Thomas Eastwood, retired Department of Defense agent, will talk about U.S spies from 1977 to the present. Who were they? Why did they do it? The program will provide insight as to how these spies got caught and will talk about possible spies who are still in operation. Mr. Eastwood’s discussion will include declassified but little known information on these spies and their potential impact on U.S. security.

Thomas Eastwood began his law enforcement career with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms before transferring as a special agent to the Department of Defense (DoD). He was the youngest DoD regional director in the agency’s history. Mr. Eastwood was responsible for developing interrogation techniques now used by most US agencies. He taught at the Defense Security Institute in Virginia and retired as the Director of the IRS Michigan District. Mr. Eastwood has worked joint investigations with the CIA, DEA, FBI and IRS. Prior to his 27 years in law enforcement, he was a psychologist.

To register for this program, please contact the Renaissance Academy at 239-434-4737 or register on-line at www.RegisterRA.fgcu.edu. Pre-registration is required.

Future programs sponsored by the Renaissance Academy and held at the Marco Island Historical Society include: The Essential Abraham Lincoln (March 22) and The Emerging Cuba (April 5). Contact the Renaissance Academy for details on these and many other educational and interesting programs.

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The Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosted more than 700 members at the organization’s annual meeting held on Jan. 17 at Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. In addition to board elections and the Board of Directors’ annual report to members, the meeting featured keynote speaker Fabien Cousteau, an ocean explorer, environmental activist, filmmaker and grandson of world-renown ocean explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau. In addition to sharing highlights of his family’s underwater adventures, Fabien Cousteau spoke to members about his recently launched “Plant-A-Fish Initiative” aimed at promoting mangrove restoration.

“If we invest in nature, nature will invest in us,” said Cousteau to attendees.

“Carrying on his family’s legacy, Cousteau brings an inspiring message of the importance that environmental stewardship to the health and future of our land, water and wildlife,” said Conservancy President Andrew McElwaine. “His story resonates with our members and challenges each of us to do more to protect our planet for generations to come. We invite our members to take this message to the community and encourage their neighbors, friends and colleagues to join us.”

With more than 4,000 members, the Conservancy relies on its member dollars to help support the day-to-day financial operations.

“Our members are the backbone of the organization,” says Jack Hannings, Director of Membership and Annual Giving for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “In addition to providing operational funding, our membership base gives us strength to support our public policy efforts and is our conduit to educating the community on the critical needs of Southwest Florida’s environment.”

While highlighting the role of Conservancy members, McElwaine and outgoing board chair Dolph von Arx also recognized outgoing board members Edie Andrews, Jenny Cheng, Maureen Lerner, Kermit Sutton and Eva Sugden Gomez with service awards. In addition, Conservancy Co-Director of Environmental Science Dave Addison was honored with a retirement award and Nick Batos, former Chairman of The Brooks Concerned Citizens with a leadership award for mobilizing the community to protect critical wetlands from development. A highlight of the awards ceremony came as McElwaine presented outgoing chair von Arx with a Yogi Berra baseball, signed by Berra with his infamous quote: “when you come to a fork in the road, you take it.”

“Throughout his tenure as board chair and throughout the Conservancy ‘Saving Southwest Florida’ Capital Campaign, when Dolph von Arx came to a fork in the road, he kept the destination in focus and led the way for the Conservancy, board and members to exceed our highest goals,” said McElwaine. “We are grateful for his unwavering dedication, leadership and support.”

Also during the annual meeting, new board members were welcomed and will serve a four-year term. They include Wilson Bradshaw, president of Florida Gulf Coast University; Dennis C. Brown, co-managing regional office attorney for Bond, Schoeneck & King; Jane Pearsall, a former Conservancy Capital Campaign cabinet member; Anne Drackett Thomas, retired senior manager of Proctor and Gamble; Jay Tompkins, a retired former partner at Columbia-Naples Capital LCC; and Nancy White, a former legislative assistant and a licensed real estate associate. In addition to welcoming the incoming board members, Robert L. Heidrick, was elected chair of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida board of directors. Having recently retired as an active partner of Spencer Stuart, Heidrick continues to serve as an adviser to the firm, focusing on the client relationships. He was vice Chairman and managing director of Spencer Stuart’s Global Industrial Practice, which accounted for over 20 percent of the firm’s revenues. At the same time, he was responsible for senior-level executive search engagement and dedicated more than half of his time to conducting assignments for the firm’s Board Services Practice. Heidrick received the McGinley Award in 2007, given annually to the partner who exemplified the spirit of the firm by delivering the highest level of service.

“Bob brings years of global corporate expertise and heartfelt passion for the Conservancy mission to the board’s leadership,” says McElwaine. “We are pleased to welcome him to the role of board chair. Under Bob’s leadership, we’ll introduce the nation’s premier new Nature Center and explore new opportunities to enhance education and impact policy changes that will benefit Southwest Florida for generations to come.”

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay. The Conservancy is a not-for-profit grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region with a mission to protect the region’s water, land and wildlife. This is accomplished through the combined efforts of environmental education, science and research, policy and advocacy and wildlife rehabilitation. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half of them back into their native habitats. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Nature Center is located in Naples, Fla. at 1450 Merrihue Dr., off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14^th Avenue North. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit www.conservancy.org

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Bill has had a full life. The father of two children, blessed with two grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Bill served in the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1943-1946, and saw action in the European Theater of Operations in England, France and Belgium as well as the Battle of the Bulge in December 1945. Bill is a recipient of the French Foreign Legion Medal of Honor for participation in the Libration of France.

For the past 30 years, Bill works out in a gym three days a week doing cardio and strength training. He credits volunteering, working out, and enjoying life as the secret to his longevity. Happy 100th Birthday, Bill.

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Commissioner Henning said the loss of jobs to our community would be hard felt.

“The U.S. Postal Service has said there is a potential of losing 400 jobs in the Southwest Florida area. That would take a significant toll, not only to the lives of the workers and their families but also to our economy,” said Commissioner Henning. “We are trying to find ways to get more jobs in Collier County and all of Southwest Florida to boost our economy. The Fort Myers Processing and Distribution Center needs to remain open and active for the good of the community,” concluded Henning.

The Fort Myers facility serves Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. The Board of County Commissioners plans to send a letter to the Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C., to advocate Collier County’s position to Congress as they continue to develop a plan to restore the financially challenged Postal Service.

The U.S. Postal Service has agreed to hold off closing mail facilities and post offices until May 15, 2012. A series of discussions between Postal Service officials and some U.S. Senators has given legislators time to craft a legislative solution during the moratorium.

The closing of the Fort Myers facility will greatly affect businesses in Collier County that depend on delivery of overnight goods. The Fort Myers’ facility sorts mail and packages from as far away as the communities of Marco Island, Immokalee and Port Charlotte – results in a total loss of wages (direct and indirect) of $40 million according to Florida Gulf Coast University.

For more information, contact Commissioner Tom Henning at (239) 252-8097.

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“YOU HAVE ME CONFUSED WITH AN OLD PERSON: TOPICS AND TIPS FOR HEALTHY AGING IN YOUR ISLAND HOME

Join Linda Cramer, President of the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association and National Association of Care Managers Fellow, for a lively presentation and discussion about how to maintain the active lifestyle you love. Learn about physical, social, and emotional changes associated with increased age, how to manage them, and the resources available to live where you want to live for as long as you desire.

Linda Cramer will be presenting on Thursday, February 2^nd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. Reservations are suggested please call 239-389-8008. This special presentation is free and open to the public.

BIOGRAPHY of Linda Cramer, MHA, CMC, Director of Client Services

Linda Cramer has worked in the healthcare field for more than 30 years. She began her career as a hospital social worker in Portland, Oregon and later became the Associate Director of Social Work at Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Linda developed innovative hospital and community programs to assist older adults and served on many boards in Portland that focused on aging.

In 1995, Linda moved to Naples, Florida where she joined a national care management corporation as a care manager. She later became the regional manager serving Southwest Florida. In 1998 Linda and her business partner, Jill Summerscales, co-founded Parent Care, a successful geriatric care management company in Naples. In 2009 Parent Care merged with Senior Bridge a national care management and home care company. It is currently the largest care management company in South Florida.

Linda has a Masters degree in Hospital and Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology, and Advanced Professional Status as a Fellow from the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. She is the current President of the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association and is a Certified Care Manager. In 2010 Linda was recognized by her peers as Care Manager of the year in the Florida district. She is a skillful speaker and has presented educational seminars about aging issues for families as well as professionals in the fields of aging, finance, law, and law enforcement.

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“While our preference is generally organic growth, we have used strategic mergers to grow throughout our history when the timing and pricing are right and, most importantly, when there is a strong cultural fit and clear path for integration,” said Raymond James CEO Paul C. Reilly.

“This merger reflects those tenets. Morgan Keegan private client and capital markets professionals are well-respected in the industry for their capabilities and client-service orientation. Bringing them to Raymond James and working with their excellent management teams represents a major step toward achieving our vision of being the premier alternative to Wall Street.”

The combined businesses of Raymond James and Morgan Keegan will create one of the country’s largest full-service wealth management and investment banking firms not headquartered on Wall Street.

“Given the associated assets and scale, this acquisition creates significant future earnings power,” added Reilly.

Key acquisition highlights include:

• · Morgan Keegan, with an anticipated $700 million tangible book value at closing, has demonstrated stability and profitability across economic and market cycles.
• · The addition of Morgan Keegan’s more than 1,000 private client financial advisors increases Raymond James’ advisor count to more than 6,000, bringing meaningful additional scale to Raymond James’ already robust platform and representing one of the largest retail franchises in North America. Together, the firm expects its financial planning, high-net-worth and retail front-end support systems to drive greater financial advisor productivity.
• · The combined fixed income units bring together complementary products, services and client relationships to forge an even more formidable Fixed Income Capital Markets department. Bulwarked by Morgan Keegan’s outstanding Public Finance group, the merged firm’s advisory and underwriting fixed income practice offers an impressive origination capability to serve municipal and taxable issuers, and rise to a combined league table ranking of eighth.
• · The addition of Morgan Keegan equity capital markets professionals will further strengthen Raymond James’ award-winning equity research and investment banking platform.

“I have known and respected Allen Morgan, as well as succeeding members of Morgan Keegan’s management, for over four decades,” offered Executive Chairman Thomas A. James. “Raymond James and Morgan Keegan share many of the same values, including a commitment to put the interests of our individual, corporate and governmental clients first. We share the same family environment and I look forward to joining our two families to provide even better service to our clients through an expanded list of products and advisory services.”

Raymond James and Regions will maintain a strategic referral relationship and are committed to continuing the high level of client service to which Morgan Keegan clients are accustomed, including working together to ensure a seamless transition.

As part of the merger, Morgan Keegan CEO John Carson will join Raymond James Financial as president and will oversee Fixed Income and Public Finance. Other senior leaders from Morgan Keegan will be joining the firm in roles to be determined.

“We are excited to be joining Raymond James. I see it as a firm that provides the resources of a major Wall Street firm while maintaining the client-first culture of a regional,” noted Carson. “I am confident the expanded services and deep expertise at Raymond James will benefit our clients and allow us to continue providing the highest levels of service.”

“Raymond James is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012,” Reilly continued. “This merger represents an investment for the future, building on our strong heritage through disciplined growth that will allow us to continue to compete in an increasingly challenging marketplace and, as always, provide the best possible service to advisors and clients.”

The firm is committed to maintaining a large presence in Memphis, Tenn., where it has had retail and institutional offices for years prior to merging with Morgan Keegan, which is based in the city. Raymond James’ Fixed Income and Public Finance businesses will be centered in Memphis, and the firm intends to continue to operate a regional support center there.

Raymond James was advised by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and represented by Morrison & Foerster LLP. The transaction is expected to close on or about March 30, 2012, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

The company will conduct a conference call for investors and analysts January 12, at 8:15 a.m. ET. Visit raymondjames.com/presentations for live audio and access to the presentation slides. The subjects to be covered may include forward-looking information. Questions may be posed to management by participants on the analyst call-in line, and in response the company may disclose additional material information.

About Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Raymond James Financial (NYSE-RJF) is a Florida-based diversified holding company providing financial services to individuals, corporations and municipalities through its subsidiary companies. Its three principal wholly owned broker/dealers, Raymond James & Associates, Raymond James Financial Services and Raymond James Ltd. have approximately 5,400 financial advisors serving 2 million accounts in 2,400 locations throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. In addition, total client assets are approximately $268 billion, of which approximately $35 billion are managed by the firm’s asset management subsidiaries.

To the extent that Raymond James makes or publishes forward-looking statements (regarding management expectations, strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated expense savings, financial results, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory proceedings, and other similar matters), a variety of factors, many of which are beyond Raymond James’ control, could cause actual results and experiences to differ materially from the expectations and objectives expressed in these statements. These factors are described in Raymond James’ 2011 annual report on Form 10-K, which is available on RAYMONDJAMES.COM and SEC.GOV.

In addition to those factors, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking or historical performance: the possibility that regulatory and other approvals and conditions to the transaction are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the possibility that modifications to the terms of the transaction may be required to obtain or satisfy such approvals or conditions; changes in the anticipated timing for closing the transaction; difficulty integrating Raymond James’ and Morgan Keegan’s businesses or realizing the projected benefits of the transaction; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in the capital markets; and diversion of management time on transaction related issues.

For more information, please contact Steve Hollister at 727-567-2824.
Please visit the Raymond James Press Center at raymondjames.com/media.

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The Festival will feature local high school marching bands, drummers, singers and dance performers from our diverse communities; an arts and crafts area, as well as a Fine Art gallery and several multi-cultural heritage exhibits.

Local restaurants will provide a vast array of multi-cultural food samples for a small fee, and for the fifth consecutive year, the “Parade of Nations” will be the event’s highlight, highlighting clothing and fashions from around the world, providing historical information regarding the clothes worn in different countries.

Now in its fifth year, the Diversity Festival is an outreach of the Hodges University Diversity Committee, chaired by Gail Williams, Chief Diversity Director and Director of Student Accounts at Hodges University. The Committee strives to increase awareness of cultural diversity among Hodges University students, faculty, and staff, and creates opportunities for diversity education and dialogue among members of the Hodges community.

“The theme for the 2012 Festival is ‘Embrace Diversity, Empower Our World,’” said Williams. “It reflects our commitment to the Hodges University Diversity Initiative, which is a comprehensive, campus-wide endeavor devoted to enhancing and promoting diversity and inclusion at Hodges University via the development and implementation of school-wide programs related to diversity.

“Our major focus is to build bridges to the larger community and to work with groups to bring a wider and more highlighted focus to the experience of diversity and inclusion. Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common, and we celebrate it every day. The festival is an excellent way we at Hodges can create a space for members of the public to celebrate diversity with us.”

Sugden Regional Park offers many amenities for guests to enjoy during the festival, including a beach open to swimming, an open play area, a sand volleyball court, a 60-mile lake with two fishing piers, paddleboats, kayaks and more. Sugden Regional Park is located at 4284 Avalon Dr., Naples.

For more information on the Diversity Festival or the HU Diversity Committee, please contact Gail Williams at (239) 598-6135 or gwilliams@hodges.edu

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Now we have a new name which describes our mission better: Collier Association for the Visually Handicapped, or CAVI. The reason is that the county never had anything to do with our organization and it was misleading people to include their name in ours.

CAVI meets twice a month at the Golden Gate Community Center on the second and fourth Mondays at 1:00 P.M. Our meetings normally feature interesting programs and speakers, and we also celebrate with an annual picnic and some luncheons during the year. We strive to have programs which will enhance the life of the blind or visually impaired, providing support and information for them. There is even a bowling team which meets occasionally.

As a service project, with the help of Delta Gamma we assumed the responsibility for the semi-annual bingo for senior citizens which was formerly run by the county library. We also publish a resource guide for people with visual problems of any kind.

If you have any interest in our group, please call the president Carolyn McMahon at 239-774-9393. We are anxious to add new members to our roster and need volunteers as well. Most of us do not drive, and a person who can do so would be welcomed with enthusiasm.

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Beginning on January 22, customers will spend a penny more to mail letters to any location in the United States, the first price change for First-Class Mail stamps (Forever stamps) since May 2009.  The new 45-cent price for Forever stamps is among price changes filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission.

Highlights of the new single-piece First-Class Mail pricing, effective January 22 include:

• Letters (1 oz.) – 1-cent increase to 45 cents
• Letters additional ounces – unchanged at 20 cents
• Postcards – 3-cent increase to 32 cents
• Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.) – 5-cent increase to 85 cents.
• Letters to other international destinations – 7-cent increase to $1.05

Prices also will change for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services.Express Mail and Priority Mail prices will remain the same. While actual percentage price changes for various products and services vary, the overall average increase across all mailing services is capped by law at 2.1 percent, the rate of inflation calculated based on the Consumer Price Index.

USPS receives no government support.  Its sole revenues come from the sale of stamps and related products.

For more information about purchasing stamps, stamps by mail, postal regulations, a free subscription to USA Philatelic magazine, Post Office events, the location of the nearest postal store or contract unit, or for answers to your specific Postal Service questions, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777, or visit www.usps.com.

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Renee Taylor, and Joseph Bologna

Presented by Centennial Bank

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

The Island Players announces Centennial Bank is presenting sponsor for their production of I’m Herbert…and Other Strangers.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at Centennial Bank / 615 Elkcam Circle, or at the Marco Island Historical Society Gift Shop / 180 S. Heathwood. Online tickets are available at theateronmarco.com.

Tickets are $18. The February 3rd Opening Night tickets includes the “Meet the Cast” Opening Night party following the performance.

 The Island Players’ production of I’m Herbert…and Other Strangers, is collection of five distinct views of love & family relationships at various stages in life.

February is about love and “love is in the air”…or is it? It’s the baby-boomer generation and a decade when society’s traditional beliefs on war, religion, politics, sexual moves, etc. were questioned. The struggle between a “traditional” upbringing and the more “modern” ideas of the decade is mirrored in a series of intelligent, insightful, frank, and surprisingly balanced “debates” between our principal characters. The net result is a very witty, and sometimes poignant look at relationships featuring a very talented cast of actors capable of expressing the comic and dramatic elements of this play with equal dexterity. You will laugh with them and relate to them, but most of all, you will love them.

We hope you will not only be entertained by this production but come along with us on our trip back to the 60’s and 70’s.

The Island Players’ production of I’m Herbert and Other Strangers is directed by Richard E. Joyce. It will run for ten shows over three weekends beginning, February 3rd until February 18th.

Evening performances begin at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 pm.

The Island Players has many exciting shows planned. Additional information on I’m Herbert…and Other Strangers and future shows or auditions visit www.theateronmarco.com or call 239-394-0080.

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The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center will reopen to the public sometime in the second quarter of 2012, once the Allyn Family Docks are completed for electric boat cruises and the Dalton Discovery Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are opened.

Then, throughout 2012, various elements of the new Conservancy Nature Center will be opening in phases, leading up to a Grand Reopening Celebration in January 2013.

Please visit www.conservancy.org for updates on specific dates, leading up to a grand re-opening celebration in January, 2013.

Once completed, the 21-acre Conservancy Nature Center will contain a new entrance off Goodlette-Frank Road (Smith Preserve Way,) the Dalton Discovery Center, von Arx Wildlife Hospital with nursery viewing and classroom areas, Ferguson Interactive Learning Lab, Eva Sugden Gomez Environmental Planning Center, Eaton Conservation Hall with the Jeannie Meg Smith Theater, the Allyn Family Dock, the Shotwell Wavering Filter Marsh and the Lutgert Commons Deck – all of which will follow sustainable building practices.

Guests are asked to call (239.262-0304) or check www.conservancy.org for opening dates, hours of operation, status of activities and admission pricing. Wildlife Clinic drop off and administrative offices are open as usual.

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Naples Orchid Society’s 50^th Year

Thursday February 2, 2012

5:30-9:00PM

Moorings Presbyterian Church • 791 Harbour Drive, Naples

Program by Michael Coronado, RF Orchids, Homestead, FL

Dinner catered by Wynn’s Catering

Silent Auction to benefit Audubon Corkscrew Swamp

Sanctuary’s education program (credit cards accepted)

Tickets-$25 per NOS member, $35 per non-member

wine tickets available at event- two glasses/$10

Paid registrations required by January 30, 2012

For more information go to www.NaplesOrchidSociety.org or phone 239-304-6604

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Gerry Rosenblum

The Marco Island Area Association of Realtors is very happy to report that 887 Homes, Lots and Condos sold in 2011 representing a 21.5% increase from the 730 sold in 2010. The average sale price moved up 1.45% from $501,000 to $508,000 while the average days on market decreased. The total inventory of Homes, Lots and Condos currently for sale stands at 1,307 compared to 1,621 in 2010. With demand up and the supply shrinking, competition for property should rise.

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February 15, March 15, April 12 and May 17

Wine, compliments of Clive Daniel Home, will be served beginning at 4:30 p.m.

All presentations begin at 5:15.

Shakespeare in Paradise, Southwest Florida’s newest theater company, will present a lively lecture series at Clive Daniel Home throughout the winter season, and it’s free to the public. The series, beginning February 15, will include scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, as well as readings and discussions, led by Shakespearean actor/ producer/ director John McKerrow, founder of Shakespeare in Paradise.

Wednesday, February 15 will be all about love, with readings and discussion of Shakespeare’s most romantic sonnets.

On Thursday, March 15, there will be a sneak peek at A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with scenes from the company’s upcoming production on March 22.

On Thursday, April 12, the program will include scenes and readings from Hamlet.

On Thursday, May 17, Shakespeare in Paradise will present some of The Bard’s most inspirational speeches, From the King’s Monologue in Henry V to Portia’s Monologue in The Merchant of Venice, including performance, readings and discussion.

Clive Daniel Home is committed to community support, with a special interest in the visual and performing arts. According to president and CEO Daniel Lubner, the upcoming season will be filled with lively events for the pleasure of their customers, and to support worthy causes. Since opening last November, the company has already hosted events for the Humane Society, the Collier County Education Foundation, Laces of Love, with upcoming events to benefit Hope for Haiti and the Shelter for Abused Women and Children, among others.

Shakespeare In Paradise was named Best New Theater in 2011. In addition to performances at public and private venues throughout Southwest Florida, the company performs on stage at Barron Collier High School.

For more information about the Clive Daniel Home Shakespeare series, call 239-261-4663.

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