Business Notes
Sanibel Sea School welcomes new team member
The Sanibel Sea School and The Ocean Tribe Paddlers recently welcomed Kealy McNeal to the organization’s team of marine science educators.
Her title at the Sanibel Sea School will be outdoor education coordinator, and she will also lead The Ocean Tribe Paddling Club.
Kealy grew up in Iowa and spent her childhood vacationing in Florida, where she fell in love with the ocean. She eventually attended the University of Tampa to study environmental and marine science.
After earning her degree, she worked for The Audubon Society, monitoring and protecting nesting shorebirds on beaches in Florida and Massachusetts, and educating beach-goers about them. An avid paddler, she considers environmental education to be one of her biggest passions in life.
RN Open Houses for Hope Healthcare
Registered nurses have two opportunities to attend an Open House Hiring Event for full- and part-time positions at Hope Healthcare’s HealthPark office, at 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers.
They are scheduled for Nov. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Applicants are asked to call 239-322-5320 to reserve an interview time and complete an online application before their interview at www.hopehcs.org/careers. No resume is required if the online application is submitted.
Walk-ins may be scheduled for interviews on a future date.
In addition to competitive salaries, Hope provides a comprehensive benefits package including educational assistance, generous paid time off, and a choice of three medical plans.
For assistance using the application system, call the Human Resources Department at 239-322-5320.
Business Notes
New Coastal Keepers advisory board member
Coastal Keepers welcomed Douglas Gould to the non-profit organization’s advisory board.
After graduating from Wittenberg University, Gould attended Vermont Law School, where he served as a note editor for the Vermont Law Review and co-founded the school’s Criminal Law Group and Trial Advisory Board.
In 1996, Gould went to work for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office in Norristown, Pennsylvania, where he served for nearly five years. He served on the Narcotics Enforcement Unit, Sex Crimes Unit and Major Crimes Unit. In 2001, Gould went to work for Pizonka, Reilly, Bello & McGrory in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, later becoming a partner.
In July, he successfully sat for part A and part B of the Florida Bar Exam. He hopes to use his personal and professional experience to aid Coastal Keepers with its goal of conserving the local estuary, while enhancing the island community.
Walters completes training program
Connie Walters, of VIP Realty Group, successfully completed the Spokesperson Issues Training program conducted by Florida Realtors at its headquarters in Orlando.
Designed to improve public speaking abilities, enhance communication with the media and increase awareness of the issues affecting Realtors, it was taught by Tom Morgan and Joan McCain, Orlando-based communications experts with extensive experience with print and electronic media news.
Florida Realtors provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 165,000 members in 55 boards/associations.
McQuagge joins Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Amy McQuagge recently joined Sanibel Captiva Community Bank as the new vice president and director of marketing.
She is responsible for providing direction, guidance and leadership in marketing efforts.
Most recently, McQuagge was the senior marketing and event manager for the Lee County Economic Development Office, spearheading all department marketing efforts and events, promoting department services for local expanding businesses and entrepreneurs, and attracting new business to the area.
From 2008-2015, she co-owned a full-service fundraising company specializing in exercise-based fundraising events, which raised nearly $1 million to benefit public and private schools in Lee and Collier counties.
McQuagge holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida Southern College.
Business Notes
Sanibel Recreation Center adds to Hall of Sponsors
Walker Plumbing has joined the Sanibel Recreation Center’s Hall of Sponsors as a new sponsor.
Proceeds from the purchase of the sponsor sign are applied to the center’s Financial Assistance Program. It assists families that financially qualify for their children to attend the after-school program, summer day and holiday camps, fun days, babysitter training camp, basketball league, volleyball camp and Zuni Camp Out at the center.
A printout of all the sponsors can also be obtained at the center’s reception counter.
For more information, call volunteer sponsor Chairperson Barry Alan Roth at 239-313-9591 or Sanibel Recreation Center Director Andrea Miller at 239-472-0345.
Newmeyer-Cochran nominated for award
Lisa Newmeyer-Cochran, owner of Dorado Property Management on Sanibel, has been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sanibel Captiva Charter Chapter of ABWA.
The award recognizes service to the community, as well as leadership in ABWA, and is presented by the organization’s Southwest Florida Council.
Cochrane will compete for the award with nominees from the five-county area.
Cochrane has supported multiple community organizations over the years, including the American Cancer Society, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, The Community House, Sanibel Periwinkle Gardening Club and Lee County Tennis League and has been an affiliate with the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors for over 10 years.
Lifetime Achievement candidates must be associated with ABWA for at least 15 years.
Nancy Barnes, of Bob’s Island Graphics, joined the chapter 35 years ago and is currently the sole local ABWA Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
The Jac launches campaign to assistance charities
The Jac Sanibel Island Bar & Grille is launching “The Jac Gives Back” campaign to give half of the proceeds from four specialty drinks to charities benefitting the local community.
The Periwinkle, a tart cherry libation with Hendrick’s Gin and a twist of lemon, benefits Community Housing and Resources.
The Pretty in Pink combines Tito’s vodka with cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur and more to aid Partners for Breast Cancer Care. It was created as part of the DRINK PINK campaign, a fundraising effort for Southwest Florida breast cancer charities that involves more than a dozen local restaurants.
The Island Thyme, a colorful concoction of Bombay Sapphire gin, Cointreau triple sec, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice and a sprig of thyme, supports the Kiwanis Club of Sanibel-Captiva.
The Sanibel Cougar mixes Ketel One Citroen vodka with Blue Curacao liqueur, fresh lime juice and cranberry juice to help The Canterbury Fund.
Selby joins John R. Wood Properties
John R. Wood Properties recently announced that Selby Brooks joined the team.
His service is built on the philosophy of service, integrity and trust.
Born in Fort Myers, Brooks grew up in Northern New Jersey. When a chance to move back to his hometown area came along, Brooks took it and came to Sanibel.
He and his wife, Amy, have four children and are full-time island residents.
Rodriguez receives honorable mention
Patience Rodriguez, of Select Vacation Properties, was recognized as an honorable mention in the category of Accommodations during the 18th annual Elaine McLaughlin Hospitality Service Awards.
Held by the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau, the awards recognize those within the hospitality and allied industries who positively impact a visitor or resident’s experience in Lee County.
Rodriguez is the head of owner relations and senior reservation coordinator at Select Vacation Properties on Sanibel. According to the company, she is an example of what the team at Select Vacation Properties aspire to be not just as customer service representatives, but as caring human beings.
Rodriguez received the recognition for her extraordinary customer service and assistance.
Rizley appointed to association board
Nykkie Rizley, director of rental operations at Royal Shell Vacations, has been appointed to the board of directors for the Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association.
She will help to support the vacation rental industry’s presence throughout the region via consumer awareness and protection, government advocacy, member education and certification. Rizley will also utilize her expertise to assist FVRMA members in preparing and improving vacation rental units in terms of state requirements, licensing, insurance, hurricane damage assessments and more.
Rizley currently oversees the mainland and beaches vacation rental division in Royal Shell’s 15 regional offices. She has an undergraduate degree in communications with a specialization in theater from Grand Valley State University in Michigan.
DDWS hires new store assistant
Carrie Harmon recently accepted the full-time position as assistant manager for the Refuge Nature Store operated by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge at the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.
She, along with Chris Galloway, serve as support staff for store manager Ann-Marie Wildman.
A native of Casper, Wyoming, Harmon moved to Sanibel from Fort Collins, Colorado, with her then-fianc Paul in August 2017, about two weeks before Hurricane Irma hit. They married on Sept. 18.
Harmon worked previously as assistant store manager at The Bait Box on Sanibel. She also works part-time for the Condominiums Association of Sanibel Island and volunteers her time to a number of charitable events, including DDWS’ Go Wild for “Ding” fundraiser and “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament.