IN THIS ISSUE
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Becky Pruitt
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Accounting and Sales Support
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds www.seabreezecommunications.com
RESOURCE HUB
THE LANDINGS YACHT, GOLF & TENNIS CLUB
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
482-3211 • FAX 482-1796
Interim General Manager: David Gillespie
Executive Administrative Assistant: Rosana Jaramillo
Controller: Kim Cummings
HELM CLUB
482-3224 • FAX 482-2558
Christine Wengler
Food & Beverage Director
Grace Stewart
Assistant Food & Beverage Director
Michele Lawson
Director of Activities and Communication
HAPPY LANDINGS
The Official Community News
PUBLISHER
Seabreeze Communications
EDITORS
Happy Landings
Head Editor: Sheryl Winters sherylwinters@comcast.net
Editors
Linda Tucker tuckerllo@comcast.net
Barb June junefamily@sbcglobal.net
Joan Davison Davisonjoana@gmail.com
Kathy Striggow kathleenstriggow@gmail.com
Hazel Jones, hazelwhitejones.hl@gmail.com
Copy Editor: Karen Reitan, kreitan@comcast.net
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the Happy Landings magazine is to record and celebrate events in the lives of individuals and the life of the community.
Deadline: Articles for the Happy Landings newsletter will be accepted until noon on the 4th 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 publisher to provide content and sell advertising consistent with the editorial and advertising policies of the Board of Directors of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and, unless otherwise noted, should not be construed to be those of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. or its officers, directors or members. Paid advertising does not represent an endorsement by this publication. Content cannot be reproduced without written consent from The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. Happy Landings is a registered trademark which cannot be used without the express written permission of the holder of the mark, The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc.
The Happy Landings ™ does not accept letters to the editor. All members of the LYG&TC have the right to express their concerns to the Board of Administrators, after following these steps: First, bring your problem/complaint to the attention of, in order, the editor; the Communications Committee; and finally, the general manager. If dissatisfied with the result, you must then fill out a “Member Problem/Complaint” form (available in the general manager’s office). The completed form will be given to the Board of Administrators, who will decide if the problem/complaint warrants its review or action.
Let Your Spirit Soar! –Landings Christmas Concert
The Landings community is pleased to continue the decades-long celebration of live Christmas music, produced and performed by Landings residents. It will be presented Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, December 3 and 4, 2024, in the Helm Club Main Deck.
With the retirement of beloved Chorus Director Herchel Avra, and the large Landings ensemble chorus on temporary hiatus, this year’s concert will be a collection of established Landings resident performers to make the season bright, joyous and fun. The Chorus is looking forward to returning to the stage, under the leadership of Lynn Cisky, at their traditional spring concert in 2025.
The December 3 and 4 Concerts, “Let Your Spirit Soar,” will begin at 6:30 pm, with doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets will be $15 per person with reservations made at the Admin office after October 3, 2024, with a 48-hour cancellation policy notification. Residents are encouraged to call early for reservations, as these popular concerts sell out quickly. Two shows are offered to ensure all the community can enjoy the show!
Your spirit will soar, with a diverse lineup of Christmas music styles and sounds featuring The Landings Men’s Quartet “Par 4” and the Landings Strings. The Strings is the newest and fast-growing group of resident musicians and vocalists, and their collection of stringed instruments, including guitar, banjo and ukulele.
InHarmony, one of the Landings most respected and established groups of campus vocalists, will join the show with their always creative and
melodic holiday selections. Rounding out the concert will be selections from two vocalist duos: Joe and Jennifer Bavender and Lonza Bartlett and Mary Pat Willis.
Concert organizer Lynn Cisky says, “It’s a fun-for-all! We are so happy to continue this wonderful tradition and our focus this year is all about having fun, with good friends and good music that we can all celebrate.”
A member bar will be offered beginning at 6:00 pm, and dining reservations can be made for before or after the show at the Compass Rose Restaurant.
Landings Annual Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Santa is coming! On Sunday, December 8, the Landings community will celebrate the commencement of the Holiday season with our annual Concert and Tree Lighting event at Picnic Pointe. The Landings Yacht Club (LYC) founded this very special event many years ago which signals the official start of the Christmas season in The Landings.
The event, organized, produced and directed by Landings residents and dozens of volunteers, begins with a 4:00 pm “mix -and-mingle” at Picnic Pointe, with music provided by the Landings Strings guitar group. Admission is complimentary, with Holiday cookies, treats and hot apple cider for all provided by the LYC, LTPA and LYGTC.
At 5:00 pm, the amazing Gatlins take the stage, leading us to the ceremonial “hitting of the switch” that will brightly illuminate our beloved Picnic Pointe and marina channel. Darryl and Andrea Gatlin tour the country with their wonderful music and will elevate our Holiday spirit with popular and fun songs and the music of Christmas. Darryl, along with brother Don, have
been nominated several times for Country Duo of the Year and have performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Their music is wonderfully varied; with a mix of pop, standards, Broadway show hits, and country. Their performances are greeted with rave revues and will be a perfect addition to the event.
After sunset, we will light the beautiful Landings Christmas tree, using our new Flagpole constructed after Hurricane Ian. When lit, the tree can be seen for miles. A team of volunteers from LYC have designed and will build the mammoth-lumen lighted tree. Following the lighting of the tree, the Gatlins return to the stage
for more music and fellowship to close out the evening.
The LYC and LTPA have again partnered with the Iona Fire District Holiday Toy Drive effort and attendees are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for newborns to 12 years old. There will be a collection trailer at the entrance to the event ready to be filled to capacity.
This event has such a rich tradition, says LYC past commodore and LYC Holiday event co-chair Scott Dustin. “We are proud to lead the event and expand its size and scope and welcome everyone in the community to The Landings’ second largest outdoor live entertainment experience. By joining forces with the LTPA (Landings Tennis and Pickleball Association) and LYGTC, we have expanded the size and scope of the event, and we expect a sizable gathering of friends, neighbors and family.”
COUNTRY DUO, DARRYL AND ANDREA GATLIN
Reservations are not required, but attendees should bring their lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the festivities. A member bar will be offered. Coolers and outside food and beverage are not permitted. As progress continues for our Wheelhouse completion, look for potential special food and beverage offerings at the event.
Jon Hart, LTPA President says, “The LTPA is proud to join with the LYC to bring resources and talents together to make this very special. The wonderful tradition the LYC founded is becoming a spotlight event to kick off the Holiday and welcome folks back to campus for the winter season.”
Save the Date: Landings Music Festival: February 22, 2025
The date for the Landings cornerstone entertainment event of the season is set!
Saturday, February 22, 2025, brings the 13th annual Landings Music Festival to the driving range with a fresh lineup of shows and new offerings of food and beverage.
This year’s event will be very special, as we expect to see a large collection of Chicago City Police and Illinois State Trooper cars scream into The Landings with lights and sirens blaring as The Blue Brothers Tribute Show takes the stage. This Midwest based super-show will see no less than 11 performers on stage, along with the crazy fun you would expect in a celebration of Jake and Ellwood. The exciting and familiar Chicago Blues music with horns will have everyone on their feet and might get you arrested! Pick up your sunglasses, your skinny black tie, your black Fedora and hop into your Dodge Polara police car and join us at the festival. As they proclaimed in the Blues Brothers Movie, “We’re on a Mission from God!”
Opening the festival is Cinnamon Crows, a brand-new group to South Florida starring the husband-and-
wife team of Tom and Denise Sutphen from Michigan. Their Top 40 Showcase features diverse styles and sounds from Elton John, The Who, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, Pat Benatar, the Allman Brothers and Billy Joel. Tom Sutphen is an extraordinary pianist, and his repertoire of popular hits is a mile deep. Their show is great listening, great fun and a perfect addition to the 2025 festival.
The VIP tent offering for this year’s event will see big changes that will provide a great experience at much less weather risk for this fun upgrade of shade, shelter and service for the festival experience. Look for those details when ticket sales open in January.
Event details will be released at the first of the year, but it’s time now for everyone to mark their calendar – Saturday, February 22, 2025 –and hold the date for the biggest show of the season. Who knows, you may get kidnapped by Jake and Elwood in their Dodge Polara on their way out!
JAKE AND ELWOOD BLUES: MEN ON A MISSION!
General Manager’s Report
DAVID GILLESPIE
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Let’s talk about Food & Beverage
The Wheelhouse creeps closer to opening as we tackle the last details necessary to get going. Right now, we’re actively looking for staff to hire for both back and front of the house. Keep your ears open if you know of any great staff you may encounter at other clubs or restaurants during your local travels. The pool to hire a number of quality persons from is very small, as we’ve known for some time.
Also, reservations for all evening dining will be a must as we dive into our seasonal busy time. Please use our dining reservation system online or call the restaurant directly. Both the Compass Rose and Wheelhouse will need reservations as we get going.
Dress codes for the clubhouse are identified in the Rules and Regulations (see website: https://www.landingsygtc.com/LYGTC_Info/ Governing_Documents). Please take a minute to refamiliarize yourselves with those rules and encourage guests and family to take notice before arriving at the club for any reason.
The Food and Beverage staff have gone through mandatory alcohol training certifications/recertifications this summer. These certifications are done multiple times a year. Employees from other departments that sell alcohol are also required to attend. Please help us by drinking responsibly both before and during your club usage. Your safety is our primary concern and providing a safe and secure experience at the club with respect to alcohol is our necessary responsibility.
The Food and Beverage front of the house staff also are dependent on gratuities from the membership for quality service and hospitality. The gratuities here, unlike most local clubs, are not automatically added to the member’s bill. We always suggest at least 20% or more, but encourage the member to be generous if they are exceptionally pleased with their dining service experience. The gratuities are dispersed to the server, bus person, and the bartenders. Gratuities can be added to your bill, or additionally presented using cash in your check presenter. As you might imagine, the staff are greatly appreciative of the members’ generosity as the gratuities are a large part of their paid compensation.
That’s all for now. We look forward to welcoming seasonal members back to Florida in the near future.
Financial Report
SUMMARY OF AUGUST 2024
As we close out the current period, we are pleased to report that our overall revenue exceeded the budget by $44,352. The Marina Department had a strong performance in August. While fuel sales were slightly under budget, subcontractor work exceeded expectations, resulting in a favorable variance of $48,459. The department posted a profit of $41,503 for the month, contributing positively to overall results. However, the other departments faced challenges and fell short in expected revenues.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
• Total Club Revenue: $859,031 (Budget: $814,679; Variance: $44,352)
• Gross Operating Profit: $-16,913 (Budget: $-22,733; Variance: $5,820)
DEPARTMENTAL PERFORMANCE
• Food and Beverage Revenue: $79,555 (Budget: $81,582; Variance: -$2,027)
• Golf Revenue: $15,350 (Budget: $16,263; Variance: -$913)
• Tennis Revenue: $11,184 (Budget: $16,449; Variance: -$5,265)
• Marina Revenue: $308,578 (Budget: $257,453; Variance: $51,125)
• Administration & General: Expenses: $59,550 (Budget: $29,968; Variance: $29,582)
• Community Patrol: Expenses: $47,529 (Budget: $44,016; Variance: $3,513)
• Golf Course Maintenance: Expenses: $81,829 (Budget: $90,824; Variance: $8,995)
• Property Maintenance: Expenses: $85,126 (Budget: $74,323; Variance: $10,803)
BALANCE SHEET
• Infrastructure Reserve: $332,520
• Reserves Future Long Range: $240,525
• Operating Cash Balance: $1,915,784
Riverside Salutes our Veterans on Veteran’s Day, 2024
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024
12 PM PROMPTLY AT PICNIC POINTE FLAGPOLE
GREETINGS LANDINGS RESIDENTS AND GUESTS!
Riverside is once again proud to sponsor our annual Veterans Day commemoration, which will take place at the flagpole at the southern end of Picnic Pointe.
As in previous years, we will have a military chaplain offering an inspiring invocation, a distinguished guest speaker, and a captivating performance of patriotic and military music, followed by the laying of the wreath ceremony, all featuring the impressive Cypress Lake Junior ROTC Color Guard.
All Landings residents and their guests, whether veterans or not, are warmly invited to join this meaningful event, as we honor the sacrifices made by Americans throughout our nation’s history on this significant day.
The ceremony will commence on November 11th at 12:00 pm, promptly, with guests asked to assemble by 11:45 am.
Veterans are encouraged, though not required, to wear khaki trousers and a blue jacket, and to display their service insignia, medals, and/or other honors, along with a service-related hat.
9-Hole News: KISS, Goodbye, Welcome and Adventures
MICHELE CAVANAGH
The Landings 9-Holers were excited to host a KISS Event (Keep It Simple Summer). These events are offered through the off season at various golf clubs in the area. They are social scrambles with a lunch that follows and provide those that summer in Florida with an opportunity to meet others and visit nearby courses.
Mary Rea, our KISS Chairperson, along with the assistance and guidance of Jackie Wagner and Lauralee Cantalon, had planned our event in memory of Pat O’Donnell. Pat was instrumental in getting our league players to participate in previous KISS events for over 10 years. Pat’s husband and daughter were both planning on attending. However, this event was scheduled for September 27th and Hurricane Helene had other ideas. This is the second time that The Landings has had to cancel or postpone a KISS event due to hurricanes. The committee hopes
WISHING JUSTIN ALL THE BEST AS HE MOVES ON TO ESTERO COUNTRY CLUB
that this event can be rescheduled in Spring 2025.
Our league is sad to see Justin Glover, our representative from
our Pro Shop, leaving the Landings. Justin had a great opportunity to move into the role of assistant pro at Estero Country Club. We will miss Justin’s smile and positive attitude, but we are very lucky to have Garrett as our new 9-Hole contact in the Pro Shop. With Zach’s assistance, Garrett did a fantastic job of welcoming us, collecting the scores and sharing the results during the first week of October.
Have you ever thought about golfing in all the States? Well, this is a goal of our fellow member, Peggy Thompson. Peggy, and her husband Ron, started this journey in 2010. This past summer, they golfed in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and even Alaska. At this point, they have only the four states of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Utah left to conquer. So far, their favorite courses were one in Hawaii and one in Carmel, California.
Chess and Checkers Club News
JOHN WINTERS
Our new season officially started October 1st. We continue to meet in the same room at the Helm/Bridge Room. Our meeting time remains the same: Tuesdays 10 a.m. to noon.
There isn’t much news to report about club summer meetings. We did have at least two to three players come each week. Our club champion, Tom Poulos, is playing in a chess tournament in Estero, Florida. More information next month after Tom returns with details.
Halloween comes up at the end of October. There are spooky stories about ghosts playing chess. One story was featured recently on the History Channel. It involved two friends who frequently played chess together. One of the two claimed to have played chess with his friend after his friend died. The deceased friend was Maurice Tillet, a famous wrestler. He was known as “The French Angel”. At one time, he was the world heavy weight wrestling champion.
Mr. Tillet suffered from Acromegaly which made his head and limbs large. His face was grotesque. It was rumored that his appearance inspired the character Shrek. He died in 1955. After his death, a death mask was made of his face. Several plaster casts were made of his head.
Patrick Kelly was the chess player who claimed to have played chess with Tillet after he died. Patrick was a businessman in Massachusetts. He owned a plaster cast of his wrestler friend which overlooked his computerized chess set. After one game, he went to unplug the electronic chess set. But it was already
unplugged! And it did not play on batteries…it needed power to function. He couldn’t figure out how the computer continued to play when unplugged. Also, it was playing moves his friend would often play when he was alive. Mr. Kelly hired an engineer from M.I.T. to investigate what was going on. They could not find an answer to this mystery. Was his friend’s ghost actually playing chess with him? It was disappointing this problem was left unresolved on the television documentary.
If you have more information on this piece of chess history, please let me know.
Remember to protect your king (and queen)!
Milton Visits the Landings
HURRICANE MILTON CLEANING SINK FROM MANGROVES
MILTON MAY HAVE RIPPED OUR MARINA’S FISH FROM ITS CEMENTED ANCHORS, BUT THE MANGROVES WERE ABLE TO CATCH IT!
LLGA-18 Ladies Golf Happenings
MARY ANN SPRY
It appears that the first month of official league has been a busy time for our ladies with a popular “Team” event to start the season. Rain and hurricane winds have not made it easy for our golf crew trying to keep the course in play. Maybe a good book has been discovered on those rainy days.
We are sad to learn that our terrific Assistant Pro, Justin Glover, has left us to seek a new venture in his life. He has been a “jewel” here at The Landings and we will surely miss him. Good luck and may your
OPENING DAY
golf games be right up there with the other Pros. Come back and see us and Thank You for all you have done for our league and all the other Landings’ leagues.
Welcome back, Chris Dixon. We look forward to playing with you and are glad you are part of our team again.
November brings the November 6th couples event and we are pleased to see that LEGA is back this season. We look forward to playing the ladies at Lake Fairways
Country Club in North Fort Myers, Oct. 29. These gatherings are always a good time, and we enjoy meeting such nice ladies and playing different courses.
I see we will be playing with “Three Clubs and a Putter” in November, and I hear so often that one plays just as well or better in this format! I wonder why? Do we really need all 14 clubs?
Thank you to Rocky and crew for their hard work in getting the golf
course in great shape. It has been a difficult year with all the rain, and the many hurricanes in SW Florida have not been kind.
Kudos to Jeanne Parks, Nancy Yavorsky, Cheryle Luchene, and Lynne Denk for being so loyal in playing golf 75% of the Wednesdays that the golf course was open all summer. There were 28 regulars who played throughout the season, which shows that we are not just a community of “Snowbirds.”
Notice has been received that the “Happy Landings” will be digital from now on. I hope this decision
works out well for everyone. I personally looked forward to receiving the paper each month and enjoy reading a book and the daily paper.
Remember our Veterans in a special way and have a safe Thanksgiving holiday wherever you may be!
JUSTIN AND SOME LEAGUE MEMBERS
Fall Season Fighting with the Elements
BILL FERRIS
The Bridge Club (LDBC) is in the midst of a very active Fall Season despite the weather playing havoc with all our planning. Many of us trouped down to the Marriott Harbour Front (right turn just before the bridge to Sanibel Island) at the beginning of October. A little over a dozen of the members of our Club spent some time bucking headwinds to get at least one day playing in this Regional Tournament organized by ACBL members and staff located in southwest Florida. Among Landings members intending to play in this tournament which was scheduled to take place less than 15 minutes from The Landings were Jerry Poissant, Barbara Coneys, Pat Tylander, Bill Ferris, Jacky Crump, Marina Kotch, David Hutson, Lynne Birdt, Bob and Peggy Cihi, Wanda Jacobs, Ginny Nightingale, Sue Wotton, Cheryle Luchene, Cheryl Tromley, Lindy Worrall, and Ron Bailer. We had to battle with Hurricane Milton to play in this tournament, the second southwest Florida hurricane to attempt disruption of our bridge season in the past 3 years (Ian, 2022), not to mention the pandemic among our disruptions. We do not have results to show for our Sanibel efforts at this point, but with future tournaments close to the home front from early November (Fort Lauderdale), mid-November (Daytona Beach), and early December in (St. Augustine and Vero Beach, and Tampa) we will soon have some future results to report. At least some of us got to go out of the country to Toronto this year to the Nationals (see the August Landings Live for pictures and a partial account of their experiences.)
Back to the home front for more local news, we are working on adapting to our new time for regular LDBC bridge sessions—Mondays at 9 am to noon every week through midMay. This new hour will undoubtedly be seen as more civilized than the 8 am time forced by Ian, for the last couple of years. Some of us are at least contributing to the LDBC treasury with over 100 dollars as funds from our play at the Southeast Carolina Club of Clubs Collective online platform during this past September thanks to our partnership with this club from playing online bridge there. That opportunity continues to be available every day during the year, even though we have our own Monday morning sessions. The more bridge the merrier!
Fort Myers Christian Women’s Connection
MARY ANN SPRY
The Fort Myers Christian Women’s Connection luncheon will be held Thursday, December 5th, 2024 , from 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. at the Landings Helm Club. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The cost of
the luncheon is $35 inclusive, which includes a great entree, beverage, and yummy dessert. The FEATURE for December is a “Fund Raiser,” “Shop Till You Drop.” Members will provide a
All attendees receive a FREE RAFFLE TICKET for a chance to win door prizes, generously donated by each vendor
variety of lovely items so bring your $$s and have some fun!
The Speaker for the event is Phillis DeWitt , speaking about “A Hero That Rescues.” Reservations are due by November 28th. No cancellations after this date. Reservations are guaranteed once payment is received. Send checks payable to FMWC to Barbara Shields, 9500 Mariners Cove Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33919.
Looking ahead for the January 2, 2025 luncheon, Donna Miller will present songs from the ’60s and “Name that Tune.” Also, members are welcome to join the Prayer Connections. For more information, call Marrikka Stockman, 239-218-5992, or email marrikka.stockman@gmail.com.
Sponsored by: Stonecroft Ministries
The Golf Corner
CATHY STEEVES AND ZACH COOPER
Why is the golf community and committee talking so much about Cap Patrol? How will it impact me and my golf experience? We’re glad you asked!
Your Golf Shop staff is committed to ensuring that each tournament is conducted with accurate and consistent handicapping. Cap Patrol is the new handicap monitoring tool that The Landings will begin using, effective January 2025. This system tracks score posting and handicap determination far better than our current system.
Our previous handicap monitoring system (GolfHits) was purchased by Cap Patrol in early 2024, and we will now be operating under their umbrella.
Cap Patrol offers some incredible new features and data review tools that will help us make our leagues, events, and overall golf competitions fairer and allow more opportunities for more players to win. The main feature that we are most excited about is the establishment of a tournament or competition handicap for each player. For example, from analysis of hundreds of tournaments reviewed over the entire country, it has been found that an overwhelming majority of players perform far below their expected handicap in tournaments. Cap Patrol has the ability to interface with our Golf Genius tournament program and review every posted league and tournament score for our community separate from their daily play scores and develop a tournament handicap that reflects a player’s performance in competitions. Similarly, in any given tournament or league season, it has been established that a player should be “in the money” or in the “prize” category of an event 20% of the time they compete. If an individual is found to have a higher percentage than that of winning each week, his or her handicap may need to be modified to reflect their true potential.
Cap Patrol will still monitor to make sure that each time a player plays a postable score, they are posting it on the correct date. Our handicap committee will still be providing weekly updates to the leagues and golf committee on how many members are not posting their scores correctly or in an acceptable time frame.
The rollout of the Cap Patrol program will be slow and soft, and, as always, our entire staff will be there to help any member who has any confusion about their handicaps in golf events.
Fort Myers Republican Women’s November Luncheon
The Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club will be meeting on Tuesday, November 19th, in the Helm Club’s Main Deck at The Landings Yacht, Golf & Tennis Club. Featured will be Supervisor of Elections, Tommy Doyle, bringing you the election results. Visit our website www.fmrwc.com for continued information. Beginning with a social hour at 11:15 a.m., the meeting and lunch will start at 12:00 noon and the program shortly afterwards. Please make your reservation no later than November 15th. A reminder: after that you will be responsible for the cost of your reservation if you are unable
to attend. Make your lunch payment for $20 to FMRWC… checks or cash, no credit cards.
Contact: Diane Kinser, Recording Secretary/ Membership/Reservations
Social.lady@Yahoo.com Text (630) 327-3546
GREEN BOOK CHANGES: HAPPY LANDINGS
NOVEMBER ISSUE, 2024 -CLIP & SAVE THESE
Up to date through: September 30, 2024
DELETIONS:
• Charles & Cheryl Hagyard, 4396 Bowsprit Court #4B
• John & Diane Miller, 4574 Trawler Court #105
• Walter & Colleen Peterson, 9901 Sunset Cove Lane #236
• Fred Snyder 9901 Sunset Cove Lane #215
ADDITIONS:
• Jodi Cordes, 9901 Sunset Cove Lane #236, 262-745-3743
• JoAnne McCrindle & Michelle Pointet, 4396 Bowsprit Court #4B
• Douglas Hall & Timothy Hall, 4574 Trawler Court, 860-230-5874 & 860-230-5496
• Clarence & Arteka Sevillian, 9901 Sunset Cove Lane #215
Tennis Corner
JOAN DAVISON
Summer is over and it’s great to see so many of our friends back in The Landings. As I sit writing this article, Hurricane Milton is headed for SW Florida! I hope in the next Happy Landings we can report that there was very little damage and that everyone safely weathered the storm.
Tennis Boot Camp got off to a great start on September 30. Our pros, Bella Graf, Tyler Cooper, Nathan Smiley and guest pro Don Massey, the retired coach of the very successful ladies’ team at Fort Myers High School, helped us hone our skills in drives, volleys, overheads and working together on the courts. Thank you for a very hot but really great week!
2024 GRADUATING CLASS OF LANDINGS
This month I’d like to highlight two more of our fabulous Tennis Program Staff. Nathan Smiley, Head Tennis Professional, is the newest member of the staff. He’s a native of Florida and has been a USPTA certified professional for four plus years with over six years total coaching experience. Nathan recently graduated from Milligan University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science –Coaching for Performance and was a four-year starter on the Milligan tennis team. He played No. 1 Singles and Doubles, reaching a top 34
LANDINGS HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL NATHAN SMILEY
ranking in the nation in Doubles. As well, he received prestigious Athletic and Academic awards. Nathan would like to pursue a career as a tennis professional, merging his education, tennis skills, coaching experience and love for the sport. In his spare time, Nathan likes to fish, hike, and play outdoor sports, including of course, tennis.
Jen Bowden, Tennis Store Service and Merchandise Coordinator, was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. She attended college in Anderson, Indiana, graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Jen then earned a Masters in Teacher Leadership from Wright State University. She taught language arts and social studies to grades 1 through 5 over 33 years in the Monroe Local School District. Her three daughters live in three different states: Colorado, Texas, and California. She’s a proud
grandmother to two grandbabies with one on the way. Her husband Steve is another important member of our Tennis Program (more about him in another Happy Landings issue). The Bowdens have lived in Florida since April 2023 and life could not be better for them!
2024-25
BOOK SELECTIONS BOOK SELECTIONS
November 21, 2024
Jewell, Lisa. None of This Is True
January 16, 2025
Napolitano, Ann. Hello Beautiful
February 20, 2025
Percival, Everett. James
March 20, 2025
See, Lisa. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
April 10, 2025
Pataki, Allison. The Magnificent Lives of Marjory Post
JEN BOWDEN
TENNIS BOOT CAMP
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
STEAMBOAT BEND EAST
CAROL CUMMINS
callifleur1955@gmail.com
“Food is better in November than any other time of year.”
~Cynthia Rylant
JANE AND PETER DAHLIN ENJOYING A ST. CROIX RIVER CRUISE ON THEIR BOAT.
This month I spoke with our Steamboat Bend East President, Peter Dahlin, and his wife, Jane. When we talked in early October, they had just put the boat away for the season and were beginning to prepare to drive down this year around mid-October.
They originally learned about The Landings while visiting Southwest
Florida with Minnesota friends Wally and Mary Rea and another couple. At the time, 2000, they were not near retirement but had some fun looking at what was on the market. Pete and his other friend went back to Minnesota for work, while Jane stayed on a few extra days with her friend. They looked at a couple of places, and then while sitting on a Sanibel Island Beach, Jane’s friend got a call that her husband put an offer on a place in Windjammer, and said, “By the way, Pete put an offer on a place, too!” The plan was to rent the unit until retirement time. They fell in love with the Marina and the beautiful property, but especially the down to earth, nice people in our community.
Pete and Jane are a big reason that we have such a beautiful friendly village. Last year, Pete put in the new “Men’s and Women’s” Gazebos. There are lovely lights wrapped around the Palm Trees, and we have wonderful Wednesday Happy Hours that help keep us all socially connected. Our neighbor Jesse Shipp worked on the bathroom renovations over the summer and now we will have quite a nice resort vibe by the pool.
Pete has worked tirelessly to accomplish all that had to be done
to our buildings to pass a huge milestone inspection for insurance and correct the damage from Hurricane Ian. One more project to finish is to correct the water leaking on the mezzanine of 4100. When that is finished, we just might see Pete on the golf course more often and enjoying their boat. He’s very happy to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We couldn’t be more grateful for the work Pete and the entire board has accomplished. As Pete said,” Our village is in awesome shape.”
Hoping everyone heading down to The Landings for the season has a safe trip.
THE NEW POOL FURNITURE FOR SBE POOL.
AL & PATTI PALUMBO
thealster6@gmail.com
PREPARING FOR THE NEW SEASON
With the hot but rainy summer coming to a close, Trawler has started preparing for the upcoming season. The pool will soon be resurfaced, the flat parts of the roofs have all been replaced and the project with a few items still open is essentially complete. Trawler village also has a new Condo Association Manager we would like to welcome: Luc Couture. Landscaping projects continued throughout the summer and the Village is in beautiful shape. We also received new dumpsters for the 4 story buildings. See details for other items below.
Hurricane Helene – Thankfully, we missed that one with only minor vegetation damage. Thank you to volunteers Bruce and Ann Simmons, Rick and Kathy Jerr, Val Salerno, Stefi Jones, Keith Lowery, Pat Daniels, Dean Tenney, Linda Lahti, Neil Shea, and Jon Box for your help in removing and replacing pool furniture.
OTHER NEWS
Fountain Update – Unfortunately, the fountain behind 4585/4591 needs more than a replacement part – it needs full replacement at a cost of $11,000. This is a Landings Reserve item and Rocky Ford is awaiting the approval to proceed.
Lightning
Rods – The lightning rods on the four-story buildings damaged by Hurricane Ian which could be repaired, have been done. Several other rods were beyond repair and need complete replacement. They have been ordered and as soon as they arrive, they will be installed.
Grill Timers – We have experienced problems this summer with grills being left on causing the depletion of our propane tank in four to five months. To prevent this from happening again, grill timers have been installed. Directions on how to use them are posted on the bulletin board – please follow instructions carefully to protect the equipment. Thank you to Keith Lowery for assisting in this.
SUMMER FAMILY TRIP TO MYRTLE BEACH SC
My wife Patti and I joined my son Ralph and his wife Tara with our beautiful grandkids Brooklyn and Killian. This has been somewhat of a tradition as Myrtle Beach is about halfway between NY state and Fort Myers; about an 11-hour drive for each of us. The weather was perfect after the previous
week’s weather caused by TS Debbie. We all had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again next year.
There have been many new faces and families in Windjammer Village the past few years. We plan to feature our newest residents. For
HAVING FUN AT MINI GOLF
the sake of communication, we will also provide vignettes of our 2024 Board of Directors in the next few issues. This issue will introduce three Board members.
Al Marsala, along with his wife Linda, are from the small town of Bordentown, New Jersey, where they reside with one daughter and two of their grandchildren. They are a blended family of four children and eight grandchildren. For 42 years, Al worked for IBM. However, IBM decided to split its IT outsourcing department creating Kyndryl, the company he now works with. He prides himself in maintaining his rental properties and taking care of projects around his home. Retirement in the not-too-distant future will allow him to return to golfing, tennis and to become a full-time Landings resident. His skill set makes him a most useful participant on our Board.
James Cairns, and his wife Kim, have lived in Windjammer for 16 years, however their visits to The Landings go back over 30 years as Kim’s father was a resident here until 2020. James and Kim both worked in the American Refrigeration/ HVAC industry for their entire professional careers. James grew up in and later co-owned Cairns and Sons Refrigeration in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. James has been part of the Commercial/ Industrial HVAC world with
Johnson Controls, Carrier and Trane. He and Kim retired on the same day from Trane. Along the way, James acquired his private pilot’s license in 1976. He gracefully eased into retirement enjoying Windjammer Village and traveling to Vancouver and the Canadian mountains in the summer to visit family. He has been most helpful on our Maintenance Committee.
Bentley Collins got a taste of community spirit watching his wife Brenda, who served on our Board for many years...so much so that he joined the Board at the last election. He is a quick learner and an enthusiastic member. Bentley and Brenda have been at Windjammer Village for 10 years and spend their summers in Arundel, Maine. Their children and grandchildren are in New England. Their connection to Maine and New England is strong as Bentley retired as VP of Marketing and Sales for Sabre Yachts and Back Cove Yachts, builders of highend motor yachts. With their nautical interests, it is no surprise the Collins are members of The Landings Yacht Club. In addition, Bentley is a past President of the Men’s Golfing Association and of course they also enjoy tennis. Welcome aboard!
CLIPPER COVE
HELENE
Michael MacLeod, one of the few who remained at Clipper Cove during Ian, found himself dealing with Hurricane Helene in the mountains of North Carolina. For both hurricanes, he had no power for a week, dire cell service and no water other than the swimming pool water to flush the toilet. Roads and supermarkets opened much quicker during the aftermath of Ian in Fort Myers. In North Carolina there were curfews. Policemen delivered water to those in need. Additionally, the North Carolina golf course is now closed until the spring due to the extensive damage. So, Michael has returned to Clipper Cove and is getting his golf game in shape for the season here.
TRAVELS
MAISIE SEIVERLING maisieseiverling@yahoo.com
AUNT NOONIE AND FAMILY
Mary Ann and Bob Spry traveled to Windsor, CO, to see their very special Aunt Noonie who is 102 years old and still going strong. She is amazing.
ANNIVERSARY
Greg and Deb Hartman celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on September 25. Congratulations.
WORK EXPANDING
Al and Teri Fansler’s Family Farm and Home business is growing. They were excited to open a new store in Erie, Pennsylvania.
THE FANSLER’S NEW STORE
BIRTHDAYS
Happy to report that Susan Semerad and Bill Dowdney celebrated birthdays since the last issue. Bill and Jean Quinn’s
grandson, William, turned one on September 21.
FLAGSHIP
pparrett1@comcast.net
What a summer it has been here at The Landings! So much rain, so much sun, so much fun! Some of our year-rounders gathered at the pool for a 4th of July picnic. It was so nice catching up with everyone, as summer at Flagship seems to keep everyone indoors to avoid the heat. John and Camille Sandrock (4616) shared some special times here at The Landings and in Disney World with their kids and grandkids from California.
THE SANDROCK GRANDS
Many of us seized the opportunity to travel and find some relief from the heat. Dallas and Gretchen Phillips (4608) spent two weeks
in South Lyons, Michigan to visit their son’s family and life-long dear friends. Then on to Traverse City for a family reunion consisting of 60+ cousins, and to Maryland to their daughter’s home for 8 days. Their big surprise was coming home to Flagship to a faulty air conditioner! A common problem, indeed, this summer. They also celebrated their 58th anniversary! Such a lovely couple.
PHILLIPS FAMILY REUNION IN TRAVERSE CITY
Brad Davidson and Becky Ross (4604) traveled through Europe in September. They celebrated Brad’s birthday in Chamonix, France, by walking through the largest glacier in France, then on to Lugano,
PATTI PARRETT
WILLIAM ENJOYING HIS FIRST BIRTHDAY CAKE
BRAD DAVIDSON AND BECKY ROSS
Switzerland, and a chilly visit to Lake Como, Italy. They also hiked many trails through the Italian Alps and ended in Innsbruck, Austria. These two traveling lovebirds also celebrated their 35th anniversary in June.
It’s always fun to hear about our neighbors visiting each other in their hometowns. Marlyn and Diane Teeter (4616) visited Ted Shramek and Mary Block (4608) in Menonomee Falls, WI. They also caught up with our friends Leo and Mary Diehl.
We have new neighbors in the 4604 building. Derek and Lana Greenslade hail from Canada. Also, Stephen and Beth Gerundo will be neighbors in the 4612 building for 12 months, starting in October. Welcome friends!
We are currently waving goodbye to an unwanted visitor, Hurricane Helene. That was the second bullet we dodged this summer and hope the rest of the hurricane season continues to be a non-event. Happy Fall, Y’all!
ANN POWER annpower103@gmail.com
Anniversary – Hats off to Lindy and Rick Worrall. The couple recently celebrated their 52nd year together, and they did it in style. They took a trip to Isle Beach Resort and Spa at Marathon, where they did a little scuba diving.
Longboat Pool Party – This was the first of the season. And what a great turnout we had! Despite the extremely hot and muggy weather, twenty-six people came out to share the get together. Everyone brought a delicious dish to share, and ice was plentiful. Scott Dustin talked about the remembrance of Patriot Day (9/11) where so many people lost their lives (never forget). Attendees observed a moment of silence commemorating the tragedy. Steve & Christy Norcutt, new neighbors to Longboat, joined in and were introduced to everyone. Joe Bavender gave a quick update on the progress on the Wheelhouse, and John Naifeh spoke informally about Longboat’s upcoming insurance renewal and its impact
on our Village’s budget. Later in the evening everybody cooled off by enjoying the pool!
Jennifer Bavender – Surprise! Joe Bavender surprised Jennifer for her special birthday this year (of course, we all know she is only 39).
Over fifty people participated in this occasion at the Helm Club. Joe successfully pulled off this massive surprise for her. Hidden behind the Compass Rose’s closed doors, the surprise party guests waited for her. Helm Club staff served hors d’oeuvres, and a special table was set up to hold all the gifts that her friends brought for her. It goes without saying that all shared and enjoyed the cake. Happy Birthday, Jen, and best wishes for many more!
LINDY AND RICK WORRALL
LONGBOAT
SCOTT AND LAURETTA DUSTIN WITH THE PATRIOT DAY CAKE
JENNIFER AND JOE BAVENDER
Remember Veterans Day - is November 11, and it is all about honoring those who served. If you see one of our veterans, thank one. They probably don’t hear it enough, and Veterans Day is the perfect opportunity to express your gratitude for their service.
MARINER’S COVE
PAT BENNER patharben@aol.com
Mariner’s Cove has experienced a loss, had some visitors, acquired some new neighbors and is looking forward to a celebration of Thanksgiving.
After recently losing her husband, Tom, we also lost Betty Marshall. Many neighbors expressed their condolences; “I am very sad about losing Betty. She was a good caretaker for Tom. She was a lovely lady. She was a wonderful conversationalist and a beautiful soul. She was always so sweet and friendly. She will be missed. I’ll always remember her smile and positive energy. She was a lovely and kind lady.” The Sunshine Committee will have something soon in her memory. A card was also given to Patrick Milkovich on the loss of his brother and a card for Dee
Hedges who is currently in the hospital.
On a lighter note, we would like to welcome some neighbors. (Malva) Dale Ruthenberg purchased the home at 9540 and will be moving in soon. I will feature her next month.
Our new 4-pawed neighbors are: Wally Fourgeau-Ciers, a 10-pound, one-year-old Cairn Terrier mix and Benny Gakenheimer , a four-year-old Maltese.
the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, did some shopping, had lunch in Sandwich and a day in Boston.
This writer was blessed by friends and former MCV residents, Phillis & Lew Hoy, who came to stay with Harley while I attended a 60th high school reunion in Boulder, CO, and had a visit with family in the Denver area.
AND
Sheri Christian welcomed some neighbors to her home in Woods Hole. Cheri Fletcher, Starr Potter and Chris Nelson (Bobbie & Al Goerke’s daughter) went to Cape Cod for a visit in August. They took
Janice and Jack Purse have organized the 3rd annual Service of Gratitude at McCoy Pavilion at Picnic Pointe on Thanksgiving morning, 11/28, at 9 a.m. It is a short, non-denominational Christian “Praise and Worship” program of songs and a short
WALLY FOURGEAU-CIERS
BENNY GAKENHEIMER
PHILLIS
LEW HOY
SHERI CHRISTIAN AND FRIENDS ENJOYING THEIR LUNCH AT SANDWICH AT MARTHA’S VINEYARD
message delivered again this year by Fred Garner of Riverside. It is open to all Landings residents and guests. Refreshments will be provided by the Wednesday Ladies Bible Study following the service. Bringing a lawn chair is recommended. Contact Janice at 239-233-7110 for additional information.
RIVERSIDE
KATHLEEN STRIGGOW
kathleensstriggow@gmail.com
Riverside is once again proud to sponsor The Landings Veterans Day commemoration. Because the event continues to draw increasing attendees each year, this year’s event is at the flagpole at the southern end of Picnic Pointe. All Landings residents and their guests, whether veterans or not, are welcome to attend this inspirational gathering, honoring the sacrifices of those Americans who selflessly defended our
country throughout the nation’s history.
The ceremony will begin promptly at 12 noon on Monday, Nov.11th. Guests are asked to assemble by 11:45 a.m. As in past years, a military chaplain will offer a moving invocation, there will be a distinguished guest speaker, poignant patriotic and military music, followed by the laying of the wreath ceremony featuring the impressive Cypress Lake High School Junior ROTC Color Guard.
Veterans are encouraged (not required) to wear khaki slacks and a blue jacket, and to display their service branch’s insignia, medals, and/or other honors together with a service-related hat.
Charlie and Ricki Ryan spent time over the summer traveling. Among the highlights of their grand Michigan trip was a visit to the
Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Another highlight was a day of boating, and a fabulous dinner with Cathy and Jim Webb at their lovely cottage on Torch Lake.
Marilee Simon sent out Save the Date notices for the 2024-25 Riverside social season. While the date for the first gathering, the Welcome Back get together, and for the January off-campus dinner are still up in the air, other dates to note are: Saturday, December 2nd – the Christmas Party at the Helm Club; Monday, February 24th – Low Country Boil; and Monday, March 31st – the End of Season Party at the Helm Club. Stay tuned for firm dates for the other two gatherings.
ISO new Reporter for Riverside Happy Landings monthly article. It is time for a changing of the guard and new perspectives. If you may be interested, please contact me at 239.841.5932 or kathleenstriggow@gmail.com, or Sherry Winters for more details.
CHARLIE AND RICKI RYAN
FOLLOWING LUNCH AT THE GRAND HOTEL ON MACKINAC ISLAND
SCHOONER
RIC & MARY WILSON-TAUSON rooesq@juno.com
Having been here through the summer, it is a special joy to see friends beginning to return to the Village. Some have enjoyed wonderful adventures since last here. We are hoping that the Schornsteins will be able to return later in the season after all the surgeries Sharen has come through with Jim’s dedicated support. As one source of smiles on that front, they have welcomed a new puppy, Bentley, who comes to visit Sharen in rehab and cheer her up!
BENTLEY SCHORNSTEIN
Soon the ladies’ birthday luncheons will expand beyond one table again. In September, Maria
Aponte, Jackie Wagner, Jonnie Ockerlund, Jan Perkett, and Linda Tucker celebrated birthdays of former resident Arla Kern, Carole Lundgren, new neighbor Crystal Day, and Mary Wilson-Tauson.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON
I finally had an opportunity to welcome new year-round Schoonerites, Sarah and Steve Noyes, over dinner and a show at Broadway Palm. Sarah and Steve are not newcomers to The Landings having first bought in Ariel in 2015. Ironically, they first learned about The Landings from Bud Cochran’s cousin in Connecticut. In Schooner, they join several other friends
here including Lisa and Liz, the Armstrongs, Crystal Day, and Scott (also newcomers), among others. They are enjoying being able to walk in and walk out of their first-floor unit and having a garage!
The Noyes met on a blind date in 2003 and married in 2004. Before relocating to Florida, they lived in Madison and Niantic, Connecticut, for several years. They have two sons and a daughter. Sara was a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines for 13 years, and Steve retired from Pitney Bowes in 2003 after working 32 years in IT Supporting Technology. Here in The Landings, they are continually active. They are members of the LYC, Men’s, and Ladies’ 18-holers, and they love entertaining (especially experimenting with new recipes), kayaking, the Fitness Center, and playing pegs and jokers. They enjoy dining out (especially Marios, Flippers, and Terra Nostra) and other off-campus opportunities like BBMann, Florida Rep, and Broadway Palm. They also volunteer for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Project from October to December. Be sure to give them a warm welcome to the neighborhood!
SARAH AND STEVE NOYES
