Gateway Women’s Club

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 Aldridge is with the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, 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+ 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 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. On line: http://www.AAASWFL.org. http://www.facebook.com/AAASWFL and http://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.

BOOK CLUB

BARBARA HANLIN

The GWC Book Club will meet on April 8th at 7:00 PM 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.

SIT AND STITCH

ELEANOR STUART

The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Carol Warrell on April 14th at 1:00 pm. 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 college-attending students who were in foster care. Any GWC member is welcome to join.

BRIDGE

LAUREL BORGIA

Bridge 101 will meet April 1st and 15th 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 info is in the directory). Email or call her if you plan to attend. She must give your name to the gate.

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!

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 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.