Community Highlights: Week of 032812
* Free Sub with donation on ‘Make A Difference Day’
Make a Wish Southern Florida Chapter is joining forces with three Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants in the Fort Myers/Naples area for the second annual March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign to help make a difference in children’s lives. The campaign will culminate in the nationwide event, Jersey Mike’s “Make A Difference Day” on Wednesday, March 28. As part of a special nationwide celebration, “Make A Difference Day,” all Jersey Mike’s locations to benefit 74 different charities with a mission to help children, area residents are invited to make a minimum $2 contribution to Make a Wish in exchange for a free regular sized sub, although the hope is that customers will respond by giving to the charity what they would have paid for the sub.
For a list of participating restaurants in your area and for more information on our charity partners, please visit www.jerseymikes.com/news/read.php?id=428 .
* Pool party set for April 7
Join The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and the Kohl’s Kids Safety Program for a free pool safety party on Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Fort Myers Aquatic Facility, 5170 Orange Grove Boulevard, North Fort Myers.
Learn ways to help your family stay safe while having fun in and around the swimming pool.
“In the state of Florida, we lose the equivalent of three classrooms of preschoolers to drowning each year”, said Michele King, director of the Child Advocacy Program at The Children’s Hospital. “We must keep our children safe with layers of protection and constant adult supervision when they are in or near water.”
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under age 5 in the state of Florida and is preventable.
Safety tips include:
* Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water.
* Teach children basic water safety tips.
* Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments.
* Have a telephone close by when your or your family is using a pool or spa.
* If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first.
* Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors.
Free admission and refreshments. For more information, call Kohl’s Kids Safety Program at 239-343-5224.
Plastic-free, heirloom Easter baskets
A workshop on weaving royal palm fronds into baskets, bracelets, napkin rings and other items will be held on March 31, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. The PalmArt playshop will also show participants of all ages how to extract paper and other useful items from natural materials.
“Each person will leave with an Easter basket that can be cherished for years to come,” said Shawn Holiday. “The PalmArt playshop is a perfect way to create fun, inexpensive and sustainable gifts, decorations and other useful items. In fact, there’s probably suitable materials right outside your window right now.”
Holiday’s unique experience is based on traditional techniques that are fun and rewarding for the whole family. From shields and arm bands to bracelets and head rings with wildflowers, the possibilities of palm fronds are endless.
Lee County Alliance for the Arts, is at 10091 McGregor Blvd. Cost for members is $15 person, $20 for non-members. For more information or to register, call (239) 939-2787 or visit www.artinlee.org.
* Literacy Council seeks volunteer tutors
The Literacy Council is seeking volunteer tutors to help 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 are one remaining tutor-training workshop:
n March 24 and 31 (Saturdays) from 9 a.m. – noon
The workshops will be held at 7275 Concourse Dr., Suite 300, Fort Myers, 33908.To register, call the Literacy Council at 676-5202.
* Restful Yoga
The North Fort Myers Community Center will 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 239-652-4512.
* 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.
* Treasure! Exhibit discounts
Visiting the Imaginarium Science Center has just become easier on the wallet thanks to a new rack card providing a discount coupon during its annual traveling exhibition period. The Treasure! special exhibition runs through May 20, and the rack card highlights this exhibit offering as well as the many interactive exhibits and educational programming opportunities available at the Imaginarium.
Thanks to the Lee County Arts and Attractions Grant administered by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation with funding supported by the City of Fort Myers and the Lee County TDC, the new museum rack card lists exhibit highlights, gives location and contact information, and offers a discount coupon. Rack cards are available at more than 400 sites in hotels, motels, and attractions throughout Lee and Collier counties.
As part of their visit to the Imaginarium Science Center, guests will be able to explore the special exhibition, Treasure!, as well as other popular interactive science exhibits like the Sporty Science Arena virtual simulator with five sports selections, Dino Discovery fossil dig, Animal Lab, SEA-to-SEE touch tanks with stingray feedings, live animal encounters, science demonstrations, a 3-D movie, and the brand new IMAG-TV Studio.
For more information call 239-321-7420 or visit www.imaginariumfortmyers.com.
Community Highlights – week of 032812
Easter Bunny Trail at Greenwells
Mike Greenwells 21st annual Easter Bunny Trail will be held Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. until noon.
This is a free event for children 12 and younger. Bring your baskets and bring your friends to travel along the miniature golf course to receive free Easter goodies from 13 local business sponsors. Sponsored by Gator Country 101.9.
Bring a donation of pet food (especially cat food) for our local animal shelters and be entered into free raffles for special jumbo Easter baskets. Benefits Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary. Call 239-574-4386 or go to www.greenwellsfamilyfunpark.com for more info
Ninth annual Easter Bunny Toy Run
On Saturday, April 7, Harley Davidson of Fort Myers and the Harley Owner Group Southwest Florida Chapter will host the ninth annual Easter Bunny Toy Run to help provide toys to patients at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Pre-Registration will take place at Bike Night on April 6 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Harley Davidson of Fort Myers or register from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Harley Davidson of Fort Myers on Saturday, April 7.
The event will include an escorted route, entertainment, giveaways and a free post-run meal. Don’t ride a bike, but want to help? No problem! Just bring your items for donation, such as arts and craft supplies, toys and games, to Harley Davidson of Fort Myers the week preceding the event and riders will deliver them for you. No stuffed animals, please.
The 17-mile ride will run from the point of registration (Harley Davidson of Fort Myers, 2160 Colonial Boulevard) to The Children’s Hospital of SW Florida, a part of the Lee Memorial Health System, located at HealthPark Medical Center (corner of Summerlin and Bass Roads).
For more information, visit www.swflhog.com or call 239-209-7968.
Burroughs Home
to offer special tour
The Burroughs Home, 2505 First Street, Fort Myers, has come alive under the management of the Uncommon Friends Foundation. A special living history tour of the Georgian Revival Mansion will be offered on Saturday, April 21, beginning at 11 a.m. Those taking the tour can walk among live oaks and lush gardens and relax in a rocking chair on the verandah while watching the Caloosahatchee River roll gently by.
Join Mona and Jettie Burroughs as they share the history and colorful tales of living in one of Fort Myers’ oldest homes. Built in 1901, the Burroughs Home was the scene of many social events that hosted the Fort Myers’ elite including the Edisons, Fords, and Firestones. Antique furnishings, historical artifacts, and delightful tales of growing up as the privileged daughters of wealthy businessman Nelson Burroughs and his wife Adeline await visitors who want to take a step back in time.
Tour prices are $12 for adults and $5 for children, 6-12; children under 6 are free. Groups and seniors may take the tour for $10. Appointments can be made for groups of 8 or more. Reservations are suggested and may be made by contacting Christine@burroughshome.com.
Easter Egg Hunt
An Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m.-noon at Wa-Ke Hatchee Park, 16760 Bass Rd., Fort Myers
Admission is $5 per child ages 0-11.
For more information about this event, call Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center at 432-2154 or go online to leeparks.org.
Lake Kennedy Senior Center
The following events and programs held at Lake Kennedy Senior Center located at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd. Pre-registration is required for all shows.
n Tuesday night dancing with Erich from 7-9:30 p.m. Cost $5. Bring your own beverage,.
n Zumba now five days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Cost $5 per member, $9 per non-member
n Yoga with instructor Eileen Coppola Mondays 1:15-2:15 and Thursday 2:30-3:30 p.m. Cost $5 per person members and $9 per person/non-member per-persons Tai Chi with Russ Cline Monday at 6 p.m. Comfortable clothing and footwear is recommended Cost $5 per-member per session, $9 per non-member per session
n Natural Golf with Joe Tranchida Wednesdays 1 p.m. and Thursday, 7 p.m. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and bring a driver, 6-iron, 9-iron and a putter. Cost $2 per member/$6 per non-member To register and for more information on any of the trips and classes call 574-0575.
Cape Coral Farmers Market
The Cape Coral Farmers Market is your Saturday destination for fresh locally grown produce, native plants,. Gulf-fresh seafood, just baked breads and pastries and much more.
The 2011-2012 season began and continues every Saturday until May 12. The market is open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Saturday with the area’s finest quality vendors, live music and entertainment and informative community presentations
Don’t miss the Antique and Craft Fair the first Saturday of every month at Club Square. Live Music-Dave Lapio on the Steel Drum- Caribbean and tropical inspired music and John Friday with his laid back Trop-Rock, alternating Saturdays.
Edison & Ford
Winter Estates
The Edison Ford and Captiva Cruises has resumed its Boat Cruises & Tours from Captiva Island to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
The cruise tour will provide a unique look at the Caloosahatchee River and its importance ecologically and culturally, a great view of the Edison Ford from the water, lunch at a private club and a tour of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.
Ticket costs are: Edison Ford members $65 adults, $55 children (ages 12 and under); non members $75 adults, $65 children (ages 12 and under) plus tax and includes cruise, lunch and tour of the Edison Ford. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested by calling 239-472-5300. Customized private tours can be scheduled for groups, departing from various locations any day of the week.
For more information contact Captiva Cruises (239) 472-5300.
GreenMarket
The GreenMarket is held every Saturday at the Alliance from 8 a.m.-noon. Get local produce, seafood, honey and baked goods, as well as organic herbs and microgreens, live plants and gardening supplies, free-range eggs, soaps, jewelry and more. Visit: www.ArtinLee.org or call 030-2787.
Guided Walks
Lee County Conservation 20/20 is once again conducting guided walks at Prairie Pines Preserve on the first and third Saturdays of each month at 9 a.m., through April. The Preserve is at 28400 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. Participants will meet at the parking lot kiosk. No special attire is required, but closed toed shoes, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are always a good idea. For information, call 707-2206.
The stroll around a seasonal marsh will introduce participants to the birds, butterflies, plants and animals that call it home. Visit one small section of a 2,654-acre wilderness oasis that includes nature trails, wildlife observation areas and equestrian trails. Restroom facilities are available.