Ale Tales And Lager Lore
By Diane Bothfeld, Certified Cicerone
The Beer Club at Cross Creek had a great tour at Point Ybel Brewing Company in Fort Myers on Feb. 20. Twentyeight members of the Beer Club got a tour of the facilities and learned about brewing from the co-owner and head brewer Jordan Weisberg. The group then went to the tasting room to try all the excellent beers that Point Ybel has to offer. My favorite was the schwarzbier called Schlucker Bier. Schwarzbier is a black German lager with some toasty notes but is still an easy drinking beer. I did have the Dodgy ESB and that beer is a winner – see below!
The Beer Club appreciated all the time that Jordan spent with our group. Point Ybel works closely with the community and puts on many events. Check out their web page for upcoming events. The Beer Club will continue to hold activities, if you would like more information or to be added to the email list, contact Diane Bothfeld at diane.bothfeld@icloud.com.
Extra Extra – Local Craft Brewers Bring Home Awards
From The Best Florida Beer Competition
The Best Florida Beer Competition was held in Tampa on March 3 and four Fort Myers area craft brewers brought home awards for their beer. There were 780 entries in 46 categories. Scotty’s Bierwerks, Fort Myers Brewing, Point
Ybel Brewing Company and Hopsized Brewing Company all took home awards and the specifics are shown below. These breweries all have tasting rooms and would be glad to have you visit to sample these award-winning beers.
Scotty’s Bierwerks, Cape Coral
Oatmeal Stout, American stout, gold for the category German Pilsner, German style pilsener, bronze for the category Fort Myers Brewing, Fort Myers
Chocolate Stout, chocolate beer, bronze for the category Czech Around , Bohemian style pilsener, gold for the category
Penny Lager, American style amber lager, silver for the category
High Five, American pale ale, bronze for the category
This beer is on tap at the Cross Creek Clubhouse/Restaurant. OYA, Imperial IPA, gold for the category
Fort Myers Brewing was also named the best large brewery in Florida!
Point Ybel Brewing Company, Fort Myers
Dodgy ESB, English style extra special bitter, gold for the category
Hopsized Brewing Company, Bonita Springs
Ethereal, golden or blond ale, gold for the category
Congratulations to all the Florida brewers and especially to our local brewers that brought home awards. There are lots of excellent, award-winning beers to try. Remember to always drink responsibly.
Ohio Buckeye ‘Big 10 Challenge’ Golf Outing
Submitted by Patti Barbuto
Cross Creek Buckeye Club held its 35th annual golf outing on March
2. There were 84 golfers, a sold-out event, representing various colleges and universities. It was a beautiful day filled with friendships, lots of birdies and even some alligator sightings.
Mulligan tickets turned into door prizes at a delicious luncheon following golf. 50/25/25 proceeds went to Harry Chapin food bank. A big thank you to all who helped make this day such a big success.
Cross Creek Travelers
By Kathy Bonick
Biltmore Estate And The Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, N.C., Oct. 20 To 25, $915 Per
Person Double Occupancy
(Add $209 For Singles)
Fall dazzling splendor at the Biltmore Estate should not be missed, harvest season in the vineyards and gardens brimming with colorful mums are one of the many reasons to visit at this time of the year.
Five nights lodging including three consecutive nights in the Asheville area
Eight meals including five breakfasts and three dinners
A guided tour of Asheville, N.C.
A full day visit to the Biltmore Estate
A guided drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
A visit to the famous Folk Art Center
A visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Join us for this fall trip not to be missed.
Amelia Island, St. Augustine And Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 9 To 12, Four Days/Three Nights, $529 Double Occupancy
Motorcoach transportation
Three nights lodging in the Jacksonville area with six meals: three breakfasts and two dinners
A visit to the Fountain of Youth
Guided tours of Amelia Island and St. Augustine
Fantastic shopping on historic St. George Street
Narrated cruise on the St. John’s River
Dinner party and entertainment
See the historic city of St. Augustine in white lights at evening for the Christmas season.
Call Kathy Bonick to sign up. There is a $75 per person deposit, (309) 265-7241.
Charleston, S.C., Feb. 24 To March 1, 2025, Six Days/Five Nights, $799/Double Occupancy
Transportation on top quality motorcoach, restroom and video equipped
Five nights lodging including three consecutive nights in the Charleston area
Eight meals including five breakfasts and three dinners
A visit to famous and historic Middleton Place
A visit to the historic Charleston City Market
A relaxing harbor cruise in Charleston
A guided tour of Charleston
A tour of historic Charleston home and historic Charleston plantation
There is a $75 per person deposit required. Call Kathy Bonick at (309) 265-7241 or email at kathyhike17@yahoo.com.
Second place winners were Tom and Maria Krispinski and Shari and T.J. Krispinski.
Third place winners were Ron Buzzell, Mike Walsh, Bill Greel and Jim Ward. Tenth place winners were Henry and Annette Oakes and Judy and Al Herman.
First place winners were George and Robin Neuss, Penn State and Mary and Dale Ward, Ohio State.
Ladies’ closest to the pin winner was Cheryl Casciano.
Men’s closest to the pin winner was Dale Ward.
Nine Hole Ladies’ Harry Chapin Food Bank Fundraiser
Submitted by Patti Barbuto
It was a beautiful day for our 14th annual Harry Chapin event. The Ladies’ Nine Hole League hosted 104 ladies from Cross Creek and other golf communities to raise over $10,000 for this deserving charity. A big “thank you” to all who participated along with Mary Lou Lydecker, our club president, and Lynda Piantoni, the chairperson for this event. Thank you to the husbands who helped out and added to the festivities with the various hole challenges and keeping us hydrated while on the course.
This is always a highlight for our nine hole league and a memorable event.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Important Notice
All articles need to be sent to Mindy Tamaccio at mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com.
To All Reporters Submitting Copy
1. Village news: 300 words or less.
2. Deadline: Seventh of the month by 5 p.m.
3. Articles – Please do not capitalize all words.
4. Please sign articles.
E-Mail Addresses
Members can now e-mail their request to the following departments: Office office@crosscreekfl.com Restaurant restaurant@crosscreekfl.com Clubhouse clubhouse@crosscreekfl.com
Reminder - Keep Columns Brief Pictures WILL NOT be returned. * * * * * When submitting articles, please do not capitalize all letters.
Mindy Tamaccio, Editor Courier ...... (610) 812-0987 mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com
Cross Creek Restaurant and Lounge (239) 768-1474
Cross Creek Community Association Vision And Mission Statement
Our Vision – To be a respected and affordable golf and clubhouse facility.
Mission – We operate a semiprivate golf and clubhouse facility that provides an enjoyable environment where members and guests receive superior customer service. Our goal is to exceed customer expectations everyday. We operate with innovative and creative management where honesty, integrity and good business practices are the foundation of our leadership. We foster an atmosphere of teamwork among members, staff and community.
–Mary Lou Lydecker,
Beth
Departing Your Residence
April signals the end of this season’s romance, as snowbirds prepare to return to their primary residence. The departure is a well-coordinated ballet of packing, cleaning and farewells.
Please use these suggestions for an easy transition.
1. Shut off the water supply to your unit.
2. Turn you washing machine faucets off to relieve the pressure.
3. Close the door to the laundry.
4. Remove any items on your lanai.
5. Turn off the electricity to your hot water heater. (This is important if you turn the water off.)
6. If you have a humidistat on your air-conditioning unit, turn it to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and set the
temperature to 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Place a cup of bleach in toilets and Saran wrap the bowls to prevent evaporation and staining.
8. Remove all perishable foods from cupboards.
9. Empty two glasses of water in the dishwasher to keep the seal from drying out and close and lock the dishwasher door to limit evaporation.
10. Securely lock all windows and sliders.
11. Close all hurricane shutters (if installed).
12. Retain a caretaker to periodically check your unit.
13. Provide the management company with an alternate contact number.
14. Turn off the water to your unit.
Cross Creek Book Club
The Cross Creek Book Club meets the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. in the garden room at the clubhouse, November through April. There are Zoom meetings in May, September, and October. A link for the Zoom meeting
will be sent prior to the meeting. Please join us for our book discussions, even if you haven’t read the book.
Following is the schedule for April.
April 12 The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave For more information, please contact Pam Conti, (607) 759-1996, pconti123@gmail.com. If you need the Zoom link, please contact Pam Conti.
In order to better serve your concerns and questions regarding our community, please contact the following board members directly with your specific issues or questions.
Cross Creek Master Board Liaisons Telephone
Harvey LaPointe, President Common Grounds (435) 659-9805
Brent Minor, Vice President Golf Course (239) 768-0743 or (847) 636-1454
Frank Maranto, Treasurer (239) 785-4750
Jim Ysseldyke, Secretary Lakes (612) 801-0258
Byron Heape, Director Pro Shop and Cart Barn (618) 558-5360
Chance Chancellor, Director Clubhouse Area Buildings and Pool (239) 247-3627
Debbie Kelly, Director Restaurant (703) 963-1104
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Harvey LaPointe, President 13239 Oak Hill Loop 435-659-9805 Debbie Kelly, Vice President 13131
Mary Lou Lydecker, nine hole club president; Linda Piantoni, chairperson for Harry Chapin event
First place front nine: Cross Creek Golf Club – Kelly Turk, Becky Lord, Carol Mirando, Judy Jankowski
First place back nine: Hunters Run Executive Club – Jane Shone, Marty Whitton, Carol Blieka, Maria Giampoala
Second place front nine: Cross Creek Golf Club
Cheryl Casciano, Bonnie Dyrek, Mary Jansma
Third place front nine: Cross Creek Golf Club – Phyllis Wayco, Sherrie Matthews, Carmen Dulhanty, Frank Danek
Not pictured: Tied for second place on back nine: Cross Creek Golf Club – Sue Marcotte, Martha Crawford, Diane Armbruster,
Graham, Pat Braz, Vicki Duncan, Vicki Hunter, Diane Lower
Yes Way, Rosé
By The Somm Sisters
As spring approaches, one’s palate yearns for a wine more refreshing, crisp, and fruity. Rosé, with its diverse flavor profiles, offers many choices sure to please every palate. Picking a rosé to inspire your palate can be complicated. The following tips are offered to help you in your search.
Depending upon the laws and regulations of the wine region, rosé is made three different ways: 1. Short skin contact Black grapes crushed and left to sit with their skins for two to 24 hours departing more color, flavors, and tannins with each hour.
2. Saignee (French for bleeding) method. Often sourced in red wine making, this technique drains out the first juice produced, which is pink, and then ferments it into rosé.
3. Blending. As simple as it sounds, blending is mixing red with white wine. This method is not permissible in several wine regions.
Now … which rosé is right for you? 1. Provence rosé. These French rosés are crisp, fruity, and dry with notes of mint, grapefruit, and strawberry. Provence rosés pair beautifully with light salads, lightly cooked shellfish and goat cheese.
2. Sangiovese rosés. Typically used in Chianti, this Italian grape is fruity and dry with notes of rose petal, green melon, strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry. This rosé pairs nicely with salmon, crab, and game meats such as duck, Cornish hens and roasted turkey.
3. White Zinfandel rosés. This sweet rosé with crisp acidity offers notes of melon, strawberry, raspberry, cherry and rich citrus. White Zinfandel rosé offers a superb match with fruit salads, strawberry shortcake, Asian cuisine and anything spicy.
4. Tavel rosés. Tavel is a famous wine region in France which is known worldwide for the rosés produced. Tavel rosés are savory and rich with intense notes of berries and an
Social Committee Updates
By Mary Peabody
The members of the Cross Creek Social Committee really hope you have enjoyed the many events held throughout the season. It is no small feat to juggle all the moving parts of getting an event up and running so thank you to all who helped and to those who showed up. A special thanks goes to all the clubhouse staff. We so appreciate your good will and high energy. These events would not be possible without you.
From dinner dances to the fashion show, from hockey games to decorating the property for the holidays, from the Superbowl to Canada Day, these events are a way to
join with friends and neighbors for laughter and good times.
The Social Committee is already looking ahead to next season and, to help with planning, we invite your input. In your email inbox in late March there will be a short survey that will help us plan future events that meet your interests and attract even greater community participation. Please take 10 minutes and give us your feedback. We can’t wait to hear from you.
For an overview of the season keep an eye on our Cross Creek Community TV channel, 901. You might spot a familiar face or two.
18 Hole Women’s Golf League
By Jan Klaus, fjklaus@comcast.net
FebruaryWeekly League Results
Feb. 7 – Member/Guest
Group 1
First place Sherrie Matthews / Wendy Smith 64
Second place Arlene McClintock / Mary Heisler 67
Group 2
First place tie Carmen Dulhanty/Kathy Furlong 67
First place tie DeAnne Lane/Wendy Anglin 67
Group 3
First place Fran Danck/Karen Maas 65
Second place EJ Nees/Karla Roder 67
Feb. 14 – Mystery Game
Flight 1
First place Fran Danek 49
Second place tie Amy Liming 51
Second place tie Lesa Foss 51
Flight 2
First place Barbara Price 51
Second place tie Jan Klaus 52
Second place tie Carmen Dulhanty 52
Second place tie Brigitte Kratzat 52
Flight 3
First place Marsha Smith 43
Second place Karen Maas 45
Third place Mary Lou Horan 46
Feb. 21 – Championship Week One Results will be posted after week three.
Feb. 28 – Championship Week Two Results will be posted after week three.
Alliance For The Arts
Wednesday Night Market
Wednesday 4/10, 5/8, 6/12, 7/10, 8/14, 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, and 12/11, 5 to 8 p.m.
Join us every second Wednesday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. for our monthly pop-up market. We feature a selection of fresh produce, art, live music, food trucks and beer and wine.
Open Mic At The Night Market
Wednesday, April 10, 5 to 8 p.m.
Join us for Open Mic at the Night Market, celebrating local musicians. Enjoy live performances in a vibrant atmosphere. Register online to participate. Basic sound system provided. Limited to one song or five minutes per performer. Spread the word and join us for an evening of talent and community spirit!
The Future Of Art: Student Exhibit
April 4 to April 27
Our walls are doused in student imagination and talent this month. This is the 32nd year the Alliance has partnered with Lee Arts Educators Association and the show features artwork from Lee County elementary, middle and high schools with hundreds of works in a variety of mediums.
Rock The Arches – Two Days Of Music To Help Bring Back History
April 6 and 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Fourth Annual Rock The Arches Music Festival is a fundraiser for Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, Inc. Every dollar raised will be matched by Arches Bayfront and Moss Marina up to our goal of achieving $94,217.50.
This is a family-friendly event. No outside coolers, drinks, or food, will be allowed.
Razing Liberty Square – A Film Screening
April 17, 6 to 9 p.m.
Member’s price – $10, nonmember’s price – $12 Miami is ground zero for sea-level rise. When residents of the historic Liberty Square public housing project learn about a $300 million revitalization plan for their neighborhood, which has long suffered from disinvestment, they know that this sudden interest comes from the fact that their neighborhood is located on the highest and driest ground in the city. Now they must prepare to fight a new form of racial injustice – Climate Gentrification.
1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture – A Film Screening
May 8, 6 to 9 p.m.
Member’s price – $10, nonmember’s price – $12
1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. Featuring commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators, 1946 is at once challenging, enlightening, and inspiring.
earthier, nuttier note. This wine is lower in acidity and sure to please both red and white wine drinkers. Tavel rosé is a workhorse which is a good pick for tuna steak, artichoke, garlic dishes, charcuterie meat and cheese boards, and an autumnal potluck picnic.
Alliance For The Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919, (239) 939-2787, artinlee.org. Please note the updated gallery and administrative office hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22
New 12 Hole Group Starting Fall/Winter
By Cheryl Casciano
There is a new
not be a league, just a
to socialize and enjoy golfing. Swing by the Pro Shop and sign up this month for the fall/winter season as well as next year.
Card News
Bridge Winners
By Frank Maranto
Feb. 12
Carol Richardson and Mary Fennick 4810
Roger and Barb Gruhle 4290
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 3980
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 3620
Gail Knaack and Carolyn Harry 3480
Judy Brouwer and Estelle Snyder 3080
Feb. 19
Roger and Barb Gruhle 5350
Pat Sandoe and Janice Modesitte 3790
Carol Richardson and Diane Buckley 3520
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 3510
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 3180
Paula Maranto and Sharon Anglavar 3170 Feb. 26
Julie Becknell and Yvonne Mostowy 4010
Gail Knaack and Carolyn Harry 3800
Don and Carol Kernwein 3450
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 3280
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 2930
Pat Sandoe and Ralph Gordon 2530
Desserts are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, Appetizers can be anything like the roll of the dice, Entrees can be meaty, veggie and even rice,
But please, let’s not have lice or mice.
So take the dare, submit a recipe you would like to share, Some will make it with care, And even serve it for their fare. Submit all recipes to mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com.
If you are out for an early morning stroll or power walk, please use the sidewalk or side of the street, not the middle. A member said he almost hit someone with dark clothes and in the middle of the road.
ladies’ golf group coming. It will
fun 12 hole golf time
Village News
Country Club Village
February came and went as fast as a green flash over the ocean. We started the month with our first ever Bingo Bonanza event at the CCVI and II pool. Gary and Susan Presley organized the event with 33 people in attendance with the final prize being $125. The event was well received and will be offered again next year. We also resumed our February Poolside Bingo every Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. We had a lot of different winners and lots of fun. The main event for the month was our in-house bocce tournament organized by Rich Dunkailo followed by a craft pizza party from Two Meatballs in the Kitchen and organized by Lee Katherine Baird. The bocce tournament was double elimination starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. The winning team was Fred Alvarado, Tracy Walker, David Woodfin and Constance Shaw. It was an excellent day with perfect weather and great throws. Congratulations to the winners!
Poets Corner
Iguana Hunting
By Gwen Pangburn
Written for my mother in 2008 who wanted to look for iguanas on Sanibel Island.
Today I hunt the wild iguana
That lurks on shadowy palms
Sitting motionless on branches
As if waiting to be found.
And I breathless from my searching
Try to wake this odd green creature
But it never turns its hooded head
Acting smug like silent teacher.
Weary seeker I turn homeward
Feeling powerless again
Till I slip on my green sweater
Enter world of let’s pretend.
Let’s say iguana really saw me
Took my whispers as commands
Woke its comrades other creatures
Now word travels across the lands.
All will marvel at our meeting
How all destiny’s collide.
Now I settle on my branch-chair
Feeling peacefulness inside.
Even winds and tides are wondering What could be creators plan
When a simple iguana hunter
Finds nirvana near the sand.
Remember, cart paths are for golf carts only; no bikes, no walkers, no runners.
Tall Grass
By Mary Peabody
Renovations on our little street are finally drawing to a close. The new roofs are in place and repairs to all the soffits and fascia have been completed and we are awaiting the painters. The final step will be replacing the gutters with the new higher-capacity models which will, hopefully, help manage the summer rains when they arrive.
Since so many have stopped by to ask the roofing we selected is a Tilcor CF shingle. It is a low-profile stone coated steel panel with the promise of a long serviceable life. It is a big change from the more traditional tiles we’ve been accustomed to but so far everyone is pleased with the finished product.
All the construction along with the cool weather has kept us from our planned social gatherings but we are going to remedy that with a block party which will give us time to enjoy one another’s company before our seasonal neighbors begin their migration to parts north.
Neighbor highlight: Rick Kody and Patricia Kramer spend their winters here on Tall Grass but they have a really interesting summer gig. They are the co-owners and hosts of Waters Edge Retreat, a B&B located on Kelleys Island, in the western basin of Lake Erie. If you’re looking for a fun new place to visit or if you want to read the sweetest love story ever, check out their website at https://watersedgeretreat.com/ information/.
Terrace I
As the end of the season approaches, Terrace 1 has had many wonderful events.
One of our most fun and exciting this month has been the bocce tournament. Nine teams participated in front of a group of cheering fans. It was a nail bitter till the end. The winners were Judy, Dennis G., Dougie and Barbara P. Thanks so much for your participation.
from left
the
the
The Verandas
By Roger Kadash
End of season. Dim the lights, this season is coming to an end. We still have some patio days coming up this April.
Verandas committees: There is still time to sign up for one of the Verandas committees: landscape, social or building. For the landscaping committee, contact Roger Kadash; for the social committee, contact Cheryl Casciano; and for the building committee, Jim Millikin. Let’s all work to help improve the Verandas.
Verandas ladies’ lunch: The next Verandas ladies’ luncheon is TBDT.
April facts: April 1 is April Fools’ Day. April is humor month so let’s all laugh it up. The birthstone is the diamond, the flower is the sweet pea and daisy and the zodiac signs are Aries and Taurus.
For all Verandas friends heading north have a safe trip, stay healthy and we will be looking forward to seeing you next season. Godspeed and enjoy your summer.
Wyldewood
In the March Courier I wrote that, at the Wyldewood golf outing, a prize for the most golf balls lost should be considered. Well, it was. But first, the winners of the nine hole scramble obliterating the field were Ed Myers, Don Hatton, Vicki Johnson and Jan Goldeke. Limping in close behind in second was Jan Hogan, Joann Wipperman, Carol Weber and Peter Brochhausen. Congratulations to all the other teams who showed up.
The celebration dinner took place at the Cross Creek clubhouse. Oh, I won/embarrassed myself with the most golf balls lost. I will not give the number for it left me forlorn and forsaken. In addition to the Wyldewood golf outing, Don Hatton was recognized for his second place in the grueling men’s 18 hole match play competition. It was a close match ending on the last hole.
It seems we just arrived at Cross Creek and it’s already time to leave. We want to thank our entertainment committee for the multitude of great events this season at Wyldewood. In addition, the Cross Creek Entertainment Committee has done a great job for the community.
So, it is time or soon will be time to clean out the refrigerator, set the temperature, turn off the water and most importantly secure a home watch person who will check your condo at least semiweekly. This will help you feel more secure while away and if an insurance event occurs it will help in any mediation.
If flying home you will “have wind beneath your wings” be Leaving On A Jet Plane , be Fly Like An Eagle , and as the airlines say “Come Fly with Me.” If driving you will be On the Road Again , maybe King of the Road and finally Hit the Road Jack. No better not.
Here are the names for
winners of
Terrace 1 bocce tournament
to right: Judy McAnarney, Dennis Granzow, Dougie Howard and Barb Price.