OCTOBER 2025
Keeping Verandah Homes Safe from Rain Events
PART ONE – THE EFFECTS OF INCREASING STORMWATER
Major stormwater events in the U.S. are occurring more often because of a changing climate, which is fueling heavier rainfall and more intense storms. At the same time, aging infrastructure and ongoing urban development are making flooding impacts worse in many regions.
Southwest Florida has seen increasingly extreme rainfall in recent years, with several communities recording peak-hour, peakday, and multi-day rainfall totals that have shattered long-term records. These downpours have caused widespread flooding, strained infrastructure, and disrupted daily life—clear signs of our region’s growing vulnerability to intense precipitation. Storms once considered “100-year events” are happening more frequently, pointing to a fundamental shift in rainfall patterns consistent with trends across the southeastern United States. Warmer-than-normal Gulf waters have also contributed to a higher-than-average number of hurricanes, further intensifying the threat.
One of the main drivers of these changes is a warming atmosphere, which can hold about 7% more water vapor for every 1°F increase in temperature. This added moisture translates into heavier rainfall when storms form. Both climate models and real-world observations confirm that Florida is becoming wetter, particularly during summer months. Increasingly, peak rainfall events are delivering large amounts of rain in very short periods—much faster than some stormwater systems that were designed for 6- or 24hour rainfall durations can handle. These extreme bursts of rain highlight the urgent need for updated infrastructure planning and community resilience measures to help protect homes, roads, and neighborhoods from flooding in a changing climate.
Look for Part Two in the November
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Birds of Verandah: The Red-Bellied Woodpecker
If you’ve ever heard a sharp drumming echo across your backyard or spotted a flash of red darting up a tree trunk, it was most likely one of Verandah’s most energetic birds— the red-bellied woodpecker. With its bold markings, curious nature, and unmistakable call, this striking woodpecker adds a lively rhythm to our neighborhood’s natural soundtrack. Whether clinging to trees or investigating new construction, the red-
bellied woodpecker is a blend of beauty, brains, and behavior—and it’s right at home here in Verandah.
Red-bellied woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers with black-
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and-white zebra-like striping on their backs and wings. Males have a full red crown and nape, while females wear red only on the back of the neck, with a paler head. Their long, chisel-like beaks are perfect for drilling into trees to search for insects, create nest cavities, or store food.
These birds are remarkably adaptable. While their primary diet includes
beetles, ants, and other insects found under tree bark, they enjoy seeds, berries, and nuts. They are also known for “caching” food. They wedge acorns, seeds, and other morsels into tree bark or fence posts for later. This clever habit not only helps them survive during lean times but also aids in spreading seeds that grow into new plants.
Some Verandah residents have noticed woodpeckers
tapping away at the foam trim on some homes or synthetic stucco. While this behavior can be frustrating, it’s not malicious. There are a few reasons for this:
1) Sound and Resonance – Woodpeckers drum on surfaces to communicate territory or attract mates. Foam trim or hollow surfaces can amplify their drumming, making it the perfect loudspeaker to
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announce their presence.
2) Mistaken Identity –Foam and synthetic stucco can mimic the texture of rotting wood, which often harbors insects. A curious woodpecker might peck to see if there’s a meal hiding underneath. 3) Exploration – These birds are naturally inquisitive. If a surface feels easy to peck, they may continue simply because they are curious.
While a persistent pecker can be a nuisance, these birds play an important role in controlling insect populations and creating nest cavities that other species, like bluebirds, later use.
Seeing a red-bellied woodpecker perched on a palm or oak tree is a reminder of the vibrant wildlife that thrives alongside us here in Verandah. With their bold colors, quirky habits, and loud calls, these birds bring life and character to our community.
10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS
1. Despite the name, their bellies are only faintly reddish—often hard to see. It’s the bright red crown and nape that really stand out, especially on males.
2. They don’t just peck for food—they also drum loudly on hollow trees (or even gutters and foam trim!) to mark territory and attract mates.
3. Their tongues are super long—up to 2 inches past the tip of the beak—and barbed at the end, perfect for snatching insects from deep crevices.
4. They are food hoarders! These clever birds stuff nuts, seeds, and insects into cracks in bark or fence posts to eat later.
5. Red-bellied woodpeckers have an excellent spatial memory and can remember hundreds of their hidden food stashes.
6. They are acrobatic climbers. Thanks to stiff tail feathers and zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back), they can scale tree trunks and branches with ease.
7. Besides insects, they eat fruits, acorns, peanuts, and even tree sap—making them one of the more omnivorous woodpecker species.
8. They often form long-term monogamous pair bonds and will defend their nesting territory together.
9. They have an eye for elevation. They often choose tall, dead trees or utility poles for nesting and drumming—places that offer a good lookout and sound effect.
10. Their rolling “churr” call is one of their trademarks— and both males and females use a variety of sounds to communicate warnings, mating interest, or territory disputes.
Share An Experience
BECAUSE MEMORIES LAST A LIFETIME
How about tickling your taste buds with new flavors or trying your hand at creating some delicious meals? Kitchen Social , in Fort Myers, may be just what you’re looking for, offering cooking classes each night of the week. Make it a date night with your spouse, go with friends for a social outing, or venture on your own – there’s seating for 20 participants per class.
My husband Bob and I have gone several times to these hands-on meal preparation classes in a kitchen “just like home.” Classes are limited to 20 students, each (or couples) are situated at their own cooking station where
food is prepped and upon completion you sit back and enjoy your feast.
Our first experience was an introduction to Thai cuisine, and we were accompanied by our sister and brother-in-law who were visiting from Wisconsin. Not only did we learn to make a tasty meal, but we also enjoyed each other’s company doing something other than the typical visitor sightseeing.
On our next venture Bob and I tackled Beef Wellington. Admittedly, I had been a little intimidated about attempting this complicated looking meal, but all was made easier with the guidance of our chef/instructor leading us every step of the way.
With some of the chef’s shared “tricks of the trade” and the “mystique” of the recipe unveiled, the challenge was met. Voila! – a sumptuous meal the prize! …And yes, we still prepare this recipe.
Each season we try to attend a class, having also taken a class on a Greek dish and Better with Bourbon. And many other tempting flavors await. I encourage you to give this experience a try as a social outing or as a solo adventure. Everyone is there for similar reasons: learning, eating your prepared meal and socializing. Have fun – your taste buds will thank you.
Bon Appetit!
~ By Kathleen Lemke
Verandah Community University: Season
Verandah Community University, VCU, is excited to launch its third season of programming. This season promises to be a winner with an outstanding roster of speakers on a wide range of topics.
Opening day is Monday, October 13, 2025. 4-5:30 p.m. in the River House. The topic is “Rights, Revolution and ‘Louie Louie’: The untold story of Free Speech in America with Ken Paulson”
Join Verandah resident, Ken Paulson, former editor-in-chief of USA Today and a leading
authority on the First Amendment, for an energetic and interactive look at the First Amendment. Ken is the director of the Free Speech Center and dean emeritus at Middle Tennessee State University and is currently the host of “The Songwriters,” a television show seen on PBS stations nationwide. Throughout his career, Ken has tapped his experiences as a journalist, lawyer and educator to help build understanding and support for First Amendment freedoms.
Our second presentation of the season is October 27, 2025. 4-5:30 p.m. in the River House. The topic is “The Inside Scoop: FBI International Terrorism Investigations featuring the Boston Marathon Bombing with Bob Holley”
Verandah resident, Bob Holley, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office, will give us an inside look at how the FBI is organized to conduct international terrorism investigations. Bob served in various positions, in multiple locations – including international assignments – overseeing terrorism cases, economic espionage, cyber and white-collar crimes as well
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Three
as criminal enterprise operations. Bob will focus on his role in the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing investigation, providing a behind the scenes look at how the FBI investigated and solved the case.
See the flyer for our first event to learn more information on how to sign up. The VCU deans, Susan Shamey, Stephanie Levin, Cathy Brummer and Alice Borowsky look forward to seeing you this season.
SAVE THE DATES: VCU 2025-2026 LINE-UP
Monday, 10/13/25 —Ken Paulson, former USA Today editor-in-chief, journalist, educator and advocate for First Amendment freedom.
Monday, 10/27/25 —Bob Holley, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office and expert in international terrorism investigations.
Tuesday, 11/18/25 —Fred Parker, expert on WWII and collector of WWII memorabilia.
Monday, 1/12/26 —Paul Shannon, Apiarist, owner of Strictly Beesness and Verandah’s beekeeper.
Monday, 2/9/26 —Lisa Fisher, CEO of Norman Love Confections.
Monday, 3/9/26 —Howard Babcock, Suisson Creek Winery owner in Suission Valley, CA
Monday, 4/9/26 —Krista McKerracher, biopharmaceutical leader, biologist, cancer researcher.
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Work To Update Verandah’s Governing Documents Has Begun
Verandah’s governing documents (e.g., Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation) were adopted in 2002. Over the past 20+ years Florida HOA law has changed, management best practices have evolved, and the needs of our community have changed. Equally important is that in 2026 it is likely the developer will complete the construction of all homes and at that time their governance role in the community will end.
The objectives of the VCA Board in this process are threefold: (1) ensure the VCA operates within Florida statutes; (2) remove outdated provisions and address ambiguities that cause confusion; and (3) update governance to better align with homeowner needs, support property values, and meet the community’s longterm goals.
This summer the VCA engaged legal counsel to advise the Board and to prepare draft documents for community review in early 2026. This process is called amending and restating governing documents. It will ensure that our documents are clear, current, and aligned with both state law and the community’s vision for the future. By engaging in this process now, we can ensure that Verandah remains a highly desirable, well-managed, and neighborly place to call home for years to come.
Amending and restating – a legal process to review Verandah’s governing documents, identify needed changes, and create updated documents. As work progresses our Neighborhood Representatives and homeowners will be engaged by the VCA Board. Draft documents will be available for review in 2026. Once approved the documents will be recorded with the county and officially replace the prior versions.
Join us for the 5th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. This event is a time to enjoy exclusive access inside seasonally decorated homes throughout Verandah. On December 7 from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m., Sew & Sews annual fundraiser will bring the magic of the holidays to our community again.
Visit homes decked out in true holiday fashion with exciting decorating ideas for inspiration or to just enjoy. Whether you love classic traditional, a coastal oasis theme, or a new take on a “touch of orange”, you’ll be wowed by this year’s homes!
Enjoy touring the homes with family and friends while supporting a nonprofit made up of Verandah residents helping others in SWFL.
Tickets are $25 each and go on sale in October. Mark your calendar! Don’t miss this event.
When you attend the Holiday Tour of Homes, you help those in need as all proceeds benefit nonprofits supported by Sew & Sews.
Pet of the Month
This sweet Mama’s girl is fashionista Lillybelle, and she lives with and is loved by her Mom on Sanctuary Point.
As you may be able to tell, she just celebrated her second birthday with new stu ffed toys and some treats. Lillybelle is a very tiny Cavapoo from champion bloodlines with a cross mix of a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
However she turned out to be very tiny, only weighing 6 pounds while most Cavapoos can be in their teens in weight. Her favorite
pastime is chasing her toys while Mom continuously throws them until she wears out. That is, of course, Mom who wears
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out! She has learned to sit, dance, touch, down, stay, but she is best at tugging at her Mom’s heart. She LOVES all people and wants anyone and everyone to pet her. Lillybelle also has a favorite lizard she greets each day by the drainpipe! If you see us out walking please come say hi and give her a pat.
Barbara Schroering and Lillybelle
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. Pet photos will be randomly chosen from entries-big or small. All pets are beautiful to their owners.
Verandah Club Presents Jean Lewis, Expert Book Critic
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025
RIVER HOUSE 10AM-NOON
Verandah Club is pleased to have Jean Lewis with us for her third annual visit. She will share her recommendations for books she believes will be bestsellers in 2026. From the hundreds of books Jean reads each year, she selects only 40 plus books destined to be hits. Her selections cover a wide range of topics so everyone should find some books of interest. At her presentation, you will receive her muchanticipated book list for 2026.
Ms. Lewis writes honest and critical analysis for publishing houses, literary agents and authors. You can also see her other reviews in Naples Daily News and The Florida Weekly.
Check out Ms. Lewis’ blog, Maurice on Books (the name of her company) at mauriceonbooks. wordpress.com and join her many followers.
Soon you will see flyers and announcements around the Club for her upcoming visit.
Consumer Alerts
BCP STAFF
FIVE WAYS TO HELP YOU CUT DOWN ON UNWANTED CALLS
If you feel like you get more than your share of unwanted calls, you’re not alone. To slow down these persistent calls—some of which lead straight to scams— take a few simple steps.
• Register your phone number for free in the National Do Not Call Registry. Registering will likely cut down how many unwanted calls you get. Unfortunately, it won’t stop calls from scammers to your
home and mobile phone—and there are still organizations and groups allowed to call you .
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• Hang up on robocalls . Getting a lot of recorded messages trying to sell you something? Odds are the calls are not legal. Don’t press any numbers or call back. Instead, hang up and report them at DoNotCall.gov.
• Use your phone’s built-in features. Many cell phones have settings that let you block calls from specific numbers or send certain calls straight to voicemail, especially if they come from a phone number you don’t recognize.
• Check call-blocking or call-labeling services. Find out what your phone company
offers by contacting their customer service using a phone number or website you know is right. Watch a short video to help you block unwanted calls on your cell phone or home phone .
• Research apps to filter calls before downloading. Some callblocking apps are free, while others charge. At ctia.org , you can see wireless industry lists of call-blocking apps. See what independent experts are saying and check the ratings and reviews on your online app store before you decide on a call-blocking app.
Learn more about how to stop unwanted calls at ftc.gov/calls .
