Member News

Occasion celebrates one of Lee County’s most accomplished public servants
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2018) – Feb. 6 will always be meaningful to Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart. The date is the annual celebration of “Honorable Larry D. Hart Day,” which Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson proclaimed last year to recognize Hart’s years of service and impact on the community.
Even though his name is on it, Hart insists the day isn’t really about him. Instead, it’s further motivation to continue to find groundbreaking ways to serve the citizens and organizations of Lee County.
“Larry Hart Day represents the direct opportunity Lee County has given me to help shape the culture of this county and to be able see the impact,” Hart said. “As a resident and volunteer, I am committed to helping the community grow by providing opportunities for others, and it is my life’s work to serve citizens and residents of Lee County,” Hart said.
He initially made his mark through a 22-year career in law enforcement, rising to become the first African-American chief of the Fort Myers Police Department. He served as chairman of the board of trustees for Florida Gulf Coast University prior to his appointment as Lee County Tax Collector in 2012 to fill out the term of the late Cathy Curtis. Voters chose to retain him as tax collector later in 2012, and he was re-elected in 2016.
Hart is also a U.S. Air Force veteran and a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He serves as vice chairman of the board of directors for SalusCare, board trustee for the Quality Life Center, and as a board member for the United Way, Hope Hospice, the Florida Gulf Coast University Advocacy Program and The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida.
“I am honored to have received this day,” Hart said. “It is a direct reflection of my community, my mentors, and family. Born and raised in Fort Myers, a graduate of Riverdale High School and Edison College (now known as Florida SouthWestern State College), I will continue to do my very best to make Lee County a better place to live.”
On Feb. 6, Lee County Tax Collector agents will wear pins with the signature Larry Hart Day logo, also available for download on www.leetc.com. Visit the website for more on Hart and for information on Lee County Tax Collector initiatives, like TagsToday, which drastically reduces the wait time for vehicle registration renewal.
About Lee County Tax Collector
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.” LCTC operates LeeTC.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector that allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointment for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates six service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. 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., February 5, 2018– Tickets are now on sale for the 10^th Annual Grande Dames Tea presented by the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County.
The Grande Dames Tea honoring Dena Geraghty of Fort Myers, Elizabeth (Betty) Sanders of Fort Myers, Barbara Jean Yeomans of Fort Myers, and honorary Grande Dame Eunice Bremner will be Tuesday, March 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Broadway Palm at 1380 Colonial Blvd. of Fort Myers.
The News-Press Media Group President & Publisher Bill Barker will serve as master of ceremonies.
Seats for the tea are $60 per person and may be reserved online at www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee. Table sponsorships, which include eight tickets, are available for $500.  Tickets and tables may be reserved online at www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite tea party hat.
The PACE girls will be creating beautiful commemorative bracelets this year in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of Grande Dames Tea and in honor of all those who have been recognized during the past 10 years.
As the Grande Dames Tea celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year, Eunice and Alexandra Bremner are the title sponsors for Grande Dames Tea in honor and loving memory of Berne Davis, Barbara B. Mann and Eleanore Kleist, the first class of Grande Dames honored at this event.
Major event sponsors are Edison National Bank, Galloway Family of Dealerships, Broadway Palm, Caloosa Tent & Rental, Ruth Messmer Florist, Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, Fort Myers Infiniti, Mark Loren Designs and Connie & Ed Lizak.  Media sponsors are The News-Press Media Group.
Chair of the Grande Dames Tea is Kathy Toll with Nancy Finch serving as co-chair.  Both women are members of the PACE Lee Board of Directors.
“Our theme of The Wisdom of Age – Honoring the Female Spirit has carried through the last 10 years and is so appropriate because each of these women has much to share from her own life’s journey with our PACE girls and guests,” Toll said.
The agenda for the tea will include special performances by the PACE Girls and a question – and – answer session between the PACE girls and the three Grande Dames, that Finch said “will inspire, motivate and unite girls and women of all ages.”
The Grande Dames Tea was originated by PACE Center for Girls of Lee County to honor women who have played major roles in Southwest Florida history through decades of service, philanthropy and helping others.
Previous honorees have included the late Berne Davis, the late Eleanore Kleist and the late Barbara B. Mann in 2009; the late Jeanne Bochette, the late Helen Hendry and the late Veronica Shoemaker in 2010; Myra Daniels, Kathleen Nealon and the late Mimi Straub in 2011; Michel Doherty, the late Mavis Miller and Anna “Boots” Tolles in 2012; Thelma Hodges, the late Helen O’Rourke McClary and Ettie Francis Walsh in 2013; Barbara Norris Brown, the late Sarah Sciple and Margaret Sirianni in 2014; Sharlene Hamel Dozier, M. Jacqueline McCurdy and Melvin Morgan in 2015; Betty Anderson, Rusty Brown and Dr. Geraldine Burchard Nobles in 2016; and Pat Carroll, the late Lalai Hamric, and Beverly McNew in 2017.
PACE Center for Girls, Inc., is a non-residential delinquency prevention program targeting the unique needs of girls, ages 11 to 18 years old, facing challenges such as academic failure and truancy, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, foster care, neglect, death of a parent, and family history of incarceration.
PACE is a Florida-based, not for profit organization, and the only statewide prevention program for adolescent at-risk girls in the nation.  In the past year, the Lee County program provided 117 girls with education, counseling, career training and advocacy programs and services resulting in 95 percent having no involvement with juvenile justice within one year of leaving PACE, 96 percent improving their academic performance and 93 percent remaining in school or obtaining employment after leaving PACE.  As a result, PACE reduces the significant long term costs associated with teen pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment and long term economic dependency.
PACE accepts referrals from the juvenile justice system, the Department of Children & Families, school personnel, community services agencies, parents, family members, friends and self-referrals.
For information about the Grande Dames Tea or to become a sponsor, please contact PACE Development Manager Allyson Ross at (239) 425-2366 ext. 2315, or visit http://pacecenter.org/locations/lee
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2018) – Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s induction and awards ceremony for the 2018 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County.
 
The dinner and awards ceremony is set for Wednesday, April 25 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Road in Bonita Springs. A cocktail reception at 5 p.m. kicks off the event and will be followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
 
Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida will induct Pason Gaddis, co-founder and CEO of Florida Media Group, LLC, and Gary Griffin, P.E., president and CEO of B & I Contractors, Inc., into the 2018 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who serve as role models for youth through their professional accomplishments and commitment to the community. Gaddis and Griffin will join a distinguished group of individuals who have been inducted into the Business Hall of Fame since its founding in 1999.
 
Business sponsorships are available and include entrance to the event with premium diamond sponsorships for $10,000, platinum level sponsorships for $8,000 and gold level sponsorships for $5,500. These levels include eight seats, with an additional two seats reserved for students. Additional sponsorships available are silver sponsor level for $2,000, which includes eight seats with two additional seats for students, and bronze sponsor level for $1,000, which includes four seats at a reserved table. Individual seats are also available for $250 each.
 
Sponsors also are needed to support student admission, which is $125 per ticket. Junior Achievement students attending the event will have an opportunity to practice their etiquette skills while interacting with local professionals. Additionally, full-page and half-page advertisements are available in the event program book for $1,000 and $500 respectively.
 
To reserve tables, purchase individual tickets or become a sponsor, call the Junior Achievement office at 239-225-2590 or visit www.JASWFL.org. Proceeds benefit local Junior Achievement programs.
 
 
 

ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the Tribby Arts Center, a $15 million amenity to be located near The Club at Shell Point. More than 450 people attended this event, which was held on the future building site.
 
“It is our belief that the Tribby Arts Center will not only enrich residents’ lives today, but also do so for future generations who will call this beautiful place their home,” said Jeff Cory, executive director of The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point.
 
The two-level, 44,000-square-foot center, dedicated to visual and performing arts, as well as educational programming, will provide expanded and first-time spaces for artists to work.
 
The building will include a grand entrance and atrium gallery, full-time art gallery, practice rooms for musicians, numerous studios for painting, crafts, pottery, quilting, textiles, stain glass and photography, plus, the 350-seat, state-of-the-art theatre-style Connie Brown Hall auditorium. Additional features include a gift shop featuring artists’ works, a French bistro, and an English sculpture garden.
 
The Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point is named in honor of the Shell Point resident who provided the initial gift to launch the fundraising campaign for the future performing arts facility. Currently $13.5 million of the $15 million campaign has been funded.
 
“The Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point is an embodiment of Shell Point’s mission to ensure, through thoughtful building and relevant programming, an exceptional quality of life for the residents we serve,” said Martin Schappell, president of Shell Point.
 
Once completed, the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point will join the long list of amenities that Shell Point residents and their guests enjoy, which include boating, championship golf with an elegantly appointed clubhouse, six restaurants, the Academy of Lifelong Learning, salon and spa, miles of walking and bike trails, fitness centers and much more.
 
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located along the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida, just two miles before Sanibel Island.  Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing in an active, resort-style environment for 2,400 residents. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
 
 

FORT MYERS, FLA., February 2, 2018 – Internationally-acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman will bring his classical music to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall February 27 when he headlines the 2018 season of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
A limited number of tickets are available for the one-night concert at 7:30 p.m.  Prices are $70 for orchestra seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats.  Tickets may be purchased at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office or by calling 239-481-4849.
Perlman is the reigning virtuoso of the violin and is returning to the Community Concert series for a second time.  He has been honored with more than 20 Grammy Awards (including one for Lifetime Achievement in 2008), four Emmy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
“We are honored that Itzhak Perlman was able to include Fort Myers on his tour schedule,” said Fort Myers Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “He is one of the greatest classical musicians in the world today, but is also known for his love of jazz and his film credits.”
Perlman was born in Israel and gave his first recital at age 10 before moving to the United States to study at the Juilliard School. He appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1958 and again in 1964 on the same show with the Rolling Stones.  He made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 1964.  Soon afterward, he began to tour widely.  In addition to an extensive recording and performance career, he has continued to make guest appearances on American television shows such as The Tonight Show as well as playing at a number of functions at The White House, including the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama.
Perlman contracted polio at age four.  He made a good recovery, learning to work with crutches.  Today, he uses crutches or an electric scooter for mobility and plays the violin while seated.
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 69^th 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, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Flutist James Galway, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

Promo Dates: Friday to Monday. 2/2 – 2/5
 Promo:
 25% off Purchase (Includes Stainless)
Excludes all Emoji designs, Outlet, Osprey Lab, TervisAR, 3^rd Party products, and cannot be combined with other offers.
30% off Purchase when you buy 4+ tumblers (classic and/or stainless).
Excludes all Sesame Street designs, Emoji designs, Outlet, Osprey Lab, TervisAR, 3^rd Party products, and cannot be combined with other offers. Promo is for when purchasing 4 or more tumblers. Accessories do not qualify.
 

FORT MYERS, FLA., February 2, 2018– Tickets are now on sale for the 10^th Annual Grande Dames Tea presented by the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County.
The Grande Dames Tea honoring Dena Geraghty of Fort Myers, Elizabeth (Betty) Sanders of Fort Myers, Barbara Jean Yeomans of Fort Myers, and honorary Grande Dame Eunice Bremner will be Tuesday, March 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Broadway Palm at 1380 Colonial Blvd. of Fort Myers.
The News-Press Media Group President & Publisher Bill Barker will serve as master of ceremonies.
Seats for the tea are $60 per person and may be reserved online at www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee. Table sponsorships, which include eight tickets, are available for $500.  Tickets and tables may be reserved online at www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite tea party hat.
The PACE girls will once again create handmade fascinators that will be available for sale later this month.  Most hats will be $50 with a limited number of specialty hats for $100.
As the Grande Dames Tea celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year, Eunice and Alexandra Bremner are the title sponsors for Grande Dames Tea in honor and loving memory of Berne Davis, Barbara B. Mann and Eleanore Kleist, the first class of Grande Dames honored at this event.
Major event sponsors are Edison National Bank, Galloway Family of Dealerships, Broadway Palm, Caloosa Tent & Rental, Ruth Messmer Florist, Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, Fort Myers Infiniti, Mark Loren Designs and Connie & Ed Lizak.  Media sponsors are The News-Press Media Group.
Chair of the Grande Dames Tea is Kathy Toll with Nancy Finch serving as co-chair.  Both women are members of the PACE Lee Board of Directors.
“Our theme of The Wisdom of Age – Honoring the Female Spirit has carried through the last 10 years and is so appropriate because each of these women has much to share from her own life’s journey with our PACE girls and guests,” Toll said.
The agenda for the tea will include special performances by the PACE Girls and a question – and – answer session between the PACE girls and the three Grande Dames, that Finch said “will inspire, motivate and unite girls and women of all ages.”
The Grande Dames Tea was originated by PACE Center for Girls of Lee County to honor women who have played major roles in Southwest Florida history through decades of service, philanthropy and helping others.
Previous honorees have included the late Berne Davis, the late Eleanore Kleist and the late Barbara B. Mann in 2009; the late Jeanne Bochette, the late Helen Hendry and the late Veronica Shoemaker in 2010; Myra Daniels, Kathleen Nealon and the late Mimi Straub in 2011; Michel Doherty, the late Mavis Miller and Anna “Boots” Tolles in 2012; Thelma Hodges, the late Helen O’Rourke McClary and Ettie Francis Walsh in 2013; Barbara Norris Brown, the late Sarah Sciple and Margaret Sirianni in 2014; Sharlene Hamel Dozier, M. Jacqueline McCurdy and Melvin Morgan in 2015; Betty Anderson, Rusty Brown and Dr. Geraldine Burchard Nobles in 2016; and Pat Carroll, the late Lalai Hamric, and Beverly McNew in 2017.
PACE Center for Girls, Inc., is a non-residential delinquency prevention program targeting the unique needs of girls, ages 11 to 18 years old, facing challenges such as academic failure and truancy, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, foster care, neglect, death of a parent, and family history of incarceration.
PACE is a Florida-based, not for profit organization, and the only statewide prevention program for adolescent at-risk girls in the nation.  In the past year, the Lee County program provided 117 girls with education, counseling, career training and advocacy programs and services resulting in 95 percent having no involvement with juvenile justice within one year of leaving PACE, 96 percent improving their academic performance and 93 percent remaining in school or obtaining employment after leaving PACE.  As a result, PACE reduces the significant long term costs associated with teen pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment and long term economic dependency.
PACE accepts referrals from the juvenile justice system, the Department of Children & Families, school personnel, community services agencies, parents, family members, friends and self-referrals.
For information about the Grande Dames Tea or to become a sponsor, please contact PACE Development Manager Allyson Ross at (239) 425-2366 ext. 2315, or visit http://pacecenter.org/locations/lee

Our Bazaar is on February 10th instead of February 3rd
The Connections Calendar has misprinted our Downtown Street Bazaar listed on the 3rd.
If you have any questions, please call me on my cell: (239) 872-6212
Please note: I am out of the shoppe until Monday February 5th.
Thank you.  Tamara Wilkes,  The Open Door Shoppes on Hendry Street, Inc.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 1, 2018) — On February 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and February 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Edison & Ford Winter Estates will host its Edison Garden Market. More than 30 plant and garden vendors will be on site selling tropical and native plants and trees, garden art and supplies.
Plant vendors will have palms, vegetables, bromeliads, hibiscus, butterfly plants, African violets, orchids, air plants, herbs, succulents, cacti and many hard-to-find species, as well as garden supplies and gift items available for sale. Unusual, native and heritage plants are also available in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe, along with ceramic flower pots and garden art.
The market will also feature live music and refreshments, including craft beer brewed for Edison Ford from Millennial Brewing Company and Bury Me Brewing, using starfruit from the estates property and tea from the museum store.
Parking and admission to the event is free (tours of the homes, museum and lab are not included). For more information, call 239-334-7419 or visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.