The Landings Community continues to respond generously to the need in Lee County high schools to support tennis for girls. We thank all the business sponsors, resident patrons, and volunteers!
The 4th Annual Lee County Girls’ High School Invitational was held in February 2025 showcasing the talents and sportsmanship of young athletes from across the county.
The DELTA grant (Develop and Enhance Lee County Tennis Athletes) applications were reviewed by
The Landings tennis staff (from left) Bella Graf, Nathan Smiley and Tyler Cooper.
leadership and resulted in the awarding of eight grants totaling $8,000 through our Collaboratory fund that provides taxdeductible status for contributions. The recipients of these grants of $1,000 each are Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Dunbar, Fort Myers, Island Coast, Mariner, Oasis, and Riverdale high schools. Each school will report back to the Invitational regarding how they utilized the funds to promote girls’ tennis, ensuring that the resources are used effectively to enhance the sport and support the athletes.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Landings Community and the Administration for their unwavering support. Their
contributions have made a significant impact and the girls along with their families and coaches expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to play on our beautiful courts. The collaboration between the community and the schools demonstrates the power of collective effort in fostering growth and development in young athletes.
As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to supporting and nurturing the talents of our girls in tennis, paving the way for continued success and achievement in Lee County high schools.
High school students eagerly await their sessions on The Landings tennis courts.
CATHY WEBB
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A Century of Light
DENISE SCHULZE
Prosper Anselm, a resident of Sunset Cove, will turn 100 on July 7, 2025. This rare milestone is celebrated with much recognition and honor. Prosper’s experiences have given him a front seat to many historical events. His life symbolizes opportunity, history, love, and change.
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Prosper Anselm will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 7, 2025.
Prosper was born in Fez, Morocco, and as a youth loved to play soccer. He played all his young life and was always following his favorite teams. He still follows those teams even though he no longer plays.
In 1942, at age 17, he was a civilian employee with the U.S. Navy at Rabat, Morocco, where he worked in the kitchen for the officers and pilots. There, a French chef taught him the basics and instilled in him a desire to become a chef. In 1948 he immigrated to Israel and joined the Israeli Army where he trained as a paratrooper and saw action several times.
After the war he went to France where he helped orphans from World War II immigrate to Israel. The children were very important to him and being fluent in three languages – French, English and Hebrew –helped him navigate the maze of post-war Europe.
In Israel he met his future bride Irene at the USO and returned to marry her in 1950. They have one son, Edward, born in 1953, who lives at Ariel in The Landings. In 1959, the three of them immigrated to the United States. They moved to Forest Hills, NY, a desirable neighborhood located in Queens, one of the five boroughs of New York City. The family lived there for 60 years. Irene passed away in 2008 after 58 years of marriage.
Prosper became a chef and worked in numerous restaurants in New York City beginning in 1959. He became a member of Chefs de Cuisine Association of America in 1992. He spent the last 18 years of his working career helping Montefiore Medical Center, a highly regarded academic health system, dramatically improve the quality of food served there.
In 1998, Prosper went to Israel for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the state. He was awarded “A Builder of Israel,” for his distinguished military service. In his 50s he started running and completed four New York City marathons in his 60s.
Prosper Anselm became a member of the
1992.
Prosper Anselm completed four New York City Marathons in his 60s!
Chefs de Cuisine in
In 2019 Prosper and his son Ed came for two months to The Landings. Prosper met a woman named Sharion Boyd at a Jewish Federation luncheon here in Florida but did not see her again until 2020. Ed bought a condo in Ariel and decided they would stay here during the pandemic. Prosper and Sharion married on March 18, 2020 after getting to know each other through similar life experiences, emotional connection, and shared values. They have lived here permanently for five years.
You can find Prosper and Sharion most mornings in The Landings gym working on physical strength and setting an example of hard work and love to all that meet them. Prosper is a rare kind of light: humble, kind, strong, and honorable. If you see him wish him a Happy 100th year!
Son Edward Anselm and wife Sharion wish Prosper Anselm a very Happy 100th Birthday.
Landings Duplicate Bridge Club
BILL FERRIS
Some 80-plus Landings Duplicate Bridge players came to the Helm Club for the 2024-25 season between October 14, 2024 and May 19, 2025. We hosted between five and 12 tables during that time period with the lower numbers occurring in October and May with a slight drop off during December and January. We also put on a Christmas Party and an end of season party at the Helm Club, with good attendance at both parties.
Highlights included one pair with a 70 percent or higher game, two new Club members joining in
December (welcome to Ted Levy and Miles Thomson), and electing a new Board to two-year terms as reported last month. The Board may have periodic electronic meetings during the summer.
We encourage members to play online bridge on BBO with the Southeast Carolina Club of Clubs, with whom we have a financial partnership in which they give us a slight cut of the $6 fee you are charged for each session. Our Treasurer reports that we are very financially sound currently with about $2,500 in the treasury for any expenses we might have, going forward.
Our first day of next season will be the second Monday in October, October 13, 2025, so plan to play in the Southwest Regional at the Sanibel Inner Harbour Marriott in the fall (https://district9acbl.org/sanibel/) and continue the progress you have made towards Life Master awards! As that tournament ends, we will begin our new season the very next Monday at the Helm Club.
2024-25 Season North-South and EastWest Winners
The following members have won or tied at least once this season. Two partnerships came out on top the most—
Bill Rush and Bill Ferris had 13 wins and Dave Hutson and Lynne Birdt had 12 outright wins and one tie. Unfortunately, David and Lynne are moving out of The Landings, but happily, they can come back under the Guest Policy, which welcomes Landings alumni to play as guests. Several other pairs had multiple outright wins as noted, and one pair had the highest percentage of masterpoints in a single session, 70.6 percent, as noted. The list of the top 10 individual winners for the year appears to the right:
Bill Ferris and Bill Rush—13 wins, 70.6 percent single-session percentage high
David Hutson and Lynne Birdt—12 wins, one tie
Dennis Nahnsen and Georgene Hildebrand—6 wins
Tim Whiteis—6 wins
Jerry Poissant—5 wins
Ron Garrett—5 wins
Kerstin Abrinder—4 wins
Ron and Pat Bailer—3 wins
Barb Coneys—3 wins
Pat Tylander—3 wins
10 others with 1 or 2 wins
Landings Fishing Club
LEROY FLEMING
M.O.S.: FISHING THE HARD KIND
Mussels, oysters, and scallops are varieties in the hard-shell fishery. All represent an amazing and underrated group of seafood. They range in sizes from tiniest freshwater snails to the giant squid. They help the ecosystem in both fresh and salt water.
Their shell is made of calcium carbonate, that protects and serves as a means of locomotion. Mussels, oysters and scallops are mollusks. With simple body plans they have a head, foot, and shell. Although all do not have a means of movement like the scallop, the oyster attaches itself to an underwater structure. Both are highly rated as edible seafoods. These bivalves are harvested in the oceans around the world.
Oysters have a delicate, smooth, briny taste while the scallop is known for their sweet, buttery flavor. One method of preparing
Oysters are versatile: they can be prepared
scallops is to soak them in milk. This neutralizes the fishy taste. Buy your scallops with the amount you will eat immediately because they do not reheat well. Scallops go well with many flavors and blend very well with lemon, butter, garlic, black peppers, and parsley. You may add them to your salad or eat them raw as an appetizer, although raw scallops, like oysters, are not universally recommended.
Scallops are unique when compared to their oyster, clam, mussel relatives, since they are free swimming mollusks. While oysters, clams, and mussels squirt liquid, the scallop can clap the top shell with the bottom shell and move from place
many ways.
Scallops are prized worldwide for their unique flavor.
to place when the shell is open slightly. Scallops even have eyes. A scallop can see predators coming and scoot away from danger.
These mollusks are found all over the world. In the United States the fishery stretches around the entire coastline. The east coast fishery is from Maine south and around into the Gulf of America (Mexico). Scallop farming is a million-dollar business in Canada. Scallop aquaculture is practiced in Florida but globally China takes the lead.
The U.S. catch has been reduced drastically since the 1950s. With the loss of sea grasses, the scallop spat (baby scallops) have nothing to attach themselves to. These mollusks supply a large part of the food chain. Though they are expensive in some areas, they undoubtedly will continue to be one of our favorites.
Ladies 9-Holers League
DEBRA BATES
Hello, fellow golfers from my home state of Kentucky. Like so many, we have left our happy place in Fort Myers. I often think about the quiet that must take place when all the snowbirds flock back to their homes. I suspect that may just be when the fun begins.
I am excited to hear details about the KISS events that are happening this year. I enjoy getting to play at other courses near us. This past summer Julie Iverson and Mary Story attended the Fiddlesticks Invitational Event.
When I first became the 9-hole league reporter, the first thing I did was interview Garrett Farmer, who handles our early morning golf outings. I did not know him very well, so I thought maybe others wanted to know more about him too. Someone smartly advised me to keep that to myself until summer. In typical Deb Bates fashion, I can’t find my notes I took with the deadline staring me in the face.
Garrett Farmer with Donna Hendricks (left) and Lin Muysson.
Garrett was born in Virginia, and eventually the family moved to Estero. Like most golfers, someone has to introduce you to the sport of golf. Garrett credits his grandfather for that introduction. He has played since he was young and started competing at a young age. Right now, he is working on completing the Player Ability Test (PAT), where he must demonstrate his playing ability through a 36-hole round within a specific score range. This
is only part of a rigorous journey to become a PGA Professional. Garrett is married and this past year became a first-time dad.
Thank you to our May hostesses Donna Hendricks and Lin Muysson.
LLGA-18 Ladies Golf Happenings
MARY ANN SPRY
Greeting from lovely Colorado! Having just completed 18 holes of golf at our neighborhood course; I realized how much fun we all have when golfing in a League. Fantastic ladies, fun games, some great competition with all handicaps, and the camaraderie of ladies we have known for years or the joy of meeting new players. For the ladies in our community who are hesitant about joining a league, please take a Wednesday or Friday and try playing with our members. It is rewarding in so many ways – not just the score, but the joy of playing, getting some great exercise and enjoying a lunch after a round on many days.
When we play golf, sometimes some of our best scores come from some crazy or errant shots. Nancy Nowak had an interesting day on the course where her ball turned out to be in a very unusual spot. What do you do? You can hit it! Or do you take an unplayable lie? When you see the PGA players hit out of some of the most incredible locations behind trees, etc. it is just amazing. I imagine she hit it out of the bush! There are rules for every situation and knowing them can be very beneficial for your game.
Our league continues through the summer in a casual way. When eight or more ladies play, you will play low gross or low net,
and payouts are made accordingly.
Many of our ladies play on “Fun Friday,” an event that was introduced by Christy Fitz. We all have such a wonderful time, keeping our scores and putts and at the end of the round we get together and see who the winner is after a “game” is drawn from a “bag” that contains several different games. Thank you, Christy for bringing this fun day to the Landings. We will miss her, as she and Wes are leaving The Landings to another chapter in their beautiful lives. We wish them the best.
Liz Welsh will be the keeper of the game bag and perhaps add a few new games to the collection for a challenge as “Fun Friday” continues.
Have a great month! Enjoy celebrating the birth of our country, July 4th.
Nancy Nowak considers her next shot.
Golf Corner
MARK WEHRMAN
As I approach my three-month anniversary as your Director of Golf, I want to take a moment to reiterate how excited I am to be part of The Landings community. Without a doubt, the best part of my new role has been getting to meet so many of you. Thank you to everyone who has extended such a warm welcome—it’s made my transition a truly enjoyable one.
Over the past few months, you may have noticed a few minor operational changes around the golf program. Please know that these adjustments are made thoughtfully and with two key priorities in mind: improving overall efficiency for both members and staff, and acting in the best interest of the majority. We’ve also welcomed some new faces to the golf operation team, and more are on the way. I encourage you to extend to them the same kindness and hospitality you’ve shown me.
As expected, the month of May has brought a natural slowdown in golf activity, with league play comprising most of our weekly events. Looking ahead to June, we’ll be hosting a few junior golf tour events, as we’ve done in years past. These events will not interfere with member play. If you’re out playing on one of those days, please consider offering a warm greeting to our
young guests. They represent the future of the game, and the impression we leave can have a lasting impact on their golfing journey.
Looking ahead to July, we’re excited to announce the addition of a Firecracker Scramble on Friday, July 4th. Like our Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve events, the scramble will begin at 8 a.m., and we’ll be closing early that day to give our staff time to enjoy the holiday with their families. Keep an eye on ForeTees, as the event will be posted soon. We hope to see many of you out there wearing your red, white, and blue to celebrate Independence Day!
All golfers can
We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a beautifully maintained course here at The Landings. Rocky and his team continue to do an exceptional job providing top-notch playing conditions every day. Please help us preserve these conditions by following a few simple but important guidelines:
• Keep carts at least 30 feet from tees and greens
• Observe all cart signage and restrictions, especially during rainy season
• Repair ball marks, fill divots with sand, and rake bunkers after use
can
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the lessons I’ve had with many of you already. Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of my role, and nothing brings me more satisfaction than hearing about your successes on the course. My mission is to help create longterm enjoyment of the game through shortterm results and success. I look forward to working with more of you and helping you make golf a game you love for life.
And remember: Practice makes
The Transformative Benefits of Consistent Massage Therapy
WHY ROUTINE BODYWORK IS MORE THAN A LUXURY—IT’S A LIFESTYLE
In today’s high-stress, always-on world, many of us are seeking effective, sustainable ways to care for our bodies and minds. While the occasional massage may offer momentary relief, consistent massage therapy brings long-lasting, transformative benefits. Here’s how incorporating massage into your regular wellness routine can make a powerful difference:
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1. Chronic Pain Relief & Management
Regular massage therapy can ease conditions like back pain, arthritis, sciatica, and fibromyalgia. Techniques such as deep tissue and trigger point massage help reduce inflammation, loosen tight muscles, and improve mobility—offering a natural, non-invasive solution for pain.
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2. Improved Circulation & Detoxification
Massage stimulates blood flow and encourages lymphatic drainage, which helps deliver nutrients more efficiently and remove metabolic waste. This not only speeds recovery from injury but also supports your immune and cardiovascular systems.
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3. Stress & Anxiety Reduction
Massage significantly reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) while increasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Over time, this leads to a more balanced mood and greater emotional resilience.
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4. Enhanced Flexibility & Range of Motion
By reducing tension and increasing joint fluidity, massage can boost flexibility and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re an athlete or simply want to stay mobile, regular bodywork keeps you limber and strong.
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5. Better Sleep Quality
Struggling with sleep? Massage helps shift the body into a parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) state, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. It’s especially helpful for those suffering from insomnia or sleep disturbances related to pain or stress.
�� 6. A Stronger Immune System
Reduced stress levels and improved lymphatic function mean your immune system can do its job more effectively. Consistent massage supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms—especially important during cold and flu season.
�� 7. Sharper Focus & Mental Clarity
Better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved circulation all contribute to improved cognitive function. Regular massage helps you feel more grounded, focused, and ready to tackle your day with a clear mind.
�� Make It a Habit, Not a Treat
True wellness comes with consistency. Whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly, setting up a regular massage schedule helps your body and mind adapt and improve over time. Thankfully, there are businesses out there like Massage Envy that make your new routine both convenient and affordable! Massage therapy is not just about relaxation—it’s about restoration, resilience, and long-term health. Take the time to care for yourself consistently, and your body will thank you for years to come.
To book your next session or learn more about our discounted wellness packages, visit MassageEnvy.com or stop into one of our 6 Southwest Florida Massage Envy Locations.
This article is a paid advertisement. The content was provided by the sponsor and does not necessarily reflect the views of this community or Seabreeze Communications.
A Terrific Visit to Barnsley Resort
STEPHEN DAVISON
During our recent two-week vacation, we included a visit to Adairsville, GA and visited with our former golf professional, Zach Cooper. Zach left The Landings and Florida to be closer to family and was hired at Barnsley Resort, an English inspired village setting in Adairsville. This resort is located between Chattanooga, TN and Atlanta, GA.
Barnsley Resort has a long history dating back to 1824 when Godfrey Barnsley from England acquired as many as 4,000 acres. The estate now includes a Jim Fazio designed golf course that is very challenging with several large elevation changes. The resort has 142 accommodations that include a variety of multi-bedroom estate cottages, single bedroom cottages and guest rooms and suites
in the Inn. The historical Ruins at the resort date back to the Civil War era.
The property also includes a restaurant and bar, a spa, a pool which is currently being constructed, and several diverse outdoor activities such as horseback riding, sporting clays, historical gardens, a small museum and hiking. Several family and corporate events and weddings are held in the beautiful event buildings, in the historical Ruins and in the outdoor gardens. We had a wonderful time there playing golf, touring the grounds and Ruins and visiting with Zach. We definitely plan to return in the future and would recommend it for golf outings and family events.
Barnsley Resort is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ruins at Barnsley Resort date back to the Civil War era.
Mike Maile Receives Service Award
BARBARA JUNE
The Landings own Mike Maile of Windjammer was awarded a League Captains Five-Year Service Award at the Lee County Men’s Tennis 50+ luncheon. The league has given this award of distinction to only three other captains.
Mike became a League captain in the 20192020 season for the Landings Blue League division. That year his team came in second place. In 2020-2021, Mike organized and became the captain of the White D team. That team again came in second place.
The League moved Mike’s team up to the White C division in 2021-2022. That team came in first place, which promoted them up to White B division for the 20222023 season. Again, the league recognized the great tennis playing of the team and leadership of Mike and moved the team up to White A division. The White A team under Mike’s leadership finished in second place for the 2023-2024 season.
Mike retired as captain of the Men’s White A team for the 2024-2025 season. Mike said, “I found my experience as serving as a
a
captain very enjoyable. I would recommend the experience to anyone. Overall, it was a very educational experience.”
Mike Maile is a talented team captain and
great dance partner for his wife Mary Beth.
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
Head Editor: Hazel Jones hazelwhitejones.hl@gmail.com
Editors: Barbara June, Linda Tucker
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.
The largest and most expensive repair at Ariel, the 18-story high rise building in The Landings, has been completed. This monumental project alone required almost two years of work, and more than $5.5 million, to restore the damage done by Hurricane Ian.
Four-panel sliders were part of the 51,000 square feet of glass replaced at Ariel.
What was the repair? Nearly 51,000 square feet of glass in the building was replaced with glass rated to withstand hurricane force winds of 175 mph. There are a total of 563 openings in the building that had to be replaced. They were comprised of 275 two-panel sliders, 14 three-panel sliders, 246 fourpanel sliders and 28 exterior windows.
$400,000 Insurance Reduction
The benefit of these repairs is that not only is the building equipped with glass that meets today’s highest standards, but the improvement has cut the insurance costs for the building by $400,000 annually. Given Florida’s expensive insurance costs, this improvement will pay for itself not only in dollars, but in the comfort that owners enjoy knowing that their building has been substantially upgraded.
In addition to all the glass in the building, major expenditures were made in other areas. The three elevators (two passenger and one service elevator) have been repaired, the roof was completely replaced, and a new fire pump was installed. The entire second floor that houses the management office, four guest suites, a huge community room, a card room/library, a gym, and a game room with two pool tables, four classic video games, and a ping pong table have all been restored also.
John Berkaw led the seven-member Board during Hurricane Ian . He found a great public adjuster who was responsible for working with the insurance companies to ensure that Ariel received the money it was due because of the ferocious hurricane. The current Board, led by Chris Duca, has managed the funds and bidding processes carefully with the help of our management team. As a result, insurance proceeds covered all the repairs.
Just one major project remains for Ariel. The building will be painted inside and out this year now that all the repairs have been made. All the owners are pleased that they are nearing the end of this laborious process and look forward to the day that all is done.
MARINERS COVE
Mariners Cove Village has some very hard-working gentlemen who work to keep their property looking nice. Check out Denis Fourgeau and Joe Berg cleaning their driveways.
PAT BENNER patharben@aol.com
Joe Berg (left) and Denis Forgeau-Ciers keep their driveways sparkling clean.
The Benners hosted a party that was a combination end-of-the-season and a goodbye to Christy and Wes Fitz who moved to the Iona area and hope to find another dream home in Gulf Harbor. Dawn and Denis Fourgeau-Ciers presented them with keys to Mariners Cove Village to assure them that they are always welcome back. Although many of our neighbors had left for their northern homes there were over 40 attendees.
Welcome
Steve Keyes!
Please join me in welcoming Steve Keyes to the neighborhood. He is renting the Weaver house at 9530 Mariners Cove Lane. He is originally from Cleveland and lived and worked in Chicago (where he was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, trading soybean meal), Pittsburgh, New York, Atlanta (on Lake Lanier), and the last 15 years in Cape Coral. Steve worked for equity brokerage firms selling stock market data and research. He has a daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren in Weaverville, CA. He plays pickleball, golf and used to sail on Lake Michigan. While playing pickleball here at The Landings with Patrick Milkovich, he discovered that he had been coached in wrestling by Patrick’s uncle.
I was fortunate enough to again win the coveted “High Heel Award” from Habitat for Humanity for raising the most money for a home for a single mom of three in the Women Build campaign. Thanks to generous contributions from Mariners Cove Village, other members of the Landings, and my personal friends and family I was able to raise over $166,000.
Pat Benner won Habitat for Humanity’s High Heel Award again.
This will be my last edition as the reporter for Mariners Cove Village. I would like to thank all of you who sent me information or agreed to an interview for the article and all of you who took the time to read it. Most of all, I would like to thank Barb Shields for agreeing to take it over and Patrick Shields who nominated his wife for the job! I have enjoyed being your reporter.
SCHOONER
RIC & MARY WILSON-TAUSON rooesq@juno.com
Whew – and there it went, the Season! I have lived long enough now to remember how the “old people” used to say the days fly by and the youngsters thought naps and Church and drives to the beach and dentist appointments lasted forever. And Ric and I have lived long enough in Schooner Village to have gone from being among the younger set to being among the seniors, to have lived through two iterations of the Wheelhouse, to note the prices go up and The Landings culture gradually change in subtle and not so subtle ways.
But what has never changed in 25 years is how special the people are. Among the seniors, we’ve lost loved ones like Jack Rasmussen, Bill and Barb Riggs, and Judy Woodford, and we have seen folks need to go north due to health challenges like the MaGuigans and Schornsteins. And Hugh and Nancy Sims are in a kind of limbo, their transition marked at a fun party at the home of Al Wagner and Carole Lundgren. But then there comes the blessing
of the newcomers – the next generation – the Kentucky crew, the “other Wilsons,” the migration from Windjammer and other villages! And the glass is full again.
I don’t have to look beyond my own door to have seen how the community comes together. I witnessed it in action in a recent medical emergency. Annie Fox and Crystal Day got me to the hospital via ambulance, Barb Curioso and Crystal got me to my surgeries and Jan Perkett got me home. Theresa Brooks went to the doctor with me and translated doctor speak. Meals came from Jan, and the Nahnsens, the Apontes, the Ockerlunds including one of Jonnie’s renowned key lime pies. Flowers, hugs, cards, calls and messages from many neighbors. Offers to do errands. And critical advice from survivors that restored my balance and optimism for the future.
The Schooner birthday lunch is always a festive occasion.
Again, when Jonnie and Fred Ockerlund moved to Brookdale this season, many folks helped them and their family with a challenging and inevitable move, Theresa and Milt, Rick and Annie Fox, the Cheffs, the Mullarkeys, etc. And just in time. Fred, whom I fondly called Grumpy, passed away in a local rehab facility on May 14.
Fred and Jonnie would have celebrated an incredible 75 years of marriage on June 17. They came here to their Schooner home in 2005 to join Ludington, Michigan friends, Jack and Shirley Rasmussen. They had three children (Bill, Rick, and Sara who lived with them for several years), eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
They enjoyed a full life with family and friends here and in their beautiful home on Hamlin Lake in Michigan. Fred was an architectural engineer and always had a project in the works! He raced vintage cars, factory built in the ’60s and ’70s, played golf and loved boating. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and lived long enough to see them win two national championships. He was always active over the years in village and Landings projects, never hesitating to speak (or write) his mind! He will be missed.
As life moves on, lots of our residents are traveling this summer. Among others, the Nahnsens are going to spend a long weekend with family at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island to celebrate Margie’s 80th birthday (November 14).
Jackie Wagner’s oldest son, Jimmy, flew in from Chicago to surprise her on Mother’s Day.
Jackie and Larry Wagner will be taking some breaks in June to visit their oldest son, Jimmy, in Chicago. Linda Tucker will be going tenting and boating at her Lake House in Michigan; and Chris Dixon (always on the road!) will be visiting in upstate New York, Chicago in July, and on Cape Cod (Hyannis, Mashpee, Osterville); Crystal Day visited family in Colorado in May and she and Scot will be going on a cruise in Greece this summer.
Locally Maria and Phil Aponte’s family will be coming to Florida to help celebrate their parents’ 67th wedding anniversary. Enjoy the summer wherever you may be!
STEAMBOAT BEND EAST
“America is a song. It must be sung Together.”
CAROL CUMMINS
~Gerald Stanley Lee Memorial Day was celebrated with a poolside ribfest hosted by Jessie Shipp and MaryKay O’Hara. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. MaryKay cooks the ribs from 8 a.m. in a 250-degree oven for about eight hours. Her recipe calls for salt and pepper and Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbeque sauce. To keep the ribs moist and tender, MaryKay tents the pan with aluminum foil. She had five pans going in two ovens to feed the crowd of about 30 people. Other neighbors brought potato salad, baked beans, and salads.
callifleur1955@gmail.com
Carol Donohue and MaryKay O’Hara enjoy “Cheers!” at the Memorial Day RibFest.
thanks to Jessie and MaryKay for carrying on the tradition of “the official beginning of summer” for the second year.
From left: Caroline and A.R. Caputo, the Coneys’ daughter and son-in-law, are joined by Barb Coneys, Pam and Dave Grusz and Matt Coneys at the Memorial Day Festivities.
Greg Podczaski is our guest writer this month, sharing an invitation to visit the Six Mile Slough.
“Carol and I belong to a Naturalist Program sponsored by our county in St. Charles, Illinois, our home during the Summer/Fall. We’re about 40 miles west of Chicago. The natural areas we visit and hike in are prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
Dave Grusz was surprised with a cake for his birthday. Denise McNamara treated everyone to ice cream sandwiches, a welcome treat on a warm night. Many
Here in Southwest Florida, the landscape is completely different. One of the places we frequently visit when we are in The Landings is Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The main attraction is a 1.2mile boardwalk through a cypress swamp. It’s basically a swamp but a slough is
technically a natural inlet that sporadically is filled with water.
The preserve is home to many species of reptiles, insects, birds and mammals. It takes about 90 minutes to walk the boardwalk at a leisurely pace. I would say there’s at least a 50 percent chance at seeing an alligator. At dusk hundreds of ibis fly in to roost along Gator Lake.
We also belong to the Friends of Six Mile group. They are similar to the group we belong to up north. This is a support group that provides volunteers for the Slough and its Interpretive Center. They have an informative Facebook Page. Just in the past month pictures have been posted of otters, raccoons, and a black bear, along with cottonmouth snakes and owls that are found at the Slough. The Friends group also sponsors field trips to interesting natural and educational sites in the area for members. Lee County is responsible for the Slough and sponsors Full Moon Walks during the Winter/Spring season. I invite you to make the quick 20–25-minute drive to the Slough to explore this oasis.”
Hundreds of ibis roosting near Gator Lake at the Six Mile Cypress Slough.
Words of inspiration accompany walkers on the boardwalk at the Six Mile Cypress Slough.
The Mezzanine in building 4100 is ready for hurricane season. Hopefully Fort Myers area will get a pass this season.
Wishing everyone near and far an enjoyable and safe Fourth of July. Happy 249th Birthday America!
WINDJAMMER
An Amazing Tuesday Evening at the Wheelhouse
On a sunny Tuesday evening in early May several of our own musicians volunteered to play music on the Wheelhouse Patio. For over two hours Keith Belfiglio of Windjammer and Rick Brown of Ariel entertained us with great tunes. The Bavenders jumped in and did a few songs as well. People danced and soon
EVA BELL evabell81@yahoo.com
a Conga Line went through the bar and back outside. The waitstaff did a great job in keeping us supplied with food and drinks and the weather could not have been better. Hopefully this was only the beginning of many more evenings like this.
New from the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors welcomes three new members for the 2025-2026 Season.
Julie Iverson of Spanker Court is a retired School Principal. She is from Chicago and spends her summers in Michigan. Julie loves to play golf and garden. Jim Brown of West Mainmast lives in Canada but spends the winters here in The Landings. He is a Diesel Truck Technician and owned his own
Rick Brown (left) and Keith Belfiglio entertained the crowd at Wheelhouse Grill
business. Jim likes to solve problems, and he will be a great asset in helping our village with maintenance projects. Congratulations to Jim and his new wife Sharon Ahrens. They got married earlier this year. Dennis Clark of Cross Jack Court was born in Canada and immigrated to the U.S. in 2000. Dennis’s career was in the automotive industry, focused on Production and Human Resource Management. He has been a fulltime resident in The Landings since 2016.
We are saying goodbye to Randy and Diane Skipton. Randy served as our secretary for many years and has also been responsible for maintenance issues. Randy and Diane are moving to Longboat; they will be greatly missed.
Newly appointed positions are Bentley Collins, vice president, and Dennis Clark, secretary.
Another Repair Completed by our Volunteers
For several weeks we had cones placed around a broken drainage grate in West Mainmast. Because of its unusual size it was difficult to find a replacement for this twopiece grate. The special-order item finally arrived at a local contractor and our Board member Jim Brown volunteered his truck and muscles to pick up this 230-pound monster. With the help of his neighbor Mark Willis the two men installed the grate and disposed of the old one. A big thank you to both men.
Mark Willis (left) and Jim Brown worked hard installing the new custom-made grate.
Prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season officially started June 1, 2025, and will end November 30, 2025. Whether you are leaving for the summer or just for a few weeks, you must move everything that could become airborne inside your condominium. This includes but is not limited to bicycles, planters, yard art, trash cans and furniture.
Over the summer months we will have a lot of work going on. The repair on the stairs and walks in the four- and two-story buildings in Jib Boom and Bowsprit will be ongoing. Please be sure that everything is removed from stairwells, walks and under the stairs.
The elevator control systems in Spanker, Jib Boom and Bowsprit are being upgraded to the most current safety and reliability standards and the cars will be refurbished to new conditions. We must be sure that workers have access to all areas they need to work in. Be sure that the Board has a current key to your unit.
Please be mindful and make everything as safe as possible, whether you leave for any length of time or if you stay during a storm. We want to avoid your items getting airborne and causing damage to our village. Thank you for taking this seriously.
Recycling Reminders
Do not bag your recycling items. The following items are safe to put into your recycling bin or container: Paper – Any kind
of paper except shredded, waxed, metallic or soiled.
Metal Cans – Aluminum or steel (tin) cans, no need to remove labels. No aluminum foil. Cardboard – Any cardboard unless it held liquids (like those that held juice, milk, broth or wine). Plastic Containers – Look for the numbers 1-7 within the recycling triangle on the bottom of the container. Lids on or off, either is okay. No styrofoam or plastic bags.
Glass – Green, brown or clear glass. No dishes, window glass, blue glass or porcelain. Note to Nespresso users – You can order free recycle bags from Nespresso. Once you fill a bag, drop it off at any UPS location to return the used aluminum capsules. The coffee grounds will be composted, and the capsules are being recycled.
HAPPY LANDINGS NEEDS HELP
HAPPY LANDINGS IS LOOKING FOR EDITORS AND REPORTERS FOR SEVERAL VILLAGES AND CLUBS AT THE LANDINGS.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT HEAD EDITOR HAZEL JONES AT HAZELWHITEJONES.HL@GMAIL.COM
