Stoneybrook Happenings
By Denis Oldani, President HOA
Greetings neighbors, as the summer winds down and autumn approaches, we hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
We have some exciting news to share about the future of our neighborhood newsletter. Due to recent changes in the publishing industry, the ownership of our newsletter has transitioned, and as a result, we will no longer be able to pro vide a print copy.
However, we are thrilled to announce that we will be launching a digital version of the newsletter in the next couple of months! This exciting change will offer a host of new features and benefits, including:
• Dynamic reader experience: Enjoy an interactive and engaging format.
• Easy navigation: Flip through pages effortlessly and find what you’re looking for quickly.
• Articulate breakout sections: Focused content for easy reading.
• Dedicated event page: Stay informed about upcoming neighborhood activities.
• Comprehensive resource page: Access essential information at your fingertips.
• Mobile accessibility: Read on the go with our user-friendly mobile format.
• Enhanced visuals: Immerse yourself in vibrant colors and stunning pictures.
We believe this digital transformation will enhance your overall newsletter experience and provide even more valuable information and resources for ou r community.
Important HOA Updates And Going Digital!
This year has seen significant changes in HOA laws. To stay informed, we encourage
you to view the highlights of the changes on the August Master HOA Board meeting on YouTube.
Join The Digital Wave!
As communication becomes increasingly digital, we encourage you to:
• Sign up for our community website: Stay connected with the latest news, announcements, and community documents.
• Receive communications electronically: Save the community money (approximately $2.25 per resident for one mailed page) and receive information faster.
• Register to vote electronically: Reduce community expenses and vote from the comfort of your home.
Need Help Getting Started? For forms, instructions, or assistance with any of these options, please contact Stanley at the community center at (239) 948-1787, email at Stoneybrook.office@alliantproperty.com, or stop by the community center. Stay safe.
S
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.
– 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
August Coffee, Tea And Chat
We had a lot of folks come on out to the Wild West Saloon. It was great to see some neighbors even get into the theme and wear their cowboy attire. A great time was had by all.
Next month is our second birthday celebration so come have a party with us. And before we know it, all our seasonal friends and neighbors will be back. Where has the time gone?
Stoneybrook
TLP Tidbit$
By Thomas L. Patricca, CFP®, CEPS, AEP®
Why Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Might
Just Be Your Best Friend On The Road
Picture this: You’re cruising down the highway, windows down, radio blasting your favorite tunes. It’s a perfect day until – BAM! – you’re hit by a rogue driver who vanishes into the sunset. You dust yourself off and realize that your leg is broken and your job as a professional sumo wrestler is in jeopardy. Even worse, the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance. Cue the dramatic music and the rising panic. This is where the hero of our story steps in: uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Think of UM/ UIM as your guardian angel with a shield and a calculator, protecting you from the financial fallout of someone else’s recklessness.
What Exactly Is UM/UIM?
UM/UIM are parts of an insurance policy that help cover the costs when you’re involved in an accident with someone
who either has no insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover the damages they’ve caused. This coverage is specifically for bodily injury, not property damage or loss, which means your broken leg, bruised ego, and lost wages are covered. Because you either chose UM/UIM or the state in which you reside mandates UM/UIM, your bodily injuries won’t leave you financially crippled. Your insurance steps in and covers your medical expenses, up to the limits you selected when you signed up for your policy.
Stacking Coverage: The Cherry On Top
Now, let’s introduce the concept of “stacking.” If you’ve got more than one vehicle insured on your policy, some states allow you to “stack” the UM/UIM coverage for each car. Imagine you have three cars, each with UM/UIM coverage of $50,000. If an unfortunate incident occurs, stacking could potentially increase your coverage to $150,000. It’s like finding extra fries at the bottom of the bag – unexpected but oh-so-satisfying.
The Perks Of UM/UIM
1. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you’re protected against the financial impact of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver allows you to focus on recovery, not on mounting medical bills.
2. It Doesn’t Affect Your Rates: Since you’re not the one at fault, making a claim under your UM/UIM coverage won’t lead to a hike in your insurance premiums. Your rates remain as stable as a table with four legs, keeping your wallet happy.
3. Legal Protection: In some cases, if the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance, pursuing them legally might not be worth the effort. UM/UIM coverage steps in to fill the gap, reducing the need for legal action.
Conclusion: The Unsung Hero
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage might not get the spotlight it deserves, but it’s the silent protector every driver should have. It’s like having a first-aid kit in your car: you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad you have it if you do. So, the next time you renew your car insurance, give UM/UIM a second look. It’s the insurance equivalent of a guardian angel – minus the wings and halo, but just as indispensable. Better yet, consider working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM who will help you take a holistic approach to ensuring you have proper insurance coverage in all aspects of your life. Your CFP® will also be able to help you understand UM/UIM coverage in your specific state since the laws vary significantly from state to state.
Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons
The following Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons have been scheduled:
Tuesday September 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Harvest and Wisdom at Shangri-La 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Fla. Tuesday October 8 at 11:30 a.m. Coopers Hawk
11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, Fla. Tuesday November 12, at 11:30 a.m. Clambake
16520 S. Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers (Island Park)
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, (239) 301-4510; chrispea46@hotmail. com or Helen Ruocco, (239) 992-0616; paradise11@ comcast.net.
See you there!
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
Monthly Motivation
The Foundation Of Success
By Joshua A. Sky, Career Coach and Leadership Trainer
When interacting with others professionally or personally, consider their strengths and areas of development, just like yours. We all have them! If we look at others with a sense of understanding rather than blame, we’d all be better off. If we think about it, when we consider blame, is it that they’re not doing something we think they should?
Instead, we need look within ourselves and think about how we choose to respond. If you start to think that the problem is “out there,” think twice. That thought is the problem. We have the capacity to change ourselves and the results will be greater if we focus on that. But first, we must understand ourselves and others better.
The foundation of success lies in understanding oneself and others, then adapting one’s behavior to meet diverse needs.
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz
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. 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
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.
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
Oct. 21 – Honor by Thrity Umrigar
Nov. 18 – Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Dec. 16 – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Stoneybrook Social Hour
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month! Thank you to everyone who joined us, it’s always a fun time for all ages!
Strides For CJD 2024
Bonita Springs Annual Walk/Run To Raise Awareness Of CreutzfeldtJakob Disease (CJD)
Event Details
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Riverside
Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Schedule Of Events
• 7 a.m.: Setup
• 9 a.m.: Registration and Welcome
• 9:45 a.m.: Introductions, Why we are here, You are not alone, Read memorial names
• 10:15 a.m.: Group photo
• 10:30 a.m.: Walk begins
• 11 a.m.: Silent auction
• 11:20 a.m.: Announce Silent Auction Winners
• 11:30 a.m.: Thank You and Closure
*Event is on rain or shine*
For information email Captain, Paul Pavik at southwestflstrides@outlook.com.
Registration Information
Registration costs $30 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under through Thursday, Sept. 5 at 11:59 p.m. ET. After that, costs jump to $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under.
Online registration ends Thursday, 12 p.m., ET the Thursday before the event. After that, you can register onsite the day of the event.
Register online at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ stridesforcjd2024/. Click on the white Register button.
Trust Your Eyes to All Saints Eye Center
About Strides For CJD
Strides for CJD is an annual walk/run to raise awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare neurodegenerative disease that has no treatment or cure. Through this event, anyone – anywhere – can pay tribute to their loved ones and raise funds for the CJD Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, to provide family support, medical education and research programs. (Source: https://cjdfoundation.org/)
Bonita Springs – Estero Christian Women’s Connection Welcomes You To Our First Luncheon Of The Fall!
Friday, Oct. 11
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd., Estero, Fla.
Luncheon – $35 inclusive
Reservations and cancellations must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Tables will be assigned for all guests. If you wish to be seated with friends, submit all names and checks together, plus contact name, phone and any food allergies.
Reserve with a check(s) payable to BSECWC and mail to:
BSECWC, 20071 Seagrove St., #1003, Estero, FL 33928.
Call Nancy with questions at (520) 904-2913.
Checks must be received by the deadline to reserve!
Special Feature
Wondering how to make your lanai beautiful?
Let’s have fun with Debbie Boyles, Lee County Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener, as she shows us beautiful ideas for our planters, pots and patios!
Guest Speaker
Phillis DeWitt, Ph.D., a former foster child facing many challenges and later a foster parent to over 100 children, shares her amazing story, A Hero that Rescues. Her books will be available for purchase.
Stonecroft Bible Study
Form new and meaningful friendships in an informal small group to study how the Bible applies to real life. Call Sharon at (239) 410-9945 for information and location. Prayer And Fellowship Connection
Join us the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for fellowship, a short inspiring message and prayer.
Call Nancy at (908) 581-5623 for location. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries Website: cwcflorida.org
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.
Conservancy Of Southwest Florida
Nature Center Updates
Sunday, Sept. 1 To Monday, Sept. 30
Our campus will be closed to visitors for our annual exhibit and campus maintenance. We will reopen to guests on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
We appreciate your patience as we navigate these campus repairs and adjustments. Thank you for your cooperation, and we hope to see you at our Nature Center soon!
Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida 34102, Phone: (239) 262-0304, Email: info@conservancy.org .
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.
Gulfshore Playhouse
Baker Theatre And Education Center Opening Fall 2024
In the heart of Naples, a beacon of brilliance and creativity is about to illuminate the community like never before. This fall, the brand-new Gulfshore Playhouse at the Baker Theatre and Education Center will open on the corner of GoodletteFrank Road and First Avenue South!
Gulfshore Playhouse stands as the premiere professional regional theatre in Southwest Florida, serving Naples and the surrounding region by producing transformative theatrical experiences to the highest artistic standards.
Their work brings together professional artists from across the country, many with Broadway, film and television credits, to create meaningful experiences just for you. Each performance is thoughtfully curated to inspire joy, spark conversation and foster connection.
The inaugural season in the Baker Theatre and Education Center begins with the splashy, classic American comedy, Anything Goes! Featuring iconic Cole Porter songs that you know and love, you’re sure to get a kick out of this spectacular, Broadway-sized, toe-tapping musical! The show will be running from Oct. 27 to Nov. 24.
In the Struthers Studio, the season begins with Every Brilliant Thing starring Jeffrey Binder ( The Refugees,
Higher), a favorite at Gulfshore Playhouse. This uplifting and interactive one-man show invites the audience to help tell the story in a unique and absolutely unforgettable experience! The show will be running from Nov. 10 to Dec. 15.
Shows For The Remainder Of The Season
Dial “M” for Murder
Previews: Jan. 12, 14 and 15
Opening Night: Thursday, Jan. 16
Final Performance: Sunday, Feb. 2
A fresh take on the edge-of-your-seat mystery.
The Lehman Trilogy Previews: Jan. 26, 28, 29
Opening Night: Thursday, Jan. 30
Final Performance: Sunday, March 2
A Tony Award®-winning epic play about a moment that changed the world.
Noises Off Previews: Feb. 23, 25, 26
Opening Night: Thursday, Feb. 27
Final Performance: Sunday, March 16
An evening of rib-aching laughter and feel-good entertainment from start to finish!
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
Previews: March 16, 18, 19
Opening Night: Thursday, March 20
Final Performance: Sunday, April 19
An unforgettable play about one woman’s ability to mine humor from hardship.
Sweet Charity Previews: April 6, 8, 9
Opening Night: Thursday, April 10
Final Performance: Sunday, May 4
A sparkling Tony®-winning musical comedy about finding love in the Big Apple.
Go online at https://www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org/ for a variety of booking options or call (239) 261-7529 for information.
Gulfshore Playhouse, 755 8th Ave., S., Naples, FL 34102, (239) 261-7529, www. gulfshoreplayhouse.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.
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.
September 27 - November 9
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. Hear favorites All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, Roxie and more! Don’t miss the longest-running American musical in Broadway history!
Dates may be subject to change.
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.
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) 992-2556.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Shopping Center/Mall Safety Tips
Malls and shopping centers are excellent places to make purchases of all kinds and, as a result, these locations tend to be well populated and teeming with activity.
Shoppers migrate from store to store, occasionally stopping to eat or for a cup of coffee, and all too often pay little attention to the people around them and/or their surroundings. Shopping with young children complicates matters as we must closely monitor their whereabouts and behaviors despite carrying packages, trying on clothing, navigating the mall, etc.
A number of my previous “Safety & Security Tips” address “situational awareness” and today’s message will, once again, remind residents and guests of the importance of understanding your surroundings, familiarizing yourself with potential hazards and being in a position to effectively respond in the event of an emergency.
Walk confidently while demonstrating that you are paying attention to your environment. Distractions, such as smartphones, may send a message that you are not paying attention. Would be wrongdoers attempt to operate covertly and target unsuspecting victims. By constantly monitoring the people in your vicinity and that which is going on around you, you dramatically reduce the likelihood that you will be caught off-guard.
Try to avoid overburdening yourself with too many packages or large packages that are difficult to carry. Additionally, keep all of your bags and purchases within your site.
Never display large sums of cash and, other than while making payment at the register, avoid handling cash in public. Those carrying handbags, purses and similar items should consider carrying/wearing them “cross-body” with the clasp or flap facing your body.
It is critical to remember where you parked and, when returning to your vehicle, have your keys/key fob in your hand. Many of us enjoy the shopping experience, the activity and bustle at the mall and the interesting people that we encounter. It is, however, incumbent upon shoppers to remain attentive and to reduce the likelihood of victimization. Be alert! Be safe!
EXPERIENCE MATTERS, Results Count!
You've met us, you know our roots in this community. But why ch oose McGreevy and Comisar to guide you through your next real estate transact ion? It's simple:
Local Expertise: With years of experience in Stoneybrook and throughout Southwest Florida, we know the market inside and out.
Proven Results: Our clients' success stories speak for themselves—homes sold quickly and for top dollar, buyers finding their dream hom es with ease.
Personalized Service: We treat every transaction as if it were our own, with dedicated, one-on-one attention throughout the process.
Let’s make your next move a successful one. Trust the agents wh o know Estero Best. Call us today!
- (239) 287-5873
