March Reflections: Connecting our Community
Since 2010, Estero Life Magazine has had the great pleasure of highlighting many wonderful people, businesses, nonprofits and restaurants in our community. This March 2021 issue continues that tradition while offering an opportunity to reflect on our beginnings.
One of our continual story lines has been athletic successes at Florida Gulf Coast University. Estero Life has been a corporate sponsor, and I have sung the national anthem for many FGCU sports programs since the very beginning. In fact, our third cover story (November 2010) introduced Estero resident, FGCU graduate and volleyball sensation Brook Sweat, and we have followed her all the way to the Rio Olympics! This month’s cover story highlights the dynamic powerhouse duo of T.K. Morehouse and Kierstan Bell, who are helping the women’s basketball team dominate their A-SUN conference and, most likely, advance to the NCAA tournament.
Another familiar face from the past is Greg Poss, who was featured on the cover of our second-ever issue, back when he was the newly hired head coach of the Florida Everblades. This month, we highlight his recent book on mental optimization. What benefits might his insights have for us all?
A third feature story this month spotlights one of Estero Life’s earliest advertising partners. The Laser Lounge Spa was moving into their current location at U.S. 41 and Broadway just as Estero Life Magazine launched in late 2010. The Laser Lounge enlisted Estero Life to help reach a maximum number of potential Estero customers in those early days. Today this successful medical spa boasts 10 locations in Southwest Florida and across the nation.
We launched Estero Life before the Village of Estero’s incorporation and have strongly supported our local government with sharing important community news. Operating with a ‘government lite’ philosophy has been key to the Village’s strategy, making volunteerism essential to accomplish community goals. Recently, 14 volunteers, including myself, willingly teamed up with the Village and Estero Fire Rescue to deliver more than 31,500 face-mask packages and 300 automated hand sanitizer stations to local businesses and nonprofits.
I personally delivered nearly 700 mask packages and many hand sanitizer stations. It was gratifying to see how this project engendered a feeling of community. I am sure by now that you have walked into an area business and noticed employees wearing Village of Estero logo masks. This month’s Village Connection offers details on how you can get involved in volunteering for our community.
Over the years, we have eagerly introduced our readers to new restaurants and local dining gems. This month, we are excited to feature the newest restaurant in the Village of Estero, Amfora. Located in Coconut Point Mall, Amfora offers impeccable hospitality and innovative Mediterranean cuisine, finished with the distinctive flavors of a wood fire.
Speaking of dining, we are giving you an opportunity to contribute to our monthly dining features. If you have a favorite, special occasion restaurant, and you know that they have survived the challenges of the pandemic, please take a moment to CONTACT US to recommend we visit them. Provide the name of the restaurant and its main contact person, along with why you enjoy dining there. You just might see them featured soon!
Finally, we are happy to have yet another ‘happening’ to promote, as well as the return of our popular Scene on Site photo galleries showcasing community events as they re-emerge!
So, until next month, don’t forget to…Enjoy the Good Life: Estero Life!!!
Gary Israel, President & Publisher
Estero Life Magazine