The Forest Matters
FPOA President’s Update
Since May of this year your Executive Committee has met and worked to operate our community during the summer months to assure those who remain here and those who travel to more temperate climes our systems and operations will continue on a normal basis. I commend to you the members: Paul Ben-Susan, Vice president; Fred Lepard, Treasurer; Robert Henderson, Architectural Review Committee chair; Joe Machingo, Sub-Association representative; Michael Murphy, Landscape Committee chair; Robert Verdonck, Rules and Bylaws Committee chair; Scott Rasor is awaiting confirmation as Secretary of the committee at the next FPOA board meeting. Our property manager, John Paul Siervo also serves on this committee.
Along with the population growth of Southwest Florida comes the building of homes of all kinds. This brings the use of vacant land and the reduction of available areas for black bears to roam, nest and forage for food. The last sighting of one of these animals here in The Forest about which your correspondent is aware was a few years ago dining on the contents of a garbage can. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has alerted residents of our area to be on the lookout for more frequent intrusions. Yes, they look cute, furry and friendly. In fact they are dangerous. If aroused, startled, or, if you should recklessly try to feed them and run out of food, they may attack. So, avoid them unless you can
run away faster than 35 mph or climb a 100-foot tree in less than 30 seconds. They can.
If you spot one of these animals in your yard or wandering around The Forest please call FWC and report it: (888) 4043922. The bear, and its cubs, if present, will be removed to an area which will provide abundant land for them to thrive.
Recently a tour of our roads and sidewalks was taken with our consultant who is familiar with this subject. No roads evinced the need for repair, but several sections of sidewalks did. This was caused by the root structure of adjacent trees. These situations will be remedied soon.
While this letter is being written at the beginning of September you will not receive it until the end of that month. The frequency of hurricanes in Southwest Florida is at its height beginning in mid-September and extending through the middle of October. Please refer to the hurricane preparedness section of The Forest website for suggestions on what to have on hand should we experience a storm.
It has always been the duty of the FPOA to make sure everyone abides by the rules, bylaws and deed restrictions in place. For this reason copies of same are provided to all newcomers to The Forest. They are also available on our website for reference: https://theforest.connectresident.com.
Results from mistakes in enforcing these codes which may have been made in the past cannot be repeated.
Alliance For The Arts
Special Events
This World Is Not My Own – A Film Screening
Date and Time: October 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $10, Nonmember’s price, $12 Join us on Wednesday, October 16, for another exclusive film screening from the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers!
Chewing-gum sculptures, a wealthy gallerist, a firebrand wrestler, a notorious murder case and the segregated south – it’s all part of Nellie Mae Rowe’s boundless universe. This World is Not My Own reimagines this self-taught artist’s world and her life spanning the 20th century. With Uzo Aduba as the animated version of Nellie Mae Rowe.
Catch the trailer for this headline worthy documentary on self-taught artist Nellie Mae Row here: https://vimeo. com/799921368.
Popcorn and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., film begins at 6 p.m.
Following the screening will be an intimately set Q&A session with one of the film’s producers and a special guest moderator. The filmmaker will be present for questions and answers.
Bluegrass Concert Series Presents Morgan Brake And Duck Wallow Lane
Date and Time: October 27, 3 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $18, Nonmember’s price, $20 Duck Wallow Lane is a small town bluegrass band, doing what they love to do! We are thrilled to welcome Morgan Brake and Duck Wallow Lane back to the stage at the Alliance! Morgan Brake is part of the next generation of up and coming Bluegrass musicians taking flight. She is a fantastic singer songwriter and is already making waves in Bluegrass and Americana across the country.
Our first Forest Property Owners Association full board meeting of the 2024/25 season will take place on September 30. It will be at 7 p.m. at The Forest Country Club. All residents are welcome. The budget for 2024/25 will be voted upon at this meeting. As before attendees will have an opportunity to speak at the beginning of our meeting to inform, complain or commend. Speakers are limited to three minutes. Please consider this is the same amount of time it took Abraham Lincoln to make his historic address at Gettysburg in 1863.
Stay well, Chuck Patten, President, Forest Property Owners Association
Mark Your Calendar For The Craftie Ladies’ Fall Craft Fair
Submitted by The Craftie Ladies of St. John XXIII Catholic Church
The Craftie Ladies of St. John XXIII Catholic Church are once again having their Fall Craft Fair.
If you’ve been to one of our craft fairs before, you know we have a large variety of top quality, homemade items for sale. In addition to our well-known, exquisite quilts, afghans and hand-knit and crocheted items, there will be pillows, table runners, placemats/napkins, handmade rosaries, jewelry, mother/daughter aprons, tooth fairy pillows, novel baby items, lots of lovely holiday décor, including our fabulous wreaths, and so much more!
Some of our always fabulous raffle baskets include BBQ, Evening in Paris, Chocolate, Cat, Dog, and Layette baskets, plus more made by our wonderfully talented women. The drawing for each basket will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10. You don’t have to be present to win!
Come and join us on:
Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Craftie Ladies came together 15 years ago. The group has grown to nearly 40 talented and dedicated women. All proceeds go directly back into the community. Just a few causes we donate to:
A.C.T.
Blankets And Blessings
Eva’s Closet
St. John XXIII Villas
St. Martin De Porres
We hope to see you at our Fall Craft Fair at St. John XXIII Catholic Church Parish Life Center, located on Palomino Lane, just north of Daniels Parkway. Stop by, have a chat and maybe get some early shopping done.
Fort Myers Teen Publishes First Book In ‘BelieveNMe’ Series
Tales Of African Women Trailblazers Offers Stories Of Inspiration, Education
Natasha Agarwal, who founded the nonprofit BelieveNBooks at age 14, has published her debut book. Titled Tales of African Women Trailblazers, the book is the first in her new “BelieveNMe” children’s series, which explores successful historical figures through a collection of stories and illustrations.
Tales of African Women Trailblazers offers an indepth look at powerful African-born women whose bravery, courage, dedication and leadership helped rewrite history and challenge gender stigmas. The 86-page paperback is designed for readers ages 10 to 18 and explores the lives of 21 women who have overcome adversity to become successful in various industries. Featured are some of the most notable figures in African history, including singer and activist Miriam Makeba, freedom fighter Yaa Asantewaa, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and environmental activist Wangari Maathai.
“This book is all about exposing young girls to the breadth of possibilities awaiting them,” said Agarwal, a
17-year-old senior at Canterbury School in Fort Myers.
“The trailblazers I wrote about envisioned bright futures for themselves, allowing them to achieve their goals in the face of adversity. By reading these stories, I hope girls in Africa will be inspired to dream big, show resilience and challenge existing stereotypes. My goal is to represent and appeal to as many girls as possible, so women from a variety of African countries and professional backgrounds are highlighted.”
Agarwal’s work as an advocate for children’s education and literacy began years ago with the launch of BelieveNBooks, an organization that donates books to underserved children. Through her nonprofit, Agarwal partners with schools, offices and neighborhoods to host book drives, where she collects new and gently used children’s books. The books are then sorted, packed and delivered to one of BelieveNBooks’ 25 partner organizations to be distributed. Agarwal recently celebrated the distribution
of her 100,000th book in March. She drew inspiration to create a book series in 2023 when thinking about how to maximize her impact on a global scale.
Paperback and e-book options of Agarwal’s Tales of African Women Trailblazers are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Agarwal hopes to publish additional books under the “BelieveNMe” collection in the future to share the stories of female role models native to other continents.
“All proceeds collected from Trailblazers will help purchase additional copies for girls in Africa,” Agarwal said. “They will be delivered at no cost to schools and organizations in Africa that will share them with girls across the continent. I hope to see this book in as many households, academic centers, libraries and bookstores as possible.”
To purchase Tales of African Women Trailblazers, please visit AfricanTrailblazers.org. The price is $14 for a paperback and 99 cents for the e-book. Visitors to that page can also make a donation and ship copies directly to girls in Africa for a discounted price.
About BelieveNBooks
BelieveNBooks was founded in 2021 by Natasha Agarwal, who at the time was a 14-year-old eighth grader inspired to create a mechanism that could provide underserved children with reading materials during the pandemic. Today, BelieveNBooks is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide children with books to expand their horizons and enhance their understanding of the world. The organization relies on corporate and individual donors, as well as more than two dozen community partners who facilitate book distributions. For more information, please call (239) 295-8302 or visit BelieveNBooks.org.
2024 Fifth Annual Fall Adventure Festival And Haunted Maze
At Springtime Farms Adventure Park In North Fort Myers
Festival Runs Now Through October 27
The 2024 Fifth Annual Fall Adventure Festival and Haunted Maze at Springtime Farms Adventure Park 30- Acre Farm opens September 28 and runs through October 27. Over 30 activities are included with the all-day pass. There is a Petting Zoo with over 200 animals that you can hold touch and feed and a Pumpkin Patch. There is one free pumpkin per child while supplies last, 70-Foot Corn Maze, Haunted Trail, Jumping Pillows, 2 Inflatables, 2 Large 24Foot Tall Dry Slides, New Haunted Maze, Haunted Trail, Bird Aviary, a Scavenger Hunt, Food Trucks and more. There are lots of new activities this year and we have added a lot more parking. Tickets can be purchased at the farm the day of your visit, ages 2 and under are free Free parking. Fall Fest Hours: September 28 to October 27
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Haunted Night Hours: October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
Friday and Saturday 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Everyone entering the farm must fill out our online waiver. For a faster check-in please fill out a waiver at https://www. springtimeplantfarm.com/before visiting. Fall Festival All-Day Play Passes
Pricing: Friday to Sunday, $14, 2 years old and younger free, Seniors, $2 discount, Military, $2 discount
• Pumpkin Patch (Different sizes are available for purchase.)
• 1 free pumpkin per child (while supplies last)
• Haunted Palm Maze (new maze)
• Petting Farm (over 200 animals)
• 70-Foot-Long Jumping Pillows
• Inflatable Corn Maze
• 2 Huge 24-Foot-Tall Dry Slides (weekends only)
• Pedal Kart Track
• Barnyard Ball Zone (new, more games)
Forest Assistance (Who To
Call)
Emergency (Fire, Life or Death) 911 Sheriff (Noise, Trespassing, etc.) 477-1000
Gatehouse (Authorizing Guest) 482-6666
FPOA Office (Rules, Lighting, etc.) 482-1109
Mosquito Problems 694-2174
Animal Services (Unleashed dogs) 432-2083
FL Fish & Game (Gators, Raccoons) (888) 404-3922
Forest Country Club 482-8378
• Bubble Making Stations
• Music Station
• Swings
• Tube Swing (new)
• Spider Swings (new, two more)
• Playground with Slides
• Rubber Duck Race
• Rat Rollers (new)
• Hamster Wheel (new)
• Scavenger Hunt (new)
• Steer Roping Game (new)
• Painting Station
• Photo Spots
• and more
Hold, Touch And Feed Tons Of Animals
• Parakeet Aviary
• Emus
• Rheas
• Guinea Pigs
• Fantail Pigeons
• Bunnies
• Cats
• Chickens
• Ducks
• Pigs
• Tortoise
• Turkeys
• Goats
• Llamas
• Sheep
• Cows
• Geese
• and more
BelieveNBooks founder and author Natasha Agarwal
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Improving Home Security
Home burglary results in losses exceeding $3 billion, in the United States, each year.
Based upon reports, a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States and that someone is at home 27.6 percent of the time. Despite images of burglars creeping through backyards in the middle of the night, statistics show that the majority of burglaries occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., when homes are often unoccupied.
Disconcerting?
While these crimes have decreased in Lee County, it is prudent to discuss proactive measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of victimization.
Preventative measures worth considering:
The addition of security cameras goes a long way toward preventing criminal activity and assisting in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. Video doorbell cameras and strategically placed external cameras often dissuade would-be criminals.
Exterior lighting is perhaps the easiest and most inexpensive way to discourage criminals. Well-lit areas increase visibility through windows, improve video surveillance quality and make your home a less desirable target.
Landscaping is a wonderful way to add “curb-appeal” to your home. Unfortunately, overgrown shrubs and trees that block windows and doorways or cast large shadows allow criminals to move about your property without being seen. Additionally, unmowed lawns often give the impression that the homeowner is away.
Upgrading door and window locks, as well as securing sliding glass doors, will prevent easy access to your home.
Most sliding glass doors have poor quality locks. They are susceptible to pry bars, hammers and screwdrivers and can usually be opened rather easily. Secure these doors using security bars, pins or upgraded locks.
Whenever you leave your home … even if just to quickly visit a neighbor … lock your doors and take a key.
Don’t leave valuables near windows where they can easily be seen and taken.
Floridians like to leave their garage doors open. Please reconsider this practice.
Hiding a spare key under a door mat or in a nearby planter makes for easy access to your home.
Leaving ladders around your home assists burglars intent on entering second-story windows … yours or nearby homes. Secure ladders in a closed garage when not in use.
Too many Lee County residents leave their vehicles unlocked overnight. Many contain garage door openers. Lock your vehicles whenever you exit and take any and all valuables inside with you.
Break down cardboard boxes from expensive purchases such as large-screen televisions, computers, etc. When left curbside, they serve to advertise your new purchase.
Report suspicious activity to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or to your local law enforcement agency.
Fresh off of their performance at the Florida Bluegrass Summit, you won’t want to miss this show in our loft where every seat is like a front row seat.
Duck Wallow Lane bluegrass band
What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?
By Karen Maxwell, Horticultural Specialist
This month’s article will explore a little-known relationship between orchids and ferns … and then we’ll wrap up with information about some of the unique ferns that can be found throughout the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
For many years, successful growth and propagation of epiphytic orchids such as cattleyas, phalaenopsis and more were dependent on anchoring new plants to a medium known as “osmunda fiber.” The name osmunda traces back to the Saxon for domestic peace or to the Viking god, Thor.
Osmunda fiber is a substrate ground from the very dense, wiry tough root mass of Osmunda ferns. It was favored by growers because it is slow to decay, lasting from two to four years; and it holds moisture very well, while not compromising aeration of the newly rooted orchid. It’s also highly nutritious – releasing 3 percent of needed nitrogen to the orchids as the fiber decays, promoting growth of young plants without additional fertilizer.
Osmunda ferns that produce suitable fiber include three species: the Royal Fern ( Osmunda regalis ), the Cinnamon Fern ( Osmundastrum cinnamomen ) and the Interrupted Fern ( O. claytoniana ). In all, 13 species of native Osmunda ferns are found in eastern portions of North America from Canada to Southwest Florida!
Osmunda regalis var. spectablis is native to Florida. While all other species of this Royal Fern are abundant and found in all 67 counties of Florida, over-harvesting for use as an orchid growing medium has caused Florida to list the plant as commercially exploited; its status throughout the U.S. and Canada is still listed as secure.
Ferns arrived on the planet 365 million years ago and they gave rise to the cycads. Ferns don’t flower or bear fruit but reproduce via spores. Most ferns produce their spores as small brown dots on the undersides of their fronds (leaves). Each pattern of sori found on the underside is like a fingerprint for identification of a fern species. Look at the difference in the sori of the Staghorn fern, the Asian Suloi fern and the Holly fern. Uniquely, Osmunda ferns produce bouquets of red, gold, or brown fertile fronds in their centers for easy identification in the wild. While Osmunda ferns represent the smallest order of ferns, when it comes to fern fossils, they are found most often.
The herbal value of the Royal Fern has been known to civilizations for thousands of years. More recently, in 2017, an article in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies peer journal spoke to the role of osmunda root interrupting the growth of squamous cells in head and neck skin cancers. Work on this discovery continues as these are the most common cancers in humans.
As gardeners, think about ferns with which you are familiar. When was the last time you saw fronds chewed by insects, covered by aphids, or blackened by a mysterious fungal blight? Perhaps their nearly 400 million years of success holds the keys to cross species preservation.
Tree ferns are not really trees, but they grow like one and can provide a lot of interest in a shady garden.
The sympatico relationship between ferns and orchids doesn’t end with osmunda fiber. Fabulous ferns to grow in Southwest Florida that can serve as outstanding hosts to epiphytic orchids, are the exotic tree ferns. Commonly called Australian Tree Ferns, (many are from New Zealand), tree ferns, are, of course, not trees. The trunk is part of its shallow, but immensely strong root system allowing the fern to grow to great heights, sometimes 65 feet in the wild. An old tree fern trunk can be nearly impossible to cut even with a chainsaw, due to the dense fiber within its core. Like solitary palms, the center of growth is the apical meristem at the bottom of the frond canopy and must always be protected.
Tree ferns are relatively easy to grow provided: 1.) They are not allowed to dry out; 2) They receive dappled sunlight with protection from the hottest afternoon sun; and 3.) They have well-draining, rich, and heavilymulched soil. In their native habitat, called the bush, the newly emerging fiddleheads of the tree ferns are often the first signs of regrowth after a fire.
Occasionally, Cyathea cooperi , the Lacy Tree Fern, is available in the Garden Shoppe at the Estates. The C. cooperi are fast-growing tree ferns. Native to the southeast corner of Queensland, Australia, give these tree ferns good organic fertilizer or well-rotted animal manure to help them thrive. This species can be found in the Begonia and Fern Garden at the Estates.
As far back as 1908, historic records indicate that Mina Edison loved ferns, perhaps because they were easy to obtain from the property and forests. As Mina knew, many make great container plants, and all do best in moist, shady areas of the garden. Two of her favorites were the Maidenhair Fern ( Adiantum capillis-veneris ) and Boston Fern ( Nephrolepsis exalta ), which is the native Florida sword fern. Exotic and invasive sword ferns are often sold as Boston Ferns but be on the watch for tuber’s
are many species of
growing in or on the roots. These ferns will aggressively steal your landscape if planted and can be very difficult to remove. When in doubt, visit the Estates for accurate information.
Mina also grew the Foxtail Fern or Sprenger’s Asparagus Fern ( Asparagus densiflorus ) in art-deco pots in the Moonlight Garden as well as the Asparagus Fern, ( Asparagus aethiopicus ) that wispy hanging plant with treacherous small thorns hiding in the stems with bright red berries. Be aware that the Asparagus Fern is a Category 1 Invasive plant in Florida, so this one should not be planted.
The final fern I would like to introduce is one of my favorites – the Whisk Fern ( Psilotum nudum ) or Bare Naked because this fern does not have true roots. In the spring, it produces yellow berries which are the sporangia (spore casings). This fern can be grown as an epiphyte or in humus-rich soil, provided it gets partial shade. The Florida native fern lacks true leaves or roots and can grow to 18 inches tall. It is basically pest and disease free like most ferns and can be grown in a pot. It may go dormant if temperatures get very cold, as do most tropical ferns.
Today, due to the high cost of obtaining sustainably harvested osmunda, orchids can be grown in a variety of growing mediums, such as sphagnum moss, fir bark and coco coir, sometimes called gorilla hair. The next time you visit the Estates, see if you can find the above ferns throughout the gardens!
The Asparagus Fern is an invasive species and should never be planted in Florida.
Many fern species, such as the Cinnamon Fern and the Maiden Hair Fern are native to Florida.
There
ferns growing throughout the gardens at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
All photos courtesy of K.M. Maxwell
Catch The Action
October On The Water
By Capt. Bill Russell
As water temperatures begin to drop off our coast, schools of baitfish make their migration south through area waters. Many game or predator fish are on the move south as well. Combined with our resident fish, October presents good fishing for a variety of species. You can fish for a specific species or just in the mix of a feeding frenzy where you might be surprised what you hook into. At times, a host of fish are ganged up on the same bait pod, it’s common to catch a half dozen or more different species from one area. It’s likely that larger fish are lurking as well, keep a heavy rod rigged and ready for that cobia, tarpon, shark, or whatever else might make a presence. While targeting a specific species of fish can become challenging and often frustrating, taking advantage of whatever might be feeding will give you
plenty of action and fun. Plus, that elusive fish that you were targeting might just show up when least expected. Offshore, look for bait balls from just off the beaches, out into the gulf about as far as you dare to travel. Birds are the best indicator to locate the schools; watch for terns, gulls, or other birds grouped up and dipping into the water. Look for what appears as rain (baitfish) on the water, watch for feeding activity and the torpedo shapes of mackerel skyrocketing from the water. Artificial reefs are some of the best areas to concentrate your efforts. It’s common to catch king and Spanish mackerel near the surface or drop a bait to the bottom for snapper and grouper. If you’re running further offshore for grouper or snapper, check, and double check regulations. They are constantly changing when seasons are open and closed. Inshore, watch for the same key signs when over open water or grass flats. Also, a pod of dolphin hanging around an area is a great indicator of fish. Along shorelines and
areas of shallower water you will also notice schools of nervous bait and possibly fish busting them at the surface. This is where you can expect to catch snook, redfish, snapper, and some big trout. Don’t ignore mullet schools, there is almost always something hungry and often big, either mixed in or hanging around the perimeter of the schools. Large trout and redfish look for food flushed out from the schooling mullet, and there is the possibility of a large shark cruising around the perimeter of the schools, often in only a few feet of water. If you are a wade fisherman, take note and keep your eyes open. As inshore water temperatures drop, big redfish will devour anything in their path. Often there may be several hundred or more working across the shallows on an eating mission. Fishing for big reds will peak in October as they begin their migration offshore once the first strong cold front of the season drops down from the north. Exactly when that will be only time will tell, if the weather remains mild the big fish can entertain us throughout the entire month.
This is a good time for catching snook across the inshore waters. Fish for them around structure, shorelines, island points, and oyster bars with good tide movement. Often many are schooled together where it’s possible to hook a dozen or more from the same spot.
Inshore mangrove snapper fishing was good through the summer and tapered off through September. Most make their way offshore as waters cool down. Artificial reefs and ledges or hard bottom in depths from 30 to 50 feet are prime snapper habitat. Also, fishing in and around the gulf passes is always a good bet for snapper. Live shrimp with light tackle is the best way to go, and if you are anchored, a chum block is a great idea. Snapper are school fish, if you catch one expect more. Always have a heavier rig in the rod holder with a live flatlined bait. You never know when a big cobia or some other species might come into play. Last year was a good one for sheepsheads and we should begin to see them later in the month. As they move in there could be some big ones mixed in with the snapper offshore and around the passes. Sheepsheads will not eat any type of fish, live or dead, shrimp is the go-to bait for most anglers.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations for areas you fish by visiting www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish.
October is one of the best months to fish. With great weather and not a lot of fishing pressure, we can expect days where fish are hungry and aggressive. If you are fishing or just spending time on the water this is a great month.
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.”
Consumer Alert
How To Avoid Getting Burned By Solar Or Clean Energy Scams
By Larissa Bungo, Senior Attorney
When temperatures rise, utility costs do, too. While reputable companies can help you save money with clean or solar energy improvements, scammers offer more than they can deliver. The scams vary, but here’s the gist: someone claiming to be with the government or your utility company promises big savings on your utility bills from solar energy or other home improvements designed to increase energy efficiency. If you agree to the scammer’s offer, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
These scams start with an unexpected phone call, message on social media, or even an in-person visit. The so-called official offers you an “energy audit” to reduce your utility costs. Or they might try to sign you up for a “free” program to make your home more energy efficient with solar energy.
While they might say they’re from your utility company or the government, they’re not. And while they promise free or low-cost solar panels, or offer you huge rebates, tax credits, or utility incentives to pay for those solar panels, those are lies. Some so-called officials even say your utility company already signed you up for the program, so now you need to pay. That is, of course, also a scam.
To Protect Yourself From Clean Energy Scams
• Know that “free” or “no cost” solar panel offers are scams. The federal government does not install solar systems in homes for free. If you’re considering whether solar energy is right for you, check out the Department of Energy’s guide for homeowners and learn more. Or check out the Department of Treasury’s guidance on clean energy.
• Take your time. Anyone who pressures you into a contract or demands up-front or immediate payment is a scammer. Legitimate businesses and government agencies don’t pressure you to act immediately and won’t tell you to pay with cash, gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. But imposters will. Learn more at ftc.gov/imposters.
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Upcoming Events
Thank God It’s Monday (T.G.I.M.)
Monday, October 7
Doors, 6:30 p.m.; Films, 7 p.m., Grand Atrium
General Admission: $10, Senior and Student Discount: $8
Each T.G.I.M. evening, held on the first Monday of every month from October through March, features host Eric Raddatz. Guests can enjoy a drink, watch thought-provoking films, and engage in lively discussions with special guests, musical acts, and interviews.
Wednesday Nights At Sidney’s Wednesday, October 9 and 30
Rooftop Bar is open 6 to 11 p.m., Music from 8 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Donations Encouraged. Note: Some nights will carry a nominal cover charge.
SWFL Variety Thursday Nights Presents: Latin Night With DJ JC
Thursday, October 10
Rooftop Bar is open 8 to 11:30 p.m., Music from 8 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden Free Event, 21-plus only
Join us for the hottest Latin Party night in town at the largest open air rooftop in Southwest Florida! Friday Nights At Sidney’s Friday, October 11 and 18
Rooftop Bar is open 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Music from 8 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Donations Encouraged. Note: Some nights will carry a nominal cover charge.
Wine & Paint
Wednesday, October 16
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Rooftop Karaoke directly following Tickets for the wine and paint class: $45
Wine & Paint Wednesdays occur every third Wednesday, are led by some of the area’s most entertaining, talented and enthusiastic painters, and offer budding painters a chance to gather with friends to create their own masterpieces. Classes will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. inside of the art center. Tickets include a canvas and all necessary materials, and two glasses of wine.
Rooftop Karaoke
Wednesday, October 16
Karaoke from 8 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Bar is open 6 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Entry: Donations
After Wine and Paint we’re offering Rooftop Karaoke Night, a fun night where you can sit back and enjoy the entertainment or sing your heart out with friends and enjoy the fun.
SWFL Variety Thursday Nights Presents: Reggae Sunset
Jams
Thursday, October 17
Music from 8 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Bar is open 6 to 11 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
Free Event
Note: Some nights will carry a nominal cover charge.
Back Lot, Rave And Rock Circus
Live Local Music – Flow Arts – Weird Fun
Friday, October 18
7 to 11 p.m.
SBDAC’s Back Parking Lot
General Admission: $10 paid at the door
• Protect your personal information. Don’t respond to unexpected requests online or on social media for your name, address, or other personal information to “see if you qualify.” At best, this is someone generating leads to sell, not actual solar businesses. At worst, they’re scammers trying to steal your identity.
If you spot a scam, tell the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Wicked Walk (6th Annual)
Thursday, October 24
Tours: 6 to 9 p.m.
Friday, October 25
Gallery: 5 to 6 p.m., Tours: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Entire Building
Admission: Adults, $15; Children, $5. Membership discounts do not apply to this fundraiser.
This October join us for Wicked Walk at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center! Celebrating the arts and achievements of over 150 student dancers, musicians, actors, and artists in Lee County, Wicked Walk is a spooky immersive arts experience that walks audiences throughout the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center where students explore ghostly stories and classic horror and monsters in theater, dance, song, and artwork. Tours begin approximately every 20 minutes and groups are escorted throughout the building to experience the unexpected. Proceeds from Wicked Walk benefit Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
Halloween Party On The Rooftop
Thursday, October 31
8 p.m. to 12 a.m., Music from 8 to 11:30 p.m.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden
General Admission: $10, Week of: $15, Space is limited.
Calling all party monsters and ghouls – it’s time to get your spook on at the most anticipated Halloween event of the year! Get ready for a night filled with chilling beats, and hauntingly good vibes as we gather under the moonlit sky for a Halloween Rooftop Party like no other.
Costumes are strongly encouraged as there will be a winner for Best Costume! Dress to impress in your most creative, spooky, or fantastical attire. Show off your costume and join our costume contest for a chance to win eerie-sistible prizes! Participation in the costume contest is $10 at the door and is limited to 30 people, first-come, first-served. The winner will receive the entire amount of the costume contest entry fees. Costume contest is at 9:30 p.m.
Hauntingly Good Music: Dance the night away to a mix of haunting tunes and chart-topping hits spun. Get ready to move your bones on the dance floor! Space is limited so don’t delay!
Photo Credit: Sixteen Roses Photography
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC), 2301 First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901, (239) 333-1933, www. sbdac.com. Call the box office for more information.
Sanibel Community Association’s Fall Festival
Friday, October 25
Our Annual Fall Festival is back! Please join us for a familyfriendly good time!
We’ll have cider, donuts, pumpkins and more! Bring your family and friends, and even your pet—we’ll have a special fallthemed photo area for pictures, too!
Date: Friday, October 25
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Admission: Free
Saltwater Cowboy
Event Benefits The Programs Of The Heights Foundation And The Heights Center
Friday, Oct. 18, 6 To 10 p.m.
MarineMax
14030 McGregor Boulevard
Bring your salty attitude and join your boat-running, fishwrangling, briny friends for a fun night featuring the popular Raw Bar by Matt Asen from Timbers Restaurant, a Surf-nTurf buffet dinner by Chef Jay Johnson of Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon, drinks, live music, and dancing.
For sponsorship details, visit www. heightsfoundation.org/ saltwatercowboy, email
About Us
The Community House is considered to be “The Heart of the Island,” with its rich history of serving islanders as both a gathering place for island activities as well as a rental space for private events. Built in 1927, it was one of the first nonprofits on the island. Their mission is “To enrich community spirit through educational, cultural and social gatherings in our historic Community House.”
Source: https://sanibelcommunityhouse.net
The Community House, Sanibel Community Association, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957, Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact us at (239) 472-2155 or info@ sanibelcommunityhouse.net.
annie@heightsfoundation.org, or call Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706.
About The Heights Foundation
Montage Women’s Club
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.
The foundation was formed in response to a stunning realization during a church outreach on Thanksgiving in 1999. While delivering a simple Thanksgiving dinner, volunteers found a family of eight living in abject poverty and substandard conditions. The parents and their six children, ages 3 to 10, lived in a rented, concrete block duplex with no hope of change. They were paying their rent in cash to a neighbor, who was later discovered to be in jail. Through seed money from private individuals, the foundation began developing projects to meet the specific needs of families living in the Heights community, starting with the purchase and renovation of a home dubbed the “House of Hope.” The years since the formation of the foundation have seen great improvements in living conditions, infrastructure, and access to needed services. The foundation also acts as a resource and referral service and is a safety net of last resort.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24. Our speaker will be Robert Cacioppi, artistic director of the Players Circle Theater in Fort Myers. In the spirit of the season, we are also planning a Halloween costume contest and will be awarding prizes for the best, worse and most unique costumes. If you prefer not to participate in the contest, we are still asking you to wear a Halloween themed shirt or orange and black clothing!
Luncheon fee is being increased to $34, and you always have a choice between either a regular menu entree and/ or a vegan/plant-based entree.
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, Oct. 17.
REAL ESTATE
6000 Forest
Call or Text
16436 TIMBERLAKES DR. #104
Amazing Views of Water & Golf Courses. 1st.fl., 2bed/+den/2bath, 1468#ft./1718#ft. total, Private End Unit, Lots of Light, Wide open floor plan. Completely renovated in 2023 W/High-end Cabinetry & Quartz Counters, Stainless Appliances, New Plank Flooring, New Lighting, Faucets & Fixtures. 28’x8’ Lanai w/Long views of Golf Course & Lake.
$320,000
6300 COUGAR RUN #105
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$399,000
16979 TIMBERLAKES DR.
Ranch Style 2540#ft.,3bed/3 full bath, oversized garage, pool home with circle driveway. Known Damage.
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16675 FOREST BLVD. #202
Turnkey Furnished, 2bed/Den/ 2bath,1604#ft.liv./1972#ft.total, Great Room Concept, Kitchen with Stainless appliances. Kitchen & Baths with high end Cabinetry, Granite & Tile. Wood floor in living areas. Den w/hurricane slider out to private balcony. Lg. 28’x9’ Lanai with spectacular views.
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16647 WATERS EDGE CT.
Waters Edge Villa w/Amazing golf course & water views! 2060#liv.ft/2832#tot.ft./ 3bed/2.5 bath/2-car garage. Nice updates thru-out, newer appliances, Plantation shutters all windows, new a/c, new roof w-skylight, huge lanai with grilling station. $530,000 Turnkey furnished.
Amazing Golf Course Views! FAIRWAY WOODS sec.11, 16201 FAIRWAY WOODS DR. #1308 Great Room concept with Fireplace, formal Dining, lg. eat-in Kitchen w/ Island. Huge Master bedroom w/ stunning newly updated Master Bathroom! Oversized 2-car garage. $340,000
