February 27, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – The local community is invited to upcoming Career Fairs at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) locations.
 
Students and members of the community are encouraged to bring their resumes, transcripts, or work portfolios to show prospective employers on the spot. They should dress professionally and be prepared for a formal interview. Dozens of local companies and businesses are slated to appear.
 

 
“Many of our graduates are seeking local employment in a variety of fields and the college offers tools and resources to help them reach that next step,” said Mark Bukowski, FSW Dean of Students. “As a service to the community, we’ve also decided to open our Career Fairs to the public.”
 
FSW’s Career Coach (www.FSW.edu/careercoach) program is a free resource for both students and the community. Anyone living in Southwest Florida can use it to take a personal career assessment, browse current job openings on Indeed.com, or build a resume from scratch.  Students can also explore what degree programs would help them reach their desired career.
 
The Office of Student Engagement will be hosting workshops for current students on writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing techniques, and dressing for success before the fairs begin.
 
Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
 
 
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2018) – The Norman Love Confections’ limited-edition Easter Collection will be available March 19 through April 1, featuring rich egg crèmes in white, dark and milk chocolate. The 2018 Easter Collection offers fruity flavors including strawberry, lemon, orange and raspberry; delicacies like mint, caramel, peanut butter and coffee; and everyday favorites of chocolate and vanilla.

Norman Love Confections’ 2018 Easter Collection is offered at Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero or at www.normanloveconfections.com. The 5-piece Easter Egg Box is offered at $13.25, the 10-piece Easter Egg Box is available for $24, and the 25-piece box is $50. Additionally, Gourmet Easter Baskets and other specialty gifts are available, including the Norman Love Mystery Boxes, offering themed assortments of chocolate treats by delivery.

Flavor descriptions of the 2018 Easter Collection

Lemon

White Chocolate

A splash of lemon mixes beautifully with white chocolate in this refreshing confection.

Orange

White Chocolate

A classic combination of orange juice and vanilla in white chocolate will always quench your thirst.

Strawberry

White Chocolate

Real fresh strawberries blended into white chocolate provide a pleasing pop of sweetness.

Raspberry

Dark Chocolate

A sweet surprise lies at the center of this dark chocolate – creamy white chocolate raspberry ganache.

Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

Drink a double dose of dark chocolate with this rich, creamy ganache-filled confection.

Vanilla

Dark Chocolate

We’re honoring yesteryear with this timeless combination of vanilla custard and dark chocolate.

Mint

Dark Chocolate

Just a “sip” of sweet mint flavors the vanilla ganache in this delicious dark chocolate.

Caramel

Milk Chocolate

Treat yourself to a spoonful of our famous creamy caramel, enrobed in a milk chocolate shell.

Peanut Butter Cream

Milk Chocolate

Peanut butter and milk chocolate are an ever-popular pair, from the soda fountain to the Chocolate Salon.

Coffee

Milk Chocolate

Roasted coffee beans enrich the creamy ganache center of this milk chocolate confection.

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 has recently been named as 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 four Chocolate Salons in Southwest Florida, and 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.

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2018) – Shell Point Retirement Community, a resort-style, nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Fort Myers, recently hosted its annual celebration event, which commemorated Shell Point’s 50^th year in operation as a leading independent retirement living community.
More than 1,200 residents gathered for the annual celebration to honor the nonprofit’s half-century anniversary. During the program, Shell Point president, Martin Schappell, toasted the community’s progress made over the past year and highlighted planned growth and development for the future.
“We are very proud of the legacy we have created, and the many wonderful lifestyle enhancements that have been made to ensure Shell Point as a premier destination for senior living,” said Schappell. “Looking ahead, all plans for growth and development will strive to exceed the needs of our current residents as well as those who will join us in years to come. In doing so, we are confident we will also enjoy the continued success of Shell Point as a leader in the senior living industry.”
Jeff Cory, executive director of The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point had the distinct honor of recognizing the inaugural members of the Legacy Society, as well as numerous key donors whose 2017 contributions positively impacted the Shell Point community and its residents.
Attendees enjoyed musical entertainment by two-time Grammy-award winner Sylvia McNair and pianist Kevin Cole, who is deemed the world’s foremost interpreter of George Gershwin music. Handcrafted, decadent desserts by local chocolatier Norman Love Confections hit the sweet spot, thanks to sponsorship from FineMark National Bank & Trust.
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 care for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access, six public restaurants, a championship 18-hole golf course, and many other recreational and educational activities. Learn more at www.shellpoint.org or 1-800-780-1131.
 
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Guests to network, tour the facility, hear from LARC executives,
along with a LARC board member and client.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 26, 2018) – Leadership NEXT, a professional organization for advancing business leaders in Southwest Florida, brought to you by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, will host its next program on March 13^th from 5 to 7 p.m. at LARC at 2570 Hanson Street in Fort Myers. This program comes at a perfect time as March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The program will offer guests the opportunity to network, learn about LARC services, programs, economic impact and the importance and value LARC brings to the community. In addition, guests will tour the 5-acre training campus and hear from Executive Director, Kevin Lewis; Development Director, Angela Katz; Community Support Service Director, Pamela Jenkins; along with board member, Ian Keith; and a LARC client. LARC is here to light the path to a better tomorrow by helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live happier, fuller, more productive lives as independently as possible.
The March program sponsor is Island Mortgage of SWFL, Inc. – Your Neighborhood Mortgage Experts. Island Mortgage specializes in Residential Mortgages for Conventional, FHA and VA for Purchase and Refinance. NMLS # 1507471.
Leadership NEXT is free to attend for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $10 for future members. Refreshments will be provided. All guests are encouraged to register in advance at www.fortmyers.org.
Leadership NEXT is a premier networking group for advancing professionals in Southwest Florida. More than 50 guests representing a variety of businesses and industries throughout the region regularly attend the monthly programs designed to provide valuable information and foster collaborative working relationships. Programs take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. The location will change every month based on the program topic. Follow Leadership NEXT on Facebook to learn more.
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. represents over 900 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County. The Chamber provides opportunities for members to network with other business people, participate in meaningful committee work, become better educated through various Chamber-sponsored programs and communicate one-on-one with community leaders. Ten percent of all membership dues are returned to the community for education-related projects, scholarships, and workshops. To learn more, visit www.fortmyers.org.
Media Contacts:
 
Colleen DePasquale, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, 239-332-2930 ext. 210, 239-822-2271 (cell) or [email protected]
 
Melissa Cofta, 239-267-2638, 239-980-3048 (cell) or [email protected]
 
 
 
 

1. JAMES L. NEWLON TO BE INTRODUCED

 
FORT MYERS, FLA., February 25, 2018 – The latest procedures to smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate the face will be explained at a free seminar Friday, March 23, conducted by Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville.
Dr. Prendiville also will introduce Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. James L. Newlon, who will be collaborating with Dr. Prendiville, effective March 1.  Dr. Newlon is Board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
The seminar, which includes a light lunch, starts at 11:30 a.m. at Bonita Bay Country Club, 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs. The seminar is free, but reservations are required by calling 239-437-3900.  Space is limited.
The newest facelift techniques can rejuvenate the cheek, jawline and neck, Dr. Prendiville said.
“They are especially effective when combined with fractionated laser resurfacing which can reduce or eliminate fine lines, wrinkles and sunspots,” he said.
Laser resurfacing also is one of the more popular and effective procedures to reduce skin irregularities such as blemishes and acne scars, according to Dr. Prendiville.
“Individuals who have noticed sagging in the cheek, neck and jawline areas along with fine lines or wrinkles are good candidates for the combined procedures of structural rejuvenation facelift and laser resurfacing,” Dr. Prendiville said.
The laser beam used in laser resurfacing removes the outer layer of skin while simultaneously heating the underlying skin, called the dermis. This action works to stimulate growth of new collagen fibers. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer.
The two types of lasers most commonly used in laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium.  The newest version of CO2 laser resurfacing is the fractionated CO2 which uses very short pulsed light energy or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage.
Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove surface-level and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck or chest.
Using before and after photos of actual patients, Dr. Prendiville also will discuss the latest advances in facelifts, eyelid lifts, nose surgery, lasers and reconstructive surgery during the February seminar.  He will review injectable wrinkle fillers Botox®, Sculptra®, Juvederm®; Restylane®, Restylane Silk®, Radiesse®
Voluma®, and the newest filler on the market, Revanesse Versa, for deeper wrinkles and lines.
Another new advance that Dr. Prendiville will discuss is SculpSure®, which is approved by the FDA as the world’s first non-invasive fat-melting laser device to treat stubborn fat in just 25 minutes.  SculpSure is available at the Assuage Luxury Spa in Naples, where Dr. Prendiville serves as medical director.
Attendees will be able to make an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Prendiville and Dr. Newlon.
Dr. Prendiville is the only Fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Fort Myers who is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
He is recognized nationally as a facelift expert with more than 20 articles published in medical journals and he has served as guest editor for Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. He also is a featured presenter at many state and national meetings about facial plastic surgery.
Dr. Prendiville is one of 500 doctors in the world to receive the prestigious RealSelf 500 Award from RealSelf, the leading online community that helps people make confident choices in elective cosmetic procedures.  Dr. Prendiville has been a reviewer on RealSelf.com since 2008 and has now achieved Distinguished Member status for his responses to patients with questions about facial plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation techniques.
Dr. Prendiville also is the past president and secretary/treasurer of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Prendiville graduated with his M.D. degree with high honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and served his residency at Georgetown University.
He was awarded a Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Louis University in Missouri, where he was a clinical instructor in the St. Louis University Department of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Newlon is the former assistant chief of otolaryngology Services at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Fort Bliss, Tex., and has extensive experience in reconstructive and facial enhancement surgery to help injured soldiers returning from combat to the U.S.
Dr. Newlon earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif., with help from an Army scholarship and began his medical career as an Army officer.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
Dr. Newlon has received several honors including Surgical Intern of the Year in 2000-01 and number one ranking in the 2007 American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s written board certification exam.
Since leaving the Army in 2009, Dr. Newlon has been practicing in Southwest Florida as a facial plastic surgeon and is the current chairman of otolaryngology for the Lee Health system.
All surgeries are performed at Dr. Prendiville’s state-of-the-art Surgical Center adjacent to his office in South Fort Myers at 9407 Cypress Lake Drive.  The Surgical Center is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), which is the largest accrediting body for outpatient surgical facilities in the United States.  For more information, visit www.drprendiville.com.
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FORT MYERS, Fla – February 22, 2018 – Broadway Palm is holding auditions for children to play the age ranges of 7 to 14 on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a casting call for the production of Annie playing June 28 through August 11, 2018. Broadway Palm will be auditioning for the role of Annie and the eight orphan girls. All roles will be double cast. All auditions are by appointment only and can be made by calling Melissa Vogt at (239) 278-4422, ext. 111 or emailing [email protected].
All auditioning will be required to bring a current picture (non-returnable), a theatrical resume and will have to sing a small part of two songs from Annie. The music can be downloaded at BroadwayPalm.com/Backstage/Auditions (the selections will be noted on the pages of music). A pianist will be provided, no recorded accompaniment allowed and no other songs will be permitted at the audition. NO EXCEPTIONS. After the vocal audition, some children will be asked to stay for a dance/movement audition. Please allow time for the full audition process.
Broadway Palm is a professional non-Equity theatre. Anyone interested in auditioning must be local or have housing in the Southwest Florida area. They must also be available for a possible callback on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 10 a.m.; all day and evening rehearsals (June 14 through June 27, 2018); and all performances. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. The exact performance schedule can be found at BroadwayPalm.com.
Broadway Palm is also looking for a well behaved and trained Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever or similar mixed-breed dog. Owners interested in having their dog considered should email a picture and information about the dog to [email protected].
Auditions will be held at Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. Again, all auditions are by appointment only and can be made by calling Melissa Vogt at (239) 278-4422, ext. 111 or emailing [email protected]. For more information about the audition, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com/Backstage/Auditions.
 
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FORT MYERS, FLA., February 23, 2017 – Supporters of Valerie’s House tore down the walls of grief and built up the walls of Love at a unique fund-raiser hosted February 22 by Norman and Mary Love.
More than $275,000 was raised through a series of unique opportunities to give at the new temporary home of Valerie’s House, which just opened at 1762 Fowler St. in downtown Fort Myers.
“We wanted to do something to help Valerie’s House, which helps children who have lost a parent or guardian by providing a safe place for them to express their feelings and restore their sense of well-being,” said Norman and Mary Love.
Valerie’s House has helped 350 children and their families since its founding in 2016 by Angela Melvin, whose own mother was killed in a car accident in 1987. The non-profit organization uses art and music to help children identify, express and process their grief.
During the evening, guests had the opportunity to:

• View masks created by grieving children to express their feelings.  The masks are part of their therapy at Valerie’s House;
• Sign and/or leave inspirational messages on a canvas called the “Wall of Love” that will hang in the new home of Valerie’s House;
• Participate in a raffle for a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry designed and donated by Mark Loren Designs.

Guests nibbled on appetizers donated by area restaurants and spirits donated by Sandy Stilwell and Southern Wine & Spirits while viewing artwork created by the children of Valerie’s House.  Food was donated and prepared by the following chefs: Ben Voisin and Fabrice Deletrain of Gather; Todd Johnson of Rumrunners; Bob Boye of Cru; Jay Johnson of Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon; and Norman Love Confections.
Other sponsors included Friendly Faces, Planned Perfection, and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.
For more information about Valerie’s House or to register a family for programs, visit www.valerieshouseswfl.org/contact-us/, call 239-478-6734, or write [email protected].  Valerie’s House is fully supported through community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.
 
 
About Valerie’s House
Valerie’s House opened in January 2016 and is serving more than 120 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties. The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member. Valerie’s House has two locations: 1762 Fowler St.  in downtown Fort Myers and a satellite location at The Village School in Naples.