Member News

Fort Myers, FL (April 19, 2019) – Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Cares was proud to present the 11th Annual World Wine Tour at Bell Tower Shops on Thursday, April 11th benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida. Rescheduled twice due to renovations and weather, more than 200 wine lovers sipped on 20 outstanding domestic and international wines, selected by Cru Executive Chef, Bob Boye. Numerous Bell Tower Shops restaurants and retailers participated by donating raffle items or signature appetizers. Guests enjoyed the ambiance of the newly redesigned Bell Tower Shops, the sounds of New Beginning Events, and a fun raffle at the end of the evening. The event brought in over $14,000 net profit.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida is to create, find, and support programs that directly impact the health and well-being of children and their families in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry counties. RMHC of SWFL supports the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program. To learn more, visit www.rmhcswfl.org OR www.facebook.com/RMHCswflorida/
About Bell Tower Shops 
Bell Tower Shops 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 and Talbots. Exceptional shopping is complemented by distinctive restaurants: DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Mimi’s Café, T.G.I. Friday’s and Society. A community partner and pet-friendly destination, Bell Tower Shops hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, fundraisers, art fairs and more.

MEDIA ALERT
Photo and interview opportunities available
 
The Big Calusa festival to showcase SWFL’s water and highlight all that we love about our waterways
 Note to Media: Many great events are planned for the week-long festival. Locations across SWFL will be part of this event. There will be a kick-off party at Millennial Brewing, clean-ups of our waterways with Keep Lee County Beautiful, Calusa Culture Night at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers, a day of family friendly events and water recreation at North Shore Park during Big Calusa Day, all culminating in the Big Calusa Awards at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates to honor local clean water heroes.
 WHAT: The Big Calusa
 WHEN: Monday, April 22 – Sunday, April 28, Times vary
WHERE: Various locations throughout Southwest Florida, For more information go to: http://calusawaterkeeper.org/events/big-calusa/ 
WHY: To reconnect our community in a positive way with all we love about our waterways.

https://www.hcinnovationgroup.com/policy-value-based-care/article/21073357/the-2019-innovator-awards-firstplace-winning-team-millennium-physician-group
FORT MYERS, FL., March 28, 2018 — Millennium Physician Group, founded in Port Charlotte and headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, has been named “Innovator of the Year” by the healthcare-industry publication Healthcare Innovation.
The cover story cites the information technology initiatives Millennium has designed and put in place to help better connect its 300,000-plus patients, 450-plus healthcare providers, 100-plus offices in 13 Florida counties with important patient records, metrics and statistics.
It’s innovation like Millennium’s IT platform and use of “Big Data” that have helped the company reach the top spot as the country’s no. 1 Medicare Shared Savings ACO (Accountable Care Organization) in earned saving, and given its physicians, advanced providers and care teams the tools needed to deliver high-quality care.
“This recognition is a testament to Millennium’s commitment to bridging the gap between patients, providers and technology. Our aim is to deliver an outstanding patient experience by giving our healthcare providers the most relevant and real-time information possible, leading to a more holistic care experience for the patient,” says Chief information and Innovation Officer Jeffrey Nelson.
“Millennium has always been a leader in the use of technology to the advantage and support of our patients, healthcare providers, and care teams. We have an incredible information and innovation team, led by Jeffrey Nelson, with a lot of support from our Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. David McAtee. I am excited about what the future holds as we work together to ensure we continue to lead the way,” says Millennium CEO Kevin Kearns.
https://www.hcinnovationgroup.com/policy-value-based-care/article/21073357/the-2019-innovator-awards-firstplace-winning-team-millennium-physician-group

FORT MYERS, FLA., April 15, 2019 – World-renowned artists from throughout Europe, Russia, Siberia and Poland will travel to Fort Myers in 2020 to perform for the Fort Myers Community Concert Association in its 71st annual concert series.
Tickets are now on sale for the five performances, which organizers say bring the best in classical opera, ballet, and symphony performances to Southwest Florida.  All performances will be at the Barbara B. Mann Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers.
“We anticipate that we’ll be sold out by the time the series begins in January,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “Where else can you see not one, but five performances for what you would expect to pay for just one?”
All five concerts are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $165 for prime orchestra and mezzanine seats to $155 for other orchestra and mezzanine seats, $85 for lower balcony seating and just $65 for upper balcony.  Most mezzanine seating already is sold out, Mann said.
For tickets and membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org or call 239-693-4849. Tickets to individual performances are not available at this time.
“We have been fortunate this year to attract some of the most outstanding artists in the world today, thanks to the generosity of our major underwriters and supporters,” Mann said.
The five performances all begin at 7:30 p.m.:

• The Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra – January 10, 2020. – The Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1945 and officially became the State Orchestra of Wroclaw, Poland in 1949.  The orchestra was renamed the Wroclaw Philharmonic in 2015 when the orchestra moved into its new home, the National Forum of Music, where it is has performed for nearly 100,000 attendees in its first two seasons.  It is widely considered to be the premier venue of its type in Poland.
• The Siberian State Symphony Orchestra – January 27, 2020.  Direct from Krasnoyarsk, Russia, the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra embarks on an eight-week U.S. tour in January, 2020. Founded in 1977, the orchestra quickly won a reputation as one of the best orchestras from Russia. The orchestra plays the great Russian classics and has made numerous recordings.
• Teatro Lirico D’Europa performing Verdi’s “La Traviata” – February 3, 2020. La Traviata is the classic tale of unrequited love taking place in and around Paris during the 1840s. Teatro Lirico D’Europa is the most successful opera touring company in Europe and the U.S. and travels with a full orchestra of 47 to 50 members and a chorus of 40 singers.
• Russian State Symphony Orchestra –February 10, 2020.  The Russian State Symphony Orchestra, known for its rich sound, nobility of expression and skillfully balanced sound presents Glinka: Rusian and Ludmila Overture; Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 and Grieg: Piano Concerto with pianist Pavel Nessessia, one of the most remarkable Russian pianists of his generation.
• Russian National Ballet – March 2, 2020. The Russian National Ballet performs the timeless “Sleeping Beauty.”  Luminous costumes and elaborate sets complement one of Moscow’s finest ballet companies. The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and invigorates the tradition of classical Russian ballet with developments in dance from around the world.

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 71st concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, Violinist Itzhak Perlman, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

Golf Classic: 
When: May 16 – 17, 2019
Where: Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club
10420 Washingtonia Palm Way
Fort Myers, Florida 33966
Schedule:
May 16th: Kick-off event reception/golf clinic @ 5:30PM
May 17th: Golf tournament (Scramble)

• Breakfast: 7am
• Shotgun start: 8:30am

Notes:
Honorary Chair: Michael Raymond, MD
Proceeds to benefit the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
Website:
Foundation.FLCancer.com/Golf19

BIG CYPRESS, Fla. (April 15, 2019) – The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is pleased to announce its Earth Day Celebration on Monday, April 22,  from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Earth Day program provides a perfect opportunity for visitors to discover more about the importance of the Everglades to Seminole people and to learn about taking care of our planet. Friends and family can come together to explore Seminole traditions and enjoy a full-day of immersive and hands-on activities.
Visitors can start the morning with yoga in the peaceful setting of the museum’s boardwalk and explore the Everglades with a boardwalk scavenger hunt. Learn about Seminole hunting traditions by meeting Daniel Tommie in the hunting camp; try your hand at archery with Jake Osceola; or watch a canoe carving demonstration first-hand with Pedro Zepeda.  Guests can also be inspired to make earth-friendly changes at home by learning about composting and DIY home and beauty products. Raffles with earth-friendly products and other craft activities will round out the day.
Earth Day Celebration activities are included in the cost of admission. Please visit the museum’s website — http://www.ahtahthiki.com/programs/ — for the most up-to-date information or call Education Coordinator Alyssa Boge at (863) 902-1113, x12225.
About the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is the tribally owned and operated museum of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Situated in the Everglades on a 66-acre cypress dome on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, the museum offers more than 5,000 square feet of interior gallery space, as well as just over one mile of raised boardwalk. Exhibits feature rare artifacts and lifelike dioramas that depict Seminole life at the turn of the century. In 2009, the museum became the first tribally governed museum to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. Open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the museum is located approximately 17 miles north of Interstate 75 off of Exit 49. For more information, visit www.ahtahthiki.com or call 877-902-1113.

May 2019 Special Events
Lynda Carter to Perform at Seminole Casino Hotel
Friday, May 24
Lynda Carter debuts her new show “THIS LIFE My Music My Story” with a multi-city tour that spans the country and makes a stop at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, May 24 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. A brief Q&A session will follow the show. Advance tickets are on sale now for $39 and are available online at www.moreinparadise.com. Attendees must be 21 years of age. Best known for winning our hearts as TV’s iconic Wonder Woman and a career in television and film, Carter is also an acclaimed singer who has performed to rave reviews before sold-out audiences around the world and commanded the stage with many of the world’s most popular singers, actors, and performers.
May 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/.

Note to Media: Oasis Senior Advisors is hosting this one-of-a-kind sensory experience in partnership with Lee Health so that residents and community members near Babcock Ranch will be able to experience what it’s like for their family or loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The event is available at no cost on Wednesday, April 17 starting at 9 a.m. at Lee Health’s Healthy Life Center ­at Babcock Ranch on 42880 Crescent Loop, Suite 100, Babcock Ranch, FL 33982.
The Virtual Dementia Tour provides unmatched insight into what it’s like to live with dementia and related disorders, including Alzheimer’s. Participants are outfitted with gloves that impair the use of their hands, headphones that affect their hearing, and glasses that blur their vision, simulating the effects of memory loss disorders. They’re asked to perform common tasks while wearing the gear and discover they’re much more difficult than they otherwise would be.
The media is welcome to experience the tour and interview participants and staff about the effects of dementia, memory loss and the role of caregiving.
WHAT: Virtual Dementia Tour
WHEN: Wednesday, April 17 starting at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Lee Health’s Healthy Life Center ­at Babcock Ranch on 42880 Crescent Loop, Suite 100, Babcock Ranch, FL 33982
WHY: To understand what it’s like for a family member or loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and educate caregivers on how to better care for them.
CONTACT: Josh Milton, Vice President of Media Relations at CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, [email protected]
 
 
 

Summer lineup to feature monthly performances May through August
FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 12, 2019) – Tickets are now available for Shell Point Retirement Community’s 2019 Summer Concert Series, which features four performances that begin in May and continue through August. Events are open to the public, with tickets available online at www.shellpoint.org/summer or by phone at 239-454-2067.
Offering diverse, affordable options for musical entertainment during the summer, Shell Point’s 2019 Summer Concert Series includes performances by:

• Pianist Noah Waddell – Wednesday, May 29 at 7 p.m.
• Gulfshore Tenors – Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m.
• Aibou Duo – Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m.
• Pianist Pietro Iannotti – Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.

“The Shell Point Summer Concert Series is back for its ninth season with an engaging lineup of highly acclaimed musicians,” said Laura Slack, director of resident life at Shell Point Retirement Community. “This season brings a stunning variety of entertaining chamber music that the audience is sure to enjoy.”
On Wednesday, May 29, pianist Noah Waddell, a young performer who gained national attention at just 14 years old, will perform an eclectic program including selections from classical composers. Waddell has won numerous piano competitions including his first international piano competition in 2014 that was held in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Gulfshore Tenors will perform a diverse repertoire of musical selections including standard love songs of the 20th century like “Unchained Melody,” “Nella Fantasia” and “Sway” on Wednesday, June 12.
Aibou Duo, a musical twosome comprised of pianist Yoko Sata Kathari and violinist Ruby Berland, will perform classical hits on Wednesday, July 10. Listeners will be provided background information on each composition and will have an opportunity to speak with the musicians following the concert.
The final performance in the 2019 Summer Concert Series will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28 with a musical act from Italian pianist Pietro Iannotti. The Salerno native has been performing worldwide in recitals and with orchestras, gaining acclaim from both audience and critics. He has participated and won numerous national and international competitions.
The cost for each concert is $20, and all performances will be held in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane, Fort Myers. To purchase tickets, please visit www.shellpoint.org/summer or call the box office at 239-454-2067. Tickets will be held for pick-up at will call on the night of the performance.
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.

Summer lineup to feature monthly performances May through August
FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 12, 2019) – Tickets are now available for Shell Point Retirement Community’s 2019 Summer Concert Series, which features four performances that begin in May and continue through August. Events are open to the public, with tickets available online at www.shellpoint.org/summer or by phone at 239-454-2067.
Offering diverse, affordable options for musical entertainment during the summer, Shell Point’s 2019 Summer Concert Series includes performances by:

• Pianist Noah Waddell – Wednesday, May 29 at 7 p.m.
• Gulfshore Tenors – Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m.
• Aibou Duo – Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m.
• Pianist Pietro Iannotti – Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.

“The Shell Point Summer Concert Series is back for its ninth season with an engaging lineup of highly acclaimed musicians,” said Laura Slack, director of resident life at Shell Point Retirement Community. “This season brings a stunning variety of entertaining chamber music that the audience is sure to enjoy.”
On Wednesday, May 29, pianist Noah Waddell, a young performer who gained national attention at just 14 years old, will perform an eclectic program including selections from classical composers. Waddell has won numerous piano competitions including his first international piano competition in 2014 that was held in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Gulfshore Tenors will perform a diverse repertoire of musical selections including standard love songs of the 20th century like “Unchained Melody,” “Nella Fantasia” and “Sway” on Wednesday, June 12.
Aibou Duo, a musical twosome comprised of pianist Yoko Sata Kathari and violinist Ruby Berland, will perform classical hits on Wednesday, July 10. Listeners will be provided background information on each composition and will have an opportunity to speak with the musicians following the concert.
The final performance in the 2019 Summer Concert Series will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28 with a musical act from Italian pianist Pietro Iannotti. The Salerno native has been performing worldwide in recitals and with orchestras, gaining acclaim from both audience and critics. He has participated and won numerous national and international competitions.
The cost for each concert is $20, and all performances will be held in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane, Fort Myers. To purchase tickets, please visit www.shellpoint.org/summer or call the box office at 239-454-2067. Tickets will be held for pick-up at will call on the night of the performance.
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.