This Week's Recipe - YUM!

Hello Summer! Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Ingredients:

Fruit Mixture:

4-1/2 cups rhubarb
1-1/2 cups strawberries
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tbsp. quick cooking tapioca
1 tsp. of grated orange peel

Cobbler crust:

2 Tbsp. white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour 
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder 
1/4 tsp. salt 
1/4 cup butter 
1/4 cup milk 
1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut the rhubarb stalks into 1-inch pieces. Trim away the outside stringy layer and remove the poisonous leaves. Trim the ends. Stem and slice the strawberries. In a bowl, mix the rhubarb and the strawberries with the sugar, tapioca, and orange zest. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour. To create the crust, combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in another medium bowl. Cut the butter in with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and egg until just moistened. Pour the fruit into a 2-quart casserole dish. Drop the batter on the fruit. Bake for 35 minutes until the cobbler crust is golden brown. Serves 6. Serve with whipped cream (optional).

Click here to check out the Team Petel website!

New Lisiting! Don't Miss This Property!

Great Location, Condition, Floor Plan, and Price!

Located in the popular South Fort Myers Colony Lakes subdivision off Winkler Extension, this 4 bedroom, 3 Bathroom family home has access to the community Pool, play area, and a clubhouse featuring a game and meeting room and exercise area,  and is only minutes to beaches, shopping, and medical facilities. The well thought out floor plan includes a separate Guest/In-Law Suite with Bedroom, full Bath, and a cozy living room.

Immaculately maintained and loaded with upgrades, this home even has an extended 27’ deep garage with room for a trailered boat. The large screened Lanai overlooks a beautiful lake. You will love the Kitchen with its 42” Hickory cabinets, solid surface counter tops, and a Breakfast Bar which is open to the Family room. For those special occasions there are formal Living and Dining areas.

Offered at $258,500

Click here to view this home.

Click here to view the team Petel website.

Price Reduced!

Price Reduced on this beautifully remodeled beach condo!

Expansive views of the Sanibel River and a peak of the Gulf. 2 Bedroom and 2 Bathroom condo with a garage and enclosed storage room. Beautifully remodeled - new kitchen, new baths, new electrical, new flooring! Call John today for a showing at 239-560-4960.

Click here to view this listing directly.

Click here to view the Team Petel website. 

Feature Property!

Call John today at 239-560-4960 to schedule a tour of this large canal home.

Located just 3 homes from San Carlos Bay this home is on a wide and deep canal with a boat lift offering direct access to the Bay. 3 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms, soaring 2 story ceilings and a beautiful wrap around sunroom offering amazing views.

Click here to view this home directly.

Click here to view the Team Petel website.

Fireworks party details finalized

The Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce and the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club have finalized details for the 4^th of July Fireworks event that is free and open to the public.

The fireworks even party takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4 at the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club. The fireworks are expected to begin at dusk (around 8:25 p.m.). The fireworks show is being presented by the Zambelli brothers and is expected to be bigger and better than last year’s show.

The family fun event at the Dunes offers designated parking for $5 with fun activities for the whole family to ensure a memorable event.

Food and beverage tickets will be on sale (no coolers, please) and the menu includes a wide range of grilled food choices together with a full bar and entertainment for adults and children.

The party at the Dunes offers:

·         Hot off the grill hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken

·         Succulent pig roast & pulled pork sandwiches

·         Corn on the cob, potato salad, fresh cole slaw, side salads

·         Soft pretzels, cotton candy, ice cream, churros

·         A full bar with soda and water

·         Entertainment by DJ – New Beginnings Entertainment; sand dance floor; driving range & putting competitions; pool party; giant slide; balloon toss, hula hooping, art competition; and raffles.

Island Reporter (June 8, 2012)

This Week's Recipe - YUM!

Breakfast Poppers with Grits & Bacon

Ingredients:

8 slices thick-cut raw bacon, chopped
3 cups whole milk
3 Tbsp bacon fat
3/4 tsp kosher salt
3/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup instant grits
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2/3 cup green onion, chopped
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, well beaten
2 cups Panko bread crumbs

Directions:

Cook the bacon in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat until all the fat has rendered and the bacon is fully cooked. Strain the bacon in a colander reserving 3 Tbsp of fat; set bacon aside.

Combine the milk, bacon fat, salt, and black pepper in a medium-sized sauce pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, add the grits, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, green onion, and cream cheese. Place the mixture into a 9'' x 13'' pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled.

Once cool, preheat a deep fryer to 350°F. Place the bread crumbs into a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pour the mixture into a bowl. Pour the beaten eggs into a second bowl. Then, place the flour into a third bowl. Remove the grit-mixture from the fridge. Measure out 2 Tbsp and roll the helping into a small ball. Repeat.

Toss the balls in flour, then in the eggs, followed by the bread crumbs. Fry, in small batches of 8 balls at a time, for 4 minutes. Serve immediately.

Open Houses!

Two chances to view 1111 Schooner Place this weekend!

Secluded and near the beach on the quiet, convenient East End of Sanibel. Stop by to view this beautiful 3 bedroom 3 bathroom well built and well maintained home that offers room for a pool! Kayak or canoe down the mangrove canal or walk or bike to the beach! See you this weekend!

Saturday June 17th 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday June 18th 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Click here to view information on this home.

Click here to view the Team Petel website.

33rd Annual optimist Club 4th of July Road Rally

The 2012 Road Rally starts at noon July 4 in Timbers Restaurant parking lot. Get your team together and pick up registration form at Bailey’s General Store, the Sanibel Café, the Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank, in the local newspaper or before noon (just after the 4^th of July parade) at the Timbers starting line. Forms are also available at www.sancapoptimist.org. Registration is $35 donation per vehicle.

This year’s theme is “Rallying for Island Youth.” The top rally finishers and the best decorated vehicle will win prizes. Points are awarded for elapsed time closest to a “secret,” pre-established circuit time and distance, and for correct answers to a series of questions about clues along the rally route.

Sponsorships, both business and individual donors get names on vehicles and on the rally T-shirt. $100 sponsors get names on vehicles only. Contact Randy Carson 239-699-8739 or Richard McCurry 239-292-4631 to donate funds and/or for more information. Registration forms and donations may be mailed to San-Cap Optimists, PO Box 1370, Sanibel, FL, 33957. Donations are tax deductible – SanCap Optimist Club is a 501(c)3 organization.

Sanibel-Captiva Islander (June 8, 2012)

Feature Property!

Fabulous Beach Condo! Located in the Sunset South complex this great condo offers expansive views of the Sanibel River, a peek of the Gulf of Mexico, onsite activities and a pool. This fully remolded condo is complete with 2 bedrooms and two full baths, a garage and a finished storage room. Call John Petel today for a showing!

Click Here to view this property.

Click Here to view the Team Petel Website.

Click Here to view the John R. Wood Island Realtors website.

Realtors Sponsor 4th Of July Fireworks

The Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce announced that John R. Wood Realtors has become the Presenting Sponsor for the 4th of July fireworks on Sanibel.

“We are delighted to support this major community event,” said Joe Mondelli, partner at John R. Wood. “As one of the major realty groups on Sanibel and Captiva, we wanted to ensure that this traditional 4th of July event will be enjoyed by as many residents and guests as possible and we were happy to become the presenting sponsor for this great event.”

The Sanibel and Captiva 4th of July fireworks display – put on by the Zambelli brothers – will begin at dusk, and will include a party for the community at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club. Entry is free and there will be live entertainment, face painting and onsite parking for $5. Tickets will be available for the purchase of food and beverages.

 “On behalf of the board of the chamber of commerce, I would to thank John R. Wood for their sponsorship of this major Sanibel and Captiva event. This sponsorship will ensure that this year’s celebration will be bigger and better than ever,” said Ric Base, president of the chamber.

The fundraising and operation of this year’s 4th of July fireworks is being undertaken by the chamber of commerce. If you are interested in a sponsorship or in making a donation, contact Bridgit Stone-Budd at 472-8255 or email services@sanibep-captiva.org.

Tickets Available Now For Summer Concert Series

Shell Point Retirement Community’s 3rd annual Summer Concert Series is slated to start on Friday, June 15 with the 3 Divas & The Dons at 7:30 p.m. This series will also welcome the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra in July and the Crossroads Quartet in August. Tickets are available to the general public for

all three concerts.

“Many residents live here year-round, and we love being able to offer this concert

series for everyone to enjoy. This will be our third year, and the feedback from the first

two years has been amazing,” said Dawn Boren, director of resident life.

3 Divas & The Dons – Friday, June 15

One of Sarasota’s most popular ensembles comprised of vocalists and instrumentalists, 3 Divas & The Dons are known for presenting exciting programs of varied musical styles. Their eclectic repertoire covers a broad spectrum of compositions ranging from opera to Broadway, as well as sacred, folk, patriotic and the Great American Songbook. The “Divas” are comprised of harpist Bonnie Caplan, lyric soprano Lorraine Murphy and mezzo soprano Amy Connours. The “Dons” include baritone Tim O’Connor and pianist Steve McCoy.

Grand Floridian Society Orchestra – Monday, July 30

Coming to us from Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort is the ever popular Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, under the leadership of Pat Doyle. This orchestra features some of the country’s finest musicians who have been entertaining guests for the past 25 years. Come listen to the toe tapping sounds of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra and hear why Disney resort guests return year after year.

Crossroads Quartet – Saturday, August 18

The Crossroads Quartet is a world championship a cappella quartet made up of four versatile award winning vocalists. Though steeped in the traditional barbershop harmony, Crossroads sings a wide variety of musical styles including vocal jazz, blue, gospel, pop classics, and standards from the Great American Songbook. Crossroads was formed when four friends from four different states and four different international champion quartets came together to make a brand new sound. They were crowned as the 2009 Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Championship Quartet.

Tickets for the Summer Concert Series are currently on sale. As a savings, individuals can purchase the entire concert series for $35. Concert tickets can be bought individually for $15. To purchase tickets, visit www.shellpoint.org/concerts. For additional information about the concert series, call 454-2067.

This Week's Recipe - Yum!

Tropical Fruit-Infused Iced Tea

Ingredients:

4 cups water
12 mango or tropical fruit flavored tea bags 
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups pineapple juice
1 cup orange juice
1 cup store-bought sweetened lemonade
1 cup fresh mangoes, chopped 
1 cup strawberries, chopped 

Directions:

Pour 4 cups of water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the tea bags. Let the bags steep for 10 minutes and then remove them. Do not squeeze. Stir in the sugar until dissolved.

Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and chill for 2 hours. Meanwhile, arrange the chopped mangoes and strawberries in the compartments of two ice cube trays. Then, pour 1-3/4 cups of the tea over the fruit and freeze for three hours, or until solid.

While the ice is freezing, pour 2-1/4 cups of tea into another pitcher, add the orange and pineapple juices, as well as the lemonade, and put the mixture back into the refrigerator until serving time.

When you're ready for the tea, pour the tea mixture into a large pitcher or punch bowl and add the ice cubes. Serve immediately.

Feature Property!

Call John to schedule a showing at this beautiful custom built home 239-560-4960.

Quiet, secluded, near beach location on the East End. Located on a mangrove canal with room for a pool. This home was built with high impact glass, oversize pilings, composite decking, metal roof and wind resistant siding. 3 Bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. The huge master retreat is a must see!

Click Here to view this home directly.

Click here to view the Team Petel website.

TV Documentary Continues To Explore ‘Ding’ Darling’s Legacy

Marvo Entertainment Group, LLC has several exciting announcements to share as production continues on their latest national television project. America’s Darling is the story of Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling (1876-1962), the Des Moines Register cartoonist and pioneering conservationist, who influenced Americans through his syndicated cartoons, creating awareness of urgent environmental issues and the need to preserve America’s natural landscapes.

Marvo had the opportunity to see Darling’s legacy in action and film a sneak peek at the Florida Junior Duck Stamp competition in Sanibel. This year’s contest, marking its 20th anniversary, received over 1,800 entries. Retired teacher Jaye Boswell, originator of the contest, which has since gone national, was excited about the success of this year’s event.

“It’s so wonderful to have so many active participants in this year’s Florida Junior Duck Stamp competition,” Boswell said. “How fabulous that the children’s artwork will be seen by thousands of people and will help educate them on the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. Every one of these delightfully-drawn designs of a duck, swan or goose has gone on a journey of its own through the eyes of a child.”

Seventeen-year-old Jefferson Jones, who has won the Florida Junior Duck Stamp competition for the past three years, is passionate about art and the environment, and will be one of Marvo’s interviewees for America’s Darling. 

“Winning for three years in a row certainly brings a great sense of personal pride, and accomplishment as it is really the greatest compliment I can receive as an artist to have my piece chosen to represent

all of Florida in this contest,” said Jones. “The Junior Duck Stamp program has opened a door into the world of wildlife art for me, introducing me to a field in which I feel I belong, where my passion for the

natural world and for art go hand in hand.”

Ducks Unlimited continued to celebrate its 75th anniversary with the latest in its series of special events in Washington, DC on April 17. Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall, one of the featured interviewees for

America’s Darling, believes the Capitol Hill Dinner & Auction held special significance.

“It was a truly historic occasion to be in Washington, DC, celebrating our organization’s 75th anniversary with our supporters and partners in the nation’s capital city where it all began, but it’s just as exciting

to look forward to the next 75 years,” Hall said. “Recognizing what we’ve achieved to date with our partners, and the fact that there is so much more to accomplish for wetlands and waterfowl, reinforces the fact that Ducks Unlimited’s mission is just as critical today as it was in 1937.”

Marvo is also excited to learn the work of Florida artist Christopher M. Still has been chosen for the official poster for Viva Florida 500, the quincentennial commemoration of Juan Ponce de Leon’s landing

in Florida in 1513. Inspired by Darling’s work and conservation efforts, Still will be

creating something new and special for the America’s Darling project.

A Kentucky native, Marvo execu A Kentucky native, Marvo executive producer Samuel Koltinsky’s work is inspired by a passion for stories, history, preservation, and the environment. Over the past 19 years, he has produced numerous documentaries in Europe and the United States and has worked with PBS,

the History Channel and the Documentary Channel.

For more information about the America’s Darling project, visit www.marvoentertainmentgroup.com.

Island Sun (June 1, 2012)

25th Edition Of The Sanibel-Captiva Nature Calendar Is Now Available

With roseate spoonbills featured on the front cover, centerfold and rear cover, the 25th edition of the Sanibel-Captiva Nature Calendar glorifies “Sanibel’s Bird!” Published for a quarter of a century, this calendar is dedicated to promoting conservation and preservation of the local natural environment.

“A quarter century of publishing the calendar has been pure pleasure, thanks to the support of all the people on Sanibel and all those who love these very special barrier islands,” said Jim Fowler, publisher of the popular calendar. “During the past 25 years, there have been many changes on Sanibel, but thanks to the efforts of the people of Sanibel, conservation of the local environment and protection of wildlife continue to be paramount. I am looking forward to publishing another quarter century of the SanibelCaptiva Nature Calendar.”

This edition of the calendar features the work of some of Sanibel’s best known photographers, with nine of the images photographed inside the JN “Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Included are a prairie warbler by islander Theresa Baldwin, a spoonbill, wood stork and alligator by seasonal islander Cliff Beittel, and a great egret by seasonal islander Don Thompson, whose photograph of nesting snowy plovers on one of Sanibel’s beaches was selected for June.

Also photographed inside the refuge is a pair of nest-building anhingas in full breading plumage. This image was photographed by Marianne Bargiotti, who frequently travels from her home base in Italy to photographer her favorite islands. Well known photographing couple Dick Fortune and Sara Lopez have images of spoonbills photographed inside the refuge appearing on the front and rear covers, plus inside the calendar they have an image of a gulf fritillary butterfly and a pod of surfing dolphins just off island. Also featured are nesting least terns by Marina Scan., a killdeer by Charlie Heidecker and a living reef in the Gulf off Sanibel by Lorraine Sommer.

In addition, there are exciting photo narratives by islanders Betty Anholt and Jim Griffith and former islander Charles LeBuff. Each month features a shell sketch by the late islander Sue Stephens and a turtle graphic during the sea turtle nesting months.

“It is the best calendar in the world, and probably the best calendar that ever was,” added Fowler. “It is the only calendar that truly represents what Sanibel and Captiva are all about – nature!”

First published in 1988, this is the 25th edition of this popular calendar. Sold only in Southwest Florida, it continues to set the standard for other calendar publishers.

The calendar retails for $13.95 and is sold throughout Southwest Florida in fine book stores and gift shops. Mail orders send $13.95 (plus $2 for shipping and handling) to: Sanibel-Captiva Nature Calendar, P.O. Box 356, Sanibel, FL 33957. For the custom Blind Pass Tide Edition available this fall, send $16.95 (plus $2 for shipping and handling) to the same address.

Island Sun (June 1, 2012)

This Week's Recipe - YUM!

90-Calorie Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients
1/4 cup and 2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup hot water
3/4 cup granulated no-calorie sweetener (like Splenda)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/3 cup low-fat milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda

Directions
Preheat oven to 325F. Line 12 muffin cups with liners and spray with non-stick cooking spray. If you do not spray the cupcake liners, the cupcakes will stick.

Place cocoa powder in a large bowl. Add hot water and whisk until smooth.

Whisk in sweetener until smooth, then add brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, egg and mayonnaise and continue to work until smooth.

Gradually sift in flour, baking soda and baking powder and stir until well mixed.

Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into each muffin cup. Bake for 13 minutes or until the center springs back when touched or a toothpick comes out clean.

Nutritional Information per serving (1 cupcake): Calories 90 | Carbohydrates 13g (Sugars 2g) | Total Fat 3.5 (Sat Fat 1g) | Protein 2 g | Fiber 1g | Cholesterol 5 mg | Sodium 220mg | Food Exchanges 1 | Carbohydrate Choices 1 | Weight Watchers Plus Point Comparison: 2

2012 Calusa Blueway Photo Contest Launched

Fort Myers, Fla., May 18, 2012 – Lee County Parks & Recreation has launched its fifth annual Calusa

Blueway Photo Contest for boaters, kayakers and nature enthusiasts. Entries can be submitted from now until October, with prizes awarded at the annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival in November.

Categories include: People on the trail (people enjoying the waterways, trails and outdoors), wildlife on

the Blueway trail (flora, fauna and landscapes) and signs along the blueway trail (Calusa Blueway

markers and others that water-lovers encounter). 

Prizes for top category winners will come from sponsors Fort Myers-based Harmon Photographers as

well as ABC Framing, a Lehigh Acres-based mobile-framing business. First-place winners will receive an

enlarged, matted and framed version of their photos. Winning entries also may be published in

magazines, newspapers and online products.

Selected entries may be featured on several websites, including the blueway site,

www.calusablueway.com, the festival site, www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com and on the festival’s  Facebook site. 

New this year, the photo contest reception will be combined with the Thursday evening kickoff event at

the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival. Winners and runners-up will be recognized during the reception at

the festival’s signature lodging site, Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Myers-Sanibel. The festival itself will

have evening events at the Residence Inn with daytime activities on the Sanibel Causeway with activities

throughout Lee County. 

There is no entry fee. Submissions must be taken along a Lee County, Fla., waterway and include a

photographer’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and title and location. One entry is

permitted per photographer per category; amateur photographers only, please. A model release form is

available and necessary if a person in a submitted photo is identifiable. Visit

www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com, click on “activities” and then “photo contest” to upload pictures and complete an entry form. Deadline is Oct. 5.

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges, including Cape Coral-based award-winning journalist Rod

Clarke; Josh Manring, a noted Naples-based world traveler with five published photographic books; and,

Fort Myers native Mark Renz, an avid expedition explorer, photographer and author. 

The Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is 190 miles long and is marked by easily identifiable trail signs. The

trail also is mapped out with Global Positioning System coordinates. Order free maps online at

www.calusablueway.com. The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival has been selected as one of the

Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for 2012. Dates are Nov. 1-4. Details are at

www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com. 

Call (239) 533-7474 with questions or e-mail bclayton@leegov.com.