What's Up SWFL?: April 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010

Powerful You Transformational Tour

Transformation 2010 National Tour

Saturday, May 22nd

Gateway Golf & Country Club, Fort Myers FL

As a woman, you are in a constant state of Transformation.

Would you like yours to be filled with ease, clarity and vision?

This event is designed especially for you.

You will be provided with practical tools to build your business and create momentum. You will re-ignite your passion and gain clarity about your purpose. You will learn to align your actions more closely with your personal values and goals. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a conscious employee or a woman in transition, this event will touch you where you live.

Join Us for a full-day event filled with 4 amazing speakers, vendors, networking, lunch and door prizes. Speaker topics include: Public Speaking Secrets Revealed, Energy EmPowerment Techniques for Success, Branding and Marketing through Social Media and The Art and Truth of Transformation. You will meet many incredible women who can assist you in your business and personal life, and you will be fulfilled as you give yourself and your business the gift of this inspiring and information-packed day. This event is hosted by Powerful You! Women's network as part of the Transformation 2010 National Tour. Powerful You! provides connections and networking events for business, personal and spiritual growth across the USA.

Join Us for this Inspiring and Transformational Event.
You'll be Grateful You Did.

PRICE: $39 for Members and PY! Partners

$49 for non-members

** Non-members registering with a friend save 10% ($44)

VENDOR & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.

Must Register in Advance :: Deadline: Tuesday, May 18th.

DETAILS & REGISTRATION :: http://powerfulyou.com/transformation2010swfl.htm

Visit Powerful You! Women's Network :: http://powerfulyou.com

Sunday, April 25, 2010

North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce New Member Business Expo

By Kim Constantine

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

5:30pm - 7:30pm

N. Ft. Myers Chamber Welcome Center,

2787 North Tamiami Trail,

North Fort Myers, Florida 33903,

Located at The Shell Factory

Celebrate our new Chamber Members as they display their products and services at the North Fort Myers Chamber Welcome Center on
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 from 5:30-7:30pm.
See our featured new members below.

Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

If you have a business acquaintance that is interested in becoming a member, please feel free to invite them along.

Bring plenty of business cards so you are prepared to network and exchange ideas with our new and existing members.

This is a free event and all members and guests are welcome. No rsvp required!

We hope to see you here on April 27, 2010

Featured New Members

Building Contractors
Bob Cantu
(239) 340-0375
www.buildingcontractorsflorida.com

BJ's Wholesale Club
Sandra Aguilar
(239) 829-3300
www.bjs.com
Special offer for Chamber Members:
BJ's will offer 15 months/$35 for all new memberships and renewals.
Please make sure you have your BJ's card to renew.

Doug Dailey Investigators
(239) 839-7760

Sandra Dillon w/AFLAC
(239) 910-2518
www.aflac.com

Marco Office Supply
Kathy Martel
(239) 775-7513
www.marcoofficesupply.com

News Press
Julie Ennis-Ico
(239) 478-0262
www.news-press.com

The Law Office of Miguel C. Fernandez III/Miguel Fernandez
for Lee County Judge
(239) 337-0123
www.fernandezlaw.org

RTI Insurance Services
Bill Shepherd & Kim Hood
(239) 463-5200
www.teamrti.com

Regions Bank
Lance Goerndt
(239) 997-1477
www.regions.com

SWFL PFLAG Support Goup

By Nicholas Miller

Join at the next monthly session:
Monday, April 26th, 2010
7:00 PM
Support Group & Speaker
Speaker: Marc Adams
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers
located at 13411 Shire Lane on Daniels Road
For information call 239-898-6124

Please join us on Monday April 26th at 7:00 pm at the "fledgling" SW Florida PFLAG support group. This session will be held in Hobart Hall at the UU Church of Fort Myers.

We are planning to form a board of directors and are seeking volunteers to get involved to ensure this much needed support group develops and continues to thrive. The closest PFLAG to Fort Myers is in Naples and is quite a trip for some.

Our guest speaker, Marc Adams, is the author of nine books including " The Preacher's Son", "Do's & Don'ts of Dealing with the Religious Right", & "It's not about you: Understanding Coming Out & Self Acceptance". This promises to be a very exciting session so please join us & our very first speaker for an informational but warm & caring environment.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Official 96 K-Rock & Florida Championship Wrestling Federation Meet & Greet

by Dickson Hunley

On Friday, April 23th City Tavern will host the Official 96 K-Rock &
Florida Championship Wrestling Federation meet & greet, autograph
session and after party.

City Tavern is located at 2206 Bay Street directly across from the
Harborside Event Center. Bell time is 8:00pm and the doors open at the
Harborside Event Center open at 6:30pm. The main events of the evening
are the 96 K-rock Royal Rumble and the Diva Bikini Competition. The 96
K-Rock Royal Rumble is a 30 man wrestling competition where 2 men
start and another man is added every 96 seconds. The last man standing
is declared the winner. The Diva Bikini Contest will feature WWE
superstar Santino Marella and Diva Gail Kim.

The meet and greet at City Tavern will feature wrestlers of the
Florida Championship Wrestling Federation and admission to the after
party is free for all. The meet and greet is being held within the Ft.
Myers city limits so it is a 21+ event.

Dickson Hunley
www.mycitytavern.com
www.twitter.com/citytavern
www.facebook.com/citytavern
myspace.com/fortmyerscitytavern

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Rachel's Flight Need your HELP

“RACHEL’S FLIGHT”

FUNDRASING EVENT: THURSDAY, MAY 6, 5:00pm TO 7:00pm
Wine & Roses Italian Restaurant, 1404 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral.
Gourmet Pizza & Salad Buffet
Silent & Chinese Auction
Admission is only $8.00

A Cape Coral little 5 yr old girl named Rachel needs the communities help.
Rachel began specialized medical care at 18 months. She has Polyarticular, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, over active immune system, Ulcerative Colitis, Proctitis, and Uveitis.

Rachel has the opportunity to be treated by specialists in PA. After sending hundreds of medical documents to the doctors and making many phone calls, the specialists will take Rachel's case. But money is an issue. The flights, meals, lodging, co pays, twenty percent out of pocket, etc. are not covered by insurance and the family simply does not have the money. But this little girls needs the specialists help.

5/3 Bank, Destiny Diaper Bank, Woman’s Life Chapter 701 and The Bridge Networking Group, Inc. are working together to help make this trip possible for little Rachel. The "Rachel's Flight" project is asking for donations to help Rachel and her Father see the specialists that may be able to help this little girl.

Donations to “Rachel’s Flight” may be made at any 5/3 Bank or you may help us raise money on May 6th.

Wellness Wednesday

by Marci Gower

You're invited to attend the FREE

April 2010 Wellness Wednesday
Networking Informational Mixer

Wednesday
April 28th 5pm -7pm

At the Skinny Pantry

11356 Cleveland Ave

Across from the U-Haul

South of Boy Scout Rd

Additional parking: Leaders Casual Furniture

More info call 935-5093

Light Refreshments

Complimentary Massage by Stephanie Roark

Prizes (no purchase necessary)

A nutritional counseling session - $50 value

Skinny Pantry gift certificate - $25

1 hour gift massage - $90 value

Skinny Pantry gift baskets

and more.........

Visit www.wellnesswednesdaynetwork.com

for more information

Monday, April 19, 2010

Pay it Forward for Prosperity Event and Fundraiser

by Trish Defeo

Presented by

Mom's Prosperity Network SWFL

Thursday May 6

6-9 PM

Nirvana

9101 College Parkway

To Benefit Act

Door Prizes

Guest Speaker

Live Music

Free Mom-tinis (compliments of Nirvana)

“The “Pay It Forward” event is an opportunity for us to make a meaningful, conscious decision to help others, and make a difference for such a great organization in our local community,” said Trish DeFeo, founder of the MOM’s Prosperity Network of Southwest Florida. “We are very excited to host this event, which will raise money for the victims of domestic abuse and their children, victims of sexual assault, and the homeless people of our community. We hope to encourage moms to realize their worth and reach the potential in every aspect of their lives, and to make their and their children’s lives better.”

DeFeo says the MOM’s Prosperity Network wanted to do something significant in honor of Mother’s Day, and that’s when her group came up with the idea for the “Pay It Forward” fundraiser.

About MOM’s Prosperity Network of Southwest Florida
The MOM’s Prosperity Network is a group of like-minded moms who want to have and share wealth in every aspect of their lives. It is a spiritual, holistic, and practical concept to bring moms together for a common goal: to assist, support and provide inspiration and vision for the future for themselves and others. For more information, contact Trish at 239-297-6588

About Abuse Counseling and Treatment
ACT is a non-profit agency established in 1978 to serve victims of domestic violence and their children, survivors of sexual assault and the new and temporarily homeless in Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. For more information, visit http://www.actabuse.com/

Sunday, April 18, 2010

BUFFALO BILLS NFL DRAFT PARTY

By Mark Maefs

BUFFALO BILLS NFL DRAFT PARTY
    Beef O'Brady's (Corner of Sumter & Price Blvd, North Port, FL)
Thurs., April 22nd, at 7:30 PM
50/50 Raffle
    Food & Drink Specials

   The Bills draft 9th in this years NFL draft. Will the Bills trade away their #1 draft pick or select a new quarterback?

    Come join us for a Buffalo Bills draft day party on Thursday, April 22nd at Beef O'Brady's (Sumter & Price Blvd in North Port).

John Downing from Niagara Falls, and his wife Glenda owners of Beef O'Brady's are going to have specials for food and drink items.

If you have never been to a Draft Party, this can be the best party of the off season. We will have a 50/50 drawing so get there early and get your tickets.

Please reply to this E-Mail so we can get a head count for reserved seating.

Hope to see you there.

Mark Maefs
President, Buffalo Bills Backers of North Port

Friday, April 16, 2010

What's New With What's Up SWFL

We would like to welcome some new members to the Whats Up SWFL website.

(click on their names to go to their listing)

Eluise Gambino

Business Leadership Coach

Dale Kocik

Realtor

Smooth Sailing Bookkeeping

Bean Counters of SWFL

Bookkeeping

Powerful You

Networking

Restaurant Reviews

Check out some restaurant reviews, we do a new one every month.

We have also expanded our radio programing on blogtalkradio.

Community Event Programing

If you have a community event, you can have your own 15 min show to talk about your event. Think of this as 24 -7 networking. We assist you in the promotion of you show on facebook and twitter as well as on the blog and our website.

Business Expertise Programing

Click above to hear our most show

This is where you can share your expertise in your business or profession by doing a topic based show that is 45 mins. We assist you as well in the promotion of this show.

Business Bio -

Click above to hear our most current show

When you are a featured or sponsor on our website you get a 15 min show to showcase your business.

If you are interested in learning more about how What's Up SWFL can help you please email Mary Anne at whatsupswfl@aol.com

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

VIVA! Lehigh Acres - Latin Music Fest

By Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce

On Saturday, April 24, 2010 the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce will host the community's first Latin Music Fest. VIVA! Lehigh Acres will be a celebration of - and a tribute to - the cultural diversity of Lehigh. This inaugural event will showcase local, national and international artists performing a wide variety of Latin music including Salsa, Jazz, Merengue and Latin Pop.

World famous guitarist and recording artist Jose Feliciano, a part-time resident of Lehigh Acres, will be the main headliner at VIVA! Lehigh Acres. Feliciano is one of the most talented musical artists of our era. Dubbed "the world's greatest living guitarist", he has appeared before audiences around the world performing a repertoire that includes pop, rock, soul, jazz, and classical in English, Spanish and Italian, making him a true renaissance man of music. Mr. Feliciano is scheduled to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. followed by the International Salsa Orchestra, Puerto Rican Power. Other artists set to perform are: Universal Music Latino Recording Artist Valerie Morales, Batey Latin Jazz, Fuego Latino and Danza Azteca Guadalupana.

Viva! Lehigh Acres will include a variety of food, arts and crafts as well as a kids corner where children can enjoy a bounce house, petting zoo, rock climbing wall and pony rides. Performances start at 4:00 p.m. at Veteran's Park (55 Homestead Road, South) and will last until 10:00 p.m. Admission is free although a parking donation of $3.00 will be requested to benefit Lehigh Acres Community Services. For additional information regarding the event, contact Bob Encarnacion, Event Director, at 243-6253 or at reecorporation@aol.com.

Learn to make your own silver jewelry!

by Candyce Strafford

Metalsmithing (and beading) classes in South Ft. Myers

4 weeks

Sundays

$59 for 4 weeks

1:30-3:30

With over 25 years experience in metalsmithing, Candyce Strafford will be teaching how to solder, saw, pierce, texture and much more. All that you need to know to make a ring, bracelet, earrings you will find taught in these classes.

Tools are supplied and some metals. There will be metal to purchase and stones to purchase to create your own jewelry art. Bring in your crystals and stones and especially your imagination! For the first class bring a notebook and any jewelry tools that you may have on hand. Class must be pre-paid for all in advance. There will be no make up days for any classes missed. Call 239-949-3387 to register and for the address.

Journey Into Spirit Retreats

by Candyce Strafford

Book now to join your Sisters in a celebration of who you are and who you can be in the loving embrace of Mother Nature!

Date for the peaceful Journey Into Spirit retreats for all Women

April 30 - May 2

There are still 2 spaces available! Book now.Enjoy three days and nights of a spiritual retreat in a peaceful setting of 90 acres in the hills of Tennessee.See wild deer and turkey in the backyard as you take your morning walk or sit in the rocking chair upon the porch. Walk down the creek bed looking for fossils, arrowheads and geodes that were created when a meteor hit nearby. Only 70+ miles to Nashville.

Included in the three days and nights are as follows:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus snacks daily.Scrumptious and filling vegetarian meals. All food will be prepared on-site.Spiritual craft playshops which are included in the cost, but participation is optional. Playshops may be weaving an offering basket, creating a personal talking stick or life staff, sacred jewelry pendant, sacred altar art, etc. Daily meditation and psychic connection workshops facilitated by Candyce may include Messages from the Other Side, Angelic Connection, Nature Angel Connection and so forth. Evening campfires sharing time with like-minded women talking or drumming, whatever you desire. Amenities include a shared bedroom and shared bathroom off-suite. Private room may be available if the event is not fully booked. This retreat will create a bond with yourself, other women, nature and Spirit and will facilitate healing and connection for the body, mind and soul. Call Candyce for more information 239-949-3387 Cost for the retreats are $275. Thursday evening and Sunday evening are included, however there are no activities on Thursday evening. Pick up available fro m Nashville airport on Thursday.

Psychic Fair on Marco Island

by Candyce Strafford

Island Dance Academy

2 Marco Lake Drive(off of Bald Eagle Dr)

April 17th, Saturday

11am-6pm

Come and get a mini-reading from wonderful local psychics and/or mediums. Palmistry, Tarot and Mediumship. Have some energy healing, just as Dr. Oz advised! Treat yourself to that perfect crystal, piece of jewelry or clothing. John's just got back from Tucson with new crystals!

Call 239-949-3387 or 239-289-1698 for more information.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Networking Queens

By Marci Gower

The Networking Queens is a FREE popular business networking event, hosted by Heather Ellis, owner of Cape Coral Curves and open to all business professionals, men and women, to attend. Each month a local business owner is awarded the "Networking Queen" tiara, chosen from the attendees.

This month, we are doing something a bit different, on a special date, for a very special reason and for a very special lady...

Thursday April 22nd - Networking Queens
WELCOME BACK CAROLYN GRAVES!

The Networking Queens are so happy to welcome back our friend and local business professional CAROLYN GRAVES of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, who has been recovering from serious medical complications since September.

Carolyn has been missed greatly by her friends and peers, and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate her recovery AND her birthday than to make her... QUEEN FOR A DAY!

Cape Coral Curves - 1213 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral
(Across from Big John's Plaza - Plenty of Parking!)
5:30pm - 7:30pm. Free Admission. Refreshments & Networking!

Please join us as we celebrate the ultimate Networking Queens evening at Curves. We will have a wonderful evening not only networking, but celebrating, Carolyn's recovery, good friends and good business!

Many local business have donated gifts to make Carolyn's 'Crowning' a night to remember, and additional items for our giveaways!

We hope to see you there, showing your support for this wonderful lady and welcoming her back after so many months in he hospital. It's so good to finally have her smiling face back with us!

See you there!

A Rockin' Judicial Party for Dave Shestokas

By Dave Shestokas

YOU'RE CORDIALLY INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A ROCKIN' JUDICIAL PARTY WITH ATTORNEY DAVID SHESTOKAS FOR LEE COUNTY JUDGE!
Good Eats . Good Music . Good Dancing

Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 6-9pm at The Edison Restaurant.

Your $25 Contribution Includes: An Italian Buffet ~ 1/2 Off Drink Specials
$5 Specialty Drinks... The "Guilt-Tini" and "Contemptuous Colada"

Live Classic Rock Performance by: Hung Jury the Band

Special Guest Performance by: Dave Shestokas

The Edison Restaurant is located at 3583 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers

For more information Contact Connie Ramos-Williams at 239.848.0239

Friday, April 9, 2010

Pirate Fantasy Ball

By TLC

Saturday April 10th

6-10 PM

At the Burroughs Home

Proceeds benefit Tender Loving Care Homes for Children

Don't miss this great fun event with spectacular grub, cash bar, raffle prizes and entertainment.

Prizes for the best pirate theme costumes.

For info and tickets visits

Pirate Fantasy Ball

Thursday, April 8, 2010

7th Annual Administrative Professionals Luncheon, Auction & Fashion Show

By Dr. Piper Center

Celebrate your Administrative Professionals by sending them to this fabulous event!
7th Annual Administrative Professionals
Luncheon, Auction & Fashion Show
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
10:30AM – 1:00PM
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
1380 Colonial Boulevard Fort Myers, FL
$35.00 per person

Come and have a real good time!!!

Laugh with Dr. David Kelley on "The Positive Power of Humor"

Bounce into spring with affordable fashions from Dillard's

Meet our Models
Amy Sedlacek, Anchor, Fox 4 Newscaster
Nicole Williams, Professional Volunteer
Pete Ippolito, Professional Volunteer
Karina L. Borgia, Administrator -Borgia Law & American Real Title Veronica L. Culbertson, Exec. Dir. - SWFl Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Shanice Nicholas-Warner, Student -Island Coast High School
Roger Mercado, Director of Allocations and Community Planning-
United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades

Silent Auction Items:
Shopping at rock bottom prices for 7 friends at Chico's
Coach Purse
Jewelries by Roberta Montgomery
Sanibel Harbour Dinner Cruise for two
Best Western 3 days 2 nights stay
Sea World 4 complimentary tickets
Gift Basket by Dillards … And so much more…..

Awarding of the Three Best Administrative Professionals
(nomination form available on line at drpipercenter.org or call 332-5346)

50/50 and so much more

Reserve Now!!! Call 332-5346 or register at drpipercenter.org

All proceeds will benefit the Senior Companion, Foster Grandparent and Senior Aide Programs of the Dr. Piper Center for Social Services, Inc.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

FAMILY PRIDE DAY

Saturday April 10, 2010

3:00-7:30 PM

Estero Community Park

9200 Corkscrew Palm Blvd

Pride Southwest Florida will be hosting a FAMILY PRIDE DAY – a Picnic and Potluck for the GLBT community! The fun event will be at the Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero Florida.

Corkscrew Palms Blvd is West of I-75 and East of US 41, off of Corkscrew Road. It is between River Ranch Road and Sandy Lane. Turn South off of Corkscrew at the "Estero Urgent Care". When entering the park turn right towards the community center.

Plates, plastic ware, cups and napkins will be provided by the Gay Social Network of Southwest Florida! Sorry – no GSN potluck the month so we can support Pride-SWFL!

Ice, charcoal, sodas and a variety of meats are being provided by the ILiDS Bowling league!

You can also bring your own meats! The grilling utensils for the grills (if you so desire) will be provided by Pride-SWFL.

Horseshoe and volleyball courts are nearby so bring your horseshoes and your volleyballs – no pun intended! What about Bocce Ball, Crockett, Frisbee or even Kite Flying!!!! Lawn chairs, portable tables, or anything else you want to bring to a picnic are definitely suggested. Also, don't forget the sun-screen!

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited – sorry! Also, please leave the pets at home – they will be more comfortable there.

PRIDE-SWFL is hosting this event as a great opportunity to: have you meet new people from the southwest Florida region, have some fun, generate money to pay for filing a 501 (c) (3) charitable non-profit organization application, create seed money to operate the organization over the next year and initiate the next PRIDE FESTIVAL .

No admission, but donations are graciously welcomed! Also, bring a little extra for a 50/50 raffle will be held. Pride-SWFL always welcomes new volunteers to become part of the organization and to help in the development of OUR next pride festival.

Following the picnic - The Bottom Line (TBL) will be hosting a mixer for the GLBT community. The Bottom Line is located at 3090 Evans Ave., Fort Myers. At The Office Pub, the "Disco Divas" will perform at 10:00 PM and at 12:30 AM and there will be a Soul Train Line Dance Contest (these events are held to benefit "Stand Up Florida"). The Office Pub is located at 3704 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers.

The weather forecast is perfect, so join your friends and neighbors, make a few new ones and have a totally awesome and relaxed afternoon in the park!

For more information email Info@Pride-SWFL.org as soon as possible! See you in the park this Saturday!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Democratic Party Events April

By Lee County DEC

This Sunday, April 4, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., come out for the 63^rd Annual Dunbar Easter Celebration. The Parade kicks off the event at 4:00 p.m. from the Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd and For Street. From 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. enjoy the music from local Church Choirs and a concert featuring the G-Force Funk Bank. Additional information is attached.

The Coalition for Change will meet on Monday, April 5. at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Social hour starts at 6:30 followed by the meeting. Items for discussion are single Member County commission districts, Coalition of Immokalee Workers march and demonstration, annual picnic on Sunday, April 11 to celebrate the accomplishments of President Obama, Democratic Party of Lee County Spring Gala and more.

On Tuesday, April 6, at 9:30 a.m., please plan on attending the County Commission Meeting in the Commission Chambers as they once again take up the issue of "Single Member Districts." It is important to have as many voters as possible at this meeting to demonstrate the support of this initiative.

Time is running out to reserve a seat at the Gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, April 10 at 5:00 p.m. This promises to be an exciting event with the appearance of Senator Clare McCaskill. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, April 6. You can make a reservation by going to our website at leecountydems.org and clicking on "get tickets." If you are paying by check, please call the Office to make arrangements to drop off your check.

Sunday, April 11: From noon until 5 p.m., the Greater Fort Myers Democratic Club, Young Democrats and the Coalition for Change will be hosting Support our President Day fundraising at Lakes Park 7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers, Fl, 33908 Shelter D-1. $5.00 donation plus a potluck dish or dessert is requested. For more information contact Richard Supalo 691-0972.