Celebrating LEGACY!

It’s February! I am guessing many of you expected to read about Valentine’s Day opportunities or ideas for the perfect night out. While there might be a touch of such things in this month’s message, depending on your interests, my focus this time is on people and events celebrating a legacy in which everyone can participate!

I suspect many Estero residents, both year-round and seasonal, have never taken the opportunity to tour the Koreshan State Park. We simply drive by the sign at the corner of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road and remain focused on our destinations. But, as you will read in this month’s cover story, the Koreshan Unity Settlement is a historic and cultural landmark, including the Art Hall which was built in 1905. It remains a living venue for intimate music events and community gatherings more than a century later.

Classical pianist Bella Gutshtein and Artis-Naples violinist Boris Sandler have worked tirelessly to present classical and chamber music in a close, immersive concert experience that capitalizes on the art hall’s 90-seat venue where the building’s original design affords “remarkable acoustics without amplification.” We hope that you will not only enjoy reading about this amazing part of Estero’s history, but perhaps this will inspire you to visit the park and spend some time exploring this community treasure — just $5 per car entry!

This month’s dining review will take you all the way to Bolivia (via Coconut Point Mall) while exploring the roots of the new Mediterranean restaurant, Casa Blu. Forty years ago, Carlos Suarez opened a restaurant in his parent’s “little blue house” in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Today his three sons are paying homage to the blue “casa” of their childhood and honoring the legacy of their culinary heritage. The food is distinctly Mediterranean with most menu items passing through two wood-fire ovens from Napoli, Italy. Just wait until you read about the specialties we enjoyed. Mangia Bene!

For this month’s Village Connection, we honor the legacy of the Village of Estero with an “inside look” from Estero’s fifth mayor, Joanne Ribble, as she approaches the midpoint of her two-year term.

There is certainly no shortage of opportunities to celebrate legacies in our community. Here are just a few happening this month:

● Hearts for Jane, The Jane Goble Walk for ALS Research will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, at FGCU. This event honors the legacy of Jane Goble, a beloved member of the Rotary Club of Naples, whose compassion, leadership and commitment to service inspired many. (See our “Happenings.”)

● Blessing of the Animals, celebrating the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day, honors the bond between humans and animals as part of God’s creation, acknowledging their joy-bringing role and renewing humanity’s stewardship of nature. Religious leaders will offer prayers and blessings for pets during this community event on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Estero Dog Park within Estero Community Park. (See our “Happenings.”)

● Don Eslick ‘Person of the Year’ Awards, presented by Engage Estero, will take place Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Estero Country Club at The Vines. These awards

honor the legacy of Estero advocate Don Eslick by recognizing outstanding service and dedication to improving the Estero community. This year’s honoree will be Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and CEO of Lee Health. (More details at esterotoday.com)

 

We hope you will find ways to enjoy and celebrate the many legacies in and around our community. The more you give, the more you receive!

 

Until next month, remember to…

Enjoy the Good Life: Estero Life!!!

Gary

Gary Israel, President & Publisher

Estero Life Magazine