Master POA Report
The familiar alarm heard at our local TV and radio stations last month was “All Hands-on Deck” as they rally their weather reporting teams to prepare for what is expected to be an unusually busy hurricane season! The 2nd storm of this season, Beryl, was a strong Cat 4 storm that fortunately ran into difficult weather conditions that reduced its impact before hitting land. But those muting conditions normally disappear by the time we are in our usually busy AugustOctober season! If the past is a harbinger of coming events, we want to avoid the storms that start of the letter “I” such as Irma and Ian! At the end of July we were still enjoying the seasonal Saharan dust storms that usually occur at this time of the year. Let’s enjoy them as long as we can. This is a good time to consider “Special Needs” evacuation services offered by Lee County. The County has a very good system for matching the needs of our handicap residents with the County evacuation facilities so if you have someone with special needs, please contact them now to get on their lists. Things are still pretty quiet in Grandezza with many of our neighbors either at their northern homes or on their summer vacations. If you are going to be away for over a week, we recommend that you contact your house watch person to check up on your property to make sure that there is not a water problem or leaks from storms, etc. If you are gone for just a couple of days, consider turning off your water so you can see if there are leaks in your toilet bowls, etc. Small leaks can result in a significant increase your water bill!
We recently saw the June 2024 real estate closing data for the new residential construction on East Corkscrew Rd. It is obvious that the builders are continuing to have strong sales. The closings for the 2nd quarter were over 400 homes which
What Happened?
By Yvette Bernosky, B.Ms., Director of Fitness & Wellness, The Club at Grandézza
Peering out through the open door, he sat patiently in his hospital room, waiting for his parents’ arrival. He had no idea how long he had been there but knew something was wrong. He longed for his mother’s gentle caress and his father’s comfort and strength. He was just six years old and had no idea what was happening. Day after day, he lay there as he was treated for his injuries, waiting to see his parents and his little brother. But to his dismay, this day never came. The doctors feared he would lose his will to live, and with his injuries being so severe, they decided to wait. And then, finally, the day came. With his grandmother by his side, they shared the news. Billy, you were in an accident with your family. The car you were all driving in together was struck by a train. I am deeply saddened to tell you that no one survived except you.
Can you imagine his devastation and how this experience shaped his life? This was the story of my father, Billy.
We have all been through tribulations in life and have experienced different degrees of anxiety, depression or trauma. These may have come from significant life events or passed down through our family heritage. Regardless, these stressors impact how we function as we all experience suffering as we move through life.
As a young adult, I began noticing that the friends and families I thought were perfect, including mine, were not. It would be easy to think what’s wrong with them and cast judgment. However, the better question was, “ What
was a small increase over the strong sales in the 1st quarter. The inventory of improved available lots is about 2,000 not including the 15,000 lots that are in the process of governmental approval. When totally completed, there will be over 20,000 homes east of Grandezza.
Our location at the west end of the development area is looking better every year!
Our fall calendars have changed over the years with schools now generally starting in August as opposed to the traditional day after Labor Day. College and pro football are also scheduled to start in August. This year the college football schedules require serious review with so many new alignments. The Big Ten will have teams stretching across the country from the Atlantic to Pacific and covering all time zones. The SEC did not extend its coverage much out of the South and Southwest but it covers the south very well! It will be very interesting to see how the TV ratings turn out! With so many conferences covering numerous time zones, there may have to be some adjustment in personal sleep patterns!
By the way, if you are spending your summer here and are sorry that your mail (electronic and snail) is not keeping you busy, consider sending a small donation to your Presidential candidate. I can assure you that all of your mailboxes will be very full until at least November! You will be offered “opportunities” to have dinner (or a picnic) with both candidates and numerous other events… for just a few dollars more.
~Fred Thompson
happened to them? ” By reframing the question, it allowed for compassion and understanding.
While attending this year’s Post-Traumatic Growth Global Summit from the HeartMind Institute, they offered many simple ways to help others and ourselves cope with difficult times. Below are a few of my takeaways.
• Have a compassionate heart.
• Let go of being too judgmental and critical.
• Give your undivided attention.
• Practice inclusivity.
• Be trustworthy.
• Understand you are not alone.
• Surround yourself with a positive social network.
• Give back to others and yourself.
Florida Consumer Help
Have you ever had a question, concern, problem, or complaint that has gone unresolved because you couldn’t figure out the proper agency or resource to contact? The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has created the “A-Z Resource Guide” to help Floridians find the most appropriate agency to contact for various issues.
The “A-Z Resource Guide” is an alphabetic listing of over 1,000 consumer-related topics. The list is searchable and provides information about the agency or organization that can provide the best answers or service related to the topic and links to websites and applicable state or federal statutes. This resource guide is available online at FloridaConsumerHelp.com and can be accessed in both English and Spanish.
FDACS is also the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, and the department assists consumers who File a Complaint regardless of whether we regulate the specific business or industry. If you have a complaint that falls within our jurisdiction, we attempt to resolve your dispute and evaluate the business for compliance with applicable statutes. If your complaint is filed against a business that is not regulated by any federal, state, or local government entity, we will attempt informal mediation to resolve the dispute. If the complaint falls within another agency’s jurisdiction, we will refer it to the subject area experts in that agency.
Before engaging in services with a business regulated through the FDACS Division of Consumer Services, consumers should research the business to see if it is properly licensed or registered. To do this, use the “Business Search” feature at FloridaConsumerHelp.com.
Consumers can contact the department’s Consumer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (4357352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (3529832). Consumer representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, ET. For more information, please visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.
Editor’s Thought of the Day
Advisory Board and Committee Announcement for The Club at Grandézza
It is with great pleasure that we announce the following Members, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge, to assist the club as a member of our newly formed Advisory Board and three departmental Member Committees.
Advisory Board:
Jay Drummond-Chair
Alice Farling
Joe Flowers
Debra Rudy
Jay Souza
Lynn Yon
LuAnn Barnes Carlson
Brad Robinson
Goranka Bouchard
Golf Committee:
Otto Asgeirsson
Susie Rozanczyk
Tony Muniz
Jim Schleifer
Carolyn Moore
Paul Shelton
Joe Flowers
Dining & Social Committee:
John DeJoy
Robert Grooms
Cindy Fitzpatrick
Patty Polczynski
Orlando Sorrento
Sue Ellen Polson
Lynn Yon
Grandezza Girlfriends
By Cindy Fitzpatrick
Summer is in full swing and that means another reciprocal. In July the girlfriends travelled to the Estero Country Club to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Vines and celebrate Carlin Miner’s birthday. The lucky winner of the bracelet was Suzanne Drummond. Thank you again to Peggy Reckards for the lovely photos.
Reader’s Corner
By Faina Menzul
From two masters of historical fiction, Kate Quinn and Janie Chang, comes The Phoenix Crown, a novel about four women from diverse backgrounds who strive to achieve their life dreams, and stand together when their lives are threatened by a dangerous man. This fast-paced, captivating story, rich in historical detail and surprising plot turns, takes place on the verge of the great earthquake that devastated the city of San Francisco in 1906.
Gemma Garland comes to San Francisco to join the traveling Metropolitan Opera troupe for the performance of Carmen with the great Caruso in the role of Don Jose. Gemma has worked hard to achieve success as an opera singer. Despite recent setbacks in New York Gemma hopes to make a new start in San Francisco. She also looks forward to a reunion with her longtime friend Nell, who is a talented artist in her own right. Arriving at Nell’s boardinghouse, Gemma is disappointed to find that her best friend is gone, and there is no forwarding address.
Alice Eastwood, a renowned botanist with a passion for collecting plants and building a herbarium for the San Francisco Academy of Science lives in the same boardinghouse, and suggests that Gemma move into a room previously occupied by Nell.
Suling Feng is a skilled embroiderer taught by her mother to do intricate needle work. She yearns to escape the restricted world of Chinatown where she was born.. After the sudden death of her parents, Suling’s uncle took over the family laundry business. The uncle is ruining the business her parents worked so hard to build by his drinking and gambling. He also arranged to marry off Suling to a much older man who already has two wives. Like Gemma, Suling is determined to live her own life not dictated by others. She earns money by delivering laundry and selling her needlework, and plans to leave San Francisco before the marriage can take place. Through Suling’s eyes we learn about lives of many Chinese girls, sold by their impoverished families in China, and brought to work in the Chinatown brothels.
If you stay in Grandezza over the summer, you may be interested in joining our newest interest group, The Year Rounders. The group is led by Kathy Gallo and meets during the summer months when many of the other interest groups take a break. The members organize activities such as lunches, dinners, shopping, movies, etc. Their first outing was to Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda. If you are interested in joining, email Linda Chow at widewaters@aol.com.
Tennis & Fitness Committee:
Kathy Roman
Ellen Kaplan
Colleen Bresson
Robert Reese
Patricia Collie
Alice Farling
The club extends thanks to those who took the time to submit their applications and resumes. Grandezza is indeed a special club, and we are confident that these committees will contribute to enhancing overall member satisfaction. In our continued effort to make The Club at Grandezza the best in SWFL, we are excited to welcome these Advisory Board and Committee Members and their future input.
Thank you.
~Stacey Henson General Manager
Resident Notice - Entry Gate Access
Please advise all contractors and visitors that access to the community is only allowed at the main gate located on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Most GPS applications will direct drivers to the entrance gates at Savona and the maintenance area on Corkscrew Road. Unauthorized vehicles attempting to enter the community at these gates causes backup for the residents and in some cases we have experienced damage to the gate equipment.
Your attention to this request is appreciated and will facilitate entrance to the community by contractors and visitors.
Grandezza Master Property Owners Association
Henry Thornton is a rich and influential businessman, known for his charm and power of persuasion. He has a passion for collecting ancient Chinese artifacts and “discovering” new talent in art and music. Reggie is a free-spirited artist and the latest Thornton’s “protégé” living at the Thornton’s house. Reggie and Suling met at the Thornton’s house several months ago and became very close. They were planning to leave San Francisco together when Reggie suddenly disappeared.
Thornton is greatly impressed by Gemma’s rich and powerful soprano voice, and is eager to become her “patron.” He offers to help Gemma gain recognition and leading roles at the San Francisco Opera, and he invites her to move into his luxurious mansion on Nob Hill. Gemma has no doubts about “other” conditions that accompany his offer, but desperate to achieve her dream, she accepts it.
Henry plans to “launch” Gemma at the midnight ball on the day of the Carmen performance. He insists that Gemma sing the “Queen of the Night” aria from Mozart’s Die Zauberflote wearing two of his most priceless possessions: the Dragon Robe and the Phoenix Crown. Richly embroidered and studded with pearls and precious gems, the silk Robe and the Crown were traditionally worn by Chinese Empresses.
While talking with Suling who was hired to repair the Robe embroidery, Gemma realizes that Suling’s Reggie and her friend Nell are the same person. Both women suspect that Henry is somehow responsible for Reggie’s sudden disappearance. With Gemma’s help Suling finds that Henry committed Reggie to the insane asylum run by the nuns. When the earthquake strikes, Suling risks her life to save Reggie as the asylum’s walls crush around them.
Each chapter in the first part of the book prepares the reader for the inevitable by counting days, hours, and minutes before the earthquake. Nevertheless, the poignant description of the chaos and destruction caused by tremors and subsequent fires is so dramatic and visceral, it literally “transports” the reader in the middle of the great city devastated by the forces of nature.
As women learn from Reggie the full extent of Henry’s crimes and treachery, they realize their own lives are also in danger. They know that Henry would not stop at murder to silence them and to protect himself and his stolen riches. At the conclusion of the novel the four women finally get a chance to confront the man who tried to kill them and to bring him to justice.
The Phoenix Crown is a real page-turner, artfully intertwining real events and persons, such as Alice Eastwood and the great Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, with fictional characters. The story takes the reader from the crowded streets of Chinatown to luxurious mansions on Nob Hill, and from the bohemian streets of Montmartre to the sparkling Versailles. Great summer read!
The Serve
By David Dekeersmaker, Director of Tennis
Club at Grandézza
The
Practice! Practice! Practice! I can’t say this enough as it pertains to the game of Tennis! Serving may be the most complex and important shot in tennis.
It allows you more free points and even the ability to dominate your opponent. To systematically go through all of the steps and details of the perfect serve can be quite voluminous. Placement of the “Ball Toss”
What each player needs to be aware of and concentrate on before the racquet even makes contact with the ball is Placement of the “Ball Toss”. The preferred holding of the ball is the palm-up style. All five fingers are on the ball, using only the finger pads, as the ball is held facing the sky. Palm-side is done with three fingers with the thumb on the side, like holding a cup. This technique is a bit easier for releasing the ball more slowly without jerking movements & it takes the spin away, it is important to keep the small twitch muscles quiet when releasing the ball. Whether your tempo is rapid or slow, having the ball in your hand the way you’d like to release it is key. Develop a meaningful routine.
Each tennis player has his or her own routine they’ve acquired and adhere to while on the baseline before addressing the ball. It’s ideal to develop a meaningful routine. It will help you to
Happened? from page 1
People with first-hand experience are often very good at helping others because they can relate. When you authentically lend a helping hand, you will also aid in your healing and happiness.
Remember to ask yourself the better question, “What happened to me, rather than what is wrong with me?” This will reframe your mindset from one of self-criticism to one of self-love.
As I understood what my father went through, I had compassion for him. In turn, this understanding helped me understand myself better, too. I opened my heart and opened my mind.
And in this space, we all begin to heal.
design feel and rhythm, and remember that it is the only time during a match when you are in complete control of the pace of the match so take your time, don’t rush especially between first and second serves.
Most players place the ball first than bring their racquet up. Your weight will shift slightly back isolating that tossing arm and remember to stay still when you let the ball go (your swinging arm will go up naturally). It’s recommended your tossing arm is aimed sideways of your target at a 45° angle right over your toe. This will allow for a vertical ball placement, proper alignment and the shoulder rotation away from your target allows the ball to be thrown straight up. So be aware not to face directly at the target. You should also not have your tossing arm go straight at the target, for this does not initiate any shoulder turn.
The Point of Release is very important for an ideal serve.
In general, above your shoulders is a good reference point. This way there’s no guessing. Many professional players do their routine, take one last look at the target and shift into their serve
as their eyes shift to the point of release. Your eyes should wait to see that the ball is released and CONTACT is made. Smooth movement with a gradual release allows the ball to float out of the hand with total control, as if you are placing it. Maintain control of your arm through the shoulder after the release as your hand sits under the ball as this will help with speed.
The height of the toss determines the preparation time for contact.
This is why a nervous player’s serve becomes weaker. As the match goes on their toss becomes lower and they must commit to swing much sooner than in earlier play. Once the ball is released there is no time to think, It’s up in the air, you get loaded and go get it. It’s about Tempo and Timing. Consistency is crucial to each player’s service game.
Practice will help everyone’s accuracy.
Set-up and do your routine so you get the correct tempo. Bounce that ball so it keeps coming back to your hand. Use that tossing arm as a guide for ball toss accuracy, lift that arm up & hold it up, as if you are mimicking an overhead.
And Finally remember our acronym ACE, Tossing Arm up, Chin up, and racquet Elbow up.
Golf Needs Our Help
By Cory Titensor, PGA Director of Golf, The Club at Grandézza
Playing golf has experienced a resurgence in participation which has resulted in players being introduced to the sport in non-traditional ways. This has created many challenges for existing golfers, golf courses and their professionals, and those new golfers. Etiquette and pace of play are two major topics frequently revisited.
A substantial percentage of the preexisting golfers were introduced to the game by someone schooled in the traditions and history of the game. This helped the sport develop uniform standards and expectations for its players. The explosive growth, change in how players are introduced to the game, and change in social norms has created many etiquette breaches.
Following the course’s dress code, understanding the rules of golf, and preserving the conditions of the course are the players’ responsibility. Players should be familiar with the dress code requirements where they play. The governing
body has helped with preserving the conditions of the course by permitting spike marks to be tapped down but has not helped with a ball in divot or a ball in a footprint in a bunker. So, as a player if you create one of these, please do your part and fix it.
The amount of time a round of golf takes was the main reason many players left the game. We cannot base the amount of time it should take to play a round from the professionals on television. When playing a round of golf, it is your responsibility to keep pace with the players in front of you. The best way to achieve success is for players to be ready before their turn. Changes to the rules and play it forward initiatives have helped reduce the pace of play.
By everybody taking ownership of these expectations, being part of the solution, and caring for the course the game will be able to manage the resurgence in participation of uniting today’s golfers with yesterday’s golfers.
Do you have a travel story to share?
Travel Stories From Grandezza Residents....
Now that the Covid cases have diminished here at home and in many countries around the world, our Grandezza friends and neighbors are beginning to travel again. Hopefully you noticed we have started a “Travel Corner” in The Grandezza Gazette with the help of our traveling residents. We would like to invite you and your traveling friends to share your travel experiences and tell us about any interesting, or unusual destinations and experiences along the way.
We would love to hear about your best stories/ logs from your past, or present travels. Have you visited an “off the beaten path” place, or discovered a new or special attraction nearby? What was the most interesting/memorable, or the least interesting? Do you have any special/personal tips or advice that would help
others planning to visit the same places? Would you recommend your trip to others? If not, why not? You get the idea! We’re looking for our Grandezza residents to write a short recap of your highlights (200-600 words) in any direction you wish to pursue. There are no ground-rules except they must be personal resident experiences and not travel tips etc. from commercial travel agents. Virtually everyone loves to travel, so we expect the readership to be very high.
Hopefully, you have some travel experiences you would like to share. If so, please send them to Al Meyer at meyer815@aol.com and we’ll get them printed as soon as possible.
Thanks in advance for helping to make The Grandezza Gazzette more interesting for our readers.
Pet Corner Featuring Ruby
By Susan Sherwin
Ruby is a 4 1/2 year old sixty pound Labradoodle who has stolen the hearts of her owners, Savona residents Betty and Roger Harper. A cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, Ruby embodies the best, and as the Harpers laugh, the “worst” traits of her parent breeds. Like Labradors, she is friendly and sociable, but sheds. And, like Poodles, she is highly intelligent and intuitive but demonstrates streaks of stubbornness.
Betty and Roger have owned many dogs before Ruby: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and even Bassett Hounds. When they moved to Florida they decided they would have no more dogs. However, seeing Subaru commercials featuring family scenarios with Golden Retrievers was the impetus of their desire to own another pet at this stage of their lives. Betty researched breeds while Roger investigated on Craig’s List, and Ruby was found in Tampa.
Born to a breeder in Louisville, Kentucky, Ruby’s first family was a household with three young homeschooled children, but at seven months of age she was placed on Craig’s list and adopted by a second family. With two children and a fenced-in lot of twentysix acres, it promised to be the perfect place for this energetic puppy. After Ruby chewed up essential medical equipment required by one of the children twice in one week, though, that family thought their pet would be better placed elsewhere, and back on Craig’s List Ruby went. (In Ruby’s defense, anyone who has nurtured a puppy knows how much puppies love to chew.)
So, with perfect timing Betty and Roger drove up to Tampa on Election Day, 2019, fell in love with the cute Ruby, and the Labradoodle found her new “furever home.”
This sociable, cuddly golden-colored Labradoodle dons a full shaggy wavy coat, or as Betty describes, “a bad perm that needs a trip to the salon.” She loves playing ball, swimming, and her walks.
As she speeds down the street as “Daddy’s Girl” with Roger as the walker, she can be difficult to restrain if she decides she wants to play with another dog or chase after a rabbit or squirrel.
Playing at the pool, she will skyrocket into the air as she descends exactly where the ball is. In the games of catch or baseball she snaps the ball midair into her mouth. Ruby is also a talented escape artist, and Grandezza neighborhoods have experienced her running at full speed down the street, through front and back yards, oblivious to commands. What fun she has chasing deer through the neighborhood, and it takes trickery to catch her. Neighbors calling out “peanut butter,” code for “treat” sometimes helps reign her in.
Ruby knows many words and all her commands, even if she does not always choose to comply. Unlike the Harper’s previous pets, this darling dog does not necessarily “live to please her masters.” She may not cooperate with being groomed and resists by lying down. Neither does she tolerate having her nails trimmed nor her teeth brushed. Her running on the pavers seems to help her self-groom, and Greenies help with teeth-cleaning. Speaking of grooming habits, Ruby does not favor taking a bath, and in four years with the Harpers she has only had two real baths. Her first bath was the result of her swimming in the lake (with alligators?) after she escaped out the front door, and following a second bath, Betty and Roger have given over to the idea that Ruby’s love of the pool time seems to have solved the bath issue.
Ruby greets guests with the exuberance of leaps and air spins, and also likes to claim something of theirs as her own. For example, she will remove a cloth napkin from a lap with the discretion of a petty thief, parade it around with her tail wagging, and only relinquish the prize upon being traded a snack from the pantry. Smart gal.
Ruby certainly enriches the lives of those with whom she is in contact. While she was not completely successful at training as a therapy dog when she was eighteen months old, Ruby knew her commands and was sweet, cute, and a comedian, even though she did not make the cut. Regardless, the social, lovable Ruby has a standing appointment every Sunday at the All-American Pet Resort, aka, “The Spa.” Nicknamed by staff as “Crazy Lady” and “Miss Congeniality” for her enthusiasm and playfulness, Ruby is a house favorite. She plays with everyone, human and animal. Not only is Ruby a favorite at her doggie spa. She is loved dearly in the Harper House, a source of laughter, and a valued addition to the Harper family.
Community Boards and Officers
Association Position
Grandezza Master Board Fred Thompson P Peter Dersley VP Mickey Wheeler T Sarah Hartman S Nancy Reilly D Mike Patricelli D Jack Jones D
Grandezza Master Committees
Finance & Long Range Planning Mickey Wheeler chair
Communications Jack Jones chair
Landscape Nancy Reilly chair
Infrastructure, Lakes,
Preserves & Fountains Peter Dersley chair
Safety & Access Control Mike Patricelli chair Community Affairs Fred Thompson chair
Avalon Jim Schleifer P Joe Convertino, Jr. VP Pat Van Duyn T Dan Marrazza D Ron Gramazio D
Cypress Cove A Andy Anderson P Mike Patricelli VP Dennis Field D Myrna Wernick S Paul Lesser T
Cypress Cove B Toni MacLeod P Chuck Dennis VP Kevin O'Neil T Frank Senese S Yvonne Mazzella D
Grande Estates Peter Dersley P Cameron Snyder VP Fred Thompson T Laura Reddin S Lanell Shields D
Oakwood Neighborhood Sandra Renner P Ted Lewman VP Patricia Collie S Al Meyer D Steve Anderson T
Oakwood I Rich Green P Joe Trefaller VP Tom Rajtik S/T
Oakwood II Steve Anderson P Richard Zimmerman VP John Fillipo S/T
Sabal Palm Shannon Palombo P Ellen Kaplan VP William Greenwald T Julie Sexton S Mark Sherwin D
Santa Lucia Aramis Sullivan P Mike Mainelli S/T Celia Platt VP
Saraceno Neil Greene P Skip DeLong VP Bob Hoel S Matt Baumlin T Dean Stefanac D
Savona Brian Schultz P Steve Katz T Paul Copper VP/S Jay Montgomery D Nancy Banyard D Ann Cary D Wes Wilkins D
Solemar Bob Lindgren P Brian Vance VP/S Dan Williams T
Villa Grande Joseph Drummond P Mickey Wheeler VP Beth Feldman T Sarah Hartman S Steve Bajinski D Jeff Almo D
Avoiding Scams
In 2023, approximately 332,000 individuals reported business impersonation scams, making it the most prevalent fraud type for the year, with reported losses exceeding $660 million. Scammers also frequently impersonated government agencies, including the IRS, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and local law enforcement. However, these figures likely represent only a small fraction of the total fraud cases, as many incidents go unreported.
Scammers are adept at creating believable stories and using realworld methods to contact victims and secure payments.
According to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network, scammers often impersonate well-known businesses and government agencies to gain trust. The data from 2023 reveals the methods and companies most commonly impersonated by scammers.
Notable Impersonated Companies
The most frequently impersonated companies in 2023 included Best Buy’s Geek Squad, Amazon, and PayPal. However, the highest financial losses were reported in scams involving Microsoft and Publishers Clearing House. Each company was impersonated in distinct ways:
• Geek Squad: Scammers sent phony emails claiming that a computer service, which the victim had never signed up for, was about to renew, costing several hundred dollars.
• Microsoft: Scammers initiated their fraud with a fake security pop-up on the victim’s computer, instructing them to call a number for help.
• Publishers Clearing House : Scammers called victims, telling them they needed to pay fees to collect fake sweepstakes winnings.
Contact Methods
Reports indicate that scammers primarily contacted their targets via email and phone calls. However, the most significant financial losses occurred in scams initiated on
social media. From 2021 to 2023, social media platforms were the leading source of fraud losses. In 2023, 51% of fraud reports originating from social media involved Facebook, while 22% involved Instagram. These scams often started with ads on social media, leading to online shopping scams. The most considerable losses on social media platforms were due to investment scams.
Payment Methods
Scammers employed various payment methods depending on the type of scam. Investment scam victims often reported “investing” through cryptocurrency or bank transfers, with these methods leading to the highest losses both per person and in total. Online shopping scams frequently involved payment apps and services. The most commonly reported payment apps in 2023 were PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, and Apple Pay.
Gift cards were the most reported payment method for several scam types, including romance scams, tech support scams, government impersonation scams, and scams impersonating acquaintances like bosses or grandchildren. Scammers often specified the gift card brand, with Apple cards being the most reported in 2023, followed by Target, eBay, Walmart, and Amazon gift cards.
Avoiding Scams
To protect themselves from scams, individuals should:
1. Verify the Story : Before taking any action, talk to someone you trust. Scammers often rush victims into sending money, buying gift cards, or investing in cryptocurrency.
2. Avoid Clicking Links or Responding to Unexpected Messages: Never trust caller ID, and if you think a message might be legitimate, contact the company or agency using a verified phone number or website.
3. Refuse Unusual Payment Methods : Don’t pay anyone who demands payment via gift card, cryptocurrency, money transfer, or payment app. Legitimate entities do not restrict payment methods to one option.
By following these precautions, individuals can better identify and avoid scams, protecting themselves from financial losses and other harms.
Extracted from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Consumer E-Newsletter, “Spotting Scams,” July 2024.
Grandezza Directory
Gatehouse (239) 498-8895
Gatehouse (DwellingLIVE Automated # to register guests) (239) 986-8627 Address 11450 Grande Oak Clubhouse (239) 948-3569
Grandezza Express - Take Out Food (239) 738-7113 Golf Pro Shop (239) 948-2900 Tennis Pro Shop (239) 738-7111
Wellness Director (941) 999-1331 Golf Maintenance (239) 947-6296 Vesta Property Services cmcfarland@vestapropertyservices.com (239) 947-4552 x 932 Property Management Professionals stephanie@pmpofswfl.com (239) 353-1992 Gazzette Editor for HOA Susan Sherwin (973) 615-4222 sjsherwin18@gmail.com
GRANDEZZA MASTER WEBSITE www.GrandezzaMaster.com
Neighborhood Watch Coordinators
Grandezza is a safer community because of Neighborhood Watch.
(Buttermere)
Remember-
• Call 911 for a crime-in-progress (emergency) or
• Call the police at 239-477-1000 to report suspicious activity/behavior (non-emergency)
• Call the Grandezza Gate at 239-498-8895 to inform them that the police may be coming and why.
• Notify your Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
Upcoming Meetings in the Fall
Please note the following Engage Estero Community and Member Meetings, which are free to the public!
The Friday, September 27th Meeting will be held between 10 am and 11:30 am at the Estero Recreational Center. The topics to be covered at the meeting will be:
• What new technologies (AI and improved monitoring methods) will enhance future health outcomes?
• Multiple Sclerosis: the impact of this condition and the role carriers can play.
• Parkison’s Disease and the importance of a support group for patients and carers.
• The benefits of in-home care as we age and the value of home support.
The Thursday, October 24th Meeting will be held between 10 am and 11:30 am at the Estero Recreational Center. The topics to be covered at the meeting will be:
• Improving road safety in SW Florida and Greater Estero in particular.
◦ Road safety has become an increasing concern for many residents in greater Estero. Engage Estero is pleased to host members from the Lee MPO and Carmen Molloy, Senior Transportation Planner at Stantec Consulting Fort Myers. They will discuss the development of an “Action Plan” to help improve Road Safety in our area.
Understanding
the Workforce Housing Crisis & Why It Affects All of Us.
recruits require higher relocation allowances to compensate for the higher cost of living. This will directly increase overall recruitment expenses. Additionally, a lack of affordable housing options can lengthen the time needed to fill positions.”
The escalating housing costs are creating a severe affordability challenge for local workers. For instance, a household with an annual income of $60,000 (approximately 80% of the AMI) would find it extremely difficult to afford homeownership or renting in this market without exceeding the 30% income threshold for housing affordability. This situation demands immediate attention and action, and the need for workforce housing initiatives is more urgent than ever.
Lee County Schools Director of Talent Acquisition Sherman Stroman adds: “The overall cost of living, housing included, is one of the factors cited by teachers leaving the district. They are passionate about teaching children and responsible for caring for their own families.”
Most workforce housing financing deals involve a mortgage, tax credits, and other funding sources, such as foundations, local trust funds, or state housing trust funds. There are also programs where apartment building developers agree to allocate 10-20% of the apartments to middle-income workers.
Lee Health’s Molly Grubbs shares why affordable housing for their staff is essential. “Without affordable entry-level housing,
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The housing crisis has most affected education, healthcare, and emergency services. These professionals are essential for the functioning and safety of our community, yet they struggle the most to find affordable housing.
Tackling this problem requires a comprehensive approach, including policy changes, incentives for affordable housing development, and community support. Understanding the need and addressing the workforce housing crisis is crucial to maintaining Southern Lee County as a vibrant, sustainable community where essential workers can live, work, and thrive.
Engage Estero will continue to attempt to accelerate plans to increase and enhance the options for young professionals in teaching, healthcare, and first responders in line with the efforts adopted by other municipalities. Our local and county legislators need to act sooner rather than later to ensure we have the infrastructure to support our growing community.
Engage Estero is an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association. We exist to inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to impact the quality of life in greater Estero favorably.
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