Feel the beat at Rhythm on the River!

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Weekly News   

February 28, 2025
   
This Weekend!


Rhythm on the River – The Collaboration Band!
February 28, 6:30 p.m.


TONIGHT is our second Rhythm on the River of the season with the Collaboration Band! The
Collaboration Band is an extraordinary gathering of veteran musicians dedicated to the auth-
entic 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 Towns-
end adds keyboards and vocals, and Alonzo Smith (aka Zo) provides vocals and the funky bot-
tom. 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 are still available! 

Tickets: VIP tables available today until noon (up to five people): $275 (table and chairs provided)
Members individual admission: $30, non-member admission $35. (Bring a chair)

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.


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 training began in Fort Myers, join Museum Manager 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 Myers.

The presentations are included with the price of admission, and free for Edison Ford members.
   
In the Garden


Garden Talk- Dracaenas/Sanseverias
March 8, 10 a.m.

 
Did you know that the Estates has a Sanseveria garden? We’ll look beyond the invasive “Mother-in-Law’s
tongue” plant to dozens of other species and learn what makes these easy-care plants so collectible. 

Garden Talk participants will receive a coupon for 20% off plant purchases in the Garden Shoppe. Guests
should wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and bring drinking water.

Purchase tickets for each talk at the ticket counter.

Members: $15; non-members: $20


Garden Tour (Registration Required)
March 12, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

 
On this tour, experienced garden staff lead visitors through the 20-acre site and highlights the
different types of plants and their importance to the Edison and Ford families.

Visitors will see the Moonlight Garden, many rare plants and get to go behind-the-scenes in the
propagating nursery. Some of the plants in the gardens are available for sale in the on-site Garden
Shoppe.

The garden tour is offered the second Wednesday of the month, and tickets go on sale online the
first of each month for that month’s tour. Registration is limited – click here for online ticketing! 

Members: $30, non-members: $35   Just for Kids 


Homeschool Classes at Edison Ford
Marvels -Panama Canal
March 5 & 13: grades 1-3
March 6 & 12: grades 4-6

 
Students will learn about the engineering and construction of the Panama Canal with the “Lego Maze
Water Test Challenge!” This involves creating a maze that allows water to flow through it, simulating
the locks of the canal. This activity helps students understand the engineering challenges of waterway
construction and the importance of effective water management. The class is designed to facilitate
homeschool learning for grades 1-6. Homeschool classes at Edison Ford are aligned with Next Gener-
ation Science and Florida State Standards. Classes are a combination of instruction and hands on act-
ivities that are designed to facilitate homeschool or virtual science education. Click here to register
online. 

Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $25


Etiquette Class 
March 08,  11 a.m. (SOLD OUT)

Offered several times each season, Etiquette classes are for children ages 6-12. These classes are two-hour
sessions in good manners and teach proper introduction, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three-
course meal. Each student will receive a workbook and certificate of completion. All classes run from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Parents should plan to drop children off for the class.

Dates:
Saturday, March 8, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, May 17, 2025

Cost: members $85; non-members $95 per class

Click here to register, then select the Children’s Program Registration dropdown.


Future Makers Spring Break Camp
March 17-21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 
Join us as science and history come alive in our “living laboratory!” No experience is necessary to participate
in these fun and fast-moving S.T.E.A.M. (science technology, engineering, art, and math) camps. For students
currently in grades K-5, unless otherwise noted. Campers must bring lunches, and snacks if desired. Become
a family member of Edison Ford and receive discounted registration!

Campers release their full potential in this project-based camp, getting a crash course in code, electronics, and
robotics. The camp then focuses on open-ended projects as the campers apply what they learn.

Registration is OPEN! To register, click here.
Members: $225, non-members: $250 

Summer Camp Registration is also OPEN! For more information on all camps click here.  Thank you to our
Summer Camp sponsors:


   

Adult Education


Tropical Floral Arrangement Class
March 09, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 
Whether you’re a seasoned florist or just discovering your green thumb, this workshop is perfect for all skill
levels. We’ll provide all the necessary materials, including a wide selection of tropical foliage and containers.
But here’s the exciting part – you’re also invited to bring your own tropical foliage from your garden! Incor-
porate your personal touch into your arrangement and make it truly unique. Don’t miss out on this opportunity
to learn the art of tropical floral arrangement.

Members: $75, non-members: $85

Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register!


Silk Scarf Painting Class 
March 15, 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 

   
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
admission. 


Yoga 
Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.  

Class will be held in the River Pavilion (weather permitting). 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 in-
cluded.   

Help restore our beautiful gardens. 
Donate today!

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