This is our third edition of the all new Meadows Connection. Effective with the April 2025 edition, Burnt Store Meadows Property Owners Association and our publisher, Seabreeze Communications, announced a new dedicated website for our monthly newsletter, The Meadows Connection. The new dedicated website features a redesigned newsletter, individual articles, an event board, and more.
On the new website, you’ll find a digital flip-book reader with a newly designed magazine. You can flip page by page, click on links, and, at the bottom right-hand corner, zoom in or go full screen. If you prefer to read in an article format, scroll down to read all this month’s content on individual pages. On the top menu bar, you’ll find a spot for previous issues, articles, an Event Board for things going on in and around Burnt Store Meadows, as well as a Vendor Page where you can find local service providers. You can either go directly to the new website to
review/download the new digital version or review a PDF version on our BSM website at Meadows Connection Newsletter | Burnt Store Meadows. We hope you enjoy this newly developed site.
Please feel free to suggest articles or areas of interest you would like to see in future edition of the Meadows Connection.
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BURNT STORE MEADOWS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Melissa Lockhart
Vice President – Ed Carnell
Secretary – Anthony Nutt
The
Treasurer – Joyce Tilden Director at Large – Adele Higgins
Look for Adele's bio in next month's issue!
The Board of Directors meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at Star Hospitality Office located at 26530 Mallard Way, Punta Gorda. The June meeting will be held on June 16.
Residents are welcome to join the meeting in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link is listed on the website for registered members –Zoom Link to Monthly Board Mtg | Burnt Store Meadows.
Burnt Store Meadows Property Owners Association Website
JOYCE TILDEN, BSMPOA DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS AND WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
Keeping you informed and up to date on what’s happening in The Meadows.
The www.bsmpoa.com website makes it quick and easy to access and electronically complete forms required for new construction, additions, and modifications to your existing residence. Also, requests for overnight parking permits can be completed online.
As a resident and/or property owner in the Burnt Store Meadows Community, you will have access to “Owner Only” documents and information. In order to access those
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documents and sections on the website you must register and be authorized as a property owner.
Registration is simple!
The first time you log in to www.bsmpoa.com simply select the Register option in the upper right corner of the screen.
On the Register page you will be asked to enter the following information:
•Are you a Homeowner, Condo Owner, Lot Owner, etc.
•Name, email, cell phone*, address, and create a password for your account.
* If you don’t have a cell phone, or prefer to use another number, you can change this on your Member Profile once your account is approved.
Once you have entered the appropriate information and select Register at the bottom of the page it takes you to the next page. There you are asked to complete your personal Member Settings. This is where you may select your personal preferences on communications, e.g., receiving emails or text messages from the association for items such as the newsletter. Member Settings is where you can update and change your password and specify your privacy.
We hope you enjoy the website. Please feel free to forward comments or suggestions to the Star Management or the webmaster via the Contact Page on the website. HAPPY
BIRTHDAYS
Celebrating The Month Of June
FLAG DAY 2025 : WHAT IS FLAG DAY ALL ABOUT? PLUS, FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT OUR AMERICAN FLAG
Flag Day is Saturday, June 14. What is Flag Day all about? Who really designed the first flag, and what do the red, white, and blue colors symbolize? See how much you know about U.S. flag history and meaning, plus find five fun trivia questions to test your knowledge.
What Is Flag Day?
Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag that occurs each year on June 14, the anniversary of the flag’s official adoption.
What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. Colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols—rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles—and slogans—“Don’t Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death,” and “Conquer or Die,” to name a few.
The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American
flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special interest had its own flag.
On that 14th of June, Congress made the Flag Resolution of 1777, stating: “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field.” Official announcement of the new flag was not made until Sept. 3, 1777.
“Flag Day” has been celebrated as a patriotic occasion for many decades, but President Woodrow Wilson made the observance official on May 30, 1916, by a presidential proclamation.
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Who Made The First American Flag?
The origins of the Stars and Stripes have become part of American folklore. Although many people believe that Betsy Ross designed and sewed the first flag, there is no true proof of this.
However, records do indicate that Betsy Ross most definitely made ensigns and pennants for the Philadelphia Navy during the war, and she certainly inspired the design of the current flag.
Based on colonial folklore, it has also been stated that the American flag was first flown in battle during the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge in 1777.
The original 1777 flag was designed to represent the 13 original colonies. It had 13 white stars on a blue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes.
One of the first flag designs had the stars arranged in a circle, based on the idea that all colonies were equal.
In 1818, after a few design changes, the United States Congress decided to retain the flag’s original 13 stripes and add new stars to reflect each new state that entered the Union.
Each time a state was added to the union, a star was added. Today, there are 50 stars, one for each state in the Union, but the 13 stripes remain.
Interestingly, the current American flag was designed by a high school student from Lancaster, Ohio, named Bob G. Heft! Even though Bob’s history teacher gave him a “B-” for not knowing how many states the Union had, Bob submitted his design to the White House (unprompted) in anticipation of Hawaii and Alaska joining the Union. To his surprise, President Eisenhower called him! Today, it’s Bob Heft’s 1958 design—which shows 50 stars in a field that included five rows of six stars and four rows of five stars—which is now our 50-star American flag (and history teacher changed his grade to an “A”!).
When Is Flag Day?
Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14, is not an official federal holiday, but the president of the United States traditionally proclaims its observance each year. On Flag Day, many towns and cities hold parades and events to celebrate the flag, and the colors are to be flown at all government buildings.
Historical Facts About The U.S. Flag
January 1, 1776: The first United States flag, the “Grand Union,” was displayed by George Washington. It became the unofficial national flag, preceding the 13-star, 13-stripe version.
June 14, 1777: The Stars and Stripes were adopted by the Continental Congress as the Flag of the United States.
June 14, 1877: Flag Day was observed nationally for the first time on the 100th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes—and continues today.
June 14, 1937: Pennsylvania became the first state in the United States to celebrate Flag Day officially as a state holiday.
July 4, 1960: The new 50star flag was flown for the first time—the flag that still flies today.
Why Is The American Flag Red, White, And Blue?
The Continental Congress left no record as to why it chose these colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Articles of Confederation chose the colors for the Great Seal of the United States with these meanings:
•White for purity and innocence
•Red for valor and hardiness
•Blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
Five Flag Trivia Questions
emergency. It means “Help Me! It’s an emergency! Call the police! I am in dire trouble and need immediate help!”
How many versions of the American flag have been designed? There have been 27 versions of the American flag. However, the current flag—designed by a high school boy—has lasted the longest as no states have been added since 1959.
flag has been placed on the moon by an astronaut during six Apollo missions (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17).
Quiz your friends and family with these five flag questions and answers: Is it ever appropriate to fly the flag upside down? Answer: Yes, but only in an
Can the flag touch the ground? Despite the myths, the flag can touch the ground and still be washed and used. However, if the flag is torn or damaged beyond repair, the tradition is to burn it with dignity. Most U.S. localities offer this service at no fee.
How many U.S. flags made it to the moon? The U.S.
Why must Old Glory be folded in such a specific way? The U.S. flag is folded into a small triangle made of 13 folds. Each fold has a special meaning and symbolism. For example, the first fold represents life, while the third honors the veteran who has departed, and the fifth is a tribute to our country.
Celebrating Fathers On Sunday, June 15
Father’s Day in the United States is on the third Sunday of June. It celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make for their children’s lives.
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Its origins may lie in a memorial service held for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, W.Va., in 1907.
Father’s Day is an occasion to mark and celebrate the contribution our fathers or father figures have made in our lives.
There are a range of events which may have inspired the idea of Father’s Day. One of these was the start of the Mother’s Day tradition in the first decade of the 20th century. Another was a memorial service held in 1908 for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, W. Va., in December 1907.
A woman called Sonora Smart Dodd was an influential figure in the establishment of Father’s Day. Her father raised six children by himself after the death of their mother. This was uncommon at that time, as many widowers placed their children in the care of others or quickly married again.
Sonora was inspired by the work of Anna Jarvis, who had pushed for Mother’s Day celebrations. Sonora felt that her father deserved recognition for what he had done. The first time Father’s Day was held in June was in 1910. Father’s Day was officially recognized as a holiday in 1972 by President Nixon.
Juneteenth Day
When is Juneteenth? This event is always observed on June 19.
Juneteenth day, a June 19 holiday, celebrates and symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. It was not until June 19, 1865, that all slaves were finally freed. That concluding event was when General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, with his troops and issued Order Number 3 which finally freed the last of the slaves.
of the 13th Amendment of the constitution.
In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. The formal name is Juneteenth National Independence Day. It is sometimes referred to as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.
How to participate in Juneteenth – Learn more about slavery as it existed in the U.S. and the world. Learn more about the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Read it.
Today’s Quote “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish as fools.” – Martin Luther King
Summer Solstice
The formal end of slavery was marked by the passing
Everything You Should Know About the Longest Day of the Year. Summer days are here! Summer begins with the solstice on Friday, June 20, marking the astronomical first day of summer in the Northern
Hemisphere. What exactly IS the summer solstice? Is it really the longest day of the year? Welcome the solstice with some interesting facts and folklore.
The June Solstice – In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice (aka summer solstice) occurs when the sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. This marks
the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe. (In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite: The June solstice marks the astronomical start of winter when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky.)
When is the Summer Solstice? The June solstice occurs on Friday, June 20, at 10:42 p.m. EDT.
Calling All Pet Owners!
Tell us about your pet(s)! Every month we will feature one family’s pet(s) in an article in Meadows Connection. All you must do is write between 200 to 600 words about your much-loved dog, cat, or other animal and include a couple of high resolution pictures. Some ideas to show off your beloved pet include – how you named him/her;
a description of his/her looks; favorite activities and toys; what makes him/her special to you, or whatever else you’d like to share with readers. This is limited to Burnt Store Meadows owners and residents.
Your submission doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece; we will edit and format it for the monthly newsletter. Have fun writing about your pet and send to joyce.tilden.bsmpoa@gmail.com for submission in the Meadows Connections.
Our Roller-Coaster Real Estate Market
In Punta Gorda
RICHARD STEWART, LOCAL REALTOR
During the COVID pandemic in 2021 into 2023, home prices in Punta Gorda skyrocketed to unprecedented highs, with increases in home values at an average of 37.3 percent, and as high as 70 percent in some popular neighborhoods! The world had discovered wonderful Southwest Florida! And it led to seriously OVER-valued properties, and record low inventory, the most radical change in the entire U.S.!
BUT … this crazy phenomenon has graphically reversed in 2024 and 2025. Punta Gorda is again creating records, with record-setting reductions in valuations. Year-over-year price drops of 9.2 percent
And it led to seriously OVERvalued properties, and record low inventory, the most radical change in the entire U.S.!
according to Realtor.com, and 14.3 percent posted by Redfin.com, and even higher percentages again in popular neighborhoods.
Inventory of resale homes listed for sale has more than doubled since 2023, and this means lots of competition for people selling their homes. The two main factors that are stimulating this mass exodus from Punta Gorda seem to be, 1) three
major hurricanes in two years, and 2) challenges in obtaining homeowner and flood insurance at escalating prices.
Add to this the fact that the big builders like DR Horton, Maronda, and Lennar are listing about 150 new builds per month locally and giving unheard of incentives to buyers right now. Serious competition for resale sellers!
Will this lunacy eventually correct itself? History shows that it always does. We must have confidence that people from all over the world see that Southwest Florida offers all the best aspects of life!
Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market
Your local Farmer’s Market with produce, seafood, meat, ethnic cuisine, arts, crafts, live music, working artists and much more.
Featuring over 70 vendors. Located in beautiful downtown Punta Gorda. Every Saturday, rain or shine (unless it falls on Christmas Day, an active Hurricane Warning day or other unforeseen event). May to September – 8 a.m. to noon
June In Your Southwest Florida Garden
Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Flowering plants that can take full sun during the increasingly sizzling summer months include portulaca, vinca, pentas, and some coleus. See
Pests: Monitor the landscape and garden weekly for harmful insects. Knowing which plants are frequently attacked can aid in early detection. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Care: Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topics/lawn-garden-pest-management
Irrigation: Watch for drought stress and water as needed if rainfall has been spotty. Focus on new plantings and follow watering restrictions. When rains begin, shut down the irrigation system. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Care: Irrigation: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn_and_ garden_care_irrigation
Propagation: Produce more plants by air layering, grafting, division, or cuttings. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Plants: Seeds and Propagation: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topics/lawn-garden-propagation
Palms and cycads: June kicks off Florida’s hurricane season, but so-called “hurricane” or “pineapple” pruning is not recommended. For information on the correct way to prune palms See
Pruning: Lightly prune summer-flowering shrubs, like hibiscus, oleander, and ixora, during the warmer months to increase blooming. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Care: Pruning: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-andgarden-care-pruning
Fertilizer bans: Numerous municipalities in South Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June to September). Does an ordinance exist in your area? See
Lawns: Check frequently for damaged areas and keep insects in check with prompt treatment. Troubleshoot yellow and brown lawn patches for chinch bugs, disease, or lack of water. Take time to determine the cause so your remedy is effective. Rejuvenate areas where grass does not grow well by replacing it with versatile groundcovers. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Pest Insects: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/garden_pest_ insects
•The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/ docs/FFL-Plant-Guide_v030624_web.pdf
Soil solarization: Clean up your vegetable garden and use summer heat to solarize the soil for fall vegetable planting. It takes four to six weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start now. See
Lightning safety: Be safe outdoors during summer storms. See •Ask IFAS: Lightning: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lightning
Writers Wanted!!!
To make the Meadows Connection interesting and readable to our residents, we invite you to share your stories, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome articles about books, travel, pets, sports, TV and movies, Tech, and/or content that will get our community talking and sharing. Just avoid topics such as politics and religion in keeping with our policy to avoid controversy.
Numerous municipalities in South Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June to September).
Please limit your words to between 200 to 600 words and feel free to include a couple of jpeg photos with high resolution. We’ll be happy to give you a byline!
Have fun writing and send to joyce.tilden.bsmpoa@gmail.com for submission in the Meadows Connection.
Recipes Of The Seasons
This colorful mango salsa recipe is so easy to make! It’s sweet, spicy, and delicious. Fresh mango salsa is great with chips, on tacos & more!
INGREDIENTS
3 ripe mangos, diced (how to cut a mango)
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup chopped red onion
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1 large lime, juiced (about ¼ cup lime juice)
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
RUSTIC FLORIDA BLUEBERRY COBBLER
Filling:
1 stick butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 cups fresh Florida blueberries, rinsed and drained
1 cup natural sugar
For Topping:
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup natural sugar
1 teaspoon natural
vanilla extract
1/2 cup low-fat milk
Preparation
FRESH MANGO SALSA
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a serving bowl, combine the prepared mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle with the juice of one lime.
2. Using a large spoon, stir the ingredients together. Season to taste with salt and stir again. For the best flavor, let the salsa rest for 10 minutes or longer.
Yields 4 to 6 Servings
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the butter in an 8-inch square glass baking dish (no substitutes) and melt in the microwave. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice and blueberries. Add the sugar and mix well. Add the blueberry mixture to the baking dish with the melted butter. Do not stir.
Make topping: Combine all the topping ingredients in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the blueberries and bake for 45 minutes, or until brown. Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information For Filling (based on 6 servings): One serving contains the following: Calories 317; Total Fat 16g; Cholesterol 41mg; Sodium 162mg; Total Carbohydrates 47g; Protein 1g.
For Topping (based on 6 servings): One serving contains the following: Calories 207; Total Fat 1g; Cholesterol 2mg; Sodium 13mg; Total Carbohydrates 48g; Protein 3g.
FLORIDA BLUEBERRY AND PEACH COBBLER
INGREDIENTS
Fruit Mixture
3 to 4 medium Florida peaches, peeled and cut into sections
1 cup of Florida blueberries
¼ cup of sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons of cornstarch
Cobbler Mixture
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted, cooled butter
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup flour, plus 2 tablespoons
1 teaspoon of baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon butter to brush over the topping
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
If you love peach cobbler and are a blueberry fan, don’t let this recipe slip by. It’s truly a favorite since it uses both Florida blueberries and peaches … and did we mention the warm cobbler – just like grandma would have made?
Yields 4 Servings
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix peaches and blueberries. Separately, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Combine the two. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix the egg, cooled butter, and heavy cream. Whisk with a fork. Set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Make a well (small indentation) in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Slowly draw the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, combining just until mixed.
Place four 8-ounce ramekins on a sheet pan. Pour in the fruit, dividing the mixture evenly.
Spoon the dough over the top (it will be sticky) of the fruit. It may not spread to the edges of the ramekin completely but be sure the dough is distributed over the fruit. (I leave the edges a little exposed.) Lightly brush the dough with butter.
Bake at 350 degrees until the juices bubble up and the crust is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. (Check at 15 minutes.) Serve hot. Add ice cream!
