Florida's No. 1 mentorShowcase for familiesSip soup to fight hungerGiving the public a shot

IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION Henry currently mentors three Immokalee High School students — Elijah Arreaga, Kerby Henry and Elijah Basile — all of whom nominated Henry for the honor.

A starfish to retiree John Henry of Naples.

The former medical device manufacturer and leader of other businesses has been named Mentor of the Year in Florida for his work with the Immokalee Foundation's Take Stock in Children program.

Program coordinator Lois Gomez says: "We all love Mr. Henry. He is a man who isn't just talk. He walks the walk and is an example that the young men he mentors very clearly see."

As for Henry, he says: "Every day that I drive out to see these boys, I think about how great it is that I have the opportunity to help them achieve their goals. I don't know what could be better than that."

Since 2001, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships. Qualified seventh-grade students who successfully fulfill their required pledge to earn good grades, exhibit good behavior and meet weekly with a mentor are awarded a full college scholarship upon high school graduation.

To learn more about the foundation and mentoring, call 239-430-9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.A starfish for Golden Gate Estates civic organizations and businesses.

They will put on a showcase for tweens and teens and their families on Jan. 28 at Mission Hills Plaza, on the corner of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Collier Boulevard.

It's all about what's available for growing families, from parks, sports and YMCA programs to opportunities for volunteerism for school credit.A starfish to those who go early to the Empty Bowls charity event this time next week at Naples' Cambier Park.

The event can get crowded. It's for a great cause — the Harry Chapin Food Bank, which services the hungry throughout Southwest Florida — and gives patrons the opportunity to choose from handmade ceramic bowls. They are yours to keep, after using them to sample soups donated by 38 restaurants and country clubs — and even a Collier County Public Schools cooking class.

No $10 tickets are sold in advance.

When the gates open at 11 a.m., event-goers also can enjoy live music by local high school students, pottery-making demonstrations and a silent auction of truly remarkable arts and crafts.A starfish to Treviso Bay.

Founded as a pro-caliber golf mecca, the subdivision on U.S. 41 East is opening its links to the public.

Smart marketing, as Treviso Bay gears up for renewed development and sales.