Whiskey Creek NEWS THE
JUNE 2025
INTRODUCING A NEW BOARD MEMBER
A Look Inside
WHISKEY CREEK COUNTRY CLUB CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Introducing A New Board Member
My name is Justin Gyarmathy and I am the new Treasurer of the Whiskey Creek Civic Association. My wife Dee and I moved to Whiskey Creek in 2015 with our two children, Andrew and Taryn. As Florida natives originally from Fort Pierce on the east coast, we finally found the neighborhood that we wanted our children to grow up in. They are now 17 and 13 respectively
and love the neighborhood as well. Fall Fest and the Christmas Golf Cart parade are annual highlights for our family.
I was motivated to join the Civic Association Board because of the current members and their level of involvement in the community and our shared ideas about community events and goals. As a local business owner, I care deeply about the area and its citizens and am grateful to donate my time to our community in this role.
I would like to encourage all Whiskey Creek residents to join or renew your Civic Association memberships or become members this month. Please see the details in the newsletter or visit www.whiskeycreeknews.net. The website also contains minutes from previous board meetings and information about deed restrictions, upcoming events, and more. The board holds monthly meetings at the Whiskey Creek Country Club from September through May on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. These meetings are open to all residents, and we encourage everyone to attend.
Thank you, Whiskey Creek!
Justin Gyarmathy
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Tom English
Margo Williams
Laura Berrio
Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias
Anissa Stender
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
Whiskey Creek Civic Association Membership Report
SALLY GINS
As of April 30, 21% of neighbors have joined as members of the Whiskey Creek Civic Association for the year 2025! Please help us reach our goal of 100% participation this year! An annual donation of $125 per home is the requested amount, but please give what you can. Sign-ups and more information regarding the Civic Association can be found on our website: www. WhiskeyCreekNews.net . We would love to see you at our next board meeting after summer, on Wednesday, September 10 at 6 p.m. at the Whiskey Creek Country Club!
Thank you for your support:
Thomas and Ruth Ahearn
Gail Anderson
Mike and Kim Bauman
Mark and Susan Blust
Mary A. Briggs
Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc.
Mark and Arlene Burias
Dan and Kate Davis
Kyle and Jenny DeCicco
Dominic and Morgan Engels
Thomas and Hedy Essley
James and Anne Girolamo
Gregory and Gretchen Hill
Jennifer Hissam
Paul and Teri Jenkins
Brian and Gloria Jordan
Michael McQuagge
Ross and Melissa Metzger
Howard Parker
Kjell and Clemy Pedersen
Eric Ringsmuth
Margaret Ann Scratchley
Eric and Julie Zahniser
If you have questions regarding your membership status, please email wccaacct@gmail.com.
Community Comes Together For Third Annual Battle At The Creek Golf Tournament
On May 2, the Whiskey Creek Civic Association hosted its Third Annual Battle at the Creek Golf Tournament at Whiskey Creek Country Club and, once again, the event brought together golfers, neighbors, families, and friends for a memorable day in support of a great cause.
The afternoon kicked off with a lively golf tournament that brought friendly competition to the course, as community members teed off in support of Blessings in a Backpack. The celebration continued with a Family Fun Day at the clubhouse, where neighbors of all ages joined in. Families enjoyed face painting, a visit from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Ice Cream Truck, and a colorful
flower truck. A delicious barbecue buffet brought everyone together for a shared meal, followed by an exciting raffle and auction featuring generous donations from local businesses.
A sincere thank-you goes out to all of our generous sponsors, whose support made this special day possible:
Harlan Group, Roetzel & Andress, C3 (Caloosahatchee Cannabis Company), San Cap Bank, The Davis Group, Moran Wealth Management, Bucketts Wings and More, SWFL Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Fence Mule, Little Caesars, Lee Health, Joint Implant Surgeons of Florida, Crowther Roofing, Johnson Engineering, Face It Botox Bar, Center Pharmacy, Flyte, Zion
Lutheran School, Whiskey Creek Plumbing, and Pavese Law. Thank you to Three Palms Media for the photos of this fun event.
Thanks to the incredible generosity and spirit of our community, this year’s event raised an outstanding $20,000 for our local chapter of Blessings in a Backpack—helping ensure that children in need have meals to carry them through the weekend.
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, or simply came out to be part of this special day. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS
1. British penny
6. Personnel
11. Hawaiian greeting
12. Eager to learn
15. Thugs
16. Pierce
17. Rodent
18. Girls and women
20. Blemish
21. Footnote note
23. Snakes
24. A temple (archaic)
25. Balm ingredient
26. Vesicle
27. Expert
28. Let out
29. Sash
30. Leases
31. Relieve
34. Water nymph
36. N N N
37. Repose
41. Lazily
42. Break in two
43. Countertenor
44. Flat masses of soft material
45. Secluded valley
46. Its symbol is Pb
47. Air hero
48. Cut in thirds
51. By way of
52. Dumbbells
54. Tedious address
56. Moderate in tempo
57. Give a speech
58. Daisylike bloom
59. In shape
DOWN
1. Allegorical story
2. Extraction
3. Excluding
4. Cook
5. Lack of difficulty
6. Carve
7. Songs
8. Circle fragments
9. Physically sound
10. Polecat (archaic)
13. Father of the Titans
14. Arid
15. A very prickly woody vine
16. Submissiveness
19. Perhaps
22. Specifics
24. Obsequy
26. Not warm
27. Obtain
30. Coarse file
32. Put down
33. Fatuous
34. One of the B vitamins
35. Postscripts
38. Lift
39. Sullied
40. This day
42. Luge racer
44. Father
45. A frame of iron bars
48. Canvas dwelling
49. Coagulate
50. Novice
53. Consumes
55. Browning of skin
CROSSWORD SOLUTION IN THIS ISSUE
Security Report
BOB BEVILLE
Once again, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office patrolled our neighborhood for six hours each day in the month of April. I receive a detailed report each day of their activity, usually by half an hour.
The times vary each day and if they are parked, they will move every 30 minutes and drive through the communities within Whiskey
Creek periodically. Their visibility in marked units goes a long way to keep speeding down and stopping at our four-way stops for those using Whiskey Creek Boulevard as a cut through. I have noticed some officers even have their flashing lights on as a deterrent and a few have used radar to slow down speeders.
Here is a sample:
1030- On duty
1100- Patrolling the community
1130- Area check of golf course
1200- Posted at Whiskey Creek and Reims Court (cruise lights on) for speed deterrence
1230- Patrolling the community
1300- Area check of tennis court
1330- Area check of clubhouse
1400- Patrolling the community
1430- Area check of No U-Turn sign at Whiskey Creek and Presidential Court
1500- Area check of Oak Hammock
1530- Patrolling the community
1600- Area check of Orthodontics
1630- Off duty
The good news is the officers reported no issues in the month of April.
Real Estate Round-Up
BOB OXNARD, REALTOR ®
HOME BUYERS ARE WAITING … FOR NOW!
When prices are falling, home buyers think that waiting to buy might save them money on the home they want. In today ’s market home prices are declining. There are also a lot of homes on the market, especially in our Southwest Florida market. Whiskey Creek had a whopping 54 homes for sale in late April, nearly a year ’s supply at current sales rates. Buyers can afford to be fussy. Unless they see the perfect home or a smoking hot deal, they can remain on the sidelines.
Buyers who are borrowing are also waiting for lower mortgage rates. Rates continue to hover in the high 6 percent range. The result is that even in a buyer ’s market such as we have, buyers are slow to “ pull the trigger.”
Real estate agents are seeing some impressive deals being made by buyers. It is reminiscent of 15 years ago when the first buyers who tiptoed into the soft market got the best deals. We may be entering into a period that will prove to be another historic opportunity for buyers to act! We are also entering into summertime, our “off-season” with slower sales. This typically puts more pressure on
sellers and more power into the hands of buyers.
The two-symbol Chinese expression for precarious moments is wei ji. One symbol means danger and the other means opportunity. These are uncertain times. For a buyer with money in the bank, it may be a particularly profitable time to invest in real estate. Few other investment options are a necessity like shelter. Warren Buffet advises that one should invest in what they know. He calls this concept investing in your “circle of competence.” That rules out bitcoin for someone like this writer! Many of us know our homes better than other investment options and we also need a place to live. Other than educating our kids, I can ’ t think of a better way to invest.
Back to timing. People are often afraid to make a major purchase in uncertain times. The stock market is volatile and certainly lower than its peak. Tariff talks have the entire world wondering how it will pan out. Whispers of recession are heard. The value of the U.S. dollar is down. Safe-haven gold is up. But is gold still a promising investment? Real estate prices are lower than they have been in years; the same isn ’ t true of gold.
Our advice to buyers is that this may be one of the best times to invest in real estate. Selection is great. Prices are low. Sellers are anxious to deal.
The real estate market is cyclical. It will turn. I wouldn’ t be shocked if it turned quickly due to macroeconomic forces, such as global trade deals or peace agreements. But if not quickly, it will change eventually as the cyclical nature of real estate always has. We believe that real estate is a tangible bricks and mortar investment that will continue to preserve and protect wealth and return value as it has for generations.
Is this a Rothschild moment? “ Buy low, sell high” is the mantra of making money on Wall Street, but when is it low enough to buy? According to an old Wall Street proverb, the time to buy is when there is “ blood in the streets.” Frequently attributed to Baron Rothschild, during the Panic of 1871 in Paris, when everyone else was selling, Rothschild was buying. Others, such as Bernard Baruch and John D. Rockefeller Sr., have also been associated with similar actions. They weren ’ t afraid to go against the flow. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie said , “Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.” He also believed that more money had been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined.
If you have any questions or comments about this article or other real estate issues, please contact Bob Oxnard at whiskeycreeknews@yahoo.com.
Wildlife
MARK L. FRANZER
THE GREEN HERON
The green heron is a dark, stocky bird characterized by its hunching posture and long, slender legs. It is often found at the water’s edge, where it tends to retreat behind a tangle of leaves to avoid being seen. This species is quite common in open areas of wetlands. One distinguishing feature is its harsh “skeow” call, which serves as a clue to its presence when it is disturbed from its perch along the shoreline.
Visually striking, the green heron has a velvetgreen back, a chestnut-colored body, and a dark cap, which is often raised into a short crest. In flight, it is distinctive as well, with slow beats of its rounded wings that make it resemble a tailless crow. This bird is known for its patience, often crouching by the water’s edge to catch unsuspecting fish.
Interestingly, the green heron is one of the few bird species that uses tools. It employs fishing “lures” made from items such as bread crusts, insects, small twigs, or even feathers, dropping them on the water’s surface to attract small fish. The green heron is a reasonably long-lived species, with the oldest recorded individual living to approximately nine years.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION
Continental Women’s Club
LIZ PAUL
Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural, and philanthropic organization established in 1975, and membership is open to women living in Lee County. We have many special events and interest groups within our club that you can participate in for social and educational purposes throughout the month and the year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education.
Meetings are held monthly at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the Continental Women’s Club luncheon is $26. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 6917561 for next meeting date and to reserve your meal.
Whiskey Creek Ladies’ Club
LENA ALLEGRO PRYOR
The May meeting of the Whiskey Creek Ladies’ Club (WCLC) was attended by 27 members. President Mo Poirier opened the meeting with a flag salute and a welcome. The inspirational message was written by Thomas Edison. The tables were decorated with spring bouquets by Cathy Trent. Prior meeting’s minutes were approved by Peggy Mocharski and Betsy Bastian. The treasurer’s report was approved. President Poirier encouraged members to invite friends to join us as guests to attend a meeting and lunch and possibly join the ladies’ club. Club dues for next year will remain the same, $30. They were due in March. However, if you would like your name in the Club Directory, dues must be paid by May. President Poirier reminded members that name badges must be worn at meetings to avoid a $1 fine. Rosalie Merola was recognized and thanked for her many years of dedication to the organization.
The Officers for the Whiskey Creek Ladies’ Club 2025/26 season were sworn in by President Poirier. Peggy Mocharski was sworn in as president, Cathy Trent was sworn in as vice president, Jill Harlow was sworn in as secretary and Shirley Deardurff as treasurer. Each officer was presented with a beautiful plant. President Poirier wished the new slate of officers a successful term of office.
The WCLC Book Club meets the third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the Whiskey Creek Country Club. There is a book discussion and lunch. The next meeting was May 15. The book discussion centered around The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry. New members are always welcomed. Interested parties please contact Pam at (276) 617-8850.
This was the final meeting of the 2024/25 season. The members were wished a happy and healthy summer. The meetings will resume October 2. Responses to the next meeting are due on Wednesday, one week prior to the meeting. We encourage you to make your meal selection for the following month when you sign in at the meeting.
If you need to cancel, please notify Linda Jones or the club at least eight days prior to the meeting. Otherwise, you will be responsible for the cost of your meal. The Whiskey Creek Ladies’ Club is a social and service organization. Membership is open to all women in Lee County. We meet on the first Thursday of each month at the Whiskey Creek Country Club. Social time is at 11:30 a.m., meetings start at 12 p.m. from October to May. An interesting and informative program is presented each month; a great opportunity to learn about the many programs offered in Southwest Florida. New members and guests are always welcome. Contact Linda Jones at piglinjones@gmail.com or call Linda at (678) 744-5461.
Cook’s Corner
AMY PAPPAS
Summer is a time when vegetables are at their peak. Sweet, juicy tomatoes, snappy bell peppers, and crisp cucumbers abound. This Greek Salad recipe showcases these veggies, without any greens to get in the way. And the best part? Because the vegetables are in their prime, this Greek Salad recipe is flavorful and refreshing with just a few ingredients. You only need seven ingredients and an easy, homemade Greek Salad Dressing to make it! This salad is healthy and delicious—I hope you love it!
INGREDIENTS
Dressing
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano, more for sprinkling
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For The Salad
1 English cucumber, cut lengthwise, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick
GREEK SALAD
1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
5 ounces feta cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes*
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives
⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
On a large platter, arrange the cucumber, green pepper, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, and olives. Drizzle with the dressing and very gently toss. Sprinkle with a few generous pinches of oregano and top with the mint leaves. Season to taste and serve.
Yard Of The Month
MELISSA METZGER
If you have been around Whiskey Creek for a while, you are probably familiar with our Yard of the Month recognition. It has been a wonderful way to recognize the care, creativity, and character that go into the homes and gardens in our neighborhood. Each month, we have celebrated those small details that help make Whiskey Creek such a beautiful place to live.
That tradition is not going anywhere, but just as our neighborhood continues to grow and change, so does the way we want to celebrate it. Starting in the next issue of The Whiskey Creek News, we are building on the spirit of Yard of the Month by expanding the spotlight beyond the yard. After all, what really makes Whiskey Creek special isn’t just what’s in front of the house, it’s who is inside.
We are excited to begin featuring neighbors who contribute to our beautiful community in other meaningful ways. Maybe it’s someone who quietly helps others by taking in a neighbor’s trash bins, checking in on elderly residents, or organizing a food drive. Maybe it’s the teen who mows lawns for free or the new resident who is already bringing people together. These are the kinds of gestures that don’t always come with fanfare but deserve a moment of recognition all the same.
This is not a contest and there is no vote or competition. It is simply a way to highlight the people who help create the friendly, welcoming atmosphere we all value. And much like Yard of the Month, we will keep things light and neighborly—no pressure, just appreciation.
If someone comes to mind, we would love to hear from you. Send us a short email with their name, a few words about what makes them special, and a photo if you have one. We will make every effort to feature each submission in the months ahead. It might not be immediate, but we want every story to have its turn.
We will continue recognizing beautiful yards as we always have, but now we will also shine a light on the spirit of the people who live in them. Because in the end, it’s not just the lawns and gardens that make this neighborhood beautiful, it’s the neighbors themselves.
Stay tuned for our first feature in the July issue of The Whiskey Creek News and don’t forget to send in your nominations. We are looking forward to hearing the stories of the neighbors that make Whiskey Creek the best place to live!
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Cole Peacock
RESOURCE HUB
WHISKEY CREEK CIVIC ASSOCIATION
WHISKEY CREEK NEWS
462-5805 colepeacock@comcast.net
Vice President: Wyler Gins 313-1056
Secretary: Kyle DeCicco 810-3729
Treasurer: Justin Gyarmathy
Events Chair: Melissa Metzgar
Seth Hart seth@boat-trailers.com
Jessica Nolan 462-6885 weathersnolan@gmail.com
Paul Copeland 464-8726 pcopeland@mcgriff.com
Mike McQuagge
Amy Kizmiller Pappas
Justin Gyarmathy
COMMITTEES
Deed Restrictions Chair: Seth Hartt seth@boat-trailers.com
Membership: Sally Gins wccaacct@gmail.com
Yard Committee Chair: Melissa Metzger msmetzger1119@gmail.com
Editor: Amy Pappas wcnewseditor@gmail.com
Articles for The Whiskey Creek News must be submitted to the editor by the fourth of the month.
WHISKEY CREEK SECURITY
The Lee County Sheriff’s Department 477-1000
WHISKEY CREEK MSTBU ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Robert E. Beville, Chairman Irrigation 454-1413
Peter J. Boldrin, Secretary Walls 275-0491
Roland T. Kotcamp, Lighting 482-7679
Fitzroy A. Alexander, Landscaping 433-1836
VACANT, Sheriff Detail Josh Malo, MSTBU Coordinator 533-2308
LOCAL ACTION NUMBERS
Emergency 911
477-1000
Coordinator 533-9400
Services 432-2083
of Commerce SW FL 278-1231 Child Abuse 1-800-962-2873 Code Enforcement 533-8895 Dead Animal Removal 949-6246 Div. of Motor Vehicles 533-6000
Elder Helpline 211 Emergency Management 477-3600 Health Dept. 332-9556 Fraud Line 477-1242
Lee County D. O. T. 533-8580
533-8181