a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, Florida room, fireplace, newly renovated bar and award-winning restaurant Traditions on the Beach.

                “Contributing towards the support of the shell museum is something the Inn’s founders, the Matthews family, felt very strongly about,” said Island Inn General Manager Chris Davison. “We’re happy to continue that tradition and proud to be hosting such a wonderful event.”

                The even has been sold out the last three years, according to the museum board vice president Evelyn Stewart, which prompted the change in venue from the museum to the Island Inn. Even with plenty of space, the even would not be possible without its grand sponsor.

                “There will be a special twist to the silent auction, which will be revealed that night,” added Stewart, “And the auction will be second to none.”

                The event will help the museum continue its education program designed for fourth graders in Lee County and support the exhibits.

                “It’s a great educational experience right in our backyard,” Igo said of the museum. “It brings us recognition, visitors, and it’s a wonderful community asset.”

                Under the Sea festivities will begin at 4 p.m. Jan. 29 at Island Inn, 3111 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel. Tickets are $125 per person and reservations can be made on the events page at www.shell-museum.org.

                “There will be a lot of energy,” noted Stewart. “Come ready to have fun.”

Sanibel-Captiva Island, Shannen Hayes January 20, 2012

Community House To Host Valentine's Dinner Dance

                On Tuesday, February 14, connect with your friends at The Community House’s annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance.

                The evening promises to be a night to remember with the four-piece Danny Morgan Band. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails followed with a bountiful dinner buffet prepared by Elias Brothers Catering. Beef Bourginoun and Chicken Marsala will be the main entrees with salad, twice baked potatoes, vegetables and dessert to complete the buffet offerings.

                Reservations are required for this special even and tables may be reserved so neighbors and friends may be seated together. Newcomers and island visitors are all welcome and The Community House will make sure everyone is introduced at their table.

                The evening is made possible by our sponsor Marge and Joe Meek. Enjoy a great evening at a modest price; tickets are only $50 for members and $60 for guests. Memberships are available. They expect to sellout, so call for your prepaid reservation early.

                If you are unable to attend but would like to purchase a membership or make a donation, visit www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net or call 472-2155 for more information.

Island Suns (January 13, 2012)

Best Value in Complex! Price Reduced!

The price has just been reduced on this well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo on Sanibel's East End. Excellent rental income, great on-site management, amenities include screened pool, tennis, roof top deck, boat dockage. Great partial Gulf view, best value in complex with a view! Brand new washer & dryer in unit! Price reduced to $399,000, this won't last!

Birding At The Preserves Begins January 20

                Join experienced birders on weekly outings to preserves owned and managed by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. Both new and experienced birders will see a variety of birds in a diversity of wildlife habitat. Botany enthusiasts are also welcome to help identify plats along the trails.

                Birding at the Preserves schedule for January:

                January 20 – Sanibel Gardens Preserve. Enter Island Inn Road from Tarpon Bay Road and park on the side of the road near the trailhead; or enter Island Inn Road from West Gulf Drive, park near barrier and make the short walk to the trailhead.

                January 27 – Periwinkle Preserve. Meet at the gazebo on Perwinkle Way, across the street from the Sanibel Community Church (and slightly west on Periwinkle). Park at Jerry’s Market or Mango Bay, away from their handicap and unloading areas.

                All walks begin at 8 a.m., but the locations do vary from week to week. All outings are free. Call SCCF at 472-2329 or 472-4031 for more details.

Island Sun (January 13, 2012)

Sanibel Spotlight: Loggerhead Cay Condominiums

Watch this wonderful new video to learn more about different areas available in Southwest Florida. Today learn about Loggerhead Cay Condominiums on Sanibel's East End. 168 privately owned condos make up this community located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Each condo offers courtyard or water views and a wonderful lanai. Great onsite amentieis!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYGWZcQvjlY

Price Reduction - Gorgeous Private Home

Located on a mangrove canal on the quiet East End of Sanibel. Newer construction with all the upgraded building codes. Elevator, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, room for a pool, two story great room, huge spa like master bath. Price just reduced! Great buy! $899,900

Sanibel Spotlight: The Sanctuary

Watch this wonderful new video to learn more about different areas available in Southwest Florida. Today learn about The Sanctuary on Sanibel's West End, a beautiful community nestled in some of the most precious land on our barrier island.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5Qr0XcCFt9s

Large Pool Home - Just Reduced!

Take advantage of the newly reduced price on this beautiful home, now just $278,000!

Large home with four bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2 half baths. This home offers a recently renovated kitchen with new cabinetry, granite counter tops and a kitchen island with seating. Tons of storage and space in the oversized two car garage. Enjoy the large, beautiful backyard while you relax around the screened pool. Great offering at $278,000!

www.teampetel.com

Beautiful Condo - JUST REDUCED!

This gorgeous beach condo has just been reduced in price to $519,000!

Newly renovated with a modern kitchen and baths this condo offers expansive views of the wildlife along the Sanibel River as well as a peek of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy amazing cross breezes from the front lanai all the way to the wall of sliders along the back of the condo. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, garage, storage, all in a complex situated directly across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. Washer & dryer in unit. Enjoy great onsite amenities! Call us today for a private showing. $519,000

www.teampetel.com

Symphony On Sanibel

The Southwest Florida Symphony brings the music of Beethoven, Wagner and Mozart to Sanibel’s BIG ARTS on Wednesday, January 11 at 8 p.m. In keeping with the relaxed attitude of the island, this classical chamber orchestra series, conducted by music director Michael Hall, offers superb classical music in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

                Beethoven’s Overature to the ballet Creatures of Prometheus was composed in 1801 and achieved immediate popular success. The brilliant allegro section is thought to represent Prometheus fleeing from heaven after stealing fire from the gods.

                Wagner wrote the symphonic poem Siegfried Idyll as a birthday present for his wife after the birth of their son, Siegfriend, in 1869. It was first performed on Christmas morning on the stairs of their villa. It is a beautiful, intimate and lovingly crafted work for chamber orchestra.

                The Piano Concerto No. 17 is one of Mozart’s finest. It features powerful modulations and the finale, a set of variations, is particularly noteworthy.

                Pianist Hyojin Ahn leads a multifaceted musical life that has taker her across Europe, the United States, Haiti and her home country of Korea. She has appeared at the Kennedy Center in a performance aired live on NPR nationwide, and has twice extensively toured the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

                Ms. Ahn was awarded the Presser Music Award with which she studied and toured in France, Italy and Austria. She has won top prizes at several competitions, including the New World Symphony Concerto Competition, the Jacob Flier International Competition, the World Newspaper Piano Competition and the Youth Chamber Music Competition.

                A graduate of Seoul National University and the University of Michigan, she earned her doctorate from Rice University. After graduation, she won the keyboard position in the New World Symphony and spent three years playing under music director Michael Tilson Thomas. Currently, she teaches at Barry University in Miami Shores and holds the position of principal keyboard of the Southwest Florida Symphony.

                A post-concert discussion will take place after the concert with Michael Hall and musicians. The discussion offers an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and is free to any ticket holder.

                Tickets are priced at $36 for adults and $5 for students. The Series of Three Symphony on Sanibel concerts (including January 11, February 22 and March 14) is on sale for $90. For more information, call the Symphony Box Office at 418-0996 or visit www.swflso.org

                The symphony on Sanibel Series is sponsored by Bailey’s General Store, Friends of the Symphony on Sanibel-Captiva, the L.A.T. Foundation and ‘Tween Waters Inn.

Island Sun (December 30, 2011)

Island Jazz Returning For Seventh Season

Island Jazz will open its seventh season of free Sunday afternoon concerts on January 8 in the Boler Garden at BIG ARTS, located at 900 Dunlop Road on Sanibel.

                All performances begin at 3 p.m. on the following dates: January 8 and 22; February 5, 12, 19 and 26; March 4 and 18; April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.

                Attendees should bring beach chairs, as seating is limited. In case of rain, the concert will move onto the covered Gainer Verandah.

                Made up mostly of island residents, Island Jazz features Harry Reiner on trupet, Tom Cooley on drums, Louis Pradt on clarinet and flute, Babe VanDeVelde on tenor sax, and Sally-Jane Heit on vocals. Frequent guest players include many of the best jazz musicians in southwest Florida playing all styles of music from jazz standards and Dixieland to bop, pop and more.

                “Don’t just mark your calendars,” said Tom Cooley, who calls himself the band’s den-mother. “Actually come to the concerts, support BIG Arts and hear all your favorite tunes executed by the most technically precise and grammatically correct band on the island.”

                For more information, call Tom or Barbara Cooley at 239-472-8568.

Island Sun (December 30, 2011)

Happy New Year. Is this the year for your to follow your dreams?

The turning of a new year always gives us pause. It's a time for reflection on the year gone past and a time to make plans for the year ahead. What does 2012 hold for you? Will this be the year you follow you dreams?

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." ~Henry David Thoreau

Let us know how we can help you achieve your dreams in beautiful South West Florida.

www.teampete.com