Gateway - November 2023 by Seabreeze Communications

The Club At Gateway

We are thrilled to announce that The Club at Gateway was voted the Best Golf Course and Country Club in Fort Myers for the fifth consecutive year!

We also took first place in several other categories, including:

• Spa

• Family-friendly dining

• Wedding venue

• Happy hour

• Golf shop

And we were a finalist in:

• All-around restaurant and barbeque

We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our amazing members and guests. Thank you all for voting and making us the top choice in Fort Myers.

Employee Spotlight

By David Pagel, Director of Agronomy

Ted Vance, our longesttenured employee, has been working with our golf course maintenance crew since 1988, when the course was built. Ted is originally from Decatur, Ill., and has now been with the Club at Gateway for 35 years. He is a valuable employee and a

great person with a positive attitude. I can’t say enough nice things about Ted. He’s always willing to help others and has a vast knowledge of the golf course. He never complains and has a great work ethic. He is one of the first ones to work and the last to leave. I haven’t met anyone who cuts and sets a better cup when changing hole locations. This is just one of many tasks he does well, and he takes pride in everything he does. I would hire an entire crew like him if I could.

Scrabble Club

Cribbage

The Club at Gateway recently started a new Scrabble Club. Members are welcomed and encouraged to join on the first, second, and fourth Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the Fazio Room at the clubhouse. Scrabble is ranked as the second-best board game in U.S. history, second only to Monopoly. Playing Scrabble has numerous benefits that make it a fantastic game for people of all ages. Firstly, Scrabble is an excellent way to enhance your vocabulary and improve your language skills. Additionally, Scrabble is a great mental exercise that helps improve cognitive skills. It can enhance critical thinking abilities and boost memory and concentration. Moreover, Scrabble is a social game that promotes interaction and bonding. Playing with friends not only provides an opportunity for quality time together but also encourages healthy competition and friendly banter. It can be a fun way to connect with others and create lasting memories.

For more information, please contact Lorraine Tobin or the Administration Office.

Gateway Women’s Club

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

offer. Brian and Tricia explained how the shelter offers adoption programs and so much more.

The Club at Gateway recently added cribbage to our activities list. Gordy Olson will be the point of contact (or our Administion Office). Members are welcome to join us on Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Fazio Room. This is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It offers a perfect balance of luck and skill, making it accessible to beginners while still challenging enough for experienced players.

Golf Tournament

A Labor Day golf tournament followed by a barbeque buffet at The Club at Gateway was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation. The tournament brought together golfers of all skill levels, creating a friendly and competitive atmosphere.

After the tournament, the club hosted a barbeque buffet. The buffet featured our famous salad bar, house-smoked specialties, and a variety of desserts. This was a great way to socialize with friends and unwind after golf. Many players and families chose to end their day with a cold beverage by the pool.

Below are the winners in each flight:

Flight 1: Kevin Callans, Greg Moore, Matt DenBoer, and Shane Basso

on donations, grants, bequests and fundraising events. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations are tax deductible.

Gateway Women’s Club welcomed speakers Brian Wierima, Tricia Boone, and Grady from the Gulf Coast Humane Society to the recent meeting. Grady is the four-legged furry ambassador representing the nearly 3,000 animals in need of compassion and care given annually by this nonprofit, no-kill, 501(c) (3) shelter. While Grady (a Black Mouth Cur hound mix) stole the hearts of the ladies in attendance, Brian (community relations coordinator) highlighted some of the many services they

The Cell Dog Program works in conjunction with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Dogs are teamed up with qualifying inmates. The dogs are trained in how to live in a loving home while the convicts learn responsibility for another life. At graduation, all leave with a sense of accomplishment. The dogs then become available for adoption at a near 100 percent success rate of finding forever homes.

Gulf Coast Humane Society Community Relations Coordinator Brian Wierima and Grady

The Senior-to-Senior Program (funded by United Way) holds meet and greets for adults who cannot have permanent pets at home. The love and caring they share, even for a short time, is heartwarming. Children Advocacy Center partners up for the Puppy Program for children. The Foster Program is flexible and works on an individual basis.

Gulf Coast Humane Society does not receive any federal, state or county funding or monies from the Humane Society of the United States or ASPCA. They rely solely

It takes approximately $14,000 a day to operate Gulf Coast Humane Society. That’s on a typical day, however, exceptions happen often. Brian explained four puppies just came in. Two of the puppies had parvo. It is treatable, but an expensive procedure averaging about $6,000 per dog. Once cured, the dogs are fine. Parvo is not a chronic disease. For such occasions, they rely on the Second Chance fund. Brian explained the shelter has had about 1,800 adoptions this year. Their mission statement is to care for companion pets’ needs by offering safe refuge, provide medical care and facilitate adoptions. “That’s what we do,” Brian concluded.

For more information about Gulf Coast Humane Society, call (239) 332-0364 or go to www. GulfCoastHumaneSociety.org.

Dining Out

Gateway Women’s Club enjoyed exceptional fine Italian dining at Mastello Ristorante and Steakhouse.

The stylish Fort Myers restaurant rolled out the red carpet for GWC and guests with its excellent and attentive service, and superbly crafted, mouthwatering appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Randy and Eleanor Stuart

Selections included beef carpaccio, shrimp cocktail, calamari, salmon, seafood risotto with lobster, chicken marsala, chicken saltimbocca, filets and cowboy cut ribeye. Mastello’s owner Antonio Cacciatore stopped by the GWC tables to chat and to ensure a perfect dining experience. Several members and guests said Mastello’s is their new favorite Fort Myers restaurant, and many said that they plan to return to Mastello’s soon. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all!

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co-owner/manager Antonio

and

Production Director J. Reid

Department

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Margo Williams • Joe Yapello

Bonnie Yapello • Becky Pruitt Director Of Mailing Operations Selina Koehler

Production Manager Lee Nostrant www.seabreezecommunications.com

Gateway Women’s Club on page 4

Kent and Trish Gastineau, Art and Glenda Ziegler

Gary Brown, Nancy Van Horn, Mary Anderson, Kathy and Jeff Fabisiak, Carol Brown

Pam Durrett, Dave Ruth, Joanie and Ray Fadool

Debra Roggow, Louis Smith, Mark Roberts, Susan Roberts

Mastello’s

Cacciatore, with Russell

Maryann Schmidt, Ken and Dorothy Freda

Book Club

The Gateway Women’s Book Club will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. The hostess will be Connie Roessler with Becky Stover as her cohostess. Please R.S.V.P. to Connie if you plan on attending. Her contact information is in the GWC Directory. The featured book is The Girl In His Shadow by Audrey Blake. The story takes place in London in 1845. Raised by the eccentric surgeon Dr. Horace Croft after losing her parents to a deadly pandemic, the orphan Nora Beady knows little about conventional life. While other young ladies were raised to busy themselves with needlework and watercolors, Nora was trained to perfect her suturing and anatomical illustrations of dissections. An unforgettable historical fiction novel about one woman who believed in scientific medicine before the world believed in her.

Sit And Stitch

The November meeting will be hosted by Prudi Fournier on Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. Please contact her via email or phone if you plan to attend. The group includes many GWC members who are working on a variety of stitching projects. The following projects are ongoing for group members who want to participate: lap blankets, shawls, and hats for Hospice. The ladies also create scarves for Valentine’s Day for students attending college who were in the foster care system. Any GWC member who enjoys sharing her skills is welcome and the group encourages new project ideas. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Laurel Borgia at the number in the GWC Directory for more detailed information.

From The Desk Of Sheriff

Carmine Marceno

Pedestrian Safety

Our county is growing and, with that growth comes an increase in the number of vehicles, more pedestrians, additional cyclists, and construction to alter, repair and improve roadways.

All of the aforementioned variables are capable of compromising pedestrian safety … especially for children walking to and from school and/or bus stops. As part of my “Safe Kids, Safe Schools” initiative, a safe walk to school, and back home later in the day, is a nonnegotiable component.

Everyone is seemingly rushing to get somewhere … school, work, appointments. All too many of us have our eyes focused on our cellular devices, have headphones/ earphones and are simply not paying appropriate attention to all that is occurring around them.

While most reading this message are adults, we believe that our many years of street crossing and neighborhood walking makes us immune to these types of accidents.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Let’s begin by remaining alert. If there is no sidewalk, please walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Walk as far from the roadway as possible and reasonable.

Stop signs and red lights do not guarantee that a vehicle will stop. Do not assume that a vehicle will abide by traffic laws/signs. Attempt to make eye contact with the driver and, in an abundance of safety, always yield to oncoming vehicles.

Exit vehicles, whenever possible, from the passenger side.

Pedestrians and cyclists should exercise additional caution in areas of road construction as traffic patterns change during the course of the construction and drivers may become confused or disoriented.

Crossing major roadways can be perilous. Vehicles are moving at higher speeds, may have blind spots created by large trucks and, when turning, may not see a pedestrian jutting out from behind a parked vehicle or landscaping. These hazards increase exponentially during the dark of night.

Time spent discussing these matters with school-aged children is time well spent. While they may feel insulted when you broach this subject as they are “grown up” and “know how to cross a street,” please remind them that even adults are susceptible to these sorts of tragedies.

“Season” will soon be upon us; more people, more vehicles, more congestion. Let’s all be alert and cautious as we approach the holiday season.

Gateway Gals On The Go

The Gateway Gals on the Go had a blast at their recent adventure at the Escape Room. The group had three teams go into three different puzzles and try to solve them in an hour’s time. The puzzles that were picked were: Diamond Heist – the team solved their puzzle, The Mysterious Disappearance of McGregor the Magnificent – the team came close to solving their puzzle, and Brandon’s Totally Tubular Bedroom – the team solved their puzzle. This was a new endeavor for the group, and it has been requested that they do it again.

Club At Gateway from page 1

Flight 2: Juan Iglesias, Juan Iglesias II, Mike Nowak, and Rick Luna

Flight 3: Sean Bunger, Carol Gant, Sandy McVeigh, and Lauren Suzic

Flight 4: Chris Broder, Ron Long, Marc Courcy, and Vanessa Courcy

Tennis Center

The newly renovated Gateway Tennis Center would like to welcome back our seasonal members and invite you to come see the changes to our six Har-Tru lighted clay court facility.

This season we are excited to have 10 Lee County Women’s Tennis League (LCWTL) teams, 3.5 ladies, 6.5 ladies combo and 8.0 mixed USTA teams. The photo is our first home match of the season. The gentlemen also have a 55-plus Red A (4.0 and higher) along with a 70-plus 4.0 team. If you are interested in joining a team, contact me at (707) 337-3193.

After-school junior clinics are in full swing and are designed for all levels and ages 5 to 17. Led by USPTA professional Jason Sallin, our red, green and yellow ball programs make learning a game for a lifetime easier than ever before. Open to nonmembers for only $17 per hour. If interested, please contact Jason at (442) 666-5057.

Charitable Giving Committee

The Charitable Giving Committee hosted a bingo night on Oct. 24 to raise money for Eva’s Closet. The night was filled with spooky music, Halloween costumes, scary decorations, and people were having a great time. Thank you to Mindy LaCroix for donating the wine for the event. Individuals received two tickets that were distributed with their bingo packages. Thank you, Janet Dachuk, for making the bingo tumblers that were raffled off during the event. There were plenty of winners in the bingo games and a lot of door prizes were given away! Fun was had by all participants.

Bridge

Bridge 101 will meet Tuesday, Nov. 7 and 21 at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. Please contact Susie Kravetz by phone or email, (information in the directory) to let her know if you are attending. We welcome anyone who wants to learn bridge or enjoys playing bridge.

For those adults that are new to tennis or haven’t picked up a racquet in a while, our Rusty Racquets class on Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. is a great way to start your weekend. The more advanced player can get a great workout and hit a variety of shots in our Cardio Class from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. This fun, upbeat drill with music is only $17 per class for nonmembers. Rick’s Tennis Tips … Paralysis By Analysis?

Is too much going on in your head while trying to execute the shot? If you’re thinking about your grip, foot position, balance, or where you should be aiming, then you end up with paralysis by analysis. Solve this age-old problem with a plan before the point starts. Utilize early preparation and quick decision-making (as soon as the ball leaves your opponent’s racquet) to provide more time to be calm and relaxed for better play. Repetition in practice will build these fundamentals and faster problem-solving skills. Hope this helps, and we’ll see you on the courts!

The

Mary Anderson, Elsie Rivard, Michelle Karnes, Lorraine Tobin and Susan Kite

Rear: Susan Roberts, Charlotte Stewart, Michele Karnes, Barb Lutz, Susan Kite, Mary Karas. Front: Lorraine Tobin, Mary Anderson, Nancy Van Horn, Janet Comerford, Judy Hammond, Nancy Shapiro, Elsie Rivard

Susan Roberts, Janet Comerford, Barb Lutz, Nancy Shapiro, Mary Karas

Charlotte Stewart, Lauren Whitman, Nancy Van Horn and Judy Hammond

Dear friend,

“I Just Don’t Believe That…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Benefit from a Unique Offer…When you bring in this article, you will receive a FREE CONSULTATION with me to determine whether you are a good candidate for our Non-Surgical Knee or Shoulder Operation. If you’re being seen for Neuropathy we will take a thermal image of your feet at no charge to you. This will give me enough information to know whether I can help you. Once we determine you’re a good candidate and you feel comfortable in my clinic the complete examination is only $197. That’s it, for the entire neurological examination & report of findings. This examination & report could cost you over $500 elsewhere. But, please call right away because this offer expires on November 30, 2023, and I don’t want you to miss

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

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

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

My office is called Active Health Brain & Body and it is located at 6710 Winkler Road, Suite #1. It’s the gray Key West-style building at the corner of Cypress Lake Drive and Winkler Road behind the Bank of America. The phone number is 239482-8686. Please call my wonderful assistants Megan or Silvia today to make an appointment.

I wish you the Very Best in Health and Life!

Dr. Rob Davis, DC

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

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

Al on my TV program telling his story of how he avoided a total knee replacement surgery.

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

Joyce is all smiles at her one year checkup. No more neuropathy!

Hampton ParkFairCraft

OPEN TO ALL!

SATURDAY, NOV. 4, 2023

9AM-2PM

@ HP AMENITY CENTER

10300 GATEWAY LAKES BLVD.

Whispers Of God

Grace Space

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

So, I was heading out for work the other day when I noticed a service van two doors down that said “LintOut” with a phone number. I’d been meaning to call a service company to clean out our dryer vent, which was waaay overdue, so I pulled over to take a picture of the name and number. But just then, the two service techs were coming out of my neighbor’s home to load up, and when I asked, they said they could do my dryer vent right then because it would just take 15 minutes. Yeah! They were quick and savvy, so when they finished I just had to ask: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad was my blockage?” Very gently, they replied: “Actually, about 9.5 … or maybe 9.9, dude.” Wow. There was little to no space for Fire hazard. Whew!

issues came up at work. You know the feeling. Your mind

starts spinning, your breathing gets shallow, muscles tighten, jaw clenches, and eyebrows get furrowed as you think through a host of options and possible impacts. In short, we get clogged up. And if we don’t deal with these reflexive responses to people or problems that stress us out, that clog can get bigger, harder and even dangerous as the years roll by. We need to get it cleaned out. We need to get and grant “grace space.”

Grace is one of the most powerful and supernatural forces in both the visible and invisible world. It is that rare Godgiven attitude and act of being loving, kind, patient, and forgiving of the people that have and may still be hurting us. Like Jesus does when we hurt Him. But that is not our natural reflex. Our reflex is typically getting clogged up with anger, frustration, exasperation, accusation, revenge, and bitterness. And this will burn us up if we do not cultivate the humble art and reflex of receiving God’s grace space, and then channel that grace space to others.

Grace space to be venting anguish.

Grace space to be totally disoriented.

Grace space to have bad days.

Grace space to have blind spots.

Grace space for so much more.

Yes, this can be hard to cultivate and do, but here’s a thought that might help.

We … need that same grace space from others for every one of those things as well. It’s a two-way street, my friend. Always.

The Lord has a way of reminding me of that when I start clogging up about someone or something. And because He is indeed a God of amazing grace, He can clean out all of us on the spot, though sometimes gradually, to create plenty of grace space in our hearts to settle down and take a deep breath or two … so that we can also grant that grace space for others. Listen for those whispers from above, my friend. Life is too short to stay clogged up. Plus, Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up.

Let’s give each other grace space.

Getting unclogged with you, Pastor Mark Articles, videos and podcasts: markpg.org. Write and share at mark@quillpress.org. Hear me every Saturday,

Fair At Fenway

Nov. 3 To 19 – JetBlue Park

The Fair at Fenway is coming to JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, 11500

Daniels Parkway, with all of our entertainment. See live performances daily. All shows at the Fair at Fenway South are free with admission and include Flying Pages High Flying Thrill Show; Dynamo Dogs; Magic of Lance Gifford; World Famous Racing Pigs; Las Vegas Hypnosis Show; Wolves of the World Show; Barnyard Petting Corral; and Pony Rides (this is an extra ticketed attraction and is not included with fair admission).

Aside from our amazing acts, the Fair at Fenway South also has one of the largest carnival midways in the area filled with exciting rides, fun games, and delicious fair foods! Thrill Rides

Rock Star; Starship 4000; Streetfighter 360; Super Cyclone Coaster; Typhoon; and Vertigo.

Family Rides

Puppy Roll; Bumper Cars; Carousel; Giant Wheel; Magic Maze; Sizzler; Superslide; and Wacky Shack. Kiddie Rides

Bumblebee; Farm Tractors; Granny Bugs; Happy Swings; Mini Dumbos; Swamp Gator; and Umbrella 4x4.

Note: Ride ticket amounts, rider restrictions, and event specials, hours, and general information is subject to change without notice.

Fair Admission: $6 per person with 2-for-1 coupon before 7 p.m., $12 per person. Children ages 2 and under free. Admission to the fair and unlimited ride tickets are available online now for $35. Last ticket sold one hour before closing.

Admission And Ride Wristband: Admission to the fair and unlimited rides. $35 online. (Save $5.) Available online through 7 p.m. during fair hours.

Family Four-Packs: Include four admissions and four Pay One Price ride bracelets. Only $135 online. (Save $25.) Available during the weekend.

Amusement Rides

Unlimited Ride Wristbands: Available for $30 at the fair. Discounted combo tickets (admission and unlimited rides) and family four-packs (admission and unlimited rides for four) are offered online.

Individual Ride Tickets: Individual ride tickets may be purchased at the fair. Rides take multiple tickets. Individual ride ticket pricing is as follows: 4 tickets for $5; 25 tickets for $25 (save $6.50); 55 tickets for $50 (save $18.75).

For more information please visit our website at www. fairatfenway.com.

2023 Festival Of Trees

Thursday, Nov. 30 Through Sunday, Dec. 3

The 17th Annual Festival of Trees returns to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC)! Experience the beautiful trees decorated by local business to raise money for Goodwill of Southwest Florida and SBDAC. See these gorgeous creations beginning for just $2 per person, beginning on Nov. 30. View trees, vote, and buy raffle tickets to win a tree!

Raffle tickets: $10; 3 for $25; 10 for $50; 25 for $100. Festival Of Trees Viewing Times

Thursday, Nov. 30 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 1 – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 2 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 3 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2023 Festival Of Trees Event Information

Preview Party: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6 To 8 p.m.

Come be one of the first to see the beautifully decorated trees for the 17th Annual Festival of Trees! You are cordially invited to attend the official Festival of Trees Preview Party on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Delectable hors d’oeuvres will be served alongside a cash bar. Check out all the goodies under the trees and pick your favorite while enjoying cheery holiday music! Only $50 per person! Love the trees and all the presents beneath them? You can’t buy one, but you can try to win one! The first of the raffle tickets will be available to purchase during the Preview Party! Also come for the one night only silent auction! Winners take their prizes home at the end of the evening. Proceeds go toward programs for SBDAC and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.

Wine And Paint: Thursday, Nov. 30, 6 To 9 p.m.

’Tis the season to get creative with one of our favorite local artists, Dharma Lefevre! This talented and quirky elf is going to show you how to create a gorgeous wintery landscape in acrylic. This is not like other paint parties. Dharma will be teaching color theory, how to translate

landscapes and simplify what you see to produce scenery with depth and soul!

Dharma is a self-taught local artist; she has had various solo, and group shows and has worked on both charity and live painting for local events … and did we mention she’s a ton of fun! She can’t wait to create alongside of you!

Each artist will be supplied with canvas, paint, paint brushes, and of course … wine.

Tickets: $45

Wreath Lighting Featuring Rosaline: Friday, Dec. 1, 6 To 10 p.m.

Another beautiful holiday tradition bringing Christmas to the River District.

At 7 p.m. join the mayor and Santa as they lead the stroll down First Street to the Art Center to light the giant wreath and pick the winner of the Mayor’s Choice tree at the festival. Rosaline will be playing from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and is a free concert. Some chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Santa’s Block Party: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. To 2 p.m.

Join Santa for fun, food, and holiday festivities! Santa’s Block Party offers workshops including many fun holiday activities for children to enjoy with cookie decorating, a train ride, and many different kinds of arts and crafts. Kids Workshop bags will be available to purchase during the event. $6 a bag. Several different performances will be happening throughout the day. Touch a Firetruck and hang out with the Fort Myers Fire Department’s mascot, Sparky the Dog! Scoops on First will have their amazing ice cream available for purchase.

Catch A Live Band (To Be Determined): Saturday, Dec. 2, 7:30 To 9:30 p.m.

Come enjoy the free concert on the front steps!

Tree Raffle Drawing: Sunday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation, 5100 Tice St., Fort Myers, FL 33905, and the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center.

Winner selection to be held via random drawing on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Each Festival of Trees raffle winner will receive one of the fully decorated raffle trees, each valued at a minimum of $500.

Each prize tree will have a separate raffle entry box which corresponds to that prize tree only. Prize selection is determined by the ticket holder by depositing entry ticket in the selected tree’s entry box. Prize selection cannot be changed once raffle entry ticket has been deposited. Prizes are provided by the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation and in-kind tree sponsors.

ArtFest Fort Myers High School Art Competition – Art Under 20

The ArtFest Fort Myers

Art Under 20

competition allows high school students to showcase their artwork to thousands of art festival attendees while vying for cash prizes. Over the past 21 years, more than 5,000 students from all Lee County high schools have collectively earned $163,000 in prize money.

All high school students in Lee County, including those from public, private, and homeschooling backgrounds, are cordially invited to participate in Art Under 20. Submissions are accepted in seven categories: digital, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, 3-dimensional, and art created using recycled materials.

Awards include best of show, first, second, and third place within each category, and numerous other named distinctions, including the Equity Award for artwork that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

ArtFest Fort Myers Board Chair Kristin Woolam has been cochairwoman for 23 years and shares the belief held by Art Under 20 Sponsor Suncoast Credit Union that “When the arts are an active and vibrant part of a community, everyone benefits. Students and the larger community, in particular, gain exposure to the arts through Art Under 20.”

Art Under 20 was established as a testament to ArtFest’s enduring conviction that the arts are fundamental to the education of our youth. The arts impart invaluable lessons to students that are pivotal for success in an ever-evolving economy. They teach children multiple approaches to problem-solving and reinforce the idea that any challenge can have various solutions. Abundant research underscores the impressive benefits of arts in education, encouraging students to stay in school, excel academically, thrive in life, and prosper in their careers. Individuals and organizations committed to supporting artistic opportunities for our youth can contribute to Art Under 20 in various ways. Options include:

• Creating additional award categories.

• Providing scholarship funds for winners.

• Making monetary donations.

• Hosting art-related experiences for participants. To learn more, please get in touch with ArtFest Fort Myers.

Art Under 20 Entry Forms and additional information can be obtained through art departments at all Lee County high schools, counselors at most after-school programs in Lee County that cater to high school students, or by visiting https://artfestfortmyers.com/au20/. Entries are being accepted, with the submission deadline set for Dec. 8.

Did You Know?

Youth who engage in the arts are:

• Four times more likely to be acknowledged for academic achievements.

• Three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools.

• Four times more likely to participate in math and science fairs.

• Three times more likely to be recognized for school attendance.

• Two times more likely to read for pleasure.

• Join the discussion! What are your thoughts on the role of the arts in providing a comprehensive education for young people?

*Source: Americans for the Arts

What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?

By Karen M. Maxwell, Horticultural Specialist

On a recent evening, just after sunset, as the crepuscular creatures were venturing out, I walked into the Moonlight Garden to turn off lights that had been left on for a special event. Strolling around, my mind was wandering and suddenly, I was seduced by an intoxicating fragrance that filled the soft dusky air.

In our Moonlight Garden, there are no less than six varieties of gardenias – one actually belongs to the tribe gardenia, meaning it’s not a true gardenia by botanical definition, but more on that later. Gardenias are included in the plant family Rubiaceae, which also includes coffee, pentas and quinine. Taxonomically speaking, the common gardenia is Gardenia jasminoides where the species epithet means jasmine-like. In some literature, Gardenia jasminoides is synonymous with Gardenia florida (meaning many flowers, not our state); and Gardenia augusta The genus name honors Alexander Garden (1730 to 1791) who was a Scottish physician, a naturalist, a resident of Charleston, S.C., and a correspondent of Linnaeus, the father of botanical classification. Commonly, gardenias are also referred to as cape jasmine in some parts of the world.

Most species of gardenias originated in the eastern hemisphere. As early as the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960 to 1279) the Chinese were cultivating gardenias which made their way to South Africa and onto England as early as 1760, and shortly thereafter arrived on the shores of the soon to be United States.

Since then, nothing speaks of Southern charm and culture in flowers as does the gardenia. My Florida horticulture hero, Henry Nehrling (who was employed by the Edisons in Fort Myers in 1928), wrote in 1925, “Camellia, rose and gardenia were the most fashionable flowers of the antebellum days the glorious fragrance [of the gardenia] … and pure white color – another point in its favor …”

The architect Hal Walker, who designed Edison’s study and the swimming pool complex, also designed a flower garden for Mrs. Edison dated 1928 for the areas between the houses and outside of the pergola which included gardenias. Historic inventories list G. augusta, specifically “August Beauty” on site during the years 1930 to 1936.

Oh, that fragrance … oh yes, that is why we must grow a beautiful gardenia in our garden. With more than 200 varieties ranging from dwarfs that grow only 2 feet tall, to gardenia standards (small trees) reaching to 12 feet, such as those that anchor both ends of the eastern path through the Moonlight Garden, we will share the formula for success here in Southwest Florida.

Gardenia flowers are waxy, and they all open as a white flower – some a bright white, while others have flowers that fade to off-white or pale yellow or orange. Yes, orange. Gardenia flowers may be single or double, clustered or solitary. All are fragrant. These are slow-growing plants with a life span of approximately 20 years.

In Southwest Florida, the most popular variety is “Miami Supreme” followed by “Aimee” which offers larger, but later blooms. Gardenias are susceptible to the root-knot nematodes in our sandy soil, so the University of Florida recommends purchasing a gardenia that has been grafted onto Gardenia thunbergia rootstock resulting in a more vigorous gardenia shrub. The limiting factor of these grafted gardenias is that they are not cold-hardy and will die below 28 degrees, where ungrafted gardenias can grow as far north as zone 7B. Such is our lot as a Southwest Florida gardener – but when one considers that we have managed to survive without the ability to grow camellias, we should be happy we have the opportunity to grow a lovely gardenia. (For those left wondering, Gardenia thunbergia is native to Zimbabwe, where it is known as the wild gardenia, and it is used by the Karanga of Zimbabwe to ward off witchcraft. It has an intense, almost overpowering scent.)

A noted college friend and neighbor of the Edisons, James Hendry who owned and operated the Everglades Nursery, which was located just up the road on McGregor Boulevard, is credited with being the first nurseryman to graft Gardenia veitchi with

Gardenia thunbergia and according to a News-Press article dated May 5, 1975, was the granddaddy of our grafted gardenias. Gardenia lovers are encouraged to limit their garden to one or two plants as these shrubs are as attractive to insects as they are to humans. For this particular reason, while they do grow well in pots, we don’t recommend them as houseplants. Should you observe sooty mold, a black powdery-like substance, on gardenia leaves, closer inspection will most likely reveal ants marching up and down its stems. They are after the honeydew of the insects, and it is a call to action. During times of extended dry periods is when this would typically occur.

Gardenias thrive in well-drained organic, acidic soils, with a pH range of 5.0-6.5, similar to the preference of azaleas and camellias. Soil in Southwest Florida tends to be alkaline (higher than 7.0), so we must make a few adjustments to keep our gardenias in top form.

Begin by planting the gardenia in a mound, higher than the surrounding garden area, and be sure to keep the flare (where the bottom of the trunk meets the roots or graft) above the soil line. Keep an eye on this after the first year, as often they will sink as the disturbed soil settles from rainy season. (This is good advice for planting most trees, by the way.) Most importantly, plant your gardenia where you will be able to enjoy its fragrance and, like roses, they appreciate very good air circulation.

They will thrive with some afternoon shade from the hottest of summer sun, but they can endure full sun with appropriate watering. Gardenias are not at all salt tolerant and will show their disdain if briny reclaimed water, household softened water, etc., is applied. Do keep them moist and apply a nice 4-inch layer of good organic mulch over their roots.

Maintain a good feeding regime of a quality fertilizer with minors (the other trace elements of a complete fertilizer) formulated for acid-loving plants, two to three times a year – February and October and if the leaves are showing signs of deficiency, also feed in June and again in August. Our alkaline soil block acid-loving plants from accessing iron, magnesium and nitrogen from the soil. The telltale signs of these deficiencies are: If the leaves have yellowing between the veins, it is iron deficient; if the leaves are yellowing from the outer margins inward, the plant is magnesium deficient; if all of the leaves are yellowing, it is nitrogen deficient. Solutions are as follows: Purchase fertilizer for acid-loving plants – the fertilizer should be complete and include ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, iron sulfate and sulphur-coated urea.

In the absence of the correct fertilizer, the gardener can add dry coffee grounds to the soil or one tablespoon of Epsom salt mixed with one gallon of water, once a month;

or apply one tablespoon of vinegar to one gallon of water, once every three months.

When to prune is a common question. Give only a minimal pruning to maintain desired shape and vigor after the plant has completed its blooming cycle. If pruning is done after Oct. 1, the number of blooms the following spring will be greatly diminished.

Should bud-drop start to occur, it could be from natural causes such as an extended dry and hot spell, or very cool weather. Inadequate drainage or too much fertilizer will also lead to the loss of buds.

In addition to Gardenia jasminoides , visitors to our Moonlight Garden can also view several other varieties, including Gardenia nitida native to West Central Africa. It is a shrub that can grow to 12 feet. The single flowers have long tubular throats for pollination by hawkmoths. G. nitida is unusual in that it will develop lots of flowers in one day, and they are all gone the next and it will repeat this bloom pattern several times a year. Gardenia nitida was first identified by William J. Hooker, the first director of Kew Gardens in England.

As one enters the Moonlight Garden from the northwest (and original) entrance, there is Gardenia taitensis “Heaven Scent” on the left (they also flank the riverside entrance to Ford’s cottage). Neither native to nor naturalized in Tahiti, the name is misleading. However, it is now the national flower of French Polynesia and the Cook Island. It grows up to 8 feet with glossy, deep green leaves. The flowers are used to make perfume oil by infusing them in coconut oil.

Speaking of misnomers, the Vietnamese gardenia is neither from Vietnam, nor a true gardenia in that its seed pod has grooves, unlike true gardenias, but botanists do classify this Kailarsenia in the tribe gardenia. This closely related plant otherwise looks and smells like a single flower gardenia and it tolerates very moist soils, is highly resistant to root-knot nematodes and is free flowering year-round. It is most fragrant in the early evening.

With a flower structure similar to G. nitida, don’t miss Gardenia tubifera, or golden gardenia, located along the pathway to the caretaker’s house along the eastern side of the Moonlight Garden – it is tucked in between the Tabernaemontanas, which are often mistaken for gardenias. An easy way to tell the difference is the lack of strong fragrance, and all of the Tabernaemontana have milky latex oozing from their stems. To add to the confusion, these gardenias look-a-likes are often referred to as crepe (or crape) jasmines and remember cape jasmine is a common name for gardenias. So, the next time you visit the Moonlight Garden, please stop to smell the gardenias!

Fort Myers Camera Club

Resumes Bimonthly Meetings

Submitted by Carol Heffernan

Photographers at all levels of ability throughout Lee County are invited to the regular bimonthly meetings of the Fort Myers Camera Club. Meetings are held the first and third Wednesday each month (from Nov. 1 to April 3) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Meetings are held at the All Faiths Church, 2736 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Annual dues for

membership are $30. are welcome and mentoring is available. Various speakers at the meetings cover topics such as critiquing, competition and instruction. See the ftmyerscc. com website or email carolheff23@gmail. com for additional information about the camera club.