The Club At Gateway
HOW LUCKY ARE OUR NEIGHBORS, MEMBERS AND STAFF TO HAVE TINO’S FARMERS’ MARKET BRING FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE DIRECTLY TO THE CLUB AT GATEWAY EVERY WEDNESDAY?
Convenience: Tino parks right in our lot, making it easy for everyone to shop for local vegetables and fruits.
Wellness Strategy: These markets promote healthy eating and provide a refreshing, in-person break during the workday.
Logistics: The market is here every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is set up right in our parking lot, making fresh food accessible and effortless for everyone.
Director of Golf at The Club at Gateway
GOLF NEWS
As March ushers in brighter days and perfect golf weather, members and guests at The Club at Gateway in Fort Myers are teeing off another unforgettable spring season filled with world-class golf, social events, and lifestyle amenities that make this club more than just a place to play – it’s a place to belong.
Designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio and opening in 1989, The Club at
Gateway’s 18hole championship course has been celebrated as one of Southwest Florida’s premier private layouts. From rolling fairways to immaculately conditioned greens, the course delivers a golf experience that challenges and delights players of all levels.
This past season saw a complete course renovation, including enhanced irrigation, new cart paths, and improved turf – updates that continue to elevate playing conditions and preserve the course’s reputation as top-tier golf in the Sunshine State.
For golfers focused on sharpening their game, the club’s 20-acre Golf Improvement Center is a standout feature. This expansive facility includes a double-sided driving range, multiple short-game areas, a practice putting green and two on-course practice holes –making it one of the most comprehensive practice venues in the region.
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 player’s feel and combine that with video analysis to speed up the learning process. Even if you are not a member, please feel free to reach out to the golf shop at (239) 561-1010 to book a fitting.
Travis Raque Director of Racquets at The Club at Gateway
THE IMPORTANCE OF WARMING UP AND STRETCHING FOR RACKET AND PADDLE SPORTS
Racket and paddle sports like tennis and pickleball are fast-paced games that require sudden bursts of movement, quick changes of direction, and precise control. Whether you’re a casual weekend player or a competitive athlete, warming up and stretching before hitting the court is essential for both performance and injury prevention.
WHY WARMING UP MATTERS
A proper warm-up does more than just get your body moving—it prepares your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system for the demands of the game. Benefits of warming up include:
• Increased blood flow to muscles for better performance
• Improved flexibility and range of motion
• Reduced risk of strains and sprains
• Enhanced focus and reaction time
A good warm-up should last 5 to 10 minutes and include light aerobic activity like brisk walking, jogging, or jumping jacks. This helps raise your heart rate gradually and primes your body for more dynamic movements on the court.
THE ROLE OF STRETCHING
Stretching complements your warmup routine by improving flexibility and joint mobility. In racket and paddle sports, the repetitive swinging, lunging, and twisting can stress your shoulders, arms, hips, and legs. Stretching these areas helps reduce tension, enhances performance, and minimizes post-game soreness.
Experts recommend dynamic stretches before play to prepare your muscles
for movement, and static stretches after play to cool down and improve long-term flexibility.
EASY STRETCHES TO TRY
These simple stretches target key muscle groups used in racket and paddle sports:
1. Arm Circles (Dynamic)
• Extend your arms out to the sides and make small circles forward for 10 to 15 seconds, then reverse.
• Loosens shoulders and increases blood flow to your arms.
2. Lunge With Torso Twist (Dynamic)
• Step forward into a lunge and gently twist your torso toward your front leg.
• Stretches hips, quads, and spine rotation muscles needed for swings.
3. Standing Quad Stretch (Static)
• Stand on one leg, pull the other foot toward your glutes, and hold for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Improves flexibility in the quads and prevents knee strain.
4. Seated Hamstring Stretch (Static)
• Sit on the ground with one leg extended and reach toward your toes.
• Increases hamstring flexibility for better lunging and quick starts.
5. Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch (Static)
• Pull one arm across your chest and hold for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Relieves shoulder tension and preps for swinging motions.
Spending just a few minutes on warming up and stretching can make a huge difference in how you feel and perform on the court. By preparing your body properly, you ’ ll play more effectively, stay injury-free, and enjoy your favorite racket or paddle sport for many years to come. If you’d like more support with your game and elevating your skills, reach out to receive more information about how to become a member.
MARY MARGARET Director of Fitness at The Club at Gateway
MEATLESS MONDAY OR VEGETARIAN FOR THE WIN!
Going meatless—even just one day a week—can be a fun, feel-good boost for your health! Meatless Monday is an easy way to load your plate with colorful vegetables, whole grains, beans, and plant-based proteins that naturally support a healthy heart. These foods are packed with fiber and antioxidants that help manage cholesterol and keep your cardiovascular system strong, all while adding variety and flavor to your meals.
Cutting back on meat can also help turn down inflammation in the body, helping you feel lighter, more energized, and ready to move. Plant-forward meals are full of natural anti-inflammatory nutrients that support joint health, recovery, and overall wellness—perfect for staying active and feeling your best.
Best of all, Meatless Monday isn’t about restriction—it’s about exploration! Trying new recipes, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients can make healthy eating exciting and enjoyable. One small
change, one delicious day, and a whole lot of health benefits to smile about. ��
Here’s a simple, flavorful Meatless Monday meal idea that’s filling and heart-healthy: Roasted Veggie and Chickpea Power Bowl ��
Start with a base of quinoa or brown rice, then top with roasted chickpeas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and red bell peppers tossed in olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of paprika. Finish with fresh spinach, a sprinkle of feta or avocado, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini or balsamic glaze.
This bowl is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory nutrients—and it’s easy to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand. Colorful, comforting, and delicious … you won’t even miss the meat! ��
We were excited to welcome OnSpot Dermatology to the property on February 4, offering convenient skin and mole checks right on site from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Having mobile dermatology here made it easy to prioritize your skin health without the hassle of driving around town or sitting in a waiting room far from home. Quick, professional, and incredibly convenient—this on-property service helped take the stress out of an important health check while keeping everything close to where you live. We loved seeing so many members take advantage of this great opportunity!
HOLES IN ONE
Congratulations to Ed Tinkle, John Whittaker, and Scott Santi for their recent holes in one!
The Gateway Gators’ Ladies 3.0 Pickleball Team has been on a winning streak, with a record of 3-1, with only 2 matches left. Come out and support our Ladies when you can!
Gateway Women’s Club
DONNA MARCHETTI, JANICE EATON, FRAN YUNGHER, LAUREL BORGIA, AND LEYNA HOFFER
GATEWAY
WOMEN’S
CLUB 2026 OFFICERS
Charlotte Stewart, President
Michelle Karnes, Vice President
Kathy Flaherty, Secretary
Linda Steele, Treasurer
Donna Leonard Vazquez, Member-At-Large
Thank you to the GWC officers for your time each and every day! Very much appreciated!
KATHY FLAHERTY, SECRETARY
CHARLOTTE STEWART, PRESIDENT
LINDA STEELE, TREASURER
MICHELLE KARNES, VICE PRESIDENT
DONNA LEONARD VAZQUEZ, MEMBER-AT-LARGE
BOOK CLUB
BARBARA HANLIN
Book Club meets Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. The hostess will be Joyce Mullikin with Prudi Fournier as co-hostess. Carol Healy will lead the group in a discussion of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. It’s “an exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope, tracing a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.” This book is being made into a movie which comes out on May 8 starring Sally Field.
If you plan to attend let Joyce know by March 8.
Joyce’s contact information is in the Gateway Women’s Club Directory. Please refer any questions or concerns to Barb Hanlin.
MARY CHARLES, MEMOIRS AND THE GATEWAY WOMEN’S CLUB
STEPHANIE MENA
Mary Charles encouraged her audience to write down snippets of life experiences. The moments can be big or small, but they are moments in time that deserve to be remembered. Charles is an essayist, memoir writer, President of the Gulf Coast Writers Association and an award-wining author published in the Fort Myers Florida Weekly newspaper. She developed her love of storytelling at Tamiami Tale Tellers where the art of storytelling thrives.
She invited her audience to write their own life experiences to share with family members young and old. Before the first word was ever scribed on paper, storytelling was passed down generation to generation. Those stories are still remembered today. Charles gathered together tales of heroism and humanity found in dozens of memories shared by people who lived through Hurricane Ian. She put them together into Story Storm a book that became a bestseller on Amazon. Story Storm is a collection of work by the Gulf Coast Writers Association containing 80 stories of survival. Charles said, “The idea was to help people heal from Hurricane Ian. Everyone has a story to tell.” Charles smiled when she said, “Your grandchildren probably won’t be interested in your stories today, but as they get older, your voice will become their prized possession.”
There are no hard and fast rules on how to write a memoir. Simply start. As your story builds, develop your characters and setting. When you write, there are no deadlines or grades given. You are
sharing yourself in real life. No one else can write your story.
For writers looking for a community, Gulf Coast Writers Association Inc. (GCWA) provides a forum of fellowship, education and information for writers, editors, and associates. Based in Fort Myers, GCWA attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida. The association offers prominent speakers and dynamic workshops at monthly meetings (in-person or via Zoom). Expert advice on writing techniques, publishing, and marketing is freely shared. The literary genres run the gamut from poetry, adult fiction, and nonfiction to children’s books, young adult, historical fiction, romance, mystery/thriller, memoir, essay, and screenplays. Members include new and established writers, corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, working or retired.
Each year, the Gulf Coast Writers Association holds a writing contest. Writers may submit work in three genres: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. First place, second place, and third place prizes will be given in each genre.
There is no limit on the number of entries, but there is only one prize per author. In addition, the winners will be published on the website and possibly in Fort Myers Magazine. The contest for 2026 is accepting submissions from November 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026. The only
way to submit is through our website by completing the entry form. Enter as often as you like, but you must pay a separate fee for each submission.
And there’s more… In addition, GCWA is proud to participate in the Fort Myers Reading Festival on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Myers Regional Library.
GCWA will host a booth at the festival featuring 12 of our member authors as well as over 24 famous authors. The event is completely free to attend, members, future members, and the community are welcome to enjoy the fun, meet local writers, and celebrate the love of reading. To learn more visit: http://gulfcoastwriters.org
SIT AND STITCH KATHRYN FABISIAK
The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Eleanor Stuart on March 9 at 1 p.m. Please contact Eleanor 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 continue 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, March 3 and Tuesday, March 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 information is in the GWC 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’s recent culinary adventure to El Sabor de Mis Raices proved that you do not need a passport to experience the heart and flavors of Cuba. The restaurant could not be more convenient, located just around the corner from the Gateway community.
The restaurant’s name translates to “The Flavor of My Roots.” True to its name, every dish served at Raices is a celebration of its
rich Cuban heritage. GWC members, spouses, family and friends raved about the exceptional appetizers and entrées steeped in savory and aromatic flavors. Each dish felt like a tribute to the “roots” the restaurant so proudly represents.
From the moment the group arrived, the elegant atmosphere and hospitality set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The restaurant’s hospitality is second to none. The hostesses, managers, kitchen and waitstaff deftly handled the group of 46 diners, the club’s largest turnout to date. Managing a dinner for nearly 50 people is no small feat for a new establishment, but the team at El Sabor de Mis Raices handled it with grace and skill. The owners personally greeted every guest with a smile as they entered their doors, making the large group feel like family. The manager and waitstaff went above and beyond, ensuring that despite the record-breaking attendance, no detail was overlooked.
As the evening drew to a close, the hospitality extended beyond the dining room. The owners treated everyone in the group to a box of
LESLIE DUNCAN, STEPHEN AND JOANN MONTALBANO
STEVE AND DIANE SARSFIELD
JUDY AND BOB JONES
DEBRA ROGGOW AND LOUIS SMITH, KEN AND DOROTHY FREDA
KAREN MAXWELL AND BOB DE GUISUPE
ELEANOR STUART, DONNA AND DOMINICK MARCHETTI
BECKY MORRIS, LISA TIRU, AND ROBIN CONNOLLY
SHARON AND GIL ALLIS
KATHY AND JEFFREY FABISIAK
MARIA BEACHAM AND SUSAN ROBERTS
SHARON AND MIKE MATTE
SUSAN KITE AND CONNIE ROESSLER
delicious Cuban pastries from their own Havana Bakery, which occupies the space directly adjacent to the restaurant. It was the perfect sweet treat for an already stellar night.
The consensus among the Gateway Women’s Club Dining Out group was unanimous: El Sabor de Mis Raices is a “hidden gem” that offers a wonderfully elegant experience right in Gateway’s backyard. Many members are already planning their return trip to savor more of the warmth and flavor offered by this special local treasure!
MARYANN AND RUSSELL SCHMIDT, AND SUZANNE OWENS
AND RON HRINDA, DONNA AND BOB THAYER
Membership in Gateway Women’s Club is open to any woman residing in a Gateway community neighborhood, whether a full-time or seasonal resident. Gateway Women’s Club is not affiliated with the Club at Gateway and applicants do not need to be a member of the Club to join Gateway Women’s Club. For more information or to obtain an application to join Gateway Women’s Club, please contact Donna Leonard-Vazquez, GWC Membership at Large. Her email is donnaleonard63@gmail.com
GRACIE
GALS ON THE GO
MARY DESILVA
The recent Gateway Gals on the Go event was Bocce! The weather wasn’t kind to the players. With the “feels like” temperature down to 35 degrees, they all bundled up and played two sessions. With the help of Mary deSilva, Sharon Desrosiers, and Michelle Karnes the group had two great games. After the games the players had a nice and warm lunch in the Grill Room. Thanks to all the ladies who braved the cold.
The Spot For Gateway Greens
UNDERSTANDING LAWN CHANGES IN OUR COMMUNITY
Keeping our community looking healthy, green, and welcoming is always a priority. Recently, many homeowners across Southwest Florida— including here in our community—have noticed changes in St. Augustine lawns, including yellowing, thinning, and decline. Our landscaping partner, GreatView Lawn Care, has been closely monitoring these conditions and working proactively to address them.
One of the issues affecting Floratam St. Augustine grass throughout the region is a condition known as Lethal Viral Necrosis (LVN). LVN is a viral issue that impacts Floratam St. Augustine turf only. It appears as yellow, blotchy, or streaky patterns
on grass blades, which can progress over time to browning and turf loss.
LVN spreads through fresh grass sap, primarily after mowing or trimming. The virus can be carried by mower wheels, trimmers, or clippings when grass is freshly cut—especially under wet conditions. LVN does not affect people, pets, wildlife, ornamentals, or palms.
GreatView Lawn Care has implemented strict preventative measures including avoiding mowing wet turf, sanitizing equipment between locations, repairing irrigation issues, completing annual flower rotations,
and actively scouting for symptoms to limit spread and maintain healthy common areas.
Managing this issue is a long-term process. Through consistent sanitation practices, proactive monitoring, and thoughtful landscape planning, we remain committed to keeping our community attractive and well maintained.
SANTA LUZ II
Nestled quietly along Westlinks Drive, Santa Luz is a welcoming neighborhood of 16 buildings and 64 homes. As you pass the “Santa Luz” sign, you’ll notice the spectacular views—whether overlooking the golf course, the lake, or a sparkling pool, there’s truly something for everyone. The community is divided into Santa Luz I, with its established charm, and the newer Santa Luz II, where most homes were completed in 2023.
Despite this division, residents share a strong bond, always ready to lend a hand – whether it’s offering a ride to the airport or watering a neighbor’s plants. Last fall, both Association Boards came together to host a lively pool party, complete with delicious food, music, and games – a tradition we hope to continue each year.
Santa Luz II Condominium Association has three Board seats where volunteers are critical to managing our beautiful neighborhood in both a cost-effective and collaborative way. Next time the opportunity arises, please consider running for the board – you are very much needed and appreciated!
Santa Luz is more than just a collection of homes; it’s a village where neighbors look out for one another. We are proud to call Santa Luz home.
The Spot For Gateway Greens
MEET SUE SPREHN
Continuing the practice of interviewing the Gateway Greens Community’s Neighborhood Association Presidents is always a pleasure – because it reinforces a belief that people are good, and their motives for volunteering to serve the public are sincere. Their willingness to help others is at the core for each of them, and Sue Sprehn is no exception!
Sue grew up in Cleveland where she continued her education at Cleveland State and even purchased her first house there. She was content. However, after a Valentine’s Day blizzard, when a company responded to her resume asking her if she would “mind” moving to Sarasota, Fla., she couldn’t say “yes!” fast enough! Off to Sarasota she went and thus began a long-term career with US Home Corporation and living in Florida. Sue met her husband in Sarasota, and then they were both transferred elsewhere: she to Fort Myers and he to Miami. Although they lived separately during the week for a year, their commute was easy, as “back then” PBA (Provident Boston Airline) provided a very convenient shuttle service which served them well. With their four daughters, they lived in the Iona area, then Brookshire off of Daniels, and then decided to downsize. After a few different locations including a downtown rental, they found what they were looking for: a one-floor, ground level condo with both lake and golf course views right in
Gateway at Santa Luz. Together, they love walking around the beautiful neighborhoods enjoying the friendly people and their neighbors, who are ever vigilant in looking out for each other.
Sue’s entry into leading the neighborhood HOA began like many – she recognized a desperate need that the community had to recruit volunteers, ultimately finding herself on a Board with no president – and no one else willing to serve. Her background in real estate development combined with exposure to various legal areas including court experience, legal documents and working with attorneys has served her well. That same experience also provided her with an understanding of when to say no and when to compromise.
Residents in the Gateway Greens community often wonder why some Neighborhood Associations have multiple boards within the same community, and Santa Luz is a good example. The developments are often established in multiple phases, with different developers, creating a requirement for different associations even when the number of units is relatively small. The downside of this practice is that the “pool” of residents who want to volunteer their time to is very small! What many don’t understand is that if the neighborhood is not able to support a full board, then the state will appoint an attorney to work with the management
association. And the cost of that to the owners is significant. So, if you are reading this and you are in Sue Sprehn’s neighborhood, think hard about taking the step to serve – it will save you money and you will bring value within a collaborative and communicative group.
Watching the sun set on Sanibal or Captiva is one of Sue and her husband’s favorite activities – and although they go at least every other week, it’s just not often enough! Their favorite locations (shhh!) are Lighthouse Beach, Gulf Side City Park and at the end of Tarpon Bay road. She considers Gulf Side City Park as the best, with clean restrooms. Pack up your chairs and a beverage and meet them there!
MEET THE WEBB FAMILY
Like many of us, Sue and her husband’s four adult children bring them much joy. Their girls have five children consisting of four grandsons and one beloved girl! In addition to her family Sue is passionate about staying healthy and eating well. And she says she’s a pretty good cook, with a great recipe for gluten-free muffins! Sue’s optimism keeps her life in balance, as she believes in the goodness of others. This is reciprocated throughout her family, friends and even within her employer. She feels supported and loves the people around her (including friends of more than 40 years), and with whom she works.
Sounds like Sue is right where she belongs, and those around her are reaping the benefits.
took a twist of fate—and a dad— to bring them together.
The song Ring Them Bells by Liza Minnelli seems perfectly suited to our newest Gateway Greens residents. The lyrics tell the story of a woman named Shirley who travels the world only to discover love closer to home—a joyful and memorable journey. Jerry and Angela Webb can certainly relate. Both grew up just one mile apart in St. Peters, Mo., about 40 minutes from St. Louis. Yet it
It’s truly “all about Dad.” Jerry’s father happened to be the liaison, as Angela worked for him while attending and would later graduate from the same college. Jerry would come up and visit his dad, talk a bit with Angela, and after some time he asked her out on what can only be described as a very unconventional first date. The only information he provided was that he would pick her up at 5 a.m. on a Saturday, which was a bold move, to say the least!
The Spot For Gateway Greens
But there was method to his madness. Jerry drove Angela to Lake Saint Louis, where they watched the sunrise from a hot air balloon. The strategy clearly worked. The couple celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on December 27.
Jerry’s early passion for rebuilding cars and engines led him to attend an auto technology school. That foundation paid off with a successful career at Lear Corporation, a company specializing in automotive seating. Jerry started on the line building seats 32 years ago and was quickly recognized to take on a management role. After many experiences and moving around, Jerry retired as the second in command of the plant as the Operations Manager.
Angela followed a different but equally impressive path. After working as a pastry chef at a boutique grocery store, she graduated from Columbia College and began a career at Mastercard, where she has worked for 26 years. Starting with a temporary contract as an Administrative Assistant, over the years Angela found herself taking on various roles. She is now an executive leading an organization that defines the company standards for how products, like digital payment and security solutions, are built and scaled for financial institutions. Angela works from her home office and loves seeing the lake and palm trees from her office windows.
Like many Gateway residents, Jerry and Angela were drawn to the sunshine, ocean, and warmth of Florida. Prior to moving to Gateway, the Webbs lived in Waterford Village for a few years but quickly outgrew the space, especially when their three daughters and grandchildren came to visit for Christmas. They moved into their home in Mahogany Run at the end of November and are thoroughly enjoying it. While mostly unpacked, they are in the midst of renovations—including rebuilding their swimming pool.
What ultimately attracted them to Gateway Greens was both the location and the people. As Angela puts it, “This is a prime location to enjoy our lives together, especially with more time and flexibility.” They also appreciate that Gateway Greens residents are friendly, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious.
In their free time, Angela enjoys cooking and gardening, while Jerry likes to fish and is getting back into golfing. Together, they enjoy dining at The Club as well as local favorites like Gateway Boulevard Tavern, Saucy Meatball, Skinny Dogz, Fort Myers Brewery and discovering new restaurants.
We are delighted to welcome such a warm and engaging couple to our Gateway Greens community.
ROAD REHAB IS ON ITS WAY!
The access roads within Gateway Greens have had quite the journey – most have been around for 20 years, and some are even older! Asphalt roads typically last 15 to 30 years, but that depends on the weather and how much traffic they handle. In Gateway, garbage trucks are the heaviest vehicles, and they’re on the roads every week. Add in summer heavy rains, heat and humidity, and the combination takes its toll.
Gateway Greens engaged an engineering firm to conduct an inspection of our roadways to assist in identifying roads that require rehabilitation and determining the appropriate time frames for completion. You may have observed the rehabilitation of certain roads over the past few years. This year, we anticipate the completion of 10 roads which will commence this summer.
Road rehabilitation means that we are getting our roads back in shape and making them even better! At Gateway Greens, we do this by removing the old asphalt, replacing damaged sublayer, and repairing broken sections of the gutters and curbs.
The following roads are scheduled for rehabilitation this year:
• Callaway Greens Drive and Court
• Mahogany Run starting at Walden Lakes entrance to cul-de-sac
• Mahogany Run (north) cul-de-sac and south
• Walden Run
• Venicia Drive
• Lake Run Drive
• Hampton Greens Court and Drive
• Championship Drive (one section)
The HOA board aims to keep our community areas, access control buildings, fences, walls, roads and sidewalks in good shape. If you’re in a neighborhood with a road being rehabilitated, please keep an eye out for construction gear and workers as they work to improve our community. Thanks in advance for your patience in keeping Gateway roads in great working order.
Whispers Of God…
DR. MARK GONZALES, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF SOUL CARE
ABWE
GLOBAL MISSIONS AGENCY
SOUL CARE
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!”
I’ve always loved this greeting to Mary from the angel Gabriel. Kindness, blessing, promise and hope in one brief greeting, right? What a greeting! What a blessing! And that’s pretty much the whisper I hear in my heart somewhere between 4:30 and 6 every morning when I start to wake up to the gift of a brand-new day from the Lord.
He loves to talk with us heart to heart like that. In fact, He is always whispering to us, my friends. Really. It’s just that our external lives get so noisy (far too busy, frenetic, relentless, demanding…) and our internal hearts or souls get so loud (wounds, pain, insecurity, disappointments, failures…), it gets very easy – and habitual – to miss the “kind intentions” of His conversational whispers.
So, here’s a little whisper from three wonderful portions of Scripture and some simple questions to ponder that may help you catch a vision for how “soul care” from God’s heart to your heart can become more of a reality in your life.
THE QUIET WATERS PRINCIPLE
I just love all the water metaphors the Lord uses in Scripture to draw us closer to Himself for soul care, meditation, restoration, and exploration. So here are a few verses and prayers to get you started:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4). This is preventative soul care. (Lord, how faithfully am I guarding my vulnerable heart, above all else?)
“He leads me beside quiet waters; He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23). This is restorative soul care. (Lord, how often do I sit still and let You restore and heal my weary and wounded soul?)
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God … Deep calls to deep.” (Psalm 42). This is explorative soul care. (Lord, how deeply am I yearning and diving into You?)
Yeah, okay. I am hearing Him with you right now. I think I’ll print them out as a Bible bookmark for the week to remind me of these heart level things. Oh, what
a patient Savior we have, and there is so much more He wants to share with us! But for now, I’m just…
Slowing down and listening with you, Pastor Mark
Articles, videos and podcasts: markpg.org.
Write and share at mark@quillpress.org.
Hear me every Saturday, 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM.
Continental Women’s Club
LIZ PAUL
The Continental Women’s Club will welcome a guest speaker from the Fort Myers Mastersingers to the luncheon meeting on Thursday, April 2. The Mastersingers has an 80-plus vocal ensemble which presents choral music featuring celebrated masterworks, contemporary choral works, and timeless classics. The group organizes and self-produces community concerts and appears with other talented musicians and ensembles throughout Southwest Florida. The deadline to reserve for this luncheon is Tuesday, March 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 March 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.
Latania Palms
KAREN M. MAXWELL, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE
Nearly a thousand miles east of the coast of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, sits an archipelago of islands collectively known as the Mascarene Islands. Their isolated nature and lack of humans until about 1507, allowed these volcanic islands to enjoy a vast biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Since either the arrival of the Arabs in late 900s or the Europeans in 1507, these islands have rotated through a series of sovereign flags from Portugal, France, Britain and the Dutch. Upon exposure to European exploitation, the once naturally endowed islands of Reunion, Rodrigues and Mauritius today are densely populated and virtually stripped of natural vegetation. It is reported that there is no natural vegetation remaining on Rodrigues, about 5% on Mauritius and 40% on Reunion.
The diverse flora and fauna were attributed to the wide
variety of habitats found on the islands – everything from coastal wetlands, swamp forests, and dry lowlands to mountain cloud forests. Today, the natural vegetation has been largely replaced by humans, sugarcane, tea and conifer plantations. One of the world’s most active volcanos, Piton de La Fournaise is a tourist attraction on Reunion, formerly known as Ile Bourbon – yes, where the fragrant Bourbon roses originated.
As a semitropical botanical garden, how fortunate are we, that Edison and Ford Winter Estates can offer our visitors an opportunity to view and appreciate so many of the species once endemic to these remote islands: Dombeya, Pandanus or Screw Pine, species of Cyathea or tree ferns, and a number of palms including the Hyphorbe genus, Dictyosperma genus and one of my favorites, the Latania (La-TAN-ee-a) genus.
LATANIA LODDIGESII NEAR THE EDISON CARETAKER’S COTTAGE
LATANIA LODDIGESII SEEDS ON A PALM NEAR THE EDISON CARETAKER’S COTTAGE
Due to poaching and other human activities, the Latania species that naturally grew on seaside cliffs and savannahs are virtually extinct in the Mascarenes. The Latania genus has three species, each a solitaire palm, commonly known as the Blue, Red and Yellow Latan palms. At the Estates, we have the Blue and Yellow Latans in our collection, having lost our Red Latan to palm weevils.
The genus is well adapted to our climate as Latans prosper during warm and wet summers followed by dry winters. In their native environment, they would receive approximately the same annual rainfall –between 50 and 60 inches – as we enjoy in Lee County. Latanias are all fan palms, without a crown shaft and their size makes them a terrific residential landscape palm – each offering a slightly different appearance.
Ideal for a silver or blue garden theme, the glaucous Blue Latan (Latania loddigesii) palm once endemic to Mauritius is often mistaken for Bismark (Bismarckia nobilis) palms due their solitary construction with enormous stiff blue-green fronds. These slow growing palms are somewhat salt tolerant and very drought tolerant, and any of the Latanias will grow in most soils, as long as they are provided excellent drainage. They appear to thrive in calcareous soils – so perhaps a good palm choice for Cape Coral, where limestone soils are prevalent. A healthy canopy on a Blue Latan has about 15 fronds, whereas a Bismark canopy includes about 30 fronds. Blue Latans mature at 35 feet making them a
more suitable alternative to a compact landscape than the towering Bismarks and can make quite the statement when planted in multiples. While both are considered self-cleaning they are slow to drop their spent fronds and may need an occasional trim.
The Blue Latan has a heavy white waxy tomentum – a velvety mat – on the undersides of its fronds that doesn’t diminish with age. Being slightly less cold hardy than the Bismarks, they still thrive in our Zone 10. Another identification tip is that the Blue Latans do not have fibers as seen on the Bismark fronds.
Each of the three Latania species is dioecious, meaning each palm is either male or female though, within the genus, species readily cross-pollinate, as evidenced by recent seedlings I discovered growing naturally on the property. Seedlings of the Blue Latan also have red margins and may be mistaken for the Red Latan (Latania lontaroides).
When any of the Latanias are fully grown, they are nearly indistinguishable from each other, though as seedlings, their common name colors are obvious. When young, Red Latans are never mistaken for the Blue Latan, with bright red petioles or leaf stalks. Seed identification is the only certain means of identification between the species
– Red Latan seeds are not as highly sculpted as those of their blue cousin. In fully grown Latania palms, the pointed hastula at the base of the frond, where the fan connects to the stem, on Red Latans is raised while the Blue Latan hastula lies flat in the front. Native to the Island of Reunion, with very few surviving in the wild, the Red Latan is sure to go the way of the Dodo Bird on Reunion, unless we, as “bankers” of nature’s future are able to secure its responsible propagation. The hastula of the Bismark Palm is decidedly uneven when compared to the Blue Latan.
Requiring active conservation, the Latania verschaffeltii or Yellow Latan with origins on Rodrigues has only about 50 naturally occurring specimens remaining. It is clearly recognized with its bright yellow petioles covered in white tomentum which lasts through adulthood. Fronds are thinner, and never as stiff as the Blue Latan with a distinct yellowish or orange hue, and the Yellow Latan hastula is flat and blunt. For
palm enthusiasts, it is fun to learn the keys to identification. If you want to learn more about palms, there will be a class at the Estates called “Palm Reading” on March 24.
To preserve and hopefully propagate and share endangered and rare species is something that we, as horticulturists, live for. We hope to see you in the garden soon!
LATANIA LODDIGESII SEEDLING
LATANIA VERSCHAFFELTII TRUNK
Crossword Puzzle
23. Secluded valley 24. Belch
25. One less than 10
26. Dry 27. Puncture 28. Against 29. Animal companion
30. Invoices to pay
Flashy
Earth tone
Small piece of cloth
A cooperative unit
58. Color of most grasses
59. Rip up
Kneecap
Destroy the interior of
Snobs 54. Blood vessel
Nerve junction
1. Ointment ingredient
2. Blink of an eye
3. Cut grass
4. Mid-month days
5. Duration
6. Tapped without swinging
7. Pale
8. Towards the back
9. Addition
10. Mostly white aquatic bird
13. Breathes noisily while sleeping
14. Cease
15. Sporting venue
16. Nonreaders
19. Wading bird
22. Not one or the other 24. Fortify
26. Abbey area
27. Not hers
30. Pleads
32. Arrange (abbrev.)
33. Record company
34. Candidly
35. Discontinuing
38. Knickknack holder
39. Foretold
40. Foggy
42. Received
44. D D D
45. Thigh armor
48. Tube
49. Young woman
50. Curve
53. Driveway surface
55. Craggy peak
73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1 TO 3 P.M.
The James E. Hendry (JEH) Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society announces its 73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale on Saturday, April 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. This free hibiscus show is the oldest, largest and best attended of all Florida’s hibiscus shows, attracting several hundred people annually. This continuing show is made possible through the generosity of community sponsors.
“The event will showcase hundreds of different hybrid hibiscus blooms in a variety of colors and forms which will be judged in several different classes including amateur, collector, open collector, commercial, miniatures and seedlings,” explains Denise Helfrich, show chair. In addition, more than 400 hybrid hibiscus plants will be for sale for $20. All credit cards are accepted. Parking and admission to the Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale is free .
This is the best opportunity Southwest Floridians have to add to their hybrid hibiscus collection as these plants are
not available in local garden centers. This delicate and beautiful plant grows abundantly in Florida’s subtropical climate. Members of the chapter who are experts in the care and growing of hibiscus will be available to provide advice. Several senior American Hibiscus Society judges will also be available to answer any questions regarding the rule for judging blooms.
Anyone who would like to learn how to grow, graft and hybridize this attractive tropical flowering plant can do so by joining the James E. Hendry Chapter at the show.
The show is the highlight of the year for the chapter; monthly meetings are held at The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Ave., Fort Myers, on the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Details on the JEH Chapter and pictures of all the blooms that will be available for sale can be found on the chapter’s website www.hendrychapterhibiscus.com and Facebook page: JEH Chapter American Hibiscus Society.
Consumer Alerts
THAT
CALL OR EMAIL SAYING YOU MISSED JURY DUTY AND NEED TO PAY? IT’S
A SCAM
If you’ve been summoned for jury duty, you know there are serious consequences for missing it—like fines, court appointments, or even jail time. Scammers know this too, and they’re calling and emailing to scare you into thinking you’ve missed jury duty and need to pay. It’s a scam. Learn how the scam works so you can avoid it.
You get an “urgent” call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal or a police officer. They say you missed jury duty and you’ll be arrested unless you pay them now. Only you never got a summons, and you know this isn’t how the courts work. This is a scammer trying to steal your money, and if you give them information like your Social Security number or date of birth, they could try to steal your identity.
Here’s how you know it’s a scam.
• Courts never ask you to pay over the phone. In fact, no government agency will do that.
• Only scammers insist that you can only pay with gift cards, a payment app, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram.
• Courts never ask potential jurors for sensitive information over the phone, like your Social Security number or birthdate. Only scammers do.
If you get a call or email like this, don’t respond. Don’t pay or give them any personal information. If you think a call or email could be real, check the court’s website for jury duty information or call the court directly at a number you know is correct.
Already paid or gave your information to a scammer? Read What To Do if You Were Scammed to find out what to do next. And tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Alliance For The Arts Announces New Alliance Morning Market on Third Saturdays
The Alliance for the Arts is reimagining its community market experience with the launch of the Alliance Morning Artisan Market, a new monthly event held on the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The shift moves the Alliance’s former Wednesday night market to a vibrant Saturday morning gathering designed to bring families, artists, and the community together for a full day of creativity and connection.
The first Alliance Morning Market took place Saturday, Feb. 21, on the Alliance’s 10-acre campus at 10091 McGregor Blvd. The market featured a curated mix of artisans and vendors,
local artists, and live entertainment, creating a welcoming, festival-style atmosphere for all ages.
By moving the market to Saturdays, the Alliance is aligning it with two popular free programs already offered on campus: Free Family ArtLabs, held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Reel Families, Free Family Movie Screenings, beginning at noon. Together, these programs create a seamless day of activities centered on creativity, community, and familyfriendly fun.
“The Alliance Morning Market allows us to bring together so many of the things our community loves, local artists, creative experiences for kids, live entertainment, and time spent together,” said Alliance representative and organizer, Cat Flo. “It’s more than
a market; it’s a full morning and afternoon of connection.”
Admission to the Alliance Morning Market and all accompanying activities is free. While gallery admission is always free, a $5 suggested donation helps support the Alliance’s mission to keep arts programming accessible and affordable.
Event: Alliance Morning Market, indoors and outdoors
Date: Every third Saturday
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Includes: Local vendors, live entertainment, family ArtLab, free family movie
For more information about the Alliance Morning Market or other Alliance programs, visit ArtInLee. org or call (239) 939-2787. For vending opportunities contact Cat@artinlee.org.
ABOUT ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS
The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Fla. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call (239) 939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, or find us on Facebook, Meetup and Instagram.
Catch The Action
CAPT.
BILL RUSSELL
MARCH ON THE WATER
With record cold weather over the past couple months behind us we can look forward to warmer days. With luck, March will kick the pattern as we exit winter and move into spring. Spring fishing is looked upon as some of the best of the year with a wide variety of species willing to bend a rod. As days get longer and warmer, the water temperature rises. Schooling baitfish returns after seeking warmer weather over the winter. This is a combination that rings the dinner bell for fish along our coastal waters.
The winter sheepsheads’ run will come to a close over the month. As they complete their spawning duties, they disperse to who knows where. There’s still a good chance to hook big ones around inshore structure and nearshore reefs, especially early in the month. Inshore, catching pompano is a possibility when fishing with shrimp or small pompano jigs.
Spanish mackerel are a fun target as they are ferocious feeders, fast, and great fighters. Prepared fresh, they offer excellent table fare that’s often overlooked. For me, they are the perfect fish when looking for fun and action. When mackerels are present, odds are good that sharks are nearby; sharks love snacking on mackerels.
This month kicks off snook fishing along our coastal waters. Water temperature is critical for snook, too cold and they are often dormant. As the water rises to 70 degrees or above and holds, we can look for snook to become active, on the move, and hungry. Like many of our game fish, as the water warms their primary diet becomes oily baitfish.
With the arrival of baitfish and warming water, big trout become common catches. Many of our largest sea trout of the year are caught this month. Trout are in their first and largest spawn cycle of the year, look for the bigger fish to get aggressive and hungry.
Following months of daytime low tides and often not much water to navigate, our first spring high tides begin. Higher tides allow for good opportunities to target redfish along mangrove shorelines and over oyster bars. Early morning low tides also allow anglers a great opportunity at tailing redfish over the shallow flats.
Offshore, on days the weather allows there are good opportunities for a variety of fish including reef dwellers like snapper, grouper, grunts, porgies, sheepsheads, and others. Schools of
fast-moving Spanish and king mackerel, plus false albacore, or bonito and even some blackfin tuna are making their way up the coast and busting up any schooling baitfish they encounter. Keep an eye out for tripletail around buoys or floating debris and don’t be surprised if a big cobia makes his presence around your boat while bottom fishing. Fishing around one of the many public artificial reefs is always a good choice for a variety of fish.
Early season tarpon begin to show off the beaches, to the southern part of our region slowly making their way up the coast. Tarpon hook-ups are possible inshore as the waters warm over the month.
March is a month where anything is possible, and you should always expect the unexpected. We generally have some cool and windy days, but they will be offset with great weather as we break into the spring season.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app to your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish.
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.”
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 March 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.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26. Our featured speaker will be Greg Longenhagen, a member of the original founding company of the Florida Repertory Theatre.
Greg is honored to be entering his third decade with the Repertory and is delighted to serve as its producing artistic director. He will share with us the history of the theatre along with some behind-thescenes information on how a show comes together, and details of upcoming events.
Luncheon fee is $30 per person. The March regular entree will be Trio Salad (chicken, egg, and tuna) with assorted veggies on a bed of lettuce and Chef’s choice for dessert. The vegan/plantbased entree will be Spinach Salad with mushrooms, lentils, onion, cucumbers, red peppers and pecans with a balsamic vinaigrette and 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) 703-7787. Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is noon, Thursday, March 19.
TAX REFUND SCAMS
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...
As some of us prepare to gather our tax documents and file our returns, it is important to be aware of the start of “tax refund scam season.”
Much like the arrival of spring, this time of year generates annual fraudulent behavior.
Should you be anticipating a tax refund, know that there are unscrupulous individuals hoping to steal that refund.
Texts and emails appearing to originate from the IRS or other governmental offices will indicate that your refund has been “processed” or “approved” or “pending additional information.”
You are prompted to click on a link that will request a social security number…bank account information … date of birth.
Never respond … never.
Be aware that the IRS and/or state tax offices will not reach out to you via text, through email or on social media.
Report fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
