Gateway - March 2024

The Club At Gateway

Jack ’N’ Jill Golf Event

The Club at Gateway’s annual Jack ’n’ Jill Event is always a fun event. Three Jills and one Jack make up a team; the Jack cannot be the spouse of any of the Jills.

Gateway Women’s Club

By Janice Eaton, Laurel Borgia, Marianne Kollasch and Donna Marchetti

The Gateway Women’s Club (GWC) was proud to welcome two guest speakers talking about the upcoming Southwest Florida Reading Festival. Bibi Cruz (adult programming coordinator) and Catherine Vaughn (continuing education and volunteer coordinator) are both from the Lee County Library System. The festival is being held on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Not only does this festival celebrate the power of reading, but it also brings to our community live and in person bestselling authors for all ages. The Silver Anniversary (25 years) Reading Festival is a day filled with programs for adults and children. There will be author presentations, storytellers, crafts, entertainment, demonstrations of digital resources, book sales and book signings.

For additional information and a full schedule of events, you are encouraged to download the free app at ReadFest.org.

As stated by Vaughn, “Promoting the love of reading creates lifelong learners. It’s fun to watch the young children and teens decide which free book to choose at the festival.” The festival is held at Fort Myers Regional Library and

Catherine Vaughn, continuing education and volunteer coordinator; Charlotte Stewart, president GWC; Bibi Cruz, adult programming coordinator; and Deb Stephano, GWC program coordinator

Campus, located at 2450 First Street, Fort Myers River District. Call (239) 479-4636 with questions.

You can park along downtown streets for free on the weekends. The City of Fort Myers Main Street Parking

Men’s Yoga Class

The Club at Gateway has added a new Men’s Yoga class to the schedule. Beginning Feb. 12, members are encouraged to attend this new class which will meet on Monday at 1 p.m. with Dawn.

Garage will have a special event garage parking flat rate fee of $10 that you pay on entry into the garage. They will accept cash or credit cards. The Main Street Garage is located at 2286 Main Street, with entrances on Main Street.

The club members were pleased to learn any person owning property in Lee County, even part-time residents, may obtain a free Lee County Library System card.

Sit And Stitch

The next meeting of the Sit and Stitch group will be hosted by Judy Conrad on March 11 at 1 p.m. The group includes many GWC members who are working on a variety of stitching projects. The following projects are ongoing for

Gateway Women’s Club on page 8

Rick’s Tips Make A New Plan (Stan)!

By Rick Hanover, USPTA Tennis Director

Left Center Right

When something isn’t working, it’s time to change it up! Conversely, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! For example, if you aren’t winning the cross court rally, it’s time to go down the line, lob over the net person in doubles, get to the net first to volley (instead of missing the second or third groundstroke) or hit a drop shot or short ball to move the better baseliner out of their comfort zone and up to a place they might not like. By changing the battle, you might end up winning the war! Hope this helps and we’ll see you on the court!

Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Event

Our second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Event was held on Jan. 11, where our ladies came together to support Partners for Breast Cancer Care. We are excited to have raised nearly $5,000 for this great cause. Thanks to Mrs. Walthall and the LGA, the Golf Professional Staff, the Golf Course Maintenance team, The F&B and Culinary teams, and everyone who participated, donated, and made this event a huge success. Your support makes a significant impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

Dear friend,

“I Just Don’t Believe That…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wish you the Very Best in Health and Life!

Dr. Rob Davis, DC

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

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

My mother and I featured in a local publication for nonsurgical shoulder solutions.

his story of how he avoided a total knee replacement surgery. Joyce is all smiles at her one year checkup. No more neuropathy!

Whispers Of God

C. A. R. Talk

By Dr. Mark P. Gonzales, Executive Director, Royal Palm Association of Churches, SBC

For you auto enthusiasts, let me alert you that we are not going anywhere near that worthy topic. I will leave that to another writer who is far more conversant than I am about that world.

sequence from the structure of the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus preached! Cool, huh? So, what did He do that we can do as well when we’re facing a difficult conversation with someone on sticky issues? First, His “C.A.R. talk” began with:

Comfort

sure to share it as a genuine expression and hope that resolution is on the horizon. People can smell “butteryou-up” manipulation a mile away. After this, then and only then, you can move to the:

Reveal

The third part of the Sermon on the Mount is when Jesus began saying things like: “You have heard it said, but I say to you…” They had many misconceptions and Jesus was gently leading them to look deeper. In our situation, we might say something like: “So, you may be thinking … but I just want you to know…” or, “Can we compare notes and share hearts about our mutual perceptions of what happened (or what was said or thought)?”

The topic that is actually on my heart to pass along to you is a simple, but very powerful conversational progression that can often prevent and even help heal any relational tension or breaches in your life with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, relatives, and more. C.A.R. is simply an acrostic to help you remember the sequence. And since Easter is coming up at the end of this month, I thought you’d like to know that I learned this communication

February 23 – April 6

The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical tells the true story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Featuring over 24 classics including You’ve Got a Friend, One Fine Day, Up on the Roof, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and Natural Woman, this crowd-pleasing phenomenon is filled with songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget.

April 12 - May 25

America’s darkest family comes to life in this comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family and features an original story about love, family, honesty and growing up. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Everything will change on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Dates may be subject to change.

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

“Blessed are the poor in spirit … Blessed are they who mourn….” He saw heart wounds and hurts of the people – every one of them – that gathered on that day. Actually, He always sees us with eyes of compassion. This is the best way to enter into a difficult conversation. Not with anger, bitterness, accusations, and blaming with guns blazing. Seeing and settling our own wounds first will help us see and appreciate the wounds in the other person as you prepare to talk with them. “Before we get started, may I just say that I know we are both hurting pretty badly about what’s happened, and please know that I am grieving with you and just want to take a baby step or two together toward a little healing.” Ah … good, humble start.

Affirmation

Next, Jesus affirmed people saying “You are the light of the world… you are the salt (or spice) of the earth.” In short, He was telling them that they were of great value! This is what people need to hear next from us in a difficult conversation. “Please know how much I appreciate you, your heart, and your intentions. You are important to me, and our relationship is worth working through.” Just be

Catch The Action

March On The Water

By Capt. Bill Russell

It’s been a wet, windy, and cold winter for Southwest Florida standards. With luck, March will kick the pattern as we exit winter and move into spring. Spring fishing is looked upon as some of the best of the year with a wide variety of species willing to bend a rod. As days get longer and warmer, the water temperature will rise. Schooling baitfish return to local waters after vacating over the winter. This is a combination that rings the dinner bell for fish along our coastal waters.

The winter sheepsheads run should come to a close over the the month. As they complete their spawning duties, they disperse to who knows where. There’s still a good chance to hook big ones around inshore structure and nearshore reefs. Inshore, pompano are a possibility if fishing with shrimp or small pompano jigs.

Spanish mackerel are a great target as they are ferocious feeders, lightning fast, and offer a good fight. Plus, prepared fresh, they offer excellent table fare that is often overlooked. To me they are the perfect fish when looking for fun and action. When mackerel are present odds are good that sharks are nearby, sharks love snacking on mackerel.

This month kicks off good snook fishing along our coastal waters. Water temperature is critical for snook, too cold and they are often dormant. As the water rises to 70 degrees or above and holds, we can look for snook to become active, on the move, and hungry. Like many of our game fish their primary diet will become oily baitfish.

With the invasion of baitfish and warming water, big trout become common catches. Many of our largest sea trout of the year are caught this month. Trout are in their first and

I know this is brief, but I am praying it will be a good start in cultivating the art of heart level healing conversations in your lives, my friends. Life is too short to keep a long list of unresolved and unforgiven relationships. And the Lord is with you, especially when you are the one taking the first baby step of seeing your own part of the breach, and then the next baby step of starting a C.A.R. talk with those you really care about. You can do this.

Taking baby steps with you, Pastor Mark

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

largest spawn cycle of the year, look for the bigger fish to get aggressive and hungry.

Following months of daytime low tides and often not much water to navigate, our first spring high tides begin. Higher tides allow for good opportunities to target redfish along mangrove shorelines and over oyster bars. Early morning low tides also allow anglers great shots at tailing redfish over the shallow flats.

Offshore, on days the weather allows there are good opportunities for a variety of fish including reef dwellers like snapper, grouper, grunts, porgies, sheepsheads, and others. As the water warms, schools of fast-moving Spanish and king mackerel, plus false albacore, or bonito and even some blackfin tuna are making their way up the coast and busting up any schooling baitfish they encounter within sight of land. Keep an eye out for tripletail around buoys or floating debris and don’t be surprised if a big cobia makes his presence around your boat while bottom fishing. Fishing around one of the public artificial reefs is always a good choice for a variety of fish.

Early season tarpon begin to show a few miles off the beaches, to the southern part of our region slowly making their way up the coast. Tarpon hookups are possible inshore as the waters warm over the month.

March is a month where anything is possible, and you should always expect the unexpected. We generally have some cool and windy days, but they will be offset with great weather as we break into the spring season. If you have company down from the north, it’s a great time to get them on the water. Nothing better than a day with nature, away from the congested roads and crowds to show them what a good time in Florida is all about.

Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting www. myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish.

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

Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 28 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”

Do The Right Thing

Do you know a child who deserves to be honored as an outstanding citizen or student for his or her exemplary behavior, good citizenship, positive attitude or willingness to help others? If so, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to nominate a child for recognition in our monthly

Do the Right Thing program. Nomination forms are available online at www.sheriffleefl.org. For more information, call Program Director Tony Schall at (239) 258-3215 or email aschall@sheriffleefl.org.

What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?

By Karen Maxwell, Horticulture Specialist

It only happens once every two years. On March 3, from noon to 4 p.m., Edison Ford Winter Estates will host Art in Bloom – Fort Myers, a floral interpretation of the new art exhibit “Rebirth and Renewal,” showcased in the oldest home in Fort Myers, Edison’s Caretaker’s Cottage.

Dating to approximately 1847, it is said that the old cottage was built with repurposed wood from the original downtown fort. Over the years, Art in Bloom – Fort Myers has produced stunning arrangements for themes such as Ford’s Garage, Edison’s Jungle and Berne Davis’ 100th birthday. According to Megan Kissinger, Edison Ford’s resident artist and show curator, “Rebirth and Renewal” provides artists a chance to celebrate recovery – whether from Hurricane Ian, a personal struggle, or from the pandemic – in any medium, including paint, sculpture or wall hanging.

Partnering with the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council (the local umbrella organization for 14 garden clubs and eight

garden groups), this year’s event will also serve as a tribute honoring two floral designers who participated in every Art in Bloom – Fort Myers event since its inception, and sadly both passed away in September of 2023.

These eclectic designers were frequent winners, acknowledged for extraordinary talent with seemingly uncomplicated executions of arrangements that belied the novelty and complex use of pedestrian materials in their floral interpretations.

The concept of Art in Bloom originated at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and it has become a ritual of spring throughout the country. Unlike other locations, Art in Bloom –Fort Myers is open to any member of a garden club associated with the Garden Council, with or without formal training, and the winner is determined by People’s Choice voting. The show does not require conformance to National Garden Club (NGC) standards – i.e., the dying of flowers is permitted in this show.

In September of 2023, Winnie Stone, just two weeks shy of her 101st birthday and Suzy Valentine, who would have probably declined sharing her age, both passed away. Stone, originally from Boca Raton, moved to Fort Myers after Hurricane Andrew and was a longtime member of the Royal Palm Garden Club and a mentor to Fort Myer’s floral design group known as Potpourri. She inspired many with an attitude that anyone can design, make it fun, do what you like, and then she would apply her critical eye and demonstrate how to make it better, often employing the “Winnie Twist” to a flower or element in the design. Stone, a national judge, was a great friend of Marty Ward who started the Cape Coral Garden Club and together they tutored many to become sanctioned National Garden Club judges, including Paula Novander, one of this year’s designers.

As bold as her beloved Stifftia chrysantha blooms, Suzy Valentine never shied away from choosing the biggest or brightest art pieces, and she tutored students to choose materials from their own garden or borrow from a friend’s garden. Also an NGC judge and a member of Gulf Coast Garden Club in Bonita Springs, Valentine spent many years in South America and with her late husband David Southall (a noted botanist and nurseryman), she never tired of sharing her horticultural expertise with any willing learner.

Valentine believed that good floral design must reflect good horticulture – the understanding of how plants grow, and a Valentine design celebrated good horticulture with the economy of readily sourced garden materials, both alive and dried, in a vibrant manner. This year, all designers are encouraged to incorporate the style and essence of Winnie and Suzy in their floral arrangements.

The public is invited to visit the Art in Bloom – Fort Myers floral and art show on March 3, at Edison Ford Winter Estates from noon to 4 p.m. The show is included with admission and free for Edison Ford members.

Gateway Women’s Club from page 1

members who want to participate: lap blankets, shawls and hats for Hospice. Any GWC member who enjoys sharing her skills is welcome and the group encourages new project ideas. If you plan to attend the meeting or are interested in joining this group, contact Judy. Her information can be found in the GWC Directory.

Dining Out

The fork in the road recently took the Gateway Women’s Club Dining Out group to South Fork Grille in Coconut Point for an evening of fine cuisine, great service, and lots of fun! Members and guests selected options from a prefixed menu offering entrees of braised short ribs, crusted cod, chicken Milanese, and shrimp Fra Diavolo. Every sweet tooth was satisfied with dessert choices of a rich brownie ala mode, bread pudding, or Key lime pie. The private dining room provided an opportunity for the group to chat, laugh, and enjoy an evening with friends. GWC members sure know how to grab life by the “fork!”

Charitable Giving Committee

The Gateway Women’s Club Charitable Giving Committee started the year off with a big bang! They had three SUVs loaded with different types of supplies for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. All the items were delivered after the regular meeting, and they were so excited to receive this donation. Moving right along into spring, the group will be going to Snappers Comedy Club on March 20. This will be a fun time and there will be plenty of laughs. Tickets will be sold at the February and March meetings.

Special Event

The Special Event Committee has two fabulous events planned.

The first is the famous Cabbage Key cruise departing from the King Fisher Fleet/Sightseeing Cruise, Fishermen’s Village at 1200 W. Retta

on Wednesday, April 24. The cruise departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Deadline to sign up is at the March meeting.

The second is the Elvis Tribute Show in the Ballroom at Cape Cabaret on Friday, May 24, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made at the February or March monthly meeting with March 30 being the deadline.

Gateway Gals On The Go

The recent outing for the Gateway Gals on the Go was a great day for mini-golf!

The weather was sunny and not too hot. Thirty-seven members came. The low score winner was Charlene Gera. The high scorer was Nancy Lund.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

A group of Gateway Women’s Club members and guests recently attended the Broadway Palm production of Elvis. The musical took a close look at the rock star and cultural icon whose impact shaped the history of music, spanning from his childhood in Mississippi to his comeback special in 1968 and his ascent to be “The King.” The group heard hits including All Shook Up, Heartbreak Hotel, Burning Love, Hound Dog, Don’t be Cruel, Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes and more.

There was a three-way tie for most holes in one with Eleanor Stuart, Sharon Desrosiers and Charlene Gera. After a tense playoff, the winner was Eleanor Stewart. The traditional lunch followed at Bahama Breeze. Sandy Schwartz, Elsie Rivard and Bobbi Kinkade

the event.

Season Theatre Performances

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

(239) 278-4422

www.broadwaypalm.com

Main Theatre

Beautiful, The Carole King Musical – Feb. 23 to April 6

The Addams Family – April 12 to May 25

Swing! – May 31 to June 22

Mary Poppins – June 28 to Aug. 10

Off Broadway Palm Sweet Delilah Swim Club – Feb. 29 to April 14

Perfect Wedding – April 18 to May 19

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Theatre

(239) 590-7268

www.fgcu.edu/theatrelab/

The Life of Galileo – April 12 to 21

TheatreLab is the black box performance space for the productions of the FGCU Theatre Program. The theatre is located in the Arts Complex on the FGCU campus, seats up to 90, and the configuration often changes depending on the production, so every play has a unique feel.

Florida Repertory Theatre

(239) 332-4488

www.floridarep.org

In The Historic Arcade Theatre

Comedy of Tenors – Feb. 13 to March 3

Stand-Up Comedy – Feb. 23 and March 1

Hank Williams Lost Highway – March 19 to April 14

In The ArtStage Studio Theatre

The Gin Game – Jan. 30 to March 10

Oleanna – April 16 to May 19

Laboratory Theater Of Florida

(239) 218-0481

www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com

Feb. 23 to March 23

Ride the Cyclone, lyrics and book by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond, opens on Feb. 23.

The lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a rollercoaster. They awake in a surreal carnival purgatory in which they compete to win a prize like no other: the chance to return to life. This modern cult classic and outlandish viral hit will have you asking the big questions while having amusement-park fun.

From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno

Securing Property On Your Boat

Being the boating capital of the United States, Florida boasts the largest number of registered vessels in the nation. With well over one million boats registered in our state, those opting to steal from marine vessels have many to choose from.

Whether your boat is docked or on a trailer, it is imperative that cabins are locked and keys are removed from the ignition.

Items such as portable generators, diving equipment, fishing rods, laptops, tools and marine parts are most frequently reported as stolen.

I frequently remind car and truck owners to ensure that their vehicles are locked and that all valuables be removed before retiring for the evening.

The same advice is applicable for boat owners. It is recommended that valuables be removed from the vessel rather than simply being placed “out of sight.” Similarly, boats left in poorly-lit areas are more vulnerable to theft and burglary. Items that must remain should be secured in lockable compartments with secure locks. Often, factoryinstalled locks may not be adequate and should be upgraded. It is also a good practice to engrave your name and/or contact number on items of value. Engraved items are far more difficult to resell and, as a result, are less likely to be stolen. Equipment with engraved identification are more likely to be recovered by law enforcement. Engraving devices are extremely inexpensive and easy to use.

Security cameras, including Ring and similar surveillance devices, have been installed and are effective anti-theft tools.

Lastly, please report all marine thefts to local law enforcement.

The Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club

The Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club (FMRWC) will be meeting on Tuesday, March 26 in the Helm Club Main Deck at The Landings Yacht, Golf & Tennis Club. This is the annual Spring Fling fundraiser featuring a fashion show by Razzle Dazzle and a silent auction. The event will begin at 11 a.m., with lunch at noon and the fashion show to begin shortly afterwards. Please make your reserved seating reservation no

later than March 22. Tickets will be $40 payable in advance. A reminder, after that you will be responsible for the cost of your acknowledged reservation if you are unable to attend. Make your payment to FMRWC … checks or cash, no credit cards. For further information contact: Diane Kinser, recording secretary/membership/reservations at Social.lady@Yahoo. com or text (630) 327-3546.

Standard of Care Vs. Exceptional

Today, most people would agree that in the United States we have a world renowned emergency medical care system. If someone has a traumatic head injury or is experiencing some sort of acute inflammatory response they have access to some of the best doctors in the world. Most people also realize that when it comes to chronic conditions such as arthritic joint pain, neuropathy, digestive disorders, diabetes or even memory problems that their health insurance only pays for the same standard of care.

Unfortunately, when that standard of care or acute care model is applied to millions of people in the U.S. who are suffering with chronic complex conditions, it does not result in health and vitality, quite the opposite.

I see this in my clinic every day, people in their 60s, 70s and 80s who have been trying to do the right thing by listening to their doctor’s advice. They end

up on countless prescription drugs that merely cover up symptoms and manipulate their lab values as the underlying disease destroys more healthy tissue.

Do you feel that your chronic health condition(s) is being addressed properly? Do you think that it’s a good idea to continue covering up your symptoms with drugs? If the answer is No, then contact Donna or Silvia at (239) 482-8686. I will perform a complete head to toe neurological examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for one of my Nonsurgical Operations and or a Recovery Care Program.

Dr. Rob Davis, DC is the Best Selling Author of Breaking the Cycle, How to take control of your health when traditional medicine has failed. Call (239) 4828686 to schedule an appointment.

April 12 to May 5

Crocodile Fever by Meghan Tyler opens on April 12 and closes the season.

Alannah’s quiet life in 1989 Northern Ireland is disrupted when her rebellious IRA sister Fiannah comes home. The combative sisters are forced to confront their tyrannical father’s hideous legacy, and all hell breaks loose. A bloody dark comedy fueled by gin, ’80s tunes, and a chainsaw, Crocodile Fever can’t end happily, but it can end gloriously.

Both shows offer half-price preview night, teens get a free ticket night, and a sensory friendly performance night.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida, which began in 2008, is a professional teaching theater. It offers educational opportunities for performers of all ages.

Continental Women’s Club

The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, April 4 at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club.

Our April program will feature Lee County Sheriff, Carmine Marceno. Sheriff Marceno will speak about how we can take safety measures to protect ourselves daily. He will also tell us about some of the initiatives that are in place to keep our community safe. We are looking forward to a very interesting, informative program. We welcome you to join us.

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 year. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $25. Reservation deadline for April 4 is Tuesday, March 26. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 6917561 for additional information, meal selection, and to make a reservation.

Gateway Women’s Club from page 8

Book Club

Book Club plans to meet on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at Carol Healy’s home with Mary Anderson as her cohostess. The group will be discussing Seduced by the Light, the Mina Miller Edison Story by Alexandra Rimer. Seduced by the Light is the first and only biography of Mina Miller Edison, the wife of Thomas Edison, the woman who created and shaped the myth of one of the most seminal figures in America’s history. Please R.S.V.P. to Carol if you plan on attending. Her information can be found in the GWC Directory.

Bridge

Bridge 101 will meet Tuesday, March 5 and March 19 at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. Please contact Susie Kravetz by phone or email (information is in the directory), to let her know if you are attending. We welcome anyone who wants to learn bridge or enjoys playing bridge.

38th Annual All Florida Exhibition

March 1 Through March 30

10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Fla.

This annual show is the most anticipated of the year. As the name suggests, this exhibition features pieces created by artists working in a wide variety of media from all over the 65,000 square miles that make up Florida. The juried entries come together for an award-winning and exciting exhibition representing today’s contemporary Florida artists. The exhibition will be on display March 1 through 30. 38th Annual All Florida Juried Exhibition Dates

Exhibit Dates: March 1 to March 30

Opening Reception: March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Pick up accepted work: April 1, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

$1,000 cash for Best in Show, Second Place – $300 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials, Third Place – $150 cash, Jurors’ Choice Award – Artist Membership ($75 value),

American Art Collector Award of Excellence – One full page advertisement in American Art Collector Magazine

Laura Guerrero is a Colombian-American curator and arts administrator based in Miami, Fla. She is the programs coordinator overseeing exhibitions at Oolite Arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Virginia, where her specialty was contemporary Australian Aboriginal art and Medieval/Renaissance art. Her curatorial debut in Miami was the Oolite Arts’ 47-artist alumni showcase, “It Was Always About

Annual Hibiscus Show

Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers

The James E. Hendry (JEH) Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society announces its 71st Annual Hibiscus Show/ Plant Sale on Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. This free hibiscus show is the oldest, largest and best attended of all Florida’s hibiscus shows, attracting several hundred people annually. This continuing show is made possible through the generosity of community sponsors.

“The event will showcase hundreds of different hybrid hibiscus blooms in a variety of colors and forms which will be judged in several different classes including amateur, collector, open collector, commercial, miniatures and seedlings,” explains Beth Meehan, president. In addition, more than 400 hybrid hibiscus plants will be for sale for $20. All credit cards are accepted. Parking and admission to the Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale is free.

This is the best opportunity Southwest Floridians have to add to their hybrid hibiscus collection as these plants

You…” which she cocurated alongside former Oolite CEO, Dennis Scholl. Prior to working at Oolite, she worked in the Collections Department at the Fralin Museum of Art.

Photos are of last year’s winners.

are not available in local garden centers. This delicate and beautiful plant grows abundantly in Florida’s subtropical climate. Members of the chapter who are experts in the care and growing of hibiscus will be available to provide advice. Several senior American Hibiscus Society judges will also be available to answer any questions regarding the rule for judging blooms.

Anyone who would like to learn how to grow, graft and hybridize this attractive tropical flowering plant can

do so by joining the James E. Hendry Chapter, AHS at the show.

The show is the highlight of the year for the chapter; monthly meetings are held at The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers on the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Details on the JEH Chapter and pictures of all the blooms that will be available for sale can be found on the chapter’s website www.hendrychapterhibiscus.com.

Four Of The Blooms That Will Be Available At The Sale

The Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA) Will Be Holding Their 2024 Annual Conference

On March 15, 16 And 17 In Fort Myers

The VBBA was established and exists to promote the study of early baseball (1850-’90s) and to support play by vintage baseball clubs using the rules from that period. Currently, the VBBA has approximately 130 member clubs throughout the USA, plus individual memberships. As an example, the Fort Myers Vagabonds vintage baseball club is a member of the VBBA. The Vagabonds play using 1864 rules and compete in Florida

from October through May against the Central Florida Awkwards and the Bradenton Shamrocks.

The conference includes a Friday night icebreaker and nine, 50-minute baseball history talks on Saturday morning at the Florida SouthWestern State College Lee County Campus. On Saturday afternoon there will be a vintage baseball match at historic Terry Park, followed by a Saturday evening dinner and keynote speaker (Susan Dellinger) at the Edison-Ford Winter Estates on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River.

The conference is followed on Sunday with a vintage baseball tournament at Terry Park sponsored by the Edison

www.vbba.org.

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