The HOA Communications Committee serves as the supervisory body for The Heron per Article IX of our by-laws.
Christine Kozak is the committee liasion from the HOA Board of Directors.
The Heron Editorial Policy is on file in the HOA office. Articles for The Heron may be dropped off or mailed to The HOA Office, 2250 Herons Glen Blvd., N. Fort Myers, FL 33917 or emailed to hgnewspaper@gmail.com.
Dick Muller
Becky Gignac Magazine Coordinator
Linda Lynch Editor
Pam Scheid Editor
Jack Nelson Editor
Sue McCoy Editor
Denise Johnson Editor
Community News
IMPORTANT EMERGENCY CONTACT
ANNOUNCEMENT
THE HGHOA BOARD
The HOA Board reminds everyone to submit the name and contact information of a friend or relative of yours who can be contacted in case of an emergency. Please send this to the HOA Office. This is something most of us don’t think about, but if something should happen to you, the sheriff’s office contacts the HOA for that information.
Here is a link to the HOA Form: https://heronsglenhoa.wufoo.com/forms/ zwpyl3v1tpqbah
Timothy McKenna
Ronald Mosher
Lynn Nelson Ed Hare
COMING SOON
4/9 VOG Meeting/Dinner Restaurant
4/10 Kat Orlando Duo Restaurant
4/12 Double Dare Ballroom (end of season)
4/13 Marbles Ballroom/Veranda
4/13 Ice Cream Truck Ballroom Parking Lot
4/17 Sunsets Duo Restaurant
4/24 Tina Solomon Restaurant
4/28 Travel Club Potluck Ballroom
5/1 Wendy Renee Restaurant
5/5 Bloodmobile Parking Lot
5/8 Ron Lorenzo Restaurant
5/15 Smalltown Duo Restaurant
5/22 Jay Smith Restaurant
5/29 Double Dare Restaurant
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
Community News
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
It is spring and the weather is perfect! It is a good time to think about emergency preparedness now before the hot, humid, stormy summer and the beginning of hurricane season on June 1.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please update your emergency contact information for the HOA file. It is important to update the following information at least annually.
• Update or add emergency contact information
• Leaving your home for extended periods of time
• Herons Glen HOA Text Messaging
• Lee County-All Hazards Guide
LEE COUNTY SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM
The Special Needs Program is available to all Lee County residents at no cost. It provides shelter for those who live in a home and/or area that is not safe from storm surge or wind and have no other safe place to go. It also provides transportation to a shelter for those residents who do not have a way to get there. You must register to receive these services by completing the Special Needs Program application below.
Registering with the Special Needs Program does not guarantee you will be assigned a space in the Special Medical Needs Shelter. Your application will be reviewed by the Department of Health, and you will be assigned to a shelter where your needs can be managed.
The following is a listing of HOA and HGRD meetings known at the time of publication.
Calendar Of HOA Meetings March 20 To June
As these dates are subject to change, please check the HOA website calendar and the community channel (Bluestream Channel 901) for updates.
All committee meetings are via Zoom/Card Room D unless noted otherwise.
4/8 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
4/9 Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
4/10 Grounds Committee, 1 p.m.
4/16 Communications Committee, 1 p.m.
4/17 Activities Committee, 10 a.m.
4/22 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
4/24 Finance Committee, 1 p.m.
4/25 SSEP Committee, 8:30 a.m.
5/6 Board Workshop, 1 p.m.
5/8 Grounds Committee, 1 p.m.
5/13 Architectural Committee, 9 a.m.
5/14 Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
5/15 Activities Committee, 10 a.m.
5/21 Communications Committee, 1 p.m.
5/22 Finance Committee, 1 p.m.
5/23 SSEP Committee, 8:30 a.m.
5/27 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
6/3 Board Workshop, 1 p.m.
Calendar Of HGRD Meetings March 24 To June
As these dates are subject to change, please check the HGRD website calendar and the community channel (Bluestream Channel 902) for updates.
All committee meetings are via Zoom/Card Room C unless noted otherwise.
4/14 Finance Committee, 9 a.m.
4/18 Facilities & Amenities Committee, 9 a.m.
4/21 Long-Range Planning Committee, 9 a.m.
4/28 Joint Board Meeting with Finance Committee, 9 a.m.
5/5 Board Meeting, 9 a.m.
5/12 Resident Events Committee, 1 p.m.
5/19 Board Meeting, 9 a.m.
6/1 Residents Events Committee, 1 p.m.
6/2 Board Meeting, 9 a.m.
Community News
PRESIDENT’S REPORT MARCH 2025
MARY WRIGHT, HOA PRESIDENT, HERONS GLEN
The HOA Activities Committee held the annual shredding event for the residents on March 3. Almost 4,000 pounds of paper were shredded. This is a much appreciated and needed event. Thanks to the Activities Committee for organizing and working it.
Firewise 2025 was also a huge success, setting a record of raising $10,013 to be given to the Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, Local 1826. Thanks to the SSEP Committee for this educational and entertaining event.
Remember the Ice Cream Social is scheduled for April 6. The Activities Committee is spearheading this event as well. Further details will follow.
These two HOA Committees aren’t the only committees that keep Herons Glen running smoothly. The committees are always looking for volunteers. Please consider volunteering to help the community remain one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida. Online > Volunteer Form
The HOA is replacing sections of sidewalk throughout the community that are damaged. This is a yearly project. Please be aware if you are out walking.
There has been some confusion about who owns CLIS. The HOA does not own CLIS, that is the HGRD. Please direct any questions or comments to the HGRD.
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.
We are always looking for volunteers. If interested, please contact Jack Cotter.
Community Interests
THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY – DANAUS PLEXIPPUS
HELEN GRAZIANO, HERONS GLEN KIM BASILE, HERONS GLEN
The monarch is a common and beautiful butterfly that graces our Butterfly Garden. It is best known in North America and has a powerful flight. It often sails with its wings in a “V.”
Monarchs are distasteful to predators because they obtain toxic chemicals from their food plant, the butterfly weed. Their bright coloration signals their toxicity to predators. MONARCH
S en ior L i v i n g
They are most prevalent from April to May and October to November.
Males have a black scent patch on their hind wings. Females lay their eggs on the underside of butterfly weed plants, where they develop into larvae and start eating.
These beautiful butterflies move south throughout the East in September and October, and many wind up in the fir-clad Mexican mountains. There are tremendous gatherings of these monarchs, but pressures from logging, pesticides, and other developments in that area have jeopardized them.
In spring, these overwintering monarchs start their movement northward. Along the way, they lay eggs, and several generations are produced during their migration. The offspring continue to move north, reaching the East Coast in April and May.
The care of monarchs is a rewarding hobby. A butterfly enclosure should be placed away from direct sunlight and drafts where it can be undisturbed for the duration of their life cycle.
The caterpillars eat a lot and host plants in a pot should be placed in the enclosure. Their droppings (frass) need to be cleaned daily from the enclosure as the frass can stick to the caterpillars and interfere with their metamorphosis.
The caterpillars should not be touched as their bodies can be harmed. During this period they grow for 7 to 14 days and become chrysalides. At this stage, you will see they are developing their organs, and the wing color should become apparent. Once the butterflies emerge from the chrysalides, they must not be disturbed or touched.
For 7 to 10 days they will grow the necessary organs and you will be able to see the change in the wing color. They will eventually spread their wings which must dry before they are ready for flight. This can take several hours.
When they are flapping their wings, you can allow them to walk on your finger, and they can be released or can be kept in the enclosure for up to 24 hours. If you keep them in the enclosure, prepare some nectar (dissolve three teaspoons of sugar in a cup of water) and place the nectar on a paper towel and place it in the enclosure.
TRIVIA CORNER
JACK NELSON, HERONS GLEN
1. What team won the first Super Bowl and what was the year?
2. What actress has won the most Oscars for best actress?
3. Who served as president of the United Mine Workers from 1920 to 1960?
4. Who couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again?
5. What does -9 x -9 equal?
ART SHOW 2025
KATHY LYNCH, HERONS GLEN
Our Herons Glen Artist Group’s busy year culminated with the Annual Fine Art Show held in the ballroom. The successful event was coordinated with the 3-D craft group on Sunday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, 20 artists filled the ballroom with artwork in various mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, oil, and mixed media. Many visitors to the exhibition commented on the ability and talents of our community’s artists. Many were lucky enough to find that perfect piece of art for their home! For the artists, it was an opportunity to showcase their creative talents and passion for artistic pursuits. Carol Schultz was awarded Best in Show for her watercolor painting, White Trilliums , inspired by her Seattle surroundings. Our first-place winners were Tootie Stark for her watercolor, Climbers; Lynn Ridings-Baker’s acrylic painting, Paradise Sweet; and Janice Esdale’s mixed medium, Cracked Trees. Don’t miss next year’s Art Show which is scheduled for a Sunday in early March!
Note: May’s issue of The Heron will feature all the artists and their works!
WHAT’S UP WITH THOSE FLASHING LIGHTS ALONG HERONS GLEN BLVD?
THE HGHOA COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Beginning in early December of last year, anyone who passed along Herons Glen Boulevard in the back of our community at dusk or after dark would have noticed four streetlights that were continuously flashing.
These lighting fixtures are leased by the HOA from Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC), our local electric utility.
Members of the HOA Staff reported the malfunctioning lights to LCEC several
CAROL SCHULTZ, TRILLIUMS , BEST IN SHOW
times in December, again multiple times in January, and yet again repeatedly in February. LCEC was not forthcoming about what the problem was or when the repairs would be made.
While Mastek, a subcontractor for LCEC, was sighted looking at the lights on several occasions, only one had been repaired by mid-January.
Fortunately, due to the perseverance and persistence of the HOA Staff, all four of these flashing light fixtures have been repaired in early March. However, now another fixture is blinking and has been reported.
Whenever there are flashing or non-working street light fixtures within Herons Glen, the HOA Staff will continue to report these situations to LCEC until they are resolved.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE IN FLORIDA?
JACK NELSON, HERONS GLEN
It’s the middle of January around 7:30 a.m. The outside air temperature is 70 degrees and climbing steadily. You’re walking from your kitchen to your lanai with a cup of coffee in one hand and the daily newspaper in the other. A pair of sandhill cranes is in your back yard pecking away at the grass, enjoying their breakfast. An alligator is soaking up the delicious rays of sun on the bank of a lake not more than a hundred feet
from your property. The branches of your palm trees are gently swaying to and fro caressed by a light, refreshing breeze. The setting is heavenly and you know you’re in Florida.
Up north it’s a different story. From Idaho all the way to Maine, the temperature is 30 degrees and dropping rapidly. Snow is falling at the rate of 5 inches per hour and the wind is howling away at 43 miles per hour. It’s a category 5 blizzard. Snowplows and salting crews are ready for action. Schools and businesses are closed, and a state of emergency has been declared by 28 states. Not surprisingly, all airline flights are cancelled. If you live in any of those states, you wish you were in Florida.
By 8:45 the temperature is nudging 80 degrees and you and three of your friends have a tee time of 9:25. Others are already having fun on the tennis courts or enjoying pickleball. Bocce and shuffleboard tournaments are in progress. Horseshoes, anyone? By 10:15, you and your golf mates are having the round of your lives. Your drives have been straight and long, and you’ve been sinking 8-to 10-foot putts with regularity. You’re in Florida for sure.
Two days later the North has finally cleared the snow, both on the
highways and the runways. Schools and businesses have reopened. Airlines are resuming their normal schedules. Streets and parking lots have been plowed. In the parking lot of a large shopping mall in Minnesota, mounds of plowed snow reach as high as 15 feet. Some youngsters got creative and dug a system of tunnels in one of the larger piles. They posted a sign at the entrance which read, “Carlsbad Caverns. Keep out!” Such humor. Those kids are definitely not in Florida.
You’re kayaking on the Caloosahatchee River. Your fishing line is dangling in Lake Okeechobee. You’re being whisked around the Everglades on an airboat tour. You’re weeding your flower garden and you come upon a 2-foot-long snake. It’s a colorful critter with bands of red, yellow, and black. The red and yellow bands are together so you know it’s a coral snake. Rather than retrieving your spade from your garage, you decide to call animal control and, within the hour, the reptile has been safely relocated. You’ve done your good deed for the day and, without a doubt, you’re in the Sunshine State.
It’s the first weekend of November and you’re watching the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels performing their homecoming airshow in Pensacola. The crowd is thrilled. After the show,
you walk up to the flight line and obtain the autographs of all six pilots, and now you have the souvenir of a lifetime. It’s the western end of the Florida panhandle.
So, if the sunsets are beautiful, the beaches are snowy-white, or the wind is howling at 140 miles per hour with tons of rain, chances are you’re somewhere in Florida. If you’re enjoying the best Key lime pie in the world in Islamorada Key, you’re 64 miles south of Miami and 83 miles north of Key West. That’s the sovereign state of Florida, home to the fountain of youth and land of paradise.
SOLANA’S GREAT HORNED OWLS
NIC ROSSI, HERONS GLEN
CARLA SMITH, HERONS GLEN VISITOR
When one of the babies fell out of their original nest in Solana, residents Pam and Dennis Moeller took it to the Peace River Rescue to check the baby over. When they found it was fine, Peace River Rescue returned the baby to the original nest. However, they brought with them a new wicker nest as the original nest was too small. The Peace River aid found a second baby in the original nest and moved it into the new wicker basket. Mom and Dad returned,
BABY GREAT HORNED OWLS
and they are now all happy in their new nest.
Peace River Rescue told us that these great horned owls will return to nest in the same place every year. They are now our Solana mascots!
WHITE TIGER ON THE PROWL CAROL BRYAN, HERONS GLEN
In 1998 Art Williams decided to start a fun idea. He got a 4-foot-tall stuffed white tiger and started sending him on adventures around Herons Glen. He has now traveled to 165 homes. He rested a long time at Dan Lim’s house but is now on the prowl again. He visited me recently and we went to the beach and to Herons Glen butterfly garden. He loved it!
Watch out! He may visit you next.
WHAT A THEATRE WEEKEND!
JANICE RADCLIFF, HERONS GLEN
The Players of the Glen started their three-run performance of A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody by Ron Bernas, with a red-carpet gala experience that blended elegance and excitement. The lavishly decorated grand lobby buzzed with laughter and conversation, while servers offered delish hors d’oeuvres. The success of the gala was a team effort headed by Cathy Barbal, Sue Gregor, Marylou Pierozzi and Rikki Nelson.
The show opened with an a cappella rendition of Auld Lang Syne performed by Sue Atkins, Ron Barrett, Ana Ellis, Art Essery, Ed Heutteman, Maureen Nauss, Jim Nelson, and Claudie Tweedle.
The cast, directed by Trish Perry, brought this screwball comedy to life with brilliant performances. Matthew Perry (Pat Callaghan) played just the right mix of arrogance and absurdity as he plotted (and failed) to murder his clever wife, Julia (Shirley Evans). Bunny (Jenni Stone), the not-so-clever daughter, brought bubbly energy to the stage, while Donald (Jim Fitzgerald), her
GALA COMMITTEE – RIKKI NELSON, SUE GREGOR, CATHY BARBAL, MARYLOU PIEROZZI
JIM FITZGERALD, JENNI STONE, ART LIPPENS, TRISH PERRY (DIRECTOR), DENNIS DELUCA. SEATED ON THE SOFA – PAT CALLAGHAN, SHIRLEY EVANS
clueless fiancé, delivered plenty of laughs with his nervous charm. Buttram (Art Lippens), played the family servant with class and deadpan expressions. Detective Plotnik (Dennis DeLuca) was a scene-stealer playing up the classic bumbling detective with great physical comedy and exasperation while trying to solve murders that never happened. Thanks to an indispensable lighting, sound, and prop crews, well-timed spotlights, sound effects, and props added magic to the stage.
This production was so much more than what the audience saw on stage – it was the dedication and hard work of countless Herons Glen volunteers who made it all possible. From playbill design to set builders to ticket takers to backstage hands, every role was vital.
The Players of the Glen Board want to thank all the residents for supporting the arts within the community: President Bob Agate, Cathy Barbal, Pat Callaghan, Dennis DeLuca, Shirley Evans, Sue Gregor, Sandy Herde, Denise Leclair, Linda Stockbar, and Janice Radcliff.
ROB DENTEL, LINDA STOCKBAR, JEFF JENSEN, TRISH PERRY, BOB HANSFORD, PAUL CHIPMAN, PAUL KOENIG, KAREN JESSOP. BACK ROW: JANICE RADCLIFF, JO DELUCA, BOB PERRY, SUE ADUCCI. NOT PICTURED: JAYNE SCHWARZ, STEVE DAHLSTROM, BOB HERBSTRITT, BOB PANEK, JEFF BUXTON, BILL CASHELL, LINDA DENTEL
SPRING SAFETY TIPS
CRAIG J. WOOLLEY, SSEP CHAIR, HERONS GLEN
Here are some Spring Safety Tips from the SSEP Committee.
1. Check, Test, and Inspect Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
When the clocks “spring forward” one hour with Daylight Saving Time, it’s also wise to check and inspect your home’s smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring they work efficiently. Batteries can be the difference between injuries, damage, and even fatalities.
It’s important to listen for specific beeping and chirping sounds, both of which have distinct tones signifying potential issues such as emergencies, low batteries, or device replacement.
Trivia Answers
1. Green Bay Packers, January 15, 1967
2. Katharine Hepburn
3. John L. Lewis.
4. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
5. 81
Having a strategically placed fire extinguisher within reach of the kitchen or other cooking areas is also recommended. Like other fire and life safety devices, these should be inspected yearly for expiration dates and working order.
Directly connect carbon monoxide and smoke detectors (if possible) to your security system’s service for immediate responses from local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
2. Clean and Reposition Outdoor Security Cameras.
It’s crucial to review placement and positioning of outdoor security cameras around your property. This ensures suspicious activities and unwelcome intruders appear on video feeds.
A clearly positioned doorbell camera at your front door will clearly identify any packages a thief may walk off with. Often occurring during daylight hours, these so-called “porch pirates” keep watch for unattended deliveries.
When properly positioning outdoor security cameras, a general recommendation is mounting these devices between 8 and 10 feet from the ground. This is low enough to capture even the smallest details, while keeping thieves at bay.
Placing security cameras away from obstructed areas is best for avoiding distorted or blocked imagery and video.
TRIVIA CORNER
Community Activities
MARBLES TOURNAMENT –
FEBRUARY 23
PATTI CUMMINGS, HERONS GLEN
The fourth night of the marbles tournament between teams of men and teams of women ended with the ladies significantly behind in wins. After nine tables each played three rounds of marbles, the men had 16 wins to the ladies’ 11. There was only one sweep of all three games by the team of Walt Checko, Keith Brown and Rick Lindquist. So far since this season has begun, the men now have 68 wins, and the women have 53 wins. Let’s go ladies! There are two more opportunities for us as of this writing: Sunday, March 30 and April 13. Plan to be in the ballroom for a night of fun with friends starting at 6 p.m.
THIRD CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
DENISE FELL, HERONS GLEN
The Third Corn Hole Tournament, hosted by the Resident Events Committee, was a resounding triumph, made possible by the collaborative spirit of the HGRD Residents Events Committee and a team of dedicated volunteers. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the volunteers, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in bringing this event to life. The Nest’s delicious hamburgers and hot dogs, accompanied by refreshing beverages,
WALT CHECKO, KEITH BROWN AND RICK LINDQUIST
were a hit with attendees. Tom Foster’s music machine and impressive scoring skills added to the excitement, while Robert Wohlfarth’s
1ST
cheering section brought an extra layer of enthusiasm. The event concluded on a sweet note with Scoops’ Ice Cream Truck, and the tournament winners were 1st place, Barb Merriam and Gordon Wagoner; 2nd place, Wendy Randall and Terry McElfresh; and 3rd place, Kim Mueller and Kevin Barkey. Thank you to all participants, volunteers, and spectators for making these tournaments enjoyable for the community. A SPECIAL thank you to Steve Christiansen who was the Master of Ceremonies for these tournaments and put his heart and soul into bringing cornhole to the community.
2ND
3RD
SHELLY CHRISTIANSEN, DENISE FELL (MANAGERS), AND SHELLY LONG (CHECK-IN)
PLACE –KIM MUELLER AND KEVIN BARKEY
PLACE –WENDY RANDALL AND TERRY MCELFRESH
PLACE –BARB MERRIAM AND GORDON WAGONER
FAIRWAYS BOCCE FUN DAY
DENISE FELL, HERONS GLEN
On Sunday, February 23, 46 residents enjoyed The Fairways’ annual Bocce Fun Day, connecting with new neighbors and strengthening old friendships.
THE MEADOWS ANNUAL PICNIC
MARY WRIGHT, HERONS GLEN
The residents of The Meadows, Via Athena and Athenian Lane, had their annual potluck picnic on Saturday March 1. Over half of the 51 homes were represented with 42 residents and 5 guests attending. It was a great way for everyone to get acquainted and reacquainted. After enjoying a great meal, several people participated in a game of left-right-center.
SUCCESSFUL SHREDDING EVENT
DENISE FELL, HERONS GLEN
MICHAEL FELL, HERONS GLEN
The Herons Glen HOA Activities Committee successfully hosted our annual communitywide shredding event on March 3, providing residents with a secure means of disposing of sensitive documents. Herons Glen residents took advantage of the opportunity to shred their accumulated boxes and bags of items using the All Points Mobile shredding machine. The event resulted in the shredding of approximately 3,980 pounds of documents, proving the community’s commitment to security and sustainability. The HOA Activities Committee incurred a cost of $350 for the staffed shredding machine, which was offset by generous donations from participants. Appreciation is extended to the Activity Committee members and Susan Darcy who helped with unloading the boxes and bags from golf carts and cars.
SOCIALITES ABSORB LESSONS IN CANNABIS
PAM SCHEID, HERONS GLEN
Intrigued by the title of the guest speaker’s message, Socialites looked forward to learning about Chiropractic Medicine and Cannabis. Gerri Weinberger introduced Dr. Misty Green D.C., MSMCST, who is a chiropractic physician and an expert in the medicinal use of cannabinoids.
Dr. Green acknowledged that, although there is increasing interest, there is not yet overwhelming enthusiasm among medical professionals for this alternative approach to treatment.
She acknowledged that the education of doctors and other health care providers has not traditionally included the benefits of cannabis products. The fact is that the natural properties of this plant have been shown to have beneficial effects for pain management and anxiety relief.
Cannabis is the “mother” plant for hemp and marijuana. The CBD properties of hemp are nonaddictive and work well with existing body enzymes. THC in marijuana interacts with the brain and can be addictive.
There are basically three ways to use cannabis: inhalation (smoking), edibles (gummies), and topicals, which do not enter the bloodstream. It is CBD salves that Green offers her patients during treatments to enhance pain relief.
Green cautioned that there is danger in misusing this drug as with any other. Cannabis products will interact with other medications, so it is important to consult with one’s doctor before using. She also said it is important to realize and understand that there are differing laws from state-to-state regarding legalization of cannabis for medicinal use and for adult recreation and for the regulation of sales of by-products of the plant. Therefore, it is essential to only buy cannabis products from licensed dealers.
GERRI WEINBERGER, DR. MISTY GREEN, AND RHONDA PARKINSON
Presiding over the short business meeting, President Janet Kerns complimented Mary Lou Pierozzi for the table decorations and called on Donna Moffatt who reminded members they can still order name tags. Treasurer Bev Groft reported this month’s member donations to the All Souls outreach program totaled $470.
Janet then invited Joy Barber to talk about the success of the Littleton Elementary Excellence in Education Program. The program to offer volunteer reading instruction began with Linda Nickerson and the Socialites five years ago. Linda now serves as the school’s librarian, and the program has grown to involve volunteers from five other neighboring gated communities.
Rhonda Parkinson closed the meeting by drawing the names of the eight members who will be the models in the April 15 style show. This will be the last meeting for this season. However, Socialites will meet informally in the lounge at 11:30 a.m. on the third Thursdays starting in May. Reservations are required.
VOG HOSTS DR. JERALD L. WALLACE, FORMER SENTINEL AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER PAM SCHEID, HERONS GLEN
VOG members packed Activities Room A in anticipation of the presentation on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by guest speaker, Dr. Jerald L. Wallace. Wallace, who spent a year and a half as a member of the Honor Guard at the Tomb, showed a video of the famous ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. He gave a detailed history
of the establishment of the tomb and the selection process for the unidentified WWI serviceman to be interred there. Later, more monuments were erected, and the same selection process was used to honor the unidentified fallen soldiers in WWII and the Korean Conflict. The most recent monument was to honor the Viet Nam unknowns. However, after an unknown soldier was selected and buried, his remains were identified as a downed pilot. He was disinterred and his remains returned to his family. Consequently, it was decided to dedicate this monument to all of the Viet Nam War MIAs.
Wallace was a U.S. Army paratrooper when he was selected to join the Honor Guard. He described the rigorous training required for soldiers who aspired to perform this sacred duty. The guards learn the required posture and stance and to crisply “shoulder arms.” They are also taught a rolling-gait walking style which has no bounce. Above all, they stay focused on their duty to guard the tombs. They are vigilant in their mission to prevent disrespect by intruders as they walk 21 steps on the mat, turn, pause for 21 seconds, then walk back 21 steps. This tireless ritual repeats itself 24 hours a day, every day of the year, regardless of the weather. The impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every half hour in the summer and every hour in the winter.
Wallace stated that walking the line surrounded by the spirits of fallen heroes
had a profound effect on him, especially late at night when Arlington is closed and all is quiet. At night, the lone sentry has time to reflect on the character of those who gave their lives in service to their country.
After four years in the military, Wallace went to college, then spent 35 years in entrepreneurial pursuits, primarily in the construction and development arenas in South Florida. Currently, Wallace is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Business Management at Point University in Georgia. He is the son-in-law of Clara and the late Joe Reda. Jerry and his wife Joanne, who also served as a Marine, split their time between Hamilton, Ga., and Fort Myers. The Wallaces have been married for 40 years and have two married daughters and two grandchildren. Wallace’s book about his service as a sentinel, Surrounded by Heroes, will be available this summer.
During the brief business meeting, President Bruce Johnson read thank-you notes for VOG donations from Hearts and Homes and from Holidays for Heroes. He also announced that members should sign up for the annual picnic at 1 p.m. on April 16 and that the Veterans Day dinner dance will be November 11. Ticket sales will begin in June.
CARIBBEAN EXCITEMENT!
DUANE PARKINSON, HERONS GLEN
Eighty members of our HG Travel Club recently returned to the Glen after our 11-day, 10-night Caribbean cruise. We all returned exhausted but have a boatload of memories of our trip with our friends.
Our travel agent, Omni Tours, arranged our trip so we conveniently boarded two motor coaches at the HG Clubhouse, and then traveled over to the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port to board the Celebrity Eclipse, a 2,800-passenger cruise ship. From the Glen directly to the ship; extremely easy!
DR. JERRY WALLACE, BRUCE JOHNSON, CLARA REDA, JOANNE REDA WALLACE
We then began the cruise with two relaxing days at sea, followed by a day in St. Thomas. And then onward to Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, and finally St. Kitts and Nevis. Each of the islands has its own distinct personality, and it was very interesting taking our shore excursions to explore the cultures. Shore excursions ranged from simple beach time, catamaran rides, exciting trips to the top of the island’s extinct volcano, botanical gardens, and (of course) rum tasting. But once we returned to the ship from our various shore excursions, the day was just beginning! There was a myriad of activities to participate in while on the ship, from delicious dinners at restaurants’ buffets, the main dining room, and various specialty restaurants. But finishing dinner only meant that the evening’s entertainment was just beginning…
The Main Theater presentations included a magic show, where our own Pat Crytser was the audience star of the show. She was holding in her hands a piece of white paper, which exploded into flames … and then turned into a living long-stemmed red rose! This magician was good enough to appear on the TV show America’s Got Talent! Later in the week, this same performer provided the ship passengers with a hypnosis show and some of our HG cruisers were featured in this performance.
The Main Theater also hosted music performances and Las Vegas-style dancing performers. However, there were numerous opportunities to listen to music in smaller venues, and lots of our cruisers burned off those excess dinner calories with their very active dancing away the evening in different music settings. But sometimes you just have to slow down the pace a bit. About a dozen of our HG Chorus members composed almost half of the members of the informal ship’s chorus during their presentation on the Main Staircase.
Marla Pierce was busy coordinating line dancing times and getting people together for hand, knee, and foot card games. Ginnie Varney easily corralled people in putting together jigsaw puzzles. So even though there are lots of
active excursions to participate in, there are also opportunities to slow down a bit and relax.
What’s next for the Travel Club? We have a Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Italy cruise scheduled from October 18 to 28 this fall. There are almost 60 Glenners signed up for this cruise, but there is plenty of space left for those that would like to book a cabin and go with us.
Plus, we are all looking forward to our next Caribbean cruise February 28 to March 8, 2026. It’s not too early to begin making plans for this cruise next spring. Come and join us!
For more information about how to join us in our fun activities, please give me a call at (636) 541-4561 or email at duaneparkinson@gmail.com. Or call Rhonda at (314) 566-6168 or email at rhondajeanparkinson@gmail.com.
Sports
NORTH FORT MYERS SENIORS 8-BALL LEAGUE
MIKE STROPES, HERONS GLEN
The Herons Glen team finished the fall season in 6th place. After the 7th week of competition, they are in 8th place with two more weeks left in the spring season. Al Southerland is the captain of the Herons Glen team. If you have an interest in learning more about the league and team, please contact Al via email: alsailor60@ gmail.com. Alternatively, you can check out the league’s website at https://cowanh.wixsite.com/nfm-8-ball.
Here are the current standings among the 10 participating communities. Each community has at least one five-person team and three communities have two teams.
HERONS GLEN BOWLING LEAGUE
MIKE STROPES, HERONS GLEN
The Bowl-Dacious Fun team continues their first-place ranking and in contention for winning the second half of the season as well as the overall league championship. On Tuesday, March 18 there will be a position round to determine the ranking for all the teams including the second half season winner. Then on March 25 there will be a roll-off for the season winner between Bowl-Dacious Fun and the winner of the second half of the season. However, Pin Down Squad is the only team within reach of Bowl-Dacious Fun. Therefore, if Pin Down Squad doesn’t win all 7 points on March 18, then there will not be a roll-off to determine the league champion – it will be Bowl-Dacious Fun since they won the first half season and will have also won the second half season. Regardless of the outcome, the league will still conduct a 9 Pin No-Tap event on March 25 following the
meeting at which cash prizes are awarded to all bowlers and individual category winners. This event is then followed by a pizza party at the Herons Glen restaurant.
A new bowling season will start this October. Bowling in the league offers an opportunity to meet HG residents as well as staying active and having fun in the process. If you are interested in joining the league or for additional information, please send an email to heronsglenbowling@gmail.com.
Here are the current standings and statistics for the league to date. These stats don’t reflect the final standings for the season since there is one more week of bowling to report after Tuesday’s bowling and possible roll-off. The league’s final results for the season will be reported in the May edition of The Heron magazine.
HERONS GLEN BOWLING LEAGUE 2024-2025 SEASON
Top 3 Teams for the 2nd Half of the League’s Season Through 3/11/2025
Place: Team Name - Points Team Members
1st Place: Bowl-Dacious Fun - 52 Bill Eshbach, Mary Ann Peckham, Ruth Poster, Edie Ochab
2nd Place: Pin Down Squad - 46 Mike Adduci, Mike Stropes, Linda Protani, Carol Cotter
The Lady Niners played their annual League Championship on February 19 and 26. The winner of the championship is Susan Kane. Our annual awards luncheon was held on Wednesday, March 12. We honored the winners of the President’s Cup and League Championship. We also honored those Lady Niners who had birdies and/or eagles for the season. Officers for next year were elected: President Valerie McCarter, Vice President Susan Visner, Treasurer Bonnie MacGregor and Secretary Lori Vivian, with installation at the April meeting. The Lady Niners Silver Anniversary (25 years!) was also celebrated with past photo albums and a slideshow. We look forward to a fun-filled 2025/26 season.
FLIGHT 2: MICKEY LOWE, BONNIE MCGREGOR AND TERRY VIAU
FLIGHT 3: (ABSENT KATHY HOLMES AND HELEN MISENER) NIKKI BAXTER FLIGHT 4: BONNIE BICKEL, KATHLEEN OLSEN AND KATHLEEN COLLETTI
LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS
FLIGHT 3: VALERIE MCCARTER, ELLEN HALLERAN FLIGHT 2: BECKY MCGEE
FLIGHT 1: SUSAN KANE (LEAGUE CHAMPION), PEG RABB AND PAULETTE MILLER
FLIGHT 2: STACEY DAHLSTROM, BECKY MCGEE AND KATHY YOUNG FLIGHT 3: BECKY GIGNAC
Sports
LGA18 MEETING/LUNCHEON
ANDY EDMUNDS, HERONS GLEN
At the LGA18 business meeting/ luncheon on March 5, Penny Spears and Jackie Stratton each earned $50 and $100 for their holes in one! Congratulations ladies!
THOMPSON SELLING RAFFLE TICKETS FOR PRETTY IN PINK ON MARCH 19
HGLGA
NANCY
PENNY SPEARS AND JACKIE STRATTON
RESOURCE HUB
HERONS GLEN OFFICIAL SOURCES FOR INFORMATION
Herons Glen Golf and Country Club Website: http://hggcc.com
Herons Glen Homeowners Association Website: http://heronsglenhoa.org
Herons Glen Recreation District Website: https://heronsglencc.com
HGRD Weekly Newsletter Emails and Online: https://heronsglencc.com/group/pages/communications
The Heron Online and Community TV Channels 901 and 902: https://hggcc.com/Wordpress/index.php/communications/
Calling On All Writers!
The Heron magazine has arrived and with it, new ways to share with the community! How would you like to be a part of The Heron’s growth? We are looking to expand community engagement. Do you write poetry? Do you want to share a great recipe? Do you have a special hobby? Do you have an interesting family history,
story, or event to share? Do you have gardening advice? We know all you “Glenners” out there are experts on something or have stories to tell! We would love to hear from you! Just contact us at HGNewspaper@gmail.com. We can even help you write up your information!
