Happy Landings
LEE COUNTY GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL
A Look Inside
13TH ANNUAL LANDINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Blues Brothers were headliners at the 13th Annual Landings Music Festival.
JACKIE WAGNER
IN THIS ISSUE
Stephen
Elizabeth
Sales
Margo
Alyssa
Justein
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production
Production
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
Lee County Girls’ High School Invitational Sets Record
JOAN DAVIDSON
The Fourth Annual Lee County Girls’ High School Invitational proved to be another resounding success, bringing together young tennis talent from across the county. This year, 10 schools participated, showcasing the skills of 35 remarkable players in singles, doubles, and consolation rounds. Trophies for sportsmanship added a special touch, emphasizing the importance of fair play and camaraderie.
The event was masterfully organized and run by Bella Graf, the Director of Racquet Sports, along with her dedicated staff. Taking place on Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16, the tournament culminated with exciting finals held at the beautiful Stadium Court.
CATHY WEBB AND VICKIE RESOR
Remarkably, this year saw the highest number of schools ever participating in the invitational, making it a landmark event. Each player was recognized by their respective schools, highlighting the depth of talent and dedication within the community for beginners through more advanced players.
Adding to the spirit of the tournament, the “Share the Love” boutique was active throughout the event, offering free tennis clothing and equipment to the high school athletes as a gesture of support and encouragement. Special thanks to Trish Thomas, Barb June, and Janet Courtney.
Bella Graf (left) and Sara Chrysler (Bishop Verot), winner of the Sportsmanship award.
Landings Racquet Sports staff (from left) Don Massey, Bella Graf, Nathan Smiley, Steve Bowden, a high school coach, and Tyler Cooper.
Athletes from Oasis High School ready to compete and have fun.
Families, friends, coaches, local residents, and business sponsors filled the stands, cheering on the girls and creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and support led by emcee Janice Purse. The collective effort and community spirit were palpable, making the event truly memorable.
While the final financial details are still being processed, it is clear that the 2025 DELTA Grants (Develop and Enhance Lee County Tennis Athletes) will see the highest number of grants awarded to schools that complete the application process. This is a testament to the community’s generous contributions and the commitment to fostering young athletic talent.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the Landings residents who graciously donated funds. We extend our apologies for any names omitted from the program due to the printing deadline. Your support is immensely appreciated.
LANDINGS VOLUNTEERS ALONG WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL
Share the Love boutique set up in the Helm Club’s Bridge Room.
The Landings continues to give back to Lee County, nurturing the next generation of tennis champions and strengthening community bonds through events like this successful invitational.
AND STAFF SCHOOL ATHLETES.
RESOURCE HUB
THE LANDINGS YACHT, GOLF & TENNIS CLUB
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
482-3211 • FAX 482-1796
General Manager: David Gillespie
Director of Administration: Rosana Jaramillo
Director of Activities and Communication: Michele Lawson
Controller: Kim Cummings
HAPPY LANDINGS
The Official Community News
PUBLISHER
Seabreeze Communications
HAPPY LANDINGS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Head Editor: Hazel Jones hazelwhitejones.hl@gmail.com
We Need Volunteers
Happy Landings needs new editors and reporters for several villages and clubs at The Landings. If you are interested, please contact head editor Hazel Jones.
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the Happy Landings digital magazine is to record and celebrate events in the lives of individuals and the life of the community.
Deadline: Articles for the Happy Landings digital magazine will be accepted only until noon on the 1st of each month, and should be e-mailed to the Editor.
Disclaimer/Complaint Process: Happy Landings™ is a digital magazine published for the benefit of the residents of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club, Inc., which has hired Seabreeze Communications as the 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 the Board of Directors, or the 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 LYGTC have the right to express their concerns to the Board of Directors, 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 Administration Office). The completed form will be given to the Board of Directors, who will decide if the problem/complaint warrants its review or action.
DEADLINE for MAY 2025 April 1, 12 Noon
General Manager’s Report
FEBRUARY 2025
Our new Food and Beverage Director, Carmine Sprio, has been with us for a little over a week now. He’s working daily on refining the dining reservation system to make it much more user friendly and correcting some of the deficiencies with the operating system that were part of the programming.
Please make reservations for evening dining as far in the future as possible. We take reservations up to
14 days in advance. Plan ahead. If you have guests coming into town, consider their scheduled visits to ensure you get a reservation on a day and at a time that is convenient for you and your guests.
Also, with a dining reservation, much like a golf reservation, please show up on time with as many of your party as possible. We will hold your reservation for approximately 15 minutes on a busy night, but like golf, if you show up late without your group, the time may have to be used for the next group. Please be considerate for other members who have later reservations and would like to be seated after your party is finished in a timely fashion to enjoy their dining experience.
We are having a very difficult time with our Bank/Credit card supplier for a new system at the Wheelhouse. Having been off line for such a long time, we need to order new equipment and now have to open a new merchant account. We will have to update all credit card equipment property-wide. This has dragged on for far too long, and we apologize for the delay and the inconvenience.
Please alert guests and relatives of the club’s dress code. The particulars are published on the web site in the rules and regulations section.
This time of the year, with most residents and renters on property, please obey the traffic signs and speed regulations for the Landings roads. The posted speed limit is 20MPH (Rule 17.7). We’ve had a number of narrow misses involving speeding vehicles and pedestrians. At the intersection leading into the Marina and Wheelhouse parking areas, there are 3 new stop signs at the entrance for all three roads
converging at the entrance. Please be aware of the changes due to the heavy increase in traffic in this area.
We are so pleased to announce The Landings mobile app is now available. You can download the app from your device’s app store (both for iPhone and android operating systems). You can make dining reservations, use the directory, view your statement, and so much more. Keep an eye out for an upcoming class for both the mobile app and dining reservations.
Please be considerate to your fellow members and to those visiting. January through April is high season, and everything and everywhere is at 100% of its usage capacity. Patience and a smile will go a long way toward making every day more pleasant and enjoyable.
Financial Report
SUMMARY OF JANUARY 2025
The club’s financial performance in January saw an increase in total revenue over last year, but it was slightly below budget expectations.
Financial Summary
Monthly Revenue: $1,198,808, falling short by $95,190.
• YTD Revenue: $4,442,776, under budget by $520,326 but better than last year by $235,479.
• Operating Profit: Monthly loss of $323,540.
Departmental Performance
• Food & Beverage: Revenue was $311,014, trailing the budget by $62,283. Revenue was unfavorable to budget due to the Wheelhouse not being open for business the whole month. Also, additional unbudgeted repairs were needed.
• Golf: Revenue was $69,559, fell short of budget by ($4,248) but beat last year by $15,511. Inventory issues will be corrected in the February statement.
• Tennis (Racquet Department): Revenue was $35,234, fell short of budget by ($2,921). Merchandise income - was favorable to
budget. New product line with Landings logo is selling well. Event revenue was favorable to budget. Our Xglosive Pickleball event was well received by the membership.
• Marina: Revenue was $285,060, fell short of budget by $30,080 but surpassed last year by $38,778. Fuel sales dropped off due to bad weather. Sub-contractor work remained busy due to large repair. In House labor dropped off due to bad weather.
• Administration & General: Better to budget by $22,095; duplicate entry in contract labor was reversed, and employee benefits had several credits due to terminated employees.
• Community Patrol: Exceeded budget by $2,045. Salary and Wages were over to cover Vacations & Holiday.
• Golf Course & Property Maintenance: GCM expenses exceeded budget by $2,354 due to weather conditions, pest and disease pressures. Property Maintenance was
over by $17,229 largely due to additional hurricane expenses.
Balance Sheet
• Infrastructure Reserve: $338,188
• Reserves Future Long Range: $244,624
• Operating Cash Balance: $572,471
Bridge Club Board Member Elections
BILL FERRIS
At a club meeting in February and in the February bridge column, it was announced by VicePresident and Nominating Chair, Tim Whiteis that nominations were open for open positions on the Board for the March election. We have received seven nominations for the seven Board positions. In a late development, Lynne Birdt has announced that she will no longer be able to serve on the Board for next season since she is moving from the Landings, thus creating a new opening among At-Large members. Thanks, Lynne, for your longstanding service on the Board over the past several years! Currently, we have six Board members who are running to return to their positions. They are as follows: Bill Ferris, President; Tim Whiteis, Vice-President; Sue Wotton, Treasurer; Pam Dahlberg, Secretary; and Barb Coneys, Registration Desk/Partnership, Party and
other such At-Large duties as required. Jerry Poisson will be running unopposed for the final seat at the Board table for 2025-26.
Returning to recent results at the tables, 17 different LDBC members played at least one day of Tournament bridge in the Southwestern Florida Regional Tournament repositioned to February from its hurricanedelayed status this past October earning over 207 masterpoints. No one has previously been keeping an exact score, but to our knowledge here at home, this is the highest number of tournament points earned in one tournament by our club members in years. Members winning masterpoints included the following in alphabetical order: Ron Bailer, Jan Baysden, Barb Coneys, Leela Dandekar, Heather Duncan, Bill Ferris, Wanda Jacobs, Marina Kotch, Ted Levy, Cheryle Luchene, Dennis Nahnsen,
From left: Sue Wooten, Bill Rush, and Diane Reed with the special birthday cake.
Jerry Poisson, Deb Root, Bill Rush, Miles Thomson, Pat Tylander, and Sue Wotton. Two of the above are new to the Landings membership rolls—congratulations, Ted Levy and Miles Thomson.
A special birthday cake for club members with February birthdays was shared at the end of play on February 17. It was nice to see former Board member, Diane Reed, paying us a visit on that day.
Chess and Checkers Club News
JOHN WINTERS
For the past couple of months, I’ve been reading articles on the internet about endgame theory. Here are some of the interesting points I came across.
There doesn’t seem to be a clear definition of when the endgame begins. There are three stages in a chess game: the opening (perhaps the first 15 moves); the middle game (this stage ends when the endgame begins); and the endgame. The endgame usually begins when both queens are off the board.
Someone made an interesting comment about the endgame. He said that when the endgame begins, this is when you are playing chess. The opening is only a memorized set of fixed moves. The middle game is only tricks and traps. But during the endgame, you are playing real chess!
One of the key points about the endgame is that it is very important for you to get your king into the action. The king becomes a very important warrior. Usually, this involves moving your king towards the center where he can project his power. On the other hand, it is important for you to restrict the movement of the enemy king towards the center. Keep the enemy king nestled back in his corner.
Another key point is to trade pieces if you are ahead, and not to trade pieces if you are behind. That all makes logical sense. But the following point is somewhat hard to understand. The point is: you shouldn’t trade pawns (if you are ahead), and you should trade pawns if you are behind. All the commentators agree on this. If you think long and hard about it, you may be able to understand the reasoning. In any case, put it into practice in your play and see if it works.
The main objective in the endgame is to promote one of your pawns before the other side can promote one of his pawns. To do this, your pawn structure is very important. A doubled pawn (one pawn behind another pawn) is a weakness. When I play chess, I try to force the other side to double his pawns knowing that will be to my advantage during the endgame.
That’s it for now. Maybe I’ll come up with more on this subject down the road. And I’d love to hear your comments. In the meantime, don’t forget to protect your king (and your queen!).
13th Annual Landings Music Festival
Tournament organizers were Joe Bavender, Charlie McCoy, Wes Fitz, and Jim Willis.
All who attended the 13th Annual Landings Music Festival had a good time. The Blues Brothers were the headliners, although they had to rely on the Lee County Sheriff’s Department to spring them from jail in order to perform.
Perhaps to atone for the stress they had caused by keeping Jake and Elwood in jail, the sheriffs treated the attendees to a free scoop of ice cream.
Riverside’s “Nun” Katherine Thompson attempted, unsuccessfully, to reform the Blues Brothers’ wild ways.
Cinnamon Cove also performed at the event that drew a large crowd once again. A special tent offering a dedicated bar and food service was added this year. All attendees were able to purchase food and drinks provided by the staff at The Landings.
Primary sponsors for this year’s event were Rossman Realty Group and Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank.
CINNAMON COVE ENTERTAINED THE CROWD.
THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PROVIDED A SCOOP OF ICE CREAM FOR ALL ATTENDEES.
FROM LEFT: CORSTON LANE, RICK BROWN AND KEITH VITIGLIO NORMALLY PLAY GUITARS IN THE STRINGS BAND.
THE BLUES BROTHERS LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S
BROTHERS ARRIVED IN A SHERIFF'S SQUAD CAR.
Landings Fishing Club
TWIN PEAKS, CANADIAN STYLE
Don Stoppelmann and Tim Egan were showstoppers. A video presentation featuring Oscar-worthy performances held the Landings Fishing Club members spellbound for almost an hour. Family members of each family were spotlighted and highlighted on their separate Canadian fishing trips. Twelve-year-old grandkids, wives, sons, and daughters combined to show off their skills with a rod and reel.
The video presentation by Don Stoppelmann (left) and Tim Egan was superb.
After driving north of Minnesota into Canada plus flying another leg to their fishing camp, all arrived safely. You’re all alone up there so you have to bring all your supplies and personal gear or do without it.
Fishing, cleaning, cooking and washing dishes, plus general housework, is a chore-sharing event. Everybody pitches in to keep a tidy cabin on the lake.
Clear water and blue skies beckoned as boats outfitted with rods, reels, bait, and the all-important landing net were cast upon the water wilderness. Kids get impatient when there is a prolonged lull in the action. Not this time, for the fish were hungry and eager to bite. Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass kept the reels humming and the lines singing as the fish slashed through the water. The video camera proved that the big one did not get away. I have never heard of a Blue Walleye, but they do exist.
In Canada the number of fish caught to eat or keep is regulated. The Canadian government is very strict on conservation. The number and species of fish to bring back into the United States had better be accurate. The fines can be substantial. Tired but happy campers now have to deal with the long traffic lines at the international border. It is better to return on a weekday rather than on the weekend; it’s easier and faster.
Whether you’re steering a boat or lake hopping in a de Havilland Beaver aircraft, the two families have many hours and days of unforgettable memories.
Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.
— Henry David Thoreau
Landings Racquet Sports
JOAN DAVISON
BUSY MONTH FOR RACQUET SPORTS
February is peak Season in the Landings and this year it has seemed especially busy. After the Davis Cup on February 9, the next big event was the High School Girls’ Tennis Tournament. The fourth annual tournament was a big success with a record number of schools and girls competing. Please read the recap article featured in this Happy Landings to get the full details and to see some great photos of the event.
On the same Sunday as the Girls’ tournament, February 16, the “Smooth Landings” Pickleball team was battling it out at the Pete D Pickleball Coaching League Winter Team Travel playoffs at The Landings. The team took the Gold in the 3.0-3.49 division in a thrilling finals match. Players on the winter season team included Janis Robertson, John Wilson, Kevin Krum, Greg Podczaski, Kathleen Krum, Christy Norcutt, Steve Wiatroski, Kate Wilson, Beth Muhleman and Fred Muhleman.
The following weekend on February 23, the Landings Men’s and Women’s teams competed in the 3.0-3.49 division at Colonial Country Club. The Men’s team took home the Gold in another hard-won battle. The players included Greg Podczaski, Steve Wiatroski, Michael Armstrong, John Wilson, Mark Harter, Bob Vodicka, David Marini and Todd Gifford.
TEAM SMOOTH LANDINGS COMES OUT VICTORIOUS!
Coach Pete Della Luna said that he is very proud of everyone who competed, no matter where they finished in the League and thanked all who participated!
The rest of the Season promised to be just as busy. Next month I’ll report on Madisen’s Match which was held on March 16 and The Landings Cup, the club doubles’ tennis championships held on March 22 and 23, and the club mixed doubles tennis championships on March 29 and 30.
Remember to always keep your eye on the ball!
THE MEN’S TEAM CELEBRATING THEIR BIG WIN
9-Hole Ladies: Sweetheart Tournament
DEBRA BATES
Hello 9-Holers! After three years Michele Cavanagh has stepped down from reporting and I, Debra Bates, am replacing her. She contributed to this article, and I thank her and others who have served our group and are stepping down.
Our biggest event of February was our Sweetheart Tournament, which this year fell on February 14! This is always a soldout event. We played alternate shots from the tee box to the hole with our partners. Some of the men struggled with the concept that we actually had to put the ball in, NO GIMMIES.
This is a flighted event based on the team’s handicap. Congratulations to the Flight 1 winners Cheryl and Jon Box, Flight 2 winners Lori and Tom Stegeman, Flight 3 winners Jan and Garry Helyer, and the Flight 4 winners Barbara Curioso and Joseph Wolcin. Truly everyone was a winner because it is always a ton of fun!
We appreciated all the hard work by the committee group of Julie Iverson, Martha Kohnke, Cookie Smith and Mary Story. They hosted a beautiful event for us which included a lovely Italian themed lunch that included a very yummy tiramisu dessert.
This month includes our two-week League Championship. One week we play the front and the next week we play the back or vice versa. The first week was pretty challenging due to the very cold morning. That may have kept some ladies away. I know I wasn’t looking forward to being out there. Our scores are combined to decide our overall league champion for 2024/2025 and other
From left: Real life sweethearts
Suzanne McGauley and Jerry Post; Debra and Dennis Bates
From left: Joyce Eichenberger, Kelley Wilson,
From left: Sweetheart Committee members Julie Iverson, Mary Story, Cookie Smith, and Martha Kohnke
flight champions. Stay tuned for more on that later.
and
Thank you to our February hostesses Denise McNamara and Leigh Hall.
left: Participants Carol Story, Eichenberger, Deb Gustafson, Lori Stegeman, Wilson, Cindy Brown and Jackie Wagner
Leigh Hall (left)
Denise McNamara
LLGA-18 Ladies Golf Happenings
MARY ANN SPRY
Hello Spring! Where are the months going? Before we know it many of our seasonal golfers will go to their other home courses, some returning to snow and cold wishing they were back with us, others enjoying some early golf with temperatures in the 70s.
Our month was full of color and anticipation as we gathered for our “Pretty in Pink” mixed doubles during Valentine’s week. We enjoyed a scramble where all had to have one drive on each side. Sounds easy enough, till you reach 9 or 18 and still need that one drive! The winning team for our “Pretty in Pink” was Cathy and Bob Steeves and Alyssa and Bob Klasek.
There were some very close scores out there making it quite a competitive game for all. The Main Deck was so lovely with all colors of pink, including flamingos sitting on top of the beautiful tall vases. They were the work of some real artists, Greta Drury, Phyllis Holley, Leslie Patey, Cheryl Naddy, and Judy Stone, our hostesses.
Needless to say, Chef Richard and his staff outdid themselves in creating another beautiful buffet, very different from most.
From left: Champions Stan and Alyssa Klasek and Cathy and Bob Steeves
From left: Phyllis Holley, Leslie Patey, Cheryl Naddy, Judy Stone and Greta Drury
During the year we have “Match Play” and some of our gals tend to back away from this format. We are paired with a person of similar handicap and just play the game of golf. You win one, you lose one, you tie one and it goes on to the end. Always a fun event. To help our ladies be more comfortable with this format, our president, Lynne Denk, presented a “Review of Match Play” with a Happy Hour and entertainment by our own Liz Welsh and Lisa Cates one late afternoon. This was well attended and all should feel comfortable with
playing again. Thanks Lynne for the review! Well done.
Count the holes that start with a T or S. Yes, there are 9 holes, then subtract half your handicap and you will see who wins that game. This is a fun format, and surprises you when you tally the score at the end of the game. First place winners for each flight are Linda Maness, Theresa Johnson, Ann Croft, and Kay Owen.
Have a great month, enjoy our paradise, and be thankful we can enjoy such beauty! Don’t forget the Easter Bunny is coming and the VILLAGE CHALLENGE is around the corner.
LMGA: Around the Greens
BENTLEY COLLINS
The season rolls on as I write. Yesterday, February 1, we had a huge turnout for our first Saturday of the month. Of course, it was “bacon day” as we fondly call it and that’s always cause for a big turnout. A total of 110 golfers hit the links and there was plenty of great golf being played including an eagle 2 on hole #6 and a hole-in-one on hole #16. After golf we all enjoyed a beautiful spread, put on by the LYGTC Food and Beverage staff.
Coming up in March is the popular LMGA championship, which will be played out over several days, in a variety of formats, depending on the flight you choose.
The Overall Championship will be played in a stroke play format where competitors will play three rounds on March 8, 10 and 15. There will be no handicaps in this flight and the overall winner will be the player with the lowest gross score after three rounds.
In the Senior Championship players will play up to four rounds of match play on March 8, 10, 12 and 15 with handicaps, played from the golfers’ “normal” tees. Players must be older than 75 to compete in this flight.
All other players will compete, with handicaps, in a flighted match play format on March 8, 10, 12 and 15.
This is a great event for our LMGA members. Families and friends are welcome to walk the course with their favorite golfer on the final day of play.
Lastly, on March 21, the LMGA will host Rocky Ford and the entire Landings golf course maintenance crew at a luncheon at RonDao’s restaurant. This annual event is very popular with Rocky’ s hard working crew and we look forward to hosting them again this year.
Enjoy the fine Florida weather and the beauty of our well-manicured golf course.
The Golf Corner
ROCKY A FORD
During the past 10 months here at The Landings we’ve experienced quite the roller coaster of weather. Over the summer we experienced three hurricanes, record heat days (index of over 110 degrees), heavy rainfall (70 inches from June through September) followed by some severe weather changes from October through March. We’ve had both record heat and record cold during this time.
Throughout all of this, your golf course maintenance team has worked hard to provide the best possible playing conditions for both members and guests. We have a small hard-working team and are proud of the effort they put forth every day. During the winter months, with approximately 240 rounds per day, it’s a good time to remind everyone to please do all you can to help keep our course in shape. Our team fills divots and repairs ball marks almost every day, so if members can repair ball marks plus 1, divots plus 1, avoid heavy traffic areas, and keep your carts completely on the cart paths whenever possible when you play each day, it will go a long way in helping to maintain our course.
May is next month and that means it’s time for annual summertime intensive course maintenance. This summer we’re
Players should help keep The Landings course in beautiful shape.
planning the usual four 1-week closings for aerification, verti-cutting, topdressing, fertilization and other needed course improvements. The first closing is scheduled to start in May, second in June, third in July and the final maintenance week will be in August. This work will allow us time to heal up before the upcoming season. We know it’s an inconvenience to all during this time, but is important in preserving your playing conditions, especially with an aging golf course. The Landing golf course is now 12 years old and will need some significant updates in the coming years to continue preserving and improving your playing conditions.
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
ARIEL
Reason to celebrate at Ariel
HAZEL
JONES
The Social Committee’s Game Night in February provided an extra reason to celebrate. The party was staged in the Taeping Room for the first time since Hurricane Ian did so much damage to Ariel. Although owners are still waiting for chairs and barstools as well as decorative touches, the 82 residents and their guests were able to enjoy a fun get-together in the beautiful community room.
hazelwhitejones@gmail.com
since the party was held the week after the Super Bowl.
Residents were thrilled to be able to meet again in the Taeping Room.
For this game night, residents were invited to wear their favorite team jerseys. Several did so, although the Chiefs fans in the building were more subdued than normal
From left: Social Committee chair Jan Helyer, Cathy Kimball, Martha Kohnke sporting her granddaughter’s soccer team shirt, and Gary Ramadan celebrate their favorite teams.
The Social Committee provided pulled pork and slider rolls as well as wine, beer, water and a signature drink, a Cape Codder made with cranberry juice, seltzer and vodka if desired. Residents were invited to bring a side dish ranging from appetizers to salads to desserts and they responded by sharing food of all types.
Wisconsin cheese curds and wonderful green pepper and cheddar cheese bratwursts from Lake Geneva (WI) Country Meats were a special treat. Some debated moving to Wisconsin to be closer
to the source, until they remembered that Wisconsin also has cold and snow. Cookie Smith’s awardwinning baked beans (ranked fourth out of 500 entries in a national competition) were among the many delicious offerings.
Contests were held too for extra chances at raffle tickets for prizes. Cornhole was played in the corners of the room while separate putting and chipping practice
Residents brought lots of appetizers to share.
The tables were laden with side dishes to go with the pulled pork sliders provided by the Social Committee.
“greens” were set up on the dance floor. There even was an extra putting green to use so that players could practice with the putters provided.
All attendees received raffle tickets for prizes that were arranged by the Social Committee. Additional tickets could be earned by winning the games. Top prize was a $25 gift certificate won by Tanya Dziubla to Cibo, the Italian restaurant directly across the street from The Landings. Diane Kinser won the second prize, a bottle of Prosecco.
The three winners of the third prizes, $5 scratch-off tickets, have not told anyone whether they scored big with their tickets.
CLIPPER COVE
Our Birthdays
Deb Hartman spent her birthday week with her grandson in South Dakota. When she returned to Fort Myers, she enjoyed birthday dinner with friends and Greg. Marcia Dennison has a big upcoming birthday. She will be celebrating here.
MAISIE SEIVERLING
maisieseiverling@yahoo.com
Our Loss
Our Artist
Dennis Hahn’s “That’s Amore” received honorable mention in the recent Landings’ Fine Arts Competition. Dennis used heavy texturing to give a 3-D effect in his art. He hoped to bring a smile or a chuckle to the observer.
“That’s Amore” by Dennis Hahn
Sadly we lost a beloved Clipper Cove leader, James “Timba” Semerad, on February 27 at age 73. Timba is survived by his wonderful wife Susan, his children and grandchildren with the exception of granddaughter Summer who died from pediatric cancer. A highly honored NYPD officer and detective prior to retirement, Timba was a devoted parent and grandpa. Each year he held a golf tournament to raise money for pediatric cancer, summerstrong.org. He will be sorely missed.
TRAWLER
VILLAGE UPDATE
The Jim & Sherry Phenomenon
There seems to be a “Jim & Sherry” trend in Trawler Village! Three couples–Jim and Sherry
AL & PATTI PALUMBO
thealster6@gmail.com
Dagley, Jim (Doug) and Cherrie Craig, and Jim and Sherry Mott–all share the same first names. To celebrate, they hosted what may be the first weekly, monthly, or annual Jim and Sherry dinner at the Wheelhouse. While their friendships are strong, they quickly
James “Timba” Semerad
discovered they have nothing else in common hailing from different states, backgrounds, and hobbies. But isn’t that what The Landings is all about? Like summer camp, we come together every season to play, reconnect, and enjoy the lifestyle. Are there any other Jim and Sherrys in The Landings who want to join the next dinner?
The Valentine’s Day party was a success.
Fountain Light at 4585/4591
Valentine’s Party at Trawler Pool
Trawler Village residents gathered for the annual Valentine’s Day party, held at the Trawler Village pool. Around 60 people attended, each bringing a dish to contribute to a potluck feast. A one-man band set the tone for a night of mingling and dancing. A big thanks to the Trawler volunteers who made the event possible!
4574 Carport Roof Update
After a long wait, we have finally received a second quote to rebuild the damaged carport roof at 4574. A third quote may be coming (we’ll see), but the Board plans to award a contract for this work at the February 26th meeting. Thank you for your patience as we move forward with repairs.
It appears that there is a short in the fountain light. Rocky Ford has been notified and is working to resolve the issue.
Reminders
Pool Umbrellas: Please put down umbrellas when finished using them. Winds can easily break the mechanism, making them useless.
Recycling Bins: Please break down boxes
before placing them inside the bins. The bins are filling too quickly due to large, unflattened boxes. Also, no plastic bags! Empty your recycling and take plastic bags home.
Margarita Party March 15
By the time this article is published, the Margarita Party will have taken place on March 15. This popular event is always held on the third Saturday of March, with some
residents even planning their guests’ visits around it. The Social Committee made the final arrangements, and full details of the event will be shared in next month’s article!
A Reunion to Remember
Rick and Kathy Jerr recently gathered with Ayaka, Kenji, Junpei, Hiromi, and Sushi at Paradiso 37 in Disney Springs for a special reunion. The memories flowed as they reminisced about Ayaka’s exchange experience at Pomfret School. Over the course of 14 years, the Jerrs hosted students from Japan, Germany, France, and Canada, creating lifelong bonds with several young students along the way.
and Kathy
SCHOONER
A busy two months with snowbirds back and plenty of comings and goings. One going just down the road. Jonnie and Fred Ockerlund have made the move to a lovely twobedroom unit in Brookdale with the help of sons Bill and Rick and neighbors. While Fred was in rehab, Jonnie spent a few lovely days in the Florida Keys at Bill’s home. She enjoyed dinner at Ziggie’s Mad Dog restaurant, one of her favorites, where years ago she learned how to properly prepare yellowtail in the kitchen!
rooesq@juno.com
After returning home sick from their last cruise, Barb Curioso (and Joe Wolcin) left in early March on another Regent Seven Seas Cruise, this one to the Caribbean. They have six, yes six, more cruises booked in upcoming months. “Got to do it while we can,” says Joe.
Rick
Jerr enjoyed the reunion with exchange student Ayaka and her family.
RIC & MARY WILSON-TAUSON
Jonnie Ockerlund photographing fish in the Keys.
Ladies Unbirthday Luncheon
Some staying behind in our own paradise attended the ladies unbirthday luncheon in late January. Jackie Wagner and Linda Tucker make sure we never miss an opportunity to celebrate! The next one on February 17 had over 20 attendees and celebrated Maria Aponte’s Valentine’s Day birthday. After having been rained out initially, thanks to the Nahnsens and Noyes, our first pool party of the season was held on Thursday, February 27 and was enjoyed by all able to attend. Also rained out was the golf tournament in which Liz Welsh and her partner, Steve Davison, were hoping to win their third Mixed Club Golf Championship.
Happily not rained out was the January 25 wedding of Betty Foster’s son, Rich Curry and his bride Mary Beth, held at Picnic Pointe.
Schooner has its 20252026 Board in place now. John Wilson is President, Renelle Nelson VP, Dennis Nahnsen Treasurer, and Lori Emmons, Secretary. Kathy Armstrong and relative newcomer, Jay Buckley, are Directors. Much thanks to Milton Brooks who has served as President during some challenging times! The new representative to the LYGTC Board was also finally elected on February 27, Crystal Day! Congratulations, Crystal.
Liz Welsh and Steve Davison
Rich and Mary Beth Curry
Crystal Day and Scot Elrod
STEAMBOAT BEND EAST
April prepares her green Traffic light and the World thinks, “Go!”
CAROL CUMMINS callifleur1955@gmail.com
Jane Dahlin, Peter Dahlin and Greg Podczaski enjoy the music of Harry Boyle at the SBE Wednesday night pool party.
Many in our village enjoyed the live music of Harry Boyle provided by our Community Association for our regular Wednesday Night Pool Party. In addition to the live music, Movie nights are planned with Conclave being shown for the first one. We certainly have a nice big screen for viewing pleasure. It’s always fun to gather and hear the latest news.
From left: Tom and Linda Oleska, Greg Podczaski, Pat and Ty Tylander, front: Carol Cummins are excited to see the Twins vs. the Yankees.
Steamboat Bend East was well represented at the annual Landings Day at the Minnesota Twins Spring Training game. It was an exciting game (with five home runs hit) and the weather was perfect with seats in the shade! Culinary treats included Brats,
From left: Bob Vodicka, John Wilson, Dave Marini (Team Captain), Mike Armstrong and Greg Podczaski played in the league championship matches.
Killebrew Root Beer and plant-based Italian Sausage. The game was tied until the last inning when the Twins pulled ahead 5 to 4.
Congratulations to The Landings inter-club Winter Men’s Pickleball League Champions. The Landings team defeated Colonial Country Club in the semi-finals and then went on to defeat archrival Marina Bay for the championship. The championship came down to a super tiebreaker that the Landings team won 11-10.
Dick Cooper celebrates his surprise 70th birthday at the Charlie McCoy Pavilion.
Dick Cooper was completely caught off guard by his SBE and pickleball friends who gathered to celebrate his 70th birthday. His actual birthday wasn’t for a couple of weeks, so he was totally shocked. The guests enjoyed music, dancing, good friends, good food, and plenty of libations.
It was a “one of a kind” adventure trip to Egypt that included an “Indiana Jones” type moment exploring the remote Meidum Pyramid South of Cairo. I have to admit that needing two police cars to escort
From left: Carol Cummins and Greg Podczaski enjoyed a camel ride with the Great Pyramid in the distance on their trip to Egypt in February.
our bus made me a little nervous. I never knew there were so many pyramids. Other highlights were seeing the ancient temples along the Nile River, a snorkeling trip in The Red Sea, visiting a perfumery in Luxor, The Tombs in the Valley of the Kings and coveted tickets to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The trip was recommended by Landings residents, Brian and Karen Bremenstuhl, and offered by a former Marine, Billy Moore, who had worked in Egypt.
Please contact Carol Cummins, by phone 630-862-1397 or email: callifleur1955@ gmail.com with any news in our village. The column is due the first of the Month, so please keep that deadline in mind. Good luck to all who participate in the end of season Championships. Send me pictures!
WINDJAMMER
Windjammer Events
EVA BELL
evabell81@yahoo.com
Laurie Trudel enjoys the Chili Tasting.
A total of 62 Windjammer residents gathered at Picnic Pointe to take part in our first Chili Cook Off. Ten chilies were entered into the competition, from white turkey chili to a vegetarian version. All were tasty and unique. Side dishes of cornbread, salads, chips and dips and of course sour cream and cheese accompanied the chilies. For over three hours we had a great time tasting chilies and visiting with friends and neighbors.
The top three winners of the event held on February 16 were Mary Spada, Derek Rauchfleisz and Mary and Dan Story. All winners received a Chili Champ apron for their prize.
Guests danced to the music of our own favorite musician, Corston Lane. Others enjoyed a game of cornhole.
Winners of the Chili Cook Off pose in the special aprons given as prizes.
Everyone agreed that the Picnic Pointe Pavilion is the perfect place for our Sunday Fundays. Our next party will kick off the new
Weather was beautiful for the Chili Cook Off at Picnic Pointe.
season on the third Sunday of October 2025 with our annual Oktoberfest.
In an effort to improve the appearance of our village, an early Spring Cleaning began late in January. Residents removed excess decorations and items no longer enhancing the look of the outside of their home and surroundings.
The cleanup in the storage shed began by adding new shelving to accommodate the tool and equipment storage for easy access. Randy Skipton and Rob Hummel spent a day putting up the shelves and sorting tools and equipment.
The grills by the pool were rusted out so new burners could not be installed. Two new grills were ordered and Tom Bell installed them in time for our Sunday-Funday on Sunday, January 26. They worked perfectly to cook 85 burgers for the party.
The new grills worked wonderfully well for the Sunday-Funday event.
The board is working on a plan for pool improvements to be implemented over the summer months, and the Landscaping Committee has plans for many improvements throughout the village. Of course, we always welcome volunteers to help with the many projects we have in the works. Please contact Tom Bell if you have time and talents to donate.
HAPPY LANDINGS NEEDS HELP
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IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT HEAD EDITOR HAZEL JONES AT HAZELWHITEJONES.HL@GMAIL.COM