Member News

Application deadline is April 1, 2018

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 31, 2018) – The Uncommon Friends Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2018 student scholarships, which will be awarded to deserving individuals (including veterans, single parents, and the disabled) who are pursuing degrees in education, law, technology, healthcare, and other studies. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2018.

Nominees must reside in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, or Hendry Counties, need financial assistance, excel in school and/or their personal lives, and possess high quality character traits. Scholarships vary in application requirements and commitments, duration and financial amounts, educational programs, and institutions.   

Visit https://uncommonfriends.org/scholarships/opportunities/ for scholarship application forms and specific requirements of each scholarship. Completed applications and/or any questions should be directed to [email protected]. Winners will be announced by early summer and will be honored at the Uncommon Friends Foundation’s Uncommon Evening on Thursday, November 8.

Uncommon Friends Foundation board member Brenda Stewart will again chair the scholarship committee that includes volunteers and community service organizations. Over the past 22 years, the Foundation has awarded nearly 500 educational scholarships totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Uncommon Friends Foundation 2018 Scholarship Award Categories

NEW! James F. Chelius, Jr. Scholarship for Disabled Students ($1,000) – For any age student with a disability such as dyslexia, hearing, sight, physical, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy who has ambition and positive character traits. 

Hilliard Scholarships ($4,000) – Two, two-year scholarships for high school seniors residing in either Glades or Hendry Counties to attend FGCU.

Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarship – Covers two years of state college tuition and fees for a freshman or sophomore who meets specific conditions and stays free of drugs and crime.

Special Recognition Scholarship – Three scholarships for any age student to help defray cost of books or education for one semester.

Technical College Scholarship – For any age student to help defray tuition, books and supplies at a technical college.

Berne Davis Future Teacher Scholarship ($5,000) – For a student enrolled in a program leading to a degree in education.

Single Parent Scholarship ($1,000) – For a deserving single parent who has overcome difficult obstacles to further their education and gain skills to enter the workforce. 

Lee County Bar Association Scholarship ($1,000) – For a student who is enrolled in, or intends to pursue, a program leading to a law degree to help defray tuition, books and supplies at a Florida college.

Veteran’s Scholarship ($1,000) – For a deserving veteran of any age to help defray the costs of books or education.

Health Sciences Scholarship ($1,000) – For any age student working toward a degree in a health field, (e.g., nursing, dental hygiene, technologist, or therapist) to help defray cost of books or education.   

The Uncommon Friends Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1993 and dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. It promotes character education in schools, ethics in the workplace, and preservation of the historic Burroughs Home & Gardens and James Newton Archives. For more information, visit http://uncommonfriends.org/ or call Executive Director Jennifer Nelson at (239) 337-9503.

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Florida SouthWestern State College Diversity Alliance presents A Panel Discussion on Gender and Sexuality, at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, in Building U, Room 102, at the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Thomas Edison Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. The event is free and open to the public.
“Gender is not the same thing we thought it was 20 years ago,” said Dr. Russell Swanson, professor, Philosophy. “Our discussion will explore what gender and sexuality are in the evolving cultural context we are currently living in and the changes in our belief system about gender and sexuality.”
FSW Humanities Professor Dr. Elijah Pritchett, FSW Psychology Professor Terri Housley, FSW students Christine Orlando and Fletcher Dunham, and Arlene Goldberg, founder of the Southwest Florida Harmony Chamber of Commerce, will serve as panelists. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Russell Swanson.
For more information, contact Dr. Russell Swanson  at (239) 489-9312 or [email protected].

Former CEO of National Alliance of Grieving Children assists growing program
FORT MYERS, Fla.–-Valerie’s House, Inc., a Southwest Florida nonprofit helping grieving children work through the loss of a loved one together, has retained former National Alliance of Grieving Children CEO Andy McNiel as chief consultant to work hands-on with the organization.  A pioneer in the children’s grief movement, McNiel will work with Valerie’s House to develop and enhance its grief programs, provide ongoing training and support to staff and volunteers, and expand the program’s reach in the community.
“McNiel brings more than two decades of building and running grief centers around the country and his perspective and experience will significantly impact Valerie’s House and the Southwest Florida community,” said Angela Melvin, founder and CEO of Valerie’s House.  “We are fortunate to have his expertise and passion for children’s grief as Valerie’s House grows to help the thousands of children in our community struggling with the death of their parent or sibling.”
McNiel served as founding Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance for Grieving Children, the nation’s leading organization in the development of children’s grief programs, from 2011 to 2017. 
In addition, he is the former CEO of The Amelia Center Children’s Grief Center of Alabama, and is a nationally recognized presenter and trainer on facilitating childhood bereavement support, adult bereavement issues, and group facilitation. McNiel is co-author of the book, “Understanding and Supporting Bereaved Children.”
McNiel began consulting with Valerie’s House January 2 and will be commuting from his Stuart, Florida home twice a week to work onsite at the new Valerie’s House Fort Myers location at 1762 Fowler Street.
Valerie’s House is currently serving 140 children from Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota counties at its Fort Myers and Naples locations.  The organization’s vision is that no child will grieve alone.  If you know a child struggling with grief, please contact Program Director Danielle Visone at [email protected] or go to www.valerieshouseswfl.org.  Valerie’s House is a United Way Partner Agency and is fully supported through generous donations from the community.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2018) – Thanks to support from Grampy’s Charities and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Robbie’s Riders presented five adaptive tricycles, worth nearly $6,000, to Naples children through its Freedom Program at the bank’s McGregor branch in Fort Myers.
“With special adaptive tricycles, these children get to experience a sense of independence and social freedom,” said Jack Johannemann, director of Robbie’s Riders. “We are so happy to be able to bring smiles to these children’s faces with the pure joy of riding a tricycle, something many of them have never done before.”
Angeles Escobedo, an 8-year-old girl with hemiparesis, neurologic complications and severe epilepsy, has decreased strength, motor control and coordination that cause decreased balance and delayed gross motor skills.
Zara Patel, a 4-year-old girl with Angelman syndrome and autism, has muscle weakness and global hypotonia.
Six-year-old Jeremiah Rivas has a complex medical history, including severe autism, tuberous sclerosis and active seizure disorder.
Karolay Chiniros is a 16-year-old girl with brain injury, triplegic cerebral palsy affecting her right arm and both legs, and neuromuscular scoliosis.
Joshua Ortiz, a 7-year-old boy with autism, has not been able to engage in any physical activities due to lack of safe equipment that can accommodate his needs.
When riding these tricycles, these children will benefit from general strengthening, new proprioceptive sensory input, and improved reciprocal coordination of the legs. They can now participate in activities with their families and peers, and enjoy the normal childhood experience of riding a bike.
Robbie’s Riders’ program provides special adaptive bicycles and tricycles to children with disabilities, according to their individual capacities and needs. The charity works to donate special needs cycles as quickly as they can raise funds to purchase them. Working with Claire Le Boulenge, a pediatric physical therapist with Golisano Children’s Hospital who donates her services to assist, each child is evaluated and fitted for his or her own special adaptive cycle.
Grampy’s Charities has supported Robbie’s Riders, opening up new avenues to fundraise and continue delivering adaptive bicycles to children with disabilities. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank first partnered with Grampy’s Charities for fundraising in 2017, making it possible for Robbie’s Riders to present its first two adaptive bicycles in Southwest Florida last year.
A small, all-volunteer organization, Robbie’s Riders has provided 32 custom-made, adaptive cycles to children in the past year. The organization is dedicated to bettering the lives of children. Learn more at www.savethekid.org.
Grampy’s Charities is a volunteer organization with no paid staff. For a quarter century, they have donated more than $3 million to children’s charities. Learn more at www.grampyscharities.org.
Founded in 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has two locations on Sanibel and five additional locations in Fort Myers. The bank is nationally ranked in the top 20 as a best-performing community bank by S&P Global Market Intelligence out of more than 4,500 banks with assets under $1 billion. It is well-capitalized, with $403 million in assets, and generates the highest return on equity of all Florida banks in excess of $155 million in total assets.
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s professionals provide customized individual and business banking services and specialize in residential loans. The bank offers free personal and business checking, deposit accounts with competitive interest rates, safe deposit boxes, and a full array of online banking products and services, including electronic statements, mobile banking apps, CardValet, online bill pay, Positive Pay and ACH Manager. To learn more, visit www.SanCapBank.com.

FORT MYERS, FL (February 15, 2018) – The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents the zany whodunnit, The Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940s,” by John Bishop.
The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher”) assemble for a backer’s audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy “angel.” The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people- all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem that follows when the infamous “slasher” strikes again.
It’s the ultimate Whodunnit, complete with zany twists and murderous mayhem! Directed by Carmen Crussard (Play On!, The Smell of the Kill) who says, “whodunnit? That is the million dollar question in Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Packed with twists, turns, and more than a few secrets, audience members will find themselves laughing out loud while trying to riddle out the clues in the von Grossenknueten mansion. The cast can barely get through a rehearsal without rolling on the floor…literally. I hope audiences experience the same fun.”
Laboratory Theater Artistic Director Annette Trossbach adds, “This is one of the funniest scripts I have ever read. It is a zany, madcap whodunit with excellent surprising twists. The set is a character in and of itself, adding to the hilarity. You’ll laugh your pants off!.” The ensemble cast includes Danielle Channell (Crimes of the Heart), Kayleigh O’Connell (Whatever Happened to Baby Jane: a parody of the horror), Stacy Stauffer (Scrooge TV), Mike Edouard (I and You), Patricia Clopton (Sordid Lives), Maddy Hayes (Stop Kiss), Dave Cheseboro (The Rauschenberg Project Play), with Mark King and Nathan Ross making Lab Theater debuts.
“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940″ plays from March 9th to March 31st at the Laboratory Theater of Florida. Performance dates are as follows:
March 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 at 8pm
March 11, 18, 35, 31 at 2pm
Tickets are available to purchase on Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase a 2017-2018 Season Pass.
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

FORT MYERS, Fla., (February 21, 2018) – GATES Construction has been selected as the construction manager for the Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida expansion. Quality Life Center is located at 3210 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Fort Myers. Designed by GMA Architects & Planners, the new addition will feature 6,000 square feet of space for a teen center, an enlarged kitchen and a multi-purpose room. For over 27 years, Quality Life Center has been instilling values of discipline, integrity and self-sufficiency by developing the potential of underserved populations in Southwest Florida with afterschool, early learning and teen leadership programs. For more information on the capital campaign for the expansion of the Quality Life Center, please visit qualitylifecenter.org.
GATES Construction serves its clients from offices in Bonita Springs and Sarasota providing construction management, general contracting and design-build services. Their diverse portfolio of commercial, healthcare, multi-family, hospitality, institutional and special projects, showcases numerous landmarks successfully constructed over the past quarter of century. As Florida’s premier builder, GATES also operates throughout the Southeast United States and Latin America. For more information on GATES, please call (239) 593-3777 or visit the website at www.GATESinc.com.

Pedego Fort Myers zooms riders around town on colorful electric bikes
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 21, 2018 — The 116^th Pedego® Electric Bikes store worldwide is now open in Fort Myers, Fla. Co-owned by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Skip Badolato, Pedego Fort Myers offers sales of Pedego electric bikes as well as rentals, tours, service and sales of accessories. The couple left their Wall Street jobs and moved to Fort Myers to open the region’s first Pedego store. They are excited to offer free test rides to visitors.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY
 WHAT:           Grand Opening including Ribbon-cutting Ceremony with refreshments
WHERE:         2030 W. First St., Suite E, Fort Myers, FL
WHEN:           Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
                        Ribbon-cutting Ceremony on Friday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m.
WHO:              Co-owners Lisa and Skip Badolato; Special Guest Marc Sullivan, retired baseball player with the Boston Red Sox; Fort Myers Mayor Randall P. Henderson Jr. and City Council members; Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Colleen DePasquale; Tom Bock from Pedego Corp.
 
EXTRAS:       Free test rides. Free group rides (subject to bike availability).
Free raffle tickets for two tickets to a Boston Red Sox spring training game for anyone who takes a test ride on Friday or Saturday.
Raffle for Pedego gift basket.
 

Fort Myers, FL (February 22, 2018) – IBERIABANK, a 130-year-old subsidiary of IBERIABANK Corporation, will hold a community shred event on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the IBERIABANK branch located at 6651 Orion Drive in Fort Myers. Residents and small business owners are invited to dispose of outdated bank statements, checks, contracts, junk mail and other documents in a safe and secure manner. Shredding services will be conducted by Shred-It, a global leader in secure document destruction services.
A $3.00/box voluntary donation will be collected for Pink Heals Southwest Florida. This Fort Myers-based not-for-profit organization is dedicated to supporting women and their families battling all types of illness. Their signature pink fire truck helps raise awareness and donations throughout Southwest Florida and will be onsite during the shred event for photos.
For more information about shred event, contact (239) 225-4560.
 About IBERIABANK
IBERIABANK Corporation is a financial holding company with 320 combined offices, including 216 bank branch offices and one loan production office in Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, 30 title insurance offices in Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana, and mortgage representatives in 63 locations in 10 states.  The Company has 14 locations with representatives of IBERIA Wealth Advisors in four states. The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “IBKC.”  Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Pink Heals Southwest Florida
Pink Heals Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and families in the local community. Since 2010, Pink Heals has supported fundraising efforts that remain in Southwest Florida by bringing their pink fire truck to events to help promote love and support. They also make their truck available to visit people at their home or care facility to bring them hope and love. They support women and children of all ages along with their families, offering love, encouragement and friendship.

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.

Fundraiser to Support No-Kill Shelter, Help Thousands of Animals in Southwest Florida
FORT MYERS, FL – Feb. 22, 2018 – One of Gulf Coast Humane Society’s biggest fundraising events of the year, “The Fast and the Furriest” is gaining some big momentum after a record-setting race last year.
The 5K Run/1-Mile Walk fundraiser held at CenturyLink Sports Complex (formerly Hammond Stadium), Saturday, April 7, is on pace for another big day, with plenty of festivities planned.
“We had more than 400 participants last year, which was an all-time high in the seven years we’ve had ‘The Fast and the Furriest,'” said GCHS Executive Director Jennifer Galloway. “This event is so fun for the family and their pets since they get to run or walk with their dogs if they so choose to. The planning committee has been working hard spreading the word about the event and we are hoping to eclipse last year’s number of participants.”
The run/walk event is dog-friendly, and many participants do bring their furry friends along for the jaunt.
“The Fast and the Furriest” is also an excellent event for sponsors and vendors to jump aboard. Each sponsor/vendor gets an opportunity to display their services/product to a growing pet and health demographic. Sponsors will receive recognition on GCHS’ website and social media.
“Most of all, though, they will get the satisfaction of knowing they played an important role in aiding all the GCHS’ shelter animals, which ultimately all the proceeds will end up going to,” said Fast and the Furriest committee chairperson Jill McKee.
Even non-runners/walkers can lend a big helping hand through “The Fast and the Furriest” by starting their own fundraiser. It’s very simple to start one, simply by logging into https://www.crowdrise.com/fastandfurriest2018 to set up your personal fundraiser. Let friends and family know you are raising money for GCHS and its shelter animals through various social media and word of mouth.
“It’s a great way to get involved, even if you can’t attend the event April 7,” McKee added.
To help promote starting your own fundraiser, GCHS will be hosting a Kick-Off Party Friday, March 2, from 6-8 p.m., at the shelter’s campus, located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers. Snacks and refreshments will be served, as well as a quick how-to by GCHS events coordinator Paul Howell on how to start your own fundraiser.
This year for the first time, the first 500 5K runners and 1-Mile walkers will earn a Finisher Medal, with the top fundraiser receiving a trophy and traditional age group medals will be awarded to top chipped runners, and to the Fastest Dogs in 3 weight categories. Other awards will be for the Triple Crown Award Winners, as well.
“Come out for one of the best dog-friendly events around, while leaving knowing you helped the many shelter animals at GCHS,” Galloway said.
To register or become a vendor or sponsor, go to http://www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/the-fast–the-furriest.html or email Howell at [email protected].
About GCHS: 
Gulf Coast Humane Society is a regional no-kill organization dedicated to helping companion pets find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes. GCHS provides an adoption center, spay-neuter and veterinary clinic, as well as education and awareness to the public about the welfare of homeless pets.
GCHS’ mission is to care for companion pets in need by offering safe refuge, providing medical care and facilitating adoptions. GCHS promotes the concept the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” and help educate the community about proper and responsible animal care, while providing quality, affordable veterinary care.
GCHS Veterinary Clinic: 2685 Swamp Cabbage Court, Fort Myers, 33901; Phone: 239-332-2719
GCHS Spay/Neuter Clinic: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, 33916; Phone: 239-332-1573
GCHS Adoption Center: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, 33916; Phone: 239-332-0364