Stoneybrook Happenings
By Denis Oldani, President HOA
We are into a new year and our seasonal neighbors have returned, please be aware of the increased traffic here in Stoneybrook. With more cars, golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians on the streets and paths, please remember as you drive to follow the speed limits and stop signs, this applies not only to cars but golf carts and bicycles. The Miramar wall repair is coming along and the CDD will be starting, if they have
Donuts With Santa
Santa and Mrs. Clause took time out of their busy schedules to stop by Stoneybrook. The kids were able to get a picture with Santa and tell him what was on their Christmas wish list. Even Stanley made the nice list this year. Everyone had fun putting together reindeer food,
not already, this month the street replacements. Updates will be e-blasted as needed.
The Activities Committees have many things planned for the next few months for all of us. Please refer to the activities schedule that is posted at the Community Center.
Bingo, Coffee Tea and Chat, Brylcream Band, Johnny Rogers and Stoneybrook Day just to name a few.
Enjoy our wonderful Southwest Florida weather and stay safe.
eating donuts, and making crafts all of which were provided by Jack Mancini with Keller Williams Realty. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Congratulations to our first, second and third place winners of the Christmas golf cart parade. We had a great turnout this year both in the parade and watching. Everyone braved the mosquitoes and made the best of it. Stephanie Crockett
Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons
The following Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons have been scheduled:
Thanks to everyone for their donations for the Immokalee/ Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children.
Bingo Nights Bingo
Is Back!
Get Your Daubers Ready For The 2024 Season
Reminder: Please email Jewel if you are attending so we can distance the tables. If we do not get 10 people, bingo will be cancelled.
The 2024 dates are Jan. 11 and 25, Feb. 8 and 22, March 7 and 21, April 4 and 18, May 2 and 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Stoneybrook Clubhouse.
Please bring your masks (optional). Stay safe and take care of yourselves.
The cost will be $10 for three cards per game. We play 10 double games. Daubers are available for purchase. BYOB and snacks. This is for ages 18-plus only (Florida state law). Jewel Faerber and the Activities Committee, jcf0519@comcast.net
Stoneybrook Master Association Board Of Directors
Denis Oldani, President Melissa Mahmoud, Vice President
Daniel “Todd” Madden, Secretary John Detterbeck, Treasurer
Directors: Darrell Grigg, Kelly Moretti
The Board of Directors meets on the third Tuesday of the month in the Community Center. Meetings are open to all community members. Residents may address the Board during Residents’ Open Forum which begins at 6:30 p.m. At the end of the Residents’ Forum the general meeting begins.
Stoneybrook Community Development District (CDD) Board of Supervisors
Eileen Huff - Chairperson, Chris Brady - Vice Chairperson, Phil Olive - Assistant Secretary, Phil Simonsen - Assistant Secretary, Adam Dalton - Assistant Secretary
The Board of Supervisors meets at 9 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Community Center. Exceptions are: November and December held on the second Tuesday because of holidays, and February, May, June and August held at 6 p.m. Meetings are open to all community members. Agendas, minutes and other information can be found on the CDD website: www.stoneybrookesterocdd.com.
Stoneybrook – A Golf Community
Front Gate 949-4965
DwellingLIVE Guest Registration (888) 994-4117
Community Center 948-1787
Community Center Fax 948-1786
Pro Shop 948-3933
Golf Course Superintendent 948-9057
Main Line Irrigation Problems
– during normal golfing hours 948-9057
Alliant Property Management LLC 454-1101
Alliant Property Management Fax 454-1147
Lennar (formerly US Home) 278-1177
Lee County Sheriff’s Office 477-1200
Poison Control (800) 222-1222
Alligator Hotline (866) 392-4286
Animal Control 432-2083
Mosquito Control 694-2174
Comcast 432-9277
Florida Power & Light 334-7754
Lee County Utilities 936-0247
– to report “Lift Station” alarm 479-8700
Sunshine Before You Dig (800) 432-4770
(Underground Cable Locating Service)
Waste Services of Florida 332-8500
Free Residential Appliance Pickup 337-0800
– please do not dispose in community Dumpsters
Master Board
Contact us on the Home page on the Website: www.stoneybrookestero.org
Alliant Property Management LLC
Emergency (24-hour) Number: (239) 454-1101 www.alliantproperty.com
13831 Vector Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907 Community Center
E-mail: stoneybrook.office@alliantproperty.com
Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 11:30 a.m.
Bonefish Grill
26381 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs
Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 11:30 a.m.
Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant
14301 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers
(Just before Sanibel Causeway, next to Port Sanibel Marina)
Tuesday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m.
Carrabbas
Gulf Coast Town Center
You may sign up for all luncheons at the Community Center or call to have your name placed on the list. Carpooling is encouraged. If you have any questions or need a ride match please contact Chris Costello, (239) 301-4510, chrispea46@hotmail.com or Helen Ruocco, (239) 992-0616, paradise11@comcast.net. See you there!
Book Club
By Jewel Faerber
We meet in our library. As always, all are welcome to participate in the discussion. If you did not read the book, a printed summary of the book is given out before our discussions. If you have read a book that you think we would enjoy reading, please bring the title and the author’s name. We are always looking for new novels to read.
Our book club will meet the third Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please email Jewel at jcf0519@ comcast.net so we will know how many people plan to attend.
Schedule For 2024
Jan. 15 – The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki
Feb. 19 – The Lie Maker by Linwood Barclay
March 18 – The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende
April 15 – Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See May 20 – The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
The Accidental Empress By Allison Pataki
New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki follows up on her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Traitor’s Wife, with the little-known and tumultuous love story of “Sisi” the Austro-Hungarian Empress and captivating wife of Emperor Franz Joseph.
The year is 1853, and the Habsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. With his empire stretching from Austria to Russia, from Germany to Italy, Emperor Franz Joseph is young, rich, and ready to marry.
Fifteen-year-old Elisabeth, “Sisi,” Duchess of Bavaria, travels to the Habsburg Court with her older sister, who is betrothed to the young emperor. But shortly after her arrival at court, Sisi finds herself in an unexpected dilemma: she has inadvertently fallen for and won the heart of her sister’s groom. Franz Joseph reneges on his
Coffee, Tea And Chat December
earlier proposal and declares his intention to marry Sisi instead.
Thrust onto the throne of Europe’s most treacherous imperial court, Sisi upsets political and familial loyalties in her quest to win, and keep, the love of her emperor, her people, and of the world.
With Pataki’s rich period detail and cast of complex, bewitching characters, The Accidental Empress offers a captivating glimpse into one of history’s most intriguing royal families, shedding new light on the glittering Hapsburg Empire and its most mesmerizing, most beloved “Fairy Queen.”
Another great Coffee, Tea and Chat event! We were glad to see everyone before the holidays and catch up during this busy time of year. May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We will see you next year.
Tips From The Pro
Three Rules Of Thumb For Parents To Remember When Buying Your Junior Golfer New Clubs
By Chase Marinell, Lead Instructor for The Andy Scott School of Golf, The Executive Director of the SWFJGA 1. Golf clubs need to be the correct length and weight for the junior golfer. Time and time again I see junior golfers who have golf clubs that are way too long and heavy. I have seen junior golfers who start out behind the 8-ball from a technique standpoint because he/she might have started golf with golf clubs that were too long and heavy. He/she will make very penalizing swing adjustments because the golf clubs are too long and heavy. Hand-me-downs are dangerous for this reason as they could be extremely long for the junior golfer.
2. Junior golfers do not need 14 clubs (a full set). As a matter of fact, I prefer a junior golfer have much less
than that. This can instill creativity on the golf course for the junior golfer as he/she will have to hit shots with a club that might not be the perfect club for that specific shot. An 8- to 12-club set is just fine and almost preferred for a young junior golfer for the reason I stated above.
3. Do not kick the can down the road. I have seen parents who buy golf clubs that are two years too big for the junior golfer in order to not have to go through the process of buying new clubs for another few years. This is dangerous as those golf clubs will be too heavy/ long for the junior golfer just to avoid buying new clubs for an additional two years. For the junior golfer who is new to the game, this is dangerous as he/she will start out playing golf with clubs that are too long/heavy. For the experienced golfer, this is just as dangerous as he/she could derail all the progress made on his/her golf swing because their parents put new golf clubs in their hands that are now too long/heavy.
If you’re interested in lessons, please contact me at chasemarinell@yahoo.com or call (239) 848-2021.
Update On The Golf Course
By Eileen Huff, CDD Board Chairperson
For the month of November, the actual rounds of golf were 5,044 to a budget of 5,133. For the month of December through Dec. 16 the actual rounds played are on target to meet budget by month end. Revenues to budget are up 17 percent. So, the course is doing well. Cash balance as of Dec. 15 was $391,204.80. The roadway project will begin in January. A final schedule will be submitted and emailed to the community by the second week in January. This will list the roads to be done by date and the full time line. But we all must remember that schedules can and will change depending on weather and any unforeseen delays. We will keep you posted on all schedules and changes.
The CDD Board would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and successful 2024.
If you are interested in lessons or joining one of the Women’s or Men’s Stoneybrook Golf Leagues, please contact the Pro Shop at (239) 948-3933.
If you have any questions regarding these issues or any concerns, please email the CDD at cdd@ stoneybrookesterocdd.com, or attend the CDD meetings.
The September CDD meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. It will be held at the Stoneybrook Community Center.
Angel Tree
A huge thank you to everyone in the community who helped provide a gift for a child this year. Due to your generous donations, The Friends of Foster organization were able to provide 300 gifts. They are very grateful and appreciative of this community each year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Joan
TLP Tidbit$
Trimming The Waistline And Beefing Up The Bank
Account: Your Dual New Year’s Resolution For 2024
By Thomas L. Patricca, CFP®, CEPS
As the clock strikes midnight and the confetti settles, millions around the world resolve to embark on a new year filled with promise and self-improvement. Two perennial contenders for the top spot-on resolution lists? Losing weight and saving money. Surprisingly, these seemingly disparate goals share more in common than you might think. In fact, resolving to work with a Certified Financial Planner™ for 2024 might just be the missing link between shedding pounds and stacking dollars.
Let’s kick off the comparison with the most apparent similarity: cutting back. In the realm of weight loss, it’s all about reducing caloric intake. In the financial world, it
Water Aerobics
Morning Stretch
Monday, Wednesday And Friday – 8 To 8:30 a.m. And 8:30 To 9 a.m.
There are two, half-hour stretch segments. It’s an excellent way to work all the different parts of the body while improving your balance, coordination and strength. It uses your own resistance as we strive for total body toning and fitness. Each class is a cross between tai chi, yoga and Pilates. This is a great class to achieve a full stretch. You can come to one session or both, depending on what works for you. Come and join us!
For any questions call: Linda Masters, (740) 361-4088.
translates to trimming the fat from your budget. Just as we eliminate excess calories from our diets, we can identify unnecessary expenditures and start saving those dollars.
Imagine your budget as a daily caloric limit – every dollar counts, just like every calorie. It’s not about depriving yourself but about making mindful choices. Instead of that extra latte, opt for homemade coffee and deposit the saved cash into your savings account. The same principle applies to both your waistline and your wallet: Small, consistent changes add up over time.
For those embarking on a weight loss journey, keeping track of food intake is often a key strategy. Similarly, maintaining a budget requires diligent tracking of expenses. Just as a food journal reveals eating patterns, a financial tracker unveils spending habits. Both tools provide valuable insights, helping you identify areas for improvement.
In 2024, make it a resolution to track your financial fitness alongside your physical fitness. Whether it’s through apps, spreadsheets, or good old pen and paper, the act of monitoring your money can be as empowering as tracking your steps or calorie intake. And just like weight loss, consistency is key; incremental progress adds up to significant results.
Whether aiming to shed pounds or save dollars, setting realistic goals is crucial. Crash diets and extreme budgeting rarely lead to lasting success. Instead, establish achievable milestones. Losing one to two pounds per week or saving a set percentage of your income are reasonable, sustainable goals. Enter the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) as your personal trainer for fiscal fitness. Just as a fitness expert
tailors workout plans to individual needs, a CFP tailors financial strategies to your specific circumstances. They help you set realistic, achievable goals, whether it’s paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or planning for retirement. With a CFP in your corner, you’re equipped with the expertise needed to navigate the financial landscape and reach your milestones.
Weight loss and financial stability share a common denominator: the importance of long-term thinking. Quick fixes and fad diets rarely lead to sustained health, just as impulsive spending and get-rich-quick schemes rarely result in lasting financial security.
Enlisting a CFP is akin to hiring a personal trainer for your money. They provide the guidance and structure needed to cultivate healthy financial habits. Much like a workout routine, a well-crafted financial plan evolves over time, adapting to changes in your life and economic landscape. Investing in the expertise of a CFP is an investment in your long-term financial well-being, ensuring that your money works for you, just as your body works for you.
In the grand tradition of New Year’s resolutions, why settle for one when you can have two? Combine your weight loss journey with a commitment to financial fitness, and you’ve got a powerhouse duo for transformative change. Make 2024 the year you prioritize both your physical and fiscal health, recognizing that a Certified Financial Planner is your ticket to lasting financial success. After all, a lighter waistline and a heavier wallet sound like the perfect recipe for a thriving new year.
Monthly Motivation
New Year’s Goals
By Joshua A. Sky, Career Coach and Leadership Trainer
A new year generally congers up the concept of a fresh new slate. And with it we are apt to be setting professional and personal goals for the first quarter and the whole year to come:
• Spending more time with your family?
• Adding exercise to your life...again?
• Working on a hobby you haven’t had time for?
• Buying a new house or car?
• Meeting more new people?
• Changing careers?
• Getting a promotion?
• Planning some mini vacations?
• Going back to school?
What are your plans? Many articles focus on New Year’s Resolutions at this time of year. Whatever you wish to call them, let’s look at how to better design them. Here are some statements that you may have heard.
• Look at those school pictures from last year. The kids are getting older and there are a lot of things I’ve missed in their lives. They won’t be young forever.
• All I do is buy larger clothes; I must go on a diet in January.
• I missed the bonus I was counting on, so I must have a better year in my sales numbers.
• I don’t like my boss and need to find a better job this year.
• The market is too competitive for me; I need to find new niches for my products or services.
• With them retiring, I just must get the promotion this summer.
And the list can go on and on. Yet, there is something missing in all these statements. The intentions are real but they’re not SMART. Whether you’ve learned them in the past and this is a refresher, or this is your first experience with them, let’s look at how you can get SMART er with your goals.
• S Specific (use clear language, minimize ambiguity)
• M Measurable (set a goal that can be evaluated, include quantifiers)
• A Agreed Upon (create a goal that can be achieved with the energy and resources of those who need to be involved)
• R Realistic (set high standards but only high enough that they can be achieved)
• T Time Sensitive (set a timeline for when the goal is to be completed)
As SMART as all of this may be beginning to sound, what do you think is missing which is needed for success? For some of us, we can do it alone; but my experience is that most of us, including organizations, can’t. What’s missing is the follow through! Brainstorming on a path of self-discovery is always exciting.
But what happens when we return to the real world of routine and obligations? We often lose sight of the track we need to be on to move forward. In my work with organizations and individuals, goal setting is often a part of my service, but accountability and support are crucial. Happy and healthy new year and get SMART er with your goals in 2024!
“One part at a time, one day at a time, we can accomplish any goal we set for ourselves.” – Karen Casey
Water Aerobics Holiday Luncheon