Students use palette to support the Florida black bear
Art (sometimes with words) shows Lee County students’ support for Florida’s black bear in this year’s “Coloring the Earth” Contest at the Cape Coral Library. Open to children throughout Lee County, this year’s contest drew more than 300 entries from ages 7 through 12. Messages such as “Build higher to save habitat” to drawings of bears in communities, the students’ work dealt with ways to protect these furry, sometimes nosey, neighbors. Winners, to be honored at the Cape Coral Library Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m., include Jayden Smith, first place in 7-8 age group, Ellie Miller, second place, and Audrie Rivenider, third; Ashley Palomino, first place in 910s, Zachary Roberts, second, and Elle Eisele, third; Avery Taylor Carter, first place in 11-12s, Avery Verblaauw, second, and Chloe Manuelidis, third. Honorable mentions will also be awarded at this year’s event.
“Coloring the Earth” is an art-in-environment contest coordinated each year by Alessia Leathers who believes conservation must involve children, who “can not care about things they do not know.” Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and the Cape Coral Library, the contest is dedicated to a different theme each year which calls for students to research local, environmental issues.
This contest, along with other important library programs, is assisted by funds raised by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library. Those funds come from events such as the recent book sale. Dubbed “the best April sale ever” by coordinators Paula and Bob Novander, more than a thousand book lovers came for the sale, resulting in more than $9,000 in new funds for library programs.
Some of the programs offered in May:
Gentle-movement exercise: Thursdays, May 5 and 19, at 11 a.m.: Tai Chi/Qi Gong. Wednesdays, May 11 and 25, at 9:30 a.m.: Hatha Yoga.
Tuesday, May 10, at 1 p.m.: “Art through the Ages:” The Masters & their Masterpieces.” This free series is presented by local artist Hal Klingler. Tuesday, May 24, at 1 p.m.: “A look at modern and contemporary art.” Both presentations will be held in the meeting room where a large screen and state-of-the-art AV system will provide examples to view, study and enjoy.
Wednesday, May 11, at 2 p.m.: Book Discussion: “The Dinner” by Herman Koch is the darkly suspenseful, highly controversial tale of two families struggling to make the hardest decision of their lives all over the course of one meal.
Saturday, May 14, at 1 p.m.: Note card making with Dona J. Malone. Participants create three handmade cards (or two cards and a bookmark) using stamps, cutouts and paper art. Supplies are provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library.
Monday, May 16, at 1 p.m.: Friendship. Qualities of true friendship, with health benefits and other values explored.
Wednesday, May 18, at 3 p.m.: Free movie afternoon, featuring “Everest.” First-come, first served.
Friday, May 20, at 1 p.m.: “Advocating for Long-Term Care Residents: What you need to know.” This seminar is designed to inform and empower residents, caregivers and family members on patients’ rights and what to do when those rights are violated.
For Teens!
Saturday, May 7, at 1 p.m.: Make Mom a bracelet: Just in case you’re in a quandary over what to give her for mother’s day. All supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library.
In the Art Gallery:
Winning entries from the “Coloring the Earth” contest will be featured on the gallery walls through May. The Friends of the Cape Coral Library provide frames so that the children’s artwork can be displayed professionally in an art gallery setting.
Kindergarten, first and second grade students of Elizabeth Olancin at Gulf Elementary School in Cape Coral will exhibit their work in the large cases and on the hallway walls. The creations are made from reused and recycled materials.
Clay figures and illustrations will be displayed in the two-shelf case. These were created by students in the Children’s Art Class taught this winter by Betsy Koscher at the Cape Coral Art League. Several of the students’ paintings will also be hung.
Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net for other programs, including Books and Banter, the ongoing Storytimes, Craft Corner, Chess Anyone?, English Cafe and Read Down Fines.
Cape Coral Library Hours:
9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday Wednesday;
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday;
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Getting a library card is free and easy. Just visit library.lee-county.com to apply online or stop by your library.
All Lee County Library System programs are free and open to the public. A sign language interpreter is available with 48 hours’ notice. Call the Deaf Service Center at 461-0334 (voice) or 461-4348 (TTY). The Lee County Library System also offers free access to books, DVDs, videos, books on CD, electronic resources and other items from a vast collection. The Lee County Library System makes it possible for people who ordinarily couldn’t visit the library to enjoy reading through the Bookmobile, Books-by-MAIL, Talking Books and Literacy programs.
All of the money the Friends of the Cape Coral Library raise is through book sales, dues and other events which are used to purchase materials, furniture and other items that can not be included in the County library budget. Books, CDs, DVDs, etc., are accepted throughout the year for the two book sales, April and November, the major fundraisers. Small quantities can be delivered to the library circulation desk. Books can also be picked up at your home if you have a large donation which is tax deductible. (A receipt can be provided.) Leave a message on the hotline: 349-2572 or e-mail capefriends.org.
Patty Duncan for the Friends of the Cape Coral Lee County Library at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral; 239-533-4500; TTY 485-1141.