Too Marvelous for Words

Johnny Mercer

Join Florida Rep to Accentuate the Positive with a celebration of one of America’s favorite songwriters!

Called the “Songbird of Savannah,” Johnny Mercer helped defined a generation, with music made famous by Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and countless others.

Mercer penned some of the most-sung songs of the twentieth century, and you’ll fall in love with them all over again this spring.  » Read more

See “The Cove” in Fourth Annual Film Series at ‘Ding’

The Cove

“Ding” Darling’s second film of the season is “an act of heroism.”


‘The Cove’ film raises dolphin slaughter controversy at ‘Ding’ series

The controversial film “The Cove” continues the fourth annual “Ding” Darling Wednesday Film Series on Jan. 20, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center auditorium.

Academy Award winner for Best Documentary of 2009, the 96-minute film follows a group of activists as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a hidden cove in Taiji,  » Read more

Calusa Woodcarving

Calusa woodcarvers 1

Calusa Woodcarvers 2

Today, Tuesday, January 19, head to the grounds of The Mound House on Fort Myers Beach, where the Caloosa Carvers are scheduled to host woodcarving demonstrations from 9:30 a.m. – noon, featuring several replica artifacts from the Calusa culture.

Stay for the day and explore all that The Mound House has to offer! This unique archaeological and historical site located on Estero Bay is a one-of-a-kind museum that sits atop a 2,000 year old Calusa Island Shell Mound.  » Read more

Speaking of birds………… don payne

Don Payne's Goldfinch

From the cold north………. enjoy!

Bird in “pane”

I heard a noise
But nothing there
Looking out
‘ just snow, cold air

Glancing down
A finch in the snow
Hit the window
Landed below

He sat in a daze
Not moving his wings
His head, inside
Was hearing rings

I went outside
He didn’t move
Cradled in my hand
He seemed to approve

Once in the house
‘ looked right at home
Pooped on my finger
I said “shalom”

Back outside
He seemed alert
‘ couldn’t tell
He’d been hurt

He gave me a wink
And flew away
‘ twas a happy sight
It made my day!  » Read more

Refuge to Air Film Sneak Peek

Ding at desk

“Ding” Darling at work at the desk that is on display in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center.

Ding darling education center

Film show bill

Refuge to air film sneak peek

Another chapter in the Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling story will unfold on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at the free sneak preview of the film “Darling Is Back” in the “Ding” Darling Visitor &  » Read more

Taqueria Ole’!

Mexican feast 1

Mexican feast 2

It’s tradition at the Bryden casa! A Mexican feast is prepared and devoured by family and friends brought together through their many stays at Ocean’s Reach. A warm January evening of authentic fare, cantina inspired beverages and jovial conversation and catch-up is enjoyed by twenty.

The prep begins early morning in the condo kitchen, continuing until the first plate of tacos, enchiladas, rice and refried beans is loaded at 6 p.m.  » Read more

Our Weather Shell!

Don Payne's weather shell

Thanks to long-time guest Don Payne, we are now the proud owners of the world’s first “Weather Shell”!

Guests can now learn for themselves how to forecast the weather … Sanibel style!

 

Our Weather Shell will specify weather conditions with almost 100% accuracy when used correctly:

If the Shell is WET:   It is raining.  » Read more

Rain’s Impact on Nature, Culture

Cynthia Barnett

Cynthia Barnett

Rain, book jacket

‘Ding’ lecture looks at rain’s impact on nature, culture

Cynthia Barnett’s book “Rain: A Natural & Cultural History” begins four billion years ago with the torrents that filled the oceans, and builds to the storms of climate change. The author will present two programs beginning at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, in the free “Ding” Darling Visitor &  » Read more

Bird Talks

Bird and Wildlife Viewing 1

Bird and Wildlife Viewing 2

It’s all about the birds every Thursday night now through February at The Community House. Join local birders and enjoy eight dynamic presentations sponsored by the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society including “Bird and Wildlife Viewing at Lee County Conservation 20/20 Preserves” on January 14 at 7:30 p.m. We recommend you arrive early as this program series is a Sanibel bird-lover’s favorite!

Upcoming programs and descriptions:

January 14,  » Read more

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