Members News
The School District of Lee County to host Aug. 14 Social Lee: Careers & Conversations
The School District of Lee County is set to host Social Lee: Careers & Conversations…
Band Together Campaign Raises Money for Local Pediatric Care Programs
LMCU’s Band Together Campaign Is Raising Money for Kids’ Care Programs Grand Rapids, MI. (July…
LMCU’s Band Together Campaign Is Raising Money for Kids’ Care Programs
Grand Rapids, MI. (July 26, 2024) –Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is excited to announce the return of its annual Band Together campaign. During the month of August, LMCU staff, members, and their communities band together to raise donations to support pediatric and kids’ care programs at 17 hospitals across Michigan and Florida. Between August 1-31, anyone can donate at any LMCU branch or online at LMCU.org/BandTogether.
The 2023 Band Together campaign raised over $70,000 for kids’ care and Matt Cook, LMCU Vice President of Community Relations, is confident this year’s campaign can make an even greater impact. “Band Together allows LMCU to support local hospitals, but it wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of everyone who donates,” said Cook. “These hospitals do so much for the little heroes in our communities and we are so grateful for the opportunity to give back to them.”
In past years, these donations have been used to fund research, patient activities, and medical equipment purchases, including thermometers and positioning aids. The following hospitals will receive donations:
Michigan
- Ascension Borgess Hospital (Kalamazoo)
- Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital (Rochester)
- Bronson Children’s Hospital (Kalamazoo)
- Cherry Health (Michigan)
- Corewell Health Children’s (SE Michigan)
- Covenant HealthCare (Saginaw)
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (W Michigan)
- Holland Hospital (Holland)
- Mary Free Bed Kids (W Michigan)
- Munson Medical Center (Traverse City)
- Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital (Muskegon)
- Trinity Health Saint Mary’s (W Michigan)
- University of Michigan Health – C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital (Ann Arbor)
- University of Michigan Health-West Hospital (W Michigan)
Florida
- Golisano Children’s Hospital (SW Florida)
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg)
- St. Joseph Children’s Hospital Foundation (Tampa)
To donate, visit LMCU.org/BandTogether or your local LMCU branch.
About Lake Michigan Credit Union Lake Michigan Credit Union, established in 1933, is the largest credit union in Michigan and 14th largest in the country. Employing a staff of over 1,650 and serving more than 600,000 members, LMCU’s assets exceed $13 billion, with over $16 billion in portfolio and serviced mortgages. LMCU has 69 convenient branch locations, including 20 across the Tampa Bay area and Southwest Florida. LMCU members haveaccess 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, business banking, investments, and insurance.
To find out more, visit LMCU.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #442967.
Development Director, Jade Bird Joins The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee
Development Director, Jade Bird Joins The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business…
Development Director, Jade Bird Joins The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 26, 2024) – Community Cooperative is thrilled to announce that their Development Director, Jade Bird, has joined the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee. Within this esteemed committee, Jade Bird will serve on the Service and Scholarship Subcommittee.
The Women in Business Committee of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to empowering and supporting women in leadership roles across Southwest Florida. As a member of the Service and Scholarship Subcommittee, Jade will play a pivotal role in advancing initiatives that promote education, and mentorships, to women in our community.
Jade Bird is dedicated and passionate for community service and nonprofit leadership. Her journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to creating meaningful change and fostering philanthropic relationships while also supporting women’s leadership.
“I am honored to join the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee,” said Community Cooperative’s Development Director, Jade Bird. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow committee members to support women’s leadership development and contribute to meaningful initiatives that benefit our community.”
About Community Cooperative
Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.
Last chance to enjoy unique local products at the Farmers Market
Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Weekly News July…
Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.  Weekly News July 26, 2024 Edison and Ford Winter Estates to Remain Open During McGregor Boulevard Construction A portion of McGregor Boulevard including the section at Edison and Ford Winter Estates is closed due to construction. The Estates will remain open during the road work. Click here to view the map for detour directions. Traffic from US-41 will not be impacted. For tour times or to purchase tickets, visit EdisonFord.org. Upcoming Events  Farmers Market by the beautiful Banyan Tree Friday, July 26 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is the last chance to enjoy unique commodities and relaxed local activity at our Farmers Market! Choose from fresh produce and other items, get something to eat and drink, listen to music, and stroll through the wildflower and Bromeliad gardens. Plus, there will be fruit trees, herbs and flowering plants available for sale in the Garden Shoppe. The Farmers Market is a free event with free parking (does not include admission to the museum, laboratory or riverside of the property). Sponsored by Bath Fitter and Envision Construction Management. .   Membership  Membership “Madness” Special deal in July, August and September It may be hot, but summer deals are exciting, and it’s a great time to get an intimate experience here with less crowds! Participate in our Membership “Madness” this July, August or September and be entered into a drawing to win a Family membership and an Edison Ford cap when you join or re- new. You can keep the membership for yourself (your membership will be extended at the family level for a year), or you can give it away as a gift! Become a MEMBER and get unlimited free visits, discounts on pur- chases in the Garden Shoppe, retail stores, special events and adult education classes! Join today! Ongoing Programs  Piano Performance Takes place every Wednesday 1 p.m. See a beautiful rendition of history with timeless melodies as Curatorial Registrar, Chet, performs on Mina Edison’s 1932 George Steck piano in the guest house. Included with admission.  Step into History Presentations Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cool off inside with our Site Historians. This program is held in the 15,000-square-foot museum. Included with admission.  Yoga by the River 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. Banyan Café  New Menu – Limited Time only! Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed Wednesdays) It is Christmas in July! While it is still very warm and our pace of life is a little slower in the summer, it is nice to recreate the exciting activity and the merry spirt of Christmas without the hassle of planning for the holiday – plus, we can pretend that it is cooler out-side. The Banyan Café is carry- ing on this tradition and celebrating the occasion with a limited menu this week ONLY. Taste the emblems of the season with a white chocolate pep- permint cold brew, caramel apple crisp latte, and iced gingerbread latte. The Banyan Café has a nice little court area with tables and chairs, shad- ed by lots of lofty trees where you can enjoy the historic Southwest Florida outdoor experience like Edison. Help restore our beautiful gardens. Donate today! What’s Blooming  Longan Tree Bunches of Longan fruits are forming like grapes on the Longan Tree, Dimocarpus Longan! This dense evergreen tree can reach heights between 30 to 40 feet tall. Depending on soil type and climate, it may grow up to 100 feet tall in other regions. This tree is native to Asia and was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s. Between February and March, the Longan will produce small brownish or greenish yellow flowers that form in clusters at the tips of its branches. Once the tree blooms, round fruits with a light brown peel will begin to emerge. The fruit is harvested from July to September and can be eaten fresh, preserved in syrup or cooked in sweet dishes. Visitors can find this tree on the main pathway, just past the security station!  Red Cassia The Red Cassia, Cassia Roxburghii is threaded with lines of buoyant flowers! This ornamental tree is native to Sri Lanka and Southern India and grows between 20 and 30 feet tall. In the early fall, this beautiful plant will produce clusters of small, showy pink, rose, or orange flowers along the tips of its branches. Following the blooms, 8- to-12-inch seed pods will emerge. This tree can be propagated by seed, which should be soaked overnight before planting. Feather-like, one-foot compound leaves provide a nice backdrop for the colorful blooms and will add some nice shade to your yard. The Red Cassia is located in the grassy area between the fountain and Edison Main House. World Nature Conservation Day  This Sunday, July 28 is World Nature Conservation Day! The world is made up of so many precious things and protecting them sustains the nature that grounds us in its creation. Mina Edison was a dedicated conservationist long before the term existed. Chautauqua was one of Mina’s first loves and she spent nearly every summer there since her childhood. She was a part of the Institution’s Bird and Tree Club, which held many activities that provided a forum for outstanding conservationists throughout the United States. In Fort Myers, Mina invited the heads of various organizations to her house “to see if there cannot be a uniting of interests so as to preserve its (Fort Myers’) beauty as well as carry out its business projects.” The first meeting of this organization, called the Roundtable, was held at the Edison estate. The purpose of the group, put forth by Mina Edison, was bring about im- provements to the city. According to the Fort Myers Press, these efforts include establishing a new city park, street beautification, and the conservation of fish in the Caloosahatchee River. At her own home, she installed Purple Martin houses installed over the Caloosahatchee River near the seawall and pier. Small feeding tables were created by staff to watch birds from the porch, and boxes where birds could take refuge were placed around the property. Edison and Ford were also big supporters of environmental protection. Edison implemented green research practices in his rubber research processes, recycling solvents that remained after the experimentation process and ignited the idea of Green Chemistry. Henry Ford was avid bird watcher and had many birds sent to his Estate in Fairlane, creating a nice sanctuary for them to reside with numerous birdhouses.      Copyright © 2024 Edison & Ford Winter Estates, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to be on our mailing list. Our mailing address is: Edison & 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. |
CMON Opening Early Learning Center!
Museum-Based Early Learning Center for PreK3 and PreK4 Golisano…
 Museum-Based Early Learning Center for PreK3 and PreK4 Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) is a trusted place for child- ren to play, learn and dream. We’re proud of our impact, and we know there’s more we can do to serve our community. Since CMON opened in 2012, the school-age population in Collier County has increased by 20 percent. The county’s birth rate has grown more than 10% since 2019 and will grow by 30% in the next decade. Despite all these new young residents, we’ve lost more than 22 early learning facilities in the county since the start of the pandemic. There are 17,000 children younger than 5 in the county now, but only about 1,000 slots for high-quality early learning classes.  Our team is excited to serve this rapidly growing community by opening an Early Learning Center (ELC) serving PreK3 and PreK4 students as soon as 2026. CMON’s mission is to inspire a lifelong love of learning and explora- tion, and the ELC will provide a best-in-class, play-based curriculum for all economic backgrounds. This will be a one-of-a-kind learning environment for students to develop and to be positioned for success throughout their academic careers. Thanks to the support of Florida Senate President Kath- leen Passidomo and State Rep. Lauren Melo, we were lucky to be awarded $1.5 million in capital funding in the state budget signed by Gov. DeSantis. These funds will help jumpstart this project and cover approximately 50 percent of the construction and start-up costs for the center. CMON still needs to raise at least $1.5 million more to make this project a reality.  To learn more about CMON’s Early Learning Center and how you can help build a brighter future for our community, please connect with Jonathan Foerster at [email protected] or 239-260-1702.    |
📣 Single Tickets Now Available! The MACC's Season of Jazz, Symphony, and Theater Awaits!
Single Tickets Now On Sale! Get your tickets now for a thrilling season of…
  Single Tickets Now On Sale! Get your tickets now for a thrilling season of theater and music! Discover jazz innovations with Brandon Robertson, Mingus, and McBride. Celebrate the holidays with Charlie Brown & The Nutcracker, featuring Vince Guaraldi’s classics and jazzed-up Tchaikovsky. Experience Brahms’ powerful Piano Concerto No. 1, the intriguing pairing of Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale with Daugherty’s Dead Elvis, or the highly-anticipated release of Zach Bartholomew’s album with special guest Benny Bennack III. Enjoy a Broadway parody with Forbidden Broadway, the en- chanting Camelot, and Donizetti’s delightful opera Don Pasquale. Revel in a trio from the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective performing Monk, Davis, and their own original compositions in Modern Creations. Immerse yourself in Coltrane’s iconic A Love Supreme. Don’t miss what promises to be the MACC’s best season yet. Select your favorites shows or purchase full series for a discount of 25%. Single tic- kets are on sale now and won’t last long! Welcome to the MACC, a 270-seat venue in Fort Myers, just off Daniels Parkway. With fantastic views from every seat, it’s a premier spot for live music, including jazz and chamber orchestra concerts, and home to the Southwest Florida Theater Company. Founded in 2020, the MACC serves as a community space for Southwest Florida, enriching the area with quality and diverse entertainment. Enjoy our lobby bar and experience exceptional acoustics on an unforgettable night out. Get to know the MACC, SWFL’s newest space for live music and theatre.  Mingus, McBride, and Robertson: A night of innovative jazz compositions. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Celebrate the holidays with Vince Guaraldi’s classic tunes. Zach Bartholomew’s album release party: Celebrate with the dynamic trumpet artistry of special guest Benny Bennack III. Trio Concert: Enjoy the magic of a powerful jazz trio. Modern Creations: Original compositions by the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective. Coltrane: Love Supreme: A tribute to the timeless music of John Coltrane.  Forbidden Broadway: A hilarious parody of Broadway’s biggest hits, delivering non-stop laughs. Camelot: The timeless tale of King Arthur, Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table. Murder for 2: A comedic whodunit with two actors playing all the roles. Jerry’s Girls: A vibrant revue celebrating the music of Jerry Herman.  Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8: Enjoy the lively and humorous charm of Beethoven’s delightful symphony. Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1: Experience the powerful emotion and brilliance of Brahms’ dramatic concerto. A Soldier’s Tale & Dead Elvis: A unique pairing of Stravinsky’s theatrical piece with Daugherty’s whimsical “Dead Elvis.” Bruckner’s Mass No. 3 with the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: A majestic performance featuring the powerful voices of the Symphonic Mastersingers. Mozart’s Symphonie Concertante: An evening of elegance with Mozart. Donizetti’s Don Pasquale: Delight in this charming comedy with sparkling melodies and a delightful plot. 239.481.4849 | GulfCoastSymphony.org       |
1 week away! Co-op Advertising Program rolls out July 31
Co-op Advertising Program rolls out July 31 The Lee County VCB's Cooperative Advertising Program…
| Co-op Advertising Program rolls out July 31 The Lee County VCB’s Cooperative Advertising Program rollout for FY 2024-25 is just 1 week away! RSVP here to secure your spot. The program will be presented from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, in Room 118 of the Lee County Administration East Building, 2201 Second St., Fort Myers. This is a great opportunity for accommodation and attraction partners to learn more about a variety of marketing opportunities that leverage great exposure at an exceptional value. This preview gives everyone time to plan and budget for FY 2024-25 ahead of the purchase date. The Co-op Advertising Program includes the following categories: – Digital Media – Email marketing – International digital programs – Tradeshows and sales events – Travel Trade – Social Media – Website Advertising The Co-op buy-in will open promptly at 10:30 a.m. (EST) Thursday, Aug. 15, on a first- come, first-served basis. If you are not already registered for the program, please do so by contacting MMGY’s Joshua Lambert by noon on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at jlambert@ mmgy.com. SIGN UP FOR THE CO-OP ROLLOUT |
Heavenly Boy Band Kicks off the Season 27 Line-up
View this email in your browser COMING SOONPreviews begin September 17th When four…
View this email in your browser COMING SOON Previews begin September 17th  When four young singers, Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie, are struck by a car, they posthumously take the stage for one final gig in a goofy, 1950s nostalgia trip. The Plaids are a delightful bunch that you can’t help but fall in love with. This smash hit musical joyride is a loving, retro story about second chances. It’s filled with barbershop harmonies and pitch-perfect mel- odies, with swing, boogie-woogie, Latin, and Calypso music styles. Experi- ence timeless hits such as, “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing,” and more! MEET THE PLAIDS     The ensemble cast features New York-based actors Christopher Bailey, Caleb Funk, Steven Martella, and Jack Mastrianni, all making their Florida Rep debuts. Steven Zumbrun will accompany the troupe on piano. The Plaids take center stage in the ArtStage Studio Theatre September 17 – October 27. Tickets on sale now. Don’t wait… some performances are already sold out! FOREVER PLAID is sponsored by SAM GALLOWAY FORD-LINCOLN & LIGHTHOUSE WEALTH MANAGEMENT  Director and choreographer Michael Marotta (“Beguiled Again”) is joined by an expert creative team including musical director Steven Zumbrun (Florida Rep Debut), set designer Aaron Jackson (“Beguiled Again”), costume design- er Kristina Tollefson (“Driving Miss Daisy”), lighting designer and ensemble member Todd O. Wren (“The Importance of Being Earnest”), sound designer Braden Downing (“Late Nite Catechism”), and stage manager Mary Ruth Knackstedt FOREVER PLAID is “A joyous blast from the Past!” – Broadway World.  Single Tickets On Sale Now  Our promise to offer a wide variety of theatrical productions continues next season and we hope you will join us. Our line-up includes three musicals, a love story, a mystery, three zany comedies, and a provocative, sexy ‘date night’ play. CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR FULL SEASON 27 LINE-UP. Season 27 Subscriptions Still Available  Take some advice from “Beppo”… Secure the best seats at the best price and enjoy exclusive benefits next season with a PREMIUM subscription. Not ready to lock in performance dates yet? Consider a FLEX PASS to lock in low prices, then pick your performance dates later. PREVIEW subscriptions offer the best prices, but they sell out fast so don’t delay! Subscribers enjoy free parking 2 hours before curtain, no-fee* date changes, get $5 off additional tickets and receive a privilege card offering discounts to downtown area restaurants. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE! *See form for details and restrictions.  GATHER YOUR FRIENDS & SAVE! Call a group of friends, neighbors, or colleagues and enjoy Season 27 productions for less. Discounted pricing begins with groups of 10 or more. LEARN MORE HERE    Pictured above: Bradley Dean from Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors, and the cast of Hank Williams: Lost Highway. Florida Repertory Theatre is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, FEI #65-0827621. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Copyright © 2024 Florida Repertory Theatre, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you provided your email address to Florida Rep. Our mailing address is: Florida Repertory Theatre PO Box 2483 Fort Myers, FL 33902-2483 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
Fort Myers CRA BOC Meeting Notice
The Fort Myers CRA Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Meeting…
 The Fort Myers CRA Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Please note that the meeting scheduled is from 9 AM to Noon and may end earlier than anticipated. We encourage all attendees to arrive on time to ensure we can make the most of the scheduled time. The meeting is scheduled to be held at City Hall Chambers 2200 Second St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Please contact the CRA Office for assistance if needed. Phone: (239) 321-7100 Email: [email protected] We hope to see you there. Thank you! Reasonable Accommodations and Auxiliary Aids for Persons with Disabilities In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. To ensure availability, please submit your request at least one week (7 days) in advance of the scheduled meeting. Requests can be made by contacting the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at 239-321-7100 or [email protected]. Every effort will be made to provide accommodations that allow for full participation in our public meetings. Find Agenda Here Stay connected and learn more about your CRA! Click the Video and the Image Links Below:   Read the 2023 Annual Report In accordance with s. 163.356(3)(c), Florida Statutes, the annual report for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of Fort Myers, Florida, has been filed with the city. This report includes information on activities for the preceding fiscal year, and a complete financial statement setting forth assets, liabilities, income, and operating expenses as of the end of the fiscal year. 2023 Annual Report |
Become a "Friend of FGCU Academy" Supporter
Hundreds of lectures. Knowledgeable instructors. Join us in-person at one of our 19 locations or…
| Hundreds of lectures. Knowledgeable instructors. Join us in-person at one of our 19 locations or participate online.  JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2024 PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE OR VIA PHONE Keep your mind active and engaged! Register for a lecture with FGCU Academy! FGCU Academy Needs Your Support Today to Ensure that Our Critical Mission of Adult Education and Enrichment Continues! FGCU Academy is a 501c(3) not for profit organization and is embarking on a campaign to build a “Friends of FGCU Academy” Program. By becoming a “Friend of FGCU Academy”, you will represent a vital group of supporters who continue to believe in the success and vibrancy of our organization; assist with our ability to help attract distinguished guest speak- ers and assist with our operating expenses. FGCU Academy serves all who want to join in the journey of lifelong learning. The fact is that the revenue generated through memberships and fees provides for only 50% of our annual operating costs. Additionally, our attendance has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, so revenue is much lower than in the past. Our passion keeps us moving forward and your donation will do the same. Please take a few minutes to consider donating to en- sure our continued success. By making a simple donation of $100, your name will be added to our “Friends of FGCU Academy” List and will be published in our three catalogs for one year. Your donation makes a difference in strengthening the work we do in the community. Your support will allow the Academy to continue to offer more than 1,500 diverse and fascinating programs at more than twenty-two locations throughout SWFL. As a supporter of FGCU Academy, you will help support us in attracting distinguished guest speakers. Through our mission we promise to enrich the lives, minds and social well-being of more than 10,000 SWFL adults and seniors that participate in our programs each year. To become a Friend of FGCU Academy supporter – you can contact our office by calling 239.434.4737, visit our website at Academy | Online Giving (fgcu.edu) or mail a check to FGCU Academy at 704 Goodlette Frank Rd N./Suite 330 / Naples, FL. 34102 VIEW SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE HERE REGISTER FOR SUMMER COURSES HERE Call our office for assistance with your registrations at 239.434.4737. Featured Lectures Thursday & Friday July 25 & 26 Double Feature with Jeffrey Steinberg You can participate in -person or online from the comfort of your own home  A Republic If You Can Keep It: America at a Crossroads July 25 | 1:30 – 3pm, Thursday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Presented by Jeffrey Steinberg With so much attention and angst focused on the 2024 presidential election and concerns about the continued viability of our system of government, this lecture looks back on the Constitutional convention, the ratification debate, and the amendments to give historical context to the current situation.  Changing Dynamics in the Middle East July 26 | 10 – 11:30am, Friday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Presented by Jeffrey Steinberg The Middle East is a melting pot of religions, tribes, political movements and nation- states carved out of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. It is a region going through tectonic changes: The Abraham Accords linking Arab states with Israel, the challenge of a nuclear Iran, the rise of China and Russia as leading outside players challenging the once-dominant U.S. regional role. Join a 40-year national security affairs analyst as he dissects and analyzes these new dynamics and what may emerge.  Mishandling Classified Documents – Disparate Treatment? July 26 | 10:30 – 12pm, Friday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Presented by Tom Eastwood Join a retired special agent in a candid, non-partisan review of the legal case against Donald Trump for allegedly mishandling classified information. Legal issues and topics include: allegations and charges; precedent; selective prosecution; disparate treatment; comparison to Clinton and Biden; obstruction of justice; was politics a factor; was he negligent; is prosecution warranted; and the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago. Week Ahead July 29 – August 2 Monday July 29 – U.S. National Security Council: Pivotal Role in Coordinating U.S. Foreign and Defense Policy Thursday August 1 – Emotional Intelligence – A Tool for Living a More Positive Life Friday August 2 – Beginning of New Session – Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture and Flexibility (3-part series) Day Trip  Ringling Museum of Art and Circus August 15 | 8am – 7pm, Thursday Sarasota We are almost sold out! Limited to 20 people total. Ringling’s vision to create a world-class art museum was realized with the creation of the Museum of Art’s original 21 galleries where they have been wowing visitors ever since with a stunning array of European art from the medieval period to the 19th century. Your day includes admission to the Art Museum – where you will begin with a docent led private tour, The Circus Museum and Bayfront Gardens, a box lunch as well as a seat at the Summer Spectacular Show which showcases some of the most thrilling circus artists from around the world in performances that will entertain and delight audiences of all ages. De- parture information will be emailed 3 days prior to the trip. Itineraries are subject to change. No refunds within 10 business days of departure. Travel with FGCU Academy  Click Below to View 2024 Travel Open House Presentation  Southern Italy & Sicily September 4-18, 2024 15 days for $6,674 View Brochure  Southeast Asia Odysseys October 31-November 18, 2024 19 days for $7,597 View Brochure  Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024 River Cruise September 17 – 28, 2024 12 days from $5,469 View Brochure  Jewels of the Rhine 2024 River Cruise September 20 – 30, 2024 11 days from $4,925 View Brochure 2025 TRAVEL PROGRAMS  Cuba: Art, Culture & History In Support of the Cuban People March 3 – 9, 2025 Traveling to Cuba has been described as “life-changing.” VIEW BROCHURE  Natural Treasures of Indonesia, Borneo & Taiwan Yacht Cruise Departure: April 1, 2025 View Brochure View Video Presentation  Northern Italy: From the Alps to the Adriatic Departure August 20, 2025 View Brochure  Journey Through Central Europe Departure: August 30, 2025 View Brochure  Insider’s Japan Departure September 8, 2025 View Brochure  Paradores and Pousadas: Portugal & Spain Departure: September 15, 2025 View Brochure  Machu Picchu to the Galapagos Departure October 28, 2025 View Brochure  Egypt and the Eternal Nile Departure: November 17, 2025 View Brochure  Moroccan Discovery: From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara Departure November 18, 2025 View Brochure  Portugal and the Douro River Cruise Departure: September 17, 2025 View Brochure View Video Presentation  Gems of Eastern Europe River Cruise Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Departure September 24, 2025 View Brochure View Video Presentation Travel Abroad with FGCU Academy Call our office 239.434.4737 for assistance with registration or Click to View our Website DONATE NOW     FGCU Academy FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330 Naples, FL 34102 239.434.4737 [email protected] |