Ale Tales And Lager Lore
By Diane Bothfeld, Certified Cicerone
It’s March and that brings the St. Patrick’s Day holiday – a day known for beer drinking! There are two beer styles associated with Ireland – stout and Irish red ale. No green beer here but these beers are widely available late February through March. But in olden days, a specific beer was brewed for the religious observance of Lent. Monasteries and the monks were early beer brewers. As religious groups moved North in Europe, the beverage of choice moved from wine to beer due to the inability to grow sufficient grapes in Northern Europe. Water sources were suspect and beer was consumed as a safe daily drink.
One such group of monks moved out of Italy and into Germany near Munich in 1627 by invitation of Duke Maximilian I of Bavaria. The Paulaner monks followed the Benedictine doctrine which included a restrictive liquid diet during Lent. The Paulaner monks brewed double strong beer termed “liquid bread” to drink during Lent. The thought at the time was more grain in the beer brewing process would provide more nutrients, but we know today that there was also more alcohol.
The recipe was recorded for this double strong beer in 1774 by the Paulaner monks and the beer was nicknamed Salvator or “Savior.” Trouble was soon on the horizon for these monks with the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799. Bonaparte had a policy that church-owned properties were to shut down and become properties of
the state. There were a few years of shutdown but the Paulaner Brewery was revived in 1813 along with the recipe for Salvator.
There have been years of ups and downs for the Paulaner Brewery but the brewing of Salvator has continued to this day using the same recipe. The brewery went to court to protect the name Salvator but other doppelbocks have continued the naming tradition with the following names: Celebrator (Ayinger), Animator (Hacker Pschorr), Triumphator (Lowenbrau) and two United States examples Troegenator (Troegs in Pennsylvania) and Das Alligator (Fort Myers Brewing). Salvator is also a part of the Bavarian tradition of tapping the first keg of doppelbock midway through Lent prior to Easter marking the start of the Bavarian strong beer season.
Doppelbocks are available year-round now at many stores that carry a larger selection of beers. A doppelbock is a malt centered beer with toffee, a bready aroma and a malty flavor with a touch of sweetness. The bitterness is very low with very little hop aroma or flavor. Doppelbocks are all about the malt and the corresponding high alcohol content with alcohol by volume (ABV) beyond 7 percent with most over 10 percent ABV. Liquid bread indeed.
So enjoy the month of March with Irish beers for St. Patrick’s Day and pay homage to history and have a doppelbock before Easter. As always, remember to drink responsibly!
Cross Creek Travelers
By Kathy Bonick
Washington, D.C., Our Nation’s Capital, June 6
To 12, $1,095 Per Person
Double Occupancy
Seven days/six nights with motorcoach transportation, Wi-Fi equipped/restroom 11 meals: six breakfasts and five dinners
Two guided tours of Washington, D.C., including the World War II Memorial, Capitol Hill, Embassy Row, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Smithsonian, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and an evening guided memorial and monuments tour
Admission to the Museum of the Bible
Admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Tram ride through Arlington National Cemetery
Don’t miss this wonderful history trip and perhaps we’ll see the cherry blossoms.
Biltmore Estate And The Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, N.C., Oct. 20 To 25, $915 Per Person Double Occupancy, An Additional $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: five breakfasts and three dinners
Guided tour of Asheville, N.C.
Full day visit to the Biltmore Estate
Guided drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Visit to the famous Folk Art Center
Visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Join us for this fall trip not to be missed.
A $75 deposit per person to hold your space made out to Diamond Tours. Send deposit to Kathy Bonick at 8380 Arborfield Court, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Call (309) 265-7241 for additional information on both of these trips.
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
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, (309) 265-7241, to sign up. There is a $75/person deposit.
Poets Corner
Poetry shines a light so bright we can see the world in a new way. We see things sideways or upside down. Poetry teaches us how to see life and how to live.
Great Blue Heron
I’m perched on my beach chair at peace near the sea when the heron approaches me head down, then brief eye contact, as if we’ve met before on another beach or on another shore.
I watch it lazily search for lunch morsels, leftover shrimp bits from fishermen, then peck my notepaper on the sand with its long orange beak as if to add a bird word to my writing as if it needs an honorable mention.
A young boy waves his arms at the heron. They run the length of the beach barefoot across hundreds of shells, the boys red shirt billowing, the heron lifting his wings but not flying, as if wanting to give this boy and me this memory.
By Gwen Pangburn
Photo Corner
Ladies’ Nine Hole Golf League
Submitted by Patti Barbuto
We had to hold onto our hats but despite the high winds we had a fun day of scramble golf followed by a delicious lunch! Forty-eight ladies “blew through the course.” We had lots of winners with a two-way tie for first place and a three-way tie for third place.
Our league continues to grow with 64 members presently. It’s never too late to sign up and join us on Tuesday morning.
Upcoming Events
March 5 Championship second round March 19 Awards Luncheon/Scramble
Tied for first place: Pat
Holly
Janice Davidson, Fran Danek
18 Hole Women’s Golf League
By Jan Klaus, fjklaus@comcast.net
January Weekly League Results
Jan. 3 – Low Putts
Flight 1
First place Sherrie Matthews 31
Second place Mary Horstman 32
Third place tie Fran Danek 33
Third place tie Lesa Foss 33
Third place tie Tee Pazitney 33 Flight 2
First place Judy Jankowski 30
Second place Gerri Baglien 31
Third place Jan Truesdell 32
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.
Flight 3 First place
Jan. 10 – Drop Back
First place team
Sherrie Matthews
Jan Truesdell
Kathy Potier
Marilyn Dwyer
Second place team tie 47
Mary Bodem
Janet Lenz
Mary Jansma
Mary Rei
Second place team tie 47
Arlene McClintock
Janie Hild
Inge Longpre
Karen Maas
Jan. 17 – Tee To Green
Flight
24 – Pink Lady First Place Gerri Baglien Inge Longpre
Jackie Monteiro
Second Place
Sherrie Matthews Jo-Ann Wippeman Bobbie Pollesch
Judy Matuszak
Jan. 31 – Point Quota
1
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
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
Tied for first place: Marilyn Dwyer, Suzie Romstad, Mary Falange. Not pictured: Sharon Vaghi Closest to the pin, hole No. 8: Joan Theune
Scott,
Dellavolpe,
Annual Hibiscus Show
Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers
The James E. Hendry (JEH) Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society announces its 71st Annual Hibiscus Show/ Plant Sale on Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. This free hibiscus show is the oldest, largest and best attended of all Florida’s hibiscus shows, attracting several hundred people annually. This continuing show is made possible through the generosity of community sponsors.
“The event will showcase hundreds of different hybrid hibiscus blooms in a variety of colors and forms which will be judged in several different classes including amateur, collector, open collector, commercial, miniatures and seedlings,” explains Beth Meehan, president. In addition, more than 400 hybrid hibiscus plants will be for sale for $20. All credit cards are accepted. Parking and admission to the Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale is free.
This is the best opportunity Southwest Floridians have to add to their hybrid hibiscus collection as these plants are not available in local garden centers. This delicate and beautiful plant grows abundantly in Florida’s subtropical climate. Members of the chapter who are experts in the care and growing of hibiscus will be available to provide advice. Several senior American Hibiscus Society judges will also be available to answer any questions regarding the rule for judging blooms.
Anyone who would like to learn how to grow, graft and hybridize this attractive tropical flowering plant can do so by joining the James E. Hendry Chapter, AHS at the show.
The show is the highlight of the year for the chapter; monthly meetings are held at The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers on the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Details on the JEH Chapter and pictures of all the blooms that will be available for sale can be found on the chapter’s website www. hendrychapterhibiscus.com.
Four Of The Blooms That Will Be Available At The Sale
Card News
Pinochle Results
By Bev Applegate
Jan. 22
Ken Schultz 534
Jack Beiter 533
Jan Klaus 509
Bev Applegate 490
Jan. 29
Bev Applegate 600
Mary Lou Lydecker 548
Gary Romanchuk 535
Jack Beiter 530
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 March through April. 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.
Do The Right Thing
Do you know a child who deserves to be honored as an outstanding citizen or student for his or her exemplary behavior, good citizenship, positive attitude or willingness to help others? If so, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to nominate a child for recognition in our monthly
Do the Right Thing program. Nomination forms are available online at www.sheriffleefl.org. For more information, call Program Director Tony Schall at (239) 258-3215 or email aschall@sheriffleefl.org.
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.
Remember, cart paths are for golf carts only; no bikes, no walkers, no runners.
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.
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.
Spectroflash
Blue Jean Baby High Definition
T. Spotted Sun
Village News
Country Club Village I And II
By Susan Presley
January was a busy month here at Country Club Village I and II. We did not let the weather deter us. We started off the month with a ceremony held at our new flagpole. We all sang the national anthem. It was a beautiful way to start our season. We then followed that up with a Chili Cook-Off competition. We had nine competitors and 48 in attendance. The winners were: First place, Gary Konchar; Second place, Constance Shaw; and Third place tie, Sharon Nation and Brian Kyllonen. We also had a golf scramble followed by a Mexican dinner catered by Tequilas. The winners were: First place, Don Ott, Cindy Armsey, Diane Lower and Pete Braz; Second place, Gary Konchar, Dick Fox and Glen Allen; and Third place, Richard Walker, Rick Armsey, Al Herman and Fred Alvarado. There were 69 people in attendance for our Mexican dinner. The food was excellent. We have more events planned for February and March. Please check our bulletin boards for more information.
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 1
Welcome to the month of March.
We have warmer weather, finally, more sun and a lot more socializing. Terrace 1 had their yearly Chili Cook-Off on Feb. 8 – it was fantastic. There were over 15 entries of different types of chilies, hot, mild and spicy.
After much tasting the ballot was in. The winner: Karen Cooper. Hoping she will share her wonderful recipe.
Enjoy the rest of the month and don’t forget to use your sunscreen.
The Verandas
By Roger Kadash
March is here: Well here we are in March, where did the season go so fast? There’s still more time to enjoy the sun and fun of Florida..
Patio party: The patio party is being very well attended. There is a great group of people sharing some great food and time.
Super Bowl tailgate party: There was a great turnout for the Super Bowl party on the patio. Many thanks to the Verandas social committee. Great job!
Verandas ladies’ lunch: 13 ladies got together for lunch at Glory Days.
Dates to remember in March: March 10, Daylight Saving Time begins. Clocks are turned ahead one hour; March 17, St. Patricks Day; and March 19, Spring begins.
March 31: Easter is early this year – March 31. That means the Social Committee has to start planning Easter Brunch. Wishing all a happy and safe Easter.
Wyldewood
At Wyldewood’s annual meeting I asked residents about their use of communication channels at Cross Creek. The first question was about the Courier. Yes! People knew about it, but readership was low. Do people receive emails regarding Cross Creek activities? Yes, most do, but some do not receive them consistently. I asked about the Cross Creek website. Yes, it exists. Do people check out the Wyldewood site or even know what is on it? Answer, there are meeting minutes, monthly financials, our bylaws, and mitigation reports to name a few. Lastly, do you know about the new Cross Creek community access channel 901? When did it start? Or yes, the survey may be useful, but statistically the standard of error is plus or minus to infinity.
Speaking of the Courier, I saw that only three associations had articles in the last issue. Maybe there will be more in this issue.
We, as other associations have new residents. I checked to see where our new and current residents live. New York and Ohio lead the way, with Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois close behind. There are also residents from New Jersey, Connecticut, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and from Ontario. The East and Midwest meet at Wyldewood.
Several great activities continue at Wyldewood with even greater participation. The Super Bowl party I am sure was a success, with someone winning big money in the Super Bowl pool. The Wyldewood golf tourney will be held in early March. A prize for the most golf balls lost during the round should be considered.
Do You Have The ‘Write’ Stuff?
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!
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!
Water Aerobics
Water aerobic classes are held Monday and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the clubhouse pool. Classes are taught by a certified instructor. This is a very good way to get some exercise in a low-impact way, especially beneficial to anyone with arthritis. Water aerobics is good for your health and is lots of fun. Come join us. To register or for more information, please contact Peggy Mann at 768–6526.
Beware of alligators and snakes when retrieving your ball on the banks of the lakes.
Country Club Village
Chili Cook-Off winner