Verandah View - November 2024 by Seabreeze Communications

NOVEMBER 2024

WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY: THE VCA COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Verandah – Living In A Deed-Restricted Community

Those of us who have bought a home in Verandah made a lifestyle choice. Gated communities such as ours offer a blend of security and privacy, with minimal interruption from the outside world. We live near each other, which encourages a sense of togetherness and belonging. In addition, high-end gated communities like Verandah offer access to exclusive amenities. And all this is built according to a cohesive plan that provides for a stunning backdrop of Florida landscape and attractive architecture.

In general, gated communities like Verandah see property values

increase more quickly than others. Why is that? In large measure it is because we are what is called a “deed-restricted community.” Living in a “deed-restricted community” means that our property is subject to conditions that are focused on upkeep, exterior design and usage enforced by our homeowners’ association, that is, the Verandah Community Association (VCA). Verandah’s “restrictions” were secured to your deed when you purchased your home.

You may ask who decided on these conditions and what is their purpose? These conditions were

codified in 2002. They are formally called The Verandah Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) and they were recorded with Lee County by Bonita Bay, our original developer. In planning Verandah, the original developer was committed to working in harmony with nature and it brought its love of nature to bear on our architecture and the community as a whole. Since its inception Verandah’s character is one of beauty and lush landscaping reflected through the graceful style and visual harmony of our homes. Architecture and landscape are coordinated. The purpose of these conditions was and is to preserve this unique character of The Verandah.

Verandah View is featuring the first of a three-part series describing how this process works.

Part one of this series describes what Verandah’s design review process is and why we have it.

Part two explains what our Design Review Guidelines are and how to learn more about them.

Part three describes how our design review process works with homeowners to make improvements to their property.

Part One: What Verandah’s Design Review Process Is and Why We

Have It

Conditions, and Restrictions (DCCRs). They were established when the community was formed in 2003 and are enforced by the Verandah Community Association. When we purchased our Verandah homes, we chose to relinquish control over some actions affecting our property and in exchange we would work as a community to protect Verandah’s aesthetic appeal, safe conditions, and property values. In essence, when we moved into Verandah, we agreed to follow certain standards and rules.

...in exchange we would work as a community to protect Verandah’s aesthetic appeal, safe conditions, and property values.

Ensuring our unique character is the objective and guiding principle of Design Review. In this issue

Design Review: It is a widely used self-governance tool to maintain the cohesiveness and quality of life in a deed-restricted community. Verandah’s restrictions were secured to our deeds when we purchased our home. They are called Declaration of Covenant,

Design Review Committee: Committee members are homeowners that are appointed by the Board of Directors. This volunteer committee, with support from the VCA staff, evaluates and approves modifications, renovations, or new construction proposed by homeowners to the outside of their home to ensure they meet the Verandah’s aesthetic and architectural standards. It often works with applicants on projects to allow approvals to be issued.

Current and past committee members have included realtors, engineers, business executives, master gardeners, and interior designers.

Design review process: The Design Review Process is well established in Verandah.

STEP ONE

Homeowners that seek to make external improvements to their property submit a Design Modification Form with all supporting documentation (e.g., architectural plans, sketches, material samples, color choices, and possibly a description of the project’s purpose and timeline.

STEP TWO

These materials are reviewed by Committee members and VCA staff. (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 hardscape 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, etc.).

Based on the review, the committee may give preliminary approval, request modifications, or reject the application outright if it doesn’t comply with our guidelines. (If a homeowner disagrees with the DRC decision, they may appeal to the Board.) Once any requested changes are made and resubmitted, the Committee gives final approval, possibly with conditions.

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. When the project is completed, the homeowner notifies the VCA, and an inspection may occur to confirm the work complies with the approved design. (If a homeowner bypasses the design review process or fails to follow approved plans, the Board may impose penalties such as fines, or require the work to be altered to meet our guidelines.)

Reviews often address:

• Architectural style

Ensuring proposed changes match the architectural theme of the community.

• Materials

Requiring materials blend with existing structures (e.g., roof tiles, types of siding, external lighting, etc.).

• Landscaping

Ensuring trees and plants are on Verandah’s plant list, tree removal, landscape beds, etc.

External modifications: When a homeowner is considering an external modification to their property (e.g., house and yard) they are encouraged to submit a modification form. (A Quick Reference Guide describes what is needed.) To assist homeowners the Board has approved an external color palette and nine project guidelines. These address external improvements, exterior equipment, gutters, lanai extensions, landscaping, pools, roofs, solar panels, and storm shutters.

Next month we will publish Part two that explains what our Design Review Guidelines are and how homeowners can learn more about them.

The VCA Celebrates The December Holidays

The Verandah Community Association has come of age. We have contracted with Brimmers, a professional lighting company out of Naples, to create a festive display at both the Main Gate and the Tropic Gate entrances. The Live Oaks will be wrapped in warm white lighting strings, the Verandah entry features will be decked out with lighted garlands, wreaths and bow, and the guardhouses will be resplendent with wreaths, garlands and lights. The lights will be turned on four days before Thanksgiving and taken down after January 8th. We’ll be ready to celebrate all of the Winter holidays in great style. We anticipate that our residents will put on their dancing shoes and celebrate too.

Some Verandah neighborhoods have opted to have Brimmers decorate their entry features as well. Brimmers will install, monitor, take down, replace where needed and store the decorations. What could be easier.

The VCA Announces The Appointment Of Board Members

Meet the VCA’s new Board members Jack Hauser and Logan McNeil Campbell. David Keeley has been reappointed for another term.

Jack and his wife Lisa became Florida residents after spending decades in Minnesota. He has lived in Verandah and served as a Neighborhood Representative for about a year. Jack spent his entire professional career in finance, beginning with the public accounting firm Ernst & Young where he worked for eight (8) years. After leaving Ernst & Young he spent ten (10) years with USBank followed by working with early-stage companies in two (2) venture investment companies. In his final work years he was the Chief Financial Officer for two (2) early-stage healthcare technology companies. Jack writes, “Throughout my career I learned the value of financial discipline and how it can make the difference between success and failure in business as well as in the not-for-profit world.” Jack has also been a Board member for several nonprofit organizations.

Jack has lived in two (2) communities with a Homeowners Association (HOA) and states that he has learned a great deal from these experiences. In the first community, the Board demonstrated both responsible budgeting and consistent delivery of services while the second community was not as expense focused, leading to substantial increases in HOA fees. He believes the difference between the two lay in the degree of focus on financial discipline.

Jack writes, “I am committed to having Verandah remain the type of community that made every one of us want to purchase a home here. Yes, as a community we must continue to invest in Verandah to maintain the quality of life we enjoy. I believe it is a great place to live, and I am confident we can keep it that way without creating a financial strain on the residents.”

I am committed to having Verandah remain the type of community that made every one of us want to purchase a home here. Yes, as a community we must continue to invest in Verandah to maintain the quality of life we enjoy. I believe it is a great place to live, and I am confident we can keep it that way without creating financial strain on the residents.

JACK HAUSER

LOGAN MCNEIL CAMPBELL

Logan Campbell has been a fulltime resident of Verandah since August of 2021 and is the current Neighborhood Representative for Mossy Oak. After working as a Special Agent for the FBI, Logan spent most of his professional life working to support higher learning in a variety of roles including: Director of Marketing for Prentice Hall HE; Chief Operating Officer for Pearson HE Learning and then as the Executive Vice President of Sales for Pearson Higher Education Learning, and; President of Prentice Hall Professional Technical Reference (a Pearson Company), He has also served as a Board member of the National Association of College Stores Board.

Logan has numerous interests other than work which have included serving as an Assistant Scout Master, membership in four (4) musical groups; and coaching

youth basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams. While on a religious mission in Peru, he coached women’s volleyball, including the Northern Peru Pre-Olympic team.

Logan writes, “Until retirement I traveled extensively for work (100 – 150 nights a year). When not away, most of my time was spent with my family. Candidly, the bulk of the heavy lifting in raising our two children was done by my wife of 54 years, Eileen. She’s done a wonderful job. Now we have more time (when not doting on our grandchildren and great-grandchildren) and we’d like to contribute to our community.”

Now we have more time (when not doting on our grandchildren & great-grandchildren) and we’d like to contribute to our community.

VCA Landscape Renovation Projects

A large share of Verandah’s charm and appeal stems from its attention to landscaping. Beyond normal maintenance activities, the VCA provides $42,500 annually for landscape replacement. The need for replacements can be due to plant failure and disease, aged-out plant beds, car strikes, and hurricanes, like Helene, Milton, and other calamities.

River Village Way at Verandah Boulevard was a top priority refurbishment project for this year, as this is the most visible intersection in the community.

The Club granted this area to the VCA at turnover. Some existing healthy plants were kept, similar irrigation needs and light requirements, and sightline issues were all considered in designing this garden. Florida native plants, like Coontie, Florida- friendly and tried and true plants were chosen. The plant list includes Croton Mammy, Coontie, Arboricola Dazzle, Jatropha Compacta, Podocarpus (existing), Duranta (existing) and Dwarf Ixora; Viburnum and Simpson’s Stopper hedges were installed to screen utility boxes.

FPL UTILITY BOX SCREENING HEDGES

These shrubs will grow to obscure the utility boxes in a relatively short time period.

LANDSCAPE PROJECTS

The VCA Landscape Committee is identifying, evaluating and prioritizing next projects.

• Safety Issue Remediation

○ Line of sight (blind spots) problems both on the sidewalks and on the roadways.

○ Sidewalk encroachment, where shrubs grow out and over the sidewalk squeezing foot and bicycle traffic.

• Aged-out landscape beds will be replaced with plants that better fit the space, minimizing hard trimming along road and sidewalks, and have similar irrigation requirements. Native plants will be given preference.

• Opening up vistas to lake and golf course views wherever possible.

• Dog Park Parking Area Renovation – providing a replacement hedge to screen parked cars.

The VCA would greatly appreciate your assistance in identifying safety concerns on our common areas. If you see anything that you’d like us to take a look at, please contact Office@vcalife.com to report the problem. Try to be specific as to the location and issue.

BED AT VERANDAH BOULEVARD

Verandah Goes Fiber Optic

WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN INSTALLING THE NEW COMCAST FIBER OPTIC SYSTEM

Throughout the summer, Comcast has been working closely with the VCA to install the underground fiber for Verandah’s new Internet and cable TV service. Comcast’s contractor is almost done with the underground construction work. Grass and landscape restoration is in progress. The neighborhoods in Phases 1 and 2 are mostly complete and crews are now working their way to the neighborhoods closest to the Tropic Gate: Edgewater Trace, Willow Bend, Magnolia Point, Amblewind Cove, Willow Ridge, and Heritage Preserve. A few of the neighborhoods are just waiting for locates. Repairs continue to be addressed, as necessary.

Comcast is working directly with Neighborhood Representatives in the condominiums now when they need access to the units, and will reach out to Pebblebrook owners directly.

When will the new service begin?

Once the fiber is buried directly up to the exterior wall of your home or building (as early as December /January), Comcast will communicate with a phone number to call to schedule an appointment to bring the fiber into your home and make certain the system is working correctly. This allows residents to

do so during the first quarter of next year when most are in residence. Comcast will make several attempts to schedule that appointment for you.

Do I need to be home when the Comcast Technician comes to install?

Someone will have to let them in and that person must be prepared to make decisions about connections to TVs and other devices.

When will the Comcast service switch from copper cable to fiber optic?

The VCA and Comcast will jointly make the decision to switch once a significant majority (95%) of the community has been installed. All residents will be notified of the switchover date, and after that date, anyone who has not had their home installed, will lose service.

Save the Dates!

Not a member? Don’t want to miss

Not a member? Don’t want to miss out on these great events? Join now vwsc.club/register

Little Black Dress

Tuesday, October 29

Little Black Dress

Tuesday, October 29

Put on your little black dress and join us for an evening of fun and a little surprise. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will raffle off several great prizes with all proceeds going to Moffitt Cancer Center. Bring cash for raffle tickets!

Sip & Shop

Dillard’s Pop-Up Shop

Monday, November 4

Put on your little black dress and join us for an evening of fun and a little surprise.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will raffle off several great prizes with all proceeds going to Moffitt Cancer Center. Bring cash for raffle tickets!

Sip & Shop

Monday, December 9

Sip, shop, and socialize while checking off a few items on your Holiday shopping list. We have an awesome lineup of vendors, some favorites will return and new exciting vendors will join us. It ’s a great way to find some unique gifts.

Dillard’s is bringing their shop to you! They will set up the season’s hot accessories for you to browse and buy right at the Verandah Club. This event is open to all Verandah members men and women!

Fashion Show

Monday, February 24

Fashion Show

Monday, February 24

Tuesday, March 25

Boot Scootin’ Boogie

Tuesday, January 14

Boot Scootin’ Boogie

Tuesday, January 14

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 annual Fashion Show is always a favorite! Once again, we will feature some of our very own beautiful Verandah women who will model the season ’s new looks from the Verandah Golf House and Dillard ’s.

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.

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 the perfect fun-filled evening to close out our season year. Let’s do it again!

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!

When the Going Gets Tough...

AN INTERVIEW BY STEPHANIE LEVIN

It started with a little stumbling and foot drop in 2022. Then, the diagnosis of ALS in 2023. ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a gradual loss of voluntary muscle movement.

Charlotte (Holly) Mertz, Verandah resident, artist, art teacher, published author, and former Swing Singer, along with her husband, Glenn, have learned to work around obstacles rather than be overcome by them.

When visiting Charlotte, I am greeted by her disembodied voice saying hello to me from what looks like a computer screen. The keyboard is on the screen itself. Beyond that, I see her smiling face and upbeat attitude. We talk about what’s happening at Verandah, little things that would make her

life easier, and try to problem solve ways to overcome obstacles.

When I approached Charlotte about this article, she asked that it inform about ALS and the abilities it steals (voice, mobility, dexterity and even the ability to use common modes of technology and communication).

Then, she proceeded to write her story using her eye gaze to spell out words on her keyboard screen set up to record and read her words! It is a slow, tiring process, but enables her to communicate.

Here is Charlotte’s story in her own words. “I was first diagnosed in April 2023. I used a cane at that time for stability and transitioned to a walker. Following a fall in November, I ordered a power wheelchair, meanwhile using equipment on loan through both the Fort Myers ALS Clinic and Verandah’s own medical equipment lending program, Grandma’s Closet.”

“In July of 2024, we agreed that I needed more care than Glenn and home health care workers could provide, so I moved into The Preserve, an excellent long-term care option. Glenn comes daily to feed me and keep me apprised on events elsewhere.”

“Faith and prayer support have helped me deal with the many challenges I face. Not faith in faith or the power of positive thinking, but faith in a loving God and that has a higher purpose for allowing me to go through this. By focusing on purpose, my mind turns to ministering to others rather than bemoaning my own circumstances.”

“My priority shifted when I realized how little time I might have left. Knowing I would lose dexterity, prompted me to finish writing a long-neglected manuscript while I could still type. It also reminded me to organize and distribute paintings, equipment, and other belongings I could no longer use, but that others could.”

“Certainly, there have been tears of frustration when my muscles failed to respond to the commands from my brain, or when my speech became too incomprehensible to express my thoughts. It seems ironic that I learned (rudimentary)

sign language in case of hearing loss, but by the time I needed it for speech, my hands had contracted too much to use it.”

“Fortunately, at the first sign that my voice was losing quality, I contacted voicekeeper.com and began making an AI recording of my voice that could eventually be uploaded to an AAC (assistive augmented communication) device. Almost a year later, I acquired such a device through an organization called Team Gleason. Their loaner, TobiiDynavox, has reopened my lines of communication with both immediate caregivers and the outside world. The device, which resembles a computer monitor, “reads” the shifting directions of

my eye gaze to spell out words on the screen, since I can no longer use a manual keyboard. It is much slower, of course, even slower than phone texting, and clumsy for extended conversations. But it has made a world of difference for me. Not only can I write my thoughts, but I can use it to operate the TV, read Kindle books, listen to Spotify, send and receive text messages, and eventually, email and view pictures.”

Charlotte is immersed in a legacy project creating photo books for family members using her own favorite artwork. Her book, Spiritual Gifts; Lessons from the Source is available online.

Special thanks to Charlotte for sharing her personal journey with ALS. To learn more about the disease, follow the blog at: als.org/blog.

The Veranda Restaurant

Let’s Go to Dinner

THE VERANDA RESTAURANT

This is a very special restaurant in downtown Fort Myers. The Veranda was once two houses located at the corner of Second Street and Broadway. These homes were joined together in the late 1960s by Peter Pulitzer, of publishing fame. Paul Peden purchased the buildings in 1978 and The Veranda was born. Since the original dwellings were two homes, the tables in The Veranda provide unique and charming places to enjoy your

dinner. My favorite place to dine is the courtyard. With a koi pond, stunning botanicals and a waterfall, dining under the twinkling lights is an experience not to be missed.

Now to the food. Upon being seated you are served mini corn muffins with red pepper jelly, a great way to start your dinner experience while enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail.

If you are starting your dinner with an appetizer I can recommend the

pan seared jumbo sea scallops. The scallops are served atop baby arugula with a lemon beurre blanc sauce.

Where salads are concerned, I have two recommendations. While Caesar salads are on many restaurant menus, The Veranda’s is prepared table side for two. The Spinach Salad is also composed table side and is served with a warm bacon vinaigrette.

When ordering an entree, I usually go with the New Zealand Lamb

HOT DAY SALAD

MY FAVORITE SALAD FOR HOT EVENING

• Butter lettuce

• Golden beets that have been roasted in the oven, cubed

• Goat cheese*

• Green grapes, sliced in half

Mix ingredients together and serve with vinaigrette.

* I use the Celebrity brand of goat cheese that has figs in it.

Chops which is paired with a delicious rosemary Merlot wine sauce. If it is seafood you are craving, try the Southern Sampler. This dish is served with a mixed grill of fresh fish, gulf shrimp and sea scallops and prepared over prosciutto cream fettuccine.

If you still have room for dessert I lean towards the classics. There are two that I highly recommend, try the Florida Key Lime Pie and the Vanilla Cream Brûlée.

Recipe Corner

IT’S TOO HOT TO TURN ON THE OVEN

Let’s have a great salad for dinner tonight.

MY FAVORITE VINAIGRETTE

• 1 Tbs. agave

• 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard

• 4 1/2 Tbs. Red wine vinegar

• 3/4 tsp. Salt

• ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

• 9 Tbs. vegetable or canola oil

• 1 1/2 Tbs. finely minced shallots

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the agave, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. While whisking vigorously, slowly pour in the oil to create an emulsion; the dressing should be slightly thickened and emulsified when all the oil is added. Mix in the shallots.

Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to a week.

While many restaurants are closed for holidays The Veranda is open with a price fixed menu. Make sure you make your reservations in advance.

The Veranda Restaurant is located at 2122 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239)332-2065.

Enjoy, Ginger Snap

Food, Wine And A Whole Lot More: Verandah Gourmet Club

Fine dining, fine women is how many of the Verandah Gourmet Club members describe their Club here in Verandah.

The Gourmet Club has been in existence for about ten years, but seems to have taken flight after the Club’s relaunch in January 2023, post COVID. Janice Cartwright started leading the Club in June of 2023.

There are approximately 80 members, both seasonal and full-time. Dinners or lunches are held once a month at the home of a Volunteer Hostess. Hostesses partner with another member to plan the theme, menu, and assign recipes for their Guests. There are usually two to three dinners and one lunch each month. Along with

the Hostess & Co-Hostess there are six to eight Guests, with everyone experiencing something different.

“I try to always mix Guests so everyone has a chance to meet new people,” said Janice. “The Hostess teams are very creative, not only with the menus, but with the theme and decor as well, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated.”

I try to always mix Guests so everyone has a chance to meet new people.

The Gourmet Club has changed to keep in step with the more relaxed lifestyle changes people crave. Formal dinners have given way to fun, festive and more chill

tableware and menus that are in general, lighter with fresh ingredients and interesting spices. Many dishes reflect recipes that Club members have experienced while traveling internationally.

“I have enjoyed Gourmet Club as a fun ladies’ night out” added Katie Deeg. “You don’t have to have cooking expertise. It’s a great way to meet new ladies, share recipes, laugh and grow friendships.”

It’s a great way to meet new ladies, share recipes, laugh and grow friendships.

Janice also emphasized that you don’t need to be a gourmet cook to join. “We have such accomplished, professional women in Verandah that I know can host a lovely evening or lunch without being a gourmet cook. But I don’t want to undersell it either. Everyone should expect to put in some effort and potentially step outside their comfort zone.”

Nancy Garfield has been involved with the Gourmet Club for 10 years and is a big fan. “It is such a wonderful way to connect with neighbors in culinary bliss,” said Nancy. “The meals are better than any restaurant in the area.”

On a personal note, Janice said the Gourmet Club has given her a chance to get to know so many wonderful women. “I don’t play golf, tennis or cards and I still work, so what I really enjoy, in addition to the meal, are the good conversations that happens with a small group of women and some good wine.”

For more information about Verandah Gourmet Club contact Janice Cartwright at Verandahgourmet@gmail.com

This year, we are excited to include a home decorated for Hanukkah!

Sew & Sews Presents: Holiday Tour Of Homes 2024

Since 2021, Sew & Sews’ Holiday Tour of Homes has become an anticipated community event. On Sunday, December 8th, 2024, six homes will be on display decorated in their holiday finery. This year, we are excited to include a home decorated for Hanukkah!

This wonderful event is the major fundraiser for Sew & Sews for the year. Along with much-appreciated grants, your ticket provides funding needed to purchase fabric and sewing essentials to create handmade items for the nonprofit organizations we serve in SWFL: Golisano Children’s Hospital and NICU, Lee Health Regional Cancer Center, Children’s Network of SWFL, Tiny Showers, Immokalee Pregnancy Center, ACT Abuse Women and Children’s Shelter, Valerie’s House, Buckingham Exceptional Student Center, and closer to home, Visions of Sugar Plums and Verandah Cares.

Sew & Sews is so appreciative of the homeowners who graciously open their homes for this wonderful event, and the Verandah residents who come out and support us. Thank you!

Holiday Tour of Homes

Verandah residents, families and friends are invited to tour six beautifully decorated homes for the holidays on Sunday, December 8, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. for the fourth annual Holiday Tour of Homes—a Sew & Sews fundraiser event. This year we have included a home celebrating Hanukkah. Featured homes are:

1. Eileen and Rudy Cifolelli—3451 Cedar Hammock View Court

2. Camille and Robert Del Savio—13810 Willow Haven Court

3. Amy Geszler—13725 Woodhaven Circle

4. Patty and Tom Letzler—3261 Orangetree Bend

5. Reeva and Ian Shaffer—3831 Mossy Oak Drive

6. Ron Richardson and Don Wallenhorst—13476 Sabal Point Drive

Tickets go on sale in OCTOBER; are $25 each and available ONLINE ONLY. Visit our website, sewandsews.org to purchase your ticket(s). Click on the Holiday Tour of Homes tab at the top and follow the prompts. OR scan this QR Code with your mobile device to buy your ticket(s).

The first 500 ticket holders will receive a handmade, commemorative ornament made by Sew & Sews members.

If you have questions about the Tour, please contact one of the Tour committee members: Barbra Colquitt barbracolquitt@gmail.com; Susie McIntyre susiemcintyre2008@yahoo.com; JoAnne Barone barone.joanne@gmail.com; or Katie Deeg katiedeeg@msn.com

When you attend the Holiday Tour of Homes, you help those in need as all proceeds benefit non-profits supported by Sew & Sews.

Let’s Grow Verandah – Gardening Series

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE DESIGN –DEMONSTRATION

Our own Donna Murphy will present a demonstration on how to achieve a beautiful and gracious Thanksgiving table centerpiece for your home. Donna is a very talented floral designer; she hails from her home state of Minnesota and is a member of the VCA Landscape Committee.

Donna will demonstrate all aspects of creating a beautiful centerpiece from shopping for flowers, to design elements, to keeping it fresh for a few extra days. You will be given instructions and a supply list to help you recreate the centerpiece. When finished, the Thanksgiving centerpiece will be gifted to one of the seminar participants.

Please join us on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the VCA Offices at 11390 Palm Beach Boulevard.

Donna will be available to answer your questions following the demonstration.

Planned upcoming seminars for this season include Container Gardening for the lanai and Nine Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping. Keep an eye out for announcements.

Pet of the Month

These two adorable Mini Goldendoodles are Captain 6 and Sailor 4 who own Donna and Brian Bohne. Captain is a total Mama’s boy who hates getting in trouble. On the other hand, there’s Sailor who is also known as Bossy Pants! She is super smart and learns commands and tricks in a flash. These two loving fur babies are best friends and do everything together. Their favorite place is hanging out at home in the “Bohne-Yard.”

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.

Verandah Volunteers

STEPHANIE LEVIN

VERANDAH RESIDENTS VOLUNTEERING THROUGHOUT SWFL

Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health Outpatient Facility: The Sanctuary

“The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

This ongoing series will document Verandah residents volunteering throughout SWFL and making a difference in the lives of others.

Verandah residents, Denise Rath and Lori Fleshman recognized each other while volunteering in different areas of Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Denise had been assisting in the formula preparation lab for preemies in the NICU for about a year and a half.

Lori was a Sunshine Ambassador for three years and greeted parents bringing their child in for some type of diagnostic test, walk them to the waiting area, emergency room, or Ronald McDonald Room. This job was usually busy and so much fun.

Although Denise and Lori enjoyed working at Golisano Children’s Hospital, the drive time, especially during season, was a negative.

Denise reached out to Lori following a fitness class to talk about their shared volunteer experiences at Golisano. Lori mentioned she also volunteered at the Lee Health Outpatient Clinic at the Sanctuary in the Women’s Imaging Center, and they needed more volunteers. The Sanctuary is located at Exit 136 of I-75 and Colonial Blvd., a more convenient location.

As volunteers, they spend four hours, one afternoon per week at the Sanctuary. Mornings from 8 a.m.-12 Noon are also available.

“Responsibilities involve bringing patients back into the waiting area for their mammograms, DEXA scans, ultrasounds or minor procedures”, said Denise. “Once in this smaller waiting area, we show them where to “gown” and wait.”

“We talk to patients and get them prepared for their diagnostic test,” said Lori. “There always seems to be someone who needs a little extra help with

dressing or undressing; someone who needs some reassurance; or someone who needs to know they will be well-cared for.”

“The mammography techs are a great group of people and so appreciative for any help we can provide,” said Lori. “We do very little compared to them, but they always tell us how much it helps them to do their job well.”

Denise and Lori both agree that while they volunteer to fill their time doing something productive, the joy of helping others is the reward.”

If you volunteer in SWFL and would like to share your story in a future issue, please contact Stephanie at: sslaging@comcast.net .

LORI FLESHMAN AND DENISE RATH

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

4th Annual 5k Turkey Trot Walk/Run Harry Chapin Fundraiser

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 TH, 2024

Registration 9:15-9:50AM | Race Starts 10AM

Location: in the Parking lot in front of the Fitness Center

Join us for the Verandah Club Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot Walk/Run Fundraiser! Gather your family, friends, and even pets, and dress in your favorite Thanksgiving-themed outfits or colors. Whether you run or walk the 3.1 miles, you’ll be supporting a great cause. After the race, enjoy light bites included with your entry fee while mingling with neighbors and exploring the farmers’ market.

All extra proceeds will be donated to The Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Feel free to donate more or contact the admin office if you cannot make it but would still like to donate.

Bonita