Gulf Coast Venture forum will host its Annual Member Meeting and Cocktail Reception in Naples, on May 12, 2011. Members from both chapters, Naples and Sarasota, will meet from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the Tiburon Golf Course Members Club Room located at 2610 Tiburon Drive.

The annual meeting and reception will provide great business networking in a social setting with hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary cocktail provided.

In addition to meeting members from both chapters, guests will have the opportunity to meet the officers, Board of Directors, committee members and the newly appointed Chapter Presidents for Naples and Sarasota.

“This is the last meeting of the season, and just as in previous years, we will not have companies presenting their business plans,” said Tim Cartwright, president of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum. “We use this final meeting to make plans and set goals for the 2010-2011season, network, socialize and recap the past year’s successes.”

The purpose of the Gulf Coast Venture Forumis to promote the success of Southwest Florida’s new and emerging businesses by bringing together the best entrepreneurs, early stage venture capital firms and Angel Investors. They promote the success of the region’s new and emerging businesses by bringing together entrepreneurs, educational resources, capital providers, and service providers. Members of the GCVF meet monthly to hear about local investment opportunities, and they also offer informative educational programs presented by seasoned, recognized professionals and business people, providing a place for the sharing and exchange of business and technical experience. To encourage capital investments in Southwest Florida businesses, the GCVF seeks to identify sources of private equity investment and venture capital. Gulf Coast Venture Forum is always open to new members. Monthly meetings are scheduled October through June each year. GCVF is also available to provide speakers to local organizations who want to learn more about the purpose of the GCVF and local investment opportunities.

 
Those interested in learning more about the Gulf Coast Venture Forum may attend this meeting, however, seating is limited and guests must pre-register. The Gulf Coast Venture Forum is open to new members.  Interested parties must qualify as an accredited investor as defined by the US SEC and are encouraged to view  www.gcvf.com or call 239-262-6300 for more information.

The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Michel Hall, have announced the following vacancies for the 2011-12 Season and will hold auditions on June 7and 8, 2011.  Principal Cello, Principal 2^nd Violin, Section Violin (4), Substitute all Strings and Flute 3/Utility.  The Southwest Florida Symphony is a professional, per-service orchestra performing approximately 60 services per season in Fort Myers and the nearby islands.  The deadline for resume submission is May 24, 2011.  Qualified musicians should send a one page resume to: Southwest Florida Symphony, c/o Personnel Manager, 12651 McGregor Blvd. 4-403, Fort Myers, FL  33919.

The Children’sHospital ofSouthwest Florida Kohl’s Center for Safety Program will be providing free car seat safety inspections on

Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hendry County Health Department,

, Clewiston.

Research shows that an estimated 30 percent of children still continue to ride unrestrained and 80 percent of all car seats are used incorrectly.  More than 1,700 children have been saved since 1996 just because they were riding in a properly fitted car seat and in the back seat.

Education and information to improve these numbers is of critical need in our community.  According to Safe Kids and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a correctly used safety seat reduces fatality risk by 71 percent and serious injury risk by 67 percent. 

Car seats will be available at a reduced price if your car seat is part of a recall, out dated or not the appropriate car seat for the child.

Bilingual fitting technicians will be available. Appointments are strongly encouraged and may be made by calling 239-343-5224 or visit www.leememorial.org/prevention/kohls.asp for a time that’s convenient for you.

            There’s still time for golfers of all abilities to register for the inaugural Harry Chapin Food Bank classic being held at Grandezza Country Club on Wednesday, May 18.  All golfers, regardless of age or skill level, have an invitation to participate in Grandezza’s challenging course.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

The $125 cost per player includes green fees with cart, awards, prizes, and dinner at poolside.  Golfers, sponsors, and silent auction items are all needed for the event. 

The four-player scramble shotgun start begins at 1:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 12:30.  Every dollar raised at this event enables the food bank to distribute $6 worth of food to those in need.

            JoAnna Bradshaw, Harry Chapin Food Bank President, is serving as event chairman and should be contacted to donate silent auction items; contact her at 239-405-7266, or bradshawjoa@comcast.net. 

To register for the classic and/or to obtain sponsorships, contact Chris Robinson at the food bank, 239-334-7007, ext. 137, or via email at chrisrobinson@harrychapinfoodbank.org.

            The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need through a network of more than 170 local nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties, who provide food to more than 30,000 people monthly.  Over 800,900 pounds of food are distributed monthly.  In the past fiscal year, The Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed more than 11.5 million pounds of food and other grocery products

Additional information about or to contribute financially to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, contact 239-334-7007 or go to harrychapinfoodbank.org.

This program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.

Classes consist of six sessions held once a week.  Two experienced Class Leaders conduct the series (many are experienced caregivers themselves, who have successfully applied the techniques they teach).  Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming will help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life.

You will receive a book, The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specifically for the class.  A donation of $25.00 to help defray the cost of the book is suggested, but not required to attend the class. 

Classes will be held atClareBridge,

, from May 16 – June 20^th.  Sessions are held every Monday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and begin on May 16^th. 

For information about respite care or to register, please call 239-343-2751. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.

Florida Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Support Group

May 14^th, 2011

RIDE BEGINS AT:

Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope

7154 Medical Center Drive

Spring Hill, FL 34608

Behind Johnny Carino’S

RIDE TO:

Sleepy Hollow Fishing Lodge

10333 East Gobbler Drive

Floral City, FL 34436

352-726-3242        

   LIVE BAND   STEAK DINNER  RAFFLES                           

Registration begins @ 9:00am Ride begins @ 10:00am

$15.00 per person includes Steak Dinner

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TAMBRA @

352-592-8129

Adults and children 10 and older can put on SCUBA gear and jump into a 17,000-gallon pool set up at Rookery Bay just for the event. Everyone can enjoy the aquariums, touch tank, interactive exhibits, science lab and nature trail tours, kayak trips, nature films, kids activities and more. A food vendor will be serving lunch.

Dive Into Oceans Day at Rookery Bay on Saturday, April 30. Call 417-6310 or visit rookerybay.org for more information.