Member News

Spoil your taste buds and get the skinny on a variety of different cheeses, from how they were made and produced to what to pair them with! We are thrilled to welcome you back for another Thursday evening happy-hour with our Virtual Cheese Tasting with Caroline Hostettler of Quality Cheese on Thursday, May 13!
Virtual Cheese Tasting: Life is a Picnic – Online Event
Thursday, May 13 • The best way to learn about (and enjoy) cheese is to taste it! This crowd-pleasing virtual affair is back by popular demand. Join Caroline Hostettler of Quality Cheese for a delightful, online event tasting of perfect summer cheeses that’s fun for all ages!
Your tasting kit is your ticket to this unique and exciting event. Reserve yours now to meet an array of textures, flavor and aromas and pick it up prior to the tasting!
Reserve Your Tasting Kit →
Street Heroines Documentary Screening – Onsite or Online Viewing
Saturday, May 22 • Join us on our intimate GreenMarket lawn or online in the virtual sphere for a documentary that explores the courage and creativity of female graffiti artists from around the world! The outdoor event will feature live graffiti and mural painting by local artists, refreshments for purchase and a Q&A with the artists and filmmakers.
Street Heroines is a feature-length documentary celebrating the courage and creativity of women who despite their lack of recognition have been an integral part of the graffiti and street art movement since the beginning. Authentic vérité storytelling woven between an interview-driven narrative, Street Heroines juxtaposes the personal experiences of three emerging Latina artists from New York City, Mexico City, and São Paulo as they navigate a male-dominated subculture to establish artistic identities within chaotic urban landscapes.
Farm to Kitchen Cooking – Free, Onsite GreenMarket Workshop and Demo
Saturday, May 15 • Tatiana, expert organic grower and creative raw food master will provide insight on easy and efficient ways to incorporate farm, fresh produce into your meals by offering tips and trips on good selections, right storage, diverse usage and propagation for future growth in a small space. Have fun, learn new things, then sample and shop Tatiana’s booth and the GreenMarket to put your newfound knowledge to work!
Our outdoor farmer’s market is loaded with local produce, artisanal foods, edible and landscape plants, yoga on the lawn, live music, art, one-of-a-kind gifts, backyard farming workshops and all the good flavors and good vibes you can fit into your Saturday morning. Plus, there’s plenty of shade, camaraderie and community – the perfect setting to enjoy a bite and relax! Our weekly market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each and every Saturday, year-round and rain or shine.
Find Out More →
Drawing Pet Portraits – Onsite Class
Wednesdays, May 12 – June 16 • Improve your drawing skills using techniques to create a personal masterpiece of your furry friend! Students will be given lessons in some of the classes then will work on their own animal portrait.
Introduction to Documentary Film Analysis & Production
Tuesdays, May 25 through June 22 • In this course, we begin by reviewing the history of non-fiction modes in American film including poetic documentaries, newsreels, war films, ethnographic films, cinema veritè, direct cinema, and avant-garde documentaries. Questions we’ll address include: What is cinema? What is its relationship to reality and illusion, to technology, to culture and society? How do we evaluate film?
About the Instructor: Jordan Noël Hawkes has produced documentaries, features and commercials, cultural events, and art-based education programs, in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States. She is the producer of the 2021 film Street Heroines, a first-of-its-kind film that traces the history of women in the graffiti and street art movement, which has been shown at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Moniker Art Fair, Starz, and at other venues worldwide.
Members-Only Book Club – Online
Tuesday, May 18 • Join fellow Alliance members in the virtual sphere to explore literature – both fiction and non-fiction – revolving around art, artists, art history, and art appreciation. Participate in thoughtful group discussions and expand your appreciation and knowledge of the world of art!
Members-Only Open Studio – Onsite
Fridays, May 7 – 28 • No studio? No problem! Join fellow Alliance members every Friday from for an open studio in our classroom. This is your chance to socialize and collaborate with fellow members while creating to your heart’s content. All mediums, techniques, and styles welcomed. While Open Studio is free for Alliance members, pre-registration is required. Only 10 spots available.
Creative Macramé Workshop – Onsite
Saturday, June 5 • Local artists in Lee County are making our community a better place elevating the caliber of originality, talent and culture that exists here. Our Art Lives Here campaign creates more art for more people by displaying artwork on billboards throughout southwest Florida, transforming advertising space into public art for and by our talented local artists!
Summer Arts Camp for Grades 1 – 7
Sessions June 21 – July 30 • Fill your child’s summer with an exhilarating array of activities like art, theatre, photography and movement! Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to experience, explore and engage with both visual and performing arts this summer. Kids will love creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces, playing improv games, exploring our galleries and so much more – all taught and led by our team of experienced artists and educators.
Please note: our summer arts camp is kept at a low-capacity to keep students responsibly distanced. Campers, camp instructors, camp volunteers and Alliance staff are required to wear face masks at all times when inside the building and when social distancing is not possible. Spots are limited to keep campers responsibly distanced, so enroll early! Please be sure to read and review our Covid-19 protocols.
Musical Theatre Intensive Camp at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre for Grades 7 – 12
Sessions July 5 – 30 • Step on stage and shine with the excitement and magic of live musical theatre! This popular week-long camp is taught and led by Broadway Palm Director and Choreographer Amy McCleary, local performer Kiersten Benzing and features special guests – actors and actresses straight from the Broadway Palm stage.
Each session offers specialized courses in auditioning, vocal techniques, improv, scene study and dance. The week culminates with a performance at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre facilities, which provides plenty of space for responsible distancing.
Please note: this camp is kept at a low-capacity to keep students responsibly distanced. Campers, camp instructors, camp volunteers and Broadway Palm staff are required to wear face masks at all times when inside the building and when social distancing is not possible. Please be sure to read and review our Covid-19 protocols.

2021 AUTISM ACCEPTANCE AWARDS HONOREES RECOGNIZED
Family Initiative shines light on autism “Everyday Champions” at May 1st celebration.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — May 4, 2021 —Topping off April as Autism Acceptance Month, Family Initiative announced honorees of the first annual Autism Acceptance Awards at a celebration held on Saturday, May 1st at Oxbow Bar & Grill in downtown Fort Myers. Festivities were emceed by WINK News anchor Lois Thome with entertainment provided by The Rosada Project. The event was underwritten by David and Linda Lucas. Intech Printing and Direct Mail provided community sponsorship.
“It was a tremendous honor to celebration such a special group of people who work day in and day out for so many of our children and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder,” said David Brown, MSW, president of Family Initiative. “These new annual awards reflect our commitment to build a more vibrant and inclusive community for those with autism.”
Autism Acceptance Awards accolades include:
CHAMPION AWARD
Honoree: Ray Rodrigues, Florida State Senate
Awarded to an individual who uses their resources or influence to advance the well-being of those on the spectrum or further understanding and acceptance of autism in the community.
PARTNER AWARD
Honoree: Alliance for the Arts
Awarded to a professional or organization in the field of autism who has provided exceptional impact to individuals with autism.
BELIEVER AWARD
Honoree: Donna Djerf, Lee County Public Schools Parent Liaison
Awarded to an individual or organization that effectively uses its resources to positively impact individuals and families with autism.
DYLAN AWARD
Honoree: Stephanie Busin, Hendry County District Schools Board Member, District 4
Named for a remarkable young man who served as an inspiration for casting a bold vision of what is possible for individuals on the autism spectrum, the award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond for the ASD community and has served as an inspiration to others.
About The Autism Acceptance Awards
Established in 2021 by Family Initiative, the Autism Acceptance Awards is an annual celebration of Everyday Champions of children and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These individuals and organizations contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant Southwest Florida community. Winners are selected by a panel of Family Initiative executives from among dozens of nominations contributed by people throughout  the community.
About Family Initiative, Inc.
Established in 2015, Family Initiative, Inc. is a Southwest Florida-based 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting children with autism and strengthening their families. Its team of clinicians serves children from a humanistic approach through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) services, and also offers autism play groups, teen meetings, parent education and more. In addition, the organization provides child welfare caregiver training and support through its Family Impact Program. To learn more or donate, visit fi-florida.org.

CONRIC pr + marketing partners with Google to support local businesses
Free webinar helps businesses get found on Google maps and searches
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 5, 2021) – Businesses are revving up after a year of uncertainty with many vying for the top position in online searches. In an effort to support local small businesses, CONRIC pr + marketing will partner with Google to host a free informational webinar to “Get Your Local Business On Google Search and Maps”on Tuesday, May 11, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Local businesses will learn how to effectively utilize Google’s business profiles to optimize search results.
“Our economy strengthens when we work together to support local small businesses,” says CONRIC pr + marketing’s president and chief marketing officer Connie Ramos-Williams. “That’s why our CONRIC pr + marketing team has partnered with our friends at Google to host a free webinar that will ensure local businesses can be found on Google maps and searches.”
Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Sixcia Devine, Social Entrepreneur and Grow with Google Presenter, will ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google business profile from start to finish. We’ll show you how to create or claim your Business Profile on Google, manage your business info across Google Search and Maps, and use Google My Business to connect with potential customers.
Ramos-Williams will collaborate with Black Owned Maine Media, Danbury Library, Int Work, Cyrenius H. Booth Library and Gina Johnson Coaching to host this free event. The webinar will be free of charge so that anyone may learn more about the benefits and effectiveness of maintaining a Google Business Profile for connecting to consumers. Online registration is required. For more information and to RSVP, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7861957153621094669.
 CONRIC pr + marketing
 CONRIC pr + marketing is a leading creative digital marketing, branding, public relations, advertising and web development agency headquartered in Southwest Florida. Connie Ramos-Williams launched the award-winning, full-service agency in 2007. The firm serves a diverse portfolio of clients in many industry sectors including financial, legal, education, medical, government, non-profit, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, real estate, association, and salon and spa. CONRIC was named Gulfshore Business magazine’s Best Advertising Agency and one of the top three Public Relations firms in the region in 2020. The agency has earned multiple Image Awards from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and Golden Image Awards from its statewide chapter, Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association, national Addy Awards from the American Advertising Federation and an international MUSE Award for creative design. CONRIC pr + marketing has offices located at 5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd., Suite 307 in Fort Myers and 1415 Panther Lane in Naples. For more information, call 239-690-9840 or visit conricpr.com.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May. 5, 2021) – The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is set to host the annual 2021 PR University focusing on the evolution and future of the PR industry.
The chapter invites business leaders and PR/marketing professionals to attend the upcoming in person event, “Tackling the challenges of our changing world,” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Friday, May 21 at Florida Southwestern State College (FSW), 8099 College Pkwy, Fort Myers FL 33919. The program will take place in building AA, Room 177.
PR University will focus on the exploration of new approaches within the profession, all while staying true to the guiding principles of the PR industry. Attendees will gain insight on ways to adapt, evolve and educate themselves on emerging strategies and technologies.
This year’s PR University will showcase industry-leading professionals in tourism, business
development, media and more, all sharing their best practices, takeaways and case studies on how to successfully execute forward-thinking public relations.
 
To see the full speaker list and bio please go to PRU 2021 Bios (fpraswfl.org)
 
Registration for PR University is $55 for students, $75 for members and $99 for future members,
and includes breakfast and lunch. APR PR professionals can earn 2 APR continuing education credits.
 
To register and see full schedule please go to https://www.fpraswfl.org/event-registration/fpra-events/pruniversity-next-approaches-tackling-the-challenges-of-our-changing-world/.
About Public Relations University
Public Relations University is an annual, daylong professional development seminar that
attracts PR and marketing professionals from across Southwest Florida, hosted by the
Southwest Florida chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.
About the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization in the country. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at http://www.fpraswfl.org.

City of Fort Myers
Engineering Division
2200 Second Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 321-7445
Road Watch Update
April 29 – May 05, 2021
Coconut Drive – Speed Hump Installation
Beginning May 3 through May 7, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., the block of Coconut Drive, between
Irwin Street and Silvestre Drive, will be closed to through traffic for construction of a new speed
hump. Local traffic will be accommodated. Other motorists, please follow detour sign directing
traffic to use Braman Avenue, via Irwin Street and Silvestre Drive.
Bay Street Utility Relocation Project
The City of Fort Myers is relocating the electric and cable lines from the overhead poles to
underground on Bay Street from Hendry Street to just west of Dean Street.
Bay Street Intermittent Closures from Dean Street to Lee Street
Motorists should expect intermittent closures to vehicular traffic on Bay Street from Dean
Street to Lee Street Sidewalks will remain open during street closures. Motorists,
pedestrians and bicyclists should expect delays and use extreme caution.
Linhart, Magnolia and Holly Utility Rehabilitation Project
The City of Fort Myers is scheduled to replace water mains and sanitary sewer pipe and install
some storm drainage on the following roadways:
• Linhart Avenue (Cortez Boulevard to US 41
• Magnolia Street
• Holly Road
• McCann Street
• Maple Avenue
• Hanson Street (just east of Holly Road to Sunset Road and Nelson Street to US41)
• Sunset Rod (Linhart Avenue to Hanson Street
• Sanders Street (Linhart Avenue to Hanson Street
• Hanson Street (just east of Holly Road to Sunset Road and Nelson Street to US 41
Linhart Avenue
Linhart Avenue closed to through traffic from Cortez Boulevard to Nelson Street while crews
continue underground utility installation.
Magnolia Street
Magnolia Street from Linhart Avenue to Hanson Street will be closed to through traffic while
crews install underground utilities.
Holly Road
Holly Road from Linhart Avenue to Hanson Street will be closed to through traffic while
crews install underground utilities.
McCann Street
McCann Street from Linhart Avenue to Hanson Street will be closed to through traffic while
crews install underground utilities.
Sunset Road
Sunset Road from Linhart Avenue to Maple Avenue will be closed to through traffic while
crews install underground utilities.
Nelson Street
Nelson Street from Linhart Avenue to Hanson Street will be closed to through traffic while
crews install underground utilities.
Local traffic will be accommodated. Through motorists should follow posted detour signs.
Residents and businesses may need to access your property from a different direction. Some
sidewalks may be closed during the project. Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists should use
caution and be aware of construction equipment and vehicles entering/exiting streets in the
project area. This schedule may be subject to change due to inclement weather and unforeseen
underground conditions. For more project information, contact the City’s public information
consultant, Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. at 239-337-1071 or via e-mail to
[email protected].
FDOT Pedestrian Safety Construction Project on US 41 from Winkler Avenue to SR 82/Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entails installing and relocating utilities and constructing
medians on US 41/Cleveland Avenue from Winkler Avenue to SR 82.
 Motorists should expect Ricardo Avenue closed on the west side of US 41/Cleveland
Avenue.
 Motorists should expect Hanson Street closed on the west side of US 41/Cleveland
Avenue. Road Watch Update Updated April 29, 2021
Motorists – Please Use Caution When Traveling in Work Zone Areas
• Motorists should expect Hanson Street as a right-in/right-out only travel pattern on
the east side of US 41/Cleveland Avenue.
• Motorists should expect Linhart Avenue closed on the west side of US 41/Cleveland
Avenue.
• Motorists should expect Passiac Avenue closed on the west side of US 41/Cleveland
Avenue.
• Motorists should expect Coronado Road closed on the west side of US 41/Cleveland
Avenue.
• Motorists should expect side road closures from Winkler Avenue to Victoria Avenue
throughout the duration of the project.
• Motorists should expect intermittent northbound and southbound lane closures and
detours on US 41/Cleveland Avenue during daytime and nighttime/overnight hours
Monday through Friday throughout the duration of the project, weather permitting.
Additional work includes: Installing drainage structures, pedestrian signals, upgrading signals
and lighting, and resurfacing existing highway. The project will be constructed in three segments.
Each segment will have the majority of construction completed prior to moving to the next
segment. Construction will begin on the first segment from Winkler Avenue to Carrell Road.
Crews will work on the west side of the road initially and when that work is completed, they will
shift to the east side of Cleveland Avenue/US 41. The expected project completion date is the end
of spring 2022. For additional information, contact the Public Information Consultant for the
project, Kris Cella, at 239-337-1071 or [email protected]. The Contractor is Ajax Industries of Florida,
LLC.
Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers: Lee County Department of Transportation will be working in the
shoulder on Ortiz Avenue from Palm Beach Blvd to Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Work will begin
on Wednesday, May 5 and continue through Wednesday, May 12, 2021. There will be daytime
lane closures from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Flaggers will be providing traffic control. For further
information, please call JD Geisler at (239) 533-9400.
Plantation Road between Colonial Blvd & Idlewild Street, Fort Myers (ROW2021-00076):
Mitchell & Stark will be performing roadway improvements, including installing a driveway
access to the cell tower on Metro Parkway, beginning Monday, April 26, 2021 and continuing
through May 21, 2021. The outside through-lane for southbound traffic on Plantation Road will
be subject to periodic lane closures between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays.
For further information, please contact Chris Anderson at (239) 597-2165 or via e-.  Mitchell & Stark Construction Co. Inc. will provide maintenance of traffic services.
Plantation Road between Colonial Blvd & Idlewild Street, Fort Myers (ROW2020-00469):
Mitchell & Stark will be constructing a left-turn lane for a future residential development
beginning Monday, April 26, 2021 and continuing through May 14, 2021. The left turn-lane for
northbound traffic on Plantation Road will be subject to periodic lane closures between the hours
of 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. For further information, please contact Chris Anderson
at (239) 597-2165 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Mitchell & Stark Construction
Co. Inc. will provide maintenance of traffic services.
Street Light Maintenance: The week of Monday, April 26, 2021 through Friday April 30, 2021
and Tuesday, May 4, 2021 through Friday, May 7, 2021: Lee County DOT Traffic will be
performing street lighting maintenance on SR-80/Palm Beach Blvd from Prospect Ave. to SR31/Babcock Ranch Road. Motorists are urged to use extra caution, as there will be intermittent lane
closures in the eastbound and westbound outside lanes from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For further
information, please contact Ryan Kirsch at 239-896-9074.
Street Light Maintenance: On Saturday, May 8, 2021 and Saturday, May 15, 2021, Lee County
DOT-Traffic will be replacing streetlights at the following locations:
• Colonial Boulevard/Midpoint Bridge/Veterans Parkway from Summerlin Road to Country
Club Boulevard: Motorists should use caution, as there will be intermittent lane closures
in the eastbound and westbound inside lanes from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Colonial Boulevard westbound off-ramp to McGregor Boulevard. Motorists should use
caution, as there will be intermittent lane closures in the westbound inside lane from 9:00
AM to 4:00 PM.
• McGregor Boulevard eastbound on-ramp to Colonial Boulevard. Motorists should use
caution, as there will be intermittent lane closures in the eastbound inside lane from 9:00
AM to 4:00 PM.
For further information, please contact Ryan Kirsch at (239) 896-8074.
SR 739/Metro Parkway from Winkler Avenue to Arc Way: Maintenance permit project: Motorists
should expect intermittent outside southbound lane closures during nighttime/overnight hours
from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. while crews install utilities, weather permitting. Motorists should expect slow
moving traffic and possible delays. Motorist should use caution as crews work in the roadway.
SR 82/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from Knight Street to Palm Avenue: Maintenance
permit project: Motorists should expect the inside westbound lane closed from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
on Monday, April 19 while crews inspect the roadway, weather permitting. Motorists should use
caution as crews work in the roadway.
SR 80/Palm Beach Boulevard from Riverside Drive to US 41: Maintenance permit project:
Motorists should expect intermittent westbound lane closures during nighttime/overnight hours
from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. while crews replace power poles, weather permitting. Motorists should use
caution and expect delays.Road Watch Update Updated April 29, 2021
Motorists – Please Use Caution When Traveling in Work Zone Areas
I-75 at Colonial Boulevard: Construction project: Crews begin construction on the I-75 at
Colonial Boulevard Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) Project. Other improvements along
Colonial Boulevard include a Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) at the intersection of Six Mile
Cypress Parkway/Ortiz Avenue and a Superstreet intersection at the Colonial Boulevard/Forum
Boulevard intersection. I-75 will also be widened to provide an auxiliary lane in each direction
from Colonial Boulevard to SR 82/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The off-ramps at
Colonial Boulevard DDI and the northbound off-ramp at SR 82 will have emergency stopping
sites.
• Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures on I-75 and the on and off ramps at
Colonial Boulevard during nighttime/overnight hours from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the
duration of construction.
• Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures on SR 82 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard) through the duration of the construction.
Drivers should exercise caution and be aware of construction vehicles entering and exiting the
roadway through the duration of the project. The expected completion date is mid-2024. The
contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida.
SR 80/Palm Beach Boulevard from Marsh Avenue to I-75: Maintenance permit project:
Motorists should expect intermittent westbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays,
while crews replace utilities, weather permitting. Motorists should use caution as crews work in
the roadway.
State Roadways (US 41, SR 31, SR 78, SR 80, SR 82, SR 739, SR 865 and SR 867): Maintenance
contract project: Crews are sweeping curb and gutter on state roadways and bridges. Motorists
should expect lane closures during nighttime/overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather
permitting. Motorists should expect slow moving traffic and possible delays.
State Roadways (US 41, SR 31, SR 78, SR 80, SR 82, SR 739, SR 865, and SR 867): Maintenance
contract project: Crews are restriping the state roadways and bridges. Motorists should expect
lane closures during nighttime/overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather
permitting. Motorists should expect slow moving traffic and possible delays

Special Events
May 2021
May 1, 2021
Millennial Brewing Company will host the Mexican Food Street Fest on Saturday, May
1St from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Royal Palm will be closed from Second Street south to
Thompson Street from Saturday morning at 8:00 am until Saturday 10:00pm. Please
watch for detour signs to take you around road closures.
National Day of Prayer- The National Day of Prayer will be Celebrated on Thursday,
May 6th on the steps of the County Courthouse. The ceremony starts at 12:00pm until
1:00pm. Main St. from Broadway to Monroe will be closed from 11:30pm to 1:15pm.

WITTY MUSICAL TO BE
FEATURED AT PLAYERS
CIRCLE THEATRE
 
Broadway Actress Ann Morrison to
Perform in “My Furniture Set”
No, “My Furniture Set” is not about a furniture store.  Broadway actress Ann Morrison, appearing in the Players Circle Theatre, May 8-9, performs a witty, musical revue taking you through the furniture moments of our lives in stories, original songs, and timeless classics.
Ms. Morrison has enjoyed a 40-year career as an actor, singer, writer, teacher, and director.  She starred on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” off-Broadway, and in London’s West End.  The quintessential cabaret artist has performed in major venues across the country.
Ms. Morrison will be accompanied by her arranger/accompanist John Shirley.  He has performed in venues from L.A. to London.  He spent many years in New York writing songs and specialty numbers.
  My Furniture Set will be performed on Saturday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 9, at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are $25 general admission, and $35 VIP.  Contact 239-800-3292 or PlayersCircleTheater.com.
The Players Circle Theatre is located at the Shell Factory and Nature Park, 16554 North Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers.  The 200 seat Players Circle Theatre has been converted into a nightclub/cabaret style facility, which will have 74 limited, spaced seating, temperature checks, thorough sanitizing, and masks are worn by all audience members until seated.  In compliance with all CDC guidelines.
A special food and drink menu is available for nightclub patrons, serving delicious, shareable plates and drinks in the theatre 45 minutes before performances and during shows.  Full dinner and bar also available at the adjacent Southern Grill. Call 239-995-3999 for reservations.
The Players Circle Theatre was developed by veterans of the Southwest Florida theatre movement, Carrie Lund Cacioppo and Robert Cacioppo.  They are prominent faces of theatre in Lee County for over 35 years, having started Lee County’s first professional theatre on Sanibel Island and the Florida Repertory Theatre, which has been named “One of America’s best regional theatres” by The Wall Street Journal.  Players Circle Theatre is a professional black box theatre providing Broadway-level entertainment.  Follow it online at PlayersCircle.org.
 

CRA Launches Home Preservation Program
Owners of houses most urgently in need of repair will have a chance to save their homes under a partnership between the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties.
The program will help preserve homes that have been cited for repeated code violations and potential safety hazards. Owners must live in the homes, meet income requirements and pass a background check. The first phase of the program will target houses in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Blvd. redevelopment areas.
Read more
CRA Approves Microenterprise
Emergency Loan Program
Small, local enterprises will get help to recover from the COVID-19 slowdown and expand their businesses under the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Microenterprise Program.
The CRA will offer small businesses forgivable loans to help cover emergency costs created by the economic disruption during the public health crisis. The agency recognizes the unprecedented circumstances caused by the pandemic created the need for temporary help for struggling enterprises that otherwise may not be able to survive.
Read more
Business Spotlight: Market Earth & Blue Poppy Boutique
Market Earth, located at 2224 First Street, and Blue Poppy Boutique, located at 2214 First Street, are new businesses in the Downtown redevelopment area. Both stores are owned by Karen Allegretti. Market Earth has been in business since 2011 and Blue Poppy Boutique is opening soon. Market Earth’s philosophy is “shop for good”: they sell fair trade, recycled and upcycled artisan products. Blue Poppy Boutique will be a beachy haven selling gifts, Downtown Fort Myers souvenirs, and home goods.
Cleveland Avenue Community Staple Business
Approved for Improvement Grant
Padma Properties LLC, which operates a Chevron gas station and convenience store at 3005 Cleveland Avenue, has been approved for an $8,050 Commercial Property Improvement Grant.
Located at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Hanson Street in the Cleveland Avenue redevelopment area, sub-area 2, the property is a staple in providing general supplies and food for the area. The property itself was purchased in 2004 and is in need of minor repairs to enhance the curb appeal to customers.
Improvements will include:
• Landscaping Mulch, new groundcover.
• Driveway repair Replace curbs, remove/repair crumbling concrete, reseal/restripe parking lot.
• Exterior lighting upgrades Enhanced security & lighting with LED lights.
• Paint Building exterior painted with “Chevron” colors, paint fence and dumpster enclosure.
Business Spotlight: American Legion Post 38
Rabe O. Wilkinson American Legion Post 38, located at 1857 Jackson Street, is a legacy business in the Downtown redevelopment area that opened in 1919 and is 102 years old. It is the oldest Post in South Florida, having opened on September 5, 1919, just months after the national organization formed in the wake of World War I. Post 38 is named after Rabe O. Wilkinson, a brave Immokalee native drafted into the war in 1918 who volunteered for a high-risk mission and was killed in the battle of St. Mihiel in France. As America’s largest veterans service organizations, Post 38 welcomes all military personnel serving the United States through aid and assistance for local needy veterans and their families, educational scholarships, community projects, and they host the yearly Veteran’s Day Parade in Downtown Fort Myers. American Legion Post 38 also operates a restaurant that is open to the public daily for lunch or dinner, and Sundays for breakfast.
Farmers’ Market Returns Under Bridge this Summer!
Starting in May through September, the River District Farmers’ Market will be moving back to its cooler summer location under the Caloosahatchee Bridge in Centennial Park.
Announcing Fort Myers CRA
2020 Annual Report!
We are thrilled to deliver our 2020 Annual Report for your information. The CRA staff has worked diligently to produce a document that features the activities of 2020 in an attractive, professional report. Please feel free to disseminate it as you see fit. Our annual report is statutorily required to be available by March 31st each year.
Virtual Minority & Small Business Boot Camp
Now through August 25
The Virtual Minority & Small Business Boot Camp began on April 7, 2021 and continues through August 25. This no cost, multi-session webinar series is designed to educate minority and small businesses regarding information integral to growth and success.
No Cost Mental Health Counseling for
Adults and Children
Catholic Charities offers free mental health counseling for both adults and children.
For more information, call the number for your area:
• Charlotte / Lee / Hendry / Glades counties: 844-385-2423
• Collier County: 844-385-2404
• Sarasota / Manatee / DeSoto / Hardee / Highlands counties: 844-385-2407
Counselors are licensed with 5 years of experience. Catholic Charities is a licensed Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant agency.
The Longest Day Event:
June 19, 7 pm – Midnight
On June 19, several local businesses (WearTheFund, Abby Services, Calusa Harbour and Cypress at Home) will gather in Downtown Fort Myers to celebrate the Alzheimer’s Association Longest Day event. The event is in recognition of the Summer Solstice, and is meant to represent the time caregivers spend when they take care of those afflicted with the disease.
“WearTheFund has been supporting the Longest Day event since 2013, we are so thrilled to be in downtown!” said Sam Lewis from Wear the Fund.
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center will be the main hub for the June 19th event. Mayor Anderson will start the festivities at sundown when he “throws the switch” and lights up First Street. Local downtown business will also be lit up in purple. Michele Hylton-Terry from Community Redevelopment Agency and Lisa Sbuttoni from the River District Alliance are helping to make this event a success.
“Many downtown restaurants and shops will be participating in the event and we want to encourage people to come out and support the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Committee member Shavon Chester of Cypress at Home. Many sponsors have signed on already, like the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. “Even though we are not a downtown business we support this worthy cause.” Said Melissa Vogt of the Broadway Palm. Some sponsorship packages are still available.
Adding particular significance to this event are personal videos that are being filmed of the residents at Calusa Harbour. These videos will be shared on the Memory Wall, which will be at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
“We want to encourage people the night of the event to share their #onememory with us. Alzheimer’s disease steals our thoughts, our memories, we want to bring awareness to the work being done to prevent Alzheimer’s and the research behind it. With these videos, we hope to do just that,” stated Greg Madsen, Independent Living Manager for Calusa Harbour.
#REDEVELOPMENTWORKS
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$250K Match leads the 2021 SWFL Wine & Food Fest virtual auction over the $1 Million Mark in donations for new Eye Institute 
FORT MYERS, Fla., (April 28, 2021) – SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. presented its 2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest on April 24, with Auction proceeds totaling more than $1.2 million in support of the nonprofit’s efforts to build a build the new SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Institute of Golisano Children’s Hospital for the children of Southwest Florida. Gifts pledged directly to the cause through the child art program and the Fund-A-Cause totaled nearly $700,000. This new state-of-the-art facility will provide expanded Ophthalmology services to children across the region. The 2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s storybook inspired theme, Out of the Darkness Into the Light, is touching given our current times and speaks to the struggles of children facing vision challenges and blindness. More than 200 bidders came together during the virtual Event and Auction of the 13^th annual event, with Chef Vintner Dinners held at eight luxury venues throughout the region and one in Sonoma, California, and festivities during the virtual event broadcasting live from one of the venues included the 2021 Honored Signature Vintner, Jean-Charles Boisset entertaining the crowd. Attendees also participated at home for the first ever SWFL Wine & Food Fest Wine Fest@Home experience.

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar
Join the SBA South Florida District Office as we explore the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process.
Tuesday, May 4 (en Español)
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, May 4
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Thursday, May 6 (en Español)
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Thursday, May 6
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
PPP Forgiveness Webinar
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act.
Tuesday, May 4
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.
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Date: 04/30/2021; Author Information: Heather Hines, Public Affairs Specialist

Julian Edwin “Cannonball” Adderley, an American jazz alto saxophonist of the hard bop era of the 1950s and 1960s, is remembered for his 1966 soul jazz single “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” a major crossover hit on the pop charts. Nat Adderley, a jazz trumpeter, was his younger brother, and they played together many years. Nat’s composition “Work Song” is a jazz standard.