Respiratory therapists at the Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida in south Fort Myers are breathing a sigh of relief thanks to a device that makes their lives and their patients' lives easier.
The $5,900 device, known as a magnetic resonance imaging compatible pediatric ventilator, was recently purchased as a gift for the hospital's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
It was purchased by the Women of the Moose Fort Myers Chapter 1020 after member Colleen Hrzenak heard about the struggle children faced every time they needed a test.
"The ventilator in the room we can't take with us to testing so we have to unhook them, bag them and do it by hand," said Vaughan Dixon, a 20-year veteran respiratory therapist at the hospital and lodge member. "Before, we did it by hand but you really don't know what kind of volume (of air) you are delivering."
The delivery of oxygen by hand can be dangerous to children because too much or too little air could be fatal.
"Kids were suffering for two hours at times when they couldn't take their ventilator with them to get tests done," Hrzenak said. "The priority for us became getting the children what they needed."
The Women of the Moose raised the needed money by hosting fundraiser breakfasts and karaoke nights. They raised $3,000 in the first weekend.
"The lodge itself does work with children with cancer so when we heard about this, we had to do it," Hrzenak said.
Other events were planned as fundraisers but the money was raised in just five weeks.
"This makes it so much easier. Some tests can take a long time and it ties up a therapist for hours," said Dixon adding that the machine has been in operation for a month. "The good part is that the elderly can use it."
The ventilator is used by many children and the elderly because it can be taken into an MRI machine for tests.
"It's not a huge machine but it sure does make their lives a lot more comfortable," Hrzenak said.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Ichabod's taking over Dwyer's
Ichabod the troll is about to be set loose in south Fort Myers.
His boss, Rob De Gennaro of Sanibel, will be using Ichabod to spread the word about a new and casual family-style tavern restaurant moving into the Dwyer's building on U.S. 41 in November.
The restaurant will be called Ichabod's Wicked Food & Drink.
"I'm taking the Dwyer's formal pub and turning it into a new concept. A casual menu where you don't need to spend a lot of money to have good food," said Gennaro, who has owned restaurants in Southwest Florida in the past. "It's gonna be a fantastic menu and atmosphere."
The menu will include burgers, salads, soups, Porter House steaks, meatloaf and Irish items to match the restaurant's decor.
Gennaro's inspiration for the menu came from a restaurant he owns in New England. The "Tan Turtle Tavern" is the family tavern where Gennaro first tried the concept of mixing family, casual atmosphere and a good time at the right price.
"He is going to have a pretty extensive menu and we were
impressed," said Jim Dwyer, who is leasing the building to Gennaro. Prior to leasing, the space was a fine dining establishment that succumbed to a slow economy. "He came to us and showed interest in it and he has a good background of 20 years in the business."
Before the Ichabod concept was born, Dwyer was already working with Gennaro on another project under construction on Summerlin near Health Park. Gennaro is building a cottage-style restaurant in the plaza.
"It's going to be an offshoot of the menu at the Tan Turtle in New England. It's going to look like a Bahama Breeze, sort of," said Gennaro about the restaurant that will open in March of next year.
But Gennaro's focus now is on Ichabod's interior, food and ambiance. He has plans to change the interior decor slightly, paint the outside and get a new sign.
"It's a great addition to the neighborhood because it's not a big corporate business. It's a local guy," said Marc A. Crowley, of Crowley Realty, LLC. He was the broker that handled the leasing of the property. "It's pretty exciting ... it's going to be closer to what Dwyer's was before the fine dining."
And in keeping with the Dwyer family tradition of Irish decor and feel, Gennaro choose a troll as a mascot. The troll was inspired by the dolls of the early '90's that featured brightly colored hair and distinct faces.
"People can come in here, bring a friend, meet a friend and make a friend. That is our hope," said Gennaro, adding that entertainment is also in the works for the eatery. "We are trying to open on Election Day if we can because people will have something to celebrate ... whatever that may be."
His boss, Rob De Gennaro of Sanibel, will be using Ichabod to spread the word about a new and casual family-style tavern restaurant moving into the Dwyer's building on U.S. 41 in November.
The restaurant will be called Ichabod's Wicked Food & Drink.
"I'm taking the Dwyer's formal pub and turning it into a new concept. A casual menu where you don't need to spend a lot of money to have good food," said Gennaro, who has owned restaurants in Southwest Florida in the past. "It's gonna be a fantastic menu and atmosphere."
The menu will include burgers, salads, soups, Porter House steaks, meatloaf and Irish items to match the restaurant's decor.
Gennaro's inspiration for the menu came from a restaurant he owns in New England. The "Tan Turtle Tavern" is the family tavern where Gennaro first tried the concept of mixing family, casual atmosphere and a good time at the right price.
"He is going to have a pretty extensive menu and we were
impressed," said Jim Dwyer, who is leasing the building to Gennaro. Prior to leasing, the space was a fine dining establishment that succumbed to a slow economy. "He came to us and showed interest in it and he has a good background of 20 years in the business."
Before the Ichabod concept was born, Dwyer was already working with Gennaro on another project under construction on Summerlin near Health Park. Gennaro is building a cottage-style restaurant in the plaza.
"It's going to be an offshoot of the menu at the Tan Turtle in New England. It's going to look like a Bahama Breeze, sort of," said Gennaro about the restaurant that will open in March of next year.
But Gennaro's focus now is on Ichabod's interior, food and ambiance. He has plans to change the interior decor slightly, paint the outside and get a new sign.
"It's a great addition to the neighborhood because it's not a big corporate business. It's a local guy," said Marc A. Crowley, of Crowley Realty, LLC. He was the broker that handled the leasing of the property. "It's pretty exciting ... it's going to be closer to what Dwyer's was before the fine dining."
And in keeping with the Dwyer family tradition of Irish decor and feel, Gennaro choose a troll as a mascot. The troll was inspired by the dolls of the early '90's that featured brightly colored hair and distinct faces.
"People can come in here, bring a friend, meet a friend and make a friend. That is our hope," said Gennaro, adding that entertainment is also in the works for the eatery. "We are trying to open on Election Day if we can because people will have something to celebrate ... whatever that may be."
Pet owners have two shelter options available
Written for the 2008 News-Press Hurricane Guide
Pet owners forced to evacuate during the hurricane season won't be worrying as much about their pets this time around.
Two animal-friendly shelters are available for residents in south Fort Myers and east Lee. And, the American Red Cross of Lee County and local animal clinics are working to get the word out about what to do with your pets in an emergency.
"Two new shelters are being offered now because they have found that because of hurricane Katrina, a lot of people didn't want to evacuate because of their pets," said Kim Pontif, the hospital manager at the Coral Veterinary Clinic in south Fort Myers.
Her clinic is telling owners to get their pets prepared early by getting the proper vaccines and having their pets microchipped.
"We have a packet we dispense for our owners during the season to let them know what they need," Pontif said. "Most places require reservations ahead of time and the pet owner has to set that up."
Heidi Ruster of the American Red Cross chapter in Lee County said pet owners must prepare and do it early.
"The best bet is to get a vet outside the storm zone area especially since the animal shelters will be just for those mandatorily evacuated," Ruster said. "Otherwise, they can leave pets with a family member and try to make those decisions beforehand."
The two shelters will be set up at South Fort Myers High and East Lee County High. Each shelter will be split into two sides. One for humans and the other for animals.
"There are more options than there used to be but prepare, prepare, prepare and do it early," Ruster said.
Pet owners forced to evacuate during the hurricane season won't be worrying as much about their pets this time around.
Two animal-friendly shelters are available for residents in south Fort Myers and east Lee. And, the American Red Cross of Lee County and local animal clinics are working to get the word out about what to do with your pets in an emergency.
"Two new shelters are being offered now because they have found that because of hurricane Katrina, a lot of people didn't want to evacuate because of their pets," said Kim Pontif, the hospital manager at the Coral Veterinary Clinic in south Fort Myers.
Her clinic is telling owners to get their pets prepared early by getting the proper vaccines and having their pets microchipped.
"We have a packet we dispense for our owners during the season to let them know what they need," Pontif said. "Most places require reservations ahead of time and the pet owner has to set that up."
Heidi Ruster of the American Red Cross chapter in Lee County said pet owners must prepare and do it early.
"The best bet is to get a vet outside the storm zone area especially since the animal shelters will be just for those mandatorily evacuated," Ruster said. "Otherwise, they can leave pets with a family member and try to make those decisions beforehand."
The two shelters will be set up at South Fort Myers High and East Lee County High. Each shelter will be split into two sides. One for humans and the other for animals.
"There are more options than there used to be but prepare, prepare, prepare and do it early," Ruster said.
New chief behind wheel at BMW store
BMW of Fort Myers in south Fort Myers has a new general manager, Darryl Shepherd, whose goal is to be the top rated customer service dealership in the United States.
That's a big challenge for Shepherd but he said he is prepared for it, especially because he has a new 52,000-square-foot building with customer amenities that rival most car dealerships.
"My general manager experience has been with high-volume imports and luxury domestics," Shepherd said. "I'm going to keep a positive 'can do' mentality and acknowledging that our customers are our only assets!"
Customers are so important to BMW that in the design of the new building, which opened in late March, amenities were added, including the Bear Rock Cafe, automatic car wash, business center, three TV lounges and free chair massages.
"Our customers are thrilled to share it with us. We have regular customers, especially the ones where each member in the family drive a BMW," said Lily Holley, the administrative assistant at BMW. "Some have stopped by just to have lunch at our on-site cafe."
Business at the BMW dealership has been steady because the building draws so much attention.
"We've seen an increase in our floor traffic ... some challenges we've faced since opening is meeting the customers demands," said Holley, adding that the sales staff has been expanded.
Expansion has always been in the plans for the dealership, which first opened in Fort Myers in the early 1970s, according to shop foreman Steve Faur.
"We wanted to accommodate a long-term growing market," said Chris Tuttle, the new and pre-owned sales director. "In 2004, plans started up for a new store so it would allow us to expand and prosper."
The prosperity of the dealership is what Shepherd hopes continues during his rein.
"I was asked to come to BMW of Fort Myers by Sonic Automotive to continue and increase the store's standard for success," Shepherd said.
That's a big challenge for Shepherd but he said he is prepared for it, especially because he has a new 52,000-square-foot building with customer amenities that rival most car dealerships.
"My general manager experience has been with high-volume imports and luxury domestics," Shepherd said. "I'm going to keep a positive 'can do' mentality and acknowledging that our customers are our only assets!"
Customers are so important to BMW that in the design of the new building, which opened in late March, amenities were added, including the Bear Rock Cafe, automatic car wash, business center, three TV lounges and free chair massages.
"Our customers are thrilled to share it with us. We have regular customers, especially the ones where each member in the family drive a BMW," said Lily Holley, the administrative assistant at BMW. "Some have stopped by just to have lunch at our on-site cafe."
Business at the BMW dealership has been steady because the building draws so much attention.
"We've seen an increase in our floor traffic ... some challenges we've faced since opening is meeting the customers demands," said Holley, adding that the sales staff has been expanded.
Expansion has always been in the plans for the dealership, which first opened in Fort Myers in the early 1970s, according to shop foreman Steve Faur.
"We wanted to accommodate a long-term growing market," said Chris Tuttle, the new and pre-owned sales director. "In 2004, plans started up for a new store so it would allow us to expand and prosper."
The prosperity of the dealership is what Shepherd hopes continues during his rein.
"I was asked to come to BMW of Fort Myers by Sonic Automotive to continue and increase the store's standard for success," Shepherd said.
Accuracy, speed hallmark of court reporters
Michelle Hordinski is a south Fort Myers court reporter who can type 260 words a minute.
Her business partner Maryanne Wagner can type 225 words.
At that speed Hordinski and Wagner are offering area attorney's a short turn-around time for transcripts from court hearings or depositions.
The two court reporters along with Debbie Cail recently opened Merit Court Reporting and business is booming.
"We love court reporting and we love our profession, especially in Fort Myers," said Hordinski, the company's secretary treasurer and court reporter. "That makes our turn around time quick and everything is accurate."
Accuracy is everything in the court reporting business.
"I do my best work when I'm in court. Then when I do my transcripts it doesn't take long because I did the hardest part ahead of time," Hordinski said. "The skill of the court reporter does dictate how quickly we can get it done."
And qualifications at the Merit Court Reporting office are plenty.
Hordinski has been in the business for 19 years and is a registered merit reporter - the highest designation given to a court reporter. Wagner is a registered professional reporter and has 24 years of experience.
"This isn't just any job. We enjoy what we do and have the experience to back it up," said Cali, the company's vice president and office manager. She helps run the logistics to make sure the attorneys get what they need, when they need it. "This (business) has been an opportunity for us to expand on some ideas we already had."
The ideas included opening a shop that offers depositions, hearings, standard six-day transcript delivery and free wireless access.
"We are full service and we offer things that attorneys sometimes need depending on the situation," Wagner said. "We even have six conference rooms that our clients can use if they need to do work while they wait for depositions."
Merit Court Reporting also offers a program called in which a live feed is provided as a witnesses testimony is taken.
"We felt there was need in the south end of town and attorneys like that we have free parking," said Hordinski noting that one of their conference rooms is often requested because of its sports memorabilia. "We love the profession in Fort Myers and we make sure people feel that in our atmosphere."
Her business partner Maryanne Wagner can type 225 words.
At that speed Hordinski and Wagner are offering area attorney's a short turn-around time for transcripts from court hearings or depositions.
The two court reporters along with Debbie Cail recently opened Merit Court Reporting and business is booming.
"We love court reporting and we love our profession, especially in Fort Myers," said Hordinski, the company's secretary treasurer and court reporter. "That makes our turn around time quick and everything is accurate."
Accuracy is everything in the court reporting business.
"I do my best work when I'm in court. Then when I do my transcripts it doesn't take long because I did the hardest part ahead of time," Hordinski said. "The skill of the court reporter does dictate how quickly we can get it done."
And qualifications at the Merit Court Reporting office are plenty.
Hordinski has been in the business for 19 years and is a registered merit reporter - the highest designation given to a court reporter. Wagner is a registered professional reporter and has 24 years of experience.
"This isn't just any job. We enjoy what we do and have the experience to back it up," said Cali, the company's vice president and office manager. She helps run the logistics to make sure the attorneys get what they need, when they need it. "This (business) has been an opportunity for us to expand on some ideas we already had."
The ideas included opening a shop that offers depositions, hearings, standard six-day transcript delivery and free wireless access.
"We are full service and we offer things that attorneys sometimes need depending on the situation," Wagner said. "We even have six conference rooms that our clients can use if they need to do work while they wait for depositions."
Merit Court Reporting also offers a program called in which a live feed is provided as a witnesses testimony is taken.
"We felt there was need in the south end of town and attorneys like that we have free parking," said Hordinski noting that one of their conference rooms is often requested because of its sports memorabilia. "We love the profession in Fort Myers and we make sure people feel that in our atmosphere."
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Fort Myers teen wins model car trophy
Justin Hough, 14, likes cars. Recently he and his mom flew to California to compete nationally in the Hagerty Insurance's National Youth Model-Building Contest.
Hough was invited to California after building a model car with David Moll and winning.
Moll and Hough are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida program and the pair have been together for five years.
"My big brother had told me about (the contest) and me and him decided together that we would build it," said Hough, of Fort Myers.
The local contest was hosted by the Gulfshore Mustang Club of Southwest Florida, which selected the Big Brother Big Sisters program as its main charity.
"This is the first time I've had a little brother and big brother compete in a national competition," said Monica Monahan, vice president of Big and Little programs throughout Lee and Collier counties. "What an exciting opportunity."
And, the excitement grew when it was announced that Hough was the second place winner of the national competition held in California.
"He kinda tricked me. He looked down when I went to pick him up, and when the bags came, he pulled out this gorgeous trophy for second place," said Moll about a prank Hough played on him when he met him at the airport.
"That's the kind of kid he is. He likes to joke around and have a good time."
In California, Hough and his mom took pictures with Jay Leno from "The Tonight Show"and got his autograph. Leno was one of the judges at the competition.
"I didn't believe it really," said Hough after placing second. "It's been a great experience."
Moll said he wasn't surprised that Hough won the award because he put his best effort into the car.
The car originally came in a box in pieces that had to be assembled, painted and decorated with decals. It took a month and a half to build.
"He tried and gave this his best shot and I hope that this will carry into his school work and he will try harder," Moll said. "We talked about his (educational) interest beyond high school and he hasn't come up with anything yet but that's not unusual."
Hough was invited to California after building a model car with David Moll and winning.
Moll and Hough are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida program and the pair have been together for five years.
"My big brother had told me about (the contest) and me and him decided together that we would build it," said Hough, of Fort Myers.
The local contest was hosted by the Gulfshore Mustang Club of Southwest Florida, which selected the Big Brother Big Sisters program as its main charity.
"This is the first time I've had a little brother and big brother compete in a national competition," said Monica Monahan, vice president of Big and Little programs throughout Lee and Collier counties. "What an exciting opportunity."
And, the excitement grew when it was announced that Hough was the second place winner of the national competition held in California.
"He kinda tricked me. He looked down when I went to pick him up, and when the bags came, he pulled out this gorgeous trophy for second place," said Moll about a prank Hough played on him when he met him at the airport.
"That's the kind of kid he is. He likes to joke around and have a good time."
In California, Hough and his mom took pictures with Jay Leno from "The Tonight Show"and got his autograph. Leno was one of the judges at the competition.
"I didn't believe it really," said Hough after placing second. "It's been a great experience."
Moll said he wasn't surprised that Hough won the award because he put his best effort into the car.
The car originally came in a box in pieces that had to be assembled, painted and decorated with decals. It took a month and a half to build.
"He tried and gave this his best shot and I hope that this will carry into his school work and he will try harder," Moll said. "We talked about his (educational) interest beyond high school and he hasn't come up with anything yet but that's not unusual."
Company specializes in homemade chocolate
Chocolate covered strawberries, designer chocolate bars and a Key lime truffle are a few of the offerings available at Irresistible Confections in south Fort Myers.
The company, which recently changed its name from For The Love of Chocolate, specializes in selling the best homemade chocolates.
That's according to owner Justin Schaffer who makes every piece of chocolate himself.
"We do it all. Boxes, baskets, printed ribbons and party favors for weddings or birthdays," said Schaffer. He first started working with chocolate as a young boy.
His mother, Tammy, worked in the restaurant industry for years and passed her interest onto her two children.
"As kids my sister and I had Confectionary Kids and then it got a new name and I started running it," Schaffer said. "Everybody loves chocolate so it's always been successful."
Success for Schaffer has meant being able to start looking for a retail location to replace the current location off Beacon Boulevard.
"The first of the year we should be able to move somewhere," said Schaffer who uses a kitchen in the building to make his creations. "We make everything fresh and it has to be consumed quickly ... we need a place with space for the kitchen."
The kitchen is where all the activity takes place at Irresistible Confections. The chocolate treats are made, packaged based on customers needs, and then delivered for a small fee.
"We do dessert trays, strawberry bouquets and we can put a picture on a piece of chocolate," he said.
But Schaffer's customer base isn't limited to just party planners, business professionals in the area are major fans.
"It's a great way to show your appreciation or get new clients and a lot of businesses will send a basket or chocolate sample to offices," said Glen Schaffer, the owner's father.
He helps at the shop with miscellaneous tasks when necessary.
"Everything is a little better with chocolate and it's a good way to get your foot in the door. Inexpensive way to make an impression."
Leaving that lasting impression is why Justin Schaffer takes the time to speak to each client, create a sample and have them choose what they want.
"We customize everything and we are a family-owned business so we have no restrictions," Justin Schaffer said.
The company, which recently changed its name from For The Love of Chocolate, specializes in selling the best homemade chocolates.
That's according to owner Justin Schaffer who makes every piece of chocolate himself.
"We do it all. Boxes, baskets, printed ribbons and party favors for weddings or birthdays," said Schaffer. He first started working with chocolate as a young boy.
His mother, Tammy, worked in the restaurant industry for years and passed her interest onto her two children.
"As kids my sister and I had Confectionary Kids and then it got a new name and I started running it," Schaffer said. "Everybody loves chocolate so it's always been successful."
Success for Schaffer has meant being able to start looking for a retail location to replace the current location off Beacon Boulevard.
"The first of the year we should be able to move somewhere," said Schaffer who uses a kitchen in the building to make his creations. "We make everything fresh and it has to be consumed quickly ... we need a place with space for the kitchen."
The kitchen is where all the activity takes place at Irresistible Confections. The chocolate treats are made, packaged based on customers needs, and then delivered for a small fee.
"We do dessert trays, strawberry bouquets and we can put a picture on a piece of chocolate," he said.
But Schaffer's customer base isn't limited to just party planners, business professionals in the area are major fans.
"It's a great way to show your appreciation or get new clients and a lot of businesses will send a basket or chocolate sample to offices," said Glen Schaffer, the owner's father.
He helps at the shop with miscellaneous tasks when necessary.
"Everything is a little better with chocolate and it's a good way to get your foot in the door. Inexpensive way to make an impression."
Leaving that lasting impression is why Justin Schaffer takes the time to speak to each client, create a sample and have them choose what they want.
"We customize everything and we are a family-owned business so we have no restrictions," Justin Schaffer said.
Ten minutes in the life of a librarian: School-related activities planned at Lakes Regional Library
Chrissie Bishop has programming on the brain at this time of year. School is starting and as a youth services librarian she has to plan activities for children of all ages and their parents.
Bishop has spent months getting ready for questions about homework help, science fair projects and even where to find books on different subjects.
"We try to have a lot of books on hand for them to go back to school because there are so many questions," said Bishop, who is a seven-year veteran of the library system. "We make sure to have books for parents and the children ... each have different needs."
The needs vary by age as well and Bishop knows that not everyone will start school in the fall.
Bishop assures parents that the little ones who aren't getting new pencils or riding the bus to school won't get left behind.
She has plans to offer pre-schoolers a "Fancy Nancy Party" complete with reading, dancing and activities.
"All the people in the department come up with different ideas and it's so much fun to get them going," said Bishop, who has been at Lakes Regional for more than a year. "We have to start early and get kids to love books."
Loving books is what landed Bishop in the library system. She worked as a page at a library while studying at Florida Gulf Coast University.
"I loved being a page and being in the library talking to the public," said Bishop, adding that she earned an English degree but the library was her calling. "Working with children is the best. Books show them so many experiences."
Being able to impart those experiences onto children is why Bishop can't see herself doing anything else.
"We try really hard to help kids become life-long readers, feel comfortable and love the library," she said.
Bishop has spent months getting ready for questions about homework help, science fair projects and even where to find books on different subjects.
"We try to have a lot of books on hand for them to go back to school because there are so many questions," said Bishop, who is a seven-year veteran of the library system. "We make sure to have books for parents and the children ... each have different needs."
The needs vary by age as well and Bishop knows that not everyone will start school in the fall.
Bishop assures parents that the little ones who aren't getting new pencils or riding the bus to school won't get left behind.
She has plans to offer pre-schoolers a "Fancy Nancy Party" complete with reading, dancing and activities.
"All the people in the department come up with different ideas and it's so much fun to get them going," said Bishop, who has been at Lakes Regional for more than a year. "We have to start early and get kids to love books."
Loving books is what landed Bishop in the library system. She worked as a page at a library while studying at Florida Gulf Coast University.
"I loved being a page and being in the library talking to the public," said Bishop, adding that she earned an English degree but the library was her calling. "Working with children is the best. Books show them so many experiences."
Being able to impart those experiences onto children is why Bishop can't see herself doing anything else.
"We try really hard to help kids become life-long readers, feel comfortable and love the library," she said.
Bonita Springs flood victims live in shelter, despair
Despair has befallen the Bonita Springs flood victims, now living at the Estero Community Center shelter.
The 570 residents have been eating, sleeping and laundering their clothes at the American Red Cross shelter for 12 days and calling it home has become difficult to bear.
"We are treated very well. They give us food and water. We haven't lacked anything but it's not home," said Ricardo Zambrano, 48. Zambrano lives at the Manna Christian Village RV park. Most of the people in the shelter are residents of Manna Christian or a neighboring RV park, Saldivar.
He is staying at the shelter with his wife and three teenage children. All are anxious to go home.
"It's really affected us. We have a small car and only had time to get one luggage of clothes out," said Zambrano noting important documents are still in his trailer home. "It's been hard on my kids and we aren't sure why ... if it's the food or change but they are getting sick."
Stomach aches or the common cold are what Zambrano believes is sickening his children and others he's heard about at the shelter.
"We have been going to a Mexican restaurant to eat sometimes," said Zambrano, who works as a truck mechanic. His wife is unemployed.
When the Zambranos left their home there was six inches of water under their trailer. As of Friday, he tried twice to enter the Manna Christian park but officials wouldn't let him in.
"Three months ago I bought a plasma (TV) and a computer and now with more storms coming..." he said. "I just don't know."
Hope was already hanging by a thread among residents at the shelter and news of Hurricane Ike's possible assault on southwest Florida isn't helping the angst.
"They don't want us in (the trailer park) and I just need to know what's happening," said Juanna Urvalle, 54. She lives with her husband Jose, 65, at Manna Christian. "We need help. Help to at least get our documents or use a truck or something."
Urvalle, whose extended family also is at the shelter, said: "We aren't safe anymore because if another (storm) comes we have no other options. We don't have a future. We can't even think about it."
The future seems bleak for residents like Zambrano and Urvalle. They are legal residents who applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency aid and said it's the small glimmer of hope left.
"They didn't say when we would get anything. They have to send inspectors to our homes," said Zambrano, noting the water has to go down before inspectors can enter the park. "I need help because although we are here, we are spending money to eat Mexican food or pizza and for clothes."
The owners of the Manna Christian and Saldivar parks say they will credit renters for days they spent at the shelter.
Heidi Ruster, the Lee County American Red Cross director, has no date for shutting the shelter's doors.
"We want to make sure they have a place to go before we shut down," said Ruster who can't determine the number of shelter residents because not all those registered have stayed overnight.
The Lee County Division of Public Safety's Emergency Management Department meets regularly with the Red Cross, as the shelter is a Lee County facility.
"It's federal mandate that the Red Cross run the shelter and Emergency Management oversees it. It's a combination effort," said Diane Holm, spokesperson for the public safety division and emergency management department. "We are always in contact because they would report to us if they need more cots for example, and we get them there."
Volunteers support the two organizations and Holm's said more are needed, especially now.
"We need people to help in the shelter and spot some of the volunteers who have been working for 10 days," said Ruster. She said squabbles have taken place between volunteers and Red Cross staff members. "Stress levels get a little difficult when people work too many hours. We are limiting burn out ... many (volunteers) have a heart of gold and just want to go, go, go."
Moving is exactly what Zambrano has in mind after he returns to his trailer.
"I don't feel stable anymore. I have an offer now for a trailer in Rosemary but we don't have money to put down," Zambrano said. "We wonder what will happen in reality."
The 570 residents have been eating, sleeping and laundering their clothes at the American Red Cross shelter for 12 days and calling it home has become difficult to bear.
"We are treated very well. They give us food and water. We haven't lacked anything but it's not home," said Ricardo Zambrano, 48. Zambrano lives at the Manna Christian Village RV park. Most of the people in the shelter are residents of Manna Christian or a neighboring RV park, Saldivar.
He is staying at the shelter with his wife and three teenage children. All are anxious to go home.
"It's really affected us. We have a small car and only had time to get one luggage of clothes out," said Zambrano noting important documents are still in his trailer home. "It's been hard on my kids and we aren't sure why ... if it's the food or change but they are getting sick."
Stomach aches or the common cold are what Zambrano believes is sickening his children and others he's heard about at the shelter.
"We have been going to a Mexican restaurant to eat sometimes," said Zambrano, who works as a truck mechanic. His wife is unemployed.
When the Zambranos left their home there was six inches of water under their trailer. As of Friday, he tried twice to enter the Manna Christian park but officials wouldn't let him in.
"Three months ago I bought a plasma (TV) and a computer and now with more storms coming..." he said. "I just don't know."
Hope was already hanging by a thread among residents at the shelter and news of Hurricane Ike's possible assault on southwest Florida isn't helping the angst.
"They don't want us in (the trailer park) and I just need to know what's happening," said Juanna Urvalle, 54. She lives with her husband Jose, 65, at Manna Christian. "We need help. Help to at least get our documents or use a truck or something."
Urvalle, whose extended family also is at the shelter, said: "We aren't safe anymore because if another (storm) comes we have no other options. We don't have a future. We can't even think about it."
The future seems bleak for residents like Zambrano and Urvalle. They are legal residents who applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency aid and said it's the small glimmer of hope left.
"They didn't say when we would get anything. They have to send inspectors to our homes," said Zambrano, noting the water has to go down before inspectors can enter the park. "I need help because although we are here, we are spending money to eat Mexican food or pizza and for clothes."
The owners of the Manna Christian and Saldivar parks say they will credit renters for days they spent at the shelter.
Heidi Ruster, the Lee County American Red Cross director, has no date for shutting the shelter's doors.
"We want to make sure they have a place to go before we shut down," said Ruster who can't determine the number of shelter residents because not all those registered have stayed overnight.
The Lee County Division of Public Safety's Emergency Management Department meets regularly with the Red Cross, as the shelter is a Lee County facility.
"It's federal mandate that the Red Cross run the shelter and Emergency Management oversees it. It's a combination effort," said Diane Holm, spokesperson for the public safety division and emergency management department. "We are always in contact because they would report to us if they need more cots for example, and we get them there."
Volunteers support the two organizations and Holm's said more are needed, especially now.
"We need people to help in the shelter and spot some of the volunteers who have been working for 10 days," said Ruster. She said squabbles have taken place between volunteers and Red Cross staff members. "Stress levels get a little difficult when people work too many hours. We are limiting burn out ... many (volunteers) have a heart of gold and just want to go, go, go."
Moving is exactly what Zambrano has in mind after he returns to his trailer.
"I don't feel stable anymore. I have an offer now for a trailer in Rosemary but we don't have money to put down," Zambrano said. "We wonder what will happen in reality."
New home to help group better serve Lee
Interfaith Caregivers is working to better serve its customer base in Southwest Florida and a recent purchase is sure to help the cause.
The service-based organization that runs a food pantry for the area between Gladiolus Drive and Coconut Road recently closed on a new $317,000 commercial property in San Carlos Park.
"The new building is almost twice as big as the place we are in now," said Nancy Martin, the community outreach director, about the current Estero location. "It's a logical move for us because paying rent is not a good way to spend money."
The organization relies on community monies, pantry donations and volunteer hours to sustain the program that helped 916 people last month alone. That's 50 percent higher than a year and a half ago.
"We keep getting bigger and bigger and we have outgrown this location. Two-thirds of our clients are in San Carlos Park so it's a logical move," Martin said. "We will be more accessible and the building can be suited for what we need for our clients."
The new space has an open layout, which will accommodate the growing food pantry, expanding counseling services and a Florida Gulf Coast University nursing class that uses the facility now.
"It's about being closer to the people that we serve and offer more services with the extra space," said Becky Robbins-Penniman, board president of the organization.
"Hopefully, we can do it without falling over boxes like we do now."
Not that Robbins-Penniman is complaining. She'd prefer to trip over boxes than worry the client count climbing more than the community support.
"More room will permit us to within a year ... add social work intake services and partner with more agencies," said Robbins-Penniman, who is also an associate pastor at Lamb of God Church. "We really want this to be the kind of place where people will come get services or volunteer."
Volunteers are crucial to the operation because they also serve as a United Way house, run a Meals-on-Wheels program and even host classes to teach people the English language.
"It's not just a one-way street. We have a lot of clients who come back and help," said Robbins-Penniman about the 2,000 clients in their database. Some are one-time clients. "We want to be a community resource where neighbors help neighbors."
Interfaith Caregivers has plans to move into the new property on Rockefeller Circle in September depending on the permitting process.
"We will serve them more efficiently but one of the biggest reasons we are moving is fiscal responsibility," Martin said. "We don't want to throw away donation money."
A capital campaign will also be started in September to help pay down the new location.
The service-based organization that runs a food pantry for the area between Gladiolus Drive and Coconut Road recently closed on a new $317,000 commercial property in San Carlos Park.
"The new building is almost twice as big as the place we are in now," said Nancy Martin, the community outreach director, about the current Estero location. "It's a logical move for us because paying rent is not a good way to spend money."
The organization relies on community monies, pantry donations and volunteer hours to sustain the program that helped 916 people last month alone. That's 50 percent higher than a year and a half ago.
"We keep getting bigger and bigger and we have outgrown this location. Two-thirds of our clients are in San Carlos Park so it's a logical move," Martin said. "We will be more accessible and the building can be suited for what we need for our clients."
The new space has an open layout, which will accommodate the growing food pantry, expanding counseling services and a Florida Gulf Coast University nursing class that uses the facility now.
"It's about being closer to the people that we serve and offer more services with the extra space," said Becky Robbins-Penniman, board president of the organization.
"Hopefully, we can do it without falling over boxes like we do now."
Not that Robbins-Penniman is complaining. She'd prefer to trip over boxes than worry the client count climbing more than the community support.
"More room will permit us to within a year ... add social work intake services and partner with more agencies," said Robbins-Penniman, who is also an associate pastor at Lamb of God Church. "We really want this to be the kind of place where people will come get services or volunteer."
Volunteers are crucial to the operation because they also serve as a United Way house, run a Meals-on-Wheels program and even host classes to teach people the English language.
"It's not just a one-way street. We have a lot of clients who come back and help," said Robbins-Penniman about the 2,000 clients in their database. Some are one-time clients. "We want to be a community resource where neighbors help neighbors."
Interfaith Caregivers has plans to move into the new property on Rockefeller Circle in September depending on the permitting process.
"We will serve them more efficiently but one of the biggest reasons we are moving is fiscal responsibility," Martin said. "We don't want to throw away donation money."
A capital campaign will also be started in September to help pay down the new location.
Salon filled with Charisma
Charisma Hair & Nail Studio is offering its clients more than just a new hair color, manicured nails and rested tootsies from the foot spa.
Owner and Stylist Kelly Wayne wants clients to feel glamorous, relaxed, and more importantly pampered.
That's why she opened the salon with a focus on the clients' needs and building a trusting relationship.
"It's about the treatment you get here and they are really interested in me as a client ... not creating a brand," said Anne Gregg, of south Fort Myers. She drives from Alico Road to the Colonial salon because she refuses to have her hair done by anyone except Wayne. "She moved and I followed. I feel comfortable here and these people know me."
Gregg is just one of many clients that visit the salon on a weekly basis whether it's for hair treatments, cuts or an hour and a half long pedicure.
"We are more than a big salon because we don't push products on customers and don't have a receptionist to set up appointments," said Wayne noting that appointments are made with each individual stylist.
The difference at Charisma is that each stylist rents an area from Wayne and runs it as their own business.
"They make their own appointments and have flexibility to open whenever they want," said Wayne, adding that each stylist must bring their own clientele with them. "It's about the personal attention and knowing that my client can go to another stylist and get good service at the salon."
Service is such a focus for Wayne that part-time employee Joyce Troiano comes in a few times a week to make customers comfortable.
"I do what needs to be done and it's all very nice and pleasant," said Troiano whose daughter Jill Duncan is a stylist at the salon. "I get (customers) snacks, drinks or whatever they need."
Being able to meet that need comes naturally to the Charisma staff because they have more than 20 years of hair experience. They opened Charisma in June.
"To be successful in my business you need to keep up with education, be motivated and disciplined," said Stylist Margie Weekly. "It's a great feeling when you can change ones confidence."
Diane Ferazzi is a nail specialist and the newest member at Charisma. She started just a month ago and is already seen an increase in customers looking for manicures and pedicures.
"This area is booming and people like it so much here that I have more clientele here than I did in a year at another salon," Ferazzi said. "It's very relaxing and my clients love it. This is a good group of people and everyone gets along."
Owner and Stylist Kelly Wayne wants clients to feel glamorous, relaxed, and more importantly pampered.
That's why she opened the salon with a focus on the clients' needs and building a trusting relationship.
"It's about the treatment you get here and they are really interested in me as a client ... not creating a brand," said Anne Gregg, of south Fort Myers. She drives from Alico Road to the Colonial salon because she refuses to have her hair done by anyone except Wayne. "She moved and I followed. I feel comfortable here and these people know me."
Gregg is just one of many clients that visit the salon on a weekly basis whether it's for hair treatments, cuts or an hour and a half long pedicure.
"We are more than a big salon because we don't push products on customers and don't have a receptionist to set up appointments," said Wayne noting that appointments are made with each individual stylist.
The difference at Charisma is that each stylist rents an area from Wayne and runs it as their own business.
"They make their own appointments and have flexibility to open whenever they want," said Wayne, adding that each stylist must bring their own clientele with them. "It's about the personal attention and knowing that my client can go to another stylist and get good service at the salon."
Service is such a focus for Wayne that part-time employee Joyce Troiano comes in a few times a week to make customers comfortable.
"I do what needs to be done and it's all very nice and pleasant," said Troiano whose daughter Jill Duncan is a stylist at the salon. "I get (customers) snacks, drinks or whatever they need."
Being able to meet that need comes naturally to the Charisma staff because they have more than 20 years of hair experience. They opened Charisma in June.
"To be successful in my business you need to keep up with education, be motivated and disciplined," said Stylist Margie Weekly. "It's a great feeling when you can change ones confidence."
Diane Ferazzi is a nail specialist and the newest member at Charisma. She started just a month ago and is already seen an increase in customers looking for manicures and pedicures.
"This area is booming and people like it so much here that I have more clientele here than I did in a year at another salon," Ferazzi said. "It's very relaxing and my clients love it. This is a good group of people and everyone gets along."
Harley motorcyclists ride lifestyle
Jeff Taylor of south Fort Myers has been riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles since the early '90s.
He says there is nothing like seeing the sights on two wheels and Southwest Florida local motorcycle nuts seem to agree.
More than 15 riders recently gathered for a two-day celebration at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers to commemorate the company's 105th anniversary.
"It's American country, patriotism and 105 years of a company that represents that," said Taylor, 60.
The Fort Myers store was one of 25 stores in the nation chosen as official host sites for the party and starting place for locals to take the "Ride Home."
The ride involves riders from across the country starting from one of 105 locations as they make their way to Milwaukee for a weekend-long party.
"It's a great excuse to ride your motorcycle," said Bill Dannhel, the executive vice president of Harley-Davidson. He flew in from Milwaukee to see the Fort Myers celebration. "People like the celebration and the camaraderie of it."
Giving bikers an opportunity to spend time together is why the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. has been celebrating its anniversary every five years. The Fort Myers celebration started Aug. 21 with a party and then the send-off Aug. 22.
"I went to the 100th ride and it's just bikes and bikers and more bikes as you flow into Milwaukee ... it's a special ride," said Ron Hall, the general manager of the Fort Myers store. "This is not just a motorcycle ... it's a lifestyle."
The lifestyle is what has kept Taylor attracted to the company for more than 10 years.
And, in preparation for the weeklong ride to Milwaukee, Taylor packed two bags with rain gear, cold weather clothing and his leathers.
"I got nothing special, just what I'm going to need for the ride and then when I'm up at the party," said Taylor, who will be stopping at small eateries along the way and taking in the sights. "We're gonna meet a lot of people that share our bond with the open road."
And for the send-off, Taylor donned a Harley T-shirt, bandanna and leather vest with the Harley logo.
"Seeing our country on two wheels can't be beat," Taylor said.
Sid Pittman of Alva couldn't agree more. He, too, was participating in the ride to Milwaukee and came to Fort Myers for the send-off celebration.
"I went to the 100th year celebration and it's just to have a good time," said Pittman, who found out about the ride because he is a member of the Fort Myers HOG chapter, or bikers club. "You get to see a lot of sights too."
Hall wanted the riders leaving his store to feel special so he invited the Lee County Sheriff's Office to lead the riders from his store onto Colonial and to the interstate.
"People who don't ride don't understand it," Hall said. "It's a freedom and just everything that comes with it."
The 105th anniversary of the company will also be a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
"We threw a great party and we raised $6 million last time," Dannhel said.
He says there is nothing like seeing the sights on two wheels and Southwest Florida local motorcycle nuts seem to agree.
More than 15 riders recently gathered for a two-day celebration at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers to commemorate the company's 105th anniversary.
"It's American country, patriotism and 105 years of a company that represents that," said Taylor, 60.
The Fort Myers store was one of 25 stores in the nation chosen as official host sites for the party and starting place for locals to take the "Ride Home."
The ride involves riders from across the country starting from one of 105 locations as they make their way to Milwaukee for a weekend-long party.
"It's a great excuse to ride your motorcycle," said Bill Dannhel, the executive vice president of Harley-Davidson. He flew in from Milwaukee to see the Fort Myers celebration. "People like the celebration and the camaraderie of it."
Giving bikers an opportunity to spend time together is why the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. has been celebrating its anniversary every five years. The Fort Myers celebration started Aug. 21 with a party and then the send-off Aug. 22.
"I went to the 100th ride and it's just bikes and bikers and more bikes as you flow into Milwaukee ... it's a special ride," said Ron Hall, the general manager of the Fort Myers store. "This is not just a motorcycle ... it's a lifestyle."
The lifestyle is what has kept Taylor attracted to the company for more than 10 years.
And, in preparation for the weeklong ride to Milwaukee, Taylor packed two bags with rain gear, cold weather clothing and his leathers.
"I got nothing special, just what I'm going to need for the ride and then when I'm up at the party," said Taylor, who will be stopping at small eateries along the way and taking in the sights. "We're gonna meet a lot of people that share our bond with the open road."
And for the send-off, Taylor donned a Harley T-shirt, bandanna and leather vest with the Harley logo.
"Seeing our country on two wheels can't be beat," Taylor said.
Sid Pittman of Alva couldn't agree more. He, too, was participating in the ride to Milwaukee and came to Fort Myers for the send-off celebration.
"I went to the 100th year celebration and it's just to have a good time," said Pittman, who found out about the ride because he is a member of the Fort Myers HOG chapter, or bikers club. "You get to see a lot of sights too."
Hall wanted the riders leaving his store to feel special so he invited the Lee County Sheriff's Office to lead the riders from his store onto Colonial and to the interstate.
"People who don't ride don't understand it," Hall said. "It's a freedom and just everything that comes with it."
The 105th anniversary of the company will also be a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
"We threw a great party and we raised $6 million last time," Dannhel said.
Carwash to help swimmers raise funds
Swimmer Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in the recently concluded Olympics and local students are hoping to benefit from his accomplishments.
Students from the South Fort Myers High swim team hope that swim fever catches on in south Fort Myers.
The South Fort Myers High School Swim Team will be hosting a carwash fundraiser at Eagle Wash & Lube in south Fort Myers on Aug. 30.
The team, which is co-ed, will be raising money to help offset the costs of traveling to local, regional and state swim meets.
"We have been pretty successful in getting these scheduled and helping the groups raise money," said Chris Heidrick, owner of the wash shop during the last carwash.
Heidrick works to support area students because he was once a Boy Scout and understands the importance of giving back.
He began offering fundraising opportunities at the carwash in February.
"The community really supports the kids who come out and wash cars," Heidrick said.
The team will wash customers' cars for donations using Eagle's professional, environmentally friendly equipment. The equipment will save water and energy usage during the event.
Eagle Wash & Lube will also not only donate the carwash stations, it has plans to donate $5 to the Swim Team for every Castrol Full Service Oil Change performed in its maintenance center during the event.
One hundred percent of money raised during the carwash will be handed over to the school along with the money from oil changes.
Eagle Wash & Lube holds two charity carwashes a month and has helped local youth groups raise almost $4,000 so far this year.
Students from the South Fort Myers High swim team hope that swim fever catches on in south Fort Myers.
The South Fort Myers High School Swim Team will be hosting a carwash fundraiser at Eagle Wash & Lube in south Fort Myers on Aug. 30.
The team, which is co-ed, will be raising money to help offset the costs of traveling to local, regional and state swim meets.
"We have been pretty successful in getting these scheduled and helping the groups raise money," said Chris Heidrick, owner of the wash shop during the last carwash.
Heidrick works to support area students because he was once a Boy Scout and understands the importance of giving back.
He began offering fundraising opportunities at the carwash in February.
"The community really supports the kids who come out and wash cars," Heidrick said.
The team will wash customers' cars for donations using Eagle's professional, environmentally friendly equipment. The equipment will save water and energy usage during the event.
Eagle Wash & Lube will also not only donate the carwash stations, it has plans to donate $5 to the Swim Team for every Castrol Full Service Oil Change performed in its maintenance center during the event.
One hundred percent of money raised during the carwash will be handed over to the school along with the money from oil changes.
Eagle Wash & Lube holds two charity carwashes a month and has helped local youth groups raise almost $4,000 so far this year.
Fay victims bide time at Estero center
Maria Reyes, 26, arrived at the Estero Community Center on Tuesday morning.
She came not to work out in its gym or to make crafts, but to flee the rising floodwaters at her Camp Saldivar mobile home park in Bonita Springs.
She is one of 426 Tropical Storm Fay flood victims from Bonita Springs who were forced to make the center home.
"It's very hard, especially with a baby. He cries at night," Reyes said in Spanish. She came to the shelter with her husband, Antonio Fernandez, and her sons Adrian Cruz, 5, and Jode Cruz, 1. "We keep hearing that the water is getting higher."
The community center became an American Red Cross shelter as water levels rose and victims had to evacuate. It's the first time the center has been used for such a purpose since it opened in 2006.
Reyes had plans to stay in her home until flood waters became knee deep on her 5-foot, 5-inch frame.
"We are worried that we have lost everything," said Reyes. "We didn't take anything. We had no time."
Reyes worries mirror those of the others in the shelter. They are preoccupied with the condition of their homes, little to no clothing for their children or prospects for the future.
Jose Uvalle de la Portill, 65, said he only brought the khaki shorts and striped polo he was wearing.
"It's hard at first, but thank God we are better now," Uvalle said in Spanish. He has spent a week at the shelter with his wife Juanna.
She doesn't expect to go home to a flooded Manna Christian trailer and applied for state aid at laptop stations set up at the shelter. Flood victims can receive food stamps and cash assistance.
"My husband is on disability, and we don't know what we will get," said Juanna Uvalle, who showed valid identification that she was documented and in the flood area.
Identification is not requested when victims enter the shelter, said Jan George, the shelter manager from the American Red Cross.
"Some of them might be undocumented ... when we start opening cases for assistance, they have to show something that has the correct address on it," George said. "It's unclear when the first victims will begin to receive state aid."
In the meantime, victims are being given a cot, blanket and hygiene kits to make their stay more comfortable.
"We don't give them pillows, so they won't be getting a mint on it," said Mariann Kircher, mass care shelter manager for the Red Cross.
Three meals - one of them hot - a day are also being provided.
"We are working with a Mexican caterer to offer some Spanish meals" (today), said Kathy Maloney, who works as a kitchen manager at the shelter's mess hall. "They don't eat the bread on their sandwiches. They take it out and put meat in the tortillas."
Parents are having a tough time feeding small children who eat mostly potatoes and hot stews.
"He doesn't eat sandwich bread, and he doesn't like cereal," said Reyes, reiterating that she is appreciative of the volunteers' efforts.
Hungry kids are also harder to entertain and groups such as the Bonita Literacy Council drop by during the day and put on reading and singing programs for tots.
"We have been trying to keep them occupied," George said. She estimates that there is a three to one ratio of children to every adult.
"It's a lot of kids for one shelter," she said.
Reyes and her family are losing hope - and quickly, she said.
"We don't want to think that, but you have to prepare for the future," said Reyes, adding that she isn't sure how they will pay for rent if they're forced to go somewhere else. "We haven't heard anything and we have no radio or television."
Red Cross volunteers said operating out of Estero for the first time was not a problem.
"It doesn't matter where we are," said George.
But the Red Cross will be more familiar with the facility next time, George said.
"Now that we know what rooms are available and their sizes, we'll have a better idea of where to place our staff, our sick room, the whole nine yards," George said.
Turning into a shelter meant canceling classes offered there, said David Gibbons, a senior maintenance specialist.
Otherwise, the inconvenience was minimal, Gibbons said.
She came not to work out in its gym or to make crafts, but to flee the rising floodwaters at her Camp Saldivar mobile home park in Bonita Springs.
She is one of 426 Tropical Storm Fay flood victims from Bonita Springs who were forced to make the center home.
"It's very hard, especially with a baby. He cries at night," Reyes said in Spanish. She came to the shelter with her husband, Antonio Fernandez, and her sons Adrian Cruz, 5, and Jode Cruz, 1. "We keep hearing that the water is getting higher."
The community center became an American Red Cross shelter as water levels rose and victims had to evacuate. It's the first time the center has been used for such a purpose since it opened in 2006.
Reyes had plans to stay in her home until flood waters became knee deep on her 5-foot, 5-inch frame.
"We are worried that we have lost everything," said Reyes. "We didn't take anything. We had no time."
Reyes worries mirror those of the others in the shelter. They are preoccupied with the condition of their homes, little to no clothing for their children or prospects for the future.
Jose Uvalle de la Portill, 65, said he only brought the khaki shorts and striped polo he was wearing.
"It's hard at first, but thank God we are better now," Uvalle said in Spanish. He has spent a week at the shelter with his wife Juanna.
She doesn't expect to go home to a flooded Manna Christian trailer and applied for state aid at laptop stations set up at the shelter. Flood victims can receive food stamps and cash assistance.
"My husband is on disability, and we don't know what we will get," said Juanna Uvalle, who showed valid identification that she was documented and in the flood area.
Identification is not requested when victims enter the shelter, said Jan George, the shelter manager from the American Red Cross.
"Some of them might be undocumented ... when we start opening cases for assistance, they have to show something that has the correct address on it," George said. "It's unclear when the first victims will begin to receive state aid."
In the meantime, victims are being given a cot, blanket and hygiene kits to make their stay more comfortable.
"We don't give them pillows, so they won't be getting a mint on it," said Mariann Kircher, mass care shelter manager for the Red Cross.
Three meals - one of them hot - a day are also being provided.
"We are working with a Mexican caterer to offer some Spanish meals" (today), said Kathy Maloney, who works as a kitchen manager at the shelter's mess hall. "They don't eat the bread on their sandwiches. They take it out and put meat in the tortillas."
Parents are having a tough time feeding small children who eat mostly potatoes and hot stews.
"He doesn't eat sandwich bread, and he doesn't like cereal," said Reyes, reiterating that she is appreciative of the volunteers' efforts.
Hungry kids are also harder to entertain and groups such as the Bonita Literacy Council drop by during the day and put on reading and singing programs for tots.
"We have been trying to keep them occupied," George said. She estimates that there is a three to one ratio of children to every adult.
"It's a lot of kids for one shelter," she said.
Reyes and her family are losing hope - and quickly, she said.
"We don't want to think that, but you have to prepare for the future," said Reyes, adding that she isn't sure how they will pay for rent if they're forced to go somewhere else. "We haven't heard anything and we have no radio or television."
Red Cross volunteers said operating out of Estero for the first time was not a problem.
"It doesn't matter where we are," said George.
But the Red Cross will be more familiar with the facility next time, George said.
"Now that we know what rooms are available and their sizes, we'll have a better idea of where to place our staff, our sick room, the whole nine yards," George said.
Turning into a shelter meant canceling classes offered there, said David Gibbons, a senior maintenance specialist.
Otherwise, the inconvenience was minimal, Gibbons said.
Jazzercise Lite class just wouldn't die
Women at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreational Center in south Fort Myers are changing their lives one Jazzercise Lite class at a time.
The recreational center recently added the low-impact workout class to its list of programming and area women are thrilled.
"It's great because by doing this we can enjoy our wine," said Patty Asci, 65, of Estero.
She is just one of 30 women who attend Jazzercise lite classes regularly at the center. The class is open to men as well.
"For me machines aren't fun (whereas) here you just keep moving," said Deborah Colbert, 53, of south Fort Myers. She is a tap dancer and uses the class to keep fit. "I'm the same size I was when I was 17 years old."
The Jazzercise lite class keeps women fit by packing moderate aerobics, dance and exercise into a 60-minute routine done to modern music.
"The Jazzercise philosophy has always been that exercise is for everyone - and by using effective exercise, jazz dance and popular music - we continually strive to make it fun for participants, too," said Debbie McGarry,the jazzercise lite instructor at the center.
Vera Ifka, 47, feels the difference after every class.
"I feel better now than I did when I started 10 years ago," said Ifka, of south Fort Myers.
McGarry became Jazzercise certified 20 years ago and first began teaching at the defunct Fort Myers Athletic Club. She then moved into her own studio until economics made the upkeep difficult. She wanted to retire.
"I didn't count on them not letting me retire ... the class was just going to dissolve," said McGarry, referring to her students, who banded together and found a new location for the class. "They wouldn't let me die ... they wanted me to teach in their garages if necessary."
But the necessity for the women to work out was more than just a fitness issue. They had formed strong bonds with fellow classmates and enjoyed spending time in and outside of Jazzercise.
"People here are nice and they make you feel comfortable," said Asci, who has taken the class with McGarry for three years. "We made new friendships and we didn't want to lose that."
That's when they contacted the Lee County Parks & Recreation department and asked for their help.
"I thought I was done until I got a call one day and here we are," McGarry said.
The location was ideal because the new space can hold three times the amount of students as her studio.
"We've got this great room that is huge and more and more people keep coming," said Anne Ramsey, of south Fort Myers.
"It's because of her."
McGarry, though, is very modest about the complements she gets from students.
"They are much too nice to me," McGarry said. "I don't think it's me so much as everything they get out of it."
Jazzercise Lite offers students many benefits no matter their age or health.
"This blends kickboxing, yoga, jazz, dance and pilates ... in one class you get everything," McGarry said. "We don't have room for boredom because we change the program every week."
Jazzercise Lite is also not the program of the past in which people listen to '80s pop and spend 60 minutes jumping around.
"If you can go shopping and walk, you can come in here and Jazzercise," McGarry said. "The program has changed but peoples perception hasn't."
At least until they take a class.
"I thought it was all dancing until I came. The difference is that she teaches you all the moves and makes sure you do them right," said Dawn Ciers, 52, of south Fort Myers who has taken the class for four months. "My blood pressure is better. I lost inches and my muscle mass is better by about 3 percent."
The class seems to improve everyone's quality of life.
"Some mornings I wake up and I don't want to work out ...," Ramsey said. "Then you go and when you're done, you feel great."
The recreational center recently added the low-impact workout class to its list of programming and area women are thrilled.
"It's great because by doing this we can enjoy our wine," said Patty Asci, 65, of Estero.
She is just one of 30 women who attend Jazzercise lite classes regularly at the center. The class is open to men as well.
"For me machines aren't fun (whereas) here you just keep moving," said Deborah Colbert, 53, of south Fort Myers. She is a tap dancer and uses the class to keep fit. "I'm the same size I was when I was 17 years old."
The Jazzercise lite class keeps women fit by packing moderate aerobics, dance and exercise into a 60-minute routine done to modern music.
"The Jazzercise philosophy has always been that exercise is for everyone - and by using effective exercise, jazz dance and popular music - we continually strive to make it fun for participants, too," said Debbie McGarry,the jazzercise lite instructor at the center.
Vera Ifka, 47, feels the difference after every class.
"I feel better now than I did when I started 10 years ago," said Ifka, of south Fort Myers.
McGarry became Jazzercise certified 20 years ago and first began teaching at the defunct Fort Myers Athletic Club. She then moved into her own studio until economics made the upkeep difficult. She wanted to retire.
"I didn't count on them not letting me retire ... the class was just going to dissolve," said McGarry, referring to her students, who banded together and found a new location for the class. "They wouldn't let me die ... they wanted me to teach in their garages if necessary."
But the necessity for the women to work out was more than just a fitness issue. They had formed strong bonds with fellow classmates and enjoyed spending time in and outside of Jazzercise.
"People here are nice and they make you feel comfortable," said Asci, who has taken the class with McGarry for three years. "We made new friendships and we didn't want to lose that."
That's when they contacted the Lee County Parks & Recreation department and asked for their help.
"I thought I was done until I got a call one day and here we are," McGarry said.
The location was ideal because the new space can hold three times the amount of students as her studio.
"We've got this great room that is huge and more and more people keep coming," said Anne Ramsey, of south Fort Myers.
"It's because of her."
McGarry, though, is very modest about the complements she gets from students.
"They are much too nice to me," McGarry said. "I don't think it's me so much as everything they get out of it."
Jazzercise Lite offers students many benefits no matter their age or health.
"This blends kickboxing, yoga, jazz, dance and pilates ... in one class you get everything," McGarry said. "We don't have room for boredom because we change the program every week."
Jazzercise Lite is also not the program of the past in which people listen to '80s pop and spend 60 minutes jumping around.
"If you can go shopping and walk, you can come in here and Jazzercise," McGarry said. "The program has changed but peoples perception hasn't."
At least until they take a class.
"I thought it was all dancing until I came. The difference is that she teaches you all the moves and makes sure you do them right," said Dawn Ciers, 52, of south Fort Myers who has taken the class for four months. "My blood pressure is better. I lost inches and my muscle mass is better by about 3 percent."
The class seems to improve everyone's quality of life.
"Some mornings I wake up and I don't want to work out ...," Ramsey said. "Then you go and when you're done, you feel great."
Green building comes to area
Green living is coming to Southwest Florida and it will only be a matter of time before more and more of the area becomes earth-friendly.
A new branch of the Tampa-based United States Green Building Council chapter has opened in Fort Myers. It is the 81st of its kind.
"We're so new that we are still putting our plan together," said Lynn Murtagh, the group's chairman. "We have plans to have meetings with speakers talking on different topics concerning green building."
Instead of opening a new chapter, group organizers decided to open a branch and that would allow members access to Tampa and Sarasota based meetings as well.
"We will educate our peers, build networks and share resources," Murtagh said. "People like to network and talk about these issues."
The issue at the forefront of the Fort Myers branch is a recent bill signed by Gov. Christ stating that all government buildings from here on out be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified.
The designation "promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality," according to the national Web site.
"We have to pass this planet on to our kids one day and it'd be nice to give them one with air they can breathe and water they can drink," said Murtagh about the branch that will become the official local LEED certifying organization.
"Productivity increases in LEED certified buildings and they are just more environmentally friendly."
A membership kickoff is scheduled for Sept. 16 and it will be the first official gathering of the new branch.
"What a lot of people don't understand is that corporations join the national organization and individuals just join a local chapter," said Ken Bushle, the chapter adviser. He has helped bring interested members together. "The most important thing is that this is a forum for people who are interested in sustainability to meet and share ideas."
The sharing of ideas will also help foster discussions about how to be more green-friendly.
"In terms of joining the chapter, it's an individual commitment and how to bring these technologies to the local marketplace," Bushle said. "We will strategize to work together and cooperate to move this program forward."
A new branch of the Tampa-based United States Green Building Council chapter has opened in Fort Myers. It is the 81st of its kind.
"We're so new that we are still putting our plan together," said Lynn Murtagh, the group's chairman. "We have plans to have meetings with speakers talking on different topics concerning green building."
Instead of opening a new chapter, group organizers decided to open a branch and that would allow members access to Tampa and Sarasota based meetings as well.
"We will educate our peers, build networks and share resources," Murtagh said. "People like to network and talk about these issues."
The issue at the forefront of the Fort Myers branch is a recent bill signed by Gov. Christ stating that all government buildings from here on out be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified.
The designation "promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality," according to the national Web site.
"We have to pass this planet on to our kids one day and it'd be nice to give them one with air they can breathe and water they can drink," said Murtagh about the branch that will become the official local LEED certifying organization.
"Productivity increases in LEED certified buildings and they are just more environmentally friendly."
A membership kickoff is scheduled for Sept. 16 and it will be the first official gathering of the new branch.
"What a lot of people don't understand is that corporations join the national organization and individuals just join a local chapter," said Ken Bushle, the chapter adviser. He has helped bring interested members together. "The most important thing is that this is a forum for people who are interested in sustainability to meet and share ideas."
The sharing of ideas will also help foster discussions about how to be more green-friendly.
"In terms of joining the chapter, it's an individual commitment and how to bring these technologies to the local marketplace," Bushle said. "We will strategize to work together and cooperate to move this program forward."
Halloween Megastore looks to scare up business
Scary costumes, spooky decorations and Halloween novelties are coming to south Fort Myers Sept. 1.
The Halloween Megastore has hired a staff of Halloween lovers who have been receiving daily shipments of ghoulish trimmings to help customers prepare for the Oct. 31 holiday.
"We started receiving merchandise early and we have it all ... we ordered every costume, every accessory," said Stephen Larosa, the general manager of the store.
"This year we expanded and have so much more that we have customers coming in and asking for items already."
Employees are still in the process of organizing the 9,000-square-foot space at the Sam's Club Plaza but Larosa doesn't think it will take long.
"We will have everything ready for customers," he said .
As staff organize, the store has some empty shelves and plenty of boxes full of merchandise yet to be delivered.
The Halloween Megastore opened for the first time in 2007 but Owner Paul Merk plans to have it open earlier this year.
Plans are also in the works for a year-round costume store for themed birthday parties, balls and occupations that require costumes.
"We want everyone to have a good time and get a costume they like," Merk said.
And, that's why Merk and Larosa are working so hard to appeal to customers of all ages and tastes.
"People love Halloween and no matter what happens or what is going on ... they still go out that night," Larosa said. "It brings a smile to their face and we love that."
The store sells children's and adults' costumes and accessories such as masks, wigs, face paints, decorations, and even swords.
They also have a complete offering of shoes and the Leg Avenue line, a more risque costume line.
"The atmosphere in the store is fun-loving, family oriented and something for all," Larosa said. "We literally have everything you can want for Halloween."
The Halloween Megastore has hired a staff of Halloween lovers who have been receiving daily shipments of ghoulish trimmings to help customers prepare for the Oct. 31 holiday.
"We started receiving merchandise early and we have it all ... we ordered every costume, every accessory," said Stephen Larosa, the general manager of the store.
"This year we expanded and have so much more that we have customers coming in and asking for items already."
Employees are still in the process of organizing the 9,000-square-foot space at the Sam's Club Plaza but Larosa doesn't think it will take long.
"We will have everything ready for customers," he said .
As staff organize, the store has some empty shelves and plenty of boxes full of merchandise yet to be delivered.
The Halloween Megastore opened for the first time in 2007 but Owner Paul Merk plans to have it open earlier this year.
Plans are also in the works for a year-round costume store for themed birthday parties, balls and occupations that require costumes.
"We want everyone to have a good time and get a costume they like," Merk said.
And, that's why Merk and Larosa are working so hard to appeal to customers of all ages and tastes.
"People love Halloween and no matter what happens or what is going on ... they still go out that night," Larosa said. "It brings a smile to their face and we love that."
The store sells children's and adults' costumes and accessories such as masks, wigs, face paints, decorations, and even swords.
They also have a complete offering of shoes and the Leg Avenue line, a more risque costume line.
"The atmosphere in the store is fun-loving, family oriented and something for all," Larosa said. "We literally have everything you can want for Halloween."
Railroad buffs open locomotive museum
As president of the Railroad Museum of South Florida, Jerry Ladner is just one of many railroad enthusiasts in the area who recently fulfilled a 14-year-long dream of opening an interpretive center dedicated to trains, railroads and education.
The nonprofit group recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Lakes Regional park in south Fort Myers to dedicate a 6,000-square-foot interpretive center that’s all about locomotives.
“We are finally where we wanted to be ... finally able to educate the public and show them everything we’ve had in storage this whole time,” said Ladner, who spent the last month getting the center ready for the public. “We have so much that people can’t imagine.”
Part of Ladner’s plans for the train center are to have displays and educational programs that will rotate every few months and showcase all the Railroad Museum has collected over the years.
In addition to providing a permanent home for the Railroad Museum, the center will add to the park’s existing and very popular train ride attraction and train village.
“We approached the county and told them to let us put a train ride in that would help us build an interpretive center in the future,” said Ladner.
The train ride was built in 1994. Cost of a ride is $2.
At first county officials were hesitant because they wanted the park to be about nature, Ladner said.
A survey was conducted and the train ride’s popularity prompted the county to further build on its train-themed area.
“The survey showed that 70 percent of the people came to the park for the train ... so we gave them $50,000 to start the building of the new center,” he said.
After plans were underway, Hurricane Charley destroyed some of the area, forcing the county to redesign it.
That’s when they committed to a $785,000 interpretive center, a $357,000 railroad-themed playground and addition of a renovated caboose to accompany the existing locomotive on site.
The train ride area will eventually feature brick pathways, street lamps and a redesigned concession stand.
When completed it will resemble the railroad heydays of downtown Fort Myers when the railroad industry had a significant influence on the city.
“It will work out great but for now it’s all about the train ride,” said Armando Ingratta, the lead engineer for the ride.
Ingratta drives the one and a half mile track that runs around the park.
He makes sure the train runs the way trains were run 40 years ago.
“You have to sound the horn when you near walkways as you go around. And we learn that from volunteers like Armando,” said Ladner.
The Lakes Regional Park Station and village are located at 7330 Gladiolus Drive in south Fort Myers.
The miniature train ride is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 1:45 p.m., Saturday and holidays from 10 until 3:45 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 3:45 p.m.
Interpretive center hours are the same as the train ride.
It costs $2 to ride the mile and a half track. The ride lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.
The new train-themed playground is covered to protect children from the sun and has benches for family and friends to watch children comfortably.
For more information, call 267-1905.
The nonprofit group recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Lakes Regional park in south Fort Myers to dedicate a 6,000-square-foot interpretive center that’s all about locomotives.
“We are finally where we wanted to be ... finally able to educate the public and show them everything we’ve had in storage this whole time,” said Ladner, who spent the last month getting the center ready for the public. “We have so much that people can’t imagine.”
Part of Ladner’s plans for the train center are to have displays and educational programs that will rotate every few months and showcase all the Railroad Museum has collected over the years.
In addition to providing a permanent home for the Railroad Museum, the center will add to the park’s existing and very popular train ride attraction and train village.
“We approached the county and told them to let us put a train ride in that would help us build an interpretive center in the future,” said Ladner.
The train ride was built in 1994. Cost of a ride is $2.
At first county officials were hesitant because they wanted the park to be about nature, Ladner said.
A survey was conducted and the train ride’s popularity prompted the county to further build on its train-themed area.
“The survey showed that 70 percent of the people came to the park for the train ... so we gave them $50,000 to start the building of the new center,” he said.
After plans were underway, Hurricane Charley destroyed some of the area, forcing the county to redesign it.
That’s when they committed to a $785,000 interpretive center, a $357,000 railroad-themed playground and addition of a renovated caboose to accompany the existing locomotive on site.
The train ride area will eventually feature brick pathways, street lamps and a redesigned concession stand.
When completed it will resemble the railroad heydays of downtown Fort Myers when the railroad industry had a significant influence on the city.
“It will work out great but for now it’s all about the train ride,” said Armando Ingratta, the lead engineer for the ride.
Ingratta drives the one and a half mile track that runs around the park.
He makes sure the train runs the way trains were run 40 years ago.
“You have to sound the horn when you near walkways as you go around. And we learn that from volunteers like Armando,” said Ladner.
The Lakes Regional Park Station and village are located at 7330 Gladiolus Drive in south Fort Myers.
The miniature train ride is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 1:45 p.m., Saturday and holidays from 10 until 3:45 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 3:45 p.m.
Interpretive center hours are the same as the train ride.
It costs $2 to ride the mile and a half track. The ride lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.
The new train-themed playground is covered to protect children from the sun and has benches for family and friends to watch children comfortably.
For more information, call 267-1905.
Jeweler jets the globe for ideas
Famed Hollywood starlets like Beyonce, Fergie and Paris Hilton are linked to Southwest Florida.
They wear jewelry designed by Erika Pena, the owner of Erika Pena Designs, a Fort Myers-based jewelry company that has been featured in a number of magazine.
"Beyonce bought like $6,000 worth of pieces and sometimes I flip through a magazine and say 'wow look at my necklace on her'," said Pena, 33, who designs lightweight, dramatic jewelry made of stone, gold and natural materials. "I just love to design so much."
And, designing comes naturally to Pena, who studied clothing design at the Parsons School of Design in New York. Jewelry was her calling and she opened the business four years ago.
She now spends much of her time being a jet-setter who promotes the Erika Pena jewelry line and creates collections every three months.
"I do my best work on planes," Erika said.
Her jewelry ranges in price from $53 to $170. "I am gone for months at a time but my travels are my inspiration."
Pena designed her first line on a plane after visiting the beaches of Portugal.
"The people, the cultures, the feeling of each place is so great," said Erika.
She frequently travels to exotic locations like Bali in Indonesia, Paris and her birthplace of Puerto Rico.
"It has a bohemian feel and I just found the idea on the beaches there."
The company sells to 30 countries worldwide and more than 300 in the United States.
Her business partner and sister, Bielka, is the behind-the-scenes operator of their Fort Myers warehouse and distribution center.
She often wonders how her sister juggles flying, meetings, schmoozing clients and designing.
"She isn't here much but that's how it's supposed to be. Erika trusts that I will make the right business decisions,"said Bielka, who lives in the area year-round. "Erika is very free-spirited and it shines through her design."
The offices of Erika Pena Designs were recently moved from Puerto Rico to Bali because of the craftsmanship of the area.
"I like my jewelry to mean something special to clients ... to identify themselves with," said Pena.
She flies to Bali and hand selects the materials for each piece.
"As women we want lighter materials and things that are comfortable," said here sister, adding that the materials in Bali are of higher quality.
Labor has also risen because of a slow economy in the United States and that contributed to the decision to move some of their operations abroad.
"We are expanding in Europe more because of it,"Erika said.
Sales of Erika Pena Designs often exceed 500 to 2,000 pieces a month.
Some are debuted in fashion shows in New York, Spain and Europe. Plans are in the works to launch a clothing line and another jewelry line in Spain.
And that's just the start. Within two years Pena plans to open retail locations in California, New York, Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.
"I love designing. I'll be doing it for the rest of my life," she said. "It's who I am."
They wear jewelry designed by Erika Pena, the owner of Erika Pena Designs, a Fort Myers-based jewelry company that has been featured in a number of magazine.
"Beyonce bought like $6,000 worth of pieces and sometimes I flip through a magazine and say 'wow look at my necklace on her'," said Pena, 33, who designs lightweight, dramatic jewelry made of stone, gold and natural materials. "I just love to design so much."
And, designing comes naturally to Pena, who studied clothing design at the Parsons School of Design in New York. Jewelry was her calling and she opened the business four years ago.
She now spends much of her time being a jet-setter who promotes the Erika Pena jewelry line and creates collections every three months.
"I do my best work on planes," Erika said.
Her jewelry ranges in price from $53 to $170. "I am gone for months at a time but my travels are my inspiration."
Pena designed her first line on a plane after visiting the beaches of Portugal.
"The people, the cultures, the feeling of each place is so great," said Erika.
She frequently travels to exotic locations like Bali in Indonesia, Paris and her birthplace of Puerto Rico.
"It has a bohemian feel and I just found the idea on the beaches there."
The company sells to 30 countries worldwide and more than 300 in the United States.
Her business partner and sister, Bielka, is the behind-the-scenes operator of their Fort Myers warehouse and distribution center.
She often wonders how her sister juggles flying, meetings, schmoozing clients and designing.
"She isn't here much but that's how it's supposed to be. Erika trusts that I will make the right business decisions,"said Bielka, who lives in the area year-round. "Erika is very free-spirited and it shines through her design."
The offices of Erika Pena Designs were recently moved from Puerto Rico to Bali because of the craftsmanship of the area.
"I like my jewelry to mean something special to clients ... to identify themselves with," said Pena.
She flies to Bali and hand selects the materials for each piece.
"As women we want lighter materials and things that are comfortable," said here sister, adding that the materials in Bali are of higher quality.
Labor has also risen because of a slow economy in the United States and that contributed to the decision to move some of their operations abroad.
"We are expanding in Europe more because of it,"Erika said.
Sales of Erika Pena Designs often exceed 500 to 2,000 pieces a month.
Some are debuted in fashion shows in New York, Spain and Europe. Plans are in the works to launch a clothing line and another jewelry line in Spain.
And that's just the start. Within two years Pena plans to open retail locations in California, New York, Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.
"I love designing. I'll be doing it for the rest of my life," she said. "It's who I am."
Breakfast event links area Jewish businesses
The Jewish Business Network is keeping the area's Jewish community connected and plans are in the works to expand.
The group, which was created 2007, recently added a new Breakfast & Business event to encourage area professionals to network and socialize at their convenience.
"There was nothing gluing the Jewish community together," said Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz, who had already created Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida.
He then saw a need for business professionals to do business in a non-religious way. That's why he created the networking group.
"We saw the potential growth and filled the need," he said. "The idea was to create a unifying force between all of us and offer certain programs that everyone
can benefit from."
The Breakfast & Business idea has given Jewish Business Network members who can't make it to mostly night events a chance to participate.
"We have already over 200 people at the events that we've done so far. We've had 100 people join," said Minkowicz shortly after hosting a few events.
"New people can come to town and start business and try to get to know Jewish infrastructures in the community easier."
The network takes that unifying factor one step further by offering a member directory that lists every Jewish business and affiliates.
"They are a wealth of information to the community. They're wonderful," said Juli Bobman, who has been involved with Chabad in Fort Myers, Temple Judea and Beth El.
Keeping connected is the basis for the networking events because "some people just want to meet other people," Minkowicz said.
The sky is the limit for the Jewish Business Network as it works on even more ways to expand its offerings.
"We want to build the Business & Breakfast, continue to build our directory and develop a Web site," he said.
The idea is to eventually make the networking group a self-run organization that continues to grow as the Jewish community in southwest Florida does.
"Everything we do, we will keep doing it and expand," said Minkowicz about the group that boasts 120 members. "We will take on more projects and programs."
The group, which was created 2007, recently added a new Breakfast & Business event to encourage area professionals to network and socialize at their convenience.
"There was nothing gluing the Jewish community together," said Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz, who had already created Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida.
He then saw a need for business professionals to do business in a non-religious way. That's why he created the networking group.
"We saw the potential growth and filled the need," he said. "The idea was to create a unifying force between all of us and offer certain programs that everyone
can benefit from."
The Breakfast & Business idea has given Jewish Business Network members who can't make it to mostly night events a chance to participate.
"We have already over 200 people at the events that we've done so far. We've had 100 people join," said Minkowicz shortly after hosting a few events.
"New people can come to town and start business and try to get to know Jewish infrastructures in the community easier."
The network takes that unifying factor one step further by offering a member directory that lists every Jewish business and affiliates.
"They are a wealth of information to the community. They're wonderful," said Juli Bobman, who has been involved with Chabad in Fort Myers, Temple Judea and Beth El.
Keeping connected is the basis for the networking events because "some people just want to meet other people," Minkowicz said.
The sky is the limit for the Jewish Business Network as it works on even more ways to expand its offerings.
"We want to build the Business & Breakfast, continue to build our directory and develop a Web site," he said.
The idea is to eventually make the networking group a self-run organization that continues to grow as the Jewish community in southwest Florida does.
"Everything we do, we will keep doing it and expand," said Minkowicz about the group that boasts 120 members. "We will take on more projects and programs."
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