The Verandah/St. Vincent de Paul Charity Garage Sale
The 16th Annual Verandah/St. Vincent de Paul Garage Sale was a huge success! Dozens of Verandah volunteers sold $35,327 worth of goods donated almost entirely by the Verandah Community. Co-chairing the efforts were Sharon Coburn, Carrie Meier, and Karen Parker. All proceeds went to the local charities listed below -
• Blessings in a Backpack
• Florida Breast Cancer Organization
• St. Matthew’s House
• Labelle Kiwanis
• Clothes Closet at McGregor Baptist Church
• Gulf Coast Humane Society
• St. Vincent de Paul Church
• Our Mother’s Pantry
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Bougainvillea, a tropical vining shrub, is native to several countries in South America with climates and growing conditions like South Florida. It is a versatile plant that can be pruned into a shrub or hedge, trained to grow up a trellis or grow as a tree. There are several varieties of Bougainvillea to choose from, ranging in size and available in an array of colors. Larger varieties can reach 20-25 feet if left unpruned and smaller cultivars such as Helen Johnson, and Sunvillea can be trimmed to 2-3 feet.
Bougainvilleas love the sun and favor dry conditions. Thus, the winter months in Verandah are ideal for growing “Bougies.” The best time to prune Bougainvilleas is
after it flowers in late winter or early spring. When pruning, wear protective gloves and proceed with care! Bougainvilleas are very thorny, particularly the larger variety. Smaller cultivars have been bred to be less thorny. You can fertilize at the end of their bloom cycle with high phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering. Remember,
The Champions Gallery
GOLF
CLUB CHAMPIONS
MICHAEL TOOL
MEN’S CLUB CHAMPION
LISA SCHLESINGER
LADIES’ CLUB CHAMPION
SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONS
MEN’S - CRAIG HUTCHINSON
LADIES’ - ELLEN HALLETT
SUPER SENIOR CLUB CHAMPION
MEN’S: DENNIS MCGUIRE
FLIGHTED CLUB CHAMPIONS
Ladies’ Flight 1: Lena Icevski
Ladies’ Flight 2: Jill Dietz
Men’s Flight 1: Brian Parsons
Men’s Flight 2: Leonard Leveille
Men’s Flight 3: Kevin Schoen
Men’s Flight 4: Jerry Ditter
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Fiber Is Coming To Your Home
You’ve no doubt noticed that the construction of the Comcast fiber optic backbone is complete. We’ve finally moved to the next step, the installation of a connection to a new, more stable fiber optic system to each home.
Please be on the lookout for a letter that Comcast will mail to each homeowner. It will ask you to call a dedicated 800 number to schedule an appointment when it is convenient for you. We know that many homeowners may need to choose an appointment date in the fall when you return to Verandah. Alternatively, you can make provisions with a friend to be in your house for the installer. You have a choice!
The VCA will also be emailing all homeowners when Comcast begins the appointment process. Comcast has said it will likely take six months to complete installation throughout the entire community. A few other things to know:
will provide them at no cost to you and will save you from having to make a trip to the Comcast Store.
2. Someone will need to grant the installer access to your home and remain with them. Our experience is that the installation takes about three hours.
3. Before the installer leaves your home, he or she will test your system to determine it’s operating at strength and speed throughout your home, and that all devices have connectivity.
4. You will be given a direct telephone number to call if you experience any problems with the new system.
1. If your home needs a new, updated router or converter boxes, the installer
You are urged to make an appointment when you are contacted to do so!
A Guide to Verandah’s Native Birds
THE SWALLOW-TAILED KITE: A GRACEFUL VISITOR TO VERANDAH’S SKIES
Spring in Verandah brings a welcome sight to bird lovers and nature enthusiasts—the return of the magnificent swallow-tailed kite. These striking raptors, with their bold black-andwhite plumage and unmistakable forked tails, soar effortlessly through the sky, gliding and swooping with sheer elegance.
Arriving in late March/early April after a long migration from South America, swallowtailed kites make their presence known as they ride the warm air currents above our wetlands and woodlands. Unlike the more aggressive hunting styles of hawks and eagles, these birds of prey have a uniquely graceful way of catching their meals. They skillfully snatch insects, small reptiles, and even baby birds from treetops—often in midair.
If you happen to glance up on a sunny morning or late afternoon, you might be lucky enough to witness a group of kites gliding together in synchronized flight. They rarely flap their wings, instead tilting and twisting their bodies to navigate the sky with astonishing precision. Their aerial displays are mesmerizing—a true gift for those who take a moment to look up.
As summer turns to late July and August,
these elegant birds begin their southbound journey once more, leaving behind the peaceful silence of Verandah’s blue skies until they return again in the spring.
Some Interesting Facts About SwallowTailed Kites
1. Their deeply forked tail isn’t just for show—it helps them maneuver with extreme precision in the air.
2. Unlike hawks and eagles, swallow-tailed kites are mostly silent flyers, rarely making vocalizations except during nesting.
3. They build their nests in the tallest trees; often choosing cypress, pine, or other large trees near wetlands.
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VCA Bench Sponsorship Program: A Correction
In the April 2025 edition of the Verandah View there was an article about the VCA Bench Sponsorship Program. Funding was provided by donors and four benches along Verandah Boulevard have been installed. However, the article incorrectly stated there were additional sites available for benches. The VCA will notify the community when any additional sites are available. None are planned for 2025.
All Aboard The Mexican Train
If you happen to wander into the River House on a Tuesday morning you will be surprised to hear the sounds of laughter, excited shouts, playful banter, and the occasional clatter of clapping hands. In other words, the sounds of people having fun. If you follow the sounds to Bobby’s Bar Room, you will be greeted by a most friendly and welcoming woman by the name of Marie DeMilio-Buchman and you’ll discover a room full of ladies at various tables playing Mexican Train.
Have you ever heard of the Mexican Train? Well, Mexico does have a freight railway system that is also used for passengers but that is not Mexican Train. Mexican train is a really fun game played with dominoes and it is a variation on a Chinese game. When
Chinese laborers began arriving in Mexico in the 1850s to work in the sugar fields, the game took hold and was adapted. In the early 1900s laborers were recruited from Mexico to help build our railway system. An American watched the game, liked what he saw and, with trains on his mind, simply named the game Mexican Train Dominoes.
Fast forward to 2024 and Verandah resident Marie DeMilio-Buchman brought the game Mexican Train Dominoes to Verandah. As Marie discovered, living in a golf community when you’re not a golfer presents its challenges. But she knew that there had to be other ladies like herself who were looking to meet people and do something fun. So, she placed a notice on Verandah’s Facebook page to see if she could generate interest in Mexican Train Dominoes. And she now has over 30 ladies who meet every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the River House to play Mexican Train.
Mexican Train is a popular game because it is easy to learn and fun to play. Marie and her group are very welcoming and subscribe to the phrase “The more the merrier.” There is no need to call or reserve a spot and prior knowledge of the game is not required. Just come by Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. They always have room for one more.
do what you want, and leave when you want.
“The organization is looking for volunteers not afraid to get dirty. There’s a lot of walking involved and physical work, but you do get loads of wet, furry kisses as a thank you,” according to Mary.
Mary added that the staff and volunteers at the shelter are some of the finest people she’s ever met! It’s just a great community of people that are all coming together for the love of animals.
In a personal note to Verandah residents, Mary said, “I’d like everyone to know how grateful I am for the donations they make to the Shelter. I’m so proud to drive up every week with my car filled to the brim with everything that everyone leaves at the Fitness Center or on my front porch. All the volunteers and staff at the Shelter constantly comment to me on what a wonderful community I live in.”
Mary ended by saying, “I’d love my happy place to become other people’s happy place as well!”
Thanks to Mary Gallagher for sharing her story with the Verandah View.
To volunteer, contact the Gulf Coast Humane Society, 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916, call 239-332-0364 or www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.
MARY GALLAGHER IN HER “HAPPY PLACE”
VCA Board Appoints Five Homeowners to Serve on the VCA Governance Committee
In 2024 the Board approved the formation of a Governance Committee and over the past few months has solicited homeowners to serve on this new committee. The Board is pleased to announce that Lorri Albrecht, Jane DeVries, Jane Mack, Michael McCabe, and Doug Ruth were appointed to the committee in late March. Collectively they bring a wealth of governance expertise, talent, and a desire to keep Verandah a terrific place to live.
The Committee’s primary responsibilities include:
1. Review and Update Governing Documents – It will work with the Board and legal counsel to ensure Verandah’s Bylaws, Declarations, Covenant, Conditions & Restrictions (DCC&Rs), and policies remain current, compliant with state laws, and aligned with the community’s needs.
2. Organizational Development – It will assemble and maintain organizational governance materials. It will be a resource for the Board on HOA governance best practices, engage with other committees, and recommend VCA policies. It will also keep homeowners apprised of important governance issues.
3. Elections – It will support the work of VCA staff to conduct Board and Neighborhood Representative elections.
Verandah’s governing documents were created in 2003 and over the years have been amended as needed to address state legislative requirements and community needs. An important transition of Verandah’s governance responsibilities began in 2021 when the developer turned over many duties to a homeowner led Board of Directors. This process will be completed when the developer finishes the construction of the last new home and departs the community. In anticipation of this event, legal counsel and the committee will commence work on updating and revising our documents. Look for further updates.
The Board is pleased to announce that Lorri Albrecht, Jane DeVries, Jane Mack, Michael McCabe, and Doug Ruth were appointed to the committee in late March.
complete with a white satinand-tulle dress for “Bailey Petunia” and a tuxedo tee shirt for Scruff. There were flowers and streamers, cake and dog cookies, champagne and ice water. A sorta-official minister led the audience of 50 in celebration.
After a few years, “Peggy Sue” moved into Verandah and joined the Park puppies. The little “Missus” was not
happy. Later came a bevy of young things, and now he chases “Stella” around through the grass. All in all, he’s given as much delight as he’s received!
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.
What’s Happening in Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) Right of Way Through Verandah
Did you know there are easement documents dating back sixty-five years that allow FPL to “… set and maintain poles and anchors; distribution and transmission lines; keep clear all trees, bushes and underbrush; and operate and maintain said lines …” right through the heart of Verandah?
Following the unprecedented hurricane seasons of 2004-2005 FPL embarked on a long-term infrastructure strengthening effort to help communities better respond
to severe weather. While the work improves FPL’s service reliability, it reports that its greatest value lies in its potential to help the utility restore power to customers faster after a storm strikes.
“FPL takes hurricane season very seriously and we prepare for it year-round,” says Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution. “We are investing $200 million this year to strengthen our electric grid, replace poles and improve reliable service. This is one of the ways we help prepare the communities we serve.” In Fort Myers, FPL will strengthen eight main power lines, maintain vegetation along 270 miles of power lines to prevent power outages and ensure public safety by clearing tree branches and limbs that could cause contact with power lines, especially during storms. and inspect 6,124 power poles as part of an eight-year inspection cycle.
Right here in Verandah, between April and June, FPL will lay down over 5,000 wooden platforms for the trucks and cranes to sit on while performing the work to replace over thirty poles. They are removing and replacing the smaller pole to match up with the larger one and will also be adding (continued on page 23)