Master POA Report
Well, the 2024 “Windy Season is officially off and running. Debbie paid us a wet visit in July but generally caused few problems except for some flooded streets…even some here in Grandezza. In the mid-August period there are several tropic disturbances on the radar but they are still too far off to foresee their “paths to glory”!
So much for the “Big Winds!” This summer has been busier than usual for your Master Board. The big project was summarizing and presenting the impact of the 2024 Florida legislative actions centered on Homeowners Association and Condo Owners Associations. These laws are partially a result of the condo tragedy that occurred in Surfside FL a couple of years ago and some property manager embezzlements.
Following “Surfside” the Legislature approved emergency rules to correct problems that lead to the condo disaster. Primarily it required the boards of condos over 3 floors to have their buildings surveyed by outside engineering firms to determine if alterations were necessary to correct serious structure problems. In the past such reviews were basically optional so residents voted down the requirement which they thought might result in increased assessments. This “kicking the can down the road” got to the level that essentially many of the residents could not afford their share of emergency special assessments to correct problems. The condo boards now must
have an updated engineering survey on a regular basis without the ability to waive it. This year the legislature approved a fund to assist residents with the changes. I have not seen if the funds have to be repaid by the residents or it the state (you and me) will underwrite the losses. Also, it appears that the amount approved is not nearly sufficient to cover the expected statewide costs. We will not know the total amount necessary to correct the problems until the initial round of engineering surveys are completed in early 2025. I suspect that the Atlantic coast will have many more problems than the Gulf coast because there are many older and taller condo buildings there. One recent newspaper article mentioned that some condo buildings are considering converting their building to apartments to spread the renovation costs over the entire building. Stay tuned to what we hear at next year’s legislative session.
While the legislature was working on possible funding of the condo costs, they also passed laws that impact Grandezza including a 45 page law about HOAs and a 150 page law for COAs. These laws are centered in how the Boards must communicate with their residents. It turns out that the Grandezza boards are already meeting most of these requirements. The legislature is taking a major step to utilize the advantages of internet communications to post Board meeting minutes, etc. along with the various bylaws and other official documents.
Patrol Vehicle in Grandezza’s Future
By Fred Thompson
You will be seeing a different patrol vehicle in Grandezza in the near future. The Master Board has decided to replace our patrol cart with an appropriate patrol car. Master Board Directors Mike Patricelli and Peter Dersley have been following the costs of our patrol cart closely and found that wear and tear from the daily patrols was too much for this type of vehicle. Visiting all of the streets in Grandezza is a trip of about 10 miles and we do it 6 times/day. This works out to more than
Your Golden Chain
By Yvette Bernosky, B.Ms., Director of Fitness & Wellness, The Club at Grandézza
Causing an abrupt scene in the middle of a fine restaurant, prominent author, coach and speaker Mr.Tony Robbins insisted that his waiter bring out the manager. Timidly walking off to find his supervisor, the waiter feared what would come next. As the manager approached, assuming the worst, to his surprise, Mr. Robbins stood up and passionately began expressing with great appreciation the exceptional service he had just received. He said the young waiter had just provided a five-star experience, and his kindness and attention to detail made it memorable for his whole family. Mr. Robbins then insisted that the manager consider giving him a raise. To which, the surrounding patrons broke out in applause. Not only did the waiter get the raise, but years later, Tony Robbins ended up hiring him for a leading sales role at one of his companies.
20,000 miles/year. We had estimated that our cart would last 3 years but found that maintenance costs escalated significantly as the vehicle was in its 2nd year of service plus the cost of renting the Statewide vehicle while the cart was out for repairs. Replacing the cart with a Statewide car will increase the total cost by about $5K/year but we will be able to increase the number of patrols/shifts. In addition, we will be able to continue patrols in inclement weather and Statewide will provide a replacement car in the event of vehicle failure.
This true story is an example of the “Golden Chain,” shared in Tony Robbins’s book Unleash The Power Within The Golden Chain represents an energetic bond that connects the wisdom and inspiration of these relationships and experiences within each of us. In the story, the waiter’s kindness impacted Tony’s heart, which was never
Master Board members Peter Dersley and Mickey Wheeler along with our Property Manager, Cheryl McFarland participated in a video conference then followed up with a 2 hour private attorney conference to review our present practices. They prepared a checklist of the new requirements and convened a Grandezza President’s Council meeting to discuss this with our neighborhood representatives. There are some aspects of the law that still must be defined but it is our feeling that we will be in compliance by the end of the year.
Another aspect of the new laws is a requirement for regular CPA approved fiscal statements for all of our neighborhoods. Also included is a requirement that all HOA/COA board directors be required to annually complete a 4 hour free web seminar covering responsibilities of a board member. One of our Master directors has completed the seminar and found it interesting and easier than expected since it can be scheduled at the director’s available time and can be stopped and restarted if need be. These new laws will be discussed in future letters as they become better defined.
All for now, but we hope all have enjoyed their summer and are ready to see the usual seasonal traffic on next few months.
~Fred Thompson
forgotten. It’s easy to forget how woven into each other’s lives we are. The links that bond us together are endless in both directions, from our past all the way to affecting our futures. Take a moment and think about your life. Can you remember a specific situation in which you went from point A to point B, listing all the links in between?
Have you ever considered what caused you to arrive at your current life circumstances? Were you in the right place at the right time or perhaps in the wrong place at the wrong time? What types of relationships have you formed to help you get where you are at? Are you kind to others? Do you act with compassion? Do you look out for yourself and other’s best interests?
It is essential to remember the importance of maintaining the chain as now and again, we may encounter a kink that needs to be straightened. The chain may begin to tarnish and need to be polished. Or, a link may become weakened and require strengthening. As the golden chain is constantly in motion, you never know what the future may hold. Someone may open the door to a new horizon for you or better yet, you may do the same for someone else.
Acts of kindness are key. Kindness not only impacts the hearts of others but is the link that holds the chain together.
Ignore Text Messages From Strangers
By Gema de las Heras, Consumer Education Specialist, Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
A text message from an unknown number that simply says: hi, how are you? seems harmless. Your first instinct might be to respond to see if it’s someone you know. Or maybe tell them they made a mistake. But it’s best to ignore these type of text messages. Scammers are using this tactic as a conversation starter, so don’t text back. If you do, here’s what happens next.
The person (a scammer) on the other end of the text will probably apologize…and find a way to keep the conversation going to befriend you. Then, once they have your trust, they’ll try to offer you advice on investing in cryptocurrency or claim they can teach you the secrets to making big money in the crypto markets. For a fee, of course. But it’s all a scam and they’ll just steal your money.
Even if you just reply to the text but don’t engage in conversation, you’ve still confirmed they reached a working telephone number. Which could lead to more calls and texts from scammers.
GirlFriends Year-Rounders
“Rock” to Music
By Susan Sherwin
A group of GirlFriends here in Florida during the summer months recently enjoyed singing and rocking to the Turnstiles, The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Billy Joel in the Daniels Pavilion at Artis Naples. The performers’ long-time professional pedigrees were evident by their impressive performances in bass, drums, guitar, sax, and flute. They complemented each other’s talents on both the vocals and instruments, and if you closed your eyes you would have thought Billy Joel was on that stage.
Listening to the Turnstiles’ faithful renditions of Billy Joel’s classic songs had us singing along, “dancing” in our seats, and rising to our feet in applause. As a matter of fact, the Piano Man himself has given the
Turnstiles his blessing because they are that good, and he has thanked the group for keeping his music alive.
Joel’s tricky lyrics of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” showed the perfect vocal delivery by Tony Monaco, the Turnstiles’ lead vocalist and pianist. We fans were delighted by the band’s musical performances of “This is the Time,” “A Matter of Trust,” “Piano Man,” “Moving Out,” and many others. What a fun evening!
Reader’s Corner
By Susan Sherwin
Following Lilac Girls, best selling author Martha Hall Kelly once again delves into the world of WWII in her well researched, new historical novel The Golden Doves. It is 1945 and the Nazis are hunting down and offering a reward for the identity of anyone involved with the French Underground. They especially want to capture the individuals they have dubbed the golden doves who are passing intelligence from Vichy France to the Allies in London. This riveting story was inspired by true events and is told from the alternating point of view perspectives of two female protagonists.
Arlette LaRue is an infatuated teenage Parisian woman who becomes pregnant after having a brief liaison with a young Wermacht soldier sent off to war. When Arlette’s Nazi sympathizing aunt first discovers her neice’s pregnancy, she brings Arlette to Westwald, the SS-initiated, state-supported Lebensborn maternity home where Arlette will be given prenatal care and give birth to her son Willie. Under this program the baby would be taken from its mother and adopted by a “racially pure” Aryan family. Not wanting to give up her child, Arlette and the baby are smuggled out by a woman posing as a nurse to the safety of an apartment in the flower district right behind Nazi headquarters.
Josie Anderson is an American living in Paris with her mother and sick grandmother. While her diplomat father is away the Germans occupy the city. She is recruited by the French Resistance and becomes proficient at using a ham radio to listen to Nazi chatter. But, when the enemy discovers that she and her friend Arlette are covertly spying on them and transmitting messages to the Allies the two women are shipped in a cattle car to Hitler’s only major all-female concentration camp, Ravensbrück.
After Josie and Arlette are taken prisoner Josie’s Jewish mother, a famous opera singer, and her grandmother are
arrested in a round-up of Jews and also sent to Ravensbrück where they faces unspeakable atrocities by the brutal Reich camp Dr. Snow.
Arlette is imprisoned in the Kinderzimmer, a specialized maternity block at Ravensbrück, where she is permitted to live with her baby in slightly better conditions than those in other concentration camps. While the women in that block go to work, though, the babies often have experimental operations conducted on them. One day Willie and all of the other children disappear. Has Willie been given away? Is he still alive? In a major plot line Arlette will spend her life trying to find her child after the war.
In the aftermath of the war in the dual timeline of 1952, Arlette and Josie have survived. Arlette works in a coffee shop run by holocaust survivors. Josie works for U.S. Army intelligence in Fort Bliss, Texas and accepts an assignment to track down the infamous, elusive Nazi Dr. Snow. At the same time a mysterious man named Luc Minau contacts Arlette that he may have found her son. His grandmother sponsors a non-profit foundation and children’s camp called Hope Home in French Guiana, and Luc thinks Willie might be one of the orphans there. Although she is fearful that it may be a scam, the ever hopeful Arlette flies to Cayenne.
The paths of the two friends coincide again as they embark Europe to travel to French Guiana. As they begin to suspect that not everything is as it appears they also begin to question who is trustworthy and what is truth. And, in their hunt for justice they discover an elaborate web of chilling secrets and lies.
Twists and turns make The Golden Doves an exciting tale of espionage and intrigue, and it is the first novel in a long time in which I did not see the who-done-it coming!
******* Spoiler Alert: Based on documents that were classified until the 1980s the U.S. Army’s Operation Paperclip was a secret intelligence program that brought Nazi scientists to America after the war. Nazis escaping justice would travel through Austria by the Alps to Northern Italy, sometimes to the towns of Merano and Borzano. Coordinated efforts by the International Committee of the Red Cross, civilian Nazi sympathizers, and even select members of the Vatican helped create ratlines and gateways to South America and other friendly havens for fugitive Nazis.
• Don’t reply to text messages from unknown numbers. It could lead to a scam. Delete and report them using your phone’s “report junk” option or forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider.
• Never click links in an unexpected message. Some links might steal your information, or install malware that gives scammers access to your device.
• Don’t trust anyone who says you can quickly and easily make money. Every investment has risks. Only scammers guarantee you’ll make lots of money in a short time with zero risk.
Have you lost money to a scam like this? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Doubles Strategy
By David DeKeersmaker, Director of Tennis The Club at Grandézza
First things first….Work as a team! Communication is key
Talk with your partner before, during and after the match. Feel free to use verbal and non-verbal signals throughout your play. hand signals and calling out shots will coordinate your actions and help talk one another through difficulties situations And celebrate points together. Stay focused and execute your game plan by discussing strategies and keeping your eyes on the court to help avoid outside distractions..like me. Be aware of your partner’s strengths and adjust accordingly
This will also help with adjusting to your opponent’s play. If you are a serve & volley player and the opponent hits low returns that may give you a difficult volley, you may want to consider staying back for the 1st shot after serving before coming in. Taking over the net puts pressure on your rival and if you can do this in doubles, you force them on their heels and cause difficult percentage shots. Volleys closer to the net are usually easier and more points
are won. You will have better angles and the ability to smash down on the ball.
Remember to move side to side at the net
Always use this strategy at net when playing doubles. Slide laterally at the net especially when your opponent is about to hit a ground stroke. Put that pressure on them and you’ll be amazed at how many countless errors they will encounter.
AIM for their feet
Hitting the ball to a net players feet is more difficult for them to return. It is hard to hit a good volley return from down low and will put that player at a disadvantage. They are likely to pop the ball up which will allow you to poach and put the ball away. So try a heavy top spin on your ground stroke to dip the ball or a soft volley that stays low over the net. Try hitting those ground strokes deep in the court as well
When you drive the ball deep and push your opponent back, you’re able to charge forward and respond to their most likely weak shot (because you forced them on their heels behind the baseline). Try and aim a forehand in the deep corner near the doubles alley, than attack the net.
Down the middle solves the riddle, Right?
Especially if both opponents are at the net. This shot makes them communicate and cause confusion. You’ll have much success when one of them is left handed and the other is right handed. You’ll take away angles for the next shot and allow your partner to pinch the middle since they’ll have trouble passing you wide.
Almost every doubles player has a weaker backhand volley than forehand volley. You’re going to want to try and hit a hard low shot at the backhand volley of the weakest opponent. You’ll benefit by them either missing or hitting an easy shot for you to dominate.
Create movement between every shot
When playing doubles tennis at any level you must stay active at the net and make your opponent hit uncomfortable shots. Make them think about where to hit their return and definitely don’t allow them to get a rhythm! Change up the looks that you’re giving them, fake ‘em out. Most of all…work with your partner to see what works best for the two of you.
Flamingos Medical Equipment Initiative Helps Grandezza and Surrounding Communities
By Lynn Beseth Yon
Life changes in an instant, and when it does, Florida’s Flamingos Medical Equipment Initiative is dedicated to assisting the Grandezza, Estero, and surrounding areas in Southwest Florida with medical equipment needs. Our mission is to be there when needs arise, provide love, compassion, and a helping hand to those in need.
Over the years, Florida’s Flamingos have provided crucial support in times of crisis, such as after Hurricane Ian. The Flamingos have helped families in need and donated to New Horizons of Southwest Florida, Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox, and St. Matthew’s House. Our efforts reflect our dedication to serving our community with compassion and generosity. Recently, we responded to an urgent need for a scooter and wheelchair after someone had a fall. Thanks to the swift action of our volunteers, we were able to provide the necessary equipment quickly.
Grandezza Directory
Gatehouse (239) 498-8895
Gatehouse (DwellingLIVE Automated # to register guests) (239) 986-8627
Address 11450 Grande Oak
Clubhouse (239) 948-3569
Grandezza Express - Take Out Food (239) 738-7113
Golf Pro Shop (239) 948-2900
Tennis Pro Shop (239) 738-7111
Wellness Director (941) 999-1331
Golf Maintenance (239) 947-6296
Vesta Property Services cmcfarland@vestapropertyservices.com (239) 947-4552 x 932
Property Management Professionals
stephanie@pmpofswfl.com (239) 353-1992
Gazzette Editor for HOA
Susan Sherwin (973) 615-4222 sjsherwin18@gmail.com
GRANDEZZA MASTER WEBSITE www.GrandezzaMaster.com
Thanks to the efforts of our very generous Flamingo Women, their families and Grandezza Girlfriends we have collected monetary donations to cover the cost of an air-conditioned storage facility next to Tide Water, minutes from Grandezza for the coming year. Having this storage unit will allow us to collect and store gently used medical equipment.
The Flamingos are now forming a Volunteer Committee to help manage many tasks: managing and coordinating equipment distribution, maintaining inventory, arranging
for pick-ups and drop-offs and accepting calls for donations.
This initiative is pleased to continue the legacy of Sandy and Bob Pinnel, who served Grandezza and the surrounding community with similar efforts before relocating. Their dedication to providing medical equipment, blankets, towels, food and more was invaluable. We thank Sandy and Bob for their years of service and aim to honor their legacy by continuing their mission.
If you have new or gently used medical equipment to donate or are able to volunteer, please contact Lynn Beseth Yon, the Flamingo Leader. She may be reached by phone 612-702-7793 or email at lbeseth@inhousecreations.com
Thank you for your support and for helping us make a difference in our community!
Thoughts about Unusual Florida Legislature Rules
By Fred Thompson
I thought that I would add a few observations about the unusual Florida legislature rules. The passage of the above discussed HOA/COA laws points out again the unique problems inherent with the Florida legislature procedures. Annually the legislature meets for a month early in the year. At the end of that session, laws that have been passed are forwarded to the governor for his action. He has until July 1 to approve, veto, line veto or allow to pass without action all bills. This seems like a very reasonable set of rules however…. system was probably sufficient when Florida was basically a small, rural based population. The legislature meets at the far north/west corner of the state where much of the population lived around Pensacola which was our busiest port. The downstate members had long and difficult travels to attend so sessions were short. Obviously, our (mostly adopted) third largest state in the USA is much more complex. One month does not provide the legislature enough time to write and discuss complex laws. Often laws must be drafted identically and simultaneously by both houses because there is not enough time to hold legislative joint meetings to conform laws. This can produce poorly drafted laws that must return the next year to correct. Which, of course, this raises the question of how the new flawed laws are enforced. Our outside counsel believes the new HOA/COA laws are an
example of a set of laws that will have to return to the legislature in 2025 to clarify several aspects.
On the other side, a short legislative session is nice since it provides a rather short period for special interest groups to change how we live and are taxed without calling a special session.
I wonder if the unique nature of how quickly Florida has grown is also one of the reasons the county governments are so large. When Florida had a much smaller population, and was sparsely settled, particularly in the center of the state, a central county government probably made sense to provide important county-wide services such as schools, police and infrastructure. The coastal areas grew quickly with the perfection of air conditioning while the interior areas have generally remained agricultural in nature. We live in Lee County which announced that its total school pupils exceed 100,000 this year and Collier is about 50,000 which would rank them among the largest in the US. The Lee County budget is about $5 billion and under the control of our 5 commissioners. How does that compare to your northern communities? Those Florida communities that are more than say 50 miles from the ocean or gulf remain rural and while they may have 70% or so of our land area probably do not have 10% of the population. But they are probably well served by their county form of governments.
Just some thoughts about our adopted home state!
South County Regional Library Renovation
The South County Regional Library at 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928 will undergo a comprehensive renovation project.
Timeline: Closure: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024
Estimated Completion: Late 2025
Planned internal improvements include a complete update of the library space including a complete update of the building’s mechanical, electrical and technology
systems. As part of the project a new automatic material handling system will be installed for more efficient and faster library material returns. Exterior improvements will include roof replacement and enhanced public entrance. Contact Jill Horrom - Manager Internal Services Lee County Library System jhorrom@leegov.com—239-533-4526
Travel Corner
A Trip of a Lifetime in Western Canada
By Michael and Helene Kramer
To celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on August 3, we decided to take a special trip to Western Canada. We booked an eight day trip through AAA in Naples and were very pleased with the accommodations and service. Liudmyla was very helpful and knowledgeable.
We flew into Vancouver and stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront. We had a free day that was marred by constant rain, which was the only negative. The next morning we boarded the double decker Rocky Mountaineer luxury train for the first of a two day journey. Our first stop was to Kamloops, just a place to sleep, and then we were on to Lake Louise.
Each day’s trip on this terrific schedule is about nine to ten hours in length. The train accommodations are extremely comfortable with gourmet meals, snacks and all beverages with alcohol included. Know that the scenery is magnificent with commentary by a superb staff.
Arriving in Lake Louise at the five-star Fairmount Hotel in time for a late dinner, we had the opportunity to spend a day and a half enjoying breathtaking views of the glacier and lake. Multiple hiking trails and kayaking are available. If you plan on making this adventure, be sure to book a room with a lake view!
There is then a 2 hour afternoon sightseeing bus trip to another five- star hotel, the Fairmount Banff Springs with every room having breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. It is like you are staying in a castle! There, we arrived in time for another superb dinner.
Dinner reservations are recommended at both hotels. Both hotels were aware of our special anniversary and champagne and special desserts awaited us in our rooms and during dinner. Your next day and a half can be filled with a short walk into town, trips to the Bow River Waterfalls, and a must trip on the Banff Gondola. There is also an amazing scenic golf course attached to the resort, which costs $399 Canadian. We did not play golf this time, but maybe next time!
A subsequent bus trip to Calgary ended this wonderful trip from where we flew the next morning to Boston.
This is definitely the trip of a lifetime!
Understanding Slope and Course Rating
By Cory Titensor, PGA Director of Golf, The Club at Grandézza
As a golf professional, one of the challenges we face is educating our players of the role that slope and course ratings impact their handicaps.
Less than one percent of golfers can shoot par or better (scratch golfers). For golfers of all levels to compete against each other, the governing bodies needed to establish standards. The Course Rating is the evaluation of the playing difficulty of a golf course for the scratch player and it is performed by state or national golf associations. The USGA recommends reviewing a course rating every 10 years and last reviewed in 2019.
Course Rating is extremely objective and considers all the factors that affect the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer. Numerous specific measurements are taken on each hole of the golf course assisting in the consistency of application. The rating process considers the actual length of the course, factors that can affect the playing length of the course and other challenges that influence the playing difficulty of each hole. The factors that influence yardage are roll, wind, elevation, dog legs and forced lay ups. Playing difficulty is made of the following items: topography, fairway, green target, recoverability and rough, bunkers, crossing obstacles, lateral obstacles, trees, green surface, and psychological. This provides an objective value the scratch golf will like score on the course from each teeing ground.
Slope is the relationship between the course rating and the bogey rating. The bogey rating is based on what a player with a 20 to 24 handicap would shoot playing that course in normal conditions. It is then multiplied by a specific factor for men and women. The slope is then calculated by subtracting the course rating from the bogey rating. The larger the difference between the two ratings the more difficult the course is considered. The slope on a golf course ranges from 55 to 155. A slope of 113 is considered average.
Pet Corner Featuring Kiwi
By Susan Sherwin
Oakwood residents Al and Nancy Meyer likely hold the distinction of being Grandézza’s only owners to possess a Rainbow Swainson Lorikeet as their pet. Lorikeets were first imported from Australia and have been bred in the United States for only fifty or sixty years, and this beautiful parrot is named Kiwi. The Meyers have had Kiwi for twenty-three years and she is their second parrot. Their first one was a bright red Moluccan Lory named Rodney that they had for twenty-two years.
Community Boards and Officers
Grandezza Master Board Fred Thompson P Peter Dersley VP Mickey Wheeler T Sarah Hartman S Nancy Reilly D Mike Patricelli D Jack Jones D
Grandezza Master Committees
Finance & Long Range Planning Mickey Wheeler chair Communications Jack Jones chair Landscape Nancy Reilly chair Infrastructure, Lakes, Preserves & Fountains Peter Dersley chair Safety & Access Control Mike Patricelli chair Community Affairs Fred Thompson chair
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
Oakwood Neighborhood Sandra Renner P Ted Lewman VP Patricia Collie S Al Meyer D Steve Anderson T
Oakwood I Rich Green P Joe Trefaller VP Tom Rajtik S/T
Oakwood II Steve Anderson P Richard Zimmerman VP John Fillipo S/T
Sabal
Palombo
Sexton
Sherwin
Platt
Kiwi came from a breeder in Green Bay, Wisconsin and didn’t start out looking like the beautiful parrot she is today. At first Kiwi was like a small ball of gray fuzz. Her eyes were just beginning to focus, and she was fed by an eyedropper for the first six weeks. Nancy and Al kept her in a small storage box containing a bottle of warm water to keep her warm. During the stage of fledging a young bird develops wing feathers that will be large enough for flight to leave the nest. Kiwi bonded with Al when she first flew across the room and landed on his shoulder.
These birds generally favor one gender or the other, and while Kiwi only allows her “Daddy” to pick her up she tolerates Nancy who cleans her cage, gives her kisses and talks to her a lot. However, she focuses all her attention on Al when he is nearby.
Lorikeets eat mostly nectar, seeds and fruits in the wild, but Kiwi’s diet in Florida consists of a specialized Lori powder mixed with water. At around a month of age Kiwi’s vibrant color gradually emerged. With her royal blue head, greenishyellow color at the nape of her head, bright red chest edged with yellow above royal blue, and her upper wings, back and tail colored bright green, Kiwi is a stunning specimen of jewel-toned plumage. As a juvenile her beak was black but has brightened to orange, as are her irises. She weighs about a quarter of a pound, and Al lovingly refers to Kiwi as his “little quarter pounder.”
For thirteen years Al and Nancy thought that Kiwi was a male bird, but discovered that Kiwi is a female when she started laying eggs for a few years. The initial misunderstanding is not out of the ordinary since these birds do not have any immediately discernible dimorphic traits and there is little to visually distinguish between the sexes.
Nancy and Al maintain that Kiwi has a distinctive personality, generally communicating her emotions through various sounds and motions. She is highly intuitive, curious, and smart. She can be as stubborn as a ten-year-old but also very affectionate. She laughs a lot then says “funny”,
S/T
imitates coughs, rolls over on cue and has some vocabulary including: “Oh Baby,” “night, night,” “love Daddy,” “baby” as she calls Nancy,” yeah,” and “step up” to be picked up. Her favorite place is in Al’s hand or in the crook of his neck, and that is where she sleeps for a few hours at night. She has never been locked up and she cannot fly up because some of her feathers have been clipped. She enjoys climbing her stick and gets exercise scaling up and down the inside and outside of her cage. She always accompanies Al when he’s out getting the newspaper and mail or walking around the neighborhood. With Kiwi on his shoulder outside, Al must be protective, and he is always on the lookout for ospreys or other potential predators, quickly tucking Kiwi away if necessary.
Kiwi does not sleep as much as some pets such as dogs and cats and takes a couple of naps during the day. She works on her feathers five or six hours a day, preening, stroking and putting her feathers in place. After all, a gal must look fabulous, and she is an enthusiastic bather in the sink as Al says, “shake it off.” She shows affection by rubbing her beak against the shirt or skin of someone with whom she feels comfortable. Additionally, Kiwi has been potty trained from the time she was seven weeks old. She secretes liquids frequently, but Al holds her over a piece of newspaper and encourages her with verbal praise. Never has there been an accident as she sleeps with Al in bed. She loves to ride in the car, sightseeing on her daddy’s shoulder, and she patiently waits while Al runs an errand or picks up dinner.
For the last three and a half years Kiwi has had a swollen belly due to liver disease, but it doesn’t change her activity level or Nancy and Al’s affection for her.
When Nancy and Al travel they have a friend come in daily to clean up, change paper in the cage and feed Kiwi. They are able to observe Kiwi via their Ring camera. Kiwi warms up to her caretaker and will sit on his/her shoulder and give little kisses. Once she is told by her caretaker that Daddy is coming home tomorrow Kiwi begins pacing back and forth in anticipation of his return.
Kiwi is a loved companion and Nancy and Al Meyer consider this incredibly colorful parrot the perfect pet.
Neighborhood Watch Coordinators
I (bldg 1-8 & 23-29)
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
Engage Estero, A Community Engagement Association, celebrated 25 years of service to the greater Estero area since August 30, 1999. Formed as a grassroots organization of residential community leaders called ECCO in 1999, then becoming the nonprofit organization ECCL (known as the Estero Council of Community Leaders) in 2004 and morphing to Engage Estero in 2023, it has been a driving force in shaping the community.
families dealing with health issues. Attendance is free, but space is limited so registration is required. Please RSVP to https:// www. esterotoday.com/event/sept2024/ Jonathan Witenko, Barbara Shearer, Kay Jasso, and Mary Schoeffel will be presenting.
October Thursday 24th The Estero Recreational Center 10 am
Estero. Together, we can bring about a brighter, more sustainable future.
Since its inception in 1999, our organization has been at the forefront of shaping the community. Our commitment to community engagement, education, and environmental stewardship speaks volumes about our dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Estero. We are an allvolunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit organization, and our future growth relies on the support and involvement of passionate individuals like you. If you want to make a positive impact and be part of our journey, we invite you to visit our website at www.esterotoday.com or email info@esterotoday.com to explore how you can contribute to our cause. Together, let's stay informed, get engaged, and make a meaningful impact on the community we call home.
Important upcoming meetings to make a note of
September Friday 27th at 10 am The Estero Recreational Center
The September Community and Membership Meeting of Engage Estero will feature four local leaders in improving health outcomes in our region by making healthcare itself more accessible to those who need it, as well as providing a support system for
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
Two Front Door Sidelight Shutters: White 82”L x 11”W for sale. Excellent condition $400.00. Call or text 954-242-4553. (Expires 11/24)
Service Offerings
Concierge Services including Airport Transportation, Home Watch, & Grocery Delivery by Full Time Resident/ Retiree Lori Santillo. Call 612-916-1107. (Expires 11/24)
Road safety has become an increasing concern for many residents in greater Estero. Engage Estero is pleased to host Don Scot, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Mathew Maher and Carmen Monroy, Consultant support at Stantec, speaking to the development of a plan to reduce crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities on Lee County roads.
The presentation will look at the high-injury network and discuss potential solutions. Your input and participation in the study will help to raise awareness of needs within the Estero community.
Take the opportunity to listen to what is being considered, learn, and raise your questions with the speakers. This is your chance to gain valuable insights, be well-informed, and empowered.
Attendance is free, but space is limited so registration is required. Please RSVP to https://esterotoday.com/oct2024.
November 12th A Public Forum will be held at FGCU at 6 pm (details of the hall to be confirmed.)
The debate with a panel of experts will be addressing, “We’re Concerned About the Unpredictability and Hazardous Nature of Weather Patterns. Are You?”
We cannot afford to disregard the pressing issues threatening our environment and quality of life in greater
Grandezza Classified Ads
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 11/24)
Wanted
Condo Rental Wanted: Retired married couple, former condo owners in Sabal Palm would like to rent the month of February, 2025, and possibly months of October, February and March, 2026. Call or text Frank at 330-575-1643 or email at frank.ranalli@gmail.com or wjgreenwald45@ gmail.com. (Expires 10/24)
A top team
I am proud to announce, our team, Touchstone Wealth Partners has been named one of Barron’s 2024 Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams. The Barron’s rating is awarded annually in May based on information from the prior year Q4. Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. In excess of $2.5 Billion* assets under management. Contact us for a Second Opinion.
The time has come for us to unite and take decisive action to address the critical challenges facing local environmental resilience and sustainability. Your active participation is not just important; it’s pivotal to driving the transformative changes we need. Together, as a community, we can make a meaningful impact and confront the environmental hurdles that lie ahead. Look out for more details on this upcoming important meeting.
Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses
Prioritizing eye health and monitoring vision should be a key part of your health routine. If you wear glasses or contacts, it is essential to understand the Eyeglass Rule and the Contact Lens Rule.
The Eyeglass Rule is a federal regulation requiring eye doctors to provide patients with a copy of their prescription after an eye exam, at no additional cost, even if not requested. Eye doctors cannot require patients to buy glasses as a condition for receiving their prescription.
The Contact Lens Rule has two main requirements. First, contact lens prescribers must give patients a copy of their prescription after a fitting, which may involve a follow-up visit. Second, contact lens sellers must verify the prescription with the prescriber or obtain a copy from the patient before providing lenses.
These rules, administered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), aim to promote competition and consumer choice. Prescribers may provide either a paper or digital copy of the prescription, and patients must agree to the method of digital delivery. If the prescription is sent digitally, patients should ensure they can access, download, and print it. Prescribers must also obtain confirmation of receipt and retain it for at least three years.
The FTC offers tips for using your prescription: provide the seller with a copy of your prescription, or accurate details for verification. Keep a copy of your prescription in a safe place, as expired prescriptions cannot be used to purchase glasses or contacts. State laws determine prescription expiration, but contact lens prescriptions are generally valid for at least one year.
If you believe an eye care provider is violating these rules, report it to the FTC. For more information, visit their website. Extracted from FDACS-P-00030 Rev. 08/2024.https:// ccmedia.fdacs.gov/content/download/116813/file/2024August-Florida-Consumer-E-Newsletter-Eng.pdf
