SEPTEMBER 2025
Holiday Decorations on the Neighborhood Entry Features
With autumn almost upon us our thoughts begin to turn toward the holidays and we start getting ready to decorate once again. For the VCA it is necessary to have guidelines in place to maintain a harmonious look within the community, to promote safety and to limit damage to the monuments. Most of the 33 neighborhood monuments at the front of each neighborhood are owned and managed by the VCA.
The Board has approved a policy for Holiday Decorations on Neighborhood Entry Features which also specifies the holidays for which such decorating is permitted. You can view the policy below or you can login in to vcalife.com and enter “Holiday Decorations” in the Search bar. That will bring you to the policy.
Holiday decorations may be installed no more than one week before a holiday and removed two days following, except for the December/Winter holidays.
Observed Holidays
Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
Flag Day – June 14
Independence Day - July 4
911 Remembrance – September 11
Halloween – October 31
Veterans Day – November 11
Winter/December Holidays - installed one week before Thanksgiving, removed by January 8 .
(continued on page
Guidelines
• Take care not to damage the monument, lights, trees, plants or irrigation. Climbing or nailing/ screwing on the monument and trees is not allowed. Use ladders when needed. Damage costs caused by decorating activities will be billed back to the neighborhood;
• Nothing may be installed or placed in the front of the bullnose where annual flowers are planted. The bullnose is the pointed section at the beginning of the entry island;
• Decorations must be in good condition and not faded or broken. Inflatables and signage are not permitted;
• Neighborhoods may choose not to decorate;
• The Neighborhood Rep will be notified of the late removal of decorations;
• Patriotic Holidays. Recommended decoration for Patriotic holidays a pole mounted flag placed well behind the annual flower display at the end of the bullnose. Small flags may be placed in front of the neighborhood name side of the monument. This will provide a respectful and dignified acknowledgement of the day;
• December/Winter Holidays. Neighborhoods may opt for the professional installation, take down, repair and storage of entry feature winter holiday decorations. The cost of which will be included in the VCA assessments for participating neighborhoods.
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
Karen Kalisz
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
Susan Shamey
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.
Norm Toback
David Keeley, Board Liaison
Linda Lach, Adviser and Board Member
Summer Well Spent
JAMES TANIGAWA, GENERAL MANAGER, VCA
It’s been a busy summer— projects progressed, routines reshuffled, and our team has been hard at work. As September rolls in, we’re taking a breath, taking stock, and preparing for an even sharper season ahead. Here’s what’s been happening, and what’s next:
• FPL: FPL has completed replacement of their utility poles within the community. In late-July, members of VCA management met with FPL and their subcontractors to review damage incurred during the project. We expect, by press date, for repairs to be well underway.
• Comcast Fiber Optic Update: by press date, we expect to be more than 50% complete with the Comcast fiber optic network upgrade. For our residents who’ve held off on completion of their phase 2 (in-home) installation, we strongly encourage you to reach out and schedule your appointment. You can reach Comcast’s scheduling team at 1-833-501-1928. Please note that this upgrade is required to retain Comcast service at your residence, as the old coaxial network will be disconnected.
(continued on page 5)
When It’s More Than a Move…
Your home is more than just property — it’s your most valuable asset, your lifestyle, your story. Whether you’re seeking a breathtaking luxury estate, a sleek dream condo, or a serene family villa, make your move with global expertise by your side.
Trust Experience ✦ Trust Expertise ✦ Trust Dee Dee
Your Global Luxury Specialist Realtor
Proven results from Fort Myers to Marco Island
Decades of local expertise & community knowledge
Condos, Villas, Single Family Homes — $150K to $3M+
Hundreds of happy clients — see my
on Zillow Damita (Dee Dee) Kascsak, Global Luxury Specialist Realtor DeeDee.Kascsak@floridamoves.com
• Citra-Shield Application: in late-July, M&M Environmental Services completed a CitraShield application on the community sidewalks and valley gutters, under the VCA’s semi-annual treatment program. Citra-Shield is an eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning agent effective to treat and prevent biological discoloration from mold, mildew and algae.
• Sabal Palm Trimming: in late-July, Sabal Palms included under the association’s maintenance program were trimmed. The palms were trimmed to remove dead/dying fronds and other overgrowth. The Sabal Palm, also known as the “Cabbage Palm” due to the edible heart of the palm (“swamp cabbage”), is a native component to the VCA landscape, and has been the official state tree of Florida since 1953.
• 2025 Annual Meeting: the 2025 annual meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 15th at 2:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the VCA management office and via Zoom. By now, you should have received the first notice of the annual meeting, sent to you in earlyAugust. Please keep an eye out for the second notice of the annual meeting, which will be issued in the coming weeks.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations for the VCA Management Team, please do not hesitate to reach out, at 239-694-5930 or ofwfice@vcalife.com.
Design Modification Forms Needed for External
At a recent meeting of the VCA Board of Directors the ongoing issue of some homeowners not filing or receiving approval of a Design Modification Form (DMF) prior to commencing external improvements to their homes was discussed.
This past winter, in an effort to increase compliance, the Verandah View ran a series of articles about living in a “deed restricted” community like Verandah. This means that our properties are subject to “conditions” that were secured to our deeds when we purchased a home. These conditions are focused on upkeep, exterior design, and usage.
Verandah is a special place where beauty and lush landscaping is reflected through the visual harmony of our homes. Architecture and landscape are coordinated. Ensuring this unique character is the objective of the “conditions” referenced above and the guiding principle of our Design Review Process. Our Design Review Committee, a group of homeowners appointed by the VCA Board of Directors and supported by VCA staff, is charged with ensuring adherence to our Design Review Guidelines. They evaluate and approve exterior additions, removal, or any type of exterior modifications to any part of your property, including landscaping,
painting, or any accessory or other item on the lot. A copy of the current Design Review Guidelines may be found on the VCA website at https://www.vcalife.com/ design-review-verandah/ .
The Design Review Committee has worked to make life simpler for residents by eliminating the need for a Design Modification Request Form when painting your home the exact colors that are already on the home and when replacing plants within an existing landscape bed with plants from the Approved Plant list. All other exterior modifications require submitting a Design Modification Request Form for review ( https://www.vcalife. com/documents/modification-reviewform/ ) and the written procedure clearly states that “No work may commence until approval is granted…”
Unfortunately, a significant and increasing number of residents have not been complying with the policy and procedure that requires a Design Modification Request Form (DMF) to be submitted prior to the work beginning. Design Review Procedures clearly state that “Failure to receive approval for a DMF before commencing work may result in a fine of up to $200.00 per occurrence.” Rather than imposing a fine, the Design
(continued on page 7)
External Improvements
Review Committee has patiently been providing “Warnings” to those residents who have not complied, to no avail. As a result, the Board of Directors has authorized, effective August 1, 2025, the $200 fine per occurrence for noncompliance to be levied in accordance with written Design Review procedures.
The Board asks that residents understand that the objective is not to be bureaucratic but to ensure we maintain a cohesive visual aesthetic throughout the community.
Failure to receive approval for a DMF (Design Modification Request Form) before commencing work may result in a fine of up to $200.00 per occurrence.
Pet of the Month
Benny is a two and half year old Bichon-Schitzu mix with a very outgoing personality. He loves his treats, walks and is a friend to whomever he meets anywhere any place any time. This adorable boy basically just loves hanging out and being near his much loved parents. His nickname is Boo
or Booboo and Tom and Sindee call him Benny Boo. Benny insisted that his favorite toy be included in the spotlight with him!
Tom and Sindee Shaulinski are Benny Boo’s proud doggy parents.
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) 3552478 or email sshamey@ymail.com.
Pet photos will be randomly chosen from entries-big or small. All pets are beautiful to their owners.
Fall Gardening
BARBARA WATSON, FLORIDA MASTER GARDNER, VCA LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
As we emerge from a long hot summer and transition into fall, we can breathe a sigh of relief. Our plants will also feel relief. The unrelenting high heat and humidity during the summer months is stressful to plants, inviting pests to the garden, creating fungal diseases and causing plants to wilt.
Plants will begin to look happier and healthier with the arrival of cooler temperatures in the fall. September marks the beginning of the fall/winter growing season in Florida. This time period is ideal for planting, whether renewing, refreshing or creating a new bed. The milder temperatures and ample rainfall will help new plants establish. Plant choices also increase with the arrival of cooler temperatures. Examples of cool season annuals that will add color to the landscape are Begonias, Impatiens, Petunias, Marigolds, Sweet Alyssum and Salvia. Perennials, lasting more than a year, such as Blue Daze, Bulbine, Bush Daisy, Pentas, Mexican Heather and Vinca can be divided and replanted now. The fall is also a good time to divide and plant bulbs such as Agapanthus, Amaryllis, Crinum Lily and Society Garlic.
The fall is a great time to apply mulch that is often washed away with the summer rains. Mulch will dress up the garden, help conserve water, retard weed growth and help to protect plants from cold temperatures during the winter months.
Fertilization is also a good practice to follow. After restrictions lift on October 1, fertilize with a slow- release fertilizer. This will nourish plants and prepare them for the colder months ahead.
Florida’s harsh climate presents many gardening challenges. Choosing the right plant for the right place and selecting plants best suited for the season will help to insure a healthy and pleasing landscape.
Happy Gardening!
Let’s Grow Verandah - Upcoming Seminars
The Landscape Committee will continue its Let’s Grow Verandah gardening series this fall. The bi-monthly presentations will be on participant suggested topics that will help homeowners understand and care for their plants.
Growing HERBS on your lanai, choosing SHRUBS that flower, planting BROMELIADS, planning a BUTTERFLY GARDEN and creating a FLORAL ARRANGEMENT. These are only a few topics to be presented by the Verandah Landscape Committee during the upcoming November-April season in our Verandah community.
Watch for specific dates and more information on the upcoming seminars. Please plan to attend, enjoy, share and learn more about beautifying our community and improving the environment.
Let’s Go to Dinner
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
This restaurant is really a “Special Occasion” place to dine. How do I know this? Well, we were there in May to celebrate our anniversary and there were two other couples from Verandah also celebrating their anniversaries.
Appetizers - The appetizers at C.G. definitely have something for everyone. From a steakhouse staple Shrimp Cocktail with a Housemawde Cocktail Sauce to The Capital Grille’s Signature Appetizer - Pan Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers, I have loved every appetizer I have had at this restaurant.
Where salads are concerned, you can’t go wrong with the Wedge. This salad is served with cherrywood smoked bacon and Wisconsin bleu cheese. To shake things up a bit, try the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Crushed Pistachios and a Citrus Vinaigrette. This salad
has mixed greens, roasted red beets, whipped goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes and an arugula pesto.
Entrees - While I think I might try the seafood entrees like the Seared Sea Scallops with Maine Lobster and Asparagus Risotto or the Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Miso Butter, I always get the beef. My favorite cut is the PorciniRubbed Bone-In RibeyeRare, the other steak I can recommend is the KonaCrusted Dry Aged BoneIn NY Strip with a Shallot Butter.
These entrees are very generous but if you want a “side” there are a couple I can recommend. Remember, these sides are meant to be shared. The Au Gratin Potatoes are thickly sliced and layered with Swiss and Grana Padano
cheeses - Yummy. There are two Spinach sides offered at C.G. The Sautéed Spinach is prepared with a Garlic Confit and the Creamed Spinach has a classic Bechamel sauce.
Dessert - While I rarely have room for dessert there are two I have sampled. The cheesecake is New York style and is served with seasonal berries and the Flourless Chocolate Cake is prepared with Belgian chocolate and decaffeinated Hawaiian espresso.
While I still consider this a “Special Occasion” restaurant, as I finish writing this review, I am calling The Capital Grille to make a reservation.
The Capital Grille is located at 5070 Bell Tower Shop Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Call Me A Cab, Ginger Snap
Verandah Community University Looking Forward to Our Third Season!
Verandah Community University is back for another year of enjoyable, entertaining, educational and fun speakers. Six of our seven speakers this year are Verandah residents. What a talented and multifaceted group our residents are!
The presentation topics vary from winemaking to FBI recollections to newspaper editing to chocolate to bees and more!
All events will take place in the River House beginning Monday, October 13, which is The Club’s opening day. Watch for announcements in the Verandah View, Verandah Residents Facebook, the Fitness Center, card rooms, flyers and Verandah event emails. Come join us to enjoy these super events.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Benjamin Franklin
Ladies of Verandah
Hope everyone is enjoying a great summer. It won’t be long until we are back at Verandah, and we are excited to let you know that the 2025-26 Verandah Women’s Social Club is now open for registration. Whether you’ve been a member in the past or you’re new to Verandah and want to get connected, you won’t want to miss the fun events planned this season. VWSC membership is $30 for the season, allowing you to register early for all events…and many events sell out! Visit our website VWSC.club to learn more
about all the fun events, mark the dates on your calendars, and find details on how to pay for your membership.
We have just added another event -Dillard’s Pop-Up Shop will be November 24 from 11AM-3PM. See our full lineup of events on Page 15.
Verandah Women’s Social Club Team
Eva Fix, Lolly Dentkos, Stephanie Newman, Lorie St Lawrence
Save the Dates!
Event Dates are Set for next season! We’re getting ready for another season of fabulous events brought to you by VWSC. Visit www.vwsc.club/register to join!
Tuesday, October 28
Slip into your little black dress and join us for a fabulous evening filled with fun, friends, and giving back. Enjoy a lively atmosphere, exciting raffle prizes, and the joy of supporting a meaningful cause.
All proceeds benefit Moffitt Cancer Center in support of breast cancer awareness.
Sip & Shop
Monday, December 8
Get a head start on your holiday shopping while enjoying a festive evening with friends. Browse a fantastic selection of unique gifts from returning favorites and exciting new vendors. It’s the perfect way to check off your list and have fun doing it!
Dillard’s Pop-Up Shop
Monday, November 24
No need to head to the mall Dillard’s is bringing the season’s hottest accessories directly to the Verandah Club for a special pop up shopping event! Browse and buy from a curated selection of stylish items, right in your own backyard. This event is open to all Verandah members men and women alike!
Dancing Through the Decades
Tuesday, January 20
Get ready to groove to the greatest hits of the '60s, '70s, and '80s! Dress to impress in your favorite decade’s style and hit the dance floor for a night of nostalgia, fun, and unforgettable memories.
Fashion Show
A Must Attend Event of the Year!
Monday, February 23
Always a sell out, our beloved Fashion Show is back featuring stunning VWSC members modeling the latest styles and trends. Enjoy an afternoon filled with fabulous fashion, lively music, and great company. It ’s the perfect blend of elegance, entertainment, and community spirit.
Monday, March 16
Join us for a cruise inspired evening filled with live entertainment, sensational lounge singers, and plenty of dancing.
Slip into one of your favorite flirty sundresses and get ready for a casual, fun filled night that feels like a getaway with your best friends by your side.
Music Bingo Dance Party
Monday, April 13
Join us for a fabulous night just for the ladies featuring Music Bingo, dancing, prizes, and delicious food. No cash buy in, just bring your energy and enjoy the fun! It was the perfect way to close out the season last year let’s make it even better this time around!
Questions?...email the VWSC team evafix11@gmail.com, ldentkos@gmail.com, san4fsu@yahoo.com, loriestlawrence@gmail.com
Empower Your Movement with Expert Care
Last month we introduced you to the Verandah Spa Services massage therapists team. This month we are highlighting Verandah’s physical therapy services.
The physical therapy menu offers Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Sports injury Management and Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation.
“Our team is comprised of experienced and compassionate Doctors of Physical Therapy,” said Leslie Larson, Director of Wellness & Lifestyle. “We are so happy to provide this important service to our members conveniently located in our fitness center.”
Personalized, customized services is paramount to the program, explained Leslie. “It is so important to have therapists who listen to our members and design a rehabilitation program that suits each individual.”
Meet Erin Bailey - PT, DPT, CMPT, CIDN
Erin graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science before earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Florida Gulf Coast University. Since then, she has continued to expand her expertise by obtaining her Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT) designation, dry needling certification, and becoming a Balance and Vestibular Specialist.
What Erin loves most about physical therapy is helping patients achieve their personal goals - whether it’s returning to golf or pickleball, keeping up with their grandkids, or gaining the strength and confidence to travel and explore new places. She is passionate about providing individualized care to help each patient move and feel their best.
Outside the clinic, Erin enjoys playing golf, being inventive in the kitchen, and cooking up new recipes.
Schedule an appointment today - https://www.myclinicportal. com/?mcp=gkt4bdl2qwyxj4v3ym
Safely Dispose Of Unwanted Medications
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to take the time to go through your medicine cabinet and remove any unused, unwanted, and expired medications. After gathering your prescription and over the counter medications, you can safely dispose of them utilizing an anonymous and secure lock box located at our district substations and main headquarters.
“Prescription medications play an important role in the health of millions of Americans, but can pose significant health hazards to toddlers, teens and even family pets if wrongfully consumed,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “Our lock boxes are in place to provide citizens a safe way to rid their homes of useless medications that can ultimately fall into the wrong hands”.
Lock boxes are available to the public Monday through Friday during regular business hours at the following locations:
• Central District, Headquarters –14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers
• North District – 121 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers
• East District – 1301 Homestead Road North, Lehigh Acres
• West District – 15650 Pine Ridge Road, Fort Myers
• South District – 10520 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
Please make sure you:
• Bring all medications, including prescription and over the counter in a sealed plastic bag.
• Do not bring needles or other “sharps” as they cannot be accepted.
For more information, call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Relations Section at (239) 258-3280, or visit our website at www. sheriffleefl.org.
