Ale Tales And Lager Lore
By Diane Bothfeld
Happy holidays to you and all the people you care about. There are several holidays in December to celebrate and many brewers prepare holiday beers for the season. Many holiday beers are brewed with spices and are high in alcohol. Up north, these would be beers to curl up with near a fire and sip on a cold winter’s night. It is warmer in Florida, but you can still curl up and savor these beers with family and friends.
European brewers have frequently made holiday beers and here are two possible options. A Belgian beer – Delirium Christmas, is a Belgian dark strong ale and is amber to brown in color. This is a strong beer with over 10 percent alcohol with flavors of caramel, chocolate, dark fruits (like raisins and
prunes), spices – clove, cinnamon and allspice, and bubbly effervescence! Belgian brewers use specific ale yeasts that provide some very interesting fruity and spicy flavors. This beer is a treat, might be a bit hard to find but I have seen this brand at Total Wine before!
A British ale to consider is Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome. This is a strong English ale that has caramel flavors as well as some toffee and nutty notes. This beer comes in at 6 percent alcohol and has a slightly bitter, dry aftertaste. No real spices here and that may appeal to a broader group, but this is a well-balanced ale to be shared.
On to some local examples of holiday beers. Fort Myers Brewing makes Keg Nog, which is a stout brewed with cinnamon and nutmeg and comes in at 10 percent alcohol.
Cross Creek Travelers
Miami, Fort Lauderdale And Key West – Jan. 23 To 25, 2024
Three Days/Two Nights – $460 Per Person, Double Occupancy
This trip will have a deluxe motor coach transportation equipped with video and Wi-Fi and will include three meals: two breakfasts and one dinner. We’ll enjoy a sightseeing cruise down the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale, and enjoy the exciting island city of Key West. In Miami, we’ll see the famous South Beach and Lincoln Road restaurants and quaint shops. A stop at Little Havana will round out this fun two-day tour. We sold out last year so don’t miss this one. Charleston, S.C. – March 11 To 16
Six Days/Five Nights – $875 Per Person, Double Occupancy
Your journey to charming Charleston where you’ll explore the historic Charleston city market with eclectic shops you won’t find elsewhere. Our guided tour will include a scenic harbor cruise taking in the beauty of the Charleston Harbor learning the rich history of the “Holy City.” You will tour the impressive Middleton Place experiencing the garden, animal stables, the chapel, rice mill and so much more. We’ll visit the Charleston Tea Garden and tour a historic Charleston home. A highlight of your tour includes a trolley tour of the garden. Of course, we will have a guided tour of this beautiful city of Charleston. Washington, D.C. (Our Nation’s Capital) – March 20 To 28 Nine Days/Eight Nights – $1,330 Per Person, Double Occupancy
This price includes 14 meals: Eight breakfasts and
This beer plays tribute to holiday egg nog but as a dark rich beer! Certainly, a beer to curl up with and savor with friends and family.
Another example from a Florida brewery is Funky Buddha Last Snow. This is a porter with flavors of chocolate, coconut, and coffee which is rich and creamy. This beer is a bit lower in alcohol at 6.4 percent and is black in color. With fewer spices this may hit the spot for those not interested in holiday spices in a beer and supporting a local brewer.
Holiday times are important opportunities to be with friends and families but as always drink responsibly and if you overindulge, please seek alternative transportation and/ or have a designated driver.
Happy holidays to you all!
six dinners with our deluxe motor coach transportation for your comfort. We will have two guided tours of Washington, D.C., including the World War II Memorial, Capitol Hill, Embassy Row, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Smithsonian, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and much more. Not to be missed is our evening guided memorial and monuments tour. Admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Garden. Tram ride through Arlington National Cemetery. This historic trip will be one not to miss.
Biltmore Estate And The Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, N.C. – Oct. 20 To 25
Six Days/Five Nights – $915 Per Person, Double Occupancy
This price includes eight meals: Five breakfasts and three dinners. Fall’s dazzling splendor at the Biltmore Estate in its autumn beauty, harvest season in the vineyards and gardens, brimming with colorful mums are but a few reasons to visit Biltmore in the fall. Biltmore village connects the estate’s present and past, providing a relaxing place for dining, shopping, and historical exhibits. This is a must-see destination in America. Our trip has a guided tour of downtown Asheville featuring Art Deco architecture complementing the Miami Art Deco. This time of the year is perfect for a drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s most visited National Park. We’ll visit the famous Folk Art Center which is sure to be a delight.
Cross Creek Book Club
For more information on these tours visit www.grouptrips. com/crosscreek. A $75 deposit is required to secure your seat. Checks only are to be made out to Diamond Tours and sent to Kathy Bonick, 8380 Arborfield Court, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Calls can be made to (309) 265-7241 for further information.
Big 10 Golf Challenge
Mark your calendars for March 2, 2024. This fun annual golf outing will be a four-person scramble with a shotgun starting at 10 a.m. A luncheon and prizes will follow.
It is a sold-out event each year so watch for signup sheets in the clubhouse mid-January. The Buckeye Club welcomes all universities and colleges to “The Challenge!”
For questions or more information please call Tom or Patti Barbuto, (248) 425-1267.
2023/24
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 December through April 2024.
Dec. 8 The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Anne Lyons
2024
Jan. 12 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Feb. 9 West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
March 8 Horse by Geraldine Brooks
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.
Terrace I
By Mindy Tamaccio
December at Terrace I is a magical time. The decorations are up and the palm trees are sparkling.
It is a wonderful time to visit the Edison Ford Winter Estates to see the decorations and do not miss the Naples 5th Avenue Christmas Parade.
Our Social Committee is working extremely hard putting events together and will have all the information available soon.
I know the Christmas party is being organized as well as New Year’s Eve.
Golf leagues have begun, do not forget to sign up in advance to get the tee times you like.
Ladies’ Nine Hole League
Looking for a fun way to begin your Tuesday morning? Come join the Ladies’ Nine Hole League. Sign up in the clubhouse. We play a game each week for prize money and play a scramble and luncheon once a month. Hope you will consider joining in the fun and swinging with us.
For questions, please call Mary Lou Lydecker, (440) 666-7468.
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.
The Verandas
By Roger Kadash
Patio party: Patio party is up and running. The weather has been great. Remember the patio party is every Tuesday starting at 4:30 p.m. until?
Snowbirds: Snowbirds are arriving every day. We welcome them all. It is nice to see old friends and also some new Verandas people welcome all.
Verandas Christmas party: The Verandas Christmas
party will be held at the clubhouse, date and time to be determined. Keep your eye on the bulletin board for updates – more details in the next article.
Christmas decorations: The Christmas decorations look great, and the Verandas is all lit up. Many thanks to everyone for helping.
Dates to remember in December: Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day; Dec. 21, winter begins; and Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Josie and I wish everyone a happy, joyful, and safe Christmas to all.
18 Hole Women’s Golf League
Hosts Holiday Scramble
By Jan Klaus, fjklaus@comcast.net
A reminder that the 18 Hole Woman’s Golf League Holiday Scramble is coming up on Dec. 6. This charity event is open to the Cross Creek Nine Hole League, Cross Creek Estates and guests of the 18 Hole members. Please sign up by Dec. 1 so foursomes can be assigned.
The cost is to be determined and includes golf, lunch and prizes.
This event supports Toys For Tots so please bring an unwrapped toy to donate. Also, please bring a wrapped gift (not more than a $20 value) for a Sneaky Santa Swap during the luncheon.
Walk To End Alzheimer’s
This year the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 held at Florida SouthWestern College on College Parkway, Fort Myers.
Kathy Choquette, a resident of Cross Creek Villa II, plans to walk to honor her dad who suffered and died from Alzheimer’s. Kathy served as a caregiver for her dad and committed to walking and raising awareness of the fight to end Alzheimer’s in our community.
Alzheimer’s disease is silently taking our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. Those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias need to be understood, respected, supported, and loved. The walk is fighting for a different
future, for families facing the disease today, for more time and more treatments.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides care, support, and advanced critical research to help us stop Alzheimer’s. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue raising critical funds and awareness. Every dollar makes a difference in this fight.
Please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association. Kathy’s online team – Gus’s Support Group can be found at https://bit.ly/3PzEIZ3 for easy and direct donations.
Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease! Thank you for your continued dedication!
For more information contact Kathy Choquette at (203) 807-2715.
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 Cross Creek Blvd., #107 703-963-1104 Chance Chancellor, Vice President 12745 Inverary Cir. 247-3627 Byron Heape, Vice President 13330 Oak Hill Loop 618-558-5360 Brent Minor, Vice President 13264 White Marsh Lane #19 768-0743 Jim Ysseldyke, Secretary 13255 White Marsh Lane #210 612-801-0258 Frank Maranto, Treasurer 13110 Cross Creek Blvd., #309 785-4750
CLUBHOUSE VILLAGE John Carraher, President 13131 Cross Creek Blvd., #109 914-584-9784 MANAGEMENT COMPANY D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325 COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE 1 Brad Grove, President 13090 Cross Creek Court, #202 708-341-4499
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325 COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE II Debbie Kelly, President 13076 Cross Creek Court # 401 703-963-1104
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
D&D Association Services 11000 Metro Pkwy., Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
FAIRWAY WOODS CONDO I Jeff Cason, President 12500 Cold Stream Drive, #301 256-503-9669
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
SINGLE
Suite 3 Fort Myers, Florida 33966 239-364-4325
SINGLE FAMILY II Walter Misco, President 12731 Inverary Circle 603-548-8543
MANAGEMENT COMPANY Cardinal Management 4670 Cardinal Way #302 Naples, FL 34112 239-774-0723
Music Around The Bend
Save The Dates
Submitted by
John William Hoppers
Within walking distance of Cross Creek (on a nice day) is a gem that many residents should discover. Gulf Coast Symphony presents programs of music and drama in what they call the MAC (Music & Arts Center), in the Unitarian church building located on Shire Road just east of Cross Creek. For the past three seasons, we have enjoyed musical comedy, drama, symphonic music, and jazz concerts at very reasonable prices.
The program for the coming season Sunday Chamber Music Series will be the following:
Jan. 13 and 14, 2024
Jan. 28
Feb. 17 and 18
Feb. 25
Beethoven Symphony No. 4
Beaux Arts Trio
Hayden Lord Nelson Mass
Verona String Quartet
March 17
April 21 and 22
To be determined
Brahms Symphony No. 4
May 5 Gulf Coast Symphony Fellows
In addition to the serious music presentations offered, Gulf Coast Symphony has announced its Musical Comedy Season at the MAC, located at 13411 Shire Lane, just east of Cross Creek off Daniels Parkway.
Selections for the 2023/24 season include the following:
Nov. 29 through Dec. 23 Snowbird Follies
Jan. 18 through Feb. 3, 2024
Rodgers & Hammerstein Grand Night for Singing
Feb. 22 through March 9 Nunsense Part II
April 10 through 28 Route 66 – Rock & Roll
For details on show times and/or to order tickets please visit our website at gulfcoastsymphony.org or call (239) 277-1700.
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club.
Our January program will feature a presentation by Haley Volcy, membership and community outreach organizer for The Alliance for the Arts. You are invited to attend and learn how this vibrant nonprofit visual and performing arts center is fulfilling its mission to transform lives and improve our community through the arts. Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural, and philanthropic organization established in 1975, and
membership is open to women living in Lee County. We have many special events and interest groups within our club that you can participate in for social and educational purposes. Our monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $25. Reservation deadline for Jan. 4 is Tuesday, Dec. 26. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 for additional information or to make a reservation.
Do You Have The ‘Write’ Stuff?
I’m in search of a few residents who would like to contribute to our newsletter. Yes, that means you! This is our newsletter; let’s make it our own!
Now is your chance to share your interests with the community. You can contribute each month, just once, or once in a while. You can even give yourself a fancy title like columnist, correspondent, or wordsmithextraordinaire!
• Are you involved in any particular activities in Cross Creek or around town?
• Can you share your knowledge about a specific topic or hobby?
• Do you have (or did you retire from) an interesting career?
• Are you the person who always knows what to do/ where to go in our area?
• Do you like to take pictures or draw cartoons?
• Can you pass along a favorite recipe?
• Would you like to write but need inspiration? (I can help!)
If you answered yes to any of the above or have an idea of your own, contact me at mindy.tamaccio@ gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you! And as always, I’d like to extend a huge “thank you” to all of our current contributors for their continued efforts. Without you , this paper would not be possible!
Pinochle Winners
By Bev Applegate
Oct. 2
Ken Schultz 676
Bev Applegate 650
Mary Lou Lydecker 620
Oct. 9
Ken Schultz 659
Bev Applegate 632
Dick Demitras 625
Oct. 16
Corky Tannehill 714
Don Applegate 660
Mary Lou Lydecker 651
Oct. 23
Bev Applegate 754
Ken Schultz 717
Mary Lou Lydecker 732
Oct. 30
Mary Lou Lydecker 696
Marty Lydecker 688
Dick Demitras 681
Bridge Winners
Carol Richardson and Mary Fennick
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker
Oct. 23
Pat Horschak and Suzie Romstadt 4190
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 3610
Carol Richardson and Mary Fennick 3390
Oct. 30
Bridge cancelled
Pool Service
Did you know you may order food and drinks to be served by the pool? All you have to do is call the restaurant, give them your order and be sure to tell them you are by the pool. 768-1474.
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.
Artist: Andrew Libecki
Holiday Nights At Edison And Ford Winter Estates
On Friday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., the Edison and Ford Winter Estates kicked off the 48th annual Holiday Nights celebration with a tree lighting ceremony. Guests had the opportunity to participate in the countdown with Dave Elias from NBC-2 when the Christmas tree on the Ford property was lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music. Female vocalists, the American Sirens, performed shortly after the tree lighting. The event was sponsored by Florida Power & Light, Bob Dean Supply, Sunbelt Rentals, and TriCircle Pavers.
Notice!
Please pick up all cigar and cigarette butts! Thank you.
Notice: Please return ALL RAKES to the bunkers when finished.
Thank You
Remember, cart paths are for golf carts only; no bikes, no walkers, no runners.
Please Don’t Feed Alligators, Birds, Pigs or Any Wildlife
Report all aggressive alligator sightings to the Master Association office at 768-1166.
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.
Beware of alligators and snakes when retrieving your ball on the banks of the lakes.
This year’s theme is “Holidays on Wheels” and will incorporate many different types of wheels, especially car wheels because of the connection to Henry Ford, and also wagon wheels, bicycle tires, ships’ steering wheels, and train wheelsets. Holiday Nights will run nightly through Dec. 31 (will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas night). Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. or visitors can choose to meander at their own pace on a selfguided tour. Inside-the-Homes tours will be offered on Dec. 6, 13, and 20 at 6:30 p.m., for a special up close look at the homes’ decorated interiors.
Additional lights with new technology are being installed this year. Throughout the property, many of the displays will have more lights than ever before. The palms will have animated “magic lights” that will change colors, and for the first time, the historic pond near the river pavilion will be lighted and there will be lights on the waterfall that are animated and choreographed to music.
The family-oriented event includes the Children’s Tree Trail, which features 50 trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. On Sunday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting, and on Dec. 3 and 10, children can get their face painted (additional charge for face painting). Then, on Dec. 16 and 23, there will be a teddy bear booth, where children can make a bear (additional charge).
There will be music on several nights, including strolling carolers, a pianist, and tenor saxophone and trumpet players. In addition, the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will perform on Dec. 13. An antique circus car (a calliope) with a built-in pipe organ will be played at 6 p.m. on Dec. 12. Curators will be on hand to answer questions about the car,
Guests can shop for gift items during Market Mondays, when multiple craft and holiday vendors will have booths around the banyan tree from 4 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 4, 11, and 18. In addition, the Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open until 9 p.m. every night of Holiday Nights and will be stocked with unique gift items for that hard-to-buy-for loved one. Refreshments will be available for purchase on select nights.
Holiday Nights tickets for adults are $20; teens (ages 13 to 19) are $10; children (6 to 12) are $2; and $10 for Edison Ford members. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, children are $18, and $15 for Edison Ford members. Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50 per person. Lee County residents with identification will receive $5 off regular-priced Holiday Nights admission on Monday nights. To purchase tickets or view the nightly schedule, visit the website at EdisonFord.org.
About Edison And Ford Winter Estates
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the internationally known winter homesite of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. More than 220,000 visitors walk through the location each year from all around the globe. The organization has received many awards, including the National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Garden Clubs’ Historic Preservation Award. The property is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures,” a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. The Edison Botanic Laboratory is a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The site is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and until 9 p.m. during the month of December for Holiday Nights.
The homes and gardens at Edison and Ford Winter Estates are decorated with thousands of lights for the Holiday Nights celebration.