Stoneybrook of Estero by Seabreeze Communications

Stoneybrook Estero

Stephen

Elizabeth

Margo

Becky

Miranda

Alyssa Debban

Accounting

Selina Koehler

Production

Elaine Donholt

Ruth Nekoranec

Katie Heystek

Dianne Strout

Karen Kalisz

Michelle Feeney

Andie Reynolds

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

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

Stoneybrook Happenings

DENIS OLDANI, HOA PRESIDENT

Greetings Neighbors,

As the autumn air settles in, we’re excited to share some updates and upcoming events. A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Veterans. On this Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have served our country. Your sacrifices and dedication have shaped our nation. Thank you for your service. Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember to be thankful for the little things, like not spilling gravy on our favorite shirt or finding that perfect parking spot on Black Friday. But seriously, gratitude is a powerful tool that can improve our overall well-being. Take

some time this Thanksgiving to reflect on the things you’re thankful for and share your gratitude with others. A note on electronic voting and surveys. Due to recent website changes, we’ve temporarily lost the ability to conduct electronic voting and surveys. Our Communication Committee is diligently working on a new system to restore these features. We’ll keep you updated on its progress.

Stay Safe.

TLP Tidbit$

THOMAS L. PATRICCA, CFP ® CEPS AEP ®

GIVING THANKS FOR RANDOM FACTS

As the holiday season draws near, I can’t help but reflect on the things that truly bring joy to my life. You know what I’m talking about— the things that make you smile, that you look forward to, like your kids coming home from college, the Patriots winning a game, or indulging in a meal at your favorite restaurant. But beyond those familiar pleasures, there are a few more unique things I’m grateful for. And yes, one of them is the Journal of Financial Planning.

Now, you might think, “Really? A financial journal?” But hear me out! Every month when the latest edition lands, my wife and I gather around and dive into the Stat Bank section. It’s become a fun ritual for us, dissecting some of the more curious facts and figures. So, in the spirit of sharing, I’ve collected a few of my alltime favorite snippets from these Stat Banks. There’s no specific theme here—just some fascinating, eye-opening facts that might make you think twice!

Let’s start with a staggering number: $36 billion. That’s right—billion with a “B.” That’s the cost seniors in our country collectively lose each year to scams. On average, that’s about $120,000 per victim. And yet, only 1 in 42 cases of financial exploitation gets reported. Can you believe that? I even wrote an article back in June 2022 about identity theft and how to prevent it, but sadly, as technology evolves, so do the tactics of criminals. We’ve got to stay vigilant if we want to outsmart the scammers.

Next up, nursing home care. Brace yourself for this one—the median monthly cost for a private room in a nursing home is $9,733 today. And by 2050? It’s projected to soar to a jaw-dropping $21,620. Health care costs are climbing faster than almost any other part of the economy, so planning for retirement has never been more crucial.

And while we’re on the topic of rising costs, did you know the average price of college tuition has ballooned by 40 percent in the past 20 years? Yet only 50 percent of Americans even know what a 529 plan is, let alone how it works. Shockingly, 23 percent of 529 plan users don’t realize the funds can be used for education costs, and just 19 percent know that you can roll those funds over into a Roth IRA. Talk about missing out on valuable financial knowledge!

Speaking of financial tools, let’s talk about HSAs (health spending accounts) and FSAs (flexible spending accounts). Only 49 percent of Americans grasp the tax benefits of using

them, even though they can make a real difference in lowering your tax burden. And here’s another fun fact: 75 percent of people admit their tax refund is an important part of their personal financial health. Wouldn’t it be better to manage your finances so you can use your money throughout the year, instead of giving Uncle Sam a free loan?

All of these stats point to one important takeaway: you want to be prepared. Whether it’s avoiding scams, covering rising healthcare costs, or maximizing tax-

saving opportunities, it’s essential to be proactive.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® can help you navigate these financial waters. They’ll work with you to protect your assets from scams, help you plan for the future, and ensure you’re making the most of your financial resources – today and tomorrow.

So, as we dive into the season of gratitude, remember to take stock of the things that matter most – including your financial well-being!

Update On The Golf Course

EILEEN HUFF, CDD BOARD CHAIRPERSON

For the month of September, the actual rounds of golf were 2,599, which included 6 days of closure for maintenance and unfortunately rain. It was a very wet and raining month. Cash balance as of October 13 was $345,787.67 and as of this date all accounts payable were paid in full.

The landscape project along Corkscrew has been completed. The village is currently working with the county and Florida Power and Light to put the power lines underground so that the walkway will be completed. I am sure with the recent hurricanes this will be delayed once again. The landscaping throughout the community is still ongoing.

There has been much accomplished this fiscal year. The bridges throughout the golf course were replaced and paid for through a loan. The Pro Shop has been repainted, the outside back area updated and the concession booth revamped. Please take a look at all that has been done. I would like to thank Kyle Schulte, Tylor Renaud, John Vuknic, Todd Hoffman and all the staff for their hard work throughout this year. I would also like to thank all the staff who diligently helped get the golf course open a day and a half after Hurricane Milton. This was a great effort and shows how well this entire group work together to make this course the best it can be.

For year end, we did end a bit behind in the budget with a shortfall of approximately $325,000. I would like to say that the Pro Shop staff did an enormous project getting the inventory in line from a $175,000 difference to $2,500. Thanks especially go to Tyler Leon and Sloane Brady.

I know there have been many comments and discussion with regard to the rate increases. The Board had a tough decision in doing this, but it had to be done. The cost of everything

as we all know is going up. Hopefully this can change. The Board as we have discussed over the years is to going to redo the irrigation on the course, the greens and the fairways. We currently have a committee working with Gordie Lewis, the architect of the course, a Board member, Kyle Schulte, and John Vuknic working on the plans. With that being said, the cost will be anywhere from $6 million to $8 million, with today’s supplies. A bond for the golf course redo will need to be obtained by the Stoneybrook CDD to complete this project. Remember this will have to be paid for by the Stoneybrook Golf Course. We will not be able to assess the residents. Therefore, the need to be competitive in the market and save money for the project means the rates did need to be increased.

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, November 12 at 6 p.m. It will be held at the Stoneybrook Community Center.

Monthly Motivation

JOSHUA A. SKY, CAREER COACH AND LEADERSHIP TRAINER

NEGATIVE ENERGY

Tired? Stressed? Perhaps it comes from our individual energy flow – energy coming to us or coming from us. How much negative energy do we have surrounding us? How much of it do we usually apply when trying to solve problems or make decisions with other people?

Do you find yourself involved in interpersonal conflict that is draining your energy? Do you feel the need to protect yourself from personal relationships and/or business contacts? Do you

feel that you have to mastermind or second guess? Exhausting, isn’t it? It’s like driving with one foot on the brake while the other is on the gas pedal. What can you do differently? How can you minimize that flow of negative energy?

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

Ladies’ Luncheons

THE FOLLOWING STONEYBROOK LADIES’ LUNCHEONS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED.

Tuesday, November 12 at 11:30 a.m.

The Clam Bake

16520 S. Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers (Island Park)

Tuesday, December 3, at 11:30 a.m.

Holiday Luncheon – Brio

5505 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 11, Naples W(Waterside Shops)

We will again be collecting donations for the Immokalee/Naples Shelter for Abused Women and

Children. Suggested items include personal items and children’s toys.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

TBD

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!

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 FALL 2024 SEASON

UPCOMING DATES ARE:

Nov. 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)

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

The Water Aerobics class time has been changed to 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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.

Book Club – Winter 2024

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

Nov. 18 – Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Dec. 16 – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt