Community Interests
THE PLAYERS OF THE GLEN
JANICE RADCLIFF, HERONS GLEN
Get ready for suspense and laughter! A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody by Ron Bernas, is packed with hilarious misunderstandings, unexpected twists, and characters you’ll love. This show turns the typical murder mystery on its head, imagining a ridiculous scenario where the plot is so absurd that the real mystery is figuring out what is actually happening. Doors will slam, secrets will be revealed, and you won’t be able to stop grinning.
FRONT ROW: DENNIS DELUCA, SHIRLEY EVANS, PAT CALLAGHAN, ART LIPPEN. BACK ROW: JIM FITZGERALD, JENNI STONE
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Corey Bank
Justein Matthias
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
www.seabreezecommunications.com
Grab your reserved seating tickets and don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of fun!
Friday night theatregoers are invited to celebrate the magic of theatre at an Opening Night Gala held in the Herons Glen Clubhouse Lobby from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Join us for an evening filled with entertainment, culinary delights, cash bar, and camaraderie.
Performance Dates:
March 14 @ 7 p.m. (Gala 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.) Tickets $20 each (includes Gala)
March 15 @ 7 p.m., Tickets $15 each
March 16 @ 4 p.m., Tickets $15 each
Ticket Sales
Feb. 18 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Feb. 18 Bingo Lobby 5 to 7 p.m.
Feb. 19 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Feb. 20 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Feb. 25 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Feb. 25 Bingo Lobby 5 to 7 p.m.
Feb. 26 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Feb. 27 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 4 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 4 Bingo Lobby 5 to 7 p.m.
March 5 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 6 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc.
The
reserves
March 11 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 11 Bingo Lobby 5 to 7 p.m.
March 12 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 13 Main Lobby 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please consider becoming a member of The Players of the Glen. A $15 one-time joining fee will show your support for the arts and contribute to the success of our community theatre. Your membership will also save you $5 for one ticket every year.
A 70-YEAR LOVE STORY
KATHLEEN LYNCH, HERONS GLEN
This is the story of a lovely lady named Arlene McCourt and her husband of 59 years, Charlie. They met in third grade at the age of 9. Arlene lived a couple blocks away from Charlie in Kearny, New Jersey. As she tells it, his cousin Richie, who was in her class, brought Charlie over to meet her. Was it love at first sight? Their friendship continued all through grade school and high school. In seventh grade, they would walk home from school together. At 15 years old, Charlie gave her a friendship ring. As Charlie tells it, they really did like each other. They would hold hands as a prelude to that first kiss. He also revealed a game they used to play at parties called “Travel.” Everyone would sit in a circle and the girl would sit on a boy’s lap; give him a kiss and then move on to the next boy. Apparently, Arlene would not move on from Charlie’s lap!
After high school, Charlie joined the Navy and Arlene went to nursing school. Their wedding was planned for April of 1966 but because of the Vietnam War, Charlie’s service was extended to February of 1966 which left only five to six weeks to get reacquainted before the wedding day. Well, three children and nine grandchildren later, The McCourts are ready to celebrate their 59th anniversary! If you ask Arlene what her secret to a happy marriage is, she replies, “Tolerance.” But then adds, “Love and believing in each other.” Charlie, in the background, says, “Laugh a lot together, communicate, and be good friends.” On raising a family, they agree that it is important to work with each other and get along. Arlene and Charlie have been residents of Herons Glen for 20 years. Congratulations!
CHARLIE AND ARLENE MCCOURT
ADA SOCIAL AT DEROMO’S GOURMET MARKET, BAKERY AND RESTAURANT
DENISE JOHNSON, HERONS GLEN
GERRY WEINBERGER AND SANDY CROFT, HERONS GLEN
Ten Sisters of Alpha Delta Alpha Sisters traveled to DeRomo’s Gourmet Market, Bakery and Restaurant in the Promenade in Bonita Springs on Thursday, January 16, for lunch and a little shopping. We
were glad to have an uneventful travel trip to and from Herons Glen. We all know eventful trips happen, e.g., traffic backups, accidents, etc.
We arrived ahead of our lunch reservation and were able to check out the stores for shopping, of which there were many, so after lunch we knew where we wanted to go back to. We had a delicious lunch, everyone got something different, not sure how that happened, and we celebrated a birthday (surprise!). After lunch, we shopped in DeRomo’s Market and Bakery because how could you not, and other Promenade shops. Several purchases by everyone later, we all met for the drive home.
A good time was had by all. We look forward to our next “girls” road trip in February.
PILEATED WOODPECKER
BARBARA CALLAGHAN
FLORIDA’S STATE BUTTERFLY
KIM BASILE, HERONS GLEN
The Zebra Heliconian (Marpesia petreus) is the State Butterfly of Florida. This striking butterfly has long black and yellow striped wings and flies slowly with graceful movements. This makes them easy to spot in their natural habitat. The underside is similarly colored black and white with small spots. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, mostly in Central and South America, south Texas and peninsular Florida. It is known for mimicry and the ability to advertise its toxicity to potential predators.
The Zebra Heliconian has a long lifespan, with some living up to five months. These are social butterflies and are often seen in groups. They feed primarily on nectar from flowers, particularly those of the passionflower family. They are important pollinators and contribute to the health of their ecosystems. They feed on host plants, mainly the passionflower vines, which
ZEBRA HELICONIAN
provide them with the toxins that make them unpalatable to predators.
The young caterpillar is black with spikes while the mature caterpillar is white with black spots with many spikes along its body. The Zebra Heliconian is studied for their unique mating habits and territorial displays.
CHANUKAH
KEL SHERKIN, HERONS GLEN RON BOVE, HERONS GLEN
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, began this year at sunset on December 25. This is the first time in 20 years that this has occurred. This is due to the fact that the Solar (Gregorian) and
the Lunar calendar used by the Jewish religion coincided.
Jewish resilience is central to Chanukah’s historic significance. Chanukah celebrates the rededication of the second Temple in Jerusalem by the Jewish people in 164 BCE after its defilement by the Syrian Greeks. The Chanukah story recalls Jewish religious oppression during the reign of Antiochus IV. Revolts against this reign were led by the Jewish resistance fighters, the Maccabees. The revolts were in the name of religious freedom, and ultimately the fight for religious freedom prospered.
The miracle of Chanukah is that when the Maccabees entered the desecrated temple, they found within it only one vial of oil, insufficient to keep the Menorah alight for more than a short time. But the one little vile of oil burnt brightly
KEL SHERKIN, CAROLE SHERKIN, CRAIG ROTH, MARY WRIGHT, TONI POMERENE, STACEY VENKER, RUTH POSTER, ROGER WATKINS, TRISH CHESNOV, TERRY ROSEN, RON BRYAN, JANET WEISSMAN, BEE BOVE, JOY VENKER.
for eight days until more sacred oil could be found. Thus, the miracle and reason why Chanukah is celebrated for eight days. The Chanukah tradition includes the eating of foods cooked in oil such as potato latkes (pancakes) and Sofganiyot (jelly donuts).
The Jewish community in Herons Glen appreciates the support of the members of our community who joined in for the lighting of the first candle as well as the many residents wishing their Jewish neighbors a Happy Chanukah.
FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS
LINDA LYNCH AND GLORIA SELANDER, HERONS GLEN
What if you needed a walker for a few months of rehab? Or a grandchild was coming to visit and you needed a car seat? Here in Herons Glen, we are most fortunate to have a group of Friends Helping Friends (FHF) that can supply this equipment.
Friends Helping Friends is a nonprofit, non-sectarian, non-professional group of Herons Glen resident volunteers organized to assist others in our community. The group was formed in
the fall of 2000 at the kitchen table of former resident Elaine Bolton. Betty Hopkins, also a former resident, continued to lead this group for many years. Now, 25 years later, a group of Herons Glen resident volunteers support this vision of assisting residents in our community.
One of the earliest FHF projects was to supply a “File of Life” (a refrigerator magnet with essential medical information available to emergency medical personnel). Another early project brought the “CARE” program, sponsored by Lee Memorial Hospital to serve older adults and caregivers. FHF also sponsored Wellness Fairs which included outside agencies and Walk-AThons to benefit Hope Hospice and the Salvation Army.
Over time, FHF volunteers noted a need for residents to temporarily borrow certain types of medical equipment and items for children. Storage space was procured in the clubhouse, but as the inventory of equipment grew, so did the space required to store it. There is now one large storage shed that houses the items, including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, commodes, shower chairs, child car seats, highchairs, strollers, pack ’n plays (playpens), and more. Last year, FHF serviced over 200 requests for equipment within the Glen.
Under the umbrella of FHF, there is a separate Transportation Service that is handled by the Veterans of the Glen (VOG). A group of VOG resident volunteers assist residents by transporting them to doctor appointments, picking up prescriptions, and other miscellaneous requests during a medical home stay.
Since its initiation a quarter of a century ago, many, many Herons Glen volunteers have given their time to comfort and serve their neighbors in the Glen. The two separate groups’ services, along with the names of the volunteers and telephone numbers, are listed on the Herons Glen website at https://hggcc.com and from the Residents Group menu, select Friends Helping Friends.
When you need to borrow items, FHF are available on Saturdays at 10 a.m. by appointment. Pat Crouse and Gloria Selander are available anytime to help with urgent requests for medical equipment.
Donations are always appreciated; all money received is reinvested in equipment that is needed, such as children’s car seats as they do have an expiration date.
ALPHA DELTA ALPHA THANKS HERONS GLEN RESIDENTS
DENISE JOHNSON, HERONS GLEN
DENISE JOHNSON, GERRY WEINBERGER AND SANDY CROFT, HERONS GLEN
Alpha Delta Alpha’s annual Foster’s Grille fundraiser for Hearts and Homes for Veterans was held on Monday, January 13. Thank you, Herons Glen residents and friends, for your turnout to support this worthy cause. A big thank you to Foster’s Grille for hosting our annual event.
ADA SISTERS GERRY WEINBERGER, GLORIA SELANDER, SANDY CROFT AND PRESIDENT, APRIL MCGARVEY
We were pleased to have Dale Spain, Director of Hearts and Homes, who replaced retired Tom Donoghue, attend and talk to attendees. We hope you enjoyed an evening of good food and comradery with family and friends.
TOM DONOGHUE AND DALE SPAIN
ARCHIE AND BARB MARSHALL, CHUCK AND DIANE MATHER
THE ORIGINS OF GROUNDHOG DAY
LINDA LYNCH, HERONS GLEN
By the time you are reading this edition of The Heron , Groundhog Day, February 2, will have come and gone. On that day, Punxsutawney Phil of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, will have made his pronouncement about the duration of winter, most relevant to those colder areas of the U.S. But where did Groundhog Day come from?
While Groundhog Day is a uniquely American tradition, its roots trace back to Europe and the ancient Christian celebration of Candlemas Day, the halfway point between the winter solstice and
VARIOUS ATTENDEES
the spring equinox. On Candlemas Day, the clergy would bless and distribute the candles needed for winter. Germany added to this celebration by using a hedgehog to predict the weather, saying if the hedgehog saw its shadow, there would be six more weeks of bad weather – and maybe the need for more candles.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, many German immigrants made their way to the U.S. and large numbers settled in Pennsylvania. There they maintained their Candlemas tradition but replaced the hedgehog with a groundhog, a plentiful local animal.
In 1886, a western Pennsylvania newspaper, the Punxsutawney Spirit , published a story about their groundhog festivities. The following year the city
embraced the idea of a celebration by holding its first annual Groundhog Day at nearby Gobbler’s Knob.
The newspaper editor declared Punxsutawney’s groundhog, named Phil, as the nation’s only weather-forecasting rodent. That first year Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. While Phil was accurate that time, it turns out the groundhog predictions are correct only about 40% of the time.
Groundhogs go into hibernation in late fall and peek out in February to look for a mate before burrowing back underground until March, when they emerge fully awake. They don’t come out solely to predict the weather!
The festivities these days in Punxsutawney are presided over by a band of local dignitaries who wear top hats and conduct the official proceedings in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect. Each year, as many as 40,000 spectators attend Groundhog Day events in Punxsutawney, a borough that is home to only about 6,000 residents. The average draw had been around 2,000 until 1993 and the release of the movie Groundhog Day which was set at the celebration in Punxsutawney.
Now that I mostly winter in Florida, winter’s length is of less interest than when I spent my winters in New England. But even in Florida, Phil is a fun and entertaining character, and the annual ritual continues to bring delight!
THE HGHOA AND THE HGRD –NOT JUST ALPHABET SOUP
LINDA LYNCH, HERONS GLEN WITH INPUT
FROM JOYCE GILLESPIE AND J.B. BELKNAP
Whether you’re new to Herons Glen or have lived here for a while, there may still be times when you’re confused about the Herons Glen Recreation District (HGRD) and the Herons Glen Homeowner’s Association (HOA). These are two separate and distinct organizations, and this article will provide a general overview of each.
The HGRD is a Special District created under Florida law, and as such is a governmental entity. The HGRD was formed in 1999 when the residents voted overwhelmingly to purchase the recreational facilities from the developer. These included the golf course, clubhouse, restaurant, other recreational amenities in the Glen, and the community irrigation system (CLIS). A provision of Florida law allowed the residents to finance this purchase through a tax-exempt bond issue creating an instrument of Florida State government known as the Recreation District.
As a Special District, the HGRD serves a specific geographical area and is governed by a Board of Supervisors, all of whom must be residents of Florida
and are elected by the property owners. Because it is a governmental agency, the HGRD is capable of issuing government-backed, tax-free bonds to raise funds for capital improvements. In fact, in 2020 the district issued bonds to provide $12.9 million in construction funds to renovate HGRD facilities and amenities with ongoing projects. However, as a government entity, the facilities owned by the district are public property and as such must be made available to the general public, albeit with some allowable restrictions.
Key areas of responsibility for the HGRD include the community irrigation system, cart paths and bridges on the golf course, lakes that touch the golf course or other amenities, landscaping on HGRD property, the fitness center, tennis courts, bocce courts, pickleball courts, shuffleboard courts, the pool and spa, ballroom card/activity rooms, restaurant and lounge (including the liquor license), pro shop, pump houses, rental golf carts, and restrooms on the golf course and tennis courts. (NOTE: This list is not comprehensive.)
The Homeowner’s Association in Herons Glen was first instituted as part of the legal structure of the original developer in 1990. It is a Florida notfor-profit corporation and operates under specific Florida statutes. In 1997 the developer expanded the board from three to five members to add two resident board members. The developer held the majority on the board until January 1, 2005, when the board was transitioned from developer control to resident control with a full resident board in place. The HGHOA is run by a Board of Directors elected by the members of the Association.
The HOA owns and is responsible for the maintenance of the streets and common areas within Herons Glen. HOA administered common areas include the guardhouse, gates, street lighting, street signs, entrance walls, neighborhood entry signs, common area landscaping, streets, curbs and sidewalks, street drainage, five wetlands and preserves, and eight lakes that do not border the HGRD Golf Course or other amenities property. The HOA is also responsible for community standards for homeowners, such as landscaping and the appearance of residences. (NOTE: This list is not comprehensive.)
Both organizations maintain separate websites. The HGRD website can be accessed at heronsglencc.com. The HOA website is available at heronsglenhoa. org. While they have distinctly separate organizational structures and functions, both the HGRD and the HOA cooperate for the benefit of our community. Several lists accompanying this article attempt to delineate the key responsibilities of the HOA and those of the HGRD.
In addition, the HOA Communications Committee has developed an organizational and governance structures document that shows an overview of each organization side-by-side. This Herons Glen Community Governing and Oversight Structure document can be accessed at https://hggcc.com/hghoa/ pdfs/community_info/structure.pdf and can also be found on the HOA website by clicking on the Management tab.
KEY HOA RESPONSIBILITIES
Barcode management
Bingo
Cable TV service and Internet (Blue Stream)
Cart paths along HG Blvd. (from Palo Duro to Via La Quinta and Kayla Way to Kaidon Lane)
Changes to the exteriors of residences and violations
(Architectural Review Committee)
Changes to landscaping and violations
(Grounds Committee)
Common area landscaping on HG Blvd. (including medians, greenbelt areas and cul-desac islands on each street)
Dennisport gate and cameras
Front entrance walls, lighted signs and up lighting
Front gate access control (Platinum)
Guardhouse maintenance and cameras
HOA Committee sponsored socials and activities
HOA Weekly News Bulletin
Lakes that don’t touch the golf course (8) (Solitude)
Neighborhood signs and lighting
Post lamp and address light bulb replacement
Residential lawn mowing (Roberts)
Roving patrol (Platinum)
Stormwater drains and perimeter drainage
ditches
Street lighting on HG Blvd., Via Verde and Via Estacado
Street signs and posts
Street sweeping (USA Services)
Streets, curbs and sidewalks
The Heron magazine
TV Channels 901 and 902
Two fountains at Athenian and Tisbury (Solitude)
Five wetlands and conservation preserves (Solitude)
HOA Manager – Joyce Gillespie
Assistant Manager – Kim Rambo
Admin. Assistant – Lori Roy
Maintenance – Jeremiah Radle
HOA Reception Desk, (239) 731-0322
KEY HGRD RESPONSIBILITIES
Accounting and financial services, including payment for HGRD quarterly fees and restaurant charges
Bridge near the Golf Shop
Building maintenance, excluding the Gatehouse
Clubhouse including pool, spa and deck Communications for HGRD
• Annual Strategic Planning Survey
• Bulletin board postings
• Community/course updates via various media
• Public Board meetings and hearings
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
• Website – heronsglencc.com
• Weekly newsletters
Emergency preparations for the HGRD facilities and properties
Fitness center
Food and beverage services, including the liquor license
Golf course and practice facility (including golf cart paths)
Golf course effluent ponds and lakes that touch the golf course
Golf course maintenance facility and pumphouses (#15, #18, Mystic)
Golf Shop: golf membership, merchandise and golf lessons
Irrigation of community and HGRD property (CLIS) – maintained by Mainscape
Landscaping on District property
Lightning detection system
Parking lots
Pickleball courts
Restrooms on the golf course and at the Sports Complex
Scheduling of Activity Rooms, Cardrooms and other HGRD areas
Sports Complex: Tennis, Bocce and Shuffleboard Courts
Ticket sales for Events, Concert Series and Ballroom rental
HGRD General Manager – J.B. Belknap
Facilities Maintenance Manager – Nate Baers
HGRD Reception Desk, (239) 731-4501
THE LITTLEST LEAGUER
JACK
NELSON,
HERONS GLEN
George Herman Applegate was the littlest little leaguer in Little League history. With a height of only 4 feet 9 inches and a weight of just 93 pounds, he was the quintessential pip-squeak of baseball. Of the 25 players on the Allentown, Pennsylvania Mudhens, the 11-year-old George was number 25, meaning
he was a constant bench warmer, never to be called upon to pinch-hit, pinch-run, or pinch-anything. This was somewhat surprising, since George’s father, Roger, was Allentown’s mayor and a strong supporter of the team. But Mudhens manager, Casey Jones, would not be intimidated by anyone or anything, period.
On Sunday, August 15, 1932, it was the championship game of the Little League World Series. The Allentown Mudhens, with great pitching and timely hitting, were opposed by the ever-feared Taiwan Hornets, who had won three consecutive championships. Lamade Stadium was overflowing
with fans. The excitement and enthusiasm were unparalleled, and the sale of hot dogs would set a new record.
The first two innings were scoreless, with the opposing pitchers recording three strikeouts each. At the bottom of the third inning, two batters for the Mudhens reached base, a walk and a single, but were left stranded, thanks in part by a nifty double play turned by the Hornets. The Taiwanese fans went wild.
First blood was drawn by the Hornets at the top of the fourth inning when third baseman Han Wan Ho smashed a tworun homer to dead center field. At the age of 12, Han was the biggest player in the game, measuring nearly 6 feet tall and weighing 155 pounds. Not to be outdone, the Mudhens came storming back with four consecutive singles at the bottom of the fourth to tie the score. Allentown fans jumped for joy.
Only one Hornet reached base at the top of the fifth inning, thanks to an error by the Mudhens shortstop. But Mudhens pitcher Tommy Coleman proceeded to strike out the next three batters. At the bottom of the fifth, only one Mudhen reached base, and the score remained, 2-2.
The sixth inning was a nail-biter for Mudhens fans. The Hornets had the bases loaded with nobody out. But not
to worry. Pitcher Coleman struck out the first two batters and got Hornet centerfielder Lan Duc Than to pop out to shortstop Sean Miller. Close call. Score still 2-2, and now the game went into extra innings.
It was the top of the seventh inning, and pitcher Coleman struck out the first two batters, then slugger Han Wan Ho stood in at the batter’s box, waving his bat as if he’s going to hit Coleman’s first pitch into orbit. First pitch, ball one. Second pitch, ball two. Third pitch, Han hits the ball out of the park, but it’s a foul ball. Fourth pitch is a called strike two. Fifth pitch is low, ball three, and now the count is full. The fans were in an uproar. The stadium was rocking.
Now, it’s time. Sixth pitch is the one slugger Ho has been waiting for. With a mighty swing of his bat, Han Wan Ho smashed Coleman’s fastball over the left field fence, clearing it by over 20 feet. Now it was Taiwan 3, Allentown 2, and the Taiwanese fans are doing somersaults in the aisles. Coleman got the third out with a groundout to short.
It was the bottom of the seventh inning, do-or-die time for Allentown. Manager Jones has used every player on the team except one, and you know who that was. With two outs, the Mudhens had the bases loaded with catcher Keith Herman coming to the plate. First pitch, called
strike. Second pitch, ball one. Third pitch hit Herman on the arm, forcing in the tying run.
With a forlorn look on his face, Manager Jones looked at George Applegate, who was looking down at the dugout floor. He didn’t say a word as he handed a bat to the 25th player on the squad. George walked slowly to the plate as the fans moaned and groaned.
First pitch, called strike one. Second pitch, George swung and missed, strike two. The third pitch would enter the history books. George swung at the ball with all his might and it trickled down the third base line. The Hornet catcher let the ball keep rolling, hoping it would go foul. It didn’t, and the winning run crossed the plate, and the Allentown Mudhens were world champs! George Herman Applegate was carried off the field on the shoulders of his father and his manager. Who would’ve thought?
VETERANS
OF THE GLEN HOSTS TWO GUEST SPEAKERS
SANDRA HERDE AND PAM SCHEID, HERONS GLEN
The regular January meeting of the Veterans of the Glen (VOG) was an opportunity for the members to hear from two organizations that offer support and services to military veterans and their families. Dale Spain, who succeeded Herons Glen resident Tom Donoghue as President of Hearts and Homes for Veterans (H&H), was the first speaker. He expressed the organization’s gratitude to the Herons Glen residents for their many donations of furniture and other household items. He also thanked the
VOG and the community’s sororities for their monetary contributions.
While he was there, Spain took the opportunity to promote the H&H car show and fundraiser to take place March 22 at the German American Social Club. The event, which is free admission for the public, will feature live music, food and drink, and the opportunity to compete in military-style games. The goal is to raise $50k for housing for veterans in need.
Another agency providing muchneeded services is Senior Helpers. Their representative Fabian Flores explained that since 2004 this organization has offered affordable in-home nonmedical assistance
to veterans and nonveterans. The Senior Helpers can assist with personal care and help with medical and nonmedical paperwork and bill paying. The Senior Helpers can provide transportation and run errands. They also serve military veterans and surviving spouses by helping them to receive the benefits for which they are entitled. Senior Helpers also offers training for caregivers of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients. Flores stated that Senior Helpers is proud to offer “senior care … only better.”
All Herons Glen veterans are welcome to join the Veterans of the Glen which meets regularly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.
SAFETY TIP
NEED TRANSPORTATION?
The Veterans of the Glen Outreach Committee and Friends Helping Friends Transportation Committee have joined in a partnership to help Herons Glen residents who need transportation to medical appointments, prescription pickup, food shopping or other urgent need. Please do not call for rides to and from the airport.
Residents may contact the following individuals during the period of January 1, 2025, through May 31, 2025. A 24-hour advance notice would be very helpful.
VOG Committee Chair, Jack Cotter
860-490-2183
Ed Schmidt
Mike Zarella
Jim Noffsinger
Kathleen Colletti
Polly Middleton
Tom Dugger
Donna Johnson
Bruce Johnson
616-745-9057
541-292-2714
270-881-7640
239-822-1573
703-407-6381
417-849-0010
716-450-7740
716-472-3860
We are always looking for volunteers. If interested, please contact Jack Cotter.
CRAIG WOOLLEY, HERONS GLEN
Now that it is getting colder outside, you may consider using a portable heater. Below are a few safety tips while using your portable heater.
1. Portable heaters can cause fires if they are placed too close to combustible materials, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding. Make sure to place them 3 feet away from these materials.
2. Always plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord or power strip to prevent overloading and causing a fire.
3. Never leave portable heaters on while sleeping.
IT’S
5
O’CLOCK
SOMEWHERE WINE TRIVIA 101
CANDACE HUETTEMAN, HERONS GLEN
I hope you enjoyed my last article about wine and that you found the trivia interesting. While Glenners continue to enjoy wine, have you ever asked yourself:
Where is the largest consumption of wine per capita in the world? The answer may
surprise you. According to the California Wine Institute, more wine is drunk annually per person in the Vatican (a nation with a population of just 842 people), than in any other country in the world. It should be noted that per capita data is an average of the people living in a given area, and that average is affected by the size of the area and the number of adults living there.
Where is the largest consumption of wine per capita in the U.S.? This answer may also surprise you. I know you thought it would be California. But it is the citizens of Washington, D.C. (a Federal District with a population of approximately 690,000 people) consuming 1.01 gallons per person per year. Meanwhile Californians, who drink the most by volume, come in fifth place when it comes to per capita consumption. West Virginia is the state that drinks the least wine per capita, just 0.11 gallons per individual.
Which states drink the most wine by volume? California, the state with the highest population and the greatest number of vineyards, naturally consumes the most wine overall, over 155 million gallons per year. California is followed by Florida consuming 83.2 million gallons and Texas drinking 65.6 million gallons per year. Conversely, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming consumed the least, just 1.2 million gallons in 2022.
Which countries worldwide consume the most wine? While statistics differ so much, it is safe to say that The United States, France and Italy are among the thirstiest wine drinkers.
This article is based on varying statistics, so take this information with “a grain of salt,” or better yet, with a glass of Chardonnay and slice of brie cheese.
TRIVIA CORNER
Here are five trivia questions to test your memory and common knowledge. Good luck!
1. What is the temperature at absolute zero on the Fahrenheit scale?
2. What was First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s maiden name?
3. In an equilateral triangle, how many sides are equal in length?
4. What Hall of Fame baseball player was known as “The Splendid Splinter”?
5. From the movie Some Like it Hot, what was Joe E. Brown’s famous last line?
JACK NELSON, HERONS GLEN
PLEASE DON’T FEED THE WILDLIFE; IT’S BAD FOR THEM AND IT’S ILLEGAL
LINDA LYNCH,
HERONS GLEN
There is a real temptation for some members of the public to feed wildlife because of the close contact they are able to have with the creatures they are feeding. Seeing wild birds or animals up close can be very engaging, but providing wildlife with human-supplied food generally leads to problems for both the wildlife and humans.
If young animals or birds depend on food from humans, they may not fully develop the essential foraging skills which allow them to survive independently. Wild animals or birds who get used to human feedings often lose their fear of people and may begin to approach humans to obtain food. This behavior may be mistaken as aggressive or rabid, which could lead to the animal’s demise.
Human food is also not nutritionally complete for wildlife, potentially depriving the creatures of needed nutrients. When a creature gets used to obtaining food at a certain source, it will return again and again, often bringing more of its same species on return trips. This can foster the spread of disease among the wildlife of that species, and even nearby humans and pets.
And in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FWC) has rules and penalties that make it illegal to feed certain wild animals, including bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, alligators, crocodiles, freshwater fish, wild monkeys, and manatees. Fines for violations start at $100.
In Florida it is illegal to:
• Feed wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage
• Attract or entice wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage
• Allow the placement of food or garbage in a manner that attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish
The first violation is a nominal civil infraction with a fine of $100; a second infraction is a criminal misdemeanor and involves a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment of up to 60 days. Four incidents yield a felony offense. Feeding alligators, crocodiles, and bears can lead to more severe criminal charges, higher fines, and more extensive imprisonment.
We are fortunate to share our environment here at Herons Glen with amazing wildlife and birds like “our” sandhill cranes. The best thing we can do to care for them is to give them habitat, not handouts.
Community Activities
MARBLES TOURNAMENT
PATTI CUMMINGS, HERONS GLEN
The men vs. women Marbles Tournament play resumed on January 12 with 11 tables of players. The holiday break must have given the men renewed energy since they pushed forward for a substantial lead. At the end of 2024 the men were leading with 34 games to the women’s 28 games. After the January 12 evening, the men expanded their lead with 52 games to the women’s 42 games. Ladies, we still have time to recover the lead and win the day so don’t despair. One team of men, pictured here, swept three games.
MIKE FELL, BILL MACKLEM AND JIM WOGAN
PRETTY IN PINK 2025: A GUIDE JANET SLATER, HERONS GLEN
Pretty in Pink, sponsored by the Herons Glen Ladies’ Golf Associations, consists of multiple fundraising events that culminate with a Ladies’ 18-hole golf tournament and luncheon honoring all cancer survivors. Golfer or not, here’s how you can join us in supporting a great cause!
Sponsor A Hole
(Remember a loved one or honor a survivor with a sign on a tee box)
Sponsor as a club or group, or on your own
Cost: $100, sponsor forms are available in the Pro Shop, or print your own here: http://tiny.cc/p426001
Contact: Cindy Matheny @ 501-318-5925 or cindyloufromar@gmail.com
Tournament Luncheon Raffle Table
(It’s huge!)
Donate a basket or item
Contact: Nancy Thompson @ 315-4669091 or dthompso@twcny.rr.com
If donating a complete basket, please include a list of the contents. Drop off by March 5 in the front entry of 2210 Faliron or contact Nancy. Suggestion: Ask for gift cards to donate when you’re visiting a local merchant! We’ll add them to a basket.
Flamingo Flocking
(A fun flock that roosts in a friend’s yard)
February 1 to 28; cost $20 donation. Pick up Flocking request forms in the Pro Shop
or print your own here: http://tiny.cc/us16001
Contact: Trudy Flanery @ 860-625-5448 or taflanery100@comcast.net or Kim Morea @ 203994-4789 or moreakim@gmail.com
Bake Sale
(Cook up a treat, or gobble down a goodie)
March 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., during the Art Show
Contact: Maryann Peckham @860-559-2528 or mampeckham@gmail.com or Katie Schwemlein @ 239-217-6181 or katie4golf@gmail.com
Wrap portions and label; deliver to Katie, 20643 Dennisport Lane, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, March 7 or 12 to 5 pm., Saturday, March 8; or to Maryann, 20871 Villareal Way, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, March 7.
18-Hole Golf Tournament And Luncheon (Ladies’ Day!)
Wednesday, March 19. Golf and Lunch or Golf only; or Lunch only for non-golfers.
Registration: March 3, 5, and 7 from 12 to 3 p.m., near putting green. Bring $25 check payable to Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Inc. Basket raffle tickets will also be on sale.
Contact: Bonnie MacGregor @585-303-0624 or bonniemac@frontier.com
All Pretty in Pink events support Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Inc., a local nonprofit providing funding for breast screening, diagnostic testing, surgery and treatment for uninsured, low-income women and men in Southwest Florida.
SOCIALITES GET A WEATHER REPORT FROM ALLISON RAE
PAM SCHEID, HERONS GLEN
It was a cold, rainy January day when the Socialites hosted Allison Rae, meteorologist from NBC2 in Fort Myers. However, it wasn’t the current weather conditions Rae had come to talk about. As one of the news anchors for Channel 2, she has spent long hours on air giving Southwest Florida residents hurricane updates. She said the most devastating storm she had lived through personally and professionally was Ian. This year’s triple strike of Debbie, Helene, and Milton kept her especially busy.
Rae explained that she believes her responsibility as a television meteorologist is more than giving the weather forecast. She believes it is important, especially regarding hurricanes, to educate her listeners about the nature and causes of weather so they can better prepare to meet the storms’ impact. She told the group that it concerns her that many locals are misinformed about the “cone” they see on TV that shows a storm’s path. She explained the cone illustrates the direction of the hurricane’s “eye” but is not a strict indicator of its impact area. Areas in or near the right side of the cone are in the greatest danger of storm surge.
Storm surge from hurricanes along coastal areas is a major concern. While that is not a threat to inland Florida, Rae warned we should not be complacent when we are
in a hurricane’s path. She says we should prepare for high winds, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes. She stressed that Floridians should understand that every hurricane is different and that no one should assume behavior of a pending storm will be like the one before. She also advised residents to get their weather updates from local stations rather than national news outlets.
The January meeting was also a time to welcome new members. Cheryl Dawes asked them to stand and be recognized. When complimented by President Janet Kerns for her clever centerpieces, Mary Lou Pierozzi asked the group if they recognized them as Galileo’s thermometers.
NBC2’S ALLISON RAE WITH RHONDA PARKINSON AND JANET KERNS
Because there had been some issues with the online reservations, Kathleen Colletti reviewed the process. Mary Koenig announced she is again hosting a jewelry party to benefit the Pretty in Pink cancer fundraiser.
Rhonda Parkinson introduced a representative from PACE who had been a guest speaker at a previous meeting. PACE is a program for teenage at-risk girls that has achieved considerable success helping these girls to turn their lives around. Rhonda presented her with a check for $750, proceeds from the bake sale held during the Craft Fair. Treasurer Bev Groft reported that this month’s member contributions to the All Souls food bank and outreach program totaled $545.
Members were informed that the annual Socialites fashion show will take place in April, and they were encouraged to sign up to model clothes from Anthony’s.
TRAVEL CLUB EXCITEMENT!
DUANE PARKINSON, HERONS GLEN
On Wednesday, January 15, there were over 100 excited members of our rapidly growing Herons Glen Travel Club who were in the ballroom learning about how to enhance our digital photographs on our iPhones and Androids. We have an amazing array of talented people here in the Glen, and our Dick Muller is certainly one of them. Dick showed us how to enhance the contrast, exposure, saturation, etc., on the photos on our phones
so that our photos look much better. Thank you, Dick, for sharing your expertise!
Our club continues to have significant growth. Twenty new members were added to the club at the meeting, and we now have 343 members! Wow!
We also now have a “Herons Glen Travel Club” Facebook page. Check it out!
Some of our upcoming meetings and activities include:
Thursday, February 13 in the ballroom from 2 to 4 p.m., Dr. Norma Hudson, who gave us a wonderful presentation at our December 4 Christmas Banquet on “Christmas Customs Around the World,” will discuss her experiences living in Saudi Arabia for 34 years and then in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for seven years. A Westerner living in a very restrictive nation like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia certainly has some challenges in lifestyle, activities, etc. This will be a very interesting topic for us!
Also, I will be providing last-minute information on our Caribbean Cruise on February 17 to 27. This 11-day, 10-night cruise will be going to St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and has four at sea days for relaxation. We have 85 Glenners going on this cruise; a record number!
On Wednesday, March 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the ballroom, Dick Muller will continue his sharing on enhancing our digital photos. Also, we will have one of our members present her recent travel experiences to foreign islands. The details are yet to be finalized on this one. Stay tuned!
We recently completed the details of a newly arranged local trip to the Naples Playhouse upcoming on Sunday, April 6. There are 52 spots available on our motor coach, and almost 40 people signed up at the meeting. We will depart the Glen on a motorcoach at noon on Sunday, April 6 and see the 2 p.m. matinee, Man of LaMancha at the Naples Playhouse. The show will end at about 4:30 p.m., and then everyone will have dinner on their own at one of the wonderful restaurants on Fifth Street in Naples. We will then depart Naples by motor coach at 8 p.m. to return to the Glen.
There is still time for you to sign up for the October 18 to 28, Greece/Turkey
Mediterranean Cruise on the Celebrity Equinox. We will be visiting Barcelona, Spain; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey; Istanbul,
Turkey (two days); Santorini, Greece; Olympia, Greece; and wind up in Rome, Italy. This is all at a very reasonable price. 60 Glenners have signed up for this cruise, and there is still room for you! Call me at (636) 541-4561 or email me at duaneparkinson@gmail.com for more information!
As you can see, our Travel Club members have an extremely active lifestyle. We love to travel to interesting destinations and learn about other countries and cultures from people who have been there. Come and join us!
ALPHA DELTA MU SORORITY CONTINUES CHARITABLE WORK CANDACE HUETTEMAN, HERONS GLEN
Recently, the sisters of Alpha Delta Mu Sorority took a tour of the Outreach Program at All Souls Episcopal Church in North Fort Myers. Later this month, several sisters will take part in this program that supports veterans, the homeless and needy families in Lee County.
