Member News

FORT MYERS, FLA., April 2, 2019 – Film lovers will have plenty of films to choose from when The Fort Myers Film Festival shows 89 films over five days April 10-14 in eight locations in Fort Myers.
Tickets are $10 per film or $295 for an all-access VIP membership for all events and parties.  The opening night red carpet gala at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is $25 per person or $150 including the after-party and jazz concert by Leroy Jones, solo trumpeter for the Harry Connick, Jr. band and namesake of the evening’s film “A Man and His Trumpet: The Leroy Jones Story.”  Tickets may be purchased at http://fortmyersfilmfestival.ticketleap.com/
“Planning the festival can be tough, I know that nobody will be able to see them all. Often I’m asked to give a few picks or top ten of those not to miss. I’m reluctant to do this because often a film that is best suited for you might not be as exciting to me. Having said that, here are 10 that are getting buzz right now,” said Eric Raddatz, Fort Myers Film Festival founder.
“I’d encourage you to see all of them. Oh, and I cheated a little as the last one is a shorts block. You actually get six films in that block. While we’re on it if in doubt, I really suggest going to shorts blocks because you get more bang for your buck and you will see some really wonderful films all curated together for your enjoyment,” Raddatz said.
————————————————————
Wednesday, April 10, 7 p.m. at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
A Man and His Trumpet: The Leroy Jones Story
Directed by Cameron Washington
85 minutes
In a city full of brilliant musicians, Leroy Jones, trumpet virtuoso and consummate New Orleanian, is a musician’s musician. Follow Jones’ life journey as he grew up playing on the streets of the Saint Bernard Projects, quickly establishing himself as one of NOLA’s most sought after trumpeters, founding the legendary Fairview Baptist Brass Band and Hurricane Brass Band which lead to the revival of the brass band scene in New Orleans. Leroy Jones eventually catches the ear of Harry Connick Jr. and ends up becoming Connick’s solo trumpeter, touring and recording with the Harry Connick Big Band for over 20 years. A decade after the storm that nearly destroyed his beloved city, Jones is navigating life as both a world renowned musician and a citizen amidst a rapidly changing New Orleans.  Documentaries *Attending Leroy Jones and Cameron Washington. Documentaries. *Team attending
From Eric: “This year we’re opening with this doc for several reasons. First off is I love Leroy Jones. Secondly everyone who comes to this film will as well. I remember seeing him play with Harry Connick Jr. back in the early 90s in Chicago during his rise to fame with the soundtrack to “When Harry Met Sally.” I loved him back then. I’ve since met him and when I saw he was putting a doc out I invited him to play it here in Fort Myers. As far as an opening night film that explores just how musical greatness is formed and matures in New Orleans,  where we can enjoy a concert from the star of the show afterwards gives me early goosebumps. A feel good jazz doc red carpet VIP rollout will make this the best party SWFL will see all year.”
————————————————————
Thursday, April 11, 9 a.m., at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Marcos Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
Directed by David Sutherland
112 minutes
David Sutherland’s Marcos Doesn’t Live Here Anymore examines the U.S. immigration system with the help of two unforgettable protagonists, demonstrating the human cost of deportation. Elizabeth Perez, a decorated U.S. Marine veteran living in Cleveland, fights to reunite her family after her husband, Marcos, is deported. Meanwhile, Marcos is alone in Mexico, working as a soccer referee, struggling with depression, and fighting the urge to cross the border illegally to see his family. Documentaries * Team Attending
From Eric: “Wherever we stand politically we need to address and give voice to how political decisions reverberate into all of our lives, some for good and some for bad. In this doc that will air on PBS nationally later this month, we encounter a  U.S. Marine veteran living in Cleveland fighting to reunite her family after her undocumented husband, Marcos, gets deported. Yeah we have the kids crying and it is painful, but we see how the checks and balances in our system leave our nation. It’s moving and telling and a must watch here, or on PBS when it comes out. You may be surprised at the ending.”
————————————————————
Thursday, April 11, 5:30 p.m. at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin
Directed. by Arwen Curry
69 minutes
Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin is a feature documentary that explores the remarkable life and legacy of the science fiction and fantasy writer Ursula K. Le Guin, who passed away in 2018. Produced with Le Guin’s participation over the course of a decade, the film is a journey through the writer’s inimitable career and her worlds, both real and fantastic. Featuring David Mitchell, Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Michael Chabon, and more. science fiction, feminism, women, writing, arts, fantasy,
From Eric: “Ursula K. Le Guin was brilliant but a really, really different person than most and truly unique as a female science fiction writer in the 60s. The documentary follows her for years exploring the reasons for her being who she was. She was true to being her, even when it seemed weird. Whether some consider her a forerunner to modern feminism while exploring new approaches to sexuality, gender fluidity and equality or just a great writer the doc will let you decide.”
————————————————————
Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., Alliance for the Arts

Eliades Ochoa From Cuba To The World
Directed by Cynthia Biestek, Ruben Gomez
100 minutes
Poor country musician playing on the streets of Eastern Cuba and striving to meet the challenge of spreading his beloved traditional music around the world and finds success as a original member of the famous Buena Vista Social Club. Documentaries. *Team attending
From Eric: “ If you are a Buena Vista Social Club fan or not this documentary tackles what it like to be true to your style of original music. Most musicians see the need to be original but Eliades Ochoa, the founder of the group, gives us a unique story on what it is like to be you as a legendary musician.”
————————————————————
Thursday, April 11, 8 p.m., Edison-Ford Winter Estates lawn
The Great Train Robbery
Directed by Raymond Knudsen at Edison studios in 1903
12 minutes
Silent film The Great Train Robbery, set to a live musical accompaniment for this special screening, is a 1903 American silent short Western film written, produced, and directed by Edwin S. Porter, a former Edison Studios cameraman. Actors in the movie included Alfred C. Abadie, Broncho Billy Anderson and Justus D. Barnes, although there were no credits. Shorts
From Eric: “When Edison set out to accomplish all he did he was remarkably — just himself. He pioneered filmmaking and as an inventor what he accomplished should inspire us all. The tradition continues his name at the home he lived at here in Fort Myers and we’re honored to do a special screening of The Great Train Robbery with a full live piano accompaniment outdoors on the grass lawn in his backyard overlooking the great Caloosahatchee river.”
————————————————————
Friday, April 12, 6 p.m., at IMAG
Fly Like a Girl
Directed by Katie McEntire Wiatt
84 minutes
Fly Like A Girl is more than just a film. It’s a movement of young girls and women relentlessly pursuing their passion for aviation, a field currently dominated by men. Hearing first-hand stories from girls and women who dared to aim higher. From a lego-loving young girl who includes female pilots in her toy airplanes, to a courageous woman who helped lead shuttle missions to space, Fly Like A Girl shows us that women are in charge of their own destiny. Documentaries. *Team attending
From Eric: “So why are there so few female pilots? Whatever the answer this documentary explores those today who are female and flying high and young girls who are inspired to change the statistics. Some may say films like this help empower women, but the power is already there and we are seeing strength in films like this to encourage girls to fly but all of us to take on our dreams and ambitions.”
————————————————————
Friday, April 12, 6:15  p.m. at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Long Time Coming: A 1955 Baseball Story
Directed by Jon Strong
87 minutes
When racial segregation defined America, two teams of 12-year-old boys defied social norms to change the world. Documentaries *Team Attending * Southwest Florida Historical Society president Glenn Miller will introduce the film. Documentaries. *Team attending
From Eric: “When it comes to racism and baseball this amazing doc proves one thing—they were not really ever to go hand in hand. We follow the lives of folks who played the first interracial little league game in Florida in the 1950s. The humanity of the sport proved greater than the racism so prevalent, proving we are really just alike when we are playing our nation’s greatest sport. It’s important to just be ourselves, that is good enough.”
————————————————————
Saturday, April 13, at 4:30 p.m. at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

Black, White & US
Directed by Loki Mulholland
75 minutes
“Black, White & US” explores racism in America like it has never been seen before through the lives of four white families in Utah who adopt African American children and overcome their own inherent biases to become advocates. From the award-winning filmmaker of “An Ordinary Hero” and “The Uncomfortable Truth”, Loki Mulholland reveals the challenges faced by the parents, children and our society while exposing the darker side of those adoption agencies who profit from it. Is there a way to fix our country’s racial divide? These transracial adoptive families just might provide the answer. Documentaries * Team Attending
From Eric: “How much do you think you understand racism today? Loki Mulholland follows white parents who adopt black children and finds out some things you might never have though of.  A brilliant approach to what this cost is of being ourselves in today’s society, and how much we really are alike.”
————————————————————
Saturday, April 13, 8 p.m., at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Surviving Lunch
Directed by KT Curran
74 minutes
A beautiful teenage girl named Gabriella moves to Florida after a violent event tears her life apart. As Gabriella struggles to overcome her grief, she sees a boy being bullied in the lunchroom and begins a dangerous quest to stop the meanest boy in school. Feature *Team Attending
From Eric: “There are rare times where astounding films come around at the right time. ‘Surviving Lunch’ does just that in a time where bullying and school violence have become the norm. With a look at environments like Parkland our story takes place in a time where we can’t help but to think, discuss and react to the safety of our children today. The movie is brilliant.”
————————————————————
Saturday, April 13, 6 p.m. at at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
RAD SHORTS OFFICIAL SELECTIONS OF FMFF
Roaring Tides
Dir. by Aly Mang
10 minutes
A twisted love-story that dives into the deeper understanding of what we all go through as humans and couples in this lifetime. The film explores love, loss, and the heartache of human existence – the confusion and power struggles we go through, while ultimately discovering our truth and purpose. Drama, Romance
* Team Attending
Coach
Dir. by Jordan Axelrod, Matthew Ellison
25 minutes
Coach follows Tracy Hamm as she seeks to become the first American woman to earn her UEFA A license, the highest international accreditation for coaches.
Shorts * Team Attending
Ready
Dir. by Melissa Farman
13 minutes
A reclusive mother and her young son celebrate the end of their relationship before she releases him into the world. Shorts
Cherry
Dir. by Chantal Gabriel
13 minutes
A creative, introverted girl is torn between her imaginary world and the real one. Shorts
Skindiving
Dir. by Victoria DeMartin
19 minutes
An observation of a woman caught between her old life and her new one as she goes about her daily routine leading up to her last night on the island. Shorts * Team Attending
I’m Taking You Home
Dir. by Jim De Koch
6 minutes
Through a series of flashbacks, singer songwriter filmmaker Jim De Koch recounts key moments that would shape the destiny of his mother’s life. Shorts * Team Attending
From Eric: “Ok I picked the tenth one and it is actually six films but it is important to remember that sometimes the best picks are the short blocks. You simply get more film for your buck and each is tenderly curated for your pleasure. This particular block as almost all of the filmmakers attending. I found each of these films so moving I’m thinking if you had to pick only one short block it has to be this one.”
 
About the Fort Myers Film Festival
The Fort Myers Film Festival is an independent filmmaker’s preferred event to create, unite and showcase the finest artistic cinematic works.   The Fort Myers Film Festival was awarded the prestigious 2015 Chrysalis Award for Cultural Achievement by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce at their annual Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show.  The Fort Myers Film Festival was founded by Eric Raddatz, the award-winning presentation editor of Florida Weekly, regular contributor for NBC-2 in Fort Myers, and host of Fort Myers Film Festival’s indie film show, “T.G.I.M.”

The Big Calusa festival to showcase SWFL’s water
Calusa Waterkeeper shines positive light on region’s top asset with a week-long celebration and clean-up of our waterways
FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 1, 2019) — Southwest Florida’s water is worth fighting for — and celebrating. So, leading non-profit clean water advocacy group, Calusa Waterkeeper, has created The Big Calusa, a family-friendly, recreational, educational and cultural week-long festival and clean-up to reconnect our community in a positive way with all we love about our waterways.
“All year long, we at Calusa Waterkeeper find ourselves talking about the catastrophic harm we have suffered due to red tide and blue-green algae: fish and marine life dying by the millions, citizens at higher risk of illness, significant economic damage and on and on,” Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani said. “Now it’s time to remind everyone why our water is so special.”
The Big Calusa begins on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, with the Calusa Kayakers Clean-Up Kick-Off Party at Millennial Brewing Company in Fort Myers from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Millennial Brewing plans to unveil a brew specially crafted for the event called “The Big Calusa” on tap at various venues all week. The Calusa Kayakers Clean-Up Kick-Off Party will feature musical entertainment, food trucks and sporting vendors to create a festival launch and to sign up kayak racers and clean-up crews.
 
That same day, The Big Calusa teams up with Keep Lee County Beautiful to initiate Calusa Clean-up, a comprehensive week-long effort to clean local waterways throughout the region, partnering with kayak outfitters, civic associations, home-owners associations, service groups, churches and schools. The person who cleans the most garbage out of waterways and posts photos to social media with the hashtag #calusacleanup will be celebrated as clean-up champion at the Big Calusa Awards.
The brilliant history of Southwest Florida’s water takes center stage on Wednesday, April 24 for the Calusa Culture Night, which brings together storytellers, historians, artists and musicians at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. Speakers include Woody Hanson, Ralph Woodring, Seminole Tribe Member Brian Zepeda, Cindy Bear from the Randell Research Center, Amy Bennett Williams, Bill Hammond and “Calusa Waterkeeper” John Cassani. As a backdrop for the speakers, there will be a Seminole dugout canoe on display along with water-themed works of art by prominent Naples-based painter, Paul Arsenault, and noted Sanibel artist, Myra Roberts. Music will be provided by electric acoustic duo, Roots 2 Vine, who will premiere a song written for the occasion called “The Big Calusa.” Tickets are available at the box office at (239) 333-1933 or at www.sbdac.com.
Then, on Saturday, April 27, Calusa Waterkeeper plans a full day of recreation called Big Calusa Day with ACA-sanctioned kayak and paddleboard races starting at 8:30 a.m., then open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. featuring sailboat rides, fossil hunting, mermaid tales and “The Little Toot” Magic Tugboat for kids, along with fishing and boating safety workshops, master naturalist ecotours, and more at North Shore Park along the Caloosahatchee River in North Fort Myers.
The week-long events culminate with the Big Calusa Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 28 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., where Calusa clean-up champions, race-winners and local clean water heroes will be honored at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Newly appointed South Florida Water Management District Chairman and Sanibel favorite son, Chauncey Goss, will give the remarks at the awards ceremony.
“The Big Calusa was created to remind our community why it is important to protect and preserve our waterways,” said K.C. Schulberg, Executive Director of Calusa Waterkeeper and creator of The Big Calusa. “These precious natural resources, including our palm-lined beaches, exotic mangrove islands, unique ecosystems of marshes, tributaries, rivers and estuaries, not only provide boundless recreational opportunities, they serve as the underpinning of our economy, our livelihood and our enjoyment of SWFL. We need to cherish and preserve these resources for future generations.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Email Schulberg at [email protected] to find out how to get involved. For the latest on The Big Calusa, go to www.calusawaterkeeper.org/bigcalusa or follow Calusa Waterkeeper on Facebook at facebook.com/calusawaterkeeper.
Big Calusa sponsors already include “Golden Sawfish” sponsors: Pinchers Marina at Edison Ford and Severus Foundation; “Silver Manatee” sponsors: Manatee Eco & River Tours, and CONRIC PR & Marketing; “Roseate Spoonbill” sponsors, Millennial Brewing, Captains for Clean Water, Kayak DIY, Three Fishermen Restaurant, Edison Sailing Center, Pure Florida, Metro Blinds, Keep Lee County Beautiful, Jensen’s Cottages and Marina, and Sydney & Berne Davis Arts Center; “Blue Heron” Sponsors: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, GAEA Guides, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Lee County Parks & Recreation Conservation 20/20, LightHawk Environmental Flights, CCRC; and Official Hotel Sponsor: Best Western Waterfront Hotel.
Volunteers are welcome to participate throughout the week.  Fill out a volunteer form at http://calusawaterkeeper.org/events/big-calusa/ or contact [email protected] for volunteer opportunities.
About Calusa Waterkeeper
 Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) is a donation, member and grant-supported Fort Myers-based 501(c)3 whose mission is to “Protect and Preserve the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the Coastal Waters.” CWK’s project area covers more than 1,000 square miles, and its work includes testing and reporting, regulatory advisories, educational and community outreach and public advocacy. CWK is a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, the largest and fastest growing nonprofit solely focused on clean water, with more than 300 Waterkeeper Organizations and Affiliates on the frontlines of the global water crisis, patrolling and protecting more than 2.5 million square miles of rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on six continents.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 23, 2019) – Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) received a $12,150 Community Impact grant from The Southwest Florida Community Foundation to purchase iPads, cases and apps for individuals in LARC’s Bonita Springs Adult Training program.
 
LARC’s Adult Day Training program is designed to enhance abilities and help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live a happier, more productive and independent life.  Activities include self-care and daily living skills, as well as a variety of pre-vocational and life skill opportunities.  Opportunities are provided to increase fine and gross motor activities, communication skills, academic skills, positive behavioral approaches, independent living skills, social skills and recreation and leisure skills.
 
“We are grateful for the support of The Southwest Florida Community Foundation. The iPads will replace equipment that is outdated and will allow us download apps and programs that are beneficial to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director. “They will help develop motor skills, cognitive abilities, language comprehension and speech.  For people lacking motor skills, touch screens are more intuitive devices.”
 
“The iPads support our goal of helping people participate more fully in all aspects of life, increasing their opportunities for education, independence, social interactions and potential for meaningful employment,” said Kevin Lewis, LARC Executive Director.  “Technology is a key component of our latest initiative, Learn, Achieve, Become (LAB), and our Smart Living Lab will teach individuals how to live and thrive in a touch screen world.”
To learn more about LARC and LAB, contact Angela Katz, Development Director at 239-334-6285 x229 or email [email protected] or visit www.larcleecounty.org.
 
 
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 at 239-334-6285 x229 or visit www.larcleecounty.org.
 
 

•         Obtain and/or maintain Florida 2-20 General Lines Agent License

•         Complete all necessary continuing education to maintain your license in good active standing with the State of Florida

•         Proactively contact and market to real estate, mortgage, and other related professionals for potential new business

•         Attend local networking events, seminars, luncheons to generate new business and build your contact sphere

•         Quote new business accounts through appropriate insurance carriers sites

•         Gather all necessary information and documentation to process new business and renewal applications

•         Provide continuing service to existing clients by processing policy changes, payments, and other customer service tasks

•         Conduct annual coverage reviews to identify and cover clients’ additional risk exposures

•         Contact clients to obtain and provide information when claims are made on a policy

•         Participate in monthly staff meeting and share valuable, applicable information with fellow staff

•         Maintain a new business policy log and/or spreadsheet to track progress towards sales goals

Cindy Palmquist

Licensed Agent

The Thompson Agency, Inc

www.thompsoninsurancefl.com

2132 McGregor Blvd

(Fort Myers, Fla. – March 29, 2019) — Melanie Holaway has been named GLAD Kids Director of Early Childhood Education.  GLAD Kids, a part of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center family, has served children birth to 5 years as an early learning center for more than 40 years. Located on Gladiolus Drive, GLAD Kids’ mission is to ensure low-income families have quality, affordable childcare.  More than 80 children read, learn and play in a safe environment while their parents work to provide for their families.  GLAD Kids is a preferred VPK Provider of Lee County Schools and has a 5 STAR rating from the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida.
“Melanie worked for us as a consultant and was instrumental in the successful acquisition and transition of GLAD Kids to The Heights family,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “Her leadership will help us increase our impact and outreach to the youngest children in the Harlem Heights community.”
Holaway’s experience includes leadership roles in the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, Edison State College (now FSW) Preschool and Lee Health’s Child Development Center.
Kelly recently announced plans to build a three-story educational building on The Heights Center property that will house GLAD Kids and The Harlem Heights Community Charter School, a K-5 school.  A groundbreaking is planned for fall 2019.
For more information about GLAD Kids visit www.gladkids.net, call (239) 481-2100 or email [email protected]
About the Heights Foundation, The Heights Center and GLAD Kids
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through third grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 28, 2019) — On April 11 at 7:30 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host the Fort Myers Film Festival. Three films will be shown on the Henry Ford estate lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River, including an Edison silent film, a production about the first directors at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, and a feature entitled “Coach” about a woman soccer coach who breaks through the glass ceiling of a male-dominated sport.
The event is fitting since Thomas Edison invented the motion picture camera. His first films were without sound, but nonetheless groundbreaking for the time. Guests will get to watch an original Edison silent film, “The Great Train Robbery,” while local musician and film buff, Stephen Brittain, performs the score.
The second production, “A Tale of Two Halgrims,” was produced by Ilene Safron of Main Sail Video Productions and tells the history of the first two directors at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. From 1927 through 1931, Robert Halgrim, Sr. worked for Thomas and Mina Edison. In 1947, Mina deeded the Edison estate to the City of Fort Myers. Halgrim became the first director to solely manage the estate from 1948 until 1972. Then in 1973, his son Robert Halgrim, Jr. became the second director and operated the site until his retirement in 1998. For a total of 50 years, the Halgrims personally influenced the day-to-day management of the estates – now one of the country’s most visited historic sites and tourist attractions.
During highlights from an interview with Robert Halgrim, Jr., this short documentary reveals the history of those 50 years, including details of how Mina Edison gifted the Edison estate to the City of Fort Myers; the idea to collect thousands of Edison artifacts for a museum; how Henry Ford’s home was added to the site; and a list of some of the most famous people who have visited the property. Even the most knowledgeable historians may learn something from this story.
Eric Raddatz, with the Fort Myers Film Festival will introduce the feature, “Coach.” The film is directed by Jordan Axelrod, a New York City videographer who is originally from Fort Myers. The story follows Tracy Hamm, San Francisco State University women’s head soccer coach, as she seeks to become the first American woman to earn a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) “A” license – the highest international accreditation for college coaches. The film depicts the challenges that Hamm faced as a woman trying to climb the ladder in a male-dominated profession. Axelrod will be in attendance and available to answer questions after the movie. Some stars from the film may also be in attendance.
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. is sponsoring the event. Refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Only a limited number of chairs will be provided, so guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair. Tickets are $5 for Edison Ford members, $10 for non-members and may be purchased at EdisonFord.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 28, 2019) – The American Legion is turning 100, and Post 38 in downtown Fort Myers is celebrating a centennial of its own. The Rabe O. Wilkison Post, as it’s also known, was established on Sept. 5, 1919, just months after the national organization formed in the wake of World War I. The post is planning several ways to mark the occasion, culminating in a visit from the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on Sept. 7 and 8 at JetBlue Park.
“This is a legacy that honors all those who’ve served, and we’re proud to carry on the tradition that began when this post became the very first in all of southern Florida,” Post 38 Cmdr. Kevin Boyd said. “Part of the reason the American Legion exists is to extend the patriotism of our veterans into continued service to those who need it most, and this milestone is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of our members.”
The American Legion has more than 13,000 posts and over 2.2 million wartime veteran members around the world. Throughout its first century, the organization helped start the Veterans Administration, was instrumental in the creation of the GI Bill, led the way to create the U.S. Flag Code, and helped veterans receive benefits for illnesses related to their service.
Post 38 raises money to award scholarships to Southwest Florida children, helps veterans in need and supports several charitable endeavors in the community. It was named after Rabe O. Wilkison, an Immokalee native drafted into the Army in 1918. He volunteered for a World War I mission that a commanding officer warned would offer only a 1-in-100 chance of survival.
Wilkison nonetheless forged ahead and was killed on Sept. 16, 1918 in the battle at St. Mihiel in France. Less than two months later, the war was over. Wilkison was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1963.
“He embodied the valor and bravery we all want in those sworn to protect us,” Boyd said. “That’s why it’s so important to commemorate this anniversary and make sure stories like his continue to be told.”
The names of more than 58,000 who died or remain missing in the Vietnam War will be on display when the traveling wall comes to JetBlue Park. Sponsorship opportunities remain for those who want to help honor their sacrifice. To get involved, contact George Tice at [email protected] or 239-738-0601, or Jim Squadrito at 401-261-9096 or [email protected].
Visit centennial.legion.org to see some of the other ways the American Legion is marking its 100th anniversary.
About The American Legion Post 38
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Months later, on Sept. 5, 1919, Post 38 in Fort Myers became the first American Legion post in southern Florida. Named the Rabe O. Wilkison Post after a Fort Myers man who lost his life bravely fighting in World War I, the organization welcomes veterans from all branches of the U.S. armed forces to continue serving God, country and community. Members seek to serve the underserved by raising money to award scholarships to Southwest Florida children, giving aid and assistance to veterans in need, and supporting a number of other community programs and projects. Visit post38-swfl.org to learn how to join.

(Fort Myers, FL March 27, 2019) – Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (O-A-K) celebrated the ‘topping off” of the new three-story medical facility for Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida (FHC) in central Lehigh Acres on Wednesday, March 20.  The construction tradition that celebrates the completion of the highest point of a building, featured a barbecue lunch for more than 100 guests including Family Health Centers staff, project architects, engineers, interior designers and construction subcontractors.
Upon completion, the 62,000-square-foot medical center will be Family Health Centers’ largest facility, housing a variety of medical, dental and administrative offices. The $16 million facility is centrally located at 3415 Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres, directly across the road from Sunshine Elementary School, Quest Diagnostics and Palm Acres Charter School.
“The topping off is a major milestone and a celebration of the hard work our team has done over the past twelve months,” said Dave Dale, O-A-K, Florida President. “We appreciate the efforts and commitment of each individual who has ensured the construction has gone smoothly.”
“We are impressed with how the FHC Lehigh facility is coming together and we are looking forward to its completion,” said Dr. Frank Mazzeo Jr., president and chief executive officer for Family Health Centers. “It will be approximately five times larger than our current space.  Our adult medicine, pediatrics and dentistry practices will increase proportionately and additional practices will be added, such as pharmacy, optometry and chiropractic, as well as chronic disease management and lab services.”
O-A-K’s project manager is Matt Hoffman, the project superintendent is Tim Harkins and the project estimator is Abel Natali. O-A-K also constructed Family Health Centers’ Estero facility and has renovated one of its clinics in Fort Myers.
Family Health Centers operates 14 different facilities and 31 practices in Lee, Charlotte and Hendry counties. FHC offers primary health care, preventative health care, disease management and educational services for all patient groups, including the medically underserved, migratory agriculture workers, the homeless and other special populations. About 94 percent of patients FHC serves in Lehigh Acres are considered low-income according to federal poverty guidelines.
 About Owen-Ames-Kimball
Owen-Ames-Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O-A-K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Florida operation has offices in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com.

(Fort Myers, FL March 25, 2019) – Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (O-A-K), a premier general contractor with a longstanding presence in Southwest Florida, has announced the appointment of Joshua Hatcher, as a project manager in the company’s Fort Myers office.
Hatcher has more than ten years’ experience as a project manager and business owner.  His areas of expertise include construction management, planning, staff and subcontractor management with crews of up to 150, budgeting, scheduling and timely completion of projects.   Hatcher has an extensive knowledge of construction safety standards.
Hatcher’s experience as a project manager includes the reconstruction and redevelopment of Collier and Lee County school grounds after Hurricane Irma and the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bus Stop Concrete & ADA Sidewalks project.
Hatcher started his career in construction as a site supervisor with a grading firm where he learned civil construction.  He worked in project management at a plumbing and propane company. As a business owner, Hatcher successfully managed multiple projects and crews and developed a reputation of running on-time, quality and safe sites.
About Owen-Ames-Kimball
Owen-Ames-Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O-A-K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Florida operation has offices in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com.