Member News

January 12, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – On Friday, February 2nd, experience a live recording session at Six Fingers Studios! From 6pm – 10pm, Six Fingers Studios will host singer-songwriter Kyle Anne Duggan and her band for a live recording session. Audiences are invited to experience the Six Fingers sound, and enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Six Fingers Studios Open House
Friday, February 2, 2018
6pm – 10pm
Free to Attend
Fore more info, visit www.sbdac.com.
Six Fingers Studios invites audiences to experience the art of recording! During this one-night-only engagement, Six Fingers hosts singer-songwriter Kyle Anne Duggan with backing musicians Drew Richard, Shawn Ayotte, and Marc Davis for an open house recording session. Tour Six Fingers Studios, meet the studio manager and sound engineers, and see Kyle Anne record her original songs!
Kyle Anne Duggan is an accomplished singer-songwriter, arranger, composer, and performer. She studied Songwriting at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, with voice as her principle instrument. Kyle’s EP, Florida, was released last year, and since has received great reviews from local and national outlets. Learn more about her at https://www.facebook.com/pg/KyleAnneMusic.
When SBDAC director Jim Griffith first began renovations on the historic First Street building, he always imagined it as a multi-discipline art center. Part of that vision was to build a multi-use Fort Myers recording studio. Last year, that dream was realized. Six Fingers Studios boasts a unique set of sound rooms that are unlike most you’ll find in the area. There are three sound rooms — the Thumb, the Bird, and the Pinkie — that are perfect for multi-track recordings, live instrument tracking, and vocal tracking or voice over recording. What’s more, all three rooms are soundproof, which provides the cleanest, most defined sound capture possible. Built with StudioBricks, these floating dead rooms can’t be matched when it comes to producing commercial quality recordings. For more info, visit https://www.sbdac.com/six-fingers-studios/.

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 11, 2018– Middle school students of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School will have a rare opportunity to hear nationally acclaimed pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis Tuesday, Jan. 30, when the duo performs a private concert for the students in the school auditorium.
The concert is provided courtesy of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association as part of its outreach program for Lee County public school students.
“We provide seats for each of our concerts at no cost to students in Lee County public schools, but we realize that not all students have the ability to get to our weeknight performances.  To expose as many young people as possible to classical music, our Board of Directors decided to take some of our concerts to the students,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.
The musicians will perform for about an hour beginning at 10 a.m. and answer questions from students interested in the arts and music.
Mann said the Community Concert Association Board of Directors chose Kern and Cibis for its school outreach because “they have been so well received by other communities and we thought they would be perfect for our student outreach program.”
The school performance precedes the duos’ performance that night when they will go head-to-head in a piano duel featuring a variety of classical and contemporary music. The audience will decide the winner.  About 1,700 people are expected to attend the performance at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers.  For tickets, call 239-481-4849. Prices are $45 for orchestra seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats.
Born in South Africa, Kern has extensive experience as a soloist and chamber musician in Europe, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Japan, India and South Africa.  He created the critically acclaimed “arte lounge” for the French-German TV channel Arte and served as its co-host. He also was the architect of the Piano City Berlin Festival in 2010, which featured more than 100 piano performances within one weekend.  Kern recorded an album of original piano creations in 2014.
Cibis has performed at international festivals in the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, South Africa, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.   In addition to his many concert performances, he has been featured in radio and television programs around the world.  Cibis has released several albums, including a collection of French melodies and piano works.  He also has taught at Trinity College of Music in London and frequently gives master classes in Germany, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea.
 
About the Fort Myers Community Concert Association
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the late 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 recently by the association include Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with violinist and conductor Joshua Bell, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, the Russian National Ballet Theater production of “Sleeping Beauty,” and pianist Emanuel Ax. For more information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org.

Annual event connects homeless individuals, families with much-needed services

FORT MYERS, FL (Jan. 11, 2018) – In an effort to provide the homeless and veteran populations in Lee County with access to essential goods and services, the Lee County Homeless Coalition will host the 18^th annual Homeless Service Day and Veterans Stand Down on Saturday, January 20.
The event will take place at City of Palms Stadium located at 2201 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers; from 8:45 a.m. until approximately 12:00 p.m. Services provided during the event to anyone who is homeless will include provisions for food, hygiene kits, backpacks, flu shots, haircuts and information on VA benefits. Referrals for substance abuse and mental health counseling will also be available.  During the event, the Lee County Homeless Coalition will conduct their Annual Homeless Census, which provides critical information on the scope of homelessness in our community.
“A Stand Down is a military term used to describe a brief respite from combat where troops could access a variety of services,” shared Janet Bartos, executive director. “Our hope is to help homeless individuals get what they need by providing these services in a one-stop setting.”
At no charge, the effort to provide these “one-stop” services in one day is a collaborative endeavor which includes several agencies and civic organizations committed to supporting the needs and services of the homeless. There are over 30 agencies registered to attend this year.
The Lee County Homeless Coalition is a non-profit organization comprised of community and faith-based service providers, local businesses, people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, and other advocates committed to ending homelessness. The Coalition’s mission is to advocate, educate and promote awareness of issues and obstacles facing homeless individuals in Lee County through community collaboration, planning, and implementing solutions.
To learn more about how you can help join the fight against homelessness, contact Janet Bartos at 239-322-6600. For more information on the Lee County Homeless Coalition, visit www.leehomeless.org.

(Fort Myers, Fla. – January 10, 2018) – Kathryn Kelly, President, CEO and Founder of The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center, non-profit organizations that work to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood,  has earned her certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
The Fund Raising School is a vital part of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the most established and comprehensive institution in the world teaching the art and science of philanthropy.  The Certificate in Fund Raising Management recognizes and substantiates a commitment to fundraising leadership through the completion of key courses including Principles & Techniques of Fundraising, Developing Major Gifts, Developing Annual Sustainability,
Planned Giving and Managing the Capital Campaign.
Kelly has distinguished herself in creating meaningful, positive change in the lives of others. She has dedicated the past 17 years of her life to the families of the Harlem Heights community.  Created to meet the physical needs of a few families, The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center have grown exponentially to become organizations that addresses fundamental challenges faced by families living in poverty.   The Foundation removes obstacles so families can meet their personal goals and offer practical solutions such as job skills building and financial planning.  Kids struggling in school are paired with tutors and mentors in afterschool and summer camp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School was founded in 2016 to focus on the education of children in Harlem Heights.
For more information about The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.
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 located within the neighborhood.

Picture of namesake to grace Melvin Morgan Constitutional Complex in Fort Myers
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 11, 2018) – One of the faces of Lee County history will soon appear in the building named in her honor. Administrators of the Melvin Morgan Constitutional Complex, along with Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann, will unveil a portrait of Melvin Morgan during a public ceremony at noon Friday, Jan. 12 on the third floor of the complex at 2480 Thompson St., Fort Myers.
Morgan is the only African American person ever to serve on the Lee County Commission. She was appointed in 1983 by Gov. Bob Graham, at the recommendation of Mann, to serve out the term of Fred Bartleson, who had resigned for health reasons.
The Dunbar native and longtime Lee County schoolteacher made a strong impression, building a reputation for being pleasant but firm and committed to fairness, justice and helping others. She brought experience as a mediator during the desegregation of Lee County schools. Morgan was the 1954 Dunbar High School salutatorian and later taught at the school. She was one of the first teachers to voluntarily leave her post to teach at an all- white elementary school.
In 1984, she returned to the school system, where she remained until her retirement in 1997. In 2013, the commission renamed the building that had been known as the Lee County Constitutional Complex after her.
A reception will be held in Morgan’s honor Friday at the unveiling, including a brief program with refreshments served to all in attendance.
About Lee County Tax Collector
Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service, and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” LCTC operates LeeTC.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector that allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointment for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates six service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit LeeTC.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.

Host: Anthony J Leopizzi, Verita Wealth Advisory Group
Date and time: Saturday, January 13^th, 10:00am-2:00PM
Location: Florida Gulf Coast University, Cohen Center 162. 11090 FGCU Blvd North, Fort Myers, FL 33965
Description: SSW is three hour FREE in-person workshop where attendees can become educated regarding divorce in a private, relaxed environment. These workshops are headed by three divorce professionals- an attorney, mental health professional and financial professional. During our 3 hour presentation you can begin to get your questions answered regarding the legal, financial, and family aspects of divorce. Regardless of where you are in the divorce process- either contemplating a separation, in the middle of a divorce action and feel you need unbiased information, or considering a change of divorce process, we can help you feel more confident and secure in your decisions.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 10, 2018) — The public is invited to celebrate Thomas Edison’s 171st birthday on February 9 at 10 a.m. at Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Birthday festivities include photo opportunities with “Thomas” and “Mina,” students from the Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School will perform, author Nancy Hamilton will be available to sign her new book “100 Things to do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die,” everyone in attendance will sing happy birthday and cake will be served.
Each year, the famous inventor is honored for his contributions to society, including his most notable inventions of the incandescent light bulb, motion picture camera and the phonograph.
Hamilton’s book, which features Edison & Ford Winter Estates, will be available for purchase and signing.
Visitors will learn about Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s innovations during tours of the site that include the two inventor’s winter homes; the museum filled with inventions and artifacts; the botanic laboratory, where Edison tested more than 17,000 different plant varieties; and more than 20 acres of botanical gardens with ninety-year-old trees and plants from around the world. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The birthday party is a free public event with limited seating (does not include tours of the homes, museum or lab). For more information, visit EdisonFordWinterEstates.org or call 239-334-7419.

January 5, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FL – Florida SouthWestern State College will pay tribute to local first responders on Saturday, Jan. 13 during the FSW men’s basketball game. All first responders and their immediate families will get a free ticket to the game (up to four tickets per family). Game time is 4 p.m. at FSW’s Suncoast Credit Union Arena. The nationally-ranked FSW men’s team will take on cross-state rival St. Petersburg College.
“We all know the sacrifices that our police, fire and EMT professionals made during Irma that kept us all safe, but they put their lives on the line day in and day out,” said Joe Turner, Director of Institutional Promotions and Development. “This will give them a chance to unwind with their family and enjoy a basketball game. It’s our way of saying thank you for what they do for our community.”
First responders will need to show proper identification at the box office to obtain their tickets. For more information, please call (239) 489-9432. For more information about FSW Athletics, visit FSWBUCS.com.

FORT MYERS, FL – Florida Repertory Theatre extends the world premiere of “Night and Day: Love Lost and Found through the Eyes of Cole Porter” through March 11, 2018, in the ArtStage Studio Theatre.
“Night and Day” features 36 of the most beloved songs our time such as “Anything Goes,” “You’re the Top,” “I’ve Got You Under my Skin,” and the title song, “Night and Day.” Priced at $55 for regular performances and $35 for previews, tickets are available at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488. Seating is limited in the intimate 115-seat venue, and tickets are selling fast.
Conceived and directed by Florida Rep Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, “Night and Day” is a thrilling and glamorous revue that tells a story of love lost and love found with only Cole Porter’s masterful lyrics and iconic music. Made famous on film, Broadway, and a recording career that spanned decades, Porter’s songs are some of the most beloved of the 20th century, and in “Night and Day” they’re used to tell the story of two couples finding falling in – and out – of love.
“Night and Day” features an all-star cast of top musical theatre talent, all making their Florida Rep debuts: Dan Fenaughty, Travis Kent, Larissa Klinger, and Jennifer Lorae. Fenaughty was last seen in Riverside Theatre’s “Mame” and the national tour of “The 39 Steps,” and Kent recently appeared on Broadway in Seth Rudetsky’s “Disaster!” Klinger comes to Fort Myers after a recent world tour entertaining our troops with the USO Show Troupe and the national tour of “The 39 Steps,” while Lorae joins the cast after recent runs Off-Broadway and in major regional theatres across the country. Paul Gary, a performance intern here at Florida Rep, makes his ArtStage debut as The Butler.
Robert Cacioppo (“Too Marvelous for Words,” “Fascinatin’ Gershwin”) leads an expert creative team, including musical director and arranger Victoria Casella (“Fascinatin’ Gershwin”); ensemble member, choreographer, and co-creator Arthur D’Alessio (“Too Marvelous for Words”);  set designer Jordan Moore (“Shear Madness”); costume designer Charlene Gross (“Outside Mullingar”); sound designer John Kiselica (“Disgraced”); and ensemble manager Amy Massari (“Sylvia”).
New for the 2017-2018 Season, weeknight performances (Tues.-Thurs.) begin at 7PM. Weekend evening performances remain at 8PM and matinees on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday are still set for the popular 2PM curtain time.
“Night and Day” is generously sponsored by Sam Galloway Family of Dealerships and Finemark National Bank and Trust.
IF YOU GO:
“Night and Day” is now playing in the ArtStage Studio Theatre through March 11, 2018. Performances are Tuesday-Saturday at 7pm with 2PM matinees on Thursday, Sunday, and selected Saturdays.
Priced at $55 and $35 for previews, single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floridarep.org. Subscriptions for the 2017-2018 season offer the best seats and the biggest savings, and packages start as low as $150 for 6 plays.
Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at FloridaRep.org, and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

JANUARY 8, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) begins its spring schedule of the Critical Thinking Lecture Series with a panel discussion, “Critical Issues in Law Enforcement: Past, Present and Future,” at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the FSW Thomas Edison Campus, Building U-102, Fort Myers. Additionally, the presentation can be viewed digitally at the FSW Charlotte Campus, Building O, Room 117; the FSW Collier Campus, Building M, Room 201; and the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center, Building A, Room 106.
The panel will feature Chief Derrick Diggs of the Fort Myers Police Department and Undersheriff Carmine Marceno of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs began his career with the Fort Myers Police Department in 2016. He is a 37-year veteran of the Toledo Police Department in Ohio. He served as a Toledo Police Department police patrolman, police lieutenant, police captain and deputy chief of police before becoming chief of police in 2011. During his tenure as Toledo police chief, he brought intelligence-led and data-driven policing initiatives to the department, leading the department into the 21st century and reducing reported crimes by 27 percent and burglaries by 36 percent. Chief Diggs has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Toledo, and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Undersheriff Carmine Marceno began his career at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 2013 as a lieutenant in the Public Services Division after a distinguished law enforcement career in Suffolk County, N.Y. beginning in 1996. He joined the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in 2003 as a patrol deputy and worked with numerous units within the agency, transitioning to a larger public liaison role in community policing. After public services, Undersheriff Marceno became executive officer to Sheriff Mike Scott and assumed supervisory responsibilities for day-to-day operations as a member of the command staff. In March 2017, Undersheriff Marceno graduated from the FBI National Academy and is on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
The FSW Critical Thinking Lecture Series features 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. The series is free and open to the public, and presentations run January-April. A full schedule can be viewed at www.fsw.edu/ctls.
For more information on the FSW Critical Thinking Lecture Series, contact Whitney Rhyne, director, Strategic Initiatives, at (239) 433-6943 or [email protected].