Artist Carroll Swayze and her grandson, Gavin, had a great time with the Forget-Me-Nots last week, when the theme for the day was newspaper bonnets.

BY JACK SHORT - Under-Secretary-General Joseph Reed may have a long and distinguished career in service to the United States, but he can still be chased from a room by a group of rowdy Mahjong players.

Douglas E. Hoekzema, 81, of Grand Rapids, Mich., passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2013 after a prolonged illness.

The possibilities for taking advantage of the upcoming license-free freshwater fishing day, Saturday, April 6, in Florida are almost endless. That’s because people of all ages can cast their lines into three million acres of lakes, ponds and reservoirs and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals.

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Boca Grande North Condominium Association, I want to thank the Bridge Authority for the completion of the new walkway from Cole Key to Gasparilla Island.  

The new walkway is very attractive and for the first time ever “safe passage” for all pedestrians between the two islands. I think we all made an excellent choice for the railing system that provides protection for the walkway and still allows for open views of the Gulf.  

I have already used the walkway several times and find the views to be amazing.  

In addition to the higher elevation, the safety of the new walkway allows one to take advantage of the excellent views in each direction. I also think the choice of the low key lighting was excellent.  

While the lighting provides for a nice level of safety after dark, it is very subtle and should not be offensive to either wildlife or homeowners.

We appreciate the new signs “No Fishing From Bridge.” The relatively small size and placement seems quite appropriate.  

We have a suggestion for keeping the new walkway limited to “pedestrian use only.” Our low-key appearance suggestion is to simply start first by only painting the words “Pedestrian Use Only – Walkway” on the sidewalk approaching the new South Bridge on both sides.  

We also suggest restricting the walkway opening on the bridge to about 3.5 feet to prevent access by golf carts. This would still allow for wheelchair and stroller access.

I would also like to mention how impressed we have all been with the work of Orion. When they started this important project, they told us they would work hard to be good neighbors. They have certainly done that and more.  

All of their work, as I am sure you are aware, has been extremely well organized and very professional. They continue to be an amazing contractor.  It is equally nice to know that their work has always been on time and under budget.  
 

Jerry E. Lusk
President, BGN Condominium Association

To the Editor:

In March, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board did not approve a proposed 4,316-square-foot house for 851 Palm Ave., where the average house size is 2,708 square feet. As an architect with substantial experience in historic preservation, I stated how this house did not meet the Lee County adopted design guidelines for the Boca Grande Historic District.