Ft. Myers, FL – September 15, 2018 – Join us this October for the second annual Dark Art exhibition as presented by the Syzygy Collaborative Art Project. The works selected, primarily from local artists, explore the creepy and macabre in art – and celebrate the freedom for artists to pursue the entire spectrum in thematic art. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
This juried collection of artwork will be displayed in the Grand Atrium. The opening reception takes place on Friday, October 5th during Art Walk. Beginning at 6pm, Wicked Apple Art will be demonstrating a live body paint session on the main stage, while local artists Dharma LeFevre and Cloud Kent will be painting live around the main gallery.
 
There will also be tarot readings by Shelby Elmore, a fire spinning performance by Fiero outside on the gallery steps, live music and more! At 9pm, Pixel Winters and Company close out the night with a dark, strange – and maybe a little spooky – burlesque revue featuring some of your favorite local performers. Dark Art is an event bound to be weird and wonderful, with plenty of surprises in store. Costumes strongly encouraged. Costumes may not include weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for real weapons.
 
Dark Art 2018 is presented by Syzygy Collaborative Art Project, better known as the artist duo Danielle Branchaud and Nick Masiello. To learn more about Syzygy, visit www.syzygyart.wordpress.com.
 
Syzygy presents Dark Art
Opens: Friday, October 5th | 6pm – 10pm
Closes: Friday, October 26th
For more info, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239 333 1933
 
 
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September 16, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – Support young musicians! Join SBDAC and the Lee County Library for Teen Rock the River. This battle of the bands features SWFL teens playing their original songs live for a chance to win 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
 
Teen Rock the River is a battle of the bands coordinated by the Lee County Library System and SBDAC. Young bands submitted their original music from August – September. The top three finalists are asked to perform in the annual showcase, where they have a chance to win. Contestants have a chance to win recording time at Six Fingers Studios, a gift card from Brent’s Music, tickets to Sunsplash, a photoshoot with Jesi Cason Photography, and much more!
 
Bands will play on the steps of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for an audience and a panel of judges, including Angela Page of the Young Dead, News Press writer Charles Runnels, and Bob Tabarrini of A200 and the Tabarrini Foundation. The live show takes place on Saturday, October 13th from 5pm – 7pm. Experience this amazing battle of the bands featuring Southwest Florida brightest young stars!
 
Earlier in the day, don’t miss the Third Annual Comic Fest at the Lee County Library downtown branch from 12pm – 4pm. Teen Battle of the Bands is working in conjunction with Comic Fest to make the day one of the biggest and best events for young people in the Southwest Florida area. Come for a full day of workshops, meet and greets, and food, and then top it off with supporting young performers at Teen Rock the River!
 
Teen Rock the River
Saturday, October 13, 2019 | 5pm – 7pm
On the steps of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Free to Attend | Donations Accepted
For more info, call 239 333 1933 or visit www.sbdac.com
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Sept. 11, 2018 – NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Lee, Charlotte and Hendry Counties is issuing a final call for walkers in their first annual 5K walk event, NAMIWalks Southwest Florida. Registrations will be accepted up until the day of the event, Saturday, Sept. 29. The walk begins at 7 p.m. at the City of Fort Myers Pier. With a fundraising goal of $75,000, the event is designed to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
 
Join NAMIWalks Southwest Florida to help them reach their goal to fill the bridge in downtown Fort Myers and be a part of a movement that improves lives and communities one step at a time. Celebrating its 16^th year, NAMIWalks takes place in more than 85 communities across the country to raise money for vital programs and services that are provided to those in need free of cost. This is the first time it will take place in Southwest Florida, specifically Fort Myers.
 
“Why do we Walk? We walk because one in five Americans live with a mental health condition, yet only half will receive the help they need and deserve. We walk because mental illness is too tough to walk alone and without the proper understanding and support people suffer, families suffer, and our communities suffer. We walk because it is unacceptable that suicide is the second leading cause of death for American youth aged 10-24. September 29^th is our chance to come together as a community to send a message of hope and let those whose lives have been turned upside down by a mental health condition know that they are not alone and that they are more than a diagnosis. Let’s use this opportunity to “Fill the Bridge” to show our support and celebrate our diversity.”  – Vacharee Howard, Executive Vice President of NAMI Lee, Charlotte and Hendry Counties.
 
On Saturday, Sept. 29^th, check-in will begin promptly at 6 p.m. at the registration tent near the corner of Hendry Street and Edwards Drive and various activities for all ages will take place throughout the evening, including activities for those who wish to participate, but not walk. Fundraising walk teams are also encouraged.
 
Register for free at NAMIWalks Southwest Florida at https://namilee.org/namiwalks_swfl/. For more information about NAMIWalks Southwest Florida or details about donating, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor visit www.namilee.org.
 
ABOUT NAMIWALKS:
NAMIWalks is a 5K event that raises awareness and funds for NAMI organizations across the U.S. Last year alone, NAMIWalks collectively raised $11.4 million for mental health initiatives.  Each NAMIWalks event brings people of all ages and fitness levels together for a compelling cause. Those who are unable to walk are still welcome to register and participate as a volunteer or “virtual walker.” Walk participants are encouraged to build a team and fundraise to support the work of their local, regional or state NAMI organization.
 
ABOUT NAMI LEE, CHARLOTTE AND HENDRY COUNTIES:
Founded in 1979, NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI is an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations, and volunteers who work in communities across the nation. Due to the generosity of gifts and contributions, NAMI is able to provide information through education programs, support through the NAMI Help Line, and advocacy at national and state levels. In addition, NAMI successfully fights stigma by hosting public awareness events and activities, including Mental Illness Awareness Week, and NAMIWalks.
 
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NAPLES, FL– Sept. 10, 2018– Gulfshore Life has just named eight Men & Women of the Year for their outstanding contributions to the greater community of Southwest Florida. The distinguished winners include leaders in business, philanthropy, the arts and more from both Collier and Lee counties. They will be honored at a reception and awards presentation on Nov. 8 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.
 
The 2018 Men & Women of the Year are:
 

• Chauncey Goss, Sanibel city councilman and conservationist
• Dawn Montecalvo, President, Guadalupe Center
• Juan Diaz, Artist
• Katie Schweikhardt, Development director, United Way of Collier County
• Mike Martin, President, Florida Gulf Coast University
• Stacey Deffenbaugh, News anchor, NBC2
• Susie McCurry, Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation
• Scott Burgess, President and CEO, David Lawrence Center

 
The 2018 honorees join an elite group of more than 250 former Men & Women of the Year, named every November for the past 21 years.
 
About Gulfshore Life
Gulfshore Life, which debuted in 1970, captures the vibrant spirit, style and natural beauty of Southwest Florida, from Fort Myers and Cape Coral to Naples and Marco Island. Its coverage of local news, personalities and pursuits, from arts and entertainment to fashion, real estate and the luxury lifestyle, helps residents and visitors understand and enjoy the region.
 
 
 

(For Immediate Release) – Patti LaBelle to perform at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW on Monday, February 11 at 7:30PM. Ticket go on sale Friday, September 14 at 10AM at the Box Office, online at www.bbmannpah.com or call 239-481-4849. The Fort Myers concert is part of the Bank of America Variety Series.
 
LaBelle began her career in the early 1960s as lead singer and front woman of the vocal group, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. Following the group’s name change to Labelle in the early 1970s, they released the iconic disco song “Lady Marmalade” and the group later became the first African-American vocal group to land the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
After the group split in 1976, LaBelle began a successful solo career, starting with her critically acclaimed debut album, which included the career-defining song, “You Are My Friend“. LaBelle became a mainstream solo star in 1984 following the success of the singles, “If Only You Knew”, “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up”, with the latter two crossing over to pop audiences and becoming radio staples.
Less than two years later, in 1986, LaBelle scored with the number-one album, Winner in You and the number-one duet single, “On My Own”, with Michael McDonald. LaBelle eventually won a 1992 Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her 1991 album, Burnin’, followed by a second Grammy win for the live album, Live! One Night Only. Her 1990s albums, Burnin’, Gems (1994) and Flame (1997), continued her popularity with young R&B audiences throughout the decade. Following the release of two mildly receptive solo albums in the early new millennium, she reunited with her Labelle band mates for the album, Back to Now, followed by a briefly well received promotional tour. LaBelle’s success has extended as an actress with a notable role in the film, A Soldier’s Story, and in TV shows such as A Different World and American Horror Story: Freak Show. In 1992, LaBelle starred in her own TV sitcom, Out All Night. A decade later, LaBelle hosted her own lifestyle TV show, Living It Up with Patti LaBelle on TV One. In 2015, LaBelle took part in the dance competition, Dancing with the Stars.
In a career that has spanned fifty years, she has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. LaBelle has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame. In 2005, the World Music Awards recognized her years in the music business by awarding her the Legend Award. LaBelle was included in Rolling Stone on their list of 100 Greatest Singers. LaBelle is commonly identified as the “Godmother of Soul”. LaBelle is a dramatic soprano and is noted for her vocal power, range and emotive delivery. She also has a cake named “Patti LaBelle’s Fancy Cake“.
-30-
Performance Date / Time:           Monday, February 11 – 7:30PM*
Ticket Prices:                                     $115*    $89.50*    $69.50*    $49.50*
                                                                *All shows, dates, times and ticket prices are subject to change.
 
 
 
 
 
 

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Nursing, forensic science and leadership are just some of the topics Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Critical Thinking Lecture Series will highlight during its October lineup.
Free and open to the public, the Critical Thinking Lecture Series features college and community leaders who discuss how they use critical thinking skills in their profession or focus on critical topics from their area of career or academic interest. Presentations take place weekly, and the fall series runs September through November. The full schedule can be viewed at www.fsw.edu/ctls.
Presentations can be viewed live on the Thomas Edison Campus or digitally at all other FSW locations.
“Think Like a Nurse” with Angie Vitale, FSW Nursing professor
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
FSW Campus Locations – Thomas Edison Campus: U-102; Collier Campus: M-201; Charlotte Campus: O-118; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: A-106
 
“Critical Thinking: Tackling Challenges in Forensic Science” with Pricilla Doyle, FSW Intro to Crime Scene Technology and Intro to Forensic Science adjunct professor, and Forensic Death Investigator, District 21 Medical Examiner’s Office
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
FSW Campus Locations – Thomas Edison Campus: AA-177; Collier Campus: M-201; Charlotte: O-117; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: A-114
 
“Making Chemistry -198.5 Degrees of Cool” with Kim Hilton, FSW Chemistry professor
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2 – 3 p.m.
FSW Campus Locations – Thomas Edison Campus: AA-177; Collier Campus: M-201; Charlotte Campus: O-117; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: A-114
 
“Cutting Edge Science = Magic?” with Dr. Joseph van Gaalen, FSW Geology adjunct professor and director of Assessment and Effectiveness
Thursday, Oct. 18, 6 – 7 p.m.
FSW Campus Locations – Thomas Edison Campus: AA-177; Collier Campus: A—103; Charlotte Campus: E-105; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: A-106
 
“Servant Leadership: Lesson from the Front-Lines” with Dr. George Harvey, FSW adjunct professor and student success advisor
Monday, Oct. 22, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
FSW Campus Locations: Thomas Edison Campus: U-102; Collier Campus: M-201; Charlotte Campus: O-117; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: A-114
 
“Top 10 Reasons Why People Fail” with Dr. Martin Tawil, FSW Cornerstone professor
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. – noon
FSW Campus Locations – Thomas Edison Campus: AA-177; Collier Campus: M-201; Charlotte Campus: O-118; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: A-114
 
For more information on the FSW Critical Thinking Lecture Series, contact Whitney Rhyne, director, Strategic Initiatives, at (239) 433-6943 or [email protected].
 
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Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercolle

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2018) – Local entrepreneurs will not just stand for the success of other women in business, they will insist on it. Nickole Hendra, Executive Director of Dress for Success SW Florida, is pleased to offer the Entrepreneurial Spirit Program (E$P) to provide future women business owners with the tools and support they need to succeed in their career.
 
The event, which was originally scheduled to take place in August, has been rescheduled to be held on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A. at 8961 Conference Drive in Fort Myers. The E$P Dream Team includes four prominent women in the community, who will each cover specific topics that will help inspire and prepare future business owners:
 

• Angela Cooley, partner at Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A., will discuss business accounting.
• Christina Harris Schwinn, partner at Pavese Law Firm, will discuss legal documentation and incorporation.
• Barbara Melvin, vice president and community lender at First Florida Integrity Bank, will discuss small business lending and SBA loans.
• Connie Ramos-Williams, president and chief marketing officer of CONRIC PR & Marketing, will discuss new business branding and marketing.

 
All attendees will receive a certification of completion. A suggested donation of $25 to Dress for Success includes continental breakfast and lunch. Limited seating is available, and reservations are required. For more information or to RSVP, call 239-689-4992.
 
The program is proudly sponsored by CONRIC PR & Marketing, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright and Company, P.A., First Florida Integrity Bank and Pavese Law Firm.
 
About Dress for Success SW Florida
Dress for Success SW Florida is part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 150 cities in 23 countries and has helped more than 1 million women work towards self-sufficiency, while providing career wardrobes, employment counseling and mentoring. The Fort Myers location of Dress for Success SW Florida is 12995 S. Cleveland Ave. Suite 153, Fort Myers in the Pinebrook Plaza. The Naples location is 2950 Tamiami Trail N #200, Naples. For information on Dress for Success SW Florida, email [email protected], call (239) 689-4992 or visit swflorida.dressforsuccess.org.
 
 

Fort Myers, FL (September 7, 2018) Who would think indoor air can be hazardous to your health? Indoor air—a pollutant? Unfortunately, that is often the case, said Jim Cloonan, General Manager of United Mechanical, Inc. in Fort Myers, Florida.
“With recent outbreaks of red tide and toxic blue green algae permeating the canals and waterways of Fort Myers and Cape Coral, airborne particles are causing respiratory illnesses in residents and tourists, especially those close to the water,” said Cloonan. “Staying indoors with proper ventilation and implementing indoor air quality (IAQ) products, is a wise choice.”
Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors and the American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making IAQ extremely important. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery, and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints, and personal care products.
The tight construction of today’s homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather-stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a build-up of contaminants within the home.
Poor IAQ can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants within the home can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation. Two health problems that can be aggravated by poor indoor air are allergies and asthma. Even people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from improved IAQ. Fortunately, several steps can be taken to ensure that your indoor environment is the safest.
“Thankfully, there are things a homeowner can do to help alleviate potential IAQ concerns. The first step toward improving indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants,” said Cloonan. “Eliminating and reducing these sources are the most effective ways to clean the air. Although it is not possible to remove every contaminant source (especially red tide), reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit, will contribute to a healthier living environment.”
A great way to minimize the concentration of pollutants is by thoroughly cleaning the home. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help to reduce the amount of dust particles in the air.
When you can’t sweep away all the irritants, you should consider a PureAir Air Purification System from Lennox Healthy Climate Solutions. PureAir is your best defense against all three classes of indoor contaminants – particles such as dust, microorganisms like bacteria and volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde.
Ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality. Proper ventilation can reduce the concentration of pollutants inside the home. An Energy Recover Ventilator (ERV) or Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) can replace stale indoor air with fresher, cleaner outdoor air without sacrificing comfort or wasting energy you’ve spent heating, cooling or dehumidifying it.
Some of the most effective solutions for poor indoor air quality may involve heating and cooling systems. High-efficiency air filters can assist in absorbing particles that otherwise would escape due to their size. These filters help clean the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt, and pollen. Other Healthy Climate Solutions products that are available include dehumidifiers, humidifiers, carbon monoxide detectors, and UV lights
To find out more about the most effective methods to improve indoor air quality, call United Mechanical at (239) 939-2032 or visit http://www.umihomeservices.com/services/indoor-air-quality-solutions/.

October Sales of Pink Wipers to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation
Newton, Mass., Sept. 1, 2018 – Henley Enterprises, Inc., the largest franchisee of Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM  is once again raising funds and increasing awareness for National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBCF). Throughout the month of October a portion of the sales of pink wipers will be donated to NBCF. The wipers are available at over 175 participating Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations in 10 states.
Now in its seventh year, the campaign has raised more than $86,000 for NBCF and is hoping to reach a
$100,000 milestone this year.
“The blades allow individuals who have been affected or know someone affected by breast cancer to show their support” states Don Smith, founder and CEO of Henley Enterprises, Inc.
The blades come in both traditional black with a small pink ribbon and full pink for those who wish to make a bolder statement. They fit 98% of cars, trucks, and SUVs manufactured after 2003.
Customers who have purchased their pink wipers can enter a photo of their car with the new wipers for a chance to win a year of free oil changes. Visit the Pink My Ride photo contest and Speedy the Dog’s Facebook page for more information.
The blades are only sold at participating service centers. Visit VIOCPink.com for a list of stores and
#WipeOutBreastCancer to follow the campaign.

About Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE: VVV) is a leading worldwide marketer and supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services. Its service brand, Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC), is the No. 2 quick-lube chain by number of stores in the United States. The company operates and franchises more than 1,100 Valvoline Instant Oil Change centers in the U.S. Service centers invite customers to stay in their cars and watch VIOC’s certified technicians perform the service. In addition to full-service oil changes done in about 15 minutes, centers offer a wide range of preventive maintenance services for most vehicle makes and models, including luxury, diesel, and hybrid. Visit www.vioc.com to learn more.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2018) – Local entrepreneurs will not just stand for the success of other women in business, they will insist on it. Nickole Hendra, Executive Director of Dress for Success SW Florida, is pleased to offer the Entrepreneurial Spirit Program (E$P) to provide future women business owners with the tools and support they need to succeed in their career.
The event, which was originally scheduled to take place in August, has been rescheduled to be held on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A. at 8961 Conference Drive in Fort Myers. The E$P Dream Team includes four prominent women in the community, who will each cover specific topics that will help inspire and prepare future business owners:

• Angela Cooley, partner at Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A., will discuss business accounting.
• Christina Harris Schwinn, partner at Pavese Law Firm, will discuss legal documentation and incorporation.
• Barbara Melvin, vice president and community lender at First Florida Integrity Bank, will discuss small business lending and SBA loans.
• Connie Ramos-Williams, president and chief marketing officer of CONRIC PR & Marketing, will discuss new business branding and marketing.

All attendees will receive a certification of completion. A suggested donation of $25 to Dress for Success includes continental breakfast and lunch. Limited seating is available, and reservations are required. For more information or to RSVP, call 239-689-4992.
The program is proudly sponsored by CONRIC PR & Marketing, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright and Company, P.A., First Florida Integrity Bank and Pavese Law Firm.
About Dress for Success SW Florida
Dress for Success SW Florida is part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 150 cities in 23 countries and has helped more than 1 million women work towards self-sufficiency, while providing career wardrobes, employment counseling and mentoring. The Fort Myers location of Dress for Success SW Florida is 12995 S. Cleveland Ave. Suite 153, Fort Myers in the Pinebrook Plaza. The Naples location is 2950 Tamiami Trail N #200, Naples. For information on Dress for Success SW Florida, email [email protected], call (239) 689-4992 or visit swflorida.dressforsuccess.org.