Stoneybrook Estero
Production
Stephen
Elizabeth
Sales
Margo
Becky
Miranda
Alyssa Debban
Accounting
Selina Koehler
Production
Production
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
Stoneybrook Happenings
DENIS OLDANI, HOA PRESIDENT
Greetings Neighbors,
As the holiday season approaches, we hope this newsletter finds you well.
Holiday Greetings From Your Board Of Directors
We wish you a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and peace.
Enjoy time with family and friends. Safe travels to all. Be sure to check out all the holiday festivities in Southwest Florida.
Holiday Decor Safety. As you decorate your home for the holidays, keep these safety tips in mind. Lights: Check lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before using, only connect three strands of lights per extension cord and turn off all lights before going to bed or leaving home. Christmas Tree: Choose a fresh, green tree with pliable needles, keep the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, water the tree regularly and dispose of the tree promptly after the holidays. Candles: Never leave burning candles unattended! Keep candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains and decorations, use nonflammable candle holders.
Holiday Cooking Safety. Kitchen
Safety: Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces, be cautious when using knives and other sharp utensils, clean up spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.
Food Safety: Wash hands thoroughly before handling food, cook food to the proper temperature, refrigerate perishable foods promptly, avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for meat and produce.
Stay safe.
Trunk Or Treat 2024!
Trunk or Treat 2024! Another successful event. Thank you to everyone who donated candy and decorated their trunks. Each year we have a great turnout. I love seeing all the amazing trunks and costumes. Thank you, Jack Mancini, with Keller Williams Realty for sponsoring these yearly events.
Happy Halloween
November Craft Fair
The craft fair was a huge hit! We had 21 vendors and so many visitors. With so much positive feedback, we will be hosting another one next year. Stay tuned for details and dates.
Zoomin Groomin
Bingo Nights
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.
BINGO IS BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS
UPCOMING DATES ARE: 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)
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.
October Coffee, Tea And Chat
On Tuesday, Oct. 15th our monthly Coffee, Tea and Chat was supposed to be Spooktacular. Instead, it was spectacular! There were tables of Halloween-themed snacks. The best costume was won by Becky Divac. Her prisoner costume was complete with handcuffs. Another contest was for all participants to guess how many candy corns were in a jar. The winner received a bag of goodies.
CELEBRATION OF LEGACY
Honoring 25 Years of Artistic Excellence: Southwest Florida's Premier Art Festival Join the Tradition This Year. Enjoyment For All Ages.
FEBRUARY 1 & 2, 2025
OPENING NIGHT JANUARY 31
Downtown Fort Myers Riverfront
FREE ADMISSION & EASY PARKING!
Enjoy and purchase some of the best artwork exhibited anywhere in Florida!
200 nationally-known artists
Kid’s activities
Food & entertainment
findyourart
Artist: Christine Adele
November Coffee, Tea And Chat
The November Coffee, Tea and Chat was well attended. Now that season is here, we are hoping that more people will start attending. It is a great way to meet old and new neighbors.
It is also a great excuse for sampling the delicious homebaked delicacies that are brought in each month.
Who can resist Joan’s historical commentary and jokes of the month?
Jewel
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.
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.
Jan. 20, 2025 Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Feb. 17 Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
March 17
April 21
May 19
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
December Book Summary
SHELBY VAN PELT
REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES
Remarkably Bright Creatures, an exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope, tracing a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing
since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors – until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
Stoneybrook November Ladies’ Luncheons
Ladies’ Luncheons
THE FOLLOWING STONEYBROOK LADIES’ LUNCHEONS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED:
Tuesday, December 3 at 11:30 a.m. Holiday Luncheon – Brio 5505 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 11, Naples (Waterside Shops)
We will again be collecting donations for the Immokalee/Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children. Suggested items include personal items and toys. Best to put items in gift bags so they can be identified for the correct recipients, but still have the magic of opening a gift.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11 a.m. * (Note the time is earlier than usual) Cooper’s Hawk Naples 11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
Tuesday, February 11, 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 at (774) 573-7064, chrispea46@ hotmail.com or Helen Ruocco at (239) 992-0616, paradise11@comcast.net. See you there.
EXCITING TIMES AHEAD!
INTRODUCTION
Before we look forward to 2025, there are important things to report for the latter part of 2024!
1. The Recreational And Sports Development Planned For Estero
The Village Management set up two meetings at the end of October and November 19th for residents to review and comment on the planned sports development that will span 100 acres north of Williams Road and East of Via Coconut. This includes the purchase of the driving range on Williams Road (10 acres), the 99-year lease of 52 acres from the high school, and the recent agreement with Lee County to purchase 25 acres of the land that makes up part of the area south of the Estero Recreational Center.
The plan is to provide a “high-end” sports complex with many exciting sporting options. The overall complex will cover almost 100 acres, including the High Five development complex, which includes pickleball courts, 10pin bowling, and many other facilities. The development will be completed in 3 to 5
years, but many facilities will be finished before then.
2. The Impact Of Global Warming In Our Area
Engage Estero produced a Public Forum on November 12th at FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom. It attracted approximately 120 residents to register who had many questions for the panel. Given the high level of interest and the fact that time did not permit all the points raised to be adequately covered, a follow-up meeting is being considered for 2025.
Greg Tolley, Dean of The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, moderated the eminent panel of local experts, which focused on ensuring that we continue to enjoy the opportunity to live as safely as possible, given the trends experienced with climate change.
Aside from addressing unanswered questions, Engage
Estero, with the help of our expert panel, examined the local impact and potential solutions, the risk to water quality, municipal environmental sustainability, and community education and engagement. The Engage Estero Management Team will examine a suitable date and the availability of panel members to continue with Part 2 of the discussion of the threat to our locality from Global Warming and the need for community involvement in trying to gain traction from state, county, and local governments to act.
OTHER PLANS FOR 2025
Celebrating Our 25th
Anniversary: Engage Estero will celebrate its 25th Anniversary this year. Various communications and events are being planned to explain that original research and communication have been central to Engage Estero’s mission for the last 25 years. Stay tuned for various announcements and details about our celebration.
The organization is known for being a reliable and objective source of updates specific to Estero, particularly regarding potential changes and how residents can influence decision-making. Most Estero residents recognize the importance of staying informed and engaged on issues affecting our community.
February 26th Road Safety Part 2: There will be a follow-up meeting on improving road safety in Southwest Florida. In October, Frank Domingo, Professional Engineer and Principal at Stantec, and Ron Gogoi, the AICP Transportation Planning Administrator of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), reviewed the MPO Action Plan.
The follow-up meeting will involve Don Scott, Head of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and strategist Carmen Monroy, focused on innovative transportation and performance-based management working with CTS Engineering Inc. They will answer several questions and concerns already raised by residents and explain what can and cannot be achieved in the future. The meeting will be held at the Estero Recreational Center on February 26th at 10 a.m.
The notes on the previous meeting can be seen by using this URL link: https://www. esterotoday.com/event/oct2024/.
March 26th: The Report on the Estero Traffic Study: In 2024, The Village of Estero undertook a major traffic investigation. Johnson Engineering/Leah Holmes conducted the project. Many residents have been interested in hearing about
the investigation’s results and what conclusions and recommendations have emerged. Steve Sarkozy, Estero’s Village Manager; David Willems, The Village’s Public Works Director; and a Johnson Engineering/Leah Holmes representative have kindly agreed to present the project’s findings. The meeting will be held on March 26th at 10 a.m. at the Estero Recreational Center.
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Engage Estero is an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association. We exist to inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to impact the quality of life in greater Estero favorably.
“Be Informed, Get Engaged, and Make an Impact!”
TLP Tidbit$
THOMAS L. PATRICCA, CFP ® , CEPS , AEP ®
NAVIGATING
FAMILY FINANCES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON – THE SAFE, THE FUN, AND THE IMPACTFUL
The arrival of December means holiday lights, laughter, and … family gatherings. And while you may dodge discussions about politics, there are plenty of financial topics that can spark meaningful and positive conversations without inviting controversy. Here’s your guide to navigating financial discussions that won’t end in a dinner-table debate but might just make the season brighter.
1. Celebrate Progress With Gratitude
Gratitude is a great icebreaker, especially when it comes to financial wins. Reflecting on financial goals achieved over the past year can be inspiring. Did you increase your retirement savings? Buy a home? Celebrate a family member’s progress toward financial independence, like landing a first job or completing another year of college? Taking stock of accomplishments can help you, and those around you, enter the new year feeling motivated and proud. Who knows— your progress might just encourage others to set goals of their own.
2. Charitable Giving: Giving Back, Together
If there’s ever a time to talk about giving, it’s during the holidays. Discuss which charities you supported last year and any new causes you’re considering. It’s a chance to share stories of organizations that inspire you and, perhaps, introduce others to new causes they’d like to support. Charitable
giving doesn’t just make a difference to those in need; it can also come with tax benefits—a win-win!
3. Estate Planning – Because Peace Of Mind Is A Gift, Too
Estate planning might not be the jolliest topic, but it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. If you’ve been putting it off, the holidays can be a good time to gently approach this conversation. Planning for the future provides peace of mind for you and your family. Why wait for a crisis to address it? As with any crucial financial task, it’s easier when it’s discussed openly and with support.
4. Financial Planner Referrals – A Gift That Keeps Giving
Who says holiday gifts can’t be practical? Referrals for financial planners are a valuable topic to bring up, especially in wider family gatherings. Just like doctor
or dentist recommendations, financial advisor referrals are best shared by people you trust. Getting some names and insights from family members who’ve had good experiences can save time and give you peace of mind. And hey, your advisor will be thankful for a bit of holiday cheer in the form of new clients!
5. Lessons Learned – Wisdom Across Generations
For larger gatherings, few topics are as timeless as lessons learned. Family stories can be more than just entertaining— they often carry invaluable
financial insights. Perhaps Grandpa has a story about job loss and bouncing back, or Aunt Agatha can share her balancing act between career and family. Even younger relatives might have insights on budgeting apps, investment tools, or warnings about the latest online scams. These stories bridge generational gaps and offer a chance for everyone to learn something new, no matter their age.
The
Holiday Wrap-Up: Work With A Pro
When in doubt, consider consulting a CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER® to guide you. Whether it’s advice on charitable giving, estate planning, or goal setting, a CFP® can provide insights tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your financial resolutions stick around long after the holiday lights come down.
By focusing on these safe and insightful topics, you can enjoy meaningful conversations, share wisdom, and maybe even pick up some valuable tips—all while keeping the holiday spirit alive and well!
Monthly Motivation
JOSHUA A. SKY, CAREER COACH AND LEADERSHIP TRAINER
PAY IT FORWARD
Do for others! Pay it forward! December is a holiday time that often brings out a little bit more generosity and fellowship with those around us, it’s in the air. Practicing this year-round could encourage support and loyalty in friends, colleagues, and customers alike.
It’s about giving people more than they expect. Most will notice, and better yet, some will appreciate. Whether you are spiritual or a scientist, you
will understand that it’s about expending positive energy. What comes of this, I leave to your interpretation.
It lets people know that you are not taking them for granted, and that you appreciate them, you value them and who doesn’t want to be valued on some level? The reward for making others feel special is that you will also feel special and in time, others will go the extra mile for you.
Start today and make a difference in other people’s lives. Just a few if you’d like. Impacting at least one other person each day means that someone else’s day becomes brighter. Get your sunglasses out, yours are about to become sunnier, too.
Wishing all of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” - Booker T. Washington
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
