Members News
Autism Acceptance Month
CMON celebrates every child and all of their abilities during Autism Acceptance Month and…
 CMON celebrates every child and all of their abilities during Autism Acceptance Month and all year long! CMON offers events, programs, and calm-down kits all catered for children with special needs and autism. Learn More about our offerings:  Autism Awareness Storytime and Pop-Up Activities Throughout the month of April, CMON educators will offer a sensory friendly story time and a pop-up activity on Mondays and Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. Pop-up activities may include fidget toys, a community puzzle, or a “what makes me unique” page.  Register Now Exceptional Night Exceptional Nights are created specifically for children with physical and/or neurological disabilities, Autism, and other sensory integration disorders. Lighting and sounds are muted, cool-down spaces are avail- able, and participation is limited to keep crowds to a minimum. The whole family is encouraged to attend to make the evening enjoyable and educational for the child. Upcoming Exceptional Nights: April 23 and May 28  Register Now Exceptional Resource Night Join us for a special Exceptional Night at CMON! Explore and connect with community resources and activities, including Endless Brain Musical Learning, LARC, Inc., Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, North Naples Therapy & Enrichment Services, The Naples Players, and We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym. Free for CMON members and $5/person.  Sensory Kits CMON offers Calm Down kits at the front desk upon request for children with autism and sensory needs. These kits include weighted blankets, weighted seek- and-find game, child-sized noise-cancelling headphones, and a timer. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the front desk all year long.    |
Bat maternity season starts April 16
(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) April 8, 2024 Photos…
 (Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) April 8, 2024 Photos available Suggested Tweet: Bat maternity season starts April 16! Got #bats roosting in buildings? April 15 is the last day to legally exclude bats from your home without a permit: https://content.govdelivery. com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/3950f7f @MyFWC #Florida #Conservation  Bat maternity season starts April 16 Florida’s 13 bat species typically roost in trees, caves or other natural spaces, but are sometimes attracted to human-made structures, including buildings undergoing construction. If you have bats roosting in buildings, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that April 15 is the last day to legally exclude bats from buildings without a permit. Florida’s bat maternity season, the time when most of our state’s native and beneficial bats give birth and raise their young, starts on April 16 and lasts until Aug. 14 each year. During bat maternity season, it is illegal to block bats from their roosts; this prevents flightless young from being trapped inside structures, which isn’t good for people or bats. If you have bats roosting in your house or building, the most effective and only legal method to remove roosting bats from structures is the use of exclusion devices, which allow bats to safely exit a structure but block them from returning to their roosts. It is only legal to use exclusion devices from Aug.15 until April 15, outside of the maternity season. Permits are required to use exclusion devices outside of those dates. It is illegal in Florida to kill or harm bats, so exclusion guidelines were developed to ensure bats are removed safely and effectively from buildings outside of maternity season. Bat exclusion is a multi- step process that begins by identifying all potential bat entry and exit points in a building. To legally exclude bats, exclusion devices must be installed on key exit points, left up for a minimum of four nights and the exclusion must be conducted when the overnight temperature is forecast to be 50ºF or above. Bats are highly beneficial, both ecologically and economically. Florida’s bats are insectivores, with a single bat eating up to hundreds of insects a night, including mosquitoes and other garden and agricultural pests. Worldwide, bats serve critical functions due to their roles in insect pest control, and as pollinators and seed dispersers, and their guano can be a valuable fertilizer. Florida’s native bat populations include endangered species including the Florida bonneted bat. Want to help our bats? There are several ways that Florida residents and visitors can support bat conservation: -Preserve natural roost sites, including trees with cavities or peeling bark. -Leave dead fronds on palm trees to provide roosting spots for bats. -Install a bat house on your property. -Report unusual bat behavior, as well as sick or dead bats: MyFWC.com/BatMortality. For more information about how to properly exclude bats as well as other tips to bat-proof your home, visit MyFWC.com/Bats and click “Bats in Buildings.” If you have questions or need more assistance, contact your closest FWC Regional Office to speak with a wildlife assistance biologist. Learn more about bats in Florida and ways you can help them thrive by visiting MyFWC.com/Bats.    QUESTIONS? Contact the FWC Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676  |
Upcoming SFWMD Public Meetings
Meeting Notice Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings…
 Meeting Notice Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings and events in the next three weeks. For a list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance. Meeting format varies for each meeting, and some meetings may be in-person only, virtual only, or a hybrid of both formats. Take note of upcoming SFWMD public meetings  What: C-7 Basin Flood Protection Level of Service Adaptation and Mitigation Planning Projects Study Workshop When: April 9 at 9:30 a.m. Meeting Information What: 2024 Open House for the South Florida Environmental Report When: April 10 & 11 at 1:00 p.m. Meeting Information  What: Governing Board Meeting When: April 11 at 9:00 a.m. Meeting Information This meeting will be immediately followed by the SFWMD Leasing Corp. Annual Meeting. What: Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Flood Resiliency Study Meeting When: April 12 at 11:00 a.m. Meeting Information What: Lake Belt Mitigation Committee Meeting When: April 18 at 10:00 a.m. Meeting Information What: East Coast Surficial Model (ECSM) Calibration Update Peer Review Meeting When: April 23 at 8:30 a.m. Meeting Information  What: Big Cypress Basin Board Meeting When: April 26 at 11:00 a.m. Meeting Information Many SFWMD meetings are conducted via Zoom, a free online meeting tool. You can learn more about attending a Zoom meeting and even run a test on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Please note, you must have the latest version of Zoom to attend SFWMD meetings conducted on Zoom. The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders. |
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL SPRING FLING EVENT
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL SPRING FLING EVENTNAPLES, Florida (April 8, 2024) –…
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL SPRING FLING EVENT
NAPLES, Florida (April 8, 2024) – The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) is celebrating all things spring with its third annual family-friendly Spring Fling event on Saturday, April 27, 2024. This event will open to CMON members only from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and open to all museum guests from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
In addition to the museum’s regular exhibits and programming, Spring Fling will feature springtime-themed STEAM activities, face painting, a miniature petting zoo, a bubble dance party, Teddy Bear Mobile stuffed animal making (at additional cost), and more. The CMON Education team will be hosting science demonstrations in the backyard, and guests will have the opportunity to play spring-themed games, compete in STEAM challenges, and add their creativity to a community art project.
Local coffee cart The Bean will be onsite to provide pick-me-ups throughout the morning, and Cajun Gringos food truck will be at the museum from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch for patrons to purchase.
With a focus on animals, plants, produce, and the environment, Spring Fling will be an unforgettable and fun day at the museum. There are no tickets or registration needed to attend. To access early admission and many more benefits, become a member at https://www.cmon.org/membership/.
Programs this week at FGCU Academy
Hundreds of lectures. Knowledgeable instructors. Join us in-person at one of our 19 locations or…
| Hundreds of lectures. Knowledgeable instructors. Join us in-person at one of our 19 locations or participate online.  JANUARY – MAY 2024 PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE OR VIA PHONE Keep your mind active and engaged in the new year! Register for a lecture with FGCU Academy! Dear John, Easter may have ended but things are still hopping at FGCU Academy. Check out the upcoming week below! Lots of excitement going on. Call our office for assistance with your registrations at 239.434.4737.  Week of April 8 – April 12 Click on any topic below to learn more.  General “Black Jack” Pershing April 8 | 10 – 11:30am, Monday Naples Center / Online via Zoom John J. Pershing, who led U.S. forces in World War I, is one of the most respected and honored military leaders in history. An 1886 graduate of West Point, he had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades. Among his career high- lights: commanding Black troops during the Indian wars and at the Battle of San Juan Hill; promotion from Captain to Brigadier General by President Teddy Roosevelt, with whom he fought in Cuba; combatting terrorism in the Philippines and Mexico; commanding AEF; and promotion to General of the Armies. Join this fascinating look at the life and career of a military icon.  Apollo Program Review: 50th Anniversary April 8 | 2 – 3:30pm, Monday Bonita Bay Community Center Our speaker reviews the Apollo space program from his unique perspective as an engineer who helped design the Inertial Navigation System used by both the Apollo Command and Lunar Modules. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission. We review the details of the Apollo 11 Mission – First Manned Landing on the Moon; Apollo 13 – Houston We Have A Problem Mission; and Apollo 17 – Last man On the Moon Mission.  The Constitution and the New “Imperial Presidency” April 9 | 10:30 – 12pm, Tuesday Naples Center / Online via Zoom The Founders gave the president significant powers but also provided for checks and balances on those powers. Over time, those checks and balances eroded, leading to the evolution of an Imperial Presidency that exceeds the constitutional boundaries. The lecture examines the history of this process, leading up to the present, and how balance can be restored.   Don’t Miss Out! LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! Slam Bidding April 10 | 10 – 11:30am, Wednesday Naples Center / Online via Zoom How many slams do you miss at the bridge table? Join us as we tackle the most important systems and conventions you should know in order to find and make every biddable slam. Topics will include Italian Cue Bids, Kick- back, 1430, Queen Ask, Exclusion Blackwood and more. Bring your partner so you can both hone your skills on all these powerful bridge conventions and start bidding more slams!  Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) April 10 | 10 – 11:30am, Wednesday FGCU Main Campus – Ft. Myers BLDG AB9 (room 106) UAP is the new name given to what we previously knew as UFO’s – Unidentified Flying Objects. In this lecture, we review major historical UAP/UFO events starting with the July 1947 Roswell, NM incident which has become a cultural phenomenon. Portrayals of the Roswell incident are a prominent and enduring topic in popular culture and mass media commonly associated with “grey aliens” and “flying saucers.” Our Speaker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work on the Apollo 13 mission which safely returned the three astronauts to earth after an explosion occurred in their Service Module 200,000 miles from earth on its way to the moon.  Catherine the Great April 11 | 1:30 – 3pm, Thursday Naples Center / Online via Zoom Bright, ambitious and imbued with ideas of the Enlightenment, Catherine rose from a German princess to Empress of Russia through her wits and wiles, not to mention intrigue and the convenient elimination of her husband. Her correspondence with the greatest minds of the day is legendary. She had grand plans for Russia, and encouraged by her lover Potemkin, set about the expansion, modernization and education of the country. Although her reign also saw the violently dangerous Pugachev rebellion, Catherine’s accomplishments and devotion to Russia have earned her a place among history’s most Enlightened Despots. The Week Ahead Monday April 8 –The Berlin Airlift and the Berlin Wall –The Problem of Mass Incarceration in the U.S. –Diana: Death of a Princess –The Art of Venice: The Imaginative Artistry of La Serenissima Tuesday April 9 –Defund the Police? The Current State of American PolicingThe Making of Modern China Wednesday April 10 –iPhone/iPad for Intermediates: All the Things You Never Knew –China Under Xi Jinping –The Free State of Florida: Really? What About Responsibility? Thursday April 11 –A Conversation with Florida Gulf Coast University President Aysegul Timur –Great Discussions of Current Events and More (2-part series) Friday April 12 –Becoming More News Literate TAKE A LECTURE AT ONE OF OUR 19 LOCATIONS The Arlington, Naples (AR) Aston Gardens, North Naples (AG) Bentley Village, North Naples (BV) Bonita Bay Community Assoc., Bonita (BB) Brooks Enrichment Center, Bonita (BR) The Collaboratory, Ft. Myers (CO) Cypress Cove, Ft. Myers (CC) FGCU Main Campus, Ft. Myers (FG) Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples (GR) Hideaway Beach Club, Marco island (HB) The Island Country Club, Marco island (IC) Moorings Park Grande Lake, Naples (GL) Moorings Park at Grey Oaks, Naples (GO) Moorings Park Original Campus, Naples (MP) Naples Center, Naples (NC) Siena Lakes, North Naples (SL) The TwinEagles Club, North Naples (TE) United Church of Marco Island, Marco (UC) Wyndemere Country Club, Naples (WC) (see page 4 of the Winter-Spring 2024 Program Guide for location addresses) FGCU Academy  Click Below to View 2024 Travel Open House Presentation  Classic Safari: Kenya & Tanzania August 13-28, 2024 16 days for $11,196 View Brochure  Exploring Iceland August 15-25, 2024 11 days for $6,692 View Brochure  Southern Italy & Sicily September 4-18, 2024 15 days for $6,674 View Brochure  Scotland: Highlands & Islands September 9-20, 2024 12 days for $5,896 View Brochure  Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024 River Cruise September 17 – 28, 2024 12 days from $5,469 View Brochure  Jewels of the Rhine 2024 River Cruise September 20 – 30, 2024 11 days from $4,925 View Brochure  Provincial French Countryside September 27-October 11, 2024 15 days for $6,297 View Brochure  New Zealand Adventure October 10-25, 2024 16 days for $8,124 View Brochure  Southeast Asia Odysseys October 31-November 18, 2024 19 days for $7,597 View Brochure Travel Abroad with FGCU Academy Call our office 239.434.4737 for assistance with registration or Click to View our Website DONATE NOW     FGCU Academy FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER 704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Suite 330 Naples, FL 34102 239.434.4737 [email protected] |
The FSW Theatre Program presents “Tartuffe”
April 5, 2024 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Step into the world of Molière's timeless…
April 5, 2024 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Step into the world of Molière’s timeless masterpiece, “Tartuffe,” as the FSW Theatre Program presents a dazzling theatrical experience filled with wit, satire, and uproarious comedy. This classic French comedy, first performed in the 17th century, continues to captivate audiences with its relevance and entertainment value.
Prepare for an evening of deception, hypocrisy, and laugh-out-loud moments as the talented cast and crew from the FSW Theatre Program breathe life into this iconic play. With impeccable performances and a deep appreciation for Molière’s comedic brilliance, our production promises to immerse you in the hilariously absurd world of “Tartuffe.”
Join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience from April 11th to April 13th at the FSW Black Box Theater, located at 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919
For ticket information, please visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6267829
Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 20,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- [GU1] and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placement rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests[GU2] . Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Cypress
(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) April 5, 2024 Suggested…
| (Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) April 5, 2024 Suggested Tweet: The week of April, @MyFWC will conduct aquatic plant control on #LAKECYPRESS in #OSCEOLACOUNTY. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts /FLFFWCC/bulletins/394a148 #Florida #InvasivePlants FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Cypress The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct aquatic plant control in portions of Lake Cypress the week of April 15, weather permitting. The FWC will treat invasive hydrilla in the Osceola County lake in areas where it is encroaching on beneficial native submersed aquatic plants and could impact access to navigation and flood protection. The FWC manages hydrilla on a lake-by-lake basis using a collaborative approach. The FWC makes management decisions based on the impact this invasive plant can have on native plant communities, access and navigation, flood control, and management costs. For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lakes. For more information about the treatment, contact Ed Harris, FWC invasive plant management biologist, at 407-204-3310. QUESTIONS? Contact the FWC Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676 |
Mighty Mussels host Open House to celebrate start of 2024 baseball season
Just days after the Minnesota Twins left their spring training home, the Fort Myers Mighty…
U.S. 41 Caloosahatchee River Bridge Construction Begins April 7
For best viewing, please click here ALERT U.S. 41 Caloosahatchee River Bridge Construction Begins April…
For best viewing, please click here ALERT U.S. 41 Caloosahatchee River Bridge Construction Begins April 7 The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is implementing pedestrian improvements to U.S. 41 over the Caloosahatchee River Bridge from First Street to North Key Drive. This project is intended to improve pedestrian safety by modifying the existing bridge to accommodate an eight-foot sidewalk on the west side of the southbound bridge. The sidewalk will connect to existing sidewalks north and south of the bridge structure to create safe access for pedestrians to cross. For the safety of the traveling motorists and the construction crews, the bridge will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11, 2024. These nighttime closures are necessary for crews to perform bridge work associated with pedestrian improvements. On Monday, April 8, as part of the Phase I construction plan, the bridge will be reduced to one lane in both northbound and southbound directions for crews to complete this phase of the project. Phase I construction activities are expected to be completed in December 2024. Electronic message boards will be used to make motorists aware of lane closures and alternate routes that can be used. Please note that the work schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Stay informed and sign up for construction alerts and view improvement plans by visiting https://www.swflroads.com/project/449015-1 or by calling the project hotline at 239-387-0115. Follow up on Twitter at @MyFDOT_SWFL, or facebook.com/MyFDOTSWFL for updates on current road closures. www.swflroads.com | Twitter: @MyFDOT_SWFL | Facebook: @MyFDOTSWFL The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of the state’s environment and communities. The department is committed to building a transportation system that not only fits the current needs of Florida’s residents and visitors, but also enhances mobility throughout the state to accommodate its consistent and rapid growth. The unique nature of the Sunshine State and its year-round warm climate provides numerous opportunities to achieve the department’s mission through multiple transportation modes including highways/streets, air, rail, sea, spaceports, transit, and the ever-expanding deployment of bicycle & pedestrian facilities.  2201 Second Street, Suite 600 | Fort Myers, Fl 33901 Toll Free 800.237.6444 | Local 239.338.3500 Alva, Buckingham & Lehigh Acres | Boca Grande & Outer Islands | Bonita Springs & Estero | Cape Coral Captiva Island | Fort Myers | Fort Myers Beach | Matlacha | North Fort Myers | Pine Island | Sanibel Island |
Fort Myers Small Business class now accepting applications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Debra Donatto April 5, 2024 Director of Communications Goodwill Industries of…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Debra Donatto
April 5, 2024 Director of Communications
Goodwill Industries of SWFL
(239) 995-2106, ext. 2254
Fort Myers Small Business class now accepting applications
Fort Myers, FL – Individuals thinking about starting their own business, but need some mentoring, are invited to apply to the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute, scheduled for April 15 – May 23, 2024.
The MicroEnterprise Institute is a six-week training program to help emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses. Graduates complete a comprehensive training course and prepare a solid plan to guide their start-up. They work with mentors who are successful businesspeople and hear from subject matter experts in areas of accounting, legal, marketing, insurance, and funding.
An easy-to-use workbook, used by organizations across America, assists in transforming vision into a plan for a successful business. Classes are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and Thursday evenings at Keiser University, 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Fort Myers.
A recent program graduate says, “This course helped me organize and plan the steps for creating my business. Coming in, I had no idea how to start a business that would lead to success, and now I have that.”
To apply, visit www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise, or call (239) 995-2106 ext. 2215. The session is $80; Volunteer hours can be substituted for the fee if income requirements are met. For more information, email Sandra Plazas at [email protected]. Attendance is limited, sign up now.
The nonprofit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida administrates the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. It is part of Goodwill’s mission of providing life-changing opportunities toward independence for those with disabilities and disadvantages. For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.