Member News

  
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2020) – Norman Love Confections has hired seasoned professional French pastry chef Mathias Boirie as Executive Pastry Chef for the company. Boirie brings more than 15 years of experience in the pastry industry, including at Michelin-starred restaurants in France.
After he completed his training in pastry-making in 2004 in France, Boirie worked with Michelin-starred chefs Mathias Dandine and Laurent Tarridec in the south of France. After working in London for a year as a pastry chef, he returned to St. Tropez, working at Senequier, a restaurant on the French Riviera renowned for its pastries. He continued to hone his skills at La Tarte Tropezienne, a Saint-Tropez pastry shop with more than 30 stores known for tropezienne pies, a dessert pastry of filled brioche named by actress Brigitte Bardot, and at Mont Blanc, a restaurant known for its chocolates and pastries.
In 2017, he left France with his wife Lola for the United States, and worked in New York with the French Group, Le District, before joining Norman Love Confections.
“Chef Mathias is an excellent addition to our team, with his passion for beautiful pastry and chocolates,” said Norman Love, founder and owner of Norman Love Confections. “Since I started my career as a pastry chef, I can recognize someone who has passion for enhancing and developing our gourmet pastries to the standards and tradition I established when I started the company nearly 20 years ago.”
About Norman Love Confections
Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.
 
Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.
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Media Contacts
Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-887-9335 (cell) or [email protected]
Teri Hansen, APR, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-849-3300 (cell) or [email protected]
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2020) – The Lee County Board of Port Commissioners recently reappointed R. Scott Cameron and Dana Carr as regional members representing Collier and Charlotte counties on the Airports Special Management Committee (ASMC). The committee serves as an advisory board to the Board of Port Commissioners, reviewing policy, administrative and management matters for Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers, Fla. The other members of the ASMC are Noel Andress, John Goodrich, Randy Krise, Fran Myers and Robbie Roepstorff. ASMC members serve without compensation.
Cameron has more than 30 years of experience in commercial and investment real estate sales, leasing and property management. He was the president of Cameron Real Estate Services, Inc. and Cameron Asset Management, Inc. Cameron is very active in the local community and has been involved with the Naples Chamber of Commerce, Naples Area Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Rotary, United Way and the Economic Development Council in Naples. He is a graduate of Leadership Florida and Leadership Collier, and served on the Board of Regents of Leadership Florida. Cameron lives in Naples and is an instrument-rated Airline Transport Pilot.
Carr is the executive vice president and director of operations for Air Trek, Inc., a full-service private executive air charter and air ambulance company located in Charlotte County. He has served as president or a member of the board of directors for the Professional Aeromedical Transport Association and is an active member of the Air Charter Committee of the National Aviation Transportation Association. Carr is also chairman of Florida International Air Show, Inc. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and a Certified Medical Transport Executive designation by the Association of Air Medical Services.
Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 10.2 million passengers in 2019 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. Page Field provides services to corporate, commercial and private aviators and accommodated more than 116,000 aircraft operations in 2019. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used to run or expand the airports, which are funded solely with revenue generated from their operations. For more information, please visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.
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Naples, FL — February 10, 2020 — The public is invited to “Shop with a Purpose” at the St. Matthew’s House Fort Myers Thrift Store grand opening celebration on Saturday, February 15. Refreshments will be served and there will be giveaways. In addition, the first 25 shoppers to arrive will receive a 50 percent discount, and the next 50 shoppers to arrive will receive a 25 percent discount.
The 10,000-square-foot store is located at 13140 Metro Parkway in Fort Myers. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bright, open store features home furnishings, housewares, accents, fashions and accessories.
 
For over 30 years, St. Matthew’s House has provided innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Southwest Florida. St. Matthew’s House is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that does not solicit government funding. For information on St. Matthew’s House, visit online at www.stmatthewshouse.org or call (239) 774-0500.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 13, 2020) – LARC (Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens) is hosting a glorious evening of delicious food, fine wines, fun and intrigue on Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the historic riverfront home of Fran Fenning in Fort Myers.
The event is sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust, Gulf Star Marina, AAA Specialty Products, Norman Love Confections, Mark Loren Designs, Sam Galloway Ford, La Trattoria Café Napoli, G3 Catering, Florida Weekly, Susan & Phil Bennett, Elly Hagen Marketing & Public Relations, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Leading Edge Financial, Eunice and Alex Bremner, Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, Planned Perfection and Something Borrowed Event Rentals.
Guests will step back in time to the 1920s where an elaborate party is being hosted by the famous silent film actor Eric Jewett. Thomas and Mina Edison, Henry and Clara Ford, Sidney and Berne Davis are all said to attend along with other notable residents of Southwest Florida of the era.  One of the famous guests has something to hide. Highly-trained improv actors will set the scene for the evening and guests will have the next two hours to unravel the secret.  The guest who solves the mystery will receive a custom piece of jewelry designed for the event by Mark Loren Designs.
The event is co-chaired by philanthropist Marc Collins and Dwayne Bergmann, principal of Dwayne Bergmann Interiors. Fran Fenning is the honorary event chair.
Fenning’s home, also known as the Jewett-Thompson house, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1926, during the land boom period, the home is one of the most elaborate constructed in Southwest Florida during that time. The house is an excellent example of Mediterranean Revival style and includes beautiful gardens.
Attendees are encouraged to dress to match the 1920s era.
“We are so grateful to our sponsors for helping us make this fun event successful,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director. “Guests will have the opportunity to roam the magnificent 3+ acre property while partaking in the plot and proceeds from the event will benefit LARC’s programs that empower individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.”
Additional sponsorship packages that include an exclusive VIP reception are available.
For ticket package or sponsorship information visit www.larcleecounty.org, call Angela Katz at (239) 334-6285 x 229 or email [email protected].
About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 13, 2020) – LARC (Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens) is hosting a glorious evening of delicious food, fine wines, fun and intrigue on Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the historic riverfront home of Fran Fenning in Fort Myers.
The event is sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust, Gulf Star Marina, AAA Specialty Products, Norman Love Confections, Mark Loren Designs, Sam Galloway Ford, La Trattoria Café Napoli, G3 Catering, Florida Weekly, Susan & Phil Bennett, Elly Hagen Marketing & Public Relations, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Leading Edge Financial, Eunice and Alex Bremner, Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, Planned Perfection and Something Borrowed Event Rentals.
Guests will step back in time to the 1920s where an elaborate party is being hosted by the famous silent film actor Eric Jewett. Thomas and Mina Edison, Henry and Clara Ford, Sidney and Berne Davis are all said to attend along with other notable residents of Southwest Florida of the era.  One of the famous guests has something to hide. Highly-trained improv actors will set the scene for the evening and guests will have the next two hours to unravel the secret.  The guest who solves the mystery will receive a custom piece of jewelry designed for the event by Mark Loren Designs.
The event is co-chaired by philanthropist Marc Collins and Dwayne Bergmann, principal of Dwayne Bergmann Interiors. Fran Fenning is the honorary event chair.
Fenning’s home, also known as the Jewett-Thompson house, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1926, during the land boom period, the home is one of the most elaborate constructed in Southwest Florida during that time. The house is an excellent example of Mediterranean Revival style and includes beautiful gardens.
Attendees are encouraged to dress to match the 1920s era.
“We are so grateful to our sponsors for helping us make this fun event successful,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director. “Guests will have the opportunity to roam the magnificent 3+ acre property while partaking in the plot and proceeds from the event will benefit LARC’s programs that empower individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.”
Additional sponsorship packages that include an exclusive VIP reception are available.
For ticket package or sponsorship information visit www.larcleecounty.org, call Angela Katz at (239) 334-6285 x 229 or email [email protected].
About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2020) – Fans of Madisen’s Match will have the rare opportunity to see the key members of the recently announced U.S. Davis Cup tennis team during the Golisano Children’s Hospital Pro Tennis Classic, a Madisen’s Match premiere event. The charity exhibition, which is part of a two-day tennis extravaganza, takes place on Monday, March 23 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College.
Davis Cup is the top international tennis team competition in the world. Representing the U.S. in doubles – and playing in their third consecutive Madisen’s Match – will be the Bryan brothers – Bob and Mike – who are in their final season on the ATP Tour, culminating at the U.S. Open. Headlining singles at the Pro Tennis Classic and for the U.S. team will be Taylor Fritz, ranked 36th in the world and the No. 2-ranked American, and Reilly Opelka, ranked 38th in the world and No. 3 in the U.S. He is an imposing presence on the court, standing 6-foot-11. Fritz and Opelka represented the U.S. in last year’s Davis Cup finals in Madrid, Spain.
Prices start at $35 for this special day of tennis. Ticket packages also include seating in the Courtside Club and VIP Baseline Club – including passes to the VIP Hospitality Terrace. There are also reserved seat packages available. To order, go to MadisensMatch.com/purchase-tickets or call the Suncoast Credit Union Arena box office at 239-481-4849.
The Bryan brothers are the most accomplished doubles team in the history of tennis. The 41-old identical twins have won 16 Grand Slam titles and 118 titles overall. Their legendary resume also includes Olympic gold at the 2012 London games.
Opelka, 22, who won his first ATP Tour title in 2019, will dazzle crowds during his Madisen’s Match debut with a serve that has been clocked at 140 miles per hour. He recorded an incredible 1,000 aces in 2019, becoming only the eighth player to do so since aces became a statistic in 1991. Fritz, 22, is coming off a successful Australian Open, winning three matches and just missing out on his first Grand Slam round of 16 appearance. He had one title in 2019.
“What a special honor to have the entire U.S. Davis Cup team playing in our event. It shows what Madisen’s Match means to these players and to the tennis world,” Madisen’s Match founder Duane Chaney said. “It’s a thrill to see players of this caliber in the same place, and it’s even better knowing it’s all going to help children in Southwest Florida that are suffering from cancer.”
The event has raised over $1 million since its inception in 2009. Since 2011, funds have gone exclusively to Barbara’s Friends, which is the Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Center Fund, and The Brain Tumor Navigator Program at the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center.
A VIP Gala & Auction takes place on Sunday, March 22 at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club. Madisen’s Match also includes a Legends Tennis Camp & Pro Am on the morning of March 23 at Miromar, with many of the same names from the Golisano Children’s Hospital Pro Tennis Classic, including the Bryan brothers. The tennis camp will also include former stars Johan Kriek, Luke Jensen, Kathy Rinaldi, Jimmy Arias, Mikael Pernfors and Tom Gullikson.
Make reservations for those events at MadisensMatch.org.
The main event will be held indoors for just the third time on a hard court surface laid down in place of the basketball court at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.
About Madisen’s Match
Duane Chaney established Madisen’s Match in 2008 after his 3-year-old niece, Madisen Abramson, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Inspired by Madisen and determined to help others, Chaney created Madisen’s Match to use tennis as a way to raise funds for pediatric and adult cancer charities. To date, the events have raised more than $1.2 million benefit national and Southwest Florida-based charities like the Brain Tumor Navigator Program at the Regional Cancer Center, Barbara’s Friends – The Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Center Fund, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and the Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation. For more information, visit MadisensMatch.org.

Feb. 13, 2020
FWC to meet Feb 19-20 in Tallahassee
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet Feb. 19-20 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St., Tallahassee, FL 32301. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. each day and is open to the public.
The FWC is committed to providing opportunity for public input. Time is allotted for public speakers at Commission meetings after each agenda item. Also, there is opportunity outside of Commission meetings to provide comment for many topics.
At the end of the meeting on the first day, Feb. 19, the Commission will also provide time for public comment on subjects not on the agenda. Those who wish to offer comments during this period will be asked to make sure their comments are not related to any agenda item. The deadline for registration to speak on items not on the agenda is 2 p.m. on Feb. 19.
As standard practice, public speaking is organized using the established speaker registration process and time limits. To accommodate as much input as possible from those attending, the Chairman reserves the right to designate the amount of time given to each topic and speaker, including time donation to other speakers.
For the full Feb. 19-20 agenda and links to background reports, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings.” Those who cannot attend can follow coverage at Twitter.com/MyFWC (@MyFWC) and sign up for news updates at MyFWC.com. Check the Florida Channel for possible live video coverage at TheFloridaChannel.org.

Bat maternity season is almost here, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public to check their homes and other structures for bats and seal potential entry points. Are there cracks in your chimney or holes in your siding? Bats and other small mammals can fit into these small spaces, and now is the best time to inspect your home!
Maternity season is the time during which bats gather to give birth and raise their young. Removal of bat colonies must be completed before the season starts on April 15. Bat exclusions are illegal during the maternity season, which runs through August 15. That protects young bats that are not yet able to fly, and it prevents bigger problems for homeowners.
“Maternity season is a critical time for bats,” said Terry Doonan, an FWC biologist and mammal conservation coordinator. “If they are excluded from a place where they are roosting during this time, their flightless young can become trapped inside and die.”
Florida is home to 13 resident bat species, including threatened species such as the Florida bonneted bat. Some bat species roost in artificial structures, including houses and other buildings. It is illegal to harm or kill bats in Florida, so guidelines have been developed to ensure bats are removed safely and effectively outside of the maternity season.
Exclusion guidelines on how to remove bats from buildings can be found at MyFWC.com/Bats. Materials and methods used to exclude bats can affect the success of that process. For more information on how to conduct a bat exclusion, watch this YouTube video: How to Get Bats Out of a Building. Further details on how to conduct a legal bat exclusion can be found at Bat Conservation International.
Bats are beneficial to people and are an important part of the ecosystem. Florida’s native bats help keep insect populations under control, with the average bat eating hundreds of insects a night. In addition to the benefit of keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay for residents enjoying the outdoors, the value of insect suppression by bats to U.S. agriculture has been estimated to be in the billions of dollars.
There are several ways that Florida residents and visitors can help bats:

• Preserve natural roost sites, including trees with cavities and peeling bark. Dead fronds left on palms can also provide roosting spots for bats.
• Put up a bat house.
• Report unusual bat behavior, or sick or dead bats to: com/BatMortality.

Avoid handling or touching bats, or any wild animals, especially if they are not acting normally. Bats, like any other wild animals, may bite to defend themselves if handled, and they can carry rabies. For more information about rabies, visit the Florida Department of Health website at FloridaHealth.gov.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact your closest FWC Regional Office to speak with a regional wildlife assistance biologist for more information.

FORT MYERS, FLA. – February 13, 2020 – Residents who attended Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers Tuesday (February 11) contributed plenty of food and funds to help The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative feed the hungry in Southwest Florida.
In excess of 1,200 pounds of non-perishable food along with generous financial contributions were collected at the 31st Annual Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, which was sponsored and organized by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.
“We are so thankful to the people of our community who stepped up to help others in  need.  It truly shows the impact that a few people can make in the lives of many,” said Organizer Sam Galloway, Jr.  Galloway said the food will be distributed immediately to those in need in Lee County.
Attendees sang hymns with the 60-member Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church and special guest Grammy Award winner and Gaither Homecoming Soloist Larry Ford and his family.  They also heard a song called “Edison’s Phonograph Polka” about Thomas Edison’s famous invention, played by Pianist Barbara Peterson.
In addition to Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, the Galloway Family of Dealerships also sponsors the very popular Christmas Carol Sing in December.  Both events benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative.

Dimensional Art Show and Sale, taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21 at Coastal Commons in Coastal Links at Shell Point.

Hosted by creative Shell Point residents, this year’s show will feature talented artists and a variety of media, including oil and acrylic paintings, photographs, watercolors, pastels, collages and other two-dimensional works. All items on display are created by Shell Point residents, and each artist will showcase his or her medium, while giving viewers the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts. Plus, each artist will be present to discuss the artistic process and inspiration behind each piece.

“Shell Point residents put an incredible amount of effort, originality and care into the creation of quality products to be sold at our art events,” said Laura Slack Hubbard, Shell Point resident life director. “Thousands of people have attended this show throughout the years, and the quality of work is outstanding.”

The 2020 Two-Dimensional Art Show and Sale will be held on the second floor of the Coastal Commons, located in Coastal Links at Shell Point, 17500 On Par Blvd. in Fort Myers. Admittance is free; however, fine art is available for purchase by cash or check only. An on-site ATM will be available.

For more information on the upcoming event, visit www.ShellPoint.org.

About Shell Point Retirement Community           

Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care for its 2,500 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access, six public restaurants, a championship 18-hole golf course, and many other recreational and educational activities. Learn more at www.shellpoint.org or 1-800-780-1131.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Emily Rose, Public Relations Coordinator, Shell Point Retirement Community, 239-454-8245 or [email protected]

Emily Golden, Priority Marketing, 239-267-2638, 239-565-1595 (cell) or [email protected]