Verandah DEC 2025

DECEMBER 2025

Time to Make an Appointment with Comcast

Comcast is standing by to make an appointment to connect your home’s television and internet to Verandah’s new fiber optic system. Over the summer Comcast began to connect homes in Verandah to the new system and if you have not already done so it is time! To date, more than 60% of the community has been connected to the fiber optic network.

As a part of these network enhancements, the equipment inside and outside of your home will need to be updated to avoid an interruption to your Xfinity services. Please call 1-833-501-1928 to schedule a free appointment with a technician to update your equipment at no additional cost. Once Xfinity completes your in-home installation, you will begin receiving fiber service. Please know that:

• Someone must be present in your home for the installation and prepared to answer questions the technician may have

• The installation of new equipment takes a few hours, and (barring unforeseen complications) the technician will not leave until everything is working properly

• The installation service and the equipment provided to all Verandah homes is free

If you encounter any issues with making an appointment, with the installation process, or experience service issues following your installation appointment, please call the Verandah Community Association Office (239-694-6358).

Production Directors

Stephen Miller

Elizabeth Miller

Sales Department

Tom English

Margo Williams

Laura Berrio

Bret McCormick

Miranda Ledbeter

Alyssa Debban

Justein Matthias

Anissa Stender

Webmaster

Selina Koehler

Production Manager

Lee Nostrant

Production Department

Elaine Donholt

Ruth Nekoranec

Katie Heystek

Dianne Strout

Michelle Feeney

Andie Reynolds

www.seabreezecommunications.com

The Verandah View is a publication of the VCA. We work with Seabreeze Communications, a marketing company whose advertising provides the revenue to produce the View at no cost to the Verandah community. The content is prepared by the VCA Communications Committee.

Elizabeth Lynch, Editor

Alice Borowsky

Stephanie Levin

Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including xerography and photocopying is forbidden without the written permission of the Publisher.

The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed unsuitable for publication.

Susan Shamey

Norm Toback

David Keeley, Board Liaison

BJ Perkins Joins the VCA Board of Directors

The Verandah Community Association is pleased to welcome BJ Perkins as its newest board member. BJ and her husband Jeff have been proud residents of Sabal Point for over two and a half years, having relocated from Aurora, IL after raising their two sons, Anthony (31) and Nicolas (28), in Eden Prairie, MN.

Since settling in Verandah, BJ has embraced the community wholeheartedly, forming lasting friendships through golf and the club, and actively engaging with neighbors.

BJ currently works for Optum, a division of United HealthCare, where she has served for over 16 years. She oversees Federal Mental Health Parity, State Mandate, and

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Federal Regulation work, as well as the Behavioral Health component of the Exchange program.

BJ brings a wealth of leadership experience to the board. She has held numerous board and volunteer roles in youth sports, church, and school organizations, including a decade-long tenure with the Eden Prairie Hockey Association and three years as President of the Eden Prairie High School Booster Club. During her time in Aurora, she also served as President of her neighborhood homeowners association for five years, where she successfully negotiated vendor contracts and balanced community needs with fiscal responsibility.

BJ is passionate about maintaining the high standards and welcoming spirit that make Verandah such a special place to live. We look forward to her contributions to our community.

Verandah Community University Presents

THE RIVER HOUSE 4-5:30 PM MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

You may not know that Verandah has twelve beehives which produce our very own signature honey. Paul Shannon, our apiarist, has a twentyyear career in beekeeping, and what started out as a hobby became his passion. That passion encouraged him to start his own company, Strictly Beesness, and he’s been working with bees ever since.

Mr. Shannon will explain the importance of bees to the world, and what hard work happens each day in a beehive. Being a Queen Bee, a Worker Bee, Busy as a Bee, and Bears Love Honey are not cliches.

Did you know that a hive has 20,000 to 40,000 bees, and that it takes around 30,000 bees more than two months to make enough nectar for ONE teaspoon of honey? Actually, bees provide over 1/3 of the world’s food production, help in medical and

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Presents Paul Shannon, Verandah’s Apiarist

economic research, and are full of nutrients essential to humans and plants alike.

Mr. Shannon works diligently to make sure our bees are happy and working hard to make our Verandah Honey and he assures us that our honey is made only with Verandah bees. Our bees are living happily and safely by the nature path towards Buckingham Road. You can see the hives, but don’t get too close!

Look out for more information coming soon about Mr. Shannon’s presentation. You’ll be(e) happy to attend his VCU event.

Oh, and stop by the Pro Shop for your own jar of Verandah Honey!

Let’s Grow Verandah Gardening Series

There was a good turnout for the Landscape Committee’s sponsored presentation on Bromeliads. Matthew Bagley from Bonita Bromeliads Nursery led the presentation offering insights for selecting bromeliads for your garden.

All bromeliads are New World plants, except for one found in Africa. They evolved from swamp plants in the age of dinosaurs. There are two major divisions: terrestrial and epiphytes (air plants). Spanish moss (an epiphyte) is the smallest bromeliad. There are 16 native species, all are epiphytes and all are protected.

Below are some general guidelines that hopefully will help with your selection and maintenance of these native plants.

• Light conditions: Although a few can tolerate afternoon sun, most bromeliads do well in shade, dappled sun, morning sun. You can condition some “shade” bromeliads by gradual exposure to sun.

• Growing medium: They can be in the ground or potted. If potted, many gardeners use a mixture of mulch/peatmoss /perlite. Matt generally uses mulch, either 100% cypress or pine bark mulch. NO Styrofoam.

• Fertilizer: Generally, it’s not necessary, but you can use a slow release 7-2-14 if you

wish. Be careful not to have too much phosphorous or nitrogen. Sprinkle around the soil, not in the cup.

Two of Matt’s favorite bromeliads are the Copper Penny and Carcharodon Rainbow.

Retiring Board Member Linda Lach

The Verandah Community Association extends our sincere thanks to Linda Lach for her two years of dedicated service on the VCA Board of Directors and for her thoughtful work as Chair of the Communications Committee and then Board liaison to the Landscape Committee. Linda’s steady participation, follow-through, and willingness to work through many issues affecting the community have contributed meaningfully to the Association’s decisions and to the daily appearance of our shared environment. A few of Linda’s projects

include major renovations of the beds at River Village Way and the Oak Bend intersection as well as lighting the Oaks at both entrance gates. We are grateful for the time, care, and judgment she invested on behalf of her fellow homeowners.

A Guide to Verandah’s Native Birds

THE MIMIC OF VERANDAH: THE NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

If you’ve ever been serenaded on an early morning walk through Verandah or paused on your lanai to hear a medley of whistles, trills, and chirps that sound like several birds

in one, you’ve likely met our talented neighborhood performer—the Northern Mockingbird. (*).

Mockingbirds are among the most recognizable and entertaining birds in Verandah. Perched high on a palm frond, rooftop, or streetlight, they sing with gusto—sometimes for hours. Mockingbirds will borrow tunes from other birds, frogs, and even cell phone ringtones! Their scientific name, Mimus polyglottos , literally means many-tongued mimic, an apt description for their astonishing vocal range.

While many birds’ songs go quiet after spring breeding season, mockingbirds in Florida often sing year-round thanks to our mild climate. Their songs serve multiple purposes—attracting mates, defending territory, and simply announcing their presence. Males are the more persistent singers, but females can be heard too, especially during nesting season when both parents are busy defending their turf.

Mockingbirds are fiercely territorial and will bravely dive at crows, hawks, and even the occasional unsuspecting golfer who wanders

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too close to their nest. Yet when not protecting their young, they are graceful foragers, hopping across lawns or landscaped beds in search of insects, berries, and fruit.

They have soft gray plumage on top with a paler underside and distinct white patches on the wings and outer tail feathers that flash when in flight. When they spread their wings or flick their tails, those bright white accents catch the eye, a display believed to help startle insects or warn intruders.

Mockingbirds typically build their nests in dense shrubs or small trees, often three to ten feet off the ground—just high enough to keep their young safe from predators

but low enough to watch closely. You can spot several nests in the Shady Lady trees on Verandah Boulevard. The male begins the construction, weaving a sturdy foundation of twigs, and the female finishes it with a softer lining of grasses. They can raise two to three broods a year, taking advantage of Florida’s long warm season. Both parents share the duties of feeding and fiercely guarding their chicks until they fledge.

Beyond their beauty and boldness, mockingbirds hold a special place in Florida’s heart—they are our state bird, chosen for their intelligence, adaptability, and cheerful

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song that brightens communities across the state. So next time you hear a medley drifting through the air—part cardinal, part warbler, part mystery— pause and look up. That’s likely Verandah’s resident virtuoso, the Northern Mockingbird, performing a concert just for you.

TEN INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MOCKINGBIRDS

1. The Northern Mockingbird became Florida’s official state bird in 1927.

2. They are master mimics. Some individuals can imitate over 200 different songs from other birds and sounds in their environment.

3. Unmated males often sing through the night, especially under a full moon.

4. Mockingbirds will dive at much larger animals—including people—to defend their nests.

5. Unlike many songbirds, mockingbirds stay in Florida all year long.

6. They eat insects in the summer and switch to berries and fruit in the cooler months.

7. Studies show mockingbirds can recognize individual humans who’ve approached their nests before.

8. They often flick or spread their wings in short bursts—possibly to startle insects or show dominance.

9. Across cultures and literature, the mockingbird is seen as a symbol of joy and freedom.

10. They prefer open areas with scattered trees and bushes—perfectly suited to Verandah’s landscape design.

Let’s Go to Dinner

BLOSSOM & BRIE

This is truly a farm to table restaurant. Stacey and Rodney Poole, the owners of B&B, grew up with farming in their families. This couple have a heartfelt passion for agriculture, community, quality ingredients and exceptional service. This enchanting spot is a working farm with cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks and donkeys who are used to visiting people.

Where the dinner menu is concerned, there are three starters I can recommend. Their homemade sourdough bread, (available in two sizes) is served with salted honey butter and is great to share. The seafood gumbo is my favorite. This delicious soup is prepared with gulf coast grouper, shrimp, andouille sausage, okra and rice. As for salads, you can’t go wrong with their roasted beet and burrata. This salad has organic greens, oranges, toasted almonds and is dressed with a citrus vinaigrette and a balsamic reduction.

When choosing an entree I can highly recommend the seared Florida black grouper. This fish is served with a tomato-caper salsa, summer squash, Israeli couscous and a garden

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pesto. If you are in the mood for beef, try the beef bourguignon. This entree is prepared in the classic method, with grass fed beef, carrots, cipollini onions and mashed Yukon gold potatoes. The last time I was at B&B there was a dinner special— prime rib. It was outstanding!

For dessert there are three choices. Jonathon’s house made cheesecake which is topped with a spiced berry compote.

There is a flourless chocolate cake which they pair with raspberries and a raspberry sauce. My choice is a star anise ice cream filled profiterole, served with a mango sauce.

Blossom & Brie is located at 8250 Nalle Grande Road, North Fort Myers, FL.

See you at the farm, Ginger Snap

Bible Study Groups in Verandah

Bible study groups exist throughout the world today. People participate to gain new perspectives, build community with others, and to deepen their spiritual life.

While male participation in religious activities has historically lagged behind women, recent data suggests a significant resurgence in men’s Bible study and broader church engagement across the United States. In 2025, Bible use increased among men across every generation, according to the American Bible Society. There are several theories about why we are seeing this upward trend but one is that bible study offers a relational and communal component. Participants cite a desire for fellowship, mutual support, and accountability as key reasons for joining.

following individuals for further information:

• dennisgayle@bellsouth.net

• kevin.schoen3@gmail.com

• jwfenn@comcast.net

ARE THERE BIBLE STUDY GROUPS FOR WOMEN IN VERANDAH?

There is an active Men’s Bible Study Group right here in Verandah and they describe the group as “a place to connect, grow and serve.” The group meets weekly “to dig into Scripture uncovering not only its ancient meaning and context but discusses its relevance in today’s chaotic and scary world.” It meets in the River House Dining Room from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. every Friday.

Anyone who is interested can attend in person – it is low-key and you will be welcome, or you can contact any of the

Yes, there are currently three Bible study groups within Verandah for women. The meeting location for each of these is the Ladies Card Room in the Golf House. Please feel welcome to contact the following women who will be glad to answer your questions and direct you to an appropriate group if one of these has reached maximum capacity (fire code limit in the card room is 16).

Tuesday afternoon group – Diana Pawelczyk: 920-224-4392 or Lynn Conrose 678-488-4417

Wednesday morning group – Paula Vandergriff: 540-529-3431 or Nancy Berdan: 612-819-6340

Thursday morning group – Signe Pagel: 239-839-8876 or Marianne De Deugd

Save the Date sunday, December 7 , 2025 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Sew & Sews’ Holiday Tour of Homes Tour six Verandah homes decorated for the holidays!

$25 per ticket (admits one) Look for details in September!

Pet of the Month

Peggy Sue is a 2 year old toy poodle. She may be little, but she is fierce! When she sees a bunny, her dog Mom, Carolyn Kerpchar, says Peggy Sue goes into her stalking pose while raising her paw like a hunting dog. She can hold that pose sometimes as long as 15 minutes. So, bunnies and squirrels, look out! The rest of the time, she is a loving, cuddly girl playing with her friends at the dog park. She even listens and sings along with Carolyn their special dog park song on the way to the park. What a talented young lady!

Peggy Sue is very people oriented and loves to meet and greet you on her walks, and she insists on being acknowledged, especially when she is sporting her new dress. Tres chic!

She loves to snuggle and sit on the floor with her dog Mom and watch TV. Carolyn says Peggy Sue is her best friend.

If Carolyn packs her suitcase for a trip, Peggy Sue sits on it so Carolyn can’t leave without her. She has the travel bug, too!

Look for this sweet girl around the neighborhood. She’s sure to say hello!

A beloved pet’s photo, whether dog, cat, horse, bird, or fish will be featured in the Verandah View Pet of the Month. Resident owners can send in a photo with pet’s name, owner’s name, type of pet, and one sentence or two about their pet by texting Susan Shamey at (724) 355-2478 or email sshamey@ymail.com. Your pet’s debut will be in the Verandah View in the order they are submitted. All pets are beautiful to their owners.

Calling All Artists

The annual Verandah Art Gala will be held in the River House on January 19th, 2026. The event will display the work of Verandah Residents and feature painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media and other two-or threedimensional art forms.

We have many returning artists and several new artists participating in the show. There are a few spaces to still open so if you are interested, please reach out to Alice Borowsky at aliceborowsky@gmail.com

The Art Gala will run from 4:30 to 7:30 on January 19th. Artwork will be for sale and a raffle for donate artwork will be held.

Art That Brings Us Together

CELEBRATING 26 YEARS OF CREATIVITY, CONNECTION, AND COMMUNITY

Each February, the Fort Myers River District transforms into a vibrant openair gallery filled with color, creativity, and connection. For 26 years, ArtFest Fort Myers has brought our community together to celebrate the power of the arts and this year’s festival, happening February 6 to 8, 2026, promises to be one of the most inspiring yet.

What began as a small community event has blossomed into Southwest Florida’s premier fine art festival, drawing thousands of art lovers and featuring more than 200 professional artists from across the country. But beyond the paintings, sculptures, and jewelry that fill the streets, ArtFest has always been about something much deeper: the people who make it happen and the community that calls it home.

“ArtFest isn’t just an event, it’s a shared experience,” says Juan Santiago, executive director of ArtFest Fort Myers. “Every year, we see families who have been coming for decades, volunteers who help us bring the festival to life, and young

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students who discover their own creativity through our art-in-education programs. It’s a reflection of what makes Fort Myers such a special place.”

That sense of belonging is what makes ArtFest more than a weekend festival. Through programs like Chalk Block, where high school students transform the pavement into a colorful masterpiece, and Art Under 20, which showcases the talent of emerging artists, ArtFest Fort Myers continues to invest in the next generation of creators. The festival’s commitment to community extends throughout the year, supporting arts education and offering opportunities for engagement that last long after the tents come down.

Visitors can also look forward to the Opening Night VIP Party—a lively Friday evening celebration overlooking the river, filled with live music, great food, and a first look at the artists’ work. The weekend continues with two full days of art-filled

experiences, from live entertainment and interactive art to family-friendly fun and local food favorites.

“ArtFest is where creativity meets community,” Santiago adds. “It’s where neighbors reconnect, visitors fall in love with Fort Myers, and artists feel truly celebrated. We invite everyone to be part of it—whether you come to volunteer, collect new art, or simply spend the day surrounded by inspiration.”

So, mark your calendars and get ready to experience ArtFest Fort Myers, February 6 to 8, 2026, along the beautiful downtown riverfront. Come see why, after 26 years, this community tradition still reminds us that art doesn’t just decorate life—it brings us together.

For more information, to become a volunteer, or to plan your visit, visit ArtFestFortMyers.com or follow @ ArtFestFortMyers on social media.