Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 24, 2018) – Shell Point Retirement Community will conclude its 2018 Summer Concert Series with a performance by Trillium Piano Trio at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane, Fort Myers. The event is open to the public, with tickets available for $21 online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239-454-2067.

Featuring Susannah Kelly on cello, Yoko Sata Kothari on piano and Ruby Berland on violin, the Trillium Piano Trio’s musical act will introduce classical music with a modern twist. Founded in 2003, Trillium Piano Trio has been inspiring the South Florida musical community and captivating audiences for more than a decade. The trio’s highly personal approach to their performance includes a signature talk to explain the stories behind each piece, resulting in a relatable performance that connects the audience to the artistry of the music.

To learn more about the upcoming performance by Trillium Piano Trio, visit www.shellpoint.org/concerts or call 239-454-2067. Tickets purchased online or by phone will be held for pick-up at will call on the night of the performance.

About Shell Point Retirement Community

Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.

Surgeons Challenge Other Businesses to Join Fight For Clean Water
 FORT MYERS, FLA., July 23, 2018 – Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville welcomed  Dr. James L. Newlon to the Facial Plastic Surgery Center on Cypress Lake Drive during an open house July 19.  The facial plastic surgeons also announced that they are teaming up to raise money to support Captains For Clean Water, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and protecting South Florida’s water resources.
Patients and friends attended the open house to meet Dr. Newlon and hear about their efforts to help Captains For Clean Water. Both physicians and the Assuage Luxury Spa will donate 10 percent of their income from injectables and filler sales to the non-profit for the entire month of August.  The offer will be extended to Assuage Luxury Spa locations in both Fort Myers and Naples, where Dr. Prendiville serves as medical director.
The surgeons are issuing a challenge to other businesses to also dedicate a portion of their revenues during August to help Captains For Clean Water save our waters.  Businesses that wish to join the challenge should contact Captains For Clean Water at www.captainsforcleanwater.org
“We are disheartened to see the damage caused to our rivers and estuaries by the unnatural discharges from Lake Okeechobee.  Our fish and seagrasses are dying, our shorelines are caked with green algae, and our decaying water quality is impacting everyone,” said Drs. Prendiville and Newlon.  Both are avid fishermen and supporters of Captains For Clean Water.
“The solution is to restore the natural flow of the water by purchasing land to treat and convey Lake Okeechobee water south.  Funds to do this are already available through Amendment 1, but our legislature is slow to act to implement this long-term solution,” they said.
“We believe strongly that we must put pressure on our legislators and the Army Corps of Engineers to save the fisheries and coastal communities of south Florida.  It starts with just a few of us stepping forward to say ‘enough is enough’ and we ask others to join us in this fight to protect our waterways, and ultimately, our way of life,” said Drs. Prendiville and Newlon.
The fund-raiser will include all injectables and fillers offered by both physicians.
The two facial plastic surgeons share space at Dr. Prendiville’s offices at 9407 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers.
Dr. Prendiville is the only Fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Fort Myers who is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Newlon has more than 12 years of experience as a facial plastic surgeon and is the current chairman of otolaryngology for the Lee Health system.  He is Board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
For more information, visit www.drprendiville.com and www.docnewlon.com

 
CAPE CORAL, FLA., July 23, 2018 – Ann Biddison has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner.
She will assist family practice physicians at the Cape Coral Family Practice office at 1255 Viscaya Parkway.
Biddison is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.  She earned her Master of Science degree in Family Health Nursing from the University of South Florida in Tampa. 
She has more than 40 years of experience as a nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner in urgent care centers, hospitals and primary care practices in Panama City, Lake City, St. Petersburg and Cape Coral. 
She also has worked as a faculty member and instructor at Northwestern Michigan School of Nursing and St. Petersburg Junior College School of Nursing.
She is certified as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 by many long practicing local physicians and has grown to become the largest physician-owned primary care practice in Southwest Florida.  Offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres.  For more information, visit www.ppcswfl.com.
 
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla., (July 23, 2018) – PACE Center for Girls, Lee County will host an exclusive Girls Night Out shopping experience for fashionistas at its 10^th annual Love That Dress! event on Wednesday, Aug. 22.
 
The ultimate feel-good shopping spree of the year, Love That Dress! features shopping, music, silent auctions and cocktails, with all proceeds benefiting PACE programs and services. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Aug. 22 at Embassy Suites by Hilton, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive in Estero.
 
Celebrating 10 years of the community’s obsession with fashion and giving, the annual Love That Dress! campaign solicits donations of new and gently loved dresses, handbags, shoes and accessories. Dress drop locations are located throughout Lee County and will be accepting donations through the first week in August. Title Sponsor White House Black Market is also contributing hundreds of brand new products to the already expansive inventory, with all items to be sold at discounted prices during the Love That Dress! event. To commemorate 10 years, special pricing, along with some other surprises, will be revealed at the event.
 
“Over the past decade, Love That Dress! has grown bigger and better each year, and it truly has become the most spirited shopping spree for women across Southwest Florida,” said Event Chair Deanna Hansen. “With a huge inventory for shoppers to browse and buy, Love That Dress! provides a great opportunity to shop and socialize with friends, all while honoring the female spirit and raising life-changing funds for the young women and girls of PACE.”
 
With ticket sales beginning Aug. 1, admission is $30 in advance of the event and $40 at the door. PACE is also selling VIP passes for $150, allowing shoppers to enjoy early access to the shopping and exclusive access to the VIP Suite Level, which features private dressing areas, specialty auction items, express check-out and complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
 
This year also offers the chance to win a two-year lease for a 2018 INFINITI Q50 2.0t Pure, with only 150 tickets for this prize drawing available at $100 each in advance of the event. Those interested in purchasing a ticket can do so directly at the Fort Myers Infiniti dealership and will receive a complimentary VIP admission ticket (while supplies last).
 
Proceeds from Love That Dress! benefit PACE Center for Girls, Lee County, which assists girls ages 11 to 18 who have multiple risk factors impacting their academic achievement, including family income, substance abuse, domestic violence, foster home placement, neglect, grief, incarceration of a family member and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
 
“PACE is the nation’s only statewide prevention program for adolescent at-risk girls, and we serve well over 100 girls each year right here in Lee County,” said Meg M. Geltner, executive director at PACE Center for Girls of Lee County. “After impactful counseling, the chance to catch up on academic coursework and vocational training opportunities, 96 percent of PACE girls demonstrate academic improvement and 95 percent have no involvement with the juvenile justice system within a year of leaving PACE. That’s why Love That Dress! is so important – its success is vital to the success of PACE and the girls and young women its programs serve.”
 
Presenting sponsors for Love That Dress! include White House Black Market as the Title Sponsor. Additional sponsors include Priority Marketing, Stilwell Enterprises, St. Charles Yacht Club, IBERIABANK, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, ABC-7, Gulfshore Life, Fort Myers Infiniti, Miromar Outlets, Embassy Suites by Hilton, California Closets, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, Dr. Garramone Plastic Surgery, Arias Law Firm, Get Efficient, LLC., Seminole Casino Hotel, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright and Co. P.A, Florida Marina Clubs and Noelle Melanson, Deanna Hansen and Cheryl Komnick, Anne Wittenborn, Alexandra Bremner, The News-Press Media Group, 96.9 WINK-FM, House of Wu, Image Matters, New Beginnings Events, Nu Image Dry Cleaners, Atilus, LLC, Jason’s Deli, Living Local, Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Bar, Prawnbroker Restaurant Group, Famous Dave’s, Priority Payments of South Florida, Caloosa Tent & Rental, A. Jaron Fine Jewelry, Signs Now, Lightning Wireless Solutions, Inc., and Rachel Allan.
 
To purchase tickets, please visit www.LoveThatDress.org, email [email protected] or call 239-425-2366 ext. 2315.
 
About PACE Center for Girls, Lee County
Since 2007, PACE Center for Girls, Lee County has been providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The gender-specific, strength-based program is one of 20 Centers throughout Florida, and is known throughout the nation as a best practices model for diverting girls from the juvenile justice system. PACE is a registered not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, businesses, civic/community organizations and churches in Lee County in order to serve girls and their families. Since its inception, PACE Center for Girls, Lee County has served more than 650 at-promise girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information on PACE Center for Girls, Lee County, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.
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Media Contacts:
Emily Golden, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-565-1595 (cell)
Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-887-9335 (cell)

– The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee (WIB) will host its August networking meeting from 4PM – 6 PM on Wednesday, August 1st at Society, located at 13499 Bell Tower Drive in Fort Myers. The event will be held on the upper level in the Treehouse Lounge. Guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the five APEX Award finalists of 2018 and be entered to win a free ticket to the 13^th Annual APEX Awards Gala on August 25^th. To win, the Women in Business committee has created a fun contest involving hashtags, social media, and selfies. Find out all the details and don’t miss this exciting opportunity to network with some of the most incredible women in Southwest Florida on August 1^st at Society.
 
The 2018 APEX finalists are: Susan Bennett, President of Susan Bennett Marketing and Media LC, Teri Hansen, President and Creative Director of Priority Marketing, Attorney Christina Schwinn with Pavese Law Firm, Judy Williams, Owner & CEO of Spada Salon & Day Spa, and Attorney Kelly L. Fayer of Kelly L. Fayer, P.A.
 
The non-profit spotlight for the August event will highlight Our Mother’s Home.  All business professionals are invited to attend. Admission is $10 for Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (GFMCC) members and $20 for future GFMCC members. To register, call (239) 332-3624 or visit www.fortmyers.org.
 
ABOUT WIB:
Part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business committee is dedicated to helping women achieve their fullest professional and personal potential.  A variety of networking and educational programs are offered throughout the year, typically the first Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
ABOUT GREATER FORT MYERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
Located at 2310 Edwards Drive in Downtown Fort Myers, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has been serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community.
# # #
 
 
Stephanie Davis
Director of Events & Marketing
 
[email protected]
http://www.fortmyers.org
239-332-2930, ext. 213
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2018) – The Fort Myers Miracle will turn back time at the concession stand on Aug. 1, when select food items and beverages will only be $1.
The Miracle’s Throwback Day food promotions include Kayem hotdogs, popcorn buckets, fountain drinks and draft beers, all for just $1 each.
“Ballpark food can get expensive, but we’ve been able to keep prices affordable for families at Hammond Stadium,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Fort Myers Miracle. “Throwback Day brings affordability to a whole new level, though, so we’re encouraging fans to arrive early and come hungry on Aug. 1, and not to worry about downing two or three hotdogs that night.”
The Miracle will be playing the Jupiter Hammerheads. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game. Tickets start at $7.50 in advance or $8.50 on gameday.
Upcoming promotions for the next homestand include:

• Tuesday, July 31 (7 p.m.): Two-for-One Tuesday, Fan Takeover Night
• Wednesday, Aug. 1 (7 p.m.): Throwback Day, Winning Wednesday
• Thursday, Aug. 2 (7 p.m.): Thirsty Thursday, College Night, University of Miami Night
• Friday, Aug. 3 (7 p.m.): Fireworks Friday, Pregame Happy Hour, Independence Day Jersey Auction
• Saturday, Aug. 4 (6 p.m.): Bark in the Park, Miracle Backpack Giveaway, Back to School Festival
• Sunday, Aug. 5 (4 p.m.): Dairy Queen Sunday, Kids Run the Bases, Kids Club Sunday

For more information about baseball tickets and promotions, please call 239-768-4210 or visit MiracleBaseball.com.
About the Miracle
The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Jose Berrios, Byron Buxton and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2018) – Floridians are making a collaborative effort to develop a voice for people with disabilities. Our VoicesTogether gathered for the first time on Monday, July 9 at the Fort Myers Talking Books Library to establish a coalition that takes a coordinated approach to speaking up on public policy that affects people with disabilities.
 
A crowd of advocates, members, families and public figures, along with nearly two dozen online participants, met to kick off the campaign that gives those with disabilities a greater voice in the decisions that impact them most. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been forced to deal with sharp declines in funding for programs that assist them. The coalition strives to provide people across the state with the tools necessary to meet this crisis head-on.
 
Lee County School Board candidates Gerri Ware and Louis Navarra were among those in attendance, as well as Lee County School Board member Melisa W. Giovannelli and David Holden, who is running for the 19^th Congressional District.
 
During the initial organizing session, participants worked collaboratively to name the coalition and identify three main goals:
 

• Increase the budget for individuals with disabilities,
• Increase rates for services to retain direct support providers,
• Increase accessible and affordable transportation options for people with disabilities.

 
The public and those wishing to get involved are welcome to attend the next meeting on Monday, August 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fort Myers Talking Books Library at 1651 Lee St., Fort Myers. Those who will not be able to attend may log into the webinar. For information, email [email protected].
 
About Our Voices Together
Founded in 2018, Our Voices Together was formed to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state of Florida. The coalition provides advocacy, support and education to people with disabilities and their family members, while also ensuring they have a voice in determining policy and positions on important issues. For more information, visit the coalition’s Facebook page at facebook.com/OurVoicesTogetherFL/.
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2018) – Cybercrime is on the rise across the country, with profound financial consequences for business owners. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent trouble, there are ways to avoid it. The Above Board Chamber of Florida will host two meetings called “Avoid being hacked – Learn ways to protect your data.”
 
Both meetings will feature an expert panel and dive into the risks created by the rapidly growing number of connected people and devices. Panelists include Carrie Kerskie, director of identity fraud at Hodges University, James Bryan Caudill-Ritter, founder and CEO at Pulse Technology and Jeff Alluri, principal and VP of Element Technologies, LLC.
 
Kerskie is a well-known national speaker, trainer, author and consultant on the topics of identity theft, fraud and data privacy. Caudill-Ritter has been providing technical helpdesk support, computer support and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses in Southwest Florida since 2006. Alluri oversees Element’s consulting practice and assists clients with IT strategies that are explicitly linked with business strategies.
 
Javier Fuller, vice president of web development for CONRIC PR & Marketing, will serve as master of ceremonies for the Fort Myers event. Cory O’Donnell, digital engagement editor at The News-Press and the USA Today Network, will serve as master of ceremonies for the Naples event.
 
Fort Myers meeting registration
 
The Fort Myers meeting will take place on Thursday, Aug. 9 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza at 13501 Bell Tower Drive. Register at AboveBoardChamber.com or call 239-910-7426.  The cost on or before Wednesday, Aug. 1 is $28 for members and $33 for non-members. After Aug. 1, it’s $32 for members and $38 for non-members.
 
Naples meeting registration
 
The Naples meeting will take place on Monday, Aug. 13 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hilton Naples at 5111 Tamiami Trail N. Register at AboveBoardChamber.com or call 239-910-7426. The cost on or before Tuesday, Aug. 7 is $28 for members and $33 for non-members. After Aug. 7, it’s $32 for members and $38 for non-members.
 
The meetings are sponsored by CONRIC PR & Marketing, Pulse Technology Solutions LLC, Spada Salon and Day Spa, Your Walking Billboard, Charlie McDonald Photography, Lady in Pink Photography and Signarama North Fort Myers.
 
For more information or to register for the meetings, visit Above Board Chamber’s website.
 
The Above Board Chamber of Florida is dedicated to bringing people of all faiths together within the community, in the workplace and amongst one another. Their mission is to supply members with tools that allow them to take every aspect of their lives Above Board. For more information on the event or on how to become a member of the Above Board Chamber, call CEO Jeanne Sweeney at 239-910-7426 or visit AboveBoardChamber.com.
 
 

July 19, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – Indie movie buffs get excited! Thank God for Indie Movie Mondays comes back to downtown Fort Myers for the 2018 – 2019 season. See the first films submitted for selection and help decide which ones make it to the 2019 Fort Myers Film Festival! August 6th features judges Wendy Chase, Justin Verley, and Kinfay Moroti. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
The season kicks off Monday night August 6th with host Eric Raddatz, and co-host Melissa Tschari DeHaven. The house opens for cocktails at 6:30pm and show starts at 7pm. Each indie film to view comes from a different writer and director. This makes for a truly eclectic line up of original filmmaking! Enjoy cocktails, live entertainment during intermission, and the judges comments on the films all evening long.
Get a look at how the Fort Myers Film Festival views submissions for independent films and participate in the selection process! Have a say whether or not they should make final programming. Come out and see short indie films submitted to the Fort Myers Film Festival every first Monday of the month in season at TGIM. Don’t miss the first indie movie Monday of the season!
The Fort Myers Film Festival is an Intelligent independent filmmaker’s preferred event to create, unite and showcase the finest artistic cinematic works. FMFF is celebrating nearly a decade of the finest indie films on the planet. For submission, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected].
The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 9th annual festival will be held in the sunny, beautiful SW Florida region in April 2019 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Alliance for the Arts, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Library and Imaginarium with parties and dinners at Twisted Vine Bistro, Firestone and other select venues. For more info, visit www.sbdac.com.
Thank God for Indie Movie Mondays (TGIM)
Monday, August 6, 2018 | 6:30pm: Doors | 7pm: Films
Tickets: Adults – $10 | Seniors & Students – $8
Call 2393331933 or visit www.sbdac.com for more info.

July 19, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – Poetry, music, and visual works have a home at the monthly Art and Poetry Networking Event! Are you an artist or performer? You can even register to participate in this month’s showcase! Gulf Coast Leisure features artists, musicians, poets, and more from 8pm – 11pm. Take part in the next APNE on August 23rd! The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Since 2012, Gulf Coast Leisure has developed nightlife events, summer celebrations, and community outreach by collaborating with local nonprofits. The first and longest-running event is the renowned Art & Poetry Networking event (APNE) on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. GCL started out as a need that was missing in the area that would be monthly, but more importantly, would be consistent. GCL provided the ability to self-express and be yourself on a stage in the SWFL community.
Gulf Coast Leisure (GCL) is an arts and entertainment company serving Southwest Florida locals and visitors. GCL features vibrant, creative expressions of art from individuals representing all walks of life. While their core following is the millennial market, their artistic events and community outreach touches all age groups from Gen Z to Baby Boomers by creating a movement, culture, and lifestyle with their productions and products. GCL pushes the envelope within the arts community online and in person. Through events and outreach, GCL enhances the growth of a truly diverse, vibrant, and artistic culture in SWFL. GCL invites you to join the movement by partnering with GCL on promoting this electrifying arts experience. For artist registration and tickets, visit www.gclmovement.com.
GCL’s Art and Poetry Networking Event
Thursday, August 23rd | 8pm | $10
Visit www.gclmovement.com for tickets and info.