Master POA Report
FRED THOMPSON
Greetings from an Estero that is relaxing from the always hectic “season” and the visitors it draws. Based on my trash day survey it appears that many of our snowbird neighbors are now “enjoying” cleaning up their northern houses after the winter storms and getting use to the rapid weather changes that mark the northern spring. The Lee County Coroner pronounced my March Madness brackets as dead before we even reached the final weekend. My alma mater let me
down again so we must wait until next year! The “Madness” is a lot of fun… and disappointment.
The March Master Board meeting was relatively routine. We received a report that our state required website is now operational. Residents may access documents including the current financial statements and meeting minutes for the Master and the neighborhood HOAs and COAs.
The Club has confirmed its plan to seal their portion of Grande Oak Blvd. basically from the front gate to the driving range. Repaving is still being discussed but is a few years away. The proposal for the new pickleball courts has occupied their attention.
The Board is pleasantly surprised at the speed at which the village Corkscrew walking/biking path is proceeding. It will be a big improvement for walking to Publix. The Master Board is considering installing a Grandezza pedestrian gate to access it.
Do you know the official population of Estero? Our Village Manager informed me that it is about 47,000 based on the federal census. That apparently includes the seasonal visitors if they
Celebrations of May
SUSAN SHERWIN
The month of May is filled with important holidays that celebrate history, culture, and social movements. Some of the most widely recognized non-religious holidays in May include International Workers’ Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day.
One of the most significant holidays is International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, observed on May 1. This day honors the labor movement and the struggles of workers for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and better conditions. Many countries hold rallies, parades, and demonstrations to promote workers’ rights.
Another notable holiday is Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5. It marks Mexico’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, it has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, featuring parades, music, and traditional foods.
Mother’s Day, observed on the second Sunday of May is a special day dedicated to honoring mothers and their contributions to families and society. People celebrate by giving gifts, spending time with their mothers, and expressing their love and appreciation to them. If you are unable to celebrate with your Mom in person be sure to call her!
Last, In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. This holiday honors military personnel who have died in service to the country. It often is marked by ceremonies, parades, visits to cemeteries, and is a time for reflection and national remembrance.
Enjoy the month of May Grandezza Gazzette readers!
Connecting with Others: “In 2023, 19% of young adults across the world reported having no one they could count on for social support, representing a 39% increase compared to 2006.”
One of the greatest gifts you can give another is the quality of your attention. A small act of kindness can make a difference, even for a stranger. When you take time to build relationships with others, you can have deep, meaningful conversations. Every relationship varies and takes time and effort. Be willing to take the first step and you may be surprised by how well it is received.
Supporting Others: We all experience times when we need support. The comfort and security of knowing we have people to count on in life is
essential to our overall well-being. Being there for each other in times of need gives us a sense of purpose and contribution.
Trusting Others: Trust between people is the foundation of strong relationships and often takes time to build. When you have established trust, you have people you can count on who look out for your best interest
and are honest with you even when it is difficult to express. In a trusting relationship, you feel safe, secure and confident.
Giving to Others: Giving is not only monetary and there are many other ways to give from sharing our time, talents and treasures with others.
WHAT SPIN TO USE ON YOUR RETURNS
Returning Serve is one of the most important shots in tennis and the right spin choice can turn a defensive situation into an offensive one:
Against a Heavy Topspin Serve—Use slice (backspin). A short low chip can neutralize a kicker, keeping the ball out of your opponent’s optimal strike zone and forcing them to hit up.
Flat or slight topspin drive—If you have time, taking the ball early and driving it with moderate topspin can take time away from your opponent and put them on the defensive.
DEFENSIVE AGAINST A FLAT SERVE
Topspin or Flat Drive—A flat serve has less margin for error, so taking it early with a controlled topspin return can help you dictate the point. If the serve lacks pace, a flat return can be effective.
Slice for Control—If you ’ re stretched wide a slice return can help control but timing and keeping the ball low allows you to get back to a neutral position and makes it harder for your opponent to attack.
AGAINST A SLICE SERVE
Topspin to Counter the Spin—Since slice serves skids and stays low, brushing upon the ball with topspin helps lift it over the net with control.
Flat return to Redirect the ball—If the slice serve is slow, stepping in and hitting a flat return can take time away from your opponent.
AGAINST A KICK SERVE
Slice to keep it low—Since kick serves jump high, using a backspin return can counteract the height and force the server to hit up on the ensuing shot.
Aggressive Topspin to Attack—If you’re comfortable handling the bounce on the rise, an aggressive topspin return can take control of the rally.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Mastering spin isn’t just about knowing what to use. It’s about practicing these returns until they become second nature. The next time you’re on the court, pay close attention to your opponent’s spin and experiment with different return techniques. Understanding spin is one of the biggest steps you can take toward playing smarter, more effective tennis.
censorship for any mail leaving the compound. Christine feels that her life has suddenly lost its purpose. Although she tries to be an “ideal wife” to Thomas, he is completely consumed by the work and usually takes her efforts for granted.
Restless and lonely, Christine befriends Gertie, even though there is a big age difference between them. Gertie, happy to finally find someone to talk with, helps Christine overcome her fear of water by teaching her to swim in a muddy lake within the residential compound. While riding a horse in the desert, Christine meets Maria, a native Indian pottery maker who creates beautiful clay pots based on the native Indian legends. Recognizing a unique beauty of Maria’s work Christine decides to introduce it at the New York art gallery. But when Thomas learns about Christine’s efforts to help Maria sell her creations, he considers it folly and a waste of time.
The author created a captivating, multilayer plot full of unexpected twists and turns. There is the first love between two young people that ends in tragedy— a clandestine love affair that is rudely broken by the G2 government security agents who resort to blackmailing the very people they are supposed to protect.
Working under intense pressure to produce results ahead of the enemy, scientists and engineers at Los Alamos are rightfully proud of their work. However, when they hear reports of the Hiroshima bombing, some begin to feel deep remorse once they fully understand the deadly, life destructing power they have unleashed on the world.
Rather than retelling a story of the Manhattan Project from the scientists’ point of view, Vromen’s meticulously researched novel is a study of human lives changed by the war, even though they were far away from the battle fields. I was particularly fascinated by the book’s aspect about people who, although they love each other, feel extremely isolated and unable to communicate and share their deep thoughts and feelings. This book is a page turner.
Pet Corner
LAURIE NOWLAN
MEET CAMI, WELSH TERRIER
My name is Cami and I live in the community of Savona. I am a Welsh terrier. When I am out on a walk or riding in my carriage, many people admire me and ask if I am a miniature Airedale because I am a much smaller version. Mom always explains that there is no such thing, and calls me a Welsh terrorist. I do come by that title honestly as I
am quite the escape artist, especially when I was younger (I am now almost 14). My biggest escape here in Florida happened when the door blew open. Mom and Dad went out looking for me
Supernatural to Summer
and live orchestra,” said Mark Danni, TheatreZone’s founding artistic director.
The musical score features rock-pop songs and ballads, with songs such as “With You,” a heartbreaking solo performed by Molly as she grapples with her loss, and “Suspend My Disbelief/I Had a Life,” a high-energy ensemble piece that captures the tension between the living and the spirit world. Audiences will also be treated to the 1965 hit “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers, which became a hit again after its use in the film.
Meet The Cast
Anthony Nuccio will lead the cast in Ghost: The Musical playing Sam Wheat, the charismatic and determined protagonist who is trying to understand his ghostly existence and spare Molly from meeting a similar one.
Kara Konken will play Molly Jensen, a gifted artist who struggles with grief and the eerie feeling that Sam is still with her in spirit.
Jasmine Vizena has been cast as Oda Mae Brown, the eccentric and comedic
TheatreZone
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psychic who brings both levity and heart as she unexpectedly discovers her true abilities.
Ghost: The Musical will be directed by Mark Danni with choreography by TheatreZone’s Associate Artistic Director Karen Molnar Danni, and musical direction by Charles Fornara.
This article is a paid advertisement. The content was provided by the sponsor and does not necessarily reflect the views of this community or Seabreeze Communications.
Cook’s Corner EDAMAME HUMMUS
JOHN DEJOY
When the “John Palmer’s Bistro 44” Spring Menu was being developed we always searched for “sharable” light appetizers. My bride Michelle is a self-proclaimed “dip girl” so this was geared toward her. It was also popular with the golf crowd, just chillin’ on the patio enjoying the evening. This is a pretty good-sized batch. Hummus does have a 3 to 4 day (ish) shelf life and the recipe is adjustable. I would warn that the flavors may need to checked daily, since they can fade with time. Enjoy.
2.5 lbs. Edamame (we used whole pods, raw. This can be purchased frozen, peeled.
I recommend that produce.)
16 oz Tahini Paste
1.5 cups Water
4 oz Lemon Juice
10 Cloves Garlic
8 oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Good Olive Oil)
Half Bunch Parsley
1 T Cardamom
2 T Cumin
Salt, Pepper, Sugar
1) If using fresh edamame pods, blanch, shock and peel.
2) Add to a Food Processor. Add the garlic, parsley and spices, blend.
3) Add the Tahini Paste, blend.
4) Drizzle in the rest of the wet ingredients.
5) Season to taste.
6) Enjoy with Chips, Toast Points or cut vegetables of your choice.
Note: We use sugar along with Salt and Pepper to enhance to flavor of the hummus.
Compliments of Chef John and Michelle DeJoy, Owners of John Palmer’s Bistro 44, in Concord, Ohio, and currently Saraceno residents.
Music Can Reduce Pain
DARREN ORF, INTERESTING FACTS
Legendary reggae musician Bob Marley once said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” Turns out, science backs him up. According to a 2023 study by scientists at McGill University in Montreal, listening to your favorite music reduces pain by one point on a 10-point scale. Scientists asked a series of questions after 63 participants experienced pain while listening to either their favorite songs, relaxing songs picked for them, scrambled music, or silence. Once each seven-minute round was over, subjects rated the music’s pleasantness and how many “chills” — that goosebump feeling you get when listening to moving music — they experienced. Listening to preferred music, especially moving music, far outranked other scenarios, and participants ranked the pain as less intense and less unpleasant.
Although this particular study focuses on music’s impact on physical health, the medical world has long known the healing powers of music when it comes to the mind. Music’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety while improving cognitive ability and memory inspired a field of medicine known as music therapy, which has existed in some form since the late 18th century. So, while listening to your favorite Beatles track or kicking back with some Beethoven won’t be enough to curtail serious pain, music can help mellow out the aches of everyday life.
IN 1865, A SINGLE CHORD CHANGED WESTERN MUSIC FOREVER.
On June 10, 1865, at the National Theatre in Munich, Germany, audiences heard for the first time one of the most innovative moments in music history. Within the opening seconds of the opera Tristan und Isolde, Richard Wagner delivered a strange augmented sixth chord that’s known today simply as the “Tristan chord” — and it’s arguably the most analyzed chord ever. With this one chord and the dissonance that followed, Wagner upset the conventional rules of tonality and inspired future composers’ exploration of atonality. The chord, in itself, wasn’t an innovation — previous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and Chopin had used it — but the genius was in the way it was used. Traditionally, in Wagner’s time, tonal dissonance resolved quickly to consonant harmony. However, in Tristan und Isolde, which is based on a Celtic legend about two doomed lovers, Wagner uses dissonance and atonality to emphasize the pain of longing and unrequited love. Only at the opera’s conclusion — some four hours later — do audiences finally hear the chord’s resolution. https://interestingfacts.com/fact/music-canreduce-pain/
Thank the Grandezza Community for its outstanding support!
• Roundabouts: Broad support for more roundabouts as safer alternatives to traditional intersections.
• Regional Coordination: Highlighting the significance of collaborating with Lee County and FDOT, acknowledging regional impacts that extend beyond Estero.
• Development Impact: Advocates for slowing or temporarily pausing development until infrastructure sufficiently supports increased traffic.
• Community Input: Requests for a more apparent prioritization of projects, emphasizing safety.
The session on March 24 concluded with the Village Management and Engage Estero leadership encouraging residents to participate in and actively support community efforts. Financial contributions to Engage Estero will ensure that factbased information continues to inform our community about important issues and developments, emphasizing that grassroots advocacy is essential for achieving the desired traffic improvements.
A more complete report, the PowerPoint presentation, and the YouTube video of the meeting can be accessed on the front page of the Engage Estero website, www. esterotoday.com.
Additionally, you can reach the April Traffic Survey summary, video and presentation slides at: https://esterotoday.com/mar2025summary
IMPORTANT MEETING ABOUT THE SPORTS AND RECREATION COMPLEX TO BE HELD MAY 23RD
The Village Management and the Projects Manager will provide an update on the Estero Recreation and Sports Complex on May 23.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at the Estero Recreation Center, located at 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd (inside the Estero Community Park), Estero, FL, on Friday, May 23, at 10 a.m. The Estero Recreation and Sports Complex represents the most significant investment made by the Village in its 10-year history. It will be situated on the parcel of land between Williams Road and Via Coconut Point. High 5 Entertainment will construct the Pickleball courts at this site, along with several other attractions. The site plan allows ample space
for additional recreation and sportsrelated partnerships, some of which may be announced during the meeting.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Steve Sarkozy, David Willems, and Michael Comparato and become more informed about the Complex. It’s also your chance to have your questions answered and provide input into the development. Your presence is crucial to the success of this meeting and the future of the Complex.
Due to limited seating, please register your intention to attend this May 23 event as soon as possible.
The link for registration is https:// esterotoday.com/may2025
Don’t forget, if you are not receiving Engage Estero’s free regular communications, you can easily sign up to do that on the front page of the website. www.esterotoday.com.
Resident Notice - Entry Gate Access
Please advise all contractors and visitors in advance that access to the community is only allowed at the main gate located on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Most GPS applications will direct drivers to the entrance gates at Savona and the maintenance area on Corkscrew Road. Unauthorized vehicles attempting to enter the community at these gates causes backup for the residents and in some cases we have experienced damage to the gate equipment. Your attention to this request is appreciated and will
facilitate entrance to the community by contractors and visitors.
In addition, allowing an unregistered visitor to follow a resident through the gate by tailgating is prohibited and any resident that violates the community’s access control procedure will risk suspension of RFID access for a period up to 90 days.
Grandezza Master Property Owners Association
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
2000 CORVETTE , light pewter metallic with black interior, 43,000 miles. Fully loaded and working. One senior owner, no accidents. Always garage stored with full maintenance records. $23,000.00. Call 239-200-6192 (Expires 6/25)
2005 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE , white, 37,500 actual miles. New battery, front and rear shocks, and a complete engine tune up. Very, very good condition. Great 2nd car for sunny Florida! Call Greg (Saraceno resident) for a test drive at 612-250-4163. $6900 or best offer. (Expires 6/25)
SUNTREX ADULT TRICYCLE with oversized tires. Like new, has been driven only a few times! Unable to ride because of physical health issues. Includes 5 star lock, helmet, tool gear adjustment. Asking $350.00 or best offer. Call 239-401-0939 (Expires 6/25)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, brand new, never opened in its original box, for sale $319. Please contact Aramis at 239-860-2071 (Expires 7/25)
2022 Advance EV 2 seat golf cart. Standard features include cooler, ball and club washer, seat belts, 2 sand bottles and USB plug. Upgrades include sound bar with Bluetooth, floor mat, club rain cover, and front tray for golf balls, phones and extra drink holders. Brand new front tires. Top speed is 26mph. Asking $5999. Text Jack at 513-205-0037 (Expires 7/25)
FREE replacement equipment supplies for a Philips Respironics Dream Station CPAP machine: 1 water tank, 1 head piece with mask,1 tubing and 7 masks size L. Contact Sue Lowney at 636-577-3444 (Expires 7/25)
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
Wolfgang Greil 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
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
GRANDE ESTATES
Peter Dersley P
Cameron Snyder VP
Fred Thompson T
Laura Reddin S
Lanell Shields D
OAKWOOD
Sandra Renner P
Ted Lewman VP
Patricia Collie S Al Meyer D
Steve Anderson 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
Wes Wilkins T
Paul Copper VP/S
Nancy Banyard D Ann Cary D
SOLEMAR
Bob Lindgren P
Brian Vance VP/S Dan Williams T
VILLA GRANDE
Joseph Drummond P
Mickey Wheeler VP
Beth Feldman T
Jeff Almo S
Steve Bajinski D
John Polczynski D