Gateway APRIL 2025

The Club At Gateway

FITNESS AT THE CLUB AT GATEWAY

SUSAN’S TUESDAY 8 A.M. CORE & MORE CLASS

Strengthen and condition your core muscles ... and more! This class will work your core, including the abdominal and low back muscles. Additional exercises incorporate the upper and lower body to strengthen your core, giving you a full-body workout! This 50-minute class is suited for all fitness levels.

BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP…

Enjoy this short video of fitness class participants just before the start of Mary Margaret’s Balance & Function Class.

Production Directors

Stephen Miller

Elizabeth Miller

Sales Department

Margo Williams

Miranda Ledbeter

Alyssa Debban

Corey Bank

Justein Matthias

Webmaster

Selina Koehler

Production Manager

Lee Nostrant

Production Department

Elaine Donholt

Ruth Nekoranec

Katie Heystek

Dianne Strout

Karen Kalisz

Michelle Feeney

Andie Reynolds

AROUND THE CLUBHOUSE AT THE CLUB AT GATEWAY

SCRABBLE

Our Scrabble players are back! Scrabble has been a popular game here at The Club at Gateway and these ladies look like they are enjoying it. Here are three little-known facts about Scrabble:

1. Scrabble is the second best-selling board game in U.S. history, after Monopoly.

2. New York Architect, Adolph Mosher Butts, created Scrabble in 1938.

3. The highestscoring legal play is “oxyphenbutazone,” which can score up to 1,784 points.

www.seabreezecommunications.com

Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc.

The

BRIDGE – MEN VS. WOMEN

The men have won again! This event has taken place for six years, and it’s so fun that some years, we do it twice. This group

has a lot of camaraderie, but you might have difficulty spotting it from all the (fun) trash-talk between the men and the women. Congrats to the men this time, but get ready for “When the Women Win!”

NEWS FROM GOLF…..

With the shortened season due to our renovation we have experienced a huge increase in players that are playing the golf course on a daily basis. We love to see the enthusiasm to play golf that we have experienced since we opened our newly renovated 18-hole golf course on January 1. We will continue to provide every member with the best experience possible as we develop our golf program to be fully inclusive to all levels of members. Congratulations to our Major Event Winners.

We have hosted many Demo Days and will continue to do so throughout the month of April. You can attend these even if you’re not a member. We love to see you sign up for the Demo Days but if you are unable to make those dates, we have the Performance Center available for all of your club fitting and teaching needs. We will always discount the fitting fee off your club purchase when we fit at the club so set up a fitting anytime and let myself or Michael get you fit into the right clubs for you!

Women’s Championship | Sharon Kelly Women’s VI Tee Flight 1 | Jeannine Doane Women’s VI Tee Flight 2 | Michelle Farrer

Men’s Championship | Josh Paulhus

Men’s Senior Gross Flight 1 | Joe Bruns

Men’s Senior Gross Flight 2 | Chris Marshall

Men’s III Tee Flight 1 | Greg Farrer

Men’s III Tee Flight 2 | Dave Curtis

Men’s III Tee Flight 3 | Paul DeAngelis

Men’s III Tee Flight 4 | Bob Marshall

Men’s IV Tee Flight 1 | Bill Finger

Men’s IV Tee Flight 2 | Jerry Clyatt

Men’s V Tee Flight | Jim Doane

Congratulations to our (2024) Women’s Member/Member Champions, Lisa Safian and Kim Scott!

Congratulations to our (2024) Men’s Member/Member Champions, Doug Goff and Steven Dickey!

2025 Little Green Jug Champions (Net) | Geoff Gaudet, Hunter Kent, Matthew Bates, Doug Halsey (-20)

2025 Little Green Jug Overall Gross Winner | Bill Everett, Rick Binder, Mike McNulty, Greg Matthews (-5 *Scorecard Playoff)

ON THE COURTS

AT THE CLUB AT GATEWAY…

How to play tennis or pickleball better is always the goal after you decide you like it enough to take that walk down learning and deepening your knowledge in the game. Starting down that road to play tennis (and/or pickleball) can be both thrilling and overwhelming.

You’re investing time and effort, watched countless YouTube videos, but find yourself lost in the sea

of tips and tricks that promise instant improvement. Despite the misleading “for beginners” labels, that road down the YouTube rabbit hole can leave you frustrated and questioning your progress.

The coaches online seem to effortlessly execute powerful or tricky shots, while you struggle to keep the ball from hitting the frame or finding the bottom of the net. It’s time to turn the tables and transform your game.

Amidst the chaos of online tutorials, there’s a beacon of hope - tennis (or pickleball) classes at Gateway.

My #1 tip for beginners is to invest in structured classes. These classes aren’t just about hitting a lot of tennis or pickleballs. They provide you with the attention to detail your unique game deserves. In my four decades and vast experience of guiding adults to a become better players, I consistently see the transformation that occurs when adults commit to a structured learning environment. You’ll get feedback in a class you wouldn’t get learning on your own, mainly because you don’t know what you look like. And that’s where a certified coach comes in. They know what to look for and correct efficiently.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR OVERWHELMING MOMENTS

Again, amidst the chaos of online tutorials, there’s a beacon of hope - tennis (and pickleball) classes at Gateway.

These classes become your anchor, offering simple tennis tips for beginners. When the game starts to overwhelm and paralyze, these classes with a certified professional help serve as a reminder of the basics. You’ll realize that in order to play better, it’s not all about mastering flashy tricks but understanding basic fundamentals. From proper grips to footwork, structured classes break down the complexities into manageable, actionable steps.

One thing that you will get familiar with in a fun class environment, is the layout of the court.

Understanding the intricate geography of the tennis and pickleball court is akin to navigating the landscape of life itself. It unveils a realm of strategic possibilities, transforming your on-court experience. Understanding and delving into the nuances of tennis (and pickleball) court lines not only enhances you understanding the drills you’ll begin doing in this structured on-court environment but also sharpens your discernment of high- and low-percentage shots. Mastering the fundamentals starts with a thorough grasp of the court’s layout, an essential step for any adult player seeking to elevate their game.

PRO TIP

Elite Gateway Racquets Director, Travis Raque, has over 30 years of tennis and pickleball experience and can help teach you the fundamentals or take your game to the next level. So, keep an eye out for beginner pickleball and tennis classes coming to the The Club at Gateway courts near you. Please call the Tennis and Pickleball pro shop at (239) 561-1422 today to schedule a lesson, learn how to join a fun tennis or pickleball league, or get enrolled in some fun tennis or pickleball classes, for all level and all ages. Lastly, if you are not a Gateway member, please reach out to me so I can let you in on the amazing membership opportunities

going on today at the The Club at Gateway. See you at the courts!

Gateway Women’s Club

JANICE EATON, LAUREL BORGIA, MARIANNE KOLLASCH AND DONNA MARCHETTI

CAMILITA ALDRIDGE ADDRESSED

GATEWAY WOMEN’S CLUB

STEPHANIE MENA

Camilita Aldridge is the one to ask when local Medicare beneficiaries need help understanding their benefits. A mother of two and a grandmother of four, Camilita is with the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL), a nonprofit that serves people aged 60 and over and adults

with disabilities. She manages the SHINE program, which is available to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. The Shine Program provides Medicare and health insurance counseling and information from an unbiased source.

Camilita oversees three staff and 40-plus volunteer counselors who provide SHINE (direct Medicare) services throughout Southwest Florida. She has more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry and has also worked in elder care for nearly two decades, so

DEB STEPHANO, GWC PROGRAM COORDINATOR; CARMILITA ALDRIDGE, SHINE PROGRAM MANAGER (SERVING HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS OF ELDERS); CHARLOTTE STEWART, GWC PRESIDENT

she’s attuned to the needs of Medicare beneficiaries and their families and caregivers.

SHINE counselors can do the following:

• Help you understand your Medicare benefits.

• Help you choose the Medicare Prescription Drug plan that best fits your needs.

• Answer questions about Medigap, long-term care insurance policies and other health insurance programs for seniors and those with disabilities.

• Assist with Medicare claims, appeals and other Medicare issues

• May give you details about benefits available in your area and refer you to other programs.

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization. Their mission is to connect older adults (age 60 and up) and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. AAASWFL’s regions include Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota Counties. The HELPLINE phone: (866) 413-5337. Online: www.AAASWFL.org. www.facebook.com/AAASWFL and www.twitter.com/AAASWFL.

Health and Wellness Class options include fall prevention courses, exercise for arthritis, Tai Chi for seniors, chronic disease self-management, and stress relief for caregivers.

If you suspect elder abuse, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96 ABUSE.

SHINE volunteers receive professional training from the Department of Elder Affairs and the local Aging and Disability Resource Center. Volunteering with SHINE provides an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and gain knowledge about Medicare. SHINE volunteers experience the pride of being part of an award-winning team and the personal fulfillment of helping others. For more information, contact FloridaShine. org or call: 1-800-963-5337.

SIT AND STITCH

ELEANOR STUART

The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Carol Warrell on April 14 at 1 p.m. Please contact Carol if you plan to attend. Her information can be found in the GWC Directory. The group includes many GWC members working on different projects. The members are still working on projects for Hospice and scarves for collegeattending students who were in foster care. Any GWC member is welcome to join.

DINING OUT

SUSAN ROBERTS

Celebrated Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz famously said, “Don’t ever promise more than you can deliver, but always deliver more than you promise.”

A recent trip by Gateway Women’s Club to 41 Bistro proved that Coach Holtz’ motivational words are alive and well in Southwest Florida. 41 Bistro promises an “authentic Italian experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.” 41 Bistro delivered on its promise and exceeded every expectation of the 50 diners from Gateway Women’s Club.

The restaurant brings the rich flavors of Italian cuisine to our community, tantalizing palates with culinary masterpieces. 41 Bistro’s extensive menu offers timeless classics to inventive

dishes, starting with flavorful appetizers such as Calamari, freshly made Burrata, or Caprese to delicious entrees crafted with passion and tradition, including Chicken Marsala, Salmon Piccata, Linguine with Meatballs, Shrimp Scampi, and Veal Parmesan.

41 Bistro, located in the San Carlos Park area of Fort Myers, is a hidden gem, full of wonderful surprises. This best kept secret delivers more than its promise, from its warm and inviting ambiance to the superb quality of its cuisine, generous portions, and impeccable service, aided by a robot server. But shhh . . . don’t let the secret out!

BOOK CLUB

BARBARA HANLIN

The GWC Book Club will meet on April 8 at 7 p.m. in the home of Vonnie Winklepleck. The featured book is Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner. “A heart rendering story about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter, and the winds of fortune that tear them apart.” Valerie Emerson will be the co-hostess, and Judy Kading will lead our discussion. Please RSVP to Vonnie if you plan to attend. Her contact information is in the Gateway Women’s Club Directory. You may contact Barb Hanlin with any questions.

SPECIAL EVENT

KATHY FLAHERTY

A group of Gateway Women’s Club members traveled to the Seminole Casino in Immokalee, where they enjoyed lunch at the “1st Street Deli in the Casino.” The food was delicious. The group also enjoyed playing the slot machines before and after lunch. The ladies stayed only a few hours and then returned home. The group expressed that they would enjoy another trip to the casino.

BRIDGE

LAUREL BORGIA

Bridge 101 will meet April 1 and 15 at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. There is no fee. Anyone who wants to learn or enjoys playing bridge is welcome. The ladies are a low-key, fun-loving group!

Contact Susie Kravetz (her information is in the directory). Email or call her if you plan to attend. She must give your name to the gate.

Whispers Of God…

DR. MARK P. GONZALES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROYAL PALM ASSOCIATION OF CHURCHES, SBC

EASTER MEMORIES

My earliest recollection of celebrating Easter as a boy was rising before dawn to join my mom for the citywide sunrise service in my hometown of Austin, Texas. Since my dad and siblings preferred to sleep in before our family went to the Easter services at our church, it would be just Mom and me in those early hours. Maybe that is why it is so memorable to me now.

I also remember many of the traditional ways we celebrated Easter in my family. Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, my sister’s yellow and green dresses, smart bow ties for me and my brother, fuzzy white bunnies, and even a few baby chicks in all kinds of colors. Do they still do that?

There were also the age-appropriate Easter stories that I will never forget: Jesus being betrayed, beaten, crucified, and buried in a tomb. Then, three days later the tomb was empty, His body was missing, and angels were announcing that He had risen from the dead, just as He said!

Years later, as a young husband and father of three sons, my wife and I started many new Easter memories for our family. She would make a “cross cake” made of German Chocolate cake (it looks like wood, right?) for us to share after our Good Friday service at church. We would also gather our boys in the backyard to erect two 3-foot crosses and one 4-foot cross between the first two. We’d circle the crosses and sing Amazing Grace and thank the Lord for His work on the cross as we prayed together.

On Easter morning we would put flowers at the foot of the center cross to signify the Lord’s resurrection; go to the sunrise service and Easter worship services I led

as a young pastor; and enjoy an Easter feast at home with “tomb rolls” and multiple small “crown cakes” that the boys could individually decorate to celebrate our resurrected King!

Our Easter egg hunt would follow with plastic eggs filled with a treat and a blessing for the children to read aloud when we went back inside. Finally, loving to do crafts with our kids (and now our grandchildren), Lindy would help them create a diorama of the empty tomb with pebbles, rocks, sticks and moss to round out our Easter festivities and memories.

But here is the most cherished memory that we tried to create at the core of all the Easter activities with our family and the church families that I pastored over the decades. The Easter message of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a story. Nor is it just some kind of poetic or artistic metaphor. It is an actual, historic, and supernatural reality. It is a profound proof of the transcendent, transformational, and resurrection power of Almighty God. And it is something that He still does today.

Resurrection is what He does best.

He can resurrect our broken lives … crushed hopes … dying marriages … wounded hearts … fading dreams … breached relationships … and so much more.

However, He doesn’t force it on us. He gave us free will. So, we must ask.

He loves for us to come to Him. He yearns for us to come to Him.

We have all kinds of opportunities, especially through our dark times.

That’s when we realize our desperate need. That’s when we seek Him, truly seek Him.

Please, Lord. Help me. Heal me. Take me as your own. Save me. All of me.

And guess what? He will say: Yes.

He will resurrect your dead spirit and life. He will transform you and see you as His child.

His love letters, the Bible, tell us: “If anyone is in Christ, they are new creations. Old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” Becoming a new creation by His resurrection power is extraordinary to me. Way better than a new yellow dress or a smart bow tie, right? (Though those are still fun.) So, have a memorable Easter!

Remembering Him with you, Pastor Mark (mark@quillpress.org)

Articles, videos and podcasts: markpg.org. Write and share at mark@quillpress.org. Hear me every Saturday, 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM.

Continental Women’s Club

The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, May 1 at 11:30 a.m. Our May program will feature the installation of our new leadership for 2025/26, and a fun “May Day” Hat competition. An opportunity to show off your prettiest or most creative hat.

We celebrated Continental’s 50th year anniversary in March, recognizing our Past Presidents and the many accomplishments over those years and now look forward to continuing these into the future.

Meetings are being held at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $26. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 by Tuesday, April 22 for meal

selection and to make a reservation for our May 1 meeting.

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.

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1. Roil 5. Inscribed pillar

A bushy hairdo

Hindu princess

Aphorism

Sticking point

Acculturate

Pitch 20. Compete 21. Lacquer ingredient

22. Male monarchs

23. Lands and wealth

25. Sparkle

27. “I agree”

28. Follow too closely

31. Music genre

34. Moon of Saturn

35. Roam 36. Broadcasts

Juryman 38. Sell 39. Supersonic transport

Discourage

Pantywaist

Parts of a series

Amazement

Polite

Beer makers

Astound

Sky-blue 54. Ignited

Fern clusters

Frenetic 58. Hurt

Trifling

Bobbin

61. Male deer

62. Twisty turns

63. Rear end DOWN

1. Courageous

2. Haven

3. A picture-in-picture

4. Fifty-two in Roman numerals

5. Grins

6. Fables

7. Test

8. Trial lawyer

9. An uncle

10. Temporary

11. The front of buildings

12. Sounded a bell

13. Is endebted to

18. Distributes

22. Pottery oven

24. Affirmatives

26. Teller of untruths

28. Rubber wheels

29. Sunbathes

30. Countercurrent

31. Bottom

32. A speech defect

33. Nettle rash

34. Tutorships

37. Star Wars knight

38. Scene

40. Peace bird

41. Sugary

43. Fabric stiffener

44. Sets out

46. Mesa

47. Patriarch

48. Angers

49. Flair

50. Snakes

51. Castle defense

53. Pimples

56. Type of primate

57. Chapter in history

CROSSWORD SOLUTION IN THIS ISSUE

Catch The Action

CAPT. BILL RUSSELL

APRIL ON THE WATER

A month that has a lot to offer anglers across the coastal waters of Southwest Florida, April holds the potential for some of the best fishing of the year and great weather.

Spanish mackerel return to area waters both inshore and offshore. They are roaming in schools looking for food throughout inshore and nearshore waters. Look for birds working the water as mackerel push schooling bait to the water’s surface. Artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico may hold large numbers of Spanish mackerel, plus a few of their large cousins, king mackerel or kingfish. Groups of birds dipping to the water is a dead giveaway. Spanish mackerel are fast, hard fighting, and good on the table if prepared fresh.

Reefs in the gulf within sight of land hold a variety of fish on any given day. Good eating snapper, grunts, mackerel, and the last run of spawning sheepsheads, plus hard fighting barracuda, sharks, goliath grouper, and a big cobia or permit are all a good possibility fishing around the numerous public reefs.

Anglers can get a jump start on tarpon season and often locate schooling fish with little angling competition. May and June are the months that get most of the attention. Schools of tarpon are milling around waters off the gulf beaches ranging in depths from just off the

beach out to 30 or more feet. Tarpon are moving inshore as well, as they are on the move and could appear anytime and anywhere.

Warm water brings numerous sharks to our area on the hunt for their next meal and a great challenge for willing anglers. Blacktip and spinner sharks are some of the most challenging fish to catch. Not only do they possess a great fight, but they also make violent jumps and they’re extremely fast. Many of the big spinners explode into such a wild spinning leap it’s difficult to keep them from exploiting the weak link in your rigging. A large spinner or blacktip will rival a tarpon for sheer power and fight. Also moving in with the tarpon are the hammerhead and bull sharks, the largest of which are hanging around the tarpon schools awaiting a fish in distress for an easy meal.

About every kid or young adult that goes fishing wants to catch a shark. It’s not always possible, but it’s good if you can match the size of the shark you target to the kid’s age. You get a young kid hooked up to a big shark and it may be more fish than they can manage. There are plenty of sharks of various species ranging in size from 3 to 5 feet, this is a great size for most kids. For that matter, it’s a good size for most adults!

With water temperature in the mid-seventies and above, the snook bite can be very good. Snook may range in size from little guys barely a foot long to big girls pushing 40 inches or

more. Snook are on the move, as an ambush feeder look for them around areas with structure and good tidal flow.

Redfish also appreciate the warmer days and higher tides. A properly placed bait under the shade of a mangrove shoreline, dock, or around an oyster bar may result in hard fighting reds. More often than not, if you hook one redfish, more are nearby. Like snook, size can vary widely with the largest measuring over 30 inches.

Our largest sea trout of the year come this month as their spring spawn is in full swing. Trout over 20 inches are common with fish measuring 24 inches and above possible. Look for trout throughout the inshore waters with a grassy bottom, around oyster bars, sand holes and transition areas. Often the largest trout are caught while snook fishing.

Keep your options open as this is a month with so many fishing opportunities that it’s easy to start the day with one species in mind and get sidetracked with another. April is a month with good weather and the potential for great fishing, get on the water and take advantage of it!

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.

For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com , email: gcl2fish@live.com .

Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 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.”

Find Rare And Historic Plants At Edison And Ford Winter Estates

KAREN MAXWELL, HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST

This year, the Grow Fort Myers event at Edison and Ford Winter Estates is going to be extra special, as it will be combined with the annual Orchid Symposium. The event will take place on April 12 and 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include a plant sale with rare and historic plants, plus free presentations from horticulture experts.

The plant sale will feature a new twist with varieties that have historical significance to the Edisons. The available plants have been propagated from specimens that have been at the historic property since the Edisons lived there. Rare and hard-tofind plants will also be available for purchase. The horticultural staff will share a large assortment of houseplants, shrubs, trees and palms that Thomas Edison collected from six different continents and grew on his Fort Myers property.

Several curated growers known for their commitment to responsible collecting and cultivation of rare species will have hard-to-find plants available for sale. Some of these growers will also give 30-minute presentations and share insights on the cultivation of plants including orchids, hoyas, jungle cacti, palms, tillandsias and more.

In addition, orchid vendors will have unusual orchids available for sale, and experts from the Southwest Florida Orchid Society and Lee County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions.

PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

Saturday:

My Favorite Orchids – John Hampton, SWFOS and AOS

Unusual Staghorn Ferns – John Cassani, Owner, Cassani Nursery

Growing Vandas – Mickey Parnell, Owner, Blue Pagoda Orchids

Native Cacti – Reed Gilmore

Care of Epiphyllums (Jungle Cactus)

– Graciana Parker, Owner, Florida Greenery

Sunday:

Conversations with My Orchids – Jim Davison, Owner, Jim-N-I Orchids

Fun with Orchids – Gary Sims, SWFOS and AOS

Growing Hoyas – Graciana Parker, Owner, Florida Greenery

Caring for Tillandsias and Cryptanthus

– Anthony Warfield, Grower, Tropiflora

Amazing Aspidistras – Karen Maxwell, Horticulturist, EFWE

Entry to the event and presentations is free (does not include admission to the museum, laboratory or riverside of the property). Seating under the tent for the presentations is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit EdisonFord.org.

MANY UNUSUAL ORCHIDS ARE ON DISPLAY AT EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES.

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES WILL HOLD A RARE PLANT SALE AND ORCHID SYMPOSIUM ON APRIL 12 AND 13

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

TRIANGULATION FRAUD

From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...

In years past, the concept of making purchases via the Internet was somewhat new and online shoppers carefully scrutinized websites and social media sites prior to providing personal information.

Online shopping has become the norm and many consumers have become somewhat lackadaisical when making online purchases.

With the introduction of technology associated with artificial intelligence, scammers have made it difficult to distinguish between legitimate sites and fraudulent ones.

In the past, if you made a purchase and the item never arrived, you immediately recognized the potential for fraudulent activity.

What happens, however, when the item that you ordered actually arrives? No concerns arise and life goes on as before, yes?

Triangulation fraud adds a new criminal wrinkle to online purchasing.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

A scammer creates a look-alike site or posts retail items for sale, making it appear that the retailer is legitimate and that you are purchasing from a reputable retail site. Logos are identical, the sites contain all of the expected and relevant information that one would ordinarily see.

As you normally do, you enter your personal information and credit card data to complete the purchase.

The scammer has now captured your credit card information for future use. The scammer then proceeds to the legitimate retail site and completes the purchase, on your behalf, for the identical item that you ordered.

That item arrives, as expected, and no further thought is dedicated to the transaction.

The scammer, however, now has all your relevant credit card information and begins to use your credit card for fraudulent purchases … perhaps immediately … perhaps after a brief period of time. You have no reason to suspect criminal activity and, if you don’t carefully scrutinize your credit card statements, may never know that the activity is occurring.

While it is always recommended that shoppers make efforts to verify that they are purchasing from legitimate retail sites, and while all sites from which you purchase should begin with https://, make sure it’s secure by checking for a lock icon in the URL bar. While this is not a foolproof way to prevent fraud, it helps.

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 April 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, April 24. Our speaker will be Mike Corradino, who operated the Florida Monkey Sanctuary for 20 years where he and his staff cared for over 600 monkeys from 67 species with as many as 160 animals at one time.

In addition to being the country’s first “official” monkey catcher, Corradino served as the official gorilla consultant for Ringling Brothers Circus in 1968. Many zoos have adopted his techniques as well as having had published articles in several scientific journals.

Luncheon fee will be $30 per person, and you always have a choice of either a regular menu entree and/or a vegan plant-based entree.

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) 7037787. Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is noon, Thursday, April 17.

Take the time to carefully review your credit card statements. The Fair Credit Billing Act of 1974 (FCBA) gives you the right to dispute errors and fraud. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges that are made after you’ve reported the theft. Additionally, the FCBA limits your total liability to $50 for unauthorized charges.

Online shopping has become a regular way of life and should be both enjoyable and safe. Pay attention.