Members News
Moving More Water South: Celebrating the Completion of a Key Restoration Project in Everglades National Park
News Release South Florida Water Management District and National Park Service Celebrate Completion of Key…
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| News Release |
| South Florida Water Management District and National Park Service Celebrate Completion of Key Everglades Restoration Project Improvements will increase the flow of clean, freshwater south  Pictured from Left to Right: Cara Capp, National Parks Conservation Association; Board Member Ben Butler, SFWMD; Board Member Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, SFWMD; Irela Bague, Chief Bay Officer, Miami-Dade County; Col. James Booth, USACE – Jacksonville District; Secretary Shawn Hamilton, DEP; Director Drew Bartlett, SFWMD; Assistant Secretary Tanya Trujillo, U.S. Dept. of the Interior; Chairman Chauncey Goss, SFWMD; Superintendent Pedro Ramos; Eric Eikenberg, Everglades Foundation; Board Member Charlette Roman, SFWMD; Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron, SFWMD; Sen. René García, Miami-Dade County; Director Roger Young, FWC EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, Fla. – Today, the South Florida Water Management District and the National Park Service completed an environmental restoration project in Everglades National Park that will increase the flow of clean, freshwater through the park. The Taylor Slough Flow Improvement Project will move more water south through to Florida Bay, where it is needed to balance salinity levels and promote ecological health. “Thanks to our partners and the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the South Florida Water Management District continues to complete Everglades restoration projects that protect our water resources, store and clean water, and send record flows of water south,” said South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Chairman Chauncey Goss. “The completion of this and other projects are making our region’s water resources more resilient and protecting the way of life in South Florida.” “Partnership projects such as this Taylor Slough Flow Improvement Project are essential to getting the water right in Everglades National Park,” said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks. “Completing this project in time for the rainy season means Florida Bay will benefit immediately from additional flows of the clean fresh water it needs to thrive.” The Taylor Slough Flow Improvement Project included the installation of 18 culverts at nine locations along a 3.2-mile section of Old Ingraham Highway in Everglades National Park to improve the distribution of freshwater flows and restore natural plant communities and wetlands. The project supports the overall restoration goals of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) – the world’s largest and most ambitious ecosystem restoration effort. CERP is led by the South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and implementing CERP involves important partners at the local, state, federal, and Tribal levels. The overall goals of CERP include reducing damaging discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal estuaries and restoring the quality, quantity, timing and distribution of water to the historical flow of water through the Everglades. Taylor Slough is located in the southeastern part of Everglades National Park and was historically a major contributor of freshwater to Florida Bay. The duration, timing and extent of wetland inundation of Taylor Slough’s interconnected wetlands and freshwater flows through Florida Bay are a critical component of the Everglades ecosystem. In the early 1920’s, surface flow was substantially reduced by the construction of Old Ingraham Highway, which was opened as the first motorway to Flamingo, a small fishing village on the edge of Florida Bay. Old Ingraham Highway acted as a dam, cutting off and redirecting freshwater flow away from Taylor Slough. Additional infrastructure changes, including the building of the regional flood control system known as the Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project, have also reduced the flow of water to this important ecological resource. Record State funding for Everglades restoration has allowed the South Florida Water Management District and our federal partners to expedite the completion of projects that improve water management across South Florida, reduce harmful estuary discharges, and allow more clean, freshwater water to be moved south to Everglades National Park and onto Florida Bay. Media Resources Download Video of Taylor Slough Flow Improvement Project Ribbon Cutting Download Video of Taylor Slough and Everglades National Park Download Photos Media Contact: Randy Smith | rrsmith@sfwmd.gov | Office: 561-682-6197 | Cell: 561-389-3386 The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders. |
Healthy Lee June Newsletter—Happenings Around Lee County
View this email in your browser HEALTHY LEE JUNE NEWSLETTER June is Alzheimer's &…
View this email in your browser  HEALTHY LEE JUNE NEWSLETTER June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month  Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is an opportunity to join the global conversation about the brain, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Everyone is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s, a fatal disease that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. During the month of June, the Alzheimer’s Association asks people around the world to “go purple” and fight Alzheimer’s disease. Learn More Community Partner Happenings  Busey Bank, Run for Prevention Sponsorships Behavioral Health The Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida would like to invite you to become a sponsor for our 2024 Busey Bank 5K Run for Prevention. Go to info@drugfreeswfl.org to sponsor. Read More  Yoga and Mindfulness Summer Camp Health and Wellness Summer Camp for young women ages 13-18. Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14th 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Read More  Mental Health First Aid Training Behavioral Health The Division of Community Health Promotion invites you to register for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Workshops and Trainings. Register  Faith Community Nurse Training Health and Wellness “Faith Community nursing is a unique, specialized practice of professional nursing that focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as part of the process of promoting holistic health and preventing or minimizing illness in a faith community.” Read More  Pride, Not Prejudice Conference Behavioral Health The event encourages and trains mental health professionals and clinicians who work with or are interested in working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at The Collaboratory from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Register  Healthy Life Center Classes View and RSVP for Classes Important Information  SalusCare has reopened the building at 10140 Deer Run Farms Road. Read More  There are now two (2) 14-day sales tax holidays for disaster preparedness supplies. Read More  Remember to practice bicycle and pedestrian safety this summer and all the time! Read More Highlights from Healthy Lee  From left to right: Melvin Curry, Salvation Army; Tim Unger, Gulf Coast Medical Center (GCMC) dining services manager; Ann Harris, Salvation Army; Tom Dudley, GCMC cook. Healthy Lee and Lee Health Hurricane Food Supply Donation Program Health and Wellness To help in the fight against hunger in our communities, Lee Health launched its Surplus Hurricane Supply Food Donation program in June 2022. Developed by Healthy Lee, the initiative safely diverts hospital food to organizations that feed people who are food insecure, which means they lack consistent access to enough food for every person in their home to live an active, healthy life. The photo above represents the most recent example of the program. Read More  The Healthy Lee movement was created to empower and inspire visitors and the people of SWFL to live a life of optimal health and well-being by making healthy lifestyle choices through education and action. This newsletter gives you access to our valuable resources and news. Please feel free to submit your organization’s events to www.HealthyLee.com under the Events tab. If you require assistance, please email cheryl.schlichte@leehealth.org. Read More Follow Us on Social    Copyright © 2023 Healthy Lee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Healthy Lee 4211 Metro Parkway, Suite 300 Suite 300 Ft. Myers, Florida 33916 Add us to your address book |
Fort Myers CRA Advisory Board Meeting Notice
The Fort Myers CRA Advisory Board will hold its Regular Meeting on…
 The Fort Myers CRA Advisory Board will hold its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Please note that the meeting scheduled is from 5-7 pm 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. Meeting will be held in City Council Chambers. Please contact the CRA Office for assistance if needed. Phone: (239) 321-7100 Email: fmcra@cityftmyers.com We hope to see you there. Thank you! More Information Stay connected and learn more about your CRA! Click the Video and the Image Links Below:   Read the 2022 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. 2022 Annual Report |
| City of Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency 1400 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
Reminder: Volunteer With Us @ FRINGE Fort Myers 🦩
Discover a world that promises to stimulate your imagination and inspire new ways…
 Discover a world that promises to stimulate your imagination and inspire new ways of seeing and thinking. Share your talents with the world and volunteer with us! Volunteer With Us @ FRINGE Fort Myers: Performing Arts Festival • June 2nd – June 4th starting at 12:00 p.m. •  Last chance to be part of the Flock! We still have spots available to help out in the first ever Fort Myers FRINGE festival. Volunteer positions for May 29th-June 1st have been filled, but spots are still available for June 2nd-4th. Be a part of history by volunteering for this highly anticipated event! Flock yeah! We’re FINALLY introducing Fringe Fort Myers – the newest Fringe performing arts festival in the United States and the first ever in southwest Florida! With 51 performances on 4 different stages, Fringe Fort Myers has something for everyone – from one-person shows, to dance and music, magic, stand-up comedy and so much more. Most shows are 60 minutes in length, some are shorter. This inaugural event maintains long-standing Fringe traditions of being 100% independent, 100% unique and 100% inclusive. Even better, 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists. Which means you’re 100% guaranteed to have the single greatest experience of your life. Enjoy shows for all ages with Kids Fringe! Join us for our Free FRINGEFamily Art lab experience on June 3rd at 10am, and June 4th at 12pm; Join Alice from Alice in Wonderland for an interactive, family friendly show happening at the Alliance for the Arts. Available volunteer positions for this Festival start on May 29th 2023 and end June 4th at 7:30pm. Positions include, but are not limited to: – Music Stage Help – Performance Ushers – Bartenders – Noise control Help – And so much more! There are no training sessions required for any available volunteering positions, as we are moving back to paper ticket sales. Information about volunteer check-in will be sent out on May 29th by 9:00am and a reminder on May 31st by 9:00am! We are currently asking for : -up to 19 individuals for June 2nd -up to 38 individuals for June 3rd – -up to 32 individuals for June 4th Scan or click hereto find more info on volunteer times!  Sign Up to Volunteer → Find Out More → Coming Up Next…  Arts Education Help – Summer Arts/Musical Theatre Camp Volunteers Looking to fill more hours over the summer? Our Summer camp is still in need of volunteers for our upcoming sessions on June 19th-August 4th. Volunteer positions are offered to students at least 14 years of age or older, who want to gain experience with Arts Education in a summer setting. Interested? Click here for our Summer camp volunteer application. Want to connect with Alliance for the Arts as a Volunteer? Our mission is to transform lives and improve our community through the arts. We’d love to introduce you to what Alliance for the Arts does for the arts and for our community. From building theatre sets to representing the Alliance at community events, volunteer opportunities are endless. To our current volunteers: We thank you for your hard-work and dedication to the Alliance, we wouldn’t be the same without you! Become a Volunteer→ See Upcoming Events→ Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org 239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre • Digital Arts Lab  Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko And incredible people like you! |
Tax Relief for Small Businesses
Governor DeSantis Signs Tax Relief Proposed by FCF/FFC on Behalf of Small Business Owners FCF/FFC…
Governor DeSantis Signs Tax Relief Proposed by
FCF/FFC on Behalf of Small Business Owners
FCF/FFC advocacy efforts pay off as Florida legislature eliminates
double taxation of SBA 504 loans
May 26, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital (FCF/FFC) won big for small businesses in Florida during this legislative session. Working hand-in-hand with members of the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate, FCF/FFC secured passage of language addressing the double taxation of SBA 504 loans.
“This is a huge win for both small business owners and our lending partners,” said Todd Kocourek, FCF/FFC President and CEO. “By signing this bill, the state has provided flexibility in structuring loans, reduced lender risk, and removed the double taxation many small business owners incurred.”
FCF/FFC has 40 years of experience working with private-sector lenders to provide small business owners in Florida with long-term, fixed-interest below-market financing through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program. These loans are used by businesses to buy or build commercial property and purchase heavy-duty machinery and equipment.
The passage of this year’s tax package eliminates the requirement for additional documentary and intangible taxes when issuing a note to transfer interim loans to an SBA loan.
The unfair language of the original statute was evident to legislators who saw no reason to impose additional taxation on 504 loans to small business owners simply because the named lender on the interim loan was different than the one on the first mortgage.
Governor DeSantis signed the legislation into law on May 25, 2023, and it goes into effect July 1, 2023.
FCF/FFC thanks the legislature and the Governor for passing such an important piece of tax relief for small business owners and borrowers.
About First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital
With 40 years of experience, FCF/FFC is one of the nation’s top-ranked CDCs promoting economic development and job creation in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. FCF/FFC is a non-profit-certified development company promoting economic development and job creation.
Under the SBA 504 Loan Program, FCF/FFC works with private-sector lenders to provide eligible small business owners in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia with below-market, fixed-interest rate long-term financing to buy or build commercial property and/or purchase fixed heavy-duty machinery and equipment. Florida First Capital also lends under the Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund as well as the Florida Recycling Loan Program and other small business assistance programs.
Get in Touch: Email us at info@ffcfc.com or call us toll-free at 800.504.LOAN.
Stay Informed: Visit our website to sign up for monthly interest rate releases plus the latest small business lending information through e-alerts and our monthly e-newsletter.
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Thank you,
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| Gloria Mendez Project Assistant |  |
| Become Fluent in Floridian with SalterMitchell PR Ofc: (850) 681-3200 www.SMPRFlorida.com Partner in IPREX, the global communication network | |
Community Cooperative Announces June Mobile Food Pantry Times and Locations
FORT MYERS, FL. (May 29, 2023) – Community Cooperative has released its food pantry schedule…
FORT MYERS, FL. (May 29, 2023) – Community Cooperative has released its food pantry schedule for June. Now that school is out, the typical times for certain locations have changed.
The Mobile Food Pantry program is one of Community Cooperative’s most innovative ways to bring food and assistance to neighborhoods with high food insecurity and that lack resources.
ID is required for all attendees and bringing bags is encouraged with a limit of one mobile food pantry visit per month per household address.
The Community Market is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon for emergency groceries at the main campus, located at 3429 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Fort Myers for those who cannot access a mobile site.
If you are interested in financially supporting, volunteering for, or have any questions about our Growing Healthy Kids & Families program, please visit us at www.CommunityCooperative.com or call 239-332-SOUP (7687).
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.
Media Contact: Savahnah Pierre, Communications Coordinator, Savahnah@communitycooperative.com or call (239)332-7687 ext. 105
Upcoming SFWMD Public Meetings
Meeting Notice Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings…
 Meeting Notice Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings and events in the next three weeks. For a list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance. Meeting format varies for each meeting, and some meetings may be in-person only, virtual only, or a hybrid of both formats. Take note of upcoming SFWMD public meetings  What: Governing Board Meeting When: June 8 at 9:00 a.m. Meeting information and materials will be posted seven days before the meeting date at sfwmd.gov/meetings.  What: Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative Meeting When: June 12 at 12:00 p.m. Meeting Information Many SFWMD meetings are conducted via Zoom, a free online meeting tool. You can learn more about attending a Zoom meeting and even run a test on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Please note, you must have the latest version of Zoom to attend SFWMD meetings conducted on Zoom. The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders. |
Seeing bears in unexpected areas? What you should do:
May 30, 2023 Photos available Suggested Tweet: Juvenile #bears are leaving their mothers’ home ranges.…
 May 30, 2023 Photos available Suggested Tweet: Juvenile #bears are leaving their mothers’ home ranges. Give them space & remove food attractants to reduce conflicts: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/35d353d @MyFWC #Florida  Seeing bears in unexpected areas? What you should do: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that juvenile black bears are starting to leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new homes of their own. Between the ages of 1½ -2½ years, juvenile or yearling bears start dispersing in spring and summer, with spring marking a return to activity for bears after limited movements in winter. During this time, juvenile bears may be seen in unexpected areas as they travel across a wide range of areas in search of a new location to settle down. In recent weeks, bears have wandered into Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. “The most important thing people can do to help these bears is to leave them alone,” said the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando. “Give them plenty of space and let them move along on their own.” Black bears are generally not aggressive but, like any wild animal, if they feel threatened, they can become defensive. Dogs have been involved in over half of the incidents of people getting injured by bears in Florida. When walking dogs, keep them close to you – preferably on a non-retractable leash – and be aware of your surroundings, which is good practice for preventing conflicts with both bears and other wildlife. Before letting your dog out at night, flip lights on and off and bang on the door to give bears and other wildlife a chance to leave the area. As bears become more active this time of year, they cross more roadways. For your own safety and to avoid hitting bears and other wildlife, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signs identifying bear crossing areas. Each year in Florida, an average of 250 bears are killed after being hit by vehicles. If you have bears in your area, follow these additional BearWise® Basics to help prevent conflicts with bears: 1: Never feed or approach bears -Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people. -It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause conflicts. -Getting close to a wild animal is dangerous. 2: Secure food and garbage -Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before. -If not stored in a secured building, modify your existing garbage can to make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container. -Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters. -Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing. -Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes and remove fallen fruit from the ground. 3: Remove or secure bird and wildlife feeders -Remove wildlife feeders. -If wildlife feeders are left up, only put enough food out for wildlife to finish eating before dark and make feeders bear-resistant. 4: Never leave pet food outdoors -Feed pets indoors. -If feeding pets outdoors, only put food outside for short time periods and bring in leftover food and dishes after each feeding. 5: Clean and store grills -Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use. -If mobile, store them in a secure shed or garage. 6: Alert neighbors to bear activity -If you see a bear, let your neighbors know. -Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears. -Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure. Having conflicts with bears? Call one of the FWC’s five regional offices. -Go to MyFWC.com/Contact, and click on “Contact Regional Offices” to find the phone number for your region. -If you want to report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). More information is available at MyFWC.com/Bear, where you can access the “Guide to Living in Bear Country” brochure. Find additional ways to be BearWise at BearWise.org. Thirty-eight states, including Florida, support BearWise®, an innovative program that helps people learn ways to responsibly live around bears. Help us help bears and other wildlife by purchasing the Conserve Wildlife license plate at WildlifeFlorida.org/CWT.  QUESTIONS? Contact the FWC STAY CONNECTED: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676  |
Volunteer With Us @ FRINGE Fort Myers 🦩
Discover a world that promises to stimulate your imagination and inspire new ways of…
| Discover a world that promises to stimulate your imagination and inspire new ways of seeing and thinking. Share your talents with the world and volunteer with us! Volunteer With Us @ FRINGE Fort Myers: Performing Arts Festival • June 2nd – June 4th starting at 12:00 p.m. • Last chance to be part of the Flock! We still have spots available to help out in the first ever Fort Myers FRINGE festival. Volunteer positions for May 29th-June 1st have been filled, but spots are still available for June 2nd-4th. Be a part of history by volunteering for this highly anticipated event! Flock yeah! We’re FINALLY introducing Fringe Fort Myers – the newest Fringe performing arts festival in the United States and the first ever in southwest Florida! With 51 performances on 4 different stages, Fringe Fort Myers has something for everyone – from one-person shows, to dance and music, magic, stand-up comedy and so much more. Most shows are 60 minutes in length, some are shorter. This inaugural event maintains long-standing Fringe traditions of being 100% independent, 100% unique and 100% inclusive. Even better, 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists. Which means you’re 100% guaranteed to have the single greatest experience of your life. Enjoy shows for all ages with Kids Fringe! Join us for our Free FRINGE Family Art lab experience on June 3rd at 10am, and June 4th at 12pm; Join Alice from Alice in Wonderland for an interactive, family friendly show happening at the Alliance for the Arts. Available volunteer positions for this Festival start on May 29th 2023 and end June 4th at 7:30pm. Positions include, but are not limited to: – Music Stage Help – Performance Ushers – Bartenders – Noise control Help – And so much more! There are no training sessions required for any available volunteering positions, as we are moving back to paper ticket sales. Information about volunteer check-in will be sent out on May 29th by 9:00am and a reminder on May 31st by 9:00am! We are currently asking for : -up to 19 individuals for June 2nd -up to 38 individuals for June 3rd -up to 32 individuals for June 4th Scan or click hereto find more info on volunteer times! Sign Up to Volunteer → Find Out More → Coming Up Next… Arts Education Help – Summer Arts/Musical Theatre Camp Volunteers Looking to fill more hours over the summer? Our Summer camp is still in need of volunteers for our upcoming sessions on June 19th-August 4th. Volunteer positions are offered to students at least 14 years of age or older, who want to gain experience with Arts Education in a summer setting. Interested? Click here for our Summer camp volunteer application. Want to connect with Alliance for the Arts as a Volunteer? Our mission is to transform lives and improve our community through the arts. We’d love to introduce you to what Alliance for the Arts does for the arts and for our community. From building theatre sets to representing the Alliance at community events, volunteer opportunities are endless. To our current volunteers: We thank you for your hard-work and dedication to the Alliance, we wouldn’t be the same without you! Become a Volunteer→ See Upcoming Events→ Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org 239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre • Digital Arts Lab Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko And incredible people like you! |
Jumping June-ipers!
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to a new season. Begin your new…
 Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to a new season. Begin your new season of creativity by checking out our upcoming summer classes. A few spots are still available for our Camps, REGISTER NOW: Musical Theatre Camp Summer Art Camp  Adult Improv Workshop (Ages 18+) Saturday, June 10 •Explore the world of Improv with professional actor Jamison Webb! This workshop is designed for beginners, using simple exercises and basic short form games (like those seen on Whose Line Is It Anyway?) to introduce the art of improvisation. It’s an interactive, hands-on workshop; students will play games, take risks, be bold, and, again, have fun! Register → View All Classes →  Art-Tini Night At The Alliance- Make a Mini Bobble Head (Ages 21+) Friday, June 9th • This summer join the Alliance every 2nd Friday of the month as we get your creative juices flowing with craft cocktails and art making. In June we’ll be creating clay Bobble Heads- Bobble Heads are no longer just for the ball park! Artist/Instructor Victoria Rose Hahn will lead you through the process of creating your own unique doll. This class is perfect for a GNO, a fun date night or a just a great way to wind down after a busy week! Register → View All Classes →  Change Acting Class (Ages 17+) 6 Saturdays, June 10th-July 15th • The CHANGE Program (Communities Harnessing the Arts to Nurture and Grow Equity) engages aspiring adult actors of color in theatre education Providing performance opportunities, and a platform to convene dialogue on social issues that challenge our community through creative, artistic expression. Register → View All Classes →  Beginning Bonsai Worksop Monday June 5th • This interactive, hands-on workshop will introduce you to the ancient art of Bonsai- The Japanese art of growing and training miniature trees in containers, developed from the traditional Chinese art form of penjing. Register → View All Classes →  Beginning Belly Dance (Ages 18+) 5 Wednesdays, June 14th – July 19th • Have fun learning the ancient art and modern styles of this dynamic dance! Belly Dancing is a naturally low impact activity that improves posture, core strength, flexibility and the mind-body connection. No experience necessary.  Intermediate Tribal Belly Dance (Ages18+) 5 Wednesdays, June 14th – July 19th • Continue your exploration of Tribal Belly Dance with this Intermediate course! Focus here is on Intermediate to Advanced combos and their applications to group improvisational dance performance. Pre-requisites: Tribal Technique Volumes 1 and 2 or equivalent. Register → Register →  Zentangle For the Seasons (Ages 13+) Thursdays, June 6th- 27th • Zentangle is an easy-to-learn method of drawing patterns step by step. It is relaxing, gratifying and a great way to exercise the creative side of your brain! Beginning with the basics in the first class, we’ll then create a variety of Art works throughout the month, based on the season. Register → View All Classes →  Landscape Painting From A Photo- Beginner to Intermediate 4 Thursdays, June 6th- 29th • Join Instructor Pat Smelkoff as she guides you through the process of painting from a photograph. Using acrylic paint on a 11″x 14″ canvas you will paint a beautiful landscape from your own photo. You’ll learn how to create and apply a pattern from an enlarged photocopy, and then explore shadows, highlights and color choices. Register → View All Classes →  Step By Step Batik- Iris Monday, June 12th• If you’re looking for an intriguing art experience, this is the class for you. Utilizing a technique that originated in Indonesia called Batik, you will be working with multiple templates on Ginwashi rice paper, using melted wax and watercolor to create a beautiful painting that will boast a fabric-like finish. Register → View All Classes → Painting Portraits with Terry Lynn (Ages 16+) Intermediate Level 4 Thursdays, June 8th-29th • Join Terry Lynn as she guides you through the art of portrait painting. Some drawing and painting experience helpful.  Register → View All Classes →  The Art Of Birth Chart Reading (Ages 18+) 4 Fridays, June 30th-July 21st • Join us for some cosmic vibes while learning the most essential tool of astrology: birth chart reading! This four part class will walk you through the key components of a birth chart, and conclude with the implementation of the knowledge obtained so that you can do your own birth chart reading! Register → View All Classes →  Audition Prep – Private Acting Classes Mondays and Wednesdays, May 12th- August 18th • The next college audition season is fast approaching, are you ready? Carmen Crussard, co-founder of the Alliance for the Arts Youth Theatre Program, will help get you audition ready this summer with private acting classes designed to prepare you for college auditions and pre-screen videos. Register → View All Classes →  Manga and Pizza (Ages 12-18) Thursday, June 15th • Join us for a Manga/cartoon painting workshop- perfect for all levels! We’ll provide the pizza and drinks while popular Instructor Terry Lynn Spry focuses on creativity and painting for those that are interested in Manga/Cartoon. Register → View All Classes →  Presenting Free Family Artlab 3 times in June! Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th Join us for special Fringe Edition of ArtLab On Saturday we will be presenting a demo of our upcoming Tierra & Friends class; a world movement and music class for children. Plus, Artist Steven Fetterhoff will give kids a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of graffiti art. On Sunday we’ll offer a fun flamingo inspired art project, led by one of our Artist/Instructors. Saturday, June 17th • Join us for Father’s Day Gift Making We’ll be making a special gift for the Father figures in your life! Admission is free, but please register so we have an accurate count for supplies. This ArtLab is limited to the first 50 people that register. Register → View All Classes →  Tierra and Friends World Movement and Music 4 Thursdays, June 8th-29th • Tierra & Friends is a world music organization for children and families! Through our world music and movement program children learn about diversity, the basics of music theory, music appreciation, and so much more! Register Ages 0-3 Register Ages 4-6  Tik Tok Tuesdays for Tweens and Tweens (Ages 10 – 16) Tuesday, June 20th • Each month, on the 3rd Tuesday, Instructor Tiani Rosado will guide tweens and teens through one of the latest Tik Tok Art projects. In June we’ll be creating “pop-up” art. Remember your favorite pop-up books from childhood? In this class we’ll be making pop-up scenes that reflect your own unique sense of style. Register → View All Classes →  Painting with Eunique (Ages 5-10) Thursday, June 22nd • Introduce your child to the world of art with our Painting with Eunique class. Each session will explore new topics, so whether this is your child’s very first art class, or they’ve painted with Eunique before, they’ll explore something new! Register → View All Classes →  Neurographica: Lessons from the Sea Turtle (Ages 13+) Thursday, June 29th • Neurographica® is a method that enables you to change your perception of yourself and your surroundings by using drawing techniques. Experience positive changes in your life through drawing, using the Neurographica® method. This process provides a way to express your feelings and make your dreams a reality. The class does not require previous drawing experience. Register → View All Classes →  Musical Theatre Summer Camps June 19th-August 4th • Our Musical Theatre camp is geared toward students with multiple levels of dance, voice and theatre experience. This popular week-long camp is taught and led by Broadway Palm staff and features special guests – actors and actresses straight from the Broadway Palm stage! Register → Find Out More → June’s Featured Gallery Exhibition  Joan Sonnenberg: A Retrospective In the Gallery June 16- July 29 • At the age of 5, Joan became interested in the real and imaginary facets of art and life which have formed the basis of her artwork ever since. Interested in geometric patterns achieved through multiple reverse etching processes, Joan superimposes and stacks up to ten images on top of each other until it becomes a complex montage of lines, shapes, and patterns. She strives to alter and combine abstraction with realism; capturing marks made over time through human intervention; the mundane, decaying worn objects, dumpsters, wall graffiti. She also portrays street people, each embedded with stories to tell. She strives to convey the harmonious coexistence of abstraction and realism, transcending and encompassing both doctrines. Opening reception: June 16, 5-7 p.m. • See it first! This free event is open to the public. Come meet your neighbors and enjoy light refreshments! Theatre Gallery Artist: Christian De Jesus is an artist from Fort Myers Florida, who has placed and won in many art shows in the area. His medium of choice is acrylic paint on canvas or cardboard, but he also uses clay and spray paints on occasion. Member Gallery Artist: Our walls will be awash in artwork from our Summer Arts Camp students. Find Out More → Find Out More → Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org 239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre • Digital Arts Lab  |