Operation Open Arms received a new vehicle Wednesday to help transport troops to and from the airport.
Dave and Brenda Boss donated the 1999 BMW 528 that they called “Miss Betty” to the charity.
“We wanted to donate the car and we’re trying to figure it out,” said Brenda Boss.
She wanted the car to be used and not sold. Boss called Capt. John “Giddy Up” Bunch, head of OOA and asked if they could use the car. Bunch had could use the car but it needed some work.
The AC needed to be fixed and the windows and interiors needed work too. Operation Open Arms went on Fox 4 and the support from the community piled in.
Cliff Gilman, manager at Leading Edge Auto Care took care of the AC and helped coordinate the auto work. The vehicle stayed at his shop. Gilman’s dad was a veteran so that was a major factor in his contribution.
“If it wasn’t for the veterans we wouldn’t be here doing what we do today,” said Gilman.
James Szczep, owner of The Mobile Headliner Mad llc. also had similar ambitions.
“I just wanted to help out the troops,” said Szczep. “I gave him a break on parts and did the labor for free.”
Many other vendors contributed. Stealth Automotive cut a break with headlights and Collex Collision Experts helped with the bumpers.
“(It was) an amazing effort for everyone to put this together,” said Bunch.
The finished car was displayed at Geo’s Italian Restaurant on 1140 Ceitus Terrace in Cape Coral.
Geo’s hosted a fundraiser that night from 5 to 10 p.m. and 10% of the proceeds benefited OOA. Geo’s has been giving troops free meals with the program since it opened.
“(He) extends a lot of graciousness for police, fire and our troops,” said Bunch about owner George Lukas.
The car will be a great asset to the charity. The group has been spending around $150 for limo service to chauffeur the troops. Now that the car is ready they will not have to rent a limo for when they pick up a few soldiers.
“Now she is in her second phase,” said Boss. “What all these people donated to have her (the car) look new again is just so heartwarming.”
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Cape kids get an early line on art of fishing
Mike LaRue helps his daughter Jennifer, 7, during the Kids All American Fishing Derby. The annual event brought more than 100 children to the Cape Coral Yacht Club fishing pier. Photo by Nancy Oben
Cape Coral's Kids All American Fishing Derby had young fishermen and women hooked on angling.
More than 100 children 5 to 15 and their families spent Saturday morning at the Cape Coral Yacht Club fishing pier, learning about angling and hoping to catch the biggest fish.
"It's not just throwing your rod out here," said Coby Palmer, city parks employee who helped put together the event. "It's learning how to fish. And they are learning from the best."
The annual event was in its 15th year. Kids could participate with an $8 entry fee. The fee included bait, a goodies bag, prizes and a lunch.
"We like fishing and we like getting the kids involved in it," said John Bertscht Jr., out with his grandson Johnathan, 5, and his family.
"I want to catch a dolphin," Johnathan said.
"As long as he has fun it's worth it," said William Heath, Johnathan's father.
The derby had awards for biggest fish, smallest fish, first fish and most fish caught.
Alexia Cedrone, 8, was hoping to win the biggest fish award.
Alexia likes to fish "because then you get fish and it's fun to look at them."
The event had help from professionals. Volunteers from West Marine walked the dock helping kids.
"Not only do we have our future anglers," said Terry Hale, district manager of West Marine for Southwest Florida. "We are starting them off on the right foot from a conservation perspective."
The fishing derby was a catch-and-release event.
"(It's) a biology lesson of everything that lives in the Caloosahatchee," said George Howell, a volunteer and charter boat captain. "As they become really into fishing they realize the healthier the environment is, the healthier the fishing is."
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Relay can't be stopped this time around
Rain may have dampened Cape Coral's original Relay For Life but it didn't wash out the spirit.
Relay For Life of Cape Coral, Surviving the Storm fundraiser drew crowds today to Cape Harbor looking to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Cape Coral's original Relay For Life on May 14 had to be cut short because of lightning, leaving organizers about $20,000 short of their goal. When participants that day left the Ida Baker High School gym, they found 30-40 tents destroyed.
"We were going to wait it out but all the tents have been blown away," said Donna Germain, co-event chairwoman. "There was no way to salvage."
The event also was cut short before the luminaria ceremony, a tradition for relay events.
As a result, the event at Cape Harbor had white and purple sand-filled paper bags lining the walking route. The bags held candles dedicated to loved ones lost to cancer.
"It really came together fairly fast," said Germain about hosting a new event. "Cape Harbor was the first place we called and they were glad to help."
The event had to be scaled down to fit the venue, with walkers making their way along a small cobblestoned route.
Organizers made up the $20,000 shortfall before the event started, raising $150,000, slightly more than their overall goal of $147,000.
Many participants at Relay For Life are touched in some way by cancer.
"I was helping a friend of mine with the event and unfortunately I was diagnosed," said Olga Lamaritata, a cancer survivor and Cape Coral resident in her fourth year working with Relay For Life.
"After that every single amount we can raise, it's good for all of us."
"Everyone's life has been touched," said Annie Howe, team captain for Suncoast Federal Credit Union. "I have a good friend in stage 3 (cancer) and an aunt who died from cancer. So anything we can do to raise money for research."
Relay For Life of Cape Coral, Surviving the Storm fundraiser drew crowds today to Cape Harbor looking to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Cape Coral's original Relay For Life on May 14 had to be cut short because of lightning, leaving organizers about $20,000 short of their goal. When participants that day left the Ida Baker High School gym, they found 30-40 tents destroyed.
"We were going to wait it out but all the tents have been blown away," said Donna Germain, co-event chairwoman. "There was no way to salvage."
The event also was cut short before the luminaria ceremony, a tradition for relay events.
As a result, the event at Cape Harbor had white and purple sand-filled paper bags lining the walking route. The bags held candles dedicated to loved ones lost to cancer.
"It really came together fairly fast," said Germain about hosting a new event. "Cape Harbor was the first place we called and they were glad to help."
The event had to be scaled down to fit the venue, with walkers making their way along a small cobblestoned route.
Organizers made up the $20,000 shortfall before the event started, raising $150,000, slightly more than their overall goal of $147,000.
Many participants at Relay For Life are touched in some way by cancer.
"I was helping a friend of mine with the event and unfortunately I was diagnosed," said Olga Lamaritata, a cancer survivor and Cape Coral resident in her fourth year working with Relay For Life.
"After that every single amount we can raise, it's good for all of us."
"Everyone's life has been touched," said Annie Howe, team captain for Suncoast Federal Credit Union. "I have a good friend in stage 3 (cancer) and an aunt who died from cancer. So anything we can do to raise money for research."
Friday, June 10, 2011
Last Day at Caloosa Middle School
Caloosa Middle School students are excitedly filling the halls for the last day of school before summer vacation.
“Today we have exams but we might get treats in Mrs. Brewer’s class” said seventh grader Morgan Peltier.
As the last exam is turned in and the final bell rings, students minds will turn to summer vacation.
“I definitely want to sleep in and hang out with my friends,” said sixth grader Jamie DeCarlo.
She will be having a busy summer. She is attending a softball camp, three volleyball camps and will be visiting family in Ohio.
Family vacations are also the plan for sixth grader Davin Scheloer. He’s going to Orlando and North Carolina to visit family this summer.
The school year has been a memorable one for CMS students.
There were field trips to skating rinks and Sun Splash as well as scholastic achievements. The future problem solvers went to states this year.
The students worked hard all year for the Paw Pat festival. During the year, students were awarded orange tickets for good behavior. These tickets were good for soda, treats and games at the festival.
“I mostly bought candy,” said sixth grader Diosvany Baez.
Three large Pixie Sticks worth. He said he was hyped up.
Students are also happy about moving up a grade. Davin says sixth grade is a hard adjustment from elementary school and looks forawrd to seventh.
Morgan is looking forward to be the top dog at school.
“I’m excited for the eighth grade dance and eighth grade privileges,” said Morgan.
“I’m excited about the new electives,” said Jamie.
CMS is adding elective courses, including a science class that will based on developing and designing race cars and another on kitchen science.
For now, however, students are still focusing on their finals.
The bell rings and these students are off with the large crowd of pre-teens scurrying to their last exams.
“Today we have exams but we might get treats in Mrs. Brewer’s class” said seventh grader Morgan Peltier.
As the last exam is turned in and the final bell rings, students minds will turn to summer vacation.
“I definitely want to sleep in and hang out with my friends,” said sixth grader Jamie DeCarlo.
She will be having a busy summer. She is attending a softball camp, three volleyball camps and will be visiting family in Ohio.
Family vacations are also the plan for sixth grader Davin Scheloer. He’s going to Orlando and North Carolina to visit family this summer.
The school year has been a memorable one for CMS students.
There were field trips to skating rinks and Sun Splash as well as scholastic achievements. The future problem solvers went to states this year.
The students worked hard all year for the Paw Pat festival. During the year, students were awarded orange tickets for good behavior. These tickets were good for soda, treats and games at the festival.
“I mostly bought candy,” said sixth grader Diosvany Baez.
Three large Pixie Sticks worth. He said he was hyped up.
Students are also happy about moving up a grade. Davin says sixth grade is a hard adjustment from elementary school and looks forawrd to seventh.
Morgan is looking forward to be the top dog at school.
“I’m excited for the eighth grade dance and eighth grade privileges,” said Morgan.
“I’m excited about the new electives,” said Jamie.
CMS is adding elective courses, including a science class that will based on developing and designing race cars and another on kitchen science.
For now, however, students are still focusing on their finals.
The bell rings and these students are off with the large crowd of pre-teens scurrying to their last exams.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Lehigh golf club holding fundraiser for Cape Coral resident in need of kidney transplant
By Nancy Oben
noben@news-press.com
Cape Coral resident David Kendrick, 31, needs a lifesaving kidney transplant.
The Westminster Golf Club in Lehigh Acres is hosting a golf scramble June 11 to help him.
Kendrick, who has had a kidney condition since age 2, is one of 3,295 Florida residents awaiting a kidney transplant. He has been waiting seven years to have his second transplant.
"The doctors said my kidneys were equivalent to a 76-year-old lady," Kendrick said.
Even with health insurance, Kendrick faces great medical costs. The price for a kidney transplant is approximately $250,000 and after the operation he will need medication that costs more than $2,000 a month.
To receive treatment, Kendrick must travel 250 miles each way to Shands Hospital in Gainesville. His family will have to temporarily relocate in order for him to have the transplant, incurring additional expenses.
The Kendrick family's fundraising goal is $15,000 to $25,000 to help cover three years of medicine, travel and other costs.
"People want to help," Kendrick said. "But a lot of times they aren't financially able to help."
The Kendrick family belongs to Daniels Road Baptist Church.
"Church has been a huge support for us," said wife Christy Kendrick.
In addition to the golf scramble, the Kendrick family has hosted events locally at different restaurants. All events can be seen through their Facebook group, "Kidney for Kendrick."
The Kendrick family has turned to the National Transplant Foundation for help with fundraising. The foundation assigns each patient a fundraising consultant.
"(The Foundation) has key volunteers to oversee their efforts," said Mandy Stockton, director of public relations for the NFT. "We want David to focus on his health."
Fundraising is hard for Kendrick because he attends dialysis sessions three days a week, four hours at a time, in Cape Coral.
"Fundraising takes a lot of footwork," Kendrick said. "A lot of going around to businesses and getting turned down."
Dialysis affects all aspects of his life. Before his current job, he would often go to interviews and be told "you're the right guy for the job," he said, but once he mentioned he was on dialysis he would not be hired.
Dialysis also affects his family life.
"You never know how he is going to feel afterwards," Christy said. "It's hard when there is nothing to do to help him."
His daughter Courtney, 15, a student at Oasis Charter High School, has dealt with his condition her entire life. She was only a small child when Kendrick had his first transplant.
"She can say it doesn't bother her," Kendrick said. "But when you really look at her you can tell it does."
In his spare time Kendrick likes to play guitar and is studying to become a pastor.
The Kendrick family is still looking for sponsors, and teams of four for the golf scramble. The deadline to enter the golf tournament is June 7.
Check-in will be at 8 a.m. June 11 and tee time is at 8:30 a.m. The $65 entry fee per player includes lunch. Prizes will be awarded and there will also be a 50/50 raffle at the event.
"Even if you can't attend the golf tournament there are still ways to help," Stockton said.
Donations for the Kendrick family are being accepted through the National Transplant Foundation and can be made online at transplant.org/donate/davidkendrick.
You can also donate by sending contributions to the NFT Florida Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to include "In honor of David Kendrick" on the memo line.
noben@news-press.com
Cape Coral resident David Kendrick, 31, needs a lifesaving kidney transplant.
The Westminster Golf Club in Lehigh Acres is hosting a golf scramble June 11 to help him.
Kendrick, who has had a kidney condition since age 2, is one of 3,295 Florida residents awaiting a kidney transplant. He has been waiting seven years to have his second transplant.
"The doctors said my kidneys were equivalent to a 76-year-old lady," Kendrick said.
Even with health insurance, Kendrick faces great medical costs. The price for a kidney transplant is approximately $250,000 and after the operation he will need medication that costs more than $2,000 a month.
To receive treatment, Kendrick must travel 250 miles each way to Shands Hospital in Gainesville. His family will have to temporarily relocate in order for him to have the transplant, incurring additional expenses.
The Kendrick family's fundraising goal is $15,000 to $25,000 to help cover three years of medicine, travel and other costs.
"People want to help," Kendrick said. "But a lot of times they aren't financially able to help."
The Kendrick family belongs to Daniels Road Baptist Church.
"Church has been a huge support for us," said wife Christy Kendrick.
In addition to the golf scramble, the Kendrick family has hosted events locally at different restaurants. All events can be seen through their Facebook group, "Kidney for Kendrick."
The Kendrick family has turned to the National Transplant Foundation for help with fundraising. The foundation assigns each patient a fundraising consultant.
"(The Foundation) has key volunteers to oversee their efforts," said Mandy Stockton, director of public relations for the NFT. "We want David to focus on his health."
Fundraising is hard for Kendrick because he attends dialysis sessions three days a week, four hours at a time, in Cape Coral.
"Fundraising takes a lot of footwork," Kendrick said. "A lot of going around to businesses and getting turned down."
Dialysis affects all aspects of his life. Before his current job, he would often go to interviews and be told "you're the right guy for the job," he said, but once he mentioned he was on dialysis he would not be hired.
Dialysis also affects his family life.
"You never know how he is going to feel afterwards," Christy said. "It's hard when there is nothing to do to help him."
His daughter Courtney, 15, a student at Oasis Charter High School, has dealt with his condition her entire life. She was only a small child when Kendrick had his first transplant.
"She can say it doesn't bother her," Kendrick said. "But when you really look at her you can tell it does."
In his spare time Kendrick likes to play guitar and is studying to become a pastor.
The Kendrick family is still looking for sponsors, and teams of four for the golf scramble. The deadline to enter the golf tournament is June 7.
Check-in will be at 8 a.m. June 11 and tee time is at 8:30 a.m. The $65 entry fee per player includes lunch. Prizes will be awarded and there will also be a 50/50 raffle at the event.
"Even if you can't attend the golf tournament there are still ways to help," Stockton said.
Donations for the Kendrick family are being accepted through the National Transplant Foundation and can be made online at transplant.org/donate/davidkendrick.
You can also donate by sending contributions to the NFT Florida Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to include "In honor of David Kendrick" on the memo line.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
National Merit Scholarships go to 10: Area high schoolers get help with college
For 10 area high school seniors, paying for college just became easier.
The students from Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties will receive prestigious National Merit Scholarships from their choice college.
"It helps a lot to get any help that you can," said recipient Jack Hackett, a senior at Canterbury School in south Fort Myers. He plans to attend the University of Florida.
The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 a year and the student receives the award for up to four years of undergraduate study.
The National Merit Scholarship program is a national academic competition that awards students for scholastic achievement.
Students are eligible to receive recognition after taking the PSAT, a precursor to the SAT college entrance test or the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
"It was a little surprising but exciting," said Kaitlyn Sarlo, a senior at Bishop Verot High School who also plans to attend Florida. "You take the SAT, but it's never in the front of your mind that you can win a scholarship."
Of 1.5 million applicants nationwide, only 50,000 students' scores are eligible for recognition. The applicant pool narrows to 15,000 finalists with 8,400 receiving scholarships.
Florida had 805 finalists this year with more scholarships to be awarded in July.
Students, in addition to achieving high test scores on the PSAT and SAT, must complete a scholarship application. The packet includes an essay, their academic record and teacher recommendations.
"It was easy," said Jose Quinonez, a senior at Bishop Verot who plans to attend the University of Miami. "The application was painless and easy to go through. It was a very nice process."
Being a National Merit Scholar finalist is an asset when applying to colleges.
"Colleges recognize it as a high honor," said Katie Williamsen, coordinator for public information at the National Merit Scholarship Corp. "Some colleges will award scholarships for the student's standing in the program."
"It's a good thing to have on a resume." said Quinonez. "I think it helps out a lot."
The three Collier County winners were from the Community School of Naples — George Ferguson, Lauren Raskauskas and Megan Schmelzle.
"It definitely helps," said Ferguson, who's receiving $2,000 annually from Washington University in St. Louis.
A science buff, Ferguson took Advanced Placement physics, chemistry and environmental science courses.
Raskauskas will also receive $2,000 a year from Washington.
She has aspired to become a doctor since middle school.
— Staff writer Christina Cepero contributed to this report.
The students from Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties will receive prestigious National Merit Scholarships from their choice college.
"It helps a lot to get any help that you can," said recipient Jack Hackett, a senior at Canterbury School in south Fort Myers. He plans to attend the University of Florida.
The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 a year and the student receives the award for up to four years of undergraduate study.
The National Merit Scholarship program is a national academic competition that awards students for scholastic achievement.
Students are eligible to receive recognition after taking the PSAT, a precursor to the SAT college entrance test or the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
"It was a little surprising but exciting," said Kaitlyn Sarlo, a senior at Bishop Verot High School who also plans to attend Florida. "You take the SAT, but it's never in the front of your mind that you can win a scholarship."
Of 1.5 million applicants nationwide, only 50,000 students' scores are eligible for recognition. The applicant pool narrows to 15,000 finalists with 8,400 receiving scholarships.
Florida had 805 finalists this year with more scholarships to be awarded in July.
Students, in addition to achieving high test scores on the PSAT and SAT, must complete a scholarship application. The packet includes an essay, their academic record and teacher recommendations.
"It was easy," said Jose Quinonez, a senior at Bishop Verot who plans to attend the University of Miami. "The application was painless and easy to go through. It was a very nice process."
Being a National Merit Scholar finalist is an asset when applying to colleges.
"Colleges recognize it as a high honor," said Katie Williamsen, coordinator for public information at the National Merit Scholarship Corp. "Some colleges will award scholarships for the student's standing in the program."
"It's a good thing to have on a resume." said Quinonez. "I think it helps out a lot."
The three Collier County winners were from the Community School of Naples — George Ferguson, Lauren Raskauskas and Megan Schmelzle.
"It definitely helps," said Ferguson, who's receiving $2,000 annually from Washington University in St. Louis.
A science buff, Ferguson took Advanced Placement physics, chemistry and environmental science courses.
Raskauskas will also receive $2,000 a year from Washington.
She has aspired to become a doctor since middle school.
— Staff writer Christina Cepero contributed to this report.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Closing of the UM Rathskellar
Last Call, as we know it, has been changed forever.
At the end of the spring semester, there was word that the popular Rathskeller would be torn down in order to make room for a new student activities center.
Threats of the new activities center were made a few years ago but the economy slowed and the project was never started. Now with a 20 million dollar gift ground is finally being broken.
The Rat will be torn down in the summer and will temporarily be moved into the location of Sbarros. Once the new activities center is completed, which is slated to end 2013, the Rat will move into its new permanent home.
“It’s sad knowing that the old rat won't be there when I come back to visit campus,” said Senior Missy Walton, a server at the Rat. “But [it’s] also exciting that the Rat is getting a brand new building because the Rat really needs more space. The people are really what makes the Rat so special and they will be forever with me.”
Some Students are upsetabout moving the Rat into the Sbarros location. Programming in the temporary location won’t change and the comedy shows and Greek programs will still exist with the new Rat location.
“You won't be able to see the lake from the Sbarro courtyard,” said Sophomore Nicole Brzozowski. “”And half the fun of the rat is being right next to the lake with all your friends.”
Other students, however, see the other side of the argument and are happy for the new Rathskeller.
“I think when it all comes down to it, it won't be so bad for the students,” said Senior Eric Speigel. “It will still be open, and eventually they'll get a much nicer building.”
Only time will tell, what the legacy of the old Rat building will have. Would new building still have the same college feel? Will the new activities center give the university an edge in wooing prospective students?
As for right now, students will be mourning the loss of the orange and green tabled, smoky, small polygonal building with the Greek memorabilia and the Sports Illustrated covers of our glory days mounting the walls.
“It’s really a bittersweet feeling,” said Senior Alex Fruin. “After spending so much time there with friends and working there too, it’s so strange to think that when I come back to visit it won’t be there anymore.”
This story was written for the 2011 Ibis Yearbook, the yearbook will be printed and distributed in the Fall 2011 semester.
At the end of the spring semester, there was word that the popular Rathskeller would be torn down in order to make room for a new student activities center.
Threats of the new activities center were made a few years ago but the economy slowed and the project was never started. Now with a 20 million dollar gift ground is finally being broken.
The Rat will be torn down in the summer and will temporarily be moved into the location of Sbarros. Once the new activities center is completed, which is slated to end 2013, the Rat will move into its new permanent home.
“It’s sad knowing that the old rat won't be there when I come back to visit campus,” said Senior Missy Walton, a server at the Rat. “But [it’s] also exciting that the Rat is getting a brand new building because the Rat really needs more space. The people are really what makes the Rat so special and they will be forever with me.”
Some Students are upsetabout moving the Rat into the Sbarros location. Programming in the temporary location won’t change and the comedy shows and Greek programs will still exist with the new Rat location.
“You won't be able to see the lake from the Sbarro courtyard,” said Sophomore Nicole Brzozowski. “”And half the fun of the rat is being right next to the lake with all your friends.”
Other students, however, see the other side of the argument and are happy for the new Rathskeller.
“I think when it all comes down to it, it won't be so bad for the students,” said Senior Eric Speigel. “It will still be open, and eventually they'll get a much nicer building.”
Only time will tell, what the legacy of the old Rat building will have. Would new building still have the same college feel? Will the new activities center give the university an edge in wooing prospective students?
As for right now, students will be mourning the loss of the orange and green tabled, smoky, small polygonal building with the Greek memorabilia and the Sports Illustrated covers of our glory days mounting the walls.
“It’s really a bittersweet feeling,” said Senior Alex Fruin. “After spending so much time there with friends and working there too, it’s so strange to think that when I come back to visit it won’t be there anymore.”
This story was written for the 2011 Ibis Yearbook, the yearbook will be printed and distributed in the Fall 2011 semester.
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