News-Press from Fort Myers, Florida • Page 34

i i i a Where to send Almanac items: News-Press Almanac P.O. Box 10, Fort Myers, 33902 Items should be received seven days in advance of the event. Please include time, date, location and fee of events, as well as a contact name and telephone number for further information. The workforce in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties was estimated at 243,464 laborers, said 1989 research by the state Department of Labor. NEWS-PRESS" SUNDAY, JULY 16, 1989 4C Jimmy Nelson still is Farfel, Danny O'Day EDUCATION NOTES AMY SHEEHAN "And it's amazing I taught more people than I know," he said.

"I'll be at a convention and people will come up to me and say, 'You taught me to be a Nelson also often hears from people who still remember the series of Nestle commercials. "It's nice that people remember and it's flattering. But it also shows you the power of commercials," he said with a laugh. "People remember them long after they've forgotten the show." Nelson also taught his daughter the skill and for a while, the two gave shows together. But now that she has a new baby, she's given it up, he said.

He plans to stay in this area, which is where he's lived for the last 2 1 years. "After being in show business for 35 years, I never had roots for any length of time," he said. "It's nice to call this part of the country home." television ad spots. Now he's in charge of the production of its radio and TV commercials, as well as public and employee relations. "I wear many hats.

I do a little of everything from auditioning talent to working with copy writers," he said. "And recently I've been planning the company picnic." He said what he likes about the job is the human contact, since he's someone who enjoys people. But even after 35 years in show business, Nelson isn't nearly ready to quit. He still attends ventriloquists' convention and makes frequent public appearances. Last year, he was inducted into the ventriloquists hall of fame, joining the likes of Edgar Bergen.

Nelson started ventriloquism when he was 10 years old. "Someone gave me a small doll sort of Danny O'Day style and I started fooling around and I got pretty good," he said. After a while, he had one made professionally. And by the way, he added, the characters not called dummies. Among professionals, they're known as ventriloquial figures.

"The one I use is carved basswood," he said. "And I still have the original one. I get it repainted every year. And I still have the original Farfel the dog too." The canine got into the act in the 50s. "I'd been doing nightclubs and I felt like I needed a different character.

Everyone else had the acid-tongued Irish boy and I wanted something different," he said. He said ventriloquism is no more physically demanding than singing in that it requires great control of the diaphragm. "It comes from the word which means belly or stomach talking. It's some strain on the voice, which is why you notice no one does it for long periods of time," he said. Years ago, he made two instructional record albums.

Cape Coral Bridge area For information on traffic, tune into AM radio station 530 within 2'2 miles of the bridge or call 542-4636. 12) Toll plaza and island-building work is in progress with eastern-approach road grading. Bridge construction is under way. Motorists are advised to drive with care through the toll plaza area. The speed limit is30mph.

In the College Parkway-McGregor Boulevard area, construction of an overpass also is under way. Eastbound motorists moving toward the bridge should drive with caution past the entrance to the Caloosa and Landings developments because traffic turning there presents a hazard. Detours will be marked. There is now one 7 Si -7i ALVA ISLAND 2 CAPE r-Skr-'S 5 JyftL "Cf Buckin9ham Rd' i uX I Ml3oionial JlEHIGH Is I vJrXTA031118 Rd- Regional vDv AlicoRd. sanibel mye3 I BEACH (41J HA (ft BONITA SPRINGS VjjJjBonita Beach Rd.

By AMY SHEEHAN News-Press Staff Writer For years, ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson and his two friends, Danny O'Day and the floppy-eared dog, Farfel, were the official television spokesmen for Nestle Chocolate. Saturday mornings, they'd sing the jingle to thousands of children across the country, a smiling Danny spelling out the word "N-E-S-T-L-E-S" in song and Farfel finishing up with a long "Choooocolate!" followed by a snap of the jaw. Nelson, 60, still has Danny and Farfel, although they spend most of their time carefully packed away in suitcases stored at his Cape Coral home. He does take them out for special appearances. He works now as assistant vice president for marketing and public relations of First Federal of Fort Myers.

He started with the bank after being recruited to do a series of The News-Press will present a weekly survey of expected trouble spots on roads in Lee County. The information is supplied by local and state transportation officials. Fort Myers 1) Fowler Street: Northbound traffic on Fowler from Palm Beach Boulevard north to the Edison Bridge will be moved over to the center of the road for sidewalk repairs. 2) Cypress Lake Drive: The road is being widened from U.S. Highway 41 to SummerlinRoad.

3) Edgewood Avenue: A portion of the street will undergo sewer and road construction. 4) Mango Street: Construction of water and sewer lines and road repairs are under way between Palm and Evans avenues. 5) Vesper Drive: Water and sewer line installation and roadwork is under way. Residential traffic will be affected. 6) East Lee County sewer repairs and road resurfacing: Resurfacing will continue in the area bounded by Palm Beach Boulevard-Ballard Road and Marsh Avenue-Loraine Drive.

Restoration work, including the placement of sod and pavement markings, will continue. 7) Palm Beach Boulevard area: Adams Street between Palm Beach Boulevard and Woodside Avenue will be under construction for water, sewage and road maintenance. Some delays might occur. 8) College Parkway: The road is being widened from U.S. Highway 41 to west of South Point Boulevard.

Motorists should watch for truck traffic and flagmen. Also, right-turn lanes might be closed at times. The first section of construction is from just east of Winkler Road to just west of South Point Boulevard. Traffic lanes will be Community Calendar highlights activities of not-for-profit organizations. The calendar lists Monday's events.

Story Time For Preschoolers, Cape Coral: Monday: 10 and 11 a.m. Cape Coral Public Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace. Call 542-3953. YMCA Little Tikes CampDay Care: Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.

to 6 p.m., full and part-time programs for 3 to 5 year olds. Lee County YMCA, 1360 Royal Palm Square Fort Myers. Call 275-9622. American Parade Against Drug Abuse: Monday: 1 p.m., play presented by the "I Can Make a Difference" youth club of Highland East Recreation Center. Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Library, 1950 Henderson Fort Myers.

Call 334-3602. Fort of a Included p.m., Bridge Call Cape Monday: closed. Winkler Road north and south of College is being reconstructed. Intersection work has begun on Sum-merlin Road. Stormwater pipe work is in progress on Kenwood Lane.

Non-rush hour lane closures are anticipated. 9) Cleveland Avenue and Park Meadow Drive: Water line relocation is nearing completion. Widening work along Park Meadow Drive has begun. 10) Colonial Boulevard: Eastbound motorists will be transitioned into a single lane west of Ortiz Avenue to allow the widening of the pavement edge. 11) Cleveland Avenue between Boy Scout Drive and Airport Road: Interruptions in northbound and southbound traffic will occur due to turn-lane additions to accommodate Page Plaza.

Summer camp teaches children about solid waste hildren will have the chance to uncover the secrets of solid waste at a five-day summer camp offered by the Lee County Extension Service. Trash Masters will give youngsters between the ages of 8 and 12 the chance to learn about the source of garbage and the course it follows from use to disposal and beyond. It will run Aug. 14-18 at the extension office, 3406 Palm Beach Fort Myers. Beginning at 8:30 a.m.

each day, participants will learn about different aspects of waste and its management. "We think it'll be fun and quite a learning experience," said Extension Agent Ce-lia Bugg. "They'll become aware that they can make a difference. I'm sure they often wonder, 'Where does it and this will let them see the end result." Bugg said the children will be able to ride with a trash hauler out to the landfill to see what happens to the grabage that's picked up in Lee County. They'll learn how it does or doesn't break down and will be able to watch the progress of trash throughout the week at a mini-landfill demonstration that's being set up at the extension office.

They'll also learn about composting changing organic garbage into lawn and garden fertilizer. Recycling will also be covered and there will be bins set up in the rooms in which participants can deposit items from their homes. Each day, the students' lunches will be evaluated for recy-clabilty, Bugg said. Prizes will be awarded for the lunches with the least waste. One of the ongoing activities will be trash-art projects that will be on display for parents after the session ends.

Finally, the children will help with a local beach cleanup, so they can see firsthand some of the devastating effects of carelessly tossed trash. Each participant will recieve a T-shirt at the end of the session. The camp costs $15 per child which includes travel, field trips and one lunch. There are only 25 spaces in the camp, so early registration is recommended. For information or to sign up, call the extension office at 335-2422.

Teen goes to capital Cypress Lake High School student Melissa Purdy recently attended a seminar on diplomacy and global affairs in Washington, D.C. Conducted by the Washington Workshops Foundation, the one-week seminar included speakers such as the state department's Tom Miller PURDY and the ambassador from England. Purdy was one of 62 students nationwide who participated in the program. Green Wave reunion The Fort Myers High School class of 1964 is planning a 25-year class reunion. The event is planned for Sept.

2 at the Sheraton Harbor Place in Fort Myers. Those interested in attending should make reservations before Aug. 10. For information or to make a reservation, call Roger Obodich between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

weekdaysat 481-8131. Seeks graduates Calling all 1 964 graduates of Englewood High School. The class will celebrate its 25-year reunion on Aug. 4 and 5 in Jacksonville. For details, former classmates should call (904) 269-547 1 or write: Class Reunion, Englewood 1964, P.O.

Box 8897, Orange Park, 32067. Sign up opens Registration has begun for fall classes at the Lee County Area Vocational Technical School. Students can learn skills and trades at the school ranging from gourmet cooking to cosmetology to car repai rs. The next session of classes begins Aug. 21 at the school, 3800 Michigan Fort Myers.

A complete list of the school's many offerings, as well as information about tuition, is available at the school or by calling 334-4544. Amy Sheehan is a News-Press clerkreporter. Items for her column maybe sent to News-Press Almanac, P.O. Box 10, Fort Myers, Fla. 33902.

eastbound lane and one westbound lane at the Landings entrance. Westbound left turns into the Landings will not be permitted. Left-turn lanes off College Parkway onto McGregor will not be permitted. Around Lee 13) Bonita Springs: Bonita Beach Road: The road is being widened from Interstate 75 to Vanderbilt Drive. 14) South of Fort Myers: San Carlos Boulevard from Hurricane Pass Bridge north to Pine Ridge Road: Lane closures for roadway construction and utility relocations are under way.

Delays may occur from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. 15) East of Fort Myers: State Road 80: Road work and a new Orange River bridge is under construction. Traffic is being maintained with minor delays on the existing two-lane road from Orange River east to State Road 31. Major roadway construction is under way west of the river and frequent interruptions near Interstate 75 might occur.

16) East of Fort Myers: State Road 80: Construction of a new multilaned Hickey Creek Bridge is underway. Pavement transitions are marked. Minor delays may be encountered. 17) South Lee County: Interstate 75 from the toll plaza in Collier County north to Daniels Road: A resurfacing project continues on north and southbound roadways. Traffic is being merged into a single lane with minor delays.

18) South Lee County: Villa South subdivision off Plantation Road: Mark and Scott Lane are dirt roads that will be paved and two cul de sacs will be constructed with drainage improvements. mation, call 275-7778. Take Off Pounds Sensibly: Monday: Cape Coral Tops FI-378: 6:30 p.m., weigh-in; 7:30 p.m., meeting. First Federal Building, 4732 Del Prado Cape Coral. Call 574-4993 or 542-5422.

Fort Myers Chapter FI-126: 6:30 to 8 p.m., meeting, youth fellowship room of Central United Methodist Church, 2415 Grand Fort Myers; Call 334-3350 or 334-6538. Overeaters Anonymous: For information on meetings, call 472-8565. Al-Anon AFG: For information call 275-1600 in Lee County and 262-6535 in Naples. Family And Friends of People with AIDS Support Group: Monday: 7:30 p.m., meeting. 2231-B McGregor Fort Myers.

Call 945-0337. Adult Survivors ol Incest Support Group: Call 936-1111. WISS Group: For information on this women's self help group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, call 656-3220. Sex Addicts Anonymous: 12 step support for healing from compulsive sexual behavior. Call 543-3823 from 3 to 6 p.m.

International Association for Near Death Studies: support group for family, friends or experiencers of the Near Death Experience. Call 433-4748. Suicide Survivors Monday: 8 p.m., support group for family and friends of those who have committed suicides. Briarcliff Baptist Church, Fort Myers. Call 433-3028 or 574-7268.

area Senior Friendship Center Health Services: Low cost primary care for medically needy of Lee and Collier counties. Call 275-1881 in Lee County. Age Link: A comprehensive information and referral service for Lee County residents 60 years of age and over. Call 337-1179. Senior Citizens Association: Monday: 9 a.m., meeting.

Bonita Springs Community Hall, Old U.S. 41. Lehigh Acres Senior Center: For information, call 369-5355. 219 Plaza Drive, Lehigh Acres. North Fort Myers Senior Center: For information, call 997-7133.

1170 Orange Grove North Fort Myers. City Of Fort Myers Senior Program: For Information, call 332-1288. Garden Council and Activity Center, 2646 Cleveland Fort Myers. Young At Heart-Low Impact Aerobics: Monday: 7 to 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Call 992-2320 or 992-7041. Cape Coral Historical museum: 2-5 p.m. today at the Cape Coral Historical Society Museum, 544 St. Jock Blvd. An antique bottle collection and a collection of thimbles are on display.

Admission: Free. For details, call Myers Wildlife video: 2 p.m. at Nature Center Lee County, 3450 Ortiz Ave. There will be wildlife video presented on the natural activities of Fisheating Creek. Admission: in the general admission, $2 adult non-members; 50 cents for children non-members.

Call 275-3435. preparation courses in several locations: Call 332-BABY. SEE meeting. Eagles Club, Hancock Parkway, North Fort Myers. 997-5325 or 481-6434.

Coral Lawn Bowling Club: 10 a.m., bowling. Cape Coral Country Club, 4003 Palm Tree Blvd. Call 542-8929. Suburban East Business and Professional Association: Monday: 7 p.m., meeting. Perkins Restaurant, east Fort Myers.

Call 694-7116. North Fort Myers Lions Club: Monday: 7:30 p.m. Lions Den, 990 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers. Catholic Widows, Widowers-Singles Group: Monday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Xavier Hall, Heitman Street, Fort Myers: 694-2402 or 995-2604. Sportsman's Yacht and Sailing Club: Monday: 6:30 p.m., potluck dinner; 7:30 p.m., meeting. 1401 S.E. 47th Cape Coral. Call 945-0353.

Cape Coral Land of Lincoln Club: Monday: 12:30 p.m., meeting, indoor picnic. $1 for guests. Card bingo will follow: 574-4772. Independent Order of Foresters: Monday: 8 p.m., meeting. First Federal Savings and Loan, 121 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers.

Bring non-perishable food item: 995-8868. American Society lor Training and Development: Monday: 6:30 p.m. University of South Florida, Room 201 of Areca Hall In Fort Myers: 489-9531. Free Immunizations by Lee County Public Health Unit: Monday: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; 2 to 4 p.m., 9 Homestead Road, Lehigh Acres. Monday: 9 to 11 a.m.; 2 to 4 p.m., 83 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers.

Monday: 5 to 8 p.m., 3920 Michigan Fort Myers. Call 332-9593. AIDS Information Hot Line: Provides answers to questions related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Telephones staffed 24 hours: 337-AIDS. Diabetic Education: Monday: 6 to 8 p.m., HRSWIC Nutrition Services, 2951 Palm Beach Fort Myers.

Call 332-9576. AIDS Antibody Testing, anonymous or confidential: Lee County Health Department, 3920 Michigan Fort Myers. Call 332-9614. Lee Memorial Hospital Bloodmo-bile: For information on times and locations of the bloodmobile, call 334-5333 or 334-5493. Medicare Assistance Program: Free assistance with Medicare and supplemental insurance problems.

Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 3830 Evans Fort Myers. Monday: 9 a.m. to noon, Lehigh Acres Community Services office and San Carlos Park Community Hall. Call 936-7701.

Walk For Your Life Program: Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m., Lehigh Acres Senior Center, 219 Plaza Drive. Call 369-2101. Walk for Wellness: Monday: 8:15 to 10 a.m. Coastland Mall, Naples. Call 263-7113.

Childbirth Education Association of Fort Myers: A not-for-profit organization that offers child-birth Adoption Triangle: Meetings for adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents. Offers emotional support as well as search assistance to locate missing relatives. Call 542-1342. Alzheimer's Association Lehigh Support Group: Monday: 2 p.m., meeting. Faith Lutheran Church, 705 E.

Leeland Heights Lehigh Acres. Call 369-1788. Cocaine Anonymous: Monday: 7:30 p.m., open-discussion meeting. Charter Glade Hospital, 6900 Colonial Fort Myers. Call 772-3838, 275-1666 or (800) COCAINE.

Fort Myers Overcomers: Monday: 7:30 p.m. Central Baptist Church, 3208 Central Fort Myers. Call 489-4480. Parent Support Group: Monday: 6 p.m., meeting for parents who are victimized emotionally and physically by their children. Southwest Florida Addiction Services, 2150 W.

First Fort Myers. Call 337-4411 or 939-0689. SASS: Monday: 8 p.m., meeting of substance abusers. Lee Mental Health Center 2789 Ortiz Fort Myers. Call 275-3222.

Lee County chapter of Compassionate Friends: Monday: 7:30 p.m., meeting of parents who have lost children to death. Zion Lutheran Church, 7010 Winkler Road, Fort Myers. Call 283-2581 or 482-5929. Alcoholics Anonymous: Monday-Sunday: For help and information on meetings, call 275-5111 in Lee County and 262-6535 in Collier County. In Charlotte County, call 625-1964.

Narcotics Anonymous: For infor San Carlos Park Hobby Club: Monday: 10 a.m. to noon, meeting. San Carlos Park Community Center, 18412 Lee Road. Southwest Florida Schutzhund Club Monday: 7:30 p.m., tracking, obedience and protection training. 7987 Mercantile N.E., North Fort Myers: 637-3858 or 543-2252.

Cape Coral Hobby Club: Monday: 9:30 a.m., meeting. Cape Coral Yacht Club, Driftwood Parkway. Call 772-0959 or 549-0715. East Fort Myers Monday Craft Club: Monday: 9 a.m. to noon, meeting.

Lions Club, Florence Street, Fort Myers. Call 694-2568. Rotary South: Monday: 12:15 p.m., meeting. Park Inn International, 12635 S. Cleveland Fort Myers.

Parents Without Partners Chapter 545: Monday: 7:30 p.m., orientation meeting. Village Inn Restaurant, 3207 Cleveland Fort Myers. Call 772-0141. Fort Myers Gun Club: Skeet, trap, rifle and pistol ranges open at 9 a.m. daily.

Arcadia Street, Fort Myers. Call 332-0827. Goodwill Industries ot Southwest Florida, Lee County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Voluntary Action Center of Lee County and District 8 Health Council: Monday-Sunday: indoor games. Sunshine Plaza, 9128 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Call 992-1177.

Caloosa Dive Club: Monday: 8 Coalition for Freedom of Choice: Monday: 7:30 p.m., meeting. Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Cray-ton Road, Naples. Call 262-8441. Skate Party: Monday: 7-9 p.m., party features Christian music. The Palace Roller Rink, U.S.

41 in North Fort Myers. Cost is $3.50..