Edison & Ford Winter Estates

2350 McGregor Boulevard

Fort Myers, FL 33901=

239-334-= 7419

www.efwefla.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chris Pendleton, President & CEO

Lisa Sbuttoni, PR Manager (239-334-7419)

Estates Programs - March 2009<= /p>

Fort Myers, Florida (February 27, 2009) – March at = the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted by extended evening hours every Fr= iday for spectacular views of the sunset and guided tours. In addition the Estates offer a va= riety of children and adult programs, special exhibits, and events throughout the month. The March schedule of programs and events include:

Estates Extended Hours on Friday Evenings & Red Sox Game Nights, March 3, 5, 6, 8,10,15,= 17,20, 22, 23, 27, 28, 31; last guided tour at 6 PM

The Estates will extend their evening hours every Friday night in March and nigh= ts of Boston Red Sox Games. Visitor= s will enjoy beautiful gardens, river views, spectacular sunsets and the newly restored homes just like the Edisons and Fords. Estates members FREE; non-members, adults $20, children $11. Gro= up discounts with reservations.

Etiquette at the Estates, Mimi’s & Mina’s Manners, March 7, 11AM – 1PM= ;

Etiquette at the Estates teaches children (ages 6 – 12) proper introductions, handshakes, and dining etiquette during a three-course meal. The classes are taught by etiquette expert Suzanne Willis, who has been teaching similar classes throughout the nation. = Estates Members $40; $50 for non members.

Volunteer Appreciation Event,, March 10, 8:30 AM

Estates volunteers will be celebrated at an event that begins with breakfast at the Historic Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island followed by a morning at The Randell Research Cen= ter. Anthropologist, Michael Wilde will= give a presentation Early Native America= ns on our Islands and a tour of= the site. Afterwards volunteers w= ill be treated to coffee, ice cream and gallery tour by Leoma Lovegrove, Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens in Matlacha. Registration is required. Event Free to all active Estates Volunteers.

Growing Orchids, = March 14, 10 AM – 1 PM

The Edisons and F= ords collected orchids and planted them throughout the trees of their estates and created “Orchid Lane= ” along McGregor Boulevard. Today several hundred orchids flou= rish throughout the landscape. Joi= n the Estates horticulturist to learn basic orchid care, plant division, insect control and nurturing exotic species of orchids and enjoy a tour of Mina Ed= ison’s orchids. Registration is required. Estates members $10= , non members $20.

Estates Wild Wizard Lab Show “Solid Liquid Gas” March 15, 2pm

Explore states of matter, the scientific method and properties of air, as the Estates Wild Wizards present hand–on performance science. Participants will create fog, slime and even ride on top of a hovercraft. Fun for all ages. Cost: Estates Members FREE; non members = $12 adults, $6 children.

Estates Home School Monthly Program Series: “Solid Liquid Gas” = March 20, 1 PM – 3 PM

Home schooled students and their parents can enroll in a half day of curriculum that foll= ows the Florida Sunshine objectives for learning. The programs follow the Lee County mandated program and addresses environmental science, history and reading SOLS. Pre-visit curriculum materials will be mailed to registered families. Registration is required. Cost: Estates Members $5; non

members $15 (one adult, one child), additional $5 per child.

Painting in the Moonlight Garden with Leoma Lovegrove

March 21, 9:00 AM – 4 PM=

Join well known artist, teacher and friend of the Estate= s, Leoma Lovegrove for a full day of instruction in acrylic painting. The workshop includes classroom instruction in the historic Edison Caretaker’s House and painting in the beautiful Moonlight Garden. Lovegrove is an internationally acclaimed artist and owner of Lovegrove Gal= lery & Gardens. Registration is required. Cost: Estates Members $135; non members $150.

The Estates is daily from 9:00= a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Estates= was awarded the National Trust for Historic Preservation Award in 2008 and is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures” at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. For additional information call 239-334-7419 or visit the web site a= t www.efwefla.org.

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The Es= tates has received grants from the Historical Museums Grants-in-Aid Program throu= gh the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Natural Resources, Florida Department of State and Secretary of State and the <= st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Lee County Tourist Development Council.