The Cape Coral Kiwanis Club hosted Red, White and Brew in downtown Cape Coral today.
The event featured 15 bars with domestic beer samples and appetizers to get the pre-Fourth of July party started. Trolley service was provided by the Kiwanis as well.
Sam Huber, Kiwanis president, said 400 tickets were sold in advance and he expected 750 to be sold by end of the night.
Beer fans sampled Magic Hat No. 9, Landshark, and Drifter Pale Ale along with major domestics. Appetizers ranged from pizza and chicken pasta salad to sushi and Thai spring rolls.
Kerri Brennan, a Cape Coral resident said this was her first time at an event like this and she loved it.
"We get to meet a lot of people and we get to try places" that haven't been tried before, Brennan said.
Kurt Earlywine, a partner in the Royal Key restaurant, said he is proud to be a part of the event.
"Watching people walk through the door, they're smiling," Earlywine said. "They're having a good time and we're happy to be a part of that."
All proceeds benefitted the Kiwanis Club's backpack program. It's a program that sends backpacks home with needy school children. Delivered on Friday, each backpack supplies a child's family with food for the weekend. The program feeds about 1,000 kids. Huber said he hopes the event raises $10,000; the program needs $100,000 annually.
"It's the perfect opportunity to get out and about, support local groups and support the Kiwanis," said Bryant Eckman, a Cape Coral resident. "$15 for the ticket is money well spent because it goes back into a good program."
The Kiwanis Club also will be serving up beer from Wine & Roses restaurant, 1404 Cape Coral Parkway, during Red, White and Boom festivities on Monday. Those proceeds also will benefit the backpack program.
"Grab a beer and support the Kiwanis," Huber said.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
City employees rescue dog out of canal
Every dog has its day and on May 23 it was Rudy's.
Vincent Morelli and Michael Martinez, two city of Cape Coral employees, fished the shepherd mix out of a canal at SE 31st Terrace and SE 11th Place.
Morelli and Martinez have been commended by public works staff for saving the dog. The department heard about the rescue after owner Tina Torres wrote a letter thanking the pair.
Morelli and Martinez noticed Rudy, treading water and exhausted, underneath a dock while they were collecting bins from the canal.
"He was stuck in the water," Morelli said. "He was surrounded by sea-walls - he would have drowned."
It's unknown how long Rudy was in the water.
"We had to use somebody's boat line to get him out," said Morelli, who lassoed the dog with the line to get him up the ladder. They placed the dog safely on a dock.
Morelli contacted Lee County Domestic Animal Services about finding the dog in the canal. Animal services contacted the Torres family and after a meeting with Morelli they were reunited with their family pet.
"It was nice to give back someone's dog who was alive," Morelli said.
The Torres family was looking for Rudy since he went missing late the night before. Rudy slipped out the back door. At 2:45 a.m. Tina's son, Blake Michie, came in her room looking for Rudy.
"Victor (her husband) and I jumped out of bed," Tina Torres said.
Torres said that her husband rode a bike and she drove all around the neighborhood looking for Rudy. The next morning they posted 40 fliers and called everyone they could think of who might have found him. Around 2 p.m. the next day, animal services called saying that a man found their dog in a canal.
"My heart sunk," Torres said. "I didn't know what shape he was in."
When the Torres family arrived to pick up Rudy, they saw that he was lethargic and wobbling but they were glad to find him alive.
Rudy's fate could have been tragic had the workers not been there.
"The reason he (Morelli) was on scene was because of the adopt a canal program," said Steve Naso, Morelli's supervisor.
Public works employees stop by blue trash barrels along the canal either weekly or biweekly to scoop out trash and debris. Morelli and Martinez were out taking care of the bins when they spotted Rudy.
Morelli said nine times out of 10 the animal doesn't make it out of the canal.
"Most dogs are runners," Naso said. "They don't realize. Most of the time they're not alive (when found)."
After the Torres brought Rudy back home he started to have difficulty breathing. He was rushed to Chiquita Animal Hospital, and employees there determined Rudy's lungs were full of water. He had consumed a lot of salt water and debris.
"He was drowning," Torres said. "That was basically what was happening inside (his lungs)."
The doctor said Rudy was lucky to be alive.
Rudy has been with the family for nine years, and the Torres also have a toy poodle named Toby.
"He loves everybody," Torres said. "He gets so upset if he doesn't get attention. We're just so thankful."
Rudy is expected to make a full recovery.
Vincent Morelli and Michael Martinez, two city of Cape Coral employees, fished the shepherd mix out of a canal at SE 31st Terrace and SE 11th Place.
Morelli and Martinez have been commended by public works staff for saving the dog. The department heard about the rescue after owner Tina Torres wrote a letter thanking the pair.
Morelli and Martinez noticed Rudy, treading water and exhausted, underneath a dock while they were collecting bins from the canal.
"He was stuck in the water," Morelli said. "He was surrounded by sea-walls - he would have drowned."
It's unknown how long Rudy was in the water.
"We had to use somebody's boat line to get him out," said Morelli, who lassoed the dog with the line to get him up the ladder. They placed the dog safely on a dock.
Morelli contacted Lee County Domestic Animal Services about finding the dog in the canal. Animal services contacted the Torres family and after a meeting with Morelli they were reunited with their family pet.
"It was nice to give back someone's dog who was alive," Morelli said.
The Torres family was looking for Rudy since he went missing late the night before. Rudy slipped out the back door. At 2:45 a.m. Tina's son, Blake Michie, came in her room looking for Rudy.
"Victor (her husband) and I jumped out of bed," Tina Torres said.
Torres said that her husband rode a bike and she drove all around the neighborhood looking for Rudy. The next morning they posted 40 fliers and called everyone they could think of who might have found him. Around 2 p.m. the next day, animal services called saying that a man found their dog in a canal.
"My heart sunk," Torres said. "I didn't know what shape he was in."
When the Torres family arrived to pick up Rudy, they saw that he was lethargic and wobbling but they were glad to find him alive.
Rudy's fate could have been tragic had the workers not been there.
"The reason he (Morelli) was on scene was because of the adopt a canal program," said Steve Naso, Morelli's supervisor.
Public works employees stop by blue trash barrels along the canal either weekly or biweekly to scoop out trash and debris. Morelli and Martinez were out taking care of the bins when they spotted Rudy.
Morelli said nine times out of 10 the animal doesn't make it out of the canal.
"Most dogs are runners," Naso said. "They don't realize. Most of the time they're not alive (when found)."
After the Torres brought Rudy back home he started to have difficulty breathing. He was rushed to Chiquita Animal Hospital, and employees there determined Rudy's lungs were full of water. He had consumed a lot of salt water and debris.
"He was drowning," Torres said. "That was basically what was happening inside (his lungs)."
The doctor said Rudy was lucky to be alive.
Rudy has been with the family for nine years, and the Torres also have a toy poodle named Toby.
"He loves everybody," Torres said. "He gets so upset if he doesn't get attention. We're just so thankful."
Rudy is expected to make a full recovery.
Red, White and Boom adds 5K race
This year's Red, White and Boom event will also feature the inaugural 5K run.
"The foot race is all-new for us this year," said Elmer Tabor, chairman of Red,White and Boom.
The Century Link-Prism TV Freedom 5K, sanctioned by the Fort Myers Track Club, starts at 6:30 p.m. July 4th. Runners will start at the Roger Dean Chevrolet stage and run across the bridge through the toll plaza and then turn around and run to the finish line.
"The bridge is closed anyway and it's the perfect opportunity to create a unique race," said Ed Ramos, Freedom 5K Race director.
Registration can be made online at ftmyerstrackclub.com. Entry fees are $25 for adults and $20 for those 17 and under. Registration the day-of is $35. Tabor said they expect 400 people to participate.
The race will have overall awards as well as awards in 14 age categories.
There will also be a post-race party for race participants directly after the race, with refreshments, beer and live music from the main stage. The tent will also have a great view of the fireworks.
Participants will receive a goodie bag with a T-shirt and discount coupons.
"Not only do you get to run over the bridge, you get a T-shirt, refreshments and the fireworks. It's a great deal," Ramos said.
Register for the race at ftmyers trackclub.com or the Chamber Welcome Center, 2051 Cape Coral Parkway East.
For more information call Ed Ramos at 633-7524 or email Bob Knickman, special events director for the chamber, at bob@cape coralchamber.com
"The foot race is all-new for us this year," said Elmer Tabor, chairman of Red,White and Boom.
The Century Link-Prism TV Freedom 5K, sanctioned by the Fort Myers Track Club, starts at 6:30 p.m. July 4th. Runners will start at the Roger Dean Chevrolet stage and run across the bridge through the toll plaza and then turn around and run to the finish line.
"The bridge is closed anyway and it's the perfect opportunity to create a unique race," said Ed Ramos, Freedom 5K Race director.
Registration can be made online at ftmyerstrackclub.com. Entry fees are $25 for adults and $20 for those 17 and under. Registration the day-of is $35. Tabor said they expect 400 people to participate.
The race will have overall awards as well as awards in 14 age categories.
There will also be a post-race party for race participants directly after the race, with refreshments, beer and live music from the main stage. The tent will also have a great view of the fireworks.
Participants will receive a goodie bag with a T-shirt and discount coupons.
"Not only do you get to run over the bridge, you get a T-shirt, refreshments and the fireworks. It's a great deal," Ramos said.
Register for the race at ftmyers trackclub.com or the Chamber Welcome Center, 2051 Cape Coral Parkway East.
For more information call Ed Ramos at 633-7524 or email Bob Knickman, special events director for the chamber, at bob@cape coralchamber.com
Schools take part in open house; Cape Coral Hospital hosts education fair
Cape Coral Hospital hosted an education fair June 24.
The annual open house brought 14 schools of higher education to the hospital from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hospital employees and residents went from booth to booth and colleges such as Kaplan University, Nova Southeastern University, High Tech North and others had representatives on hand to answer questions.
"The flow has been pretty good," said Kristin Masencup, nursing program manager for Rasmussen College. "A lot of parents seeking information for their kids, for themselves."
The fair was organized by Lee Memorial Health System. Cape Coral Hospital was the last stop in the four-day education fair tour, which also visited Gulf Coast Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital.
Mike Polito, human resources administration business partner for Lee Memorial Health System, estimates that around 200 people visited the fair in the other locations.
"With the economy as bad as it is the public will be looking for career changes and we want to help them," Polito said.
Polito said there is high growth in health care careers.
Cape Coral Hospital, for example, now has more than 175 open positions.
Lauren Willison, a representative from Edison State College, said that many registered nurses are checking out bachelor's degree programs and many licensed practical nurses are looking into the RN programs.
"(It's) a nice opportunity for employees of Lee Memorial Health System to see the opportunity of advancement," Willison said.
Allison Ihrig, a hospital volunteer, is looking to change careers.
"I'm changing degrees from a teacher to a nurse," said Ihrig, who visited the fair to get more information about nursing programs offered locally.
Others just happened to visit the fair by chance.
"I just walked by and saw it," said Yvette Sewell. "I'm trying to get a bachelor's degree in business management."
Jason Teeters, corporate education manager at Rasmussen College, said Lee Memorial Health System is doing a great job responding to the need for higher education.
The next fair is tentatively scheduled for March.
The annual open house brought 14 schools of higher education to the hospital from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hospital employees and residents went from booth to booth and colleges such as Kaplan University, Nova Southeastern University, High Tech North and others had representatives on hand to answer questions.
"The flow has been pretty good," said Kristin Masencup, nursing program manager for Rasmussen College. "A lot of parents seeking information for their kids, for themselves."
The fair was organized by Lee Memorial Health System. Cape Coral Hospital was the last stop in the four-day education fair tour, which also visited Gulf Coast Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital.
Mike Polito, human resources administration business partner for Lee Memorial Health System, estimates that around 200 people visited the fair in the other locations.
"With the economy as bad as it is the public will be looking for career changes and we want to help them," Polito said.
Polito said there is high growth in health care careers.
Cape Coral Hospital, for example, now has more than 175 open positions.
Lauren Willison, a representative from Edison State College, said that many registered nurses are checking out bachelor's degree programs and many licensed practical nurses are looking into the RN programs.
"(It's) a nice opportunity for employees of Lee Memorial Health System to see the opportunity of advancement," Willison said.
Allison Ihrig, a hospital volunteer, is looking to change careers.
"I'm changing degrees from a teacher to a nurse," said Ihrig, who visited the fair to get more information about nursing programs offered locally.
Others just happened to visit the fair by chance.
"I just walked by and saw it," said Yvette Sewell. "I'm trying to get a bachelor's degree in business management."
Jason Teeters, corporate education manager at Rasmussen College, said Lee Memorial Health System is doing a great job responding to the need for higher education.
The next fair is tentatively scheduled for March.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Donated vehicle transports troops
Operation Open Arms received a new vehicle recently to help transport troops to and from the airport.
Dave and Brenda Boss donated the 1999 BMW 528 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 he could use the car. Bunch said he could use the car, but it needed work.
The air conditioning needed to be fixed and the windows and interiors needed work, too. Operation Open Arms requested help for the repairs and the support poured in.
Cliff Gilman, manager at Leading Edge Auto Care, took care of the AC and helped coordinate the auto work. 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," Gilman said.
James Szczep, owner of The Mobile Headliner Mad, 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 worked on the headlights and Collex Collision Experts helped with the bumpers.
"(It was) an amazing effort for everyone to put this together," Bunch said.
The finished car was displayed at Geo's Italian Restaurant, 1140 Ceitus Terrace, in Cape Coral.
Geo's hosted a fundraiser and 10 percent 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 when they pick up a few soldiers.
"Now she is in her second phase," Boss said. "What all these people donated to have her (the car) look new again is just so heartwarming."
About the Program
Operation Open Arms is a military outreach program founded by Capt. John "Giddyup" Bunch in 2005.
OOA's mission is to give every benefit possible to veterans, and their families, returning from foreign service. All branches of service are eligible. For more information visit www.operationopenarms.com or call Bunch at 822-8888.
Dave and Brenda Boss donated the 1999 BMW 528 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 he could use the car. Bunch said he could use the car, but it needed work.
The air conditioning needed to be fixed and the windows and interiors needed work, too. Operation Open Arms requested help for the repairs and the support poured in.
Cliff Gilman, manager at Leading Edge Auto Care, took care of the AC and helped coordinate the auto work. 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," Gilman said.
James Szczep, owner of The Mobile Headliner Mad, 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 worked on the headlights and Collex Collision Experts helped with the bumpers.
"(It was) an amazing effort for everyone to put this together," Bunch said.
The finished car was displayed at Geo's Italian Restaurant, 1140 Ceitus Terrace, in Cape Coral.
Geo's hosted a fundraiser and 10 percent 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 when they pick up a few soldiers.
"Now she is in her second phase," Boss said. "What all these people donated to have her (the car) look new again is just so heartwarming."
About the Program
Operation Open Arms is a military outreach program founded by Capt. John "Giddyup" Bunch in 2005.
OOA's mission is to give every benefit possible to veterans, and their families, returning from foreign service. All branches of service are eligible. For more information visit www.operationopenarms.com or call Bunch at 822-8888.
Cape Coral Shark Fest attracts anglers, families
The boats were loaded and the party began.
The "Are You Man Enough? Shark Challenge," a team shark fishing tournament and festival, began at Cape Harbor today with 22 teams and more than 100 anglers, vying for a spot in the top five for today's finale. There is $15,000 in prizes up for grabs.
"There's six fishing tournaments every week in this area," said Jack Donlon, founder of Shark Fest. "The main problem is to make them exciting. I think shark is the most exciting fish. Everyone loves to catch them from young kids to old men."
Shark Fest is in its fifth year and Donlon said this will be the biggest year yet.
"I'm excited. I can't wait," said Ivan Vargas of Team Boat Place, about his first year competing in the tournament.
Joey Shogren, captain of Team Cape Rehab, fished the tournament last year.
"It's a good event," Shogren said. "It was a good time, It's a well put-on tournament."
Team Cape Rehab is hoping to target bull sharks and black tips in Pine Island Sound.
Not everyone is fishing in boats. The Blue Line Fishing Team is hoping to catch big ones in kayaks.
"They have a much better advantage than we do," said team member Bob Bramblet. "It's easier to catch a big fish on a boat but we have stealth on our side. We can sneak up on them."
The centerpiece of Sharkfest is the Sharktron. The event has a two-story jumbo screen that shows videos of sharks being caught in this catch-and-release tournament.
"We're the first tournament ever, by my own method, to have the fisherman catch the shark and show it on the jumbo screen," Donlon said. "So everyone at Sharkfest can see the excitement."
Today, there will be a kids fishing derby at 10 a.m. on the dock behind Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbor Drive. The event is free for children 2-12; all they have to do is bring their poles. There will be awards for first, second and third place. The derby is being sponsored by The Rehab and Healthcare Center of Cape Coral.
"It's a family festival," Donlon said. "Everyone should come down."
The "Are You Man Enough? Shark Challenge," a team shark fishing tournament and festival, began at Cape Harbor today with 22 teams and more than 100 anglers, vying for a spot in the top five for today's finale. There is $15,000 in prizes up for grabs.
"There's six fishing tournaments every week in this area," said Jack Donlon, founder of Shark Fest. "The main problem is to make them exciting. I think shark is the most exciting fish. Everyone loves to catch them from young kids to old men."
Shark Fest is in its fifth year and Donlon said this will be the biggest year yet.
"I'm excited. I can't wait," said Ivan Vargas of Team Boat Place, about his first year competing in the tournament.
Joey Shogren, captain of Team Cape Rehab, fished the tournament last year.
"It's a good event," Shogren said. "It was a good time, It's a well put-on tournament."
Team Cape Rehab is hoping to target bull sharks and black tips in Pine Island Sound.
Not everyone is fishing in boats. The Blue Line Fishing Team is hoping to catch big ones in kayaks.
"They have a much better advantage than we do," said team member Bob Bramblet. "It's easier to catch a big fish on a boat but we have stealth on our side. We can sneak up on them."
The centerpiece of Sharkfest is the Sharktron. The event has a two-story jumbo screen that shows videos of sharks being caught in this catch-and-release tournament.
"We're the first tournament ever, by my own method, to have the fisherman catch the shark and show it on the jumbo screen," Donlon said. "So everyone at Sharkfest can see the excitement."
Today, there will be a kids fishing derby at 10 a.m. on the dock behind Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbor Drive. The event is free for children 2-12; all they have to do is bring their poles. There will be awards for first, second and third place. The derby is being sponsored by The Rehab and Healthcare Center of Cape Coral.
"It's a family festival," Donlon said. "Everyone should come down."
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Chamber's 'First Hour Free' a win-win program
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.
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.
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