Only One Week Left to Go Until the Wine Walk!

Only One Week Left to Go Until the Wine Walk!

Just one week left until this wonderful event!  Get your tickets now, before they are all gone!  For more information and tickets:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1482603832001026/

All That Jazz - Artis Naples

All That Jazz - Artis Naples

Date: 10/29/2014
Time: 6:00 PM

Artis-Naples
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard
Naples, FL 34108

Phone: 
(239) 992-2943

Event Description: 
Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra (Featuring very special guest artist)

Jason Marsalis, vibraphone

The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is joined by vibraphonist Jason Marsalis, the youngest son of the famous New Orleans Marsalis jazz family. Inheriting the Marsalis’ celebrated virtuosity and compositional skill, Jason has developed a distinctive, polyrhythmic drumming style. Marsalis excels in New Orleans jazz, straight-ahead combos, funk fusion, Brazilian and even Celtic music.

To Purchase tickets:    https://tickets.artisnaples.org/single/SYOS.aspx?p=16641

Win a free night at Mercato during the Wine Walk Event!

Win a free night at Mercato during the Wine Walk Event!

Another update on the Wine Walk, which is less than two weeks away!  You will also be able to win a "Free Night at Mercato" during the event.  This includes: $100 to the restaurant of your choice, $50 to Silverspot, and $100 to the store of your choice.   To qualify: You must visit all locations on the passport, get a "stamp" and return it to the tent by the end of the event.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1482603832001026/

Introducing the two Bands playing at the Wine Walk!

The Wine Walk is in two weeks!  Here is some information on the two Bands that will be playing at the Wine Walk!

Roy Schneider:  an award winning songwriter and multi instrumentalist who has performed all over the U.S., Great Britain, and parts of Europe since 2008.  Reviewers have compared his down home Americana sound to some of his musical heroes including Levon Helm, Willis Alan Ramsey, Lowell George, Darrell Scott and others.

Genre: Americana/Folk/Rock

 More: http://www.royschneider.com


Jon Dunn:  Jon is from Cambridge, MA.  He studied guitar at the Berklee Summer Programs then returned to his true calling at New England Conservatory to study Composition and attended Master’s classes with Eliot Fisk.  He has 13 CD’s of original songs and compositions, several of which have received radio play in Boston, MA and Savannah, GA where he toured for six years with his band the Jon Dunn Project.

More:  http://www.naplesweddingmusic.com/upcoming-performances.html

For more information about this wonderful event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1482603832001026/

Fall & Halloween Festival

Fall & Halloween Festival

EVENT DATE/TIME

Oct 17, 2014 to Oct 31, 2014

DESCRIPTION

Fall & Halloween Festival at Lakes Park, through Oct. 31

Halloween doesn’t have to be all chainsaws and killer zombies. The whole family can enjoy the change of season and get in the spirit with strolls through Lee County’s largest pumpkin patch, hayrides, train rides and extended park hours to enjoy the cooling weather. Enjoy the contest featuring traditional, whimsical and themed scarecrows and vote for your favorite in between other fun games and activities.

Fort Myers. 989-5716. lakesparkenrichmentfoundation.org

LOCATION

Lakes Park
Fort Myers, FL

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Phone 989-571-6
Website http://lakesparkenrichmentfoundation.org

Founder's Cup Golf Tournament

Founder's Cup Golf Tournament

Date: 10/10/2014

Time: 11:30 AM

4450 Pelican's Nest Drive

Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Phone:

(239) 590-1016

Event Description:

Florida Gulf Coast University's annual Founder's Cup golf tournament will tee off on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Pelican's Nest Golf Club at Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs. The fundraiser for the FGCU Foundation netted more than $80,000 last year for scholarships and for programs that ensure student success, teaching excellence and community enrichment. Celebrating its 23rd year, the tournament has raised more than $1.2 million since its inception. Major sponsors of this year's tournament include Service Painting of Florida, Arthrex and Estero Bay Chevrolet. Sponsorship opportunities at several levels are still available, and donations are being accepted for the silent auction. The Founder's Cup begins with a buffet luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Pelican's Nest clubhouse. Golfers begin play at 1:15 p.m. with a shotgun start off Gator & Hurricane the two clubs’ courses. Following tournament play, golfers will enjoy a dinner buffet and awards reception. A silent auction will be open during lunch, throughout the day and at the beginning of the cocktail buffet immediately following play. Announcements will be given 15 minutes prior to auction close.

For more information on sponsorships, donations or registration for the 2014 FGCU Founder’s Cup, contact Director of Major Gifts Lindsey Touchette at (239) 590-1016 or e-mail ltouchet@fgcu.edu. To review donation opportunities and register to play, please visit the website at http://www.fgcu.edu/Foundation/events.html.

Directions:

Pelican's Nest Golf Club is located in the community of Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Naples Alliance for Children inaugural hula hoop-a-thon team kickoff event

Naples Alliance for Children inaugural hula hoop-a-thon team kickoff event

EVENT DATE/TIME:  Oct 8, 2014 at  5:30 am

DESCRIPTION:

Saturday, Nov. 15 is a great day to hoop it up for kids! That’s when friends, families and co-workers will gather at Cambier Park in Naples at the first Whirl ’n Twirl hula hoop-a-thon, a fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit Naples Alliance for Children. Teams will meet Wednesday evening, Oct. 8, at 5:30 p.m. to kick off the fundraiser and learn some moves from a professional hula-hooper. The public is invited to the kickoff in Cambier Park.

During Whirl ‘n Twirl, each team – of any size – will receive one hula-hoop. The challenge is to keep that hoop in motion all morning. Pledges collected by the teams will help Naples Alliance for Children provide and expand its programs for the health, education and wellbeing of children and families in Collier County.

Teams are asked to collect pledges; In return, Naples Alliance for Children has planned a high-energy, fun morning full of contests and prizes. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Supporters are encouraged to come around and cheer for a team or applaud honorary chairs Bill Barnett, Colleen Kvetko and Lavern Gaynor. And who knows who else, from talented community members to maybe even some modern-day “hoopers.” To learn more or to register a team, visit www.napleschild.org or call 239-513-7990.

Cambier Park is on Park Street between 5th Avenue South and 8th Avenue South, Naples.

Organized in 1987, Naples Alliance for Children is a volunteer advocacy group that works to ensure that all children in Collier County are provided with the education, health care and human services necessary to reach their full potential. Other agencies exchange ideas and avoid duplication of services by networking through the alliance.

COST: Teams are asked to collect pledges

LOCATION:
                       Cambier Park
                       Naples, FL

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Sponsor: Naples Alliance for Children
Phone: 239-513-7990
Website: http://www.napleschild.org

Bringing Financial Wellness to You!

Bringing Financial Wellness to You!

Date: 10/8/2014
Time: 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

27499 Riverview Center Boulevard
Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Event Description: Join us for a free educational event featuring refreshments and business education services, including: - Social Media and Internet Marketing: Sessions at 10:00 & 1:00 - Access to Capital: Sessions at 11:00 & 2:00 - Business Plans: Sessions at 12:00 & 3:00 Throughout the day - meet and greet our Florida SBDC Consultants and find out how the Florida SBDC can help your business grow and succeed. Other events throughout the day: Small BizU Program, Free Credit Reports, Savings and Budgeting, Identity Theft Protection

Directions:
Riverview Executive Suites

Naples Boat Show Downtown

Naples Boat Show Downtown

Date: 10/4/2014 TO 10/5/2014

Time: 10:00 AM TO 5:00 PM

1187 8th St S

Naples, FL 34102

Phone:

239-682-0900

Event Description: The Naples Boat Show Downtown is owned and managed by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County and is the premier recreational In-water boat show in the Naples-Marco Island area. The show will feature displays by Marinas, Boat dealers, and other marine related businesses on both land and water.

Directions:

Crayton Cove, Naples Florida

Farmers Market - Coconut Point Mall

Farmers Market - Coconut Point Mall

Date: 10/2/2014
Time: 9:00 AM TO 2:00 PM

23106 Fashion Dr.
Estero, FL 33928

Phone: 
(239) 992-2943

Event Description:
WHAT:  The Coconut Point Farmers Market is back and better than ever! The weekly market begins October 2 and will be held every Thursday from October until April.

The popular market will offer fresh fruits and vegetables, gift items and more. Guests are invited to support local Southwest Florida vendors and enjoy some of the freshest produce around. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/coconutpointmall.

COST: FREE and open to the community

WHEN: Thursdays, October – April 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Coconut Point – South lakeside parking lot in front of Panera Bread

               23106 Fashion Dr. Estero, FL 33928

MORE: Tara Beauchesne, Director of Mall Marketing and Business Development

INFO:  (239) 992-9966

The Ten Best Seafood Restaurants in Naples Florida!

The Ten Best Seafood Restaurants in Naples Florida!

In Naples, there are quite a number of great seafood restaurants to try out, from fine dining to more laid back menus.  Here is a list of the ten best ones to experience.

1) Truluck’s
Trulucks serves the freshest crabs right from their fisheries.  They have a wide array of seafood to choose from and everything is prepared to perfection.

2) USS Nemo
There is no better place to enjoy great seafood in a luxurious setting.  Try the Sea Bass dishes; they are everyone’s favorite menu item.
   
3) Randy’s Fish Market Restaurant
At Randy’s, you get to enjoy the best Old Florida culinary experience with a large selection of fresh seafood caught daily by the local fishermen or flown in fresh from New England.  

4) Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar
This restaurant has three levels to enjoy a mouthwatering menu of seafood.  Dine at the street level café, the upstairs Grill, or the Upper Deck Bar.

5) Bistro 821
Bistro 821 offers a blend of everything great that nature has to offer.  Delight in their menu of natural fusion that comes from the finest ingredients available.

6) Grouper and Chips
This is a lovely “hole in the wall” restaurant that has a lot to offer when it comes to taste, quality, and consistency.  This is popular with the locals.

7) Hobnob Kitchen & Bar
Located at the 5th Avenue dining scene.  Great seafood and drinks.

8) M Waterfront Grille
This restaurant has a dynamic offering of cutting edge continental cuisine that emphasizes on fresh seafood and other tantalizing offerings on their menu.

9) Capt Marcos Seafood and More
A fusion of culture and taste is what they call it and it’s delicious.  Marco’s serves Cuban seafood cuisine right in the heart of Naples

10) Mr. Big Fish
Daily specials and delightful seafood for lunch and dinner.

Cirque Du Soleil at Germain Arena Tonight!

Cirque Du Soleil Presents Varekai - Germain Arena

Date: 9/24/2014
Time: 7:30 PM

Florida Everblades
11000 Everblades Parkway
Estero, FL 33928

Phone: 
(239) 992-2943


Event Description:

Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world – a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai.

From the sky falls a solitary young man, and the story of Varekaibegins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world populated by fantastical creatures, this young man sets off on an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of all possibilities, begins an inspired incantation to life rediscovered.

The word Varekai means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies the universal wanderers. This production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to the infinite passion of those whose quest takes them along the path that leads to Varekai.

ABWA Neapolitan Chapter Meeting - Tax Tips for Small Businesses

Date: 9/23/2014 
Time: 5:30 PM TO 7:30 PM 

221 Ninth Street North 
Naples,, FL 34102

Phone:
239-253-2225

Event Description: Presented by Cheryl Deavers Commonly misunderstood and misapplied business expenses. What exactly are business miles, business meals and entertainment, and home office expenses? Should you issue a 1099 to a sub-contractor? Understanding your business entity and how it is taxed (S-Corp, LLC and sole proprietor) Affordable Care Act and what It means to the individual tax payer - 

Directions:
Bellasera Hotel 

Three Days Only: Tax Free Holiday on Some Appliances!

A tax holiday on energy-efficient appliances takes place this weekend, Sept. 19-21!

The tax free holiday covers qualifying Energy Star and WaterSense products, and sales tax won’t be collected on the first $1,500 of the price during the tax free weekend!  Energy Star products use at least 10% less energy, and WaterSense products use at least 20% less water.

The list of qualified products include: selected ceiling fans, freezers, refrigerators, light bulbs, dishwashers, clothes washers, shower heads, bathroom sink faucets, and more.  Customers are limited to one tax free purchase of any item that costs more than $500, and it does not apply to any rentals or repairs.  There are no quantity limits on items less than $500.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.

Looking for something fun to do this Friday evening?

CHUCKLES Comedy Theater at the Marina at Edison Ford is continuing the fun and entertainment in the River District this summer with “Chuckles” at the Marina. After a successful first run, comedy shows produced in partnership with Best Group Tours will continue to run through the summer at Downtown Fort Myers’ newest comedy venue.

EVENT DATE/TIME: Sep 12, 2014 to Sep 13, 2014
7:30 pm until 9:30 pm

COST: Tickets are $20 per person, per show or $30 per person, per show with a $20 gift certificate to Pinchers Crab Shack. The certificates have no expiration date and can be used at any of the ten locations throughout Florida. Seating will open 15 minutes prior to each show, but guests are invited to arrive early and enjoy a beverage or food in The Marina Bar or visit Pinchers on the third floor where they can experience the best waterfront views in Southwest Florida. Tickets can be purchased in person at The Marina at Edison Ford or by phone at (239) 895- 7703.

LOCATION: The Marina at Edison Ford is located at 2360 W. First Street in downtown Fort Myers (or Marker 54 by boat). For more information, visit MarinaEdisonFord.com or call (239) 245-7320.

Just when you thought car phones were so retro, Audi is bringing them back!

AT&T will be making a second car part of its AT&T Mobile Share family data plan.  The 2015 Audi Q3 crossover vehicle will use HSPA and wireless connections and the 2015 A3 sedan will get the 4G LTE service.

AT&T opened up a lab in Atlanta for the development of connected cars, called AT&T Drive Studio, and has signed on big name companies such as General Motors, Audi, and Tesla.  Also, AccuWeather, Glympse, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Streeline with the Parker app, and Tribune Digital Ventures agreed to develop their car apps through the Drive platform. 

AT&T is expanding into new areas because it’s most recent source of growth, Smartphone plans, have started to slow since so many consumers already have a Smartphone.  The company is looking into the digital home, connected cars, and tablets, among other items for a new source of revenue.

No Ketchup for you!

At Mad Fresh Bistro, a Fort Myers, Florida restaurant, you will not be served ketchup if you are over 10 years old.  Even their menus state:  “Chef reserves the right to refuse service of ketchup”.

People are taking note of this issue and a highly divisive culinary debate received over 1,700 comments with responders on both sides of the fence.  Many believe that if they are spending good money on a meal, they should be able to choose what goes on their food.  There also appears to be no substitutions made for allergies at this eatery, according to some of the comments on sites such as yelp.com.  Some sided with Mad Fresh Bistro, stating what would be the point of having a dish prepared by a trained chef, only to have it ruined by adding ketchup.

According to news-press, chef owner Xavier Duclos, defended his position.  “My burger has got a sauce on it already.  There’s no point in adding a sweet sauce on top of that.  I think ketchup is edible – on certain things.  I’ll give it that much.  But it’s just not part of my culinary agenda.  I think my flavors work.  You don’t walk into the museum and tell them to change the color of the painting.”

Mad Fresh is not the first restaurant to deny picky customer requests.  Chef owner, April Bloomfield, of New York’s eatery, The Spotted Pig, bans condiments on her signature burgers and will not remove ingredients, such as cheese from an order.

But the ketchup ban sparked the question:  What do you put on your fries?

Naples Princess Sunset Wine Cruise with Decanted!

If you’re looking for something fun to do tonight, then check this out:

Naples Princess Sunset Wine Cruise with Decanted!

Event Date/Time:  August 28^th, 2014 (5 pm until 9 pm)

Cost:  $60

Location:      Naples Princess

                    550 Port O Call Way

                    Naples, FL

Description:  Join Decanted Wines aboard the Naples Princess for a sunset wine cruise.  A beautiful two hour cruise onto the Gulf of Mexico with wine, heavy appetizers and loads of fun. 

Reservation Details:  RSVP – Call the Naples Princess to reserve at 239-649-2275

(Boarding begins a half hour prior to departure)

Additional Information: 

Sponsor:     Decanted Wines

                      www.decantedwines.com

                      239-434-1814