MARCH 2025
The Verandah Swing Singers Turn Ten Years Young
The Verandah Swing Singers celebrate their ten year reign this year as an integral part of Verandah’s entertainment offerings. Throughout the year they can be found singing at various events and performing their annual major production in the spring.
Lisa Zakrajsek founded the group here in 2015. With a background in jazz vocals, she reached out to other singers in the community to form a choir, but not just any choir, a show choir.
“A show choir, popularized by the TV show Glee, is a musical
ensemble that combines choral singing – usually pop, jazz, or Broadway style music, with choreographed dance, often with an overarching theme,” explained Lisa. “We thought it would be the perfect mix and have a crowdpleasing appeal.”
The original group of 20 has evolved over time with some ladies leaving and new ones joining. This year the group has 4 new members.
“I am an original member of the group, and I can’t believe the growth of musical (continued on page 3)
ability and talent in this group. With the expert guidance and tremendous talent of our leader, Lisa Zakrajsek, we’ve become a key part of the entertainment scene here,” said Diane Shook. “This group of awesome women have become more than singing partners but are now my friends. One of our newer members called us her ‘Swing Sisters’ and that’s how we feel about one another.”
As the director of the group, Lisa’s process for show development starts a full 12 months in advance. Since shows are based on great music selections Lisa studies hundreds of choral pieces to find arrangements that dazzle and show the singers’ voices well.
“I look for themes across the songs which eventually leads me to a show “concept.” I then develop the plot, which is always rooted in comedy, develop a “character” for each singer, and write a final script,” added Lisa. “I then learn and record each section’s parts in preparation for rehearsals. Of course, while it might start with me, it certainly doesn’t end there. It takes a village to put on the production.”
Eva Fix serves as producer, assists Lisa and the singers with all the logistics including, rehearsals, props and working on all arrangements with the club.
“It is truly a team effort, and I love being involved. Having no musical talent, I so appreciate being around all of these talented women,” said Eva. “Volunteers are a key part of the show. Many Verandah members have assisted with the backstage crew, make-up, wardrobe, photography, video, bouncers and guest performers. These are often men, who add color and comedy to the show.”
Being a Swing Singer requires a time commitment but all of the members report it is well worth the effort and requires no more time than tennis or golf. Rehearsals are held twice a week running from October to March/April. Members are also involved researching and purchasing wardrobe (continued on page 4)
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Corey Bank
Justein Matthias
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds www.seabreezecommunications.com
Seabreeze
The
The Verandah View is a publication of the VCA. We work with Seabreeze Communications, a marketing company whose advertising provides the revenue to produce the View at now cost to the Verandah community. The content is prepared by the VCA Communications Committee.
Writing and Photography by the VCA Communications Committee
Elizabeth Lynch, Editor
Alice Borowsky
Stephanie Levin
Susan Shamey
items and props. The women pay for their music and costumes, but the Club picks up the big costs of production, most notable the sound company who ensures a professional presentation.
“I really love how we prepare for an event and how it all comes together at the end,” said Joyce Winchester. “I have learned so much from our director, Lisa. This experience has been so amazing - the sisterhood and camaraderie both during season and year-round is an important part of my life.
The Verandah Swing Sisters
Norm Toback
David Keeley, Board Liaison
Linda Lach, Adviser and Board Member
2025 season will feature a two-night dinner and show event. The show takes place in a swanky, early 60’s Manhattan Supper Club. You can expect singing, dancing and of course lots of comedy. There will be a few surprises too, so you don’t want to miss it.
The two-night event is on April 2nd and 3rd. The evenings will begin at 5:00 PM with cocktails, 6:00 PM served dinner, and 7:30 PM show. Capacity at the River House is 225 per night and the show will typically sell out very quickly. You can register on the Club’s event calendar.
Update on Status of Verandah’s Developer Settlement Litigation
Developer Settlement is a common legal process that occurs when the developer of a community turns over governance to its residents. In Verandah this occurred in 2021. At that time Kolter turned over the assets and operation of the Association (VCA) to our homeowners. In 2024 Verandah homeowners voted to allow the Verandah Community Association
(VCA) to involve third parties such as mediators, arbitrators, or the Lee County court system. The VCA and Kolter are now working to resolve a wide range of issues. We are hopeful that we can reach an amicable solution to the many claims the VCA has made.
This is the third article in a series about what Developer
Settlement is, how it is unfolding in Verandah, and the implications for homeowners. The first article described what developer litigation is and the extensive review that was conducted of financial records, Association documents and practices used by Kolter prior to the turnover in 2021. The second article described the (continued on page 6)
many claims the VCA has filed with the Lee County court system and focused on the necessity for adequate funding of the VCA’s long-term reserves. This article focuses on one claim in the VCA’s legal action – the condition of the roadways, curbs, and gutters at the time of turnover.
The VCA is responsible for the maintenance
and future replacement of twentyfive neighborhood and five common roadways in the community. At the time the Developer turned over the community some of these roads were in poor condition and the VCA had areas of concern. To better understand the condition of its roadways, the Association contracted with a firm to visually inspect our roadways, curbs/ gutters, and report their findings. Their independent report provided important knowledge for the long-term management of our roadways and assisted in the preparation of the VCA’s Developer Settlement claims.
There are multiple facets to the VCA’s roadway claim. For example, the claim includes; (1) those roadways and/or their related assets exhibiting conditions that cannot be attributed to normal wear and tear; (2) roadways turned over in a condition past their useful life; and (3) roadways with an expected decrease in useful life from the application of the final layer of asphalt before all the homes in the neighborhood were completed.
The VCA will continue to keep homeowners aware of our progress in reaching a settlement with Kolter. In the interim, if you have questions, please contact VCA’s General Manager Michele Boose.
VCA Appoints Board Member To Fill A Vacancy
The Verandah Community Association (VCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Parsons to its Board of Directors to fill a vacancy, effective immediately.
Brian has a 40-year career spanning both large and small enterprises. He has held positions at large companies such as Sony, Philips, and US Robotics, as well as smaller startups. Currently, he is employed at Roku, Inc., where he has served as the Senior Director of Sales for North America for the past 14 years.
Beyond his professional experience, Brian Parsons has dedicated ten years to the Lorain County Solid Waste Policy Committee in Ohio, where he served as the public representative and six years as chairperson. During his tenure, recycling participation was significantly increased, solid waste was reduced, and this extended the lifespan of the county’s sole landfill. He also served as the chairperson of the Red Tail Golf Committee in Avon, Ohio.
Brian Parsons is happily married to Bunny, his wife of 32 years, and they have a daughter, Charlotte, who is 22 years old. They reside in the Torrey Pines Neighborhood and are deeply appreciative of their community.
March 21st 8:00 - 2:00
March 22nd 8:00 - 12:00
Also, furniture sold March 18th – 20th 10:00 to 2:00
At St. Vincent de Paul Church
13031 Palm Beach Blvd
Donated items accepted Mon. to Fri. 10:00 to 2:00 from March 11th to March 19th, 2025 at the Church Social Center We need clean and marketable items: furniture, lamps, rugs, toys, clothing in perfect condition, shoes, bikes, kitchen supplies, tools, linens and bedding, dishes, golf equipment, etc. Only collectible books such as coffee table books or sets can be accepted. Mattresses may be given away with donated beds if they are like new.
Direct questions to sharoncoburn@comcast.net
Cannot accept armoires, phones, old TVs, computer monitors, custom draperies, expired car seats, chandeliers, liquids, paperback or random books (only book sets or collectibles).
Electronics must be current, power on, and have appropriate remote
Tax deduction receipts are available.
Volunteers Men and women are needed March 11th –14th and 17th – 20thth from 9:45 to 2:00. Sale Days March 21st -22nd from 7:00 to 3:00. Consider giving an hour or a day of your time for this great cause. Email gsvolunteer@icloud.com Teens’ service hours awarded.
Furniture pick up. Please send a photo with description and dimensions of gently used furniture to Debbie at pivad@icloud.com. We can pick up if needed on or about March 17th
All proceeds go to Charity. This event is co-sponsored with St. Vincent de Paul Church All proceeds go to charity: Blessings in a Backpack, St. Martin de Porres, Food Pantries, and Gulf Coast Humane Society All unsold items are given to FL Breast Cancer Foundation, St. Matthew’s House, Immokalee Pregnancy Center, Labelle Kiwanas, and others
Come and shop! Mark your calendar to shop for bargains at the sale. We price to sell!
The World Traveler Amongst Us
Shares Some Do’s and Don’ts
Meet Verandah resident and travel professional, Sue Shimkus. Sue will be speaking at the next Verandah Community University’s event on March 3rd, where she will reveal some trade secrets about where to and not to travel.
Sue sat down for an interview with Verandah View reporter, Alice Borowsky.
AB: You have run and owned travel
businesses for over 38 years. How has travel changed over that time?
SS: I started in the business in 1987 when the only way to make an airline reservation was by phone! My business changed from mostly corporate travel to all leisure travel as the airlines stopped paying commissions and interest in exciting destinations expanded. Hiring advisors who are “specialists” in (continued on page 10)
various destinations or types of travel became very important. My team all had their own specialties from sports trips, honeymoons, destination weddings, solo travel, family travel and cruising.
These days the internet and social media play a big role, and Airbnbs have added to the change in the industry. (not always for the better). I have also seen a major change in the “reasons” for travel, not just a vacation but spending time together as a family, a group of friends, or learning about new cultures and new people.
AB: I can’t believe that you have traveled to 80 countries. What were your favorite and least favorite countries?
SS: I have several favorites for different reasons. I think the friendliest places I have experienced are Ireland, New Zealand and Fiji. So many kinds of beauty in the world but I have to highlight the Canadian Rockies and Hamilton Island in Australia. France is always on top of my list since my son and his family live there and I have gotten to experience so many local hidden gems! Africa and the Galapagos islands are magical and like nowhere else on earth!
I can’t say I have a least favorite. When I travel, I don’t think in terms of “Do I like this destination” but instead, “Who would like to experience this destination.”
AB: You have been on 102 cruises. Wow. Is that your favorite way to travel and if so why?
SS: I do love cruising but I can’t say it is necessarily my favorite way to travel. It’s a great way to explore a new area of the world, to help decide where you would like to go back and stay longer. Many of the cruises I have been on have been shorter, inaugural cruises, to get to know the new ships. I love the river cruises, they seem more embedded in the cities and small towns they visit.
AB: Do people still need a travel agent to book travel in these days of do it yourself online?
SS: Absolutely! With all the information out there online and on social media, it can be very confusing and overwhelming to choose the best options. Searching online generally gives you the most popular answers, or the ones paid for by advertisers. Good travel advisors have contacts and knowledge beyond the general population and search engines. It is important to choose the right advisors, however, because they are not all created equal! Find specialists with great contacts, expertise, most often belonging to an upstanding consortium which provides dedicated trip enhancements and has a vast network of industry relationships. (continued on page 11)
AB: Tell me about your favorite and least favorite trip?
SS: Many to choose from, but my favorite may be the trip to Africa last fall with a group of Verandah residents. We played golf, experienced the Wine Trail, and had amazing Safari adventures with fabulous accommodations.
I really don’t have a least favorite trip. If I had to choose it would be the driving trip from Chicago to Florida with my parents as a teenager. I was an only child in the back seat of the car with no air conditioning.
AB: What are your top three travel tips?
SS: Travel with an open mind. Get to know the people and customs of the places you visit and respect their values.
Pack lighter than you think is necessary.
Purchase travel insurance. No one wants to spend that extra money, but like most insurance, it is horrible to not have it when you need it.
AB: What is your advice to novice or reluctant travelers?
Just do it! Try a shorter trip to start, but do it right. Use a professional to help you avoid some factors which may have made you reluctant in the first place.
AB: What do you predict will be the next changes/trends in the travel industry?
SS: The destinations we visit will not always be the ones most featured but more “off the beaten track”. Travel for natural phenomena, such as the (continued on page 12)
eclipse in 2024, the Penguin Parade in Australia, the volcanoes and lava fields in Iceland. More sustainable travel, and wellness travel.
AB: Why should people come out and hear you speak at the Verandah Community University?
So much of the world has become a victim to “over-tourism.” I will discuss some of
the popular destinations that are either too crowded to fully enjoy at certain times, or environmentally stressed from other factors such as too many tourists or too little government policies to save their land. I will also discuss alternatives to the timing and/ or destinations to more fully appreciate your travel investments.
A Guide to Verandah’s Native Birds
THE RED-SHOULDERED HAWK: VERANDAH’S WATCHFUL PREDATOR
Soaring over the golf course, perched on a branch overlooking the ponds, or even resting atop your lanai, the Red-shouldered Hawk is a common sight in Verandah. A piercing whistle often signals the presence of one of Verandah’s most striking raptors. With sharp eyes trained on the ponds and woodlands below, this bird of prey is a masterful hunter and an essential part of our local ecosystem.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is medium-sized, with broad, rounded wings and a relatively long tail. Its name comes from the rich, rusty-red coloring on its upper wings, or “shoulders,” which contrast with its barred orange breast and black-andwhite checkered wings. Its tail has bold black bands alternating with white, making it a striking silhouette when in flight.
Males and females share these vibrant colors, although females are slightly larger. Their keen eyesight is unmistakable—perfectly adapted for spotting prey from high vantage points. Juvenile hawks, on the other hand, have a more subdued appearance, with brown streaks on their chests and less distinct markings overall. Red-shouldered hawks are known for their vocal nature, often letting out a sharp, repetitive “kee-ahh” call as they defend their territory or communicate with their mate. While Red-shouldered (continued on page 15)
hawks are distinctive, they can sometimes be confused with other raptors spotted in Verandah, especially the Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and Broad-Winged Hawk:
Red-Tailed Hawk:
• Red-tailed Hawks are larger and bulkier, with broader wings.
• Their tails are brick-red on the top in adults, unlike the red-shouldered hawk’s black-and-white banded tail.
• Red-tailed Hawks lack the checkered wing pattern and reddish shoulder patches that define red-shouldered hawks.
Cooper’s Hawk:
• Cooper’s hawks are smaller and sleeker, with shorter wings and longer tails that are
rounded at the tip.
• Their plumage is more uniform, with a blue-gray back and a finely barred reddish chest, but they lack the bold checkering on the wings.
• In flight, Cooper’s Hawks exhibit a faster, more direct flight pattern, while redshouldered hawks soar on thermals with slower wingbeats.
Broad-Winged Hawk:
• Broad-winged Hawks are smaller and more compact than red-shouldered hawks.
• They have a less vivid reddish chest and are more uniformly brown overall.
• Their tails have fewer, broader white bands compared to the sharply defined (continued on page 16)
black-and-white pattern of the redshouldered hawk.
Learning these subtle differences can help birdwatchers identify the red-shouldered hawk with confidence, whether it’s soaring above our community or perched in a nearby tree.
Ten Facts About the Red-Shouldered Hawk:
1. Red-shouldered hawks are year-round residents in Florida. They favor wooded wetlands, often nesting near water sources, which makes Verandah’s ponds and wooded areas an ideal home.
2. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even large insects like grasshoppers.
3. Red-shouldered hawks have multipurpose wings. Their broad, rounded wings allow them to soar effortlessly over open areas and maneuver through dense woodlands with equal skill.
4. They are highly adaptable to urban and suburban environments in Florida. In Verandah you can often see them hunting in backyards, perched atop mailbox posts, or on the roof of the fitness center.
5. Red-shouldered hawks build large nests of sticks, often adding bark, moss, or leaves to line the inside. Pairs often reuse the same nesting site year after year, adding new material to refresh the nest.
6. Courtship involves aerial displays, where the male and female soar together and dive dramatically. Red-shouldered hawks mate for life. Both parents take part in raising the young, with the female primarily incubating the eggs and the male hunting for food. They will fiercely defend their nests, often diving at predators or intruders, including much larger birds like great horned owls.
7. Red-shouldered hawks can live over 10 years in the wild, with some individuals reaching their late teens.
8. Their call, a high-pitched “kee-ahh, keeahh,” is so distinctive that it’s often used in movies and TV shows to represent the generic “cry of a hawk.” They are also known to use their calls to scare prey into moving, making it easier to capture.
9. Red-shouldered hawks have incredibly sharp eyesight, up to eight times better than humans. This allows them to spot small prey like rodents or amphibians from high perches or even while soaring. Their eyes are also specially adapted to detect movement and see in color, which helps them identify camouflaged prey in dense forests.
10. The red-shouldered hawk plays a critical ecological role as a predator, particularly in controlling rodent populations. By preying on small mammals, these hawks help maintain a balance in the ecosystem, preventing rodent populations from (continued on page 17)
exploding and potentially damaging Verandah’s landscape. In addition to rodents, red-shouldered hawks also feed on amphibians, reptiles, and insects, contributing to a broader regulation of species within their habitat. Their preference for hunting in forests and wetland areas makes them essential in these ecosystems, where they help stabilize food webs and keep prey species in check.
The Red-shouldered hawk is a master of its domain, gliding silently over Verandah’s landscapes or perched in watchful stillness.
It serves as a reminder of the intricate web of life that thrives in our community. Next time you hear its sharp cry or catch a glimpse of its striking plumage, take a moment to appreciate the wild beauty of this magnificent raptor.
Their call, a high-pitched “kee-ahh, kee-ahh,” is so distinctive that it’s often used in movies and TV shows to represent the generic “cry of a hawk.”
Verandah Volunteers…
Looking for a volunteer opportunity working with children? The St. Martin de Porres After School Program is looking for you! Located on Palm Beach Blvd. near the Post Office in Tice, it is in need of volunteers.
Verandah residents, Liz Grader, Kathleen Quarto and Linda Jones volunteer one day a week, but more volunteers are needed.
Currently, six little boys need help with their math and reading homework. They are in need of time with adults who will speak English to them, read, play games and help with crafts.
According to Kathleen Quarto, “They are funny, respectful children who pay attention and have parents who want them to learn and succeed.”
Helping from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. any day from Monday through Thursday, would make a real difference in these children’s lives. Prior teaching experience is helpful, but not necessary.
For more information on this program, contact Program Director Drina Madden at 708-955-1712 or drinamadden@gmail.com.
Verandah Volunteer Fair: 2025
The Verandah Volunteer Fair, sponsored by the VCA, was held in Oak Park on January 31, 2025, after being postponed a week due to frigid weather. The balmy 80 degree weather one week later was welcomed by all who attended.
Twenty area nonprofit organizations attended this year’s event. Set up began at 11 a.m. with fifteen resident volunteers helping unload cars. Thanks to the volunteers and VCA Board Members who assisted.
The Fair, which ran from Noon until 2:30 p.m., did not attract the number of Verandah residents hoped for, but many of those who attended signed up as volunteers, or took materials for the future. Manatee Park was thrilled to have seven new volunteers sign up. Sew & Sews added six new members to their roster.
The complete list of nonprofits that participated and contact information will be updated on the vcalife.com website, under Things to Do. Feel free to check out the list and contact the organization that interests you.
Volunteer Fair organizers were: Susan Shamey and Stephanie Levin.
RESIDENT VOLUNTEERS, TOM HOWE AND KATHLEEN QUARTO, EXPLAINED VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
AVAILABLE AT ST. MARTIN DE PORRES AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS.
DIANA PAWELCZYK, PAM MICHAEL, AND SUE BUSSE LEARNED MORE
ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT ACT ABUSE SHELTER.
ANNETTE LOHR AND BARB WATSON, VERANDAH RESIDENTS AND MANATEE PARK VOLUNTEERS,
SIGNED UP SEVEN NEW VOLUNTEERS AT THE FAIR.
Let’s Go to Dinner
TOMMY BAHAMA MARLIN BAR
We are all familiar with the Tommy Bahama Brand. Did you know the very first Tommy Bahama restaurant is in Naples, Florida? The restaurant encourages reservations while the Marlin Bar in Estero is first-come first-serve.
Where starters are concerned, I highly recommend the World-Famous Coconut Shrimp. This “shareable” has a crispy coating and is served with Tommy Bahama Island Slaw and a papaya-
mango salsa. Available at both the bar and restaurant and is my always go-to appetizer.
The Marlin Bar has a more casual vibe and there are two items you should not miss. The Blackened Mahi-Mahi Tacos combine Cajun and Mexican cuisines. These tacos are served with two sauces - a chipotle aioli, giving you a smoky flavor, and a delicious tomato relish. Another dish I like is the Blackened Shrimp Chopped Salad. This salad contains shredded Romaine lettuce, avocado and roasted corn salsa and is coated in a herb buttermilk dressing.
The Tommy Bahama Restaurant has quite a few entrees. Here are three I have had and encourage you to try.
The Chilean Sea Bass is served with a Roasted Tomato Risotto, JalapeñoAvocado Salsa, baby spinach and a Citrus Olive Relish.
My favorite entree is the 14-ounce Kona-Coffee-Crusted Ribeye. The sides which accompany the steak are a Yukon Gold Mash and Grilled Organic Broccoli.
(continued on page 21)
Sew & Sews Kick Off the New Year
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Sew & Sews had their annual membership luncheon at the River House. Over 110 Sew & Sews’ members, potential members, and guests were in attendance for the season-opening event.
Sew & Sews’ President
Stephanie Levin presented a slide show history of the group. It began as the Verandah Sewing Club in
2017 and morphed into the Sew & Sews’ charitable nonprofit organization it is today.
Board Members: Carolyn Kerpchar (vice-president), Marrijane Jones (treasurer/ administrative director), Kathy Birke (secretary) and group leaders Barb Witowski, Linda Palladino and Denise Rath introduced themselves and briefly spoke about their roles in the
organization and as board members.
Outgoing board member Pippin Madson was honored for her service to the Board. She will remain a member of the knotter’s group.
Many thanks to Barb Witowski, Lisa Northrup, Margie Fulkert, Gloria Dolan, Penny Kingsbury, and Gina Sheridan for organizing this wonderful event.
While I usually don’t order chicken when dining out I can give the ParmesanCrusted Sanibel Chicken a big thumbs-up. This menu item shares the plate with herb cheese, a red pepper sauce and the same sides as the ribeye.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant is located at 23150 Fashion Drive #101, Estero, FL, (Coconut Point Mall) and 1220 3rd Street, South Naples, FL
Living Life in Island Time, Ginger Snap
SEW & SEWS’ BOARD OF DIRECTORS: DENISE RATH, BARB WITOWSKI, CAROLYN KERPCHAR, KATHY BIRKE, STEPHANIE LEVIN, MARRIJANE JONES, LINDA PALLADINO
Sugarcane Mosaic Virus Identified in Verandah Lawns
In the January 28th, 2025, meeting of the VCA Board of Directors, President John Sample announced that a turf disease called Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) has been identified in three Verandah neighborhoods (Amblewind, Magnolia and Willow Bend). The Board has been working with the University of Florida and their turf experts to understand the disease, its impact, and to define next steps. Here is what we know:
• SCMV was first reported in 1960 and affected sugarcane and lawn turf in and around Florida’s sugarcane producing areas. In many cases, virus symptoms were mild and generally overlooked. In 2013, the virus surfaced in Pinellas County and again in Palm Beach County, exhibiting more aggressive and destructive symptoms in lawn turf. The virus has since traveled and is now present in Southwest Florida.
• SCMV affects certain types of St. Augustine grass. A highly susceptible variety is called Floratam. Much of the turf throughout Verandah is of the Floratam variety. An infection can lead to severe grass damage. In the worst cases, the disease progresses into its companion virus that kills the entire lawn (Lethal Viral Necrosis/LVN). Once symptoms become visible, the general timeline for disease progression is one to three years but cannot be accurately predicted.
The VCA Board has formed a working group to provide a proactive response to this challenging situation. The group is working with Dr. Phil Harmon, Turf and Blueberry Pathologist, University
of Florida. In these initial neighborhoods, symptoms have been identified and turf samples tested positive for the virus. The VCA is in the process of taking and testing turf samples from other neighborhoods and Verandah’s common areas.
As more information becomes available and remediation planning develops, we will continue to share it with the Verandah Community. The following may answer some of your immediate questions:
Disease Spread
• Spread of the virus occurs without any obvious symptoms.
• The virus is known to be spread by aphids.
• The virus is also spread in the moist sap from freshly cut lawns on the wheels of mowers, blades, mower decks, and possibly line trimmers. Mowing wet turf enhances the spread.
• The virus also can be (continued on page 23)
spread on sod during the times of year when symptoms are mild and not obvious. However, no cases of infected sod farms have been reported to the University of Florida.
The VCA is working with all major landscape vendors servicing Verandah to establish best practices to minimize mower spread of the virus.
Symptoms to Watch For
• Early Signs: Yellow streaks or mosaic patterns on green grass blades. Lawn may appear stressed in the cooler winter weather and temporarily bounce back to a more normal appearance in the summer.
• Progression: Brown patches develop as infected grass dies off, often mistaken for fungal diseases or pest damage.
• Advanced Stage: Lawn dieback and weed growth, resulting from the companion virus (LVN) which ultimately kills the entire lawn.
• Timeline for above is generally one to three years but cannot be accurately predicted.
Management
• Fungicides and other pesticides are ineffective and cannot stop development or spread of the virus. There are no known agronomic inputs that homeowners or lawn care companies can use to cure a lawn once it has become infected. The disease severity, which ranges from yellowing to death, will vary from lawn to lawn, by variety of grass, and by other environmental factors.
• Currently, the only known remedy is to replace infected Floratam turf with another variety of St. Augustine grass that has demonstrated greater resistance to the virus, like CitraBlue, or Palmetto. While these grasses may still contract the virus, they have proven resistant to developing the
lethal necrotic aspects of the disease. Careful sourcing of replacement sod to ensure genetic purity is essential. Replacement with Floratam is not an option.
Resident Involvement
• Be attentive to your lawn! Talk with your landscapers; make sure your lawn is receiving an appropriate amount of irrigation; not all brown spots need more water. Remember the spread is enhanced when mowing in wet turfs; cease irrigation at least 24 hours prior to your lawn being mowed.
• If you contract individually for your landscape services, speak with your landscaper. Evaluate the hygiene practices utilized by your provider to sanitize equipment before it is used in your yard. The virus can be transmitted via mowing equipment from one yard to another.
• This has the potential to be a significant cost to each homeowner and the HOA, (continued on page 24)
in aggregate, for common areas. The rate of spread is dependent on many factors; please read updates as they are released and help slow the transmission.
Click these links for additional information: Phil Harmon: https://youtube.com/ watch?v=IJyDQwm1gho&si=_
YovpQCk9a3Q0OTs
Sod Solutions: https://sodsolutionspro.com/ citrablue-st-augustine-the-answer-to-lvn-atvalencia-palms/
UF Working Paper: https://www.vcalife.com/ documents/uf-sugarcane-mosaic-workingpaper/
Ladies of Verandah—2 more VWSC events this season!
Tuesday, March 25
It has been a fantastic VWSC season. From the season opener Little Black Dress to the sell-out Fashion Show, we have had a blast. Mark your calendars for the next events!
Don your best Boho style for our tribute to Mamma Mia. Enjoy live entertainment with songs from the movie and that era, and the best dance party around. Which character inspires you most? There will be prizes for the best Donna, Sophie, Tanya, Rosie, and Ruby outfits.
Music Bingo Dance Party
Tuesday, April 22
You asked for it, we did it.
Back by popular demand! A night for ladies only that includes Music Bingo… Dancing… Prizes… and fabulous food! There is no cash buy in. Come enjoy the fun. This was the perfect fun filled evening to close out our season last year. Let’s do it again!
