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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS FEBRUARY TRAFFIC

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS FEBRUARY TRAFFIC FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 20, 2023) – During…

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS FEBRUARY TRAFFIC

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS FEBRUARY TRAFFIC


FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 20, 2023) – During February, 967,416 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a decrease of 16 percent compared to February 2022.

The traffic leader in February was Southwest with 185,205 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Delta (183,832), United (136,875), American (132,882) and JetBlue (94,954).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 8,117 aircraft operations, a decrease of 19 percent compared to February 2022. Page Field saw 17,571 operations, which was a 33 percent increase compared to February 2022, and a new monthly record.

Southwest Florida International Airport served a record-breaking 10.3 million passengers in 2022 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

Spring brings more activity from Florida’s wildlife

(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) Wednesday, March 22, 2022Photos…

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Spring brings more activity from Florida’s wildlife

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) Wednesday, March 22, 2022
Photos and video available

Suggested Tweet: Wildlife is on the move in spring! Learn how you can help conserve iconic #Florida species. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/35021a0 @MyFWC

Spring brings more activity from Florida’s wildlife

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the annual reminder that many native wildlife species are more active during this time of year. By becoming more aware of spring wildlife activity, Florida residents and visitors alike can help conserve our native species and reduce conflicts with them.

As spring brings warmer weather across the state, several species of wildlife become more active for migration, breeding, feeding and nesting. This increased level of wildlife activity means that people could be more likely to encounter wildlife and should take precautions to avoid disrupting these natural behaviors and prevent conflicts with wildlife.

Tips on how to enjoy and help conserve Florida wildlife during spring:

Bats – Spring is when bats start to give birth and raise their young. Bat maternity season starts April 15 and runs through Aug. 15. During this time, it is illegal to block bats from their roosts. If bats are excluded during maternity season, flightless baby bats can be trapped inside the structure and die. Now is the time to do final spring checks of your home for any entry points, ensure that no bats are present and make any necessary repairs. If bats are found, you should take steps to properly install a bat exclusion device before bat maternity season begins. Exclusion devices, which allow bats to exit a structure but block them from returning to roosts, are the only legal and appropriate method to remove bats from your home or building.

bear in woods
Bears – As spring temperatures warm, bears become more active, increasing the opportunities for potential conflicts with people. During this time of year, females are teaching their cubs what to eat and the skills necessary to survive. Help make sure that eating garbage, pet food or bird seed in your yard is not part of that learning experience by removing attractants from your property. If bears can’t find food sources in your yard or neighborhood, they will move on.

Gopher Tortoises – Spring days are a good time to spot a gopher tortoise, as Florida’s only native tortoise becomes more active, foraging for food and searching for a mate. If you see gopher tortoises or their half-moon shaped burrow entrances, it is best to leave them alone. You can help a gopher tortoise cross a road by picking it up and placing it in a safe location along the roadside in the direction it was heading. But only do this if it is safe for you to do so and remember the tortoise is a land animal, so never attempt to put it into water.


fawn
Injured and Orphaned Wildlife – If you find a baby animal, it is best to leave it alone. Young animals are rarely orphaned; a parent may be nearby searching for food. You can report common wildlife you think could be injured or orphaned to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. For further guidance, you can contact the nearest FWC Regional Office.


manatee
Manatees – As manatees leave their winter habitats and travel the waterways along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and other inland waters, chances of close encounters between manatees and boaters increase. Go slow and look out below for manatees when boating or using personal watercraft. For boaters and personal watercraft users, it is a critical time to be on the lookout for manatees to avoid collisions with these large aquatic mammals. Boaters should follow posted speed limits as many areas have seasonal zones in spring that reflect manatee migration patterns.


birds nesting on beach
Nesting Waterbirds – Keep your distance from birds on the beach or on the water. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. Disturbance can cause birds to abandon their nesting sites, which exposes their eggs and chicks to predators, sun exposure and other harm. Because shorebirds and seabirds build well-camouflaged shallow nests out of sand and shells on beaches, their nests, eggs and chicks are vulnerable to being stepped on unless people look out for them. Wading birds, such as herons and egrets, and pelicans also are nesting now on mangroves and tree islands.


sea turtle nesting on beach
Sea Turtles – These large marine turtles start nesting on Florida beaches in spring. You can help by keeping beaches dark at night and free of obstacles during their March through October nesting season. Artificial lighting can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient hatchlings, so avoid using flashlights or cellphones on the beach at night. Turn out lights or close curtains and shades in buildings along the beach after dark to ensure nesting turtles aren’t disturbed. Clear away boats and beach furniture at the end of the day and fill in holes in the sand that could entrap turtles.


snake crossing clay road
Snakes – Keep an eye out for snakes in your yard or when hiking, as they could be encountered more as the weather warms. What should you do if you come upon a native snake? Just give them space. Snakes don’t purposefully position themselves to frighten people and usually try to avoid encounters.

For more information on wildlife in spring, visit MyFWC.com/News and click on “Spring Wildlife News.”

If you witness someone committing a wildlife violation, please contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the violation.

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SHRM Essentials of Human Resources Course at FGCU!

  SHRM Essentials of Human Resources  Greetings! join us for the SHRM Essentials of Human…

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SHRM Essentials of Human Resources Course at FGCU!

 
SHRM Essentials of Human Resources  

Greetings! join us for the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources in Spring 2023.
Build a solid foundation in Human Resources skills!

The SHRM Essentials of Human Resources is an introductory course offering a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of HR. It gives participants foundational knowledge and an introduction to behavioral competencies that are essential for business success. This course is ideal for those who are just starting out in the human resources profession, or those who are looking for an effective way to boost their employee management skills.    Learn More

   
Registration Information
   
Date: Apr 3 – May 8, 2023  

Cost: $599 per person, materials included  

Location: Self-paced; Online Lectures on Canvas; Virtual Study Hours Mondays from 5:45-6:45 pm via Microsoft Teams  
Register Today!    

Course Outcomes  
Foundational knowledge of key HR topics

Practical expertise that can immediately impact job performance

Earn 15 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) and a Certificate of Completion    


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Innovative Education & Partnerships

FGCU Main Campus
10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Modular 2
Fort Myers, FL 33965

(239) 745-4700 continuinged@fgcu.edu

Who was the First President to Visit all 50 States?

Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors.  Have it your way, online or in-person.      …

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Who was the First President to Visit all 50 States?

Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors.  Have it your way, online or in-person.        
March 2023   FGCU Academy The United States of America    

Greetings, Who was the First President to Visit all 50 States? Richard Nixon  

How many states have you visited? I personally have visited 34. I hope to get to the other 16 soon. Our country is a vast beauty.

Join retired Ambassador Hugo Llorens for his lecture on Kennedy – Nixon: The 1960 Campaign for President. See below for more details.

If you are looking to upgrade your apple computer, view the Macintosh to the new Ventura Operating System. John Guerra will delve into this for you Either way you look at it, FGCU Academy has what you need.

Thank you to all of you who made such generous donations. With your assistance we have raised close to $30,000. What an amazing feat! We succeeded in winning a $1000 matching prize and a $5,000 Flash Prize. Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of March if you still would like to participate. View our giving page here.  
For assistance with registration – call our office (239) 434-4737, and we will be glad to assist you.



Macintosh Tips, Tricks & Secrets: MacOS Ventura
@ Online via Zoom
March 23 | 1 – 2:30 pm
MacOS Ventura (released in October 2022) elevates the most advanced desktop and laptop operating system in the world to a new level of power, sophistication and ease of use. We explore Mac tips, tricks and secrets that all users should know including Settings, the Finder, the Dock, Spotlight, Window Navigation, software installation, App Store and more.


Western Defectors – Greener Grass?
@ The Commons Club at The Brooks
March 27 | 2 – 3:30 pm  
Many Westerners have spied for Russia. Many were motivated by ideology and idealism. More recently avarice has been the main catalyst. This lecture explores Western defectors to Russia; what they did, why they did it and what they discovered. Topics include: NSA spies William Martin and Bernon Mitchell; Kim Philby and the Cambridge Five; CIA spy Edward Lee Howard; assassin Lee Harvey Oswald; and Edward Snowden.


Should I Stay or Should I Move? Understanding the Senior Housing Options in SWFL
@ Naples Center or Online via Zoom
March 28 | 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Join this interactive discussion about senior housing-related topics. When is the right time to consider a senior living community? What are the different types and costs of the senior living options in SWFL? What are the future trends in our area? What are the pros/cons of hiring home health care instead of moving? What are ways to pay for senior housing including VA Benefits, Medicare and Medicaid? What is the role of a senior housing advisor? What questions should people ask when touring?  

PROGRAM GUIDE   CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE 2023 PROGRAM GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS ONLINE  

CLICK HERE – March Daily Calendar
 
Call us for assistance with registration – 239.434.4737



   
Free Gift with Purchase of a Membership   When you purchase a membership, you are supporting lifelong learning in the SWFL community. As a token of our appreciation, we have a free gift for all those who Moviepurchase a membership, in-person or online. Visit the FGCU Naples Center at 704 Goodlette Frank Rd North to receive your free gift.  

Bring FGCU Academy to Your Community   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!

  SUNDAY MOVIES @ FGCU Academy
   

International Film and Documentary Discussion
(All movies begin at 2pm)
Viewing held at Naples Center – 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N. – 3rd floor, Naples
 
* March 26 – Hive
* April 9 – Pain and Glory 
* April 23 – A Sun   

Join FGCU Academy for a casual afternoon enjoying the above movies and participating in open discussion afterwards with our moderator – John Guerra

Register early

Advanced registration is strongly recommended    

FGCU Academy Day Trips
 
March 28 – Miami’s Wynwood Artistic, Culinary and Cultural Tour

April 3 – Vizcaya Mansion & Gardens Tour with Lunch

April 4 – The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg
remember to book your trips early as they sell out fast      

LOOKING AHEAD  
See a sample of what is coming over the next week click on any title below for more information    

Thursday
The Balkan Countries — Clash of CulturesBeautiful

Flowering Orchids: How to Make Yours Thrive and Grow!

Friday
Life in Abraham Lincoln’s Washington,

D.C.Kennedy – Nixon: The 1960 Campaign for President

Monday March 27, 2023
Trio of Traitors – Walker, Ames and Hanssen

The Creation of Germany

Tuesday
iPhone/iPad for Intermediates: All the Things You Never Knew

Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Impressionist Painter of BeautyAn Early American Trio:

Artists Copley, West and Stuart

Wednesday
Artemis: Return to the Moon by 2025

How the Modern Bible Came to Be

iPhone/iPad Maps and Messages Apps

Reflections of a Colored Girl

Thursday
Indonesia: Land of Volcanoes and Dragons

U.S. National Security Council: Pivotal Role in Coordinating U.S. Foreign and Defense Policy

Friday
Queen Elizabeth I – Gloriana    

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 ALASKAView 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 TURKEYView 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 & PORTUGALView 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 DALMATIAView 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 DEPTHView 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 WONDERSView 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 scen­ic 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.  
 
FGCU Academy Travel 2024 
Call for More Info – 239-434-4838 
Travel Brochures will be available Summer 2023     

Moroccan Discovery, May 12-27, 2024    
This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. As we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, we open our eyes, and hearts, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.     

Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania, August 13-28, 2024
“On safari” … it’s one of the most alluring phrases in all of travel. And Kenya and Tanzania count among the most alluring places to be “on safari.” As our small group travels from grasslands to highlands, to reserves and national parks, we enjoy intimate game drives, see stupendous landscapes, stay in excellent accommodations, and meet gracious local people.

Exploring Iceland, August 15-25, 2024    
It’s a surprising, even astonishing land; one of massive glaciers and rumbling volcanoes, bubbling mud holes and powerful waterfalls; hugely abundant bird life and just 340,000 people; and where the sun never sets for six splendid weeks. It’s also perfect for exploring in a small group, as we discover traveling the breadth of the country and getting an up-close view of this natural “wonderland.”     

Southern Italy & Sicily, September 4-18, 2024    
Delight in a special exploration of Italy’s southern climes, from striking Sicily and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to unheralded Apulia, the alluring “boot heel” where a vivid history, unique architecture, and bountiful plains join the sun and sea in creating a prized (and crowd-free) region. Add Italian hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and notable lodgings for la dolce vita, small-group style.     

Scotland: Highlands & Islands, September 9-20, 2024      
“My heart’s in the Highlands,” said Robert Burns – as will you, as we travel from city to country, mainland to island, on this sweet journey. From loch to loch and glen to glen, we encounter stunning natural beauty and welcoming clans, while city life serves up the colorful past – and cosmopolitan present.    

Provincial French Countryside, September 27-October 11, 2024   
Experience the beauty, allure, and hospi­tality of provincial France, at an easy pace and in a unique style. Anchored by stays in vibrant Toulouse and enchanting Paris, the journey ­features diverse Languedoc, the remote Dordogne, the lovely Loire Valley, and historic Normandy as we stay in charming rural inns and small country hotels. It’s a small group tour de force!     

New Zealand Adventure, October 10-25, 2024    
It’s a tale of two islands as our small group journeys from New Zealand’s North to its South, through lively cities and pristine fiords, past lush farmland and enchanted forests in a land where the outdoors is the national shrine. Add engaging “Kiwis” and intriguing indigenous cultures – it’s a pure New Zealand experience.     

Southeast Asia Odysseys, October 31-November 18, 2024   
Engaging, diverse, intriguing … This just begins to describe Southeast Asia and our small group odyssey. We cruise the Mekong through Laos; explore the spectacular – Angkor Wat – and the sublime – Ha Long Bay; and engage with local farmers and hill tribespeople on this comprehensive, well-paced adventure                

FGCU Academy Collier / Lee / Charlotte
FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330 Naples, FL 34102   239-434-4737   fgcuacademy@fgcu.edu

The Stamps String Quartet returns to Music & Arts Community Center

April 30 | 7:00Music & Arts Community Center13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers The Stamps String…

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The Stamps String Quartet returns to Music & Arts Community Center


April 30 | 7:00
Music & Arts Community Center
13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers


The Stamps String Quartet is comprised of four outstanding young string musicians Erika Liu,
Dylan Hutcheson, Natalie Van Winkle and Misha Grossman (2 violins, viola, and cello)
who are enrolled at the Frost School of Music. They were selected from an amazing roster of talented
young artists who passed the auditions of the Frost School of Music and met the academic requirements
of the University of Miami.

Tickets only $30!

BUY TICKETS


Series Sponsored in part by

Douglas & Linda Garde 239.277.1700 GulfCoastSymphony.org  


Follow us on our social media for more updates: Facebook   Twitter   Youtube   Instagram   Website   Email  

Your Public Adjuster Grand Opening

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Your Public Adjuster Grand Opening

Earn Your Entrepreneurial Mindset Digital Badge at FGCU!

      You're Invited to Enroll in the Entrepreneurial Mindset Digital Badge at FGCU!…

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Earn Your Entrepreneurial Mindset Digital Badge at FGCU!

     
You’re Invited to Enroll in the Entrepreneurial Mindset Digital Badge at FGCU!

FGCU has placed a focus on becoming the catalyst of
entrepreneurship within Southwest Florida and beyond. As a
member of the FGCU Community, you can register
for Entrepreneurial Mindset for free!
 
 
Self-Paced Digital Badge at No Cost!

Learn, imagine, collaborate and
undertake new endeavors with an
entrepreneurial mindset! This course
can be completed in 4 hours.  

Register Anytime!  

Register Today!
 
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Florida Gulf Coast University Innovative Education and Partnerships | 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Modular 2, Fort Myers, FL 33965

Lifelong Learning: NEW CLASSES START in TWO WEEKS!

LIFELONG LEARNING NEW CLASSES! NEW SESSION!   Please join us and sign-up TODAY!    Check out…

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Lifelong Learning: NEW CLASSES START in TWO WEEKS!

LIFELONG LEARNING

NEW CLASSES! NEW SESSION!
 
Please join us and sign-up TODAY! 
 
Check out our website for more details: Leeschools.net/lifelonglearning

Hurry and reserve your spot: click on each link to register. 

NEW CLASSES ADDED @ LCPEC
 
CONVERSATIONAL HAITIAN CREOLE: BEGINNER Wednesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/576147561867  

UKULELE BEGINNER FAMILY CLASS Monday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/577663606397  

UKULELE BEGINNER ADULT CLASS Wednesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/577642342797
   

LOCATION: Lee County Public Education Center  

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH: BEGINNER Monday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/558851248127  

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH:BEGINNER Wednesday  
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/560804329847  

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH: INTERMEDIATE Monday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/558842742687  

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH Wednesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/558839833987  

CROCHET for BEGINNERS: FAMILY CLASS Wednesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565245102317  

MICROSOFT OFFICE BASICS Monday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/558832431847  

SMOKIN’ HOT BBQ Wednesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/560649316197  

US CITIZENSHIP CIVICS TEST PREP COURSE Monday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565161301667
 

LOCATION: Cypress Lake High School  

LET’S GET FIT! Tuesday and Thursday 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/542895463947
 

LOCATION: Cape Coral High School  

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE BEGINNER Thursday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565333115567  

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH Tuesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565225343217  

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH BEGINNER Thursday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565205463757  

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH: INTERMEDIATE Tuesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/566472744227  

FLORAL SCULPTURE PAINTING: FAMILY CLASS Tuesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565468781347  

MICROSOFT OFFICE BASICS Tuesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565194611297  

US CITIZENSHIP CIVICS TEST PREP COURSE Thursday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565509964527
 

LOCATION: Bonita Springs High School  

MICROSOFT OFFICE BASICS Thursday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/565446274027  

US CITIZENSHIP CIVICS TEST PREP COURSE Wednesday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568200010527    

If you have any QUESTIONS please contact Marliss Brockington at 239.939.6321 or marlisskb@leeschools.net                                                                    

LARC, Inc. Celebrates 69th Anniversary of Serving Individuals with Disabilities

Organization was founded by parents of children with disabilities in 1954 FORT MYERS, Fla. (March…

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LARC, Inc. Celebrates 69th Anniversary of Serving Individuals with Disabilities

Organization was founded by parents of children with disabilities in 1954

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 21, 2023) — Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) is celebrating its 69th anniversary in Southwest Florida. Established in 1954, the non-profit’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities (IDD) and  their families to reach their full potential.

“LARC was founded in 1954 by parents whose children with intellectual and developmental disabilities were not allowed to attend public schools,” said Angela Katz, LARC’s executive director. “Today, LARC is a training center for success. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 80. We continue to fight prejudice and misconceptions regarding intellectual and developmental disabilities and educate the public to recognize a person’s abilities rather than disabilities.”

LARC’s Adult Day Training program is designed to enhance abilities and help individuals live happier, more productive, and independent lives. Activities include self-care, daily living skills, and various pre-vocational and life skill opportunities. In addition, opportunities are provided to increase fine and gross motor activities, communication skills, academic skills, positive behavioral approaches, independent living skills, social skills, and recreation and leisure skills.  

Learn, Achieve, Become (LAB) is an on-campus experiential learning environment that transforms traditional program areas into spaces for innovation, vocation, demonstration, and learning. Five Labs focus on work and independent living skills and include Lab for Living, Wellness Lab, Smart Living Lab, Vocational Exploration Lab, and Collaboration Lab. LARC provided more than 100,000 hours of life skills training last year.

This year, LARC will break ground on its Commercial Culinary Training Kitchen.  The commercial kitchen will be utilized to train individuals with disabilities for work in the hospitality industry.  “In 2018 we identified significant gaps in the workforce in Southwest Florida, particularly in food service,” said Katz.  “It is one of the largest industries in our area and we want to help businesses fill the gaps while doing what we do best – assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential.  In this space, staff will deliver training specifically-designed for the food service and hospitality industry.  Also, we will customize the training to the individuals’ needs so they can thrive.”

LARC’s Campus Employment provides opportunities for individuals to explore career opportunities while earning wages. LARC partners with local businesses to provide packaging and assembly work, and LARC’s Woodshop constructs and sells custom wood products. Last year, 32,000 hours of paid wages were paid through campus employment opportunities. 

LARC’s Community and Employment Support Services provide ongoing assistance to individuals living in their homes, including medical, medication, money management, grocery shopping, obtaining benefits, exploration of community resources, and other needs. In addition, Supported Employment is a service for individuals who require support services to obtain and succeed in competitive employment. More than 200 individuals are employed through LARC programs.

LARC’s residential group homes provide room/board and 24-hour supervision in a person-centered, home-like environment. Individuals are provided with life skills training, including meal preparation, homemaking skills, personal hygiene, medication awareness, and budgeting. Healthcare management is provided, and individuals are educated regarding overall health and well-being. Residents participate in group and individual community inclusion and recreational activities.

This year LARC will break ground on a new home that will replace a home in North Fort Myers that Hurricane Ian destroyed.  LARC will work in partnership with Steven R. Bowen Construction, Designers + Builders Unite, established by Dwayne Bergmann, owner and principal designer of Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, and Stacey Callahan, publisher of Luxe Interiors + Design Florida, to create a customized space where residents feel safe, comfortable and at home.

LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myer. LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes. 

To learn more about LARC and its mission to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential, visit www.larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz at 239-334-6285 x210 or angelakatz@larcleecounty.org.

ABOUT LARC

Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range from 14 to 80.

LARC offers vocational training, youth programs, community residential and employment services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis. LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers. LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes. 

Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament Supports The Heights Center Early Learning

April 21, 2023 at Shell Point Golf Club (Fort Myers, Fla. – March 20, 2023)…

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Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament Supports The Heights Center Early Learning

April 21, 2023 at Shell Point Golf Club

(Fort Myers, Fla. – March 20, 2023) —  The Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, “Tee It Up FORE Kids,” benefiting The Heights Center Early Learning program, will take place on Friday, April 21, 2023, at The Shell Point Golf Club, 17500 On Par Boulevard, Fort Myers.  The tournament honors Scott, a long-time board member and supporter of Heights Early Learning (formerly GLAD Kids).  The event’s proceeds benefit The Heights Center Early Learning, an organization that supports more than 80 children from birth through age four.  A part of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center family, The Heights Center Early Learning’s mission is to ensure low-income families have quality, affordable childcare.  Children read, learn and play in a safe environment while their parents provide for their families.   The Early Learning program has a five-star rating from The Early Learning Coalition.

The event is sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust and Susan Scott.

Registration is from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.  The shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m., with lunch and awards following the tournament.

“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Pat Ostrom, tournament coordinator.  “The Heights Center Early Learning provides a stable, nurturing environment and means the parents can further their education and participate in the workforce.”

Tournament Registration is now available.  The registration deadline is Friday, April 14.

Registration is $150 per golfer or $550 for a foursome.  In addition, sponsorships that include golf packages and recognition are available.  For more information, visit www.heightsfoundation.org/forthekids or call Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706 or email annie@heightsfoundation.org.

About The Heights Foundation, The Heights Center, and The Heights Early Learning

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, 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 Summer Camp.    The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 180 children from 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.  As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.