The Club At Gateway
Gateway Girlfriends
Bringing Women Together Through A Variety Of Engaging Activities
Members (ladies) of The Club at Gateway are invited to join the Gateway Girlfriends. These ladies enjoy going on fun excursions throughout Southwest Florida and beyond. Each month they:
• Host parlor games at the clubhouse.
• Go to a movie.
• Have a gathering at the clubhouse (usually a happy hour).
• Prepare a meal for the Ronald McDonald House. Plus, many other fun outings, like canoeing, horseback riding, lectures, plays, shopping and tours. There is something for everyone. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Robin Connolly at rconnoll123@gmail.com. The photo below was taken at the last movie night.
Naples Historic Palm Cottage
The Gateway Girlfriends (pictured below) enjoyed an afternoon at the Naples Historic Palm Cottage. The Palm Cottage is the oldest house in Naples (built in 1895), and was constructed of tabby mortar, a hand-made concrete consisting of sand, shells and water. This two-story house was built by one of Naples’ founding residents, Walter N. Haldeman, and boasts 3,500 square feet of original and donated artwork, furnishings and tools spanning back to 1895. Palm Cottage is listed as a landmark in the National Register of Historic Places
Gateway Women’s Club
By Janice Eaton, Laurel Borgia, Marianne Kollasch and Donna Marchetti
Gateway Women’s Club Welcomes Lee County Sheriff Officers
By Stephanie Mena
Members of the Lee County Police Department were called to a recent meeting of the Gateway Women’s Club. Program Coordinator Tony Schall and Capt. William Murphy Jr. were on hand to showcase the Citizens Academy Community Response Unit. The CRU is a 12-week program that offers regular citizens a unique opportunity to experience some of the inside workings of the department. Sheriff Carmine Marceno has said, “The Citizens Academy is a great way to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and members of our community.”
Schall worked 18 years in TV in several slots including news reporter, anchor, sports anchor, photographer, and weathercaster throughout the Midwest as well as Florida’s
NBC-2 and WINK. His career also led him to become Public Information Officer for the State’s Attorney Office and then 12 years at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Currently, he coordinates the Citizens Academy as well as the Do the Right Thing monthly ceremonies for students.
Capt. Murphy explained the Academy is a 12-week series of classes held on Tuesday evening from 6 to 9:15 p.m. The program is free, but the class sizes are limited. Participants are urged to make a commitment to attend every class. The classes are presented by trained and experienced certified and civilian law enforcement personnel. Some of the curriculum highlights include Aviation Unit tour, hands-on firearms training, crime scene demonstration, K-9 Unit, 911 Center, SWAT, traffic laws and enforcement, jail tour, bomb squad demo and so much more.
The eligibility standards are: Applicants must be a minimum 18 years old, a resident or business person located within Lee County with no felony convictions. Applicants must pass a background check. Class sizes are limited. You can apply in person or online to tschall@sheriffleefl.org, or by mail to Tony Schall, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Upon completion, participants may elect to volunteer in their area of interest.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theater
A group sponsored by Gateway Women’s Club recently attended a performance of Mary Poppins at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater which was an enchanting mixture of
Mary Poppins
Golf Tip From Gyles …
Short Game Decisions And Course Conditions
As we all know, summer golf in Florida is a bit different as the course conditions become softer and the greens become slower. Understanding the conditions can help you determine the best shot to hit. For chips or pitches, it is important to know if you are into the grain or down grain. Down grain chips typically come out lower and “hotter.” When you are chipping into the grain, these typically come out higher and “softer.”
First, let’s understand the leading edge of the wedge and bounce. The bounce of the club (sole of the club) is meant to create less turf interaction and more ball contact. The leading edge often enters the ground first, which causes chunks into the grain. Being conscious of your situation will greatly help your shot execution.
When chipping into the grain, it is best to use a club with less loft – use the bounce. Down-grain shots are best played with more loft – use the leading edge.
When needing to use the bounce, keep your hands above the club head (no forward press). When needing to use the leading edge, keep your hands ahead of the club head (forward press).
When planning your shot, determine how much green you have to “work with.” Getting the ball on the ground and rolling like a putt is always the most consistent. Most shots do not call for a lob wedge or a sand wedge (unless you have minimal green to work with). Get comfortable using lower-lofted clubs (9-iron or 8-iron) and notice your contact improve. Making solid contact on chips and pitches is the No. 1 goal.
Pickleball At The Club At Gateway
I love being outside, especially during warm days. The sunshine, mixed with a light breeze, makes it a great day for active activities. However, you won’t find me running along the river or hiking a marathon. Instead, you might find me at the Gateway pickleball courts.
If you want to learn a new sport and have fun while playing it, pickleball is the way to go. It is the fastestgrowing sport in the country and shows no signs of slowing down.
If you like tennis, badminton or ping pong, then pickleball might be the right sport for you with the game being fastpaced and incorporating rules and strategies from each.
I started playing pickleball with my mom in the summer of 2020 just to be active and have something new and fun to do. I didn’t know if I would enjoy it, and I didn’t want to go at first. As soon as I started playing, though, I was hooked –so much so that I became a certified pickleball professional in 2021.
One of the best parts of playing pickleball is that you can control how competitive you want the game to be. Of course, we all want to win, but more importantly, pickleball is social and so much fun. You also aren’t on a time limit; I have played pickleball games that lasted 30 minutes and up to two hours.
I appreciate that this sport keeps me active in an enjoyable way. Focusing on your well-being is great, and it’s important to improve your fitness to stay healthy. Playing pickleball will allow you to be active without having to feel like you are really working at it.
Some days, you may lack the motivation to get outside and do something good for yourself, but if you start playing pickleball, you will be chomping at the bit to exercise while running down that little pickleball.
Sherri Gordon, a writer for Health, acknowledged the benefits of pickleball in a recent article, saying, “Not only is it a fun and social game, but it also provides a host of health benefits. In fact, playing pickleball could help you burn calories, improve blood pressure, enhance heart health and lower your cholesterol. Other potential benefits include improved flexibility, mental health and cognitive skills.”
As a coach, I’ve seen many people struggle with mental health. It’s important to find activities that boost your mood
quickly and allow you to focus on something positive to get rid of negative thoughts. Getting on the court and playing positively will change your focus and bring your competitive edge out in a good way.
Most communities have a place where you can rent paddles and pickleballs, or you can get your own at most sports stores. The rules are simple and easy to learn, plus USA Pickleball lays out the rules clearly and concisely describes each section of the game in depth.
I am excited to continue watching pickleball grow in popularity and catch the interest of younger athletes. Pickleball is for any age, and it helps bring communities together.
Anytime is the perfect time to try pickleball. Who knows? You might get hooked on it, too!
Travis Raque, Director Of Racquet Sports, The Club At Gateway
I want to give a big shout-out to all the parents who brought their children to summer camp at The Club at Gateway. We had a great summer and all the kids made lots of improvements. We hope to see everyone in the fall for our after-school Junior clinics.
Benefits Of Massage Therapy
The Club At Gateway Golf Course Renovation
The golf course project continues to be on time even with the recent excessive rains we received during last month’s storm. So far, we have completed construction on the greens for all 18 holes, all bunker work is finished, and the curbs and cart paths are complete. For the front nine, our maintenance crew has been focused on fertilizing and mowing. Now that the grass is stronger, weed control will be incorporated into daily focus. At the time of writing this article, we have just finished grassing everything on the back nine, and the same process of fertilization, mowing and weed control will follow the same schedule as the front nine. Next, we will continue our efforts at the practice facility. Below are some photos of the process. Most of these images are from early to mid-July. Your beautiful golf course is on it’s way back to lush green grass.
Most people associate massage therapy as a luxury, something you treat yourself to on a vacation. Massage isn’t just a luxury anymore; it should be a part of your wellness plan. If you are over the age of 50 and you are active more than three days a week, you will benefit from regular massage therapy. Whether you are a golfer, tennis player or pickleballer, massage will help improve your swing, loosen tight muscles, and allow for better blood flow and circulation. In addition, massage will help your body’s response to this exercise making your muscles less sore after each bout of exercise. You can also incorporate assisted stretching as part of your massage session to improve full-body flexibility. We offer massage Sunday to Friday by appointment only. Call Jennifer at (239) 770-5590 for information and scheduling.
The Club At Gateway Fitness News
Our pop-up float mediation class has been very well received. One member said she had never been able to meditate
until she tried it. She said it was a totally different and amazing experience. The flow of the water helps quiet the mind.
The Club At Gateway from page 1
Gyles Robin
Travis Raque
Jennifer Cerulli
No. 3 – Fairway and green
Hole No. 4 – Reimagined bunkers
Hole No. 1 – Approach and green
No. 2 – Greens complex with reimagined bunkers
Gateway Women’s Club from page 1
irresistible story, wonderful dance routines, and favorite songs such as Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. What fun. The group’s next Broadway Palm outing will be on Oct. 3 to see the musical Chicago. Sign-up will be available at the next monthly meeting.
Mary Mills
Dining Out
Two years ago in September, Southwest Florida was dealt a huge blow with the devastation and destruction from Hurricane Ian. Like many businesses after Hurricane Ian’s wrath, Restauranteur Andrea Mucciga was forced to close his restaurant located on Captiva Island. Undeterred, Mucciga forged a new path and opened Bellini’s in May 2024 at Cypress Square in Fort Myers. Bellini’s occupies the space of the former Stillwater Grill and was completely transformed. Members and guests of the Gateway Women’s Club were delighted to enjoy dinner and music recently at Bellini’s and showed their support for Chef and Owner Mucciga.
Bellini’s, fittingly named after Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini, entices diners with the taste of Italy and the Mediterranean. Focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients with flavors to savor, Bellini’s provides an unforgettable dining experience. Gateway Women’s Club diners began this culinary adventure with starters of calamari, escargot
and crab cakes. For main entrees the GWC diners enjoyed the delicious and superbly prepared prime rib, pork chops, salmon, scallops and seafood pasta. Dessert was hard to resist, so the GWC members and guests did not pass on tiramisu, crème brulee, Key lime pie, and the evening special of baklava with pistachio ice cream.
Bellini’s offers live entertainment nightly. On this particular evening, Gateway Women’s Club members were entertained by the music of Paul Rozmus. Rozmus had the crowd on its feet dancing to lively music as he played the piano or at other times moved about the room serenading the audience with his flute. The Gateway Women’s Club had a memorable evening embracing the Italian Way – La Dolce Vita, “the sweet life.”
Susan Roberts
Special Events
Every day recognizes something, but did you know that clowns have a whole week dedicated to them? International Clown Week is celebrated every year from Aug. 1 to 7. The Gateway Women’s Club joined the celebration of clowns by attending the Cirque du Soleil Corteo show at Hertz Arena. With its circus-like atmosphere, the show pays tribute to clowns.
Entertaining from beginning to end, the show featured amazing acrobats, tumblers, aerialists, gymnasts, jugglers and dancers. Attendees watched in awe of the athletic prowess of the performers, much like Olympic athletes captivating the audience with their combination of strength, flexibility, and synchronization with one another. The intensity of the athletic performances was balanced with the show’s lighthearted story and humorous moments throughout the show.
Susan Roberts
Paul Rozmus, entertainer
Eleanor and Randy Stuart
Maria Beacham and Steve Connolly
Sharon Smith, Bob Roessler, Connie Roessler, Susan Kite
Tom and Jo Iwanski
Steve and Robin Connolly
Anita and Bruce Larson
Arnold and Norma Barr, Arthur and Susie Kravetz, Dorothy and Ken Freda
Claudia and Mark Polzer, Maryann and Russell Schmidt, Alexa Roosa
Jean Martin and Susan Roberts
Mireya Rossi and family
Charlotte Stewart, Claudia Polzer, Norma Barr, Robin Connolly
Frank and Linda Graham, Sharyl and Richard Tutela
Tom and Jo Iwanski, Linda Steele and Jim Brann, Lauren Whitman
Gateway Women’s Club on page 4
Whispers Of God
Honoring Lanes
Dr.
Mark P. Gonzales, Executive Director, Royal Palm Association of Churches, SBC
A couple of weeks ago I was listening to the heart of one of our pastors about a struggle they were having with a staff member and good friend of his who was not coming through for them as well as they thought he would, and how to handle that delicate situation.
Then last week I was visiting my extended family in Austin (with very heavy traffic) and listening to a sister-inlaw’s heart about her staff position in a large church where she was regularly being asked to do things outside of her job description and beyond her part-time status with phrases from her bosses like: “being a team player,” and “all hands on deck.” Another pretty delicate situation, right?
After giving her ample time to share her heart, story and perspective, this is the whisper from above that I found myself sharing with her: “Hmmm, it sounds like some of the staff is forgetting to carefully honor each other’s lanes and limitations.”
I wish you could have seen her eyes light up when she heard that!
Whether it’s an underachieving staff member or an overstepping boss, rather than framing it as feeling victimized, undervalued, taken advantage of, or being
Margo
Miranda Ledbeter
Accounting
Production Manager Lee Nostrant
Elaine
Production Department
Michelle Feeney
demanding or derelict in the duties at hand, it might be healthier to frame it as an issue of different cars in different lanes that need to be honored. If they are not honored, then you’ll have everything from fender-benders to massive pileups on your highway. Sound familiar in any place where you live, work, play, or worship?
The Scripture says that we all have gifts that differ according to the grace given us. You are a unique car, truck, SUV, van, jeep, or motorcycle with your own preferences, capabilities and limitations, as are your bosses, fellow staff, family, friends, neighbors—well, everybody.
In our homes, work, and life, discovering and honoring our own and each other’s vehicle types and lanes is gold!
Sometimes staff can be hired for a fast lane position that may turn out to be beyond their capability or preference. No shame in that. Just delicately help them get into a lane more suited for them. Good for them. Good for everybody else.
Sometimes staff can be asked or required to enter a fast or slow lane that they were not hired to do, nor are they interested in swerving into. That is not refusing to be a “team player.” That is honoring their own lane with their focused attention to drive well, and helping bosses
Consumer Alert
Scammers Impersonate Airline Customer Service Representatives
By Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist
Most people can probably agree that there are few things more frustrating than airline delays or cancellations that leave you stranded at the airport. Whether the issues are the result of an unprecedented event like the Crowdstrike glitch that grounded thousands of flights worldwide, or more common disturbances like weather delays, desperate travelers often turn to social media for help from the airlines. Opportunistic scammers know this, and they’re lurking behind fake accounts trying to steal travelers’ information.
Scammers crawl social media looking for posts from upset travelers. They reach out to them through fake social media accounts and pretend to be an airline customer service representative who’s there to help. The scammers ask passengers for a slew of information, like their booking confirmation number, phone number or bank account. Or they send passengers to a spoofed site that harvests their personal information and use it to steal the passenger’s identity or rack up charges on their accounts.
If you’re dealing with travel troubles, here’s how to avoid getting re-routed to an airline impersonator:
Book Club
The GWC Book Club will gather on Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. to discuss the novel The River We Remember by William Kent Kruger. It is a compelling mystery blended with historical and literary fiction. It begins on Memorial Day 1958 in a small Minnesota town called Jewel, and follows the fallout from the murder of a wealthy landowner.
The hostess will be Patti Heath, along with her cohostess, Lynn Lewis. Connie Roessler will lead the discussion about this murder mystery. Please notify Patti if you plan to attend no later than Sept. 8. Her address and phone number are available in your GWC Directory. Jan Hartzell
Sit And Stitch
The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Laurel Borgia on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. Please contact Laurel if you plan to attend. Her information can be found in the GWC Directory. The group includes many GWC members working on different projects. The members are still working on projects for Hospice and scarves for college-attending students who were in foster care. Any GWC member is welcome to join.
Eleanor Stuart
remember to honor the current drivers in that fast or slow lane to let them do their jobs and/or hire additional drivers for that lane as needed.
And if you see something in another lane and want to help, be very careful if you choose to speak to it, and extremely careful if you venture over there. It is a good thing to want to be helpful for a bit. But remember that well-intended efforts can sometimes cause a crash or two!
Another thought worth remembering. We all have limitations in our unique design that need to be honored. A car dealer mistakenly sold an undersized truck to one of our sons that was not strong enough to pull the recreational vehicle that he showed them. Not good!
Offering a sports car to help transport senior adults to their doctor appointments or kids to summer camp is probably not a good use of that vehicle. Vans, SUVs and busses would be the better choices, right?
And isn’t it amazing how we have a ridiculously small number of car wrecks on our heavily congested roadways? Thousands of vehicles every day. A handful of wrecks every month or two. So, thank you for staying in your lane and being very careful when you cross into others! Not just on the roadways, but wherever we do life with others.
Honoring people’s lanes 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.
• Log in to your airline account and contact customer service through the airline’s official app, website, chat or phone number.
• If you’re at the airport, speak to a customer service representative in person.
• If you reach out through social media, find the airline’s official social media page on their website. Look for a verification symbol or badge. And never give out personal information on social media.
If someone stole your personal information, go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get recovery steps. And report imposters to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Visit FlightRights.gov to learn about the airline passenger protections you are entitled to, or to file a complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT) if an airline is not treating you fairly.
Bridge 101 will meet Sept. 3 and 17 at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. Please contact Susie Kravetz (her information is in the GWC Directory), to let her know if you are attending. The group needs a number count and names of attendees so you can get in the gate. We welcome anyone who plays bridge.
Charitable Giving
In September the Charitable Giving Committee will be collecting items for Eva’s Closet. Jessica has asked for the following items: diapers, baby wipes, shampoo, laundry soap and toiletries.
Save the date! The GWC second annual Bingo event will be held on Oct. 29! Get your costumes ready – it is going to be a fun night of bingo.
As always, the committee collects Dollars for Scholars. This scholarship is given to a student from Gateway High School.
Judy Hammond
Bridge
Laurel Borgia
Gateway Women’s Club from page 3
Catch The Action
September On The Water
By Capt. Bill Russell
September brings some of the best fishing of the year and is often overlooked in Southwest Florida. With school back in session, summer vacations over, and our northern friends out of state, this may be the time you will find the least number of anglers and boats on the water.
With temperatures gradually cooling over the month and thunderstorms tapering off, days become more predictable and enjoyable. Of course, this is the height of hurricane season so that can change suddenly. Fish are more active throughout the day as water temperatures are cooling down ever so slightly.
Snook gradually exit the beaches and Gulf passes where they spend the summer months and begin to transition back inshore. Fish for snook around oyster bars, shorelines, sand holes, and structures such as riprap, docks, piers and bridges. Top water lures are a good choice over the early morning and evening hours. There’s not much better than watching a big lunker snook explode on a top water bait. Live bait is the best bet during daytime hours. A variety including pinfish, pigfish, pilchards, thread herring, small mullet and live shrimp are popular.
We are stepping into the best redfish (red drum) fishing of the year, especially if you like to hunt and target big redfish. Reds begin to travel in schools throughout the inshore waters where it’s possible to cross paths with several hundred in a tight pack herding bait across the flats. Keep an eye open for a disturbance on the water, it almost looks like a boat wake with no boats around to create the wake. The schooling fish are generally traveling a direction parallel to an island or long bar. Once you figure the direction they are heading try to get well ahead of their path as quietly as possible, get in position and get ready. Often, they are moving faster than you think, a couple hundred yards is a good starting point. While schooling they will eat most anything, but it’s in your favor to rig with something you can throw a long distance as they do not always follow your anticipated path. A few baits that come to mind are mid to large top water plugs, spoons, and cut ladyfish or mullet steaks. Most schooling fish measure
27 inches and above. If fishing with live or natural bait, circle hooks are the way to go. Traveling in schools redfish are competing for food and suck down bait pretty quickly. The use of circle hooks reduces the chance of gut-hooking and allows for a healthy release.
Sea trout are moving back into shallower water to feed; this is a great time to work a top water plug across your favorite trout flats. Plenty of sea trout will be caught under the endless schools of baitfish, look for birds and surface activity. Trout fishing gets better, and fish get bigger as the water continues to cool over the month.
Spanish mackerel, sharks, snapper, jack crevalle, bluefish, pompano, permit, tripletail, tarpon, cobia and others are on the list of what we may expect to hook into over the upcoming months.
Inshore mangrove snapper fishing was good through the summer and should continue into September. Snapper school up around some type of structure that could include bridge pilings, docks, piers, oyster bars, creeks, mangroves shorelines, bar edges, or any type of man-made or natural structure. Offshore, they are over artificial reefs and limestone ledges. Scale down your tackle with a light fluorocarbon leader of 20 pounds or lighter and small hooks. Best baits include shrimp (live or dead), small pilchards or pinfish, and a variety of cut baits. Chumming is a great option to attract snapper and get them fired up. Snapper are one of our best tasting fish.
Sharks of all sizes are roaming the inshore and offshore waters. They commonly show up while catching other fish and often take your hooked fish during the fight. Sharks offer a great option for a fun and hard fighting fish. A chunk of fresh meat from a ladyfish, jack crevalle, mullet, or bonito gets their attention. Make sure and use a couple of feet of wire leader, braid or single strand. Tarpon aren’t in the big schools like a few months ago but are around and may appear anywhere inshore and nearshore. Tarpon can be finicky, the best time to hook one is early morning and late afternoon into the night. Offshore, after a hot summer, water temperatures begin dropping bringing fish closer to shore in shallower depths. Plus, pelagic species begin moving down the coast. Gag grouper season reopens in September while red grouper remains closed. American red snapper season has open days on and off through September. Make sure and check current seasons before heading offshore. Artificial reefs that dot our coast, along with hard bottom and ledges in 30- to 70-foot depths are great locations to catch a variety of different fish from small to large.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting www. myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish.
It will not be long before tourist season is upon us with roads and waterways becoming crowded. That’s not the case for September; if you want to spend time fishing or just on the water without a crowd, this is the month. Season will be here soon!
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com, email: gcl2fish@live.com.
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 28 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
Alliance For The Arts
Special Events
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, Directed By Stephanie Davis
Date and Time: Sept. 5 to 7 and 12 to 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 15 at 2 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $27; Nonmember’s price, $32
In 1956, amid fears of Communist attack and homosexual subversion, the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein convenes for its annual Quiche Breakfast in a revamped meeting hall-bomb shelter. As Soviet bombs fall, the Sisters, facing years in the shelter, abandon social conventions and embrace their true lesbian identity. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, a farcical, audience-interactive play, celebrates sisterhood and survival and was a 2012 N.Y. International Fringe Festival sensation.
Members Only – Book Club
Date and Time: Sept. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
What a great time to be an Alliance member! Join fellow Alliance members in the Main Gallery to explore literature – both fiction and nonfiction – revolving around art, artists, art history and art appreciation.
Participate in thoughtful group discussions and expand your appreciation and knowledge of the world of art!
Reading – Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong Exhibitions
Allegories And Illusions By Kathleen Kinkopf (Main Exhibition)
Date: On display until Sept. 28
Kathleen Kinkopf has been creating since she can remember. She grew up in rural Ohio, immersed in nature and a love for horses, where she spent many solitary hours
creating imaginary worlds of her own. This childhood experience continues to influence her other-worldly, magical and dream-like art today.
She earned a BFA at Miami University/Ohio, which led to a successful career as a graphic designer and art director in Dallas. This eventually led to illustration, with reps in Dallas and New York, working with clients across the country. An opportunity took her to Colorado to open a gallery, where she continued her commercial practice. This gave her the chance to represent other artists and exhibit her paintings for the first time. An unexpected move to New Mexico exposed her to breathtaking scenery and native cultures and delivered her to the doorstep of a world-class art destination: Santa Fe. Many opportunities materialized that she only imagined previously. At this juncture, Kathleen committed to painting full-time, placing her work on the world stage.
If you are interested in an oil painting class where you can learn as a beginner or be pushed to the next level as a seasoned artist, Francesco’s class is for you. You will see progress from the first lesson on. Mix colors like a pro or make your compositions better. It’s like a college-level class, only more fun.
Piercing The Veil By Danielle Branchaud (In The Theatre Lobby Gallery)
Date: On display until Sept. 28
The goal of a surrealist is to present a glimpse into new and various worlds that are only accessible in dreams or through the careful and well-practiced art of introspection. The works of Danielle Branchaud are notorious in their depth and intensity when it comes to facing those dimensions. For years she has used her own personal life experience and emotional complexity to create these visions, tapping into sources that have the potential to be both enlightening and devastating. After all, a lifetime is composed of many notes, high and low, and each one is worthy of exploration. This collection of work presents just a fraction of that emotional experience, each painting inviting you to search within yourself for those same universal feelings.
Canadian-born artist Branchaud has lived and worked in Southwest Florida for over 15 years. She specializes in the efficient and intimate use of acrylics, creating conceptual series work and portraits. She has exhibited work throughout the region, with solo exhibitions at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Arts for ACT Gallery, DAAS Gallery and has participated in group exhibitions in Miami and Sarasota. Her working studio can be visited at the Union Artist Studios in Fort Myers. She is also presently working as the curator of exhibitions at Arts Bonita in Bonita Springs.
Contemplating Flowers
By Tania Alves (In The Member Gallery)
Date: On display until Sept. 28
August 16 - September 21
In a blend of suspense and humor, the renowned Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, crafts a captivating murder mystery. At a secluded countryside guesthouse, seven strangers find themselves snowed in. Their predicament takes a chilling turn when a police sergeant arrives on skis, revealing there’s a killer among them. As suspicion mounts, each guest unveils their murky past, adding layers of intrigue to unfolding drama.
September 27 - November 9
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. Hear favorites All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, Roxie and more! Don’t miss the longest-running American musical in Broadway history!
Dates may be subject to change.
Born in Brazil and raised in the USA, the Southwest Floridian artist Tania Alves has been polishing her skills in acrylics and mixed media since 2012. She holds no formal art education but was raised around the arts and did many workshops on how to paint in gesso sculptures, wood surfaces, fabrics, canvas, needlework, musical instruments and dance.
Classes
Instructed Life Drawing – Gestural And Structural Approach To The Figure (18-Plus) Beginner To Pro Level
Date: Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $180; Nonmember’s price, $220
Students both beginning, intermediate, and advanced can learn from Francesco’s excellent teaching methods, knowledge, humor, passion for the human form and all aspects of fine art. Students are fortunate to have an artist of his level as an instructor.
The class is designed for beginner to advanced students. You will see and draw by understanding and personally translating the subject instead of just copying. Francesco’s one-on-one assistance and feedback ensure beginners’ understanding and keep advanced and returning students engaged and challenged.
Painting With Francesco (18-Plus)
Date: Sept. 5, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Reoccurs: Four Thursdays, Sept. 5 to 26
Cost: Member’s price, $180; Nonmember’s price, $220
Francesco taught painting at university and college level before teaching at many art centers. His painting class is designed for beginners to advanced students. Beginners will learn how to handle the medium and how to mix color effectively. Intermediate students will copy old masters, matching colors and brushstrokes. Advanced students will be helped to integrate art history and contemporary art concepts in their personal work.
Francesco’s one-on-one assistance and feedback ensure beginners’ understanding and keep intermediate students engaged and challenged.
Zentangle For The Seasons (Ages 13-Plus)
Date: Sept. 5, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reoccurs: Four Thursdays, Sept. 5 to 26
Cost: Member’s price, $125; Nonmember’s price, $155 Zentangle is an easy-to-learn method of drawing patterns step by step. It is relaxing, gratifying and a great way to exercise the creative side of your brain! Beginning with the basics in the first class, we’ll then create a variety of artworks throughout the month, based on the season.
Beginning Belly Dance (Ages 18-Plus)
Date: Sept. 11, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Reoccurs: Five Wednesdays, Sept. 11 to Oct. 9
Cost: Member’s price, $62; Nonmember’s price, $75
Have fun learning the ancient art and modern styles of this dynamic dance! Belly dancing is a naturally lowimpact activity that improves posture, core strength, flexibility and the mindbody connection. In each progressive series, students will learn more basic moves, steps and rhythms that are applicable to either traditional or tribal styles of belly dancing with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Danse Orientale Award recipient Sherry Coffey! No experience necessary.
Fashion First Sewing Class (All Ages)
Date: Sept. 12, 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.
Reoccurs: Three Thursdays, Sept. 12 to 26
Cost: Member’s price, $120; Nonmember’s price, $150
Learn how to design and sew your own clothes! This class is perfect for anyone interested in fashion and design, whether you’re 10 or 110! Student designers will explore and recreate classic silhouettes with Fashion First, led by professional designer and seamstress Renee Nesbitt-Baird.
Fluid Art Master Class: Triptych
Date: Sept. 14, 12 to 4 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $175; Nonmember’s price, $210 Join Artist/Instructor Tammy DeCaro for this intensive fluid art workshop where you’ll test two techniques on small canvases, test color palettes, and then paint three 15” by 30” canvases.
Alliance For The Arts on page 9
Fort Myers YMCA To Host Annual River Nights Charity Event On Oct. 5
The Fort Myers YMCA is thrilled to announce its Annual River Nights Charity Event, taking place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the historic Burroughs Home and Garden. This elegant evening promises to be a night to remember, featuring an open bar, delectable heavy hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, music and dancing under the stars.
All proceeds from the River Nights Charity Event are dedicated to providing essential services to children and families in our community. These funds will support the Fort Myers YMCA’s scholarship program, ensuring that every child has access to safe, enriching after-school care, summer camp, swim lessons, sports, wellness programs, health education and more, regardless of the ability to pay.
“The Fort Myers YMCA is committed to serving the children and families in our community, providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can learn, grow
and thrive,” said Suzie Starks, Fort Myers YMCA executive director. “Events like River Nights are crucial in helping us raise the necessary funds to continue offering these vital programs and services. We invite everyone to join us for a wonderful evening and support our mission.”
By participating in the River Nights Charity Event, attendees will directly contribute to the YMCA’s efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of local children and families. This event is an opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable night while supporting a cause that strengthens the community.
Mark Your Calendar For The Craftie Ladies’ Fall Craft Fair
Submitted by The Craftie Ladies of St. John XXIII Catholic Church
The Craftie Ladies of St. John XXIII Catholic Church are once again having their Fall Craft Fair. If you’ve been to one of our craft fairs before, you know we have a large variety of top quality, homemade items for sale. In addition to our well-known, exquisite quilts, afghans and hand-knit and crocheted items, there will be pillows, table runners, placemats/napkins, handmade rosaries, jewelry, mother/daughter aprons, tooth fairy pillows, novel baby items, lots of lovely holiday décor, including our fabulous wreaths, and so much more!
Alliance For The Arts from page 8
Supplies provided for $75 fee paid directly to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
Your final product must sit overnight, so plan to pick up your pieces the following week.
Step By Step Batik: Sea Turtle (18-Plus)
Date: Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $100; Nonmember’s price, $120
If you’re looking for an intriguing art experience, this is the class for you. Utilizing a technique that originated in Indonesia called batik, you will be working with multiple templates on ginwashi rice paper, using melted wax and watercolor to create a beautiful painting that will boast a fabric-like finish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you will thoroughly enjoy this distinctive creative process, but do not hesitate to enroll.
AI For Dreamers
Date: Sept. 20, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $25; Nonmember’s price, $30
If you’re curious about AI (perhaps also skeptical, worried, exhilarated) and you want an on-ramp that speaks to you, your unique work and purpose, then join Anna for AI for Dreamers. This session will introduce you to AI and give you a chance to talk about what its implications could be. Anna will share some great ways to begin using ChatGPT to supercharge your superpowers and add some glow to your dreaming.
After the session, you’ll have access to a resource page with various learning paths so you can stay engaged as your relationship with AI develops. Sponsored by the FSW Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies.
Some of our always fabulous raffle baskets include BBQ, Evening in Paris, Chocolate, Cat, Dog, and Layette baskets, plus more made by our wonderfully talented women. The drawing for each basket will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10. You don’t have to be present to win!
Come and join us on:
Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Craftie Ladies came together 15 years ago. The
Back To Basics Acrylic Painting: Mr. Scarecrow (18-Plus)
Date: Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $45; Nonmember’s price, $55
Learn the basics of painting as Artist/Instructor Pat Smelkoff guides you through the process of using acrylic paint to create this fun, seasonal painting.
Therapeutic Art For Wellness
Date: Sept. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $30; Nonmember’s price, $36
This workshop offers the opportunity to make art designed to create inner peace, balance, reduce stress, anxiety and tension. By creating art that’s connected with our breath, nervous system, body, mind and spirit, we will create different projects based on a particular emotional focus and need. This session we will create “My Strength is my Anchor” using decoupage and watercolor canvas – honoring our inner strength while reducing stress, depression, anxiety or grief/loss.
AI Playground:
Chatting Basics And Creativity Bolsters
Date: Sept. 27, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $25; Nonmember’s price, $30
The best way to learn how to use AI is to play with it, and like so many things, it’s better together. Join the AI Playground sessions at the Alliance for the Arts, and we’ll work together on fun AI activities you can customize based on your interests and experience. You’ll have access to a learning site afterward to continue your exploration as well. Sponsored by the FSW Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies.
Compose A Piece In One Month: A Beginner’s Guide (Ages 16-Plus)
Date: Oct. 1, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reoccurs: Five Tuesdays, Oct. 1 to 29
Cost: Member’s price, $175; Nonmember’s price, $210
Join Dr. Daniel Nistico, celebrated musician and teacher, for this five-week course as he guides participants through composing a piece of music from scratch. It works
For more details or to purchase sponsorships and tickets, please visit River Nights Charity Event website or email Suzie Starks at Suzies@ymcaswfl.org or (239) 275-9622. About YMCA Of Southwest Florida YMCA of Southwest Florida is a leading nonprofit strengthening Southwest Florida communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y aims to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Desoto, Hendry and Glades counties. group has grown to nearly 40 talented and dedicated women. All proceeds go directly back into the community. Just a few causes we donate to:
A.C.T.
Blankets And Blessings
Eva’s Closet
St. John XXIII Villas
St. Martin De Porres
We hope to see you at our Fall Craft Fair at St. John XXIII Catholic Church Parish Life Center, located on Palomino Lane, just north of Daniels Parkway. Stop by, have a chat and maybe get some early shopping done.
through a process called model composition, where you take a piece you love to play and study how it’s structured. You then craft your composition based on your model piece.
If you’ve always dreamed of taking your music to the next level, then this is the class for you!
Must have the ability to play an instrument and rudimentary music reading skills to get the most out of this class.
Please note the updated gallery and administrative office hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Alliance For The Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919, (239) 939-2787.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Shopping Center/Mall Safety Tips
Malls and shopping centers are excellent places to make purchases of all kinds and, as a result, these locations tend to be well populated and teeming with activity.
Shoppers migrate from store to store, occasionally stopping to eat or for a cup of coffee, and all too often pay little attention to the people around them and/or their surroundings. Shopping with young children complicates matters as we
must closely monitor their whereabouts and behaviors despite carrying packages, trying on clothing, navigating the mall, etc.
A number of my previous “Safety & Security Tips” address “situational awareness” and today’s message will, once again, remind residents and guests of the importance of understanding your surroundings, familiarizing yourself with potential hazards and being in a position to effectively respond in the event of an emergency.
Walk confidently while demonstrating that you are paying attention to your environment. Distractions, such as smartphones, may send a message that you are not paying attention. Would be wrongdoers attempt to operate covertly and target unsuspecting victims. By constantly monitoring the people in your vicinity and that which is going on around you, you dramatically reduce the likelihood that you will be caught off-guard.
Swing Fore The Kids Golf Tournament
Supporting At-Risk Kids
In The Harlem Heights Community
Friday, Sept. 27, 1:30 p.m., Shotgun Start
The Plantation
10500 Dartington Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33919
The Heights Foundation/Heights Center Golf Tournament supports school success, including our summer camp and afterschool programs. We provide safe, supportive, fun programs for children after school hours and during the summer. These programs allow parents to work and children to connect with needed resources, including academic tutoring. Many of the children in after-school also benefit from daily music instruction.
Sponsorship deadline is Friday, Sept. 15. The golfer registration deadline is Sept. 20.
Preventing Others From Applying For Credit Cards
In Your Name
Protecting one’s personal identity and avoiding falling victim to credit card fraud has become challenging for the average individual.
While credit card fraud often involves the theft of an individual’s personal information and creation of duplicate credit cards, a trend appears to have become popular where criminals steal credit card applications from a victim’s mailbox, apply for the card and steal the physical card from the victim’s mailbox upon its arrival.
Event Schedule Registration: 12:30 p.m.
Shotgun Start: 1:30 p.m.
Dinner Buffet and Awards: 6 p.m.
Sponsor Levels
Title Sponsor (eight players): $10,000
Trophy Sponsor (eight players): $5,000
Ace Sponsor (four players): $2,500
Birdie Sponsor (four players): $1,000
Hole Sponsor: $250
Foursome: $650
Single Player: $175
Existing Sponsors
Ace Sponsor: Owen Ames Kimball
Birdie Sponsor: Onedigital and Bank of the Islands
As this sounds like a nearly impossible task, consider several factors:
To begin, many of us receive a nearly infinite volume of applications for credit cards. For criminals to roam through a neighborhood, open numerous mailboxes and find multiple credit card offers wouldn’t be a difficult endeavor.
Following the application for credit, thieves utilize “Informed Delivery by USPS” at the victim’s address. This free service notifies mail recipients of the impending arrival of mail including images of the mail to be delivered.
Once the criminals receive notification of the arrival of the credit card, they proceed to the home and retrieve the card before the victim has an opportunity to do so.
Theft of mail … and the crimes that occur as a result (i.e. check washing, package theft, identity theft) can, to some degree, be prevented.
Consider enrolling in the USPS Informed Delivery program. Participation is free and easy and keeps you aware of arriving mail. To learn more about the Informed Delivery program, or to sign up for this service, please visit https:// www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm.
Always report slow-moving vehicles that appear to be “trawling” through the neighborhood … especially if stopping at mailboxes.
Try to avoid overburdening yourself with too many packages or large packages that are difficult to carry. Additionally, keep all of your bags and purchases within your site.
Never display large sums of cash and, other than while making payment at the register, avoid handling cash in public. Those carrying handbags, purses and similar items should consider carrying/wearing them “cross-body” with the clasp or flap facing your body.
It is critical to remember where you parked and, when returning to your vehicle, have your keys/key fob in your hand. Many of us enjoy the shopping experience, the activity and bustle at the mall and the interesting people that we encounter. It is, however, incumbent upon shoppers to remain attentive and to reduce the likelihood of victimization.
Be alert! Be safe!
For more information, visit https://heightsfoundation.org/ golf/.
About The Heights Foundation
The foundation was formed in response to a stunning realization during a church outreach on Thanksgiving in 1999. While delivering a simple Thanksgiving dinner, volunteers found a family of eight living in abject poverty and substandard conditions. The parents and their six children, ages 3 to 10, lived in a rented, concrete block duplex with no hope of change. They were paying their rent in cash to a neighbor, who was later discovered to be in jail. Through seed money from private individuals, the foundation began developing projects to meet the specific needs of families living in the Heights community, starting with the purchase and renovation of a home dubbed the “House of Hope.” The years since the formation of the foundation have seen great improvements in living conditions, infrastructure and access to needed services. The foundation also acts as a resource and referral service and is a safety net of last resort.
Be cognizant of mail delivery times and make efforts to retrieve your mail shortly thereafter. Do not leave mail in the mailbox overnight. Additionally, avoid (whenever possible) leaving outgoing mail in your mailbox for lengthy periods of time. Avoid leaving outgoing checks in the mailbox as this contributes to the “check washing” incidents.
Please immediately report suspicious activity to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or to your local law enforcement agency.
Lastly, please consider requesting copies of your credit report from the major providers … Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. The three nationwide credit bureaus have a centralized website, toll-free telephone number and mailing address so you can order your free annual reports from one central location. Do not contact the three credit bureaus individually. Annual reports are provided at no charge.
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228 or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form found at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
