Master POA Report
SARAH HARTMAN
What a wonderful season we have had at Grandezza as we begin to wrap things up. Some of you may have already left, while others will be heading out later this month or in early May. For those who have left or are leaving soon - safe travels and have a great summer. For those of you who are here year-round, I hope to see you out and about and enjoying the great amenities we have throughout the year.
We held our February meeting on Thursday, February 26 at 5:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse. It
was a relatively short meeting since we covered so many topics during our January meeting. As of the end of January 2026, we were under budget on total expenses by $9,000, with only one category running over budget. Our cash positions and overall financial situation remain strong, and Treasurer Mickey Wheeler continues to do a great job investing our available funds in interest-bearing accounts whenever possible.
A couple additional items from the meeting:
• An Auto Attendant has now been installed on the Gatehouse landline phone. While the Dwelling Live app remains the best way to register guests, the Auto Attendant is working well for residents who need to call the Gatehouse to register visitors.
• For those of you who volunteer your time on our HOA/COA boards, thank you! Please remember to complete the Florida-required online training, which is available at no charge. The training requirements for 2026 are now in effect.
I thought I’d highlight a few items from the recent East Corkscrew Alliance update which has also been published on the Engage Estero website:
1. RT 951 (Potential Bonita Beach Road to Corkscrew Road connection): Any route through Larry Kiker Preserve is not feasible. The Lee County MPO and county administration are working with Collier County to draft a route further east.
2. Cell Tower Construction:
Construction on the new cell tower located on the Bella Terra parcel began on February 9, with expected operation within approximately 90 days.
3. Growth in the East Corkscrew Corridor: Close to 35,000 homes have either been built or are in the planning stages in the East Corkscrew corridor, with an estimated total of 75,000 residents expected within the next 5–10 years. (Not all of these developments have yet been approved.)
In addition, many of you may already be aware of the new Aldi grocery store planned for Corkscrew Road. It is expected to be located east of Stoneybrook Golf Drive near Pinewoods Elementary School (11906 Newbridge Drive).
I always enjoy the many photo opportunities around the golf course and throughout our community.
I picked two to share this month. The first was taken between holes #16 and #17 on the golf course, “Bees in the Birdhouse.” It’s a little difficult to see because of the swarm, but the bees built quite a hive inside. (NOTE: The bees have since been relocated.) The second is another alligator photo, but this one was especially close and looking our way. He was near the cart path between holes #8 and #9. Rest assured we did not get too close and took the photo quickly! (Photo credit: Lori S.) Remember to be careful around the lakes!
As always, detailed financial reports and meeting information can be found on grandezzamaster.com. If you have forgotten your login information, please reach out to Cheryl McFarland and she will be happy to assist.
The Dangers of Speeding on Florida’s Roads
MIKE PATRICELLI, DIRECTOR, MPOA, ACCESS CONTROL AND COMMUNITY SAFETY
In Florida, speeding-related crashes remain a serious concern. These incidents resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, underscoring the very real consequences of driving too fast. Speeding isn’t limited to highways. It also includes driving too fast on neighborhood streets or failing to adjust for road, weather, or traffic conditions.
As we all learned when obtaining our driver’s licenses, speeding significantly increases the risk of accidents. Some of the most common dangers include:
• Loss of vehicle control: Higher speeds make it more difficult to safely navigate curves or respond to sudden changes.
• Reduced effectiveness of safety equipment: Seat belts and airbags are less effective at higher speeds.
• Increased stopping distance: The faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes to stop, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
• Greater crash severity: Higher speeds lead to more forceful impacts, often resulting in more serious injuries or fatalities.
• Economic impact: Speeding-related crashes can result in substantial financial costs, including medical bills, property damage and in the worst cases of vehicular homicide, your imprisonment.
Unfortunately, we have recently experienced multiple instances of residents speeding within our community, ignoring traffic signs and driving recklessly near our gates. Despite repeated reminders, some individuals continue to disregard posted speed limits and pose a risk to others. Failure to comply with the rules of the community can result in your RFID entrance privileges being suspended.
At this time, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office does not routinely patrol Grandezza. However, if these behaviors continue, we can and will take the necessary step of authorizing LCSO to conduct enforcement patrols within the community and issue citations as warranted.
We ask all residents to do their part— slow down, stay alert, and help keep our community safe.
The Benefits of Full Body LED Light Therapy
Full body LED light therapy—also known as photobiomodulation or red light therapy— is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to support healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall wellness. Once limited to clinical settings, this technology is now widely available in wellness centers, gyms, and even at home. As research continues to grow, so does interest in the wide-ranging benefits of full body LED light therapy.
What Is Full Body LED Light Therapy?
LED (light-emitting diode) therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red and nearinfrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity. Unlike UV light, which can damage the skin, red and nearinfrared light are considered safe and do not cause burns when used appropriately.
Full body systems typically consist of large panels or light beds that allow users to expose most or all of their body at once, maximizing systemic effects rather than targeting a single area.
1. Enhanced Cellular Energy Production
One of the primary mechanisms behind LED light therapy is its effect on mitochondria—the “power plants” of our cells. Red and near-infrared light stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate
(ATP), the molecule responsible for cellular energy. Higher ATP production supports faster cell repair, improved tissue regeneration, and enhanced overall cellular function.
This boost in cellular energy is the foundation for many of the therapy’s reported benefits.
2. Reduced Inflammation and Pain Relief
Inflammation is a key factor in many chronic conditions, including joint pain, muscle soreness, and autoimmune disorders. Full body LED light therapy has been shown to:
• Reduce inflammatory markers
• Improve circulation
• Accelerate recovery from injury
Athletes frequently use full body light therapy to reduce muscle soreness after intense workouts and to speed up recovery times. Individuals with arthritis or chronic pain conditions may also experience decreased stiffness and improved mobility.
3. Improved Skin Health
Red light therapy is widely known for its cosmetic benefits. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, it can help:
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve skin tone and texture
• Minimize acne and acne scarring
• Support wound healing
Full body exposure allows for comprehensive skin rejuvenation, making it popular in anti-aging and aesthetic wellness programs.
4. Faster Muscle Recovery and Performance Support
Because full body LED light therapy enhances circulation and ATP production, it supports muscle repair at a deeper level. Many professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts use it to:
• Shorten recovery time between workouts
• Reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
• Enhance endurance and performance
When muscles recover more efficiently, overall performance and training consistency can improve.
5. Enhanced Mood and Sleep Quality
Emerging research suggests that red and near-infrared light exposure may positively influence mood and sleep patterns. By reducing inflammation and supporting cellular health, light therapy may help regulate circadian rhythms and promote relaxation.
Some users report:
• Improved sleep quality
• Reduced stress levels
• Enhanced mental clarity
While more large-scale studies are needed, early findings are promising.
6. Support for Circulation and Healing
Full body LED light therapy promotes vasodilation—the widening of blood vessels—which enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body. Improved circulation supports:
• Faster wound healing
• Reduced swelling
• Better nutrient delivery to tissues
This systemic effect is one of the advantages of full body treatment over smaller, localized devices.
Safety and Considerations
LED light therapy is generally considered safe when used as directed. It is non-invasive, painless, and does not require downtime. However, individuals with certain medical conditions, those taking light-sensitive medications, or those who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
Consistency is key. Most protocols recommend multiple sessions per week over several weeks to achieve noticeable results.
Where to Get Full Body LED Therapy in Southwest Florida
LED light therapy is offered in a few niche med spas and wellness centers around Southwest Florida, including select locations at Massage Envy. Prices can range anywhere from $30 - $85 per
treatment at most facilities, which can add up quickly when you are going twice per week; however, Massage Envy offers an unlimited use package for $100 per month, making this great service affordable to almost anyone. Massage Envy utilizes the Lightstim Full body LED bed, which is the only full body led bed cleared by the FDA for treatment of chronic pain and inflammation.
Conclusion
Full body LED light therapy offers a range of potential benefits—from enhanced cellular energy and reduced inflammation to improved skin health, faster muscle recovery, and better overall wellness. While ongoing research continues to explore its full capabilities, current evidence and user experiences suggest it is a promising, low-risk option for those seeking a non-invasive way to support whole-body health.
As with any wellness treatment, results may vary, but for many individuals, full body LED light therapy has become a valuable addition to their health and recovery routine.
This article is a paid advertisement. The content was provided by the sponsor and does not necessarily reflect the views of this community or Seabreeze Communications.
EDITOR’S THOUGHT OF THE DAY
There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour.
~Charles Dickens
Reader’s Corner - The Briar Club
SUSAN SHERWIN
Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club is a satisfying blend of mystery, oddball friendship, and historical detail that transports readers to a 1950s Washington D.C. boarding house where a group of female lodgers discover that their differences can become their greatest strength. The novel certainly has its quirks: The Briarwood House itself is a “character” and narrates about its comings and goings. The heart of the story lies in Grace March and her fellow renters—Nora, Fliss, Bea, Claire and Reka. Each of the characters is battling her own demons from the past amid the larger spy-thriller plot that surrounds them.
Grace March arrives at Mrs. Nilsson’s Briarwood House as the mysterious widow in the attic room, and she becomes the gravitational center of the novel. She’s enigmatic and warm at the same time, the kind of person who draws others into her orbit without seeming to try. Continually flaunting the landlady’s stringent, mean rules, Grace and the other boarders thankfully become parental substitutes to the Nilsson children, Pete and Lina. What makes Grace compelling isn’t just her eventual revelation of her mysterious background, but how she uses her Thursday night attic room dinner parties as genuine acts of connection before everything falls apart.
Nora Walsh is where the book finds its emotional core. A smart, principled secretary at the National Archives and a policeman’s daughter, Nora is a young woman trapped
between her family’s expectations and her affair with a mobster named Xavier. She represents the struggle for female independence that hums beneath the 1950s domesticity that the era pretended was universal. She wrestles with her ideals, law, loyalty, and hopes.
Fliss Orton, a perky English mother struggling with postpartum depression and an absent wartime-serving husband, offers a strikingly honest portrait of motherhood and marriage. Quinn doesn’t romanticize Fliss’s situation; instead, she shows the cracks behind the character’s perfect facade—the exhaustion, the resentment, and societal pressures.
Bea Verretti, a former baseball star, carries the weight of unrealized potential. As an
athlete whose career ended when women’s professional baseball was curtailed by World War II, she represents a particular postwar struggle: women being quietly returned to their “proper place” after tasting something more. Quinn uses Bea effectively to explore how quickly America erased the contributions women made during wartime, sending female athletes back to domesticity the moment men returned home.
Reka Muller, an older, gruff Hungarian artist and refugee works at the local library. Now living in reduced circumstances, she brings with her a strong perspective on displacement, age, and her Holocaust immigrant experience.
Claire Hallett is a sharp-tongued, cynical secretary who works for
Maine’s Senator Margaret Chase Smith on Capitol Hill, and she also has a couple of questionable secondary jobs and habits. She rounds out this circle of women, adding another layer to the friendship dynamic and the novel’s exploration of how McCarthy-era Red Scare anti-communist paranoia infiltrates even intimate relationships. The women must navigate which secrets are safe to share when informants and suspicion lurk everywhere.
The real strength of The Briar Club is Quinn’s depth of the individual stories and how the women’s friendships and hopes are developed against the backdrop of WWII and the Korean War. The Thursday night suppers feel lived-in and genuine, a refuge from the Cold War paranoia that defines their era. Quinn uses historical moments such as the dissolution of women’s professional baseball, the terror of McCarthyism, and the enforced gender expectations of the 1950s facing women not as a mere backdrop but as the very pressure that forces these women together.
While The Briar Club is chock full of issues, where it stumbles a bit is in its structure. Initially I was confused because Quinn frames the story with the mystery of a murder investigation, then jumps between timelines and perspectives. The resolution also feels somewhat neat, maybe too tidy for the messy complications these characters have endured.
This reader feels like she got to know each of the main characters well and The Briar Club lingers. The novel is a slow burn that trusts readers to care about these characters and their era enough to stick around, and I’m glad I did. Quinn weaves a story of women creating their own chosenfound-family while navigating a nation afraid of its own shadow in an age of McCarthyism and rigid social expectations. A book club friend listened to this book in audio format and raved about the reader’s differentiation of the characters, although I read it in written form. Whichever format you prefer, I’m pleased to recommend this novel to you, Grandezza Gazzette readers.
Savor Your Life
YVETTE BERNOSKY, B.MS., DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS, THE CLUB AT GRANDÉZZA
The pleasant fragrance of freshly cut dahlias.
The taste of a fine, cool, crisp wine. Watching a warm sunset melt into the horizon.
How often do we truly slow down long enough to notice and appreciate the beautiful things happening right in front of us?
It is easy to place our joy on hold, waiting for some future moment or milestone to bring us happiness. Yet savoring is one of the most meaningful pathways to joy.
In a recent “Harmonize with Happiness ™t” workshop activity, the choices were simple: an orange slice, a dark chocolate-covered almond, or a mini sugar bomb
tomato. Although I had never used this exercise before, we slowly placed each item into our mouths and let it rest on our tongues for a brief moment before biting down. We paid attention to the texture, the aroma, and the taste, allowing ourselves to fully experience each bite with all of our senses. Very quickly, people began to say things like, “I have never enjoyed eating something quite like this before,” and “I usually rush while I eat.”
Together, we practiced mindful eating and savored each bite. What might have otherwise been an ordinary experience became something surprisingly rich and meaningful. In slowing down, we transformed a simple moment into an extraordinary one.
In The How of Happiness, Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky explains that we often struggle to live in the present because we believe the most important or meaningful parts of life are still waiting for us somewhere in the future. She suggests that some of the people who understand savoring most deeply are those who have endured painful life circumstances, such as a brush with mortality or a major scare. Experiences like these can awaken a deep awareness of life’s fragility and beauty, leading people to live each day with more gratitude and appreciation. They begin to savor life more fully, finding joy even in its simplest moments.
But it should not take a traumatic event to teach us how to slow down and notice the beauty around us.
Another powerful way to savor life is by revisiting meaningful memories, writing about them, or sharing them with someone else. When we return to a joyful
experience, we often relive it in a way that allows those emotions to rise again.
One memory I return to often is a trip I took to Hawaii with my mom. As we drove along the coastline, the sky stretched wide and blue above us. The sun’s warm rays kissed my shoulders, and the crisp air moved through my hair. Looking out at the ocean, I saw large rock formations rising from the sea. Looking inland, I was surrounded by tropical trees and lush green foliage, while snowcapped mountains stood in the distance. I was completely in awe of the beauty around me.
That experience left a deep imprint on my heart, and each time I share it, I get to
savor it all over again. The joy returns, and the memory feels alive once more. Being able to call upon a meaningful moment from the past can bring comfort, perspective, and pleasure, especially during difficult times.
Whether we are savoring a treasured memory or the moment unfolding before us right now, savoring is a mindfulness practice that can become a daily habit. It has the power to transform our lives by teaching us to pause, notice, and fully receive the good that is already here.
As we learn to savor, life becomes more than a series of good moments. It becomes the practice of truly noticing them with every sense of our being.
Pet Corner
ALICE FARLING
MOO: THE CAT NO ONE CHOSE
We adopted Moo from CattyShack, a nonprofit organization that helps connect stray cats with loving forever homes. Among the many friendly cats waiting to be noticed was Moo, a small black-and-white kitty named for his cow-like markings.
At first, Moo wasn’t the most popular choice. The tip of one of his ears had been clipped—a common sign that a stray cat has been spayed or neutered as part of a population control program. Although the clipped ear simply means the cat has already been cared for, some people didn’t understand and passed him by.
But we saw something special in Moo. He had a gentle personality and curious eyes that seemed to take in everything around him. Bringing him home turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made. Today, Moo— now renamed Pretty Boy—is a beloved part of our family.
Pretty Boy quickly revealed a playful and adventurous personality. He loves climbing, exploring new spaces,
and watching the world from our lanai, where squirrels, birds, insects, and lizards provide endless entertainment.
One day his adventures brought an unexpected surprise. Proudly walking through the cat door, Pretty Boy dropped what he thought was a wonderful gift at our feet—a small snake. While he seemed eager for a new playmate, we were far less enthusiastic. After a moment of shock, we safely captured the baby black racer and returned it outside, where it quickly slithered away.
Despite the occasional surprise visitor, Pretty Boy has brought calm and comfort to our home. His gentle purring is relaxing, and his playful spirit brings daily joy. Sometimes the pet no one chooses turns out to be the perfect companion.
Please Pick Up After Your Pet
We all love our dogs—they’re part of the Grandezza family! But no one enjoys stepping in or seeing dog waste left behind on sidewalks, lawns, or common areas. Please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your dog every time. Dog waste is not only unpleasant, it can spread bacteria and harm our beautiful community landscape. Let’s all do our part to keep Grandezza clean, healthy, and enjoyable for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike!
Calling All Pet Owners!
Tell the rest of Grandezza about your beloved pet! Share favorite stories that reveal your pet’s personality in 300-600 words and we’ll feature your pet with a few pictures in the next issue of the Grandezza Gazzette.
Send your article to: sjsherwin18@gmail.com.
Cook’s Corner
JOHN DEJOY
SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING
One of my favorite salads to consume and to serve at John Palmer’s Bistro 44 is the Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty dressing, crunchy greens, creamy hard eggs, feta cheese and bitter red onions. I have been making this classic for years and thought I would share my recipe with my neighbors.
WARM BACON DRESSING–SERVES 6
6 Strips of thick cut, Maple Smoked Bacon (just my preference)
1 Shallot, sliced thinly
.25 Cups sugar
.5 Cups rice wine vinegar (cider vinegar works or sherry vinegar is fine) Salt and pepper to taste
1) Stack the bacon strips and slice into about .25-inch pieces
2) Render the bacon, nice and slow
3) Add the shallots and sauté
4) When the bacon is almost crisp, add the sugar and turn off the heat.
5) Wisk in the vinegar. Taste.
6) Adjust with salt and pepper. Reserve in a warm place until ready to serve.
Hard Boil 6 Eggs: Tip: It is preferred to use eggs that have been in the fridge for a week or so. They peel more easily. Also, place the eggs in a stockpot and cover them with water about an inch above the eggs. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat and cover the pot with a lid for 1012 minutes. Then put the eggs in an ice bath for 10 minutes. Peel the eggs under cold water. This works!
The last component is the sliced red onion: Simply remove the stem and blossom, Stand the onion on one of those flat surface cuts and cut it in half. Remove the skin and slice.
Pick a cheese. This is great with blue cheese, feta, brie, boursin—something creamy.
To Assemble.
1) Take 2 pounds of spinach, place it in a mixing bowl and set it aside in a warm spot. Not hot. You want to take the chill off the green.
2) I like cutting the eggs in quarters and placing a piece on each quarter of the salad plate. You could certainly just chop or slice the eggs.
3) With your place on the counter ready, stir the dressing and begin to dress the greens. It’s important to dress the bowl and toss the greens into the dressing. Mix in a little at a time. The greens may not need all the dressing.
4) When you like what you see, plate the greens.
5) Add the cheese and the onion.
6) Serve.
Note: This salad is great as an entree. You could add salmon, shrimp, tuna, chicken or beef if you like.
Note 2: It’s important not to “overdress” this salad. The warm dressing will wilt the greens naturally, so just a light toss of the dressing is all it takes.
Compliments of Chef John and Michelle De Joy, Owners of John Palmer’s Bistro 44, in Concord, Ohio, and currently Saraceno residents.
Grandezza GirlFriends
CINDY FITZPATRICK
A DAZZLING SEASON HIGHLIGHT: THE GIRLFRIENDS FASHION SHOW
The fashion show remains the highlight of the season, and this year’s event was no exception. Under the skilled direction of Kara Nickolas and her dedicated team of assistants, the show was executed flawlessly and left attendees thoroughly impressed.
The ensembles were provided by Mainstream Boutique in Fort Myers, and the fashions were brought to life on the runway by Mel Borley, Wendy Cohen, Mary Jo Sorrento, Pat Van Duyn, Hilary Moleski, Sandy Renner, Jill McRae, Audrey Heaton, Regina Staudt, and Jennifer Seegers.
Darlene Polyschuk kept the energy high with a fantastic musical selection, while Sue Koser lent her talents to creating the event programs. Adding an extra layer of fun, many GirlFriends embraced the ’60s theme, arriving in cool retro outfits that were an absolute hit. Memorable moments of the show were beautifully captured by photographers Patty Accavallo and Ruth Lazarus. Be sure to visit the GirlFriends’ Facebook page to view more photos.
A special thank you goes to Alisa Cianfrani, whose tireless behind-the-scenes efforts kept everything running smoothly. The event drew a record-breaking turnout, and the staff at Grandezza rose to the occasion, delivering exceptional service with food and beverages. Events of this scale truly require many dedicated hands, and the contributions of every volunteer and supporter are deeply appreciated.
The special GirlFriends’ bracelet was proudly awarded to new member Jenny Bauerly. Also, birthday wishes were extended to the following members
celebrating this month: Jody Altschule, Christine Bigley, Jane Christ, Shirley Cook, Cindy Fiddler, Patti Hafendorfer, Sue Koepp, Sue Koser, Joan Lapatin, Patty Lowe, Sharon McCarthy, Lee Nicosia, Lynn Senese, Vidu Sharma, and Susan Stanczak.
Writers Wanted!
In an effort to make the Grandezza Gazzette interesting and readable to our residents, we invite you to share your stories, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome articles about books, travel, pets, sports, TV and movies, tech, and/or content that will get our community talking and sharing! Just avoid topics such as politics and religion in keeping with our policy of avoiding controversy.
Please try to limit your words to between 200 and 600 words and feel free to include a couple of jpeg photos with high resolution. We’ll be happy to give you a byline!
Send your submissions to sjsherwin18@gmail.com.
Visitor Access Control System at the Grandezza Front Entrance
Our DwellingLIVE access control system continues to be successfully used by most Grandezza residents. However, some residents are still calling the gatehouse directly to register their guests.
To help our gatehouse staff and ensure faster, more accurate visitor processing, we ask that you please register your guests using one of the following preferred methods instead of calling the gatehouse:
• The DwellingLIVE mobile app on your smartphone
• The DwellingLIVE website on your computer
• The Guest Registration System by phone (for those unable to use the app or website)
If you need to use the Guest Registration System, please follow these simple steps:
1. Call 239-986-8627 or 888-994-4117.
2. When prompted, clearly state the following information:
○ Name: Say your visitor’s name (e.g., “Perfect AC Systems”).
○ Date: Say the date (e.g., “September 21”).
○ Time: You do not need to specify a time.
○ Number of days: State how long the pass should be valid (e.g., “one day” or “two days”).
3. Press # when you are finished and then hang up.
Please keep your message brief. The DwellingLIVE system automatically recognizes your phone number and saves the voice message in your account. When your visitor arrives, the gate officer will retrieve the information from your account and issue a pass accordingly.
Thank you for helping us keep Grandezza’s access control system running efficiently and securely.
Grandezza Classified Ads
To place a classified ad Grandezza residents may e-mail sjsherwin18@gmail.com. An ad will run for THREE (3) MONTHS beginning with the first submission. Please inform us when the item has been sold or if you wish to have it deleted from the column. Also, you must notify us to continue an ad for an additional cycle after the initial 3-month period has expired or it automatically will be deleted. (Ending cycle of the ad running is noted at the end in parentheses.)
ITEMS FOR SALE
2010 Club Car. Completely refurbished in 2012. Has had annual care and service by Gator Sports. New Batteries in October 2023. Runs well, 17-18 mph. Tires are good, new in 2020. Asking $2450. Call 419-349-0299. (Expires 4/26)
Italian Leather Sofa & Armchair with Ottoman. Excellent condition, gently used, originally from Robb & Stucky. Also, two twin size beds with brand new memory foam mattresses. Call 201-749-6389. (Expires 4/26)
Leather Palliser Power Swivel Glider
Recliner with head rest in a neutral Bali Harvest (light taupe). Built in USB port. (We are redecorating.) Two years old, mint condition, originally priced $1700. Asking $300. Text Bob at 317-646-0060. (Expires 7/26)
SERVICES OFFERED
Airport Rides: Airport rides any time or day at affordable rates by a resident of Grandezza. Call or text Sue at (708) 846-1985. (Expires 4/26)
Services as a home health care nurse, personalized and tailored according to specific needs including overnight stays. Call Terry at 262-309-1434. (Expires 7/26)
HERE’S WHAT RESIDENTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT ENGAGE ESTERO.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE RECENT ENGAGE ESTERO SURVEY
More than 660 Greater Estero residents participated in the Engage Estero survey, providing a reliable picture of community priorities. Most respondents are long-time residents, with 68% living in Estero more than nine months a year and 51% residing here for over 15 years, representing more than 45 neighborhoods and independent households.
The results show strong support for Engage Estero’s role in the community. Nearly 70% of residents say an organization like Engage Estero is needed, with many viewing it as a trusted source of information, an advocate for residents, and a watchdog protecting the community ’s quality of life.
Residents identified the most important issues Engage Estero addresses as keeping residents informed about government actions, improving transportation safety and infrastructure, protecting the environment and water quality, responding to threats to quality of life, and monitoring Village initiatives.
Looking ahead, residents want continued focus on traffic and road safety, environmental protection, responsible development, and managing growth. They also believe the Village of Estero should prioritize reducing traffic congestion, preserving open space through land purchases, and expanding biking and walking trails.
Overall, the survey confirms that residents value strong community advocacy, reliable information, and active leadership to help guide Estero’s growth while preserving its exceptional quality of life.
THE APRIL 17 TH COMMUNITY MEETING
DON ’ T MISS THIS VERY IMPORTANT TRAFFIC UPDATE MEETING!!
ON APRIL 17 TH AT 10 AM, THE ESTERO RECREATION CENTER.
Topics:
1) The Latest Information on the I-75 Expansion between Corkscrew Road and Golden Gate Parkway.
2) Planned Road Developments: Funding, Timing, Implications.
Engage Estero’s management team is very pleased to have the agreement of Don Scott, AICP, Executive Director, Lee County’s Metropolitan Planning Office, and Brian Bollas, Community Outreach Manager, Florida Department of Transportation, District 1, to discuss these important issues as they relate to us in Greater Estero.
Don Scott: Within the MPO’s remit is the need to provide leadership and promote regional mobility and foster sustainable development. Don will cover:
• Why developments are outpacing road infrastructure.
• Can we catch up?
○ Funding options: – what is feasible and what are the ramifications. e.g. Increasing sales tax, Impact fees, gas tax?
○ How can the recommendations of the Estero 2024 Traffic Study be implemented? What can we do about it?
○ What does the future of transportation in our area look like?
Brian Bollas, will address:
ü What FDOT has learned from feedback from residents and HOAs concerned about the expansion of I-75. This will involve 6 lanes expanding to 10 through the Estero area.
ü What FDOT will consider as the options to help alleviate traffic noise for those communities close to the highway.
ü Latest timelines for the project.
ü Next steps.
Please come and listen to these important updates on issues that concern so many people in Greater Estero. As seating is somewhat limited and interest in the meeting is likely to be high, please register your intention to attend as soon as possible.
THE UPDATE OF THE DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE IN GREATER ESTERO IS NOW AVAILABLE
If you travel around the Village of Estero or head out along East Corkscrew Road, you will be in no doubt that our area is in the midst of considerable expansion. It is also no surprise that residents have become extremely concerned that more apartments and single-family homes mean more vehicles on the road and more congestion and safety risks. Bowditch made these points on WINK News on February 17th.
Greater Estero is experiencing significant growth across its borders, within the Village, and throughout its commercial and recreational landscape, with major residential communities, mixed-use projects, and university-adjacent developments reshaping areas from East Corkscrew Road to US-41.
Inside the Village, new neighborhoods, townhomes, and redevelopment sites are advancing alongside substantial recreational investments, including new parks, sports fields, and expanded community facilities. Commercial activity continues to accelerate with new retail, dining, medical, educational, and hospitality projects at Coconut Point, along Corkscrew Road, and throughout the US-41 corridor. Completing this surge in development, the Village is also pursuing key initiatives in utilities, resilience, and land acquisition to support long-term community needs. For the fully detailed report, please use this URL https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/ uploads/2026/03/GECR-2026-QTR-1Urbanization-of-Estero.pdf
SHAPING GREATER ESTERO’S FUTURE A PUBLIC FORUM SUCCESS
The Engage Estero Public Forum, held Tuesday evening March 17th at Cohen Student Center Ballroom at Florida Gulf Coast University, drew an audience of approximately 300 residents and received coverage from WINK News. The event addressed a wide range of issues expected to shape Estero’s future in the coming years.
The panel featured:
• David Hoffmann, Founder and Chairman of Hoffmann Family of Companies
• Aysegül Timur, President of Florida Gulf Coast University
• Nick Cameratta, Chief Operating Officer of Cameratta Companies
• Chris Simoneau, Chief Development, Marketing & Communications Officer at Lee Health
• Steve Sarkozy, Village Manager of Estero
A full video recording of the event is available on the Engage Estero website. www.EsteroToday.com This report highlights several of the key themes discussed.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT
Steve Sarkozy emphasized that incorporating neighborhood-serving retail, such as Whole Foods Market, into new developments can reduce travel distances and help localize traffic. There is currently a proposal for state-level initiatives encouraging developers to include workforce housing—allocating a percentage of units at lower price points to support local professionals. This would also help reduce local traffic.
The recent agreement by the Estero Village Council to fund the Rails to Trails initiative (BERT), will also be an important initiative, enhancing recreational facilities and helping reduce traffic.
Emerging technologies were also discussed, including the use of AI to optimize traffic signal timing and the expansion of roundabouts to improve traffic flow during peak
hours. In addition, Lee County is set to widen East Corkscrew Road in phases, beginning between Bella Terra and Alico Road, with future phases extending farther east.
Developer representative Nick Cameratta outlined several infrastructure improvements tied to current and planned communities, including enhanced turning lanes, support for additional traffic signals, and major investments in the Kingston development. Plans include a 5½-mile, four-lane north-south spine road, a comprehensive charter school serving all grade levels, and environmental protections aimed at preserving local aquifers.
HEALTHCARE EXPANSION
Chris Simoneau highlighted significant recent investment in healthcare across the greater Estero area. He noted that Lee Health is finalizing contracts to potentially establish a health center within the Verdana community, accessible to surrounding residents. A future hospital in Estero is also under consideration, though still in the planning stages. He mentioned that this would not necessarily cover all aspects of a conventional hospital, but would address certain key needs. He added, with some humor, that expanded recreational amenities—such as a proposed sports park featuring pickleball and a golf driving range—would likely increase demand for orthopedic services.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY GROWTH
David Hoffmann discussed his company’s acquisition and planned enhancements of Old Corkscrew Golf Course on East Corkscrew Road and surrounding area. He also spoke enthusiastically
about Hertz Arena, a major local venue that hosts the Florida Everblades as well as concerts and community events, many of which regularly sell out. Looking ahead, he expressed the value and need for Greater Estero to have a large community theater and the need for projects that appeal to a younger, evolving demographic.
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Aysegül Timur shared her vision for Florida Gulf Coast University’s continued growth. She emphasized strengthening community engagement through expanded continuing education opportunities and special interest courses. Key priorities include enhancing study abroad programs, significantly expanding nursing education—including the creation of a dedicated school of nursing—and increasing internship opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and healthcare providers. She emphasized that FGCU was a University for the local community.
While this summary captures only a portion of the evening’s discussion, attendees widely regarded
the forum as both informative and forward-looking. Engage Estero expressed its appreciation to the panelists for their openness and thoughtful insights into the region’s future.
Dr. Timur also explained her objectives for FGCU and its mission to enhance what has already been achieved since its doors opened in 1996. She spoke passionately about embracing the local community with special interest courses. She emphasized her wish to enhance the study abroad program, further expand on the nursing program and introduce a school of nursing to address the future shortfall predicted, and increase the number of internships at local businesses and health care systems.
This just touches on the extensive range of information that was covered in what was judged by the attendees to be a very impressive and worthwhile event. Engage Estero is extremely grateful to the panelists for their openness and insightful commentary for what we can expect in the years ahead.
ROBOCALLS
If you answer your phone and receive a recorded message rather than a greeting from a live person, it is a robocall. Robocalls attempting to sell you a good or service are illegal in nearly every instance, and many are scams. Below are some facts about robocalls and how to contend with them.
Unless a company has written permission from you to receive robocalls attempting to sell goods or services, that call is illegal. You might wonder why there are so many robocalls, if it is not legal. One simple explanation – scammers use this method because it is easy and cheap to program these calls via the internet from anywhere in the world. !at being said, not all robocalls are illegal. Calls for informational purposes or debt collection are not illegal. Beware of those that are selling services to lower debt, however, because they are illegal and probably a scam.
One frequent robocall scam involves calls indicating the call is from a government agency regarding taxes, Medicare, or Social Security. !e call may ask for certain personal identifying information to ensure you don’t owe money or won’t miss out on certain benefits. Do not provide that information – it’s a scam! What if caller ID shows a valid number or name? Scammers know how to fake that, too.
How should you handle unwanted robocalls? First, hang up. If you answer the line and hear a recorded message to sell something, do not press any numbers to speak with a real person or remove you from their calling rotation. It’s likely a scam and may lead to even more robocalls. Next, use call blocking to aid in reducing the number of unwelcome calls.
Go a step further by reporting the robocalls to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (department). Florida residents who have placed their residential, mobile, or paging device telephone number on the Florida Do Not Call list and continue to receive unsolicited or prerecorded sales calls and text messages are encouraged to file a complaint with the department against the business or businesses that called them. You can click here to submit your complaint online. !e department categorizes do not call and telemarketing complaints as unsolicited communications.
Gather as much information as possible about the communication you received so that we can investigate and identify those responsible for contacting you.
If you receive a call from a professional solicitor, charity or seller of goods and/or services and you no longer wish to receive calls from that entity, tell the organization that you no longer wish to receive solicitations. !en file a complaint with the department so that there will be a record that you have previously requested that the entity stop contacting you via telephone. Businesses and charities are required to maintain a list of consumers who have made a do-not-call request, and it is a violation to call a consumer who has asked to be placed on the company’s do-not-call list.
You can also report robocalls to the FTC at DoNotCall.gov. Report the number that received the call, the number on caller ID, and any number you’re told to call back. Also report the exact date and time of the call, if you know it. Knowing all of this information helps the FTC track down the scammers behind the call. Even if you think the number on your caller ID is fake, report it. !e FTC analyzes report data and trends to identify illegal callers based on calling patterns.
Does the Do Not Call list work? !e list is intended stop unwanted calls from companies following the law. !e list provides registered telemarketers with numbers not to call, so being on the list will alleviate some calls you receive. However, it does not stop scammers from making illegal calls.
As Much as 4% of the Sand on Normandy’s Omaha Beach is Broken-down Shrapnel.
• OMAHA BEACH, JUNE 1944
AUTHOR TIMOTHY OTT, HISTORY FACTS
As the first step of Operation Overlord, nearly 160,000 Allied troops descended on five beaches across a 50-mile stretch of northwestern France on the morning of June 6, 1944, now known as D-Day. They encountered the fiercest resistance along the section code-named Omaha Beach, where the Germans unleashed torrents of gunfire from their encampments in ravines and on the bluffs that overlooked the sandy bank.
On a quieter day 44 years later, geologists Earle McBride and Dane Picard scooped a sample of sand from the high-tide point of Omaha Beach for closer examination. Among their findings, which were published in the September 2011 edition of The Sedimentary Record and the January 5, 2012, edition of Earth magazine, were a significant number of “angular opaque grains that were magnetic.”
They eventually realized that these grains, ranging in size from .06 to 1.0 millimeters, were shrapnel shards that had been broken down into tiny pieces. They concluded that the shards made up 4% of the total sample. Additionally, they found 30 slightly larger iron and glass beads, believed to be the result of high-temperature munitions explosions in the sand and air.
The geologists pointed out, however, that the 4% figure doesn’t represent the entirety of Omaha Beach, as wave breaks and currents can disrupt grain distribution on a daily basis. What’s more, because of the corrosion accelerated by rust and waves, there was
already a drop in the concentration of beach shrapnel in the years between when the sample was collected and when the results were published. Which means that while beachgoers today still walk among these fleeting remnants of one of history’s most important military engagements, nature will sweep them away for good within the next century or so.
BY
THE NUMBERS
• Allied nations involved in D-Day’s execution - 12
• Allied troops who landed in Normandy on D-Day - 156,115
• Tons of ammunition brought to Britain for the D-Day invasion - 450,000
• Maps used to support the D-Day operation - 17 million
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know?
A MISDIRECTION CAMPAIGN HELPED THE ALLIES DISGUISE THEIR D-DAY PLANS.
Of all the factors that contributed to the Allied victory on D-Day, perhaps the most underrated was the successful deployment of misdirection tactics grouped under the code name Operation Bodyguard. Since beginning construction on their 2,400-mile “Atlantic Wall” coastal defense in 1942, the Nazis had been carefully monitoring the French city of Calais, the closest point between Great Britain and continental Europe, anticipating an Allied attack. Exploiting this, Allied double agents informed their German superiors that an invasion of the area was imminent, while deliberately leaked radio communication seemingly confirmed those plans. The Allies also drew attention to the buildup of a dummy fighting force in Southeast England and even sent an actor impersonating British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery on a phony reconnaissance mission to the Mediterranean. Although the Germans weren’t entirely caught flat-footed when the long-awaited strike finally emerged at Normandy, some 150 miles southwest of Calais, the various deceptions had thinned their defenses enough to benefit the Allied troops.
https://historyfacts.com/world-history/ fact/as-much-as-4-of-the-sand-onnormandys-omaha-beach-is-broken-downshrapnel/?lctg=8176af36-876e-402e-b8d524e035502992
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH COORDINATORS
Grandezza is a safer community because of Neighborhood Watch. Avalon Peggy Dempsey 610-662-2082
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GRANDEZZA
COMMUNITY BOARDS AND OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION POSITION
GRANDEZZA
MASTER BOARD
Sarah Hartman P
Peter Dersley VP
Mickey Wheeler T
Barry Blank S
Aramis Sullivan D
Mike Patricelli D
Susan Sherwin D
AVALON
Jim Schleifer P
Joe Convertino, Jr. VP
Pat Van Duyn T
Cindy Fiddler D
Wolfgang Greil D
CYPRESS COVE A
Andy Anderson P
Mike Patricelli VP
Myrna Wernick S
Paul Lesser T
David Lipschultz D
CYPRESS COVE B
Toni MacLeod P
Yvonne Mazzella VP
Kevin O’Neil T
Barry Blank S
Frank Senese D
GRANDEZZA MASTER COMMITTEES
Finance & Long Range Planning
Mickey Wheeler ................................................. chair
Communications
Susan Sherwin .................................................... chair
Landscape
Aramis Sullivan ................................................... chair
Infrastructure, Lakes, Preserves & Fountains
Peter Dersley....................................................... chair
Safety & Access Control
Mike Patricelli ..................................................... chair
Community Affairs
Sarah Hartman .................................................... chair
GRANDE ESTATES
Peter Dersley P
Cameron Snyder VP
Doug Craft T
Laura Reddin S
Leaha Neville D
OAKWOOD
Sandra Renner P
Brad Robinson D
Patricia Collie S
Matt Miller D
Steve Anderson T
SABAL PALM
Shannon Palombo P
Ellen Kaplan VP
William Greenwald T
Julie Sexton S
John Coutinho D
Mark Sherwin D
SANTA LUCIA
Aramis Sullivan P
Mike Mainelli S/T
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SARACENO
Skip DeLong P
Dean Stefanac VP
Bob Hoel S
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SAVONA
Brian Schultz P
Wes Wilkins T
Paul Copper VP/S
Russel O’Rourke D
Ric Herrera D
Don Kreissl D Ann Cary D
SOLEMAR
Bob Lindgren P
Brian Vance VP/S
Dan Williams T
VILLA GRANDE
Joseph Drummond P
Mickey Wheeler VP
Beth Feldman T
Jeff Almo S
Steve Bajinski D
John Polczynski D
