Member News

Lee Health National Speaker Series: May 7 – Dr. David
You are cordially invited to attend a presentation by Dr. David Katz, entitled The Truth About Food, as part of Lee Health’s national speaker series.  Dr. Katz is an internationally  recognized author and speaker with expertise in nutrition, weight management and the prevention of chronic disease.
 
He is the founding director of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, Past-President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and Founder/President of the True Health Initiative.
 
Date and time:  May 7, 2019 from 6-7 pm
Location:  First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
 
To register for this free event, go online to LeeHealth.org/classes and click on National Speaker Series button
 
 
 

Note to Media: The LCBA is excited to be celebrating the 25th year of hosting Law in the Mall. This event, part of Law Week, is a great way to get legal advice without incurring any expenses. Thank you for spreading the word about Law in the Mall. The press release, logo and photo are attached.
Law in the Mall continues 25-year tradition of service
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 21, 2019) – Justice shouldn’t be reserved only for those who can pay for it. That’s why Lee County Bar Association attorneys will give free legal advice to the public on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Edison Mall. The 25th annual Law in the Mall event is part of the bar’s Law Week, a series of events designed to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession.
“The law is second nature to us as attorneys, but to most people, navigating the legal system may seem like an impossible challenge,” said attorney Ryan O’Halloran, coordinator for Law in the Mall. “It’s a small investment of time for us, but it produces a great return for so many people who may desperately need help.”
Up to 40 bar attorneys will be available throughout the event for face-to-face consultations inside the mall, between entrances F and G in front of Dillard’s. They’ll offer answers and direction on situations that fall within their legal practice areas, including divorce, probate, criminal law, bankruptcy, real estate, foreclosure and more. Attorneys who would like to participate should contact O’Halloran at 239-334-7212 or [email protected].
No pre-qualification or pre-registration is necessary for members of the public who seek help at the event, though attendees should bring any paperwork related to their case.
“The bar strives to make the community a better place,” said Lisa Poulin, the bar’s executive director. “Law in the Mall is designed to make a direct impact, bringing help to those who need it most. We’re grateful to the Edison Mall for continuing to partner with us on this fundamental initiative for the greater good.”
Plenty more is scheduled during Law Week, which runs April 27-May 3. An awards ceremony will recognize local law enforcement officers of the year, an outstanding law-related educator, and someone who has made a profound impact on the Lee County community. Plus, high school students will get an in-person view of oral arguments before Florida’s Second District Court of Appeals. Lee County Bar attorneys will even donate blood to Lee Health during the annual Law Week Blood Drive.
“This is what the bar is truly about — service,” Poulin said. “This is a group of attorneys motivated to help any way they can.”
Call Poulin at 239-334-0047 or email her at [email protected] to learn about the full slate of community outreach programs the bar conducts throughout the year.
About the Lee County Bar Association
The Lee County Bar Association, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, has served the citizens and legal community of Lee County since 1949 and has a current membership of almost 800. Its purpose is to further the education of its member attorneys and create meaningful interaction among them, and to inform the community on important legal matters. The bar strives to serve as a leader in advancing ethical conduct, excellence and the professionalism of its members. For more information, visit leebar.org or contact Executive Director Lisa Poulin at 239-334-0047 or [email protected].

Books and magazines are now available at six Lee County Tax Collector
 locations, thanks to a partnership with the Lee County Library System.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 21, 2019) – Waiting areas at Lee County Tax Collector’s Offices just got a lot more pleasant. The Tax Collector has partnered with the Lee County Library System to create mini-libraries at six Tax Collector locations. Customers who come to renew driver’s licenses, apply for concealed weapons permits, take care of vehicle registration and more can peruse a broad selection of books and magazines while they wait.
“Your time is valuable, and we understand that,” Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart said. “We’re going to do everything we can to make your time with us enjoyable.”
The library system has placed about 30 titles each at Tax Collector offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, south Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres and North Fort Myers. Books for adults, teens and children are there, and library workers are arranging for Spanish-language books to soon be on the shelves.
The Tax Collector’s Office will promote library card signup April 8-12 during National Library Week.
But customers don’t need a library card to access the books at the Tax Collector’s locations, and they don’t need to check them out. They can take any item home with them and bring it back later, or drop it off at any Lee County library.
The program stems from the Tax Collector’s partnership with the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. Melissa Baker, manager of programming and community outreach for the Fort Myers Library, presented the idea to the Tax Collector’s Office and began working with Deputy Tax Collector Noelle Branning and Communications Manager Chris Bright to bring it to fruition.
“This is a win-win for everyone involved,” Hart said. “It’s a way to promote literacy and education as well as give our customers something extra. I’m so grateful to Melissa and everyone at the library system for helping us make this happen.”
See all of what the Tax Collector is doing to make life easier for customers at leetc.com.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates seven service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 21, 2019) – During February, 1,117,409 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla., an increase of 6 percent compared to February 2018. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 7.3 percent compared to last year.
The traffic leader in February was Southwest Airlines with 195,690 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Delta (186,744), American (144,787), Spirit (139,907) and Frontier (119,081).
Southwest Florida International Airport had 9,079 aircraft operations, a decrease of 1.2 percent compared to February 2018. Page Field saw 9,003 operations, a 6.5 percent increase from February 2018. In addition, slightly more than 2.6 million pounds of air freight moved through Southwest Florida International Airport in February 2018.
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. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.
 
 

Annual Dinner Benefitted Lifeline Family Center
 
FORT MYERS, FLA., March 18, 2019– Even the standing room was gone for the Annual Benefit Dinner for Lifeline Family Center featuring Ruth Graham and Windsor Dienert-Bauder, the daughter and granddaughter of the late evangelist Billy Graham.
As the third child of Billy Graham, Ruth addressed several critical issues of the 21^st Century including divorce, her teenage daughter’s pregnancies, another daughter’s struggle with bulimia and her son’s battle with drugs.  Windsor detailed her journey through two teenage pregnancies, one ending in adoption, and the other baby remaining with her to be raised to adulthood.
Ruth is the author of many books including the best-selling In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart and the award-winning Step Into the Bible. Ruth is an experienced conference speaker and has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “FOX and Friends” and been interviewed on Moody Radio many times.
Her daughter Windsor spoke openly about her two teenage pregnancies while being related to the most famous Protestant religious leader in the world.  She contributed to two books with her mother and Sara Dormon:  I’m Pregnant, Now What? and So You Want to Adopt, Now What?
More than 600 people attended the March 14 dinner at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers.
To date the event raised $157,111 for the work of Lifeline Family Center, which helps women in crisis pregnancies become self-supporting.
“We are very pleased that Ruth Graham and her daughter came to Southwest Florida to share their message of embracing life, whatever the circumstances,” said Lifeline Family Center President and Founder Kathy Miller.
Lifeline Family Center graduates also gave their testimony through video segments of how the program changed their lives and those of their children.
Sponsors for the event were Glenn and Ada Ann Healey, Steve and Jan Neff, The Breeze Newspapers, CTN10 Christian Television and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media.
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.
In the residential program, Lifeline Family Center serves up to 12 young women, ages 16 to 25, and up to 24 babies at a time.  In the Outreach Ministry program, more than 6,000 women have received assistance with material needs, adoption counseling and resource referrals.The non-profit also operates a 24/7 Pregnancy Helpline, provides free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds by appointment, and does outreach to all areas of Lee County, including all college campuses.
Lifeline Family Center receives no government funding and is wholly dependent upon donations from generous individuals, churches and corporations as well as United Way funding.  For more information about Lifeline Family Center, visit www.LifelineFamilyCenter.org
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BIG CYPRESS, Fla. (March 15, 2019) – Country music singer Gary Allan will headline the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 11, at the Junior Cypress Rodeo and Entertainment Complex.
Tickets for the event (which will include Native American Dancers and alligator show) and the concert are priced at $40 per person and are on sale now at www.bccelebration.com. They will also be available at the Junior Cypress Rodeo and Entertainment Complex the day of the event. Parking is $5 and gates will open at noon.
With the allure of a modern day outlaw, Allan has won over fans, peers and critics with his signature blend of smoldering vocals, rebellious lyrics and raucous live performances.
His most recent album, Set You Free, topped the Billboard 200 (Pop Chart), a career first.  The album also made its debut at the top of the Billboard Country Album chart and produced his fifth number one country radio chart topper with “Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain.”
The California native released his first album, Used Heart for Sale, in 1996 and since then has released eight additional studio albums selling over seven million albums, been certified platinum on three back-to-back albums, and been certified gold five times. In addition to his five number one hits, he’s collected 14 top 10 hits and amassed over 1.4 billion total streams.
Joining Allan in the performer lineup at the 124^th anniversary of the Big Cypress Celebration will be fellow country artists Jimmie Allen, High Valley, Corey Smith and John Conlee.
Allen, who auditioned for both America’s Got Talent and American Idol, released his first official single – “Best Shot” – early last year. The week of its release, it was the second most added song to the country music radio playlists. The song reached the number one position on Country Airplay in November, making him the first African-American artist to send his debut single to the top of that chart.
With their flavorful blend of bluegrass-tinted country pop, Brad and Curtis Rempel comprise the critically acclaimed Canadian-born, Nashville-bred duo, High Valley. The brothers have received praise from Rolling Stone, Pandora and more for soaring harmonies and memorable songs influenced by artists such as Ricky Skaggs, Diamond Rio and the Everly Brothers.
Their international appeal has already earned them more than 175 million streams across the U.S. and Canada alone. The duo’s debut Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville single “Make You Mine” has been certified Gold, and their most recent hit “She’s With Me” became their first Top 10 at country radio. In addition to their multiple CCMA Awards wins and Juno Awards nods, they are currently nominated for ACM New Duo of the Year for their second consecutive year.
With their lauded major label debut album Dear Life under their belt, High Valley continues to make waves as a breakout act in country music. In addition to appearances on Live with Kelly and Ryan, TODAY and CBS This Morning, the rising duo has brought their music to fans across the world alongside the likes of Shania Twain, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
SiriusXM Presents: The Highway Finds Tour marked their first U.S. headlining run and they recently joined Old Dominion’s Happy Endings World Tour. High Valley spent the winter on the road with Paul Brandt and are currently in the studio working on their upcoming project.
Smith, a Georgia-based singer/songwriter, has sold over one million concert tickets and digital singles, as well as more than 220,00 albums. His top singles include “Twenty-One,” “If I Could Do It Again,” and “I Love Everyone.”
A Kentucky native, Conlee had 32 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and he recorded 11 studio albums between 1978 and 2004. His singles include seven number one hits – “Lady Lay Down,” “Backside of Thirty,” “Common Man,” “I’m Only in it for the Love,” “In My Eyes,” “As Long As I’m Rockin’ with You,” and “Got My Heart Set on You.”
For more information about the Big Cypress Anniversary Celebration, please visit www.bccelebration.com.
About Florida Seminole Tourism (FST)
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indian Tribe. FST is a top Florida Everglades adventure, learning and camping destination. We share the excitement and wonder of the Florida Everglades with visitors from around the globe. Our award-winning Everglades attractions include Billie Swamp Safari, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, and Big Cypress RV Resort & Campground.

LAB (Learn, Achieve, Become) is experiential learning environment for individuals with disabilities
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 15, 2019) – Aztec Plumbing and Lowe’s Home Improvement have donated plumbing  and construction services and materials for Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens’ (LARC’s) new Lab for Living.
Learn, Achieve, Become (LAB) is an experiential learning environment located on LARC’s main campus in Fort Myers that transforms traditional program areas into spaces for innovation, vocation, demonstration and learning.  LAB layers 5 experiential learning Labs and embraces a holistic strategy as a framework through which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities maximize independence and employment success.  The five Labs will focus on skills for work, residency and leisure.
The Lab for Living is the first of the Labs and is an apartment style setting that will provide participants with hands on training in daily living skills. The Lab will include a bedroom area, living and dining areas, a kitchen and laundry facilities. Daily living skills will include cooking, home management, housekeeping, laundry, menu planning, shopping, fire safety, home safety and much more.
Lowe’s Home Improvement (Lowe’s Heroes) donated and installed the cabinets and appliances, painted the room and installed the flooring.  Four local Lowe’s stores adopted LARC for additional projects including interior and exterior renovations and improvements to LARC’s Cape Coral and North Fort Myers group homes and Bonita Springs Adult Day Training Program.
Aztec Plumbing and Drains donated the plumbing materials and employees volunteered their time and labor.  “Aztec Plumbing and Drains understands the importance of giving back to the community where we live and work,” said Steve Taub, president of Aztec Plumbing and Drains.  “Our employees were excited about volunteering their time and using their expertise to support LARC’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential.”
“With more than 3,700 children in Lee County schools with cognitive disabilities, LAB will create opportunities for individuals now and for generations to come,” said Kevin Lewis, executive director of LARC.  “The contributions of Lowe’s Home Improvement and Aztec Plumbing and Drains ensure that LAB will become a reality and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have the tools to succeed.”
To learn more about LARC and LAB, contact Angela Katz, Development Director at 239-334-6285 x229 or email [email protected] or visit www.larcleecounty.org.
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 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.   For more information, contact Angela at 239-334-6285 x229 or visit www.larcleecounty.org.

FORT MYERS, FL. (March 8, 2019)—Coldwell Banker presents the 11th annual World Wine Tour, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® Southwest Florida on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., wine enthusiasts will sample a variety of domestic and international wines hand-selected by CRU Executive Chef Bob Boye. Guests will indulge in lite bites from participating Bell Tower Shops restaurants, all while enjoying the musical entertainment of New Beginnings Events.
The annual event was moved from November to April in anticipation of recent enhancements being made to the Bell Tower Shops. The event space boasts new gathering areas, redesigned storefronts and a newly designed center court featuring a new stage and contemporary lighting.
Admission to the event is $40 per person. VIP tickets are available for $150 per person or $250 per couple and include event entry, plus a tasting certificate to a delectable four-course pairings dinner, presented by CRU Executive Chef, Bob Boye to use at guests’ leisure.
Tickets can be purchased at www.rmhcswfl.org/events
About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida
Since its founding in 1996, Ronald McDonald House has served thousands of families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties, and other states and countries. Here, families find a “home away from home” while their children are undergoing medical treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Additional thousands are served by the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® program, two mobile healthcare units providing medical and dental services to underserved children, and by the Ronald McDonald Family Room®, located in Golisano Children’s Hospital.
About Bell Tower Shops 
Lush landscaping, splashing fountains and open-air spaces meet high fashion, creative cuisine and “be seen” events at Bell Tower Shops. This landmark shopping, dining and entertainment destination is home to several fine retailers including eclectic boutiques and shopping favorites Williams-Sonoma, Chico’s, White House | Black Market, Victoria’s Secret, Pink, and Talbots. Exceptional shopping is complemented by distinctive restaurants: Bistro 41, Cru, DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Mimi’s Cafe, Society and T.G.I. Friday’s.

Attendees Also Pledged More Than $3 Million Toward Building Campaign
(Fort Myers, Fla. – March 15, 2019) — “Love Your Neighbor”, the 11th annual event benefiting The Heights Foundation, raised more than $300,000 for educational programs for at-risk kids in Harlem Heights.  David and Linda Lucas were honored for their years of support of The Heights Foundation.  Norman Love Confections and Mark Loren Designs helped create this signature event and have supported it since its inception.
A $100,000 giving challenge was made by Bill and Caroline Bloomhall, long-time supporters of The Heights Foundation.  If the audience pledged a minimum of $100,000 in donations during the Fund-a-Need in the live auction, the Bloomhalls would match the amount.  Attendees generously met the challenge.
Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center also announced plans to build a three story educational building on The Heights Center property.   Several supporters pledged more than $3 million toward the building.  The building will house The Harlem Heights Community Charter School, a K-5 school and GLAD Kids, the organization’s preschool that serves children birth to five.
“Our mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families and education is the key to success,” said Kathryn Kelly.  “The monies raised support our educational programs that include our charter school, our early learning center, enriching after school and summer camp programs, academic tutoring, scholarship and college access assistance, school supplies, and tuition support.   We are so thankful for the support for our programs, and absolutely amazed at the generous pledges we received toward our new educational building.”
The event was held at the Gulf Harbour home of Mary Jo Little.  The VIP Pre Party was held at a custom home by Frank R. Jenkins Custom Homes.   Auctioneer Scott Robertson along with celebrity emcee Kellie Burns of NBC-2 conducted the live auction that included Sunday brunch aboard the Youngquist family’s 112-foot yacht, an in home dinner for ten by the celebrated chefs of Blanc and Black Salt Culinary, a one of a kind pendant by Mark Loren Designs, and lunch with legendary AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams.
Guests enjoyed an assortment of culinary creations from popular local restaurants and chefs including Bahama Breeze, Gather, LYNQ, Norman Love Confections, St. Charles Yacht Club, Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant and Terra Nostra Ristorante.  VIP attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Black Salt Culinary.  Strange Arrangement provided musical entertainment.
Sponsors include Mark Loren Designs, Norman Love Confections, Gary and Sharyn Morgan, Kelly Brothers Marine Construction, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Entech, Mark and Gretchen Banks, Bill and Caroline Bloomhall, Dinah Bloomhall, Dave and Cheryl Copham, Robert and Ruth Ann Diefenbach, Fred and Elaine Hawkins, Rich and Sandy Heinrich, Kathryn Kleist and Kevin Derheimer, Dean and Jane Schreiner, Dennis Lapidus and Ann Marie Shields, Tom and Linda Van Wyk, Vee Yerrid and Buzz Waid and RG Architects.  Special thanks to Greg & Jo Callaway of Gulf Harbour Properties, Vandy Major Photography, Angela Brant, Jason’s Deli and Creative Sound & Lighting, Bill Rogers Productions, Harold Balink, Jennifer’s Boutique, Gina Birch, and Brodeur-Carvell Fine Apparel.
For more information about the Heights Center and The Heights Foundation visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.
About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through third grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
 

MEDIA ALERT
Photo and interview opportunities available
Golisano Children’s Hospital Pro Tennis Classic returns to Suncoast Credit Union Arena
Top men’s players taking to the court for Madisen’s Match charity event
Note to Media: It’s going to be an incredible night of tennis at the annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Pro Tennis Classic being held at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Some of the world’s top tennis players, including the all-time greatest men’s doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan, Next Gen star Taylor Fritz and 2017 Wimbledon semifinalist Sam Querrey, will take part in this event all to benefit Madisen’s Match.
To date, Madisen’s Match has raised more than $1 million to 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.
We look forward to seeing you there. The media alert is attached.
WHAT: Golisano Children’s Hospital Pro Tennis Classic
WHEN: Monday, March 18, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Suncoast Credit Union Arena, 13351 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919
WHY: For the benefit of cancer treatment charities in Southwest Florida and across the country.
CONTACT: Josh Milton, CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, [email protected]