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I know that this column is now being read in many parts of Collier County, but I like to write about what I know best and that is where I live - East Naples. There are many good things going on that I think you will all be interested in.

First, a really fun time can be had at the Bayshore Coffee House, 3570 Bayshore Dr. This little place reminds me of the eclectic atmosphere we all loved in the past. Wednesday’s “Open Mic” night is always very well attended. Thursday night, there is a Blues Band at 7 p.m. and other very talented musicians drift in with their instruments to join them. The place is filled with fun and excitement. Friday night features Bluegrass and Saturday night is Live Jazz, with a special plate dinner. The prices for dinner range from $11 to $16. Bryan and Rondi Hauser, of Marco Island, say the Bayshore Coffee House has the best soup in town or anywhere. On the first and third Sunday, they host an Irish jam session. The last Tuesday there is wine tasting at 6 p.m. and a special feature artist is announced, whose works will be displayed all month.

People have discovered this tiny place from as far away as Ft. Myers and Port Charlotte! I know you’ll love it, as well.

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For those of you who have already been to Gemi’s on Davis Blvd. and Eurasia on the East Trail, I know you’ve been thrilled with their food, because you keep going back. If you remember, Gemi’s is a wonderful breakfast and lunch place, located right next door to St. Vincent De Paul. Eurasia features fine Italian and Vietnamese dining. I had never heard of a restaurant featuring two distinctively different nationality foods, but this delightful place, located in St. Andrews Square shopping center on the East Trail (near the East Naples library), does it superbly!

Saporito’s, located at 3367 Bayshore Dr., means “Tasty” in Italian, according to my friend, Ellie Tegelman. Chef German Hernandez trained with Wolfgang Puck and spent several years in Italy perfecting his technique. The restaurant offers fine Italian and Latin cuisine. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Friday, with dinner only on Saturday. Reservations can be made at 774-6462.

* * *

Connie Sudbrook, volunteer coordinator for the Guardian Ad Litem services advises they are offering certification classes for becoming a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem. If you feel your calling is in this field, please call Connie at 860-0297. Their Web site is Guardianadlitem.org.

You can also volunteer your time to serve on several Collier County advisory committees. The deadline for applying is Sept. 4. For detailed information on committees available, call Sue Filson at 252-8097. Some of the openings you might find interesting are

- Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, which has an opening for an advocate for low income persons,

- Board of Building Adjustments and Appeals - one year term

- Code Enforcement Board as an alternate, expiring on Feb. 14, 2009

- Environmental Advisory Committee - two openings

- Habitat Conservation Plan Ad Hoc Advisory Committee - one vacancy with the term expiring on Sept. 12, 2009

- Planning Commission, District 1

- Historical/Archaeological Preservation Board

- County Water and Wastewater Authority.

All interested persons must be a voting resident of Collier County. Personally, I’d love to see more East Naples residents apply for these positions. It’s good to see people I know serving on our advisory boards.

I hope your summer has been relaxing and peaceful.