Happy New Year! Did you make a resolution? How about resolving to try a new beer style every month? You may notice that my resolution would never be to stop drinking beer. But what about trying new beers – how will you know which beers to buy, which beer styles have which flavors and can you buy only one beer instead of a whole six/four pack? All good questions, let’s discuss each.
An individual’s flavor preferences reflect their life experiences and as we age, flavor preferences can change over time. For me, I did not like bitter or very hot spicy foods when younger but now I like bitter foods (coffee, Brussels sprouts) and crave spicy foods. These types of preferences can direct you to beer styles. If you drink coffee, how you take that coffee can direct you to some beer styles – especially stouts and porters. If you take your coffee black and strong then Irish Stout, American Porter and IPAs may also taste good to you.
If you like cream in your coffee, then try an oatmeal stout. The addition of oatmeal makes this beer velvety smooth and creamy. You may also like an English porter that has a light roast flavor with hints of caramel and toffee.
Arts Next Door
Submitted by John William Hoppers
In the November issue, I introduced the events produced by the Gulf Coast Symphony at the Music and Arts Community Center (MACC) located at 13411 Shire Lane. This season, the symphony is introducing a few Sunday afternoon matinees for those who no longer like to drive at night.
The list of events keeps growing, and a few coming attractions in January and February are the following:
Jan. 13 – Beethoven Symphony No. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 – Beethoven Symphony No. 4, 3 p.m. matinee
Jan. 17 – Rogers and Hammerstein Grand Night for Singing
Jan. 28 – Beaux Arts Trio
Feb. 15 – Jazz music of Duke Ellington
Feb. 17 – Heydon’s Lord Nelson Mass
If you have both cream and sugar, then try a sweet stout, also called a milk stout. This is a sweet beer with flavors of coffee, chocolate and even chocolate milk. The beer contains lactose (milk sugar) which is not fermented by beer yeast and ends up in the finished beer giving it a sweet flavor. You may also like a tropical stout, traditional in the Caribbean, with flavors of molasses and rum.
There are many, many styles of beer and craft brewers are making their own new recipes every day. The Beer Judge Certification Program is a training program for judges of beer competitions and has beer style guidelines that include 34 different styles of beer with multiple sub-styles. The style guidelines include extensive descriptions of aroma and flavor of beers and can be a good way to explore possible new beer choices. You can access this information at bjcp.org and then click on 2021 Style Guidelines. The descriptions also give commercial examples of all of the beers.
When exploring beer styles it is helpful to be able to just purchase one beer, not a six pack or a four pack of beer. Many stores do have some single beers in the cooler, many being large
Ale Tales And Lager Lore on page 4
Feb. 25 – The Verona Quartet Chamber Music
The symphony offers events in at least four different series, including Jazz at the MACC; Sunday Chamber Music; Musical Theater, and Symphony at the MACC.
In addition to the serious music presentations offered, Gulf Coast Symphony has announced its Musical Comedy Season at the MACC, located at 13411 Shire Lane, just east of Cross Creek off Daniels.
Selections for the 2023/24 season include the following: Jan. 17 through Feb. 3, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Grand Night for Singing
Feb. 22 through March 9, Nunsense Part II
April 10 through 28, Route 66 – Rock and Roll
For details on show times and/or to order tickets please visit our website at www.gulfcoastsymphony.org or call (239) 277-1700.
Cross Creek Travelers
Miami, Fort Lauderdale And Key West – Jan. 23 To 25
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 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
Community TV Is Here
By Mary Peabody
The Cross Creek Community channel is live! You can tune in to Channel 901 on your television to see notices, items of interest and events happening across our community. You might even see someone you know! Updates happen daily. The channel will help to keep us up to date on all things Cross Creek and will work in partnership with this newspaper and the website to provide seamless communications to all of us.
A community channel requires community input so please consider this a personal invitation to participate in this fun opportunity. Whether you have five minutes or two hours to offer there is an assignment for you. We are happy to add items of interest as we learn of them. Submit photos, events, important milestones, and items of interest to CCCTV@gmail.com.
Veterans Day Lunch 2023
This year the Veterans Day lunch was held on Sunday, Nov. 12. Some 60 veterans attended representing all branches of the Armed Forces.
The ceremonial cutting of the cake was done by Jim Moore, 96 years young.
This was Cross Creek’s sixth year for hosting the lunch. Many thanks to our president Harvey LaPointe and the master board for continuing to honor Cross Creek veteran men, one women veteran, and one Canadian veteran.
in volume – 16 ounces or more! Stores such as Total Wine, Whole Foods and Fresh Market have a larger selection of single beers to purchase! Some stores will allow you to break up a six/four pack to just buy one beer, but ask first, some stores do not sell single beers taken out of six/four packs.
So Happy New Year and consider that resolution to try different beers each month in 2024. Use these tips to get started and enjoy exploring. As always, enjoy responsibly. Beer Club Tasting Event
Jan. 25, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Cross Creek Clubhouse Restaurant
The theme for this tasting is Florida Red and Amber Ales and Lagers! This beer tasting will provide a welcome beer and three beer samples to taste. The goal is to select a favorite beer which becomes the special beer for the month of February at the Cross Creek Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar.
There will be light hor d’oeuvres, a guided tasting and beer trivia questions. A great activity for all including visiting friends and family!
Reservations prepaid required in advance. This is $18 per person including tax and tip.
Call (239) 768-1474 for reservations and to pay in advance.
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.
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.
Big 10 Scramble Golf Challenge
Mark your calendars now for Saturday, March 2 shotgun start at 10:30 a.m. The Buckeye Club of Cross Creek welcomes all colleges and universities to this event. Rivalries add to the challenge so wear your school spirit and bring your flags.
This golf scramble sells out each year! The price of $65
covers your fun day of golf followed by a delicious lunch and lots of prizes. The price of $20 covers the luncheon only. Sign-ups will begin in mid-January at the Pro Shop desk. Checks are payable to Patti Barbuto at the time of sign-up. Any questions call Tom or Patti Barbuto, (248) 425-1267.
Cross Creek Ladies’ Nine Hole League
We welcome all ladies to join our Nine Hole League. We have many new members already signed up and enjoying Tuesday mornings on the links.
Sign up at the Pro Shop desk and you can be a part of the guaranteed friendships and fun of the Nine Hole League.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events. Jan. 9 – Golf scramble and luncheon Feb. 13 – Annual Harry Chapin Invitational Feb. 27 and March 5 – Championship rounds March 19 – Golf scramble and awards luncheon
18 Hole Women’s Golf League
By Jan Klaus, fjklaus@comcast.net
Remember … The Women’s 18 Hole Member/Guest is coming up in February … Feb. 7 to be exact. So, ladies, start choosing your partners. Details to follow in the Pro Shop.
Weekly League Results
Nov. 1 – Low Net Scramble
First place team – Lesa Foss 43
Gerri Baglien
Marlys Denningmann
Second place tie – Kelly Turk 47
E.J. Nees
Jan Klaus
Second place tie – Shelley Becker 47
Judy Jankowki
Judy Matuszak
Mary Lou Horan
Fourth place team – Dina Parker 48
Bobbie Pollesch
Patti Schiaffo
Brenda Sarna
Nov. 8 – Low Putts
Flight 1
First place Gerri Baglien 28
Second place tie Amy Liming 29
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
SINGLE
Cross Creek Men’s 18 Holers
Submitted by Daniel Duey
Cross Creek Men’s 18 Holers would like to invite new and past members to join our league which is played every Friday morning. Shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and continues through the end of April.
The cost to join as a member is $55. Please make the check payable to CCM18 (paid in Pro Shop). The cost of golf is separate.
The membership fee includes keeping track of and posting your handicap index for Golf Handicap & Information Network ® (GHIN). If you are a new member and don’t have a handicap, you will have one after three events.
The cost to play individual golf is based on the time of season posted in Pro Shop and an additional cost for lunch during league meetings which occurs the first Friday of every month following golf.
Most games are handicapped to level the playing field. Games can be individual and team. Please sign up before noon on the list that is on the table inside Pro Shop in order to play on Wednesday. Posting of play on Friday will be sent by email or viewed in Pro Shop.
You may select to play from the No. 2 or 3 tee boxes based on your skill level, which will continue through the season for handicap reasons.
Golf Highlight Events Are
• Match play for tees 2 and 3
• Ryder Cup against Del Tura Country Club
• Club championship
There is an additional cost of $5 for CTP (closest to pin) and skins.
Our league information is posted on the Cross Creek website (www.crosscreekfl.com) under Leagues – Men’s 18 Hole.
Cross Creek Book Club
Cross Creek Hosts Harry Chapin Golf Event
Once again the women of the Cross Creek Nine Hole Golf League will be hosting their Harry Chapin Invitational Charity Golf Event on Feb. 13.
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.
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.
Lee Health’s ‘It’s All About You’
Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program
Lee Health’s “It’s All About You, Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program” is a Self-Management Resource Center Program with the Self-Management Resource Center (SMRC), for the community.
The program is designed for people 18 years of age or older with chronic health conditions to help them learn ways to better manage their chronic conditions and the symptoms that often accompany chronic health conditions. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the book, Living a Healthier Life with Chronic Conditions
The workshop is held once a week for six weeks and it is free
Workshops will be offered on: Tuesday, beginning Jan. 9, from 12 to 2:30 p.m, in person, and held at Hope
Lutheran Church, 25999 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Workshops will also be offered on Friday, beginning Jan. 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m, virtually.
For more information or to register, please call (239) 424-3121.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A nonprofit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.leehealth.org.
All women from Cross Creek and their friends are invited to participate as all Lee County women’s golf clubs are invited to join us for this special event. No experience is necessary as we will be playing different games on each hole. It is meant to be a fun event to raise money for a very worthy cause. Sign-up will be in the clubhouse starting on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Please check the pro shop for further information. If anyone would like to solicit a business to sponsor a hole during the event please contact Linda Piantoni at (609) 462-3045 for more information. Let’s make this the most successful year yet!
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. 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.
Caution!
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.
Cross Creek Travelers from page 1
Village News
Tall Grass Community
By Mary Peabody
Our little street is buzzing these days as our seasonal neighbors return. It is always exciting to see the activity level pick up this time of year. We had our COA Annual Meeting on Dec. 6 and the turnout was higher than most of us can recall! We collectively thanked Bill Reese for many years of service on the Board and welcomed Jim Hennessy as our newest director. We followed the business meeting with a holiday dinner at the clubhouse. It’s always so much fun to sit together and chat with neighbors that you don’t get to visit with often. We look forward to resuming our “driveway parties” in 2024.
Congratulations to Diane Bothfeld for successful completion of the Certified Cicerone program. You may have been following her beer column in this paper for several months.
Lastly, a huge thank you to our neighbors at Cross Creek Estates for inviting us to use your pool while our community pool has been under construction. Several of our residents have made use of the invitation and are grateful for your hospitality.
Exciting news! All of the units on Tall Grass will be getting new roofs early in 2024 – it has been a very long procedure. Special thanks to Bill Reese and Sandy Jocelyn for spearheading the process.
Remember, cart paths are for golf carts only; no bikes, no walkers, no runners.
Notice!
Please pick up all cigar and cigarette butts! Thank you.
Notice: Please return ALL RAKES to the bunkers when finished. Thank You
Attention Dog Owners
Terrace I
By Mary Thatcher
Terrace I knocked it out of the park with their Christmas Party Potluck. Great food and excellent company with the grab bag game being a big hit. Many thanks to our hostesses Kathy Hoy, Mary Ellen Thatcher, Cindy Sloan and Karen Calaiacovo. Merry Christmas to all.
Looking forward to our New Years Eve Party.
Verandas News
By Roger Kadash
Patio news: The patio is open and running. Every Tuesday starting at 4:30 p.m., great food and loads of fun “so come on out.”
Veranda’s Christmas lights: The Verandas looked great again this year all lit up. Many thanks to Jim Mullikin and his helpers keeping the Verandas tradition going.
Verandas Christmas party: Was held at the clubhouse, more to report next month, thank you Josie Kadash for being our chairperson.
January: Birthstone for January is garnet and flower is carnation or snowdrop.
Josie and I would like to wish all a very healthy and safe new year.
Wyldewood Village l
By Peter Brochhausen
When I think of 2024, my mind wanders to the lyric “when I’m 64” which has nothing to do with the new year upon us or my age, except they both end in fours. So, moving on from that, we’re “back home from Indiana” to our found paradise here at Cross Creek as we as others return from the North.
What we found are new roofs, repaired facia, and the start of replacing our destroyed carports. Some other repairs still need to be done, but recent travels to Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel reveals that infrastructure and a vast number of resorts, condos and time-shares are not even close to beginning recovery. We are so fortunate. Margaritaville has recently opened and is a positive for the beach, but it is just a minuscule start in the island’s recovery
xIt is your responsibility to pick up after your dog. It’s the law. Some of you have been negligent in doing so. Please keep our Cross Creek beautiful!
Beware of alligators and snakes when retrieving your ball on the banks of the lakes.
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.
Snowbirds: More keep arriving each week, great to see them all.
Here at Wyldewood as the season gets underway, a welcome back party will be held on Jan 22. Our social committee, David and Joann Wipperman, and Carol Weber have other events planned so we can reacquaint with our longtime and newest neighbors. Other events planned include a “just have fun” bocce ball weekly event, an epicurean delight tailgate Super Bowl party, and a bring your sweetheart to a Valentine party and enjoy an extravagant potluck meal, with perhaps a violin player for a romantic ambiance. We will again have a bingo night in conjunction with food from Jersey Mike’s Subs. On this night 100 percent of sales, not just profit, is donated to charity. Through this event, we will enjoy a great meal in support of Mikes’ philanthropic objective. Last year, through our purchase of subs from Jersey Mike’s, a donation of $270 was made to the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Other events will be held as well. Looking at Wyldewood’s and Cross Creek’s upcoming events promises something for everyone to enjoy.
Join
Florida Residency, Is it Time?
Caleb A. Lowman, CFP® Managing Director
Cordially invites you to Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 13671 Olympic Ct., Fort Myers, Fl 33912 for a discussion of Florida Residency Basics that new residents should know and understand.
Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 12:00 p.m., Noon
If you would like to attend, Call (239) 344-7575 or email Marketing Coordinator, Tara Lowman at tara.lowman@lwm-llc.com and we will reserve your spot. Seating is limited.
