FREE Take Me Home VOL. 14, NO. 20 From the Beaches to the River District downtown Fort Myers MAY 22, 2015 young people even through the summer months when academic retention is critical,” Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament said Shannon Lane, chief professional officer of the BGCLC. “Unfortunately, when school doors close, many children struggle to access educational opportunities as well as basic needs such as healthy meals and adequate adult supervision. Our clubs are where those kids need to be, spending their summer days engaging in educational activities and other programs that we ensure create positive outcomes for our members both in school and the community.” Space for the tournament is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, visit www.bgclcpoker.org. Registration will be based on a first-come, first-served basis. No player substitutions will be permitted. Players must be 21 or older to play. This year’s event is presented by Scanlon Auto Group, Encore Bank, UBS – Charlie Todd, Investors’ Security Trust, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., Chris-Tel Construction and Fireservice, Inc. Additional sponsorship opportunities for the event, ranging from $250 to $3,000, are still available. For more information about sponsorships, contact Shannon Lane at 334-1886 or [email protected], or visit www.bgclcpoker.org. Florida Virtual School Dealers for the 4th annual Texas Hold ‘Em No Limit Poker Tournament Opens Enrollment For 2015-16 lorida Virtual School Full Time (FLVS FT), a statewide virtual public school, is he 4th annual Texas Hold ‘Em No Limit Poker Tournament will take place on opening enrollment for kindergarten through the 12th grade for the 2015-16 Thursday, June 25 at 5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located at 13051 Bell Fschool year. Information sessions – both in person and online – are being held TTower Drive in Fort Myers. for parents and students across the state to learn more about the school. “This is a must-attend event for any poker player,” said Justin Stockman, event chair Combining Florida-certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools, and and Boys & Girls Club of Lee County board member. “Registered players will get a community experiences, Florida Virtual School Full Time delivers a high quality educa- chance to compete against some of the best poker players in town while supporting our tion online to children who benefit from an individualized approach to learning. community’s youth and their futures. We’re looking forward to sharing the mission of “Online learning is one of the fastest growing forms of education, and students the Boys & Girls Clubs with all who attend while having a good time.” attending school in 2015 will learn and apply their education in a much more techno- The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m., followed by the tourna- logically advanced and dependent world than their parents. We prepare children to suc- ment at 6 p.m. Players are asked to arrive early and be seated before the start of the ceed in that world,” said Lead Kindergarten-8 Principal Marcie Trombino. tournament. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided. The tournament will For more information about specific FLVS FT services and eligibility guidelines for include more than $3,000 in cash and prizes. enrollment, visit www.connectionsacademy.com/FLVSFT or call 877-500-FLVS (3587). The entry for the tournament will be a donation of $100 per person if purchased “We encourage all kindergarten to eighth grade prospective families to attend an during the month of May, $125 if purchased in June and $150 if purchased the day of upcoming information session to get a feel for what to expect and what is involved the event at the door. All guests not participating in the tournament will be $25 each. in online learning to best determine if it would be a good fit for their student,” said According to Stockman, all event proceeds will benefit the Summer Enrichment Trombino. Programs that address the “summer learning loss” experienced by at-risk and under- Florida Virtual School Full Time will host free in-person parent information ses- served youth. With the funds, the clubs will be able to provide academically focused sions for interested kindergarten to eighth grade families to learn more. High school activities to ensure more than 400 of its members continue to make positive gains in age children should call the school for relevant sessions. For those unable to attend an their education, and high-yield learning opportunities to promote creativity and partici- in-person session, real-time interactive online information sessions and an on-demand pation in the arts. Free, nutritious lunches and snacks will also be provided daily dur- session accessible 24/7 are also available for families. The information sessions provide ing the camps, and daily recreation and sports sessions will help youth stay active and an opportunity for families to learn more about the virtual school, review the school’s healthy. curriculum, and ask questions of teachers and school representatives. “While our clubs are commonly known to provide positive after-school programs to Parent Ellie Baltodano of Naples said, “‘Virtual public school?’ I thought to myself; the community’s at-risk youth, we also continue our mission to inspire and enable these continued on page 15 A Tribute To America’s Heroes Free Admission For Active he Fort Myers Recreation Division, Lee County Chapter of the American Red Duty Military And Their Families Cross, American Legion Post 38 and Lee County Veteran’s Affairs will host A he Southwest Florida Museum of History and the Imaginarium Science Center TTribute To America’s Heroes on Sunday, May 24 at Centennial Park. The trib- are participants of Blue Star Museums, which means that active duty military ute will begin at 9 a.m. Tpersonnel and their family members receive free admission at both attractions Hosted by Clay Miller from NBC2, A Tribute To America’s Heroes will feature from Memorial Day, May 25, through Labor Day, September 7. (Free admission guest speakers and performances by the Southwest Florida Symphony and Fort Myers begins at both locations on Friday, May 22.) “Singing Police Officer” Yvetta Dominique. A portion of the program will recognize the At the Southwest Florida Museum of History, learn about the long blues tradition 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. in Florida with the latest exhibit, Florida’s Got The Blues, curated by the Museum of The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will provide a Rifle Salute and Fly Over, the Fort Florida History. Also, delve into the role Southwest Florida played in training World War Myers Police Department will present the Colors and U.S. Marine Corps units will be II air gunners in the permanent Buckingham Air Field exhibit. laying a wreath on the Caloosahatchee. The Southwest Florida Museum of History is located at 2031 Jackson Street in Fort During the tribute, the American Red Cross will be accepting items for care pack- Myers. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ages for deployed troops such as individually wrapped pieces of hard candy. Other items For more details, call 321-7430 or visit museumofhistory.org. may include microwave popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, drink mixes and other snack foods. There’s plenty to explore at the Imaginarium Science Center, including the Animal Non-perishables needed are travel size wet wipes, sunscreen, lip balm and foot pow- Lab, Dinosaur Discovery, Fisheye Lagoon, Sea-To-See Touch Tanks, Windows to the der. Toiletry items such as shaving cream, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste and shower Sea, Backyard Nature, the Caloosahatchee Experience and other exhibits. soap/gel are also needed. Playing cards, puzzle books and reading material will also be The Imaginarium Science Center is located at 2000 Cranford Avenue in Fort accepted. Myers. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from For more information, call Kelly MacDonald of the City of Fort Myers at 321-7524. noon to 5 p.m. For more details, call 321-7420 or visit i-sci.org. 2 THE RIVER - MAY 22, 2015 Historic Downtown Fort Myers, Then And Now: Von Zengen’s Modest Maiden by Gerri Reaves, PhD he two unidentified women in this circa-1926 photo are posing at one of Fort Myers’ favored photo locations, the TMcGregor Boulevard entrance to the historic Edison Park subdivision Behind them stands a larger-than-life Greek maiden pouring water from a vessel. She is officially named The Spirit of Fort Myers, but is also sometimes called, inexplicably, Rachel at the Well. The absence of foliage indicates that the photo was taken soon after Helmut L. von Zengen completed the sculpture. The artwork had been commissioned by James Newton for his new subdivision, Edison Park. The developer was then only 20 years old. The most widely known story about that artwork is Mina (Mrs. Thomas) Edison’s objection to the maiden’s state of undress – at least that was the artist’s original intent. After all, the statue was located just across the street from her winter home, Semi- nole Lodge. Von Zengen covered his work-in-progress with a canvas tarpaulin during the two months he worked on it, but some of Mina Edison’s friends armed with flashlights investigated one night and discovered an unclothed maiden. Newton was summoned by Mrs. Edison and, as a result, he agreed to have the statue appropriately veiled. The artist created a Foliage and development has filled out the scene surrounding one of the city’s most be- flowing garment of pow- loved landmarks dered marble for his photo by Gerri Reaves maiden, although report- As was common with the events involving the great inventor, Pathé News filmed edly with some protest.