Melinda Lee
WINK News
Fort Myers, FL, United States
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Past articles by Melinda:
SWFL mom overcomes obstacles to share 'Sharks in the Oceans' with children
It’s Shark Week, and one Charlotte County mom wants to help your children love learning about marine life and inspire them to believe in their future. Katharine Baumgartner says she discovered her love for the ocean and animals at a young age but was also struggling with a learning disability as a child. “When I … → Read More
The Fallen Officers scholarships support students in name of community heroes
One Naples couple is helping send students to school while honoring our community’s heroes. “It makes me feel good to know that not only am I continuing the legacy of my father, but also of these fallen officers,” said Rosemary Zore, the founder of The Fallen Officers. Zore honors her father and other law enforcement … → Read More
Retired football coaches in SWFL believe teams will find a way to play in fall
Like everything else related to the coronavirus, the world of college sports is divided. Of the Power Five conferences, two say it’s not safe to play in the fall. Three say it is. We spoke to two former coaches in Southwest Florida who have instructed from the high school to professional level. They both believe … → Read More
Former drug addict creates business to help others move forward
On the side of every “Matson Movers” van are the words: “Don’t forget where you came from.” The company’s creator Nicholas Matson comes from a years-long battle with drug addiction. “I was really just isolating by myself with no one, getting high, make it to the next day, get high and just living that vicious … → Read More
SWFL animal sanctuary founder hailed 'hero' by GoFundMe
Step out into Christopher Vane’s backyard and you’ll quickly learn that the Punta Gorda man has a whole lot of pets. “We have over 150 farm animals, 74 pigs … these animals have come from hoarding, situations, neglect, abuse,” Vane said. He rescues the animals and brings them to his non-profit, “Little Bear Sanctuary.” “In … → Read More
Marine veteran celebrates her 97th birthday
Ronelva Vernon is turning 97 years old on Monday. Of course, she’s most excited about cutting into her birthday cake. But even more than that, she likes to bring out her favorite things to remind her of the great life she’s lived. “This is my old U.S. Marine cup that I used,” said Vernon, tapping … → Read More
Lee Health military support sends love to troops overseas
Step inside Lee Health’s Military Support closet and let Kim Gaide show you how she’s using this space to send love from Florida to our troops overseas. “Welcome to the Military Support closet. We have been in existence since 2003. I started when President Bush called the war and we noticed that our Florida guardsmen … → Read More
Bar 17 owner buying, collecting school supplies for Charlotte County students
Russ Bellerose’s Bar 17 is closed because of COVID-19, but the Punta Gorda veteran is in the business of giving back by collecting school supplies here. “We did a backpack for kids program last year and the intent was to be able to fill backpacks full of school supplies for kids and everything that they … → Read More
Kids with special needs learn, play, even fly inside Estero family's gym
“A gym for all kids” is written on the wall of one Estero family’s business. Inside, one mother helps her daughter and all Southwest Florida children with special needs reach their goals like Michelle Mirpuri, who turned five years old Tuesday. “I asked her, ‘What do you want to do for your birthday,’ and she … → Read More
How one group of friends continued their happy hour at a social distance, of course
Coronavirus has kept many in our community from seeing their loved ones. Including Carolyn Ellis, who is traveling on a golf cart to get to them. Really though, it was a group decision to meet at Vi at Bentley Village. “We were missing each other so we decided that we could do something safely if … → Read More
Olga pastor helps turn brokenness into beauty with free mosaic-making sessions
Most of us have experienced a range of emotions lately. Well, one woman’s answer to dealing with the pandemic involves broken glass. “I have a heart for the broken,” said Shari Lacey. Breaking cups and plates is not only welcome at her home — it’s encouraged. Then, the Olga pastor will help you turn your … → Read More
SWFL mom creates school supply drive for families in need
One Charlotte County mom knows school supply costs can add up and aren’t affordable for families in our area struggling to make ends meet. To help them, she’s collecting hundreds of backpacks, binders and more to give away in a CDC-safe drive-thru on Aug. 9 at Port Charlotte’s Seven Day Adventist Church at 2036 Loveland … → Read More
Cape Coral teens send 'Cards for Comfort' around community
On one card, Nicole Bishop writes, “Are you the coronavirus? Because you take my breath away.” “We do a lot of jokes,” said the “Cards for Comfort” co-creator. “All of the cards have a personal message.” Like another card that says, “Nancy, are you a pandemic? Because you have my heart on lockdown.” People living … → Read More
SWFL woman's 'Teddy Bear Project' comforts children experiencing homelessness, abuse
A Port Charlotte woman is helping children with no home – and those being abused at home – by giving them a cuddly gift. It’s much more than a teddy bear to Mary Ann Markey, Ph.D. “It’s funny how something as small as a teddy bear or a stuffed animal can make that difference,” Markey … → Read More
SWFL mother donates breastmilk to give back to hospital helping her son survive
One Fort Myers mother is on a mission and is turning her traumatic experience into her motivation for giving back. There’s a cute Christmas card photo of Candy Quiróa’s family — she’s smiling as she holds her first-born, Zael, a 3-year-old boy she once worried wouldn’t survive his premature birth. “He was born at 24 … → Read More
Vietnam veterans surprised with fully furnished home
Two Southwest Florida veterans are thankful to have a roof over their heads and furniture too, thanks to our community coming together. As Glenn Shade and Ronald See made the trek toward the red front door, they still could not believe that it was now their home. “If it wasn’t for Susie, we’d have probably … → Read More
SWFL teens inspire thousands of 'writings of warmth' sent to those in isolation
“You matter.” These two words are written on a handmade card Margaret Donnelly received from a total stranger. As she opened it, she read even more kind words written just for her. “‘You are amazing.’ They have vivid imaginations,” Donnelly laughed. “I appreciate it.” Her smile says it all and the Illinois woman is one … → Read More
Disabled marine surprised with truck to put him on the road to recovery
The price of freedom is high for veterans like John McLellan, disabled in the line of duty. “The last deployment to Afghanistan, I sustained brain damage from an IED explosion,” he said. “The headaches are dreadful and migraines are even worse.” So this Marine vet is excited to drive his silver truck to the treatment … → Read More
Naples students dive in to help reef restoration
Right now, there are middle schoolers in our area joining a gang — but they’re not criminals. This “Scuba gang” works to clean up our waters. “It’s just really mind-blowing knowing that you can make a difference,” said 12-year-old Ana Vlad. Making a difference in middle school goes below sea level for these students willing … → Read More
Dunbar High School coach gets opportunity to work with Olympic athletes
Guy Thomas coaches high school track at Dunbar. He always tries to make sure that his students are inspired and well taken care of. “When a student first comes to me comes to Dunbar, I sit them down and see exactly where they wanna go with this,” he said. Thomas wants them to know “the … → Read More