Member News

Goodwill hosts largest Job Fair in Southwest Florida

More than 60 businesses and agencies attending

Fort Myers — Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is committed to having a greater impact on individuals, families, and communities in the areas they serve. Goodwill is able to help individuals with a hand up, not a handout, through Mission Services training and employment programs. Workforce development and job placement has been one of the main focuses in 2022.

With the U.S. officially facing a recession, having gainful employment is necessary for Floridians to provide for themselves and their families. To assist, Goodwill is hosting a Job & Resource Fair on September 8th, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Next Level Church (East Location) located at 11081 Gateway Blvd., Ft. Myers.

“In the past, the largest Career Fair that we organized was 37 Vendors. This will be our largest yet, with 60-plus vendors,” explains Tim Goodman, Goodwill Employer Relations Specialist. “Vendor space is at capacity now.”

Employers such as Arthrex, Lowe’s, Walmart, Beall’s, and Goodwill, along with many others will be hiring! Forty employers, along with 20 community resource agencies, will be attending. Helping Goodwill in the effort, are co-sponsors Career Source SWFL and Next Level Church (East Location).

“We are grateful to our co-sponsors as well as the 60-plus business partners that will be participating,” states Goodman. “Please let all job seekers, and those needing community resource, know about this exciting event!”

This year, Goodwill has increased upskilling efforts, expanded digital skills training opportunities, and has offered a series of “Let’s Get Back to Work” job fairs. Anyone needing help with resume writing, interview skills or online job search can connect with a Goodwill Community Resource Center coordinator to receive assistance. A list of locations is on their website. Visit www.goodwillswfl.org for more information.

Goodwill SWFL is committed to serving people with disabilities or disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. Programs include employment, skills training, small business courses, disability services, and affordable housing.

The SWFL premiere of “The Play That Goes Wrong” opens on September 16th at The Laboratory Theater of Florida

FORT MYERS, FL (August 13, 2022) –  The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present the southwest Florida premiere of The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields on September 16th. The show runs until October 9th.

Officially kicking off its 14th season, The Laboratory Theater of Florida is excited to pay homage to the theatrical arts with a play within a play – where everything that can go wrong does, with hilarious results.

Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, and all mayhem, this Olivier Award-winning show is disastrously delightful. The fictitious Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, whose limited funds have allowed them to produce hits such as James and the Peach and The Lion and The Wardrobe, has received a substantial donation to produce an exciting whodunit, The Murder at Haversham Manor. But “break a leg!” takes on new meaning with this woefully misguided troupe of actors. This play-within-a-play is beset with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can’t play dead, a flustered detective, and a literacy-challenged butler who must manage technical gaffes, forgotten lines, and falling scenery.

Artistic Director Annette Trossbach says, “British actors, a slickly choreographed sword fight, and a murder mystery with more twists and turns than you could hit with a cat make The Murder at Haversham Manor the must-see show of the season. Previously plagued by budgetary constraints, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is thrilled to present this show, which promises to be the most exciting ever. If you enjoyed Noises Off and Play On!, you’ll love The Play That Goes Wrong. Truly, there are so many things that must ‘go wrong’ in this show – choreographing the mayhem for safety and maximum comic effect makes this show one of the most challenging of my career.”

Directed by Annette Trossbach, The Play That Goes Wrong stars Miguel Cintron (Robert/Thomas Colleymoore), Andrew Sarkozy (Chris/Inspector Carter), Giuseppe Anthony (Dennis/Perkins), Danielle Channell (Sandra/Florence Colleymoore), Les Englehart (Max/Cecil Haversham), Heather Johnson (Annie), Matthew Roman (Trevor), and Daniel Sabiston (Jonathan/Charles Haversham). Scenic design by Gabrielle Lansden and Technical Director Jonathan Johnson. Costumes by Alena Stevenson, and lights/props by Steven Michael Kennedy.

“If you are in the mood for laughs, sight-gags, double-takes, craziness, wacko antics, pure fun, here is your show. – Chicago Tribune

This show opens the theater’s 14th season and is included in the season pass, which is on sale now.

Generously sponsored by Marlene and Darrell Smith.

DATES:

Performance dates::

September 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 at 8 pm.

September 18, 25 at 2 pm.

October 1, 6, 7, 8 at 8 pm

October 2, 9 at 2 pm.

Special Events:

Half-price preview nights: September 14, 15 at 8 pm

Staging Teen Success Through Theater: September 17 at 8 pm

Post-performance talkback: September 25

Tickets are $30 each or $10 for students with valid student IDs. There are half-priced previews on September 14th and 15th at 8 pm and a new Thursday night special ticket price of $25 each for adults. Socially distant seating may be available and must be scheduled in advance with the box office. For tickets, please call the box office at 239.218.0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

**************************************************************************

NOTES ON YOUR VISIT:

****While masks are encouraged, they are not currently required****

Photography and videography of this production are strictly prohibited.

Thank you for your cooperation and your support of The Laboratory Theater of Florida.

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ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit 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 or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter Member Emily Golden Earns Professional Public Relations Accreditation

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 16, 2022) – Emily Golden, APR, of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), recently earned her professional public relations accreditation, and received the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Golden joins the more than 4,300 active public relations professionals worldwide who represent an elite group of skilled professionals committed to practicing with high ethical standards, including 43 currently in Southwest Florida.

As the senior public relations manager for Priority Marketing, Golden is responsible for managing the company’s award-winning, strategic media relations services and supporting publicity strategies, campaigns, projects and events for a diverse client base, including nonprofits, small start-ups and large businesses. A Fort Myers native, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in communication with a concentration in public relations.

To earn public relations accreditation, candidates must pass an oral presentation and rigorous written examination administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is an alliance of eight national and statewide professional associations dedicated to furthering the field of public relations and the development of public relations professionals. FPRA is a member of the UAB.

About the Florida Public Relations Association

Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. It is comprised of 15 professional and 14 student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking and professional recognition opportunities. The Southwest Florida Chapter serves professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at fpraswfl.org.

What’s new from Fort Myers – Islands,
Beaches and Neighborhoods

Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts headlines Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (U.S.A.) – Fort Myers’ Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods in Southwest Florida continues to provide new experiences for returning guests and first-time visitors. Great weather, shell-filled beaches, family fun and a chance to explore natural Florida along the Gulf of Mexico are a few of the experiences to be found in this destination. Check out VisitFortMyers.com for the most up-to-date vacation planning information.

Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts headlines Island Hopper 2022
Gary LeVox, frontman for Rascal Flatts is the headline songwriter/performer at the 8th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 16-25. LeVox is schedule to perform at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, poolside at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

Tickets for the LeVox concert are available on the Island Hopper app or at island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com/artist/gary-levox. Be sure to download the app to be entered for a chance to win a two-night stay at Pink Shell during the final weekend of Island Hopper, tickets to the LeVox concert and a $200 gift card.

The 10-day music festival features performances by some of the country’s most talented singer-songwriters and takes place in three areas, with the first weekend kicking off on Captiva Island, Sept. 16-18, then moving to downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 19-22, and ending with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 23-25. Most shows are free, with the exception of a few ticketed experiences, like our headliner shows. Stay up to date on festival news with the Island Hopper app or islandhopperfest.com

Airport news
New air service at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Breeze Airways: nonstop to Las Vegas (LAS) and Charleston, South Carolina (CHS), twice weekly.
Eurowings Discover: Frankfurt, Germany (FRA), weekly, year-round service
Alaska Airlines: Seattle (SEA) weekly, year-round service.

Attractions news
Wonder Gardens repainted, preserved popular roadside signs
Wonder Gardens in downtown Bonita Springs is a part of Old Florida that is nostalgic for generations of visitors. As a charitable zoological park and botanical garden, the attraction is home to rescued and non-releasable birds and reptiles nestled among sprawling banyan trees and plantings.

The attraction has repainted and reinstalled three large roadside signs that have been pointing visitors to the attraction for more than 60 years. The three large murals faded through the years and are now bright and protected. Also, a sign with giant painted alligator eyes that looked over the gardens has been repainted. John Merrifield, a Fort Myers artist and muralist of 30 years, was hired to work on the project.

As the oldest roadside attraction in Southwest Florida, the gardens opened in 1936 originally as the Everglades Reptile Garden. wondergardens.com

Lovers Key State Park offers free events
August brings lots of events to Lovers Key that visitors will enjoy free with park entry. Fun topics include Walk on the Wild Side, Savvy Sea Turtles, Seashell Walk, Fishing Clinic, Munchin’ Manatees, All about Alligators and much more. Check them out along with dates and details at friendsofloverskey.org/events/list. Reservations are required and may be made at loverskey.eventbrite.com

Upcycled Wonders at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Refuge
A selection of creations from the past two Project Refuge: A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash events is on display in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Aug. 30.

Project Refuge debuted in 2019 to celebrate the refuge’s 75th anniversary and raise awareness for recycling. The current, free “Upcycled Wonders: Project Refuge Designs Exhibition” showcases 18 of the fashions modeled at the events. Signage describes the creations and provides facts about waste and recycling and their impact on the environment. dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/project-refuge

Another free (parking fee) event from “Ding” Darling, a morning Mindfulness Beach Stroll at 8 a.m. on Aug. 20. Participants meet up at Gulfside City Park Beach. Reservations required at eventbrite.com/e/morning-mindfulness-beach-stroll-gulfside-city-park-beach-tickets

Creatures of the Mound House
The Mound House is hosting special forums this month. Mound House Curator of Education Bobby Feldman presents “The Creatures of The Mound House: From Birds to Bugs” for adults on Aug. 9, with a wine-&-refreshments reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the program from 6 to 7 p.m. Learn about common animals found on the Mound House grounds while gaining a greater appreciation of suburban wildlife. Advance registration is required by calling 239-765-0865; $7 for Mound House members & $12 for non-members.

The iconic Mound House on Fort Myers Beach traces its roots to the ancient Calusa of more than 2,000 years ago. As the oldest standing structure on Estero Island, the Town of Fort Myers Beach operates the Mound House as a museum complex and cultural and environmental learning experience that offers numerous monthly tourism and environmental programs, including many for kids. Check the schedule at moundhouse.org

Have fun and save with Fort Myers Sun Saver Passport
Fort Myers’ Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods has launched a free mobile savings passport giving users access to exclusive deals on attractions, restaurants and experiences throughout the destination.

To participate:
• Sign up at explore.visitfortmyers.com
• The passport will be delivered to your mobile phone via text.
• Redeem it on your mobile phone at participating businesses.
• Visit the website for a complete list of attractions, restaurants and experiences.

Check in and have a good day: Fort Myers Discovery Challenge
Explore Fort Myers and surrounding areas to discover the arts and cultural attractions that make the islands, beaches and neighborhoods naturally unique. Embark on a guided tour of the Mound House that overlooks Estero Bay or walk the Calusa Heritage Trail on Pine Island. From the nationally recognized shell museum on Sanibel Island to the art galleries of Matlacha, there are so many ways to have a good day. Using your mobile device, check in to each location and you could find exclusive savings and deals. Even better, you can earn a variety of prizes. visitfortmyers.com/challenge

In the news
Travelandleisure.com has named Sanibel and Captiva Islands among the “world’s best islands in the U.S.” Describing Captiva with its “low-key vibe and beaches with abundant shells,” it also mentions South Seas Island Resort.

With “equally beautiful beaches,” it mentions “off-beat fun” including the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/best-islands-in-the-us-2022

Whereverfamily.com writes about prime birdwatching opportunities in the Fort Myers area year-round for locals and family travelers alike. The article includes Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. It also mentions the Sanibel Public Library where kids (and adults) may check out birding kits that include binoculars. Whereverfamily.com/best-birdwatching-spots-near-fort-myers-florida

Annual festivals and event

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 16-25
IslandHopperFest.com

Roar Offshore, Fort Myers Beach
Oct. 6-8
roaroffshore.com

Art in the Wild Day, J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
Oct. 13
dingartinthewild.com

37th Annual Oktoberfest, Cape Coral
Oct. 21-23 and 28-30
capecoraloktoberfest.com

Alliance for the Arts 5th Annual Arts on Tap, Fort Myers
November TBD
Artinlee.org/ontap

38th annual Luminary Holiday Stroll
Sanibel Island Dec. 2 and Captiva Island Dec. 3.
sanibel-captiva.org

Fort Myers Beach 34th annual Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 3 beginning at 6 p.m. at Salty Sam’s Marina and will pass the restaurants on the back bay.
fortmyersbeach.org/events/2022-christmas-boat-parade

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” in the Main Theatre Nov. 18 through Dec. 30;
Ha! Ha! Ho! The Holiday Show in Off Broadway Palm Dec. 10 through 25;
“Santa Claus the Musical” in the Children’s Theatre Nov. 29-Dec. 24.
broadwaypalm.com

Adventures in Paradise Holiday Cruises, Port Sanibel Marina, Fort Myers
Dec. 24 Santa Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise and a Christmas Eve sunset cruise.
adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/santa-christmas-cruise

2023 Events

38th Annual Cape Coral Festival of the Arts, Cape Coral
Jan. 14-15
capecoralfestival.com

ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown River District
Feb. 3-5
artfestfortmyers.com

Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
Feb. 18
edisonfestival.org

Spring training 2023
Boston Red Sox
February-March
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
mlb.com/redsox/tickets/spring-training

Minnesota Twins
February-March
Lee County Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
mlb.com/twins/tickets/spring-training

Boca Grande Film Festival
February TBD
friendsofbocagrande.org/events/boca-grande-film-festival

86th Annual Sanibel Shell Show and Festival, Sanibel Island
March 2-4
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/p/84/shell-festival

24th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 4
readfest.org

ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
March 7-11
echonet.org/events/global-food-and-farm-festival

65th Annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival, Fort Myers Beach
March 11-12
fortmyersbeach.org/events/fort-myers-beach-shrimp-festival

34th Annual “Ding” Darling Day, Lakes Park, Fort Myers
Conservation Carnival
April 22
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/ding-darling-days

17th Annual Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival
April TBD
fmbfilmfest.com

13th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 17-21
fortmyersfilmfestival.com

11th Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island
May 19
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/tarpon-tournament-1

Captiva Pride Weekend
June 2-4
tween-waters.com/captiva-pride-weekend

National Seashell Day
June 21
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day

MangoMania Tropical Fruit Festival, Pine Island
July TBD
mangomaniafl.net

Fort Myers and surrounding areas includes Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva islands, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, Pine Island, Matlacha, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres.

Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
2201 Second Street, Suite 600, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA
Visit our website www.VisitFortMyers to learn more!

Registration for the Fall 2022 semester has started. Space is limited. Register today to make sure you have a seat in a class. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fall 2022 Classes

Registration Links

Morning Classes
CareerSource SWFL (GED Only): Registration Link
Cape Coral Technical College: Registration Link
Dunbar Community School: Registration Link
Lee County Public Education Center: Registration Link

Night Classes
Bonita Springs High School: Registration Link
Cape Coral High School: Registration Link
Cape Coral Technical College (ESOL Only): Registration Link
Cypress Lake High School: Registration Link
Dunbar Community School: Registration Link
Lehigh Senior High School: Registration Link

Online Classes
Online: Registration Link

Paying with cash? Visit www.leeschools.net/ace for more information.
Questions? Please call 239-939-6310

Connect with us

Get ready to rock the aisles!

On August 20 experience a concert like never before! Gulf Coast Symphony is joined by singers Chloe Lowery, Dan Domenech and a rock band. Hear your favorite rock classics from Abba, Queen, Madonna, Jersey Boys, the Eagles, Journey and many more accompanied by full symphony orchestra. Don’t miss out on the Rock event of this summer!

Symphonic Rocks
August 20, 7:30pm
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

On August 20 connect with your inner rock ‘n’ roll soul and experience a rock concert like you never have before! Symphonic Rocks features pop hits from the 80s and 90s, plus standards from rock musicals, performed with guest vocalists, backup singers, rock band, and full symphony orchestra! Get ready to rock your seats with guest artists Chloe Lowery, who has toured with Yanni and Chris Botti, and Glee alum, Dan Domenech, who starred in Rent, Sister Act, Kinky Boots & Rock of Ages. Hear your favorite rock arrangements from Abba, Queen, Madonna, Jersey Boys, the Eagles, Journey and many more. This is an evening you will be rocking out in the aisles.

Tickets start at just $29 — order now!

Listen to our Spotify Playlist for the month of August featuring music that inspired “Symphonic Rocks”.

Gulf Coast Symphony is committed to bringing vibrant, diverse performers to our community. Support us in this vital work.

Follow us on our social media for more updates:

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

Announcing the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra’s 3rd season at the MACC!

Gulf Coast Symphony Family, join the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra for its 3rd Season at our Music & Arts Community Center. The season includes return appearances by the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersinger and Gulfshore Ballet. Celebrate the sounds of Beethoven, Price, Mozart, Vivaldi and many more.

Save 25% with purchase of the series!

SINGLE TICKETS AVAILABLE

November 5

A new season begins with conductor Andrew M. Kurtz and the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra performs one of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, the Eroica Symphony, a large-scale composition that marked the beginning of the composer’s innovative “middle period”.

January 14

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra performs Symphony No. 3 composed by Florence Price in 1938. The composition is Price’s third symphony, following her Symphony in E minor the first symphony by a black woman to be performed by a major American orchestra and her lost Symphony No. 2.

February 11

Fort Myers Master Singers join Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra for a night of Vivaldi’s Gloria. Vivaldi’s Gloria is one of sacred music’s most uplifting choral works – a piece of high drama and hidden performers.

March 25

Symphony No. 3 in G minor, is a work by Louise Farrenc, the last of the symphonies she composed. It is the best known and most appreciated of her symphonies. Although less performed and recorded, it is nevertheless compared by the music journalist Tom Service to the symphonies of Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann.

April 1

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra performs Strings on Fire!.

May 6

Gulfshore Ballet joins Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra for Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Enjoy the music and a ballet performance with choreography by Iliana Lopez & Franklin Gamero.

Gulf Coast Symphony is committed to bringing vibrant, diverse performers to our community. Support us in this vital work.

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – Gary LeVox, frontman for Rascal Flatts, is the headline songwriter/performer at the 8th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept.16-25. LeVox is scheduled to perform at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, poolside at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

Tickets for the event are available on the Island Hopper app or at island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com/artist/gary-levox. Be sure to download the app to be entered for a chance to win a two-night stay at Pink Shell during the final weekend of Island Hopper, tickets to the LeVox concert and a $200 gift card.
Fans will remember LeVox, who along with bandmates Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney, founded Rascal Flatts in 2000. The group went on to enjoy one of the most successful careers in modern country music. Infusing the genre’s traditional sound with massive pop hooks, rock showmanship and faithful positivity, they scored 17 No. 1 singles and sold more than 23 million albums, making the band the most awarded country group of the last decade.

Embarking on a solo chapter, LeVox’s debut single “The Distance,” is one of five songs on his debut collection “One On One,” which includes multiple collaborations.

The 10-day Island Hopper music festival features performances by some of the country’s greatest BMI singer-songwriters. The first weekend kicks off on Captiva Island, Sept. 16-18, then moves to downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 19-22, and ends with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 23-25.

In addition to LeVox, BMI singer-songwriters performing this year include: Kristian Bush, two-time Grammy award winner and half of the Sugarland duo; Aaron Barker, who has written songs for George Strait, Clay Walker and Willie Nelson; and Dave Pahanish, who co-wrote the No. 1 Billboard Country music singles “Do You Believe Me Now” by Jimmy Wayne, “American Ride” by Toby Keith, and “Without You” by Keith Urban.

Most shows are free, with the exception of a few ticketed experiences, such as headliner shows. Fans will select their favorites from 70 singer-songwriters who will perform more than 100 shows.

“The intimate settings for each performance allow for interaction between the performer/songwriter and the audience, which is unique because you can meet the artist and learn the backstory of their songs,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Stay up to date on all the festival news, artists, schedules, venues and accommodations with the Island Hopper app or islandhopperfest.com

Island Hopper is produced by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Visit IslandHopperFest.com Follow the festival hashtag #islandhopperfest as well as the event’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds.

We are so excited to announce that

LIFELONG LEARNING CLASSES ARE BACK!

We took a hiatus during our last two years but we are so pleased to be offering

these high-interest classes for our Adult community in Southwest Florida.

Our Fall Session starts in September 14 2022 at The Lee County Public Education Center! 

Please join us and sign-up as classes fill up quickly!

More classes will be posted shortly!

Check out our website for more details:

Leeschools.net/lifelonglearning

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE FOLLOWING CLASSES:

You may click on each link to register. 

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

U.S. CITIZENSHIP CLASS

CREATIVE WRITING: NARRATIVE JOURNALING

LET’S GET FIT!

If you have any QUESTIONS or CONCERNS please contact Marliss Brockington

at 239.939.6321 or [email protected]

Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors.
Have it your way, online or in-person.

Support FGCU Academy | Make a Memorable Gift Now

The Academy’s program fees only cover a fraction of its operating costs. The Academy relies on the purchase of memberships and donations to carry us the rest of the way. Without your support, this vital community lifelong learning and outreach program would not be possible. Thank you for your generosity.

August 2022

FGCU Academy Celebrates
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DAY | AUGUST 4

Greetings, On August 4th, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day gives us an opportunity to dunk America’s #1 favorite cookie. Whether yours are homemade or store-bought, pour a glass of milk and enjoy.

Without chocolate chips, the cookie would still be number one. Or would it?

For that reason, we also recognize Ruth Graves Wakefield on National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Thanks to her inventiveness and curiosity, chocolate chips and a cookie dough go together. And for this reason, we hover around ovens savoring the moment the timer dings.

How the Chocolate Chip Cookie Began
Imagine if Ruth Graves Wakefield hadn’t run out of baker’s chocolate for her cookie recipe that day in 1937. Because that’s what happened. The cookie recipe she was preparing called for baker’s chocolate and would have blended smoothly into the dough. However, she was out. And what if Mrs. Wakefield hadn’t considered using semi-sweet chocolate instead? She figured it would just melt into the dough and work much like the baker’s chocolate.

Or, what if someone had interrupted Ruth Graves Wakefield that day and caused the cookies to burn and ruin the experiment?

Well, none of that happened. Instead of interruptions or doubts, the baker added the chocolate to the dough. Moments later the mouthwatering aroma began to waft from Mrs. Wakefield’s oven. Perhaps the smell lured a child into the kitchen. Or maybe a guest at the Tollhouse Inn she and her husband owned. We may not know the finer details of the day the chocolate chip cookie came to be. However, we do know Ruth Graves Wakefield made it happen.

And if it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t know the ecstasy of warm chocolate chip cookie melting on our tongue. We know that feeling. When our eyes close in heavenly satisfaction and a perfect smile graces our face. No, if it weren’t for Ruth Graves Wakefield, entire generations would be denied the bliss that is a chocolate chip cookie.

We could even go so far as to say she is responsible for all those other nuggets of goodness. Those morsels of butterscotch, peanut butter, and white chocolate we enjoy in much the same way we enjoy our chocolate delights. Nothing, though, rates quite as high as the chocolate chip cookie Ruth Graves Wakefield brought to us in 1937. No, nothing.
Let’s try some gluten free keto chocolate chip cookies here
______________________________________________________________________
Please call office to register for classes at 239.434.4737
or
Register Online

View 2022 FGCU Academy Summer Program Guide

View August Daily Calendar

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES
Instructor: John Guerra

iPhone/iPad Messages & Maps App
@ Siena Lakes – August 9 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
@ Naples Center or Online via Zoom – August 23 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Introduction to Windows 11
@ Commons Club at The Brooks – August15 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

iPhone/iPad Notes App: The App Everyone Should Use
@ Naples Center or Online via Zoom – August 16 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

SINGLE LECTURE CLASSES

On the Front Line: What is at Stake in Afghanistan
@ Moorings Park – August 15 | 10 – 12 p.m.

The Creation of Germany
@ Commons Club at The Brooks – August 4 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

U.S. National Security Council: Pivotal Role in Coordinating U.S. Foreign and Defense Policy
@ The Arlington – August 5 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Nutrition and Mental Health
@ Moorings Park – August 8 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
@ Moorings Park Grande Lake – August 12 | 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Cause and Effect: The Development of Religious Creeds
@ The Arlington – August 9 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD – see what’s coming

• Get More From Your Digital Camera
• Americana: Lecture & Concert
• The Great Private Sector Space Race

SUNDAY INTERNATIONAL MOVIES
Moderator – John Guerra

Pain and Glory – @ Naples Center – August 21 | 2 – 4:30 p.m.
As it is in Heaven – @ Naples Center – September 11 | 2 – 4:30 p.m.

View a Class at Your Time!

View Offered Courses

You can now view PRE-RECORDED Classes from the comfort of your own home any time of day or night.
View Offered Courses
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2023 Travel

Travel The World With FGCU Academy
Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living

to
View our Pre-Recorded Travel Open House Presentation Now

Machu Picchu to the Galapagos – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 13 – 28, 2022 | 16 days

2023 International Travel Schedule
Plan Ahead and Book Now
(brochures / additional info available soon)

Insider’s Japan – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
May 20 – June 1, 2023 | 13 days

UNTAMED ALASKA
August 20 – 30, 2023 | 11 days
Awe-inspiring natural beauty and outdoor adventure await as we explore Alaska’s varied landscapes and noteworthy cities. From Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords national parks to the energy of Anchorage and scenic Seward, our small group encounters the breadth and beauty of America’s Last Frontier.

LEGENDARY TURKEY
September 1 – 15, 2023 | 15 days
Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic – and legendary – Turquoise Coast, Turkey engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group experience.

ACROSS SPAIN & PORTUGAL
September 10 – 26, 2023 | 17 days
Fortified cities and tiny fishing villages, rugged Atlantic coastline and commanding Pyrenees peaks, iconic shrines to both religion and fine art, and intimate lodgings in historic paradores and pousadas – it all awaits on this singular small group journey from Lisbon across the north of Spain, ending in vibrant Barcelona.

PEARLS OF DALMATIA
September 14 – 28, 2023 | 15 days
Independent, democratic Croatia welcomes visitors eager to absorb its remarkable history and culture – and its beautiful and unspoiled Dalmatian coastline. As our small group travels from historic Zagreb and beautiful Lake Bled to the Habsburg resort of Opatija, the island of Hvar, and beloved Dubrovnik, we see why this cherished region lays such a claim on the hearts of all who visit.

CLASSIC GERMANY
September 21 – October 3, 2023 | 13 days
Classic Germany: it’s the Romantic Road and the Bavarian Alps, royal castles and half-timbered houses, charming villages and historic Nuremberg, culturally rich Munich and international Berlin. It’s history of note – and of notoriety. And we see it all on this alluring small group tour.

SICILY IN DEPTH
September 28 – October 9, 2023 | 12 days
Crossroads of the Mediterranean … the “toe” in Italy’s boot … “God’s Kitchen” … Sicily is all this, and much more, as we see on our stellar small group journey around this Italian island. It’s lively cities and ancient ruins, temples of man – and of nature, hospitable people and delectable cuisine … a feast for all the senses.

ISRAEL: TIMELESS WONDERS
October 14 – 25, 2023 | 12 days
Encounter a land of extraordinary beauty and belief, of spirit and story, history and hospitality. From modern Tel Aviv to scen¬ic Upper Galilee, ancient Tiberias and storied Nazareth to Jerusalem, “City of Gold,” we engage all our senses in a small group encounter with this extraordinary and holy land, with a five-night stay in Jerusalem at the legendary King David hotel.

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FGCU Academy
Collier / Lee / Charlotte

FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER
704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N
Suite 330
Naples, FL 34102

239-434-4737

[email protected]

FGCU Academy | 704 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Suite 330, Naples, FL 34102
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