Member News

SFWMD to Begin Rule Making Effort to Reduce Debris and Vegetation in District Waterways

Today, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board authorized staff to begin a rulemaking process to reduce trash, debris and vegetation in District waterways. This rulemaking process initiates public engagement with local drainage operators, local governments, landowners, stakeholders and the public to develop a new regulatory rule aimed at reducing trash, debris, and vegetation in District canals.
Once the new rule is developed, it would allow the District to require local canal operators to take proactive measures to reduce the amount of litter, vegetation and debris that enters District canals.

Many of South and Central Florida’s waterways are interconnected. Trash, debris and vegetation can make their way into local waterways and canals and can eventually end up in District canals. District canals often move water into bays and lakes, and trash, debris, and vegetation in these waterbodies can cause negative water quality impacts. Keeping District canals free of debris and vegetation allows for more efficient water management and also reduces the negative water quality impacts associated with litter and debris.

The rulemaking process approved today will involve a series of public workshops over the next several months. In addition to this rulemaking effort, the District installed additional debris-collecting booms throughout its water management system to prevent debris from entering lakes and bays including Biscayne Bay.

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: South Florida Water Management District · 3301 Gun Club Road · West Palm Beach, FL · 33406

Art Classes for Adults Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 8, 2022) — Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers many opportunities throughout the year for residents and guests to learn painting techniques, create floral arrangements or make other pieces of artwork. Classes are taught by local artists. Registration is required for each at EdisonFord.org and classes can be purchased as gifts.

Registration is open for the following classes:

Silk Scarf Painting with Marie Dyer
January 14, February 25, and March 11 at 9 a.m.  Marie Dyer has been teaching at the Estates for many years. Participants will paint a scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork. To ensure adequate supplies, registration is required. All materials are included. Students of all experience levels are welcome. Space is limited. Members $90; non-members $100

Palm Weaving with Megan Kissinger
January 15 at 12 p.m. 
Students will join local artist, Megan Kissinger, to learn how to make woven crafts that they can take home. All materials and tools will be provided, but students may bring their own ribbons and scissors. Participants are also encouraged to bring a snack or lunch. Space is limited and registration is required. Members $40; non-members $60

Floral Still Life Painting with Marie Dyer
January 21 and March 18 at 9 a.m. 
Impressionist painter, Marie Dyer, will explain color mixing, effect design, impressionistic techniques, shading and effective color contrast to create mood. This acrylic on canvas painting workshop is for any experience level. Capacity is limited and registration is required. Members $90; non-members $100

Zen Drawing with Megan Kissinger
January 28 at 10 a.m.
Participants will explore meditative drawing with local artist, Megan Kissinger. This class will take place outdoors on the sprawling grounds. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The class will meet at the Visitor Pavilion before departing to paint on the grounds. All materials are included. Registration is required and capacity is limited. No experience is required. Members $40; non-members $60

Pre-Valentines Floral Arranging with Anita Singh
January 29 at 10 a.m.
Guests will learn how to create their very own botanical masterpiece. The class will highlight designing with roses, foliage, and how to create a unique Valentine’s Day floral arrangement. Each participant will take home their custom floral arrangement to enjoy. All materials are included, as well as tools and refreshments. Students of all experience levels are welcome. Seating is limited and registration is required. Members $75; non-members $85

Acrylic Landscape Painting with Marie Dyer
February 18 at 9 a.m.     
Impressionistic local artist, Marie Dyer, will guide participants in this plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop. She will cover the fundamentals of composition and structure, color creating, mood, mixing paints, and assist in developing a pallet that speaks to each guest. This workshop is for artists of all skill levels. All materials are included. Capacity is limited and registration is required. Members $90; non-members $100

For additional information or to register for classes, visit EdisonFord.org.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the internationally known winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. More than 220,000 visitors walk through the location each year from all around the globe. The organization has received many awards, including the National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Garden Clubs’ Historic Preservation Award. The property is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures,” a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. The Edison Botanic Laboratory is a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The site is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and until 9 p.m. during the month of December for Holiday Nights.

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.

DECEMBER 2022

FGCU Academy
View courses for 2023 season NOW

Greetings, We still have plenty of classes taking place between now and the end of year. Take a look below and find one that interests you. 2023 is going to be a great year! I can feel it!

Speaking of 2023 – our 2023 winter/spring program guide is now ready for you to view. (see link below). You will be able to get a paper copy of the program guide around the first of the year. It is currently at the printer and will not be available to us until then. We will be mailing them as well as making them available at all of our local libraries in Lee and Collier County.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE 2023 PROGRAM GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS ONLINE

If you would like to have FGCU Academy provide programs at your community, click below and send us an email with your information: who the contact person is, their email and phone number along with name of your community. We will be happy to reach out and discuss the possibilities with them.

Schedule a Private Education Session
for Your Community!

Please call office to register for classes at 239.434.4737
or
Register Online

DECEMBER LECTURES

Spies and Espionage – Fact vs Fiction
@ Kleist Center (FGCU Main Campus) – December 14 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

This lecture offers a fascinating and insightful discussion on the motivation of spies and the techniques used to catch them. You will learn how reality compares to fiction in this unique peek into the realm of espionage and counterintelligence. We will take a revealing insider’s look into contemporary U.S. spies. This lecture includes unclassified but little-known information.

FBI: Politicization and Integrity
@ Bentley Village – December 15 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

In the past decade there have been serious allegations of politicization in our judicial system. Several cases have called the independence and integrity of the DOJ and FBI into question. Join a retired federal law enforcement executive in a candid discussion. Topics include: Has the FBI and DOJ been politicized; have investigations and prosecutions been influenced improperly; has FBI’s stellar reputation suffered; if so, why?

Catherine the Great
@ Moorings Park Grande Lake – December 16 | 1:30 – 3 p.m.
@ The Arlington – December 23 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Bright, ambitious and imbued with ideas of the Enlightenment, Catherine rose from a German princess to Empress of Russia through her wits and wiles, not to mention intrigue and the convenient elimination of her husband. Her correspondence with the greatest minds of the day is legendary. She had grand plans for Russia, and encouraged by her lover Potemkin, set about the expansion, modernization and education of the country. Although her reign also saw the violently dangerous Pugachev rebellion, Catherine’s accomplishments and devotion to Russia have earned her a place among history’s most Enlightened Despots.

DECEMBER TECHNOLOGY LECTURES
Instructor: John Guerra

Introduction to Windows 11
@ Naples Center / Online via Zoom December 9 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Windows 11 in this lecture-style presentation. This lecture is designed for those who have used Windows before and are interested in upgrading or learning about the new Windows 11 operating system. If you have just bought a new computer with Windows 11, have upgraded, or are going to upgrade, this presentation is for you. Join us as we make Windows 11 easy to use and understand.

The Best of the Best Smartphone and Tablet Apps
@ The Arlington December 9 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.

This lecture-style presentation explores some of the best apps that Apple and Android users should know about and install on their devices. Apps are the life-blood of your smart devices. Without them, your 21st century tools are greatly limited in what they can do. We will identify and demo the best apps available in categories like productivity, email, travel, video calling, texting, car services, travel, stocks and so much more. This lecture is appropriate for all Android and Apple users, although Apple devices will be used to demonstrate various apps.

Apple Watch Tips, Tricks & Secrets of the New Watch OS 9
@ Moorings Park Grande Lake December 15 | 2 – 3 p.m.

Join this lecture-style presentation as we explore the many features of the Apple Watch. It’s not just about telling time, it’s about phone calls, email messages, maps, music, photos, health tracking, Apple Pay, fall Detection and so much more.

LOOKING AHEAD – More Fantastic December Lectures

• Paul Gauguin: An Artist’s Quest for the Exotic
• Female Artists of the Dutch Golden Age
• On the Front Line: What is at Stake in Afghanistan
• Holiday in Paradise Concert
• Mary Queen of Scots
• The Pre-Raphaelites: Defiant Art…Dangerous Lives
• U.S. National Security Council: Pivotal Role in Coordinating U.S. Foreign Defense Policy
• Traveling Germany’s Romantic Road

2023 Travel

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

View our
Pre-Recorded Travel Open House Presentation Now

INSIDER’S JAPAN – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
May 20 – June 1, 2023 | 13 days
It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

UNTAMED ALASKA – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
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 – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
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 – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
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 – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
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.

SICILY IN DEPTH – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
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 – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
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.

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.

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

Donations Needed for “Christmas Giving Tree” for Harlem Heights Children

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is Seeking Contributions for Annual Heights Community Gift Drive

(Fort Myers – November 30, 2022)  – The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is seeking organizations and individuals to participate in the annual Harlem Heights Community Gift Drive.  Individuals, businesses and philanthropic groups are asked to donate new, unwrapped gifts for local children.  Gifts are needed for nearly 900 children, ranging in age from birth to 17 years of age.

Suggested donations are gifts under $25 including action figures, art sets, baseball sets, fishing rods, board games, books, coloring sets, deodorant, lotion, soap, etc. for teens, Disney toys, dolls, educational toys for infants and toddlers, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, hair accessories, brushes, clips, etc., infant and toddler clothing, Legos, nail polish, perfume, moisturizer, pajamas (all sizes boys and girls, remote control toys, socks and underwear (all sizes boys and girls), and sweatshirts (all sizes boys and girls).

Donations of gift cards from Target, Kmart or Walmart are appreciated.  Gifts can also be purchased online and delivered directly to The Heights Center at 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers, 33908.  Monetary donations can be made at www.heightsfoundation.org/donate.

The gifts will be distributed to parents on Saturday, December 17 at The Heights Center, keeping the surprise in Christmas for our kids.

“This holiday season is especially challenging for many families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood due to the impact of Hurricane Ian.  Many families have lost their homes, their jobs and their transportation,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of the Heights Foundation. “This is a great opportunity to bring joy to the children of our community.  We are thankful for the generous support of our neighbors.”

Items can be dropped off at The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers.  Gifts can also be purchased and shipped directly to The Heights Center on The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center AmazonSmile Charity list.  Toys will be collected through Thursday, December 15. 

Volunteers are needed to assist with event set up and at the event.

Organizations and individuals interested in participating can contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected].  All donations are tax deductible.  Monetary donations can be made on the web at www.heightsfoundation.org.   Organizations and individuals interested in volunteering for the outreach can contact Emery Lowden at (239) 482-7706 or [email protected].

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 134 children in AfterSchool and SummerCamp.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 150 children kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families cannot easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

January 15 | 7:00
Music & Arts Community Center
13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers

Program includes works of Tania León, Allison Loggins-Hull, Regina Harris Baiocchi and more. The Sunday Night Chamber Music Series features intimate, small-ensemble performances at the informal Music and Arts Community Center. We invite elite performers from our region and around the country to perform works from classical composers and modern masterpieces. Each concert in the series features different instruments and a wide variety of composers all performed by artists at the top of their game.

Tickets only $30!

Meet the Musicians

Jennifer Grim (Flute)

Hailed as “a deft, smooth flute soloist” by the New York Times, flutist Jennifer Grim has given solo and chamber performances throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. For over twenty years, she was the flutist of the award-winning Zéphyros Winds and the New York Chamber Soloists.

Michael Sheppard (Piano)

Known as “a virtuosic soloist possessed of power, sensitivity, earthiness, and humor” (Whitney Smith, Indianapolis Star) with the “power to make an audience sit up and pay attention…thought-provoking for performers and listeners alike” (James Manheim, All Music Guide ), Michael Sheppard studied with the legendary Leon Fleisher at the Peabody Conservatory.

Save 25% with purchase of the series!

Series Sponsored in part by
Douglas & Linda Garde

239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org

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

FORT MYERS, FL (Dec 8, 2022)-The Alliance for the Arts is excited to be hosting the 37th Annual All Florida Exhibition. This annual show is the most anticipated of the year. As the name suggests, this exhibition features pieces created by artists working in a wide variety of media from all over the 65,000 square miles that make up Florida.

Artists in Florida are encouraged to submit their pieces for this juried exhibition. Categories for entry are sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor and mixed media), photography, prints and drawing. An entry may consist of 1 to 3 artworks. All entries are due by January 23, 2023. If you would like to be considered for this show, please download the prospectus found on our website, ArtInLee.org/AllFlorida2023. For more information, please email our gallery manager at [email protected].

The accepted entries will come together for an award-winning and exciting exhibition in March 2023 representing Florida’s contemporary artists. Awards include $1,000 cash for Best In Show, a 2nd place gift certificate, $100 cash for 3rd place and Juror’s Choice Award(s) of Alliance for the Arts membership(s).

Receptions and gallery tours are open to the public and do not require tickets or reservations. While the gallery admission is free, a $5 suggested donation keeps the Alliance programming affordable and accessible.

While visiting the exhibit, please be sure to also partake in the Arts & Economic Prosperity survey. All answers are anonymous and help to measure the economic and social impact of arts and culture in our community! More information can be found at americansforthearts.org.

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts and cultural center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. For over 40 years, the Alliance has been charged with the mission to facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture in southwest Florida. For more information, please call 239-939-2787 or visit us at www.ArtInLee.org.

‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa of Captiva Island, Florida to
Fully Open to Public Saturday, December 17, 2022

Captiva Island, FL – ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa announces that the legendary Captiva Island beach resort has received approval to welcome all guests with valid lodging reservations. The resort is located at 15951 Captiva Drive, with ‘Tween Waters consistently ranked among TripAdvisor’s top Captiva destinations.

Lodging reservations for Saturday, December 17, 2022, may now be made online at www.Tween-Waters.com, or by calling 239.472.5161.

In operation, guests with resort reservations will receive a corporate email confirmation that includes name and date of reservation. Each day, ‘Tween Waters will supply officials at the Causeway Access checkpoint a list of these reservations. Guests should simply provide authorities with a printed copy of their reservation, along with photo identification, for access to the islands.

“As the first full-service resort to open on the islands, we’re absolutely thrilled with the trust and cooperation the City of Sanibel has shown in granting all of our guests access to ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa,” says Doug Babcock, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We accept this great opportunity with sincere responsibility, and ask our guests to travel safely, yet directly, to ‘Tween Waters Captiva — to allow the work of islands repair and restoration to carry on easily.
“Our rooms are safe and clean, our private beaches pristine, our pools sparkling, our restaurant delicious for breakfast, lunch and dinner — and our team excitedly looking forward to welcoming everyone back, from all over the country and beyond!”

About Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts is a leader in Southwest Florida lodging management and marketing since 1931. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts offers four outstanding beach resorts, numerous restaurant and entertainment venues and options, marinas, spa, plus recreational opportunities to enjoy.

DATE AND TIME:  Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 6:00 p.m. (EST)

Atkins Global has been retained by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and will hold a virtual stakeholder engagement meeting for a study of the impacts of long-term stored vessels on local communities and the state of Florida as a whole. For the purposes of this study, a “long-term stored vessel” is a boat on state waters which is not under the supervision of a person capable of operating, maintaining, or moving it from one location to another and which has remained anchored or moored outside of a public mooring field for at least 30 days out of a 60-day period. 

This hearing is being held virtually to announce the study and to explain how the public can participate. The meeting will begin with a formal presentation from subject matter experts at 6:00 p.m. (EST) and will conclude with a question-and-answer session. All attendees will participate in the same live virtual stakeholder meeting and can access it via computer, tablet, smartphone, or by telephone in listen-only mode.

Stakeholders are encouraged to attend the virtual hearing online (register at www.VesselStudy.com) or by phone in listen-only mode at 1 (562) 247-8321 using access code 648-012-772.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained emailing [email protected] or by calling 1 (321) 775-6643.

The intent of the project is to:

• Investigate whether, and to what extent, long-term stored vessels contribute to the number of derelict and abandoned vessels on Florida’s waters
• Investigate the impacts of long-term stored vessels, those anchored or moored outside of public mooring fields for more than 30 days, and those moored within public mooring fields on: local and state economies, public safety, public boat ramps, staging docks, and public marinas during and after significant tropical storm and hurricane events
• Provide recommendations for appropriate management options for long-term stored vessels to mitigate any identified negative impacts to local communities and the state

Persons wishing to participate in the study can do so via this statewide virtual meeting and/or via the project website: www.VesselStudy.com. Stakeholder input will be collected through Feb. 10, 2023.

Pursuant to the provisions with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the Commission at least 7 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting Janet Luce at 1 (321) 775-6643 or [email protected].  If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service 1 (800) 955- 8771 (TDD) or 1 (800) 955-8770 (VOICE).

For more information you can contact study staff member Janet Luce at 1 (321) 775-6643 or [email protected]

Attend a virtual meeting hosted by Atkins Global – register at www.VesselStudy.com.

Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m.

Residents, business owners, visitors and others who use and enjoy Florida’s waters are encouraged to listen in and ask questions. Receive an overview of the situation, history of recent regulations regarding anchoring and mooring as well as information about how to participate in the study. All are invited to attend.

Take a brief survey at VesselStudy.com

Complete a brief questionnaire on boat ownership and storage as well as the opportunity to share location-specific information about long-term stored boats and vessels.

We appreciate your interest in the study and hope you will elect to participate. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

Holiday Market at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 7, 2022) — On December 11, from 4-9 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates is hosting a Holiday Market with craft vendors and holiday merchants. Booths will be situated between the Banyan tree and the Banyan Café.

A large variety of vendors will have handmade gift items available for sale, including beeswax soy candles, soaps, jewelry, cards, coloring books, bags, charcuterie boards for dogs, cookies, pottery, books, essential oils, and artwork made with coconuts, palm fronds and seashells. Visitors will be treated to holiday songs played on a keyboard during the event.

Parking and admission to the market is free (does not include tours or admission to the museum, lab or Holiday Nights). The Garden Shoppe and Museum Store will also be open until 9 p.m. and offers visitors additional gift options.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the internationally known winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. More than 220,000 visitors walk through the location each year from all around the globe. The organization has received many awards, including the National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Garden Clubs’ Historic Preservation Award. The property is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures,” a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. The Edison Botanic Laboratory is a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The site is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and until 9 p.m. during the month of December for Holiday Nights.

We’re located at:
2350 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901

Forward to a friend

Join us on Facebook!

Copyright (C) *2022* *Edison & Ford Winter Estates * All rights reserved.

Get your seats today!

Don’t miss your chance to get into the Holiday mood with this feel good musical. It will bring a smile to your face and have you swaying in your seats!

See all the fun from opening night!

Tickets still available!

Snowbird Follies:
An Original Yuletide Revue-sical

Running through December 18
Music & Arts Community Center
13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers

Nomads from the North have been flocking to the sunshine state for well over 100 years. Come enjoy a whimsical musical yuletide celebration with a winking nod to Fort Myers’ original snowbirds, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

From “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus” to “White Christmas”, this revue is playful journey through decades of holiday favorites, sprinkled with local history.

MEET THE CAST

RUTHGENA FARACO

Ruthgena Faraco is very excited to make her debut with Gulf Coast Symphony’s musical theater production of the Snowbird Follies. She was born and raised in Southwest Florida. A few of her favorite roles include Celie in “The Color Purple” Mary Warren in “The Crucible,”Kate Monster in “Avenue Q” and Ensemble in “A Motown Christmas”.

ROBERT JUSTIN DRESNER

Robert Justin Dresner is thrilled to be making his debut with the Gulf Coast Symphony! He was most recently seen as King Arthur in Camelot, Max in The Royale and Toad in A Year With Frog and Toad in Orlando, and could also be seen in The Studio Theater Tierra Del Sol’s production of Elegies, A Song Cycle.

KIMBERLY SUSKIND

Kimberly Suskind is a professional performer, director, choreographer and teaching artist who is thrilled to call Fort Myers her new home! She made her Off-Broadway debut last fall starring as Sarah in the new musical, Brilliant, and has been fortunate enough to perform at several wonderful regional theaters across the country, including New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Florida, Delaware, Seattle and Boston.

RYAN CRAIG

Ryan has newly returned to performing since completing his Master’s in Vocal Performance in 2016 at the University of Miami and is very grateful to be able to do what he loves again with wonderful and talented people. His training is in opera, but his first love is rock! He just recently played King Basilius in Head Over Heels at New Phoenix Theater in May and is currently performing the lead role in Jekyll and Hyde in “Jekyll and Hyde the Musical.”

239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org

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