The Bridge Networking April Events

By Michele Andre

The Bridge Networking has 3 meetings this month. The only fees are for your food, no membership fees, no rules...Great Networking.

Cape Coral - A Night in the Cape
Weds April 1 5-7 PM
$8.00
Vendor Tables
Salad and Pizza Buffet 5:30-6:30
Wine and Roses
1404 Cape Coral Parkway

Fort Myers - Networking Lunch
Friday April 9 11:30-1:30
$20 prepay, $25 at the door
Olive Garden
1287 Cleveland Ave Fort Myers
Choice of lunch.
Speaker: Lora Ulrich - The New You

North Ft. Myers - Networking Lunch
Thursday April 29 11:15 - 1:15
$20 Prepay, $25 at the door
Bianca's
US 41 and Littleton Rd
16251 N. Cleveland Ave
Choice of lunch

For more information or to prepay visit the www.thebridgenetworking.com

Lovegrove To Make Work of Art with Local Youth

By Melissa Terry

Kids who attend The Bridge Youth Center's Friday night program on April 2 are in for an extra special treat. They will take part in one of local artist Leoma Lovegrove's interactive, multimedia art projects called "Painting Out Loud." During the exhibition, Bridge kids will dress in disposable paint suits and throw paint onto a giant canvas under Lovegrove's direction. Music, lights and special effects will add to the magic of this event.

"We are so excited about this wonderful opportunity for our kids to work with such a creative and well-known local artist. Leoma's willingness to come and mentor local youth is so inspiring and very much appreciated by both the staff and the kids," says Melissa Terry, director of The Bridge Youth Center. "I can't wait to see the masterpiece they create together."

About Leoma Lovegrove

Lovegrove currently makes her home in Matlacha, Fla., but her works are displayed in numerous galleries throughout the world. Her art is instantly recognizable for its exuberant technique and tropical color palette. She is constantly creating unique opportunities and unusual outlets for her works to manifest themselves.

About The Bridge Youth Center

Forced to close its doors in December due to lack of funding, The Bridge Youth Center (www.urbanteens.org) re-opened March 5 at its original location -- 2128 Cleveland Ave.

Supported by private sponsors and local churches, the Bridge Youth Center offers programs and services to youth ages 11-18 including physical fitness; tutoring; computer lab; FCAT, ACT and SAT prep; GED; resume help; job placement and life skills. The Bridge Youth Center also is an ACCESS partner which provides kids-in-need the ability to apply for government assistance. In addition, every Tuesday the youth center offers a Hurts & Habits class that helps teens face tough issues with the help of each other and the center's staff, many volunteers and mentors. Hours of operation are: Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Bridge is one of the only faith-based, non-profit 501C3 youth centers operating in the five-county area. It is not supported by, or affiliated with, any specific church.

For more information on Lovegrove visit www.leomalovegrove.com/index.html. For more information on The Bridge Youth Center go to www.urbanteens.org or send an e-mail to melatthebridge@gmail.com.

6th Anniversary and Fundraiser for Special Operations Warrior fund

By Bo McCormick

Special Forces Motorcycle Club Inc

Saturday April 10th

12 noon until .....

12200 Palomino Lane

Fort Myers, Fl

$20 includes event patch, event T-shirt (first 100) lunch ( Wings and Things),

beverages, dice walk,raffles,not so silent auction, 50/50 drawing.

Entertainment by

Florida Calendar Girls

Mario Infanti and Bob Inkenbrandt Trio

All Access Band

Synthesis Band

Pasta Dinner and Wine Tasting 6 PM

Vendors and Organizations will have displays.

For more information visit

www.specialforcesmc.org

www.specialops.org

specialforcesmc@att.net

Chocolate Tasting Party, networking and more...

By Jen Bauer

Saturday April 17 3-5 PM

Jiffy Clippers

4750 Bayline Dr

North Fort Myers

543-9320

Please join us for an afternoon of

INDULGENCE, SHOPPING and NETWORKING

Eat Chocolate, shop, free gifts and raffle

DOVE® Chocolate Discoveries™ - Jen Bauer " 656-2697 "Try a taste of DOVE chocolate & enjoy an afternoon of Indulgence"

Silver and Gold Exchange - Ann Manookian 229-9932 - "The Silver and Gold Exchange will test and weigh your old unwanted & broken jewlery even silver and you get cash"

Go Green with WOW Green - Mary Ann Sloan Greiner-810-0524 "Freeing the world of toxic chemicals one person & one household at a time Wow Green"

Airbonne International - Kim Routee - 220-8200 Arbonne "Pure Swiss Skin Care"

Partylite - Kim Routee 220-8200 "Decorate your home celebrate your life"

AVON - 634-2645 " Katie the AVON lady.She's not your mothers AVON

but she'd like to be"

Tupperware - Melody Battle 878-1319

"Tupperware is for your H.O.M.E health, organize,money & enviorment"

Tastefully Simple - Chris Caroll 699-1374 "Take dinner from good to gourmet with the flick of your wrist with Tastefully Simple"

Naples Bag Co - Jeffery Penning - 404-1707

Jewels By Park Lane

Please RSVP to Jen at 239-656-2697

Bead Show

By Debbie Heintz

BEAD SHOW

Sponsored by the Stone Age Emporium

Cape Coral Art Studio

4533 Coronado Parkway

Cape Coral, Fl

Saturday April 17

9-4

Free Admission

200 plus gemstones and glass beads, including lapis, sodalite, carnelian, jasper, garnet, pearls and onyx. Czech glass, Chinese glass, lampwork beads and Cats eye bead. Jewelry findings, crimp beads, jump rings, sterling silver and gold filled chains, gemstone pendants, cabochons and tools. Visa/Mastercard accepted. For more information call 574-0802

www.stoneageemporium.com

"LEHIGH ACRES WELCOMES YOU" GATEWAY SIGN PROJECT APPROVED

by Inke Baker

On Wednesday, March 31 at 10:00 a.m. the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at their offices on Homestead Road to announce final approval for six "Lehigh Acres Welcomes You" signs. Commission Frank Mann, along with a representative from the Department of Transportation will join sponsors of the project to make this long awaited announcement.

The welcome signs, which will be located at the main gateways to Lehigh, are the result of years of planning and work by the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce, Lehigh Acres Community Planning Corporation, and Keep Lehigh Acres Beautiful, Inc. In addition to these organizations, the Lee County Department of Transportation, Lee County Traffic Division as well as the Legal Department of the County were involved in the project before it was presented to the County Board of Commissioners for approval.

Each of the six signs will sport the image of the famous "cookie" icon located at the intersection of Homestead Road and Lee Boulevard. The signs will be located at Lee Boulevard/Leonard Boulevard; Gunnery Road/SR 82; Joel Boulevard entrance from Alva, Alabama Road/SR 82 and Sunshine Boulevard/SR 82. Two of theses signs (Gunnery Road/SR 82 and Lee Boulevard/Leonard Boulevard) will thank motorists for visiting Lehigh on their reverse side.

Each sign has at least one sponsor to underwrite its cost. The sponsors are: First National Bank of the Gulf Coast, Majestic Golf Club, Mike Arcentales/State Farm Insurance, Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres, Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres, CenturyLink and AIM Engineering.

For more information on the Lehigh Acres Welcome Signs contact, Joe Whalen, President, Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce at 239-369-3322.

Land Use Change Seminar

(Disclaimer this is posted for informational purpose only and does not reflect an endorsement nor opposition on the part of What's Up SWFL and its staff)

by NFM Chamber

Land Use Change Seminar

Learn how the proposed changes for Cape Coral will directly impact N. Ft. Myers

March 30 2010

5:30-8:30 PM

First Baptist Church

4177 Coronado Parkway

Cape Coral

Dear North Fort Myers Chamber Members, concerned citizens, and residents of North Fort Myers, This is CRITICAL for N. Ft. Myers as Cape Coral potential could greatly affect our lives over here. This is in response to the pending Homeland Democracy amendment and the city of Cape Coral's way of dealing with the situation before it becomes impossible to change land uses without voter approval (if the amendment passes). We are not sure what changes are pending, but with the Zemel property issues and the fact that Cape Coral now includes the land up to the county line, we need to know what proposals they are making for future land uses so that the vision for N. Ft. Myers is preserved without interference from our neighbors to the west. We are not opposed to growth, in fact we need it, but it has to be good, well planned growth that does more than just generate a tax base. Please pass this on to all your friends. Also, we are planning to have Commissioner Tammy Hall come to our May Business Leaders Luncheon to speak in detail about Amendment 4. Please join me March 30th to educate ourselves on these critical issues. Ignorance is not BLISS.

Sincerely, Kim Constantine North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce

The Ultimate Comedy Stage Hypnosis Show

By Wayne Walker

Anthony's on the Blvd.

1303 Del Prado Boulevard South

Cape Coral, FL

(239) 772-5900

Every Sunday @ 7PM

$10.00

Comedy for a Cause

By Katherine Blackman

Sunday April 25

2-4 PM

Doors open at 1 PM

Laugh In Comedy Club

Benefits Donate 4kidz Foundation

http://www.donate4kidz.com/

This is going to be a great event. Lots of fun and laughter. The comedians appearing with Rene Bray (headliner) are Johnny Mac and Todd Link. The show time is 2:00 pm and the tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased online
http://www.sellyourevents.com/eventpage.aspx?name=AWonderfulComedyShow4AWonderfulCause
For more info contact Kathryn Blackman, 239-297-8936

March for Babies

By Regina Troops

March for Babies

http://www.marchforbabies.com/

Lee County

Saturday April 24

6-10 PM

Centennial Park

Fort Myers

March for Babies is the largest fundraiser held by the March of Dimes today. Funds raised support programs of research, advocacy, community services and education to fight birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Join us for a fabulous evening at this 3 mile walk through downtown Ft. Myers. After the walk bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live entertainment, food and fun in the park.

$25.00 Adult
$15.00 Youth under 18
Children free

Fundraise for incentives and awards

Family Teams - Corporate Teams - Individuals are all welcomed!

Charlotte County

Saturday April 24

8-11 AM

Peace River Regional Medical Center

March for Babies is the largest fundraiser held by the March of Dimes today. Funds raised support programs of research, advocacy, community services and education to fight birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

$25 for Adult
$15 for Youth (under 18)
Children Free

Collier County

Saturday May 1

6-10 PM

Camber Park

Naples

March for Babies is the largest fundraiser held by the March of Dimes today. Funds raised support programs of research, advocacy, community services and education to fight birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

$25 for Adult
$15 for Youth under 18
Children free

Stay after the walk and enjoy live entertainment, food and fun in the park.

April 2010 Business Trade Show

By Hispanic Chamber

Wednesday April 14 2010

4-8 PM

Hilton Garden Inn

12600 University Drive

Fort Myers

Free to the Public! Complimentary appetizers! Reserve your booth now!!
A Variety of Companies to be present! Technology, universities, automotive, health & fitness, office supplies, media, fashion, telecommunications, banking firms and financial advisors are just a few types of businesses that will be showing their faces at the Expo. Don't miss this opportunity to make new contacts and meet potential clients!!

Hancock Bridge Parkway Extension/Pondella Road Widening Study

By NFM Chamber

Public Information Workshop "Open House" Thursday, March 25, 2010 4:30-6:30pm

North Fort Myers United Methodist Church

81 Pondella Rd. North Fort Myers, FL

The Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) will conduct a public information workshop for the Hancock Bridge Parkway Extension/Pondella Road Widening Study from 4:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the North Fort Myers United Methodist Church, 81 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers, FL. The public is encouraged to attend.

The goal of the Hancock Bridge Parkway Extension/Pondella Road Widening Study study is to determine the best alternative to provide additional east - west capacity and redistribute traffic over the Caloosahatchee River on the Caloosahatchee Bridge (U.S. 41) and the Edison Bridges (U.S. Business 41). The result of this study will be a detailed recommendation of a preferred alternative to ease this congestion. LC DOT is moving forward with the detailed evaluation of widening Pondella Road. As always, the "no-build" alternative will remain an option throughout the study.


The meeting will be conducted in an "open house" format; no formal presentation will be given. Display boards will be available for viewing and the Lee County project team will be available to answer questions and take comments. The public may attend anytime between 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Anyone needing special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Jennifer Dorning via email to

jdorning@cella.cc jdorning@cella.cc , or phone (239) 337-1071 prior to the workshop. If you have any questions about the project or would like information prior to the workshop, contact Ms. Dorning.

Lee County Democratic Party Gala and Silent Auction

By Kate

Saturday April 10, 2010

Sanibel Harbor Marriott

5:00 PM Reception and Silent Auction

6:30 PM Dinner

8:00 PM Keynote Speaker

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill

Missouri

Dancing and Entertainment by the Danny Morgan Band

Vip Seating $75

General Seating $50

RSVP and payment by April 6

Call 939-2866

Email: Leecountydems@hotmail.com

This is the Lee County democratic party's big fund raiser every year and, since this is an election year and a very tough economy, we need all the support we can muster.

Enjoy a fabulous dinner with an open water view at Sanibel Harbor Marriott (turn right just before the Sanibel Causeway). We're seating in tables of 8-10, music by Danny Morgan's band with Andrea Prather (they're great!) and there's an opportunity to bid on some great silent auction items

US Senator Claire McCaskill will be our speaker and you can enjoy an evening with a bunch of eager democrats. McCaskill will be a great speaker. She was one of the very first people to throw her support to Obama and was a fantastic surrogate for him during the campaign, a considered speaker, not a party-line spouter.

To reserve, go to www.leecountydems.org click on the flyer there, and fill out the forms. You'll be directed to a link where you can purchase by credit card. Or mail a check today to Lee County Democratic Party, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Suite 201, Fort Myers Fl 33919. Reservations and payment MUST be received by April 6th.

Please help us get out the word! Ask your friends and reserve a table together!

2010 Business Trade Show Vendor List

By Empowered Network

2010 Business Tradeshow for professional business owners, entreprenuers, non-profits, restaurants, and companies in our local SWFL area to exhibit their products and services to attending professionals and public. Come Network and make some connections at this FREE Event. Demonstations, Giveaways, & Networking to be had!!

So far, VENDOR/SPONSORS on Display;

SetFree Photography
Mona Lisa Graphic Design
European Business Council
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Resource Network
Conric PR & Marketing
Small Business Development Center
Inspiration to Change
Interactyx Limited
Empowered Network
Mow & Blow Lawn and Landscape
Take Shape for Life
Mary Kay
Black Cat Embroidery
Partylite
Balanced Accounting & Tax Services
Jewels by Parklane
Wise Web Lady
Southern Living at Home
Affordable Insurance
Wow Green
Trendy Times
Clean Naples
Meyrick Massage Therapy
Arbonne International
Trump Sisters Weight Loss
What's Up SWFL
BB&T
Delta Family Counseling
Gulf Breeze Gift Baskets
Cason's Creations
Costco
Transcontinental Lending Group
MonaVie
Stickboy Creative
Zonta Club of Fort Myers
Pampered Chef
Bee in a Bath
Vemma
Avon
Puttin on the Glitz
AdverMarket
Sellstate Priority Realty
Stella & Dot Jewelry
Sion Handbags
AW Kelley's Gardens
Thompson Agency
Suburban Water Technology
Laser Hair Clinics
Humana
Colonial Life
Prudential Financial
Passion Parties
New Beginnings
Amy's Edibles
Decorating Den Interiors
Mannatech

Democratic Party Events

By Lee County Democratic Party

For more information on these events call 239-939-2866

Sunday, March 14: There will be a Meet and Greet Fundraiser for Loranne Ausley at the Broadway Palms Dinner Theatre at 2:00. Ms. Ausley recently declared herself as a Candidate for Chief Financial Officer. Please join us in welcoming her to Lee County on what we hope is one of many visits. This is your opportunity to speak with her one-on-one before she is elected.

Saturday, March 20: Join the Lehigh Democratic Club as they celebrate "Casino Night" at the Immokalee Casino. Bus departs from the Chamber of Commerce office at Homestead Road (across from Walgreens) at 5:30 p.m. with a second pick up at Majestic Golf Course at 6:00p.m. Seating is limited to 34 passengers. To reserve your seat(s) a $10.00 deposit to Lehigh Democratic Club is required by March 15th. Mail check to: Edd Weiner, President L.D.C, 20048 Lake Vista Circle, Lehigh Acres, Fl. 33936. For more information contact: Norm Scott @ 239-368-3777 or e-mail him at spantwn203@aol.com.

Single Member District educational seminars are being held across the County to educate the voters on this issue.

Cape Coral – Monday, March 15 at 6p.m., Cape Coral Public Library, 921 SW 39^th Terrace;

Fort Myers – Saturday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Quality Life Center, 3210 Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Blvd.

Estero – Tuesday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m., South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway.

Paws in Paradise

By Calendar Girls

Saturday March 27th 4-7 PM At Anthony's on the Blvd. 1303 S Del Prado Blvd Cape Cpral

Join the Calendar Girls for our annual "Paws in Paradise" party to benefit Paws for Patriots, an organization that provides guide dogs for veterans.

Entertainment includes Piano Man Scott Frost, performances by the Calendar Girls, surprise musicians

Special Guests include veteran receipents of guide dogs, guide dog puppies, their handlers, and more.

There'll be RAFFLES, PRIZES, FUN all for only $!0 per ticket.

Contact JJ 239-878-6583 or your favorite Calendar Girl for tickets. Tickets also available at the door.....

Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce's Spring Golf Tournament

by Candy Gareiss

The Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce will hold its Spring Golf Tournament on Saturday, March 13 at Majestic Golf Club located at 350 Homestead Road, S. in Lehigh Acres. Proceeds from the event will benefit Lee County Volunteers in Medicine and their efforts to open a medical clinic to serve the uninsured and underinsured of the community.

The afternoon scramble will begin with registration at 12:00 p.m. and a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for putting, lowest scores, longest drive, closest to the pin and an opportunity to win $10,000.00 with a hole-in-one at a particular Par-3 hole on the course. Joe Pearson, co-chair of the event, announced that Clay Miller of NBC-2 will be joining the players for the 18-hole event. To register to play or for sponsorship information contact the Chamber at 239-369-3322.

The North Fort Myers Honorary Mayor Event

By NFM Chamber of Commerce

The North Fort Myers Honorary Mayor event is the most anticipated community event as well as its largest fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the N. Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support community programs and services.

Dr. Misty Green with Alabar Chiropractic & Rehab is the Title sponsor of this year's Honorary Mayor Hoedown Barbecue. There are two individuals running for the position of Honorary Mayor. Dr. Terry Tucker with Tucker Vision Center and John Gardner with Lee County Insurance. Both North Fort Myers residents and business owners have given their time, talent and treasure to support the community for many years.

This year the unique down home venue calls to the entire community. The Chamber is planning on making this a family event with food and fun for everyone. We look to encourage the local businesses, both Chamber members and non-members to participate.
The host and 1st Honorary Mayor, Tommy Hoolihan with Hoolihan Lifestyle Center has offered his 18 acre private Maranatha Gardens to create a true Southern Style BBQ. There will be plenty of parking, music, food and community spirit for a "Grand time".

Tickets are $25.00 per person. Kids are $7.00. There will be appetizers, full out BBQ, including BBQ Vegetarian style, A Chili Cook-off, Silent and Live auction, dessert and beverage. Visit www.nfmchamber.org for more information.

Mark your calendar for Friday, March 26, 2010 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Maranatha Gardens:16400 Williams Road NFM. Visit The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Website or call the Welcome Center (239) 997-9111 to reserve your tickets.

Come meet our New 2010 North Fort Myers Honorary Mayor and his family, along with the many people who support your business community!

Please contact Kim Constantine, Executive Director, for sponsorship opportunities or to donate an auction item. Email or call (239) 997-9111.