Spread Joy Throughout the World

 

Oxfam International

While "Less is More" seems to be the carol this season, not "Deck the Halls" it's still important to remember those with greater need than ours. There are many simple ways to give;
ways that do make a difference. A small contribution can make a global impact if you view it as part of a collective effort. So, whether you'll be home for the holidays, roughing it on the road or globe trotting, here are some simple global gift ideas.

• Volunteer at your time at a local charity or school
• Spring clean now and donate to AmVets or Goodwill
• Panera Bread doesn't accept tips for service. Their "tip"  box donations go to local charities
• Still have things sitting in the boxes from last year that a child or a senior might enjoy? Bring an unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots or to a place like Perkins Restaurants for a senior citizen
• There are the Salvation Army kettles everywhere
• Round up purchases to the next $ for charity at stores like JCPenny 
• Buy a global gifts to help others sustain a living from organizations like Oxfam International. Who knew manure was a gift? But it is, for $12.
• Make a donation in memory of a deceased family member or friend. A personalized bereavement card will be sent to the bereaved family to an organization like Red Cross
• Think you have nothing to give, think again, donating blood or becoming an organ donor is an enormous gift!
• Donate your time to a local shelter, a community garden or a place like some of my favorites ECHO's Global Farm in Fort Myers, FL

There are so many ways to spread hope this season.

From my family to you -
Wishing you a safe, blessed & joyous season!

ECHO's Global Farm

 

Amvets Donations

Panera Bread Donation Boxes

Donation Centers

Toys For Tots

The Salvation Army

Downtown Fort Myers Coming Into Focus

Firestone Restaurant

Strolling the River Basin - Firestone and Sky Bar

It's About Time!

Not so very long ago I would have said, This town was a total sleeper, but recently it has begun to stir. For years downtown Fort Myers, Florida had the right ingredients for a popular night spot but, for some indiscernible reason it remained a dud. Walking through the streets on any weekend night I'd think, "Where are all the people? This place has so much potential - art, shops, restaurants, parks and even a top notch theatre. So trajic!" Well, not anymore! Perhaps, it just needed an infusion of new life. 

Lush Bakery

Twisted Vine Bistro

The city of Ft. Myers recently finished a new Riverfront Basin along the Caloosahatchee River downtown. By replacing an ugly parking lot with a beautiful water feature it gave the area a face lift. The basins serves an important function - filtering waste water before it goes into the Caloosahatchee, but you'd never know it from the looks of it. Adorned with fountains and a strolling path it's actually quite attractive. But more important, I think, is Fort Myers is capitalizing more on its heritage and developed a very distinct identity. With wonderful additions like the Firestone and Ford's Garage (same owners), a uniqueness no other community can claim is being reemphasized. Besides their distinct characterization these restaurants are very worthy additions. The burgers and brew at Ford's Garage are delicious (delicious enough to make you forget about the antique car horn) and the Firestone offers more elegant dining and a river view bar on the rooftop called the Sky Bar. There are others equally deserving of mention like Twisted Vine Bistro and Spirits of Bacchus for great wine and Lush French Bakery and cafe for macaroons.
Perhaps all along, downtown Fort Myers just needed a personality adjustment.

Art Walk Night Out

Art and Culture

Now I'd say, It reminds me a little of Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. The same charming character with great restaurants and shopping, with one added advantage - Florida Repertory Theatre.* Here you can have a night out that includes dinner, a stroll and a play. Which is exactly what we did last night. Unfortunately after the champagne at The Rep. and a truly delightful performance of "My Three Angels", the gourmet burger and wine at Ford's Garage, we had no room for Macaroons or desert of any kind. I guess we'll just have to go back! Judging by Art Walk last night, it seems an abundance of people have the same idea. It's about time!

*Florida Rep has been hailed as "Profoundly Satisfying" by The Wall Street Journal

River Basin