WGCU Connect!

Living Green-Public Efforts to Go Green

admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:36:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

Before living green became a catch phrase, many communities around Southwest Florida had taken steps towards eco-friendliness through preservation, the creation of nature trails, and rebuilding habitats. But now the preservationists in Lee County are taking their green ideas into architecture and landscaping. The Six Mile Cypress Slough is one example. By using rapidly renewable construction materials and practicing water conservation, The Interpretative Center at the Slough teaches visitors about what they will encounter on the boardwalk and shows how building green can sustain our plant and wildlife. The center even offers building and remodeling ideas that visitors can take home. The importance of eco-friendly construction is amplified by the Calusa Nature Center, which is a living museum of Florida wildlife. One facet of the multitude of habitats guests will encounter is a butterfly aviary. Here, experts show nature enthusiasts which plants will work best in their backyards to attract and breed butterflies. Greening-up our community begins with a little public effort. And local projects with an eco-friendly twist are a win-win situation for all.

Resources:

http://www.calusanature.com/
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

http://www.naba.org/
The North American Butterfly Association

http://www.leeparks.org/sixmile/
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

http://www.sloughpreserve.org/
The Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a non-profit advocacy group for the preserve and The Interpretive Center

http://www.conservancy.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=406&srcid=-2
Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Living Green -- Solar Energy Options

admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:35:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Rosie Emery

Despite the fact that we live in the Sunshine State, many people are still hesitant about the feasibility and availability of solar power when it comes to converting their homes or businesses.

The State Government is providing incentives for people to convert at least some portion of their home if not all to solar and the Florida Energy Office is paying a rebate of $4.00 per watt for solar power systems. The maximum rebate for a residential application is $20,000 and for a commercial building is $100,000. This rebate usually covers 40-50% of the to cost to purchase and install a solar power system. In addition to the State of Florida rebate, the federal government is allowing a $2,000 federal income tax credit for a residential system. So just how easy is it to convert to solar and is it really worthwhile?

Resources:

Dell Jones
(c) 904-891-3355
Vice President of Renwable Project Development
Regenesis Power

Steve McCarney
Tel: 239 395 2991
Footprint Energy Solutions
mccarneys@comcast.net

Patrick Agnew
Product Manager
Florida Power and Light (FPL)
239 332 9130
patrick_agnew@FP.com

Living Green -- Green Lodging

admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:32:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Rosie Emery

The State of Florida now requires that state agencies and departments under the direction of the Governor many not contract for meeting and conference space with hotels or conference facilities that have not received the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program designation, unless no other viable place exists. The program’s designations, called “Palms One, Two and Three”, are awarded for best practices in water, energy, and waste efficiency standards. Several hotels in Southwest Florida have received the Two Palm award and are working towards their third “Palm” level.

For further information about the hotels featured, or for the Florida Department of the Environment you can contact:
Laura M. Comer,
Sustainability Initiatives Coordinator
Florida Department of Environmental Protection - South District
PO Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549
Tel: 239/332-6975 x 170
Laura.Comer@dep.state.fl.us

Kelly Olsen
Director Public Relations
Hyatt Regency – Coconut Point Resort and Spa
kolsen@hyatt.com
Tel: 239 390 4278

Amber Phillips – Manager
Bridgewater Inn
4331 Pine Island Road
Matlacha FL USA 33993
(941) 268 1688
(239) 282-8440 (Fax) (800) 378-7666 (Toll Free)
Email: info@bridgewaterinn.com

Dave Jensen
Jensens Twin Palms
Tel: 239 472 5800
dave@gocaptiva.com

201- Paddling-Festivals

admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:26:00 GMT

201 Community Character
Paddling Festivals
Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

It’s no secret that Southwest Florida is best when viewed by boat. Yet, most motorboats are too large to explore the mangrove tunnels of our area’s estuaries, and the rumble of the boat’s motor would frighten away the majority of wildlife. A more intimate encounter with nature can be had in a canoe or a kayak because they sit closer to the water and, better yet, require no gasoline or oil. Discover the love affair Floridians have with these motor-less boats through paddling festivals. At Charlotte Harbor’s Kayak and Wildlife Festival, a beginner’s first launch is overseen by a trained kayak guide, and veteran paddling enthusiasts meet-up to share tips and techniques. In Naples, the annual Great Dock Canoe Race encourages the competitive spirit through canoe racing and canoe decorating. The paddling festivals are both a reflection of our community’s eccentric character, as well as a way to embrace a culture created from nature.

Resources:

The Great Dock Canoe Race
http://www.greatdockcanoerace.com/

The Dock Restaurant
http://www.dockcraytoncove.com/

Crayton Cove
http://www.craytoncove.com/

Charlotte Harbor Visitor’s Bureau
http://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/index.php

Kayak information
http://www.grandetours.com/

Great Calusa Blueway
http://www.greatcalusablueway.com/

201-Fishing-Tournaments

admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:51:00 GMT

201 Community Character
Fishing Tournaments
Writer/Producer : Shawn Holiday

For many, the ancient art of fishing has transformed into a sport where objective isn’t food but fun. Fishing tournaments in southwest Florida are an exciting and educational way to connect with local waters and some even help protect the species they catch. The Kids Cup Tournament in Punta Gorda gets families fishing for prizes and prestige, but the main winners are the organizations that come together for a great afternoon. It’s the kind of tournament where charity is the winner and schools of fish are doing the teaching.

Resources:

Kids Cup Tournament
www.kidscuptournament.com

Caloosa Catch & Release Tournament
www.caloosacatchandrelease.com

Kayak Fishing Classic
www.kayakfishingclassic.com

201-Food-Festivals

admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:47:00 GMT

201 Community Character
Food Festivals
Writer/Producer: Chelle Koster Walton

Food, glorious food! Southwest Florida celebrates its love of food at festivals throughout the year. Oktoberfest and Greek Fest let foodies peek in on pockets of intriguing ethnic culture, while the Shrimp Festival pays homage to the industry that has claimed an important role in Fort Myers Beach’s history and heritage.

Resources:

Oktoberfest
www.gasc-capecoral.com

Shrimp Festival/Fort Myers Beach
www.fmbchamber.com

Greek Fest
www.greekfestfortmyers.com

203-Fantasy-Ball-Camp

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:30:00 GMT

203 Regional Getaways
Fantasy Ball Camp
Writer/Producer: Rod Clarke

What kid hasn’t wondered what it would be like to play ball and hang out with the big league players he idolized? You can make those childhood dreams come true with the Boston Red Sox right here in Fort Myers. Welcome to the wild, wonderful and sometimes wacky world of fantasy camp baseball.

Sports Adventures
http://www.sports-adventures.com/

Red Sox Operated Camp
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/fan_forum/fantasy_camp.jsp

Fantasy Camp Directory
http://www.hihard1.com/

203-Skydiving-in-Punta-Gorda

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:30:00 GMT

203 Regional Getaways
Out of the Blue
Writer/Producer: Rod Clarke

Why in the world would anyone want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane? Roy Torgeirson and the crew at Sky Dive Southwest Florida say if you have to ask, you wouldn’t understand. For them, skydiving is both a hobby and a way of life that they’d like to share with fellow Southwest Floridians.

Skydive Southwest Florida = http://www.skydiveswflorida.com/

Skydive Air Adventures = http://www.skydivefl.com/

United States Parachute Association = http://www.uspa.org/

Rigs & Things Para-service = http://www.para-service.com/

202-Soup-Kitchen

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:28:00 GMT

202 Volunteering
Soup Kitchens
Writer/Producer: Shawn Holiday

Sometimes volunteering can be a teaching experience. Helping local soup kitchens serve the hungry also feed one’s own needs to grow and expand horizons. Volunteers at two area facilities assist with preparing meals and fixing lives as well as picking up some cooking tips along the way.

Resources:

St. Matthews House
2001 Airport Road, South
Naples, FL 34112-4814
239/298-5026
Julie Clay
julie@stmatthewshouse.org

Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.
3429 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, Florida 33916
Phone (239) 332-7687
Sarah Owens, Executive Director
www.ccmileecounty.com

202 - ECHO

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:27:00 GMT

202 Volunteering
ECHO
Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization, better known as ECHO, takes a unique approach to feeding the hungry. Volunteers here dig in the dirt, help with research to develop new, hardy crops, make jams and jellies and conduct tours for the public – all in the hope of easing hunger around the world. Learn how what they sow yields untold rewards at http://www.wgcu.org/ECHO.

Resources:

ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) = www.echonet.org

The Heifer Project
www.heifer.org

The Hunger Site
www.thehungersite.com

Feed the Children
www.feedthechildren.org

202-Harry-Chapin-Food-Bank

admin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:53:00 GMT

202 Volunteering
Harry Chapin Food Bank
Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

Volunteers are the bread and butter of the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Without the generous gift of time and effort from people within the community, the food bank couldn’t exist, and the 100, 000 Southwest Floridians who live in poverty would go hungry. The food bank’s need for help never ends. Volunteers are needed to move, sort, and distribute the food that arrives daily to the warehouse, and they are also needed to collect non-perishable foods at social events, such as The River and Blues Festival and Minnesota Twins spring training baseball games.

Resources:

Harry Chapin Food Bank
http://www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/

ECHO: Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization
http://www.echonet.org/nursery.htm

The Florida Association of Food Banks
http://www.fafb.org/

Daily Bread: Fighting Hunger in Southwest Florida
http://www.dailybread.org/

America’s Second Harvest: The Nation’s Food Bank Network
http://www.secondharvest.org/

113 Regional Getaways - Audio Live

admin — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:26:00 GMT

113 Regional Getaways - Marco Island

admin — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:24:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Chelle Koster Walton

Marco Island experiences mood swings from funky old Florida style to fashionable beach vacationing. Visitors can explore its historic side or use it as a launching point for on-the-water adventure in the nearby Ten Thousand Islands.

Resources:

Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce

Greater Naples Marco Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

113 Regional Getaways - Gasparilla Island

admin — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:20:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Chelle Koster Walton

Wealthy industrialists first discovered the great getaway powers of Gasparilla Island. Phosphate shipping and the railroad built the delightful little town of Boca Grande. Tarpon fishing and the lovely Gasparilla Inn gave it a reputation for charmed vacationing that visitors can still enjoy today.

Resources:

Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce

Gasparilla Inn

Gasparilla Island State Park and Lighthouse

Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau

113 Regional Getaways - Pine Island

admin — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:16:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Chelle Koster Walton

For a look at the flipside to Southwest Florida’s beach islands, travel to a time and place known as Pine Island, where fishermen, artists, seafood houses, and intimate accommodations welcome visitors with something genuine.

Resources:

Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce

Florida’s Creative Coast

Randell Research Center

Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau

112 Arts - Audio Live

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:43:00 GMT

112 Arts - Extraordinary Workshops

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:35:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Want to take an art course but not interested in painting or drawing? The art leagues and associations in Southwest Florida are increasingly expanding their classes to include instruction in lesser known arts that fulfill a different artistic vision. Today, it’s as easy to find a workshop or course in stone sculpting or bead making as it is to explore traditional arts. Learn about the opportunities at the Art Center of Bonita Springs and get inspired!

Resources:

Art League of Bonita Springs

Art League of Marco Island

Lee County Alliance for the Arts

Naples Art Association

Seagrape Gallery, Charlotte County

Forum Topics:

112 Arts - Plein Air Painting

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:27:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

A warm and sunny day provides the incentive for many regional artists to take their easel and canvas outdoors and paint in a style known as “Plein Air,” which is French for painting “in the open air.” Learn how anyone can get started in capturing Southwest Florida’s landscapes by taking a few classes, as well as observing professional artists while they work alfresco.

Resources:

Learn about Plein Air painting events across Florida.

Official site for Plein Air artist, William North.

Learn how to paint in the Plein Air at any of the following art clubs:

Cape Coral Art League

Big Arts, Sanibel Island

Fort Myers Beach Art Association, Fort Myers Beach

Naples Art Association

Forum Topics:

112 Arts - Art Cooperatives

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:16:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Check out various venues where Southwest Florida artists pool together to retail their works of art. From the Seagrape Gallery in Punta Gorda to the Seaweed Gallery on Sanibel, artists find the right place to co-create and share in their creative wealth.

Resources:

United Arts Council of Collier County

Art League of Bonita Springs

Art League of Marco Island

Lee County Alliance for the Arts

Naples Art Association

Forum Topics:

111 Grassroots Activism - Audio Live

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:38:00 GMT

111 Grassroots Activism - Crushed by my Silence

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:37:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Rod Clarke

When they retired from medical practice a decade ago, Dr. William Lascheid and his wife Nancy, a nurse, their consciences wouldn't let them walk away from the working poor who needed help but didn't have health insurance. They opened the Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples, which has utilized volunteer medical professionals and public donations to serve more than 25,000 people.

Resources:

St. Vincent DePaul Community Pharmacy

St. Vincent DePaul Community Health Clinic

Neighborhood Health Clinic (Naples)

Volunteers in Medicine

Forum Topics:

111 Grassroots Activism - Angels of Easy Street

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:35:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Rod Clarke

At the Corner of Easy Street and Gibraltar Road in Port Charlotte stands a beacon of hope to some 40,000 local residents who lack adequate health insurance. The St. Vincent de Paul Community Health Care Clinic and Pharmacy relies on volunteer doctors and nurses to provide free care to the uninsured, the homeless, the indigent.

Resources:

St. Vincent DePaul Community Pharmacy

St. Vincent DePaul Community Health Clinic

Neighborhood Health Clinic (Naples)

Volunteers in Medicine

Forum Topics:

111 Grassroots Activism - Crisis in Care

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:32:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Rod Clarke

When Southwest Florida's economy went into a tailspin, thousands found themselves out of work, out of health insurance and denied access to the health care system. Rather than wait for national reform, doctors and other medical professionals across the region took action to make sure the needy received the care they need.

Resources:

St. Vincent DePaul Community Pharmacy

St. Vincent DePaul Community Health Clinic

Neighborhood Health Clinic (Naples)

Volunteers in Medicine

Forum Topics:

110 Volunteering - Audio Live

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:32:00 GMT

110 Volunteering - Humane Societies

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:28:00 GMT

Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

Volunteering in a humane animal shelter is an easy way to help a dog or cat in need, as well as interact with people who are concerned for animal welfare. Getting involved is simple. Learn how the donation of time is important to the success of non-profit rescue shelters, such as The Gulf Coast Humane Shelter or For the Love of Cats, and discover how the work can enrich the lives of both volunteers and animals.

Resources:

The official site for Southwest Florida’s Humane Society.

The official site for For the Love of Cats, a kitten rescue shelter on Marco Island.

The official site for the Animal Refuge Center of Fort Myers

Find local pet adoptions, and read up on pet care tips.

Find animal shelters anywhere in the country.

Read about animal rescue, volunteer work, and pet adoptions on a national level.

http://www.animalrefuge.com/

Forum Topics: