Landings
IN THIS ISSUE
Grab Your Racket! Make a Difference!
DUANE CHANEY
It’s not often that you have the chance to share the court with Grand Slam champions while making a difference for kids with cancer. For the past 15 years, Madisen’s Match has done just that, and we invite you to join us on March 15 and 16 to Grab Your Racket and Make a Difference!
Madisen’s Match was founded when event creator Duane Chaney’s niece, Madisen, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Through this event, Madisen’s Match has brought some of the biggest names in tennis to Southwest Florida and raised over $1.3 million to support pediatric brain cancer treatment programs in the area.
This year, the event returns to The Landings Yacht, Golf, and Tennis Club, bringing an incredible lineup of Tennis
Hall of Fame members and Grand Slam champions, including 14-time Grand Slam champion Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, 5-time
Grand Slam champion Emilio Sánchez, French Open doubles champions Luke and Murphy Jensen, #1 world-ranked doubles
KIDS UNDERGOING TREATMENT AT GOLISANO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ARE THRILLED TO USE THE “MADISEN’S MATCH TESLA”.
player Don Johnson, US Davis Cup Team Captain Tom Gullikson, former Top 10-ranked Mikael Pernfors, and ATP Tour stars Ryan Harrison and Denis Kudla!
The star-studded weekend kicks off on March 15 with the Gala & Auction at the Helm Club. Bid on live and silent auction items, enjoy live music from the Cinnamon Crows, and savor cuisine inspired by the four Grand Slams. Tickets start at $125, with proceeds benefiting the Lee Health
Foundation - Barbara’s Friends and the Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Center Fund.
Limited space remains for the Legends Tennis Camp & Pro-Am on Sunday, March 16, at The Landings. Share the court with world-class tennis talent and improve your game in the Legends Tennis Camp. The Pro-Am gives you a once-in-alifetime opportunity to play with and against Grand Slam champions in this VIP event.
The weekend culminates with the signature event, The Pro Tennis Classic. Watch the pros in action on The Landings Stadium Court in what promises to be a thrilling display of world-class tennis! VERY limited VIP and reserved tickets remain!
For more information or to purchase ticket, please visit www.MadisensMatch.com or call 239-300-9766.
Madisen’s Match Video Here
The Golf Corner
ROCKY A. FORD, GOLF COURSE & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT
We all want our golf course to be the best it can be. Please help your maintenance staff help your course.
Now that everyone has returned, our rounds of golf numbers are going up. In addition, the weather is changing, and our grass-growing season is slowing down and ending. We’re even experiencing some record low temperatures and longer periods of colder weather. That makes this a good time to remind everyone that you can all help keep our Golf Course as pristine as possible.
Normal wear and tear is expected, but any damage done to the course will now take longer to recover.
Some things we can all do, and that we should do to help, include:
Fix your ball marks, plus one. If you can’t fix it, ask another player to help or at least tap it down flat with your putter.
Fill your divots, plus one.
Keep all carts (pull and powered) at least 30 feet from the greens unless you’re permitted a handicap flag. Never take any carts between the sand traps and greens or the greens and a lake. Remember that all power golf carts should return to the cart paths as indicated by the signs. With these cooler temperatures, any time we can keep all carts on the path it will help ease the pressure on our worn and weak turf areas.
Staked areas around the course are for one reason only, which is to help our weakened turf areas recover as much and as quickly as possible. Keep all carts on the paths in these areas and avoid the shortcuts.
Do not put pull carts on any tee box.
If you don’t have a handicap flag, keep your carts completely on the cart path when required. Handicap flags are exactly what they say. They are only for people who need assistance to be able to play.
The maintenance staff is always open to suggestions and will continue to go above and beyond to do all we can, but remember, this is your golf course, it will be as good as you all make it.
Thank you in advance for your help and cooperation.
GOLFERS SHOULD REPAIR DIVOTS TO KEEP THE GOLF COURSE IN PRISTINE CONDITION.
STEVE HOOPER
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 APR. 2025 March 1, 12 Noon
Landings Fishing Club
LEROY FLEMING
THE STATE BIRD
The State of Florida is trying to decide on the official state bird. From songbirds to shorebirds, domestic birds to migratory snowbirds, the debate continues.
Perhaps our neighbors can help because it’s getting harder and harder to find a native, bird or human.
Leslie Haynes, Marine Project Manager, spoke to the Landings Fishing Club on January 8. She runs the Lee County Division of Natural Resources. A 2003 Graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Leslie chose the aquatic life as her vocation. She swam, dove, waded, and hiked the waters of Southwest Florida. Even the scuba tank was her backpack. College work was never so much fun. Loving her work and excelling in each course she was offered her first job with the College to continue her chosen lifestyle.
MARINE PROJECT MANAGER
LESLIE HAYNES
Twenty+ years later Leslie is still on and in the water with tremendous responsibilities. Now she oversees the following:
1. Channel Marker and buoys maintenance and replacement – aquatic streetlights
2. Beach and inlet management – erosion problems
3. Derelict vessels – abandoned, sunk, or storm-tossed
4. Artificial reefs – offshore selection and placements
These four items are greatly magnified after a major storm. Storm-tossed markers and boats along with the beach erosion with moving sand and even artificial reefs are not the same.
A testimony to Leslie’s efforts place Lee County in the number one spot in Conservation throughout the State of Florida. You should not swim in red tide waters, but Leslie often has to swim. Often through the waters of Red TAPE in Tallahassee.
Leslie came to Florida with her parents in 1980 from someplace up North. Such a young age to be called a “snowbird” but if she is then the “snowbird” is the best choice for the official migratory state bird for the State of Florida.
THE WIZARD OF ODDS
“There is no place like home!” says Dottie. The sky was dark and windy. Rain had fallen and so had the temperature. My pet was limping on a bad leg and missing. My head was spinning around so badly I lost focus. The weather worsened with 15 mph winds, temperatures at 45 degrees, and rain poured down.
“Where am I and what am I doing here?” There was a concrete floor, picnic tables hidden by black curtains and water everywhere. “We’re not in Florida anymore; it feels like Minnesota and I’m freezing,” she exclaimed. Suddenly bodies began to appear. All were dressed in funny clothing with fur and fuzzy collars. Even the shoes looked awkward with thick soles and fur linings. “We’re having a Shrimp Boil,” these munchkins proclaimed.
Dottie was told in order to go home she must walk the concrete floor to find the “Wizard of Odds.” Where would this lead her she thought? “Can you tell me where to find the Wizard?” Dottie asked an intelligent but funny-dressed man? “I’m so cold I can’t think,” said he. Crossing the floor to several metal tubs with boiling water she asked again, “Where’s the Wizard? Can you help me?” Dottie had to help the man move to get him to speak. “No,” he said, “since I have no heart it’s my job to boil the Shrimp.”
Munchkins were everywhere putting gifts on a counter for Dottie’s trip home. A roar was heard by a tawny-clothed person. “Don’t cross
the yellow tape, don’t touch the hot water tubs, I don’t have the courage to, to stop them.” By now the shrimp were being served to the ice station Munchkins.
Dottie was encouraged to ask the now-present Wizard of Odds how to get home. Smiling behind his reddish moustache and with a twinkle in his eye he motioned to Dottie that she always knew how to get home. Take your pet in your arms and think of home and
that will lead you there.
The Munchkins bade farewell as they all departed for warmer places. The Landing Fishing Club completed another successful Shrimp Boil. The new Wizard George Maness took over for outgoing Wizard Tom Sheehan. Tom completed his 15th year and over 10,000 shrimp as the Wizard of Odds. Dottie, arm in arm with her pet was heard to say. “Where did I put that rainbow?”
GEORGE MANESS AND TOM SHEEHAN
General Manager’s Report
JANUARY 24, 2025
Wheelhouse
Please be aware we have complimentary valet parking in the evenings at the Wheelhouse from 5 p.m. Please pull forward to the turnaround area near the front doors to drop your vehicle. The only charge would be a tip to the young parker, if you so choose.
The Wheelhouse is anxiously waiting for a new credit card charging machine for guests of members. The old machine, and the old account were disconnected due to the length of time the Wheelhouse was closed after Hurricane Ian. We should have the new system in place by the end of January. Sorry for the delay.
Every week or so, we’re adding to, and changing the menu at the Wheelhouse to give dining members more options. Please let us know how you’re enjoying the food and service as we continue to provide more options for snacks, lunch, or evening dining.
Please make reservations either by the website, or by calling the reservation line at 239-8995900. This is the only phone line to make a reservation. It rings to someone every day, and on the weekends, and if nobody immediately answers, please leave a message, and we’ll call you back promptly. Do not call the Wheelhouse, or the Helm dining room, or leave a message anywhere else, as that may not get to the proper staff for a reservation. Also, please make
reservations in advance (up to two weeks ahead) if possible. Calling fifteen minutes before you would like to dine, will most likely be extremely difficult to accommodate. Larger parties of 8 or more, should be called in to the 239899-5900 number, as those requests will require numerous tables to be moved together, and will require staff to make those adjustments.
Helm Clubhouse
You will notice new outdoor awnings being installed outside the tennis shop, and outside the golf shop in the next few weeks. These awnings will cover the stairs leading from the two shops down the respective stairs outside the shops, to keep the walkways and stairs from becoming wet and slippery during rain incidents.
That’s all for now, please have an enjoyable after-holiday season!!
Financial Report
SUMMARY OF DECEMBER 2024
The club’s financial performance in December saw an increase in total revenue over last month, but it was still below budget expectations.
Financial Summary
• Monthly Revenue: $1,171,000, falling short by $79,240.
• YTD Revenue: $3,224,178, under budget by $424,927 but better than last year by $71,003.
• Operating Profit: Monthly loss of $322,153.
Departmental Performance
• Food & Beverage: Revenue was $246,601, trailing the budget by $94,251. Revenue was unfavorable to budget due to the Wheelhouse did not open as planned. Events and Tournaments were favorable to budget by $6,900 as the monies were not utilized this month but may be used in future months as needed. Contract Services were favorable to budget by $1,265 due to the timing of services. Supplies were unfavorable to budget by ($19,096) due to restocking the Wheelhouse for the opening.
• Golf: Revenue was $49,478, fell short of budget by ($7,017) but beat last year by $6,324.
• Tennis: Revenue was $26,016, fell short of budget by ($3,339). Merchandise Income was favorable to budget with 25.6%. However, our Cost of Goods Sold was unfavorable to budget due to new merchandise being purchased for the membership. We ordered brand new logoapparel as well as new 2025 Tennis racquets. Tennis lessons were unfavorable to budget. We hired a new Assistant Professional (parttime) for a few months to help. Due to the Director of Racquet Sports being unable to teach lessons at this time, our lesson revenue is unfavorable to budget.
• Marina: Revenue was $347,538, exceeded budget by $29,348 and surpassed last year by $11,096.
• Administration & General: Over budget by $19,567 due to contract labor.
• Community Patrol: Over budget by $7,574. Salary and Wages were over to cover vacation and holidays.
• Golf Course & Property Maintenance: GCM expenses exceeded budget by $7,891 and Property Maintenance was over by $49,444 largely due to hurricane expenses and unbudgeted Wheelhouse repairs.
Balance Sheet
• Infrastructure Reserve: $337,128
• Reserves Future Long Range: $243,858
• Operating Cash Balance: $745,943
Landings Racquet Sports
JOAN DAVISON
As I write this, the cold days of January are forgotten, and Florida’s “endless summer” has returned. Temperatures are back up in the Eighties and the sun is shining brightly.
The first big event of the season was Xglosive Pickleball. The lights came down and the crazy fun began! Music pounded as pickleballers glowed under the black lights while playing lots of different drills.
PICKLEBALL PLAYERS HAVING GLOW IN THE DARK FUN.
Thanks to the LYGTC Racquet pros and the Food and Beverage team for helping to make it a great event.
The month of February was jam packed with fun and exciting events in tennis and pickleball. On February 2, Pickleball players gathered for a competitive “Up & Down the River” Social challenge. Five courts of intermediate to advanced players battled it out to be last team standing. Kim Aus and Richard Cooper were the champs and received a gift card to the Racquet Sports Shop. Congratulations!
The next night, February 3, Landings ladies came together to play and party together in the inaugural “Doubles & Bubbles” event. Fifty women played Doubles tennis
THE LANDINGS DEDICATED PICKLEBALL PLAYERS GET READY TO BATTLE IT OUT.
FRIENDS GATHERING FOR THE “DOUBLES & BUBBLES” EVENT
with old and new friends and partied afterwards on the Racquets porch.
FRIENDS ENJOYED THE DELICIOUS FOOD AND BUBBLY.
Upbeat music, tons of food, and of course, bubbles were enjoyed by everyone!
On February 8 and 9 The Landings Davis Cup Tournament was held. Approximately 100 tennis and pickleball players were arranged in four teams representing Germany, France, Italy and Australia. The tournament kicked off with a dinner and dance in the Main Deck. Foods from the four countries were enjoyed by all. It was fun to see so many dressed to represent their country.
INTENSE PICKLEBALL COMPETITION BY TEAM FRANCE (THE YELLOW DOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PHOTO IS THE PICKLEBALL!)
TEAMS FRANCE, AUSTRALIA, GERMANY, AND ITALY PARTICIPATED IN THE INAUGURAL DAVIS CUP TOURNAMENT.
The competition began Sunday morning with incredible games of pickleball. Those of us not playing were amazed at the prowess of the players. We all cheered wildly for our teams. At the end of play, Germany was ahead in points.
After a great lunch catered by LYGTC Food and Beverage, it was time for tennis. In the blistering heat of a Florida afternoon tennis players played doubles tennis in 20-minute increments. Winning teams won 30 points for their country and losing teams were awarded 15 points. After three hours of play Team France won the inaugural Davis Cup Tournament, beating Team Germany by only 50 points. What a great event!
BILL FERRIS
Deadline to Run for Bridge Club Board is March 3
It is my obligation to tell all who might like to run for office on the Board that our annual election for the next two-year terms will be taking place in March. All seven Board positions are open, though all incumbents have asked that their names be put up for re-election. The slate currently includes: Sue Wotton, Treasurer; Bill Rush, Manager; Lynne Birdt, Barb Coneys, Pam Dahlberg, Registration and Party Management; Bill Ferris, President; and Tim Whiteis, Vice President and Nomination Chair. Overall Board responsibilities generally consist of dues and game fee collection, managing the duties of running the weekly game including finding partnerships when and where necessary, and helping with the purchase of supplies for maintaining the orderly weekly administration of the game and proper liaison with the Landings Administration as well as the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). As Vice-President, Tim is currently accepting all nominations for these positions, whether they are self-nominations or nominations of others who have indicated in writing that they would like to run for election. Deadline for getting names into Tim is the first Monday of March, March 3.
As mentioned last month in this space, many club members are getting ready to play on February 10-16 in the Southwest Regional, which had been postponed this past fall by Hurricane Milton, but is now coming back to life as a postponed tournament rather than a canceled one. Members who have told us they will be playing include: Barb Coneys, Jerry Poissant, Pat Tylander and I, along with Dave Hutson, Lynne Birdt, Marina Kotch, Ron Bailer, Bill Rush, Sue Wotton, Jan Baysden, Leela Andekar, Ginny Nightingale, Tim Whiteis, and perhaps half a dozen more. In the midst of some dark days for post-Covid bridge and hurricane storms everywhere, interest in playing competitive duplicate bridge among Landings players is still at a high level, though Monday attendance could be higher.
LMGA: Around the Greens
BENTLEY COLLINS
The season rolls on as I write. Yesterday, February 1st 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 21st, 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.
9-Hole Ladies: Golf is for the Birdies
MICHELE CAVANAGH
The highlight of January was our League’s Member-Guest Day. This year the theme was “Golf is for the Birdies.” The Committee chaired by Pam Gruscz included Darlene Kratz, Denise McNamara, Linda Oleska and Pat Tylander. The golf was a straight-up Scramble. A little birdie told me that some teams had many birdies. Tweet-tweet!
The room was beautifully decorated with “birdie” accents. Players were gifted with a whimsical golf towel to commemorate the event. The lunch was once again delicious. In addition to the awarded sweeps prizes, many door prizes were very kindly donated by local businesses.
During the first of the cold Fridays in January, our ladies played a Scramble with a minimum of one drive per player. Unfortunately, our golf-themed BINGO game day had to be canceled because the course was unplayable and too wet and cold even for the hardiest of golfers. The final Friday was a Shamble format where everyone tees off, then the team moves to the best drive, and from there everyone plays their own ball until it goes in the hole. It seemed as if the pins were placed in difficult spots and a lot of potential birdies were missed.
We have been missing our Golf shop liaison/ leader Garret who has been home supporting his wife as they welcomed a baby boy into
ALL KINDS OF BIRDS WERE SPOTTED AT THE LANDINGS. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CINDY BROWN, SUSIE DUCA, JEANNE SQUITIER AND DOTTY FRITZE.
their family in January. Thank you to Chris for taking care of us in Garret’s absence.
Thank you to our January hostesses Pat Tylander and friends.
THE GOLF IS FOR THE BIRDIES COMMITTEE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT DARLENE KRATZ, PAT TYLANDER, DENISE MCNAMARA, PAM GRUSCZ AND LINDA OLESKA.
LLGA-18 Ladies Golf Happenings
MARY ANN SPRY
A busy life makes the weeks fly by! Yes, another fantastic month for our 18 Hole ladies.
It was an exciting President’s Cup handicap tournament with great participation in spite of two days of the coldest temperatures in decades. Kudos to all the ladies who weathered the experience. Congratulations to our new Champion, Theresa Johnson, with a terrific score of 108 to become our over-all President’s Cup Champion. Flight winners were 1st Flight: Lindy Worrall, 2nd Flight: Diane Giebner, and 3rd Flight: Gretchen Phillips.
PRESIDENT’S CUP CHAMPION THERESA JOHNSON.
Our Hawaiian themed “Member/Guest” day was unfortunately rained out. So many outside guests were looking forward to playing our lovely and challenging course.
Not to be disappointed, fun and games came inside as the “Main Deck” became putting greens, chipping greens, and “Corn Hole” where everyone had
FROM LEFT: MARTY ROEMER, DIANE GIEBNER, AND CINDY MILLER.
fun trying their skills and meeting everyone. Hostesses who came up with this extraordinary experience were Cindy Miller, Diane Giebner, Mary Spry and Mary Roemer.
MAIN DECK “GREENS AND GAMES”
Once again, Chef Richard and his staff presented another masterpiece with the Hawaiian themed lunch buffet. We are so lucky!
OUR GREAT LANDINGS STAFF.
This week brought us all together in a “team” event called Cha-Cha-Cha. Every three holes you either took one score, two scores, or three scores of the foursome. The winning team was Maureen Wagener, Deborah Daly, Pat Bailer, and Linda Tucker out of 10 teams.
We always love meeting new players and we welcome Valjean MacMillan and Laura Pickering to our membership. We look forward to playing together and getting to know you. We “Welcome Back” Becky Yates, a longtime member and friend, to our clan.
We are looking forward to our February main event, where couples play on the 12th. “Pretty in Pink,” such
a love-ly “Happy” color, will bring out special personalities of us all!
Thanks to Karen Shelton and Nancy Nowak for taking the early morning hour to check us in before play. They were always there to meet each player with a smile and morning greeting. Thank you, all hostesses, for taking your turn for the league!
Recovery wishes to our league President, Lynne Denk, after foot surgery! All our love to you and know how you are missing golf.
Have a great month of St. Patrick’s Fun and Golf. League Championship play is coming!
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
CLIPPER COVE
MAISIE SEIVERLING
maisieseiverling@yahoo.com
Winners
Karen Sheldon won the women’s club championship in a hardfought golf match against Lynda Redmon. Karen’s husband Willie Scroggs served as her caddy.
KAREN AND WILLIE SCROGGS.
Clipper also had the champion of the President’s Cup—Theresa Johnson.
Theresa’s golf is legendary. She got a hole in one on number 15 on January 12.
ELLA AND LENI IN TENNIS ONESIES.
Besides golfing, Theresa is an excellent tennis player. Her favorite doubles team consists of her twin granddaughters Ella and Leni.
Birthdays
Glen Robinson and Jeff Leonard recently celebrated birthdays.
JEFF AND ANGIE LEONARD.
Adventures
All 11 members of the Fansler family enjoyed Christmas on Captiva with boat trips to Cabbage Key and Fort Myers Beach. Their rental had a bald eagle’s nest with an “eagle nest cam” allowing them to watch two eaglets hatch. It was a joy to holiday together.
HAPPY LANDINGS NEEDS
HAPPY LANDINGS NEEDS NEW EDITORS SEVERAL VILLAGES AND CLUBS AT ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT JONES AT HAZELWHITEJONES.HL@GMAIL.COM
THE FANSLER 11 ENJOYING CHRISTMAS ALL TOGETHER.
Holly Morris Bumsted and Tyler Bumsted went on a 26-day trip to New Zealand and Australia. Starting in Auckland, they spent two weeks on the Viking Venus enroute to Sydney. Then they snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef. Next, Holly and Tyler traveled to the Daintree rain forest, out to Ayer’s Rock and back to Sydney.
HOLLY AND TYLER DOING THE SYDNEY HARBOR BRIDGE CLIMB.
NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
EDITORS AND REPORTERS FOR AT THE LANDINGS. IF YOU CONTACT HEAD EDITOR HAZEL HAZELWHITEJONES.HL@GMAIL.COM
FLAGSHIP
PATTIE PARRETT pparrett1@comcast.net on January 6. He celebrated at the Helm Club during our “indoor” pool party with his neighbors and many brothers and sisters-in-law from Fort Myers.
As George Burns once said, “By the time you’re 80 years old you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it!” Chuck Erickson (4604) will surely remember his 80th birthday
CHUCK ERICKSON TURNS 80!
As a final bon voyage to Pat Rosen (4616), about 25 women gathered at the Helm Club to wish her well on January 7. We are glad she isn’t going too far, and hope to see her back at Flagship to visit from time to time.
FROM LEFT, STANDING: GRETCHEN PHILLIPS, HONOREE PAT ROSEN, ANNE MURRAY, CAROL WATSON, KATHY ZIELIE; SEATED: KAREN ERICKSON, SANDY KRUEGER, LIZ MARINI, AND CLAUDIA ZAMBOR.
Our Flagship contingent filled three tables at Bingo on January 8. Winners were found at two of the three tables with one table unlucky for all participants. Maria Winant (4612), Barb Christian (4604), Kathy Zielie (4612) and Kathy Tyska (4612) all went home with pockets full of cash. Such a fun night for both winners and losers.
FROM LEFT: BINGO CELEBRANTS MARIA WINANT, BARB CHRISTIAN, KATHY ZIELIE, AND KATHY TYSKA WERE PHOTOBOMBED BY
“L”OSER, GRETCHEN PHILLIPS.
On February 2, 59 of us gathered at the pool for Sunday Brunch. It was a perfect morning to come together with all our returning snowbird
ENJOYING SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE FLAGSHIP POOL WERE (FROM LEFT)
ROY MERZ, GARY ZAMBOR, WARREN JEFFREY, KATHY JEFFREY, RICHARD HICKEY, CLAUDIA ZAMBOR, AND LORRAINE EVANS.
friends. There was plenty of delicious food, sunshine and camaraderie. Thanks to Marly Konstant, John Fusintti, Kathleen Hickey, Cathy Spicer and Peggy Holton for putting together this awesome event.
In my “Getting to Know Your Neighbor” series, I had the pleasure of visiting with Don and Laurie Stoppelmann (4612). While new to Flagship, Don and Laurie have been coming to The Landings for some 20 years. Their parents owned here, and Don and Laurie owned in Trawler prior to moving to Flagship. Their homestead is in Sunset Hills, Missouri and their very “tight” family all live within five minutes of each other. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. They consider themselves an “educator” family, as Laurie taught school (and was awarded Teacher of the Year among 700 teachers). Their daughters are educators and Don taught fiber optic communication techniques to electrician apprentices during his
40 years as a licensed electrical contractor. They are pickleball enthusiasts and even have a pickleball court on their driveway back home! They also enjoy golf and Laurie volunteers, yep, as an educator, at their church in Missouri. Two years ago, they celebrated their 50th anniversary in Sanibel where they renewed their vows. Two months later, Hurricane Ian destroyed the resort where they celebrated, but their memories will never be erased. Their family vacations on Lake of the Ozarks every year and has been going there ever since their oldest grandson was two years old. Welcome to Flagship!
THE STOPPELMANN FAMILY AT THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS.
LONGBOAT
Longboat
Village December
Christmas Breakfast –
This article should have gone in last month, BUT I missed the deadline, so here goes: Mike and Lynda Redmon graciously opened their home to friends and neighbors for a Christmas breakfast. A breakfast that was loaded with different types and sizes of pancakes, with bacon (of course), and there were pastries galore.
Top that off with mimosas and coffee. A total of 35 people took part in this event and afterwards there was caroling on the back patio. What a great way to spend Christmas morning. Thank you Mike and Lynda for hosting this event.
Just a note for our resident Carol Bass, who had a minor stroke during December. I am happy to report that she has greatly recovered and is doing well now.
Longboat New Year’s Day –
Longboat Village celebrated 2025 with a breakfast brunch that was once again very well attended. CeCe and her helpers did a fantastic job setting up for the crowd that attended.
GORGEOUS WEATHER, GREAT FOOD AND FUN CONVERSATIONS WERE HIGHLIGHTS OF LONGBOAT VILLAGE’S NEW YEAR’S DAY BREAKFAST.
ANN POWER annpower103@gmail.com
MIKE REDMON WORKING HARD AT THE GRILL.
There was a selection of breakfast casseroles, a cold deli assortment, dessert, and of course, there was champagne (and if you wanted to add the orange juice, it was available). Happy 2025!
LEFT TO RIGHT: LINDY WORRALL, JAN BAYSDEN, PHYLLIS KOELER, RICK WORRALL, PHYLLIS HOLLEY.
LYC Stuart Trip – Alan and I, along with our neighbors, Lin and Oscar Muysson, Scott and Lauretta Dustin, John Naifeh and Natasha Benchimol, Carol Bass and Joe Teale, all enjoyed visiting the quaint downtown Stuart area on a Landings Yacht Club “cruise.” Cold it was, BUT we all had fun with “docktails,” a group dinner the first night, and a pub crawl the next day. This trip also included land cruising members of the yacht club. A total of 60 people went on this trip.
Longboat Board Members: Oscar Muysson, Alan Power, Werner Diersch, Michele Steudte, and Joe Teale are your current board members as of the 30th of January. Positions have been planned but not assigned at the time of this newsletter. BUT, next time you see John Naifeh (now a past president of Longboat Village) please shake his hand and then give him a round of applause for the exceptional work that he did over the years as our president. His work alone has saved each resident thousands of dollars in maintenance fees. Thank you, John, for your service to our village. Good luck to the new board.
Stop Signs: I would like to give a quick mention for people that pass through our Longboat Village. It would be nice if you could adhere to the stop signs and the speed limit on S. Landings Drive and Longboat Lane. I am quite certain our village members would appreciate your kind consideration in this matter. Thank you so much for listening. (You were listening, right?)
Article Note - If you have ANY stories you would like to share, or have travelled, please let me know. Sharing our stories and adventures with our neighbors brings us all closer together.
MARINER’S COVE
Mariners Cove’s own Pat Milkovich won the LYGTC Men’s Golf Championship flight (no handicap) on PAT BENNER
patharben@aol.com
PAT MILKOVICH TAKES HOME THE LYGTC MEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP.
January 31. The format was match play, which means on each hole, you simply notate whether you won, lost, or halved the hole. It was a classic battle with his opponent, Mark Combs, who came from 3 down to close the gap to 1 down going into the 18th hole. After two great drives, each player hit the green on their second shot. Both made par to tie the hole and that allowed Pat to win 1-up and the championship. Congrats for bringing home the title to Mariners Cove. All hail King Patrick!
LYNN CISKY, INTERIM LANDINGS CHORUS DIRECTOR.
Lynn Cisky is thrilled to be the new “Interim” director for The Landings Chorus. Herschel Avra has done a fantastic job for the last twelve years. Lynn wanted to keep Herschel’s legacy afloat. God bless the chorus singers and please support their performances.
FAREWELL
MARY ANN SOMMERS!
Mariner’s Cove village says goodbye to another long-time resident, Mary Ann Sommers. Mary Ann will be living full time in her Pennsylvania residence. We wish her well.
STEAMBOAT BEND EAST
CAROL CUMMINS callifleur1955@gmail.com
May your joys be as deep as the Oceans. Your troubles as light as its foam.
And may you find sweet peace of mind, Wherever you may roam. Irish Blessing
JEANNIE SZCZUREK WITH DEAR FRIENDS WHO PLANNED THE PARTY, CINDY COOPER, KATHY LANGTON, AND DARLENE KRATZ.
Many in our village gathered to celebrate a very special 90th birthday for our beloved Jeannie Szczurek.
While the buffet was being set up, Cindy Cooper shared some biographical details of Jeannie’s wonderful life of love, family, service and friendship. Darlene offered a beautiful prayer, and longtime friend Kathy Langton helped make the celebration very
JEANNIE STANDING IN HER “90 AND FABULOUS” SASH BY THE FLORAL CUPCAKE BOUQUET MADE BY CINDY COOPER.
special with a beautifully decorated carrot cake, flowers, decorations, a crown, sash and corsage for the guest of honor.
Cindy Cooper wowed us with her culinary and botanical skills making beautiful floral cupcakes, even a bouquet out of them! We all showered Jeannie with cards. Jeannie is a cherished neighbor at Steamboat Bend East. Wishing her the very best in the years ahead.
AMONG THE MANY GUESTS AT THE PARTY WERE (LEFT TO RIGHT) CAROL CUMMINS, KATHY ROGERS, MONICA TOMLINSON, GRETA DRURY, PAT TYLANDER, BETH MUHLEMAN, AND LINDA OLEKSA.
On Sunday evening, January 26, the Pickleball Courts were all aglow with black lights, neon signs, and neon t-shirts. Bella Graf the Director of Tennis and Pickleball sports at the Landings hosted a wonderful, high energy, super fun evening. After registration, guests had the option to enjoy drinks at the bar with glow in the dark straws and a drink special. Players were divided into A and B teams. The A teams demonstrated
how the evening would go; warmups then competitive Challenge/Champion competitions with the tennis coaches feeding balls to the players in a variety of formats, eliciting ground strokes, dinking or overhand “smashes”. It kept the games fast moving and fun. The pickleballs were pretty easy to see as they glowed in the dark and neon tape marked the court lines. The music kept the evening high energy. I was grateful to see so many of the coaches and other volunteers make this a very fun evening. Thank you!
SBE Mar 2025 Video #9 Video Here
PICKLEBALL PLAYERS ENJOY “GLOW IN THE DARK” GAMES, ON NEON COURTS HOSTED BY THE LANDINGS.
By late January, the weather finally warmed up enough to enjoy Water Aerobics again, led by Darlene Kratz. We’re so fortunate to be getting perfect sunny days in Southwest Florida…the reason we all were lured to this area.
And many smiling faces appeared at the recent Wednesday night pool party. It
was well attended and a bountiful feast appeared, thanks to the direction and organizing of Jane Dahlin. I noticed a new big screen TV has been installed. It will be great for watching the Super Bowl, and we may even see some movie nights in the future. Lynn and Shirley Bragg offered some squares to buy for the big game.
LEFT TO RIGHT; SHIRLEY BRAGG, PAT TYLANDER, BETH MUHLEMAN, FRED MUHLEMAN AND GREG PODCZASKI. VISITING FROM AFRICA ARE JAKE MUHLEMAN AND DARLINA MOMBO.
It turned out January was a great time to offer a couple of Watercolor Painting classes. We covered how to make a wash, activate the paints for “movement and shine”, and “wet in wet” techniques as well as “wet
in dry”. We practiced three ways to make highlights: reserving the paper, using the corner of a paper towel as a vacuum, and making a thirsty brush to pull out some pigment. Those skills are all anyone needs to get started using one of Sarah Simon’s Watercolor workbooks that have watercolor paper and drawings ready for you, and all you need to do is paint! It is my hope that on cool or rainy days, this past time will provide an enjoyable alternative.
LEFT TO RIGHT, MARY SPADA, DARLENE KRATZ, AND BETH MUHLEMAN. WE ENJOYED TEA AND WINE WHILE WE PAINTED. IT WAS VERY RELAXING. OTHER PARTICIPANTS NOT PICTURED: PAT TYLANDER, KELLI VESTAL AND JOYCE BAROODY.
TRAWLER
AL & PATTI PALUMBO
thealster6@gmail.com
Village News & Updates
New Leadership for 2025 The Trawler Village Board has elected its officers for the year:
President – Cheryl Box, Vice President – Betsy Jackson, Treasurer – Brock Henderson, Secretary – Jim Goetz, Directors – Perry Maness, Jean Boushay, and Larry Bush.
Betsy Jackson has been appointed to serve as Trawler Village’s representative on the Board through February 2026, completing Neil Shea’s term.
Community Enhancements - Pool Resurfacing
Completed: The pool has been resurfaced, enhancing its functionality and appearance. Final inspections are pending.
- New Fountain Installed: A beautiful new fountain has been added to the pond behind the 4585 building, funded by The Landings at a cost of $15,000.
- Lightning Rods Installed: The 4-story buildings now have lightning rods, improving safety during storms. Work was completed by Hirschler Clark Electric, who also repaired the streetlights.
Trawler Village Sign Painted Warm thanks to Patty Smith for her outstanding work on Trawler Villages entrance sign.
Reunion Highlight
Kathy and Rick Jerr recently reunited with their Japanese exchange student, Ayaka, and her family at Disney Springs. Ayaka spent her sophomore year at Pomfret School with the Jerrs’ daughter, Lauren, 24 years ago. Their heartwarming reunion was a testament to the enduring friendships formed through cultural exchange. If you have any pictures from the reunion, please share them for the next article!
Community Update: Wishing Erv Evard a Speedy Recovery
Trawler neighbor Erv Evard had a tough holiday season after falling and breaking his hip on December 23. He spent Christmas, his 31st wedding anniversary, and New Year’s at Lee Memorial Hospital. Since then, he has been recovering in rehab at Lee Health and is expected to be released soon.
Family Visit Highlight
Trawler neighbor Ray Southard is excited to welcome his two daughters and five grandchildren for
IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO HAVE GRANDCHILDREN ENJOYING THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE.
a weeklong visit starting Monday. While Ray modestly downplayed this as “not newsworthy,” we think it’s a perfect example of the joys of family and community. Ray, if you capture any memorable moments, please share a photo for the next newsletter!
WINDJAMMER
PAM DAHLBERG skiingmom@aol.com
With all the ever-increasing sirens along McGregor Blvd and the arrival of high season I thought it might be appropriate to talk about Windjammer safety. No, this won’t be a list of things to be careful about but there is a story or two here to share. For example, Martha Whipple sent her recent experience:
This is a funny, not so funny, cautionary tale of a woman, an E bike, an ER, and New Year’s Eve.
While riding my bike home from decorating for a New Year’s Eve party, I accidentally pulled on the front brake instead of the back brake which sent me hurtling off onto the asphalt! It was around 5:30 p.m. just short of my own driveway so I didn’t have far to go to get in the house, grab my car keys, and head out to the ER. As I was leaving, I remembered I had thrown my health insurance card in the garbage because a new one was going to start the next day. I had already pitched that bag into the dumpster so I had to go dumpster diving for it! Fortunately, my bag was at the top and my card was still inside the macaroni and cheese box I had put it in. When I pulled into the parking lot at Healthpark emergency department I could tell it was going to take a while because the parking lot was full. I walked in and everybody and their brother was in there.
After the usual triaging, I was finally seen seven hours later. I had a broken finger and numerous cuts and abrasions. They put a makeshift splint on, gave me a pain pill, two Advils, and an antibiotic then sent me on my way with a prescription for more. Armed with my prescription I headed out the door only to find fog that you could cut with a knife! I had to drive home alone through the fog at 1:20 a.m. I was glad at that point that I had not had anything alcoholic to drink, but I had missed the party, the food, the dancing, the fireworks over the Caloosahatchee and the midnight toast!
Moral of the story is stay off an E bike to stay out of the ER.
And speaking of ER’s Mary Beth Maile has nothing but praise for our new ER just a hop, skip and jump away tucked in front of the new condos where the goat farm used to be next to CVS. It is called HCA Florida West and the address is 8919 College Point Ct. It’s important to know how close, rapid and
excellent their ER care is, without waiting, and with all capabilities including x-rays. The doctors and staff quickly diagnosed her and went out of their way to call four hospitals to find the quickest surgical time and arrange non-stop delivery directly to the surgical wing so that she and her appendix could part ways just in time.
Sunday Funday report from Eva Bell: We had great attendance at the pool on Sunday, January 26. Eighty residents joined us under blue skies and ample sunshine to enjoy freshly grilled burgers and all the fixings. After the holidays with turkey and ham, we turned West and went for the beef. Thanks to volunteers Theresa Cary, Diane Skipton, Sue Pipher,
RAUCHFLEISZ (LEFT) AND TOM BELL SERVED UP DELICIOUS HAMBURGERS.
DEREK
Robert Hummel, Sam Gates, and Tom Bell the set-up went smoothly, and our hamburger chefs Derek Rauchfleisz and Tom Bell started the new grills up at 4:00 p.m. sharp.
As always, Julie Iverson welcomed the guests and collected the money; she does a good job keeping our finances straight so we can continue these fun events. Our residents brought delicious salads, baked beans, vegetables, potatoes, and of course desserts.
SEVERAL WOMEN EMBRACED THE WESTERN THEME OF THE PARTY.
True to our Western Theme, many guests were sporting their cowboy boots and hats, and even a Royal Canadian Mountie outfit.
DON PIPHER, AN AUTHENTIC MEMBER OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE.
The highlight of the event was our own Corston Lane who volunteered his talents and his guitar to entertain us for over two hours with country music and good old rock ‘n’ roll. People were dancing and singing along,
KEITH BELFIGLIO (LEFT) AND CORSTON LANE PERFORMED FOR THE ENTHUSIASTIC GUESTS, INCLUDING ELAINE TRAPP WHO WAS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY.
and the Tip Jar got its welldeserved attention. Corston loves to play music and is open to performing in other Landings Villages at their events. Windjammer’s official “Dancing Lady” Elaine Trapp especially enjoyed the music and her 81st birthday.
With the end of the season quickly approaching, we have one last BIG event scheduled for Sunday, March 16, again at Picnic Pointe. The day before St. Patrick’s Day, we are serving the other Irish meat, BBQ ribs, ha ha ha. We also will have musical entertainment by a well-known group everyone loves at the Compass Rose and the Wheelhouse; come join us and be surprised.
And of course, stay safe and be careful upon entry and exit from the Landings as multiple accidents continue to occur there with increasing frequencies. Be aware that new signs have been posted that northbound U-turn vehicles have the right of way over vehicles turning right to exit The Landings and enter McGregor.
ARIEL
HAZEL JONES hazelwhitejones@gmail.com
Fun and Games Featured at Ariel
Ariel’s busy Social Committee produced another rousing gettogether with a Game Night on January 25. Residents were invited to bring an appetizer to share while the Committee provided beer, wine, and water. Those who
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
CHAIR JAN HELYER DEMONSTRATES HER WII BOWLING SKILLS.
preferred stronger adult beverages were free to BYOB –and did.
Events took place in two of Ariel’s amenity rooms on the Plaza level (second floor) of the 18-story high rise at The Landings. The Card Room, where monthly Board meetings are held, was the site for spirited card and Scrabble games.
The Game Room has floor to ceiling windows that face west to capture beautiful sunsets. The room includes one ping pong and two pool tables as well as video game machines and a Wii system.
EXPRESSIONS SEEN ON THE SCRABBLE PLAYERS’ FACES INDICATE MANY NEEDED WORDS THAT WOULD EARN 75+ POINTS. CARD PLAYER CAROL (COOKE) SMITH IS ABOUT TO DEAL HERSELF A GREAT HAND.
FROM LEFT: GARRY HELYER PREPARES HIS CUE STICK WHILE GARY RAMADAN, STEVE SMITH AND SKIP MESSINGER FOLLOW THE ACTION. FRED KOHNKE (IN FRONT) HAS “NEXT”.
The owners of the 135-units at Ariel enjoy getting together with their neighbors. The age range as well as the number of the contestants at Game Night was substantial.
HOLLY MESSINGER WATCHES HER THREE-YEAR-OLD GRANDDAUGHTERS ISABEL (LEFT) AND LORELAI MILLER TRY THE VIDEO GAMES.
Participants ranged from three-year-old twins to those well into the 80s, although the ones at the upper end weren’t quick to acknowledge that.
Additional Social Committee events are being planned throughout the year. The full time residents enjoy the festive Ariel Summer Dinners that are held in one of the excellent restaurants at The Landings.
Another active group at Ariel enjoys decorating Ariel’s public spaces. The December Holiday decorations were abundant and the newest decorations celebrate Valentine’s Day.
CYNTHIA
DORAGH’S GRANDCHILDREN WILLIAM AND ELEANOR JOHNSON ENJOY THE VALENTINES DÉCOR IN ARIEL’S LOBBY.
The lobby entrance on the first floor has attracted a lot of attention, including from young visitors who made themselves at home.
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