February 2014 - Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club
Transcription
February 2014 - Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club
Happy Landings, Page 1 February 2014 Volume Twenty Six Number Two View Happy Landings on line www.LandingsYGTC.com Meet Your Landings Neighbors: Bob Achorn 2014 Special Events Calendar Preview **Dates & Entertainment Subject To Change** trips to the Mediterranean including By Hugh McCandless one in which it participated in the orld War II veteran Bob Achorn invasion of Southern France. The ship cheerfully admits to being older also made four trips to Cuba, Bermuda, than he looks. The 97 year old told me Puerto Rico and South America. Bob’s that he is often asked to prove his age service ended with his promotion to “especially after a round of golf,” he Lt. Commander, U.S.N.R. Bob was grinned. awarded Bronze Stars for the American Bob was aboard the U.S.S. Kent in & European-African-Middle Eastern New York Harbor when Pearl Harbor Campaigns, Combat Action Ribbon, and was attacked on December 7, 1941. WW II Victory medal. “That June, I was commissioned an “In July 1945, I was sent to San Ensign, a “90 day wonder,” as we Francisco to join the Pacific Fleet, but were somewhat derisively called, and with the war starting to wind down I had assigned to that old transport ship to enough points to be released from active bring German nationals from Central duty that November. As a reservist I America to prison in New Orleans,” was called back in the Korean Conflict, Bob said recounting his war-time and from 1953 to 1955 headed a Navy experiences. mobilization team in Salt Lake City.” “In March, when the Kent was Bob’s post-military years were spent decommissioned, I was assigned to as an executive with the Morton Salt another ship, the U.S.S. Pleiades A.K.46, which had been built in Italy for 1945 photo of Navy Lieutenant Bob Company for 38 years. He has four children from a previous marriage, Romania’s use on the Black Sea. Though Achorn as well as one daughter with his wife it had no watertight compartments, we Letitia. They came to The Landings in 1984 and currently made 20 North Atlantic crossings in U-Boat infested waters live in Windjammer Village at 4405 E. Mainmast Court. with waves sometimes cresting 40 feet. Our worst action came in November of 1942 when for four days and nights “I had always been a boater and the marina here is mainly why I chose to retire at The Landings. We kept our cabin a “wolf pack” of German subs attacked our 42 ship convoy cruiser for eight years, and of course we just had to name bound for Iceland and England. We lost 15 ships.” her “Pleiades II.” Besides those Atlantic crossings, the Pleiades made four February 2014 3 Watercolor Class 4 Lecture Luncheon Series 5 Ladies Fashion Show 10 Watercolor Class 11 Lecture Luncheon Series 11 Beading Class 12 Evening Lecture 13 Bingo Night 14 Valentine’s Ball 15 Fine Arts & Crafts Show 17 Watercolor Class 17 Monthly Monday Night Pool Party 18 Lecture Luncheon Series 18-19Mystery Dinner Theater 24 Computer Class 25 Lecture Luncheon Series 25 Movie Night-Citizen Kane 26 Joanna Olsen Show 27 Bingo Night 27 Medical L ecture Series 28 Beer, Brats & Blues March 2014 1 Beer, Brats & Blues 2 LYC Junk in Your Trunk Sale 3 Landings Variety Show 4 Lecture Luncheon Series 10 Monthly Monday Night Pool Party 11 Lecture Luncheon Series 17 St. Patty’s Day Party 18 Lecture Luncheon Series 19 Evening Lecture-Middle East 20 Bingo Night 31 Computer Class April 2014 1 A Scandal in Paris 2 Designer Purse Bingo 14 Monthly Monday Night Pool Party 15-16Jimmy Keys Comedy Night 19 Annual Easter Egg Hunt 20 Easter Brunch W History of “The Porch” By Jim Seibel t the front of our Wheelhouse building, just south of the entrance to the marina office, and just north of the entrance to the Wheelhouse restaurant, sits “THE PORCH.” THE PORCH is just a little, and unassuming, and rather plain, covered cement slab holding less than a dozen chairs and one small table. Usually the only other inanimate object on “THE PORCH” is a “leftover from last night” plastic beer cup containing stale water for the occasional dog. Now -- the real story! THE PORCH is a remarkable sociological and anthropological phenomenon at the Landings! THE PORCH was built as part of the original Wheelhouse. Mythology has it that it then immediately became the “hangout” for old men who had finally overcome their hankerings for golf, tennis, boating -- or any of the other yearnings (such as procreation) of younger men. They ate doughnuts and drank coffee, they reminisced about the good old days, they ridiculed the Landings developers, they laughed, and they just generally had more fun than if they had stayed home with their old wives. Anyway, that’s the folklore. Originally that assembly did not have a name. Then, mythos has it, that the informal bunch of “away from home in the morning” gentlemen became known as “The Limp Pickle Club” -- a cruel moniker originated by disgruntled wives who woke up to find their husbands already long gone A and having fun with coffee and donuts and “lie telling” at THE PORCH. The decades rolled by. Over those years not much has changed (other than the faces and names). Depending on who frequented it the most, and talked the most, THE PORCH has been known as “Slusser’s Corner” and “The Mayor’s Porch.” Presently THE PORCH is in a state of contemporary transition. There’s one old guy who comes with his wife’s dog well before sunrise to “study the stars.” There’s another one who comes shortly thereafter to just sit there and play with his new iPad. He talks about moving out of “this place,” but he never does. Then, there’s another old guy who needs a haircut who shows up at about dawn with his wife. (When do these people sleep?) Anyway, Imagine that -- a woman on THE PORCH!! Actually, some say that the handwriting is on the wall women will soon invade THE PORCH. The signs are there. One morning recently, when there were no women there, “the boys” happened into a discussion of “Women on THE PORCH.” The consensus was that it would be a constructive evolution for THE PORCH -- depending on certain criteria.The criteria discussed included: cooking, laundry, and cleaning skills; intelligence; weight/waist and belly size; hair color and length (preferably blonde and long); age/attractiveness (aka, “hotness”); (and not necessarily in that order) Board Profile: Landings Director, Pat Daniels By Hugh McCandless at Daniels, T r a w l e r ’s B O D representative, spent much of last year helping to rewrite our rules and regulations. “Hopefully the Board will accept them and we can put all that behind us,” she said. But Board work has never stopped Pat from participating fully in Landings’ activities, such as golf Friday mornings with the Pat Daniel, member of ‘Nine Holers,’ running LGYTC’s BOD the House Committee’s Book Group for 11 years, or singing with ‘In-Harmony. “Last summer I went on a painting trip to Tuscany with my art teacher from Chicago,” she said. “Our group had a great time staying in a 500-year-old farm house near Lucca. I even managed to finish a few paintings!” Pat majored in English Literature at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame in Indiana and later got a Master’s of Arts in Library Science from Rosary College (now Dominican P Board Profile on page 2 Page 2, Happy Landings Board Profile from page 1 University) in Illinois. She taught for nearly 40 years at all levels from the ‘trainable’ handicapped to grad students. “History is probably my chief interest,” she says, and on February 18th she’ll give a talk on Mary Todd Lincoln at the Helm Club as part of the Tuesday Luncheon Series. “I have been hooked on the Civil War since my father took me to Gettysburg when I was eight, and that interest hasn’t waned. In June Carolyn Wilson of Flagship and I took a paddle wheeler from Memphis to New Orleans. I have seen many Civil War battle fields but it was interesting to approach them as Grant did, from the river.” She was born and raised in the small Illinois farm town of Seneca. “Believe it or not, more ocean-going vessels were built there during the war than in any other shipyard in the world. These were the LSTs, the landing craft used in the invasion of Normandy and in the Pacific. They were launched sideways into the Illinois River and then taken down the Mississippi to the Gulf.” Pat’s late husband, Joe, and she were married a couple of years after she finished college. They had two sons, Richard and Tim, and 4 grandchildren. I asked Pat what she sees as the Board’s accomplishments and challenges. “We still have dock work at the marina to complete and a new cooking pavilion to be added at Picnic Pointe, but we should be able now to rebuild our reserve funds. A remaining challenge will be to come up with a good use for Parcel 5, our last piece of undeveloped land at the Landings. Social Tennis P lease contact Judi Archdale, 481-9219 or jipa.548@ gmail.com, if you would like to play “social” tennis Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 12:30 p.m. This is for 2.0-3.0 players. It is fun for all except serious players. The goal is to rotate participants and get a five minute break at intervals. Times and days may change with majority rule and availability of courts. This is casual and fun. Please join us! Beginner’s Luck Article and photos by LeRoy Fleming oger and Gayle Braffett were the beginners. This being their first deep sea fishing experience, all things were new to them. This ink on paper might excite your imagination into some Prize winners- Gayle and Roger small understanding or Braffett pleasures by reading an account of this trip on Monday December 16, 2013. There is no way the printed word can allow you to smell the air, see the horizon, or watch the birds diving. The Landings Fishing Club made arrangements with Captain Tony’s Fishing Express to take club members out 20 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. The following members gathered at the Landings Marina at 8 a.m. to car pool to the Getaway Marina. Tom Sheehan, Alan Fritze, Mal Youngquist, David Greenberg, Larry Wagner, Tom Bace, Jon Box, and the beginners—Roger and Gayle Braffett. The party boat “Fishing Express” looked very big at the dock. 90 feet long and 25 feet wide and three stories high this triple engine vessel should make for a great trip. All rods, reels and bait were supplied by the boat for a price of $63 per person. With a party of 10 or more you got a $10 discount. Gayle had her own Chip-n-Dales minus the bow ties and briefs since it was a brisk morning (50 degrees at 8 a.m.) she saw a sea of yellow. Yellow is the club color of the official shirts usually worn by members for special outings and club meetings. The boat includes a galley in case you forgot to bring your own lunch and drinks. Captain Tony has over 15 years experience here as well as Key West R in providing great fishing times. Nick, 10 years and David 6 months were the mates with their credentials to see your hook was baited and fish removed and records kept. Most of the time there is an eighty – twenty percentage split between men and women on these trips. There were 33 total on this particular trip with the percentage holding true. Mother Nature can be fickle at times. The weather report called for 2 to 4 foot seas. Not a problem for a boat 90 feet long. Well, someone forgot to tell Neptune because there was a lot or rocking and rolling along with the resulting seasickness and many were “chumming” over the side. Our stout hearted beginners were no exception. With all her male friends nearby, there was nothing anyone could do so Gayle, as ladylike as possible, lost her lunch. Braving the swells the anglers dropped their hooked baits to the bottom. The beautiful yellow and red stripped Lane snappers were there and hungry for the squid. Everyone caught fish but as is almost always the case it was the beginner’s luck that brought Roger Braffett the prize money for the largest fish. His 21 inch Red Grouper was just big enough to collect $58 first prize. Our beginners came away with an appreciation for the seas. Lonely and beautiful, yet deadly if not respected. The mystique and power of the sea can be tranquil but deceiving. Standing at the rail on the return trip to the dock, a smile preceeded “what a wonderful day, I loved It.” DEADLINE for MARCH 2014 Thursday, February 6, 12 Noon The Landings Administration Office • 482-3211 Fax 482-1796 Doug Marcotte.................................. General Manager Kelly Martin...................................... Executive Administrative Assistant Kim Cummings................................. Assistant Controller Helm Club • 482-3224 Fax 482-2558 Michael Goodwin............................. Food & Beverage Director Kemmor Condappa........................... Wheelhouse Din. Rm. Mgr. Michele Nardone............................. Activities Director Happy Landings The Official Community Newspaper Publisher Seabreeze Communications Editors Bill Schaaf wesps49@yahoo.com Tom Logio tlogio@mac.com Jan Kransberger cjk9@comcast.net Linda Tucker tuckerllo@comcast.net Ginger Beckwith abeckwithfla@comcast.net Happy Landings Mission Statement The purpose of the Happy Landings newsletter is to record and celebrate events in the lives of individuals and the life of the community. Deadline: Articles for the Happy Landings newsletter will be accepted until noon on the 6th of each month and should be e-mailed to the Editor. Disclaimer/Complaint Process: Happy Landings™ is a newsletter published for the benefit of the residents of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc., which has hired Seabreeze Communications Group as publisher to provide content and sell advertising consistent with the editorial and advertising policies of the Board of Directors of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and, unless otherwise noted, should not be construed to be those of The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. or its officers, directors or members. Paid advertising does not represent an endorsement by this publication. Content cannot be reproduced without written consent from The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. Happy Landings is a registered trademark which cannot be used without the express written permission of the holder of the mark, The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club Inc. The Happy Landings ™ does not accept letters to the editor. All members of the LYG&TC have the right to express their concerns to the Board of Administrators, after following these steps: First, bring your problem/complaint to the attention of, in order, the editor; the Communications Committee; and finally, the general manager. If dissatisfied with the result, you must then fill out a “Member Problem/Complaint” form (available in the general manager’s office). The completed form will be given to the Board of Administrators, who will decide if the problem/complaint warrants its review or action. Publisher Terrence C. Reid Sales Department Al Ullio • Tom White Director Of Mailing Operations Sherry Whalon Production Manager Carol Sands All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any form by any electric, mechanical, or other means, including xerography and photocopying is forbidden without the written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed unsuitable for publication. (239) 278-4222 • Fax (239) 278-5583 5630 Halifax Avenue * Fort Myers, FL 33912 Ft. Myers • Bonita • Estero • The Palm Beaches • Boca Raton www.seabreezecommunications.com Thank You Landings Residents for your continued support in 2013! Here’s to 2014! ARIEL 5260 S. Landings Dr. 1208 2/2 5260 S. Landings Dr. 1409 3/2.5 5260 S. Landings Dr. 505 2/2 5260 S. Landings Dr. 1701 3/4 5260 S. Landings Dr. 803 3/3 5260 S. Landings Dr. 1102 2/2 FLAGSHIP 4604 Flagship Dr. 206 2/2 4600 Flagship Dr. 203 3/2 4604 Flagship Dr. 205 2/2 HARBORTOWN 4733 Harbortown Ln. 3/2.5 LONGBOAT 4636 S. Landings Dr. 2+ Den/2.5 4591 S. Landings Dr. 3/2.5 RIVERSIDE 12822 Yacht Club Circle 3/2 12775 Yacht Club Circle 3/2 STEAMBOAT BEND 4210 Steamboat B 104 2/2 4200 Steamboat B 302 2/2 4200 Steamboat B 202 2/2 4250 Steamboat B 102 2/2+Den 339,000 429,000 185,000 759,000 225,000 189,900 NEW NEW SOLD NEW NEW 183,500 NEW 299,000 168,000 SOLD 200,000 SOLD 285,900 SOLD 269,500 NEW 395,000 REDUCED 332,000 SOLD 109,500 SOLD 124,000 121,000 119,000 SOLD STEAMBOAT BEND EAST 4100 Steamboat B E 102 2/2 114,000 4120 Steamboat B E 104 3/2 163,500 SOLD SUNSET COVE 9901 Sunset Cove Ln. 233 2+Den/2 122,900 NEW 9900 Sunset Cove Ln. 126 2/2 114,000 PENDING 9901 Sunset Cove Ln. 215 2/2 118,000 SUNSET HARBOR 9435 Sunset Harbor Ln. 244 279,000 NEW 9435 Sunset Harbor Ln. 254 300,000 SOLD IN 1 DAY 9431 Sunset Harbor Ln. 134 2+Den/2 318,000 NEW 9431 Sunset Harbor Ln. 133 2/2 209,000 SOLD 9431 Sunset Harbor Ln. 113 2/2 209,000 SOLD WINDJAMMER 4414 Spanker Ct. 2D 3/2 125,000 4387 Bowsprit Ct. 2B 2/2 126,000 SOLD 4384 Bowsprit Ct. 2D 2/2 112,950 4396 Bowsprit Ct. 1E 2/2 119,900 SOLD 4386 Jibboom Ct. 4F 2/2 119,000 4414 Spanker Ct. 3B 3/2 128,000 SOLD 4417 Spanker Ct. 3B 2/2 129,000 4435 Crossjack Ct. 4A 2/2 120,000 SOLD 4390 Foremast Ct. 1C 3/2 125,000 SOLD 4417 Spanker Ct. 1A 2/2 119,900 SOLD 4386 Jibboom Ct. 4D 3/2 146,500 SOLD The Landings Single Top Sales & Listing Agent. The Leading Resident Specialist for the last 18 years. Call Me...I Get YOU results!!! 239-229-5666 loriatlandings@aol.com loriemmons.com Lori Emmons 8695 College Pkwy, #1261, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Happy Landings, Page 3 Financial Overview November 2013 Summary: or the current period ending November 30, 2013, Club Revenue came in at $770,291 versus a budget of $734,359 for a positive variance of $36,032. Gross Operating Profit for the month of November was $127,738 compared to a budget of $135,519 for a negative variance of $7,781. Year to date revenues of $1,522,992 are exceeding the budget of $1,414,452 by $108,540 and last year by $168,540. Year to date Gross Operating Profit of $194,674 exceeds budget by $30,371 and last year’s same point in time by $3,009. The Food and Beverage Department had revenues of $179,928 compared to a budget of $143,360 for a positive variance of $36,568. Operational expense for the department was ($31,062) compared to a projected expense for the month of ($28,826) for a negative variance of ($2,236). Year to date revenues of $293,203 are exceeding budget by $46,418 and last year by $96,673. The Golf Department had revenues of $18,612 for the month compared to a budget of $27,730 resulting in a budget deficit of ($9,118). Departmental expense in November was ($9,587) compared to a budgeted expense of ($4,063) for a negative variance of ($5,524). Merchandise cost of sales ran 70.4% compared to a budget of 71.0%. Year to date revenues are trailing budget by $14,419 and last year by $23,998. The Tennis Department had revenues for the month of $21,650 compared to a budget of $24,300 for a negative variance of ($2,650). Department expense for the month of November ($15,471) was over the budgeted loss for the department by $2,495. Year to Date the Tennis department is on pace in revenue and slightly over in F Monthly Overview: MTD Total Revenue YTD Total Revenue Actual $770,291 Actual $1,522,992 Budget $734,359 Budget $1,414,452 departmental expense. The Marina Department continues to show strong revenues in fuel and sub-contract work. Revenues for the month were $141,357 compared to a budget of $134,718 for a positive variance of $6,639. The departmental savings for the month exceeded budget by $1,558. Year to Date the Marina Department is over budget by $68,669 in revenues generated and shows a Year to Date savings of $8,670 over budget. Administrative and General had a Departmental expense of $53,536 on a budget of $59,965. Year to Date the department is showing a savings of $22,234. Golf Course Maintenance was over budget by $5,542. Due to the actualization of expenses budgeted in the Prior month. Year to Date the Golf Course Maintenance Department is under budget by $5,914. The Community Patrol Department was slightly under budget. Departmental expense for the month of November was $24,334 compared to a budget of $26,385 for a savings of $2,051. Year to Date expenses of $50,164 are under the budgeted amount of $53,334 by $3,170. Property Maintenance Department had total monthly expenses of $53,706 on a budget of $47,731. This resulted in an excess spend over budget of $5,975. Year to Date expense are under budget by $5,969. Monthly Utilities were slightly over budget for the month actual expenses of $30,573 compared to a budget of $30,034. Year to Date utility expenses are also in line Var. $36,032 Var. $108,540 Last Year $699,043 Last Year $1,354,452 Var $71,248 Var $168,540 with budget at $56,778. Accounts Receivable: Delinquent Dues and House Receivables: The club currently has litigation actions involving 20 delinquent members. The legal actions that are currently engaged range from notices of delinquency from the retained Attorneys to advanced legal and collection actions. Hamilton Mikes, P.A. is the Law office which is handling the current delinquency matters. The current balance of delinquent house accounts is $153,462.44 of which $128,479.42 is over 120 days. Last Month the Delinquent house account balance was $153,223.43. We are continuing to contact all delinquent members and work with the attorneys on these collection matters. The current list has 28 members which includes 4 accounts being paid in full in Dec 2013 totaling $2,432.29. The delinquent dues receivable account currently has a balance of $338,507.47 of which $288,082.95 is over 120 days. Last Month the Delinquent dues account balance was $332,222.51. The current delinquent list has 23 members which includes 3 accounts being paid in full in Dec 2013 totaling $19,602.12. Capital Contributions: During the month of November 2013 the Club received $25,000 in capital contribution funds. This contribution amount was made up of 5 Sales. The Year to Date capital fund contribution amount is $45,000. The Year to Date Contribution amount is made up of 10 Sales and 1 Refund. General Managers Report December 20, 2013 • Picnic Pointe - We will be moving forward finalizing costs on the cooking area addition of the pavilion. In addition, the replacement of the existing Pavilion structure was approved as part of the 2014 Reserves projects. As the cooking area was postponed from this summer due to the need to work on the project cost further, the two projects will be combined as one project with work expected to begin the end of May. We are working on the complete design and permitting in the meantime of the main pavilion building. • The Landscape timber that had deteriorated the entire length of Dockside Drive along the walkway that borders the marina has been replaced and the project has been completed. • It has been reported that the cap of the seawall behind the tee at hole #8 was cracked and deteriorating. Upon further inspection, a lengthy section has sections of major to severe cracks and will need significant repair. We will be doing further inspections with a contractor to determine the extent of the deterioration and the necessary repairs needed. There is some settling of soil behind it that we will repair but we will need to determine the cause as well. • In January, we will be making some improvements to the landscaping around the back gate entry to improve the appearance and to replace some older plants, and pressure washing the wall as well. • We are working on the renewal of the Seabreeze Communications agreement for the publishing of the Happy Landings newsletter. Any comments or suggestions for improvement are welcome. • We have begun the process of reviewing the last phase of lake banks requiring erosion repairs/modifications that are to be completed this spring. • Also in keeping with the approve Reserve budget, we are in the process of selecting contractors to bid on the refinishing of the pool interior marcite. This project will commence in early summer and will require the pool to be closed for a period of time. This will be announced when the timeframe is confirmed. • We continue to work with the dredging contractor to a find suitable site for depositing of the dredged material from the channel and marina in time for commencing project in early spring. Armstrong Contractors Inc. Call (239) 728-5010 Fax (239) 728-3710 Dec. 28, 2013 - Feb. 15, 2014 IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS • Saveenergy(upto36%moreefficient) • Reduceoutsidenoise • Enhancetheappearanceofyourhome • Morecost-effectivethanstandardwindowand shutterreplacement • Increasethevalueofyourproperty (studiesshowupto20%) • Helpsecurehomefromintrudersandbreak-ins • Easytocleanandvirtuallymaintenancefree • Lowerhomeownerinsurancepremiums A trusted name in Southwest Florida for over 25 Years. Feb. 20 - April 12, 2014 Page 4, Happy Landings Green Book Changes Happy Landings February Issue, 2014 Clip & save these Up to date through January 6, 2014 Deletions: • Thomas & Laronda Lochridge 4445 Crossjack Court #A2 • Robert & Georgia Lowman 4386 Jib Boom Court #4D • Eugene Cortese 4574 Trawler Court #405 • P. Knudsen & Virginia Knudsen 9508 Mariners Cove Lane • Angeline Munn 4604 Flagship Drive #205 Additions: • Steve & Kim Meek 4445 Crossjack Court #A2 226-378-7259 • John & Linda McMillan 4386 Jib Boom Court #4D 519-856-0799 • Jean Boushay 4574 Trawler Court #405 914-715-6996 • Thomas & Nancy Joneli 9508 Mariners Cove Lane No number listed • David & Elizabeth Marini 4604 Flagship Drive #205 No number listed 11:15am Doors Open & Cocktails 12:00pm Lunch 12:45pm Fashion Show Wednesday, February 5, 2014 The Helm Club’s Main Deck $18 inclusive Per Person Join us for an enjoyable afternoon of lunch, prizes and fashion. Lunch Includes: Warm Rolls & Butter Pear Delight Salad grilled chicken, caramelized pear slices, feta cheese & almonds atop mixed greens & dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette Cream Puffs Limited Seating! Call (239) 482-3211 for Reservations or email activities@lygtc.com 24 Hour Cancellation To Avoid Charges. Safe Biking Submitted by John Shepherd LYGTC Wellness Committee Rambling From Bill At The Bike Route By Bill Wallstedt ost of us understand the importance of wearing a bike helmet. The problem is, you don’t know when you will need it. So, many bike accidents occur and the next thing you know you’re on the ground and you don’t even know how you got there. Some surprises can come at us really fast. Lighting is the other area I try to get new cyclists interested in. Not from the standpoint of riding at night, but at all times of the day. I want to make cyclists blink and flash like a fire truck. Todays L.E.D. (Light Emitting Diode) lights are quite bright even in the daytime. I take my queues from the motorcyclists I see with flashing headlights and blinking taillights. Some of the lights available today are so bright they are quite effective even in the daylight. Your safety will be enhanced if you simply take a moment to look over your bike to be sure that it is in good M shape and ready to ride. First, check the tires for proper inflation. The proper pressure to which it should be inflated can be read on the side of the tire. If the air pressure is low, it will seem as if your brakes are dragging. A rule of thumb is to check your tires every two weeks. Next, I would look for loose bearings located in the wheels, crank or headset. If anything wiggles sideways, it is an indication to have it tightened before your next ride. Also, pay close attention to the brakes by pulling on the levers to be sure they feel tight enough to stop you. Then test them once more when you first begin your ride. It is comparative to a pilot performing a preflight check on his aircraft to be sure the equipment is in good condition. If you are still unsure about the condition of your bicycle, then bring it by the Bike Route for a free safety check…. and ask for Bill. League Of Women Voters S onia Pressman Fuentes, JD, a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) will speak about The Beginning of the Second Wave of the Women’s Movement and Where We Are Today on Saturday, March 1, 2014, 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Landings—Helm Dining Room. This event, in celebration of Women’s History Month, is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women in the past and celebrate the successes of women today. The League of Women Voters (LWV) in partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) invites Landings members and the public to attend. Reservations are required. Cost including breakfast is $15. To reserve, call 239-278-1032 or e-mail lwvlee@yahoo. com. In 1965 Sonia Fuentes became the first woman attorney in the Office of the General Counsel at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The following year she helped found the National Organization for Women (NOW). In November 1996, at a ceremony honoring the founders of NOW, Betty Friedan presented her with the Veteran Feminists of America Medal of Honor. On October 10, 1999, she was one of four recipients of the 1999 Women at Work Award of Wider Opportunities for Women given in recognition of her commitment to women’s issues and leadership in the fields of law and business. Prior recipients included Jane Fonda, Katie Couric, Linda Ellerbee, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. In 2013 she was one of five recipients of the Glass Ceiling Award given annually by the Jewish Museum of Florida. Ms. Fuentes has lectured extensively in this country and abroad on women’s rights and has written numerous articles on that subject in law reviews and other publications both in the US and abroad. She has traveled as an “American specialist” on women’s rights for the then-US Information Agency to France, Germany, Spain, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. [http://www.erraticimpact.com/~feminism/ html/sonia_pressman_fuentes.htm] Future League of Women Voters meetings include: • April 5, 2014 LWVLee 65th Anniversary Celebration and A Look at Lee County Schools—Dr. Nancy Graham, Superintendent, Lee County Schools. • May 3, 2014 Lee County Election Issues and Voter Guide—Sharon Harrington, Supervisor of Elections The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Information on the programs and issues of the League of Women Voters is available on the web at www.lwv.org, www.lwvfla.org, and www.lwvlee.org. Call 239-278-1032 or e-mail lwvlee@yahoo.com. MOVING YOUR MONEY TO FLORIDA A COMPLIMENTARY EDUCATIONAL BRIEFING A Florida attorney will be present to discuss: DECLARING FLORIDA DOMICILE & ESTATE PLANNING Tax Time Help is available right here in the Landings! Specializing in tax returns for • FederalandanyStatereturns • Individuals,CorporationsorPartnerships • EstateIncome Jay Helt – Retired Certified Public Accountant andRetiredAttorney ReasonableRates–PromptProfessionalService 4639BowspritCt.Unit1E,TheLandings–FortMyers,FL33919 239-362-3631 Cell 732-614-6460 Wednesday, February 6 6:00 pm Stonewood Grill 7091 College Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33907 Reservations are required. RSVP: Seating is limited for this complimentary educational briefing. For reservations, please call... 239-479-7902 A Florida Attorney will be present to assist in the discussion of Florida Domicile. The opinions of the guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC or its affiliates. This event is educational in nature. No company specific products will be discussed. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax or legal advisor. Chad P. Kunc AAMS® Financial Advisor Fundamental Choice Portfolio Manager Happy Landings, Page 5 SHOPPING AND DINING RAW BAR ~ SEAFOOD ~ GRILL NOW SERVING LIQUOR McGREGOR DENT AL W ANTS YOUR SMILE! DENTAL WANTS DINNER SPECIALS NEW PATIENT SMILE SPECIAL Starting at 5pm Cleaning, Oral Exam & B.W. X-Rays MONDAY .........$11.99 Prime Rib Dinner (‘til it’s gone) TUESDAY .........VIP Tuesday 10% OFF Your Check WEDNESDAY ....$12.99 Baby Back Rib Dinner THURSDAY .......$5.00 Half-Pound Hamburgers FRIDAY ............. $8.99 Fish Fry SATURDAY .......Snow Crab $10.99 App / $13.99 Dinner SUNDAY ..........HALF OFF on Selected Apps $225.00 Value - NOW $79.00 239.476.9000 ~ 12951 McGregor Blvd ~ Fort Myers WILLIAM SHORA CK D .D .S SHORACK D.D .D.S .S.. • 20 Years on Sanibel/Fort Myers • Emergencies - Walk-Ins Welcome • State of the Art Dentistry WE CATER TO COWARDS! 239.590.9919 15271 McGregor Blvd. (Across from Gulf Harbour CC) The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for another service, exam or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, exam, or treatment. Cannot be combined with any other discount. Celebration of NEW LOCATION for LuAnn Moss, CPT At Plaza at the Gladiolus Preserve Gracie’s Pet care 9671 Gladiolus Drive, #108 WINE & CHEESE Thursday, February 6, 2014 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dependable LuAnn Moss, CPT AFAA Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor On the Cutting Edge of Training Techniques! “Over 30 years of experience in the Health & Fitness Industry” Training Programs specializing in Stretching, Golf (TPI), Tennis & Weight Training PLUS Yoga, Pilates, TRX, Special Conditions Programs & More! “In-Home Training” is available, TOO! Call Today! 239.565.7853 luann.moss8@gmail.com I come to you so your pet can stay in the comfort & safety of their own home. 239-961-8221 graciepetcare@gmail.com Loving Pet sitting References Available SLIDER MEDIC New Age Italian Dining Making Sliders Glide Replacing Sliding Glass Door Rollers, Locks, Tracks and More Grand Opening Royal Palm Square 1400 Colonial Blvd. 239 . 339 . 7355 Meals starting at $9.95 including Soup or Salad $3.95 Happy Hour All Day Join us for Valentines Day Friday February 14th www.SliderMedic.com Owner Operated call 239-204-9059 Licensed & Insured • Serving Lee and Collier Counties Simmons Painting Betty Hill’s Cleaning Service Expert in Interior & Exterior Reasonable Rates Since 1969 Licensed & Insured •DrywallRepair •Interior/ExteriorRepairs •PressureCleaning 239.332.4992 Free Estimates 3.50%* Tax Free Equals 5.38%** on a Taxable Investment? Call us now for tax-free investment opportunities you can’t afford to miss. * Rate expressed as yield to maturity or call. Subject to price change and availability and subject to market risk if the bonds are sold prior to maturity. ** Example assumes Florida taxpayer in the 35% maximum federal tax bracket in a state tax-free bond which may or may not be subject to AMT. For further information, call: Scott A. Sanders | Vice President/Investments, Branch Manager (239) 985-6540 | (866) 950-5525 12670 Creekside Lane, Suite 402 | Fort Myers, Florida 33919 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com • Licensed Home • Office • Vacation Rental • Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly • FREE Estimates 239.940.0454 References Page 6, Happy Landings Nine Hole Golf League By Lois Deets, photos by Jackie Wagner eet and welcome our new members: Lynn Birdt – Lori Emmons – Diane Inman – Mary Leo & Jean Wik. Remember the dates for February: Lincoln’s Birthday on 2/12 – Valentine’s day on 2/14 – President’s Day on 2/17. Invitations have been received for play at Kelly Greens on 2/20 and at Del Tura on 2/27 and at Shadow Wood on 2/25. Do check our main board for further details plus notices of other special happenings during the month. December Golfing Results: December 6th – “Criers Tournament.” Flight 1 –1st– Lynda Schmitt – 2nd - Pat Groetsch & Kathy Langton. 4th – Sugar Keedy & Gayle Braffett & Gretchen Howard. Flight 2 – 1st – Joan Zerolis, 2nd –Bobbie Geherke & Peg Thompson, 4th Cheryl Box & Lois McAllister & Jeanne Squitier & Jean Szczeurek. Flight 3 –1st – Connie Long, 2nd – Dee Bellar & Irene Winterrowd– 4th – Vinzi Amato & Carolyn Souders. December 13th – “Christmas Luncheon”. Flight 1 - Gayle Braffett & Sandi Marshall & Mary Rea. Flight 2 – Nancy Brown & Judy Kay& Bobbie Gehrke & Vinzi Amato & Lynn Stewart & Marilyn Love& Elaine Willis & Cheryl Box. December 20th – “2 Best Ball”. Flight 1 – Kathie M LLGA 9 hole President, Sugar Cheryl Box, LLGA 9 hole Vice President. Keedy Linda Schmitt new LLGA 9 New LLGA 9 member Mary hole member. Leo. Langton & Pat Groetsch Cheryl Box & Pat O’Donnell, 2nd – Edith Culver & Judy Kay & Ferne Ford & Connie Long & Betty Marshall & Dee Bowersox & Bobbie Gehrke & Pat Daniels. December 27th – Shamble” – Flight 1 –Betty Marshall & Pam Mangene& Sandi Marshal& Bette Schenian – 2d – Gayle Braffett & Judy Kay & Carolyn Souders – 3rd – Bev Reeves & Kathie Langton & Ferne Ford & Bobbie Gehrke. Thanks to all who played in our tournaments in 2013. See you in 2014. LLGA-18 League News! LLGA 9 hole members ready to play a scramble. Hungry after a great round of golf…LLGA-18 Gail Campbell, Christy Fitz, Sandy Frank, Susie Scharber and Pat Cunningham - beautiful tables. 18 Holers had a great time at the Holiday Lunch, Pat, Jeanne, Deanne, Josie, Doris, Tish, Pat and Pat. Birthdays in December were many and the LLGA-18 did not let Dee Driscoll’s Special Day go unnoticed. Lunch after golf is always something to look forward to. By Mary Ann Spry ur last month of play was really well represented, even with the busy holiday preparations and travels. We are pleased with the many new members and look forward to playing with each and everyone during the next months. Our Holiday luncheon on December 11 was quite a work of beauty. Mary Greenberg, Chairperson with the help of Dottie Fritze and Deanne Butindaro, did a magnificent job decorating each table, selecting a terrific lunch created by our wonderful Chef Ted, and inviting the Landings, “In Harmony” ladies choral group, directed by Lynn Cisky, to entertain us. After a perfect morning of golf, we had all of that to put us in a glorious state of holiday mind. If you have not had the pleasure of hearing, “In Harmony”, they are quite a talented group and have performed at the ball games, singing our National anthem, and at many other opportunities through out the area. Thank you to all for a wonderful day! We will be enjoying a full month of golf now that we resume a normal schedule. Our annual Member/ Guest Day is soon to be held on January 15th and the committee has planned a jovial day for all. Renewals for 2014 are now due and we anticipate a very active season these next months. Anyone wanting to join us, pick-up an application from our bulletin board in the Helm Club, and with a check of $65 for the year, turn it in to the Pro shop. Nancy Grant, our membership person will contact you and you will be off and running to have some extra fun in your game of golf. Results for the past weeks: On 12/04/2013- Even Holes - Low Net Flight 1: 1st - 25 Jeanne Parks, 2nd - 31 Sue Lentz, 3rd - 32 Lynne DeFranc Flight 2: 1st - 29 Helen Amy, 2nd - 30 Pat Lally, 3rd - 31 Jane Burns Flight 3: 1st - 27 Leslie Trudeau, 2nd - 30 Annabelle Hutson, 3rd - tie Jackie Dorval Closest to the Pins: #1 Annabelle Hutson #11 Helen Amy On 12/11/2013 - Three Blind Mice Scramble (throw out holes 8, 10, 11) 1st - 43 Josie Rasalan, Christy Fitz, Marilyn Harlan, Carole Lungren. 2nd - 45 Ellen Christian, Dee Driscoll, Diane Reed, Joyce Kascsak. 3rd - 46 Sue Lentz, Diane Hester, Marlene Mercurio, Evelyn Swartz Tie - Marlene Huseman, Lynne DeFranc, Bobbie Yager, Nancy Grant. Tie - Barb Christian, Pat Lally, Cathy Carley, Pat Seibel. Tie - Doris Kelly, Deanne Butindaro, Tish Achorn, Josie Kingsley Closest to the Pins: #1 and #3 Barb Christian O LLGA-18 Hole League Christmas Luncheon Co-Chairs Deanne Butindaro, Dottie Fritze, and Mary Greenberg. Longest Putt: #10 Dee Driscoll #12 Marlene Mercurio On 12/18/2013: Odd Holes - Low Net 1st - 18 Pat Lally; 2nd - 20 Josie Rasalan; 3rd - 22 Jackie Crump; 4th - 25 (4 way tie) Barb Christian, Ann Boyd, Mary Ann Spry, Christy Fitz; 8th - 26 (3 way tie) Lynne De Franc, Sandra Frank, Sue Lentz Have a great month and we hope you are learning the new course and having some fun and scores to brag about. Tennis Events For 2014 By Paul D’Amico he Tennis Department is pleased to announce its Events Schedule for the Upcoming Season. The following Events are scheduled for February thru September 2014, the schedule may also be found on-line on the LYGTC website. • Club Championships – Singles – February 1-2, 2014 • Club Championships – M & W Doubles – February 8-9, 2014 • Club Championships – Mixed Doubles – February 15-16, 2014 • LTA Taste of Chili – February 16, 2014 • Martini Night Round Robin – Championship Party – March 7, 2014 • Ladies Team Appreciation Day/Fashion Show – March 13, 2014 • Village Team Challenge – March 15-16, 2014 • LTA Round Robin and Cookout – March 23, 2014 • Madisen’s Match – March 28-29, 2014 • Landings Swing & Ping Challenge – April 12-13, 2014 • LTA End of Season Round Robin – April 13, 2014 • Spring Round Robin – May 23, 2014 T CIVIL LITIGATION ATTORNEY The Law Office of James A. Crawford, Inc. 1705 Colonial Blvd., Suite C-4 Fort Myers, Florida 33907 239.333.2034 www.jamesallencrawford.com ~ LANDINGS RESIDENT ~ • 25th USTA National Selection/Florida Open – May 24-26, 2014 • SW Florida Adult Clay Court Championships – September 12-14, 2014 If you have any questions or require any more information concerning any and all of the events, please feel free to contact the Tennis Shop either by e-mail at tennisdir@lygtc. com or by phone at 239-482-0515. 2014 Landings Club Tennis Championships On February 1st, the 2014 Club Tennis Championships will start with the Singles Championships for both Men and Women. The event will run through the weekend. The Men’s and Women’s Doubles events will be held starting on February 8th and the Mixed Doubles events will start on February 15th. There will be play in different levels, as well as in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s age categories. To enter, please stop by the Tennis Shop and complete an entry form. On Friday, March 7th, there will be a Championship Player Party for all players and guests. Deadlines start on February 1. Happy Landings, Page 7 LTA Party - Where The Fun Lives Photos by Bill Steed Alan and Judy Woodford Barb, Bridget, Bill and Jen Jim, Ron and Tim Bonnie Kentris Jonathon and Lucy from Hope Marcia and Tim Dennison Hospice Bridget, Jen and Sharrie Jim and Mary Pat Willis Joan Henry Rick Bosshard and Peter Ted Winterrowd and Harley Sporda Benner Geoff, Joan, Pam and Merle Sunset SHOPPING AND DINING EVERYTHING FOR THE HOUSEHOLD EXCEPT LARGE APPLIANCES WE HAVE CLOTHING, TOO! BEACH KIWANIS THRIFT SHOP (Corner Summerlin & Pine Ridge) Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 239.454.8090 Page 8, Happy Landings Landings Yacht Club By Pam Mangene here’s an old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. With that in mind, here’s a pictorial valentine from the Yacht Club. Happy Valentine’s Day! T Lovely lunch crowd – Useppa Landings Singers at the Tree Lighting Fred Garner LeRoy and Ann Fleming at Rumrunners Dick and I at Rumrunners Christmas Tree and donated bikes! Croquet – Useppa Useppa – lunch in whites Precision Builders, Inc. Turning the Ordinary Into Something Special • Complete Remodeling • New Construction • Additions • Kitchens / Bathrooms • Tile • Wood Flooring • Windows & Doors • Driveways / Pavers • Mold Removal Landings Residents Love Precision Builders! References Available! 239-290-0399 prebuild@earthlink.net State Certified CRC 042411 • CBC 1256953 • 25 Years in Business Home For Sale Newly Remodeled 2 BR, 2BA Condo with Tennessee Mountain View Many upgrades throughout, large eat in kitchen, sun room, large deck and one car garage. Gas fireplace in living room. Located in the Hardin Valley area of West Knoxville. Conveniently located to shopping & medical facilities. Approx. 1 hour to Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Homeowners association is a PUD with low monthly maintenance fees. Established well maintained community with swimming pool. 10009 Dayflower Way, Knoxville, TN MLS# 871657 John Ritchie, Broker: 865-387-3471c • 865-694-5904o Keller Williams Realty, Knoxville, TN All Offices Independantly Owned and Operated Cruisers at the pool Green Flash – South Seas Happy Landings, Page 9 TGIF – Fishing Club At Picnic Pointe Jon Friling, a LFC Member uses his fishing rod to drop the 2014 New Year Ball at a Schooner New Year’s Eve House Party. L to R: Gayle Braffett, John Scherbick, Susan Scherbick, Roger Braffett YOU’LL L VE THESE WINDJAMMER! / 3, / 2 LARGE 3 4, BEDROOM CONDOS! $109,000 ~ $133,900 Jon Box throwing away the empty pizza boxes from the TGIF Party. L to R: Dotty Fritze, Mary Greenberg, David Greenberg, Tom Bace, Alan Fritze CHECK WEBSITE!! Fixer Uppers to Completely Remodeled ...Pet Friendly Village ARIEL #1504 - Premium, luxurious 2 bedroom + den with best view under 17! $439,000. O.B.O. Photos by Jackie Wagner WINDJAMMER - Great buy on this 2 bedroom “end” with nice views from lanai and dining room. Furnished and with a carport, too! $115,000. ARIEL #608 - Nicely updated, turnkey unit with deep terrace. 1,997 sq. ft. $194,000 SOLD. SUNSET HARBOR - New! Top floor! Gorgeous! 3/2 Better hurry. $399,000. Open house Sat., Feb 1st. 9431 Sunset Harbor #152 HARBORTOWN - 2nd floor 3/2 with 2 car garage across from river. $242,000. Open house, Feb 1 & 2, 1-4 p.m. 5015 Harbortown Ln. #203 STEAMBOAT BEND - Nice 2/2 turnkey! Long southerly views over lake. Carport too! Lowest 2/2 in The Landings $99,900. STEAMBOAT BEND EAST - 1st floor, updated “end” unit on golf course & next to pool! Furnished w/carport, too! $135,000. ANNUAL & SEASONAL RENTALS, TOO! Exp 03/31/14 Hurry for recently released seasonal rentals on the marina, lake and golf course! These won’t last long so send your friends to my website . . . PRONTO! SB Call, ‘e’ or click by www.TheLandingsGuy.com Virtual tours, pictures of ALL for sale in The Landings! Dan Bullock “The Landings’ Guy” 23+ Year Owner/Experience “Interview 3, Interview ME!” Exp 03/31/14 SB (239) 826-2995 Dan@DanBullock.com Realty Group SWFL Great Play Starts with Great Shoes! Over 60 Styles of Shoes from: • Adidas • Asics • Babolat • Nike • K-Swiss • Yonex Largest Selection of Tennis Shoes in Southwest Florida HIS AD T BRING IN FOR F F O % 10 PURCHASE A SHOE Expires 2/26/14 Page 10, Happy Landings The Landings Duplicate Bridge Club News John Martin, Irene & Ted Winterrowd, Ginny Nightingale, Barb Steed, Co-chair, and Nancy Baer (seated). Photo-story by Wanda Jacobs andings Duplicate Bridge Club holds a lesson session each Monday at 11 a.m. prior to game time. All Landings residents are welcome to come to the lesson and/or play that starts at noon. John Martin, our director of our ACBL’s sanctioned game, offers a Q&A session that progresses to his Lesson of the Week. Lessons are FREE. Our Queen of Hearts is, of course, Nancy Diamond. She and her husband L Tom Thompson and wife Pat Cunningham and Doris Janet (far right) and Betty Kelly Schmoyer and Angie Munn Reserved table for Rick Diamond Nancy Diamond Rick Diamond have given much to this club since 1983. The Diamonds always occupied Table No. 1 and we reserved that table in his memory at our December 29 session. Generally, we see 10-13 tables ready to play each Monday at 11 a.m. and yet we do have room for more; so, if you want to join us, contact Bill or Barb Steed at (239) 288-5388. Angie Munn, a long-time member and friend to all at The Landings Duplicate Bridge Club, was given a “Fare Thee Well” as she is moving away. “God speed and may you have many 7-NT hands in the future, Angie!” Need a partner? No problem – contact Barb Steed or Wanda Jacobs (239)-481-4216. LANDINGS RESIDENTS! $5.00 OFF Bedspreads & Comforters Expires 2/28/14 16970-180 San Carlos Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL 33908 (239) 466-5115 Summerlin & San Carlos (Publix Shopping Center) MINUTE CLEANERS & Tailor Shop Fashion Friendly Cleaners (Two Locations) 15880 Summerlin Rd. #303 Ft. Myers, FL 33908 (239) 267-1417 Summerlin & Winkler (Publix Shopping Center) 13401 - A1 Summerlin Rd. Ft. Myers, FL 33912 (239) 267-1117 University Crossing (Summerlin & Cypress Lake) When Selling . . . Make Sure to Call Lori for a Second Opinion! • SINGLE and Top (1) Residential Listing andSalesAgentintheLandingsfortheLast 18Years • AskmehowIcansaveYOUmoneywithmy FLEXIBLECOMMISSIONS • Offering“FREE”Staging • Provide Strong Negotiations and Marketing Skills • Find out why I was Ranked Top for client satisfactionandcustomerserviceforthelast 13years • YouwillseewhyIhavesoldover$97Million inSalesoverthelast18years Call me today... and let my expertise work for you!! As always... I appreciate your continued support over the last 18 years! Lori Emmons Your Resident Realtor® & Top Producer 239-229-5666 Visit me at loriemmons.com Email me at loriatlandings@aol.com the Landings Realty, Inc. NOW OPEN. The finest relaxation treatments from around the planet have been brought to SWFL. Call 239.333.1450 or visit It’s Written All Over Your Beautiful Face. Dr. Stephen Prendiville is recognized as the facelift expert. He offers the latest advances in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. You can expect natural looking results - with the latest advances, the greatest respect and treatments tailored to your personal goals. www.AssuageCenters.com 9407 Cypress Lake Drive, Suite C • Fort Myers, Florida 33919 Fort Myers’ only Double-Board Certified and Fellowship-Trained Facial Plastic Surgeon. 239.437.3900 • www.DrPrendiville.com 9407 Cypress Lake Drive, Suite A • Fort Myers, Florida 33919 Happy Landings, Page 11 Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club Dedicated to Political Awareness Annual Gem Award And Student Essay Winners To Be Featured At Monthly Luncheon B etty Parker, political writer for the News-Press, will be presented with the G.E.M. Award by the Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club at the monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, February 18. In addition, essay winners from Cape Coral’s Oasis Middle Charter School will be announced and scholarships awards will be presented. The G.E.M. Award represents individuals who have shown Good leadership, Effort in establishing programs and policies, and being a Major contributor to the community through time and effort. The public is invited to attend the luncheon and the program being held at The Helm Club, The Landings, South Fort Myers. A social hour begins at 11:15 a.m. The noon lunch, business meeting, and presentation of awards follow. The luncheon cost is $16.00. Reservations are required by Thursday, February 13, and may be made by contacting Tina Laurie, 489-4701. Additional information about the club may be obtained by contacting the president, Gaile Anthony, 292-5212. Save The Date For Special Uncommon Evening March 26 Annual Event To Honor Berne Davis S ave the date of March 26 for a very special event. The annual Uncommon Evening, presented by the Uncommon Friends Foundation, will honor Fort Myers resident Berne Davis on her 100 years of philanthropic endeavors. She will mark her 100th birthday on March 19. The Southwest Florida community is invited to participate in the special celebration of Davis’ life. The gala evening will be held at Harborside Event Center, 1375 Monroe Street, Fort Myers. The event will also feature the presentation of the 9th annual Business Ethics Award, Character Education Teacher Awards, and Scholarships to 20 recipients. The event begins with a social hour at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Individual tickets are $100. Tables of eight and sponsorships are available. Contact Arlene Roth, 239-337-9503, or aroth@uncommonfriends. org to make reservations. The Uncommon Friends Foundation, a not for profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1993, is dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. Its mission is to promote character education in schools, business ethics in the workplace and historic preservation of the Burroughs Home and James Newton Archives. Additional information about the foundation and tickets for the Uncommon Evening may be obtained by calling 239337-9505 or checking the website at www.uncommonfriends. org. New selection of Antiques, Waterford, Swarovski Crystal Lamps, Pictures and More! Vintage Peddler Classic Furniture & Consignment 437-9117 Harry Chapin Food Bank 3760 Fowler Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 4th Annual Pub Crawl Feb. 22, 2014 owntown Punta Gorda is looking to have hundreds of participants help by bringing canned goods to the event. Cost for Crawl $27.00 pre-paid, 4pk price at $23 each (ending on Feb. 15th.) or $35.00 day of, if available. 10 a.m.- noon Sign in & donate your food items at The Ice House Pub 408 Tamiami Tr. (Goal is 2,700 Lbs. or more) Crawl runs from 12:30 to 6:30 with the last hour 6:30-7:30 back at the Ice House Pub, where prizes of the day given out. Pub Crawlers will receive a T-shirt, Koolee Cup, coupon book. Anyone bringing a food item will receive a raffle ticket (one per can of food up to 20 tickets) for a chance to win a Key West get away for two. Participants will take a walk through some of the most awesome pubs, bars & restaurants Punta Gorda has to offer. There are seven stops total, some with live music. Special rates at a downtown hotel and Microtel just 2 miles north with transportation provided to and from the Pub Crawl with stay at Microtel, good fares from local cab companies will be available and free parking in downtown garage. This event sold out last year so get your tickets early! You should not miss this chance to have a good time and help feed the hungry in Southwest Florida. Come on out. If you’d like more information, please go to our website www. puntagordapubcrawl.com or call Mike Colgan 239872-1171 or Nick Berry at 941-628-4800 The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need through a network of 150 nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties that provide food to more than 30,000 people monthly. Over 1 million pounds of food are distributed by the Harry Chapin Food Bank monthly. For every dollar donated, about $6 in food value goes back to the community. In the past fiscal year, the Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed more than 16.6 million pounds of food and other grocery items valued at more than $27.6 million. This is roughly the equivalent of 13.8 million meals to people in need. Additional information about or to contribute financially to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, contact 239-334-7007 or go to harrychapinfoodbank.org. D NOW OP Happy Valentine’s Day Horizon Plaza One mile south of Gladiolus 16050 S. Tamiami Trail, #106 • Ft. Myers, FL 33908 Just North of The Forest Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5 WE SEE PERFECT INDOOR WEATHER IN YOUR FORECAST. AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION INC. BREATHE THE DIFFERENCE Ask for Tyler www.Spectrum4air.com TOTAL HOME COMFORT 9.9% APR FINANCING.* 100% COMFORTABLE Or ... Choose Zero Interest if paid in full within 15 Months and up to a $2,930 Instant Rebate.* 239-829-5654 FINANCING AVAILABLE CALL NOW FOR THE LOWEST PAYMENTS ON HIGH EFFICIENCY TRANE EQUIPMENT! WE TAKE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION TO THE HIGHEST DEGREE. It’s Hard To Stop A Trane STATE LIC# CACO53837 Page 12, Happy Landings Village News Ariel, Clipper Cove, Flagship, Harbortown, Lighthouse, Longboat, Mariners Cove, Riverside, Schooner, Steamboat Bend, Steamboat Bend East, Sunset Cove, Sunset Harbor, Trawler, Windjammer Ariel he first morning of 2014 was a chilly 65 degrees, but that did not stop some Ariel residents including Donna Nellis, Sandy Frank, Dana Clark and Mac Phares from meeting at the pool for Water Aerobics. After the class they headed for the elevator only to find an unregistered guest in the atrium. She looked as if she were Annabelle Hutson Canadian with her feathers and beak. abellehutson@juno.com She also appeared to have settled in for a nice visit. The ladies made several attempts to steer the visitor to a side door, but Mrs. Duck would have nothing of it. She knew a good roosting place when she saw it. Another newcomer arrived at Ariel in November via Nigeria to live permanently in Ariel. She is most welcome and says she loves living in Ariel and in The Landings. If you meet Carolyn Jensen, strike up a conversation and learn of her fascinating life. She said she started out as a typical blond southern California surfing gal. Carolyn Jensen Her first job was with a utility company handling its environment issues. Twenty years and the advent of deregulation created burnout. Her next job was with a French company which included extensive international travel and the use of diplomacy. When the company was sold in 2001, she decided to retire and live in a small village in Ecuador where she had done volunteer work during her vacation breaks from work. A friend’s invitation to accompany her to a gathering where Colin Powell would be speaking did not appeal to Carolyn, who said that living in Southern California had numbed her to celebrities, but she finally consented. She listened politely to the speech after which she headed for the exit. She said she became aware that people were looking at her. Turning around to see what they were looking at, she realized that General Powell was speaking to her. He said, “ I know you never served in the military.” When she confirmed this, he said “Are you ready to serve your country?” When she said she was planning to go to Ecuador, Powell asked if it could wait a year, and this is how Carolyn Jensen’s career in the US State Department began. After several months of boring work in Washington Carolyn said she encountered General Powell in the hallway. When asked, she politely expressed her sentiments. He told her to be patient. Before long she found herself supporting the embassy and had an office located in one side of Hussein’s palace. Her cot was on the exact spot where Hussein had sat on his throne. The Iraqi military offices occupied the other half of the building. Her former experience with the utility company came in handy when her group and MCI established the first and only cell phone company in Baghdad. A goodwill gesture of free phones made to the many tribal leaders affected by the 38 towers installed in and around Baghdad encouraged the safety and security of the towers. Tribesmen became as addicted to the phones as we are and learned that the towers were essential to communications. When she was called back to Washington to meet with the State Department Chiefs of Staff, Carolyn learned she would be going to Nigeria as a full diplomat. She spent the next four years interacting with the military and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure the request for coordinated activities between the two entities. During those years in Nigeria she also worked with the villages as a volunteer. To communicate, with the people in the villages which each had its own language, she learned HAUSA known as the trading language which takes its words from the languages of the two hundred tribes in Nigeria and lands to the north. Carolyn also has three children and eight grandchildren. What I have written only touches the surface of her T PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING fascinating life. Hopefully, we will hear more from her during her residence at the Landings. Harbortown H oley Moley…Not even one month and we have broken all of out good intended New Years Resolutions, that my Friends is what happens when your Significant Other or Spouse can come up with a Gourmet Meal using only a can of tomatoes and a steak of questionable origin, and make a superb Chateaubriand…Oh well we will give it a try next Year. As Jerry Rossano we rush Headlong into St. Valentine’s Day, it’s time to head out to Norman Love and pick up a box of Chocolate Bon-Bons and a Bouquet of Flowers to worm our way back into the Good Graces of our Spouses….That, or we dine on Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches for the foreseeable future…and beyond. NEWS FLASH….NEWS FLASH…. Our long missing resident Alligator, Raoul, has been in contact with this writer and is wintering in Monaco, after taking in the Baths at Gstaad. We hope to see him soon, back at the Pool after his tete a tete with the Hoi Polloi. We Finally welcome our new Residents, Georgia and Bob Lowman of Windjammer and Lincoln,IL See you around the Pool Parties. On a melancholy note, we bid a Fond Farewell to Sue Phillips, as she is moving to Cypress Cove, an Elegant Lady who will be sorely missed around Harbortown, stay in touch Sue, and we will do the same. On a Very Sad note, we report the passing away of Rick Diamond, a long time member of the Harbortown Community, our condolences to Nancy and her Family. A new couple have purchased on the River, and we welcome the Trefney’s, Margaret and Robert of London, UK, who have purchased across the street from Sue at 5026 Harbortown Lane. Coming right along with them is their little dog, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, who might also be a Supreme Gecko Stalker, as is, Sir Darby of Dunlap, an accomplished Lizard Chaser of no mean reputation. Spotted wheeling around the Village in her new RagTop was Joanne Zucker, Lovely spouse of that Hog Riding Bad Boy, Paul Zucker , a “Sickle” riding Biker, late of “Da Bronx”. Go Easy, You Two. Received an Update from neighbor, Susan Stroud, of West Des Moines, IA, They are in the grip of a Winter Blizzard, 9 inches on the ground and no letup in sight, jump on a plane Sue, and relax at the pool in 80’s Temp and Chilled Chardonnay, and from another one of our Northern Couples, Marya & Dennis Van Dover, the temp is below Zero in Minnesota and they are heading South the day after Christmas. February promises not only Valentines Day, but also Presidents Day and that one day that none of the “SnowBirds” can afford to ignore… Groundhog Day, where they find out if they have half a chance of an Early Spring. And on that note ,we wrap up this months meanderings with a little something that those from the Frozen North can relate to: Being raised in Detroit, I miss everything about that great city, except January and February. Longboat O ur first column for Happy Landings will serve to introduce ourselves to Longboat Village and provide information to Longboat residents about how to contact us. We are Nick and Penny Ranson and have Nick & Penny recently been appointed as reporters Ranson pennyranson@comcast.net of our village news. Nick was born in Chester, England. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Emanuel College at Cambridge University and later a PhD in Renaissance Literature from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to coming to the United States in 1968, Nick was a pilot for the Royal Air Force. After switching career paths, Nick became a Shakespearean scholar; he finished his career as professor and chair of the department of English at Village News on page 13 Computer Problems? We do it all through the Internet... Fast...Easy...Secure! If We Can’t Fix It - It’s FREE n n n n n n n n n Virus / Spyware Removal Wireless Setups Networking / Internet Share Computer Tune-ups / Cleaning Custom Built PC’s & Notebooks Data Recovery Troubleshooting All Certified Technicians Low Rates & Fast Service Call us now! 1-888-449-9923 PRESENTED BY Saturday, March 1, 2014 • 2 p.m. Cape Christian Fellowship Church 2110 S. Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991 Are You Having Trouble Controlling the Way You Eat? Call for Help 239-338-5948 or visit www.foodaddicts.org LCD Screen Repair • Custom Notebooks • Multimedia Applications Intel IPD dealer • Microsoft OEM System Builder Happy Landings, Page 13 Mariners Cove Village News from page 12 “ The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio. Penny was born in Akron, Ohio. She earned her BA degree from Ohio Wesleyan and two master’s degrees and a Doctor of Modern Languages degree from Middlebury College. Penny became professor and chair of the department of Modern Languages at The University of Akron. In 2000, the Ransons decided to participate in the university’s early retirement incentive program. They bought a condo at Legends and became snowbirds traveling back and forth between Ohio and Florida for four years. In 2004, they became permanent residents of the State of Florida and built a house at Crown Colony. After nine years at Crown Colony, they finally found paradise at the Landings! A little over a year ago, they purchased a small condo in Windjammer; then, after selling at Crown Colony, they bought a larger condo in Longboat and moved in at the end of September 2013 when the remodeling and renovations had been completed. They are also known as “half-backs” since they have a summer place in Hendersonville, NC (half way back to Ohio). Nick and Penny are avid bridge players and became life masters in 2007. They also like to play golf; Nick has the remains of a golf game and Penny is a duffer André who likes the game. As sailors, they have an 18’ Sun Cat in the marina and like to do day sailing on the Caloosahatche. The household is completed by a pair of Russian Siberian cats--André and Dmitri (see Dmitri photos). The Ransons’ interest in teaching continues. Both of them have taught courses at Florida Gulf Coast University. In June 2013, they went to Orlando to be trained as Stephen Leaders. Currently they are training a class of nine for Stephen Ministry at Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church. They also serve as lay readers and as Eucharistic ministers and visitors for the church. We have introduced ourselves. Now, we would like to share interesting life stories of other Longboat residents with members of the Landings community in Happy Landings. Please contact us by email (pennyranson@comcast.net) or by telephone 239-225-1204. We want to get to know you and publish your stories. T he Cove” folks did their best to say “Good-bye” to 2013 in style! A bunch of folks from the village participated in the LMGA’s annual “Guys and Dolls” event. Our own Pat and Carol Milkovich came in first, scoring a 50 in this two person scramble. Coming in a close second in Flight 1 was Ron Amy and Dee Driscoll with a 53. Harley and Pat Benner were also in the money in Christy Fitz Carol and Pat Milkovich their flight. Not only that, Pat Benner, Carol Milkovich, Dee Driscoll and Wes Fitz all took “closest to the pin” on various holes. Awesome job guys, you made the village proud! Keep practicing up, the “Intervillage” is coming up in April! That day turned out to be very busy for some of us, because the Ricker’s hosted the December village get together that evening. Sandy and Bill’s home was so beautifully decorated for Christmas, and Sandy and Bill Ricker everyone was in a festive mood. It was a great party with tons of yummy food and great conversation. I was surprised to see so many in attendance. As it turned, out many folks headed out of town to visit family a couple days later. So it all worked out, but boy was The Landings deserted after that. Even Bill and Sandy headed to Vermont not long after their party. Sandy reported that they had a hard time getting home. They, like many this year, had the “pleasure” of experiencing the “best” Mother Nature has to offer including snow, freezing rain, dark and gloomy skies and terrible roads. To make matters worse, Sandy said the temp there Christmas day was 15 below... yikes, I hate to tell you Sandy, we had several bottles of champagne in the pool that morning!! Carol and Jay Robinson also stayed here for the holidays. They spent a week with their son, daughter and two granddaughters. The Robinsons had a great time, going out to dinner, shopping and seeing “We Will Rock You”. Jay said that the show was great and kept them in touch with their rock and roll roots. The family set up a sound system and spent evenings singing and playing together, they all are musical and play instruments as well. Jay also mentioned that with four women in the house there was a “strong flow of estrogen around there!” Hummm….Glad you survived it Jay!! Mariners Cove rang in the New Year with our annual “Gutter Party” held at the Yetsko’s. What a great way to start January 1! Once again there was a plethora of food, Bloody Marys, and Mimosa’s... Many thanks to Linda and Ron for all the great drinks and hosting this Linda and Ron Yetsko party. I had a chance to talk to Ginnie Knudsen, they recently left Mariners for an independent living situation. Ginnie said that while they really miss living here, they are in a great place. They have folks to have dinner, play bridge and socialize with, but they still enjoying maintaining contact with their old friends here in The Landings. The Gutter party That’s all for now folks...Until next month, we’ll be seein’ ya around “The Cove!” Village News on page 14 MARKETPLACE Ambiance Fine Furniture and Consignment Jewelry Armoires A Valentine’s Day Gift to Treasure 239.245.89 10 239.245.891 1290 1 McGr egor Blv d #22 (in the Bridge Plaz a Shopping Center) 12901 McGregor Blvd Plaza We are an in-home pet sitting service providing reliable, loving service to your pets and home since 1984. Our company is bonded and insured. Sitters are honest, reliable and have experience caring for pets. Rates are reasonable. Please call us at 239-482-4822 Email us at animalsitters@comcast.net Visit us at our website www.animalsitters.net Randy’s Auto Repair Service that Speaks for Itself “Ich spreche Deutsch” Fixed Right the FiRst time! Open MOn-Fri 9 aM - 5:30 pM Sat & Sun: by appt. 16191 San CarloS Blvd., Fort MyerS, Fl 33908 239-267-2556 www.RandysAutoRepairLLC.com Lic. no. MV 81675 Page 14, Happy Landings Village News from page 13 Riverside Americans. This trip opened their eyes to a vastly different culture than ours, and awakened their interest in traveling to many unique parts of the world. Click served on the Board of Education for 8 years in Michigan, and was active in Rotary International where he received the Paul Harris Award. Through the Rotary Student Exchange Program in 1982, the Cheff’s sponsored a young Mexican boy named Eduardo for a year when their children were high school age. Eduardo has remained in touch with the Cheff family ever since. This Christmas he and his family visited the Click, Sharrie, their children, and grandchildren here at The Landings. Steamboat Bend East W Tennis brings people together. This is a party of the 3.5tennis team. Party in Riverside at our home. Left to right: sitting. Georgene Hildebrand (host), Diana Mitchell,Ginger Beckwith (captain) Middle. Muriel Hackney, Nancy Yavorsky, Wilma Easton Standing: Stephie Sherman, Carole Hill, Donna Schmidt, Lynne Birdt (co-captain), Lyn Savidge. Schooner C lick Cheff was the youngest of 14 children born in a log cabin on a Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. The log cabin where he was born had neither running water nor electricity, and life was tough. Children were necessary to work the farm and survive. One day an Indian neighbor asked his mother if she Josie Kingsley would trade her 14 year old son for 2 josiekingsley43@yahoo.com horses, 2 cows, 3 pigs, and some land. To gather food, she would go hunting on horseback with the Indians for 2 to 3 days at a time, leaving the older children behind to care for the young ones. In spite of their meager lifestyle, the children all attended school. One time 3 of the children were caught in a ferocious snowstorm while walking home from school. They burrowed down in a Sharrie and Click Cheff neighbor’s haystack to stay alive. After the storm was over, they walked home. When Click was a boy, his mother inherited $500, which she used to move the family to Detroit where she operated a rooming house to make ends meet. She continued to rent rooms until she was 92, when her children retired her. When Click and 6 siblings were still home, they bunked together in the attic while she rented rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Click remembers that there was no insulation in the attic, and in the winter, wind and snow would blow through the cracks in the walls. They all kept warm under duck feather blankets made by his mother and brought from the Montana farm. Click’s mother was a proud woman. One Christmas the Good Fellows brought hats, boots, gloves and toys for the family. His mother told them she didn’t need anything, to take everything to the poor people. The Cheff’s were so poor they shared hand me down clothes and shoes. They often lined the shoes with cardboard to fill the holes in the sole. At that time, so many were in need that being poor was not a stigma. Click used his older brother’s ID to get a full time job with General Motors when he was 16 and still in high school. He was drafted into the army in 1953 during the Korean War. When he returned, he attended college on the GI bill and became a chiropractor. He married and had a daughter, both of whom died prematurely. He later met and married Sharrie, a school teacher, who you may know from her active life here at The Landings. Together they raised her two children, Jennie, and David. Click’s chiropractic expertise gave him and Sharrie an opportunity to go on an acupuncture tour in China. They spent 3 weeks there in 1979 before the country was open to Advertise in this newspaper. It pays! For more information call 278-4222. ith sadness but best wishes, we have said farewell to Bezy and Cliff McKay, long time residents of our 4160 building. They have decided to move to a different living arrangement while they still are 100% healthy. In part due Cliff’s past experience as Executive Director for Presbyterian Homes in a region of central Florida, they are moving to a Dianne Hester Presbyterian Home in Winter Park. hesterdianne@aol.com Not only will we miss their sparkling personalities, but we will also miss Cliff’s periodic digital column “Around the Bend.” As all readers will know, our wonderful new golf course opened officially on November 15. What many people may have missed was a comment made by Mr. Cecil Pendergrass, Chair of the Lee County Board of Commissioners, who did the official ribbon cutting. With scissors in hand, as he looked around at the assembled golfers by the first tee, he recognized and pointed out “There is Don Scarcello, my golf instructor from 38 years ago!!” Don, a resident of our 4100 building, was very surprised, but delighted by the recognition. Another item of delight, but this time by my wife and myself, was the wonderful help we obtained from our Village housekeeper, Wendy Coleman, when one of our lanai doors unexpectedly erupted, and sent thousands of bits of glass all over the lanai and our bedroom. We were at our home in Minnesota at the time and very much needed on the spot assistance. Thank you Wendy for being such a supportive friend. And kudos to the McKays for their help as well. This is an important time of year for our village, as we have board elections next month. We need all unit owners to get involved. As many of you know, we have a number of beautiful banana trees in our village, some by the pool and some by the 4100 building. Is it time for another Bananas Foster party??? Bill Keys and Wilson Saenger have been great hosts for this event in the past. In closing, the writer of this column in March will be Myra Hall. If you have a news item or a photo about life in Steamboat Bend East, please send it to her at Myra-Hall@ hotmail.com. Trawler Trawler Village held a Christmas party on December 12 at Picnic Point. The tradition of having a village Christmas party was started by John and Sugar Keedy, but with the passing of John this past year, it was decided to move the party from the Keedy condo to Picnic Point. Annette & Paul Cheryl Box and Bonnie Pellegrino Malven planned the event this year with the amalven@aol.com help of their husbands and other Trawlerites helping to decorate the area in a festive manner. Approximately 40 people attended. Glenn Lookenott provided a prayer of thanks prior to the consuming of some great food prepared by the attendees. Doug Craig entertained the group with his emceeing of a “Chinese Auction Gift Exchange” with many interesting gifts being taken and then Dave Pellegrino, his wife Bonnie, and Glenn Lookenott (with his Santa hat). retaken by others. As the party was closing down, it shifted from Christmas mode to birthday mode and presented a poker-decorated cake to Dave Pellegrino who turned 70 this night. Dave is the coordinator for poker nights in Trawler Village so the theme of the cake was very appropriate. Another special holiday event was a holiday tea for about 40 women hosted by Sugar Keedy on December 13. Sugar wanted to thank everyone for the support and friendship that they have provided since John’s passing. She is grateful to be in Trawler among friends and active in all the activities that the Landings provides. Your reporters had a wonderful four days in Orlando the week before Christmas. Our son Mark, his wife, and our 4-year old granddaughter flew into Orlando, and we spent three exciting days at the Disney theme parks. Seeing the parks through the eyes of a 4-year-old is indeed a rewarding experience. Windjammer H ere we are, well into the New Year. January is almost behind us and most of our new year ’s resolutions are a distant memory. At least that what usually happens in our home. But one of the most common resolutions is to get in better shape and live a healthier lifestyle. The Landings sure makes that goal easy Barbara Shields to reach. After not being able to walk much over the last couple of years due to my back, I have enjoyed waking around the Landings. Whether staying on the sidewalks or navigating the roads, there are many trails to cover. Most of you have seen the maps at several locations throughout the Landings that show how far different paths make up. Many new classes are being added to those offered in our fitness center. Balance and stretching is so important for us all. Knowing how to do it properly is key to avoiding injuries. Be sure and check out the new opportunities being offered at the fitness center. We experienced some cooler weather early in this New Year. Of course, it was nothing compared to our friends who are still up north. I’m so thankful no shovels for snow are needed here in our own paradise. I did have to find a jacket to wear for my daily walks. I think since moving here almost 4 years ago, I have become “sissified” when it comes to cooler weather. (and believe me my senior high school English teacher would cringe at my made up words). Being from Texas, I didn’t have to endure what many of you did at your northern homes, but for this gal, it was a little chilly. I’m proud to say, that as of the column deadline, we have yet to turn on the heater. I’m excited to hear that Beer, Brats and Blues is back for a 2nd year. There was good food and great music last year, so I know it will be a big hit again. Be sure and check it out February 28th and March 1st. Well, that’s all for now. I’d love to hear your news, so please feel free to email me at bee@patshields.com. Happy Landings, Page 15 Therapy Dogs Live In The Landings, Too! By Hugh McCandless ois Deets is a sociable Minnesotan who has lived here in the Landings for 23 years. She’s a gutsy lady who got a pilot’s license while still in college in Minneapolis and then, after taking a job as a medical records manager at a Honolulu hospital, took a leave to travel the world by air. “It was in Honolulu that I met my late husband, Les,” she told me. “Our daughter Shelley lives in Sarasota and visits me often.” As many readers know, Lois was the Landings Yacht Club’s first female commodore and she’s also been president of the Ladies 9-Hole Golf League. What many may not know is that she regularly brings her toy poodle with her to post-surgery wards at Lee Memorial Health Park. “Patients and their families find Renee’s company soothing,” L she explained. Lois took my wife’s sister (visiting from Australia) with her on one of these visits, and my sister-in-law resolved to get the hospital in her New South Wales home town to consider starting similar therapy dog visitations. Sam Crouch, another Landings resident, also got his dog, Jack, certified by Therapy Dogs Incorporated, an organization based in Cheyenne Wyoming. “TDI tests the dogs it certifies to ensure they are calm and well behaved,” he said. Therapy dogs are increasing used not only in medical settings but in other tense situations, too. For example, they’re being used to calm college students during exams and at airports to de-stress passengers faced with delays or cancelled flights. It’s really nothing new. I read recently that Florence Nightingale even made use of dogs in her pioneer nursing work in England 150 years ago. Readers wanting to know more about Therapy Dogs Incorporated can go to www.therapydogs.com. Those interested in helping out at Health Park can call its volunteer resources group at 239-343-5055. Lois Deets, longtime Schooner resident, is shown with therapy dog Renee. NOW is the Time to BUY Ariel # 1708 - $800,000 JUST REDUCED Luxurious penthouse living, 3 bedroom, 3 bath, plus spacious office, and 2 huge balconies overlooking the marina and down the intracoastal waterway. Buy it with a partner. Ariel # 1303 - $249,000 3 bedroom, 3 bath SPLIT plan 2,463 sq. ft. condo home with views of sunrise AND sunset from Ariel’s 13th floor. Exotic granite coordinates well with the original Ariel wood cabinetry. Lush neutral carpet throughout, and newer tile floors. Come enjoy the security, quality, and beauty of Ariel. 4200 Steamboat Bend #303 $215,000 Completely remodeled from baseboards to crown molding and everything in between! The work has all been done for you! Fully furnished with high quality tropical style pieces. Peaceful lake view from screened lanai with southern exposure. 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No Deductibles (Introductory Offer) State License Numbers: CAC056774 CFC056867 ES000336 Jacksonville 1991 Ocala 1990 ★ ★ Panama 1995 Daytona 1993 ★★★ Melbourne 1985 Clearwater 1987 ★Orlando 1981 Bradenton ★ Ft. Pierce 1982 Sarasota ★ Venice ★ ★ W. Palm Bch. 1977 Ft. Myers 1983 ★ Hollywood 1967 ★ SINCE 1967 We’re Proud of Our Service History (239) 652-0388 2 Convenient Locations 31 Willis Rd. N. Fort Myers, FL 33903 239.652.0388 Off Old 41, 1 block N. of Pondella 27821 S. Tamiami Trl. Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.949.4409 1st light N. of Bonita Beach Rd. New Store Hours! Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 3 pm Page 16, Happy Landings
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