Ale Tales And Lager Lore
By Diane Bothfeld, Certified Cicerone ®
Another great outing with the Cross Creek Beer Club to Fort Myers Brewing not far from Cross Creek. This was a gathering to discuss the first few months of the existence of the Beer Club and to talk about what activities are possible in the coming months and into next year.
The more beer, the more ideas and there is excitement for the months ahead. Here are some of the ideas shared.
• Overnight bus trip to Tampa, St. Augustine or Miami to visit breweries
• Local bus day trip to visit breweries closer to Fort Myers
• Beer Tasting at the clubhouse
• Beer Pairing with food at the clubhouse
• Brewery Crawl downtown Fort Myers
• Recipe collaboration with a local brewery for a Cross Creek specific beer
• Shared tasting event
• Bike ride to a brewery
• Beer Club sponsored food trucks at Cross Creek
• Octoberfest celebration
The group is narrowing down the activities to have about one per month from October through June. Let me know if you have any ideas at Diane.bothfeld@icloud.com.
It is July already and summer is certainly here! Lots of opportunities to drink an ice-cold beer! What beers to choose for hot weather, barbeques and boat rides? I would recommend beer cocktails – a mix of beer and juices. Light, crisp, and lower in alcohol to keep the good times going. Here are three possible beers to try in July.
Shandy – a shandy is a mix of beer and lemonade or a lemon/lime soda and has its origins in Britain. This cocktail is a 50/50 mix of beer and lemonade/soda. Not all beers take on the lemon/lime so stick with a lager or a blond ale. The recipe is ¾ cup beer and ¾ cup lemonade/soda. Mix and serve cold!
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.
Radler – Radlers are German in origin mixing lagers with fruit juices. I have been noticing radlers showing up in the beer section in Publix. Grapefruit is a common juice added to German lagers to form a radler. You do not have to mix your own radler and here are some great examples – Shiner Ruby Redbird, Stiegl Grapefruit Radler and Paulaner Grapefruit Radler. You can also make this at home – 50/50 beer and juice. Grapefruit is the most common but other juice flavors can be used. The beer should be a German lager to keep it authentic.
Gose – Gose is a very specific brew combining a slightly tart beer and salt. Yes salt. This is a wheat-based beer that is hazy, light in color, with low bitterness, noticeable sourness and salt possibly other spices like coriander. All that in one beer, but gose can also have added fruit. The tartness is from lactobacillus bacteria forming lactic acid. Lactic acid is the tartness found in plain yogurt. Palm City Brewing in Fort Myers has multiple Gose varieties on draft sporting different fruits. The fruits include raspberry, cherry, mango, and passionfruit orange guava. Give this beer a try for a refreshing summer drink.
Enjoy all the activities of the month of July with light refreshing fruit enhanced beers. Remember to always drink responsibly.
Word Scramble
Sudoku Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle
Across 1. Eruption
Snakes
No charge
Hermit
Certain something
Suffering
Hyperthermia
French for “head”
Gait faster than a walk
Jail 26. Arithmetic
30. Avenue (abbrev.)
31. Unhappy
32. Decorative case
33. Automobiles
35. Golden king (mythology)
39. Mutt
41. Take up the cause
43. A city in Nebraska
44. Chair
46. Module
47. 54 in Roman numerals
49. Air hero
50. Oceans 51. Overrun 54. Horse color
56. Observed 57. Neutral 63. Animal fat
64. Anagram of “seek” 65. Desire
66. Celtic language
67. Formerly (archaic)
68. Safe place
69. Russian emperor
70. Rodents
71. File
Down 1. Dull 2. Opera house box
3. Dwarf buffalo
4. Dispatched
Secret meeting
Blessings
Marksman
Benefit
Brooms
Detail-oriented
Dominates
Muse of poetry 13. Consumed 21. Small amount
Wheelchair access
Office message
“Smallest” particle
Albacore or bluefin
Highland native
Seashores 36. A ridge of sand
Montage Women’s Club
37. Largest continent
38. Adjusts
40. Incursion
42. Pilfer
45. Heartfelt
48. Superficiality
51. A small island
52. Approaches
53. Contrariwise
55. Specialty
58. Gumbo ingredient
59. Unit of fat
60. Pew area
61. At any point
62. Declare untrue
Crossword Solution on page 7
The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club (community entry off McGregor Boulevard between Cypress Lake Drive and College Parkway). Meetings begin at 11:30
a.m. with a short social period followed by lunch at noon followed by an informative speaker program and a short business meeting. Within the organization are various interest groups for members’ participation. Membership is open to both year-round and seasonal residents. We welcome you to visit Montage for a luncheon.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 25, and our guest speaker will be Leslie O’Halloran, community outreach and development supervisor for the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, a private, nonprofit lead agency that administers the Child Welfare System in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glade counties. Luncheon fee is $28 and the planned regular menu entree will be Quiche Lorraine with petite garden salad and balsamic vinaigrette. The plant-based/vegan option entree will be Southwestern stuffed tomato, black bean cake with pico de gallo, grilled tofu with cilantro lime sauce.
If you would like to attend a Montage meeting, need further information, or would like to make a reservation, please call Rita Artwohl at (239) 703-7787. Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is noon, Thursday, July 18.
If you would like a second opinion from experienced professionals regarding your current investment portfolio, or an opinion concerning developing a new one, please feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Rising above the shores of the Caloosahatchee River is Vista Cay, a collection of sophisticated waterfront residences featuring awe-inspiring vistas. For a limited time, future residents can choose their views and enjoy Shell Point’s resort amenities and award-winning lifecare while building is underway. This rare opportunity to select a new construction residence in Shell Point’s most renowned neighborhood won’t last long. Take a virtual tour, register for a seminar, or request an appointment by visiting MeetVistaCay.org.
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 will be 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
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.
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
Card News
Bridge Winners
By Frank Maranto
May 6
Paula Maranto and Julie Becknell 3630
Jim Zernzach and Bob Thompson 3320
Carol Richardson and Pat Horshak 2760
May 13
Bridge cancelled
May 20
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 4300
Frank Maranto and Carol Richardson 3490
May 27
Frank Maranto and Carol Richardson 3860
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 3820
Village News
The Verandas
By Roger Kadash
Dateline The Verandas
Summer heat and rain: Well here we are into the summer heat and the start of the rainy season.
Dates to remember in July: July 1, Canada Day and July 4, Independence Day.
The first Fourth of July was on July 8, 1776, when the first public reading of the Declaration was held in Philadelphia
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 will be announced in July and may include books not on this list.
Pinochle Winners
By Bev Applegate
May 6
Lori Bohan 748
Frank Maranto 641
Bev Applegate 628
May 13
Mary Lou Lydecker 694
Lori Bohan 662
Marty Lydecker 579
May 20
Marty Lydecker 633
Don Applegate 620
Lori Bohan 615
July 27
Ken Schultz 711
Emily Steinke 705
Matthew Steinke 653
Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music. One year later on July 4, 1777, Independence Day was marked by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks.
What is July known for?: Most of all fireworks and celebrating the Fourth of July.
The flower for July is the water lily and the birthstone is ruby.
Josie and I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.
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
Catch The Action
July On The Water
By Capt. Bill Russell
July is the month summer weather settles in bringing hot humid days, often with little wind until early afternoon as a sea breeze kicks in, followed by thunderstorms. Most anglers opt for an early start to take advantage of calm seas and avoid the mid-afternoon heat and storms.
For those looking to bring home fish dinner, mangrove snapper is a good choice through the summer. No need to make a long run offshore, as snapper are caught throughout the inshore and nearshore waters. Fish for snapper under docks, bridges, piers, or about any type of structure. Many anglers do very well from shore without the expense of a boat. After Ian, shore fishing locations are limited, but there are piers and bridges open to fishing. From boat, fish under deeper mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, sand potholes and rock ledges or structure in and near the gulf passes. Mangrove snapper is one of our tastier fish and fight hard for their size. They make a great summer target. Often leader and hook shy if the water is clear, it’s often necessary to lighten the tackle. Inshore, I go with 3 or more feet of 12- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 circle hook.
Redfish and sea trout are caught throughout the summer. High tides give the best opportunity for redfish as they are foraging under the shade of mangrove shorelines. Sea trout often run in schools with the best bite often coming over the morning incoming tides as cooler water moves over grass flats. Grass flats with clear or clean water in 4- to 8-foot depths are favored areas.
Consumer Alert
Hurricane Season 2024: How To Avoid Scams Before And After A Weather Emergency
By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education
Weather forecasters are predicting an active hurricane season, but if you live in large parts of the country — including those hit by tornadoes over Memorial Day weekend you’ve probably noticed more active storms of all types. To get started preparing for hurricane season or any storm, while avoiding scams, check ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies for new information to help you spot, avoid and report scams as you prepare for, deal with and recover from extreme weather and natural disasters.
Like all the FTC’s free resources, the site is mobilefriendly — giving you ready access to information when and where you need it. When it comes to planning for a possible weather emergency, the more you know and the earlier
Calm summer mornings give good opportunities to run offshore. American red snapper season is open in gulf waters for recreational anglers through the month of July for those willing to spend the fuel money for a long run offshore. Not sure of the reason but both gag and red grouper seasons are closed. To get updated grouper, snapper, and fishing regulations go to www.myfwc.com or download the Fish Rules app.
Closer in, within sight of land, reefs and wrecks can be productive with everything from snapper to goliath grouper. You will not hook any big red snapper, but you can fill a cooler with tasty filets and save a lot of fuel money. Anchoring up current of structure with a fresh chum bag is preferred. A variety of baits is a good idea as well as an arsenal of rods rigged and ready from light to heavy action.
you know it the better prepared you’ll be to avoid weatherrelated scams and frauds.
To stay ahead of weather-related scammers, here are steps you can take now.
• Update your insurance policy. To avoid surprises later, check to make sure your insurance policy is current and find out what is covered — and what isn’t. • Check out contractors before you need one. Ask people you know and trust for recommendations. Then search online for the company’s name with words like “scam” or “complaint.”
• Research online sellers before you buy. Unusually low prices are a sign of a scam. If you see an ad for what seems like a familiar company but you’re not sure the ad is real, check it out. But go to the company’s website using a page you know is real not the link in the ad.
Keep a lookout for speedsters such as bonito, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel harassing bait schools in depths from 20 to 90 feet. Small spoons or Tuna Jets in various colors can bring instant hookups when trolled around feeding activity. Watch for birds and surface commotion to locate the fish. If you have a live well full of baitfish, a little chumming may quickly get the action started. Artificial reefs are a natural attractant for baitfish followed by predators.
Catch and release snook fishing is strong through the summer. Large females are up and down the coast surrounded by smaller males as they are in their summer mating rituals. Often the best fishing happens in the surf along the gulf beaches. Snook will swim parallel to the beach, often just a few feet from shore in search of their next meal. This offers great sight fishing possibilities for both conventional and fly anglers. They can be located anywhere along the beaches, but if they find some type of structure in the water, such as a tree branch or rocks, they often congregate near it.
Sharks are another summertime favorite. Varieties of species both large and small are common catches both inshore and off. While they are a nuisance for some, many anglers target them for their fighting ability. Sharks play an important role in our ecosystem; please make every effort to quickly release them unharmed. Every kid loves to catch a shark of any size, now is a good time, just make sure and do it safely for both the angler and the shark.
Keep up to date with fishing regulations and seasons in the area you fish, as they change often. You can visit www. myfwc.com for all current state and federal regulations. For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland. com, email: gcl2fish@live.com.
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 28 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?
By Karen M. Maxwell, Horticultural Specialist
While trying to find a source of latex to produce a natural source of rubber, Thomas Edison experimented with more than 17,000 different plants. He kept a “best in my index” list of plants during this research. In January of 1929, he noted: Rudbeckia laciniata “Very stiff viscous rubber, good plant.” Indeed, the rubber content was listed as 3.6 percent, higher than some of the goldenrods he tested. The Rudbeckia genus has 20 species including popular perennials, such as the Blackeyed Susan which multiplies by underground rhizomes and Brown-eyed Susan which is a biennial and reproduces by self-seeding. At the Estates, we grow Black-eyed Susan vines in pots around the property; however, these plants are not Rudbeckia, they are Thunbergia alata.
center and the variety “Hortensia” or “Goldquelle” looks like a double yellow pom-pom. Grow R. laciniata in rich, well-drained soil – these native plants would naturally be found in wetland areas in partial shade.
Edison rarely, if ever, used common names for plants. Rudbeckia laciniata is known by North American wildflower enthusiasts as cutleaf coneflower. The cutleaf coneflower looks very much like its cousin, the coneflower, or Echinacea purpurea, another American native wildflower. Both are perennials in the Asteraceae family, but that is about all they have in common. Let’s take a quick look at the coneflowers or echinacea. Historically, echinacea was grown for its medicinal value. Today, they have been hybridized to include more than 100 varietals, many of which are sterile or have a dense, but beautiful double flowerhead which renders the nectar unavailable to pollinators, as seen in E. purpurea “Double Scoop.”
If you would like to attract pollinators, stick with a plant that is not a hybrid, such as the Echinacea purpurea. The inclusion of wildflowers in the garden is encouraged to benefit our pollinators, both insect and avian, and attracting songbirds is most rewarding.
Practically speaking, most of our readership (Zones 9 to10) should only consider growing echinacea as an annual or short-lived perennial. Should you wish to give it a go, I would recommend sticking with the Echinacea purpurea and not a hybrid, to provide a benefit to pollinators if this is your gardening goal. The inclusion of wildflowers in the garden is encouraged to benefit our pollinators, both insect and avian, and attracting songbirds is most rewarding. If Thomas Edison were growing Rudbeckia laciniata in any quantity, it surely would have been to the delight of his wife, Mina who loved birds. Personally, I cannot brag about any success in attracting butterflies and birds to my Black-eyed Susan or Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta and Rudbeckia triloba respectively).
Rudbeckia laciniata or cutleaf coneflower, produces great seedheads of thistle-sized seed, loved by finches
goldfinches and house finches alike, which are both common winter residents in Florida. Rudbeckias are not grown for their health properties but have always been enjoyed as a staple in a cut flower garden, and this one is an underutilized stunner. The plant has a single row of yellow petals surrounding a greenish to yellow nubby
While R. laciniata looks similar to the multitude of hybridized echinacea, here is how to distinguish them: The name “cutleaf coneflower” is indicative of the foliage having cuts or deep lobes, usually three to five, where echinacea leaves are never lobed. The center of echinacea flowers is typically dark colored and quite bristly to the touch with R. laciniata being soft and yellowish, earning it another common name: green-headed coneflower.
In the garden, R. laciniata can grow in clumps up to 3 feet tall and can be deadheaded regularly to prolong flowering. Provide support such as a fence or trellis for these heavy bloomers, especially during rainy season. As the plant diminishes, keep the seed heads to attract a charm (group of goldfinches) to your garden.
Realizing that July is a brutal month in Southwest Florida for gardening, here’s a couple of quick housekeeping tips to do early in the morning: Check your palms for any signs of significant yellowing. Yellowing throughout the fronds, not just on one or two aging fronds. An even disbursement of yellow speckling along the fronds indicates a potassium deficiency – and this is especially true for non-native palms. The heavy rains of summer can easily leach potassium from the soil, thereby starving the palms of this necessary nutrient. Apply an 8-0-12 fertilizer per instructions based on the size of your palm(s) this month, while they are still in active growth mode.
To learn more about gardening in Florida, sign up for the gardening classes and talks, which are offered during the fall, winter and spring seasons. Check for upcoming events at EdisonFord.org. This summer, there will be a farmers’ market offered on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. I hope to see you there!
Hoist the Jolly Roger there be treasure out there.
Come on board starting June 1st to enter for a chance to win an authentic “Piece of eight” .
Eight Treasure coins* will be given away starting Friday, July 5th, with one LUCKY Scalawag every Friday, for eight weeks.
Eight coin giveaways from Friday, July 5th until August 23rd.
(*Authentic silver 2 reale coin per winner, no purchase necessary, In-store only)
Join us to look over all the jewels and sparkling treasures while sipping a bit of grog and enjoying special offers throughout the store.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia laciniata was one of Edison’s favorites and a plant that he experimented with during his rubber research.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
School Is Out – Drive Cautiously
The Southwest Florida school year has come to an end.
The dynamics of our streets and roadways change dramatically as children play on sidewalks, chase one another and run haphazardly in all directions.
These conditions place an additional and significant burden on those operating motor vehicles.
As always, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office requests that all drivers obey speed limits, comply with traffic signals and avoid using electronic devices that serve as distractions.
We have all, to varying degrees, become dependent upon our smart devices and cell phones. Much like other addictions, we compulsively reach for our cell phones and struggle when we are unable to do so.
While many believe that they have become somewhat “proficient” at using their phones while driving, this practice has become one of society’s prevailing perils. When we consider risky and unhealthy behaviors, we, as humans, have a tendency to believe that the consequences only happen to others … until it happens to us or to a loved one.
While Florida Statute 316.305 allows law enforcement officers to stop motor vehicles using wireless communication devices and issue citations for drivers who are “manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods
known as texting, emailing, and instant messaging,” this means little following a catastrophic incident.
Exercise additional caution when driving on sidestreets and residential roadways. Younger children rarely consider the hazards around them and outdoor games often result in unanticipated darting into the roadway.
Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to discuss the potential dangers with their children. Younger children should always be supervised while playing outdoors.
Please … the safety of our children is dependent upon our responsible driving.
Did You Know?
There Are All-American Towns With Inexplicable Names
• Big Bottom, Washington
• Hopeulikit, Georgia
• Beer Bottle Crossing, Idaho
• Number Eight, Missouri
• Cheesequake, New Jersey
• Dull, Ohio
• Whynot, North Carolina
• Accident, Maryland
• Handsome Eddy, New York
• Worms, Nebraska
Word Scramble Solution from page 2
Sudoku Puzzle Solution from page 2 Crossword Solution from page 2
Fourth Of July
Events In Southwest Florida
2024 Fort Myers Beach – Fourth Of July Festivities
The Fourth of July parade and fireworks are back for the first time since Hurricane Ian! Come celebrate our great nation and town pride as the Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade makes it way down Estero Boulevard with its colorful floats and costumed participants! The parade starts at Bay Oaks Recreation Center at 10 a.m. and continues down the boulevard to Times Square. Don’t miss this Fort Myers Beach tradition! Be aware that Estero Boulevard will be closed from 9 a.m. until noon for the parade.
The Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July fireworks show begins at approximately 9 p.m. at Times Square. You can bring a beach chair and enjoy the show as the beautiful fireworks light up the night sky! Starting at 8:30 p.m. the Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed until approximately 11 p.m. Consider taking the Beach Trolley to Fort Myers Beach to enjoy Independence Day! Paid parking is available in the Times Square area. You can also park at one of the Town’s beach accesses. The accesses are in various states of repair post Hurricane Ian Cape Coral – Red White And Boom
The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department is proud to bring you the largest single-day event in Southwest Florida. Thursday, July 4 from 5 to 10 p.m. “Red, White, and Boom” is a free event for attendees.
Join us for Southwest Florida’s best fireworks display, national entertainment and fun for the whole family!
The event takes place on Cape Coral Parkway at the foot of Cape Coral Bridge.
To ensure everyone’s safety, please remember; no pets (service animals okay), no fireworks and no outside alcohol will be allowed. Lawn chairs are highly encouraged! For more information, go to capeboom.com.
Notice!
Please pick up all cigar and cigarette butts! Thank you.
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.
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!
Beware of alligators and snakes when retrieving your ball on the banks of the lakes.
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Latin Dance With Angela
Wednesday, July 3
Dance Lesson: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Dance Party: 8 to 11 p.m.
Entry: Donations
No dance experience required! No cover and open to the public!
DJ Julz
Wednesday, July 3
8 to 11 p.m.
Rooftop Bar open 6 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Entry: Donations
Fourth Of July Rooftop Bash
Thursday, July 4
7 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
General admission, $99
General admission includes unlimited beer and wine, food, swag gifts and live entertainment.
VIP Lounge section, $1,000
Limited VIP Lounge sections available.
Each section seats up to six guests and includes a cocktail server, premium open bar, food, swag gifts and live entertainment.
The Art Of Cosplay
Artist: Group Show
Opens: July 5, 6 p.m.
Closes: July 25, 5 p.m.
SBDAC’s Grand Atrium
Entry: Donations
Menagerie
Artist: Julie Obney
Opens: July 5, 6 p.m.
Closes: July 25, 5 p.m.
SBDAC’s Capital Gallery
Entry: Donations
DJ Selecta AJ
Friday, July 5
7 to 11 p.m.
Rooftop Bar open 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Entry: Donations
DJ Don Fresh
Wednesday, July 10
8 to 11 p.m.
Rooftop Bar open 6 to 11 p.m.
21-plus only
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
$5 Entry
Latin Night With DJ JC
Thursday, July 11
Rooftop Bar open 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Music: 8 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
General Admission: $10
21-plus only
Friday Nights At Sidney’s Presents:
DJ Skubii
Friday, July 12
Rooftop Bar open 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Music: 8 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Donations encouraged The Motown Ball
Saturday, July 13
6 to 11 p.m.
Early bird tickets: $25
Movie Mondays
Monday, July 15
Doors: 6:30 p.m.
Film: 7 p.m.
SBDAC’s Grand Atrium
General admission: $10
Senior discount: $8
Wine And Paint
Wednesday, July 17
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Rooftop Karaoke directly following, 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Karaoke free to the public
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
$45
Rooftop Karaoke
Wednesday, July 17, 24
Karaoke: 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Rooftop Bar open 6 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Entry: Donations
Art And Poetry Networking Event
Thursday, July 18
Event starts at 8 p.m.
SBDAC’s Grand Atrium
$10 at the door
$15 after 8:30 p.m.
The Sounds Of Summer Showcase
With Sheena Brook
Friday, July 19
6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7:30 p.m. concert
SBDAC’s Grand Atrium
General admission: $10
Week of concert: $15
General admission, first come, first served seating
DJ Julz
Friday, July 19
8 to 11 p.m.
Rooftop Bar open 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Donation Entry
DJ Selecta AJ
Friday, July 26
8 to 11 p.m.
Rooftop Bar open 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Entry: Donations
Wine And Charcuterie
Wednesday, July 31
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Rooftop Bar open 6 to 11 p.m.
First Floor Grand Atrium
$55
Cinematic Devotion
Open Call To Artists
Submission Deadline: July 19
Opens: Aug. 2, 6 p.m.
Closes: Aug. 29, 5 p.m.
SBDAC’s Capital Gallery Entry: Donations
These are the movies that define generations. There is a veritable laundry list of the most essential transgressive, bizarre and understatedly genius films that have impacted pop culture to this very day. They’ve permeated our ideas, infiltrated our vocabulary, and forever altered the way we create. Artists are invited to take from their favorite cult classics and make works of art in any medium to pay homage to the movies that changed our lives. From Pulp Fiction to A Clockwork Orange; from Bladerunner to The Evil Dead; from The Rocky Horror Picture Show to Hedwig and the Angry Inch; from Fight Club to The Big Lebowski – the list is endless, and their influence is timeless.
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC), 2301 First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901, (239) 3331933, www.sbdac.com.
Call Box Office for more information, (239) 333-1933.
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, Aug.1 at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club.
Our August event will feature a presentation by Marc Collins, executive director, Uncommon Friends Foundation. Their mission – to inspire future leaders toward excellence of character, a spirit of innovation and a sense of purpose. You are invited to attend and find out more about this wonderful organization.
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 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 $25. Reservation deadline for Aug. 1 is Tuesday, July 23. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 for additional information, meal selection and to make a reservation.