So, what’s new?

Where should I begin? How about the beginning?

As the Village of Estero began its second decade as a municipality in Florida, the first item of business on March 19 was to induct three council members. Two are returning: Joanne Ribble (District 1) and Jim Ward (District 6); and one is a brand new councilman, Jeff Hunt in District 2. The second order of business was for the full Village Council to select our new mayor, Joanne Ribble, and vice-mayor, George Zalucki, to serve for the next two years. Their bios, district responsibilities and council duties are detailed in this month’s Village Connection.

This month’s cover story introduces Southwest Florida’s first operating winery, R.A.D. Corkscrew, which celebrated its grand opening on March 6. Opened by Estero residents Rockie and Allison Rick, the winery is located on 10 acres off Corkscrew Road, just 10 miles east of I-75. We know wine enthusiasts will enjoy the fascinating history of the winery and will enjoy the variety of wines for every taste — from the unique to traditional. We invite our readers to stop by R.A.D. Corkscrew for a truly Floridian wine tasting experience.

For those of you who are newer to the area and looking for a church to attend, or for those who are contemplating a new place of worship, we have compiled a list of the 11 churches in Estero (yes, you read that correctly!) along with their senior pastors, contact information, addresses and information about their Easter services. What better way to get the full flavor of a church than by attending a service on the highest holy day of the Christian faith — acknowledging the crucifixion and the celebration of the magnificent resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ – Easter Sunday! We hope that this feature will assist you on your spiritual journey and, perhaps, a renewed faith.

Our dining feature this month is just a short jaunt over to Coconut Point to the new PJK Neighborhood Chinese restaurant, which opened in mid-December in the former location of The Saloon across from Divieto’s. This is the newest concept from renowned restaurateur Paul Fleming and wife Jody Goodenough-Fleming. Finally, a sit-down Chinese restaurant in Estero! It is stunning inside with its clean, white interior with Asian accents on the wall, while the focal point is the large cherry blossom tree in the center with large paper globe lanterns hanging from the ceiling to add warmth to the contemporary ambience. From grouper cheek to tuna poke to braised short ribs to Mongolian beef and much more, we know diners will find many options to satisfy their Chinese cravings!

Our two Scene-on-Site photo gallery pages this month share Engage Estero’s “Don Eslick Persons of the Year” and the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce’s EsteroFest. We hope you enjoy exploring “what’s new” this month in Estero!

 

Until next time, remember to…

                                    Enjoy the Good Life, Estero Life!!

 

Gary

Gary Israel, President & Publisher

Estero Life Magazine