Gazzette
FEBRUARY 2025
A Look Inside
THE POWER OF LOVE MEET THE RESIDENT ALAN BROWN CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS OF FEBRUARY
Master POA Report
FRED THOMPSON
The January Master Board meeting centered on a general discussion of 2025 plans and projects. In February we should have the 2024 financials for discussion.
A new Florida law requires the elected directors of the Neighborhood and Master Boards to complete a fourhour computer-based training seminar about the responsibilities and duties of a Director of a Condo or Homeowners Association. The law also requires that each organization have a website and populate it with the important documents such as the Declaration and By Laws. It must be updated regularly with meeting minutes and financial statements. Individual neighborhood documents may be accessed on the Master Board Association’s website www.grandezzamaster.com. I am pleased to report that nearly all the elected directors of the Neighborhood and Master boards have completed the seminars and that our Master website “guru” (Peter Dersley) has the neighborhood websites up and working!
Now for other items for your winter reading…
The Grandezza United Way committee has published its planned activities for the 2025 campaign to support the
$215K goal for 2025. The campaign committee chaired by Pat and Bill Motzer has a schedule of interesting events planned through February. Over the last 15 years the Grandezza community contributions total over $1.7 million and have grown from $20K/year to $225K last year. Congratulations to the committee and our community!
It appears from our busy roads and long lines that our northern guests are enjoying SWFL again this winter! We are recovering from the January chilly
temps so let us concentrate on the coming warmer and pleasant weather. Historically, January lows average 58 degrees and the highs average 73. These averages increase about three to four degrees each month through the winter. It is probably the reason we are down here in SW Florida and not up North!
As you are driving in Florida, do you ever wonder who owns those many acres of vacant rural land on the east side of I-75 and throughout the state? Obviously the local, state and federal government are the largest landowners. The residents
of the southern part of the state have established governmental trust funds to purchase vacant land to maintain open spaces within our heavily developed areas. Once you leave the coastline, land often becomes vacant and swampy. Florida Trend magazine developed a list of the largest landholders which I found very interesting.
The largest private landowner is the Mormon Church which owns 626K acres (640 acres is one square mile) of ranch and timber land principally in the north central section of Florida. Second largest is Four Rivers Land & Timber (550K acres) owned by “dot-com” billionaire, Thomas Peterfly. The principal part of this land is about half of Taylor County. Two
timber companies Rayonier (397K acres) and Weyerhaeuser (272K acres) are on the list with land around Daytona and Jacksonville being developed into residential uses. Other large landholders include: Mosaic (368K acres of phosphate mining land); the Lykes family (340K acres); Florida Power (FP & L) (250K acres) for its power purposes; U.S. Sugar (233K acres); the Baker family; and the Fanjul family (160K of land) in Palm Beach County used for sugar (Domino brand) and other agricultural purposes.
This completes my February letter. As they used to say on the radio…we hope you stay tuned for further monthly letters and drive safely!
EDITOR’S THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Celebrating The Holidays Of February
SUSAN SHERWIN
February is often associated with love and a little of winter’s chill in sunny Florida. While it is a month filled with diverse holidays that reflect cultural, historical, and seasonal themes, it offers something for just about everyone to celebrate.
VALENTINE’S DAY (FEBRUARY 14)
Valentine’s Day is perhaps the most well-known February holiday. Rooted
in both Roman and Christian traditions, it has evolved into a global celebration of love and affection. Couples exchange heartfelt gifts like flowers, chocolates, and handwritten notes. The holiday also extends to friendships and the bonds of family, making it a universal occasion for expressing appreciation.
GROUNDHOG DAY (FEBRUARY 2)
Groundhog Day is a quirky tradition celebrated in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerging from its burrow sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will arrive early. This lighthearted event is most famously observed in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where Punxsutawney Phil takes center stage.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Throughout February, the United States and Canada honor Black History Month, a time to recognize the contributions and struggles of African Americans and the African diaspora. This observance, established in 1926, highlights trailblazers in arts, science, politics, and civil rights, fostering a deeper understanding of historical and ongoing efforts for racial equality.
PRESIDENTS’ DAY (THIRD MONDAY OF FEBRUARY)
In the U.S., Presidents’ Day honors past presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays fall in February. Originally established as a day to
celebrate Washington’s leadership, Presidents’ Day now serves as a broader appreciation of the presidency, national heritage, and a special day for sales.
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Lunar New Year 2025 falls this year on January 29 and lasts until February16. Celebrated by millions worldwide, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, festivities include family reunions, dragon dances, fireworks, and the exchange of red envelopes containing money.
OTHER FEBRUARY OBSERVANCES
World Cancer Day (February 4) raises awareness about cancer prevention and treatment. National Freedom Day (February 1) commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the U.S. And, February hosts Mardi Gras when it overlaps with the Christian liturgical calendar, featuring parades and revelry.
May February’s holidays fill you with peace, laughter and cherished moments, Grandezza readers!
The Power of Love
YVETTE BERNOSKY, B.MS., DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
What does love mean to you? Is it something you give and receive freely? Do you hold on to it tight and open it up for only a few special ones? Or, is it something you take away when your feelings are hurt?
Love is the most powerful emotion we can share and embrace. It can overflow our hearts with great joy and elation. As a basic human need, love is what we all have in common.
When we are infants, the first thing we experience is the love of our mother. This love is vital for the bond that is made. This love is the first sense of trust and security we feel. It sets the stage for our self-esteem and positive relationships. However, the opposite can occur when
a baby isn’t given this love. They may find it hard to bond with others, feeling distrust and ultimately become insecure.
But, you never know what may happen when given a chance at love. As I have moved through life, I have had many ups and downs as a younger adult. I struggled a lot without the best influences around me. My life could have quickly gone in another
direction, but deep inside, I wanted more. What made all the difference was having support from people who loved me and allowing myself to be vulnerable enough to accept it. I was fortunate to have a mother who cared for me through thick and thin. After she passed, mentors who continued to love me dropped into my life. I didn’t recognize who they were then or what an impact they would have, but they never turned their backs on me. They were patient and kind and continued to give me a space where I felt safe and secure even though my growth took time. In this space, I could flourish and I learned how to love myself.
Looking back, I am ever so grateful. And now, in my life, I recognize this deep sense of caring in the people who share it. These are the people I respect and admire. I consider them angels who walk upon the earth. I know firsthand love’s impact, regardless of age. So I ask you to consider, what does love mean to you? Is it something you give and receive freely? Do you hold on to it tight for a few special ones? Or, is it something you take away when your feelings get hurt? My hope is for you to always share and embrace the power of love.
FEBRUARY 2025 MARCH 2025
INWELLNESS INWELLNESS
BOCCE BALL SOCIAL MIXERS
Tuesdays from 3:30pm-4:45pm at the Bocce Ball Courts HARMONIZE WITH HAPPINESS
Part 1: February 1 at 1pm in The Studio
Part 2: February 15 at 1pm in The Studio
Part 3: March 1 at 1pm in The Studio
Part 4: March 22 at 1pm in The Studio ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA (WITH THE DUBLIN CENTER)
February 4 at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room
MINI FITNESS MARATHON
February 8 from 8am-12pm in The Studio SOUND HEALING
February 9 & March 9 at 10am in The Studio
LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TOURS
LCSO Forensics Building Tour: February 18 at 1pm
Sherrif’s Headquarters Tour: March 11 at 1pm
LEE COUNTRY SHERIFF WORKSHOPS
Personal Safety: February 20 at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room Frauds & Scams: March 6 at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room
2040 DOCUMENTARY & DISCUSSION
February 25 & March 18 at 12pm in the Formal Dining Room
HEALTH FAIR
February 21 from 9:30am-12:30pm in the Grandèzza Lobby
LEE COUNTY HEALTH WORKSHOPS
SLEEP APNEA: BEYOND THE CPAP: February 27 at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room
CPR FAMILY & FRIENDS WORKSHOP: March 13 at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room KIDS’ ACTIVITY AREA OPEN
March 17 - March 22 from 9am-3pm
JOHN HOPKINS WOUND CARE WORKSHOP
March 25 at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room BLOODMOBILE
March 31 at 8am in the South Parking Lot
Meet The Resident … Alan Brown, Dedicated Dr. & Philanthropist
SUSAN SHERWIN
Most Grandezza residents are familiar with the United Way but may not be acquainted with its WeCare Program. We are proud to highlight Dr. Alan Brown who exemplifies the dedication of medical providers who help patients and generate the program’s success.
Alan Brown, M.D. and his family have been a full-timers in Grandezza since 2006—first renting in Savona before purchasing a home in Grande Estates in 2008. After completing his undergrad studies at Washington University in St. Louis with a B.S. in Biology, Alan headed to the University of Michigan for medical school. There, he graduated at the top of his class with the distinction of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, and he completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, serving as Chief Resident of the Harvard Combined Radiation Oncology Program.
Dr. Brown understands the emotional and physical distress that cancer wreaks on patients and their families throughout their medical journey. His passion for treating cancer was inspired by the loss of both of his grandmothers to cancer
and his mother’s breast cancer survivorship. In choosing the specific field of radiation oncology, he wants to find a cure for cancer. On the national level Dr. Brown has
been recognized for his community involvement and cancer research. He is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, the American Medical Association, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
On the local level, Dr. Brown is lauded for his association with Advocate Radiation Oncology which runs the new Proton Radiation program in Estero in collaboration with Lee Memorial Hospital.
By using state-of-the-art technology, a multidisciplinary approach, and integration of alternative medicine with traditional treatments, Dr. Brown offers his patients both his compassion and expertise. His impact is further extended by his involvement in the United Way’s WeCare Program.
Under the WeCare Program, an extensive network of generous volunteer medical professionals provides free care to patients living in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties who suffer from serious medical conditions. The patients are either uninsured, under-insured or fall under the federal poverty limit. The program thus removes detrimental variables and the stressors of payment for those in need. Dr. Brown explained that the ages of the patients fall between sixteen and ninetynine, and their average yearly income is only around $24,800. Additionally, between two and four percent of WeCare
patients are homeless. In 2023 alone 332 patients were helped; 2,448 procedures were conducted; and $9,062,686 worth of charitable medical care was provided to those patients.
Many cancer patients and other seriously ill patients, because they do not have adequate health insurance, turn to the emergency room as their first line of care. As a result, WeCare generally becomes aware of needy patients after their emergency room visits. Often, symptoms further advance after the patients are discharged, and patients may be referred by a medical provider, hospital, or specialist. With the intervention of targeted treatment, new technology, the revolutionary sequencing of genes and proteins, and thanks to the dedication and
philanthropy of Doctors such as Alan Brown, there is new hope in the treatment of cancers.
Grandezza’s Dr. Brown enjoys spending his free time with his family, which includes his wife Rahel, their sixteen- and fourteen-year-old daughters Liya and Alana, and their dog, Gizmo. Since 2008 this family man has chauffeured the girls to the Canterbury School in Ft. Myers every day, and, like many parents Alan refers to himself as “a glorified Uber driver.” However, since his oldest daughter is of age and now driving, he has relinquished that position. Avid travelers, the
family enjoys traveling and exposing their daughters to different cultures, allowing them to better appreciate the wider world. Also, Alan and Rahel encourage their girls to extensively volunteer their time in social programs that help others, tutoring, and volunteering at the hospitals. In his limited spare time, Alan enjoys exercising, mentoring, and finds that grilling dinner on the weekends is definitely therapeutic.
Reader’s Corner
FAINA MENZUL
From Tracy Chevalier, a master of historical fiction and author of Girl with a Pearl Earring , comes The Glassmaker , a remarkable saga of family, love, and art of making glass, seen through the eyes of a woman whose life in the book spans over five centuries. When the story starts in 1486, Venice is a flourishing center of world commerce. Seagoing ships that bring exotic spices, precious woods, and opulent furs to the Venice ports carry away unique, highly prized Venetian glass made on the island of Murano.
We meet Orsola Rosso, the nine-year-old daughter of a Murano glassmaking family that has been creating beautiful glass for many generations. Orsola envies her older brothers, Marco and Giacomo, who get to work with their father Lorenzo in the glass workshop. Women are not allowed inside that magical place. Orsola and her mother cook, clean, do the laundry, and serve the men when they come out from the workshop. Glassmaking families zealously guard their trade secrets from each other and outsiders. By decree of the Venetian Doge, glass may be made only on Murano to protect Venice’s unique world monopoly. The Rossos’ family fortunes suddenly change when Lorenzo is killed by a flying shard of hot glass. Marco is still too young and impatient to steadily
manage the works and produce high quality glass products. However, when the lot made by Marco is rejected by their agent in Venice, the family’s future is in peril.
By the wave of a “magical writer’s wand”, Chevalier miraculously slows down passage of time in Venice and Murano, while the rest of the world rolls at its usual speed. When sixty years have passed elsewhere, Orsola is now only ten years older. Although, women are still not permitted inside the workshop, Orsola has learned to make exquisite glass beads in order to put food on the family’s table. When the deadly plague comes to Venice and Murano, Orsola and her family survive by trading her beads for scarce food staples. In the world beyond Murano, the Renaissance blossoms in profusion of fine arts, sculpture, and painting. Europe is stunned by the French revolution and Napoleonic wars. Glass is still made in Murano like hundreds of years before.
Although Murano’s time still moves slower in the novel than elsewhere, another three hundred years have brought many changes to the Muranese. Venice doesn’t have a world monopoly on glassmaking anymore. Glass is now made in Germany and Bohemia, reducing the demand for Murano glass. Affluent visitors from England, Germany, and America stop in Venice on their Grand Tours. They enjoy winter carnivals, stay at the palazzos along the Grand Canal, take romantic gondola rides, and buy beautiful glass figurines as souvenirs of their travels.
Another hundred years pass. The middle-aged Orsola makes exquisite “Rosetta” beads that are in great demand by African kings, as well as tiny “seed” beads preferred by Native American Indians. Still more time goes by, and Orsola is now a renowned master beadmaker, a mother, and a grandmother. Venice is inundated by huge tourist crowds, and an unusually high “acqua alta” floods Orsola’s little shop at the St. Mark’s Square. 2019 brings painful isolation, many losses from the Covid-19 epidemic, and a message from Orsola’s long-lost lover.
In the Glassmaker, Chiaverini paints a powerful portrait of a woman who is as eternal as the ageless Serenissima itself. While the novel’s “time warp” premise initially appears to be fantastic and improbable, the author artfully brings it to life through an historically accurate narrative of the world and its impact on the Venetians. Descriptions of the glassmaking trade and everyday life in Venice and Murano are interspersed with appearances of the real persons such as: Marietta Borovier, a singularly influential woman glassmaker of the 17th century, the infamous Giacomo Casanova, and the Napoleon’s wife Josephine, to name a few. Orsola’s life in Murano and Venice flows seamlessly through the five hundred years with its changes, hardships, and victories. If you have ever visited Venice you’ll love this book! This reader could not put it down!
Travel Corner
PAUL LEBLANC
THE SHORES OF LAKE MICHIGAN
Spoiler Alert, this article will be of more interest to golfers.
Last summer the Sorrentos and the LeBlancs took a great road trip. We started from our home in Oakville, Ontario and the Sorrentos from Grandezza. We met up at Arcadia Bluffs, found on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Arcadia Bluffs is a golf resort that I had heard about for years as a must visit place.
However, I never had occasion to go to the west side of Michigan. Well, the Florida State Golf Association changed that. They offered a great deal on a golf getaway to Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Arcadia Bluffs offers great accommodations, food and two good golf courses. Each evening a piper plays on top of the Bluffs at dusk. Adirondack chairs crest the 18th hole green. It is the place to sip your favorite beverage and watch the sunset.
After three nights there, we drove to Ludington, Michigan where we boarded the ferry to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It was a four-hour ferry trip although only three hours on the clock, thanks to the time zone difference between Michigan and Wisconsin. Lots of entertainment (Bingo) and food was available during the crossing.
Once docked in Wisconsin we had a short drive to Erin Hills, site of the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Championship. A word of warning, it is a walker’s-only course with elevation changes and great vistas. There are accommodations on site which felt cramped after the spacious rooms at Arcadia Bluffs.
We spent one night there and then moved onto the main event at Whistling Straits. This was four rounds of golf on two properties (Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits) plus a Par 3 course. Of the four courses two were walkers only (The Irish and The Straits). The walks were exhausting but the exhilaration of birdieing the 18th hole of the last round (The Straits) made the trip even more memorable. The Florida State Golf Association hosted two cocktail parties with heavy hors d’oeuvres. Lots of other dining options available in and around Kohler, Wisconsin.
After a week together it was time for our respective drives home … and time to start planning our next trip … to Italy!
Did You Know?
PIE ISN’T FROM AMERICA. NICOLE VILLENEUVE
APPLE
Apple pie has long been emblematic of wholesome Americana. There’s even a saying tying the dessert to U.S. culture: “as American as apple pie.” But the classic treat actually originated across the ocean, in 14th-century England. The first known record of an apple pie recipe was in The Forme of Cury , an English cookbook compiled around 1390 by King Richard II’s cooks. The recipe calls
for apples, figs, raisins, pears, and spices, but unlike the dessert we know today, it didn’t call for any additional sugar. All of the ingredients were to be baked inside a hard, lard-based shell called a “coffin,” meant to be a container, not a golden, flaky crust.
Eventually, apple pie made its way to America with European settlers; the first recorded mention of the dessert in the U.S. was in a 1697 diary. By the late 1700s, multiple updated recipes were included in America’s first known
cookbook, American Cookery . By the early 1800s, American farmers were growing thousands of apple varieties. Apple pie continued to gain popularity through the 19th century, but it didn’t become a cultural icon until the 20th century. As early as 1902, a New York Times editorial called it a symbol of American prosperity, and by the 1920s, “as American as apple pie” started to appear in print. The dessert’s position as a meaningful part of American culture was all but cemented during World War II, when soldiers proudly declared that they enlisted for “mom and apple pie.”
JOHNNY APPLESEED WAS A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR.
John Chapman, the real-life figure behind the legend of Johnny Appleseed, was not just a wandering folk hero, but by all accounts an astute businessman and successful entrepreneur. As a young man in the late 1700s and early 1800s, he ventured west to strategically plant apple trees across America’s frontier, from western Pennsylvania through central Ohio and into Indiana. Chapman often stayed just ahead of settlers, cultivating nurseries and orchards,
The dessert’s position as a meaningful part of American culture was all but cemented during World War II, when soldiers proudly declared that they enlisted for “mom and apple pie.”
then selling them off when settlers arrived. It’s believed he resourcefully acquired his seeds from cider presses — at the time, apples were primarily grown for producing alcoholic cider, a major part of frontier life. Most accounts of Chapman describe him as traveling barefoot, in a burlap sack, and with a tin pot for a hat. Despite his modest life, it’s believed that when he died in 1845, Chapman still owned many properties himself, and was a wealthy man.
https://historyfacts.com/world-history/fact/apple-pieisnt-from-america/
The Key To A Great Game: Stretching And Exercising Before You Hit The Courts!
DAVID DEKEERSMAKER, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS THE CLUB AT GRANDEZZA
As your Director of Tennis, I’m excited to share some important tips to help you play your best. One crucial element often overlooked is the importance of warming up and stretching before stepping onto the court. Proper preparation not only enhances your performance but also significantly reduces the risk of injuries.
Here are five effective warm-up exercises and stretches to add to your routine:
1. Dynamic Arm Swings: Loosen up your shoulders by swinging your arms in large circles, forward and backward. This prepares your shoulders for serves and volleys.
2. High-Knee Marches or Skips: Activate your hip flexors and improve your agility with high-knee movements across the court. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up, too.
3. Side Shuffles: Mimic tennis-specific movements by shuffling side to side along the baseline. Keep your knees bent and stay light on your feet to warm up your lateral movement.
4. Walking Lunges with a Twist: Step into a lunge and rotate your torso toward your forward leg. This stretches your legs, hips, and core, all vital areas for powerful strokes.
5. Mini-Rally Warm-Up:
Grab a partner and start with soft, controlled rallies inside the service box. Focus on technique, timing, and eye-hand coordination before going all out.
Make stretching and warming up a regular part of your routine, and you’ll feel more agile, prevent injuries, and improve your overall performance.
Let’s stay active, healthy, and ready to conquer the courts!
See you out there!
World Handicap System Changes
CORY TITENSOR, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
In 2004 the governing bodies of golf made some changes that most golfers might not be fully aware of. They changed how a player posts a round between 10 and 17 holes. They have also started the push for players to post their scores hole by hole. Several agencies in the World Handicap System require players to post their score hole by hole not by total strokes.
Prior to last year, you would post an 18-hole score once you finished at least 13 holes. Players just posted par plus their handicap on the holes they did not complete. Today players should post hole by hole to where they finished on rounds between 10 and 17 holes. With last year’s revision, when 10-17 holes are played, an 18-hole Score Differential is determined by adding the player’s Score Differential from the holes played to an expected Score Differential for the number of holes not played. Since a player’s expected score is not specific to a course or reliant upon the course’s stroke index allocation (as net par was previously), this will lead to more consistency. So, as you review a peer’s handicap you might see scores that are lower than normal without it showing as an exceptional score. Another place a player should use this is when playing match play. Once a match is
completed, the competition conditions change so players should post up to that point.
The other major change is 9-hole scores are no longer combined to make an 18-hole score. This change eliminates the potential volatility of an abnormal amount of time or playing conditions taking place between 9-hole rounds. Today, when a player posts a 9-hole score, it is combined with their expected Score differential over 9 holes to create an 18-hole Score Differential for immediate use – with expected score based on the player’s Handicap Index at the time the round is played as well as a course of standard difficulty.
These changes are meant to address areas where abilities and playing conditions might not be equal. When posting your scores please follow these revisions. Also, the more you post hole by hole scores the better it is for courses to properly allocate how the strokes are given.
Pet Corner
SUSIE ROZANCZYK
LIFE WITH ARCHIE
When I was asked to write an article “bragging” about our little dog Archie I said “yes, of course, because he is such a special dog.” I did have one big concern about the request. How could I write this article using 300-600 words when a million words wouldn’t make a dent in describing our great little guy? But, I said I would do it, so here goes.
Archie, our 10-pound toy schnauzer is the most calm, sweet, loving, smart and just all around most wonderful dog ever. We have been in Archie’s world for 12 and a half of his 13 years. In human life that is 91 years old but Archie still looks and acts like a very young dog. Other than a slight heart murmur he is a healthy little guy.
Archie came to us from Chandler, Oklahoma in a small crate on United Airlines. His first solo flight and he did quite well. I think this early flying experience explains how easy it is for Gary and me to fly back and forth to Florida with Archie in his carryon pet carrier. Archie, without medicine, flies like a champ. He has logged so many miles on Southwest Airlines
it has been suggested to me that he have a frequent flyer account (maybe a hint for the airlines to do that ��.)
From the moment Archie first landed in Columbus, Ohio he has been such a joy. He gets along with every person, cat and dog he meets. Archie makes actual friends with other dogs. Avery, a 70-pound Labrador Retriever, who lived two houses from us in New Albany just adored Archie and Archie him. Avery would bend down to Archie’s level to give him puppy kisses. It was quite a sight to see the big white lab walking or playing with the tiny gray schnauzer.
Our dog sitter in Ohio has a dog and two cats. Who does Archie play and cuddle with? … the cats, of course! Archie knows no enemies! We have 6 grandkids who adore Archie and he them. They love him to death sometimes but he is very patient with them 99% of the time. Sometimes even the sweetest dog has had enough cuddling.
No dog is perfect and as a puppy Archie had one mischievous thing he liked to do, or, he bought stock in Cottonelle Toilet Paper. I do know if you had stock in Cottonelle then you would have made a fortune because our family bought so much. I don’t understand how Archie did this because he is so small, but he could reach up to the toilet paper holder and grab a piece and drag it all over the house.
We went through rolls and rolls of toilet paper until finally we just moved the rolls to higher ground. I’m not sure why, but one day Archie just stopped his little game, thankfully!
We did have one very scary moment with Archie last year. I was on the golf course when I received a text from our cleaning lady that said Archie is okay. Had no idea what that meant but soon found out that the door had been left open when one of the cleaners walked outside for a moment. I can honestly tell you that never ever had Archie ventured out on his own so I had no idea why wanderlust suddenly entered his thoughts. Well, a very nice young lady who knows Archie saw him on the cart path going towards the green on hole six (we live a few houses away). She called to him and took him to safety for which we are forever grateful. Again, I’m not sure what Archie was thinking, but don’t think I would begin a first-time golf experience on a hole nicknamed the Devil’s Backbone. I guess we all need some big adventure once in our lives.
Archie, all 10 pounds of him, can stand toe to toe with any dog no matter the size. He is not afraid of anything. In fact, dogs who get along with no other dogs will come up to him with kindness. Archie must send off a sweet vibe or, maybe , because he never barks. In all the 12 and a half years we have been blessed to be in Archie’s presence I have only heard Archie bark one time and that was really just a squeak. He is just a very chill dog.
No kidding, we have friends who will call us to ask how Archie is doing. I had a friend who drew a beautiful pencil sketch of him, just because. When we have people over Archie is picked up and held by them because he emits love and calmness always.
For those who have a pet you will understand how Archie fills our hearts with joy every day. From playing catch the toy with Gary to cuddling with me Archie is the perfect little dog. Everyone who knows him loves him and he loves all of them. This is definitely Archie’s world and we are forever grateful to be able to share it with him.
JOHN DEJOY
Cook’s Corner BAKED APPLES WITH PEPPERCORNS
This is a fun recipe, perfect for the Apple harvest. In Ohio we had many varietals to choose from, but for this recipe I like Granny Smith Apples. They are firm with a bit of tartness. This dish was a popular dessert, served with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Shortbread Cookies.
INGREDIENTS:
6 Granny Smith Apples
7 tablespoons butter, softened, not melted
Half Cup Sugar
1.25 Cups Apple Cider
1 tsp. Crushed Black Peppercorns
1 tsp. Crushed Pink Peppercorns
1 Vanilla Bean, Slit Open
1-3 tablespoons Armagnac (Optional)
STEPS:
1) Peel apples. Scoop out core. Brush all over with the melted butter and coat the Apples in the Sugar.
2) Preheat the Oven to 375 degrees and place the apples on a roasting pan. Bake 10 minutes.
3) Pour in the Apple Cider and scatter the crushed peppercorns and vanilla bean over the apples. Spoon the cider over the apples, then return to the oven. Roast for another 20 minutes. Baste the apples every. 5 minutes. On the final basting drizzle the Armagnac over the apples.
4) Let cool for 10 minutes, or longer, basting the apples occasionally with the pan juices.
5) To Serve, lift the apples into the serving dish and strain the pan juices over them. We accompanied this dish with Vanilla Ice Cream and a Shortbread Cookie. Enjoy!
Compliments of Chef John and Michelle De Joy, Owners of John Palmer’s Bistro 44, in Concord, Ohio, and currently Saraceno residents.
7 Very Good Questions About Dogs, Answered
SARAH ANNE LLOYD, INTERESTING FACTS.COM
Dogs and humans all over the world have been enjoying a mutually beneficial best friendship for perhaps tens of thousands of years. They’re the first animals we domesticated, and have been constant companions ever since. Sometimes dogs have a job they help us with, like sheep herding or duck hunting. But others are literally just here for the cuddles, and dog people are happy to oblige.
Even after all those years, we’re still learning about dogs, including more about how our unlikely animal friendship began. But plenty of dog questions have delightful answers — like whether they dream, how they learn their names, and why they slobber all over us. These seven dog facts will send you running to cuddle your closest very good boy (or girl).
HOW DID DOGS EVOLVE FROM WOLVES?
Today’s domesticated dogs evolved from majestic, wild wolves, but looking at a tiny, trembling chihuahua, it can be hard to imagine how that even worked. It took a really long time, especially for breeds that seem very distant from their ancient grandparents.
Scientists still don’t know exactly how those first wolves befriended humans, but it appears to have happened at least 15,000 years ago. A study of ancient wolf genomes published in 2022 found that dogs may have been domesticated twice, once in Asia and once in the Middle East or nearby, with the populations subsequently intermingling. But the evidence is far from conclusive, and dogs may have been domesticated just once, in Asia, and then later bred with wolves that lived in or around the Middle East. Regardless, most scientists now agree that dogs evolved from gray wolves.
The exact mechanism is still unclear. Wolves, after all, are pretty dangerous, and scientists are still scratching their heads about what prompted humans to feel safe around them in the first place. Regardless, your peoplepleasing golden retriever is a pretty far cry from its lupine ancestors. (Your shih tzu, on the other hand, might be closer than you think.)
DO DOGS DREAM?
If you’ve spent a lot of time around dogs, you’ve probably seen them twitching or kicking in their sleep. It’s hard to know exactly what’s going on in a dog’s mind, but they do exhibit brain wave patterns much like we do when we’re in our most dreamheavy phase of sleep.
So what do dogs dream about? In one study, scientists removed or deactivated the part of the brain that keeps dogs from moving around in their sleep (yikes). These dogs started to move when they entered the dreaming stage of sleep, and began acting out their dreams, doing breed-specific behaviors. According to dog psychology researcher Stanley Coren, “What we’ve basically found is that dogs dream doggy things. So, pointers will point at dream birds, and Dobermans will chase dream burglars.” This indicates that dogs probably just dream about their everyday actions.
WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO DOGS?
Around 10% to 20% of humans are allergic to cats or dogs. There’s a common misconception that people allergic to furry friends are allergic to the fur itself, but they’re actually allergic to proteins found in skin cells, saliva, and urine — so if you’re allergic to dogs, you might still be allergic to a hairless dog. When someone allergic to dogs is exposed to those proteins, as with other allergies, their immune system reacts as if the substances are harmful.
Some dogs are marketed as “hypoallergenic,” but there’s really no breed that’s guaranteed to not trigger allergies. It is possible, however, that someone can be more allergic to one dog than another. The best way to figure out whether you’re allergic to a specific dog is just to spend time around it, so starting out by fostering a pup before committing to a longterm companion might be the way to go.
HOW DO YOU CONVERT HUMAN YEARS TO DOG YEARS?
For decades, people have used the phrase “dog years” to compare stages in dogs’ lives to similar stages in human lives — such as whether they’re children, teens, adults, or seniors. There’s a common misconception that one human year is equivalent to about seven dog years, but it’s not all that simple.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a 1-year-old medium-sized dog is roughly equivalent to a 15-year-old human. The second year of that dog’s life is around nine human years, and after that, each year is about five years. This varies from dog to dog, though, especially since large dogs tend to age faster than smaller dogs. The AKC estimates that a smaller dog, like a Pomeranian, is around age 56 after 10 years, while a very large dog, like a Great Dane, would be more like 79.
WHY DO DOGS LICK PEOPLE?
Dogs licking people is often interpreted as a sign of affection, and it very well might be.
Some wild dog species lick their pack members to welcome them home, and it can absolutely mean that your dog is happy to see you.
That’s not the only reason your dog might lick you, though. You could just taste really good, especially if you just finished a meal. It could also be a combination of the two: Licking may have started as a food-seeking behavior and evolved into a sign of affection. It could also be a sign of submission.
Obsessive licking, however, can be indicative of a larger problem like allergies, boredom, or pain — so if you’re worried about what it might mean, it’s worth a trip to the vet to check it out.
CAN YOU CHANGE A RESCUE DOG’S NAME?
So you’ve fallen in love with a rescue dog, but its name is Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. You can’t exactly be expected to shout that across the dog park. Fortunately, it’s perfectly fine to change a dog’s name after adoption. In some cases, the dog got that name at the shelter and hasn’t even had it for very long — but you can change it even if the dog’s had the name for years.
If you do decide to change your new friend’s name, it just requires a little consistency and patience. You may have to use their old name a couple of times along the way, but with plenty of positive reinforcement, your
dog should fully accept their new moniker. Don’t worry — they won’t be offended!
CAN DOGS SEE COLOR?
Some dog senses are more amplified than those of humans. Most dogs can hear highpitched frequencies that are completely silent to us, and with a sense of smell that may be up to 10,000 times more powerful than ours, they take in much more of the world via scent than sight. But how does their vision measure up?
While sight varies among both individual humans and dogs, a typical dog can see fewer colors than a typical human — but contrary to popular belief, they don’t see in black and white. They can also see yellows, blues, and combinations of the two. It’s similar to a human being who has red-green color blindness.
Dogs may still have one vision advantage over humans, though: Their eyes are better adapted to see in the dark.
https://interestingfacts.com/dog-questions/
Calling All Pet Owners!
Tell us about your pet(s)! Every month we will feature one family’s pet(s) in an article in the Grandezza Gazzette . All you have to do is write between 300 and 600 words about your much loved dog, cat, or other animal and include a couple of high resolution pictures. Some ideas to show off your loved pet include: how you named him/her; a description of his/her looks; favorite activities and toys; what makes him/ her special to you, and whatever else you’d like to share with readers. This offer is limited to Grandezza owners and residents.
Your submission doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece; we will edit and format it for the monthly newsletter. Have fun writing about your pet, and submit it to sjsherwin18@gmail. com for submission in the Grandezza Gazzette.
Grandezza GirlFriends News
CINDY FITZPATRICK
What would you do if you were having chronic skin conditions? Well, if you were Deanna Wallin, a former nurse, you would found Naples Soap Company. A Southwest Florida native, Deanna, worked in the healthcare industry for 15 years before opening her first retail store in Tin City in 2009. Today, Naples Soap Company operates 13 stores across the state of Florida, and offers products nationwide direct to the consumer through a robust e-commerce site (naplessoap. com). The Company’s wholesale division sells to spas, boutiques and retail shops across the United States. In 2021, Deanna took the company public. She has earned numerous professional and business accolades and recent awards including:
• Florida SBDC at FGCU Distinguished Entrepreneur Award 2024
• Gulfshore Business’ Remarkable Business Women Award 2023
Deanna shared her journey at the teaparty-themed January luncheon and a few lucky girlfriends took home some of her most popular products.
Together, we wished a very happy birthday to Patty Accavallo, Lillian Bennett, Sue Brown, Leona Frascella, Suzanne Goldberg, Pat Hazelton, Hilary Moleski, Kara Nickolas, and Joanne
Oslosky. Congratulations to Jeri Ojeda, who was the recipient of the bracelet.
It’s not too late to join Grandezza Girlfriends. We have Elvis, the popular Fashion Show, Golden Paws and Rich
Sherman coming up, not to mention the 30+ interest groups.
Visit our web site at https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/S6EzFS2 for more information.
Lethologica: It’s On The “Tip Of My Tongue”
MICHAEL NORDINE AT WORD SMARTS
Forgetting a word or phrase that you know you’re familiar with can be frustrating, but it happens to everyone. This phenomenon is often referred to metaphorically as something being on the “tip of your tongue.” It also has a technical name, “lethologica,” meaning “the inability to remember a particular word or name.”
That term was coined in the early 20th century from the Greek words lēthē , meaning “forgetfulness,” and logos , meaning “word.” While it’s not usually any more bothersome than forgetting a name or stumbling in the middle of a sentence, it’s ubiquitous enough to be considered a universal experience. Let’s learn more about what’s happening on the “tip of your tongue.”
LETHOLOGICA IS UNIVERSAL
Tip-of-your-tongue lapses can happen to anyone, regardless of language or culture. According to a 2011 paper on lethologica that appeared in the journal Memory & Cognition , around 90% of speakers
Writers Wanted!
In an effort to make the Grandezza Gazzette interesting and readable to our residents, we invite you to share your stories, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome articles about books, travel, pets, sports, TV and movies, tech, and/or content that will get our community talking and sharing! Just avoid topics such as politics and religion in keeping with our policy of avoiding controversy.
Please try to limit your words to between 200 and 600 words and feel free to include a couple of jpeg photos with high resolution. We’ll be happy to give you a byline!
Send your submissions to sjsherwin18@gmail.com.
FIZKES/ISTOCK
surveyed (across many languages) described the phenomenon using wording similar to the “tip of your tongue” metaphor in English.
• Spanish: Lo tengo en la punta de la lengua (I have it on the tip of my tongue)
• Italian: Ce l’ho sulla punta della lingua (I have it on the tip of my tongue)
• French: Sur le bout de la langue (On the tip of my tongue)
• Turkish: Dilimin ucunda (On the tip of my tongue)
• German: Es liegt mir auf der Zunge (It’s lying on my tongue)
• Greek: Είναι κάτω από τη γλώσσα μου (It’s under my tongue)
WHAT CAUSES LETHOLOGICA?
While it happens to everyone, lethologica is a complex neurological event involving many factors that aren’t completely understood. Scientists believe one contributing element could be sleep levels, as lethologica tends to happen more often to those who are tired. Other factors might include how well the memory was encoded (the base memory of the word) and interference from other memories, which can cause confusion.
Studies have also found a positive correlation with age. Older adults might experience lethologica up to once a day, while younger adults experience it around once a week. The average native Englishspeaking American adult knows around 42,000 dictionary words; it’s only natural that some are forgotten from time to time.
HOW CAN LETHOLOGICA BE RESOLVED?
Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for this pesky phenomenon. Typically, as time passes (or if a first letter or a part of the word is remembered), the “lost” word will finally come to mind. The good news is that these events are short-term, universal experiences and don’t usually indicate serious cognitive problems. (However, if they become more persistent or frequent, that might be a sign of another condition, and you should consult a doctor.)
Researchers also have found that once lethologica occurs when trying to remember a certain word, it is more likely to happen again later with that same word. This is because our brains respond to associations that we make with new information. After an episode of lethologica, the brain likely associates the “lost” word with the event of losing it, making the same situation more likely to reoccur. And researchers have found no evidence that continuing to dig deeper for the word helps. In fact, doing so might actually make the situation worse, causing you to draw a blank the next time you’re trying to remember it.
The best thing to do is move on — often, the missing word will spontaneously pop back into your head. Continuing to scour your brain for the right word might turn you into a loganamnosis, or someone who is obsessed with recalling a word that has been forgotten.
HOW DOES LETHOLOGICA DIFFER FROM LETHONOMIA?
“Lethologica” describes the phenomenon of forgetting any word, while “lethonomia” (with the Greek root onoma, meaning “name”) refers to the inability to remember a proper name, another tip-of-your-tongue event. This can happen at any time, whether you’re watching a television show or unexpectedly running into someone in the street. It’s another short-term impairment that usually randomly resolves itself.
“Lethonomia” is a newer term — it doesn’t appear yet in most common dictionaries,
as “lethologica” does — but both words were inspired by Greek mythology. The word for “forgetfulness,” lēthē, was taken from the River Lethe, a river in Hades whose water made the dead forget their life on Earth. While tip-of-yourtongue events might not be as serious as life in the underworld, the resulting sense of emptymindedness might make you feel as if you just drank from the Lethe.
Michael Nordine is the Senior Writer and Editor at Optimism.
https://wordsmarts.com/tip-of-tongue/
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
THE FUTURE OF ROAD SAFETY IN ESTERO
A Traffic Safety Action Plan
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025
10 am — 11:30 am Estero Park & Recreation Center 920 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, in Estero, Florida
Road safety has become an increasing concern for many residents in greater Estero. The speakers will invite attendees to participate and provide feedback. The presentation will look at the high-injury network and discuss potential solutions.
The speakers are:
Don Scott, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Carmon Monroy, Senior Transportation Manager, CTS Engineering.
They will provide information about recommended traffic safety measures currently under consideration and answer other questions regarding:
— County Road 951a
— Workforce housing — Addressing congestion — Explaining future planned improvements
Registration is free, but seating is limited, so RSVP is required online at: https://esterotoday.com/feb2025
This meeting follows the October 2024 meeting, featuring Frank Domingo, Professional Engineer and Principal at Stantec, and Ron Gogoi, AICP Transportation Planning Administrator of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). You can find a summary of that meeting at https:// esterotoday.com/event/oct2024.
THE DON ESLICK ESTERO PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER
Honoring 2024 Recipients
Joe and Joni Pavich
Thursday Evening, Feb. 27, 2025
At the Estero Country Club (Vines Community).
Join us for a special occasion. We have the extraordinary opportunity to honor Joe and Joni Pavich, who will receive the prestigious Don Eslick Estero Person of The Year Award. This award recognizes their unwavering commitment and passionate belief in Estero for over 35 years.
The couple worked tirelessly in their new Real Estate business after they arrived in 1989. Joe’s efforts to attract potential new residents highlight his belief in Estero as a great place to live. He didn’t just promote the community; he built a sense of belonging and excitement that resonated with newcomers. Meanwhile, Joni’s meticulous organization and people and sales skills ensured that every initiative ran smoothly and efficiently. It was a team effort.
We’ll kick off the night with a delightful Happy Hour at 6 p.m. At 6:50 p.m., we’ll transition to a sumptuous dinner featuring an exquisite selection of entrees to satisfy every palate.
For details and to register, go to https://esterotoday.com/2025Award.
RESULTS OF THE VILLAGE OF ESTERO TRAFFIC SURVEY
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 10 am — 11:30 am Estero Park & Recreation Center 920 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, in Estero, Florida
Little affects our daily quality of life as significantly as traffic. Engage Estero and the Village of Estero to take road conditions and management seriously.
The Village utilizes a series of Master Plans in each area of functional responsibility to help guide community investment and growth. The Estero Village Council recently selected Johnson Engineering to update the Villagewide Traffic study Master Plan. The study is designed to identify current and future traffic issues and provide recommendations to improve traffic flow and safety in Estero. The study includes:
— Projected development on vacant parcels. — Traffic impacts from areas outside Estero.
At the Engage Estero March Community and Membership Meeting, the results of the study will be provided by:
— Steve Sarkozy: Estero’s Village Manager
— David Willems: Estero’s Director of Public Works
— Leah Holmes: Transportation Engineer at Johnson Engineering
Registration is free, but seating is limited, so RSVP is required online at: https://esterotoday.com/mar2025/
Steve Sarkozy, Estero Village Manager
To stay updated on events and issues of importance in Estero, please sign up for Engage Estero’s emails. This will provide you with local news and important community articles regarding greater Estero. www.esterotoday.com.
At Engage Estero, we believe in the strength of the community. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical nonprofit, we utilize evidencebased research to provide impartial facts and information about community issues that can improve your quality of life.
David Willems, Village Director of Public Works
Leah Holmes, Johnson Engineering
C A M P T A - K U
"Camp was the first place that I felt normal after my diagnosis. TKT is more than just a cool place. It is a family." - TKT Camper
All families are referred to Camp by, and have received treatment from, the University of Vermont Medical Center
TKT utilizes hundreds of volunteers to help plan and implement our programs, facilitate our fundraising events and assist in the maintenance of our grounds
TKT is the only organization of its type in our region, and many of our campers simply couldn’t attend other camps due to their compromised physical health. Camp's medical team and facility are equipped to administer everything from Tylenol to chemotherapy
Our goal is to reach every eligible camper/family and provide experiences that create a supportive community With this in mind, Camp exists at no cost to our campers or their families. There is no other place where our families feel as understood and loved as at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta
Grandezza Classified Ads
To place a classified ad Grandezza residents may e-mail sjsherwin18@gmail.com. An ad will run for THREE (3) MONTHS beginning with the first submission. Please inform us when the item has been sold or if you wish to have it deleted from the column. Also, you must notify us to continue an ad for an additional cycle after the initial 3-month period has expired or it automatically will be deleted. (Ending cycle of the ad running is noted at the end in parentheses.)
ITEMS FOR SALE
WANTED TO LEASE: Friends of mine, a middle aged couple and former residents of Sabal Palm, would like to lease a condominium unit for the month of October, 2025 and February, 2026. Please contact: William J. Greenwald, 239-322-7459, wjgreenwald45@gmail.com (Expires 4/25)
NEWLY AVAILABLE MONTHLY RENTAL:
2 BR, 2 Bath + Den, on 2nd floor, with one car attached garage. In Sabal Palm overlooking 9th fairway of golf course, and a short walk to community pool. Newly renovated kitchen with white shaker cabinets & quartz countertop. Call Glen, 973-919-8900 (Expires 4/25)
SCHWINN SIDEWINDER BICYCLE 2.6 FS with comfort seat, 18 inch frame, wheel base 42 inches. $120 - Also ADULT BICYCLE WITH COMFORT SEAT $100 Call 239-850- 3546 (Expires 4/25)
FREE Chair/Stair Lift that will fit most any Sabal Palm second floor unit.
Complete custom system with remote controls. I removed it from a unit that I renovated. Make your unit more accessible and save thousands of dollars. I will deliver for free and also reinstall for a minimal cost. Please call John at 508.801.5000 (Expires 5/25)
BIKE: Ladies 21 speed Schwinn bicycle in excellent condition. Soft gel seat and rear canvas storage bag. $140 Call Franny (609)504-4572 (Expires 5/25)
SERVICE OFFERINGS
TRAVEL PLANNING MADE EASY. Since 1976. No fees. Previous agent for American National Standards Institute, Pecos River Spice Co., Professional Touring Tennis pro and others. Larry @ Ljackman1@icloud.com (Expires 5/25)
Grandezza Visitor Access Control
(dwellingLIVE)
Grandezza is a limited access community and access is powered by dwellingLIVE. Guest Passes for entrance are valid only at the Main Gate.
A dwellingLIVE tutorial can be found on the home page of grandezzamaster.com. The tutorial provides instructions to access dwellingLIVE and manage your visitor information on your computer or smart phone.
dwellingLIVE provides many useful features, including:
• Managing your visitor information from your computer or smartphone
• Sending an e-pass directly to your visitor.
• Visitors can scan the e-pass barcode at the main gate right hand resident lane to gain entry and not wait in line for the gate attendant to print a pass
• Receiving a Text or Email when your visitors arrive, if you enable that feature
• Providing a faster, easier to use facility for Residents, Visitors, Trade, and Security
We encourage you to use the dwellingLIVE app, or by
accessing your account on your computer, but if you are unable to do so, you can use the Voice Message system:
Instructions to use the Access Control Voice Message system:
Call 239-986-8627 or 888994-4117 and if asked to do so, enter your PIN number. You will be prompted to confirm your home address and announce the following information for your visitor:
• Name: (Say the name of your visitor – example “Perfect AC Systems”)
• Date: (Say the date –example, “September 21”)
• Time: (You do not need to state the time)
• Number of days: (say the number of days – example “one day”, or “2 days, etc”
• Press pound when you are finished: (press # on your phone and wait for the call to be automatically disconnected before hanging up).
The dwellingLIVE voice system should recognize your phone number and will place the voice recording in your online
account file. When your visitor arrives, the gate attendant will access your online account and will listen to your voice message and will issue a pass to your visitor.
You should add all of your phone numbers to your dwellingLIVE account. By doing this the system will recognize any of your phone numbers when you call to schedule visitor access.
We ask for your cooperation to either use the dwellingLIVE app on your smart phone or by accessing your account on your computer, or by using the voice system feature.
Please do not call the gate attendant to request visitor access as it is no longer necessary and will free up the attendant to more efficiently grant visitors access to Grandezza. For assistance or if you experience problems, send a note to Cheryl McFarland at cmcfarland@ vestapropertyservices.com.
Gatehouse (239) 498-8895
Gatehouse (DwellingLIVE Automated # to register guests) (239) 986-8627
Address 11450 Grande Oak
Clubhouse (239) 948-3569
Grandezza ExpressTake 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
Gazzette Editor for HOA
Susan Sherwin sjsherwin18@gmail.com (973) 615-4222
RESOURCE HUB
GRANDEZZA MASTER WEBSITE
WWW.GRANDEZZAMASTER.COM
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH COORDINATORS
Grandezza is a safer community because of Neighborhood Watch. Avalon Peggy Dempsey 610-662-2082
Cypress Cove A (Buttermere) Mike Patricelli 239-495-6862
Cypress Cove B Kevin O’Neil 239-265-5982
Grande Estates Joy Schachner 239-676-9668
Oakwood I (bldg 1-8 & 23-29) Al Meyer 239-313-0580
Oakwood II (bldg 9-22) Lillian Bennett 239-992-5583
Sabal Palm Mary Kaufmann 216-406-5347
Santa Lucia Celia Platt 239-498-8158
Saraceno Neil Greene 239-498-7104 Savona Sharmin McKenny 239-989-2334
Solemar Bob Lindgren 651-895-6210
Ville Grande Steve Bajinski 678-575-2397
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
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Poison Control (800) 222-1222
Alligator Hotline (866) 392-4286
Animal Control (239) 432-2083
Mosquito Control (239) 694-2174
Florida Power & Light (239) 334-7754
Sunshine Before You Dig (800) 432-4770
Waste Services of Florida (239) 332-8500
Free Residential Appliance Pickup (239) 337-0800
GRANDEZZA
COMMUNITY BOARDS AND OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION POSITION
GRANDEZZA MASTER BOARD
Fred Thompson P
Peter Dersley VP
Mickey Wheeler T
Sarah Hartman S
Aramis Sullivan D
Mike Patricelli D
Susan Sherwin D
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
GRANDEZZA MASTER COMMITTEES
Finance & Long Range Planning
Mickey Wheeler ................................................. chair
Communications
Susan Sherwin .................................................... chair
Landscape
Aramis Sullivan ................................................... chair
Infrastructure, Lakes, Preserves & Fountains
Peter Dersley....................................................... chair
Safety & Access Control
Mike Patricelli ..................................................... chair
Community Affairs
Fred Thompson ................................................... chair
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
T Paul Copper
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