Sabal Springs Breeze Staff
Taren Grom – Editor
Bill Hare
Donna Milbee
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Please submit all articles, photos, and events for Sabal Springs to sabalspringsbreeze@gmail.com by the 4th of the month preceding the month of publication.
Sudoku Puzzle
Sudoku Puzzle Solution in this issue
Writers and Photographers Wanted
Do you have an interesting story to tell?
The Breeze is always looking for talented writers and photographers to submit articles and photos on Sabal Springs’ events, Fort Myers festivals, movies, books, etc. …
This is your chance to share your interests with the community. You can contribute every month, just once, or every now and then.
THE BREEZE WELCOMES GERRY ARENSTEIN
Gerry and his wife Ileane moved into their home on Plumera in May 2005. Gerry was elected to the Sabal Springs Board of Directors in February 2013 and again in February 2015. He served as president from February 2013 to 2016 and as a director from 2016 to February 2017. In late 2011, Gerry was initially named chairperson of the Legal Committee (now known as the Document Committee). As president, he was an ex-officio member of all the committees created by the board. After completing his four years on the board, Gerry continues to serve the community, lending his talents to the Finance, Documents, and Visionary committees.
Do you have an interesting hobby or skill that you are passionate about?
Do you have, or did you have, an interesting career?
Are you the go-to person for the best restaurants or fun things to do?
Do you love to cook, bake, or bartend and have a favorite recipe to share?
Deadline: The 4th of the month
Crossword Puzzle
Merry drinking party
Draw a blank
Curling competition
Car nut
Isolate
Bar bill
Applications
Not his
Flame
Exam
Clutter
Blackthorn
Being
Donkey
Confine
Without a sound
Neighborhood
D
Plunder
Leave out
Break in two
Churn
Not now
Father
Aromatic compound
Promoted
South Southeast
Swamps
Storehouses
Smiled scornfully
Munchkin
Tops worn by women
Generosity
Unit of energy
Anagram of “sage”
French for “head”
Cleans
Poker holdings
Rear end
Dandy
Fee paid for instruction
Charred
River to the North Sea
High-pitched woodwind instrument
State of supreme happiness
Board game
Lettering device
Disconcert
26. Letters and postcards
Mayday
Toot
32. Type of cereal grass 33. Inclined 34. Ease up 35. Left out
Stunning
Rump 40. Sea eagles 42. Poorly made 44. Kittens’ cries 45. In shape
48. Old-time poet
49. Border 50. Lairs
53. Grassland
55. Cooking container
Blowing in the Breeze:
Play along! The Breeze staff initiated a new monthly contest in September. We encourage you to search the February issue for clues to the five questions listed at the right. Please send your responses to sabalspringsbreeze@ gmail.com by Feb. 15. The winner will be selected via a random drawing.
1. How many years did Gerry Arenstein serve as president of the Sabal Springs HOA?
2. What resident is an enthusiastic RC airplane flyer?
3. What is the traditional Mardi Gras cocktail?
4. What is the name of the restaurant recently reviewed by the SunShine Singles?
5. Who scored her second hole in one in December? Congratulations to November’s winner: Janice Toper!
Five Florida Fun Facts
TAREN GROM
Florida is downright wacky at times. Here are five weird things I bet you didn’t know about the Sunshine State.
1. Unmarried women are legally forbidden from parachuting on Sundays.
2. Tying an elephant to a parking meter requires paying the meter as if it were a car.
3. Doors in public buildings must open outward for hurricane safety.
4. Siesta Key beach sand is 99% pure quartz crystal, making it cool to the touch.
5. The St. Johns River (near Jacksonville) is one of few major rivers in the U.S. that flows north.
February Fun Facts
TAREN GROM
• February 2 is Groundhog Day—the day we find out whether winter will last six more weeks or call it quits early.
• February 8 is Super Bowl LX to be held in Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., the home of the San Francisco 49ers.
• February’s name comes from the Latin word februa, meaning purification, referring to an ancient Roman festival.
• February 14 is always Valentine’s Day.
• Mardi Gras often falls in February, meaning “Fat Tuesday,” the last day before Lent.
The 2025 Football Champs
TAREN GROM
Thanks to all who participated in the Breeze’s first annual Football Pool. It was an exciting and competitive season for our Sabal Springers…it came down to the wire to determine our top three contestants. I understand there was quite a bit of smack talk as well during the season — well done. Bring on the playoffs and hope to see more of y’all next year.
In first place…Carmella Manning (Aka Steeler fan)
Second place belongs to Gary Clapp (Aka Gary Clapp and Bears fan) And coming in third is Dan Zak (Aka Zackman and Lions fan)
STEELER’S FANATIC CARMELLA MANNING
For the football fans in our community group, here’s something fun I saw on the Internet, and thought I would share. What if the NFL divided up the divisions thusly?
GARY CLAPP
BEAR DOWN!
DAN ZAK — LIONS ALL THE WAY.
Line Dancing
DONNA MILBEE
Kick up your heels at the Sabal Springs’ Honky-Tonk on Sunday nights in the Clubhouse event room!
Join guest teachers and D.J.s for a night of FREE line dance lessons starting at 5 until 8 p.m., scootin’ to your favorite music.
Wear cowboy hats and boots or shorts and sandals for fun and exercise.
Learn to Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle and RunAround Sue to name a few of the dances on tap.
Bring your favorite playlist or learn something new.
Cash bar available at Eagles Landing.
Friends don’t let friends line dance alone. Call Donna Milbee at (317) 979-0229 if you have questions or just want to “boot-scoot” on in.
Cornhole – Opening Day
TAREN GROM
Cornhole is called many things: Corn Toss, Bean Bag, Bean Toss, Soft Horseshoes, Indiana Horseshoes, or Bags.
It has been reported that the game originated in Germany in the 14th century, and then was rediscovered in the hills of Kentucky more than 100 years ago.
Many thanks to the efforts of Tony Collura, Cornhole Chairman, and Linda Mack, Activities Group, several dozen Sabal Springs residents
THANKS TO LINDA MACK AND TONY COLLURA FOR MAKING CORNHOLE HAPPEN!
tossed off on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 1 pm. Players gathered on the lawn at the Clubhouse and were divided into random teams of two.
The rules are easy, contestants take turns pitching their corn bags at the cornhole platform until a contestant or team reaches the score of 21 points. A corn bag in the hole scores three points, while one on the platform scores one point.
Bring a chair and a beverage and join the fun on Sundays.
TEAM PLAY ON THE BACK YARD FOR CORNHOLE ON SUNDAY.
SunShine Singles in Motion
JANE HANSEN
The SunShine Singles had a great December meeting as it was a potluck with a large food selection, a gift exchange, and another record number of attendees. We enjoyed the holidays by attending the “Lite Bites” Christmas Eve at the Eagle’s Landing and an open-house Christmas Day at the home of Donna Milbee. The party goers brought food, played games, watched football on TV, and drank apple pie cider (mixed with Amaretto) made by Donna. Many members cheered out 2025 and welcomed in 2026 at the
New Year’s Eve Party at the Eagle’s Landing. Mike Bollea was the emcee of the event and kept the music lively as people ate and then got out onto the dance floor. More than 20 members of our group enjoyed this event. Another group from the SunShine Singles went to the Japanese Kumo Restaurant for Hibachi. The group enjoyed the show of having the chef prepare their meal at the table and the food was delicious.
The very next day a group from our SunShine Singles played Trivia at Eagle’s Landing and came in third. Sandy Bourbeau, our contact person, who has played consistently for a long time, encourages more members to join the group. There were six playing that Thursday night. She has said it would be good to have more regulars as on any given Thursday night they may need substitutes.
The following Saturday night some members went to the Eagle’s Landing to listen to Tina Solomon. The first movie outing this year was to see “Song Sung Blue.” Many other events will be enjoyed, including the Rod Stewart Tribute and The Comedy Night with R.C. Smith at Eagle’s Landing, the Lee County Community Band
playing at the Mariners High School in Cape Coral, and Line Dancing lessons on Friday afternoons and Sunday Nights at Eagle’s Landing. There is often a table of SunShine Singles when there is musical entertainment at Eagle’s Landing. The group enjoyed the stylings of: Paul Larson, The Bandstand (favorites), Mike Glean, Jonny Puma, Sheldon Upchurch, Russ Mattson, and Bill Pence. Now that the weather is cooler, we hope to do a group tour to see the Manatees.
For more information, contact Sue Dodge at (239) 247-0764 and members of the group are encouraged to check the SunShine Singles Facebook page to see what the group has planned.
The February meeting will be announced. If you would like to be on our email list, please send your contact information to: Jane Hansen at jhansen8052@sbcglobal.net.
SABAL SPRINGS SUNSHINE SINGLES KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN!
A High-Flying Hobby
MARTY TOPER
I wanted to share with everyone in Sabal Springs what I spend some of my free time doing. I fly radio-controlled (RC) planes and race radiocontrolled cars. I think I am the only active RC user in our community, and I wanted to tell all of you what it is about.
Before I retired in 2019, I wanted to learn how to fly RC planes. I never had the time or the places to do it when I was working. Once my
wife Janice and I moved down here, my plan began. I found out about the Cape Coral R/C Hawks Flying Club on Wilmington Parkway and went to check it out. I got talking to some people and set up a time to learn to fly. The club had trainer planes and I met with one of the instructors.
The best part is I got to learn on club planes with a trainer who would not let me crash! Both of us used controls allowing me to fly and the instructor to take over if I got in trouble. The short version is that after a couple of days I was flying on my own and did not break anything. After a couple of weeks, it was time to buy my first plane.
To fly you need a plane, a transmitter to control the plane, a receiver in the plane to talk to the transmitter, batteries to power the plane, and about $400 to get all of this in a ready-to-fly package. Add in $100 for club dues, $75 for American Modelers Association (AMA) membership, $10 for an FAA license (yes, we need a license to fly just like regular pilots), and a couple of tests and I was in for about $700 to fly my first plane. No, I did not know the costs were that
high and believe me, the costs do not end. Golfers understand this part.
Also, we cannot fly anywhere. We have to fly at airfields designated as RC fields. We are limited to 400 vertical feet in the air and must carry AMA insurance. And the places where we fly have strict limits of where we can fly and must be followed. Local clubs may have other rules pilots need to abide by. Flying is a lot of fun, but we need to be responsible while doing it. People can and do get hurt.
Planes can be equipped with programs that help out new pilots. They prevent crashes, help you land and take off, and help you fly. The odds are pretty good you
will not wreck your new plane on day one. However, a cardinal rule my trainer told me is that it’s not if you crash, it is when.
I crashed my first plane a few times. I learned that foam glue, Gorilla Glue, and duct tape became my friend. After a few months, my plane was a mishmash of all the above, but it still flew. I learned tricks and learned smooth takeoffs and landings. Slowly I became a decent pilot.
A few months after learning, I bought my next plane. A few months later a third plane graced my garage as my flying became better and better. Once you get the hang of it, you can turn off the electronic helper aids and fly on your own. I discovered swap
meets over the next few years to add to my plane collection. My skill level became greater, which can also lead to more disasters. For example, one day my initial trainer plane just kept flying across the parkway all by itself. Evidently, I lost signal, and my plane flew into a swamp never to be found. There are a lot of planes out there with the snakes and gators. I’ve had a couple of catastrophic crashes that all the glue and tape in the world would not fix. One plane gone, time for another. I am in my fourth year of flying and I currently have six planes in my garage.
Our club pilots fly electric planes and jets, jet-fuel powered jets (big bucks), helicopters, and gas planes. The planes run from small to planes maybe half the size of a real Piper Cub. Some of the jet fueled planes run well into five figures so deep pockets are needed for those. My guess is I have invested about $5,000 over the years. I also have a couple of planes up north where I fly. Our club has 270 members, and my north club has only 12. Mornings tend to be busier, but I have never had issues flying. There is a core group of us— maybe 30 people—who fly regularly. We have a lot of fun, fly a lot, and just sit around and B.S. about planes and anything else to help solve the world’s problems.
Like golf, the unexpected can happen. Mid-air crashes happen. Planes can lose signal and nothing good comes out of that. Winds can play havoc. Sometimes planes break up in the air. Back in early December, there were five crashes, all experienced pilots. Let’s just say that things happen and do happen.
Two years ago, the club built a racetrack for cars. Let’s call it another money pit. There are three classes of vehicles: buggies, trucks, and open. Sprint cars were added for the 202526 season. I bought a truck and a
buggie and became pretty good. I raced a lot last year, but costs can get crazy running planes and cars. I am taking a step back from cars and flying planes for now. Knock on wood, no crashes in more than a year. I am not the best pilot but also not the worst. I tend to fly a couple of times a week. I stick to electric planes. I have learned a lot of tricks that I can now do. There are some real Cracker Jack pilots in the club, top gun kind of stuff. Maybe I will be one of those pilots someday.
If you see my garage open, I am probably working on a plane. Batteries need charging, planes need adjusting, and they need maintenance—Keeps me out of trouble.
Come on out to the airfield sometime. It’s only about 10 minutes away on Wilmington Parkway. The cars race Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Planes fly morning to dusk daily.
Now We’re Cooking
In 2026 Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a festive carnival day, the final celebration before the Christian fasting season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, marked by parades, costumes, music, and indulgence in rich
TAREN GROM
foods. Originating from ancient pagan rites and brought to the U.S. by French settlers, it’s most famously celebrated in New Orleans with colorful parades, king cakes, and beads, but is a worldwide phenomenon in Catholic-majority countries.
NEW ORLEANS CREOLE GUMBO
INGREDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup bacon drippings
1 cup coarsely chopped celery rib
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
With a dark roux, okra, tomatoes, and filé, this crab and andouille sausage gumbo reflects gumbo’s African, French, and Native American origins.
Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Servings: 20
1 large green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
3 quarts water
6 cubes beef bouillon
1 tablespoon white sugar
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco), or to taste
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend (such as Tony Chachere’s), or to taste
4 bay leaves
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato sauce
4 teaspoons file powder, divided
2 tablespoons bacon drippings
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen cut okra, thawed
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 pound lump crabmeat
3 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
DIRECTIONS
Step 1
Gather all ingredients.
Step 2
Make the roux: Whisk together flour and 3/4 cup bacon drippings in a large, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth. Cook roux, whisking constantly, until it turns a rich mahogany brown color. This can take 20 to 30 minutes; watch heat carefully and whisk constantly or roux will burn. Remove from heat; continue whisking until mixture stops cooking.
Step 3
Make the gumbo: Place celery, onion, green bell pepper, and garlic into the work bowl of a food processor, and pulse until all vegetables are very finely chopped.
Step 4
Stir vegetables into roux, and mix in sliced sausage. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5
Combine water and beef bouillon cubes in a large Dutch oven or soup pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir until bouillon cubes dissolve, then whisk roux mixture into the boiling water.
Step 6
Reduce heat to a simmer and mix in sugar, salt, hot pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer soup over low heat for 1 hour; mix in 2 teaspoons of file gumbo powder at the 45-minute mark.
Step 7
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in a skillet over medium heat. Add okra and vinegar and cook for 15 minutes; remove okra with a slotted spoon, and stir into the simmering gumbo.
Step 8
Mix in crabmeat, shrimp, and Worcestershire sauce, and simmer until flavors have blended, 45 more minutes. Stir in 2 more teaspoons of filé gumbo powder just before serving.
Step 9
Serve hot (usually over rice) and enjoy!
Something from the Bar…
TAREN GROM
CLASSIC HURRICANE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
The Hurricane is the classic New Orleans cocktail. It’s a sweet, rum-based cocktail known for its fruity flavor, typically made with light and dark rum , passion fruit juice , orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup , and grenadine , served in a hurricane glass and garnished with an orange slice and cherry. The drink originated in the 1940s and is a staple in the French Quarter. And, with Mardi Gras around the corner, what better time than to laissez les bons temps rouler.
• Rums: 2 oz. light rum, 2 oz. dark rum
• Juices: 2 oz. passion fruit juice, 1 oz. orange juice, ½ oz. fresh lime juice
• Sweeteners: 1 tablespoon simple syrup, 1 tablespoon grenadine
• Garnish: Orange slice and a maraschino cherry
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add all the rum, juices, simple syrup, and grenadine to the shaker.
3. Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
4. Strain into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
February Sabal Springs Events
SUSAN COSTA
Feb. 1 – Sunday Funday in the Back Bar – free popcorn
Feb. 2 – Bingo – Card sales start at 5:15 p.m., first game at 6 p.m. (open to the public)
Feb. 5 – Team Trivia – 6 p.m.
Feb. 6 – Paul Larson – 5 to 8 p.m. – vocal and guitar
Feb. 7 – Bandstand – 5 to 8 p.m.
Feb. 8 – Sunday Funday in the Back Bar – free popcorn
Feb. 9 – Bingo – Card sales start at 5:15 p.m., first game at 6 p.m. (open to the public)
Feb. 12 – Team Trivia – 6 p.m.
Feb. 13 – Russ Mattson – 5 to 8 p.m. – live saxophone
Feb. 14 – Armand Kalugdan – 5 to 8 p.m. – piano music
Feb. 15 – Sunday Funday in the Back Bar – free popcorn
Feb. 15 – Sabal Springs Luau Party, doors open at 5:15 p.m. and show starts at 6 p.m., tickets $15
Feb. 16 – Bingo – Card sales start at 5:15 p.m., first game at 6 p.m. (open to the public)
Feb. 19 – Team Trivia – 6 p.m.
Feb. 20 – Mike Glean – 5 to 8 p.m. – ’50s to ’80s
Feb. 21 – Paul Larson – 5 to 8 p.m. – vocals and guitar
Feb. 22 – Sunday Funday in the Back Bar – free popcorn
Feb. 23 – Bingo – Card sales start at 5:15 p.m., first game at 6 p.m. (open to the public)
Feb. 26 – Team Trivia – 6 p.m.
Feb. 27 – Tina Soloman – 5 to 8 p.m. – tributes to Tina Turner, Cher, Aretha & Celine
Feb. 28 – Bill Pence – 5 to 8 p.m. – classic hits from six decades
Golf Winners for December
CHARLEY FRANTZ
WEDNESDAY LADIES’ LEAGUE
Dec. 3 – No Ladies’ Day (Men’s Tourney)
Dec. 10 – Christmas Fun Day Scramble
First: Robin Fritz, Mary Richards, Laurie Simkins, Beth Zes
Second: Judy Andrews, Linda Hood, Anita Johnson, Donna Ritchie
Third: Donna Ireland, Arlene O’Donnell, Vicki Pirello, Susan Roberts
Fourth: Ellie Birmingham, Karol Bunch, Sharon Croxton, Janet McEachern
Dec. 17
A Flight
First: Jo Decker
Second: Yvonne Cegelski
Third: May Wine
Fourth: Mary Lou Collins
B Flight
First: Sue LaPlume
Second: Janet McEachern
Third: Nan Shewalter
Fourth: Cheri Armstrong
C Flight
First: Charley Frantz
Second: Beth Zes
9-Hole players
A Flight
First: Robin Fritz
Second: Mary Weatherbee
B Flight
First: Judy Otey
Second: Mary Vargo
Third: Joy Melin
Dec. 24
A Flight
First: May Wine
Second: Laurie Simkins
B Flight
First: Sue LaPlume
Second: Sandy Cocca
C Flight
First: Beth Zes
Second: Charley Frantz
9-Hole Players
A Flight First: Mary Weatherbee
B Flight First: Mary Vargo
Dec. 31 – (Ladies who braved the cold!)
18 Holes Sue LaPlume, Cara LaValley
9 Holes Robin Fritz, Mary Weatherbee, Linda Charlesworth
THURSDAY MEN’S LEAGUE
Dec. 4 – Men’s Member-Member Tournament
A Flight
First: Keith Bunch and Larry Cassidy
B Flight
First: Tedd Jamieson and Al Parchuck
C Flight
First: Guy Armstrong and Paul Larson
D Flight
First: Gary Clapp and Bill LaPorte
E Flight
First: Sid Cegelski and Carter Johnson
Dec. 11
White Flight
First: Charlie Andrews, Keith Bunch, Bruch Mack, Mike Webster
Gold Flight
First: Guy Armstrong, Gary Clapp, Dave Worthington
Closest-to-the-pin Hole No.11
White – Keith Bunch
Gold – Peter Kwaak
Dec. 18
First: Larry Cassidy, Jeff Johnson, Bill Simkins, Dave Worthington
Second: Dave Abati, Greg Jessup, Terry LaValley, Bruce Mack
Closest-to-the-pin, Hole No. 14
First: Jeff Johnson
Second: Gary Clapp
Dec. 25 – Merry Christmas
SATURDAY COUPLES’ SCRAMBLE
Dec. 6
First: Karol and Keith Bunch, Cathy and Wayne Piper
Second: Robin and Dave Fritz, Laurie and Bill Simkins
Third: Cara and Terry LaValley, Terri and Dave Worthington
Fourth: Yvonne and Sid Cegelski, Liz Jurocko and Bob Connelly
Closest-to-the-pin – Karol Bunch and Tom Triptow
Dec. 13
First: Robin and Dave Fritz, Donna Ireland and Tedd Jamieson
Second: Faye Cantrell and Bill LaPorte, Barton Sala and Gavin Kirk
Third: MaryLou Collins and Dick Hansen, Lorainne Rechten and Terry Brown
Fourth: Linda Hood and Greg Rood, Cathy and Wayne Piper
Closest-to-the-pin – Shirley Berry and Ron Birmingham
Dec. 20
First: Laurie and Bill Simkins, Sherry and Tom Triptow
Second: Judy and Charlie Andrews, Barb and Larry Cassidy
Third: Karol and Keith Bunch, Sandy and John Cocca
Fourth: Cathy and Wayne Piper, Mary and Mark Vargo
Closest-to-the-pin – Laurie Simkins and Charlie Andrews
Dec. 27
First: Arlene Roy and Leo Pierson, Laurie and Bill Simkins
Second: Nina Dyer and Paul Perdue
Third: Kerri and Ron Crandell, Kristin and Tonee LaBarr
Fourth: Robin and Dave Fritz, Sherry and Tom Triptow
Hole In One
JANE WARD
Congratulations to Jo Decker on a fantastic hole in one on No.14 during Wednesday’s SSLGA Ladies League in December.
And this isn’t her first one. Jo aced hole No. 2 back in 2019! Naturally, the celebration continued at the 19th Hole, raising a toast at the back bar.
Well done, Jo … congratulations again.
Let’s Eat Out: Steve’s Place
GERI GREGORIO
Anyone who knows the SunShine Singles knows how much we love to go out to eat. Honestly, it’s because we don’t want to cook. We are constantly on the lookout for places that offer good comfort food, are close to home, and servings big enough to take home leftovers ... all of that and reasonably priced. Impossible you say? Not for us!
Only six miles from Sabal Springs on Bayshore Road, you’ll find Steve’s Place. The small restaurant, which opened five years ago, doesn’t take reservations, and offers good food and good service.
One of our favorite meals is their famous ½ Broasted Chicken served with soup or salad for $13. We usually take half of it home. Other tasty dishes are Steve’s Fish & Chips or Fried Shrimp for those who love fish. You say you like Southern cooking? Well, you may prefer Miller’s Fried Catfish or Fried Green Tomatoes. You cowboys may like beef. No problem. Try Steve’s Twin Chops specialty, or the steak or pork tenderloin! And how about their “Not Your Mom’s” Meatloaf?
Ohhhh and save room for dessert!
Caramel Nut crunch pie, peanut butter pie, crème brûlée, or the cheesecake are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
And those delicious omelets ... yummy. There’s too much on the menu to write about, you’ll just have to try it yourself!
The price per person ranges from $10 to $20.
Steve’s Place – 5181 Bayshore Rd., Suite No. 1, North Fort Myers
Go out the back gate, take a right to Slater Rd., make a right onto Bayshore Rd., and watch for Steve’s on your right just before the new Aldi.
If you go out the front gate, make left onto 41 South, a left onto Bayshore, and it’s on your left just past the new Aldi on your left.
Call for their hours: (239) 800-5051
Sabal Springs Committees
TAREN GROM
One of the best ways to meet people in the community and employ your hard-earned skills is to join one of the many volunteer committees that serve as the backbone of Sabal Springs. Each committee has a mission statement* and a set of objectives that they strive to achieve during the year. Committee heads and members are subject to change each year after the new board of director members are elected in February. Get involved, stretch your brain muscles, and have some fun all in the pursuit of keeping our community vibrant and at the top of its game.
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE: The mission of the Sabal Springs Golf and Racquet Club Architectural committee is to maintain the beauty, integrity, and appearance of Sabal Springs by ensuring homeowner exterior projects/changes/ updates of their residence fall within the guidelines of the SSGRC architectural rules and regulations which includes review and approval of ARC applications, progress, and completion of ARC projects/changes/ updates and within compliance of state, city, and county regulations.
COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE: The Communication Committee strives to provide safe and efficient communications via all methods to get important information to all residents of Sabal Springs.
COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE: The mission of the Compliance Committee is to apply the governing document requirements of Sabal Springs Golf and Racquet Club to members’ upkeep and appearance of the exterior of their homes. The Compliance Committee is tasked with bringing to the Board of Directors attention areas of upkeep throughout our community to ensure compliance with our governing documents and in the way of a well-kept community. As a Board directed committee, we are tasked to make periodic inspections and follow-ups and report noncompliance/community issues to the office for consideration and processing of any potential violations as outlined in our governing documents.
CONTRACT COMMITTEE: The mission of the Contract Committee is to provide the Sabal Springs Board of Directors with technical assistance for the solicitation, review, and recommendation of contracts to be awarded for amounts greater than $10,000. The Chairperson will report to the BOD liaison and have access to the Alliant CAM for assistance. The committee has developed a protocol that will be used to issue RFQs and/or RFPs that will provide a standard method for
transparency and fairness in the solicitation and evaluation of competitive bids. The Contract Committee with the assistance of the CAM will create an inventory of all current equipment and services contracts in existence. This inventory will be used as a guide to solicit bids when necessary. The Contract Committee will become familiar with current budget considerations and the reserve study for guidance. The Contract Committee may find it necessary to have discussions with stakeholders and other Sabal Springs Committees, as necessary. The Chairperson may be asked to report Committee actions to the BOD as appropriate at monthly meetings.
DECORATION COMMITTEE: The purpose of this committee is to decorate, during designated holidays/seasons, the common areas of Sabal Springs community either solo or in conjunction with other clubs or committees. (Clubhouse exterior, entrance/ exit gates, gate house, pool extremities area.)
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
COMMITTEE: To assist the residents of Sabal Springs, prepare for and recover from natural or man-made disasters, and to have Sabal Springs Emergency Preparedness Committee be available to assist the community members in a time of need with a plan for both pre and post events.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: The mission of the finance committee is to provide the Sabal Springs Board of Directors, specifically the
Treasurer, with oversight of the financial aspects of HOA’s operation.
FINE COMMITTEE: The mission of the Fine Committee is to function as a group, upon the Board’s recommendation, to consider fines to members based on their noncompliance with the governing documents of Sabal Springs Golf and Racquet Club.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE: The Library Committee’s mission statement is to provide a collection of up-to-date reading material that meets the unique interests and needs of our Sabal Springs residents. To create an appealing space for the residents to access and retrieve appropriate reading materials. To strive to continuously update the available space and inventory so it evolves with the changing needs of our community.
PICKLEBALL/TENNIS COMMITTEE: The pickleball/tennis committee’s goal is to support and refresh the Sabal Racquet Complex so that it meets the needs of both Sabal pickleball and tennis players. As of 2025, the plan includes two clay courts for tennis and four paved courts for pickleball.
POOL COMMITTEE: To identify the needs of the Sabal Springs pool and develop a plan to address these needs.
SABAL SPRINGS GOLF COMMITTEE: The mission of the Sabal Springs Golf Committee is to enhance the overall experience at
our golf course by adding value and supporting the staff and the SSMGA and SSLGA golf associations we serve. We are committed to fostering a sense of pride and enjoyment among our members and residents, ensuring that our course reflects excellence and attention to detail. Through community engagement, we aim to continually elevate the standards of excellence, creating a welcoming environment where golf enthusiasts can create lasting memories.
VISIONARY
COMMITTEE: The Visionary Committee’s mission is to cultivate a forwardthinking community where residents enjoy a high-quality of life, enhance property values, and embrace a strong sense of belonging. The idea is to provide long-range planning by encouraging neighborly engagement and providing that information to the board of directors. It is our mission to create a community that is not only a place to live but a place to truly call home.
* As of 10/25. Note: not all committees have submitted mission statements.
SUDOKU SOLUTION
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Card News
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE –DECEMBER
PAT HARP
Dec. 3
First: Elaine Goldsmidth
Second: Donna Michel
Third: Ulla Wistehuff
Dec. 10
First: Greg Jessup
Second: Bonnie Halberg
Third: JoAnn Degoey
Dec. 17
First: Ulla Wistehuff
Second: Donna Michel
Third: JoAnn Degoey
MONDAY DUPLICATE BRIDGE –DECEMBER
EARL RUSSELL
Dec. 1
First: Sharon Sullivan and Nan Shewalter
Second: Earl Russell and Sue Bobak
Third: Mike and Cathy Ward
Dec. 8
First: Earl Russell and Sue Bobak
Second: Mike and Cathy Ward
Third: Sharon Sullivan and JoAnn Degoey
Dec. 15
First: Mike and Cathy Ward
Second: Jane Rathburn and Nan Shewalter
Third: Elaine Goldsmith and Frank Degoey
Dec. 22
First: Earl Russell and Sue Bobak
Second: Roger Lundholm and Sylviane Threlkeld
Third: (tie) Mike and Cathy Ward and Chris and Dave Bennett
Dec. 29
First: Frank Degoey and Ulla Wistehuff
Second: Earl Russell and Sue Bobak
Third: Mike and Cathy Ward
Rules Refresher
As part of the communications team’s endeavors to keep our residents informed, we are highlighting at least three rules and regulations (R&R) items per Breeze issue. For lengthy R&R or governing document items, they will be abbreviated with a notation of where the total item can be found.
Our Sabal Springs rules and regulations can be found on our community portal. You will need to log into the portal and go to: R and R ARC Changes 3-18-25.pdf.
The Documents/Governing Documents pdf also can be found on the Sabal Springs Portal.
9.2 Owner’s Duty to Insure. The Association shall maintain liability. Each Lot owner is responsible for insuring the real and personal property within and on the Lot and home. Each owner must recognize that he bears financial responsibility for any damage to his property or liability to others that would otherwise be covered by such insurance, including all-risk, flood, liability, and including personally-owned motorized vehicles to include, but not be limited to, golf carts, mopeds, etc.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING RIGHTS :
A) No person except an owner is entitled to membership in the Association. “Owner” means the record owner of legal title to a residential Lot.
(B) Every owner who holds record title to a residential Lot that is subject to assessment under the Declaration shall be a member of the Association. A membership may not be transferred except by transfer of record title to the residential Lot to which it is appurtenant. An owner of more than one residential Lot is entitled to one membership for each residential Lot to which the owner holds title.
(C) Each residential Lot is entitled to one (1) vote. If more than one person holds record title to a residential Lot, there shall be only one vote, exercised as the owners determine among themselves.
4.14 Committees. The Board of Directors may appoint from time to time such standing or temporary committees as the Board may deem necessary and convenient for the efficient and effective operation of the Association. Any such committee shall have the powers and duties assigned to it in the resolution creating the committee. Only committees assigned with the power to make final decisions regarding
Happy Birthday February!
Those born on February 29 are called “leaplings” and celebrate their actual birth date only every four years.
February Zodiac signs are Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) or Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20).
Some February babies get to be born during a rare “black moon” (a February with no full moon), happening about every 19 years.
Individuals with February birthdays are known for their creativity, compassion, and originality. As winter gradually gives way to spring,
February-born individuals bring warmth and innovation to the world.
February’s birth flower is the violet, and the secondary flower is the primrose. Wild violets show off their purple-blue petals and heart-shaped leaves in the coldest months. Primroses, a small perennial woodland plant, also bloom in the winter.
February’s birthstone is amethyst (calm, clarity) and February’s bird is the resilient chickadee.
the expenditure of Association funds, or committees vested with the power to approve or disapprove architectural decisions with respect to a specific parcel of residential property owned by a member of the community, are required to hold meetings that are open to members, and notice and hold their meetings with
the same formalities as required for Board meetings. Committees vested with the power to approve or disapprove architectural decisions with respect to a specified parcel of residential property owned by a member of the community may not vote by proxy or secret ballot.
MONDAY
Sabal Springs Weekly Activities – Winter Season*
SUSAN COSTA
7:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Tennis Open Play Men
8 to 8:45 a.m. – Norma’s Exercise
9 to 9:50 a.m. – Aquacise/Water Aerobics
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Quilting & Sewing
10 to 10:45 a.m. – Norma’s Exercise
12:45 p.m. – Rummikub
1 to 3 p.m. – Knitting/Crocheting
1 p.m. – Bowling @Bowlero, Cape Coral
6 p.m. – Duplicate Bridge
6 p.m. – BINGO (Starts in Dec./Open to public) Pickleball (waiting court update)
TUESDAY
8:30 to 10 a.m. – Tennis Open Play Women
9 to 9:50 a.m. – Aquacise/Water Aerobics
9 to 10 a.m. – Tai Chi Class
10 to 10:45 a.m. – Cardio Jazz
10 a.m. – Shuffleboard
12:45 p.m. – Mahjongg
6 p.m. – Euchre
WEDNESDAY
7:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Tennis Open Play Men
8 to 8:45 a.m. – Norma’s Exercise
9 to 9:50 a.m. – Aquacise/Water Aerobics
10 to 10:45 a.m. – Norma’s Exercise
12:45 p.m. – Hand, Foot & Elbow
1 p.m. – Social Bridge
5:30 p.m. – Men’s Poker
THURSDAY
8:30 to 10 a.m. – Tennis Open Play Women
9 to 9:50 a.m. – Aquacise/Water Aerobics
9 to 10 a.m. – Tai Chi Class
10 to 10:45 a.m. – Cardio Jazz
10 a.m. – Shuffleboard
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Stitchery/Needlepoint/ Embroidery
12:45 p.m. – Hand, Foot & Elbow
1 to 3 p.m. – Card Making
6 p.m. – Women’s Poker
6:15 p.m. – Mahjongg (experienced) Pickleball (waiting court updating)
FRIDAY
7:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Tennis Open Play Men
8 to 8:45 a.m. – Norma’s Exercise
9 to 9:50 a.m. – Aquacise/Water Aerobics
10 to 10:45 a.m. – Norma’s Exercise
12:45 p.m. – Dominoes
1 to 3 p.m. – Line Dancing (Jan. 2 to March 20)
SATURDAY
8:30 to 10 a.m. – Tennis Open Play Women
1 p.m. – Michigan Rummy/or other game
* Info updated as of Nov. 3, 2025. Activity leaders and/or members were contacted to validate details on the activities noted. This weekly calendar showcases events accessible to all residents, omitting closed and private groups. Resident volunteers provide most activities free of charge at the Sabal Springs Clubhouse or outdoors. Updates or corrections should be directed to Susan Costa at (508) 889-7592.
February Star Gazing
TAREN GROM
For February 2026 stargazing in Florida, look for events like the Winter Star Party (Feb. 16 - 22) in the Keys, a D Ranch Preserve Star Party (Feb. 21) near Osteen, astronomy nights at Big Cypress National Preserve (Feb. 21), and Florida SouthWestern State College’s Observatory Public Session (Feb. 20), offering telescopes and expert guidance under darker skies for viewing constellations like Gemini and winter deep-sky objects.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR …
• Constellations: Look for Northern Hemisphere winter constellations like Gemini, Auriga, and Monoceros, plus Southern Hemisphere ones like Orion and Canis Major (home to Sirius).
• Deep-Sky Objects: The Clownface Nebula (planetary nebula) in Gemini is visible with binoculars or small telescopes.
• Planets and Clusters: Expect views of planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies through provided telescopes.
2025
SABAL SPRINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Jeffrey Duncan** (414) 852-9410
jeffduncansshoa@hotmail.com
Vice President: Kathy Kwaak* (817) 291-4746 kksabal506@gmail.com
Secretary: John Baas** (586) 876-1173 johnbbaas@gmail.com
Treasurer: Tom Triptow* (954) 868-2321 tltriptow@hotmail.com
Director: Linn Campbell* (682) 666-3923 linnsshoa1@gmail.com
*Terms expire in 2027; **Terms expire in 2026
RESOURCE
SABAL SPRINGS DIRECTORY
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
SABAL SPRINGS
Ron Czarnik, LCAM, Alliant Manager (239) 731-2191
Cyndee Viator, Alliant Administrative Assistant (239) 731-2191
Sabal Springs Golf Shop (239) 731-0101
Eagle’s Landing Restaurant (239) 360-7274
Gate House (239) 731-5552
Voice server for Gate House (239) 567-4147
Office email: sabalsprings.office@alliantproperty.com
Alliant Association Management 13831 Vector Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33907 (239) 454-1101
ASSISTANCE
Emergency 911 Sheriff (non-emergency) (239) 477-1000
Cable TV Xfinity (800) 266-2278
LCEC Electric (239) 656-2300
FGUA Water & Sewer (239) 533-8845
LCU (239) 543-1005
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Motor Vehicle Registration https://leetc.com/ Taxes https://leetc.com/ Voter Registration https://www.lee.vote/Voter-Resources/ How-do-I-register-to-Vote
VA https://www.va.gov/fort-myers-vet-center/
ARC (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Mary Zitek (Chair)
Larry Kiger (Vice Chair)
Sandy Cocca
Ron Frailly
Taren Grom
Joe Madison
Cathy Piper
Linda Sholette
Sue Dodge (alternate)
Building Maintenance
(BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Steve Enders
Carter Johnson
Common Area Maintenance
(BOD: John Baas)
Jeanne Hill
Communications (BOD: Linn Campbell)
Carol Duncan (Chair)
Gerry Arenstein
Cathy Bowen
Jeanine Clapp
Taren Grom
Tish Stencel
Compliance
(BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Patsy Clark (Co-Chair)
Carol Duncan (Co-Chair)
RESOURCE HUB
SABAL SPRINGS COMMITTEES
Dave Gehman
Pam Handlin
Bob Hawkins
Diane Hoak
Rich Manning
Sue Mattson
Arlene Roy
Wanda Thomas
Mary Vargo
Contract Review (BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Gene Campbell (Chair)
Colin Brandt
Gary Clapp
Bill Hare
David Love
Skip Martin
Bernie Zitek
Decorating (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Carol Duncan (Chair)
Peggy Gannon
Taren Grom
Bobbi Kemp
Jeanne Hill
Robyn Minich
Document (BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Scott Clark (Chair)
Gerry Arenstein
Bill Hare
EPC (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Linda Pechstein (Co-Chair)
Sharon Hunt (Co-Chair)
Jacque Armstrong
Carmella Manning
Rich Manning
Donna Milbee
Wanda Thomas
Linda Voto
Finance (BOD: Tom Triptow)
Susan Roberts (Chair)
Gerry Arenstein
Gary Clapp
Steve Enders
Fining (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Patsy Clark (Chair)
Diane Bloss
Mary Lou Collins
Geri Lane
Joe Madison
Rich Manning
Sue Matteson
Joyce Rhodes
Golf (BOD: Tom Triptow)
Scott Clark (Chair)
Gene Campbell
Patsy Clark
Robin Fritz
Lorretta Gehman
Donna Ireland
Russ Mattson
Sabal Springs Golf & Racquet Club
3410 Clubview Drive
Fort Myers, Florida 33917 (239) 731-0101
www.sabalspringshoa.net
Grants (BOD: Linn Campbell)
Sandy Cocca (Co-Chair)
Cathy Piper (Co-Chair)
Library (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Dee Dunphy (Chair)
Marsha Hausser
Carmella Manning
Sheri Weitner
Pool (BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Cheryl Taylor (Chair)
Cathy Bowen
Lori Dzielski
Susan Goyer
Geri Gregorio
Lauri Mansky
Signs (BOD: John Bass)
Linn Campbell (Chair)
Greg Costa
Tennis/Pickleball
(BOD: Jeffrey Duncan)
Peter Kwaak (Chair)
Greg Costa
Visionary (BOD: Kathy Kwaak)
Heather Lobdell (Chair)
Cathy Bowen
Kathy Buncich
Greg Costa
Susan Goyer
Taren Grom
Bill Hare
Gordan Knipe
Peter Kwaak
Lauri Mansky
Donna Milbee
Marty Toper
Welcome (BOD: John Baas)
Lanier Harrison (Co-Chair)
Jeanine Clapp (Co-Chair)
Diane Galante
After the election in February, new committee chairs and co-chairs will be named, and new committee members will be selected. Please watch for information regarding sign ups to volunteer. Thank you to all the chairs of all the committees and a great big thank you to everyone who signed up to assist Sabal Springs in all its community endeavors. 2025 was another great year here in Sabal Springs.
These listings, which are maintained by the S.S.H.O.A. office, will be updated as the committees continue to organize. Please notify the office of any changes or corrections by email or contacting the S.S.H.O.A. office at (239) 731-2191 as well as The Breeze at sabalspringsbreeze@gmail.com.
Room reservations (ALL) contact the S.S.H.O.A. office at (239) 731-2191. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARRANGE FOR ANY EVENT THAT INVOLVES NON-RESIDENTS, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO NOTIFY THE GATEHOUSE.