Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.  Weekly News February 14, 2025 Upcoming Events!  Celebrate 100 Years of Spring Training in Fort Myers February 20, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Start off the new season with an evening of FREE family fun for baseball fanatics! Fans will be able to explore the baseball exhibit and enjoy family-friendly activities and base- ball trivia, and take photos with mascots from the Twins, and Red Sox! The Red Sox Show- case presented by L.L. Bean will be on site, along with food trucks offering refreshments available for purchase. Enter a free drawing for your chance to win baseball tickets and other fabulous prizes. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for a chance to win an autographed Jarren Duran jersey! This free event takes place under the banyan tree and inside the Edison Ford museum (the riverside and lab will not be open during this event).  Baseball Presentation: Fort Myers Spring Training History February 28, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. In celebration of 100 years since spring train- ing began in Fort Myers, join Museum Man- ager Holly Shaffer for two presentations in the museum on Fort Myers spring training history. At 11:00 a.m. she will speak on the Philadelphia Athletics and their spring training history in Fort Myers. At 2:00 p.m. she will present an overview of the 100 years since spring training began in Fort My- ers. The presentations are included with the price of admission, and free for Edison Ford members.  Rhythm on the River – The Collaboration Band! February 28, 6:30 p.m. The Collaboration Band is an extraordinary gathering of veteran musicians dedicated to the authentic playing of soul, R & B, and Motown music. Each member has years of experience; Ms. Verceal Whitaker is the former lead vocalist of the Platters, Willie Miller plays the drums and provides lead and background vocals, on guitar and vocals is Steve LaValley, Joshua Townsend adds keyboards and vocals, and Alonzo Smith (aka Zo) provides vocals and the funky bottom. Come feel the music with us! Bring your favorite lawn chair and a sweater if the weather is chilly. Food trucks will be on site. No coolers or picnic baskets are permitted. Concert begins at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m. Parking is in Edison Ford lots only and is free for attendees. Tickets: VIP tables (up to five people): $275 (table and chairs provided) Members individual admission: $30, non-member admission $35. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Tickets may be available at the door but there are no guarantees. Click here, and then click on the events link to purchase. In the Garden  Gardening Class: Tropical Rose Gardening February 18, 1:30 p.m. Once upon a rose garden, the Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon, was known for having the largest rose collection in the world at her home outside of Paris. However, this royal gardener hailed from the Caribbean where growing roses can be a challenge. We’ll explore Josephine’s favorite plants and how she would have mastered a sub-tropical rose garden. Our class will also include a tour of the Estates’ rose gardens. Participants will each receive a copy of the teaching materials covered in class, as well as a 20% discount coupon good toward plants in our Garden Shoppe. Registration is required. Click here to register. Cost: EFWE members: $45, non-members: $60  Gardening Class: Palm Reading February 22, 10 a.m. Get the tools to guide your selection of appropriate palm species for your garden or yard; the physiology of palms, their un- ique care, and what you need to know to maintain them at their beautiful best! In addition to classroom time, our discussion will continue with a tour of Edison’s exten- sive palm collection. Participants will each receive a copy of the teaching materials covered in class, as well as a 20% discount coupon good toward plants in our Garden Shoppe. Advance registration is required and class size is limited. Click here for online ticketing. Class will be held at the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council building on Larchmont Avenue (across from the Estates’ overflow parking lots). Edison Ford members: $45, non-members: $60 Just for Kids  Pre-K Class: “Innovators Unleashed: The Legacy of Edison & Ford.” February 20, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In this dynamic class, children will discover the groundbreaking inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford through museum visits and hands-on activities. Participants will replicate these innova- tions, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of the impact of inventions. Join us for one or all of our upcoming pre-k classes. Back by popular demand, these classes are design- ed for children aged 18 months to 5 years. Don’t miss an excellent opportunity for curious children to learn more about science, the world around them, and socializing with others! Class sizes are lim- ited and involve parent participation. Click here to register. Members: $15 per class; non-members: $25 per class Adult Education  Silk Scarf Painting Class with Artist Marie Dyer February 23, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you need some time to relax and unwind, join us for a silk scarf painting class with Marie Dyer surrounded by Edison’s gardens. You will leave the class with a silk scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork. All materials are included in the fee. No experience is required. Space is limited; click here to register! Members: $90, non-members: $100 Digital Discussions  Digital Discussion: Celebrating a Century of Spring Training In Fort Myers February 18, 10:30 a.m. Join us on for a digital discussion celebrating a cen- tury of spring training in Fort Myers! You will learn about the rich history of Fort Myers spring training baseball that began in 1925. Join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation. Click here to register.  Step Into History Digital Edition – “Let There Be Light” February 19, 10:30 a.m. Please join historian Tim Snyder a special presentation Let There Be Light, a narrative of the rise of the Edison Illuminating Company’s popularization of home electri- city. Please join us for this free digital presentation, and hear how Thomas Edison changed the way we live. Registration is required, click here to register. Click here to see our Step Into History archives. Become a MEMBER and get unlimited free visits, discounts on purchases in the Garden Shoppe, retail stores, special events and adult education classes! Join today! Ongoing Programs  Piano Performance POSTPONED Edison Guest House Timeless beauty resides where classical music is performed by Curatorial Registrar, Chet, on Mina Edison’s 1932 George Steck piano in the guest house. We plan to bring this program back in March.  Step into History Presentations Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about subjects related to Edison and Ford with Site Historians. This program is held in the 15,000-square-foot museum. Included with admis- sion.  Yoga Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Class will be held in the River Pavilion (weather permit- ting). All skill levels are welcome. This class is taught by Bonnie D’Angelo, a certified yoga instructor. Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $20 per class. Tickets may be purchased online or at the ticket counter. Bring a yoga mat, water, and towel. Admission to the site is not included. Help restore our beautiful gardens. Donate today!      Copyright © 2025 Edison and Ford Winter Estates, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Edison and Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33901 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
