Spokeswoman: Beyond the Brush – The Social Commentary and Lifestyle of Myra Roberts, April 7 at The Laboratory Theater of Florida
FORT MYERS, FL (March 13, 2019) – The Laboratory Theater of Florida: Education is proud to announce that Myra Roberts will be presenting a three-hour workshop on April 7th, beginning at 1 pm.
Beyond the Brush – The Social Commentary and Lifestyle of Myra Roberts will be an interactive afternoon encompassing various aspects of this powerful artist’s lifestyle that allow her to maintain the energy levels and balance her passions with the everyday demands she juggles.
Bring your appetite, yoga mat, and creative self! The afternoon will include a mini cooking session, including recipes of healthy and easy to prepare superfoods with servings for each participant, as well as a special yoga session. Don’t have a mat? Never fear – The Lab has a few available for use. Additionally, Myra will guide each participant through an empowerment exercise using her favorite medium, art.
This class is being offered on April 7th, starting at 1 pm. The class is $100 for the afternoon and is available at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com or by calling 239-841-4250. This class will be held in the new Arts Education Collective building behind the main theater.
ABOUT MYRA ROBERTS
Sanibel Island, Florida-based artist Myra Roberts, much of whose educational work focuses on portraits and/or social commentary issues, is working on a new exhibition titled “Spokeswoman.” Upon completion, Roberts will have about 30 paintings of remarkable women from the U.S. and throughout the world—living and deceased—who represent women’s empowerment and/or the ongoing struggle for human rights.
Roberts’ subjects are varied as diarist Anne Frank, artist Frida Kahlo, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize co-recipient Malala Yousafzai, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, author Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and attorney and academic Anita Hill. Also featured will be former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, anti-Nazi political activist Sophie Scholl, Armenian Genocide survivor Aurora Mardiganian, Polish Underground heroine Irena Sendler, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and actress and social activist Audrey Hepburn.
Roberts has exhibited and lectured throughout the U.S., including at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center of Fort Myers; the Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington, Delaware (grant-funded); the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg; the Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida; Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College. WGCU Public Media chose Roberts as one of five “2016 Makers: Women Who Make Southwest Florida.”
Her paintings are in public and private collections across the U.S. and Europe, including the estate of Robert Rauschenberg. She received letters of endorsement for her “Faces of Anne Frank” project from Hillary Rodham Clinton, and the Jane Goodall Institute.
Myra Roberts: Artist’s Statement
My painting style is influenced by my ongoing study of magazine advertisements from the early 1900s through the 1940s, and of historical posters.
I also follow the paths of artists who have a deep commitment to social equality and who firmly believe that art can speak volumes and educate viewers.
My happy sun-drenched beach art balances my conscience-raising art. I am preserving stories and faces for future generations.
Class size is limited. To secure your spot for this incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity to learn how to live “Beyond the Brush” call 239-841-4250.
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.

Southwest Florida Premiere of Andorra by Max Frisch opens at The Laboratory Theater of Florida March 29th!
FORT MYERS, FL (March 14, 2019) – In honor of Holocaust remembrance month, The Laboratory Theater of Florida is honored to present the southwest Florida premiere of “Andorra” by Max Frisch opening March 29th and running through April 14th.
Artistic director Annette Trossbach says,” the citizens of Andorra don’t come bearing tiki torches, swastikas, or burning crosses or wearing white hoods. They are not war criminals. They are everyday citizens that are complicit through neglect, ignorance, and casual racism and prejudice;  in their selfishness and intolerance, they are barely aware of how they have treated Andre… except Andre’s father, who, in his cowardice, set the entire story into motion.”
One of the most oft-produced plays in Europe, this parable about racism and prejudice is a great example of epic-theater.   Set in fictionalized Andorra, Andre is adopted by a teacher and raised as a Jew. Throughout the play, Andre is faced with outright prejudice and complicit silence from his fellow townspeople.  Frisch’s message is loud and clear: prejudice happens in every country, both in the past and the present, and we must learn to accept everyone’s differences if we are to lead happy, productive lives.
“The guilty are sitting in the stalls … They are to be frightened: they should, when they have seen the play, lie awake at night. ” -TIME
We have new seating. Rows A, B, and C are on the floor. Rows D and above are on risers.
Andorra  is generously sponsored by Ella Nayor and Jeffrey Cull.
Andorra plays from March 29th to April 14th at the Laboratory Theater of Florida.
Performance dates are as follows:
March  29, 30 at 8pm
March 31 at 2  pm
April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 at 8 pm
April 7, 14 at 2 pm.
Special events surrounding this play include:
March 28th: half-price preview night
March 30th: Pizza with cast & crew and a free show for teenagers, starts at 6:30 pm, reservations required
April 4th: Community Talkback: “The Vocabulary of Prejudice”  immediately following the performance featuring a Holocaust survivor, a camp liberator, and a former member of Hitler youth.
Tickets are available to purchase on Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase a 2019-2020 Season Pass.
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.

KC & The Sunshine Band with Special Guests Village People to Perform at Seminole Casino Hotel
Saturday, April 6
Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents KC & The Sunshine Band with special guests Village People live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, April 6  at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. All seats are reserved for this outdoor concert. Advance tickets are on sale for $60 and $25. VIP seating is also available for $139 and includes priority seating and complimentary beer, wine or soda. Tickets are now available by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com/florida. Attendees must be 21 years of age to purchase and be in the VIP area. Other sections are all ages welcome.
KC & the Sunshine Band have been entertaining audiences around the world for over 37 years, and have sold in excess of 100 million records. Their second album, “KC & The Sunshine Band,” was released in 1975, went triple platinum and contained the #1 hits “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Boogie Shoes” and “Rock Your Baby.” The group’s third album, “Part 3,” released in 1976, also went triple platinum and contained the #1 singles “I’m Your Boogie Man,” “Shake Your Booty” and “Keep It Comin’ Love.” KC & The Sunshine Band’s music has been featured on more than 200 motion picture film soundtracks, including the landmark “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack.
For 40 years, the music of Village People has been putting smiles on the faces of fans all around the world. Their hits have become part of the international songbook – and heard in commercials from Pepsi to Wonderful Pistachios. The iconic “Y.M.C.A” (along with its dance) is featured at almost every party, wedding, bar mitzvah, and sporting event. With hits like “San Francisco/In Hollywood,” “Macho Man,” “YMCA,” “In the Navy” and “Go West,” Village People sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned many awards including the American Music Award-Favorite Musical Group 1979.
April 2019 Live Music Schedule
At Zig Zag Lounge
 Performances are at the Zig Zag Lounge. No cover for live entertainment. TVs throughout the Zig Zag bar air sporting events and other entertainment. Zig Zag Lounge is Southwest Florida’s premier destination to catch your favorite teams during the NFL season. Entertainment is subject to change. For complete details, visit moreinparadise.com.
 

 
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,400 slots and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the recently renovated and 24-hour EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call, as well as the new Corner Bar. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with private cabanas, 24-hour fitness studio and free Wi-Fi.
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com  or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.

FORT MYERS, FLA., March 14, 2019 – Susan Bennett, APR, CPRC, of Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C., was honored by SalusCare, Inc., for her 28 years of public relations and fund-raising service to the non-profit organization and its predecessors.
            SalusCare presented Bennett with an award recognizing her “many years of service and support” to SalusCare along with its predecessors Lee Mental Health and Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS).
            Bennett began working with SWFAS in 1991 as a fund-raising consultant and subsequently provided public relations and marketing counseling to Lee Mental Health in the 1990s as well.  When the two agencies merged in 2013, Bennett was tapped to lead the rebranding effort for what is now known as SalusCare.
Among Bennett’s major accomplishments for the behavioral health organizations are:

• Raised $22.2 million for the agencies through capital campaigns, grant-writing and personal introductions;
• Donated more than 3,000 documented in-kind hours and contributed more than $25,000 in personal gifts;
• Earned 89 awards from the Florida Public Relations Association, including the state’s highest honor, the Dick Pope All Florida Golden Image Award for the SWFAS capital campaign that produced $9 million and made possible the Evans Avenue campus;
• Founded the “Laughter Is the Best Medicine Comedy Night” in 2015, which has become the signature event of SalusCare.

“The most satisfying reward of all is knowing that thousands of people with mental health and substance use disorders received the treatment they needed,“ Bennett said.
Bennett, an accredited and certified public relations professional with more than 48 years’ experience, founded the Fort Myers-based company that carries her name in 1991.  Since that time, Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, has become one of the most respected marketing firms in Florida with more than 200 awards from the Florida Public Relations Association, including the organization’s highest honor for the best public relations campaign in the state.
Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C., is a full-service public relations and marketing firm offering innovative marketing and public relations campaigns, media relations, fund-raising, results-driven marketing analyses and plans, digital strategies, website and video development, and social media management.
Bennett attributes the firm’s longevity to its passion for helping others and its deep connections within the community that have been fostered over her long career in the market.
“We owe our success to the strong relationships we have formed with our clients, as well as our creative partners who help us design marketing, media and fund-raising plans that get results,” Bennett said. “Our clients’ goals become our goals and we work tirelessly to help them achieve those goals.”
Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C. has represented hundreds of businesses and non-profit organizations during the past quarter century ranging from medical, banking, restaurants, and higher education to commercial enterprises,  non-profit organizations and large public service events.
In addition to “Laughter Is the Best Medicine Comedy Night,” she is the founder of the “Grande Dames Tea” for the PACE Center for Girls,  and the Founders’ Society of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, which she has served as a past Board Chair and trustee for 28 years.
Bennett estimates that her firm has donated more than $2 million in in-kind professional assistance to area non-profit organizations and helped raise more than $70 million for area non-profits and capital campaigns.
“Be good, do good and goodness will follow is my motto,” she says.
Prior to opening her company, Bennett was a Gannett Co. executive, member of the launch team of USA TODAY and former marketing director, editor and reporter at The News-Press.  She is a high honors graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and a Master of Arts degree in mass communications.
For more information, call 239-277-5255 or email [email protected].

FORT MYERS, FLA., March 12, 2019 – A panel of behavioral health experts will explore the impact of cultural beliefs and practices on mental health and substance abuse treatment at the Third Annual “Shattering the Stigma” luncheon on Monday, May 20.
The luncheon is hosted and presented by SalusCare, the region’s leading provider of behavioral healthcare, in honor of Mental Health Month.
The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with registration open at 11 a.m. at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Boulevard.
“Much of one’s access to self-acceptance, communication and treatment of a mental illness or addiction is influenced by their ethnic, familial or social beliefs. In order to help and give access, we must understand the different challenges we all are facing,” said event chair Jane Lane, who also is vice-chair of the SalusCare Board of Directors.
The panel will be moderated by Madelyn Isaacs, Ph.D., professor of counseling and department chair at Florida Gulf Coast University.  Isaacs co-founded the Public Schools Enrichment Partnership and is the secretary of the SalusCare Board of Directors.
Panelists are:

• April Brown (M.S., Ed.D., LMHC) – counselor at Genesis Counseling and president of the Gulf Coast Mental Health Counselor’s Association. Her client focus is on African-American and other ethnic backgrounds, as well as alternative lifestyles counseling.
• Indera (Singh) Demine – immigration law attorney.  Born and raised in Guyana and immigrating to the U.S. as a young adult, she is uniquely familiar with the plight of immigrants, both legally and socially.
• Yaro Garcia (Ph.D.) – Currently the clinical and accreditation coordinator of counseling at Florida Gulf Coast University, she also is the president of the SWFL Regional Human Trafficking Coalition. She is a creator of the SOAR (Stop. Observe. Act and Respond) training program to help medical providers better recognize victims of human trafficking and potential traffickers.
• Ana Leticia (Leti) Lopes (Psy.D.) – A multilingual licensed psychologist, she specializes in adolescent difficulties, special needs children, relationship issues and multi-cultural issues.  She is committed to focusing her work with each individual with an appreciation of their background and unique set of experiences to help them attain the highest quality of life.

Tickets are $40 with lunch and $50 with CEUs for mental health professionals and may be purchased by calling Todd Cordisco at (239) 791-1575.
About SalusCare, Inc.
SalusCare, Inc., is the largest, most comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program in Southwest Florida, serving nearly 16,000 people per year of all ages from seven locations in Lee County.   The non-profit organization offers crisis stabilization, detox, outpatient, residential treatment, community-based services and an Employee Assistance Program for more than 50 area companies. The majority of programs are accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
SalusCare services are not free.  Fees are charged on a sliding scale, based on family income.  In many cases, private insurance is accepted.  SalusCare is a United Way partner agency.

For all Clergy, Elders, Board members and Youth Ministry;

DATE:  Thursday, April 4th, 2019
TIME: 11:30 am- 2:00 pm
LOCATION:  First Church of the Nazarene, 13545 American Colony Blvd, FM 33912
We are so excited to finally have our Dementia Friendly House of Worship luncheon and program this year. This is a free educational program designed for all faith-based organizations, their clergy, their representatives, their leaders, and any of those who work with high school or college age groups. A hot meal will be served, with all faiths in consideration, so an rsvp is required, additionally, you may bring more than one person.  Please arrive by 11:30 so that you can sign in, get your plate and find a seat. The program will start at noon. If you are late, that is okay, please still come. Depending on the size of the crowd we have, we may be done before 2:00. Please help share this information by emailing to other churches in the Southwest Florida area.
Every 67 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s , not to mention other types of dementia. If you personally do not know of someone in your faith-based organization who has been afflicted with this disease process, you most certainly know someone who is a caregiver. Please join us and our guest panel as we share with you how to support these families. Also, please note, that we offer free training and support for your faith-based organization so that you may become a dementia friendly house of worship.

(Fort Myers, FL) March 8, 2019– Guests went “loco for Coco” at the 25th Annual Storybook Ball honoring Kellie Burns and benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® Southwest Florida. 300 guests arrived in colorful evening resort attire to celebrate family, love, music and Mexican culture themed to the Disney movie “Coco.” NBC-2 News anchors Rachel Pierce and Peter Busch emceed the evening honoring their colleague along with celebrity auctioneer Jay Severson.
Piñatas hung from the light fixtures, beautiful guitar and flower arrangements graced the auction area, sugar skull characters posed for photos, and an authentic mariachi band provided a fun and festive sound while guests enjoyed cocktails and perused silent auction tables.
In the popular photo area, guests were wowed by a colorful Mexican serape backdrop, adorned with paper flowers crafted by a very gracious mother staying at the Fort Myers Ronald McDonald House with her son while he is undergoing treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Dance music for the evening was provided by local up and coming favorite, Karribean Groove. In an emotional testimonial, one of the band members spoke about his own experience with Ronald McDonald House, due to his daughter’s battle with Spina bifida.
All proceeds support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida in its mission to create, find and support programs that directly impact the health and well-being of children and their families.
Since its founding in 1996, Ronald McDonald House Charities has helped thousands of children and their families in Southwest Florida through the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® Program, Ronald McDonald Family Room® in the Golisano Children’s Hospital.
For information on sponsorship opportunities for 2020, contact Amy Blanco at 239-437-0202.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 7, 2019) – Preparation can be the difference between success and failure for manufacturers. That’s why the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association, or SRMA, is helping businesses find ways to continue generating revenues in a crisis. A roundtable discussion on disaster readiness and business continuity is set for Wednesday, March 13 from 8-9:30 a.m. at CareerSource on 4150 Ford St. Extension in Fort Myers.
Amy Lee, director of business continuity strategy for FloridaMakes, will be the keynote speaker for the event sponsored by Entech. She’ll leverage more than 15 years of experience in manufacturing leadership and her work with Fortune 500, mid-sized and emerging technology companies to delve into risk assessments and more.
“Whether we like it or not, unforeseen events happen to every manufacturer,” SRMA Executive Director Neil Kagan said. “The question is how you respond to them and maintain production. We’ll look at how to do that.”
The cost to attend is $10 for SRMA members and $20 for non-members. Payment is accepted at the door or on srma.net.
A week later, the SRMA and board member Bob Ferris are inviting manufacturers to step away from the machines for an after-hours social on Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. The networking event is at Boston Beer Garden on 2396 Immokalee Road in Naples, with half-price drinks until 8 p.m. and a 50-50 raffle for a chance to win a dinner for two.
“You’ll build connections that will help your business, and you’ll get to enjoy yourself while doing so,” Kagan said.
The After Hours Social is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Payment is accepted at the door or on srma.net, which also has information on a litany of other SRMA member benefits.

About the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association

The purpose and objective of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association is to bring together manufacturers to encourage the economic development of Southwest Florida through manufacturing, and to act as a forum for the expression and exchange of ideas and information among its members. The SRMA provides an advocacy platform for the general welfare of its members in the face of economic, civic and educational challenges. It encourages cooperation, information sharing and mutual aid, fostering social relationships and community involvement. Visit srma.net for more information.

(Fort Myers, FL) March 6, 2018– 22 local celebrities painted 22 platters for Ronald McDonald House Charities® 22nd Anniversary and will celebrate “Eat. Clay. Love… Once Again” on March 28th at the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Myers. The event begins at 5:30 pm with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, followed by an auction of the platters and a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Brian Roland of CRAVE Culinaire. Complimentary valet parking will be available.
Featured Artists:

• Armando Llechu, Chief Administrative Officer- Golisano Children’s Hospital
• Barbara Fewster, Artist and Retired RMHC Board Member
• Brian Roland, Chef and Owner- Crave Culinaire/Venue Naples
• Chris Spiro, Chief Creative Officer- Spiro & Associates
• Cindy McCurry-Ross, Executive Editor and VP of Content at The News-Press Media Group
• Doug MacGregor, Arts in Healthcare Coordinator- Lee Health
• Jenna Persons, Attorney and Counsellor at Law- Strayhorn & Persons, P.L.
• Laura Ragain, Executive Director- Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwest Florida
• Mark Loren, Owner- Mark Loren Designs
• Mayor Joe Coviello
• Diane Coviello
• Michele Eddy, Community Volunteer
• Mike Dolch, Senior Events Manager- Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
• Phil Borchman, Editor- Gulfshore Business
• Rachel Pierce, NBC2 News Anchor
• Rebekah MacFarlane Barney, Chief Operating Officer of Prima Luce and Co-owner of MacFarlane Barney Development
• Richie Castiano, Owner- The World-Famous Cigar Bar
• Sawyer Smith, Attorney- Wilbur Smith Attorneys at Law
• Shannon Yates, Chef/Owner- Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery, Beastie Bar, and Danger Danger.
• Stefanie Ink-Edwards, Director of Development & Community Outreach- Community Cooperative
• Stephanie Davis aka Downtown Diva- Social Commentator and Event Photographer at Florida Weekly
• Tia Knapp, Owner- Cone 06 Pottery Painting Studio

Tickets are $150 per person. To reserve your seat and for more information, please visit www.rmhcswfl.org/events or call Amy at 239-437-0202.
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.