Verandah View
Letter From The Board President
Happy New Year!
By Ian A. Shaffer, President, Verandah Community Association
It is great seeing our seasonal residents return. We look forward to an active season here in Verandah.
Our new Board of Directors was seated at our annual meeting in October. I am honored to be serving
the community as president. Our other Board members include Neal Rose as vice president, John Sample as treasurer, David Keely as secretary, and Mary Basile and Wally Watson as directors.
The Board is currently one member short of our seven members. We are excited that several people have expressed an interest in that position, and the Board will look to fill that spot this month.
The committees established after turnover are all still active and continue their hard work. Those committees include Design Review, Landscape, Property & Infrastructure, Communication, Traffic and Safety, Finance, and Special Projects. Special Projects will continue to work on the new cable contract and provide
oversight of the fiber-optic installation later this year. Each committee has a member of our Board as liaison to ensure the close connection between the Board and our community committees. If you have an interest in a committee, please contact General Manager Lynne Pietrzyk to learn more about the work they do.
Board meetings will be held every other month on the fourth Tuesday at 2 p.m., beginning Jan. 23. We encourage members to participate to stay informed of what’s happening in the community and to share your concerns and what’s important to you. There is always an option to join via Zoom if you are unable to attend in person. I look forward to seeing you as we share all that Verandah has to offer.
Exactly What Are The Verandah CDDs?
A Community Development District (CDD) is a governmental unit created to serve the long-term specific needs of our community. Created pursuant to Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes, CDDs’ main powers are to plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain community-wide infrastructure and services specifically for the benefit of our Verandah residents.
Verandah CDDs are designed to provide infrastructure systems, services and facilities (roadway, utilities, storm water management, irrigation, and wetland mitigation), conservation and landscaping along with certain ongoing operations and maintenance to the Verandah Community. In Verandah there are two districts. The Verandah East CDD comprises approximately 652.6 contiguous acres, and is located in the eastern half of Verandah, bounded by State Road 80 to the north, Buckingham Road to the east, and the Orange River to the south. The Verandah West CDD comprises approximately 777.9 acres and is located south of State Road 80 and west of Buckingham Road. The dividing line between the two Districts is the walking trail behind Lakeview Isles, with a jog going east on Verandah Boulevard, then the walking trail behind Brantley Oaks.
How Does the CDD Benefit Me? Verandah’s land contains natural flow-ways and wetlands that are home to many species of Florida wildlife and birds. These natural areas along with an extensive system of interconnected lakes form the backbone of Verandah’s water management system. These important features are professionally managed by the Verandah’s CDDs to ensure their functionality and pleasing aesthetics in perpetuity for the benefit of those who live in Verandah.
2024 Assessments
Assessments were due Jan. 1. If you do not use ACH, it is important to check your account to ensure your payment was delivered on or before Jan. 1, and your account is at a zero balance. If you are using bill pay through your bank, make sure you change the amount of your payment so that you do not have a balance on your account.
How do CDDs Work? Verandah’s CDDs are independent local governments whose business must be conducted by law “in the sunshine” to provide residents with higher levels of transparency and services than a county or municipality might normally provide. Each Verandah CDD has a five-member Board of Supervisors. The supervisors are elected to a four-year term in the public general election. The election is conducted by the Lee County Elections Office, the same as for county officials, Congress and others on the first Tuesday in November. It is listed as an Independent Special District, scroll down to Verandah.
CDD Board meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 10, at 11390 Palm Beach Blvd., First Floor, Fort Myers, Florida.
How is the CDD Funded? The infrastructure costs of the CDDs are financed through the issuance of low interest 20- or 30-year special assessment revenue bonds. The debt from these bonds makes up most of the annual assessment from the district. Assessments are collected as part of each homeowner’s Lee County’s property tax bill each year. Revenues are managed and services are contracted, paid for, and professionally managed by
Need Help?
If you have questions regarding your account or need help with setting up ACH you can stop by the VCA office on Jan. 18 and 25 between 2 and 4 p.m., and we will have staff and volunteers to assist you.
Verandah’s CDDs through a contract with a professional management firm, Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC. CDD Contact: Cleo Crismond, operations manager, (239) 498-9020, https://www.verandahcdds.net/index.php
Verandah Art Gala
The Verandah Club is hosting an Art Gala on Jan. 15, featuring the work of a group of artistic Verandah residents.
“We are very excited about this event,” said Kaitlin Felch, Director of Events and Hospitality. “We are hoping we get a good turnout and can make this an annual event.”
The Art Gala will include a variety of media: painting, sculpture, mixed-media, and photography. Many of the artists will have work for sale.
Participating artists include Alice Borowsky, Rich Dobuski, Beverly Drucker, Anne Harrison, Joe Kobinsky, Sandi McCabe, Mary McCarthy, Charlotte Mertz, Anita O’Reilly, Jim Ringstrom and Diane Young.
Many of the artists have donated artwork for a raffle. Proceeds from the raffle will go to support the Verandah Sew & Sews.
Stop by, grab a drink and treat your eyes to the creations of your friends and neighbors. The Art Gala will be held on Jan. 15 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Riverhouse. A cash bar will be available.
Message From The Club General Manager
By Bill Weller, Verandah Club General Manager
Over this past year, the Club has truly appreciated and enjoyed all the support that you have shown us through a period of significant change. We hope that you have enjoyed the expanded hours and additional events that have been added to our calendar over the past year. We think 2024 is looking very positive and we have great momentum.
The Club continues to program and make changes to
enhance your Membership experience. Some of these enhancements to the membership are noted below:
• Year-round extended hours of operation for food and beverage, additional nightly dinner service, weekly member events, free outdoor concerts, new cocktail/wine menus, and the NFL Ticket available in both the River House and Blossoms.
• The Club replaced all the tennis fences and installed additional drainage throughout the complex.
• The Club installed new landscaping, pavers, and a canopy/shade structure around the pickleball courts.
• Additional Team Members have been added in every department to improve service levels and extend our hours of operation. We have invested heavily in our Food and Beverage operation with a new Executive Sous Chef as
well as an increase in both front and back of the house team members and management. Another significant addition has been the Full-Time Director of Court Sports who will support the Wellness & Lifestyle Director with operating, managing, and programming for tennis, pickleball and bocce.
• Installed all new tee and directional signs on both Old Orange and Whispering Oak golf courses.
• Fully completed the Bunker projects on both Old Orange and Whispering Oak.
• The Club is under contract to fully replace both the roofs on the River House and the Golf House.
With all our planned improvements we look forward to a great year in 2024. On behalf of all Verandah Team Members, let me wish each one of you the very best of the holidays and a sincere wish for a happy and healthy New Year.
How Do I Navigate Within The New Jonas Golf System?
Golfers in Verandah are very familiar with Chelsea, our previous reservation system. Actually, Chelsea was one of the first PC-based reservation systems. It was developed by Chelsea Information Systems, founded in 1987. As of this writing, Verandah is transitioning from the Chelsea golf reservation system to the Jonas Tee Time Management System. Jonas is the leader in the market with software in use at more than 2,300 clubs. As opposed to solely a tee time system, Jonas offers a club an integrated all-in-one golf management solution, enabling staff to also manage related processing, maintenance, billing and reporting.
To better understand the basics of the new Jonas system and how it affects the member experience, Verandah View interviewed Adam Miller PGA, Verandah’s Director of Golf.
Question: What motivated us to take a look at other golf reservation systems available in the market? Why was Jonas selected?
Answer: The Chelsea system worked 100 percent independently from our point-of-sale system and member statement platform, which is Jonas. The Jonas tee sheet is now linked directly to everyone’s member account, including a single login at verandahlife.com rather than needing to use multiple websites and multiple usernames and passwords. Question: Chelsea had a point system used in determining tee times. Is the new Jonas point system similar?
Answer: The point system on Jonas and what was in place with Chelsea are the same, apart from the new “noshow” policy. Under the new “no-show “policy, if you have a scheduled tee time and you fail to show up and do not cancel at all, you will be considered a “no show” and may be assessed a 15-point penalty. We noticed a large amount of “no-show” tee times last season, upwards of 20 slots per day that were reserved and not played. The new policy is in place to encourage members to cancel in a timely manner to allow another member or group of members the opportunity to play in that time slot.
Question: We used to be able to use a spouse’s account with our own individual member number to view and sign up for tee times on Verandah Life. Can we still do that?
Answer: No. All members, both main account holders and spouses, need individual accounts to be able to book tee times or make tee time lottery requests. Those members who do not have an active account can either call the Golf House at (239) 694-4229, Ext. 1, or stop into the Golf House and a member of the professional staff will be happy to create a new account for them.
Question: How do I sign up for a tee time? Can I edit or delete my booking?
Answer: Once a member is signed into Verandah Life, the member will:
• Click the GOLF tab, and a drop-down list will pop up. Click the TEE TIMES tab. This will take you directly to the tee sheet.
• There is a bar across the top of the page with the date, and the times will be displayed below. The tee sheet is visible up to 30 days in advance. If your requested play date is more than six days in advance, it will show LOTTERY in the tee time. Click REQUEST and a window will pop up to gather information such as your desired time, course, number of holes, how many players and who you would like to add to the booking. Once the booking is complete, it can be found under the MY BOOKINGS tab. Here there is an option to edit or delete the booking. Please know that the individual entering the REQUESTS will see a confirmation window
but NO EMAILS will be sent until tee times have been awarded and assigned.
• If your requested play date is six days or less, the open tee times can be seen and will list how many spots within that tee time are free for booking. To book the tee time, click the desired time and this will open a new window to gather information for your booking. Once completed, a confirmation pop-up will appear, and an email will be sent to the players. At this point players can find their tee time under the MY BOOKINGS tab where they will have the option to edit or delete their booking.
Question: Where can I find a friend’s schedule?
Answer: This function is not currently available within Jonas. A work order request has been submitted and we are hopeful to have this feature available in the future.
Question: Can I select how many holes I wish to play, 9 or 18, on this system?
Answer: Yes, it is actually a requirement when booking a tee time.
Question: If you are in a group, the group leader submits the requests for tee times. How are points assigned to the leaders and the members?
Answer: The system will distribute points to all players
in the group, leader included, that are awarded a tee time through the lottery system. This is not a change. This is the same program that was used within the Chelsea system.
Question: Can I book a tee time through an App on my iPhone?
Answer: Yes, you can download the Clubhouse Online app from the Apple or Android store, which will give you access without having to open your browser. The process in the mobile app is essentially the same as described for Verandahlife.
Question: When Quick Book shows up on the tee sheet, what does that mean?
Answer: Quick Book is an option to quickly add yourself to an available tee time. This will bypass the booking page, but is only for the member that is booking. If the member is looking to book a group of two or more, they will need to proceed through the standard booking page.
In closing, Adam Miller said,” I hope this clarifies some of the questions that the membership is having. A member of the professional staff is always available and happy to assist with any questions. We are taking all feedback into consideration and are working with Jonas to make the platform and process as smooth as possible for the membership and staff.”
Adam Miller
Protecting Your Plants From The Cold
During the winter it is not uncommon for nighttime temperatures to fall into the 40s and below here in Verandah. How damaging are these cooler temperatures to our plants and what can we do to protect them?
It is best to check the predicted temperature range of an approaching cold front. Verandah lies in the eastern part of Lee County where temperatures are typically a few degrees lower during a cold event.
Some plants will need more protection than others when temperatures dip. The subtropical and tropical plants in our landscapes are very cold sensitive and can experience cold damage when temperatures drop below 50. Plants such as ixora, croton, copperleaf and hibiscus may drop their leaves from these cooler temperatures but will recover and form new leaves when temperatures rise. Florida native plants, like coontie and cocoplum are more resistant to temperature fluctuation. If you plan to prune and fertilize your plants, wait until the temperatures are consistently warmer. Both will encourage new growth that can be damaged with another temperature drop.
If you cover your plants, use commercial plant covers, blankets, quilts, towels, cardboard or any inverted container with a hard bottom like flowerpots, pails and baskets. Plastic covering is not a good choice as it does not breathe and can trap moisture. Coverings should be secured to the ground to maximize heat retention.
Watering your plants during the day of a predicted temperature drop will help the soil retain heat which radiates around the plants during the night. Mulching around the plant also helps to warm the soil and protects roots.
Our coldest winter months are December and January, but we can still have a drop in temperatures in February. At the end of February, we can start thinking of spring plantings, rejuvenating our plants, warmer temperatures and enjoying our gardens to their fullest.
A Letter From The VCA General Manager
By Lynne Pietrzyk
Whether you spent the holidays here in our tropical paradise or returned to your hometown, we hope you had a wonderful celebration! It’s the new year and there’s been a lot of planning going on at the VCA offices.
Before I discuss our plans for 2024 let me begin by expressing the VCA Board of Directors and Management Team’s appreciation to the residents who spent a significant amount of time planning and organizing every detail of our Holiday Tree Lighting event. Each year, they strive to make it better than the last. We are fortunate to have this dedicated group of residents and we’re grateful for their hard work and the magical event they create for all of us.
Darlene Cavanaugh Stacey Meyer
Audrey Schmidt Karl Schmidt
Cate Sprague Keshia Cook
Brian Bobek Sandra Palladino
Kathy Duvall JoAnne Barone
Ella McFiggan Lisa Zakrajsek
Julie Benson Laura Madden
Donna Bohne
Looking forward, we’ve got several projects and improvements planned for 2024. A few things that you will see happening over the coming months:
• The new gate access system will be installed and will allow 24/7 access at the Tropic gate. More details will be shared in e-blasts as we nail down schedules and when you will be able to obtain your new passes.
• We will be upgrading some of our amenities and making landscape enhancements, including the replacement of hardwood trees lost during Hurricane Ian
• In the past the hurricane and alligator seminars were well received. We will repeat those popular seminars and add new ones on kayaking, cyber security, home security, and landscaping in Southwest Florida. We are also pleased to announce a new seminar, Getting to Know Verandah, that was designed with new homeowners in mind. It is available to any homeowners interested in learning a little more about how Verandah operates, how the staff supports you, what community partners we have, and how to locate helpful resources. A schedule will be published on our website and sent by email. We hope to see many of you at one of the upcoming seminars.
• And we’ll have some fun events – Paws Market, Spring Festival, and Holiday Festivities.
It’s going to be a great year in Verandah!
The Juggler Amongst Us
Verandah Community University invites you to join Verandah resident, Stacey Deffenbaugh Meyer, for a talk about her life as a broadcast journalist, restauranteur, and charity circuit emcee in Southwest Florida.
Stacey has had a long and varied career at NBC2 News in Fort Myers and owns FM Don’s restaurant in Punta Gorda with her husband, Chef Keith Meyer. She also has a passion for the legal system, and will share some of her experiences covering the biggest trials and legal stories that have impacted our community.
Before joining Waterman Broadcasting, Stacey worked at KVLY in Fargo, N.D., where she was coanchor of the top-rated morning newscast for nearly five years. Before that, Stacey was a one-man band (shooting video and reporting solo) in Grand Forks, N.D., and an assignment editor at WDTN in Dayton, Ohio.
Stacey is from Fremont, Ohio and graduated with a Communications degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.
Stacey spends numerous hours helping nonprofits in Southwest Florida raise money. She regularly hosts the American Cancer Society’s Imagination Ball and Bucket List Bash, The Homeless Coalition’s Mistletoe Ball, The Collier Building Association Sand Dollar Awards, The March of Dimes Signature Chef’s Auction, The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon, and the Gulf Coast Symphony Gala. She also finds time to volunteer in Verandah. She is the neighborhood representative for Magnolia and emcees our annual Christmas tree lighting event.
“I’m very excited to be part of Verandah Community University,” said Stacey. “I think it is a concept that has great potential to add to the programming and events offered by the club. I look forward to sharing some of my stories with the community, and of course, answering questions.”
The event will be held on Jan. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. in The Fitness Center Activity Room. Tuition is $10 payable at the door. RSVP on the Club’s website: verandahlife.com or email verunifm1@yahoo.com
Verandah Volunteer Opportunities Fair
Monday, Jan. 8, Noon Until 3 p.m.
Oak Park (Near Playground)
Don’t miss our second annual Volunteer Opportunities Fair for Verandah residents! Once again, local nonprofits will set up tables in Oak Park, near the playground, with representatives and volunteers available to tell you all about their organizations.
Consumer Alerts
Military Consumers:
The FTC Wants To Hear From You
Recently, the White House announced some initiatives the administration is undertaking to improve the lives of the military and veteran communities. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) participates in several of these efforts, including the Veteran Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) task force that’s working to help veterans and their families avoid scams and other deceptive practices.
Some of those deceptive practices relate to the carbuying process. Over the past few years, the FTC has highlighted some of the challenges and confusion you might face in buying and financing a car – including figuring out charges for add-on items after the initial price negotiation – that can lead to paying more than you expected.
How does that relate to the military and veteran communities? Well, military consumers’ reports to the FTC put auto-related reports in that group’s top ten issues (along with identity theft).
Because the FTC is always interested in hearing about the experiences of service members, veterans, and military families, especially when it relates to such a vital purchase, we’re asking you to share your story. What has your experience been when buying a vehicle? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
We bring 20-plus nonprofits to you!
Organizations Attending
1. ARC Animal Refuge Center
2. Gulf Coast Humane Society
3. Manatee Park
4. Southwest Florida Horse Rescue
5. Special Equestrians
6. Fort Myers East Rotary
7. Inner Wheel Club of Fort Myers
8. ECHO Global Farm
9. ACT Abuse Counseling and Thrift Shop
10. Blessings in a Backpack
11. Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida
12. Children’s Network of Southwest Florida
13. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
14. Guardian Ad Litem
15. Big Brother, Big Sister
16. Valerie’s House
17. National Youth Advocacy Program
18. Habitat 4 Humanity
19. Sew & Sews
20. United Way Vita Program
21. Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL
22. Harry Chapin Food Bank
23. Meals on Wheels
24. St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry and After-School Programs
This is a Verandah Community Association (VCA) sponsored event. A VCA table will be available with staff members to answer your questions.
If you would be willing to help set up and take down tables, please contact the event chairs.
Event Chairs are Susan Shamey (sshamey@ymail.com) and Stephanie Levin (sslaging@comcast.net).
Verandah Community University Upcoming Events
All events will be held in the Fitness Center, unless noted. Visit verandahlife.com or verunifm1@yahoo.com to register. A $10 tuition fee for each program is payable at the door.
Monday, Jan. 22, 4 to 6 p.m.
Resident Stacey Deffenbaugh Meyer, recently retired TV news anchor and restauranteur, will share experiences about her dual careers.
Monday, Feb. 12, 4 to 6 p.m.
Dr. Lyn Millner, FGCU journalism professor and an expert on cults, will discuss the Koreshan Community, a local cult in Estero. Dr. Millner is the author of Allure of Immortality: An American Cult, A Florida Swamp, and a Renegade Prophet. Monday, March 11, 4 to 6 p.m.
Resident restauranteur, John Tramontana discusses the restaurant business and his new book, When It Tastes Good, It’s Done. Mangia!
It’s Time To Visit The Gentle Giants At Manatee Park
By Deloris Donnelly, Florida Naturalist and Master Gardener
While neighbors in Verandah are welcoming friends back from the north to enjoy our balmy weather, the waterways here in Florida will soon be filled with gentle giants returning from the Gulf of Mexico also seeking warmer waters.
When Gulf temperatures fall below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, West Indian Manatees begin to arrive. They are searching for natural springs, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals and coastal areas with sea grass and other aquatic plant beds. Manatees return yearly, traveling up the Caloosahatchee River, into the Orange River and then into the lagoon and man-made canal at Manatee Park. We are fortunate to live here near to one of their yearly revisited warm water areas.
Many of you come here from states where these fascinating mammals are not native nor even frequent your waters. I suggest you plan to visit nearby Manatee Park, December to March while these special aquatic mammals are around. It is an opportunity not to be missed.
Verandah Pet Of The Month
Free programs are offered under the 200-yearold live oak tree every day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. beginning when water tempetures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit and the manatees arrive. Manatee Park is right up the street at 10901 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers – turn left when leaving Verandah.
Come and observe. Come and listen for the underwater communications of these 1,200-pound sea cows many
with their 60- to 70-pound newborn calves. Learn about their 3 foot long lungs and how they help them, as mammals, stay submerged. Learn about their marching molars and their eating habits. Learn how we humans, their main enemy, can aid in their survival.
Come canoe or kayak in the Orange River surrounded by these huge mammals. They will not upturn your boat but easily float under it. Although tempted, please do not touch or attempt to feed them. Enjoy and observe and be delighted to share this wonderful part of Florida with these gentle giants.
If interested in volunteering call Laura Carr, Manatee Park, at (239) 690-5030.
For more information call Deloris Donnelly, Oak Bend at Verandah, (302) 399-1225.
Smokey is a fluffy, very grey, very playful cat who owns Ruby and Ross Matthews. Smokey is a watch cat and hero because he alerted Ruby to a snake lying beneath her bed. Yikes! Bravo Smokey!
Let’s Go To Dinner
Connors Steak & Seafood
Salads And Sandwiches
We have been loyal diners of Connors since they opened in 2012. For consistently good quality and delicious food, Connors is hard to beat. They have a fairly extensive menu and here are some highlights.
Starters And Small Plates
Lobster Crab Bisque – This soup is on the menu every day and with good reason. This bisque is creamy but not too rich, with great shellfish flavor.
Homemade Soup Of The Day – While, as the title says, “Soup of the Day” there is one “soup” you should try if available. The Prime Rib Chili is outstanding and is robust enough to be an entree.
Fried Green Tomatoes – With cheese grits and an andouille cream sauce, it doesn’t get more southern than this. Try it!
We almost always order an entree and a Connors’ salad is a great way to begin your meal. I highly recommend the Wedge, with blue cheese, bacon and Connors’ Wedge dressing. This salad is my favorite. The house salad is also terrific and has everything in it.
Signature Cuts
These entrees are served with soup or salad and your choice of side. The baked potato is large enough to share so think about trying one of their other sides. My two favorite cuts are the Ribeye and Connors Prime Rib. If you are a carnivore and love red meat, you can’t go wrong with these two choices. My partner usually orders the 6-ounce fillet and it is fun to see the server choose who gets the ribeye rare or the petit fillet medium.
Seafood Specialties – If you like grouper – order it. This is my “go to” dish on the menu. The fish is mesquite grilled with a chipotle tomato butter topping. I have it with the Asiago Creamed Spinach. If this seems like way
Garden Council To Present ‘Awesome Blossoms’
Save The Date, Feb. 13 For Strolling Flower Show
The annual Strolling Flower Show, presented by the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, will be held on Feb. 13, at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Awesome Blossoms,” this year’s theme, is free to the public; donations will be accepted to help defray show expenses. The public will serve as the judges for the three entry categories – most tropical, best interpretation of the theme, and my favorite design. The three winners will be announced at a future thank you luncheon. The featured artist for the show is Heidi Love Larranz.
The Strolling Flower Show has a long history of
being presented annually by the Periwinkle Garden Club, a member of the Garden Council. Space for show arrangements is limited; designers from the various Garden Council affiliates should request a space from Anina Bachrach, aninabach@aol.com, no later than Jan. 15. Sponsors for the show are being sought and should contact aninabach@aol.com.
The Myers-Lee County Garden Council was formed in 1957 and now comprises various clubs, societies, and affiliate members in the area. The council assists in educating and beautifying the community and improving the environment. The council is a member of the National Garden Clubs, the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, and American Public Gardens.
For additional information about the council and the strolling flower show contact Susan Fero, SDF40@aol.com.
too much food, the spinach is just as good the next day. You now have a head start on tomorrow’s dinner.
Chicken Entrees – The restaurant is Connors Steak & Seafood. Order chicken some other time.
Desserts – This steakhouse has the standard dessert menu: New York Style Cheesecake, Crème Brûlée, etc. The one dessert that can’t be missed is their homemade ice cream. All the flavors are amazing, but the best is the blueberry. It truly is a “Taste of Maine.”
With Southern roots, the first of seven Connors opened in Knoxville, Tenn., in 2004, and continues to provide excellent food and outstanding service. While dining there a few months ago one of the managers brought Mike Connor to our table and introduced us. We were pleased with this “special attention” and even more so when he came back to our table and introduced us to his wife. This is just one of the things that keeps us coming back for more.
Connors is located at 10076 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers.
That’s Dinner Y’all Ginger Snap
Touch Of Spring Bazaar
Come and see the Sew & Sews’ Spring and Easter collection of home decor items, beautiful hostess gifts, children’s gifts, embroidered towels, and so much more.
You know the quality workmanship of the stylish items we create!
Funds raised from the sale of our handcrafted products allow us to buy fabric and sewing essentials to benefit the nonprofits the Sew & Sews support. Sew & Sews doesn’t rebuild houses, provide counseling, or medical care. We quilt, sew, crochet/ knit, and knot blankets and items that promote feelings of being cared for and about, through the nonprofits we serve.
Some of our nonprofit partners: Golisano Children’s Hospital and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Mom and Baby Department at Health Park Hospital, Lee Health Regional Cancer Center, Valerie’s House, Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, Tiny Showers, ACT Women and Children’s Shelters, Visions of Sugar Plums, and Orange River Elementary School.
Together Verandah Makes A Difference
Visions Of Sugar Plums
Making Wishes Come True
For Nearly 250 Little Ones!
The annual Visions of Sugar Plums cocktail party was a great way to welcome the holiday season.
Coordinator Sharon Coburn and her dedicated team organized an evening of sparkle and glitz. Music filled the air courtesy of Chuck Amata and Pete Biava who graciously entertained the group with easy listening holiday music. More than 230 Verandah ladies attended, making not only generous monetary donations but commitments of time to shop, wrap, label and deliver gifts to 250 children (including 50 children of the Verandah staff) who otherwise would have gone without.
Every child received a new pair of shoes, a new outfit or two, and something from their wish list. The Moms (or Grandmas) were gifted a beautiful hand-tied throw, lovingly crafted by the Sew & Sews, along with bags of much appreciated food for thankful families.
The Verandah Fund 2023 Recipients
When the Verandah community was founded in 2003, the Verandah Fund was established. The source of money in the fund is provided by homebuyers when they purchase a resale property in Verandah; 1/4 of 1 percent of the purchase price goes into the fund. The Verandah Fund is managed by the Collaboratory – a Southwest Florida nonprofit that pools donations and coordinates charitable grants to improve the social fabric of the area.
The Verandah Community Association (VCA) Board announced that in 2023 the fund will provide $85,000 to nine local charities including Better Together, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, Habitat for Humanity, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, McGregor Food Pantry, Saint Martin dePorres Outreach, St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church Food Pantry, and the Sew & Sews. The VCA is honored to help make a positive impact on the lives of our less fortunate neighbors.
VWSC Little Black Dress Event
The Verandah Women’s Social Club (VWSC) Little Black Dress event was a sellout with over 200 ladies enjoying the evening. The ladies were treated to a little surprise mini-fashion show with beautiful black dresses/ outfits from Dillard’s modeled by 10 of our lovely ladies (Judy Carlson, Lolly Dentkos, Kathy Duval, Pat Gunderson, Deb Jackson, Kathy Link, Joyce Logue, Kathleen Macko, Pippen Madson, Pat Piskura). Dillard’s store manager Rachel Ramia attended and was a key contributor to this event. She coordinated fittings for our models who received personalized assistance from a professional stylist.
Although fun was at the top of all our minds, the real win for the evening was the $4,100 raised that will go to the Moffit Cancer Center.
Sew & Sews’ Holiday Tour Of Homes
Katie and Len Deeg on Torrey Way, Joanne and Mike Eberhart on Sanctuary Point, Nita Everly on Meandering Way, Susie McIntyre on Lakeview Isle Court and Amanda and Elmer
Toro on Hammock Creek opened their homes to more than 470 Verandah neighbors. Each home had Sew & Sews’ volunteers help decorate and act as hostesses. Kudos to Holiday Tour of Homes’ leaders: Judy Carlson, Barbra Colquitt, and Lisa Northrup, whose innovative ideas and exquisite touches, made each home pop in its own way.
The Great Minnesota GetTogether
Approximately 120 Minnesotans gathered at The River House for the first-ever Great Minnesota Get-Together. In keeping with the great Minnesota tradition of giving back and helping others, the event raised $757 for the Harry Chapin Food Bank, along with many food donations.
Welcome Back Verandah Neighbors!
Fully Staffed and Accepting New Patients
There was an amazing turnout for this year’s Turkey Trot fundraiser with 130 trotters. We doubled our attendance and donations over last year. $1,745 was donated to the Harry Chapin Food Bank here in Fort Myers.
Turkey Trot Fundraiser
Verandah Fitness And Court Sports News January
By Leslie Larson, Director of Wellness and Lifestyle
Hours Of Operation: Season Hours Through April
Monday To Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday And Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Key Card Access: 5 to 8 p.m. daily
Tips To Achieving Your New Year’s Fitness Goals
Make Fitness A Priority
Consistency and frequency is what I always tell clients and members. The key when you’re trying to reach your fitness goals is to get consistent activity and try to be more frequent with it.
When life becomes busy, the first thing to get bumped off the schedule is often our gym time. To stick with your 2024 fitness goals, you must make your health and wellness a daily top priority. Your physical and mental health deserves to be a top priority!
Find A Program That Works For You Try Personal Training
Creating a fitness routine can be overwhelming with so many workouts and types of exercises to choose from. Personal trainers can develop unique workout plans tailored to your fitness level, fitness goals and any sporting events you want to train for. If you struggle with any health conditions or are recovering from an illness or injury, a personal trainer can help you work out in a way that’s safe and comfortable for you. Plus, personal trainers come with built-in accountability and progress tracking. They can help you set realistic goals, track your progress, and adjust your routine to help achieve
the results you are aiming for.
We have six different certified personal trainers right here at your very own Verandah gym for your convenience. Check out verandahlife.com or call the fitness center for more information on how to set up a training session.
Try A Group Fitness Class
One of the most popular reasons for taking a group fitness class is that they are just a fun way to work out. With highenergy music, motivating instructors, and the camaraderie among members to get through the class together, it can feel more like a party than a workout. Working out with other people can help you stay on track to reach your fitness goals. Check out the verandahlife.com event calendar to see the variety of classes Verandah has to offer.
Stick To A Schedule
Not interested in personal training or group fitness classes, no problem, but at least try to stick to a workout schedule. One of the best fitness goals is consistency. Planning to work out a specific number of days per week or month could be your first step on your path toward better wellness. Regularly showing up to the gym will naturally push you toward accomplishing your other fitness goals, as well.
Prep Your Meals
One of the easiest ways to start eating healthier is to meal prep, so you don’t choose an unhealthy, quick-fix alternative amid the hustle and bustle of a busy day. Taking time at the beginning of the week to chop or cook ingredients in advance will save you time and keep you from making unhealthy choices in the days ahead. Being in less of a rush will also help you eat slowly and stop eating when you’re full.
Give
Up One Indulgence
A wholesale lifestyle overhaul may feel daunting. Instead of trying to ditch junk food, cut carbs, quit soda, skip dessert and eliminate alcohol all at the same time, start by choosing just one vice to give up. Then, as you adjust to living without chocolate or wine, try getting rid of another indulgence. Gradually changing unhealthy habits is more sustainable than quitting everything cold turkey.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Annual Homeowners Association Presidents Council
Adjust Your Attitude
Make your mindset a goal, too. If you tend to view exercising or eating right as a necessary evil, shift your perspective to look at working out as a daily adventure and mealtime as an opportunity to fuel your body with nutritious foods. With enough practice, your attitude will begin to change. Before you know it, you will look forward to your next trip to the gym and devouring a healthy meal afterward.
Court Sports Tip From Fred Hindle, Director Of Court Sports
Do you want more power and control when playing tennis and pickleball?
The answer to this is of course “Yes,” we all want to have more power and control on the courts. One easy way to gain this is very simple. Stop holding your racquet and paddle so tight! Tennis and pickleball racquets/ paddles are designed to be held with a relaxed grip. A relaxed grip will also provide you with more paddle and racquet head speed along with the ability to truly create touch around the net. This loosened grip will also prevent tennis elbow and shoulder pain. So next time you are on the pickleball and tennis courts, please try this. You will be surprised at the results.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the courts.
Working cohesively with our county homeowners’ associations requires the appropriation of an array of resources, the commitment of Lee County Sheriff’s Office staff and ongoing communication. While these efforts have produced extraordinary results, I am of the mindset that the application of the newest technologies and enhanced community policing strategies will assist us in our efforts to keep Lee County among the safest counties in the nation.
On Feb. 6, I will be hosting my “Annual Homeowners Association Presidents Council” at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
The event will include a display of Lee County Sheriff’s Office assets, incorporate HOA vendor displays, as well as include a presentation/discussion of the innovative technologies that the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is and will be using to protect our communities. Additionally, I will participate in a “Question and Answer” segment at the conclusion of the forum.
The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided. I encourage interested HOA presidents, HOA Board members and community residents to attend. As seating is limited, please register as soon as possible by calling (239) 477-1CRU (1278) or by visiting www.sheriffleefl. org/hoapresidentscouncil.
Berne Davis Garden Tours
Now Available Weekly On Tuesday
The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Ave., Fort Myers, adjacent to the Edison Home, is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until May 2024. Admission and parking are both free; handicap parking is on Virginia Avenue; regular parking is on Larchmont Avenue, off of McGregor Boulevard.
The botanical garden is a project of the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, whose headquarters are at the Virginia Avenue address. It is staffed by Garden Council volunteers who provide tours of the garden. Those viewing the garden may also just walk the path and enjoy the gardens.
The garden is the home of the Lorelei statue that was recently part of the old Fort Myers Library as well as the Mina Edison Botanical Library. Many of the displays in the garden have been provided through the talents and contributions of the local garden clubs, plant societies, and other affiliates which comprise the Garden Council.
The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council was formed in 1957 and now comprises various clubs, societies, and affiliate members in the area. Membership provides an opportunity to
learn about floral design, growing plants suitable for our locale, and conservation methods.
The council assists in educating and beautifying the community and improving the environment. A speaker’s bureau provides speakers for meetings and events. The council is a member of the National Garden Clubs, the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, and American Public Gardens Association. For additional information about the council, contact the council at fmlcgardencouncil@gmail.com or (239) 332-4942.
MNMW Hosting Annual FREE Shred Day Event
To Benefit United Way
Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. (MNMW) will partner with All Points Mobile Shredding to host its seventh annual free Community Shred Day event on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. until noon. A Secure Shred truck, which is part of the All Points Mobile Company, will be on site at the Fort Myers MNMW location, 8961 Conference Drive. There will be a two-box maximum per person for shredding.
This is a free event; however, MNMW encourages participants to consider a donation to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties when bringing their items to be shredded. Donations to the United Way can be in monetary form, canned or nonperishable goods, or new/gently used clothing. A representative from United Way will be on site to accept your donations and answer any questions.
“Our free Community Shred Day is a popular event here at MNMW. Our clients and the public are always eager to find out when they can safely dispose of their sensitive documents and personal information,” said Jessica Walker, MA, APR, CPRC, marketing and PR manager for MNMW. “We hope that this service is helpful to those using it and brings a greater awareness to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties and its partner agencies.”
Items that can be shredded are bank statements, tax records, contracts, blank checks, etc. A good rule to determine if an item is “shreddable” is “if it tears, it can be destroyed.” Items not suitable for shredding include hard drives, cell phones, batteries, etc. All shredded material will be recycled to support an eco-friendly environment.
About Markam Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A.
Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A. is a public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Fort Myers and Naples. Along with traditional tax and accounting services, the firm offers a wide range of other services, including general business consulting, construction business consulting, medical practice consulting, not-for-profit services, family mediation services, forensic accounting, and litigation support. Call (239) 433-5554 or visit www. Markham-Norton.com for more information.
About All Points Mobile Shredding
All Points Mobile Shredding is a local family-owned and operated business with a 25-year history in the industry. They are NAID AAA certified and have more than 250 5-star Google reviews. For more information, please check out their website, www.allpointsprotects.com.
Southwest Florida Symphony
Performs With Renowned Crossover Violinist Charles Yang
collaborations with artists including Peter Dugan, Michael Thurber and CDZA, Steve Miller, Jesse Colin Young, Joshua Bell, Jake Shimabukuro, Ray Benson, Savion Glover, Twyla Tharp, Misty Copeland and Jon Batiste.
About United Way Of Lee, Hendry, And Glades Counties United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in our area. All the money raised stays local, with over 95.5 percent of every dollar given going back into the community. Gifts to United Way go directly to meet the needs of the counties we serve, making it a better place to live and work. For more information, please call (239) 433-2000 or visit www. UnitedWayLee.org.
The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and fourth oldest orchestra in the state, is excited to announce Grammy award-winning artist Charles Yang will perform the second Masterworks concert of the season on Saturday, Jan. 6.
“Beethoven No. 5 and the British Invasion” begins at 7:30 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Yang, a renowned violinist, will perform as Maestro Radu Paponiu leads one of Beethoven’s most well-known symphonic pieces and the most recognizable piece of classical music in history, Symphony No. 5 in C minor , as well as a mix of classical and contemporary favorites such as Blackbird by the Beatles; House of the Rising Sun by the Animals; Tzigane by Maurice Ravel; Csárdás by Vittorio Monti; and Entr’acte by famed composer Caroline Shaw.
As part of the symphony’s signature series, patrons will also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive preconcert lecture prior to the show led by Yang and Paponiu, including a question and answer session, to enhance the concert experience and provide insights into the pieces being performed. The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m.
A 2018 recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Award, Yang has been described as one who “plays classical violin with the charisma of a rock star.” The Juilliard graduate began his violin studies with his mother, Sha Zhu, in Austin, Texas, a city renowned for musical innovation, and has since studied with world-renowned instructors Kurt Sassmanshaus, Paul Kantor, Brian Lewis and Glenn Dicterow. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras and in concerts throughout the United States, Europe, Brazil, Russia, China and Taiwan. In June 2005, the mayor of Austin presented Yang with his own “Charles Yang Day.” In 2016, he joined the multigenre string band Time for Three as violinist and lead singer.
In addition to his classical expertise, Yang’s improvisational crossover abilities as a violinist, electric violinist and vocalist have led him to featured performances at festivals and some of the world’s most celebrated venues such as Carnegie Hall, Musikverein, Lincoln Center, Konzerthaus Berlin, Rudolfinum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Royal Danish Theatre, Joe’s Pub, ACL Live, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Forbidden City in Beijing. He has performed in the presence of two former United States presidents and the Queen of Denmark. He has shared the stage in
An adventurous composer, arranger, songwriter and collaborator, Yang’s works have been featured in projects for Glamour and Pentagram. In 2021, he co-wrote the original score to Robin Wright’s 2021 feature film, Land Time for Three’s album, “Letters for the Future” with Xian Zhang and The Philadelphia Orchestra featuring concertos written by Kevin Puts and Jennifer Higdon, won the 2023 Grammy award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. Yang has also been featured in Nick Romeo’s book, Driven as well as Discovery Channel’s Curiosity
The Southwest Florida Symphony’s Masterworks series is sponsored by Uhler Vertich White Advisors and the L.A.T. Foundation.
To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.swflso. org/tickets/.
About The Southwest Florida Symphony
The Southwest Florida Symphony made its debut as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961, playing in schools and community centers, with a roster of only 24 volunteer musicians. Today, the symphony boasts a
The Southwest Florida Symphony’s Masterworks 2 concert on Jan. 6 will feature Grammy awardwinning
roster of 70 worldclass professional musicians and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra and fourth oldest in the state. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 63rd year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence and innovation as Music Director Maestro Radu Paponiu leads another season of spectacular performances.
Maestro Paponiu, the sixth music director in the organization’s history, also serves as the associate conductor and youth orchestra director for the Naples Philharmonic in addition to guest-conducting with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe.
For more information about the Southwest Florida Symphony, upcoming season performances and subscription and ticketing information, visit swflso.org or call (239) 418-1500.
artist Charles Yang.
Artist: Andrew Libecki
Catch The Action
January On The Water
By Capt. Bill Russell
January is our coolest month with the water temperature the lowest of the year around Southwest Florida. Just how cold often determines how and where to fish.
Over cool windy days fish protected areas like canals, creeks, and deep water on the leeward side of islands as fish seek shelter, it’s also a good way to comfortably fish a chilly north wind. Often, fish may be found ganged up in a deep hole, along a shoreline, or sunning in areas protected from the wind. The coldest of days yields some of the best sheepsheads fishing of the year; they thrive and aggressively feed during adverse conditions. If the weather is mild for several days the fish may be more widespread out on the shallower flats, bars, and structures.
Shrimp are top baits for winter fishing. Shrimp are user-friendly, readily available to purchase, and everything eats them. If it’s cold, low and slow is the way to go, meaning fish the bait at or near the bottom, either stationary or with a slow retrieve. It’s difficult for a cold fish to exert energy chasing fast moving food. One of the best ways to cover bottom and catch fish on a cold day is with a live shrimp/jig head combination. Take a live shrimp, bite or pinch off the tail and thread the shrimp,
tail first on a jig head. Now you have the best of both worlds, live bait that you can cover ground with like an artificial. This combination will entice everything from big snook to pompano.
On warmer days, the same combination still works, however the fish are likely spread out over shallower depths, so a change of technique is often necessary. Look for fish in areas that are a short distance from the deeper protected areas, they often hold in areas where they can quickly get back to shelter when the next front arrives. Fish these areas with shrimp or shrimp imitations in soft plastic, rigged the same method described above with a little quicker retrieve, or suspended under a popping or rattling cork. Sometimes if you are looking for trout, redfish, or pompano it’s all about covering as much area as possible, scented soft baits like gulp shrimp are another great option.
This month will bring days with light wind and calm seas, allowing boats to venture into gulf waters. Bottom structure including artificial reefs, ledges, and hard bottom within sight of land hold a variety of fish. Again, live, or fresh shrimp is the top bait. Two popular bait rigs include knocker rigs with an egg sinker free to slide above a small hook and previously mentioned bare jigs heads rigged with shrimp. Both combinations work
What Is A Hemoglobin A1C?
Hemoglobin A1C is the name of a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in your body that are attached to glucose molecules.
How Does This Work?
When there is too much glucose in the bloodstream either because there is not enough of the hormone insulin to carry the glucose into each cell or each cell has difficulty absorbing the glucose, these glucose molecules will attach themselves to the hemoglobin protein in a red blood cell. The glucose will remain attached for as long as the red blood cell is alive. Since red blood cells
live for about 90 days, the A1C measures the amount of glucose is in your bloodstream for around three months.
A measurement of 6.5 percent or higher usually means you have diabetes, below 5.7 percent is considered normal, and between these two values is considered pre-diabetes.
Google hemoglobin a1c medline and click on the first result. An easy to understand, practical but authoritative information page is available from the National Library of Medicine that will explain this blood test in detail.
great over nearshore artificial reefs and hard bottom. Make sure and use enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Sheepsheads become the target for many anglers in nearshore gulf waters over winter, but you will hook into other fish that may include snapper, grouper, grunts, and permit to name a few. When fishing offshore, it’s a good idea to drop down a live bait if you catch baitfish like a pinfish, grunt, or sand perch. This is a great way to hook into a big grouper, cobia, king mackerel, and of course, sharks.
The month will bring some cold days on the water, (at least what we consider cold in Florida) but also plenty of sunny warm days. Like the weather fishing can change quickly this month, to be successful you need to monitor the conditions and adapt your fishing strategy accordingly. Good luck!
Wishing all a safe and happy New Year.
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www. fishpineisland.com, email: gcl2fish@live.com.
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 28 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
That's right! They can choose from a selection of homes, AVAILABLE NOW and celebrate together. PLUS, when your friends become your Verandah neighbors, we’ll give them