Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 14, 2019) – Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) received a $5,000 grant from funds generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. The grant will support art therapy programs for teens and adults with developmental disabilities at LARC.
 
The Autism Services Grants Council awarded a total of $106,900 in grants to 22 Florida-based nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities. The funds available through grant opportunities offered by the Autism Services Grants Council, are generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates.
 
“We’re so pleased to receive this grant, which will allow us to provide art therapy to individuals at LARC,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director.  “Art therapy uses the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. It helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and self-awareness, and achieve insight.”
 
During the summer, Florida nonprofits were invited to submit grant proposals and nearly 60 nonprofits from across the state applied for funding. Priority was given to creative and innovative approaches to serving individuals with autism and their families.
 
In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council. The Council oversees a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state.
 
This year through a partnership with the Indian River Tax Collector’s office the process of purchasing a specialty Autism License plate throughout Florida has been streamlined so it’s easier than ever to purchase your plate. You can go online or call the Indian River Tax Collectors office directly to purchase your plate from anywhere in the state.
 
For more information on the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate, please visit www.autismlicenseplate.com.  To learn more about LARC visit www.larcleecounty.org or call 239-334-6285.
 
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.
 
About the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC)
In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty autism license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council (“ASGC”) to oversee a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state.  All funds raised by the ASGC are generated by the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates.  For more information visit www.autismlicenseplate.com and “Like” us at facebook.com/AutismLicensePlate.
 
Arc Broward, , a nationally accredited, Florida not-for-profit, Sect. 501(c)3 exempt organization, is responsible for marketing the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate and administration of the Autism Services Grants Council.
 
 
 
 

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2019) – Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs, will share the bounty of its nearly 5 acre on-site organic garden with a rare plant, seed and produce sale Friday, Nov. 22 from 10 am. to 2 p.m.
The sale on the lawn in front of the main building will include:

• A variety of potted perennial vegetables, herbs and select fruit trees
• Select annual vegetable starter trays
• Seeds
• Fresh organic farm produce

 
All items will be sourced from the certified organic garden, which provides produce for the onsite restaurant, Harvest & Wisdom. Cash only prices will depend on the container size of the plants and range from $3 to $20. Limited quantities will be available. Call 239-949-0749 for information.
About Shangri-La Springs
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, organic restaurant, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The Blue Zones Project recognized organization specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. A range of natural and organic treatments and products including facials, massages, eucalyptus steam room, far infrared sauna and private garden lounge are offered at the Spa at Shangri-La Springs, which was rated SILVER for Day Spa in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The organic farm-to-table restaurant Harvest & Wisdom, with an ever-changing menu crafted with produce fresh from the on-site garden, locally sourced organic proteins and organic beverages, is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, outdoor dining area and conference room in the Great House. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms located in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard, perfect for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 13, 2019) – Local business and community leaders will be celebrated during the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Nov. 21.
During the event, the Chamber will recognize the graduates of its 2019 Leadership Program, an 11-week program designed for leadership development in the Chamber’s business members by encouraging their community involvement, broadening their knowledge and heightening their leadership skills. Weekly sessions featured structured, interactive programs and activities emphasizing local economic, education, government and volunteerism issues.
Norman Love, president and founder of Norman Love Confections, is the guest speaker for the November luncheon, sharing “A Recipe for Building Customer Loyalty.” Love will highlight the art of customer service and how and why businesses should exceed the expectation of customers every day. Attendees will learn tips on how to gain customer loyalty, setting your brand apart from others.
The luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 at Embassy Suites Fort Myers-Estero, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive in Estero.
The November luncheon is sponsored by Pool Pros, Inc. and Aqua Illusions. Admission is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for future Chamber members. To learn more or to register for the event, visit FortMyers.org or call 239-332-3624.
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2019) – Aviation Day 2019 will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 at Page Field from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free admission and parking. Aviation Day is an annual community event hosted by the Lee County Port Authority with the purpose of increasing community awareness of our airports. The event is held on the ramp on the north side of Page Field off North Airport Road, east of U.S. 41 and south of Colonial Blvd. Parking is available off North Airport Road and U.S. 41 with complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the event.
There will be two featured aircraft at this year’s event – a Douglas C-54E and a Douglas C-47 Skytrain. The Douglas C-54E “Spirit of Freedom” is a four-engine military transport aircraft used during World War II, the Korean War and the Berlin Airlift. Visitors will step back in time as they view a flying museum and memorial housed in the interior of this original aircraft. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain “Tico Belle” was part of the Normandy Invasion of WWII, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the historic event this year.
Other attractions will include general aviation aircraft and helicopter exhibits, plane and helicopter rides (for a fee), demonstrations by airport police and fire departments, aviation-themed shopping, food and more. In addition, there will be free children’s activities and face painting, sponsored by Kimley-Horn and Suncoast Credit Union.
We are asking those coming to Aviation Day 2019 to help our local community by bringing a non-perishable food item to benefit The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.
Presenting sponsors for Aviation Day 2019 are Owen-Ames-Kimball Company and Southwest Airlines; with Manhattan Construction as a platinum sponsor. Additional sponsors are: Bob FM 102.9 and Gator Country 101.9; Hertz, HMSHost, SP+ Airport Services; AECOM, Atkins Global, Cooper Hotels, Costco Wholesale, Creative Events & Rentals, Faith Group, Florida Blue, Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers, Hole Montes, Inc., Passarella & Associates, Inc.; Allied Portables, BMO Harris Bank, Culver’s of Fort Myers S. Cleveland Ave., DeAngelis Diamond, Johnson Engineering, Inc., Paradies Lagardère, SchenkelShultz Architecture, Tru-Clean Surface Care, Universal Contracting of Florida and Waste Pro.
Southwest Florida International Airport served nearly 9.4 million passengers in 2018 and is one of the top 50 U.S airports for passenger traffic. Page Field serves general and business aviation with more than 98,000 aircraft operations annually. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction at either airport. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.

FORT MYERS, FL (November 11,  2019) – The 24-Hour Playwriting Project is back again at The Laboratory Theater of Florida on November 23rd.
A perennial favorite, the premise is simple – take four playwrights, lock them the theater overnight to create a show that will be performed on stage the very next evening. They are given a series of items, costumes, sounds, and lines that must be included, all before learning the overarching theme of the play. Following a sleepless night of writing, they meet their directors after breakfast for some edits and then their scripts are whisked away to be printed. At lunch, they meet the actors who will be performing their work. A few hours later, the curtain rises. The winner is determined by both the audience and a panel of professional judges.
The project is coordinated again this year by past winner Char Loomis who says, “When Annette and I met to create this year’s theme we couldn’t stop laughing from beginning to end. I’m excited to see what this year’s writers will produce!”
This year’s playwrights are Aricka Shuck, Kayleigh O’Connell, Darlyne Franklin, and Candice Sanzari.
Aricka Shuck studied Theatre Performance at Oakland University. She has performed in over 40 theatrical productions since the age of 6. This is her second time competing in the 24 Hour Playwriting Contest.
Kayleigh O’Connell is an aspiring playwright who has been honored to work in theatre for twenty years and has done everything from performing, set design, stage managing – and now playwriting. She is overjoyed to have experienced storytelling in many facets. Previous work includes Andorra, Crimes of The Heart, Sordid Lives and Whatever Happened To Baby Jane. You can find her next at the Alliance for the Arts in Vampire Lesbians of Sodom or wherever books are sold. She says, “Storytelling is the thread that connects us with our past, ourselves and most vitally with each other. It is the first language we shared before mathematics and science. It is so crucial to honor the oral tradition and theatre has allowed me to be a part of that legacy. The 24 Hour Playwriting Project presents a fascinating challenge as well as a truly communal experience with my fellow playwrights. Having been on the other side of this process as an actor, I truly value the collaboration and look forward to forging the work with my director and actors.”
Darlyne Franklin was born and raised in Boston MA. She came to visit Naples 15 years ago – after being a snowbird, she decided to stay and become a resident. In 1992, she wrote and produced Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding.  This show has enjoyed a tremendously successful run, being in continuous production for over 20 years. She also created additional interactive shows such as The Wake of Matty O’Malley, Wicked Real Housewives of the Mob and The Soprano’s Last Supper, which were performed in Las Vegas venues for over ten years. She is in mentioned in Webster’s online Dictionary under “dinner theater” and was featured in a question on the TV game show Jeopardy. When asked about this year’s competition, Darlyne said, “I love the challenge of writing a short play with prompts and limits and in 24 hours seeing it come to life on the stage.”
Candice Sanzari is an emerging playwright. Her previous works include Dead Weight, Trash Talk and Other Damages, and Thanksgiving is for Nutters, which earned her Critics’ Choice in Lab’s 2018 24-Hour Playwriting Project. She is currently adapting her first full-length play, I Became Us, into a screenplay. When Candice isn’t writing, she’s furthering her training in Krav Maga, dabbling more in film, and possibly making some questionable life choices.
Returning judge Nykkie Rizley says, “There is a reason I’ve been a judge every year for the show rather than being part of its creation. Simply, I don’t want to know any of the secrets. I want to be in awe like the rest of the audience. There is the most amazing energy when you walk into that theater, just before the artists reveal what’s been brewing for the last 24 hours. It’s surreal and honest, excitement and fatigue, nervousness and longing. It’s just really incredible and it is my favorite night of the year.”
Listed as one of Naples Daily News Must-Do Bucket List events, this production sells out every year. This event is graciously sponsored by Stacy Lee-Williams.
Join us for a night of zany hilarity on Saturday,  November 23rd at 8 pm. Tickets are available online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com or by calling 239.218.0481
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2019) – Stevens Construction Inc. earned two awards at the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Industry Awards event on Nov. 9, announced Mark Stevens, company president.

Stevens Construction won a Summit Award for the best healthcare project for Elmquist Eye Group. Stevens Construction provided Elmquist Eye Group with the due diligence required, allowing it to make an educated decision to purchase an existing building and renovate within its budget. Elmquist Eye Group features an optical boutique offering a vast selection of designer eyewear and state-of-the-art technology. The welcoming lobby includes expansive windows providing natural light to patients and staff. Completed in five months, the 7,200-square-foot medical office includes nine exam rooms, a procedure room, administration and staff lounge.

Stevens Construction also won a Summit Award for best public works project for Bonita Springs Utilities, Inc. Customer Service building. Stevens Construction worked with Bonita Springs Utilities during preconstruction to provide cost and constructability analysis to compare if it would to be more cost effective to demolish the existing building and build new. Delivered under budget and ahead of schedule, Stevens Construction built a new 6,450-square-foot building to better serve the community, the board of directors and staff.

Stevens Construction has earned 52 Summit Awards since the program began in 2006.

The Summit Awards program recognizes BIA members who have obtained an outstanding level of success and demonstrated superior professionalism in the commercial construction industry throughout the year. The projects were judged for quality of construction, challenges, timeliness of completion, client satisfaction and safety.

About Stevens Construction

With offices in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2019) – Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs, will share the bounty of its nearly 5 acre on-site organic garden with a rare plant, seed and produce sale Friday, Nov. 22 from 10 am. to 2 p.m.
The sale on the lawn in front of the main building will include:

• A variety of potted perennial vegetables, herbs and select fruit trees
• Select annual vegetable starter trays
• Seeds
• Fresh organic farm produce

All items will be sourced from the certified organic garden, which provides produce for the onsite restaurant, Harvest & Wisdom. Cash only prices will depend on the container size of the plants and range from $3 to $20. Limited quantities will be available. Call 239-949-0749 for information.
About Shangri-La Springs
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, organic restaurant, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The Blue Zones Project recognized organization specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. A range of natural and organic treatments and products including facials, massages, eucalyptus steam room, far infrared sauna and private garden lounge are offered at the Spa at Shangri-La Springs, which was rated SILVER for Day Spa in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The organic farm-to-table restaurant Harvest & Wisdom, with an ever-changing menu crafted with produce fresh from the on-site garden, locally sourced organic proteins and organic beverages, is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, outdoor dining area and conference room in the Great House. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms located in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard, perfect for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.

Fort Myers and Washington D.C. (Nov. 12, 2019) – Earn to Learn FL has announced Synovus as the Branded Wine Exclusive Sponsor for its 2020 Mentors of IMPACT recognition event on Feb. 19.

Mentors of IMPACT is an annual program that honors men and women at the pinnacle of their careers or community service who have elevated the lives of others through mentoring.

Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $47 billion in assets. Synovus provides commercial and retail banking, investment and mortgage services through 297 branches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee.

“Synovus has generously supported Earn to Learn FL since its inception, and the company’s commitment to our mission is one of the reasons we’ve been so successful,” said Brenda Tate, founder and CEO of Earn to Learn FL. “Contributions from Synovus and our other corporate partners have helped eliminate financial barriers to higher education for many students.”

Earn to Learn FL is a matched-savings program that offers personalized financial capability training and success coaching to students across Florida. The ultimate goal is for students to graduate with minimal or no debt.

Eight individuals will be recognized at the Mentors of IMPACT event: Alise Bartley, Ph.D. (Mental Health Crusader), Kellie Burns (NBC2), Joe Catti (FineMark Bank), Myra Daniels (Philanthropist), Gail Markham (Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A.), Michael Martin, Ph.D. (Florida Gulf Coast University), Susan McManus (Champions for Learning) and Mark Stevens (Stevens Construction).

The Mentors of IMPACT reception will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at The Club at Mediterra, 15755 Corso Mediterra Circle in Naples. Individual tickets are $400 per person and can be purchased online at EarnToLearnFL.org, and include a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, networking opportunities and a keynote address by Babcock Ranch Founder Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners.

Additional sponsorship levels are still available and include reserved seating, media recognition and promotion in publications and at the event.

For more information, please visit EarnToLearnFL.com or email Brenda Tate at [email protected].

About Earn to Learn FL

Earn to Learn FL empowers low-to-moderate income students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt through matched-savings, personalized financial capability training, and success coaching. Eligible students who establish a habit of saving for higher education can receive matching funds for financial assistance provided by Earn to Learn FL supporters committed to enhancing workforce development and the economic well-being of Florida communities. For more information, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or call 239-908-0301.