The Healthy Brain Initiative has helped over 1,000 Southwest Florida residents forget about having too many “senior moments.” 

Sue Maxwell, MSW, Director of Older Adult Services for LMHS, said the Memory Spa is based on a successful pilot program offered last year. “There has been big demand for memory classes,” said Maxwell. “The classes build on the basics of communication — how to effectively listen and pay attention. It’s a good way to keep pace with society’s information overload.”

Spa-goer Patricia Powers says taking the classes enhanced her memory.

Program participant Patricia Powers, 72, a retired schoolteacher from North Fort Myers took the classes even though she was not forgetful. Powers believes the certainty of memory loss in older adults is a myth. “My family members had sharp minds in their 80s and 90s,” Powers said. “The classes enhanced my memory — you become more aware of what you are observing. The techniques are simple and effective and I have recommended friends to attend.”

The Healthy Brain Initiative is based on a program by the UCLA Center for Aging. Participants follow activities in “The Memory Bible: An Innovative Strategy for Keeping Your Brain Young,” a book by Gary Small, PhD, Director of the UCLA Center. Peppered with useful information, the program is for adults who want to improve their memory and not for those with memory loss or cognitive difficulties. Small said people have more control over their minds than is commonly believed. “Only one-third of your memory loss is genetic. The rest is non-genetic factors, such as diet, exercise and stress levels.”

Programs in seven states use “The Memory Bible” including California, Texas, Illinois and Florida. Memory Spa is the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. It debuts at the LMHS Wellness Center in Cape Coral on November 11. Maxwell said LMHS’ Fort Myers Wellness Center plans to add a course in December. Participants follow individualized computer programs called Cognifit® Personal Coach and Dakim® Brain Fitness Program, and compete against themselves using math, foreign languages and other subjects. The cost to complete those programs privately exceeds $2,500, but the three-month Memory Spa course is only $90 for Wellness Center members and $150 for non-members. Class sizes range from 10 to 20. Most participants are in their 70s.

Scott Anstadt, PhD, a professor of gerontology and social work at Florida Gulf Coast University, has been tracking data from Healthy Brain Initiative’s self-surveys. “Participants say they have noticed marked improvement in 12 out of the 18 skills they practice during the course,” he said.

For more information about the Healthy Brain Initiative call (239) 772-6765.

About Lee Memorial Health System
Lee Memorial Health System (LMHS) is a community-owned health system in Southwest Florida (Fort Myers /Cape Coral/ Naples area) and is the fifth largest public health system in the United States. LMHS operates four acute care hospitals and two specialty hospitals, as well as outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers and primary care physician offices. The health system employs 8,500 people. Additionally, LMHS is the operator of the area’s only Trauma Center and Children’s Hospital, serving community residents from Tampa to Miami. Visit www.leememorial.org for more information.

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Bayfront Bistro’s new sushi chef James McGonigal begins serving on the restaurant’s Promenade daily in February.

               “We’re very pleased to bring a chef of James’ caliber to our team,” says Snook Bight and Bayfront Bistro owner Joe Yerkes. “I’m eager to share his creations with our diners when he begins serving on the Promenade in February.”

                McGonigal trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Minnesota and Thai Sushi & Cooking School in Bangkok, Thailand. He has worked alongside cooking greats including Jean George and Jerry Hayden of New York, Michael Meehan of Mill River Inn and Tom Schaudel of Bluefish & Passionfish in New York.

                Prior to moving to Southwest Florida, James taught the art of sushi at Rylee Mac Market and Cooking School in Colorado. He further parlays his talents in both sushi preparation and teaching as a participant in Operation Frontline/Save Our Strength, a program that provides cooking training and opportunities for under privileged children.

                He will serve on Bayfront Bistro’s Promenade daily beginning February 14.

About Bayfront Bistro and Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina

                Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina is located on the beautiful and pristine Estero Bay in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Snook Bight offers a range of services to meet every boating need, including new boat sales, rentals, service and storage in state-of-the-art rackominiums and dockominiums. Club members also have access to amenities at the Yacht Club. Snook Bight is also home to the award-winning Bayfront Bistro, a multiple award winner in Fort Myers Beach’s “Taste of the Beach” event and lauded by food and wine writers for its extensive wine list and fresh menu selection.  For more information, call (239) 765- 4371 or visit www.snookbightmarina.com.

Dr. Ornstein has been practicing urologic oncology for the past nine years and has successfully completed more than 500 robotic surgical procedures for prostate, bladder and kidney cancer, Dr. Ornstein is one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in Florida and he has received many accolades and national awards for his work on prostate cancer and robotic surgery.

Prior to opening his Naples practice, Dr. Ornstein was assistant professor of Urology and chief of the division of Urologic Oncology at the University of California, Irvine. He held a concurrent appointment as medical director of Robotic Surgery and Urologic Oncology at the Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, California. He has authored more than 65 peer review publications and 10 book chapters on urologic oncology and robotic surgery.

Dr. Ornstein completed urology residency at Washington University in St. Louis followed by an additional 2-year fellowship in urologic oncology and laparoscopic surgery at The National Cancer Institute. A leader in robotic surgery, Ornstein opened Advanced Urology and Robotic Surgery in August. Advanced Urology is a comprehensive urology practice specializing in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of all urologic cancers and benign prostate diseases.

Advanced Urology and Robotic Surgery in the Lutgert Cancer Center on the Campus of Naples Community Hospital at 733 4th Avenue in North Naples. Advanced Urology is a division of 21^st Century Oncology. For appointments or more information, visit www.Robotic-Urology.com or call 239-403-9503.

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David K. Ornstein, M.D. was elected by his peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America® from 2005 to 2010.

Spa Eye Treatments, November 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Come and get pampered with complimentary eye treatments including lifting facial massage, treatment serums and marine collagen eye masks. The perfect way to relax before the holiday bustle begins.

Total Eye Enhancement Seminar, November 12, 6 – 7 p.m.

Lifts, Latisse, lotions and more! Learn about a range of procedures and potions to rejuvenate your eye area for a more useful appearance: Blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery, Botox, Latisse eyelash enhancer and Vivite eye cream. Refreshments, special pricing and prizes will be available.

Skin Care Product Event of the Season, December 6, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Do you know the difference between glycolic acid and glycine? Retinol and Retin A? Come learn how to decipher product labels and ingredients, and then choose the best ones for you from Kreegel’s esthetician. Attendees will also get to sample the hottest new skin care products and go home with goodie bags and prizes. Refreshments will also be served.

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

About Kreegel Aesthetic Surgery

Under the direction of our Medical Director, Drew A. Kreegel, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon with 20 years experience, Kreegel Aesthetics’ skin care team consists of a licensed esthetician certified in microdermabrasion and advanced medical peels and a licensed nurse practitioner trained in dermal fillers and laser services.  Kreegel Aesthetics offers a wide array of non-surgical medical spa treatments in a comfortable environment as well as cosmetic surgical procedures performed in a state-of-the-art licensed and accredited surgical facility.

For additional information regarding this release and our upcoming event please contact Rachel Pultrone at 239-343-9777 or visit www.beautifulbeachbody.com.

                (Fort Myers Beach, Fla. – October 22, 2009) – A new attraction has just been announced for Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina’s “All Aboard Against Breast Cancer” Boat Show and Waterside Festival – Mercury Marine’s Axius and Zeus boat control system demonstration. A popular stop at shows around the country this weekend, the demo will give attendees the chance to try the control systems for themselves and experience how easy they make steering and docking boats.

Mercury Marine’s Axius and Zeus demonstration tent will let festival-goers get up close and personal with the new boat control systems.

                “These control systems make it easier for all boaters – experienced and novice alike – to control and dock their boats, but they have the biggest impact on women” says Joe Yerkes, President of Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina & Bayfront Bistro. “Until now, many people have been intimidated by boat controls and never thought they could navigate, let alone dock a boat by themselves. The Axius and Zeus controls allow them to do that.”

                “We’re especially pleased to have this demonstration at our “All Aboard Against Breast Cancer” festival, which supports and will raise needed funds to fight this horrible disease that affects so many people,” Yerkes adds.

                Axius and Zeus differ from previous boat controls in that customers use a joystick instead of levers to steer the boat. The joystick is very responsive – customers can operate the system with one hand. They can also move boats sideways in addition to front and back, with a quick turn of the wrist. More information and a demonstration can be viewed at www.joystickboatcontrol.com.

           Boaters, sailors, exotic car enthusiasts, families and guests young and old will all find something of interest at Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina’s first “All Aboard Against Breast Cancer” Waterside Festival on November 6 and 7, 2009, at Snook Bight, 4765 Estero Blvd, located behind the Publix Shopping Center on Fort Myers Beach, or for boaters at Bay Channel Marker 27, VHF Channel 72, GPS 26’26.205 N 81’55.160W.

            The weekend will start with an exclusive wine dinner and auction at Bayfront Bistro, the newest and most exclusive waterfront restaurant in the area. The festival continues the next day with a complimentary event open to the Public on Saturday, November 7, at the marina.  Waterside activities include a boat show held in partnership with Marina Max, antique car show, in-water boat show and demonstrations by Marine Max on Sea Ray Yachts, as well as hands-on demonstrations of all-new piloting systems from MerCruiser.

            Live music will be performed throughout the day by The Eric Stone Band along with an “All Aboard Cocktail for the Cure,” BBQ Extravaganza, and a silent auction and raffle.

            A portion of the dinner and all proceeds from the auctions and raffles and chance drawings will directly benefit the Komen Southwest Florida Affiliate whose promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

            The festival is free and open to the public.  The wine dinner is $100 per person, reservations are required, seating is limited.  For dinner reservations, call 239-765-4371 or for more information about the events, please visit www.allaboardfest.org.

About Snook Bight Yacht Club & Marina

                Snook Bight Yacht Club & Marina is located on the beautiful and pristine Estero Bay in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Snook Bight offers a range of services to meet every boating need, including new boat sales, rentals, service and storage in state-of-the-art rackominiums and dockominiums. Club members also have access to amenities at the Yacht Club. Snook Bight is also home to the award-winning Bayfront Bistro, a multiple award winner in Fort Myers Beach’s “Taste of the Beach” event.  For more information, call (239) 765- 4371 or visit www.snookbightmarina.com.

            “The Ronald McDonald House does so much for families in our area,” said Home-Tech Chief Founder and CEO Steve Marino. “We’re honored to be associated with them and to make this donation on behalf of our customers.”

            Home-Tech donates a portion of the proceeds from each new air conditioning unit sale to a different charity each month, in the purchasers’ names. Thus the program gives not only the company, but it’s customers an opportunity to give back to local organizations, too, and another reason to feel good about choosing Home-Tech.

            Since launching the program in August, Home-Tech and its customers have given approximately $4,000 to local charities. Other recipients include the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.

            Based in Fort Myers, employee-owned Home-Tech has been an industry leader and trendsetter in the fields of air conditioning service and installation, major appliance sales and service, home-service agreements for nearly three decades.  Founded in 1981 by Steve Marino, who continues as President and Chairman of the Board, the privately held Home-Tech employs over 110 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 and a second office at 720 Commerce Drive in Venice which services Manatee and Sarasota counties. For more information about Home-Tech, visit www.Home-Tech.com or call (239) 433-3344.

                “We’re amazed at some of the generous donations we’ve received for the auction,” said Joe Yerkes, President of Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina & Bayfront Bistro. “Things like the ACE Group Classic packages, dining and cruise experiences are sure to raise a lot of money for a great cause.”  The ACE package includes a place for a foursome in the ProAm, dinner the night prior, passes for four to walk inside the ropes on one day of the tournament, 12 tickets to the Champions Club hospitality area, four rounds of golf (one foursome) at TPC Treviso Bay, and four golf bags (one per player) worth $700 apiece. Two packages will be available to bid on

                The unique silent auction items are collectively worth more than $100,000. Others items include:

• A weeklong cruise for four couples to 10,000 Islands or sunset cruise for 20 from Gulf Island Adventures
• Dinner at your home for you and guests prepared by Bayfront Bistro Chef Marbin Guzman-Avilez Sr. or Angelina’s Chef Nick Costanzo
• Memberships to Useppa Island Club, Massage Envy, or Blue Coyote
• A cashmere wardrobe from Castle Knitwear Ireland
• Original art pieces by local fish and wildlife artist Steven B. Turner, including a new piece, “Chasing the Cure,” painted to commemorate the “All Aboard Against Breast Cancer” events
• Weekend getaways, spa services, fine wines and much more!

           Boaters, sailors, exotic car enthusiasts, families and guests young and old will all find something of interest at Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina’s first “All Aboard Against Breast Cancer” Waterside Festival on November 6 and 7, 2009, at Snook Bight, 4765 Estero Blvd, located behind the Publix Shopping Center on Fort Myers Beach, or for boaters at Bay Channel Marker 27, VHF Channel 72, GPS 26’26.205 N 81’55.160W.

            The weekend will start with an exclusive wine dinner and auction at Bayfront Bistro, the newest and most exclusive waterfront restaurant in the area. The festival continues the next day with a complimentary event open to the Public on Saturday, November 7, at the marina.  Waterside activities include a boat show held in partnership with Marina Max, antique car show, in-water boat show and demonstrations by Sea Ray Yachts, as well as hands-on demonstrations of all-new piloting systems from MerCruiser.

            Live music will be performed throughout the day by The Eric Stone Band along with an “All Aboard Cocktail for the Cure,” BBQ Extravaganza, and a silent auction and raffle.

            A portion of the dinner and all proceeds from the auctions and raffles and chance drawings will directly benefit the Komen Southwest Florida Affiliate whose promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

            The festival is free and open to the public.  The wine dinner is $100 per person, reservations are required, seating is limited.  For dinner reservations, call 239-765-4371 or for more information about the events, please visit www.allaboardfest.org.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Komen Southwest Florida Affiliate

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement.  The Southwest Florida Affiliate of Komen for the Cure is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our local community.  Established in 2002, the Southwest Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to furthering the Komen promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. The Southwest Florida Affiliate of Komen for the Cure joins 100,000 breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen Southwest Florida Race for the Cure®, the Affiliate has invested over $4 million in the fight to end breast cancer.  Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stay in Southwest Florida. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund research. For more information:  http://www.komenswfl.org   (239) 498-0016.

            (October 15, 2009 – Naples, Fla.) — The 13th Annual Naples Invitational Art Festival, which brings together some of the best of our country’s artists and thousands of art enthusiasts and collectors, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, January 30 and 31, 2010, in Naples, Fla. to benefit Eden Florida Autism. The two-day event and silent auction “Art for Autism,” to benefit Eden Autism Services Florida, will be held at Fleischmann Park, 1200 Fleischman Blvd., Naples, Fla. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The juried art show will be judged by prominent art collectors, gallery owners, educators and guest artisans. 

            Once ranked as one of the country’s top 10 art festivals by Sunshine Artists Magazine, the Naples Invitational brings hundreds of artists to Naples to display their creations ranging from oil, acrylic and water color paintings, blown glass, turned wood pieces, sculptures, jewelry to a variety of mixed media.  Well-known artists from around the country, alongside local artists, display their work. Previous artists include glassblower Charles Savoie, painters David Gordon and John Long and weaver Janice Long.

Artists can learn more about the festival and download an application online at http://edenartfest.com/ or contact Jill Spanbauer at 239-263-1667. Artists can check-in from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 29.

About the committee

            The Naples Invitational Art Festival is dependent upon the support of artists, art enthusiasts, collectors and volunteer committee members and generous contributors from Southwest Florida. Jill Spanbauer has been the director of the Naples Invitational Art Festival for 12 years. A lifelong art lover, she owns a gallery near her summer home in Wisconsin and previously owned a gallery on Broad Street in Naples. Other committee members include staff, students and parents of Eden Autism Services Florida, and prominent community members.

About Eden Autism Services

The Naples Invitational Art Festival is the only regional show benefiting a 501 (c) 3 organization, Eden Autism Services Florida. Eden Autism Services was founded in New Jersey in 1975 with a mission to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and their families by providing a range of community-based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. In 1996, Eden Autism Services Florida was founded to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services Florida’s services range from comprehensive outreach, including program consultations and early intervention, to 12-month education for school age students and residential and employment services for adults. For more information, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, extension 207 or Eden.florida@edenservices.org.

Attendees browse artists’ works at the Naples Invitational Art Festival benefiting Eden Autism Services Florida.

Home-Tech employees accept Industry Appreciation Award from Lee County Horizon Council.

“We’re extremely proud to be included in this group that has done so much for the Lee County economy and community,” said Home-Tech Founder and President Steve Marino. “Every one of our more than 110 employees had a part in earning this honor, and I’m pleased to be able to share it with them.” Marino said the trophy the company received will be traveling around the Home-Tech office so as many employees as possible will have a chance to display it on their desks.

             One thing that has helped power Home-Tech’s growth and success is its employee ownership program. After five years with the company, employees can become stakeholders in Home-Tech and earn dividend payments. Each technician participates in a two-month training apprenticeship program, and the company provides approximately 160 hours of complimentary service to local charities.

About Home-Tech

                        Based in Fort Myers, employee-owned Home-Tech has been an industry leader and trendsetter in the fields of air conditioning service and installation, major appliance sales and service, home-service agreements for nearly three decades.  Founded in 1981 by Steve Marino, who continues as President and Chairman of the Board, the privately held Home-Tech employs over 110 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 and a second office at 720 Commerce Drive in Venice which services Manatee and Sarasota counties. For more information about Home-Tech, visit www.Home-Tech.com or call (239) 433-3344.

About the Lee County Horizon Council

            Established in 1991, the mission of the Horizon Council is to work toward improving the business environment in Lee County; retain and encourage the expansion of existing businesses; and attract new and diversified employment to the area. Council members represent five cities, 10 chambers of commerce, 16 economic development and trade organizations and 14 community, business, and education organizations. Its Industry Appreciation Awards and week are part of an annual event throughout Florida to celebrate industry’s contributions to local communities.

“Congratulations! This gift is for you. Finders Keepers. “

                “It was incredible,” Montana said, who found a beautiful Mark Loren Designs pendant inside the bag. She immediately called Mark Loren to find out if the gift was for real and he not only assured her it was, but that he would be dropping more surprises around Lee County in the coming months.

                It’s all part of Mark Loren Designs 25th anniversary celebration. Through early spring, Loren and members of his staff will be placing small surprises around Lee County for residents and visitors to find. Baubles ranging in value from $100 to more than $4,000 in Mark Loren Designs’ black signature gift bags may be spotted in any business around the county.

                “Restaurants, offices, the tube at the bank drive through, park benches, even your doctor’s exam room – they’re all fair game,” Loren said. “We want to involve and thank customers who have supported us over the years, and the businesses they own and work for. We also want everyone to have an opportunity to find one of our pieces wherever they dine, shop or do business.”

                Loren said he came up with the idea after a man came into the shop to return a ring one of his customers had lost in May. Inspired by his honesty, Loren thought it would be nice if someone could find one of his pieces and keep it.  Thus, “Finders keepers” was born. Giving away jewelry is something Loren has done before – both for his 10th anniversary and earlier this year for Mother’s Day. Creative promotions like this are part of the reason why Mark Loren Designs was recently named Gulfshore Life’s Philanthropic Business of the Year.

                “Keep it, share it or wear it – the choice is yours,” Loren says. “Bragging to your friends and family is optional.”

                In addition to owning a beautiful piece of jewelry, the lucky finders also win an invitation to attend a VIP event Mark Loren Designs is planning for the spring to unveil a new diamond cut. A signature piece worth $10,000 featuring the new diamond cut will be given away at the event.

                Some pieces will be transported in Mark Loren Designs’ armored truck and some will be placed by Loren himself.  In Montana’s case, Loren visited her office to inquire about a tax return as a “cover” to place the bag. Residents should keep their eyes peeled for the designer’s well-known black bags wherever they go.

                “He was very sneaky,” Montana says.  “I’ve never seen anything like this promotion. This isn’t just a little something. It’s very high end, like everything Mark does. I just can’t believe I’m the person who found it.”

About Mark Loren Designs

                Mark Loren Designs is a jeweler and has been offering custom designed jewelry, repairs and recreations of sentimental heirlooms for 25 years in Southwest Florida.  His efforts have earned high praise by leaders in the jewelry industry. Loren was named one of 39 of the world’s top jewelry artists in the recently published book, Gemstones Masters: Major Works by Leading Artists. The artists in this juried collection were selected by jewelry curator, designer and president of the American Jewelry Design Council, Alan Revere.

                His other recognitions include the International Spectrum Design awards, bestowed by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), are considered the “Oscars” of the jewelry-design industry—and Loren and his design team have won several over the years for “outstanding jewelry design incorporated colored gemstones.” They’ve earned two AGTA Manufacturing Honors, awarded for combining elegant use of natural colored gemstones with techniques that can be used by mainstream manufacturers. They’ve also taken home two Platinum Honors prizes and won the International Pearl Design contest.

Signature Mark Loren Designs pieces in the jeweler’s well-known black bag and tagged “Finders Keepers” will be placed around Lee County.