Member News

SCARED SCRIPTLESS COMEDY LAB BRINGS IMPROV TO THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA!

FORT MYERS, FL (August 26, 2019) – Following sold out performances in both July and August  at The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab will be returning once again September 7th at 7 pm. The improv troupe will feature their unique musical style for another night of fun!
The Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab will once again be bringing a night of hilarious antics, musical comedy, and on-the-spot jokes. Every facet of the uproariously improvised show is based on audience suggestions. With years of experience performing Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab delivers a side splitting, one-of-a-kind show every time.
This troupe of talented performers offer a unique mixture of both short and long form improv, creating an entertaining evening of family-friendly laughter that is fast-paced, musical, and completely improvised. While no two shows are the same, they are always packed with hysterically funny songs, sketches, and jokes created instantaneously based on your suggestions. For the more adventurous, there are occasional opportunities to join the cast on stage!
Meet the players:
Leigh Shein
Born in Chicago, Leigh took his first improv class with Second City in 1979 and has since studied and worked all over the world.  He was a founding member of Bay Area Improv Theater and currently directs and hosts Harry’s Senior Moment. Leigh also appears in Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab and Gene Pool Party an improv group of dads and their daughters.  He teaches improv to all ages including kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Nick Hernandez
Nick Hernandez has been doing Improv for 4 years. He has been in many productions in various Theatres. He is currently in college studying to be a Sound Engineer for Theatre or Artist performances. He is glad to now be a part of this Improv group and Thanks you for attending the show. Thanks to my girlfriend for being supportive and coming to most of my shows.
Kea McElfresh
Kea “Mac” McElfresh (Actor) is a member of Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab. She has been with the for 2 years and has been loving every minute of it. As a Miami Improv Member of “Impromedy”, she was glad to finally find an improv family in Fort Myers. Mac is currently teaching theatre at Estero High School and serves the community as District VI Jr. Thespian Chair. She brings a wealth of knowledge and crazy characters to the stage. She is excited to grow with her new improv home and is excited you are here supporting this incredible art form! She would like to thank her family (especially her “mini-me”)  for being the inspiration for all she does.
Bill Owens
BILL OWENS has the privilege of performing with fellow cast members, Steve Cobb,
Leigh Shein and Kea McElfresh, in the local improv troupes Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab and
Gene Pool Party.  He was also a member of Harry’s Senior Moment and Dueling
Swords. Bill’s passion for improvisation began only three years ago when his
determined kids persuaded him to get out of his comfort zone and take an improv class.
When not making a fool of himself on the improv stage, Bill practices law as a business
and real estate attorney.  He is grateful to his beautiful wife, Jen, and two wonderful
children, Will and Maddie, for their enduring love and support.
Andrew
Andrew was born in Tucson, AZ in the back of the O.K. Corral. After escaping from his crib for the 6th time he started traveling with a comedy troupe of babies. They traveled through Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, before ending up in Florida. When he grew too old for the Crying Laughing baby troop he traveled the US and Europe to perfect his comedic skills in the corporate world. Making jokes at the office level until he found Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab. He’s been performing with Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab happily ever after.
Steve Cobb
Steve Cobb has been professionally doing improv for over 6 years. Steve currently is the creative director, show runner and cast member for the following improv groups: Scared Scriptless Comedy Lab, Gene Pool Party Improv (dads and their daughters), and Musical Swords Improv.
Gene Pool Party Improv has performed locally in southwest Florida, at the 2017 Palm Beach Improv Festival, the 2018 Palm Beach Improv Festival, and at the 2018 Miami Improv Festival, among several recognized national and international troupes. Musical Swords Improv debuted in the 2018 Palm Beach Improv Festival. Steve coaches and trains the youth improv troupe Foot Milk Experience Improv. He is the former coach and director of Mission Improvable Youth Improv, and New and Improv’d Youth Improv. Steve has hosted improv shows throughout the state of Florida, including at the Naples Players Sugden Theatre and the Bonita Springs Center for the Arts. Steve has taught workshops throughout the state, including at the 2018 Palm Beach Improv Festival and for the FGCU Improv Club. He has worked extensively with the FGCU Improv Club. Steve was a judge in Sarasota for the Regional College Improv Tournament in 2017. Steve has performed with many local and national improvisors all around the state, including with “Stacked- All Female Musical Revue” in Sarasota, Florida, as part of an instructor show at the Palm Beach Improv Festival, and with other troupes throughout the state as a guest featured player.
Individual tickets for the 7 pm performance on Saturday, September 7th are $15 per person and are available at www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or by calling (239)218-0481. The theater is located in the River District of Fort Myers at 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2019) – The Fort Myers Miracle have hopped aboard the Sunday brunch trend with an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring one item no restaurant in town can offer – ballpark seats overlooking a live professional baseball game.
“We had a soft opening in early August for our first Sunday Brunch, and got a great response from our fans,” said Chris Peters, the Miracle’s president and general manager. “More than 200 people turned out that day for brunch and their comments were overwhelmingly positive, so we’re bringing it back again this weekend.”
Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1 on the Sky Deck at Hammond Stadium. The cost is $10 per person. First pitch for the Miracle game is 11 a.m. against the Clearwater Threshers.
The Miracle’s culinary team will be preparing a variety of entrées and side dishes, including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, corned beef hash, fiesta potatoes, biscuits and gravy, pastries, breakfast pizza, egg and cheese burritos, fruit juices and coffee. In addition, attendees will enjoy sweet selections like fresh fruit, cake, pie and cookies.
The Miracle are closing out the regular season with a three-game homestand that includes the following promotions:
Friday, Aug. 30 (7 p.m. vs. Clearwater Threshers)
• Postgame Fireworks Show: Pyrotechnics launch after the final out from right field.
• College Football Night: Fans have an opportunity to win tickets to college football games across Florida.
• Outdoors Night: The Miracle celebrate the great outdoors with a Miracle carabiner giveaway to the first 500 fans through the gate.
Saturday, Aug. 31 (6 p.m. vs. Clearwater Threshers)
• Bark in the Park: Dogs are welcome and receive treats upon arrival; Lee County Domestic Animal Services on site to discuss adoptions.
• Halloween Night: The Miracle will celebrate Halloween two months early. Fans are encouraged to dress up for the evening and compete in a costume contest for great prizes.
• Beer and Baseball Night: A special Beer Fest featuring dozens of craft beers will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the main concourse, presented by Killebrew Root Beer.
• Bobblehead Giveaway: The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a limited edition Brusdar Graterol bobblehead.
Sunday, Sept. 1 (11 a.m. vs. Clearwater Threshers)
• Sunday Brunch: The Miracle are hosting an all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch featuring tasty breakfast and lunch dishes from the Sky Deck at Hammond Stadium. Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. and costs $10 per person.
• DQ Family Sunday: Free ticket offer through participating Dairy Queen restaurants
• Pre-Game Catch and Post-Game Run the Bases: Fans can play catch on the field prior to the game; children 12 and under can run the bases after the game
Hammond Stadium is located at CenturyLink Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers. General admission tickets start at $7.50 in advance or $9 on game day; fireworks games cost an extra $1.
For more information about baseball tickets and game-day promotions, please call 239-768-4210 or visit MiracleBaseball.com.
PLAYOFF NOTE: The Fort Myers Miracle and Charlotte Stone Crabs will square off in the first round of the Florida State League playoffs. The best-of-three series opens in Charlotte County on Sept. 3 before returning to Lee County.
Game 1 (Tuesday, Sept. 3): 6:30 p.m. at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte
Game 2 (Wednesday, Sept. 4) 6:30 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers
Game 3 (Thursday, Sept. 5): Time TBD at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers (if necessary)
About the Miracle
The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. The Miracle won the 2018 Florida State League Championship, the team’s second title in five years. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Jose Berrios, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2019) – Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center will offer free weekly American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture instruction for families with deaf or hard of hearing children. The sessions are free every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the school year at the center located at 1860 Boy Scout Drive in Fort Myers.

The sessions are led by a parent of a deaf child and are designed to help parents and siblings learn basic ASL to understand the needs of their deaf or hard of hearing family member.

“Three out of every four parents who have a deaf child do not learn sign language and have very little communication at home,” said. Alicia Miller, executive director of the center. “Our goal is to help families bridge this gap by instilling the skills they need to communicate effectively. A short time after starting classes at the beginning of the last school year, our weekly attendance multiplied from just a couple parents to nine families, including children, aunts, grandparents and cousins. As interest in these classes continues to grow, we are thrilled to extend this learning opportunity to more and more families within our community.”

Parents will learn basic communication and sign language, deaf culture and the struggles of raising a deaf child. Siblings play and learn to communicate with their sibling with sign language. Families come together at the end of each session to practice what they learned. Guest speakers, such as other hearing parents who have had success raising their deaf child and learning sign language or teachers who talk about educating deaf children are sometimes scheduled. Families are encouraged to attend the sessions as often as they like, as education is ongoing.

For information, call 239-461-0334 voice phone, 239-247-5821 video phone, or visit dhhc.life.

About Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center

Founded in 1983 as The Deaf Service Center, we are the only organization of its kind in SWFL — specifically working to improve the quality of life for the deaf and hard of hearing citizens and their families through education, advocacy and community involvement. A wide range of services are offered to deaf and hard of hearing children and adults of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades and DeSoto counties, including interpreting services, free telephone equipment loans, deaf mentor program, American sign language classes, information and referral services, employment assistance, family education, community outreach and education, and adaptive equipment sales. For information, call 239-461-0334 voice phone, 239-247-5821 video phone, or visit dhhc.life.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2019) – Wine-infused fruit sorbet smoothies are now available at Norman Love Confections’ McGregor Chocolate and Dessert Salon, 13261 McGregor Blvd., Suite 105, in Fort Myers.

“Wine is infused into our made-fresh daily lemon, raspberry, mango and strawberry sorbet to create cool, refreshing smoothies,” said Norman Love, president and founder, Norman Love Confections. “It’s a sweet summer treat for adults.”

Mango, Strawberry and lemon smoothies are infused with white wine. Raspberry is enhanced with red wine. The smoothies are available only at McGregor Chocolate and Dessert Salon, 13261 McGregor Blvd., Suite 105, in Fort Myers. For information, call 239-672-8797. Norman Love Confections’ Fort Myers-McGregor Chocolate Salon offers the company’s award-winning ultra-premium, handcrafted chocolates, as well as specialty desserts, artisanal baked goods, coffees, novelty products and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love.

About Norman Love Confections

Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.

Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2019) – Lee BIA Builders Care has helped provide an elderly Fort Myers couple and their son with an accessible bathroom that enhances the family’s health and safety.

Ralph Hauser, 93, served aboard the USS Flaherty during World War II and was part of the crew that captured the German submarine U-505, which was the only German sub captured at sea by American troops during the war. When Hauser returned to Southwest Florida, he worked as a mechanic and was the longtime owner of a repair shop in downtown Fort Myers. Ralph is also a lifelong Boy Scout and has received many awards of merit for his contributions to a variety of philanthropic organizations.

Ralph, and his wife, Jackie, 88, live in the 1,227-square-foot home with their 60-year-old son, Frank, who is disabled. The family’s two-bedroom, one-bathroom home was built in 1956 and has experienced significant structural and safety issues that were magnified by Hurricane Irma.

A 2018 news story brought attention to the family’s plight, and the community helped provide the Hauser home with a new roof and air conditioning system. Builders Care also was aware of the situation, and soon realized the family had another critical need – its one and only bathroom was not accessible, making it difficult for the Hausers to use. Ralph has been using a walker, and the bathroom’s layout was not conducive to individuals using assistive devices.

Gulfpoint Construction Company, Inc. and other business partners gutted the existing bathroom and installed an accessible walk-in shower, comfort height toilet, wall mount sink and other features to accommodate the Hauser family’s safety and accessibility. In addition to the bathroom renovation, project partners also replaced the exterior side garage door and added a new coating of paint to the home’s exterior.

The Hauser family relies on Social Security and a disability check to cover basic expenses, but that leaves little money for major household repairs like a bathroom renovation.

“The Hausers have lived in the same home for more than 60 years, but they aren’t in a position financially to pay for a renovation project,” said Becky Swift, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. “As a community, we have a responsibility to help our neighbors during their times of need, and I’m so thankful Gulfpoint Construction teamed with Lee BIA Builders Care to help the Hausers.”

Additional project partners included Wildcat Renovation, Franzese Plumbing, Commercial Concrete, American Drywall, ReSource Flooring, Service Contracting Solutions and Gatewood Custom Carpentry.

Over the past 12 years, Lee BIA Builders Care has helped more than 400 individuals and families by providing wheelchair ramps, roof replacements, remodeling projects and other critical repairs that allow deserving families to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Tom Hayden joins CONRIC PR & Marketing as communications editor
Company continues to expand and elevate its team
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 29, 2019) – CONRIC PR & Marketing has named Tom Hayden communications editor. Hayden brings a wealth of experience through his vast career as a writer and editor with various media platforms.
“Tom’s vast experience, reputation and community involvement will be a valuable asset to our clients,” said Connie Ramos-Williams, CONRIC PR & Marketing’s president and chief marketing officer. “We are excited to see what the future brings as we continue to expand and elevate our growing CONRIC team.”
Hayden will spearhead editorial content for Res Gestae, the monthly magazine of the Lee County Bar Association, as well as write and edit press releases, blogs, social media posts and more. He’ll use his understanding of the evolving language of engagement to craft and hone messages for CONRIC’s varied and growing portfolio of clients.
“Since the age of 10, I have always wanted to write and I have been fortunate to do my dream job for 41 years as a journalist,” Hayden said. “Now, I look forward to taking my experiences and applying it to my next wonderful challenge with CONRIC PR & Marketing.”
Over his four decades as a journalist, Hayden wrote and coordinated sports and news coverage at newspapers in three states. Most recently, he was Senior Engagement Editor at The News-Press, serving as the voice of the newspaper in editorial writing and in many community events over eight years. His journey at The News-Press also included 11 years as Cape Coral editor and five years as sports editor. He has interviewed sports legends like Muhammad Ali, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Mario Andretti. He has covered prominent sporting events like the Super Bowl, U.S. Open in golf, the Indianapolis 500, several U.S. Figure Skating Championships, as well as the Pan-American Games.
“Content is key in our business,” said Connie Ramos-Williams. “So bringing in a writer and editor with a high-level of professionalism and expertise was top of mind.”
Hayden is married and lives in Cape Coral. He has two children and three grandchildren. He is a graduate of Ball State University.
CONRIC PR & Marketing
CONRIC PR & Marketing was founded in 2007. The award-winning, full-service PR agency provides strategic brand awareness campaigns, integrated public relations programs, marketing development and consulting services, advertising concept and campaigns, media buys, custom and niche publishing, creative writing and design, digital marketing strategies, website development and crisis communications strategy and implementation. The firm serves clients in many industry sectors including banking, legal, medical, government, not-for-profit, restaurant, manufacturing, construction, building and development, real estate, professional association, hospitality and salon & spa. CONRIC is a recipient of multiple Image Awards from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and Golden Image Awards from its statewide chapter, and Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association. For more information, please call 239-690-9840 or visit ConricPR.com.

Tropical Storm Dorian

• As of the 11 AM ET advisory, Tropical Storm Dorian was located 40 miles southeast of St. Croix and moving to the northwest at 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 60 mph.
• Hurricane Hunters found Dorian more organized this morning and strengthening as approach to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
• Dorian has tracked further northeast than forecast, missing Hispaniola entirely and potentially missing even the smaller mountains of Puerto Rico. A well defined system is expected to emerge into the southwest Atlantic Thursday.
• Conditions will be favorable for strengthening near the Bahamas Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday as the system tracks northwest towards the Florida Peninsula.
• Dorian is forecast to be a MAJOR HURRICANE as it approaches Florida on Sunday.
• The exact track is unknown after Day 4. The system could turn northeast towards the Carolinas, dissipate inland over Northeast Florida, or cross the Peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Hurricane Hunters will continue to investigate the system regularly over the next few days.

Florida Outlook:

• Tropical Storm Dorian does not pose a threat to Florida until Saturday morning, at the earliest.
• The entire Florida Peninsula, Northeast Florida, and the Big Bend are included in the 5-day forecast cone.
• There are no watches or warnings in effect, but tropical storm or hurricane watches could be issued on Thursday.
• Dorian is forecast to be a Major Hurricane (Category 3) as it approaches Florida on Sunday (Northeast Florida, Central Florida, and/or South Florida).
• After Sunday, Dorian could re-emerge over the eastern Gulf of Mexico should it track over Central or South Florida, or could move northward towards Georgia and the Carolinas.
• The Rip Current Risk will be dangerously high for the holiday weekend at all Florida beaches.

• Damaging winds, flash flooding, river flooding, storm surge, and isolated tornadoes are all possible this weekend in the Florida Peninsula.
• Confidence has increased in the intensity forecast this weekend, but the track is uncertain.
• All locations in Florida should continue to monitor Dorian for possible impacts over the Labor Day Weekend.

• Tropics_Update_8-28-19_AM.pdf

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2019) – The 16^th annual Rumrunners’ Celebrity Chef Night raised $110,000 to support Barbara’s Friends, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida’s Cancer Fund, which assists children and their families in their fight against cancer.
The popular event, held Aug. 14 at Rumrunners restaurant at Cape Harbour, attracted more than 175 guests and featured culinary creations from local celebrity chefs including Chef Todd Johnson and Chef Ralph Centalonza of Rumrunners, Chef Harold Balink of Harold’s Restaurant, Chef Norman Love of Norman Love Confections and Chef Melissa Talmage of Sweet Melissa’s Café. Cancer survivors and Golisano Children’s Hospital patients Avery McCaskill and Cali Trepkowski, along with their families, were also in attendance to share their stories, inspire support, and have fun as “mini chefs” alongside the celebrity chefs.
The event featured a champagne toast drawing to win a custom-made Mark Loren Designs piece valued over $2,000, a silent auction featuring hand-signed memorabilia from the worlds of sports and entertainment, as well as travel and entertainment packages to some of the most desirable destinations and popular events in the country. A live auction was filled with one-of-a-kind packages.
Over the past 16 years, the Celebrity Chef Night has raised more than $1.5 million to assist children and their families in their fight against cancer.
The event sponsors made the evening possible: Century 21, Truline, Boater’s Landing, Cat Country 107.1, Scanlon Auto Group, Wingward Construction, Tom & Beverly Fewster, Thomasina Schott, Liz Erikson Marnul, OVAG International, Omni One Title Services, and Secure Shredding, Inc.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past three years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 128-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 64 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.
About Barbara’s Friends – Helping Kids With Cancer at Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1995, Barbara’s Friends provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children from across southwest Florida at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida, and has served over 3,500 patients since opening. No child is denied treatment or turned away as a result of their family’s inability to pay for care. For more information about the Barbara’s Friends fund and supporting child patients in your community, please call Lee Health Foundation at (239) 343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2019) – The Fort Myers Miracle have hopped aboard the Sunday brunch trend with an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring one item no restaurant in town can offer – ballpark seats overlooking a live professional baseball game.
“We had a soft opening in early August for our first Sunday Brunch, and got a great response from our fans,” said Chris Peters, the Miracle’s president and general manager. “More than 200 people turned out that day for brunch and their comments were overwhelmingly positive, so we’re bringing it back again this weekend.”
Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1 on the Sky Deck at Hammond Stadium. The cost is $10 per person. First pitch for the Miracle game is 11 a.m. against the Clearwater Threshers.
The Miracle’s culinary team will be preparing a variety of entrées and side dishes, including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, corned beef hash, fiesta potatoes, biscuits and gravy, pastries, breakfast pizza, egg and cheese burritos, fruit juices and coffee. In addition, attendees will enjoy sweet selections like fresh fruit, cake, pie and cookies.
The Miracle are closing out the regular season with a three-game homestand that includes the following promotions:
Friday, Aug. 30 (7 p.m. vs. Clearwater Threshers)

• Postgame Fireworks Show: Pyrotechnics launch after the final out from right field.
• College Football Night: Fans have an opportunity to win tickets to college football games across Florida.
• Outdoors Night: The Miracle celebrate the great outdoors with a Miracle carabiner giveaway to the first 500 fans through the gate.

Saturday, Aug. 31 (6 p.m. vs. Clearwater Threshers)

• Bark in the Park: Dogs are welcome and receive treats upon arrival; Lee County Domestic Animal Services on site to discuss adoptions.
• Halloween Night: The Miracle will celebrate Halloween two months early. Fans are encouraged to dress up for the evening and compete in a costume contest for great prizes.
• Beer and Baseball Night: A special Beer Fest featuring dozens of craft beers will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the main concourse, presented by Killebrew Root Beer.
• Bobblehead Giveaway: The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a limited edition Brusdar Graterol bobblehead.

Sunday, Sept. 1 (11 a.m. vs. Clearwater Threshers)

• Sunday Brunch: The Miracle are hosting an all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch featuring tasty breakfast and lunch dishes from the Sky Deck at Hammond Stadium. Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. and costs $10 per person.
• DQ Family Sunday: Free ticket offer through participating Dairy Queen restaurants
• Pre-Game Catch and Post-Game Run the Bases: Fans can play catch on the field prior to the game; children 12 and under can run the bases after the game

Hammond Stadium is located at CenturyLink Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers. General admission tickets start at $7.50 in advance or $9 on game day; fireworks games cost an extra $1.
For more information about baseball tickets and game-day promotions, please call 239-768-4210 or visit MiracleBaseball.com.
PLAYOFF NOTE: The Fort Myers Miracle and Charlotte Stone Crabs will square off in the first round of the Florida State League playoffs. The best-of-three series opens in Charlotte County on Sept. 3 before returning to Lee County.
Game 1 (Tuesday, Sept. 3): 6:30 p.m. at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte
Game 2 (Wednesday, Sept. 4) 6:30 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers
Game 3 (Thursday, Sept. 5): Time TBD at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers (if necessary)
 
About the Miracle
The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. The Miracle won the 2018 Florida State League Championship, the team’s second title in five years. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Jose Berrios, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2019) – Chocolate is the perfect gift: always the right size, and great for the people on your list who have everything. Everyone can use a little love, and there are chocolate gifts for every gift list in the 2019 Holiday Collection from Norman Love Confections.

The 2019 Norman Love Confections’ Holiday Collection features a trip down holiday memory lane with fresh holiday-themed flavors: White Christmas (milk chocolate – hazelnut, cinnamon praline), Whiskey Chestnut (dark chocolate—aged whiskey with chestnut), Mint Patty (dark chocolate – peppermint), Candy Cane (white chocolate – crushed candy canes), Pumpkin Pie (white chocolate – pumpkin pie and holiday spice), Egg Nog (white chocolate – nutmeg, clove and dark rum), Brandied Cherry (dark chocolate – brandied cherries), Gingerbread (Milk Chocolate—gingersnap cookie crumbles), S’more (milk chocolate – roasted marshmallows and graham crackers), Holiday Chocolate Cake (dark chocolate – chocolate cake).

Norman Love Confections’ 2019 Holiday Collection is available online at normanloveconfections.com or in Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero, Florida starting Monday, Nov. 18. An assortment of the holiday flavors will be included in 25- and 50-piece green signature gift boxes, along with a selection of Norman Love’s award-winning signature flavors. The holiday gift boxes are priced at $52.50 and $100 respectively. Norman Love Confections has also created a special, limited-edition candy cane-shaped gift box that includes all 10 chocolates from the holiday collection for $27. In addition, gift baskets filled with a variety of gourmet chocolate holiday items will also be available, including the monthly “mystery boxes” filled with a themed assortment of four to five chocolate treats and limited-edition offerings, delivered to the recipient’s home.

In addition, the professional holiday customized corporate gifts from Norman Love Confections will impress clients, employees and other VIPs.

“Our highly acclaimed chefs at Norman Love Confections always put a lot of love into creating our holiday collection, inspired this year by traditional flavor combinations,” said Norman Love, president and founder, Norman Love Confections. “And while the collection is nostalgic and inspiring, it’s the finest, freshest ingredients in our handmade, artisanal chocolates that will bring cheer to those on your holiday gift list this season.”

Holiday 2019 Flavor Descriptions:

White Christmas – (Milk Chocolate) – Ground hazelnut praline in a cinnamon ganache

Whiskey Chestnut – (Dark Chocolate) – Aged whiskey with chestnut puree

Mint Patty – (Dark Chocolate) – Peppermint mixed into dark chocolate

Candy Cane – (White Chocolate) – Crushed candy canes in a creamy ganache

Pumpkin Pie – (White chocolate) – Freshly baked pumpkin with holiday spices

Eggnog – (White Chocolate) – Infused with nutmeg, clove and dark rum

Brandied Cherry – (Dark Chocolate) – Dark brandied cherries soaked in a bittersweet ganache

Gingerbread – (Milk Chocolate) – Freshly baked gingersnap cookie crumbles

S’more – (Milk Chocolate) – Roasted marshmallows and graham crackers

Holiday Chocolate Cake – (Dark Chocolate) – Rich, moist dark chocolate cake

About Norman Love Confections

Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.

Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.