Please submit all articles, photos, and events for Sabal Springs to sabalspringsbreeze@gmail.com by the 4th of the month preceding the month of publication.
2025 Spring Golf Course Tour
Crossword Puzzle
Not yours
Mid-month days
Diminish
Sea eagle
G G G
Domestic utensils 22. Nil 23. The business of selling goods 24. Dictatorial
Once, long ago
Deer meat
Trainee
Consented
Book of instructions
Not idle
Thin
United Kingdom
Stronghold
L L L L
Primitive weapon
Mineral excavator
Passage
Eyeglasses
Against
Chop finely
Tomb
Tropical root
Curved molding
Consumed
Distinctive flair 63. Fuse
Expend DOWN
Dull
Timber wolf
Sloth
Trawling equipment
Woody plants
Robber
Colony of rabbits
Inability to remember
T T T
Reseda
Notions
Requires
School assignment
Ripple
Italian bowling
Shade trees
Genuine
Rational
28. Shortening
Red 32. Low point
Found on rotary phones
Wicked
Lairs 40. Violent disorder 41. Sidelined
43. Type of truck engine 45. Condition 46. Prison-related 47. Surplus 49. Goes ballistic 51. Display
52. Obscene term for feces 53. Not early 54. Not odd 55. Dispatch
President’s Update
JEFF DUNCAN, PRESIDENT, SSHOA
I was asked to provide an update for the Breeze as to what I see for Sabal Springs going forward. We are living in Sabal Springs at a difficult time as far as our infrastructure goes. We are 30+ years old and most of our original infrastructure is beginning to reach its useful life. So, we are at a time when to keep Sabal Springs the vibrant community it has been, we need to maintain these items. Lasts year’s HOA Board as well as this year’s Board, are taking the time to put into place long-range plans for the maintenance of our infrastructure, so that we do not have an issue without plans in place for repair. The better we plan; I believe we will be able to maintain Sabal without any difficulty in the coming years.
The items that I see that are going to need repair going forward are the ponds. We have started on several ponds already, however there are 10 more ponds that need work over the next five or so years. The tennis courts with the addition of pickleball needs to be built, this too is being investigated for some updating this year and some next year. The mailboxes are starting to look shabby and early plans are being looked at to freshen up the mailboxes and post and lights, again this is a four- or five-
year plan. Looking at the Maintenance building, that area is starting to need updating, I would guess starting in 2027 or 2028. The pool area is being freshened up with the new deck, tables, chairs, and umbrellas this year. There are also many of our air conditioning systems in the clubhouse that are between 12 and 16 years old and these too will need replacing in the next few years. These are some of the challenges that this Board and the next several Boards will have to be aware of and continue to budget for in order to pay for these things.
As you can see all these Boards will have quite a bit on their plate to maintain our community. Sabal Springs is the best place I have ever lived, with all of the activities available to us, along with all our great neighbors who volunteer their time to make our community what it is and has been all these years. It takes all of us to make Sabal the special place that it is — and has been. As Ron, our CAM always says, “it takes a village to have what we have here in Sabal Springs.”
Some may look at this and see gloom and doom, I see this as a positive, as the more we prepare the less these items will be a problem and the more they are planned improvements to Sabal Springs.
Welcome New Sabal Springs’ Residents
Jim and Cheryl Brakin 3508 Sabal Springs Blvd.
Tim and Nadine Kaminski 3337 Clubview Drive
Glen Lazzeri 3714 Sabal Springs Blvd.
George and Yvonne Murray 3811 Schefflera
Writers and Photographers Wanted
Do you have an interesting story to tell?
The Breeze is always looking for talented writers and photographers to submit articles and photos on Sabal Springs’ events, Fort Myers festivals, movies, books, etc. …
This is your chance to share your interests with the community. You can contribute every month, just once, or every now and then.
Florida Fun Fact
Florida has more than 9,200 miles of hiking, bicycling, equestrian and shared-use trails*, and over 4,000 miles of paddling trails.
*Lisa Blier started the Sabal Springs Trail Riders a few months ago, reach out to her if you are ready to giddyup.
Do you have an interesting hobby or skill that you are passionate about?
Do you have, or did you have, an interesting career?
Are you the go-to person for the best restaurants or fun things to do?
Do you love to cook, bake, or bartend and have a favorite recipe to share?
Deadline: The 4th of the month
Weird and Wild Facts …
TAREN GROM
Did you know?
Sabal Springs has its own alligator mascot, his name is “Fred.” Fred likes to hang out by the 18th green on the golf course, and he’s a big boy. Like his counterparts, some male alligators can reach a weight of nearly half a ton. The largest alligator ever measured in Florida was 17 feet, 5 inches, with the average being 11.2 feet. If you are curious, the largest alligator ever measured in the United States was in Louisiana at 19 feet, 2 inches. That’s a lot of gator bites. Here are five other fun facts about Fred and his friends.
1. The American alligator is not endangered. Unlike their crocodile cousins, alligators are not endangered. They can be found in waterways from Florida to Texas and north all the way to North Carolina. They are actually an endangered species success story, and remain federally protected by the Endangered Species Act due to similarity of appearance to crocodiles, which are a federally protected species.
2. An alligator’s gender is determined by the temperature of the eggs. At colder temperatures, alligator eggs will produce females. At intermediate temperatures, the odds of producing a male alligator are 3-to-1.
3. Alligators have 74 to 80 teeth at any time and can go through 3,000 teeth in a lifetime. As alligators’ teeth wear down, new ones grow in to replace them.
4. Alligators live about 50 years in the wild. Once an alligator reaches 4 feet long, he or she is mostly safe from predators except man—and, occasionally, other alligators.
5. They’re a lot faster than we are. The record speed for a sprinting alligator is 27 mph – much faster than the average person can run. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert around any body of water in our area, because there’s a good chance there’s an alligator nearby—and it’s a lot faster on its feet than you think.
May Calendar of Sabal Springs Events
4
SPRING FLING
Held in the Multipurpose Room in the clubhouse from 6 to 9 pm. Cash bar, snacks, and prizes. Hosted by the Sabal Entertainment Group.
6
ARTS & CRAFTS MONTHLY LUNCH
Sign up on the Arts & Crafts corkboard. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. sharp. Lunch, Craft Show & Tell, Raffles and Fun Conversation. Any questions, contact Linda Voto at (860) 305-0468. Hosted by the Sabal Arts & Crafts Committee.
7
TEA PARTY
Hosted by the Sabal Entertainment Group, a lovely afternoon filled with dainty sandwiches, desserts, prizes, gifts and, of course, tea. A 40-ticket drawing was held, congratulations to the lucky winners.
13
BOOK CLUB
Beginning at 1 p.m. in the White Card Room in the clubhouse. This month’s selection: One Italian Summer written by Rebecca Serle.
20
HOA MEETING
Join us in the clubhouse.
Memorial Day
BETH LOCKHART
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, with its origins rooted in the post-Civil War era.
Here are some key facts about Memorial Day:
• Origin: The holiday emerged in the years following the Civil War as a way for communities to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.
• Early Observances: The first Memorial Day observance was on May 30, 1868, with a national commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery, where 5,000 people helped decorate the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers.
• Official Recognition: While communities began observing Memorial Day locally, it wasn’t officially recognized as a federal holiday until 1971.
• Name Change: The holiday, which was originally known as “Decoration Day,” later became “Memorial Day” after World War I, expanding its focus to include those who died in all U.S. wars.
• Traditions: Common traditions include visiting cemeteries and memorials, participating in parades, and holding family gatherings.
• Waterloo, N.Y.: President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., as the “Birthplace of Memorial Day” because of its citywide observance on May 5, 1866.
• Uniform Monday Holiday Act:
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as a federal holiday on the last Monday of May, which went into effect in 1971.
Did you know that we have a Flag Depository in the clubhouse lobby for the collection of old U.S. flags that need to be retired? Has your flag become tattered or torn? You can drop it off in the box and it will be disposed of respectfully.
Mother’s Day
TAREN GROM
Everyone knows that Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, but did you also know …?
• The modern Mother’s Day holiday in the United States was founded by Anna Jarvis, a Philadelphia activist.
• The most popular flower given on Mother’s Day is the carnation.
• An average American buys 2.8 Mother’s Day cards.
• On each Mother’s Day, an astonishing 122 million phone calls are made worldwide.
• One of the earliest Mother’s Day celebrations was in Ancient Greece to honor Rhea, the goddess of fertility, motherhood and generation.
• According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, upward of 48% of people make plans to go to a restaurant for Mother’s Day.
• President Woodrow Wilson signed Mother’s Day into law in 1914.
Easter Bunny Surprise Visit ������
Joyce Doherty, who oversees the monthly Sabal Springs Coffee Hour, must have an in with the Easter Bunny. The happy hopper made an early appearance before Easter, handing out treats to the delighted attendees.
THANKS TO EMILY RAVIN FOR CAPTURING THESE SPECIAL MOMENTS.
Murder In Sabal Springs?
DONNA MILBEE
On the evening of March 16, murder was afoot at the Sabal Springs Clubhouse. More than 200 residents gathered to help solve the mystery presented by The Sabal Players. Who knew there were so many flappers, gangsters, and bootleggers in our little community?
The plot thickened over two weeks of rehearsals, directed by Donna Milbee, until the culmination with Detective D. Cypher’s (Emily Ravin) entrance, disheveled after being called away from her “first date in months” to investigate a
murder at the mansion of “J” Glittersby (Maddy Jennings).
Not to give away the ending, let’s just say there was a plethora of suspects, including the hired help: the Butler, Carter Johnson; the Bartender, Anita Johnson; the Server, Sid Cegelski; the Pianist, Geri Gregorio; and the Lounge Singer, Donna Milbee. There were also several famous guests in attendance: the Heiress, Heather Lodell with Playboy Husband Mic Jones; the Movie Star, Jeannie Hill and her Date Jigg O. Low, Perry Swann; the Tennis Star, Yvonne Cegelski; the Gangster, Dieter Winterle with his Moll, Joyce Doherty; and a mysteriously uninvited N. Ter Loper, Leo Pierson. All were rounded up and handled expertly by Constable D. Dillinger, Arlene Roy.
Many attendees joined the fun in Roaring Twenties’ attire, including Tommy Guns, bedazzled dresses and boas galore. Amid cheers of “encore,” plans are in the works for more theatrics in the fall.
The Entertainment Committee outdid themselves with such creative decorations, snacks, and themed cocktails, including the Gin Rickey, Bee’s Knees, The Scofflaw, and The Stork Club.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the evening a rousing success!
THE CAST OF CHARACTERS AND THE WINNING TEAM WHO SOLVED THE BIG WHO DUNNIT!
Game On
TAREN GROM
There are few, if any games, that don’t rouse Wanda Thomas’ innate sense of camaraderie, fun, and, yes, competitiveness. This Sabal Springs resident is a familiar face to anyone who plays Hand, Foot & Elbow, Mah-Jongg, 3-D Rummikub, Dominoes, Euchre, Bingo, or Trivia. And, while she has no current aspirations to hit the links in competitive or even noncompetitive play, she is taking golf lessons to challenge herself and learn a new skill.
With more energy than 10 people combined and a quick and welcoming smile, she is
happy and willing to teach newcomers who are interested in joining in on the fun—even private Mah-Jongg lessons. Her only caveat is that to play you have to be willing to keep score. “It’s not about who wins; it’s about challenging yourself. You play better when you have a stake in the game,” she says. “We are here to challenge our brains, and when you don’t keep score, you play differently.”
Wanda’s love of games goes way back, noting that her family always played cards—Hearts, Spades, Gin Rummy, Canasta, Cribbage—and when they are all together there is always a
stack of board games at the ready. She’s an online gamer as well, taking on the Internet playing Words with Friends and Candy Crush (currently she is at level 8597—very impressive). When pressed to name her favorite game she says it’s Bunco—a social dice game where 12 players roll three dice, aiming to match the current round number to score points, with a “bunco.” And while there isn’t currently an active Bunco crew, Wanda wouldn’t be opposed to starting up a new group.
After renting for several seasons, Wanda and her husband Ed permanently moved into Sabal Springs in 2023 from Wisconsin, where they lived for 11 years. They also had
a condo in the Chicago area. (Her geographic duality has led her to be a Chicago Cubs and a Green Bay Packers fan.) Sabal Springs is not the couple’s first Florida home, they lived in Orlando for 27 years, where Ed and Wanda worked for the Florida Turnpike Association; previously Ed was involved in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years. As social as Wanda is, Ed is the polar opposite; she jokes that all the time dealing with the public during his career has left Ed more than a bit introverted. Yet, he’s happy to wave and offer golfers a cold beer, wine, soda or water as they pass by their lanai as they look to putt in on the 12th hole on the golf course.
Even COVID and the recent clubhouse mold remediation didn’t deter Wanda from remaining active and keeping the games going. “Each of us would take turns to host, we didn’t want to lose our friendships,” she says.
Wanda says she and Ed are extremely fortunate in their lives and couldn’t ask for anything better than where they are now enjoying “easy living” in “paradise” and spending time with the many friends they have met along the way. Game on, indeed.
SABAL SPRINGS ACTIVITIES
SUNDAYS
No Pickleball
MONDAY
Tennis Open Play Men 7:30 to10:30 a.m.
Norma’s Exercise Chair & Floor 8 to 8:45 a.m.
Aquacise/Water Aerobics 9 to 9:50 a.m.
Quilting & Sewing 9:30 to11:30 a.m.
Norma’s Exercise Chair & Floor 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Rummikub 12:45 p.m.
Knitting/Crocheting 1 to 3 p.m.
Pickleball Group Play 4:30 p.m.
Duplicate Bridge 6 p.m.
TUESDAY
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.
Cardio Jazz with Krisan 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Open Group Shuffleboard 10 a.m.
Mah-Jongg 12:45 p.m.
Cardmaking Class 1 to 3 p.m.
Euchre 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Tennis Open Play Men 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Norma’s Exercise Chair & Floor 8 to 8:45 a.m.
Aquacise/Water Aerobics 9 to 9:50 a.m.
Norma’s Exercise Chair & Floor 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Hand, Foot & Elbow 12:45 p.m.
Social Bridge 1 p.m.
Men’s Poker 5 p.m.
THURSDAY
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.
Cardio Jazz with Krisan 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Open Group Shuffleboard 10 a.m.
Stitchery/Needlepoint/Embroidery 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hand, Foot & Elbow 12:45 p.m.
Pickleball Group Play 4:30 p.m.
Trivia 6 p.m.
Mah-Jongg 6 p.m.
FRIDAY
Tennis Open Play Men 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Norma’s Exercise Chair & Floor 8 to 8:45 a.m.
Aquacise/Water Aerobics 9 to 9:50 a.m.
Norma’s Exercise Chair & Floor 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Dominoes 12:45 p.m.
Bowling @ Bolero, Cape Coral $14 1:45 p.m.
Women’s Poker 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Tennis Open Play Women 8 to 10 a.m.
Pickleball Group Play 9 a.m.
* Information as of 4/1/2025 – This weekly calendar showcases events accessible to all residents, omitting closed and private groups. Resident volunteers provide most activities free of charge at the Sabal Springs clubhouse or outdoors. Updates or corrections should be directed to sabalspringsbreeze@gmail.com.
Sunshine Singles of Sabal Springs
TERRI MAROTTA
Our wonderful singles group has done a lot of activities, as our members bring great ideas for us to do. We are an organized group and plan monthly events.
Some highlights were:
The Rod Stewart Show
The Sock Hop
The Murder Mystery
Rum Tasting Tour
Disco Night
Rooftop Parties
Dinner and Dancing at various clubs
Feel free to come to our gatherings held at 4:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month.
Sabal Springs Book Club: Readers Wanted
TAREN GROM AND DEE DUNPHY
The Sabal Springs Book Club wants you! The group meets the second Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. in the White Card Room in the clubhouse. The meetings last about an hour. Each month a volunteer provides a synopsis of the author and another volunteer leads a casual discussion about the book.
Dee Dunphy says the books are obtained in kits from the library— therefore the book selected for the following month is available as soon as the kit has been picked up from the library by one of the members of the group.
The next meeting is May 13 when the group will be discussing One Italian Summer written by Rebecca Serle.
If you’ve read the book already, great, come join the conversation. And if you don’t have enough time to finish it, don’t worry, come along anyway.
The Book Club, which started in July 2017, meets every month, even in the summer, which is a great way to beat the heat and keep engaged
until our Northern friends return in the fall. Dee keeps in touch with the group members even when they are gone so they can join the fun from afar.
THE BOOK CLUB’S DEE DUNPHY DISPLAYS MAY’S SELECTION: ONE ITALIAN SUMMER.
If you are looking for some summer reading inspiration, the Book Club’s selections offer a great mix of topics, so far this year the group has read: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman; We Are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin; The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead; and The God of the Woods by Liz Moore.
Any questions, please contact:
Dee Dunphy at (630) 542-4595
Carmella Manning at (330) 323-5354
Sheri Weitner at (414) 315-1668
Fashion for a Cause
DONNA MILBEE
A great deal of thanks is due to Linda Voto and the Sabal Springs Arts & Crafts Committee and the many other volunteers for another fantastic Fashion Show Fundraiser. All the money was raised through the silent auction on dozens of overflowing baskets of goodies. Thanks to all of you, the team raised $10,500, including $300 for the “extra efforts” of the male models, which went to the Make-aWish Foundation to sponsor a wish for a critically ill child. It was so great to see last year’s recipient be able to join the other models for this year’s show.
LAST YEAR’S MAKE-A-WISH RECIPIENT MAKING A SPLASH AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT
WHO’S THAT BEHIND THOSE STYLIN’ SHADES?
VOGUE’S GOT NOTHING ON SABAL SPRINGS.
Linda Voto would like to thank all who bought tickets; all of you who helped set up and take down the room; and all of you who made baskets and bows. Special thanks to Maddie Jennings and Carol Duncan for their extra efforts soliciting donations.
Please know how much everyone appreciates all this hard work.
SABAL
WOWS!
LINN CAMPBELL
What an amazing group of ladies with a dedicated leader—Linda Voto. The Arts & Crafts group held its 10th annual fashion show on March 9 and the group was able to hand a $10,500 check to the representative from the Make-A-Wish Foundation at a luncheon held in March at Blackbeard’s Tavern. Way to go ladies.
There were several donations from local businesses in the form of gift cards, products, cash, and too many other things to mention, including wine of course. Attendees purchased tickets with the proceeds going to Make-a-Wish and the lucky winners were randomly drawn. A great time was had by all, so many happy faces. The Arts & Crafts members want to say thank you once again to all who helped, donated, and attended to make the fashion show a large success once again.
At the meeting this month birthdays and anniversaries were celebrated, jokes were told, and crafts and art skills were shared. Blackbeard’s did a wonderful job of hosting us.
To all new residents if you are interested in joining this wonderful activity group you can sign up on the bulletin board outside the HOA office.
LINDA VOTO IN EMCEE MODE
SABAL SPRINGS ARTS & CRAFTS COMMUNITY APPRECIATING THE FASHION
Pickleball for Beginners
DONNA MILBEE
Pickleball continues its incredible rise after being named the fastest-growing sport in the United States for the fourth consecutive year.
By the numbers*…
• 19.8 million to 48.3 million—number of pickleball players in the U.S.
• 25 to 34—Largest age bracket of pickleball players (28.8% of total)
• $1.5 billion—Pickleball market (latest 2023)
• 311%—Pickleball’s average growth rate over the last three years
• 16,289—Number of places to play pickleball in the U.S.
• 11.3%—Forecasted compound annual growth rate through 2028
Jim Van Kuiken hopes to conduct a beginners’ clinic the last Saturday of each
month. Please contact Diane Galante to register for further details.
*https://www.pickleheads.com/blog/ pickleball-statistics
pickleball clinic.mp4
The Luck of the Irish
LORETTA GEHMAN
Once a year, every year, everyone on the golf course in Sabal Springs dons their finest green leprechaun socks, their twinkling shamrock earrings, and their shirts of green with matching green hats and makes their way onto the links to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Couples’ Golf Tournament. Even though the sport of golf was founded in Ireland’s neighboring country of Scotland, most Irishmen
like to take the credit for its inception. But no matter your heritage, everyone becomes Irish for the day and enjoys corned beef and cabbage, soda bread and beer, lots of beer, and a round of golf on St. Patrick’s Day, hoping luck is in their favor to score the pot of gold at the end of the round.
On Saturday, March 15, eight couples did find that pot of gold, without the aid of a rainbow or leprechaun magic, but simply with their golf prowess. The winners for the day were as follows:
1st Place — Wayne & Cathy Piper and Jeff & Linda Charlesworth
2nd Place — Leo Pierson & Arlene Roy and Keith & Karol Bunch
3rd Place — John & Sandy Cocca and Brian & Jane Ward
4th Place — Dave & Robin Fritz and Peter & Kathy Kwaak
5th Place — Ron & Coleen Birmingham and Bob Connelly & Liz Jurocko
6th Place — Greg Rood & Linda Hood and Terry & Cara LaValley
7th Place — Roger & Charley Frantz and Bob & Kathy Carpenter
8th Place — Mark & Mary Vargo and Tom & Sherry Triptow
As always, there are certain holes specified for individual contests, where driving your ball and landing it closest to an object in the fairway or placing it closest to the hole will win you a monetary prize as well. Those winners were as follows:
Hole No. 1 Closest to the Pin Men’s Gold Tee — Tom Triptow
Hole No. 2 Closest to the Pin Women — Charley Frantz
Hole No. 3 Closest to the Windsock Men — Sid Cegelski
Hole No. 3 Closest to the Windsock Women — Jane Ward
Hole No. 13 Closest to the Leprechaun Flag Men — Bob Pirello
Hole No. 13 Closest to the Leprechaun Flag Women — Karol Bunch
Hole #17 Closest to the Pin Men White Tee Player Brian Ward
Time to put the green attire back into the closet until next St. Patrick’s Day.
A special thanks to the committee of Mary Maher, Ron and Coleen Birmingham, Don and Joyce Rhodes, Sid and Yvonne Cegelski, Bill and Laurie Simkins for another successful and fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day golf outing.
Cheers for the Champions
LORETTA GEHMAN
And this is exactly what all of the spectators did on Friday, March 7, the date of the finals of the 2025 Sabal Springs Men’s and Ladies’ Club Championship. What started on February 26 for the Sabal Springs Ladies’ Golf Association (SSLGA) as positioning rounds to determine the pairings for the start of the match play portion of their championship journey, continued on March 3 with single elimination play with the winners moving to the next round of match play on March 5. The final two winners from Wednesday in each flight moved on and played on the morning of Friday, March 7.
The Sabal Springs Men’s Golf Association (SSMGA) started their three-day stroke play club championship matches on Thursday, February 27, with five flights of golfers, a total of 32 gentlemen. They continued play on
Sabal Springs Ladies’ Golf Association Winners
Thursday, March 6, with a third and final day on Friday, March 7.
The cumulative scores from all three days were tallied and it was that special time of the year to crown the new Club Champions who will reign until the end of next year’s golf season.
The SSLGA finished their match play tournament early Friday morning and gathered on the rear veranda of the clubhouse to watch the gents play the final 18th hole of their contest. Good-natured applause erupted as putts were placed so very close to the pin and ball caps were doffed to the cheering crowd by those basking in the glow of their well-deserved, if short-lived, celebrity. The results of Club Championship week in Sabal Springs were …
Nine-Hole “B” Flight — Beth Zes defeated Helen Parlett
Nine-Hole “A” Flight — Kathy Carpenter defeated Mary Weatherbee
18-Hole “B” Flight — Cathy Piper defeated Charley Frantz
18-Hole “A” Flight — Coleen Birmingham defeated Mary Lou Collins
18-Hole Championship Flight — Shirley Berry defeated Sue Short
Sabal Springs Men’s Golf Association Winners
“E” Flight (Gold tees) 1st Place — Sid Cegelski; 2nd Place — Russ Mattson
“D” Flight (Gold tees) 1st Place — Don Rhodes; 2nd Place — Dave Worthington
“C” Flight (White tees) 1st Place — Guy Armstrong; 2nd Place — Tom Miller
“B” Flight (White tees) 1st Place — Ed Herrgard; 2nd Place — John Bass
“A” Flight (White tees) 1st Place — Bob Carpenter; 2nd Place — Keith Bunch
Following the event, a committee consisting of Jane Ward, Robin Fritz, and Sharon Croxton organized a celebration featuring the Awards Ceremony hosted by Golf Director Michael Stewart with the winners announced by the individual tournament directors, Dave Fritz of the SSMGA and Linda Hucker of the SSLGA. Cake was served, celebratory drinks were swilled, and grand stories of amazing golf strokes were exchanged. A great close to a great golf tournament season here at Sabal Springs. Congratulations to all the winners.
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT WINNER SHIRLEY BERRY, NINE-HOLE “B” FLIGHT WINNER BETH ZES, NINE-HOLE “A” FLIGHT WINNER KATHY CARPENTER, 18-HOLE “B” FLIGHT WINNER CATHY PIPER, 18-HOLE “A” FLIGHT WINNER COLEEN BIRMINGHAM, AND SSLGA PRESIDENT LORETTA GEHMAN
MEN’S “A” FLIGHT WINNER BOB CARPENTER, MEN’S “B” FLIGHT WINNER ED HERRGARD, MEN’S “D” FLIGHT WINNER DON RHODES, MEN’S “C” FLIGHT WINNER GUY ARMSTRONG, MEN’S “E” FLIGHT WINNER SID CEGELSKI
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
WINNER SHIRLEY BERRY AND DIRECTOR OF GOLF
MICHAEL STEWART
18-HOLE “A” FLIGHT WINNER COLEEN BIRMINGHAM AND DIRECTOR OF GOLF
MICHAEL STEWART
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT RUNNER-UP SUE SHORT AND DIRECTOR OF GOLF
MICHAEL STEWART
Two By Two
LORETTA GEHMAN
When we hear two by two, we may be reminded of the story of Noah’s ark. Or we may hear two by two and realize that it is time for the annual Sabal Springs Couples’ Golf Tournament. On Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, 36 couples teed off for the event, which is sometimes referred to as the “Divorce Tournament” because it involves two days of golf with the same two competitors as a team testing their skills as partners sometimes as spouses or in some cases as “golf only” spouses. As you can imagine, there may be some stress involved in the competition especially if one or the other, or, heaven forbid both team members are having an off day of golf. But, in the end, everyone has a good time sharing many laughs and maybe a few groans with finger-pointing to place blame for an errant shot. All goodnatured fun to be sure.
This year the 36 couples competed in three flights according to their combined team handicap. Day one’s round was an alternate shot format where both team members teed off and the best shot was chosen to play. If the gentleman hit that particular shot, the lady must then hit the second shot and so on until the ball is in the hole. After day one, the leaders in the clubhouse were Scott and Patsy Clark in the “A” flight, Wayne and Cathy Piper in the “B” flight, and John Barnes and Joy Melin in the “C” flight.
Day two was played as a scramble where both team members teed off and the best shot was chosen to play. Both team members then hit their ball from that spot and, again, the best shot was chosen. Play continued until the ball was in the hole. And on day two, two of the flights saw a change in leadership with come from behind winners in the “A” flight and the “C” flight.
The winners were as follows:
“A” Flight 1st Place — Brian and Jane Ward
2nd Place — Scott and Patsy Clark
3rd Place — Don and Joyce Rhodes
“B” Flight 1st Place — Wayne and Cathy Piper
2nd Place — Roger and Charley Frantz
3rd Place — Dave and Robin Fritz
“C” Flight 1st Place — Tom and Sherry Triptow
2nd Place — John Barnes and Joy Melin
3rd Place — Bob Hawkins and Beth Zes
Special thanks to Dave Fritz who organized this, his final tournament, as he is retiring from the position. Everyone appreciates all of the hard work involved in doing that job. Thanks also to Linda Sholette, Mark and Mary Richard, and
THE WINNING COUPLES (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): JANE AND BRIAN WARD, CATHY AND WAYNE PIPER, SHERRY AND TOM TRIPTOW
Dave and Robin Fritz for setting up the room for post-tournament festivities. Congratulations to all of the winners.
March Golf Winners
FRANTZ
WEDNESDAY LADIES’ LEAGUE
March 12
A Flight — 1st Place, Laurie Simkins; 2nd Place, Shirley Berry
B Flight — 1st Place, Mary Lou Collins; 2nd Place, Sharon Croxton
C Flight — 1st Place, Terry Clark; 2nd Place, Charley Frantz
Nine-Hole Players
A Flight — 1st Place, Kathy Carpenter; 2nd Place, Joy Melin
CHARLEY
B Flight — 1st Place, Kathy Steel; 2nd Place, Nancy Bastin
C Flight — 1st Place, Donna Orange
March 19 — Fun Day Scramble
1st Place Team — Karol Bunch, Sandy Cocca, Shirley Green, Mary Richards
2nd Place Team — Judy Andrews, Donna
Orange, Linda Sholette, Laurie Simkins
3rd Place Team — Ellie Birmingham, Sue
LaPlume, Lorraine Rechten, Rose Whitehouse
March 26
A Flight — 1st Place, Shirley Berry; 2nd Place, Linda Hood; 3rd Place, Yvonne Cegelski
B Flight — 1st Place, Sue LaPlume; 2nd Place, Cathy Piper; 3rd Place, Linda Sholette
C Flight — 1st Place Mary Richards; 2nd Place, Charley Frantz
Nine-Hole Players
A Flight — 1st Place, Joy Melin; 2nd Place, Kathy Carpenter
B Flight — 1st Place, Linda Charlesworth; 2nd Place, Judy Otey; 3rd Place, Arlene O’Donnell
THURSDAY MEN’S LEAGUE
March 13
White Flight: 1st Place Team —
Ron Birmingham, Bob Connelly, Ed Herrgard, Jay Lind
Gold Flight: 1st Place Team (tie) — Gary Clapp, Larry Holton, Jeff Johnson, Don Rhodes
John Cocca, John Linehan, Bob Pirrello, Bill Sarbo
Closest-to-the-pin Hole No. 7: White Tees —
Keith Bunch and Gold – Larry Holton
March 20
1st Place — Don Rhodes
2nd Place — Doug Mazurek
3rd Place — Gary Clapp
4th Place — Mike Webster
5th Place — John Cocca
6th Place (tie) — Norb Brand and Keith Bunch
Closest-to-the-pin Hole No. 8: White Tee — Dave Fritz; Gold Tee — Dave Worthington
March 27
White Flight: 1st Place Team (tie) — Charlie Andrews, Roger Frantz, Ed Herrgard, Bruce Mack
Guy Armstrong, Dave Fritz, Doug Mazurek, Bill McKesson
Gold Flight: 1st Place Team — Norb Brand, Sid Cegelski, Doug Pechstein, Bab Pirrello
2nd Place Team — Ken Nosek, Lon Tastad, Mark Vargo, Dieter Winterle
Closest-to-the-pin Hole No. 8: White Tee — Ed Herrgard; Gold Tee — Russ Mattson
SATURDAY COUPLES SCRAMBLE
March 1
1st Place — Vicki and Bob Pirrello, Joyce and Don Rhodes
2nd Place — Karol and Keith Bunch, Cathy and Wayne Piper
March 7
1st Place — Coleen and Ron Birmingham, Karol and Keith Bunch
2nd Place — Judy and Charlie Andrews, Joyce and Don Rhodes
3rd Place — Steph and Toby Nagel, Beth Zes and Bob Hawkins
4th Place — Cara and Terry LaValley, Janet McEachern and Rick Triptow
March 22
1st Place — Anita and Carter Johnson, Beth Zes and Bob Hawkins
2nd Place — Kathy Steel, John Barnes, Bob and Kathy Carpenter
3rd Place — Coleen and Ron Birmingham, Barb and Larry Cassidy
4th Place — Karol and Keith Bunch, Charley and Roger Frantz
5th Place — Robin and Dave Fritz, Laurie and Bill Simkins
6th Place — Cathy and Ian Dobson, Rose and John Whitehouse
7th Place — Steph and Toby Nagel, Joyce and Don Rhodes
8th Place — Shirley Green and Glenn Unger, Cathy and Wayne Piper
9th Place — Mary Lou Collins and Dick Hansen, Linda Sholette and Paul Larson
March 29
1st Place — Mary Lou Collins and Dick Hansen, Sharon and Jim Croxton
2nd Place — Steph and Toby Nagel, Joyce and Don Rhodes
3rd Place — Shirley and Mike Berry, Barb and Larry Cassidy
4th Place — Sharon Hunt and Bob Petty, Beth Zes and Bob Hawkins
5th Place — Karol and Keith Bunch, Sherry and Tom Triptow
6th Place — Kathy and Bob Carpenter, Janet McEachern and Rich Triptow
7th Place — Patsy and Scott Clark, Donna Ritchie and Bill Sarbo
8th Place — Yvonne and Sid Cegelski, Donna Ireland and Terry Brown
9th Place — Nelson and Birmingham, Laurie and Bill Simkins
CHECKING IN WITH BRIAN & JANE WARD AND LAURIE & BILL SIMKINS DURING SATURDAY COUPLES’ LEAGUE
Fun on the Fairways
In our continuing fairway coverage, this month we are featuring Donna Ireland. Donna is a three-time Sabal Springs’ Club Champion, most recently earning this honor in 2022. She is also the prior cochair of the Sabal Springs Ladies’ Golf Association (SSLGA).
Donna has four holes-in-one on the Sabal Springs course, two on her favorite hole — No. 7.
In this episode, on another windy day in April, Donna shares why the notorious par-4 10th hole is her least favorite and some tips on how to navigate “chicken alley.”
INSERT VIDEO
0525 Ireland video 1.mov
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0525 Ireland video 2.mov
TAREN GROM
MIKE TEMME
Joker’s Wild Golf Group Update
Many residents may know me, and many may not, my name is Mike Temme, and I started the golf group The Joker’s Wild six years ago.
The Joker’s is a men’s group of Sabal Springs golfers who love to play but not seriously, have fun, and most of all help our community when we can.
In the past few years, we’ve had golf tournaments and raised money to remodel the Sabal Springs’ golf pro shop and the golf maintenance building.
We’ve also raised money for T2T (Tunnel 2 Towers), an organization dedicated to helping First Responders and Military Veterans; donations were made in the name of the Sabal Springs’ golfers. All proceeds from the last Joker’s Wild golf outing were donated back to the community.
Members of the group have also donated their own time and money to other fundraising programs and projects in Sabal Springs, such as the Emergency Preparedness Committee, as well as other organizations and our community at large.
After six years as the founder and president of the Joker’s Wild Golf Group, I’m announcing the following news. Due to my recent health issues my wife and I will be returning to my hometown to be closer to family. It is my pleasure to announce that my successor will be Dieter Winterle.
Dieter has been the vice president and a very close friend of mine for several years.
He stands for what the Joker’s were founded on: love of golf but not seriously, and most of all the camaraderie of the group and taking care of our community. I am totally excited that he has accepted to take my place — he is the best person to lead the Joker’s team. Dieter has the passion and dedication that will take the group to a new level.
Please congratulate Dieter for taking this opportunity to continue on what the Joker’s have stood for and done so far.
Thank you Dieter my friend — the Joker’s and our community are in great hands.
Mike Temme Past President and Founder of the Joker’s Wild
Card News
MARCH 2025 WEDNESDAY BRIDGE
RESULTS
PAT HARP
March 5
1. Donna Michel
2. Walt Masters
3. Pat Harp
March 12
1. Pat Harp
2. Rita Masters
3. JoAnn DeGoey
March 19
1. Ulla Wistehuff
2. JoAnn DeGoey
3. Walter Masters
March 26
1. JoAnn DeGoey
2. Cheryl Taylor
3. Jane Rathburn
MONDAY DUPLICATE BRIDGE
EARL RUSSELL
Feb. 3
First: Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
Second: Chris & Dave Bennett
Third: Walt Masters & Mike Ward
Fourth: Jane Rathburn & Nan Shewalter
Feb. 10
First: Carmella Manning & Cathy Ward
Second: Marsha Van Egeren & Gerry
Arenstein
Third: Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
Fourth: Chris & Dave Bennett
Feb. 17
First: Mike & Cathy Ward
Second: Walt Masters & Roger Lundholm
Third: Marsha Van Egeren & Gerry Arenstein
Feb. 24
First: Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
Second: Walt Masters & Roger Lundholm
Third: Jane Rathburn & Nan Shewalter
March 3
First: Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
Second: Walt Masters & Roger Lundholm
Third: Sharon Sullivan & JoAnn DeGoey
March 10
First: Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
Second: Roger Lundholm & Sylviane Threlkeld
Third: Marsha Van Egeren & Gerry Arenstein
March 17
First: Sharon Sullivan & JoAnn DeGoey
Second: Carmella Manning & Cheryl Taylor
Third: Walt & Rita Masters
March 24
First: Mike & Cathy Ward
Second: Jane Rathburn & Nan Shewalter
Third: Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
March 31
First: Earl Russell & Sue Bobak
Second: JoAnn DeGoey & Nan Shewalter
Third: Mike & Cathy Ward
Now We’re Cooking
BETH LOCKHART
Ingredients:
CINCO DE MAYO PICO DE GALLO
Half of a red, yellow, and green bell pepper, diced small
2 on the vine tomatoes, diced small 1 small onion (yellow or red), diced small
1 small jalapeno diced small
Juice of 1 fresh lime
2 teaspoons fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and you’re ready to go. Pico de Gallo is a fresh chunky Mexican salsa that can be served with tortilla chips, tossed in scrambled eggs, stuffed inside a quesadilla or a taco, or used as a topping on nachos.
MOTHER’S DAY POTATO GALETTE
Ingredients:
1/3 cup bacon fat, plus more for greasing
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, very thinly sliced
2 shallots, peeled, very thinly sliced
2 ounces Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 10-inch cast-iron or ovenproof skillet with some bacon fat. In a large bowl, toss potatoes, shallots, Parmesan, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until combined. Add bacon fat and toss well to coat.
2. Starting in the center of prepared skillet, layer potatoes and shallots in a circular pattern with the slices slightly overlapping. Repeat layers, firmly pushing down between each layer to even out.
3. Bake galette until tender when pierced with a fork and golden brown on top, 50 to 60 minutes.
4. Let cool 20 minutes before serving. Top with more thyme; season with salt and pepper, if needed.
BETH LOCKHART
Something from the Bar…
TAREN GROM
CINCO DE MAYO: MILLION DOLLAR MARGARITA
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Reposado tequila
1 oz. Grand Marnier or other
cognac orange liqueur
1⁄2 oz. Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1⁄6 oz. Agave syrup
Instructions:
1. Select and pre-chill an old-fashioned glass.
2. Prepare garnish of lime wedge.
3. Shake all ingredients with ice.
4. Strain into ice-filled glass.
5. Garnish with lime wedge.
TAREN GROM
MOTHER’S DAY: FLEUR DE PARADIS
Ingredients:
• 2 oz. Plymouth gin
• 3/4 oz. St-Germain
elderflower liqueur
• 1/2 oz. grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 oz. simple syrup
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Perrier-Jouët Champagne, chilled, to top
• Garnish: edible pansy
Instructions:
1. Add the Plymouth gin, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
2. Double-strain into a coupe glass.
3. Top with the Champagne.
4. Garnish with an edible pansy, if desired.
Quilting & Sewing
DEB DENIAL
On February 17 and February 24, the QuiltingSewing group held a class on making a cozy microwave bowl cover. Janis Smith instructed with Deb Denial and Pat Baker assisting. We had four sewing machines available and a total of five people. Please see included samples of what was made. Please watch future emails for further projects.
Those who made the cozies were Peggy Nickels, Joan Schroeder, Lori Dzielski, Sandy Ricketts, and Sharon Miller.
SUDOKU
Rules & Regulations –Did Ya’ Know?
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
As part of the communications team’s endeavors to keep our residents informed, going forward we are going to be highlighting at least three items per Breeze issue. For lengthy R&R items, this will appear as abbreviated content with a notation of where the total item can be found.
Our Sabal Springs rules and regulations can be found on our community portal. You will need to log into the portal and go to https://home.alliantproperty.com/ community/documents/ R and R ARC Changes 3-18-25.pdf.
There were significant changes in the allowable outdoor (non-holiday) décor and planters. The following information can be found under Rule No.17. Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Section M.
M. Outdoor (non-holiday) Décor and Planters. The following are the limits on outdoor (non-holiday) décor/planters. This list does not include house numbers, small solar lights, U.S. and military, or Florida state flags.
Artificial flowers, trees and plants are not allowed.
1. No more than eight (four in front, four in back) ornamental items to include statuary, gazing ball, or other ornamental items and a garden flag within the landscaped area are allowed. All such items are to be put away if you are seasonal and for those who reside full-time, such items shall be put away during an impending hurricane for our area.
2. A single bird bath or fountain is permitted and must be maintained so as not to foster mosquitoes.
3. No more than four house wall décor items to include wall décor on the front of the house, above garage, back of the house, and/or side wall to front lanai/porch entry (if it is not enclosed) are permitted. Such décor cannot represent political affiliations or contain offensive phrases. All such items, if they are not secure, are to be put away if you are seasonal, before you leave and for those who reside full-time, such items shall be secure or put away during an impending hurricane for our area.
4. No more than eight decorative pots around the total perimeter of the house/ flower beds are permitted. Pots shall be maintained (weedless, dead foliage/flowers removed) at all times. All pots that are deemed mobile (not buried) are to be put away if you are seasonal unless you have someone caring for them. Pots that can be deemed mobile (not buried) shall be put away during an impending hurricane for our area whether you are full-time or seasonal.
2024 SABAL SPRINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RESOURCE
SABAL SPRINGS DIRECTORY
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
SABAL SPRINGS
Ron Czarnik, LCAM, Alliant Manager (239) 731-2191
President: Jeffrey Duncan** (414) 852-9410 jeffduncansshoa@hotmail.com
Vice President: Kathy Kwaak* (817) 291-4746 kksabal506@gmail.com
Secretary: John Baas** (586) 876-1173 johnbbaas@gmail.com
Treasurer: Tom Triptow* (954) 868-2321 tltriptow@hotmail.com
Director: Rick Stamper* (330) 858-1195 rickstamperdirector@gmail.com
*Terms expire in 2027; **Terms expire in 2026
Cyndee Viator, Alliant Administrative Assistant (239) 731-2191
Sabal Springs Golf Shop (239) 731-0101
Lake House at Sabal Springs Restaurant (239) 360-7274
Gate House (239) 731-5552
Voice server for Gate House (239) 567-4147
Office email: sabalsprings.office@alliantproperty.com
Alliant Association Management 13831 Vector Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33907 (239) 454-1101
ASSISTANCE Emergency 911 Sheriff (non-emergency) (239) 477-1000
Cable TV Xfinity (800) 266-2278
LCEC Electric (239) 656-2300
FGUA Water & Sewer (239) 533-8845
LCU (239) 543-1005
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Motor Vehicle Registration Taxes
Voter Registration VA Social Security
ARC (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Mary Zitek (Chair)
Larry Kiger (Vice Chair)
Ron Frailly
Sandy Cocca
Linda Sholette
Cathy Piper
Taren Grom
Joe Madison
Sue Dodge (alternate)
Building Maintenance
(BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Steve Enders
Carter Johnson
Communications
(BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Linn Campbell (Chair)
Carol Duncan (Co-Chair)
Gerry Arenstein
Cathy Bowen
Taren Grom
Common Area Maintenance
(BOD: John Baas)
Jeanne Hill
Compliance (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Patsy Clark (Co-Chair)
Carol Duncan (Co-Chair)
Dave Gehman
RESOURCE HUB
SABAL SPRINGS COMMITTEES
Pam Handlin
Bob Hawkins
Diane Hoak
Rich Manning
Sue Mattson
Arlene Roy
Mary Vargo
Sheri Weitner
Contract Review
(BOD: Rick Stamper)
Gene Campbell (Chair)
Colin Brandt
Gary Clapp
Skip Martin
Decorating
(BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Carol Duncan (Chair)
Peggy Gannon
Taren Grom
Bobbi Kemp
Jeanne Hill
Robyn Minich
Document (BOD: Rick Stamper)
EPC (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Linda Pechstein (Co-Chair)
Sharon Hunt (Co-Chair)
Jacque Armstrong
Pat Convery
Anita Johnson
Peter Kwaak
Janet Lamothe
Carmella Manning
Rich Manning
Donna Milbee
Wanda Thomas
Linda Voto
Finance (BOD: Tom Triptow)
Susan Roberts (Chair)
Gerry Arenstein
Gary Clapp
Steve Enders
Fining (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Patsy Clark (Chair)
Diane Bloss
Mary Lou Collins
Geri Lane
Rich Manning
Joe Madison
Sue Matteson
Joyce Rhodes
Golf (BOD: Tom Triptow)
Scott Clark (Chair)
Gene Campbell
Patsy Clark
Robin Fritz
Lorretta Gehman
Donna Ireland
Russ Mattson
Sabal Springs Golf & Racquet Club
3410 Clubview Drive
Fort Myers, Florida 33917 (239) 731-0101
www.sabalspringshoa.net
Grants (BOD: Rick Stamper)
Sandy Cocca (Co-Chair)
Cathy Piper (Co-Chair)
Library (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Dee Dunphy (Chair)
Marsha Hausser
Carmella Manning
Sheri Weitner
Pool (BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Signs (BOD: John Bass)
Linn Campbell (Chair)
Greg Costa
Tennis/Pickleball
(BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Peter Kwaak (Chair)
Greg Costa
Visionary
(BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Diane Smith (Chair)
Cathy Bowen
Greg Costa
Veronica Donohue
Susan Goyer
Taren Grom
Bill Hare
Heather Jones
Gordon Knipe
Peter Kwaak
Lauri Mansky
Donna Milbee
Marty Touper
Welcome (BOD: John Baas)
Lanier Harrison (Co-Chair)
Jeanine Clapp (Co-Chair)
Diane Galante
The announcement of the committees was made at the April HOA meeting. Thank you to all the new chairs of all the committees and a great big thank you to everyone who signed up to assist Sabal Springs in all its community endeavors. 2025 is going to be another great year here in Sabal Springs.
These listings, which are maintained by the S.S.H.O.A. office, will be updated as the committees continue to organize. Please notify the office of any changes or corrections by email or contacting the S.S.H.O.A. office at (239) 731-2191 as well as The Breeze at sabalspringsbreeze@gmail.com.
Room reservations (ALL) contact the S.S.H.O.A. office at (239) 731-2191. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARRANGE FOR ANY EVENT THAT INVOLVES NON-RESIDENTS, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO NOTIFY THE GATEHOUSE.
Happy Birthday – May
TAREN GROM
The zodiac signs for May are Taurus and Gemini. Taurus is the sign for people born between April 20 and May 20 and Geminis are born between May 21 and June 21.
The birthstone for May is the emerald.
The birth flowers for May are lily of the valley ( Convallaria majalis ) and the hawthorn ( Crataegus ).
Taurus are known for being reliable, sensual, and stubborn. They are also known for being hardworking, patient, and nurturing.
• Hardworking: They are dedicated and put their energy into earning money.
• Patient: They are dependable and enjoy listening.
• Sensual: They love taking their time and indulging the five senses.
• Stubborn: They can be rigid, but this also helps them focus on priorities.
• Nurturing: They are known for their patience and nurturing tendencies.
• Loyal: They value stability, security, and loyalty in relationships.
• Perfectionist: They thrive on perfectionism, which can lead to stress and procrastination.
Gemini are known for their duality and versatility, are typically intellectual, communicative, and adaptable, often described as social butterflies who thrive on mental stimulation and engaging conversations.
• Intellectual and Curious: Geminis are naturally curious and have a thirst for knowledge, often exploring different ideas and topics.
• Communicative and Social: They are excellent communicators and enjoy interacting with others, making them social and outgoing.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Geminis are known for their adaptability and ability to handle different situations and roles.
• Playful and Witty: They often have a playful and witty sense of humor, making them fun to be around.
• Duality: Geminis are known for their dual nature, meaning they can sometimes be seen as indecisive or inconsistent.
• Quick-Witted: They are quick-witted and can think on their feet, making them good at problem-solving and quick-thinking.
• Eager to Learn: Geminis are always eager to learn new things and expand their knowledge.
Star Gazing – The Visible Planets in May 2025
TAREN GROM
In May 2025, Southwest Florida stargazers can look forward to a Planetary Parade, with five planets—Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury—potentially visible with the naked eye, and a full moon on May 12, which is also called the “Flower Moon.”
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
• May 12: There will be a full moon, also known as the Flower Moon.
• May 26: There will be a new moon, which will create the darkest sky of the month, perfect for stargazing.
• Other Celestial Events:
While not specifically mentioned for May, the Lyrid meteor shower, which peaked in April, is still visible during May, as are many other meteor showers throughout the year.
