Grandezza JAN 2026

Gazzette GRANDEZZA

JANUARY 2026

A Look Inside BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

GRANDEZZA SUPPORTS THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

GRANDEZZA GIRLFRIENDS NEWS

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Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

IN THIS ISSUE 4 | Master POA Report 7 | Grandezza Master POA 10 | Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety 12 | Reader’s Corner 14 | Tennis Corner 18 | The Four D’s of the Digital Age 21 | Cook’s Corner 22 | Travel Corner 24 | Writers Wanted!

25 | Please Pick Up After Your Pet 25 | Calling All Pet Owners!

26 | Grandezza Girlfriends News 30 | Our Grandezza Community Brings CCFA Success 32 | Grandezza Supports the Children’s Advocacy Center 34 | Engage Estero News

Production Directors Stephen Miller Elizabeth Miller Sales Department Tom English Margo Williams Laura Berrio Bret McCormick Miranda Ledbeter Alyssa Debban Justein Matthias Anissa Stender Webmaster Selina Koehler Production Manager Lee Nostrant Production Department Elaine Donholt Ruth Nekoranec Katie Heystek Dianne Strout Michelle Feeney Andie Reynolds

(239) 278-4222

40 | Fraud Alert: Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

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41 | Could You Pass a School Exam From the 1800s?

Serving South Florida

45 | Grandezza Classified Ads 46 | A New Era Of VIP: Why 2026 Is The Year You Must Join The ArtFest VIP Club 48 | Resource Hub 50 | Visitor Access Control System at the Grandezza Front Entrance

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The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed unsuitable for publication.

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Master POA Report SARAH HARTMAN

Happy New Year everyone! By the time this month’s Gazette article is published, we will likely still be trying to remember to write the year ‘2026’, making plans and activities for our Winter and Spring Break visitors and heading into our busiest months of the year at Grandezza.

Welcome back to those of you that haven’t been at your Florida home for a while and also to those of you who were traveling during the holidays.

January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors, beginnings, endings, and transitions. Janus is usually depicted with two faces—one looking forward and one looking back—perfect for the month that bridges the old year and the new one.

Here’s hoping that all of you are enjoying some new beginnings and new doors to go through which bring you joy.

Due to the holidays, we did not have a Master Board meeting in December. My next update from a board meeting perspective will be after our January meeting. Our meetings are held the 4th Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse and are open to all residents. We held our Annual Members’ Meeting on November 20, 2025, followed by our Annual Organizational Meeting. During the members meeting, Treasurer Mickey Wheeler reported on our financials. Our cash position remains strong and we are expected to finish 2025 very close (and potentially slightly under) our budgeted amount. Mickey has continued to invest a portion of our cash funds in higher yielding CDs where possible. An audit 4

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will be performed by an outside CPA firm on our year-end 2025 financials.

Brief reports were also provided by the other committee chairs.

From time-to-time you may have questions about road work or development activities in progress or planned in Estero and the surrounding area. The Engage Estero website contains some great information on this. In addition to viewing the various information on the website, you can be added to their email distribution and receive periodic updates. [esterotoday. com] It is still getting dark very early, even though we had our shortest day in December and are moving towards Spring. Don’t forget to turn your golf cart headlights on and carry a flashlight if you are out walking in the evenings.

Not only will you see better but others will see you.

Did you know? Mike Patricelli and Jeanne Basso have coordinated an upcoming Grandezza town hall meeting with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office which will be held on February 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse.

Lieutenant Frank Pisano, Commander Mark Bonora and 4th Precinct

Lieutenants and others will address a variety of topics including Neighborhood Watch. They will also address community questions.

Whenever I am out and about on the golf course, walking on the streets, or even just looking outside at the preserve area which is steps from my lanai, I feel so lucky to live in a place with all this beauty. The large variety of birds and other wildlife with whom we share our great community are a delight. However, don’t forget to be watchful around the lakes which may often have an alligator nearby. This one was recently steps away from the cart path.

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Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

Grandezza Master POA MICKEY WHEELER, MASTER POA DIRECTOR AND TREASURER

2026 BUDGET AND ASSESSMENT The Master Board and Finance Committee as well as the property manager have been working on the 2026 master budget since last July.

This process is a cooperative effort of fifteen residents providing input and review. The goal of this process is to keep our community functioning well and looking at its best at all times, for a reasonable cost. You may not be aware that our current bulk cable contract will expire on February 7, 2028. For the past two years a committee has been working on either extending this contract or seeking a new provider. Five venders were interviewed, some, several times. For a number of reasons, it was decided to stay with Comcast.

The biggest being cost saving. And the ability to start with new rates as of January 1, 2026, two years early. This single issue will save the community approximately $900,000 over these two years. Given this saving the master will reduce its annual assessment by $200 per year per door. Along with the new lower rates the master assessments should be stabilized for three to four years.

The services provided for in this budget include access control at

three gates, nightly community patrols, beautiful landscaping at our entrances and along the main boulevard, Lakes and preserve maintenance, infrastructure issues such as roads, street lighting and drainage and our fiber optic cable system.

The 2026 master assessment this year will be $550 per unit per quarter down from $600 last year. Following is a breakdown of the major categories of expense: Annual Cost Monthly Cost* Comcast Cable Service (net) $843,900 $72 Access Control $481,600 $41 Landscaping $454,000 $38 Administration (Mgmt. Fees, Ins, Legal, etc.) $158,500 $13 Infrastructure $107,400 $9 Preserves and Lakes $96,900 $8 Other Miscellaneous $17,000 $1 Reserves $133,400 $11 Misc. Income (Club Reimb., C/O, Interest, other) $129,000 $(10) *Per each of our 978 Residences The above costs include certain expenses that are shared with the Club for which they will reimburse the master association $239,700. The Comcast Bulk costs are significantly less than the current retail costs for cable, high speed internet services and equipment for all 978 residents.

The Final Approved Budget is available on our website (Grandezzamaster.com).

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Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety - Rules Of The Road Walking and bicycling in our beautiful community is fun, healthy, and a great family activity but a bicycle isn’t a toy, it’s a vehicle and while walking there are some simple rules to follow to insure your safety.

Florida leads the country in most bicycle and pedestrian fatalities.

Florida has been one of the top four deadliest states for pedestrians in the United States. In 2023, there were 778 pedestrian fatalities in Florida, which is a result of 10,290 pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians between the ages of 65 and 74 have the highest fatality rate.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were more than 4000 bicycle accidents and over 100 fatalities throughout the state in 2023. Approximately 90% of bicycle accident deaths are caused by motor vehicles, and even in these types of accidents that don’t result in death, the cyclist is often gravely injured.

There are many reasons why this is the case, but the most common are failure to yield the right of way by drivers of motor vehicles, poor visibility, disregarding traffic signs and improper turns. All the 10

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more reason for cyclists and pedestrians to be aware of the “Rules of the Road” and to maintain a defensive awareness while riding and walking on the open road.

In all states bicycles on the roadway are considered vehicles. Bicyclists are the drivers of these vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorists to follow these “Rules of the Road”. Likewise, pedestrians must be alert at all times, use sidewalks where available and follow some simple rules to insure your safety.

- Bicycles must ride WITH the traffic flow NOT against - Pedestrians must walk facing traffic when walking on the road - Obey all traffic laws. STOP & SPEED LIMIT SIGNS are there for a reason.

- Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, full stop before proceeding - Yield to motor vehicle traffic if you are unsure of the drivers intent

- Look in all directions before turning or entering an intersection - Be predictable. Use verbal and non-verbal communication to signal your intent - Be alert at all times. Don’t use personal electronics while you ride or walk - Watch for parked cars with unexpected doors opening - Wear bright clothing during the day & wear reflective clothing & use a light at night.

For more information visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/ pedestrian-safety/

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Reader’s Corner SUSAN SHERWIN

Best-selling author Dennis Lehane— known for Mystic River, Gone, Baby, Gone, and Shutter Island—takes us to 1974 South Boston in a masterpiece rivaling his earlier works. In Small Mercies, the Southie community faces the explosive issue of busing and integration aimed at equalizing the playing field in schools. Beyond the suffocating summer heatwave, this gripping novel sizzles with graphic violence, racism, pervasive profanity, and crime.

daughter Jules fails to return home one evening after hanging out with friends. That same night, a young Black man named Auggie Williamson is found dead at Columbia Station, allegedly struck by a train. Could there be a connection between these two events?

Lehane brilliantly creates a toughas-nails female protagonist in Mary Pat Fennessy. Mary Pat has spent her entire life scraping by in a public housing project surrounded by her “own kind.” Like the rest of her Commonwealth community, she is set in her ways and beliefs. Under the ostensible protection of the Butler mob that controls the area, no one welcomes the prospect of Black students being bused into their close-knit Southie neighborhood while white students are bused out to Roxbury. Why should they mix with people of a different race? Mary Pat and her neighbors simply want steady paychecks, food on the table, and safe streets. Against this impending crisis, Mary Pat is thrust into desperate action when her sixteen-year-old

Mary Pat will stop at nothing to find her daughter.

Having already lost her son Noel, a Vietnam veteran who died from a heroin overdose after returning home, she cannot bear to lose another child. She’s also alone: her husband Ken left her and, in her bitter view, has become “hoity-toity” working in the mailroom at Harvard’s Memorial Hall, reading and quoting highfalutin books. She is desperate.

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With hope in each step and at every door she knocks on, Mary Pat scours the neighborhood for Jules. She tracks down Jules’s friends, who assure her Jules was alive when they last saw her at 12:45 AM, though they don’t know where she went after they headed home to sleep off their night of partying. The desperate mother questions unsavory characters around town, many employed by powerful mob boss Marty Butler. Their evasive answers suggest they cannot,

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or, will not help solve the mystery.

They dismissively hint that perhaps Jules ran away to Florida and warn Mary Pat to stop searching. She even talks to Michael “Bobby” Coyne, a policeman investigating Auggie Williamson’s death, fully aware that being seen cooperating with, or even talking to a cop is considered a betrayal by Southie residents.

Butler’s associates don’t take kindly to Mary Pat’s interference, but the raging, unyielding mother defies the neighborhood power structure and refuses to back down.

Small Mercies is an unforgettable story of revenge illuminated by brutal neighborhood control, criminality, and cover-ups. It works as an archetypal tale of good versus evil. Lehane has crafted a perfectly complex protagonist— simultaneously hateful and heroic—who sees her neighborhood for what it truly is, while examining culpability for indoctrinated racism.

This is a fabulous read that tugs at your heart and questions the concepts of neighborhood, family, and values.

I can’t help thinking this novel would make an amazing film in the hands of directors like Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino.

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Tennis Corner

DAVID DEKEERSMAKER, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA

Continuous Improvement Sustains Performance In every corner of the tennis world—from juniors learning to rally to the top players on stadium courts—the same truth holds steady: mastery comes from a complete, ongoing commitment to the whole craft. Even the best in the world return to the basics every single week. They refine, they rebuild, they reinforce.

It’s not because they’ve forgotten anything. It’s because excellence in this game is never static.

Skill Work: The Never-Ending Foundation Professional players spend countless hours shaping the same core strokes they learned as kids. Footwork patterns, timing, spacing, ball trajectory—none of it is ever “finished.” At the elite level, opponents expose the smallest gaps, so the fundamentals are constantly sharpened. When you see a pro repeat a simple crosscourt forehand in practice, you’re watching the quiet engine that powers everything else.

Physical Conditioning: A Demanding Sport Requires a Durable Body Tennis asks for strength, speed, flexibility, balance, and explosive movement—often in the same point. That’s why modern players

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train as complete athletes. They lift, they sprint, they stabilize, they stretch. Every layer of fitness supports their ability to hold form deep into long matches and grueling seasons. The stronger the foundation, the longer the player can maintain technical quality under fatigue.

Mental Toughness: The Skill Behind Every Skill Handling momentum swings, protecting leads, resetting after errors, managing nerves—these mental patterns are practiced just as intentionally as backhands and serves. Visualization, breathing control, pressure drills, and structured routines give players the ability to think clearly when the score tightens. Mental strength isn’t a personality trait in professional tennis; it’s a trained skill set.

Recovery: The Work That Makes the Work Possible Professionals treat recovery as part of training, not an optional add-on. Sleep, nutrition, hydration, stretching, soft-tissue care, and smart scheduling all keep the body

capable of repeating high-quality sessions. Injuries often come not from a single moment, but from skipping the maintenance that protects the body over time.

Why This Matters for Every Player The lesson is simple and universal: continuous improvement in all areas is what sustains performance.

Fundamentals need reinforcement.

Fitness needs consistency. The mind needs structure. The body needs restoration.

of us—commitment to the full spectrum of development. When each piece supports the others, the sport becomes more fluid, more controlled, and more rewarding.

As always, if you’d like help building or refining your own training approach—on court or off— We are here for you.

Whether your goals involve league play, a club championship, or simply progressing in your own game, the model the pros follow is the same one that benefits all

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EDITOR’S THOUGHT OF THE DAY

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” ~ Henry Ford

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The Four D’s of the Digital Age YVETTE BERNOSKY, B.MS., DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA

We live in a rapidly advancing digital world. Technology continues to transform how we live, learn, and access information. Although the digital landscape brings tremendous convenience and connection, it also has a significant impact on our mental health.

In Limitless, Jim Kwik introduces four ways technology affects our minds.

I call them the Four D’s.

DIGITAL DELUGE Deep inside the rabbit hole, my brain feels burnt out. I have been scrolling for hours, moving from a new recipe to a book idea to planning a trip to Paris. Everything is just a tap away on the information highway. However, the speed and volume at which information reaches us can overwhelm the brain’s capacity to process it. This is digital deluge, an overload that drains mental energy, strains memory, and leaves us exhausted.

DIGITAL DISTRACTION A quick hit of dopamine becomes addictive. The sound of a notification pulls you in, and it is difficult to resist. It happens at dinner. It happens at the store.

It even happens while driving.

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Many people trade meaningful moments with loved ones for screen time, moments we can never get back. Others multitask constantly to avoid missing anything, but this reduces their ability to concentrate. On the road, digital distraction has taken far too many lives.

DIGITAL DEDUCTION Every day requires decision making.

You may need to solve a problem at work, handle a relationship issue, or write something important. Yet many of us turn to our devices for help or even for the answers. The internet offers countless viewpoints. Some are credible, and some are not. It is easy to fall under the influence of whatever surfaces first.

As we outsource our thinking to our devices, we gradually weaken our ability to reason independently. This is digital deduction.

DIGITAL DEMENTIA Neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer coined the term digital dementia to describe the decline in cognitive and long-term memory abilities that occurs when we rely too much on technology. Consider these questions: • Do you know the phone numbers of the three people closest to you?

• Can you remember all your passwords?

• When was the last time you solved a math problem without a calculator?

Some memory loss is normal.

However, as technology takes over more of our mental workload, we become less inclined to remember things on our own. This increases digital dependency.

FINDING BALANCE Our devices are here to stay, and they serve many valuable purposes.

Still, developing healthy digital habits is essential for our mental health and for the well-being of future generations.

• We can counter digital deluge by stepping away from our devices each day, allowing our minds time to clear and rest.

• We can reduce digital distraction by giving our full attention to the people and activities that matter.

• We can combat digital deduction by trusting our own abilities and thinking critically before turning to technology.

• And we can reduce digital dementia by exercising our memory. As the saying goes, if you do not use it, you lose it.

What if we dialed things back just a little and practiced a moderate digital detox?

In a world filled with constant information, reclaiming our minds may be one of the most important efforts we can make.

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A

B AT GRAN DÈ CLU E ZZ TH

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W EL N L

S S E

JANUARY 2025 GETTING STARTED RIGHT

Part 1: January 3 & Part 2: January 10 at 8AM in the Gym

LEARN TO USE THE MACHINES

Part 1: January 6 & Part 2: January 8 at 12:00pm in the Gym

SOUND HEALING

January 11 at 10am in The Studio

BLOOD MOBILE

January 13 at 8am-12pm in the South Parking Lot

BOCCE BALL MIXERS

Every Tuesday at 3:30pm at the Bocce Ball Courts

LEE HEALTH: BALANCE WORKSHOPS

Part 1: January 15 & Part 2: February 5 at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room

NAPLES COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH HOSPITAL WORKSHOP January 22 at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room

HARMONIZE WITH HAPPINESS

Part 1: January 6 at 2:30pm in the Formal Dining Room & January 8 at 2:30pm in The Studio Part 2: January 13 at 2:30pm in The Studio & January 17 at 1pm in the Formal Dining Room Part 3: January 20 at 2:30pm in the Formal Dining Room & January 24 at 1pm in The Studio Part 4: January 27 at 2:30pm in the Formal Dining Room & January 30 at 2:30pm in The Studio

CONTACT YVETTE AT 941-999-1331 FOR MORE INFORMATION. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR WEEKLY FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE, EMAILED EVERY SATURDAY AND DISPLAYED AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE CLUBHOUSE GYM.

**ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE PERSONAL TRAINING, COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH ASSESSMENTS & BODY COMPOSITION TESTING.**

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Cook’s Corner JOHN DEJOY

SHRIMP COCKTAIL

On a trip to Indianapolis Michelle and I had the pleasure to dine at the famous “St. Elmo’s Steakhouse.” Upon our return to our bistro in Northeast Ohio, I wanted to recreate the ONLY appetizer on the St. Elmo’s menu, Shrimp Cocktail. It was so delicious! Here’s what we came up with.

COURT BOUILLON 1 pound Shrimp, peeled, deveined 1 quart Water 1 cup White Wine 1 Lemon, cut in half 1 T Chili Flakes 1 T Old Bay Seasoning 1 t Whole Black Peppercorn 1) In a sauce pot add all ingredients except the shrimp. Bring to a boil.

2) When the Court Bouillon is boiling, add the shrimp.

3) When the liquid has returned to a boil and the shrimp have turned red, strain the shrimp and cool them down as fast as possible. Cover them with ice and running cold water. *At John Palmer’s Bistro 44 we used U-8 Shrimp— Big shrimp and sold them by the piece. The cooked shrimp should have a “snap” to them when bitten into. These were two or three bite shrimp. Any size will do; that’s up to the consumer. U-8 means we got 8 shrimp per pound. U-10 would be 10 per pound! I never minded cutting, peeling and deveining my own shrimp. If any of these steps bother you, the shrimp can be purchased ready to cook.

COCKTAIL SAUCE 2 cups Ketchup 2 T minced Horseradish 1/2 t minced Garlic 1 Lemon, juiced 2 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce 1) In a mixing bowl with a wire whip, mix all ingredients. This is the step that is up to the “Chef.” All parts are adjustable. As long as it doesn’t taste like Ketchup! Personally I want my sinuses to clear with every bite. *Since my visit to St. Elmo’s, their sauce is readily available and extremely delicious.

Note: I decided to share this recipe to show how simple this dish can be. As we attend Holiday Parties and devour the Shrimp Cocktail from Costco or Publix, this could have been done, easily.

Compliments of Chef John and Michelle De Joy, Owners of John Palmer’s Bistro 44, in Concord, Ohio, and currently Saraceno residents. www.GrandezzaMaster.com 21

Travel Corner MARY MELHORN

CRUISING THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI We have taken pleasure in Viking River Cruises in Europe several times. This year we chose to try an American Cruise Line tour. We sailed the Upper Mississippi River on the “American Serenade.”

The Historic Hotel of America’s “St. Paul Hotel” began our adventure with an overnight stay and dinner. Much to our surprise and delight, we “bumped” into our terrific Florida friends, Cam and Mercedes Snyder. What fun we had enjoying Happy Hours and many dinners together that week.

The American Cruise Line ships are designed for comprehensive river exploration. While each ship has the largest-in-appointments, their low guest capacity makes each of their riverboats the smallest on the Mississippi River.

These ships are able to remain running in both high and low water.

The next day we sailed away on the mighty Mississippi, the object of history, art and folklore that has been capturing American hearts for generations. The river is an astounding 2,350 miles long.

From Minneapolis to Granite City, Illinois, the Mississippi contains a series of 29 locks and dams. They were constructed 22

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by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1932 to 1940.

This day we passed through locks #4 and #5, and the following day we docked at La Crosse, Wisconsin … lovely city. We set out on the “local loop” to hop on and off! We visited the Dahl Auto Museum to study beautifully restored classic Fords. The next stop was to the antique center in the 100-year-old concert building. Following lunch, we joined a group and boarded the La Crosse Queen paddlewheel.

On day 4 of our trip, we enjoyed a quiet day of cruising the river that was essential to the development of our country. As Americans started to move west, the fertile banks of the river attracted settlers.

In passing through locks #10 and #11 we also saw several barges. In order to safely navigate and control their movements, barges are pushed rather than pulled to their destination by towboats. The typical cargo of these flat bottom boats is grain, coal, salt, petroleum products, rock and steel.

Dubuque, Iowa was the port of call for the next day. The excursion to Dyersville, about 26 miles outside the city, was “soooo” much fun! Think “Field of Dreams” … “If you build it,

contains the world’s largest collection of antique and souvenir spoons. Every spoon tells a story and this museum boasted 38,162 spoons! As a “spoon collector” I am very thrilled with my collection of 350 but this array of multiple spoon collections was amazing!!

he will come.” Released in 1989, this movie inspired millions and became an Academy Award nominee for Best Picture of the year. We explored the baseball field, the magical corn field (with a Ghost Player conversation) and toured the farmhouse in which the movie was filmed.

Returning to Dubuque, we experienced a ride on the Fenelon Elevator built in 1863. This funicular cable car took us up to see a stunning view of the city.

The sixth day we took it easy and then hopped on the Davenport local loop.

We found the Mississippi Spoon Gallery, which

Up next was Mark Twain Day in Hannibal, Missouri. There we visited the Mark Twain riverboat, the Becky Thatcher house, Twain’s boyhood home, and the Laura Hawkins house.

Our final day was all about Lewis and Clark. Making port in Alton, Illinois, near St. Louis, we walked in the famous explorers’ footsteps. We toured the historical museum site, dedicated to the planning and journey of these two great explorers and their corps of engineers. The special highlight there was in admiring an impressive cutaway of their 55foot full scale replica keelboat.

This American Cruise Line journey down the upper Mississippi certainly enlightened us concerning historical events in our own country, and in the future we look forward to another to taking another to continue our education.

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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.

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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.

Please Pick Up After Your Pet We all love our dogs—they’re part of the Grandezza family! But no one enjoys stepping in or seeing dog waste left behind on sidewalks, lawns, or common areas. Please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your dog every time.

Dog waste is not only unpleasant, it can spread bacteria and harm our beautiful community landscape. Let’s all do our part to keep Grandezza clean, healthy, and enjoyable for everyone—twolegged and four-legged alike!

Calling All Pet Owners!

Tell the rest of Grandezza about your beloved pet! Share favorite stories that reveal your pet’s personality in 300-600 words and we’ll feature your pet with a few pictures in the next issue of the Grandezza Gazzette.

Send your article to: sjsherwin18@gmail.com.

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Grandezza Girlfriends News CINDY FITZPATRICK

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Lea Blackwell, Breast Surgical Oncologist, was the guest speaker. What was surprising was the sheer number of survivors who were in attendance at the luncheon. One big take-away is that if you have dense breasts, it is essential that you request an MRI. It could be a lifesaver.

November marked our Annual Craft Show, one of our best yet. Funds were raised for a local Pancreatic Cancer Organization in honor of Kim Shimota, and another local charity, Laces of Love, that provides shoes for children in need in SWFL.

Also, the ladies were entertained by a few talented members of the Gulf Coast Symphony.

In December, our very own and extremely talented, Grandezza Singers sang all our favorite holiday songs.

They really are amazing!

The Grande Finale, and also a favorite, was “The Night Before Christmas.”

As we held our last luncheon of the year, our President Sandra Renner was recognized for her leadership over the past two years. In January, Nancy Rajtik will take the helm.

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Our Grandezza Community Brings CCFA Success VICKI BAKER

The Vicki Baker’s Dozen Team took second place by raising over $3,500, thanks to the generous donations from our Grandezza community. October’s Take Steps Walk in West Palm Beach brought together hundreds of participants of all ages to support those living with Crohn’s IBD/Ulcerative Colitis disease.

The increasing ability to correctly diagnose these digestive disorders has led me to realize, through many discussions with Grandezza friends, that so many of us have been impacted in some way.

When participating in our many varied member-led activities, I have learned of many of you who have sons, daughters, grandchildren and friends who still struggle to find a treatment for their particular type of digestive issue.

Several of our community members have now become familiar with the term “TPN” lines. These intravenous tubes help to bring nourishment to those who no longer can absorb nutrients normally. New treatments lead by several research institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic, John 30

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Hopkins and Mt. Sinai hospitals continue to be at the forefront of layered medical treatment.

Layered treatment refers to the use of a combination of medications. Hopefully, these newly researched treatments combined with the use of AI artificial intelligence will find the right cocktail drug to improve the daily functioning of many we all love.

The 2026 Take Steps Walk will take place in the Spring on May 16, 2026, and walks across the country will now take place around the same time. Our hope for better treatment continues. The journey started in the 1930s with Dr. Crohn’s discovery and diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. It still continues to plague scientists and severely affects patients and their families today.

Your kind, compassionate, and very much valued donations contribute to the resilience and courage of each patient. We are only a part of the solution, but thank you for continuing this journey together with Bill and me. May this year be one of health and unity in finding a cure.

For information about developing research, assistance with insurance, doctor referrals or supportive education, please contact the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Phone: 800-932-2423 E-mail: info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

WHAT IS AI AND HOW IS IT USED TO SCAM PEOPLE? Lately, you are probably hearing more about AI, or arti!cial intelligence, and you likely have an idea of what it is and how it can be helpful. However, it is being used for unscrupulous purposes, too. Read on to learn about AI and how you can watch for scams using this technology.

NASA de!nes AI as, “computer systems that can perform complex tasks normally done by human-reasoning, decision making, creating, etc.” So, in essence, AI is machine learning, where computers learn to think or act human with the use of cognitive architecture.

AI technology is being used in applications such as navigation (think Google Maps), digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, autocorrect, and the list goes on. AI is also being used in industry and professional sectors such as healthcare and !nance. AI technology is an amazing tool to make our lives easier.

The !rst step to safeguarding yourself against an AI scam, as in any scam, is to question the situation in which you are approached to send money or provide personal information, like login credentials, account numbers or payment information. Always be wary of the use of pressure in requesting money or information.

Look for anything that looks or sounds “off ” like poor grammar, spelling, and speech that sounds stilted.

Do not be afraid to question the person requesting information from you. If they are legitimate, they will understand your caution.

In the coming months, look for more information on speci!c AI scams in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Consumer E-Newsletter. We will be looking closely at the malevolent uses of AI, as well as the speci!c traits to look for scams with each use.

AI scams use the technology in multiple ways as well.

It can be used to create fake websites or other online content, generate customized emails and texts for phishing, clone voices to impersonate other people, or produce videos that appear real but are not. Over the next few months, we will discuss one individual AI scam in detail each month, providing you with examples and speci!c measures to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

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Grandezza Supports the Children’s Advocacy Center PAULA NOICE

Since 2018, Grandezza resident Paula Noice, with significant support from Tom Wyand, has coordinated an annual holiday drive to support the Children’s Advocacy Center. This year’s drive generated over $10,500 in toys, clothes, checks and gift cards.

On December 8, Alicia Shannon, CAC CEO, and Kaleigh Lawrence, CAC Chief Development Officer, brought the CAC van to Grandezza to pick

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ANN SEEDHOUSE, KALEIGH LAWRENCE, DIANA DERSLEY, PETER DERSLEY, JUDY LAVALLEY, PAULA NOICE, CELIA PLATT, MARY JO SORRENTO, VERN MACLEOD, ALICIA SHANNON, TONI MACLEOD, VAI CHARI

Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

up all donations. Grandezza friends and supporters were on hand to load the van.

In addition to financial support, Peter Dersley, Jack Guggisberg, Dennis Noice, Roger Eral and Doug Prehm volunteered their time to assemble 34 bicycles donated by ACE Hardware.

Kaleigh Lawrence said “On behalf of the Children’s Advocacy Center, we extend our deepest gratitude for Grandezza’s overwhelming generosity. Thanks to your thoughtful donations, countless children and families will experience the

joy and magic of a truly Merry Christmas.”

Acknowledging that Grandezza’s donations since 2018 have exceeded $80,000, Alicia Shannon stated, “We cannot thank you enough for all that you do for CAC. It’s clear the impact you’ve made over the years has touched so many lives.”

The Children’s Advocacy Center of SW Florida provides free services including abuse determination, counseling and prevention programs. Through the “Season of Giving” initiative, they bring holiday cheer to families in need by providing gifts.

www.GrandezzaMaster.com 33

The Engage Estero Board of Trustees and the Executive Management Team wish you all a Happy, Healthy, and Enjoyable 2026.

THE 2024 ESTERO VILLAGE TRAFFIC STUDY RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS PLUS THE LATEST UPDATE ON THE I-75 EXPANSION. Over 70 residents attended the Engage Estero Community Meeting held on Dec. 11 at the Estero Recreational Center. The Presentation and Questions from residents can be viewed on YouTube video recording of the meeting can be viewed on this link: https://youtu.be/IjEYGiM0U0. The PowerPoint Presentation was given by Leah Holmes: a transportation Engineer at Johnson Engineering, who conducted the project. This can also be seen on the Engage Estero website https://esterotoday.com/dec2025.

Other important items covered during the meeting by David Willems, the Estero Village Director of Public Works, included: • The Septic to Sewer Conversion • An update on the Estero River Park development.

At the end of the meeting, Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s President, shared the recent update on the I-75 widening through Estero.

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Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

The update from FDOT, which Don Scott, the Head of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, shared with Allan, was as follows: “At this time, there is no confirmed date for the rescheduled Public Hearing (of the postponed meeting that was to have been held in Naples on August 14). Following the hearing (from the new Public Meeting TBD), additional outreach and coordination will occur before any community voting on noise barriers take place.

This will potentially extend a year or more beyond that milestone.

We will keep you and other stakeholders informed as new information becomes available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions in the meantime.”

It would therefore appear that the timing on the proposed project has been pushed back by around a year or

more. Given the evidence that has determined the particular benefits of noise-abatement walls, the research conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) points to two recommendations for such walls. Namely: ○ Valmont SoundWall™ (North America) ○ Durisol Precast Noise Barriers (North America, including Canada).

In addition, we have also stated that sound-deadening asphalt that reduces tire noise should also be used along the stretch of I-75 through Estero.

Please count on Engage Estero to provide updates as they become known. Engage Estero has expressed the opinion that only two types of barrier walls should be considered.

UPCOMING MEETINGS Gulfshore Opera, FGCU Bower School of Music and D & K Entrepreneurial School Featured at January 29, 10 a.m. Meeting Join Engage Estero for our January Community & Member Meeting, featuring engaging presentations on how Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Gulfshore Opera enrich life in Greater Estero— through entrepreneurship, music, and the arts.

Presentations include: • Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean, FGCU Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, and Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship – on how FGCU’s entrepreneurial programs strengthen our community and economy.

• Steffanie Pearce, Founder and General Director, Gulfshore Opera – introducing the organization’s mission and an exciting new season of performances.

• Victoria (Tori) Kane, Community Engagement Coordinator, FGCU Bower School of Music & the Arts – highlighting the school’s community partnerships and the many ways its students contribute to our cultural landscape. www.GrandezzaMaster.com 35

Estero continues to grow as a vibrant place to live, work, and create. To sustain that momentum, our community must keep supporting innovation, business development, and cultural initiatives that enhance local opportunities. Current discussions include plans for future development in Greater Estero and the potential for a Community Theatre Complex, a project that depends on community support for the arts. Come hear from these dedicated leaders shaping Estero’s future!

The event is at The Estero Recreation Center, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928 at 10 a.m. on January 29.

For more detail and to register for this free event (seating is limited) go to: https:// esterotoday.com/event/jan2026 THE DON ESLICK PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD AND BANQUET AT THE ESTERO COUNTRY CLUB IN THE VINES, FEB. 26 AT 6 P.M. The 2025 Recipient of the Award is Dr Larry Antonucci, President and Chief Operating Officer, Lee Health.

Since 2017 he has led the Lee Health team in making many improvements to healthcare in the greater Estero Area and Southwest Florida.

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Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

Join us to celebrate excellence in the Estero community. The program includes a performance by Quang Vo from FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts. He is an internationally award-winning pianist from Vietnam and a junior Piano Performance major at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he studies with Dr. Michael Baron.

This unforgettable evening starts with a delightful Happy Hour at 6 p.m., where you can indulge in tables filled with assorted cheese, fresh berries, crisp vegetables, and crackers. Enjoy two complimentary tickets for wine or beer and for those looking for something special, a cash bar will be available for mixed drinks.

At 6:50 p.m., we’ll transition to a sumptuous dinner featuring an exquisite selection of entrees to satisfy every palate. Choose from a combo of Grilled Petite Filet with Jumbo Marinated Shrimp, Stuffed Airline Chicken, or the Vegetarian option of Cauliflower Steak.

Each meal is thoughtfully curated, including a fresh Winter Green salad and a decadent dessert.

For details and to register, go to: https://esterotoday.com/2026award

SHAPING ESTERO’S FUTURE! MARCH 17 PUBLIC FORUM AT FGCU’S COHEN STUDENT UNION BALLROOM (SECOND FLOOR) AT 5 P.M.

the Forum Panel. Details to be announced soon. Join us for this critical Public Forum, where your voice will help shape the direction of our community.

Engage Estero is hosting a free public forum to help residents understand the plans and ideas being considered to keep Estero a leading municipality for businesses and residents. Prominent Estero leaders will be on

The forum is free and open to the public.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required. You can reserve your spot on the Engage Estero website at https://esterotoday.com/event/march2026/

ENGAGE ESTERO

“Be Informed, Get Engaged, and Make an Impact!”

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Golf Ball Drop – win $2,500

On the Golf Practice Range

Sunday, February 15th starting at 4pm Join the party on the driving range!

Helicopter golf ball drop.

Cash Bar and lots of fun

Win one of the following CASH prizes for the ball drop.

Closest the Pin = $2,500 2nd Prize = $1,500

3rd Prize = $1,000 4th Prize (3) = $500

Support the Grandezza United Way Campaign

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Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE REVIEWS Online reviews might help you decide what to buy or what company to hire. You should be able to trust that these reviews re!ect the honest opinions of people who actually used a product or service. Unfortunately, some reviews are fake, deceptive, or manipulated — and that hurts both people and honest companies.

Consider the Source and Ask Questions The FTC has brought a number of cases involving online reviews — likely more than any law enforcement agency in the world. Some involved companies that posted fake reviews of their own products and services.

Others involved reviews by people who might have been real customers or users of a product but didn’t say that they’d been paid to write a positive review.

When you use online reviews to help you make decisions, consider the source of the information. What do you know about this reviewer? Or about the site or platform where you’re reading the review?

Using Reviews For years, the FTC’s main recommendation when considering reviews has been to look at a variety of sources, including well-known websites that have trustworthy and impartial expert reviews. That’s still a very good place to start. Here are some other steps to take:

• Check how recent the reviews are, and watch for a burst of reviews over a short period of time. That can sometimes mean the reviews are fake.

• Check if the reviewer has written other reviews. If so, read those to get a better sense of how much to trust that reviewer. If it seems that the reviewer has created an account just to write one review for one product, that review may be fake.

• Don’t assume that, just by looking, you can spot the difference between a real review and a fake one.

Some reviews may look suspicious, and some may look real, but it can o$en be nearly impossible to tell for sure. For example, you already know to watch out for reviews that seem too positive to be real, but some fake positive reviews give less than the highest possible rating in order to seem more believable.

• Remember that fake reviews are not always positive.

Sometimes, a company might post fake negative reviews to harm a competitor.

You won’t always know if a reviewer got something — like a free product — in exchange for writing a review.

But, on some websites, you’ll see a label or badge next to the review that tells you the reviewer got an incentive.

How you weigh those reviews is up to you.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

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Fraud Alert: Don’t Believe Everything You Hear Imagine receiving a call and hearing the voice of a friend or family member. They start asking for personal information or they need help and money. This is a weird request, but you hear their voice, so you comply … Now you’ve become a victim of a voice scam.

Scammers rely on you trusting the recognized voice and providing the requested information. It’s natural for people to believe the content of a call when they hear their loved ones asking for information, help, or money.

Voice cloning analyzes audio clips of someone speaking and replicates the voice through Artificial Intelligence (AI). Depending on the program, it can copy someone’s voice using as little as a few seconds of recorded audio.

Think of how many videos are posted online, especially by younger generations. A scammer could easily pull audio off their social media and use it to clone someone’s voice.

Some preventative measures include: Have a password with your loved ones.

Confirm that the caller knows the password. If they don’t, do not share any information.

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Call, text, or try to contact the person whose voice you’re hearing. They may respond and confirm that it wasn’t them.

Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can spoof numbers to make a call look legitimate. If something feels off, trust your intuition. Hang up and redial your loved one’s number directly.

Do not stay on the phone with scammers. Hang up! They may be recording your voice and could use it for voice cloning.

If you do not recognize the phone number, let it go to voicemail.

If they do not leave a voicemail message, ignore it.

Pause and think clearly. Scammers try to create panic and urgency to make you act quickly. Take a breath, slow down, and don’t let them pressure you into action.

Report suspicious activity to Lee County Sheriff’s Office (239-477-1000) or to your local law enforcement agency.

Did you know the Lee County Sheriff’s Office provides over a dozen free crime prevention programs? These sessions

cover practical tips to help keep you and your community safe. If you’d like to schedule one for your neighborhood, business, church, or organization, just give us a call at (239) 477-1CRU (1278) or send an email to CRU@sheriffleefl.org.

Could You Pass a School Exam From the 1800s?

ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM, 1896

BESS LOVEJOY OF HISTORY FACTS Tests are rarely enjoyable, but imagine taking one in the late 1800s, long before multiplechoice options or standardized curricula.

Back then, school exams could be long, demanding, and startlingly wide-ranging. You might be asked to diagram sentences, explain the circulation of the blood, name the capitals of ancient empires, or sketch a map—all before lunch.

One window into this world is The New Common School Question Book, compiled

by Wisconsin superintendent Asa H. Craig.

Published in 1899 with earlier versions dating back to 1872, this question book was used by candidates preparing for teacher exams, teachers writing tests for students, and common school (public school) students of various ages—common school was generally grades 1 through 8—studying for those tests.

RICK LEWIS/ ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

The book’s thousands of questions, which are available in the Library of Congress archive, span a dizzying list of subjects—U.S. history, geography, English grammar, letter writing, written arithmetic, bookkeeping, drawing, inventions, government, physiology, and more.

The result is a vivid snapshot of what 19thcentury Americans considered essential knowledge. Some questions still feel familiar, while others reflect a considerably different world. www.GrandezzaMaster.com 41

So, could you pass a school exam from the 1800s? Let’s find out.

Q. Which of the states border on Canada?

A. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington.

Q. How great is the earth’s annual motion?

A. About 68,000 miles an hour.

Q. What is essential in every syllable?

A. A vowel.

Q. Which are the five largest islands in the world?

A. Australia, Greenland, Borneo, New Guinea and Madagascar.

Q. What do the words per cent mean?

A. By the hundred.

Q. What nations explored the country now known as the United States?

A. The Spaniards, English, French and Dutch.

Q. What state is the geographical center of the United States?

A. Kansas, if we do not include Hawaii in the United States. It is also the center of population.

Q. What is the meaning of “sargasso”?

A. It is a Spanish name, meaning grassy.

Q. What part of North America is in the same latitude as England and Ireland?

A. The southern part of Canada.

Q. How are the teeth set in the jaw?

A: With long fangs, so that they may not easily be started from their places.

Q. How and by whom was alcohol discovered?

A. It is said that Paracelsus, a chemist of the fourteenth century, accidentally discovered alcohol, and upon testing its power boasted of having found the essence of life, the power to cure the weak, and the great benefactor of mankind.

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Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

Q. Define a fibre.

A. It is a thread of exceeding fineness, and may be round or flattened.

Q. Where and when was the first white child of English parents born in America? What was her name?

A. At the temporary settlement on Roanoke Island in 1587. Virginia Dare.

Q. Who said, “I would rather be right than President” and why did he say it?

A. It was an expression of Henry Clay when his friends insisted that to advocate the compromise would lessen his chances for the Presidency. This step demanded great moral courage, as it required a partial surrender of his cherished theories of protection and an open breach with many political friends.

Q. What is the area of a circle whose diameter is 1 foot 1 inch?

A: 132.73 square inches.

Q. How are parts of Western Texas occupied?

A. By herds of wild horses.

Q. What became of [John Wilkes] Booth’s accomplices?

A. Harold, Payne, Atzerodt, and Mrs. Surratt were hanged; Arnold, Mudd and O’Laughlin were imprisoned for life, and Spangler was sentenced for six years.

Q. What is an impersonal verb?

A. A verb having person and number without a subject; as, methinks, meseems.

Q. Name five of the principal articles exported by the people of the United States.

A. Cotton, wheat, pork, cheese, machinery.

Q. The time since noon is 7/17 of the time to 4 o’clock p.m.; what is the time?

A. 10 minutes past 1 o’clock p.m.

Q. What law is impressed on all animal beings?

A. The law of continual change.

Q. What is a standard unit?

A. A unit of measure from which the other units of the same kind may be derived.

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Q. If 3 gallons of brandy, at $3 a gallon, and 5 quarts of alcohol, at 40 cents a gallon, be mixed with 1/2 gallon of water, for what must the mixture be sold a gallon to gain 37 per cent?

A. $2.74.

Q. What can be said of the fisheries of the Columbia River?

A. They are an immense industry.

Q. What is the aim of drawing?

A. The aim of drawing is to secure culture through the senses by which we apprehend the forms of things.

Q. What are the wastes of Patagonia?

A. Sterile tracts covered with sand and gravel.

Q. To whom does the honor of having first established religious freedom in America belong?

A. To the Roman Catholics of Maryland, by the “Toleration Act” of 1649.

Q. What great calamity visited the people of America in August 1793?

A. The yellow fever broke out in Philadelphia, and raged with such virulence that within three months, out of a population of 60,000, no less than 4,000 perished.

Q. Why should care be banished from the table?

A. Care or grief restrains digestion. The nervous action holds the nourishing organs of the system back. But with merriment and pleasant thoughts the opposite is the case.

Q. A boy [was] hired to a mechanic for 20 weeks on condition that he should receive $20 and a coat. At the end of 12 weeks the boy quit work, when it was found that he was entitled to $9 and the coat; what was the value of the coat?

A. $7.50.

History Facts is part of Inbox Studio, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires. https://historyfacts.com/category/us-history

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Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

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 2010 Club Car. Completely refurbished in 2012. Has had annual care and service by Gator Sports. New Batteries in October 2023. Runs well, 17-18 mph. Tires are good, new in 2020. Asking $2450. Call 419-349-0299. (Expires 3/26)

Italian Leather Sofa & Armchair with Ottoman. Excellent condition, gently used, originally from Robb & Stucky.

Also, two twin size beds with brand new memory foam mattresses. Call 201-7496389. (Expires 3/26)

Beach Sun Shelter Tent, 10 ft by 10 ft by Coleman. Easy to put up. Enjoy the beach longer out of the hot sun. Original price $170. Sell for $50. Call Tom 239-2877808. (Expires 2/26)

Seasonal rental - Beautiful, updated first-floor furnished 2 BR + Den / 2 BA condo in Sabal Palm with golf course views. Rental includes limited rounds of golf at Grandezza. Contact Doug at 612237-5695 for details. (Expires 2/26) SERVICES OFFERED Airport Rides: Airport rides any time or day at affordable rates by a resident of Grandezza. Call or text Sue at (708) 846-1985. (Expires 3/26)

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A New Era Of VIP: Why 2026 Is The Year You Must Join The ArtFest VIP Club

This year, ArtFest Fort Myers is launching a VIP experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before – a fully curated, multi-destination adventure designed to immerse you in the very best of art, flavor, and sound. This first-of-itskind concept transforms the VIP weekend into A Vibe Voyage – a progressive journey through three iconic riverfront destinations, each offering its own atmosphere, entertainment, and exclusive surprises.

FRIDAY NIGHT: YOUR PASSPORT TO THE EXTRAORDINARY Your VIP Passport – yes, an actual custom passport – guides you through an elevated, progressive evening crafted only for VIP guests.

OXBOW BAR & GRILL – MEET THE ARTIST RECEPTION The journey begins with curated bites, handcrafted cocktails, live saxophone, and an intimate welcome reception with the 2026 Poster Artist, Anthony Murrill. It’s elegant, warm, and the perfect first stamp on your weekend experience.

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Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

LUMINARY POOL DECK – THE VIBE VOYAGE Next, you’re whisked to a rooftop celebration where panoramic river views meet D.J. beats, live painting, premium tastings, and the signature “Calypso” cocktail – an immersive hour of energy and artistry.

CALOOSA SOUND AMPHITHEATER – UNDER THE STARS CONCERT The night crescendos with a private outdoor concert by the Gulf Coast Symphony’s High School Jazz Ensemble – a magical, open-air finale beneath the stars.

This three-stop, multi-experience Friday night is brand-new, completely reimagined, and exclusive to 2026 VIPs.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: YOUR WEEKEND RETREAT For the rest of the festival, VIPs enjoy a relaxed, elevated home base at Oxbow Bar & Grill, featuring: • Bottomless mimosas, coffee and scones (10 to 11 a.m.)

• Chef-driven brunch and all-day beverage bar (11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

• Afternoon snacks to recharge between festival strolls VIP parking is included all weekend – effortless access, no crowds, no stress.

WHY GO VIP THIS YEAR? BECAUSE THIS EXPERIENCE HAS NEVER EXISTED BEFORE. This isn’t a lounge. It isn’t a tent. It’s a curated journey – a progressive, immersive, and beautifully designed

weekend created just for our VIP community.

From your first passport stamp to your final toast, the 2026 VIP Experience is a story you step into … and one you’ll remember long after the festival ends.

This is the year to become VIP – because nothing like this has ever been done, and once the inaugural voyage is gone, it won’t happen exactly this way again.

VIP Club presented by B&I Contractors

www.GrandezzaMaster.com 47

RESOURCE HUB GRANDEZZA MASTER WEBSITE WWW.GRANDEZZAMASTER.COM 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 Gazzette Editor for HOA Susan Sherwin sjsherwin18@gmail.com (973) 615-4222 48

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH COORDINATORS Grandezza is a safer community because of Neighborhood Watch.

Avalon Peggy Dempsey 610-662-2082 Cypress Cove A (Buttermere) Mike Patricelli 239-464-0780 Cypress Cove B Kevin O’Neil 239-265-5982 Grande Estates Mike Bresson 603-812-8455 Oakwood I (bldg 1-8 & 23-29) Al Meyer 239-313-0580 Oakwood II (bldg 9-22) Lillian Bennett 239-992-5583 Sabal Palm Mark Sherwin 201-370-4160 Santa Lucia Celia Platt 239-498-8158 Saraceno Jeanne Basso 239-600-2828 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 Alligator Hotline Animal Control Mosquito Control Florida Power & Light Sunshine Before You Dig Waste Services of Florida Free Residential Appliance Pickup

Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026

(800) 222-1222 (866) 392-4286 (239) 432-2083 (239) 694-2174 (239) 334-7754 (800) 432-4770 (239) 332-8500 (239) 337-0800

GRANDEZZA COMMUNITY BOARDS AND OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

POSITION

GRANDEZZA MASTER BOARD Sarah Hartman Peter Dersley Mickey Wheeler Barry Blank Aramis Sullivan Mike Patricelli Susan Sherwin

P VP T S D D D

AVALON Jim Schleifer Joe Convertino, Jr. Pat Van Duyn Dan Marrazza Ron Gramazio Wolfgang Greil

P VP T D D D

CYPRESS COVE A Andy Anderson Mike Patricelli Myrna Wernick Paul Lesser David Lipschultz

P VP S T D

CYPRESS COVE B Toni MacLeod Chuck Dennis Kevin O’Neil Frank Senese Yvonne Mazzella

P VP T S 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 Sarah Hartman..................................................... chair

GRANDE ESTATES Peter Dersley Cameron Snyder Doug Craft Laura Reddin Leaha Neville OAKWOOD Sandra Renner Brad Robinson Patricia Collie Al Meyer Steve Anderson

P VP T S D P D S D T

SABAL PALM Shannon Palombo Ellen Kaplan William Greenwald Julie Sexton Mark Sherwin

P VP T S D

SANTA LUCIA Aramis Sullivan Mike Mainelli Celia Platt

P S/T VP

SARACENO Skip DeLong Dean Stefanac Bob Hoel Matt Baumlin

P VP S T

SAVONA Brian Schultz Wes Wilkins Paul Copper Nancy Banyard Ann Cary

P T VP/S D D

SOLEMAR Bob Lindgren Brian Vance Dan Williams

P VP/S T

VILLA GRANDE Joseph Drummond Mickey Wheeler Beth Feldman Jeff Almo Steve Bajinski John Polczynski

P VP T S D D

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Visitor Access Control System at the Grandezza Front Entrance Our DwellingLIVE access control system continues to be successfully used by most Grandezza residents. However, some residents are still calling the gatehouse directly to register their guests.

To help our gatehouse staff and ensure faster, more accurate visitor processing, we ask that you please register your guests using one of the following preferred methods instead of calling the gatehouse: • The DwellingLIVE mobile app on your smartphone • The DwellingLIVE website on your computer • The Guest Registration System by phone (for those unable to use the app or website)

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If you need to use the Guest Registration System, please follow these simple steps: 1. Call 239-986-8627 or 888-994-4117.

2. When prompted, clearly state the following information: ○ Name: Say your visitor’s name (e.g., “Perfect AC Systems”). ○ Date: Say the date (e.g., “September 21”). ○ Time: You do not need to specify a time. ○ Number of days: State how long the pass should be valid (e.g., “one day” or “two days”).

3. Press # when you are finished and then hang up.

Please keep your message brief. The DwellingLIVE system automatically recognizes your phone number and saves the voice message in your account. When your visitor arrives, the gate officer will retrieve the information from your account and issue a pass accordingly.

Thank you for helping us keep Grandezza’s access control system running efficiently and securely.

Grandezza Gazzette, Grandezza | January 2026