Stoneybrook Estero
Stoneybrook Happenings
Greetings Neighbors,
We hope this newsletter finds you well as we head into March, a month that brings us warmer weather and the vibrant spirit of St. Patrick’s Day! May your day be filled with a bit of Irish luck and perhaps some festive green attire.
A friendly reminder that our Annual Members Meeting is fast approaching! Please mark your calendars for March 18 at 6:30 p.m., in the Community Center. Your participation is vital to the success of our community.
If you haven’t already cast your vote electronically or by mail, please do so! We need your proxy to reach a quorum and hold the meeting. Every vote counts! If you require a paper ballot, you can pick one up at the office during regular business hours.
On a separate note, the power washing of the street gutters and sidewalks should be completed, or if not, will be shortly. We appreciate your patience during this process.
We look forward to seeing many of you at the meeting.
Stay safe.
February Coffee, Tea And Chat
FAMILY ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
On Tuesday, February 18, over 40 residents of Stoneybrook attended the monthly Coffee and Chat. The room was decorated for Mardi Gras and the decorations and centerpieces were magnificent!
The desserts were very good. It seems that each month more and more people bake their specialties and bring them for everyone to enjoy. And we do!
Please join us on March 18 when our theme will be St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t forget to wear your green clothes and hats.
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Corey Bank
Justein Matthias
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
Comic Event
On Feb. 13, a crowd of over 50 people truly enjoyed the comedy of Tommy Bell and R. C. Smith. R. C. has been here before and he never fails to be one of the funniest comedians in the area. I take it back- he is the funniest!
Stoneybrook Craft Fair
Stay
13th Annual Breaking Par For Education A Success
The 13th Annual Breaking Par for Education Gala Dinner, featuring a murder mystery theme and scramble golf outing on February 1 and 2 at Grandezza, included plenty of fun moments. Steve Sarkozy, the Estero
SOPHIA TRAPASSO, A STUDENT FROM NAPLES WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE CEO PROGRAM THROUGH FGCU, AND KELLY WILSON FROM FGCU D & K SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP. LEAD ESTERO STUDENT JOHN “TREY” RAMSEY PORTRAYS COLONEL MUSTARD IN THE CENTER.
PAR FOR EDUCATION GALA.
GOLFERS AT 2025 BREAKING PAR FOR EDUCATION FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: BRUCE OSBORN, ROTARY CLUB OF ESTERO PRESIDENT STEVEN MAYER, RICK LASCHOBER AND BRUCE SADDLE.
Village Manager, was the Guest of Honor. Preliminary gross proceeds have surpassed $100,000.
LEAD Estero organizes the gala and golf tournament with the support of Engage Estero, the host. All proceeds will go toward funding LEAD Estero educational initiatives.
Thanks to all who supported this year’s event.
LEAD ESTERO VP AKSHAR PATAR AND PRESIDENT KATIE KUIECK, BOTH STUDENTS AT ESTERO HIGH SCHOOL, WELCOMED GUESTS TO THE BREAKING
Monthly Motivation
JOSHUA A. SKY, CAREER COACH AND LEADERSHIP TRAINER
SLOW DOWN
Isn’t life moving faster than ever? Don’t we see it in every part of our lives? Everyone around us is also moving at a fast pace. Technology was supposed to make our lives easier. Phones ring. Emails interrupt us. Texts fly in. To slow down takes a major effort.
It’s all about toleration. How much are you going to tolerate? You must stop and think about what you’re going to do to manage everything going on around you. And, surprise , no one else WILL do it for you; no one else CAN do it for you. If it is to be, it’s up to me.
Work with planning and evaluation. Work with important things because not everything is urgent. Work with a partner if necessary.
Take a breath! Slow down!
“Slow living is not about living your life in slow motion; it’s about doing everything at the right speed and pacing instead of rushing. By that same logic, slow living is not about losing time by going slowly; it’s about gaining time by doing the things that are most important to you.” -
Kayleigh Dray
Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons
The following ladies luncheons have been scheduled:
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11:30 am
Miller’s Ale House 10065 Gulf Center Drive Fort Myers (Gulf Coast Town Center)
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 11:30 am
Zorba’s Mediterranean Grille 9106 Bonita Beach Road SE Bonita Springs
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 TBD
You may sign up for all luncheons at the community center to have your name placed on the list. If you sign up and later cannot attend, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Carpooling is encouraged. If you have any questions or need a ride match, please contact Chris Costello (774) 5737064, chrispea46@hotmail.com.
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.
WATER AEROBICS
CLASS TIME CHANGE
Starting in December, the schedule for water aerobics will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10 a.m.
Pinochle Players
Needed!
Pinochle players are needed to play at the clubhouse! Ladies and gentlemen included. We will teach you how to play! Please call Hellen Ruocco at (239) 992-0616.
March Book Summary
TELL ME EVERYTHING
BY ELIZABETH STROUT
With her remarkable insight into the human condition and silences that contain multitudes, Elizabeth Strout returns to the town of Crosby, Maine, and to her beloved cast of characters—Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess, and more—as they deal with a shocking crime in their midst, fall in love and yet choose to be apart, and grapple with the question, as Lucy Barton puts it, “What does anyone’s life mean?”
It’s autumn in Maine, and the town lawyer Bob Burgess has become enmeshed in an unfolding murder investigation, defending a lonely, isolated man accused of killing his mother. He has also fallen into a deep and abiding friendship with the acclaimed writer Lucy Barton, who lives down the
road in a house by the sea with her exhusband, William. Together, Lucy and Bob go on walks and talk about their lives, their fears and regrets, and what might have been. Lucy, meanwhile, is finally introduced to the iconic Olive Kitteridge, now living in a retirement community on the edge of town. They spend afternoons together in Olive’s apartment, telling each other stories. Stories about people they have known— “unrecorded lives,” Olive calls them— reanimating them, and, in the process, imbuing their lives with meaning.
Brimming with empathy and pathos, Tell Me Everything is Elizabeth Strout operating at the height of her powers, illuminating the ways in which our relationships keep us afloat. As Lucy says, “Love comes in so many different forms, but it is always love.”
Book Club-2025
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.
Please email Jewel at jcf0519@ comcast.net so we will know how many people plan to attend.
Bingo Nights
Our Book Club will meet the third Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
March 17 Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout April 21 The Measure by Nikki Erlick May 19 The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
JEWEL FAERBER AND THE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
JEWEL’S EMAIL: JCF0519@COMCAST.NET
Reminder: Please email Jewel if you are attending so we can distance the tables. If we do not get 10 people, bingo will be canceled.
2025- BINGO AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
UPCOMING DATES ARE:
March - no dates available April 10 and 24
May 8 and 15
From 7 to 9 p.m. in the Stoneybrook Clubhouse.
Please bring your masks (optional). Stay safe and take care of yourselves.
• $10 for 3 cards/game. We play 10 double games.
• Daubers are available for purchase at $1.50 each.
• BYOB and snacks.
• 18-plus years of age only (Florida state law)
Upcoming Meetings And Events
RESULTS OF THE VILLAGE OF ESTERO TRAFFIC SURVEY
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Estero Park & Recreation Center
920 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., in Estero, Florida
Little affects our daily quality of life as significantly as traffic. Engage Estero and the Village of Estero to take road conditions and management seriously.
The Village employs a series of Master Plans in each functional responsibility area to guide community investment and growth. The Estero Village Council recently chose Johnson Engineering to update the Villagewide Traffic Study Master Plan.
The study aims to identify current and future traffic issues while providing recommendations to enhance traffic flow and safety in Estero. The study covers: — Projected developments on vacant parcels.
— Traffic impacts from areas beyond Estero.
At the Engage Estero March Community and Membership Meeting, the results of the study will be provided by:
o Steve Sarkozy: Estero’s Village Manager
o David Willems: Estero’s Director of Public Works
o Leah Holmes: Transportation Engineer at Johnson Engineering
Registration is free, but seating is limited, so RSVP is required online at: https://esterotoday.com/mar2025/
Steve Sarkozy
Estero Village Manager
David Willems
Village Director of Public Works
Leah Holmes Johnson Engineering
To stay informed about important events and issues in Estero, please subscribe to Engage Estero’s emails. This will give you access to local news and significant community articles concerning greater Estero. www.esterotoday.com . ******************
At Engage Estero, we believe in the strength of the community. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical nonprofit, we utilize evidencebased research to provide impartial facts and information about community issues that can improve your quality of life.
“Be Informed, Get Engaged, and Make an Impact!”
UPDATES ON DEVELOPMENTS IN GREATER ESTERO AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.
The update, accessed by many residents, is now available on the Engage Estero Website, www.esterotoday.com .
The comprehensive articles highlight many projects that have started or are about to start. They include:
• Four new hotels scheduled for Estero.
• The development north of Broadway on U.S. 41.
• The “Woodfield” development on the northwest side of U.S. 41 and Coconut Road.
• Numerous commercial developments:
◦ The Aldi development on East Corkscrew.
◦ The final work on WaWa, opening soon in the Lowe’s Plaza on Corkscrew Road.
◦ And many more.
The Sports and Recreational Complex that has begun west of via Coconut and Williams Road.
To learn more about what is planned or is currently happening, take a few minutes to review the thoroughly researched information.
TLP Tidbit$
THOMAS L. PATRICCA, CFP ® , CEPS, AEP ®
Tax Time is Over … Now What? Let’s Talk 529 Plans!
By now, you’ve (hopefully) filed your tax return, celebrated (or sulked), and moved on. But don’t wait until next March to start thinking about your future taxes—get ahead of the game now! One area worth a little attention is education funding.
Now, before you say, “I don’t have kids, this isn’t for me,” hold up! Education funding isn’t just for parents. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even generous friends can give the gift of knowledge to future generations—and maybe even snag a tax break in the process.
529 Plans: What’s In It for You?
While 529 contributions aren’t deductible on your federal taxes, some states do offer a tax break. And, of course, the IRS has rules (because when don’t they?). In 2025, you can make an annual contribution up to $19,000 per child if you’re single, or $38,000 if you’re married filing jointly— without triggering gift tax implications.
Feeling extra generous? You can superfund a 529 plan with up to $95,000 (single) or $190,000 (married filing jointly) in one year. But there’s a catch: you’ll need to file Form 709 and spread the gift over five years for tax purposes. Each state may have lifetime maximums that are even higher.
The Fun Part: Using That 529 Money!
Not all education expenses are created equal. The IRS allows tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses (QEEs)— but keeping solid records is key (because audits aren’t fun).
Covered Expenses (a.k.a. The Good Stuff)
Tuition & fees (yes, some K-12 tuition counts!)
Room & board (but only if the student is enrolled at least half-time)
Computers, software, and internet Books & supplies
Some loan repayment and special needs equipment
What’s NOT Covered (a.k.a. The Fun Killers)
✘ Extracurricular activity fees
✘ Health insurance
✘ Application and testing fees
✘ Travel costs—even for study abroad!
Bonus Tax Perks!
Beyond the 529, you might be eligible for:
The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – Up to $2,500 per year for 4 years
The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) – Up to $2,000 per year (with a $10,000 lifetime max)
Of course, tax credits come with income limits, rules, and fine print. And to make things even trickier, you can’t double-dip by using the same expenses for multiple tax breaks.
The Bottom Line? Talk to a Pro
We’ve only scratched the surface here. Each state has its own 529 plan, rules, and benefits. And if you don’t use the funds for education, you still have options to avoid penalties and taxes. Want to make the most of your education savings strategy? Consider working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® to help you navigate the fine print and maximize your tax benefits.
RESOURCE HUB
STONEYBROOK OF ESTERO
STONEYBROOK MASTER ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President:
Denis Oldani
Vice President:
Melissa Mahmoud
Secretary:
Daniel “Todd” Madden
Treasurer:
John Detterbeck
Directors:
Darrell Grigg
Matthew Reed
Elizabeth Hanson
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.
Front Gate
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
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