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
Cindy Brown Editor
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Tom English
Margo Williams
Laura Berrio
Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias
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Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
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Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds www.seabreezecommunications.com
Community News
THE HOA NEEDS YOUR PROXY FORM! FROM THE HERONS GLEN HOA
The annual meeting of the Herons Glen HOA will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in the Herons Glen Ballroom.
To hold the annual membership meeting, it is necessary to have a quorum of 30% of the voting members – a minimum of 390 members – in person at the meeting or by proxy.
WHETHER
OR NOT
YOU WILL ATTEND THE ANNUAL
MEETING, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO SUBMIT A PROXY FORM TO THE HOA.
The proxy form is NOT a vote on anything. It is a form that states you have authorized either the Secretary of the Herons Glen HOA or another person of your choice to stand as your representative so that you will count towards the required quorum.
Please take a moment to complete the proxy form and return it to the HOA Office no later than December 9.
Proxy forms will be available on the table outside the HOA Office, or you may request a proxy form by emailing hoaoffice@heronsglenhoa. com .
Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc.
All
The
An online copy of the proxy form can be found on the following link: https://heronsglenhoa.wufoo.com/forms/ herons-glen-hoa-2025-proxy-form/ . You can fill out this form and submit it online.
If you prefer, you can download and print a copy that you can return to the HOA Office. The link to
print a copy is: https://mcusercontent. com/83f3a8329d3448e2445bda537/ files/60048eca-7af0-e5e0-f3ca0b090bd86eed/Proxy_2025.pdf.
Completed proxy forms can also be mailed to: Herons Glen HOA Office, 2250 Herons Glen Blvd., North Fort Myers, FL 33917 or emailed to hoaoffice@heronsglenhoa.com. You may also fold the proxy and leave it in the HOA Payment Box outside the main HOA door.
Please submit your proxy as soon as possible so this annual meeting can be held. Thank you.
THANKS SO VERY MUCH!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Herons Glen residents and staff who were so kind to me during my most recent long-term illness. The cards, gifts, flowers, visits and more importantly, prayers, were overwhelming and so appreciated. I cannot think of a better community to live in. Thank you!
11/24 Facilities and Amenities Committee Meeting, 9 a.m.
John and Stephanie Meierhofer
Howard and Marilyn Schaeffer
Randy and Debra Skwaryk
Richard and Jennifer Stone
John and Cheryl Taylor
Community Interests
ALPHA DELTA ALPHA NEWS
DENISE JOHNSON, HERONS GLEN
Another summer has flown by in the Glen. While Alpha Delta Alpha (ADA) does not officially meet during the summer months, the permanent residents managed to stay busy with volunteerism and social outings.
In June, we traveled to Wisteria Tea Room & Café for high tea lunch. July turned out to be a vacation month for most members and no
activity was planned. In August, we traveled to Tarpon Lodge for lunch. We were all surprised at the changes that have been made on Pine Island with some businesses gone and new businesses appearing, and there are still some damaged homes and boats. In September, we had a pontoon ride from Burnt Store Marina to Riviera Grill in Punta Gorda. It was a real treat to enjoy a lovely day on the water. We had a view of what was and what is since the hurricanes and a fantastic lunch at Riviera.
We also continued our volunteerism at All Souls Episcopal Church Outreach on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tuesdays are a year-round project for ADA while Wednesdays are a fill-in for the snowbirds.
Our first official “season” meeting will be held on Thursday, October 2, in the Private Dining Room. We look forward to a new season of fundraising for our charities: All Souls Episcopal Outreach Program, Island Coast High School and Hearts and Homes for Veterans. All donations to these charities would not be possible without the Herons Glen residents’ generous participation.
THE BLACK CATS OF HALLOWEEN CANDACE HUETTEMAN, HERONS GLEN
Black cats are tied to Halloween because of their long history in folklore, superstition, and symbolism. I myself think they’re pretty, even though I feel uneasy when one crosses my path because that’s supposed to be bad luck. When my son’s black cat, Jasper, stares at me, I feel like he’s looking into my soul or is reading my most inner thoughts. Maybe way down deep, I believe as the medieval Europeans did, that black cats are evil and often linked to witches. Many people believed witches could “shape-shift” into black cats and that they were their “familiars” or spirit companions.
During the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, owning a black cat was considered evidence of practicing magic or witchcraft. Black cats were thought to be witches’ helpers or even witches in disguise. Reference to the witch trials intensified fear of black cats. From this time forward, they were most
JASPER
definitely associated with witchcraft and the supernatural.
The dark fur of the black cat made it mysterious, almost “invisible” at night. Since Halloween is tied to darkness, spirits, and things that lurk unseen, black cats are strongly tied to Halloween. They represent omens, magic and the thin line between the natural and supernatural worlds.
Victorian-era postcards and 20th century Halloween imagery cemented black cats as Halloween icons. They are often shown alongside pumpkins, witches, and full moons. Today, black cats are more a symbol of Halloween fun than fear. And, in some cultures, Japan, the U.K., Scotland, and Ireland, for example, they are considered good luck. They were especially good luck in Japan for single women looking for love. They were also believed to ward off evil spirits and to bring prosperity to businesses. In ancient Egypt, cats, including black cats, symbolized protection, fertility, and prosperity. Killing a black cat, even accidentally, was punishable by death.
Today, black cats are celebrated rather than feared. Animal shelters promote black cat adoption, especially around August 17, Black Cat Appreciation Day, and October 27, National Black Cat Day.
So, how do you feel about black cats? My son loves Jasper as much as you love your tabby cat.
BICYCLE HELMET SAFETY
CRAIG J. WOOLLEY, SSEP CHAIR, HERONS GLEN
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
Millions of Americans ride bicycles, but less than half wear bicycle helmets.
Bicycle helmets prevent 52 to 60% of bike-related head injury deaths (for all ages), as well as an estimated 68 to 85% of nonfatal head and scalp injuries, and 65% of upper and middle face injuries, even when misuse is considered.
In 2023, 62% of cyclists who were fatally injured were not wearing helmets.
In 2024 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 1,166 bicyclist fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. This represents a 4.4% to 5.5% increase compared to the 1,105 to 1,117 bicyclist deaths recorded in 2022.
WHO’S AT RISK?
Any bicyclist who does not wear a bicycle helmet is at increased risk of head injury.
CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
Yes. Wearing a properly fitted helmet every time you and your children ride a bicycle is one important prevention method.
BICYCLE HELMET SAFETY STANDARDS
There are no significant quality differences between expensive and cheap bike helmets. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the standards for bicycle helmets sold in the
United States. Approved helmets will have a “CPSC” sticker inside the helmet and will say they are CPSCcertified on the outside of their packaging. The CPSC also recognizes certification by Snell and ASTM.
These safety standards ensure that an approved helmet will protect you in most kinds of bicycle crashes. Other kinds of helmets, such as batting helmets and construction hats, are made for different purposes and may not protect you.
Wear your helmet and be safe when riding. It only takes one fall!
TIME TO GO HOME
BECKY GIGNAC, HERONS GLEN
Labor Day has passed and every year at about this time, I’m ready to go back to my home in Herons Glen. Yes, we head north for four months to escape the heat, and the afternoon showers in Florida (oh, and the occasional hurricane).
North for us is Laconia, N.H., in a beautiful community on Lake Winnipesaukee. My husband and I do not hail from this location but settled on a vacation home here to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren. They visit off and on throughout the summer and it is always so much fun. We have a pool (brrrr, unheated) and the kids love it. Plus, we are just a five-minute walk to our private beach on Paugus Bay. During the week, we venture out on the big lake in our pontoon (way too busy on the weekends). We both enjoy golfing with our respective groups.
We have other friends from Herons Glen that live here in the summer as well and other friends who make the trek north to visit us. We enjoy sharing with them this beautiful part of the country. However, we had no visitors this year, which made it a little lonelier.
The grandkids are getting older and busier so each year we see them a little less and now school is back in session. I know other grandparents experience the same thing. It’s life; we can’t keep them young forever.
As beautiful as the fall colors are here in this part of the country, they can’t take the place of friends and family in Herons Glen. So, for me, it’s time to go home.
Community Activities
ARTIST GROUP
KATHY LYNCH, HERONS GLEN
The Herons Glen Artist Group is gearing up for another great season. It’s time to dust off your art materials, renew your creative spirit, or start a new adventure in painting! The Artist Group is a fellowship of artists in Herons Glen who are interested in creative enrichment through the arts. The Herons Glen Artist Group provides opportunities for members to take classes, exhibit their work, and participate in activities that promote an appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts.
Some of our activities include monthly meetings on the third Monday of the month starting October 20 at 5 p.m. Besides catching up with friends, there are presentations on topics such as framing, printing your original art, and artwork critiques. We have a beautiful Christmas dinner on Friday, December 12 in the restaurant. There are art classes in Activities Room A on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon
for watercolor, acrylic painting or any artistic endeavor. It’s easy to just drop in and meet fellow artists.
In the spring, we host our annual art show in the ballroom where members exhibit their artwork for judging and for sale. Also, we welcome visiting artists in different mediums who share their expertise in workshops. We are always interested in new ideas for developing our creative selves and adding to our group’s activities. You can check out our Facebook page “Herons Glen Artist Group” and/or link to our website through http://hggcc. com/. Look under Residents Groups for the Artist Group.
Notices and more information are available through the HGRD website, our website, or contact Kathy Lynch at klynch30@gmail.com . Don’t miss our first membership meeting, October
20 at 5 p.m. We are happy to welcome anyone interested in finding out more about the Artist Group and meeting fellow artists.
HERONS GLEN
2025/26 ICE CREAM
TRUCK SCHEDULE
SPONSORED BY THE RESIDENT EVENTS COMMITTEE
Sunday, Dec. 14
Jan. 11, 2026 Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Sunday, Feb. 15
Sunday, March 22
Sunday, April 26
Sunday, May 17
Sunday, June 14
Sunday, July 12
GOLF CART CHRISTMAS PARADE
DENISE FELL, HERONS GLEN
Calling on all golf cart owners! We need 25-plus carts to make this year’s parade on December 7 possible – where the carts are jolly, the lights are tacky, and the competition is fierce!
Let’s make it the best parade ever! So dust off your tinsel, inflate that Santa, and let your creativity run wild (or mildly unhinged).
This year we are awarding $100 for the “Best Dressed Cart” judged on style, sparkle, and sheer ridiculousness!
Open to residents, clubs, organizations, and anyone with a cart and questionable taste in holiday décor.
Need some help getting started? Here are some golf cart theme ideas:
The Griswold Express: Over-the-top lights, tangled cords, and a mannequin cousin Eddie in the back.
Santa’s Retirement Ride: Santa in flip-flops, sipping a margarita with flamingo and beach décor.
Rudolph’s Uber Side Hustle: Reindeer ears on
the cart, GPS on the dash, and a sign that shows “Sleigh rides –$5.”
The Caroling Catastrophe: Offkey carolers, musical notes flying and a karaoke machine strapped to the roof.
Frosty’s Florida Vacation: Snowman in sunglasses, melting ice cubes, and a kiddie pool in the back.
The Gingerbread Breakdown: Candy cane wheels, cookie crumbs everywhere, and a gingerbread man crying.
Reindeer Rave: Glow sticks, dance music, and antlers with disco balls.
Sports
CALLING ALL SOFTBALL PLAYERS
KAREN JESSOP, HERONS GLEN
We are looking for softball players for the 2026 season beginning in January after the holidays. The only league requirement is you must be 50 years old. The Herons Glen Eagles are a fun group of Herons Glen residents with a big cheering section at each game. An important attribute is the ability to run. You do not need to break the sound barrier, but you do need to make it to first base before you get thrown out.
The head coach is Tom Spenceley. For more information or questions, prospective players can reach Tom at (513) 377-5074.
THE LADY NINERS KISS EVENT
CAROL ROSS, HERONS GLEN
The Herons Glen Ladies’ Nine Hole Golf Association is hosting its annual “Spooky” KISS Event, “Creepin’ it Real,” on Wednesday, October 22. It is one of the most attended KISS events in the league. A day of golf, games, food and of course dressing ourselves in “spooky” garb as well as our golf carts only adds to the fun.
Herons Glen is one of 25 golf clubs in the Lee County Council of Ladies’ Nine Hole Golf Association (LCCLNHGA).
The council is an active group that encourages and supports its members in golf activities throughout the year. Every year the association has invitationals during the winter and spring months, with KISS (Keeping It Simple Summer) events during the summer and early fall months.
HERONS GLEN LADIES’ 9-HOLE GOLF ASSOCIATION
BECKY GIGNAC, HERONS GLEN
The “Lady Niners” (Ladies’ 9-Hole Golf Association) start their new season October 1 with our “Welcome” luncheon/meeting on November 12. Are you new to the game or just want to play nine holes? No problem; our motto is Half the Holes, Twice the Fun! League dues are only $30 for the year. Not sure you’re ready for golf but like the idea of the social aspect? For $15,
join as a social member and attend our monthly luncheon meetings. Sign up at the Pro Shop and make checks out to HGL9HGA. We hope to see you this season!
You can learn more about our league through either the HOA or the HGRD websites or use the direct access at https://mooreflorida.wixsite.com/ hg9holes.
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!
