Ale Tales And Lager Lore
By Diane Bothfeld, Certified Cicerone®
Dr. Susan Flavin is the lead researcher on a project to determine the calorie content and alcohol level of beer in the 16th century. She is an Associate Professor of History at Trinity College Dublin and her research concentrates on Early Modern Britain and Ireland especially trade, consumption and material culture. The project took five years to complete and was completed through a grant from European Research Council funding a wider project called Food-Cult. Beer was a big part of medieval life with people drinking beer because water was suspect and could make people sick. In England and Ireland, beer was divided into three categories – strong beer, ordinary or household beer, and small beer. Drinking to quench one’s thirst was distinguished from drinking to just get drunk, but just how drunk were medieval people? Other researchers have determined through records of large households, that five to seven pints of beer were consumed each day by household staff, the occupants of the house and any outside laborers. One theory was that ale and beer were very weak in alcohol content. At that time, ale contained hops and beer did not. It was also thought that beer was part of the caloric intake for people – more alcohol, more calories.
Dr. Flavin and her team recreated a beer from Dublin Castle, the home of Lord Deputy William Fitzwilliam who kept detailed records from 1570 to 1590 of brewing, the supplies used and the volumes created by each brewing cycle. The castle was a major military installation with 100 staff and numerous visitors each year. Records show that strong ale and ordinary ale were brewed, with ordinary ale consumed by the working class and strong ale consumed by the lord and visitors.
The records were used to determine the recipe for the beer. Accounts showed that oat malt and barley malt were in equal amounts per brewing cycle. The high content of oat malt would impact the flavor and mouth feel of this beer. The researcher had no luck sourcing an heirloom oat variety that could have been grown in 16th century Ireland so flaked oats were used. The barley came from the Agronomy and Agriculture Institute of Orkney, Scotland that had preserved and grown an heirloom variety of barley. This is an ancient variety but still might not be the variety used to make beer at Dublin Castle. There are records of hop purchases but not specifically the variety. Some records stated the hops were Flemish in origin. The researchers looked for old hop varieties that were imported and then grown in England. The Flemish hop Tolhurst was brought to England to be grown in 1882 but is no longer grown commercially. The U.K. National Hop Collection grows this hop, and it took three years to harvest enough hops replicate the brewing of the ale of Dublin Castle.
Yeast was the last ingredient needed. Genome sequencing and molecular archeology were used to trace yeast genealogy back to a strain that has origins in Britain and Ireland. This yeast was used to brew Dublin Castle Ale.
In the preparation for brewing this beer, all techniques for preparing the malt, drying the hops and preparing the yeast all mimicked the equipment and steps from historical documents on brewing. The oats and barley were ground with a mortar and pestle and mashed with warm water. Wooden implements were used for stirring the grain and water as well as removing the grain. Fire was the heat source. A replica brewhouse took three years to build and many skilled crafts people to create the copper boiling pot, wooden barrels and the wooden utensils used.
Cross Creek Travelers
By Kathy Bonick
Biltmore Estate And The Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, N.C., Oct. 20 To 25, $915 Per Person Double Occupancy
(Add $209 For Singles)
Fall dazzling splendor at the Biltmore Estate should not be missed, harvest season in the vineyards and gardens brimming with colorful mums are one of the many reasons to visit at this time of the year.
Five nights lodging including three consecutive nights in the Asheville area
Eight meals including five breakfasts and three dinners
A guided tour of Asheville, N.C.
A full day visit to the Biltmore Estate
A guided drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
A visit to the famous Folk Art Center
A visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Join us for this fall trip not to be missed.
Amelia Island, St. Augustine And Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 9 To 12, Four Days/Three Nights, $529 Double Occupancy
Motorcoach transportation
Three nights lodging in the Jacksonville area with six meals: three breakfasts and two dinners
A visit to the Fountain of Youth
Guided tours of Amelia Island and St. Augustine
Fantastic shopping on historic St. George Street
Narrated cruise on the St. John’s River
Dinner party and entertainment
See the historic city of St. Augustine in white lights at evening for the Christmas season.
Call Kathy Bonick to sign up. There is a $75 per person deposit, (309) 265-7241.
Charleston, S.C., Feb. 24 To March 1, 2025, Six Days/ Five Nights, $799/Double Occupancy
Transportation on top quality motorcoach, restroom and video equipped
Five nights lodging including three consecutive nights in the Charleston area
Eight meals including five breakfasts and three dinners
A visit to famous and historic Middleton Place
A visit to the historic Charleston City Market
A relaxing harbor cruise in Charleston
A guided tour of Charleston
A tour of historic Charleston home and historic Charleston plantation
There is a $75 per person deposit required. Call Kathy Bonick at (309) 265-7241 or email at kathyhike17@ yahoo.com.
The research team knew the amount of grains, hops and yeast used from the records but there was still unknown of how much water was used, how long the ale was boiled and what level of evaporation occurred during the boiling. Three batches of Dublin Castle Ale were produced. The ale was honey colored, slightly bitter with noticeable hop flavor and was hazy. The use of oats increases the protein content of beer and can cause haze. The ale was analyzed and found to be 5 to 5.3 percent ABV. This is similar to modern ale and beer alcohol levels and contained 260 calories – not a light beer.
The research showed that the beer could be replicated using the best available materials and historic techniques, the ale was higher in alcohol than expected and contained more calories than expected. If five to seven pints of this beer were consumed each day, mild inebriation would occur. English ancestors were a very happy bunch!
The recipe for Dublin Castle Ale is available for home brewers to experiment with, but the availability of ingredients could be challenging. You can read the whole paper on this experiment at The Historical Journal – Understanding Early Modern Beer at Cambridge.org. You can get the recipe for this ale from Craft Beer & Brewing at Beerandbrewing.com as Dublin Castle Ale 1574.
Will be closed on Mondays from May 6 through October 28
Poets Corner
By The Sea
By Emily Elizabeth Dickinson
I started early, took my dog, And visited the sea; The mermaids in the basement Came out to look at me,
And frigates in the upper floor
Extended hempen hands, Presuming me to be a mouse Aground, upon the sands.
But no man moved me till the tide Went past my simple shoe, And past my apron and my belt, And past my bodice too,
And made as he would eat me up As wholly as a dew Upon a dandelion’s sleeve –And then I started too.
And he – he followed close behind; I felt his silver heel Upon my ankle, – then my shoes Would overflow with pearl.
Until we met the solid town, No man he seemed to know; And bowing with a mighty look At me, the sea withdrew.
Important Notice
All articles need to be sent to Mindy Tamaccio at mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com.
All articles must be submitted by the 4th of the previous month.
To All Reporters Submitting Copy
1. Village news: 300 words or less.
2. Deadline: Fourth of the month by 5 p.m.
3. Articles – Please do not capitalize all words.
4. Please sign articles.
E-Mail Addresses
Members can now e-mail their request to the following departments: Office office@crosscreekfl.com Restaurant restaurant@crosscreekfl.com Clubhouse clubhouse@crosscreekfl.com
Reminder - Keep Columns Brief
Pictures WILL NOT be returned. * * * * *
When submitting articles, please do not capitalize all letters.
Mindy Tamaccio, Editor Courier (610) 812-0987 mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com
Cross Creek Restaurant and Lounge (239) 768-1474
Cross Creek Community Association
Vision And Mission Statement
Our Vision – To be a respected and affordable golf and clubhouse facility.
Mission – We operate a semiprivate golf and clubhouse facility that provides an enjoyable environment where members and guests receive superior customer service. Our goal is to exceed customer expectations everyday. We operate with innovative and creative management where honesty, integrity and good business practices are the foundation of our leadership. We foster an atmosphere of teamwork among members, staff and community.
Card News
Bridge Winners
By
Frank Maranto
June 3
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 4840
Jim Zernzach and Steve Little 3860
June 10
Jim Zernzach and Steve Little 5380
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 5180
June 17
Jim Zernzach and Steve Little 3800
Paula Maranto and Julie Becknell 2240
June 24
Pat Horschak and Susie Romstadt 3620
Jim Zernzach and Steve Little 3160
Village News
Greetings To All From Fairway Woods I And II!
Similar to many other associations, we faced a lengthy recovery from Hurricane Ian. As of this writing, we are almost completely recovered. New roofs for our residential buildings, pool house and all carport roofs. Fences were repaired, landscape fixed and upgraded. We are very fortunate that there were no injuries to any of full-time owners, who were here when Ian struck. We have had some turnover of owners. We will miss those that have left, and we welcome the new owners to our community.
Terrace 1
August In Florida
So wonderful to be in Florida in August. The weather is something we just get used to .
Here Are Some August Weather Facts • Temperature: Highs usually range from the upper 80s to mid-90s °F (around 30 to 35°C).
• Humidity: Often high, making the heat feel more intense.
Pinochle Winners
By Bev Applegate
June 3
Pinochle cancelled
June 10
Lori Bohan 758
Bev Applegate 672
Mary Lou Lydecker 647
June 17
Lori Bohan 805
Corky Tannehill 756
June 24
Lori Bohan 657
Corky Tannehill 653
Bev Applegate 544
• Rainfall: August is one of the rainiest months, with frequent thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon.
• Hurricane Season: August falls within the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to Nov. 30), so there’s a higher risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Activities
• Beaches: The warm ocean temperatures make beach activities popular, but it’s essential to stay updated on weather conditions.
• Theme Parks: While theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios are busy, they also often have special events or promotions.
• Indoor Attractions: Due to the heat, indoor attractions such as museums, aquariums and shopping centers are good options. Some Additional Tips
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat.
• Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, wear hats and seek shade when possible.
• Weather Monitoring: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden storms.
• Hurricane Preparedness: Be aware of evacuation routes and have a plan in case of a hurricane warning.
In order to better serve your concerns and questions regarding our community, please contact the following board members directly with your specific issues or questions.
Cross Creek Master Board Liaisons Telephone
Harvey LaPointe, President Common Grounds (435) 659-9805
Brent Minor, Vice President Golf Course (239) 768-0743 or (847) 636-1454
Frank Maranto, Treasurer (239) 785-4750
Debbie Kelly, Secretary Pro Shop and Cart Barn (703) 963-1104
Chance Chancellor, Director Lakes (239) 247-3627
John Castaldo, Director Restaurant (802) 272-9493
Alan Jones, Director Clubhouse Area Buildings and Pool (860) 670-4862
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Harvey LaPointe, President 13239 Oak Hill Loop 435-659-9805
Brent Minor, Vice President 13264 White Marsh Lane #19 768-0743
Frank Maranto, Treasurer 13110 Cross Creek Blvd., #309 785-4750
Debbie Kelly, Secretary 13131 Cross Creek Blvd., #107 703-963-1104
Chance Chancellor, Director 12745 Inverary Cir. 247-3627
John Castaldo, Director (802) 272-9493 Alan Jones, Director (860) 670-4862
CLUBHOUSE VILLAGE
John Carraher, President 13131 Cross Creek Blvd., #109 914-584-9784
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE 1
Brad Grove, President 13090 Cross Creek Court, #202 708-341-4499
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE II
Mike Stagg, President 13080 Cross Creek Court #301 920-229-4400
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
FAIRWAY WOODS CONDO I
Jeff Cason, President 12500 Cold Stream Drive, #301 256-503-9669
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Coastal Association Services 1314 Cape Coral Pkwy. E. #205 Cape Coral, Florida 33904 689-3080
FAIRWAY WOODS CONDO II
Bruce Hamel, President 12561 Cold Stream Drive, #604 586-604-0880
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Coastal Association Services 1314 Cape Coral Pkwy. E. #205 Cape Coral, Florida 33904 689-3080
SINGLE FAMILY I
Carol LaPointe, President 13230 Oak Hill Loop 435-901-9305
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
SINGLE FAMILY II
Mark Woodman, President 12744 Inverary Circle 603-231-9392
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
TALL GRASS COURT VILLAS Sandra Jocelyn, President 13428 Tall Grass Court 239-561-7389
MANAGEMENT COMPANY D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
TERRACE CONDO I Dave Valyo, President 13240 White Marsh Lane, #25
Save The Date For Valerie’s House
Inaugural Sunset Soiree
Valerie’s House will celebrate its inaugural Sunset Soiree Thursday, Nov. 21, at the new Family is Forever home at 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers.
The evening will include cocktails, dinner, surprises and stories of inspiration from children and families that have been impacted by the deaths of loved ones.
“It will be our first time to host a festive event for our donors and supporters at our new home,” said Valerie’s House CEO and Founder Angela Melvin Churchill. “We are so looking forward to sharing our progress and hearing from the families who have been helped at Valerie’s House.”
Jeff and Jacque Miloff are the event chairs with Dave and Cheryl Copham serving as honorary chairs.
Sponsorships of the Sunset Soiree are available from $2,500 to $25,000 that include tickets, mentions on social media, publication printing as well as branding at the event. Individual tickets are $250. More information is available at www.valerieshouse.org/events.
About Valerie’s House
A total of $3 million was raised toward the cost of the new home, which is built on land donated by the City of Fort Myers under a $1 per year lease.
Valerie’s House has helped more than 5,000 children and their families since its founding in 2016 by Angela Melvin Churchill, whose mother, Valerie, was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987.
One in seven children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 25, according to the 2022 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.
Valerie’s House currently offers peer support groups and other activities at locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations.
Valerie’s House opened its first location in Fort Myers, Fla., in January 2016 and has served more than 5,000 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties. The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member. Valerie’s House has three Southwest Florida locations: 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers, 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples and 233 East McKenzie St. in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House also expanded into Northwest Florida in 2021 with a home in downtown Pensacola. For more information visit www.valerieshouse.org.
The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center Announces The Creation Of The MOSAIC Youth Philharmonic
The Heights Foundation/ The Heights Center announces the creation of the MOSAIC Youth Philharmonic, an expansion of the existing Musical Opportunities Supporting The Arts in Our Community (MOSAIC) program. This new orchestra is open to all schoolaged students through auditions. The full orchestra ensemble expands The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center’s existing MOSAIC program, adding a third tier that targets upper middle and high school students. Inspired by the El Sistema model, MOSAIC is a daily music education program serving nearly 70 elementary and middle school children from the Harlem Heights community. It provides free instrumental music instruction and numerous performance opportunities at The Heights Center and throughout the community. MOSAIC empowers students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives, from academic classes to musical lessons, and strengthens familial and community bonds, teaching students to become leaders and ambitious in every endeavor.
The Youth Philharmonic will rehearse every Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Heights Center, located at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers. The orchestra will perform three concerts annually at The Heights Center, with additional performances scheduled throughout Lee County. String and wind quartet/quintet ensemble coaching and performances will also be offered throughout the season.
Annual tuition for the program is $300, with payment plans and need-
based scholarships available upon request. Detailed audition information for each instrument can be found at www. heightsfoundation.org/MOSAIC.
For more information, visit www.heightsfoundation. org/MOSAIC or contact Melissa Barlow at melissa@ heightsfoundation.org or (239) 482-7706, Ext. 4006.
About The Heights Foundation And The Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build strong, selfsufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for education, opportunity and enrichment. Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 163 children in after school and 153 children in summer camp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multifamily apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 78 percent Hispanic, 16 percent African-American, and 6 percent Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40 percent below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.
Cross Creek Book Club
Below is the 2024 Summer Reading List from Elaine Newton. It is a long list 39 books she is considering for next year’s Critic’s Choice. The books for next year were announced in July and may include book(s) not on this list.
Happy reading.
Pam Conti, (607) 759-1966
Elaine Newton—Critic’s Choice
2024 Summer Reading List
Absolution by Alice McDermott
After Annie by Anna Quindlen
A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
The Book of Love by Kelly Link
Burma Sahib by Paul Theroux
Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling
The Celestial Wife by Leslie Howard
Day by Michael Cunningham
Eastbound by Maylis de Kerangal
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton
The Hunter by Tana French
Ilium by Lea Carpenter
James by Percival Everett
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward
Long Island by Colm Tóibín
Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt
Lucky by Jane Smiley
Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
North Woods by Daniel Mason
Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Table for Two by Amor Towles (short stories)
This Other Eden by Paul Harding
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Please note: The books to be discussed during the 2024/25 Critic’s Choice series were announced in July and may include books not on this list.
Valerie’s House exterior photo
Heights MOSAIC and Youth Orchestra
Lee Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department
Earns The Prestigious Lantern Award For The First Time
The emergency department at Lee Memorial Hospital has been recognized for continually providing high-quality care in a safe environment. This is the first time the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has awarded the hospital with the Lantern Award, which recognizes emergency departments that go above and beyond in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.
Golisano Children’s Hospital’s emergency department and Cape Coral Hospital’s emergency department have both twice received the Lantern Award. Gulf Coast Medical Center’s emergency department earned the designation for the first time in 2022.
Attention Dog Owners
It is your responsibility to pick up after your dog. It’s the law. Some of you have been negligent in doing so. Please keep our Cross Creek beautiful!
Desserts are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, Appetizers can be anything like the roll of the dice, Entrees can be meaty, veggie and even rice,
But please, let’s not have lice or mice. So take the dare, submit a recipe you would like to share, Some will make it with care, And even serve it for their fare. Submit all recipes to mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com.
Beware of alligators and snakes when retrieving your ball on the banks of the lakes.
Lee Memorial Hospital’s emergency department is one of a record 94 emergency departments across the United States that met the award criteria for the Lantern Award designation this year. The Lantern Award is a visible symbol of an emergency department’s commitment to quality, safety, a healthy work environment and innovation in nursing practice and emergency care.
“Our teams work hard every day to provide high-quality emergency care to our community and I am proud of them and thrilled that they’re being recognized. This award is a testament to the teamwork, passion and dedication our staff provides to each other and their patients,” said Larry Antonucci, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Lee Health.
When applying, emergency departments share stories highlighting their commitment to care and the initiatives to improve nursing staff’s well-being. Applications are reviewed and scored by the ENA Lantern Award Committee. The award lasts for a three-year cycle before an emergency department is eligible to apply again.
The award will be on display in the Lee Memorial Hospital’s emergency department and in the lobby of the
main hospital. As a recipient, Lee Memorial Hospital will be recognized in upcoming ENA publications, on the ENA website and during the association’s annual conference held in Las Vegas from Sept. 4 to 7.
Learn more about Lee Memorial Hospital at www. leehealth.org.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health
care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A nonprofit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Health care services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www. LeeHealth.org.
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club.
Our September program will feature excerpts from The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition performed by the Fort Myers Theatre Youth Program. You are invited to join us to experience these very talented young people, and to learn more about Continental.
Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural and philanthropic organization established in 1975, and membership is open to women living in Lee County. We have many special
events and interest groups within our club that you can participate in for social and educational purposes throughout the month and the year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers, 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $26. Reservation deadline for Sept. 5 is Tuesday, Aug. 27. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 for meal selection and to make a reservation.
Alliance For The Arts
Uncommon Threads: Julio Julio, Kathleen Kinkopf And Mӓr Martinez
Aug. 2 To Sept. 28
10091 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Operating within the confines of societal structures that shape all of our lives, the three artists in this exhibition explore universal human experiences through their work. Julio Julio, Kathleen Kinkopf and Mӓr Martinez traverse varied mediums and narratives to arrive at common themes of resilience, hope and strength.
June 28 - August 10
Everyone’s favorite nanny is back! Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she helps teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of an irresistible story, breathtaking dance numbers and unforgettable songs such as Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
August
16 - September 21
In a blend of suspense and humor, the renowned Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, crafts a captivating murder mystery. At a secluded countryside guesthouse, seven strangers find themselves snowed in. Their predicament takes a chilling turn when a police sergeant arrives on skis, revealing there’s a killer among them. As suspicion mounts, each guest unveils their murky past, adding layers of intrigue to unfolding drama.
Dates may be subject to change.
Often, the scenes presented here combine familiar forms with aspects that are just out of step with our familiar reality. This juxtaposition of unreality within familiar scenes allows viewers a new perspective from which to examine familiar concepts, echoing the magical realism genre of literature. This paradox creates a union of opposites, drawing attention to topics of politics, social change and spirituality.
Despite their divergent approaches, each artist grapples with the intricacies of living in a modern world, confronting uncomfortable truths and celebrating human resilience. Their work is rich with dramatic imagery and symbolic depth, inviting viewers to examine the structures that shape our lives and embark on a journey of selfreflection and discovery.
The goal of a surrealist is to present a glimpse into new and various worlds that are only accessible in dreams, or through the careful and well-practiced art of introspection. The works of Danielle Branchaud are notorious in their depth and intensity when it comes to facing those dimensions. For years she has used her own personal life experience and emotional complexity in order to create these visions, tapping into sources that have the potential to be both enlightening and devastating. After all, a lifetime is composed of many notes, high and low, and each one is worthy of exploration.
This collection of work presents just a fraction of that emotional experience, each painting inviting you to search within yourself for those same universal feelings.
Lee County Parks And Recreation
Florida-Friendly And Native Plant Swap
Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Karl Drews Community Center, 18412 Lee Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967
Come join us for a morning of plant-related fun with fellow plant enthusiasts! Our plant swap will take place inside the Karl Drews Community Center. To participate, please bring one or more clearly labeled healthy plants! RSVP by calling (239) 533-1470 or emailing TRossi@leegov.com to reserve a table space.
In The Theatre Lobby Gallery: Piercing The Veil By Danielle Branchaud