The Landings Eagle - May 2023

941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA, LLC

Landings Free College: School is out for Summer

By:DeeRicapito

In the year 2016, Irv Kushner and Ralph Ricapito organized and renamed the “Round Table Discussion Group” (which originated approximately seven years earlier with Ralph and Jack Kahgan) to The Landings Free College.

The Free College lecture series grew in attendance over the years because of interesting speakers. The Free College primarily tapped into the vast and impressive professional experiences of Landings residents as speakers. Additionally, Landings residents would also invite friends from outside the community to speak, too. The presentations were always held on Thursday afternoons and the speakers would share their expertise for free of charge.

Ralph and Irv want to thank you all for your support.

This year, The Landings Free College enjoyed record attendance

Casey Key Bike Excursion

with over 100 members and guests enjoying a wide range of topics.

The 2023 Free College series started with Irv Kushner presenting Two-Gun Cohen: A Chinese General. Additional speakers included Dr. Crosby, CEO Mote Marine discussing red tide and the marine environment; Dr. John Bruno’s informative topic Neuroscience of Depression & Anxiety Treatments and Future Remedies; Jay Handelman, Arts Editor & Theater Critic of Sarasota Herald Tribune; Sarasota museums were represented; as well as our own, and always entertaining Frank Pipers, discussing The Erection of an Insurrection. Wow, what a variety of topics! Thanks again to our Real Estate ladies, Judy Green and Tara Lamb, hosting our final events every season. As always, Kevin has been a great help facilitating the meeting room over the years.

Landings Volunteers Who Work for You

BethCotner,LRCPresident

This is the eighth in a series of articles highlighting the work of special volunteers who help to make The Landings such a wonderful community. The Eagle interviewed Beth Cotner for this issue.

There are many talented people with extraordinary histories who live in The Landings. Beth Cotner is among the few who have been successful in their careers and who have also given generously of their time, talent, and resources to their communities.

Beth grew up in rural Northern California, almost on the Oregon border. Her dad enjoyed theatre and took her frequently in the summers to The Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It was there that she developed her love of culture and the arts.

Beth went to Ohio State University where she studied international relations and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to get an MBA in international finance at George Washington University.

She became a money manager, certified financial analyst, and was responsible for investing large pension and mutual funds.

She has lived in Nevada, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., Oregon, and Illinois. In Chicago, she met her husband Jack, on a blind date. He was a money manager with a competing company.

They married and then went to Boston where they had very successful careers with Putnam

Investments.

Upon retirement, they first moved to Nevada and Oregon. They then decided they wanted to relocate closer to the east coast where most of their friends lived. While visiting a friend in Sarasota they loved the fact that there was so much art and culture in the area.

They moved into a downtown building, and then to Siesta Key, which they didn’t like due to the traffic. She had been playing tennis at Paine Park but didn’t like the fact that she couldn’t make court reservations.

They moved to a house just south of The Landings before moving into a home on Landings Boulevard.

Beth was attracted to The Landings as a gated community with an active tennis club. Jack liked to rehab and sell houses. There were advantages to living in a home for two years and then selling for profit without capital gains. They moved every 2-3 years. From The Landings to The Oaks, then back to The Landings on Kestral Park Lane.

Sadly, Jack passed away in 2021.

Beth recently moved again to Kestral Parkway South. She also purchased a condo in The Landings where one of her stepdaughters, Didi Alogna, now lives.

When asked how many houses they had bought and sold, she indicated it had to be over 30 (at least 12 in Sarasota).

Beth’s cultural and social interests, as well as her talents in finance created many volunteer opportunities for her. She has served on several boards, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Oregon, the same one she visited as a child. She also served on boards of theatre companies in Chicago and Boston, and on corporate boards in Boston and Georgia.

In Sarasota, she has been an active board member and President of the Sarasota Institute of Life Long Learning (SILL) as well as with the Personalized Estate Liquidators Organization (PEL), a consignment store whose sales benefit children at risk. Her stepdaughter Didi, works at PEL. Beth is also active in her church.

Until recently, Beth had not been involved on boards or committees within The Landings. She felt she wanted to do something in and for her own community, so she volunteered to serve on The Landings Racquet Club Board. At her first board meeting, they made her president.

When asked what some of the challenges and opportunities were facing the club, she noted that the club is being used by more and more people, but it is constrained by space limitations.

She said she feels good that there are many more activities and events that people who don’t

play tennis can enjoy. She noted that increased use at the club has occurred without adding needed staff supports. She hopes that the club will add many new members during her term of office.

She also said: “Our tennis pros and leagues are very active which puts more constraints on court availability and a greater need for court maintenance and upkeep. In addition, the club is getting older, needs updating to the activity rooms, fitness center, and faces increased maintenance costs. The pool needs resurfacing, and the parking lot will be given a new surface with three handicap spots when it is completed.”

While she agrees, with most of the club members that a pickle ball court(s) would be a great asset, the club does not have space nor financial resources to build it with required amenities.

Beth has one dog, Juno, and two cats, Jesse and Cali. Between her volunteer work inside and outside of The Landings, she is one busy lady who is in a position to help move the LRC to new heights over the coming years.

Over 30 Landings residents participated on the bike excursion on Casey Key followed by lunch at the home of Art Wood.

CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Dr. Michael P. Crosby (right) spoke at Landings Free College last month.

Lily Breckner, 3

President’s Report

Dear Neighbors, I am writing to update you on the work that your LMA Board of Directors is doing on your behalf (as of April 15 th ).

LMA’s fwnancial position remains quite strong with deposits approaching $5.0 million dollars as funds from the second special assessment for the “roads reserve” flow in. The interest rate on our holdings remains at 3.5% so that a monthly interest income nearing $15,000 is being realized. As mentioned in last month’s report, all funds are FDIC insured and held in liquid money markets.

Other key issues we are dealing with include:

- The Roads Project: The results of the bidding process and the recommendations of our engineering firm are now expected April 18 th

. The roads committee will present their recommendations to the Board for discussion at the next regularly scheduled board meeting on Thursday May 4 th . A town hall meeting will be scheduled which will then be followed by a special board meeting to discuss and vote on the road committee’s recommendations.

- The “Security Appraisal” to determine how LMA compares to the best practice of similar communities, is now taking place. A report is expected

ByJeffSmith

for the June board meeting.

- The “Communication and Digital Technology Committee” gave an indepth presentation at the April board meeting. Those of us on the board and in the audience now understand better how the process is multilayered, complex and time consuming.

However, because of these efforts, we will emerge with a single up to date database to be utilized by all LMA service areas. The web will become more user friendly and link more easily to the various points of information that the board will strive to make available so that we can be as transparent as possible. Speaking of this, we have improved the functionality of our current website and are now posting additional financial information. You will now find the last 10 years of LMA end year statements in addition to the monthly financial statements starting February 2023. The board is very appreciative of the hard work done by this committee.

- The Maintenance Committee has had the 1.1 miles of the Landings’ wall surveyed in its entirety and we are expecting to be near the point where some work can be started.

Sections containing cracks and some soft areas have been identified. The plan (subject to board discussion/ approval) is a staged project that will

power wash, repair, and paint the wall. The end year wall reserve will be $74,417 and we expect that the necessary work can be done within current budget parameters.

- The 5-year Plan is nearing completion. Approximately, 30 individuals comprised of board members, committee chairs, association presidents, and key individuals from past boards have been interviewed. The final steps are the actual resident survey (early May) followed by tabulation and analysis, report of the survey results to all parties and board discussion of the survey and the 5-Year Plan in the June meeting.

Thank you and I hope to see you at our next board meeting, (May 4 th , 6pm, School Board Building, Black Awning).

LMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

JEFF SMITH President

JUDY GREENE Vice President

HARVEY GRELLER Treasurer

SUE CAMINS Secretary

AMY DRACHMAN Director

RAY LEE Director

AMY LYONS Director

ELIDA RAMBERGER .................................. Director

HARRY MOSER Director

EMILY RIDDLE

Property Manager — Pinnacle Management Company

LMA COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

HARVEY GRELLER Finance

EDDIE GOLDSTEIN Communications

NORMAN OLSHANSKY The Eagle

MARALYN KAUFMAN Environmental

AMY DRACHMAN Governance Advisory

SUE CAMINS Governing Docs Review

HARVEY GRELLER Hazardous Waste

JEFF SMITH Lakes & Drainage

PAUL WEINER Landscaping

HARVEY CAMINS LMA Property Mgr Needs Comm.

JUDY GREENE Maintenance

JACKIE MASSARI Kayaks

CALI LAMPTON Nominating

ELIDA RAMBERGER Roads

MIKE KNUPP Safety & Security

AMY LYONS Social/Community Events

HARRY MOSER Standard Op. Procedures (SOP)

A Kayak Launch in Our Future?

SubmittedbyJackieMassari,KayakCommitteeChair

As noted in last month’s Eagle article, the kayak committee was exploring many options to find a kayak launch which would provide a safer alternative to the current means of getting kayakers and their boats launched into the waters off the Nature Trail. Mission accomplished!

A proposal, including additional costs for extra safety features, was presented to the LMA Board at their April meeting. The board approved the expenditure necessary to cover the costs of the permitting process and installation of a ramp and floating dock, with the proviso that the berth rental rates be increased to $150 for 2024, and that the requisite insurance be obtained to cover the launch.

Now, LMA President, Jeff Smith, is working the LMA insurance broker to make that happen!

Fingers crossed that by the time you read this, the insurance issues will be resolved and the permitting process with Sarasota County will be underway! Again, the permitting process is currently running 8-10 months, with a couple of months required for installation post permit approval.

Effective January 1, 2024, the kayak berth rental will be $150 (plus the 7% sales tax), contingent upon the installation of the launch system. Contracts will need to be signed on an annual basis and available slots will be assigned from the wait list, which is ordered by the date that the request was received. Currently, there are approximately a dozen requests for slots. If you are

10 The

interested in securing a spot on the kayak racks, please be sure to contact me at jackiemassari@yahoo.com to be placed on the waitlist. There are tentative plans to add about another dozen berths, provided there is demand. There may also be slots opening on the current racks. Also, remember to sign up on TeamReach so you can stay apprised of happenings, outings, and progress with the launch installation. Our last organized outing for this season was April 15 th . However, there are kayakers who would like to go out with others, so setting up your own outing is easy using TeamReach. There are also those on TeamReach who have offered to meet you at the Nature Trail to help you launch!

Oh, and one more thing, there are many kayakers who will be out of town for much of the summer who are more than willing to loan their kayaks to others. So again, post your request on TeamReach. There is a list of current kayak renters on TeamReach. It’s a good resource so avail yourself of it!

There also are postings of kayak berth renters on the LMA Bulletin Board to the right of the entrance to LRC as well one posted on the racks. Check to see if you know someone with a kayak who might loan you a boat or take you out on the water. It is the hope of the Kayak Committee that community members will join us in venturing out into our surrounding waters. This is a real asset for LMA resident and lots of fun! Join us!

May 2023

BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

GROUP DATE/ TIME/ PLACE

BAYVIEW

EAGLE EDITORIAL

LHA

LMA BOARD

LMA SAFETY

Monday 5/15, 5 PM Lakeside Room

Tuesday 5/2, 1 PM Lakeside Room

Thursday 5/11, 5 PM Poolside Room

Thursday 5/4, 6 PM School Board Bldg

Monday 5/8, 4 PM Multipurpose Room

Eagle www.islandvp.com 941.312.0665

COVID Strikes Again; Art Show Rescheduled

By Marie-Louise McHugh

We are sorry to have to announce that because of a major outbreak of COVID-19 at The Landings, all indoor activities at the Landings Racquet Club have been cancelled until further notice. This includes the scheduled return of the Landings Artists Art Show. We have a new date for this event: Saturday, February 11th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Same artists and same set up in both the Lakeside and Poolside Rooms.

LRC MONTHLY

Kayak outing set for Feb. 26

“newbies.”

Kayaks galore! There has been so much interest and activity surrounding kayaking activities that another adventure is planned for Sunday, February 26th at 10 a.m., launching from the Nature Trail. Once again, John McFetridge has agreed to pilot this outing. It has been posted on TeamReach, but we wanted to make sure that all were informed. if you have not done so already, we encourage you to sign up on TeamReach. We expect to receive help from other experienced kayakers for those who are

Monday 5/15, 3:30 PM Lakeside Room

LS III Monday 5/1, 11 AM Poolside Room

Our January 21st outing at Turtle Beach was quite the success. There were more than 36 people who joined the outing, most of whom then gathered for lunch at a nearby restaurant. John led that with assistance provided by Wayne Trotter.

LS IV Tuesday 5/16, 4 PM Lakeside Room

There have been complications getting the 2023 billing and annual contracts issued by Pinnacle. By the time you read this, it is hoped that we will be back on track.

See you on the water!

LHA Meeting Notes

The Landings Homeowners Association held its regularly scheduled board meeting on January 12th at 5:00 p.m. at the Landings Racquet Club. The board approved landscape changes on Pine Harrier Circle and

LS VI Monday 5/15, 5 PM Poolside Room

TREEHOUSE

Tuesday 5/23, 5 PM Lakeside Room

Please return the proxy or register on-line to be sure we have a quorum for the meeting.

and Brion Palmer. Please note that contributing writers and photographers are acknowledged with bylines accompanying their submissions. We sincerely thank everyone for their contributions. The Landings Eagle is published monthly and is partially funded by The Landings Management Association & Landings Racquet Club, but is independently edited and reported by Landings residents. The Landings Eagle is published by 27th State Media, LLC, a Florida LLC. Advertising rates and information will be gladly furnished by calling 941-312-0665, We are ready to answer your questions and to assist you in preparing your ad at no extra charge. All advertising and editorial content is subject to editing to conform to our style, and is copyrighted 2020 by 27th State Media, LLC and may not b e reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted under federal law. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject copy for any reason. 27th State Media, LLC is not responsible for any claims made by the advertisers.

To access each issue of The Landings Eagle, please go to: www.islandvp.com. Simply scroll down to The Eagle image and click on it for the current issue. If you would like to view past issues, click on the text, “TO VIEW PAST ISSUES OF The Landings EAGLE, CLICK HERE”That will bring you to a list of the back issues going back to July 2013. For anything earlier you will need to go to the website: www.landingseagle.com

Balance, Core Strength, Mobility and Flexibility

If you are interested in improving in any of these areas, the LRC is offering a class on Monday and Wednesday from 8:15-9:15 a.m. These areas are so important to all age levels, subsequently, the LRC is offering these classes for only $5 per class. Danielle Jarman is

an experienced exercise instructor and has done an amazing job structuring the class to meet the needs of the participants.

Danielle is also offering a Flow Yoga class on Fridays from 8:159:15 a.m. This class is being offered for $10 per session. Danielle not

LRC RACQUET SPORTS

Pickleball

Ping Pong

Summer Tennis Round

Robins

Triples Tennis Social Mixers

only is a certified Yoga instructor, but she is certified to teach other instructors. Come try the class. Men, don’t be afraid. The Monday and Wednesday class will improve your chances of not getting injured! You will need a mat to participate.

LRC

only.

PM Wednesday Sept 13th, 5:30 PM

Time Class

Mon. Wed., Thurs. 2:30-4:30 Sundays 9:30 –11:30 AM

Wednesdays, 10–12 PM Multi-purpose Room

Summer schedule: June 23, July 28, August 25, Sept 22. 9:30-11 AM.

May 5th, 3:30 PM for Cinco de Mayo -last one of the season.

Signup Info

No signup required, meet on court 8. Join PB TeamReach group with code LPBS

No signup needed.

Signup in advance at LRC.

Signup in advance at LRC. BYOB social mixer afterwards on Lakeside porch.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Time Class

Fishing

Signup Info

Contact the Landings “Fish Whisperer” if learn how to fish or fish with a friend.

Signup with Norm at Nfpconsultingresources@gmail.com

Reservations required, contact Sue at scault@comcast.net to sign up.

fee. Thursdays

LRC ARTS & LEARNING

LRC Members Only LRC Members Only

LRC FITNESS & HEALTH

Note: Non-LRC members pay $5 guest fee plus class fee.

Core Mobility

Sound Bath Meditation

Monday & Wednesday, Lakeside Room

LRC members only. members

6 PM Lakeside Room

Plan to arrive at 5:50 pm

May 22, 29, June 12, 26

8:15-9:15 Fridays Lakeside Room Yoga

Water Zumba

Tuesday & Thursday 11:30 AM at Pool

With Daniele Jarmin. Bring mat. No signup required. $5 for LRC members, $10 nonmembers.

$8 per class members, $13 non-members. No signup needed. Questions? Call Sally Sammons at 571-226-7837.

Please signup with Daniele at danjarms@gmail.com

$10 per class, contact Sandy at 941-928-3558

Message from the Eagle Editorial Committee

Something New

The Eagle introduced a new element to our community paper this month – the Eagle Extra insert. The idea is to provide content and photos on higher quality paper that readers might want to save. Check out the inaugural edition of Eagle Extra and let us know what you think.

Access Issues of the Eagle Online

Leaving for the season but want to stay in touch with your Sarasota neighbors, friends, and community? Now, you can easily do this by accessing the current issue of the Eagle on The Landings website. Simply go to The Landings website (thelandingsofsarasota. com) and log into the resident’s page. Click on the Eagle section

for the current copy.

Want to review past issues of the Eagle?

All of them are on The Landings website, too.

Eagle Wants to Land

If you are traveling this summer, don’t forget to take a copy of the Eagle with you and snap a photo and send to us to print in a future issue of our Eagle Has Landed feature. Send all photos to nfpconsultingresources@gmail. com.

Got Pictures?

The Eagle is always looking for high quality, interesting pictures to print in the paper. If you have photos you would like to submit, please send to nfpconsultingresources@gmail.com.

President’s Report ByBethCotner

Manager’s Report ByKevinLechlitner

April continued its plethora of activities with events such as triples tennis, a tennis round robin, bike rides, and kayak outings.

COVID Strikes Again; Art Show Rescheduled

Landings Day on April 21 st included a round robin, a pro exhibition, cardio tennis, triples, and a chance to win prizes by hitting targets on the tennis court.

By Marie-Louise McHugh

We are sorry to have to announce that because of a major outbreak of COVID-19 at The Landings, all indoor activities at the Landings Racquet Club have been cancelled until further notice. This includes the scheduled return of the Landings Artists Art Show. We have a new date for this event: Saturday, February 11th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Same artists and same set up in both the Lakeside and Poolside Rooms.

Koffee Klatches, Karaoke Night, and Friday Sunset Socials provided our members with alternatives to our athletic offerings. RummiKub games started in April and the Landoliers gave a wonderful concert on April 16 th .

Mid-month, our telephone and internet crashed for five days requiring us to quickly purchase a club-only cellphone and iPad to use as backup for this and future

outages.

As many of our neighbors begin to head north for the summer, we hope that everyone had a wonderful season here at The Landings!

News from the Court

ByAdrian“Mo”Moghina

The future of professional tennis looks more exciting than ever. The men’s and women’s tours have exciting new players from all over the world. Plus, the United States currently has 13 men in the top 100 on the ATP Tour and 15 women in the top 100 on the WTA Tour.

I will miss Roger and Rafa the most, but these exciting new players are so much fun to watch, especially Carlos Alcaraz. If he stays healthy, he will be a contender for a lot of grand slam trophies.

Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff need a little more experience and then they will also be contenders for grand slams. Added to that, there will always be many more young players coming up that are going to be very talented and athletic on both the men’s and women’s tours.

This summer, whenever you have the opportunity, I hope that you will watch tennis and see these incredible athletes play our beautiful sport. It will motivate you to go and play and work on your game.

When you watch, look at their balance and early preparation (unit turns) on both forehand and backhand groundstrokes. Watch how they come to the net and split step to gather themselves to have a chance to reach the next ball with balance. Watch how balanced they while they are serving during their incredibly aggressive swings. The players that can achieve as much balance as possible before they

execute their shots will always have the most chance for success.

The foundation for your game that you learn from lessons teaches you how to play with balance and good posture. One of your major goals is to not let your opponents get you off balance during play.

Work on hitting targets that are either away from your opponents and especially to their weaker side. You can also work on hitting a quality ball near them but with a difficult bounce. This is accomplished by hitting ball with either extra depth, speed, spin or height. This will give you the best chance to play the next ball with good balance if it does come back.

The best players in the world are doing the same thing but obviously at an incredible level. And it’s very fun and exciting for us to watch.

I want to thank all of you for your constant support for me, Jen, and Sandra this season.

As you know, all three of us went through some very difficult family times this season and we really appreciate our Landings family.

I especially want to thank Elida, Mike, Al, Marty, and Mayson for how much they helped me through this time.

Our next social round robin and pro exhibition will be on Friday May 19 th from 2-5 p.m. The round robin will be strictly doubles this time.

Sign up at the Pro Shop.

See you on the courts

Kayak outing set for Feb. 26

Kayaks galore! There has been so much interest and activity surrounding kayaking activities that another adventure is planned for Sunday, February 26th at 10 a.m., launching from the Nature Trail.

The 2023 season will be winding down soon. Before some of you head north for the summer, I would encourage you to update your contact information with us. Please take a moment the next time you walk through the Pro Shop or speak with us on the phone. Establishing an emergency contact and phone number is also a good idea especially if you live alone. It will only take a minute, so please do so at your earliest convenience. Thank you to Nelson & Dawn Smith for manning the griddles for our pancake breakfast on March 22 nd . I’m always amazed at the participation level for the Koffee Klatsch breakfasts. Especially when we are serving

made to order pancakes and fresh fruit. Nelson & Dawn were in the kitchen all morning serving up blueberry & banana pancakes with a smile. It has been an annual tradition with them for many years and it is greatly appreciated.

Once again, John McFetridge has agreed to pilot this outing. It has been posted on TeamReach, but we wanted to make sure that all were informed. if you have not done so already, we encourage you to sign up on TeamReach. We expect to receive help from other experienced kayakers for those who are

“newbies.”

Our January 21st outing at Turtle Beach was quite the success. There were more than 36 people who joined the outing, most of whom then gathered for lunch at a nearby restaurant. John led that with assistance provided by Wayne Trotter.

I’d also like to thank the LRC Social Chair, Paige Packman, and her army of volunteers that put together one of the biggest social events of the year. For the second year in a row, the Caribbean themed happy hour on the pool deck complete with live music from Lisa Rott & the Island Hoppers along with Maggie on the Move food truck was a tremendous success.

There have been complications getting the 2023 billing and annual contracts issued by Pinnacle. By the time you read this, it is hoped that we will be back on track.

See you on the water!

Thanks to Rick Waller as well for photographing the festivities. The

LHA Meeting Notes

pictures turned out great and showed how much fun everyone had at the event.

Weekly Tennis Clinics May 2023

The Landings Homeowners Association held its regularly scheduled board meeting on January 12th at 5:00 p.m. at the Landings Racquet Club.

The board approved landscape changes on Pine Harrier Circle and

a replacement roof on Peregrine Point Drive.

The next regular meeting is at 6:00 p.m. February 9th, in the Poolside Room at the Landings Racquet Club followed by the Association’s Annual Meeting of

Members at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting material will be mailed or, if the member has so elected, emailed to each member.

Please return the proxy or register on-line to be sure we have a quorum for the meeting.

$22

Sea Scallops … $22

Shrimp and Seafood Au Gratin … $16

Fisherman Platter … $32

Baby Back Ribs … $24

Orange Pecan Chicken … $16

Filet Mignon … $24

Filet Mignon & Stuffed Shrimp … $34

Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail … $48

Stuffed Shrimp & Maine Lobster Tail … $42

Twin Maine Lobster Tails … $54

FRIED SEAFOOD PLATTERS

Coconut Shrimp … $22

Large Gulf Shrimp … $20

Fish & Chips … $19

Fried Combo … $28

PASTA & BOWLS

Shrimp & Crab Scampi … $24

Salmon Pasta … $21

Chicken & Shrimp Curry … $21

Sweet ‘n Spicy Chicken & Shrimp … $22

Pasta Primavera … $16

DESSERTS

Turtle Pie … $9

Key Lime Pie … $9

Sample Platter … $12

Ice Cream Bar … $6

*Prices subject to change

Landings 3.0 Women’s Team Celebrates a Successful Season

On April 4th, 30 members of the Landings 3.0 Women’s Tri-City’s team and social group gathered for their end of year celebration at Mona Poyta’s home.

They celebrated their progress in doubling the team points won from last year and winning 41% of their games. Our team is working hard to improve their skill levels and enjoys strong camaraderie and support. A big thank you goes to our pros, Mo, Jen, and Sandra for all their efforts to help us build our skills and confidence! Next year will be even better.

Social Event Closes Pickleball Season

On Tuesday, April 11 th , nearly forty Landings’ pickleball players participated in the year end social. A special thanks to the organizing committee: Roseanne Clark, Teresa Manteiga, Connie Stephen, Dawn Smith, and Deb Fellman for making this such a successful event. It truly was a unique blend of very special people getting together to share fun, laughter, and great food and drink.

Photos by Rick Waller Landings Residents Enjoying Pickleball at the LRC

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

On Sunday, March 26 th , 47 Landings’ residents did, indeed, go out to the ball game …. the spring training game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies at Ed Smith Stadium located on 12th Street in Sarasota. The Orioles beat the Phillies 4-2.

This year’s event involved a sign-up at the Landings Racquet Club. The group enjoyed an 11:30 a.m. picnic before the 1:05 game. The stadium has large picnic areas where food is served, and groups can gather for the fun and sit and eat. Picnic tickets for large groups are purchased at the same time as game tickets.

The weather was ideal with sunshine and a light breeze. Importantly, game tickets were in the shade. Those who have attended games and have had seats in the sun know that it can be quite uncomfortable to sit in the hot sun for two or three hours.

The attendees included two people who had not seen each other for 50 years. It was a reunion that brought together a former teacher and her pupil from grade school in Lexington, Kentucky!

Based on the enthusiastic response to the picnic and the game, it is likely that we will see a great turnout for future events like this game.

CompiledBy: DeeRicapito

Interested in having a current market value of your residence?

Please contact me for your personal market review. MLS: A4557580 Listed for $730,000

The Oriole welcomes, L-R: Amy Grossman, Jen & Wayne Trotter, Ralph Ricapito and Renata Hackman to Ed Smith Stadium.

Helen Bella and Landings picnickers enjoying lunch before the game.

Having found their seats in the shade is Jeff & Paige Packman with David & Lisa Smiga.

Karl Maggard has been hosting a Baseball Day (with Philly fans over 15 years).

Landings’ Resident Conquers Mount Kilimanjaro ByHannahWallace

Mike Granthon achieves mid-life

pledge

For his 50th birthday in 2020, Landings resident Mike Granthon wanted to do something spectacular. He was already a successful hospitality entrepreneur — he’d coowned the Beach Club in Siesta Village for more than a decade — but the late nights in the service industry were wearing on his health. He told himself he was going to revamp his diet and his lifestyle. And he wanted to mark the change with a phenomenal adventure.

He set his sights on the highest peak in Africa: Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.

“When you change something big in your life, you want to replace it with something just as monumental,” he said this spring. “I wanted show myself I can still do crazy things.”

If successful, he would make the climb a central part of his memoir—another goal he’d just set for himself. “I thought, ‘I’m going to write a book; I’m going to climb a mountain,’” he said.“Life’s too short.”

Mount Kilimanjaro rises 19,342 feet above eastern Africa, near the border between Tanzania and Kenya. Guided trips to the peak typically take eight days, with everything above 18,000 feet — “the Dead Zone ”— considered extreme.

Midway through 2019, Granthon shared his plan with a childhood friend, who hesitated at first. “He said, ‘You’re crazy,’ and hung up” before agreeing to join Granthon on the adventure. Then the Siesta Key resident set about trying to prepare his body for the climb.

“There’s not much altitude training you can do in Florida,” he said. “I did about 20 miles a week, running three to five miles at a time.”

Training wasn’t the only obstacle. By March 2020, COVID had shut down most international travel. The delays would continue until January 2023. Granthon bided time while working on his book. For Granthon, who was born in Peru, traveling long distances against the odds was emerging as a lifelong theme.

“My mom and I came to the U.S. with nothing,” he said. “I’m describing all the ups and downs, my life as an immigrant.”

Finally, in January 2023, the trip to the mountaintop became a reality. Granthon and his friend joined 11 other travelers from the U.S. and Canada, led by two guides from the local Maasai ethnic group, along with porters, cooks, and medical staff. The group quickly bonded over shared experiences, the effort of the climb and the increasing effects of altitude sickness.

Granthon exchanged recipes with the cooks and learned about wildlife as they progressed upward through different environments.

One night they were warned that they might be awoken by territorial “locals.”

“Our guide said, ‘Hey, go to sleep early tonight, because the monkeys will be fighting,’”

Granthon said with a laugh. “It was very interesting.”

Two people from the group had to turn back before the week was out. Everyone else completed the trek. But in the end, due to the extreme altitude, they were only allowed 10

minutes at the peak.

Many people were affected by the moment.

“Here you are, you’re working hard toward the top, you spent days in the tent, overcoming whatever medical conditions or difficulties or temperatures. A lot of people were very emotional,” Granthon remembered.

“But once I got to the top, I didn’t get that high. I realized it’s the same kind of metaphor for life. We get to where we need to get, and it’s like, ‘Now what?’ Life’s not about the end goal, it’s about the journey. The different camps have these amazing sunsets, the people we met, the amazing food. Things we thought we would never do.”

Granthon took the lesson to heart.

“On my way back down is where I saw the mountain in a different light, now I was enjoying every step more than I did on the way up,” he said. “If I were to do it over again, I would be savoring every camp day, every story I heard, every picture. Maybe I’d slow down a little more.

Take some pictures of some of the birds I don’t get to see here.”

He returned to Florida a mere 14 days after he left and immediately began dreaming of his next feat — this time in the Alps.

“I love the adventure of climbing,” he said. “I’ve got Mont Blanc in my crosshairs.”

Below, Mike Granthon (left) and climbing partner Luis Ruiz celebrate their arrival at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Right, Granthon puts his personal spin on the concept of being a “tree hugger” when discovering an exotic growth seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Below, a no-frills tent life demonstrates the rugged conditions of being on the climb. (submitted photos)

“Flashback”

From the Eagle Vault - 2004

From: DeeRicapito

Some stories never get old. You may remember a much-loved neighbor who lived in Eagles Point. Although it may seem like an arbitrary time to revisit Jules

Chawkin’s poems and puns, it’s always a good time for bettering your tennis self in a humorous way. Enjoy this look back.

The 3.5 Tri-Cities Tennis Team End of Season Party

From: DeeRicapito

Captain Margo Cestar, and cocaptain Karmen Pierce are turning the reigns over to the 2024 season’s captain and co-captain: Kathy

and Karen Ulrich. All our Landings amazing ladies are looking forward to a fun, challenging, and winning season next year.

Landings Directory

There are two new owners in The Landings: Neena Tankha, 1620 Starling Dr

Eva Kresic, 5450 Eagles Point

Cir #404

For current owner information, use the online resident directory on the Landings website: www.thelandingsofsarasota.com/login as their source for current directory listings and Landings information. Directory information is updated on the site no less often than weekly and changes are made to other Landing information when available.

A directory, downloadable as a PDF file, dated November 2021 is also available on the LMA home page. If you want current information, use the website’s online directory!

I encourage every resident to check their online directory listing for accuracy.

Additions, changes, or corrections to the online directory may be requested by filling out the change form on the online Residents Directory page or by e-mail to: landings.directory@gmail.com.

See darkness in a whole new light. Engage your senses as you envision life from a new perspective.

Step into the shoes of someone living in the shadows of blindness. Walk into the world of a veteran surviving memories of combat. And see for yourself how some of the most intelligent, talented dogs on this planet help people journey beyond the dark.

Discover why everyone is raving about this acclaimed multisensory experience. Reserve your seat today.

GuideDogs.org/Dark

Line-Dancing Lands at The Landings

Dancers lined up eagerly waiting for Maestro Marc Mitchell to show his moves. And did he ever deliver.

In the space of a one-and-a-halfhour class, Marc taught the vine step, the rocking chair, the cha-cha, the rhumba, the waltz, the toe-strut, and the sway. Combining two or three of these various steps, Marc chose a range of familiar songs of different genres and tempos. The group easily followed his lead dancing to “Born on the Bayou,” “Shotgun”, “The Loco-Motion,” and even Andrea Bocelli’s “Besame Mucho.”

The three dozen participants were thrilled at what they accomplished in such a short time.

YENISEI

YUKON

Answers on Page 38

were submitting photos for the first time. At the time, I had no idea that there was a professional architectural photographer living right here in The Landings. By the time I received his photos, it was already too late, to be included in the January issue. The article and issue had already gone out to print. I was, of course, disappointed. But, after giving it some thought, it struck me that this just might be a fortuitous turn of events. It would give me the opportunity to publish yet a second article on architectural photography, dedicated entirely to this artist’s work.

“This was so much fun,” said Dee Ricapito,”and really good exercise.”

Dawn Smith enthusiastically agreed, “I wish we could do this every day.”

Tere Manteiga marveled, “All these years, I never really understood the Rhumba until tonight.”

Even Marc, who just returned to The Landings from a busy 3-month schedule teaching line- dancing in Canada, said he enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next of the 3-class series in April, Marc plans to choreograph more elaborate numbers.

Line dancing is typically performed facing 4 sides or “walls.”

But the group begged Marc to stick to one wall while they got

National Geographic photographer. After retiring, he found that he had a lot more time to dedicate to this lifelong hobby of his. He says that “his postretirement venture into architectural photography was something entirely unplanned and organic”. A realtor friend who knew that Joel was a “decent” photographer asked him if he would be interested in photographing some antique homes she was listing. The experience gave him the “opportunity to learn, evolve, and perfect” his craft.

Joel credits Brian Vander Brink, the workshops offered by Maine

comfortable with the steps. “We’ll do the turns the next class,” he promised. Everyone quickly checked to make sure they had signed up for the next class. If you want to learn more about line-dancing, check out his website www.dancewithmarc.com.

25 Longest Rivers in the World

He is passionate about, “producing high quality images that enable his clients to attain their business objectives through the proper presentation of their work”. Joel’s licensed images are used for advertising, website development, and client portfolios. Now, he says jokingly, his dream is to be a photographer for Architectural Digest.

Joel’s “go to” camera is a Sony a7r IV full-frame mirrorless camera, less bulky than many of the other SLRs on the market. He uses a variety of lenses depending on the kinds of shots he is taking… from wide-angle lenses

stabilization. While photographers employ lighting techniques, lighting combined with afforded by high-resolution Adobe Photoshop, Adobe other software packages. We offer you a selection images, and hope you much as I did. Our March issue will “seascapes,” and other So, if you have any photographs meet these criteria, please me at roberto@uri.edu.

At The Landings these days, you barely need mention the word “party” to fill the LRC clubhouse with enthusiastic revelers. Then add “pizza” and “karaoke” and it’s a sell-out. But there was plenty of room to dance and sing and dance and sing, some more. The highlyanticipated 2nd Annual Karaoke Night in early April did not disappoint.

The Lakeside Room was decked out in pizza

Raucous Fun at the Karaoke Pizza Party!

ByCarolynFriday,LRCSocialReporter PhotosbyRobertManteiga

parlor chic with checkered tablecloths and raffia wine bottled candles. Origins delivered dozens of gigantic pizzas while DJ Carolina provided the upbeat tunes.

The room suddenly erupted when a dozen gals launched into “Sweet Caroline”. From there, the hilarity was off and running. Neil Goldman broke into the chorus Line for “Chicago”.

Photographer Bob Manteiga dropped his cam-

era to join Gil O’Brien singing “New York New York.” Art Wood grabbed the microphone for “Route 66”. Aretha’s “(You Make Me Feel like) A Natural Woman” and Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” were not forgotten.

Another fun-filled night, sure to be repeated next year. Kudos to organizers Paige Packman, Jen Trotter and Helen Bella, the set-up crew of Ron Pierce, Dan Bella, Wayne Trotter, greeters

Heidi Nightingale, Gayle Maraval, Connie Stephen, and LRC’s Olivia and Brett.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the LRC Season Finale Happy Hour on Wednesday May 3 rd at 5:30 P..M in the Lakeside Room, when we say farewell to our friends and neighbors who head north during the summer. Bring a smile, your favorite beverage, and an appetizer to share. See you then!

Trout Almondine, Macadamia Nut Encrusted Grouper, Cult favorites like Pizzas, Duck, Fish Tacos

Exec Chef Mike Yoder, one of the best chefs in the world

GM, Jacob Butler, and our friendly staff will provide a most entertaining experience.

Clayton is a fun, spirited, community guy and lifelong resident

Best Eatery in the country, says his mom “Kitten”

High School mentoring program teaching work ethic and responsibility

Locals’ Gathering Spot

Great Happy Hour from 4-6:30 ECO

Did you know that Siesta Key has a Gemstone?

Looking into the water at Siesta Key Beach is an incredible, captivating feeling - hues of blue and green dancing in light waves on top of crystal white sand with sunlight reflecting on it. Undeniably, the “Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM” has captured the colors of this experience.

It’s no secret that the sand on Siesta Key Beach is composed of 99% pure quartz. The crystalline white sand of Siesta Key is luxurious, soft, white and cool to the touch 365 days a year. This is why our beloved beach has been revered as one of the most beautiful in the world. Wanting to capture the experience and essence of Siesta Key beach was the goal of the proprietor of Silver City, Monica.

“Tourists always wish they can somehow take their vacation memories with them,” so with this in mind, Silver City designed the Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM. They were able to capture the colors of Siesta Key’s blue/green water and put it into a quartz gemstone. This quartz gemstone is a fusion of the tropical colors that surround us. Just looking into the clear, beautiful gemstone will transport you back to our island paradise representing the Sea, Sky and beautiful sand of Siesta Key Beach.

Silver City has now become a “Must Stop” destination for tourists (Currently named #1 shopping destination on TRIP ADVISOR on Siesta Key). Shining brightly among the cases of this uniquely mirrored store lies the much raved about Siesta Key Watercolor GemstoneTM Every jewelry piece is designed and made by Silver City Sarasota. The staff of Silver City Sarasota is very proud of their unique collection and variety of designs in Sterling

Silver and in 14K gold.

Kid’s Corner ByHeidiBodor LilyBreckner,3,preschooler,livesinIrishHills,Michigan(nearJackson)

Do you have any pets? Yes, we have a big, black, old boy Labrador named Spartie that likes to cuddle.

Do you have brothers and sisters?

I have a brother on the way. Mommy’s due date is June 1 st.

How do you feel about your baby brother arriving soon? Baby brother’s coming soon (exclaimed with excitement)!

Where is your baby brother and what is he doing now? He’s in momma’s belly and he’s kicking. What would you name him? James

How long have you been in The Landings? We don’t live here but our family has been coming here for a long time. My great grandparents (Cal and Ann Owen) lived in The Landings (5430 Eagles Pointe Circle as original owners in 1995 and sold in 2018) and my grandparents still live here. Four generations have stayed and played at The Landings.

Favorites: Ice cream? My pink one

Book/s? The Jesus Book – (The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers his Name)TV Show?

Cooking shows

TV Show? Cocomelon Sport? Dancing and twirling Sport Team? The Spartans Color? Pink Song? All the Cocomelon songs and the Itsy-Bitsy Spider song Daddy sings to me Movie? The Little Mermaid Food? Pizza Least favorite food? Pepperoni

Holiday? Christmas

One word to describe you would be: Friendly

What do you do in your spare time? Color, dance, swim, and play with my baby dolls and stuffed animals

Do you have a favorite doll? Yes, Baby Selma. She sings

Do you take any lessons? I take dance lessons

You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be? Brown

If all your clothes could only be one color, what color would you choose? Pink

What is your favorite part of the day? Morning

Favorite place to visit? Gaga’s [My uncle’s] lake cottage in Michigan

Favorite thing to do? Go to school

Favorite thing to do as a family? Play with mommy and daddy

**Special Thank-you to Bev Austgen for all the twirling and peek- a-boos needed to help facilitate this interview.

Kayak Outing Results in Spectacular

Bird Watching & Photos

PhotosByMichaelCohen

These photos were taken during the recent Landings kayak outing to Sarasota’s Bird Island. For more pictures and the complete story, read Eagle Extra in this issue of The Landings.

The Eagle Has Landed

Mark Your Calendar

The final Social Triples of the season will take place on May 5 th from 3:30 -5:00 p.m. Please plan to celebrate after we get done playing on the Lakeside Porch. This will be a BYOB event. A big shout out to George Ulrich

who has organized Social Triples this season. It’s been lots of fun. If you haven’t yet joined us, sign up in the club for the event May 5 th . You will have a great time. We all do!!! And, don’t forget to BYOB.

Pictured left to right: Inna & Gerry Sideman, two cast members, Nelson Smith, Sandy Frank (holding the Eagle), Dawn Smith, Sandy & Jim Goldman, and another cast member.

Growing This Month

OrnamentalPineapplePlant

Like all pineapples, they are a type of bromeliad.

Originated in tropical America and the Caribbean, explorers have moved the pineapple to all tropical parts of the world.

Ornamental pineapples are grown just for their looks, while the edible pineapple is a standard fruit appreciated worldwide. It’s prettier relative, the ornamental pineapple, is a true landscape beauty often underutilized, but always appreciated.

Ornamental pineapples can easily be grown here in Sarasota. Either purchase a started plant, or find a friend or neighbor with a vegetative part to share. To start ornamental pineapples, you first need either a crown from the fruit

or suckers. Suckers form at the base of the leaves of the old mother plant. The bigger and more developed that all these propagation materials are, the quicker they will develop into a new plant.

Pot the plantlets in clean potting medium to start new plants. Set rooted plants out in full sun to partshade locations situated in planting beds enriched with compost about 36 inches apart to help develop vigorous plants.

Applying an organic mulch will also help maintain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ornamental pineapple plants are in bloom at The Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts. Visit SarasotaGardenClub.org.

The Fish Whisperer always enjoys teaching people how to fish. While most of his students are children, Bruce Reznick, a new homeowner in The Landings, had a great day for his first time fishing at the gazebo. If you want to learn how to fish, or just want to have an experience fishing at the gazebo, contact the Fish

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Kitchen Ladies Recipe Corner

Compiledby:DeeRicapito

Tangy Green Guacamole from Terry Fippinger’s favorite Mexican chef, Rick Bayless, who has top Mexican restaurants in Chicago and Orlando. Terry says, “Rick’s Frontera salsas and chips are available at Publix”. Terry is an excellent chef, too, and very particular of ingredients he uses. Avocado should be soft enough to give under pressure, but not over-ripe, or have a loose pit shaking around in them. The toasty flavor of the tomatillos, garlic, and onions are the perfect way to underscore the naturally nutty flavors of avocados.

Green Guacamole

Ingredients:

- 3 large ripe avocados, preferably the pebbly-skin Hass variety

- 1 Cup Frontera Tomatillo Salsa. (Available at Publix)

- 1/4 Cup (loosely packed) chopped fresh cilantro, plus a few leaves for garnish.

- Salt (about 1/2 tsp)

- Combine all the above and let stand in refrigerator 3-4 hours.

- Crumbled Feta cheese (4-6 oz) is added right before serving.

- Can be assembled the day before (except for the Feta cheese).

- Serve with Tostito Scoops.

Instructions:

1. Remove the nub of the stem at the top of each avocado.

2. Cut each avocado in half by slicing straight down thru the spot where the stem was attached, until you reach the pit, then rotating the knife all the way around the pit.

3. Twist the two halves apart, then scoop out the pits.

4. With a spoon, scoop out the soft flesh from the skins, collecting in a large bowl.

5. Coarsely mash with the spoon or large fork.

6. Gently stir the salsa into the avocado mixture, along with the cilantro. Taste and season with salt.

7. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

8. (Not only will the guacamole improve if made an hour or so before serving, but also will maintain its fresh look longer if served cold.). Scoop onto a decorative bowl, garnish with cilantro sprigs, and you’re ready to set it out for your guests to enjoy.

Servings: Three generous cups enough for 8 to 12 guests.

Just for Laughs

Compiledby:DeeRicapito

Just for Moms on Mother’s Day

Ever hear of a job that requires no experience, pays nothing, and has no days off?

That’s motherhood! These mom jokes will help you laugh about it. Our child has a great deal of willpower—and even more won’t power! Kids sure do make a lot of plans for people who can’t drive themselves anywhere.

Science teacher: “When is the boiling point reached?”

Student: “When my mother sees my report card!”

My kids can never make fun of me for teaching me how to use my phone.

I taught them how to use a spoon!

Good moms let their kids lick the beaters.

Great moms turn them off first.

Silence is golden unless you have kids, then silence is suspicious. Being a mother of a teenager is finally understanding why some animals eat their young.

The fastest way to spread news isn’t on the internet. It’s by telling your mom.

Nothing is truly lost until Mom can’t find it.

Yet, “Home is where your mom is.”

Your Landings

the perfect time to achieve the lifestyle you’ve always wanted and take advantage of your home’s value. Contact us today for a free home valuation and learn our strategy

Terry shared this recipe by the Racquet Club pool.