Ale Tales And Lager Lore
By Diane Bothfeld
Happy Thanksgiving! Many of you will be hosting or traveling to be with friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Take a deep breath and dive into this holiday all about giving thanks and sharing really great food and drink with those that you care about. And guess what – beer goes really well with Thanksgiving dinner!
If you are hosting, don’t be surprised if there is a beer lover in your midst that might really like beer versus wine with dinner. As the host, what beer to have on hand for that beer lover? Thanksgiving dinner has many delicious flavors – roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, squash, cranberry sauce, etc., all of these flavors allow for many beers to complement the dinner. I would suggest something lower in alcohol but still with enough flavor to match up with the dinner. A session IPA is lower in alcohol but still big on flavor – malty enough to match up to the stuffing but with enough bitterness to cleanse the palate between bites. Founders All Day IPA or Jai Low from Cigar City Brewing are two great choices. I would also
recommend a British Brown Ale for those that may not want an IPA. This beer is malty sweet, much less bitter than an IPA and will match up to the roasted turkey, stuffing, and vegetables, all with a low alcohol content. Cigar City Madura and Newcastle Brown Ale are two excellent examples.
Now the story goes that the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Mass., to begin their colony and were supported by the local indigenous people through the first winter. What is not widely discussed is that the Pilgrims on the Mayflower were supposed to be heading for the Hudson River area to set up their colony but they ran out of beer. This is recorded Dec. 20, 1620 by William Bradford of the Mayflower, “For we could not now take time for further search or consideration, our victuals being much spent, especially our beer, and it is now the 20th of December.”
The early colonists started “home brewing” beer quickly using whatever they could find that would ferment and using supplies shipped in from England. Corn, pumpkin, and molasses were used to extend the imported malt and spruce tips and local herbs were used to flavor the beer. By the 1640s commercial
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 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.
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.
breweries were established in Massachusetts, Virginia and New Amsterdam (New York City). The religious beliefs of the colonists did not extend to beer – beer being considered safer than water to drink and of a lower alcohol content than hard liquor, which would reduce drunkenness. The Dutch in New Amsterdam, fully embraced brewing and by 1640 had 10 breweries for a population of 1,600. Port cities of Boston, New Amsterdam and Philadelphia had robust businesses in brewing, serving the local population and outfitting ships with beer. There are rumors in my family that we are descendants from the Mayflower passengers. It was probably my long-lost relative that was nervous about running out of beer!
As always, drink responsibly and enjoy time with family and friends this Thanksgiving!
Attention All Beer Lovers!
A Beer Club is forming at Cross Creek for those who enjoy beer. We will meet at the Cross Creek clubhouse bar to try new and different beers, learn about the brewing process, the history of beer, visit area craft breweries and beer festivals are all possibilities! Open to all who are interested.
The Beer Club will meet on Nov. 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. I hope to see you there.
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.
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:
Nov. 18 and 19
Jan. 13 and 14, 2024
Jan. 28
Music Around The Bend Cross Creek Welcomes A New Chef
Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5
Beethoven Symphony No. 4
Beaux Arts Trio
Feb. 17 and 18 Hayden Lord Nelson Mass Feb. 25 Verona String Quartet
March 17 To be determined
April 21 and 22
Brahms Symphony No. 4
May 5 Gulf Coast Symphony Fellows
New Golf Carts
Juan A. Tirado, Jr. joined our kitchen staff earlier this year as a sous chef. Juan has accepted our offer as Cross Creek chef. In his first month in that position, he and his staff have produced a wide range of excellent meals. Juan has 11 years of restaurant experience covering many aspects of food service. He is passionate about his craft, and we hope you enjoy Juan’s culinary creations.
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.
As the golf season swings into full gear, our golf enthusiasts have something new and exciting to look forward to.
We are introducing the latest lineup of
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.
new golf carts that will enhance the on-course experience like never before.
Here are a few members enjoying them already.
So, get ready to hit the course in style and comfort this season and enjoy our new models.
Your next round of golf promises to be a memorable one. Margaret and Tom Winn
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
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 FAMILY I
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 TALL GRASS COURT VILLAS
Holiday4Heroes
“We Give Because They Give”
Who Are We?
Holiday4Heroes was founded in 2007 by Jonette Kessack, who owned a postage and wine store. This grassroots effort was started to fill a need to provide comfort and care to our deployed men and women all over the world. We are a group of team members, volunteers and business owners who had a desire to show our military that we remember them and appreciate their sacrifices for us.
What Do We Do?
What started as a holiday program, our first year sending 40 packages, became a year-round effort. We now send 100 to 200 comfort packages each month to our brave men and women, and 1,000 packages for our holiday mission. We have now sent almost a total of 20,000 packages.
To fill the need at home we have added more programs for our community to serve our in-need and homeless veterans and their families.
Additions To The Mission
In 2019, we started our Backpack for Homeless and In-Need Veterans Program partnering with the VA and various homeless coalitions. Our backpacks are filled with personal care items, high protein snacks and information on where to get help.
In 2020, we began distributing bulk food drops to our inneed veterans and their families through the VA food pantry.
Card News
Pinochle Winners
By Bev Applegate
Sept. 4
Corky Tannehill 649
Mary Lou Lydecker 641
Lori Bohan 590
Sept. 11
Corky Tannehill 633
Mary Lou Lydecker 613
Bev Applegate 570
Sept. 18
Ken Schultz 763
Bev Applegate 610
Don Applegate 605
Sept. 25
Lori Bohan 665
Ken Schultz 596
Corky Tannehill 596
In 2021 our local VA Clinic asked us if we could help fill a need in our community. We were asked if we could provide tents and water filtration bottles for our veterans who are losing their homes during the current housing crisis.
In 2022 we realized that some of our Mission Make Merry Families, sometimes, need a little extra help for emergencies. When funds are available, we provide what we can to help our families get through these difficult times with a little less stress. Please read about some of the things we are doing for our families.
Mission Make Merry
As the mission evolves, Holiday4Heroes supports our military families at home by giving them a Christmas filled with joy and less worries.
Every year we provide a merrier Christmas for local military families, who may be going through some difficult times. These families are recommended to us through the VA. The first year we started with three families. Last year we were able to help 23 families.
Fast forward to 2023, we are currently seeking donations and all the necessary trimmings to help our veterans’ families make their holiday season a little bit brighter.
This year, through the tremendous generosity of our community, we are hoping to be able to include gift certificates for food to help out with Thanksgiving dinner too. How You Can Help
We are always being asked “what can we buy” or “what do you need.” Each and every donation is needed and appreciated! There are many ways to help: Attend events, purchase monthly raffle tickets, pick up a box and fill it with supplies, volunteer to help pack boxes, make a monetary donation to help with costs, become a sponsor, donate gift cards and much more.
Bridge Winners
By Frank Maranto
Sept. 4
Frank Maranto and Jim Zernzach 4400
Paula Maranto and Sharon Anglavar 3410
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 2840
Sept. 11
Judy Weber and Dottie Buchholz 4670
Paula Maranto and Sharon Anglavar 4060
Frank Maranto and Jim Zernzach 2670
Sept. 18
Steve Little and Marty Lydecker 4500
Pat Horschak and Judy Weber 2770
Sept. 25
Frank Maranto and Jim Zernzach 4690
Nancy Kuehl and Pat Horschak 3530
Cross Creek Book Club
If you would like to help, please send your contact information to triciah4h@gmail.com. Tricia has taken over volunteer services and is an amazing addition to our committee. Packing dates are set and you will be able to sign up in advance!
Visit our website www. holiday4heroes.com for a list of supplies needed and for more information.
Holiday4Heroes, 3990 Wholesale Court, Suite 2, North Fort Myers, FL 33903, www.holiday4heroes. com, holiday4heroes@outlook.com, (239) 677-9923. (We are only open on certain days, please call to see when we are available.)
Women’s Nine Hole Golf League
Women golfers wanted: Join us Tuesday morning for nine holes of golf with the Women’s Nine Hole Golf League. Sign up at the Pro Shop or for more details visit www.crosscreekfl.com/ladies-9-hole.
Cross Creek Head Golf Professional
We are pleased to announce that Ryan Gilbert has joined our Cross Creek organization as head golf professional effective Oct. 6. Ryan has over 20 years as a golf professional and is joining us from his current position as first assistant golf professional at Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club in Naples.
New Look
Check out the new look of the clubhouse lanai! Replacement furniture was assembled by Chance Chancellor, Debbie Kelly, Bob Williams, and Alex Kelly in the sweltering heat this summer, and it’s a vast improvement to this largely ignored/ unused area of the clubhouse. Look for a soft opening of the lanai for cocktails, entertainment, and special events soon!
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 November through April 2024.
Nov. 10* Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan
have to be a Zoom meeting.
For more information, please contact Pam Conti, (607) 759-1996, pconti123@gmail.com. If you need the Zoom link, please contact Pam Conti.
Left to right: Bob Williams, Debbie Kelly and Alex Kelly. Not pictured, Chance Chancellor
Village News
Tall Grass Court
By Ellie Reeves
Welcome November! November’s name has remained unchanged since the ancient Roman calendar, which was in use till 45 B.C. The first Roman calendar was only made up of 10 months with November being the ninth month. November
Notice!
Please pick up all cigar and cigarette butts! Thank you.
Notice: Please return ALL RAKES to the bunkers when finished. Thank You
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.
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.
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.
Beware of alligators and snakes when retrieving your ball on the banks of the lakes.
translates rather appropriately into “ninth month” in Latin. When the Julian calendar was adopted in 45 B.C., two new months were added, which pushed November back to the 11th month. Despite its change in position, November was never renamed.
Although people are beginning to return, the street remains quiet. Because of Ian, we will be getting new roofs. The date when it is to begin has yet to be determined and when it does start, the street will not be quiet for a while. Deb Kaiser went to Italy with her daughter and her husband. Since she is still there, the particulars of the trip need to wait for the next issue. Board meetings have begun again, and they are on the fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. Happy Veterans Day and Thanksgiving to all in Cross Creek!
Humor: Why did the scarecrow win the Nobel Peace prize? He was outstanding in his field.
Thought: What kind of an apple is not an apple? A pineapple.
Terrace I
By Mindy Tamaccio
Fall in Florida, that’s what we call November’s pleasant temperatures. Our highs can range from the mid-70s to low 80s, and our lows can range from the 50s to mid-60s.
Hurricane season has finally come to an end (keeping our fingers crossed) and we are enjoying seeing our new friends and making lots of plans for the season coming up.
Terrace I is happy to finally start work on the car ports, a long-awaited event. We are also happy to announce that new tennis posts and nets have been installed at our tennis courts. The net is also adjustable for pickleball height. Enjoy! Check out some of the new events and festivals happening in the area. A major event this month is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Don’t eat too much. Give thanks and fill your heart with gratitude. Someone could always use a helping hand and a thank you.
Verandas
By Roger Kadash
Hurricane Ian : Well, here we are one full year after Hurricane Ian and cleanup is still going on. It will be a long, slow process but we will get there.
Snowbirds return: Yes, the snowbirds are starting to arrive. Very nice to welcome them back.
Patio party: We are starting to get the patio ready for the Tuesday parties. Stay tuned for more to come. Check the bulletin board for updates.
Dates to remember in November: Nov. 5, Daylight Saving time ends; Nov. 23, Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving greetings: Wishing everyone a happy, merry, and safe Thanksgiving. Josie and Roger.
18 Hole Women’s Golf League
By Jan Klaus, fjklaus@comcast.net
The 18 Hole Women’s Golf League will be starting soon and is welcoming new members. Opening day is Wednesday, Nov. 1, although members can join anytime. The dues are $50 which includes the handicap fee. Sign up in the Pro Shop. If you have any questions, please contact Shelley Becker,
membership chair, at shelleybecker7@gmail.com.
The ladies in the 18 Hole Golf League would love to see some new faces. Weekly events are really fun, so give us a try. Here’s to good golf and good fellowship!
Note: All of the information for the women’s golf league is now on the www.crosscreekfl.com/ladies-18-hole web page.
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 wordsmith-extraordinaire!
• 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!
