Member News

Mark your calendars for a free event:

Who:        Kimmie’s Recovery Zone and RYAN Healing Center

What:      Tipping the Pain Scale movie about how communities are providing different solutions for addiction.

Where:   Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers.

When:     July 30th, 3pm-6pm

For further details and to register to save your seat for this FREE event, please go to:   https://addictioncompassion.com/krzevent

NEED HELP WITH ADDICTION? 

Kimmie’s Recovery Zone is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO), an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery.  KRZ organizes recovery-focused policy advocacy activities, carries out recovery-focused community education and outreach programs, and provides peer-based recovery support services.

RYAN Healing Center is non-profit organization offering supportive sober living environment for alcoholics, addicts, codependents – anyone in bondage to any life limiting addictive behavior.  Services offered are for single women and mother/child seeking to live a new way of life by providing tools and resources to enable them to live a happy, joyous, and free lifestyle without drugs or alcohol.

For more information on Kimmie’s Recovery Zone and to donate to KRZ, please go to https://www.kimmiesrecoveryzone.org

For more information on Ryan Healing Center and to donate to RHC, please go to https://www.ryanhealingcenter.com

Sponsored By:
Park Royal
Archway Institute
Cloud 9 Spa
LifeCare
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter member Michelle Mambuca earns professional public relations accreditation

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 30, 2022) – Michelle Mambuca, APR, of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), recently earned her professional public relations accreditation, and received the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Mambuca joins the more than 4,300 active public relations professionals worldwide who represent an elite group of skilled professionals committed to practicing with high ethical standards, including 41 currently in Southwest Florida.

Mambuca is the marketing and public relations manager for Barron Collier Companies (BCC), one of the largest diversified companies in Florida dedicated to the responsible development, management, and stewardship of numerous land holdings. In this role, she manages BCC’s social media channels, internal and external communications, public relations, marketing and advertising for the company and their master-planned community Ave Maria, Fla.

A Florida Gulf Coast University graduate, Mambuca has served on the Board of the Public Relations Society of America, is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association, and enjoys networking and professional development opportunities. She is the chair of the BCC Professional Development Committee and is also the marketing chair for Wellfit Girls, a local nonprofit organization that empowers teen girls to climb high in all areas of life through transformational leadership programs. When out of the office, Mambuca loves spending quality time with her husband and family, cooking, baking and going on adventures with her two children, Miabella and Luca.

To earn public relations accreditation, candidates must pass an oral presentation and rigorous written examination administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is an alliance of eight national and statewide professional associations dedicated to furthering the field of public relations and the development of public relations professionals. FPRA is a member of the UAB.

About the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. It is comprised of 15 professional and 14 student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking and professional recognition opportunities. The Southwest Florida Chapter serves professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at www.fpraswfl.org.

Seeking summer fun (and maybe some A/C)? Explore the great indoors through captivating art classes, engaging exhibitions, cheerful concerts in the theatre and an indoor art market where you will find something totally one-of-a-kind!

This July, connect to the arts and to your neighbors at the Alliance.

Summer Art Market & Sale

Thursday, July 14 • Sip and shop at the Alliance! Beat the summer heat and enjoy our air-conditioned gallery where you will enjoy exploring a wide variety of mediums for sale such as paintings, photography, jewelry, potted succulents, and more, all hand-created through the artists’ talents and passion for their work!

And when you get hungry, there will be food trucks conveniently located outside to appease your shopping-induced appetite. We welcome you to bring as many friends as you wish to enjoy mingling with your neighbors and local artists!

Find Out More →

View All Events →

Calls to Artists – Reflections: Members Exhibition

Exhibits July 1 – 31 • Explore the works of over 120 local artists as they interpret the theme “Reflections” through a variety of mediums and artistic styles.

Opening Reception: Friday, July 1, 5-7 p.m. • See it first. See it free. This event is open to the public. Come meet your neighbors at this free event!

In the Theatre Lobby: Beverly Gordon

Find Out More →

View All Events →

Summer Concert Series

Thursday, July 7 • Enjoy an indoor concert with your friends as you tap your toes to some fabulous music – in partnership with Naples Big Band. The Naples Big Band entertains the public with dynamic Big Band performances in styles spanning the swing era to the modern day.

Purchase Tickets →

View All Events →

Breathing Techniques or Health & Longevity

Thursdays, July 7 – 28 • During each session, you will learn and practice different breathing techniques to strengthen respiratory and immune systems and oxygenate the body. Some of the techniques are accompanied by gentle movements to enhance breathing efficacy. Most of the movements are easy, light and fun, performed seated or standing.

Register →

View All Classes →

Dreaming as an Art Ages (16+)

Saturdays, July 9 – July 30 • The class will help guide participants as they awaken to the depths and wonders of their dream-selves, using their dreams as a means of furthering their own artistic expression, and provide themselves with self-understanding.

Register →

View All Classes →

Playing with Pastels Class for Beginners and Intermediate (Ages 16+)

Mondays, July 11 – August 8 • Informative, fun and hands-on series of classes will engage your creativity with dry pastels, with their unique and vibrant qualities. You’ll experiment with different papers and techniques to launch or expand your techniques. This is the place for newcomers to pastels, or those wanting to enhance their skills.

Register →

View All Classes →

Bob Ross Classic “Island in the Wilderness” (Ages 13+)

Tuesday Workshop, July 12 • Join Mathew Halstead, CRI of Lazy Painter Brushworks, for a classic Bob Ross painting workshop with friends at the Alliance. Find freedom on a canvas as Mathew leads you from start to finish though creating a version of Bob’s “Island in the Wilderness” painting. Students will take home a finished 12×16 painting. ALL SUPPLIES and boxes for transport will be provided. Come enjoy the Bob Ross philosophy of, “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

Register →

View All Classes →

Drawing Fun, Fabulous Flowers

Wednesdays, July 13 – August 17 • If you love flowers and want to learn or improve your drawing skills this class is for you! We will begin with basic drawing skills, then move into composing and creating dynamic drawings. The class will use photos from the instructor and students. Best of all, we will use real flowers while exploring different mediums, from graphite and colored pencils, to pen and ink and markers.

Register →

View All Classes →

Submit a Class or Workshop Proposal

Let’s work together! Are you interested in teaching a class or workshop at the Alliance for the Arts? We’re looking for a variety of offerings that entertain, inspire and connect us – from fine art classes, to crafting, cooking, spoken word, abstract painting and everything in between.

Find Out More →

Submit a Proposal →

Submit Your Art and Exhibit at the Alliance

Let’s work together! Are you interested in teaching a class or workshop at the Alliance for the Arts? We’re looking for a variety of offerings that entertain, inspire and connect us – from fine art classes, to crafting, cooking, spoken word, abstract painting and everything in between.

Find Out More →

Submit a Proposal →

Playing with Pastels Family Playdate (Ages 5+)

Saturday, July 16 • Bring your family! Artists of all ages will flourish in an atmosphere of play, experimentation and individual artistic expression. We’ll start by seeing the world through each others’ eyes, and then create individual interpretations in dry pastels. Using shapes, colors and marks unique to this uniquely vibrant medium, you’ll get encouraging guidance and personalized attention which will guide artistic development.

Register →

View All Classes →

Bob Ross Classic “Waterside Way” (Ages 13+)

Saturday Workshop, July 23 • Join Mathew Halstead, CRI of Lazy Painter Brushworks, for a classic Bob Ross painting workshop with friends at the Alliance. Find freedom on a canvas as Mathew leads you from start to finish though creating a version of Bob’s “Waterside Way” painting. Students will take home a finished 12×16 painting. ALL SUPPLIES and boxes for transport will be provided. Come enjoy the Bob Ross philosophy of, “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

Register →

View All Classes →

Beginner Painting Workshop (Ages 16+)

Wednesday Workshop, July 25 • Are you interested in working with acrylic paints, but not sure how to get started? In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to the fundamentals of acrylics and acrylic painting! By the end of this course you will be equipped with the know-how to pick up a brush and start experimenting with acrylics- in a fun, friendly environment!

Register →

View All Classes →

Beginner / Intermediate Knitting Workshop (Ages 10+)

Saturday Workshop, July 30 • This workshop is for those who have never picked up knitting needles and for those who have some experience and want to learn a new stitch or two! This workshop is for those who have never picked up knitting needles and for those who have some experience and want to learn a new stitch or two! By the end of this workshop you’ll be ready to make more tiny hedgehogs, or whatever knitted project your heart desires.

Register →

View All Classes →

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6)

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) is Americans for the Arts’ sixth economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in the U.S. The study is conducted approximately every five years to gauge the economic impact (on employment, government revenue, and household income) of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and the event-related spending by their audiences.

The AEP6 study is happening in 387 U.S. communities, so surveys may be coming to an arts event near you! If you meet your local arts workers out and about with surveys, please consider taking a few minutes to anonymously share information about your reasons for attending the arts and any spending related to the event. Survey responses will contribute to a better understanding of the powerful economic impact of the arts in your community and nationwide!

Find Out More →

Get Involved →

Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org
239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers

Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre

Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation
Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms
Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko

And incredible people like you!

HEALTHY LEE JULY NEWSLETTER

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in July to
bring awareness to the unique mental health struggles that racial and
ethnic minority communities face.

Particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and
substance use treatment services have been harder to access. This
month, we are promoting tools to contribute to mental wellness and
health for minority communities!

Find Resources Here

Hurricane Shelter for Those with Special Needs

If you require specialty care, Lee County has a Special Medical Needs Shelter that will be open for those with medical needs that require electricity, who are oxygen dependent, require dialysis, who rely on ventilators, nebulizers, and other needs.

Register Here

Community Partner Happenings

Learn to Cook Healthy Meals
Health & Wellness
Join this nutritional education program designed for SNAP-eligible parents and caregivers of school-aged children. Offered by UF/IFAS Food Nutrition Program.
Read More

Healthy Living Collaboration
Health & Wellness
The GOAL of the Healthy Living Collaboration is to improve overall health and increase food security for the School District of Lee County students and families.
Read More

Boys & Girls Club Red Sox Raffle
Health & Wellness
Join the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County to support the children in our community.
Read More

Barbershop Wellness Program
Health & Wellness
Learn about health and well-being at an educational cooking demo at Utopia Barbershop on July 9th! Leave with food to re-create the dish at home!
Register

Wellness Wednesdays
Health & Wellness
Approximately 37 million people in the United States have diabetes. It’s
important to know how to manage and control diabetes to prevent possible complications and live well.

Designed for the uninsured and underinsured. Learn more about how this Diabetes Boot Camp class can help you!
Register

Healthy Life Center Classes

View the Calendar

Important Information

Attend this Healthcare Career Fair to learn about in-demand healthcare jobs!

Read More

Join Barbershop Wellness at Utopia on August 6th to learn to shop and cook on a budget!

Read More

Parents and guardians of children who had absences due to COVID during the last school year may be eligible for P-EBT benefits! Apply by July 31st!

Apply Here

Highlights from Healthy Lee

Pride, Not Prejudice Conference
Mental and Behavioral Health
The Healthy Lee Behavioral Health Coalition was pleased to offer an educational conference that encouraged and trained mental health professionals and clinicians who work with, or who are interested in working with, the LGBTQIA+ community. Four CEUs were offered.

View More

The Healthy Lee movement was created to empower and inspire visitors and the people of SWFL to live a life of optimal health and well-being by making healthy lifestyle choices through education and action. This newsletter gives you access to our valuable resources and news. Please feel free to submit your organization’s events to www.HealthyLee.com under the Events tab. If you require assistance, please email cheryl.schlichte@leehealth.org.

Read More

Follow Us on Social

Our mailing address is:
Healthy Lee
4211 Metro Parkway, Suite 300
Suite 300
Ft. Myers, Florida 33916

June 2022

Legal Updates
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is dedicated to keep our clients and community updated on legal issues impacting their businesses and families. Below please find the blogs, articles, and firm news published in June 2022.

In the divorce of a lesbian couple, can a family court judge deny parental rights to one partner of a child born during the marriage? According to a recent Oklahoma family court decision, the “non-gestational” partner has no parental rights if she failed to adopt the parties’ child.
Florida Bar Board Certified Divorce, Marital and Family Law expert Beth Vogelsang explains. Click here to read more.

June is when Floridians plan their hurricane kits. Why not take time this month to put together an estate planning kit? It should include:
• Living Will;
• Designation of Health Care Surrogate;
• General Durable Power of Attorney;
• Last Will and Testament; and,
• Revocable Trust Agreement.
Parents of recent graduates also should have the proper documentation in place to ensure they can assist with medical decisions after their children turn 18 years old.
Florida Bar Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estate expert Eric Gurgold explains. Click here to read more.

Whether you are involved in rezoning land or obtaining a special exception, conditional use, variance, development order, or other entitlement to land in Florida, you will likely need approval from the local government where the property is located. But what if your request is denied?
Florida Bar Board Certified in City, County & Local Government Law expert Jeff Wright explains a few of the common remedies available to an applicant in the event their application is denied. Click here to read more.

Firing their first shot on June 6, 2022, Shosh Yonay and Yuval Yonay, heirs of Ehud Yonay, took aim at Paramount by filing a complaint in Federal Court asserting that the movie Top Gun: Maverick, infringes upon a copyrighted story written by Ehud Yonay (“Story”). Shosh and Yuval claim that in May of 1983, Paramount obtained from Ehud, exclusive motion picture and allied rights – creation of merchandise or a television series – to the Story. Shosh and Yuval assert further that in January of 2018, they notified Paramount of their election to terminate those rights as of January of 2020.
On May 27, 2022, flying high over complaints from Shosh and Yuval and well after the termination date, Paramount released Top Gun: Maverick domestically bringing in over $120,000,000 during its opening weekend. Have Shosh and Yuval found their cash cow??
Click here to read more from U.S. Registered Patent Attorney Lee Rendeiro.

In the News

Attorneys Jeff Wright and Kaylee Tuck presented a Legislative Update at the 69th Florida Planning and Zoning Association State Conference on June 2, 2022, in Captiva, Florida. During their presentation, they discussed numerous topics, including pollution control standards and liability, floating solar facilities, power of land authorities, statewide flooding and sea level rise resilience, and building regulations. Click here to read the full article.

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. is pleased to announce that Florida Civil Trial expert attorney Michael Corso was selected by the Florida Engineering Society (FES), Calusa Chapter, as its 2022 “Engineer of the Year.” Corso received this honor at the FES Awards & Scholarships Banquet held Wednesday, June 22, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. Click here to read more.

Gail Lamarche, Henderson Franklin’s Director of Marketing and Business Development, has been selected to serve on the 2023 Legal Marketing Association (LMA) Annual Conference Advisory Committee (ACAC). With the theme of Amplify!, the 2023 conference in will seek to help legal marketers and business development professionals amplify their impact, voice and position in their firms and organizations. The event will be held April 24-26, 2023, at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. Click here to read the full story.

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that twenty-one (21) attorneys were selected as 2022 Florida Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars. While only 5% of lawyers in the entire State are named to Florida Super Lawyers®, less than 2.5% are named to the Rising Stars list.
Notably, divorce, marital and family law attorney Beth Vogelsang was named to the “Top 50” list of Women Lawyers in Florida. Michael Corso was also named as one of the “Top 100” Lawyers List in Florida for his work in the field of professional malpractice defense. Click here to read more.

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to welcome the six law students who were selected to join this year’s “Summer Associate” internship program.
The 2022 Summer Associates are: John “Jack” Flagg and Aaron Ostler from University of Miami School of Law; Zachary Hahn and Colten Thomas from Florida State University College of Law; Amantha “Amy” Kelly from the University of Florida Levin College of Law; and Haylee Mixon from Stetson University College of Law.
Click here to read more about this year’s class and the Summer Associate Program.

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. is pleased to announce that The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization & Education has selected Michael Corso to receive the 2022 Justice Harry Lee Anstead Award for The Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer of the Year. He received this award at The Florida Bar’s Annual Convention, Board Certified Lawyers’ Reception which took place in Orlando on June 23, 2022. Click here to read the full story.

Henderson Franklin’s attorneys are honored to present seminars that address important legal issues. Our attorneys are also available to present in-house seminars at your place of business.
If your organization would like to host a similar presentation to your members, please reach out to Gail Lamarche, Henderson Franklin’s Director of Marketing and Business Development at gail.lamarche@henlaw.com for scheduling.
A few upcoming engagements include:
• July 21, 2022 – Intellectual Property lawyer Mark Nieds will be a featured speaker for the Lee County Bar Association’s hybrid CLE, “NFT and Law: Intellectual Property and Other Legal Issues Associated with Minting, Buying and Selling NFTS.”
• September 15, 2022 – Intellectual Property Department chair Mark Nieds will present, “Speaking for Fort Myers Chamber: Cryptocurrency 101 – What is it? What’s behind it? Where’s it going?” at the Greater Fort Myers General Membership Luncheon.
• September 23, 2022 – Labor and Employment Group chair Scott Atwood will be a featured speaker for HR Collier at the 2nd Annual HR Conference at the Arthrex Conference Center
• October 6, 2022 – Save the Date to join our Naples legal team at the Collier County Corporate Law Summit taking place at the Hilton Naples. More information will be shared in coming months. Featured topics include:
• Community Leaders Weigh-In on Issues Impacting Collier County Businesses, a panel discussion moderated by J. Dudley Goodlette, Esq.
• Ways to Limit Exposure in Employment and Workers’ Compensation Claims, presenters: Scott Atwood, Esq. and David Roos, Esq.
• The Ever-Changing Landscape of Real Estate and Land Development in Collier, a panel discussion moderated by Jeff Wright, Esq.
• All in the Family – Collier Family-Run Business Leaders Share Lessons for Longevity, a panel discussion moderated by Anthony Cetrangelo, Jr., Esq., with featured guest speakers Jaime Weisinger (Lipman Family Farms) and Michael Wynn (Sunshine Ace)
• A Strategic Approach to Event Risk Management, presented by guest keynote speaker Dr. Linda Robson, Professor at Endicott College in the Gerrish School of Business

henlaw.com

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
1715 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
www.henlaw.com

TRAVELING THIS WEEKEND?

ARRIVE EARLY AND PACK SOME PATIENCE

The Lee County Port Authority would like to remind your readers and viewers about the following information for traveling during the Fourth of July holiday out of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW):

• Arrive early. Please get to the airport two hours before your flight departure time. This weekend will be busy, so please allow extra time to check-in and get through security.
• Roads will be busier during a holiday weekend, so allow extra time to get to the airport. To avoid congestion on local roadways, use the I-75 Direct Connect to get to and from RSW. There will be adequate parking at the airport in both long- and short-term lots.
• Know what to expect before traveling. Airlines have specific travel guidance and tips on their websites. Your airline will also have the most up-to-date flight information concerning any delays or cancellations.
• Visit the Transportation Security Administration’s website at tsa.gov for tips about what you can and cannot bring through the security checkpoint.

For more airport information, please visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

JUNE 30, 2022

YOU ARE INVITED TO A FREE PERFORMANCE!

For the past two weeks, the Gulf Coast Symphony Summer Music Camps have provided high quality, positive experiences for over 60 local students, all who were interested in studying instruments from the stringed family, jazz, or participating in a musical theater production. Scholarships were made available for students who otherwise could not afford to participate, along with instruments for those who needed them. We also provided breakfast and lunch for all the students at no additional charge.

For our MusicWorks! students, this was their first experience playing violin! By the end of week 1, they were able to play 3 songs! Our incredible music instructors included five seasoned professionals, all who are also educators and currently teach at FGCU and the Lee County School District. Our theater camp Music Director, Julie Carver, is a Broadway veteran and in-demand clinician and coach. Additionally we have had college students as teaching assistants.

Visit our gallery to see pictures from our camp.

Tomorrow, Friday, July 1, our campers will present their final performance, which is open to the community at our Music & Arts Community Center (13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL).

At 2pm, students from MusicWorks!, our String Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will perform pieces they have learned this week. Then at 3pm, our Music Theater students perform a full production of Frozen Jr.

We invite you to come and support them at the MACC and see how talented they are. The performance is free. No advance reservations are required and it is open seating. Doors will open at 1:30pm.

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

The Fort Myers CRA
Advisory Board will hold their Regular Meeting on

Wednesday, July 6th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Please contact the CRA Office for assistance if needed.

Phone: (239) 321-7100
Email: cra@cityftmyers.com

We hope to see you there.
Thank you!

Iron Ridge Insurance Services adds new advisor
to better serve clients

Carl Gingrich joins Iron Ridge team as Client Advisor 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 28, 2022) – Carl Gingrich is joining the Iron Ridge Insurance Services team as a Client Advisor to better serve their growing clientele, which has more than doubled in the last year-and-a-half. He has more than a decade of experience in commercial and personal insurance sales and service, underwriting, management, and relationship building.

“Carl is a great addition for our clients and for Iron Ridge,” said Iron Ridge Insurance Services CEO Norman Lutz. “He has a strong understanding of underwriting and risk to help clients ensure adequate coverage for their unique needs. His experience coupled with the relationships he builds has enabled him to be successful in helping to grow the client base while maintaining multimillion dollar volumes in business.”

Gingrich will provide service to commercial clients with his strong understanding of their risk management needs. For the last eight years, Gingrich assisted the Warren A. Gingrich Agency in Pennsylvania—an agency founded by his grandfather in 1954—managing a team of 30 and maintaining a total volume of approximately $15 million in written premium. Prior to the family business, he worked as a commercial underwriter for Cincinnati Insurance Company after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.

About Iron Ridge Insurance Services

Established in 2011, Iron Ridge Insurance Services is a boutique independent agency headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida that is committed to serving the community by providing innovative commercial insurance solutions. The agency helps clients manage risk through professional liability, management liability, data breach liability, general liability, commercial property, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto insurance programs. Iron Ridge Insurance serves commercial clients in a variety of fields, but specializes in managing risk for architects and engineers, physicians and medical practices, condominium and homeowners’ associations, and legal providers. Iron Ridge was awarded the 2022 SWFL Inc. Small Business of the Year Award and named one of Gulfshore Business magazine’s ‘Best Places to Work.’ The agency also offers competitive personal insurance solutions for individuals and families. For more information call 800-775-8526 or visit www.IronRidgeUS.com.

Celebrate Independence Day at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 27, 2022) — Edison and Ford Winter Estates will be open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Independence Day, Thomas Edison’s favorite holiday. Visitors may take guided tours or meander at their own pace on a self-guided tour, using an app downloaded to their personal phone. The Garden Shoppe will also be open and offers a wide variety of plants and trees available for sale.

The site includes the historic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the 15,000-square-foot inventions museum, and the botanic research laboratory (a National Historic Chemical Landmark) — all on more than 20 acres of botanical gardens with plants and trees from around the world. The homes will be decorated with red, white and blue bunting for the holiday.

“July 4th is a great day for families to visit, learn about two American icons, and enjoy some ice cream along the river,” said Mike Cosden, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President.

According to historical documents, Edison woke up early each Independence Day to spend time with his children and set off a giant firecracker in his yard. The children dressed in holiday costumes and they all tossed Chinese firecrackers. Edison even made his own fireworks with TNT added and called them “incendiary torpedoes.” As part of the holiday celebration, the family enjoyed ice cream and watermelon, just as many American families do today.

Records of an invoice from 1893 on the Thomas Edison National Historic Park website lists the purchases made for the holiday. The list included “2 dozen packages Electric Torp., 1 Dragon’s Nest, 1 Devil Among the Tailor, 1 Surprise Box, 1 Floral Fountain, 1 dozen Rockets, 1 dozen B.R. Candles, 1 lb. Colored Fire, and 1 Firework Balloon 20 ft.”

The Ford Cottage Shoppe has souvenirs, ice cream and bottled drinks available for sale. At the end of their tour, visitors can enjoy refreshments and a delightful river view. Tickets for self-guided tours are $25 for adults, $20 for teens (ages 13-19), and $15 for children (ages 6-12), children 5 and under admitted free; guided-tour tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for teens and $18 for children. To purchase tickets or get more information, visit the website at EdisonFord.org.