Member News

(FORT MYERS, Fla.) February 20, 2018—FASTSIGNS® of Fort Myers, a local sign and visual graphics provider, was recognized as a top performing center at the 2018 FASTSIGNS Convention recently held in Houston, Texas.

Owned by Terry and Paul Hill, FASTSIGNS of Fort Myers received the Pinnacle Club Award, which is given to centers ranked 26 to 125 in sales volume between Oct. 1, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2017.

“We are honored to be recognized as a top performing center in the FASTSIGNS network of over 675 worldwide locations,” said Terry, franchisee of FASTSIGNS of Fort Myers. “This award reflects our entire team’s hard work and dedication to helping businesses and organizations solve their visual communications challenges in our community every day.”

FASTSIGNS of Fort Myers has been serving the area for 19 years. The center is located at 12211 S Cleveland Ave. and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“We thank our customers for their support and look forward to continuing helping companies of all sizes achieve their goals using comprehensive signs and visual graphics,” Hill said.

About FASTSIGNS^®
FASTSIGNS^® of Fort Myers is a locally and independently owned and operated sign, graphics and visual communications company that provides comprehensive visual marketing solutions to customers of all sizes—across all industries—to help them attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables, digital signage and marketing materials. To learn more, visit fastsigns.com/348 or call 239.274.0744.

New York Times Best-Selling Author to Share Secrets of Happy Relationships
                 FORT MYERS, FLA., February 20, 2018– A special VIP reception is planned for Dr. Gary Chapman, best-selling author of the “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts,” who will be the guest speaker at Lifeline Family Center’s Annual Benefit Dinner Thursday, March 22.
About 600 community leaders are expected to attend the annual benefit dinner at McGregor Baptist Church on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.  Doors open at 6 p.m. and the dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets to the VIP reception with Chapman are available from $1,000 for four people and include dinner.  Tickets without the VIP reception are $80 each or $440 for a table of eight.  Tickets may be purchased at www.lifelinefamilycenter.org/benefit-dinner  or by calling 239-242-7238.
Millions of readers credit Chapman’s best-selling book, “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts,” with saving their marriages and families by showing them simple and practical ways to communicate love.
Major sponsors for the event are Jerry and Dee Horne and Glenn and Ada Ann Healey.  The Cape Coral Breeze and CTN10 Christian Television are the media sponsors for the event.  CTN10 General Manager Paul Lodato will be the master of ceremonies.
“We are very pleased Dr. Chapman will be coming to Southwest Florida to share his expertise in marriage and family counseling and help us improve or heal our most important relationships,” said Lifeline Family Center President and Founder Kathy Miller.  “His message is sure to resonate with all who desire to communicate love in family relationships.”
Lifeline Family Center provides a home in Cape Coral for homeless young women in crisis pregnancies to help them become self-supporting through education, job training, parenting classes, professional counseling and spiritual guidance. It is the only residential program in Lee County for homeless young women in crisis pregnancies who are not part of the foster care program.
Lifeline Family Center can serve up to 12 young women, ages 16 to 25, and up to 24 babies at a time in the residential program. More than 6,000 women have received assistance with material needs, such as diapers and formula, adoption counseling and resource referrals through Lifeline’s Outreach Program and the 24/7 helpline, 239-772-HOPE. Lifeline’s Outreach provides free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds by appointment, and does outreach to all areas of Lee County, including community centers and college campuses.
Katherina Ortiz, who graduated from the two-year residential program and now works at Lifeline in Outreach and Public Relations, also will speak at the benefit dinner on how her experience at Lifeline Family Center made a difference in her life and those of her children.
Dr. Chapman has expanded his “5 Love Languages” series with special editions that reach out specifically to singles, men and parents of teens and young children.
He is the author of numerous other books, including “The Family You’ve Always Wanted,” “The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted,” “Desperate Marriages,” “God Speaks Your Love Language,” “How to Really Love Your Adult Child,” and “One More Try.” With Dr. Jennifer Thomas, he co-authored “When Sorry Isn’t Enough,” which introduces readers to “The 5 Languages of Apology.”
Dr. Chapman speaks to thousands of couples nationwide through his weekend marriage conferences.  He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, “A Love Language Minute,” and a Saturday morning program, “Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman,” both airing on more than 400 stations.
Dr. Chapman and his wife have two grown children and live in Winston-Salem, N.C., where he is senior associate pastor of Calvary Baptist Church.
 
About Lifeline Family Center
Founded in 1996 in Cape Coral, Lifeline Family Center provides young women in crisis pregnancies a safe home and environment. Residents receive education, job training, professional counseling, life skills classes including parenting, character, budgeting, and cooking classes, along with spiritual guidance.  Lifeline’s two-year residential program is dedicated to encouraging and renewing hearts from within, truly empowering transformation by love. Equipped and empowered, young moms and their babies can break the cycle of trauma, abuse and poverty, and become self-supporting and positive giving members of society.
Lifeline Family Center does not solicit, accept or receive any government funding and is wholly dependent upon donations from generous individuals, churches and corporations that believe in Lifeline’s mission. Lifeline is grateful and proud to be a United Way Partner agency and member of The Cape Coral Community Foundation’s Non-Profit Partners Program. For more information about Lifeline Family Center, visit www.lifelinefamilycenter.org/event/benefit-dinner/

FORT MYERS, FLA., February 19, 2018 – The National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba will make a historic first appearance ever in Southwest Florida March 10 when it performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
Tickets are now on sale for the 7:30 p.m. performance, presented by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.  Tickets may be purchased at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office or by calling 239-481-4849.  Tickets cost $45 for orchestra seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats.
“We are delighted that the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba is performing in Southwest Florida for the first time ever.  Their performance will give local residents an appreciation of the culture and music of Cuba and Latin America,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.
Since its inception in 1960, The National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba has been instrumental in developing and introducing Cuban and Latin American music to the international classical music community, in addition to covering a vast symphonic and chamber repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary music.
Tours have taken the orchestra to Russia, Yugoslavia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Spain, Peru and Argentina.  The orchestra also takes part in record productions and events in Cuba, such as the international festivals of Guitar, the festival of Contemporary Music and the international festival of ballet of Havana.
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 69^th concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Flutist James Galway, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 16, 2018) – The Boston Red Sox are back in town and gearing up to begin their spring season this week. Tickets remain for all games in February including some newly released seating locations.
 
Full team workouts begin on Monday 2/19 and are free to the public.
 
Fans can check ticket availability at www.redsox.com/tickets or visit the JetBlue Park Ticket Office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
 
Home games begin Thursday, February 22 at 1p.m. with the team’s annual single admission doubleheader vs. Northeastern University followed by Boston College.  One ticket is good for both games.
 
Upcoming Grapefruit League Games this month:
Friday              2/23   1PM    vs. Minnesota Twins
Saturday          2/24   1PM    vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Sunday            2/25   1PM    vs. Baltimore Orioles
Tuesday           2/27   1PM    vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Wednesday       2/28   1PM    vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
The team will play a total of 19 home games, including 15 Grapefruit League games and two games against the Chicago Cubs on March 26 and 27 to close out the exhibition season. Red Sox Spring Training is presented by CVS Health.
 
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FORT MYERS, Fla – February 15, 2018 – Broadway Palm is thrilled to present the international hit sensation MAMMA MIA! now through April 7, 2018. Over sixty million people around the world have fallen in love with the charming story, the delightful characters and the timeless ABBA music which makes Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show!
 
Through ABBA’s greatest hits, Mamma Mia tells the comical story of Sophie, a bride-to-be, and her search for her birth father on a beautiful Greek island. After reading her mom’s diary, Sophie secretly invites the three men her mom wrote about to her wedding. This enchanting and unforgettable tale of love, laughter, family and friendship is set to ABBA classics including Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on Me, SOS and the title song Mamma Mia!
 
Directing and choreographing MAMMA MIA is Southwest Florida favorite, Amy McCleary. Her other director/choreographer credits at Broadway Palm include CATS, 9 to 5, Grease, White Christmas, Footloose, The Wizard of Oz, Jesus Christ Superstar, Some Enchanted Evening and Sister Act. Other directing/choreographing credits include Spamalot, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Music Man, Peter Pan, Hairspray and the 2015 National Tour of Memphis the Musical. As a choreographer Amy’s favorite credits include Cabaret, High School Musical, Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the second National Tour of The Wedding Singer and the current National Tour of The Wizard of Oz with Apex Touring. Most recently, Amy played Velma and choreographed Broadway Palm’s production of Chicago.
 
MAMMA MIA! is playing at Broadway Palm now through April 7, 2018. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $45 to $70 with discounts for children and parties of 20 or more. Advance reservations are required and tickets can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.
 
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February 15, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – Calling all SWFL creatives! Gulf Coast Leisure’s Art and Poetry Networking Event brings together artists, musicians, writers, and more. On Thursday, March 29th at 8pm, become a part of the GCL movement and meet like-minded individuals! To register as a performer or artist, visit www.gclmovement.com. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Gulf Coast Leisure (GCL) is an arts and entertainment company serving Southwest Florida locals and visitors alike. GCL features vibrant, creative expressions of art from individuals representing all walks of life. While their core following is the millennial market, their artistic events and community outreach touches all age groups from teens to baby boomers by creating a movement, culture, and lifestyle with their productions and products. GCL pushes the envelope within the arts community online and in person. Through events and outreach, GCL enhances the growth of a truly diverse, vibrant, and artistic culture in SWFL. GCL invites you to join the movement by partnering with GCL on promoting this electrifying arts experience.
Since 2012, Gulf Coast Leisure has developed nightlife events, summer celebrations, and community outreach by collaborating with local nonprofits. The first and longest-running event is the renowned Art & Poetry Networking event (APNE) on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. GCL started out as a need that was missing in the area that would be monthly, but more importantly, would be consistent. GCL provided the ability to self-express and be yourself on a stage in the SWFL community.
J-Bistro located in Cape Coral recognized the need to bring the community together, believed in GCL’s mission, and partnered as a their first venue. After a few months, Art and Poetry Networking Event grew past capacity just by word of mouth. APNE needed to find a space that would help the movement grow and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center was the perfect partner. Art and Poetry Networking Event is now in its sixth year at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Art and Poetry Networking Event is now in its sixth year at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
GCL then created the underground gritty version of APNE, the infamous Speak My Peace (SMP) Open Mic & Lounge. This event is eighteen and up, and is also held in the downtown Ft. Myers Historic River District at the American Legion Post 38 on the first Saturday of the month. What started as an idea over 5 years ago has become a movement. As the city and SWFL community continue to grow, so will GCL’s outreach and awareness-centered events by staying true to their mission: see SWFL residents united and inspired by the arts and quality events.
Gulf Coast Leisure’s Art and Poetry Networking Event
Thursday, March 29, 2018
8pm – 11pm • General Admission $10
For info, tickets, and artist registration, visit www.gclmovement.com.

FORT MYERS, FLA., February 16, 2018 – Facial Plastic Surgeons Dr. Stephen Prendiville and Dr. James L. Newlon have announced that they have formed a collaboration at the Facial Plastic Surgery Center, effective March 1.
The two surgeons will share space at Dr. Prendiville’s offices at 9407 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers.
Dr. Newlon has more than 12 years of experience as a facial plastic surgeon and is the current chairman of otolaryngology for the Lee Health system.  He is Board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Prendiville is the only Fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Fort Myers who is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
“Dr. Newlon and I have similar approaches to cosmetic surgery and helping patients feel and look their best. Our collaboration will provide Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties with a center with two accomplished, experienced Facial Plastic Surgeons who achieve natural results. Why take your face anywhere else?” Dr. Prendiville said.
Dr. Newlon will be introduced at the March 23 facial plastic surgery seminar hosted by Dr. Prendiville at Bonita Bay Country Club, 26660 Country Club Drive. The seminar includes a light lunch and starts at 11:30 a.m. The seminar is free, but reservations are required by calling 239-437-3900.  Space is limited.
Dr. Prendiville is recognized nationally as a facelift expert with more than 20 articles published in medical journals and he has served as guest editor for Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. He also is a featured presenter at many state and national meetings about facial plastic surgery.
Dr. Prendiville is one of 500 doctors in the world to receive the prestigious RealSelf 500 Award from RealSelf, the leading online community that helps people make confident choices in elective cosmetic procedures.  Dr. Prendiville has been a reviewer on RealSelf.com since 2008 and has now achieved Distinguished Member status for his responses to patients with questions about facial plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation techniques.
Dr. Prendiville also is the past president and secretary/treasurer of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Prendiville graduated with his M.D. degree with high honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and served his residency at Georgetown University.
He was awarded a Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Louis University in Missouri, where he was a clinical instructor in the St. Louis University Department of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Newlon is the former assistant chief of otolaryngology Services at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Fort Bliss, Tex., and has extensive experience in reconstructive and facial enhancement surgery to help injured soldiers returning from combat to the U.S.
Dr. Newlon earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif., with help from an Army scholarship and began his medical career as an Army officer.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
Dr. Newlon has received several honors including Surgical Intern of the Year in 2000-01 and number one ranking in the 2007 American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s written board certification exam.
Since leaving the Army in 2009, Dr. Newlon has been practicing in Southwest Florida as a facial plastic surgeon and is the current chairman of otolaryngology for the Lee Health system.
All surgeries are performed at Dr. Prendiville’s state-of-the-art Surgical Center adjacent to his office in South Fort Myers at 9407 Cypress Lake Drive.  The Surgical Center is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), which is the largest accrediting body for outpatient surgical facilities in the United States.
For more information, visit www.drprendiville.com and www.docnewlon.com

February 6, 2018 – Fort Myers, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College now has an official college flag. The new design was unveiled Friday, Feb. 2 at a college-wide event for faculty and staff.
“The flag showcases our college colors, purple and aqua, plus our official college seal. It was designed with four blocks which represent the four locations we have in southwest Florida,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, FSW President. “Along with our college colors and seal, the flag also has our FSW letters, and a wavy pattern in the aqua block. The overall design is eye-catching.”
In the coming weeks, the college flag will be installed on FSW’s campuses and regional education center. The college flag will fly next to the American flag in front of Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers; the Grand Lely Drive entrance on the Naples campus; in the center of the Punta Gorda campus; and off Cowboy Way on the LaBelle regional education center.
Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Pro Rodeo returns to Fort Myers March 23rd and 24th. Fort Myers will host the event at the Lee County Posse Arena located at 17401 Palm Creek Drive. On both Friday and Saturday the gates will open at 5:00pm and the rodeo will officially start at 7:00 pm.
The rodeo includes: Bronco Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Girls Barrel Race & the most dangerous Bull Riding! Audiences will be entertained by the amazing professional Rodeo Clowns! This Pro Rodeo counts to qualify the winners for advancement to the Southeastern Circuit Championship.
For more information and tickets, visit www.fortmyersprorodeo.com. A complete schedule and event map is located on the website and we will continue to update the information as it becomes available. Tickets are available on our website and will also be available at the Fort Myers and Cape Coral Hooters locations and Sweet Cypress Ranch.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the Fort Myers Pro Rodeo!
Check us out on Facebook and Instagram!

 https://www.facebook.com/FortMyersProRodeo #ftmyersprorodeo

Cost: Adults $20

Children $10 (Children 4 and younger are free)

VIP $75

February 14, 2018 – Fort Myers FL – Fort Myers’ favorite fashion show is back for its 7th year at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center! Hosted by Melissa DeHaven, Art Walks the Runway takes place from March 8th – 10th. See international Couture fashion from Vivre Couture, Marmar Halim, Diana Couture, and Usama Ishtay! Plus, enjoy runway-ready local boutique styles from Forema, Saratoga Sundress, Hollie’s Boutique, and get a look at Frankie Colt’s new line, Cobra Empire. Enjoy live entertainment, including a performance art piece from Elements of Body Art. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Art Walks the Runway’s three dazzling days of fashion begins on Thursday, March 8th at the Opening Night Celebration, featuring Vivre Couture. Vivre Couture is an organic partnership between a designer and an artist.They came together with a vision for an inspired line of wearable original paintings with the highest quality elements of art, design, and construction.
Sarah LaPierre is the artist who painted the Palm Beach Collection featured at this season’s Art Walks the Runway. Palette knives and heavy bodied acrylic paints provide the full textures and vibrant colors that are characteristics of her style. Thursday night’s Opening Celebration also features a contortionist performance by Katarina Danks, and a musical performance by singer-songwriter Emma Arnold, accompanied by cellist John Davis.
Then on Friday, March 9th, experience the best in local fashion from Forema, Saratoga Sundress, and Hollie’s Boutique. Forema is known for their inviting, happy, boho atmosphere, specializing in chic, affordable clothing. They own three Florida locations, one of which is located in Gulf Coast Town Center. Saratoga Sundress located in the Bell Tower Shops carries a large variety of merchandise, including a range of boho chic summer and winter apparel. Hollie’s Boutique boast two location in SWFL on Sanibel Island and Fort Myers. They’re widely known for trendy, everyday fashion that works for the busy yet stylish woman. Friday also features the debut of locally loved musician Frankie Colt’s new line, Cobra Empire. Enjoy a musical performance from Frankie as her fashion takes the runway for the first time!
Saturday’s finale runway brings international Couture designers to Fort Myers. Take in awe-inspiring Haute Couture from Marmar Halim, Diana Couture, and Usama Ishtay. The designer label of Marmar Halim incontestably yields and creates elite fashion blends that are flanked by a fusion of Eastern and Western Couture with a sheek and lavish flair. Diana Couture has grown to being one of the most successful couture brands in Surabaya, Indonesia. The brand is a fabulous platform fueled by prayers and dreams. A-list socialites from all over Indonesia, as well as iconic Indonesian celebrities, have been common clients to the brand. Usama Ishtay is young designer of Arab descent raised in Venezuela. His eye for fashion and living in Couture-centric Los Angeles lead him to work with Fashion Hearts at L.A. Fashion Week. The final evening also features a burlesque-style performance piece from Elements of Body Art, and a contortionist performance by Katarina Danks.
7th Annual Art Walks the Runway Fashion Show
March 8th – 10th 2018
All Nights: Runway • 8pm | Cocktails • 7pm
For tickets and info, visit www.sbdac.com.
Runway music for all three nights provided by Sol Productions’ DJ Tommy Giaime.
Thursday and Friday night’s hair: Scene 826 | http://scene826hairstudio.com/
Saturday night’s hair: Red Salon & Spa. | http://redsalonandspa.com/.
All nights’ makeup: Sunstate Academy | http://www.sunstateftm.com/.
All evenings co-decorated by Planned Perfection. Visit http://www.plannedperfectioninc.com/ for more info.
Sponsored by BMW Fort Myers, All About Closets, and Planned Perfection.