Stoneybrook Happenings
DENIS OLDANI, HOA PRESIDENT
Greetings Neighbors,
We are officially entering that “sweet spot” of the Southwest Florida calendar. The mornings are crisp, the jasmine is in bloom, and while the traffic on US-41 reminds us we’re still in peak season, there is no better place to be than Estero in the springtime. Whether you are here yearround or preparing to head north soon, this month is all about soaking up the best of the Gulf Coast.
March and April are packed with activity. As Spring Training winds down, make sure to catch a final Red Sox or Twins game before the end of the month. Looking ahead, keep an eye out for local Easter egg hunt and Passover celebrations happening throughout Bonita Springs and Estero. The Stoneybrook Easter Eggstravaganza is Saturday, March 28 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the community center. It features crafts, a bake sale, pictures with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo and egg hunt.
The community center landscaping project should be nearing completion if not already complete. As a reminder, second quarter assessments are due April 1.
For our seasonal residents, we aren’t saying goodbye just yet, but now is the time to start your “departure checklist.” Ensure you’re AC humidistats are set correctly, and your contact information is updated on the association website before you fly the coop!
Before the humidity of May arrives, mid-March is the ideal time to refresh your mulch and prune your bougainvillea. Check your irrigation timers now. As the temperatures rise toward the high 80s, your lawn will need that consistent hydration before the afternoon summer rains take over. It feels early, but beating the June 1 rush for batteries, water, and shutter inspections is a “Florida Pro” move.
Now is the time to enjoy outdoor dining at the Coconut Point or Miromar pizzerias and bistros before the heat moves us all indoors. If you’re cooking at home, the local farmers’ markets are currently overflowing with peakseason strawberries and citrus.
To avoid the Spring Break rush, try to run your errands at the Miromar Outlets or Gulf Coast Town Center before 10:30 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Your sanity will thank you!
Stay safe.
Coffee, Tea & Chat
Our Coffee, Tea & Chat recently celebrated the excitement of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy. There was lively conversation, Olympic spirit, and great company. It was a fun and festive morning.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Dynamic Mobile Rehab, whose support makes these gatherings possible.
Stoneybrook Ladies’ Luncheons
The following ladies’ luncheons have been scheduled:
Tuesday, March 10, at 11:30 a.m.
Thai Udon Cafe
10952 Eagle Village Drive, Suite 400
Fort Myers, FL 33913
Tuesday, April 14 at 11:30 a.m.
Hooked Island Grill
9924 Gulf Coast Main St., Suite 130
Fort Myers, FL 33913
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. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Tracy, ckt367@gmail.com.
We meet in our library. As always, all are welcome to participate in the discussion. If you did not read the book, a printed summary of the book is given out before our discussions. If you have read a book that you think we would enjoy reading, please bring the title and the author’s name. We are always looking for new novels to read.
Book Club 2026
JEWEL FAERBER
Please email Jewel at jcf0519@comcast.net so we will know how many people plan to attend.
Our book club will meet the third Monday of every month from 11 a.m to 12 p.m. in the community center. Our next meeting will be Monday, March 16. The book is Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok.
Engage Estero is pleased to announce two extremely important upcoming meetings. On March 17 at 5 p.m., we have the Public Forum that will address where “Estero is headed? What will our Future be like? Details below.
Then, on April 17 at the Estero Recreation Center, we have a review of our Road Infrastructure and how that is going to play out in the coming years, plus the latest on the I-75 expansion. You cannot afford to miss either meeting if you want to stay updated on the issues.
THE MARCH 17 MEETING
Engage Estero’s Public Forum
Shaping Estero’s Future: A Public Forum on Our Community’s Tomorrow
March 17, 2026, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
FGCU Cohen Student Union Ballroom, 2nd Floor
The forum offers a collaborative opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Estero’s future and ask questions, thereby clarifying the issues that will shape Estero’s growth, development, infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life.
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. Join us for this critical Public Forum, where your voice will help shape the direction of our community.
During the Meeting, We Will Examine:
ü Growth & Development Plans
ü Village Collaborations with FGCU
ü Arts & Culture Expansion
ü Support for Entrepreneurs
ü Our Future Healthcare Services
ü Workforce Housing Implementation
ü Annexation prospects
ü Education (schools and teacher retention)
ü Traffic & Infrastructure
ü Community Values
ü Environmental Issues & Water Quality
ü Resilience /Protection
Our panel of experts will include:
• David Hoffmann, Founder and Chairman of the Hoffmann Group of Companies.
• Aysegül Timur, Ph.D., President of Florida Gulf Coast University
• Chris Simoneau, Lee Health’s Chief Development, Marketing & Communications Officer
• Steve Sarkozy, The Village of Estero’s Manager
The plan for the evening:
• Each panelist will deliver a 10-minute reflection on what they see as the key factors shaping Estero’s future.
• Questions submitted by the public and forwarded to Engage Estero leadership will be grouped to help the panelists cover the main points more efficiently.
• The public will have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions they feel haven’t been addressed, followed by a final comment from the panelists.
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/
THE APRIL 17 MEETING
Don’t Miss this Very Important Traffic Update Meeting!!
On April 17 at 10 a.m., 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.
14th Annual Breaking Par for Education, March 21 & 22.
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.
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 a 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 attached flyer.
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 attached flyer 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 $746,000. Thanks for your past and continued support. Come join us this year for a good time supporting a worthy cause.
FIRST QUARTER (TIME TO ASSESS?)
Monthly Motivation
JOSHUA A. SKY, CAREER COACH AND LEADERSHIP TRAINER
We are now completing the first quarter for 2026 and if you are like me, it’s time to review quarterly goals.
Checking the progress on annual goals is crucial to evaluating if we are on track and heading in the right direction. Goals that are set several months in advance may need to be realigned depending on the current climate. If something was relevant then, is it still? Are there obstacles that need to be overcome; and if so, how? Are there new opportunities that we didn’t foresee at the onset?
Take the time to review and adjust as needed. By doing so, we ensure that our goals remain relevant and attainable as circumstances evolve, setting ourselves up for meaningful progress in the months ahead.
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” – Confucius
TLP Tidbit$
THOMAS L. PATRICCA, CFP ® , CEPS, AEP ®
YOUR TAX RETURN IS TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING
Every spring, most people treat their tax return like a task to finish and forget. File it, sign it, move on.
But a tax return isn’t just paperwork—it’s a financial diagnostic. It quietly shows where things are working, where they’re drifting, and where opportunities may be hiding.
Certified Financial Planners® don’t view a return as the end of tax season. We see it as the starting point for smarter planning.
WHAT YOUR TAX RETURN MAY BE TELLING YOU
“Why Did I Owe This Year?” Frustrating—but incredibly useful. It can reveal:
• Under-withholding or estimated payments that missed the mark
• Rising income that hasn’t been incorporated into planning
• Investment gains that weren’t coordinated with tax strategy
• A retirement income plan that isn’t tax-efficient
In short: Life changed, but the plan didn’t catch up yet.
“My Income Is Higher Than I Realized.” This happens often—and it matters more than most people think. Higher income can affect:
• Medicare premium surcharges later (IRMAA)
• Social Security taxation
• Qualified dividends capital gains rates
• Eligibility for credits and deductions
None of these come with flashing warning signs—but they’re embedded in the numbers.
“Nothing Really Changed… But We’re Paying More.” Usually, something did change:
• Required minimum distributions began
• Bonuses or stock compensation increased
• Investment income grew
• A new phase of retirement income started
The return captures those shifts, even when they don’t feel obvious
“We Had A Big Refund…Again.” Nice—but worth a closer look. It may mean:
• Cash flow could be optimized during the year
• Roth opportunities were missed
• Charitable or gifting strategies weren’t used efficiently
• You gave the IRS an interestfree loan
A refund feels good. A smarter plan feels better.
What CFPs® Actually Look For Most people think a tax return answers one question:
“What Do I Owe?” We look for much more:
• Are we positioned correctly for retirement income?
• Are Roth conversions worth considering?
• Are investments aligned with current tax brackets?
• Are risks forming that won’t show up for several years?
A return is a snapshot—but it also shows direction.
A Note About Multi-Generational Planning
Many clients first come to us as parents. Over time, their adult children—often married with families of their own—become clients, as well.
Each relationship is confidential and planned independently. Parents and adult children
Bingo Nights
aren’t planning “together”—they’re each making decisions within their own financial lives, income levels, and priorities.
That means:
• A parent nearing retirement may face distribution and Medicare decisions
• An adult child may be navigating peak earning years, equity comp, and youngfamily planning
• Both may have tax opportunities at the same time—but for completely different reasons
JEWEL FAERBER AND THE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
JEWEL’S EMAIL: JCF0519@COMCAST.NET
Reminder: Please email Jewel if you are attending so we can distance the tables. If we do not get 20 people, bingo will be canceled.
2026- BINGO
Upcoming dates are:
March 12, March 26
April 9, April 23
May 14
From 7 to 9 p.m. in the Stoneybrook Clubhouse.
• $15 for 3 cards/game. We play 10 double games.
• Daubers are available for purchase at $1.00 each.
• BYOB and snacks.
• 18-plus years of age only (Florida state law)
A tax return helps us guide each household appropriately, based on their own plan.
A client recently hired us just to prepare and file their tax return. While preparing the return, we noticed:
• A capital gain that shifted their bracket
• A Roth opportunity worth exploring
• Income levels that could affect future Medicare premiums
Nothing was “wrong.” But several smart decisions were waiting to be made. That’s the real value of reviewing the return through a planning lens.
One Simple Action Step
If you do one thing this month, don’t file your return and forget it. Use it. Your tax return can help guide decisions about:
• income timing
• investments
• retirement strategy
• tax planning for the year ahead
The best time to plan for taxes … is right after you see them.
Consider Hiring A CFP®
Find a CFP®, send them a copy of your return, and ask them to do a brief planning scan.
No forms. No pressure. Just a conversation about:
• opportunities you might be missing
• risks that may be forming
• and how everything fits into your plan going forward
For many clients, this short review becomes one of the most valuable conversations of the year.
Your tax return is already telling a story.
We’re here to help interpret what it means for what comes next.
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.
Bonita Springs Concert Band Presents Free Concert With Guest Vocalist
James Jones On March 22
The Bonita Springs Concert Band invites the community to enjoy a free outdoor concert on Saturday, March 22, at 4 p.m., at Riverside Park in historic downtown Bonita Springs.
The concert will feature guest vocalist James Jones, who will perform Al Jarreau’s soulful favorite Step by Step and Cab Calloway’s legendary crowd-pleaser Minnie the Moocher. These selections promise an engaging mix of jazz, swing, and popular music that audiences of all ages will enjoy.
Also appearing is guest conductor Tim Yontz, who will lead the band for this special performance.
Known for its high musical standards and audiencefriendly programs, the Bonita Springs Concert Band continues its tradition of presenting wonderful live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a friend and enjoy an afternoon of great music in the park.
The concert is free and open to the public.
WHAT
Bonita Springs Concert Band Free Concert WHEN Saturday, March 22, 4 p.m.
WHERE
Riverside Park, Old Bonita
FEATURED ARTISTS
• Guest Vocalist: James Jones
• Guest Conductor: Tim Yontz
ADMISSION
Admission is free.
FIND OUT MORE
For concert updates, weather information, and future performances, visit the Bonita Springs Concert Band’s website and social media pages, or check local community event listings.
TAX REFUND SCAMS
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...
As some of us prepare to gather our tax documents and file our returns, it is important to be aware of the start of “tax refund scam season.”
Much like the arrival of spring, this time of year generates annual fraudulent behavior.
Should you be anticipating a tax refund, know that there are unscrupulous individuals hoping to steal that refund.
Texts and emails appearing to originate from the IRS or other governmental offices will indicate that your refund has been “processed” or “approved” or “pending additional information.”
MORNING STRETCH
Monday, Wednesday And Friday –
8 To 8:30 a.m. And 8:30 To 9 a.m.
You are prompted to click on a link that will request a social security number…bank account information … date of birth.
Never respond … never.
Be aware that the IRS and/or state tax offices will not reach out to you via text, through email or on social media.
Report fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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.
Catch The Action
CAPT. BILL RUSSELL
MARCH ON THE WATER
With record cold weather over the past couple months behind us we can look forward to warmer days. With luck, March will kick the pattern as we exit winter and move into spring. Spring fishing is looked upon as some of the best of the year with a wide variety of species willing to bend a rod. As days get longer and warmer, the water temperature rises. Schooling baitfish returns after seeking warmer weather over the winter. This is a combination that rings the dinner bell for fish along our coastal waters.
The winter sheepsheads’ run will come to a close over the month. As they complete their spawning duties, they disperse to who knows where. There’s still a good chance to hook big ones around inshore structure and nearshore reefs, especially early in the month. Inshore, catching pompano is a possibility when fishing with shrimp or small pompano jigs.
Spanish mackerel are a fun target as they are ferocious feeders, fast, and great fighters. Prepared fresh, they offer excellent table fare that’s often overlooked. For me, they are the perfect fish when looking for fun and action. When mackerels are present, odds are good that sharks are nearby; sharks love snacking on mackerels.
This month kicks off snook fishing along our coastal waters. Water temperature is critical for snook, too cold and they are often dormant. As the water rises to 70 degrees or above and holds, we can look for snook to become active, on the move, and hungry. Like many of our game fish, as the water warms their primary diet becomes oily baitfish.
With the arrival of baitfish and warming water, big trout become common catches. Many of our largest sea trout of the year are caught this month. Trout are in their first and largest spawn cycle of the year, look for the bigger fish to get aggressive and hungry.
Following months of daytime low tides and often not much water to navigate, our first spring high tides begin. Higher tides allow for good opportunities to target redfish along mangrove shorelines and over oyster bars. Early morning low tides also allow anglers a great opportunity at tailing redfish over the shallow flats.
Offshore, on days the weather allows there are good opportunities for a variety of fish including reef dwellers like snapper, grouper, grunts, porgies, sheepsheads, and others. Schools of fast-moving Spanish
and king mackerel, plus false albacore, or bonito and even some blackfin tuna are making their way up the coast and busting up any schooling baitfish they encounter. Keep an eye out for tripletail around buoys or floating debris and don’t be surprised if a big cobia makes his presence around your boat while bottom fishing. Fishing around one of the many public artificial reefs is always a good choice for a variety of fish.
Early season tarpon begin to show off the beaches, to the southern part of our region slowly making their way up the coast. Tarpon hook-ups are possible inshore as the waters warm over the month.
March is a month where anything is possible, and you should always expect the unexpected. We generally have some cool and windy days, but they will be offset with great weather as we break into the spring season.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting www.myfwc.com . Also, upload the Fish Rules app to your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish.
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 – Estero Christian Women’s Connection
INVITES YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS TO OUR ANNUAL SPRING FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON!
Friday, April 10, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd., Estero, FL 33928
Luncheon Cost: $47 inclusive
*Reservations and cancellations must be received by Wednesday, April 1. Sorry, reservations after the deadline cannot be accepted.
*Tables will be 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. Mail to: BSECWC, 20071 Seagrove St., #1003, Estero, FL 33928.
• Call Nancy with questions at (520) 904-2913. Checks must be received to reserve!
Special Feature
“What’s Buzzin’?”
Grand Central Honey in Naples will join us today!
You’re invited to learn about the essential and incredible importance of bees and all they offer us! A variety of Bee Products will be available for purchase. You’ll be buzzin’!!
Guest Speaker
Debbie Forney shares her story with us … “Filling the Hole in Your Soul” Her book will be available for purchase.
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 the third Wednesday of each month 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for fellowship, light breakfast, short topical lesson, and prayer, audible or silent. Lunch often follows!
Call Nancy at (908) 581-5623 for location.
Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries Website: cwcflorida.org
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