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New research brings new hope during Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

In what researchers are calling “an enormous leap forward in the understanding of Parkinson’s disease,” a new tool has been discovered that can detect pathology in spinal fluid of people who have not yet been diagnosed or exhibited clinical symptoms of the disease but are at a high risk of developing it. 

The new research, published last week in the journal Lancet Neurology, describes the use of α-synuclein seeding amplification assay (αSyn-SAA), a technique to amplify then analyze clusters of the tiny protein that builds up in the brains of those with the disease. This new tool could open the door to early detection of abnormal alpha-synuclein – known as the “Parkinson’s protein.”

POLICE, FIRE, EMS NEWS

Firefighters responded to numerous calls so far in April: 31, to be exact The Boca Grande Fire Department responded to numerous calls so far this month, including the following: • 12 medical calls • 6 calls for service • 8 alarms • 1 active fire • 1 eletrical hazard • 1 watercraft in distress call […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Regarding 161/181 Gilchrist

To the Editor:  Regarding 161/181 Gilchrist Avenue:  As I said at the meeting, “When Mrs. Crowninshield’s hand-carved coral bench met its’ demise by a sledgehammer and was thrown in a dumpster, I feared this day would come,” the day when someone can come into the historic district with total disregard for the history, and for […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Coffee With a Scientist

This week Mote Marine Laboratories wrapped up its 2023 Coffee with a Scientist series of presentations at the Boca Grande Community Center. The series took deep dives, so to speak, into some of the research going on by Mote scientists. Through this series, audiences have had the  opportunity to hear from the scientists, themselves, about their work and its value to the betterment of the Gulf, and the rest of the world.

Cell tower update from Boca Grande Cell Tower Committee

The current providers of cellular services have begun the promised activities of sustaining service for Boca Grande.
Verizon has filed an initial permit in both Lee and Charlotte Counties for small cellular sites on the north end. Verizon is still attempting to locate another COW (Cell tower On Wheels) to supplement the service-deficient areas.
AT&T has responded by relocating their tower to the bike path and increasing its height. Users have reported improved connectivity and services. Also, diesel generators are being replaced with local electric services. AT&T is still trying to locate additional COWs for the service deficient areas on the island.

The ‘Tiny Tarpon Tamer’ has been taken from us

Elsie Bracken:  1933 – 2023 The one man who could tame Elsie Bracken, has done so. God took her on April 15, 2023, and probably had no idea what he was getting himself into. One perfect description was given by a friend of hers: “A jalapeno frosted in fondant.”  If the word “feisty” belittles her, […]

BGHPB hosts special presentation at monthly meeting about proposal to demo two Gilchrist structures

One of the biggest bones of contention, however, was not either of those things, but rather something that sits on the property of the big house. The Whispering Bench, created by Louise du Pont Crowninshield in the early 1900s, sits next to The Promenade and has been recognized by some as one of the last vestiges of the original Crowninshield property that once stood there, aside from the home next door that was Frank Crowninshield’s art studio and the pool and pool house at the corner of 1st Street and Gilchrist. 

What exactly is the ‘Whispering Bench?

There’s a lot of speculation about a structural “folly” along The Promenade, located behind 161 Gilchrist Ave., called “The Whispering Bench,” or “Whispering Circle.” It was part of the large Crowninshield compound that was once located along Gilchrist Avenue, which included the Frank Crowninshield art studio – located next door to the south – as well as Las Olas, horse stables and the swimming pool and pool house at 1st and Gilchrist. Most of the homes located on Gilchrist were once owned by the du Pont/Crowninshield families, in fact. They were all built around the same time as well, in the 1920s and ’30s.

Eat the food, hear the message

Friends of Boca Grande invited Bren Smith to share stories from his book, “Eat Like a Fish,” detailing his bold vision for the future at the Community Center on Wednesday, April 19 at 4:30 p.m. Bren will show how we can transform current agriculture models while enjoying delicious, nutritious, locally grown food, not to mention how restorative ocean farming could create millions of jobs and protect our planet from the causes and effects of climate change. To learn about Bren Smith in advance of his lecture, please plan to join him the night before for a kelp inspired seafood dinner prepared by the chefs at the Eagle Grille on Tuesday, April 18, 5:30 p.m.