Incandescent Evening slated to show off $2 million restoration

COURTESY PHOTO Edison Incandescent Evening 2007 April at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with the unveiling of a $2 million restoration project as well as a variety of special programs for children and adults. The April schedule includes:

New Volunteer Orientation, April 14, 10 a.m.

Join Estates staff to learn about the history of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates homes, gardens, and inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Interested potential volunteers are welcome.

Home Schoolers: "Movie-Making Magic" April 17, 1-3 p.m.

Home-schooled students and their parents can enroll in a half day of curriculum that follows the Florida Sunshine objectives for learning.

The program follows 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.

Estates members $5; non-members $15 (one adult, one child) additional $5 per child.

Annual Incandescent Evening, April 17, 6-9 p.m.

Join the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Board of Trustees, Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation and the Charles Edison Fund for an extraordinary evening of grace and charm as the recently completed Ford Estate will be unveiled. Dine al fresco in the Estates historic gardens, enjoy music performances and dance band as well as a breathtaking sunset along the Caloosahatchee. Estates Members $40, non-member $50. For reservations, call 334-7419.

Free Community Event - An Incandescent Evening, April 18, 5-8 p.m.

The Estates celebrates the completion of almost $2 million in restoration and improvements to the historic Ford Home with a free- admission community celebration. Tickets are limited and may be picked up at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Galloway Ford in Fort Myers and Coconut Point Ford in Estero.

Wild Wizard's Lab Show "Movie- Making Magic," April 19, 2 p.m.

From the nickelodeon to the IMAX join the Estates Wild Wizards and explore movie production and special effects. The event offers fun for all ages. Estates Members free, non-members $12 adults, $6 children.

Docent Training, April 23, 9 a.m.

Estates volunteers and potential volunteers who are interested in becoming Edison & Ford porch, lab and museum docents, or leading a group tour of the Estates grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.

Mina Edison Teas, Wednesdays in May, 2 p.m. seating

Reservations are being taken for teas in the newly restored Edison Gardens and Caretaker's House. Groups may schedule other dates and special programs. Cost: Estates Members $30, non-members $35.

The Estates is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For details, call 334-7419 or visit www.efwefla.org.