Fort Myers Florida Weekly | Fort Myers Newspaper

Where the WILD THINGS REALLY ARE

BY ROGER WILLIAMS rwilliams@floridaweekly.com W — 10/14/2009

W HEN FLORIDA WEEKLY BROKE THE NEWS A year ago that roughly 1 million people now live in the region, defining it as an urban core (see Florida Weekly, Oct. 22, 2008), the paper may have missed the point completely. True, the numbers are astounding, and probably climbing quickly out of date. By next year, roughly 1.

Florida Weekly writers, ad designers win top honors

FLORIDA WEEKLY STAFF news@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

Florida Weekly took home 17 awards recently in Florida newspaper contests recognizing the best writing and advertising design in the state.

KOVELS: ANTIQUES & COLLECTING

terryKOVEL news@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

Some antiques are so rare and strange that they are classed as "what's its" by collectors. Sometimes they are also so interesting they can sell for high prices. This year two different auction houses offered "Victorian glass parlor fountains" — items that were "what's its" to most collectors. A few years ago, only 12 examples were known.

Architecture lecture series under way

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY — 10/14/2009

The American Institute of Architects FlaSW Chapter announces its 2009 Alfred W. French III Lectures in Architecture series. Nationally and internationally prominent architects and their work will be featured this fall at the International Design Center in Estero.

This week on WGCU TV

10/14/2009

. THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 8 P.M. In Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina An all-star performance hosted by President Obama and the First Lady in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. . FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 8:30 P.M.

Snook Bight Yacht Club events boost breast cancer awareness

10/14/2009

The owners and members of Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina and Marine Max are teaming up to join the fight against breast cancer with a series of specials in support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Southwest Florida Affiliate.

Motivational event to be held at Burroughs Home

10/14/2009

Veterans Day is a day to celebrate character and leadership. The public is invited to a special motivational presentation being offered as part of the Legacy Speakers Series by the Uncommon Friends Foundation and Hope Health- Care Services at the Burroughs Home on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

'Ding' Days celebrates 20 years

10/14/2009

This year, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Ding" Darling Days, J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is adding a special day devoted to the legacy of conservation art begun by refuge namesake, Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist and original Duck Stamp artist, Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling.

Digital mammography available at Physicians' Primary Care

10/14/2009

New technology that is helping to fight the battle against breast cancer is now available at Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida.

Empty Bowls project can help fill hungry bellies

10/14/2009

What would be better than a handmade soup bowl? One that's filled with delicious soup. The public has an opportunity to select an empty bowl and have it filled with soup by participating in the Harry Chapin Food Bank's annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event will be held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.

How to write

rogerWILLIAMS rwilliams@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

Presumptuous though it may be for me to tell you how to "write," I intend to, right here and now. If you've ever doubted yourself, then I say, Nonsense. Almost anybody who breathes can be taught to write well. Check yourself quickly before picking up a pen or a keyboard, however. Are you breathing?

The Obama snap-back

BY RICH LOWRY — 10/14/2009

A buzz-generating "Saturday Night Live" skit mocked President Barack Obama for not yet having accomplished anything. Not fair. Obama has been on a roll.

Middle to Obama: Lead

danRATHER Special to Florida Weekly — 10/14/2009

Given the overheated atmosphere of cable news and the blogosphere, it can be easy to forget that most Americans fall somewhere in the political middle. When it comes to politics, their fiercest passions are reserved not for partisan dogfights but for policy outcomes. For these Americans, who-does-what in Washington ultimately matters less than what's-it-gonnado for-me?

MOMENTS IN TIME

10/14/2009

. On Oct. 15, 1964, while trying to set a new 1 mile land-speed record, Craig Breedlove inadvertently set another kind of record after he lost control of the Spirit of America jet-powered car on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The vehicle began to skid, taking nearly 6 miles to decelerate from more than 400 mph -- the longest skid marks on record.

Steering future stars in a rough economy

BY OSVALDO PADILLA Florida Weekly Correspondent — 10/14/2009

On this morning the STARS Complex in Fort Myers smells strongly of bleach. It is the clean before the storm to come in the afternoon, when 250 kids will barrel into the facility for fun and instruction. At the eye of the storm will be Gary Bostic, who recently woke up to find that his boss had lost his job to budget cuts and that he is now head of the complex.

The trip of a lifetime

BY DANA THIMONS Special To Florida Weekly — 10/14/2009

Edward Dachille took his daughter on a tour of Italy for her 16th birthday. But this wasn't an ordinary Sweet 16. This trip could not have happened if it were not for a trip that Edward took the year prior. On Aug. 9, 2007, at 4:30 a.m., the Dachilles' phone rang in New York. Edward was getting ready for work, and his wife answered. "We have to go," she said.

Teenage health: It's more than just acne

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY — 10/14/2009

One of the most common health concerns voiced by teenagers is acne, and it's no surprise considering eight in 10 teens battle it. While parents and health care providers are concerned about their teens' acne, they are also concerned about a few more serious adolescent illnesses.

Working moms need regular downtime to beat stress

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY — 10/14/2009

Moms are perfect multi-taskers. They are juggling constantly to keep their worlds humming along at their usual hectic pace. Most are trying to finish their own work projects, as well as help their children finish a big school project due tomorrow. All of this adds up to big stress on a working mom.

Southwest Florida celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/14/2009

ALL MONTH LONG >> The Power of Pink, Brighton Collectibles at Coconut Point: Purchase a piece of jewelry from Brighton's 2009 Power of Pink collection and the company donates $10 to Susan G.

HOLISTIC HEALTH NOTEBOOK

carolSIMONTACCHI csimontacchi@earthlink.net — 10/14/2009

I just returned from my annual recertification weekend and as you know, I always return from these functions really pumped up. This year is no exception. The theme of 3½ days of lectures was healing the GI tract. You may think this topic could be adequately covered by popping an acid blocker or sleeping with your head elevated but you would be incorrect.

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

BY CHUCK SHEPHERD DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE — 10/14/2009

Love can mess you up Before Arthur David Horn met his future bride Lynette (a "metaphysical healer") in 1988, he was a tenured professor at Colorado State, with a Ph.D. in anthropology from Yale, teaching a mainstream course in human evolution. With Lynette's guidance (after a revelatory week with her in California's Trinity Mountains, searching for Bigfoot), Dr.

Weather's creating birding paradise on Sanibel Island

betsyCLAYTON boatingbybetsy@yahoo.com — 10/14/2009

Julie Andrews may have belted out "The Hills Are Alive" in her 1965 hit movie "The Sound of Music," but if Jules were visiting Southwest Florida this fall, she'd sing like a songbird about the trees being alive. Alive with movement, that is.

Time to play

BY CHRISTIE KEITH Universal Press Syndicate — 10/14/2009

It's easy to see why cats are such popular pets. Unlike dogs, they don't need to be walked, usually come litter-box trained by their mothers and rarely dig huge holes in the yard — or bite the letter carrier. Unfortunately, in a lot of people's minds this translates into "Cats need absolutely no care and exist just to sit on my lap and purr while I watch TV.

Pets of the Week

10/14/2009

To adopt a pet Contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting www.labradorrescue.net or call 1-866- 464-LABS. LRROF has all of its dogs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

You move me

Rx .. rx@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

Fear and longing are intimate, lovers never separated, so closely entwined that they have no identifiable edges. They are a quintessential visual illusion, morphing one into the other. Pirates sing to them as if they were a twoheaded siren.

County job losses leave remaining staff stressed

BY EVAN WILLIAMS ewilliams@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

Like bars emptying out at closing time, the lobbies of Lee and Collier county building departments grew quiet. The crowds that came for building permits, the primary source of income for government building departments, started disappearing in 2007. The dramatic decline appears to be over, administrators say.

Larry Norris to open new furniture store in Fort Myers

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY — 10/14/2009

Larry Norris, a cornerstone name in the furniture marketplace, is opening his first store in the area in more than a decade. Norris Home Furnishings will open by year-end in a 20,000-square-foot showroom at 14125 South Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers. He will also have a 36,000-square-foot warehouse to have most orders ready for quick delivery.

MONEY & INVESTING

JeannetteSHOWALTER, CFA jshowaltercfa@yahoo.com — 10/14/2009

The eyes of investors round the world are on gold. The price of gold, that is the "spot" price for an ounce of gold, recently surpassed $1,000. Certainly the $1,000 mark was considered to be important resistance and some investment strategists think that a bull run is now underway. Their price points?

Don't Let a P/E Trick You

10/14/2009

The most widely used valuation tool is probably the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. Unfortunately, it may also be the most dangerous. It seems simple and informative — a company's stock price divided by its last 12 months of earnings per share (EPS). For example, Charles Schwab's (Nasdaq: SCHW) EPS is 89 cents.

Name That Company

10/14/2009

I was founded in 1910 by a Nebraska teenager who moved to Kansas City, Mo., with two shoeboxes full of postcards. I produced my first Valentine in 1913, and today I crank out 18,000 new and redesigned greeting cards and related products per year. My cards come in 30 languages and are sold in 100 nations.

Altria Blazes On

10/14/2009

In the new world of big tobacco, Altria (NYSE: MO) seems to be marching to its own beat. Reynolds American and Lorillard have joined forces to fight the government over increased tobacco regulation, questioning the free speech (i.e., advertising) ramifications of FDA control over the tobacco industry.

Preferred to Common

10/14/2009

In the early 1980s, an asbestos mining company (yes, asbestos) that my mother had shares in was bought by another mining company. My mother transferred the shares to me. Per the buyout terms, I received cumulative preferred stock in the new company. I just sat back and collected those dividend checks. Hey, this investing stuff is easy!

Last week's trivia answer

10/14/2009

You probably don't know my name, but I'm the top maker of private-label foods, sold under the individual labels of various grocery, mass merchandise and drugstore retailers. These include cereals, cereal bars, snack mixes, corn chips, crackers, cookies, snack nuts, chocolate candy, salad dressings, mayonnaise, peanut butter, jams, jellies, syrups, sauces and more.

The Tax Hits on Stocks

10/14/2009

Q What's the short-term tax hit for stocks? If I bought shares of stock at $10 and now they're at $25, what's the capital gains rate I would face when selling? — D.M., online A The short-term capital gains tax rate applies to stocks held for a year or less and is the same as your ordinary income tax rate, which can be as high as 35 percent.

Higher Education

10/14/2009

Kenneth Schexnayder has been appointed assistant vice president for community relations and marketing at Florida Gulf Coast University. He served as dean for institutional advancement at Johnson State College in Vermont from 2005 to 2009. His management portfolio included communications and marketing, development and alumni relations, and admissions and financial aid.

Leadship Florida

10/14/2009

Neale Montgomery, a partner at the Pavese Law Firm in Fort Myers, and Ellis Robinson, president of The Buttonwood Partnership on Sanibel, have been selected to attend Leadership Florida. The Annual Class Program of Leadership Florida uses a competitive process to select from among many qualified applicants throughout the state.

The Arts

10/14/2009

Orv Curry, network manager of Fort Myersbased insurance company Oswald Trippe and Company, has been elected president of Alliance for the Arts. The officially designated arts organization for Lee County, the Alliance for the Arts is charged with the mission to facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture in the county.

Real Estate

10/14/2009

Kenneth Saundry Jr., an established Southwest Florida real estate developer, has established Real Estate Advisory Services LLC, a firm specializing in court-appointed receiver services. REAS supervises property management, keeps accurate records and oversees the ultimate disposition of assets, as approved or directed by the court.

Design

10/14/2009

Dorrie Lussier has joined Advanced Closet and Storage as senior sales associate. Ms. Lussier has 20 years of experience designing closets, cabinets, kitchens and bathrooms. She spent the past three years working with California Closets in the sales department, and prior to that she was with Robb and Stucky Furniture and Interiors in Fort Myers.

Martial Arts

10/14/2009

Sensei Bernard Dougherty of Kobyashi Dojo in Cape Coral will oversee the traditional karate portion of USA Karate and Disney's Martial Arts Festival. This is the first year the two organizations have joined forces to further enhance the quality of Disney's Martial Arts competitions and the overall experience for the participants, their families and guests. Mr.

Medicine

10/14/2009

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter Curcione has installed a new electronic medical records system that already has increased efficiency and improved patient care. The system now will be installed throughout the Athletic Orthopaedic Reconstruction Center practice, where he is a partner.

Law

10/14/2009

The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., announced the hire of a new associate, attorney Robert Anderson, who will be based out of the firm's Fort Myers office. Mr. Anderson joins the firm after serving as a summer clerk in 2008. He will focus his law practice in tort and insurance litigation.

Fort Myers Chamber Women in Business

10/14/2009

Kandace Salter, Lisa Reece, Raquel Bledsoe, Jason Teeters and Ingrid Molina

SWFL Hispanic Chamber Lunch at Cantina Laredo

10/14/2009

Corina D'Aquino, Sandra Aguilar, Leah McCann and David Adorno

Hibernian Private School Open House

10/14/2009

Peter Dessak and David Hatch

For the love of artisan chocolate (and ice hockey)

BY BILL CORNWELL bcornwell@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

Norman Love's chocolate confections are so exquisitely wrought that each handmade piece is considered by its creator to be an "edible work of art." These carefully designed and crafted artisan chocolates have turned Mr.

FGCU Small Business Center has new member offer from Business Resource Network

10/14/2009

The Small Business Resource Network of Southwest Florida has a special deal for business owners who qualify and join the organization during the month of October. The SBRN is sponsored by Florida Gulf Coast University's Small Business Development Center.

Home-Tech, customers give back through new 'Charity of the Month' program

10/14/2009

Customers who purchase new airconditioning systems from Home-Tech now have more than a comfortable home to smile about. That's because the Fort Myers-based company has introduced a new "Charity of the Month" program that puts part of each sale's proceeds to work for a worthy charity.

She Sells Shoes to open at MarinaVillage

10/14/2009

She Sells Shoes will open a retail store at The Promenade at The Resort at MarinaVillage, announced Grosse Pointe Development CEO Robert Hensley. She Sells Shoes offers a variety of sandals embellished with rhinestones, beading, natural seashells and bling.

Word Art

BY NANCY STETSON nstetson@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

T ECHNO-GEEKS PROclaim the book is dead. Read everything online, they insist. Who needs books? Read them on a Kindle instead. But a visit to "The St. John's Bible and The Art of the Book" exhibit at the Naples Museum of Art might well convince you that any declarations of the death of books are certainly premature.

The Commodores to headline 7th annual Edison POPS concert

10/14/2009

Tickets are on sale for Edison State College's seventh annual Edison POPS @ Sunset Concert on Saturday, Oct. 24, featuring the legendary Commodores with the Edison College POPS Strings. Tickets can be purchased through the Edison POPS Web site, www.edisonpops. com.

BEACH READING

REVIEWED BY LARRY COX Special to Florida Weekly — 10/14/2009

In his 23 years on the U.S. Supreme Court, Louis D. Brandeis helped to formulate many of our ideas regarding free speech, right to privacy, pro bono legal work and the necessity of federal regulation in economic affairs. Although he has been dead for almost seven decades, many of his court decisions continue to reverberate throughout almost every level of our society.

The Joy of older women

.. NancySTETSON nstetson@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

When women hit 40, something weird happens. They become invisible. Previously, men may have whistled at them on the street, or waiters flirted. But after 40, it's as if they don't even exist. The men are likely too busy ogling women half their age or younger.

A war of words

10/14/2009

The Oct. 6, 2009, issue of The Wall Street Journal contained an interesting article by Sara Schaefer Muñoz titled "Crusader for Syntactic Disambiguation Exprobrates Banks' Labored Locutions." Don't let the title throw you. Ms.

'Couples Retreat'

danHUDAK www.hudakonhollywood.com — 10/14/2009

There comes a point in "Couples Retreat" when you grow tired of the story and start gazing at the beautiful scenery in the background. Aqua-blue water, white sand beaches, spectacular waterfalls with mountainous backdrops, glass-bottom villas, hot tubs — wow, just wow. This may not be heaven, but it truly is paradise.

CAPSULES

REVIEWED BY DAN HUDAK www.hudakonhollywood.com ............ — 10/14/2009

'Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg' (Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Edward Asner, Norman Lear) Before Lucy there was Gertrude Berg, a radio and television star who created the modern sit-com as we know it. This documentary by Aviva Kempner explores her career as a writer and actor, and looks at why we've never heard of her.

Mann Hall announces Broadway, Variety Series

10/14/2009

The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall has lined up many nights of great live entertainment for its 2009-2010 Broadway and Variety Series. "We continue to bring our patrons the best in National Touring Broadway and this season is no different," said Scott Saxon, general manager.

Celebrity Waiter Dinner to benefit Child Care of Southwest Florida

10/14/2009

Politicians, business leaders and media personalities will don their aprons and work for tips at the first Stars for Kids Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Auction Saturday, Nov. 14, benefitting Child Care of Southwest Florida Inc.

Imaginarium the place to be for family fun and frights!

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY — 10/14/2009

The Imaginarium is scaring up plenty of friendly frights and fun for the whole family this Halloween when it hosts Haunted Happenings and its annual Boo Bash family fun event. Fright Nights take place Oct. 15-17 and Oct. 22-24 from 7 to 11 p.m.

ARTS Edison: SW Florida's cultural hub at Edison State College

10/14/2009

ARTS Edison is the latest edition to the world-class offerings at Edison State College. From the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, to the only gallery outside of New York City's Guggenheim to bear the name of the great Bob Rauschenberg, ARTS Edison is a headquarters of artistic inspiration in Southwest Florida.

Ghastly events on tap when Zombicon strikes Fort Myers

10/14/2009

Hurry! Hurry! Step right up! The circus is in town… But wait, something is wrong. Horribly, horribly wrong! The performers are infected, and the virus is spreading! For the third consecutive year, downtown Fort Myers will play host to Zombicon, a free interactive art event for zombies and those who love them.

FGCU hosts annual Sanibel Island Writers Conference

10/14/2009

Florida Gulf Coast University invites aspiring writers to attend the Sanibel Island Writers Conference Nov. 5-8 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island. Participants can attend a variety of workshops, panels, lectures and readings presented by celebrated and experienced writers and teachers.

Talk the 'Folk Art Blues' with Lennie Jones at Arts for ACT

10/14/2009

Join Arts for ACT Gallery discuss "Folk Art Blues" with featured artist Lennie Jones on Oct. 23 and 30. Mr. Jones will be at the gallery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and he will share several newly finished paintings. Mr. Jones is an entirely self-taught primitive artist from the Florida Everglades.

SW Florida Symphony hosts violin workshop with guest artist Timothy Fain

10/14/2009

The Southwest Florida Symphony continues its mission of offering professional musical experiences to the community by providing a violin workshop for students involved in the Youth Symphony, the Sinfonietta and other interested violin students from the area at 1 p.m. on Nov. 22 at the Edison State College Bandroom.

SW Florida Symphony has special offer for kids

10/14/2009

The Southwest Florida Symphony wants every child to be able to enjoy a professional musical experience. The Campus Chord Club offers the best deal in town for students of all ages. For a one-time fee of $15, students in grades K-12 can enjoy concerts and learn about music throughout their school years at great savings.

Voting under way in Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation Contest

10/14/2009

Popular vote will decide which theme will be used to promote the 10th anniversary of GALA, the signature fundraising event of the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation in November.

Broadway Palm Theater plans auditions for 'The King and I'

10/14/2009

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is holding open auditions for adults and children for "The King and I" on Saturday, Oct. 24. Ages 6 to 15 will audition at 10 a.m. Ages 15 and up will audition at 2 p.m. Auditions are on a first-come, first-served basis. A sign-up sheet will be available at 9 a.m. for ages 6 to 15 and at 1 p.m. for ages 15 and up. No appointments will be taken.

Unravel clues for 'Murder at the Mansion,' with the SW Fla. Symphony

10/14/2009

The Southwest Florida Symphony is asking for your help to unravel the clues and solve a mystery. The Southwest Florida Symphony's Board of Directors invites the public to join them from 7-9 p.m. Oct.

New relationships mean new traditions

ArtisHENDERSON sandydays@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

On Sunday mornings I have this ritual. It starts with the New York Times. I pull out my favorite sections — the style section, the travel section, and the book review — and I toss out the rest (forgive me, Sierra Club, for I know this is a sin). Until recently, these three sections have been my reason for getting out of bed Sunday mornings.

This week's theater

10/14/2009

Lovely Night - The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater presents "Lovely Night!," a tribute to the music of Oscar Hammerstein III, Oct. 15-Nov. 7. 472-6862 or www.theschoolhousetheater.com. Time and Ina Meyerhoff - Theatre Conspiracy kicks off its season with "Time and Ina Meyerhoff," a romantic comedy by Alan Brody, Oct. 15-17 and 22-24 at 8 p.m. and Oct.

This week's symphony

10/14/2009

Pop/Opera - The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra performs "POP'ERA: Opera's Greatest Hits" at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Oct. 17. This program includes music made popular by films and television. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Thursday, Oct. 15

10/14/2009

Artist Workshop - Painting Paradise, an artist workshop, is held from 9 a.m. to noon today and Friday at Lovers Key State Park. This workshop is suitable for individuals who have basic painting skills. Neil Walling of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association will teach the classes. Cost: $50. Register at 463- 4588.

Friday, Oct. 16

10/14/2009

Blues - The World Famous Buckingham Blues Bar features Mark Younger and The Marksmen from 9 p.m. to midnight. $5 at the gate; no coolers, no pets. buckinghambar.com or 693-7111. Live Music - The weekly Friday Night Live takes place in the Patio de Leon. Entertainment: Sista Sanjah, 6-9 p.m. 321-7100.

Saturday, Oct. 17

10/14/2009

Live Music - Fleamasters hosts The Echoes/The Del Prados at its Music Hall in Fort Myers at 7 p.m. 334-7001. Zombicon 2009 - The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and downtown Fort Myers host Zombicon, a free interactive art event for zombies and those who love them, starting at 6 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 18

10/14/2009

Willie Nelson - The Philharmonic Center for the Arts hosts legendary singer Willie Nelson at 8 p.m. 597-1900.

Monday, Oct. 19

10/14/2009

Bird Patrol - Experience the beautiful birds of Bunche Beach with a Bird Patrol Guide from 8-10 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at Bunche Beach. Free. 707- 3015 or www.birdpatrol.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

10/14/2009

Haunted Walk - The Calusa Nature Center holds its 25th annual Haunted Walk today through Oct. 31 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Encounter the ghouls, goblins and monsters lurking along the trail. 275-3435. Jazz Night - The Veranda hosts Jazz Night at 6:30 p.m. at 2122 Second St., Fort Myers. 332-2065.

Upcoming events

10/14/2009

Urban Expressionism - A reception for the "Purvis Young: Urban Expressionism Exhibit" starts at 5 p.m. Oct. 22 at the FGCU Art Gallery. The exhibition runs through Nov. 20. 590- 7199. Skynyrd - AEG Live and 96 K-Rock present Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert at Germain Arena at 8 p.m. Oct. 22. www. ticketmaster.com.

Ongoing events

10/14/2009

Portrait Sessions - The Cape Coral Art League hosts open portrait sessions with a model every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon. Fee: $10/$15 per session. Address: 516 Cultural Park Blvd. 772-5657 or e-mail ralie578@embarqmail.com.

Art League of Bonita: "Live! at the Promenade"

10/14/2009

1. Sharon and Denny Bearnes, Trish Leonard and Gary Price 2. John Warfield, Mayor Ben Nelson and Maggie Warfield 3. Jacque McCurdy and Beth Ann Tuyls 4. Ed Brunswick and Arden McCurdy 5. Frank and Sandy Paniccia 6.

Party with a Purpose, Under The Western Sky to benefit the Cattle Baron's Ball supporting American Cancer Society

10/14/2009

1. Sybil Edgar, Shawn Seliger, Mich Engleman and Mary Devlin 2. Holly Olson, Clare Ulik and Candace Carlson 3. Max Soto and Sandi Kostic 4. Cyndi Doragh, Chelly Joseph and Shannon Goff 5.

Rao's in Fort Myers grand opening

10/14/2009

1. Rao's staff 2. Glenn and Jeanine Oorlog 3. Katie Weber, Jan Wallace and Kristen Lyons 4. Jan Wallace, Chef Carlo Rao, Rita Keltner and Leslie Koon 5. Leslie Koon and Ingrid Sculley

VINO

jimMcCRACKEN vino@florida-weekly.com — 10/14/2009

They are the mega-stars of the wine world, idolized by fans everywhere who grow misty eyed at the mere mention of France's top Bordeaux wines, which carry price tags that start at about $200 and quickly rise from there. If there's a time of year when they are more popular than others, the approaching holiday season is it.

Wylds Café puts contemporary twist on old standards

karenFELDMAN cuisine@floridaweekly.com — 10/14/2009

Lots of restaurateurs shut their doors over the summer with the promise they'd be back this fall. While it remains to be seen how many of them fulfill that pledge, it's reassuring to see that Wylds Café in Bonita Springs has reopened.

food & wine CALENDAR

10/14/2009

. Wednesday, Oct. 14, Thistle Lodge: A five-course wine dinner features the wines of Napa Valley's ZD Winery, presented by the company's vice president of sales, Teresa D'Aurizio; $105; 2255 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel; 472-2900.

TV's Extreme Makeover casting in Fort Myers

10/14/2009

Do you know a family whose home deserves an Extreme Makeover? If so, the producers of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" want to hear from you. Ty Pennington and his crew have been all across the map and now they want to drive that famous bus to Fort Myers.

Lutgert completes Tavira tower by Estero Bay Park

10/14/2009

Tavira, the sixth of eight planned luxury towers by The Lutgert Companies in Bonita Bay, has passed its final governmental inspections. Adjacent to Estero Bay Park, the 26-story condominium has 90 residences ranging from 3,517 to 4,146 square feet of air-conditioned living space.

2010 Luxury Parade of Homes accepting model entries

10/14/2009

The Lee Building Industry Association invites the premier builders in Southwest Florida to enter their models in the 2010 Parade of Homes. This is the 25th anniversary of the area's most anticipated real estate event. Discounts are available for multiple models. Special pricing for nonmembers is available. Parade dates are Feb. 4- 7, 11- 14 and 18-21.

Area foreclosure rates on the increase

10/14/2009

Foreclosure rates in Cape Coral-Fort Myers have increased for the month of August over the same period last year, according to First American CoreLogic, the leading collector of national, state and local data on home prices, foreclosure and delinquency activity, real estate sales volume and mortgage loan activity.