Category Archives: Uncategorized

(Fort Myers, FL- April 18, 2012) A private concert, co-hosted by three local couples, Georganne and Cliff Williams, Sheri and Mark Loren, and Daun and Peter Dessak, was held on April 7th featuring three talented artists who came together from all over the United States to play on one stage at the historic Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC).

Zorki Nastasic, Wendy Webb, and Jeff Sipe, who have played with numerous well-known musicians and have toured the country from New York to California, performed for the sell-out crowd. These musicians teamed up to perform at this very special evening of music to support the SBDAC and gave the guests an unforgettable performance.

About the artists

Zorki Nastasic– A brilliant guitarist, Zorki combines folk, pop, and jazz music all into one style. His career started on the streets of New York and quickly grew with his unique, upbeat and aggressive sound. He has shared the stage with some of New York’s finest artists such as Neil Jason, Jeff Pevar, John McCurry, and more, who have taught him valuable styles and tools that he incorporates into his own music.

Wendy Webb- A keyboardist and songwriter, she has traveled to many countries telling her story through musical notes. From Paris, to Cuba, to New York she follows her passion for music and performs all over the world. She also writes music which has received multiple honors in competitions such as the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. To find out more about Wendy visit www.wendywebbmusic.com

Jeff Sipe – A talented drummer with remarkable sound. His drumming style qualifies as “never been heard before” because he improvises during his shows which highlight his unique talent. He is well-known in Atlanta as well as throughout the east coast. For more information about Jeff visit http://jeffsipemusic.com

**Photos by Ivan Seligman

Wendy Webb

Zorki Nastasic and Jeff Sipe

(Fort Myers, Fla. – March 23, 2011) – The staff of beauty professionals of Kreegel Aesthetic Surgery will offer a complimentary seminar “Secrets of the Skin Care Specialist and Tricks of the Trade,” on March 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Medical Spa at his office 16410 HealthPark Commons Drive, Ste. 200, Fort Myers.

The seminar will feature demonstrations and discussion on the latest techniques to reduce the signs of aging.

Reservations are required to attend each event and can be made by calling 239-343-9777.

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(Fort Myers, Fla. – February 2, 2011) – For those who want to rock and roll, travel and/or acquire wines from some of the finest wineries in the world, the auction offerings up for bid at this year’s SWFL Wine & Food Fest on Feb. 26 will not disappoint. The event will be held during the Grand Tasting and Auction at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club and the auction lots are available for viewing now at www.SWFLWineFest.org.

Donated by trustees and friends of the Wine Fest, bidders will have the chance to compete for a stay at Staglin Vineyards’ estate to experience the harvest and a wine making experience as special guests of this year’s signature vintner, or a one of a kind necklace and earrings crafted of AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams’ guitar picks adorned in black diamonds by Mark Loren Designs’ original design capped off with a year’s worth of Norman Love’s BLACK dark chocolate confections and as if that is not enough, walk away with an authentic music award presented to the band from Ireland’s music industry personalized to the winner by Cliff Williams himself.

Or, fly to Vegas for choice seats at the Lady Gaga’s Monster Tour concert, the Beatles LOVE Cirque show, stay at the Bellagio and enjoy dinner at two fabulous Vegas restaurants, or if something closer to home is more attractive, then attend the “Charities’ Angels” Rock and Roll Party where Wine Fest Trustee Michele Eddy will host a dinner and wine party at her riverfront home for 30 with the headline band of Steve Luongo, Larry Hobbs and Mark Hitt with singing sensation Randy Jackson of Zebra.  If sports are your thing, then you and three of your friends will attend the US Open Congressional in June, or you and friend can get tickets to the NCAA finals, the Major League All Stars game or golf with Shula and join Chris Evert courtside, or send your child to Michael Jordan’s basketball camp.  And the auction has adventure too from race car and dog fight in the air experiences to Dory boat white water rafting in the Grand Canyon and luxury skiing and excursions in Aspen.

When it comes to wine, there isn’t anything like it.  Bidders can obtain the wines of the 1976 Smackdown in Paris competition that put the US winemakers on the map, magnums of each of the participating vintners in this year’s Wine Fest, the Best Bordeauxs, and amazing wine tastings and tours.

What makes this auction extra special is that 100% of what is raised during the auction will go directly to the benefitting charities.  The primary charity is The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida which has received over $2 million over the years of the festival’s success.  The secondary charities are Edison State College’s pediatric nursing program and Florida Gulf Coast University’s endowed fund to support a local pre-med student considering studying pediatrics.

Tickets for the Wine Fest weekend of fun range from $500 for Saturday Grand Tasting and Auction tickets to $750 and up to $1,500 per person to also attend a Chef Vintner Dinner, depending on the dinner and availability.

For more information, to receive an invitation or to purchase tickets, go to www.SWFLWineFest.org or call 239-278-3900.

(Fort Myers, Fla. – January 20, 2011) – In 1986, the husband and wife team of Eric and Sherri Hynden established Flint Financial Group, Inc.  For 25 years, the Hyndens have worked side-by-side, assisting Southwest Floridians and now others in 30 states in planning their financial futures. When Flint Financial began doing business, Ronald Reagan sat in the White House and George H. Bush was vice president. That year, the New York Mets (the other New York team) defeated the Boston Red Sox to take the World Series and the Dow –Jones Industrial Average hit a staggering high of 1,955. It was a good year to begin a business  in the financial management field.

Back in 1986, small businesses did not rely on computers as they do today; but the change was coming. In that year Windows introduced its first operating system that utilized icons .Fax machines were new technology and e-mail was virtually unheard of. During the past 25 years the widespread use of computers and the growth of the Internet have changed the way that business is conducted.  Today, Flint Financial has grown from 2 to 8 employees and has an in-house full-time information technology associate and a virtual employee who telecommutes from the Washington, DC area.

Other than that, at Flint Financial Group, some things have not changed since 1986. Sherri Hynden says, “We are still working hard to provide sound financial advice and top level service regardless of market conditions or circumstances. We still enjoy sitting down with you face-to-face and reviewing your financial goals. That experience is something that we feel can’t be duplicated. We still answer our telephones with a live person. And most importantly, we still deeply care for your families and the work we do along side you to help build your assets, provide comfortable retirement income and help you to pass along a sound financial legacy.”

For some couples, working together every day is a strain, but the Hyndens thrive on their close partnership both inside and outside of the office. “Working together has reinforced many of our shared values. We consult closely with one another and this is extremely helpful in meeting the challenges faced by our clients,” Eric said.

Outside the office, Eric and Sherri are involved in the community and very active in their church. Their strong Christian principles remain at the foundation for how they conduct their work, marriage and business. They enjoy traveling, boating and volunteering. They have two sons, Benjamin and Daniel, both currently in college.

About Flint Financial Services

Eric and Sherri Hynden are highly respected Chartered Financial Consultants who have developed a comprehensive seven-step approach to asset management suited mainly for individuals, but also includes corporations, charities, trusts, limited liability corporations and retirement accounts. This process systematically addresses investments, income taxes, estate planning, asset titling review, life insurance review, health and long-term care issues, and family and charitable giving strategies. Flint Financial has partnered with TD Ameritrade and Pershing as custodians for client accounts. Securities and investment advisory services offered through FSC Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor. Additional investment advisory services offered through Flint Financial Investments Management Corporation, a registered investment advisor not affiliated with FSC Securities Corporation.

For more information contact Flint Financial Group, 12629 New Brittany Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida, 33907 at (239) 936-2777 or visit Flint Financial on-line at www.flintfinancial.com.

(Captiva Island, Fla. – January 17, 2011) – The year was 1976, the US was celebrating its bicentennial, the Concorde made its first commercial flight, a little known governor from Georgia Jimmy Carter became president.  The fashion featured mini-skirts and bell bottoms and most men wore beards or mustaches, and the top song on the radio was Silly Love Songs by Paul McCartney and Wings.  January 29, 1976 was the same year a local eating establishment was founded as a tropical take on an olde English Pub theme, the Mucky Duck Restaurant on Captiva Island.  The restaurant, which has become famous for its sunset views, delicious food and a tradition of vacationers and islanders is celebrating 35 years of business with a celebration on Jan. 30, 1:00 p.m. to dusk, at 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island.  Parking will be available at the restaurant and our parking lot attendants will have suggestions to other locations during the day.  Carpooling could be a great idea!

 Starting at 1:00 pm. Nashville musicians and Grammy winner Brent Moyer will perform with Joe Sun, quoted by Johnny Cash as the best new singer to come into Nashville. At 2:30 p.m. to sunset, The Yard Dogs will perform original uplifting and entertaining music which blends Zydeco, blues, blue grass, Cajun, country, folk and rock which they call “Florida Swamp Music”.  Barbecue and refreshments will be served.  Admission of $30 will include food, fun, a day on the beach and 2 free drink tickets.  Commemorative 35^th Anniversary Mucky Duck merchandise will be available for purchase.  A portion of the events proceeds will benefit The Heights Foundation, a grassroots organization that works to break the cycle of poverty in the Harlem Heights neighborhood, located just off of the islands in the Iona McGregor area.

 “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to create a beach party atmosphere at the Duck capped off with a spectacular sunset,” said Mucky Duck Partner Victor Mayeron, who also serves as volunteer president of the board of directors for the Heights Foundation.  “We’ll have great food, music and typical Mucky Duck hospitality as we CELEBRATE 35 YEARS on Captiva, the world’s most beautiful island.”

 For more information, visit www.muckyduck.com, or call 239-472-3434

Earn While You Learn with Home-Tech Apprenticeship Program

Program Now Seeking Qualified Applicants

Local company helps reduce unemployment in Southwest Florida 

(January 14, 2010 – Fort Myers, Fla.) –Home-Tech, a Fort Myers based air conditioning and major appliance sales and service company, is seeking individuals to apply for its apprenticeship training program that may put them on a new career path.

Each year, Home-Tech hires between five and eight individuals into its apprenticeship program who undergo a rigorous 240-hour training “boot camp” program at the company’s in-house training facility. The state-of-the-art facility includes computers, displays, simulators for air-conditioning systems and major appliances for hands-on practical training.  This is combined with on the job training supervised by a senior technician, and followed by a written and practical test.

“It’s not easy, but the individuals we look to hire into our apprenticeship program are up to the challenge. We want only the best people working with our customers,” says Steve Marino, founder and CEO of Home-Tech. Once on the road, the training continues throughout the first and second year with in-house and online instruction totaling 260-hours a year.

Home-Tech is the only Southwest Florida service company that invests in an in-house training program, managed and supervised by a full time trainer.

“We are basically offering a full-ride scholarship to a proven, recession-proof career path,” said Home-Tech founder and CEO Steve Marino. “We are not only paying the tuition, we are paying them as they learn!”  

Applicants for the program must be at least 21, drug-free, with a good driving record and no criminal record. The most important quality in an applicant, according to Marino, is a proven mechanical aptitude, a willingness to learn and work hard. “We take service seriously at Home-Tech, just one of many reasons we have continued to grow for 30 years,” Marino says.

Matt Eberhard completed the training program at Home-Tech two years ago. “At a time when my friends were being laid off, I was offered the opportunity to learn a new career. The program Home-Tech provides is really in-depth. I learned about the products we service in the training center and continued to learn on-the-job, under the supervision of other technicians who have been working the in the field for years. By the time I started out on my own, I was comfortable that I was providing my customers with the best possible service. And, I knew that if I had any questions, there was a team of people at Home-Tech able to back me up and provide additional support.”

Home-Tech is actively recruiting for its apprenticeship program. Interested applicants can call (800) 433-9740, ext. 298.

About Home-Tech

Based in Fort Myers, employee-owned Home-Tech has been an industry leader and trendsetter in the fields of home service agreements, air conditioning and major appliance sales and service for three decades. Founded in 1981 by Steve Marino, who continues as President and chairman of the Board, the privately-held Home-Tech employs 130-people and provides services in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Sarasota and Manatee counties in Southwest Florida.  Home-Tech operates from two principal locations. Its headquarters, tech training facility and appliance showroom are located at 6400 Techster Boulevard in Fort Myers.  A second office on Lena Road in Bradenton serves Manatee and Sarasota Counties. For additional information about Home-Tech, visit www.Home-Tech.com or call (239) 433-3344.

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(Fort Myers, Fla. – December 31, 2010) – Park Royal Psychiatric Hospital has closed on a $23 million bond issue to finance the construction of a 76-bed facility near Health Park Medical Center in south Lee County.  The bonds were issued through Oppenheimer & Co., Inc .

“This is a significant step in expanding mental health services in Southwest Florida,” says Jim Harper, CEO of Park Royal Psychiatric Hospital. “We couldn’t have come this far without the support and involvement of many community leaders, particularly the Lee County Board of Commissioners, the Industrial Development Authority, Lee Memorial Health System and Lee Mental Health Center. I am sincerely appreciative of everyone working with us to make the psychiatric hospital a reality.”

The hospital anticipates receiving its final development approval from Lee County in the next 60 days.  Construction of the 69,500-square-foot hospital is expected to begin in February 2011 with an anticipated opening in February 2012.

Once completed, the hospital will provide in-patient psychiatric care with a focus on senior behavioral health. The Park Royal psychiatric team currently provides inpatient care through a contract with Lee Memorial Health System in its 15-bed Senior Behavioral Care unit at Lee Memorial Hospital, which opened in 2009.

“The issuance of the bonds needed to construct Park Royal is excellent news,” says Jim Nathan, CEO of Lee Memorial Health System. “Expanding the availability of behavioral health services was one of the top priorities that we identified during our Community Health Visioning 2017 initiative.  The opening of Park Royal Psychiatric Hospital will have a very positive impact by providing much-needed psychiatric services in our community.”

About Park Royal

Park Royal provides psychiatric care for adults and geriatric patients through inpatient and outpatient services. It currently operates the Senior Behavioral Health Center at Lee Memorial Hospital, a 15-bed psychiatric unit for geriatric patients, the Intensive Outpatient Behavioral Health Center for patients requiring intensive follow-up services and the Outpatient Behavioral Health Center to provide less intense services for patients. The Park Royal Psychiatric Hospital is expected to open the first quarter of 2012. The hospital will be a 76-bed facility with two GeroPsychiatric units, an Adult Psychiatric unit and an Acute/Progressive Care unit.  It will be located on the campus of Health Park Medical Center in south Lee County.