The Literature Forum’s February session featured an animated discussion of Isabel Allende’s “A Long Petal of the Sea,” with presenter Simonetta Balzer providing an excellent analysis of both the book and the author.
The Forum’s upcoming meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 3 in the Houghton Room of the Community Center.

Plexiglass has gotten a lot more use in the last two years than ever before thanks to COVID, but now you see more and more of it being discarded. Local artist Gail Cleveland found some pieces that were headed to the dump and took advantage of a true artistic – and recyclable – moment. Using an old art form with a new twist, she is painting with acrylic on the polymer sheets … and saving the universe and the environment a little bit of grief as well.

When asked where she sleeps, Iltica points to the ground in Périgny, Haiti, not far from the dilapidated home that was destroyed by a devastating earthquake last August. For Iltica and other families in Périgny, their hopes for sturdy homes are about to be realized.
Construction is scheduled to begin within the next week on the first 20 of those new homes, thanks to the perseverance and dedication of Boca Grande and Miami Valley Hope For Haitians, which has raised funds to build 41 of the 50 homes and a community center that are planned in Périgny.
Longtime Hope For Haitians Committee Chairpersons Ben and Louise Scott, natives of Piqua, Ohio, and winter residents of Boca Grande, Fla., said Haiti needs help now more than ever.

The Strawberry Festival silent auction won’t be a quiet one for the winning bidder “syndicate” of a dinner for 24 that features the music of the local Grande Bande and a fabulous view of the Gulf of Mexico. The fun-filled evening is one of 12 special items offered at the festival on Saturday March 5 at the Boca Grande Community Center grounds.

The landscape of the Cape Haze Peninsula is guaranteed to be changing dramatically in the next few years, including the possibility of a project just off island that could enhance the county boat ramp.
In March of last year Commissioner Bill Truex suggested the possibility of purchasing land on Placida Road to create more parking for the county boat ramp, and to create a new place for kayak and canoe enthusiasts to launch their vessels.
At a workshop held on Tuesday morning, Feb. 17, Charlotte County commissioners discussed the details of a proposed project that includes the purchase of four lots directly across from the Boca Grande Causeway entrance on Placida Road. The commissioners’ general tone was optimistic about purchasing the property … the nagging question, though, was how the county would pay for them.

If you grew up in the 1940s, you have probably seen works by Frank Frazetta throughout your childhood without even knowing it. You might have seen his work in “Mad Magazine,” on movie posters from the 1950s and 60s, in numerous comic books or on the cover of Conan the Barbarian books of the time.
From his first artistic offering in the short-lived “Snowman” series done by Tally-ho Comics (he inked that comic but did not illustrate it) to his iconic “Death Dealer” work that was sold for well over $1 million, Frazetta lived and breathed art his entire life.

Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor but support about 25 percent of marine life. However, coral reefs worldwide are declining due to climate change, including increasing temperatures and ocean acidification, along with coral disease, pollution, overfishing and other stressors.
Florida’s Coral Reef, which stretches approximately 350 miles from the Dry Tortugas to the St. Lucie Inlet, provides more than an $8 billion economic impact, attracting visitors, protecting coastlines from major storms, and supporting diverse life, including fisheries.

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.

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.