Master POA Report
FRED THOMPSON
The August board meeting will have a routine agenda as we return from our summer siestas. However, I am aware that we will probably have major items on the September agenda. Peter Dersley, our Infrastructure Director plans to have the report of the Master Association Bulk Cable Services Committee and Mickey Wheeler, our Treasurer expects to have the 2026 budget ready for discussion and approval.
So far so good for our windy season, at least through the middle of August. However, the peak of the season is really the latter part of August through the early part of October. Many of our palm and hardwood trees have been seasonably trimmed to withstand windstorms that might come our way. Let us remember the “I” s of September: Irma, Ivan, Ian and Irene. Each of those caused major damage in the U.S. including SWFL. I am pleased to report that your Master Association plans to have over $100K in our Restoration Reserve this year which should be sufficient to repair any damage we incur especially since we do not have any buildings to worry about. Our concerns are the greenery that sets Grandezza apart from our newer developments on East Corkscrew. Speaking of Corkscrew, have you seen the work that our Village is doing on the path along Corkscrew Road? It is a very interesting development with a curving pathway and room for a lush greenery border for Grandezza’s southern border. I believe that it will present a very attractive entry for the Village of Estero from the east!
The month of August brings back many wonderful personal memories.
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Many are centered on returning to colleges and the studies, but, more than that are the beginnings of the separation of our children from our daily control and communication. It was a time of starting the transition to what our family life would be when the last child was dropped off at their first dorm! Fortunately, both of our children chose to attend a school about 3 hours from our home, so we did see them occasionally but more seldom as they finally mentioned that they were going back “ home” when they returned to school after breaks. But this was just another step in their and our growth! Our eldest chose to take a job on the west coast after graduation but our daughter chose to join Rand McNally (yes, she was a cartography
major) and stay in the Chicago area. But by then my wife and I had returned to the status of a childless couple. Did you ever face the same situation?
On a personal note, I had cataract surgery in July. I had noticed that my reading vision had become more difficult this year, and things were not as bright as normal. I decided to visit my optometrist to see if new glasses were required. She performed the “refraction” services and recommended that instead of stopping at their glasses counter to order new lenses that I see an eye surgeon (who advertises on tv) about my cataracts. Being well trained by my late wife, I followed her advice and made a clinic appointment. They
did a very complete exam and confirmed that my cataracts had reached the level that the lenses needed to be “exchanged” for “ new and improved” ones. Their recommendation was the top of the line ($10K) lenses that require laser surgery and usually negate the need for glasses. However, certain other items alerted me to consider visiting another surgeon for another opinion.
The 2nd surgeon (another who advertises on TV) also did a complete exam, but their conclusion was very different from the first. They agreed that my lenses needed to be replaced but recommended the Medicare covered lenses that are inserted with bladed surgery (and only cost $700). I asked about
the $10K lenses and they indicated that they could insert them but felt that I would still need glasses for reading “so why waste the cost of the fancy lenses?” Making the long story shorter, I did go with the 2nd surgeon and have completed the procedure. It was painless (even using the blade instead of the laser) and very little hassle. My vision has improved. I recommend cataract surgery for anyone who needs it and getting a second opinion when you are concerned about the first opinion!
All for now! Hope all are enjoying the quiet summer (so far) here in Grandezza!
EDITOR’S THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“ I think you have to work at being happy, just like you have to work at being miserable. I’m going to grasp every happy moment I can find.”
~ Dolly Parton
Holidays and Celebrations of September
SUSAN SHERWIN
September marks the transition from summer to fall and brings cultural, historical, and seasonal celebrations. As schools reopen and cooler weather returns, communities may observe these holidays that reflect both tradition and change.
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September (September 1 this year). This federal holiday honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. It became an official holiday in 1894 and is often seen as the unofficial end of summer. While we have the option of going to the beach all year round in SW Florida, many people elsewhere may enjoy their last trips to the beach until next summer. Labor Day also marks the start of the fall sports season with college football games.
Patriot Day is observed on September 11 to remember the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001. It is a solemn day of reflection and tribute. Ceremonies, moments of silence, and memorial services are held nationwide, especially in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Most of us remember where we were on 9-11 when we heard the news.
The Autumnal Equinox, which usually falls between September 22 and 23, marks the official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the day when daylight and darkness are nearly equal in length.
In Jewish tradition, September often includes important High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, fall in this month; their dates vary based on the Hebrew calendar. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with special prayers, the sounding of the shofar, and festive meals, while Yom Kippur is a solemn day of fasting and reflection.
Other observances in September include Grandparents Day on the first Sunday after Labor Day on the 7th, and International Day of Peace on September 21, which promotes global ceasefire and nonviolence.
September is a month during which we Floridians are able to enjoy lighter traffic and less crowded beaches and restaurants than during “season.” We still can expect hot and humid weather, rainy afternoons, and warm Gulf waters. Towards the end of the month, though, the humidity should gradually ease. It is the peak of hurricane season, so we are still on hurricane watch. Let’s hope it is a mild season. Please stay alert about tropical systems, be flexible with travel plans and enjoy the month.
The Grande Life – Our Centerpiece,
YVETTE BERNOSKY, B.MS., DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
A significant contributor to our happiness is our social life. Being surrounded by family and friends can bring us great joy. Knowing you can pick up the phone to plan your next venture gives you something to look forward to. And in times of need, it leaves you supported by those around you. And when you extend your friendship out to others, it not only fills your heart but also the hearts of others, too. The world revolves around the relationships we have with each other.
Our community at Grandezza is filled with authentic and enriching friendships. I witness it every day as I enter the clubhouse, walk out to the pool, or among the other venues where people come to socialize, be active, and engage in fun. These are all components of our happiness. I like to call it living the grand life, and I see this revolving around the clubhouse, the centerpiece of our community.
In this month’s issue, I spoke with members about the grand life they experience here at the club, and here is what they had to say.
Gazzette,
the Clubhouse
LYNN BESETH YON AND DENNIS YON
My husband, Dennis, and I have been residents of the Grandezza Community since 2013, and we absolutely love living the “Grande” life here in retirement. There is truly so much to do, and we love it here!
Grandezza offers a wonderful, lively social scene. The Clubhouse is the heart of it all; we regularly gather with friends at the vibrant hub bar for food and drinks, served by the friendly staff. We’ve also enjoyed countless themed events in the main dining room over the years, complete with entertainment, dancing, and delicious meals. On Sundays, after church and golf, we always look forward to the delightful brunch in the dining area or on the Verandah.
Heritage has made significant improvements that have truly enhanced our lives and experiences at Grandezza. The new fitness center is absolutely wonderful—I’ve been learning to use the machines with Yvette. We also thoroughly enjoy our Championship Golf Course and appreciate the improvements Heritage and our Greens Crew have made over the past year. Dennis and I have always enjoyed participating in the golf events and groups here. Beyond
playing golf, we cherish living on the 18th fairway, where we can watch wildlife, especially birds, observe golfers, and enjoy beautiful sunrises.
There’s so much more to say about our grand life here! We can walk out our door and be at the Resort Style Pool, hot tub, and Cabana in minutes. This is always the first stop our family and friends look forward to when they visit. We enjoy the live music, drinks, and food at the Cabana, along with games of bocce ball.
The convenient location of Grandezza is another major plus; we are just minutes from the airport, shopping centers, beaches, and so much more.
We are truly happy living in Grandezza, surrounded by friends and staff who feel like family.
GINA AND DAN HOWE
Many times in golf communities, if you don’t golf you are quite removed from the opportunity to meet and make new friends because you are not out on the course. Grandezza has so many other options and chances for making connections because of the group fitness classes, the gym, the events and dining venues, AND the Girlfriends group is where you can find the special interest groups
that are tailored to your individual personal preferences. I was so impressed! I feel this is a great model of inclusiveness that all golf clubs could benefit from.
The community embraced my husband, Dan as a golfer, and he was immediately included in several long-time established groups, which was very gratifying for him. Our new neighbors in Saraceno have also been very kind, helpful, and embracing.
Overall, Grandezza has offered such a highquality lifestyle that three of our friends/family members have now purchased homes since our arrival, and this is the truest testament to Grandezza’s unique environment.
MONICA AND BOB REESE
Bob and I have been living in Grandezza for ten years. We moved down from Pennsylvania. Upon arriving, we were excited to participate in the numerous activities available to us.
For me, tennis, the gym, and all the classes were exactly what I was looking for. At the gym, we have some excellent trainers who are well-qualified. I especially enjoy the gym fit class, learning the weights, and pushing myself to my limits. I have gained strength and improved my posture, and I love the camaraderie that comes with it. Monthly, our community hosts wellness presentations that are both interesting and informative. I enjoy attending them.
Bob enjoys the gym. He is a gym rat for sure. He has met many guys with whom he now has coffee a few times a week and enjoys meeting with them. He is an active tennis player and loves being out on the court with his fellow players, and the program that Dave leads. Bob is also a member of the tennis and fitness committee. He is extremely happy with not only the improvements made to the gym but also how quickly the renovations were completed. He is also appreciative that the club has implemented many suggestions made by the committee.
We are both so grateful for the family fun days and the easter egg hunt celebration. Our grandchildren love them and look forward to them each time they visit.
ALICE FARLING
Danny and I thoroughly enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at the clubhouse, whether it’s the hub bar, the ballroom, Bogey’s, the cabana, the fitness center, or the tennis courts. We view the clubhouse as the heart of our community. It’s great to be less than a mile from home yet partake in so many fun activities, meals, and drinks in a central location where we not only meet friends, but also where we spontaneously meet new people, many of whom eventually become friends! We feel fortunate to live in a community where there are so many activities and fun things to do and great people to do them with!
As the director of fitness and wellness, I am committed to promoting the well-being of our community. Wellness can come in many forms, from getting out and being active on the course, the courts, or in the classes. Wellness can stem from the education and resources we provide in our programming, as well as from simply getting out and enjoying a meal together with family and friends. As our social lives contribute to our overall happiness, we are honored that our clubhouse can be the centerpiece that brings everyone together, where we can all enjoy the Grande Life together.
My best wishes to your health and happiness.
Yvette
Tennis Corner
DAVID DEKEERSMAKER, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
WHY MOVEMENT, PREPARATION, AND CONTACT POINT MATTER MOST IN TENNIS
If you’ve been taking lessons or playing regularly at the club, you’ve heard this from me more than once: “Move your feet. Attack the ball. Racket up, lock it in, block it.” These aren’t just tennis catchphrases— they are the fundamentals of consistent, effective shot-making. Let’s break it down
so you understand why these steps matter and how they impact your game at every level.
1. Move Your Feet – No Loitering!
Tennis is not a waiting game. If you’re standing still hoping the ball comes to you, you’re already out of position. Footwork is your engine—it gets you behind the ball early so you can prepare, balance, and attack. Great players never loiter between shots. They stay on their toes, adjust their spacing, and recover with purpose. The moment you stop moving, your timing, control, and rhythm fall apart.
Key Reminder: You don’t hit with your arms—you hit with your legs, by positioning yourself early and letting the swing flow from a solid base.
2. Attack the Ball – Never Step Back
Waiting for the ball to drop or floating backward is one of the easiest ways to lose control of the rally. You must go to the ball—close the distance and meet it early. This doesn’t mean you swing harder. It means you cut off time and space so the ball doesn’t push you around. Stepping into the court gives you balance, better court positioning, and more options.
Commitment is key: If you’re not attacking, you’re reacting—and reacting late leads to errors.
3. Racket Up – Lock It In
Having your racket up and prepared (around shoulder height or higher) puts you in position to strike the ball cleanly. The biggest mistake I see is players starting their swing from their knees or hips. That’s too late. When you “lock it in,” your racket is already in the launch position. It’s cocked and ready—like a loaded spring.
Why this matters:
• You reduce your swing time.
• You create more consistent contact.
• You eliminate panic swings.
4. Block It – Don’t Swing
In
At the point of contact, your racket should be firm, clean, and forward. We don’t “swing in” across the body—we meet the ball in front, drive through the target, and hold the finish. This is especially true at the net, where control beats chaos. Even from the baseline, thinking of your
shot as a “block and extend” rather than a “whip and swipe” helps you stay on plane.
Solid contact starts with a steady racket face.
5. Contact Point Never Changes
No matter the shot—forehand, backhand, or volley—your contact point should be in front of your body, off your lead foot. That point is your anchor. If it drifts (too close, too far back, or to the side), you lose leverage and accuracy. By keeping it consistent, your swing path becomes reliable and repeatable.
Consistency = confidence.
Final Thought
These are not advanced techniques—they are the heartbeat of smart, controlled tennis. The reason top players look so smooth is because they respect these fundamentals every single ball. I encourage you to be aware of your habits on court. Are you moving your feet before every shot? Are you setting up early, keeping your racket up, and attacking with intent?
Let’s train with discipline, not just desire. Because great tennis isn’t about trying harder—it’s about moving earlier, preparing better, and staying locked into the moment.
See you on the courts!
Reader’s Corner
FAINA MENZUL
Thirty-five years after we first met Rusty Sabich in Scott Turow’s bestseller
Presumed Innocent (made into a movie starring Harrison Ford), we meet Rusty again in Turow’s new legal thriller
Presumed Guilty.
In Presumed Innocent, Rusty, a senior prosecuting attorney in Kindle County, was
accused of a murder he did not commit. After the crushing experience of a highly publicized trial, Rusty was acquitted with the help of his brilliant defense attorney Sandy Stein. After the trial, however, Rusty discovered a horrifying secret that would forever change his life.
Rusty is now a semi-retired counselor comfortably settled in a small town of Como Stop, an upscale
community where affluent denizens of the big Midwestern cities spend glorious summers in their stately lakeside vacation homes. From time-to-time Rusty takes on legal mediation cases that leave him enough time to enjoy life at his lakeside home and to “babysit” his granddaughters.
Several years earlier Rusty met Bea, a local high school principal. Although Bea is almost twenty years younger than Rusty, they enjoy being together and have a deeply satisfying intimate relationship. Rusty wants to spend the rest of his life with Bea, and she finally agrees to marry him.
Years ago, after desperately trying to have a child with her first husband Lloyd, Bea adopted a newborn baby boy Aaron, who is now twenty-two years old. When Aaron and his longtime girlfriend Mae announce their plans to get married, neither Aaron’s nor Mae’s parents are happy about it. Aaron is still on probation after serving two years for drug possession. A talented artist, Aaron has been “clean” for a year and is thinking about going to an art school. Mae comes from a leading Como family. Her father, a scion of several generations of attorneys, is a county DA currently running for reelection. He is vehemently against the marriage, not in a least degree because Aaron is black.
When Bea adopted Aaron, she never considered potential consequences of raising a black child in a predominantly white community. While Aaron was always loved by his parents and rarely bullied in school because
of his skin color, he always felt different from other kids, and he was never a “part of the crowd.” The only exception was Mae, a vivacious, beautiful blonde, who took Aaron under her wing starting in kindergarten. They still feel connected to each other, even though Mae continues using drugs.
Two days after Aaron and Mae go on a camping trip in a nearby nature preserve, ostensibly to have a “serious talk” about their union, Aaron comes back alone. He is angry because even though they agreed not to use phones or drugs, Mae kept taking pills and snapped endless selfies, suddenly deciding to become a Tik Tok “influencer.” After a heated argument Aaron leaves Mae at the camping site and hitchhikes back home.
A week later, when Mae does not return home, Aaron still thinks she wanted to worry everyone before staging a “comeback.” Two weeks later, Mae’s car is found in the woods hours away from the camping site. Mae’s body, badly decomposed, is in the car, and Aaron is arrested for murder.
After an unsuccessful search for a defense attorney, Bea begs Rusty to defend Aaron. Although he loves his future stepson, Rusty hesitates to take on the task because he realizes that, regardless of whether he would succeed or fail in defending Aaron, his relationship with Bea and a hope of living out his remaining years with her, will never be the same.
Turow’s masterly narrative leads readers through intricacies of the plot and takes time to define the key characters and examine complex interrelationships between them. The narrative of the trial demonstrates how the decisions of twelve people, a multitude of personal interrelationships, and many random events may decide life or death of a young man, as well as radically change the lives of everyone involved. Although, I am generally not a big fan of police procedurals or legal thrillers, I could not put down this book until the very end. In this truly captivating story, the author raised several issues that are worth your time.
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. Calling All Pet Owners!
Cook’s Corner LAMB LOLLIPOPS WITH MINT AIOLI
JOHN DEJOY
LAMB
New Zealand Lamb racks
Olive oil
Salt, Pepper, Sugar
MINT AIOLI
2 tablespoons Mayonaise
1 teaspoon White Wine Vinegar
2 tablespoons Chopped Mint
1). Cut the Lamb racks into single bone chops. You should get 6 nice chops per rack. If you aren’t comfortable with the butchering, the chops can be purchased already butchered. Easy.
2) Place the chops on a sheet pan and drizzle with Olive oil, season with Salt, Pepper and Sugar. Repeat on side two.
3) Grill these to your liking. Medium rare for me! Serve with Mint Aioli.
FOR THE AIOLI
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and adjust the flavors.
Note: This a simple way to make the Aioli (Italian for mayonnaise) At John Palmer’s we used a blender and made a fresh Aioli. Above will be fine.
Note: This dish was on our menu from day one and was a crowd favorite. We sold them “by the bone” so you could have one (not many people could) or make a meal out of 3 or 4. At John Palmer’s we had a wood burning grill that gave these a nice smoked flavor as well. In our Grandezza world we simply cook them on the Weber. I have used a cast iron pan as well. As in grilling any meat, a high heat will give you a desirable crust. I will warn that lamb is very fatty and prone to flare up. So – Don’t walk away! We called them Lollipops as a tribute to my dear, sweet, late Mom, Carol DeJoy. She loved lamb rack and would always pick up the bones like a “lollipop” to get the best and last bite. Enjoy.
Compliments of Chef John and Michelle De Joy, Owners of John Palmer’s Bistro 44, in Concord, Ohio, and currently Saraceno residents.
Lee Health Launches Life-Saving Stroke Protocol In Lee County
BRIAN D. HURWITZ, PH.D., CHAIR, ENGAGE ESTERO HEALTH COMMITTEE, RESIDENT OF GRANDEZZA
Lee Health—the region’s largest public healthcare system—has introduced a transformative new stroke care protocol designed to dramatically reduce the time it takes to diagnose and treat strokes. Now active across all Lee Health hospitals, including nearby Gulf Coast Medical Center, this initiative is a game-changer for communities like Grandezza, where access to rapid emergency care can mean the difference between life and death.
According to Dr. Venkat Prasad, Stroke Program Medical Director at Lee Health, the goal is clear: “Restore blood flow to the brain as fast and safely as possible.” Every minute counts
during a stroke, and Lee Health’s new approach is shaving precious seconds off the clock.
WHAT’S CHANGED?
• Early EMS Activation: Emergency responders now alert hospitals before arrival, giving stroke teams time to prep.
• AI-Powered Imaging: Advanced CT technology uses artificial intelligence to detect brain blockages and bleeds faster than ever.
• “Code Stroke” Protocol: Stroke patients bypass standard triage and go straight to imaging with the full stroke team on standby.
• TeleStroke Access: Even smaller Lee Health hospitals are connected to stroke experts via secure video conferencing, ensuring expert care wherever a patient arrives.
• Aggressive New Time Goals: The target is to administer tPA—a clot-busting drug— within 30 minutes of arrival, beating national benchmarks by a wide margin.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR GRANDEZZA
Lee County has one of the state’s highest populations of adults over 65, a group at increased risk for stroke. This cutting-edge protocol ensures that Grandezza residents have swift access to the same level of care as major metropolitan hospitals—even if the stroke happens at home, on the golf course, or while out to dinner.
KNOW THE SIGNS: FAST
Raising awareness is just as vital as treatment. The acronym F.A.S.T. makes it easier to remember stroke symptoms:
• Facial drooping
• Arm weakness
• Slurred speech
• Time to call 911
FAST VS. BE FAST: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The original F.A.S.T. acronym—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911—has long been used to
help people recognize the most common signs of stroke. It’s simple, memorable, and effective.
However, stroke experts realized that posterior circulation strokes—which affect the back of the brain and can cause balance and vision problems—were often missed. That is why many health systems have adopted the expanded B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym:
• Balance loss or dizziness
• Eyes: sudden vision changes
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911
While both acronyms are effective at prompting emergency calls, recent research suggests that F.A.S.T. may be easier to remember, especially for the general public. Still, B.E. F.A.S.T. offers a more comprehensive tool for identifying a wider range of stroke symptoms—especially those that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Engage Estero Health Committee encourages residents to post FAST or BEFAST signage in clubhouses, pools, and other gathering areas to ensure everyone is informed and ready to act.
FINAL THOUGHT
By recognizing the signs of stroke and the need to act swiftly, we’re saving lives. Let’s stay alert and informed, right here at home.
There are Golf Balls on the Moon
MICHAEL NORDINE, INTERESTING FACTS
On February 6, 1971, Alan Shepard took one small shot for golf and one giant swing for golfkind. An astronaut on the Apollo 14 landing, Shepard was also a golf enthusiast who decided to bring his hobby all the way to the moon—along with a makeshift club fashioned partly from a sample-collection device. He took two shots, claiming that the second went “miles and miles.” The United States Golf Association (USGA) later put the actual distance of his two strokes at about 24 yards and 40 yards, respectively.
While not enough to land him a spot on the PGA Tour, those numbers are fairly impressive when you remember that the stiff spacesuit Shepard was wearing (in low gravity, no less) forced him to swing with one arm. And while those two golf balls remain on the moon, Shepard brought his club back, later donating it to the USGA Museum in Liberty Corner, New Jersey. Other objects now
Writers Wanted!
residing on the moon include photographs, a small gold olive branch, and a plaque that reads: “Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all mankind.”
https://interestingfacts.com/fact/there-aregolf-balls-on-the-moon/
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.
ORIGINAL GANAPATHY KUMAR/ UNSPLASH
How to Get the Most from Your Comcast Service
Note that the most important step you can take to improve your Comcast experience is to do the following: Always call Comcast using the phone number registered to your Comcast account. If you use an unregistered phone, your call may be routed to a chatbot or an offshore agent. If you’re unsure which phone number is linked to your account, we strongly recommend visiting an Xfinity store and requesting that all your phone numbers be added.
The following email was originally sent to all Grandezza residents on June 21, 2025.
Re: Comcast “White Glove Service” for Grandezza Residents
At Last! The End of the Automated Comcast Phone System.
You will be happy to learn that we have finally convinced Comcast to replace the hated automated phone system with live agents. Comcast calls this their “White Glove Service” and is introducing it to their premier communities in SW Florida. Grandezza has been on a trial for several weeks, and we find it has worked in every case.
Here are the simple steps to take any time you need to contact Comcast:
• Call 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-2662278) or 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-9346489) FROM THE PHONE REGISTERED ON YOUR ACCOUNT DURING BUSINESS HOURS (7AM UNTIL MIDNIGHT).
• Follow the few prompts so that you are directed to the correct agent.
• You will be connected to a representative in the United States quickly.
• If you are having a service problem, the representative will probably try to solve it remotely.
• If that effort is unsuccessful, a technician appointment will be scheduled.
• If you have NO SERVICE, and the appointment is more than 24 hours away, please email Cheryl McFarland at cmcfarland@vestapropertyservices.com, and she will escalate the issue.
Feel free to email Cheryl with feedback from this process – good or bad.
Grandezza Bulk Services Committee
Thank you, Cheryl McFarland, CAM, CMCA, AMS Vesta Property Services 239-947-4552 ext. 932
THE URBANIZATION OF GREATER ESTERO
Engage Estero releases its 6-monthly update of the commercial and residential developments taking place across Greater Estero. This comprehensive report is one of the most read documents Engage Estero Releases. It is sent to over 14,000 residents who have signed up on our website www.esterotoday.com to receive our communications, and the posted document on our website receives over 4,000 hits per month.
Population growth rates will continue, especially in East Corkscrew. Estero’s population is projected to grow by over 8,000 within the next 2-3 years, while East Corkscrew is expected to reach approximately 60,000 residents within a decade. The September Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) report’s introduction covers these trends.
In an earlier GECR report titled “Adapt or Perish,” we also made the point that municipalities must adapt what they offer to
the public, much like companies do, because they operate in a competitive environment, even if their primary goal isn’t profit. Just like companies need customers, municipalities need residents and businesses to thrive.
Most people tend to become worried and uncomfortable when faced with change. Most prefer the status quo. But, if a city fails to evolve and offer good services, infrastructure, and quality of life, people and companies may leave or choose not to settle there. The result is economic stagnation or even decline, with a resulting drop in home values because people will be less inclined to make Estero their home.
In many ways, the fact that developers have a considerable interest and desire to build in Greater Estero is a positive sign, given the recent decline in property prices. The recent decision by Curadel Pharma, a start-up pharmaceutical company, to construct a 43,000-squarefoot medical office and supporting infrastructure at 9600 Corkscrew Road is another positive outcome.
THE SEPTEMBER 26 COMMUNITY & MEMBER MEETING YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!
The location is 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd (inside the Estero Community Park), Estero, FL 33928, on Friday, September 26 at 10 a.m.
Mary Gibbs, the Community Development Director for the Village, will discuss the difficulties that the Village’s Planning, Zoning & Design Board (PZDB) has to face when balancing the demands of developers and, on occasion, their legal threats with those of the Village code and the residents’ concerns. She will also explain what some of the larger developments underway or about to start will look like.
In addition, Clerk Karnes, Lee County’s Clerk of the Court & Comptroller, will discuss the issue of Title fraud.
GUIDANCE FOR THOSE WHO ARE CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH DEMENTIA
Engage Estero recently provided a two-part article that was designed to help those who struggle to take care of a family member or friend with dementia. This situation is undoubtedly one of the most heartbreaking ones anyone can face. Dealing with a family
member who has dementia—whether mild, moderate, or severe—can be incredibly challenging, both emotionally and practically. Dementia often affects memory, behavior, communication, and independence, and the progression varies from person to person.
Family members and caregivers often experience emotional stress, confusion, and frustration as they try to navigate the situation. Most people facing these challenges are unsure about how to act or what steps to take in this demanding situation.
If you believe a friend or colleague could benefit from the 2-part article, which has been highly praised by several primary care doctors, the articles can be viewed on our website:
https://esterotoday.com/how-to-handlea-family-member-with-dementia-part-1/ https://esterotoday.com/continuing-thejourney-through-dementia-care-part-2/
FDACS Warns Floridians: Subscription Scams on the Rise – Don’t Take the Bait
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) warns consumers to be on high alert for a growing wave of subscription scams. Cybercriminals are targeting Floridians with phishing emails posing as legitimate streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and others, all in an attempt to steal personal information and credit card numbers.
The fraudulent emails often mimic the branding of popular subscription services and use scare tactics, such as claiming your account has been locked or payment has failed. The goal: get you to click a malicious link or share your financial information.
FDACS OFFERS THESE TIPS TO HELP SPOT A PHISHING SCAM BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE:
• Check the sender’s email address. Scammers often use addresses that look official but aren’t. If it doesn’t come from the service’s verified domain—like @netflix. com—don’t trust it.
• Look for spelling and grammar mistakes. Reputable companies don’t send sloppy emails.
• Be cautious with links. If you receive an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or open the link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email.
• Beware of urgent language. Phrases like “Your account will be locked!” are designed to make you panic and act quickly without thinking.
• Go straight to the source. When in doubt, open the app or type the website directly into your browser. Never click through an email you weren’t expecting.
Consumers who believe they’ve received a scam email or have been targeted by a phishing scheme should report it to the FDACS Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA or Consumer Resources / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
When it comes to protecting your identity, you might think about keeping usernames to yourself, using strong passwords, and reviewing your statements. That’s all great. But it’s also important to think about what you do with documents or digital files that contain your financial information. So, let’s look at what you should keep and lock up, and what you should shred or delete.
Keep for a Year
• Bank statements
• Pay stubs
• Undisputed medical bills
• Credit card and utility bills
• Deposited checks
If you can access these documents electronically, consider shredding your paper copies.
Keep for at Least ree Years
• Income tax returns
• Tax-related documents, like canceled checks, receipts, W-2s, and 1099s
• Records related to selling a home
In some cases, the IRS recommends keeping tax returns and tax-related documents for longer than three years. If you can access these documents electronically, consider shredding your paper copies.
Keep While You Own
• The title to your vehicle
• The title or deed to your home
• Documents related to mortgage or vehicle loans
• Home improvement receipts
• Rental agreements and leases
• Sales receipts and warranty information for major appliances
Keep Forever And lock up:
• Birth certificate or adoption papers
• Social Security cards
• Valid passports and citizenship or residency papers
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
• Military records
• Wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and retirement and pension plans
• Death certificates of family members
• Vital health records (especially those that pre-date electronic health records)
Shred
• ATM receipts
• Offers of credit or insurance
• Cleared checks (a$er 14 days)
• Credit reports
• Prescription information for medicines you no longer take
• Expired warranties
• Expired credit cards, driver’s licenses, and other forms of identification
When it’s time to dispose of documents with your personal or financial information, shred them. If you don’t have a shredder, look for a local shred day in your community.
Find out what else you can do to protect yourself from identity the$.
Reporting Medicare Fraud And Abuse
Medicare fraud and abuse can happen anywhere. It’s important that you protect your Medicare card, number, and other personal information, and check your Medicare claims regularly.
TO HELP SPOT AND PREVENT MEDICARE FRAUD AND ABUSE:
• Compare the dates and services on your calendar with the Medicare statements you get to make sure you got each service listed and that all the details are correct.
• Protect your personal information and become familiar with how Medicare uses it.
• Know what a Medicare health or drug plan can and can’t do before you join. If you join a Medicare health or drug plan, the plan will let you know how it will use your personal information.
• Learn more about Medicare and recent scams.
If you suspect fraud call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or Report Medicare Fraud online.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan you can also call the Investigations Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (I-MEDIC) at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379). What information should I have ready when I call?
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT
Medical identity theft is a serious crime that happens when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit Medicare fraud or other crimes. Use the following tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
DO:
• Check the receipts and statements you get from providers for mistakes, and call your provider’s office if you think a charge is incorrect.
• Remember that Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home. Medicare, or someone representing Medicare, will only call and ask for personal information in limited situations (like an agent or representative returning your call after you’ve joined a plan, reported fraud, or left a message for Medicare).
DON ’ T:
○ Give your Medicare card, Medicare Number, Social Security card, or Social Security Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it (like insurers acting on your behalf or people who work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Get the contact information for your local SHIP.
○ What do I do if my card is lost, stolen, or damaged?
• Accept offers of money or gifts for free medical care.
• Allow anyone, except your doctor or other Medicare providers, to review your medical records or recommend services.
• Join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone, unless you called and asked for help.
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/ reporting-medicare-fraud-andabuse?utm_campaign=20250716_avf_ frd_gal&utm_content=english&utm_ medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
ABOUT THE FDACS DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES
FDACS is Florida’s state consumer protection agency responsible for regulating charities and handling consumer complaints. FDACS handles more than 400,000 consumer complaints and inquiries, oversees more than 500,000 regulated devices, entities, and products like gas pumps and grocery scales, performs over 61,000 lab analyses on products like gasoline and brake uid, performs nearly 9,000 fair ride inspections, and returned over $2.8 million to consumers through mediations with businesses.
The Division of Food Safety monitors food from the point of manufacturing and distribution through wholesale and retail sales to ensure the public of safe, wholesome and properly represented food products.
CLICK THE ICON ABOVE TO SEE THE LATEST RECALLS, MARKET WITHDRAWALS, & SAFETY ALERTS.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides consumer product recall information as part of the agency’s mission to protect consumers and families from hazardous products.
CLICK THE ICON ABOVE TO SEE THE LATEST RECALLS, MARKET WITHDRAWALS, & SAFETY ALERTS.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. Consumers who would like information about filing a complaint against a business or who believe fraud has taken place can visit us online at FloridaConsumerHelp.com or contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) for Spanish speakers.
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
Beach Sun Shelter with shade wall, 10’ X 10’ by Coleman. Stay on the beach all day in comfort. Original cost $170, will sell for $50. Call Tom 239-287-7808. (Expires 10/25)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, brand new, never opened in its original box, for sale $319. Please contact Aramis at 239-860-2071. (Expires 10/25)
Books Needed (Especially Large Print, fiction, best sellers) for residents at local Medicaid Rehab Facility where I volunteer. If you can help by donating any please contact Jay Topper: jay@topper.net or 703-269-7161. (Expires 10/25)
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)
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 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
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 ..................................................... chair
Community Affairs
Fred Thompson ................................................... chair
GRANDE ESTATES
Peter Dersley P
Cameron Snyder VP
Fred Thompson T
Laura Reddin S
Lanell Shields D
OAKWOOD
Sandra Renner P
Ted Lewman VP
Patricia Collie S Al Meyer D
Steve Anderson T
SABAL PALM
Shannon Palombo P
Ellen Kaplan VP
William Greenwald T
Julie Sexton S
Mark Sherwin D
SANTA LUCIA
Aramis Sullivan P
Mike Mainelli S/T
Celia Platt VP
SAVONA Brian Schultz P Wes Wilkins T Paul Copper
Nancy Banyard D Ann Cary D
SOLEMAR
Bob Lindgren P
Brian Vance VP/S
Dan Williams T
VILLA GRANDE
Joseph Drummond P
Mickey Wheeler VP
Beth Feldman T
Jeff Almo S
Steve Bajinski D
John Polczynski D
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 888994-4117 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.
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
