The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce has enacted a new service that can benefit members' businesses as well as their wallets.
The "First Hour Free" program gives a chance for chamber members to interact with one another.
Launched May 26, business members who agree to be experts offer services to other members with the first hour being free. Chamber members were informed of the program by memo.
"I saw the program and I immediately signed up," said Matthew Connar from Boost Creative, a four-year chamber member. "It's a no-brainer."
The program can benefit every member but Chamber President Mike Quaintance says new members will especially benefit.
"(Especially) folks that are new in business or trying to grow their businesses," Quaintance said. "As well as people who are trying to diversify their business."
Chamber members who agree to be experts will have the "First Hour Free" logo under their name in the business directory. The special consultation is only available to other members and is not available to the public.
"It just started up," said attorney William Merchant, who is also participating in the program. "I'm looking forward to meet with and give advice to other chamber members."
Expert advice is offered in accounting, consulting, legal help and graphic design as well as other fields. The consultation meetings can be set up independently between the two parties; the chamber is not involved in scheduling. After the first hour, members can negotiate if more assistance is required.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity to provide services and assistance to newcomers in Cape Coral as well as old-timers who need questions answered," Merchant said.
The program is just as beneficial to the advice seekers as it is to the advice givers. Connar said it's a great way to get potential clients in the door to see his design work.
"It's twofold," Connar said. "Obviously I'm looking to get clients out of it but I'm also trying to be a quality resource for the chamber, a go-to guy."
Experts are not reimbursed for the time spent.
"It's a great example of the generosity of the community to help other people in need," Quaintance said.
The program is still new and growing and the chamber is still accepting member applications to become experts.
"Hopefully it will continue to grow to help diversify other areas of (the chamber's) business mentorship," Quaintance said.
For more information, call Quaintance at 549-6900.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Benefit Run to Help Family
The Speedsters is hosting a 5K Saturday for Kayla Hilliard, a 5-year-old with cerebral palsy.
The running group hopes to raise money to purchase Kayla a special needs running stroller. The stroller, which costs about $1,000, will make it possible for her to go on runs with her family.
Her parents, Justin and Charyse Hilliard, are avid runners and Charyse is a member of the Speedsters.
"She loves it," said Charyse Hilliard of Kayla riding in the stroller. The family is now borrowing one.
"She's the happiest little thing," Hilliard said. "She loves Minnie and Mickey and Dora; all the things that 5-year-olds love."
Kayla will use the loaner at the event as her father runs.
Hilliard said the stroller will benefit the entire family because both parents love to run with Kayla. Charyse Hilliard lives in Cape Coral and Justin Hilliard lives in Lehigh Acres.
"The focus is on raising money for this girl," said Perry Small, president of the Speedsters.
Proceeds will benefit CPKidz, a nonprofit organization founded by Hilliard to help special needs families. The money raised will go toward the stroller and Small thinks they will raise close to $1,000.
It was Small's idea to host the fundraiser, said Hilliard. Small said that he saw Hilliard was having scheduling problems and couldn't run as much as she wanted to and he wanted to help.
"(The Speedsters) are more about support and encouragement and helping others with their running," Small said.
"We all just came together and decided to put on this race as a fundraiser," said John Biffar, a major planner in the event.
The hardest part about planning the run was finding a day that didn't conflict with other races. Small said there is a race almost every weekend.
"It's amazing how many people are coming out to help out," Hilliard said.
The event will offer raffle prizes and giveaways donated by local races and vendors. There will be a free entry to the ING Miami Marathon with training, a free entry to the A1A marathon, and a chance to win running shoes and running gear, as well as many other entries and prizes.
"We've been blessed to get all this stuff," Biffar said.
So far, 100 people have registered for the event and Biffar is hoping 130-140 to come out to the run.
If Yyou Go
The event and registration can be found online at runflorida.com. Registration is $10 online and $15 the day of the event.
Check-in for the fun run starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Jaycee Park, 4215 SE 20th Pl., in SE Cape Coral. The event will not have awards or post results, but it will have a clock timer.
The first 100 participants will receive a free T-shirt.
The running group hopes to raise money to purchase Kayla a special needs running stroller. The stroller, which costs about $1,000, will make it possible for her to go on runs with her family.
Her parents, Justin and Charyse Hilliard, are avid runners and Charyse is a member of the Speedsters.
"She loves it," said Charyse Hilliard of Kayla riding in the stroller. The family is now borrowing one.
"She's the happiest little thing," Hilliard said. "She loves Minnie and Mickey and Dora; all the things that 5-year-olds love."
Kayla will use the loaner at the event as her father runs.
Hilliard said the stroller will benefit the entire family because both parents love to run with Kayla. Charyse Hilliard lives in Cape Coral and Justin Hilliard lives in Lehigh Acres.
"The focus is on raising money for this girl," said Perry Small, president of the Speedsters.
Proceeds will benefit CPKidz, a nonprofit organization founded by Hilliard to help special needs families. The money raised will go toward the stroller and Small thinks they will raise close to $1,000.
It was Small's idea to host the fundraiser, said Hilliard. Small said that he saw Hilliard was having scheduling problems and couldn't run as much as she wanted to and he wanted to help.
"(The Speedsters) are more about support and encouragement and helping others with their running," Small said.
"We all just came together and decided to put on this race as a fundraiser," said John Biffar, a major planner in the event.
The hardest part about planning the run was finding a day that didn't conflict with other races. Small said there is a race almost every weekend.
"It's amazing how many people are coming out to help out," Hilliard said.
The event will offer raffle prizes and giveaways donated by local races and vendors. There will be a free entry to the ING Miami Marathon with training, a free entry to the A1A marathon, and a chance to win running shoes and running gear, as well as many other entries and prizes.
"We've been blessed to get all this stuff," Biffar said.
So far, 100 people have registered for the event and Biffar is hoping 130-140 to come out to the run.
If Yyou Go
The event and registration can be found online at runflorida.com. Registration is $10 online and $15 the day of the event.
Check-in for the fun run starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Jaycee Park, 4215 SE 20th Pl., in SE Cape Coral. The event will not have awards or post results, but it will have a clock timer.
The first 100 participants will receive a free T-shirt.
Chabad Center raises funds for larger building
The Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Coral is looking to expand and is in need of the community's help.
The center, located in southwest Cape, is under contract and hopes to close on a larger building. The new space would enable Chabad to serve more families and expand its programs.
"We need a bigger place. We're growing out of our (current) place," said Rabbi Yossi Labkowski, executive director of the center.
Their existing location, a rented space at 4706 Chiquita Blvd., has roughly 2,500 square feet. The new building will eventually have 8,000 square feet.
Chabad offers social, educational and religious programming for the Jewish community of Cape Coral, which Labkowski said includes several thousand families with 300 to 400 being Chabad members.
"Chabad has brought me full circle with my religion, Judaism," said Russell Kracow, a member of the center for more than two years.
Some of the programs that Chabad offers the community include Hebrew school, summer camps and other children's programs, teen activities, adult education as well as weekly religious services and celebrations of Jewish holidays.
"Cape Coral Chabad is a place to share our Jewish culture together in a warm and friendly environment," said member and Cape Coral resident Herbert Young. "A place to help you know where God is in all your ways."
The center is a home away from home for many members.
"It has given me a sense of belonging to a family." said Kracow, whose immediate family is 1,200 miles away.
The center was established in 2004 by Rabbi Yossi and Rivky Labkowski. It was first housed in a small room but has since transferred to its present location.
The new building will be close to the existing center on Cape Coral Parkway. The building is under contract. Labkowski said it was a great opportunity given the real estate climate.
Chabad of Cape Coral is a nonprofit organization and is not funded by any central organization. This means that all the capital for the new center must be raised without assistance. Fundraising has been going on for two months and much of the $125,000 goal has been raised.
The center created a campaign including a direct mail brochure, email and a special section of their website with a donate option to help raise funds.
"We're confident on where we're standing and we hope to raise more," Labkowski said.
About Chabad
Chabad is a 250-year-old movement, originating in Lubavitch, Russia.
Chabad is an outreach program that promotes Judaism and emphasizes religious study.
Today, there are more than 3,000 institutions worldwide dedicated to advance the movement.
To donate or for more information, contact the center at 541-1777 or visit chabadcape.com. All donations are tax-deductible.
The center, located in southwest Cape, is under contract and hopes to close on a larger building. The new space would enable Chabad to serve more families and expand its programs.
"We need a bigger place. We're growing out of our (current) place," said Rabbi Yossi Labkowski, executive director of the center.
Their existing location, a rented space at 4706 Chiquita Blvd., has roughly 2,500 square feet. The new building will eventually have 8,000 square feet.
Chabad offers social, educational and religious programming for the Jewish community of Cape Coral, which Labkowski said includes several thousand families with 300 to 400 being Chabad members.
"Chabad has brought me full circle with my religion, Judaism," said Russell Kracow, a member of the center for more than two years.
Some of the programs that Chabad offers the community include Hebrew school, summer camps and other children's programs, teen activities, adult education as well as weekly religious services and celebrations of Jewish holidays.
"Cape Coral Chabad is a place to share our Jewish culture together in a warm and friendly environment," said member and Cape Coral resident Herbert Young. "A place to help you know where God is in all your ways."
The center is a home away from home for many members.
"It has given me a sense of belonging to a family." said Kracow, whose immediate family is 1,200 miles away.
The center was established in 2004 by Rabbi Yossi and Rivky Labkowski. It was first housed in a small room but has since transferred to its present location.
The new building will be close to the existing center on Cape Coral Parkway. The building is under contract. Labkowski said it was a great opportunity given the real estate climate.
Chabad of Cape Coral is a nonprofit organization and is not funded by any central organization. This means that all the capital for the new center must be raised without assistance. Fundraising has been going on for two months and much of the $125,000 goal has been raised.
The center created a campaign including a direct mail brochure, email and a special section of their website with a donate option to help raise funds.
"We're confident on where we're standing and we hope to raise more," Labkowski said.
About Chabad
Chabad is a 250-year-old movement, originating in Lubavitch, Russia.
Chabad is an outreach program that promotes Judaism and emphasizes religious study.
Today, there are more than 3,000 institutions worldwide dedicated to advance the movement.
To donate or for more information, contact the center at 541-1777 or visit chabadcape.com. All donations are tax-deductible.
Operation Open Arms gets new wheels to transport soldiers
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.”
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.”
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.
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