Burnt Store Marina JAN 2026

JANUARY 2026

The Beacon

A Look Inside FROM THE SECTION 22 HOA BOARD FINAL THOUGHTS

SAILING ALONE: A HISTORY OF SINGLEHANDED SAILING

WHEN SNOWBIRDS FISH THE SALTWATER FLATS

FEATURE PHOTO: NEW FRONT GATE BY MIKE MCCALLISTER

IN THIS ISSUE 2 | From the Section 22 HOA Board 6 | Mark Your Calendar 9 | Enjoying Your Walk 10 | Resource Hub 14 | BSM22.org - Burnt Store Marina Website Help 15 | Dining Venues 17 | Burnt Store Marina CC News 18 | BSMCC January 2026 Events 20 | Bocce Group Fitness, Friends & Fun 24 | BSM Dog Park 25 | Burnt Store State of Iowa Potluck 26 | Michigan Potluck Picnic 27 | Rules for Driving Golf Carts 28 | Architectural Review 29 | Rules of the Road 30 | Platinum Point Yacht Club 33 | Bicycle News 36 | Sailing Alone 38 | Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club 40 | January's Off Beat Holiday Adventures 42 | Sheriff's Report 44 | Peace River Audubon Society 46 | Tight Lines 48 | When Snowbirds Fish the Saltwater Flats 52 | Blood Donation News 55 | Recipe Box 56 | Gardener’s Wheelbarrow 57 | Grammar Tips

From the Section 22 HOA Board - Final Thoughts MIKE MCFEELEY, PRESIDENT

After 5 years as a member of the Section 22 HOA board, this is my last message, because my time is up. It has been an interesting five years that saw tremendous change in the community. When I got on the board, I had no particular projects that I wanted to see implemented. My goal was to help make the community better. I can’t say I will miss all the meetings, phone calls and debates, but when I look around the community, I am happy to see all the fruits of our labors.

A board like this can only be successful if there is a great team to share the work, and a supporting cast of community volunteers who care enough to get involved.

If this community is going continue to grow and prosper, we need more members of the community to step up, and get involved. Unfortunately, the 80/20 rule applies to communities like ours. 80% of the people benefit from the efforts of the 20%. The fear is that the 20% get frustrated, and stop getting involved. At that point our community, and potentially our property values are in jeopardy.

When I first got on the board in 2020, we began the “Vision 2025” input meetings. From this grew a program that helped to re-shape the community, change the look, and focus on lifestyle improvements. This program was a big success, and all you need to do is look over at Linkside, the fitness complex or the dog park to see how these changes enhanced Burnt Store Marina. The community owes a big “Thank you” to Glenna Benson, Bob Honcharski, Rob Jamross, Kelley Beaty, Arne Arnesen, Lesley Rose and Cheryl Shaw.

2026 is the final year of our special assessment, which allowed our community to purchase the irrigation, golf

course, fitness center and Resort Pool.

Retrospectively, this was a great decision that allowed us to control our own destiny.

I’m not sure anyone thought about the amount of work it takes to oversee these assets. BSM is a small city. We have over 6 million dollars in revenues that keep this place going, accompanied by 6 million dollars of expenses that is a growing challenge to contain.

There is a tremendous amount of growth happening throughout our area. Though Burnt Store Marina doesn’t have much more room to grow, we still need to look at the future. The board brought in a consulting firm, Morris/Depew to help us look at the next five years and beyond to begin

2026 is the final year of our special assessment , which allowed our community to purchase the irrigation, golf course, fitness center and Resort Pool. to formulate a plan for the future. They looked at the community, the assets we have, the regulatory environment, and the competitive universe outside our walls.

There is no such thing as standing still, you are either growing or dying. In a community like ours, backsliding will only erode property values and diminish the value (continued on page 4)

proposition for residents. In 2026, a plan should be put in place to create a vision for the next five years.

WELCOME “VISION 2030” A new team needs to be put together under the board’s guidance, and take a fresh look at how BSM can grow into the future. We will need to have the community agree to financing a new plan. Our continued dominance in the real estate marketplace will depend upon our ability to attract new buyers with a lifestyle that is second to none. Just looking at the notes from the Vision 2025 group, we can put together a starting point for discussion. It will start with a dream, turn into a vision and then with an action plan, become a reality. We truly have the bones in place to make BSM the gem of the west coast. Below are just a few ideas that have been discussed: • New ornate light poles that enhance the esthetics of our main roads, including lights along Cape Cole Blvd.

• A playground for young visitors when they are here • A community center to hold meetings and events • An exercise building to allow larger, and more types of classes to include dance, aerobic and self-defense.

• An expanded Linkside Café restaurant to include a bigger kitchen and more seating • An enclosed lanai at the golf course to offer comfortable indoor seating in the hot summer 4

The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

• More bocci ball courts and shuffleboard courts • Golf cart paths for all 27 holes • A restroom on the Heron golf course • A computer lab/business center for meetings • EV charging stations for public use in the community These are just some of the ideas that have already been discussed, but are waiting for their chance to become a reality. This list just scratches the surface, and with community input, there will undoubtedly be many more additions to this list. It will be up to future boards and the community at large to decide what type of community we want to become.

Remember, standing still is not an option.

In closing I first want to thank Jerry Newmin for being a great partner on the board for the last four years. Jerry worked tirelessly for everyone in the community on numerous projects, and never hesitated to get involved when he could help. He has been a great teammate, sounding board and mentor to me personally. I also want to thank the other board members who have given so much of their time, talent, and resources to make BSM great. Special thanks to Rocky Mansfield, Maggie Hart, Barry Groesch, Steve Hocker, and the many volunteers who give their

It will be up to future boards and the community at large to decide what type of community we want to become.

time freely while asking nothing in return. Lastly, my biggest thank you goes to Mike Lemon. Over my five years on the board, NOBODY has done more for Burnt Store Marina than Mike Lemon. We didn’t always see eye to eye on things, but I never questioned his commitment to our community.

Mike Lemon has more energy than Donald Trump, which is really saying something. Burnt Store Marina is a great place due in large part to the efforts of Mike Lemon.

The best is yet to come. We’ve come a long way, but the journey continues. Get involved. Be a part of the solution!

REMINDER Annual Section 22 HOA Board Meeting

Tuesday, January 27, 10 a.m.

Location: Burnt Store Presbyterian Church

Section 22 HOA Board Workshops Every Tuesday, 9 a.m.

Location: Linkside Patio

BSM22.org 5

Mark Your Calendar – Out and About INSIDE THE GATES DATES • Thursday, January 1: Deadline for the February Beacon. Article and picture submissions are welcomed. Become part of the Beacon family.

• Every Tuesday: Section 22 HOA Working Board Meeting, Linkside Café Patio, 9 a.m.

OUTSIDE THE GATES DATES • Friday, January 2: Fort Myers River District Art Walk, 1 to 5 p.m. Visit many galleries, exhibitions and performances.

• Saturday, January 3 and Sunday, January 4: Indoor Arts & Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Free admission.

• Friday, January 9 and Sunday, January 10: SWFL Wood Art Expo & Competition. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Showcases work of wood carvers, wood turners and furniture makers. Vendors will be there with supplies for all woodworking. Admission 1-day $10, 2-days $19. Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda.

• Saturday, January 10: 2nd Saturday Dance Party, 2 to 5 p.m. Lessons start 6

The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

• Tuesday, January 27: Section 22 HOA Annual Meeting, 10 a.m. Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda.

• Every Wednesday: Bar code installation, front gate, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Every Friday: Farmers Market, PPYC parking lot, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

at 2 p.m., party starts at 2:45 p.m. Punta Gorda Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St. $15 USA Dance Members, $26 USA Dance Member Couples, $17 non-members single, $20 non-members couples. Call Laura for information, 330-501-2366.

• Friday, January 16: 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.

• Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18: Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda Home & Garden Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda • 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, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over the course of 3 hours you will taste local food specialties, and explore historic downtown Punta Gorda, $49 pp. Go to: https/swfloridawalkingtours. com/tours-2/long-lunch-tour/.

• Every Saturday: Haunts & History Tour. 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Stroll through historic district and learn historic facts and folklore. Go to: https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/tours-2/ haunts-of-history-tour/ • Saturday, September 13 through Sunday, April 19, 2026: Origami in the Garden, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, 5827 Riverside Dr., Punta Gorda. See outdoor sculptures that transform the ancient art of paper folding into awe-inspiring metal sculptures.

• Every Thursday: Fort Myers River District Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Every Wednesday: Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association Indoor/Outdoor Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2001 Shreve St. Punta Gorda.

• 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. (continued on page 8)

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(239) 278-4222 www.seabreezecommunications.com

Fort Myers • Cape Coral Bonita • Estero The Palm Beaches • Boca Raton Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including xerography and photocopying is forbidden without the written permission of the Publisher.

The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed unsuitable for publication.

BSM22.org 7

• Every Sunday and Tuesday: Surfside Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2354 Surfside Blvd, Cape Coral.

• 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.

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The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

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

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.

• Tarpon Pass loop, start/stop at Islamorada Blvd., 0.76 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

BSM22.org 9

RESOURCE HUB SECTION 22 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

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 cashxprt@gmail.com Secretary: Mark Murphy 631-804-2365 murphfsaccts@gmail.com Directors: Ed Buns 513-615-2956 ewbuns395@gmail.com 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

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Lee County Sheriff Liaison: Sam Flores 239-955-2479 sflores@sherifflee.org

Communications: Maggie Hart, Chair downhartbsm@gmail.com

STANDING ADVISORY GROUPS Architectural Review: Barry Groesch, Chair blgroesch@gmail.com John Farnham Jim Schinneller Daryl Ann Lemon Mitch Wegrzyn

Resident Directory: For changes, please contact: Peg Love, peglove810@gmail.com Daryl Ann Lemon darlemon@comcast.net

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

The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

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

ALLIANT ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT, LLC

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

13831 VECTOR AVE., FT. MYERS, FL 33907 239-454-1101 | INFO@ALLIANTPROPERTY.COM

LANDSCAPE Michael Lemon, ChairMLemonswfla@comcast.net Daryl Ann Lemon

USEFUL INFO Gate Keeper: 941-639-0334 Main Gate email: securityBSM@gmail.com Websites: bsm22.org Section 22 HOA - BSM Fitness, Racquet & Pool Club burntstoreanglers.com Burnt Store Anglers

IRRIGATION Rocky Mansfield, Chair 216-956-2581 Joe Baker Mike Lemon Gayle Shaffer

bsgac.org Burnt Store Golf & Activity Club

IT/CONTRACTS Mark Murphy, Board Liaison

ppycbsm.org Platinum Point Yacht Club

Platinum Point Yacht Club Administrator: Dorothy Schroeder Email – office@ppycbsm.org Alliant Association Management: (Section 22 HOA) Email – info@alliantproperty.com

burntstoremarina.com Safe Harbor Burnt Store (Resource Hub continued on page 12)

DISCLAIMERS Businesses and services mentioned in articles herein, and advertisers appearing in this magazine, are not to be considered as endorsed or recommended by this magazine or the PGI Section 22 Homeowners Association.

The opinions expressed in any articles appearing herein are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the magazine or the PGI Section 22 Homeowners Association. The Beacon will not knowingly publish false or misleading information.

The Beacon deadline for copy to be submitted is the 1st of each month. Submission does not guarantee inclusion. Submission of copy undergoes review and editing by the editorial team.

RESOURCE HUB

SECTION 22 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

HOA /CONDO ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR PROPERTY MGMT COMPANIES PGI SECTION 22 HOA Sub Association

ALLIANT ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT Management Company

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 Cove 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

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

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The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

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.)

Management Company (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

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

ALLIANT ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT, LLC

13831 VECTOR AVE., FT. MYERS, FL 33907 239-454-1101 INFO@ ALLIANTPROPERTY.COM

BSM22.org 13

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 upto-date on the use of our website.

can update your telephone and email information. Then, to OPT IN to the online Resident Directory, turn the BLUE toggles to GRAY.

Our website lists your Section 22 Board of Directors and how to contact them. In addition, there is news about your amenities, documents, and forms.

You can also check out clubs and organizations, and the vendors who service our community.

If you did not receive the current digital issue of the BSM Beacon, you need to go to www.BsmBeacon.

SeabreezeCommunications.com. Once there, you can input your information to subscribe, and receive future emailed copies. You can also read The Beacon in its entirety, as well as past issues.

Please note: by contract with PGI Section 22 HOA, your email will not be used in any other way by Seabreeze Communications.

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

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The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

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.

WELCOME! OPEN 7 DAYS / WEEK! In-House Laboratory Diagnostics

To make an appointment, please call:

(239) 315-0729

Dentistry

Locally Owned and Operated by

Wellness & Vaccines CT Scans

Dr. Justin Kerr, DVM

Ultrasound Preventative Medicine Spay, Neuter, & Vasectomy Canine Physical Therapy Boarding Services Premium Pet Diets & Pet Supplies

“Elevating the Standard of Veterinary Care” 16480 Burnt Store Road Suite 106B Punta Gorda, FL 33955

www.burntstoreanimalhospital.com

DINING VENUES LINKSIDE CAFÉ @ Burnt Store Marina C.C. 941-637-6405 | www.bsgac.org

CASS CAY RESTAURANT & BAR 941-347-7148 | www.casscayrestaurant.com

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.

Monday-Saturday, 12 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m. – 8:30 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.

BSM22.org 15

DEEP RED BANANA FLOWER BY KAREN SANDERSON

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The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

Burnt Store Marina CC News JOHN ABBOTT, GENERAL MANAGER, BSMCC

Happy New Year Everyone!

On behalf of the entire Burnt Store Marina Country Club staff, I want to wish a safe, happy & healthy 2026 to all of you and your families.

Well, another fantastic holiday season is behind us, but the good news is that the seasonal fun is just beginning here at BSMCC. Our January calendar is full of events, beginning with our annual “Hangover Scramble” on New Year’s Day that includes lots of Bloody Marys, golf, food & fun. There are two

other fun golf tournaments this month including a “Shootout” on the 10th and a “Step-aside” scramble on the 24th.

Remember that these events fill up quickly, so make sure you get signed up early.

There is a lot going on in the restaurant this month as well, with trivia every Monday night, breakfast buffet and NFL on Sundays. There also are various dinners including Prime Rib on Wednesdays, Friday seafood specials and Saturday 2 for $40 specials. We have a variety of food trucks here every Thursday in January, accompanied by live music and cocktails. Everybody is welcome to come out and enjoy the fun, but a few things to remember are no coolers, no outside alcohol and bring chairs.

For those of you who are still considering a social membership at the club, this is a great time to join on our seasonal social membership, which gives you the ability to play in most tournaments and leagues, advanced reservations for all special events, 15% discount on golf and merchandise, 15% discount on food & beverage in the restaurant and more.

Thank you to all who continue to support the club and together let’s make 2026 the best year ever!

BSM22.org 17

Linkside Januar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesd

4 Breakfast Menu 9 - 11 a.m.

Lunch Noon NFL 1 -7 p.m.

11 Breakfast Menu 9 - 11 a.m.

Lunch Noon NFL 1 -7 p.m.

18 Breakfast Menu 9 - 11 a.m.

Lunch Noon NFL 1 -7 p.m.

25 Breakfast Menu 9 - 11 a.m.

Lunch Noon NFL 1 -7 p.m.

5

6

7

**Trivia 5 - 8 p.m.

Dinner * 5 - 8 p.m.* 9 Hole Scramble** 3 p.m.**

12

13

14

**Trivia 5 - 8 p.m.

Dinner* 5 - 8 p.m.* 9 Hole Scramble** 3 p.m.**

Bingo 5 -8 p.m

19

20

**Trivia 5 - 8 p.m.

Dinner * 5 - 8 p.m.

9 Hole Scramble** 3 p.m.**

26

27

**Trivia 5 - 8 p.m.

Dinner* 5 - 8 p.m.

9 Hole Scramble** 3 p.m.**

Conservative D 5 -8 p.m

Sign up in L 21

Prime Rib Spec 5 -8 p.m Reservation 28

Common Grou 5 - 8 p.m

* Call Linkside for reservations 941-637-6405 ** Sign up in Lobby on Board *** Sign up at Admin Office. ***** Reservations for Conservative and Common Ground Dinners must be made through respective clubs.

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The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

ry 2026 BSMCC

day

Dinner***** m.

o m.

Lobby

cial Menu m. ns Req.

und ***** m.

Thursday 1

Friday 2

Saturday 3

Hangover Golf Scramble 10 a.m.

Dinner 5 -8 p.m.*

2 for $40 Dinner 5 -8 p.m.

8

9

Music by Darren Bates 10

Thursday Tiki Tunes 5 - 8 p.m.

Dinner 5 -8 p.m.*

2 for $40 Dinner 5 -8 p.m.

15

16

Music by Ball & Chain 17

Thursday Tiki Tunes 5 - 8 p.m.

Dinner 5 -8 p.m.*

2 for $40 Dinner 5 -8 p.m.

23

Music by Rob Norum 24

Linkside closed at 3 p.m.

Stolen Fruit Duo

Jukebox Dreams 22 Thursday Tiki Tunes 5 - 8 p.m.

Rock the Nation 29 Thursday Tiki Tunes 5 - 8 p.m.

Island Dr.

Dinner 5 - 8 p.m.* 30 Dinner 5 - 8 p.m.*

*4 Person Step aside Golf Scramble 9 a.m.

Music Bingo * 5 - 8 p.m.

31 2 for $40 Dinner 5 -8 p.m.

Music by Rick Austin

Lunch Daily 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted Due to circumstances beyond our control, everything is subject to change.

Dinners & Events at BSMCC are open to members first.

BSM22.org 19

Bocce Group Interested in playing bocce?

Join the Bocce Group every Tuesday at the NE side of the Burnt Store Marina Parking lot from 3 – 5 p.m.

Never played?

Come and learn with area residents.

For information, contact Barbie Newmin At extixeno@aol.com.

Fitness, Friends & Fun…Welcome to 2026 – The Greatest Year Ever!

CYNDI MATHEWS

The Fitness Club wishes each of you a happy, healthy, and successful new year. Our club IS the place where fitness, friends, and fun connect—especially when our seasonal and snowbird friends are sharing time with us. I love walking over to the club and seeing all the smiling faces.

While we look back on 2025, we would like to encourage you not just to make fitness a priority, but to create some goals. As with any changes in your exercise routines, please consult a health professional, so you can work together on your targets.

When goal setting for 2026, it is time to Get Smart (no shoe phone required). Yes, SMART. This time, SMART is the acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, 20

The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

and Timely. Using this technique helps break down big goals into smaller ones so you can track and appreciate your victories.

When you reach those goals, make sure you reward yourself!

• S - SPECIFIC: Craft goals that are quantifiable. Rather than “I’m going to eat veggies,” try for something like, “I’m going to have a salad with lunch every day.” Hey, that is a great idea (as long as it is not laden with creamy dressings or ultra-processed meats)!

• M - MEASURABLE: Make it quantifiable and, well, measured. While telling yourself you are going to “get more exercise” is great, it is better to say, “I’m walking to the gym and will exercise for at least 20 minutes, 4 days a week.”

• A - ATTAINABLE: Make it realistic.

We can all say we want to “lose a little

weight.” For a few weeks, we might limit calories and fat, do a few extra minutes of sweating, and perhaps shed a few pounds. But depriving ourselves of those little sweets that make us smile, or the joy that comes from reading a book all day, can keep us from adopting an attainable shift in lifestyle. Appreciate the joy that comes from small successes.

• R - RELEVANT: Make sure your goals are meaningful. If you are looking to lower your blood pressure, it is prudent to watch your salt intake. Use herbs, spices, and seasonings in the kitchen and just add salt at the table. A typical “shake” or pinch is about 1/16 of a teaspoon.

• T - TIMELY: Goals without deadlines are amorphous; they sit there and do not have an ending. Putting a timeline on your goals not only gives you a chance to measure your progress, but it also gives you a chance to reach that goal and feel that self-satisfaction.

• Consider partnering with a friend. Not only does this create some fun, but it also creates accountability.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

OTHER TIPS: • Find your Motivation.

• Setbacks are part of the game.

Accept them, look at them, and then keep moving forward.

• Write it down (or track it on your phone).

• Focus. You don’t need to set a dozen goals. Decide on a few that are important and manageable and concentrate your efforts there.

There’s no denying that as we age, we increase our likelihood of having cancer. This year, we spent a few months raising awareness of this devastating disease.

Fitness Club Manager Leigh-Anne Hall says, “At the Fitness Center, we started in September with Ovarian Cancer Bands. Someone anonymously donated wristbands so we could band together (continued on page 22) BSM22.org 21

to honor a member who was recently diagnosed.

Then, in October, we provided our members with Breast Cancer Awareness pins. There are members and staff who have fought this type of cancer, and we wanted to show our support and solidarity. We all were feeling the love, but then decided that CANCER SUCKS. I got to work planning an event for all who have had cancer or know someone who does, so we could all come together. On the morning of November 16th, we held our Cancer Sucks Walk where we rode golf carts, walked, or ran in support.”

We all were feeling the love, but then decided that CANCER SUCKS.

PICKLEBALL Our thriving pickleball community is in full swing (and dink). Our roundrobins, tournaments, and socials are for Members Only (hands up if you had one of those classic 80s Members Only jackets!). We welcome community members to watch and check out our upcoming events.

• Saturday, January 10, 2026 – Open Play, Corn Hole, 50/50 Drawing • Saturday, February 28, 2026 – Social Tournament & Cookout • Saturday, March 21, 2026 – MLP Format Tournament & Cookout Note: Tennis and Pickleball programs offer support to members who are new to both sports. Currently the tennis program is looking for entry level team members. If you haven’t played in some time and would like to dust off your racquet, there are plenty of opportunities to get started again.

Pickleball members volunteer their time to teach those new to pickleball the basics. No need to feel intimidated, we got you covered! Come check us out and join the fun and work on those New Year fitness goals!!

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SUZANNE SMITH WON BRONZE AT PUNTA GORDA PICKLEPLEX.

LEIGH ANNE HALL AND DIANA MOORE WON GOLD AT LAKE KENNEDY.

CANCER SUCKS FUN RUN GROUP.

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Burnt Store Marina Dog Park BSM DOG PARK COMMITTEE

The Burnt Store Marina Dog Park is celebrating their one-year anniversary this January. We sure have come a long way from a field of weeds to a beautiful park for our wonderful dogs, and their owners to meet and play. We continue to try to improve the park as we increase funds. We appreciate our members, and all their work and donations.

If you have not joined yet, but are still thinking about it, please contact a member and come try it out for free. The hours of the park are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. However, the park does not have lights, so really, it closes at dark. If you would like to join the Dog Park, the annual membership is still $100 per household. The forms for memberships can be found on the website https://bsm22.org/dog-park/.

See you at the park!

WOOF! WOOF!

Burnt Store State of Iowa Potluck If born in Iowa, lived in Iowa, married someone from Iowa, went to school in Iowa, You are invited to the ANNUAL

Burnt Store State of Iowa Potluck Grand Isle Social Room [between buildings III and IV] 3329 Sunset Key Circle

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Bring a potluck dish to share: Appetizer, entree, starch/vegetable, or dessert, and your own beverage $5 per person—pay at door Door prizes and raffle

WEAR SCHOOL COLORS Please RSVP [LIMITED SEATING] to Ann Singer at: 319-290-5955 | amsinger122@aol.com

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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.

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…if you want to enclose your lanai, an ARC application is required. For all projects, go to the BSM22.org website to get your application.

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The following applications were approved last month by the Section 22 HOA ARC: • Jeane & Glenn Dombroski, 3301 Diamond Key Court, generator installation.

• Charles & Jane Taylor, 601 Islamorada Boulevard, paver lanai extension.

• Fredrick & Robin Vandenbroeck, 435 Gaspar Key Lane, window & door replacements.

• Monopoly Properties LLC, 2064 Little Pine Circle, single family residence.

• Mark Jessee, 4001 Big Pass Lane, exterior paint.

• Mitch & Hilde Wegrzyn, 4021 Cobia Estates Drive, installing flag pole.

• R. Patrick Kollker, 4010 Cobia Estates Drive, landscaping.

• Carolyn S. Buckenmaier, 990 Matecumbe Key Road, generator installation.

• John & Billie Hammond, 911 Linkside Way, exterior paint.

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.

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Platinum Point Yacht Club – The Inspiring Power of Tradition

You are invited to PPYC’s Open House BoatersMILLER, and Non-BoatersPPYC Welcome! MEMBER SUE Sunday, November 17, 2024 3:00 ─ 5:30 PM

Traditions are the religious, social, and Food and drinks will be provided.

Stop in! We would love to tell you about PPYC. cultural___________ threads that weave generations atinum Point Yacht Club is helping offering a fantastic together, to promotional: promote a sense of $250 off Ini+a+on Fee plus a PPYC tote bag, caps/visors. belonging. It’s everywhere in our society As a member of this year-round club, you will enjoy many OnWater and On-Land activities withcustoms, new friends.

– celebrations, or shared beliefs.

Monday Sailboat Racing - Come learn to sail TuesdayTradition and Friday Happy Hoursbrings - BYOB or buy drinks Docksiders us attogether year after year, Sunday Jam Sessions - Musicians and vocalists welcome BiMonthly - Sunset Socials and Grill Nights toPotlucks share with family, friends, and neighbors.

Monthly Cruises - To different marinas Monthly Themed Parties - Many with dancing Many special-interest game and activity groups

While the world is ever changing, traditions Offer available for the Fiscal Year ending October 31, 2025 are not.___________ You can count on them inspiring us PPYC… A Place to Belong! to travel hundreds of miles in a blizzard, to be with family and friends at the Holidays, just to trim a tree, open presents, worship and spend a few days with loved ones. Oh yes, those wonderful meals! So powerful, we find ourselves totally involved in the planning and implementation of one single event…same time, same place. We are so excited about our own traditions that we can’t help but want to share with others.

How wonderful is that! The one nonchanging event we can count on is – it is quite magical!

We are so excited about our own traditions that we can’t help but want to share with others. How wonderful is that!

The one non-changing event we can count on is – it is quite magical!

Come check out what PPYC could mean for you AND SAVE!

For more information contact: office@ppycbsm.org lub Administrator, Dorothy Schroeder 941-639-0733 Pla%num Point Yacht Club 3601 Cape Cole Blvd Punta Gorda, FL

Platinum Point Yacht Club – a 40+ year old club in Burnt Store Marina, is steeped in tradition, our customs and traditions are well established, and classic. Blessing of the Fleet, Eight Bells, Commodores Ball, Monday Sailing, Golden Conch Regatta, Adopt-aChild and Trim-a-Tree, Progressive Dinner, Hanging of the Greens (holiday decorating of club), All looked upon as our most cherished moments.

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This past December, dear to our hearts, was Adopt-a-Child. Organized by a PPYC committee, 45 children were sponsored by club members selecting tags for clothes and toys from our Adopt-a-Child tree. All gifts were wrapped, tagged and taken to our sponsored school for distribution to families. We always receive the loveliest thank you notes from the children and staff.

Trim-a-Tree is hosted by a select committee each year. Ninety-five club members were greeted upon arrival by a chorus of 12 PPYC carolers, dressed in holiday red and green, singing all the favorite (traditional again) songs! This year a very festive, Olde Fashioned Christmas Dinner of roasted turkey and all the trimmings was served, topped off with red velvet cake. The main event for the evening was the introduction of all new members for the past year. These new members are asked to share a little bit about themselves, and then place a nautical themed ornament with their names and

year on our tree! Such a special moment. The evening was topped off with music and a singalong with the Carolers!

PPYC is a place to belong. Your traditions, our traditions, and the traditions we create together make memories that last a lifetime.

PPYC CHRISTMAS TREE

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LAKELAND BLACK SWAN NESTLED & SNUG BY KAREN SANDERSON

Bicycle News

BOB SINGER, ADMIRAL’S POINT

CALLING ALL BICYCLISTS Burnt Store Bikers meet at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday at the Burnt Store Marina Country Club parking lot. We ride in the Lakes, and usually ride between 5 and 10 miles, and often stop for coffee at the Trading Post afterwards.

Please do not feel you need to be a fast rider. We have riders of all skill levels and speeds. The goal is to have fun and get some exercise. Join us for a good time with great people. Put on your HELMET and join us!

Call Bob Singer at 319-230-8827 if you have questions, or just show up.

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WELCOME BACK TO BSMCC, RETURNING NEIGHBORS

BY KAREN SANDERSON

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Sailing Alone: A History of Single-Handed Sailing GRAHAM SEGGER, INDEPENDENT HOMEOWNER

One day last winter, I was chatting with a friend, Jamie Jones, about sailing, writing and a myriad of other topics when he suggested that I add to my nautical book review series with an article about singlehanded around-the-world sailing adventure books.

We spent a fun half hour regaling each other with our individual favorites, which in many cases overlapped.

We had, of course, both read Canadian-American sailor Joshua Slocum’s 1900 classic Sailing Alone Around the World, as well as Sir Francis Chichester’s books about his single handed trans-Atlantic competitions, and around-the-world sailing achievements in the 1960s. Happily, we were able to help each other with a few less familiar recommendations.

I’ve always enjoyed singlehanded sailing, though on balance I prefer the comradery of a crewed 36

voyage. Recently, my singlehanded sailing adventures are limited to occasional cruises between Burnt Store Marina and the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda for Harbor 20 sailboat regattas.

There is definitely a unique tranquility about being alone on the harbor with just the wind, water and occasional dolphin for company.

This idea of writing about single-handed sailing books lay dormant for a while until another friend, Tom Frank, mentioned to me Richard J. King’s 2023 book Sailing Alone: A Surprising History of Isolation and Survival at Sea. It turns out that Mr. King had embraced this idea of a review of books about sailing alone, and had really gone to sea with the idea. First, he actually did his own singlehanded crossing of the Atlantic, then he completed a PhD thesis on the subject, and finally reworked his material into a 400+ page survey of such voyages, and

The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

how the sailors documented them. After reading his book, I concluded that my work had been done for me, and all I really needed to do was point people to this book.

Mr. King does a good job of weaving together many different sailing stories into themes such as the environment, sea creatures, storms, technical aspects of sailing and navigation, around the world races, psychological impacts and survival instincts, while also lightly incorporating his own ocean crossing. A regularly repeated theme that resonated with me was how so many of the sailors felt compelled to document, and write about their adventures.

The book contains a 20-page selected bibliography which includes a list of over 50 solo-sailor narratives.

Mr. King touches often on the life and adventures

of Bernard Moitessier, an almost mythical figure in the sailing world. In 1968 Bernard was leading the first Sunday Times Golden Globe single-handed around-theworld race, when near the finish line in England he veered off and returned to Tahiti rather than participate in the commercialization of the race.

If you have an interest in high adventure at sea and are curious about what drives men and women to put their lives at risk to cross oceans, and circle the globe alone on boats, this book will provide many insights, and also direct you to an exhaustive list of other books to explore.

Graham’s previous Beaconpublished nautical book reviews can be found at https://grahamsegger. com/sailing-logs/nauticalwriting/.

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Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club Marks 20 Years on the Water… Launches New Programs for Beginners In 2026, the Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club will celebrate a remarkable milestone: 20 years of paddling, racing, teamwork, and community spirit.

The club began in 2006, when a small group of friends in Burnt Store Marina formed the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers. As the team grew, and its activities shifted to the Burnt Store Boat Ramp in Cape Coral, it embraced a new identity — the Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club.

If you’ve ever watched a dragon boat race, you’ve likely heard the unmistakable calls from the drummer at the front of the boat: “Paddles up! Power up!” Their job is

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to establish rhythm and unity, and while the commands may sound intense, the sport itself is welcoming, energizing, and accessible to adults of all ages. Whether you’re 25 or well into your 70s, dragon boating offers a uniquely inclusive and exhilarating experience for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

ABOUT THE SPORT Picture a 40-foot canoe adorned with a traditional dragon head and tail, honoring an ancient Chinese heritage. A complete crew includes: • 20 paddlers — ten per side.

• 1 drummer — setting the pace.

• 1 steersperson — guiding the boat.

“Working together, the crew propels the boat across the water with remarkable speed. Races, typically 200, 500, 1000, or 2000 meters, last only a few minutes,” says Coach Trish Koons. She calls dragon boat racing “the ultimate team sport,” where success hinges on one essential ingredient: perfect synchronicity. Synchronicity doesn’t just boost performance; it builds connection.

Moving in rhythm with your teammates creates a powerful sense of unity, belonging, and shared purpose, elements shown to support mental well-being.

WHY GIVE IT A TRY? Dragon boating is far more than an upper-body workout. Each stroke integrates your core, legs, and back, making it a full-body, low-impact sport suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.

And the setting? Stunning. Practices take place in the morning or at sunset, when dolphins and manatees often appear along the canals. But for most paddlers, the real highlight isn’t the scenery, it’s the community. Coach Koons puts it best “You can train, you can be in shape, but the secret to success is working together as a team.

There’s a great camaraderie that develops as a unit. The team works hard on the water, but they also have fun with social activities.

The team is like one big family.”

Free Community Paddle Date: Sunday, January 11 Time: 12 p.m.

A relaxed, introductory paddle for all ages and fitness levels. No experience required; equipment provided.

Dragon Boat 101 – Four-week beginner course Dates: • Option 1: Wednesdays, 1/14 – 2/4 • Option 2: Wednesdays, 2/11 – 3/14 Time for Both Options: 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Fee: $50. Designed for first-time paddlers; equipment provided.

Location: Burnt Store Boat Ramp, 230 Burnt Store Road, Cape Coral, FL. Parking is free and there are rest room facilities on site.

Participants should come prepared to have fun—and get a little wet. And one friendly note: it’s paddling, not rowing.

Learn More: Ready to try something new, make friends, and build strength on the water? Visit the Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club’s website for more details and to sign up for our Free Community Paddle or our Dragon Boat 101 Course at: capecoraldbc.com.

HOW TO GET STARTED The Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club welcomes anyone curious about the sport to join them on the water through two upcoming beginner-friendly programs: BSM22.org 39

January’s Off Beat Holiday Adventures MAGGIE HART, MARINERS PASS

January, as the first month of the new year, gives us a chance to start over. Forget the bad, and cultivate last year’s good into great.

New Year’s Day is the most celebrated holiday around the world – a time for new ideas, new friends, new activities and challenges.

Make every day in January a celebration!

day. The event includes period soldier, Seminole and Civilian camps; a Sutler Trade Fair; historic arts and crafts demonstrations; full scale cannon firing; tree cutting and barricade building; musket shooting; tomahawk throwing and primitive archery. Web: dadebattlefield.com/ DadeBattle

January 1, 1776: During the American Revolution, George Washington unveiled the Grand Union Flag, the first national flag in America.

January 4: National Trivia Day, is observed across the United States. The word trivia is plural for the word trivium. In ancient times, the term “trivia” was appropriated to mean something very new. Over time, the word “trivia” has come to refer to obscure and arcane bits of dry knowledge as well as nostalgic remembrances of pop culture.

Jan. 3 & 4, Dade’s Battle of 1835, Bushnell, Florida Staged in the same location at the same time of year as the real battle, this historic re-enactment involves a hundred participants dressed as soldiers and Seminoles staging the “Dade massacre” at 2 p.m. each 40

Nostalgic college students

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in the 1960s, along with others, began to informally trade questions and answers about the popular culture of their youth. After writing trivia columns, Columbia University students created the earliest inter-collegiate quiz bowls that tested culturally (and emotionally) significant, and virtually useless information, which they dubbed trivia contests.

In North America, the game Trivial Pursuit peaked in 1984 – over 20 million games were sold.

January 6 is a big day in New Orleans. It marks three things: Twelfth Night, The Epiphany, and the beginning of the Carnival Season. While many people believe that Mardi Gras is a one-day event, it’s an actual season, from January 6 through February 17 (Fat Tuesday, also called Mardi Gras).

January 7, 1714: A patent was issued for the first typewriter designed by British inventor Henry Mill “for the impressing or transcribing of letters singly or progressively one after another, as in writing.”

January 8, 1987: The Dow Jones industrial average first topped the 2,000 mark.

January 15-18: Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival, Fellsmere, Florida.

Hop on over to this annual event, where highlights include: yummy frog’s leg and gator tail dinners, frog jumping contests, hot legs contests, carnival rides, Red Neck Olympics, live music and booths featuring the work of unique craftsmen and artisans. This funky festival has been happening for over 20 years. Food choices start with one frog leg (a frog pop on a stick for $3) up to a gator-tail and frog leg dinner for $14.

Entrance and parking are free. 22 South Orange St, Fellsmere, FL 32948.

Web: froglegfestival.com

January 17 & 18: Central Florida Scottish Highland Games, Winter Springs, Florida.

Fans of Scottish heritage and culture will love this jampacked schedule of Highland dancing, bagpipes, archery, shortbread and whiskey tasting, face painting and other Scot-centric fun.

Discount advance tickets available online. Located at Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Drive (East SR434), Winter Springs 32708. Web: flascot.com January 17 & 18: Crystal River Manatee Festival, Crystal River, Florida.

This event is an open house at Three Sisters Spring, where manatees are easy to see and watch in the clear spring water. Festival activities include music on three stages, a Kid Zone, free access and shuttle to Three Sisters Springs and a wine and beer garden.

Manatee Boat Tours into Kings Bay and other favorite hangouts of the manatees are available from the City Pier at the end of Third

Street. To park for the festival, go to the southeast corner of the Kings Bay Shopping Plaza parking lot at US 19 and Kings Bay Drive. There are frequent free shuttles to the festival grounds.

Web: gomanateefest.com January 20: Martin Luther King Day, celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King, January 15,1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. As an African American civil rights leader, he spoke eloquently and stressed nonviolent methods to achieve equality, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

In 1983, the third Monday in January was designated a legal holiday in the U.S. to celebrate his birthday.

January 21, 1954: The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear powered submarine, was launched at Groton, Connecticut. (continued on page 42)

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January 23: National Handwriting Day is an opportunity to reintroduce yourself to a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. In this day of computers, more information, notes, and letters are sent back and forth via a keyboard and cyberspace. This holiday was established in 1977 by, you guessed it, the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association.

by an Act of Congress, combining the Life Saving Service and the Revenue Cutter Service.

January 29, 1919: The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (Prohibition Amendment) was ratified. For nearly 14 years, until December 5, 1933, the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic January 24, 1848: The beverages were illegal California Gold Rush began in the United States. with the accidental discovery The Amendment had of gold near Coloma during the unexpected result construction of a Sutter’s of causing enormous sawmill. An announcement growth of organized

by President Polk later in crime which provided the year caused a national bootleg liquor to thirsty sensation and resulted in Americans. a flood of “Forty-niners” seeking quick wealth.

January 31: Kumquat Festival, Dade City, January 25, 1961: Florida President John F. Kennedy The historic downtown conducted the first livein Dade City fills for this televised presidential news free event celebrating conference, five days after the tangy little fruit taking office. grown locally. Along with dozens of booths January 28, 1915: The U.S. and live entertainment, Coast Guard was created a highlight is tasting

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kumquat treats, from kumquat pie to kumquat cookies to kumquat salsa. Free shuttles run from two satellite parking areas – the Pasco County Fairgrounds on SR 52 and next to Jarrett Ford on US Hwy 301. On the preceding Thursday and Friday, the kumquat growers open their groves and packing houses for tours. Admission is free.

Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Web: dadecitychamber.org/ annual-kumquat-festival

Sheriff’s Report November 2025 • 9 Speeding Warnings ○ 3 Residents ○ 6 Non-Residents • 16 Stop Sign Warnings ○ 7 Residents ○ 9 Non-Residents • 16 Other Infractions Examples Include: No Insurance, or License Suspended License No Headlights Tag Issues

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Peace River Audubon Society (PRAS) RICK READ, BURNT STORE RESIDENT AND AUDUBON SOCIETY MEMBER PHOTOS BY RICK READ

The Tricolored Heron is mostly blue, with a white belly and a brownish back. Sometimes the white extends up the underside of its throat. At 26” the Tricolored Heron is slightly longer than the more common Little Blue Heron.

It has several hunting techniques that make it unique. It will fly over shallow water, dragging its feet to disturb underwater prey. Sometimes it will spread its wings over water to “canopy-feed”; that blocks light and scares prey. Sometimes it will strike at prey in the water while in flight.

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The Tricolored Heron is my favorite wading bird to watch because it is so active.

Happy Birding!

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PEACE RIVER AUDUBON ACTIVITIES: • Thursday, January 1, 8 a.m., New Year’s Day Ollie’s Pond Walkabout, 18235 Avon Ave, Port Charlotte.

• Friday, January 9, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Grand Opening “Plants for Birds Garden Bed,” at Punta Gorda Nature Park, 1555 Aqui Esta Dr., Punta Gorda. Jerry & Lori Larson will present “Talk is for the Birds.”

• Thursday, January 15, 6:30 p.m. refreshments & photo contest voting, 7 p.m. program, “Brown Pelicans” by Jeanette Streker, Friends of Pelicans, at the Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte.

• Saturday, January 17, 8 a.m., Sanibel Island hike. Meet at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL. • 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 needed. Visit the website at www. peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the

details, or you can contact fellow BSM resident Rick Read, at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.

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Tight Lines…

The Art of Selecting a Live Baitfish to Catch Harbor Fish

scaled sardine, Spanish sardine, and thread fin herring. They are the favorite meals of snook, redfish and sea trout. Many groupers will also feed on these fish, as well as tarpon of all sizes. Mullet is also favored by tarpon and snook. Many of the other identified bait fish are larger and are frequently found in grass flats, and deeper water sand and coral bottoms.

JAY LEV, BURNT STORE ANGLERS

Many anglers who fish Charlotte Harbor prefer to fish with live bait. Excluding harbor shrimp, there are fifteen species of bait fish that roam the harbor. The following bait fish have been identified as spending some part of their life cycle in Charlotte Harbor. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission have sampled the harbor to identify these baitfish.

• Blue Runner • Bigeye Scads • Pigfish • Pinfish • Silver Peach • Ballyhoo • Round Scads

• Spanish Sardine • Atlantic Thread Herring • Sand Perch • Scaled Sardine • Menhaden (Bunker) • Spot, Croaker • Striped Mullet

About six of these common bait fish are targeted by most of our sport fish living in the harbor.

Most anglers have heard the common name “white bait.” This is the most netted and fished bait fish. This group is made up of

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Bottom feeders such as grouper and snapper prefer the larger baitfish. While they will feed on smaller white baits, they do prefer the larger variety of bottom dwellers. Don’t forget sharks, who will feed on all baitfish species. Sharks will feed on a variety of snook, redfish, grouper, cobia, kingfish, and their favorite, the cow and stingray. The world record hammerhead shark, caught at the mouth of the Boca Grand Pass, weighed 1,262 pounds, including a 25-pound stingray it was chewing on at the time.

Most of the baitfish mentioned can be caught by chumming fish, bought at your local farm store, and then netted as they come up in schools to feed on the floating fish food. Many of the larger baitfish can be caught on tine strings of artificial baits called Subikki Rigs. These rigs are found in all stores selling fishing tackles. They are jigged up and down from the bottom, and usually several will attack the small artificial lures at once.

Most of these baitfish are best fished alive.

A hook inserted through the fish’s nose or below its dorsal fin works best. If you cannot catch live baits, freshly frozen baitfish are either cut in chunks, or, fished dead on the bottom also attract many of our prized game fish. If you are going to fish offshore

in deeper water, any of the larger baitfish mentioned above will work fine attached to a trolled rig or a strong bottom hook and sinker rig.

Tight Lines!

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When Snowbirds Fish the Saltwater Flats TED MORAND, COMMODORE CLUB

Like many wintertime Florida residents, my early years of fishing were spent trailering fishing boats around the Great Lakes in pursuit of salmon, walleye, bass, and perch – with great success, I might add, bringing countless hours of enjoyment over the last 60 years or so. Well, then, what could be so different about fishing the saltwater 48

flats of Charlotte Harbor?

Hah! Let me count the ways I have chased after snook, redfish, spotted trout and tarpon. The most productive have been with our excellent professional fishing guides serving our area. But the most memorable times have been those fishing with good buddies and exploring these unknown waters in our own boats. I am sure everybody

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has some experiences that come to mind. Here are a few of mine.

SANDBARS AND OYSTER BEDS “Just pilot your boat at least a mile offshore and you will never hit a sandbar,” said the experienced guide on my first trip on this estuary.

Yeah, right. You won’t catch

any fish either, because most of them are concentrated off the sandbars, oyster beds and mangrove tangles.

So that’s where you fish.

Anglers are most vulnerable to being stuck on cloudy days when the shallow water is not as obvious. Being stuck on a sandbar is not just likely – it is inevitable. After a couple such experiences you learn to carry some wading shoes and to empty your pockets and remove your cell phone before jumping in to push off. Later you become even smarter.

For instance, the rule aboard my boat was that the youngest guy on board had the task of jumping in and pushing us out to deeper water. I just made sure I was never the youngest on board!

GASSING UP THE BOAT The place is the Shell station gas pumps in Matlacha, with our trailered boat pulled in for a fill-up before venturing forth for a day of fishing the saltwater flats. We need about 20 gallons of gas that lifelong buddy, Tony would pump into the boat gas tank

while I remove the cowl from the outboard engine, and fill the oil reservoir.

“Sounds like it’s getting close to full,” says Tony as he hears the telltale gurgle.

But, a glance his way strikes fear into my heart as I see he has just pumped 20 gallons of gasoline down a gunwale rod holder, and into the open bilge of our boat!

He mistakes the rubber flap of the rod holder for the gas filler cap. Holy cow!

The automatic bilge pump will trigger at any moment, and spew raw gasoline out onto the gas pump area, and there would be a fiery explosion, killing everyone at the stop. But luck – or the hand of God – is with us that day. Somehow, we manage to start the truck engine, nurse the boat trailer rig forward and away from the pumps, remove the boat bilge drain plug and begin filling 5-gallon pails with the misdirected gas. But the station attendant has observed our struggle, and has the presence of mind to call for emergency service.

Within a few minutes a county fire truck is on the scene, accompanied by the

HazMat truck and crew and two squad cars, pushing us aside and taking over.

An hour later we are back on the road, now with a bilge full of foamy flame suppressor and a greatly increased awareness.

STRUGGLES WITH THE ANCHOR Fishing friend, Dave and I have motored back to the mangrove shallows, and quietly crept upwind with the electric trolling motor.

We are getting ready to anchor up and let the boat settle back within casting distance of a known hotspot for snook. “I’ll drop the anchor,” says Dave as the boat slowly swings into position. After a few quiet minutes of drifting back I ask Dave why the boat anchor doesn’t seem to be holding.

Whoops, he neglected to tie the anchor line to a cleat.

Scratch one anchor and 50 feet of line. The next day the embarrassed Dave presents me with a replacement anchor and line. (continued on page 50)

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You would think one experience like this would help with learning, but it didn’t. A couple of years later we move the boat into position to fish for sheepshead off the phosphate docks near Boca Grande. This time I handle the anchor as well as the boat motor as we maneuver into position. Uh-oh, I have neglected to cleat the anchor line. Goodbye boat anchor and line! Second offense. This time it was my fault.

As if this wasn’t enough, last season good friend Peter was the skipper in his boat, motoring over to the shallows off the beach at Boca Grande. As he swings the boat into the wind, good friend Arnie is in charge of the anchor. Yep, you guessed it. He doesn’t realize the anchor line is not attached to the bow ring, and the boat drifts away from a 20-pound anchor, chain and 100 feet of line. But here’s where quick thinking and experience can pay off.

Peter immediately saves the GPS coordinates and, on the trip home, devises a recovery plan. Two days later 50

this thrifty and resourceful Nova Scotian returns with determination, and a homemade grappling hook and, with the help of friend, John, successfully recovers his lost equipment.

DEAD BATTERY RESCUES Tony and I are fishing again, this time off the sand bars at Two-Pine. It is time to call it a day and head back to Burnt Store Marina. Oh, no! The cranking battery is depleted and the boat motor won’t start. We are dead in the water. We are facing a tow back over five miles of open water, if we can even find a tow boat or willing fishing boat. But look, here comes someone to save the day! Another fisherman, and he has jumper cables. Lucky for us, after a quick hook-up and re-start we are on our way back to the marina.

You would think this would teach us a lesson, but there we are a month later, same spot, same dead battery. This time one of the local fishing guides, Scott Hughes, sees our plight and ventures near

The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

to offer help. No, he doesn’t have jumper cables, but he has something better. He loans us a spare battery from his emergency stash, we wire it up to the outboard battery cables, and the day is saved. We motor back to the marina and return the borrowed battery, grateful to Scott and his timely rescue.

And more aware of the need to know your equipment.

SINK OR SWIM It was Peter’s 21-foot boat and his friend, John and John’s son, Sean, and grandson, Carter, are fishing off the Bokeelia sandbars and catching a few spotted trout and ladyfish. The day is dragging and the fishing is slow. Carter, fishing up in the bow of the boat asks why the bow of the boat seems to be sitting rather low in the water. The guys lift a couple of hatch covers and nearly panic when they see that both boat batteries are nearly covered with sea water! A quick check of plugs and drains reveals that one of the forward

storage well drain lines has rotted away and seawater is backing into the boat bilge.

It is way more water than the bilge pump can handle so the worried boaters are faced with a major decision: run the boat up onto a sandbar to fix the leak then call for a tow off the bar, or chance it and try to run back over open water and hope that the six miles could be crossed before the incoming water sinks the boat.

Peter makes the call. He has been in tough spots before. He points the boat east toward Burnt Store Marina, orders all hands to the rear of the boat so as to lift the bow and reduce the inflow, while John and Sean bail furiously with buckets dipped into the rear hatches.

They arrive back at the boat launch, still afloat and rather exhausted, but grateful for surviving a close one.

MASTER ANGLER TED MORAND

Surely the Lord protects fools, especially the ones with fishing poles and high hopes who travel down from the North.

GASSING UP CATASTROPHE AVOIDED BSM22.org 51

Blood Donation News ANN SINGER, ADMIRAL’S POINT

BSM BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULE FOR 2026 Mark Your Calendar – January 19 and March 23, 2026, Always on Monday 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wow! Monday, November 10 was a great day for blood donations. The Big Red Bus was quite busy collecting 29 units of blood, which marks a very successful blood drive for our first of the fall/winter drives.

Each donation can save up to three lives so that means 87 patients could benefit from the lifesaving efforts of donors at Burnt Store Marina. Thanks to all our donors listed at the end of this article.

The Big Red Bus from ONEBLOOD will be coming to Burnt Store Marina Monday, January 19, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. We look forward to seeing our returning donors, and meeting many new Burnt Store area residents and seasonal guests. Each successful donor will receive all three gifts – $20 eGift card, One Blood PowerBank,

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The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

and a Chick-fil-A card for a free chicken sandwich. I highly recommend making an appointment, as this time of year is very busy!!

If you have never donated blood before, now is a great time to start. January is National Blood Donor Month, making it the perfect time to start making blood donation a habit. It only takes a little of your time, and you will literally be helping give someone a second chance at life.

ONE BLOOD is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood to more than 300 hospital partners and their patients throughout Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

While all blood types are needed, there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive blood as well as Platelet donations.

What Is Blood?

There is no substitute for blood, and it cannot be manufactured in a lab. The only source for patients in need of a transfusion is volunteer blood donations. We need YOU TO DONATE!

Generally healthy people age 16 or older, and who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Photo ID is required. To learn more about blood donation, and how donors can target the power of their blood type, visit oneblood.org. All donors receive a wellness checkup of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, a cholesterol screening, plus a surprise gift. One of three people will need blood in their lifetime.

Blood that is donated on this day will likely be transfused within two to three days. The turnaround is that fast, the need is constant.

Blood is made up of four main components: red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and white blood cells. Each whole blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives.

The bus is located in the Cass Cay/Trading Post parking lot. Make an appointment online, call, or just walk in the day of the drive. Now is a good time to schedule an appointment for both January and March drives, or if you have questions, please call Ann Singer at 319-290-5955 or Jo Bucci at 941-445- 8260. To schedule online, log onto oneblood.org. Establish a username and password, and follow directions to schedule.

Walk-ins are always welcome. Remember to bring a photo ID. Be sure to eat before you

donate and drink lots of fluids before and after.

Thanks from Ann Singer and Jo Bucci, volunteers THANK YOU TO OUR NOVEMBER 10 DONORS! Anna T. Bouchal David W. Clark George Peterson John Osborn Kim Powell Mark Doiron Michael Rosie Susan Huelsberg Clayton Cramer Frank Dileo James Lichlyter Karen Spring Lois Ackley

Mary Jane Kamper Stephen Powell

Barbara Honcharski Erik Schindler Jacqulynn Clapp Julie Schindler Linda Cross Mary Sarno Robert O’Clare Anthoney Fann Edwin Castrillo Gregory Thornton Judith Doiron Linda Cristinziano Mary Johnson Randall Kamper Yen Chu

BSM22.org 53

Recipe Box JENNIFER LECLAIR, PELICAN WAY

LOW CALORIE GREEK YOGURT BROWNIES INGREDIENTS • ¾ cup flour (oat or all-purpose) • ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened, good quality) • ½ cup monk fruit (cane sugar substitute) • 1 tsp. baking powder • ¼ tsp. salt • 1 cup Greek yogurt (1 heaping cup of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt) • ½ cup almond milk (unsweetened) • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips (low sugar type – Hu is a brand I use)

Well, it’s January and you know what that means, RESOLUTIONS! Yours may be to exercise more, lose weight, eat healthier, or any one of the many things we tell ourselves we are going to do better.

If your resolution is to eat healthier, but you still need your chocolate fix, these brownies, from CookingKatyLady.com, are for you.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 inch glass baking dish with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients. Mix in the wet ingredients and mix just until fully incorporated. DO NOT over mix.

The batter should be fairly thick, but you can add another splash of almond milk if it seems too thick.

3. In a microwave-safe bowl melt the chocolate chips (add a little bit of coconut oil, if needed).

Pour into your brownie batter and gently fold in.

4. Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and top with more chocolate chips if desired.

Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven, let them cool and enjoy!

NOTE: This recipe makes 12 brownies, 90

calories each, with no refined sugar.

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Gardener’s Wheelbarrow and the tiny root hairs. Some MAGGIE HART, MARINERS PASS

Growing zones are U.S. Dept. of Agriculture designations to indicate average minimum temperatures. We are located in subtropical zone 9b/10a, a transition area.

A true tropical plant shows distress when temperatures fall below 50 degrees. We can experience lows that will kill a tropical plant to the ground. If the roots survive, the plant will rejuvenate. All it takes is two consecutive mornings of 32 degrees, for just 15 minutes each, to severely damage tropical foliage. Because we are in this transition area, we can experience extreme swings in temperatures, sometimes as much as 60 degrees within a month’s time.

The most cold-sensitive areas of BSM are the far eastern (along Burnt Store Road) and northern (Vincent Ave.) sections.

Areas closer to the harbor experience the modifying effects of Charlotte Harbor.

January 2024 experienced 56

temperatures between the 60s and 70s, however, January 2018 had a low of 33 degrees and daily highs between 49-83 – there were 16 days below 50 degrees.

Those chilly mornings, especially with dampness, will create fungus on plant leaves and yellowing with some leaves dropping.

Life expectancy for our local shrubs varies from 3 – 7 years. Surprised? This is what happens – • Our growing period is almost year-round. A 5-yearold plant here is equal to about a 10 – 15-yearold-plant grown in zones 4a-5b (Michigan) or 6b-7b (Mid-Atlantic) because their growing period is approximately a third or half the length of ours.

• Historically, we should be well into the dry season and reliant on irrigation water. The impact of high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in the irrigation water has damaging effects to leaves

The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

plants have adapted to living with dissolved salts (e.g. seagrape); some will slowly be negatively affected (e.g. ixora), and some will just curl up and die (e.g. camellia).

Watering systems with misters or drip methods are far less harmful to plants.

• Pruning also takes its toll on our plants. Because of our long growing season, pruning occurs several times a year. It may temporarily reduce the size of the plant, but it also sends a message to grow! Producing leaves, flowers and seeds requires large amounts of energy.

Our plants are constantly running marathons, month after month.

As plants age-out they become stressed, diseased and die. Replace them with plants that can better handle the salt and are better suited site-wise for the location, thereby requiring less pruning. For a list of plants meeting these requirements, go to BSM22.org, and click on Landscape Committee documents and forms.

January’s “to do” list: Ø Ornamentals – If you’re going to plant, you must also commit to watering with your hose every other day for a couple weeks (then slackening off to a couple times a week, then once a week, etc.)

Tropical palms will do better when planted during the summer months. Ø Annuals – Plant, but take the time to prep the soil well. Mound the soil with a substantial amount of annual mix (contains vermiculite, sand and ground mulch), sprinkle with Osmocote (fertilizer) and a fungicide. Then plant your annuals.

Mounding the soil will elevate the plants so they are more easily seen, keep them from getting wet “feet” and provide adequate good soil to settle their roots into. Ø Pruning – If any plants show signs of cold damage, do nothing! Brown leaves and branches serve to protect emerging green parts from further cold spells. Even if a plant looks dead, wait until March before deciding what and where to prune. Ø Fertilizing – Hold off fertilizing turf and other cold sensitive plants.

Grammar Tips…New Words and Phrases from 2025 THE EDITORS OF THE BEACON

Ah yes, it’s time again to review the new additions to Merriam-Webster’s list of new words and phrases coined in 2025. And, because this was written in late November, 2025, watch for more to come!

Here we go…

AFAIK stands for “as far as I know.” As it is overwhelmingly found in written use, there is no agreement yet on whether it should be pronounced as an acronym (ah-FAYK), or if it is an initialism, and therefore each one of its letters is fully pronounced.

If it is said that when someone ate or ate and left no crumbs, they have performed or done something perfectly or impressively, whether that be singing, dancing, or dressing fashionably and looking good, etc.

In other words, they’ve done something flawlessly, as well as it could possibly be done.

Aura farming refers to the act of doing something to look cool, impressive, stylish, etc., especially—and importantly—without (continued on page 58) BSM22.org 57

trying too hard. One can also “farm aura,” that is, do something in order to enhance one’s coolness.

Bloatware refers to pre-installed computer software that is unwanted, usually because it takes up a large amount of memory and impedes functionality, is difficult to remove, or is generally substandard and unasked for.

A broligarchy is a small group of extremely wealthy men, particularly those in technology, who wield significant political and economic power. A man who is a member of the broligarchy is a broligarch.

The Gen Z stare is a vacant expression that members of Generation Z give in situations where a spoken response would be expected. It occurs in classrooms, restaurants, and other social settings, and often appears judgmental to those on the receiving end.

Sigma is an Internet slang term, especially among young men, referring to a man whose self-assured, dogged individualism is considered a model of status, success, and attractiveness. It can also mean “extremely good,” and is also widely used as a nonsense term and meme online.

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The Beacon, Burnt Store Marina | January 2026

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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!