The Importance Of Bumblebees
By Kim Basile, Herons Glen
If you are visiting the Butterfly Garden this summer, especially on a sunny day, notice the many bumblebees that are very busy pollinating our bushes and flowers. Bees are crucial to farmers, as they pollinate crops such as berries, peppers, and tomatoes. These fuzzy insects have a unique ability to perform “buzz pollination” when they vibrate their flight muscles, which dislodges the pollen to the plants.
Many of our wildflowers and other flowering types benefit from these busy little guys. Yes, butterflies and honeybees also pollinate, but bumblebees are the hardest workers. Bumblebees are vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They even help maintain bird and mammal habitats. These hard-working bumblebees face the challenges of climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss. There has been a steady decline in the number of bumblebees for many consecutive years now.
Public awareness of the importance of bumblebees is a high priority. Humans can make a difference. We humans rely on bees to pollinate our food supply. Without these
Resident Spotlight: Dale Green
By Sue McCoy, Herons Glen
Photos By Dale Green, Herons Glen
Dale Green and his wife, Karen, have been married for 57 years and have lived in Herons Glen for over 20 years as full-time residents. They have one son, Ryan, and three grandchildren. Dale was born in Detroit and raised in Dearborn, Michigan. Besides photography, Dale enjoys golf and listening to classical music.
Dale started taking photographs over 50 years ago! He currently uses a Nikon D500 with a 420mm lens, and edits using Adobe Lightroom Classic software. He does not sell his photos as he wants people to enjoy them. He does submit them to the News-Press for the “Pictures in Paradise” feature in the Tropicalia section. He has been published there over 100 times. We are very happy to feature his photographs in this month’s issue of The Heron (see page 6). We’ve included his favorite photograph of all time. It is of a very rare, male, Red-necked Phalarope taken at Siesta Key Beach. It’s a phenomenal photograph that really showcases his talent.
The types of photographs that Dale enjoys taking the most are birds, butterflies, and scenic views. He notes there are over 200 nature preserves in our area and he takes advantage of that by frequenting them as sources for photo opportunities of birds and butterflies. For natural scenery, his preferred locales are the national parks in the U.S. and Canada. Dale has also extended an invitation for anyone in The Glen that has serious equipment and would like to do some nature photography to contact him at daleagreen1@gmail.com.
delicate insects, food production would certainly decline. Welcome bumblebees, butterflies and honeybees into your garden by planting flowers and flowering bushes. Enjoy the beautiful Butterfly Garden we created for all of Herons Glen residents. Sit on a bench and watch the hard-working pollinators in action.
Election Of HOA Board Members
The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for three Board seats for the January 2025 to December 2027 term. Any resident interested in running for the Board should submit his/her resume to the HOA Office no later than October 1.
If you need additional information, please contact one of the following Nominating Committee Members: Denise Fell, chair at (586) 488-7744; Joann Brosnan at (239) 567-0797; Mary Koenig at (239) 989-3052; Judy Philpot at (931) 446-2072 or Gary Swisher at (614) 402-8632.
Meet the Candidates Night will be held in the ballroom on October 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Herons Glen HOA Annual Meeting and Election Results will be in the ballroom on December 11, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Need Transportation?
As most are aware, many of our homeowners leave Herons Glen for the summer months, including our volunteer drivers. The following is a list of volunteers who will be taking calls for assistance during the summer months from June 1 through Sept. 30. Note: This doesn’t include rides to the airport.
Kathleen Colletti (239) 822-1573
Bruce Johnson (716) 472-3860
Donna Johnson (716) 450-7740
Polly Middleton (703) 407-6381
Jim Noffsinger (270) 881-7640
Mike Zarella (541) 292-2714
We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Jack Cotter at (860) 490-2183.
Article Deadlines For The Heron
Issue Month/Year Date Due To The Heron
October 2024 Saturday, Sept. 14
November 2024 Saturday, Oct. 19
Articles should be sent to HGNewspaper@gmail.com
Editorial Staff Volunteers
Community News
Coming Soon
9/11 Singles Meeting Activities Room “A”
9/12 Smalltown Duo Restaurant
9/19 Farmers’ Market Parking Lot 9/19 Ron Lorenzo Restaurant
9/25 Trivia Ballroom
9/26 Double Dare Restaurant
10/3 Jay Smith Restaurant
10/9 Singles Meeting Activities Room “A” 10/9 VOG Meeting Activities Room “A”
10/10 Farmers’ Market Parking Lot
10/10 Alzheimer’s Seminar Ballroom
10/10 Sunsets Duo Restaurant
10/16 Trivia Ballroom
10/17 Farmers’ Market Parking Lot
10/17 Smalltown Duo Restaurant
10/21 Bloodmobile Parking Lot
10/24 Farmers’ Market
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 September 9 To October All committee meetings are via Zoom/HOA Conference Room unless noted otherwise.
9/10 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
9/11 Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
9/12 Grounds Committee, 1 p.m.
9/12 Newspaper Meeting, 10 a.m.
9/24 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
9/26 Finance Committee, 1:30 p.m.
9/27 SSEP Committee, 8 a.m.
10/1 Board Workshop, 1 p.m.
10/8 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
10/9 Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
10/10 Grounds Committee, 1 p.m.
10/16 Communications Committee, 1 p.m.
10/17 Activities Committee, 10 a.m.
10/24 Meet The Candidates, 5 p.m., Ballroom
10/22 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
10/24 Finance Committee, 1:30 p.m.
10/25 SSEP Committee, 8 a.m.
Calendar Of HGRD Meetings September 9 To October
All committee meetings are via Zoom/Card Room C unless noted otherwise.
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.
Welcome
Susan and Thomas Dyar
Mary and Richard Muller
Tracy and Vance Scherrer
Community Activities
Racing Sailboats In The Glen
By Thomas Myers, Herons Glen
Racing RC (remote control) sailboats has a set of rules nearly identical to real sailboat procedures and rules. Competitive racing rules can be enforced to varying degrees by the race director or local club. At national and regional regattas, the rules are strictly adhered to including boat measurements and approved rigging prior to the launching.
At the starting line, the clock counts down giving all boats ample time to position for a favorable run across the line. It is best to run across the line just before the starting gong at a position that gives you an advantage over the other boats. But don’t be too quick, for if you cross the line before the gong, you must turn around and restart thereby losing a lot of ground.
There are rules of the road that all boats must abide by. It is not helter skelter and anything goes resulting in bumper cars on the pond. When boats are approaching on opposite
Herons
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
Golf Committee, 9 a.m.
Finance Committee, 11 a.m.
Resident Events, 1 p.m., Activities Room “A” Board Meeting, 9 a.m.
Facilities And Amenities Committee, 1 p.m.
Golf Committee, 9 a.m.
Resident Events, 1 p.m., Activities Room “A” Finance Committee, 9 a.m.
tacks, the starboard tack has the right-of-way, and the port tack boat must stand clear. To remember which side port and starboard are, think port and left both are four letter words. When boats overlap and run parallel to each other, the leeward boat has rights over the windward boat. When rounding marks, all boats must give room for others to round avoiding collisions. The rules organize the movement of the boats and help prevent collisions.
The Herons Glen Club is a more casual, relaxed social sailing club. We educate members about the rules and encourage them to sail by them, but we do not call fouls for every infraction. Winners get bragging rights but no money or trophies. Our objective is to have competitive fun without confrontation.
If you would like to join us, visit the pond on Monday or Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. We will show you how we sail and let you try one of our boats.
Travel Club Goes To The Ringling Circus
By Duane Parkinson, Herons Glen
Forty-three excited members of our Herons Glen Travel Club boarded an air-conditioned motorcoach and headed north to Sarasota on July 25 to explore the amazing Ringling Circus Complex. The complex is only sixty miles north of us in Sarasota, so it’s certainly an easy up and back day trip. So, why is it in Sarasota, what is its history, and what do you see?
Club on page 3
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
Photos by Dick Muller
Becky Gignac Newspaper Coordinator
Karen Jessop - Editor Linda Lynch - Editor
Pam Scheid - Editor
Rick and Pat Scharf Delivery Coordinators
Jack Nelson - Editor
Sue McCoy - Editor Denise Johnson - Editor
There were seven Ringling brothers who originally formed the circus; most, unfortunately died at a young age. The circus was extremely popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus “Greatest Show on Earth” was a virtual monopoly of the circuses crisscrossing the country at this time.
John Ringling was the remaining owner of the popular circus and was one of the richest people in the world during the circus’ heyday in the 1910 to 1929 era. In addition to owning the circus, he hugely invested in ranching, real estate, railroads, banking, and collecting art.
Since the circus was primarily a summer event, the huge circus tents were set up outside. In 1919, John Ringling decided to begin having their winter quarters in warm Sarasota. John and his wife at the time, Mable, built a huge (“only” 36,000-square-foot and 58 rooms) mansion on the waterfront in 1926. The mansion, Ca’ d’Zan, was a centerpiece of Sarasota socialites and entertainment. John and Mable collected world-class artwork and built an art museum for their extensive collection. Mable, unfortunately, died in 1929.
The Great Depression hit, and nobody had money to spare to go to a circus. John’s world-class art collection worth millions of dollars became basically worthless. In the depression, he could not sell his artwork – no one was buying art. His fortune rapidly dwindled; when he died in 1936, he had $311 in the bank. He and his wife were childless, and they left his huge estate to the State of Florida. Today, it is owned by Florida State University.
Enough history. What can you see there, besides his huge, world-class art collection of paintings and sculpture? There are two wonderful museums full of circus memorabilia, from actual beautiful circus wagons, the actual cannon that shot performers into a net at the end of the huge tent, amazing costumes, posters, and the authentic Pullman railroad car that was private to John and Mable for their personal travel with the circus. Located in one of the museums is a miniature circus display, complete with many hundreds of hand-carved, hand-painted wooden miniature figures of people who would work and support the circus and various circus animals. And you can tour Mable’s botanical garden close by their grave site.
Oh, and the club members were also able to see a six-act professional circus performance. It’s amazing what those performers can do! Sadly, we then boarded the motorcoach
and returned to the Glen. We all could have used more time to explore the complex.
Consider taking a day trip up to Sarasota and seeing this wonderful hidden gem of history and entertainment. The tickets are very reasonably priced. Go to ringling.org and see what you can experience.
Getting Help For Alzheimer’s And Dementia
HOA SSEP Committee, Herons Glen Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia is complex and can impact medical needs, legal needs, and financial needs.
To help Herons Glen residents be better informed and prepared, our HOA SSEP (Safety, Security and Emergency Planning) Committee has arranged a seminar on the topic to be held on Thursday, October 10 at 1 p.m. in the Herons Glen Ballroom. There will be multiple presenters covering the medical, legal, and financial aspects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. A question and answer session will follow the presentations.
If you are interested, there is no need to sign up. Simply mark the date on your calendar and show up at the ballroom.
Trivia Corner
By Jack Nelson, Herons Glen
Here are five trivia questions to test your memory and common knowledge. Don’t peek at the answers until you’ve finished. Good luck!
1. On June 4 and 5, 1942, U.S. Navy dive bombers sank four Japanese aircraft carriers. What was the name of the battle?
2. On November 24, 1963, who shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald?
3. In June 1938, what amazing feat did Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Van Dermeer accomplish?
4. What is the only piece in the game of chess that may move only one square at a time?
5. Who was Marilyn Monroe’s last husband?
Community Interests
Craft Fair
By Sally Knop, Herons Glen
The Herons Glen Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the ballroom. There will be over 30 vendors, so this will be a great opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts, home décor and more. There is something for everyone. The grill will be fired up for the purchase of hotdogs or burgers. Don’t miss it. This event is sponsored by the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
Yum Yum! The Food Trucks Have Come – Part II
By Candace Huetteman, Herons Glen
In Part I of Yum Yum! The Food Trucks Have Come!, you, the reader, were able to follow the historic growth of these iconic eateries on wheels. Food trucks started as chuck wagons out West and, due to their popularity, growth, and development over the decades, today 35,000 to 40,000 food trucks are operating throughout the U.S. As in the past, they meet the needs of our ever-changing lifestyle. So, let’s learn about the yummy treats offered by food trucks.
While food trucks offer a vast variety of cuisines, these are the most profitable items to sell: No. 1, hamburgers; No. 2, tacos; No. 3, pizza; No. 4, loaded fries; No. 5, grilled cheese; No. 6, vegan and vegetarian; No. 7, barbecue; No. 8, lobster rolls; No. 9, burritos; and No. 10, ethnic cuisine.
The Heron newspaper is going through some changes, but these changes are exciting and are bringing about new opportunities! 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!
Fraud Alert
By Craig Woolley, Herons Glen
Delivery program, or to sign up for this service, please visit https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm. Always report slow-moving vehicles that appear to be “trawling” through the neighborhood, especially if stopping at mailboxes. Be cognizant of mail delivery times and try to retrieve your mail shortly thereafter. Do not leave mail in the mailbox overnight. Whenever possible, avoid leaving outgoing mail, especially checks, in your mailbox for lengthy periods of time. Please immediately report suspicious activity to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or to your local law enforcement agency.
As you travel this fall or winter, hopefully you’ll find yourself in one of the top 10 U.S “foodie cities” with the best food trucks. No. 1 is Phoenix, Ariz., where food trucks thrive. This city’s Southwestern cuisine, a mix of Mexican and Native American cooking styles, offers food with bold and spicy flavors. No. 2, Philadelphia, Pa., is best known for its Philly cheesesteak, soft pretzels, and frozen ice treats. No. 3, Los Angeles, is known for its “trendy offerings,” from Korean barbecue to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches as well as its delicious Mexican food. No. 4, San Antonio, Texas is a place where you can enjoy a delicious mix of Texas and Mexican food known as Tex-Mex cuisine. No. 5, San Diego, Calif., is the perfect place for those who love seafood. City trucks often feature dishes made with the fresh catch of the day. One of the best dishes to try is the fish tacos. San Diego also has great burritos. No. 6, Dallas, Texas, they say everything is bigger and better especially when it comes to barbecue. But this city is also a place to enjoy southern comfort food such as crispy fried chicken, collard greens, fluffy biscuits and sweet peach cobbler. No. 7, while in the historic New England town of Boston, Mass., be sure to try New England clam chowder, a lobster roll, and Boston cream pie for dessert. No. 8, the beautiful Pacific coast city of Seattle, Wash., offers super fresh seafood. Its salmon, dungeness crab, oysters, and creamy chowders will not disappoint you. No. 9, in Denver, Colo., food trucks offer something called green chili. It’s a tasty and spicy stew made with roasted green chiles, pork and other tasty ingredients. People in Denver love to put this chili on burritos, enchiladas, and more. No. 10, since Washington, D.C., is the capitol of the country and people come from all over the world, the food truck scene is a big mixing pot of different cultures. Ethiopian, Peruvian, Vietnamese, Indian, Middle Eastern and other ethnic cuisines will take you on a global culinary adventure.
In your travels, you may notice that Los Angeles has the most food trucks of any U.S. city and Virginia Beach, Va., has the fewest, only 28. But where to go and what to eat? There are so many choices. The rise of social media platforms, particularly Twitter, has played a pivotal role in the success of modern food trucks. Followers can find truck locations and daily specials in real time. Or, living here in North Fort Myers, you only need to drive down Route 41 or go out to Pine Island Road to find a variety of delicious foods. You can also wait for the food trucks to come to Herons Glen.
Thanks again to the Resident Events Committee for giving us the opportunity to let someone else do the cooking for us.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno presented a program about fraud and how to prevent others from applying for credit cards in your name. Protecting one’s personal identity and avoiding falling victim to credit card fraud has become challenging for the average individual.
While credit card fraud often involves the theft of an individual’s personal information and creation of duplicate credit cards, a trend appears to have become popular where criminals steal credit card applications from a victim’s mailbox, apply for the card, and steal the physical card from the victim’s mailbox upon its arrival.
Although this sounds like a nearly impossible task, consider several factors. Many of us receive multiple applications for credit cards each year. For criminals to roam through a neighborhood, open mailboxes and find multiple credit card offers wouldn’t be a difficult endeavor. Following the application for credit, thieves utilize “Informed Delivery by USPS” at the victim’s address. This free service notifies mail recipients of the impending arrival of mail including images of the mail to be delivered. Once the criminals receive notification of the arrival of the credit card, they proceed to the home and retrieve the card before the victim has an opportunity to do so.
Theft of mail and the crimes that occur as a result (i.e., check washing, package theft, identity theft) can be prevented to some degree. Consider enrolling in the USPS Informed Delivery program. Participation is free and easy and keeps you aware of arriving mail. To learn more about the Informed
Lastly, please consider requesting copies of your credit report from the major providers, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. The three nationwide credit bureaus have a centralized website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address so you can order your free annual reports from one central location. Do not contact the three credit bureaus individually. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com or Call (877) 322-8228 or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form found at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index. action and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Two Jewels
By Jack Nelson, Herons Glen
Imagine you are in a large crater on the moon sitting on your crater chair enjoying a happy hour with your friends. You’re all wearing your spacesuits, of course, because there is no oxygen. You’re able to sip your favorite cocktail through a straw connected to a special bladder that fits neatly to your chest. As you sip away, you and your friends look to the heavens to view the various heavenly bodies. Appearing in the southern moon sky is jewel number one, an oblate spheroid that is resplendently aglow with three beautiful colors. The predominate color is a blinding white that glows brighter than freshly fallen snow. Filling in the blank spaces are a breathtaking blue and a golden brown.
on page 5
Two Jewels
Rainbows in the Glen by Connie Presley
It’s planet Earth, of course, and you and your friends will be returning to it in just a few days, ending an enjoyable two-week vacation that you will cherish forever. But before you return, you will have signed your name to a guest register that’s stored in a locker under an American flag. I’m sure you remember Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planting that flag on July 20, 1969.
Your rocket ship for your return home arrives at moon launch pad 1 with a new batch of Earthling vacationers. You tell them to have an enjoyable stay, then you board. Your captain welcomes you aboard and briefs you that you’ll be back at launch pad 39A at Cape Canaveral in just three days. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Three days later you disembark from your rocket ship and thank the captain for a most enjoyable flight. In the distance, you can see flashes of lightning and you hear the rumble of thunder, and you know you’re home. The shuttle bus from the launchpad quickly transports you to your SUV, and you beat the storm’s arrival just in time as you motor homeward to jewel number two.
Jewel number two is a GGC located in the sovereign state of Florida. It’s loaded with majestic trees. It’s adorned with stunningly gorgeous flowers. It has fourteen refreshing lakes stocked with fish and friendly alligators. And finally, interspersed among all of this utopian natural setting are scores of cozy homes, each with its own personality.
So, what, you may ask, is a GGC? It’s simply a gated golf community, and the one I’ve described is located on a major
Home Front Heroes Check Presentation
Last month’s issue of The Heron had an article about the SSEP fundraising events. The following photo shows the SSEP Committee presenting a check for $750 to the Home Front Heroes representatives. Thank you, Herons Glen!
U.S. highway just south of the border of two great counties: Lee and Charlotte. By now you know I’ve described the one and only Herons Glen, a place of paradise.
As you drive through the gate to your home, the sun has just set, and in the eastern sky the moon has risen and it’s full. You gaze upon it wonderingly, and you realize you were sipping a cocktail on that satellite only three days ago. You’re already contemplating a return trip, if for no other reason than to be hypnotized by the view of jewel number one.
I Live Here Too Sometimes
By Denise Johnson, Herons Glen
My name is Rowan, but I also answer to Ro. I get to stay with my Grandma and Grandpa sometimes (Denise and Brian Johnson). I live with my parents, Sarah and Mike Praizner, on a big sailboat docked at Burnt Store Marina. I am a good boat dog. We got back from wintering in the Bahama area in July. I like running on the beaches and exploring caves. I always come when my hoomans call me. I’m not much of a swimmer yet, but I like rolling in the wet sand. I have a cute pink shark life jacket.
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.
My parents adopted me from a rescue facility in Fort Myers. I lived with someone before who had given me some training, but I don’t know who. I was found on I-75 on the side of the road. A kind hooman rescued me and took me to the rescue facility. Something large had bit me and I had some surgery and have scars on both of my sides. But I’m pretty darn cute anyway. You might see any of my hoomans walking me. It’s okay to say hi.
August 16 – HOA Volunteer Recruitment and Forms, Proposed Operating Budget for 2024/25 and Notice of Special Board Meeting on September 3, CenturyLink/ Quantum Fiber Public Utility Easement & Fiber Installation, Important Notice about Where to Get Copies of HG Newspaper (No Longer Being Delivered to Residences)
August 9 – Nominating Committee Accepting Nominations for HOA Board
August 2 – Hurricane Preparedness Information, HOA Text Messaging Opt-In Form
July 26 – HOA Quarterly Assessments
July 12 – The Heron Newspaper Link, Links to Community Standards for Landscape & Related Standards and Architectural Standards
Please keep this reference guide in a location that’s easy for you to find when needed.
Kate’s Plates
Marry Me Chicken (But, Who Wants To Marry A Chicken?)
By Kathleen Colletti, Herons Glen
My hairdresser passed this on to me and I really enjoyed it. This is “Kate’s Plates” version.
4 boneless, skinless thin chicken cutlets
2 tablespoons butter and some EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
Small shallot (or onion), diced ½ teaspoon thyme
Chicken broth, about ½ cup
½ cup goat cheese
¼ cup cream
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped and blotted dry
Small pinch red pepper flakes
Melt butter and EVOO in skillet. Dredge cutlets in flour and sear 2 minutes on each side. Remove to plate and keep warm. Chicken will not be cooked through. Add more butter to skillet and gently sauté garlic, shallot (or onion) and thyme. Add about 1/4 cup broth and reduce. Add another 1/4 cup broth, goat cheese, cream and whisk all together. Reduce more to thicken sauce. Add sun-dried tomatoes and pepper flakes to taste. Return chicken to skillet and simmer on low, until chicken is cooked through, turning cutlets to coat with sauce. Optional: Add chopped spinach. Serve over hot pasta (fettucine or pappardelle pasta is good here).
Enjoy!
Sunrise on Santorini Way by Dick Muller
KISS Event – HGL9HGA
By Carol Ross and Denise Johnson, Herons Glen
As the dog days of summer are dwindling, Herons Glen Ladies 9-Hole Golf Association (HGL9HGA) has been busy working on our KISS event scheduled for October 23. Our committee is planning a fun round of golf with many surprises, lunch and, hopefully, cooler weather.
Many of you are wondering: what is KISS? KISS stands for Keep It Simple Summer that runs May 1 through November 1 of each year. The HGL9HGA is a member of Lee County’s Council of Ladies’ Nine Hole Golf Association (LCCLNHGA) of which there are 25 clubs. There are ten events scheduled this year with a theme for each event. Our theme this year is Halloween. It will be a “spooky” day with lots of fun!
Sign up details will be forthcoming in October. We look forward to Herons Glen Lady Niners and other golf course nine-hole golfers joining us for this fun event.
Let’s Play Pickleball
By Kathy Lynch, Herons Glen
Photos by Denise Johnson, Herons Glen
They say that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States! Herons Glen has been ahead of the curve. We have six pickleball courts located behind the fitness center. Two of the courts are brand new and have lights for nighttime play. They dry within the hour after a rain and are in constant use. The area outside the courts is paved and has canopied bleachers and tables with chairs, a perfect spot for social play. There is a pickleball association that collects $25 a year in dues which cover the balls, some paddles, fun tournaments, blacklight glow nights and pizza! The association also helps set up beginners’ clinics and skills clinics to promote the sport of pickleball. It’s an easy game to learn and you can begin playing right away after the clinic. This is a great way to meet people and get some exercise too. If you are interested in learning more or joining the group contact Don Lynch, president of the association, at dlynch74c@gmail.com.
Featured Herons Glen Photographer, Dale Green
New pickleball courts
Bleachers and seating for new courts
Bleachers between the existing courts
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Shopping Center/Mall Safety Tips
Malls and shopping centers are excellent places to make purchases of all kinds and, as a result, these locations tend to be well populated and teeming with activity.
Shoppers migrate from store to store, occasionally stopping to eat or for a cup of coffee, and all too often pay little attention to the people around them and/or their surroundings.
Shopping with young children complicates matters as we must closely monitor their whereabouts and behaviors despite carrying packages, trying on clothing, navigating the mall, etc.
A number of my previous “Safety & Security Tips” address “situational awareness” and today’s message will, once again, remind residents and guests of the importance of understanding your surroundings, familiarizing yourself with potential hazards and being in a position to effectively respond in the event of an emergency.
Walk confidently while demonstrating that you are paying attention to your environment. Distractions, such as smartphones, may send a message that you are not paying attention. Would be wrongdoers attempt to operate covertly and target unsuspecting victims. By constantly monitoring the people in your vicinity and that which is going on around you, you dramatically reduce the likelihood that you will be caught off-guard.
Try to avoid overburdening yourself with too many packages or large packages that are difficult to carry. Additionally, keep all of your bags and purchases within your site.
Never display large sums of cash and, other than while making payment at the register, avoid handling cash in public.
Those carrying handbags, purses and similar items should consider carrying/wearing them “cross-body” with the clasp or flap facing your body.
It is critical to remember where you parked and, when returning to your vehicle, have your keys/key fob in your hand.
Many of us enjoy the shopping experience, the activity and bustle at the mall and the interesting people that we encounter. It is, however, incumbent upon shoppers to remain attentive and to reduce the likelihood of victimization.
Be alert! Be safe!
Voting
Start By Registering To Vote
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has a Supervisor of Elections. This is an elected official that manages the elections for that county. If you are just beginning the voting process, Google Supervisor of Elections and the name of your county (i.e. “Supervisor of Elections Lee County”). You can find out how to register to vote (or confirm that you are already registered) and you can find out how to request a mail-in ballot on this website.
In Florida, the deadline to register to vote in the General Election on Nov. 5 is Monday, Oct. 7 (registertovoteflorida.gov/home).
If you would like to request a mail-in ballot in Florida, vote-by-mail ballot requests must be received by 5 p.m. on the Thursday 12 days prior to the election (Florida Statute 101.62). This date is Thursday, Oct. 24.
An easy place to start out if you are completely flummoxed is the National Association of Secretaries of State webpage titled Can I Vote (nass.org/can-I-vote). Good luck!
