Skip to main content

All News

DR. JORGE VALENZUELA JOINS PHYSICIANS’ PRIMARY CARE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 8, 2018 -  Dr. Jorge Valenzuela has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as an internal medicine physician. Dr. Valenzuela earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. His residency was completed at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Brooklyn,…

View DR. JORGE VALENZUELA JOINS PHYSICIANS’ PRIMARY CARE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

DR. JORGE VALENZUELA JOINS PHYSICIANS’ PRIMARY CARE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 8, 2018 –  Dr. Jorge Valenzuela has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as an internal medicine physician.
Dr. Valenzuela earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.
His residency was completed at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Brooklyn, NY., where he helped implement the Patient Centered Medical Home training as part of the Internal Medicine program.
Dr. Valenzuela has worked as a primary care physician in Fort Myers for the past five years.
He is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Valenzuela will see patients at the Fort Myers Family and Internal Medicine office at 7381 College Parkway.
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 by many local physicians and has grown to become the largest independent multi-specialty primary care practice in Southwest Florida.
Medical specialties include pediatrics, internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology.  Offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres.  For more information, visit www.ppcswfl.com.

The Shell Factory Is Now Your Custom T-Shirt Destination

The Shell Factory & Nature Park has long been SW Florida's Number 1 Family Entertainment Destination, but will now add Custom Made T-Shirts to its long line of FUN things to do and experience. Your Custom T-Shirt can be made while you & your Family shop, dine, visit the Arcade with FREE Pool, or just take in the…

View The Shell Factory Is Now Your Custom T-Shirt Destination

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

The Shell Factory Is Now Your Custom T-Shirt Destination

The Shell Factory & Nature Park has long been SW Florida’s Number 1 Family Entertainment Destination, but will now add Custom Made T-Shirts to its long line of FUN things to do and experience. Your Custom T-Shirt can be made while you & your Family shop, dine, visit the Arcade with FREE Pool, or just take in the 4 FREE Museums. The Custom T-Shirt Department can be found in the Beach Shack located in the Retail store and will be open during current Store hours. Tom and Pam Cronin purchased the equipment to create the Shirts at a recent buying trip and thought they would make a great personalized souvenir. The Custom Shirts will also be marketed to Sports Teams, Civic Organizations, Schools and Youth Groups, and even private Events held in the Dolphin Room. “We have a lot of our own Events like Gumbo Fest, Bike Night, St Patrick’s Day, and Nam Jam where we can produce an Event T-Shirt for sale as a remembrance of the occasion ” said Rick Tupper CFO/ Marketing Director.  Both Tom and Pam Cronin feel this addition to The Shell Factory’s FUN Family Experience will be a hit with young and old alike. For further information about individual or multiple T-Shirt orders call 239-995-2141 Ext 110.  Also visit www.shellfactory.com or The Shell Factory Facebook page for information on all our upcoming Family Friendly Events. Don’t forget Gumbo Fest January 28th 11am-6pm and grab a Gumbo Fest T-Shirt.

Shell Point’s 2017-2018 Concert Series welcomes Barrage 8 Feb. 9

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2018) – Shell Point Retirement Community’s 2017-2018 Concert Series will present a live performance from Barrage 8 at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 at the Village Church on The Island at Shell Point, as part of the concert series’ Performing Arts program. The event is open to the public,…

View Shell Point’s 2017-2018 Concert Series welcomes Barrage 8 Feb. 9

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

Shell Point’s 2017-2018 Concert Series welcomes Barrage 8 Feb. 9

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2018) – Shell Point Retirement Community’s 2017-2018 Concert Series will present a live performance from Barrage 8 at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 at the Village Church on The Island at Shell Point, as part of the concert series’ Performing Arts program. The event is open to the public, with tickets available for purchase online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239-454-2067.

Featuring a compilation of violinists, violist, cellist and double bassist, Barrage 8 has established itself as one of the pre-eminent string music performance ensembles in the world. The group has performed more than 3,000 shows in 27 countries over a 17-year career, building a reputation for energizing audiences from start to finish.

With a musical selection ranging from 70s rock to jazz, classical, and blues numbers, in addition to original compositions, concert-goers can anticipate an infectious, high-energy show from Barrage 8’s Shell Point Concert Series performance. The show will feature elaborate choreography and captivating rhythms presented by Barrage 8 performers as an ensemble, as well as soloists, in trios and in other collaborations.

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.

Single Tickets Available Starting January 14 for Community Concert Association Season

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 5, 2018– World-renowned artists from throughout Europe, Russia, and Cuba will travel to Fort Myers this winter to perform for the Fort Myers Community Concert Association in its 69th annual concert series. Single tickets will be available for purchase starting January 14 for each of the five performances, which organizers say…

View Single Tickets Available Starting January 14 for Community Concert Association Season

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

Single Tickets Available Starting January 14 for Community Concert Association Season

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 5, 2018– World-renowned artists from throughout Europe, Russia, and Cuba will travel to Fort Myers this winter to perform for the Fort Myers Community Concert Association in its 69th annual concert series.
Single tickets will be available for purchase starting January 14 for each of the five performances, which organizers say are among the best ever offered by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.  For most performances, prices are $55 for orchestra seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats. Mezzanine seats are sold out.
Single tickets for the February 27 performance by internationally acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman are $70 for orchestra seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats.
All performances will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers.  For tickets visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org or call 239-481-4849.
The five concerts for the 2018 season are:

  • Piano Battle – January 30, 2018.  Internationally accomplished pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis go head-to-head in a piano duel featuring a variety of classical and contemporary music.  The audience will decide the winner in this unique concert experience.
  • Teatro Lirico D’Europa performing Puccini’s Madama Butterfly – February 8, 2018.   Madama Butterfly is one of the world’s most famous love stories, inspired by the sights and culture of Japan. Teatro Lirico D’Europa is the most successful opera touring company in Europe and the U.S. and travels with a full orchestra of 47 to 50 members and a chorus of 40 singers.
  • Lezginka State Dance Company –February 20, 2018.  The Lezginka State Dance Company will perform a festival of fiery dances showcasing the folklore, national culture and traditions from their home, the Russian Republic of Dagestan.
  • Itzhak Perlman – February 27, 2018 – Perlman is the reigning virtuoso of the violin and is returning to the Community Concert series for a second time.  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 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.
  • National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba – March 25, 2018. Since its inception in 1960, The National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba has been instrumental in developing and introducing Cuban and Latin American music to the international classical music community, in addition to covering a vast symphonic and chamber repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary music.

 
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 69th 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.

Scott Fischer Enterprises to sell Six Bends Harley-Davidson and Naples Harley-Davidson to TMCFM, Inc.

FORT MYERS AND NAPLES, Fla. (Jan. 4, 2018) – Scott Fischer, president of Scott Fischer Enterprises, today announced the sale of Six Bends Harley-Davidson and Naples Harley-Davidson to TMCFM, Inc. with a closing scheduled Jan. 10, 2018. Scott Fischer Enterprises continues to own and operate its Harley dealerships in New Mexico and California, and will…

View Scott Fischer Enterprises to sell Six Bends Harley-Davidson and Naples Harley-Davidson to TMCFM, Inc.

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

Scott Fischer Enterprises to sell Six Bends Harley-Davidson and Naples Harley-Davidson to TMCFM, Inc.

FORT MYERS AND NAPLES, Fla. (Jan. 4, 2018) – Scott Fischer, president of Scott Fischer Enterprises, today announced the sale of Six Bends Harley-Davidson and Naples Harley-Davidson to TMCFM, Inc. with a closing scheduled Jan. 10, 2018. Scott Fischer Enterprises continues to own and operate its Harley dealerships in New Mexico and California, and will continue to own and operate Top Rocker Field and Events in Fort Myers.

“This has not been an easy decision, but after 30 years of ownership in Southwest Florida, the opportunity comes at an opportune time to allow me to focus on other business goals and my personal community foundation. Fort Myers is my home, and I will remain in the area and look forward to elevating my involvement in the community and the causes that I care about,” said Scott Fischer, president of Scott Fischer Enterprises, LLC. “With the strong Harley brand behind the Southwest Florida stores and the accomplishments that have been achieved, it’s poised for continued success. TMCFM, Inc. have been industry friends of mine for more than 30 years, and they own other top-performing Harley-Davidson stores in the U.S. They bring great new energy, passion and a wealth of industry experience, and I’m excited for the opportunities ahead for the employees, customers and community.”

ABOUT SCOTT FISCHER ENTERPRISES

Scott Fischer Enterprises owns and manages Harley-Davidson stores in California, Florida and New Mexico. Scott Fischer Enterprises and all its Harley-Davidson locations have a strong commitment to motorcycle safety as well as the community. In business for 30 years, they are regularly recognized as leaders in their industry and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. For more information, please visit www.SFE-US.com.

LIQUID FACELIFTS VS. SURGICAL FACELIFTS: ADVANTAGES OF EACH TO BE EXPLAINED AT FREE SEMINAR

Dr. Prendiville to host free seminar January 26 at Naples Hilton NAPLES, FLA., January 4, 2018 – A traditional surgical facelift or the new “liquid facelift” – which is best for you?  Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville will explain the differences and benefits of each at a free seminar Friday, Jan. 26, in Naples.…

View LIQUID FACELIFTS VS. SURGICAL FACELIFTS: ADVANTAGES OF EACH TO BE EXPLAINED AT FREE SEMINAR

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

LIQUID FACELIFTS VS. SURGICAL FACELIFTS: ADVANTAGES OF EACH TO BE EXPLAINED AT FREE SEMINAR

Dr. Prendiville to host free seminar January 26 at Naples Hilton
NAPLES, FLA., January 4, 2018 – A traditional surgical facelift or the new “liquid facelift” – which is best for you?  Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville will explain the differences and benefits of each at a free seminar Friday, Jan. 26, in Naples.
The seminar begins at 11:30 a.m. with a light lunch at the Naples Hilton, 5111 Tamiami Trail N.  The seminar is free, but reservations are required by calling 239-437-3900.  Space is limited.
“Liquid facelifts are the newest trend in facial rejuvenation because there is no surgery, no anesthesia required and no downtime,” said Dr. Prendiville, who also is medical director of the Assuage Luxury Spa in North Naples.  “Patients love it because they can go about their usual activities immediately afterward.”
A new filler has just been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration that Dr. Prendiville said is joining a long list of injectables to restore youthfulness.            “Revanesse Versa is specifically targeted for deep-set wrinkles and fine lines.  It is a slightly thicker formulation that is injected into the mid to deep dermis to correct more pronounced lines and wrinkles like nasolabial folds,” he said
Revanesse Versa is among a series of injectable fillers that Dr. Prendiville uses to minimize or erase sagging, fine lines and wrinkles without surgery.
Among the newer injectables to be discussed are:

  • Juvederm Vollure™ – a long-lasting filler that is FDA-approved to soften moderate to severe lines around the nose and mouth with results lasting as long as 18 months;
  • Juvederm Voluma® – the first filler approved to restore age-related volume in the cheeks;
  • Juvederm Volbella® – an injectable for lip augmentation and correction of lines around the lips;
  • Sculptra® – an FDA-approved injectable that helps gradually replace lost collagen – an underlying cause of facial aging – for results that can last more than two years; and
  • Fat transfer – Utilizing fat from the abdomen, thighs or other areas, fat can be injected into the face to fill acne scars and sunken areas of the face.

Dr. Prendiville also will discuss other fillers, such as Radiesse®, Restylane®, Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport® and others, as well as eyelid lifts, nose surgery, lasers and reconstructive surgery.
“These injectables are the newest medical breakthroughs in facial rejuvenation, but they are temporary, unlike a surgical facelift,” he said.  “Most injectables need to be repeated every four to six months to maintain that youthful appearance.  Surgical facelifts, on the other hand, are permanent and can last 10 years or longer.”
The liquid facelift is appropriate for patients with mild to moderate aging changes.  Severe facial lines and deep folds in the skin require a surgical facelift, he said.
The liquid facelift and surgical facelift are two of the procedures that Dr. Prendiville will discuss at his “All About Face” seminar.  Using before and after pictures of actual patients, Dr. Prendiville will discuss the latest advances in facelifts, eyelid lifts, nose surgery, lasers, and reconstructive surgery.
In addition to a light lunch, attendees will be able to make an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Prendiville.
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, an association consisting of 250 facial plastic surgeons in the state.
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.
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, please visit www.drprendiville.com.

Annual Antique Car Show at Edison & Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 4, 2018) -- On February 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edison & Ford Winter Estates will host its annual Antique Car Exhibition featuring antique Ford models. Each year, classic car owners and club members exhibit more than 100 cars on the Ford estate lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River as a…

View Annual Antique Car Show at Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

Annual Antique Car Show at Edison & Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 4, 2018) — On February 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edison & Ford Winter Estates will host its annual Antique Car Exhibition featuring antique Ford models. Each year, classic car owners and club members exhibit more than 100 cars on the Ford estate lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River as a tribute to Henry Ford, the pioneer of the automobile industry.
Along with the exhibition, there will be music and visitors can tour the gardens, historic homes, museum and laboratory. This family event is free for Edison Ford members and $25 for future members, which includes a self-guided tour of the entire site. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the restoration of the antique car collection at Edison Ford.
Registrations are being accepted for Ford models 1980 and older. To register a car, contact Leeanne Criswell at [email protected] or 239-334-7419. The deadline for pre-registration is January 26. Pre-registration is $20 for one car and $10 for each additional car.
For more information, call 239-334-7419 or visit www.EdisonFordWinterEstates.org.

TAPS & TUNES FEATURES FANTASTIC LINE UP OF CRAFT BEER, LIVE MUSIC, AND FOOD TRUCKS

January, 3rd 2018 - Fort Myers, FL - Craft beer, live music, and more comes to downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, January 13th for the Third Annual Taps & Tunes Craft Beer & Music Festival! Sample over 80 craft beers while enjoying music from Problem Kids, Of Good Nature, and Jukebox the Ghost. Plus, purchase…

View TAPS & TUNES FEATURES FANTASTIC LINE UP OF CRAFT BEER, LIVE MUSIC, AND FOOD TRUCKS

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

TAPS & TUNES FEATURES FANTASTIC LINE UP OF CRAFT BEER, LIVE MUSIC, AND FOOD TRUCKS

January, 3rd 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – Craft beer, live music, and more comes to downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, January 13th for the Third Annual Taps & Tunes Craft Beer & Music Festival! Sample over 80 craft beers while enjoying music from Problem Kids, Of Good Nature, and Jukebox the Ghost. Plus, purchase a variety of eats from local food trucks! The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is hosting this event which will be held at Centennial Park, downtown Fort Myers.
Take part in the most exciting craft beer & music festival in Fort Myers! On Saturday, January 13th experience live music, delicious food, and more right in Centennial Park. With VIP ticket purchase, fans get preferred seating, VIP bathroom, catered food from Buffalo Wings and Rings, VIP brews, meet & greet with bands Jukebox the Ghost, Of Good Nature, and Problem Kids, souvenir tasting cup with samplings of 80+ craft beers from award-winning breweries, and entrance to the event to enjoy live music — all for just $75! For just $45, patrons receive an unlimited tasting cup, which offers sampling of more than 80 craft beers from award-winning breweries like Islamorada Beer Company, Kona Brewing, Shipyard, Magic Hat, Bury Me Brewing, Old Soul Brewing, and many more!
Taps & Tunes Craft Beer & Music Festival
Saturday, January 13, 2018
2pm – 8pm
Tickets: $45 Unlimited Beer Tasting • $75 VIP Pass • $5 General Admission
Tasting Flights available for purchase at event
Held at Centennial Park in Downtown Fort Myers
For tickets and info, visit https://www.sbdac.com/taps-and-tunes-fort-myers/
Volunteer Sign Up: https://www.sbdac.com/volunteer-sign-up/?sheet_id=70
Or call for info: 239-333-1933
Musical Line Up
2pm – Problem Kids
4pm – Of Good Nature
6pm – Jukebox the Ghost
Jukebox the Ghost arrives after years of accruing a diehard following while remaining one of the hardest-working live acts in music. The group’s quirky songwriting and breathtaking performance skills have led the trio to share stages with Ben Folds, Jack’s Mannequin, Motion City Soundtrack and Guster, while being one of Yep Roc’s lynchpin artists since signing to the label in 2010. Jukebox the Ghost has dazzled on big stages, such as when the group rocked The Late Show with David Letterman, showcasing the vibrant pop-rock workout of “Schizophrenia” on late-night TV. The band recently returned to late-night TV where they performed the song “Postcard” off of their new self titled album on Conan. For more info, visit http://www.jukeboxtheghost.com/.
Of Good Nature is an indie rock-reggae group that was formed in Charlotte, NC in 2011. The 2011 debut album, Just Add Water, won Indie-Ville Reggae Album of the Year – Nashville, TN. On October 23rd 2015, their sophomore album, Life Worth Livin, debuted at #5 on the iTunes Top Reggae Album Chart. The notable Reggae Rise Up Festival in St. Petersburg, FL added Of Good Nature to the already stacked bill through their Artist Discovery Series in early 2017, along with Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Iration, Steel Pulse, The Green and many more. For more info, visit http://ofgoodnature.com/.
Problem Kids’ undeniably fresh sound is characterized by the group’s willingness to bounce effortlessly between vintage hip-hop, roots rock, and Caribbean salsa rhythms without missing a step. With creative arrangements and catchy melodies in place, the storytelling lyricism from two witty emcees seal the signature PK sound. In 2010, Problem Kids dropped their first full-length album, Poetry in Motion, which introduced the masses to their vibrant sound and featured some of Miami’s top emerging talent including songstress Anna Palmerola on the track “Ride with Me,” and rising reggae artist AG Lyonz on “Hold Me Down.” The album was well-received with local press, and catapulted the group to a busy show schedule, which included opening slots for hip-hop legends Chuck D, Uncle Luke, Rakim and more in 2012 alone. For more info, visit http://problemkidsmusic.com/.
Sponsored by: Suncoast Beverage, iHeart Media, Y100, Courtyard Marriott, City of Fort Myers, The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, City Tavern, Buffalo Wings and Rings, and Advance Solar & Spa

Madisen’s Match bringing tennis to Suncoast Credit Union Arena

First of its kind event in Southwest Florida  Note to Media: The 10th annual Madisen’s Match celebrity tennis experience will take place March 18-19, 2018 to benefit pediatric and adult cancer patients in Southwest Florida and across the country. Top American singles and doubles players will take part in various events over the two-day tennis…

View Madisen’s Match bringing tennis to Suncoast Credit Union Arena

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

Madisen’s Match bringing tennis to Suncoast Credit Union Arena

First of its kind event in Southwest Florida
 Note to Media: The 10th annual Madisen’s Match celebrity tennis experience will take place March 18-19, 2018 to benefit pediatric and adult cancer patients in Southwest Florida and across the country. Top American singles and doubles players will take part in various events over the two-day tennis experience culminating in the first ever indoor tennis match in Southwest Florida at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena.
Over the past nine years, Madisen’s Match has grown tremendously and has raised over $650,000 to benefit national and Southwest Florida based cancer treatment programs with one of its main partners being the Golisano Children’s Hospital.
At the press conference, founder Duane Chaney will discuss the details of the event, the collaboration with Golisano Children’s Hospital to bring the Pro Tennis Classic to the Suncoast Credit Union Arena for the first time, and the transformation of the basketball court to an indoor tennis court.
Skip Leonard, Chief Foundation Officer at the Lee Health Foundation will also take part in the press conference to discuss the partnership with Madisen’s Match and the benefit of the funds raised.
WHAT: Press conference announcing details for the 10th Annual Madisen’s Match
WHEN: Friday, December 1, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Suncoast Credit Union Arena, Florida SouthWestern State College, 13351 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919
WHY: The event uses the game of tennis to bring the community together to raise money to help adults and children being treated for cancer.
CONTACT: Josh Milton, CONRIC PR & Marketing, (239) 690-9840, [email protected]

PACE CENTER TO HONOR LOCAL WOMEN AT GRANDE DAMES TEA

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 3, 2018– PACE Center for Girls of Lee County is excited to host the Tenth Annual Grande Dames Tea honoring three more of our community’s most revered women.  For the first time, an honorary Grande Dame also will be recognized. This year’s honorees are: Dena Geraghty of Fort Myers– Dena, 79,…

View PACE CENTER TO HONOR LOCAL WOMEN AT GRANDE DAMES TEA

Member News

SHARE:

Blog

PACE CENTER TO HONOR LOCAL WOMEN AT GRANDE DAMES TEA

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 3, 2018– PACE Center for Girls of Lee County is excited to host the Tenth Annual Grande Dames Tea honoring three more of our community’s most revered women.  For the first time, an honorary Grande Dame also will be recognized.
This year’s honorees are:

  • Dena Geraghty of Fort Myers– Dena, 79, calls herself a “born caregiver” who has been taking care of others her entire life from her own children to hundreds of children and families she has helped as the past coordinator of Lee County Juvenile and Dependency Drug Courts as well as the PACE Center girls.  Dena is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the addiction field since 1991. In addition to her professional experience, Dena was a founding member and chair of the Grande Dames Tea for four years, and continues as a member of the Lee County PACE Board of Directors as well as the PACE state Board of Trustees.  She also has been a board member of SalusCare, Inc., the Lee County Human Services Council and Florida Lawyer’s Assistance.
  • Elizabeth Gardner Sanders (Betty) of Fort Myers – Whether serving on the Community Council for Golisano Children’s Hospital or serving in leadership capacities with Epsilon Sigma Alpha (Gamma Rho chapter) on the local, state, regional and international levels, Betty, 78, has worked diligently to help Southwest Florida grow.  She is a charter member and past president of Town and Gown of Florida Gulf Coast University, past president of the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club, past president of the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, past president of Carissa Garden Club, and has been a member of the Edison Pageant of Light for decades, having once worked in the office as an administrative assistant for 10 years.
  • Barbara Jean Yeomans of Fort Myers – Barbara, 84, is a fine artist who has had several one-woman shows in Florida, England, New Jersey and New York.  Hundreds of her vibrant, colorful paintings now grace homes and businesses in Sag Harbor, Mich., Montreal, Calgary, New York, Milan and Hong Kong.  Her work is sold in New York at the Broadfoot & Broadfoot Gallery and in England at Twenty-One B Gallery.  Barbara has assisted many local charities through her donor-advised fund at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation as well as through the Women’s Legacy Fund and the scholarship she established in her late husband’s name at Florida SouthWestern State College.

For the first time, the PACE Center of Lee County also will recognize Eunice Barfield Bremner as an Honorary Grande Dame.  Eunice, 98, is a life-long resident of Fort Myers who worked on many of Fort Myers’ leading property transfers and deeds as legal secretary to Attorney Frank C. Alderman, Jr.  She continued working into her 70s for various attorneys.  Eunice and her sister, the late Berne Davis, and three other siblings lived at the Slater Mill in North Fort Myers during much of their childhood before there was electricity.  Eunice’s civic involvement includes the Edison Pageant of Light, Town & Gown of FGCU and the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Grande Dames Tea, which will take place Tuesday, March 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Broadway Palm at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.  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.
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.”
Invitations to the Grande Dames Tea will be mailed in January.  Registration also will be available online starting February 1 at www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee   Admission is $60 per person. Table sponsorships are also available. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite tea party hat.
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 three years 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