Master POA Report
FRED THOMPSON
Was that a slamming door you heard in midOctober? No, that was just the official end of the rainy season! It’s remarkable how predictable this transition is. Around mid-October, cold fronts from the north bring cooler temperatures and drier air, and this fall has been no exception. Historically, October rainfall is about 50% of September’s total.
We’re experiencing an unusually quiet hurricane season this year. We’re now in the second half of the historically active period, yet Southwest
Florida and the entire eastern U.S. have remained calm. According to WeatherTiger, our weather has been calmer than 95% of recorded hurricane seasons! Let’s hope this translates into more favorable insurance rates. Now, if only we could do something about all the turbulence in Washington!
SEPTEMBER MASTER BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
BULK SERVICES COMMITTEE –COMCAST CONTRACT RENEWAL
The September Master Board Meeting addressed several important items, beginning with the Bulk Services Committee’s proposed Comcast contract renewal. This contract extends through December 2036, with options for specific services beginning in eight years.
The bottom line: We’ve achieved significant reductions in cable and internet service costs—approximately $450,000 in savings for each of the next two years, with continued savings throughout the contract term.
A complete summary of the new contract was distributed via email blast to all Grandezza residents following the September board meeting.
Our sincere thanks to the Bulk Services Committee—Peter Dersley (Chair), Mickey Wheeler, Sarah Hart, Jim Alderfer, and Joe Flowers—for their dedicated efforts over the past year negotiating these favorable contract terms.
2026 OPERATING BUDGET
Master Association Treasurer Mickey Wheeler presented the proposed 2026 budget. The highlight: a $50 quarterly reduction in the Master assessment (included in your neighborhood assessment), effective January 2026, resulting from the renegotiated Comcast contract.
Comcast charges represent our largest expense at approximately 40% of the total Master budget, so this negotiated decrease has substantial impact. Mickey anticipates the Master Association assessment may remain level for several years thanks to these reduced costs.
THE 2026 QUARTERLY ASSESSMENT WILL BE $550 PER RESIDENCE, COVERING:
• Comcast internet and TV
• Access control
• Landscaping
These three items represent 85% of our total expenses.
BEYOND THE GRANDEZZA BERMS AND BUFFERS/ DEVELOPMENT IN ESTERO AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Estero continues to be a major development hub in southern Lee County. You’ve likely noticed the new residential construction east of us on Corkscrew Road. While new construction has slowed nationally, it continues at a brisk pace in southern Lee County.
Verdana is the most active development on east Corkscrew, having delivered approximately 375 homes through September 30 of this year, with 1,350 total closed homes (out of 2,400 planned lots). With an estimated average selling price of $600,000, these homes add $225 million to the county tax base.
Kingston represents the largest footprint on east Corkscrew, having received final government approval for 10,000 homes on 6,000 acres near Route 82. Infrastructure development is currently underway and will take over a year to complete. Additionally, Collier County recently gave preliminary approval for two developments totaling approximately 9,000 lots just east of the Lee/ Collier county line near where Corkscrew Road meets Route 82. This intersection will become a major hub in the future.
Kingston has provided Lee County with land to extend Alico Road east from its current southward bend to Corkscrew Road,
allowing Alico to terminate near Route 82. Construction on this extension will likely begin in 2026. By the end of 2025, the number of sold homes on east Corkscrew is expected to exceed 4,500. To date, the Village has not entertained annexation requests from any east Corkscrew developments.
Don’t overlook the commercial expansion in and near Estero. The area north of Alico near I-75 is growing rapidly and will provide numerous employment opportunities.
ENGAGE ESTERO
Engage Estero, an active citizens group working with the Village Board on projects impacting our area, published an excellent report in September detailing the status of numerous developments in Estero. The scope of current projects including the pedestrian pathway along Corkscrew adjacent to Grandezza is impressive. Many developments are on Estero’s west side, visible when traveling the US 41 corridor.
Visit esterotoday.com to view the report. Remember, Estero is a “Government Light” community with the lowest tax rate of any municipality in Florida!
LOOKING AHEAD
We hope you’re making progress on your fall preparations for winter and holiday visitors. Wishing you a wonderful start to the holiday season!
EDITOR’S THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Comcast has announced that, over the next year, all @comcast.net email accounts will be migrated to the Yahoo platform.
Your email address will remain the same, but you will access your inbox through yahoo.com instead of comcast.com once the transition is complete.
For full details about this change and the migration timeline, please visit: https:// www.xfinity.com/support/ articles/yahoo-emailmigration-overview
Happy Thanksgiving 2025!
SUSAN SHERWIN
It is November, and in a couple of weeks on the 27th, 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 family and friends to give 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 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday during the Civil War. Lincoln hoped that this day would provide healing for a nation deeply divided by war. In 1941, President
Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a resolution officially declaring the fourth Thursday of 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. The most iconic of these is the Thanksgiving feast, which typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin and apple pies. Other foods may be part of each family’s traditions. Families gather around the table, and before the meal begins, they often take turns sharing what each person is thankful for. Regardless of any challenges we may be facing, this practice encourages 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 associate with Turkey Day. On a personal note, instead of braving the cold across the river from Jersey City, my family would cluster around the TV, transfixed by the elaborate floats, giant balloons, and performances by marching bands and celebrities. The afternoon was a time to feel the human energy, to enjoy
discussions, to hang around the kitchen savoring the smell of cooking, participate in the food preparation, and to relax before the big dinner. After dinner, when we were all stuffed to the gills, my family would play a group game, have a sing-fest, or chill out watching 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 those in need. I have always believed that “giving back” is a twoway 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 doing something else on November 27— Happy Thanksgiving!
Remote Viewing of Grandezza Comcast TV Service
Grandezza residents can enjoy their Comcast/Xfinity TV service even when away from home. Below are the most common options for streaming remotely.
OPTIONS FOR REMOTE VIEWING
1. Option 1 – Xfinity Stream App on a Smart TV
○ Download the Xfinity Stream app directly to your Smart TV, Login to your Grandezza Comcast account, select Live TV to view the Channel Menu.
○ Your Smart TV must be connected to the internet, but streaming may not be available on older TV’s. (Xfinity Stream App Requirements)
○ This is the simplest solution as minimal setup is required, and an additional remote will not be needed.
2. Option 2 – Xfinity Stream App on a Laptop, Smartphone, and Tablet (Mac & PC Laptop, iPhone, iPad, Android Phone & Android Tablet)
○ Download the Xfinity Stream app directly to your Device, Login to your Grandezza Comcast account, select Live TV to view the channel menu.
3. Option 3 – Amazon Fire Stick
Install the app on an Amazon Fire Stick and connect it to your TV.
Fire Stick Setup Instructions
4. Other Devices
Other streaming sticks (such as Roku or Apple TV) may also work with the Xfinity Stream app. (Xfinity Stream App Requirements)
IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS
1. Channel Availability
○ Remote viewing is limited to TV Go Channels.
○ Local and network channels may not always be available.
○ Florida news stations can typically be accessed.
○ Favorite programs can be recorded at home and streamed later without restriction.
2. Local Channels “Up North”
○ Local channels outside Florida are not available via the Xfinity Stream app.
○ These can still be viewed by installing a Digital Antenna and switching your TV input to antenna mode.
3. Extra Remotes
○ Using a Fire Stick adds one additional remote.
○ A full home theater setup with a receiver may add further complexity and another remote, though it remains manageable.
KEY BENEFITS
1. Significant
Savings
○ Avoid paying for duplicate TV services.
○ One Grandezza resident reported: “I save more than $120 a month compared to what I would pay Spectrum for the same channels.”
2. Travel Flexibility
○ The Xfinity Stream app can be used on smartphones, tablets, or laptops while abroad.
○ Streaming internationally requires a VPN set to the USA.
○ As one resident shared:
“Last Saturday, I watched the Ohio State vs. Washington game while overseas. Without the VPN set to the U.S., it would not have worked.”
Reader’s Corner
SUSAN SHERWIN
As a Reading Specialist this writer spent much of her professional time finding ways to enrich her students’ lives through books, so Monica Wood’s title immediately sparked my curiosity. But this novel is about much more than how simply to read or process a book.
Violet Powell is a twenty-two-year-old who has been released early from prison after serving nearly two years for causing a fatal car crash while driving under the influence. Consumed by guilt for killing another person, Violet is tormented by not having been permitted a final deathbed goodbye to her mother while she was incarcerated. She has lost the support of her family and ex-boyfriend, is alone and must now adjust to her newly found freedom in Portland, Maine. Contributing to her ensuing growth is her continued connection with books, the sense of responsibility and joy she attains from caring for and training amazing African grey parrots in a college research laboratory and the unlikely friendship of people who value her. Wood’s narratives about Violet’s work with her intelligent avians is entertaining, makes for magical reading and captured my heart.
Sixty-four-year-old widow and retired English teacher Harriet Larson volunteers at the local prison to run a weekly book group. By introducing novels and poetry to the inmates, she gives them an opportunity and safe space to share their thoughts on the reading selections and feelings about their own lives. In discussing the novels, she empowers the women to consider hopefulness
and “the in-the-meantime.” She now faces an unsettling future and an empty nest since her children and niece are leaving or have already left.
Upon Violet’s release from prison, she runs into Harriet while she is in bookstore looking for a copy of Spoon River Anthology which she started reading in jail. It is in the bookstore that Violet also inadvertently sees Frank Daigle, the husband of the woman who was killed in the car crash. Frank is a sixty-eight-year-old
retired machinist working as a handyman in the bookstore. Having sat through Violet’s trial Frank is unnerved to recognize and encounter Violet in person after her release from prison. The chance sighting brings up feelings of loss, reflection, and unpredictability to Frank, and he runs from the store.
As the stories of the three characters merge with each facing their own problems a transformative journey ensues. Through segments about sharing perspectives of books and forging connections through stories, Wood addresses complex human emotions, including the importance of
empathy, kindness and being able to start over. What results is a touching story about friendship, found family, selfacceptance, and forgiveness. While this reader didn’t agree with all of Violet’s decisions and thought the novel’s conclusion abrupt, this is a novel that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. If you enjoyed Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures or Lynda Rutledge’s West With Giraffes be sure to add Monica Wood’s How to Read a Book on your to-read book list. It has heart.
Life, By Design
YVETTE BERNOSKY, B.MS., DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
Boarding the plane, I felt a rush of excitement for the adventure ahead. Months of planning had built anticipation for a getaway filled with friends, travel and exploration; a perfect break from my daily routine.
Arriving in Colorado, the brisk air and breathtaking mountains immediately grounded me in a sense of calm and wonder. Over the week, I wandered local boutiques and restaurants, hiked the Colorado Trail, explored Mesa Verde National Park and rode horseback through the Purple Cliffs. Meeting warm, welcoming locals and sharing moments with dear friends made every day feel vibrant and full.
Reflecting on the trip, I asked myself: Does it take traveling to feel truly alive? Or can we cultivate that same zest in daily life?
The magic of the journey came from small joys: anticipating experiences, immersing in nature, discovering new places, embracing adventure, connecting with kind people and cherishing friendships.
I’ve always believed in living life as if it were a vacation, wherever I am. Even at home, surrounded
by work and routines, there’s beauty to behold, adventures to seek and friends to connect with. By adopting a “vacation mindset,” you can create joy, wonder and connection every day. No boarding pass required.
No matter where you are, whether at home or on the trip of your dreams, you can be fully present, living life by your own design.
Grandezza
Tennis Corner
DAVID DEKEERSMAKER, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
WELCOME BACK TO THE COURTS!
Welcome back to beautiful Estero and to another great season of tennis at the Club at Grandezza! The courts are ready, the team is excited, and we can’t wait to see everyone back out there enjoying the game again.
After some time away, it’s completely normal to need a few sessions to get your timing and confidence back. The good news— we’ve got everything in place to help you do just that!
LET’S GET BACK IN THE SWING
To help everyone ease into the new season, we’re offering a few great sessions to rebuild consistency and enjoy some fun on the courts:
Stroke Tune-Up Clinics – Refocus your technique and timing on all your key shots.
Doubles Tactics & Team Play – Work on communication, positioning, and making smart choices together.
Cardio & Consistency Workouts – Hit a ton of balls, get a great workout, and find your rhythm again.
Each clinic is designed to help you feel confident, strong, and
comfortable on court—without overdoing it right away.
QUICK TIPS FROM YOUR DIRECTOR
As you get back into regular play, here are a few reminders to help make the transition smooth:
• Warm up well. Take time to stretch and rally before jumping into full play.
• Start easy. Shorter sessions at first will help you rebuild naturally.
• Move your feet! Footwork sets the tone for clean, confident shots.
• Check your gear. Fresh strings and grips can make a big difference.
• Stay cool and hydrated. Even in fall, our Florida sun still packs a punch.
“It’s always a great feeling to see our members returning, catching up with friends, and getting back to the game we all love. Take your time, enjoy every hit, and let’s make this season full of great tennis and good energy.”
See you all on the Courts!
Travel Corner
SUSAN SHERWIN
ALPINE MAJESTY—AUSTRIA’S BEAUTY FROM INNSBRUCK TO VIENNA
Having spent time in Switzerland, it was time for Mark and me to explore Austria.
A first stop, though, was to Vaduz, the capital of tiny Liechtenstein. We enjoyed learning about its history and culture while strolling through its artsy streets. (I couldn’t help but wonder how many people actually visit Liechtenstein!)
Next came Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol and host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. A walking tour introduced us to postcard-worthy sights before we boarded a cable car to the Nordkette, the “mountain at the heart of Innsbruck.” From its lookout, the city and surrounding Alps unfolded before us in sweeping views.
We continued toward Salzburg, passing through Tyrol, a crossroads of Western Europe that at various times has belonged to Germany, Italy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and France. At one roadside stop I offered to take photos for two young women struggling with a selfie; in gratitude, they gave me a beautifully wrapped
On the way, we visited the Museum of Tyrolean Farms, an open-air exhibit of preserved farmhouses dating back to the 15th century, before crossing briefly into Germany and arriving in Salzburg. Miraculously spared much of WWII’s destruction, Salzburg dazzles with Baroque beauty along the river. After checking into our hotel, we began exploring Mozart’s city at a leisurely pace. Dinner at a local restaurant was followed by a chamber music performance in the Marble Room of Mirabell Palace— an evening that felt magical.
The next morning, a guided walking tour deepened our appreciation of Salzburg. We returned to Mirabell Gardens, admired Old Town’s Baroque architecture, and toured Salzburg Cathedral. The highlight was Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest and bestpreserved castles. Ascending via the Festungsbahn funicular, we enjoyed breathtaking views before wandering its courtyards, museums, and ramparts.
We visited the Hofburg, the sprawling imperial residence of the Habsburgs, which now houses the Austrian president’s offices. Here, we also glimpsed the famous white Lipizzaners at the Spanish candy bar from their homeland of Kazakhstan —a sweet reminder of travel’s unexpected connections.
Our days in Salzburg were filled with history and charm. We
strolled the UNESCO-listed city center, explored Schloss Hellbrunn where The Sound of Music was filmed, visited Mozart’s Birthplace, of course indulged in pastries at Café Konditorei Fürst (established in 1884), and admired the famous “love lock” bridge over the Salzach River.
The following day our tour took us into Bavaria to Berchtesgaden, infamous for the clifftop Kehlsteinhaus—Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. Traveling by bus up the winding road and ascending via the original brass elevator, we arrived at the chalet that once hosted Nazi officials. The visit was sobering, as we learned about its wartime history and underground bunkers. Today the Eagle’s Nest is a simple restaurant with panoramic Alpine views, while its museum ensures history is not forgotten.
From there, Mark and I journeyed on to Vienna, Austria’s cultural crown jewel. Vienna is a feast of art, music, architecture, and cuisine. The Ringstrasse, built on the site of former city walls at Emperor Franz Joseph’s command, is lined with majestic buildings, palaces, and gardens—one of Europe’s most elegant boulevards.
Riding School. At St. Stephen’s Cathedral, we admired Gothic splendor before switching gears at the lively Prater amusement park, where the 1897 Giant Ferris Wheel still spins. (Film buffs may recall scenes from The Third Man shot here.) And a day trip out to view the gardens and exterior grounds of Schönbrunn Palace was definitely worth it.
Vienna’s museums were a highlight. At the Baroque Belvedere Palace, we admired Klimt’s The Kiss along with works by Austrian masters. The Albertina wowed us with Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and Kandinsky, while the Kunsthistorisches Museum dazzled with treasures from ancient Egypt to Old Masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Bruegel. The city
center, largely pedestrian, made sightseeing easy. Over three days, we absorbed as much as possible, from architecture to art to culinary delights. Fittingly, we ended our journey at the famed Café Sacher, savoring a slice of its legendary torte.
It was the sweetest finale to our Alpine adventure—a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, remarkable history, and unforgettable cultural treasures.
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.
DIDN’T REQUEST A PASSWORD RESET?
What keeps many of our online accounts safe from prying eyes or sticky (cyber) !ngers? Passwords! Most of us have a plethora of passwords we have to remember, from our social media, shopping, and bank accounts to our network accounts at work. Remembering those are sometimes a task but are de!nitely a necessity when it comes to security. You know the drill when you forget one and are used to getting the password reset email or text. Lately, however, you may have gotten a password reset message that you did not request. Why did you get it and what should you do?
ose password reset messages are likely a scam. Scammers continue to devise ploys to get us to give up our personal information. In those messages you will usually see a link and possible phone number to contact to reset your password. DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK and don’t call that number. The scammer uses these methods to try to get you to give up your real password so they can access your account, which could culminate an account takeover, identity theft, or other identity crimes.
How should you respond to these messages? If you have an account with the company mentioned in the message, log into your account and immediately change your password. If you do not have an account, !nd a legitimate way to contact the company (remember –do not use the links or numbers in the message) to determine if an account has been created in your name.
Where else should you look for strange activity? It is advisable to check your accounts (Google, social media, Net$ix, bank, etc.) for activity you do not recognize. This can usually be done in the settings menu of the account. Delete any devices which are unfamiliar and report any unusual logins or activity. If you see a login from an unfamiliar location, your account has likely been breached. Report the breach and change your password immediately.
What else can you do? Use passkeys for accounts that allow you to do so. A passkey uses a face scan, !ngerprint, or PIN as a digital credential that will allow you to sign in without a username or password. It is unique only to you and cannot be stolen. You can also opt for an authenticator application for all your accounts that use multi-factor authentication (MFA); an authenticator app cannot be spoofed in the way phone calls and emails are. If you already have an authenticator app and receive a message from the app to verify log in but you have not attempted a log in, this means the scammer already has your password. Change the password immediately!
If you have antivirus software, run a full scan; if you do not have antivirus software, consider investing in some to keep your personal data safe.
You can !le a complaint at with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and report any scam activity at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Grandezza Singers Holiday Practice Begins
JERI GREAF
In anticipation and preparation for our holiday performances, the Grandezza Singers have begun weekly Monday practices from 3:15 to 5 p.m. All are welcome to join us, no tryouts or requirements.
Mark your calendars for our performances at the holiday concerts on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Thursday, Dec. 11.
In the meantime, just drop in to a rehearsal on Mondays from 3:15 to 5 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.
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
Cook’s Corner BREAD PUDDING
JOHN DEJOY
1.5 Pullman Loaf. We used Challah buns for our sandwiches. This would take 11 of them.
2 cups Sugar
.25 cups Brown Sugar
1.5 tablespoons of Vanilla extract
1.5 teaspoons Nutmeg
3 teaspoons Cinnamon
9 eggs
1 quart Heavy Cream
.5 quart Milk
1 cup White Chocolate Morsels
1 cup Sun Dried Cherries
3 tablespoons Melted Butter
As the leaves changed colors, and the wind had a little Ohio chill, we at John Palmer’s Bistro would always turn to our favorite hot dessert! This Bread Pudding was often added to the Fall menu and extended into the Spring. This is a simple crowd pleaser. I hope you enjoy it.
PROCESS
1) Mix eggs, sugar, spices, vanilla and butter together.
2) Using a wire whip, Add Milk and Cream in half at a time.
3) Cut the bread into a large dice and add to the custard. Then add the chocolate and cherries.
4) Cover this and set it in the fridge overnight.
5) Using a 12x12x4-inch casserole or baking pan. Heavily grease or use your favorite pan release. Pam Spray or a stick of butter on all sides. Pour the chilled Bread Pudding into the prepared pan and lightly press it into the corners. Evenly dispersed.
6) Bake in a 350-degree oven till a skewer comes out clean. This is a common test for a baking cake. It ensures that the egg is cooked and ready to eat. This should be checked after an hour.
7) When the Bread Pudding passes the “Skewer Test” remove it from the oven and let it rest for a bit. At John Palmer’s Bistro we would let this rest
in the pan overnight, bring it to room temperature the next day, then turn the BP out of the pan. We would cut this into 10/12 portions, and individually wrap them. When it was ordered we would unwrap the portion and heat it up in the microwave. Side note; I bought a microwave for this dish. We did not have one before the discovery of the White Chocolate-Sun Dried Cherry Bread Pudding. Okay. I had to disclose that. Thank you.
8) For Dinner Party Use. I would recommend cooking this the day of your party. Let it sit on the counter, in the pan for a couple hours. When you are ready for dessert, place a cutting board on top of the pan the Pudding cooked in and Quickly but Carefully turn it over onto the board. You may have to give the bottom of the pan a little punch to release the Pudding. Now that it’s released you can portion and serve. We made a Bourbon Creme Anglaise to accompany this. I think we can cover that next time. For now. Try ice cream or your favorite sauce.
Even in Florida, it’s Bread Pudding season. Bon appétit.
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.
THE KEY POINTS EMERGING FOLLOWING THE ENGAGE ESTERO COMMUNITY MEETING ON SEPT 26, 2025
President Allan Bowditch summarized several significant developments that have recently commenced, as well as one of the most important projects that will begin in a few years, located along U.S. 41 north of the Hertz Offices at Williams Road.
The meeting also covered the alarming issue of “Property Fraud.” Kevin Karnes, Lee County’s Clerk of the Court & Comptroller, explained how this process works and what steps are needed to combat this serious problem. Also called Title fraud, it happens when someone uses a forged deed to sell or transfer property that isn’t theirs. Although a forged deed doesn’t actually transfer ownership, it misleads others into thinking that the property’s ownership has changed.
If you would like to view the summary report of the meeting or listen to the YouTube video, please visit www.esterotoday.com and click on the link on the first page.
Make a note of the Dec 11 Community Meeting at the Estero Recreation Center at 10 a.m.
At this meeting, we will have several important updates from Village Management.
THE MEETING AGENDA:
1. Final Results of the Village of Estero’s 2024 Traffic Study
2. Update of the Septic to Sewer Program.
3. Update of the Estero River Park Development.
THE 2025 DON ESLICK ESTERO PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD – GOES TO ???
After careful deliberation, Engage Estero is pleased to announce that Dr. Larry Antonucci, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Health, will receive this prestigious award.
We believe many Greater Estero residents share this view and that it is a very fitting and justified recognition for Dr. Antonucci. Under his leadership and dedication, Lee Health has provided Greater Estero with a broad range of healthcare services. In addition to the Health Center at Coconut Point, over the years, Lee Health has delivered the following health services:
UNIVERSITY HIGHLANDS
• Primary care services
• Rehabilitation
• X-ray and other imaging
• Mammograms and breast health
BONITA HEALTH CENTER
• Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cancer Clinic – hematology and infusion
• Pain management
• Pulmonology
• General vascular surgery clinic
• Adult behavioral health
• Expansion of rheumatology
• Specialty gynecology
• Pediatric behavioral health
• Allergy
• Urology
• Gastroenterology
• Cancer rehab and Cookies Place for prosthetics, etc.
SWFL PROTON CENTER
• Imaging provided by Lee Health
• Radiation therapy
• Proton therapy – the only center between Tampa and Miami
In thanking Engage Estero’s President, Allan Bowditch, for the award, Dr. Antonucci said, “The mission of Lee Health is to be a ‘trusted partner,’ and our relationship with Estero is proof that we continue to invest to keep Estero a great place to live, work, play, and retire. As citizens of Estero ourselves, we remain committed to growing with the community.”
A special dinner honoring Dr. Antonucci will be held at the Estero Country Club at the Vines on the evening of February 26, 2026. If you’re interested in attending to congratulate Dr. Antonucci, please mark your calendar. More details about the event will be shared in the coming weeks.
WHY YOUR DONATION TO ENGAGE ESTERO IS VERY IMPORTANT
Engage Estero has significantly contributed to improving our community’s quality of life for over two decades. But to be effective, we need to secure funding and resources and have them available when the need arises. Given the pace of change in Greater Estero, residents are relying more and more on Engage Estero to keep them apprised and determine what action is needed and to help implement it.
We receive membership fees from many HOAs and gated communities, but this only generates about $11,250 in annual revenue. Our breakeven budget is $75,000. Out of our team of 26 volunteers (excluding those who help keep our roads clear of rubbish and volunteers helping with Junior Achievement courses), only our Webmaster and Communications Coordinator, who runs her business, gets paid!
Engage Estero is an IRS-registered 501(c) (3) organization, so all donations are taxdeductible.
Pictured are students at Three Oaks Elementary School after Engage Estero
donated $2,500 to purchase aids for their Science, Technology and Math Lab.
There are many important examples of our recent work and why Engage Estero urgently requires your financial support to Make Certain our Future.
To Donate, please click here! https:// esterotoday.app.neoncrm.com/forms/ make-certain-our-future
CUT DOWN ON UNWANTED CALLS
If you feel like you get more than your share of unwanted calls, you’re not alone. To slow down these persistent calls — some of which lead straight to scams — take a few simple steps.
• Subscribe to the Florida Do Not Call list. If you think you have subscribed in the past, verify your subscription.
• Register your phone number for free in the National Do Not Call Registry. Registering will likely cut down how many unwanted calls you get. Unfortunately, it won’t stop calls from scammers to your home and mobile phone — and there are still organizations and groups allowed to call you.
• Hang up on robocalls. Getting a lot of recorded messages trying to sell you something? Odds are the calls are not legal. Don’t press any numbers or call back. Instead, hang up and report them at DoNotCall.gov.
• File a complaint to report unsolicited communications with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at File a complaint.
• Use your phone’s built-in features. Many cell phones have settings that let you block calls from speci!c numbers or send certain calls straight to voicemail, especially if they come from a phone number you don’t recognize.
• Check call-blocking or call-labeling services. Find out what your phone company offers by contacting their customer service using a phone number or website you know is right. Watch a short video to help you block unwanted calls on your cell phone or home phone.
• Research apps to lter calls before downloading. Some call-blocking apps are free, while others charge. At ctia.org, you can see wireless industry lists of call-blocking apps. See what independent experts are saying and check the ratings and reviews on your online app store before you decide on a call-blocking app.
Learn more about how to stop unwanted calls at ftc. gov/calls. To learn the latest information on scams and fraud in Florida, visit Scams and Fraud. Florida residents who have placed their residential or mobile telephone number on the Florida Do Not Call list and continue to receive unsolicited or prerecorded sales calls and text messages are encouraged to !le a complaint.
Seabreeze Communications Expands In Weston And South Miami-Dade With Launch Of Two Community News Sites
Seabreeze Communications is excited to announce the upcoming launch of WestonTogether.com, created in partnership with the Weston Chamber of Commerce, and SouthDadeSpotlight.com, developed in collaboration with the South Dade Chamber of Commerce.
Both platforms are designed to bring local news, events, and stories directly to residents, businesses, and visitors. Each site will feature a monthly digital
magazine, event calendar, and neighborhood stories that highlight the people and places that make each area unique.
“These new sites reflect our mission to connect communities through accessible, high-quality local media,” said Stephen Miller, president of Seabreeze Communications. “We’re proud to work alongside both Chambers of Commerce to celebrate their cities and support local businesses.”
Both Weston Together and South Dade Spotlight are set to go live January 2026.
To subscribe for updates and digital magazine releases from Weston Together or South Dade Spotlight, visit SeabreezeCommunications.com .
For advertising, partnership, or community story inquiries, contact Sales@seabreezecommunications.com . These new sites reflect our mission to connect communities through accessible, high-quality local media
FLORIDA’S LEMON LAW
!e Florida Lemon Law, Chapter 681, Florida Statutes, affords protections to consumers who purchase a new or showroom vehicle which is found to have nonconformities, which are defects or conditions which considerably impair the use, value, or safety, which have not been corrected by the authorized service agent “within a reasonable number of repair attempts.” !e Lemon Law provides for arbitration, if you qualify.
To qualify, the purchase (or lease) must have been made in Florida, and was not for the purpose of resale. !e purchase must then meet one of the following requirements: •the vehicle is used for personal, family or household purposes;
• the vehicle was acquired from the first owner for the same purposes during the first owner’s first 24 months of ownership; or •the owner or lessee is a person who is entitled to enforce the warranty.
Note that the period of protection extends for 24 months a$er delivery of the vehicle to the first owner, as long as the defects appear and are brought to the manufacturer’s attention by the first owner during this 24-month period. !at means subsequent buyers are still protected within that time frame as long as the first owner began the process.
During the “Lemon Law Rights Period,” the defect(s) must be reported to the manufacturer or its authorized service agent, which is usually the dealer. !e manufacturer has the opportunity to correct the defects; if not corrected following a “reasonable number of attempts,” the consumer can file for arbitration. During arbitration, if the vehicle is deemed a “lemon,” the manufacturer must buy back the vehicle and refund the purchase price or provide a replacement vehicle.
Always keep records of all repairs and maintenance performed and report any issues with the dealer or manufacturer IMMEDIATELY. Ensure the start and end dates on the repairs are correct, and the odometer mileage is documented properly.
!e Office of the Attorney General administers the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, and you can read further information on the Lemon Law at Lemon Law | My Florida Legal. !e Florida Bar Association has further reading on the law at Florida’s Motor Vehicle “Lemon Law”. Both are excellent resources if you feel you have purchased a vehicle that may be subject to the law.
If your vehicle is not a lemon but does need some repairs, make sure you find a repair shop that is properly registered with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by searching our Business License Lookup or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). Know your rights as a consumer by visiting Motor Vehicle Repair / Consumer Rights and Responsibilities. In the event you feel a motor vehicle repair shop has not accomplished repairs as it should and your rights are in jeopardy, you can file a complaint online.
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
Christmas Tree Decorations. 3 large plastic bins with Bulbs, Lights, Garlands, Ice Cycles, Tree Skirt, Tree Stand and much more. $45. Call Tom 239-287-7808. (Expires 12/25)
Men’s Dark Brown Leather Recliner/Lift Chair. In very good condition. Free to anyone who needs something like it. Call Judy Corey 239-287-8804. (Expires 12/25)
Bike - Ladies Pure Sport Trek bike. Retro Yellow, 21 speed. Includes basket, bike lock and water bottle holder. Easy bike to ride. $150, Call Tom 239-287-7808. (Expires 2/26)
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 firstfloor 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 612-237-5695 for details. (Expires 2/26)
KitchenAid 24 cubic feet three door stainless steel refrigerator, would make a great garage fridge. Call Mike 651-2068460 (Expires 2/26)
SERVICES NEEDED
Occasional Cat Sitter for my 3 year old cat. He’s very friendly and would enjoy a visit every day for 15 or 30 minutes and be given fresh food and water. I live in Avalon. Please contact Ann at: ajflucy@yahoo.com (Expires 1/26)
Gatehouse (239) 498-8895
Gatehouse (DwellingLIVE Automated # to register guests) (239) 986-8627
Address 11450 Grande Oak
Clubhouse (239) 948-3569
Grandezza ExpressTake Out Food (239) 738-7113
Golf Pro Shop (239) 948-2900
Tennis Pro Shop (239) 738-7111
Wellness Director (941) 999-1331
Golf Maintenance (239) 947-6296
Vesta Property Services cmcfarland@ vestapropertyservices.com (239) 947-4552 x 932
Gazzette Editor for HOA
Susan Sherwin sjsherwin18@gmail.com (973) 615-4222
RESOURCE HUB
GRANDEZZA MASTER WEBSITE
WWW.GRANDEZZAMASTER.COM
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH COORDINATORS
Grandezza is a safer community because of Neighborhood Watch. Avalon Peggy Dempsey 610-662-2082
Cypress Cove A (Buttermere) Mike Patricelli 239-464-0780
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 (800) 222-1222
Alligator Hotline (866) 392-4286
Animal Control (239) 432-2083
Mosquito Control (239) 694-2174
Florida Power & Light (239) 334-7754
Sunshine Before You Dig (800) 432-4770
Waste Services of Florida (239) 332-8500
Free Residential Appliance Pickup (239) 337-0800
GRANDEZZA
COMMUNITY BOARDS AND OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION POSITION
GRANDEZZA
MASTER BOARD
Fred Thompson P
Peter Dersley VP
Mickey Wheeler T
Sarah Hartman S
Aramis Sullivan D
Mike Patricelli D
Susan Sherwin D
AVALON
Jim Schleifer P
Joe Convertino, Jr. VP
Pat Van Duyn T
Dan Marrazza D
Ron Gramazio D
Wolfgang Greil D
CYPRESS COVE A
Andy Anderson P
Mike Patricelli VP
Myrna Wernick S
Paul Lesser T
David Lipschultz D
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 .................................................
Communications
Susan Sherwin ....................................................
Landscape
Aramis Sullivan ...................................................
Infrastructure, Lakes, Preserves & Fountains
Peter Dersley.......................................................
Safety & Access Control
Mike Patricelli .....................................................
Community Affairs
Fred Thompson ...................................................
GRANDE ESTATES
Peter Dersley P
Cameron Snyder VP Fred Thompson T
Laura Reddin S
Lanell Shields D
OAKWOOD
Sandra Renner P
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
Wilkins
SOLEMAR
Bob Lindgren P
Brian Vance
Williams T
VILLA GRANDE
Joseph Drummond P
Mickey Wheeler VP Beth Feldman T
Jeff Almo S
Steve Bajinski D
John Polczynski D