Reach & Rise Mentoring Program seeks volunteers

The Reach & Rise mentoring program is beginning the second training course for volunteer mentors.

It is a therapeutic program that seeks to intentionally match at-risk youth with mentors who possess knowledge and passion in the areas the youth is interested in.

The program also provides a 15-hour training course and ongoing support to mentors, so they may assist youth experiencing difficulties in the best way possible.

Volunteers must be 23 years old or older, have a clean driving record, pass a background screening and have an hour or so per week to devote to a young person in need for a year.

For information, contact Program Director Donna San Salvador at (941) 468-1187 or visit: www.fortmyersymca.org/mentor.

Book signing event set

A book signing event for author Tanya Cattouse will be held Sept. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the East County Regional Library, at 881 Gunnery Road.

Cattouse, a resident of Lehigh Acres, will be available to sign copies of her book, “Rules of the Rich.”

Garden series planned

Grow A Gardener is an eight-session workshop on edible gardening taught by Lee County Master Gardeners.

Sessions include soil, seeds, water, worms/composting, plant parts, propagation, insects and vegetable identification.

The series will be held Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. from Sept. 15 through Nov. 17 at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 Homestead Road S. There is no class Oct. 20 and Nov. 10.

The series is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. Register at: www.webtrac.leegov.com or at the Veterans Park Recreational Center.

For information, contact Karen Harty at (610) 530-8883.

Edible Gardening Exchange to meet

The Lehigh Acres Edible Gardening Exchange will meet Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 S. Homestead Road.

An informal gardener’s chat is held beforehand at 5:30 p.m.

The guest speaker is Roy Beckford, Lee County UF/IFAS Extension director and Agriculture and Natural Resources agent. He will talk about how to grow strawberries like a professional grower.

For details, contact Karen Harty at (610) 530-8883.

Gulf Coast Writers presents speaker

The Gulf Coast Writers Association will meet Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Zion Lutheran Church, at 7401 Winkler Road, Fort Myers.

The speaker will be Tom Hayden, community conversations editor at The Fort Myers News-Press. He will speak on how journalism has changed in the last 30 years and the challenges in writing editorials as opposed to news stories.

Members and first-time visitors are free; guests are $5.

For information, visit online at: www.gulfwriters.org or call (239) 247-4515.

LCDAS announces Microchip Clinics

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will host a series of clinics to encourage microchipping of pets to help increase the return of stray animals and protect owners if their pet is lost or stolen.

Microchip Clinics will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Friday of each month, with the exception of July. The dates are:

– Oct. 3

– Nov. 7

– Dec. 5.

No appointment is necessary.

The cost is $15 or $5 with proof of public assistance.

Visit: www.leelostpets.com to view pets or for information.

Free clown class

Members of The Caloosa Clown Alley will present a free class, “Introduction to Clowning,” on Oct. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Iona McGregor Fire District’s Station 74, at 6061 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers.

The class will cover clown history, makeup demonstration and balloon animals.

A firehouse open house will take place afterward until 3 p.m.

Seating is limited.

For information and reservations, contact Kayo the Clown at (239) 995-8881 or Turkleberry the Clown at (239) 218-1057.

Cost-free career training program taking applications

Lee County residents currently working at low-skill, low-pay jobs may be eligible to take advantage cost-free career training program in the medical front office field to help increase their pay.

The seven-month L.E.E. Medical Office Skills Program starts Oct. 14. Graduation will be held in May.

Telephone application interviews are being accepted now through Oct. 10. Qualified students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis and the class fills quickly.

All applicants must be working; must provide proof of earned income or unemployment compensation, high school diploma or GED; and be a Lee County resident. In addition, students must pass a criminal background check and a basic assessment in reading, language and spelling.

The medical office skills (certificate) program provides instruction in keyboarding, computer applications, medical and dental terminology, medical front office procedures, HIPAA regulations, basic medical billing and coding, and electronic medical records.

Students also receive instruction and assistance with resume writing, interview skills and job searching. All students will receive one year of intensive case management with a L.E.E. program coordinator.

Successful applicants must also have reliable transportation to the classes, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Fort Myers Institute of Technology, at 3800 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers. The program covers all costs for tuition and books and can assist with childcare fees during class hours.

Take part in Lehigh Makes A Difference Day

The planning for the Annual Lehigh Makes A Difference Day 2014 is in full swing and organizers are calling on residents, civic groups and businesses to take part.

Join the effort by creating a service project or participate in an existing project that will have a direct impact on Lehigh Acres.

The Fall Harvest Style event will be held Oct. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at Veterans Park.

For project ideas, visit: www.makeadifferenceday.com or call (239) 477-1485.

Call to artists

Visual artists are invited to submit up to two framed/gallery wrapped pieces of art for the juried Perceptions Art Show 2014.

Presented by the Arts of the Inland, the show will be held Nov. 9 in the Crown Room at the Majestic Golf Club, at 350 S. Homestead Road.

Art mediums are accepted: photography, watercolor, mixed media, pen and ink, oil, acrylic, pastels and charcoals.

Works must have been completed within the last two years and must be original; works which have received an award higher than honorable mention in any AOI or ACSWF shows are not eligible.

Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded.

Entry fee for Arts of the Inland and Art Council of Southwest Florida members is $10 per artwork; non-members fee is $20.

For prospectus and an application, visit: www.artsoftheinland.com. Applications, fees and a digital image or photo must be received by Nov. 4.

For information, contact LaVon Koenig at (239) 303-5849 or artsinland@gmail.com.

Kiwanis golf scramble set

The Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club will host a golf scramble on Nov. 8 at the Majestic Golf Course, at 350 S. Homestead Road. Registration will open at 7:15 a.m., and play will begin at 8 a.m.

Profits from the event will support ECHO and the Kiwanis Endowed Scholarship Fund at Florida SouthWestern State College.

Teams will be made up of four players. The entry fee is $60 per player and includes golf, cart, lunch, range balls and continental breakfast. Handy sandy, mulligan, arm length string and 50/50 are available for purchase.

Sponsorships are available for naming sponsor for $1,000, major sponsor for $500, team sponsor for $275, bar/cart sponsor for $200 and hole sponsor for $50.

To register or for information, contact Carrie Chase at (239) 410-2909.

The Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club is also looking for more service-minded individuals and business professionals who would like to make a direct impact on the community through volunteering. Meetings are held Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the Hope Healthcare Services in Lehigh Acres.

For information, call club President John Graham at (239) 368-5119 or email johng0512@hotmail.com.

Pool offers lessons, aerobics

The Lehigh Acres Community Pool, at 1400 W. Fifth St., is heated and open to the public year round.

There are fall swim lessons offered beginning in September, with a wide range of skill levels taught by American Red Cross certified instructors. Classes available for ages 6 months to adult. Receive eight classes for just $50.

Prepare for the beach with aqua aerobics. Choose from an invigorating fast paced workout offered at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday or the ultra-low impact National Arthritis Foundation sponsored class at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday. Classes are in chest deep water and 45 minutes in length. There are always lifeguards-on-duty. Lap swimmers welcome.

For hours and rates, call (239) 369-8277 or visit the website at:?www.leeparks.org.

Boot camps focus on fitness, nutrition

Healthy Harvest Community Farms, at 607 Mirror Lakes Drive, will host boot camp classes to support a healthier community through fitness and nutrition.

The following are planned:

– Mondays and Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Williams Park

– Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Park

– Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Healthy Harvest Community Farms

The classes are free; donations are welcome and appreciated. At least 10 people must be signed up for a class to take place.

For the full schedule, visit: www.HealthyHarvestFarms.org.

Farmer’s Market open

The Fenway South Farmer’s Market will be held every Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, at 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers.

The market offers produce, cheeses, pastas, seafood, baked breads, meats, herbs, ready-to-eat meals, flowers, crafts, soaps, candles, live music and more.

Visit online at: www.buylocallee.com.

Choir holding rehearsals

The Lehigh Children’s Choir rehearses from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Cayuga Music Studio, at 1100 Homestead Road.

For information, call (239) 368-2488.

Concert Band in session

The Lehigh Concert Band has open spots for any concert band musician who can play at a high school or college level or above.

Clarinet and tuba players are particularly needed.

The season runs from November to April, and the band rehearses at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Faith Lutheran Church, at 705 Leeland Blvd.

Those interested in joining are invited to stop by a Tuesday rehearsal or performance.

For information, call Lynne Criss at (239) 949-1834 or visit: www.lehighconcertband.org.

Lehigh Singers seeks members

The Lehigh Singers rehearse every Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. at the Cayuga Music Studio. Members are asked to attend every rehearsal until the concert in early April.

Tenors and basses needed. If you are interested, call (239) 822-1890 for an audition.

Of Special Note (9/10/14)

By Staff | Sep 10, 2014

Reach & Rise Mentoring Program seeks volunteers

The Reach & Rise mentoring program is beginning the second training course for volunteer mentors.

It is a therapeutic program that seeks to intentionally match at-risk youth with mentors who possess knowledge and passion in the areas the youth is interested in.

The program also provides a 15-hour training course and ongoing support to mentors, so they may assist youth experiencing difficulties in the best way possible.

Volunteers must be 23 years old or older, have a clean driving record, pass a background screening and have an hour or so per week to devote to a young person in need for a year.

For information, contact Program Director Donna San Salvador at (941) 468-1187 or visit: www.fortmyersymca.org/mentor.

Book signing event set

A book signing event for author Tanya Cattouse will be held Sept. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the East County Regional Library, at 881 Gunnery Road.

Cattouse, a resident of Lehigh Acres, will be available to sign copies of her book, “Rules of the Rich.”

Garden series planned

Grow A Gardener is an eight-session workshop on edible gardening taught by Lee County Master Gardeners.

Sessions include soil, seeds, water, worms/composting, plant parts, propagation, insects and vegetable identification.

The series will be held Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. from Sept. 15 through Nov. 17 at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 Homestead Road S. There is no class Oct. 20 and Nov. 10.

The series is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. Register at: www.webtrac.leegov.com or at the Veterans Park Recreational Center.

For information, contact Karen Harty at (610) 530-8883.

Edible Gardening Exchange to meet

The Lehigh Acres Edible Gardening Exchange will meet Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 S. Homestead Road.

An informal gardener’s chat is held beforehand at 5:30 p.m.

The guest speaker is Roy Beckford, Lee County UF/IFAS Extension director and Agriculture and Natural Resources agent. He will talk about how to grow strawberries like a professional grower.

For details, contact Karen Harty at (610) 530-8883.

Gulf Coast Writers presents speaker

The Gulf Coast Writers Association will meet Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Zion Lutheran Church, at 7401 Winkler Road, Fort Myers.

The speaker will be Tom Hayden, community conversations editor at The Fort Myers News-Press. He will speak on how journalism has changed in the last 30 years and the challenges in writing editorials as opposed to news stories.

Members and first-time visitors are free; guests are $5.

For information, visit online at: www.gulfwriters.org or call (239) 247-4515.

LCDAS announces Microchip Clinics

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will host a series of clinics to encourage microchipping of pets to help increase the return of stray animals and protect owners if their pet is lost or stolen.

Microchip Clinics will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Friday of each month, with the exception of July. The dates are:

– Oct. 3

– Nov. 7

– Dec. 5.

No appointment is necessary.

The cost is $15 or $5 with proof of public assistance.

Visit: www.leelostpets.com to view pets or for information.

Free clown class

Members of The Caloosa Clown Alley will present a free class, “Introduction to Clowning,” on Oct. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Iona McGregor Fire District’s Station 74, at 6061 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers.

The class will cover clown history, makeup demonstration and balloon animals.

A firehouse open house will take place afterward until 3 p.m.

Seating is limited.

For information and reservations, contact Kayo the Clown at (239) 995-8881 or Turkleberry the Clown at (239) 218-1057.

Cost-free career training program taking applications

Lee County residents currently working at low-skill, low-pay jobs may be eligible to take advantage cost-free career training program in the medical front office field to help increase their pay.

The seven-month L.E.E. Medical Office Skills Program starts Oct. 14. Graduation will be held in May.

Telephone application interviews are being accepted now through Oct. 10. Qualified students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis and the class fills quickly.

All applicants must be working; must provide proof of earned income or unemployment compensation, high school diploma or GED; and be a Lee County resident. In addition, students must pass a criminal background check and a basic assessment in reading, language and spelling.

The medical office skills (certificate) program provides instruction in keyboarding, computer applications, medical and dental terminology, medical front office procedures, HIPAA regulations, basic medical billing and coding, and electronic medical records.

Students also receive instruction and assistance with resume writing, interview skills and job searching. All students will receive one year of intensive case management with a L.E.E. program coordinator.

Successful applicants must also have reliable transportation to the classes, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Fort Myers Institute of Technology, at 3800 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers. The program covers all costs for tuition and books and can assist with childcare fees during class hours.

Take part in Lehigh Makes A Difference Day

The planning for the Annual Lehigh Makes A Difference Day 2014 is in full swing and organizers are calling on residents, civic groups and businesses to take part.

Join the effort by creating a service project or participate in an existing project that will have a direct impact on Lehigh Acres.

The Fall Harvest Style event will be held Oct. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at Veterans Park.

For project ideas, visit: www.makeadifferenceday.com or call (239) 477-1485.

Call to artists

Visual artists are invited to submit up to two framed/gallery wrapped pieces of art for the juried Perceptions Art Show 2014.

Presented by the Arts of the Inland, the show will be held Nov. 9 in the Crown Room at the Majestic Golf Club, at 350 S. Homestead Road.

Art mediums are accepted: photography, watercolor, mixed media, pen and ink, oil, acrylic, pastels and charcoals.

Works must have been completed within the last two years and must be original; works which have received an award higher than honorable mention in any AOI or ACSWF shows are not eligible.

Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded.

Entry fee for Arts of the Inland and Art Council of Southwest Florida members is $10 per artwork; non-members fee is $20.

For prospectus and an application, visit: www.artsoftheinland.com. Applications, fees and a digital image or photo must be received by Nov. 4.

For information, contact LaVon Koenig at (239) 303-5849 or artsinland@gmail.com.

Kiwanis golf scramble set

The Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club will host a golf scramble on Nov. 8 at the Majestic Golf Course, at 350 S. Homestead Road. Registration will open at 7:15 a.m., and play will begin at 8 a.m.

Profits from the event will support ECHO and the Kiwanis Endowed Scholarship Fund at Florida SouthWestern State College.

Teams will be made up of four players. The entry fee is $60 per player and includes golf, cart, lunch, range balls and continental breakfast. Handy sandy, mulligan, arm length string and 50/50 are available for purchase.

Sponsorships are available for naming sponsor for $1,000, major sponsor for $500, team sponsor for $275, bar/cart sponsor for $200 and hole sponsor for $50.

To register or for information, contact Carrie Chase at (239) 410-2909.

The Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club is also looking for more service-minded individuals and business professionals who would like to make a direct impact on the community through volunteering. Meetings are held Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the Hope Healthcare Services in Lehigh Acres.

For information, call club President John Graham at (239) 368-5119 or email johng0512@hotmail.com.

Pool offers lessons, aerobics

The Lehigh Acres Community Pool, at 1400 W. Fifth St., is heated and open to the public year round.

There are fall swim lessons offered beginning in September, with a wide range of skill levels taught by American Red Cross certified instructors. Classes available for ages 6 months to adult. Receive eight classes for just $50.

Prepare for the beach with aqua aerobics. Choose from an invigorating fast paced workout offered at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday or the ultra-low impact National Arthritis Foundation sponsored class at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday. Classes are in chest deep water and 45 minutes in length. There are always lifeguards-on-duty. Lap swimmers welcome.

For hours and rates, call (239) 369-8277 or visit the website at:?www.leeparks.org.

Boot camps focus on fitness, nutrition

Healthy Harvest Community Farms, at 607 Mirror Lakes Drive, will host boot camp classes to support a healthier community through fitness and nutrition.

The following are planned:

– Mondays and Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Williams Park

– Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Park

– Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Healthy Harvest Community Farms

The classes are free; donations are welcome and appreciated. At least 10 people must be signed up for a class to take place.

For the full schedule, visit: www.HealthyHarvestFarms.org.

Farmer’s Market open

The Fenway South Farmer’s Market will be held every Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, at 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers.

The market offers produce, cheeses, pastas, seafood, baked breads, meats, herbs, ready-to-eat meals, flowers, crafts, soaps, candles, live music and more.

Visit online at: www.buylocallee.com.

Choir holding rehearsals

The Lehigh Children’s Choir rehearses from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Cayuga Music Studio, at 1100 Homestead Road.

For information, call (239) 368-2488.

Concert Band in session

The Lehigh Concert Band has open spots for any concert band musician who can play at a high school or college level or above.

Clarinet and tuba players are particularly needed.

The season runs from November to April, and the band rehearses at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Faith Lutheran Church, at 705 Leeland Blvd.

Those interested in joining are invited to stop by a Tuesday rehearsal or performance.

For information, call Lynne Criss at (239) 949-1834 or visit: www.lehighconcertband.org.

Lehigh Singers seeks members

The Lehigh Singers rehearse every Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. at the Cayuga Music Studio. Members are asked to attend every rehearsal until the concert in early April.

Tenors and basses needed. If you are interested, call (239) 822-1890 for an audition.

Of Special Note (9/10/14)

By Staff | Sep 10, 2014

Reach & Rise Mentoring Program seeks volunteers

The Reach & Rise mentoring program is beginning the second training course for volunteer mentors.

It is a therapeutic program that seeks to intentionally match at-risk youth with mentors who possess knowledge and passion in the areas the youth is interested in.

The program also provides a 15-hour training course and ongoing support to mentors, so they may assist youth experiencing difficulties in the best way possible.

Volunteers must be 23 years old or older, have a clean driving record, pass a background screening and have an hour or so per week to devote to a young person in need for a year.

For information, contact Program Director Donna San Salvador at (941) 468-1187 or visit: www.fortmyersymca.org/mentor.

Book signing event set

A book signing event for author Tanya Cattouse will be held Sept. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the East County Regional Library, at 881 Gunnery Road.

Cattouse, a resident of Lehigh Acres, will be available to sign copies of her book, “Rules of the Rich.”

Garden series planned

Grow A Gardener is an eight-session workshop on edible gardening taught by Lee County Master Gardeners.

Sessions include soil, seeds, water, worms/composting, plant parts, propagation, insects and vegetable identification.

The series will be held Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. from Sept. 15 through Nov. 17 at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 Homestead Road S. There is no class Oct. 20 and Nov. 10.

The series is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. Register at: www.webtrac.leegov.com or at the Veterans Park Recreational Center.

For information, contact Karen Harty at (610) 530-8883.

Edible Gardening Exchange to meet

The Lehigh Acres Edible Gardening Exchange will meet Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 S. Homestead Road.

An informal gardener’s chat is held beforehand at 5:30 p.m.

The guest speaker is Roy Beckford, Lee County UF/IFAS Extension director and Agriculture and Natural Resources agent. He will talk about how to grow strawberries like a professional grower.

For details, contact Karen Harty at (610) 530-8883.

Gulf Coast Writers presents speaker

The Gulf Coast Writers Association will meet Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Zion Lutheran Church, at 7401 Winkler Road, Fort Myers.

The speaker will be Tom Hayden, community conversations editor at The Fort Myers News-Press. He will speak on how journalism has changed in the last 30 years and the challenges in writing editorials as opposed to news stories.

Members and first-time visitors are free; guests are $5.

For information, visit online at: www.gulfwriters.org or call (239) 247-4515.

LCDAS announces Microchip Clinics

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will host a series of clinics to encourage microchipping of pets to help increase the return of stray animals and protect owners if their pet is lost or stolen.

Microchip Clinics will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Friday of each month, with the exception of July. The dates are:

– Oct. 3

– Nov. 7

– Dec. 5.

No appointment is necessary.

The cost is $15 or $5 with proof of public assistance.

Visit: www.leelostpets.com to view pets or for information.

Free clown class

Members of The Caloosa Clown Alley will present a free class, “Introduction to Clowning,” on Oct. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Iona McGregor Fire District’s Station 74, at 6061 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers.

The class will cover clown history, makeup demonstration and balloon animals.

A firehouse open house will take place afterward until 3 p.m.

Seating is limited.

For information and reservations, contact Kayo the Clown at (239) 995-8881 or Turkleberry the Clown at (239) 218-1057.

Cost-free career training program taking applications

Lee County residents currently working at low-skill, low-pay jobs may be eligible to take advantage cost-free career training program in the medical front office field to help increase their pay.

The seven-month L.E.E. Medical Office Skills Program starts Oct. 14. Graduation will be held in May.

Telephone application interviews are being accepted now through Oct. 10. Qualified students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis and the class fills quickly.

All applicants must be working; must provide proof of earned income or unemployment compensation, high school diploma or GED; and be a Lee County resident. In addition, students must pass a criminal background check and a basic assessment in reading, language and spelling.

The medical office skills (certificate) program provides instruction in keyboarding, computer applications, medical and dental terminology, medical front office procedures, HIPAA regulations, basic medical billing and coding, and electronic medical records.

Students also receive instruction and assistance with resume writing, interview skills and job searching. All students will receive one year of intensive case management with a L.E.E. program coordinator.

Successful applicants must also have reliable transportation to the classes, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Fort Myers Institute of Technology, at 3800 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers. The program covers all costs for tuition and books and can assist with childcare fees during class hours.

Take part in Lehigh Makes A Difference Day

The planning for the Annual Lehigh Makes A Difference Day 2014 is in full swing and organizers are calling on residents, civic groups and businesses to take part.

Join the effort by creating a service project or participate in an existing project that will have a direct impact on Lehigh Acres.

The Fall Harvest Style event will be held Oct. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at Veterans Park.

For project ideas, visit: www.makeadifferenceday.com or call (239) 477-1485.

Call to artists

Visual artists are invited to submit up to two framed/gallery wrapped pieces of art for the juried Perceptions Art Show 2014.

Presented by the Arts of the Inland, the show will be held Nov. 9 in the Crown Room at the Majestic Golf Club, at 350 S. Homestead Road.

Art mediums are accepted: photography, watercolor, mixed media, pen and ink, oil, acrylic, pastels and charcoals.

Works must have been completed within the last two years and must be original; works which have received an award higher than honorable mention in any AOI or ACSWF shows are not eligible.

Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded.

Entry fee for Arts of the Inland and Art Council of Southwest Florida members is $10 per artwork; non-members fee is $20.

For prospectus and an application, visit: www.artsoftheinland.com. Applications, fees and a digital image or photo must be received by Nov. 4.

For information, contact LaVon Koenig at (239) 303-5849 or artsinland@gmail.com.

Kiwanis golf scramble set

The Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club will host a golf scramble on Nov. 8 at the Majestic Golf Course, at 350 S. Homestead Road. Registration will open at 7:15 a.m., and play will begin at 8 a.m.

Profits from the event will support ECHO and the Kiwanis Endowed Scholarship Fund at Florida SouthWestern State College.

Teams will be made up of four players. The entry fee is $60 per player and includes golf, cart, lunch, range balls and continental breakfast. Handy sandy, mulligan, arm length string and 50/50 are available for purchase.

Sponsorships are available for naming sponsor for $1,000, major sponsor for $500, team sponsor for $275, bar/cart sponsor for $200 and hole sponsor for $50.

To register or for information, contact Carrie Chase at (239) 410-2909.

The Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club is also looking for more service-minded individuals and business professionals who would like to make a direct impact on the community through volunteering. Meetings are held Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the Hope Healthcare Services in Lehigh Acres.

For information, call club President John Graham at (239) 368-5119 or email johng0512@hotmail.com.

Pool offers lessons, aerobics

The Lehigh Acres Community Pool, at 1400 W. Fifth St., is heated and open to the public year round.

There are fall swim lessons offered beginning in September, with a wide range of skill levels taught by American Red Cross certified instructors. Classes available for ages 6 months to adult. Receive eight classes for just $50.

Prepare for the beach with aqua aerobics. Choose from an invigorating fast paced workout offered at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday or the ultra-low impact National Arthritis Foundation sponsored class at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday. Classes are in chest deep water and 45 minutes in length. There are always lifeguards-on-duty. Lap swimmers welcome.

For hours and rates, call (239) 369-8277 or visit the website at:?www.leeparks.org.

Boot camps focus on fitness, nutrition

Healthy Harvest Community Farms, at 607 Mirror Lakes Drive, will host boot camp classes to support a healthier community through fitness and nutrition.

The following are planned:

– Mondays and Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Williams Park

– Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Park

– Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Healthy Harvest Community Farms

The classes are free; donations are welcome and appreciated. At least 10 people must be signed up for a class to take place.

For the full schedule, visit: www.HealthyHarvestFarms.org.

Farmer’s Market open

The Fenway South Farmer’s Market will be held every Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, at 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers.

The market offers produce, cheeses, pastas, seafood, baked breads, meats, herbs, ready-to-eat meals, flowers, crafts, soaps, candles, live music and more.

Visit online at: www.buylocallee.com.

Choir holding rehearsals

The Lehigh Children’s Choir rehearses from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Cayuga Music Studio, at 1100 Homestead Road.

For information, call (239) 368-2488.

Concert Band in session

The Lehigh Concert Band has open spots for any concert band musician who can play at a high school or college level or above.

Clarinet and tuba players are particularly needed.

The season runs from November to April, and the band rehearses at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Faith Lutheran Church, at 705 Leeland Blvd.

Those interested in joining are invited to stop by a Tuesday rehearsal or performance.

For information, call Lynne Criss at (239) 949-1834 or visit: www.lehighconcertband.org.

Lehigh Singers seeks members

The Lehigh Singers rehearse every Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. at the Cayuga Music Studio. Members are asked to attend every rehearsal until the concert in early April.

Tenors and basses needed. If you are interested, call (239) 822-1890 for an audition.

Of Special Note (9/10/14)

By Staff | Sep 10, 2014

Reach & Rise Mentoring Program seeks volunteers

The Reach & Rise mentoring program is beginning the second training course for volunteer mentors.

It is a therapeutic program that seeks to intentionally match at-risk youth with mentors who possess knowledge and passion in the areas the youth is interested in.

The program also provides a 15-hour training course and ongoing support to mentors, so they may assist youth experiencing difficulties in the best way possible.

Volunteers must be 23 years old or older, have a clean driving record, pass a background screening and have an hour or so per week to devote to a young person in need for a year.

For information, contact Program Director Donna San Salvador at (941) 468-1187 or visit: www.fortmyersymca.org/mentor.

Book signing event set

A book signing event for author Tanya Cattouse will be held Sept. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the East County Regional Library, at 881 Gunnery Road.

Cattouse, a resident of Lehigh Acres, will be available to sign copies of her book, “Rules of the Rich.”

Garden series planned

Grow A Gardener is an eight-session workshop on edible gardening taught by Lee County Master Gardeners.

Sessions include soil, seeds, water, worms/composting, plant parts, propagation, insects and vegetable identification.

The series will be held Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. from Sept. 15 through Nov. 17 at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 Homestead Road S. There is no class Oct. 20 and Nov. 10.

The series is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. Register at: www.webtrac.leegov.com or at the Veterans Park Recreational Center.

For information, contact Karen Harty at (610) 530-8883.

Edible Gardening Exchange to meet

The Lehigh Acres Edible Gardening Exchange will meet Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, at 55 S. Homestead Road.

An informal gardener’s chat is held beforehand at 5:30 p.m.

The guest speaker is Roy Beckford, Lee County UF/IFAS Extension director and Agriculture and Natural Resources agent. He will talk about how to grow strawberries like a professional grower.

For details, contact Karen Harty at (610) 530-8883.

Gulf Coast Writers presents speaker

The Gulf Coast Writers Association will meet Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Zion Lutheran Church, at 7401 Winkler Road, Fort Myers.

The speaker will be Tom Hayden, community conversations editor at The Fort Myers News-Press. He will speak on how journalism has changed in the last 30 years and the challenges in writing editorials as opposed to news stories.

Members and first-time visitors are free; guests are $5.

For information, visit online at: www.gulfwriters.org or call (239) 247-4515.

LCDAS announces Microchip Clinics

Lee County Domestic Animal Services will host a series of clinics to encourage microchipping of pets to help increase the return of stray animals and protect owners if their pet is lost or stolen.

Microchip Clinics will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Friday of each month, with the exception of July. The dates are:

– Oct. 3

– Nov. 7

– Dec. 5.

No appointment is necessary.

The cost is $15 or $5 with proof of public assistance.

Visit: www.leelostpets.com to view pets or for information.

Free clown class

Members of The Caloosa Clown Alley will present a free class, “Introduction to Clowning,” on Oct. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Iona McGregor Fire District’s Station 74, at 6061 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers.

The class will cover clown history, makeup demonstration and balloon animals.

A firehouse open house will take place afterward until 3 p.m.

Seating is limited.

For information and reservations, contact Kayo the Clown at (239) 995-8881 or Turkleberry the Clown at (239) 218-1057.

Cost-free career training program taking applications

Lee County residents currently working at low-skill, low-pay jobs may be eligible to take advantage cost-free career training program in the medical front office field to help increase their pay.

The seven-month L.E.E. Medical Office Skills Program starts Oct. 14. Graduation will be held in May.

Telephone application interviews are being accepted now through Oct. 10. Qualified students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis and the class fills quickly.

All applicants must be working; must provide proof of earned income or unemployment compensation, high school diploma or GED; and be a Lee County resident. In addition, students must pass a criminal background check and a basic assessment in reading, language and spelling.

The medical office skills (certificate) program provides instruction in keyboarding, computer applications, medical and dental terminology, medical front office procedures, HIPAA regulations, basic medical billing and coding, and electronic medical records.

Students also receive instruction and assistance with resume writing, interview skills and job searching. All students will receive one year of intensive case management with a L.E.E. program coordinator.

Successful applicants must also have reliable transportation to the classes, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Fort Myers Institute of Technology, at 3800 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers. The program covers all costs for tuition and books and can assist with childcare fees during class hours.

Take part in Lehigh Makes A Difference Day

The planning for the Annual Lehigh Makes A Difference Day 2014 is in full swing and organizers are calling on residents, civic groups and businesses to take part.

Join the effort by creating a service project or participate in an existing project that will have a direct impact on Lehigh Acres.

The Fall Harvest Style event will be held Oct. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at Veterans Park.

For project ideas, visit: www.makeadifferenceday.com or call (239) 477-1485.

Call to artists

Visual artists are invited to submit up to two framed/gallery wrapped pieces of art for the juried Perceptions Art Show 2014.

Presented by the Arts of the Inland, the show will be held Nov. 9 in the Crown Room at the Majestic Golf Club, at 350 S. Homestead Road.

Art mediums are accepted: photography, watercolor, mixed media, pen and ink, oil, acrylic, pastels and charcoals.

Works must have been completed within the last two years and must be original; works which have received an award higher than honorable mention in any AOI or ACSWF shows are not eligible.

Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded.

Entry fee for Arts of the Inland and Art Council of Southwest Florida members is $10 per artwork; non-members fee is $20.

For prospectus and an application, visit: www.artsoftheinland.com. Applications, fees and a digital image or photo must be received by Nov. 4.

For information, contact LaVon Koenig at (239) 303-5849 or artsinland@gmail.com.

Kiwanis golf scramble set

The Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club will host a golf scramble on Nov. 8 at the Majestic Golf Course, at 350 S. Homestead Road. Registration will open at 7:15 a.m., and play will begin at 8 a.m.

Profits from the event will support ECHO and the Kiwanis Endowed Scholarship Fund at Florida SouthWestern State College.

Teams will be made up of four players. The entry fee is $60 per player and includes golf, cart, lunch, range balls and continental breakfast. Handy sandy, mulligan, arm length string and 50/50 are available for purchase.

Sponsorships are available for naming sponsor for $1,000, major sponsor for $500, team sponsor for $275, bar/cart sponsor for $200 and hole sponsor for $50.

To register or for information, contact Carrie Chase at (239) 410-2909.

The Lehigh Acres Kiwanis Club is also looking for more service-minded individuals and business professionals who would like to make a direct impact on the community through volunteering. Meetings are held Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the Hope Healthcare Services in Lehigh Acres.

For information, call club President John Graham at (239) 368-5119 or email johng0512@hotmail.com.

Pool offers lessons, aerobics

The Lehigh Acres Community Pool, at 1400 W. Fifth St., is heated and open to the public year round.

There are fall swim lessons offered beginning in September, with a wide range of skill levels taught by American Red Cross certified instructors. Classes available for ages 6 months to adult. Receive eight classes for just $50.

Prepare for the beach with aqua aerobics. Choose from an invigorating fast paced workout offered at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday or the ultra-low impact National Arthritis Foundation sponsored class at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday. Classes are in chest deep water and 45 minutes in length. There are always lifeguards-on-duty. Lap swimmers welcome.

For hours and rates, call (239) 369-8277 or visit the website at:?www.leeparks.org.

Boot camps focus on fitness, nutrition

Healthy Harvest Community Farms, at 607 Mirror Lakes Drive, will host boot camp classes to support a healthier community through fitness and nutrition.

The following are planned:

– Mondays and Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Williams Park

– Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Park

– Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Healthy Harvest Community Farms

The classes are free; donations are welcome and appreciated. At least 10 people must be signed up for a class to take place.

For the full schedule, visit: www.HealthyHarvestFarms.org.

Farmer’s Market open

The Fenway South Farmer’s Market will be held every Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, at 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers.

The market offers produce, cheeses, pastas, seafood, baked breads, meats, herbs, ready-to-eat meals, flowers, crafts, soaps, candles, live music and more.

Visit online at: www.buylocallee.com.

Choir holding rehearsals

The Lehigh Children’s Choir rehearses from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Cayuga Music Studio, at 1100 Homestead Road.

For information, call (239) 368-2488.

Concert Band in session

The Lehigh Concert Band has open spots for any concert band musician who can play at a high school or college level or above.

Clarinet and tuba players are particularly needed.

The season runs from November to April, and the band rehearses at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Faith Lutheran Church, at 705 Leeland Blvd.

Those interested in joining are invited to stop by a Tuesday rehearsal or performance.

For information, call Lynne Criss at (239) 949-1834 or visit: www.lehighconcertband.org.

Lehigh Singers seeks members

The Lehigh Singers rehearse every Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. at the Cayuga Music Studio. Members are asked to attend every rehearsal until the concert in early April.

Tenors and basses needed. If you are interested, call (239) 822-1890 for an audition.

Local Sports & Recreation

PHOTO GALLERY | Mixed doubles play at the 2026 APP Selkirk US Collegiate Championships at The Courts at Cape Coral on Saturday

Edison and Ford Winter Estates to host vintage “base ball” game at Terry Park on March 21

Step forward for mental health | Registration open, sponsors needed for annual Sunset Strides 5K