A Look Inside DO YOU LOVE BOCCE? ALE TALES AND LAGER LORE CALLING ALL CROSS CREEK CRAFTERS!
Ale Tales And Lager Lore
DIANE BOTHFELD, CERTIFIED CICERONE®
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBERFEST CELEBRATION AT THE CROSS CREEK COUNTRY CLUB ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW!
September is hop harvest time! The main area of hop farming in the United States is the Pacific Northwest including Washington, Oregon and Idaho. But Florida is growing hops as well.
It started as research at the University of Florida and has progressed to testing the commercial viability of growing hops by working with local breweries to make beer with Florida grown hops.
HOP CONES AT THE GULF COAST RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER.
BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS COMMUNICATIONS
One variety grown for the research is Cascade hops which is also grown in the Pacific Northwest. There are difficulties in growing hops in Florida and the main one is hours of sunlight. For hops to produce flowers, the number of hours of daylight must exceed 16 hours per day. Even in the longest days of summer, Florida does not reach 16 hours of daylight. Hops in Florida are grown in greenhouses where LED light can substitute for the lack of sunlight. With the greenhouses, two hop harvest can be completed each year.
At the research open house this past June, it was reported that over 5,000 gallons of beer had been brewed by 18 local breweries in the past year. There are no commercial growers yet, but the success of the research may result in farmers growing hops.
The brewers provide lots of feedback to the researchers. One is the aroma profile of the hops. The hops grown in Florda have aromas of honeydew melon, cantaloupe and pineapple. Cascade hops grown in the Pacific Northwest do not have this aroma profile. Where hops are grown can influence flavors and aromas and Florida appears to give Cascade hops a specific profile.
A second request from brewers was to pellet the hops. Within the research trial, the hops were provided as whole cones (flowers) to
brewers. Many brewers use pelleted hops which are easier to store and use. The researchers pelleted the hops, and the brewers found that these pelleted hops worked well and provided the desired results. Having pelleted hops may provide an incentive for more Florida breweries to utilize Florida grown hops.
One of the researchers stated, “Our immediate goal is to demonstrate the potential for Florida-grown hops to local
breweries, while optimizing the production system to maximize yield and quality. In the long term, we seek to contribute to the establishment of a market that encourages commercial hop production by local producers.”
Keep an eye on beer menus at your local craft brewer to see if they are using Florida grown hops.
BILTMORE
Cross Creek Travelers
ESTATE AND ASHEVILLE, N.C., OCT. 26 TO 31, SIX DAYS/FIVE NIGHTS, $915 per person – double occupancy (Note Single additional charge $220)
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation Wi-Fi bathroom equipped
• Five nights lodging including three consecutive nights in the Asheville area
• Eight meals: five breakfasts and three dinners
• Guided tour of Asheville, N.C.
• Full-day visit to the Biltmore Estate
• Guided drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Visit to the famous Folk Art Center
• Visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
The Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately owned home. Your visit will include experiencing the Biltmore House and Gardens. You will also visit the Antler Village and Winery. This is Biltmore’s village that connects the estate’s present and past, providing a relaxing place for dining, shopping, plus historical exhibits.
This is a must trip for the first-time visitor or the returning visitor. Downtown Asheville features more Art Deco architecture than any other southern city outside of Miami.
This a must on anyone’s bucket list or for the returning visitor.
MYRTLE BEACH HOLIDAY SHOW
TRIP, DEC. 1 TO 6, SIX DAYS/FIVE NIGHTS, $825 per person, double occupancy (Note Single an additional $209)
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation
• Five nights lodging including three consecutive nights in the Myrtle Beach area
• Eight meals: five breakfasts and three dinners
• Three evening Christmas shows: Legends in Concert, the South’s Grandest Christmas Show at the Alabama Theatre and Christmas on Main at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre
• Le Grand Cirque’s Winter in the Air at Broadway Theatre
• The Man of a Thousand Voices at the Asher Theatre
• Popular shopping and dining at Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach
• Visit to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
• Amazing L.W. Paul Living History Farm
Wow! This trip is packed with Christmas at every turn. Ho! Ho! Ho! You wouldn’t be disappointed.
Call Kathy Bonick at (309) 265-7241 or email kathyhike17@yahoo.com.
All reservations require a $75 deposit check only made out to DIAMOND TOURS.
Continental Women’s Club
LIZ PAUL
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, October 2 at 11:30 a.m. Our speaker will be Christopher Balzano who is a writer, researcher, folklorist and current host of the podcast Tripping on Legends. His interesting presentation will focus on documentation of the paranormal and urban legends.
The meetings are being held at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $28. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 by the deadline of Tuesday, September 24 for meal selection and to make a reservation.
Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural, and philanthropic organization established in 1975, with membership open to women living in Lee County. We have many special events and interest groups within our club that you can participate in for social and educational purposes throughout the month and the year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education.
Village News
ROGER KADASH
VERANDAS
DATELINE THE VERANDAS
End of Summer: Here we are into September, and we are awaiting the return of the snowbirds. Where did the summer go?
Patio Time: It is only a matter of time before we start getting the patio ready for the great Thursday patio parties. Many thanks to Rodger and Mary Erickson for letting us store all the patio stuff in their garage.
Dates To Remember In September: September 1, Labor Day; September 11, Patriot Day; and September 22, Autumn Begins.
The First Labor Day: The very first Labor Day was held on Tuesday, September 5, 1884, in New York City. The day was celebrated with picnics, concerts and speeches. Ten thousand workers marched in a parade from city hall to union square.
Roof Work: Many thanks to Frank Maranto for overseeing the work.
Josie and I would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy Labor Day.
Poet’s Corner
SUBMITTED
BY GWEN PANGBURN
SECRETS.
EMILY ELIZABETH DICKINSON
The skies can’t keep their secret! They tell it to the hills –The hills just tell the orchards –And they the daffodils!
A bird, by chance, that goes that way Soft overheard the whole. If I should bribe the little bird, Who knows but she would tell?
I think I won’t, however, It’s finer not to know; If summer were an axiom, What sorcery had snow?
So keep your secret, Father!
I would not, if I could, Know what the sapphire fellows do, In your new-fashioned world!
Notes From The Master Board
September always feels like the beginning of a new year. Soon the seasonal migrations will begin – for both our feathered and human friends. Of course, we are keeping one eye on the weather since we are now in peak hurricane season. Find a weather source you trust and take storm preparation seriously. We will do our best to communicate with you about any weather-related changes to operations as soon as possible. The Board continues to stay busy with many tasks as we head toward the end of the fiscal year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Treasurer Frank Maranto reports the Cross Creek budget continues to do well with YTD June surplus of almost $40,000 leaving us favorable by $161,930 at the end of June. The reserve study is still in review—there are many items contained in the reserve schedule and it takes time and many sets of eyes to review each line. The budget development is underway and concludes with the Budget Meeting in late October. There are plans to host an informational meeting on the reserve study and the 2026 budget in early October – an email will go out with the details and the date.
• Business at the restaurant has continued to attract good participation for special events and the private events are going well and generating positive feedback. Sadly, Mother Nature caused a cancelation of our July 4th plans but we are, at the time of this writing, looking forward to a better Labor Day! Thanks to everyone for your cooperation during the property shutdown August 4 to 11. While there is never a perfect time to shut down there are jobs that are just more efficient to do with the property closed. We hope you’re noticing some updates and improvements.
• A special vote was held in July for the members to approve new flooring in the clubhouse. The vote of the membership on material alteration authorizing the Board to replace the common area flooring in the clubhouse was approved by the following 364 votes: 297 in favor; 67 not in favor.
• On the golf course you will notice the bunkers have been refreshed and the boardwalk between holes 2 and 3 is undergoing some replacement of the decking.
• If you have not been to Bingo recently you might be surprised. Frank and Al have been working on new Bingo software to freshen up our games and make everything run more smoothly. In addition to the software, we also installed two very large TV screens in the clubhouse dining room that provide great Bingo support, but these new screens will also come in handy for other events throughout the year.
• Do you love Bocce? We need a new Bocce coordinator (or cocoordinators) to step forward and keep the league operating. See the notice elsewhere in this month’s Courier for the position description.
• By the time you read this the survey related to clubhouse renovations should be available. If you have not already done so, please complete the member survey which should be available in August or early September. We will be compiling the results in October, and the results will be shared with you as soon after that as possible. More opportunities to learn about this project will be scheduled in the coming months. This is a first step in involving owners in the planning process.
• Phase 2 of the Lakes Project will include Lakes 10/11, 12 and 14. Be on the lookout for more information on the specifics as the details become available.
Reminder, we have a new email to contact the Master Board, masterboard@crosscreekfl.com to ask questions, clarify policies or raise an issue you think the Board should address.
Mary Peabody, Director On behalf
of the Master Board
FLORIDA INSPIRED APPETIZERS (SEPTEMBER SEASONAL)
BACON WRAPPED FLORIDA SHRIMP
Succulent Florida shrimp wrapped in thincut bacon brushed with honey and garlic powder, baked until crisp and served with lemon wedges. A vibrant Florida seafood favorite that works beautifully in late summer into early fall.
INGREDIENTS
Large white shrimp, peeled and deveined (Florida local if available)
Thin-cut bacon
Honey
Garlic powder Lemon wedges
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until bacon is crispy. 2. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
CITRUS AND CREAM CHEESE SHRIMP BITES
A crisp cucumber round topped with herb cream cheese, a cooked Florida shrimp, and a sprig of dill—or paired with thin grapefruit slices for a citrusy twist.
INGREDIENTS
Cucumber, sliced
Cream cheese mixed with herbs (e.g. dill, chives)
Cooked shrimp (chilled)
Optional: small grapefruit wedges
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Spread herbed cream cheese on cucumber slices. 2. Top each with shrimp and garnish with dill.
3. Add a grapefruit segment for citrus sharpness if desired.
DEVILED CRAB CROQUETTES (TAMPA STYLE)
Handheld crab croquetas filled with blue crab cooked in sofrito, rolled in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. Perfect for sharing.
INGREDIENTS
Fresh blue crab meat
Sofrito base (tomatoes, onions, peppers, spices)
Breadcrumbs (traditionally Cuban)
Oil for frying
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Sauté crab meat with sofrito until juicy sauce evaporates. 2. Shape into bite-sized logs or balls; coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Fry until crispy and golden brown. Drain and serve warm.
SEPTEMBER COCKTAILS WITH FLORIDA FLAIR
GRAPEFRUIT-VODKA SEA BREEZE
Refreshing and citrusy, the Sea Breeze mixes vodka with grapefruit and cranberry juices—highlighting Florida citrus harvests like grapefruit and tangerine in September.
INGREDIENTS
1½ oz. vodka
2 oz. grapefruit juice (fresh)
2 oz. cranberry juice
Ice, lime wedge to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice.
3. Stir gently, garnish with lime wedge.
Card News
PINOCHLE WINNERS
July 7
Carol Richardson and Jim Zernzach 5140
Frank and Paula Maranto 2900
July 14
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 3880
Carol Richardson and Jim Zernzach 3730
July 21
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 4420
Carol Richardson and Jim Zernzach 3450
July 28
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 4020
Frank and Paula Maranto 2080
July 14
Cross Creek Mah-Jongg
Come
Cross Creek Book Club
Greetings,
I look forward to beginning our discussions in November. Thanks to all who have agreed to lead a discussion and all who join our discussions each month. The meetings are in the clubhouse, in the Garden Room the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Date Novel Author Leader
Nov. 14 The Stolen Queen (4.3, 349) Fiona Davis
Karen Hoff
Dec. 12 Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Annabelle Tometich Donna Noggle Florida & Felony (4.5, 306)
Jan. 9, 2026 Run, Rose, Run: A Novel (4.4, 547)
James Patterson, Cheryl Von Ruden
Dolly Parton
Feb. 13 James: A Novel (4.6, 304)
Percival Everett Gwen Pangbaum
March 13 The Frozen River: Ariel Lawhon Joyce Palm A GMA Book Club Pick (4.6, 420)
April 10 The Wedding People: Alison Espach
Jeanne Franz A Novel (4.3, 355)
Happy reading, Pam Conti (607) 759-1966
Do You Love Bocce?
Want To Help The Cross Creek Bocce League Thrive Into The Future?
After many years of dedicated service Clay Lance has decided to step down as Bocce coordinator for a well-deserved break. In order to keep the league running smoothly, we are seeking a coordinator (or two co-coordinators) to step up and provide leadership to the league.
This volunteer position is needed mid-November to mid-March. Much of the early season work can be done remotely. The time frame in general requires 2 to 5 hours/week mid-November to mid-January, 4 to 6 hours/week mid-January to mid-March. Strong communication skills are critical for this position, along with familiarity with email and spreadsheets. There is help/training/support available to get you off to a successful start.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS INCLUDE
• Review the rules and regulations of Bocce.
• Communicate with Day Captains (each day has an individual assigned to take charge of that day’s play).
• Communicate with the Team Captains –Overview of their responsibilities. Are they planning to play this year? Do they have any open spaces on their team that need filling?
• Maintain a list of all Bocce participants.
• Construct the seasonal game schedule.
• Collect the results from each day of play –tracking the winners.
• Collect the payments from teams, keep the records and ensure that all money gets deposited.
• Plan the banquet (with assistance from others) – set the date and work with the restaurant manager to set the menu.
• Ensure all payments are made for necessary expenditures.
• Communicate the weekly team results for posting on the website.
Interested? We’d love to hear from you. Please email masterboard@crosscreekfl.org – we’ll be in touch.
Calling All Cross Creek Crafters!
Are you a seamstress, a woodworker, a quilter, a metalsmith, a potter, a candlemaker, a photographer, artist or any type of creative? We invite you to consider selling your products at the Second Cross Creek Craft Fair and Market!
WHEN
Sunday, November 16. The market will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (setup begins at 8:30 a.m.).
WHERE
Cross Creek Clubhouse
DETAILS
Payment of $25 and a completed application will secure you a table space, coffee and continental breakfast during setup and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. We’ll do the marketing and be on hand to help with setup and vendor support.
THE FINE PRINT
Space is limited – applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. We are hoping this will become an annual event but right now we are testing the waters to gauge your interest. If we do not receive enough applications, we reserve the right to cancel the event. We’ll handle the marketing and the logistics of the day.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
1. Complete the application form. You can download the Vendor Application here.
• OR email Karen Cooper at miatarun@yahoo.com or Mary Peabody at mlp4878@gmail.com to have a copy emailed to you.
2. Submit the application.
3. When you receive notification that your application has been approved payment will be due.
4. Get creating!
Crossword Puzzle
1. Brisling
Sweater eater
50%
Australian “bear”
Dwarf buffalo 16. A Great Lake 17. Of a pelvic bone
18. Nonflowering plant
19. Violent disturbance
20. Allergic (British spelling)
22. Anagram of “seen”
23. Sri Lanka export 24. Satisfies
26. Place of worship
30. Picture 32. Hirsute
33. Bashful (archaic) 37. Skin disease 38. Josh
Margarine
Gloss over 42. The best people or things
Overact
44. There are four on a car
Taxonomic category 47. Fraternity letter
48. L L L L
49. Relating to the spine and joints
56. 13 in Roman numerals
57. Bog 58. Luxurious
59. Poi source 60. Nights before 61. Deadly virus
62. Observed
63. Stitches
64. Adjust again DOWN
1. Slaloms
2. Barbershop emblem
3. Precipitation
4. “Oh dear!”
5. In an implied manner
6. Organized crime group
7. 1 1 1 1
8. Ripped
9. Good-looking 10. Up to now
11. Come up
12. Kings of the jungle
13. Celebration
21. Golf ball support
25. Consumed
26. Unfreeze
27. Apiece
28. Short skirt
29. A false quality
30. Stage
31. Chop finely
33. Chair
34. Away from the wind
35. Marine mammal
36. Male turkeys
38. Pairs
41. Large flightless bird
42. Upbeat
44. Which person?
45. Coast
46. Omit
47. Board game
48. Former spouses (slang)
50. Split
51. Believe or trust (Scottish)
52. River to the North Sea
53. Couples
54. Small island
55. Talk
CROSSWORD SOLUTION IN THIS ISSUE
The Amazon Moonflower
KAREN M. MAXWELL, HORTICULTURE PROGRAMS COORDINATOR AND HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST
Researching the history of plants takes me down many roads, and the most interesting paths include the trials and tribulations of special people who are driven by an obsession, a desire or simply a need to advance knowledge for the rest of us. This is a story about two people, born nearly 100 years apart and a mutual desire to conquer the same plant. One was an intrepid and distinguished artist; the other is a young botanist/researcher who has spent much time at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Some readers may be acquainted with the epiphytic family of plants we collect and grow at the estates known collectively as “jungle cactus.” For the unfamiliar, this group of plants is native to tropical regions of the New World, from deep within South American rainforests to arid mountain plains and encompasses the well-known Christmas Cactus, Mistletoe Cactus and Dragon Fruit.
Several of our jungle cactus are flat-leaved epiphyllums including Epiphyllum hookeri, Epiphyllum oxypetalum and Pseudorhipsalis amazonica . The former two are night bloomers that produce large stunning white flowers that open for a single evening, quite similarly to the subject of this story. The latter develops small pinkish-blue flowers that resemble the flame on a lighter, hence its common name, Blue Flame. All three grow with flat stems – from the narrow
leafed oxypetalum to the wide leafed P. amazonica, where this kind of structure allows these jungle cacti to wrap around host trees in a symbiotic relationship.
As our collection has grown and prospered, there is one elusive, extremely rare flat-leaved jungle cactus that we seek to propagate – the Amazon Moonflower or Strophocactus wittii. A few years back, I was gifted a small piece of plant from one of our vendors (Brian from Tropiflora), but it did not survive its first summer here. When I shared this information with him, he promptly gave me another Strophocactus, allowing us to employ improved cultivation techniques, which have resulted in a thriving specimen. So far, we have had it growing successfully for two years. Brian, on the other hand, lost his entire collection during Hurricane Milton. We feel it is only fair to protect, nurture and propagate this rare epiphyllum with the goal of replacing his gift.
This month, I relish the efforts of the late Margaret Mee – the renowned and intrepid botanical artist who, at age 78 and with two recent hip replacements, undertook her Journey Fifteen. Mee had devoted over 30 years of her life documenting the flora of South America and had yet to catch the rare Amazon Moonflower in bloom and memorialize it in watercolor. Following an extraordinary life of chronicling and raising the alarm of rainforest destruction, little did she know this would be her final journey into the Amazon.
Impressed by her extensive work in Brazil, British naturalist and filmmaker, Tony Morrison decided it was time for the BBC to underwrite a documentary on her 30 years of work. In 1976, Mee had received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her work on Brazilian botany. On approach, Tony inquired of Margaret – What is your greatest ambition? Without hesitation she replied, to paint the Strophocactus in bloom. The plant had already been collected and identified by a German plant hobbyist named N.H. Witt, but no one had ever witnessed it blooming in its native habitat.
Originally, the BBC supported the concept of filming the documentary on location, far up the Rio Negro from the port of Manaus, Brazil. Upon reflection by people unknown, the BBC backed away from the project, citing reservations due to Mee’s age
COURTESY OF MARION MORRISON / NONESUCH EXPEDITIONS
and health. Undaunted, Tony Morrison took his idea to National Geographic – only to be turned away again. The groundbreaking filmmaker would not give up and neither did Margaret.
Tony and his wife, Marion Morrison, used their own funds and created Nonesuch Expeditions to fulfill their collective ambition and document the expedition of Margaret and crew into the Amazon to find her Moonflower in bloom and provide the opportunity for her to paint the rarified flower in situ.
The story is vividly captured in “Margaret Mee In Search of Flowers of the Amazon Forests,” a collection of her paintings and Tony’s photographs, edited by Tony Morrison. Margaret travelled nine hours in a hammock to ease the pain in her hips, together with Tony and crew in a flat-bottomed houseboat, down the Rio Negro to a small house which would serve as basecamp. Closely monitoring daily reports of bud development supplied by local spotters, the resolute crew set out one morning at dawn and found the flat-leaved Strophocactus wrapped around tree trunks in the 400-island freshwater archipelago, the Archipelago of Anavilhanas. (Through the enlightenment provided by Margaret Mee, this area is now a protected World Heritage site.)
As daylight gave way to dusk, darkness settled in quickly under the dense canopy. Margaret, perched in a garden chair on
THE STROPHOCACTUS WITTII IN FULL BLOOM ALONG THE RIO NEGRO (A TRIBUTARY OF THE AMAZON RIVER)
the roof of the boat, began sketching the plant, loaded with buds. Sure enough, shortly after the darkness was complete, the dramatic unfolding of the flower commenced. The light intrusion from the film cameras was enough to stop the flowers from opening. Thankfully, a full moon that night allowed sufficient light for Margaret to complete her sketches of the stunning flowers that fully opened by midnight. Without ever touching, measuring or handling the plant, she called upon her extraordinary technical ability to produce the accurately colored and dimensioned plant on paper. (During the time of Mee’s work on this plant, it was known as Selenicereus wittii but today the accepted scientific name is Strophocactus wittii.)
Fully aware of how remarkable her experience was, Margaret finished the watercolor paintings in her apartment in Rio de Janeiro and personally hand carried them back to London in July of 1988, for inclusion in her and Tony’s upcoming book. In November of 1988, she and her husband were to travel to London for the first major exhibition of her work and her new book at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG), Kew. Sadly, she perished in an automobile accident just two weeks before the exhibition opening. Today, her entire estate of artwork is owned by RBG/Kew.
RESEARCHER REED GILMORE PROPAGATES PLANTS AT THE FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY.
in a sterile environment on a growing medium such an agar solution.
Back at the estates, we are working toward cultivating a significant specimen of the Strophocactus, and we are fortunate to have the assistance of botanist and former employee, Reed Gilmore, who has begun the task of attempting to contemporaneously propagate Strophocactus by tissue culture. This method is a time consuming and exacting effort to vegetatively reproduce the plant using the smallest amount of tissue placed
Recently, we visited with Reed in his laboratory on the campus at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he has successfully propagated endangered native cacti and the finicky Platycerium ridleyi – a rare staghorn fern. Once Reed is successful with the tissue culture of this rare jungle cactus, the estates can become a source of Strophocactus to assist other botanical gardens in the area that lost theirs to hurricanes, and of course to our original source, Brian. After that, it will be our job to protect and ultimately celebrate the spectacular blooming Strophocactus.
BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT
IMPERSONATORS
GO AFTER OLDER ADULTS’ LIFE SAVINGS
Scammers posing as government agencies or well-known businesses are increasingly going after retirees’ life savings. They weave a web of lies about some bogus crisis. Then they trick older adults into giving them tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The scams start with lies designed to create a sense of urgency and fear.
• Lie No. 1: Someone is using your accounts. Scammers pretend to be a bank employee with a warning about suspicious account activity, or claim to be an Amazon rep following up on potentially fraudulent purchases.
• Lie No. 2: Your information is being used to commit crimes. Scammers might say they’re with the government and tell their target that their Social Security Number is linked to serious crimes.
• Lie No. 3: There’s a security problem with your computer. This lie might start with a computer security alert that warns of a hacked computer with a phone number to call for help.
Once they’ve convinced their mark that this crisis is real, they make empty promises and offer fake “help.” They say the only way to get out of the situation is to follow their very specific instructions – which always involve moving money. They tell their target that doing so will protect the money in their accounts or clear their name. Some say they’re helping catch the “real” criminals.
A new FTC data spotlight report, False alarm, real scam: how scammers are stealing older adults’ life savings , shows that reports of losses to business and government imposters filed by older adults (60-plus) are soaring. Many reported losing tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, reported losses of over $100,000 increased nearly sevenfold from 2020 to 2024.
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF FROM A BUSINESS OR GOVERNMENT IMPOSTER SCAM?
• Never transfer or send money to anyone in response to an unexpected call or message. Even if they claim you’re moving your money to “protect it.”
• Talk about it with someone you trust. Especially if the stranger on the phone says it’s serious, involves a crime, or claims to be from the government.
•If you think the message could be real, verify the story. Contact the organization in question using a phone number, website, or email address
Montage Women’s Club
The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We normally meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Our August meeting will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn (Captiva Ballroom), 12600 University Drive, Fort Myers 33908, corner of College Parkway at the Summerlin Road overpass. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. with a short social period followed by lunch at noon followed by an informative speaker program and a short business meeting. 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, September 25. We will have a representative from the Gladiolus Food Pantry as a speaker. Our club members will be donating both supplies and cash, in conjunction with our very fun “Birthday Boxes” giving campaign, to their organization for distribution to local families.
Luncheon fee is $30 per person, and you have a choice of either a regular menu entree (Ziti with Chicken and Broccoli with Chef’s dessert choice) and/or a plant based/vegan entree (Grilled Veggie Primavera with fresh fruit for dessert).
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 noon, Thursday, September 18.
you know is real. Don’t use the contact information in the unexpected message. Government agencies will never threaten you, and they’ll never tell you to transfer your money to “protect it,” deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, or hand off stacks of cash or gold to a courier. That’s a scam. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
For more advice, check out How To Avoid Imposter Scams.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Catch The Action
CAPT. BILL RUSSELL
SEPTEMBER ON THE WATER
With the arrival of September, the end of summer is in sight as we gradually break away from long, hot, muggy days, and slowly transition to shorter, cooler days of autumn. This is welcoming news for anglers fishing around Southwest Florida. Days become less humid with a slight drop in temperature, a relief after a hot Florida summer. Don’t get me wrong, there will still be plenty of hot and humid days, but they become more tolerable as the month progresses. September is also the height of hurricane season; fingers crossed for a quiet month and season in Southwest Florida.
Just as anglers enjoy the change of seasons, fish respond, as they become more active resulting in improved fishing. With a slight drop in water temperature, you can expect fish to exert more energy and feed consistently throughout the day. Of course, it’s fishing, there are days when you can’t buy a bite no matter what, but chances for success are tipped in your favor as the water cools.
Offshore, as water temperatures drop, look for fish to move closer to shore in shallower depths and pelagic species heading south down the coast. Grouper, plus large snapper, should be caught with consistency in depths beginning around 65 feet in Gulf waters. Artificial reefs that dot our coast, along with hard bottom and ledges in 30- to 70-foot depths are great
locations to catch a variety of different fish from small to large. Gag grouper has a very short open season the first two weeks of September.
Mangrove snapper fishing was good through the summer and should continue strong this month. Snapper school up around some type of structure that could include bridge pilings, docks, piers, oyster bars, creeks, mangroves shorelines, or any type of manmade or natural submerged structure. Fishing over hard bottom over the slack tide in many of the Gulf passes is a great way to fill a cooler with tasty snapper. Offshore, they are found in numbers over artificial reefs and limestone ledges. Scale down your tackle with a light fluorocarbon leader of 20 pounds or lighter and small hooks. Best baits include shrimp (live or dead), small pilchards or pinfish, and a variety of cut baits. Chumming is a great option to attract snapper and get them fired up.
It’s possible over the month to come across schools of large redfish roaming the inshore shallows. Often a hundred or more travel along the edge of shallow bars and shorelines eating anything in their path. If you come across a school, make a long cast in front of the lead fish, and hang on. These big reds often run 30 inches or larger and are schooling until we get our first real cold front, likely in October.
Bigger sea trout are moving back into shallower water to feed; this is a great time to work a top water plug across your favorite trout flats. Plenty of sea trout are caught under the endless schools of baitfish, look for birds and surface activity. Trout fishing will get better as the month moves along.
Snook begin to leave the beaches and Gulf passes where they spend the summer months and transition back inshore into the flats. Target snook around oyster bars, shorelines, sand holes, and structures such as riprap, docks, piers and bridges. This is often one of the best months for snook fishing as they are active, on the move and foraging on a variety of baits. Good numbers of snook will also remain along the beaches and Gulf passes as well. Snook season remains closed through September.
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 .
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at: www. myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish. If you turn on your GPS location the Fish Rules app updates to your location. In my opinion, it is more accurate and up to date than FWC’s website.
With a variety of fish and enjoyable weather, this is a great month to get out there and see what you can catch!
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 29 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.”
WOMEN’S GOLF NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2025
WOMEN’S 18 HOLE LEAGUE
Get Ready! Get Set! Golfing season is almost here!
Ladies of all ages and skill are invited to join the Cross Creek Women’s 18 Golf League. You have to play to improve!
Season begins WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 8 a.m. Shotgun.
Be sure to sign up and pay dues (check, please) at the Cross Creek Pro Shop any time after October 1. Yes, dues have increased because the Handicap Fee increased. League dues are $35, and HF is $30 for a total amount: $65.
Look forward to seeing you on the green!
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.
RESOURCE HUB
MINDY TAMACCIO, EDITOR COURIER
(610) 812-0987 | mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com
DO YOU HAVE THE ‘WRITE’ STUFF?
I’m in search of a few residents who would like to contribute to our newsletter. Yes, that means you ! This is our newsletter; let’s make it our own! Now is your chance to share your interests with the community. You can contribute each month, just once, or once in a while. You can even give yourself a fancy title like columnist, correspondent, or wordsmith-extraordinaire!
• Are you involved in any particular activities in Cross Creek 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?
• Would you like to write but need inspiration? (I can help!)
If you answered yes to any of the above or have an idea of your own, contact me at mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you! And as always, I’d like to extend a huge “thank you” to all of our current contributors for their continued efforts. Without you, this paper would not be possible!
TO ALL REPORTERS SUBMITTING COPY
1. Village news: 300 words or less.
2. Deadline: Fourth of the month by 5 p.m.
3. Articles – Please do not capitalize all words.
4. Please give your articles a headline & Byline
5. All articles need to be sent to Mindy Tamaccio at mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com.
RECIPES
Desserts are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, Appetizers can be anything like the roll of the dice, Entrees can be meaty, veggie and even rice, But please, let’s not have lice or mice.
So take the dare, submit a recipe you would like to share, Some will make it with care, And even serve it for their fare.
Submit all recipes to mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Harvey LaPointe, President 13239 Oak Hill Loop
435-659-9805
John Castaldo, Vice President (802) 272-9493
Frank Maranto, Treasurer 13110 Cross Creek Blvd., #309 785-4750
Debbie Kelly, Director 13131 Cross Creek Blvd., #107 703-963-1104
Chance Chancellor, Director 12745 Inverary Cir. 247-3627
Alan Jones, Director (860) 670-4862
Mary Peabody, Director (802) 598-4878
CLUBHOUSE VILLAGE
John Shulak, President carolandlou@yahoo.com MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE 1
Gary Presley, President garypresley@yahoo.com MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
RESOURCE HUB
DIRECTORY
COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE II
Mike Stagg, President 13080 Cross Creek Court #301 920-229-4400
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3
Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
FAIRWAY WOODS CONDO I
Jeff Cason, President 12500 Cold Stream Drive, #301 256-503-9669
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Coastal Association Services 1314 Cape Coral Pkwy. E. #205 Cape Coral, Florida 33904 689-3080
FAIRWAY WOODS CONDO II
Bruce Hamel, President 12561 Cold Stream Drive, #604 586-604-0880
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Coastal Association Services 1314 Cape Coral Pkwy. E. #205 Cape Coral, Florida 33904 689-3080
SINGLE FAMILY I
Carol LaPointe, President 13230 Oak Hill Loop 435-901-9305
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
SINGLE FAMILY II
Mark Woodman, President 12744 Inverary Circle 603-231-9392
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
TALL GRASS COURT VILLAS
Sandra Jocelyn, President 13428 Tall Grass Court 239-561-7389
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
TERRACE CONDO I
Tom Sloan, President 13288 White Marsh Lane, #8 816-716-4542
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
First Service Residential Cross Creek Property Manager, Chris Conti Office hours: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 866-378-1099
TERRACE CONDO II
Sheila DeMichele, President
sheilademichele@gmail.com
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
TERRACE CONDO III
Joe Pantano, President
Jpan15@outlook.com
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Associa Gulf Coast
13461 Parker Commons Blvd. Suite 101 & 102
Fort Myers, Florida 33912 277-0718 | Fax: 936-8310
TERRACE CONDO IV
William Flury, President 13021 Cross Creek Blvd., #1236 248-343-0921
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Associa Gulf Coast
13461 Parker Commons Blvd. Suite 101 & 102
Fort Myers, Florida 33912 277-0718 | Fax: 936-8310
TIMBERLINE VILLAGE I
Dennis Reiter, President 13070 White Marsh Lane #207 270-366-2176
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Gulf Coast Realty and Property Management
26711 Dublin Woods Cir. Suite 202
Bonita Springs, Florida 34125 239-325-4300
TIMBERLINE VILLAGE II
Jim Heberle, President Heberle13170@gmail.com
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services
11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
THE VERANDAS
c/o Frank Maranto, President 13110 Cross Creek Blvd., #309 785-4750
Fort Myers, Florida 33912
VILLAS OF CROSS CREEK I
Ted Knudsen, President 13452 Onion Creek Court 616-901-0222
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., #3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 364-4325
VILLAS
OF CROSS CREEK II
Alan Jones, President 12781 Cold Stream Drive 860-670-4862
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Coastal Association Services 1314 Cape Coral Parkway E., Suite 205 Cape Coral, Florida 33904 239-689-3080
WYLDEWOOD VILLAGE
Peter Brochhausen, President 13219 White Marsh Lane #107 253-433-0530
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966
In order to better serve your concerns and questions regarding our community, please contact the following board members directly with your specific issues or questions.
Cross Creek Master Board
Harvey LaPointe, President Common Grounds (435) 659-9805
John Castaldo, Vice President (802) 272-9493
Frank Maranto, Treasurer (239) 785-4750
Debbie Kelly, Secretary Pro Shop and Golf (703) 963-1104
Chance Chancellor, Buildings (239) 247-3627
Alan Jones, Lakes Projects (860) 670-4862
Mary Peabody, Communications (802) 598-4878
E-MAIL ADDRESSES
Members can now e-mail their request to the following departments: office@crosscreekfl.com restaurant@crosscreekfl.com proshop@crosscreekfl.com clubhouse@crosscreekfl.com
RESOURCE HUB
CROSS CREEK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT
Our Vision – To be a respected and affordable golf and clubhouse facility.
Mission – We operate a semiprivate golf and clubhouse facility that provides an enjoyable environment where members and guests receive superior customer service. Our goal is to exceed customer expectations everyday. We operate with innovative and creative management where honesty, integrity and good business practices are the foundation of our leadership. We foster an atmosphere of teamwork among members, staff and community.
WHO TO CALL FOR WHAT
Have a problem and/or need help?
Here’s who to call:
Medical or Fire Emergency: Call 911 Water Leak in Irrigation System: Call your own local Association officer or Management Company
Street Light Out on Cross Creek Boulevard or White Marsh Lane: Call Cross Creek Administration at 768-1166
Crime Problem: Call Lee County Sheriff at 477-1200
Need Cross Creek Information: Call Association office at 768-1166
BLUE STREAM INFORMATION FOR ALL SELLERS AND BUYERS IN CROSS CREEK
The following steps should be taken when a Cross Creek property is sold and/or purchased.
1. The original owner must call Blue Stream at (239) 963-1350 and cancel service. An agent will walk you through the process.
2.The new owner must call Blue Stream at (239) 963-1350 to order new services and installation. Any new account after the original owner will be charged a fee of approximately $75 for this service.
Thank you.
Debbie Kelly, Master Board of Directors and Fiber Optics Committee Chair
Tune in to the Cross Creek TV channel at 901.
The Blue Stream Help Line is (239) 963-1350.
Check Out Cross Creek’s Web Site:
WWW.CROSSCREEKFL.COM
BEWARE OF ALLIGATORS AND SNAKES when retrieving your ball on the banks of the lakes.
NOTICE
Please return ALL RAKES to the bunkers when finished. Thank You
DO NOT WALK, JOG OR RIDE BIKES ON THE CART PATHS.
WHEN PUTTING ON GREENS KEEP CARTS ON CART PATH.
ATTENTION DOG OWNERS
It is your responsibility to pick up after your dog. It’s the law. Some of you have been negligent in doing so. Please keep our Cross Creek beautiful!
NOTICE!
Please pick up all cigar and cigarette butts! Thank you
POOL SERVICE
Did you know you may order food and drinks to be served by the pool? All you have to do is call the restaurant, give them your order and be sure to tell them you are by the pool. 768-1474.
CROSS CREEK
RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE (239) 768-1474
RESTAURANT NEWS
Nightly Specials Are Served Wednesday And Friday Only.
PLEASE DON’T FEED ALLIGATORS, BIRDS, PIGS OR ANY WILDLIFE
Report all aggressive alligator sightings to the Master Association office at 768-1166.
