Member News

CAPE CORAL, FL – May 1, 2018 – After 6 years since first opening their doors in Cape Coral, Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of a second location in Cape Coral on May 1, 2018. The new location at 2366 Surfside Blvd, Suite C111 in Cape Coral offers the same quality dermatology services patients have come to know and trust from Riverchase Dermatology. This new location will offer general dermatology services including treatments for a variety of skin concerns with immediate appointments available.
As part of their dedication to providing quality patient care to the Southwest Florida area, Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery continues to expand their service area in order to reach a greater number of those in need of dermatology services at a convenient location. With the addition of this new office location, Riverchase now offers over 37 convenient dermatology and cosmetic surgery locations throughout Florida.
About Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery is one of Florida’s largest, fastest growing and most comprehensive skin centers. Founded in Naples, Florida in 2000 by Andrew T. Jaffe, MD, FAAD Riverchase has maintained its initial vision of providing the most comprehensive skin cancer, dermatology and cosmetic surgery services for over a decade. The caring and skilled providers at Riverchase use the latest techniques and equipment to diagnose and treat a wide range of skin disorders and cosmetic concerns. Riverchase has many convenient locations throughout Florida. For more information, visit www.RiverchaseDermatology.com.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 20, 2018) – More than 80 Women’s Legacy Fund contributors and Prima Donors recently attended the Southwest Florida Community Foundation Fund’s spring luncheon. The luncheon was exclusively for WLF contributors and Prima Donors.
The Women’s Legacy Fund is a group of women who combine their contributions in this collective philanthropy initiative to foster the immersion of women in philanthropy and develop the region’s next philanthropic leaders.
The luncheon included facilitated discussions around the two grant focus areas selected by the WLF grants committee this year which was access to resources for business ownership for women, and access and attainment of education opportunities for women and girls.
Since its inception, the WLF has been able to provide more than $200,000 in grants to benefit people and communities in Southwest Florida including this year’s grant of over $30,000. Currently, the Fund has $827,000 in endowment that will continue to help fund local issues now and in the future.
Contributors to the WLF give a minimum of $250 each year ($100 for women younger than 25). The first half of contributions is pooled for the purpose of immediate annual grants, while the second half is pooled into the WLF’s endowment fund which provides additional grants to be made both now and in years to come. Prima Donors are local women who have contributed $10,000 or more to the WLF endowment and are committed to making an impact in their community through charitable giving.
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, founded in 1976, cultivates regional change for the common good through collective leadership, social innovation and philanthropy to address the evolving community needs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. It partners with individuals, families and corporations who have created more than 400 philanthropic funds. Thanks to them, the Foundation invested $5 million in grants and programs to the community last year. With assets of $93 million, it has provided more than $67 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves since inception. The Community Foundation is the backbone organization for the regional FutureMakers Coalition and Lee County’s Sustainability Plan. Based in Fort Myers, it has satellite offices located in Sanibel Island, LaBelle (Hendry County) and downtown Fort Myers.
 
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, founded in 1976, cultivates regional change for the common good through collective leadership, social innovation and philanthropy to address the evolving community needs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Foundation partners with individuals, families and corporations who have created more than 400 philanthropic funds. Thanks to them, the Foundation invested $5.4 million in grants and programs to the community. With assets of $115 million, it has provided more than $71 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves since inception. The Foundation is the backbone organization for the regional FutureMakers Coalition and Lee County’s Sustainability Plan. Currently, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s regional headquarters are located off College Parkway in South Fort Myers, with satellite offices located on Sanibel Island, in LaBelle (Hendry County) and downtown Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.floridacommunity.com.

April 9, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – When it comes to supporting workforce education, Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) took it a step further by pledging $25,000 to Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) School of Business and Technology over the course of the next five years.
“This gift will help us continue providing the workforce education so our students can become the professionals our southwest Florida region needs,” said Susie DeSantis, executive director, FSW Foundation. “We will use this generous gift to provide materials for several areas of study, including crime scene tech labs, and construction and engineering materials.”
LCEC supports education through involvement and financial support of local initiatives in order to strengthen the workforce pipeline.
“Mentoring students, serving in leadership roles, and offering internships are just a few of the ways we become part of the solution for a sustainable future,” said CEO Dennie Hamilton. “We are excited about how our partnership with FSW has developed over the years and we look forward to the impact we can make for business and technology students.”
In recognition for LCEC’s support, the company has a five-year naming of the welcome lounge of FSW’s School of Business and Technology on the second floor of Building K on the Fort Myers campus.
The Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation currently has professionally managed endowments and other funds approaching $45 million that allow it to support the work of the college. The Foundation provides nearly $1M annually in student scholarships and investments in programs, technology and facilities to benefit the nearly 22,000 students the college serves each year. To underwrite and expand the mission of the college the FSW Foundation continues to attract contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses and private foundations. As a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization with 50 years of successful operating experience, the FSW Foundation offers the opportunity to establish endowed funds which ensure the impact of a donor’s contribution lives on in perpetuity.
 About LCEC
Established in 1940, LCEC is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Marco Island, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Pine Island, Everglades City, Immokalee, Ave Maria, and parts of Lehigh Acres. LCEC is committed to providing efficient, reliable, cost-competitive electricity and emerging energy solutions and excellent service to our customers.  LCEC is also a major contributor to the local economy as one of the largest employers in Lee County with nearly 375 employees and by its support of many local agencies through charitable giving, volunteerism and environmental stewardship.
More information is available online at FSW.edu/foundation; email: [email protected] and by calling (239) 489-9201.
 

April 9, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – Calling all artists! Submit your interpretation of the symbol X in honor of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s 10th anniversary! Submitted works will be curated and selected for display in the Grand Atrium throughout June. Plus, artists have a chance to win the Best in Show, SBDAC Pick, or People’s Choice competition for cash prizes! Submit by May 11th. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Icons have power. They evoke memories, experiences, and information stored in the collective unconscious. Of these icons, the symbol X has many evocative meanings: X marks the spot. X speaks of intersections. X is numeric. X is the most controversial rating. X indicates elimination. X is where we sign. X is how we sign. X signals a choice made. X is a variable. X expresses the power of magnification. X is marked of an unknown identity. Explore the meaning of this powerful symbol in the June Juried Exhibition as we celebrate a decade at the Davis!
Pieces submitted to the exhibition should fit the call to artists “X” theme, and artists must submit statements explaining how their pieces fit the theme. There are no specific guidelines for artwork dimensions and proportions, but the curator encourages innovative and unique installations. Artists may submit up to two pieces for consideration. All entries must be digital files uploaded via the June Juried Exhibition submission form on the SBDAC website. For complete details and submission, visit https://www.sbdac.com/event/june-juried-exhibition-x/.
Overall Best in Show – Cash Prize in the amount of $500
People’s Choice – Cash Prize in the amount of $250
SBDAC’s Pick – Cash Prize in the amount of $250
June Juried Exhibition: X
Deadline for Online Submission: 5/11/18
Exhibition Opens: 6/1/18 • 6pm – 10pm
Submission link: https://www.sbdac.com/event/june-juried-exhibition-x/
For more info, call 239 333 1933.

“Heathers: The Musical” Opens at Florida Rep Education May 23

FORT MYERS, FL – The long-awaited Florida Rep Education Conservatory production of “Heathers: The Musical” officially opens May 23 at the Historic Arcade Theatre. The production runs May 23 through May 27 with matinee performances on May 26-27. Priced at $10 with a valid student ID and $20 for adults, general admission tickets are available at www.FloridaRepEducation.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488.
Nominated for several accolades, including the 2014 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music and the 2014 Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, the show features book, music, and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe based on the hit 1988 film written by Daniel Walters. “Heathers” continues to electrify audiences and critics alike for three decades running with its smart and compelling story about navigating a high school dystopia paired with rocking musical numbers that have carved their way into the upper echelons of musical theatre hits. Conservatory audiences will hear songs such as “Candy Store,” “Dead Girl Walking,” and “Beautiful” sung once again on stage by the familiar student faces of Westerberg High.
This hilarious, heartfelt, and homicidal rock musical tells the story of Westerberg High and the rule of a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing trio: Heather, Heather, and Heather, the most popular but cruelest girls of the school. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and mysterious new kid, JD, who plans to put the Heathers in their place – six feet under.  With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers puts perspective on the high-school experience and what’s really important in life.
The production features an all-star line-up of Florida Rep Education Conservatory veterans and familiar faces. The cast is led by Nayda Baez (“School of Rock,” Florida Premiere) as the intelligent misfit Veronica Sawyer, Brice Kingsley (Conservatory debut) as the dark and brooding JD, Athena Kelley (“Metamorphoses”) as Heather Chandler, Chloe Tsai (“Metamorphoses”) as Heather Duke, and Cat Westley (“Metamorphoses”) as Heather McNamara.
Education Director Kody C. Jones directs the production. Rosalind Metcalf (“Curious George: The Golden Meatball,” Florida Rep Education TYA Tour) music directs with choreography by Megan Leonard (Conservatory debut). Rosalind Metcalf joins this production from New Jersey after many years of music directing for numerous colleges and theatre companies while Megan Leonard’s extensive background in dance includes working with the Radio City Rockettes and touring “The Addams Family.” Emma Woods (“School of Rock,” Florida Premiere) serves as assistant director and Christina DeCarlo (“School of Rock,” Florida Premiere) is the assistant choreographer.
The design team includes set designer Jordan Moore (“Cabaret,” Florida Rep mainstage), lighting designer Andrew McDaniels (Conservatory debut), costume designer Jacquelyn Loy (Conservatory debut), sound designer Josh Schacht (“Cabaret,” Florida Rep mainstage), and production stage manager Caycelynn Hoggard (“Snow Me Away Cabaret”).
“Heathers: The Musical” is generously sponsored by Marvin & Lynne Birdt.
Florida Rep Education’s Conservatory program is designed for young artists who want to pursue theatre. It offers young artists an introduction to the professional world with a real-life regional theatre experience providing a creative outlet that culminates with a short run of public performances.
Florida Repertory Theatre Education performs on tour and in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson and Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep Education online at FloridaRepEducation.org, and by following the Education Department on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Enjoy the Sounds of Spring During FSW’s Free Student Concert Series
APRIL 9, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Music lovers can enjoy a series of spring concerts performed by students in Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Music program in April. Concerts are held in the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. Doors open at 7 p.m. Concert begins at 7:30. The concerts are free and open to the public.
Concert schedule:
Tuesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. – FSW Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, and Guitar Ensemble
The FSW Symphony Orchestra, along with the FSW 70-member Chorale, will present Johannes Brahms’ “Ein deutsches Requiem” Op. 45. Brahms began work on this piece in 1858 in memory of his friend and mentor, Robert Schumann. The resulting “Requiem” did not approach maturity, however, until after the death of Brahms’ beloved mother in 1865. Rather than a mass for the deceased, this work is his personal statement of affirmation and consolation for the living who have suffered loss.
 
Tuesday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. – FSW Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Trombone Choir, and Trumpet Trio
The FSW Concert Band will be performing movements from “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orf; Bizet’s “L’Arlésienne Suite;” Fillmore’s arrangement of “Poet and Peasant Overture;” “Hungarian March” by Berlioz; Frank Ticheli’s band arrangement of “Ave Maria,” and Glenn Bainum’s concert band arrangement of Hanssen’s Norwegian march “Valdres.”
 
Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. – FSW Jazz Ensemble
FSW’s two Big-Band Ensembles and two Jazz Combos will play the sounds of New Orleans jazz, swing, blues, big band, hard-bop and mainstream jazz by such composers as Les Hooper, Count Basie, Sammy Nestico, John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, Snarky Puppy, Frank Mantooth and Oliver Nelson.
For more information, contact Kelly O’Neil, FSW Music department, at 239-432-5203 or [email protected].

FORT MYERS, FL – Florida Rep Education is proud to present its 2018-2019 Season filled with classic stories brought to the stage, electrifying Broadway musicals, a world premiere, and brand new competitive programming adjudicated by the industry’s leading professionals!
“This year’s education season places a thematic focus on journey and the struggles and joys one faces when overcoming the challenges of that journey,” said Education Director Kody C. Jones.  “Everyone’s journey leaves a mark on us as a human as well as a mark on the world around us.  With this season we challenge our students and patrons to reflect on their own journey as we navigate the trials and tribulations every young person faces in life as they mature in to adulthood.”
New this season, Florida Rep Education is proud to announce that it will participate in the 2019 Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, GA. The Junior Theatre Festival is the world’s largest celebration of young people performing musical theatre. Florida Rep Education will bring 30 students from the Southwest Florida area to Atlanta to gather with peers from across 40 states and 6 countries. The Festival is a mix of adjudications, workshops for students and teachers, and special events like the “New Works Showcase” and “Direct From Broadway,” where Broadway’s best share their talents.
“Our Education Associate, Christina DeCarlo, has initiated a groundbreaking idea that will lead to a career-changing opportunity for our young actors,” Jones said. Past attendees and performers of JTF included Tony-, Golden Globe-, and Academy Award-winning songwriters, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul; Emmy nominee Darren Criss; 11-time Grammy Award-winning musical theatre and film score composer Alan Menken; and critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning songwriting duo Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
Education programs have grown exponentially in the past few seasons, and reach upwards of 35,000 young people and families each year. Overseen by Education Director Kody C. Jones, the department continues to educate, excite, and enlighten Southwest Florida audiences as our popular programs thrive and new ones take shape.
FLORIDA REP EDUCATION’S 2018-2019 SEASON
THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES TOUR
THE CAT IN THE HAT
Originally Produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain
Adapted and Originally Directed by Katie Mitchell
Based on the book by Dr. Seuss
Available as either a touring show or field trip for your school
A beloved classic! Watch the troublemaking Cat in the Hat perform incredible tricks and produce wondrous items to entertain Sally, her brother, and the frustrated little pet fish during one rainy day.
REFUGEE
A World Premiere
Based on the New York Times Bestselling Book Written by Alan Gratz
Adapted by Eric Coble
Available as either a touring show or field trip for your school
Three different kids. One mission in common: escape. Josef is a Jewish boy in 1930s Nazi Germany. Isabel is a Cuban girl in riotous 1994. Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. All three young people will go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, surprising connections will tie their stories together in the end.
ROMEO AND JULIET
Based on the play by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Bill Kincaid
Available as a touring show
The ancient tale of star-cross’d lovers whose struggling passion for each other brings fatal consequences that ultimately reconcile their feuding families.
CONSERVATORY
Disney’s NEWSIES: THE MUSICAL
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Based on the 1992 film of the same name
Spring 2019 · In the Historic Arcade Theatre
This Tony Award-Winning high-energy musical, inspired by real events, tells the plight of young newspaper sellers to make ends meet in 1899 New York City. When newspaper owners start to exploit their labor beyond reason, Jack Kelly and his band of newsies rise up and face the ruthless Joseph Pulitzer.
SPRING AWAKENING
Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Summer 2019 · In the Historic Arcade Theatre
The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, told by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater through what Entertainment Weekly called, “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade,” Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that is exhilarating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years.
NEW PROGRAMMING!
SHOW ON THE GO
2019 Junior Theatre Festival Entry
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s
MARY POPPINS, JR.
Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Book by Julian Fellowes
New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh
Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and the Broadway musical that played for over 2,500 performances and received multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers. This program is for ages 8-15 that focuses on touring performances and collaborative competition!
Florida Rep Education performs in several venues on tour and in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep Education online at FloridaRepEducation.org, and by following the Education Department on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Teachers in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties are eligible
FORT MYERS, Fla. – April 18, 2018 – Tuesday, May 15 is the deadline for nominations for the annual Character Education Teacher award to be presented by the Uncommon Friends Foundation at Uncommon Evening on November 8, 2018. Educators in elementary, middle and high schools throughout Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties who teach the Foundation’s character education curriculum are eligible. The award recognizes outstanding educators who teach character education using the Foundation’s “Lessons Learned from the Uncommon Friends,” as well as inspire their students to adopt and live by high ethical standards.
The full eligibility criteria and nomination form are available at https://uncommonfriends.org/character-education. The completed nomination form and a letter of support from the nominee’s supervising administrator must be emailed to [email protected] no later than May 15, 2018.
The programs for grades 3-8 and for high school and beyond are available at no charge at the web link above and through teacher training sessions and classroom encounters. It is also available in SMART Board format through the Character Education Sharepoint and in Safari Montage. The character education programs meet the Florida educational standards and are easily aligned with the standards of other states.
The Uncommon Friends Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1993 and dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. It promotes character education in schools, ethics in the workplace, and preservation of the historic Burroughs Home & Gardens and James Newton Archives. For more information, visit http://UncommonFriends.org or call (239) 337-9503.

Naples – Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce the opening of its new fully-staffed office in Naples at the Pelican Bay Financial Center located at 8889 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 400, in Naples, Florida.
The new and larger office is conveniently located off US 41/Tamiami Trail North, has panoramic views of Naples and offers free parking to serve individuals and business owners in Naples and all of Collier County.
“We are excited about the firm’s growth into Collier County,” shares Scott Beatty, the partner managing the Naples office. “Since 1924, Henderson, Franklin has worked to support the families and businesses in the Southwest Florida community. Having a new office in Naples allows us to continue that tradition and make our services available to more clients, specifically in the areas of business litigation, family law, estate planning, land use, trust administration, real estate and zoning.”
Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firm between Tampa and Miami with over 55 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Sanibel Island. For more information on Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla., (April 19, 2018) – Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (O-A-K) has begun construction on a new 14,000-square-foot parish hall at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. The church, which is led by Father Stan Dombrowski, priest of parish, is located at 5632 Sunrise Drive in Fort Myers.

Estimated for completion in March 2019, the new gathering space will feature a modern, open-concept design with a high clerestory and an open glass entryway. Renderings feature a flat roofline, clean exterior lines and large windows offering panoramic views.

The parish hall will be located adjacent to St. Cecilia’s mid-century sanctuary, which was designed in 1966 with a curved roofline, sweeping overhangs and stone accents. The new hall will have a large kitchen, restrooms and an expansive indoor space suitable for meetings, dinners and receptions.

The project is being led by O-A-K project manager, Scott Schneider, along with estimator, Abel Natali, and project superintendent, David Campbell. Architecture Joyce Owens provided architectural services, TKW Consulting Engineers provided structural engineering, Matern Professional Engineering furnished mechanical, electrical and plumbing oversight, and GradyMinor provided civil engineering work.

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.