Cultivating a Sense of Family & Community

Fifteen years ago this month — more than four years before the Village’s official incorporation — I was given the opportunity to serve as publisher of a new lifestyle magazine to serve the needs of the Estero community by a Rotary colleague living in Weston, Florida. His words of encouragement still ring in my ears (and memory) as he said Estero reminded him of his own community of Weston 10 years earlier in that we had affluence and influence but no identity!

In those days we always had to explain that Estero was halfway between Fort Myers and Naples, just to give people a geographic reference. So, we struck out to change that by showcasing and promoting the many positive aspects and accomplishments of our emerging community. The actual incorporation simply added fuel to the energy of the community’s formation. It has been a wonderful journey to immerse myself in so many aspects of our remarkable community, for which I am very proud.

I think similar observations can be made by my former pastor at Legacy Church, Nolen Rollins, the subject of this month’s cover story: “Boy from Piney.” A former pillar of our community, Nolen has written a new book about family and his childhood back in Tennessee that older generations will relate to — and younger generations will read in disbelief that kids back then could actually survive without today’s technology! We are sure you will enjoy the generational analogies and the nostalgic memories of family, faith and community. We invite you to reminisce.

Nothing shouts “community” louder than a local Chamber of Commerce. Our spotlighted event in Happenings invites you to attend this year’s Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner on Friday, June 13, at Shadow Wood Country Club. Please see the details on page 12.

And speaking about our local chamber, we would like to introduce you to the newly appointed president, Cliff Brand. Growing up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, the family pharmacy business kept Cliff connected to his community. From his beginnings as a soda jerk at the pharmacy to a successful baseball pitcher to his current position as branch manager at Lake Michigan Credit Union in Estero, Cliff cultivated his love for community. As he continues to focus his efforts on becoming involved in the Village of Estero, we congratulate Cliff on his new chamber position and wish him great success!

Communication is extremely important for the success of any community, and Estero Life Magazine is extremely proud of our collaboration with Estero’s village manager and his staff to produce our “Village Connection” page each month. It is designed to enhance communication and understanding of the many accomplishments of our Village government. This month’s entry informs our residents about two upcoming studies relating to community resilience, both of which offer public input opportunities. The Village has been awarded funding for an Eco-Historic Planning Study and a Village Vulnerability Assessment. Details of these studies are explained on page 13.

Finally, nothing screams “family” more than an inviting family restaurant. This month’s dining review showcases Estia Florida, recently opened in the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, where a brother, sister and cousin invite guests to enjoy the homestyle flavors of Greece. We are excited to share our delicious “favorites” from their menu. If you go, we are sure this restaurant will quickly become one of your favorites, too!

Until next time, remember to…

                                    Enjoy the Good Life, Estero Life!!

 

Gary

Gary Israel, President & Publisher

Estero Life Magazine