Stores host Halloween Headquarters for sustainable options
Fort Myers, FL – As summer wanes and Halloween approaches, it’s time to start planning costumes and decorations. Goodwill has increasingly become a go-to destination for holiday preparations. Their stores are once again transformed into Halloween Headquarters, offering a wide selection of seasonal items.
Cost-conscious parents can find costumes for the entire family at affordable prices. From pop culture icons to traditional spooky attire, the selection is diverse. But, in addition to traditional manufactured costumes, Goodwill is an excellent source for DIY costumes. By piecing together items found on the racks, shoppers can pull together a unique look that will make them standout this season.
“The magic of Halloween shopping at Goodwill is discovering a costume or décor piece that reflects your personality and at a fraction of the cost you’d find elsewhere,” said Director of Merchandising Heather Vaughan. “Each year, we see shoppers come in and leave with something they never expected to find.”,
According to Vaughan, these are the top six reasons to shop Goodwill for Halloween:
You can find unique costumes that are different from what you might find in a big box store. The quality is usually better and more authentic.
You can save money. Most of the big box Halloween store costumes are expensive!
Get Creative. You can use your imagination to find pieces and put together a unique costume. We carry an array of new goods accessories to pair with donated textiles.
You can find everything you need to decorate your home. We have hundreds of donated items that we collect all year and a mix of trending new goods items.
Help saves the planet. By buying second hand, you help to keep items from going to the landfill. Reuse and Recycle!
Helps to support Goodwill’s Mission. You’ll help people get jobs. Your purchases help fund programs and services in your community that help people get jobs and improve their lives.
Ninety-three cents of every dollar spent at Goodwill is reinvested in local programs and services.
When you shop at Goodwill, you’re not just getting a great deal, you’re supporting your community and making a real difference in people’s lives.
Vaughan encourages shoppers to visit early and often to view the best Halloween selections.
“Each day, as items are purchased, fresh items are brought to the sales floor. I’m not exaggerating when I say that thousands of new pieces are placed for sale each day,” she said.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. For information on how Goodwill SWFL positively impacts the community, visit www.Goodwillswfl.org
City of Fort Myers announces free on-street downtown parking all weekend and extends free after 5 p.m. weekday parking
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 6, 2024) – Beginning tomorrow, Sept. 7, the City of Fort Myers is implementing free on-street parking all day on weekends and an indefinite extension to the free after 5 p.m. weekday on-street parking in downtown Fort Myers.
At the Sept. 3 Fort Myers City Council Meeting, for both on-street and City Hall parking, a motion unanimously passed by councilmembers to indefinitely extend free after 5 p.m. weekdays and enact free parking all day on weekends. On-street parking will remain free all day on holidays. Digital signage on the parking kiosks and mobile applications will inform users that no payment is required after 5 p.m. or on the weekend.
The changes exclude parking garages and will remain in effect unless otherwise determined in the future by City Council.
At the Aug. 5 Fort Myers City Council Meeting, councilmembers voted to temporarily extend the free on-street parking after 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday through Sept. 30, 2024, while the Caloosahatchee Bridge was closed for renovations. Previously, on-street parking was already free all day on Sundays.
During the off-season and year-round, City officials invite residents and visitors to experience downtown Fort Myers and support businesses and special events, as well as encourage downtown business owners and employees to utilize the Royal Palm Lot permitting program to keep on-street parking available for patrons.
The monies generated from paid parking are used to fund the operations and maintenance of the garages, related equipment, on-street parking program, debt repayments, capital improvements, and possible funding towards a new garage.
About the City of Fort Myers Incorporated in 1886, the City of Fort Myers is committed to providing exceptional municipal services to residents, businesses and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner while preserving the City’s rich history, diverse culture and charming lifestyle. To carry out its mission, the City of Fort Myers strives to provide economic opportunity, personal growth and a high quality of life surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, while fostering an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive. To learn more and get involved, visit www.cityftmyers.com.
Boys & Girls Clubs to host Annual Golf Tournament on Oct. 3
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County has announced its fourth Annual Golf Tournament will be held Oct. 3 at The Club at Renaissance in Fort Myers.
The tournament includes 18 holes of championship golf along with on-course activities and challenges, raffle prizes and dinner. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will assist with a closest-to-the-pin helicopter ball drop as part of the fundraising activities.
A new venue for the annual tournament, The Club at Renaissance is a picturesque, Arthur Hills-designed 18-hole golf course featuring rolling fairways, lakeside vistas and stunning wildlife. In 2023, the event raised $50,000 to enhance Boys & Girls Clubs’ After-school Program and Summer Enrichment Camp. Both programs serve Lee County youth ages six through 18 and focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation.
“The money we raise at the golf tournament helps clubs offer high-quality, transformational programming to children and teens in Lee County,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. “We know our programs are successful, and fundraising is a critical component of our ability to expand these programs and give opportunities to additional youth to reach their full potential.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County offers multiple player packages and sponsorship opportunities.
PLAYER PACKAGES
Drive Package ($1,000): player registration fee for four golfers, four mulligans, three raffle tickets per player and a company logo on a hole flag. Pro Package ($800): player registration fee for four golfers, four mulligans and three raffle tickets per player. Team Package ($700): player registration fee for four golfers. Additionally, Boys & Girls Clubs is offering a Pro Package for $50 that includes one mulligan and three raffle tickets. Raffle tickets are $20 each or $100 for seven tickets.
Early sponsors include LMCU and Charles Schwab as Title Sponsors. Additional Sponsors include Lee Health (Golf Course Sponsor), Suncoast Contractor Supply (Lunch Sponsor), Wayne Wiles (Hat & Water Bottle Sponsor), Pacific Peak (Ball Sponsor), Suncoast Credit Union (Eagle Sponsor), Sherwin Williams (Chipping/Putting Sponsor), JJ Taylor (Beverage Cart Sponsor), and Memorial Gardens, Coke Florida and Sharetea (Birdie Sponsors).
The Annual Golf Tournament will be held Thursday, Oct. 3 at The Club at Renaissance, 12801 Renaissance Way in Fort Myers. Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. and the shotgun start is at 1:30 p.m. For more information about player packages and sponsorships, please visit BGClee.org/events/2024-golf-tournament.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County
Established in 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County serve children and teens through school-based, neighborhood and community club locations. The nonprofit’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. After-school and summer programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. For more information, please visit BGClee.org or call 239-334-1886.
Are YOU looking to …. –BUILD your resume? -IMPROVE job productivity? -ENTER the workforce?
SIGN-UP TODAY!!!!
We are so pleased to be offering FREE Soft Skill classes for our adult community in Southwest Florida.
What are SOFT SKILLS? Soft skills are general traits not specific to any job, helping employees excel in any workplace.
These skills relate to how you interact with colleagues, solve problems, and manage your work.
Improving your soft skills improve your employability and productivity in your professional career.
What is UPSKILL VILLAGE? These FREE classes are offered to any Lee County Resident, ages 16 and older, who is looking to improve soft skills and upskill his/her resume in the professional realm.
Each participant will earn a micro-credential digital badge upon completion of the course.
In order to take these classes, student must be proficient in English. Para formar parte de esta clase, el estudiante debe dominar el idioma ingles. Pou ka pran klass sa, etidyan ta sipoze pale angle tres byen.
REGISTER USING LINKS BELOW Sign-up for email updates HERE
LOCATION: Lee County Public Education Center 2855 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33966
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING MON. 6 – 8 pm class dates: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7 REGISTER HERE
CRITICAL THINKING TUES.5 – 7 pm class dates: 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8 REGISTER HERE
INITIATIVE WED.6 – 8 pm class dates: 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9 REGISTER HERE
If you have any QUESTIONS please contact Marliss Brockington at 239.939.6321 or [email protected]
Keegan Myers has been hired by Lee Health Foundation as marketing communications coordinator to support the foundation’s marketing objectives with a focus on content creation, public relations, social media management, media relations, website management and email marketing.
Myers has served as social media coordinator for Lee Health since September 2022, where she increased follower engagement across Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital’s social media platforms, enhancing public awareness of Lee Health’s services and fostering connections through impactful stories and information.
Myers holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of South Florida (2021) and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University (2023).
For additional information about the role of philanthropy at Lee Health or how you can make a difference for healthcare in your community, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The Foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples. Over the last year, the Foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
James and Barbara Moore Observatory 2024-25 Viewing Schedule
September 6, 2024 – Punta Gorda, FLA – The James and Barbara Moore Observatory, located on the Florida SouthWestern College (FSW) Charlotte Campus in Punta Gorda, will open for its 2024-25 public viewing sessions in September.
Public viewings will be held on the fourth Friday of each month. These events are open to the public, no reservation required. The viewing will begin 30 minutes after sunset and will conclude between 10-11 p.m., weather permitting. The FSW Charlotte Campus is located at 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.
Schedule of Observatory Viewing Sessions for 2024-25:
Sept.27, 2024
Oct. 25, 2024
Nov. 22, 2024
Dec. 27, 2024
Jan. 24, 2025
Feb. 28, 2025
Mar.28, 2025
Apr. 25, 2025
May 23, 2025
Additional observation sessions may be scheduled or changed depending on celestial events.
The site will be closed September 17-19 for maintenance work. Due to roadwork on McGregor Boulevard, visitors should access the site through a rear entrance. Click here to view the detour map.
Digital Discussions
Digital Discussion: O Say Can You See – The Story of Fort McHenry and the Star-Spangled Banner September 17, 10:30 a.m.
Revere the tenacity of those who carried our nation in history! On September 13, 1814, the Battle of Baltimore occurred a few weeks after Bristish troops attacked Washington D.C., burning the United States Capitol, the Treasury Building, and the White House. Join Museum Manager, Holly Shaffer, for this free virtual presentation. Click here to register online.
Just for Kids
Homeschool Series – Historical Engineering Marvels: Ancient Egypt Grades 1-3: September 4 and 12, 10 a.m. Grades 4-6: September 5 and 11, 10 a.m.
Become acquainted with the unique culture and earliest people through their unique structures! Classes are for grades 1-6 and facilitate homeschool or virtual science education. Advance reg- istration is required. Register online at edisonford.org. Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $25
Membership
Membership News
Membership is the key to unlocking wisdom of what others have created! Join or renew through September and be entered into a drawing to win a Family membership and an Edison Ford cap when you join or renew. You can keep the membership for your- self (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 purchases 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.
Timeless beauty resides where classical music is performed by Curatorial Registrar, Chet, 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.
The Tropical Lilac, Cornutia grandiflora, is sheathed with layers of fuzzy purple flowers. This ornamental shrub is native to Mexico and the Caribbean and can reach heights between 12 and 15 feet tall. In late spring through early summer, this garden gem will produce small purple flowers that form in clusters along its tall stems. Before the blooms open, they look like balls of fuzz. The flowers are not scented; however, the velvety leaves that surround the blooms have a fragrance similar to a lilac. This is a great pollinator plant that attracts bees and butterflies. For best growth, plant this shrub in areas that receive partial sun. This shrub is located in the Garden Shoppe.
False Rubberwood
The blooms of the False Rubberwood, Mascaren- hasia arborescens, are popping like popcorn! It is a large shrub or small tree that can reach heights up to 20 feet tall. This plant is native to East Africa and Madagascar. From the late spring through sum- mer, it will produce clusters of small flowers with five overlapping petals and a yellow center that are said to smell like buttered popcorn. After blooming, pairs of elliptical fruits will emerge (not edible). Its bark contains a white latex that was used in Mada- gascar to produce rubber in the 1900s. This unique plant can grow in full sun or partial shade. Visitors can find the False Rubberwood next to the Kapok Tree behind the propagating nursery.
News
13 Staff members recognized for E-Award Nomination
Each year, the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau recognizes people who go the extra mile to generate authentic experiences throughout Southwest Florida, with a focus on quality customer service at the Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service awards! We were so honored to have 13 staff members nominated for this prestigious recognition. Please give a special shoutout to Horticulture Pro- grams Coordinator and Horticulture Specialist, Karen Maxwell for winning an honorable mention award in the Attractions category for her efforts to welcome and striving to be inclusive to all needs through her work on developing a sensory tour for the deaf/blind community. Congratulations to all of our staff who were nominated. We appreciate your hard work and commitment to the Estates’ mission each day! The nominees for this award include:
Ashley Farquhar, Membership Services Barbara Edris, Guest Services Breanna Alexander, Marketing and Public Relations Assistant Dave Foster, Garden Shoppe Manager Karen Maxwell, Horticultural Specialist and Horticulture Programs Coordinator Karen Mejia, Custodian Kathy Arthur, Security Coordinator Lars Cain, Guest Services Lindsey Lutarewych, Events Manager Maisen Clark, Events Coordinator Matt Andres, Curator Michael Flanders, President and CEO Stacy Hoemke, Guest Services
On This Day in History
National Read a Book Day
Books are one of the most fascinating ways to go to different places and step into someone else’s shoes from the comforts of your own space! It was said that Thomas Edison loved books as much as he loved inventing. Edison had roughly 1,000 books in his library at Seminole Lodge and more than 10,000 books at his full-time residence, Glenmont in West Orange, New Jersey. That did not include the books he took out from the library, which were reported to be entire libraries when he was traveling during his teenage years. Edison attended formal school for only three months and was homeschooled by his mother, who encouraged him to read literature across different subjects. His home was a thought bench, surrounded by a library of reference books, including Watt’s Encyclopedia, which Charles shared was one of Mr. Edison’s most valuable resources. He kept a series of books that covered many topics, stating “I’m on a campaign, and I’ve got to get all the references that I can about a certain chemical or process. He recruited his entire family to go through books and mark any place that mentioned a particular process or chemical he wanted to research. If there was a reference to a book he didn’t have, they made a notation of the source.
One of his favorite authors was Thomas Paine, the American Revolution literary patriot. He also enjoyed work by technology hero, Michael Faraday. The knowledge that Edison gained from reading inspired him to implement the concept of corporate libraries, so his employees would have the most up-to-date informa- tion at their disposal. When you tour the estate, you will see newspapers, technical drawings and books crowded around his desk in the main house library.
The Fort Myers CRA Board of Commissioners and the Advisory Board will hold its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Board of Commissioners 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Advisory Board 5:00 PM to 8:00 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 meetings are 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.
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.
Mark your calendars for all of our events for the 2024-2025 season! We hope you can sponsor or attend one or all of these events. Supporting CMON means you be- lieve that all children deserve to not only have high-quality educational experiences but also have a great time doing it.
Upcoming 2024-25 Events
Backyard Bash: November 15
Mark your calendars for Backyard Bash, a 21+ event that invites adults to feel like kids again! Enjoy an evening playing bigger-than-life backyard games, dinner from local food trucks, a curated beer and wine beverage selection, live music, and chances to win exciting prizes.
Night at the Museum: The Color Factory – February 8, 2025
Save the Date for Night at the Museum: the most fantastic gala in Naples host- ed by event chairs Ashley & Adam Gerry and Lily & Arsen Ustayev, as well as honorary chairs Barbara & John Jordan! Known for its playful themes and an extraordinary experience, Night at the Museum and CMON are embracing all things Pop Art for this year’s iconic evening supporting CMON’s mission!
CMON is hosting our third annual Golf Scramble fundraiser on Saturday, May 10, to benefit the museum’s mission. This event will be hosted at The Club at The Strand.
Support or attend our exceptional nights, designed for students with disabilities, and discovery nights, designed for children in shelters or foster care.
Take a walk into the world of The Plaids with Producing Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen who sheds light on the story of Forever Plaid as described by the author Stuart Ross. WATCH VIDEO NOW.
Sponsored by Sam Galloway Ford-Lincoln | Lighthouse Wealth Management
CAST & CREW in the House!
Actors, directors and stage crew have arrived, and FOREVER PLAID rehearsals are
underway! Our New York-based actors are ready to transform into THE PLAIDS
with the help of Director and Choreographer Michael Marotta and Music Director
Stephen Zumbrun.
PICTURED ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Stephen Zumbrun, Noah Warford, MR Knackstedt, Jameson Stobbe, Rey Hankinson, Steven Martella, Michael Marotta, Caleb Funk, Christopher Bailey, and Stephen Christopher Anthony.
PLAID in the News!
Read an interview with Producing Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen and Forever Plaid Director Michael Marotta in the Aug 28th issue of FLORIDA WEEKLY. In the article, Marotta described the production as an homage to the four-part harmony male groups of the 50s and 60s wrapped around a funny, sweet, and charming storyline. Longenhagen shared insight on the theatre’s selections for the season. READ MORE HERE.
Florida Repertory Theatre was also mentioned in the article about the up- coming ISLAND HOPPER SONGWRITER FEST. Florida Rep is pleased to host singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele on Thursday, September 26.
Florida Rep Education Conservatory Theatre production of Disney’s Freaky Friday, A New Musical, will be performed in the Historic Arcade Theatre Sept. 27-29. The pro- duction is directed by Megan Leonard, with music direction by Rosalind Metcalf, chore- ography by Robin Dawn, and performed by local SWFL youth. Tickets are $30 adults $15 youth.
Come out to support our talented education students! BUY TICKETS HERE!
Freaky Friday, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on the mother- daughter body-swapping story derived from the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films.
Sponsored by Lynne Birdt
“A delightfully entertaining show with catchy tunes and a heartwarming story.”
– The New York Times
DANCE MASTERCLASS with Broadway Star Lily Kren!
This Sunday (Sept 8), students ages 12 and up are invited to join us for a dance master- class with Lily Kren, star of the Broadway Revival of THE WHO’S TOMMY! Students will learn choreography and participate in a Q&A with the Broadway actress, and former Florida Rep Conservatory performer. LEARN MORE HERE
Single tickets start at $67 each (Arcade musicals start at $71).
SEASON 27 subscriptions are also available and start as low as $246. Don’t miss your opportunity to secure the best seats in the house at significant savings, enjoy free parking, get $5 off additional tickets, and a privilege card with restaurant discounts.
FOREVER PLAID and FREAKY FRIDAY The New Musical, are both presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
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.