* Free Autism Screening
The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to five years of age.
The next screening will be held Aug. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imaginarium located at 2000 Cranford Avenue, Fort Myers.
It is estimated that one in every 150 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well.
The ASD screening is conducted by the Neurosciences Center at The Children's Hospital, under the guidance of pediatric neurologist Jose Colon, MD, MPH. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.
A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, please call 239-343-6838.
* Be a tutor - change a life
Become a volunteer tutor to Lee County residents who want to learn English or improve reading skills. No foreign language or teaching experience is necessary, only the desire to help and the ability to commit an hour, twice a week. To you it's only a couple hours; to students it's the chance to change their lives.
There is one remaining tutor-training workshop to be held Aug. 14 and 17 (Tuesday and Friday) from 9 a.m. - noon
The workshop will be held at 7275 Concourse Dr., Suite 300, Fort Myers. To register, call the Literacy Council at 239-676-5202.
* Public Safety Days at Naples Zoo
In appreciation of the heroic efforts of police, sheriffs, paramedics, TSA agents, and firefighters who help keep the community safe, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is once again offering free admission to paid active and retired professional emergency workers from Aug. 1 to 31. Guests must visit www.napleszoo.org/safe to print out the free admission ticket and are asked to present the coupon and work identification upon entrance.
Additional adults and children accompanied by an emergency worker will receive $2 off regular zoo admission. Families can enjoy a full day of activities that include featured shows, the Primate Expedition Cruise, the new cheetah exhibit and the chance to feed the herd of giraffes.
Ticket admission includes both the nationally accredited zoo and gardens along with shows, exhibits and boat ride. Regular admission is $19.95 for guests ages 13 and up and $12.95 for children 3 to 12. Admission is always free for children under the age of 3. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age.
Zoo memberships and discount tickets are also available online at www.napleszoo.org.
* Symphonic Chorale
to hold auditions
The Symphonic Chorale of SW FL will hold auditions at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second Street, Fort Myers, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 20 and 21 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 8. Auditions are available by appointment.
The auditions are open to singers age 15 and older. Singers should bring two copies of a prepared vocal selection of their choice in any genre. In addition, singers will be asked to sing some vocal exercises and some unprepared selections.
Call 239-560-5695 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
The Symphonic Chorale rehearses at Canterbury School, 8141 College Parkway, Fort Myers, on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Rehearsals will commence on Sept. 10. Currently planned performances include two collaborations with the Southwest Florida Symphony as well as several independently produced concerts.
* Concerned Citizens
of Bayshore Community
The Concerned Citizens of Bayshore Community meets most months, on the third Monday of the month, at the New Hope Christian Church on Tarpon Way, across from Lawhon's Store. The meetings start at 6:30 PM. The primary focus of the group is to preserve the rural quality of life for Bayshore residents. For more information contact Steve Brodkin at SteveB239@aol.com, or 239-470-3475.
* Restful Yoga
The North Fort Myers Community Center will have YOGA classes on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 p.m .-7:15 p.m.
Yoga classes are $30 per month and space is limited. Terri Fields, yoga instructor, has been practicing yoga for 15 years. Yoga also improves circulation, increases energy, strengthens and tones the entire body. Yoga is great physical and mental exercise for all ages. Register by call 239-533-7440 or on-line at www.leeparks.org. For more information regarding the yoga classes please call 652-4512.
* American Merchant
Marine Veterans
The American Merchant Marine Veterans holds a luncheon meeting the third Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at Gulf Coast Village, 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. The luncheon is $13. For more information call 239-728-3169 or 239-543-4072.
* Arts & Craft registrations
being accepted
Arts & Crafters can sign up now for the 14th Annual Heritage Arts & Craft Fair to be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. -2 p.m. All tables are still only $15, with electricity, if needed. Please contact Barbara Trubenbach at 239-731-3768 or email at ehtbat@aol.com for further information. Please make sure all items are hand crafted.
