Gateway - April 2024 by Seabreeze Communications

The Club At Gateway

Comedian, Frank Del Pizzo

Gateway Girlfriends

The Club at Gateway recently hosted comedian Frank Del Pizzo. We received lots of rave reviews, not only about Frank, but he was able to locate some additional talent in the audience. Who knew that our server Caroline had such talent? And at the end of his act, Frank pulled member Gar Underwood on stage, and they ended the show singing a duet, My Way. The room gave them a standing ovation!

2024 Mixed Couples Club Championship

Congratulations to our Mixed Couples Club Championship Overall Gross and Net Winners. Overall Gross Winners were Mark & Madelene Maxim and Overall Net Winners were Dave and Debra Conley.

Below are photos from a couple of our Gateway Girlfriends’ recent outings. The ladies enjoyed a visit to Tarpon Springs, which is about a half-hour north of Clearwater and is known for its sponge beds off the coast. They also visited the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre to see Run for Your Wife. The Girlfriends keep busy with movies, dinners, lectures and charity work. If you are interested in learning more, contact Robin Connolly at rconnoll123@ gmail.com. Membership at The Club at Gateway is required.

Gateway Women’s Club

By Janice Eaton, Laurel Borgia, Marianne Kollasch and Donna Marchetti

The members of Gateway Women’s Club (GWC) recently welcomed Alexandra Rimer to their regular general meeting. Rimer is the author of Seduced by the Light, the first and only biography written about Mina Miller, Thomas Edison’s second wife. Seduced by the Light reveals untold stories covering various scandals and family problems. American inventor, Thomas Alva Edison’s inventions changed the way people lived. As a dedicated wife, Mina Miller Edison shaped the stellar public image people saw and protected the reputation of his wayward children.

Alexandra Rimer is a graduate of Queens College and Rutgers University School of Communication and Information. She is a corecipient of the Eugene S. Ferguson Prize, Society for the History of Technology and holds a Ph.D. Rimer has been on the faculty of Rutgers University in New Jersey for 22 years. Every volume in the collection of the Research Institute Center Historical Project, started in 1978, focused on Thomas Edison. Wanting to learn more about the woman behind the man, Rimer delved deeper into Edison’s family diaries, memoirs and letters. It was here that Rimer discovered Edison’s terse, cold, and disconnected family life during the Gilded Age.

Mina was a wealthy 20-year-old socialite from Ohio who was 19 years younger than Edison. She was swept off her feet by a man who invented the image of a perfect husband. Shortly after they were introduced, they were married. The perfect-husbandimage faded quickly. Mina was cast into the role of a stepmother to three unwelcoming children. Later Mina discovered Edison

not only neglected his children, but ultimately, Mina herself. Absorbed in his work, he only interacted with them at dinner and sometimes not even then. The result was a dysfunctional family. Mina was the epitome of the belief, “behind every great man is a strong woman.”

Raised as a devout Methodist in high society, Mina dedicated herself to crafting an image of Thomas Edison worthy of the inventor but masking his interpersonal relationship shortcomings.

Deb Stephano, program coordinator; Charlotte Stewart, GWC president; Alexandra Rimer, author

Seduced by the Light is written in a welcoming and warm narrative style revealing the personal side of Thomas Alva Edison few people knew. Available at bookstores everywhere, Seduced by the Light is also sold at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.

Book Club

The GWC Book Club will meet on Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in the home of Joyce Mullikin. Nancy Lund will be the cohostess and Carol Healy the discussion leader. The book selection is Happiness Falls by Angie Kim, a Good Morning

2024 Little Green Jug

In mid-February, the Club at Gateway hosted its Little Green Jug Golf tournament. This year the event was revamped to an “Invitational” style format. Members and their guests enjoyed two great days of golf. Below is a recap from the shootout: Little Green Jug Shootout Recap We had seven flight winners plus one wildcard team for our shootout. We eliminated three teams on No. 1, two

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America Book Club pick. “When a father goes missing, his family’s desperate search leads them to question everything they know about him and one another in this thrilling page turner, a deeply moving portrait of a family in crisis.” Please R.S.V.P. to Joyce Mullikin if you plan to attend. Her contact information is in the Gateway Women’s Club Directory.

Charitable Giving Committee

The Gateway Women’s Club Charitable Giving Committee recently sponsored a fundraiser to the Snappers Comedy Club. Comedian R.C. Smith kept the audience laughing for the entire night. Smith has performed as a headliner in clubs across the country and Canada. All proceeds from the sale of tickets will go to GWC charities.

This month the group will be sponsoring Clean Out Your Pantry for Eva’s Closet. The committee will also be selling raffle tickets for 12 baskets at the upcoming Spring Luncheon. The baskets are made up by members of some of the committees, raffled off and all proceeds go to GWC charities.

Sit And Stitch

The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Laurel Borgia on April 8 at 1 p.m. Please contact her if you plan to attend. Her contact information can be found in the GWC

Consumer Alert

In The Checkout Line Buying Gift Cards?

Read On To Avoid A Scam

If you’re in the checkout line with a gift card (or several) in your hand, ask yourself: Is the gift card you’re buying for a gift? Or is someone on the phone with you as you’re checking out telling you what to do – like buy a gift card to pay for something and give them the numbers? Gift cards are only for gifts. That means if the gift card isn’t for someone’s birthday, anniversary, or for any other gift giving reason, it’s a scam.

Gift card scammers only want your money. First they’ll call, text, email, or send a social media message. Then comes a made-up story: They’re from the government (pay taxes or a fine), tech support (something’s wrong with your computer – pay to fix it), or you’ve won a prize (but pay for it first). Other scammers might use AI voice cloning to sound like a family member in trouble. It’s always urgent. They always want you to act fast or something bad will happen. And it’s always a scam.

Think you gave gift card numbers to a scammer? Act fast. Grab your gift card and the gift card receipt.

• Report the gift card scam to the gift card company. It doesn’t matter when the scam happened. Use this link – bit.ly/48GKNdF – which will take you to the How To Contact Gift Card Companies section of the Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams web page. There is a list of specific companies that sell gift cards and instructions on how to contact the company to report a gift card scam.

• Ask for your money back. Some companies are helping stop gift card scams and might give your money back. Always ask.

• Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report makes a difference and helps protect people in your community from fraud and scams.

Securing The Seas

The Crucial Role Of Law Enforcement

On April 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting “Securing The Seas,” to be held at DiamondHead Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.

The event aims to shed light on the crucial role of law enforcement in detecting and disrupting illegal activities such as drugs, human trafficking, new laws, safety regulations, burglary and theft prevention.

We have assembled a panel consisting of the Lee County Sheriff’s Marine Unit, U.S. Coast Guard and the Lee County Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Unit. Each member of the panel will present their insights and expertise on the topics. Following the presentations there will be an interactive session where the audience

Club At

from

• Remember: gift cards are only for gifts. If it’s for anything else, like to pay to fix any problem for any reason, it’s a scam.

Visit ftc.gov/gift cards to learn more. Share this information with your friends, family and community to help stop gift card scams.

will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panelists.

We believe that this event will provide valuable information and foster a better understanding of the efforts being made to ensure the safety of our community.

To help us determine the number of attendees, we kindly request an R.S.V.P. to bkurtz@sheriffleefl.org so that we can finalize the attendee count for the event.

Hope to see you there!

teams on No. 2, and one team on No. 8. This left our final two teams of Keith and Kyle Tarter and Bill Chapman and Kermit Graham.

On No. 9, Chapman hit his tee shot into the left bunker and Graham hit a nice layup to the right side of the fairway. Kyle Tarter bombed a drive to the right side of the fairway and Keith Tarter hit a nice layup roughly 70 yards from the green.

Chapman hit his third shot into the right bunker and Graham hit it to roughly 20 feet. Kyle Tarter hit a wedge to the front of the green and Keith Tarter left the birdie putt a bit short.

February Holes In One

The Club at Gateway held its LGA Ladies’ Invitational in early February.

Thanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to our winners:

Overall Gross Winners

Sharon MacAlpine and Lindsay Chan (148)

Overall Net Winners

Lisa Stanick and Claire Dedow (130.8)

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Bill Chapman and Kermit Graham, 2024 Little Green Jug winners

2024 LGA Ladies’ Invitational

Lisa Stanick and Claire Dedow, Ladies’ Invitational net winners

Sharon MacAlpine and Lindsay Chan, Ladies’ Invitational gross winners

Kreg Sherman had a hole in one on Feb. 8, on Hole No. 14! He hit a 7-iron from 179 yards!

Keith Roberts had a hole in one on Feb. 6, on Hole No. 14! He hit an 8-iron from 147 yards!

Brad Rothenberg had a hole in one on Feb. 23 on Hole No. 11! He hit a pitching wedge from 116 yards!

Dear friend,

“I Just Don’t Believe That…”

When I meet people in town, they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re that doctor with the beard on TV.” Well, perhaps I should tell you a little more about myself, the picture from television and why I use it in my ads.

Let’s start with me, the guy with the beard. Ten years ago I was living here in Florida. At that time my mother was down visiting from New Jersey for the season when she showed up in my clinic with a frozen shoulder. She was desperate and in pain having lost practically all use of her dominant arm. She could hardly fix her hair, reach for a coffee cup or even fasten her brassiere. Basic hygiene had become extremely difficult for her. She was afraid, because the two orthopedic surgeons that she had consulted told her, “Your only option is to have your shoulder replaced.” I remember saying to my mother, “I just don’t believe that.”

Now at that time I was a chiropractor who worked primarily on the spine. Frankly… I didn’t know how I was going to help her. I just knew there was a nonsurgical solution out there and I was going to find it.

And boy did I find it! I found the answer to my mother’s shoulder problem and much, much more. And where did I find it? Of all places, I found it at the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi. Immediately I hopped on a plane and flew into Memphis, rented a car and drove out to a chiropractic neurologist who was willing to teach me how to fix my mother’s frozen shoulder. I spent three days in his clinic shadowing him, learning a new technique I had never even heard about before. Eager to help my mother, I developed this new skill set quickly. When I returned to Florida I wanted to be able to immediately fix my mother’s shoulder.

And that’s exactly what happened. After I performed the first Non-Surgical Operation on her shoulder, her pain went away significantly and she recovered to nearly full range of motion. She was so happy that she avoided surgery and got her life back.

It’s strange how life is, because that same doctor who showed me how to fix my mother’s shoulder opened up his treasure chest of knowledge and showed me how to help people with chronic knee, neck, low back pain and those suffering with neuropathy in their hands and feet, all without the use of Drugs, Surgery or Injections.

I spent the next several months flying back and forth to Mississippi learning all that I could.

Many years later we now have over one thousand successful patient testimonials. Many of them were told by their doctors that their only option was to have their knee or shoulder replaced or to take toxic drugs for the rest of their lives to mask their neuropathy symptoms.

Al was one of those patients who was told he had ‘bone on bone’ degeneration. His knee stopped unlocking properly, similar to what I’m describing in the photo, and he was facing knee replacement surgery. He was suffering from chronic degenerative knee pain, couldn’t walk properly and was easily holding onto 60 pounds of excess body weight. His doctors would have eagerly scheduled him for a knee replacement surgery had he decided to go in that direction.

Immediately after the Non-Surgical Operation I performed on Al’s knee, he was squatting and walking up and down the stairs normally without pain.

Al is now in his early 70s touring Alaska in his RV. He has dropped over 60 pounds and is biking 15 - 20 miles per day and loving life. He regularly sends me great pictures from his adventures.

Joyce was told by her oncologist, “There’s nothing that can be done.” She would have to live with the chemo-induced neuropathy in her hands and feet. Hot and cold were indistinguishable and the numbness and tingling made it impossible for her to walk any distance.

Joyce was a cancer survivor only to have come out on the other side with another debilitating condition. She and her husband showed up in my clinic and told me what their medical doctor had said. I told her the same thing I told my mother, “I just don’t believe that.”

After a thorough neurological examination and report of findings she trusted me enough to follow my protocols. Within two weeks her numbness and tingling in her feet subsided and the feeling was coming back.. After 12 weeks she was feeling the sand between her toes as she walked along the beach again. At her one year checkup Joyce’s sensory loss had improved over 80% overall to within the normal range… She is all smiles these days!

You should know that I don’t heal anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific non-surgical operation that resets the communication between the brain and knee or shoulder, instantly decreasing pain and inflammation, increasing strength and flexibility and helping with tissue healing. For our neuropathy patients we have a 4 step, proven approach that heals your nerves and reverses your symptoms. We get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that! –We get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that!

Today in the United States medical doctors are prescribing more drugs than ever before. These drugs are designed to cover up symptoms as your condition gets worse underneath the surface. The toxicity from the daily use of these chemicals ultimately leads to nasty side-effects and more drugs to treat the new symptoms. The current “healthcare” system was built to maintain your condition, not fix it. It’s a brilliant business model for the pharmaceutical industry and the hospitals, but a horrible strategy to follow if one is looking to age gracefully.

That’s where my practice comes in. I have found a way so that more people are able to afford the treatment they need, even those on a fixed income with or without health insurance coverage. One Non-Surgical Operation in my clinic could cost what you’d pay for just the deductible of a joint replacement surgery.

You Benefit from a Unique Offer…When you bring in this article, you will receive a FREE CONSULTATION with me to determine whether you are a good candidate for our Non-Surgical Knee or Shoulder Operation. If you’re being seen for Neuropathy we will take a thermal image of your feet at no charge to you. This will give me enough information to know whether I can help you. Once we determine you’re a good candidate and you feel comfortable in my clinic the complete examination is only $197. That’s it, for the entire neurological examination & report of findings. This examination & report could cost you over $500 elsewhere. But, please

call right away because this offer expires on April 30, 2024, and I don’t want you to miss out. By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that the non-surgical, drug free therapies and procedures performed in my clinic can cost as little as $300 per month. You see, I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor because higher costs can add up very quickly.

“You shouldn’t be forced to choose drugs and surgery just because that’s the only treatment medicare and your insurance company will cover.”

You should know a little about my qualifications. That’s important so that there’s no misunderstanding about the quality of care. I’m the bestselling author of Breaking The Cycle - how to take control of your life when traditional medicine has failed. An amazon #1 new release in three categories. I’m a graduate of Life University School of Chiropractic practicing since 1998. I am a licensed chiropractic physician certified in functional neurology. I’ve been entrusted to take care of avid morning walkers, pro-athletes and business tycoons you may have heard of.

My office is called Active Health Brain & Body and it is located at 6710 Winkler Road, Suite #1. It’s the gray Key West-style building at the corner of Cypress Lake Drive and Winkler Road behind the Bank of America. The phone number is 239-482-8686. Please call my wonderful assistants Megan or Silvia today to make an appointment.

I wish you the Very Best in Health and Life!

Dr. Rob Davis, DC

P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $97.

P.P.S. Your time is as valuable to you as mine is to me. That’s why I have a “no wait” policy. It is highly unusual to wait more than a few minutes in my office.

My mother and I featured in a local publication for nonsurgical shoulder solutions.

his story of how he avoided a total knee replacement surgery. Joyce is all smiles at her one year checkup. No more neuropathy!

Whispers Of God

God’s Face

By Dr. Mark P. Gonzales, Executive Director, Royal Palm Association

of Churches, SBC

One of the most memorable, impactful, and comforting speeches by a U.S. president was shared by Ronald Reagan as he addressed the nation on the night of Jan. 28, 1986, after the tragic explosion of the Challenger space shuttle.

Catch The Action

April On The Water

By Capt. Bill Russell

April may be our top month fishing the coastal waters of Southwest Florida. As we transition into spring, our waters are warming, bait have moved in, and fish are hungry. Weather, with exception, is stable for the month with light winds and mild sunny days, plus not much threat of daily thunderstorms. Also, until the summer rains begin, inshore waters are the clearest we see all year.

April brings our largest sea trout of the year with many measuring over 20 inches, and some much larger. Sea trout have a slot size of 15 to 19 inches to keep and one over 19 inches may be kept per boat. Spanish mackerel are running large and are often schooled up across our inshore waters, around gulf passes, and a short distance offshore. Bluefish, ladyfish, jack crevalle, and sharks often are mixed with the mackerel. You get into this mix of fish and it’s a blast as all are fast drag screamers. Spanish mackerel are also very tasty when prepared and eaten fresh.

In gulf waters, king mackerel, often large, follow the Spanish mackerel. If you want to tug on something larger, toss a larger bait out for a big cobia, shark, or king mackerel when you get Spanish or other fish biting.

Anglers fishing deeper in gulf waters will find red grouper, mixed with a variety of snapper and other tasty fish. Live and cut bait fished in depths from 70 to 120 feet over hard live bottom and ledges will produce fish. April should bring many days with light winds to comfortably make the run into gulf waters.

Sharks of all sizes are making their way into our waters. A lot of sharks showed up last month and more will continue. Tarpon fishing kicks off this month throughout Southwest Florida. It’s possible to hook into a big silver

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The four-and-a-half-minute address was written by seasoned speech writer, Peggy Noonan, and was full of powerful reassurances and references that she knew would properly reflect the heart of her boss and president, which is the insightful task of an excellent speech writer. That is why she included, and he spoke this last line about the seven brave souls that lost their lives that day, drawn from a poem familiar to most pilots, High Flight , by John Gillespie Magee.

“We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the face of God’”

I’ve never forgotten those two last lines. Slipping up, way up, to touch the face of God. Wow.

So, while we may not be able to touch His face while still on this earth, we can still get some glimpses of what His face looks like. Not with the eyes in our heads of course, but with the eyes of our hearts, through prayer and Scripture. Here are a few of my favorites from the deepest parts of Scripture which I pray will touch you where you need to be touched in this crazy world of ours.

Compassionate Rescuer. This is the face He draws us with as He sees us as downcast sheep like I mentioned last time. Upside down, unable to get up, and in dire need of being rescued from looming death. The Savior loves to save us!

king if you are fishing for them or not. They are just as likely to gulp down a live shrimp or small lure as anything. On calm days, look for schools of fish a short distance off the beach, early morning is the best time to toss a small live crab or Atlantic thread herring ahead of the school. Tarpon numbers will increase inshore, in the passes, and off the beaches as the month progresses.

After months of winter lows, we get high (spring) tides during the day. This is the time to target redfish under the bushes or mangroves shorelines as they use the higher water to get under the tree overhangs to root out their next meal. Redfish are a scent feeder, while live bait and lures work, many believe fishing cut shrimp, cut baitfish, and crabs is the best option. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the month will hold mornings with ultra-low tides, just the ticket for sight-fishing reds over the shallow flats and around oyster bars. Hit the flats at first light for the best results.

Gentle Teacher. Oh, this is the face we recall when Jesus said to the disciples to let the children have free and easy access to Him. He teaches us as gently as He taught the trusting, hopeful little ones who scurried to be in His presence that day! Gracious Master. This is the face we see when we voluntarily, gratefully, and joyfully serve Him because we want to, not have to. He is not a scowling taskmaster looking for a reason to scold or beat us. He is indeed a gracious master who guides, blesses, and keeps us.

Loving Father or Bridegroom . This is one of the deepest and most mysterious faces of God as He loves us more than we can possibly imagine, even when we mess up, and especially when we mess up! This is His face of unbridled and unconditional love. Rare in this temporal world, but lavish in His eternal world, which for the believer, has already started! In fact, this is the face that Today Show host, Savannah Guthrie, is highlighting in her recent book release, Mostly What God Does. She’s done some great interviews on this as well.

Well, that’s just a few to get you started, my friends. I hope you will invest a little time to look for those glimpses, as we stroll the surly bonds of earth to see the face of God. Looking for His face with you, Pastor Mark

Articles, videos and podcasts: markpg.org. Write and share at mark@quillpress.org. Hear me every Saturday at 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM.

Snook fishing heats up this month as the warmer water gets them active and hungry. Snook are ambush feeders; they like to sit stationary with their nose into the current. And they like structure. Fish shorelines, oyster bars, pilings, etc., with a good tide flow for best results. Snook aren’t like many other fish that allow you to pull them for structure. A snook once hooked will do its best to get to the safety of any type structure and break off. And they are good at it, especially the bigger ones. Redfish and larger sea trout are often caught from many of the same locations as snook. Snook season is open through the end of April.

You can go a different direction fishing each day from inshore to offshore and not cover all the possibilities. If there is one month that just doesn’t have enough days to take advantage of all the great fishing opportunities, April is it.

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, bring up the website www.fishpineisland.com, or 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 Debbie Hughes, Horticulture Director

When I first moved to Florida more than 30 years ago, I didn’t know anything about gardening in this climate. The soil, heat, and lack of a real winter created new challenges. While I loved gardening in the other states that I lived in, I was truly blown away with the diversity of plants that can be grown here all year long. In the rural area that I grew up in, gardens weren’t that impressive to me. They were nice in their own right, but with such a short-lived experience, what was I to do the rest of the year? Our garden endeavors included growing vegetables and fruits in the summer months so they could be canned or frozen for use during the rest of the year.

Summer months were also when my grandma and mother grew their favorite flowers and when we mowed the grass. Does a year-round garden require a lot of work? It sure does! Anything worth doing usually takes some extra effort to be successful. It didn’t take me long to realize how different gardening in Florida is and I was thoroughly impressed when I visited my first botanical garden here. All of the plants and trees looked so different from what I was used to seeing. I wanted to learn everything I could, so I bought some books and went to any class on gardening that I could find. The more I learned, the more interested in horticulture I became.

After visiting many Florida gardens, I realized that each one has a different style and mission. Just like clothing stores and restaurants, each organization has something uniquely special. A garden can also represent a lifestyle or mission of the homeowner. Visiting multiple botanical

What’s Blooming on page 5

gardens has many benefits. Some gardens wow visitors with a multitude of unusual plantings that many people have never seen before. Others are more of a sanctuary – providing a place to see wildlife and native plants.

When Thomas Edison was here, he researched plants with the goal of finding a natural source of rubber that could be produced in the United States. He planted specimens from all around the world and tested more than 17,000 plants. Today, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates botanical gardens showcases unique plants from six continents, but also has a native section to teach visitors about our indigenous species.

Our goal is to encourage you to dream big, as we hope you want to visit as often as you can, get inspired, and surround your home with beauty. One of our newest projects involves growing a dedicated begonia garden and using ferns and other Amazonian plants as companion plantings. During the planning phase, I conferred with another garden buddy and he told me I needed “yard

floss.” I wasn’t familiar with this term, and a quick Google search brought up dental floss. I texted him, and the response was as follows: Yard floss refers to any massproduced plants to fill in between rare things. I could do this, so I started researching what conditions begonias prefer to grow in.

I found several books recommending growing begonias as houseplants like African violets. For our purpose, I wanted to grow them in the ground. I could supplement in pots or hanging baskets, as this could be another option for those who live in Florida part-time. As I began my research, I found it isn’t always easy to find begonias for sale, except for the Begonia semperflorens cultivars often called wax begonias. These are used as common annual bedding plants, and I believe their floriferous flowers are the reasons for their popularity in many gated community entrances to wow us with their flowers. Since many of these begonias are native to areas which prefer an ideal temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, I knew that our summer wasn’t the season.

After the hurricane, we received a donation of begonias. They are typically considered winter season annuals and are thrown away and changed out once they no longer look their best. These are the most popular known begonias in a family of plants called Begoniaceae that has more than 2,000 species. While I like all begonias, I was interested in trying other varieties classified as thick stemmed (cane begonias) or rhizomatous in varying leaf colors, textures, and sizes.

Most of these species are native to moist (not wet) subtropical and tropical gardens (where it’s humid), and since we can control the water during our winter season, it is a perfect time to give other begonia species a try. We chose a southwest-facing area situated under a large lychee tree near the Moonlight Garden with partial or dappled sunlight. If you don’t have trees, it is best to choose a northern-facing location for the garden bed.

To get started, we literally dug right in and amended with peat moss and compost, working it into our Florida soil. Other amendments include fine pine bark, wood charcoal, and perlite. Begonias prefer an acid pH, similar to what azaleas and camelias crave. These types of begonias are grown mostly for their jazzy leaves. Colors are combined with various shades of burgundy, pink, red, white and green. For even more diversity, the veining or dots of white, silver, chartreuse, and burgundy make the leaves stand out greatly. Leaves can be frilly, indented, fuzzy, pointed, smooth, huge, tiny, palmate, kidney-shaped, elongated, round, and everywhere in between. With all these choices I find it difficult to limit my purchasing power.

I suggest you try several in your garden; you can probably find some at local independent garden centers. Hopefully, we’ll be able to propagate the ones we are growing and have them available for sale in the future. Some of my favorites include Begonia pigskin, Begonia rex, Angel wing begonias, and Begonia odorata. The next time you visit, be sure to ask where the new begonia garden is!

Since begonias like a shady garden spot, why not create your own Zen garden? Sitting amongst the beautiful leaves with such a tropical feel, I am immediately transferred to an island filled with chirping birds and balmy breezes. I envision spending a few minutes after a day at work, dreaming and relaxing among their calming affects. Take me away begonias!

The Begonia odorata is featured in the Moonlight Garden at the estates.

Several begonias are featured in the new begonia garden just outside the Moonlight Garden and Edison’s study.

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Directory. The group includes many GWC members working on different projects such as scarves for college-attending students who were in foster care and projects for Hospice. Any GWC member is welcome to join. Contact Eleanor Stuart for more information. Her information can also be found in the GWC Directory.

Bridge

Bridge 101 will meet Tuesday, April 2 and April 16 at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. Please contact Susie Kravetz by phone or email, (information in the directory) to let her know if you are attending. The group welcomes anyone who wants to learn bridge or enjoys playing bridge.

Gateway Gals On The Go

Dining Out

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

A group of Gateway Women’s Club members and guests recently attended the Broadway Palm production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical tells the true story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame featuring over 24 classics including You’ve Got a Friend, One Fine Day, Up on the Roof, You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow and Natural Woman. The next production for the Gateway Women’s Club will be Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical in July.

The recent outing for the Gateway Gals on the Go was a picnic. The members met at the soccer field on Griffin for a fun day of games. The ladies played bocce, cornhole, Jenga, tic-tac-toe and Sequence as well as working on a puzzle. Winners of the special drawing for attendees were Santa Berthelson, MaryAnn George and Julia Rizzi. There was good weather, good food, and good friends. Thanks to MaryAnn George and Sharon Derosier for organizing the event.

Gateway Women’s Club raised the “steaks” when selecting KJ’s Steakhouse in Fort Myers for its most recent Dining Out venue. Thirty-eight members and guests took their taste buds on a steak-cation and echoed rave reviews of KJ’s dining experience. Known for its tender, flavorful steaks, KJ’s Steakhouse not only mastered the art of steak, but they also served the GWC diners with delicious appetizers and an array of seafood and other entrees. Friends, new and old, gathered for the “meat” and greet, and ended the evening enjoying cake for those celebrating birthdays for the month. Great steaks and good vibes were the perfect ingredients for a memorable evening.

Special Event

A group of GWC members recently went to the Burrowing Owl Festival in Cape Coral that the special events committee planned. Kathy Flaherty, Mary Mills, Nancy Van Horn and Mary Anderson enjoyed the presentation and study of the burrowing owls by Nick Jennings, species conservation biologist. Other ladies Deana Templeton, Susan Roberts, Julia Rizzi and Sharon Desrosiers enjoyed other features at Rotary Park. The ladies enjoyed the tour bus to see the burrowing owls’ habitat and were able to get off the bus to take pictures. Also, the group enjoyed the butterfly garden and saw the state butterfly, the zebra longwing. There were many venders and live animals on display. One of the animals was Moby the barred owl.

Eleanor Stuart

Prudi Fournier

Carol Healy Laurel Borgia

Bocce

Tic-tac-toe

Cornhole

Playing Sequence

Santa Berthelson, Julia Rizzi and MaryAnn George … winners of special drawing

Left to right: Mary Anderson, Charlotte Stewart, Julia Rizzi,

Connie Roessler, Sharon Desrosiers, Elsie Rivard, Barb Hanlin, Santa Berthelson, Judy Hammond, MaryAnn George. Kneeling: Bobbi Kinkade, Mary deSilva

Claudia Polzer and Norma Barr

Susie and Art Kravetz

Donna and Bob Thayer, Gracie and Ron Hrinda, Bill Wood, JoAnn and Stephen Montalbano, Debbie Wood, Jeffrey Fabisiak, Eleanor Stuart

Susie and Arthur Kravetz, Anita and Bruce Kardon, Mark and Claudia Polzer, Norma and Arnold Barr

Carolyn Murrey, Candie Steinman, Mona Robricsh, Marilyn Kestler

Pat Kasella, Judy O’Leary, Marlene Bass, Margaret Gill and Lois Bass

Deana Templeton, Julia Rizzi, Susan Roberts, Sharon Desrosiers

Zebra longwing butterfly Moby, the barred owl

Kathy Flaherty, Mary Mills, Nancy Van Horn, Mary Anderson

Alliance For The Arts

Wednesday Night Market

Wednesday 4/10, 5/8, 6/12, 7/10, 8/14, 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, and 12/11, 5 to 8 p.m.

Join us every second Wednesday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. for our monthly pop-up market. We feature a selection of fresh produce, art, live music, food trucks and beer and wine. Open Mic At The Night Market

Wednesday, April 10, 5 to 8 p.m.

Join us for Open Mic at the Night Market, celebrating local musicians. Enjoy live performances in a vibrant atmosphere. Register online to participate. Basic sound system provided. Limited to one song or five minutes per performer. Spread the word and join us for an evening of talent and community spirit!

The Future Of Art: Student Exhibit

April 4 to April 27

Our walls are doused in student imagination and talent this month. This is the 32nd year the Alliance has partnered with Lee Arts Educators Association and the show features artwork

from Lee County elementary, middle and high schools with hundreds of works in a variety of mediums.

Rock The Arches – Two Days Of Music To Help Bring Back History

April 6 and 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Fourth Annual Rock The Arches Music Festival is a fundraiser for Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, Inc. Every dollar raised will be matched by Arches Bayfront and Moss Marina up to our goal of achieving $94,217.50.

This is a family-friendly event. No outside coolers, drinks, or food, will be allowed.

Razing Liberty Square – A Film Screening

April 17, 6 to 9 p.m.

Member’s price – $10, nonmember’s price – $12

Miami is ground zero for sea-level rise. When residents of the historic Liberty Square public housing project learn about a $300 million revitalization plan for their neighborhood, which has long suffered from disinvestment, they know that this sudden interest comes from the fact that their neighborhood is located on the highest and driest ground in

the city. Now they must prepare to fight a new form of racial injustice – Climate Gentrification.

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture – A Film Screening

May 8, 6 to 9 p.m.

Member’s price – $10, nonmember’s price – $12

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. Featuring commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators, 1946 is at once challenging, enlightening, and inspiring. Alliance For The Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919, (239) 939-2787, artinlee.org. Please note the updated gallery and administrative office hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno

2023 Fraud Numbers Are In

The Federal Trade Commission works diligently, throughout the year, to both document consumer fraud incidents, as well as to notify law enforcement of current trends and activities.

The information is stored in a secure database called the “Consumer Sentinel Network” and is available to law enforcement agencies only. This information is extremely valuable and we pass on much of what we learn regarding trending practices to our residents.

The 2023 numbers are in and while there has been a decrease in reported incidents from 2022 to 2023 (6.12 million reports in 2022 reduced to 5.39 million reports in 2023), the volume of fraudulent activity remains disturbing.

With the advent of the Internet and social media, the numbers have ballooned. For this reason, I constantly remind our residents and guests, here in Lee County, to exercise extreme caution when utilizing the Internet, email, cellular text and social media.

Below, please find a list of the most commonly reported fraud categories across the United States and, when encountering these subjects/topics online, please exercise discretion and approach them with skepticism and caution:

1. Identity theft 1,036,903 reports

2. Imposter scams 853,935 reports

3. Credit bureaus, information furnishers and report users 711,802 reports

4. Online shopping and negative reviews 369,469 reports

5. Banks and lenders 230,224 reports

6. Auto related 178,100 reports

7. Prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries 157,520 reports

8. Internet services 125,118 reports

9. Debt collection 124,450 reports

10. Business and job opportunities 110,364 reports

Amateur Radio Enthusiasts

Welcome New Members To Join Dynamic Ham Radio Club

There are multiple organizations in Southwest Florida that contribute to the greater good. One such organization is the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club. Joining a club can contribute to personal growth, skill development, and a sense of belonging. It provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to pursue their interests and connect with others who share similar passions. By joining a ham radio club it can offer several benefits, including:

1. Learning Opportunities. Ham radio clubs often provide educational resources and opportunities to learn more about amateur radio. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced operator, you can enhance your knowledge and skills.

2. Community And Networking. Joining a club allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share an interest in amateur radio. You can exchange ideas, experiences, and advice, building a supportive community of fellow enthusiasts.

3. Access To Resources. Clubs may have access to shared resources such as equipment, antennas and testing facilities. This can be especially helpful for those who are new to ham radio or have limited resources on their own.

4. License Assistance. If you’re interested in obtaining an amateur radio license, many clubs offer licensing classes and assistance with the FCC exam preparation. Joining a club can be a valuable resource for those looking to get licensed.

5. Public Service Opportunities. Ham radio operators often play a crucial role in providing communication support during emergencies and public events. Joining a club may give you the opportunity to contribute to your community by participating in public service events.

6. Field Days And Contests. Ham radio clubs frequently organize field days, contests, and other events that allow members to test their skills and enjoy the hobby in a social setting. These activities can be both educational and fun.

7. Technical Support. If you encounter technical challenges or have questions about equipment, a ham radio club can provide a pool of experienced individuals who may be able to offer assistance and guidance.

8. Fun And Social Interaction. Being a part of a ham radio club is not just about the technical aspects; it’s also about having fun and enjoying the social interactions with fellow enthusiasts. Clubs often organize social events, meetings, and gatherings.

Ultimately, if you find ham radio interesting, joining a ham radio club can enrich your experience in amateur radio by providing a supportive community, access to resources and opportunities for both learning and socializing.

About The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, Inc.

Established in 1957, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, Inc., has been dedicated to fostering camaraderie among individuals with a shared passion for amateur radio. With a commitment to facilitating the exchange of information, promoting electronics and amateur radio knowledge, advocating for good radio operating practices, and advancing the art of amateur radio, the club strives to create a vibrant community. Additionally, the club actively sponsors and promotes various activities related to amateur radio, provides crucial public service during emergencies and actively engages in other community initiatives. FMARC is affiliated with and sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), which is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the United States with news, information, and resources.

The club meets at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month at the Lee County Emergency Operations Center. Call (941) 275-9145 to attend. Learn more about ham radio and the club at www.fmarc.net or by email at membership@fmarc.net.

The financial losses that were the result of the reported frauds and scams reached $10,021,305,005 … well over 10 billion dollars!

While many assume that seniors are the most frequentlytargeted individuals, 44 percent of victims were between the ages of 20 and 29 years of age … seniors ages 70 to 79 represented only 25 percent of the reports.

While this may partially be true as many seniors fail to report their victimization, I share this to remind our residents that anyone can be victimized if not careful … even “techsavvy” adults.

Regrettably, one of the most victimized states is Florida. There are no easy solutions or foolproof tips to protect you from these criminal activities. Certainly, basic measures such as using strong passwords, keeping devices up to date with the most current updates and guarding your personal information will prove to be helpful, however, intense scrutiny of any and all online opportunities should be performed and, whenever uncertain, reach out for assistance prior to making hasty decisions online.

All fraudulent activity needs to be reported. These incidents should be reported to local law enforcement as well as to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/. Stay alert. Be cautious. Ask for assistance when uncertain.

Continental Women’s Club

The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club.

Our May program will include the installation of our new executive officers for 2024/25, the recognition and celebration of the contribution of our past presidents and a May Day hat contest. This will be a chance to show off your prettiest or most creative hat. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 for additional information, meal selection, and to make a reservation.

Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural, and philanthropic organization established in 1975, with membership 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. 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 May 2 is Tuesday, April 23.

Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament Supports The Heights Center Early Learning

April 12 At Shell Point Golf Club

The Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, Tee It Up FORE Kids, benefiting The Heights Center Early Learning program, will take place on Friday, April 12 at The Shell Point Golf Club, 17500 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers. The tournament honors Scott, a longtime board member and supporter of Heights Early Learning (formerly GLAD Kids). The event’s proceeds benefit The Heights Center Early Learning, which serves more than 80 children from birth through age 4. A part of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center family, The Heights Center Early Learning strives to ensure low-income families have quality, affordable childcare.

Children read, learn and play in a safe environment while their parents provide for their families. The Early Learning program has a five-star rating from The Early Learning Coalition.

Last year’s event raised $57,500.

Event sponsors include Owen-Ames-Kimball, RG Architects, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Green Schoenfeld & Kyle LLP, and The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.

Registration is from 7:30 until 8:30 a.m. The shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m., with lunch and awards at St. Charles Yacht Club following the tournament.

“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Kathryn Kelly, founder,

president and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. The Heights Center Early Learning provides a stable, nurturing environment and enables parents to work while their kids are cared for and safe.”

Tournament registration is now available. The registration deadline is Friday, April 5.

Registration is $175 per golfer or $650 for a foursome. In addition, sponsorships that include golf packages and

recognition are available. For more information, visit www. heightsfoundation.org/forthekids or call Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706 or email annie@heightsfoundation.org.

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 80 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 155 children in the afterschool program 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 923 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 81 percent Hispanic, 15 percent African-American, and 4 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.

The 26th Annual Minnesota Twins Golf Classic Raises $58,000

The Annual Event Supports Lee Health Cancer Institute

The 26th Annual Minnesota Twins Golf Classic Feb. 15 raised $58,000 for the Lee Health Cancer Institute’s lifesaving programs.

The tournament at Topgolf in Fort Myers included competitions and prizes for all ages and skill levels, along with interactions with Minnesota Twins celebrities. Participants enjoyed food and beverages, a gift bag, a silent auction, team prizes and various games throughout the afternoon.

“Participants and sponsors of the Minnesota Twins Celebrity Golf Classic have helped us improve the lives of patients and their families with comprehensive programs and services that ensure that no one has to fight cancer alone,” said Lee Health Cancer

Institute Vice President of Oncology Debra Wilson. “With this support, we are committed to breaking down financial barriers to care, furthering cancer research, and investing in state-of-theart technology and training to provide the best possible care to patients throughout their cancer journey.”

Minnesota Twins annual golf events to benefit Lee Health have raised more than $2.1 million in 26 years to help enhance and expand world-class care in Southwest Florida.

Presenting Sponsor was Twins Fantasy Camp and Digital Event Media Sponsor was Minnesota Twins Baseball.

To learn more about Lee Health Cancer Institute and to support cancer care in the community, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Cancer.

About Lee Health Foundation

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including

Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples. Over the last year, the foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call (239) 343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.