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March 4, 2009

News

RACE
Sworn in on the Lincoln Bible: Has our new president changed our feelings on race?

WHEN MORNING BROKE across the District of Columbia on Monday, March 4, spring had come to town: trees awakened in leaf and bud, flowers bloomed profusely throughout Washington's gardens, and James Buchanan met Abraham Lincoln at the Willard Hotel for breakfast. Full Story

Make it art, or at least comply with postal regulations

Clair Millis' mailbox has the aura of an old Western, where it stands alone along a rural stretch of Cemetery Road in Buckingham. It's covered with ornate stones and flanked by a large cactus, which blooms every year. "I did it to be different," Mr. Millis said. Full Story

SWF Wine and food fest nets more than $750,000
Annual event supports The Children's Hospital

Local children in Southwest Florida will benefit from more than $750,000 (net, after expenses) raised during the 2009 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, which concluded Saturday. More than $550,000 of that total came from the event's auction, held as part of a Grand Tasting and Auction at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club. Full Story

Researchers will measure estuaries' nutrient changes

In support of the Watershed Protection Plans for the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers, the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board has approved a contract with the University of Massachusetts to study changes in nutrient levels in the rivers' estuaries during the 2009 wet season. Full Story

FDOT's travel information system provides up-to-the-minute updates

As hundreds of thousands of baseball fans travel throughout the Sunshine State for 2009 Major League Baseball's Spring Training, the Florida Department of Transportation reminds fans to stay safe and avoid traffic by calling its free 511 Travel Information System. Full Story

Permit activity in Lee County still slow

Builders in unincorporated Lee County pulled 25 permits for single-family houses in February, collectively valued at more than $9.3 million. That compares to 13 permits issued for the previous month and 58 issued in February 2008. Full Story

Discover the winged wonders of Lee County avian wildlife

Visit the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve with a bird patrol guide starting at 8 a.m. March 7 and 8. Walk about two miles for 2½ hours on a rough, possibly wet trail through habitat featuring bald eagles, hawks, warblers and a variety of wading birds. Full Story

'Bello Comes Home' when Circus Sarasota comes to town

Comic daredevil Bello Nock, who spent eight years as the face of the Ringling Bros. Circus, joins world-class aerialists and illusionists, a celebrated contortionist, a Chinese foot juggler, equestrian beauties and a troupe of trained Pekingese pups when Circus Sarasota comes to town. Full Story

Edison & Ford Winter Estates features programs for all ages

March at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted by extended evening hours every Friday for spectacular views of the sunset and guided tours. In addition ,the Estates offer a variety of children and adult programs, special exhibits, and events throughout the month. Full Story

Yard pictures were consumer giveaways

"Yard-long prints" can sometimes be a yard wide, but those who collect these 36-inch-by-8-inch prints prefer the term "yard-long" or the original 19th-century name, "yard picture." Just before 1900, lithography companies began making these skinny pictures as premiums they gave away for wrappers and 2-cents postage. Full Story

This week on WGCU-TV

Rock, Rhythm & Doo Wop - Wednesday, March 4 at 8 p.m. Hosted by Frankie Valli, Jerry Butler and Lloyd Price, this all-new, concertstyle program features original Top-40 artists in rock 'n' roll, rhythm and blues and doo wop music. Full Story

ECHO's Farm Day coming up
All-day educational adventure set

ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) hosts its 18th annual Farm Day Saturday. March 14, from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Enjoy unique tours, workshops, demonstrations, food and fun. It's an opportunity to learn how ECHO is meeting the challenge to reduce hunger and improve the lives of the poor worldwide. Full Story

Learn the art of chocolate making from renowned chocolatier Norman Love

Anyone who has ever dreamed about becoming a pastry chef or who just loves baking in their home kitchen could learn a thing or two from chocolatier Norman Love, whose confections have been touted around the world. Chef Love and his talented team will share some of their vast knowledge at a series of classes offered at the Norman Love Chocolate Salon throughout 2009. Full Story

Black and White Ball to benefit Harry Chapin Food Bank

Tickets are now available for the Black and White Masked Ball on March 7. The ball, promoted by Hearts of Miromar, will be held at the Miromar Lakes Beach Club, beginning with a champagne reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner. The event will benefit The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. The public is invited to participate in the worthwhile gala. Full Story

Chico's Charities sponsoring Grande Dames Tea March 10

The Lee PACE Center for Girls announces that Chico's Charities has signed on as the title sponsor of the Grande Dames Tea honoring three of the community's most revered women. Full Story

DJ Quest fights HIV/AIDS with fund-raiser birthday bash

DJ Quest of 105.5 THE BEAT will host his sixth annual birthday bash: "Celebrating for a Cause" on Friday, March 6. Proceeds will benefit The Bob Rauschenberg Center for Living. DJ Quest was inspired to assist the county's primary treatment center for HIV/AIDS after learning that many who have the virus have no health insurance. Full Story

Derby Casino Night benefits Canterbury students

Canterbury School's Derby Casino Night will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 4. Tickets are $150 per person. Sponsorships are available. Come out for an evening of fun with proceeds from the event benefiting Canterbury's student financial aid program. (About 20 percent of Canterbury students receive financial aid. Full Story

Community Foundation awards $15,000 in grants to nonprofits

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has awarded $15,000 in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations through its Capacity Grant Cycle. This grant cycle is open to all qualifying 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in Southwest Florida. Full Story

Lee raising fees at county parks, closing some pools

Lee County Parks & Recreation will charge the following fees effective March 15: Full Story

Lee Mental Health Center shifts services between campuses

Lee Mental Health Center has made changes to its service locations. Access Counseling Center is now located at Lee Mental Health's Vista campus located at 10140 Deer Run Farms Road Access provides one-stop mental health assessments for firsttime, non-emergency clients and is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The phone number for Access remains 791-1570. Full Story