Community Calendar | Jan. 10
Rep. Giallombardo to speak at Cape Coral Military Officers Association of America meeting Saturday
The Cape Coral Military Officers Association of America will hold its monthly breakfast meeting at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Cape Royal Golf Club, 1460 Royal Tee Circle, Cape Coral.
Florida District 79 State Rep. Mike Giallombardo of Cape Coral will be the speaker.
The breakfast cost is $12 per person and is open to not only Cape Coral MOAA members, but also former and retired U.S. military officers and senior noncommissioned officers.
Reservations are requested by calling Cindy Nolan at 618-580-2368 or emailing her at capecoralmoaa@gmail.com.
Author Spalding guest speaker for Gulf Coast Writers Association meeting Jan. 18
The Gulf Coast Writers Association has announced that Brenda Spalding, an award-winning Florida writer, will be the guest speaker at the upcoming monthly meeting Saturday, Jan. 18. Spalding’s book, “The Alligator Dance” was inspired by a local news article regarding prosecution for alligator egg poaching and sent Spalding on a three-year journey of research and writing.
Spalding has received several awards. Her expertise in publishing and marketing makes her a regular guest speaker at writers’ conferences and writers’ groups. Her company, Braden River Consulting LLC, was formed to help other authors on their creative journey. She also consults occasionally with SCORE to help their clients.
Founded in 1995, the Gulf Coast Writers Association Inc. provides a forum for fellowship, education and information for writers, editors and associates. GCWA’s book, “Storm Stories – Hurricane Ian,” is available on Amazon and at local outlets. Based in Fort Myers, GCWA attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida. At monthly meetings, the Association offers well-known speakers as well as workshops sharing expert advice on topics such as writing techniques, publishing and marketing. Participants at GCWA meetings also have the opportunity to read their works. The literary genres run the gamut from poetry, adult fiction and nonfiction to children’s and young adult, historical fiction, romance, mystery/thriller, memoir, essay, and screenplay. Members include new and established writers, corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, working or retired.
Visit the GCWA’s website at GulfWriters.Org for additional information.
Cash Clothing Sale Jan. 18 at Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Fort Myers
Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church/Saint Hilary’s Helping Hands Ministry, like all the other non-profits, have had a busy 2024 following the two devastating hurricanes, Helene and Milton, and are hosting a Cash Clothing Sale (buy a 30-gallon bag for $25, fill it with clothes, etc.) Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at Saint Hilary’s Church by the Farmers Market, 5011 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.
Call 239-936-1000 for more information.
Cape Computer Club to meet Jan. 22 via Zoom
The Cape Coral Computer Club meets over Zoom the first and third Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting being from 2-4 p.m., Jan. 22. The meeting topic: “How to Do Video and Image Searches and All About the New iPhone and the Latest iOS.” There will be time for questions and answers.
All skill levels are welcome. For more information, visit the club website at capecoralcomputer.club. Use the “CONTACT US” feature to register for a complimentary Zoom link. If you have any questions or need help with Zoom, call 321-430-5959.
Club Zoom meetings are recorded. If you become a member and miss a meeting you have the opportunity to watch the presentation at a later date. The Zoom format works well because you don’t have to be in Florida to participate in and enjoy all of the benefits the club has to offer.
Please see the website for additional information.
Saint Michael Lutheran School to host 2025 TOUCH-A-TRUCK Jan. 25
Saint Michael Lutheran School will hold its 7th Annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK event, presented by Drake Ready Mix and Dynamic Equipment Group, Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The free family event is open to the public and takes place at the Saint Michael Lutheran School and Church campus at 3595 Broadway, Fort Myers.
TOUCH-A-TRUCK transforms Saint Michael’s campus into a hands-on interactive experience that allows kids to get up close with vehicles of all kinds. The event gives truck-obsessed children a chance to turn their imagination into reality. Kids can honk horns, open doors, climb into the driver’s seat, and learn from community leaders and vehicle operators.
Parked along the streets of Saint Michael’s campus, attendees will see construction equipment, fire trucks and police vehicles, a Coast Guard boat, bucket trucks, dump trucks, farm equipment, delivery trucks, commercial lawnmowers, side-by-sides, ATVs and a helicopter (weather permitting).
Saint Michael’s gymnasium offers even more kids activities including bounce houses, family-friendly vendors, vehicle-related arts and crafts projects, face painting and more.
Sponsored by SWFL Therapy Works, the first hour of the event, 10-11 a.m., will be a sensory-safe time. During this time, lights, sirens, horns, and other sounds that might disturb young or sensory-sensitive children, are prohibited. SWFL Therapy Works will also provide a sensory-safe playroom inside and away from the trucks where kids can take a break from the noise and participate in games and activities.
For additional information about Saint Michael Lutheran School, please visit smlcs.org or call 239-939-1218.