Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 18, 2018) – On Friday July 19^th at 7:45am, Allyn International (Allyn), a local supply chain consulting firm, will be donating a check of more than $5,000 to Golisano’s Children Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The donation will be held at Allyn’s Global Headquarters at 8060 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919. The check will be received by Golisano’s representative Melody Desilets.
Each quarter at Allyn, an employee is given the opportunity to raise funds for a nonprofit of their choice. For Allyn’s second quarter of the year, Heather Oskvarek volunteered herself to become the chairperson to raise funds that benefit Golisano’s.
Oskvarek chose to benefit the Golisano’s NICU for saving her daughter’s life. While pregnant in 2017, Oskvarek was diagnosed with Highly Elevated Liver Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome and was going into liver failure. The only cure to save Oskvarek was early delivery. Her daughter, Emerincia (Emma), was born 11 weeks premature. After birth, Emma was sent to Golisano’s as it was the closest children’s hospital. Emma spent 63 days in Golisano’s NICU, where she had to learn how to breathe, eat and grow.
Oskvarek hosted various events throughout quarter two, such as an Easter egg hunt, taco bar, and Painting with a Twist night at Gulf Coast Town Center. Employees eagerly participated in the events and one employee even donated the remainder of funds to reach Oskvarek’s goal. Throughout the quarter, Oskvarek managed to raise $2,843.15. Allyn then matched the amount to reach $5,686.30 As a result, Allyn has donated more than $157,000 to nonprofits worldwide.
About Allyn International
Allyn International is dedicated to providing high quality, customer centric services and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn’s core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance. Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Allyn’s regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A., Shanghai, P.R. China and Prague, Czech Republic. For more information, visit www.allynintl.com

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 18, 2019) – Students attending the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center in Fort Myers now have a new water table that will enhance children’s learning and discovery.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, 18-year-old Kyle Walker, a May graduate of FSW Collegiate High School and member of Troop 119 in Fort Myers, wanted to create something useful and imaginative. The water table helps children develop cognitive, social-emotional and motor skills while keeping cool.

“Most of the kids I know just did benches for their Service Project,” said Walker, who will major in civil engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. “I didn’t want to just build a bench, though.”

After consulting scout leaders, Walker set out to design and construct a Sensory Development Water Table, which features five individually controlled compartments that can adapt to a variety of hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning activities. He raised more than $1,800 from businesses and community members, then spent nearly 100 manpower hours building the Water Table.

A connection with Child Care of Southwest Florida, which operates the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center, helped bring the project to fruition.

Child Care of Southwest Florida advocates learning through play. While children play with the water table materials, they’ll also be learning about volume, water flow, basic physics and, most importantly, cooperative play, according to Children’s Center Director Tammy Aronson.

“It’s not always about learning through books,” Walker said. “Sometimes you learn in different ways.”

Volunteers and business partners for Walker’s Eagle Scout project include Shoreline Lumber, Wolverine Brass, Blue Giraffe Restaurant, NIM Research Corp., the Rogers family, Caloosa Site Development, Walker Plumbing, Brian Bauer, SanCap Home Management, Gretchen Smith, the Ardesia family, Tropical Tradesman General Contracting, the Stein family, Kelly Tyrell, the Radecki family, the Brummer family, Robert Andrews and the Spence family.

About Child Care of Southwest Florida

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. a nonprofit early childhood education provider with six learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 500 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Five CCSWFL locations have five-star ratings through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit ccswfl.org.

Note to Media: This is a great honor for Dawn. Her dedication to the legal field will be of great benefit to the grievance committee in her role.Thank you for spreading the word about this appointment. The press release, logo and photo are attached.
 
 

The Florida Bar appoints Maselli to grievance committee

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner attorney to uphold professional ethics
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 18, 2019) – Professionalism is a hallmark of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured. The Florida Bar has selected Dawn Maselli, a trial attorney for the firm, to serve on 20th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee C, one of three bodies that investigates complaints of lawyer misconduct in Southwest Florida.
“We have the honor and privilege of representing clients who trust us,” Maselli said. “I want to ensure that our responsibility to them is upheld.”
The committee, made up of a handful of lawyers and nonlawyers alike, handles cases referred by Florida Bar discipline attorneys. Members investigate each case and meet to determine whether probable cause exists, much as a grand jury might do with a regular court case.
The investigations are usually complex and take between three and six months to complete. Still, Maselli is eager to dedicate her time over the course of her three-year term, which begins Aug. 1 and runs through July 31, 2022.
“I am dedicated to facing each case with energy and enthusiasm while justly and fairly evaluating the facts and circumstances presented,” Maselli said. “I will thoroughly investigate any case that I am asked to handle.”
Maselli takes a keen interest in upholding the standards of professionalism and civility that the Florida Supreme Court and Florida Bar set forth. The bar also recently appointed her to its statewide Advertising Grievance Committee, which examines complaints of improper solicitation by attorneys.
She’s also a board member for the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association and the Southwest Florida Trial Lawyers Association. She’s a 2019-20 Florida Bar Leadership Academy Fellow and a member of the #KindLee Committee, a group affiliated with the Lee County Bar Association Foundation that performs random acts of kindness in the community.
“To say we’re proud of Dawn is putting it mildly,” Trial Attorney P.J. Scheiner said. “She’s an ardent believer in the vast power of the attorney profession to do good in the world, and she’s passionate about seeing that the power is used to its fullest and most altruistic extent.”
Learn about all the Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner attorneys at blslaw.com.
Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, was founded in 1971 by Bruce L. Scheiner and his wife, Cheryl Scheiner. Both continue to work alongside their son, P.J. Scheiner, who joined the firm as a trial attorney in 2007.
Today, Bruce and P.J. work side by side in the negotiating room and the courtroom, where they fight to secure full and fair restitution for each and every client they have the privilege of representing. Bruce Scheiner still hand selects each case the firm accepts, personally assembles the team best able to see the case through to settlement or trial, and oversees every case from intake to resolution.
Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, has the knowledge, experience and resources to handle all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims for clients across the state of Florida, including trucking accidents, boating accidents, airplane accidents, nursing home neglect and abuse, construction accidents, defective product claims, premise liability claims and injuries to children.
Call 800-283-2900 or visit www.blslawyers.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 18, 2019) – During June, 586,319 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla., an increase of 7.4 percent compared to June 2018. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 9.4 percent compared to last year.
The traffic leader in June was Delta Air Lines with 153,972 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (123,772), American (95,304), JetBlue (67,932) and United (53,464).
Southwest Florida International Airport had 4,804 aircraft operations, a decrease of 1 percent compared to June 2018. Page Field saw 8,583 operations, a 12.4 percent increase from June 2018. In addition, slightly more than 2.6 million pounds of air freight moved through Southwest Florida International Airport in June 2019.
Southwest Florida International Airport served nearly 9.4 million passengers in 2018 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.

FORT MYERS, FL (July 16, 2019) – Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) is hosting the grand opening for phase one of their newest program – LAB:  Learn, Achieve, Become on Thursday, July 25 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at LARC’s Fort Myers campus.  LAB for Living is the first of five labs that will focus on skills for work, residency and leisure for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The event is free and open to the public.  Light refreshments will be served.
 
LAB for Living is an apartment-style setting that provides participants with hands-on training in daily living skills. The Lab includes a bedroom area, living and dining areas, a kitchen and laundry facilities. Daily living skills include cooking, home management, housekeeping, laundry, menu planning, shopping, fire safety, home safety and much more.
 
“LAB will enhance the abilities of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and help them live happier, more productive and independent lives,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director.  “The generous support of many individual donors and businesses in our community helped our first phase become a reality.   Our grand opening is an opportunity to thank our supporters for helping us open doors for the people we serve today and those we can serve in the future.”
 
Lowe’s Home Improvement (Lowe’s Heroes) donated and installed the cabinets and appliances, painted the room and installed the flooring.  Aztec Plumbing donated plumbing services and materials.
 
Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually and participants range in age from 14 to 76.  LARC offers vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and a satellite campus is in Bonita Springs.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.
 
LARC’s Fort Myers campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.  If using a GPS, use 3030 Evans Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901 as campus can only be accessed via Metro Parkway/Evans Avenue north.
 
To learn more about LARC visit www.larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz, Development Director at 239-334-6285 x229 or [email protected].
 
About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and has a satellite campus in Bonita Springs.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.   For more information, contact Angela Katz at 239-334-6285 x229 or visit www.larcleecounty.org.
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 16, 2019) – Generosity is a lifeline to hope. The people who have given so much to Hope Clubhouse over the years will be in the spotlight as the community of support celebrates “Faces of Hope Who Give” at its Annual Mental Health Luncheon. The event takes place on Monday, Oct. 28 from 11:00-1:30 p.m. at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers.
“We’re so grateful for the backing of people in Southwest Florida who understand just how vital communities like Hope Clubhouse are to those living with mental illness,” Hope Clubhouse Executive Director James Wineinger said. “We want to say thank you.”
The 2018 Annual Luncheon brought in a record-breaking $133,000, with more than 300 people in attendance. Diana Willis, who is chairing this year’s event, and Debbie Toler, the honorary chair, will work to continue that positive momentum.
Willis is the owner of the Jason’s Deli restaurants in Southwest Florida, and Toler is a longtime supporter of Hope Clubhouse and vice president of public relations and marketing for Southwest Florida Children’s Charities. Toler previously managed Google’s Global Marketing and Executive Leadership Summits. She also managed Bank of America’s Sports Sponsorships and spearheaded the development of a large-scale communication platform for Philips Healthcare North America. Both she and Willis are consummate givers.
“We’re lucky to have Diana and Debbie on our side, because they’ve proven to be highly effective advocates for so many causes,” Wineinger said. “That they’ve chosen Hope Clubhouse is a testament to just how profound the issue of mental health is, and just how much we can do about it if we all answer the call to action.”
Luncheon sponsorship packages are available. Go to hopeclubhouse.org for more information.
The event will also include a tribute to the late Kappy King, Hope Clubhouse co-founder and winner of the organization’s 2018 Legacy Award for her outstanding volunteer service. In honor of King all donors that give $100 will receive a special gift commemorating all that she did for the Clubhouse.
Host committee members helping plan the luncheon include Amanda Barritt, Bryan Blackwell, Meaghan Brady, Erica Castner, Leigh Clark, Christin Collins, Lee Health Board of Directors Treasurer David Collins, Marc Collins, Eric Cohill, Clerk of Courts Linda Doggett, Kelly L. Fayer, State Attorney Amira Fox, Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, Scott Kashman, Al Kinkle, Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Sanibel Councilman Jason Maughan, Angela Melvin, Cape Coral Councilwoman Jennifer Nelson, Regional Counsel Ita Neymotin, Jenna Persons, Connie Ramos-Williams, Lisa Sbuttoni, Public Defender Kathy Smith, Sawyer Smith, Dawn Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, Jeanne Sweeney and Scott Wolf.
Visit hopeclubhouse.org to learn about the need and see how you can get involved.
About Hope Clubhouse
Hope Clubhouse is a community of support for adults living with a mental illness that provides opportunities for paid employment and access to education, housing and wellness. Hope Clubhouse is a 501(c)(3) organization located at 3602 Broadway, Fort Myers, Florida 33901. Call 239-267-1777 or visit hopeclubhouse.org to donate or for more information.
 

Performances are at the Zig Zag Lounge. No cover for live entertainment. TVs throughout the Zig Zag bar air sporting events and other entertainment. Zig Zag Lounge is Southwest Florida’s premier destination to catch your favorite teams during the NFL season. Entertainment is subject to change. For complete details, visit www.moreinparadise.com.
 

About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,400 slots and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the recently renovated and 24-hour EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call, as well as the new Corner Bar. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with private cabanas, 24-hour fitness studio and free Wi-Fi.
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com  or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.

Fort Myers, FL, July 16, 2019 – Heidi Taulman, APR, CPRC of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), recently earned professional certification in public relations and received the designation of Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC).
Earning the CPRC credential distinguishes senior members of FPRA who have demonstrated understanding and mastery of core public relations principles and ethical practices and have been certified to act as public relations counselors. There are 127 CPRCs in Florida, including 16 in Southwest Florida.
Taulman has spent 15 years in nonprofit leadership, with a focus on public relations. Taulman is the executive director of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. which hosts the SWFL Wine & Food Fest, one of the top grossing wine festivals in the country. She has been an active member and leader in FPRA’s Southwest Florida Chapter since 2007 and served as president in 2014-15. She earned a bachelor’s degree in general communications from Florida State University and the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential in 2013.
To earn the CPRC credential, candidates must have 10 years of experience in the field; have earned the APR designation, which is the first tier of accreditation; successfully complete a verbal presentation; and pass a five-hour written exam.
About the Florida Public Relations Association
The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. For more information on the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, visit www.fpraswfl.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 16, 2019) – The open road awaits. It’s more exhilarating than ever for first-time drivers to get their license thanks to the Lee County Tax Collector’s new #LCTCRockTheRoad campaign. The Tax Collector’s Office is holding an Instagram contest to help lucky winners get where they’re going on their dream road trip. It’s all part of a coordinated effort to celebrate the special moments that the Tax Collector makes possible.
“Just about every kid grows up dreaming of that day they can finally drive,” Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart said. “We’re already part of that experience for people, so why not be part of the fun, too?”
The #LCTCRockTheRoad Instagram contest runs from July 15 to Oct. 15 and is open to new Lee County drivers who have gotten their license within the last three months or have had their learner permit for at least three months. Here’s how to enter:

1. Follow the Lee County Tax Collector on Instagram @leecountytaxcollector and,
2. Like any of the official Lee County Tax Collector #LCTCRockTheRoad contest posts and,
3. Tag two friends in the comments.

Entrants can also post a photo or image of their dream road trip using the hashtag #LCTCRocktheRoad for an extra chance to win. Winners will be selected at random. First-time drivers without Instagram accounts can enter at www.leetc.com/driver-license/rock-the-road  and read a complete list of rules and restrictions.
“Your license means freedom and independence, and we’re here to help you get it,” Hart said. “Anything we can do to make our service more convenient and put a smile on your face, we’ll do.”
Visit leetc.com/driver-licenses/first-time-drivers to learn the steps to getting a license or learner permit.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates seven service centers throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 16, 2019) – The open road awaits. It’s more exhilarating than ever for first-time drivers to get their license thanks to the Lee County Tax Collector’s new #LCTCRockTheRoad campaign. The Tax Collector’s Office is holding an Instagram contest to help lucky winners get where they’re going on their dream road trip. It’s all part of a coordinated effort to celebrate the special moments that the Tax Collector makes possible.
“Just about every kid grows up dreaming of that day they can finally drive,” Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart said. “We’re already part of that experience for people, so why not be part of the fun, too?”
The #LCTCRockTheRoad Instagram contest runs from July 15 to Oct. 15 and is open to new Lee County drivers who have gotten their license within the last three months or have had their learner permit for at least three months. Here’s how to enter:

1. Follow the Lee County Tax Collector on Instagram @leecountytaxcollector and,
2. Like any of the official Lee County Tax Collector #LCTCRockTheRoad contest posts and,
3. Tag two friends in the comments.

Entrants can also post a photo or image of their dream road trip using the hashtag #LCTCRocktheRoad for an extra chance to win. Winners will be selected at random. First-time drivers without Instagram accounts can enter at www.leetc.com/driver-license/rock-the-road  and read a complete list of rules and restrictions.
“Your license means freedom and independence, and we’re here to help you get it,” Hart said. “Anything we can do to make our service more convenient and put a smile on your face, we’ll do.”
Visit leetc.com/driver-licenses/first-time-drivers to learn the steps to getting a license or learner permit.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates seven service centers throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.