Persons Of Interest: Bobbie And Jim Farley
By Kathy Striggow
If you ask Bobbie and Jim Farley what the name of the game is, undoubtedly their response will be a resounding, “TENNIS!” The Sunset Harbor couple has a profound passion for the sport, and they have been involved for decades in growing tennis within their community.
The Farleys have lived in the Landings for 30 years, primarily as seasonal residents. Their northern home is in Cincinnati, OH. Both natives of West Virginia, they grew up in coal country in rural southern West Virginia, and met at Marshall University in Huntington, WV.
Following her graduation from Marshall, Bobbie taught school for 6 years. She then enrolled in and graduated from West Virginia Univ. College of Law. Her practice included health care, social security, and business law.
Jim and Bobbie Farley
Master of Hospital and Health Care Administration from the Medical College of Virginia. In 1971, Jim became the youngest CEO of a hospital in the United States when he was named Administrator and CEO of Pleasant Valley Hospital in
A MUST FOR YOUR SUMMER READING LIST!
The Landings Member Survey Report
By Becky Ross, Co-Chair Long Range Planning Steering Committee
What’s more enjoyable than reading your favorite author at the beach, lake, cabin, you name it? Reading the results of The Landings membership survey that was conducted in April of this year. In June, Members received via email a link to a flipbook summary report, so many of you already know that Member satisfaction is very high at The Landings, with overall satisfaction at 90%.
We turned out an impressive 66% survey response and seven out of every ten households submitted at least one survey. A big thank you to all who participated! And thanks to our LYGTC Board who supported our Steering Committee efforts with additional communications to their Villages.
Our Landings' Board now has more information about Members’ interests and priorities than likely they have ever had before - quantifiable information. With this info in hand, our Landings Board and Long Range Planning Steering Committee can study the results and prepare for strategic planning meetings that will start in the fall. In addition, the survey surfaced topics and opportunities that do not need to wait for the strategic plan and can be addressed in the short term.
The LYGTC Board and Long Range Planning Steering Committee received a preliminary report in late May, followed by a Letter of Recommendations from our consultant, the McMahon Group, in early June. If you have not yet opened the email and read the flipbook summary report, I encourage you to do so.
Point Pleasant, WV.
In their early thirties, this is where their tennis journey began.
The Farleys are distinguished in the tennis industry because they have volunteered at every level of the game, and they have served in leadership capacities.
Bobbie and Jim raised a tennis family, and she has volunteered countless hours growing the tennis community, both locally and through national volunteer service. Bobbie carried her passion for tennis into leadership positions with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) at the local, section, and national level.
Serving a combined 14 years as chair for the Membership and the Constitution & Rules committees, Bobbie presided over amendments and bylaw changes for the USTA, setting a high standard of leadership and conscientiousness for the organization and her peers at the national level. Also at the upper level, Jim was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Board of Directors, while Bobbie served on the USTA/Midwest Board of Directors.
The Farleys are synonymous
Jim is a former president of the Cincinnati Tennis Club. Founded in 1880, it is the oldest tennis club in the Midwest. They also own the Western Athletic Club in Cincinnati, OH, a thriving tennis and health club that began in the 1970s as a “Racquet Club” with growing tennis as its main focus. Over time, the facility expanded to a club centered around prioritizing health and fostering community. It houses indoor pickleball and tennis courts in addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center. Bobbie states that the goal is to keep everyone active and moving, and the club offers something for every level. According to the Farleys’ daughter Angela, who now manages the club, there are currently 608 memberships
If for some reason you did not receive the email (Subject: Member Survey Summary Report), simply go to the landingsygtc.com webpage, log in to the Member section, go to Committees and select Long Range Planning Steering Committee. On that page you will find a link to the survey summary.
Enjoy your summer reading and get ready for a great fall and winter season!
Jim and Bobbie with their daughters, Angela (L), and Andrea (R)
Your Dream • Your Vision ...
Cove - 1st Floor, 2/2, Gorgeous Steamboat Bend - 2/2 Corner, Pool & Lake View
Steamboat Bend East - 2/2 Corner, 1st Floor Golf & Lake View
Longboat - 3/2.5 Stunning Villa Mariners Cove - 3/2 Private Lot
- Renovated 3 + Den Pool Schooner - 3 + Den, 2.5 Townhouse
Windjammer - 2/2 Top Floor, Corner
Windjammer - Single Family 3/2, Gorgeous
Windjammer - 3/2 Split Floorplan, Updated Windjammer - 2/2 First Floor, Updated Lakefront
General Manager’s Report
May 24, 2024
• Began working this month on budgeting for the next fiscal year with the controller and all department heads.
• Working with the Food & Beverage department to implement a dining reservation system for the Helm Club and the Wheelhouse.
• Food & Beverage is also implementing a new kitchen
Summary of April 2024
April 2024 was a challenging month for the Club, with several departments underperforming against their revenue budgets, leading to a significant negative variance. Despite some areas showing positive trends, the overall financial health for the period showed areas needing improvement. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Club’s financial performance for the month.
Financial Summary
• Total Club Revenue: $1,256,897 (Budget: $1,482,355; Variance: -$225,458)
• Gross Operating Profit: $88,877 (Budget: $178,780; Variance: -$89,903)
Departmental Performance
• Food and Beverage Revenue: $216,462 (Budget: $353,792; Variance: -$137,330)
• Golf Revenue: $76,290 (Budget: $73,557; Variance: +$2,733)
• Tennis Revenue: $28,456 (Budget: $23,371; Variance: +$5,085)
ordering system to help expedite food orders in both dining venues.
• Summer projects are in full swing in all departments to improve facilities.
• The new IRS labor changes are being discussed with our labor attorneys to ensure we’re in compliance going forward.
• Marina Revenue:
$458,345 (Budget: $560,453; Variance: -$102,108)
• Administration & General: Expenses: $104,955 (Budget: $92,105; Variance: -$12,850)
• Community Patrol: $48,036 (Budget: $45,440; Variance: -$2,596)
• Golf Course Maintenance: Expenses**: $100,754 (Budget: $94,169; Variance: -$6,585)
• Property Maintenance: Expenses**: $68,511 (Budget:
$72,324; Variance: +$3,813) Balance Sheet
• Infrastructure Reserve: $332,285
• Reserves Future Long Range: $64,392
• Operating Cash Balance: $1,095,571
Conclusion: April 2024 presented several financial challenges, primarily due to lower-than-expected revenues and higher operational costs in key departments. The Club must focus on aligning expenses with budget forecasts and enhancing revenue streams to mitigate these variances in the upcoming months.
Chess and Checkers Club News
By John Winters
We meet during the summer months in our usual place at the Helm (Bridge Room), Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Summer is a good time to strengthen your game with our better players.
Most activities slow down during this sizzling time. Golfers have a reciprocal program where they play other golf courses. Likewise, golfers from other courses can play at The Landings. This gave me an idea: A summer reciprocal program for chess clubs! I’m
working on compiling a list of these clubs. If you know of any, send me information. This list may not be ready until next year. So far, there is only one club on the list, a chess club in Estero. They even have a website: SWFLCC.org.
Last month, I started studying some general principles of end games. Here are three basic ones when you are ahead one or two pawns: 1) Exchange pieces but not pawns; 2) It is best to have your pawns on both sides of the board rather than all on one side; and 3) Bishops are generally a little better than knights (they can go quickly to either side of the board).
Hope you are having a wonderful summer. If you experience a chess adventure this summer, send me an email (johnallenwinters@comcast.net) with details.
And, don’t forget to protect your king!
Republican Women’s Club
The Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club will meet on Tuesday, July 16, in the Helm Club’s Main Deck. County Commissioner candidates for District 3 and other candidates as they reply will be featured. Visit our website www.fmrwc.com for more information.
A social hour begins at 11:15 a.m. The meeting and lunch will start at 12 noon with the program shortly afterward.
The couple has two daughters, Angela and Andrea. Both were nationally ranked junior players, with one who played tennis professionally. Their younger daughter, Andrea, is the only person, male or female, to win four consecutive Ohio high school singles championships. While in high school, she was ranked as the No. 7 junior in the world. Angela recently captured her first USTA gold ball by winning the singles title in the Women’s 55 Hard Court Championships in Lexington, KY. Jim and Bobbie also have 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Bobbie and Jim were inducted into the Cincinnati Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2019, Bobbie received the Samuel Hardy Award, presented annually by the International Tennis Hall of Fame to a dedicated USTA volunteer. She played an integral role in the development of USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation and Tennis for Charity, Inc., the charitable arm of the Western & Southern Open.
Please make your reservation no later than July 12. If you are unable to attend and cancel after the deadline date, you will still be responsible for your reservation cost. Make your lunch payment of $20 to FMRWC. Pay by check or cash, no credit cards. If you have questions, contact Diane Kinser, Recording Secretary & Reservations, at social.lady@yahoo. com, or text 630-327-3546.
In March of this year, Bobbie and Jim were inducted into the 2023 USTA/Midwest Section Hall of Fame. Congratulations Jim and Bobbie, for a well deserved honor!
• Hiring new Food & Beverage employees will begin ramping up soon for the Wheelhouse as that project moves forward.
Head Editor: Sheryl Winters sherylwinters@comcast.net
Linda Tucker tuckerllo@comcast.net
Barb June junefamily@sbcglobal.net
Joan Davison Davisonjoana@gmail.com
Kathy Striggow kathleenstriggow@gmail.com
Hazel Jones, hazelwhitejones.hl@gmail.com Copy Editor: Karen Reitan
the Editor. Disclaimer/Complaint Process: Happy Landings™ is a newsletter published for the benefit of the residents of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc., which has hired Seabreeze Communications Group as publisher to provide content and sell advertising consistent with the editorial and advertising policies of the Board of Directors of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and, unless otherwise noted, should not be construed to be those of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. or its officers, directors or members. Paid advertising does not represent an endorsement by this publication. Content cannot be reproduced without written consent from The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. Happy Landings is a registered trademark which cannot be used without the express written permission of the holder of the mark, The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. The Happy Landings ™ does not accept letters to the editor. All members of the LYG&TC have the right to express their concerns to the Board of Administrators, after following these steps: First, bring your problem/complaint to the attention of, in order, the editor; the Communications Committee; and finally, the general manager. If dissatisfied with the result, you must then fill out a “Member Problem/Complaint” form (available in the general manager’s office). The completed form will be given to the Board of Administrators, who will decide if the problem/complaint warrants its review or action.
The Farley’s Induction into USTA/Midwest Hall of Fame
LLGA-18 Ladies Golf Happenings!
By Mary Ann Spry
Happy summer golfing to everyone, wherever you may be! It appears that Wednesday morning golf is still alive and well with a nice complement of ladies. Many are enjoying the reciprocals available to play this season. Such a fun opportunity to play some lovely, long courses. Congratulations to Ann Spang on her “Hole-in-One” on #3 this week. Great shot Ann, especially on #3 where so often the pin is placed right behind the bunker! Former 18 Holer, Mary Greenberg enjoyed a “Hole-in-One” on #14, as well this week. Great playing girls. They say a “Hole-in One” is a lot of luck, but I believe “skill” is involved too.
We are excited to “Welcome” Joan Nielsen to our LLGA18 League. It is fun to greet new members throughout the year and we look forward to meeting and playing together in months ahead. If you are new to The Landings, check
with the Pro-shop for league opportunities. We are a great group of ladies who love the game of golf, enjoy the social aspect and look forward to some of the fun and challenging games and tournaments scheduled throughout the season.
This reminds me that Christy Fitz, our dynamic membership chair, would love for members to send their 2024-2025 dues in to
Nine-Hole League News
By Michele Cavanagh
While the majority of the snowbirds have left for the season, our year-round members continue to golf on Friday mornings. They are a smaller group of ladies that continue to enjoy the fun, friendship and competition throughout the summer months. Additionally, members have the opportunity to participate in KISS (Keep It Simple Summer) Events which are hosted by
& Green Book Changes: Happy Landings
July Issue, 2024
Clip & save these
Up to date through: May 31, 2024
Deletions:
• Meredith Bronk, 4758 Harbortown Lane
• Roger & Linda Buttke, 4160 Steamboat Bend East #505
• Nancy Diamond, 5030 Harbortown Lane
• Jose & Amelia Guzman,4160 Steamboat Bend East #401
• Dane Moreland, 4240 Steamboat Bend #302
• Steve & Jennifer Poet, 4586 Trawler Court #101
• Josephine Surico, 4396 Bowsprit Court #4D
Additions:
• Gordon & Eileen Alexander, 4240 Steamboat Bend #302, 978-973-6129 & 617-680-1083
• Margaret & Todd Gifford, 4160 Steamboat Bend East #401, 518-596-6000 & 518-596-3334
• Christopher Jackson, 4758 Harbortown Lane, 239-400-9033
• David “Keith” & Tonya Lowrey, 4586 Trawler Court #101, 864-590-8780 & 864-415-3692
• Maria Romero, 4160 Steamboat Bend East #505 786-213-1336
• Hollie & Cindy Smith, 4396 Bowsprit Court #4D, 575-250-5725 & 515-205-5701
• Diana Uddo-Kaniuga, 5030 Harbortown Lane, 908-879-0174
our neighboring clubs. This month there were three KISS events, one at Pelican Sound, one at Plantation and one at Colonial. Check the 9-Holers bulletin board for future events this year.
One of the highlights during the month of May was Mary Greenburg’s hole-in-one on hole #14 during league play. Congratulations, Mary! Earlier in the month Deb Hedges also came very close to getting a hole-in-one on the 14th hole.
No matter where you are golfing this season, keep these words from Jack Nicklaus in mind; “Golf should make you think, and use your eyes, your intelligence and your imagination. Variety and precision are more important than power and strength.”
A big thank you goes out to Julie Iverson who has been our correspondent for this month. If you are at The Landings this summer or have something golf related to share with our members, please send photos and information to michelecavanagh6@gmail.com
Photos by Julie Iverson
her so that she can get the famous little directory ready for you by October. A check for $70 can be mailed to her or dropped off at the Pro-shop.
Mountain golf has been great; although, the cool temps we have had in the early morn was a bit of an adjustment after Florida’s warm temps. It was fun to see Dotty Fritze and Diane Giebner back here, and winning as usual. We always enjoy the beautiful flowers and birds we have on The Landings course, but what we have been enjoying here in Colorado is the wildlife, seeing coyote hunting for breakfast, deer, prairie dogs----oh, and the babies are so cute...beautiful song birds too many to count and wild flowers everywhere.
Have a Glorious 4th of July, and be thankful for our Independence. Fly the Red, White and Blue honorably.
Mary Greenburg celebrating her hole-in-one
Deb Hedges came oh so close to a hole-in-one
Christy Fitz 18 holers membership chairperson
Rising above the shores of the Caloosahatchee River is Vista Cay, a collection of sophisticated waterfront residences featuring awe-inspiring vistas. For a limited time, future residents can choose their views and enjoy Shell Point’s resort amenities and award-winning lifecare while building is underway. This rare opportunity to select a new construction residence in Shell Point’s most renowned neighborhood won’t last long. Take a virtual tour, register for a seminar, or request an appointment by visiting MeetVistaCay.org.
Landings Fishing Club
Hog – Hogfish
By LeRoy Fleming
Never let it be said that old anglers can’t learn something new. Curiosity always wins out. What’s a Hogfish? Can you catch one? Are they good to eat?
Grace Stewart Assistant F&B Director
The Hogfish is also known as boquinete, doncella de plume or “feathered female” in Mexico. Blessed with a long pig like snout and protrusible jaws with thick lips and strong canine teeth all the better for rooting for its food. The snout is used to root in the bottom sand for small crustaceans, hence the name Hogfish.
The current catch limit is 5 per person with a 14-inch length restriction. The taste is sought after by many anglers and chefs. The meat is white, flakey and so tender it requires little preparation. Sweeter than grouper, flakier than Mahi-Mahi, and tastes like scallops and lobster. The looks of Hogfish may be ugly, but the flavor is outstanding.
We are thrilled to announce that Grace Stewart has been promoted from Banquet Manager to Assistant Food and Beverage Director. In her new role, Grace will continue to be a pivotal resource for all your banquet and party planning needs. Additionally, she will assist in the operation of our beloved Compass Rose Restaurant and the Wheelhouse Grille.
Grace's dedication and expertise have been instrumental in enhancing our hospitality services, and we are excited to see her bring the same passion and excellence to her expanded role. Join us in congratulating Grace on this well-deserved promotion!
The land version of the Hogfish is our pig or hog: omnivorous, domesticated, even toed, hoofed mammal, and blessed with a long snout. Piglets can grow up to several hundreds of pounds in weight and live 15 to 20 years. Although descended from the wild boar, the pig has turned into a valuable food source. The pig gives its entire body for consumption. Although it roots up the soil and likes to wallow in the mud, some have turned feral(wild) and surprisingly considered highly intelligent. The hog and hogfish may seek their food supply the same snout digging method but there is one distinction, well, perhaps several. I’ve never heard a Hogfish but catch a pig and you’ll know why humans say “a pig feeds us with all it’s got, except for the grunt and squeal.”
We now offer poolside food and drink service at the Helm Pool! This service is available Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM.
A designated server will be on hand to take your orders and deliver refreshments throughout the summer months. If this new offering is well received, we plan to extend poolside service through the entire season.
We look forward to enhancing your poolside experience and hope you enjoy this new convenience!
From engaging activities tailored to stimulate cognitive abilities to personalized care plans that address each individual’s unique needs, our memory care aims to foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
We strive to create moments of joy and connection, empowering our residents to embrace life’s precious memories.
Schedule a tour today by calling
and learn
Tennis Corner
By Joan Davison
The courts have gotten quiet and we’re missing all our friends who headed north for the summer. We can’t wait until you return to The Landings, hopefully in time for Tennis Boot Camp starting September 30! It’s hot here in Florida and I’d like to thank Bella Graf and her team for putting coolers of ice out in various places around the courts. After playing for 90 minutes in what feels like 100 degrees plus weather, I sometimes feel like I’d like to just dump the ice over my head! There’s exciting news in Landings Tennis; Nathan Smiley has been hired as the new Head Tennis Professional. Nathan is a USPTA certified professional with over six years of coaching experience. He’s a Milligan University grad with a degree in Exercise Science and was the university’s number one Singles and Doubles player with a 5.5 NTRP rating. Tennis Director Bella says, “Nathan presents a strong sense of leadership having been awarded the All-Athletes Eli Cramer award for Performance Excellence and Leadership Skills. He has coached Nathan Smiley
players of all ages and abilities in Fort Myers and Estero and is very excited to share his passion with the Landings!” Welcome Nathan!!
The Tennis Committee, after much discussion, has decided to extend the reservations trial period until September. Waitto-Play and Feed-in won’t be active at this time. Reservations can be made on Foretees in 90-minute increments starting at 8:00 A.M. Courts 9, 10 and Stadium can only be booked by calling the Pro Shop. If you’ve booked a court but won’t be able to use it, please cancel it, preferably 24 hours before but, life happens, so as soon as you know you won’t need the court. It’s important we all work together and be respectful of each other. When your reserved time is up, please get off the court as quickly as possible, and if you’re waiting for your court to open up, be respectful of the players who are finishing by staying off the court.
The Landings is a wonderful place to play tennis! We are truly blessed to have these amazing facilities. Remember to always keep your eye on the ball!!
Proper Landings Recycling:
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, In-store only)
Join us to look over all the jewels and sparkling treasures while sipping a bit of grog and enjoying special offers throughout the store.
There’s much confusion about what can and cannot be placed in our Landings recycling bins. Things that may be recyclable in other communities may not be recyclable here in Lee County.
Most important, do not put any plastic bags in the recycling containers! This includes no kitchen trash bags filled with recyclables (more on recycling plastic bags below).
There are only five things that can be recycled in Lee:
1.) Paper: old newspapers, magazines, junk mail, copy paper, phone books, or paperback books are OK. However: no shredded paper, wax or metallic paper, tissue paper, facial tissues, paper towels, gift wrapping paper, or hard cover books.
2.) Empty metal cans that are steel (tin) or aluminum: you do not need to remove the labels, but it helps control odors and pests if they are at least partially rinsed clean and dried.
3.) Cardboard boxes that have been pre-flattened and have not held any liquids (No cardboard cartons from broth, wine, whipping cream, half & half, etc.) Pizza boxes are recyclable if they don’t have food in or on them.
4.) Plastic bottles: look for the numbers 1-7 on bottles inside of the recycling triangle located on container bottoms. If there is no number, it is not recyclable. Caps on or caps off-it really doesn’t matter! But no plastic bags or Styrofoam. (more info below where to recycle).
5.) Glass: clear, brown, or green are all fine. Partially rinsed helps with odor and pest control.
All the above items need to be placed loosely into clearly marked recycling bins. Do not stack cans/ bottles/plastic produce containers into each other before tossing in bin. Do not place kitchen trash bags filled with recyclables or other plastic bags into the recycling bins! Plastic bags get tangled in the sorting machines and need to be manually removed!
Plastic bags, shipping plastic, bubble-wrap and shrinkwrap can all be recycled at Publix, Target, Walmart, and some other stores. Clean foam cartons from eggs and carry-out food can also be recycled at Publix.
Pet waste disposal: After removing your pet’s solid waste and securely sealing it in a plastic bag, be sure to place it inside another waste bag before dumping into regular Lee County garbage/waste bins. Never throw pet waste bags directly into garbage bins and never throw pet waste bags down trash chutes!
When in doubt, go to: https://www.leegov.com/ solidwaste/recycling/yes or call Lee County Solid Waste at: 239-533-8000, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., M-F. Customer service reps are more than happy to answer questions!
Proper recycling decreases our costs for waste removal services! Let’s all clean up our act and help save money to keep our Landings community beautiful!
Village News
Ariel, Clipper Cove, Flagship, Harbortown, Lighthouse, Longboat, Mariner’s Cove, Riverside, Schooner, Steamboat Bend, Steamboat Bend East, Sunset Cove, Sunset Harbor, Trawler, Windjammer
Longboat
Ann Power annpower103@gmail.com
New Longboat members - Meet Mike and Barb Schulte, who moved into Longboat in March of 2024. They moved from Sunset Harbor after six years of condominium living but had rented in other villages prior to that. Barbara’s parents were longtime residents of Windjammer Village. Mike and Barb came to The Landings for several years with their three children, Kathryn, Jon, and Eric. Now they have seven and a half (7½) grandchildren. Mike just stepped down as the President of the LTPA, and he and Barb love all the amenities within The Landings. They are snowbirds and their getaway is in Winchester, WI. They look forward to returning next season to enjoy everything that Longboat and The Landings have to offer.
Mike and Barbara Schulte Farewell to Longboat Resident –Jim Holley. Jim passed away in early May. Jim and Phyllis have been longtime residents of Longboat Village for 34 years. He is missed.
July 4th – A Bit of Independence Day Trivia. Did you know our second President, John Adams, had a fickle nature? Among his oddities included: his defense of British soldiers after the Boston Massacre, his notorious correspondence with his wife Abigail, and then, there was that whole complicated
“bromance” with Thomas Jefferson—the original frenemies. Here is another one to add to the list: he went to his grave refusing to take part in Independence Day celebrations on the 4th of July. According to Adams, the colonies truly broke from British tyranny on July 2nd—the day that the members of the Continental Congress first voted to approve the Declaration of Independence. How many of you were aware of that?
Sharing Stories – Residents, remember if you have had a great summer adventure, we would love to hear about it. Please contact me and I will share it through our column.
Mariner’s Cove
Denis was depressed watching the tiny US flag flying atop our 30-foot pole and purchased a larger flag with the hoisting equipment. Little did he know the worn-out rope holding the small flag had jumped the pulley and was stuck. After several attempts to free it, it broke at the top.
Riverside
It has been a busy summer so far for Riverside residents with travel, graduations, weddings, adventures, and family milestones.
Scandinavian Adventures Riversiders Kelli Vestal and Rick Quehl, plus Eileen and Jeff Huff, recently returned to their summer homes in upstate New York following a 17-day Scandinavian cruise. Starting in Oslo, they took the Bergensbanen train, featured on “Lonely Planet” as Europe’s most beautiful train line. Most remarkably, houses in Norway were still half-covered in snow in the middle of May, with crosscountry skiers enjoying the highest mountains.
June 28 - August 10
Everyone’s favorite nanny is back! Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she helps teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of an irresistible story, breathtaking dance numbers and unforgettable songs such as Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Dates may be subject to change.
He unsuccessfully scouted The Landings for a cherry picker to hoist him to the top of the pole and run the new rope. He felt stupid to have removed the small flag. He didn’t sleep well that night. In the morning he had an epiphany. He needed a tall ladder, and who has the tallest ladder? The fire department! He went to Iona McGregor firehouse, explained his problem and mentioned that he had seen on TV that they save cats from the tops of trees, would they help with his flag? The matter was referred to the Deputy Chief and a lieutenant called back within hours. The following day Ladder 74 and three firefighters were here. The flag was hoisted. The firemen said they were happy to help and refused any form of thank you. However, later that day, Norman Love chocolates and beer were delivered to the firehouse.
To complete the flag set-up, Scott Blais installed a brandnew LED flood light to illuminate our new flag at night.
Welcome to our new neighbors, John, Penny & Odin O’Hare in 9515. The O’Hares bought a condo in Sunset Harbor in 2021 which they renovated. Wanting a house for their family of three sons and three grandchildren to be able to visit, they discovered Mariner’s Cove.
John is CEO of O’Hare Wealth Management, located in Edarberg, WI, where they still have a home. Penny does some bookkeeping for the company, was a top sales person for Xerox, a stay-at-homeMom, and worked for Land’s End for 10 years.
Penny won the art show last year with a piece of her fused glass and is a pickleball fanatic. John plays some pickleball, golf, and likes to fish and hunt.
Join Pat & Ginny for chair yoga with Sarah this summer!
Arriving in Bergen, the group embarked on the cruise ship, Viking Venus. Countries visited were Denmark, Finland, Germany, Poland, and Sweden. A favorite remembrance included a tour of Bergen local markets with Viking Venus head chef preparing a dinner from the day’s purchases. Other special memories included a scenic canal cruise in Denmark, beer and Pierogi in an outdoor Gdańsk café, and remarkable beauty of the Norwegian fjords.
The cruise concluded in Stockholm, but not before offering an opportunity to tour amazing highlights of the beautiful city. According to Rick and Kelli, Stockholm was the most welcoming and perhaps an attraction requiring more exploration.
Graduations
Proud parents, Ben and Baxter Shelfer, traveled to Louisville to celebrate the graduation of their daughter, Spencer Moorman, who earned a Ph.D. in Social Work at the University of Louisville on May 11th! Congratulations, Spencer, on another life achievement!
While in KY, they also celebrated the graduation of Dr. Blakeley Ryan Moorman M.D., a Resident Physician of Internal Medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
They also celebrated the graduation of their granddaughter (and Baxter’s namesake), Eliza Baxter Moorman, who achieved Summa Cum Laude honors from the University of Kentucky! Congratulations to all!
Other Riverside Highlights
Congratulations to Mary Greenberg who shot a holein-one on hole #14 during the Nine Holers play on May 31st! What a great drive Mary!
Sherry and John Winters are extremely proud of their beautiful granddaughter, Andee Winters, who graduated June 2nd from Pine City MN High School. She will attend Grand Canyon University this fall. Congratulations Andee!
In other Winters family news, the engagement of John and Sherry’s granddaughter, Sadie Winters to Colin Simpson was recently announced. No date has yet been set. The couple currently resides in New York City. Congratulations to the happy couple, and to John and Sherry!
Jim and Phyllis Holley
Pat Benner patharben@aol.com
Ladder 74 coming to the rescue!
Penny, John and Odin O’Hare
Ginny Minarchi, Sarah Mitchell and Pat Benner enjoying yoga
Kathleen Striggow kathleensstriggow@gmail.com
Rick Quehl and Kelli Vestal in Gdańsk, Poland
Ben and Baxter with the graduates: (L) Spencer Moorman, Ph.D., and (R) Dr. Blakely Ryan Moorman, M.D.
The Winters Grandchildren, (L) Andee Winters, (R) Sadie Winters and Colin Simpson
Villages from page 8
Schooner
First, some sad but not surprising news. Ed Horstkotte passed away May 25th, just a few months after Dorothy. He was only three months short of his 100th birthday. A truly dear man is now again with his primary caretakers.
Lots of comings and goings in Schooner. Mike and Kathy Armstrong took a 9-day cruise to Bermuda on the Celebrity Eclipse with Landings friends Tony and Marty Roemer, and Ann Spang. With 4 days at sea, they had plenty of time for playing loads of games and indulging themselves on the ship’s amenities. The Armstrongs enjoyed their time in Bermuda, especially the Crystal Caves.
Ric & Mary Wilson-Tauson rooesq@juno.com
On their way to Minnesota in May, Doug and Renelle Nelson toured the beautiful Cumberland Gap area and spent time with Milton Brooks (Teresa was still in FL). Milton took them to The Pinnacle, an area where Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky meet. The area is famous in American colonial history as a key passageway through the lower Appalachians. Rick and Annie Fox hosted the Nelsons in Harlan, KY, and then they traveled north to Lexington and played golf with Mark David and Becky Goss at their beautiful home. They even managed a short stop at the Woodford Distillery!
Former Schooner residents, Tom and Arla Kern were in Fort Myers recently and met for dinner with Maria and Phil Aponte, Mary Wilson-Tauson, and Mary’s niece Estelle.
All agreed that it was so nice to visit with their longtime neighbors and friends.
Schoonerites are keeping the surgeons busy. Dennis Nahnsen is doing very well after a hip replacement. He and Margie are heading to Michigan soon to cool off. Joe Wolcin is back on the golf course only 4 weeks after a hip replacement. He and Barb plan to be in Hilton Head in July, and on a cruise from London to Norway in September! Bon voyage!
The Schooner ladies met at the Helm Club on May 13th to celebrate May birthdays. Eight ladies enjoyed lunch at the Compass Rose and toasted to another happy and healthy year ahead.
Steamboat Bend East
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
~Abraham Lincoln
Happy 4th of July to everyone!
cake with fresh strawberries and Teresa Harris baked oatmeal cookies. We heard many of the cookies got eaten before the ribs and hotdogs were ready. Jesse and Mary Kay treated everyone, did the decorating, and provided Pina Coladas. Glad to hear the pool party’s tradition continues. This was a pool party where people actually swam, how fun!
Jane danced with her son Scott and grandson Scotty at her birthday celebration with a group of 12 people. There was lots of dancing, many great cards and birthday wishes from friends and staff. Jane treated everyone to ice cream sundaes as she announced that she was ‘heading for 100’.
May God Bless America!
Trawler
Trawler Village Rests from Season
Well, things have gotten pretty quiet around here. We did have trouble with pool filtering... something broke and water was gushing everywhere. It turned out to be Heater problems and the pool was left unfiltered while repairs were made. Two brand new heaters were installed in order for the system to be brought up. All is working now and the cooling system is now on with the water nice and cool.
thealster6@gmail.com
The Memorial Day Pool Party was well attended. Mary Kay and Jesse Shipp prepared eight racks of baby back ribs and Nathan hot dogs. There were many summer salads, fresh corn on the cob and baked beans. Barb Johnson made an Angel Food
Carol Cummins callifleur1955@gmail.com
Trawler Village welcomes three new couples
Please welcome Micheal and Linda Killacky to 4586 #403, Keith and Tonya Lowery to 4586 #101 and Bernie and Michelle Esch to 4585 #301. We wish you all good luck in your new homes.
Trawler Village becomes rescue grounds. Sherry Craig reported of a heartwarming rescue of a night Heron. According to Sherry “On Memorial Day a baby night Heron fell out of his nest on Trawler Ct. Being unable to place him back in the nest we called C.R.O.W.
A caring volunteer drove to The Landings and after seeing that the baby was healthy, she drove the chick out to Sanibel. The Trawler night heron was named, “FEED ME” for obvious reasons!” Great story Sherry!
Villages on page 10
Mike and Kathy Armstrong in Bermuda
Mary’s niece Estelle, Tom and Arla Kern, and Maria and Phil Aponte
Schooner Ladies’ Birthday Celebration
L: Heidi Helm and Lynn DeFranc at the Memorial Day Party hosted by Jesse and Mary Kay Shipp, R: Carol Donohue, Chris Jackson and Jo Wagner
Jane Johnson celebrates her 94th Birthday at the Helm Club
Al & Patti Palumbo
Villages from page 9
Windjammer
Sharyl Leifeld & Stacey Gossmann staceygossmann@comcast.net
The “Friendliest” Place Just read any Happy Landings edition to discover all the projects and hobbies available to our residents! Recently Windjammer’s golf team placed 4th in the very “friendly” 2024 Intervillage Golf Challenge. Congrats to Linda Francis, Lauralee Cantlon, Mark Combs, Don Schmitt, Tom Stegeman, Mike Hurley, Bentley Collins, David Koehn, Don Eichenberger, Mike Maile, Julie Iverson and Brat Lang! And most recently our Windjammer Village president Tom Bell and his lovely Eva shared that The Landings is the
Seabreeze
Or Call
2 bed / 2 bath ground floor in Trawler available for rentyear round or seasonally. Overlooks 18th hole and lake. Contact Mark 774-200-0723
friendliest place they have ever lived! Quite the compliment since they have traveled and lived literally throughout North America, Europe, Antarctica, Asia…logging also many trips, both business and family, in their single engine “Mooney” airplane. Previously residents of Stow, Ohio, just south of Cleveland, they became Windjammer owners in 2003, then full time after retirement in 2016. They co-owned T.J. Bell, Inc., with two divisions – the first, the North American Distributor for Erichsen Instruments, also a German company that manufactured quality testing equipment for the automotive industry and manufacturing of all types. The second, a division with a small engineering company that designed and built custom drying systems for the automotive and food industries worldwide. Additionally, Eva was the CFO and VP of Becker Pumps Corp. managing their North American subsidiary.
Helyer, team captain Steve Hooper, Louis Kapp, Bruce Miller, Sarah and Steve Noyes, Carol Smith, Dick Wellner and Dennis Yavorsky for their success.
Another talented athlete received his early training here. Riley Alexander, grandson of Linda Alexander, an owner who moved here in 2004, learned to play tennis and swim at Ariel.
The Landings offered tennis lessons and programs for children. Riley participated from age five until middle school when the program ended. Those lessons paid off: Riley was the captain of the varsity tennis team at Dunbar High School and graduated this year with high honors. He received a medal for having a 4+ grade average and was named to the 2024 News-Press Tennis All-Area First Team.
Clearly, Tom and Eva love to travel! And what goes well with travel? Entertaining, and especially all things cooking and food! They love to cook for friends, but also large-scale events –three years running their epic “chili cook-off,” Gladiolus Food Bank, and various civic events – wherever they can help!
Cove
Keeping Up with Family Dee Bowersox took in the annual Hanover, PA, Memorial Day Parade with her great grandchildren.
Naturally a favorite topic in The Landings is an upcoming or latest cruise! Tom and Eva experienced their first ever cruise in 2022 aboard the Atlas Cruise Line, an expedition ship that actually goes to Antarctica. The small 200 passenger ship visited ports that larger ships can’t get into. This was an epicurean cruise on the Mediterranean to Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Portofino, Corsica and postcard hillside villages to sample the food and culture, concluding in Florence and Rome. An editor from Bon Appetit and a celebrity chef from the TV program Top Chef guided this spectacular cruise! Tom and Eva still correspond with them and they call when they are in the US! Bon Appetit!
Ariel
Talented Athletes at Ariel
Residents are proud of the results achieved by Team Ariel in the golf tournament held among 15 Landings villages recently. Ariel finished in third place in the InterVillage Challenge. Each of the 12 members of the team contributed to the success. More importantly, everyone had fun, which is what this competition is all about. Residents should congratulate John Berkaw, Lana and Derek Greenslade,
Dee Bowersox at Memorial Day Parade.
Maisie Seiverling maisieseiverling@yahoo.com
Summer Travels Susan Semerad traveled with friends to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Cody, WY, Mount Rushmore and Grand Rapids, SD. The scenery was spectacular. Highlights were Mount Rushmore and the time a group of bison stopped traffic as they crossed the street.
The Dowdneys are about to embark on an African safari.
Dana and PharmLife
Dennis and Dana Hahn have resumed their Great Loop adventure. The PharmLife was stored and is now back in the water starting at Lake Michigan. They cruised to Chicago where they were welcomed at the Columbia Yacht Club. Then they cruised through Chicago on the Chicago River.
Hazel Jones hazelwhitejones@ gmail.com
Tom with Mooney
Eva and Tom at Chili cookoff
Tom with fellow judges
Ariel placed third out of 15 teams
Garry
Ariel’s three-court tennis deck
Riley Alexander Clipper
Dana catching a bite in Chicago
Eight-Handed Pinochle??? From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
When eight people showed up for Pinochle on May 28th, Mike Maile said let’s all play one game even though none of the players had ever played with eight people in the same game. Two teams of 4 players, using 4 decks (without the nines), 160 cards, 20 each, bids started at 50 and the teams would need at least 40 meld and both teams would have to take at least 40 of the 100 tricks available. No one seemed to count how many of the eight aces of trump being played or even accumulated tricks during the game, but it was different and fun. Host Mike Maile created a new fun game. Way to go Mike!
School Is Out –Drive Cautiously
The Southwest Florida school year has come to an end.
The dynamics of our streets and roadways change dramatically as children play on sidewalks, chase one another and run haphazardly in all directions.
These conditions place an additional and significant burden on those operating motor vehicles.
As always, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office requests that all drivers obey speed limits, comply with traffic signals and avoid using electronic devices that serve as distractions.
We have all, to varying degrees, become dependent upon our smart devices and cell phones. Much like other addictions, we compulsively reach for our cell phones and struggle when we are unable to do so.
While many believe that they have become somewhat “proficient” at using their phones while driving, this practice has become one of society’s prevailing perils.
When we consider risky and unhealthy behaviors, we, as humans, have a tendency to believe that the consequences only happen to others … until it happens to us or to a loved one.
While Florida Statute 316.305 allows law enforcement officers to stop motor vehicles using wireless communication devices and issue citations for drivers who are “manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, emailing, and instant messaging,” this means little following a catastrophic incident.
Exercise additional caution when driving on sidestreets and residential roadways. Younger children rarely consider the hazards around them and outdoor games often result in unanticipated darting into the roadway.
Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to discuss the potential dangers with their children. Younger children should always be supervised while playing outdoors.
Please … the safety of our children is dependent upon our responsible driving.
L-R: Michael Maile (Host), Tony Roemer, Bud Cochran, Paul Friedl, Tom Kane, Pat Fransen, Michael Specht, Linda Tucker
