Member News

Our Mother’s Home welcomes Alicia Miller as executive director
Miller’s nonprofit leadership and passion for female empowerment a good fit

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Our Mother’s Home (OMH) has recently hired Alicia Miller to fulfill the role of Executive Director. Miller will lead the organization in achieving its mission of helping teen mothers and their children transition from foster care to stable, productive lives by breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

“We are taking Our Mother’s Home to the next level,” said Miller. “We want to be more than just a home for our girls. We want to offer them the educational resources and tools that they need to live successful, happy, safe and productive lives. We take pride in supporting these young women as they work toward living an independent life with their children. Each one of them has the potential for a bright and beautiful future, and we are proud to guide them on the right path.”

In her role, Miller will oversee the development of a new transitional home for young mothers who are aging out of the foster care system. Currently, OMH is unable to provide long-term housing for girls after they turn eighteen. This transitional home will allow young women and their children to have a safe space to live and additional support they may need as they age out of the system.

“The girls have already made a significant impact on me in the short time I have been in this role,” said Miller. “I often find myself thinking about them and their babies, and they have clearly already left their marks on my heart. I know I have found my perfect fit with this organization, and I look forward to the impact that we will make on the lives of these young women in our community.”

Miller’s extensive background in nonprofit leadership makes her the ideal fit for this position. Before joining OMH, Miller served as the Executive Director for The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center and the Adoption Specialist for The Children’s Network. She was named one of Gulfshore Business’ 40 under 40 in 2019, and she was recognized as the Cape Coral Community Foundation’s Executive Director of the Year in 2020.

“I am looking forward to our upcoming Women on the Rise event in October,” said Miller. “It’s a perfect opportunity for prominent, empowered women in the community to focus on their mental health and wellness and help Our Mother’s Home further our mission to empower young mothers and break the generational cycle of poverty.”

Miller continues to be heavily involved in the Southwest Florida community. She is an active member of the Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, a graduate of Leadership SWFL and is currently one of three 2021 Women in Business APEX finalists. Miller graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Secondary Education.

In her free time, Miller enjoys spending time with family, including her two young children and dog. She is an avid reader, and she considers herself a female empowerment enthusiast. She is also an advocate for American Sign Language and the deaf community.
To learn more about Our Mother’s Home or schedule a meeting with Alicia Miller, call 239-267-4663 or visit ourmothershome.org.

Our Mother’s Home

Our Mother’s Home (OMH) was founded in 2000 by Helen Coppage, a foster parent who saw the need for a dedicated residential program to allow teenage mothers and their babies to remain together as mother and child. The organization provides a safe environment and transition for teen mothers (ages 11-21) and their children from foster care and human trafficking to stable, happy, and productive lives by providing a nurturing home, education, parenting support, along with physical, mental and spiritual care. Since its launch, more than 400 mothers and children have benefited from Our Mother’s Home Mentored Living Program, successfully preserving families, transitioning young mothers to self-sufficiency, and saving the lives of children by avoiding their re-entry into foster care. This unique home is the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. For more information, call 239-267-4663 or visit ourmothershome.org.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 4, 2021) Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens (LARC) announces Michael J. Gavala III has joined its board of directors.  Established in 1954, LARC’s mission is to empower and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to reach their full potential.
Chef Gavala has more than 40 years of restaurant and catering experience.  After attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., he started his first catering business and gourmet market in New Jersey.  He moved to Fort Myers in 1994 and became the owner/operator of Sasse il Pizzaiuolo. Gavala joined FineMark National Bank & Trust and was their corporate food and beverage director for more than ten years.   Partnering with his wife, Chef Karen Gavala, he created G3 Catering, the most sought-after caterer in the area.  In 2017, Gavala, with two partners, built Misty Morning Barn at Clutch Farms on a 35-acre parcel off Corkscrew Road in Fort Myers.  The rustic barn venue is open from October through May for weddings and special events. Starting in September 2021, G3 Catering will take the reins of the Burroughs Home and Gardens. In addition to focusing on weddings and events, G3 is planning musical nights on the river and social gatherings.
Gavala has been a long-time supporter of many local charities, including LARC, Community Cooperative, The United Way, Special Equestrians, and Golisano Children’s Hospital.  He and Karen have two children.  His son Michael is an adult with high functioning autism.
“The Gavalas have been generous supporters of LARC through their business, G3 Catering, and have been instrumental in several successful fundraising events,” said Angela Katz, LARC’s executive director.  “As a member of our board, Michael can offer the unique perspective of a parent of a young adult with an intellectual and developmental disability and as a business owner.  He will also be active in guiding our new culinary training program. We are thankful to have him join our team.”
“I am honored to join the LARC board of directors. It is truly something I believe in,” said Gavala.  “LARC has a long history of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their full potential.  I am committed to that legacy and to help LARC grow to provide more opportunities for people with disabilities in the future.”
LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range in age from 14 to 78. In addition, LARC offers vocational training, community residential services, youth programs, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.
To learn more about LARC, visit www.larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz, Executive Director, at 239-334-6285 x210 or [email protected].
About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The non-profit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 3, 2021) – The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20^th Judicial Circuit, distributed backpacks stuffed with school supplies to more than 200 Southwest Florida students as the new school year begins.

The Foundation’s second annual “Back to School with the Blue” backpack giveaway, in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, was held July 31 at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Center at Edison Mall in Fort Myers. Children living in foster care or temporary homes were given new backpacks filled with folders, notebooks, writing utensils, art supplies and $100 Old Navy gift cards to purchase school uniforms or clothing.

The event was funded by the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit that supports programs improving the lives of Southwest Florida residents in need.

“Foster families and those providing temporary shelter for students in the child welfare system do not always have the financial resources to afford new school supplies every year,” said Jessica Stanfield, the foundation’s executive director. “Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, more than 200 students are now on the path to success and will start the school year ready for the challenges that await.”

At “Back to School with the Blue,” students also were encouraged to write notes of appreciation to their Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Advocates, which are court-approved volunteer child advocates who serve as the voice for abused, neglected and abandoned children in Southwest Florida.

About 170 children received their backpacks during the event, and volunteers delivered 40 additional backpacks to local students unable to attend “Back to School with the Blue.” One aspiring law enforcement officer was even presented with a badge and an honorary title of Sheriff for the Day.

“As she left, she had a big smile on her face, which is what this event is all about,” said Eric Bivens, a foundation board member and event chairman.

The Guardian ad Litem Foundation recruits, trains and supports volunteer child advocates for youth in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties as they navigate the judicial, education and child welfare systems. The foundation also provides financial assistance to help meet a child’s basic and developmental needs, including the Children’s Needs Program that provides “extras” like birthday parties, tutoring, summer camp programs, movie tickets and registration fees for clubs and sports.

For more information about the Guardian ad Litem Foundation, please visit VoicesForKids.org or call 239-533-1435.

About Guardian ad Litem Foundation

Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, was established in 1984 and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports Guardian ad Litem programs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Foundation, a United Way Partner Agency, has a mission of ensuring that every abused, neglected or abandoned youth in Southwest Florida has a voice as they navigate the judicial, education and child welfare system. The Foundation raises funds that help meet a child’s health, educational and social needs, as well as provide support for highly trained volunteer advocates who represent the best interests of a child until a safe, permanent placement is established. For additional information, visit VoicesForKids.org or call 239-533-1435.

CONRIC pr + marketing adds Kat Velez as marketing account manager
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 3, 2021) – CONRIC pr + marketing works hand-in-hand with its clients to develop effective and creative solutions to their public relations, marketing and advertising needs. To support these efforts, CONRIC has added Kat Velez to its award-winning team as marketing account manager. Velez has a demonstrated history of effective public relations, marketing, and project management within the healthcare industry, as well as experience in print and television news and photography.
“Kat has a record of success coordinating marketing, media and public relations efforts that are delivered on time and exceed expectations,” said CONRIC pr + marketing president and chief marketing officer Connie Ramos-Williams. “Our clients will benefit from her knowledge, experience and commitment to achieving results.”
As marketing account manager, Velez will develop strategies that maintain the integrity of CONRIC clients’ unique brand identities. Her role includes project development and management, planning and implementation, creative thinking and problem solving for CONRIC and its clients in all areas of communication, marketing, public relations, advertising, and website development. In addition, Velez will contribute to writing and editing, photography, graphic design, web, and social media services.
“CONRIC is well-known for its personal approach to helping local businesses succeed and for the many ways they give back to our community,” said Velez. “I am grateful to be part of this amazing team and to help our clients achieve continued success and growth.”
Prior to joining CONRIC, Velez served as the marketing communications manager for LeeSar/CSF, overseeing multiple projects within 23 different departments and various levels of the organization, from interns to senior leadership. Velez has also served as an assignment editor at FOX 4 WFTX-TV, and as media relations specialist for Lee Health. Her writing and photography have been featured in the News-Press, Naples Daily News, Spotlight News Magazine, Healthcare Purchasing News, Gulfshore Life and other media outlets.
Velez earned a Bachelor of Arts in television from Columbia College Chicago, and a Master of Business Management focused on organizational leadership from Hodges University. She has been a member of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association since 2011.
See the successful campaigns CONRIC creates every day for businesses and community organizations at conricpr.com. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 239-690-9840.
CONRIC pr + marketing
CONRIC pr + marketing is one of the leading creative digital marketing, branding, public relations, advertising and web development agencies in Southwest Florida. Connie Ramos-Williams launched the award-winning, full-service agency in 2007. The firm serves a diverse portfolio of clients in 35 states across the country in industry sectors including financial, legal, education, medical, government, non-profit, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, real estate, association, and salon and spa. CONRIC was named Gulfshore Business magazine’s Best Advertising Agency and one of the top Public Relations firms in the region in 2020. The agency has earned multiple Image Awards from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and Golden Image Awards from its statewide chapter, Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association, national Addy Awards from the American Advertising Federation and an international MUSE Award for creative design. CONRIC pr + marketing has offices located at 5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd., Suite 307 in Fort Myers and 1415 Panther Lane in Naples.  For more information, call 239-690-9840 or visit conricpr.com.
 

Energy Harness Corporation named 2021 Sapphire Awards Finalist
Company’s innovative UV LED technology kills 99.998% of coronavirus in one second of exposure
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2021) – After introducing one of the most innovative and effective UV air sterilization products on the market that kills coronavirus in one second of exposure, Energy Harness Corporation is being recognized nationally for its innovative excellence. Energy Harness Corporation is proud to be named as a finalist for LEDs Magazine’s annual Sapphire Awards for its newest product launch, the Active Airflow UV-C Fixture. The Florida-based company, which specializes in the production of commercial LED solutions, met the pandemic head-on in 2020 by developing and manufacturing the Active Airflow UV-C Fixture, a proven defense against COVID-19 transmission.
Now in its seventh year, the LEDs Magazine Sapphire Awards annually recognizes innovations in the LED and solid-state lighting industry across the country. Each year, a team composed of LEDs Magazine staff, Strategies in Light advisory board members, and other colleagues acknowledge the finest innovations in this field. The Sapphire Awards celebrate the innovations, vision, and leaders driving the industry forward.
“The Sapphire Awards nomination list reads like a who’s who in the industry,” said Peter Lehrer, senior VP for project development at Energy Harness Corporation. “It’s an honor to see our company’s name on the same list as international powerhouses like Samsung Electronics and Infineon Technologies.”
LEDs Magazine identified finalists in 17 different technology and application categories. Energy Harness’ Active Airflow UV-C fixture will compete against three other innovations in the UV LEDs and Systems category. The 2021 Sapphire Awards winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 24 in an online event during the annual Strategies in Light virtual conference, hosted in Santa Clara, Calif.
“Each year, the Sapphire Awards competition gets closer and closer, with mere fractions of a score separating finalists from winners,” said LEDs Magazine editor-in-chief Maury Wright. “It proves that the initial era of ‘LEDification’ has moved beyond meeting energy-efficiency qualifications to placing new demands on LED and SSL products and systems.”
The Active Airflow UV-C Fixture is one of the most safe and effective methods to fight airborne viruses, including COVID-19, in public places. The fixture works by circulating indoor air and applying a large dose of high-energy UV-C light as the air passes through the device. The UV-C light sanitizes contaminated air, then releases cleaned air back into the room. A series of laboratory tests have revealed that the Active Airflow UV-C technology can effectively kill 99.998% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in just one second of exposure.
The Active Airflow UV-C Fixture is safe, quiet, and easy to install in public spaces such as schools, hospitals, outpatient centers, libraries, and office buildings. The product is available nationwide, and thousands of units have been deployed to date. Demonstrations of the product are available in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia.
To arrange a demonstration of the Active Airflow UV-C Fixture at your business or facility, contact Energy Harness by calling 239-677-4150 or emailing [email protected]. More information about the fixture can be found online at energyharness.com/UVC.
About Energy Harness Corporation
Established in 2010, Energy Harness Corporation specializes in the manufacturing, sales and nationwide distribution of high-quality commercial LED solutions. Combining a wide range of products and technical expertise, Energy Harness creates the brightest innovations in LED lighting and products that provide safety and security while reducing energy use and maintenance costs. More information is available at energyharness.com.

Johnny Mathis
The Voice Of Romance Tour 2022
JANUARY 28, 2022
 TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 AT 10AM
(Fort Myers, FL) – Johnny Mathis returns to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW with his new tour: The Voice of Romance Tour 2022 on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 8PM. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, August 6 at 10AM and can be purchased online at www.bbmannpah.com, call (239) 481-4849 or in person at the Box Office.
“There are a number of good singers, a smaller handful of truly great singers, and then there’s Johnny Mathis.” – Barbra Streisand
Celebrating his 66th Year as a recording artist in the music industry, legendary singer Johnny Mathis is The Voice of Romance. A sublime vocalist whose approach to pop music eclipses passing fads and trends, Mathis has performed songs in an incredible variety of styles and categories — from music composed for stage and film to golden era jazz standards, contemporary pop hits, and holiday music, all of which has assured his reputation as one of the most enduring vocalists in music history.
Best-known for his supremely popular hits like “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me To Say,” and “Misty”, Mathis has recorded close to 80 albums, 6 Christmas albums, and has sold millions of records worldwide. During his extensive career he has had 3 songs inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, achieved 50 Hits on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart, ranks as the all-time #6 album artist in the history of Billboard’s pop album charts, and is the originator of the “Greatest Hits” album industry tradition.  He has received 5 GRAMMY Nominations, and in 2003 he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
 
Performance Date / Time:           Friday, January 28, 2022 – 8PM
Ticket Prices:                                     $149.50*, $129.50*, $79.50, $59.50*
*All shows, dates, times and ticket prices are subject to change. Prices do not include processing fee and sales tax.
 

Meeting Notice
Take note of upcoming SFWMD public meetings
Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for several upcoming public meetings. For a list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance.
Meeting format varies for each meeting, and some meetings may be in-person only, virtual only, or a hybrid of both formats.
What: SFWMD Workshop for the C-8 and C-9 Basins Flood Protection Level of Service Adaptation and Mitigation Planning Projects Study
When: August 3, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Information and Materials
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What: Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative Meeting
When: August 9, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Information and Materials
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What: Quarterly Meeting of the Everglades Technical Oversight Committee
When: August 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Information and Materials
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What: Governing Board Workshop
When: August 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
Meeting Information and Materials
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What: Governing Board Meeting
When: August 12, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Meeting information and materials will be posted at www.sfwmd.gov/meetings once available.
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What: Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting
When: August 26, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
Meeting information and materials will be posted at www.sfwmd.gov/meetings once available.
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Many SFWMD meetings are conducted via Zoom, a free online meeting tool. You can learn more about attending a Zoom meeting and even run a test on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Please note, you must have the latest version of Zoom to attend SFWMD meetings conducted on Zoom.

This month, the SBA South Florida District hosted a Drive 8(a) Federal Contracting Certification Webinar to help entrepreneurs understand how to sell their goods and services to the federal government.
Drive 8(a) Recruitment events are used to educate potential applicants on the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.
Each year the federal government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to small disadvantaged businesses through the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program. If accepted into the SBA’s 8(a) program, these social and economically disadvantaged businesses will receive nine years of business development assistance and will also be able to compete for federal contracting dollars by selling their goods and services to the federal government.
Also, in an effort to help educate small business owners on tax benefits made available the Biden Administration, our team is offering Employee Retention Credit workshops on an ongoing basis.
ERC is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 50% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021.
Eligible employers can get immediate access to the credit by reducing employment tax deposits they are otherwise required to make. Also, if the employer’s employment tax deposits are not sufficient to cover the credit, the employer may get an advance payment from the IRS. To view a recorded session of this workshop, visit Small Business Tax Training: Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) Workshop on our YouTube page.
Follow us on Twitter or review our District Calendar for upcoming Drive 8(a) and ERTC events.
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Breaking: SBA Announces Opening of Paycheck Protection Program Direct Forgiveness Portal
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000 through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.
…This new change will help rush relief to over 6.5 million smallest of small southeastern businesses which has been the Administrator’s priority since day one. Read more here.
Federal Government Awards Record-Breaking $145.7 Billion in Contracting to Small Businesses
WASHINGTON – Recently, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the federal government exceeded its small business federal contracting goal, awarding 26.01 percent or $145.7 billion in federal contract dollars to small businesses, a $13 billion increase from the previous fiscal year.
“Despite the fact that it’s been an extremely challenging year for small businesses, the SBA is proud to announce that our nation’s entrepreneurs used their trademark ingenuity, grit, and determination to do a record amount of contracts — $145.7 billion — with the federal government. Thanks to the support of countless dedicated government professionals, the federal government exceeded its small business contracting goal for FY20 with a $13 billion increase from the previous fiscal year,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman.
“However, we know that there’s much more to do to ensure all of our small businesses can get contract-ready and have the opportunities they need to engage with the world’s largest customer…”
This is the Summer to Recover
By Janita R. Stewart, SBA Region IV Administrator
We all recognize a feeling of comfort and familiarity as the nation opens back up for business. Recovery from the pandemic is underway; but there are many small business owners that are still struggling. During these very hot Summer months, it is a great time to take advantage of recovery programs.
If you are already in a good place and you are up and running, this is an ideal time to prepare for any disaster that may come our way. The global pandemic has taught us all that anything is possible, and it is wise to be prepared as best as you can.
Happy Birthday to the SBA!!!
Thank you for letting us be part of your business journey for nearly 7 decades. For resources to help you start, grow, expand or recover your business, visit Small Business Administration.
South Florida Book Club Meeting
As part of the Strategic Alliance Memorandum, SBA South Flo New York Times Best Selling Author and inspiration leader, Brene Brown, discuses the four courage-building skills that make up brave leadership. Join us as we review and discuss this phenomenal book
August 27, 2021 Noon-1pm
Register here.
2021 Hurricane Preparedness Webinars
Disasters can take many forms and the financial cost of rebuilding after a disaster can be overwhelming. If you’re prepared for emergencies, you’ll be in a better position to recover and continue operations should disaster strike.
Join the South Florida District as we host weekly webinars that can help prepare you for a hurricane – before, during and after. We’re going to cover services that the SBA can provide for your business in an event of a disaster.
Participants may call at anytime and are welcome to enter and exit at will. Review the Small Business Events section of our website for upcoming dates.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 30, 2021) – Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens (LARC) announces Jenn Robinson has joined its board of directors.  Established in 1954, LARC’s mission is to empower and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to reach their full potential.
“We are excited to have Jenn join our board of directors,” said Angela Katz, LARC’s executive director.  “She shares our vision that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be valued members of their communities, with the opportunity to realize their full potential. Her professional background will be a tremendous asset as we continue to champion innovative programs to meet community needs.”
“It is my privilege to serve on the board of directors of LARC,” said Robinson. “I am passionate about improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and hope my experience will enhance LARC’s many programs in Southwest Florida.”
Robinson currently works as an inclusion specialist with the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System/Florida Inclusion Network (FDLRS/FIN) Island Coast, ensuring all students with disabilities have the same educational, social and future opportunities as their peers.  She previously was a program coordinator for How I Reach Employment (HIRE) which supports students with intellectual disabilities through postsecondary technical and career education.   She also worked as a human resource development specialist with FDLRS/FIN, and as an intervention support specialist and exceptional student education department chair at Cypress Lake High School.  Her community involvement includes board chair of the YMCA, a previous board member of AMIKids of SWFL, and a mentor for the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Take Stock in Children.
LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range in age from 14 to 78. In addition, LARC offers vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.
To learn more about LARC, visit www.larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz, Executive Director, at 239-334-6285 x210 or [email protected].
About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The non-profit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

The Alliance is a place to meet like-minded people and get inspired. So, to all you explorers, adventurers, dreamers, artists and art lovers: say hello to August! We’ve saved a spot just for you.
The Chechens, winner of the 2019 Bruce and Janet Bunch New Play Contest Award, by Phillip Christian Smith and directed by Bill Taylor
August 5 – 15 • After a year and a half of innovative online and outdoor theatre, indoor theatre returns to the Alliance this August! Beautifully written, The Chechens is an intense, funny and vital production. Set in modern day Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechen Republic, rumors are going around that “certain people” are being rounded up and held in a camp on the East edge of town. Can one family protect their little brother who may or may not be the next target? Will they turn him in? Will they go so far as to honor-kill him? What prevails in the end: religion, politics or love?
Experience live theatre with our 2021-22 season!
Our season is full of unique, high-quality, affordable entertainment from outrageous comedies to sweeping dramas to an immersive theatrical experience that will span every space at the Alliance.
Experience it all with a season subscription and receive up to $36 in savings! If you plan on attending multiple shows, we have a variety of flexible subscription packages that will fit any budget and offer you more freedom in your schedule.
As you know, ticket prices alone cannot cover the costs associated with producing great live theatre. Please consider making a gift to support your favorite local non-profit theatre company!
Early Morning Tai Chi – Outdoor Class
Thursdays, August 5 – September 2 • Tai Chi exercise is appropriate for all ages and any skill level. Learn to move smoothly and efficiently with grace, suppleness, balance and good posture. Learn to relax your body and open your energy pathways. Gently build your strength, flexibility and mental clarity. Boost your immune system. Practicing Tai Chi is a gift to yourself that will help you improve overall, your mind, body and spirit. No experience necessary.
 
Wednesday Morning Yoga with Nicole Michaelson Traum – Onsite Class
Wednesdays, August 11 – September 1 • Start your morning with a stretch. Join Nicole for weekly yoga classes indoors during this summer. Classes are open to all levels. Please bring a mat, towel and some water. Pre-registration is required.
 
Pastel Animals (Ages 9+) – Onsite Class
Thursdays, August 12 – September 2 • Strengthen your observational skills with a toolkit of five simple drawing techniques! After practicing the skills, you can choose to work from a photo of any animal you want. From start to finish, using pencil and chalk pastel, students will learn how to create the most detailed and realistic full color image. Zan Lombardo brings 40 years of experience teaching pastels.
 
A Woman of Style: Mary Cassatt – Online Art Lecture
Thursday, August 19 • Mary Cassatt depicted the “New Woman” of the 19th century from the woman’s perspective. Cassatt often created images of the social and private lives of women, with particular emphasis on the intimate bonds between mothers and children. Although Cassatt did not explicitly make political statements about women’s rights in her work, her artistic portrayal of women was consistently done with dignity and the suggestion of a deeper, meaningful inner life.
 
LGBTQ+ Dating Violence ArtReach (Ages 12 – 18)
Thursday, August 26 • This is a 3 hour educational art session for ages 12-18 years old. The first hour will be focused on learning tools that prevent violence while highlighting the barriers LGBTQ+ people experience that their counterpart may not. The next 2 hours will be dedicated to allowing the kids to express themselves.
 
Saturday GreenMarket
Each and every Saturday • Our outdoor farmer’s market is loaded with local produce, artisanal foods, edible and landscape plants, yoga on the lawn, live music, art, one-of-a-kind gifts, backyard farming workshops and all the good flavors and good vibes you can fit into your Saturday morning. Plus, there’s plenty of shade, camaraderie and community – the perfect setting to enjoy a bite and relax! Our weekly market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each and every Saturday, year-round and rain or shine.
 
Different Strokes – Members Exhibit
Exhibits August Now – 28 • Our diversity as a community is what makes us strong and our perspectives and viewpoints for making art are just as important. The Alliance strives to support and foster all styles and mediums ranging from traditional 2 and 3-dimensional mediums like painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber and mixed media to emerging and contemporary trends such as digital, installation, performance and experiential based works.
 
In the Theatre Lobby: Barbra Fewster
Exhibits August 6 – 28 • In August, celebrate the life and art of the kind and talented Barbra Fewster with a selection of her work on display in the Theatre Lobby Gallery. Continuing their support of the local art community, Barbara’s family has asked that the proceeds of any art purchased from this exhibition be donated back to the Alliance.
 
Dia de los Muertos: A Juried Exhibit
Exhibits October 1 – 30 • The family and the community play integral roles in this cultural celebration, so the congregation of local art to honor the deceased maintains the power of community in the Dia de los Muertos tradition. Each artist explores their own interpretation of this rich holiday, and bring to light not only the honor associated with death in Mexican culture, but also remind us of the vivacity and significance of the lives of our loved ones who have passed.
To help alleviate financial stress caused by the pandemic, the Alliance for the Arts is waiving all submission entry fees for member artists to submit to our Dia de los Muertos exhibit in October 2021. You may submit one, two or three artworks. Deadline for submission is September 17, 2021.
 
Forge & Scroll Exhibition
Exhibits September 3 – 23 • Be transported through two disparate worlds that converge, yet complement —an ode to nature through the eyes of an artist-poet where twisting vines and random blooms come to life on large-scale watercolor scrolls — and the tactile strength of metal forged into intricate sculptures that capture nature’s organic shapes and elements.
Zan Lombardo will be onsite for gallery talks and poetry readings associated with her pieces on Sept. 11 and 18 from 9 – 11 a.m. during Alliance for the Arts weekly GreenMarket. Zan will also host an educational Mangroves as Poetry event on Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. that will feature poetry on her 15-foot mangroves watercolor while getting educated about the worth and beauty of the mangroves that protect our shorelines.
 
Fort Myers Cosplay Con 2021
Sunday, September 26 • This convention is full of everything you look forward to at conventions, all in one event! Tabletop games, helpful demos and workshops, LARP sessions, cosplay mini shoots, informative panels from local experts in the field, cosplay contests for craftsmanship AND showmanship – and the list continues to grow!
 
Save the Dates: Arts On Tap returns this November
November 12 and 13 • Now in its 4th year, Arts On Tap is a fundraising event for the Alliance for the Arts. This year’s event spans two days and features an exciting mash up of southwest Florida’s burgeoning craft beer and vibrant arts scenes and a performance by two-time Grammy-nominated hip hop group the Nappy Roots. Tickets on sale September 2021.
Participating crafters include Bone Hook Brewing, Coastal Dayz Brewery, Crazy Dingo Brewing, Eight Foot Brewing, Fort Myers Brewing, Hopsized Brewing, LaBelle Brewing, Millennial Brewing Company, Palm City Brewing, Point Ybel Brewing and Riptide Brewing. Restaurant partners include The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, Arts & Eats Cafe, Nice Guys and The Standard. The event is sponsored by GMA Architects, Nice Guys Pizza, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and Priority Business Solutions.
 
Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org
239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre
Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation
Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms
Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko
And incredible people like you!