Stoneybrook U FEB 2026

Stoneybrook Happenings

DENIS OLDANI, HOA PRESIDENT

Greetings Neighbors,

Welcome to the peak of the Florida season! From the crack of the bat at JetBlue Park to the vibrant blooms in our backyards, there is no better time to be in Southwest Florida. As we move from February into March, our community is buzzing with activity. Here is what’s on the horizon for the next four weeks.

The “Grapefruit League” is in full swing! Whether you’re cheering for the Red Sox or the Twins in Fort Myers, or heading to Port Charlotte for the Rays, catch a spring training game before the season ends.

Feb. 28 – Burrowing Owl Festival: Head to Rotary Park in Cape Coral to celebrate our city’s famous underground residents.

March 7 – Pride Cape Coral: Don’t miss the parade and festivities in the South Cape district.

March 14 – SWFL Reading Festival: A great chance to meet bestselling authors at the Fort Myers Regional Library.

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day: Catch the parades at Fort Myers Beach or Naples. Be sure to arrive early, as these are some of the most popular events of the year!

The “Green Thumb” Corner

March is a transitional month for our Florida landscapes. Now that the threat of a rare frost has likely passed: Pruning: It is finally safe to trim back those hibiscus and bougainvillea to encourage new growth. Mulching: Refresh your garden beds now to help retain moisture as we enter the driest part of the spring.

Pre-Season Prep: It may be “dry season,” but now is the cheapest and easiest time to inspect your hurricane shutters and restock your emergency kits before the June rush.

NOTICE

All Book Club, Bingo, and Adult Activities are in print in the community center on the table for notices. Stop by to see what you are missing.

-Jewel Faerber

Wildlife Awareness: It’s nesting season for many of our local birds. Please keep a respectful distance from marked nesting areas on our beaches and in our parks.

Take advantage of the local farmers’ markets this month. Valencia oranges are at their peak sweetness right now, and Stone Crab season is still open through May—be sure to grab some local claws while they’re fresh!

Our community center landscaping project should be nearing completion of phase 2. Second quarter dues are due April 1.

Stay Safe.

Christmas Golf Cart Parade

Another fun turnout for our annual Christmas golf cart parade!! Our biggest turnout of people to ever watch on the main road this year! It’s such a good way to wrap up the holidays in our neighborhood! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons

The following Ladies’ luncheons have been scheduled.

Tuesday, February 10 at 11:30 a.m.

Nino’s Pizzeria and Restaurant 18767 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers, FL 33908

Tuesday, March 10 at 11:30 a.m.

Thai Udon Cafe

10952 Eagle Village Dr., Suite 400 Estero, FL 33928

You may sign up for all luncheons at the community center to have your name placed on the list.

If you sign up and later cannot attend, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

Carpooling is encouraged. If you have any questions or need a ride match please contact Kathy Tracy, ckt367@gmail.com.

MORNING STRETCH

Monday, Wednesday And Friday –

8 To 8:30 a.m. And 8:30 To 9 a.m.

There are two, half-hour stretch segments. It’s an excellent way to work all the different parts of the body while improving your balance, coordination and strength. It uses your own resistance as we strive for total body toning and fitness. Each class is a cross between tai chi, yoga and Pilates. This is a great class to achieve a full stretch.

You can come to one session or both, depending on what works for you. Come and join us!

For any questions call: Linda Masters, (740) 361-4088.

14th Annual Breaking Par For Education

Come enjoy the Luau Theme Gala at Grandezza on Sunday, March 22 and support Estero Education. You won’t want to miss the fun, delicious cuisine and the incredible live and silent auction items at this 14th Annual Breaking Par Gala. Happy Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. The students of LEAD Estero will provide a tropical paradise that is sure to please.

Jim Shields is Guest of Honor for this year’s event. Jim started Breaking Par for Education 14 years ago. His commitment to Estero and especially to Estero

Education is well known. He received the prestigious Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year award two years ago. Come honor him and what he has done for our community.

JIM SHIELDS IS THE GUEST OF HONOR FOR THE 2026 EVENT.

March 21 And 22

Secure your tickets today at this website LeadEstero.ejoinme.org/BreakingPar26

Tickets are $150 per person or bring your friends for a great night of fun and get table of 8 for $1,000. That’s a savings of $25 per person reducing the cost to $125 per person. Registrations can also be made online or by clicking on the QR code in the flyer below.

No need to come dressed in a costume for the event, but they are welcomed!

On Saturday, March 21, Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence at the Breaking Par Shotgun Golf Scramble starting at 8:30 a.m. Hit the green on the Grandezza links featuring lots of fun games and followed by lunch to announce the Tournament winners.

Come wearing your Red, White and Blue as we celebrate the Semiquincentennial.

Individual tickets are $150 but gather a foursome of friends for only $500. Registrations can be made online by clicking on the QR code in the flyer on page 15 or by visiting LeadEstero.ejoinme.org/BreakingPar26 .

For more information, please contact us at donate@leadestero.com or 239-7075418.

Both the Gala and Golf Tournament are produced by LEAD Estero with the support of host Engage Estero. All proceeds will fund LEAD Estero Educational Initiatives.

Breaking Par for Education over the past 13 years has produced a total net proceeds of $746,000. Thanks for your past and continued support. Come join us this year for a good time supporting a worthy cause.

SUCCESSFUL EVENTS.

THEME AS STUDENTS DRESSED LIKE HOLLYWOOD STARS, SUCH AS ELVIS

AND

GOLFERS PREPARE TO SINK A PUTT ON THE CLUB AT GRANDEZZA MANICURED GREENS DURING THE 2024 EVENT.

TLP Tidbit$

THOMAS L. PATRICCA, CFP ® , CEPS, AEP ®

WHEN “FAIR” ISN’T THE SAME AS “EQUAL”

One of the hardest conversations in family finance doesn’t involve markets, tax brackets, or retirement timelines. It sounds much simpler—and feels much heavier:

How do I divide my estate among my children in a way that’s fair?

You may be just as proud of your entrepreneur son as your social-worker daughter, yet it’s obvious their financial realities are very different. Perhaps one child struggled through medical issues or a career setback while another hit every rung of the success ladder. Maybe you quietly helped one child buy a home or start a business, while the others never needed assistance.

Now you’re thinking about leaving different amounts in your estate plan. It feels right. It also feels like stepping onto emotional thin ice.

The reality is that most parents don’t fear running out of money nearly as much as they fear creating resentment among their children. That fear is well-founded. Money carries symbolism. To children, inheritances can feel like a final report card on love, approval, and worth.

And yet, fairness doesn’t always look like symmetry.

In real families, lives diverge. Needs differ. Contributions vary. Treating every child identically may not always feel just. The mistake isn’t choosing an unequal distribution—it’s failing to prepare hearts for it.

The Power of Explanation

When parents say nothing, children supply their own explanations. Rarely are those generous.

“I must have disappointed Mom.” “Dad always favored her.” “I guess I mattered less.”

Psychologists who study family dynamics find that adult children can accept unequal treatment when they understand why it exists. When the reasoning is rooted in need, effort, or circumstance—and communicated with care—most people are remarkably reasonable. Without that context, even loving siblings can drift into suspicion and hurt.

That’s why transparency matters.

You don’t need to disclose exact dollar amounts at the dinner table. But you should share the principles guiding your decisions. Let your children know you’ve thought deeply about their individual lives and that your plan reflects that thoughtfulness, not favoritism.

Consider a parent with three adult children: one runs a thriving company, one teaches full-time while raising two kids alone, and one left a career to care for a disabled spouse. An even split may look tidy on paper, but it may not feel fair in practice. Explaining that your goal is to give each child a stable footing—not a matching number—can make all the difference.

If direct conversation feels overwhelming, a written letter to each child can help. It allows you to choose your words carefully, express your love clearly, and explain your reasoning without interruption. Those letters can accompany your estate plan or be shared during your lifetime.

Think in Terms of Impact, Not Math

Estate planning isn’t a spreadsheet exercise— it’s a human one.

Instead of asking, “How do I divide this equally?” try asking, “What impact will this have on each child’s life?” One child might use an inheritance to retire early. Another might finally escape financial stress. Another may pass it directly to their own children.

Sometimes equity means adjusting amounts. Other times it means adjusting assets. One child may benefit more from receiving a home; another from liquid investments; another from education funding for grandchildren. A meaningful

heirloom, business interest, or property can communicate value in ways that dollars alone cannot.

Fairness is measured not in percentages, but in outcomes.

Use a Guide If You Need One

If these conversations feel emotionally loaded—and they often are—consider involving a neutral professional, like a Certified Financial Planner®. CFPs® are trained to balance logic with empathy. They can help you frame the discussion, anticipate reactions, and keep the focus on your intentions rather than the numbers.

The wealth you leave behind represents decades of effort. With thoughtful planning and honest communication, it can become a bridge between generations instead of a wedge between siblings.

Your legacy isn’t just what you leave—it’s how your family feels when you’re remembered.

Published: February, 2026

TLP Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor.

THE NEWLY RENOVATED ESTERO LIBRARY

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO VISIT: COME AND BE AMAZED!

The Estero Library underwent renovations costing approximately $10.47 million, funded through the library’s Capital Improvement Budget. The updated design incorporates enhancements intended to benefit individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. The new entrance area provides easy, inviting access to the library’s interior. The transformation has been thoughtfully orchestrated and well designed.

The children’s area has been expanded to accommodate more families, reflecting Estero’s demographic growth. Larger service desks now help staff assist visitors more efficiently.

New easy-to-use technology is everywhere, and help is available if needed. The interior and exterior redo offers a friendly, inviting, and open ambience. It is now easier to find books thanks to new creative shelving and technology offerings.

The Improved mechanical and technological upgrades include:

ü 12 public PCs to share/use.

ü 6 study rooms.

ü 760 ft. programming room with areas for kids and teens.

ü Rooms to study, do research, and do homework with access to PCs, printers, and copiers.

Celebrating a Transformative Renovation

Despite taking months, the renovations have become a vital resource for Estero residents. Congratulations to everyone who contributed.

UPCOMING EVENTS TO WHICH EVERYONE IS CORDIALLY INVITED

The Don Eslick Person of the Year Award and Banquet at the Estero Country Club in The Vines, February 26 at 6 p.m.

The 2025 Recipient of the Award is Dr Larry Antonucci, President and Chief Operating Officer, Lee Health. Since 2017, he has led the Lee Health team in advancing healthcare across the greater Estero Area and Southwest Florida. Come and lend your support for all that has been achieved in our area by attending the gala dinner.

Join us to celebrate excellence in the Estero community. The program includes a performance by Quang Vo from FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts. He is an internationally award-winning pianist from Vietnam and a junior Piano Performance major at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he studies with Dr. Michael Baron.

For details and to register, go to: https:// esterotoday.com/2026award

SHAPING ESTERO’S FUTURE! MARCH 17 PUBLIC FORUM AT FGCU ’ S COHEN STUDENT UNION BALLROOM (SECOND FLOOR) AT 5 P.M.

Engage Estero is hosting a free public forum to help residents understand the plans and ideas being considered to keep Estero a leading municipality for businesses and residents. Prominent Estero leaders will be on the Forum Panel—details to be announced soon. Join us for this critical Public Forum, where your voice will help shape the direction of our community.

The forum is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. You can reserve your spot on the Engage Estero website at https:// esterotoday.com/event/march2026/

ROADWAY TRANSFORMATIONS:

CORKSCREW

ROAD EXPANSION

One of the most significant long-term public works projects is the widening of Corkscrew Road—a multi-phase effort to improve mobility as the corridor’s population grows:

Phase 1 – Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to Bella Terra

Phase 1, already completed, widened Corkscrew Road to six lanes in some segments and four lanes in others. This included adding bike lanes, sidewalks, drainage upgrades, and an early wildlife crossing to improve safety and connectivity.

Phase 2 – Bella Terra to Alico Road

Construction is underway (2024–2026) to widen this segment to four lanes with a landscaped median, new signalization (completed at the Alico Road intersection), utility upgrades, and stormwater infrastructure, including retention ponds. Motorists can expect occasional lane shifts, trucks hauling materials, and active construction zones through spring 2026.

FUTURE CORKSCREW ROAD PHASES

Based on local transportation planning:

• Phase 3 is planned to widen Corkscrew Road from Alico Road east to Verdana Village, with construction currently projected to begin in the early 2030s.

• Phase 4 would expand Corkscrew Road from Verdana Village to the Kingston development area, with timing yet to be finalized.

• In addition, widening may occur west of I-75 to Three Oaks Parkway to accommodate even more growth. These projects are part of Lee County’s and the Lee MPO’s long-range transportation planning.

CONNECTIVITY BEYOND CORKSCREW ROAD

Improving the corridor doesn’t stop with one road. Other planned and studied transportation elements include:

• I-75 Widening: The Florida Department of Transportation has plans to widen Interstate 75 through Collier and Lee counties starting in 2026, which is expected to improve regional connectivity and reduce congestion for Corkscrew Road commuters.

• North–South Connector (State Road 951 Corridor): Lee County has studied a potential north–south arterial east of Corkscrew Road. While feasibility work is

underway, residents and communities have mixed interests, and planning parties are examining optimal routing.

More information about the developments along East Corkscrew will be provided in a more extensive Summary Document to be released by Engage Estero shortly. Sign up for our email communications by going to www.esterotoday.com.

“WHEN” NOT “IF”

Monthly Motivation

JOSHUA A. SKY, CAREER COACH AND LEADERSHIP TRAINER

When we use the word “if” in our vocabulary, we are bringing in the possibility of something not occurring; and this has a foundation in doubt. When you are speaking or simply thinking about what you want, consider choosing the word “when” instead.

It’s a simple difference but look at the impact of the use of the latter rather than the former.

When I have that. When this comes. When I do this. When I am there. When this happens.

The word “when” suggests certainty that something will happen rather than offering the possibility that it may not. It empowers the possibility and encourages the existence.

Choose your words carefully to strengthen your confidence and help bring about the changes you want to see around you.

“When your intention is clear, so is the way.” – Alan Cohen

LOST PET SCAMS

From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...

To those who adore their furry family members, a missing or lost pet is devastating and heartbreaking.

With it comes a feeling of helplessness and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to be reunified with your pet.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office maintains regular and consistent contact with our local animal shelters and has received disturbing information regarding a scam that has been occurring.

A number of individuals who had posted a lost/missing pet on the “Find My Pet Portal” and/or on social media have received calls stating that their pet has been found and, in some cases, injured.

By “spoofing” the Caller ID number, these scammers have made it appear that they are calling from local animal shelters.

The scammer indicates that the pet requires emergency surgery and that

the pet owner must send payment immediately. They generally ask that the money be sent via payment apps such as Zelle and Venmo.

While we highly encourage the use of all available resources to find a missing pet, we ask that those receiving these calls do not send payment in any form.

Report these incidents to local law enforcement.

Bonita Springs – Estero Christian Women’s Connection

INVITES YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS TO OUR ANNUAL AUCTION!

Friday, March 13, 2026 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd., Estero, FL 33928

Auction preview begins at 10:45 a.m.

Luncheon cost: $37 inclusive

*Reservations and cancellations must be received by Wednesday, March 4. Sorry, reservations after the deadline cannot be accepted.

*Tables assigned for all guests. To be seated with friends, *submit all names and checks together, plus contact name, phone number, any food allergies and protein dislikes.

*Mail checks payable to BSECWC to: BSECWC, 20071 Seagrove St., #1003, Estero, FL 33928.

Call Nancy with questions at (520) 904-2913. Checks must be received by the deadline!

The event may sell out so reserve early!

Special Feature

“Bucks for Baskets” Auction and Fundraiser!

Come with a bundle of $1 bills and take away treasures valued at so much more! Pay no more than $3 for any winning basket, each creatively arranged with a theme! Have even more fun by bringing your checkbook to purchase a “Paddle Pass” (day of event only) and then bid on ALL baskets at a reduced price! It’s fast! It’s fun! And anyone can be a winner with a lucky paddle number!

Guest Speaker

Nancy Self speaks in a relatable way, sharing her story … “Choosing to hang on to peace when your heart is at war.”

Stonecroft Bible Study

Form new and meaningful friendships in an informal small group to study how the Bible applies to real life.

Call Sharon at (239) 410-9945 for information and location.

Prayer And Fellowship Connection

Join us from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month for fellowship, light breakfast, short topical lesson, and prayer, audible or silent. Call Nancy at (908) 581-5623 for location.

Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries Website: cwcflorida.org Facebook.com/BSECWC

Catch The Action

CAPT. BILL RUSSELL

FEBRUARY ON THE WATER

The transition from winter season often changes early in Southwest Florida. Spring will not officially arrive until mid-March, however on the water we are generally appreciating the change of seasons by early to mid-February.

Lack of rain through the winter months plus cool water temperatures give us the clearest water of the year. Yes, it may still get stirred up after a windy day or two, but the clarity returns quickly. Also, there are many days with negative low tides, this combination is my favorite time to explore new fishing grounds on a bright and sunny day.

My best word of advice is if you go exploring, do it at the end of a falling tide and plan to use the rising water to explore new areas. Unless you are a seasoned boater and know the local waters and your boat’s limitations, take it slow. If you get too shallow and begin to ground your boat, you should be able to push it off or the rising water will have you floating soon.

If you take the time to learn an area of water and your boat’s limitations during these lower tides, the rest of the year should be a breeze. It’s always better to explore over

sunny days and polarized sunglasses are a must to cut down glare on the water’s surface. This is also a great month for kayak and canoe anglers to take advantage of the lower tides and get to places most boats cannot.

For fishing, we can expect a mix of winter and spring conditions, and possibly the best of both. Sheepsheads are in their winter spawn, with big fish schooling near the gulf passes, beaches, and nearshore reefs. Shrimp is the preferred bait, along with sheepsheads; you can hook black and red drum, pompano, flounder, and other tasty bottom dwellers.

For many of us, as the water warms into the 70s, we are back to live bait fishing. This means getting on the water early as the sun comes up, chumming the flats, and throwing a cast net. False pilchards or scaled sardines is our target. With a live well of fresh caught frisky baits, good things can open.

Just as bait moves in with the warming water, the larger fish also show up. What and where really depends on water temperature. Large sea trout are often the first to arrive around inshore waters followed by redfish and snook. Spanish mackerel and bluefish follow the bait inshore

and are often running in schools. Sharks and cobia also make an appearance. If mild, it’s possible for the first tarpon schools of the season to arrive in gulf waters a short distance off the beaches.

Bottom fishing nearshore reefs can yield a mixed bag of many species that may include sheepsheads, snapper, grunts, pompano, permit, grouper, and others. Cobia, barracuda, sharks, king and Spanish

mackerel are prowling nearshore waters as well.

February is one of the busiest months in Southwest Florida with traffic congestion and crowds everywhere. On the water it’s less hectic and way more relaxing. Given the choice of a day fighting the crowds or on the water fighting fish is an easy pick. I believe most would choose a relaxed day on the water every time. Get out there and enjoy our great outdoors!

For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com , email: gcl2fish@live.com .

Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 30 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”

Bonita Springs Concert Band

FEBRUARY 22, RIVERSIDE PARK, 4 P.M.

GUEST VOCALIST: GINNA CLAIRE MASON

The Bonita Springs Concert Band will present its February concert on Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m. at Riverside Park in Old Bonita. The band’s very special guest vocalist will be Ginna Claire Mason from the Broadway musical Wicked and the Hallmark Channel.

Ginna Claire will sing “Rogers and Hammerstein Salute.”

The band will play The Beach Boys Greatest Hits, “Ain’t Misbehaving’,” and “The Old Grumbly Bear.”

Ginna Claire is most well-known for her roles in Hallmark Channel’s A Holiday Spectacular (2022), A Heidelberg Holiday (2023) and A Carol for Two (2024). She also starred as Glinda in Wicked in a multi-year run on Broadway. Mason grew up in Nashville, Tenn., and is now based in New York City.

Members of the band are under the direction of Gary Smith who retired after 24 years as conductor of the University of Illinois Marching Illini Band and Symphonic Band. Gary says, “The talent of these musicians is tremendous, ranging in age from 16 to 90.”

Become a “Friend of the Band.” Find out more at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.org. The concert will also be replayed later in the week on Facebook at bonitaspringsconcertband.

Bring your family and friends with a lawn chair February 22 at 4 p.m. at Riverside Park.

SEEKING MAH-JONGG AND PINOCHLE PLAYERS!

Hellen will teach mah-jongg. Anthony will teach pinochle. If interested, please call Hellen at (239) 247-0756 or Anthony at (239) 247-0736.

RESOURCE HUB

STONEYBROOK OF ESTERO

STONEYBROOK MASTER ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President:

Denis Oldani

Vice President:

Melissa Mahmoud

Secretary:

Daniel “Todd” Madden

Treasurer:

John Detterbeck

Directors:

Darrell Grigg

Matthew Reed

Elizabeth Hanson

The Board of Directors meets on the third Tuesday of the month in the Community Center. Meetings are open to all community members. Residents may address the Board during Residents’ Open Forum which begins at 6:30 p.m. At the end of the Residents’ Forum the general meeting begins.

Front Gate

STONEYBROOK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

DISTRICT (CDD) BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Eileen Huff - Chairperson

Chris Brady - Vice Chairperson

Phil Olive - Assistant Secretary

Phil Simonsen - Assistant Secretary

Adam Dalton - Assistant Secretary

The Board of Supervisors meets at 9 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Community Center. Exceptions are: November and December held on the second Tuesday because of holidays, and February, May, June and August held at 6 p.m. Meetings are open to all community members. Agendas, minutes and other information can be found on the CDD website: www.stoneybrookesterocdd.com.

STONEYBROOK – A GOLF COMMUNITY

949-4965

DwellingLIVE Guest Registration(888) 994-4117

Community Center 948-1787

Community Center Fax 948-1786

Pro Shop 948-3933

Golf Course Superintendent 948-9057

Main Line Irrigation Problems – during normal golfing hours 948-9057

Alliant Property Management LLC 454-1101

Alliant Property Management Fax 454-1147

Lennar (formerly US Home) 278-1177

Lee County Sheriff’s Office 477-1200

Poison Control (800) 222-1222

Alligator Hotline (866) 392-4286

Animal Control 432-2083

Mosquito Control 694-2174

Comcast 432-9277

Florida Power & Light

334-7754

Lee County Utilities 936-0247 – to report “Lift Station” alarm 479-8700

Sunshine Before You Dig (800) 432-4770 (Underground Cable Locating Service)

Waste Services of Florida 332-8500

Free Residential Appliance Pickup 337-0800

– please do not dispose in community Dumpsters

MASTER BOARD

Contact us on the Home page on the Website: www.stoneybrookestero.org

ALLIANT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC

Emergency (24-hour) Number: (239) 454-1101

www.alliantproperty.com 13831 Vector Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907

COMMUNITY CENTER

E-mail: stoneybrook.office@alliantproperty.com