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SANCAP CHAMBER
Elizabeth Hargrave
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Tori Helm
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Tess Hogan
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Michael Scurti
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Samy Ventura
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SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL
Emily Pipkin
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REFUGE/DDWS
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DOC FORD’S RUM BAR & GRILLE
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Fort Myers Beach team members.
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CHAMBER TO HOST BUSINESS LUNCHEON
The SanCap Chamber will hold its business luncheon meeting on Dec. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel.
A guest panel from Avalon Hill games — a division of Hasbro — will introduce “Sanibel,” a new shelling-themed, tile-placement board game for ages 10 and older. Involved in the development process, the five panel members will offer a sneak peek of the game before it hits shelves in January. Sanibel artist and entrepreneur Rachel Pierce will moderate the discussion.
Elizabeth Hargrave is the award-winning designer of Wingspan, Undergrove, Tussie Mussie and now “Sanibel.” Her games are often inspired by a love of nature and desire to show people cool things in the world.
Tori Helm, manager of global consumer marketing, is passionate about building brands that resonate on a human level by crafting marketing that feels authentic, meaningful and connected to consumers. She holds 17 years of experience across the toys, games and travel industries.
Narrative designer and game writer Tess Hogan dreams up the worlds and words for board games.
Michael Scurti took the position of global brand and product manager last year. He works closely with the creative, narrative, design and marketing teams to bring new games from concept to game store.
Samy Ventura is the award-winning, multi-dispensary creative director on the brand development team. She has over 15 years of experience in the toy and game industry, focusing on brand, package and event design.
Bank of the Islands is sponsoring the luncheon.
The cost is $35 for attendees.
Registration is required by Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759. Payment is due at the time of registration.
SANIBEL SEA SCHOOL WELCOMES EDUCATOR
The Sanibel Sea School welcomed a new marine science educator.
Emily Pipkin recently joined the team of five year-round educators, taking on a role in educating children and adults about the importance of loving and caring for the oceans. She has been assisting in the Homeschool at Sea and after-school programs.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Pipkin developed a strong passion for animals at a young age. Growing up, she spent summers at the beach and was always fascinated by the ocean and its creatures. As she got older, Pipkin became particularly interested in the role of sharks as apex predators and their importance in ocean conservation.
She graduated from the University of San Diego, where she majored in environmental and ocean sciences and minored in sociology. Pipkin also received her Open Water Scuba Certification (PADI) while studying abroad in New Zealand.
After college, she moved to Fort Myers, where she worked as a STEM educator in various non-traditional settings.
COUNTY BOARD SELECTS OFFICERS
On Nov. 18, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners selected District 2 Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass to serve as chairman for the coming year and District 3 Commissioner David Mulicka to serve as vice chairman.
The board selects a chairman annually on the third Tuesday in November from among the commissioners. Pendergrass previously served as vice chairman.
Pendergrass was first elected to the board in 2012. Mulicka was elected in 2024.
For biographies of the commissioners, visit www.leegov.com/bocc.
SAN CAP BANK TO SERVE AS SPONSOR
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is a sponsor for the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club 8th Annual Christmas Tree Festival & Auction on Dec. 12-13 at the Margaritaville Beach Resort, at 251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach.
Local nonprofits were invited to create a tree or wreath to be auctioned off during a two-day silent auction, with the proceeds to benefit area nonprofit organizations.
Additional funds raised will be distributed amongst the participating nonprofits.
It also includes kickoff and VIP events, a bake sale, holiday vendor market and chili-tasting contest.
For tickets or more information, visit fmb-wc.org/index.php/holiday-raffle-2025.
DDWS STAFF VOLUNTEER AT SOUP KITCHEN
In the holiday spirit of giving, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) recently volunteered their hours to Community Cooperative’s soup kitchen in Fort Myers.
Philanthropic Director Jeff Decker, Events, Marketing, and Grants Manager Angeli Chin, and Business Office Manager Joy Robertson pitched in for local citizens suffering from food insecurity. DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman and interns Kyra Sadat Ruben and Aria Katsaris volunteered on Nov. 25.
They helped prepare groceries for delivery, prepared meals to cook and serve, and helped with clean up.
DOC FORD’S STAFF VOLUNTEER TO DECORATE
Team members from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach recently volunteered their time to decorate Lakes Park in Fort Myers for the holidays.
They helped transform the miniature train ride into the Holiday Express, creating a milelong winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday decorations.
It is the third year that staff have volunteered for holiday decorating at Lakes Park.
From Dec. 12-30, the public can embark on a festive journey for a ride on the Holiday Express. The Train Village route transforms into a dazzling display with holiday decorations and lighting for enchanting nighttime rides.
Admission $6 for ages 6 and up; parking fee is $1 per hour or $5 per day.
For more information, visit www.leeparks.org/lakespark or call 239-533-7578.
Lakes Park is at 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers.