| Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Weekly News March 14, 2025 This Weekend! 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 includ- ed in the fee. No experience is required. Space is limited; click here to register. Members: $90, non-members: $100 Upcoming Events Vintage Base Ball Game at Terry Park March 22, 11:00 a.m. Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host a day of vintage “base ball” at historic Terry Park. Join us to celebrate the early days of our national pastime with three teams playing consecutive games (the Fort Myers Vagabonds, Bradenton Shamrocks, and the Cen- tral Florida Awkwards). The teams will play by 1860s rules. Play- ers will wear vintage uniforms, no gloves, and use wood bats and lemon peel baseballs. Spectators will see the game played as it was when Thomas Edison was a teenager and he developed his life-long love of the game, inspiring him to proclaim: “Baseball is the greatest of American games.” Game Location: Terry Park 3410 Palm Beach Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33901 Admission: $5 for adults, children 18 and younger admitted free. Sponsored by Humana. Rhythm on the River: Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band – Caribbean Chillers March 28, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Calling all parrot heads! Join us on the historic Ford lawn for an exciting performance of the Caribbean Chillers — a Jimmy Buffett tribute band. Guests will get to hear many of Buffett’s top hits and crowd favorites. Plus, there will be a cash bar and food trucks on site. So put on your flip flops and come spend the evening along the river for some great music, a fantastic river view and refreshing beverages – because after all, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Parking is available in the Edison Ford lots only. Gates open at 6 p.m. Guests should bring a folding chair and a sweater if the weather is chilly. No coolers or picnic baskets permitted. Edison Ford members: $30; non-members: $35 Click here to purchase tickets while they last! VIP Tables (for up to 5 guests): $275 (Includes table and chairs) Sponsored by Humana. In the Garden Gardening Class: Plant a White Garden March 18, 1:30 p.m. White gardens were all the rage with the arrival of the Arts & Crafts movement that redesigned homes and gardens, and Vita-Sackville West’s white gar- den at Sissinghurst in England set the standard. Since we can’t use the same plants, we can appro- priate the concept, and this class will cover plant choices and design ideas to create a sub-tropical white sensation on your lanai, balcony or in your garden. Each participant will receive a 20% dis- count coupon for plant purchases in our Garden Shoppe. Advance registration is required, as class size is limited. Class will be held at the Garden Council building, located across the street from the Edi- son and Ford (Larchmont Ave) parking lot. Click here to register. Cost: EFWE members: $45; non-members: $60 Gardening Class: Shade Gardening March 22, 10 a.m. Brighten a dark corner of your garden or a shaded balcony with a striking array of foliage, form and texture. We will present a palette of tropical and sub-tropical plants that thrive in a low- light environment; other growing needs will also be addressed. We will discuss seasonal options as well as perennial choices and how a well-placed tree or two can be the start of an intrig- uing shady showcase. A garden tour of our shady enclaves is included with this class. Registration is required Cost: EFWE members: $45; non-members: $60 Click here to register. Just for Kids 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, elec- tronics, 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 Pre-K Class: “Symphony of Imagination: A Journey into Sound.” March 27, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join us for one or all of our upcoming pre-k class “Symphony of Imagination: A Journey into Sound.” Embark on a musical adventure where young en- thusiasts will create instruments and explore sound through engaging activities. This class combines creativity and fun, helping children develop their auditory skills and a love for music. Back by popular demand, these classes are design- ed for children aged 18 months – 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 limited and involve parent participation. Click here to register! Members: $15 per class; non-members: $20 per class Educational Summer Camps! 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering several summer camp options for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students are separated into groups according to grade level (K-2 and 3-5). The camps are educational and focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), and incorporate fun activities. Campers get to invent, design, build, and learn in the same loca- tion where famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford invented some of the world’s best-known products. Summer camp starts on June 9 and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Camp options are listed below. Hands-On Chemistry June 9-13 (Grades K-2 and 3-5) In this camp, students will explore the exciting world of chemistry with a series of hands-on experiments throughout the week. The periodic table, structure of atoms, bonds, reactions, and solutions, are all covered. Some experiments in- clude slime, lava lamps, pH indicators for color changing liquids, the popular exploding toothpaste, and more. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Energetic Engineers June 16-20 (Grades K-2 and 3-5) Campers will learn how to handle the problem space by learning the engineering design process and practicing it all week as they are given new design challenges each day. Challenges include a mini paddle boat race, marble roller coasters, bridges, towers and more. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robotics June 23-27 (Grades 3-5) This camp is one part code, one part mechanics, and one part creativity. Campers will learn the code and mechanics of LEGO Mindstorm robotics. Using autonom- ous code and strategy, teams will send their robot into battle against other teams. Campers will design and build a robot that can change its behavior based on sen- sor data. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Robotics Crash Course June 23-27 (Grades K-2) Campers will be introduced to the core code and mechanical concepts of robotics. Using LEGO technics and Spike Essential robotic kits, creativity comes to life. Campers will learn about gears, pulleys, and how simple machines make work easier. Using code blocks, campers will learn about the logic of loops and other important ideas of robotics. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 High-Flying Rockets June 30-July 3 (Grades K-2 and 3-5) In this camp, students will learn the physics of lift. Activities include gliders, stomp rockets, parachute design, and water rockets. Newton’s laws of motion are explored as well as Bernoulli’s principle, and the Coandă effect. This camp will also include a demonstration of the Edison Ford unmanned aerial vehicle. Cost: EFWE members: $175, non-members: $200 Machine Makers July 7-11 (Grades K-2 and 3-5) Campers will explore all things in motion in this STEAM camp. Concepts learned include the six simple machines, Newton’s Laws of motion, the engineering design process, and rigid design. Campers will rapidly prototype using LEGOs and other common materials as they learn about mechanical advantage and how to apply it. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Auto-Bots: Autonomous Robotics July 14-18 (Grades 3-5) Code, mechanics, teamwork, and strategy come together in this fast-paced camp. Campers will use the LEGO Mindstorm robotics platform as they attempt challen- ges on the First LEGO League challenge table. This camp teaches autonomous ro- botics as campers learn how to code the motion of the LEGO robot. Members of the Edison Ford robotics program will be on hand to help campers reach their full potential. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 LEGO Creators July 14-18 (Grades K-2) Each group of campers will design their own section of innovation city. Using Spike Essential LEGO kits, campers will design their part of the city with moving parts and lights. In order to flip the switch and get things moving, campers will learn basic code blocks to move their city into the future. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Electronics Power-up July 21-25 (Grades 3-5) This crash course in electronics covers the history of electricity, and hands-on circuit design. Concepts of electricity such as current, volts, magnetism, insulation, conduc- tion, and more core concepts will be covered. The week of circuits concludes as camp- ers take home their own custom circuit. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 The Science of Art & Design July 21-25 (Grades K-2) Campers will delve into creative expression and learn the science behind art. The science of light and color are explored as they learn about the mixing of light and pigment with Newton’s disk. Campers will design soft circuits with conductive playdough and observe geometric patterns with a blackburn pendulum. They will also learn about the seven elements of art. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Code Camp July 28-August 1 (Grades 3-5) In this camp, students will explore the core concepts of code as they design a game, an interactive story, or anything they can think up. Campers will learn about loops, boolean logic, if/else statements, variables, and more. They will get a copy of their project at the end of the week that includes a code library for use after camp. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Video Creators July 28-August 1 (Grades K-2) This camp is focused on storytelling and the technology behind it. Campers will work on stop motion animation, basic editing, and how to structure a simple scene. In small groups, campers develop their ideas and produce short, animated scenes that they can share with friends and family. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Design in 3-D August 4-8 (Grades K-5) In this camp, students will explore the world of Computer Aided Design and 3D printing. They will learn how ideas go from concept to reality with this critical 21st century skill, then take home their own design. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Summer Camp Registration is OPEN! Click here to register! Thank you to our Summer Camp sponsors: Adult Education Acrylic Landscape Painting Class March 23, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come spend the day with impressionistic local artist Marie Dyer as she guides you in this plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop. She will cover the fundament- als of composition and structure, color cre- ating mood, mixing paints, and assist in developing a pallet that speaks to you! Students will be inspired by the lush sur- roundings on site in this one-of-a-kind class. No experience is required. All materials are included; space is limited. Click here to register! Members: $90, non-members: $100 Botanical Abstract Mono Prints Class March 30, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In this NEW class, artist Marie Dyer will teach you the basics to effective mono printing. You will use acrylic paints, plants, household items, and construction materials when experimenting and designing your art on paper. No experience is necessary and your one of a kind creations will be suitable for framing. All materials included and no experience is need- ed. Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register! Members: $90, non-members: $100 Discussions Digital Discussion: The Boston Red Sox and Spring Training in Fort Myers March 18, 10:30 a.m. Edison Ford Winter Estates continues the celebra- tion of 100 years since spring training began in Fort Myers by focusing on the Boston Red Sox. They moved to Fort Myers in 1993 and since that time have won four World Series titles. Learn about the rich history of the team and their spring training history in Fort Myers. Join museum manager, Holly Shaffer, for this free virtual presentation. Click here to register. Baseball Presentation: Fort Myers Spring Training History March 21, 11 a.m. and 2 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 Boston Red Sox 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. 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. Piano performances will resume Wednesday April 2nd! 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 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. |
