2016-01-16
Capturing the moment
Artist SpotlightAnn Sullivan describes herself as an intuitive and self-taught painter with a long list of influences and “teachers” from a wide range of periods including the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists and American modern and contemporary artists. Paintings of people, landscapes, still life and, of course, seascapes and boats, fill her studio walls. “I live (approximately half the year) on a beautiful river […]
You’re in the Spotlight
Spotlight visits the Rose BowlDean and Barbara Bone took the Spotlight to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California. The Spotlight loves to travel and is willing to travel in checked bags or carry-ons. So please, take the Spotlight along on your next adventure. Send your photos to spotlight@swspotlight.com.
RESTAURANT GUIDE
A Table Apart Chef Jeff Acol’s profound love for the ocean is rooted in his early childhood years growing up in Hawaii and helps explain his commitment to serving sustainable seafood and seasonal ingredients. This talented chef offers a limited but diverse menu. Dishes offer global fair with Asian and French influence. 4295 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-221-8540. www.atableapart.com […]
Five Natural Do’s & Don’ts for Improving Thyroid Health
Hypothyroidism, or insufficiency of the thyroid hormone, is one of the most common endocrine problems worldwide. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid issues. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, intolerance to cold, hair loss, brittle nails, carpal tunnel syndrome, shortness […]
You’re in the Spotlight
Spotlight visits FandomfestBill Janes took the Spotlight to Fandomfest in Louisville, KY. The annual pop culture expo is “one large geek experience for every possible geek activity imaginable.” The Spotlight loves to travel, so please take the Spotlight on your next adventure. Send your photos to spotlight@swspotlight.com.
Improve your golf attitude and improve your game
Remember… if you thinketh, you’ll stinketh. This means if you are trying to think your way through your golf swing, you’ll never be natural or effective. Even the majors champion who hits 1,000 range balls a day, Nick Faldo, stated, “I can have one swing thought and one tempo thought but any more than that and I fall apart.” The […]
Myla stars in her own books
Myla, a mini goldendoodle, is the constant therapy dog companion to Roseanne Oppman, who has an active counseling practice. Oppman selected Myla after the loss of a beloved pet because she liked her son’s goldendoodle, Lola, a larger version of the golden retriever/ poodle mix. At 25 pounds and golden in color, the fluffy Myla is adored everywhere. She even […]
The sign out front says “Grandchildren Welcome”
BONITA Nature PlaceI admit I find myself smiling when I see grandparents bringing their pride and joy, their grandchildren, out to the Bonita Nature Place. There is nothing like hearing their little voices and their infectious laughter as they run freely across the meadow. You just can’t imagine their sweet joy when they realize they are seeing one of us, tortoises, out […]
Corkscrew’s backcountry treat
No sooner had the swamp buggy rolled to a stop when it’s eight passengers sprang to their feet, cameras at the ready. It was just after 5:30 p.m. and the late afternoon sunlight was embellishing the living canvas of the open wet prairie dotted by palm trees. Several white ibis appeared in the gaps among the blades of bulltongue arrowhead, […]
Club Meetings
If your club meets regularly and would like to be included on this page, please email the info to club@swspotlight.com B: Bonita Springs E: Estero FM: Fort Myers N: Naples Alligator Amblers Chapter of Florida Trail Association Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month. Where: Bass Pro Shop, 10040 Gulf Center Drive (upstairs conference room). FM. Visit their […]
Showtime
Artis–Naples January 17 Bob Newhart January 17 Larry Cordle and the Trinity River Band January 18 – January 19 Jodie DeSalvo January 19 Renée Fleming January 20 The Hot Sardines January 22 – January 23 Hans Graf with Ingrid Fliter January 24 The Cleveland Orchestra January 26 – January 31 Motown the Musical January 28 – January 29 Around Town […]
You’re in the Spotlight
Jennifer Semro photos on exhibit until February 15Photographer Jennifer Semro hosted a reception for her first solo exhibition which runs through February 15 at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 6340 Napa Woods Way in Naples. A longtime Bonita Springs resident, Semro owns a pet sitting service and she began to take pictures of the pets she cared for which developed into a “pet portrait” specialty. Her photography […]
Gulfshore Opera makes music accessible for all
An opera legend, a legend-in-the-making and two rising stars of the art form will perform at the annual gala of Gulfshore Opera on Feb. 21. A two-part affair, the first is a concert at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs. Michael Fabiano, Samuel Ramey, Gustavo Feulien and Ola Rafalo will sing. Following is a dinner with the […]
CALENDAR
B: Bonita Springs E: Estero FM: Fort Myers N: Naples January 16 Saturday Creative Art Discussions — “I don’t have a creative bone in my body,” 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kathleen Bradford will share her insights and invite other artists, as well, to share problem solving techniques and answer your questions. Where: Kathleen Bradford Studio/Gallery, 4259 Bonita Beach Rd., […]
You’re in the Spotlight
Spotlight celebrates with the stars in New YorkTim Dove surprised his wife Judy with 50th wedding anniversary vows in New York City with TV and Broadway stars. Gregory Jbara from “Blue Bloods,” Christopher Sibeer from “Spamalot,” “Shrek,” and “Matilda,” Andrea McArdle from the original “Annie,” Felicia Finley from “Mamma Mia,” Paul Staccato from “Happy 50ish” from Las Vegas, and numerous Broadway and film friends. Judy’s gown was […]
You’re in the Spotlight
Spotlight cruises the West IndiesBob and Sallie Nelson took the Spotlight on a Silversea cruise through the West Indies. They had a great time on Segways in St. Lucia. The Spotlight travels internationally without a passport, and rarely gets seasick, so please take the Spotlight on your next adventure. Send your photos to spotlight@swspotlight.com.
A paella party with Fire and Rice
Business BeatPaul Schmidgall is passionate about paella. Watching him cook up a batch in unusually large cooking vessels at the local farmers markets provides confirmation. Having him enthusiastically cater a party or get-together provides further proof. Along with its unforgettable taste, Schmidgall makes preparing paella an event to remember. Partygoers who experience his mastery rave about the entire process, from the […]
You’re in the Spotlight
Spotlight visits La Moneda PalaceBill and Debbi Berit took the Spotlight on a 15-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale with stops in Colombia, Panama, Panama Canal, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Here they are at the changing of the guard at La Moneda Palace in Santiago, Chile.
From the track to the showroom
Business BeatFrom the racing circuit to the Autobahn, Scott Presti dreams big. As a youth in Naples, he was a serious go-cart racer who graduated to formula car racing when he turned 16. He walked away from racing before reaching the big time, after years spent at tracks across the country. Many of his fellow racers became pro drivers. “The cost […]
Flights from RSW to Cuba may happen soon
Have your heart set on Havana? Flights to and from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) could be coming soon. For now, you’ll likely need to fly to Miami International Airport. Although Miami charter company Choice Aire last year sent several flights to Havana from the Fort Myers airport, those operations have ceased. Choice Aire CEO Danny Looney said that just […]
You’re in the Spotlight
Spotlight explores AntarcticaDonna Overly and Gene Collins took the Spotlight to Antarctica. While the Spotlight prefers our warmer Southwest Florida climate, the Spotlight loves cold weather in small doses. The Spotlight loves to travel and is always TSA pre-checked. So please take the Spotlight along on your next adventure. Send your photos to spotlight@swspotlight.com.
Local author writes of environmentally sensitive Bonita Bay development
Dave and Kathie Shellenbarger fell in love with Bonita Bay and its natural setting at first sight, in 1999. A year later, they became residents of the community just off US 41. “We drove in and we just immediately felt the difference,” said Dave Shellenbarger, evoking a sentiment shared by many homeowners and visitors. Bonita Bay covers almost four square […]
Teacher turns entrepreneur
As Bob Scallan was leaving his dermatologist’s office, he got a warning: “You know you really have to keep your nose covered. We’re out in the sun here everyday.” A man who had skin cancer removed from the bridge of his nose did not take that advice lightly. Scallan became a man on a mission, determined to find something that […]
ECCL continues to defend DRGR
CommentaryEditor’s Note: The Estero Council of Community Leaders recently filed a lawsuit challenging a Lee County decision to allow significantly increased housing density in a DRGR development. The purpose of the lawsuit the ECCL recently filed against the Lee County Board of County Commissioners is to get the county to implement the Comprehensive Plan it adopted for the DRGR in […]
Car wash not compatible with land use plans
EditorialBy Staff | on January 16, 2016
Car wash.“Talkin’ about the car wash” Like most places, Bonita Springs long ago adopted zoning standards designed to improve the quality of life. The notion is simple. Quality planning brings quality development. Some uses are encouraged, others discouraged, in different districts. The metal fabrication shop does not sit next to a church, and the supermarket does not abut a house. […]