December 2024
SABAL SPRINGS FALLS INTO ACTION
Your 2024 Board of Directors are:
President: John Baas ..................... Term Expires 2026 586-876-1173 ......................... johnbbaas@gmail.com
Vice President: Kathy Kwaak ....... Term Expires 2025 817-291-4746 kksabal506@gmail.com
Secretary: Jeffrey Duncan ............. Term Expires 2026 (414) 852-9410........... jeffduncansshoa@hotmail.com
Treasurer: Tom Triptow Term Expires 2025 954-868-2321 tltriptow@hotmail.com
Director: Rick Stamper .................. Term expires 2025 330-858-1195 ........... rickstamperdirector@gmail.com
Important Numbers
Emergency
Gate House
Voice server for Gate House
Manager Ron Czarnik LCAM .........................................
239-731-5552
239-567-4147
239-731-2191 sabalsprings.office@alliantproperty.com
George-Ann Whitney Administrative Assistant .................................
Sabal Springs Golf Shop
239-731-0101
Lake House at Sabal Springs Restaurant .................... 239-360-7274
Cable TV Comcast 1-800-266-2278
SABAL SPRINGS BREEZE NEWSLETTER NEW STAFF AND MORE INFORMATION
Please welcome the Breeze staff for 2025 (photo above) left to right: Bill Hare, Donna Milbee, Cathy Ward, Beth Lockhart, Taren Grom. Beth and Taren will serve as coeditors for the newsletter going forward. Thank you to Mary Ann Baillargeon for her dedicated and professional service to the Breeze for the past three years. Mary Ann will continue on as a consultant to the team.
Please continue to send your articles and pictures to sabalsprings@gmail.com. The deadline is the 11th of the month, except for Nov. and Dec., the dates for which will be announced.
Newsstands for the Sabal Springs Breeze are located in the green box by the HOA door to the clubhouse and in the foyer at the The Lake House at Sabal Springs Restaurant in a wire rack. The newsletter is also available on the Sabal Springs website: https://home. alliantproperty.com/community/documents
CONTRIBUTORS:
FGUA Water & Sewer ..................................................... 239-533-8845
LCU
Waste Pro
239-543-1005
239-337-0800
Sabal Springs website https://home.alliantproperty.com
Advertising Policy: Advertising in this Newsletter is offered at the sole discretion of Community Media. Community Media reserves the right to refuse, limit, and/or reject advertising for any reason. Community Media, at its sole discretion, may restrict the number of advertisers in certain categories or offer exclusive/semi exclusive agreements as it is sees fit.
This is your newsletter, your input is valuable and needed. Please email us of any upcoming events, and suggestions for articles. Please nothing slanderous or libelous will be published, articles are published at the discretion of the editorial staff. Please submit proposed articles and photos via email to sabalspringsbreeze@gmail.com The preferred format is word documents using Times New Roman in 12 pt.
PLANNING AN EVENT
Planning an event or activity and would like it in the newsletter? Please when working with your committee designate someone to write up your article and do the photographs to submit to the newsletter. Our editorial staff is not always available to do this for you. Thank you Editorial Staff.
VETERAN’S LIST UPDATE
We would like to recognize George Sinko, 1st SGT E-8. Army Special Forces 1963-1992. SE Asia and Iraq, who was missed in our November issue salute to Veterans.
SABAL SPRINGS SHOWS STRENGTH DURING HURRICANE SEASON
By Beth Lockhart
It’s been a rough hurricane season here in Southwest Florida. Our area has been most affected by hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 storm around 7 AM on Aug. 5, 2024, near Steinhatchee in Florida's Big Bend region. Debby's landfall wasn't far from where Hurricane Idalia impacted the Big Bend in 2023.
Although Hurricane Debby was only a Cat. 1 storm, its slow movement brought severe rain for days and resulted in dangerous flooding across Florida and up into Georgia and the Carolinas. It also spawned several tornadoes.
Debby is also one of only four hurricanes to make landfall in Florida during August since 2000, according to the National Hurricane Center. The other three were Charley (2005), Katrina (first landfall 2005) and Idalia (2023).
Second was Hurricane Helene. While it stayed mostly out in the Gulf, Helene’s effects were still felt with a significant storm surge battering our barrier islands and beaches.
Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane around 11:10 PM. on Sept. 26, about 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, about 40 miles north of where Debby hit.
Helene's sheer size and strength brought catastrophic flooding to parts of the South, causing widespread devastation to Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. The number of lives lost due to the storm is among the highest a hurricane has ever caused. It will take years for these areas to fully recover.
Not even two weeks after Hurricane Helene caused destruction across several states, including Florida, Hurricane Milton came to town. It brought with it a record number of tornadoes as well.
Milton reached Category 5 status and continued to waffle between a powerful Cat. 5 and Cat. 4 storms as it approached landfall in the very populated Tampa Bay area. Around 8:30 PM on Oct. 9, Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as a strong Category 3 storm.
Through all these storms Sabal Springs has remained a strong, cooperative community. Individual residents and various community members and groups stepped up to help with generators, shutters, repairs, clean up, and more. After the storm, close to 30 residents gathered to take all accumulated storm debris to one central location for easier pick up. It truly has been a community effort during these times.
Other than an airstream in our front pond, a few lost trees and bushes, and some other relatively minor damage, Sabal Springs was spared this year compared with some other neighborhoods just down the road.
Hurricane season officially ends on November 30. That’s two days after Thanksgiving. While we enjoy our turkey dinners, let’s all remember to give thanks that we were spared the worst this year.
SABAL SPRINGS WAS PREPARED
By Linn Campbell
Thanks to the volunteers of the Sabal Springs Emergency Preparedness Committee, we made it through another hurricane season. Hurricane Milton came close, and showed the community what the EPC is all about. We are very thankful we were able to prepare and then watch it pass us by with minimum destruction to our community.
I truly want to say a big thank you to every person who assisted in preparing the community — no matter how big the job or how small. Like they say every bit helps!
Due to the hurricanes and the holiday season approaching we were forced to cancel all of the training sessions that were set up with the North Fort Myers Fire Department (NFMFD). We are now working with the NFMFD to set up training for all of you to attend. We will keep you posted on all the classes, times, and dates. Thank you for your patience.
We look forward to serving the community again next year. Keep watching for upcoming events — check the Breeze, the bulletin board, and information at the HOA office.
DAMAGED AMERICAN FLAGS
By Mary Ann Baillargeon
Do you have an American Flag in your yard? Have you checked it lately for rips or tears? If you have a flag in disrepair, you can drop it off in the silver container marked for flags at the entrance to Lake House Restaurant for proper disposal. Perry Swan will carry on this important tradition started by Henry “Ski” Rogowski. A huge thank you to Mary Maher for decorating the disposal bin.
SABAL SPRINGS PAYS IT FORWARD
By Bill Hare
Hurricane Milton caused massive damage to our North Fort Myers sister communities Lake Fairways and Pine Likes. These two communities with about 1,800 manufactured home trailers were ripped by the tornado that followed along with the hurricane.
Among these residences, 13 homes were totally destroyed and approximately 200 homes were severely damaged.
Sabal Springs resident Gary Clapp, an old-time friend and prior resident of these communities, who has followed their community activities through social media for several years, made an inquiry and found they would welcome any help that might be available.
With that incentive, Gary met with Kathy Kwaak, vice president of our HOA, and together they put together a plan to solicit contributions from Sabal Springs residents. Word went out from our HOA office asking residents to help with gift cards or checks. And WOW, did Sabal Springs residents come through.
We all know the generosity of Sabal Springs but this outpouring of support for our neighbors was overwhelming. The final count was a delivery to Laura Sings, chairperson of the community action for assistance, totaling $4,880. Included in this amount were gift cards to Publix, Home Depot, Lowes, as well as check donations. A special thanks to the Joker’s Wild golf group for their generous donation of $500.
Kathy and Gary send a big thank you for your donations.
Kathy Kwaak and Gary Clapp present Hurricane Milton donation.
JOKER’S WILD GIVES BACK
By Mike Temme, president, Joker’s Wild Golf Club
Last month, The Joker’s Wild Golf Club donated $500 to our neighbors in Pine Lakes and Lake Fairways.
As you know they were hit by a tornado during Hurricane Milton and sustained a lot of damage.
Giving the check to Gary Clapp is Joe Klein acting treasurer and CPA for the group.
A big thank you goes to others in Sabal Springs for their support as well. Helping others in need is the Sabal Springs way! Sabal Strong! (See photo on cover.)
HOLIDAY TASTY TREATS
The Sabal Springs Community is rolling out the red and green carpet filled with treats this holiday season. On Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 AM to 11 AM, stop by Greg & Susan Costa — 17656 Date Palm Ct. — in your cart or car for a free community breakfast, including fresh waffles with assorted toppings, sausage, breakfast pastries, and juice. This open-house style driveway party is open to all. Thanks to hosts: Greg & Susan Costa, Ken Nosek & Dee Dunphy, Carmella & Richard Manning, Sheri Weitner, Marleen Cantabene, George & Marsha Hausser, Dick Scudder & Dan DeShon, Diana Grimmer & Paul Perdue.
Also on Saturday, Dec. 7, is the 13th annual Christmas Parade. Decorated golf carts and classic cars should meet at the Clubhouse portico by 5:45 PM — parade rolls at 6:00 PM. All participants are welcome, there is no registration necessary. Parade watchers keep your eye out for the M&M Candy Couple, who will be collecting donations to support the North Fort Myers High School Music Department & JROTC. For more information, contact Doug at 239-204-8806 for donation details.
Be the talk of the parade route and organize your driveway party to root on our festive participants.
And new this year after the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in front of the Pro Shop to meet and greet Sabal Springs’ visiting youngsters.
On Dec. 22 from 2 PM to 4:30 PM roll your golf cart along the Holiday Community Progressive Tasting route. There will be more than 15 host stops around the community. Tastings include Christmas cookies; traditional holiday dishes such as turkey, stuffing, and vegetables; soups; fun holiday drinks; and more treats.
The Ho-Ho-Hosts will have tables set up in their garages for residents to stop by for these delicious tastings. There might even be a few stops that offer a "house tour" for Sabal residents to view Christmas decorations. Tickets are $5 each to help cover the hosts’ cost. This is not a fundraiser, all ticket sale money is used for food and supplies. Ticket sales start the first week of December. To join the host list, please contact Susan Costa at 508889-7592.
On Dec. 25, Greg & Susan Costa are organizing free dinners to be delivered to Sabal Springs residents who are facing the holiday alone, who are housebound, or who have few options to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Thanks to Greg and Susan and their volunteer Elves who will deliver the freshly made meals on Christmas day. Please call 508-889-7592 to be added to the delivery list.
1. The word “Decem” is Latin for tenth. The month of December was originally 10th in the Roman Calendar until January and February were added.
2. Dec. 4 is National Cookie Day, but cotton candy, pie,brownies, and cupcakes are also celebrated during December.
3. The first day of Winter usually lands on December 21 or 22.
4. In the Northern Hemisphere, December is similar to June in the Southern Hemisphere.
5. 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. each year.
6. Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S. since 1850 — and it takes about 15 years to grow the average Christmas tree.
7. “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin is the best-selling single record of all time, with over 100 million sales, worldwide.
8. All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts.
9. Hanukkah means dedication in Hebrew, and the Jewish holiday, also known as The Festival of Lights, represents joy.
10. A traditional Hanukkah food is latkes, which are fried potato pancakes that can be served with applesauce or sour cream. Other traditional Hanukkah foods include fritters and donuts.
SEEKING PET LOVERS AND KIND PEOPLE
By Beth Lockhart
The Sabal Springs Gnomies are organizing volunteers who are willing to help fellow residents with their pets in times of need. Specific tasks will include occasional dog walking and feeding when owners need to travel for a day or are unable to complete tasks for health reasons. We are also looking for dog sitters when people are on vacation. Our goal is to put together a list and provide it to anyone looking for help and to post on the bulletin board at the Clubhouse gym.
Some assignments may be for a day, a week, a month, or more. If you are willing to help, please send an email to Sabalgnomies@gmail.com with your name and the best way to reach you — you will be contacted by someone from the group.
Thanks to all in advance for their willingness to help.
TENNIS TALK
By Gail Blakeslee
We are happy to announce that tennis league play has now begun. This year there will be two men’s North Fort Myers tennis leagues. The White team, led by Paul Peterson, will be playing matches on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM and our startup Blue team, captained by Dick Bliss, will play on Thursdays at 1:30 PM.
The women's SWIFT (Senior Women in Friendly Tennis) team, led by Dawn Klink, will play Thursday mornings throughout the season.
Meanwhile Social Tennis is open to men on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 AM-10 AM and women on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8 AM -10 AM. All are welcome.
Recently, the men worked hard to restore and improve the condition of the courts by applying har-tru as needed and resetting the lines. A big thank you to them and also Jessica Hayes who worked on cleaning up the tennis nets. We should all take pride in keeping our tennis courts in good shape for all to enjoy.
BATTERS UP
By Bill Hare
Wanted: Softball players: 55 and over
When: Monday and Wednesday 5:30 PM
Where: Punta Gorda, Mary Ford League.
Who: Play against communities in North Fort Myers
How: Requirements preferred — Run, throw, bat.
For additional information contact Sabal Springs resident Bob McCormick via text or phone 612-991-2750 or email number1rubberman@aol.com
SUN SHINE SINGLES
By Donna Milbee
FIRST ANNUAL SCARECROW CONTEST
By Mary Ann Baillargeon
Sabal Springs Sun Shine Singles enjoyed Halloween hijinx to the fullest with at least four costume parties. This group never has a dull moment. There are usually eight to 12 of the group eating and dancing at the Lake House Restaurant on weekends as well as lunch trips to Tamiami Tavern, Hibachi dinner at Kumo’s in Cape Coral, and cocktails at Cheeks on the Water at Marinatown. For December, the group will enjoy a lighted canal cruise out of Fisherman’s Village as well as a Christmas party hosted by one of “Santa’s Elves.”
The December Happy Hour gathering will be Dec. 18 in the Sunrise Room at the Lake House at Sabal Springs Restaurant. All singles are invited. Contact Phyllis Monfredini (pmonfred@comcast.net) to be added to the email list so you won’t miss any of the upcoming outings.
MONDAY DUPLICATE BRIDGE
By Earl Russell
Oct. 7 1st Greg Jessup & Nan Shewalter
2nd Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
3rd Mike & Cathy Ward
Oct. 21 1st Roger Lundholm & Sylviane Threlkeld
2nd Greg & Sue Jessup
3rd Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
3rd Mike & Cathy Ward
Oct. 28 1st Walt Masters & Ed Hall
2nd Greg & Sue Jessup
3rd Roger Lundholm & Sylviane Threlkeld
OCTOBER BRIDGE
By Pat Harp
Oct. 1 1st Bonnie Halberg
2nd Cheryl Taylor
3rd Nan Shewalter
Oct. 30 1st Donna Michel
2nd Carmella Maning
3rd Bonnie Halberg
We had a phenomenal turnout for the first ever Scarecrow Contest. The Decorating Committee wants to thank all of the participants and all of the voters. We were very pleased by the positive buzz that the event created. It was fun to see so many people drive up and view the Scarecrows.
We had 122 votes and the majority voted for the entry from the Sabal Springs Ladies’ Golf Association (SSLGA). Congrats to the team of folks who made up this cute Scarecrow. The team won a $25 gift certificate to the restaurant. (Please see cover for the winning entry.)
POWER MOVE
By Mike Temme
A big thank you to Steve Geraci, a resident in Sabal Springs, for donating his time and energy to power wash the entire back deck behind the multipurpose room and the Lake House Restaurant and Bar.
Thank you Steve — job well done and greatly appreciated.
