Member News

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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 19, 2018) — Edison & Ford Winter Estates received more than $10,000 for garden restoration through a fundraising collaboration with Keep Lee County Beautiful, the Community Interact Club of Fort Myers and the Rotary Club of Fort Myers. Several trees will be planted on April 21 in a ceremony with the supporting organizations and students.
This year, the Rotary club was tasked with planting trees as part of their overall mission; each chapter made it their goal to plant some locally. “When the Rotary Club and Keep Lee County Beautiful learned of the need for garden restoration at Edison Ford, they decided it was a perfect fit,” said Mike Cosden, executive vice president at Edison Ford.
Chartered in 1922, the Rotary Club of Fort Myers is a leadership organization comprised of local business, professional and civic leaders who are united in providing humanitarian service locally and throughout the world. They embrace the highest ethical standards to build goodwill and peace. The Fort Myers club is the first, oldest and largest of the 54 in Southwest Florida.
Keep Lee County Beautiful is an organization that aims to inspire, educate and engage the Lee County community in improving, beautifying and protecting the environment. Their goal is to give back to the community through a passionate, environmental focus. The organization provides a unique experience for individuals to make an impact in the community. They offer a variety of service projects for groups of all ages to get involved. Three ways that they engage the community is through education, environment and events.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, the Community Interact Club of Fort Myers is a service club for youth, ages 12-18. The club is part of Interact’s global youth network, which is dedicated to both community and international service. Interact’s name is a combination of the words international and action. The goal for every Interact project is to have a lasting impact on society, worldwide.
Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, Edison Ford is restoring the gardens. Replacing the lost trees and plants has been an enormous expense for the organization. The money raised by Keep Lee County Beautiful, the Rotary Club of Fort Myers and the Community Interact Club will cover the costs associated with replacing several trees. Trees that are being replaced, include: Camphor (Cinnamomon camphora), white Floss Silk (Ceiba insignis), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus degulpta), Lorito (Pithocellobium arborea), Sausage tree (Kigelia pinnata), pink Shaving Brush tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum), Ironwood (Caeselpinia ferrea), Beautyleaf tree (Callophyllum innophyllum), Allspice (Pimenta dioica), Bay-rum (Pimenta racemosa), Pink Orchid tree (Bauhinia purpurea), Princess Flower (Tibouchina), Violet tree (Polygala cowellii), yellow Tabebuia (Tabebuia argenta), red Silk Cotton tree (Bombax ceiba), Tree Jasmine (Rachmachera ignea), and Walter’s Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum). 
For more information, or to donate, visit the website at www.edisonfordwinterestates.org or call 239-334-7419.

Buffet, Bottomless Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar available on Sunday, May 13
FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 18, 2018) – Society will host a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The special buffet will include omelet and carving stations with fresh eggs made to order, tequila lime marinated flank steak with chimichurri and pork tenderloin, a seafood display with oysters, snow crab, peel and eat shrimp and mussels on the half shell. Offerings will also feature blueberry pancakes, shrimp and cheese ravioli, bacon, sausage, herb roasted chicken, vegetable medley, breakfast potatoes, desserts, fresh fruit, domestic cheese, salads, antipasto, pastries, muffins and breads.
Buffet prices are $39 per person, children 5 to 12 years of age $13.99 and children four and under are free. Reservations are recommended.
The Mother’s Day brunch will also feature a bottomless mimosa bar for $13.95 per person and a bottomless Bloody Mary bar for $16.95 per person.
Classical pianist Mario Alvarado will entertain patrons and each mother will receive and long-stemmed rose.
Society’s regular menu will be available beginning at 5 p.m.
Located at the Bell Tower Shops, Society is Fort Myers’ newest modern American restaurant featuring multilevel dining and bar options from al fresco dining on the patio, banquette seating in the main dining area and the vibrant rooftop Treehouse with live music.
Society serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with light bites available from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a late-night-bites menu available on weekend nights.
Society features 14,000 square feet of dining and event space with seating for 250 and also provides private dining and event opportunities in the intimate Executive and West dining rooms.
For more information, visit www.societyfortmyers.com or call 239-334-0900.

Fort Myers, FL – A local philanthropist and the Duffy’s Foundation each stepped up and pledged a $5,000 Matching Grant Challenge to benefit LARC, Inc. the month of March.   With the generous support of the community, LARC’s March “Turn 10 into 20” Campaign raised $24,500!  LARC, (Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens) has been providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lee County since 1954 and celebrated their 64^th anniversary on March 12^th.  
 
LARC provides services for approximately 300 local men and women annually through vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services.  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.
 
“LARC is a training center for success,” said Kevin Lewis, LARC Executive Director.  “When individuals receive the training and resources they need, capabilities naturally surface and lives change for the better.”
 
“We could not be more excited with the outcome of this campaign,” said Angela Katz Development Director for LARC.  “Every donor plays a part in each success story and we are so grateful!  LARC is able to put these dollars to work right away and double our impact helping individuals with disabilities achieve success.”
 
LARC invites the public to get involved through advocacy, volunteerism, and events.  For more information, contact Angela Katz at 239-334-6285 x229 or visit www.larcleecounty.org.
 
About LARC:
Since 1954, LARC’s mission is to promote and provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work and participate in their communities to the fullest extent their capabilities allow.  LARC, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that has served thousands of local residents and families since inception, and serves over 300 individuals annually.  LARC offers vocational training, community residential services, community based services and an array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  For more information about LARC, visit www.larcleecounty.org or call 239-334-6285.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bring the whole Family on May 13th and Celebrate Mother’s Day with all there is to do at The Shell Factory & Nature Park. Start your day with FREE ADMISSION for Mom to The Nature Park. Enjoy all the Exotic Plants and New Animals that call The Nature Park home. Mom also gets 20% off on many unique pieces in The Retail Store Jewelry Department. Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Buffett with lots of Kid friendly items. Carving Station with Roast Sirloin, Baked Stuffed Fish, Pasta Station, Assorted Salads, and Homemade Desserts. $17.50 for adults and $8.50 for kids 12 and under. Finish your day with a Zip Line Ride or Miniature Golf with Mom. Special Fun Park package available for the whole Family. There is also Live Entertainment from 1pm-7pm on the Swamp Patio.  The Shell Factory & Nature Park is your One Stop Family Fun Destination for a great day with your Mom. For all The Shell Factory’s Fun Family Events go to www.shellfactory.com or visit The Shell Factory Facebook page.

Darci is one of the youngest contestants to ever win NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” garnering
over 21M views on AGT’s YouTube and the most votes for a final performance in the history of the show
 An evening for the entire family to enjoy
On Saturday, May 5^th Ventriloquist Darci Lynne brings her breathtaking, one of kind, family friendly show to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, FL.  Darci and her cast of characters kicked off their 2018 national tour in Atlanta and will continue onto Nashville, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Orlando to name a few. Darci won the hearts of America with her undeniable talent and AGT win. The multitalented thirteen-year-old and her friends Petunia, the divaesque rabbit, Oscar, the shy and soulful mouse and Edna, the brash old woman, sold out their first headlining show in just six minutes. To accommodate the overwhelming demand new tour cities are being added. Tickets are on sale now, for more information visit darcilynne.com.
Growing up in Oklahoma, Darci has always been close to her family and relies on their support and encouragement. In her younger years, Darci participated in talent-based pageants to overcome her shyness. She was soon introduced to the art of ventriloquism and decided to try it out for herself.  Her hard work, grit and discipline developed from her early days of gymnastics where she practiced thirty hours a week.  After only having her first puppet for two weeks, Darci began performing in talent shows in her home state and beyond. She was determined to audition for her first talent show, ultimately leading her to audition for the biggest talent show on television.
The stage is now a platform where Darci can open-up and display her incredible talents for the world to see.  Her polished, impeccable skill as a ventriloquist at such a young age is jaw dropping and sure to inspire the next generation to keep the craft alive, but when she sings, her voice leaves her audiences breathless. Recently Darci was invited to sing the National Anthem at the OKC Energy FC Soccer game where AGT fans heard Darci Lynne sing without a puppet. She then went on to open for Fergie at Caesar’s Palace on New Year’s Eve.
Darci’s opening act is the extraordinary family band, Pelican 212. The band consists of brothers and sisters that honed their skills performing on the sidewalks of Nashville, New Orleans and Pensacola. The group features twelve-year-old trumpet playing identical twins Max and Kolbe, along with siblings Angelle, Marie, Giovanni, Mollie and their oldest sister Katie, who taught many of her younger siblings how to play their instruments. Their mission is to bring generations together through the joy of music, playing songs from the Four Tops, The Jackson 5, The Monkees and James Brown. The horn section has their own feisty version of “When The Saints Go Marching In” echoing their New Orleans ties. Pelican 212 performed at the 2017 Liberty Ball and have been seen on NBC’s “Little Big Shots” and “America’s Got Talent.”
Darci has been seen on “America’s Got Talent,” NBC’s “Little Big Shots,” “Ellen” and the “Today Show.” For more information visit darcilynne.com
Tickets: $31.41 – $52.61 / Showtime: Sat. 7:00PM
Call: 239-481-4849 / Visit: https://www.bbmannpah.com/
The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 8099 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919

FORT MYERS, FLA., April 16, 2018 – Assuage Luxury Spa hosted a special event, “Freedom Fundraiser,” April 12 at its Naples location that raised more than $2,000 for Path2Freedom, a local non-profit that helps local victims of human trafficking.
The event included complimentary skin consultations, product demonstrations, chair massages, tours, hors d’oeuvres, wine and silent auctions as well as raffles for gift baskets.
“Florida ranks number three in the nation in human trafficking. We are very thankful to good corporate neighbors like the Assuage Luxury Spa for helping us to serve the needs of child victims during their individual journeys from rescue to restoration,” said Path2Freedom Founder Ana Stevenson.
Path2Freedom works with its partners to provide safe environments and long-term programs to help victims of human trafficking recover.  The non-profit organization currently is raising funds for a home for victims to create an environment of hope and healing. Visit www.path2freedom.org for more information.
Assuage  Luxury Spa and the office of Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville host regular events to raise money for local non-profits and have raised thousands of dollars to assist agencies in Collier and Lee counties.
Assuage Luxury Spa is a medical spa offering exotic relaxation treatments from around the globe, as well as contemporary equipment and state-of-the-art technology.  For example, Assuage was the first medical spa in the area to offer SculpSure technology, the first and only FDA-cleared non-invasive fat melting device to treat stubborn fat in just 25 minutes.
The spa was created by Tehjan Prendiville, a registered nurse with more than 30 years experience in the mental health field.  Her husband, Dr. Prendiville, is the medical director of the spa.
The Naples spa is located at 1201 Piper Boulevard, Unit 1, at the corner of Immokalee and Airport Pulling Roads.  The Fort Myers spa is located at 9407 Cypress Lake Drive.
For more information, call 239-333-1450 or visit www.assuagecenters.com .

April 16, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – On Friday, May 4th from 6pm – 10pm, experience artwork from Lee County students at Digital Lee! Students in middle, high, and post-secondary schools have been invited to submit digital artwork. Selected works will be part of the opening night celebration, and awards will be given for excellence in each discipline on Friday, May 11th. Support digital art by young artists in this fun exhibition! The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
 
Digital Lee is a year-end showcase that highlights the very best designs of the school year from participating middle, high and post-secondary schools in Lee County. The goal of the showcase is to bridge the gap between education and industry, providing opportunities for students to gain internships, jobs, and other design+technology experience that will enrich their futures and build our community. Graphic Design, Web Design, Animation, Digital Photo, and Publication (CTE) students are invited to submit work that they created using industry-standard software and techniques.
 
Guests are invited to take part in the opening night celebration for Digital Lee on May 4th in the Capital Gallery inside the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Enjoy these interesting and innovative pieces from some of Lee County’s best and brightest young digital artists. Then, on Friday, May 11th, join Digital Lee for an awards ceremony honoring this year’s exhibition winners. Support these budding digital artists throughout May! Show closes on May 22nd.
 
Digital Lee Exhibition
Opens: Friday, May 4th • 6pm – 10pm
Closes, Tuesday, May 22nd • 5pm
Free to Attend
 
Digital Lee Awards Ceremony
Friday, May 11th • 6pm
Free to Attend