JANUARY 2025
Making The Holidays Brighter
It all started nearly 20 years ago when a few Verandah women got together to help a local family that was struggling to have Christmas for their kids. Fast forward to today, and that small house party has grown to over 125 residents who have volunteered this season to shop and wrap gifts and provide a healthy holiday meal for families in need. And at least 60 men and women have volunteered to deliver gifts on December 23.
Each season starts off with a festive cocktail party at the Club where donations are collected. “Planning and being at the event is great fun, but the best part is that we get to make a difference,” says Eva Fix, Vice President of the Visions of Sugar Plums
charitable organization. This year 250 residents attended and the final accounting has $35,000 raised. ‘Tis the season to give, and the generosity of Verandah residents is beyond measure.
“What makes Visions of Sugar Plums unique is our dedication to ‘adopting’ the family,” said Sharon Coburn, President. At present we are helping over 225 children. This includes the children of Verandah staff who are in need, 20 children from Manatee Elementary who lost everything in hurricane flooding, and many children identified through the Salvation Army. Each child gets new shoes, needed items of clothing, and then there is an effort to fulfill their wish list. Most of these children
LEFT TO RIGHT: JACKIE BOGLE, KELLY LOW, SANDIE PEARL, STEPHANIE NEWMAN, SHARON COBURN, EVA FIX, AUDREY SCHMITT, CAROL LAPRADE
have never had new clothes with tags on them, or a pair of shoes not previously worn. This year there was an especially large number of requests for little children’s bikes, 21 little 16”- and 20”-inch bikes...imagine the joy! In addition, every child at Buckingham Exceptional Children’s School received a gift.
Families also receive all the food for a delicious ham dinner for Christmas, and bags of nutritious food for the week the children are home from school. This is so appreciated and needed by these families.
We even donated a couple of Christmas trees and all decorations for families who wouldn’t have had one. And the moms, who haven’t been given a gift for years, each receive a beautiful blanket made by our own Sew and Sews.
During this holiday season, there have been many opportunities in Verandah to participate in making the holidays just a little brighter for someone else. Every family greatly appreciated your generosity and kindness this year.
Without you, many of these families wouldn’t have had a joyful holiday season. We wish health and happiness to you and yours in the new year ahead.
The
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Becky Pruitt
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Accounting and Sales Support
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
Writing and Photography by the VCA Communications Committee
Elizabeth Lynch, Editor
Alice Borowsky
Stephanie Levin
Susan Shamey
Norm Toback
David Keeley, Board Liaison
Linda Lach, Adviser and Board Member
Understanding Developer Settlement Litigation
This is the second article in a series about what Developer Settlement is, how it is unfolding in Verandah, and the implications for homeowners. It is a common legal process that occurs when the developer of a community turns over governance to its residents.
When Verandah was first established as a planned development two separate entities were formed. The Verandah Club is a For Profit Corporation with its own governance and finances. It operates and maintains the amenities inside Verandah with its own management and staff. The Association is a Not-for-Profit Corporation with responsibility to govern and maintain the infrastructure (e.g., common areas, roads,
gatehouses, etc.) that is owned by the VCA for the benefit of the homeowners.
The Developer had complete control of the Club and the Association from 2003 to October of 2021, when the assets and operation of the Association were turned over to our homeowners. The Verandah Club remains a separate forprofit corporation. Over the past three years, the Association’s Board of Directors has conducted an extensive review of financial records, associated documents, and practices used by the Developer prior to turnover. This work raised many questions and concerns. The Board then engaged in discussions with the Developer. In order to protect homeowners and to comply with Florida’s
Statute of Limitations the Association filed a legal claim in Lee County in June of 2024. The filing contains numerous components.
UNDERFUNDING OF ASSOCIATION RESERVES
This article focuses on one particular claim in the Association’s legal action – the underfunding of Association Reserves by the Developer.
The term “Reserves” refers to funds that are collected from homebuyers by the Association. These funds must be set aside to pay for the replacement of major assets when they are worn out. In simplest terms, Reserves are a savings account for the future. Examples of major assets are roads, sidewalks, gatehouses, boardwalks, and bridges.
The amount of funds needed in Reserves is determined by what is known as a “Reserve Study”. This is an analysis prepared by experts that identify major Association assets and calculate how long the assets will last and the cost of replacement. These reports must be updated regularly to reflect the remaining useful
life of assets and the cost of replacement.
When Verandah was established, its Declarations, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (DCCR) included a specific mechanism for funding Association Reserves, which is referred to as a Capital Contribution. The Capital Contribution is a fee that is paid by every buyer of a new or resale home in Verandah and is designated for payment to Association Reserves. The DCCR also gave the developer the option of contributing additional funds to the Reserves, which it did not do.
The DCCR gives the Association Board of Directors the authority to set the amount of the Capital Contribution, which was set at $2,000 in the beginning. In February 2017, the developer-
controlled Board reduced the Capital Contribution from $2,000 to $500. Thus, every new and resale home sale generated $1,500 less for the Reserve Fund.
In February 2017, the developercontrolled Board reduced the Capital Contribution from $2,000 to $500.
Inexplicably, the developer made this reduction when two weeks earlier their updated Reserve Study recommended an increase in the Capital Contribution to keep Reserve funding at adequate levels. Homeowners that questioned the impact of this reduction were assured by the developer that Verandah’s Reserves would remain adequately funded.
Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Tuesday, January 14
Ladies–bring on your best cowgirl fashions and join us for a Boot Scootin’ Boogie good time featuring our favorite country music songs, dancing, and prizes for the best outfits.
The developer changed the Capital Contribution again in January of 2019 by raising it from $500 to $1,000. It was not until January 2022, when control of the Association was turned over to its members, that the Capital Contribution was restored to $2,000.
As a result of the developer’s reduction in the amount of the Capital Contribution over the period from 2017-2021, the Association’s Reserves were underfunded by over $900,000. The Association seeks to recover these funds as part of its legal action. In the meantime, the Association is acting prudently and has increased Annual Assessments to owners to adequately fund the Reserves going forward.
The legal basis for this claim is that the developer knowingly violated the terms of the DCCR and damaged Association members by underfunding Association Reserves.
A Comcast Update
The excitement builds as the Comcast Fiber Project moved to the next phase in December. Installation is already occurring in Verandah’s three condominium neighborhoods. For the rest of us, once the construction manager completes the burying of fiber, he will turn the project over to the installation people. Comcast will contact you about the in-home installation.
This work will be completed by neighborhood.
Comcast has told us that it will take nine to twelve months to connect all of Verandah to the new fiber. When your neighborhood is scheduled, you will be notified by mailing to call an 888 number to schedule an appointment for the inhome installation. (The VCA will have this schedule and alert homeowners as well.)
Comcast employees will perform most of this installation work but it could be supplemented with Comcast contractors that are bonded and certified. Someone needs to be in the house for the entire time the Comcast installer is present and that person may be required to make some decisions. It will take between 2-4 hours for each in-home installation.
The installation in the condominiums is complicated because the units were constructed by different builders, and they are not wired the same way. At single family homes, the connection is made from the existing cable box on the outside wall to the smart panel inside. From there they use the existing wires that were installed when your home was built. (The installers are trained to deal with unique situations that may occur.)
The cable and internet will be live using the new, improved fiber system when the installer leaves your home, and your old coaxial system will be disconnected. If the installer determines you need an upgraded modem and/or cable box, one will be provided by the installer.
Before the installer leaves, they will provide instruction, answer your questions, ensure that all devices (computers, printers, peripherals, thermostats, etc.) are connected and working, and that the internet signal is strong enough throughout the home. There is no cost to you for installation.
In late 2025 there will be follow-up mailings to all homeowners who fail to contact Comcast to make an appointment for installation. At the point of 95% of homes in Verandah successfully connected to the new fiber system, the old coaxial system will be deactivated.
There is no cost to you for installation.
Let’s Grow Verandah –Gardening Series
EDISON FORD PRESENTATION ON CONTAINER GARDENING
January 9th at 1:00 PM at the VCA Offices
Join us on January 9th at the VCA Office when Karen Maxwell of Edison Ford Winter Estates will provide insight into designing a lovely work of art with plants, and the particular requirements for an in-home planter or an outdoor showstopper. We will look at the benefits of different types of planters, choosing compatible plant material and highlighting your design with color and texture. Karen is
the Horticulture Programs Coordinator and a horticulture specialist with Edison Ford since 2008. She designs many of the large planters on the Edison Ford campus as well as the Moonlight Garden.
This is the perfect seminar for you if you have a small area or don’t have the capacity to grow a large garden. Gardening in containers can be just as rewarding as having a full-size garden. Many plants grow in pots just as well as they do in the ground.
There are a few things to consider when planning for a successful container garden. The first is the plants. If you are planting more than one plant in the same pot, be sure that all your plants meet the same requirements. Other requirements to consider are amount of light, amount of water, and fertilizer scheduling. Also be sure that the size of the container matches the size of your plant. Some other things you might consider when planning your container garden are height, color, and texture.
9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping
On December 12th the VCA Landscape Committee hosted the second seminar in its Let’s Grow Verandah gardening series. Two Florida horticulturalists shared their comprehensive knowledge of gardening in Florida and answered our residents’ gardening questions. Below is a quick overview of the program steps.
1. Right Plant, Right Place
Achieving a healthy, lowmaintenance home landscape starts with putting the right plant in the right place. Select plants that match a site’s soil, light, water, and climatic conditions.
2. Water Efficiently
An efficient irrigation system conserves water and helps to ensure that fertilizer and other pollution doesn’t flow into water bodies.
3. Fertilize Appropriately
Proper fertilization enhances growth, increases flowering or fruiting, corrects nutritional deficiencies, and enhances the plant’s appearance. Improper fertilization can damage plants and the environment.
4. Mulch
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, protects plants, and inhibits weed growth. It gives your landscape a neat, uniform appearance and is a great Florida-Friendly choice for hardto-mow areas and shady spots.
5. Attract Wildlife
Select plants with seeds, fruit, foliage, flowers, or berries that
provide food. Supply sources of water, such as a rain garden or bird bath.
6. Manage Yard Pests
Responsibly
To prevent disease and insect outbreaks, select pest-resistant plants and put them in suitable locations. When problems do arise, remove the affected leaves or plant parts, or pick the insects off by hand.
7. Recycle Yard Waste
Decomposing organic matter releases nutrients back to the soil in a form that plants can easily use. Using yard waste for composting is a sustainable way of creating organic fertilizer.
8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff Fertilizers, pesticides, debris,
and eroded soil carried in stormwater can wreak havoc on our water quality. FloridaFriendly Landscaping™ seeks to retain and use as much of the rainfall and irrigation water that lands on our home landscapes as possible.
9. Protect the Waterfront Florida boasts over 10,000 miles of rivers and streams, about 7,800 lakes, more than 700 freshwater springs, and the U.S.’s second-longest coastline.
Container Gardening will be the next seminar in the series, scheduled to be held on January 9th at 1:00 PM in the VCA Offices lobby.
Relax and Enjoy the View
The VCA is very proud to announce that four benches will be installed along Verandah Boulevard that people may use to relax, talk with friends, and enjoy the view. The VCA Bench Sponsorship Program collects donated funds that are used to place park benches along Verandah’s walkways. The program offers a meaningful way to honor a special person or loved one, recognize a life achievement/milestone, or express appreciation while contributing to the beauty and quality of life in Verandah.
Donated funds are used to purchase and install a bench that have a recognition plaque. (Benches are a maximum of six feet long, composed of recycled materials, and are installed on a concrete pad.) The ongoing maintenance (e.g., power washing, minor repairs, etc.) is performed by the VCA.
Our donors hope you enjoy these benches.
Bench Plaques and Locations
In honor of the numerous volunteers to the Verandah Community Association (Verandah Boulevard & Oak Bend)
For our Kiran Adheya Theis - All you need is love (Verandah Boulevard & Mossy Oak)
David Caulum - A Cherished Friend. May his spirit walk these fairways forever (Verandah Boulevard & Pebblebrook)
“When you come to a fork in the road take it” Yogi Berra Mary and Bruce Mischler (Verandah Boulevard & Edgewater Trace)
Experience ArtFest as a VIP
As a VIP, receive VIP Perks & FREE Parking ALL weekend!
CELEBRATION OF LEGACY
FEBRUARY 1 & 2
OPENING NIGHT
JANUARY 31, 6pm
Caloosa Sound Convention Center Edwards & Monroe St. | Downtown Fort Myers
Opening Night is FREE for everyone
Enjoy and purchase some of the best artwork exhibited anywhere in Florida!
Downtown waterfront is the setting to sneak preview 60 fabulous artists
Food & Entertainment
To purchase
Support the arts in this gathering of art connoisseurs just like you and enjoy all the benefits of being a VIP.
VIP Club on Opening Night, Friday, January 31
Overlooking the downtown waterfront and glorious sunset
– VIP seating at Symphony of the Sound Concert
– Gourmet hors d’oeuvres from fine local restaurants
– Wine and beer
– 60 fabulous artists
VIP Club Saturday & Sunday, February 1 & 2
– Light Brunch with grazing stations and bottomless mimosas
– All Day Beverage Bar with wine, beer, soda and water
– 200 fabulous artists
VIP Club ticket holders will also have access to VIP seating at Symphony on the Sound
A free concert performance by
$135 per person | Become a VIP today!
Verandah Volunteer Fair
JANUARY 24 , 2025 | NOON TO 2 : 30 PM OAK PARK
Verandah Residents,
A new year, a new opportunity to volunteer for a nonprofit who needs you. Please plan to attend the fair 1/24/25 in Oak Park. Last year we had 22 organizations who attended and they still need and appreciate your help. Volunteering is a gift you give to yourself!
Verandah Volunteer Fair 1/24/2025 Organizations
Attending
Ft. Myers Rotary
Inner Wheel Club of Ft. Myers
ARC Animal Refuge Center
Gulf Coast Humane Society
Manatee Park
Southwest Florida Horse Rescue
ECHO Global Farm
Harry Chapin Food Bank
Meals on Wheels-Community Cooperative
ACT Abuse Counseling and Therapy and Thrift Shop
Lee Health
Children’s Network of SWFL
Guardian Ad Litem
Big Brother Big Sister
Valerie’s House
Habit 4 Humanity
Sew & Sews
United Way
Alliance for Period Supplies
SCORE Service Corp of Retired Executives
Part Three: The Verandah Design Review Process
This is the third of a three-part series in the Verandah View that describes how we work together to keep Verandah a special place to live. At the center of this effort is Verandah’s design review process. Part One of the series described what Verandah’s design review process is and why we have it. Part Two explained what our Design Review Guidelines are and how homeowners can learn more about them on our website. Part Three describes the steps of our design review process. These steps are intended to be simple and expeditious for the homeowner while allowing the Design Review Committee to confirm that proposed and completed improvements are consistent with the Declaration and design guidelines.
Design Review Process Summary:
STEP ONE
Homeowners that seek to make external improvements to their property are encouraged to call or email Trish Snook at the VCA to talk about what they are considering and to better understand the process. Homeowners can then submit a Design Modification Form with all supporting documentation e.g., architectural plans, sketches, material samples, color choices, photos of the area,
a description of the project, and a timeline. This form can be emailed or left at the office for Trish’s attention. (Please know that if you live in one of Verandah’s condominiums or “sub-HOA” neighborhoods the form must first be approved by your neighborhood’s Board of Directors. These neighborhoods include Cottonwood Bend, Bramble Cove, Idlewild, Lakeview, Orange Tree Bend, Otter Bend, Palmetto Grove, Pebblebrook, Sabal Point, and Shady Bend.)
In addition to the Form there is a Quick Reference Guide that describes what is needed, an external color palette and nine project guidelines. These guidelines address external improvements, exterior equipment, gutters, lanai extensions, landscaping, pools, roofs, solar panels, and storm shutters.
STEP TWO
The completed Design Modification Form and attachments are reviewed by the Design Review Committee and VCA staff. The committee prepares agendas that are posted on the VCAlife.com and at the Dog Park kiosk. It meets every twoweeks. When external painting or roofing is proposed members do drive-bys to understand how these improvements will complement existing roofing, driveway, pavers, or other existing hard scape materials. The committee review is based on our Design Review Guidelines, and they may also consider how the changes impact neighbors (e.g., views, privacy, noise). Reviews often address:
• Architectural style: Ensuring proposed changes match the architectural theme of the community.
• Materials: Requiring materials to blend with existing structures (e.g., roof tiles, types of siding, external lighting, etc.).
• Landscaping: Confirming trees and plants on Verandah’s plant list, tree removal, landscape beds, etc. • Views and privacy: Making sure structures do not obstruct views or infringe on neighbors’ privacy.
Based on the review, the committee may give preliminary approval, request modifications, or reject the application outright if it doesn’t comply with Guidelines. Once any requested changes are made and resubmitted, the Committee gives final approval, possibly with conditions. In 2024 the DRC received over 350 design modification forms.
STEP THREE
With approval in hand, a homeowner can make the approved modifications. The committee may monitor the project to ensure it adheres to the approved plans.
STEP FOUR
When the project is completed, the homeowner notifies the VCA and an inspection may occur to confirm the work complies with the requested work. The office then closes-out the application. If a homeowner bypasses the design review process or fails to follow approved plans, the Board may impose penalties or require the work to be altered to meet the Guidelines.
Residents may see a possible violation on their street and call the office. I can make a site visit and alert the homeowner about any issues I uncover. I am so grateful that virtually every time the homeowner is positive and very quick to correct the problem.
Trish Snook, Assistant Manager
The Verandah Community Association 2025 Budget
On October 14th the VCA Board convened a Budget Town Hall to describe the proposed 2025 annual budget and to solicit comments from homeowners. At the November 12th Board meeting it approved a budget for the year beginning January 1, 2025. It provides services similar to those we received in 2024. The budget is posted to VCAlife.com. Highlights of the budget include:
Revenue will increase by nearly $300K to $5.7M in 2024. The sources of these revenues include:
• Homeowner assessments for all common areas - rise by 3% or $102K.
• Landscape assessments for the 12 neighborhoods that the VCA cares for – rise by 8% or $61K
• Comcast (cable and internet) – rise by $103K due to the increase of homes in Verandah
• Other income – accounts for $110K.
Verandah’s expenses fall into four major categories.
• Common area landscape and irrigation decreased $67K to $1.3M
• Gatehouse and community patrol increased by $20K to $560K
• Comcast increased from $1.46M to $1.56M – in part because there are more homes in Verandah
• VCA administration increased $85K. Notable are increases in legal, auditing, and insurance. $158K will be added to our Reserve Fund.
At the time of this writing you will have received the 2025 approved VCA Budget as well as the 2025 home and cable assessments. The first quarter payments are due no later than January 1st. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for ACH payments to avoid any late fees.
VCA Promotes Enrollment In Our Automated Payment
System
This past autumn the VCA conducted a raffle to encourage residents to enroll in our Automated Clearing House (ACH). The winners were Robert and Dawn Hallman of Pebblebrook.
A good number of our residents did sign up during the promotion. However, as of the end of November 378 homeowners are still writing and mailing checks when our ACH can automate transactions with no fees attached. You can set up recurring payments for quarterly or annual dues payments, ensuring timely payments without the need to remember due dates and write and mail checks. And ACH payments are processed through a secure network, making them safer than mailing checks which can be lost or stolen.
Verandah Art Gala
Mark your calendars! The Verandah Club is hosting an Art Gala on January 20, 2025 featuring the artwork of over a dozen residents.
“We are very excited to be working with the Club to host this event again,” said Alice Borowsky, Verandah resident, photographer and coordinator of the Gala. “We had an incredible turnout last year despite torrential rains. This year, we are excited to have many returning artists as well as new artists exhibiting.”
The Art Gala will include a variety of media: painting, sculpture, mixed-media, and photography. Many of the artists will have work for sale.
“I am very excited to be part of the Art Gala again,” said Mary McCarthy a painter. “As an artist, it is such a thrill to see all the creativity we have here in Verandah and to share it with the whole community.”
Many of the artists have donated artwork for a raffle to be held that evening. Proceeds from the raffle sales will go to support the Verandah Sugar Plums.
Stop by, grab a drink and treat your eyes to the amazing creations of your friends and neighbors. The Art Gala will be held on January 20th from 4:30 to 7:30 in the Riverhouse. A cash bar will be available.
Anyone interested in learning more about our ACH should call the VCA Office and the staff can answer your questions and help you establish your account.
Participating artists include, John Benages, Alice Borowsky, Lela Callaremi, Janice Cywin, Rich Dobuski, Bob Doeckel, Beverly Drucker, Jim Foutch, Joe Kobinsky, Tracy Launspach, Mary McCarthy, Anita O’Reilly, Yvonne Sermak and Betty Wedeles.
I am very excited to be a part of the Art Gala again. As an artist, it is such a thrill to see all the creativity we have here in Verandah and to share it with the whole community.
Saves the Day
Grandma’s Closet is a lending library of items that Verandah residents are willing to lend. So many items are only needed for a short time, so why bother buying them when you can borrow from neighbors.
Listed on VCAlife.com, click on Things to Do and scroll down to Grandma’s Closet.
Baby items, such as: car seats and pack & plays are outgrown quickly when kids visit once a year. Walkers and raised-toilet seats are only needed for a few weeks after surgery.
We’re starting a new list of items you may be willing to share. Baby items, pool toys, beach toys, bikes for adults and kids, medical equipment, animal crates, sports equipment, folding tables and chairs.
If you’re willing to lend it, we’re happy to list it!
Please email items you’re willing to lend to Stephanie Levin at sslaging@comcast.net and include your name, address, email, and items to lend.
The VCA Communications Committee will update Grandma’s Closet on the VCAlife.com website as more items are added. Finished lending a listed item? Just let us know and we’ll remove it from the list.
VCA to Develop Long-Term Plan for Office Space
The VCA will always need suitable office space to conduct its business. However, as of today it does not have a secure long-term office situation. The VCA has a multi-year lease agreement for office space but has no control over whether the lease will continue or the cost after the lease expires. And, as
Verandah and the surrounding area builds out, there will be fewer options to choose from. Another consideration is that, while some homeowners enjoy the convenience of the current location, others have expressed concern about crossing Palm Beach Boulevard. The goal is to be sure the organization has a
suitable, functional, and costeffective location to conduct its operations. Planning now for the future is very important.
The VCA has decided to establish a work group that includes owners with expertise in real estate, building trades, and office space planning to
serve on a six-month Work Group. Over the course of six months the work group will work with VCA staff to identify the space requirements for the office and identify how the space will be used (e.g., board meetings, resident meetings, administrative tasks) to ensure it meets the VCA’s operational needs. The Work Group will seek volunteer assistance by real estate professionals that are familiar with the local commercial real estate market and re-purposing existing space, keeping in mind
input from homeowners about location of the office.
The group will be asked to construct a budget that considers leasing and purchase options. Finally, it will present interim and final office space options to the Board in the fall of 2025..
If you have expertise in real estate, building trades, and/or office space planning the Board needs your help! Please contact VCA General Manager Michele Boose (239-694-6358) to
express your interest in serving. Once the Work Group is formed, we will keep everyone apprised of its progress.
The VCA is looking for homeowners with expertise in real estate, building trades, and office space planning to serve on this six-month Work Group. Please refer to the VCA Office Work Group Charter for additional information. https:// www.vcalife.com/documents/ vca-office-charter/
Let’s Go to Dinner
GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA AT BELL TOWER MALL
Yes, yes it’s a pizza restaurant, but it’s my favorite pizza restaurant and let me tell you why.
For a first course the Garden Ranch is my number one choice. Crispy Romaine, sweet red peppers, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, croutons and the best ranch dressing I have ever had. I can also recommend the Bruschetta Trio. You can’t go wrong with the classic tomato and basil and be sure and try the marinated artichoke.
The “star of the show” is Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizza. The pizza is available in three sizes - 12”, 16” and 18” and can be ordered extra thin and well done. My favorite is the Traditional Pizza with pepperoni and onions. Another pizza I have ordered and can recommend is the Extra Pepperoni and Hot Honey on a traditional base. If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, (I don’t know you), I can recommend the Garden Pesto Pizza. Topped with artichokes, red onion and ricotta cheese, this pie is then drizzled with Grimaldi’s basil pesto sauce. This pizza is a great choice for lunch.
For dessert we always have the Dessert Trio. You choose three of the restaurant’s signature desserts- New York style cheesecake, Tiramisu and Grimaldi’s Famous Cannoli are always delivered to our table.
Grimaldi’s is a restaurant chain with four restaurant locations in Florida. In August of 2019 the Grimaldi’s Food and Beverage Team traveled to Italy to hand select a new vintage of Mille Grandi Rosso Toscano Sangiovese. This wine is uniquely Tuscan and made from 100% Sangiovese grapes which are known for their pairing with pizza. I highly recommend having a glass with your pizza dinner.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria at Bell Tower Mall is located at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. Suite 201, Fort Myers, FL 33907.
Ciao, Ginger Snap
INGREDIENTS
• 5 Eggs - Separate Yokes and Whites
• 1 (121/2 ounce) Container Mascarpone Cheese
• 1 (10 ounce pkg) Lady Fingers*
• 1/4 Cup Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Morsels - Chopped in a Food Processor
• 1/4 Cup Espresso
• (1 ounce) Dark Rum
* Bellino Lady Fingers available at Mario’s Meat Market
Recipe Corner
TIRAMISU
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook egg yolks and sugar, whisking to avoid lumps, in a double boiler until mixture is light and creamy. Set aside to cool.
Whip egg whites with a pinch of salt and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Whisk Mascarpone and egg yoke mixture together. Fold in egg whites into mixture.
In a 6” x 9” pan layer lady fingers across bottom of pan. Mix espresso and rum and sprinkle over lady fingers.
Spread mixture 1/4 thick over lady fingers and repeat layers. Top with another layer. Cover with chocolate dust.
For best results let this dessert chill in refrigerator for three days. SERVES 6 – 8
Verandah Residents Welcome to Attend the Sew & Sews’ 2025 Kickoff Luncheon
On January 15, 2025, Sew & Sews will hold our season-opening luncheon with current members and anyone who would like to learn more about our nonprofit organization. This is a great opportunity to hear how our Verandah Sewing Club in 2017, evolved into the Sew & Sews and currently serves so many other nonprofits in SWFL. There is a way to help for everyone, regardless of sewing ability. If interested, sign up with Lisa Northrup at lmnorthrup1@gmail.com with your name, menu selection, and member number by Dec. 31.
Pets of the Month
These two beauties are Golden Retrievers who live with Lydia and Bob Brown. Abby, 5 1/2 year Golden, loves belly rubs, soaking in the pool after playing with sister Lexi and her brother and sister cats. Mischievous Lexi, 2 1/2 year Golden, loves her paws massaged, swimming in the pool, chasing balls and carrying rocks around in her mouth! At times, to the dismay of Lydia and Bob, Abby and Lexi think they are the rulers of the house!
ABBY
A beloved pet’s photo, whether dog, cat, horse, bird, or fish will be featured in the Verandah View Pet of the Month.
Resident owners can send in a photo with pet’s name, owner’s name, type of pet, and one sentence or two about their pet by texting Susan Shamey at (724) 355-2478 or email: sshamey@ymail.com.
Pet photos will be randomly chosen from entries-big or small. All pets are beautiful to their owners.
Holiday Tour of Homes Kicked Off the Holiday Season
This season’s Holiday Tour of Homes was a huge success! On December 8, 2024, six beautifully decorated homes for the holiday season were visited by close to 500 Verandah residents.
There was something for everyone as each festive home had its own theme and personal touches to set itself apart from the others. Whether you loved a traditional Christmas, Flamingoes, Nutcrackers, Christmas trees, Santas, or Hanukkah, visitors were overwhelmed with creativity and beauty everywhere they looked.
Sew & Sews wants to thank our generous homeowners: Eileen and Rudy Cifolelli, Camille and Robert Del Savio, Amy Geszler, Patty and Tom Letzler, Reeva and Ian Shaffer, and Ron Richardson and Don Wallenhorst for opening their beautiful homes to share with Verandah.
Thank you our many volunteers who made this event a huge success:
• Decorated each home and acted as hostesses.
• Baked dozens of cookies for each home.
• Helped at the Fitness Center so attendees received their admittance wristbands and ornaments.
• Organized the Wrap Up Party at Cifolelli Residence.
• Event photographer, Marcee Maurer.
And a special thank you for a job well done to the Tour of Homes Committee, who over saw every aspect of the event: Barbra Colquitt, JoAnne Barone, Katie Deeg, Susie McIntyre, and Marrijane Jones: Treasurer.
Sew & Sews thanks everyone who supported our major fundraising event of the year.
