Estero
Production
Michelle
Stoneybrook Happenings
DENIS OLDANI, HOA PRESIDENT
Greetings, Neighbors!
As the gentle breezes of fall begin to grace Southwest Florida, we find ourselves at the gateway of one of the most vibrant times of the year. From the festive spirit of Halloween to the solemn gratitude of Veterans Day and the warmth of Thanksgiving, there is so much to look forward to.
It’s time to dust off the cobwebs and get into the spirit! Here are some ideas for a fun and safe Halloween for everyone. For decorating, you can ditch the traditional pumpkins that wilt in our heat and opt for more durable gourds or, better yet, paint plastic pumpkins or jack-o-lantern buckets. Consider using LED candles to avoid fire hazards. Get creative with spooky lights, as orange and purple string lights can instantly transform your home. Look for projection lights that cast ghosts, bats, or spiders onto your house for a high-impact, low-effort effect. You can also create a “spooky swamp” with Spanish moss, rubber snakes, and eerie lighting in your yard or by your pool. It’s
a fun, local twist on a classic haunted scene. For safety, be sure to ensure your walkways and front porch are well-lit for trick-or-treaters. Remove any tripping hazards from your yard, such as garden hoses, lawn decorations, and pots. Consider keeping pets inside during peak trick-or-treating hours, as the constant doorbell ringing and unfamiliar costumes can be stressful for them. Always inspect candy before consumption and discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items.
On Monday, November 11, we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and show your gratitude. You can check local city and county websites for information on Veterans Day parades or memorial services in our area. If you know a veteran, take a moment to thank them for their service, as a simple phone call, card, or kind word can mean the world.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s never too early to start planning! If you’re not in the mood to cook, many local restaurants and grocery stores offer precooked turkey and sides. Be sure to reserve yours early. With so many home-cooked meals, remember to never leave cooking food unattended and keep a fire extinguisher handy.
The Lancaster Run ownership project is moving forward. Hopefully this will all be resolved soon. The 2026 Master Association Budget will be presented and voted on at the October 21 meeting. The proposed budget is available for review on the association’s website. Be sure and check out the calendar in this issue for activities in our community.
Stay safe.
Coffee, Tea, & Chat Turned Three!
JOAN BIANCO
September’s gathering of Stoneybrook residents and friends was a heartwarming celebration of connection, comfort, and community as nearly two dozen friends came together to mark the third birthday of Coffee, Tea, & Chat.
Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons
Tuesday, October 14
11:30 a.m.
Bahama Breeze
14701 Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 33912
Tuesday, November 11
11:30 a.m.
Happy Veterans Day! Clambake
16520 S. Tamiami Trail Island Park, Fort Myers 33908
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 at (774) 573-7064.
SOLITAIRE: IF/THEN IMPACTS
For some time now, I have been playing Solitaire (the card game). As a child, I remember learning it, and a variation of it, from grandparents on both sides of my family. In Russian, it was called “Patience.” Fast forward to a world that my grandparents could have never imagined –
Monthly Motivation
JOSHUA A. SKY, CAREER COACH AND LEADERSHIP TRAINER
with digital versions of this game not only on computers but now on all types of electronic devices, including my smartphone.
Lately, I have been playing almost every day. There is a Daily Challenge (helping me to understand from the derivation of the Russian name). Sometimes it takes me more than 10 tries to complete the game.
With this, one of my reflections of this game is that with “trial and error,” there is a comparison to life in general. Each day, we try things, some with relatively easy success, some with struggle, and some even with failure.
It’s a game based on making moves and one move impacts the next. Therefore, one incorrect move can hinder reaching the outcome and completing the game. Also,
it spotlights “cause and effect”: each move impacting the next one. This is probably why games like this are recommended to keep our brains vibrant.
Each and every day, your “if” will lead to your “then.” Choose wisely!
“Our daily decisions and habits have a huge impact upon both our levels of happiness and success.” – Shawn Achor
Stoneybrook Book Club
JEWEL FAERBER
The Stoneybrook Book Club meets every month. Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 20.
We will be meeting in the community center from 11 a.m. to noon.
All are welcome to participate in our discussion.
The October book is Diva by Daisy Goodwin.
Please join us.
THE DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE IN GREATER ESTERO
Our September Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) gives a thorough update on urbanization in Greater Estero. Growth rates remain high, especially in East Corkscrew and within the Village. Estero’s population is projected to grow by over 8,000 within the next 2 to 3 years, whereas East Corkscrew is expected to reach approximately 60,000 residents within a decade. The September GECR report’s introduction covers these trends. You can find the details using the following URL: https://esterotoday.com/ research.
Many residents have said they would like to better understand: Where is Estero heading? And what is likely to be its future in 15 to 20 years?
Engage Estero is pleased to inform you that an authoritative panel has agreed to respond to these key questions at a Public Forum produced by Engage Estero at FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom on March 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. Please make a note of the date, as it is sure to be very well attended. You can register for the meeting later this year.
Our esteemed panel members will be:
• Steve Sarkozy, Estero’s Village Manager
• Dr Aysegul Timur, FGCU’s President
• Chris Simoneau, Lee Health’s Chief Development, Marketing and Communications Officer
• Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of The Hoffmann Family of Companies, or David Hoffmann, Founder of the Hoffmann Family of Companies
Don’t miss this Public Forum: More details coming later.
The Engage Estero Community Meeting at The Estero Recreation Center, October 28 at 10:30 a.m.
The meeting will cover:
I. The latest information on cancer research and new treatment options from the Southwest Florida Proton –therapy center.
Dr. Shannon MacDonald, Medical Director at Southwest Florida Proton, was previously an accomplished associate professor of radiation oncology at Harvard Medical
School. She has also held multiple leadership roles at Massachusetts General Hospital and served as the primary investigator for several proton therapy trials. It is a privilege to have Dr. MacDonald share her knowledge and insights on the latest cancer research and new treatment options.
An unmissable talk! RSVP at: https://esterotoday. com/event/oct2025.
The legal changes affecting HOA and condo owners and managers.
Andy Provost, General Counsel and Overseer of Operational Aspects of Resort Management, will provide homeowners and property managers with essential information about the legal changes that impact HOAs and Condominiums in Southwest Florida. Andy was a former Attorney at Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. His work, together with a team of experienced colleagues, involves legal guidance, financial stability, and operational efficiency for homeowners and condominium associations.
II. Latest news on East Corkscrew Road improvements and other concerns for the area.
Mark Novitski is a consultant for Engage Estero and a member of the East Corkscrew Alliance. He has played a key role in monitoring various roads, traffic, educational, and
safety issues in both East Corkscrew and the Village of Estero. Mark continues to supply vital information to the community and will speak about matters related to East Corkscrew. This will cover the:
i) latest road development news.
ii) Mining and trucking.
iii) Safety issues regarding children attending local schools.
The I-75 expansion and the need to emphasize noise abatement remedial action.
In early September, Engage Estero impressed on the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the need to ensure the 22-foot-high noise abatement wall is erected along the entire west side of the highway (the east side of the Brooks’ communities) in support of the presidents of the five Brooks’ communities. Following Engage Estero’s examination of the qualities of such noise abatement walls, research conducted by the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) that reviewed the “sound transmission class” (STC) and “noise reduction coefficient” (NRC) of abatement walls concluded that the leading companies and brands for highway noise barriers are:
a. Valmont SoundWall™ (North America)
b. Durisol Precast Noise Barriers (North America, including Canada).
Given the evidence that has determined the particular benefits of these two products, Engage Estero has requested that one of these products be chosen for the task at hand. The test by FDOT to examine the value of the new noisedeadening asphalt used on a stretch of I-75 in the Estero area appears to have resulted in a marked reduction in tire noise when driving over the new asphalt. If fully implemented, together with a continuous 22-foot wall of the type mentioned, this would meaningfully protect property values and residents’ well-being and be well received by the overall community.
If other HOAs, on a collective basis, would like Engage Estero’s support on this issue, please contact us at info@EsteroToday.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.
TLP Tidbit$
THOMAS L. PATRICCA, CFP ® , CEPS, AEP ®
MAKING SURE YOUR FINAL WISHES DON’T COME BACK TO HAUNT YOUR FAMILY
October is the season of ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night. But you know what’s scarier than a haunted house? Leaving your loved ones completely in the dark about your final wishes. While estate planning documents—wills, trusts, and the like—are essential, they’re not the place to spell out whether you want a traditional burial, cremation, or a fullon costume party sendoff. Those papers usually aren’t read until a couple of weeks after you’ve passed away—long after decisions have been made and the black cat has crossed the road.
So, how do you ensure your wishes don’t vanish into thin air like a ghost at midnight? Here are two tried-and-true methods.
Option 1: Prearrange With A Funeral Director
Think of this as the “no tricks, just treats” approach. Sitting down with a funeral director allows you to spell out the details of your final sendoff—and I’m not just talking about picking between “Amazing Grace” or “Thriller.” You can cover everything from the big choices down to the tiniest details:
• Burial or cremation.
• Casket or urn selection —yes, there are catalogs.
• Service type —religious, non-religious, graveside, or a full celebration-of-life event.
• Location —church, funeral home, beach, park, or even your own backyard (permits may apply).
• Music and readings —want a solemn hymn, or is your heart set on Don’t Fear the Reaper ? Now’s the time to lock it in.
• Flowers and décor —roses, lilies, or maybe pumpkins if you’re leaning into the season.
• Obituary details —yes, you can even draft your own headline to make sure it says “loving spouse and parent” rather than “avid coupon clipper.”
You can pay for these arrangements upfront (which locks in today’s prices and saves your loved ones a financial scare later) or simply leave payment for when the time comes. Either way, the real gift is that your family won’t be left scrambling in the fog, trying to guess what you would have wanted. They’ll have one simple instruction: “Call [insert funeral home name here] when something happens.”
Option 2: The DIY Word Document
If you’d rather skip the formal meeting, the DIY route works just as well. Create a Word document with your wishes, sign and date it, and place it somewhere obvious. (And by obvious, I don’t mean hidden in a dusty trunk next to your old Halloween costumes.) Make sure your family knows where it lives—otherwise, it might as well be buried in a crypt.
The beauty of this option is flexibility. As your ideas evolve—say you’ve traded the dream of a church service for a
sunset beach bonfire—you can easily update the document. It may not be a legal document, but a signature and date add enough gravitas to reduce the risk of family members arguing like zombies fighting over the last brain.
Why Bother?
Because nothing spooks a family gathering quite like uncertainty. Without clear instructions, loved ones are left guessing and possibly disagreeing— “Would Mom have wanted this?” “Did Dad ever mention that?”—the kinds of
conversations no one wants while mourning. By documenting your wishes, you’re giving your family the gift of clarity and comfort.
And remember, this isn’t about being morbid. It’s about being thoughtful. You’ve planned for college funds, retirement accounts, and maybe even next year’s Halloween costumes. Planning for the final chapter is simply one more way to show you care.
Final Thoughts
Whether you enlist a funeral director or draft your own “final wishes” document, the important part is leaving a roadmap. Don’t let your family be haunted by questions—or worse, forced to make decisions based on guesswork.
So this October, in the spirit of facing our fears, take a little time to put your wishes in writing. Your family will thank you for it. And who knows? By handling this now, you might just keep the peace in your family … and keep yourself from becoming the subject of future ghost stories. Your family will thank you. And if you’d like a sounding board, consider working with a Certified Financial Planner ® who will help you to take a comprehensive approach and ensure that your final wishes do, in fact, fit with your overall financial plans.
Catch The Action
CAPT. BILL RUSSELL
OCTOBER ON THE WATER
October is a refreshing month around Southwest Florida. After a long hot summer, we get relief with cooler days, a noticeable drop in humidity, and fewer thunderstorms. This combination sets off good fishing opportunities as they are hungry, active, and on the move.
Fall is the time that schools of redfish devour anything in their path across our inshore waters. Often there may be several hundred or more working across the shallows on an eating mission. If you’re lucky enough to cross paths with a school, it’s a memory not soon forgotten. Fishing for schooling redfish peaks in October generally lasting until we get our first real cold front. Exactly when that is, only time will tell.
Snook are on the move transitioning from their summer homes around the Gulf beaches and nearby areas and move closer to their winter haunts inshore. Snook of any size are a fun challenge. Live bait puts odds in your favor, but with cooling water and fishing becoming more active, artificial baits can be a good choice. Snook season is open in October.
Good sea trout action is another benefit of cooler water; active and hungry, and at times
feeding in schools under bait pods over the inshore grass flats. Trout can run in size from small guys under 12 inches to fish well over 20 inches. Both live bait and lures work equally well with trout this month. With a little effort, a fresh trout dinner is a good possibility.
Mangrove snapper fishing was good all summer inshore. Many will make their way offshore by month’s end. Look for artificial reefs and ledges or hard bottom in depths from 20 to 50 feet to hold concentrations of fish. Snapper should be holding in and around the Gulf passes, where days with slower tides often present the best opportunity. Live shrimp with light tackle is the best way to go, and if you are anchored, a chum block is a great idea. Always have a heavier rig in the rod holder with a live flatlined bait. You never know when a big cobia, tarpon, king mackerel, or some other species might come into play.
Expect sheepsheads to begin making a presence later in the month. As they move in, there could be some big ones mixed in with the snapper around nearshore reefs and along the beaches or structure around the coast islands. Sheepsheads will not eat any type of fish. Live or dead, shrimp is the go-to bait for most anglers. As the water continues to cool, sheepsheads numbers will increase and peak into winter months.
October is one of the best months of the year to fish around Southwest Florida. There are plenty of days with great comfortable weather, hungry fish, plus the winter crowds have not yet returned.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting www. myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish.
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com, email: gcl2fish@live.com.
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 29 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...
FIREARMS LEFT IN VEHICLES
It seems as if almost daily we watch news reports depicting gun violence across the nation. At the time of producing this security tip, the United States has lost 9,974 individuals to gun violence and has seen another 18,208 injured in 2025 alone.
This message is neither an assault on Second Amendment rights nor a comment addressing the motives for gun violence in the United States. This message is solely intended to address removing firearms from our vehicles when we exit for the evening.
Almost weekly, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office shares a “Lock It or Lose It” message
on one or all of our social media platforms. We repeatedly ask that in addition to locking your cars and trucks when retiring for the evening, we remind vehicle owners to remove valuables … especially firearms.
A Johns Hopkins University study revealed that an estimated 380,000 guns are stolen each and every year … many from unlocked cars and trucks.
Community safety is and must be a concerted endeavor. Our decisions affect the well-being of our neighbors and friends. Let’s ensure that we conduct ourselves responsibly and remove firearms from our vehicles at night.
Bonita Springs – Estero Christian Women’s Connection
INVITES YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS TO OUR NOVEMBER LUNCHEON!
Friday, November 14 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd., Estero, Fla. Seating at 11 a.m.
Luncheon cost: $37 per person, inclusive
*Reservations and Cancellations must be received by Wednesday, November 5. Sorry, reservations after the deadline cannot be accepted.
*Tables will be assigned for all guests. To be seated with friends, submit all names and checks together, plus contact name, phone number, and any food allergies.
*Mail checks payable to BSECWC: BSECWC, 20071 Seagrove St., #1003, Estero, FL 33928.
*Call Nancy with questions at (520) 904-2913. Checks must be received by the deadline!
Special Feature
“Be Dazzled by Jewels!”
Todd will share his story of the Diamond District and his tips on caring for your jewelry to keep it dazzling! Be ready for the excitement of some special gifts to be raffled!
Guest Speaker
Robin Meade, author, will share her story, “From a Whole Mess to Fierce Wholeness.”
Robin’s book will be for sale.
Stonecroft Bible Study
Form new and meaningful friendships in an informal small group to learn how the Bible applies to real life. Call Sharon at (239) 410-9945 for information and locations.
Prayer And Fellowship Connection
Join us the third Wednesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for fellowship, a short topical lesson, and prayer. Call Nancy at (908) 581-5623 for location.
Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries Facebook.com/BSECWC Website: cwcflorida.org
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