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Better Together to host Christmas celebration Dec. 15 in Fort Myers

Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is hosting a Christmas-themed celebration for…

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Better Together to host Christmas celebration Dec. 15 in Fort Myers

Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, is hosting a Christmas-themed celebration for Southwest Florida families on Friday, Dec. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Better Together organizes programs at various locations to bring parents together for community, to support each other, and often hear from expert speakers, while their children play supervised in another room. The celebration will provide background-checked volunteers in addition to dinner, games and fun for children while parents attend the event. In December, both parents and children can enjoy holiday fun, pictures with Santa, Christmas crafts and food provided by local vendors.

“The holidays can be both an exciting and stressful time for parents, and we’re here to provide some extra support this season” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “Our Christmas celebration will help spread some holiday cheer and allow parents to enjoy dinner and companionship while their children enjoy holiday festivities.”

The Dec. 15 event will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Christ Community Church, located at 4050 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. There is no cost to attend. To register, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/lunch-rsvp/ or call 239-470-2733.

ABOUT BETTER TOGETHER
Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the program has kept 98% of children served out of foster care. The Better Jobs program was created to address the 76% of families that come to Better Together because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners. For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.

Jewish Dedication Ceremony by Coral Ridge Funeral Home Dec 10th @11am

Coral Ridge Funeral Home would like to officially invite you, your team and GFMCC membership…

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Jewish Dedication Ceremony by Coral Ridge Funeral Home Dec 10th @11am

Coral Ridge Funeral Home would like to officially invite you, your team and GFMCC membership to our Jewish Dedication Ceremony on Sunday December 10th @ 1100am.

We will hold an unveiling/dedication of our Jewish Arch at the Gate of our Hebrew Burial section, that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
Additional activities will include a Re-Blessing of our Jewish Garden, Prayer for Israel by Cantor Barry (Temple Beth Shalom), Dedication of Altar for Israel, with refreshments following.

Savour Coffee brews up excitement with grand opening celebration

Savour Coffee, Southwest Florida's new and unique coffee shop, held its grand opening celebration recently…

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Savour Coffee brews up excitement with grand opening celebration

Savour Coffee, Southwest Florida’s new and unique coffee shop, held its grand opening celebration recently and welcomed guests with an array of drinks and freshly made pastries.

Coffee enthusiasts, business leaders and area residents all joined owner Matt Geiger, his wife Mimi and the staff at Savour for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Matt’s longtime dream. The distinctive layout, combining his catering business, Savour First Choice Catering, with his new coffee shop, gave guests a one-of-a-kind look “behind the scenes” of his catering kitchen. This design is one of the ways in which Savour Coffee is set apart from others in the area.

Matt expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and turnout from the community, stating, “We are thrilled to bring Savour Coffee to Fort Myers. Our passion for quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere is reflected in everything we do. We look forward to becoming a valued spot for coffee lovers and a gathering place for friends and neighbors.”

Savour Coffee is located in the Island Park Shopping Center, 16520 S. Tamiami Trail #138, Fort Myers. It is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information about Savour Coffee, please visit savourcoffee.com or call 239-351-5547.

ABOUT SAVOUR COFFEE

Savour Coffee was started thanks to the passion of its owner Chef Matt Geiger. After years of working in restaurants, cafes and opening his own catering company, it was time to take an early passion of his and make it a reality. Savour Coffee was brought to life when Geiger was building his new catering facility. Using locally roasted coffee that’s delivered weekly, combined with his twist on familiar menu items featuring breakfast, lunch and pastry options he was able to compliment his specialty beverage menu of not only espresso drinks, but some creations of his own. For more information about Savour Coffee, please visit savourcoffee.com or call 239-351-5547.

Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office set to host 2024 Annual Meeting on Feb. 1

Following another year of business growth and opportunities in Lee County, the Horizon Council, Horizon…

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Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office set to host 2024 Annual Meeting on Feb. 1

Following another year of business growth and opportunities in Lee County, the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office will host the 2024 Annual Meeting on Feb. 1.

The 2024 Annual Meeting will feature a State of the Economy, recapping the tremendous growth Lee County has seen, such as the beginning of expansion at Southwest Florida International Airport, the opening of the long-awaited Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach and hundreds of other new businesses. Additionally, the meeting will offer a preview of the vision for business growth and development for 2024.

The 2024 Annual Meeting will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. The event includes networking, a buffet lunch, the annual review and a “passing of the gavel” celebration to formally recognize outgoing and incoming leadership.

Registration for the event is now open at https://horizoncouncilfoundation.com/am2024/. Tickets are $35 and include lunch.

About the Horizon Foundation

The Horizon Foundation was established in 1995-96 to provide a funding vehicle for businesses to invest in Lee County’s long-term economic development and vitality. In 2000, the Horizon Foundation received its IRS ruling as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation raises private-sector money to support efforts of the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council to improve the area’s business climate. For more information, please visit LeeCountyBusiness.com/Horizon-Foundation or HorizonCouncilFoundation.com, or call 239-533-6800.

About the Horizon Council

The Horizon Council is a public-private board established in 1991 to advise the Lee County Board of Commissioners on economic development issues. The Council has up to 80 members representing cities; chambers of commerce; economic development and trade organizations; community, business, and education organizations; along with various officers and at-large members. The Horizon Council is the voice of business in Lee County. The Council’s mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage the expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and business leaders. Visit LeeCountyBusiness.com/Horizon-Council for more information.

About the Lee County Economic Development Office

The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and attract new business to provide a strong economy and thriving communities. The office also works to improve opportunities for the workforce to advance skills and have access to career ladders. Lee EDO has published a Development Activity Story Map that allows the public to explore new private development projects and investment activity in the county. Visit LeeCountyBusiness.com for more information.

LYNX AIR TO START SERVICE TO FORT MYERS TODAY - NONSTOP FLIGHT TO TORONTO, CANADA -

LYNX AIR TO START SERVICE TO FORT MYERS TODAY - NONSTOP FLIGHT TO TORONTO, CANADA…

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LYNX AIR TO START SERVICE TO FORT MYERS TODAY - NONSTOP FLIGHT TO TORONTO, CANADA -

LYNX AIR TO START SERVICE TO FORT MYERS TODAY

– NONSTOP FLIGHT TO TORONTO, CANADA –

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is excited to welcome Lynx Air as a new air carrier in Fort Myers, Florida. Lynx will inaugurate its nonstop flight to Toronto, Canada (YYZ) today, Dec. 1, 2023. Lynx Air, an ultra-low-cost Canadian airline, will operate four flights per week between RSW and YYZ.  

See Lynx Air news release here. To book or find out more information, please visit FlyLynx.com.  

For more information about Southwest Florida International Airport, please visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

DEC. 1, 2023

Please note:  Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from Port Authority employees and officials regarding Port Authority business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may be subject to public disclosure.

Merry Christmas to you and yours

  Have you made reservations to have breakfast with Santa? Hurry tables are filling up…

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Merry Christmas to you and yours

Merry Christmas!  

Have you made reservations to have breakfast with Santa? Hurry tables are filling up fast!
Sunday, December 10th at 9am-11am RESERVATIONS are required.


 
A New Gift Card is now available for the Southern Grill
Restaurant or Tommy’s Eats & Spirits  

🎁 !Get Yours Today! 🎁  

Gift Card for the Shell Factory Retail Store, Scallywags Fun Park &
The Nature Park can also be purchased online or in the Retail Store


 

May your days be filled with peace, hope, and joy this holiday season.  
As always, thank you for your business, loyalty, and support.

   

www.shellfactory.com www.shellfactorynaturepark.com www.southerngrillfortmyers.com
 

What's New in December from Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 2023CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500 What’s New from Fort…

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What's New in December from Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2023
CONTACTS:
Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500

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

LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – The calendar is filled with holiday events, a new
golf course opens in Bonita Springs and Margaritaville Beach Resort welcomes guests
to Fort Myers Beach this month.

Holiday events
Florida Repertory Theatre, downtown Fort Myers
“A Sherlock Carol” at the historic Arcade Theatre
Through Dec. 17
floridarep.org/show/a-sherlock-carol

Broadway Palm holiday shows, Fort Myers
Main theatre through Dec. 25: “Elf, the Musical”
Off-Broadway Palm Dec. 23-Dec. 25: “A Doublewide Texas Christmas”
broadwaypalm.com

48th annual Historic Holiday Nights Celebration
Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-31
edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/48th-annual-historic-holiday-nights-celebration

“I’ll be Home for Christmas” Stroll 20 holiday windows in downtown Fort Myers
First Street
Through Jan. 2
explorefortmyers.com

Lee County Black History Society 11th annual Holiday in the Park, Fort Myers
Dec. 1 Movie in the Park
Dec. 2 Holiday in the Park
Roberto Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave., Fort Myers
leecountyblackhistorysociety.org/events

Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
6 p.m. Dec. 2
Leaves from Salty Sam’s Marina, Fort Myers Beach
fortmyersbeach.org/events/christmas-boat-parade

Wine and Wonder Uncorked at Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs
5:30 p.m. Dec. 2
Stroll and wine tasting in the gardens.
wondergardens.org/wine

Festival of Trees, downtown Fort Myers
Through Dec. 3
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
fortmyersfestivaloftrees.com

Deck the Halls, Gulf Coast Symphony, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Fort Myers
7 p.m. Dec. 3
bbmannpah.com/events/detail/deck-the-halls-1

Holiday in the Park, downtown Bonita Springs
4:30-8:30 Dec. 5
cityofbonitasprings.org/news/what_s_new/holiday_in_the_park_2023

Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club annual Christmas Tree Festival
Fort Myers Beach Library
Dec. 8-9
fmb-wc.org

Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade
5:30 p.m. Dec. 9
Beginning at BayWater Boat Club
bonitaspringshistory.org/happenings/bonita-springs-christmas-boat-parade

Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Holiday Pops with guest artist Andrew Lipke
7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Fort Myers High School; 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the First Presbyterian Church
of Bonita Springs; 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Village Church in Shell Point.                              
swflso.org

Breakfast and photos with Santa at the Shell Factory, North Fort Myers
9-11 a.m. Dec. 10: pancake breakfast with Santa at Tommy’s Eats & Spirits. Reservations: 239-995-2141
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 11, 17, 23: photos with Santa in the Christmas House. Bring your camera.
shellfactory.com

“The Nutcracker,” Gulfshore Ballet, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Presented by Gulfshore Symphony
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16
bbmannpah.com/events/detail/nutcracker-with-gulfshore-ballet

Cape Coral Boat-A-Long and holiday fun
4-9 p.m. Dec. 16, at Four Freedoms Park, Cape Coral
tinyurl.com/4upxmdyz

Santa’s Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise with Adventures in Paradise
9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 24
adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises

Celebrate the New Year: Downtown Fort Myers Countdown
6 p.m. until after midnight Dec. 31
Ball drop, fireworks and entertainment
explorefortmyers.com

Downtown Cape Coral New Year’s Eve Celebration
6 p.m. until after midnight Dec. 31
Fireworks, entertainment, ball drop
capeconcerts.com/copy-of-concert-series-1

Accommodations news
Margaritaville Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach opens this month
With swaying palm trees, pristine sandy beaches and a relaxed, island atmosphere,
the 254-room Margaritaville Beach Resort is taking reservations for stays this month.
Guests arriving in time for the holidays will be among the first to explore the beauty
of this beachfront resort.

The resort sits on 7.25 acres along Fort Myers Beach with direct beach access and
views of the Gulf of Mexico. The property includes six restaurants as well as the
43,000-square-foot Sunset Terrace that are open to the public. For reservations and details:
margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-fort-myers-beach

Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown is accepting reservations for arrivals beginning
Jan. 11, 2024. hilton.com/en/hotels/rswfrhx-hampton-inn-fort-myers-downtown

Latest update: 73.3 % of the guest rooms (10,423) in Lee County have opened with
more to come in the weeks and months ahead. 

Golf news
Saltleaf Golf Preserve opens in Bonita Springs
Saltleaf Golf Preserve, the 18-hole renovated course, previously known as Raptor Bay
Golf Club, has opened to golfers. The $25 million renovation is part of London Bay
Development Group’s project near the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
in Bonita Springs. 

On what was formerly Raptor Bay’s 55-acre back nine, Naples-based London Bay is
building two 22-story condominiums buildings, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero
Bay and Saltleaf Marina.  Raymond Floyd, a four-time major winner on the PGA Tour
and golf course designer, came out of retirement to redesign the course he built 22
years ago. The length of the course grew from 6,400 yards to 7,075 and from par 71
to 72. The course has seven tee boxes, creating different lengths for each hole. Saltleaf
took hole No. 10 from Raptor Bay and turned it into a nine-hole short course where the
dress code is casual the course is fun. Both courses are open to the public. saltleafgolf.com

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW
Lynx Air:
Toronto (YYZ), weekly, starting Dec. 1

Spirit Airlines
Nashville (BNA), weekly, starting Dec. 4
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), four flights per week starting Dec. 15

JetBlue Airways:
Worcester (ORH), weekly starting Jan. 4, 2024. For more information, visit flyrsw.com

Attractions news
Sun Saver Passport: Dine, Play, Shop, Sip
This popular, digital savings pass provides instant access to a variety of deals and experiences
from area attractions, restaurants and more across four categories – Dine, Play, Shop and Sip.
Sign-up is simple and free. Passports are instantly delivered to phones via text and email. And
there is an option for users to save the pass on their home screen for one-tap access. Sign up
now to start saving. visitfortmyers.com/sun-saver-passport

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Sanibel Island  
Visitors to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will soon notice a new name and
logo adorning the longstanding Sanibel Island attraction. In advance of its early 2024
reopening the Museum has announced a renaming to The Bailey-Matthews National Shell
Museum & Aquarium. The change reflects reinstallation of its permanent exhibit spaces
including the Living Gallery of aquariums and marine life and the shell exhibits of The Great
Hall of Shells.

Restaurants/dining news
Fort Myers Brewing Company
plans its annual Winterfest celebration Dec. 14-17. The event
features four days of beer releases, food trucks, live music, a holiday night market featuring local
handcrafted items, and a festive Movie in the Parking Lot screening of “The Grinch.” Its popular
Keg Nog will be on tap along with a holiday-inspired imperial stout. Photos with Santa and the
Grinch for attendees and their furry friends. FMBrew.com

Annual festivals and events
Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Stroll, Sanibel Island
Lighthouse Beach
Dec. 14, 2023, Jan. 26, Feb. 8 and March 10, 2024
With a marine biologist from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
shellmuseum.org/sunrise-stroll

Clyde Butcher’s America’s Everglades Exhibit
Through Dec. 29
Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs
artcenterbonita.org/exhibitions

Daydreaming: Niki Butcher exhibit
Dec. 21-Feb. 25, 2024
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Refuge Center
clydebutcher.com/niki-photographs

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Distinguished Authors
Bestselling author Barbara Kingsolver
Jan. 11, 2024
Community House, Sanibel Island
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/events

39th Annual Cape Coral Festival of the Arts, Cape Coral
Jan. 13-14, 2024
capecoralartfestival.com

Bonita Springs National Art Festival
Jan. 13-14, Feb. 10-11, March 2-3, 2024
artcenterbonita.org/artfest

Bacon Jam
Jan. 13, 2024
Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers
bscevent.com/bacon-jam-fort-myers

“Ding” Darling Lecture Series, Sanibel Island
Jan.18 and 25, Feb. 1, March 7, 14 and 21, 2024
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/lecture-series

Wellness in Nature at “Ding” Darling, Sanibel Island
Jan.18-21, 2024
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/wellness

39th Annual Cape Coral Festival of the Arts, Cape Coral
Jan. 13-14, 2024
capecoralfestival.com

ArtFest Fort Myers, Downtown River District
Feb. 2-4, 2024
artfestfortmyers.com

21st annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
Feb. 24, 2024
Rotary Park
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2

Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
Feb. 17, 2024 
edisonfestival.org

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Distinguished Authors
Bestselling author, Carl Hiaasen
Feb. 29, 2024
Community House, Sanibel Island
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/events

“Ding” Wild Days of Wellness
March 23-24, 2024
dingwellness.com 

Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Feb. 23-March 26, 2024
mlb.com/redsox/schedule/2024-02
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers

Minnesota Twins
Feb. 23-March 26, 2024
mlb.com/twins/schedule/2024-02
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers

25th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 2, 2024
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org

87th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 7-9, 2024
Community House
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/event/87th-annual-sanibel-shell-festival/2024-03-08

Sanibel Shell Show, Fort Myers
March 8-9
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort
sanibelshellclub.com/6306-2

ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers 
March 12-16, 2024
echonet.org/events/global-food-and-towardwardl

Sounds of the Sand, Bell Tower, Fort Myers
March 23-23, 2024
To support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Refuge education efforts
dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/sounds-of-the-sand

34th Annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival
April 20, 2024
dingdarlingday.com

14th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 22-26, 2024
fortmyersfilmfestival.com

12th Annual “Ding” Darling and Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament
May 10, 2024
dingdarlingtarpontourney.com

Fringe Fort Myers
June 6-9, 2024
artinlee.org/experience/fringe

National Seashell Day
June 21, 2024
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day

MangoMania
July 2024
Pine Island
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania

FITMIX FEST, downtown Fort Myers
Sept. 27-29, 2024
fitmixfest.com

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 20-29, 2024
island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge “Art in the Wild”
October 2024
dingartinthewild.com

Cape Coral Oktoberfest
October 2024
capecoraloktoberfest.com

Sanibel Island Writers Conference
November 2024
fgcu.edu/siwc

Holiday Luminary and kick-off to Sanibel Island 50th anniversary
Dec. 6-7, 2024
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
13-month celebration of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary
sanibel-island.sanibel-captiva.org

EDITOR’S NOTE: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. For more information, go to visitfortmyers.com..

Healthy Lee December Newsletter—Happenings Around Lee County

View this email in your browser HEALTHY LEE DECEMBER NEWSLETTERHAPPY HOLIDAYS   December is Safe Toys…

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Healthy Lee December Newsletter—Happenings Around Lee County

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HEALTHY LEE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

December is Safe Toys and Celebrations Month

 

Roughly one in 10 children’s eye injuries that result in a trip to the ER are caused
by toys. In support of Safe Toys and Celebrations Month, the American Academy of
Ophthalmology (AAO) advises parents to be cautious when choosing gifts for children
and recommends avoiding those that launch projectiles, such as crossbows and BB
guns. The AAO also offers tips on how to safely open champagne to keep New Year’s
celebrations from turning tragic.

Learn More  

DECEMBER 1ST IS WORLD AIDS DAY
 

This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.”
This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma,
an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working
toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness
about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. This year marks the
35th commemoration of this important day. Over the past 35 years, there has been
significant progress in addressing HIV and AIDS thanks to advancements in medical
research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding
of the virus.

JOIN US DECEMBER 3RD FOR COMPLIMENTARY

Food, entertainment, dynamic speakers, visual artist displays, talented performances,
and bar by donation. Meet and support all the service organizations working tirelessly
to eradicate HIV, then commit to join the fight.   Learn More    

Community Partner Happenings


Festival of Trees Health and Wellness Come view the
beautiful and unique Christmas Trees and get tickets
to enter a drawing to win one these works of art! 
Through December 3

Read More


Breakfast with Santa Health and Wellness  
Free Health Screenings and Flu Shots. Meet Firefighters
& Police Officers.  Visits with Santa and Free Breakfast! 
Free Toy for Each Child (limited), Free Face Painting
December 9, from 9:00 a.m. – noon Read More


Lutheran Services of Florida Health and Wellness
Donate toys, games, and more for the kids!  
Drop off through December 6

Read More


Heart Walk Health and Wellness 
WALK TO SAVE LIVES!
Heart disease and stroke impact people in very personal,
life-changing ways. This year, we want to connect with
and share the reasons why we need to eliminate heart
disease and stroke. December 9, at 8:00 a.m.

Read More


Coffee and Connections Behavioral Health 
Join us for our monthly networking event to help
professionals connect, collaborate and find new
ways to better serve our community. Free to attend,
all are welcome! December 7, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Read More.


Toy Drive Health and Wellness Let’s get in the
spirit and help out!  Premier Mobile is hosting
its 5th Annual Breakfast with Santa on
December 9th and is requesting donations of
unwrapped toys and bicycles for local children. 

Read  More



Healthy Life Center Classes  
View and RSVP for Classes    

Important Information


Dr. Michael Gregor is coming to Ft. Myers to share
the secrets for slowing down aging and avoiding
chronic diseases!  

Read More


Traveling, visiting family and friends, and mental
and financial strain add further complexity to an
already taxing time of the year.  Don’t slip!  

Read More



Open enrollment for health care insurance runs
through January 15th.  You may qualify for a
reduced or no-cost plan.  

Read More

Highlights from Healthy Lee
 
Parents Thomas and Amanda Evans, Olivia, and Baby Luke enjoy the sports and
educational activities!    

Family Fun Sports Expo!  
Health and Wellness

On November 11th, the Healthy Lee Coalition pulled out all the stops to create a free
physical activity for the children of the SWFL region.  At the Skatium, several sports,
such as basketball, soccer, martial arts, skating, and a bounce house, were on hand to
allow kids to try a variety. 

Over 200 people participated, with 24 getting a free ECG screening and 35 getting blood
pressure screenings.  They also enjoyed many educational vendors, and a healthy smoothie
was served to demonstrate that healthy food tastes delicious!  

 

The Healthy Lee movement was created to empower and inspire visitors and the people
of SWFL to live a life of optimal health and well-being by making healthy lifestyle choices
through education and action. This newsletter gives you access to our valuable resources
and news. Please feel free to submit your organization’s events to www.HealthyLee.com
under the Events tab. If you require assistance, please email cheryl.schlichte@leehealth.org

Read More    

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You are receiving email communication from Healthy Lee because you signed up for the
Million Mile Movement Challenge or the 5210 Pledge. If you believe you received this
message in error, please see unsubscribe link in this email.

Our mailing address is:
Healthy Lee
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Fort Myers, FL 33916

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FGCU Board of Trustees to meet virtually Dec. 7

FGCU Board of Trustees to meet virtually Dec. 7 FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida…

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FGCU Board of Trustees to meet virtually Dec. 7

FGCU Board of Trustees to meet virtually Dec. 7

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees will meet virtually at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. The live webcast is available at www.fgcu.edu/boardcast.

Click here to view the agenda.

Public comment on agenda items must be sent by email to treynold@fgcu.edu no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. Comments will be read into the record during the virtual meeting. 

For more information, contact Director of Board Relations Tiffany Reynolds at treynold@fgcu.edu or visit the website for the Board of Trustees at www.fgcu.edu/about/leadership/fgcuboardoftrustees.

FGCU

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LMCU Hires Kevin Smith as CIO

LMCU Hires Kevin Smith as Chief Information Officer Grand Rapids, MI. (November 20, 2023) –…

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LMCU Hires Kevin Smith as CIO

LMCU Hires Kevin Smith as Chief Information Officer


Grand Rapids, MI. (November 20, 2023) – Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is proud to announce the hiring of Kevin Smith as its new chief information officer (CIO). With over 35 years of experience in the technology sector, Smith brings an unparalleled expertise in driving digital innovation and harnessing emerging technologies to drive success.
Prior to joining LMCU, Smith served as an executive leader at Acrisure and Highstreet Insurance Partners, where he played a pivotal role in using technology to optimize operations, expediate growth, and enhance customer experiences. Additionally, his tenure at Arete on the cybersecurity and defense team furthered his expertise in safeguarding business and client information.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Smith to LMCU as our new Chief Information Officer,” said LMCU President and CEO, Sandy Jelinski. “His extensive experience and practical approach to technology will be invaluable as we continue to innovate our digital offerings for our members and enhance our cybersecurity.”
At LMCU, Smith will lead the charge in implementing cutting-edge technologies, driving data-driven strategies, and fortifying cybersecurity measures to ensure the highest level of member data protection.
“Joining Lake Michigan Credit Union is an incredible opportunity for me to drive positive transformations and push the boundaries of what’s possible in data, AI, and other emerging technologies,” said Kevin Smith. “I am excited to collaborate with the talented team at LMCU and contribute to furthering its reputation for innovation and member-centric solutions.”
Beyond his professional life, Kevin is married to Renee and a proud father of four. He is an alumnus of Western Michigan University.
Lake Michigan Credit Union, established in 1933, is the largest credit union in Michigan and 15th largest in the country. Employing a staff of over 1,650 and serving 590,000 members, LMCU’s assets exceed $12 billion, with over $14.3 billion in portfolio and serviced mortgages. LMCU has 69 convenient branch locations, including 21 across Central and Southwest Florida. LMCU members have access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs worldwide. LMCU provides a full range of financial services, from high interest-bearing checking accounts to personal loans, mortgages, commercial banking, investments, and insurance. To find out more, visit LMCU.org.