Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
Page 28 Southwest Spotlight March 2011
Vol.2, No.3
Everyone’s wondering
Wonder Gardens owners
try preservation path
By Peter R. O’Flinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – In an im-
portant moment of transi-
tion for downtown Bonita
Springs, the Piper family’s
stewardship of the Everglades
Wonder Gardens, a defining
presence on Old 41 for sev-
enty-five years, may be draw-
ing to an end. The Wonder
Gardens is for sale and its
fate is unclear.
In the early stages of the
sale process, the Piper family
has been exploring the fea-
sibility of a sale that would
preserve the property for
William L. Meyers |
info@swspotlight.com
public use. “We need to do
what is best for the family,
but we also want to see our
heritage fulfilled,” said David
Piper, co-owner of the Won-
der Gardens property. Piper
has engaged Cullum Hasty,
a local realtor, for the sale.
“The main reason why we
went with Cullum is because
he is an environmentalist to
the core...and that he could
approach people who would
be interested in saving it, at
least the trees,” said Piper.
”We believed we would put
our best foot forward, my
brother and I, for the interest
of the public good.”
“In the right hands, the
Wonder Gardens site could
preserve a key part of the
city’s ecological history and
promote the development
of the area,” said City Coun-
cilman Stephen McIntosh.
At a recent City Council
meeting, he explained that
Continued on page 26
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Blues Festival 20
Town Talk 13
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Robert L. Smith | info@swspotlight.com
Spotlight Interview: David Piper on
Wonder Gardens then & now
By Peter R. O’Flinn In a recent extensive interview with the
Spotlight, Piper talked about the Wonder
Outside your
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – David Piper runs the busi-
Gardens, its founding and development, window 5
the legacy of its founders, his deep respect
ness of the Everglades Wonder Gardens with for his grandfather, and his intentions and
his wife Dawn Marie, and owns the property
with Buck Piper, his brother. The Wonder
hopes for the property, which sits on three Swamp Buggy
Gardens has been in the Piper family since it
and one half prime acres astride the Imperial
River. Races 9
opened seventy-five years ago. Continued on page 17
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Page 2 Southwest Spotlight
EVENTS
Fundraisers
Save the Wolves
Sat., March 5, Noon to 8 p.m.
Sun., March 6,
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Sacred Wolf Path Cele-
bration will benefit Wolfdog
rescue and the Shy Wolf Sanc-
tuary. Musicians, storytelling,
rescued Wolves and Wolfdogs,
fire and drum circles and
more. Where: Sutherland
Lane, just South of the Bonita
Nature Place and the YMCA
on Kent Rd. Cost: $10 dona-
tion requested. For more in-
formation call 239-290-9867.
Bowlathon
Sat., March 5, 11:30 a.m.
to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m.
NCH Healthcare System has
teamed up with Beacon Bowl
for this Relay for Life fundrais-
ing event. Where: 5400 N.
Tamiami Trail, Naples. Cost:
$20/2 games & shoes. For
more information, email kel-
ly.miller@ nchmd.org. Many
teams are working hard to
raise funds for the Relay for
Life being held at the YMCA
in Bonita April 8 and 9.
Susan B. Komen
Race for the Cure
Sat., March 12, 8 a.m.
There are many ways to par-
ticipate and raise money to
help end breast cancer forever.
Where: Coconut Point Mall,
Estero. For more information,
go to komenswfl. org.
S O U T H W E S T
Locally owned and
operated since 2010
(239) 287-6474
info@swspotlight.com
PO Box 1946
Bonita Springs, FL 34133
Southwest Spotlight, LLC
swspotlight.com
March 2011
239-495-3222 or visit
bonitabaymarinaclub.com.
Family Days
at the Art Center
Sat., March 5, 12, 19, 26,
1 to 3 p.m.
Children can come create art
from tools and everyday ob-
Cruisin’ for C.A.R.E. jects this month during Tools
Sun., March 27,
in Motion: Works from the
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hechinger Collection. Tools
This first annual Car, Truck,
in Motion, on display through
and Motorcycle show will
April 30, is an exhibition of
benefit 21st C.A.R.E., a foun-
witty, light-hearted works by
dation for cancer assistance,
emerging and prominent con-
research and education.
temporary artists. Children
Where: 2234 Colonial Blvd.,
and parents join instructors
Fort Myers. Cost: $20. For
for a quick tour of the artwork
more information, go to
and then spend time creating
21stcenturycare.org.
their own artwork. Cost: Free,
pre-registration is required.
The Fast and the Furriest
For more information, call
Thurs., March 31, 6:30 p.m.
the Center for the Arts of
This 5K run and one mile
Bonita Springs at 239-495-
walk will benefit the Gulf
8989.
Coast Humane Society.
Where: Coconut Point Mall,
Estero. For more information
Big band in Bonita
Sun., March 6, 2 p.m.
call 239-332-0364.
Fri., March 18, 6 p.m.
Arts and Entertainment The Townsmen Big Band Or-
chestra under the direction
of Pat Callen will present a
Live at the Promenade free concert of popular fa-
March 3, 10, 16, 18, 19, 24
vorites as performed by the
An exciting lineup of artists
most celebrated bands of the
are set to perform this month
big band era. Where: Riverside
at the Promenade including,
Park. Cost: Free.
Rick Compton and Betsy
Bennett, Clarita Filgueiras,
The Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish
Dance Academy, Joey &
Maria’s Comedy Italian Wed-
ding and Naomi Niskala.
Call the Center for the Arts
of Bonita Springs at 239-495-
8989 for tickets and show
times.
Bonita Blues Festival
Bonita Bay Boat Show March 11 & 12
March 4 & 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 5th annual Bonita Blues
March 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival will bring legendary
The annual boat show is open and international artists to
to the public for the first time Riverside Park. Proceeds from
in four years. Cost: Free.
For more information call Continued on page 19
Publisher
™ Peter A. O'Flinn
peter@swspotlight.com
Advertising Sales
Katie O'Flinn
katie@swspotlight.com
Kathy O'Flinn
kathy@swspotlight.com
Contributors
David Di Martino
Max Harris
Dorota Harris
William L. Meyers
Ben Nelson
Mary Shallies
Robert L. Smith
March 2011 Southwest Spotlight Page 3
Page 4 Southwest Spotlight March 2011

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March 2011 Southwest Spotlight Page 5

Just outside
your window
By Ben Nelson Jr.
info@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – It’s not
much fun having a bad cold.
Besides feeling like you’ve
been run over by a truck, if
you’re made to stay home
and rest it can be really bor-
ing. And when it came my
turn to be sick this season, I
spent the day sitting there
pouting, staring out our back
window at Leitner Creek
with my head propped up
in my hands. But soon, be-
cause I had to sit still for
more than five seconds, I
began to notice details out-
side that I’ve rarely paid
much attention to.
It was a busy day in the
thick green foliage surround-
ing the creek. There were
doves hanging out on the
bird feeder, bobbing their
heads and picking at the seed
and as you might expect, a
couple of squirrels were scur-
rying around on their daily
commute, jumping from tree
to tree. Just past them in an
Oak tree, I noticed an un-
usual looking “green fly-
catcher.” When it quickly
flew off I leaned forward and
started searching the trees,
because it was really getting
busy outside. There on a cy-
press tree was a large Pileated
Woodpecker, working its way
around the trunk, searching
for bugs and on a feeder
right in front of me, a pair
Something
slammed
loudly into
the window
right in
front of
my face!
It sounded
like a
gun going
off!
of beautiful Painted Buntings,
apparently having just arrived
for the winter, were comically
burying their heads deep into
the feeder. A flash of bright
red caught my eye and there,
further down the creek, was
a pair of Cardinals flitting
around on a cocoa plum
bush.
I leaned forward across
the table some more; my
head turned to the right,
Neil Nelson | Special to the Spotlight
A female Painted Bunting enjoyed a tasty treat outside the Nelson residence
recently.
barely touching the window
so I could watch the pair fly
peacefully up the creek. Very,
calm… very tranquil.
“BLAM”… Something
slammed loudly into the
window right in front of my
face! It sounded like a gun
going off! I reeled backwards
in cold medicine induced
slow motion. “Arrrrrrrrrgh!”
I bellowed, sounding strange-
ly like Arnold Schwarzeneg-
ger. As I began to realize that
I hadn’t been shot I looked
back out the window just in
Lori Nelson | Special to the Spotlight
time to see that a dove had
just performed a “Kamikaze
maneuver” straight into our
window! A Red Shouldered
Hawk had dive-bombed our
bird feeder leaving behind a
cloud of dove feathers and
panicked doves frantically
scattering in every direction.
The hawk came to a rest on
a custard apple branch and
calmly sat there admiring
his handiwork.
Even though I’m not a
professional birder and even
though all doves pretty
much look alike, there’s at
least one that I can pick out
of a line up. It has left a
perfect “dove smudge” im-
print of his surprised bird
face, wings askew to the
sides, on our window. Ac-
tually, as I look at the
smudge now, it’s probably
the same expression that
was on my face at the instant
of impact. Of course, the
dove – unless it has window
pane induce amnesia –
probably won’t ever forget
what I look like either.

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March 2011
Up and Down
the Trail
Front, Fifth grade essay competition winner Casey Clark with her mother Lisa,
and eighth grade winner Bethany Namour with her mother Jennifer. Back, DAR
Regent Beverly Wagner and Jean Hutt, Project Chairman.
Staff Report
info@swspotlight.com
American history essay
winners announced
Paul Revere rode once
again as history-minded
Bonita Springs students from
the fifth through the eighth
grade competed by writing
his memoirs as Paul himself.
On the 275th anniversary of
his birth, the Barefoot Beach
Chapter of DAR sponsored
the essay competition as it
has for the last five years.
The Chapter’s American His-
tory Committee was head-
ed by Chairman, Jean Hutt;
Co-Chairman, Kay Spring-
ston and members, Mary
Musto and Fran Oster-
houdt. The committee mem-
bers oversaw the project and
served as judges. The judges
were also joined by retired
nurse, Susan Tinkle of Boni-
ta Springs.
Participants included
homeschooled students and
students from Bonita
Springs Elementary School,
Bonita Springs Middle
School, Bonita Springs Per-
formance Academy and
Spring Creek Elementary
School. At each grade level,
the winning entry received
a medal and a framed cer-
tificate along with their cash
award. Second, third, and
Honorable Mention earned
a certificate and a cash
award. The winning entries
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
will be submitted for judging
and awards at the State level
and have the potential of
reaching judges at the Na-
tional level.
The local winners were
as follows:
Fifth Grade:
1st - Casey Clark, Home-
school, Bonita Springs
2nd- Celeste Mendez, Spring
Creek Elementary School,
Bonita Springs
3rd- Brianna Bohankamp,
Spring Creek Elementary
School, Bonita Springs
Honorable Mention - Drew
Parrish, Spring Creek Ele-
mentary School, Bonita
Springs
Eighth Grade:
1st - Bethany Namour,
Homeschool, Bonita Springs
2nd - Samantha Wells, Boni-
ta Springs Middle School,
Bonita Springs
The Barefoot Beach
Chapter of the DAR has
served our Bonita Springs
community since 1994
by pursuing projects that
promote historic preserva-
tion, education and patri-
otism. The recent essay con-
test exemplified all three
elements.
Science and
Engineering Fair
Two Bonita Springs stu-
dents received first place
awards in their divisions
among the 500 entrants in
the Lee County Schools Sci-
ence and Engineering Fair.
Southwest Spotlight Page 7
Katie Thorp of Bonita
Springs Middle School re-
ceived her award for “The
effect of aeration on algae
and dissolved oxygen in
ponds.” Austin Young of Es-
tero High School received
his award for “Teenagers and
Headphones: The effect of
exposure to sound through
earbuds.”
TV 98: More
than meetings
New programming is in
the works at TV98. While
you can still watch the meet-
ings for the Zoning Board,
City Council, Fire District
and others, TV98 has a lot
more to offer. The City
Council is working hard to
provide transparency in our
government and TV98 is a
platform.
“This is where you can
go to check out what’s going
on in your city,” said Lora
Taylor, Community Rela-
tions Coordinator for the
City of Bonita Springs. The
newest segment that is
Continued on page 26
Page 8 Southwest Spotlight March 2011
March 2011
Colorful and crazy
races in Collier
By Kathy O’Flinn
kathy@swspotlight.com
Collier County – Colorful
racecars with rocket-like
bodies and large 4-foot high
metal wheels with narrow
rubber treads eagerly wait
their turn to drive into the
muddy track. The competi-
tion director yells, “Start
your engines,” and an ex-
plosion fills the air as the
first cars descend into the
swamp water for Swamp
Buggy Races at Florida
Sports Park. This is the only
place that races swamp bug-
gies. Locals and tourists are
the lucky ones who get to
cheer on what is perhaps
the craziest and most un-
usual event in all of motor
sports. On race weekends in
January, March and October,
over 6,000 fans typically
crowd the stands as swamp
buggies compete for cash
prizes and for the title
Swamp King.
“To finish first you
must first finish.”
– Bobby Williams,
Driver of Barefoot
Florida Living
Every buggy has a name.
Rebel Attitude, Lunatic
Fringe, Dog Will Hunt, Rap-
ture, Pressures On, Viper,
The Secret Weapon and 70
other buggies recently filled
the paddock on race day.
When the green flag is
dropped, engines roar and
take off at terrific speeds
spraying smelly swamp water
as high as 20 to 30 feet. Tires
are immersed in water any-
where from 16 inches to four
and a half feet deep causing
the steering to break and
gears to freeze. The bigger
and more powerful buggies
do wheelies before taking
off at fast speeds but some
never make it to the finish
line. Drivers attempt to ma-
neuver around precipitously
deep holes as they make their
way around the figure 8 style
track affectionately called
the Mile o’ Mud. Those that
don’t avoid the holes can
find themselves neck deep
in swamp water and brought
to a dead stop. Then they
must wait until the end of
the race to either be towed
out by a bright orange Kab-
ota tractor or even more
embarrassing, lifted out by
a huge bucket.
Bonnie Walsh is a veteran
racer. “My mother started
racing back in the 1950’s
in... the powder puff,” she
recalled. “Back then women
raced each other. She was a
Mud Duchess,” the name
given to the women winners.
“ As a little kid, I saw that
big gold trophy. I thought
that was pretty neat. I think
it was in 1984 when I got
my first buggy. I painted it
pink and black. I named it
Fatal Attraction.” She went
on to win the King title in
the Budweiser Cup Series in
2005. Her secret to success
is, “When you take off you’ve
got to beat them off the line
‘cause when you get ahead
of them, these things have
such a spray out the sides
the spray hits the guy beside
you.”
Southwest Spotlight Page 9
Bobby Williams, who
drives a sunset colored 800
horse-powered buggy he calls
Barefoot Florida Living, has
a simple theory, “to finish
first you must first finish.”
Many drivers don’t.
Leonard Chesser also of-
fered sage advice. Recently
retired, he is the legendary
driver of Dats Da One.
Chesser, who started racing
in 1956, has won more Big
Feature races than any other
driver. He believes he knows
what it takes to win. He, like
so many drivers, designed
his own buggies. “You keep
Staff Photos | info@swspotlight.com
it lighter and it takes off
Bobby Williams, driver of Barefoot Florida Living, works on his buggy before the
your time,” he said. His huge
January race. The Swamp Buggy Races return to Florida Sports Park this month.
metal wheels have thin rub-
ber tires with deep treads
year. The start of hunting January, March and October featured race.
and skis next to the wheels
season in October demanded including a Swamp Buggy The traditions are sure
that give it lift. “I taught my
a vehicle with a lot of power dance with country music to live on. John Weeks, a
daughter when she was 8, 9
that could get you through on Saturday night. racer from Bonita Springs
years old. She won 2008,
the mud and water. Frank After the National An- said, “My granddaughter’s
2009,” he said.
them and the invocation but out here. She wants to race
“I saw my first race in 2002 and have been before the green flag went so bad. She’s 9...when she’s
down for the first race, newly 16 she’ll be out in the track.
here every race since.” elected U.S. Representative I guarantee you.”
– U.S. Representative David Rivera David Rivera greeted the
crowd. “I saw my first race If you go…
The history of the swamp developed a buggy with two in 2002 and have been here
Swamp Buggy Races
buggy goes back to the early transmissions in a series. As every race since,” he said.
Southall tells it, “A car can’t The Swamp Buggy Queen Where: Florida Sports Park.
1920’s. A Bonita Springs
man, Ed Frank, is considered start in high gear because it posed for photos with the When: March 6, 12:30 p.m.
to be the real father of the doesn’t have sufficient fans between tossing out Cost: Cost: $17.50 in advance;
Swamp Buggy, according to torque. Frank, a practical Frisbees to the crowd. This $20 day of the race.
guy, used the parts from two year’s Queen, Christa Jo
David Southall of the Collier For more information:
junk cars to make one. It Roberts, said she was looking
County Museum. Frank, swampbuggy.com
gave the buggy incredible forward to an annual tradi-
who lived in Bonita Springs
power that went into the tion – jumping into the Sippy
before he moved his garage
rear axle.” By the late 40’s Hole in gown and tiara with
to Naples, was a mechanic
swamp buggy owners would the winner at the end of the
and entrepreneur. He owned
race to get back to camp. It
a Ford garage back in the
was more an obstacle course
early 20’s and 30’s and had
with the drivers’ skill and
access to junk parts. He start-
local knowledge paramount.
ed taking cars apart to build
Inevitably, racing became
vehicles that would get you
the focus and buggies were
into the Everglades and back
for hunting deer, hog and being designed more for rac-
turkey. They were originally ing than for hunting.
utilitarian vehicles. Frank In 1949 Swamp Buggy
had lived for a time in Cali- Inc. was formed and they
fornia and as a hobby built sanctioned the races and the
dune buggies with large rub- buggies have evolved into
ber tires. He used some of what you see today. Other
that same ingenuity in de- traditions have evolved over
signing swamp buggies. In the years including the
the 20’s and 30’s there were Swamp Buggy Queen Schol-
few roads. Imperial Parkway arship Pageant, a Swamp
was just two dirt ruts and Buggy Parade in October
Bonita Grande was under and a whole weekend of ac-
water for five months of the tivities three times a year in
Page 10 Southwest Spotlight March 2011

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March 2011 Southwest Spotlight Page 11

Extreme skiing is back at the Miromar Outlets

By Kathy O’Flinn
kathy@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – Mike and
Kay Toolan have a passion
for waterskiing. Every Sunday
afternoon at the Miromar
Outlets from late February
to July and again in Sep-
tember through early De-
cember, the Southern Ex-
treme Waterski Show Team
entertains the crowd with a
free show worthy of Cypress
Gardens. Kay, the show’s
MC, delivers a patter that
reflects her knowledge and
love of the sport. Her hus-
band Mike, with hair sun-
bleached from the daily class-
es spent teaching the sport,
is the club’s new president
and spokesperson. Watching
the one hour show, per-
formed by a troop of 30,
aged 7 to 60, it’s easy to un-
derstand the Toolan’s and
the team’s enthusiasm.
The skiers jump off
ramps going 32 miles per
hour, do 360’s on one ski, Staff Photo | info@swspotlight.com
and construct 4-level human Mike Toolan, of the Southern Extreme Waterski Show Team, says the audience loves pyramids. If you stop by the Miromar Outlets
pyramids 23 feet high with Sundays at 4 p.m. you might see them go four levels high.
as many as 16 skiers. The
barefoot pyramid is per- started skiing together years tablished teams. “It was awe- water. Arms straight and rolling ropes so that it all more local skiers is also high
formed with 2 skiers below ago. They were previously some. We’re still high about knees bent is their mantra. runs smoothly from one on the list. “We’re completing
and one above going 42 miles on another team which sub- that,” said Mike. Crossing the wake and stay- act to the next. Mike tells the paper work for 501c3
per hour. One spectator said sequently broke up. Wanting Mike is quick to add that ing in control can be them, “you’re all spokes status. Hopefully that will
her feet hurt just watching to continue skiing, they need- it’s not about awards but all achieved in about six weeks in the wheel, everything is help us raise some more
it. “The audience loves the ed to find a better lake. They about learning new skills, time. The boys enjoy doing important.” contributions,” added Mike.
pyramids,” according to were practicing on a lake getting the whole family in- 360’s on one ski and are In the early days, team “It’s an exciting time for
Mike who says that perform- behind the Waffle House off volved, teaching respect and soon supporting a girl on members used their personal us because we’re starting a
ing for the team is “a reward Bonita Beach Road that had love of the sport. Parents of their shoulders. The girls boats and equipment. Today new season with a new group
and a high.” On Fourth of rocks in it. When the Miro- the skiers always have some- who have been cheerleaders the equipment is club owned, of people and ... fresh ideas,”
July weekend they performed mar Outlets saw their film thing to do behind the scenes know how to keep their body but according to Kay, “the said Kay. When they pass
or at the shows, designing tight and are not afraid to boat engines are over ten the hat at intermission Mike
“It’s an exciting time for us because we’re and sewing costumes, serving climb. They start with the years old and it’s hard to get says, “Don’t leave before
as board members, designing flag flying display. parts.” A new 200 hp engine the second act, there’s more
starting a new season with a new group of logos, spreading the word The acts are designed with costs $20,000 so they’re look- to come.”
people and ... fresh ideas.” – Kay Toolan, about the team shows, work- talent and safety in mind, ing for a used one for $6,000
Southern Extreme Waterski Show Team ing as dock crew or driving never having more than one to $10,000. At the fourth of
the boats. new skier in a pyramid. July shows they sold glow
The skiers, many of “In the 4-high pyramid sticks and on Sundays they If you go…
for a crowd of 15,000 to promo in 2000, they were whom started as beginners everything has to be right,” pass the hat but it’s not Southern Extreme
20,000 with fireworks after quickly offered the oppor- with the team, begin with said Kay. They count on enough to pay for needed Waterski Show
the last show. The team has tunity to perform on week- the basics. “We love to teach the skiers’ experience. Jump- replacements. Mike’s goal is Where: Miromar Outlets,
its share of showboaters, he ends on the lake behind the the kids. We’re teachers at ing is not for everyone. Those to line up a local business 10801 Corkscew Road, Estero.
says. Having a good time, outlets. With a home to call heart,” said Mike. Kay ex- who enjoy it train by jump- sponsor or two so the team When: Sundays at 4 p.m.
Cost: Free.
they learn it’s okay to be their own, they practiced plained that they use the ing over wakes and using can put a budget in place For more information:
goofy. weekdays and weekends and kneeboard then move on to the trampoline. Behind and ensure a future for the southernexteme.com
As the Toolan’s tell it, in 2007 won the state cham- two skis after learning to put the scenes the skiers are kept next generation. Building a
they and four other families pionships beating more es- on and remove them in the busy, lining up skis and bigger team and recruiting

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Page 12 Southwest Spotlight March 2011

Molinos’ TOWN TALK

VOTED ++++

RIBBON
CUTTING
A ribbon cutting
ceremony is sched-
uled for March 4
#1 ITALIAN RISTORANTE at Noon at River
Park at 27550

2 FOR 1
South Tamiami
Trail behind Tuffy
Auto Service
Center and Bonita
Boat Center. A
new boardwalk
leads to where this

DINNERS
photo was taken.

Sunday-Thursday, 6pm-9pm LIGHTHOUSE BAY CHARITY PENTATHLON

Staff Photo | info@swspotlight.com

.BYJNVN

QFPQMF
t
&YQJSFT
.BZ


t
%PFT
OPU
JODMVEF
BOZ
PUIFS
QSPNPUJPO
Bill Skidmore, owner of Amoré Jewelers, donated
OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER, 11:30AM-9:00PM jewelry to Betty Joyce Dietzel, Chairperson for
Merchant Solicitation, for the 2011 Lighthouse Bay
Reservations Required - 992-7025 Charity Pentathlon. The Pentathlon event held March
26 raises money for the Children’s Advocacy Center
RESERVE A PRIVATE WINE CELLAR DINING ROOM of SW Florida, Harvest Time Ministries and Healthy
Start of SW Florida. Lighthouse Bay started the event
IN THE PROMENADE as a Triathlon eleven years ago, raising $7,000. Last
26841 South Bay Drive - Bonita Springs year $30,000 was raised and divided amongst the
three charities. For more information on making a
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight donation, email Betty at dietzel0587@comcast.net.
March 2011 Southwest Spotlight Page 13

TOWN TALK
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS BONITA SPRINGS
NATIONAL
ART FESTIVAL
The Bonita Springs National
Art Festival returns to the
Promenade March 12 and 13
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The
January festival drew over
20,000 people. Proceeds from
the event allow the Center for
David Di Martino | info@swspotlight.com the Arts to give $70,000 worth
Rick Gallo, of Structure Mary Saunders, of the of art scholarships to local
Linx and his wife Barb Saunders Law Firm, and youth to come to the Center for
Staff Photos | info@swspotlight.com her husband Chadwick the Arts each week throughout
BARK IN THE PARK Saunders, of the Saunders the year for dance, painting,
Cris Stevens, Dog Trainer at Bonita Boarding Kennel, Submit to Town Talk. Tell us what’s going on Group Downing-Fry theater, pottery and more.
Goose, center, and Dixie, right, at the 1st Annual Bark in Bonita and we’ll talk about it. Realty The festival is ranked in the top
in the Park at Riverside Park last month. Cris and Email info@swspotlight.com. 20 in the United States.
Goose were the winners of the pet/owner look-alike
competition.

BONITA BLUES
FESTIVAL

Staff Photo | info@swspotlight.com

Len Eckert and Teri Lamaine
want you to know the 5th
Annual Bonita Blues Festival
returns to Riverside Park
March 11 and 12. Tickets
can be purchased at
bonitablues.com.

David Di Martino | info@swspotlight.com

Page 14 Southwest Spotlight
Hank Hochstetler named 2011
Love of Bonita Award recipient
Staff Report
info@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – “When I
came to Bonita Springs I did
not know many people but I
was accepted very readily, and
I just counted my blessings to
be part of Bonita Springs as it
was growing up,” said Hank
Hochstetler, recalling his arrival
over thirty years ago.
“I was a part of the
Chamber of
Commerce when
it was still in
a mobile home
on Terry Street.”
– Hank Hochstetler
By all accounts, that feeling
– and the love – is mutual. So
on March 24 Hochstetler will
receive the Love of Bonita
award, an honor given to the
Bonita Springs resident who
exemplifies the goal of helping
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight to build a stronger commu-
Hank Hochstetler, a Bonita Springs resident since nity. The Bonita Springs
1979, will receive the 2011 Love of Bonita Award Community Fund of the
March 24. Southwest Florida Commu-
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award annually.
Hank “has loved this com-
munity since Bonita Beach
Road was a two-lane gravel
road to the beach,” said Debi
Braendle, chair of the Com-
munity Fund, noting the
words of Hochstetler’s nom-
ination letter. She added that
the selection committee found
that “Hank’s volunteerism
has been instrumental in the
development of our city and
its personality.”
“I think I receive more
benefit from volunteering than
the people that I help,” said
Hostetler. “It came from my
father and my grandfather.
They were great volunteers
in the community. We lived
on a farm in Iowa. That’s
where I was reared and they
were my mentors as long as
they lived.”
A long-time member of
the Rotary Club of Bonita
Springs, Hochstetler serves
on the board of the Bonita
Springs YMCA, volunteers
with Hope Hospice and is a
member of the Bonita Springs
Elks and Moose clubs and
First Presbyterian Church,
Patio Furniture
& Fire Pits
Living &
Dining Room
Pool Tables
where he has been an elder
for twenty years.
“I was a part of the Cham-
ber of Commerce when it
was still in a mobile home on
Terry Street,” he said. He
served as President of the
Chamber as well as the Bonita
Springs Board of Realtors and
Bonita Springs Main Street
and was a member of the
Bonita Springs Community
Redevelopment Agency com-
mittee. He was named the
1995 Bonita Springs Citizen
of the Year by the Chamber
of Commerce and was hon-
ored as 1996 Realtor of the
Year. He was also active in
the committee to form Bonita
Springs as a city at the centu-
ry’s turn.
In the early 1980’s Bonita
Springs did not have city sew-
ers. “I got a call one day,”
Hochstetler recalled, “and they
said ‘We would like to have
you come to a meeting’ to
discuss the situation. I went
and they elected me chairman
of the building committee…
it just kind of went from
there.” He has been a member
of the Bonita Springs Utilities
Board of Directors since 1990,
Bar Stools
(Over 300 on display)
March 2011
serving as Board President,
Vice President, Treasurer and
Secretary.
A Bonita Springs
charity will receive
a $2,500 grant
in his name.
The Bonita Springs Com-
munity Fund has promoted
philanthropy to enhance the
spirit and quality of life in the
Bonita Springs area since 1997
through stewardship of per-
manently endowed funds.
Hochstetler, to be honored dur-
ing a March 24 luncheon at
the Hyatt Regency on Coconut
Road, will choose a Bonita
Springs charity to receive a
$2,500 grant in his name.
Hochstetler is “humbled”
by the Love of Bonita award.
“I have just been privileged
to be in our town where there
is a small town atmosphere
even though we have grown,”
he said. “I really appreciate
the friendliness of people…I
have so very many friends
that it just gives me that old
town feeling.”
March 2011
Opportunities
to give back
Staff Report
info@swspotlight.com
Candy and flowers
The Bonita Estero Association
of Realtors is collecting candy
and flowers this month for
Joanne’s House at Hope Hos-
pice. Joanne’s House is lo-
cated on Imperial Parkway
in Bonita Springs. Donations
can be dropped off at the
B.E.A.R. offices at 25300
Bernwood Drive off Old 41
Rd., next to the Lee County
Tax Collector.
Car raffle
The Gulf Coast Humane So-
ciety has been bringing people
and pets together for over 60
years. The Humane Society
is raising funds this month
by raffling off a brand new
2011 Audi A4. The winning
ticket will be pulled at the
Fast and the Furriest 5k/1
mile walk at Coconut Point
Mall on March 31. Only 500
tickets will be sold. Tickets
are $100.
Literacy Council
of Bonita Springs
The Literacy Council provides
free English instruction in
reading and writing for adult
speakers of other languages.
A Moms and Tots Family
Literacy program for mothers
and their young children is
also available. Additionally,
work-site literacy programs
are offered at 17 local golf/gat-
ed communities. Volunteers
can provide valuable assis-
tance no matter how little
time they have to give. For
more information, email
bonitaliteracy@comcast.net,
or call 239-676-5202.
Saint Vincent de Paul
Thrift Stores
With locations in Naples and
Bonita Springs, St. Vincent
de Paul’s thrift stores are well
stocked with a wonderful va-
riety of household items, in-
Southwest Spotlight Page 15
cluding clothing and furniture
that have been donated for
distribution. Volunteer case-
workers give many
items freely to those in need.
Funds raised through sales
to the public support financial
assistance to pay bills for the
needy. Over 200 volunteers
serve the society in the thrift
stores. Call 239-775-1667 if
you would like to volunteer.
YMCA of the Palms
The YMCA of the Palms
wouldn't be able to offer qual-
ity programs, provide excel-
lent service or build strong
kids, strong families and
strong communities without
its dedicated, gifted and gen-
erous volunteers. Volunteers’
roles are as varied as sup-
porting community pro-
grams, greeting members and
participants, coaching and
watching over children. For
more information call 239-
597-3148, or email info@
ymcapalms.org.
Page 16 Southwest Spotlight March 2011

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March 2011
David Piper Interview
from page 1
The Wonder Gardens was
not supposed to be available
for sale. Piper recounted sev-
eral unsolicited offers that
he turned down over the
years. However, he has quietly
suffered for several years from
serious medical ailments, in-
cluding an inoperable tumor
on his spine and a painful
nerve disease diagnosed by
the Mayo clinic.
“We just did not tell a lot
of people,” he said. Since the
onset of his affliction, his
wife Dawn Marie has taken
on much of the work of two
people. “She not only did
her job but took on a lot of
my responsibilities,” said
Piper. “Bless her heart, she
has been taking the brunt of
a lot of the work load for a
long time.”
Now, at the age of 48,
Piper would like to spend
more private time fishing,
a sport he first enjoyed as a
nine-year-old when he
would be dropped off at
Naples fishing boats for deep
sea fishing.
Since childhood, Piper
was groomed by his grand-
father to run the Wonder
Gardens. “I would hang out
with grandpa,” he said.
“When I was a very small
boy he cut a rake handle
down for me, and shovel
and all the tools he thought
I would need. He gave me
small paintbrushes to help
paint signs and things. He
would let me mess up and
he would fix it. He would
say bad words, you know,
and stuff like that but I al-
ways looked up to him...
Grandpa never let you be a
child. He looked at my
hands when I was little – I
had wide palms and long
fingers – and he said those
are hands for working. I re-
member him saying that –
and I was real proud.”
“Grandpa” was Lester
Piper, who with his brother
Bill founded the business as
the Bonita Springs Reptile
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Gardens. David Piper has
great respect for his grand-
father, a self-reliant man with
a storybook worth of lifetime
experiences.
Lester Piper’s lifelong
passion was animals, trees
and plants but his first career
was in another business, a
relic of which hangs from
the rafters of the store in
the Wonder Gardens. It is a
skiff boat.
It is estimated that during
the prohibition era, 75 per-
cent of all the liquor brought
into the United States came
through the rivers around
Detroit Michigan. It was big
business, and the Piper broth-
ers were a part of it – skating
across the Detroit River from
Canada to Wyandotte Michi-
gan with that skiff full of
whiskey in tow. Lester Piper
had counseled his older
brother Bill against his deci-
sion to start another business
– a bar in Michigan com-
peting with others to which
they were supplying whiskey.
Retaliation inevitably ensued,
in the form of a visit to the
bar by two thugs in trench
coats armed with shotguns.
“They had to skedaddle,”
said Piper, and they came to
a place they had previously
visited, Bonita Springs. Lester
Piper purchased land near
the Imperial River, then called
the “lowlands,” because it
would provide an excellent
place to grow his plants.
He brought his love for
animals with him. “If he saw
a snake, turtle or raccoon, if
it was injured, he would bring
it home and provide it shelter.
That is why we are one of
the oldest rehabilitation cen-
ters still operated by the same
family in the United States,”
said Piper. “That is also how
grandpa became the first per-
son to have Florida Panthers
in captivity.” Panthers were
bred and then released. “He
is recorded by the state for
releasing 5 or 6.”
Lester and Bill Piper also
quickly developed a business
supplying animals to zoos
around the country. Lester
“realized that even zoological
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people like Marlon Perkins
were not into the real Ever-
glades thick scariness.” While
waiting transport to zoos,
the animals were kept on
what is now the Wonder Gar-
dens property. After “hearing
“I am most proud of my grandfather and
my uncle because they were conservationists
before there was any such thing that was
widely accepted. They cared not only for
wildlife, but also about plants.
They wanted to make a difference.”
William L. Meyers | info@swspotlight.com
about what these eccentric
bothers had in their back-
yard...neighbors would be
knocking on the gates to see
the animals,” said David
Piper. As the flow of the cu-
rious grew, the brothers set-
tled on the idea of an edu-
cational park where people
could learn about animals.”
On February 22, 1936
the first paying customer
entered the park, then called
the Bonita Springs Reptile
Gardens, for an admission
fee of 35 cents. Over time,
the park grew in reputation
as a singular Florida road-
side attraction featuring
exotic birds, panthers, alli-
gators, crocodiles, reptiles,
otters, flamingoes and bears.
One illustrious resident
for over sixty years was Big
Joe, an American crocodile
who grew to a size of 15
feet, weighing 1,400 to
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1,600 pounds.
“I am most proud of my
grandfather and my uncle
because they were conser-
vationists before there was
any such thing that was wide-
ly accepted,” said Piper.
– David Piper
“They cared not only for
wildlife, but also about plants.
They wanted to make a dif-
ference.” That difference is
on display throughout the
gardens – in what is now a
mature canopy of trees from
around the world, including
the rare and unusual. “If the
Naples Botanical Garden
were a person, they would
give their two front teeth for
this tree,” said Piper, referring
to the rare Ackee tree, from
West Africa. Another tree,
the Kapok, produces a fiber
more buoyant than cork, and
was used to make flotation
devices. Among the towering
mahogany and oak trees are
coconut trees and varieties
of palms, carimbola and cit-
rus like orange, lemons,
cumquats and loquats, and
cashews. A botanist is cur-
rently cataloguing all of the
trees. The work has been de-
layed because three trees can-
not be readily identified.
David Piper was raised
to appreciate wildlife, growing
up on his family’s “Mule
Pens Ranch”, eight square
miles of property in Collier
County including land on
which Twin Eagles, the Quar-
ry and the east golf courses
of Bonita Bay are now lo-
cated. “On the ground, we
probably had 1,500 to 1,600
head of cattle at any one
time,” he said. Piper Boule-
vard, near Immokalee Road,
is named for his family.
His introduction to ani-
mals began as a small boy
“just simply because my fam-
ily believed that is how it
should be. My grandfather
wanted to make sure that we
really appreciated wildlife,
and understood them. So
that’s how we grew up as
kids, raising orphan bobcats
at home and fox to release.”
“The whole object of
working with animals is that
you want to make sure they
have the absolute best care
but you want to do it intelli-
gently... the secret is to think
how they think,” Piper said.
“If you are around animals
...you must pay attention to
the movement of their bodies
and their eyes and sounds.
When we walk among alli-
gators it’s because we know
“When you work
around animals,
you appreciate
their abilities. If
you underestimate
their abilities you
can get hurt.”
– David Piper
their movements. I can tell
the way they breathe. Same
thing with bears, when their
ears start to move just a little
bit, I can tell the way they
move their heads.” Wonder
Gardens employees receive
extensive training. “When
you work around animals,
you appreciate their abilities,”
Page 17
he said. “ If you underesti-
mate their abilities you can
get hurt.”
As a boy, Piper’s first job
at the Wonder Gardens was
“doing a set of pens,” the
daily process of cleaning and
raking bird enclosures. In
time, he served as a tour
guide. “I was always around
the gardens in the summer
time, doing odds and ends –
whatever grandpa wanted
me to do.” After graduating
college, he became a manager,
working with his brother,
Buck Piper.
He has run the Wonder
Gardens since Lester Piper,
his grandfather and mentor,
died in 1992. New attrac-
tions were added. “You have
to have excitement...some-
thing better than the next
guy,” he said. Sidewalk width
expanded to accommodate
larger crowds and available
parking doubled. “One of
the first things I did was to
put a lot more money into
advertising than my grand-
father ever did.”
Piper explained that the
Wonder Gardens recently
has enjoyed some of its best
years. Yearly attendance has
reached all time highs, he
said, currently approaching
70,000. Attendance in 2010
was off somewhat due to the
effect of the BP oil spill on
summer European tourism
to the area.
Piper reveres the legacy
of the past but is clear eyed
about business reality. “It is
said that the 50’s are the
good old days,” he said. “But
if we had as many people
come through the gardens
annually as they did in the
1950’s, we would have been
closed down a long time ago.
That is absolutely a fact.”
Page 18 Southwest Spotlight March 2011

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EVENTS
from page 2
the two-day festival will ben-
efit the Bonita Assistance Of-
fice, the Wounded Warriors
Project and Music for Minors.
Cost: Friday, $15; Saturday,
$20, Kids 12 and under free
with paid adult. You can also
purchase a two-day pass
in advance for $30 at
bonitablues.org. Turn to page
20 for more information.
Evening in the Park
Fri., March 11 & 25, 5 p.m.
The artists of the six historic
cottages at Riverside Park in-
vite you to join them for an
evening in the park and view
their most recent work. The
Bonita Springs Historical So-
ciety will be at the Liles Hotel,
adjacent to the cottages where
you can view history of Old
Bonita Springs and talk to
City Historians. Where: River-
side Park, Bonita Springs.
Cost: Free.
The official
concert band
Sun., March 13, 2 p.m.
Bonita Springs Concert Band,
Enjoy an afternoon of
music marches, pop, ragtime,
big band, light classics and
show tune medleys conduct-
ed by Dr. Dennis Hill.
Where: Riverside Park. For
more information, email
bonitaspringsconcertband@
yahoo.com. Cost: Free.
Films for Film Lovers
Mon., March 14 & 28, 7 p.m.
The Center for the Arts Film
Society presents two even-
ings of Films for Film Lovers.
Twelve films will be shown
as part of a series that runs
through May. Mamma Mia
and Ma Vie en Rose will be
shown this month. Where:
Promenade at Bonita Bay.
Cost: $8. For more informa-
tion, call the Center for the
Arts of Bonita Springs at 239-
495-8989.
Historical Society
Speakers’ Forum
Wed., March 16, 7 p.m.
This month, Charles LeBuff,
a well-known local historian
and author of Everglades
Wildlife Barons: The Leg-
endary Piper Brothers and
their Wonder Gardens, will
talk about one of Bonita’s
signature attractions and the
men who started it, the late
Bill and Lester Piper. During
the last century these tough
men were the premier wild-
life personalities in Florida.
Where: Bonita Springs Com-
munity Hall on Old 41. Cost:
Free. For more information
call 239-992-6997.
Whale Wars
Sat., March 19, 2 p.m.
Pedro from Animal Planet’s
program Whale Wars will be
speaking about his adventures
aboard ship Sea Shepard
while saving the whales in
the waters off Antarctica.
Where: Bonita Nature Place,
Kent Rd. Tickets can be pur-
chased at City Hall. Tickets
are $10 each and only 60
will be sold. For more infor-
mation, call 239-949-6262.
Bonita Village Band
Sun., March 20, 2 p.m.
The Bonita Village Band has
been performing in the Boni-
ta Springs area for over 20
years. The band is patterned
after the Philadelphia Mum-
mers, and consists of banjos,
accordions, saxophones, and
a variety of rhythm instru-
ments including piano and
tuba. Where: Riverside Park,
Bonita Springs. Cost: Free.
Author Luncheon Series
Thurs., March 24, 11:30 a.m.
Reservations are now being
taken for the Friends of Boni-
ta Springs Library Author
Luncheon Series being held
at Pelican Nest Country Club.
The third luncheon of the
season is with Deborah Sharp,
a former USA Today reporter
and author of the Mace Bauer
mystery series. Registration
is required in advance. Checks
are accepted at the Bonita
Springs Library. For more
information, please contact
Fran Gallo at franinflorida@
gmail.com. Where: Pelican
Nest Country Club. Cost: $32.
Local artists show
Fri., March 25, 5 to 7 p.m.
The Bonita Springs Recreation
Center is holding an art show.
The evening will showcase the
talents of the Recreation Center
members. Light refreshments
will be served. Cost: Free. For
Southwest Spotlight Page 19
information, call 239-992-2556.
Sporting Events
Senior Games
March 5 to 11
The Senior Games will be
held at the Bonita Springs
Recreation Center this
month. You can register at
the Recreation Center. For
more information call 239-
992-2556
Hockey in the
Everblades
March 4, 5, 12, 13, 23, 25, 26, 30
Come see the team that has
never had a losing season
and hasn’t missed the playoffs
in 12 years. The Florida
Everblades, our minor league
hockey team, has eight home
games in March. Where: Ger-
main Arena, Estero. For tick-
ets, go to floridaeverblades.
com.
Markets
Get it while it’s fresh
Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to noon.
Lions Club Farm Fresh Mar-
ket at the Promenade
Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Farmer’s Market at Riverside
Park.
Fruit Trees
Sat., March 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tropical fruit trees will be
on sale in Riverside Park
March 5.
Meetings
Come watch the action
live and in person
Wed., March 2, 5:30 p.m.
Wed., March 16, 9 a.m.
Bonita Springs City Council
Where: Council Chambers,
9101 Bonita Beach Rd. For
more information, call 239-
949-6262.
Cypress
Masonic Lodge
March 10 & 24
Cypress Masonic Lodge No.
295, F. & A.M. meets on the
NOW 3 STORES IN NAPLES
second and fourth Thursday
of each month. Where: Ma-
sonic Temple, 5850 Tamiami
Trail North, Naples. Dinner
is at 6 p.m. and the meeting
is at 7 p.m. Traveling brethren
are always welcome. For more Just south of Bonita Beach Rd., next to KFC
information, call 239-597-
3030. KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE
All dates, times and prices
are subject to change.
www.bestofeverythingnaples.com
 Page 20 Southwest Spotlight March 2011

By Peter A. O’Flinn
peter@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – Legendary
and international talent re-
turns to Riverside Park
March 11 and 12 during the
2011 Bonita Blues Festival.
Proceeds will benefit the
Bonita Springs Assistance
Office, Music for Minors
Foundation, Inc., providing
musical instruments to local
youth and The Wounded
Warriors Project, to benefit
local war veterans.
The Bonita Blues Charitable Foundation
has donated $30,000 to
worthy causes since its inception.
The first festival, held in
2007, was a one day event.
“It was small, just a couple
hundred people,” said Teri
Lamaine, of the Bonita Blues
Charitable Foundation Steer-
ing Committee.
Now, in its fifth year, 4,000
people are expected to make
Blues
inBonita
their way to Riverside Park
for another fun-filled week-
end. “We have become one
of the most respected festivals
in the United States. Many
people come from Chicago,
Maryland, New England,
and they focus their vacation
here in Bonita for March’s
Blues Festival,” said Lamaine.
The Bonita Blues Chari-
table Foundation has do-
nated $30,000 to worthy
causes since its inception.
Last year, some of the pro-
ceeds from the festival pro-
vided fourteen musical in-
struments to children in Lee
County.
“Everybody keeps asking
me ‘which is the best day to
come?’” said Lamaine.
“That’s such a hard question;
you should just buy the
weekend pass and come for
the whole weekend.”
Nine bands will perform
during the two-day festival.
Eddie Shaw, one of the most
respected blues musicians
alive today, will perform at
7 p.m. March 12. The Chica-
go legend has been perform-
ing for decades, and will cel-
ebrate his 74th birthday this
month. He has won numer-
ous awards including Blues
Music Awards' Instrumen-
talist – Horn in 2006 and
2007, Living Blues' Critics
Award Most Outstanding Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
Blues Musician in 1996 and Joanne Shaw Taylor, winner of the British Blues
the Howling Wolf Award in Award 2010 for Best British Female Vocalist, will per-
1996. He was also a W.C. form during the 5th Annual Bonita Blues Festival at
Handy Award nominee from Riverside Park this month.
1999 to 2005.
Joanne Shaw Taylor, win- playing at Johnny Malloy’s
If you go… ner of the British Blues Award the following night from 9
Bonita Blues Festival 2010 for Best British Female p.m. to 1 a.m.
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight Vocalist, is set to perform at Tickets to the festival
Where: Riverside Park. Eddie Shaw has been at 6 p.m. March 11. are $15 at the gate on Friday
When: March 11, 2 to 9 p.m., the heart of the Chicago Music in the park stops at and $20 at the gate on
March 12, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. music scene since 1957. 9 p.m., and continues into Saturday and $30 for a
Cost: $15 Friday; $20 Saturday; He has worked with the night at two after hours weekend pass if purchased
$30 for a weekend pass in advance. blues luminaries such as parties. Albert Castiglia will in advance. Tickets can be
Muddy Waters, Freddie perform at Stevie Tomato’s purchased in advance at
More Information: from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on bonitablues.com.
King, Magic Sam, Earl
bonitablues.com.
Hooker and Otis Rush. March 11. JP Soars will be

The Southwest
Spotlight is mailed
to 12,000 homes
each month.
Pick up a copy at:
•The Survey Café
•Dolly’s Produce Patch & Eatery
•Buffalo Chips Restaurant
•The Fish House Restaurant
•Brewista Coffee House
•Bonita Olde Country Kitchen
•Stan’s Super Subs
•Mike’s Auto Repair
•Bonita Springs Public Library
•Bonita Springs Recreation Center
•The Center for the Arts
March 2011 Southwest Spotlight Page 21

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Page 22 Southwest Spotlight March 2011
March 2011
BonitaSpringsAssistanceOfficemovingforward
By Mary Shallies
info@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – Founded
in 1979 by local ministers
and the Lions Club, the
Bonita Springs Assistance
Office has spent the last 30
years tirelessly lending a
helping hand to the com-
munity. Aid is provided not
by coddling, but by offering
temporary assistance with
such things as food, medical
bills or a rent or mortgage
payment. This assistance al-
lows those who have fallen
on difficult times to main-
tain the dignity necessary
to help themselves overcome
their adversity and remain
productive members of our
community. The organiza-
tion’s philosophy of pro-
viding a hand up, not a hand
out well describes the effort
to help others so that they
may help themselves.
For the entirety of its ex-
istence, the Bonita Springs
Assistance Office has been
generously housed in the
headquarters of the Bonita
Springs Lions Club. With
the expansion of the Lions
Club Eye Clinic, BSAO will
close its operations in their
current location, and open
Southwest Spotlight Page 23
a new, larger office and food residents of Bonita Springs.” to support us in enhancing for the Bonita Springs Assis- this month at the new loca-
pantry this month. The For some, the move rep- the lives of many in Bonita tance Office, it will continue tion at 25300 Bernwood
move brings a welcome resents a time for looking Springs." to benefit our community. Drive, Unit 6, off Old 41
change, despite leaving the back and reflecting, as well Whatever the future holds An open house will be held Road.
support and friends of the as peering towards the future,
Lion’s Club. The new office as Executive Director Maribel
is a mere 2.6 miles from the Slabaugh shared, "This is a
old, and the food pantry bitter-sweet time for the
has been expanded to 1,610 Bonita Springs Assistance
square feet. The front office Office family. On one hand,
is also larger. A bus stop is we are very excited at starting
conveniently located just a new chapter in our history
outside at the new Bernwood of serving the community.
station, next door to the Lee On the other hand, we have
County Tax Collector. been housed by the Bonita
“We are very excited at starting
a new chapter in our history of serving
the community.”
– Maribel Slabaugh, Executive Director,
Bonita Springs Assistance Office
Those involved in the Springs Lions Club from our
non-profit organization are foundation, and leaving their
excited and optimistic about location is like leaving a par-
the move, including Board ent’s house. On behalf of the
President, Mike Prioletti, Board of Directors and the
who said, “The Bonita As- families we serve, I want to
sistance Office Board of Di- express our immense grati-
rectors saw this as an op- tude to the Lions Club; they
portunity to find a space are the epitome of a loyal
that would enable us to ex- and supportive partner. For
pand on the essential work over thirty years they have
we’ve been doing for years believed in our mission, the Mary Shallies | Special to the Spotlight
and be more effective in quality of work we do and The expanded food pantry was under construction last month at the Bonita
providing food to hungry they have pledged to continue Springs Assistance Office’s new location, next to the Lee County Tax Collector.
Page 24 Southwest Spotlight March 2011

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March 2011
Grooming your best friend
By Max Harris and Dorota Harris
info@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – What kind of dog should you have if you
are a groomer who doesn’t want to take your work home
with you?
Dawn has the perfect answer. She has five Chinese
Hairless Dogs, or Chinese Crested Dogs to use their correct
name. When we visited, she had two of them with her –
delicate little dogs whose bodies are completely hairless,
whilst the paws have small tufts of fur, the tail is plumed,
and the head has the long flowing crest which gives the
breed its name.
Curiously, not all Chinese Crested Dogs are born hairless.
Lack of hair is not a complete dominant trait within the
breed. The same litter can contain both hairless puppies,
and “powderpuff” puppies, which have a long soft coat.
The skin can be any color, and may be solid, mixed or
spotted all over. The breed is still not common, although it
has had some celebrity enthusiasts. One of the first kennels
dedicated to breeding these dogs in the US was founded by
the burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee.
Dawn, who owns Pet Pals on Bonita Beach Road, has
spent her working life with dogs, including her beloved
Cresteds. Most clients stay with their groomer for the lifetime
of the dog, so we asked, what is the key to a successful
grooming relationship? She gave us two pieces of advice.
What is the key to a successful
grooming relationship?
First, start grooming visits when the dog is young, and
prepare at home with your dog. Many dogs cannot be
groomed until they develop a more mature coat. But they
should still come to the groomer for light maintenance
Southwest Spotlight Page 25
from a young age, so that they become accustomed to being
left in the salon, and to being touched. Puppies must become
accustomed to having their faces and paws handled. Owners
should practice handling their puppies at home, so that it
will not be a first-time event when the groomer does it.
Many dogs cannot be groomed until they
develop a more mature coat.
Second, when leaving your dog at the groomer, don’t be
nervous! If you act as though you are upset or nervous, and
worried about how the dog will behave, it will quickly pick
up your fears. How can we expect a dog to be relaxed
during grooming if it is obvious that the owner is worried
about leaving it there?
The powderpuff has a thick double-coat, with a layer of
undercoat beneath the visible topcoat. Sometimes an owner
will suggest shaving a double-coated dog, particularly in
the Florida heat. It is however inadvisable to cut into the
undercoat, as this reduces the likelihood that the dog will
recover its full beauty when its coat grows back.
But aren’t some dogs really difficult to manage, we ask.
Dawn explained that experienced groomers, like experienced
dog owners, can “read” a dog’s personality and its state of
mind, and therefore manage any dog safely. It’s an essential
skill of the grooming trade.
As we speak, the Chinese Crested Dogs are pirouetting
around us. They may look unusual, but they are very lively,
and certainly very charming!
Max Harris | info@swspotlight.com
Dawn has five Chinese Hairless Dogs, or Chinese
Crested Dogs to use their correct name. Not all
Chinese Crested Dogs are born hairless.
Page 26 Southwest Spotlight March 2011

Preservation Path tioned involving the Eco- Size made a presentation

Voted Complete Automotive Repair from page 1 nomic Development Com- to the Bonita Springs City
Bonita’s • Air Conditioning • Brakes mittee, finding a group of Council in January. He ex-
Best he had approached Florida citizens willing to form a plained the Trust’s mission,
10 Years • Exhaust • Shocks • Heating & Gulf Coast University, and 501(c) 3 not for profit, and which is to expedite the
Cooling • Struts • Lube/Oil/Filter that Wilson Bradshaw, its approaching potential bene- transfer of significant prop-
president, along with other factors or entrepreneurs in- erties at fair value for public
Family Owned • Starting & Charging
officials, have twice inspect- terested in preserving the use by working with owners,
and Operated General Maintenance & More ed the site. “There continues site’s ecology. “Having the municipalities and other par-
to be a general agreement city take it over at taxpayer’s ties. Its services would be
27790 Tamiami Trail among those officers that expense should be the option provided to the City free of
Bonita Springs the site has potential for of last resort,” he said. charge. Its activities include
university teaching and
research,” said McIntosh
Power A/C Check Engine “but the stated price makes “Any number of possible public-private
Window Recharge Light On? FGCU’s involvement unfea-
sible.”
partnerships” could be pursued
– Stephen McIntosh,

8999 1Engine
2 Price
Piper has not publicly
Repair $ disclosed a sales price. He
stated that a full appraisal
Bonita Springs City Council

Others are also trying to appraisal work, fund and

Scan
25 off
of the property, including a
$ 134A System botanical appraisal of its develop constructive ap-
proaches. The Wonder
grant raising, conservation
and real estate expertise, fi-
2LB Most Cars/Trucks Call for Appointment. Limited time canopy of trees, is in process nancing with its conservation
(see related article). Gardens “is a no brainer
Dye Extra offer. Not valid with other discounts/ finance arm, community
Expires 3/31/11 Mayor Ben Nelson Jr., re- for us,” said Alex Size of
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ferring to the fact that the the Trust for Public Lands.
The Trust for Public Lands, acting as an interim buyer
price has not been publicly
SHELL
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preserve significant “land
between private and public
ownership.
The property is not listed
on the open market – at least

Price of hard to go down that for people” throughout the

PLUS 4-Wheel $50 OFF road.” He also encouraged United States since it saved
the Marin Headlands across
not yet. Piper explained that,
depending upon progress for
Free Tire 2-Wheel $25 OFF
the involvement of the com-
from the Golden Gate a sale locally, he was making
Rotation Save on our complete line of lifetime
Alignment munity. “One thing I would
love to see is ... people come Bridge in the early 1970’s. plans for a more standard
commercial “national cam-
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$
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warranted brake pads and shoes - erties it has helped preserve paign.” He added that his
with purchase of we feel so passionately about
good for as long as you own your car. are Florida landmarks like family could continue to run
this that we are going to
Additional fees may apply. In lieu of 4 tires make this happen.’” the Key West Customs the park if a sale was not
Up to 5 Qts. other offers. Most cars and light trucks. *Most vehicles
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McIntosh suggested that, House, Cypress Gardens consummated. He said, “The
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Caribbean Gardens in
could be pursued. He men- Naples. ness which is successful.”

Up and Down the Trail meetings if you don’t have City Manager
FULL SERVICES FOR MEN & WOMEN from page 7 time to watch from gavel Sixty-two applications

Nu’USalon & Spa

planned to be added is titled,
Your tax dollars at work. “It’s
going to highlight some of
the big projects your tax dol-
lars are being spent on,” said
Taylor.
“It’s not just a city meet-
ings channel,” said Antonio
Correia, a multimedia con-
sultant to the city, who has
been working on channel
Quality Services at 98 since 2006. The three
flagship programs that you
Reasonable Prices won’t want to miss are
Beautiful Bonita, The City
QHair Design Report, and Government
Q Keratin Treatments Works. The City Report
provides a summary of city
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Q Pedicures
SPA MANICURE Q Facials
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Mon, Tues & Wed www.nuusalon.com
to gavel. The Government
Works program discusses
issues including beach
cleanups, road construc-
tions and zoning issues.
Timely notices and emer-
gency information are avail-
able on the channel as well.
Correia has the ability to
update the bulletin board
on the channel at a moment’s
notice through his cellphone.
When the boil water notice
was in place earlier this year,
it was posted on TV98 within
the hour.
To view the current
TV98 schedule, go to boni-
tatv.org.
have been received for City
Manager position that meet
minimum requirements
prescribed by the City
Council. The new City
Manager will succeed Gary
Price when he retires later
this year. Price became our
first and only City Manager
in 1999 after serving as City
of Sanibel City Manager.
Meg Weiss, Deputy City
Clerk, estimates that the
number of applicants will
exceed eighty. She is devel-
oping procedures to be con-
sidered by the city council
for selection among the fi-
nal applicant pool.

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March 2011
Staff Report
Bonita Business Beat
info@swspotlight.com
The newly formed Bonita
Springs Economic Devel-
opment Council will hold
the last informational meet-
ing and membership oppor-
tunity prior to establishing
the founding board of di-
rectors March 3 at 5:30 p.m.
at the Trianon Bonita Bay at
3401 Bay Commons Drive.
A question and answer ses-
sion will follow the presen-
tations.
The Chamber’s TechXPO
2011 is set for March 10
from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
at the Embassy Suites at
10450 Corkscrew Commons
Drive. The TechXPO is a
business expo showcasing
companies that have a tech-
nology aspect to their busi-
ness. All displays are inter-
active and have demonstra-
tions of the products or serv-
ices they offer. The event fea-
tures raffles, short seminars,
complimentary appetizers
and drinks for attendees to
enjoy. Contact the Chamber
to register at 239-992-2943.
The sixth annual Market
Pulse is March 25 at the
Florida Gulf Coast Univer-
sity Student Union Ballroom.
With the economy on the
forefront of the national
agenda, the Chamber has
shifted the focus of Market
Pulse from residential and
commercial real estate trends
to a broader level of under-
standing the state of our
economy. Federal Reserve
Bank President and CEO
Dennis P. Lockhart, Sixth
District, will be the keynote
speaker at the sixth annual
Market Pulse event. Popular
market trend forecaster
Bradley Hunter, Director of
Metrostudy South Florida
Division, will also make a
return appearance. Contact
Southwest Spotlight Page 27
Contributed | Special to the Spotlight
From left to right, Brad Collins, Mary Shallies, Teri Lamaine, Karen Tarpin, Angelis Winn, Russ Winn,
Christine Ross and Kevin Smale at the ribbon cutting for Noah’s Ark Academy.
the Chamber to register at Grille is now open at 5370 well as free lunch. from the age of 6 weeks to
239-992-2943. Bonita Beach Road. Cus- The Bonita Springs 12 years old. The programs
The Posh Plum, a new tomers can come by land or Chamber of Commerce cel- range from after school, be-
consignment store, opened by boat to the tiki bar. Florida ebrated the ribbon cutting fore school, before and after
in November in the Bern- Community Bank will be ceremony of Noah’s Ark school, daytime, drop-in care,
wood Design Center at the celebrating their Grand Academy last month wel- emergency care, full-time or
corner of US 41 and Old 41. Opening March 19 from coming the business to the part-time.
Crazy Woman Kayaks is 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at their community. Their mission Mike Joyce at Gulf Coast
now open for the season at Bonita branch opposite Pub- is to provide quality devel- Coin and Jewelry in Bonita
Fish Tale Marina in Fort My- lix. There will be activities opmental and educational Springs will host an auction
ers Beach behind the Santini for the kids including a programs that challenge and of rare coins, bullion, dia-
Marina Plaza just north of bounce house and Fire De- encourage children to achieve monds, new jewelry and es-
Lovers Key. Sales, rentals and partment vehicles; the event their fullest potential. As a tate jewelry on March 19.
instructions are available. will also include drawings child care center, Noah’s Ark Auctioneer Rick Gallo will get
Coconut Jack’s Waterfront and prizes for the adults as Academy accepts children things started at noon.
 Events, things to do and opportunities to give back to our community in and around Bonita Springs
Page 28 Southwest Spotlight March 2011
Vol.2, No.3
Everyone’s wondering
Wonder Gardens owners
try preservation path
By Peter R. O’Flinn
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – In an im-
portant moment of transi-
tion for downtown Bonita
Springs, the Piper family’s
stewardship of the Everglades
Wonder Gardens, a defining
presence on Old 41 for sev-
enty-five years, may be draw-
ing to an end. The Wonder
Gardens is for sale and its
fate is unclear.
In the early stages of the
sale process, the Piper family
has been exploring the fea-
sibility of a sale that would
preserve the property for
William L. Meyers |
info@swspotlight.com
public use. “We need to do
what is best for the family,
but we also want to see our
heritage fulfilled,” said David
Piper, co-owner of the Won-
der Gardens property. Piper
has engaged Cullum Hasty,
a local realtor, for the sale.
“The main reason why we
went with Cullum is because
he is an environmentalist to
the core...and that he could
approach people who would
be interested in saving it, at
least the trees,” said Piper.
”We believed we would put
our best foot forward, my
brother and I, for the interest
of the public good.”
“In the right hands, the
Wonder Gardens site could
preserve a key part of the
city’s ecological history and
promote the development
of the area,” said City Coun-
cilman Stephen McIntosh.
At a recent City Council
meeting, he explained that
Continued on page 26
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Blues Festival 20
Town Talk 13
Bonita Assitance
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Robert L. Smith | info@swspotlight.com
Spotlight Interview: David Piper on
Wonder Gardens then & now
By Peter R. O’Flinn In a recent extensive interview with the
Spotlight, Piper talked about the Wonder
Outside your
prof@swspotlight.com
Bonita Springs – David Piper runs the busi-
Gardens, its founding and development, window 5
the legacy of its founders, his deep respect
ness of the Everglades Wonder Gardens with for his grandfather, and his intentions and
his wife Dawn Marie, and owns the property
with Buck Piper, his brother. The Wonder
hopes for the property, which sits on three Swamp Buggy
Gardens has been in the Piper family since it
and one half prime acres astride the Imperial
River. Races 9
opened seventy-five years ago. Continued on page 17
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