or Thomas E. Shipp Jr., some of his best days are when clients write him a note saying thank you.
Shipp, an attorney with more than 30 years of experience in wills, trusts and estate planning, said he works with families dealing with difficult situations when a loved one passes.
“They’re relying on their confidence in me,” Shipp said.
Shipp, who has worked in Southwest Florida since 1980, recently joined the Martin Law Firm’s principal office in Cape Coral. He said he’s very happy with the new affiliation.
“It’s very exciting to go from a history of a solo practice and small partnerships to an organization that’s a group practice where a client can get many services under one roof,” Shipp said.
The Martin Law Firm is run by husband and wife team Steven E. Martin and Eviana J. Martin. The firm also has offices in Fort Myers and Naples. Steven Martin said he’s glad to have Shipp’s level of experience added to his firm.
“Tom’s been in practice for 30 years and we haven’t,” Martin said. “It’s exciting for us to get Tom’s depth and breadth of experience.”
Eviana Martin agreed, adding, “It’s important to get someone with experience in wills and trusts.”
Shipp, who has been at the firm for almost two months, said with a laugh that he’s getting all the old man jokes in the office. He said that in some firms, lawyers can be territorial but at the Martin Law Firm it’s more like a family.
“What’s really impressed me here is Steve and Eviana created a tight team, working together and helping each other out. I think it’s very unique,” Shipp said.
Although he jokes around in the office, Shipp is serious about his profession. He said that he focuses on the needs of clients in order to gain their trust because they rely on him to make the proper arrangements. He said you don’t get that reassurance when you prepare the documents yourself on the Internet.
“I want to be here when a person decided I need an attorney for a will or a trust,” Shipp said. “It’s part of the ability (of the client) to sit down and get personal advice from someone you have confidence in. With us, you don’t get a printed set of directions, or a toll-free number to call, you get a person.”
Shipp said some of the hardest hurdles he has to overcome are documents that were not properly prepared and he said these documents often affect the family members who have been left behind.
“It’s not just about the money the people inherit based on those documents,” he said. “It’s about the relationship of the family and how conflict can tear those relationships apart or how this moment could bring people closer together.”
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Kids get gift of sight in combined effort
The Cape Coral Eye Center teamed up for a second year with the Lee County Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Program to give local children the gift of sight for the holiday season.
The center provided less-fortunate children with free refractive eye exams and glasses. The center gave away 20 pairs of glasses on Dec. 21 and another 30 to 40 pairs on Dec. 23. Some children who received the eye exams didn’t need prescription glasses.
Dr. Farrell Tyson, owner of Cape Coral Eye Center, said the goal was to help children who might not be able to get glasses otherwise.
“We decided to get involved with it because in our area we saw that the recession was hitting the families but more importantly the children,” Tyson said.
Russell Reider, resource management director for The Salvation Army, said the organization appreciates Cape Coral Eye Center’s efforts in helping needy children.
“If it wasn’t for them, there would be a lot of children who couldn’t afford eye exams,” Reider said.
The eye exams were done at Cape Coral Eye Center’s North Fort Myers office off Bayshore Road. Participants made appointments at the center and were seen by Dr. Jennifer Gallo, who specializes in pediatrics. After the exam, the children could pick out their favorite frames and the families will return soon to pick up their new glasses.
Gallo said that for some children this was their first eye exam. For Mari Kumar, 7, this was her first time getting her eyes checked. The shy second-grader said she wasn’t nervous going into the doctor’s office.
“I have good eyes,” she said.
Her mom, Laurie Kumar, waited patiently in the lobby. She said her family heard about the program through The Salvation Army.
“I have heard such great things about this eye center, I was very appreciative,” Kumar said.
Angel Moreno, 13, came with his dad because he needed a new prescription. The eighth-grader, who has been wearing glasses for three years, said the eye exam was a little difficult.
“It was a little bit hard to see the letters,” Moreno said.
He was hoping for a new pair of lenses in a black plastic frame.
Mark Geary, marketing manager for the center, said the program ran smoothly.
“Everybody seemed gracious that we’re doing this for the children and in a great mood,” said Mark Geary, marketing manager. “It’s a nice change of pace for the staff to be able to come in, work with children and give back to the community during the holiday season.”
Tyson had a similar feeling about giving back during the holidays.
“Christmas isn’t about getting, it’s the giving and it’s a great way to help out the community,” he said.
Tyson expects Cape Coral Eye Center to participate in the program in the coming years.
“Every year we’re learning how to be more efficient and help more people and I believe we will be able to continue to participate,” Tyson said.
The center provided less-fortunate children with free refractive eye exams and glasses. The center gave away 20 pairs of glasses on Dec. 21 and another 30 to 40 pairs on Dec. 23. Some children who received the eye exams didn’t need prescription glasses.
Dr. Farrell Tyson, owner of Cape Coral Eye Center, said the goal was to help children who might not be able to get glasses otherwise.
“We decided to get involved with it because in our area we saw that the recession was hitting the families but more importantly the children,” Tyson said.
Russell Reider, resource management director for The Salvation Army, said the organization appreciates Cape Coral Eye Center’s efforts in helping needy children.
“If it wasn’t for them, there would be a lot of children who couldn’t afford eye exams,” Reider said.
The eye exams were done at Cape Coral Eye Center’s North Fort Myers office off Bayshore Road. Participants made appointments at the center and were seen by Dr. Jennifer Gallo, who specializes in pediatrics. After the exam, the children could pick out their favorite frames and the families will return soon to pick up their new glasses.
Gallo said that for some children this was their first eye exam. For Mari Kumar, 7, this was her first time getting her eyes checked. The shy second-grader said she wasn’t nervous going into the doctor’s office.
“I have good eyes,” she said.
Her mom, Laurie Kumar, waited patiently in the lobby. She said her family heard about the program through The Salvation Army.
“I have heard such great things about this eye center, I was very appreciative,” Kumar said.
Angel Moreno, 13, came with his dad because he needed a new prescription. The eighth-grader, who has been wearing glasses for three years, said the eye exam was a little difficult.
“It was a little bit hard to see the letters,” Moreno said.
He was hoping for a new pair of lenses in a black plastic frame.
Mark Geary, marketing manager for the center, said the program ran smoothly.
“Everybody seemed gracious that we’re doing this for the children and in a great mood,” said Mark Geary, marketing manager. “It’s a nice change of pace for the staff to be able to come in, work with children and give back to the community during the holiday season.”
Tyson had a similar feeling about giving back during the holidays.
“Christmas isn’t about getting, it’s the giving and it’s a great way to help out the community,” he said.
Tyson expects Cape Coral Eye Center to participate in the program in the coming years.
“Every year we’re learning how to be more efficient and help more people and I believe we will be able to continue to participate,” Tyson said.
Santaland culitvates Christmas Spirit
hristmas carols poured through the speakers as visitors walked through a lighted tent filled with holiday figures. And that was only the beginning.
Once past the entry gate, guests hopped aboard Santaland’s very own polar express. The train, actually more of a hayride, drove visitors through an arch of twinkly Christmas lights and into Christmas town.
Santaland was a holiday experience in its third year, but the first year the operators paired with the City of Cape Coral’s Parks and Recreation Department. The event ran Dec. 20-23.
“It’s a great holiday experience for families and kids. We didn’t want it to not happen,” Todd King, special events coordinator for the department, said of the partnership.
He estimates that 5,000 people visited the park during the week it was open on the SunSplash property. Santaland operator Ryan Colmer said the event was created to bring something special to the area and that SunSplash was the perfect venue.
“It is a great, signature place to have it because everyone knows where SunSplash is in the county,” Colmer said.
This year, Santaland went through a few changes with fewer rides and more of a Christmas experience, according to King.
The park had a lighted enchanted forest filled with Christmas lights and holiday lighted figures that led guests into Christmas town. Claymation Christmas favorites played nightly on a big inflatable screen. A lighted, green tinsel tree was the park’s centerpiece.
Santaland also featured some kiddie rides, an arts-and-crafts tent and reindeer games for the children. The s’mores pit and a visit with Santa Claus were favorites among the crowd.
Leigh Tilman brought her family for a second year in a row. She said they returned because her children had so much fun last year.
“This year, there’s a lot less rides,” Tilman said. “They didn’t have the movie last year and I think they have more crafts this year.”
Her children Emily, 5, and Joey, 8, clad in red and green T-shirts, had a visit with Santa in his tent. Emily said she told Santa she hoped for a doll this Christmas, whereas Joey said he’s just excited to open presents on Christmas Day. His eyes lit up when he saw the large s’mores pit from across the park grounds.
The s’mores pit was continually packed and manned by volunteer elves who helped the children roast their own marshmallows. Families also enjoyed the arts-and-crafts tent and the reindeer games.
Volunteer Arinelle Lewis said the most popular reindeer game at her tent was by far the pin the nose on the Frosty game. Children were blindfolded and had to pin a carrot nose on the snowman.
“I think some of them can see but I’m not sure,” Lewis said, laughing.
After each game, the player wins a candy cane.
King said the city hopes to grow and expand the Santaland experience in the coming years. He said he wants to focus on the light displays and the tinsel tree centerpiece. King said the age the park is trying to reach is elementary school children.
“They believe in Santa and have the Christmas spirit in their hearts. Watching it in the children’s eyes is what it’s all about,” King said.
Once past the entry gate, guests hopped aboard Santaland’s very own polar express. The train, actually more of a hayride, drove visitors through an arch of twinkly Christmas lights and into Christmas town.
Santaland was a holiday experience in its third year, but the first year the operators paired with the City of Cape Coral’s Parks and Recreation Department. The event ran Dec. 20-23.
“It’s a great holiday experience for families and kids. We didn’t want it to not happen,” Todd King, special events coordinator for the department, said of the partnership.
He estimates that 5,000 people visited the park during the week it was open on the SunSplash property. Santaland operator Ryan Colmer said the event was created to bring something special to the area and that SunSplash was the perfect venue.
“It is a great, signature place to have it because everyone knows where SunSplash is in the county,” Colmer said.
This year, Santaland went through a few changes with fewer rides and more of a Christmas experience, according to King.
The park had a lighted enchanted forest filled with Christmas lights and holiday lighted figures that led guests into Christmas town. Claymation Christmas favorites played nightly on a big inflatable screen. A lighted, green tinsel tree was the park’s centerpiece.
Santaland also featured some kiddie rides, an arts-and-crafts tent and reindeer games for the children. The s’mores pit and a visit with Santa Claus were favorites among the crowd.
Leigh Tilman brought her family for a second year in a row. She said they returned because her children had so much fun last year.
“This year, there’s a lot less rides,” Tilman said. “They didn’t have the movie last year and I think they have more crafts this year.”
Her children Emily, 5, and Joey, 8, clad in red and green T-shirts, had a visit with Santa in his tent. Emily said she told Santa she hoped for a doll this Christmas, whereas Joey said he’s just excited to open presents on Christmas Day. His eyes lit up when he saw the large s’mores pit from across the park grounds.
The s’mores pit was continually packed and manned by volunteer elves who helped the children roast their own marshmallows. Families also enjoyed the arts-and-crafts tent and the reindeer games.
Volunteer Arinelle Lewis said the most popular reindeer game at her tent was by far the pin the nose on the Frosty game. Children were blindfolded and had to pin a carrot nose on the snowman.
“I think some of them can see but I’m not sure,” Lewis said, laughing.
After each game, the player wins a candy cane.
King said the city hopes to grow and expand the Santaland experience in the coming years. He said he wants to focus on the light displays and the tinsel tree centerpiece. King said the age the park is trying to reach is elementary school children.
“They believe in Santa and have the Christmas spirit in their hearts. Watching it in the children’s eyes is what it’s all about,” King said.
Almost every day someone new walks into Bill Hannong’s Amazing Tattoo Studio on Cape Coral Parkway.
Hannong said that since opening Dec. 12, he’s seen potential clients come into his new store and ask about his tattoo work. Hannong’s tattoo parlor is just one of the 54 businesses that have opened in or near downtown Cape Coral since July, according to the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency.
John Jacobsen, executive director of the Cape Coral CRA, said these new businesses include three restaurants, five retail stores and 46 professional and personal services establishments. Jacobsen thinks this is a good sign for the Cape Coral economy.
“We believe we’ve turned a corner in the recession,” Jacobsen said.
He said he’s very encouraged about the progress downtown Cape Coral is experiencing.
“I think people are cautiously optimistic,” Jacobsen said. “2012 is going to be a much better year than last year.”
Hannong is also optimistic about the new year.
“Actually, for a new business it’s been doing relatively well,” Hannong said.
Hannong has been a tattoo artist for 35 years. He said many Cape Coral residents are loyal and that his clientele has followed him to his new venture. This isn’t a unique occurrence.
Jim Scully, owner of Upper Crust Pizzeria and Wine Bar on Del Prado Boulevard, said that many customers from his past restaurants have followed him to his new venue. Scully was a former owner of Sal’s Pizza Parlor and also owned the now closed Bella Sera restaurant. Upper Crust opened in October.
“We do have a following with the Sal’s and Bella Sera reputation,” Scully said.
Scully said that business has been slow starting in these times and in a favorable economy more people will come out and try what he has to offer. He said he’s trying to differentiate Upper Crust from other pizzerias in the area in order to bring in business.
“We tried to do a restaurant that did not feel like you were committed to have dinner but that’s more upscale than your typical Cape Coral style pizza joint,” Scully said.
Scully said he’s also having daily specials to bring customers in the door. Jen Velez, owner of Melux Hair Studio on Southeast 47th Terrace, is using online special deal websites in hopes of drumming up business for her new hair salon.
Melux, a full-service hair salon, opened in early December. Velez said the salon has done well during the holidays. Velez was a hairstylist at another Cape Coral salon for six years before opening her salon. She said that many of her clients followed her to the new location but she hopes that deal sites such as Groupon will help bring in new customers.
“It (the salon) just sells itself,” Velez said. “It’s what you make it. We’re looking forward to meeting new clients.”
Jacobsen said that it’s going to take a while for new businesses to get their engines running, but he’s hopeful. He remarked that driving into work he’s seen businesses with “now hiring” signs. He added that people are starting to patronize businesses again.
“They’re out spending — that’s a very healthy and good sign,” Jacobsen said.
Hannong said that since opening Dec. 12, he’s seen potential clients come into his new store and ask about his tattoo work. Hannong’s tattoo parlor is just one of the 54 businesses that have opened in or near downtown Cape Coral since July, according to the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency.
John Jacobsen, executive director of the Cape Coral CRA, said these new businesses include three restaurants, five retail stores and 46 professional and personal services establishments. Jacobsen thinks this is a good sign for the Cape Coral economy.
“We believe we’ve turned a corner in the recession,” Jacobsen said.
He said he’s very encouraged about the progress downtown Cape Coral is experiencing.
“I think people are cautiously optimistic,” Jacobsen said. “2012 is going to be a much better year than last year.”
Hannong is also optimistic about the new year.
“Actually, for a new business it’s been doing relatively well,” Hannong said.
Hannong has been a tattoo artist for 35 years. He said many Cape Coral residents are loyal and that his clientele has followed him to his new venture. This isn’t a unique occurrence.
Jim Scully, owner of Upper Crust Pizzeria and Wine Bar on Del Prado Boulevard, said that many customers from his past restaurants have followed him to his new venue. Scully was a former owner of Sal’s Pizza Parlor and also owned the now closed Bella Sera restaurant. Upper Crust opened in October.
“We do have a following with the Sal’s and Bella Sera reputation,” Scully said.
Scully said that business has been slow starting in these times and in a favorable economy more people will come out and try what he has to offer. He said he’s trying to differentiate Upper Crust from other pizzerias in the area in order to bring in business.
“We tried to do a restaurant that did not feel like you were committed to have dinner but that’s more upscale than your typical Cape Coral style pizza joint,” Scully said.
Scully said he’s also having daily specials to bring customers in the door. Jen Velez, owner of Melux Hair Studio on Southeast 47th Terrace, is using online special deal websites in hopes of drumming up business for her new hair salon.
Melux, a full-service hair salon, opened in early December. Velez said the salon has done well during the holidays. Velez was a hairstylist at another Cape Coral salon for six years before opening her salon. She said that many of her clients followed her to the new location but she hopes that deal sites such as Groupon will help bring in new customers.
“It (the salon) just sells itself,” Velez said. “It’s what you make it. We’re looking forward to meeting new clients.”
Jacobsen said that it’s going to take a while for new businesses to get their engines running, but he’s hopeful. He remarked that driving into work he’s seen businesses with “now hiring” signs. He added that people are starting to patronize businesses again.
“They’re out spending — that’s a very healthy and good sign,” Jacobsen said.
Cooking Camp
A waft of cinnamon emanated through the kitchen along with bursts of children’s giggles. Tortillas were brushed with butter and sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar, prepped for a few minutes in the oven.
Seven children participated in the Cape Coral Yacht Club’s cooking camp, which ran from Dec. 26-30.
Every day of the camp brought a new recipe. The children learned to make flourless peanut butter cookies, savory and sweet pita chips and omelets in a bag. The week culminated with the children baking their own bread.
“It’s just teaching kids more or less some healthy snacks they can make for themselves,” said Christine Rogers, camp operator.
Rogers said the camp also teaches kitchen safety and kitchen sanitation, as well as having the kids learn about healthy choices.
“I’m learning a lot about healthy food,” said Anthony Onorevole, 8.
Rogers said the campers enjoyed themselves.
“The more hands-on, the more they seem to enjoy it,” she said.
The cooking camp was for children age 7 to 13.
“We don’t want them too young being around knives and hot stoves but too old and they aren’t interested,” Rogers said.
Tiana Osowski, 10, and Alexia Cedrone, 9, worked together on their pita chips, sprinkling the tortilla triangles with a spattering of garlic salt. The girls said they like to make things in the kitchen, especially brownies and cookies. They both said their favorite part of the camp was the omelets in a bag.
“You just put whatever you want in there and you shake it up,” Alexia said.
“Then you put it in boiling water,” Tiana chimed in.
The omelets were a favorite among the group and each one put in a different set of toppings. Rogers laid out ham, cheese, peppers, onions and tomatoes for the children to create their own special breakfast.
“Mine had cheese, ham and a little bit of onions,” said Tori McGary, 10.
Alexia giggled, saying hers had everything.
Rogers said the campers learned a lot about teamwork and worked together well in the kitchen. She said she purposefully made some ingredients scarce for the children to learn how to share and work in a group.
“The only day we didn’t work together was with the omelets,” she said.
The campers also created their own menus for fictional eateries. The room was filled with proprietors of bakeries, ice cream shops and Italian restaurants. Tiana’s menu consisted of food that was completely free, whereas Anthony’s menu was a little pricier.
“Mine wasn’t the cheapest,” he said. “It was mostly $1,100 and $2,000.”
Rogers said the boys were a little bit silly with their eateries while the girls really latched onto the idea.
The children finished off the cooking camp experience with the chance to make their own bread. The dough was prepped on a Thursday and rose overnight. That Friday, the kids kneaded the dough and baked their own loaves.
“They really like the mini-loaves of bread,” Rogers said. “The bread always smells so good when it’s cooking.”
Seven children participated in the Cape Coral Yacht Club’s cooking camp, which ran from Dec. 26-30.
Every day of the camp brought a new recipe. The children learned to make flourless peanut butter cookies, savory and sweet pita chips and omelets in a bag. The week culminated with the children baking their own bread.
“It’s just teaching kids more or less some healthy snacks they can make for themselves,” said Christine Rogers, camp operator.
Rogers said the camp also teaches kitchen safety and kitchen sanitation, as well as having the kids learn about healthy choices.
“I’m learning a lot about healthy food,” said Anthony Onorevole, 8.
Rogers said the campers enjoyed themselves.
“The more hands-on, the more they seem to enjoy it,” she said.
The cooking camp was for children age 7 to 13.
“We don’t want them too young being around knives and hot stoves but too old and they aren’t interested,” Rogers said.
Tiana Osowski, 10, and Alexia Cedrone, 9, worked together on their pita chips, sprinkling the tortilla triangles with a spattering of garlic salt. The girls said they like to make things in the kitchen, especially brownies and cookies. They both said their favorite part of the camp was the omelets in a bag.
“You just put whatever you want in there and you shake it up,” Alexia said.
“Then you put it in boiling water,” Tiana chimed in.
The omelets were a favorite among the group and each one put in a different set of toppings. Rogers laid out ham, cheese, peppers, onions and tomatoes for the children to create their own special breakfast.
“Mine had cheese, ham and a little bit of onions,” said Tori McGary, 10.
Alexia giggled, saying hers had everything.
Rogers said the campers learned a lot about teamwork and worked together well in the kitchen. She said she purposefully made some ingredients scarce for the children to learn how to share and work in a group.
“The only day we didn’t work together was with the omelets,” she said.
The campers also created their own menus for fictional eateries. The room was filled with proprietors of bakeries, ice cream shops and Italian restaurants. Tiana’s menu consisted of food that was completely free, whereas Anthony’s menu was a little pricier.
“Mine wasn’t the cheapest,” he said. “It was mostly $1,100 and $2,000.”
Rogers said the boys were a little bit silly with their eateries while the girls really latched onto the idea.
The children finished off the cooking camp experience with the chance to make their own bread. The dough was prepped on a Thursday and rose overnight. That Friday, the kids kneaded the dough and baked their own loaves.
“They really like the mini-loaves of bread,” Rogers said. “The bread always smells so good when it’s cooking.”
Learning about Nature
Some campers, knee-deep in mud and net in hand, dig around the oyster shell beds looking for tiny crabs.
Others turn their gaze to the murky calm water to catch minnows and other small fish with their homemade fishing poles.
“This is more fish feeding than fish catching,” Bridget Curry, head counselor, said laughing.
The campers, age 7 to 14, were participating in Rotary Park’s holiday nature camp. The camp, in its third year, aimed to teach children about the environment around them. The campers embarked on nature hikes, fish in the ponds and off the pier and make homemade nature crafts.
“The kids enjoy the ability to come out and be outdoors,” Curry said. “We do a lot of active stuff. We don’t sit around.”
The campers spend most of their time outside. On Dec. 29, the group embarked on a hike from the Rotary Park Environmental Center to the Glover Bight trail. Walking the trail, the children saw spiders spinning their intricate webs.
The tour ended at the pier, where the counselors encouraged the children to hop off the boardwalk and into the muck below.
“If it’s muddy that’s all the better for us,” Curry said. “We love to get muddy and yucky because most kids like messy. There’s no way around it.”
Once down in the dirt, the campers dug through the mud looking at tiny crabs, small clear shrimp and any other small marine life they could find. The campers also went fishing using English muffins as bait. Their homemade fishing poles were taped together. The poles were made out of sticks, had paper clips for hooks and fishing line. Some even used feathers to help catch the eye of a minnow.
Anonda Rapp, 11, said she was hoping to use something a little more substantial than bread as bait.
“I learned the fish like ham and cheese,” Anonda said. “When you put the ham in (the water) the sun fish go crazy.”
The fifth-grader said she was having a lot of fun at camp and would miss going outside once school resumed. Runa Chernik, 9, said she’d also miss the camp.
“My yard isn’t as fun,” she said.
Curry said she wanted the camp to focus on the old-fashioned values of having kids go outside and explore. The campers spent up to six hours out of an eight-hour day outside, either playing on the playground, around the pond or walking the various trails.
The nature camp concluded with a long hike through the park grounds.
“We basically follow the trail, then forage our way through the mangroves,” said Megan Fauci, assistant counselor. “Last year we got stuck in the mud up to our hips.”
Curry said the campers meander through the park, getting dirty, before eventually reaching the riverbed. Once they reach their destination, the campers start to explore the river.
This was Tre Cooper’s first time at the nature camp. The 10-year-old said he was excited to go on the hike.
“We’re going to hike for six hours and we don’t know where we’re going, it’s really fun,” Tre said.
Ethan Locklin, 9, was also looking forward to the adventure.
“I like going on the hikes,” he said, while trying to catch a crab in his small green net.
Ethan, a veteran camper, said his favorite part of the camp is getting messy and catching things.
Curry said the campers make up names for the areas they discover along their trek. She said there’s a beach named Monkeys and a part of the Rotary Park named Russia, according to the campers.
“We have very creative kids, it’s awesome,” Curry said.
Others turn their gaze to the murky calm water to catch minnows and other small fish with their homemade fishing poles.
“This is more fish feeding than fish catching,” Bridget Curry, head counselor, said laughing.
The campers, age 7 to 14, were participating in Rotary Park’s holiday nature camp. The camp, in its third year, aimed to teach children about the environment around them. The campers embarked on nature hikes, fish in the ponds and off the pier and make homemade nature crafts.
“The kids enjoy the ability to come out and be outdoors,” Curry said. “We do a lot of active stuff. We don’t sit around.”
The campers spend most of their time outside. On Dec. 29, the group embarked on a hike from the Rotary Park Environmental Center to the Glover Bight trail. Walking the trail, the children saw spiders spinning their intricate webs.
The tour ended at the pier, where the counselors encouraged the children to hop off the boardwalk and into the muck below.
“If it’s muddy that’s all the better for us,” Curry said. “We love to get muddy and yucky because most kids like messy. There’s no way around it.”
Once down in the dirt, the campers dug through the mud looking at tiny crabs, small clear shrimp and any other small marine life they could find. The campers also went fishing using English muffins as bait. Their homemade fishing poles were taped together. The poles were made out of sticks, had paper clips for hooks and fishing line. Some even used feathers to help catch the eye of a minnow.
Anonda Rapp, 11, said she was hoping to use something a little more substantial than bread as bait.
“I learned the fish like ham and cheese,” Anonda said. “When you put the ham in (the water) the sun fish go crazy.”
The fifth-grader said she was having a lot of fun at camp and would miss going outside once school resumed. Runa Chernik, 9, said she’d also miss the camp.
“My yard isn’t as fun,” she said.
Curry said she wanted the camp to focus on the old-fashioned values of having kids go outside and explore. The campers spent up to six hours out of an eight-hour day outside, either playing on the playground, around the pond or walking the various trails.
The nature camp concluded with a long hike through the park grounds.
“We basically follow the trail, then forage our way through the mangroves,” said Megan Fauci, assistant counselor. “Last year we got stuck in the mud up to our hips.”
Curry said the campers meander through the park, getting dirty, before eventually reaching the riverbed. Once they reach their destination, the campers start to explore the river.
This was Tre Cooper’s first time at the nature camp. The 10-year-old said he was excited to go on the hike.
“We’re going to hike for six hours and we don’t know where we’re going, it’s really fun,” Tre said.
Ethan Locklin, 9, was also looking forward to the adventure.
“I like going on the hikes,” he said, while trying to catch a crab in his small green net.
Ethan, a veteran camper, said his favorite part of the camp is getting messy and catching things.
Curry said the campers make up names for the areas they discover along their trek. She said there’s a beach named Monkeys and a part of the Rotary Park named Russia, according to the campers.
“We have very creative kids, it’s awesome,” Curry said.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Lifeline Family Center: Help for moms
Katherina Gonzalez, 19, said she never really got excited about Christmas before this year. Sitting near her 10-month-old Mila’s high chair clutching an accounting textbook, she talks about how her excitement for Christmas has changed.
“Now I have a reason to be excited,” she said. “It’s the birth of Christ so you have that spirit and with the baby it’s so much fun.”
This is Gonzalez’s first Christmas as a new mother and her second at Lifeline Family Center.
Lifeline is a charity that supports and houses unwed mothers and is home away from home for many young women this holiday season, most left with nowhere to go after they became pregnant.
This holiday, local churches have stepped in to help fulfill these women’s holiday wish-lists. For many, this is their first Christmas with their child as a new mother.
“We have been blessed with a ton of donations for the girls and the babies,” said assistant director Jenna Steffel. “With the little ones they really get into the spirit.”
Lifeline’s lobby is decorated with a Christmas tree and angel ornaments. Its conference room is filled with donated toys and baby items for the families living in the center.
Some of those items will be wrapped and stored under the tree for baby Mila. This is her first Christmas. Gonzalez said Mila’s first visit by Santa Claus was not a happy experience for the 10-month-old.
“She didn’t like him,” she said laughing. “She wouldn’t stop crying. She didn’t like him at all.”
Right now, Lifeline is hosting 11 women, with three expecting, and 11 babies. Some of the young women came in with toddlers. Gonzalez has been living at the center for about 15 months.
“When I got pregnant, I went to this clinic,” Gonzalez said. “I didn’t know what to do.”
She said a nurse at the clinic told her about the Lifeline program.
“She told me about it and it was like a miracle,” Gonzalez said.
During the year, the center provides food and shelter while encouraging the young women to continue their education. Once the baby is born, the new family stays at the center and is welcome until their child’s second birthday.
“So they can build a better life for them and their baby,” Steffel said. “It’s a personal journey. They become more focused on their schooling, then going out into the real world.”
Since being at the center, Gonzalez has obtained her GED and is now in an accounting program.
“I never thought I’d be good at math,” Gonzalez said. “I just started liking it and got better and better at it.”
Steffel said one of Lifeline’s main goals is the women’s education and that all are working for their GED or a program in higher education.
Steffel said a center this size could not operate without support and she said they have about 70 to 80 volunteers. They assist with everything from working in the nursery, to tutoring, to helping with mailings and promotional items .
Volunteer Dee Schuster has been working with the center since last March .
She said the nursery has touched her heart and that’s where she spends the most time. “It’s where I want to be. When I started, there were three kids but now there are 11,” Schuster said. “It’s a full house.”
“Now I have a reason to be excited,” she said. “It’s the birth of Christ so you have that spirit and with the baby it’s so much fun.”
This is Gonzalez’s first Christmas as a new mother and her second at Lifeline Family Center.
Lifeline is a charity that supports and houses unwed mothers and is home away from home for many young women this holiday season, most left with nowhere to go after they became pregnant.
This holiday, local churches have stepped in to help fulfill these women’s holiday wish-lists. For many, this is their first Christmas with their child as a new mother.
“We have been blessed with a ton of donations for the girls and the babies,” said assistant director Jenna Steffel. “With the little ones they really get into the spirit.”
Lifeline’s lobby is decorated with a Christmas tree and angel ornaments. Its conference room is filled with donated toys and baby items for the families living in the center.
Some of those items will be wrapped and stored under the tree for baby Mila. This is her first Christmas. Gonzalez said Mila’s first visit by Santa Claus was not a happy experience for the 10-month-old.
“She didn’t like him,” she said laughing. “She wouldn’t stop crying. She didn’t like him at all.”
Right now, Lifeline is hosting 11 women, with three expecting, and 11 babies. Some of the young women came in with toddlers. Gonzalez has been living at the center for about 15 months.
“When I got pregnant, I went to this clinic,” Gonzalez said. “I didn’t know what to do.”
She said a nurse at the clinic told her about the Lifeline program.
“She told me about it and it was like a miracle,” Gonzalez said.
During the year, the center provides food and shelter while encouraging the young women to continue their education. Once the baby is born, the new family stays at the center and is welcome until their child’s second birthday.
“So they can build a better life for them and their baby,” Steffel said. “It’s a personal journey. They become more focused on their schooling, then going out into the real world.”
Since being at the center, Gonzalez has obtained her GED and is now in an accounting program.
“I never thought I’d be good at math,” Gonzalez said. “I just started liking it and got better and better at it.”
Steffel said one of Lifeline’s main goals is the women’s education and that all are working for their GED or a program in higher education.
Steffel said a center this size could not operate without support and she said they have about 70 to 80 volunteers. They assist with everything from working in the nursery, to tutoring, to helping with mailings and promotional items .
Volunteer Dee Schuster has been working with the center since last March .
She said the nursery has touched her heart and that’s where she spends the most time. “It’s where I want to be. When I started, there were three kids but now there are 11,” Schuster said. “It’s a full house.”
Friday, December 23, 2011
Cape police officers help children with gifts
Cape Coral 10-year-old Arrissa Kubis was on a Christmas mission to find the perfect gift for her mother.
Equipped with an empty shopping cart and a Santa hat, she searched the jewelry section of the Walmart on Del Prado Boulevard looking for the perfect bauble.
Arrissa was one of the 35 children given opportunity to shop for free at the ninth annual Cape Coral Police Department’s Shop with a Cop event Thursday.
Arrissa’s eyes lit up when she found the perfect pair of earrings for her mom. She also picked up a sketchbook and a paint-by-numbers set to be placed under the tree for herself to open on Christmas day. She was accompanied by Cape Coral Police Chief Jay Murphy on her hour-long shopping spree.
“It was easy,” said Cape Coral Police Chief Jay Murphy, who was chaperoning her. “She knew what she wanted; she’s very pragmatic. I think we did it in record time.”
Each child roamed the aisles with an officer looking for toys and gifts, not just for themselves but also for their families. The department said 178 family members will be impacted by the gifts.
The morning started with officers picking up the children at their homes and taking them to breakfast at Perkins restaurant. After breakfast, the children received gift cards provided by Walmart and Capital Bank and were then free to roam the store with their officer. Murphy said most of the children don’t spend all the money on toys but instead focus on clothes, shoes or other necessities for their families.
“Quite often, most of these children stick to the basics,” he said.
For Arrissa, she said her favorite part of the shopping was buying for others, and she wasn’t alone. Eleven-year-old Payton Johns bought presents for her mother and grandmother.
“But first, I’m shopping for me,” she said, laughing, in the toy aisle.
Payton said the first thing she wanted to check off her list was Play-Doh.
The holiday shopping is as much fun for the officers as it is for the children.
“I try to do this every year I can,” said detective Alisha McDonald. “The kids are awesome, and I like being able to shop with them and help their families. I do it for them more than anything.”
Deputy Chief Bart Connelly shares the same sentiment.
“It’s a part of what we do as police officers. It’s giving,” Connelly said. “It’s helping others, who’re less fortunate, to have a good Christmas.”
After the shopping, the children went back to the police station to wrap their gifts and have a pizza party.
The children were scurrying around the wrapping room helping to pick out gift wrap for their family’s gifts. Murphy said what he likes most about the day is the transformation of the childrens’ demeanor.
“When they show up at eight in the morning you have to pry the words out of them. Now, they’re running around smiling,” he said.
Equipped with an empty shopping cart and a Santa hat, she searched the jewelry section of the Walmart on Del Prado Boulevard looking for the perfect bauble.
Arrissa was one of the 35 children given opportunity to shop for free at the ninth annual Cape Coral Police Department’s Shop with a Cop event Thursday.
Arrissa’s eyes lit up when she found the perfect pair of earrings for her mom. She also picked up a sketchbook and a paint-by-numbers set to be placed under the tree for herself to open on Christmas day. She was accompanied by Cape Coral Police Chief Jay Murphy on her hour-long shopping spree.
“It was easy,” said Cape Coral Police Chief Jay Murphy, who was chaperoning her. “She knew what she wanted; she’s very pragmatic. I think we did it in record time.”
Each child roamed the aisles with an officer looking for toys and gifts, not just for themselves but also for their families. The department said 178 family members will be impacted by the gifts.
The morning started with officers picking up the children at their homes and taking them to breakfast at Perkins restaurant. After breakfast, the children received gift cards provided by Walmart and Capital Bank and were then free to roam the store with their officer. Murphy said most of the children don’t spend all the money on toys but instead focus on clothes, shoes or other necessities for their families.
“Quite often, most of these children stick to the basics,” he said.
For Arrissa, she said her favorite part of the shopping was buying for others, and she wasn’t alone. Eleven-year-old Payton Johns bought presents for her mother and grandmother.
“But first, I’m shopping for me,” she said, laughing, in the toy aisle.
Payton said the first thing she wanted to check off her list was Play-Doh.
The holiday shopping is as much fun for the officers as it is for the children.
“I try to do this every year I can,” said detective Alisha McDonald. “The kids are awesome, and I like being able to shop with them and help their families. I do it for them more than anything.”
Deputy Chief Bart Connelly shares the same sentiment.
“It’s a part of what we do as police officers. It’s giving,” Connelly said. “It’s helping others, who’re less fortunate, to have a good Christmas.”
After the shopping, the children went back to the police station to wrap their gifts and have a pizza party.
The children were scurrying around the wrapping room helping to pick out gift wrap for their family’s gifts. Murphy said what he likes most about the day is the transformation of the childrens’ demeanor.
“When they show up at eight in the morning you have to pry the words out of them. Now, they’re running around smiling,” he said.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Cape Coral builders group chips in
The city of Cape Coral’s Special Populations program received an early holiday donation from the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association on Wednesday.
The association donated more than $2,000 worth of paper goods, baby wipes, cleaning supplies and arts and crafts supplies to the Special Populations program.
“They needed some assistance and I couldn’t think of a better organization that needed the help,” said Jeremy Johnson, CCCIA president.
Special Populations is a part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and provides people with developmental disabilities a variety of programs aimed to help promote independence and life skills. The program has around 100 participants who attend five days a week. Program activities including art and music therapy, job skills training and social and life skills.
The donations were off Special Populations’ “needs list” that was circulated to CCCIA members through email and at meetings.
“Their members really rallied and came through with donations this year and last year,” said Sara Sansone, Special Populations supervisor. “It’s nice they continued this year as well. We’re pleased with our new partnership.”
This year, the association also had a holiday luncheon of turkey with all the fixings at the Special Populations center. Members interacted with program participants sharing laughs and conversation.
“It was their idea to spend lunch with us,” Sansone said. “(They’re) getting to know them and seeing some of their needs.”
Johnson said he first met with the Special Population participants at a city leadership program and spent time at the center. He said that experience helped him to decide to have a CCCIA donation drive to help Special Populations.
“We got to meet them and it was really enlightening,” Johnson said.
The association is looking to make this donation drive an annual event and they hope to work with the center on future construction projects.
“I’m looking forward to carrying out the tradition,” said incoming vice president Anthony Greco Jr. “To help them out and raise awareness to what the city is doing with this great program.”
The association donated more than $2,000 worth of paper goods, baby wipes, cleaning supplies and arts and crafts supplies to the Special Populations program.
“They needed some assistance and I couldn’t think of a better organization that needed the help,” said Jeremy Johnson, CCCIA president.
Special Populations is a part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and provides people with developmental disabilities a variety of programs aimed to help promote independence and life skills. The program has around 100 participants who attend five days a week. Program activities including art and music therapy, job skills training and social and life skills.
The donations were off Special Populations’ “needs list” that was circulated to CCCIA members through email and at meetings.
“Their members really rallied and came through with donations this year and last year,” said Sara Sansone, Special Populations supervisor. “It’s nice they continued this year as well. We’re pleased with our new partnership.”
This year, the association also had a holiday luncheon of turkey with all the fixings at the Special Populations center. Members interacted with program participants sharing laughs and conversation.
“It was their idea to spend lunch with us,” Sansone said. “(They’re) getting to know them and seeing some of their needs.”
Johnson said he first met with the Special Population participants at a city leadership program and spent time at the center. He said that experience helped him to decide to have a CCCIA donation drive to help Special Populations.
“We got to meet them and it was really enlightening,” Johnson said.
The association is looking to make this donation drive an annual event and they hope to work with the center on future construction projects.
“I’m looking forward to carrying out the tradition,” said incoming vice president Anthony Greco Jr. “To help them out and raise awareness to what the city is doing with this great program.”
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