Verandah View
Update: Traffic Signal Adjacent To Verandah’s Main Gate And Palm Beach Boulevard
As we reported in the February edition of the Verandah View, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), at the request of our Traffic and Safety Committee, issued what is called a Traffic Signal Warrant Summary. The Warrant Summary Analysis provides a procedure to determine input into a decision of whether conditions at an intersection warrant the installation of a traffic signal. They analyzed traffic data, collisions and injuries at the main gate, and traffic volume projections. In September of last year, the FDOT Warrant Analysis confirmed the need for a traffic signal adjacent to Verandah’s main gate on Palm Beach Boulevard.
However, the satisfaction of a Warrant study is not a guarantee that a traffic signal will be installed. Verandah is not within the city limits of Fort Myers so Fort Myers would not pay for a light. The FDOT reports it does not participate in the design or construction of traffic signals. Further, it says that the 2003 construction permits for
Verandah “state the design, equipment, and installation of the traffic signal (when warranted) including additional geometric improvements to SR 80, if needed, will be the responsibility of the Verandah developer.”
Of note is the major project for State Road 31 (the road to Babcock Ranch) from SR 80 to SR 78, in Lee County. All plan alternatives accommodate future traffic demand for the growing area by widening SR 31, addressing the bridge deficiencies, and improving emergency evacuation and response time. The FDOT concluded a traffic signal at our main gate would have no effect on the proposed improvements to the intersection of Palm Beach Boulevard and State Route 31 but did conclude the new intersection would make turning west at Verandah’s main entrance more difficult.
We have learned that Lee County will maintain a traffic signal once it is installed. With continued growth in the
Verandah Community UniversityNext Semester’s Lineup
Verandah Community University (VCU) is excited to start off this semester with a presentation by NFL referee and Fort Myers attorney Jeffrey Rice, known as “The Lawman of the Line.” Jeffrey will share stories from his NFL career that has included 400 games, 24 post-season assignments, four Pro Bowls and three Super Bowls.
Please join us in the Fitness Center on Monday, October 28 at 4 p.m. and wear your favorite team jersey. See the adjacent flyer for registration details.
If you have any questions and/or speaker recommendations, please contact one of the Deans: Susan Shamey, Stephanie Levin, Alice Borowsky and Cathy Brummer.
VCU Season’s Schedule
November 11, 2024
Kris Johanessen, Verandah resident and Lieutenant Colonel (USAF, Ret.) will share stories from his career working as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Launch Officer during the Reagan Presidency, and the fall of the Soviet Union. He will also talk about his many other assignments including working with NASA. If you are curious about big missiles, rockets and spaceplanes don’t miss this class.
December 11, 2024
Back by popular demand, Jean Lewis, book reviewer, will share her recommendations for the best books to read being published in 2025. Jean writes and produces a blog, “Maurice on Books” and also writes book reviews for The Naples Daily News and Florida Weekly
January 6, 2025
Annabelle Tometich will share stories from her 18 years as a food writer, editor, and restaurant critic for The News-Press in her hometown of Fort Myers She will also talk about her recently published, critically acclaimed first book The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony.
February 10, 2025
Darryle Clott, Verandah resident, has dedicated herself to providing Holocaust education to the LaCrosse, WI, community and bringing Holocaust survivors to share their incredible stories, including Nobel Peace Prize winner, Elie Wiesel. Darryle is also a Teacher Fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.
March 10, 2025
Jim (Mik) Miklaszewski, Verandah resident, is an awardwinning journalist, including two Emmys. Jim worked at CNN and later NBC, covering the White House and Pentagon. He will share stories of reporting and interviewing national and world leaders and his experience of reporting from the Pentagon on 9/11.
April 7, 2025
Heather Walsh-Haney, Ph.D., Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) anthropologist and forensics expert, will share her experiences working with law enforcement to identify human remains after Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina, 9/11, and other disasters, as well as her work with eight Florida Medical Examiner Districts.
Hwy 80 and 31 corridors, the FDOT estimates an increase in traffic from the current 36,000 cars per day to 52,000. In the spring of 2024, the VCA Board of Directors queried homeowners about the importance of this traffic signal and shared the results of that survey with all homeowners. (Please click “View Traffic Signal FAQ” on the front page of the VCA website.) In June the Board discussed this topic with our Neighborhood Representatives. It is currently unclear how much a traffic signal would cost and who would provide the necessary funding. At the July 14, 2024 VCA Board Meeting, the release of a Request for Proposals from qualified engineers was approved. At this time the Board wants to learn what it would cost for a firm to prepare design plans, a construction schedule, and cost estimates for the traffic signal. When the Board has more information it will share it with the community.
Update: Developer Settlement Process
As was reported in our August edition, after the Verandah Community Association (VCA) was turned over to our homeowner-controlled Board of Directors in October of 2021, it conducted a review of the Developer’s financial records and practices pertaining to the VCA. This review raised numerous concerns. It was clear to the Board that when the Developer controlled all aspects of Verandah, the operations and finances were structured to benefit Kolter, and not necessarily to serve the long-term interests of the community.
In March of 2024, with the aid of legal counsel, these concerns were brought to the attention of Kolter Development in an effort to resolve them. Unfortunately, with minor exceptions, the Developer declined to resolve our concerns amicably, which meant the Association had to either abandon its claims or pursue legal action.
The VCA’s claims against Kolter Development include, but are not limited to: the misuse of Association funds, failure to meet its obligation to install a traffic signal adjacent to the main gate, improper construction of roadways, improper assignment of maintenance responsibility to the Association for Developer-owned assets, failure and refusal to fairly share costs of maintaining Joint Assets as required by Verandah’s Governing Documents, and underfunding of the Association’s reserves. With the approval of 75 percent of Verandah’s Neighborhood Representatives and owners, legal action was commenced by the Association at the end of June 2024. Since then, the Developer has denied the Association’s claims, which will result in the matter proceeding to mediation or other court intervention.
The VCA Board is cooperating with its legal counsel to pursue a resolution of these matters, which will most likely continue for some considerable time. The Board will provide updates as new information is obtained.
Save Yourself And The VCA Time And Money
Receive Notices And Vote Electronically
At this time 1,122 homeowners in Verandah have consented to receive meeting notices and to vote on issues electronically. This means approximately 400 homeowners have not completed the form that allows them to get materials electronically which requires the office to use the Post Office. The last time the office had to mail information to these remaining homeowners it cost the VCA $1,278. Over a 12-month period the cost of these mailings can exceed $7,000. The VCA is so committed to greater efficiency and reducing costs that it is offering a promotion to encourage homeowners to register for electronic voting and notices. In October, the VCA will hold a drawing including the names of all homeowners that have consented to receive meeting
Pet Of The Month
This month’s Pet of the Month is Callie, the gorgeous silver Weimeraner who lives with Ilona and Norm Toback. This playful lady keeps Norm and Ilona entertained with her playfulness and winning personality. Callie feels she has the best parents of all!
You can see Callie strutting her stuff with Norm accompanying her on their daily walks!
notices and to vote on issues electronically. A $100 gift card will be awarded to the resident whose household is drawn. Why consent? – First, it offers you unparalleled convenience, allowing you to receive notices and to vote from anywhere at any time. It also eliminates the need to complete a paper ballot or come to the office in person. Second, the VCA staff can do things other than preparing and distributing mailings. Finally, electronic voting is faster and more efficient, with instant tallying and distribution of results. Since all of this is paid for with your VCA dues, it only makes sense to consent to receiving materials electronically. By consenting to receiving electronic notices and voting, you contribute to a more efficient, effective, and engaged Verandah community.
What do I need to do? – Registering with the VCA to receive notices and to vote electronically is simple and can be accomplished in two ways:
1. Option #1 – Come into the office and staff will help you complete the form in a few minutes.
2. Option #2 – Download the VCA Consent Form. You can then print the form and complete it. You may mail the form to the office or scan it and send the form to info@vcalife.com
We hope you will take a moment to consent to receiving notices and to voting electronically. Please call Deanna Busbin in the office at (239) 694-6358 if you have any questions or need help.
Thank you.
Ornamental Grasses
By Barbara Watson, VCA Landscape Committee Member, Florida Master Gardener
Ornamental grasses are an important part of Florida landscaping, adding movement, texture, form, and interest to landscaped areas. Two popular grasses used throughout Verandah are the native Muhly and Fakahatchee. Both grasses are used in both commercial and home settings. Muhly grass is tough and versatile. It is most noted for its colorful blooms that emerge in the fall. At that time, feathery pink/purple stalks rise above clumping green mounds of arching branches to create a spectacular sight as the plumes gently sway in the wind. The drifts of Muhly Grass can be seen on the golf courses and elsewhere in the Verandah. Muhly Grass reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet and has a spread of 2 to 3 feet. In the landscape, it can be massed, used as a border, accent plant or used as a cut flower for bouquets. Muhly grass is also available in a white variety.
Fakahatchee is another Florida native grass used extensively throughout Verandah. It is noted for its tall, strappy green foliage. It is seen lining the Verandah Boulevard, skirting trees and planted in mass. Fakahatchee’s arching spikes reach a height of 5 to 6 feet and have a spread of up 4 to 6 feet. The inconspicuous cream/rust colored flowers are produced in spring and summer. A shorter version of this grass is also available. Dwarf Fakahatchee or Florida Gamma Grass only reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet and is a better choice for smaller areas.
These hardy native grasses are relatively maintenance free, requiring minimal care once established. They are drought tolerant, cold hardy and generally are pest free. They do best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Plants can be trimmed back once or twice a year to control growth and rejuvenate.
Happy Gardening!
What Is Light Pollution And What Can We Do About It?
The electric lightbulb is one of the greatest human inventions. It can be a beautiful thing that guides us home when the sun goes down, keeps us safe, and makes our homes cozy and bright. However, too much of a good thing is known as light pollution. It is the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light. Recent scientific discoveries about the health effects of artificial light have convinced the American Medical Association (AMA) to support efforts to control light pollution. Studies also show that light pollution is impacting animal behaviors such as migration patterns, wake-sleep cycles, and habitat formation. Migratory birds that are guided by moonlight may get confused and lose their way. Large numbers of insects, a primary food source for birds and other animals, are drawn to artificial lights and are killed on contact with light sources. Finally, it is affecting our personal ability to observe stars and other celestial objects. Being mindful of the effects of light pollution is important, saves energy, and is easy to do.
Let’s Go To Dinner
Cantina Laredo
This restaurant is located near The Bell Tower Mall and serves authentic Mexican cuisine.
While I try to focus on reviewing food items, there is a cocktail I cannot pass up. The Cantina Mojito is a must have, with rum, hand muddled fresh mint, lime and cane sugar, well, I’m in heaven.
To begin your dinner try the Top Shelf Guacamole. This signature appetizer is prepared by your waiter tableside and includes ripe avocado, charred jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, fresh lime juice and queso fresco. This yummy first course is a generous portion and enough to share with four guests, although two people can consume it with no trouble.
Another appetizer I can recommend is the Queso Blanco. This cheese dip comes with white queso, poblano peppers, spinach, scallions and artichokes.
Lighting in Verandah
There is a global movement to reduce light pollution, and everyone can help. Outdoor lighting in Verandah comes primarily in two forms. The first is wall and overhead fixtures that illuminate entrances to our homes, walkways, lanais, and garage doors. The second is accent lights that highlight beautiful vegetation and architectural details outside our homes.
Our Design Review Guidelines require exterior lighting to be directed toward the house and be of low wattage (limited to 2,000 lumens) to minimize glare sources to neighbors. Lighting fixtures are to be dark colored so as to be less obtrusive. Low voltage (12 volts) lighting is preferable. Landscape lighting should be concealed where possible by ground recessing or placing in landscape beds. (Please review the Verandah Design Guidelines (pages 52 & 53). Read more on landscape lighting.)
We can all take small steps to save energy, be mindful of our neighbors, and reduce light pollution.
As a first course or a main entree try the Sopa de Tortilla. This delicious soup comes with pulled chicken, avocado and crispy tortillas and is available in a cup or bowl.
There are a couple of tapas that you may want to order. The Quesadillas are always tasty. The Vegetarian has Monterey Jack cheese, green onions and tomato, but you may want to kick it up a notch by adding the fire-charred skirt steak. The Quesadillas are great for sharing but they are so good you may want them all for yourself.
If you like sushi grade tuna you can’t go wrong with the Ahi Tuna Tacos. You get three tuna tacos served with jicama, ginger slaw, guacamole, pickled red onion and chipotle aioli.
This restaurant has a selection of tacos and the Birria is one of the best things on the menu. This dish is prepared with spiced slow cooked brisket in corn tortillas with cheese, cilantro and white onion and comes with rice and beans.
My favorite entree at Cantina Laredo is the Chilean Sea Bass. The fish is pan-seared and it is topped with a Jalapeno Buerre Blanc Sauce and comes with cilantro rice and grilled asparagus. As this dish is market priced you may want to
Smart Lighting: Helpful Hints
• Use outdoor lighting only when and where it is needed. Use timers, dimmers, and motion sensors. Turn off exterior fixtures before you go to bed.
• Check the bulbs in your outdoor light fixtures. Use warm colored LEDs and compact fluorescents with proper wattages.
• Be sure outdoor lights are properly shielded to minimize glare, reduce light trespass to your neighbors, and direct light down instead of up into the sky.
• Close window blinds, shades, and curtains at night to keep light inside your home.
• Ensure accent lighting is properly positioned and not sending wasted electricity up into the sky.
• Use high-efficiency light sources that save energy.
check the price before you order so you don’t have sticker shock when the check comes.
While I don’t usually order chicken when in a restaurant I can recommend the Pollo Chipotle. The sauce on the grilled chicken breast is good enough for me to order chicken in a restaurant and is served with charred corn and black beans. Of course this Mexican restaurant offers Enchiladas, try the chicken.
When dessert time rolls around there is definitely one way to go – get the Flan
Cantina Laredo is located at 520 Big Pine Way, Fort Myers, FL 33907, (239) 415-4424.
Salud, Ginger Snap
Calling All Artists
Verandah is sponsoring its second annual Art Gala on January 20, 2025 featuring work by Verandah residents. The Gala will include many returning artists along with some new additions. The event will feature painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media and other fine artwork.
If you are interested in participating, please get in touch with Alice Borowsky at aliceborowsky@gmail. com. Space is limited. Stay tuned for more information about the Art Gala in the coming months.
Hurricane Season
Is Not Over Yet
Hurricane season in Florida officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. So far, the Atlantic hurricane season has been less active than expected. This marks the first time in 27 years that not a single named storm, those with winds of at least 39 mph, has developed in the Atlantic between Aug. 21 and Sept. 2.
What explains the lull in hurricane activity? Some believe that the upper-air winds over western Africa that drive weather disturbances that can enter the Atlantic and eventually mature into hurricanes have been farther north than usual, said Matt Rosencrans, Climate Prediction Center scientist who is NOAA’s chief long-range forecaster. Nevertheless, forecasters caution the season is not over. On average, about 70% of all Atlantic hurricanes have formed after Sept. 6. Anyone remember Sandy , in October 2012?
It is important to remain prepared. VCALife.com hosts a good number of excellent hurricane preparedness guides. From the VCALife home page, click on Helpful Documents, then select the Hurricane folder. The online Lee County All Hazards Guide has all kinds of helpful information from a handy hurricane supply list for you and your pets to an easy-to-read display of evacuation zones (Verandah is in Zone A). It is also a good idea to familiarize ourselves with the VCA Hurricane and Storm Debris Cleanup Policy.
Fall/Winter Golf Events
Join us for another great season beginning October 2024 through April 2025. Members will receive advance notice of events in order to be among the first to sign up before the events sell out! "Little Black Dress," our first event of the season, is already scheduled for October 28. It will be an evening of fun with raffle proceeds going to Moffitt Cancer Center in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Your options for
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
All women who are members of the Verandah Club are warmly welcome to join The Verandah Women ’s Social Club. Our membership season runs from October through August to coincide with when most of our members are in Verandah. Becoming a member gives you advance notice of all events allowing you to register early. The Verandah Club will charge your Verandah account directly for the events for which you have registered.
If you have friends that you know would enjoy an event or two, please encourage them to become a member. If there is space available after the early member registration, we may be able to accommodate non -members with a guest fee added to the event fee. However, the most popular events usually sell out to our members.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP?
If you have questions about membership, please contact our Membership Director Stephanie Newman -san4fsu@yahoo.com
Visions Of Sugar Plums – The Verandah Miracle Workers
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 hundreds of Verandah residents volunteering and raising money to provide presents and meals for over 100 children and their families every year.
“What makes Visions of Sugar Plums unique is our dedication to ‘adopting’ the whole family,” said Sharon Coburn, President. “We call every family to learn about each child, and try to create a wish list that will make their dreams come true. Most of these children have never had new clothes with tags on them, or a pair of shoes not previously worn. It truly is a community-supported effort. These Moms, who haven’t been given a gift for years, each receive a beautiful blanket made by our own Sew and Sews.”
Each season starts off with a festive cocktail party at the club where donations are collected and members can sign up for a variety of tasks including shopping for gifts and food, wrapping, and delivering to the families. Volunteers are given families’ wish lists and money from the donations collected at the cocktail party to shop and wrap with friends!
“Planning and being at the event is great fun, but the best part is that we get to make a difference. It is so special that we help our own people, the children of the Verandah staff who are in need, first and foremost,” said Eva Fix, Vice President. “We then reach out to local schools, outreach programs,
and groups like the Salvation Army to identify families in need.”
Providing a healthy holiday meal is an important part of the Sugar Plums’ mission. Volunteers work with local and national groceries, like Publix and Winn Dixie, to purchase the fixings for a special holiday meal. They also provide food for lunches while the children are home from school. This group shops the BOGOs for weeks and then stores the food for distribution.
Delivery day is usually a day or two before Christmas and requires a great deal of planning and organization. “Sandie Pearl is our distribution coordination queen,” added Sharon, “handling this responsibility flawlessly year after year.”
Visions of Sugar Plums became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit several years ago. In addition to Sharon who serves as President, this amazing group of miracle workers includes: Eva Fix, Vice President; Sandie Pearl, Secretary; Dr. Kelly Lowe, Treasurer; and committee heads – Jackie Bogle, Carol Laprade, Stephanie Newman, and Audrey Schmitt. The food committee is led by Debbie Prentice, assisted by Cathy Savage and Kathleen Macko.
Fitness & Court Sports News:
By Leslie Larson, Director of Wellness and Lifestyle
Verandah
Group Fitness Classes
We offer a diverse range of group fitness classes designed for all fitness
“I love being part of the Sugar Plums,” said Jackie Bogle, Committee Chair. “I believe families that have so little may feel that they have been forgotten. If the residents of Verandah can bring joy and hope into someone’s life, we as a community have accomplished our mission. We are blessed if we can give back and make a difference.”
Come out and join your neighbors and friends on November 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Riverhouse. You can register on the event page on Verandah Life.
October 2024
levels and interests. Whether you’re looking to increase your strength and flexibility or find your zen, we have a class for you.
Choose from 14 different styles of classes, including yoga, stretch, spin, strength, cardio, barre, aqua, circuit training, and more. Our experienced and friendly instructors ensure that each class is engaging, effective, and, most importantly, fun! Every class can be modified to meet your fitness level.
Not sure which classes would be best for you? Talk to your Wellness Director, Leslie Larson, who will help you find the perfect class or classes to fit your fitness level and
OUR PATIENTS ARE TEE-RIFIC!
goals. Check out our schedule and sign up today on the Verandah Life website under Wellness Activities at www. VerandahLife.com . Your best self is just a class away!
Verandah Pickleball Round Robins
Join your fellow members on the pickleball courts for weekly men’s and ladies’ Round Robin Play! Sign up under “Fitness Class & Court Sport Program Registration” under the “Wellness Activities” tab on Verandahlife.com. These events are open to members only. Limited space available.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Pickleball courts 5-7
Men’s: Tuesdays (social) and Thursdays (competitive) Ladies: Wednesdays (social) and Fridays (competitive)
Fall Tennis & Pickleball Exhibition
Don’t miss this year’s Fall Tennis and Pickleball Exhibition! Sip on drinks from our beverage cart, mingle with fellow enthusiasts, and witness some electrifying matches featuring top local pros. It’s the perfect blend of action, fun, and community!
Date: October 23
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Tennis and Pickleball Courts
Cost: Free to attend. Buy a drink and receive a raffle ticket for a Pickleball & Tennis giveaway!
Here Comes Bocce Ball Season!
Time to start planning for the 2024-2025 Verandah Bocce League season. At least four members per team and no more than six. with a maximum 40 teams. Players cannot play on more than one team or sub on another team.
All teams must sign up by Friday, November 1.
Match days and times will be determined after registration has closed. This season will start the week of December 2 through the week of December 9, break for the holidays and start matches again the week of January 6, 2025.
The Captains’ Meeting will be held on Friday, November 8 at 1 p.m. in the Group Fitness Room.
If you cannot attend, please send one person from your team in your place.
Registration is available online.
Link to register: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScH4rbbJAeZkil13CP_ YGrrV3OGznUpldB4KIflSjOSfT-kLw/viewform?usp=pp_url
Link to register as a sub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSfJhggCDlBXxRf8_gv93khKkAUclTrVCvXRq5Y4N3Et6esJA/viewform?usp=pp_url
Making It Easier To Pay Your VCA Dues
Enrolling in Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments provides many benefits, making it an attractive option for managing your Verandah finances. The good news is that half of all Verandah homeowners are now enrolled and are worry free about making timely dues payments. Some of you have asked,“Why should I sign up for ACH?” So let us describe the benefits.
There are three principal reasons to sign up for ACH:
1. Convenience and Efficiency
• Automated Transactions – ACH payments to the VCA are automated. This can save you time and effort compared to writing and mailing checks. (And know that ACH is safer than mailing checks and more reliable.)
• Scheduled Payments – Homeowners can set up recurring payments for quarterly or annual dues payments. This ensures
Summer Roundup
With more year-round residents, Verandah has continued to offer more events over the summer and this summer didn’t disappoint.
timely payments without the need to remember due dates. This also helps avoid you being assessed late fees when checks are not received by the due dates.
2. Cost Savings
• Lower Fees – No fees are charged for ACH transactions to the VCA.
• Reduced Paperwork and Mailing Costs – By eliminating the need for paper checks and postage, ACH payments can help homeowners save on the costs associated with traditional payment methods.
3. Improved Security and Reliability
• Secure Transactions – ACH payments are processed through a secure network with multiple layers of encryption and authentication, making them safer than mailing checks, which can be lost or stolen.
Highlights included revolving Tuesday member events featuring Karaoke, Trivia and Bingo. Golf events included the Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day Tournaments, the Summer Member/Member, Sip and Swing and Nine and Dine events.
The first Annual Wimbledon Round Robin was held in July and was a big success. Member Minglers, an 80s Glow Dance Party and Summer Pool Party rounded out the events. Thank you Verandah for keeping us busy.
September 27 - November 9
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. Hear favorites All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, Roxie and more! Don’t miss the longest-running American musical in Broadway history!
November 22 - December 25
Ebenezer Scrooge and his infamous “Bah, Humbug!” takes the stage in this beloved musical. Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future to show him cheerful memories from his past, cruel realities from his present and the very likely future. Scrooge learns important lessons about his impact on the lives of others, especially Bob Cratchit and his ailing son, Tiny Tim. This classic story captures the essence of the holidays and is perfect entertainment for the entire family.
Dates may be subject to change.
• Reduced Risk of Errors – Automated payments reduce the risk of human error that can occur when homeowners make the incorrect payments. What do I need to do to sign up for ACH?
Verandah’s homeowners can use CIRANET to create an ACH account anywhere they have an Internet connection. It will take just a few minutes. Go to your browser and insert https://www.ciranet.com/ResidentPortal and click “Don’t have an account” below the Log In button and create your user account. Please know that you must register on the Resident Portal Website before you can log into the mobile application. As always, if you need help, please call the office, (239-694-6358).
Or you can simply come into the office with a laptop or phone and staff will help you establish your ACH account.
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 Sha er—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 rst 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 bene t non-pro ts supported by Sew & Sews.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Improving Home Security
Home burglary results in losses exceeding $3 billion, in the United States, each year.
Based upon reports, a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States and that someone is at home 27.6 percent of the time. Despite images of burglars creeping through backyards in the middle of the night, statistics show that the majority of burglaries occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., when homes are often unoccupied.
Disconcerting?
While these crimes have decreased in Lee County, it is prudent to discuss proactive measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of victimization.
Preventative measures worth considering:
The addition of security cameras goes a long way toward preventing criminal activity and assisting in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. Video doorbell cameras and strategically placed external cameras often dissuade would-be criminals.
Exterior lighting is perhaps the easiest and most inexpensive way to discourage criminals. Well-lit areas increase visibility through windows, improve video surveillance quality and make your home a less desirable target.
Landscaping is a wonderful way to add “curb-appeal” to your home. Unfortunately, overgrown shrubs and trees that block windows and doorways or cast large shadows allow criminals to move about your property without being seen. Additionally, unmowed lawns often give the impression that the homeowner is away.
Upgrading door and window locks, as well as securing sliding glass doors, will prevent easy access to your home.
Most sliding glass doors have poor quality locks. They are susceptible to pry bars, hammers and screwdrivers and can usually be opened rather easily. Secure these doors using security bars, pins or upgraded locks.
Whenever you leave your home … even if just to quickly visit a neighbor … lock your doors and take a key. Don’t leave valuables near windows where they can easily be seen and taken.
Floridians like to leave their garage doors open. Please reconsider this practice.
Hiding a spare key under a door mat or in a nearby planter makes for easy access to your home.
Leaving ladders around your home assists burglars intent on entering second-story windows … yours or nearby homes. Secure ladders in a closed garage when not in use.
Too many Lee County residents leave their vehicles unlocked overnight. Many contain garage door openers. Lock your vehicles whenever you exit and take any and all valuables inside with you.
Break down cardboard boxes from expensive purchases such as large-screen televisions, computers, etc. When left curbside, they serve to advertise your new purchase.
Report suspicious activity to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or to your local law enforcement agency.
Consumer Alert
How To Avoid Getting Burned By Solar Or Clean Energy Scams
By Larissa Bungo, Senior Attorney
When temperatures rise, utility costs do, too. While reputable companies can help you save money with clean or solar energy improvements, scammers offer more than they can deliver. The scams vary, but here’s the gist: someone claiming to be with the government or your utility company promises big savings on your utility bills from solar energy or other home improvements designed to increase energy efficiency. If you agree to the scammer’s offer, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
These scams start with an unexpected phone call, message on social media, or even an in-person visit. The so-called official offers you an “energy audit” to reduce your utility costs. Or they might try to sign you up for a “free” program to make your home more energy efficient with solar energy. While they might say they’re from your utility company or the government, they’re not. And while they promise free or low-cost solar panels, or offer you huge rebates, tax credits, or utility incentives to pay for those solar panels, those are lies. Some so-called officials even say your utility company already signed you up for the program, so now you need to pay. That is, of course, also a scam.
To
Protect Yourself From Clean Energy Scams
• Know that “free” or “no cost” solar panel offers are scams. The federal government does not install solar systems in homes for free. If you’re considering whether solar energy is right for you, check out the Department of Energy’s guide for homeowners and learn more. Or check out the Department of Treasury’s guidance on clean energy.
• Take your time. Anyone who pressures you into a contract or demands up-front or immediate payment is a scammer. Legitimate businesses and government agencies don’t pressure you to act immediately and won’t tell you to pay with cash, gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. But imposters will. Learn more at ftc.gov/imposters.
• Protect your personal information. Don’t respond to unexpected requests online or on social media for your name, address, or other personal information to “see if you qualify.” At best, this is someone generating leads to sell, not actual solar businesses. At worst, they’re scammers trying to steal your identity.
If you spot a scam, tell the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
