Stoneybrook Happenings
By Denis Oldani, President HOA
Greetings Neighbors,
October in Florida brings a welcome respite from the summer heat, making it the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. While we may not experience the vibrant fall foliage of other regions, we can still embrace the beauty of our subtropical paradise. With the cooler temperatures, October is an ideal month to visit our beautiful beaches. Take a dip in the gulf, soak up the sun, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Despite the warmer weather, Halloween in Florida is still a festive occasion. Join in the fun by attending costume parties, carving
pumpkins, or exploring local haunted attractions. As we enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Halloween, let’s remember to stay safe. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially during nighttime activities. Drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians, especially children. We hope you have a wonderful October filled with sunshine, beach days, and festive celebrations. Stay safe.
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:
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
Stoneybrook Master Association Board Of Directors
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
Coffee, Tea & Chat Second Anniversary
More than 20 residents celebrated the second birthday of Coffee, Tea & Chat in September. As birthday cake and small bites were devoured, guests were reminded that the
goal of this event was to provide a place for residents to gather with friends and neighbors, as well as meet new folks in a relaxed atmosphere.
Daniel “Todd” Madden, Secretary John Detterbeck, Treasurer
Denis Oldani, President Melissa Mahmoud, Vice President
Presidential Elections And Market Timing
By Thomas L. Patricca, CFP®, CEPS, AEP®
Presidential elections and investment markets – it’s like mixing oil and water, except instead of oil, you have trilliondollar corporations, and instead of water, you have voters sipping coffee, glued to 24-hour news coverage. Every four years, investors brace themselves as if the financial world is about to be determined by an Olympic gymnastics judge! Now, you might wonder, why do elections have such an impact on markets? After all, companies don’t stop selling widgets just because a new face is moving into the White House, right? Well, markets are ruled by two powerful forces: fear and greed. And when it comes to presidential elections, fear tends to steal the show.
When you ask, “What will happen to the economy if this person wins?” you might get an answer from the TV pundits that sounds a lot like, “No one knows, but here’s an hour-long explanation of why I think the sky is falling!” This uncertainty leaves markets jittery. And jittery markets are kind of like a cat on a Roomba: they’ll overreact to almost anything, even if it’s just the furniture moving slightly. Stocks may wobble because investors start wondering if the new administration will tweak tax laws, change spending priorities, or reform regulations.
Wall Street loves stability—predictability is its comfort zone. So, when election season rolls around, investors have to weigh which candidate they think is more “marketfriendly.” This basically means, “Which candidate will do the least to disrupt my portfolio’s zen state?” Whether it’s a fear of regulation, excitement about tax cuts, or hope for infrastructure spending, investors are constantly reading tea leaves to guess who’s going to win and what that means for their bank accounts.
Here’s where it gets funny: the impact of elections on investments is often like predicting the weather using a magic eight ball. Sure, people think a win by one candidate will send stocks into a downward spiral, but once the election’s over and things settle down, it’s often business as usual. In fact, studies show that the overall trend in the stock market, in the long term, doesn’t drastically depend on who’s in charge. Short-term jitters? Absolutely. But long-term growth? That’s driven by bigger things, like technology, consumer behavior, and, frankly, global events that go far beyond who’s in the Oval Office.
Let’s also not forget: when it comes to markets, perception is reality. Investors often react more to what they think a president will do rather than what they actually do. And this leads to a lot of ups and downs as people trade on vibes rather than facts. You might see stocks plummet or rally the day after an election, only for them to calm down a week later, like a dog barking at a squirrel it eventually realizes is just a mailbox.
Update On The Golf Course
By Eileen Huff, CDD Board Chairperson
For the month of August, the course did 2,606 rounds of golf. Total sales for the club in August were $115,000. It was budgeted for $58,000. Unfortunately, due to the rainy weather we are approximately $130,000 below yearto-date budget. September so far has been very good, so I am sure we will make up for the deficit.
Despite the weather the course is doing a great job. Cash balance as of September 13th, was $153,239.82 in addition to a Money Market Investment of $250,000. As of this writing all accounts payable were paid in full.
The Bridge Project has been completed. I’d like to thank Adam Dalton, CDD Board Member, for his diligent and extensive work on getting this done within budget and a bit longer than expected but the bridges are excellent. Thank you, Adam.
The Pro Shop staff is working with Golf Now 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, have it verified by the HOA at the community center. The reason for this process is we have found that many golfers were listed as residents, getting the resident rates and 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. This process has started so please make sure you complete the form and get your updated file at the Pro Shop.
For the golfers there will be an ice machine at the bathrooms at hole No. 14 similar to the one on hole No. 66. This will only be opened when the golf course is open. Also, an ice machine will be installed at hole No. 14 with the same restrictions. 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 Golf Now system to improve service, budgeting and data, and give us the ability to staff accordingly.
We encourage all golfers to be environmentally proactive, and to bring their own cups. In 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 for Stoneybrook Golf Course and the community. We have hired Kyle Schute as the new Stoneybrook Golf Pro and Tyler Renaud as the Assistant Pro.
Stop into the Pro Shop and see how this has been updated and repainted. A new electronic board has been installed to update all the pertinent information for the course with updated pictures. Stephen installed the letters over the board and will be doing additional work with the staff within the Pro Shop. Also, stop by the concession stand. This has also been updated and a new counter installed by Lloyd Sebby. The concession staff has done an outstanding job under the guidance of Tyler Leon. Sloane Brady is working for the early morning golfers to get them started for the day! It is a great pleasure to have all these employees, especially the ones who live here because they truly want this course and community the best it can be. Thanks to all of you who have participtied in this renovation and upgrade.
I’d like to also thank John Vuknic, Golf Course Superintendent and Todd Hoffmann, Assistant Superintendent and their staff for the fabulous job they have done over the summer to have the course in amazing condition. The bridges look great and for those of you who golf, hopefully you will be pleasantly pleased with the change in the sand bunker on 13. It is now three bunkers with grass bridges in between. Yes, this will help us all with the speed of golf. And maybe just maybe hit the grass and not the sand.
The CDD Budget meeting was held in August and the budget was accepted. The tax payment for the residents will not change from last year. The ad valorem tax will remain $1,429.64.
The landscape project along Corkscrew has been completed. The landscaping throughout the community is still ongoing and the main road process will be starting soon.
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, September 24 at 9 a.m. It will be held at the Stoneybrook Community Center.
In the end, presidential elections do shake things up in the investment world, but it’s more of a temporary tremor than a tectonic shift. And just like the weather in April, if you don’t like what you’re seeing in the market during election season, wait a few days – it’ll change. As long as companies keep making money, and people keep buying stuff, the market will keep humming along, no matter who’s answering phone calls in the Oval Office.
As always, consider working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® who will help you understand that market timing your investments around a presidential election or any other world event is no better than wagering on your favorite horse at the derby. Your CFP® will also be able to help you understand diversification, risk tolerance, dollar cost averaging, and a host of other considerations that will serve you far better than speculating on the outcome of a presidential election.
Entertainment List For 2024/25
Nov. 20 Trivia with Denis
Dec. 5 Comedy with R.C. Smith
Jan. 3, 2025 Fuze
Jan. 17 Simply-Fi
Jan. 30 The Williamsons
Feb. 13 Trivia with Diane
Feb. 27 Johnny Rogers
March 13 Alex Geiser, illusionist
March 27 The Williamsons
April 5 Joe Sassarini
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.
Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons
The following Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons have been scheduled:
Tuesday, October 8 at 11:30 a.m.
Coopers Hawk
11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
Tuesday, November 12 at 11:30 a.m.
Clambake
16520 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers (Island Park)
Tuesday, December 3 at 11:30 a.m.
Brio
5505 Tamiami Trail N., Suite J1, Naples (Waterside Shops)
You may sign up for all luncheons at the community center or call to have your name placed on the list. If you
Monthly Motivation
Interact With Integrity
By Joshua A. Sky, Career Coach and Leadership Trainer
Behaving with integrity means avoiding any messages that are misleading, crammed with deviousness, or beneath the dignity of people.
After all, what is a lie? According to one definition, “A lie is any communication with the intent to deceive.”
Whether we communicate with our behavior or with the words we speak or write, if we communicate with a sense of integrity, how can our intent be to deceive? Interact with integrity; it’s a rare gem that shines most brightly.
“Integrity is the ingredient that will enable you to forge rapidly ahead on the highway that leads to success. It advertises you as being an individual who will always come through. Whatever you say you will do, do it even if you have to move heaven and earth.” – Mary Kay
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.
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 (239) 301-4510, chrispea46@ hotmail.com or Helen Ruocco (239) 992-0616, paradise11@comcast.net. See you there!
Book Club – Winter 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
Oct. 21 – Honor by Thrity Umrigar
Nov. 18 – Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Dec. 16 – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
October Book Summary
Honor By Thrity Umrigar
In this riveting and immersive novel, bestselling author Thrity Umrigar tells the story of two couples and the sometimes dangerous and heartbreaking challenges of love across a cultural divide. Indian American journalist Smita has returned to India to cover a story, but reluctantly: Long ago she and her family left the country with no intention of ever coming back. As she follows the case of Meena—a Hindu woman attacked by members of her own village and her own family for marrying a Muslim man—Smita comes face to face with a society where tradition carries more weight than one’s own heart, and a story that threatens to unearth the painful secrets of Smita’s own past.
While Meena’s fate hangs in the balance, Smita tries in every way she can to right the scales. She also finds herself increasingly drawn to Mohan, an Indian man she meets while on assignment. But the dual love stories of Honor are as different as the cultures of Meena and Smita themselves: Smita realizes she has the freedom to enter into a casual affair, knowing she can decide later how much it means to her. In this tender and evocative novel about love, hope, familial devotion, betrayal, and sacrifice, Thrity Umrigar shows us two courageous women trying to navigate how to be true to their homelands and themselves at the same time.
