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I I .1- • III i .'! .'. The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed on Sanlbcl, Satuiday. Dec. 8 at 4 and 7 p.m. at Schein Kail at BIG Arts For more information see story on pages 18 and 19.

Mew Year's Eve

Yous* Party 'With Us! New Rec Center makes big splash with Islanders C By LINDA CHRISTMAN I For a lot of people, losing weight and getting into shape are jotted down first on New Year's Resolutions; therefore,

1 Isaac Gerovv loves splashing in the fountain.

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Call Ahead Seating Available For Parties Of Eight Or More Richard Bowen discusses technique with staff mem- ber Laura Wesserling. beautiful," she said. "We live a half-mile from here, so we'll be down here all the time." Lee County Health Department drowning prevention OUTDOOR coordinator Diane Holm was available on Saturday to pass out water safety tips and sunscreen to parents and children. SEATING "Even in a guarded facility, it's wise to have a designated Welter watcher who is an adult," she said. LIVE MUSIC Sanibel School principal Barbara Von Harten is espe- cially glad to welcome the school's new next door neighbor EVERYDAY with the air-conditioned gym to San-Cap Road. "We are so excited about the opening of the new Rec Center," she said. "It's been a wonderful, collaborative TAKE-OUT partnership between the city and the school to make this happen. It's exciting because the children will be using the AVAILABLE gymnasium for PE classes and for our intramural programs and intramural games, as well as the tennis courts. The community will be using the facility as well, and it's just so OPEN exciting that trie project is finally done. 1 know the children can't wait and my teachers can't wait." Rec Center director Helene Phillips encourages every- one ID take ad\anij»e ol'lhc tai-ilil}. "ll's u place for fami- lies and people nf all .ajii'i lo come together and recrcalc Food & Beverage Discount 2163 Periwinkle Way and lo fvcomi.1 lit on Sanibel." she said, "li's u health} atmosphere. US promoting health »w the Island and giving Sanibel Island, Florida folks a place to play basketball, a pl.tcc 10 swim and in use Mondd\ - Saturday /-11 bunday 7-12 ihc weights, and to just come logcthei and have u good time Musi l and be fit. Thai's what our purpose is: Sanihel Til 4 Life." Nni vaiU A ul) ativ other p' Q&A with Sanibel balloon pilot Laura Sheft By LINDA CHR1STMAN many memorable events such as Super Bowls, World • [email protected] . Series, Academy Awards, U.S. Open Tennis and Golf. But, ft my favorite, was when I secured the first televised event ft JSP Sanibel resident Laura Sheft has been reaching for the from a blimp other than Goodyear. Back in the mid-1980s sky, literally and •figuratively; since she was a little girl— I negotiated with NBC Sports to allow our blimp, spon- and she has made many of her childhood dreams come true. sored by McDonald's, to cover a golf event in New Orleans. nrj Sheft was 14-years-old when she became the youngest pilot They were very reluctant, but agreed and said, "You have to solo in a hot air balloon. By age 19, she was the youngest one chance, so we hope it works." I researched and learned and one of only eight licensed female gas balloon pilots in as much as possible, then secured the personnel and equip- the world. In her early 20s, Sheft was the first female hired ment. The event coverage was a success, and it broke the © Lo be trained to fly a blimp. monopoly Goodyear held since 1960. •ft 2n Tell us about your childhood. Do you have any interesting celebrity stories? re I grew up in a small town in Northern New Jersey I have met many interesting people, but one meeting that called Saddle River. Sanibel has been my "sec- stands out in my mind was when the sports commentator, ond" home since 1 was four-years-old. My par- John Madden, challenged our blimp to a race with his bus o ents and I fell in love With Sanibel back in the during a nationally televised NFL football game. We ^3 mid-1960s, and we visited frequently from then accepted the challenge and the bus did win, but only by a on. I love animals and had many pets while grow- few minutes. We did make the "All Madden Team" for our ing up, but my favorite was a cat that lived for accomplishment. over 21 years. PHOTOS SPECIAL TO THE ISLANDER Tell us about your business ventures. no Laura Sheft takes off on her first solo flight at age 14. •B How and when did your interest in balloons/blimps start? My career transitioned from flying to marketing air- Tell us about being the visual source for major ships, and then on to television broadcasting. I started my r When I was eight-years-old, I literally had a dream events. What are some memorable ones? own business in 1988 called Airship Images. The business about flying balloons that you could steer. Not knowing if primarily focused on working with the television networks, these even existed, I asked my father who told me, "Yes, " The blimp has the best seat in the house! There are so and they're called blimps." Balloons and blimps became See Q&A page 4 s my primary interest, and flying them became my goal. My parents told me that if I set my mind to it, that I could do anything I chose to in life. I never took my focus off my a, goal. They encouraged-my passion, and I went on to leam n how to fly balloons (hot-air and gas), and eventually got my e dream job in the blimp business. I also have logged time in many types of airplanes and a few small jets. What are the main differences between these lj • Convenient to You crafts? !i *j -i 1/5 as S The main difference is that hot-air balloons are heated by a flame from a propane burner, and the flights generally last one or two hours at most. There is also noise from the Cholesterol Test n occasional blast of the propane burner. Gas balloons are 'With Any Labs filled with helium (an inert gas), or with hydrogen (used in Europe only), and flights can last for several days. Gas bal- I loons are completely silent. Their altitude is controlled by dropping ballast. The ballast is either water or sand (sand- Prostate Cancer (PSA) • Thyroid Panel bags hang off the side of the balloon). It is magic to fly in, a gas balloon. An interesting aspect of ballooning, both hot- d Heart Test (CRP) A Cholesterol: HDL, LDL, Triglycerid.es I air and gas, is that there is virtually no sensation of move- &. Diabetes + Ale A CBC /Total Blood Cell Count ment. It seems as if the earth below is moving and you arc: t.v Liver Enzymes £ Complete Metabolic Profile standing still. This is due to moving with the wind. 00 ' Cighter-than-airdrafts that you can steer are known as Starting at $30. blimps, airships, dirigibles and zeppelins. Blimps are non- Additional Tests & Packages, Please Inquire rigid, their shape is held by internal gas pressure, and zep- 50% to 75% Savings pelins have a rigid internal structure. Both are categorized as airships .or dirigibles. Calf 1-868-302-5683 Toll Free Pre-Registration Required What do you enjoy most about being a pilot and JirSSiSlS? 2__^Y www. lstlinkmedical.com what are the biggest challenges? All tests reviewed by a Certified Physician, results mailed directly to you. I most enjoy the sensation of flying a quiet aircraft and At this time First Link Medical, LLC docs not bill Medicare, Mcdicaid or third party Insurance. going with the wind. Also, the unique aspect of being able to wave and talk to people on the ground. Certainly, strong gusty winds pose the biggest challenge, and can make for hard landings. Who are your heroes/mentors?

Certainly my parents were my greatest mentors. Sadly, my dad passed away before my blimp career began. However, 1 was "adopted" by Ed Yost (The Father of Ballooning), and Col. Joe Kittinger (holder of several avia- tion records), and they continued to guide and inspire. Prior to my father's passing, lie asked an extraordinary business woman named Andrea Spinelli to help me achieve my ^nrr^i Hefora retiate offer career goals. Andrea is a television producer/director and became a mentor to me at the age of 19. I've had other won- eMpires 12/28/07 derful mentors as well throughout my adult life. Their influence has inspired me to become a mentor. What are the most interesting places you've bal- MANUFACTURER'S looned over? No More Plywood REBATE OFFER By far, the most breath-taking and interesting flights Don't Wait 'til Hiirricarfe Season to put an end to Plywood Season! were in balloons over the Swiss Alps and the Rocky Mountains. My longest gas hailoon flight was 46 hours Don't put off that window or door replacement any longer. Especially with a from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to a small town in rebate on PGT® WinGuard® Impact-Resistant Windows or Doors. Order by Kansas. The flight took me over some of the highest peaks of the Rockies. I reached an altitude of 22,000 feet, and it December 28, 2007 and receive a manufacturer's rebate for every window and was simply hreath-laking. door purchased. See your independent PGT distributor for details. Don't wait! $20 rebate on each WinGuard* window • $100 rebate on each WinGuard* door &RT1 EFFORTLESS HURRICANE PROTECTION* INDEPENDENT PGT DISTRIBUTOR M4SURANCE SERVICES IMPACT-RESISTANT WINDOWS & DOORS Windows Plus Offer does not include PGT' Aluminum of Vinyl -i /-.<-» o -i r« J. Windows and Doors, PGP Ere-Breeze* Sliding 1 0831 SlIHSet Cowering ail cotmtics In SW Florida. Panels and PGF Architectural Systems (Series 800 or Home, Wind, Flood & Auto, 3000). Offer expires midnight, December 28,2007. Fnrt MvPt^ Florida Rebate forms must be postmarked no later than March 30, 2008.. See rebate form for complete can Wendy Matura 239.463.5200 terms and conditions. Offer valid in the U.S. only. M h fj I"! *2k • /

Dine dockside and enjoy mouth- ...It doesn't get watering delights any fresher! from the sea..* Taste of the Islands 2007_ !it*si Dcsscrl - ( :ipt it ii;\ k';\ I.hnc Pit- Best Booth I* r c«»c n i & i 3 o n And for the 7"' lrar in a Row, THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER!

472-8138 LUNCH ll:30\M DINNER 3:00PM TAKE OUT AVAILABLE

- 1

r>i {Hi 1 (M F, -,.» I. * l - i J •*i i.J'-t-: 'J t,'-« »—i •>•., j-. i-"- ;• • Week of Friday, December 7, 2007 Report >our news to THE ISLANDER: sanibel-capdva-isiandcv.cum

What present do you want to see under the Christmas tree?

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Max Adams Samantha Davies Pierce Hobbs Sydney Hummel Kayla McCurry Fort Myers Sanibel Fort Myers Fort Myers Sanibel "A cell phone and a new "A new cell phone.' "A Ripstik skateboard." "I would like an American "A digital camera." skateboard." Girl doll."

Web Poll Results Aerobics to begin at Rec. center What's your favorite activity during the holiday? The City of Sanibel will be offering aerobics classes at the new Sanibel Recreation Center on Monday, Dec. 3. H Shopping 0% The community is encouraged to participate and get "Fit 4 Life!" H Spending time with family and friends 64.7% Effective Monday, Dec. 3 aerobics will be offered twice per day, Monday through Friday at 10:15 a.m. and at 5:30 B Having vacation time 11.8% p.m. Water aerobics will be offered Tuesday through Thursday at 9 a.m., and again on Saturday at 10 a.m. Both H Going to parties 5.9% aerobics are included with a Rec. Center membership, at no additional charge. H Exchanging gifts 17.6% For information on how you can purchase a membership and become "Fit 4 Life," contact the Recreation B Other 0% Department at 472- 0345. Current Web Poll Question What do you want most this Christinas? KGift H Someone special in your life H Feel better mentally/physically S Better relations with family/friends H Time with loved ones Do You Like to Dig in the Dirt? B Peace on Earth The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Native Plant Nursery is looking for volunteers during this upcom- ing season! If playing in the dirt sounds fun to you, please come to one of the orientation sessions for new volunteers Share your opinion online at: on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.; or on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. sanibel-captiva-islander.com We will be discussing different volunteer opportunities within the nursery, including scheduling and additional training opportunities. For more information, call Jenny at 472-1932.

SanilJeC Captiva idander The islands' Community Newspaper since 1961 USPS 481-400 Group Manager Classifieds & Subscriptions Jim Kennedy TMMI/CM Gloria Schulz [email protected] [email protected] Executive Editor The Sanibel-Capliva Islander Jeff Lysiak 5UN [email protected] is published every Friday Editor Circulation Ella Nayor 239-574-1116 UNAWARE OF ISLAND IAWS, " . [email protected] Address Staff Writer Promenade Center WAS MAUiED OFF TO JAIL 695 Tarpon Bay Road, Unit #13 Linda Christman ?OR NOT lchristman Obreezenewspapers.com Phone 239-472-5185 Production Marcy Day Fax sanadbuilder® 239-472-1372 breezenewspapers.com Ciassified Advertising Advertising Sales 239-472-5185 Classified Deadline, Brian Murty [email protected] Noon, Tuesday

Beth Rizzo Display Advertising [email protected] 239-472-5185

Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays. Letters to the editor mustbe'typed pr handprinted. Your name and phone number must be affixedtoTtJfe copy, In. the event of an advertising error, we aw responsible only for the first incorrect inserti on of,the- ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 3,0 days froirl publication. Postal Information: Third Class postage is paid at the Sanibel Post Office, Send address changes to the Sanibel Captiva Islander, P.O. Box. 56, Sanibel, FL 33957. ,- On the Web: sanibel-captiva-islander.com

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l -i :-•-•'-- *, .* 11 \t + a introduce galleries' latest exhibits colorist, Kittel has studied with many nationally acclaimed artists and has achieved signature membership in state and national watercolor societies. She teaches with a picture composed in her imagination, sometimes starting with still life items arranged on the floor, sometimes with a landscape on location or in a photograph. Her concept is best worded as "from reality to abstract." : Don Maurer Maurer utilizes giclee in addition to other mediums, and has previously taught "Advanced Acrylic Painting" and "Seeing Art" at BIG ARTS. He recently completed a book S3 inspired by his experiences instructing BIG ARTS Photoshop workshops. Edythe Newbourne Newbourne has been featured in one-man shows across O the country and has taught several Chinese Brush Painting classes and seminars for students of all levels of experience. She enjoys BIG ARTS enthusiastic participants and fur- thering her Chinese brush painting techniques. Pottery instructor Gail Jones loves working with her stu- ALL PHOTOS SPECIAL TO THE ISLANDER dents, and she was honored to contribute her popular crys- 'Lotus and Kingfishers," by Edythe Newbourne talline and raku work for the exhibit. "I am as always thank- BIG ARTS will host artists' receptions for the Founders ful that BIG ARTS has a special show for its faculty," she Gallery Group of Four exhibit, featuring Paul Rodino, said. "I love teaching pottery, and now I have a group of s Richard Rosen, Anica Sturdivant, and Kathleen Walsh, and loyal students who are producing some amazing work. With the Phillips Gallery Faculty Exhibit, featuring BIG ARTS my two crystalline sculptural platters, I continue to explore instructors on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 5:3.0-7 p.m. the magic of growing crystals at high temperature on porce- Group of Four lain. One never knows what awaits in the kiln. In my raku Paul Rodino's photography offers a glimpse into life's piece, I am going back to the love of raku in Firedance. I love the interaction with the kiln as you take a pot out of an unappreciated, sometimes unseen everyday beauty. Richard H • Rosen's stimulating sculpture and painting combinations ,> 1,800. degree kiln with tongs and immerse it in a barrel of * . i exemplify the intuitive evolution from natural to abstract. •, sawdust and wait for the magic to happen. Both processes ft ft, Anica Sturdivant's Bubble Wrap series explores self-con- (crystallines and raku) are the potters' interaction with the •4 - J* * kiln and the unpredictable nature of the firings that intrigue trol, while her Earth Pod series is an integration of the '?• sacred and earthly; both require the viewer to delve beneath me." "3 superficial judgment. Kathleen Walsh's experience as a "I w*. V Marketing director Cathy Paus is proud of what both galleries have to offer BIG ARTS patrons. "Once again, the psychiatric nurse lends itself to her spontaneous, open-to- "Two Ancients" by Judith Barnet interpretation mixed-media pieces. visual arts committee has put together two exhibits that are along the East Coast as well as Sanibel and Captiva. Not Look forward* to artwork that pleases the eyes and chal- only a course but also a warm, loving community, some stu- lenges the mind, as well as fun, refreshments, and the dents have attended her classes for over five years. Barnet chance to speak with the creators of this beautiful work. delights in watching students blossom beyond her wildest G This exhibit runs through Monday, Dec. 31. Gallery dreams. hours are Monday through Friday,.9 a.m to 4 p.m. Carolyn Councell Faculty Exhibit Visit Phillips Gallery and view a showcasing of the tal- Primarily a watercolor artist, Councell is represented by ented instructors whose passion and experience, along with many galleries in the Mid-Atlantic area,, and her nature- ft our campus's ideal setting entice hundreds of students to inspired style ranges from controlled to free flowing. The SB return to BIG ARTS visual arts classes season after season. spontaneity of the watercolor medium helps her to capture u You are welcome to stop by the box office to enroll in a the spirit of her subject. workshop. Full Workshop Guides with class times, descrip- "I try to put more into a painting than a rendering of £ tions, and artist, bios'are also available in the box office. what I see." Here are the talented faculty contributors whose work Councell teaches mixed media and watercolor at BIG will be on display through Saturday, Jan. 5: ARTS. Pilar Baker Mary Ann Devos An expert in jewelry and metalsmithing, Baker's works The Director of Education for Precious Metal Clay Paul Rodino's "A bird in the boat is worth..." is an are a union of her innermost feelings and her love for pure Connection, Devos has {raveled throughout the U.S., encaustic over archival ink print and mounted on geometric line and form. Circles and triangles (the ancient Canada, Japan, Australia, South Africa, and Europe teach- Masonife. symbols of femininity, protection, and., equality) appear ing PMC techniques. Silver clay is a new medium that gen- often in her work, referencing her struggle to understand erates excitement for her students, and it's great for com- the many cycles of life. She loves sharing her knowledge bining with other materials. and passion, and finds her greatest reward in seeing stu- Mona Gleitz dents proudly walk away from one of her classes with a Using techniques such as Gyotaku and Monoprint, this gleaming piece of their own design and execution. former Nature Printing Society president has spent nearly a Judith Barnet dozen years creating nature prints, and has taught in places A pastel paint artist whose work has been displayed as distant as Alaska and New Zealand. In Gleitz's class it's exhilarating for both teacher and student to discover the results of removing color from fabric and paper. Carol Hagerman An award-winning watercolor artist whose work is part of many private and corporate collections across America and abroad, Hagerman remains true to detail and stresses Lhc clas- sical design principals which are often overlooked in watercolor instruction. New and intermedi lie artists will gain a good Foundation of knowledge to support their future development in her class. Gail Jones Gail Jones maintains her own studio, Full Circle Pottery, and is represented by galleries across the U.S. Richard Rosen's "Peace/War" is made from Raku-fired Her creations include crys- clay, glazes, and acrylic). talline and raku, and she has studied sculpture and pot- at once talented, imaginative and eclectic," she said. "Where Your Needs are tery in both England and Shareen Grace, the curator for Founders, has brought Our First Line of Business!" Australia. together four artists whose work spans from wacky bubble Patty Kane wrap, to flowing raku sculptures, to thought provoking pen, Pharmacists Burl Sizemore & Reggie Mathai ink and acrylic combinations. Who but Anica would have are the Friendly Faces You Can Count On. Patty, an acrylic artist, thought of making great art from bubble wrap and sheet formerly taught at Creadle metal? And again and again, Paul Rodino takes an already School of Art, and has superb piece, coats it with encaustic, and takes it to the next Located Across From C¥S' received multiple awards. level. Georgene Knight curated the Phillips Gallery Faculty She loves teaching because Exhibit. One look at the works of these talented instructors it gives her the opportunity will surely send you straight to the box office to sign up for on Palm Ridge Road to meet people from all 2330 Palm Ridge Road, Unit #12 walk« of life bonded by a their classes." mutual fondness for art, and For further information about these exhibits and other SanSbel, Florida 33957 • fax 239.472.6144 she has the chance to see her upcoming events and workshops at BIG ARTS, to purchase .student";' creative lives tickets, or to sign up for workshops, stop by BIG ARTS, thrive. 900 Dunlop Road Sanibel, call (239) 395-0900, e-mail Anne Kittel [email protected], or log on to WWWiBIGARTS.ORG. (Linda Christman contributed to this story) Aiv you trtr ere CROW event raises big bucks, Dec. 7, 1941? In lhe back storage ro