Member News

Through collaboration with local treatment and recovery providers in Lee County, the ARCHway Institute is committed to providing resources and financial assistance to individuals with substance use disorders and co-existing mental health disorders. Your participation will help support these efforts now.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
(Business Casual)
Pelican Preserve Golf Club
9802 Pelican Preserve Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33913
·         Sponsorship opportunities are now available at all levels
·         Tickets are $50 per person or $500 per table of 10
·         Treatment and Recovery providers will be on hand to offer valuable recovery information
Enjoy an evening that includes a reception, dinner and an exciting silent auction. An inspirational program will be presented by Ken Brown, Specialist for Florida Dept. of Children and Families, and Dan Stuckey, founder and Board Chairman of the ARCHway Institute.
Donations raised from this event will support the ARCHway Institute’s efforts in Lee County
We look forward to seeing you!
Debbie Strobl
314-348-0711

FORT MYERS, Fla., (Oct. 9, 2019) – Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has announced the course-charting sponsors of its 2019 Tides of Change event.
The Fort Myers Police Department is the North Star Sponsor (title). Boy Agnew Potanovic Law Firm is the Anchorage Sponsor. Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida and Scott and Mary Fischer are Helmsman Sponsors, and Lee Health, Connie and Ed Lizak, Publix Super Markets Charities and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank are Compass Sponsors. In-Kind Sponsors include MarineMax, Caloosa Tent & Rental, Crave Culinaire, Florida Weekly, Gulfshore Life, Jason’s Deli of Southwest Florida, The News-Press, Priority Marketing, Red Door Photography and Ruth Messmer Florist.
The sold-out event will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 at MarineMax in Fort Myers, featuring a shoreside evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction. Proceeds will benefit Pace Center for Girls, Lee County, helping chart a smoother course for at-promise young women in Lee County through its strength-based, gender-specific programs that guide Pace girls in finding their voice and achieving their potential.
To learn more about Pace Center for Girls, Lee County and its Tides of Change event, visit www.pacecenter.org/tidesofchange or call 239-425-2366.
 
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee County
Since 2007, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has been providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The gender-specific, strength-based program is one of 22 Centers throughout Florida, and is known throughout the nation as a best practices model for diverting girls from the juvenile justice system. Pace is a registered not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, businesses, civic/community organizations and churches in Lee County in order to serve girls and their families. Since its inception, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has served more than 650 at-promise girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee County, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.
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Happy National Arts & Humanities Month! This month (and every month), we recognize the profound impact the arts have on our lives, our schools and our community. What better way to celebrate then with a bewitching crop of what’s new/next at the Alliance.
Engagement Rules by Rich Orloff
Final performances Oct 3 – 6 • A comedy with a bite, Engagement Rules follows the intertwined lives of two couples who advise and support each other on matters of love, sex, and the soul. Purchase Tickets →
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood and directed by Stephanie Davis
Oct 24 – Nov 3 • It’s 1956 and The Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein are having their annual quiche breakfast. As the assembled “widows” await the announcement of the society’s prize-winning quiche, the atomic bomb sirens sound! Has the Communist threat come to pass? How will the “widows” respond as their idyllic town and lifestyle faces attacks?  Purchase Tickets →
View Our Theatre Season →
Bluegrass Indoor Concert
Oct 13 • A sensational fusion of American country music; Irish, Scottish and English ballads and traditional dance music; with a heaping helping of jazz influence makes our bluegrass concerts a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time. Sponsored by Staywell. Purchase Tickets →
Poetry Open Mic Night
Oct 16 • Gather, socialize, meet new people and share your original poetry against a backdrop of colorful and eclectic artworks. All generations, styles and approaches to poetry are welcome to attend this free event. Your audience awaits. Find Out More →
On the Table
Oct 17 • Unite with friends, neighbors, colleagues and a few new friends over a free dinner to talk about issues that impact our quality of life. Participating adds your voice to a region-wide conversation about how we can work together to make our communities stronger. RSVP →
Italian Fest 2019
Oct 20 • Mangia! Mangia! Expected to be the biggest and best yet, Italian Fest will offer great entertainment, raffles, games for the kids and adults and, of course, plenty of food and drink. Find Out More →
Members-Only Field Trip: Matlacha
Nov 14 • Connect with local art and history with your friends from the Alliance as you explore your own backyard during this fun and exclusive tour! Deadline to register: October 18. Find Out More →
Arts On Tap Fundraiser
Nov 9 • Plug into the pulse of everything local at our annual fundraiser! At Arts On Tap, soak in surreal surprises, bar-raising craft beer, hand-selected wines, mouth-watering culinary creations, twisted pub games and exhilarating music; all contained in our eclectic gallery and theatre turned beer garden. Your ticket purchase supports the Alliance as creative hub that spurs and supports self-expression, imagination, individuality and promotes equity by connecting our community through the arts. Purchase Tickets →
View All Events →
Dia de los Muertos: A Juried Exhibit
Opening reception: Friday, Oct 4 from 5-7 p.m. • Exhibits: Oct 4 – Nov 2
Marvel at the colorful and creative traditions that surround Día de los Muertos! Back by popular demand, this exhibit encourages us to connect with loved ones while reflecting on the ties that bind the past to present. Plus, join us on Friday, October 4 for our free opening reception featuring exclusive craft beer tastings from Millennial Brewing Company, bites from Gina’s Tamales and face painting by Krafty Kate’s Face Painting Kreations. Find Out More →
Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Thursdays, Oct 3 – 31 • Learn the basics of painting with acrylics or refresh your skills with a class that includes instruction, demos and time to practice.  Register →
Let’s Dance – Contemporary Dance
Mondays, Oct 7 – 28 • Open to all ages and levels, this class explores what it means to take risks, have fun and be bold. Say goodbye to the normality of the day and throw your true-self out on the dance floor! Register →
The Business of Art Lecture
Monday, Oct 21 •  FREE to Alliance members, this lecture will cover creating a business and marketing plan, business basics, applying for grants and much more. Register →
Discover Watercolor Pencil
Workshop, Oct 26 & 27 • Water-soluble colored pencils combine the precision and control of pencil drawing with the fluid possibilities of watercolor paint. Register →
View All Classes →
FREE Family Art Lab
Oct 26 • Drop in for free, hands-on family fun the 4th Saturday of each month! This month, celebrate our Dia de los Muertos Exhibit by painting sugar skulls on small flower pots and planters! Sponsored by Pediatric Dentistry of Florida and Publix Charities. Find Out More →
Pippin (Youth Cast)
Nov 16 – 23 • There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in this iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece. Purchase Tickets →
Children of Eden (Youth Cast)
Dec 6 – 8 • Based on the story of Genesis, the conflict of parents and children takes the stage in an adaptation of Stephen Schwartz’s heartfelt musical. Purchase Tickets →
Small Works Exhibit: Off the Wall
Drop-off: Dec 2, 2019 • Make supporting local arts top of the list this year by giving a gift that gives back! Coinciding with the onset of the holiday shopping season, this gallery show features artworks of all mediums priced at $200 or less. Prospectus →
34th All Florida Juried Exhibit
Deadline: Jan 27, 2020 • As the name suggests, this exhibition features pieces created by artists working in a wide variety of media from all over the 65,000 square miles that make up Florida. Prospectus →
Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Weekend – Youth Art Contest
Deadline: Jan 20, 2020 • Calling all artists in K-12th grade! To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. please join us for Legacy Weekend – Youth Art Contest. This exhibit is sponsored by Attorney Joe North, North Law Firm, P.A.
Find Out More →
Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org
239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla., (Oct. 8, 2019) – Bell Tower and its merchants are honoring local educators and celebrating a new partnership with United Way by hosting Teachers’ Night Out on Oct. 14.

The family-friendly event, held on Columbus Day, a non-school day for most teachers in Southwest Florida, is meant to recognize educators for their hard work and dedication to students.

Teachers who show a valid school ID will receive complimentary samples of wine and cheese from Fresh Market. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will feature beer and wine for purchase, and Narrative Coffee Roasters will have a special BOGO offer for teachers in attendance. Teachers also can enter to win a gift basket from Fresh Market, gift card from Trader Rick’s and spin a wheel to win prizes from Dave & Buster’s.

Teachers’ Night Out will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14 in Center Court at Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. Never Too Late will be providing entertainment during the event, and Bell Tower will be bringing in a bounce house so children can have fun, too.

Bell Tower and United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee announced the grand opening of a new United Way Community Impact Center, which will serve as a school supply resource for local teachers. The distribution center is made possible through the Publix Tools for Schools initiative in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County. Public school teachers from Lee County who pre-registered online through United Way will be able to pick up pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, paper, and other items necessary for students to succeed.

About Bell Tower

Bell Tower is a landmark shopping, dining and entertainment destination centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida. The open-air center offers fine retail shops including eclectic boutiques and shopping favorites Williams-Sonoma, Chico’s, White House | Black Market, Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Ocean View & 7^th, Talbots, francesca’s and Ulta. Exceptional shopping is complemented by distinctive restaurants: DaRuMa Japanese Steak House, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Mimi’s Café, T.G.I. Friday’s, Society, World of Beer and Ice Spot. Bell Tower also is home to Dave & Buster’s, The Fresh Market, Bed Bath & Beyond and a 20-screen Regal Cinema complex. A community partner and pet-friendly destination, Bell Tower Shops hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, fundraisers, art fairs and more. Visit BellTowerFortMyers.com for more information.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2019) – Distinguished Ave Maria School of Law graduate Eve Kosciuszko has joined the law firm Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. Her practice will focus on general civil litigation, commercial litigation, estate planning and probate.

Kosciuszko was admitted to the Florida Bar after graduating magna cum laude from Ave Maria School of Law in May 2019, ranking fourth in her class. She earned the Book Awards for highest grade in her class for Commercial Law, Healthcare Law, and Research, Writing & Advocacy. As a Moot Court Board member,  Kosciuszko won best oralist of the St. Thomas More Oral Advocacy Competition and the Robert H. Bork Appellate Team Competition and Best Brief. She received the Saint Francis Cabrini Award for excellence in clinical programs for her work in the Ave Maria Law School’s Estate Planning Clinic. She was associate editor on the Ave Maria Law Review, secretary of the Ave Chapter Federalist Society, Dean’s Delegate and the student commencement speaker.

Kosciuszko is a board member of the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association and was a judicial intern clerk to the U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell and to the U.S. Magistrate Judge Mac R. McCoy.

Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Kosciuszko moved to Southwest Florida in 2005. She graduated summa cum laude from Hodges University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing and worked for eight years in the senior aging and health care industry.

“As an award-winning second career law student, Eve brings proven speaking ability and courtroom exposure,” said Christopher Smith, partner. “Her well-rounded experience working in the senior aging and health care industry makes her especially knowledgeable about senior issues.”

About Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., has offered a full complement of professional legal services to Southwest Florida clients since 1962. The firm’s experienced attorneys are board certified by the Florida Bar, and their areas of practice include personal injury and accidents, fall and premises liability, wrongful death, motorcycle and truck accidents, medical malpractice, real estate, commercial litigation, construction law, wills, estate planning and administration, social security law and criminal law. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte, attorneys can be reached by calling 239-334-1146 or visiting JusticeStartsNow.com.

Funds will help nonprofit provide emergency construction services for local homeowners in need

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2019) – Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), has received a $5,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Funds will support Lee BIA Builders Care in its mission to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means.

“This generous contribution from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will help Builders Care provide critical repairs to deserving families who are in desperate need of home repairs and renovations,” said Becky Swift, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. “We are so thankful for the Foundation’s partnership as we work to transform the lives and homes of the many individuals and families we serve.”

The grant is awarded as part of Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s commitment to supporting organizations that provide critical services and programs to help improve quality of life within the community. Since 2004, the Foundation has partnered with more than 1,000 nonprofits to help fuel economic and social progress for vulnerable populations across the nation.

“Bank of America is so proud to support the great work that Builders Care is doing to help people in our community stay in safe, comfortable homes,” said Gerri Moll, Bank of America market president.

About Lee BIA Builders Care

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (Lee BIA). The mission of Lee BIA Builders Care is to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $4.5 million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Builders Care and the Lee BIA are headquartered at 6835 International Center Blvd. #4 in Fort Myers. The Lee Building Industry Association (www.BIA.net) is a 64-year-old association affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and Florida Home Builders Association that serves to promote, protect and preserve homeownership, private property rights and affordable housing by advocating for balanced laws, regulation and fees through member education and outreach. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056. Follow Builders Care at Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare or on Twitter @LeeBuildersCare.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2019) – Fort Myers Brewing Company’s signature chocolate stout, “Somebody Else’s Dream,” won a bronze medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival, a professionally judged craft beer competition held Oct. 5 in Denver, Colorado.

Fort Myers Brewing medaled in the chocolate beer category and was the only Southwest Florida brewery, and one of just eight in Florida, to medal at the 2019 competition.

“Florida is home to a thriving craft beer market, so being one of just a handful of breweries in our state to be recognized is quite an accomplishment,” said Rob Whyte, who co-founded Fort Myers Brewing Company in 2013 with his wife, Jen. “Somebody Else’s Dream has been a favorite brew for our guests since its debut, and it’s incredible to know an international panel of beer experts feel the same way.”

Earlier this year, Somebody Else’s Dream won bronze at the Best Florida Beer Competition in Tampa. In 2018, the brewery’s top-selling chocolate stout won a gold medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championships and a silver award at the World Beer Cup, an international competition often referred to as “The Olympics of Beer Competitions.”

The Great American Beer Festival’s 33^rd competition drew 9,497 entries from 2,295 breweries, along with 113 additional Pro-Am and 70 Collaboration entries, from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“This year’s GABF competition was the largest and most competitive to date,” said Chris Swersey, competition manager for the Great American Beer Festival. “The beers and talent were as impressive as ever, and I’m thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners for their achievements in brewing.”

About Fort Myers Brewing Company

Established in 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Lee County and continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Founded by Rob and Jen Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing carries a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts and IPAs are winners of multiple prestigious awards, including golds at the Best Florida Beer Competition and a silver at the 2018 World Beer Cup. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best Large Brewery in Florida” in 2016. The brewery is located at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMbrew.com or call 239-313-6576.

Fort Myers, FL – Oct. 8, 2019 – Zoomers, Fort Myers’ premier indoor/outdoor family fun center, is hosting the second annual ZOOMtacular Halloween on Saturday, October 19 from 4 – 10 p.m.
Zoomers is partnering with Univision to transform the park into an unforgettable Halloween festival for kids of every age. The park will be decorated with scarecrows, pumpkins, and skeletons, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
All-day, wristbands will be $15, so everyone can enjoy the exciting go-karts, mini golf, and other Zoomers attractions. There will be exciting games from 4 – 6 p.m. and family-friendly costume contests from 6 – 8 p.m. There will be four costume contests total, one for children 5 and under, one for children ages 6-8, one for children ages 9-12, and one for children 13 and older. Prizes for the costume contests include tickets to Busch Gardens, Zoomers annual passes, tickets to Sunsplash Water Park, cards for Headpinz, and more! Then, from 8 – 10 p.m., it’ll be a glowing dance party with a DJ from radio station Latino 97.7! A fun scavenger hunt is also planned for visitors to explore the entire park.
For more information about Zoomers, visit ZoomersFun.com or call 239-481-ZOOM (9666).
ABOUT ZOOMERS
Zoomers is an indoor/outdoor family entertainment center offering a large assortment of games, rides, and attractions, ideal for everyone ages 3 to 103. Outside, you will find Sidetracked Bar & Grille featuring signature cocktails for both kids and adults, delicious food, and fun bar games. Zoomers offers two go-kart tracks, a rollercoaster, mini golf, Midway Rides and much more. Inside, Zoomers offers a Family Fun Arcade, featuring a Winner’s Circle where prizes can be won. Zoomers can host large or small events in their party rooms, which feature panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas, making it perfect for parties, retreats or meetings.
Zoomers is located at 17455 Summerlin Road in Fort Myers, Florida, just before Fort Myers Beach and the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva. For more information call (239) 481-9666.