Bark Avenue Extravaganza
By Sue McCoy, Herons Glen
Photos by Zenon Gluszczak, Herons Glen
If you missed the Bark Avenue Extravaganza, you missed a whole lotta fun! The event was organized by the HOA Activity Committee and Chairperson, Joyce Lipkin. Over 150 people showed up to enjoy seeing the 24 dogs and their owners walk the red carpet as they vied for bragging rights of winning the show.
First place
First place was awarded to the Budweiser Wagon team that included two dogs and their owners: Nancy Odom and Hank the Bernedoodle (pulling the wagon) with longhaired dachshund Mia, costumed as a Dalmatian, riding on the wagon with her owner Margie Luttrell walking alongside. Second place went to Little Bo Peep and her sheep: Pepper Jac and Colby Jac (bearded collies) and owner Diana Baker. Coming in at third place was Pretty in Purple Abby, a shitzu, and her owner Pam Jewett. Judges for the red-carpet competition were Bernadette Schirra, Jann Norris and Dan Norris who commented that it was a very tough decision as all of the entries were great!
In addition to the dog competition, there were long tables groaning with the weight of 29 raffle baskets that were overflowing with goodies, donated by our generous sponsors
(see list at right). There was also a raffle for an original acrylic painting entitled Moon Dogs by Sue McCoy, Herons Glen artist, and another raffle for a custom pet portrait to be painted by Sue. The winner of the pet portrait was Margie Luttrell and Mia.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Department was on hand with free ice cream and the K-9 unit came to represent them as well. The beautiful police dog was named Koa and his handler was Deputy Gabriel Hollow. They did a Q and A with residents about the LCSO K-9 unit and their vital role within the department.
Also enjoying the fun, as well as providing information about their rescue operations, was the Gulf Coast Humane Society and Animal Refuge Center (ARC). As always, our Herons Glen homeowners were generous in donating to these two deserving organizations throughout the
VOG Gathers On Kaidon Lane For Their Annual Picnic
By Pam Scheid, Herons Glen
It has become a tradition for the Veterans of the Glen to host a picnic for its members in April, the last meeting of the season. Hogbody’s Bar and Grill, a longtime supporter of the VOG, catered the event. Members enjoyed the famous barbeque, slaw and baked beans.
An important purpose of this group of retired military servicepersons is to help support area organizations that serve veterans. In fact, since 2015, the VOG has donated more than $73,000 to agencies including Hearts and Homes, Wreaths Across America, VA Voluntary Service, Holidays 4 Heroes, Dozier Jr. ROTC Foundation and the Collier-Lee Honor Flight.
The principal source of revenue for their donations is the ticket sales and raffle prizes for the dances they sponsor. Members work all year preparing for the annual Veterans Day Dinner Dance, and the VOG Christmas Dance is a big part of the Herons Glen holiday season. These events sell out quickly, so it is good to know ticket sales for the Nov. 9 Veterans Day Dance begin in June.
afternoon. In addition, all of the money collected for the raffle baskets and paintings will be divided between these two organizations in a donation made in the name of the Herons Glen Community.
The HOA Activity Committee would like to thank the sponsors and the residents of Herons Glen for their support and participation.
List of sponsors are Target, Chewy, PetSmart, Mutts Comics by Patrick McDonnell, Love on a Leash Groomers, Cultural Park Theatre, Farmer Joe’s Market, North Shore Animal Hospital, Hollywood Feed, Florida Animal Care, Bowlero Bowling Center and Longhorn Steakhouse.
Dazzled By The DelRays
By Jean Perillo-Roman, Herons Glen
by Dan Lim, Herons Glen
The Dazzling DelRays lived up to their name by dazzling the crowd of 300-plus music and dance lovers. We were entertained with oldies songs from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.
The ballroom dance floor at Herons Glen had people Twisting the Night Away , and rocking and rolling to music like Mustang Sally , The Wanderer and One Fine Day just to name a few of the selections from this talented group. We knew the lyrics from artists like Jersey Boys, and Sha Na Na and sang right along with vigorous voices. It was definitely a loud night!
A classic car show drew a crowd outside the ballroom that reminisced about the days they spent cruising around with windows down and radios blasting. And did you get your picture taken by the diner with Marilyn and Elvis?
Decorations featured a soda shop atmosphere with ice cream floats on tables and race cars by the stage. Attire in pink was a popular sight as were circle skirts and saddle shoes. Corsages from a beau, letter sweaters and the ring around your neck to remind all that you were going steady, made great impressions while we danced.
All agreed it was fun rocking to the music all night.
Second place
Third place K-9 unit
Photos
Article Deadlines For The Heron
Issue Month/Year Date Due To The Heron
June 2024 Saturday, May 18 July 2024 Saturday, June 15
Articles should be sent to HGNewspaper@gmail.com
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
Herons Glen Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HeronsGlen HOA weekly bulletin emails and online: http://www.hggcc.com/hghoa/files/office_news.html HGRD weekly newsletter emails and online: https://heronsglencc.com/group/pages/communications
The Heron newspaper online: http://hggcc.com/hghoa/files/newspaper.htm
Community TV Channels 901 and 902
Community News
Coming Soon
5/10 Farmers’ Market
5/16 Wendy Renee
Parking Lot
Restaurant
5/18 Trivia Ballroom
5/19 Scoops Ice Cream
5/23 Farmers’ Market
5/23 TAT2
5/27 Memorial Day
5/30 Farmers’ Market
5/30 Smalltown Duo
6/6 Farmers’ Market
6/6 Ron Lorenzo
6/9 Scoops Ice Cream
Parking Lot
Parking Lot
Restaurant
Parking Lot
Restaurant
Parking Lot
Restaurant
Parking Lot
6/12 Singles Meeting Activities Room “A”
6/13 Double Dare Duo
6/20 Farmers’ Market
6/20 Jay Smith
6/24 Bloodmobile
6/27 Farmers’ Market
6/27 Sunset Duo
Restaurant
Parking Lot
Restaurant
Parking Lot
Parking Lot
Restaurant
6/29 Trivia Ballroom
HOA And HGRD Schedule Of Meetings
The following is a listing of HOA and HGRD meetings known at the time of publication. As these dates are subject to change, please check the Herons Glen website calendar and the community channel for updates.
Calendar Of HOA Meetings May 14 To June
All committee meetings are via Zoom/HOA Conference Room unless noted otherwise.
5/14 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
5/15 Communications Committee, 1 p.m.
5/15 Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
5/23 Finance Committee, 1:30 p.m.
5/24 SSEP Committee, 8 a.m.
5/28 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
6/4 Board Workshop, 1 p.m.
6/11 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
6/12 Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
6/13 Grounds Committee, 1 p.m.
6/19 Communications Committee, 1 p.m.
6/25 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
6/27 Finance Committee, 1:30 p.m.
Calendar Of HGRD Meetings May 20 To June
All committee meetings are via Zoom/Card Room C unless noted otherwise
5/20 Board Meeting, 9 a.m.
6/3 Golf Committee, 9 a.m.
6/10 Budget Review, 9:30 a.m.
6/11 Budget Review, 9:30 a.m.
6/12 Budget Review, 9:30 a.m.
6/13 Budget Review, 9:30 a.m.
6/14 Board Meeting, 9 a.m.
Welcome
Diane Bedrick
Donna and James Deegan
Theresa and William Dick
Austin Hafner
Donald Nourse
In Memoriam
Lorraine DeRome
Colleem Dold John Gammieri
Sally and Gerald Quigley
Dawn Riccio
Helen and Gordon Stanskas
Kim and Jeffery Walker
How To Keep Up When You’re Away From The Glen
If you aren’t in the Glen, you may not receive your paper copy of The Heron, our monthly community newspaper. But you can access it online.
• Go to hggcc.com.
• Across the top, place your cursor over “HG Links.”
• Then scroll down to the second item, “Homeowner’s Assoc.”
• From there scroll down the left side of the page, almost to the bottom, where it says “Electronic Newspaper (Archive of Past Heron Newspapers).”
• Click on the image of the newspaper and you’ll be brought to the archives with a year’s worth of issues.
• Click on whichever month’s paper you’re interested in and you can keep up with what’s going on in the community.
Understanding Your HGHOA Architectural Review And Grounds Committees
From the HGHOA ARC and Grounds Committees
All residents of Herons Glen live in a deed-restricted community. Upon purchase, all owners have signed documents agreeing to the rules put in place by the Herons Glen Homeowner’s Association (HOA). As a result, you may encounter standards for your home and property here that are not applicable in other communities.
The HGHOA has two committees charged with assuring that properties are kept to the HOA standards.
• The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) ensures that future construction, reconstruction and improvements are similar to existing construction. This includes making sure the applications for these projects are in compliance with HGHOA Architectural Standards and related information.
• The Grounds Committee ensures that installation of or alteration to lawns, landscaping, exterior yard decorations, fountains and flagpoles are done according to HOA standards and procedures.
The ARC meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. The Grounds Committee meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. These meetings are held in the HOA Conference Room. They are open to residents and you are welcome to attend.
Before You Start Work
On the exterior of your house or property, you must determine if approval is required in advance from one of these committees. You can access the information online at the HGHOA website hggcc.com/hghoa/hghoa_index.htm (by scrolling on the left to Common Forms and then selecting either Changes to your Home or Changes to your grounds) or you can contact the HOA Office at (239) 731-0322 to get the appropriate information.
Noncompliance with the standards or initiation of a project before approval may result in possible fines and the removal of the project if deemed necessary to comply with standards. When you submit an application to the ARC or Grounds Committees, you are giving these committees permission to go onto your property without notice. If committee members need to inspect your property as part of their review of your project, they will attempt to let you know in advance and will ring your doorbell when they arrive. However, they will then go onto your property in order to keep your project application from being delayed.
When Your Work Has Been Completed
Send an email to Joyce Gillespie, HOA manager, at joyce. hghoa@gmail.com or call the HOA Office to let them know the project is completed.
Editorial Staff Volunteers
Photos by Dick Muller
Becky Gignac Newspaper Coordinator
Kozak
Karen Jessop - Editor Linda Lynch - Editor
Pam Scheid - Editor
Rick and Pat Scharf Delivery Coordinators
Jack Nelson - Editor
Sue McCoy - Editor
Denise Johnson - Editor
Understanding Your HGHOA from page 2
What If You Receive A Violation Notice From The HOA Office?
Do not ignore any emails or letters you receive. You should contact the HOA Office with your plan for addressing the violation and any information you have related to the items mentioned in the letter. The office will then relay this information to the appropriate committee member for further consideration.
The committee member will take a look at the property and if you have or have not responded to the notice(s), that will be addressed at the committee’s next meeting.
What Are The Top Violations?
For ARC
• Lampposts needing to be straightened, painted or repaired
• Houses, driveways and roofs needing to be cleaned or painted
• Mailboxes and posts needing to be cleaned, painted or repaired
• Decorations on outside walls not allowed. (except holidays)
• Address lights missing a number or needing repair (Special numbers are required and are available from the HOA Office.)
• Pool cages and screening missing or needing repair
• Starting work on a project without approval
For Grounds
• Landscape beds: lack of plantings and mulch, weeds and a defined edge
• Lawn: bare areas, brown lawn spots and lawn weeds
• House numbers: obscured due to height of shrub/tree
• Trees: lack of maintenance and trimming; unapproved removal/replacement
• Shrubs: lack of maintenance, weed and vine removal; unapproved changes to landscaping beds including removal/ replacement
• Landscape maintenance not being done on all sides of home and property
• Yard waste and garbage: should not be placed at curbside until 6 p.m. the day before scheduled pickup
Flowchart documents have recently been developed for these two HOA committees to help residents navigate the approval processes and these documents are located on the
Community Activities
ADA Members Attend Broadway Palm Beautiful
Article and Photo by Denise Johnson, Herons Glen
Several members of Alpha Delta Alpha Sorority attended a luncheon and a matinee performance of Beautiful at the Broadway Palm on April 4. The group was shown to their lunch table, enjoyed a delicious buffet, and then sang along to all the Carol King music. The show was fantastic and we look forward to attending another play soon.
Marbles Season 2023/24 Ends
By Patti Cummings, Herons Glen
HOA website. The ARC Design and Development Guidelines and Community Wide Landscape Standards can also be found on the HOA website or you can request a copy from the HOA Office.
The ARC document can be accessed at http://hggcc. com/hghoa/pdfs/arc_committee/arc_approval_process. pdf. The Grounds Committee document can be accessed at http://hggcc.com/hghoa/pdfs/grounds_committee/grounds_ approval_process.pdf.
The documents can also be found on the HOA website (www.heronsglenhoa.org) by clicking on the Community Info tab on the left and clicking on the Architectural/Grounds Approval Process Chart label.
We all bought homes here because, at least to some extent, we like the way Herons Glen looks. If we all do our part, cooperating when needed with the ARC and Grounds Committees, we’ll keep Herons Glen an attractive place to live.
Another fun season of Marbles Tournaments has ended. April 7 in the ballroom was the scene of the final men vs. women with the men remaining victorious. Ladies have closed the gap considerably as the early lead by the men was taken over by the women in January, albeit by one point, and followed by a close lead in March for the men. In the end the men’s teams had 96 wins and the women’s teams had 90. A late reporting of one of the 14 tables that had participated increased the ladies’ score by one more win, giving them the very respectable 90 wins. Men were left with a slim margin of six wins vs. last year’s 14 game margin. Sweeps by men surpassed the sweeps by women this time. Two men’s teams had sweeps, thanks to the team of Jim Nelson and Leroy Moyer and the team of Frank DeSmet, Charlie Salisbury and Skip Bailor. One women’s team of Anne Billings and Sharon Colbert had a sweep that
night. Pictured are the teams that won all three games on April 7. Keep persisting ladies! An impressive eight game win increase shows we’re closing in on the men’s ability to keep their winning position.
Next season’s dates will be published soon, so save the dates for nights of great fun and friendship and of course – a little competition.
Travel Club Annual Potluck
By Jim Gormley, Herons Glen
The Herons Glen Travel Club held its annual potluck on Monday, April 8. A total of 60 people attended this event and everyone was able to eat and drink until they were full. The shared dishes for the potluck were set up in Activities Room A, as well as the tables for dining. Fried chicken and drinks were furnished courtesy of the Travel Club. This potluck was the last meeting of this season. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, Oct. 10, which will kick off the 2024/25 season. The program will be a DVD presentation by Jim Gormley of highlights from this past season.
Community Activities on page 4
Sharon Colbert and Anne Billings
Skip Baylor, Frank DeSmet and Charlie Salisbury
Jim Nelson and Leroy Moyer
Announcing Special Event With “From The Edge Band”
By Martie Shea, Herons Glen
July 6 will welcome “Sizzling Summer Nights,” the first summer dance at Herons Glen in many years. We have an incredible band you will want to see as part of your Fourth of July celebration.
“From The Edge” is part rock n’ roll and part country. In addition to playing many different venues, from Pennsylvania to Florida, they currently have contracts with Hard Rock Café, Hard Rock Casinos, Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean Clubs, and have recently signed on with Royal Caribbean for their first musical cruise in September of 2024. They are excellent musicians and have pitchperfect harmonies that keep everyone dancing and singing along. With a 300-plus song catalog, they play everything from Journey to Little Big Town. There is music for everyone including lots of audience participation.
Just think! Instead of traveling over the holiday weekend, you can remain right here in Herons Glen and party with all your friends and this rockin’ band From the Edge!
Chorus Concert
By Janet Slater, Herons Glen
Photos by Dan Lim,
Herons Glen
Walking in to a march-style Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the 50 members of the Herons Glen Chorus were greeted by a sold-out audience for their Spring Concert on the evening of March 24. Led by Director David Muir, the chorus performed music by the Eagles and the Beatles, as well as favorite standards such as That’s Amore and Beyond the Sea. Soloists included Claudie Tweedle, Ken Knop, Dave Goers, Phil Carson and Chuck Skurka. Tenors and basses sang Fields of Gold and Amazing Grace, and the sopranos and altos performed the Simon & Garfunkel songs Sound of Silence and Scarborough Fair
The choral numbers were strengthened with the instrumental skills of Claudie Tweedle, main accompanist on keyboard and Kevin Shea, percussionist. A trio of Herons Glen guitarists: Art Essery, Paul Lowe and Terry Potts, led the chorus and audience in singing the Eagles’ Peaceful, Easy Feeling and Lyin’ Eyes . David Muir led the different sections of the audience to join the chorus in singing A Teenager in Love , fulfilling his dream of filling the room with 500 voices singing in three-part harmony!
Smartly-dressed Candace Huetteman and Duane Parkinson were the delightful emcees for the evening, and a couple of mini-skits related to the music offered variety to the program.
A feature of the program was a medley of Beatles’ music, and the chorus donned headbands, peace signs and flowers to enhance the 1960’s feel. After singing When I’m Sixty-Four, the group asked, “64? What about 94?” Answering the question was Jim Slater, chorus member and a founder of the first Herons Glen
who really is 94: “It’s not about age; it’s about quality of life. All you need is love.”
And there was plenty of love that night. Director David Muir expressed the chorus’s deep gratitude to all who made the concert possible, especially the audience, whose enthusiasm and support made it a success.
Community Interests
Attractive Landscaping Recognition
By Grounds Committee,
Herons Glen
One of the wonderful things about Florida, and specifically Herons Glen, is our landscaping. Although there are some restrictions, residents can individualize their residence with beautiful landscaping.
The Grounds Committee periodically identifies homes in Herons Glen that have particularly attractive landscaping. This recognition not only honors the selectee but showcases attractive landscaping that adds to the beauty of Herons Glen. The Grounds Committee voted to recognize for “Attractive Landscaping” 20818 Wheelock Drive owned by David Wingert and Patricia Holder. Congratulations David and Patricia!
Viewing
The Solar Eclipse In Southern Indiana
By Pam Scheid, Herons Glen
for, among other things, the Indianapolis 500, James Whitcomb Riley, Cole Porter, fall foliage in Brown County, basketball and its southern half being one of the best places to view the total solar eclipse of 2024.
One TV network, during its two-hour coverage of the event, showed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway packed with people. Farther south in Bloomington, the Indiana University football stadium was sold out. Not far from there, my hometown of Washington was also an ideal place to view the eclipse. Area hotels were quickly booked and campground lots reserved. The Chamber of Commerce planned weekend activities on Main Street for the visitors, and on April 8, the day of the eclipse, businesses and banks closed and schools dismissed at noon.
Where Were You During The Solar Eclipse And What Did It Mean To You?
By Candace Huetteman, Herons Glen
My son Brian, who works for an agri-business company in Loogootee (lo-go’-tee), a small town just east of Washington, was able to observe the entire phenomenon. Wearing their protective glasses, he and his colleagues watched as the moon moved in front of the sun, and they experienced the drop in temperature when darkness occurred. Brian reported that birds flew into the outbuildings as darkness descended and the atmosphere became very still.
Now able to remove their glasses, they marveled at the corona and some of the visible solar flares. As soon as the “diamond” flash appeared on the corona, it was time to put the glasses on again to watch the sun gradually emerge again. Many people, including my son, said they felt fortunate to have witnessed this awesome moment in person.
The next time a total solar eclipse will follow this same path is in 2044. Considering how quickly hotels filled for this eclipse, it might be wise to book your room in Washington now.
The first recorded descriptions of a solar eclipse go back as far as 3000 BC. They are found throughout the Bible, and throughout history, even to the present day in many indigenous cultures. But, until April 8 I’m sure that there were no recorded viewings of a solar eclipse in Herons Glen or in The Heron
I witnessed firsthand the reactions as Glenners on Kayla Way looked up in the sky and saw the moon blocking part of the sun. I was able to stop golf carts, walkers, bikers and cars by flagging them down with my solar glasses in my hand and a sign that read, “Eclipse Viewing Here.” I invited these friends and neighbors to borrow my glasses to witness the eclipse.
Some of the reactions were: “Wow that’s amazing”; “Is that really happening right now?”; “I’ve read about this, but there’s nothing like seeing the real thing”; “OMG that’s awesome”; “Oh how stunning”; “That’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen”; “That’s the coolest thing that I’ve ever seen in my whole life”; “This is just so wonderful.” “Cool” and “awesome” were the adjectives most used and all of these reactions as written should be followed by an exclamation mark! Not one person who took off his glasses didn’t have a smile on his face.
chorus,
David Muir, director
Chorus gets into the 1960s Beatles spirit
Candace Huetteman
Jim Slater still loving to sing at 94
“Kayla’s Viewing” was truly a shared experience. Everyone was very appreciative of the chance to view this show performed by the sun and moon. Everyone wanted to stay and talk about the 2017 eclipse, about what they had learned on the news leading up to April 8 and of course how we’d all like to be around for the next eclipse in 2045.
But not everyone turns to the sky. One example of this is the Navajo tradition that teaches that the sun is rebirthing during an eclipse. That means no eating, drinking, sleeping, or physical activity outside of the house during an eclipse. Those who watch the eclipse could encounter bad luck, bad health, or poor crops. The superstitions surrounding solar eclipses and evil spirits are many. But those who follow tradition accept that an eclipse marks a sacred, spiritual time of reflection and prayer. It is about solemnity, not spectacle. It is an occasion to pass down cultural teachings and stories that will ensure that the younger generations learn sacred traditions. But not all Native American cultures see the eclipse in this way. Some see it as a chance to teach the younger generations about science and astronomy. Others say there is no taboo by looking at an eclipse. It is a time when the sun and moon come together in an embrace of making love. It is a special day to reflect on what love means to you, to remove any anger you may have, and to do a deed of kindness and an act of love. It is a day of giving, of life, of love, for without the sun and moon, we would be in a world of darkness and misery.
I really like the last interpretation of the meaning of an eclipse. And I think Kayla Way found a way to share love and friendship while watching this celestial phenomenon.
Behind The Scenes
By Janice Radcliff, Herons Glen
A round of applause for all the behind-the-scenes volunteers for the Players of the Glen production of Drinking Habits. As with any endeavor of this size, it takes a lot of helpers to make things run smoothly. They are the folks who ensure that everything operates seamlessly, allowing others to shine in the spotlight.
So, here’s to the following.
Director: Trish Perry
Assistant Director: Rose Hansford
Stage Manager: Janice Radcliff
Publicity: Bob Agate and Janice Radcliff
Playbill and Ticket Design/Printing: Sandy Herde
Set Design: Carlton Smith and Gary Vivian
Set Construction: Carlton Smith, Gary Vivian, Bill Hebert, Dennis Popp, Don Lynch, James Nelson, J.J. Byme, Ken Wolf, Larry Pedersen, Paul Leclair, Robert Perry
Set Artists: Linda Edinger and Lori Vivian (stained glass window)
Lights: Paul Koenig, Bob LeMere, Paul Chipman
Sound: Bob Hansford, Rob Dentel, Karen Jessop, Jayne Schwartz
Curtain and House Lights: Linda Dentel and Linda Stockbar
Props: Cindy Jones and Brenda Stewart
Makeup/Hair: JoAnne DeLuca and Pat Stuchly
Seamstress: Sue McCoy and Linda Hawley
Ticket Sales: Shirley Evans, Sandy Herde, Pat Callaghan, Stacy Badger, Anne McAlvey, Bob Hansford, Carol Bryan, Cindi Rich, Clara Reda, Dave Thompson, Dennis DeLuca, Elaine Quilliam, Geri Mitchell, Ginny Varney, Helen Misener, Jim Nelson, Jo Moyer, Joan Darcy, Linda Dentel, Rikki Nelson, Terry Rosen
Photography: Dan and Seu Lim
Video: Bill Cashell
Website: Bob Hansford
Ushers: Debbie McKinstry, Bob Agate, Carol Schultz, Cindi Rich, Dolores Barrow, Dennis Porche, Dick Barrow, Donna Piascik, Eleanor Porche, Geri Mitchell, Ginny Varney, Louise
Roessler, Mary Pickett, Maureen McCarren, Pat Callaghan
Gala: Cathay Barbal, Susan Gregor, Marylou Pierozzi, Rikki Nelson, Sheri Thibault, Mary Koenig, Tom Radcliff, Bob Barbal, Bonnie Bickel, Carol Byran, Denise Johnson, George Gregor, Janet Slater, Jim Nelson, Jim Pierozzi, Jo Moyer, Jo Potts, Kathy Lynch, Laura Steill, Mariann Bastian
After Glow Party For The Cast, Crew, And Volunteers: Gloria Selander, Ana Ellis, April McGarvey, Bonnie Bickel, Carol Schultz, Charlene Lower, Dick Barrow, Dolores Barrow, Roger Selander
The Board of the Players of the Glen not only play a vital role in guiding the organization’s artistic and financial decisions, but serve in many of the volunteer positions as well: President Bob Agate, Vice President Dennis DeLuca, Treasurer Linda Stockbar, Secretary Janice Radcliff, At Large Members Sandy Herde, Pat Callaghan, Rose Hansford, Denni DeLuca, Shirley Evans, Cathy Barbal and Phyllis Johnsen
Socialites Treated To Two Programs
By Pam Scheid, Herons Glen
For the Socialites’ final gathering of the season, Martie Shea arranged for a special treat. The meeting began with a surprise appearance by students from the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts. Dressed in their elaborate costumes, the students performed two numbers from Descendants, their spring musical. Andrew Miller, the school’s principal, praised the students and their teachers for their outstanding work. He also expressed pride in the school’s ability to provide state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for its students and gratitude for outside donations.
Following the delightful opening, President Janet Kerns welcomed everyone. She complimented Rosie Swisher for the clever table decorations, announced that Rosie, after several years as the decorations chair, is retiring and that Mary Lou Pierozzi will be the new chairman.
and was chosen because the climate and growing conditions are much like the subtropic areas around the world. Visitors to the Echo farm on Bayshore can see experimental tracts with exotic plants from regions where growing seasons are short due to rains, wind and sometimes political unrest. Flood told of her work in East Africa where local small farmers were taught fertilizing techniques. Because of what they learned their productivity has increased.
Echo works with, and exchanges information with, missionaries and organizations such as the Peace Corps. Flood pointed out that while food aid programs are good for temporary relief, helping people become more selfsufficient is better than making them dependent upon aid. In fact, she said, some of the food aid is not culturally appropriate and is rejected by the recipients. Equipped with the knowledge of how to make good use of their resources at hand, people enjoy increased prosperity and improved quality of life.
At the meeting’s close, members were reminded Socialites will meet informally during the summer on the third Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Members should make their own reservations and choose their lunch from the menu.
Community Interests on page 6
April 12 - May 25
May 31 – June 22
Rhonda Parkinson, program chairman, asked the members to write down a program idea and their names. The papers were collected and three names were drawn for door prizes: Patti Amico, Joy Barber and Karen Coburn. Treasurer Bev Groft reported this month’s member donations to the All Souls food bank totaled $500. She also announced Socialites will donate $100 from May to September until its new season’s start in October.
After the meal of salads and a variety of pizzas, Rhonda introduced Danielle Flood from Echo, the global organization dedicated to helping people in the earth’s “hunger zones” improve their farming techniques. North Fort Myers is one of the four Echo locations worldwide
Students from the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts performed for the Socialites.
Janet Kerns, Danielle Flood (Echo), Karen Coburn, Joy Barber, Patti Amico and Rhonda Parkinson
Butterfly Garden
By Kim Basile, Herons Glen
If you stroll into the butterfly garden, walk towards the blue birdbath and notice the huge Dutchman’s pipe vine attached to a trellis. This flowering vine attracts the giant swallowtail butterfly! The vine is the host plant, where the butterfly lays her eggs and makes it her home through the pupa stage.
The pipe vine is a pollinator for other insects as well. Its flowers smell like rotting meat. If you plan on growing this vine, it grows quite large at 10 to 15 feet and requires a sturdy trellis. It’s suggested to plant it downwind due to the odor of its flowers. This butterfly’s habitat is rivers, lakes, swamp forests, wet woods, so this pretty much covers our Florida landscape. Butterflies like bees must have nectar from flowers to survive. Think about planting more nectar type plants to attract them. Remember to avoid pesticides in your yard, as this is a death sentence for all bees and butterflies.
NFPA, USAA, the University of California and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, (IBHS), all have information and resources on a host of risk reduction measures, including gutters. IBHS has some specific information on building materials including gutters for fire resistance in their Best Practices Guide for Wildfire The University of California’s Homeowner’s Wildfire Mitigation Guide is another great resource for gutter and building material information. NFPA’s Firewise website provides a list of principles for reducing wildfire risk for your home and USAA has information for its members in what they need to consider for protecting their home.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Barry Glaudel, (815) 262-2932 or any CERT Team member for information. Community Interests from page 5
The lovely Florida swallowtail has four different types that you can look for in any Southern garden. There is the pipevine swallowtail, spicebush, polygamous and Palamedes. The Palamedes swallowtail is most common in Southwest Florida and uses the Dutchman’s pipe vine as its host plant here in our garden. These butterflies are fairly large with its average wingspan ranges from 4 1/2 to 5 1/8 inches. When you see it, and try to photograph it, its flight appears haphazard, like they are camera shy. Here, then gone in a flash. Its life span is approximately 14 days only. So, if you can get a shot of this beauty, it’s special.
Lots of plants and butterflies are enjoying these cooler nights and sunny days so we will be seeing more butterfly activity this spring. Our Butterfly Society team works to make your garden something to be proud of. We thank you for your support. Enjoy your summer.
SSEP Safety Tip – Gutter Cleaning
By Craig Woolley, Herons Glen
When protecting your home from wildfire you need to get your mind in the gutter! We often say how the small things matter big when it comes to protecting your home from wildfire. Gutters on your home certainly fall into this category. Gutters perform yeoman’s duty in getting water off your roof and away from your foundation, certainly a very important function. But when wildfires happen, gutters can become a hazard filled with dry dead leaves, pine needles and debris that give blowing embers a foothold for fire ignition to your home.
Keeping gutters clear of flammable debris is important and it’s not something you do once a year and then forget about. Maintenance of your home “ignition zone” is an ongoing process whether it is your gutters or other parts of your property.
And that’s not the whole story. What your gutters are made of is equally important … metal gutters, while more expensive and sometimes requiring additional maintenance tend to fair much better under fire conditions than vinyl, which can often melt and ignite, carrying fire to other parts of the structure.
The small things add up, but if you take them one at a time, utilize the science-based practices from the sources above, you will be able to significantly reduce your risk. So go ahead, get your mind in the gutter.
Update On Alpha Gamma Delta
By Gwen Schaaf, Herons Glen
Since the first of the year, Alpha Gamma Delta (AGD) chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, has been very busy. We began by hosting the City Council’s Valentine Luncheon on Feb. 10, which was held here in our beautiful new restaurant. The decorations for the event followed the slogan of “Grow and Bloom,” Beta Sigma Phi’s 2024 theme for the year. Tables were decorated with individual vases of red roses that each guest took home as favors. Entertainment consisted of the lilting voice of Ken Knop serenading us with love-themed ballads. Princesses from each chapter were crowned including our AGD selection – the beautiful and well-deserving Susan Corle.
Our next big event is our annual craft fair, which was not able to be held in 2023 due to construction constrictions. At the time, the ballroom was servicing residents as the restaurant, while the new restaurant was not opening until the end of November. However, we have already begun preparing for this spectacular event to return this year. Please save the date for 2024’s craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Singles Celebrate Italian Style
By Pam Scheid, Herons Glen
Photos by Dave Goers
On April 6, the Singles, an organization re-created from a small group from years ago, celebrated the second anniversary since its revival. The festivities began with cocktails on the pool deck followed by dinner in the formal dining room where the Italian theme was immediately apparent. Each table was decorated with red or green napkins, flowers in wine bottles, a glass bowl full of gift-wrapped almond cookies, and little mints, all in the colors to match the tiny replicas of the Italian flag. A separate table had a display of Italian memorabilia and there was a map of Italy for members to mark where they had visited or the area their ancestors had come from. There was even a photo opportunity to be the face of the Mona Lisa. Topping off the meal of Italian favorites was a slice of cannoli cake.
CERT Ice Cream Event
By Karen Wills, Herons Glen
On Monday March 25 the SSEP (Safety) Committee and Lee County Sheriff’s Department sponsored a free community ice cream event. Residents and guests enjoyed 220 cones of the delicious treat supplied and served by local officers. Staff Officer Mark Sherman, our new liaison officer, was there to greet everyone. CERT Team members provided residents with information about the Herons Glen CERT Team and discussed ways in which you can become a member of this vital community resource. In 1993, CERT became part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with offerings to communities nationwide. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area. It trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.
“Getting To Know You Better” was also the theme for this celebration. To encourage mingling, as the members entered the dining room, each was given a number, randomly drawn, indicating the table and seat assignment. During and after the meal the committee challenged everyone with games designed to learn more about the people at their table. The most successful were awarded prizes. Finally, the entire group was asked to sing out and complete the second line lyrics of familiar songs, just for the fun of it!
The Singles Club is not a dating site. Its mission is to offer social activities, support and fun for those living the single life. The Singles meet on the second Wednesday of each month and all single residents, including renters, are welcome. For more information, contact Louise Roessler, (239) 731-7944 or Marla Pierce, (508) 284-9343.
CERT members in front row are Kathy Petrillo, Karen Wills, Officer Mark Sherman, Barry Glaudel, Craig Woolley and Marilyn Magiera. CERT members in back row are Chet Bartkowski and Ken Marohn.
Anniversary celebration committee: Katherine Larsen, Rita Lehman, Marla Pierce, Terry Rosen, Bill Beadle, Pam Scheid, Joyce Russell, and Cindi Rich
Leading the singing – Joyce Russell, Dave Goers, Geri Mitchell, Cindi Rich and Marla Pierce
In Case You Missed It …
Highlights From The HOA Weekly Bulletins
From your HOA Communications Committee
This listing highlights important articles covered in recent HOA Herons Glen Weekly bulletins distributed by email to residents listed with the HOA office. These issues affect every property owner, their renters, vendors and guests. The articles are intended to help residents better understand the actual requirements for our restricted community and may also include safety information. Reading about and understanding these issues could eliminate an escalation of problems that may result in potential fines.
If you have questions about a subject, you can locate the full article from the bottom left link on the HOA website at http://hggcc.com/hghoa/files/office_news.html, then Click the link titled HOA News Bulletins, EXTRA! EXTRA! Or you can see the issues listed by date in the middle of the web page under HG HOA News from Management.
April 19 – Alligators and Mating Season; Help Wanted for Herons Glen Newspaper Delivery Coordinator; Herons Glen HOA 3rd Quarter Assessment Fees
April 12 – Bark Avenue Extravaganza
April 5 – Fiber Optics Installation by CenturyLink/ Quantum Fiber; SSEP Safety Tip for Gutters to Protect Your Home from Wildfire
March 29 – Emergency Preparedness for Hurricane Season; Waste Connections Community Outreach Meeting; Selective Herbicides for Florida’s Lawn Weeds
March 22 – Register your Emergency Contact Information at MyDMVPortal.flhsmv.gov; New Herons Glen HOA Emergency Text Messaging Program (to replace HGGEMS)
March 8 – SSEP Safety Tips for Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Security Cameras; HOA Parking and Vehicle Rules & Regulations
March 1 – Security/Visitor Management; HG Rental Policies and Forms; Selective Herbicides for Florida’s Lawn Weeds
Please keep this reference guide in a location that’s easy for you to find when needed.
The Things I Will Miss
By Sarah Schoon, Herons Glen
While I was doing yoga at home, I looked at the palm tree outside my window and thought, I am going to miss that. For those of us who travel between two (or more) homes, it is an inevitable effect of leaving one for the other. It is also natural that I will miss my neighbors because I have some of the best anywhere. Many of our neighbors are part-time residents like us, but I am grateful that there are permanent residents so this place isn’t a ghost town when we make our exodus. In fact, there are more permanent residents than I ever imagined. For some reason it seems as if this season went faster than ever. We did have a number of houseguests, which makes you lose track of many things. Added on top of that was some remodeling work, which can be very disorienting. Fairly soon, I think we will run out of projects of that type to do. Over the years, we have found an increasing number of places where we like to go, whether it is restaurants, beaches, or wildlife or botanical centers. There is an abundance. Some quickly become our favorites.
I will miss the scent of the jasmine bushes along Herons Glen Boulevard, and seeing big dogs riding “shotgun” in golf carts. I will miss the slow strut of the Ibis as they examine lawns for something to eat. I will also miss the occasional, shocking appearance of an alligator in any one of the ponds. I will miss the mornings in Southwest Florida because they are spectacular. In my opinion, it is the best part of the day. The birds are singing joyfully at that hour, and the temperatures are much milder than in the afternoons. I always regret the occasional northern visitors to our house, who would stay in bed until noon if we let them. For everything I will miss, I know I will be back to see them again.
An Unusual Friendship, Conclusion (From April’s Issue)
By Jack Nelson, Herons Glen
And there Eloise lay, writhing in pain with a gunshot wound to her left rear leg. Jimmy rushed to her at the same time as the hunter. The hunter had no idea that Jimmy and Eloise were friends, and as he called 9-1-1, he examined the wound. Meanwhile, the 9-1-1 dispatcher notified animal control who notified Sacred Animal Veterinary Hospital. The hospital wasted no time dispatching an ambulance to Jimmy’s address.
The hunter told Jimmy that he thought Jimmy was in danger, that he was being attacked by Eloise, which is why he opened fire. He was very apologetic and he’d gladly assist in getting Eloise to the hospital. Within 10 minutes, there were four emergency vehicles in front of Jimmy’s house: two police cars, an animal control van and the ambulance from the veterinary hospital. It was determined by Dr. Palmer, a well-known and respected veterinarian, that the best vehicle to transport Eloise would be the van. He assured Jimmy that the wound was not life-threatening.
The task was not easy. They were dealing with a very large animal. A tarp was spread beside Eloise and it took eight men to roll the bear onto it. Eloise growled in pain, which brought tears to Jimmy’s eyes. A dolly was rolled to her, which transported her to the rear of the van. It was a huge struggle, rolling Eloise up the ramp, but it worked and Eloise was rushed to the hospital with sirens blaring, including the police cars that led the procession. Jimmy was in the lead car.
It took over two hours for Palmer to remove the bullet and patch up Eloise. Fortunately, she’d be walking normally again in about a month. When the doctor informed Jimmy of the good news, he wept again, but now his tears were full of joy. With a bear hug from him, he couldn’t thank the good doctor enough. A police car provided taxi service for Jimmy back home.
Jimmy stayed in contact with Palmer every day after the operation. After five days of recovery, Jimmy was finally allowed to visit his furry friend. She recognized him immediately, and when Jimmy petted her on her tummy, she wrapped her paws around his waist and licked his cheeks, both of them. Nurse Sally Jones would say later on that it was the most heartwarming scene she’d ever witnessed.
Eloise healed faster than Palmer had anticipated and she was released at Jimmy’s back yard three weeks after the incident. Jimmy was waiting with honeycomb as usual. It was delightful. Eloise couldn’t thank Jimmy enough, but how does a big black bear from out of the wild do that? Bears can’t send thank-you notes or make phone calls. But what they can do is wrap their forearms around their friend and lick their cheeks and grunt a “thank you,” which is what Eloise did daily
A week later, as Jimmy was walking from his kitchen to his back porch, a stranger was swinging gently to and fro on the swing. It was the hunter! He motioned Jimmy to sit next to him. Jimmy recognized him, of course. When Jimmy sat next to him, the hunter shook his hand and introduced himself: Chuck Wilson, who lived only three blocks away.
They carried on a pleasant conversation, and Jimmy iterated no misgivings about that eventful day. Chuck had sold his rifle, and, as a result of the Eloise incident, vowed he’d never hunt again.
It was Eloise-feeding time, and Jimmy offered Chuck to do the honor. It would be a test to see if Eloise would accept Chuck as a new friend. It was a gamble; Chuck could be in danger, but both men were willing to take the risk.
Seven-and-one-half minutes later (Jimmy had timed it), ambling from the woods toward the two gentlemen was the talk of the town … Eloise, the wonder bear from Centerville. Chuck held out the honeycomb and Eloise accepted it without the slightest hesitation. Mission accomplished.
So, two men and a bear became a legend, and four months later, when Eloise emerged with two cubs for the first time, Jimmy had to scramble back to the kitchen for more honeycomb. The men congratulated Eloise and wondered where the father was. Oh, my goodness! There was papa bear emerging, and now there were four!
More honeycomb, please!
Transportation
By Jack Cotter, Herons Glen
The Veterans of the Glen Outreach Committee and Friends Helping Friends Transportation Committee have joined in a partnership to help Herons Glen residents who are in need of transportation for medical appointments, prescription pickup, grocery shopping or some other essential transportation need. Please do not call for rides to/from airport.
Beginning in May, residents may call a volunteer from the following list (Note: A 24-hour advanced notice would be very helpful.)
Jack Cotter (860) 490-2183 (Committee Chair)
Kathleen Colletti (239) 822-1573
Trish Chesnov (631) 334-1315
Nick Dinoto (301) 807-4580
Bruce Hohnson (716) 472-3860
Jim Noffsinger (270) 881-7640
Dave Wingert (573) 552-2030
Mike Zarella (541) 292-2714
Community Interests on page 8
Volunteers Feted At Reception
By Ed Huetteman, Herons Glen Photographer, Dan Lim
On April 17 the Volunteer Reception was held in the Herons Glen Ballroom. This event is held annually to honor and thank all of the many volunteers who assist the HOA in making Herons Glen the wonderful community it is.
The event was emceed by Ed Huetteman, HOA Treasurer, who read a proclamation from State Representative Greg Steube thanking our volunteers for their service. Ed thanked the HOA Board members who beautifully set up the tables in the ballroom, organized by Denise Fell. Ed then introduced Joyce Gillespie, the HOA manager. Joyce went on to recognize and thank all the volunteers in attendance. Anita Sharninghouse was given special recognition for her volunteer service over many years.
The reception was a great success. A carving station, fabulous hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as well as drinks, cocktails and music added to the fun.
“Mayday Mayday Mayday”
By Candace Huetteman, Herons Glen
When I think of a typical May day, I think of sun and gentle warm breezes. The flowers are in bloom and the skies are blue. My thoughts are of picnics, long walks along the beach, and white wine and strawberries. Love is in the air,
not disaster or life-threatening chaos. So, how and why did the distress signal for life-threatening emergencies become “mayday, mayday, mayday”?
The “mayday” procedure word was conceived as a distress call in the early 1920s by Frederick Stanley Mockford, officer-in-charge of radio communication at Croydon Airport, England. He was asked to think of a word that would indicate distress and would easily be understood by all pilots and ground staff in an emergency. Since much of the air traffic at the time was between Croydon and Le Bourget Airport in Paris, he proposed the term “mayday.” It was the phonetic equivalent of the French, “m’aide,” which translates to “help me” or a short form of “venez m’aider,” “come and help me.”
Today “mayday” is used internationally as a distress signal. While it is used primarily by aviators and mariners in life-threatening situations, in some countries local organizations such as firefighters, police forces and transportation organization also use the term. The word “mayday” should be repeated three times in a row during an emergency declaration. “Mayday, mayday, mayday.”
So, as you can see, “mayday” has nothing to do with that beautiful month in spring. Remember, April showers bring May flowers and hopefully peace and tranquility.
Ohio Club Farewell
By Rosie Swisher, Herons Glen
Ron Camp and Keith Burnfield hosted The Goodbye Potluck for the Ohio Club on Monday evening, April 15. About 28 members arrived in golf carts with very delicious dishes to share. With this being the last event of the season for the Ohio Club, plans for our summer months were shared as we visited, along with well wishes for safety and health until we meet again in the fall.
For information about the Ohio Club, please email Rosie Swisher at raswisher7@gmail.com.
Botanical Artist, Marta Nelson
By Kathleen Lynch, Herons Glen
Did you know that our own Herons Glen resident, Marta Nelson, is an award-winning botanical artist? First of all, what is botanical art? It is art that is created from plant materials and is displayed at garden club events and flower show competitions. There are three categories; jewelry, embellishment and couture. Botanical jewelry is created from dried plant material that is painted or treated to resemble wearable jewelry. Botanical embellishment is using dried plant materials on a man-made object that is artificially treated. Finally, there is the category of botanical couture where clothing or accessories are constructed from fresh plant materials or dried materials. Marta demonstrates a high level of skill and artistry in creating pieces of art to enter in flower shows all along the east coast. This has earned her several first-place honors. Most recently, Marta received a first-place finish in the jewelry category with her creation of a wearable charm bracelet. This is no easy task. The links of the bracelet were wrapped in strips of raffia. Each charm was created with dried plant materials such as seeds, bark, stems, leaves, pods and petals. They were then painted to resemble a pea pod, garden shovel, a hot chili pepper or a gold chain. Technical rules dictate the theme of the jewelry. The artist will typically give a 25-word statement of intent and a list of all plant materials used, using common names and botanical names including plant samples! Marta entered her bracelet into the prestigious 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show this past March and won first place. Another piece that Marta created was a handbag that would have been used in the 1920s or ’30s for a night out at a speakeasy. As pictured, she made a handbag with a jeweled frog on the front with plant materials such as banana leaves, almond shells and seeds. Another project, was a trinket box with a mosaic design on the lid. The mosaic was created with sesame and mustard seeds and the strand of pearls was made with soybeans strung with thin strips of raffia and painted. Marta completes these projects with the tiniest of micro tools and a great imagination in manipulating plant materials for her creations. Her latest project is to create wearable clothing such as a hat, collar or jacket, for a 2-foot concrete resin bulldog form. Her inspiration is “Sir Elton,” after Elton John and his dynamic couture. Don’t be surprised if you see Marta walking around the Glen picking up and pocketing interesting plant materials for her next project.
Sports News
Lady Niners Install 2024/25 Officers
By Denise Johnson, Herons Glen
The Lady Niners met for their final monthly meeting/ luncheon on Wednesday, April 10. The meeting began with a pizza/salad/dessert buffet which was enjoyed by all. The meeting was called to order by Peg Rabb, vice president, in the absence of President Bonnie MacGregor. The Pretty in Pink (PIP) Committee was praised for their outstanding breakfast bags for the day of the PIP golf tournament mentioning the Lady Niners participating in various phases of putting the breakfast together. “It takes a village” to pull the breakfast together and serve early in the morning. We are pleased that PIP raised a record amount of money this year.
The nine-hole golf summer KISS (Keep it simple summer) events were announced. The group was reminded that the flyers and sign-up information is in the nine-hole binder in the Pro Shop for those interested in one of these fun summer events. There were six Lady Niners participating in the Colonial Golf Club event on May 7. This was a great opportunity to travel to other clubs and meet fellow Lady Niners! Herons Glen KISS event will be Oct. 23. New officers were installed for 2024/25: President Valerie McCarter, Vice President Susan Visner, returning
Treasurer Joyce Haist and returning Secretary Lylette Macdonald.
Final Bocce Tournament Of 2024
By Patti Cummings, Herons Glen
Hoist the Jolly Roger there be treasure out there.
Come on board starting June 1st to enter for a chance to win an authentic “Piece of eight” .
Eight Treasure coins* will be given away starting Friday, July 5th, with one LUCKY Scalawag every Friday, for eight weeks.
Eight coin giveaways from Friday, July 5th until August 23rd.
(*Authentic silver 2 reale coin per winner, no purchase necessary)
Join us to look over all the jewels and sparkling treasures while sipping a bit of grog and enjoying special offers throughout the store.
The Bell Tower • Suite 165 • Ft. Myers • CongressJewelers.com 239-472-4177 • info@CongressJewelers.com When It Needs To Be Perfect
If you missed the first Historic vs. Outback Bocce Tournament held on April 13, make sure you don’t miss it next season. Beautiful weather and a delicious lunch (as usual) served by our friendly restaurant staff added up to an absolutely perfect day. This tournament was the best-attended of all the tournaments held this past season. A whopping 232 players enjoyed the friendly competition between the teams. Larry Cummings and George Milot did a lot of work preparing the teams and keeping everyone informed of times and courts assigned. Thanks to both of them for great work. After playing from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. using all six courts in each of five time-periods, a victorious Outback has the bragging rights for the first year. The final score was Historic 11 wins and Outback 18 wins. There was a ton of laughter mixed with some serious competitive play. Everyone seemed to have a great time as another season of bocce tournaments ended.
All the tournaments require much preparation to make each event successful. So, thanks to Larry and his counterparts for the other three tournaments: Paul Turley, Can-Am; Tom Schneider, Feud; Mary Wright, Women vs. Men.
Next season’s tournaments may be found in the sign-up book in the clubhouse lobby. Please note, read the new instructions for signing up before you add your name. Also, check that you’re on the page for the tournament you want – there are four tournaments in the book. Please print . Thanks for your participation this year and hope to see you in next year’s games.
Bocce Members Enjoy Getting Together
By
Deb Gariepy, Herons Glen
A good summer was wished for all as we all look forward to the 2024/25 season. SEALIFE FASHION DIAMONDS ESTATE
What a wonderful season for bocce! Despite some challenges from Mother Nature, the HGBA was able to complete eight weeks of league play, with an upset at the playoffs. Trophies and ribbons were given to the top four teams at the Third Annual Bocce Award Dinner Dance on March 23 which was attended by 149 members.
The fourth-place team was led by Dan Stark, with Jean Lambeseder, Rich Strout and Barbara Markus. The third-place team was led by Phyllis Bailor, with Robert Barbal, Denise Fell and Jack Newkirk. The second-place team was led by Candace Huetteman, with Bill Habursky, Patty Sperduti and Paul Moffatt. And the first-place team, which came up from fourth-place, was led by Deb Gariepy with Walt Checko, Joni Moffatt and Jayne Schwarz. The most coveted (not) award, the Sheehan Award, was earned by Joni Moffatt. This award is given to the person who gives the most points to the opposing team while knocking out his/her own team’s point. It was quite an accomplishment and a big surprise that a member of the Bocce on page 10
Lady Niner Officers –Valerie McCarter, president; Susan Visner, vice president
Larry Cummings, red shirt and George Milot, green shirt
winning team took home this award as well. The Ruthie Award for showing the most enthusiasm when playing bocce was awarded to Roger Lancaster. Votes were cast at the dinner dance so the award was from the hearts of his fellow bocce players.
The evening was highlighted by the announcement of the recipient of the Glasgow/Turcot Award for Dedication to Bocce to Larry Cummings. This award, started in 2022, honors an individual who has gone above and beyond for the bocce community and Larry continues to do so. Among his many contributions is starting and running the Men’s Wednesday Morning League as well as starting and running the four major bocce tournaments each year. Larry is ever diligent about the conditions of the bocce courts and continues to help keep an eye out for any problems that need to be addressed. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Larry.
Herons Glen Mixed Bowling League 2023/24 – Season Wrap-Up
By Mike Stopes, Herons Glen
Another successful season ended on March 19 with a bowl-off between the winners of the first and second halves of the season to determine the league champion. The first half winner was the “Hot Pins” which consisted of members Ali Foster, Steve Levin and Donna Moffat. The second half winner was “Rosie’s Gang” which consisted of Zenon Gluszak, Mary Kelley and Dave Badger. The winner of the bowl-off and league champion was “Rosie’s Gang.”
Other notable highlights for this season:
• 91 was the highest point total of the 16 teams and was achieved by “You Never Know” which consists of Jann Norris, Nora Wood, Jim Meidl and Ernest Muserallo.
• Concurrently with the bowl-off, other members of the league participated in a Nine-Pin No-Tap event which means that if nine pins fall on the first ball it counts as a strike. The female winner was Linda Protani and the male winner was Tom Radcliff for that event.
• There were 16 bowlers having games over 200 during this season with Dave Jager bowling a near-perfect 300, falling short by only one pin!
We are already looking forward to the next bowling season starting this fall. Anyone in Herons Glen is welcome to participate. For more information about being a full-time or substitute bowler, send an email to HGBowling@gmail.com or contact Linda Protani at (239) 747-5313 or Steve Christiansen at (309) 397-9672. You will have lots of fun and will be meeting/socializing with your Herons Glen neighbors.
Monday Nights Are For Social Mixed Doubles Tennis
By Janice Radcliff, Herons Glen
Social mixed doubles tennis takes place every Monday evening beginning at 6:30 for all Herons Glen tennis enthusiasts. This mixed doubles evening is a great way for tennis players of all skill levels to get together, have fun and improve their game in a relaxed setting. Over 30
people show up to stay active, meet new people and enjoy the sport of tennis in a friendly and inclusive environment. Whether a seasoned player or just love watching the game, this event promises fun, camaraderie and a dash of healthy competition. And, in typical Herons Glen fashion, the fun continues after tennis as everyone hangs around for refreshments and more socializing.
For more information please contact Sue Gregor at (203) 858-8033 or Dan Liebner at (607) 377-2978.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
There’s a large group of ladies that get together to play nine holes of golf on Friday. They have no “official” name but have been playing together for several years. We socialize and have lunch once a month, usually the last Friday of the month and, oh yes, play golf. During weeks
the course is closed in the summer, we travel to have fun in the sun and lunch at other courses. A requirement to revisit those courses is a good lunch experience. A so-so lunch experience doesn’t cut it. If you see a gaggle of women having lunch on that last Friday of the month, laughing and having a good time, that would be us. Girls Just Having Fun
Article and Photo by Denise Johnson, Herons Glen
Friday Lady Golfers (minus a few)
Thank You In Pink
By Janet Slater, Herons Glen
Photos by Janet Slater and Mary Koenig, Herons Glen
How do we say “thank you” to the countless people in Herons Glen who made Pretty in Pink 2024 such a success? Nothing would be adequate, and if we tried to name every person or group involved, we would doubtless miss someone.
Of course, there are our cochairs, Karen Popp, Stacey Dahlstrom and Finney Noffsinger, and Treasurer Sharon Pedersen. They bore a lot of responsibility and worked with dedication. But they would be the first to tell you that others worked just as hard and as well. There were more than a dozen committees representing various aspects and events, with chairs and volunteers supporting them. The staff of Herons Glen was a big support, too with planning, publicity and the luncheon.
A new event this year was the Pretty in Pink cookbook, titled Fun, Food and Friends. Sue Atkin and her committee started a year ago to plan how to incorporate recipes from Herons Glen residents into a fun and useful book that would raise money for a greater cause. Sales of the book created over $4,000 in profit for Partners for Breast Cancer Care. (There are still some books available; call Sue Atkin or Andy Edmunds to get one.)
Another new activity this year was our Pretty in Pink Canvas. Squares on this group art project were filled in by many individuals who wanted to express remembrance, love and support of those with cancer with a name, a drawing, or words. At the luncheon, many of the cancer survivors signed the center of the canvas. It will be displayed somewhere in Herons Glen.
And if you think Pretty in Pink is just about the women, think again. Our golf pros and their staff were vital in managing the golf tournament and making the pro shop available for publicity. Several of the longest-hitting male golfers in Herons Glen drove shots toward the green at $5 a swing on hole 13 for the ladies. Men from the HGMGA were at several of the holes for special games and liquid refreshment. Men’s golf groups sponsored multiple holes. And did you know there were six men involved in Flamingo Flocking?
Here’s the bottom line: Pretty in Pink was successful because of the incredible support of our Herons Glen community. Thank you to all the many people who served on a committee, baked for our Bake Sale, donated raffle baskets and items, sponsored a golf hole, flocked a friend, bought tickets for the jewelry or basket raffles, purchased a cookbook, attended our golf tournament and luncheon, or gave their time, talent, and donations in other ways. We couldn’t do this without you, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
Pretty In Pink: Where Does The Money Go?
By Janet Slater, Herons Glen
This year Pretty in Pink raised a record $41,779, with $1,000 of that going to Hearts and Homes for Veterans and the remainder to Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Inc. (PFBCC). Over the past 12 years, Herons Glen has raised over $300,000 for PFBCC; that includes two early years when only a small amount of Pretty in Pink donations went to the organization, with the rest going to the Susan B. Komen Foundation.
There are some who believe money raised from Pretty in Pink goes to cancer research. Research is amazing! It has raised the survival rate to 90 percent for breast cancer that is detected early. But Partners for Breast Cancer Care (PFBCC), which Pretty in Pink supports, instead works to make the advances resulting from that research available to our own Southwest Florida neighbors who could not access diagnosis and treatment without financial help.
To catch cancer early, mammograms and other diagnostic tools are essential, and many uninsured people cannot afford the $200 to $300 or more they would need to pay. PFBCC’s first priority is to ensure everyone has access to this lifesaving test. Because of their more than 100 partners in the medical community, PFBCC is able
Pretty In Pink Tournament And Luncheon
By Janet Slater, Herons Glen
Photo by Dick Mueller, Herons Glen
The special events on March 20 started early with golfers gathering at the practice range, picking up coffee and a bagged breakfast prepared and served by the Ladies’ Nine-Hole Golf Association. Following an 8 a.m. shotgun start, golfers began a fun 18-hole tournament, a four-woman scramble event with lots of twists and fun surprises. Each hole sported a pink flag for the event, and at least six hole-sponsorship signs greeted golfers at each tee box, remembering or honoring loved ones, all cancer fighters and even beloved pets. Sponsorships represented donations by golf groups, neighborhoods, sororities, clubs and individuals, and the many signs were a tangible representation of the tremendous support of the Herons Glen community.
Following the golf tournament, over 200 women dressed in pink filled the ballroom for lunch, prizes and celebration. Tables covered with gift baskets stretched across the front of the room, and golfers and nongolfers alike found their name tags at white-covered tables decorated with fluffy pink plumes. Cancer survivor Danielle Lecavalier read her poem Fearless , written
to provide mammograms at no cost to their clients. Just imagine how those receiving these tests have the peace of mind knowing they are cancerfree or have had their cancer caught early enough to be curable.
Those who learn they have breast cancer face a treatment program that costs an average of $450,000. Again, PFBCC’s medical partners step in to provide that care at a greatly reduced rate averaging $9,000. So, let’s do the math. The over $40,000 raised by Pretty in Pink can provide full cancer treatment with a value of over $2 million! Herons Glen has become a partner alongside the PBFCC staff and its medical partners to save lives of those in our surrounding community.
Partners for Breast Cancer Care wants you to know they receive no federal, state, county or city funding; all their funds are raised in the community. The organization has only two paid staff members, and they rent office space for only $50 a month from Hope Hospice, which also covers their phone and utilities. Clients must be full-time residents in Lee or its surrounding counties, be uninsured and meet specific financial guidelines to qualify for PFBCC’s services. We can be assured our donation is used efficiently to help our neighbors who need it most.
especially for this event and published in last month’s Heron . Golf Pro Bruce Harris then announced the winners of the tournament.
After attendees enjoyed a delicious served lunch, Janet Darnell, director of Partners for Breast Cancer Care (PFBCC), gratefully received a check for funds raised by the community. The special speaker was Robin Healey, president of the PFBCC board. She spoke of the work of the organization, emphasizing their goal of reaching women before cancer is evident with diagnostic testing. As well as stressing the need for all the women present to get regular mammograms, she encouraged Herons Glen residents to spread PFBCC informational cards in the greater community so those without insurance and who qualify will know they can obtain mammograms at no cost to them.
A highlight of the luncheon was honoring those present who have survived cancer of any type. Each survivor came forward and was presented with a rose.
Lists of winners in the basket raffle drawing were distributed to each table, and dozens of women went home with a prize. In the drawing for the jewelry raffle, cancer survivor Charleen Kohut won the pink tourmaline and diamond necklace. Winners or not, all enjoyed a day that felt like a celebration and that lifted the lives of those benefitting from the funds that were raised.
PIP cochairs Stacey Dahlstrom, Karen Popp, Finney Noffsinger
Pretty in Pink luncheon, honoring cancer survivors (standing)
