From the Section 22 HOA Board
ED BUNS, DIRECTOR
As a “new member” of the Section 22 Board, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and let you know more about who I am, why I ran for the board, and what my goals and thoughts are as we move forward for our community. I rarely, if ever, do anything without thought and planning. When I first considered running for the Section 22 Board, I wanted to understand what I was getting into. I had attended the monthly meetings somewhat regularly, but thought it important to start going to the Tuesday work sessions so I could gain as much information on the inner workings of our community as possible. I also wanted to observe the interactions of the board, to see if I would be a fit.
It is also important to me to let everyone know a little about me, and not only me, but my family. Without them, I would not be the person, husband, father and
grandfather I am. Without their support, I could not have the time to take on this board position. Lori and I bought a condo in Harbor Towers in 2008. We loved our home away from home, and were here as often as we could be given we were still working. In 2018, as our daughters got older, and they started coming down more and more, and with retirement looming, we made the move to a bigger unit where we could live as full-time BSM residents.
Professionally, I spent a lifetime after college as law enforcement in Hamilton, Ohio. I retired in 2016 with almost 40 years total of law enforcement service. Lori, spent her career in nursing, as an emergency room nurse, a Professor of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati, and the last 23 years as an Acute Care/Emergency Nurse Practitioner for the Veteran’s
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Administration Hospital in Cincinnati. We have two daughters, Molly (Andy Sexton) who is the mother of two-year-old Embry, and a soon to be debuted daughter, coming in April. Molly and Andy are active-duty Majors in the US Air Force. They live in Tampa, currently assigned to McDill AFB, and also own a condo in Harbor Towers. Abby, our younger daughter lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her spouse, Emmy, and is an attorney for the US Justice Department. She is a US Air Force Academy Graduate, and completed seven years in the Air Force, separating from service as a Captain prior to law school.
Anyone who knows me will tell you, I am not
one to sit around. I like to be active, both physically and in my community. Shortly after buying our first condo, I was asked to fill a spot on the Harbor Towers board due to a resignation. That was sixteen years ago, and I have happily served ever since. Wanting to get more involved in our community is what led me to look at a position on the Section 22 Board. Lori and I were very early members of the Burnt Store Golf and Activity Club, since 2009 and we are also members of the Fitness Club. Being dog owners, we also were excited with the new Barking Lot park, and are members there. As I said, I (we) want to be active and involved in the Burnt Store Community.
I think it is important for our owners/ members to know what to expect of me as a new board member. I will be active and involved. My goal is to make contact with many of the sub associations, and I hope to attend meetings of many of those associations during the year. I have already attended the Fitness Center Committee meeting last month, sat down with John Abbott the manager of the Burnt Store Country Club, and Seth the Chef to understand their wants and needs to grow the Country Club and Linkside as we move forward. I also talk often with Deby and Barking Lot crew to understand what their goals are, and how they want to grow our newest amenity. What
I most enjoy is talking to members of the community. Early in my law enforcement career I had a Chief of Police who described his leadership style as, Leading by Walking Around. His belief is that prior Chiefs insulated themselves in their offices, and lost touch with the day-to-day dealings of the officers. I adopted that leadership style for myself. I will walk and talk, and meet with those who want to and learn what is going on. My belief is that we all have wants and needs. Some are doable, some not, but it is important that we talk and understand what people think and want. I am a firm believer, don’t tell me something can’t be done, let’s figure out how to make it work, if at all possible.
I think it is important for our owners/members to know what to expect of me as a new board member. I will be active and involved. My goal is to make contact with many of the sub associations, and I hope to attend meetings of many of those associations during the year.
It is important to remember that Burnt Store Marina, Section 22 HOA is not just a homeowner’s association. We are a $6 million dollar a year business, that is entrusted with
ensuring the financial well-being of all members of our association. This includes our safety and security, which starts with access control to the community, amenities to keep our community a desirable location to own and visit, good roads, landscaping, irrigation, and places to have a meal or just a drink, or many other aspects of our Florida homes.
As we start a new board year, and I embark on my first of hopefully several board terms, I pledge to each of you this: I will listen, and I will continue to learn. I will make decisions based on what is best for the whole of the community, and I will
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never fail to be aware that you have placed a trust in me. That trust is to do all I can to ensure that the Burnt Store Marina Section 22, your home, is well maintained, run with sound fiscal planning, and most important, decisions are made morally, legally and with sadly what is becoming less common place, with common sense.
REMINDER
Section 22 HOA Board Meeting Tuesday, April 22 at 9 a.m.
Location: Linkside Patio
Section 22 HOA Board Workshops Every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Location: Linkside Patio
In-House Laboratory
Diagnostics
Dentistry
Wellness & Vaccines
CT Scans
Ultrasound
Preventative Medicine
Spay, Neuter, & Vasectomy
Canine Physical Therapy
Boarding Services
Premium
To
Mark Your Calendar – Out and About
INSIDE THE GATES DATES
Tuesday, April 1: Deadline for the May Beacon. Article and picture submissions are welcomed. Become part of The Beacon family.
Tuesday, April 22: Section 22 HOA Board Meeting, Linkside Café, 9 a.m.
Every Tuesday: Section 22 HOA Working Board Meeting, Linkside Café, 9 a.m.
OUTSIDE THE GATES DATES
Friday, April 4: Fort Myers River District Art Walk, 1 to 5 p.m. Visit many galleries, exhibitions and performances.
Saturday, April 12: 2nd Saturday Flea Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St.
Saturday, April 12: 2nd Saturday Dance Party, 2 to 5 p.m. Lessons start at 2 p.m., party starts at 2:45 p.m. Punta Gorda Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St. $15 USA Dance Members, $25 USA Dance Member Couples, $17 non-members single,
Every Tuesday: Bar code installation, front gate, 1 to 3 p.m.
Every Thursday: Bar code installation, front gate, 9 to 11 a.m.
Every Friday: BSM Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Platinum Point Yacht Club parking lot.
$30 non-members couples. Call Laura for information, 330-501-2366.
Friday, April 18: Fort Myers River District Music Walk, 5 to 9 p.m. Local and regional musicians line the street with music from jazz to blues to rock and roll.
Every Tuesday and Friday: Zumba, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St. Call Cara Peralta for information, 941-276-1887. $12 per class.
Every Wednesday: Long Lunch Sightseeing & Culinary Tours. Walk through Punta Gorda & experience local specialties and view the downtown area. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $49 per person. Contact: https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/ tours-2/long-lunch-tour/ for information and reservations.
Every Thursday: Fort Myers River District Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Every Saturday: Punta Gorda Farmers Market, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., downtown. Lots of vendors with fresh fruits and vegetables, live music, crafts and other great buys. Visit nearby murals and enjoy some of the great downtown restaurants.
Every Saturday: Cape Coral Farmers Market, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Clubhouse Square, SE 47th Ter. and SE 10th Pl., Cape Coral.
Every Saturday: Saturday Night Ghost Stories, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll around looking at Punta Gorda’s most haunted sites with storyteller guides. Adults $29, children 19 and under $19. Contact: https:// swfloridawalkingtours.com/tours-2/ hauntsofhistorytour/ for information and reservations.
Every Sunday: Punta Gorda Historical Society’s Farmers Market, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at History Park, 501 Shreve Street. Shop for veggies, meats, plants and gifts. Most Sundays you will be treated to live music by Dave Heveron. When the market closes at 1 p.m., take a guided tour of the gardens at
the park. Walk the grounds with Florida native gardener, Starr Zachritz, and learn about Florida’s flora. A $5 suggested donation gets you a plant to take home. Call 941-380-6814.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Mike McFeeley
443-858-8354
mmcfeeley13@gmail.com
Vice President: Jerry Newmin 941-637-9883
jnewmin@aol.com
Treasurer: Greg Beaton 704-604-9594
gbeaton@carolina.rr.com
Secretary: Mark Murphy 631-804-2365
murphfsaccts@gmail.com
Directors:
Ed Buns 513-615-2956
Lynda Vail 973-800-6111 lyndamac55@aol.com
Mike Sage 513-378-3326
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Alliant Property
Management:
John Strohm 239-454-1101
Mike Sanchez
apmsupport@ alliantproperty.com
Front Gate: 941-639-8226
24 hours a day burntstoregate@msn.com
RESOURCE HUB
SECTION 22
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Lee County Sheriff Liaison: Sam Flores 239-955-2479 sflores@sherifflee.org
STANDING ADVISORY GROUPS
Architectural Review: Barry Groesch, Chair blgroesch@gmail.com
John Farnham Jim Schinneller
Daryl Ann Lemon
Mitch Wegrzyn
BSMCC:
General Manager: John Abbott JAbbott@bsgac.org
Administrative Office: Lisa Rouse 941-639-4151
Manager of Golf Operations: Bill Connelly 941-637-1577 proshop@bsgac.org
Golf Committee: Bob Paul, Chair
Activities Committee: Lynda Vail, Chair and Board Liaison
BSM ENTRY MANAGEMENT
Mark Murphy, Board Liaison
Communications: Maggie Hart, Chair downhartbsm@gmail.com
Resident Directory: For changes, please contact: Peg Love, peglove810@gmail.com
Daryl Ann Lemon darlemon@comcast.net
THE BEACON MAGAZINE EDITORIAL TEAM
Linda Weiss, Chair 941-661-6409
Lindaweiss91@comcast.net
Maggie Hart 941-769-3039 downhartbsm@gmail.com
Jennifer LeClair 229-349-0180 muckalee250@gmail.com Debi Bretz 239-339-7961 debrabretz@gmail.com
WEB PAGE Joan Ross, Webmaster (bsm22.org)
COMMUNITY PARTNER, PPYC, SAFE HARBOR, BURNT STORE COALITION Jerry Newmin, Board Liaison
FITNESS CENTER
Steve Hocker, Chair hocker12@outlook.com
Anne McColgan
Kelly Beaty
Jim Zachacz
Arnie Boughner
Glenna Benson
Leigh Anne Hall
Mike Sage, Board Liaison
Jen Tait, Manager jen.bsm22@gmail.com
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Lynda Vail, Board Liaison
INFRASTRUCTURE
Mike Lemon, Chair MLemonswfla@comcast.net
IRRIGATION
Rocky Mansfield, Chair 216-956-2581
Joe Baker
Mike Lemon
Gayle Shaffer
IT/CONTRACTS
LANDSCAPE
Michael Lemon, ChairMLemonswfla@comcast.net Daryl Ann Lemon
Mark Murphy, Board Liaison Gate Keeper: 941-639-0334
USEFUL INFO
Main Gate email: securityBSM@gmail.com
Websites: bsm22.orgSection 22 HOA - BSM Fitness, Racquet & Pool Club
burntstoreanglers.comBurnt Store Anglers bsgac.orgBurnt Store Golf & Activity Club burntstoremarina.comSafe Harbor Burnt Store ppycbsm.orgPlatinum Point Yacht Club
Platinum Point Yacht Club Administrator: Dorothy Schroeder Email –office@ppycbsm.org
Alliant Association Management: (Section 22 HOA) Email –info@alliantproperty.com (Resource Hub continued on page 12)
RESOURCE HUB
HOA /CONDO ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR PROPERTY MGMT COMPANIES
PGI SECTION 22
HOA
Sub Association
Admiral Pointe I
Admiral Pointe II / Sailfish Pass
Admiralty Villages
Capstan Club
Commodore Club
Courtside Landings
Courtyard Landings I
Courtyard Landings II
Courtyard Landings III
Diamond Park
Dolphin Park
Egret Pointe
Emerald Isle
Estates at Cobia Cay
The Esplanade
Golf Fox (2090 Big Pass)
Grand Isle I &II
Grand Isle III & IV
Halyard Club
Harbor Towers
Hibiscus Cove
Keel Club
King Tarpon
Linkside 1
Little Pines Estates
Marina Towers
Mariners Pass
Marlin Run I
Marlin Run II
Marlin Run III
ALLIANT ASSOCIATION
MANAGEMENT
Management Company
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Cambridge Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Gateway Mgmt
Compass Rose
GPM Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Compass Rose
TBD
Associa Gulf Coast Mgmt
First Service Mgmt
1st Choice Condo Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
TBD
Compass Rose
Gateway Mgmt
Gateway Mgmt
TBD
Associa Gulf Coast Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Gateway Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
1st Choice Condo Mgmt
MGMT. CO. CONTACT NUMBERS
1st Choice Condo Management 239-470-7368
Alliant Association Management 239-454-1101
Associa Gulf Coast Management 941-258-6209
Cambridge Property Management 239-249-7000
Compass Rose Management 239-309-0622
Gateway Management 941-629-8190
GPM Management 239-542-7712
Professional Realty Consultants 239-772-1010
Star Hospitality Management 239-209-0368
Sub Association (cont'd.)
Marina North Shore
Pelican Way
Prosperity Point Master
Redfish Cove
Rudder Club
South Shore
Spinnaker Club
Sunset Key I
Sunset Key II
Tarpon Pass II
The Resort at BSM
The Soundings
Topaz Cove
Villas at Cobia Cay
Vista Del Sol
Yellowfin Bay
Yellowfin Cove
Management Company (cont'd.)
Gateway Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Compass Rose
Compass Rose
Gateway Mgmt
1st Choice Condo Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Gateway Mgmt
Compass Rose
Individual Homes
Alliant Association Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Compass Rose
Professional Realty Consultants
Burnt Store Marina CC News
JOHN ABBOTT, GENERAL MANAGER, BSMCC
It’s hard to believe that April is already here and the season is winding down. Time flies by when you’re busy, and we certainly have been busy. Over the next couple of months, we are going to take a close look at the club as a whole. What we are doing well, and what can we do to make this club even better in the coming seasons. As we start that process, one thing I know for sure is that we have an excellent staff here at BSMCC and that is the foundation for a successful operation. The second, and equally important factor, is that we have an amazing neighborhood of wonderful people here at Burnt Store. Thank you all, for making this such a great place to work and to play.
Now let’s talk about all the great events we have this month. On the golf course we have multiple events beginning on April 5 with a Golf Member Appreciation Scramble and cookout. As implied by the name, this is for golf members only and the cookout is paid for by the club. The following Saturday, April 12, is our annual Masters Pick-A-Pro Tournament where your score is paired with the Sunday Masters score of your favorite tour pro. This is always a popular event so make sure you sign up early. The final golf tournament of the month is the “Superintendents Revenge” Scramble on April 26. This is a four-person scramble where you might have to navigate through some obstacles and tough pin placements, depending on how mean Dillan is feeling that morning. Once again, we are expecting a big turnout so get signed up as soon as you can.
In the restaurant, we have all of our usual fun events including Monday trivia, Thursday food trucks and music, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday dinners, Prime rib buffet and our always awesome Easter buffet. So many great events … so little time. We look forward to seeing you all at the club!
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Corey Bank
Justein Matthias
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
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BSMCC April 2025 Schedule
Call Linkside for reservations 941-637-6405
Sign up in Lobby on Board
Sign up at Admin Office.
BSMCC April 2025
Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
Reservations for Republican and Democrat Dinners must be made through respective clubs. Due to circumstances beyond our control, everything is subject
BEAUTIFUL WINDSWEPT BLUE HERON BY KAREN SANDERSON
Golf Tips
BILL CONNELLY, MANAGER OF GOLF OPERATIONS
Learning to play the game of golf can be quite intimidating. As a beginner there are many things that you must learn. On top of learning how to make a swing, you must learn about golf equipment, the golf course, and all of the rules that this wonderful game has.
You want to try and make learning the game as much fun as possible. Set goals for yourself, like not hitting in the sand, or trying to reduce the number of balls that you lose. The main goal is to relax and enjoy this great game.
As golfing great Arnold Palmer once said, “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time, rewarding and maddening, and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”
Be sure to sign up for the Masters Pic-a-Pro Golf Tournament on April 12, at 9 a.m. and the Superintendents Revenge
Scramble on April 26, at 9 a.m. Also, remember the weekly 9-hole scramble every Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Below are the results of the Pink Ball Scramble held February 22, and the 2025 President’s Cup held on February 20.
PINK BALL SCRAMBLE: 1st Flight Winners
1. Joe Scott, Terri Scott, Tom Wright, Sue Wright
2. Dan Lone, Karen Lone, Barry Harbart, Marlene Harbart
3. Ralph Smith, Gary Knudsen, Greg Beaton, Maureen Beaton
2nd Flight Winners
1. Steve Flagstad, Susan Flagstad, Kimm Dewitt, Angie Dewitt
2. Steve Mathies, Deb Mathies, Millie Hierro, Robert Paul
3. Bill Van Damme, Pat Van Damme, Bob Moen, Jane Moen
Closest to the Pin:
Osprey #4: David Hayden
Pelican #5: Mike Lastfogel
PRESIDENT’S CUP:
Women’s Winner: Debbie Burns
Men’s Winners: Flight 1 – Tom Wright; Flight 2 – Gary Knudsen; Flight 3 – Bob Paul
Flight 4 – Gary Tenharmsel; Flight 5 – Graham Segger
Please follow us @burntstoregolf on Instagram for course updates.
Please stop in for lunch and some shopping, we would love to say hello.
Have fun learning to enjoy your game.
Annual Reverse Raffle Big Success for Burnt Store Marina Country Club!
LYNDA VAIL
The annual reverse raffle is held to raise money for the club. If you have never participated in a reverse raffle, it is a lot of fun, and I hope you participate next year.
The way that it works is that you must purchase a ticket to participate. There are 120 sold for $100 each. Each ticket sold provides a chance at the following:
• A 1 in 120 chance at the $4000 Grand Prize
• A chance at other cash prizes totaling $1,200
• A chance to win one of many 2nd chance door prizes
• Admission for one to the Reverse Raffle Dinner Party
Last year the money raised paid for painting and epoxying the lanai and bar floor and the club. This year the proceeds will go to buying new chairs for the Linkside dining room.
Thank you to all those that helped, Kathy Gary River Knudsen, Maureen Beaton, Sandy Howard, and Loriann Rogers and all those that donated baskets for the consolation prizes you all made this fundraiser a great success!
LIST OF 2025 WINNERS
CHECK TO SETH OF LINKSIDE CAFE FROM THE MEMBERS FOR THEIR GENEROUS PURCHASE OF ALL RAFFLE TICKETS!
LET’S NOT FORGET GREG BEATON, WHO ALWAYS DRESSES FOR THE OCCASION! HE MATCHED THE DECORATION PERFECTLY!
THE BIG WINNER TED BAILEY!
Fitness, Friends & Fun…Jen TaitFearless Fitness Club Leader Leaves Desk for Pickleball Courts
CYNDI MATTHEWS
“I have been here five years!” remarks Jen Tait. “I started in the midst of COVID. Things at the fitness club were much different than they are today. Sue Ellen Thompson and I ran the whole thing. We limited the number of people in our classes, provided Zoom classes, wore masks, and closed the gym every 50 minutes to clean and
disinfect all the surfaces.” she muses.
Now, look at us! In a few short years, we’ve grown to over 850 members. We’ve also grown the team! We have five friendly faces at the front desk, as well as more aerobics, aqua aerobics, yoga, and Pilates instructors. We now offer special sessions on the courts and in the classroom, like tai chi and line dancing. Did you know we now have a court maintenance person to keep our tennis and pickleball courts spickand-span? We’ve recruited a fantastic crew of volunteers who help teach, do repairs, and do heavy lifting. We even enlisted a volunteer photographer, Ted Schindler. Ted takes the great photos you see in our bi-weekly newsletter and some in The Beacon.
Inside the Fitness Club, we’ve made several recent improvements. Our fundraising efforts (community tag sales) allowed us to update both restrooms with new vanities, sinks, and mirrors. Since we’ve raised the bar (get it?) on our member’s fitness levels, we’ve added a pull-up station, The Beast, and a new treadmill is arriving
soon! When you step inside the club, you’ll see an updated front desk too.
On the outside, we’ve recently repainted, replanted, and installed new roofs on the club and the swim building. Our landscaping looks great with the addition of new lighting, new umbrellas, and a new covered tennis viewing area.
The stupendous Leigh Anne Hall will be stepping into Jen’s old shoes. And speaking of old shoes, we are always collecting donations of gently used sports shoes for the tennis subcommittee’s Sneaker Recycling Fundraiser, Just drop them off in the bin in the lobby and they are sent to GotSneakers (https://gotsneakers. com/) where they are sanitized, restored and cleaned to be sold to the thrift community markets in Latin America and the Caribbean. Worn-out shoes are responsibly recycled. To keep our community healthy, we collect for Toys for Tots and our local food banks.
“I have loved my time here. I have made so many amazing friends. My plans? I’m sticking around to work out, take classes and, of course, play lots of pickleball.”
Thank you, Jen, for helping to create the Fitness Club experience we all know and love. Thank you and your staff for fostering friendship. We appreciate you.
Tennis
BSM tennis players had lots of fun at February’s All About the Love Tournament and Social. We had 32 players in the mixed doubles tournament. It got a little rowdy with lots of cheering with the grandstand full of fans. The players were divided into 2 divisions. The winners of the Agassi Division were Jay Penney and Lori Brandt. The winners of the Graf Division were Clif Behney and Cheri Frank. When the matches concluded, Mission BBQ served their delicious fare.
Our February Clinic was a smash. Led by Jay Penny, BSM Tennis Pro, and Mark Walker, 16
(continued on page 26)
tennis players participated in the highintensity workout. Designed to keep the heart rate up for the hour-long session, drills, agility, strategy, and exercises kept our players on their toes.
Pickleball
Our pickleballers hosted their first Major League Pickleball Team Tournament. Not only was it fun to play with a team in a new type of scoring, but it really brought out the best in our players. Congrats to the winners, and to everyone who enjoyed Steve’s (and Kathy’s) barbeque dinner.
TENNIS
PICKLEBALL
THE PINK PANTHERS GARY ZWICKY, MICHAEL TYSH, JULIE KOHNER, AND VAL O’BRIEN
ALL ABOUT THE LOVE CROWD
CAROL GRANGER AND ROBERT VAN DERIJDT
BSM FITNESS CLUB PRO JAY PENNY AND MARK WALKER
INTERMEDIATE GOLD – JOHN GODINA, BEV GIBSON, LYNN BROSE, MICHAEL GESKE
INTERMEDIATE BRONZE – BARB THORNTON, BILL MCKINLEY, KELLY KELING, BOB VANDERLOO
Platinum Point Yacht Club –
An Enchanted Evening
You are invited to PPYC’s Open House Boaters and Non-Boaters Welcome!
LORETTA STEEVES, DIRECTOR
Sunday, November 17, 2024
3:00 5:30 PM
Food and drinks will be provided. Stop in! We would love to tell you about PPYC.
Platinum Point Yacht Club is offering a fantastic promotional: $250 off Ini+a+on Fee plus a PPYC tote bag, caps/visors.
As a member of this year-round club, you will enjoy many OnWater and On-Land activities with new friends.
BiMonthly Potlucks - Sunset Socials and Grill Nights
Monthly Cruises - To different marinas
Monthly Themed Parties - Many with dancing
Many special-interest game and activity groups
Come check out what PPYC could mean for you AND SAVE!
Offer available for the Fiscal Year ending October 31, 2025
PPYC… A Place to Belong!
Envision a ballroom with twinkling lights swirling around the ceiling, and trees adorned with strings of white lights. Place white roses and baby’s breath as the centerpiece on every table. Put the men in suits and many in tuxes. Just for fun, add in some white tuxes. Dress the women in their best finery – ballgowns and colorful cocktail dresses. And for good measure, give tiaras to the twenty or so committee members who created this enchanting evening known as the PPYC Commodore’s Ball.
office@ppycbsm.org
The event, held March 1, at the Isles Yacht Club began with Master of Ceremonies, Sue Smith, welcoming the parade of past commodores. This march concluded, of course, with the honoree of the evening, current Commodore Diane Segger, escorted by her husband Graham Segger.
In a time-honored tradition, the commodore was celebrated in a poem written by club member Anna Marie Kotsen, entitled “An Enchanting Commodore.” The poem began with a phrase that encapsulated Diane’s efforts at the helm of PPYC during the 2024-2025 season: “Like a magnet, she attracts her subjects with striking force. Her sparkling eyes, like beacons in a shadowy night course.” Phrases such as “ebullient, encouraging, elegant, empowering, eager,
expressive, enthralling, and eloquent” captured Diane’s enthusiastic style.
In a time-honored tradition, the commodore was celebrated in a poem written by club member Anna Marie Kotsen, entitled “An Enchanting Commodore.”
After the reading of the poem by Kellee Gabel, the club followed tradition and presented the commodore with a gift of gratitude. This year’s gift was a beautiful memory album, chronicling the numerous events and comradery that are the hallmarks of PPYC. Diane, in her inimitable, gracious style, responded by instructing the committee members, who had organized the evening, to open the gift bags placed at each of their tables. Out came the aforementioned sparkling tiaras.
Next came a gourmet meal, with attendees choosing prime rib, seared salmon, or stuffed chicken Boursin. Wine and conversations flowed and concluded with a delicious crème Brulée and coffee. But no PPYC event would be complete without the final element – dancing.
PPYC COMMODORE’S BALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Music was provided by none other than the well-known marina favorite, the Kollections. The group’s talents lie not only in their stellar musicianship, both instrumental and vocal, but in their ability to appreciate the tastes of their audience. Time-honored favorites of Buffet and Diamond had the crowd up on their feet from the very first song. But this group, which spans quite an age range in their members, also delighted the audience with popular songs by more current artists such as Chris Stapleton.
Of course, ever popular numbers such as the Electric Slide were not omitted.
The group danced the night away and were on their feet way past Punta Gorda midnight. As always, the Commodore’s Ball, one PPYC’s signature events, was a night that members will remember for years to come. This “Enchanted Evening” was truly enchanting.
PPYC – A Place to Belong.
Burnt Store Marina Dog Park
BSM DOG PARK COMMITTEE
The Barking Lot now has 100 members! The dogs and owners are enjoying the park and newfound friendships. If you have not joined, but are still thinking about it, come try it out for free on Saturday mornings between 9-10 a.m. A dog park committee member will be present to let you in, answer any questions, and explain how to sign up online or share the paperwork you can take home to review.
The April fundraiser will be Sunday, April 13. This is Palm Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The dog park will be open to everyone, not just members on this day. We will have a giant easter bunny in attendance that will be available for photo opportunities. You can bring your pet, your grandkids, or maybe you just want your picture with the easter bunny to send to your grandkids back home! We will have some fun activities for everyone. Come and check out the park if you have never had a chance yet.
We are still selling bricks to finish our walkway inside the park. We are also selling banners that line the fence. The banners are great advertising for your company and stay up on our fence for our members and visitors to see for 2 years!!! That is some amazingly inexpensive advertising! Examples and details on whom to contact on each are listed on page 31.
See you at the park!
WOOF! WOOF!
S en ior L i v i n g
Is A New Cat Park in Our Future?
TED MORAND, DOMESTIC PET REPORTER FOR THE BEACON
Now that the new dog park is a reality at Burnt Store Marina and Country Club, cat owners are asking, “What about our beloved feline companions?” Well, several of our residents have given some thought to creating a group playroom onsite for their pets, and are inviting others to participate in construction plans.
The Start of an Idea
The idea began in the creative minds of two of our snowbird cat owner residents who spend summers in Nevada. There they both have working career experience in somewhat allied professions in the hospitality and entertainment industry. Now retired, Geraldine (“Giggles”) Gumberton and Barbara (“Bouncy”) Branson have worked in, and managed cat houses that are legal in 10 of Nevada’s 17 counties. They know how to delight customers, and provide unexpected diversions. These gals have an equal fondness for their feline friends. Wintering in Florida, their focus is on enjoying their cats, and making sure that their cats are happy and get the proper amount of exercise to stay healthy. Unlike dogs, which can be walked on leash and under control, we all know that cats are more free-spirited and resist leash training. This makes outdoor exercise impossible for most cats since letting them out for the night unattended is a high-risk decision in view of their vulnerability to predation by coyotes and alligators.
Plans For A “Catio” Screened Enclosure
The Nevada gals have hit upon a novel idea: a “catio” enclosure similar to the screened pool cages so prevalent in our community. But this will not be an ordinary enclosure. This one will have all the features needed to bring cats together in a controlled environment where they can exercise and socialize. Residents can bring their cats to the catio for group and individual activities, with full confidence that the screening will contain the cats and prevent escape on the sides as well as overhead. The enclosure will feature a novel “Catfe” (cat café) for cats with dispensing machines for catnip and cat treats. Also featured will be a large group scratch box. Nail trimming, cat-sitting, grooming and agility training can be offered for a fee once staffing has been planned and volunteers recruited.
CATIO ENCLOSURE
Agility Course and Feline Fun Games
The Nevada gals intend to bring their years of work experience to bear in devising
interesting and physically demanding activities for clients. You can expect pleasant surprises and novel exercises … ones not usually found at home! In the words of Bouncy Branson, “Take it from us, cat houses are NOT all the same!” A planned agility track will test your cat’s creative instincts as it cavorts through a challenging, partially enclosed obstacle course that snakes through the structure. Cats will play “Catch That Mouse,” “Get That Spider” and “Where’s That Lizard?” using simulated targets to test their hunting instincts and tracking skills.
Regular Weekly Events
Once membership arrangements have been established, there will be regular weekly events to display feline antics and acquired
skills. Weekly prizes will be made available for owners presenting the largest, and most
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CATIO AGILITY TUNNEL
colorful and interesting hairballs produced each week by their cats. And for owners who like to dress up their cats in whimsical cat costumes, a weekly “Catwalk” will parade cats dressed by their owners in the latest cat fashions, with designs left to the creativity of owners. So much more endearing than a mere Barking Lot where dogs are limited to sniffing, peeing, and playing fetch!
Consideration is also being given to a weekly “Catch That Squirrel” event featuring live local squirrels released to climb the screens to evade pursuit by cats. Of course, this will be subject to approval and monitoring by our local Humane Society. Recovery of individual cats will be the owners’ responsibility. Ladders for owners to retrieve cats and unharmed squirrels from overhead screening will be provided.
DINING VENUES
LINKSIDE CAFÉ @ Burnt Store Marina C.C.
941-637-6405 | www.bsgac.org
23415 Vincent Ave, Punta Gorda
Open to the public
*Lunch – Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*Dinner – Tuesday & Friday, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
*Call for information for specialty dinners.
*Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. Walk-ins are gladly accepted.
Where To Locate?
A possible location for the new catio enclosure might be right before our eyes! Could the new catio be installed as an enhancement to the existing Burnt Store Barking Lot? With your support, this can become a popular diversity, and inclusion initiative for the local pet world! Volunteers to move forward with making these plans a reality are urged to contact Giggles Gumberton or Bouncy Branson. These gals know how to show volunteers their appreciation. With a little planning and member participation the Burnt Store catio could be ready to open next year for a Foolish Fun Day on, say, April 1!
Ted Morand is a long-time Commodore Club Resident and occasional contributor of foolish ideas to The Beacon.
CASS CAY RESTAURANT & BAR
941-347-7148
www.casscayrestaurant.com
Open Daily, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
*Nightly entertainment
THE TRADING POST - 239-789-3463
www.facebook.com/tradingpostbsm
Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Featuring deli, breakfast & lunch, ice cream, pizza, beer & wine and ice.
Bocce Buzz... That’s the Way We Roll!
CAROLE ROMAINE, INDEPENDENT HOME OWNER
Welcome to April! We hope no showers will interfere with our BSM bocce play on Tuesdays!! April also brings on thoughts of planning adventures away from Burnt Store Marina during the off-season weeks for many of us.
As you travel, looking for interesting destinations and activities, why not make playing bocce one of your goals. There are many hidden gem bocce courts in cities that are waiting to be found. For example … the North End of Boston, traditionally known as the “Italian” neighborhood of Boston, is known for many Italian restaurants, ranging from casual to gourmet. Add a few pastry shops with Italian delights and it is a dining mecca. But what you might not know, is that located in the center of Langone Park, within the North End
LEE COUNTY LEASH LAWS AND DOGGIE ETIQUETTE
It is a Lee County law, as well as a Burnt Store Marina rule, that all dogs are to be on leashes whenever outside residences.
The open lot at the corner of Cape Cole and Matecumbe is not a dog park. The Commodore residents own the whole part that is landscaped. Please keep your dogs off that property.
And… It is good manners and common courtesy to pick up after your pets.
are public bocce courts. Here, after your dining experience, you can find a comfy bench to watch and participate in the activity. During breaks in the bocce games, you can enjoy the view of bustling Boston Harbor in the background.
The bocce court is adjacent to the northeast side of the parking lot at Burnt Store Marina Country Club. Play is from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, followed by dinner at Linkside Café or other local restaurants. Dinner is optional, and you do not have to be a member of Burnt Store Marina Country Club to play bocce.
You will find an enthusiastic group of bocce players every Tuesday. Grab your lawn chair and join the fun. There is a nominal fee of $1, collected each week for maintenance of equipment, and end of season party and prizes.
You are welcome to play bocce at your leisure. There is a guest set of bocce balls in the back of the golf cart barn. It is in the unlocked plastic
(continued on page 36)
container clearly marked for general use. Please be sure to return the equipment back to the cart barn when you are finished playing. So, gather your guests, and spend a couple of hours having some bocce fun!
For more information and to be added to the email contact list, please contact Barbie Newman at extixeno@aol.com.
THANK YOU MIKE AND SUSAN BEAN FOR REPAINTING THE SIGN
JAY CRAMER SCORES ANOTHER BOCCE
KEITH MOELLER’S 1 ST BOCCE
Enjoying Your Walk
JAN MCLAUGHLIN, FORMER BEACON EDITOR
One morning a fellow walker stopped me and asked what the distance was around Prosperity Point, and how far was it from there to the front entry gate. With lots of residents returning and enjoying our pedestrian paths, I offer the following. All distances were measured with a GPS while riding in a golf cart.
• Islamorada Entrance Gate to Cape Cole Blvd. – 0.82 mile
• Cape Cole Blvd., golf clubhouse gate arm to Islamorada Blvd. – 0.60 mile
• Cape Cole Blvd., golf club gate arm to Matecumbe Key entry – 0.72 mile
• Matecumbe Key Blvd., construction entrance to Cape Cole Blvd., 0.72 mile
• Matecumbe Key Blvd., Cape Cole Blvd., to South Shore – 0.55 mile
• Courtside Landings’ Loop, start/stop at entrance – 0.48 mile
• Prosperity Point sidewalk loop, start/ stop at Matcumbe Key Blvd, 1.26 mile
• Admiral’s Point loop (includes Key Largo Lane Circle, Sable Key Circle and Key Largo Circle) start/stop at Marathon & Cape Cole Blvd., 1.06 mile
• Tarpon Pass loop, start/stop at Islamorada Blvd., 0.76 mile
Wonderful resources for walkers abound on the Internet. These sites offer a wide selection of audio music apps for beginners to advanced walkers, exercise videos, gear (including shoes), accessories and resource information.
Architectural Review Committee
BARRY GROESCH, CHAIR
Are you thinking about updating your home? Any changes to the exterior of residences in Burnt Store Marina (BSM) are required to have Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval. This applies to all homes, including homes in a condo association. If this approval is not granted through ARC, you may be asked to modify or remove the changes made. All requests are made by completing an ARC form and adhering to Section 22 Homeowners Association (HOA) Restrictions. Remember to write legibly, and complete the entire form, including having your condo representative sign off (if required). Delays will occur if it cannot be deciphered, or the form is not completed in its entirety. Thanks.
Section 22 restrictions and applications are available for download at BSM22.org. Submit your ARC applications to your condo association, then to Alliant Property Management, 13831 Vector Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Email: apmsupport@alliantproperty.com.
DID YOU KNOW?
An ARC did you know, moment...
Did you know…for interior modifications like a bathroom or kitchen ARC application is not required. If you replace an exterior window with this project, an application is required. For all projects, go to the BSM22.org website to get your application.
The following applications were approved last month by the Section 22 HOA ARC:
• Donna Stein, 3760 Cobia Villas Court, hurricane shutter installation.
• Deanne Fitzpatrick, 3781 Cobia Villas Court, hurricane shutter installation.
• Robert & Vicki Hill, 3761 Cobia Villas Court, hurricane shutter installation.
• Susan Parke, 601 Islamorada Boulevard, window replacement.
• William Muirhead Trustee, 3465 Sunset Key Circle, window replacement.
• Robert & Sara Washicheck, 3949 Cape Cole Boulevard, gutter installation.
• Ernie Perez, 3051 King Tarpon Drive, roof replacement.
• Thomas Stilling, 1408 Islamorada Boulevard, landscaping.
• Richard & Patricia Furness, 5000 Linkside Drive, roof replacement.
• Carol Ann Tuturice, 1305 Islamorada Boulevard, exterior paint.
• Sheila Rodier, 1108 Islamorada Boulevard, exterior paint.
• Anthony Laska, 24062 Redfish Cove Drive, garage door replacement.
• Anthony Laska, 24062 Redfish Cove Drive, hurricane window coverage.
• Patricia Hand, 24510 Dolphin Court Drive, roof replacement.
• Jonathan & Peggy Crawford, 17831 Hibiscus Cove Court, garage door replacement.
• Mark Oswald, 17863 Courtside Landings Circle, roof replacement.
• John & Esther Chapel, 24032 Redfish Cove Drive, landscaping.
• Karen & Dana Chipman, 3740 Cobia Villas Court, lanai window replacements.
Superheroes Needed!
Would you like to be a superhero in your community, helping your neighbors? The Burnt Store Marina Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is made up of your neighbors who have completed a Federal Emergency Management Agency approved program. This program provides them with the basic skills and equipment to prepare for, and respond to our
neighborhood needs in the aftermath of a disaster when emergency services may not be immediately available.
Free on-line and hands-on training is provided to help you and your neighbors prepare for disasters such as hurricanes, severe weather, fires, or other large-scale emergencies. Burnt Store Marina CERT is a vital part of our community-based disaster resilience, providing
an organized, trained group of volunteers who can assist in reducing the impact of disasters on our community.
To learn more about the Burnt Store Marina CERT, contact Jerry Newmin (jnewmin@aol.com) at 941-637-9883.
Rules for Driving Golf Carts
There has been some confusion about operating golf carts in Burnt Store Marina. Please be aware that there are rules for golf cart use, and a violation will get you a citation from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Effective October 1, 2023, golf carts may not be operated on any “streets” by someone who is under the age of eighteen (18), unless the driver has a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license. The term “street” is defined by Statute to include “…any privately owned way or place used for vehicular travel….” In other words, the BSM community’s roadways would be subject to the legislative change and its new requirements.
• Drivers of golf carts must observe the same rules as those designated for drivers of motor vehicles.
• Drivers must keep their carts on the right side of all streets, and obey all traffic signage.
• No one without a driver’s license or learner’s permit is allowed to drive on streets within Burnt Store Marina.
MICHELE HARDING, SWFL EVENT COORDINATOR FOR WFOH
As the flowers bloom and Spring graces us with its warmth, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible generosity and support we’ve received from our beloved Burnt Store Marina community.
This year, our community’s compassion reached new heights as we came together to make a difference, celebrating our heroes in the most meaningful way. Thanks to your unwavering commitment and kindness, Wish for Our Heroes Foundation raised over $80,000 through generous donations, 400 CLUB raffle, Heroes dinner, and Veteran’s Day breakfast held on November 9, 2024 at Cass Cay Restaurant and the golf event held November 10 at BSMCC.
This year, Wish for Our Heroes was able to grant a wish to a local veteran Marty Traucht, former Quartermaster with the US Coast Guard.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers and contributors. Volunteers are the backbone of any community gathering. We are incredibly grateful for your time, energy, and dedication. A special thank you to our esteemed speakers, Ed Buns and David Sadler, whose insightful words touched all of us. Our gratitude also goes out to Cliff Behney, who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, reminding us of the values that unite us as a nation. It was a moment of collective pride and reflection.
We were also blessed to have Rick Austin perform both the Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America. Your powerful voice and dedication to honoring our country resonated deeply with all present, creating an unforgettable experience.
Thank you, Rick Stewart and Steve Flagg, for providing excellent entertainment. Your performances brought joy and energy to the gathering, and we appreciate the talent and enthusiasm you both shared with us.
There were 5 winners of the 400 Club Raffle: 1st place – $2000 went to Alex Schultz, 2nd place – $1000 went to Sandy Howard, 3rd place – $675 went to Mary Olsen, 4th place – $340 went to Maria Hahn, and 5th place – $125 went to Carol Chesser.
Together, these contributions created a memorable event, and we are grateful for the support and involvement of everyone. Thank you for being part of this special day!
WISH for OUR HEROES is a charity dedicated to assisting active-duty and Veteran military families struggling with basic needs such
as food, shelter, transportation, child needs, and medical expenses. One hundred percent of all proceeds grants wishes for our heroes. We hope that you can continue to support our Heroes and join us for our local events in November 2025. Our events will be held November 14-16, 2025, so mark your calendars. More information to follow.
If you have interest in joining our local chapter, call Michele Harding at (518) 469-7357 or send an email to magslp10@yahoo.com.
Thank you again to the BSM community for being such an incredible source of strength and inspiration.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Motor Vehicles: Always drive your vehicle on the right side of the road. There are no “turn lanes” within Burnt Store Marina. Never drive your vehicle in lanes indicated for the use of bicycles and pedestrians. Always stop at stop signs. Never exceed the posted speed limit.
Bicycles: Always ride your bicycle on the right side of the road, even if there is no “bike lane” available. Use hand signals to indicate intention to turn. Always stop at stop signs. Never exceed the posted speed limit.
Golf Carts: Always drive your golf cart on the right side of the road. Use hand signals to indicate intention to turn. Always stop at stop signs. Use lanes indicated for the use of bicycles and pedestrians only when neither is present.
Pedestrians: Always use lanes provided for bicycles and pedestrians. If there is no lane available, use the left side of the street, facing wheeled traffic. Use caution when crossing streets. Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight when walking or running after sunset.
Lifesaving Stories from Recipients to Oneblood Donors
ANN SINGER, ADMIRAL’S POINT
ALAN OF POLK CITY, FLORIDA
I was rushed by ambulance to the ER on February 25, 2022 because of a loss of blood caused by a bleeding ulcer. I was admitted to the Lakeland Florida Regional Hospital ER and received 4 units of blood. It is now 2 weeks later, and I am well on the road to recovery. I owe the blood donor many, many thank yous for his or her unselfish act.
ADRIANNA C. OF PALM BAY, FL
My name is Adrianna, I am 19 years old. At the age of 13 my first period led me to the hospital due to the amount of blood I lost. After 4 blood transfusions my life was saved after having the hemoglobin of 3. Years later at the age of 17 I had my first son and ended up with a C section after having complications during labor. Due to the amount of blood I lost it resulted in having 2 more blood transfusions to save my life. Just a year or so after that I had my daughter preterm in September of 2023.
I had an emergency C section due to blood loss during my pregnancy from placenta previa. After my C section my hemoglobin dropped from the amount of blood I had lost and resulted in my body needing 3 blood transfusions. I thank God each day for the people who are willing to donate
to save people like myself. Without the donation of blood from others I would not be here today. Thank you to everyone who has donated. I hope one day I can have the chance to donate back and help others just how I was helped in a time of need.
GUY OF BOWDIN, MAINE
In 1989, my wife entered the operating room for an emergency C-section for our second son. There were complications with the surgery, and my wife spent the next 6 hours on the table fighting for her life. Due to these complications, they could not stabilize her blood pressure, and she went through 28 pints of blood. They finally had to do an emergency hysterectomy to stop the bleeding. I was and have been thankful since for the 28 people who had donated previously to save my wife’s life so she has been able to enjoy our sons for the past 32 years. I try to donate blood 4 times per year, and it took me over 7 years to replace the blood my wife went through in 6 hours.
HIBA OF TAMPA, FL
It was my first pregnancy, and finally, it was time to rush to the hospital to meet my baby. I had mentally prepared for labor, and 18 hours later, I delivered naturally and looked into my daughter’s eyes with a love I never knew before.
What I hadn’t prepared for was a complication that led to post-partum hemorrhaging. I lost a lot of blood and coded. As I waned in and out of consciousness, I could hear the doctor yelling at me, “Don’t you close your eyes!”
I thought of my daughter. My family. And then I didn’t think of anything at all. I just trusted God and the medical team that was rushing around the room.
I received three pints of blood that saved my life. Three pints from three strangers. I’ll never know who they are, and they’ll never know who they helped. And the beautiful thing is it doesn’t matter, because we all bleed red. There’s an immense sense of selflessness in giving from yourself to help others – unconditionally.
Now, I’m a regular blood donor. I hope I can contribute to other people’s healing, so that they, too, can have more time on this Earth to love and be loved.
LINDA S. OF ORLANDO, FL
When Linda visits her local OneBlood Donor Center, she wears a smile on her face, and the proof of her lifesaving habit on her quilt. “It really brings me back to the people it’s been helping,” Linda said of her custom OneBlood T-shirt quilt. “Those squares all
represent times that I gave blood, and how that helped people.”
For Linda, giving blood is a lifelong habit from the heart. She began donating in the ’70s, and quickly learned that hospitals need her O negative blood for trauma patients and even newborns.
Donors like Linda make sure O negative blood is available when it is needed most. That’s why she regularly makes her way to her local OneBlood Donor Center. “They’re a great group of people, and they’re quick,” Linda said of the staff. “I’m fixed income, so I don’t have a lot of money to give to places. This is something I can just give freely. That’s really why I continue. Plus, it’s fun. I enjoy coming here.”
Linda is a dedicated blood donor who is wrapped up in saving lives, and her T-shirt quilt will help preserve her legacy. “I love knowing that there’s people out there who my blood helped,” she said. “My prayers are that the message to donate is clear and motivating.”
Now, I’m a regular blood donor. I hope I can contribute to other people’s healing, so that they, too, can have more time on this Earth to love and be loved.
Peace River Audubon Society (PRAS)
RICK READ, BURNT STORE RESIDENT AND AUDUBON SOCIETY MEMBER
You probably know mockingbirds, but do you know about shrikes? At a distance both birds look similar, with grey uppers, white underparts, and white wing patches seen when flying. But the shrike has a bold black mask on a larger head. The mockingbird has a more slender build and a longer tail, which is frequently cocked upward.
Their behaviors are different as well. The mockingbird is a very active insectivore in trees, in shrubs and on the ground. The shrike perches on wires, high branches, and palm spear leaves to launch sudden attacks. Its diet includes insects and small vertebrates that it impales on thorns or barbed wire. For that it is nicknamed the “butcher bird.” It then uses its hooked bill to tear out chunks of food.
Vocally, the mockingbird is an avid singer, with its own variety of notes as well as mocking other sounds that it hears. The shrike makes a variety of buzzing sounds and a quick da-dadot.
We are fortunate to have habitat inside Burnt Store Marina that supports both species to assist in insect control and for our enjoyment. Happy birding!
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Saturday, April 5, 7 a.m., Caravan/car-pool from Home Depot or meet at 8 a.m. at Ding Darling NWR, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel Island. $6/car. Bring scopes. Brunch reservation required (time TBD) at Green Flash, 15183 Captiva Dr. Captiva 239-472-3337.
• Thursday, April 17, Refreshments at 6:15 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. “Raptors Predators of the Skies”, at the Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte.
• Tuesday, April 22, 8 a.m., Walkabout & Earth Day Brunch, at Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park, 501 Donora St, Port Charlotte.
• Saturday, April 26, 8:20 a.m., Earth Day Celebration fun & games, at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Rd, Englewood.
• Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Nature Walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd, Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member of PRAS to join us. Participation is free, and registration is not required. Visit the website at www.peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the details or give me a call: Rick Read, BSM resident at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.
Tight Lines…Warmer Water Temperatures in Charlotte Harbor Will Improve Bite
JAY LEV, BURNT STORE ANGLERS
Several anglers have been reporting that the water temperature in the harbor has finally moved into the 70s. They have also observed that birds are now diving on bait fish in large numbers. That is a sure sign that fish are schooling up, and chasing bait and the actual bite by many species has finally begun.
Along the bars to the north of Burnt Store Marina, a good number of cobia have been feeding in 3 to 5 feet of water. The big guys have not yet shown up in large numbers, but by the time this article is published they will have shown up.
Speckled sea trout have moved into the remaining grass flats, and are favoring feeding along the outside of sand holes. Even the smaller sand holes are now holding fish. Three-inch gulf shrimp
in new penny color, dragged along the bottom, seem to be a good bait selection. A short hop along the bottom attracts trout, flounder, and a few redfish.
The back bay of the Two Pines area on a moving tide has produced good catches of smaller snook. Casting into the shadows of the mangroves has moved these fish out to make the bite. Don’t pass up drop-off areas along the shore, as this area is holding both snook and redfish. Pinfish seem to be the best bait for these fish. If you can find white bait, this bait fish also works well.
Don’t pass up drop-off areas along the shore, as this area is holding both snook and redfish. Pinfish seem to be the best bait for these fish.
Bull Bay has also come alive on the outgoing tide. If you can find what is left of the grass to the north end of the bay, larger redfish have been caught. Live bait is preferred but don’t pass up a smaller surface lure that has a “walk the dog” motion. This has really been getting the strike.
If you see birds working out in the harbor, it is a sign that ladyfish, bluefish and jacks are feeding on live swimming bait. These schools will be moving rapidly, so try to get ahead of the moving school so the fish come to you. A lure that has a two-to-three-foot retrieve usually works very well. Two-inch silver spoons fished with a fast retrieve are also working well when cast to the outside of the moving schools. If Spanish mackerel are on the feed, they will prefer a fastmoving tin lure. Be sure to
fish with a four- or five-inch light steel leader if the bite is from mackerel, or you will lose a good number of lures to their sharp teeth. These same schools feeding on the west side of the harbor have also had a few eighteen-to-twenty-fourinch barracuda show up. They will only be there if the water temperature is in the high 70s to low 80s.
If you are a fan of shark fishing, sharks that have left the harbor for warmer water will now be showing up. They can be fished just about anywhere in the harbor. If you can get a chunk of ladyfish under a school of bait fish, black tip and spinner sharks will, for sure, be there. Enjoy the warmer water temperatures and be sure to catch and release.
Tight Lines
BSM22.ORG - BURNT STORE MARINA
WEBSITE HELP
To be sure that you are up to date on all that is happening in the Burnt Store Marina community, you need to be up-to-date on the use of our website.
Our website lists your Section 22 Board of Directors and how to contact them. In addition, there is news about your amenities, and document and forms. And, you can check out clubs and organizations, and the vendors who service our community.
When you log in to the “residents’ eyes only” section, you will find great contact information for the Certified Response Team (CERT), and what to do in case of emergency. You will also be able to access Section 22 financials, your account information, and the Resident Directory.
To be sure YOUR contact information is up-to-date, you need to log in, or follow directions to register. Then go to Your Profile > Profile Settings. There, you can update your telephone and email information. Then, to OPT IN to the online Resident Directory, turn the BLUE toggles to GRAY.
If you did not receive the current digital issue of the BSM Beacon, you need to go to https://bsmbeacon. seabreezecommunications.com/about/. Once there, you can input your information to subscribe, and receive future emailed copies. Please note: by contract with PGI Section 22 HOA, your email will not be used in any other way by Seabreeze Communications.
If you are having problems logging onto the resident section of our website BSM22.org, OR, are not receiving Alliant Management email blasts, please contact Alliant Property Management at apmsupport@alliantproperty.com, or call 239-454-1101.
GOOEY CARROT CAKE BARS
CAKE INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS
• 1 box, 18-ounce spice cake mix or spiced carrot cake mix if available
• 1 egg
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine above ingredients and mix well. Pat into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Prepare filling.
Recipe Box
JENNIFER LECLAIR, PELICAN WAY
Well, it’s April, and that = Spring = Easter = Rabbits = Carrots, which brings to mind Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake Gooey Bars out of her “The Lady & Sons Savannah Country” cookbook. These bars are so easy and so good you’ll find yourself making the different varieties of the bars time and time again.
FILLING & DIRECTIONS
• 1 – 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 – 16-ounce box of powdered sugar
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Add butter, beat. Add powdered sugar and mix well, Mix in carrots and nuts. Spread over the cake mixture. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You want the center to be a little gooey, so do not overbake.
Let cool and cut into squares and enjoy.
Grammar Tips…@#$%*!
THE EDITORS OF THE BEACON
If you have ever listened to Phlash Phelps on SiriusXM radio, you know he has taken just about every road in the United States, remembers all the places and their names, and is a king of trivia. We were listening to him recently, and heard a new word, never heard by us before: grawlix.
When we got home from our little drive, we looked it up in the dictionary. Yup, there it was, added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary in June 2018.
You’ve seen a grawlix before, especially if you ever read the comics section of a newspaper. But you probably didn’t know that the thing had a name. Grawlix is the name
for the character or series of characters that appear in place of profanity – the comics’ version of bleeping out a word.
A grawlix is made from the characters that can be found on the (upper case) number row on your computer keyboard: the at sign (@), the pound sign (#), the dollar sign ($), the percent sign (%), the ampersand (&) and the asterisk (*).
The first use of grawlixes in comics can be found in the comic strip Katzenjammer Kids in the 1920s, but the creation of the term grawlix is credited to the late cartoonist Mort Walker (1923-2018), creator of Beetle Bailey, which debuted in 1950. He coined a number of terms for situations created in comic drawing, and he collected them in a book, The Lexicon of Comicana, published in 1980. Other coinages from Walker include briffit, for
the cloud of dust left when a character makes a hasty getaway, and plewds for the drops of sweat that are shown when a character is under stress. Bet you didn’t know these had names either!
Sheriff’s Report February 2025
• 5 Speeding Warnings ○ 4 Residents
1 Non-Resident • 12 Stop Sign Warnings
7 Residents
5 Non-Residents • 5 Other Infractions
Equipment Violations
Failure to secure load
Expired Registration ○ Tag Violations
Expired Insurance
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MAGGIE HART, MARINERS PASS
By now you should have seen substantial new growth on your shrubs and trees. But patience is the byword with palms. Many will only put out 3-6 new fronds a year. Please…only remove fronds that have at least one third of their surface dry, damaged or dead. Palms need to maximize their ability to photosynthesize. The oldest frond supplies the needed nutrients for the newest frond.
IMPORTANT
Please…only remove [palm] fronds that have at least one third of their surface dry, damaged or dead. Palms need to maximize their ability to photosynthesize.
According to Capeweather. com\weather station, yearto-date as of February 26 we’ve had 3.06 inches of rain. This is dry season and our landscape plants would really benefit from fresh rain water.
APRIL’S TO DO LIST
• Your goal, starting the first of the month, should be to set up your plants (shrubs, trees, palms and turf) to be the healthiest possible as we continue through the dry season and inch toward the rainy season, beginning sometime in June.
• Fertilize everything you didn’t fertilize in March, and use only a high quality, slow-release product. Good fertilizer is expensive, but effective.
• Palms that may have suffered from root or bud damage during the winter benefit from fungicide and micronutrient supplements.
• Fungus: Though our temperatures have been chilly vs. cold or frosty, our subtropical and tropical plants have suffered. Rain + chilly temps = fungus. It’s been appearing on turf and shrubbery. This is atypical for April and reflects the weather experienced during the first quarter. Typical seems to be more atypical these days. Always use common sense when it comes to the treatment of plants.
• Water restrictions are an ongoing and serious part of gardening in SW Florida. Planting native plants that are geared for 8 months of drought followed by 4 months of deluge should be strongly considered. Work with, not against nature. Unless you are willing to hand water, resist planting during the dry season and wait until the summer rains begin at the end of June to the first of July. Many associations and independent homeowners start itching to plant color during the “high” season. It can be precious
dollars wasted. Even salt-tolerant plants are watered with fresh water when nursery-grown. Most shrubs, including drought tolerant ones, take 3 months to establish roots beyond the perimeter of their original pot. A new 3-gallon shrub requires a gallon of water every other day for about 60 days.
• Prune scraggly, overgrown plants and those with dead branches if not done so already. First remove crossing and broken branches. Then prune for shape and to encourage re-flowering.
• Great Video on Pruning of Trees: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht-U1f9K7zo. This video was produced by the Collier County Extension Service.
• Want more flowers? Florida’s flowering shrubs bloom on new wood. If the plant is constantly pruned, leaving only older wood, flower production will be severely limited.
• Apply herbicide to your turf when the temperature is below 85 degrees. We’ve already had temperatures in the 80s as of the end of February. Just remember broadleaf herbicides can harm turf, or at a minimum turn it yellow.
April Off-Beat Holidays
MAGGIE HART, MARINERS PASS
“Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see the world hath more fools in it than ever.” Charles Lamb (1775-1834)
April 1: April Fools’ Day, a time for playing pranks on one another. Elaborate pranks have appeared on radio and TV stations, newspapers, websites, and have been performed by large corporations. One famous prank in 1957 was the BBC broadcasting an item in a current affairs series purporting to show Swiss farmers picking freshly-grown spaghetti, in what they called the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest. The BBC was later flooded with requests to purchase a spaghetti plant, forcing them to announce it a hoax the next day. Now, with
the advent of the internet and readily available news, April Fools’ pranks can deceive and embarrass a larger audience than ever before. After all, if you see it on the internet or read it in the paper, it must be true… watch out, and don’t be taken in by pranks today.
April 6, 1896: After a break of 1500 years, the first Olympics of the modern era was held in Athens, Greece.
April 8, 563: Buddhists celebrate the birthday of Gautama Buddha (563-483 B.C.). An estimated 350 million persons currently profess the Buddhist faith.
April 9, 1865: After over 500,000 American deaths, the Civil War effectively ended as General Robert
E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in the village of Appomattox Court House. The surrender occurred in the home of Wilmer McLean. Terms of the surrender, written by General Grant, allowed Confederates to keep their horses and return home. Officers were allowed to keep their swords and side arms.
April 11 - 27: Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater Beach
This beach celebration pays tribute to Tampa Bay’s two most valuable assets: sugar sands and sunsets. The showcase is a 21,000-square-foot structure that transforms into an art gallery of sand sculptures created by master sculptors from around
the world. Located at Pier 60, Clearwater Beach. Visit sugarsandfestival.com
April 12: Sopchoppy Worm
Gruntin’ Festival, Sopchoppy The age-old idiom about the early bird getting the worm is a way of life for earthworm harvester Gary Revell. Revell and his wife spend their mornings making “music,” which sounds like grunting, to coax thousands of earthworms from the dirt. This event also includes a 5K run, live worm gruntin’ demo, the crowning of the Earthworm King and Queen, the Wakulla County Horseshoe Championship, live music and art vendors. Located in Downtown Sopchoppy. Visit wormgruntinfestival.com
April 12: Members of the Jewish faith celebrate Passover from April 12 to April 20. The holiday
of Pesach, or Passover, is an annual weeklong festival commemorating the emancipation of Jewish people from slavery (in ancient Egypt). The Hebrew name, Pesach, means “to passover” because the plague in Egypt that killed all firstborns passed over the Israelites’ homes, sparing the lives of their children.
April 14, 1828: The first dictionary of Americanstyle English was published by Noah Webster as the American Dictionary of the English Language.
April 15, 1912: In the icy waters off Newfoundland, the luxury liner Titanic with 2,224 persons on board sank at 2:27 a.m. after striking an iceberg just before midnight. Over 1,500 persons drowned, while 700 were rescued by the liner Carpathia, which
arrived about two hours after Titanic went down.
April 18 - 27: 38th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration, Key West Calling all Patriots, Pirates and Partiers to embrace their FUN-dependence and head to Key West’s Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration. This festival celebrates Key West’s Conch Republic with events dedicated to bringing humor, warmth, peace and respect to a world greatly in need of all four. Visit conchrepublic.com/
April 18, 1775: The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and William Dawes occurred as the two men rode out of Boston about 10 p.m. to warn patriots at Lexington and Concord of the approaching British.
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April 18, 1906: The San Francisco Earthquake struck at 5:13 a.m., followed by a massive fire from overturned wood stoves and broken gas pipes. The fire raged uncontrollably for three days resulting in the destruction of over 10,000 acres of property and 4,000 lives lost.
April 20: Christians celebrate Easter. Its history is founded in the New Testament of the Bible. The resurrection of Jesus, which Easter celebrates, is a foundation of the Christian faith. The name of the holiday, Easter, comes from the name for a Saxon goddess who was known by the names of Oestre or Eastre. She was a goddess of the dawn and the spring, and her name is derived from words for dawn, the
shining light arising from the east, and so also in the rising of Jesus. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon, therefore, the date varies from year to year.
April 22, 1864: “In God We Trust” was included on all newly minted U.S. coins by an Act of Congress.
April 24, 1800: The Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C. It is America’s oldest federal cultural institution and the world’s largest library. Among the 145 million items in its collections are more than 33 million books, 3 million recordings, 12.5 million photographs, 5.3 million maps, 6 million pieces of sheet music and 63 million manuscripts. About
10,000 new items are added each day.
April 26, 1937: During the Spanish Civil War, the ancient town of Guernica was attacked by German warplanes. After destroying the town in a three-hour bombing raid, the planes machine-gunned fleeing civilians. The event was made famous by Pablo Picasso in his painting Guernica.
April 30, 1789: George Washington became the first U.S. President as he was administered the oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets in New York City.
Right to Clean and Healthy Waters
Through the years, Florida coastal waters, including marshes and tidal estuaries, have been tainted in many ways. Population has also damaged our waters through the ongoing development in our coastal areas with polluted runoff being discharged in state waters. Clean and healthy waters impact public health, quality of life, fishing, wildlife, aquatic ecosystem and erosion to name a few.
There was a time when court orders were imposed to have these waters treated to prevent these occurrences. Many projects through the past have been continually denied by county and state agencies. The state’s attitude on our coastal waters has shifted over the years. There have been numerous organizations working hard to protect these waters, only to be denied by cuts and funding from the state. These are ongoing problems; are they really being addressed? This has become a battle over the years. Our water quality needs to be addressed by the state.
The Florida Right to Clean Water, a proposal to amend the State Constitution, may be the only hope for reform. They are looking to have a petition sent to the government for an amendment to create an enforceable, fundamental right to clean and healthy waters.
This information can be found on the FloridaRighttoCleanWater.org site. Go to this website and download the petition to sign and return. The address to return the petition is printed on the petition.
Let’s take a stand on keeping our water safe, there is so much at stake.
