A Word From The Board
Fiber optic is coming to Verandah – We are pleased that Comcast has started the process of laying fiber optic cable throughout Verandah. Over the next twelve-plus months, they will use directional drilling to install the fiber cable in conduits (protective sleeve) under our roads and driveways. In your yard, the fiber cable will also be placed in a conduit and installed six to eight inches below the surface.
Comcast has extensive experience, and we’re told there should be minimal disruption to your lawn and landscaping. It will be connected to the current Comcast box on the side of your home. When they complete the installation of the fiber in your neighborhood, they will then contact each homeowner to set up the new service into your home. You may opt to use wireless connections to your devices, or they can use your existing wiring connections. Homeowners on the Verandah Cable Committee will also be available to help you transition to the new service. (Good news – when Comcast completes
the installation process, they will remove all of the unsightly green telecom boxes that dot our landscape.)
This is a very big project, and we ask for your patience. We will keep you updated as the work progresses.
Michele Boose is now leading the day-to-day operations of the VCA – we are very pleased to report that Michele’s orientation as our new General Manager is proceeding smoothly. She began work in April and has already made some good improvements. We hope you were able to join us at the Meet and Greet with Michele and, if not, please feel free to stop by the VCA Office at 11390 Palm Beach Boulevard and introduce yourself.
2023 VCA Budget Overview
New to the community and need information? Need clarification on a modification to your landscaping or your home’s structure? Report a streetlight out? Irrigation or lights not working in your community’s monument? An area of community space not being appropriately maintained? All of these matters generally involve reaching out to the office of the VCA. The VCA office is staffed by a group of professionals whose primary responsibility is to not only address all of our issues but also to make sure that our Verandah is continuously maintained at that high standard that we all expect. Unfortunately, that support and ongoing maintenance is not free and there is only one source of support. That is our homeowner assessments, the fee that you pay quarterly to the VCA. What does your fee pay for? First it provides your home with cable television, Internet services and the ancillary equipment necessary to provide those services. The retail value of those services being provided exceeds $100 per month per household. Secondly, as you drive into our community and along Verandah Boulevard, the meticulously manicured lawns, shrubbery and trees are all assessed regularly, with maintenance provided as necessary and in accordance with a maintenance schedule. It is not just mowing, but irrigating, mulching, plant replacement and so on. That is the second largest expenditure of the VCA at approximately $100,000 per month or almost $1.2 million in 2023. The third most significant expense is administrative, which also exceeded $1.1 million in 2023. This is the “catch all” for everything not specifically allocated and includes the VCA office staff, property insurance on VCA assets such as buildings at each of our entrances, liability insurance, management fees from Evergreen Management (who provide accounting services such as billing, collections, payables, etc.), legal expenses, office lease expenses, etc. The
list just goes on! The fourth major expense which is allocated to all homeowners is the “community patrol” expense which includes staffing for the front gate, the newly installed Envera system, the community patrol vehicle as well as all gate arm/ gate operations and maintenance.
Our community is not an inexpensive place to maintain. However, the Board is committed to setting and maintaining high standards for the community and to accomplish this in a cost-effective manner, both for today and for the years to come. The VCA is responsible for a wide range of community assets that comprise our infrastructure. Examples of these include our roads, curbs, gutters, and catch basins; boardwalks, bridges, and walking paths; sidewalks; common area landscapes; perimeter walls and fences; gatehouses and related infrastructure; street signage; and assets used for maintenance and community patrol. As these assets will deteriorate as they age, they will eventually require replacement. To prepare financially for the eventual repair and replacement of these assets, an updated Reserve Study has been authorized by the Board. This is expected to be completed by late summer.
Monies in the Reserve Fund come from home buyer contributions when they purchase a new or existing home. The current contribution amount is $3,000. As the community continues its buildout, new home sales will decline and disappear over the next few years. Beginning in 2023 and now in 2024, there is a reserve line item in the operating budget to assure we continue accumulating the funds we will need in the future.
If you would like to learn more about Verandah’s Reserve Study and its Reserve Fund, please visit https://www.vcalife. com/folder/reserve-study-reports/
2023 Budget Overview – Where Did It Come From? Where Did It Go?
Prepare For Hurricane Season 2024
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. We can’t stop a hurricane but we can be prepared to keep ourselves and our homes safe. Right now, before storms begin to form, is the best time to prepare for a storm’s onslaught. VCALife.com has a good number of excellent hurricane preparedness guides. From the VCALife.com homepage, click on Helpful Documents, then select the Hurricane Information folder. There you will find everything you need to know for your safety and your home’s safety. The VCA staff is in readiness with established plans for before, during and after the storm. Please know that Verandah Club also has an extensive plan to keep residents, staff, buildings and equipment secure in every area from the golf course to the River House kitchen. Stay Safe—Be Prepared.
Golf Carts And Crossings
Can you tell the difference between these signs? They are both red octagons with white lettering and say “STOP” in white capital letters.
Both signs are meant to stop the driver so he/she can look both ways before proceeding.
The sign on the left almost always causes the driver of the car to stop before proceeding. It is located where two streets come together so the driver can stop to see if another car is coming.
The sign on the right does not always cause the driver to stop. It is located where a golf cart crosses a street to continue on a cart path. It is placed there so the golf cart driver can stop to see if a car is coming.
For years, golfers have assumed that they had the right of way when crossing a street. This is NOT the case! Walkers have the right of way, but not golf carts. They are to stop at the stop sign when there is one. If an oncoming car sees you and waves you through, the sign still says to stop first. Then go.
It is only a matter of time before a car and golf cart collide crossing the street. The golf cart driver will be at fault for not following posted signs, along with probably getting the worst of the accident.
Please follow the rules of the road even if you’ve been blowing through the cart path stop signs for years. We all want to enjoy our years of leisure safely.
Let’s Grow Verandah –Gardening Series
The VCA Landscape Committee are volunteers that serve for the benefit of all VCA Homeowners. They advise the VCA Board on ways to maintain and enhance the beauty, functionality and overall value of our outdoor spaces. They also organize community events related to landscaping, enhancing commitment to the beauty of our natural environment.
In keeping with these efforts, The VCA Landscape Committee hosted its first in a series of gardening forums. The Committee was honored to host Stephen Brown from the University of Florida IFAS, Jenny Evans from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Robert Benitez, Vision Landscape. Our presenters guided us through elements of “right plant, right place,” irrigation, soil PH, invasive species, benefits of incorporating Florida natives and more, to help create our own beautiful landscapes. A full house group of Verandah residents attended and brought with them questions specific to their own yards.
Links to slide packs from the presentations are available on the home page of http://VCALife.com. We invite you to open them up to learn more on best practices in South Florida landscaping.
Living In Verandah – Part Three: Our People
The People That Make Verandah Go
Verandah’s Homeowners – We have over 2,000 people living in Verandah – of which about 7 percent are renters. We are almost evenly split between full-time and seasonal residents. The demand for services peaks between November and April. We hail from different parts of the country and globe. Nearly 60 percent have lived here for less than 10 years. The ages of our homeowners are well distributed. While there are few people under 18, over 50 percent are over 70. Nearly 40 percent of us still work and, of those working, 70 percent work full time. We share many things in common including friendships and caring for each other, a commitment to Verandah as our home, and a love of the outdoors and being active. Many of us apply our life skills as volunteers in Verandah and in the southwest Florida community. It gives us a sense of purpose and belonging. Together, we are having a positive impact on the lives of others.
Our VCA Staff – Our mighty staff of four in the office and three working outside around Verandah help to keep
things going every day in our community. Orienting new homeowners, overseeing vendor contracts, paying the bills, keeping the records, managing the organization, and keeping our common areas looking great are just a few of the many things they do for us. Did you know that our traffic count for the month of March totaled 46,000 vehicles passing through the resident lanes of our two gatehouses?
Verandah’s Vendors – We have a veritable small army of vendors that help to make Verandah go! The most visible are the many landscape companies that swarm across all parts of our community every week. Things would quickly become quite “shaggy” without their attention to detail. The number of vendors coming to our homes is also dizzying. They include such things as pool maintenance, building trades, pet grooming, trash removal, professional services, food delivery and home care.
The Verandah Club – Our dedicated Club staff and vendors provide many, many services to us. The golf operations are most visible including the Golf House, bag drop, course rangers and very busy maintenance crew. The office staff, restaurant, bar, Blossoms and Fitness Center staff keep us fueled and going every day.
Beat The Heat And Make New Friends This Summer
Is it too hot to play golf, tennis and pickleball? Have your friends gone away for the summer? Feeling like there’s nothing to do?
Than come over to the River House Dining Room two Fridays a month where it’s nice and cool at the Sew & Sews meetings! Meet new people and learn to make
handmade items to donate to nonprofit organizations throughout SWFL.
We do more than sew! Do you knit or crochet? We have a group for you. If you can tie a knot, we have a group making fleece blankets for kids and adults.
Would you like to learn to sew? Come and learn how to sew a baby blanket or pillow to keep, sewing only four straight lines. Don’t have a machine? Come and use ours. For more information, email Stephanie Levin at sslaging@ comcast.net or check out our website at www.sewandsews.org.
Welcome Back Verandah Neighbors!
Verandah Kayak Seminar With Estero River Outfitters
The Orange River is a tributary of the Caloosahatchee and is approximately 9 miles long. It flows along Verandah’s southern border for 1.75 miles. It offers Verandah’s residents and guests a special kayaking experience that blends tranquility with the allure of nature. Recently Justin Stuller and the staff of Estero River Outfitters, a local family owned and operated outfitter since 1977, came to Verandah to host a kayaking seminar. He suggested that you plan your paddling experience in advance by using Google maps’ satellite images of the Orange River.
The river has a gentle current and it makes travel easy in both directions. If you go to the right, you can head toward Manatee Park and perhaps see manatees if the air is cold. To the left you can meander through “Old Florida” with parts of the river canopied by mature oaks dripping with Spanish moss. Remember to be mindful of how far you go and how long it takes because you must paddle the same distance back.
Fishing from a kayak is a favorite pastime for many. (Be sure adults have a fishing license.) Alligators are an integral part of Florida’s ecosystem. Be vigilant and keep a safe distance from them. Generally, they are afraid of you but nevertheless, always keep hands and feet out of the water.
Kayak Choices
Verandah’s kayaks are the “sit atop” variety. The seat is typically above the waterline, and you are exposed to the elements which on a warm, sunny day is quite refreshing. They are easy to get in and out of and are less likely to capsize than the sit inside (covered) kayaks which have an enclosed cockpit. Our kayaks are excellent for beginners and are self-bailing.
Kayak singles are generally more maneuverable. A tandem kayak requires synchronizing your paddle strokes with your partner to navigate smoothly. Conversationally you may find it is more enjoyable to chat in singles as you are able to see each other. Have fun in the outdoors! If you’d like to learn more about kayaking, visit the Estero River Outfitters located on the Estero River. You can also visit their website at www.EsteroRiverOutfitters.com.
Tips For Using Our Kayaks
1) Take care when moving a kayak as they are easy to scratch on rough surfaces.
2) Use the wheeled cart and center the kayak’s keel (wheels level and kickstand down for loading).
3) Guide the kayak down to the launch; or if there are two of you, carry it down to the river together, protecting the hull.
4) Run your hand over the surfaces to feel for any cracks and ensure it is watertight.
5) When you return there is a hose to rinse everything off to remove any sand or debris. Pay attention to crevices where dirt can accumulate.
6) Drain off excess water before returning the kayak to the rack.
Ace and Deuce are “Our Boys” owned by Lisa Schlesinger and Sue Gorsuch. Ace and Deuce are littermate brothers adopted from Gulf Coast Humane Society at 7 weeks old. Each weighed only 1.5 pounds and are almost identical strays. These beautiful felines are 4 years old, lovable, mischievous, curious, protective and best buds. Sue and Lisa say they are their little feline family, cherished and loved.
A beloved pet’s photo, whether dog, cat, horse, bird, or fish will be featured in the Verandah View Pet of the Month. Resident owners can send in a photo with pet’s name, owner’s name, type of pet, and one sentence or two about their pet by texting Susan Shamey at (724) 355-2478 or email sshamey@ymail.com. Pet photos will be randomly chosen from entries – big or small. All pets are beautiful to their owners.
Celebrating Another Memorable Season At Verandah
Verandah 2024
Club Championship Winners
• Men’s Club Champion – David Garratt and Ladies’ Club Champion – Lisa Schlesinger
• Men’s Senior Club Champion – Tim Saurs; Men’s SuperSenior Club Champion – Brad Barton
• Ladies’ Senior Club Champion – Anita Morris; Ladies’ Super-Senior Champion – Arlene Adoff
Men’s Club Champion – David Garratt and Ladies’ Club Champion – Lisa Schlesinger
Women’s Luau Closing Day Golf Event
2024 Bocce Champions
Annual Judith Cifolelli Special
Fundraiser:
Bruce
The nine participating teams generously donated to participate in the tournament, resulting in a remarkable total of $3,505 raised for Special Equestrians. These funds will directly support the organization’s efforts to acquire new equipment and enhance programming for individuals with disabilities.
the
in
May 31 – June 22
Jump and jive with over 30 songs from the Big Band Era! Swing exploded out of Harlem and shattered cultural and ethnic barriers and now you can relive the dance phenomenon that swept the world. This all singing, all dancing extravaganza features It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got that Swing, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, In The Mood, Sing Sing Sing, Stompin’ at the Savoy, Cry Me A River, Bounce Me Brother and more.
June 28 - August 10
Everyone’s favorite nanny is back! Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she helps teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of an irresistible story, breathtaking dance numbers and unforgettable songs such as Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Dates may be subject to change.
Tennis Mixed Doubles
for
140 ladies participated in the Luau Closing Day golf event in April. Caleb and Nick did a great job organizing the event.
Fifth
Equestrians Bocce
The Mustangs Nick Towel, Mike Stanley, Jeanine Brande,
Brande.
Congratulations to
Awesome Eighties
their victory
this year’s 2023/2024 Bocce League! 2024 Bob Lemburg, Bob Krueger, Stew Chen and Frank Carroll
Division B Champions and Runners-up: Shelly Marcus and Mike McEachen (first place); Paula Thompson and Kris Johanessen (second place)
Division A Champions: Susan DesJardine and Dave Marston
Celebrating Another Memorable Season At Verandah continued on page 5
Verandah Community University
What a great end to our first Verandah Community University (VCU) season. Over 200 residents gathered in the River House on April 15 to hear fellow resident Rick Collins talk about his career as a Secret Service Agent. Rick shared stories from his tenure protecting five presidents and six vice presidents and many foreign heads of states and dignitaries. It has been an action-packed first season for VCU. Stay tuned for more about the next season’s lineup.
Over 1,000 people attended the Member Appreciation Night held at the Club on April 17. The staff knocked it out of the park with amazing food and music.
Hoist the Jolly Roger there be treasure out there.
Come on board starting June 1st to enter for a chance to win an authentic “Piece of eight” .
Eight Treasure coins* will be given away starting Friday, July 5th, with one LUCKY Scalawag every Friday, for eight weeks.
Eight coin giveaways from Friday, July 5th until August 23rd. (*Authentic silver 2 reale coin per winner, no purchase necessary)
Join us to look over all the jewels and sparkling treasures while sipping a bit of grog and enjoying special offers throughout the store.
Verandah Women’s Social Club – Music Bingo Night
What a fabulous season finale for the VWSC and the women of Verandah WINE NOT MUSIC BINGO! Delicious food, great music and enthusiastic dancers, with winners taking home “A Party in a Bag” and gift cards.
You Know? SEALIFE FASHION DIAMONDS ESTATE
The Bell Tower • Suite 165 • Ft. Myers • CongressJewelers.com 239-472-4177 • info@CongressJewelers.com When It Needs To Be Perfect
If you know how to tell time, you probably understand and use a.m. and p.m., and you might even know the terms come from Latin phrases. But do you know what exactly those phrases are or what they mean in English?
What Do A.M. And P.M. Mean?
According to Dictionary.com, a.m stands for the Latin phrase ante merīdiem, which translates to “before midday.” The term p.m , on the other hand, is an abbreviation of post merīdiem, or “after midday.” Have you ever noticed somebody write “12 m.” or “12:00 m.”? Though uncommon, it’s technically the correct way to express noon. (Noon, by the way, actually used to refer to 3 p.m.)
As with many modern-day practices with Latin roots, the idea of splitting the day into two 12-hour chunks is very, very old. So old, in fact, that we don’t know exactly how it became a worldwide habit. Its history dates back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia at the very least.
How Should You Write A.M. And P.M.?
If you’re writing a.m. or p.m. in anything formal – an academic paper or published article, for example – you should stick to lowercase letters and include the periods, like we’ve done throughout this piece. But as Dictionary.com notes, it is acceptable to use “am/pm” or “AM/PM” elsewhere, as long as you keep it consistent.
Are There Other Ways To Say A.M. And P.M.?
If saying “a.m.” or “p.m.” is getting a little boring, there is slang from the 1910s to which you can turn. Early 20th-century telephone operators used pip emma to signal p.m ., and ack emma to signal a.m.; so, if someone said they planned to catch the train at seven o’clock pip emma, they meant 7 p.m. Eventually, both phrases (which, according to Green’s Dictionary of Slang , originated with the military) entered the public lexicon as alternatives to afternoon and morning.
Let’s Go To Dinner
La Fontanella
This Italian restaurant originated in Bonita Springs and has recently opened a Fort Myers location. Although the Fort Myers restaurant is new, we have already been there three times. If you are at the Fort Myers spot and in a group of six to eight, they have three “booths” of round tables, sectioned off, very private. These tables are numbered 10, 11 and 12.
Salads – Starting with salads I have a couple of recommendations. Insalata Mediterranean is a mix of sliced English cucumber, tomato, onion in basil oil. La Fontanella also have an Insalata Spinach. This spinach salad comes with tomato, sliced almond and goat cheese, it is served with a balsamic glaze.
Small Plates – This restaurant provides a nice selection of small plates, and these are appropriate to share. With
warm weather tomatoes available you should try the Caprese. This plate features mozzarella, tomatoes, greens and olive oil. My favorite small plate is their Carpaccio. This dish consists of sliced raw filet mignon with capers, arugula, shaved Parmesan, lemon and olive oil.
Pasta – For the pasta lovers La Fontanella has a varied selection. Spaghetti alla Rotese has garlic, broccoli, artichoke hearts, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, capers, onion and tomato in olive oil. Think about adding a protein: chicken, sausage, meatballs or shrimp. Another pasta that deserves a try – the Gambari alla Scampi. Yes, this is Shrimp Scampi but La Fontanella’s version includes tomato and peas, it is served over linguine.
Entrees – Where entrees are considered I highly recommend the Branzino con Vino Bianco. This roasted sea bass is prepared with garlic, capers, tomato and lemon in a white wine butter sauce. The last time we dined at La Fontanella it was ordered by five of the eight guests.
Another entree I have ordered and can rave about is the Vitello Osso Bucco. This veal shank is slowly braised
What’s On My Plant?
By Barbara Watson, VCA Landscape Committee Member, Florida Master Gardener
“Garden pests can be a big problem during the summer months with the increase in temperature, humidity and rainfall. As we enjoy the flush of new plant growth during this period, so do many pests. Sucking insects comprise a large group of these pests, damaging plants by piercing with their mouthparts and sucking sap from the plant. This feeding process weakens and stresses the plant and will cause its eventual decline. Three common visitors to our Verandah gardens in this group include aphids, mealybugs and whitefly. The following is a description of these pests and methods of control.
Aphids are perhaps the most common garden pest. They are a small, soft-bodied insect and can be green, black, yellow, red and even orange in color. They have a pear-shaped body
Consumer Alert
Pay Your Bills, Not Impersonators
By Andrew Rayo, Consumer Education Specialist
If you’re paying a medical, utility, or other bill online, you probably expect to wind up on the company’s website. What might you not expect? An impersonator tricking you into paying them instead. But that’s what the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says a company called Doxo did. Here’s what you need to know.
According to the FTC, Doxo pretended to be an official payment site for big-name companies like AT&T, Spectrum, and Labcorp. The FTC says Doxo used online ads that looked like they were from the companies, and even used company names as keywords so Doxo’s ads would show up in search results.
If the bills got paid, what’s the problem? There’s lots of them, says the FTC. People who paid their bills through Doxo often paid fees to Doxo on top of what they owed on the bill they were trying to pay. And, in some cases, the payment never got to the company that issued the bill. People only found out when they got a warning letter from a bill collector or had their utility service shut off. Some people wound up paying late fees to the actual company
and can reproduce rapidly. Aphid infestation can be identified by visible clusters of the insect on plant stems, leaves or buds, preferring new growth. If infestation is minimal, they can be dislodged with a blast of water. Removal of heavily infested plant parts can help reduce the spread. Insecticidal soap and introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs are other effective methods of control.
Mealybugs have a cottony appearance. They are small, white, flat and oval shaped. They like to hide in plant crevices and can attach to all parts of the plant, even the roots. They tend to colonize and mass together. A spray of warm water can help eliminate this pest. Another effective method is localized spraying or spot-treating with a cotton swab dipped in 70 percent rubbing alcohol. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are other effective treatments. This pest can be persistent, so continue to monitor.
and is beyond tender. Don’t forget to use the small fork to retrieve the bone marrow.
Desserts – By this point I have had enough to eat, but if you need a sweet I have two recommendations. The Crème Brûlée is one of the creaminess I have ever had. Be sure and get extra spoons to share.
The other dessert that three of the eight diners ordered is the Tartufo. This was a “favorite” with a frozen chocolate shell filled with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, cherries and nuts.
Both locations feature an early bird special, 4 to 5 p.m. (You need to be seated by 4:45 p.m.)
Both restaurants have a three-course Chef’s Sunday Supper and there is definitely something for everyone.
La Fontanella has two locations at 7050 Winkler Road, Suite 112, Fort Myers, (239) 237-2143 and 24600 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 204, Bonita Springs, (239) 498-6808. Alla salute! Ginger Snap
Whiteflies, another common pest, are frequently found in Florida gardens. These tiny insects have a white, winged body that resemble tiny moths. They are found clustered on the underside of leaves and can be seen flying around the infested plant, particularly when the plant is disturbed. Whiteflies can be controlled with yellow sticky traps, removal of heavily infested plant parts, natural predators and Neem or insecticidal soap. All these pests will create honeydew as they feed. This sticky substance attracts ants and promotes Sooty Mold, a black substance that can cover the plant’s leaves and stems. The mold can easily be washed off, but it is an indication that a pest is present.
Monitor your plants carefully and regularly. More importantly, follow good gardening practices to keep your plants healthy. A healthy plant is a happy plant and less likely to attract pests that can suck the life out of your garden.
that billed them – or paid their bill a second time, just to avoid other problems.
If you’re looking to pay your bill online, know that search results might not get you to the right place. Instead, check your bill to find the online payment site. And, if possible, use a credit card. Credit cards offer the most protection against fraud, including the right to dispute charges if there are any problems.
Learn more about impersonator scams at ftc.gov/ impersonators. If you spot an impersonator scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
I can feel the sand beneath my feet...
“I got neuropathy as a side effect from the chemo that I received 2 years ago in the fall. So it has been about 2 years since I’ve had the neuropathy. When I asked my oncologist what could be done, he told me that I’d have to take gabapentin and just live with it.
We received the ad in the newspaper and my husband says why don’t we see if this guy can help you. We made an appointment, came here and he did. I am so much better it’s unbelievable. I wasn’t able to go to the grocery store without taking a cart, even if I was just picking up some bananas or one or two things. I had to have a cart to help me walk through the store. When we went to the beach we pretty much just stayed in our chairs because I couldn’t get up to go for a walk on the sand. My feet hurt that bad. It was hard to get dressed in the morning. While trying to put my feet into my pant legs my toes wouldn’t cooperate. When I finally came in for my appointment it was close to the end of the time when we were going back up north. I got to know everybody pretty well because I was here
everyday that they were open to get in all of my treatments before we left. I continued everything at home all of the way up through the summertime to where I ran out of stuff, and so now I’m not doing any of that anymore, but they are still so much better it’s unbelievable. I mean I walk the beach, I play golf two or three times a week, I can run in the grocery store without help, and my husband will say I can’t keep up with you anymore. It’s just so much better, it’s wonderful. It’s well worth coming in and having the treatments and taking supplements. You just need to be faithful and do it because it will wake your nerves back up. It’s wonderful. If you don’t try to take care of yourself nobody else is going to.”
Joyce B, Patient - Fort Myers, FL
Dr. Rob Davis, DC is the Bestselling Author of Breaking the Cycle, How to take control of your health when traditional medicine has failed. Call 239-482-8686 to schedule an appointment.
Safely Dispose Of Unwanted Medications
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to take the time to go through your medicine cabinet and remove any unused, unwanted, and expired medications. After gathering your prescription and over the counter medications, you can safely dispose of them utilizing an anonymous and secure lock box located at our district substations and main headquarters.
“Prescription medications play an important role in the health of millions of Americans, but can pose significant health hazards to toddlers, teens and even family pets if wrongfully consumed,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “Our lock boxes are in place to provide citizens a safe way to rid their homes of useless medications that can ultimately fall into the wrong hands”.
Lock boxes are available to the public Monday through Friday during regular business hours at the following locations:
• Central District, Headquarters – 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers
• North District – 121 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers
• East District – 1301 Homestead Road North, Lehigh Acres
• West District – 15650 Pine Ridge Road, Fort Myers
• South District – 10520 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
Please make sure you:
• Bring all medications, including prescription and over the counter in a sealed plastic bag.
• Do not bring needles or other “sharps” as they cannot be accepted.
For more information, call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Relations Section at (239) 258-3280, or visit our website at www.sheriffleefl.org.
Spatchcock Chicken
This is a delicious One-Pan Chicken Dinner.
1 Spatchcock Chicken
2 pounds medium red potatoes, scrubbed and quartered 3 to 4 medium carrots, peeled and quartered 8 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved Any other root vegetable you like
Butter Mixture
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 tablespoon black pepper
You can Google how to Spatchcock a chicken, (which is removing the backbone) or you can do what I do and buy it at Whole Foods. Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. They usually do.
• Use your thumbs to separate the skin from the meat over the breast, thigh and drumstick areas.
• In a small bowl, combine the flavored butter ingredients. Mash with a fork for a couple of minutes until the lemon juice is mostly incorporated into the butter.
• Spread two-thirds of mixture under the chicken skin and spread remaining butter all over the chicken.
• Place prepared vegetables all around the chicken and drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle chicken and vegetables generously with salt and pepper.
• Bake uncovered at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until instant read thermometer reads 160 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of chicken breast. Remove from oven and rest 10 minutes on a cutting board before serving.
Recipe Notes
• Allow the raw chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using for even baking.
• Don’t overbake or the breast will be dry. Keep in mind the internal temperature will rise another 5 to 10 degrees after it comes out of the oven.
