Member News

VIP RECEPTION PLANNED FOR
BILLY GRAHAM’S DAUGHTER & GRAND-DAUGHTER
                 FORT MYERS, FLA., February 13, 2018– A special VIP reception is planned for Billy Graham’s daughter Ruth Graham and grand-daughter Windsor Dienert-Bauder, both of whom will be the guest speakers at Lifeline Family Center’s Annual Benefit Dinner Thursday, March 14.
About 600 community leaders are expected to attend the annual benefit dinner at McGregor Baptist Church on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets to the VIP reception with Graham and Dienert-Bauder are available from $1,000 for four people and include dinner.  Tickets without the VIP reception are $85 each or $480 for a table of eight.  Tickets may be purchased at www.BenefitDinnerLFC.org   or by calling 239-242-7238.
Major sponsors include Glenn & Ada Ann Healey, Steve and Jan Neff, The Cape Coral Breeze, CTN10 Christian Television and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C..
“We are very pleased that Ruth Graham and her daughter Windsor will be coming to Southwest Florida to share their own stories of struggle and overcoming heartache,” said Lifeline Family Center President and Founder Kathy Miller.  “Their experiences are sure to resonate with everyone who has had to endure hardship in their lives.”
As the third child of Billy Graham, Ruth has her own unique voice addressing critical issues of the 21^st Century including experiencing her spouse’s infidelities, her divorces, her teenage daughter’s pregnancies, another daughter’s struggle with bulimia and her son’s battle with drugs.
She 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 speaks 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?
She currently is a student at Liberty University online while working for her husband’s photography business as office manager.  She also volunteers at crisis pregnancy centers and has offered her home to young girls who are pregnant.
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.
 
About Lifeline Family Center
Founded in 1996, Lifeline Family Center provides young women in crisis pregnancies a safe home in Cape Coral and a learning environment.  They receive education, job training, professional counseling, parenting classes and spiritual guidance.  The two-year residential program prepares young moms and their babies to become self-supporting, contributing members of society.  Lifeline Family Center receives no government funding and is wholly dependent upon donations from generous individuals, churches and corporations that believe in Lifeline’s mission as well as United Way funding.  For more information about Lifeline Family Center, visit www.lifelinefamilycenter.org.

March 2019 Special Events
Seminole Casino Hotel Welcomes The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s The Coasters
Saturday, March 2
Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment present legendary musical groups The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s The Coasters in concert. The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s The Coasters will perform their iconic music at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, March 2 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $59 and can be purchased online at www.jaytv.com/florida, at the casino or by phone at 800-514-ETIX(3849). The Platters 1955 debut single, “Only You (and You Alone),” launched the vocal group on the world stage. The romantic ballad became an instant hit with the public and would eventually reach number five on the Pop charts. The Platters’ follow-up single, “The Great Pretender,” propelled the group to the number one position on the pop charts. Both tracks have since been declared “songs of the 21st century” by the Grammy Music Hall of Fame. The Platters timeless hits also include “Only You,” “Magic Touch,” “My Prayer Heaven on Earth” “I’m Sorry,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” “Harbor Lights” Red Sails in the Sunset,” “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “You’ll Never Know” and “Twilight Time.” The Coasters’ enduring hits include “Charlie Brown,” “Along Came Jones,” “Poison Ivy,” “Love Potion #9,” “Love Potion #10,” “Little Egypt,” “Young Blood,” “Yakety Yak,” “Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart,” “Searchin’,” “Shoppin’ For Clothes” and “Smokey Joe’s Café.” Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
Lonestar to Perform at Seminole Casino Hotel
Sunday, March 17
Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents Lonestar live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Sunday, March 17  at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $79 and are available by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com/florida. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Known for merging their country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals, Lonestar has amassed RIAA-certified sales in excess of 10 million album units since their national launch in 1995. The group achieved 10 #1 country hits including “No News,” “Come Crying To Me,” and their crossover smash “Amazed.” The band’s awards include a 1999 ACM Single of The Year for “Amazed” (the song also won the Song of the Year award), and the 2001 CMA Vocal Group of the Year. With more than 100 dates worldwide per year, they are celebrating more than 20 years together. Lonestar’s most recent CD “Never Enders” features ten original Lonestar songs that bring the band’s trademark sound into the contemporary arena.
Dick Fox’s Golden Boys – Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell – to Perform at Seminole Casino Hotel
Saturday, March 23
Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell (also known as Dick Fox’s Golden Boys) live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $110 and are available at the casino or by calling 800-218-0007. Attendees must be 21 years of age. Fabian, Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell were united by Producer Dick Fox. These “Golden Boys” were three of the most popular teen idols of the late 1950s and 1960 and have proved to be an overwhelming live concert success. The Golden Boys concert spotlights each of the performers and their all-time greatest hits: “Turn Me Loose,” “Tiger” and “I’m A Man” (Fabian); “Venus,” “De De Dinah” and “Bobby Sox to Stockings” (Avalon); and “Volare,” “Wild One” and “Kissin’ Time” (Rydell). The three stars combine their talents on several songs and perform a tribute to the material of Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, Rick Nelson and Bill Hailey.
March 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 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/.

Tervis Tumbler Trade and Save Event
Feb 16^th & 17th
Trade in your old classic tumblers; get $5 off any new classic tumbler
All returned products will be upgraded and given new life

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2019) – Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), has announced April 7 as the date for its 10^th annual BBQ, Bands & Brew event, presented by All Star Equipment Rentals & Sales.
Celebrating this milestone year, the event will feature some of Southwest Florida’s top pit masters competing for the title of “Best BBQ in Town,” live music from local headlining bands, numerous vendors, and fun-filled activities for all ages including a lively cornhole tournament and a children’s play area with face-painting, games and more.
“BBQ, Bands & Brew has grown into our largest annual fundraising event, and its steady growth over the years has enabled us to help make a difference in the lives of more local homeowners and families in need,” said Becky Swift, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. “Every dollar raised stays right here in this community, and we’re thrilled to celebrate a decade of this event’s continued success and positive impact for our neighbors who need it most. We’re looking forward to making our 10^th annual BBQ, Bands & Brew one to remember.”
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 helped more than 385 Lee County households, providing in excess of $4.5 million in construction services and materials at no cost to families.
BBQ, Bands & Brew will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 at Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St. in Fort Myers. Admission is $10 per person and children 12 and under are free. Tickets will be available for purchase in advance or at the gate.
Last year’s event attracted more than 10,000 guests to Centennial Park. To date, the event has raised over $500,000 in support of Lee BIA Builders Care.
All Star Equipment Rentals & Sales is returning as presenting sponsor for BBQ, Bands & Brew. Additional sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $6,500 and include recognition in marketing and promotional materials, event tickets, preferred parking, barbecue lunch and more.
A complete lineup of performing artists and vendors will be released in the coming weeks.
To learn more about ticket and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.bbqbandsandbrew.com or call 239-938-0056.
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. (Feb. 13, 2019) – Norman Love and his award-winning team of pastry chefs at Norman Love Confections will share baking and cooking tips during an upcoming series of fun, interactive cooking classes.
“Cooking with Love” consists of 12 hands-on cooking classes in which participants will learn how to bake classic pies, pastries, cookies, cakes, chocolate confections and more. New for 2019, Norman Love Confections’ talented chefs will show participants how to make delicious key lime and banana cream pies, cream puffs, brioche and chocolate layered cake.
“Our cooking classes are meant to be educational, interactive and fun,” said Norman Love, founder and owner of Norman Love Confections. “At the end of the night, each of our students is able to bring home their fresh-baked creations such as artisan confections or exquisite desserts to share with their families.”
Ideal for individuals and groups of friends looking for a unique social experience, “Cooking with Love” features five classes centered on artisan chocolates and seven courses focused on pastries.
Classes begin in April and continue through September. Each class runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Myers Chocolate & Dessert Salon, 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers. The cost is $95 per person, plus tax.
Class sizes are limited, so early reservations are encouraged. For more information or to make reservations, please call Norman Love Confections at 866-515-2121 or visit NormanLoveConfections.com.
CHOCOLATE CLASSES
Easter Eggs: Create your very own Easter egg chocolate sculpture filled with delicious Swiss milk truffles. Our chocolatiers will guide you in hand painting your own dark chocolate egg and teach you how to cast and assemble them. You will also learn how to create modern shell filled Swiss truffles and hide them inside your egg. Finally, they will all be beautifully packaged and ready to give or enjoy yourself!
Dates: April 5, April 12
 
Truffles: Learn why the name “truffle” holds such an elegant and delectable place in the hearts of all. In this class, you will master the 100-year-old art of truffle making. From the luscious dark chocolate hand formed to the modern Swiss shell filled, you will create these treats all yourself with the guidance of our chocolatiers and bring the finished treasures home to enjoy.
Dates: May 31, July 26
 
Molded Candies: Be a chocolatier for a night! Let the Chocolate Masters at Norman Love Confections teach you how to make the jewel-like treasures we are so famous for! You will be able to make everything yourself with the guidance of our staff, from hand coloring to casting liquid chocolate and mixing the custom ganaches to fill your candies. Enjoy a night of sweet success and take home all your treasures when you are done.
Dates: May 3, June 7
 
Chocolate Confections: Watch and learn to make some of our all-time favorite confections! Students will learn to make luscious truffle pops, fudge, chocolate caramel squares and delicious fruit and nut-studded chocolate bark.
Dates: July 12, August 9
 
Shoe Painting: Choose between a premade white, milk and dark shoe (select your preference when signing up). Use melted cocoa butters, sprinkles and shimmers to decorate. Fill with hand-rolled chocolate truffles.
Dates: June 21, August 23
 
PASTRY CLASSES
Cookies: Learn techniques for creating cookies that are permanent classics as well as some new recipes you can add to your repertoire. Master the perfect chocolate chip cookie, the yummy thumbprint cookie, the unique but undeniably delicious coconut macaroon and the classic cut-out sugar cookie.
Dates: May 3, August 9
 
Cupcakes and Cake Pops: Learn to create fun and festive decorated cupcakes and cake pops. Students will be shown how to make buttercream and create cute and playful cupcakes using various piping techniques, as well as make the surprisingly simple but popular cake pops.
Dates: May 31, July 26
 
American Classic Pies: Learn how easy it is to make some all-time American classics. This hands-on class lets you make your own crusts and fillings for the favorite key lime pie, banana cream pie, chocolate cream pie and a rustic apple tart.
Date: June 7
 
Thanksgiving Pies: Usher in the magic of the holiday season with the mastery of your favorite holiday pies! Learn to make fresh pie dough, and then use it to make the famously popular pumpkin pie, the nostalgic and comforting apple pie and the ooey gooey scrumptious pecan pie.
Date: September 13
 
Layered Cake: Learn how to make the popular chocolate layered cake, including the super moist chocolate cake with a rich baked chocolate ganache filling and decadent chocolate frosting, all layered together to make an attractive, delicious masterpiece.
Date: June 21
 
Cream puffs: Learn how to make the light and airy Pâte à Choux, then use it to make the ever-popular vanilla cream puff as well as some savory delights like salmon and cream cheese and Béchamel.
Dates: July 12
 
Sweet Breakfast Pastries: Learn how to make brioche. Our instructors will show you the many varieties you can create from this simple recipe, including fruit filled, cheese filled and even doughnuts.
Dates: August 23
 
About Norman Love Confections
Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.
Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2019) – Shell Point continues its fourth annual 2019 Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries series with a presentation by internationally recognized author and speaker, Dr. Michael Klaper, to be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Village Church Auditorium at Shell Point. This educational health care presentation, entitled “Nutrition Meets Modern Medicine: The Key to Reversing Chronic Disease,” is free and open to the public. To learn more or to register, call 239-433-7936.
During this presentation, attendees will explore the role of eating healthy foods in reversing diabetes, high blood pressure, clogged arteries and other chronic diseases. Klaper will also share practical examples for healthy shopping, food preparation and restaurant dining.
Klaper is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and has received postgraduate training in internal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology and orthopedics at University of British Columbia’s teaching hospitals in Vancouver.
Additionally, Klaper served as nutrition advisor to NASA’s programs for space colonists on the moon and Mars, as well as on the Nutrition Task Force of the American Medical Students Association.
This presentation is part of Shell Point’s 2019 Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries series, an annual community health care speaker program that serves as a resource for residents in the greater Fort Myers area. All Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries events are free to the public, and will be held in the Village Church Auditorium at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd. in Fort Myers. To learn more, visit www.legacyshellpoint.org.
About Shell Point Retirement Community
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2019) – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Messina as director of international education for FSW’s Center for International Education (CIE).
In his new position, Messina will lead the expansion of FSW’s international education programs, overseeing strategic planning, study abroad programming, faculty and student exchanges, and the coordination of international college partnerships and internship opportunities.
“We truly understand the value of international education, and Michael’s wealth of study-abroad experience will support our desire to offer a more robust selection of courses and programs, and to recruit students from this area and beyond,” said Jeffery Allbritten, president of Florida SouthWestern State College. “Studying abroad and being immersed in another culture can have a tremendous impact on a student’s life and the trajectory of their professional career, and we are thrilled to introduce more of these experiences to our students.”
Messina brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, with an expertise in managing international study programs, having most recently served as director of recruitment, admissions and institutional relations for Syracuse University Study Abroad. A graduate of Syracuse University in New York, Messina earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1998 and a master’s degree in higher education administration in 2000.
The CIE at FSW offers a variety of international education programming for students, including a summer study-abroad opportunity available through a partnership with Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) in Italy. Through this program, students spend a month living in Italy and learning its history and culture while taking classes and earning credits at LdM.
Focused on expanding international education opportunities, FSW’s CIE has already grown its travel-abroad opportunities within the last year. In 2018, CIE began the partnership with LdM with 10 participants, and soon expanded to offer two courses led by five faculty members with close to 50 registered students in 2019.
About Florida SouthWestern State College 
Established in 1962 as Edison Junior College, Florida SouthWestern State College provides students with an affordable opportunity to fulfill their professional goals through a variety of degrees and programs. The college offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Baccalaureate degrees, in addition to a variety of certificate programs at four campuses located in Charlotte, Collier, Lee and Hendry counties. For more information, visit www.fsw.edu.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2019) – Fort Myers Brewing Company is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a four-day festival that includes 15 food trucks, 7 live bands, a beer mile fun run, hangover party and beer… lots of beer.
A trendsetter in the craft beer industry, Fort Myers Brewing is Lee County’s first brewery and has been recognized as the “Best Brewery in Florida” at the Best Florida Beer Championships, has been awarded a gold medal in the US Beer Open and won a silver award in the 2018 World Beer Cup.
The four-day anniversary celebration will be held Thursday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 3 at Fort Myers Brewing’s location in the Gateway community, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. The family- and pet-friendly event features the staples that patrons have come to love about Fort Myers Brewing – cold beer, hot food, local musicians, fun and friendship.
“We have been overwhelmed with the community’s support since day one, and it’s amazing to think how quickly we’ve grown in such a short period of time,” said Rob Whyte, who co-founded Fort Myers Brewing with his wife, Jen Gratz-Whyte. “In addition to serving our flagship beers, we’re brewing specialty ales, stouts and lagers exclusively for the anniversary celebration, so we’ll have something for everyone – from the savviest craft beer drinker to someone new to craft beer.”
A flavorful selection of more than 50 craft beers will be on tap throughout the weekend and Fort Myers Brewing has recruited 15 locally operated food trucks for the event, including favorites like The Nosh Truck, Gator John’s BBQ and Doc Ford’s. Seven music acts also will take the stage, including headliners The Freecoasters, Ben Allen Band, Soulixer and Them Hamilton Boys.
Fort Myers Brewing is bringing back its popular Beer Mile from last year’s anniversary celebration. The race begins at noon on March 3 and has a very simple set of rules: “Drink a beer. Run one-fourth of a mile. Repeat three more times. Try not to fall down.” The cost is $30 for individual runners, $25 per person for teams of two or $20 per person for teams of four, and includes a T-shirt and one beer per lap. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest individual male and female participants.
For more information about the event, please follow “Fort Myers Brewing Company” on Facebook or call 239-313-6576. To register for the Beer Mile race, search for “6 Year Anniversary Beer Mile” on EventBrite.
Festival hours vary each day. The schedule of events is as follows:
Thursday, Feb. 28 (Noon to 11 p.m.)
Food truck rally (starts at 4): Currywurst Truck (noon), Hungry Pony Foodcart, The Nosh Truck, Three Little Birds Breakfast Truck, Flavour Street, Currywurst Truck
Live music: The Freecoasters (6:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Friday, March 1 (Noon to 11 p.m.)
Specialty beer releases
Food truck rally: H-Anger Management, Gator John’s BBQ, The Sizzle Truck, Red Roc Cravings, The Folkswagen
Live music: Gator Nate (3:30 to 6:30 p.m.), Ben Allen Band (6:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Saturday, March 2 (Noon to 11 p.m.)
Main event: Specialty brews will be released throughout the day and only served until the keg runs out
Food truck rally: The Nosh Truck, Rollin’ Raw Bar, Wicked Streatery, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Vesuvius Wood-fired Pizza
Live music: Troublemakers (Noon to 3 p.m.), Real Deal Dueling Pianos (3 to 7 p.m.), Soulixer (7 to 11 p.m.)
Sunday, March 3 (Noon to 8 p.m.)
Beer Mile: Register online through Eventbrite or in person beginnging at 11a.m. Sunday, and the fun run begins at noon. Individual and team entries are available, and includes a T-shirt and beer.
Hangover Party: Speciality brews will be released throughout the day and only served until the keg runs out.
Food truck rally: Grumpy Goat Coffee, Bombin’Tacos, Currie’s Smokin’ Hot BBQ
Live music: Local DJ (noon – 2 p.m.), Them Hamilton Boys (2 to 6 p.m.)
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 Whyte and Jen Gratz-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 Championships and a silver at the 2018 World Beer Cup. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best 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.

February 12, 2019, Fort Myers, FL: Tickets are now available for “Lunch on the Lusitania,” a festive fundraising event for the Lee County Library System’s Summer Reading Program, is sponsored by Friends of the Fort Myers Library. The event takes place on Sunday, March 3 at 1:00 PM at Fish & Vine restaurant, 12901 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers.
Attendees will step aboard the “ship” in 1915, pick up their boarding pass, get a photo with Captain William Turner, and have a chance to chat with Lauren Willig and Karen White, authors of The Glass Ocean, a novel that takes place on the ship’s fated voyage. Inside the luncheon salon, attendees might also meet some of the book’s characters or perhaps some of the 1915 passengers. Inspired by actual Lusitania menus, the luncheon features a choice of five entrees. The afternoon also includes a silent auction, book signing by the authors, and some special surprises. Attendees have the option of coming in period dress. Cost for the event is $55. Reservations can be made through the SWFL Reading Festival website, or at http://bitly/FML0303.

CAN hosts annual luncheon to help local children and adults battling cancer
NAPLES, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2019) Rita has just returned home from a 10-day stay
at the hospital-only to find an eviction notice on her front door. Thomas, who has been unable
to work during his chemotherapy treatment, has just received a notice from his utility company
that his lights will be shut off. The Jones family is making the decision to pay their rent or save
their money to have pay for their son’s medication that he desperately needs. It is heartbreaking
to know that situations like this happen daily, and that some people do not have the
financial means, resources or support after a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. Sadly,
there are hundreds of stories just like Rita, Thomas and the Jones family. However, for these
families, CAN was able to be a safety net by helping to avoid eviction, keep the lights on
and pay the rent.
Now, imagine that for just one moment, you could make a difference in the lives of one
of these families. Each year, CAN helps hundreds of families with financial aid, free resources
and support in the wake of a devastating diagnosis. CAN helps to relieve the stress that comes
with this devastating news by relying on the community to help make a difference in the lives of
local children and adults battling this disease. Like many charities, CAN depends on events to
help sustain its work in the community, but unlike other charities, every dollar raised here stays
here to help our loved ones, friends and neighbors.
Women Supporting Women – men and children with cancer, is the largest fundraising
event of the year. With a goal of $150,000, CAN will be sure to continue in its mission to
help those battling cancer. Held for the second year at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort on
March 1, 2019 this event is sure to bring smiles, laughter and fun to help fund financial aid,
resources and support for local children and adults battling cancer. The event will go from 11
a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include lots of fun activites for you to enjoy. Lilly Pulitzer will host the
premier Pop-Up Shop, donating a percentage of the proceeds. Diana Jordan, comedian and
cancer survivor, will be sure to make you laugh and highlight your beautiful luncheon at the Ritz.
Grab your best girlfriends and shop the silent auction, visit the popsicle & prosecco stand, or try
your luck at winning a Bee & Pearl Studded Gucci Bag, or a pair of hand-made ruby hoop
earrings both valued at over $2500.  Only through this incredible event is CAN able to support
those in this community who need it most.
About Cancer Alliance of Naples
Cancer Alliance of Naples is a local nonprofit organization that is located at 3384 Woods
Edge Circle, Suite 102 in Bonita Springs that provides financial assistance to help local children
and adults battling cancer. The organization provides financial aid, free resources and support
toward funds that are mainly non-medical. For more information on Cancer Alliance of Naples,
call 239-643-4673 or visit cancerallianceofnaples.org.