December
11, 2006 Zonta's Sixth Annual "Peek At The Unique"
Home Tour Scheduled
(San-Cap News)
By Orlene Shimberg
On March 10, 2007, the
Zonta Club's popular "Peek At The Unique" house tour will draw visitors
into homes that are exciting and unusual in their locale, architecture and
design, and furnishings. Whether you are a lover of contemporary or antique,
island style or country, there will be a home that you will fall in love with
or another that will inspire your creative spirit.The event has been a sell
out for each of the past five years. Over 300 tickets are sold; making up
one-half of the total profit. The other half of the event profit comes from
a raffle of unusual prizes called "The Chance at the Unique and from
sponsorship donations from local businesses and patrons. Last year's event
netted over $40,000 which was awarded to the partners of Zonta
Sanibel-Captiva the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Girls Making
It On Purpose, Southwest Florida Addiction Services, and Partners for Breast
Cancer Cure and to Zonta International.
In the next months Zonta
club members will be visiting island businesses to explain the various levels
of support available and to invite sponsor participation in the PEEK. An attractive
program book given to all participants will feature the unique island homes,
the work of the club,
and the many island individuals and businesses that so generously support
the event each year.House sponsors benefit from pre-event and event "Peek"
advertising with their business name featured in all Zonta publicity associated
with their house, with a full-page color ad in the
program, and with signs and promotional materials displayed at the sponsored
home. A popular addition to the opportunities for sponsorship initiated last
year was the "Peek Perks." Many merchants chose "perks"
to include a coupon offering a discount on a purchase at their establishment.
The response to the sponsorship program has increase dramatically each year.
If you would like an opportunity to become a sponsor, call Cynthia at 395-8885,
or contact ZontaPeek@comcast.net
Tickets for the "Peek
At The Unique" will not go on sale to the public until mid-February,
but be certain to put the date on your calendar today. Plan to bring your
friends and family to the islands for the event, and surely round up at least
your best friend for a day that is always exhilarating and great fun.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel
Captiva is a member of Zonta International, a global service organization
whose express purpose is to advance the status of women and girls worldwide.
Locally, Zonta is an active club providing hands on assistance, advocacy,
and funds to strengthen women"s lives on the island, in Lee County, and
around the world.
Zontians looking for Sponsors
November
26 , 2006 Zonta Opening Women's Center (News-Press)
By Jennifer Booth Reed
Drugs and alcohol had
cut short their schooling and career goals.
Now, a group of women
from Sanibel and Captiva are trying to give the women of the Southwest Florida
Addiction Services (SWFAS) a chance to pick up where they left off.
The women's group Zonta
Club of Sanibel-Captiva "adopted" the women of SWFAS six years ago,
throwing them Christmas parties, teaching them crafts and living skills, and
furnishing the home where they stay during recovery.
Now, the group has given
SWFAS $15,000 to establish a learning center where the women can study for
their high-school equivalency degree, or GEDs, research job possibilities
and gain work skills. An occupational therapist will staff it, and Zonta Club
members have pledged to tutor women.
The center officially
opens on Wednesday, but some of the women have already begun dreaming of the
possibilities.
Shannon Morrison, 31,
Vickie Gianfortune, 50, Rita Micco, 44, and Brianne Synder, 20, took a sneak
peek at the new center last week. It features three computers and space for
crafts and other activities.
"I've been at Waffle
House over two years," Morrison said of her job. "I'm just gonna
get stuck."
She lives on the SWFAS
campus with her three children. Between work and parenting, going off site
to school is difficult, Morrison said. Now she has resources right at home.
That's exactly what Zonta
members had hoped to offer.
"Of course, the first,
easiest jobs to find are the bottom of the working ladder. Hopefully, this
will give them a hand up," club member Suzanne Weinheimer said. "If
you feel like you're having a career and not just a job, it changes how you
feel about yourself."
Gianfortune said the center
takes her a step closer to owning a business. She makes beaded jewelry, and
she wants to take her craft from hobby to livelihood.
Gianfortune had learned
beading while in recovery.
"I didn't know nothing
about anything until I came here," she said.
The women agreed that
SWFAS had unlocked talents they didn't know they have.
"They just get your
mind going," said Micco, who wants to become a counselor and return to
her Native American reservation in Hollywood, Fla., where addiction is rampant.
The women were thrilled
that the Zonta Club members had taken them under their wing.
"These ladies are
truly amazing. They've done so much," Morrison said. "They have
no idea what they do for the girls here. They're like angels."
November
26 , 2006 CEO Kevin Lewis of Southwest Florida Addiction
Services Addresses Zonta Club (Island
Sun)
By Ruth Woodham
Kevin Lewis, Chief Executive
Officer of Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS), was the speaker at
Zonta’s recent breakfast meeting. Mr. Lewis has 22 years of service with
SWFAS and has been the CEO since 1993. In this position, he is responsible
for directing the entire scope of treatment services for the oldest and largest
not-for-profit substance abuse treatment program in Southwest Florida. The
center serves Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties.
Mr. Lewis told the group
that alcohol remains the primary substance for abuse and impacts one in five
Americans. Alcoholism is a disease that affects all parts of society. Seventy-three
percent of the overall substance abuse population is male and twenty-seven
percent is female. He noted that patients have gotten younger in the years
that he has been involved. The focus for treatment has also undergone change.
What used to be seen as an acute problem is now seen as a chronic disease
that requires a strong community support system with advocacy as a vital part.
For the past two years, SWFAS has been exploring innovative new approaches
to treatment as part of a prestigious grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Southwest Florida is
the lowest-funded region in the state for substance-abuse services for adults.
At the same time, the at-risk population in our region has nearly tripled
in the past 20 years. SWFAS’ Detox program is operating with one bed
for every 32,000 adults at risk, while there is one jail bed for every 250
adults. This represents a tremendous deficit, resulting in numerous negative
consequences, including up to 30 adults being held monthly in the Lee County
jail, inappropriate admissions to mental health centers, and local emergency
rooms being over-burdened.
Currently SWFAS is conducting
a campaign to raise $8 million for a new detoxification center. Mr. Lewis
presented a video, created pro bono by Chaos Productions, which featured many
local and state elected officials in support of SWFAS and the need for a new
detox center. This video production is available to area churches, service
clubs, businesses, and foundations that want to help solve the “crisis
in substance abuse services in Southwest Florida.” Mr. Lewis describes
treatment as a “relationship business with the efforts of volunteers
a key part of recovery.” He embraces returning patients to the community
as productive, self sufficient members. Mr. Lewis has dedicated his professional
life to this goal and encourages others to join with him. For more information
about the campaign or to make a gift to SWFAS, call Mr. Lewis at 332-6937.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds to strengthen women’s lives on
the islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta International.
The club has partnered with SWFAS for the past five years, providing grants,
in-kind donations and hands-on assistance. Zonta’s most recent gift to
SWFAS was a grant of $15,000 to create a freestanding, fully equipped learning
center to support clients who are ready to re-enter the work force.
Left to
Right: Kevin Lewis, Executive Director of SWFAS; Sue Denham, President-Elect
of the Zonta Club; Rosemary Boisvert, Director of SWFAS Transitional Living
Center; and Suzanne Weinheimer, Zonta’s Team Leader for addiction services.
November
13 , 2006 Zonta Adds Three New Members (Islander,
San-Cap News)
Robyn Moran brings a wealth
of varied experience to the club. She has served as a systems analyst for
Uniroyal Chemical Company, a personnel director for Metatek and is now a realtor
at Realty Partners Network here on Sanibel. Robyn moved here four years ago
from Woodbury, Connecticut. . She is also a member of The American Business
Women's Association of Sanibel and Captiva, a docent at the Sanibel Historical
Village and a Turtle patrol Volunteer for SCCF. She is looking forward to
the challenge of finding ways to make a difference in someone's life and is
eager to get involved in Zonta's service projects. Her interest in Zonta stemmed
from a desire to get to know women on Sanibel who make a difference. Her sponsor
is Claire Mallon.
Barbara Nagle, a native
of Cleveland, Ohio has a journalism degree from Ohio University in Athens,
Ohio. Barbara retired from Augsburg College in Minneapolis where she was the
Director of Marketing.. She also has served as Director of Communications
at Minnesota Technology; Director of Public Relations for the United Way of
Minneapolis and Manager of Publications at the Republic Steel Corporation
in Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout the years she has also been involved in many
electoral campaigns. As a recent newcomer to the island Barbara is getting
involved in community life very quickly. Barbara looks forward to assisting
in promoting Zonta's work to increase the public awareness of women's issues
such as our involvement in the human trafficking causes. Her sponsor is Nancy
Dorrity.
Joan Silberman was born
in Detroit, Michigan and left there at age 16 to attend the University of
Chicago, Cook County Graduate Medical School. She is a an expert in the field
of customer service, sales management, leadership and motivational training.
Prior to opening her own consultant firm, Joan was Vice President of the Contacts
Center at Servus Financial Corporation" a Wells Fargo Company located
in Sterlin, Virginia. Joan has conducted many seminars and training programs
focusing on leadership, sales management, operations and customer service.
Joan organized and managed the inside sales department for Eden Toys, a division
of Pearson, a publicly owned multi-national corporation manufacturing high
quality gifts. Presently, Joan is a docent at the Shell Museum and the Historical
Village. As a member of Zonta Sanibel Captiva, Joan wants to work with Girls
Making It On Purpose, helping young women progress from foster care to
self-sufficiency. Her sponsor is Mickie Kaplan.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds to strengthen women's lives on the
islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta International. More
information visit www.zontasancap.com
Claire
Mallon, Nancy Dorrity, Robyn Moran
Jan Alden, Barbara Nagle, Joan Silberman, Nancy Dorrity
October
23 , 2006 ZONTA WINS GOVERNOR'S CUP FOR SECOND STRAIGHT
YEAR (Islander, San-Cap News)
Article by Sue Denham
Photo By Penny Gilmer, Ph.D.
For the second straight
year, the Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva has been awarded the Governor's Cup,
given to the highest-achieving club in District 11. The District has 44 clubs
and covers the region from Tennessee to Puerto Rico, including Georgia, Alabama,
South Carolina and the Bahamas as well as Florida.
For club members who traveled
to Hilton Head, SC, recently for the annual District 11 conference, the crowning
moment was hearing "The Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva" announced
at the Awards Luncheon. The coveted silver cup, awarded for overall excellence
in service, advocacy, fund-raising and public relations, has been awarded
annually in District 11 since 1974, and only 9 other clubs have won it more
than once
"The cup belongs
to all of us," said Nola Theiss, President, who was on hand to receive
the cup, along with Past President Karen Pati, President-elect Sue Denham,
and club members Peggy Newell and Joan Good. "Everyone in the club has
worked so hard to make this honor a reality."
One of the club's major
focus areas for the past two years has been awareness and advocacy on the
issue of human trafficking. Earlier in the conference, Nola Theiss and Karen
Pati presented to the more than 200 attendees an update on the club's activities
and outlined steps for other clubs wanting to become actively involved in
this issue. "Through advocacy, public education and the formation of
partnerships with law enforcement agencies and service providers, we have
been able to show other Zonta clubs how they can have a major impact on helping
local agencies understand, recognize and ultimately prevent this crime,"
said Nola Theiss. Karen Pati has been appointed chair of the newly formed
Subcommittee for Anti-Human Trafficking for District 11.
Another highlight of the
two-day conference was the keynote address by Zonta International's Immediate
Past President Mary Ellen Bittner, J.D., and a member of the Zonta Club of
Washington, DC, who has served since 1991 as the chief administrative law
judge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. She spoke of the many advances
that are being made globally through Zonta International projects to help
women meet their most basic needs, but also detailed the work still to be
done-millions of women, she said, are denied fundamental freedoms, are without
access to education or health care, are likely (1 in 4) to become victims
of sexual violence, or to be sold into slavery. Zonta's effectiveness, she
said, comes through "a careful, thoughtful combination of service and
advocacy."
The conference also included
seminars on a variety of topics ranging from public relations and advocacy
to club finances and membership retention. Of particular interest was a presentation
on the status of the Equal Rights Amendment, at a critical point with only
three additional states now needed to change the constitution. Florida is
one of the 15 states that could vote to ratify the amendment.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds to strengthen women's lives on the
islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta International.
Peggy Newell, Joan Good, Sue Denham ,Nola Theiss, District 11 Governor Bea
Weaver, Karen Pati ,
District 11 Lieutenant Governor Lynn Salvatore, Immediate Past Zonta International
President Mary Ellen Bittner
October
9 , 2006 Zonta hosts Mary Lewis of Our Mother's Home
(Islander)
By Peggy Newell
and Ruth Woodham
Mary Lewis, Executive
Director of Our Mother's Home was the guest speaker at a recent Zonta meeting.
Mary is a dynamic speaker whose passion for the mission of OMH and compassion
for the young girls and their babies at the Home translates easily to her
audience. Her assistant, Beverly Rich also attended and added her experience
to the talk. Our Mother's Home (OMH) is a non-profit serving young girls in
the foster care system (or those in the process of entering the care of the
Department of Children & Families) who are in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy
or are post partum and living with their babies. Currently the home has room
for eight mothers and their children.
Our Mother's Home came
to the attention of Zonta's Anti-Trafficking team when Mary Lewis, who attended
the first training held in conjunction with the Sheriff's office, Florida
Coalition Against Human Trafficking (FCAHT) and Zonta, realized she had a
trafficking victim. The young victim had entered OMH in July 2002. Hers is
a remarkable story.
When she arrived at OMH,
the young girl spoke only a Guatemalan dialect. She spoke no English and had
little formal education. She had not seen her baby since he was 10 days old.
They were reunited at Our Mother's Home and four years later, the young mom
and her son are outstanding examples of the restorative care that Our Mother's
Home provides. She "aged out" of foster care and OMH this summer,
and this fall, she has started her senior year in high school, and she speaks
Spanish and English fluently. She has been invited to live with a supportive
family; has her "green card"; and works at Domino's Pizza.
This story was one of
several examples presented by Mary. All were filled with unfathomable tales
of abandonment, exploitation, and misery. The majority of the girls' families
are either deceased, on drugs, or incarcerated. Ninety-nine percent of the
young girls are statutory rape victims. One teenager had been placed in 36
previous foster homes before arriving at OMH at age 16. For the first time
in her life, she has spent two consecutive Christmases in the same place.
Many of these children have no photographs of themselves as young children
and have no contact with anyone who knew them when they were very young.
OMH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization funded by churches, civic groups, grants, individual contributions,
in-kind services and the Department of Children & Families. They provide
life skills training and support services to the young mothers. The Home is
located in South Ft. Myers and their phone number is 239-267-4663. Their website
is www.ourmothershome.com.
Our Mother's Home has
a vision for the future. Construction has started on a 1000 sq. ft. expansion
of the current building to house a computer lab and a multi-function group
room. Their next goal is to build a transition home for foster mothers who
are losing their state support to help the young women as they enter the work
force.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy, and funds to strengthen women's lives on the
islands, in Lee County, and around the world through Zonta International.
Additional information is available at www.zontasancap.com. The annual fundraiser
A Peek at the Unique is scheduled for March 10, 2007. Tickets go on sale in
February. Zonta is currently seeking sponsers for this event. If interested
email ZONTAPEEK@comcast.net
October 2, 2006: GMIOP Foster Girls, Mentors and Zontian
Friends "Vacation" as Guests at 'Tween Waters
(Islander,
San-Cap News)
Pictures and article by
Virginia Jones
To any onlooker, the group
that congregated on a recent weekend at the beautiful 'Tween Waters Resort
on Captiva Island would not have appeared unusual. Teenage girls and adult
women laughing, crying, teasing, arguing. Trying to decide whether to stay
at the pool or return to the beach. Eating breakfast in the elegant restaurant
or pizza in the Crow's Nest. Kids running from room to room - adults happy
they are having a good time but reminding them to be quiet out of consideration
of the other guests. Blowing out sparklers on a birthday cake-making goofy
faces while posing for pictures.- story telling by candlelight on the beach.
But the stay at this Captiva resort was, for these teenagers, a once in a
lifetime experience. The teenagers are young women who have been a part of
the foster care system, many for their entire lives. Within this group, it
is not unusual for the number of homes the girls have lived in to be far greater
than the number of birthdays they have passed. A family vacation or summer
camp has not been in their cards.
All confront the same
reality- at the age of 18, the state will no longer provide any funding or
guidance to support them. The lack of constancy in their lives and the abuse
that has so often followed them is unimaginable. Throughout our country, more
than half of these children end up back in the system through prison or welfare.
For a small number of these foster kids, however, a program such as Girls
Making It on Purpose (GMIOP) will step in to fill the gap to help them transition
into independent adults. For this one night, thanks to the incredible generosity
of 'Tween Waters Resort, and the support of GMIOP, Our Mother's home, the
Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, adult mentors and friends they got to be just
kids.
Two separate groups took
up residence in the five rooms that were provided by 'Tween Waters. Friday
night, a group from Our Mother's Home - a residential program for teen foster
mothers and their children, were the guests. The youngest was just 6 months.
Saturday night, a different 12 girls arrived. Quiet and cautious at first
- almost as though they believed it was not really happening. Some had participated
in GMIOP for four years and some joined the group in the last month. One had
recently graduated from a trade school in Ft.Lauderdale - her presence was
like the successful older sister returning from college for the holidays.
The adults were all beaming from ear to ear. Knowing the story behind her
incredible struggle made the homecoming even more special. Throughout the
weekend, many phrases were repeated over and over: "I never want to leave."
"This is the first time ever.." "Will we ever come back?"
Some might find this to
be unconventional therapeutic treatment for the young women who are so challenged
to meet the rent, or have food money left at the end of the month. But as
Judi Woods told the group of Zontians after the pizza party, "These events
help convince the girls that they are worth something, that they are loved-that
they can have a future that is different from the past. Without experiencing
it themselves, they have no idea what to dream for."
On Thursday night, before
the girls arrived, a completely different group convened under the tutelage
of Ruth "Bunny" Gordon, a practicing psychotherapist and former
clinical director of a residential school for disturbed adolescents. For the
group of GMIOP mentors, Our Mother's Home staff and members of Zonta of Sanibel-Captiva,
she outlined the identification of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
its symptoms, the avenues for treatment and the barriers victims create to
overcome the difficulties of facing and overcoming the trauma. PTSD, Gordon
said, can afflict anyone whose circumstances mean "the world stops being
a safe place to live."
GMIOP is a unique one-on-one
mentoring program designed to empower young women in and aging out of foster
care in SW Florida. GMIOP promotes education and self-sufficiency. With the
generosity of great community partners such as 'Tween Waters Resort and Zonta
of Sanibel-Captiva, GMIOP is changing lives--one at a time. For more information
about this pilot project for the nation and how to get involved, visit GMIOP's
website www.makingitonpurpose.org or email judiwoods2@earthlink.net Also save
the date: January 13th, GMIOP will have an unusual fundraiser. Items for auction
will be gratefully accepted.
This is the third year
in which the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva has partnered with GMIOP. Last
year's grant provided seed money for a loan program to help provide deposits
and first month's rent on living spaces. The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy, and funds to strengthen women's lives on the
islands, in Lee County, and around the world through Zonta International.
Additional
information is available at www.zontasancap.com.
All those involved with
Girls Making it on Purpose and with the Zonta Club of Sanibel Captiva wish
to say a gigantic ":Thank you" to all those at Tween Waters who
made this unusual "family vacation possible. Thanks especially to Tony
Lapi and Carol Risco. For the 22 foster "children" this was a dream
they never would have even imagined!
Group of
GMIOP members, their adult mentors and local Zontians, Sandi Hutchings,
Peggy Newell and Gini Jones
Zontian
Ginger Parker with GMIOP mentors at PTSD workshop
Zontians
Sandi Hutchings and Joan Farris at PTSD workshop
GMIOP
Tabitha and Amey
GMIOP Casey
and Jenny
GMIOP Keda
and founder Judi Woods
August 21, 2006: Zonta Presents Award (Islander,
San-Cap News)
Zonta of Sanibel Captiva
is proud to announce an award of $500 which was made to Alicia Jordan, native
born island resident, granddaughter of long time Zonta member Mozella Jordan
and daughter of Jim and Marguerite Jordan. Alicia is a sophomore at Howard
University in Washington, DC and as any parent or grandparent knows, it is
very expensive to attend college these days. Through the club's Sugar Bowl
Fund, Zontians were able to assist Alicia with some of those "beginning
of the semester" fees. Because it happened to be Alicia's 19th birthday,
a birthday cake, provided by Judy Workman, and gifts of school supplies and
dorm amenities as well as gift certificates and checks were given to Alicia
by club members. Zonta members commented that Alicia and young women like
her are our future and we are proud to support her. Anyone interested in helping
Alicia and other island residents who may benefit from the club's Sugar Bowl
Fund which is set up to assist island residents in time of need may send a
check to Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva at PO Box 1244, Sanibel, FL 33957.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy, and funds to strengthen women's lives on the
islands, in Lee County, and around the world through Zonta International.
Additional information about Zonta is available at www.zontasancap.com .
Zonta Members
gather around to present congratulate Alicia Jordan
Marguerite, Mozella and Alicia Jordan at The Zonta meeting at Beachview Restaurant
July 14, 2006: Local Women Speak at Zonta International
Conference in Melbourne, Australia (The
Bribie Weekly - Australia)
By Naomi Hockins
Nola Theiss came to Caboolture
and Bribie Island last week from a sociable community island, Sanibel-Captiva,
off the coast of Florida in the United States - apparently an island similar
to Bribie Island. As a president of Zonta, a world-wide non-profit organization
designed to advance the status of women, Nola said one of their main areas
of interest over the past two years has been to stop illegal human trafficking
throughout the world.
"There's no country
that doesn't have it. It's a hidden crime," she said on her visit to
Bribie. "You need to get people aware that it can happen here."
Her softly spoken yet
resoundingly authorative voice was used to speak out for people and she is
here to speak specifically to speak at the Zonta conference in Melbourne.
Nola said the human trafficking
industry affected millions of people and was estimated to be worth $9 billion
internationally. "The only was to solve it is to increase public awareness,
so they are able to help police and service providers deal with it,"
she said. Her comparisons between Sanibel and our own country are interesting,
especially considering the success in uncovering human trafficking in Florida.
After the Zonta branch
at Sanibel got involved in the case of a 12-year-old girl, who was found impregnated
and forced to act as a housemaid and sex slave, Nola said they first gained
real credibility. So far, Sanibel Zonta can claim credit in Florida for eight
individual cases involving minors. It was one of the best results in any area
of the world, which Nola said proves this offence could pop up anywhere.
She said if approached
correctly, offenders could be brought to justice and human slaves could be
freed. Their work in 2000 strengthened national laws and Florida law, and
they received state and federal grants to work on human trafficking with law
enforcement and victims' services. "Similar actions and results are also
possible here," Nola said.
One problem which needed
addressing was no-one believed the problems were happening where they lived.
"We've empowered community groups, and shown groups such as Apex and
Lions, they can have a huge amount of power and the government will listen,"
she said. "Small organizations are dealing with big problems, international
problems, but groups such as Zonta have shown it's possible to make a difference."
Nola said an initial understanding
of how it all worked was important, with the key task being to being victims,
law enforcement and the community together. Nola focuses on how to create
community projects that encompass all groups and encourage them to work together
on the issue. At a Sanibal taskforce meeting, a mix of law enforcement, influential
figures, community leaders and residents were successfully mixed to try to
encourage all sectors working together on one problem.
"Police don't find
the victims. They can do something about it if trafficking is reported, but
people need to recognise the signs and take it from there."
July 14, 2006: Local Women Speak at Zonta International
Conference in Melbourne, Australia (Islander,
San-Cap News)
The Sanibel-Captiva Zonta
Club sent two delegates to the 58th Zonta International Convention in Melbourne,
Australia this June. Over 1200 clubs worldwide, from 68 countries, were represented
at the conference with almost 2000 members and guests attending. Zonta was
first organized in 1919 in Buffalo, New York and it is now a "global
organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the
status of women worldwide through service and advocacy".
Karen Pati, Immediate Past President, and Nola Theiss, 2006-2007 President,
attended the conference, representing the Sanibel-Captiva Club, as well as
the Bonita Springs and Punta Gorda Clubs. The Ft. Myers and Sarasota Clubs
also sent delegates, Bev Duff and Caridad Santos.
Pati and Theiss served
as presenters at the Violence Against Women: Human Trafficking Workshop attended
by over 400 Zontians. Their presentation was called "Creating a Human
Trafficking Club Project". It outlined the action steps needed to initiate
a community task force, modeled on the successful Coalition Against Human
Trafficking in SW Florida, which the Sanibel Club spearheaded locally. Other
speakers at this workshop included Jennifer Burn, a senior lecturer of law
that the University of Technology, Sydney and heads the Australian Anti-Slavery
Project. Dr. Gerda Senkyr of Austria spoke about the Zonta International supported
Anti-Trafficking Project in Bosnia-Herzegovina. As Dr. Caridad Santos of the
Sarasota Club said, "I learned a lot from the 4 presenters, especially
the two presenters from the Sanibel-Captiva Club…who gave 6 guidelines
to create a human trafficking project".
After the presentation,
a number of clubs from different countries, including the Philippines and
Australia, met with Pati and Theiss. Nola Theiss was asked to speak at a gathering
of club members in the Brisbane area. Her presentation was covered in a local
newspaper article, titled "Zonta Reaches Out to Rescue Victims of Trafficking",
which quoted her as saying, "Groups such as Zonta have shown it's possible
to make a difference". A number of other clubs have asked to use their
PowerPoint presentation with their own.
June 6, 2006: Zonta Inducts 10 New Members (Islander,Reporter)
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
has inducted ten new members at recent meetings, bringing the club's membership
up to 73, making it one of the largest clubs in the country. Zontians are
thrilled by the increased membership to assist in work with our partners Florida
Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Girls Making it On Purpose, and Southwest
Florida Addiction Services.
Recent inductees include
Valorie Babb, Jill Dillon, Sandy Greco, Phyllis Gresham, Cyndy Lorry, Mary
Kelly, Orlene Shimberg, Barbara Stevelman, Ellen Strobel and Ruth Woodham.
Babb, who splits her time
between Sanibel and Minot, ND, is a retired Spanish teacher and grant writer
for the Minot public schools. She is former president of American Council
on Teaching of Foreign Languages and a founding member of the LAM Foundation,
a non-profit committed to education and research on lymphangiolyoleiomatosis,
a fatal disease that affects young women. On Sanibel she is active with the
Gumbo Limbo homeowners association and Democratic Club of the Islands. Babb
is sponsored in Zonta by her sister, Gail Migliorini.
Dillon is a well-known
island volunteer and retired real estate broker. She is currently on the boards
of directors for Community Housing & Resources and Committee of the Islands
and chairs Citizens for Quality Education. Sponsored by Louise Johnson, she
will be active with the club's anti-trafficking efforts.
A retired emergency room
physician who did her residency at the University of Chicago, Greco is sponsored
by Darla Letourneau. She and her husband recently moved to The Dunes from
Oceanport, NJ, where she is active in women's health issues. Greco's healthcare
expertise will be put to work with Zonta in its anti-trafficking service work.
Gresham, who has joined
Zonta's service project with Southwest Florida Addiction Services, is a former
school nurse practitioner and public health instructor in New York, Massachusetts
and Ohio, where she was also involved with literacy, crisis services and homeless
programs. Now a year-round Sanibel resident, she is a "Ding" Darling
volunteer, a member of the Sanibel Vegetation Committee, SCCF, and other island
activities. Her Zonta sponsor is Nola Theiss.
Kelly moved to Sanibel
from St. Louis. She¹s a retired psychotherapist who was largely in private
practice She performed with a professional women's singing group, volunteered
as a scout leader and with the Alzheimer¹s Association. On Sanibel, Mary
is already busy with BIG Arts, St. Isabel¹s and the Chamber of Commerce.
Her sponsor is Inge Glissman.
Owner of The Sales Tree,
a sales and marketing consulting firm, Lorry formerly worked with Paradigm
Learning and Harvard Business School. On Sanibel she has been active with
BIG Arts, C.R.O.W. and S.C.C.F. Already taking on club responsibilities she
was co-chair of the recent fund raiser for Sanderilla's on Captiva. She is
sponsored in Zonta by Connie Clancy and Karen Pati.
Retired after eighteen
years as a geography and math teacher at The Wellington School, Columbus,
OH, Shimberg is now retired and volunteers on Sanibel with S.C.C.F. and the
Chamber of Commerce. She is also still active with Columbus organizations
including Congregation Beth Tikvali and
Wexner Center Art Museum. Gini Jones is her Zonta sponsor.
Also sponsored by Jones,
Strobel is a former elementary school teacher in Walled Lake, MI, where she
was active with her local scouting program, P.T.A., women's association and
credit union. When on Sanibel, she serves as a trail guide for S.C.C.F. and
is involved in The English As A Second Language tutoring program. Her selected
Zonta service team is with Girls Making It On Purpose.
First acquainted with
Zonta through the club's 2006 Peek at the Unique when her home was featured
on the annual house tour, Stevelman joins Zonta after a career in property
management in Peekskill, NY. In New York she is active with the Hudson Valley
Hospital Center Foundation. Her Zonta sponsor is Gail Migliorini, and she
has joined the membership committee and anti-trafficking team.
Woodham is a retired psychiatric
nurse clinician from Indianapolis where she also served on the faculty of
the Indiana University School of Nursing. Now a full-time Sanibel resident,
she is an active volunteer with BIG Arts and will work in the Zonta service
project assisting women in the Southwest Florida Addiction Services recovery
program. Her Zonta sponsor is Suzanne Weinheimer.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy, and funds to strengthen women's lives on the
islands, in Lee County, and around the world through Zonta International.
Additional information about Zonta is available at www.zontasancap.com .
Karen Pati, , New Member Orlene Shimberg, Gini Jones, New Member Ellen Strobel,New
Member Cyndy Lorry, Connie Clancy
Karen Pati,
Ginger Parker, New Member Barbara Stevelman, New Member Sandy Greco, Darla
Letourneau
Ginger
Parker, New Member Ruth Woodham, Cyndy Lorry, Louise Johnson, New
Member Jill Dillon, Karen Pati
Darla Letourneau,
New Member Mary Kelly, Nancy Dorrity, New Member
Phyllis Gresham, Nola Theiss, New Member Val Babb, Gail Migliorini
May 22, 2006: Zonta celebrates the Installation of its
2006-2007 officers (Islander,
San-Cap News)
On a beautiful afternoon
in May, an enthusiastic group of Zontians welcomed a new slate of officers
for the fiscal year beginning June 1. The yummy lunch was held at the Sanibel
Congregational Church and was catered by one of Zonta of Sanibel-Captiva's
partners, Southwest Florida Addiction Services' TLC Enterprises which has
begun a successful catering service available throughout Lee County. Decorations
were by club members Joanne Marriott.
Outgoing president Karen
Pati welcomed the group and then charter member Phyllis Bogen read an inspiring
passage that set the tone for an impressive recap of a successful year for
the Club. Fittingly, Karen presented the leadership team with a thank you
gift of the Zonta International Service Footprint Biennium report and Annual
Club Report that documents the work the Club accomplished in the past year.
Gini Jones was singled out as the member who personifies the Zonta directive
that we accept leadership responsibilities with enthusiasm.
Karen spoke briefly about
her year as president, about the quantity and quality of work accomplished.
She said her goals at the beginning of her presidential year were to increase
efficiency, increase service with decreased administration, increase fun,
increase money to partners, increase involvement with partners and increase
member involvement. "I think we accomplished these to an overwhelming
degree," she said, "and I am so proud of what we have done."
President Elect Sue Denham presented Karen with a beautiful engraved vase
by Luc Century.
Incoming president Nola
Theiss followed with some thoughts on her upcoming year as both President
of the Sanibel-Captiva club and as Area Director for Zonta International.
Three years ago, the club undertook a strategic plan called the "Futures
Planning Project.". Theiss was proud to say that her successors, Darla
Letourneau and Karen Pati, had already fulfilled the club's goals. As president
during the third year of the plan, she hoped to build on their accomplishments
and to position the club to plan for the next three years. She thanked the
club members for their hard work and suggested that the club focus on building
its own strengths through increased emphasis on fellowship, teamwork and codifying
what has worked so successfully so the club can continue to enhance the work
of its service partners and identity in the community.
Officers of the Club installed
at this meeting are President, Nola Theiss, President Elect Sue Denham; Immediate
Past President, Karen Pati; Vice President Kris Ritts; Corresponding Secretary
Nancy Dorrity; Recording Secretary Ginger Parker; Treasurer Maureen O'Brien;
board members at
large Gini Jones, Ellis Robinson, Carolyn Gray. and Peggy Newell. New Zonta
Foundation board members are President Linda Robison, Treasurer Joan Good,
and Secretary Esther Saltzman. Foundation board members at large are Sue Denham
and Maureen O'Brien
In closing, Karen Pati
said "Fate has brought us together. Together we encourage and inspire
not only in our club but also with our partners and community. And I am inspired
by all of you."
2006-2007 President Nola Theiss, Foundation President Linda Robsion, Kris
Ritts Vice President,
Susan Denham, President Elect, Karen Pati, Immediate Past President
Zontians
enjoying luncheon catered by SWFAS
Zontian
Gini Jones enthusiastically accepting her award
May 1, 2006: Zonta After Opening (Island
Sun)
Wow! What a party! Captiva
rocked Monday night, April 24th from 5:30 until well after 7: 30p.m. It was
the spectacular opening of Sandy Stilwell's new stores, Keylime Cove and Sanderilla's
Girlee Girlz, named in honor of Sandy's girlfriends. These two new gift and
accessory boutiques are located at Celebration Center on Andy Rossi Lane,
Captiva. The "Heather Brooks Band" provided awesome music while
people danced, drank and dined on delicious hors d' oeuvres provided by the
kitchen of Keylime Bistro. The co-chairs of this event were Zontians Claire
Mallon and Cyndy Lorry.
This fun-filled event
not only celebrated two new fantastic stores but it also benefited the Zonta
Foundation and its charitable partners: Southwest Addiction Services, Girls
Making It On Purpose, Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Breast
Cancer Care. The raffles and the silent auction netted over $5000.
Many many thanks for the
generosity of Sandy Stilwell and to the many in attendance as well as those
who donated items. The premium raffle item, a beautiful 18K gold palm tree
necklace donated by Cedar Chest Jewelers was won by the very lucky Sam Landry
who promptly placed it around Sandy Stilwell's neck. Jean and Bill Hiser who
have a home at South Seas and Cleveland, Ohio won the 50/50 raffle awarding
over $300. The large murals painted in the Sanderilla theme by local artist
and Zontian Caroline Hoisington, were auctioned as well. Cinderella herself
will be flying home to Rochester New York with Doug and Kari Miller for their
daughter Kayla, 5 years old. The glass slipper will be residing in South Bend
Indiana with Leah Rowan and her daughter Gia.
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy, and funds to strengthen women's lives on the
islands, in Lee County, and around the world through Zonta International.
Additional information about Zonta is available at www.zontasancap.com .
Sam Landry
placing pendant from Cedar Chest around Sandy's Neck.
Bill and
Jean Hiser, winners of the 50/50 raffle
Doug and
Kari Miller removing the "Sanderilla" poster
Leah Rowan
and daughter Gia with Artist Caroline Hoisington
Gopal "Indy"
Pati and Michael Mallon - "Z men" helping to set up.
April 17, 2006: Grand Opening of new Captiva businesses
to Benefit
Zonta Club of Sanibel Captiva (Island
Sun)
Sandy Stillwell is expanding
her presence on Captiva with the opening of two fun new retail establishments
on Andy Rosse Lane (or is it Sandy Rosse Lane?). The Grand Opening, scheduled
for Monday, April 24 from 5:30 to 7:30, will include food and drink, music
by the "Heather Brooks Band," and a fundraiser benefiting the Zonta
Club of Sanibel-Captiva.
Stillwell's new businesses,
Key Lime Cove and Sanderilla's Girlee Girlz, are located in the Celebration
Center in the heart of downtown Captiva. Key Lime Cove specializes in special
Captiva souvenirs while Sanderilla's Girlee Girlz presents unique items for
the women out there. Sandy says the name came from a combination of events
in her life. The Sanderilla part harkens back to her days as a a maid in her
parent's hotel; Girlee Girlz is the name of a group of women she gets together
with monthly. "It's in honor of my dear friends. It's a fun store where
we can buy our girlfriends their cards and gifts and a little something for
ourselves, too," she says.
Ms. Stillwell, who grew
up in Lee County always knew she wanted a business on Sanibel or Captiva.
She bought The Captiva Island Inn which occupied what is now Key Lime Bistro
in February 1999. She is now the owner of the Key Lime Bistro, RC Otters,
Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar, and Latte Da Coffee Shop all on Captiva,
and Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Lounge in the Shoppes of Paddle Creek at the
corner of Winkler and Gladiolus in Fort Myers.
Sandy is an avid supporter
of Zonta and thus the fundraising angle of this Opening. She says, "I
love the idea of women in business working together for a common ause. [And
with Zonta,] very little of the money is spent administratively--it goes back
out into the community. A dollar given to Zonta is spent very wisely."
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva is a service organization of professional
women working together to provide hands-on assistance, advocacy, and funds
to strengthen women's lives on the islands, in Lee County, and around the
world through Zonta IInternational. Additional information is available at
www.zontasancap.com.
At this fundraiser, there will be all sorts of ways to support Zonta's efforts.
The main event raffle item, generously donated by Cedar Chest Jewelers, is
an 18K gold palm tree pendant, hand enameled with diamond coconuts and an
18" gold chain. Tickets are $20 and the drawing will be held at 7:30pm
at the Opening. In addition, there will be a 50/50 raffle as well as a silent
auction featuring gift certificates from local restaurants, donations from
local artists, and more.
Meanwhile, back on Captiva,
Sandy is upbeat about the future of business there post hurricanes. Businesses
are up and running and the re-opening of parts of South Seas is helping things
to improve. She expects to see more improvement as they open more of their
properties.
Until then, join Ms Stillwell,
the Heather Brooks Band, the women of Zonta, and your friends and neighbors
at this happy event. Parking will be available on Andy Rosse Lane next to
American Realty.
Sue Downey,
buyer for Sanderilla's, Sandy Stilwell, owner and Zontian, Cyndy Lorry and
Karen Pati from the Zonta Club at an organizational meeting for the fund rasier.
Premier
Raffle item donated by Cedar Chest Jewelers
April 10, 2006: Party with the Zontians on Captiva - April
24th
Grand Opening Sanderilla and Key Lime Cove (Island
Sun)
Mark your calendars for
Monday, April 24th, from 5:30 to 7:30 to attend the Grand Opening of Sandy
Stillwell's new stores, Keylime Cove and Sanderilla's Girlee Girlz on Captiva.
These two new gift and accessory boutiques are located at Celebration Center
on Andy Rosse Lane. This event will not only celebrate two new fabulous stores
but will also benefit of The Zonta Foundation and its charitable partners:
Southwest Florida Addiction Services, Girls Making It On Purpose, Florida
Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Breast Cancer Care!
There will be treasure
to discover, delicious treats to eat, and a cash bar with 50% of the proceeds
going to Zonta , We will rock to music by the "Heather Brooks Band",
an awesome woman and her talented band. There will be a 50/50 raffle as well
as a silent auction including gift certificates from local restaurants, donations
from local artists, weekend -get-aways, and so much more. The premium raffle
item so generously donated by Cedar Chest Jewelers - is a beautiful 18K gold
palm tree pendant, hand enameled with diamond coconuts and an 18" gold
chain.
This event
promises to be a great time as well as a fund-raiser. We encourage everyone
to attend --- and bring a friend. Who knows, maybe you'll even meet Prince
(or Princess) Charming. Come early and park your carriage next to American
Realty, Andy Rosse Lane, before it turns into a pumpkin. Any donations to
the silent auction will be gratefully accepted and ate tax deductible.
April 10, 2006: ZONTA'S
MISSING RAFFLE WINNER IS FOUND (Islander)
--Revealing
threads in a story of lifelong friendship, shared interests and generosity
Ah, the power of the press!
A recent article in our island newspapers on the "Five Chances at the
Unique" raffle, part of the annual home tour fundraiser by the Zonta
Club of Sanibel/Captiva, featured the fact that the winner of the hand-woven
throw by Maria Wohr, the Island Weaver, could not be notified-due to an error
in the Delaware phone number on her ticket stub.
Winter resident Sharon
Ellen, who has attended the "Peek at the Unique" home tour every
year since its inception, read the article and immediately telephoned event
chair Caroline Hoisington. Gayle Shank, who lives in Delaware, is her cousin,
was visiting Sanibel during March, and attended the "Peek" tour
on a ticket purchased by Sharon Ellen. While waiting to board the tour bus,
Gayle bought a raffle ticket for the weaving. Mystery solved!
And this story of "threads"
and "connections" gets better. Gayle, who describes herself as a
"Sanibel wannabe," is gifting the weaving to her close friend Donna
Bishop, whom she has known since high school and who, with her husband Don,
recently became winter residents on Sanibel. Both women have artistic interests
and, back in the 1970s, wanted to take a course in weaving. "We did the
necessary spinning of the yarn," Donna said, "but somehow it never
worked out in terms of actually taking the classes." Now, that decades-ago
desire has been fulfilled in a most satisfactory way.
Reached at her home near
Lewes, DE, Gayle commented: "When I bought the ticket I intended the
weaving-if I should win-to be a gift for Donna. It will suit her new home
perfectly and, as a Sanibel creation, it should stay on Sanibel. And I can
enjoy it when I stay in Donna's guest cottage." The Bishops are completing
construction of a new home in the Sanctuary area, designed to accommodate
Donna's limited mobility due to post-polio syndrome.
On Friday, April 7, almost
four weeks after the "Peek," both friend and cousin visited the
home of Maria Wohr, the Island Weaver, to accept the prize, which has an estimated
retail value of $2,500. In hues that reflect a Sanibel theme of sand, shells,
sea and sunsets, three-quarters of the thousands of threads are hand painted,
in a mix that includes Bombyx silk, linen, chenille, nylon, ribbons and glitter.
The entire creation required almost 100 hours of the artist's time.
Zonta is grateful for
the support of our island newspapers, which made it possible to locate this
most deserving and generous winner.
The Zonta
Club of Sanibel/Captiva is a service organization of professional women working
together to provide hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds to strengthen
women's lives on the islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta
International. The home tour, including the raffle, netted approximately $40,000
this year in support of the Zonta mission.
Sue Denham,
Pr Chair for The Peek, Maria Wohr, Island Weaver, Sharon Ellen and Donna Bishop
Maria Wohr
with the weaving created especially for Zonta.
Maria's
loom is already set for another piece to be features at the Big Arts Studio
Tour April 21st.
March 27, 2006: Zonta
Thanks the Community: 2006 "Peek" another huge success
--"Desperately Seeking" One Raffle Winner (SanCap
News, Islander and Island Sun)
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva's
fifth annual house tour A Peek at the Unique on Saturday, March 11, was another
resounding success. A record-breaking attendance of nearly 400 "Peekers,"
plus higher raffle ticket sales and more program sponsors, all added up to
net proceeds of close to $40,000-a staggering 48 percent increase over the
previous year.
Zonta would like to thank
the entire community, especially those who directly participated to make this
event another record-breaker. The funds raised enable the award-winning service
club to have an even greater impact, helping women in need throughout Lee
County and beyond.
First, the missing raffle
winner: Repeating a favorite from last year, Five Chances at the Unique raised
over $8,500 but has presented Zonta with an unusual problem. The winner of
the $2,500 hand-woven throw by Maria Wohr, The Island Weaver, gave a telephone
number that is untraceable. Zonta has extended the prize claim deadline to
April 15. If anyone knows how to reach Gail Shank, whose cell phone number
originated in Delaware and who bought her ticket on Captiva, please contact
event chair Caroline Hoisington, 395-9073, immediately.
Thanks go to our raffle
donors: Adventures in Paradise, Chico's, Congress Jewelers, Maria Wohr the
Island Weaver, and Sanibel Day Spa. The shelling trip was won by snowbird
Marge Moretzsohn; the Chico's gift certificate by John Wilson of Sanibel;
the Congress Jewelers necklace by islander Judy Yenkole, and the spa package
by Carol Townsley, a visitor who bought her ticket at the last minute.
Special thanks also go to:
The four homeowners who
so graciously opened their unique homes to public viewing; and to our tour
speakers: Denise McEnroe of McEnroe Gallery; Dr. John McCabe of the Bayous
Preservation Association; Hal and Barbara Stevelman; and Patrick and Laura
O'Sullivan. Speakers were on their feet all day, highlighting unique aspects
of each home and adding to our knowledge of the island and its surroundings.
And to:
o The house sponsors: Benchmark General Contractors; Susan Dunn of VIP Real
Estate; Barrier Island Title Services; Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and Bob
Wigley. Thanks also to the food sponsors and to the many program sponsors
who advertised in our souvenir program or provided coupons.
o The Schoolhouse Theater for the use of the building and parking. This continues
to be the ideal location from which to manage the complicated logistics necessary
for 12 buses to operate with precision.
o The volunteers, mostly club members, but also partners, friends, and Zonta
supporters who helped at the Theater, on the buses and in the homes.
o The unrecognized supporters of every fundraiser and event on the islands:
our local newspapers. As always, coverage was superb. Without this precious
resource, our town would not know about our community's needs and the many
organizations that are trying to make a difference.
(more)
Finally, thanks go to the "Peekers" whose enthusiasm has made the
tour a Sanibel-Captiva tradition. Many multiple attendees say they now schedule
their vacations around the date for the Peek.
The Peek at the Unique is a benefit to raise money for Zonta of Sanibel-Captiva's
partners, grassroots organizations working on the front lines in Lee County
including:
oThe Florida Coalition
Against Human Trafficking.
oGirls Making It On Purpose, providing emotional and practical support for
young women transitioning out of foster care;
oThe Transitional Living Center (TLC) at Southwest Florida Addiction Services
in Fort Myers, providing education and support for women in recovery from
addiction;
oPartners for Breast Cancer Care, Fort Myers, providing diagnostic procedures
for low-income women; and
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva
is a service organization of professional women working together to provide
hands-on assistance, advocacy, and funds to strengthen women's lives on the
islands, in Lee County, and around the world through Zonta International.
Additional information is available at www.zontasancap.com.
See you next year!
Wife of
the Winner of the Chicos certificate, Majorie Willson, said,
"Although John was the winner, I am the very happy recipient of a beautiful
Chico's jacket."
Winner
of the pendent from Congress Jewelers, Judy Yenkole of Sanibel and Downers
Grove whose husband calls her a "jewelery magnet!"
Winner
of Sanibel Day Spa certificate, Carol Townsley who bought her tickets in the
last moments before the drawing.
Caroline
Hoisington, Event Chair and Karen Pati, Zonta club President choosing the
raffle winners at the Schoolhouse Theater.
Members
of Zonta of Sanibel-Captiva at the schoolhouse waiting for the last bus to
return.
Zontians
Sue Denham, Gail Migliorini, Gini Jones, Connie Clancey, Phylilis Bogen and
Event Chair, Caroline Hoisington coordinating their watching before the Peek.
Nancy Dorrity,
Jan Alden, Sue Denham, Annie Nachtsheim, Karen Pati and Susan Dunn ready for
the first Peekers to arrive.
Nancy
Gordan ready to great Peekers
Ruth Wallack
taking a short rest in front of the "story boards" explaining Zonta's
work in Lee Country against Human Trafficking.
EllisRobinson
and Janice Caron ready to great at the schoolhouse Theater
Suzanne Weinheimer, Sheila Hoen and Esther Saltzman ,house Guides at Banyan
Tree Cottage.
March 5, 2006: LAST
CHANCE FOR FIVE CHANCES AND PEEK AT THE UNIQUE! (Island
Reporter, Islander and Island Sun)
There are only
a few more days left to buy tickets for the raffle "Five Chances at the
Unique," The drawings for each of the five prizes will take place on
the day of Zonta's House tour. Prizes are a unique, hand-woven, large wall
hanging by Maria Wohr, The Island Weaver; an 18-carat gold necklace from Congress
Jewelers; a shelling trip for four with Adventures in Paradise; a $500 shopping
spree at Chico's; and a delightful package from the Sanibel Day Spa. Tickets
are $10 each and available at McEnroe Gallery, the Island Nutrition Center
and from any Zonta club member. Tickets can also be purchased at the Schoolhouse
Theater on March 11, during the tour. Winners do not need to be present.
"Peek at the Unique," the Zonta Club's fifth annual home tour, is
coming up fast on March 11th.. The "Peek" has sold out in all previous
years, and this year looks to be no exception. There are just a few seats
left on the air-conditioned buses that will convey excited "Peekers"
on the tour. The tour costs $50, tax-deductible according to IRS rules; call
the reservation line, 395-9176 NOW to reserve your space. All funds raised
support the Zonta mission of improving the status of women in transition.
Four distinctive
and normally inaccessible homes will be opened just for this day: a secluded
and spacious Sanctuary residence that is the backdrop for an extensive collection
of contemporary paintings, art objects and African masks; a colorful and charming
cottage, built in 1965, with open views of Sunset Bay; a 3,300 square-foot
Japanese themed getaway that has been lovingly expanded over 25 years from
its original 900 square feet; and a welcoming new home that reflects the owners'
travels and interests, with influences ranging from Moorish to Oriental to
early American.
At each stop
on the tour, a speaker will focus on one or more fascinating details connected
with the home, then guests are free to wander and explore the many delights
offered. The tour begins and ends at the Schoolhouse Theater on Periwinkle
Way, with a duration of approximately three hours. Refreshments before the
tour are included in the ticket price.
The Zonta Club
of Sanibel/Captiva is a service organization of professional women working
together to provide hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds to strengthen
women's lives on the islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta
International.
Robert
Monk, attorney and Peek at the Unique Sponsor buying a raffle ticket from
Carol Simontacchi at Island Nutrition.
Patricia
Murdoch and her two sons Preston and Hudson of Seattle could not decide so
they bought three tickets.
February 27, 2006: ZONTA
"PEEK AT THE UNIQUE" CLOSE TO SELLOUT (Island
Reporter, Islander and Island Sun)
The fifth annual
"Peek at the Unique," the major fundraiser for the Zonta Club of
Sanibel/Captiva, looks to be another unqualified success. With just over a
week to go, reservations for the renowned tour of four unusual island homes
are almost at sellout point. Through the generosity of sponsors and advertisers,
this year's "Peek" may raise more than ever before, in support of
Zonta's mission of improving the status of women. The club especially recognizes
major sponsors Benchmark General Contractors; Susan Dunn Realtor; Barrier
Island Title Services, Inc.; Sanibel/Captiva Trust Company and Bob Wigley.
On the tour,
"Peekers" will visit "The Point," a secluded and elegant
home in the Sanctuary that is the setting for a very personal collection of
contemporary art, assembled by the owners over the past thirty years. With
its sweeping views of Pine Island Sound, open floor plan, tray ceilings and
spacious dimensions, the residence is the perfect setting for oversized paintings
(including some by local artists) as well as African masks and statuary, decorative
gourds, ceramics and other art objects collected during overseas voyages and
also from contemporary American artists. Decorated in subtle neutrals to enhance
the positioning of wall art. Custom-built for the previous owners, this home
features intimate seating and dining nooks as well as the traditional formal
living and dining areas. In addition to serving as the backdrop for a unique
art collection, "The Point" is a welcoming and friendly family home.
Denise McEnroe of McEnroe Gallery will be the speaker.
For contrast,
the tour features a delightful and historic small home nestled into an area
of great natural beauty on Sanibel's western end, overlooking Sunset Bay and
the entrance to Dinkins Bayou. Named Banyan Tree Cottage for the huge tree
spared by the hurricanes, the home was built in 1965 by the late Helen Thomas.
It was the first to be constructed on Porpoise Point, a private enclave of
just nine properties. Entering through a fenced, private courtyard past a
fountain and a tiny, self-contained guest cottage, one is met by a surprisingly
spacious interior. There are unimpeded views of the serene waters of the bay,
and covered porches allow for relaxed sunset viewing. The pastel palette of
colors gives the home a restful, seaside feel, accented by hand-painted Mexican
tile and whimsical art objects.
Welcoming the
tour as speaker will be Dr. John McCabe, a member of the Bayous Preservation
Association, who will describe the group's involvement with the Blind Pass
restoration project now under way.
The "Peek"
is the Zonta club's major fundraiser of the year, and all funds raised are
directed toward programs that improve the status of women. Over the past two
years, the club has contributed over $50,000 locally to this cause, the majority
of these funds coming from the "Peek." Tickets for the tour at $50
each are on sale now by calling 395-9176.
Islanders may
also support the event by purchasing tickets for the "Five Chances at
the Unique" raffle, on sale at the Island Nutrition Center, at McEnroe
Gallery, from any Zonta member and outside Bailey's Supermarket on Friday
mornings through March 10.
The
Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva is a service organization of professional women
working together to provide hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds to strengthen
women's lives on the islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta
International.
Banyon
Tree Cottage
"The Point"
February 23, 2006: Mayor
reviews 2006 plans for Sanibel at Zonta meeting (Island
Reporter)
Tells audience,
"I hope you vote yes" on rec center
By
EMILIE ALFINO
Mayor Carla Johnston spoke at The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva's Feb. 15
meeting at Beachview, to talk about what she sees ahead for the island in
2006, the city council's priorities for the year and how the water issue has
re-ordered those priorities, and her feelings about the proposed new recreation
center.
"We
started this administration with three premises. First of all, it wasn't going
to be a situation where people were at opposite sides of the road throwing
eggs at each other. We were going to get everybody at the same table talking
about what they thought mattered and try to work together to solve problems.
So that's one thing we've been working very hard on over the last year.Second
was to try to improve relationships between the city and other levels of government.
I've got to tell you as the new kid on the block, it was easier to do this
than it would have been during the year of the whole bridge controversy. I
could never have made some of these things happen during that time, it was
just too much of a tumultuous period. So we've been working with other communities
and I've been meeting with other mayors and county commissioners and, more
recently on the water issue with some of the mayors of inland communities
too, because it's important to Sanibel to try to bring about some unanimity
on some of these issues. And third is an understanding that the island really
is at a crossroads. There are many things going on now that are changing [on
the other side of the causeway] that will affect what's happening here."
Consider
these three premises, the mayor said, city council set up some key priorities
for 2006:
