Stoneybrook Happenings
By Denis Oldani, President HOA
Greetings neighbors!
As the days grow shorter and the calendar begins to carry a hint of autumn, we find ourselves in the heart of August. It’s a time for enjoying the last hot days of summer and preparing for the upcoming school year.
Back To School Is Just Around The Corner
With the start of the new school year approaching, we want to remind everyone of the
importance of safe driving in school zones. Please be extra cautious, obey speed limits and be mindful of school buses and children crossing the street. Let’s work together to ensure a safe and successful school year for all our neighborhood students.
Farewell To Summer
August also marks the unofficial end of summer. Let’s make the most of these final weeks by enjoying outdoor activities, spending quality time with loved ones and creating lasting memories.
Labor Day Weekend
As we approach Labor Day, we want to take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of our community. This long weekend is a perfect opportunity to relax, recharge and celebrate the contributions of our neighbors.
We hope you all have a wonderful August. Stay safe.
Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons
The following Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons have been scheduled:
Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 11:30 a.m.
Bahama Breeze
14701 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Harvest and Wisdom at Shangri-La 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m.
Cooper’s Hawk
11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
You may sign up for all luncheons at the community center or call 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 (239) 301-4510, chrispea46@hotmail.com or Helen Ruocco at (239) 992-0616, paradise11@comcast.net. See you there!
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toneybrook
Master Association Board Of Directors
Denis Oldani, President Melissa Mahmoud, Vice President
Daniel “Todd” Madden, Secretary John Detterbeck, Treasurer
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.
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
July Coffee, Tea And Chat
Twenty-five-plus Stoneybrook residents and guests enjoyed the July coffee, tea and chat gathering. Patriotism was the theme, and we learned some facts about two iconic American songs, God Bless America and America the Beautiful
Additionally, some facts were shared about the other event taking place in July, the Summer Olympics in Paris. The group ended the coffee on a high note, singing God Bless America
Joan Bianco
Fourth Of July
Our annual Fourth of July golf cart parade is always a hot, good time! We love seeing all the patriotically
decorated carts with music blasting. Tossing goodies out to the kids on the side of the road is exciting, and seeing
their faces light up makes it worth it. God bless America.
Monthly Motivation
Win-Win
By Joshua A. Sky, Career Coach and Leadership Trainer
Win-win is a frame of mind that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. When we strive for win-win instead of win-lose, it means that the outcome will be valuable to both parties and that you will reach agreement or at least consensus. All involved feel good about the outcome and then are on board to make the plan a reality through aligned action.
It’s cooperative, not competitive!
“Win-win is a belief in the third alternative. It’s not your way or my way; it’s a better way, a higher way.” –Stephen R. Covey
Morning Stretch
Monday, Wednesday And Friday – 8 To 8:30 a.m. And 8:30 To 9 a.m.
There are two, halfhour 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.
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.
Update On The Golf Course
By Eileen Huff, CDD Board Chairperson
From June 1 to 30, the course did 2,955 rounds of golf. Total sales for the club in June were $139,033.34. It was budgeted for $75,000. Great job to all the staff.
So, despite the weather, the course is doing a great job. The cash balance as of July was $183,469.29 with a money market investment of $250,000. As of this date, all accounts payable were paid in full.
The bridge project will be completed by the end of July. We had hoped that it would be done sooner, but Mother Nature and the rains have stalled the project a bit. The bridges will be a great improvement to the course.
The pro shop staff is working with GolfNow to improve access to golf tee times for the residents of the community. To ensure that residents are properly input into the system, we will be asking residents who play golf to complete a form and have it verified by the HOA at the community center. The reason for this process is that we have found many golfers were listed as residents, getting the resident rates, but were not residents. This negatively impacted the revenue for the course. This will be for both residents and renters. We will be working with the community center staff to work through this process.
A committee has been formed to review resumes from prospective pros for the course. Currently, the interim position has been given to Kyle Schulte. There will be an interview process by the board in early August with six potential candidates. A decision will be made after that process.
For the golfers, there is an ice machine at the bathrooms at hole 6. This will only be opened when the golf course
September Book Summary
The Women
By Kristin Hannah
An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.
Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself.
When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war.
Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country have too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
is open. Also, an ice machine will be installed at the 14th hole with the same restrictions. We have done away with the water stations throughout the course. So, we will now have three ice machines for the golfers to use.
The board approved the purchase of a new ball machine with an improved and updated point of sale (POS) process. This POS will integrate with the GolfNow system to improve service and information and give us the ability to staff accordingly. It will also be more efficient in budgeting.
We encourage all golfers, in an effort to be environmentally proactive, to bring their own cups. On the rare occasion that someone has not brought their cup, there will be biodegradable cups available at the concession stand. We still encourage everyone to bring their own cups. Let’s do what we can to improve the environment and keep Stoneybrook Golf Course and Community clean.
At the Pro Shop, there was a marketing board that was rarely ever used. Kyle Schulte and Tyler Leon, with the help of Lloyd Sebby, cleaned it up, painted it and now the plaques for the Men’s and Women’s Leagues have been installed there. It also will allow the staff to put updates or information pertinent to the golfers. This looks great. Please stop by and see this. Thanks to the staff for your work in doing this.
For the month ending June 30, total revenues were $139,315, which is $47,432 more than 2023 and $52,247 over the 2024 budget. Year-to-date revenue is $3,285,733, which is $14,721 under the 2023 budget and $277,676 under the 2024 budget. The expenses for the month ending June 30 were $349,676, which is $248,438 more than 2023 and $98,429 over the 2024 budget. Year-to-date expenses are $2,989,063, which is $508,486 over 2023 and $425,437 over the 2024 budget. The net position as of June 30 is $709,323 over budget. A portion of these expenses are for the bridge project that will be reimbursed to the expense line.
The CDD board, with Johnson Engineering, is going to begin the project to widen the entrance to the golf course/Duffy’s parking lot. There will be one lane in and two lanes out, one going to make a right turn, and the other to go straight or left into Stoneybrook. With this project, they will also be alleviating the flooding that always occurs there and the flooding that always occurs at the roadway to the first tee box. In conjunction with this project, the Village of Estero will be putting in another lane at our exit so there will be one to turn left, one to go straight, and one to turn right. (Yes, finally!) With this project, they will also, along that section, be redoing the concrete sidewalk. John Vuknic and Todd Hoffman will be working with the village to ensure the landscaping is done properly to be the same as the current landscape project.
Phil Olive has resigned from the CDD board. Phil, thank you for your service on the board over the last 3½ years. At the July 23 meeting, Tom Syrocznski was appointed to the board and will finish out the term for Seat 3. Welcome to the board, Tom.
The course will be closed on Monday starting May 6 through September 30.
The landscaping project along Corkscrew will be starting at the beginning of July and should be completed within a two-week time period. The landscaping throughout the community is still ongoing.
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, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. It will be held at the Stoneybrook Community Center.
Book Club – Fall 2024
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.
Please email Jewel at jcf0519@comcast.net so we will know how many people plan to attend.
Our book club will meet the third Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Jewel will email you the week before our meetings to see how many people are planning to attend.
Schedule For 2024 Sept. 16 – The Women by Kristin Hannah Oct. 21 – Honor by Thrity Umrigar
Nov. 18 – Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Dec. 16 – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Call: (239) 338-5948 Email: faswfla@gmail.com
TLP Tidbits
By Thomas L. Patricca, CFP®, CEPS, AEP®
Our recent family vacation to Italy was the cherry on top of a three-year planning sundae. Now, planning a trip for a family of six isn’t exactly a walk in the park; it’s more like running a marathon while juggling flaming torches. But we were determined to be financially responsible and still have a blast without breaking the bank. Here’s a practical guide on how we did it—and how you can too!
1. Determine Your Total Budget
First things first: how much money can you realistically part with without having to sell a kidney? Assess your overall financial situation and set a total budget. This is your holy grail, your guiding star. Be brutally honest and conservative to avoid turning your dream vacation into a nightmare of debt.
2. Research And Prioritize Destinations
With your budget in hand, dive into the sea of potential destinations. Factor in travel, accommodations, food and
activities. Prioritize based on family interests and overall cost. Whittle down to a shortlist and get the whole gang involved in the final decision. Our trick? My wife became the Sherlock Holmes of travel planning, researching tour routes and locations online. We then recreated those tours ourselves, without the hefty price tag.
3. Break Down Expenses
Let’s break it down.
• Travel Costs: Airfare, car rentals, gas and other transportation. Hunt for deals like a bargain-sniffing bloodhound.
• Accommodations: We opted for vacation rentals. Three hotel rooms were cost prohibitive. Vacation rentals for all six of us per night were less expensive than just one hotel room per night. Plus, rentals came with laundry facilities, which meant packing light and dodging those pesky baggage fees.
• Food and Dining: Estimate meal costs and aim for
accommodations with kitchens. Our rental’s kitchen saved us a bundle on dining out.
• Activities and Entertainment: Plan your fun. Research costs and snag tickets in advance for discounts.
• Miscellaneous: Always have a buffer for the unexpected—tips, souvenirs, and “Oops, I forgot!” expenses.
4. Create A Detailed Budget Plan
With categories sorted, create a detailed budget. Allocate amounts based on research, and use budgeting tools or apps to keep track. Make adjustments as you go to ensure you’re not dipping into the college fund.
5. Look For Ways To Save
Get creative with saving strategies.
• Travel Off-Peak: Off-season equals on-point savings.
• Use Rewards and Points: Credit card rewards, airline miles, hotel points—cash ’em in!
• Pack Wisely: Bring essentials to avoid airport and tourist trap markups.
• Discounts Galore: Seek out family packages, group discounts and coupons.
• Smart Credit Cards: Opt for cards with no currency exchange fees for international travel.
• Cell Phone Plans: Research the best international plans with your carrier.
6. Monitor And Adjust Your Budget
During the trip, track your spending like a hawk. Use an app or a good old-fashioned log. If you overspend in one area, cut back in another. Flexibility is key.
7. Reflect And Plan For Future Vacations
Post-vacation, review your budget. Where did you save? Where did you splurge? Use these insights to finetune your approach for the next adventure. The goal: a seamless blend of fun and financial prudence.
Following these steps, families can enjoy a wellstructured, memorable and stress-free vacation. And, of course, consulting with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ can add an extra layer of expertise to your planning, ensuring a delightful getaway without the financial hangover. Cheers to smart spending and unforgettable travels!
Bingo Nights
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.
Bingo Is Back For The Fall 2024 Season
Upcoming dates are: Sept. 12 and 26 Oct. 24
Nov. 7 and 21
Dec. 12 and 19
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) Jewel Faerber and the Activities Committee Jewel’s email: jcf0519@comcast.net
Conservancy Of Southwest Florida
Discounted Membership Through Aug. 31
At the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, it’s believed that the more people can be connected with nature, the more willing they are to protect it. The Nature Center and programs help to do just that!
The 21-acre Nature Center features a collection of indoor and outdoor exhibits and artifacts curated to showcase Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystem. The experience includes the newly renovated Susan and William Dalton Discovery Center with the new John and Carol Walter Discovery Wing, which features invasive species and climate change galleries.
June 28 - August 10
Everyone’s favorite nanny is back! Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she helps teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of an irresistible story, breathtaking dance numbers and unforgettable songs such as Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
August 16 - September 21
In a blend of suspense and humor, the renowned Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, crafts a captivating murder mystery. At a secluded countryside guesthouse, seven strangers find themselves snowed in. Their predicament takes a chilling turn when a police sergeant arrives on skis, revealing there’s a killer among them. As suspicion mounts, each guest unveils their murky past, adding layers of intrigue to unfolding drama.
Dates may be subject to change.
The Nature Center is listed as site No. 69 on the Great Florida Birding Trail and also boasts electric boat tours featuring live flora and fauna along the Gordon River; docent-led visitor programs on topics such as reptiles, birds of prey, oceans and wildlife injury prevention; and a wildlife exhibit.
Nature Center hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Through Aug. 31 the Nature Center is offering discounted rates for membership. The regular price for
an individual membership is $75, which is discounted to $60. Family memberships are also available.
Membership Benefits Include
• Free admission to the Conservancy Nature Center for two adults
• Discounts at 147 nature centers across the country, including Mote Marine
• A 10 percent discount in the Nature Store
• Members-only kayak rentals
• Advance notice and discounts for conservancy programs
• Subscription to conservancy publications and e-News Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL 34102, Phone: (239) 2620304, Email: info@conservancy.org.
Upcoming Special Events
City Of Bonita Springs
The City of Bonita Springs loves to celebrate and is proud to host many events year-round. Whether the event is a small neighborhood festival, charity run/walks or concerts, the Riverside Park area is a popular park for special events.
Here are some upcoming events.
Oct. 5 The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Foundation, Strides 4 CJD, Annual Walk, Riverside Park, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 26 Halloween in the Park, Riverside Park, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Nov. 3 Bonita Springs Concert Band, Riverside Park, 2 to 4 p.m.
Nov. 11 Veterans Day, Riverside Park, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 Holiday in the Park, Riverside Park, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Arts Bonita
Buffalo Nichols – Blues
Friday, Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m.
Center for Performing Arts, Moe Auditorium and Film Center
Tickets: $45 Table
Seating/$35 Regular Seating
Carl “Buffalo” Nichols is a trailblazer in blues music, seamlessly merging historical roots with contemporary innovation. His distinctive sound, characterized by haunting vocals and a strippedback guitar style, serves as a poignant homage to the blues traditions while offering a profound reflection on the lived
Save The Date
Bingo For Bags & Baubles –Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024
Save the date for this fabulously fun night of food and fashion, where you play for a chance to win designer handbags like Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and many more! Watch for details and register early for Bingo for Bags & Baubles, benefiting the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida.
Dec. 6 Movie in the Park, Riverside Park, Dusk Dec. 7 Make-A-Wish Mac and Cheese Challenge, Riverside Park, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dec. 8 Bonita Springs Concert Band, Riverside Park, 6 to 8 p.m.
Put these on your calendar and, as the event approaches, Google the name of the event and “annual walk” or the name of event and “Bonita Springs” to be directed to a website with all of the details.
The City of Bonita Springs, 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135; City Hall, (239) 949-6262; Parks and Recreation (239) 9922556.
experiences of modern-day Black Americans. With each note, Nichols weaves a captivating narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth, showcasing a deep respect for the genre’s origins and pioneers.
On his latest album, The Fatalist, Nichols ventures into uncharted sonic territory, embracing elements of electronic music to create a mesmerizing fusion of past and present. Through 808 programming, sampled echoes of blues legends like Charley Patton, and intricate layers of synth, Nichols crafts a rich and textured soundscape that pushes the boundaries of traditional blues while retaining its core essence. Far from a mere experiment, The Fatalist is a testament to Nichols’ artistry and vision, offering listeners a compelling journey through the landscapes of sound and emotion, where the timeless spirit of the blues meets the pulse of the 21st century.
Join us at the Vineyards Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 17, for a fabulous evening of Bingo for Bags and Baubles benefiting the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida.
Please join us for one or all of the entertaining, educational, and supportive events we have scheduled for you in the coming year. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Please contact Mary C. Schoeffel at (239) 417-3465 or at MSchoeffel@ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org for more information.
Additional 2024 Date To Save!
Mingle & Jingle For Parkinson’s Disease Thursday, Dec. 5
We enrich the quality of life and empower people touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases through exceptional programs and services. We foster a supportive community for those touched by Parkinson’s disease. Our efforts encompass dedicated support programs, advocacy, raising awareness, and educating both healthcare professionals and the wider community about Parkinson’s disease.
LIVING
Since 2004, Marc Comisar and Jesse McGreevy have been more than just real estate agents in Stoneybrook—they've been integral members of the community. Having lived in multiple homes within this beautiful neighborhood, they've witnessed the development of Stoneybrook firsthand and know every model like the back of their hands. Their deep roots and personal experiences in Stoneybrook have given them unmatched insights and a genuine passion for the area.
With over 15 years as business partners and founders of Domain Realty, Marc and Jesse have listed and sold hundreds of homes in Estero. Their extensive experience has allowed them to perfect a seamless process that clients have come to count on and appreciate. They guide clients through the listing and purchase processes with expertise, dedication, and a competitive spirit that ensures the best price and terms for every sale.
Marc and Jesse combine traditional marketing techniques with cutting-edge digital ads, over 800 standalone community websites, and the expertise of a full-time marketing director and closing coordinator. This ensures every listing gets prime online placement, attracting eager buyers and leading to smooth, successful closings. Their extensive network of agents across the country provides access to an unparalleled supply of buyers, making it no surprise that Marc and Jesse have consistently been in the Top 1% nationally since 2008.
Marc and Jesse's dedication to providing an unparalleled customer experience has earned them the Gulfshore Life Magazine 5 Star Award for Customer Satisfaction every year since 2006. They prioritize responsiveness and consistently exceed client expectations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable real estate journey for everyone they work with.
