Gazzette GRANDEZZA
Master POA Report
FRED THOMPSON, PRESIDENT
Well, so much for a quiet “Windy Season!” Mother Nature decided to give us two storms to make up for missed time. Helene was basically a missed opportunity for us as it was too far offshore to provide strong winds for SW FL. However, it did result in a storm surge for the barrier islands, especially Ft Myers Beach. It also passed close enough to Charlotte County to impact much of its low land near the Peace River. Then Milton arrived two weeks later. It was an unusual storm that originated on the west side of the Gulf of Mexico and made a direct run at the west shore of Florida. Ultimately it reached Cat 5 strength before environmental conditions reduced it to a Cat 3 just before landfall near Sarasota. Much of its damage was caused by several tornados that spun off and the storm surge that exceeded 8 feet on the barrier islands. Is it time for the bars and other businesses on Ft. Myers Beach to develop a fold up design that they can move when bad weather threatens?
After both storms Grandezza was cleaned up quickly so that there was little evidence of a storm. There was no serious damage to homes and the club so life could return to normalcy quickly. Jim Cantore of Weather Channel fame visited the Port Charlotte area to document the damage there. I guess that we should be pleased he has not visited Estero.
On to your Master Board matters. We were sorry to accept the resignation of two Master Board Directors who are moving “up north” to answer the cry of Siren’s from their children and grandchildren. Nancy Reilly, our Landscape Director, is moving to the North Carolina area. Nancy is responsible for a budget of over $425K including the contract for maintenance of the Master lawn and trees. In addition, she has been working on a development plan for the entry area and for the planting of the annuals that add to the beauty of our property.
Jack Jones has been our Communications Director who was tasked initially to find an editor for our Gazzette to replace Susan Baker who succeeded our long time editor Bob Pinnel. He convinced Susan Sherwin to take over the editorship, and she has significantly increased the contributors to the monthly editions. In addition, he and Susan have been working to convert the Gazette to a digital format.
Nancy and Jack as Directors have had a significant impact on our community, and we wish them much happiness in the cold North where nighttime temps are already in the 30s!
At the October Master Board meeting, the 2025 budget was
presented by our Treasurer, Mickey Wheeler. The Master Assessment, that is collected with your neighborhood quarterly assessment, will increase by $60 to total $600/quarterly next year. This is the first increase in 4 years for the annual budget that totals $2,300K. During that time, we have been impacted by three major storms and our expenses have increased significantly including the Comcast contract ($1,150K annually) which increases about $40K/year and provides services more than 50% below the retail prices currently offered.
We also renewed the $450K annual contract with Statewide for our access control and the lease of the new patrol vehicle. Our Access Control Director, Mike Patricelli works closely with the firm and is pleased with their services especially their recruitment in this difficult market for lower salary range personnel. We also extended the contract with Juarez Landscaping for the maintenance of the Master land.
The Members Annual Meeting will be at 5:00, November 21 in the club. This will be followed by the first meeting of the Board at which time we will elect our officers for 2025. We hope to see you there.
Gobble, Gobble! Thanksgiving Is Nearly Here
SUSAN SHERWIN
It is November, and in a couple of weeks on the 28th we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Over the centuries the holiday has evolved to become a symbol of togetherness, generosity, and reflection. It is a time when we come together with families and friends to show thanks for the blessings we have received throughout the year.
The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 when the Pilgrims, who had settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, held a feast to celebrate their first successful harvest. After a difficult winter, during which nearly half of their colony perished, the Pilgrims were able to grow enough crops to sustain themselves with the help of the Wampanoag tribe. To show their appreciation, the Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag people to join them in a three-day feast. This gathering is often romanticized, but it represented a rare moment of cooperation and peace between the two groups.
President George Washington designated November 26 as a day of Thanksgiving in 1789, but it did not become an official holiday until 1863, when, during the Civil War President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday. Lincoln had hoped that this day would provide healing for a nation deeply divided by war. And, in 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a resolution officially declaring the fourth Thursday of
EDITOR’S
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
November as Thanksgiving Day, solidifying the tradition as a federal holiday.
Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated with a number of traditions that have become part of American culture. Of course, the most iconic of these is the Thanksgiving feast, which typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin and apple pies. Other foods may be part of each family’s traditions. Families typically gather together around the table, and before the meal begins, they often go around to share what each person is thankful for. Regardless of any challenges we may be currently facing, this practice seems to encourage reflection and reminds us to appreciate the good things in our lives.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thanksgiving morning is a nostalgic tradition I equate with Turkey Day. On a personal note, instead of braving the cold across the river from Jersey City, my family clustered around the TV as we were transfixed by the elaborate floats, giant balloons, and performances by marching bands and celebrities. Afternoon was a time to feel the human energy, to enjoy discussions, to hang around the kitchen to enjoy the smell of cooking, participate in the food preparation, and to relax before the big dinner. After dinner when we all were stuffed to the gills, my family played a group game, had a sing-fest or chilled out to follow some of the televised professional football games.
Let’s not forget that many of us view Thanksgiving Day as a special time to volunteer in soup kitchens and food banks that provide meals to the needy. I have always believed that “giving back” is a two-way street that benefits others and ourselves.
On the commercial side, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, with Black Friday following closely on its heels, as stores and online sites offer significant discounts.
In a spirit of appreciation and goodwill, whether you are sharing a meal with loved ones, watching a parade, volunteering, or whatever you are doing on November 28, Happy Thanksgiving!
INWELLNESS INWELLNESS
LEARN TO USE THE MACHINES
Part 1: Tuesday, November 5 at 12pm in the Gym
Part 2: Thursday, November 14 at 12pm in the Gym LEE HEALTH WORKSHOPS
3pm in the Formal Dining Room or via Zoom
Tuesday, November 5: Rehab Your Golf Swing
Thursday, November 7: Superfoods & Your Health
Thursday, December 12: Vitamins and Supplements
FUN & INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EYE CARE
Tuesday, November 12 with Edison Eye Care at 3pm in the Formal Dining Room COFFEE WITH A COP
Thursday, November 14 at 9am in the Formal Dining Room SOUND HEALING
Sundays, November 17 & December 12 at 10am in The Studio 2040 DOCUMENTARY & DISCUSSION
Tuesday, November 19 at 12pm in the Formal Dining Room BLOODMOBILE
November 21 at 8am in the South Parking Lot FAMILY FUN DAYS
Saturday, November 30 at 9:30am in front of the Clubhouse with an Ice Cream Truck & complimentary Massage Luxe chair massages
Saturday, December 28 at 9:30am in front of the Clubhouse KID’S ACTIVITIES AREA
adjacent to membership office - from 9am-3pm
Monday, November 25 through Saturday, November 30
Monday, December 23 through Saturday, January 4
MINI FITNESS MARATHON
Saturday, December 7 from 8am-12pm at The Studio FITNESS GOLF WALK
Wednesday, December 4 at 7:15am meet at the Basketball Courts
The Art of Friendship
YVETTE BERNOSKY, B.MS., DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
While whitewater rafting down a river in the Smokey Mountains, I was in awe of the surroundings. The tall trees in the thick rainforest were luscious shades of green and several of them had already begun changing colors for fall. It drizzled among us as we made our way through the crisp rapids with our tour guide telling jokes about our excursion. It was an exhilarating adventure among friends on the final day of our trip.
Five days earlier, I had landed in North Carolina and met up a long-time friend who had flown in from South Dakota. Many years had passed since we had last spoken. Yet, a month earlier, I had thought of her, so I reached out. Coincidentally, at that time, she was visiting Sarasota with her brother. What were the odds of this timing after so many years? When we met up, it was as if our friendship had never skipped a beat. This got me thinking about the bond of friendships in my life and the epidemic of loneliness we sometimes can face.
Loneliness has steadily increased over the years, impacting more individuals, especially with the rapid pace of technology and more people working remotely. Loneliness
can leave one feeling deeply depressed. Even when people are surrounded by friends, colleagues and family, they can still feel lonely as connections go deeper than just having others around. In my own life, I have found that there is an art to building and maintaining friendships, not only with others but with myself. Friendships take effort.
Below are ways to connect authentically and establish meaningful relationships.
AUTHENTICALLY CARING FOR OTHERS
There is a saying, “I went out to find a friend, and none could be found. I went out to be a friend, and friends were all around.” In your circle of friends, make it a point of supporting and building others up, empowering their very best qualities. I want to offer a friendship where there is trust. Relationships can strengthen when we step outside ourselves and selflessly give to others without expecting anything in return.
FRIENDSHIP INTIMACY
Intimacy is often only thought of as a romantic relationship; however, friendship intimacy is a combination of emotional and behavioral aspects of a nonromantic relationship between two people. It’s characterized by a deep level of familiarity, including knowledge of the other person’s feelings, beliefs and preferences, as well as details about their personal life. When we drop our walls and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, there can be a deep connection from one friend to another.
UNDERSTANDING AND FORGIVENESS
We all make mistakes. We may have days when we are stressed and are challenging to be around. We may say something hurtful that we regret later. While having healthy boundaries in relationships is essential, understanding and forgiveness are crucial. We all need to have and be given compassion, as it’s part of life’s ups and downs. I know from experience that when I have worked through tough times with others, our friendships have become stronger.
I went out to find a friend, and none could be found. I went out to be a friend, and friends were all around.
IT BEGINS FROM WITHIN
This is vital. Being your own best friend is the core of building healthy relationships with others. The better you care for yourself and lean within, the happier you will be. I recommended practicing self-care, investing in strengthening your mindset
and enjoying fun activities. Remember to forgive yourself when you make mistakes and try to bring forth your best qualities. Knowing you can count on yourself is a great way to go about life and to be happy. The more you love yourself, the more love you will have for others.
GirlFriends Welcome Wonder Gardens Speaker
CINDY FITZPATRICK
The GirlFriends returned to our clubhouse for the October luncheon. Guest speaker from Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs, Katie Grimes, encouraged visitors to come explore their botanical gardens, sprawling banyan trees, and rescued animals. She shared with us their Master Plan, that includes an animal care center. It ’s a wonderful place to visit with younger children.
We continued the tradition of table topics, suggested by secretary Barb Parsons, and engaged in great conversations about our summer. By sharing our experiences, we got to know each other a little better and bond over shared interests. We celebrated the birthdays of Christine (Mary) Bowser, Peggy Dempsey, Connie
Haigh, Mary Jo Mack, Ellie Wasserman and Judy Young. Julie Applegate was awarded the bracelet.
A big thank you to Michelle Francesconi, who handled the raffle table items this month, and to our ticket sellers, assembled by Yvonne Mazzella. There was
a great selection of fall themed items. We appreciate everyone who purchased tickets.
We have a great season planned. The calendar can be found on our web site https://www. grandezzagirlfriends.com or on our group FaceBook page.
Reader’s Corner
SUSAN SHERWIN
Ariel Lawhon’s newest novel, The Frozen River, is an engrossing historical mystery inspired by the life of someone most of us have never heard of—Martha Ballard, a renowned eighteenthcentury midwife. The real-life Ballard, who was born in 1735 and died in 1812, delivered over a thousand babies in her career and never lost a mother in childbirth. Interestingly, Martha Ballard was the great-aunt of Clara Barton who founded the American Red Cross and the great-great-grandmother of Mary Hobart, one of the first female physicians in the United States.
The setting is the small town of Hallowell, Maine,1789 in what the town would call the “Year of the Long Winter” because brutal wind and numbing cold lasted six months. The Kennebec River is beginning to freeze and the tangled broken body of a man named Joshua Burgess has been discovered an inch below
the icy surface. When midwife and healer Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body to determine the cause of death, she deduces that the man’s death was not normal based on rope markings upon his neck, bruising on his body, and other factors. Rather, it appears that he was murdered. The powers-that-be, initially do not give credence to Martha’s observations about the frozen body’s death, especially when Dr. Benjamin Page, the local, but Harvard-educated physician, pronounces that there didn’t appear to be foul play and the death certainly was accidental.
Martha has inside knowledge of every birth and death in Hallowell. Taught to read and write by Ephraim, her loving husband, she maintains in her diary a daily record of happenings, including her healing history, secrets, and her close-knit family’s personal life. A couple of months before she appraised the dead man, Martha documented in her diary about being called to examine a neighbor, Rebecca Foster, who was visibly pregnant and who alleged rape by two of the town’s respected gentlemen when her husband, Reverend Isaac Foster, was away. The accused men deny the charges. The deceased man, though, happens to be one of the men accused of raping Rebecca months earlier. The other alleged
rapist is Colonel Joseph North, a powerful judge held in high regard in the community. Martha refuses to stop asking questions as an advocate for another woman. Eventually a trial date for the rape is set, Martha is called to testify, and her diary is shown as evidence.
Fascinating accounts of how women were treated during the eighteenth century in New England are portrayed in Lawhon’s novel. Women were generally considered less than men with a rare woman able to read and write. Much of Martha’s and her daughters’ time was immersed in everyday household chores such as making candles, baking bread, weaving, killing chickens and providing meals. Also, in the judicial
process a woman was not permitted to testify in court unless her husband or father was present. A woman often was charged with fornication out of wedlock, while a man was not subject to consequences. A male physician’s word was respected whereas that of a female midwife was not, regardless of a midwife’s vast experience and knowledge of a woman’s body.
The author’s research is evident in this layered small town whodunnit that takes place over a period of six months. Ariel Lawhon’s storytelling highlights the courage of Martha Ballard, an assertive champion for fairness and justice for women during the post-American Revolution period. The reader will
find interesting aspects of a time when the Constitution existed as the country’s founding document for only two and a half years, and concepts such as due process and legal matters differed from those of today.
The Frozen River is a novel I am pleased to recommend to you, Grandezza readers.
Note that In her closing notes at the end of the novel Lawhon recommends anyone interested in learning more about Martha Ballard’s role in history to pick up a copy of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography A Midwife’s Tale by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.
Are you a Caitlin Clark Fan??
AL MEYER
If you answered yes, then you enjoy winning, setting lots of records, excitement and women’s basketball. What you might now know is we have all of that and more less than two miles north of Grandezza. I’m talking about FGCU Women’s Basketball. Let me begin with ten reasons why all of this is true.
1. FGCU is the winningest team in Division I women’s basketball history with an 84.7% record. (549-101) UConn is 2nd at 79.9, followed by Tennessee at 79.8 and Stanford at 77.3.
4. In the 2013-14 season, FGCU joined Sacramento State as the 1st two teams to attempt 1,000 3-pointers in a season.
women have recorded 14 straight 25-win seasons only achieved by UConn and FGCU. They have 20 straight 20-win seasons and 3 30win seasons in the last 5 years.
8. With only 13 seasons of NCAA Division I tournament eligibility, they have qualified every year and have 4 1st round wins and have been the winningest 12th seed in NCAA tournament history.
9. They have finished in the Division I top 25 rankings in 5 out of the last 6 years.
2. FGCU has led the nation in made 3-pointers in each of the last four seasons. They hold the record for made 3’s in a single season with 431 in the 2017-18 season. They have made at least 300 in a season 14 times, including each of the last 13 seasons.
3. Entering the 24-25 season, FGCU has produced 8 seasons of at least 10 3-point field goals made per game, which is the most in the nation among the 21 teams to achieve it at least once.
5. Since 1988, there have been just 37 instances of an NCAA Division I team making at least 20 3-point field goals in a game, and our FGCU Eagles own 8 of those.
6. Over the past 12 years, the Eagles have finished among the nation’s top five in made 3-point goals every year, including five 1st place finishes.
7. Under coach Karl Smesko, an Oakwood resident for 21 years, our
10. What makes all of this possible is Coach Karl Smesko!! His overall coaching record is 672-136 or 83.2%. At his young age, this makes him the 3rd winningest coach in division I behind Gino Auriemma 209-261 (88.2%) and Kim Mulkey 720-117 (86%). His players
love and respect him as evidenced by the fact they don’t ever transfer once they’ve played for “The Coach”. Many of his former players have played professionally in the US and Europe and several are coaching throughout the country. Karl has been recruited by Illinois, Indiana, Oregon and USC and likely others, but so far we have no reason to believe he wants to leave.
So what’s ahead for this season? For sure, more of the same which is why I encourage you and your friends to join the fun at Alico Arena and ESPN+ for road games.
Let’s start with the 8 returning players, 4 of them starters last year.
• Casey Santoro was a high scoring guard for the first few games until she injured her foot and was unable to play the rest of the season. She is back in full form and ready to go.
• Maddie Antenucci was another casualty to a leg injury for the 2nd half of the season. Maddie is also fully recovered and ready to lead the team in so many ways.
• Emani Jefferson was all everything last season. Clearly one of the most exciting guards we have ever had and ready to resume her winning ways.
• Dolly Cairns is a 3-point sharpshooter who should have another great season rotating in and out at the guard spot.
• Cerina Rolle and Maca Retamales had a fair amount of playing time and will be more ready than ever to vie for more time. Jordan Campbell
did not play much but could also be much improved. Emani Theodule was a red shirt, so we’ll wait and see on her.
The 7 new recruits look awesome on paper and are already fighting for playing time to prove it.
• Skyler Gill 5' 10" transfer from Kansas is a versatile player who can score, rebound and block shots.
• Anna Mortag 6' 1" transfer from Butler shoots 44% from 3. Say no more!!
• Khamari Mitchel-Steen transferred from N. Ky. Loves to attack the rim and is an elite defensive player who usually defends the opponents best player.
• Lauryn Taylor 5' 11" transfer from Francis Marion is a great rebounder and shoots 33% from 3.
• Alahna Paige transfer from Daemen is a 3-point sharpshooter—40% from 3.
• Karina Gordon 5' 9" transfer from E. Carolina and shoots 31% from 3.
• Kaelyn Flowers 5' 6" Fr. All state in Tenn.
The Eagles are again favored to win the Atlantic Sun Conference and can almost guarantee another season full of winning, records, excitement and downright fun.
Whether you’re a Caitlyn Clark fan or not, circling back to her winning, records, excitement and Women’s Basketball, I hope you agree, we have a ton of it right up the road. By the way, several of us in Grandezza sit in section S behind the FGCU bench. Join us and you will soon be Hooked!
Golf Rules and Posting Housekeeping
CORY TITENSOR, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
As a golf professional, I have been a witness to some complete misunderstandings of the rules of the game and rules for posting scores. Unfortunately, it happens more often than it should. It happens mostly because players misunderstand the rules. More of us would read the rules book if it was interesting. Since it is not and we don’t have multiple rules officials on call to resolve questions, below are a couple of common player oversights.
PENALTY AREAS
The first area to cover would be penalty areas. A penalty area is an area on the golf course where a ball is often lost or difficult to play from where a player can take relief with a one-stroke penalty. Examples of penalty areas at Grandezza are the palmettos along the side of the course and the ponds on the property. Relief is to be taken outside these areas in line with the hole from where the ball entered the area when the player opts to take relief. We have seen and heard that players are taking their relief adjacent from where the ball has come to rest not from where it entered the penalty area. These areas are designed for water retention. After heavy rains or during periods of precipitation,
these areas will have standing water. Standing water in a penalty area is not casual water and relief without penalty is not allowed. In the drier months of the years, roots and other plants can make the lie in the penalty area unplayable. However, an unplayable lie doesn’t exist in a penalty area. Players must take the appropriate relief outside the area in line with the hole from where the ball entered the area incurring the one-stroke penalty. For more information on following proper procedures refer to Rule 17 in the rules of golf.
POSTING A MAX SCORE FOR HANDICAP PURPOSES
The second area would be posting a max score for handicap purposes. When the World Handicap System was developed to streamline golf across the world, the way a player recorded their maximum score for posting was changed. Each hole has handicap ranking
that is established by reviewing the difference in scores from scratch golfers and bogey golfers (players with indexes of 21 to 25). The greater the spread of scores, the lower the handicap rating of the hole (meaning it is more challenging). Each player has course handicap that is calculated from their index, the slope, and course rating of the course they are playing. This establishes a way for them to compete against other golfers with different skill levels. This number determines just how many shots above par a player is allowed to post for handicapping. A player is allowed post par plus two shots plus handicap for the hole being played. Example: Hole 1 at Grandezza is the 13th handicap hole for the men. So, a player with a 13-handicap max score is 7 for posting purposes (4 (Par) + 2 + 1 (Handicap).
Hopefully this will help players better calculate their scores and accurately follow the rules. Please remember to post your scores the day the round is played. It helps to properly calculate the playing difficulty for the day.
See you on the course!
Travel Corner
SHARMIN FAIRBANKS MCKENNY
FIFTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY TRIP TO THAILAND: A CAN-DO VACATION
Six and a half weeks after a total hip surgery, I rode an elephant. I didn’t plan the surgery, but I did plan to ride an elephant.
John and I had planned a 50th Wedding Anniversary, threeweek trip to Thailand with our five family members. A month and a half before we were to leave, I found I needed a total hip replacement. I negotiated with Dr. Elstad of Naples Joint Replacement Institute to help me get there.
Five weeks after surgery, John and I ate our first meal in Bangkok at Burger King, reluctant to jump into an all-Thai diet before our children arrived. We took the plunge into the Thai culture riding a long boat, navigating the narrow canals of the River Market lined by cultural markets of souvenirs, clothes, and foods. Other boats sold tropical fruits and delicacies. Next stop, the Train Market where a narrow-gauge railroad divided another crowded market with friendly shopkeepers. Later, the train would stop and within seconds the whole market would board the train and close for the evening. Next morning we were off to the Emperor’s lavish palace to see the jade Buddha high in the temple dressed in all gold for the season. Another elegant temple on the grounds was built during our Revolutionary War. The elegance of the Temple was a stark contrast to our war.
Our next stop commenced my “can do” vacation. In Krabi, the tropical equivalent to a beach resort town, we boarded a long boat with a tiny motor at the end of a long rod in back. It motored through the choppy waves for splashes and laughs until we arrived at the isolated islands. The first held a nature trail which ended at 4,000 steep steps to a lookout tower to view the many islands in the Indian Ocean. The faint of heart, went to the beach. This was my first steps to prove I wouldn’t be
beaten by a mechanical hip. My daughter, Macy, her friend, and I made it to the top in record time. The view was breathtaking.
The ocean became too choppy to disembark at the third island. We went snorkeling instead. Reluctantly, I sat out this adventure. However, when they returned with stories of red coral the size of a bushel basket and clams the size of dinner plates, a little ladder on the side of the boat wouldn’t stop me. Our boatman caught squid while we snorkeled. They would be his dinner. They would be our fun.
Off to Chang Mai for more cultural shopping at the Night Market, Thai cuisine, and a stop at an Orchid Farm. The best event was a cooking class with a three-course meal and “playing with fire”, a lesson in flambe.
Our last stop was Chang Rai, in the mountains of northern Thailand on the Laos border. The White and blue temples were magnificent. The Monks in their orange robes were out on the streets for New Years collecting alms from lines of people with bowls and baskets.
Our lodging, The Wooden House, was hidden in the mountains with a native Thai cook and groundskeeper. They took us to our trek up a steep, stoney, uneven path to watch the sunrise over the Mekong River, a New Years tradition. It was challenging and inspiring with young children along the path in their
native costumes singing traditional songs. The mist over the Mekong River evoked memories of the Vietnam War in which many of our friends participated. I was torn between my thoughts of a war and a vacation. On our elevated spot at our Wooden House, we watched the fireworks on the surrounding mountains. We even saw traditional lanterns float into the air.
Our last stop was a family-owned elephant sanctuary. Their elephants had been in the family for generations. We fed, interacted with and bathed three elephants in a nearby stream. We learned the culture, the commands, and relationships between the people and their elephant family.
It was time to ride. I wasn’t going to miss this. When I said “shoo shoo” Dee lifted her foot for me to step up, then with “thong thong”, she lifted her leg for me to run up while I held onto her ear. I needed a “tush push” to settle on her neck behind her ears. She flapped her ears back as if to hold me on. Getting down was a different story. I put my legs over her ears and between her eyes and slid down her face, not her trunk. Three people were determined not to let me hit the ground with the leg with the new hip. Success.
To share this celebration of 50 years of marriage with the love of my life, John, and Macy, Aaron, Angel and Em, made a memory so special it can’t easily be topped. But, I think I’ll keep trying.
Pet Corner Featuring Caymus
SUSAN SHERWIN
Caymus is a seven pound, five year old Biewer Terrier, also known as a Yorkie who lives with Cynthia and Kevin Ryan in Villa Grande. Named after one of the couple’s favorite Napa Valley wines, this sweet little canine takes his name from that brand. He originally came from a breeder in Oklahoma and the Ryan’s first sight of him was when he was only a puppy weighing three pounds.
Prior to the Ryan’s having a dog as a pet, Cynthia had cats for considerably long time periods. One of her cats lived to be twenty-two, while the other lived to age eighteen. However, in considering a pet dog Cynthia searched online at PuppySpot, which mandates a highly comprehensive, screening process to match breeders with prospective owners. Not only were the Ryans certain that their puppy would be healthy and not from a puppy mill, but PuppySpot also interviewed them to ensure they would be good pet owners. Two days before Cynthia’s birthday in 2019, Kevin and Cynthia flew from Jacksonville to Oklahoma, carrier and necessary supplies in hand, to meet their new family member. Greeting them at the airport with the breeder was their toy terrier marked with a black batmanlike mask around his eyes. That dark mask gradually changed color, though, and is now a light brown color. The coloring on this compact pup is predominantly white with tan and black markings. With his little black nose and dark-brown-almost-black eyes, he is an adorable little guy.
This tricolored Yorkie is an affectionate, loyal family member. As Kevin says, “he is a social, little dude!” He enjoys meeting others, whether they are humans or other animals. If it’s not “season” Caymus may do a Michael Jackson strut asking for his treats. He also loves to lie in the middle of the road while waiting to be pet by anyone walking nearby. Three of his friends are Cannoli and Izzy, other small dogs in his
neighborhood, and Coco, a neighboring dog that’s a lot bigger than him. Cynthia and Kevin keep Caymus close when they walk him because of his diminutive size. He may be tiny, but from eight months on Caymus has walked a mile or more on his walks. Sunbathing on the patio or near the front door is part of Caymus’ routine as he protects the house by aggressively barking at the doorbell or at people walking by the house. On really hot, sunny days he may prefer to scope out patches of shade. On the arrival home of Kevin (“Papa’s home”) from a game of golf, Caymus greets him by racing around the coffee table and excitedly waiting at the door.
As a puppy Caymus was a hand-full, and Cynthia and Kevin promptly enrolled him in puppy training. He now listens and follows commands well, some of which include fetch, place, sit, down, shake, twirl, high 5, and treat (of course). Caymus loves to play with his collection of crinkle-sounding and squeeze toys and while he enjoys fetching his Wubba on the patio, he has an aversion to swimming. A favorite game is burpees during which the Ryans, in an effort to tire him out, fling his Wubba back and forth between their couches without letting Caymus catch it. In the evening, a then-exhausted Yorkie sleeps on his own pillow above Cynthia’s head.
Caymus does not mind being groomed about once a month and enjoys the groomer’s indoor playground. He tends to demolish his treats before he consumes his Yorkie-mix kibble. He drinks water from a bowl but paws Cynthia when he wants more and drinks from her hand. Every morning he devours a Smart Bones bone, which helps keep his teeth healthy. For a one-time-treat of foie gras he howled in joy, and he relishes sampling a little steak or chicken occasionally.
As the saying goes, “good things come in little packages,” and this active, lovable seven pound ball of fur certainly is an adored member of the Ryan family.
A PUBLIC FORUM ON THE ENVIRONMENT, ISSUES, SOLUTIONS, SUSTAINABILITY, AND ACTION AT FGCU COHEN CENTER BALLROOM ON NOVEMBER 12TH, STARTING AT 6 P.M.
Are You Concerned About the Urgent and Hazardous Nature of Climate Change? This will be the first part of a two-part series addressing Climate Change, Issues, Solutions, and Sustainability in greater Estero.
Your involvement in this forum is not just important; it’s empowering. By incorporating diverse perspectives and insights, we can develop comprehensive solutions that address the pressing environmental issues we face. We need your input to ensure our discussions are inclusive and reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. Your voice is not just heard; it’s crucial. Your voice can make a significant difference in our community’s future.
YOU ’ LL LEARN:
What pressing climate change and warming issues threaten our environment and quality of life in greater Estero?
How are increasing temperatures directly impacting greater Estero?
What do climate change and warming mean in a municipal environment (transportation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, environmental sustainability growth policies?)?
What climate change and warming threat-mitigating projects can be implemented?
What examples of active participation are pivotal to driving the transformative changes we need?
What is a “Reasoned Plan of Action” approach?
What organization should lead the establishment of the approach in greater Estero?
How can we establish local climate change and warming efforts related to water quality, municipal climate change and warming, environmental education, and community engagement?
What are the potential sources of water pollution, climate change, and warming in greater Estero?
Given the continued growth in urbanization, is the quantity of water in greater Estero available from our aquifers?
○ What are the solutions if there is a potential water shortage?
Greg Tolley, Professor of Marine Science and Executive Director of The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, will moderate the Forum.
PANEL MEMBERS:
➢ Mike Savarese, Professor, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU.
➢ Matt DePaolis, Policy Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
➢ Codty Pierce, The Calusa Waterkeeper.
➢ FGCU Student studying environmental issues.
SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU TO ACCESS
1. IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES.
If you haven’t seen the summary of the September 27th Community and Member Meeting, which examined the following topics, please use the following link to access the information.
https://www.esterotoday.com/event/sept2024/
• Jonathan Witenko, System Director of Virtual Health and Telemedicine at Lee Health, spoke briefly about the value of AI in the clinical, patient, and back-office settings.
• Barbara Shearer, President of Neighbors Network of Lee County, explained the organization’s mission is to make the experience of aging in one’s home a feasible choice, with neighbors helping neighbors across generations to create a socially connected community that benefits everyone. Once fully rolled out, its volunteers will provide various support services to help people live independently at home and in their local community. https://leeneighbors.org/
• Mary Schoeffel, Executive Director of The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, explained their efforts are aimed at patients and their caregivers, encompassing
2. AN UPDATE ON ESTERO’S UTILITIES EXPANSION PROGRAM (UEP).
The article, which can be accessed via the link below, provides up-to-date information on the current Grant Status and explains the possible cost implications. Because other grants are pending, the cost assessment is difficult at this time. The Estero Village Management objective is to optimize the value of the grants that can be obtained before execution begins and reduce the cost for homeowners involved in the UEP and Estero residents.
https://www.esterotoday.com/an-important-update-on-theseptic-to-mains-sewer-conversion-for-estero-residents/
dedicated support programs, advocation, raising awareness, and educating healthcare professionals and the wider community about Parkinson’s disease. https:// parkinsonassociationswfl.org/index.html
• Kay Jasso, CEO of the MS Center of SWFL, although unable to make the meeting, was anxious for people who would like more information on MS to view the details on their website. https://centers4ms.org/ms-center-ofsouthwest-florida/.
From the Division of Consumer Services
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services
AFTERMATH OF A STORM
Even if you have an excellent disaster plan in place, dealing with the aftermath of a severe weather event is never easy. Here are a few tips to help with the recovery process after the storm passes by.
Auto Damage: The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act requires anyone who is paid to repair motor vehicles owned by other individuals to register with FDACS. Review estimates and contracts carefully for language that may assign your
insurance policy benefits directly to the repair shop. Click Motor Vehicle Repair for more information or use the Business License Lookup to verify a license.
Carbon Monoxide Safety: Keep generators, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Charities: All charities soliciting within the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies) are required to register and file financial information with FDACS. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA (English) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (Spanish) or use the online Check-A-Charity tool to find out if a charity is properly registered.
Contractors: Check the license and complaint history of contractors before signing a contract or agreeing to have anyone do work for you. Call the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or go to MyFloridaLicense.com. Do not sign an “Assignment of Benefits” form for a contractor if you have not been instructed to do so by your insurance company.
File a Complaint: While FDACS cannot require businesses to take a particular action such as repairing or replacing a product or refunding money, the department may act as a mediator to attempt dispute resolutions. Click File a Complaint for more information.
Food Safety: Discard perishable food that has been stored in temperatures above 41° F for four or more hours or that has an unusual odor, color or texture or feels warm to the touch. If flooding occurs, discard any food not in a waterproof container that has come into contact with flood water. Contact your county Department of Health if you suspect that your well may be contaminated.
Fuel: The potential for water contaminated fuel incidents increase after a considerable
storm. Always keep the receipt of purchase and report any possible contaminated fuel incidents to the department ’s Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (English) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (Spanish).
Insurance: Don’t respond to robocalls, text messages, or emails regarding your insurance premiums or coverage. Call your local insurance agent or the company’s customer service number listed on your policy or insurance card to verify any messages you receive about your insurance.
Landlord/Tenant: If you live in a rental property that was damaged by the storm, you need to know the rights and responsibilities of you and your landlord. Visit Landlord/Tenant Law for more information or refer to Florida’s Landlord/Tenant Law, Chapter 83, Part II, Florida Statutes.
Price Gouging: Anyone who suspects price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General at (866) 9NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.
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.
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
Electric Scooter: Forward and backward controls and carry basket. Excellent condition. Folds for easy travel and transport. The battery is removable for plane transport. 37 pounds. $1,750. Call Peggy - 614-571-3546 (Expires 2/25)
CLUB CAR golf cart: Well cared for 2020 Tempo golf cart, new batteries installed 2023 covered under mfg 2-year warranty, upgraded premium seats, USB charging port. Annual service completed AUG 2024. Asking $6000. Call 517-745-4668 for additional information (Expires 2/25)
SERVICE OFFERINGS
Sue’s Airport Transportation Service to RSW and Punta Gorda. November 1st thru May 15th. Drop offs and pickups anytime of the day. Call Sabal Palm resident Sue McElligott (708) 846-1985. (Expires 2/25)
Travel Concierge: Serving clients since 1976. Cruises, Expedition ships, Tauck Tours, Safaris, Kensington Tours and other independent travel programs, multigenerational vacations. No fees, just first class service.
Ask any Grandezza member who has booked. IATA approved agency. Email Larry@ljackman1@icloud.com. (Expires 2/25)
November 11
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 888-9944117 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.
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
RESOURCE HUB
GRANDEZZA COMMUNITY BOARDS AND
OFFICERS
GRANDEZZA MASTER COMMITTEES
Finance & Long Range Planning
Communications
Landscape
Mickey Wheeler chair
Susan Sherwin chair
Aramis Sullivan chair Infrastructure, Lakes, Preserves & Fountains
Safety & Access Control
Peter Dersley chair
Mike Patricelli chair
Community Affairs Fred Thompson chair
OAKWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD
Sandra Renner
Ted Lewman
Patricia Collie
Meyer
Anderson
OAKWOOD I
Rich Green
Joe Trefaller
Tom Rajtik
OAKWOOD II
Steve Anderson P
Richard Zimmerman
John Fillipo S/T
SABAL PALM
Shannon Palombo P
Ellen Kaplan
William Greenwald
Julie Sexton
Mark Sherwin
SANTA LUCIA
Aramis Sullivan
Mike Mainelli
Celia Platt
SARACENO
Stefanac
Banyard
SOLEMAR
Bob Lindgren
VILLA GRANDE
Joseph Drummond
Beth Feldman
Sarah Hartman
Steve Bajinski
Jeff Almo
Gatehouse (239) 498-8895
GRANDEZZA DIRECTORY
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
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
RESIDENT NOTICE - ENTRY GATE ACCESS
Please advise all contractors and visitors that access to the community is only allowed at the main gate located on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Most GPS applications will direct drivers to the entrance gates at Savona and the maintenance area on Corkscrew Road. Unauthorized vehicles attempting to enter the community at these gates causes backup for the residents and in some cases we have experienced damage to the gate equipment.
Your attention to this request is appreciated and will facilitate entrance to the community by contractors and visitors.
