Welcome!

Happy New Year! Welcome to our first newsletter of 2004, which has a number of pertinent articles, such as real estate news, technical content, as well as local events and information. We hope you find this issue helpful and informative. You can always explore past issues by visiting the newsletter archive.

If you would like to be notified of new communiqués monthly, just send your email address to newsletter@carlabontenrealty.com. Don't forget to include your email address! Enjoy!

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Carla Bonten Realty News

The staff of Carla Bonten Realty Inc. and Carla Bonten Rentals Inc., wish you all a happy, successful, prosperous and healthy New Year! We hope that you will visit our beautiful area and that we can assist you with selling or buying your home. We have just opened our Annual Rentals Division; if you are not ready to buy, we can assist you with a rental home or condominium. Our vacation rentals department offers you luxury properties available for this season. You will have a vacation of a lifetime!

Carla Bonten Realty, Inc. Announces:

2003 Top Producers

November/December 2003 Listing/Sales Agents

The Galli Team

John & Jeanine Galli, Realtors®

John is a native of Hartford, Connecticut and Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has been involved with rental and commercial property since 1973. He came down to the Bonita area for 15 years seasonally before moving here in 1992. Jeanine Galli is originally from Rock Island, IL, where she attained her Real Estate license in 1972 and later earned her designation GRI (Graduate of the Realtors Institute). She has been active in Bonita Springs real estate since 1986. John & Jeanine have been consistent multi-million dollar producers and have earned the Bonita Springs Real Estate Board's "Sales Excellence Award" every year since 1994. They are both members of the Florida Association of Realtors, The National Association of Realtors and the Bonita Springs Board of Realtors. Both John and Jeanine love to work with properties such as beachfront condominiums, golf course communities residences and general real estate in the Naples/Bonita Springs area. Call 239-596-1574 or click to email the Gallis.

For The Love Of Art

We are very happy to announce that on January 31st, 2004, we will have the Second Annual Fundraising benefiting the Ronald Mc Donald House Charities, Inc. in Southwest Florida. There will be an auction and silent Auction.

We will auction off work from Joan Miro, Neil Farkas, Al Oerter and Sandy Pannicia, to name a few. The auction will also include weekend getaways, golf packages and more.

Artists include Yvonne Goldberg (www.ygo-fineart.com), Edith Hiller, Steven Yunck, Mariolina Fleig, Mr. Henry Stewart, Ms. Kathleen Edwards (Naples Media Group, Inc.), Don Randall.

The event will take place at the Grandezza’s Golf and Country Club in Estero. Jessica Stillwell, anchor from NBC will be our Emcee. Donors are Mr. Bruce Mazzola, Colonial Bank, Mr. David Schiering, Estero Boat Tours, Getaway Marina, Ms. Jessica Stillwell (NBC-2 News), Mr. & Mrs. John & Jeanine Galli, McGarvey Custom Homes, Mondo Uomo, Press Printing, romantic Island Weddings, Southwest Florida McDonalds Operators, Mr. Steve Shimp, Stock Development. The Home Team Inspections, Carla Bonten.

Tickets are $50 a person or $75 a couple for a donation.

For more information or donations, call Carla Bonten or Edward Lorenzini at (239) 949-9122.

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Tax Planning Tips To Consider
by Nancy K. Reynolds, CPA*, CVA, CFE

For businesses, there are important tax deductions available when purchasing assets. There is a large increase to $100,000 in the amount of assets that can be expensed in the year purchased instead of depreciating them over several years. There is also a significant increase of bonus depreciation to 50% in the year of purchase.

These changes allow larger write-offs in the year of purchase saving current tax dollars. Deductions in 2003 or 2004 are more beneficial than later years because of the time value of money.

Bonus depreciation should be a serious consideration for any purchases that are planned for a future date that could be made now or at least before 2005.

An example of the available tax deductions for a company vehicle purchased:

The preceding depreciation scenario would reduce taxable profit by $146,000.

Home office deductions are often not taken because taxpayers may consider them ‘red flags’ to the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers should take advantage of deductions for which they are entitled. The criteria is whether or not it is the principal place of business. The office must be used exclusively and regularly and there is no other fixed location where substantial activities of the business can be deducted. Another test is if the home office is for the convenience of the employer.

The primary decision is whether an employee is allowed to deduct indirect and indirect expenses relating to their home office once the qualifications have been met. The direct expenses relate to expenses such as equipment, and the indirect expenses include a portion of utilities, telephone, rent or depreciation of the home.

For a telecomputing employee who has their residence as a principal place of business, the daily transportation expenses between the home office are deductible.

These tax tips were brought to you by Nancy K. Reynolds, CPA*, CVA, CFE.  For further information you can email her at nreynolds@cpanaples.com.

*CPA designation is regulated by the State of Florida

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Technology Notes:

Digital Imaging and Your Business
Part II:
Zooms, LCD Screens, Viewfinders & Batteries
by M.E. Parker
ComputerInsite.com

(Part I of this article can be found here.)

Camera lenses and Optical vs. Digital Zoom:
Most consumer digital cameras have built-in zooms lenses. In compact digital imaging, zoom (or focal length) is measured by a magnification factors such as 2x – 10x. This unit of measure can be deceptive. For instance, a camera that advertises a zoom that is 5x is probably the total of both optical and digital zoom. It is important to know the difference between the two types of zoom.

A zoom lens is a lens designed so that its focal length can be varied over a predetermined range. The image is optically magnified and, depending on the zoom's setting, will show a larger or smaller field of view or image. In more basic terms, the lens (or optics) itself does the zooming. The optical zoom has brought the subject "closer", showing more detail than was visible previously, as if the camera had been moved physically closer to the subject.

By contrast, digital zooming is magnification performed by the software in the camera, not the lens. It is akin to zooming in on an image on your computer or cropping an image so the subject appears larger. While technically still “zooming”, digital zoom degrades the quality of an image. In Part 1 of this series, I discussed pixels, which are units of color in any digital image. When you zoom digitally, those pixels expand, which is what ultimately affects the image quality.

This concept is important for a person shopping for a camera. While zooms are wonderful for bringing subjects closer, optical zoom is the best method of zooming. Most consumer cameras are a mixture of optical and digital zoom. A total magnification factor 8x, for instance, may seem like a lot, but if 5x of that is a digital zoom, you can be sure you won’t be as happy with that image as you would have if that 5x was an optical zoom. Be certain you know the breakdown between optical and digital zoom on any camera before you purchase it.

Most consumer digital cameras also come equipped for macro photography (very close-up shots), as well as flash photography. Be sure that if these features are important to you, that they are contained in the camera you buy.

Viewfinders and LCD screens

Most all consumer digital cameras come equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen on the back that allows you to view your scene before you take the photo as well as review images you have already taken. There are some pros and cons with LCD use.

• Battery life: LCD screens use a lot more of your battery’s life than you might suspect. If you want to get the most out of your battery and you have a viewfinder, keep the LCD turned off.
• LCD screens are often very difficult to see well in bright light. For this reason alone, it’s a very good idea to purchase a camera with both a viewfinder and LCD screen.
• LCD screens allow you to review the images you’ve taken. You can delete the ones that aren’t up to your standards or have composition or exposure errors. Some cameras even have “review modes” that show you if you’ve overexposed (or “blown out”) your whites and histograms to see if you’ve overexposed/underexposed the image.

Some camera models, like some Nikon Coolpix cameras, allow you to swing out and/or swivel the LCD screen. This can be especially handy when you are taking photos in tight or cramped spots, for close-up photography or for catching candid moments “on the fly”.

LCD screen scratch easily, so great care should be taken with them. Some cameras allow you to flip the LCD around so the screen faces the back of the camera and it is protected. You can also buy protective “sheets” that go on and come off easily that prevent scratches.

Viewfinders are a godsend in certain situations, such as bright light or fast action, when the LCD screen is difficult to see. They typically come in two types: Through the lens (TTL) or optical. Optical viewfinders do not show you exactly what the lens is seeing, so it is not a true representation of what the image will be like. TTL viewfinders are best for matching what you are seeing with what the camera sees, but they typically cost more than an optical viewfinder. Some more sophisticated cameras have diopter adjustments on the viewfinder, allowing you to adjust it to your own eyesight. If you have eyesight problems, be sure to ask about this feature.

In the next issue, a continuation of Part II will discuss batteries, storage media options and transferring your images to your computer. Be sure to watch for it!

M.E. Parker owns Computer Insite, a web design and computer consulting business located in Bonita Springs.

News From Around Florida

South Florida Water Management District
Ground breaking is started on the first construction project of the 30-year, 8 billion state-federal partnership to restore the Everglades.

Restoration of America’s Everglades is becoming a reality- years ahead of schedule and tens of millions of dollars under budget. Florida’s commitment to the restoration and protection of this natural treasure remains steadfast. The Southern Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Project, situated in the southwest Everglades east of Naples in Collier County, will restore a more natural water flow to more than 50,000 acres of wetlands that were lost to drainage and development in the early ‘60s. The project is a component of the world’s largest environmental restoration initiative officially known as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Overall, the plan’s goal is to restore, protect and preserve the water resources of the greater Everglades ecosystem while preserving the habitat of more than 60 endangered species.

More information about the restoration of America’s Everglades can be found at the following web site: http://www.evergladesplan.org/

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Where the Wild Thing are!
The Southern Golden Gate Estates property is adjacent to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Collier Seminole State park – all protected habitats and home to many wild and wonderful Everglades plants and animals. The Southern Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration project will provide contiguous habitat for these areas, which are home to endangered species such as the Florida panther, Florida Back bear and wood stork, as well as rare tropical hammocks and plant including orchids and bromeliads.

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AREA HAPPENINGS:

Art League of Bonita Springs
Calendar:

5th Bonita Springs National Art Festival
January 17 & 18, 2004
Location: Promenade at Bonita Bay
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: $2

Docent Tour
January 27, February 12 & 24, 2004
Location: ALBS Galleries
Time: 10:30 AM
Tour the campus of the Art League of Bonita Springs! Our docent begins each tour in our Main Gallery with a short discussion of our current exhibition. Your tour will visit each of our building's studios providing opportunities to meet faculty and an overview of classes at the League. Then, after visiting our new art library and gift shop, enjoy refreshments in our Main Gallery.

Beaux Arts Masque Ball
January 31, 2004
Location: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: $200&250
Join us for a spectacular and elegant evening! Our evening begins with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction in a unique masquerade atmosphere! A gourmet dinner, live auction and dancing complete our masque ball. Please contact the office to receive an invitation.

Tour to Dunedin Fine Arts Center
February 4, 2004
Location: Bonita Springs to Dunedin, Florida
Time: 8:00 AM
Cost: $60.00 per person
We depart the Center for the Arts parking lot at 8:00am for Dunedin, one of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida. Picturesque waterfront, relaxed lifestyle and truly delightful place to visit Dunedin has lots of charm, a wide variety of restaurants and antique and curio shopping. This Scottish village also hosts the Dunedin Arts Center, displaying this month a spectacular clay exhibit of 20 major clay artists "The Art of Contemporary Pottery". We expect to return to the Center for the Arts parking lot by 6:30pm

Famous Artist Demos
February 8, 2004
Location: ALBS Campus
Time: 4:00 PM
Cost: $12.00
Famous Artists Demos in a wide variety of media take place 4-6pm on campus. Advance registration required.

Famous Artist Workshops
February 9, 2004
Location: ALBS Campus
Famous Artist Workshops take place this week on ALBS campus in a wide variety of media. Advance registration required. Please check our workshop page on this website, or contact our office for a complete schedule of our 2004 workshops.

New Member Welcome Reception
February 12, 2004
Location: ALBS Main Gallery
Time: 3:30 PM
All new members are invited to a welcome cocktail party from 3:30 to 5:30pm, that includes campus tours and introduction to the League and its many exciting programs and activities.

Opening Reception Art of Collecting Art
February 13, 2004
Location: ALBS Main Gallery
Time: 5:30 PM
Opening reception, 5:30 to 7:30pm, of "The Art of Collecting Art", a showcase exhibition of artworks loaned to the League from private art collections in Southwest Florida.

Evening of Dance
February 21, 2004
Location: ALBS Campus Buildings
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $30.00
Join our guest hostess, Maxine Carter, for an evening of dance performances, cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, open dancing and a glimpse into Maxine's spectacular history. Hours: 6:00 to ?

The Art Center has many adult and children's classes scheduled! For further information about activities of the Art League, you may call the center at 239-495-8989 or visit the Art League's web page.

The following events were taken from the Naples Daily News:

AREA ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:

SIGN UP TODAY TO SAVE BABIES TOMORROW
Collier County- Cambier Park
Saturday, March 27, 2004

March of Dimes WALKAMERICA
Lee County – Centennial Park
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Use your feet to give premature babies a hand. Call 239 433 DIME for more information.  Can you spare a few hours a month? Become a volunteer! The benefits are priceless! Young or old, volunteers make the difference!

Walkamerica.0rg
1-800-525WALK

Symphony Ball
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
5001 Coconut Road
Bonita Springs, FL
Wine, dine and dance at the second Symphony ball - "Magical, Musical Moments." Chef Richard McCreadie prepares a feast, and attendees can dance the night away to the big band sounds of Sir John as well as bid on silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and its programs
Fees: $150 per person or a patron table of 8 for $1,600
Date(s): 1/24/2004 - 1/24/2004
Time(s): Cocktails are at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m.
Contact Info: 418-1500

Third Street South Farmers Market is open for business from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 17, and every Saturday through April in the parking lot off Third Street South behind Tommy Bahama's. Local vendors sell fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked goods, jams, native plants and fresh flowers, herbs, aromatherapy and more. Information: 262-6279.

Collier County Historical Society's bi-monthly Old Naples Walking Tour takes place Thursday, Jan. 22, beginning at 10 a.m. at Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave. S. A knowledgeable guide will lead the stroll through the oldest part of Naples, with highlights including the oldest commercial building and several historic homes. Cost is $10 for Historical Society members and $15 for nonmembers. Other tours are scheduled for Feb. 12 and 26, March 11 and 25 and April 8 and 22. Call for particulars. Information: 261-8164.

"Mame," the classic musical comedy, continues its run at Naples Dinner Theatre. Productions take place Tuesday through Saturday evenings with matinees set for Wednesdays and Sundays through Jan. 25; call for specifics. Tickets are $45 and $47.50. The theater is at 1025 Piper Blvd. off Immokalee Road in North Naples. Information: 514-7827.

The 28th annual Collier County Fair takes place from Friday through Sunday, Jan. 30 through Feb. 8, at the Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. N.E., off Immokalee Road 10 miles east of Interstate 75. Events include numerous carnival rides, live entertainment, shows and contests, midway food and agricultural, horticultural and technological exhibits. Admission is $7 for ages 12 and up, and $3 for children 6 to 11. Armbands will cost $15. Details will follow closer to fair time. Information: 455-1444.

"Hearts & Wishes: Speed Dating for Valentines" takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Aja Lounge in the Promenade at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs. This third speed-dating evening is sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, beneficiary of the event. Tickets are $35 per person and reservations are requested by Feb. 4. Information: 992-9474.

Great Outdoor Adventure Day takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Lovers Key State Park. Activities include guided biking, hiking, kayaking and birding tours, live reggae music, a casting contest, environmental exhibits and more. The cost is regular park admission: $2 for one person in a car, $4 for two to eight people. Lovers Key/Carl E. Johnson State Park is at 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Information: (239) 463-4588.

"Florida's Animals" with David Piper will be the topic of the Saturday, Jan. 17, lecture at the Learning Center at Barefoot Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Other topics and speakers include "Fishing in Southwest Florida" with Byron Stout, Jan. 24; "Southwest Florida Weather" with Dave Roberts, Jan. 31; "Magnificent Shells" with Scott Ritchey, Feb. 7; "Florida's Bears" with Chip Bilbrey, Feb. 14; "Amazing Spiders" with Jimmy Alaniz, Feb. 21; "Silent Panthers" with Larry Richardson, Feb. 28; and "Native Plants" with Nancy Olson, March 6. No charge is involved, but visitors without a beach parking permit must pay a $3 parking fee. The beach is at the west end of Bonita Beach Road. Information: 948-4155 or 992-9676.

The Naples Philharmonic Center For The Arts has a superb season planned! Visit www.thephil.org for their season calendar and more information about each event.

The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center has kicked off a new season with two new series and "great new subscription seats available"! Be sure to visit www.bbmannpah.com for more information!

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Need an idea of what dining experiences are in our area? Click here for a list of some of the best!