Gulf Harbour - May 2024

President’s Letter

I hope everyone is enjoying their Spring at Gulf Harbour, as the high season wraps down the Master Board has been busy. At the March 25th Board meeting several issues were discussed.

The dominant topic discussed was the problem with drivers running stop signs, speeding and going the wrong way around the round-a-bout.

Several members were in attendance voicing their concerns about this, especially speeding. The Board is

looking into speed control devices which would record vehicle information of those that speed and deciding what would be the next step.

The possibility of speed bumps and humps was discussed. This is not popular but may be necessary. The easy solution to this problem would be for everyone to PLEASE slow down and stop at the stop signs and obey the one-way direction signs.

The paving of Vista River and Harbor landing was approved and will commence in September, Which tends to be a quiet time of the year.

I wish to thank once again everyone for their continued support.

Chris Cope, President Gulf Harbour Master Board

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Set For May 11

Saturday, May 11 marks the 32nd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving – the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive.

Letter carriers travel through the communities daily, often coming face to face with a sad reality for too many, hunger.

Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the county collect nonperishable food donations from customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people in Lee County who need help.

Over the course of its 30-year history, the drive has collected well over 1.9 billion pounds of food, thanks to a postal service universal delivery network that spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The need for food donations is great. Currently, more than 44 million Americans are unsure where their next meal will come from. More than 13 million are children who feel hunger’s impact on their overall health and ability to perform in school. Nearly 5.5 million seniors over age 60 are food insecure, with many who live on fixed incomes often too embarrassed to ask for help.

Our food drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need.

Participating in this year’s Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is simple. Just leave nonperishable food

donations in a bag by your mailbox Saturday, May 11, and your letter carrier will do the rest.

Nonperishable food items include unopened, nonbreakable containers, such as peanut butter, pasta, tuna, rice, beans, canned meats, fruits, vegetables and soups.

With your help, letter carriers and the U.S. Postal Service have collected over 1.9 billion pounds of food in the United States over the 30 years as a national food drive. Please help in the fight to Stamp Out Hunger.

Source: Coordinator’s Manual, National Association of Letter Carriers, Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive/ body/2024-NALC_Food_Drive_Manual-online.pdf

Volunteer Drivers Needed

We live in a generous community, so much so that many of the letter carrier trucks overflow with food. In order to assist with this situation, the Volunteer Center of the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties will be coordinating volunteers to assist with driving a carrier route and helping pick up food.

Volunteers will have a choice of four driving routes and two different shifts. All routes have a first shift of 11 a.m. to

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on page 6

May 22 To 26, Grand

Atrium

Southwest Florida’s Cinematic Celebration: Fort Myers Film Festival Set To Dazzle Audiences In 14th Year, Benefit Multiple Nonprofits

The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 14th annual soiree is set to take place from May 22 to 26 in and around Southwest Florida at venues including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC), IMAG, Alliance for the Arts, BIG ARTS, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Luminary Hotel and more.

The film Hellbent on Boogie will kick off this year’s festivities at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with a starstudded red carpet rollout reception on Wednesday, May 22. The event will include high fashion, drinks, dancing, music and filmmakers attending from around the world.

May 22 –The event will begin with a red carpet opening night and will be celebrated with excitement and style at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy drinks and treats with an opportunity to meet with the stars of the evening’s film, other filmmakers and event VIPs. The event will provide the delicious foods and beverages. Watch a video of the previous year’s event at www.vimeo. com/552417263.

May 23 to 26 – Then join us for all of the films with official programming at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and other event centers around town.

May 26 – Finish off the weeklong celebration with an awards ceremony. Join all of the local and international filmmakers as we celebrate the winners of the Fort Myers Film Festival. Champagne and dessert will be shared,

Gulf Harbour Book Club Review

Evil Eye

Submitted by Debra Marsteller and Joan Kaplan

The Gulf Harbour Book Club met on April 1 with author Etaf Rum on Zoom. She wrote Evil Eye which was similar to her best-selling book, A Woman is No Man There were 25 in attendance.

Etaf Rum was born in 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Palestinian immigrant parents. Though there is not a lot of biographical information about Etaf, the book interviews she did describe her life pretty well. Etaf is the eldest of nine children –six girls and three boys. She went to an Islamic all-girls school. She was not allowed to go to public school, or even to mingle with Americans, as she might want to be an American girl; she would be corrupted. Maintaining her reputation was critical.

When she was growing up, Etaf dreamed of becoming a lawyer. She was an avid reader and that was her connection to the outside world. She learned that her dream of becoming a lawyer was not what her family wanted or expected of her. She was expected to marry, have children, and continue the way of life as the women before her, with little or no interaction with the outside world.

Etaf was married in an arranged marriage at the age of 19. She was in a traditional Arab marriage, as were her parents, as was expected of her. The marriage arrangement included that she would be allowed to go to college to continue her education. She moved with her husband to North Carolina and had two children within three years, a daughter and a son. Though it was difficult, she raised her young children and attended North Carolina State University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature and a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy as well as a master’s degree in American and British Literature (all from North Carolina State).

During the time she went to college, Etaf felt she was educating herself both intellectually and emotionally. ”She came to understand the example she would be giving her daughter and son about trauma and oppression in her community if she did not stand up for herself. She didn’t want her daughter to believe that her own marriage was what she should expect, or her son to believe that that was how women should be treated.”

Etaf explains that “both men and women in the traditional Arab community are traumatized and oppressed in different ways. In the Arab community, women are treated as unable to do or act as men, they are basically a burden, except to make a home, have and raise children, sons in particular. There is more physical, mental and emotional abuse of women. For men, in the traditional Arab community, are taught that the family is more important than the individual, which can create frustration

and anger.” We see this through both of the husbands in Evil Eye and A Woman Is No Man. Fadi is expected to not only do his job, but to take care of many things for his father. The money he makes is not his own, but family money, and he is expected to give his family whatever they need. This puts incredible pressure on him. Fadi is not physically abusive, but he is, without understanding it, emotionally and mentally abusive.

Etaf also notes in her book interviews that, for Palestinians, the “trauma of losing their country, living in refugee camps, and coming to America gives results in a feeling of displacement.” She explains that “the men were immediate victims of the 1948 Palestinian exodus and as products of refugee camps and forced to leave their country, they were left deeply mentally disturbed. They are powerless in their own lives, and they transfer the abuse and violence that was bestowed upon them onto the family unit.”

Etaf’s own experiences show up in her female characters (Yara and Isra); they aren’t meant to be autobiographical. While her portrayal of the Arab community in general, “was seen as a betrayal of her community, she did not want to betray her Arab community with stereotypes of oppression, domestic abuse and terrorism. She is wary of perpetuating stereotypes especially as there are so few American writers of Arab or Palestinian descent.” Etaf does want to empower women and help women who feel oppressed and tell their stories, regardless of culture or religion.

Etaf said she wrote to better understand why the characters in her books, as well as the women in her own life, did what they did. Evil Eye addresses an “internal struggle, that results in cognitive dissonance that occurs when everything looks good from the outside but is not the reality of so many women who come from bad, bad backgrounds.” Yara struggles with this throughout most of the novel. She does have a support system in her friendship with Silas and his mother and even in her painting and journaling, and to an extent, her therapist.

Etaf does feel she paid a price for her achievements; she divorced and shares custody of her two children with their father. She notes that she “could not want courage and freedom and bravery from her characters and in her own life be living in this state of denial.” Sadly, there had been family estrangement. She feels she has let her close family down to divorce her husband, pursue her writing, have a career apart from bearing children and raising them. Writing is part of who she is, and she cannot deny herself that. Now that she is a famous author, her family has accepted her.

However, on a happier note, Etaf has remarried and lives in Rocky Mount, N.C. Etaf and her husband, Brandon Clarke, own a coffee shop, Books and Beans (IG @booksandbeans), an artisan pizza shop, The Tipsy Tomato, and a burger and beer joint, Burgers and Barley. She and her family feel a deep sense of

community there. Etaf started reversing traditional gender/status roles in her classroom. When she taught (literature) she brought coffee to her class. Books and Beans was born.

Etaf wanted to write an authentic story about the lives and struggles of Arab-American women, which as it turned out, struck a chord with many women of all creeds and cultures. Also, she is quick to say that a “single story cannot represent an entire culture.” And while domestic violence is the norm in some Arab-American families, domestic violence and abuse are not part of Islam.

She makes a very clear distinction between Arab culture and the Islam religion. The Arab culture is different from the Islamic religion, where she says “Mosques favor equality and are completely opposed to domestic abuse.” It is, however, tolerated in the home and wider community. Etaf also believes that “ArabAmerican society will never advance until the women are free and that the society hurts themselves as a culture when women aren’t treated equally and with respect.”

We had many lively discussions on the fact that many cultures such as Italian, Irish, Jewish, etc., all immigrated and had the same experience as the Palestinians.

Interestingly, Etaf says that Arabs (in America) do not refer to themselves as Americans, only as Arabs. She says that “to be claiming our identity as Americans would completely go against what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s not an identity crisis. We didn’t come so we could become Americans. We came to survive.” I believe she is speaking specifically of Palestinian Americans.

We questioned her about why she thought just Palestinians were treated this way. It has happened to Italians, Irish, Jewish and most other religions. When they immigrate they find their own kind and isolate themselves from the true American culture.

After book club we had lunch where we spent the entire time talking about Etaf and her outlook on life.

Although Etaf appeared to be so disenchanted with America, as we all asked deep and thoughtful questions, she continued to warm up as the discussion evolved. She wrote me this after the book club discussion. “I had a wonderful time connecting with you beautiful souls. I’m so happy and grateful for the opportunity. Thank you for inviting me. Sending all my love.” We all hope Etaf becomes comfortable in her life’s journey.

The Gulf Harbour Book Club usually meets on the first Monday of each month at noon in the club’s boardroom. If you want to join the book club email joankaplan@mac.com. From December through May, Zoom will not be available as we are using Zoom for the authors. The last selection is May 6, Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson. We already have six authors lined up for the 2024/25 season. June is Remarkably Bright Creatures. There is no book club in July.

World Central Kitchen Provides Comfort And Hope

In 2010, José Andrés – tired of viewing the people in the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina who were not being fed or taken care of – came up with the concept of the World Central Kitchen (WCK). When people are hurting, send in the cooks … not later … but today.

Since 2010 the WCK has been all around the world, serving people in need because of a hurricane, natural disaster

Community News

Bellavista • Coronado • Courtyard Homes

• Crooked Pond • Edgewater • Grande Cay

• Harbour Landings I • Harbour Landings II

• Harbour Links • Long Pond • Marblehead Manor • Mariposa • Mill Pond • Osprey Landing • Osprey Point • Palmas Del Sol

• Paramount • Rivers Edge • Sagamore • Seaside Estates • Tamarind Cay • The Shores I • The Shores II • The Shores III

If you want your community news included here, please send articles and pictures to GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com by the 4th of each month.

In Memory

We are sad to announce the death of Dr. Daniel Vincent Prendeville, M.D. (Fort Myers, Fla./Bay City, Mich.) –born Dec. 19, 1940 in Mallow, Co Cork, Ireland.

or a humanitarian crisis. The provision of a meal is comforting and nurturing to people dealing with the disintegration of their everyday lives.

It is difficult to provide food in the first hour, so a combination that Andrés uses to provide food quickly are sandwiches and fruit. This is what he calls MREs or meals ready to eat.

Ron Howard, award-winning director, producer and actor, directed the 2022 National Geographic documentary We Feed People, a film that chronicles not only Andrés’ journey but the logistics of how the organization was developed. The movie is currently being streamed on Disney+.

Go to wck.org and click on news to find what the World Central Kitchen is doing now.

About World Central Kitchen

Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises. Applying the model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 350 million nourishing meals around the world.

When disaster strikes, WCK’s relief team mobilizes with the urgency of how to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need.

Good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. (Source: www.wck. org/resources/media-kit)

Photos by World Central Kitchen

Pickleball Amenity For Gulf Harbour Members

DNA Pickleball

1900 Trailwinds Drive Fort Myers, FL 33907

Although it isn’t on campus, it is a short drive to a wonderful venue. Pickleball is now available through July 31 for all Gulf Harbour members.

DNA Pickleball is an indoor facility providing perfect conditions to play pickleball for members through July 31 … no bugs, no rain, no wind.

Clinics are available on Thursday; open play is on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For assistance in downloading the app for reservations, please stop by our Tennis Shop or DNA Pickleball. Don’t miss out on this new amenity for Gulf Harbour members.

Sandy

Dube Messerich

Vincent passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Tuesday, March 26 surrounded by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Avril and his three children. He is survived by his wife, Avril (Carpenter). He also leaves his three children Kevin (Jennifer) Prendeville, Sharon (Vincent Letouzey) Prendeville and Susan (Jordan) Popiel, as well as his seven grandchildren Emma, Eamon, Cole, Ethan, Joshua, Carter and Evelyn, his brother Gary and sisters Rosa and Patsy, extended family, neighbors, friends and the many people who had the privilege to have known him. Predeceased by his brother Redmond and sisters Anna and Joan.

Vincent filled many lives with laughter, wit and poetry. He attended University College Cork, practiced ophthalmology for over 30 years helping so many see more clearly, served in Vietnam and was courageous in his many battles with cancer over the years. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Association, American Heart Association and Vietnam Veterans of America.

To contribute to your Gulf Harbour Soundings newspaper, please send articles, announcements, photos, events or any issues to GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com.

From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno

Gas Station Safety

Unless you are operating an alternatively-powered vehicle, a visit to the gas station is likely on your weekly to-do list.

As technology has made the process of filling and paying easier than in decades past, many fuel-station consumers have become so accustomed to the routine that they pay little attention to conditions around them. We are distracted by cell phone calls, fuel pump broadcasts, text messages, etc.

Some utilize filling stations to purchase snacks/food or to use the restroom.

Regardless of the reason for one’s visit, it remains imperative that individuals recognize that criminals have become proficient at taking advantage of our complacency.

“Situational awareness,” a practice that our agency stresses in all of our community presentations, is the ability to perceive, understand and effectively respond to any and all circumstances occurring in our immediate location.

Whenever possible, refuel during daylight hours. When refueling at night, avoid poorly-lit stations or stations with little visibility to the roadway.

When you exit your vehicle, ensure that you remove your key(s) or key fob from your car or truck. Lock your doors, especially if going inside to purchase food or use the restroom.

Avoid leaving purses, wallets, cell phones or items of value inside an unlocked vehicle … even if only while pumping gas.

Attention Association Board Members

When your officers change, be sure to notify us so that we can keep both www.GulfHarbour33908.com and the Soundings updated.

Roll up all windows prior to exiting an unoccupied vehicle.

The side of your vehicle facing away from the pump is the most vulnerable to entry/ theft. While pumping fuel, position yourself in a way so as to allow you to see your entire vehicle.

2 p.m. For the remaining three routes volunteers will have a choice of two shifts.

• Six Mile (one shift – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

• Page Field (two shifts – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.)

• Cape Central (two shifts – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.)

• Cape North (two shifts – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.)

Volunteer driver routes will start later in the morning to coincide with residents placing their food at mailboxes and the peak times when mail carriers are on their routes. The second shift will collect items from residents who put out their donations later.

Any driver signing up is encouraged (not required) to have a driving buddy. However this volunteer opportunity works best when volunteers team up in pairs, a driver and a navigator.

To sign up to volunteer please visit https://bit. ly/3PQ3dlG

History Of The Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive

Letter carriers, who go into neighborhoods in every town six days a week, have always gotten involved when something needs to be done. Whether it is collecting funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA); watching over the elderly through the Carrier Alert Program; delivering needed antibiotics (if called upon); assisting victims of natural disasters, or rescuing victims of fires, crime, and other mishaps, letter carriers are the eyes and ears in every neighborhood and often lifesavers in the community.

Over history, a number of branches collected food for those in need as part of their community service effort. Discussions were held by the NALC, USPS, and AFL-CIO to explore a more coordinated effort. A pilot drive was held in October 1991. It proved so successful, the parties worked to make it a nationwide effort. Food banks and pantries suggested that late spring would be the best time for the drive, since most of their food donations are received over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods, leaving the food shelves depleted by spring. Making matters even worse for many, school breakfast and lunch programs are not available during the summer, placing an even greater responsibility on local food pantries and food shelves.

short award-winning films will be played and toasts will be deservedly pronounced and after parties will commence.

The Fort Myers Film Festival is an intelligent independent filmmaker’s preferred event to create, unite and showcase the finest artistic cinematic works. The Fort Myers Film Festival is known for world-class swagger and support of local filmmakers. The festival event offers “the most vibrant intellectual and edgy crowd to grace Lee County in decades.” The event has featured hundreds of local filmmakers and is a must attend for cineasts who love indie film and film festivals living in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties. That’s right, Fort Myers has a film festival now, so come out for the excitement! For more information go to www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com or join www.facebook.com/ fortmyersfilmfestival for updates and events.

The film Hellbent on Boogie was completely shot in Florida and is directed and produced by Vito Trupiano, executive produced by K.C. Schulberg, and stars Shiloh Fernandez, Emily Tremaine Fernandez, Ryan Ramirez and John Farley. Stars from the event will attend a private reception before the screening and will be present for a Q&A afterward. The night will feature champagne toasts, paparazzi, delicious treats for VIP attendees, and an after party on the roof of the SBDAC with fun, dancing and a night never to forget.

In the opening night film, Ian returns to his small Floridian hometown to find his sister Quinn all grown up. But when he discovers that their overbearing mother is sheltering Quinn because of her autism, he hatches a plan for them to run away together so that Quinn can pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer.

Like it or not, gas stations have a way of attracting a wide variety of individuals … some friendly, some not-so-friendly and some with criminal intentions.

Trust your instincts. If something seems unusual … if you are uncomfortable … should you have any concerns, leave the area immediately.

If necessary, please do not hesitate to call law enforcement … either 9-1-1 or a nonemergency number.

A revamped drive was organized for the second Saturday in May 1993, with a goal of at least one NALC local branch participating in each of the 50 states. The results were astounding. Over 11 million pounds of food were collected by over 220 union branches – a one-day record in the United States. From Alaska to Florida and Maine to Hawaii, letter carriers did double duty by delivering the mail and picking up donations. In 2022, we celebrated the return of the in-person food drive which was our 30th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Our branches have collected a total of approximately 1.9 billion pounds of food over the history of the drive – an awesome achievement.

Each year, groups, businesses and organizations join the NALC at the local, regional, and national levels, to help grow a campaign of hunger awareness and community action in conducting this one-day, record making food drive. From the beginning, at the national level, we have had the steadfast support of the USPS, United Way and AFL-CIO. United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) is the national premiere partner, adding the largest food union in the country to our efforts. Locally, the Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger food drive enjoys partnerships with many church and faith groups, Rotary and Lions Clubs, grocers and youth groups and those who work to provide help and hope to those in need.

We look forward to another awesome year, as we continue our fight to Stamp Out Hunger!

Source: Coordinator’s Manual, National Association of Letter Carriers, Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day FAQS

What Is Special About Nonperishable Food?

Nonperishable foods, such as canned goods and dried fruit, have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration to keep them from spoiling.

What Percentage Of Americans Use Food Banks? One in seven people in our nation utilizes our network of food banks.

Who Refers You To A Food Bank?

Professionals such as social workers, healthcare practitioners, and doctors must refer people to a food bank for them to receive a voucher that can then be exchanged for food.

For more statistics on food insecurity visit https://www. feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/food-insecurity.

The Fort Myers Film Festival will be benefiting several nonprofits this year including Florida Arts Inc., #KindLee, Raddatz Foundation, FODASA and Kimmie’s Recovery Zone. Fort Myers Film Festival Opening Night Wednesday, May 22 Tickets

• Sipping with the Stars Donor Reception benefitting Florida Arts Inc., Raddatz Foundation, KindLee and FODASA, 5 to 6 p.m., $250

• VIP experience red carpet, beer, wine champagne and movie, 6 to 7 p.m., $100

• Movie only, 7 to 8:30 p.m., $25

About The Fort Myers Film Festival

The Fort Myers Film Festival was founded by Eric Raddatz, the award-winning presentation editor of Florida Weekly, regular contributor for ABC7 and NBC-2 in Fort Myers, as well as host of Fort Myers Film Festival’s indie film show, T.G.I.M. Guests of the Fort Myers Film Festival have two hotel partners this year, The Luminary and The Banyan. To book at The Banyan simply call (239) 337-3446 and use the code “FFF” for the discounted rate from May 17 to 21.

The Fort Myers Film Festival was awarded the prestigious 2015 Chrysalis Award for Cultural Achievement by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Inc. at their annual Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers.

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC), 2301 First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901, (239) 333-1933, www.sbdac. com or www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive from page 1

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center from page 1

Dear friend,

“I Just Don’t Believe That…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

call right away because this offer expires on May 31, 2024, and I don’t want you to miss out. By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that the non-surgical, drug free therapies and procedures performed in my clinic can cost as little as $300 per month. You see, I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor because higher costs can add up very quickly.

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

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

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

I wish you the Very Best in Health and Life!

Dr. Rob Davis, DC

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

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

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!

National Train Day

Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club Commemorates National Train Day With Morse Code Transmission At The Railroad Museum Of South Florida

As National Train Day approaches on May 11, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC) gears up for a unique celebration at the Railroad Museum of South Florida. Marking the occasion, the club will be onsite and on the airwaves, transmitting in Morse code—a homage to the historic role of telegraphy in railway operations.

National Train Day, observed annually on the Saturday closest to May 10, traces its origins back to 2008 when Amtrak introduced the holiday to highlight the significance of railways in American history and promote rail travel’s eco-friendly attributes. This year, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, in collaboration with the Railroad Museum of South Florida, will pay homage to this tradition by showcasing the intersection of old and new technologies.

Located in Lakes Park at 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907, the event promises an immersive experience for visitors. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the rich history of the Railroad Museum of South Florida while witnessing Morse code transmissions reminiscent of the telegraph’s heyday. Attendees will also discover the voice and digital options demonstrated by licensed amateur radio operators.

“The telegraph was once the lifeline of railways, facilitating the smooth operation of train arrivals and departures. Today, amateur radio serves a similar purpose, especially during emergencies when conventional communication systems fail,” said Bob Lewis, president of the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club.

The event aims to educate visitors about the vital role of railways in transportation and the enduring legacy

of Morse code in telecommunications. Additionally, attendees will learn about the innovative applications of amateur radio in emergency situations, ensuring the timely dissemination of critical information.

Join the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate National Train Day, explore the Railroad Museum of South Florida, and discover the enduring legacy of Morse code in the digital age. Established in 1957, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, Inc., has been dedicated to fostering camaraderie among individuals with a shared passion for amateur radio. With a commitment to facilitating the exchange of information, promoting electronics and amateur radio knowledge, advocating for good radio operating practices, and advancing the art of amateur radio, the club strives to create a vibrant community. Additionally, the club

actively sponsors and promotes various activities related to amateur radio, provides crucial public services during emergencies and actively engages in other community initiatives. FMARC is affiliated with and sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), which is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the United States with news, information and resources. The club meets at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month at the Lee County Emergency Operations Center. Learn more about ham radio and the club at www. fmarc.net. Learn more about the Railroad Museum of South Florida by visiting rrmsf.org.

Photos from Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C. 20540

Association Presidents

Admiral’s Isle Jeff McGinty Bellavista Rick McCurdy

Coronado Geoff Smith

Courtyard Homes Tiffany Gaede

Crescent Cove Sam Schiphorst

Crooked Pond Carol Tsilimos

Edgewater Dave Knust

Grande Cay David Lein

Gulf Harbour Master Chris Cope

Gulf Harbour Marina Dana Snyder

Harbour Landings I Megan Martin

Harbour Landings II Thomas Broadie

Harbour Links Joe Pierce

Long Pond Millie Johnson

Mariposa Mike McConnell

Mill Pond Maureen Herold

Osprey Landing Steve Hunter

Osprey Point Jay Ducharme

Palmas Del Sol Bill Aarons

Rivers Edge Ron Harrington

Sagamore

George Sorensen

Seaside Estates Richard Edelman

Tamarind Cay Harvey Gordon

The Shores I Gene Marshall

The Shores II

The Shores III

The Shores IV

Dan Montgomery

Dave Reimer

John Albano

Thomas Edison, seated at telegraph key, circa 1920

Steam train at the Steamtown National Historic Site, a railroad museum and heritage railroad located in downtown Scranton, Pa.

Catch The Action

May On The Water

By Capt. Bill Russell

May is a month that ranks high for anglers fishing the coastal waters of Southwest Florida. It could be our best time of the year for chasing big fish.

Tarpon season is at its peak, if you want to hook into a big tarpon, this is the time to do it. Large schools gather off the beaches, as well as in Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay and other inshore waters. Tarpon, aka, the Silver King, are also targeted around the Sanibel Causeway, Big Carlos Bridge and gulf passes up and down the coast, with Boca Grande Pass getting the most attention. It’s common to see upwards of 100 boats on any given day tarpon fishing Boca Grande Pass. If you are going to fish there do your homework first.

Sharks large and small invade our waters from the shallow inshore flats to offshore. Many of the larger females including bull, lemon and blacktip, move into inshore waters to give birth

to their pups. Sharks are an underrated game fish, when caught on moderate tackle they are an absolute blast, especially highflying blacktip and spinners. Be careful when handling them, or better yet leave them in the water at boat side. If you cannot easily

remove the hook, cut the leader as close to the hook as possible. Watch those teeth!

May is time for big snook to head for the gulf passes and nearby areas for their upcoming summer spawning session. Although snook season is closed, they offer a challenge, and a lot of fun for the catch and release angler. If you hook into one, please handle it with extra care for a safe release. Never hang a large fish from its lips or mouth; this has proven to do irreversible damage to the heavier fish, often leading to its death, plus it’s illegal. It’s best to not remove a big fish from the water at all, not just snook, but any big fish to be released. If you remove one for a picture, hold it horizontal with both hands while supporting the belly. Make it quick, snap the picture and return the fish to the water.

Hooking into redfish and some big ones is possible throughout the month. Calm mornings or evenings give sight anglers on the skinny flats some great opportunities at stalking tailing fish. Shallow draft skiffs, kayaks, canoes, or getting in the water and wade fishing gives the angler a better chance to sneak up on fish in the calm shallow waters. As days get hotter fish under the shade of the mangroves, docks, or overhangs on the midday high tides. The last couple of hours of the incoming are often most productive. Redfish may run in size from little guys less than a foot, up to brutes pushing well over 30 inches. Redfish eat a wide range of baits including live, cut and artificial.

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Mangrove snapper might be my favorite fish on the table. They aren’t the biggest fish around, but they fight incredibly hard for their size and offer excellent table fare. As we move closer to summer, expect numbers of snapper to increase throughout the inshore waters, gulf passes and nearshore reefs.

Spanish mackerel are harassing bait schools inshore, around the passes and nearshore artificial reefs. Mackerel, with blazing speed, are a blast to fight and often run in large schools. They are good on the table but should be eaten fresh not frozen. While a stationary bait like a live shrimp under a bobber works for mackerel, they really like quick moving shiny baits. A fast retrieve with a small silver spoon is hard to beat.

With the month bringing days with little to no wind, fishing offshore in gulf waters is a good choice. Long runs to deeper water give you the best chance for the larger bottom dwellers such as red grouper, snapper, porgy and others. If you’re looking for a shorter trip and the potential for action, hit the nearshore reefs in depths from 20 to 50 feet. Coordinates are available for all public reefs, and most hold a variety of fish large and small. This is a month to be prepared for anything; you never know what you might come across. I like to always keep a heavier rod rigged and ready, just in case. If you are fishing for tarpon or sharks you already have the heavy arsenal out, but if you are just having fun on the flats with trout you never know when that once in a lifetime cobia or school of tarpon might show up. Preparation and awareness are the key. Have a rod that will handle the job rigged and ready and pay attention to your surroundings. If not, that trophy fish might just swim right by without you even knowing it. The weather should be good and fishing even better. Get out there and take advantage of it!

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.

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.”

Bruce Jasurda

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14971 Rivers Edge Ct #205, 2/2 Pat Messerich (239) 810-0621 Mike Newes. (239) 810-1978

GRANDE CAY $399,000 14511 Grande Cay CIR #2806, 3/2 Joe Starrowicz (239) 940-4580 SANIBEL ISLAND $3,500,000 1500 Angel Dr – 4/3.5 Carolyn Tongyai (239) 691-2551

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(239) 839-4987

What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?

By Karen M. Maxwell, Horticultural Specialist

Old-time television aficionados may remember the tagline “Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.”

To this day, I really don’t know to whom Jimmy Durante was speaking, but I’m reminded of it every time I happen upon our calabash tree.

If you’ve never closely examined the calabash along the riverfront, this is the best time of year to enjoy the blooms that are on the trunk (cauliflorously) and six months later a hard gourd, sometimes called a fruit, but truly a berry, develops at the former flower site, making these one of our more curious tropical trees. The flowers open for a single evening, and it takes the pollination of a bat while open, to produce the berry.

The calabash is part of a class of tropical understory trees with three genera – all of which share the same two traits: They bloom on their trunks and they are pollinated by bats. At Edison Ford, we have three species representing two of the genera, each with an interesting story to impart.

The riverside calabash, known as the “Common Calabash” (Crescentia cujete) and first to be discussed here, is not native to Florida; it is in the Bignoniaceae family and scholars still discuss whether the tree’s origins trace back to Africa or Asia. Though rarely found occurring naturally anymore in the wild, per National Geographic, this plant is only surpassed by the dog as to the extent of its worldwide distribution for a domestic species. Though not native, it doesn’t have an invasive tendency, so it’s a Florida-friendly candidate if you desire a neat, compact tree. We know the Common Calabash has been on site at the Estates since at least 1929 because Dr. Henry Nehrling wrote of it when describing this once wild landscape, though he never mentioned its precise location. Mina Edison also featured this calabash on her preferred flora list for garden club tours at her winter home during the years 1935 to 1938.

It is thought that the Common Calabash was crossed with a large gourd calabash brought from Guyana in 1997, which can produce 20-inch-wide gourds. The botanical name C. cujete (pronounced coo-yet-ay) is from the Brazilian word for gourd. The calabash gourd is well known as the source for colorful Brazilian maracas – the popular musical instruments (dried calabash gourds filled with dry mung beans), and as a reliable container for food and liquid, earning it another common name “Beggar Bowl Tree.” No part of the Common Calabash is edible for humans.

To be clear, the calabash tree is not the same as the calabash gourd, a popular vine that produces the bottle-shaped gourd used to make birdhouses. In South

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America, the fruit of the Common Calabash is also used to fashion a vessel for drinking, or sipping the yerba mate beverage, popular in Argentina. After the pulp is removed and the gourd is dried, they are ornately carved, and in the case of one I purchased in Patagonia, detailed with sterling silver.

Additionally, there is also a Winged Calabash (Crescentia alata) on the grounds – it’s a small tree native to Mexico that produces edible seeds supposedly with the taste of licorice. Growing to a similar height as the Common Calabash (25 feet or so), the Winged Calabash has much smaller leaves but is structurally similar. It is located near the edge of the ginger beds just inside the McGregor Boulevard fence.

While I’ve always found the Common Calabash tree intriguing, I decided to write about the calabash after reading up on a third species, the “Black Calabash,” a heavily canopied tree that grows on the edge of our Florida native plant collection adjacent to the pool and tea house complex.

Interestingly, the University of Florida does not consider the Black Calabash (Amphitecna latifolia) native; however, several other flora authorities do, including The Kampong at the National Tropical Botanical Garden (Coral Gables), Kew Gardens (U.K.), Atlas of Florida Plants, Institute for Regional Conservation (Florida) and the Foundation for Latin American Anthropological Research (FLAAR) based in Guatemala.

There are several important features that distinguish the Black Calabash from the Common Calabash – most importantly the Black Calabash is edible, while the Common Calabash may be edible by horses, but definitely not for humans. The Common Calabash is not at all salt tolerant, but there is a great deal written about the growing conditions where the Black Calabash is usually found, such as coastal rivers and coastal hammocks that often include mangroves. The branches of the Black Calabash will root if they grow low enough to reach the silky muck of coastal hammocks and will develop a dense thicket to absorb tidal surge.

The Black Calabash also produces sessile or cauliflorous flowers and fruits, though it appears that the flowers of the Black Calabash are not perfect, meaning the tree’s flowers do not have both male and female parts, which is why we have never seen a gourd develop on our singular Black Calabash. Though I can’t confirm from experience, there are writings that say the Black Calabash gourd is lightweight and floats, and, as with sea-going coconuts, they can travel long distances, so that might explain how the tree has a naturally large native range.

As all three species of the calabash at the Estates are strongly identified with Central American cultures, tracking back the specific trees and their uses through their Spanish names is a challenge. “Jicaro de playa” (Jicaro of the beach) would suggest the Black Calabash due to its proximity to water; however, we see this Spanish epithet used for any one of the calabash trees. Common names are as interchangeable

as nicknames, and it is only quite recently that researchers at the Foundation for Latin American Anthropological Research have identified that the Black Calabash was important in Mayan ethnobotany and they are just rediscovering its value in medicine. In Costa Rica and Nicaragua, the seeds have been used as a cocoa substitute.

There are no serious pest problems associated with Black Calabash and the tree is not known to be invasive. It will provide a dense handsome canopy where planted, keeping in mind its love of water. While it may take some doing to source a tree, the Black Calabash known for its rot-resistant hardwood might be an excellent addition to a coastal native landscape. The third characteristic common to all of the calabash trees, is that their rough and deeplyscored bark provides an excellent host for epiphytic orchids.

I challenge visitors to find and compare all of the calabash trees when visiting!

Photos by K.M. Maxwell

Yerba mate calabash vessel

There are three calabash trees at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. The calabash is part of a class of tropical understory trees with three genera – all of which share the same two traits: They bloom on their trunks and they are pollinated by bats.

Consumer Alert

What’s A Verification Code And Why Would Someone Ask Me For It?

When you log into your bank or credit card account, you might get a text message or email with a verification code. You then enter it at the login screen to confirm it’s really you. That’s a form of two-factor authentication that adds a layer of security to your account — and keeps would-be scammers and hackers out.

Your account password and a verification code work together, like the lock on your doorknob and a deadbolt lock. If you unlock the doorknob but not the deadbolt, you can’t get in. Likewise, if you know the account password but not the verification code, you can’t get in.

The same goes for scammers trying to get into your account. To break into your account, scammers need both

keys. That’s why they try to trick you into sharing your verification code.

Scammers pretend to be someone you can trust, and say they’ve discovered a problem with one of your accounts — or that someone’s using your identity. They may know some things about you and sound very convincing. They may even be very sympathetic to your problem: offering to help you set things right … and then asking for your verification code to get into your account.

If you give them the code, they can log into your account and transfer all the money out of your savings or investment accounts.

Never give your verification code to someone else. It’s only for you to log into your account. Anyone who asks you for your account verification code is a scammer. If someone asks you for your verification code, don’t engage. Hang up. Block their number. Stop texting them. Then report them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you’re worried there’s a problem with your account, contact your bank, credit union, or investment advisor directly. Use a number you trust, like the one on your statement or in your app. Never use the number the caller gave you; it’ll take you to the scammer.

Golf Cart Rules Reminder

Gulf Harbour has had several incidents and issues involving golf carts. Reports have included underage driving, wrong-way driving, driving on pedestrian and bike paths, and driving under the influence.

Some excerpts from our Rules and Regulations:

Any member, family member, or guest may operate a motorized vehicle (i.e. cars, trucks, golf carts, motorized scooters, etc.) on Master Association property as long as the driver is at least 16 years of age, has a valid driver’s license and has proof of vehicle insurance.

All golfers with golf carts should refrain from using pedestrian and bicycle pathways, if at all possible, especially if a golf cart path is available in that area and the golf cart driver is playing golf at the time. When use of a Gulf Harbour road is necessary, ATVs and golf carts utilized for activities other than golf should be driven in the same direction as vehicle traffic and comply with all rules that apply to vehicles.

All Florida rules of the road must be followed when driving motor vehicles within Gulf Harbour.

Please consider the above when driving your golf cart at Gulf Harbour.

Alliance For The Arts

Biennial Artist Grant

Recipient Show – Exhibition

May 3 to June 1, Opening

Friday, May 3, 5 to 7 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.

This exhibition showcases the work of visual artists Linda Benson, Stacey Brown, Martha De La Cruz, Lily Hatchett, and Roland Ruocco. There will also be performances during the opening reception in the Alliance’s Foulds Theatre. Each visual artist and performance group in the show received an Arts and Culture Grant from the

city in 2022 or 2023, or both grant cycles. The City of Fort Myers Arts and Culture Grant program is designed to support and foster the arts organizations and individual artists who contribute to the flourishing arts and culture scene that distinguishes the city.

Wednesday Night Market

Gulf Harbour

Master Association Board Of Directors

President Chris Cope

Vice President David J. Urban

Secretary Dave Van Namee

Treasurer Carl Pecko

Director Carol Gillespie

Director John Wilson

Director Sam Schiphorst

Seeking Soundings Writers

Do you have an interesting story to share?

The Soundings is always looking for new and talented writers to submit articles on events, the social scene, restaurants, movies, family matters, village life, etc…

Now is your chance to share your interests with the community. You can contribute each month, just once, or once in a while.

• Are you involved in any particular activities in Gulf Harbour or around town?

• Can you share your knowledge about a specific topic or hobby?

• Do you have (or did you retire from) an interesting career?

• Are you the person who always knows what to do/ where to go in our area?

• Do you like to take pictures or draw cartoons?

• Can you pass along a favorite recipe?

If you answered yes to any of the above or have an idea of your own, you can submit your articles (and photos) at GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com.

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

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

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture – A Film Screening

May 8, 6 to 9 p.m.

Join us on Wednesday, May 8 for another exclusive film screening from the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers! Doors open at 5:30 p.m., film begins at 6 p.m. Following the screening will be an intimately set question and answer session with one of the film’s producers and a special guest moderator. Gourmet popcorn and light refreshments will be available. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $10 for Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) members, and $12 for nonmembers.

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. Features commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors.

Transcendental: David Acevedo – Artist Exhibit June 7 to June 29, Opening Reception: June 7, 5 to 7 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.

David Acevedo seeks to create a fantasy landscape where his memories and history can live in peace. The color palette he uses varies from time to time because of the ever-changing mind that dictates it. Never one to follow recipes, Acevedo creates his own mixture of mediums until he feels content.

The materials Acevedo uses to create his paintings are usually photographs, magazine cutouts, acrylic paints, gesso,

inks, pencils, dry and oil pastels, oils, enamels, colored markers and pens; applied to cotton rag paper or stretched canvas. A particular painting of his could have all of these mediums or as little as one. His pictorial work is recognizable by the bold colors, textures, and compositions. A notable part of his work is the hidden message or symbols in the work, drawing the viewer into each piece and creating intrigue.

Classes

Painting Impressionistic Flowers

May 1, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Member’s price – $25, nonmember’s price – $30

If you love flowers and want to learn or improve your skills, then this one-day workshop is for you! Join Terry Lynn Spry as she leads through the process of painting beautiful flowers in acrylic paint.

There is a $5 supply fee due to the instructor at the beginning of class. Please inquire as to what other supplies are needed.

Sunsets And Silhouettes Painting With Shirley Hales (Ages 16-plus)

May 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Member’s price – $75, nonmember’s price – $90

Paint brilliant sunsets accented by dark silhouettes of trees, people, birds or boats. All skill levels welcome. Ample time is provided for individual instruction to complete a compelling landscape painting. Please inquire as to what supplies are needed.

Getting Your Art Into The Retail Environment Series

May 7, May 14, May 21, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Member’s price – $90, nonmember’s price – $110

This is an online class only, the link will be sent the day before the first class.

In this three-session workshop series, artist Pamela Joy Trow will introduce participants to the promising world of wholesaling. Delve into the transformation of artistic creations into marketable products. Experience the rewards of widening your audience base, establishing a prominent presence in the industry, and fostering a steady stream of income, all through the power of successful wholesale strategies.

May 30 To June 2, Save The Date! Fringe Fort Myers Fringe Fort Myers 2024, presented by the Alliance for the Arts and Broadway Palm Dinner Theater May 30 to June 2, is the newest Fringe theatre festival in Southwest Florida. Stay tuned for more details.

Alliance For The Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919, (239) 939-2787, artinlee.org.

Please note the updated gallery and administrative office hours:

Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call for any questions about events or classes.

Island Coast High School JROTC Collects More Than 1,200 Pounds Of Food For Harry Chapin Food Bank

Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Southwest Florida, is thrilled to announce the Island Coast High School JROTC collected 1,268 pounds of food during its recent food drive.

“We are proud and honored to be the beneficiaries of the Island Coast High School JROTC food drive and look forward to partnering with them in the future,” said Stuart Haniff, the chief development officer at Harry Chapin Food Bank. “This phenomenal effort exemplifies what can happen when a dedicated group of individuals comes together to work toward a common cause. Food drives like this not only support Harry Chapin Food Bank but inform an entire new generation about our mission to ensure that families in Southwest Florida have readily and consistent access to healthy, nutritious food.”

Held each February, the food drive is part of the Island Coast High School JROTC’s ongoing community outreach efforts.

According to Feeding America, more than 135,250 people in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties faced food insecurity in 2021. More than 30,000 of those are children. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle.

The food collected during the Island Coast High School JROTC food drive is enough to provide 1,521 meals to families throughout the five-county region.

Now in its 40th year, Harry Chapin Food Bank feeds more than 250,000 people each month through a variety of food distribution programs.

To host a food drive, make a donation or learn more about the food bank, visit www.harrychapinfoodbank.org.

Montage Women’s Club

The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at The Club at Pelican Preserve, 9802 Pelican Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers 33913 (community entry off Treeline Avenue between Colonial Boulevard and Daniels Parkway).

Activities begin at 11:30 a.m. with a short social period, followed by lunch at 12 p.m., then an informative speaker program, followed by a short business meeting ending at 2 p.m. Within the organization are various interest groups for members’ participation. Membership is open to both year-round and seasonal residents. We welcome you to visit Montage for a luncheon.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, and our planned speakers will be Marcia Davis, executive director for the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers, and Desi Wynter, chief real estate officer of that same organization. They design and manage the community

development enterprise known as the Greater Dunbar Initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort between local, state and federal agencies and private businesses and industries to address issues such as distressed housing, crime and unemployment in the Southward Village and surrounding neighborhood of Fort Myers.

Additionally, our May meeting will conclude with the installation of the new Montage Women’s Club Executive Board for 2024/25.

Luncheon fee is $28 and the planned regular entree will be Three Meat Lasagna with house marinara, broccolini and tiramisu for dessert. The plant-based/vegan entree will be Vegan Lasagna, broccolini, with fresh fruit for dessert. Fresh rolls and butter are always served.

If you would like to attend a Montage meeting, need further information, or would like to make a reservation, please call Rita Artwohl at (239) 703-7787. Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is 12 p.m., Thursday, May 16.

About Harry Chapin Food Bank

Harry Chapin Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, is the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida. The food bank rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to children, families, and seniors who are hungry through a series of food distribution programs that feed more than a quarter of a million people each month.

Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed $61.5 million worth of food in fiscal year 2022. Through our food distribution programs, we supplied 34.7 million pounds of food and other grocery items, including 12 million pounds of fresh produce. The food is the equivalent of 29 million meals distributed to those who are hungry.

Our membership with Feeding America enables us to amplify our food and distribution efforts and cost-effectively source food from various retail and grocery stores, national food producers and distributors, and growers locally, nationally, and even internationally.

Harry Chapin Food Bank is proud to be named a Blueprint Partner by the Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Harry Chapin Food Bank is also a United Way partner agency. For more information or to make a gift, please call (239) 3347007 or visit harrychapinfoodbank.org.

Gulf Harbour Master Association Board Meetings

will now be routinely held at Suitor Middleton Cox & Associates offices, 15751 San Carlos Blvd #8, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Meeting date and times will continue to be posted on the signs at the north and south entrances.

Lee Association For Remarkable Citizens Celebrates 70 Years

LARC Provides Support To Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities And Their Families

Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens (LARC) celebrated its 70th anniversary with a luncheon on March 13 at Marian Hall at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Fort Myers. Established in 1954, LARC Inc., is a training center for success that provides support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson read a proclamation from The City of Fort Myers, recognizing March as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

LARC’s Executive Director, Angela Katz, recognized key individuals who have contributed to the organization’s success over the past 70 years. These individuals were given keepsakes created by LARC participants.

• Bobbi Griffin, whose parents founded LARC with other parents whose children with intellectual and developmental disabilities were not allowed to attend public schools in 1954.

• The family of Kathy Bradley, whose parents were a founding family of LARC. Kathy attended programs at LARC for many years. Her brother Roger was the executive director of LARC for 31 years, and her brother Brian is now a member of the LARC Board of Directors. The family also donated the home, which became LARC’s first group home.

• Judy Rogers has been a dedicated instructor at LARC for 34 years.

• Ross Webb has served on the LARC Board of Directors for 36 years.

• Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka helped LARC attain state funding for their commercial culinary training kitchen.

• Marc Collins established a scholarship fund at LARC in honor of his late wife, Lori Carroll-Collins.

“LARC provides a wide array of programs that serve more than 300 individuals annually and participants range from 14 to 81,” said Katz. “We are so proud of all of our accomplishments over the past 70 years, and we are

Gulf Harbour Marina Board of Directors

President Doug Duncan

Vice President Stephen Patterson

Secretary Mike Needler

Treasurer Craig Anderson

Marina Appearance Committee David Kelley

committed to advocating for people with developmental disabilities to ensure they receive opportunities to live happy and fulfilling lives and have a meaningful place in society.”

Katz highlighted LARC’s programs that include:

• LARC’s Adult Day Training program is designed to enhance abilities and help individuals live happier, more productive and independent lives. Activities include selfcare, daily living skills and various pre-vocational and life skill opportunities. In addition, opportunities are provided to increase fine and gross motor activities, communication skills, academic skills, positive behavioral approaches, independent living skills, social skills, and recreation and leisure skills.

• Learn, Achieve, Become (LAB) is an oncampus experiential learning environment that transforms traditional program areas into spaces for innovation, vocation, demonstration, and learning. Five Labs focus on work and independent living skills, including Lab for Living, Wellness Lab, Smart Living Lab, Vocational Exploration Lab and Collaboration Lab. LARC provided more than 100,000 hours of life skills training last year.

• LARC recently broke ground on its commercial culinary training kitchen where individuals with disabilities will train to work in the hospitality industry.

• LARC’s Campus Employment allows individuals to explore career opportunities while earning wages. LARC partners with local businesses to provide packaging and assembly work, and LARC’s Woodshop constructs and sells custom wood products.

• LARC’s Community and Employment Support Services provide ongoing assistance to individuals living in their homes, including medical, medication, money management, grocery shopping, obtaining benefits, exploring community resources and other needs. In addition, Supported Employment is a service for individuals who require support services to obtain and succeed in competitive employment. More than 200 individuals are employed through LARC programs.

• LARC’s residential group homes provide room/board and 24-hour supervision in a person-centered, homelike environment. Individuals receive life skills training, including meal preparation, homemaking skills, personal hygiene, medication awareness and budgeting. Healthcare management

is provided and individuals receive education about overall health and well-being. Residents participate in group and individual community inclusion and recreational activities. LARC recently broke ground on a new home that will replace a home in North Fort Myers that Hurricane Ian destroyed.

At the end of the event, attendees were invited to take a pair of fun socks, wear them, and share them on social media in recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

To learn more about LARC or donate, visit www. larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz, executive director, at (239) 334-6285, Ext. 210 or angelakatz@larcleecounty.org. About LARC

Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually, and participants range in age from 14 to 81.

LARC offers vocational training, youth programs, community residential and employment services and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis. Its main campus is located at 2570 Hanson St., Fort Myers. LARC also operates two residential group homes in Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

Walter Johnson, Bobbi Griffin, Janette Johnson and Cathi Wheeler

Ross Webb, Austin Clinton and Angela Katz

LARC clients and staff

LARC Board of Directors with Mayor Kevin Anderson

Judy Rogers and Angela Katz

Jim Scanlon, Carolyn Scanlon, Deryl Bradley and Meghan Burbach

Todd Swaney, Marcia Ross, Marc Collins, Randall Barber and Juan Santiago

Angela Katz and Mayor Kevin Anderson

Alan Abramowitz, chief executive officer, The ARC of Florida; Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka; Angela Katz

Gifts For Mother’s Day

Sunday, May 12

Mother’s Day is a celebration of mothers and motherhood. It is celebrated in the United States on the second Sunday of May (Source: Library of Congress). Here are some ideas if you’re wondering what to get that special someone. Suggested Gifts

• Order flowers to come to her home the day before. Carnations have historically been used to commemorate the day.

• Purchase a gift certificate to a favorite online store.

• Purchase a gift certificate for a spa day, or to have hair and/or nails done.

• Give tickets to a concert, theater show, or sporting event that she would enjoy. Pay extra for orchestra seating or purchase the VIP seating.

• Arrange for an experience at a cooking class, wine tasting tour, and paint and sip party, or a weekend getaway.

• Make an appointment to have her computer cleaned and software upgraded.

• Make a special brunch, lunch or dinner or order from a special restaurant that has delivery or curbside pickup.

• Consider gifting her a new smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, wireless headphones, a portable charger, or a digital photo frame.

• On the YouTube website search for desk accessories 2024 or desk gadgets 2024, for ideas for the tech savvy mom’s home office. Purchase a lightbar or webcam for her computer.

• If your mom loves reading, consider gifting her a selection of books by her favorite authors or a subscription to a book club or magazine that aligns with her interests.

• Tackle a job around the house that your mom would appreciate.

Fort Myers! HELLO,

• Take her car to the car wash and have it detailed. Fill up the tank with gas.

• Splurge and buy her a laser color printer or a small printer that makes prints from her iPhone.

• Make arrangements for her to take a course on a favorite topic through FGCU Academy (www.fgcu.edu/academy). Pick an online or a face-to-face class.

• Purchase an aromatherapy diffuser with several special essential oils.

• Purchase a sampler of multiple types of teas.

• Purchase several pounds of a favored coffee.

• Contact a local jewelry store and purchase earrings or a necklace that is reflective of where she lives (sea shell earrings if she lives near the beach).

• Make an appointment with a professional photographer and with family members to have a current family picture taken. Or arrange for all to dress in holiday gear so mom can use it as a Christmas (or other holiday) card picture.

• For moms with health-related interests, purchase a yoga mat, yoga blocks, a fitness tracker, blood pressure watch or personal EKG monitor.

• Purchase an extra serving dish that matches the pattern of her favorite dinnerware.

If none of these ideas suit, you can always load/unload the dishwasher. That is always a guaranteed winner!

Disclaimer

The Soundings is a newsletter published for the benefit of the residents of Gulf Harbour. Seabreeze Communications Group assists in providing publishing, printing and advertising services. The content is that of the authors which should not be construed to be representations, opinions or views of the Gulf Harbour Master Association Inc., or its management, officers or directors or Seabreeze Communications Group. Additionally, the paid advertising in the Soundings should not be construed as an endorsement of any advertised product or service. Finally, none of the content of the Soundings may be reproduced for any purpose nor can the name GHY&CC Homeowner’s Association or similar modification be used in any way without the express prior written consent of the GH Master Association Inc Board of Directors.

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New Lobby

The 31st Annual Boston Red Sox Celebrity Classic Raises $400,000

The Annual Series In February And March Went To Bat For A Planned Pediatric Surgery Center For Golisano Children’s Hospital

The 31st Annual Red Sox Celebrity Classic series presented by Ambitrans Ambulance raised $400,000 in February and March to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

“The Boston Red Sox organization’s dedicated major players and staff, Forest Country Club members and event participants have helped raise over $15 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital through the years,” said Katy Martinez, senior director of development for Lee Health Foundation. “We are grateful for the important impact they are making for the children of Southwest Florida through their support.”

Rules & Regulations

Reminder

• Lakes: No boating, fishing or swimming in any lake within Gulf Harbour.

• Eagle Perch Island: No fishing.

• Marina: No recreational swimming or fishing in the marina. No fish or other marine life of any kind shall be cleaned, prepared or processed in any manner on the property.

Events included the Boston “Tee” Party and the Golf Tournament, both held in February and hosted at The Forest Country Club, and Dinner on the Diamond in March at JetBlue Park.

“As part of the Southwest Florida Community for so many years, we are proud to partner with Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Shawn Smith, general manager of Boston Red Sox Florida Operations. “It’s important for us to contribute to making Southwest Florida a healthy place to live, work and play ball.”

This year, the event series supports the development of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery Center. Last year, approximately 4,200 outpatient pediatric surgeries and procedures were performed at HealthPark Medical Center to treat fractures, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, ENT conditions, orthopedic maladies and appendectomies.

The new surgery center will provide world-class, compassionate care in a welcoming environment. Details and timeline of the 40,000-square-foot, one-story center, which is expected to cost about $40 million, are still being determined. When it opens, it is expected to include four operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms and numerous exam rooms, recovery bays and pre-op rooms. An estimated $15 to 20 million is needed from philanthropy to fund medical equipment and furnishings for the center.

To donate to the planned center, visit LeeHealthFoundation. org/Children-Services.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Golisano Children’s Hospital, a nationally recognized facility for safety and quality care, is one of five acute care hospitals within Lee Health. Established in 1994, Golisano is the only designated children’s hospital in Southwest Florida, with over 500,000 visits a year, serving patients from six surrounding counties. Ranked as a Top Children’s Hospital by Leapfrog, a Solution for Patient Safety network

Ahospital, an asthma-friendly hospital and a certified center for children with autism, Golisano offers over 30 specialty pediatric services in various locations across Southwest Florida. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which includes 135 beds and comprehensive neonatal and pediatric services. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

t Compass Rose Management, our Certified Managers hold the highest designations in the industry - CMCA, AMS and PCAM.

Dedicated to advocating on your behalf and committed to performance excellence, education and training as an organization offering over 35 years of industry experience.

Our team of qualified professionals is looking forward to working with your Community Boards and Homeowners!

Wally, Everly Hall and Addi Hall

Red Sox player Pablo Reyes answers questions.

Everly Hall throws the first pitch for the event to Red Sox player Eddy Alvarez.

Red Sox players Chris Murphy, Pablo Reyes and Reese McGuire field questions from sportscaster Will Fleming.

Michael Grant, Nicholas Grant, Lorraine Grant, Maggie Grant and Vanessa Oliver

Jeff Lumsden, Cindy Lumsden, Jim Riedy, Deb Riedy, Lisa Blair, Greg Blair, Fran Conner and Pete Connor

Diane Bush, Michael Graddy, Jane Usrey, Greg Usrey, Connie Hogrefe, Gary Hogrefe, Steve Tubbs and Allison Tubbs

Red Sox, Golisano Children’s Hospital and The Forest Country Club representatives celebrate success of the series of events.

Rising above the shores of the Caloosahatchee River is Vista Cay, a collection of sophisticated waterfront residences featuring awe-inspiring vistas. For a limited time, future residents can choose their views and enjoy Shell Point’s resort amenities and award-winning lifecare while building is underway. This rare opportunity to select a new construction residence in Shell Point’s most renowned neighborhood won’t last long. Take a virtual tour, register for a seminar, or request an appointment by visiting MeetVistaCay.org.