Ale Tales And Lager Lore
By Diane Bothfeld, Certified Cicerone®
A big thank you from the Beer Club at Cross Creek to Palm City Brewing Company off Alico Road in Fort Myers.
On April 11, Palm City provided an excellent tour of their brewing facilities, history of the brewery and of course, the Beer Club sampled all their excellent beers!
Ron was our tour guide and was very generous with his time and expertise. Palm City has the motto “Pints in Paradise” and the Beer Club enjoyed that slice of paradise on April 11.
Travelling and sampling beer in different locations is a great summertime activity or in my life, all year long!
A designated driver helps, and most breweries have nonalcoholic drinks. Share your summertime travels with me by sending a picture of the beer, the location and what you liked about the beer pictured. I will start.
I had a quick trip to Vermont in April to visit family and do some work on the summer camp. A great brewery at the
local golf course is Kramer and Kin, Alburgh, Vt. They work hard to support the community and have local ingredients for their beer which include herbs like rose hips, invasive garlic mustard, local hops and barley all grown in Vermont supporting farmers. The beer pictured below is a black IPA.This beer has roasted coffee and dark chocolate aroma and a rich roasted flavor with a hint of hop bitterness letting you know that this is an IPA. Each of their cans has original artwork and information on the birds or animals depicted. Very tasty beer! A favorite for sure! Beer is for sharing with friends and family. There is a theory that beer was developed when humans moved from hunter gatherers to settled agriculture to ease the pressures of many humans living in one place. Beer could smooth the rough edges of living in close contact with your neighbors. Beer was also a part of many rituals for early humans and there is extensive archaeological evidence of beer production back as far as 15000 B.C. No one will ever know who brewed the first beer but many of the steps for making bread and beer overlap. It is not a big leap that bread making went wrong and the resulting mess was the first beer.
Something to ponder as you enjoy a cold beer!
For more information about the Beer Club at Cross Creek or to send me updates on your summer travels and beer sampling, contact me at diane.bothfeld@icloud.com.
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.
Golf Course/ Pro Shop/ Restaurant Will be closed on Mondays from May 6 through October 28
Wishing you all the best in your new adventure John and Janie Kranz. We will miss you both!
Dave Clark
Cross Creek Clubhouse Restaurant Manager
Originally from Long Island, N.Y. Graduated from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla., with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management.
I have held a variety of positions over 37 years in the industry including food and beverage manager, director, and I have been a general manager in three different venues. I was fortunate to have traveled across the Southern United States early in my career opening restaurant locations for Brinker International and The Cheesecake Factory before committing 100 percent to the private country club and resort industry. I have managed venues that had memberships of 500 to 4,500. My management style is extremely hands-on and I’m very excited about this opportunity.
Outside of the club I am a golf fanatic and enjoy all sports. I played college baseball and one year of minor league ball. I also played hockey on a traveling national team. I am looking forward to meeting our membership and supporting Chef Juan and the rest of the team to bring Cross Creek to the next level.
Important Notice
All articles need to be sent to Mindy Tamaccio at mindy.tamaccio@gmail.com.
All articles must be submitted by the 4th of the previous month.
To All Reporters Submitting Copy
1. Village news: 300 words or less.
2. Deadline: Fourth 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.
Winners 150th Kentucky Derby Party At Cross Creek
Cross Creek Book Club
Below is the 2024
Summer Reading List from Elaine Newton. It is a long list 39 books she is considering for next year’s Critic’s Choice. The books for next year will be announced in July and may include book(s) not on this list.
Happy reading.
Pam Conti, (607) 759-1966
Elaine Newton—Critic’s Choice
2024 Summer Reading List
Absolution by Alice McDermott
After Annie by Anna Quindlen
A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
The Book of Love by Kelly Link
Burma Sahib by Paul Theroux
Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling
The Celestial Wife by Leslie Howard
Day by Michael Cunningham
Eastbound by Maylis de Kerangal
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton
The Hunter by Tana French
Ilium by Lea Carpenter
James by Percival Everett
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward
Long Island by Colm Tóibín
Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt
Lucky by Jane Smiley
Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
North Woods by Daniel Mason
Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Table for Two by Amor Towles (short stories)
This Other Eden by Paul Harding
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Please note: The books to be discussed during the 2024/25 Critic’s Choice series will be announced in July and may include books not on this list.
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
Debbie Kelly, Secretary Pro Shop and Cart Barn (703) 963-1104
Chance Chancellor, Director Lakes (239) 247-3627
John Castaldo, Director Restaurant (802) 272-9493
Alan Jones, Director Clubhouse Area Buildings and Pool (860) 670-4862
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Harvey LaPointe, President 13239 Oak Hill Loop 435-659-9805 Brent Minor, Vice President 13264 White Marsh Lane #19 768-0743 Frank Maranto, Treasurer 13110 Cross Creek Blvd., #309 785-4750 Debbie Kelly, Secretary 13131 Cross Creek Blvd., #107 703-963-1104 Chance Chancellor, Director 12745 Inverary Cir. 247-3627 John Castaldo, Director (802) 272-9493 Alan Jones, Director (860) 670-4862
CLUBHOUSE VILLAGE John Carraher, President 13131 Cross Creek Blvd., #109 914-584-9784 MANAGEMENT COMPANY D&D Association Services 11000
SINGLE
SINGLE
Brook Stephens, Best Dressed Man winner
Joanne Wuornos, Most Original winner
Bobbie Butler, Best Hat winner
Card News
March Bridge Winners
By Frank Maranto
March 4
Carol Richardson and Mary Fennick 4030
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 3390
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 2940
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 2920
March 11
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 4460
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 3490
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 3090
Julie Becknell and Bob Thompson 2910
Ralph Gordon and Loretta Burton 2590
March 18
Judy Thompson and Dorothy Carlson 4690
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 4270
Jim Zernzach and Julie Becknell 3950
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 3930
Judy Brouwer and Estelle Snyder 3880
Roger and Barb Gruhle 3270
March 25
Julie Becknell and Yvonne Mostowy 5280
Gail Knaack and Carolyn Harry 3630
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 3390
Jim Zernzach and Bob Thompson 3270
Ralph Gordon and Loretta Burton 2870
April Bridge Winners
By Frank Maranto
April 1
Jim Zernzach and Bob Thompson 5860
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 4670
Roger and Barb Gruhle 3560
Pat Sandoe and Jan Truesdell 3340
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 3270
April 8
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 4460
Carol Richardson and Mary Fennick 4060
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 3050
Paula Maranto and Julie Becknell 2400
April 15
Don and Carol Kernwein 4590
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 4130
Paula Maranto and Julie Becknell 3470
Frank Maranto and Mary Ann McGee 3190
Jim Zernzach and Bob Thompson 2710
April 22
Frank Maranto and Pat Sandoe 4070
Mary Fennick and Andy Baszczuk 3450
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 2620
April 29
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 4270
Carol Richardson and Mary Fennick 4070
Paula Maranto and Julie Becknell 3190
Pinochle Winners
By Bev Applegate
April 1
Ken Schultz 760
Corky Tannehill 651
Jack Beiter 605
Bev Applegate 602
April 8
Bev Applegate 728
Mary Lou Lydecker 698
Jack Beiter 666
Corky Tannehill 664
April 15
Don Applegate 766
Jan Klaus 731
Ken Schultz 707
Gary Romanchuk 704
Hand And Foot
April 8
April 22
Gary Romanchuk 746
Ken Schultz 700
Jan Klaus 644
Corky Tannehill 614
April 29
Ken Schultz 662
Frank Maranto 588
Jan Klaus 568
Mary Peabody and Pam Mager 9,802
Marilyn Pemperton and Joyce Palm 14,485
Carol Shulack, Jenny Riley and Estelle Clemens 14,230
April 15
Althea Alling and Jenny Reilly 13,337
Diane Bothfeld, Dee Sirocky and Pam Mager 14,700
Cathy Donavan and Estelle Clemens 11,385
April 22
Sandy Valentine, Carol Shulack and Pam Mager 10,653
Evelyn Woodfin and Kathy Kellenberger 12,030
Virginia McHale and Cheryl Casciano 10,435
Skip-Bo
April 10
Sandy Valentine and Estelle Clemens
Bobbie Butler and Althea Alling
April 17
Cathy Donavan and Jane Krantz
Jenny Riley, Sandy McGuire and Estelle Clemens
April 24
Lathy Donaban, Jan and Estelle Clemens
June 16
National Donut Day – Friday, June 7
The first Friday in June (June 7) is National Donut Day! Keep an eye on your national chain donut shops – many of them offer a free donut on this auspicious occasion. Donuts have been around for over 400 years and originally the deep-fried pastry did not have holes. Several stories abound regarding the creation of the hole. One such story is that the Pennsylvania Dutch made this adaptation, so the pastry would be an ideal shape for dunking in coffee.
The first National Donut Day was held in 1938 as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army.
Source: Doughnut (2014), In J.F. Mariani’s The Encyclopedia Of American Food And Drink (2nd ed.).
According to a 2021 poll by the insights and analytics company, Ipsos, the most popular donut in the United states is cream-filled (22 percent), followed by plain glazed (18 percent). Chocolate glazed comes in third (12 percent) (Google “Cream-filled donuts most popular flavor amongst Americans.”)
The well-known U.K. trade publication, British Baker espouses in its online publication the trend towards premiumisation – which is the upgrading of an item to justify a higher cost – in the bakery industry.
The “world’s first donutelier” has opened in central London in celebration of the fried dough delicacy.
(Source: bit.ly/4aiehA1) They offer luxury doughnuts with the accompanying price of £6.50 ($8.16 USD).
According to a June 5, 2023 publication from the global news service PR Newswire the “doughnut market in North America is set to grow by 689.57 million from 2022 to 2027,” due to the increase in snacking consumption.
Whether you discover a luxury baker in your neighborhood or you stop at a well-known shop down the street enjoy this popular sweet on June 7. Maybe you’ll get a free one!
Cross Creek Social Committee
Social Events Survey
The Social Events Survey is now closed and the response was amazing. Along with your thoughts about social events, we also learned a lot about the holes in our communication systems and, while we were able to address some of them, it is possible we missed some of our community members. We will get better at this going forward.
A visual summary of the survey results is currently on our community TV channel 901. Cross Creek neighbors, you had a lot to say. The Social Committee has reviewed the results, and we present some of the highlights here: • Surveys were sent to 866 email contacts. The survey was open from March 18 to April 14. The survey had a 21.5 percent return rate. 63 percent of the survey respondents identified as “owner – part-time resident,” 30 percent identified as “owner – year-round resident.”
• The top reason that brings people to the clubhouse is the restaurant followed by checking in for golf. The third most popular activity that brings people to the clubhouse is to attend a meeting!
• The activities that most of the respondents participated in over the past year were outdoor activities: bocce, tennis, pickleball and golf. This was followed by bingo and then dinner dances and holiday parties.
• Asked why you chose to attend these events the responses were a very close three-way tie: You like getting together with friends and neighbors; you like having options close to home; and you feel like you’re supporting Cross Creek and the community.
• Nearly 70 percent of the respondents indicated that the number of events was about right but 50 percent of respondents would like to see more events scheduled between April to November.
• The three most popular reasons you might not have attended an event were: The event did not appeal to you; the date/time did not work for you; and the event filled up before you could reserve a spot.
In addition to the responses above there were a number of suggestions for improvements, additions, new events and activities. Next month we’ll include a summary of those comments.
Please know your opinions are valued. We took your suggestions to heart, and we are working on incorporating as many ideas as possible, but it might take a year or two before we can get to everything. We are always looking for new volunteers to help plan and organize events so if you have time and talent to spare, we would be grateful for your participation. You can reach out to either Denise Panunte (denny1399@hotmail.com) or Janice Davidson (jddirect2@sbcglobal.net).
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.
Poets Corner The Lanyard
By Billy Collins
The other day I was ricocheting slowly off the blue walls of this room, moving as if underwater from typewriter to piano, from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor, when I found myself in the L section of the dictionary where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.
No cookie nibbled by a French novelist could send one into the past more suddenly— a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp by a deep Adirondack lake learning how to braid long thin plastic strips into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.
I had never seen anyone use a lanyard or wear one, if that’s what you did with them, but that did not keep me from crossing strand over strand again and again until I had made a boxy red and white lanyard for my mother.
She gave me life and milk from her breasts, and I gave her a lanyard.
She nursed me in many a sick room, lifted spoons of medicine to my lips, laid cold face-cloths on my forehead, and then led me out into the airy light and taught me to walk and swim, and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard. Here are thousands of meals, she said, and here is clothing and a good education. And here is your lanyard, I replied, which I made with a little help from a counselor.
Here is a breathing body and a beating heart, strong legs, bones and teeth, and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered, and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp. And here, I wish to say to her now, is a smaller gift—not the worn truth
that you can never repay your mother, but the rueful admission that when she took the two-tone lanyard from my hand, I was as sure as a boy could be that this useless, worthless thing I wove out of boredom would be enough to make us even.
This poem is written by Billy Collins who served as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003, as well as a distinguished professor, and many other honors.
*-shared under a public domain license-2007
Notice: Please return ALL RAKES to the bunkers when finished. Thank You
Notice!
Please pick up all cigar and cigarette butts! Thank you.
Village News
The Verandas
By Roger Kadash
Dateline The Verandas
Verandas folks: The Verandas folks are all gone and heading home, we will miss them. But just blink your eyes and they will be back.
Patio: Patio is all closed up, chairs, tables and umbrellas all stored away until next season. It was a great patio season, with great food and fun for all.
Dates to remember in June: June 14, Flag Day; June 16, Father’s Day; and June 20, summer begins.
June: Flower is rose and honeysuckle and birthstone is pearl.
Wyldewood
Going north with cooler weather in April and May is interesting in relation to the heat buildup in the south. What is better or worse? Every individual will respond differently. In the last issue, I wrote that the Landscaping Committee recommendations were approved by the board. In early
Consumer Alert
Pay Your Bills, Not Impersonators
By Andrew Rayo, Consumer Education Specialist
If you’re paying a medical, utility, or other bill online, you probably expect to wind up on the company’s website. What might you not expect? An impersonator tricking you into paying them instead. But that’s what the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says a company called Doxo did. Here’s what you need to know.
April, the first phase of the project started with removal of bushes in front of each of our four buildings. In addition, a new landscaping design was installed around our north sign. These changes opened and refreshed how the frontage of our buildings look and are in keeping with modern landscaping designs. Where bushes were removed, sod was laid and growing well. The second phase, which will include replacement and installation of new bushes and trees, is not yet decided.
Many of our bushes were old and needed replacement; however, another issue which needed attention was to review Wyldewood’s documents for updates. Over the summer, a committee will review proposed amendments and updates and report its recommendations to the board.
Now June has arrived, residents who traveled back “home” are settling in for a comfortable summer with family and friends. The hope is that the spring stormy weather will subside, and bright and sunny skies will prevail, without the Florida heat and humidity. It is also hoped that when residents return to Florida next season, hurricanes will not be a subject matter.
According to the FTC, Doxo pretended to be an official payment site for big-name companies like AT&T, Spectrum, and Labcorp. The FTC says Doxo used online ads that looked like they were from the companies, and even used company names as keywords so Doxo’s ads would show up in search results.
If the bills got paid, what’s the problem? There’s lots of them, says the FTC. People who paid their bills through Doxo often paid fees to Doxo on top of what they owed on the bill they were trying to pay. And, in some cases, the payment never got to the company that issued the bill. People only found out when they got a warning letter from a bill collector or had their utility service shut off. Some people wound up paying late fees to the actual company that billed them – or paid their bill a second time, just to avoid other problems. If you’re looking to pay your bill online, know that search results might not get you to the right place. Instead, check your bill to find the online payment site. And, if possible, use a credit card. Credit cards offer the most protection against fraud, including the right to dispute charges if there are any problems.
Learn more about impersonator scams at ftc.gov/ impersonators. If you spot an impersonator scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Continental Women’s Club
Since 1998, Continental Women’s Club has awarded $78,000 in scholarships. This year we have another two recipients – Nashely Gabriel Cardenas, who is a graduate of South Fort Myers High School and will attend Florida State University and Jessalyn Alvarez who is a graduate of East Lee County High School and will be attending Florida Southwestern University. We will meet these two young ladies at a future luncheon meeting.
Meetings are usually 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. There will not be a luncheon
Beware of alligators and snakes when retrieving your ball on the banks of the lakes.
on Thursday, July 4, due to the holiday. For additional information on the club please contact Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561.
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 throughout the month and year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education.
I can feel the sand beneath my feet...
“I got neuropathy as a side effect from the chemo that I received 2 years ago in the fall. So it has been about 2 years since I’ve had the neuropathy. When I asked my oncologist what could be done, he told me that I’d have to take gabapentin and just live with it.
We received the ad in the newspaper and my husband says why don’t we see if this guy can help you. We made an appointment, came here and he did. I am so much better it’s unbelievable. I wasn’t able to go to the grocery store without taking a cart, even if I was just picking up some bananas or one or two things. I had to have a cart to help me walk through the store. When we went to the beach we pretty much just stayed in our chairs because I couldn’t get up to go for a walk on the sand. My feet hurt that bad. It was hard to get dressed in the morning. While trying to put my feet into my pant legs my toes wouldn’t cooperate. When I finally came in for my appointment it was close to the end of the time when we were going back up north.
I got to know everybody pretty well because I was here
everyday that they were open to get in all of my treatments before we left. I continued everything at home all of the way up through the summertime to where I ran out of stuff, and so now I’m not doing any of that anymore, but they are still so much better it’s unbelievable. I mean I walk the beach, I play golf two or three times a week, I can run in the grocery store without help, and my husband will say I can’t keep up with you anymore. It’s just so much better, it’s wonderful. It’s well worth coming in and having the treatments and taking supplements. You just need to be faithful and do it because it will wake your nerves back up. It’s wonderful. If you don’t try to take care of yourself nobody else is going to.”
Joyce B, Patient - Fort Myers, FL
Dr. Rob Davis, DC is the Bestselling Author of Breaking the Cycle, How to take control of your health when traditional medicine has failed. Call 239-482-8686 to schedule an appointment.