Member News

Copies of Dr. Mary Manz Simon’s book to be given to children 
Note to Media: Nationally recognized children’s author, speaker and parenting authority Dr. Mary Manz Simon will visit Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center this Wednesday, Dec. 12 during the 9 a.m. chapel service. Manz Simon will speak to the center’s children and their families, and she’ll autograph copies of her book “My Christmas Story Tree” for children after the service.
Her platform of practical advice within a developmental framework appeals to educators and parents seeking real-time solutions. Simon’s extensive work with companies and retailers in publishing, education and children’s entertainment gives her a comprehensive timeline and perspective on emerging issues.
WHAT: Dr. Mary Manz Simon will visit Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center to speak to children.
 
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m.
 
WHERE: Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center, 7401 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
WHY: To educate children and their families about trends that impact them
CONTACT: Josh Milton, CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, [email protected]

FORT MYERS, FLA., December 10, 2018– World-renowned artists from throughout Europe, Russia, and Romania will travel to Fort Myers this winter to perform for the Fort Myers Community Concert Association in its 70th annual concert series.
Single tickets will be available for purchase starting December 15 for each of the six performances, which organizers say are among the best ever offered by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.  For most performances, prices are $55 for orchestra seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats. Mezzanine seats are sold out.
Single tickets for the March 11 performance by internationally acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman are $70 for orchestra seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats.
All performances will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers.  For tickets, call the Barbara B. Mann Hall box office at 239-481-4849.
The six concerts for the 2019 season are:

• National Symphony Orchestra of Romania – January 7, 2019. The National Symphony Orchestra of Romania is honoring the unification of Romania and Transylvania in their first ever tour of the United States.  Acclaimed as one of the world’s top ensembles, the orchestra has made a name for itself as Romania’s best and brightest orchestra. They will perform Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto, Suite from Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss and Ravel’s Bolero.
• Teatro Lirico D’Europa performing Puccini’s “Tosca” – January 14, 2019. A tale about an impulsive diva, a sadistic police chief and an idealistic artist, comes alive as Teatro Lirico D’Europa performs Giacoma Puccini’s exasperating and thrilling opera “Tosca.” Teatro Lirico D’Europa is the most successful opera touring company in Europe and the U.S. and travels with a full orchestra of 47 to 50 members and a chorus of 40 singers.
• Russian National Orchestra –February 12, 2019.  The Russian National Orchestra began as a courageous demonstration of artistic freedom during the Soviet regime.  Playing with captivating beauty, they have risen to the pinnacle of the classical music world.  Celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Rachmaninoff coming to the United States, they will perform his Vocalise, Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 and Symphonic Dancers, Op. 45.
• Russian National Ballet – February 25, 2019. The Russian National Ballet performs the timeless “Cinderella.”  Jubilant music, lush scenery and the hilarious double-roles of the step-sisters captivate audiences. The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and invigorates the tradition of classical Russian ballet with developments in dance from around the world.
• Itzhak Perlman – March 11, 2019 – Perlman is the reigning virtuoso of the violin and is returning to the Community Concert series for a second time.  Perlman was born in Israel and gave his first recital at age 10 before moving to the United States to study at the Juilliard School. He has been honored with more than 20 Grammy Awards (including one for Lifetime Achievement in 2008), four Emmy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
• Sir James Galway, Flutist – March 28, 2019 – Nicknamed “the man with the Golden Flute,” Sir James Galway is an Irish virtuoso flutist who is regarded as both the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer who plays songs from a variety of musical genres. He has recorded dozens of albums over the decades and has sold more than 30 million records.

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 70^th concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Flutist James Galway, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others. For more information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org
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(FORT MYERS, FL) – Children and adults are invited this Friday from 6-8 p.m. to a fun evening of holiday treats, family-friendly entertainment and cottage tours with Florida Baptist Children’s Homes and One More Child.
 
FBCH and One More Child have been meeting the needs of children through Christ-centered services and programs for more than 114 years, and staff is excited to connect with and give back to family and friends in the communities it serves.
 
The event will take place on the campus located at 4551 Camino Real Way.
 
In 2017, FBCH and One More Child impacted more than 200,000 children and families in more than 50 locations locally and globally.
 
For more information, call 239.275.7151.
 
 
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 10, 2018) – Homebuyers can bask in the sun just steps from the Caloosahatchee River at Rails End, a gated Emerald Homes community by D.R. Horton Southwest Florida. Tours of the Berkley, a professionally decorated model home, are now available in this elegant community along McGregor Boulevard.
 
The majestic 2,540-square-foot Berkley features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage. The master suite includes two spacious walk-in closets and a private bath with a double-sink vanity. The Berkley’s expansive den is perfect for entertaining or a cozy evening with family. The stylish island kitchen has granite countertops in designer colors and quality-crafted cabinets. An inviting great room and dining area overlook a sun-splashed lanai.
 
That warm Florida sunshine sets the Berkley’s king-size swimming pool aglow, beckoning homeowners to sit back and enjoy the stunning views. The roomy homesites at Rails End allow plenty of space for pools and private sundecks, and homebuyers can let their creativity roam free as they personalize their dream back yards with new trees, flower gardens and walkways.
 
This upscale community offers four other distinctive coastal home designs ranging from 2,214 to 3,461 square feet of living space. Plus, alluring riverfront homesites offer homebuyers a rare opportunity to choose from several additional home design options of up to approximately 5,350 square feet.
 
The same floor plans are also offered at Caloosa Pointe, another picturesque Emerald Homes community a few miles to the north. Caloosa Pointe and Rails End are nestled behind the palms that line McGregor Boulevard, just minutes away from the nightlife of downtown Fort Myers, upscale shopping at the Bell Tower and boundless dining choices. They’re also tantalizingly close to the renowned white-sand island beaches of Sanibel and Captiva.
 
For information on how to secure your piece of paradise at Rails End or Caloosa Pointe, call sales agent Ellie Stevenson at 239-225-2660 or email [email protected].
 
Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has operations in 83 markets in 28 states in the East, Midwest, Southeast, South Central, Southwest and West regions of the United States. D.R. Horton has been the largest builder in the United States by volume since 2002. For 40 years, D.R. Horton has consistently delivered top-quality new homes to homebuyers across the nation. The livable floor plans, energy-efficient features, and robust new home warranty demonstrate our commitment to excellence in construction. D.R. Horton exhibits leadership in residential development through design innovation, superior craftsmanship, and responsiveness to the needs of its customers. The simple vision that began 40 years ago represents years of value and security when you choose America’s Builder to make your dreams come true. For more information, visit our website at www.drhorton.com/swfla. Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability, and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage dimensions are approximate. D.R. Horton and Emerald Homes are equal housing opportunity builders. Florida Registered Building Contractor License # CBC1259453
 
 

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Dec. 10, 2018) — The success of any organization depends on the strength of the people who are a part of it. A 20-year IBM employee, a once corporate leader, and a former financial and health care IT manager with firsthand experience navigating the maze of senior housing options are the latest skilled, compassionate franchisees to join Bonita Springs-based Oasis Senior Advisors.
 
“We choose our franchisees carefully so that every one of them is 100 percent committed to helping the people we serve,” Oasis Senior Advisors CEO Tim Evankovich said.  “The Oasis difference is in the personalized service we offer free of charge to seniors and their families.”
 
Alice Wilkinson spent two decades in technical sales and support services at IBM, building relationships with clients and helping them accomplish their goals. She’s excited about applying those skills at her new Oasis Senior Advisors franchise in Vancouver, Washington.
 
“I loved working at IBM, but I retired and wanted to do something more meaningful and touch peoples’ lives,” Wilkinson said. “I know I can do that here, where I have all the tools that Oasis provides to help make senior housing simple.”
 
She now uses the proprietary OasisIQ™ software to help her pinpoint the right place for seniors from the countless housing options available. She combines that technical expertise with a passion for listening and building relationships, a trait she shares with Kevin Hohlefelder, who’s now heading the Oasis Senior Advisors franchise for the Akron-Canton area in Ohio.
 
Hohlefelder led operations and sales teams in the transportation industry for many years, but a personal experience led him to find a new career where he could serve others and improve their quality of life.
 
“After journeying with my own mother through illness and residency at multiple care facilities several years ago, I know how time consuming, stressful and difficult the transitions can be,” Hohlefelder said. “I knew Oasis Senior Advisors was a place I could go to make this experience easier for others.”
 
For Ray Shafer, it was the challenge of finding the right place for both parents that ultimately led him to the Oasis Senior Advisors franchise in Albany, New York. Shafer was a programmer and analyst in the IT world, giving him a knack for problem-solving that serves him well in his new job, along with his compassion and empathy.
 
“Both my mother and father love the community that they live in and are much happier and active now that they live there,” Shafer said. “Personally, knowing how emotionally and physically draining it can be to find the right place, I’m here to help with a one-on-one approach catered to the individual’s needs.”
 
Visit oasissenioradvisors.com to learn how Shafer, Hohlefelder, Wilkinson and a fast-growing number of Oasis Senior Advisors are helping seniors and their families across the country.
 
About Oasis Senior Advisors
Founded in 2014 by Tim Evankovich, Oasis Senior Advisors provides free, personalized help finding transitional housing solutions that best fit the needs of seniors and their families. This includes senior housing, hospital discharge, elder law, specialty care, and more. The company, based in Bonita Springs, Florida, operates a growing number of franchises across the U.S. Their personalized and caring approach to aid seniors and their families has helped many achieve satisfaction, comfort and peace of mind. Through client satisfaction and its strong partnerships with many top-rated senior living communities and services in the country, Oasis Senior Advisors is positioned for continued growth. Franchise opportunities are available nationwide. Visit oasissenioradvisors.com or call 888-455-5838 to learn more.
 
 

FORT MYERS, FLA., December 7, 2018 – SalusCare’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic will open on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018 at the 3763 Evans Avenue campus in Fort Myers.
Medication Assisted Treatment is treatment for opioid addiction disorders that includes the use of medication along with counseling and other support. The clinic treats individuals age 18 and older who meet criteria for substance use disorders such as opioids and alcohol.
The clinic will be led by addiction psychiatrist Dr. Zaheer Aslam who will supervise a psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and other medical staff.  In addition, the clinic will be staffed by licensed clinicians and care coordinators to link patients with community resources, provide case management and needed therapy.  The clinic operates Monday – Friday and patients are seen by appointment.  Treatment is funded by several sources, including grants through the state of Florida and Lee County.  The clinic also accepts self-pay and insured patients as well.
The community is invited to learn more at the MAT Clinic Open House at the Evans Ave. campus on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
“We are thrilled to bring this much-needed service to our community,” said SalusCare President & CEO Stacey Cook.  “Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat substance use disorders and, for many, can help sustain recovery.”
For more information on the MAT Clinic, please call SalusCare’s Welcome Center at (239) 275-3222.
 
ABOUT SALUSCARE:  SalusCare, Inc. is a Fort Myers, Florida based not-for-profit mental health and substance abuse service provider incorporated in 2013 after the merger of Lee Mental Health Center and Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS).  SalusCare has seven locations throughout Southwest Florida and serves 16,000 people each year.  Our fees are affordable and may be adjusted to the means of our patients based on household income.  SalusCare accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Visa, MasterCard and some major health insurance providers.  SalusCare provides services for all regardless of disability or handicap. All substance abuse programs and most mental health services are accredited by CARF International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services.
 

 
FORT MYERS, FLA., December 6, 2018 – Angela Frink has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
Frink is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University., where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and her Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner.. 
She has more than 12 years of nursing experience, including two years in management positions prior to earning her degree as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, which is the new title for what was formerly known as ARNP.
Most recently, she has worked as a pediatric gastroenterology nurse practitioner.
She will assist pediatricians at the Cape Coral office at 1265 Viscaya Parkway.
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 by many long practicing local physicians and has grown to become the largest physician-owned primary care practice in Southwest Florida.
Offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres.  For more information, visit www.ppcswfl.com.

Chef de Cuisine Gaston Javier Sanchez is proud to present a wine dinner featuring Flora Springs wines of Napa Valley. Enjoy 6 courses of exquisite pairings and an original menu prepared specifically for this event. See details and the menu below.
Brief:
Wine Dinner featuring Flora Springs of Napa Valley
January 10, 2019, 6:00 p.m.
The Cove at Tarpon Bay Restaurant
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
5001 Coconut Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
 
Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1508974045920588/
Reservations required, 239 390 4297
$125 per person, seating ls limited
_________
Flora Springs Wine Dinner at The Cove at Tarpon Bay Restaurant
January 10, 2019, 6:00 p.m.
WELCOME COURSE
Poema Cava Brut
Pata Negra
serrano iberico | compressed cantaloupe spheres
Caprese Pops
buccotini | baby heirloom tomato | balsamic paint | fried basil dust
1ST COURSE
2017 Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley
Popeye’s Canoe
charred spanish octopus | yukon confit | marrow
spinach tabbouleh | smoked paprika | lemon oil
2ND COURSE
2017 Family Select Chardonnay | Napa Valley
South Pacific
grilled cobia loin | jade bamboo rice
ginger confit | cilantro tuille
3RD COURSE
2015 Merlot | Napa Valley
Hunter Flats
pheasant breast | crispy duck prosciutto
leek & yucca tots | black cherry couli
4TH COURSE
2015 Trilogy Red Wine | Napa Valley
The Lodge
elk osso bucco | wild mushrooms farro risotto
artichoke bloom | madeira au jus reduction
5TH COURSE
2014 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
Degustation des Poire
genose aux poire | candied pear | ginger custard milk jam | pear sorbet & pear chips
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
5001 Coconut Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
 
Kind regards,
Patricia George
Manager of Marketing Communication,
Public Relations and Social Media
Media Liaison
 
Find me on LinkedIn
Watch our videos on YouTube
 
HYATT REGENCY COCONUT POINT RESORT & SPA
5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, USA
T +1.239.390.4219  E [email protected]
HyattRegencyCoconutPoint.com

(Orlando, Florida December 3, 2018) OneBlood, the local not-for-profit blood center serving Florida and other parts of the southeast, is leading a worldwide search to find some of the rarest blood in the world.  It’s needed to help save two-year-old Zainab, a South Florida girl who is battling neuroblastoma, a very aggressive form of cancer.
 
Zainab’s blood is extremely rare because she is missing a common antigen that most people carry on their red blood cells. The antigen is called “Indian B” (Inb). For a person to be a possible match for Zainab, they must also be missing the Indian B antigen, or the little girl’s body will reject the blood.  Locating people who are missing the Indian B antigen comes down to genetics.
 

• Statistically, the only people who are likely to be a match for Zainab are people of Pakistani, Indian or Iranian descent. Of these populations, less than 4% of the people are actually missing the Indian B antigen.

 
To be a match for Zainab a donor must meet the following criteria:

• Must be exclusively Pakistani, Indian or Iranian descent – meaning the donor’s birth parents are both

100% Pakistani, Indian or Iranian

• Must be blood type “O” or “A”
• All donations for Zainab must be coordinated with OneBlood in advance to ensure the additional

compatibility testing is performed. Visit https://www.oneblood.org/zainab for donation information.
 
OneBlood is working closely with other blood centers and the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP), an organization that searches the world for rare blood donors. So far, three matching donors have been located, including a donor that ARDP located in the United Kingdom, near London.  It’s the first time OneBlood has ever received an international donor for a local patient.  The other two matching donors are from the United States.
 
While it’s promising the three donors have been located, additional donors are needed.  Zainab will need blood transfusions for the foreseeable future.  To support her long-term blood needs, the search is on to find at least seven to ten compatible donors. OneBlood is sharing Zainab’s story in the hopes more people who meet the specific donor criteria will come forward to donate for the little girl.
 
OneBlood is conducting all compatibility testing of potential donors.  So far, more than 1,000 local donations, as well as donations from other parts of the country have been tested and no additional matches have been identified.
 
Media Tool Kit Available

• To view OneBlood’s online show about the search for Zainab’s donors, and for details on how to donate and/or host a blood drive for Zainab, please click HERE.
• A media tool kit with video and interviews is available by clicking HERE.

 
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OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood to more than 200 hospital partners and their patients throughout most of Florida, parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.  Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. To learn more about OneBlood visit www.oneblood.org.

(Fort Myers – December 4, 2018)  – The Heights Center is seeking organizations and individuals to participate in the annual Harlem Heights Community Gift Drive.  Individuals, businesses and philanthropic groups are asked to donate new, unwrapped gifts for local children.  Gifts are needed for more than 800 children, ranging in age from birth to 17 years of age.
 
Suggested donations are gifts under $25 including Legos, dolls, art sets, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, remote control cars, tea sets, action figures, board games, coloring books and crayons.  Personal items are needed including pajamas, jewelry, body lotion, spray, soaps, hair accessories and wristwatches.  Donations of gift cards from Target, Kmart or Walmart are appreciated.  Monetary donations can be made at www.heightsfoundation.org/donate.
The gifts will be distributed on Saturday, December 15 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at The Heights Center.  Each child will visit Santa, have cookies with hot chocolate and make Christmas crafts, while their parents choose gifts for their children, keeping the surprise in Christmas for our kids.
 
“This holiday season will again be challenging for many families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of the Heights Foundation. “This is a great opportunity to bring joy to the children of our community.  We are thankful for the generous support of our neighbors.”
 
Items can be dropped off at The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers.  Toys will be collected through Thursday, December 13.
 
Volunteers are needed to assist with event set up and at the event.
 
Organizations and individuals interested in participating can contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected].  All donations are tax deductible.  Monetary donations can be made on the web at www.heightsfoundation.org.
 
About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
 
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs