Canine Parvo-Virus on the Rise in Lee County April 21, 2011

 

 Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) is urging all pet owners to vaccinate their dogs for parvo-virus.  The shelter has seen a rise in parvo cases among stray dogs and puppies in the community.  “The parvo-virus is highly contagious, expensive to treat, and often fatal despite treatment,” warns LCDAS veterinarian, Suzanne Vazzana.

Whitney Whitford, D.V.M. of Animal Medical Center of Lehigh and president of the Calusa Veterinary Medical Society urges owners with new puppies to see their veterinarian for vaccinations beginning at six to eight weeks of age with boosters given every three weeks until puppies are 16 weeks old.  Owners should continue to follow their veterinarian’s recommended schedule for vaccines to ensure protection against this deadly virus and limit their pet’s exposure to questionable areas.

Parvo-virus is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. It can be especially severe in puppies that are not protected by maternal antibodies or vaccination. The common signs are severe vomiting and diarrhea.  The virus can live in organic matter, such as soil, for over a year.  Victims of this virus die of dehydration as the virus attacks the intestinal lining. 

It is extremely important to animal shelters that the public vaccinate their pets, as these are the same pets that might end up at the shelter if they get lost.  LCDAS has taken a proactive role in the community and, as always, vaccinates all dogs entering the shelter against the parvo-virus. More information about proper pet care and a list of local veterinary, emergency, and low-cost clinics, is available at http://www.leelostpets.com.

Donate Blood – Eat for Free April 18, 2011

 

Sweet Tomatoes and theLeeMemorialBloodCenters are teaming up for a blood drive on Thursday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 14084 S. Tamiami Trail,Fort Myers.

All registered donors will receive a coupon for a FREE Sweet Tomatoes’ Meal (no expiration) and aBloodCentergift. 

All blood collected remains in the Lee Memorial Health System to serve your community. Lee Memorial Health System uses 500+ units of blood each week. With both The Children’s Hospital and the only trauma center within a 5-county area, the need for blood locally remains constant, and needs to be replenished daily. All blood types are currently needed.

The requirements to give blood are:

Age:                  At least 17 years old (16 with written parental consent) and in good   general health. There is no upper age limit.

Weight:              Minimum of 115 pounds.
Identification:   Must provide photo I.D. with date of birth.
Food:                 Eat a good meal before giving and drink plenty of fluids.

Medications:    Many medications such as insulin, blood pressure, thyroid, cholesterol, aspirin, antidepressants, and hormone replacement do not necessarily prevent someone from giving blood.

Call 239-343-2333 for more information.

EARTH DAY April 6, 2011

Earth Day started on April 22, 1970 as a way to bring environmental issues to the forefront.  Observance of this special day has spread throughout the world to encompass many different Earth Day celebrations.  In honor of our environment and continuing environmental education, Calusa will be holding a Family Fun Day on April 16^th from 10am-3pm to celebrate Earth Day!

Calusa would like to invite you to share this fun family day with us!  Come out and celebrate our Southwest Florida environment.  Come learn about the importance of renewable energy and the Lee County Solid Waste Resource Recovery Facility with Tom Mueller of Covanta Energy, create recycled crafts, participate in our garbage sculpture contest, learn important environmental lessons on our Eco-Trail Exploration, and enjoy a special day with one of Lee County’s oldest environmental educational facilities! 

Calusa is also excited to be holding a special viewing of the documentary Ghost Bird on this special day at 12:30pm.  The film is about the possible rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, the holy grail of bird watching and an animal that was thought to be extinct.  Dr. Jerome Jackson, a scientist whom was interviewed in the film and a woodpecker enthusiast, will be joining us before and after the viewing to answer any questions viewers may have about the film.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available at www.CalusaNature.org or by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store.  We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation

“Extreme Easter” April 6, 2011

Parkway Life Church

Telephone:     239-455-1534

Date:               Sunday, April 17th                 Time: 11:00AM-1:00PM

Location:        Golden Gate Community Center

                        4701 Golden Gate Parkway

                        Naples, Florida 34116

Event:             “Extreme Easter” (Community Outreach)

                        Come join us for a fun filled time for the whole family. We will      have an                                   Easter egg hunt, bounce houses, Ministry Fair, Worship Service, and Free                                 Food while supplies last.

                                   

Location:        Gate Community Center. Open to the community.

Cost:               No Charge

Telephone for information:    239-455-1534

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE!! March 31, 2011

The Fast & The Furriest Moved Back 1 Week to Thursday, April 7

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 31, 2011) –

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE: Due to inclementweather, “The John Marazzi Dealerships’ THE FAST & THE FURRIEST 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk

to Benefit the Gulf Coast Humane Society” has been

moved back to one week from today, atCoconut Point on Thursday evening, April 7, 2011.

———————————————————————————————————————

The event is expected to attract running enthusiasts and animal lovers from all “walks” of

life, and 100% of the proceeds will be used to provide care and find adoptive homes for the animals

at the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

“As the title sponsor for our inaugural The Fast & The Furriest, John Marazzi has

demonstrated once again his generous commitment to help our shelter pets,” says GCHS Executive

Director David Stroud. “This is going to be an exciting event at a prestigious venue. The dogfriendly

5K race and 1-mile walk is a fun, unique experience for the entire family and a great

fundraiser to support the dogs and cats at GCHS.”

The 5K race portion of the event will begin promptly at 6:30pm, with timing provided by 3D

Racing. There will be raffle prize drawings, live entertainment, and great food and drink specials

from sponsoring restaurants. Registration for runners and walkers, and sponsor information can be

found at

http://gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/events.the_fast_the_furriest.html.Established in 1947 as the original humane society in Southwest Florida, GCHS provides

humane care for abandoned and neglected animals through rescue, safe refuge, compassionate care,

and adoption into a loving, forever home. The Gulf Coast Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit

animal welfare organization that receives no federal, state, or county funding and no funding

from the Humane Society of the United States, and relies solely on donations, grants, bequests and

fundraising events to further its mission. GCHS is a no-kill shelter and does not euthanize any

animal for lack of space or length of time that they are in the shelter. GCHS also operates a fullservice

veterinary clinic open to the public six days a week.

The Gulf Coast Humane Society main adoption center is located at 2010 Arcadia Street in

Fort Myers. GCHS also has four off-site adoption locations at Pet Supermarkets in Cape Coral,

North Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples. For more information, call (239) 332-0364 or visit

www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org

 

WHERE I WILL BE THIS WEEKEND….. March 11, 2011

Saturday March 11, 2011

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Naples. Starts at 10:00 am.

Saturday March 11, 2011

2nd Annual Taste, Tunes and More

Marina Village Resort

5850 Sliver King Blvd., Cape Coral

2pm-4pm

First Annual NCH Charity Cycle Event to Benefit NCH Community Blood Center March 8, 2011

  

Join the NCH Volunteer Auxiliary for its first annual NCH Cycle for Life Charity Fun Ride on Sun March 13 in Naples, FL.  All proceeds will benefit the NCH Community Blood Center. The ride, for ages 14 and up, leaves from North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, and offers 10, 30 & 62 mile courses. The first set of riders will depart from the park at 7:30 a.m. All riders are required to wear a bike helmet. Rider rest stops are being sponsored by Costco and the Bike Route. Lunch and smoothies, will be provided after the ride courtesy of Costco and Planet Smoothie, and is included in the entry fee. Yoga and massages sessions will also take place after the ride.  

The first 250 registered riders will receive a premiere sport bag filled with goodies from Clif Bar DZ Nuts, Foot Solutions, and more.  Online pre-registration links can be found at www.givebloodcbc.org and entry fees range from $20 per adult or $45 for family of 3, 4, or 5 members. Day of event registration will be available starting at 6:45 am for just $5 more per category.  NCH Cycle for Life ride is made possible by Title Sponsor Bank of America, and Presenting Sponsors Costco and Arthrex and sponsors, Planet Smoothie, USA Cycling, Florida Cycling Magazine, Naples Pathways Coalition, The Bike Route, Naples Velo, DZ Nuts & Clif Bar.  

Cyclists can also help to raise additional funds to benefit the NCH Community Blood Center and win prizes for goals reached. Prizes include a Cannondale Bicycle, Electra Bicycles and Giro Sunglasses. Visit www.givebloodcbc.org for more details and website links.  

Your participation in the NCH Cycle for Life Charity fun Ride can help insure that safe and adequate blood supplies are always available for patients like critically ill newborn babies, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, patients requiring cardiac surgery, accident victims, or individuals with a wide range of medical illnesses.  

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TURN-N-BURN FOR MS March 4, 2011

 

Barrel Race for Multiple Sclerosis

Saturday, March 5th @ 6pm

Lee County Posse Arena at 17401 Palm Creek Drive in N. Fort Myers

turnnburn4ms@aol.com

This Saturday you can make a difference in the life of one young woman and help fund ongoing research to find a cure for MS. Join us for the Barrel Race for MS, either as an exhibitor or as a spectator. Either way, you’ll be supporting our efforts!

As an exhibitor, sign-up starts at 2pm with a $35 entry fee. The races start at 6pm. As a spectator, there’s a 50/50 raffle, bake sale, used tack sale and a silent auction with great items, including an autographed Styx guitar. Spectators, if you want to make a $5 donation at the gate, remember every dollar counts!  Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. We need your help.

Turn-N-Burn For MS is a non-profit organization that was started in 2008 because a very close friend Jamie DeMartino, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A group of her friends started this to honor her strength through the hard times. The mission is to let everyone who has this debilitating disease know that there is hope out there for a cure.

By showing up and participating in this event, your support and donations will get us one step closer to a brighter day!

2011 PIPER 5K March 3, 2011

2011 Piper 5K                       Saturday– 3/5/11

Donations Still Needed For Race   The following items remain on our checklist of donations needed for the race:  ICE Coolers   VOLUNTEERS  NEEDED FOR THE RACE   If you are unable to participate in the race but would still like to attend and help out, we are always in need of volunteers for the registration tables and water tables. Please contact Ed Ryan if you have the time to volunteer. Gateway Charter school students and parents, you can get volunteer hours toward the money you will owe at the end of the year if you volunteer at our race. Please contact the appropriate person at your school and meet me at the church at 7AM.      THE 2011 MUDDY BUDDY LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY.  Our next adventure race is April 16th at the Wide World of Sports in Orlando. The 2011 Muddy Buddy is an awesome experience and tons of fun.

The 2011 Piper 5K Race in Gateway.  Have You Registered?   Follow the 2011 Piper 5K Race FACEBOOK The 3.1 run and walk will be held on Saturday, March 5th at the Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church. This year’s race will be timed by Lin Mark Sports of Cape Coral using the B-Tag chip system. Results will be available immediately after the race and posted online later on race day. We will have bounce houses for the kids, a live band starting at 9AM and each runner will receive a ticket for food and a tote bag.     To register for the race, visit www.piperbuckley.com download a registration form and drop it off at Zervos hair Salon on Gateway Boulevard today or tomorrow. We WILL have race day registration starting at 7AM.      100 % of the money raised (after expenses) from the race are given back to kids in OUR community. The Piper Buckley foundation helps infants and young children in desperate need and many of you know all about the great work the N.I.C.U. at Healthpark does for premature babies. If you would like to donate to the Piper Buckley Foundation you can also make a donation – of any dollar amount – via our secure paypal account. And, as we found out with Yomar (the little boy who needed shoes and a high chair) every $10.00 counts. We raised nearly $1,500 in cash and 2 truckloads of clothing and other items for Yomar. Your donation is tax deductible. The Piper Buckley foundation is a registered 5013C. The paypal account is set up for $10.00 donations. If you’d like to donate more, simply enter the number of $10.00 donations you’d like to give. Ed Ryan edryan@fortmyersfitness.com

RELAY FOR LIFE February 28, 2011

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Naples 

Schedules Team Relay Party 

 

 

The American Cancer Society will hold a Team Relay Party for  the 2011 Relay For Life of Naples on Thursday, March 10, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Telford Center Auditorium at Naples Community Hospital, 350 7^th Street North. The event is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the event, sign up a team, meet other team captains, get fundraising ideas, or turn in funds raised.  Individuals who are cancer survivors or who are currently undergoing treatment are also welcome to attend. Team packets and other fundraising materials will be available. Committee members and American Cancer Society staff will be present to answer questions.  Food and refreshments will be served.   

The 2011 Relay For Life Celebration will take place at Gulfview Middle School on April 15-16 with the theme “Producing a Cure – Hollywood Movies.”  The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event in which teams of participants take turns walking the track overnight in an effort to fight cancer. Teams are formed from businesses, schools, clubs, families, friends, hospitals, churches and other service organizations.  

The Naples Relay is celebrating its 15^th year as a major fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. For over ten years it has been the number one Relay For Life out of 364 Relay events in the State of Florida, and is consistently among the top 15 Relay events nationwide in terms of fundraising. The 2010 Naples event raised over $525,000, which will be used towards cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.  

Not only is Relay about fundraising, but it’s about celebrating and remembering cancer survivors. About 400 survivors and caregivers were honored at the 2010 Relay when they walked together in the opening lap. Their spirit and determination inspires us all to find a cure!  

For more information, please contact the Naples office of the American Cancer Society at 239-261-0337 ext. 3860, or visit the Relay For Life of Naples website at www.relayforlife.org/naplesfl.  

 

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information about the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-ACS-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.cancer.org.