Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 28, 2019) – The American Legion is turning 100, and Post 38 in downtown Fort Myers is celebrating a centennial of its own. The Rabe O. Wilkison Post, as it’s also known, was established on Sept. 5, 1919, just months after the national organization formed in the wake of World War I. The post is planning several ways to mark the occasion, culminating in a visit from the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on Sept. 7 and 8 at JetBlue Park.
“This is a legacy that honors all those who’ve served, and we’re proud to carry on the tradition that began when this post became the very first in all of southern Florida,” Post 38 Cmdr. Kevin Boyd said. “Part of the reason the American Legion exists is to extend the patriotism of our veterans into continued service to those who need it most, and this milestone is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of our members.”
The American Legion has more than 13,000 posts and over 2.2 million wartime veteran members around the world. Throughout its first century, the organization helped start the Veterans Administration, was instrumental in the creation of the GI Bill, led the way to create the U.S. Flag Code, and helped veterans receive benefits for illnesses related to their service.
Post 38 raises money to award scholarships to Southwest Florida children, helps veterans in need and supports several charitable endeavors in the community. It was named after Rabe O. Wilkison, an Immokalee native drafted into the Army in 1918. He volunteered for a World War I mission that a commanding officer warned would offer only a 1-in-100 chance of survival.
Wilkison nonetheless forged ahead and was killed on Sept. 16, 1918 in the battle at St. Mihiel in France. Less than two months later, the war was over. Wilkison was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1963.
“He embodied the valor and bravery we all want in those sworn to protect us,” Boyd said. “That’s why it’s so important to commemorate this anniversary and make sure stories like his continue to be told.”
The names of more than 58,000 who died or remain missing in the Vietnam War will be on display when the traveling wall comes to JetBlue Park. Sponsorship opportunities remain for those who want to help honor their sacrifice. To get involved, contact George Tice at [email protected] or 239-738-0601, or Jim Squadrito at 401-261-9096 or [email protected].
Visit centennial.legion.org to see some of the other ways the American Legion is marking its 100th anniversary.
About The American Legion Post 38
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Months later, on Sept. 5, 1919, Post 38 in Fort Myers became the first American Legion post in southern Florida. Named the Rabe O. Wilkison Post after a Fort Myers man who lost his life bravely fighting in World War I, the organization welcomes veterans from all branches of the U.S. armed forces to continue serving God, country and community. Members seek to serve the underserved by raising money to award scholarships to Southwest Florida children, giving aid and assistance to veterans in need, and supporting a number of other community programs and projects. Visit post38-swfl.org to learn how to join.

(Fort Myers, FL March 27, 2019) – Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (O-A-K) celebrated the ‘topping off” of the new three-story medical facility for Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida (FHC) in central Lehigh Acres on Wednesday, March 20.  The construction tradition that celebrates the completion of the highest point of a building, featured a barbecue lunch for more than 100 guests including Family Health Centers staff, project architects, engineers, interior designers and construction subcontractors.
Upon completion, the 62,000-square-foot medical center will be Family Health Centers’ largest facility, housing a variety of medical, dental and administrative offices. The $16 million facility is centrally located at 3415 Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres, directly across the road from Sunshine Elementary School, Quest Diagnostics and Palm Acres Charter School.
“The topping off is a major milestone and a celebration of the hard work our team has done over the past twelve months,” said Dave Dale, O-A-K, Florida President. “We appreciate the efforts and commitment of each individual who has ensured the construction has gone smoothly.”
“We are impressed with how the FHC Lehigh facility is coming together and we are looking forward to its completion,” said Dr. Frank Mazzeo Jr., president and chief executive officer for Family Health Centers. “It will be approximately five times larger than our current space.  Our adult medicine, pediatrics and dentistry practices will increase proportionately and additional practices will be added, such as pharmacy, optometry and chiropractic, as well as chronic disease management and lab services.”
O-A-K’s project manager is Matt Hoffman, the project superintendent is Tim Harkins and the project estimator is Abel Natali. O-A-K also constructed Family Health Centers’ Estero facility and has renovated one of its clinics in Fort Myers.
Family Health Centers operates 14 different facilities and 31 practices in Lee, Charlotte and Hendry counties. FHC offers primary health care, preventative health care, disease management and educational services for all patient groups, including the medically underserved, migratory agriculture workers, the homeless and other special populations. About 94 percent of patients FHC serves in Lehigh Acres are considered low-income according to federal poverty guidelines.
 About Owen-Ames-Kimball
Owen-Ames-Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O-A-K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Florida operation has offices in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com.

(Fort Myers, FL March 25, 2019) – Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (O-A-K), a premier general contractor with a longstanding presence in Southwest Florida, has announced the appointment of Joshua Hatcher, as a project manager in the company’s Fort Myers office.
Hatcher has more than ten years’ experience as a project manager and business owner.  His areas of expertise include construction management, planning, staff and subcontractor management with crews of up to 150, budgeting, scheduling and timely completion of projects.   Hatcher has an extensive knowledge of construction safety standards.
Hatcher’s experience as a project manager includes the reconstruction and redevelopment of Collier and Lee County school grounds after Hurricane Irma and the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bus Stop Concrete & ADA Sidewalks project.
Hatcher started his career in construction as a site supervisor with a grading firm where he learned civil construction.  He worked in project management at a plumbing and propane company. As a business owner, Hatcher successfully managed multiple projects and crews and developed a reputation of running on-time, quality and safe sites.
About Owen-Ames-Kimball
Owen-Ames-Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O-A-K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Florida operation has offices in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com.

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.