INSIDE
WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?
An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the
same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.
There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.
FIXED ANNUITY
A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.
VARIABLE ANNUITY
A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.
INDEXED ANNUITY
An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.
WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?
It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much
income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.
FENG SHUI
IN COLOR & DESIGN
Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.
It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.
In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.
Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:
Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of
control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.
The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.
Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.
BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
SEPT 26 - 29
OCT 3 - 6
OCT 10 - 13
OCT 17 - 20
OCT 24 - 27
NOV 7 - 10
NOV 14 - 17
NOV 21 - 24
DEC 5 - 8
DEC 12 - 15
DEC 12 - 15
Presidents Cup
* Schedule subject to change
The Royal Montreal GC • Montreal, Quebec • CAN
Sanderson Farms Championship
NBC, GOLF, PEACOCK, SXM
The Country Club of Jackson • Jackson, MS • USA GOLF, SXM
Black Desert Championship
Black Desert Resort Golf Course • Ivins, UT • USA GOLF, SXM
Shriners Children’s Open
TPC Summerlin • Las Vegas, NV • USA
ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP
ACCORDIA GOLF • Chiba • JPN GOLF
World Wide Technology Championship
SXM
El Cardonal at Diamante • Los Cabos • MEX GOLF, SXM
Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Port Royal Golf Course • Southampton • BER GOLF, SXM
The RSM Classic
Sea Island Golf Club • St. Simons Island, GA • USA GOLF, SXM
Hero World Challenge
Albany GC • Albany • BAH NBC, GOLF
Grant Thornton Invitational
Tiburón Golf Club • Naples, FL • USA
PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
Dye’s Valley Course • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA
GOLF
+ Signature Event
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
2024 LPGA
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
OCTOBER
OCT 19 – 20 |
ART FESTIVAL
Discover art and inspiration at the St. Armands Fall Festival of the Arts on October 19th-20th, 2024. Hosted by Paragon Festivals and the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association, this event transforms St. Armands Circle Park into an outdoor gallery of unique, handmade artwork by talented artisans from Florida and across the United States. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mw64bhxa
NOVEMBER
NOV. 14 - 17 | BOAT
SHOW
Widely considered the premier boat show on Florida’s west coast, the Annual Fort Myers Boat Show will feature boats of just about every type imaginable, marine products and services for both enthusiasts and novices alike! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ysu98b7e
NOV
29
- 30 | SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVA
Get back outdoors and enjoy a weekend of pure relaxation full of great food and wonderful live music. The annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival. Fun, food, festivities, and relaxation begin! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/59b8nyeu
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 |
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Get into the holiday spirit this year! View over one million traditional Christmas themed lights and decorations throughout Fishermen’s Village. For more info visit: fishermensvillage.com
DEC
14
| BOAT PARADE
Experience the magic of the Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade! Join us for a dazzling display of festive boats, spreading holiday cheer along the waterways. Don’t miss the enchantment – a Christmas celebration that unites the community in joy!
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3ydk6b4f
JANUARY
JAN 19 | FOOD TRUCKS FEST
award-winning craft beer and Spyk’d Hard Seltzers while experiencing an awesome lineup of local food trucks and jamming out to live tunes from talented bands and musicians. There is always something fun happening at FMBrew for the entire family, and pets too! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2p9dna4
JAN 31 | ARTFEST
Embark on an artistic journey amidst the creations of over 200 meticulously chosen artists, savor the melodies of live entertainment, tantalize your taste buds with culinary delights, engage in immersive children’s art activities, and be mesmerized by captivating live art demonstrations. For more info visit: artfestfortmyers.com
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | COUNTY FAIR
Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair will feature activities like the fun talent contest, youth citrus project, fashion review competition, chicken bbq cook-off, youth royalty, hay bale decorating competition, and club booth competition. For more info visit: swflcfair.com
FEB 1 - 3 | FOOD TRUCK RALLY
Enjoy the best of SWFL Food Truck cuisine and an authentic German Biergarten featuring Hofbrau Bier from Munchen. The event will feature live music, stein holding competition, awesome food trucks, and marketplace vendors. Proceeds to benefit the Bonita Springs Historical Society. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yedrspvk
FEB 15 | PARADE OF LIGHT
Named as the largest night parade in the Southeast, the Grand Parade is a two-hour extravaganza
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
featuring national participants & local marching bands, floats, local government and law enforcement officials, clowns and much more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/53ty3cam
MARCH
MARCH 7 - 9 | SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Join us at Largo Central Park for the inaugural Largo Seafood & Music Festival. This exciting new festival promises a weekend filled with delicious seafood, live music, and vibrant community spirit. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdfmcwzc
MARCH 21 - 23 | RIVER FEST
Join us for the Fort Myers River Fest held on the waterfront in historic downtown Fort Myers, FL. The event is produced by Paragon Festivals in partnership with the Fort Myers River District Alliance. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/57syy2jp
APRIL
APRIL 4 - 5 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
This seafood and music festival is crafted like an outstanding meal, incorporating the finest ingredients. Choose from a variety of entrees including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, all cooked fresh onsite. Complement your meal with an array of side dishes and scrumptious desserts. A selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will also be available. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2nwuhbj4
APRIL 12 | CRAFT FESTIVAL
Set against the backdrop of the bustling Corey Avenue, surrounded by fantastic retail shops and fine dining restaurants, this festival is the perfect location to peruse local hand-crafted works and wares. Find unique creations and connect with a community of like-minded artisans in this picturesque beach town. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4fcdxjf5
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
MAY
MAY 3 | BANDS,
BREWS, & BBQ
Sample 50 beers from small breweries. Specialty beer will be available by samples or bottle. Come see our great BBQ Pitmasters and amazing live music! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n86x243
MAY
3
- 4 | BLUEBERRY FEST
Come on down for Ft Myers Blueberry Fest! Enjoy fresh blueberries, art & crafts, frisbee dog show, delicious food, beer & wine, live entertainment, & much more! For more info visit: ftmyersfest.com
MAY
14
-18 | FILM FESTIVAL
Get ready for the Fort Myers Film Festival’s annual festival which will be held in the sunny, beautiful SWFL region at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG, Babcock Ranch, BIG ARTS, Alliance for the Arts, Broadway Palm Theater and more. For more info visit: fortmyersfilmfestival.com
JUNE
JUNE TBA | FRINGE FEST
Fringe Fort Myers, presented by the Alliance for the Arts and Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, is the newest Fringe theatre festival in Southwest Florida and maintains long-standing Fringe traditions of being 100% uncensored, 100% unjuried and 100% inclusive. Even better, 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists. All of this means you’re 100% guaranteed to have the single greatest experience of your life! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2evu9nhr
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Come celebrate our great nation and town pride as the Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade makes its way down Estero Blvd. with its colorful floats and costumed participants! The parade starts at Bay Oaks Recreation Center continues down the boulevard to Times Square. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y23v288d
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
JUNE 20 | SUMMER FEST
The Annual Suncoast Summer Fest kicks off the Summer season with a series of special event fundraisers, organized by Suncoast Charities for Children, to raise money for local children, teens, and adults with special needs and their families. For more info visit: suncoastsummerfest.org
AUGUST
AUG TBA | SHARK TOOTH FEST
The Annual Shark Tooth Festival is held in the air conditioned Robarts Arena. Displays, vendors, activities, and education displays. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/39vnh8n3
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 6 | CRAFT FESTIVAL
The tremendous support of the Venice community is one reason why this craft festival is so successful! Located on Florida’s west coast, Venice is a vibrant town on the Gulf of Mexico, filled with historic charm, natural beauty, and independently owned shops and restaurants. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n6v3xya
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single
DATE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful
If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,
comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.
Here are a few amazing train trip options:
JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS
If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.
In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.
SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM
In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.
In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.
