Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.
Road Safety in Greater Estero By Contributing Author, Mark Novitski, and Engage Estero Consultant. Everyone has their definition of what determines road safety or, conversely, what makes our roads unsafe. In writing extensively about Corkscrew Road, I have...
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...
Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.
During the weekend of April 6th, Engage Estero’s team of volunteers, organized by Julie Yellig, collected 360 pounds of bagged litter. A total of 2.2 tons of litter has been collected since the end of April 2023 (the end of last season), and an astonishing 10 tons...
by Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage Estero. Mia McCormick, Advocate, Environment Florida, identifies why we need wildlife crossings: “Each year, animals at risk of extinction die when cars and creatures collide on Florida roadways. It is the number one cause of...
Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.
https://www.esterotoday.com/event/may2024/ RSVP
The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...
Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.
By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...
The Future Plans for our Schools and Students' Education in Greater EsteroBrought to you by the Engage Estero Education Councilby Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage EsteroPrincipal Leslie Gunderson in her office at Pinewoods Elementary School behind a table full of...
Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.
Key Points from the ECCL’s Monthly Meeting Report
October 9th
(Reporter Karen Katz)
President Jim Gilmartin called the meeting to order and there followed a moment of silence for COVID-19 victims.
Kyle Coleman, Estero Deputy Village Manager, spoke about the Estero Community Database. It attempts to display and map the different characteristics and amenities of communities and services in Estero to help people, especially those looking to purchase a home, know what the area offers. Volunteers are collecting data to develop this project. He also spoke of Estero “Village” embodying “government light” – contracting out for maintenance and consultants, resulting in taxes being low and reserves high.
Speaker Steve Sarkozy, Estero Village Manager, spoke about the land transfer that resulted in 67.5 acres at Corkscrew and US 41 being acquired by the Village. Much of the land is planned to be kept in its natural state.
CANIN & Associates of Orlando, an architectural, landscape, planning group, was selected to prepare a set of suggestions and concepts for the acquired land. Environmental education will be offered through a partnership with the YMCA. Focus groups, surveys, and forums are being conducted to seek guidance on various options under consideration.
President’s Report.
President Gilmartin spoke of the ECCL’s support for Estero participating in the SWFL Regional Alliance Compact. The Compact will address issues of climate change, algae deposit, sea-level rise, and heat increase.
There will be a workshop regarding ECCL policy changes. ECCL will join with the Chamber & FGCU to identify all resources and programs available to aid future economic planning.
Judy Hammond of the Culture & Recreation committee spoke about the planned Veterans’ Recognition Pocket Park. It is not meant to be a memorial with statues, etc. but flags representing the various military and coastguard branches offering a place for reflection. The location is still undecided but will need accessibility and parking. You can contact Judy at judyhammond@gmail.com
Julie Yelling working with the ECCL’s Transportation Committee spoke of the four-mile stretch of US 41, which ECCL has adopted. The first event on October 24th is followed by one Saturday morning each month through April. These will be small planned groups of ten or so volunteers per event. For further information on dates and how to join in, please contact Julie at ECCLHwy41@gmail.com
In working with the ECCL’s Education Committee, Amy Kuchenbecker spoke about the ECCL’s involvement in Junior Achievement. ECCL volunteers work with Grades 2 & 5 at two elementary schools, Grade 8 at one middle school, and Grade 11 at one high school. There has been high praise for the effort to educate the children about financial issues, including taxation! Many communities and businesses are contributing one hour per week to the program of financial literacy.
A Finance Committee Report indicated general funds stand at $22,000. The ECCL Advocacy Foundation received two $500 donations recently, and contributions stand at $14,300. The committee is looking for new volunteers with applicable backgrounds in the financial and accounting areas – contact John Quin, ECCLCFO@gmail.com, for more information.
Barry Freedman, Chief Membership Development Officer, reported that memberships are paid for the year – steps are underway to expand memberships to include non-residents and businesses. Contact Barry at ECCLmshp@gmail.com for more details. Also, ECCL representatives are including the monthly meeting summary reports in community newsletters.
Allan Bowditch, Chief Communications Officer, reported that ECCL is trying to expand its reach through increased social media use. New members of the committee include Karen Katz, from Wildcat Run, who will act as a reporter, and Mike Wasson from Grandezza, with a journal publishing career. Board members have also been encouraged to participate in the various committee to add their expertise.
