Standard Restaurant of Sabal Springs ......................... 239-360-7274
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SABAL SPRINGS BREEZE NEWSLETTER NEW EMAIL ADDRESS AND MORE INFORMATION
Please submit your articles to sabalspringsbreeze@ gmail.com The deadline is the 11th of the month. Except for Nov. and Dec. which will be announced.
Mary Ann Baillargeon
Bill Hare
Cathy Ward
Donna Milbee
Newsstands for Sabal Springs Breeze are located in the green box by the HOA door to the clubhouse, also in the foyer at the The Lake House At Sabal Springs Restaurant in a wire rack. The newsletter will also be available on Sabal Springs website: https://home.alliantproperty.com
CONTRIBUTORS:
This is your newsletter, your input is valuable and needed. Please email us of any upcoming events, and suggestions for articles. Please nothing slanderous or libelous will be published, articles are published at the discretion of the editorial staff. Please submit proposed articles and photos via email to sabalspringsbreeze@gmail.com The preferred format is word documents using Times New Roman in 12 pt.
PLANNING AN EVENT
FGUA Water & Sewer .....................................................
Advertising Policy: Advertising in this Newsletter is offered at the sole discretion of Community Media. Community Media reserves the right to refuse, limit, and/or reject advertising for any reason. Community Media, at its sole discretion, may restrict the number of advertisers in certain categories or offer exclusive/semi exclusive agreements as it is sees fit.
Planning an event or activity and would like it in the newsletter? Please when working with your committee designate someone to write up your article and do the photographs to submit to the newsletter. Our editorial staff is not always available to do this for you. Thank you Editorial Staff.
VETERANS DAY
Author unknown
Ever wonder why Veterans Day is on the 11th and does not change? WWI ended on the 11th month, on the 11th day in the 11th hour.
Today I saw a man selling poppies stop a lady and asked if he could re-position her poppy. While doing so he told the lady she should wear the poppy on the right side; the red represents the blood of all those who gave their lives, the black represents the mourning of those who didn’t have their loved ones return home, and the green leaf represents the grass and crops growing and the future prosperity after the war destroyed so much. The leaf should be positioned at 11 o’clock to represent the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the time that WWI formally ended. He was worried that younger generations wouldn’t understand this, and his generation wouldn’t be around for much longer to teach them. We must remember those from our current wars too!
SABAL SPRINGS VETERANS
By Beth Lockhart and Mary Ann Baillargeon
This article and picture are from the 2023 November edition; although some of our heroes are no longer with us, we still honor them. The following are the veterans of Sabal Spring past and current. We honor them and thank them for their service.
Please note the names are not in any specific order.
NAME RANK BRANCH YEARS WARS SUBMITTED BY
Norb Brand E4 DP3
Naval Air Reserves
John Baas Corporal E4 Marines
1971-1977 fiancé Elaine Savino
1966-1970 Vietnam Ann Pangori
Linda Pechstein HN E3 Navy 3 years Vietnam Self
William Rokosz Military Police Army 3 years Germany Moe Rokosz
Jim Wistehuff SP 5 Army Security Agency 34 months Germany Self
Doug Mazurek Sargent Army 2 years Vietnam Self
Steve Jushchyshyn Petty Officer 2nd Class US Coast Guard
John McCloskey E3 Navy
Don Reineke A2C Air Force
Joe Klein SP 3 Army Signal Corps
Donald Wills SP4/E4 Army
1966-1970 Vietnam Self
1972-1975 Kathleen McCloskey
1961-1965 Vietnam Diana Reineke
1955-1961 Self
1968-1969 Vietnam Self
Robert Hanlty A2C Air Force 1951-1955 Korean Kathy Hanley
Jacob Leon Katz A2C Air Force 1956-1960 Self
Armando Gregorio Navy 1944-1945 WWII Geri Gregorio
Henry Rogowski MSTCS (SS) Navy Submarine 1947-1974 Korea Vietnam Self
Peter Zes Medic Army 1947
Joe Gaeta Machinist Mate 2nd Class Navy/Merchant Marines 1944-1946 WWII
John R. Red Staff Sergeant Air Force 4 years Vietnam Carol Red
Peter Kwaak Staff Sergeant Air Force 4 years Vietnam Kathy Kwaak
Ron Stahl Sergeant E-5 Army 6 years self
Earl Russell Petty Officer 1st Class Navy 1963-1970 Vietnam self
Charles Coons Sergeant E-5 medic Army Special Forces 3 years Vietnam Carol Coons
Nelson Norman Corporal Army 1953-1955 Korean Self
Steven Evans Spc 4 Army 1974-1975 Mary Evans
Glen L. Severson Captain Marines 9 years Vietnam Self
John Linehan PFC Army 3 years Vietnam Eileen Linehan
Carl Rozek Specialist E-5 Army 1966-1968 Vietnam Self
Bernard Zitek A1C E3 Air Force 1973-1975 Vietnam Mary Zitek
Terry Brown PN3 Navy 1956-1957 Self
Melvin 'Mel' Brooke Captain Army 1959-1967 Vietnam Kristine Brooke
William “Bill” Shewalter HM3(E4) Navy 1963-1965 Vietnam Nan Shewalter
Richard J Pierce Captain Navy 24 years Self
Garrett T. Van Siclen Private First Class Sp Cat Army/Air Force 2 years Korean War Self
Greg Costa Staff Sergeant Air Force 1983-1992 Desert Storm Susan Costa
Mel Souders ETR/3 Navy 4 years Vietnam Self
Gregory Jessup Colonel Army 1966-1991 Vietnam Self
Anthony Cantabene Sgt E-5 Army
C. Dean Easton DT2 Navy
Tom Ricketts E4 Army
Eugene John Hogan Master Sergeant Air Force
1966-1968 Vietnam Self
1955-1961 Becky Easton
1966-1968 Sandy Ricketts
1950-1971 Korea,Vietnam Lois Hogan
Mike McKitrick E4 Navy 1975-1979 Self
Arnold E. Farley E4 Army 1959-1962 Self
Dave Shaffer ATN2 Navy
Gary Petrucci Specialist 4 Army MP
Galen Schroeder Lance Corporal Marines
Paul F. Reitmeier A/1C Air Force
Dieter Winterle Sargent Air Force
Richard Burany Sergeant 1st class E7 Army National Guard
Gregory Siwiec Corpsman Navy
1965-1969 Vietnam Self
1968-1970 Vietnam Marge Petrucci
1971-1974 Vietnam Joan Schroedere
1954-1962 Korean Conflict Self
1967-1970 Vietnam Joyce Doherty
1963-1974 Self
1988-1995 Persian Gulf Sandy Sieiec
Gerry Suhr Sargent Air Force 6 years Vietnam Self
Elton Brown Motor Mac Navy
Dave Gehman Corporal Marines
1943-1946 WWII Jackie Kampfert
1965-1967 Loretta Gehman
Perry Swan Spec4 Army 1974-1977 Vietnam Self
Les Burkhardt A/1C Air Force
Milton Jerry Mounts Jr Airman Second Class Air Force
1954-1957 Korean Conflict Self
1960-1962 Berlin Wall Self
David Striegel Sgt E-7 Army 1968-1974 Self
Carl E. Logan PFC Army 1961-1963 Self
Jeff Clark E5 Army 1982-1987 Self
John C. Bowen Airman 1st E4 Air Force
1962-1966 Vietnam Cathy Bowen
George M. Raley Lieutenant Commander Navy 1971-1992 Vietnam Self
Joe Vukelich SN Navy
1969-1970 Vietnam Self
Roger Frantz SSGT Marines 1965-1969 Vietnam Self
Mitch Pietrucha Marines 1964-1969 Vietnam Self
Gary Ravin Engineman Navy 1969-1972 Self
Frank Riggio Transportation Army 1966 Vietnam Self
Frank L. Rabena Jr. SMSGT Air Force
YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE
By Loretta Gehman
So many nights I sit by my window waiting for someone to hang up their lights. So many dreams of reindeer and angels then you come along and they’re on the lawn.
You light up my life and the entire Sabal Springs community with beautiful Christmas displays as you do every Christmas season. You bring us hope for peace, love and friendship. You light up our days and fill up our nights with a reminder of the joyous season called Christmas.
My point is that there will be another house decorating contest this Christmas season with no registration necessary. Just light up your neighborhood and the judges will drive through the entire community on Thursday, December 5th to see all of your spectacular creations. Judging will begin at 6:00 P.M. (or whenever it is dark enough) and continue until 9:00 P.M. Winners will be announced after the Christmas parade on Saturday, December 7th.
1970-2011 Kuwait/Afghanistan/Iraq
Save the Dates
November 2024:
• 3rd Daylight savings time ends, fall behind, move clocks back 1 hour
• 4th 9am Coffee Hour $2.00
• 5th 11:30am A&C luncheon collecting for the annual Ad Litem Christmas, Cash/check only, no gift cards.
• 5th Election Day VOTE!
• 11th Veterans Day
• 16th 9am - 2pm Holiday Craft Fair
• 17th Chili Cook Off or Nite at the Races
• 19th 2pm HOA meeting
• 20th 2pm EPC meeting
• 20th "Pop Up Class" - Christmas Decor sign up at A&C bulletin board
• 28th 1pm -2pm FREE Thanksgiving DinnerSign up starts on November 1st by Greg & Susan Cost
ALL WE NEED IS…
By Loretta Gehman
You and your golf cart will make our Sabal Springs Christmas Parade a complete success again this year. As we enter the season of our thirteenth year, we are excited to return to our “normal” parade venue including fire trucks, Sheriff department vehicles, gaily decorated golf carts and our favorites, the North Fort Myers High School Marching Band and their spit and polished JROTC. Now it’s time for you to get excited about either participating in the event or watching it from along the parade route. No surprise here, but the jolly elf himself Santa will be out there waving to all of the kids. So, let’s give you all the information you will need to get the party started in your driveway…
WHO: All residents of Sabal Springs
WHAT: The 13th Annual Sabal Springs Christmas Parade
WHERE: Parade route along Clubview to Sabal Springs Boulevard (past the tennis courts) left onto Sabal Springs Boulevard and back to Clubview to return to the clubhouse
WHEN: Saturday, December 7th at 6:00 P.M.
HOW: Assemble golf carts in the portico by 5:15 P.M. Pre-registration not required but would be appreciated by contacting Patsy Clark at 217-714-2999 or pswanclark@yahoo.com
As we have done in the past, we invite anyone with an antique, classic or unusual vehicle to please contact Loretta Gehman at 239-599-4599 or gehmans@gmail. com to register to be included in the parade.
There will be “elves” in the parade collecting donations for the North Fort Myers High School Music Department and the North Fort Myers JROTC. You may put your cash or check donations into their lighted Christmas stockings or you may drop off your donation to Doug Pechstein at 3277 Sabal Springs Boulevard. Your parade committee schedules a visit to the school in January after the Christmas break to present the monies to both organizations. It is so rewarding to see those young students’ reactions to the donations. There are cheers and some tears each and every year.
As usual, we will be hosting a quick supper of hot dogs, potato chips and bottles of water for the “kids” in the multi-purpose room prior to the parade. Oh, and then there are those home baked (or not) cookies donated by our wonderful ladies (and gents if you like) that those kids devour every year. They look forward to this event and how they are treated as royalty by our residents. More details will follow in an email blast with regard to cookie drop off.
Judging of the carts by our friends from the North Fort Myers Fire Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will take place under the portico immediately following the parade. Also, the winners of the House Decorating contest will be revealed at that time. Mike Glean will be playing music for TIPS in the multipurpose room following the awards. Come swing and sway and dance to the music. The Lake House staff will be available for refreshments.
Come join us for one of the most spectacular evenings that Sabal Springs has to offer. We hope to see you all out and about that evening in the spirit of Christmas and giving.
COMPARING SABAL SPRINGS WITH OTHER LOCAL COMMUNITIES
By Bill Hare
The following is an attempt to compare our Sabal Springs community with other local communities. This was a difficult task because each has their own special features, prices, and cost.
The first display is to compare, Age, Home Prices, Quarterly HOA fees, Special Assessments, and Capital Contribution.
Observations:
• Sabal is one of the older communities with fewer homes than other communities, meaning a fixed cost is paid by fewer homeowners.
• Sabal 2024 home prices are less than other communities
• Sabal 2024 Quarterly HOA fees are slightly less than other communities for services. Sabal provides 7-year home paintings
• Sabal 2024 Capital Contribution is less than others except Magnolia Landings. Seems they may have other charges?
The second display attempts to compare Community Amenities
Observations:
• Golf Course. Hard to compare since the others are all Championship par 72 play. Membership at these other courses is much higher.
• Other amenities are similar, with the exception of pickleball available at all but Sabal Springs
• Restaurants vary with some open to the public while two are members only
Make your own assessment. Does Sabal Springs offer reasonable prices for HOA services and amenities?
COMPARISON OF COMMUNITY AMENITIES
GATED COMMUNITIES COMPARISON
Blue roof through Army core of Engineer's # is 888-766-3258. This is who you call to get tarps to cover your roof while you're waiting for the roofing company to put on your new roof. They put them on for free. It's part of your tax dollars at work, so don't be afraid to use it.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Sabal Springs Emergency Preparedness Committee to thank the following for their help and support during the Preparation and aftermath Response to Hurricane Milton. Great job everyone.
A BIG THANK YOU to the following, what a team, what a community.
1. All the residents who helped prepare and assisted afterwards with support for cleanup. Awesome job everyone! What a team.
2. Groups / The 131 Club and the Joker’s Wild Golf Group (Great job guys)
3. The golf course team
4. The HOA board members
5. HOA office team
6. The Emergence Preparedness team: Volunteers, Block Captains, Committee. What a team totally dedicated to the residents of Sabal Springs. Everyone Thank you for your help and support once again. All of you were a Huge part of our preparation success and the huge support afterwards. Greatly appreciated by all.
Mike Temme Chairman Emergency Preparedness Committee
QUILTING AND SEWING
By Deb Denial
Since most of you are aware, Janice Born has moved out of Sabal Springs. Beginning in November, we will resume the Quilting and Sewing class in the craft room on Mondays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Please contact Deb Denial at 937216-9492 or Marge Petrucci at 203-592-1673. Bring your own items to work on. You may bring your own sewing machines or we have a couple sewing machines available. We will occasionally have simple projects to quilt or sew and will announce them at a later date.
SUNSHINE SINGLES
By Donna Milbee
Sabal Springs SunShine Singles are making BIG plans for the coming months. The trip to Octagon Animal Sanctuary, pictured here, went so well that a group will be going again in November. We will be doing the Holiday Lights Cruise out of Punta Gorda again this December as well as attending a “Christmas” comedy theater production. There are a dozen singles who regularly attend productions at the Broadway Palm and Florida Repertory Theatre. We’ll be well represented at the Lakehouse dancing and dining as usual. There’s always a birthday to celebrate and other fun outings. So get involved by sending an email to pmonfred@comcast.net or check out the activities posted on the bulletin board outside the HOA office. Everyone is welcome at our Happy Hour gathering, November 18th in the Sunrise Room at 4:30 pm. Note the change to the 3rd Wednesday evening in November and December because of the holidays.
HOLE IN ONE
By Charlene Frantz
Congratulations to Roger Frantz with a hole in one on hole #2, on October 12th, during the Couples League.
SABAL SPRINGS A&C OCTOBER LUNCHEON
By Mary Ann Baillargeon
On Oct. 1st, 2024, the A&C group for lunch at Blackbeard’s Tavern with choices of Fish sandwich, Taco salad or Chicken Caesar wrap.
The meeting started with the pledge of allegiance.
Mary Ann Baillargeon gave the secretary report for September.
Sandy Cocca gave the treasurer report for September.
Lynn Suhr, our sunshine lady was absent.
We acknowledge 3 birthdays and Pat Anthony's anniversary of 68 years!
For Show and Tell: none to report
Linda Voto announced that November 5th is the next luncheon.
The Craft Fair will be on November 16th.
The A&C Christmas luncheon will be December 5th
The Fashion show will be Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
The Trash and Treasure will be February 1st, 2025, with set up on January 30th & 31st.
Linda asked if we should do the gifts for the nursing home seniors on Pondella Rd., the gifts will be collected at the Dec. 5th luncheon. Linda will send out an email explaining more about this. Lanier Harrison said the card class will be making cards for this.
Linda Sholette asked for the A&C help in donating to the SSGA which is working on the Ad Litem and collected donations of cash or checks made out to SSGA. Ad Litem is also known as ANA which stands for abused, neglected, abandoned. The money will help buy Christmas presents for at least 40 children.
Kathy Kwaak is asking for donations of Christmas gifts combining the EPC and the North Fort Myers Fire Department, an announcement will go out mid-October.
Susan Costa reminded us of the scarecrow contest and asked if we could do one from A&C, the scarecrows will be available Oct. 12 and due back by Oct. 17 for judging.
Maddie Jennings, Deb Vukelich, and Linda Voto will work on this.
Trivia for today is Popcorn which was part of the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. In 1981 the microwave popcorn was invented. Today Americans eat about a million pounds worth of popcorn!
The meeting ended with the raffle and 50-50 drawings being held.
MONDAY DUPLICATE BRIDGE
By Earl Russell
September 2 1st Walt & Rita Masters
2nd Earl Russell & Sylviane Threlkeld
3rd Greg & Sue Jessup
September 9 1st Greg & Sue Jessup
2nd Carmella Manning & Cheryl Taylor
2nd Ed Hall & Sylviane Threlkeld
3rd Walt Masters & Earl Russell
September 16 1st Greg & Sue Jessup
2nd Earl Russell & Jane Rathburn
2nd Ed Hall & Sylviane Threlkeld
3rd Mike & Cathy Ward
September 23 1st Walt & Rita Masters
2nd Mike & Cathy Ward
3rd Earl Russell & Sylviane Threlkeld
3rd Carmella Manning & Cheryl Taylor
September 30 1st Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
2nd Carmella Manning & Cheryl Taylor
3rd Mike & Cathy Ward
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE
By Pat Harp
September 4 1. Donna Michel
2. Greg Jessup
3. Sue Jessup
4. Sylviane Trelkeld
September 11 1. Sylviane Trelkeld
2. Ed Hall
3. Sue Jessup
September 18 1. Ed hall
2. Walter Masters
3. Earl Russell
September 25 1. Mike 2. Jane Rathburn
3. Ed Hall (low)
October 2 1. Earl Russell
2. Sue Jessup
3. Cheryl & Bonnie
SEPTEMBER BREEZE
Sundays
No Pickleball
Mondays
Norma’s Exercise & Relaxation 8 to 8:45 A.M.
Tennis Open Play Men 7:30 to 10:30am
Aquacise/Water Aerobics 9 to 9:50 A.M.
Quilting 9:30 -11:30am
Knitting/Crocheting 1-3pm
Rummikub 12:45pm
Pickleball Group Play 6 P.M.
Duplicate Bridge 6 P.M.
Tuesdays
Tennis Open Play Women 8 to 10 A.M.
Tai Chi Class 9-10AM
Aquacise/Water Aerobics 9 to 9:50 A.M.
Open Group Shuffleboard 10:00 A.M. Seasonal
Cardmaking Class1-3pm
Mahjongg 12:45pm
Euchre at 6 pm
Wednesdays
Norma’s Exercise & Relaxation 8 to 8:45 A.M.
Tennis Open Play Men 7:30 to 10:30am
Aquacise/Water Aerobics 9 to 9:50 A.M.
Hand and Foot, Hand Foot & Elbow 12:45
Party Bridge 1 P.M.
Men’s Poker 5 P.M. (not confirmed)
Pickleball Group Play 6 P.M.
SHUFFLEBOARD
By Carol Homa
The 2024-25 open shuffleboard season will commence Tuesday, November 5. Participants play every Tuesday and Thursday @ 10:00 (arrive @ 09:45). Shufflers draw partners and usually switch at the end of the first game. Many residents are regulars, but you can just come and play when the urge calls. Come, learn a new game, hone an old skill, make new friends, renew old acquaintances. Equipment is provided. Make sure to wear closed toe shoes. The lanes are located on the rise next to the pool. Coordinator: Carol Homa, 215-290-5274.
Thursdays
Tennis Open Play Women 8 to 10 A.M.
Aquacise/Water Aerobics 9 to 9:50 A.M.
Tai Chi Class 9 to 10 A.M.
Open Group Shuffleboard 10:00 A.M. Seasonal
Stitchery/Needlepoint/Embroidery 10-12
Hand, Foot & Elbow 12:45pm
Pickleball group 6pm
Fridays
Norma’s Exercise & Relaxation 8 to 8:45 A.M.
Tennis Open Play Men 7:30-10:30am
Aquacise/Water Aerobics 9 to 9:50 A.M.
Pinochle 10am to 12noon (as of mid Nov.)
*Learn to play Bridge 1 P.M.
Dominoes 1:00pm
Line Dancing 1pm (Seasonal)
Bowling @ Bolero, Cape Coral $12 1:45pm Womens Poker 6:30 to 9:30pm
Saturdays
Tennis Open Play Women 8-10 A.M.
Pickleball 9am
Michigan Rummy green room 1:00
ARC (Kathy)
Mary Zitek (Chair)
Larry Kiger
Ron Frailly
William Rokosz
Sandy Cocca
Linda Sholette
Susan Roberts
Sue Dodge
EPC (Kathy)
Mike Temme (Chair)
Linn Campbell (Co-Chair)
Donna Milbee
Pat Convery
John Cocca
Jeanine Clapp
Linda Pechstein
Peter Kwaak
Sharon Hunt
Gene Campbell
Rick Manning
Finance (Tom)
Bill Hare (Chair)
Susan Roberts
Gerry Arenstein
Gary Clapp
Building Maintenance (Jeff)
Gary Ravin (Chair)
Gene Cambell
Susan Costa
Larry Kiger
Compliance (Tom)
Patsy Clark (Chair)
Rich Manning
Yvonne Cegelski
Carol Homa
Carol Ann Duncan
Anita Johnson
Dave Gehman
Bob Hawkins
Fining (Tom)
Patsy Clark (Chair)
Donna Orange
Rich Manning
Bill Rokosz
Diane Bloss
Communications (Jeff)
Linda Campbell (Chair)
Donna Milbee.(Co-chair)
Carol Duncan
Mary Maher
Gerry Arenstein
Pat Convery
Common Area
Maintenance (John)
Bill Juraco (Chair)
Pool (John)
Jeanine Clapp (Chair)
Contract Review (Rick)
Gary Clapp (Chair)
Decorating (Kathy)
Carol Duncan (Chair)
Tennis/Pickleball (Rick)
Bill Rokosz (Chair)
Library (Kathy)
Dee Dunphy (Chair)
Document (Rick)
Earl Russell (Chairman)
Scott Clark
Sandra Cocca
Karol Bunch
Nancy Dudak
Welcome (John)
Lanier harrison (Co-Chair)
Jeanine Clapp (Co-Chair)
Diane Galante
Golf (Jeff)
Scott Clark (Co-Chair)
Donna Ireland (Co-Chair)
These listings are maintained by the S.S.H.O.A. office, please notify the office of any changes or corrections by email or contacting the S.S.H.O.A. office at 239-731-2191. Room reservations (ALL) contact the S.S.H.O.A. office at 239-731-2191.PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARRANGE FOR ANY EVENT WHICH INVOLVES NON-RESIDENTS, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO NOTIFY THE GATEHOUSE
