Vol. 97 No. 5 Delivering Western Hendry County’s News Since 1922 January 30, 2020 You’re never too old To Reduce, Reuse, Recycle By Danika J. Hopper Caloosa Belle While we were kids, Earth Day celebra- tions might’ve included projects like mak- ing sunflower seed-and-peanut butter pine cones to hang as bird feeders, or up-cycling soup cans into a pencil holders, while some of us even helped to plant trees. It was al- ways a day filled with activities that instilled the reduce, reuse, recycle theme that has surrounded Earth Day for the past fifty years. A mantra that has a tendency to lose meaning and momentum as we age. But, Earth Day is still important, as it reminds us all to think about solutions to the problems our planet faces, and there is plenty that we can do to contribute. “While writing a letter to a politician or making a donation to an environmental Courtesy photo/ Kass Whidden of Lilac Photography cause are not actions to be taken lightly, there are smaller actions that can be taken,” said Danielle Poole, a community organizer who plans to volunteer at Hendry County’s 2020 Swamp Cabbage Royalty 50th Anniversary of Earth Day event. “I am a lifelong resident, and I know so many From left to right Junior Miss Jayla Williams, Swamp Cabbage Queen Ryley Bowen, Swamp Cabbage Princess Grace people in Hendry who just don’t think Ryan, and in front is Little Miss Remington Ergle. See a list of all the winners on page 3. there’s much we can do. But that’s not true! Take a nature walk or hike with your family, or invite friends, and simply appreciate it. Pick up any bottles or cans along the way, Nicholas J. Cutinha - Medal of Honor even if they aren’t yours, and recycle them. Bring a reusable bag to the store when By Patty Brant shopping. Skip the straw in your drink at a Special to the Caloosa Belle restaurant. Turn off any electronics that are not in use, for even just one day. These are Some things cannot be forgotten. just a few simple ways to make a positive Some things should never be forgotten. impact.” Those two realities come together in the story of a young man who lived in LaBelle See Reuse — Page 2 for a time as a boy, and did more in his short life than can truly be comprehended. Nicholas J. Cutinha was just one of a generation of young people who followed their consciences into the crosshairs of history, a journey that would end for him with the posthumous presentation of the Medal of Honor. Nicholas’ story starts much the same as so many of this country’s heroes. As a Honoring the best of us/Patty Brant young man he left his home and family, LaBelle residents have the opportunity to contribute to a lasting monument to committed himself to a higher standard and a local hero, Nicholas Cutinha, who earned his country’s highest honor, a Con- paid the full price for America’s freedom in gressional Medal of Honor, for his unselfish devotion to duty and his fellow Submitted photo a land far from home. Marines in 1968. The effort was kicked off Saturday, January 18, at McDonalds. The sign for Hendry County’s 50th Today, LaBelle residents have the oppor- Veterans, including Dan McKinney who was seriously wounded in the attack at Anniversary of Earth Day Celebration tunity to help ensure that Nicholas’ and his Gia Dinh, Viet Nam, where Sp4c Cutinha was killed. Front row from left: John serves as an example of the “Reduce, McGlynchey, Steve Nisbet, Sr., Steve Nisbet Jr., Amanda Nisbet and Dan McKin- reuse, recycle” theme. See Honor — Page 4 ney. Back row: Tommy Vaughan, Charlie Davis and Dave Randant. 2 Caloosa Belle January 30, 2020 Child Care of Southwest Florida appoints Yadira Lorenzo as director of The Children’s Garden in LaBelle FORT MYERS – Child Care of Southwest members of the community, and she has About Child Care of Families. All six CCSWFL locations have Florida has appointed Yadira Lorenzo experience educating children of all ages, five-star ratings through the Early Learning as director for The Children’s Garden, a including youth with special needs. Southwest Florida Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL high-quality early learning center in Labelle. “We like to say that all children are like Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. follows the nationally recognized, re- Lorenzo has worked in early childhood little seeds, and as teachers we need to (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood search-based Creative Curriculum, with education since 2009, including the last water them so they can grow and be suc- education provider with six learning centers a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning nine years with Child Care of Southwest cessful as they advance in school,” Lorenzo in Lee and Hendry counties that serve environments that develop young minds, Florida as a HeadStart teacher at Harlem said. “It’s so important that all children have more than 500 children from 6 weeks to 8 support families, strengthen the commu- Academy Child Care Center in Clewiston access to high-quality child care so they can years old. Each center is accredited through nity and secure the future. Through its be prepared for school. Kindergarten is too and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) the National Accreditation Commission for participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care late to start learning.” teacher at The Children’s Garden before Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as Program, each child has access to a healthy, being promoted to center director. The Children’s Garden has a five-star a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. The Children’s Garden serves more than rating through the Early Learning Coalition the Florida Department of Children and 50 students from 2 months to 4 years old, of Southwest Florida. It also is accredited Sponsor, volunteer and focusing on the development of physical, through the National Accreditation Com- donation op- social, emotional and intellectual growth. mission for Early Learning Leaders and portunities are The center employs 14 staff members. is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care available. For Lorenzo promotes self-esteem and inde- Program through the Florida Department of more informa- pendence to help children become healthy Children and Families. tion, please visit Lorenzo received an Associate of Arts ccswfl.org. degree and an Associate of Science degree in early childhood education from Palm Reuse Beach State College. Continued From Page 1 As adults, Earth Day can be celebrated through moments of reflection, and as we consider the small sacrifices and simple acts that help make this planet a healthy and safe place to live, these seemingly mi- nor contributions do make a big difference. “The Earth is truly a spectacular place to live, and it deserves, at the very least, our respect,” says Poole. Hendry County’s 50th Anniversary of Earth Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at YOU HAVE THE Barron Park. It will be free for exhibitors and attendees. If you are interested in participating in Hendry County’s Earth Day FREEDOM TO event, contact Tina Noel, volunteer point of contact, by email at LaBelleEarthDay2020@ No Credit CHOOSE † gmail.com or by phone at 863-673-1144. Refused YOUR CHOICE! IN AND RECEIVE BRING THIS AD FREE POINTS (NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY) Available in Upholstered 880038/39 Ashburn II 880147 $ Homestead Dove Grey 880036/37 $ 1,000 3 PC Includes: Sofa Chaise Sectional 998 5 PC Includes Queen Bed (Headboard, 998 & Accent Chair Save $401.90 Footboard, Rails), Dresser & Mirror Save $501.90 Reg. $1399.90 Reg. $1499.90 Add Ottoman for $198 119998 Save on King Size Too! YOUR CHOICE! 3 PC Sectional also available for $1,598.00 Sectional Coventry 887357/58 $ Juliana 889412/13 $ 2 PC Includes: Sofa & Loveseat Sofa 1298 5 PC Includes Queen Bed (Headboard, 1298 Save $501.95 Footboard, Rails), Dresser & Mirror Save $701.90 Reg. $1799.95 Reg. $1999.90 Save on King Size Too! †Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. Applicants must meet all State and Federal identification verification requirements and State age requirements. Offer not available to applicants in default on a Badcock account, in an active bankruptcy or who have a discharged bankruptcy within the past two years. Offer valid through February 10, 2020 at participating stores only. Prices and offers effective January 28 through February 10, 2020 unless otherwise stated. January 30, 2020 Caloosa Belle 3 The 2020 Swamp Cabbage HENDRY COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Notice is hereby given that the Local Planning Agency of Hendry County (LPA) will hold a public hearing on the following Festival Royality Courts ordinance to rezone property on February 12, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., at the Hendry County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 25 E. Hickpochee Ave, LaBelle, Florida. The LPA will determine if the petition is consistent with the Hendry Queen Ryley Bowen 2nd runner up: Rebecca Howard County Comprehensive Plan and will review the petition for consistency with the Hendry County Land Development Code. 1st runner up: Novie Kohutek Junior Miss Photogenic: Jayla Williams The recommendations of the LPA will be made to the Board of County Commissioners for final consideration at a public 2nd runner up: Amber Barnett Junior Miss Most Talented: Harleigh hearing. This hearing will be held on February 25, 2020, at 5:05 p.m. at the Hendry County Courthouse, Commission Queen Photogenic: Novie Kohutek Weber Chambers, 25 E.