The Club At Gateway
GOLF CART HOLIDAY PARADE
Our recent Golf Cart Parade took place on Sunday, December 21, and was a wonderful community event enjoyed by all. The parade lasted about an hour and a half, beginning at the clubhouse and traveling through most streets in the community. Festively decorated carts and smiling participants brought great energy and holiday spirit along the route. A special thankyou goes to Gordon Hutton and Morgan Grimes for organizing such a fun and memorable event.
MARY MARGARET Director of Fitness at The Club at Gateway
FITNESS NEWS
BALANCE TRAINING: A KEY TO PREVENTING FALLRELATED INJURIES
Balance training is one of the most effective yet often overlooked components of a well-rounded fitness routine—especially when it comes to preventing falls and fall-related injuries. Good balance relies on a combination of muscle strength, joint stability, coordination, and body awareness. As we age or become less active, these systems can weaken, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Incorporating balance exercises into your weekly
routine helps improve stability, confidence, and overall functional movement for daily activities like walking, reaching, and getting up from a chair.
Strong legs and a stable core play a major role in maintaining balance. Exercises such as sit-to-stands from a chair, heel-to-toe walking, and singleleg stands help build the strength and control needed to stay upright. Try standing on one foot while holding a chair or countertop for support, gradually reducing your hand support
as your balance improves. Holding this position for 20 to 30 seconds on each side can significantly improve stability over time.
Challenging your balance in a safe, controlled way further trains your body to react to unexpected movements. Standing marches, weight shifts from side to side, and gentle step-ups are excellent options. You can also increase difficulty by performing movements on a softer surface, such as a mat, or by turning your head slowly while standing tall. These small progressions help train your nervous system to respond quickly and effectively if you stumble.
The key to successful balance training is consistency and safety. Aim to practice balance exercises two to three times per week, keeping movements slow and controlled. Always use support when needed and work within your comfort level. Over time, improved balance can reduce the risk of falls, increase confidence in movement, and support a more active, independent lifestyle.
Travis Raque Director of Racquets at The Club at Gateway
RACQUET NEWS
If you’ve taken a long break from tennis or pickleball, the excitement of getting back on the court can be hard to resist. However, diving straight into intense play can lead to discomfort, injury, and frustration. A careful, gradual return with an emphasis on stretching, conditioning, and preventative work can make the experience more enjoyable and sustainable.
START SLOW AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
After weeks, months, or even years off the court, your body won’t be as conditioned for the quick movements and repetitive motions these sports demand. Begin with shorter practice sessions, light rallies, or even shadow swings. Focus on quality over quantity, giving your muscles and joints time to adapt to the dynamic movements of lunging, pivoting, and rotating.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STRETCHING
Proper stretching is key to avoiding injury. Incorporate both dynamic stretches before play—such as leg swings, arm circles, and gentle torso twists—and static stretches afterward to support recovery. Pay extra attention to your shoulders, hips, hamstrings, and calves, as these areas are heavily involved in tennis and pickleball.
CONDITIONING AND STRENGTH WORK
While time on the court improves your game, off-court conditioning builds the foundation for safe play. Include:
• Core strengthening exercises for stability and balance.
• Leg and glute exercises like squats and lunges to support explosive movements.
• Shoulder and forearm work to protect against strain from swings and volleys.
• Cardio and footwork drills to build endurance gradually.
WARM-UP AND COOL-DOWN ROUTINES
Always dedicate at least 10 minutes to warming up before play and cooling down afterward. A proper warm-up increases blood flow to your muscles, while a cool-down helps prevent stiffness and soreness the next day.
SET REALISTIC GOALS
It can be tempting to pick up right where you left off, but patience is your best ally. Start with recreational play or low intensity matches before entering competitive settings.
Gradual progression reduces the risk of overuse injuries and helps maintain motivation.
Returning to tennis or pickleball after a long hiatus can be incredibly rewarding if you take a thoughtful, measured approach. Stretching, conditioning, and listening to your body will not only help prevent injuries but also ensure you enjoy the game for years to come.
AROUND THE CLUBHOUSE…..
The Club at Gateway is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Watercolor Painters Showcase . Members are encouraged to stop by the clubhouse and take a look at the talent of your fellow neighbors and club members!
The paintings on display are the result of participation in the Watercolor Painting Class. Please take a moment to enjoy these works as you see them displayed throughout the club during your next visit.
No matter your level of experience, all members are welcome to participate. A new watercolor class is starting this month—if you’re interested, please let Angie know! (239) 561-1036, option 5.
GATEWAY GIRLFRIENDS
On Sunday, January 4, a group of Gateway Girlfriends enjoyed a delightful visit to the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda. The outing featured a variety of inspiring displays, including “Origami in the Garden,” stunning stone sculptures crafted by Zimbabwean artists, and works designed by 14 resident artists. Participants explored beautiful gardens and thoughtfully designed trails throughout the 27-acre waterfront sanctuary. The day concluded with a delicious lunch at Laishley’s Crab House, providing the perfect finish to a memorable event.
Director of Golf at The Club at Gateway
GOLF NEWS
February is the heart of the Florida golf season, and there is no better time to experience everything our golf club has to offer. With mild winter temperatures, clear blue skies, and championship-level course conditions, this month delivers the ideal setting for unforgettable rounds of golf.
During this time of year, our course plays at its best. The winter turf is fully established, offering excellent playing surfaces from tee to green. Combined with comfortable daytime temperatures and low humidity, February creates an enjoyable and challenging golf experience for players of all skill levels.
Our staff takes great pride in delivering a high-quality golf experience, from course presentation to professional service, ensuring every round is memorable.
Beyond the course, February brings an energetic and inviting atmosphere to the club. Golfers enjoy a balance of lively play and relaxed hospitality, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned players and those new to the game. It’s a place where great golf, friendly competition, and Florida sunshine come together.
The Performance Center has been a big hit with many of the members that have experienced it, either through lessons or club fittings. Many people are not using the best clubs for their game. It has been great to see so many people improving their game through just using the right clubs for them. We stock all the top brands and offer the best prices in town. The Performance Center also offers a unique teaching experience for all levels of players. We are able to take the players feel and combine that with video analysis to speed up the learning process. Even if you are not a member please feel to reach out to the golf shop to book a fitting.
Gateway Women’s Club
JANICE EATON, LAUREL BORGIA, AND DONNA MARCHETTI
BOOK CLUB
BARBARA HANLIN
The next GWC Book Club plans to meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10. The group will meet in the home of Tina McKendall with Barb Hanlin as co-hostess. Marilyn Steiner will lead the discussion. The featured book is The Wedding People by Alison Espach.
From Amazon: “It’s a beautiful day in Newport, R.I., when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years―she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail
and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe’s plan― which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.”
Please RSVP Tina if you plan on attending. Tina’s contact information is in GWC Directory.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Barb Hanlin who is also in the directory.
SIT AND STITCH KATHRYN FABISIAK
The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Kathy Fabisiak on February 9 at 1 p.m. Please contact Kathy if you plan to attend. Her information can be found in the GWC Directory. The group includes many GWC members working on different projects. The members are still working on projects for hospice and scarves for college-attending students who were in foster care. Any GWC member is welcome to join.
BRIDGE LAUREL BORGIA
Bridge 101 meets on Tuesday, February 3 and Tuesday, February 17 at 10 a.m., at the Hampton Park Amenity Center. There is no fee. The group welcomes anyone who wants to learn or enjoys playing bridge. They are a low-key, fun-loving group!
Contact: Susie Kravetz (her info is in the directory). Email or call her if you are attending so she can give your name to the gate.
DINING OUT
SUSAN ROBERTS
The Gateway Women’s Club recently enjoyed a culinary journey to Limoncello in Naples. A group of 30 (members, spouses, and friends) gathered for an evening that felt like a trip to the sun-drenched shores of Italy.
Limoncello, a family-owned gem, is celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine inspired by the Amalfi Coast. From beginning to end, the group felt the warmth of a traditional Italian trattoria, where the focus is on connection, laughter, and exceptional food.
The evening featured a specially selected prix fixe menu, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to fresh Ingredients, house-made pasta, and vibrant flavors in dishes that honored the rich culinary heritage of the Picci family.
As the group enjoyed flavorful appetizers and entrees, a musician serenaded us with enchanting tunes on his Neapolitan mandolin. The music provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of storytelling and friendship.
What sets Limoncello apart is its heart.
DONNA AND BOB THAYER
JOANN AND STEPHEN MONTALBANO PAM AND TERRY DWYER
RON AND GRACIE HRINDA
Owner Cosimo Picci was the quintessential host, moving through the dining room to ensure every guest felt like part of the family. The service was nothing short of exceptional – friendly, attentive, and seamless.
The evening was capped with complimentary shots of Limoncello, courtesy of the owners. It was the perfect finale to a magnificent meal and a wonderful way to toast our community. The night was a wonderful reminder of why we gather: to share a meal, raise a glass, and celebrate the ties that bind us. Salute!
SUSAN AND MARK ROBERTS
DOMINICK AND DONNA MARCHETTI
DIANE BOGART, MANNY TORRES, MARIA AND DAVID BEACHAM
ALEXIS ROOSA, DOROTHY AND KEN FREDA
SEASON 3
Whispers Of God…
DR. MARK P. GONZALES, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF SOUL CARE
ABWE GLOBAL MISSIONS AGENCY
Back in 2003 we switched out a few pastors on my five-member Lead Team here in a regional association of 104 southwest Florida churches where I was gratefully serving. We would weave in some younger guys to stay fresh and creative across generational lines as we would offer consultation on everything from crisis intervention and transitional assistance to strategic networking and long-range planning in serving the Lord.
As with any new team, we had to allow ample time for the learning curve and getting acquainted, which I absolutely loved. During a wonderful time of mutual Q & A with our team, my 66-year-old brain at the time got caught a little bit off guard by a good, honest question from our youngest team member: “So, Dr. Mark, what is your 5-year plan for our association?”
At that moment, one of the many great scenes from “The Intern” with Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, popped up in my mind. De Niro’s septuagenarian character was being interviewed for a senior adult internship at a hip, large company when suddenly, the young H.R. rep
reflexively asked: “So, where do you see yourself in 10 years?” (Crickets.) “Oh, wait.” Loved that!!
Anyway, on this day, my reflexive response was to remind them that my predecessor had retired in his early seventies, that I would most likely do the same, and so recruiting them was part of my 5-year plan of passing the baton and making an easy on-ramp for whomever God would raise up to take my place. It sounded good to all of us at the time, but then Lindy, my very sweet and very smart wife, had a different view when I shared the story with her over dinner that night.
“Honey, are you sure about that? You are a young 66. You have great health and tons of wisdom and experience that is blessing so many pastors and churches. Why cut it short? Plus, I know you. I know how God designed you. You’ll go stir crazy around here if you retire that soon.” The next day, my administrative assistant totally agreed with my wife’s assessment and counsel when I shared the story with her.
Well, the whispers of God came through loud and clear as they gave me a fresh reminder that the Lord wants us to continue to be good stewards of all the things He designed and equipped us to do on this earth, till our dying day. And here’s the latest update in my journey with our creative God.
After a couple of years of laying the groundwork by subtly training those on my lead team for the day that I would be leaving, the Lord led me to pass the baton of regional ministry to them last August. That ended an 11year Season 2 of my ministry career, which was preceded by a 33-year Season 1 of local church ministry as a pastor. Now, the Lord has opened the door to Season 3 for me at a global mission agency as the national director of soul care as of January, 2026. Apparently, He’s not finished with me yet, and I get to start a whole new era of ministry! What a privilege!
While our winter years are not like the earlier seasons of life in terms of a faster pace and largely finding
our way, this is the season when we can offer guidance—gently—to the next couple of generations. We get to hopefully make their lives a little easier. A little wiser. And a little safer. That is a privilege. Maybe even a responsibility. So, let’s not quit on them. Let’s seize the season, wherever the Lord may put us, to share the things He’s given to us from above! And if you’re in a similar season as I am, be encouraged—you’ve still got game!
Still blessing others as I am able, Pastor
Mark
Articles, videos & podcasts: markpg.org Write & share at mark@quillpress.org. Hear me every Sat., 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM
Children’s Advocacy Center Of Southwest Florida Serves Over 1,200 Children And Families During 2025 Holiday Season Through Season Of Giving Efforts
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CACSWFL) proudly announces the success of its 2025 Season of Giving initiatives, which brought holiday joy and essential support to more than 1,200 children and families across Southwest Florida during November and December.
Through the CAC Holiday Toy Shop hosted at the organization’s Fort Myers campus, 531 children were served, allowing caregivers to select meaningful gifts for their children in a warm and supportive environment. In addition, 132 caregivers and children received direct support through generous community donors who fulfilled individual family wish lists and critical needs.
Beyond the CAC campus, more than 600 children were served through the East United Way Resiliency Hub Holiday Event in partnership with Orange River Elementary. This collaborative community celebration ensured families had access to gifts, meals, and a joyful holiday experience in a trusted neighborhood setting.
Thanks to the collective efforts of hundreds of partners, volunteers, and donors, more than 5,000 gifts were distributed throughout the Season of Giving. Support included numerous communityhosted toy drives, individual family sponsorships,
and toys received through the United Way Gifts In-Kind Program.
“The holiday season can be especially difficult for families navigating crisis or trauma,” said Alicia Shannon, CEO of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. “Because of the compassion and generosity of our community, thousands of children were reminded that they are seen, valued, and supported. This is what collective impact truly looks like.”
Local businesses, civic groups, schools, and faith-based organizations played a vital role in the campaign by hosting toy drives and sponsoring families, helping ensure children of all ages received gifts that reflected their interests and needs. Volunteers also dedicated countless hours sorting, organizing, and distributing gifts to make each experience special for families served.
“Our Season of Giving efforts reflect the heart of our mission,” said John Clinger, Board President of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida.
“When our community comes together, we are not only meeting immediate needs but also reinforcing hope and stability for children and families during a critical time.”
Since 1981, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida has provided a safe, child-focused environment for children impacted by abuse and neglect. The organization serves Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte Counties and offers comprehensive services including forensic interviews, medical evaluations, therapy, family advocacy, and prevention education. All services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners.
For more information about the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida or how to support children and families in our community, visit www.cac-swfl.org or call (239) 939-2808.
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
For 44 years the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CACSWFL) has continued to provide a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect through prevention, intervention, and treatment programs. The center works to improve the lives of children and families by ensuring safety, promoting healing, and fostering resilience. For more information, visit www.cac-swfl.org.
What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates: Medinilla
KAREN M. MAXWELL, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE
Horticultural challenges rise to the top of my list for ringing in a new year and I have a stunning one for you. Medinilla magnifica captured my fancy long ago as one of the most beautiful gifts from the tropical plant world. Not quite a set it and forget it plant, but with a thoughtful approach, featuring this stunner in your collection will bring glorious horticultural satisfaction.
MEDINILLA MAGNIFICA IS KNOWN FOR LARGE DARK PINK PENDULOUS FLOWERS AND MEDINILLA MYRIANTHA (A SYNONYM FOR MEDINILLA MULTIFLORA ) ALSO PRODUCES PENDULOUS ARRAYS OF PINK FLOWERS.
Let us discuss the best approach to growing a naturally epiphytic perennial, which when properly grown, could become a pass-along generational plant. While not new to the horticulture market, Medinilla are still not common, and probably because they are a bit fussy, but I think it is more likely because they are slow growers and insist that we replicate their endemic environment to put on their best show. It takes years to propagate and raise them to a saleable size, further adding to their value.
Somewhere around 2013, we first carried the Rose Grape (not edible) or Chandelier Plant in our young Garden Shoppe and it was offered with a hefty price tag of $80.
Remarkably, we did sell the few we had, and I hope they are still going strong today.
Medinilla is a member of the Melastomataceae family of 5,000+ tropical plants, and the specific genus of Medinilla has 374 recognized species according to the Royal Botanic Garden of Kew.
Breaking down this horticultural mouthful, “Mela” comes from the Greek for black, probably referring to its black seeds and “stoma” or mouth for reasons I could not uncover. What truly distinguishes members of this family, though, are its highly distinctive leaves, borne opposite to each other on the stem, featuring three to seven long prominent veins that are described as
acrodromous or running to a point, as they all emanate from the leaf base. Another member of this family that may be more familiar with our gardeners are the Tibochinas and if you compare the leaves of the two plants, this trait will be obvious.
Fortunately, Medinillas have come down significantly in price due to popularity and demand. Our Garden Shoppe often carries both the Medinilla magnifica known for large dark pink pendulous flowers and Medinilla myriantha (a synonym for Medinilla multiflora), which also produces pendulous arrays of pink flowers, but the Malaysian Orchid produces smaller but more flowers than its magnifica cousin.
TIBOCHINA IS ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE MELASTOMATACEAE FAMILY BUT IS MORE COMMON THAN THE MEDINILLA.
Generally speaking, Medinillas are epiphytic plants that prefer to grow like many orchids, though they are not an orchid. When we grow them in pots, our job is to replicate the nutrients, light, drainage and humidity they would naturally receive growing in misty mountains of the tropical Philippines and throughout the Malay Archipelago. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. So, how are we going to do all this?
Do you own a hygrometer? Many gardeners have moisture meters to gauge water content of the soil, but we want to keep an eye on the relative humidity of the area surrounding our Medinillas. This is what a $20 hygrometer will do for you. While writing this article, I opened my weather app on my smart phone and scrolled down to
“humidity,” which is reading 67%; right in the middle of the happy zone for Medinillas. Below 60%, relative humidity they will start to whine. Do you have a bathroom with a bright window? Ideal! As an epiphytic plant, we know that they receive the filtered light through the canopy of its host tree. We must provide bright, but always indirect light, to avoid scorching the beautiful Medinilla leaves. Due to the deforestation of its native habitat, Medinillas in the wild are becoming threatened.
It may sound redundant, but I want to return to the plant’s epiphytic nature again, so we can determine the best soil and water conditions to provide many happy years of growth. An acidic environment, free of any lime in the soil is perfect. It must be well drained as the roots do not want to sit in water, just as
they would not while living in a tree. African violet soil is a perfect mix; or make your own with an equal mixture of peat or coco coir, perlite or pumice and clay balls to provide something for the roots to grab. Allow me a technical off-road for a moment: Medinillas are actually hemi-epiphytes, meaning they do start their life as a true epiphyte, eventually making their way to the soil, where they become long-lived perennials. Allowed to age, they produce a beautiful woody trunk, upon which companion orchids may be attached.
Re-capping, the ambient temperature and relative humidity are primary keys to success. Now on to water and fertilizing. We do want them to be thoroughly wetted, once a week or so, and the above soil recipe will afford them the necessary quick drain. Avoid using distilled water. If possible, natural rainwater is the best, but untreated tap water is okay. If the top inch feels dry to the touch, but the leaves still look perky and solid, wait one more day. These plants, like all of us, need a rest, and ideally that will be between November and February, meaning a little less water and no fertilizer. Once new growth begins to appear, use one-half the recommended amount of liquid orchid plant fertilizer (our weekly-weakly motto) on your Medinilla.
MEDINILLAS ARE EPIPHYTIC PLANTS THAT PREFER TO GROW LIKE MANY ORCHIDS, THOUGH THEY ARE NOT AN ORCHID. WHEN WE GROW THEM IN POTS, OUR JOB IS TO REPLICATE THE NUTRIENTS, LIGHT, DRAINAGE AND HUMIDITY THEY WOULD NATURALLY RECEIVE GROWING IN MISTY MOUNTAINS OF THE TROPICAL PHILIPPINES AND THROUGHOUT THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO. THEY THRIVE IN TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 60 TO 80 DEGREES.
The evergreen Medinilla deserves your most beautiful, large flowerpot. If grown in a 12” to 18” pot, you may only need to repot it once every two to three years and simply add a fresh top-dress of the recommended soil mixture once or twice a year. They do enjoy being slightly pot bound, but when repotting, handle the brittle roots with extreme care and always wait until it has completed blooming. To appreciate the fabulous blooms, either hang the Medinilla or stage it on a tall plantstand where its glorious flowers will droop down and astound. For a Feng Shui home, the foliage of Medinilla symbolizes prosperity and tranquility and should be near a home’s entrance.
Calatheas, marantas, ferns and alocasias make ideal companion plants to the Medinilla. Try repurposing a big old fish tank with
orchids, Cryptanthus, ferns and the dwarf Medinilla Florinilla “Arosa” to create a truly exotic terrarium.
Never be quick to cut off a spent bloom. Within its ideal surroundings, Medinilla magnifica will throw new blooms throughout its growing season, though they will not be as large as the first blooms, they are pretty, nonetheless, against its large leaves; sometimes as long as 14 inches. With proper care, the Medinilla magnifica, “Superba” and myriantha species may bloom for months at a time, and often several times a year.
As with any tropical plant, pests are inevitable. Maintaining the requisite high humidity levels will keep spider mites at bay. Should mealy bugs appear, wipe them away using Q-tips soaked in rubbing alcohol and use horticultural soaps to wash away aphids. Medinillas are non-toxic to humans, but may cause vomiting, if eaten, by domestic pets, so best to keep them out of reach of our furry buddies.
Once considered a plant only for royalty, the image of the Medinilla magnifica was included on the Belgian 10,000 Franc note, which was later replaced by the Euro. Today, treat yourself to this piece of horticultural royalty.
For other unusual plants, come to the Spring Garden Festival at Edison and Ford Winter Estates on February 14 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I hope to see you there!
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will welcome speakers from the Lee County Salvation Army to the monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, March 5. The Salvation Army has been serving Lee County since 1951 and is now approaching its 75th anniversary. The program will center around the extensive community services that this organization provides. The deadline to reserve for this event is Tuesday, February 24.
The meetings are being held at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $28. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 by February 24 for 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 the year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education.
33rd Annual Boston Red Sox Celebrity Event Series Returns Early 2026
PROCEEDS BENEFIT INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES AT GOLISANO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Sponsorship and registration opportunities are now available for the 33rd Annual Boston Red Sox Celebrity Classic Event Series, returning February and March 2026 to benefit intellectual and developmental disability services at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
One of Lee Health Foundation’s longest standing and most celebrated fundraising traditions, the Boston Red Sox Celebrity Classic Event Series brings together Red Sox players, sports legends, community leaders and supporters to make a meaningful impact on children’s healthcare in Southwest Florida.
The 2026 event series includes:
• Boston “Tee” Party, Feb. 12 at The Forest Country Club – An evening of heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and spirited live and silent auctions. Bidding opportunities include exclusive autographed sports and entertainment memorabilia, fine jewelry, luxury spa and travel experiences.
• 33rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, Feb. 13 at The Forest Country Club – A bigleague golf tournament featuring Boston Red Sox players, Major League Baseball greats and sports celebrities. On-course contests and a post-tournament dinner add to the excitement.
• Dinner on the Diamond, March 10 at JetBlue Park
– A family-friendly evening featuring dinner on the field, Red Sox celebrity appearances, autograph signings and a silent auction filled with sports memorabilia and unique experiences. VIP packages are available for an MVPlevel experience.
“Thanks to the Boston Red Sox, The Forest Country
Club, our generous sponsors and loyal attendees, this iconic event series has raised more than $15.8 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital since 1993,” said Katy Martinez, senior director of development at Lee Health. “We are proud to continue this legacy by supporting programs that help children with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the specialized care and resources they need to thrive.”
Funds raised at the 33rd Annual Boston Red Sox Celebrity Classic will expand access to comprehensive, family-centered care through support services for children with conditions that impact learning, communication, behavior and daily functioning. By providing critical evaluations, therapies and care coordination, Golisano Children’s Hospital continues to enhance specialized care for patients and families across Southwest Florida.
Sponsorships and registration are now open for this popular and impactful event series. To learn more, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/ RedSox.
ABOUT GOLISANO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Golisano Children’s Hospital, founded in 1994, is Southwest Florida’s only children’s hospital and is nationally recognized for its pediatric care. Ranked as a six-time Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, Golisano is the first hospital in Florida and second in the nation to be designated a Certified Autism Center™ by IBCCES and is recognized as a Center of Excellence in
Pediatric Sedation by the Society for Pediatric Sedation. Golisano Children’s Hospital serves 45,000-plus patients every year in relation to 30-plus specialty pediatric services such as cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and more. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which offers 135 beds and includes comprehensive pediatric services such as a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. For more information, visit GoGolisano.org.
Consumer Alerts
DID SOMEONE USE YOUR SSN TO FILE TAXES? HERE’S WHAT TO DO
If you’re filing your taxes online this year, watch for signs of tax identity theft, like someone using your Social Security number (SSN) to file and claim a tax refund. One way you’ll know is if the IRS rejects your tax return once you file. Learn to protect yourself while filing online and what to do if someone steals your tax refund.
If you use tax preparation software like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or TaxSlayer, protect your accounts by using two-factor authentication. Requiring two or more credentials to log in makes it harder for scammers to get into your account, even if they get your username and password. And always file early, if you can—before anyone else files using your personal information.
But even if you’re careful, someone might still use your SSN to steal your refund. Now, if
the IRS rejects the tax return you submitted online or through a tax preparer, it could just mean missing or incorrect information. But if the IRS says there’s more than one tax return filed in your name or they see income from an employer you know you don’t work for, that’s identity theft. Don’t panic—but do act quickly to communicate with the IRS. Here’s how:
1. Report it to IdentityTheft.gov using as many details as possible. The site will create an FTC Identity Theft Report, an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, and a personal recovery plan. 2. Submit your IRS Identity Theft Affidavit through IdentityTheft.gov. This tells the IRS to begin investigating your case. Or get the Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) and submit it by mail.
3. Follow the steps in your personal recovery plan—like freezing your credit and checking your credit reports—to limit the damage identity theft causes.
Share IdentityTheft.gov/Steps with friends and loved ones to help them protect their personal information and stay ahead of identity thieves.
Crossword Puzzle
Isolate
Applications 23. Not his
Flame
Exam 26. Clutter
Blackthorn
Being
Donkey
Confine
Without a sound
Neighborhood
D
Plunder
Leave out
Pitcher
58. Father 59. Aromatic compound
Smiled scornfully
Munchkin
1. Tops worn by women 2. Generosity
3. Unit of energy 4. Anagram of “sage” 5. French for “head” 6. Cleans 7. Poker holdings 8. Rear end 9. Dandy
10. Fee paid for instruction 13. Charred
14. River to the North Sea
15. High-pitched woodwind instrument
16. State of supreme happiness
19. Board game 22. Lettering device 24. Disconcert
26. Letters and postcards
27. Mayday
30. Toot
32. Type of cereal grass
33. Inclined
34. Ease up
35. Left out
38. Stunning
39. Rump
40. Sea eagles
42. Poorly made
44. Kittens’ cries
45. In shape
48. Old-time poet
49. Border
50. Lairs
53. Grassland
55. Cooking container
Catch The Action
CAPT. BILL RUSSELL
FEBRUARY ON THE WATER
The transition from winter season often changes early in Southwest Florida. Spring will not officially arrive until midMarch, however on the water we are generally appreciating the change of seasons by early to mid-February.
Lack of rain through the winter months plus cool water temperatures give us the clearest water of the year. Yes, it may still get stirred up after a windy day or two, but the clarity returns quickly. Also, there are many days with negative low tides, this combination is my favorite time to explore new fishing grounds on a bright and sunny day.
My best word of advice is if you go exploring, do it at the end of a falling tide and plan to use the rising water to explore new areas. Unless you are a seasoned boater and know the local waters and your boat’s limitations, take it slow. If you get too shallow and begin to ground your boat, you should be able to push it off or the rising water will have you floating soon.
If you take the time to learn an area of water and your boat’s limitations during these lower tides, the rest of the
year should be a breeze. It’s always better to explore over sunny days and polarized sunglasses are a must to cut down glare on the water’s surface. This is also a great month for kayak and canoe anglers to take advantage of the lower tides and get to places most boats cannot.
For fishing, we can expect a mix of winter and spring conditions, and possibly the best of both. Sheepsheads are in their winter spawn, with big fish schooling near the gulf passes, beaches, and nearshore reefs. Shrimp is the preferred bait, along with sheepsheads; you can hook black and red drum, pompano, flounder, and other tasty bottom dwellers.
For many of us, as the water warms into the 70s, we are back to live bait fishing. This means getting on the water early as the sun comes up, chumming the flats, and throwing a cast net. False pilchards or scaled sardines is our target. With a live well of fresh caught frisky baits, good things can open.
Just as bait moves in with the warming water, the larger fish also show up. What and where really depends on water temperature. Large sea trout are often the first to arrive around inshore waters followed by redfish and snook. Spanish mackerel and bluefish follow the bait inshore and are often running in schools. Sharks and cobia also make an appearance.
If mild, it’s possible for the first tarpon schools of the season to arrive in gulf waters a short distance off the beaches.
Bottom fishing nearshore reefs can yield a mixed bag of many species that may include sheepsheads, snapper, grunts, pompano, permit, grouper, and others. Cobia, barracuda, sharks, king and Spanish mackerel are prowling nearshore waters as well.
February is one of the busiest months in Southwest Florida with traffic congestion and crowds everywhere. On the water it’s less hectic and way more relaxing. Given the choice of a day fighting the crowds or on the water fighting fish is an easy pick. I believe most would choose a relaxed day on the water every time. Get out there and enjoy our great outdoors!
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 30 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.”
LOST PET SCAMS
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...
To those who adore their furry family members, a missing or lost pet is devastating and heartbreaking.
With it comes a feeling of helplessness and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to be reunified with your pet.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office maintains regular and consistent contact with our local animal shelters and has received disturbing information regarding a scam that has been occurring.
A number of individuals who had posted a lost/ missing pet on the “Find My Pet Portal” and/or on social media have received calls stating that their pet has been found and, in some cases, injured.
By “spoofing” the Caller ID number, these scammers have made it appear that they are calling from local animal shelters.
The scammer indicates that the pet requires emergency surgery and that the pet owner must send payment immediately. They generally ask that the money be sent via payment apps such as Zelle and Venmo.
While we highly encourage the use of all available resources to find a missing pet, we ask that those receiving these calls do not send payment in any form.
Report these incidents to local law enforcement.
Montage Women’s Club
The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We normally meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Our February meeting will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn (Captiva Ballroom), 12600 University Drive, Fort Myers 33908, corner of College Parkway at the Summerlin Road overpass. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. with a short social period followed by lunch at noon followed by an informative speaker program and a short business meeting. Within the organization are various interest groups for members’ participation. Membership is open to both year-round and seasonal residents. We welcome you to visit Montage for a luncheon.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 26. Our featured speaker will be Gail Kedrus from the Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL. This nonprofit organization is independently operated and serves as a trusted community resource and advocate for individuals, children, and families who struggle to afford basic material needs.
Luncheon fee is $30 per person. There is always a choice of either a regular and/or a vegan/plant-based option. The February regular entree will be Asian grilled salmon, jasmine rice and steamed vegetables with red velvet cake for dessert. The vegan/ plant-based entree will be baked eggplant with vegan cheese on sautéed tomatoes and spinach, jasmine rice with fresh fruit for dessert.
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) 7037787. Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is noon, Thursday, February 19.
Two Performances Planned Of Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing
Celebrate the Edison Festival of Light and help feed the hungry by attending Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, Tuesday, Feb. 3, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Myers at the corner of Second Street and Lee Street.
MRS. MINA EDISON
It’s the 36th anniversary of the hymn sing, which is an official sanctioned event of the Edison Festival of Light. Sponsors are the Galloway Family of Dealerships and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media.
Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, two performances are planned at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Admission is free, but because of the increased need for food for the hungry, organizers are requesting that those who attend bring cans of nonperishable food and a voluntary cash donation, if possible, to benefit Sam’s Community Kitchen & Cafe of Community Cooperative.
“We need to help The Soup Kitchen by donating as much canned goods and cash as we can to help families who most need it in our community,” said the Rev. Dr. Paul deJong of First Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing is a major source of support for Community Cooperative, which works to end hunger and homelessness in Lee County.
In 2024 alone, Community Cooperative assisted more than 46,000 unduplicated individuals through its programs, providing over 2.1 million pounds of food to neighbors in need. Dedicated volunteers delivered more than 117,000 freshly prepared meals to homebound seniors through the Meals on Wheels of SWFL program, and over 2,000 volunteers contributed 46,000 hours of service to help fulfill the organization’s mission.
The church has been a strong supporter of the agency from the beginning and continues to support its ministry there by providing volunteers and other support for Sam’s Community Kitchen & Café and the Meals on Wheels program.
Cash donations are especially valuable because Community Cooperative can buy five times as much food for the same amount of money that residents spend at local grocery stores. “However, there is great satisfaction in contributing a tangible item you know will be a blessing to someone in need. Both
forms of donations will do good work in our community and will be most welcomed,” said Dr. deJong.
This year’s event will feature a Community Choir and many other singers, along with a piano-organ combination.
In addition to Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, First Presbyterian Church annually presents the very popular Christmas Carol Sing in December. Both events benefit Sam’s Community Kitchen & Café of Community Cooperative.
For more information or directions to the church, call 334-2261 or visit www. fpcfortmyers.org. For more information about Community Cooperative, call (239) 332-SOUP or visit www.communitycooperative.com.
ABOUT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FORT MYERS
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers, located at 2438 Second St. in downtown Fort Myers, is a community of faith, celebrating a loving God. First Presbyterian Church was founded in 1901 and continues to be an integral part of Lee County by presenting some of the area’s most well-attended events, such as Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing in February as part of the Edison Festival of Light and the Christmas Carol Sing in December. Both events benefit Sam’s Community Kitchen & Café of Community Cooperative, which also was founded by First Presbyterian Church and other downtown churches in 1984. Services are offered Sunday at 11 a.m. with Sunday Adult Education from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. A nursery is available from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Hearing assistive equipment also is available.
MRS. EDISON AT THE PIANO
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAINED GLASS
MINA AND THOMAS EDISON