Fort Myers Daily

Ring in the New Year with Fort Myers Art Walk and Saturday Art Fair Jan. 6 & 7

Art lovers can start the New Year with Fort Myers Art Walk and the Saturday Art Fair on Jan. 6 and 7.

The next monthly Art Walk will take place on Friday, Jan. 6, with local art galleries and art stops featuring new exhibits and shows. This regular cultural event draws between 1,500 and 2,500 people each month to the downtown Fort Myers River District.

Then on Saturday, Jan. 7, the organizers of Art Walk present the seasonal Saturday Art Fair. This juried art event showcases individual artists at tables along the sidewalks of First Street. The Saturday Art Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Forty artists and art vendors are scheduled to be at January’s Saturday Art Fair.

The monthly Art Walk runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. The January Art Walk will include a dozen art galleries and art stops and will feature new art shows, live music, and the traditional after party.

Some art highlights of the Friday, Jan. 6th Art Walk:

- Art of the Olympians: Showing an exhibition, Legends of ’68, featuring artwork from four dynamic USA Olympians from the 1968 Olympic Games (Rink Babka, Bob Beamon, Peggy Fleming, and Al Oerter), and a collection of works by Olympic artist Steve Allen.
- Art League of Fort Myers: Opening reception for Imagination Gone Wild exhibit.
- Arts for ACT Gallery: Opening reception for a group show featuring artists David Acevedo, Todd Babb, David Belling, JoAnne Bedient, Stephen Gray-Blancett, Christina Jarmolinski, Leo Johnson, Mel Meo, George Mitchell, and Paul Rodino. Alicia Schmidt will be in the office gallery exhibiting her “Shell Series” and Pop artist Jef Hernandez will exhibit in the middle gallery room.
- daas Gallery: Opening reception for Untamed: The Art of Oliver Dominguez.
- Gallery Showcase and Information Center at IberiaBank (Bayview Court at First Street). Art Walk T-shirts are available at this location as well as buttons, maps and brochures.
- HOWL Gallery: Opening of show featuring new and existing paintings by resident painter and tattoo artist, Matt Lackey.
- In One Instant: One year anniversary and show opening of Street Walking: The works of Jim Lustenader.
- Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center: Opening for Salon d’ Collage, a dynamic exhibition featuring the collaborative works of seven SW Florida artists.
- Space 39 Gallery:  Group art show.

More than 40 participants make Art Walk successful each month and they include the Alliance for the Arts, AmeriDry, Art League of Fort Myers, Art of the Olympians, Arts for ACT Gallery and Boutique, Cigar Bar, Coloring The World, Cool Hand Luc’s, daas Gallery, Downtown House of Pizza, Enjewel, First United Methodist Church, Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency, The Franklin Shops, French Connection Cafe, Hampton Inn & Suites, Happenings A&E Magazine, Hideaway Sports Bar, Hotel Indigo, HOWL Gallery/Tattoo, Ichiban Japanese & Chinese Restaurant, IberiaBank, In One Instant Gallery of Photography, Legacy Harbour Hotel & Suites, Morgan House Restaurant, River District Alliance, Savvy on First, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Select Transportation, Space 39 Gallery, Spirits of Bacchus, Twisted Vine Bistro, United Café, Bar & Bistro, The Veranda Restaurant, What’s Up Dogs?, and the Young Artists Awards Program.

Held the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m., Art Walk features local and national artwork in the downtown art galleries and several art stops in the Fort Myers River District. The evening culminates with an after party at 10 p.m. The January after party will be held at Spirits of Bacchus on Hendry Street.
Always a collector’s item, new Art Walk buttons will be available at galleries that night. Art Walk has its own T-shirt (in red or black). Shirts are available for a $12 donation at the IberiaBank gallery showcase during Art Walk.

A free shuttle service courtesy of Select Transportation Inc., with stops planned near the art venues, and parking at the Harborside Event Center will be available for Art Walk patrons. Shuttle stops include The Oasis Condominiums, Art of the Olympians, and the Patio de Leon entrance at First Street.

A map of Art Walk, showing transportation and parking will be distributed by participating galleries. Art Walk is a rain or shine event. Art Walk was started by a group of art galleries and art enthusiasts and debuted in October of 2008. Art Walk is a River District Alliance event. For more information on Art Walk, participating galleries and links to gallery websites, visit www.fortmyersartwalk.com.

FOR EVENT INFORMATION CALL 1-855-RDA-EVENTS.
MUSIC WALK MOVES TO 3RD FRIDAYS IN 2012Cypress Lake Country Club Tennis Director Terry See wins
USPTA Florida Division Grand Prix

Cypress Lake Country Club Director of Tennis Terry See has captured two division titles at the 2011 United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Florida Division Grand Prix Masters Year-End Event. The tournament was held Nov. 5-6 at Williams Island in Aventura, Fla. See won both the men’s singles and doubles titles in the men’s 60’s division. A previous winner in the singles division, this was See’s first time winning both the singles and doubles division titles at the Masters Year-End Event.

See has more than 40 years of experience in professional tennis instruction and is a USPTA level one instructor. In his role as director of tennis at Cypress Lake Country Club, See provides members of all ages with individual and group tennis lessons at a variety of experience levels from beginning to advanced instruction.

In addition to his USPTA level one instruction certification, See is a member of a variety of local and national professional organizations including the Florida USPTA, the United States Tennis Association and United States Professional Tennis Registry. He has both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in physical education and has earned a number of professional tennis awards including the district USPTA Pro of the Year in 2006.

Located at 6767 Winkler Rd. in Fort Myers, Cypress Lake Country Club is a member-owned, private country club with more than 280 members. Since the opening of the first nine holes in 1961, Cypress Lake Country Club has provided an award-winning private country club golf experience to Southwest Florida players. Members enjoy access to golf and tennis as well as social and dining experiences at the clubhouse. Various membership levels are offered including the all-inclusive Founder (full golf) Membership. For more information, please call 239-481-1333 or visit www.cypresslakecc.com.

PHOTO & VIDEO OPPORTUNITY
25th ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
OF SAND SCULPTING
AT FORT MYERS BEACH, NOVEMBER 17TH – 27TH

WHO:
World Championship of Sand Sculpting, Big C Events & Sand Lubbers

WHAT:
The World Championship of Sand Sculpting has selected Fort Myers Beach as the host location for their 25th annual event. It’s the first time the event has been in Florida and it’s open to all ages. Charlie Beaulieu, event director and a World Championship winner twelve times over, and Bill Knight of Sand Lubbers, co-director, teamed up with Jason Camp, event host with Big C Events, to bring this world-class sand sculpting competition to Fort Myers beach for everyone to enjoy. For a detailed schedule of activities and event information, please CLICK HERE:

WHY:
The event organizers want to celebrate the area, bringing a world-class event to Southwest Florida. Fort Myers Beach has some of the finest sand and activities, making it a perfect match for the World Championship event. Also, a designated portion of this event’s proceeds will be donated to Kiwanis International and UNICEF’s “Eliminate Project”. For specific details about this cause, please CLICK HERE

WHEN:
Thursday, November 17th – Sunday, November 27th.
Monday – Thursday    9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday    9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday      9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 17th is FREE (no ticket required) to all who wish to attend opening day; meet the artists as they set-up and prepare for the competition later in the week.

WHERE:
Holiday Inn
6890 Estero Boulevard | Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
239-463-2909 -  CLICK HERE for map

FORT MYERS, Fla. – February 25, 2011 – A delightful evening of hope and butterflies is coming to Fort Myers on Saturday, March 19th when Dunkin’s Diamonds will host a benefit event for Hope Hospice.

The event will be held at the Dunkin’s Diamonds Gulf Coast Town Center location at 9918 Gulf Coast Main Street from 4 PM to 7 PM. The opening ceremony will include an introduction to Hope Hospice and a live butterfly release followed by the reception with hors d’oeuvres by PF Chang’s China Bistro.

Gold and sterling silver butterfly jewelry will be on display with a portion of the proceeds of each piece sold to be donated to Hope Hospice. Guests will also have the opportunity to buy a bag of “Healthy Chocolates” for $10. Inside select bags, are gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100, provided by Dunkin’s Diamonds and local Gulf Coast Town Center merchants. Infiniti of Fort Myers will have the 2011 QX56 and M Class available for viewing as well.

Spectacular raffle items up are up for grabs including a sunset dinner cruise for two on the Sanibel Harbour Princess, two tickets to a performance of “Rent” at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater and a $1,000 Dunkin’s Diamonds gift certificate. Tickets can be purchased starting at 10 AM up to the drawing at 6:30 PM.

For details on the event, please call (239) 267-4547.

Hope Hospice’s mission is to provide exceptional care and support to every individual and their loved ones as they fulfill life’s journey. For more information on Hope Hospice, please visithttp://www.hopehospice.org.

Dunkin’s Diamonds is known for having the largest selection of designer jewelry, precious gems and diamonds. A third generation tradition, starting in Europe, the company has since grown into Southwest Florida’s Premiere Jewelry Company. The diamonds are direct from the world’s top diamond cutters, enabling Dunkin’s Diamonds to offer the best prices in Southwest Florida. For more information or to view the online gallery, please visit http://www.DunkinsDiamonds.com or call (877) 343-4883.

29th Annual Taste of the Town, Fort Myers
Nov. 8, 2011
239-277-1197
www.jlfm.org
Sponsored by the Junior League of Fort Myers, this tasty event held downtown in Centennial Park features samplings from more than 40 local restaurants. The largest food and entertainment festival in southwest Florida with more than 15,000 people attending, it also includes live music and more along the Calooshatchee River. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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25th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival, Fort Myers Beach

Dolphins, great blue herons, giant computers, entwined lovers and Neptune, god of the seas: The intricate sculptures at the 25th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival takes “playing in the sand” to a whole new level in November on Fort Myers Beach. From nothing more than a beach of sand and 300 gallons of water, about 20 master sculptors will create complex works of art. Amateur sculptors are invited to create and learn from the masters during a Sandsculpting 101 workshop on Friday.

November 9-13, 2011
239-454-7500
www.sandfestival.com

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26th Annual Oktoberfest, Cape Coral

Hosted by the German-American Club, this huge celebration includes German culture, food, music and dancing features. Highlights include authentic live entertainment with large musical groups from Germany, along with enough German food and beer to make anyone do the “Chicken Dance.” Gates open Friday 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $5 in advance, $6 at the gate for ages 13 and older.

October 2011, German-American Club
2101 SW Pine Island Road
Cape Coral
239-283-1400
www.gasc-capecoral.com

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TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER TOURNAMENT
Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers Holding Event to Raise Money for Blessings in a Backpack

The public is invited to come out for a Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers on Thursday, June 17th. All proceeds will benefit the local charity, Blessings in a Backpack. The organization raises money to feed Lee County children in need, to improve their academic opportunity. In fact, each participant means one child will be fed for an entire school year!

Registration can be completed by filling out a form at Harley-Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers or contacting Jessica Fischer at 239-677-5156. The cost is $85 per player or $30 per spectator and includes food and beverages. First prize is $1,000 cash, second is $500 cash and third is $250 cash, but a good time is sure to be had by all. Space is limited, so participants are urged to call soon and secure their spot!

Sponsorships are still being accepted. The main event sponsor is $500 and includes banner placement, name announced and 4 table seats. Table sponsors pay $300 and receive table signage, name announced and 2 table seats. The beverage sponsorship is $300 and receives banner placement, name announced and 2 table seats.

ABOUT BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
Blessings in a Backpack is a program designed to feed elementary school children who qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. Eighty-five dollars feeds a child for an entire school year. All donations go directly to the local, Tice Elementary and Edgewood Academy Elementary students. For more information please call 239-690-4649 orvisit http://www.blessingsinleeco.org or contact the local effort via mail at 5781 Lee Boulevard suite 208-239 Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971.

ABOUT HARLEY-DAVIDSON/BUELL OF FORT MYERS
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers is located at 2160 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers and can be reached by calling (239) 275-4647 or visiting http://www.hdfortmyers.com. Scott Fischer Enterprises, and all their Harley-Davidson locations, has a strong commitment to motorcycle safety as well as the community. For more information on these events and or other local Harley activities, please visit http://www.harleyflorida.com.

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LEE COUNTY MARCH FOR BABIES ANNOUNCES BUGGY DECORATING CONTEST FOR ADDED FUN DURING WALK ON APRIL 24^TH

The March for Babies, coordinated by the March of Dimes is coming to Lee County and will feature a new event at this year’s walk. Participants are invited to choose a theme, decorate their strollers/wagons, etc. and enter them in the “Buggy Decorating Contest”.

The Lee county walk will be held on Saturday, April 24^th at Centennial Park, with registration at 6:00 p.m. and the March beginning at 7:00 p.m. Put on with the support of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine, the buggy contest will begin on walk day at check in. Each entrant will be photographed and MomsLikeMe.com visitors will get to vote over the weekend. The winner, receiving an exciting prize package of goodies, will be announced on Monday, April 26^th.

To register as a walker or to create a team, please visit http://www.marchforbabies.org. For details on the event, please visit the event listing page. Also, be sure to visit the Facebook pages for updated information and details on contests, sponsors, etc. More information is also available on the Moms Like Me Website.

Sponsors for the Lee County march include Presenting Sponsor, Wells Fargo / Wachovia, Family Sponsor, The Children’s Hospital of SWFL, Park Sponsor Comcast and ABC-7, 93.3 WOLZ, Florida Weekly and MetroPCS.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES

The most urgent infant health problem in the United States today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit www.marchofdimes.com or www.nacersano.org.

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The Downtown Fort Myers two-day art event continues in April.

The next monthly Art Walk will be Friday, April 2, from 6 to 10 p.m. It will be followed by the new Saturday Art Fair on April 3, in the Patio de Leon from noon to 4 p.m.
The Friday, April 2, Art Walk will include more than a dozen art stops and will feature new art exhibitions, live music and the traditional after party.
Held the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m., Art Walk features local and national artwork in the downtown art galleries and several art stops in the Fort Myers River District. The evening culminates with an after party at 10 p.m. The April after party will be held at Spirits of Bacchus on Hendry Street.
The Saturday Art Fair will run from noon to 4 p.m. About two dozen local art vendors and artisans will be set up in the Patio de Leon selling their art. Galleries will be open and some galleries will be hosting “Make-It & Take-It” art projects for the kids. Admission is free. The Saturday Art Fair runs January through May.
The nearly 40 participants in Art Walk include the Alliance for the Arts, Art League of Fort Myers, Art of the Olympians, Arts for ACT Gallery and Boutique, Café Matisse, Cigar Bar, Coloring The World, Conch Sweet Corner Café, daas Gallery, Delicious Things, Digital Data Destruction, Downtown Deli & Market, Downtown House of Pizza, Enjewel, First United Methodist Church, Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency, French Connection, H2 Downtown Bistro, Hampton Inn & Suites, Happenings A&E Magazine, Hideaway Sports Bar, Hotel Indigo, HOWL Gallery, Iberia Bank, LaTrattoria Restaurant, Main Street Antiques, Morgan House Restaurant, The Oasis Luxury Condos, Potomac Bead Company, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Select Transportation, SKS PhotoShoot, Space 39 Gallery, Spirits of Bacchus, The Spot, The Veranda Restaurant, and the Young Artists Awards Program.
Here are some highlights of the Friday, April 2, Art Walk:
- Art League of Fort Myers: Opening of “The Art of Photography” exhibit.
- Art of the Olympians: Exhibit featuring the works of Al Oerter and Liston Bochette in the main gallery and a special showing in the downstairs gallery. They will also have a Young Artists Awards performer.
- Arts for ACT Gallery: Opening reception for exhibit, “Art Fusions” by Naoko and five other collaborating artists.
- daas Gallery: Opening reception for “Buddha: Images of the Deity”.
- HOWL Gallery: Opening reception for new exhibit, “The Hybrid Art of Steve Luongo”. Live music by Cosmic Mountain from 8-10 p.m. on the back patio.
- Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center: Opening for new exhibit, “Turn, Turn, Turn – The Artistic Synthesis of Vinyl to Art,” followed by a performance by jazz and chamber music ensemble PROJECT (concert is $35 admission).
- Space 39: Opening of a new group show featuring the art of Ryan Metke.
Another highlight of the extremely popular evening will be the weekly Friday Night Live which takes place in the Patio de Leon. Screamin’ & Cryin’ (country blues) will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.
Always a collector’s item, new Art Walk buttons will be available at galleries that night.
A free shuttle service courtesy of Select Transportation Inc., with stops planned near the art venues, and parking at the Harborside Event Center will be available for Art Walk patrons. Shuttle stops include The Oasis Condos, Art of the Olympians, and Enjewel on First Street. A map of Art Walk, transportation, and parking will be distributed by participating galleries. Art Walk is a rain or shine event. Art Walk was started by a group of art galleries and art enthusiasts and debuted in October of 2008. For more information on Art Walk, participating galleries and links to

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Steve Luongo has been a touring professional drummer and recording artist since the age of 13.  The most prolific and significant of all was his work was with the late John Entwistle, the legendary bass guitarist for The Who. The two musicians became the best of friends and Steve produced, performed, co-wrote and toured with The John Entwistle Band until John’s death in 2002. It was Steve that wrote and delivered the eulogy at John Entwistle’s memorial service in London and produced and directed the documentary film, An Ox’s Tale: The John Entwistle Story.  Steve has also toured with Leslie West/Mountain, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Heart’s Ann Wilson and played in one off recording sessions or performances with Richie Blackmore, Joe Walsh and Billy Squier.


www.howlgallery.com

HOWL Gallery/Tattoo
1514 Broadway #101
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 332-0161 phone

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MARCH FOR BABIES COMING TO LEE, COLLIER & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES

The March for Babies, coordinated by the March of Dimes is the biggest fundraiser and combines corporate sponsorship, walker fundraising, vendor campaigns and personal commitments to raise money for March of Dimes research and community programs. Their work helps moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. This will be a tri-county event taking place in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties.

The Lee county walk will be held on Saturday, April 24^th. The evening walk will be held at Centennial Park, with registration at 6:00 p.m. and the March beginning at 7:00 p.m. Lee County expects to have 1,500 walkers and has hopes of raising $270,000 to support the March of Dimes efforts. Centennial Park is located at 2100 Edwards Drive in Fort Myers.

Charlotte County’s walk will also be held on Saturday, April 24^th. This walk will be held at Bayshore Live Oak Park, with registration at 8:00 a.m. and the March beginning at 9:00 a.m. Charlotte County is estimated to have 350 participants and has a fundraising goal of $65,000. Bayshore Live Oak Park is located at 23157 Bayshore Road in Port Charlotte.

The Collier County walk is scheduled for May 1^st and will be held at Cambier Park. Another evening walk, registration will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the March will start at 7:00 p.m. Collier County estimates having 500 walkers and hopes to raise $120,000. Cambier Park is located at 755 8^th Avenue South in Naples.

To register as a walker or to create a team, please visit http://www.marchforbabies.org. For details on the tri-county events, please visit the event listing page. Also, be sure to visit the Facebook pages for updated information and details on contests, sponsors, etc.

A concert in the park will follow the Lee and Collier County walks. The Charlotte County walk will include a picnic in the park after the walk. Following all three walks, awards and celebration ceremonies will take place.

Serving as the March for Babies 2010 Chair in Fort Myers and Naples, John J. Iacuone, M.D. is the Executive Director for The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida/Lee Memorial Health System. He is Board Certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Sponsors for the Lee County march include Presenting Sponsor, Wells Fargo / Wachovia, Family Sponsor, The Children’s Hospital of SWFL, ABC-7, 93.3 WOLZ, Florida Weekly and MetroPCS. Charlotte County’s Presenting Sponsor is Peace River Regional Medical Center and sponsors for Collier include Presenting Sponsor, Physicians Regional Medical Center and other sponsor Wells Fargo / Wachovia.

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American Lung Association, Launches First Local Stairclimb Event, Fort Myers Fundraising

Following the lead of chapters around the country, the Gulfcoast Chapter of the American Lung Association has replaced its annual 5K walk with the first ever “stairclimb” in Southwest Florida. Registration is underway for the 2010 Fight for Air Climb, scheduled for May 1 at the High Point Place, 2104 West First St. in Fort Myers.

During stairclimbs, participants raise money by collecting pledges to ascend the stairway in a high-rise tower. High Point Place, the tallest building between Tampa and Miami, is donating access to one of its towers for the Fight For Air Climb, and Lee Memorial Hospital is the presenting sponsor.

“We are so excited to bring a stairclimb to Fort Myers and are thrilled with the initial enthusiasm from volunteers and participants registered to climb,” said Kurt Goerke, regional director of the Gulfcoast Chapter of the American Lung Association. “We have groups already training for the stairclimb, and we believe the event will not only be a fundraising success, but will be a lot of fun for our climbers.”

Fight for Air Climbs are unique fund-raising events for the American Lung Association, usually occurring in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve climbing multiple steps. Sometimes called a “vertical road race,” teams and individual participants often use the event as a fitness target, as a race or as a way to be active and meet new friends. Many climbers participate to support someone who has lung disease or as a memorial to someone who has passed away. The lung association chapters in West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale also host Fight for Air Climbs.

Teams and participants already have registered for the Fort Myers event. The registration fee is $25 and each climber must raise $100. More information and online registration is available at www.FightForAirClimbFtMyers.org.

“High Point Place offers climbers 30 floors and 514 steps, which will provide for a nice fitness challenge,” Goerke said. “Already we have groups of firefighters and active runners and walkers training to climb with us. Volunteers are working hard to plan and promote the event, and businesses are aiding their support as well. Our goal is to raise $70,000.”

In addition to Lee Memorial Health System and High Point Place, sponsors include BB&T, Clear Channel Radio, Microware Inc. and Rene’s Restaurant. For more information on getting involved, call 239-908-2680.

About the American Lung Association

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.

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4th Annual Play for Pink Golf event at Crown Colony Golf & Country Club

The Inaugural Piper 5K, Newly Established Piper Lynn Buckley Foundation

The inaugural Piper 5K in honor of three-year old Piper Buckley will take place at the Gateway Community on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 9 a.m with proceeds to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

The race will honor the life and spirit of Piper Lynne Buckley who was born on Oct. 21, 2006 weighing only 3.9 lbs and spent 21 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Children’s Hospital. Piper passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Christmas Day of 2009 at only three years of age. Piper was the daughter of Realtor and former Florida Everblades star Tom Buckley and Mallie Montgomery retail store owner Heather Holland, both of Fort Myers. Piper served as The Boston Red Sox Children’s Hospital Celebrity Classic’s MVP (Most Valuable Patient) in 2008 which also supported the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Join the Piper Buckley Foundation Facebook Page

Runners will start at 9 a.m. with walkers and a stroller push beginning at 9:30 a.m. The race will start and finish at the Soccer Complex on Griffin Drive in the community of Gateway in Fort Myers.

Entry fee is $29 in advance or $39 day of race. Fee includes commemorative T-shirt and lunch. Entry forms are available at www.piperbuckley.com. All entry forms must be signed and all checks made payable to the Piper Buckley Foundation. Entry form and check must be mailed to Ed Ryan C/O Fort Myers Fitness, 13130 Westlinks Terrace, Fort Myers FL, 33913. (Early) Registration bags and numbers can be picked up at Fort Myers Fitness on Friday, Feb.12. If unable to attend you can also support the event by purchasing a t-shirt for $15.00 at Fort Myers Fitness with all proceeds to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“Piper had an amazing spirit and was an inspiration to us all,” said Kathy Bridge-Liles, V.P. Women’s & Children’s Services at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in a prepared statement. “We are honored that her family has chosen to help save the lives of other babies we are caring for each day in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”

Donations are key to providing services, other officials agreed.

“Our Children’s Hospital depends on philanthropic support to maintain continued excellence in care. We are deeply touched by the community support of all of those who have chosen to honor Piper’s spirit by contributing to this effort,” said Sharon A. MacDonald, chief foundation officer, Lee Memorial Health System, also in a prepared statement. “We thank Piper’s parents Tom and Heather and their families for their continuing commitment to our mission to help save the lives of our tiniest patients.”

The 5K race will also include a walk and a stroller push. If you would like to be on the e-mail list to receive Race updates, please send an e-mail to edryan@fortmyersfitness.com or check Facebook. We are looking for sponsors, volunteers and, of course, race participants. Our goal is to make this event one of the biggest and best annual races in all of Gateway and Fort Myers.

For more information, please visit www.piperbuckley.com or call the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation office at 239-985-3550.

Source: Lee Memorial Health System

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FORT MYERS CONTINUES BIKE NIGHT & CONCERT SERIES, All Proceeds to Benefit Blessings in a Backpack

HARLEY-DAVIDSON/BUELL OF FORT MYERS CONTINUES BIKE NIGHT & CONCERT SERIES

All Food & Drink $1 & All Proceeds to Benefit Blessings in a Backpack

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers will be hosting a bike night and live concert, on Friday, February 19^th asking the community to come out for a good, affordable time. All draft beers and sodas will be $1 each with donations requested for all food items. All proceeds will go directly to Blessings in a Backpack.

From 6:00 until 10:00 p.m. guests are invited to come hang out at the dealership and enjoy refreshments and live entertainment. Bike nights are a monthly activity, the next one schedule for March 19^th in Naples.

The local H.O.G. chapter will help coordinate the events with water, beer and soda stations as well as hot dogs for guests to choose from.

Scott Fischer, owner of Scott Fischer Enterprises and both dealerships, is a founding board member for the Blessings in a Backpack local efforts. He initiated the bike night and concert series as a way to get back to the basics of bike nights, creating a quality event for the Southwest Florida riding community and to raise money for the organization.

ABOUT BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK

Blessings in a Backpack is a program designed to feed elementary school children who qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. Eighty dollars feeds a child for an entire school year. All donations go directly to the local, Tice Elementary students. For more information please call 239-690-4649 orvisit http://www.blessingsinleeco.orgor contact the local effort via mail at 5781 Lee Boulevard suite 208-239 Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971.

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Peter Max at the Fort Myers Bell Tower Shops

Peret Max will be at the Fort Myers Bell Tower Shops Friday from 6-9pm and Saturday from noon to 3pm. RSVP by contacting the Bell Tower Shops at 239.415.7000

Click here for more info on the Bell Tower Shops

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American Cancer Society of Lee County, Cattle Barons’ Ball, Bell Tower Shops

On January 23, from 6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m at the Bell Tower Shops Cleveland & Daniels Fort Myers, the Bell Tower Shops are hosting the Cattle Barons Ball for the American Cancer Society. Money raised goes directly to support local cancer programs and fund cancer research. Local cancer programs include a children’s camp, scholarships, pediatric research, transportation to treatments, and other programs throughout the year. Tables of eight are $3,000. Reservations required. Beth Hayes at 239-936-1113, Ext. 113.
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2010 Business Tradeshow

Empowered Network Inc., the local women’s networking group, is hosting their 2010 Business Tradeshow on Tuesday, March 30^th from 3pm to 7pm at Three Oaks Banquet Center in Estero, Florida.  This event is for professional businesses in the Southwest Florida area to exhibit their products or services to attending peer professionals and members of the public.

The 2010 Business Tradeshow is free to attend and Joann Frazier, President of Empowered Network, hopes that, “this spring event, focusing on small businesses, will offer the attention that our local business economy needs.”  In addition, Joann hopes to outdo the turnout of the 2009 Business Tradeshow where 68 vendors were on display and more than 600 attendees came to support the event.  The 2010 Business Tradeshow will allow business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, restaurants, retail stores and many others to network and explore business opportunities.  In addition, it will allow the public to inquire about employment, discover new businesses and learn about products and services.

The 2010 Business Tradeshow is looking for both sponsors and vendors to participate.  Vendors can sign up early, before January 15^th, for only $75.  Sponsors already include: 88.7 Way FM, Mona Lisa Graphics, Set Free Photography, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center at FGCU, Rick Johnson Auto & Tires, Small Business Resource Network and Mow and Blow Lawn and Landscape.

If you are interested in being a sponsor or a vendor contact:

Joann Frazier- 239-233-4114, info@EmpoweredNetworking.com

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Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fort Myers

In the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel we are turning back the clock to the 1970’s. With a huge disco party! Dance the night away to your favorite Disco tunes . For only $25 which includes a bottomless cup (well drinks wine and draft beer), free noise makers, hats and champagne toast at midnight. That’s right bottomless cup. Keep the drinks going all night long with this onetime cost and a special room rate of only $85? Why drive when you can stay here?

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Fort Myers, The First Annual Chix-N-Stix Ladies Fishing Tournament

The first event of this caliber for ladies in the fishing industry! Chix-N-Stix is taking over Southwest Florida on December 4th and 5th, 2009 on Fort Myers Beach, FL. With the cash and prize payout reaching over $5,000 and an entry fee of $100 for the ladies and $50 for the men there is no excuse not to come out and be a part of this huge event! The species of fish (ladyfish) has been kept fun to keep the pressure low; and there will be a couple of mystery fish categories, a youth division and a winner for the largest ladyfish.

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SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE SW FLORIDA AFFILIATE & THE COLLIER COUNTY CHAPTER OF HADASSAH TO HOST CONGRESSWOMAN WASSERMAN  SCHULTZ FOR EDUCATIONAL LUNCHEON ON THE ‘EARLY’ ACT

September 23, 2009 – The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Southwest Florida Affiliate and the Collier County Chapter of Hadassah are proud to announce they will be hosting an educational luncheon on Friday, November 13th at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to bring awareness to women on the issue of breast cancer.

The Congresswoman will discuss her experience with breast cancer and her introduction of the EARLY Act for young women. Additional speakers will include Dr. Harmindar Gill with Advanced Imaging, Amy Lademann of Beyond Motion, Dorothy Hirsch, Policy Chair for Susan G. Komen Southwest Florida Affiliate.

The luncheon is $30 per person to attend and will run from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a light lunch and dessert provided. Interested guests must register in advance by mailing a check made payable to “Hadassah” to Marsha Goldfine at 6107 Fariway Court, Naples, FL 34110. For more event information, please call (239) 498-0016.

Event sponsors include: The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, The Jewish Federation of Collier County, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, Naples Daily News and Pushing the Envelope, Inc.

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Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk to celebrate

1st Anniversary Oct. 2

The monthly Art Walk will celebrate its One Year Anniversary on Friday, Oct. 2, in the Downtown Fort Myers River District. The October Art Walk will feature new art exhibitions, live music, a one-act play and a huge after party.

October marks the 13th time for the monthly Art Walk that was startedby a group of art galleries and art enthusiasts and debuted in Octoberof 2008. Held the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 pm, ArtWalk features local and national artwork in the downtown art galleriesand several art stops in the Fort Myers River District. The eveningculminates with an After Party at 10 pm. The October party will beheld at the Hotel Indigo.

Here are some highlights of what the Friday, Oct. 4th Art Walk will feature:

- Art League of Fort Myers: The league will observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its Fourth Annual “Cele-bra-tion” show opening. Young Artist Awards Program will perform.

- Arts for ACT Gallery: Opening reception for exhibit featuring artists Lennie Jones, Allen Tiller and Philip Heubeck, with vocal entertainment by the Uptown Girls, Kat Stramara, and Kim Masters.

- Bar Association Bistro: Artist Scott Dozier will be painting at the bar that night.

- The Burroughs Home: Exhibit featuring paper-castings artist Ellen Bianchi.

- Enjewel: Featured artist is Charles Albert, who creates one-of-a-kind, high quality jewelry designs inspired by nature.

- daas Gallery: Opening of an exhibit called Dark, featuring artist Tony “Chainsaw” Myles.

- HOWL Gallery: Reception for “The Art of Norman Korpi”, paintings by artist and first season MTV Real World Star, Norman Korpi.  Meet the artist during Art Walk.

- Inspire: Featured artist is oil painter Sara Masters.

Another highlight of this special evening will be live street performers throughout the downtown in between art stops. Also, the weekly Friday Night Live will take place in the Patio de Leon. John Mooney, a New Orleans slide guitarist, will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.

A free shuttle service, with stops planned near the art venues, and parking at the Harborside Event Center will be available for Art Walk patrons. A map of Art Walk, transportation, and parking will be distributed by participating galleries. For more information on Art Walk, participating galleries and links to gallery websites, visit www.fortmyersartwalk.com.

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Kids in need melt the hearts of rock stars

The 1st annual Classic Rock Cares Golf Tournament and Concert/Dinneris a fund raising effort by the John Entwistle Foundation aimed atexpanding its music therapy rooms.  Upgrades for The Cliff WilliamsRoom at our own Health Park in Ft Myers and The Brian Johnson room inSarasota Memorial Hospital are planned following this current fundraising effort.  The 2 rooms mentioned were named for the bassist and singer of the rock group AC/DC which is currentl y on a world tour.Johnson and Williams along with drummer/producer Steve Luongo touredin 2007 to raise funds for the children’s music therapy rooms whichopened in 2008.  The 2 day event will take place on Friday October 2ndand Saturday October 3rd at The Forest Country Club.  Friday eveningwill be the dinner/concert in the Forest clubhouse.  It will beginwith a buffet dinner and viewing of the auction items for both the“live” and “silent” auctions to be held that night.  The auction itemswill include rare investment grade memorabilia from decades of rock &roll,  ports and movie stars.  Also on display that night will be JohnEntwistle’s one of a kind prototype graphite Buzzard Bass built fromhis own original design and valued at $500,000.00.  The evening willconclude with a private concert.  The music will be provided by thefoundation’s executive director and Forest member Steve Luongo.  Steveis an internationally known drummer/producer who has performed,produced or recorded with some of the biggest names in the music business.  Steve’s live performances are usually=2 0seen in arenas andother large venues around the world.  However, this particular weekendwill see Steve along with guitar phenomenon Mark Hitt and bassistextraordinaire Larry Hobbs performing for an intimate crowd at theclubhouse.  The trio will perform classic rock hits from Cream, LedZeppelin, The Who, AC/DC and others.  Luongo and company have historywith all of these artists and the set list will reflect thoseconnections.

Saturday The Forest Country Club will feature a shotgun golftournament with registration at 9 am and the tee off at 10:30  am.There will be a golf breakfast and lunch and special events scheduledfor various holes with prizes for the top 3 finishers.  The day willinclude additional auctions, raffles and other events including a50/50 ball drop and a chance to win a new Lincoln from Galloway Ford.Have 2 great days of fun and help kids in need with the gift of musicat the same time.

CONTACT: John Entwistle Foundation 239.482.6880

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Step WiseLee campaign kicks-off on National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, Sept. 22

Lee County leads the state with highest rate of fall-related deaths

The Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition announces the launch of its countywide public awareness campaign aimed at preventing falls and fall-related deaths and injuries in Lee County. Appropriately named “Step WiseLee,” the initiative calls on local health care agencies, residents, family and friends to work together to prevent falls and fall-related injuries and deaths in Lee County. In addition to the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition, members of the “Step WiseLee” partnership include the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Lee County Health Department, Lee County Public Safety – EMS and Lee Memorial Health System.

For Lee County families who have lost a loved one or been injuredthemselves during a fall, the call to action can’t come soon enough. Sadly, falls were the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths inLee County in 2007. The numbers are alarming: 144 people died from falls in Lee County in 2007. In fact, Lee County leads the state in fall related death rates by a margin of more than 2-1, or more thandouble the state average.

In recognition of National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, as well as Balance Awareness Week, Lee Memorial Health System and members of the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition will host two community health fairs to include related health care presentations, displays and guest speakers, including Dr. Lowell Gerson, chairperson of the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition, who will be among the speakers who will talk about the Step WiseLee campaign and share information on how to prevent falls and fall-related deaths and injuries. The events are as follows:

Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, The Wellness Center of Cape Coral,
Lee Memorial Health System, 609 SE 13th Court, Cape Coral

Sept. 22, 2 to 4 p.m., Lee Memorial Auditorium, 2776
Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers

Lee Memorial Health System’s The Balance Clinic also is celebrating Balance Awareness Week with free balance screenings from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 and Sept. 24 at The Balance Clinic, on Carrell Road in Fort Myers. Pre-registration is required by calling 239-418-2000. Space is limited to 50 participants.

The CDC suggests the following key steps to reduce the risk of falls:

Begin a regular exercise program
Make your home safer by clearing walkways and hallways
Have your vision checked
Have your health provider review your medications

For a more detailed checklist on how you can help prevent falls and fall-related injuries and deaths, please visit the soon to launch Web site http://www.stepwiselee.com.

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“GIRLS NIGHT OUT” EVENT TO BENEFIT BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
October 1 at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers

Blessings in a Backpack is excited to announce they will be hosting a ladies networking and fundraising event dubbed “Girls’ Night Out” (GNO) on Thursday, October 1st at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers.

In excess of 300 women are expected to attend this fun-filled evening from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. complete with delectable food and wine, raffle items, motorcycle photo ops, swag bags filled with goodies and more. Guests will have a chance to mingle, learn more about Blessings in a Backpack, and get to hear about the impact this organization has directly from children in Lee County.

The best prize up for grabs is “The Ultimate GNO.” Anyone who sponsors a child will be entered in the drawing for an Ultimate GNO evening involving a limo bus, yacht and a pub crawl for the winner and 3 friends.   Anyone who sponsors 10 children will also get 4 tickets to the Ultimate Girls Night Out.

Tickets, priced at only $20, are going fast and participants are encouraged to register in advance on the website at www.blessingsinleeco.org.

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Experience The Revolution Of Bliss

Celebrate The Joy Of Hoola HOOPING…
FREE Global Event – ALL Welcome
Hoop Jam & Drum Circle

Donating 99 Handmade Hoops To Kids

99 Second Silent Hoop Circle For Peace & Unity At 7:08 pm

FUN For ALL Ages – Plenty Of Hoops Available

Contact Information

Gina Defrancesco – Local World Hoop Day Ambassador – phone number: 941-258-2474 email address: WonderWhirl@yahoo.com

Website for more information: www.WonderWhirl.com AND www.WorldHoopDay.com

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6th ANNUAL “SWING FOR KIDS” GOLF TOURNAMENT

AUGUST 8th

Benefitting Children Undergoing Cancer Treatments, Winners Could Get Custom Built Home and  Brand New Nissan Altima, a Nissan 370Z or $1 million!

Get ready to take your best shot because making a hole-in-one at this year’s 2009 “Swing For The Kids” Golf Tournament can get you $1 million in cash and a custom built Cape Harbour Funky Fish House with a brand new car in the driveway, along with other exceptional prizes!

The 18-hole tournament, which benefits children undergoing cancer treatments at Health Park Children’s Hospital, is taking place August 8th at Cross Creek Country Club’s executive course in Fort Myers. Tee off is at 8:00 a.m. with a cost of $260 per team of four, including a luncheon afterwards at the Cape Coral Elks Lodge.

In its sixth year, all the funds collected during the tournament are used to support and comfort children in their battle with cancer. Over the past five years, the event has raised over $30,000.

Mike Anderson, the tournament’s co-chairman, believes this year’s challenge is creating the most excitement and anticipation of any year thus far. “We have some top prizes in this year’s hole-in-one contest, and the way it’s forming up now, especially with the house as a prize, it looks like it will be our biggest event yet!”

A $30 special package buys a chance at being selected among 20 players competing to win one of two top hole-in-one prizes. A random drawing will select 10 contestants that will shoot from 140 yards in an attempt to drop the ball into the cup or get closest to the pin. The top qualifier will then shoot from 168 yards. A hole-in-one will win that player $1 million dollars in cash. A second round of 10 players will attempt to qualify from 140 yards with that qualifier shooting from 168 yards in hopes of winning the custom built Funky Fish House and the Nissan Altima.

The custom designed and built Funky Fish House is offered through a joint donation by Cape Harbour owner/developer Will Stout of Realmark Development along with Richard F. Durling, owner and president of Marvin Development Corporation. The home will be located on one of 19 lots within the Key-West style waterfront cottage community now under construction along Cape Harbour’s Marina. In the driveway of the new home will be a brand new Nissan Altima courtesy of Sutherlin Nissan of Fort Myers.

Other top prizes include a new Nissan 370Z sports car courtesy of Sutherlin Nissan of Fort Myers, valued at $25,000; a $75,000 recreational vehicle from North Trail RV Center, Fort Myers; trips, including a $10,000 trip for two to Ireland, and $5,000 cash prize courtesy of Lexington Country Club. Another $5,000 cash prize, courtesy of Century 21 Sunbelt, will go to the lucky golfer who sinks a 60-foot putt; other raffle prizes include dinner certificates to local restaurants, and expense-paid weekend stays including one at Cape Harbour with marina privileges.

Cross Creek Country Club is located at 13050 Cross Creek Blvd, off Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers. To register or to become a sponsor, contact Mike Anderson at (239) 229-3813. For more information about this event, please visit www.capeharbour.com or call (239) 945-6116.

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Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk features exhibits, music, and play Aug. 7

The next monthly Art Walk of 2009 will be Friday, August 7, in the Downtown Fort Myers River District. The August Art Walk will again showcase new art exhibitions, a one-act play and performances by students from the Young Artists Awards Program.
August is the 11th time for the monthly Art Walk that was started by a group of art galleries and art enthusiasts and debuted in October of 2008. Held the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 pm, Art Walk features local and national artwork in the downtown art galleries and other locations in the Fort Myers River District. The evening culminates with an after party at 10pm. The August after party will be held at Spirits of Bacchus on Hendry Street.

Participants in the monthly Art Walk include the Alliance for the Arts, Art League of Fort Myers, Arts for ACT Gallery and Boutique, ArtFest Fort Myers, Art of the Olympians, The Bar Association Bistro, Inspire!, The Burroughs Home, Café Matisse, daas Gallery, Enjewel, Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency, H2, Happenings A&E Magazine, Hotel Indigo, HOWL Gallery, The Oasis Luxury Condos, Potomac Bead Co., Salon Nicholas, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, Space 39, Spirits of Bacchus and The Veranda Restaurant.
Being featured during the Friday, August 7, Art Walk will be:
Art League of Fort Myers: Summer Time fine arts show.
Arts for ACT Gallery: Opening reception for exhibits featuring artist Debbie Greene, the art of children ages 5 to 11 from grades K-8 and the art of recent high school graduates or college-aged students from Southwest Florida. Also, Dana Alvarez, a contemporary vocalist from the Young Artists Awards Program will perform from 6 to 8 pm.
The Burroughs Home: Exhibit featuring Sanibel artist Peter Zell.  His show will hang until August 21.
Café Matisse: Pianist Melody Cooke from the Young Artists Awards Program will be playing from 6 to 8pm. daas Gallery: Opening of an exhibit called “Frida: Thoughts, Blood and Flowers, A Tribute to Frida Kahlo”, featuring various artists’ works.
Enjewel: Featuring Del Sol jewelry artist Terry Meza.
HOWL Gallery: Artist reception for “High Brow Hot Rods, The Auto-Expressionist Paintings of Daniel Brown”.
Space 39:  A group exhibit of modern and contemporary art. The gallery is temporarily relocated in the Palm Room at the entrance to Hotel Indigo.
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center: A free, one-act play at 7 pm and 8:30 pm, called Final Stage.  Also on display will be the landscape and abstract art of local artist Carol McArdle.

Another highlight of the evening is the weekly Friday Night Live in the Patio de Leon. Sanjah Reggae will perform from 6 to 9 pm.
Along with the art galleries, many restaurants and other businesses support the monthly walk by being open and offering various specials before and after Art Walk. Now becoming quite the collector’s item, Art Walk buttons will be available at galleries that night.

A free shuttle service, with stops planned near the art venues, and free parking at the Harborside Event Center will be available for Art Walk patrons. A map of Art Walk, transportation, and parking will be distributed by participating galleries. For more information on Art Walk, participating galleries and links to gallery websites, visit www.fortmyersartwalk.com.

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The 6th Annual Young Professionals BIG EVENT is finally here!

August 8th 6pm -2am
The Crowne Plaza
Band Performing Live Geek Skwad & DJ Big John
Indoor & Outdoor Event taking over the entire Crowne Plaza Dance Floor
Full Gourmet Fusion Buffet from multiple restaurants
Poolside Cocktail Party
Great drink specials
Rooms $80
Pool Party Sunday
Attire – Roaring 20′s or semi-formal
Tickets $10 members / $20 non-members
$25 non-members at the door

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An Exclusive Event

Featuring RARE collectables from “THE WHO.”
July 17th, 18, & 19th
Friday & Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday 10am-5pm
at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

Other items on display will include a million dollar show and sale of over 300 autographed items from bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Dave Matthews Band, Elton John, and many many more.

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CALL TO ARTISTS!

Juried Exhibits

September Exhibit Theme: Mechanical Elements

Exhibition Dates:
September 4 – September 30, 2009

PRIZE: Overall Best of Show, Cash Prize in the amount of $1,000

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is seeking submissions of 2- and 3-dimensional art work for its ongoing juried exhibits, with opening receptions held the first Friday of each month during downtown Fort Myers’ Art Walk events.

For the September 2009 exhibit, the artistic theme is based on Anthony Burgess’s play, “A Clockwork Orange,” a theological drama dealing with ethics and morality. Images related to clockwork, industry, mechanisms and machinery are appropriate.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center brings world-renowned artists and performers to Southwest Florida for entertainment and educational outreach programs. It hosts concerts, art festivals, charity benefits, and gala events to support the arts and local community. Its outreach programs benefit local children and the disadvantaged who would not otherwise have the opportunity or access to experience world-class cultural enrichment at such an intimate level.

By providing a venue for local emerging artists, the Art Center serves as a platform for budding artists to showcase their work. Florida Arts, Inc., founded in 1997 by Jim Griffith as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, leases and operates the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for the City of Fort Myers.

The Art Center holds the annual Florida Arts Festival and numerous other exhibitions, gala events, and performances. Florida Arts, Inc.’s mission is to nurture innovation and excellence in the visual and performing arts through these events and community outreach programs.

In addition to its artistic mission, Florida Arts, Inc. works to preserve history and restore the building which houses The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, located in the historic federal building in downtown Fort Myers. The Old Federal Building opened in 1933 as a Post Office, the building was converted to a courthouse in the 1960s. It was later vacated and left in disrepair until Florida Arts, Inc. received a 99-year lease from the City of Fort Myers to repair and revitalize it. Last year, over 60,000 visitors toured the building. The structure itself is a work of art, an impressive example of neoclassical architecture, with twenty-foot ceilings and 8,000 square feet of available exhibition space.

While there are no specific guidelines for dimensions or sizes of the pieces that will be accepted for exhibit, the curator encourages innovative and unique installations – art work of immense proportions can be hung from either its massive walls or from its 20-foot ceiling, or displayed on its magnificent granite floors.

For additional information and details please go to www.sbdac.com

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FREE THEATER AT THE ART WALK

VARIATIONS ON THE DEATH OF TROTSKY

by David Ives is a comic look at the assassination of the famous Russian revolutionary, killed by his Mexican gardener, who smashed a mountain climber’s axe into his skull. Was it political disaffection? Anti-counterrevolutionary backlash? You’ll be surprised!

Brought to you once again by More Crinoline Productions and the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, the show stars Robert Feigenblatt, Louise Wigglesworth, and Michael Dunsworth.

Shows begin at 7 pm and 8:30 pm this Friday July 3rd.

Make downtown your destination for Art Walk: it’s the first Friday of every month.

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Pink And Green Party! Click Here To Hear All About it!!

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CAPE CORAL SHRINE CLUB TO HOST SW FLORIDA’S
SHRINERS AWARENESS DAY CELEBRATION

On June 6th, 2009, Shriners around the world will join together to celebrate the 133rd anniversary of the founding of their Imperial Council. The Cape Coral Shrine Club will host the SW Florida celebration from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at their facility on Santa Barbara Blvd.  Araba Shriners’ parade units will be displayed on the grounds and its officers and members will be on hand to answer questions about the Shriners fraternity and its sponsorship of the

Shriners  22 Hospitals for Children. Light refreshments will be served. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the event and join SW Florida Shriners in the celebration of the founding of their Imperial Council.

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BUNTROCK AND DOANE
TRAVELING TO LAS VEGAS
FOR NATIONAL 8-BALL TOURNAMENT

Bob Buntrock and Dave Doane, the two top percentage shooters in the 2008-09 Sanibel 8-Ball Pool League, will compete in the 2009 BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships in Las Vegas, May 8-16. The national tournament draws more that 6,000 players and 2000 teams annually from the United States, Canada, and eight other foreign countries.  More than $66,000 is guaranteed as prize money. Buntrock shot .750 and Doane .700 as teammates on Bunt’s Ball Busters, first place winners in the second year of the Sanibel League. In that League, 60 Sanibel players compete on Monday nights from October through March on American Legion Post 123’s two pocket billiard tables.  These are the only two tables available for League play on Sanibel or Captiva. Sanibel’s new $14 million Recreation Center has a bumper pool table and a foos ball table but no pocket billiard tables.  How many persons participate in bumper pool or foos ball leagues or tournaments is not known. The two Sanibel players are also members of a team in the Ft.Myers 8-Ball Lounge League.  Their team won the all-expense paid Vegas trip in a four-team playoff for the tournament spot. Both are planning to participate again in the third year of Sanibel 8-Ball League play starting in October.  The League will expand to eight teams this year to better accommodate those islanders interested in pocket billiard table competition.  Anyone interested in joining a team can contact Buntrock at 274-7881 or Doane at 472-3380.

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The Zonta Human Trafficking Awareness Event to be held at the Sanibel Library from 9 am to 1 pm on Thursday, April 16 has expanded to include a panel of local human services experts who have worked with victims of human trafficking from the local region. These experts include Mary Lewis, Executive Director of Our Mothers Home, Martha Espinoza from Catholic Charities, and Dr. Genelle Grant of the GRACE Project. Attendees also include representatives from Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Sanibel Police Department, Sanibel Churches, Children’s Network, Florida Rural Legal Services, and the Quality Life Center.  The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva spearheaded the Lee County Human Trafficking Task Force in 2005 which has been called a “model of citizen activism.”  Karen Pati, Co-Chair of the Zonta Anti-Trafficking Committee, says, “This is a perfect opportunity for residents and business owners to learn what professionals have been doing to fight human trafficking locally and to also learn what they can do as citizens to fight this crime. We invite business owners and churches to become involved and attend this class.” The class is supported by the Florida Regional Community Policing Institute, the Lee County Human Trafficking Task Force, FGCU’s Esperanza Project of the Criminal Justices Department, the Sanibel Library, Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships and the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva. You may register for the class by e-mailing: nola@humantraffickingawareness.org or calling 395-2635. There is no charge for the class and light refreshments will be available.

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Ride those ponies to Casino Night

Get on that pony and ride to the hottest event of the 2009 season – Canterbury’s Derby Casino Night. All the finest people will be there in their natty derby attire. Experience the excitement of this year’s Derby Casino Night!

Come out for an evening of fun with proceeds benefiting Canterbury’s student financial aid program. (About 20% of Canterbury students receive financial aid from a budget of more than $1 million.) Become a sponsor and attend the Patron’s Party – a gala where you can get the first glimpse of the auction catalog and its exciting offerings.

Here are some of the fabulous items that will be auctioned on the
night of the Derby Casino:

• Fly to NY for a Mets game – includes 2-night stay and an introduction to pitcher Johan Santana.
• Any Gator fans out there? Be the lucky bidder on this University of Florida sports package.
• The Celebrity Experience could be yours when you bid on a trip to the 2010 Rose Bowl
• Enjoy a week in a Breckenridge ski hideaway.
• You and up to 9 friends could luxuriate in a Big Sky, Montana, executive home (4,500 sf) for a week if you are the highest bidder for this fabulous prize.
• Six children get a first-hand glimpse of how the evening news is produced as they watch onset. WBBH NBC-2 anchor Kellie Burns will give a tour of the studio after the live newscast.
• Bid on Lodestone – a stunning acrylic sculpture by artist Michael Wilkinson.
• A child’s summer experience of a lifetime – Camp Aqua Trek.

The event will be held at the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 4. Tickets are $150 per person. Sponsorships are available.

Get more information and register online: www.canterburyfortmyers.org/casino

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Fort Myers Beach Art Association Art on the Boulevard

ART SHOW & SALE

March 28, 12 noon to 4 pm 2001 Estero Blvd.(across from Diamond Head)

Presentedby Fort Myers Beach Art Associationand sponsored by Century 21 TriPower Realty.

Meet the local artists with their all original art work.