By Tom Dwyer
As winter sets in, and the Hudson River starts to freeze, Hudson County residents dream of escaping to a tropical paradise. But getting there can be a pain, especially if you need to change planes or go through customs. That’s where Sanibel and Captiva Islands come in. Just two-and-a-half hours on a direct flight from Newark Airport to Ft. Myers, Florida, located on the Gulf Coast, a pair of welcoming and enchanting American islands await you.   Rent a car at the Ft. Myers airport and it’s a quick and easy 30-minute drive to Sanibel and Captiva. Â
The Islands
Local lore has it that rum-running pirates and CIA operatives once lived on these islands. But it’s the natural beauty and the gulf waters and its unique shell-covered beaches that make these islands magical. The residents have a deep love and respect for the wildlife and the land—from protecting the alligators on golf courses, to maintaining the renowned J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 6,400 acre sanctuary that shelters 290 species of birds, 50 types of reptiles and at least 30 mammals. www.fws.gov/dingdarling    In addition to its natural wonders and world-class sunsets, Sanibel and Captiva offer a variety of sophisticated but casual lodgings, restaurants and cultural events. The islands attract visitors from Europe and Canada as well as most states across America, with New Jersey rating in the top five.  Continue reading TRAVEL-Sanibel & Captiva Islands….Beauty, Sophistication & Fun
 
One of the writers and Master of Ceremonies is Leeshai Lemish, who has been with the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe, based in Orange County, New York, since its inception in 2006. Lemish has emceed more than 400 Shen Yun performances in English and Chinese, has traveled with the show all over the world and calls Jersey City home. 
NJ Room Receives NARA Files!
Pianist Pamela Ross is no stranger to the big stages of New York City, having performed for 52 weeks on 42nd Street’s Theatre Row and stages throughout the U.S. and abroad she is an award-winning pianist, actress and writer. Her solo pieces on the piano and those played with an ensemble and other performers are “unique and special “in the way she delivers them. Ross has two award-winning one woman shows to her credit “Carreno†based on the tempestuous life of the great turn-of-the-century Venezuelan pianist, Teresa Carreno and “Goodbye Harryâ€-a tribute to her late father, both were written and performed by the talented Ross.