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Young Life program for teens, pre-teens looking for kids

Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.

Young Life is a nonprofit organization that steps into the lives of teenagers with the mission of developing mentoring relationships and introducing them to who Jesus is. Regardless of their response, Young Life staff and volunteers continue to walk through life with them.
Why? Teenagers need hope and more adults that care. They are experiencing life much differently than 10, 30 or 50 years ago. Parents feel distant, stress levels are high, anxiety and depression are on the rise and social media adds even more pressure.
So how do we do it? First, by praying and stepping into their world. As a Young Life staffer, it’s been a joy to step into the public schools, Lemon Bay High, L.A. Ainger Middle, Sky Academy, and meet students. Thanks to the support of our local schools, Young Life is able to visit regularly, and be a listening ear to students. We also get to cheer them on at their soccer games, theater plays and more.

Strawberry Festival 2022 to feature 10 artisan tents, beloved traditions

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

The festival also will feature a special area for children that will include progressive storytelling, strawberry balloon sculptures, mural painting, carnival games, a cupcake challenge and balloon volleyball. Donated toys and games will be for sale in a separate area near the children’s activities and will include doll houses, stuffed animals, books, puzzles, bikes, Wii, baby equipment, sand toys, among others.

Kate Leigh mother and daughter resort wear … fashions not just for fun, but for breast cancer research as well

Written by T Michele Walker on . Posted in News.

That’s how the Kate Leigh Mother-Daughter Resort Wear line was born.
“This line is inspired by our love for this island and our passion for raising funds for breast cancer. I have always believed that you should follow your heart and dream big. Kate and I have reached for the stars and took a leap of faith to follow our dream of creating our very own mother-daughter resort wear line. Our collection is made with love and manufactured in our very own U.S.A.”
Kate Leigh is a brand that celebrates women and girls, but especially mothers and daughters.
“Working on the development of this brand and custom prints allows the legacy of my late mother, whose nickname with close friends and family was ‘Penny,’ to shine through and make all of us feel magical.”

PROFILE: Sharon Yonker

Written by T Michele Walker on . Posted in Profiles.

Born and raised in Connecticut, later moving to Berwyn, Pennsylvania with her husband Dan, Sharon learned how to play tennis at the local YMCA, where she taught aerobics classes.
“I started playing tennis when I was 27. I worked at the local YMCA, so I got free babysitting for my children. They came with me because they were zero and two years old at the time. I also got free classes, so I got to take tennis. I had never picked up a racket, but I thought it would be kind of fun. I fell in love with the game.”
Sharon met her husband, Dan, at Denison University in Ohio. After graduation, they traveled through Europe.
“When we came back, we said whoever gets a job first, the other will move to that area. Dan found a job in Berwyn, so I moved here, and we’ve been there ever since.
“My son Charlie works for a catering company in Orlando, and he loves it,” she said. “My daughter Laine works in Manhattan, but due to the pandemic, she decided to stop paying rent because she could never go to her job. Now she’s a nomad, spending a few weeks in Boston and here in Boca Grande. She says that it’s been the best thing ever for her. She was paying so much money in rent, and now she can live anywhere.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Keeping Southwest Florida ‘bag free’

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

This is a little something we can each do that will have a great impact on recycling and our environment. Trashing bags is a win for the environment and for residents and visitors who enjoy Southwest Florida. The “Keep SWFL Recycling Plastic Bag Free” initiative also aims to improve recycling efficiency by reducing the time recycling workers have to spend removing plastic bags from jammed machinery.
Waste goes up significantly on holidays and Super Bowl Sunday holds the win as the highest day for waste. By launching this campaign on Super Bowl Sunday, the biggest day for trash, we hope to get people to engage in habits where they will dispose of plastic bags properly.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Boca Grande Preschool – Putting children first

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

To the Editor:The Boca Grande Preschool is a little jewel on our island where caring adults compassionately embrace the Island’s children. It is a place where the young working families of Boca Grande can leave their children with the peace of mind that they are in a nurturing environment focused on meeting the students’ developmental […]

ECOWATCH: Activist leads fight against climate in crisis

Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Opinion.

Recent headlines gave the long-awaited news that The Mosaic Company, the phosphate giant that has been mining the mineral for years, has been denied a permit by the Charlotte County Commission to continue that activity. The Commission approved a change in zoning bylaws that prohibits phosphate mining and all other activities including phosphate manufacturing in the area. Mosaic is sure to refile for permits to continue to keep their massive enterprise alive. However, many organizations and activists who have opposed phosphate mining for years are ready to again fight to keep phosphate mining out of the area, due to its disastrous effect on the ecosystem. This is a victory, and hopefully the ban will last.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Woman’s Club thanks all for a tremendous virtual auction response

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

On behalf of Boca Grande Woman’s Club, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our island community for its magnanimous support of our annual fundraiser. When it was determined that gathering in a tent for “A Grande Gatsby Affaire” was not in the best interest of our community, we proceeded with a virtual auction. Most of our generous ticket holders converted these purchases to donations. Many island businesses and residents donated unique items and experiences to the auction. Other altruistic Boca Grande residents provided sponsorships and donations.