Village News

ARIEL, CLIPPER COVE, FLAGSHIP, HARBORTOWN, LIGHTHOUSE, LONGBOAT, MARINER’S COVE, RIVERSIDE, SCHOONER, STEAMBOAT BEND, STEAMBOAT BEND EAST, SUNSET COVE, SUNSET HARBOR, TRAWLER, WINDJAMMER

ARIEL

Ariel Residents Celebrate the Holidays

The residents at Ariel, the 18-story building at The Landings with 135 units, are happy to get together to celebrate any occasion. The latest gathering was the Holiday party, held at the Main Deck at the Helm Club.

The Social Committee at Ariel, headed by chair Jan Helyer with the assistance of members Stephanie Burchfield, Barb Henry, Tracie Herron, Cathy Kimball, Martha Kohnke, Gary Ramadon, and Helen Rosenblum, beautifully planned all the details for the event that was held on December 6. Thanks to their efforts, the event provided an evening featuring delicious and varied food from an abundant buffet, interesting conversations on a host of subjects, spirited dancing, and camaraderie shared by the group clad in festive cocktail attire.

Tish, a wonderful singer and entertainer, provided the entertainment. She sang nearly non-stop throughout the event that lasted more than four hours.

This event is just one of many events that are planned by the Ariel Social Committee each year. The owners at Ariel are always glad to socialize with their neighbors.

The group of owners at Ariel went all out in decorating the building and grounds for the holidays. There were five Christmas trees, a large number of wreaths both inside and outside the building, two menorahs and a table celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas villages, dozens of poinsettias, sleighs, and much more. There were enough decorations to supply a small holiday shop!

The merry band of holiday decorators included Cindy Brown, Christine Bratrud, Diana Byers, Cyndi Doragh, Susie Duca, Tanya Dziubla, Rebecca Johnson, Cathy Kimball, Martha Kohnke, Jo Anne Miller, Gwen and Dave Morrison, and Jane and Joe Norris.

The residents weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the displays. Two visiting grandchildren also were enchanted by what they saw.

CLIPPER COVE

Spry News After seven Christmases at Clipper Cove, Bob and Mary Ann decided to return to Colorado for a family celebration. They had a great time with terrific weather including snow for the winter enthusiasts. As February approaches, the Sprys will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on a Royal Caribbean cruise with their family.

The Sprys also reported on the upcoming Clipper Cove pool party which is scheduled for January 13. It’s a great opportunity to meet the new snowbirds and some who are returning. Tim and Theresa Johnson are back for their third year from Lakeville, MN. Tim is doing well with his new knee.

Hahn Adventures Dennis and Dana Hahn saw “Winterland,” an impressive quixotic performance at the Grand Theater, Crown Center, KC. Their son Kyle worked the “Holiday Cirque Experience” to sold out audiences. The show was described as “a wonderland where the majesty of northern lights meets the delicate beauty of snow ice.” There was festive live music including vocals and stunning cirque performances. Wearing a rock-climbing harness, Kyle counterbalanced the dancers and other performers by way of a pulley raising and lowering them.

New Grandchildren Cheryl and Ken Creasey were blessed with grandchild number eight. Phoebe James Waldo was born December 20. Mother and baby girl are happy and healthy and big sister Eliza is fascinated and excited!

Greg and Deb Hartman welcomed their first grandchild on December 15, Harrison Dean Dowling. The proud parents Kyle and Jessica Hartman Dowling live in Sioux Falls, SD.

Another Anniversary Willie Scruggs and Karen Shelton celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a delightful dinner at Lobster Lady in Camp Hill on December 8.

Power and Motoryacht Magazine The February issue of Power and Motoryacht magazine features an article about Michael MacLeod’s adventures doing the Great Loop, not once but twice. The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that recreational mariners can travel that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America’s heartland. You can also listen to a podcast titled “Small Boats, Big Loop: Interview with Great Looper Michael MacLeod”

FLAGSHIP

We topped off the holiday season with a fabulous Christmas party at the Helm.

Everyone was dressed in their finest holiday sparkles, and the Helm outdid itself with amazing appetizers, dinner plates and libations. Thanks to Camille Sandrock and Nancy Fusinetti for making this event memorable.

At the party, our fearless leader and board president, Nancy Fusinetti, paid tribute to our beloved Pat Rosen (4616), who has been a resident at Flagship since 2001.

Pat will be leaving us mid- January for her new adventures at Cypress Cove. Pat and her late husband came from Alaska and ended up at Flagship while looking for sailing lessons. Her husband was intrigued by the people playing “with a ball and a stick” and so they both learned how to play golf. Pat was a member of the 9-Holers and 18-Holers, and spent many years knitting, going to the gym 3 times a week and having lunch at the Wheelhouse regularly with friends. She also served on our board as Secretary and Board Director. She and her perfectly coiffed dog, Bijou, will be missed by all.

“Hey, do you know Vinny? Which Vinny? Vinny in 4604? Vinny in 4612? Vinny in 4608? Or do you mean Vinny the Plumber???” I don’t know about you, but I needed some clarification as to who’s who.

Vinny Margiotta (4608) Has been a Flagship owner for 2 ½ years. He grew up in Manhattan, and still owns the home he was born in. Back in the day, Vinny M. played piano and guitar. He went to college in Chicago, was a transporter for the hospital, then an EMT, and ended up retiring from Consolidated Edison Utility Company in 2014 after 33 years, when he started as a gas mechanic and ended up as a senior instructor. Vinny has a son and daughter and 3 beautiful grandchildren. He enjoys working out, has dabbled in martial arts and loves to travel to the Caribbean and is planning a trip to Aruba. He spends much of his time at his house in Bradley Beach, New Jersey.

Vinny Fondacaro (4604) has also owned here for 2 ½ years and is also a New Yorker, residing in Long Island with wife, Yvonne. He has three children, a son and two daughters. Vinny has quite a background, retiring from three professions. After graduating from Hofstra University, he joined the Air Force in 1982 and was chief master sergeant in charge of the civil engineer squadron and combat search and rescue. Of his 40 years of service, he was in the National Guard for 23 years. During that time, he owned his own construction business and was a firefighter in New York City. What an honorable background! He enjoys boating, fishing, and named his boat Gypsy Girl for his love of traveling.

Vinnie DeMarte (4612) has been a resident in Flagship since 2020. He had a home in Putnam, New York, (another New Yorker!) He worked for EM Laboratories Merck, Darmstadt, West Germany in the 70s, then for Schering Plough for 10 years, then private practice for 4 years and The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County from 1989 until retirement. He was Chief of County Court for The Legal Aid Society from 2019 through COVID until retirement on March 1, 2024. He studied at New York Law School and raised his four children in Westchester County, NY. He umpired high school baseball for 21 years and coached youth baseball for 12 years. He is one of our Flagship board members and is secretary of the finance committee. Colleen Gallagher, Vinnie’s domestic partner, keeps us up to date with all our news on our Facebook page. They both enjoy spending time at Colleen’s condo in Somers, NY.

Although Vinny the Plumber does not reside in Flagship, he is every part of our Flagship family and is known and beloved by many Landings residents. He obtained his Masters in plumbing and pipe fitting in Boston (What? Not a New Yorker?) and moved to Florida when he was 21 years old and attempted to find work on the east coast of Florida. Everyone there told him that the real business was in an up-and-coming town called Naples. He worked there for a bit, then at Shell Point, and 30 years ago, with $11 in his pocket, he developed his own business, Penta Plumbing, and established himself as the “go-to” plumber in the Landings. We like to think of him as the “widow whisperer” as he frequently receives requests for all types of projects, some of which actually involve plumbing! He lives in Cape Coral with his wife, two teenage daughters and mother-in-law, and owns a condo in Steamboat Bend East.

There you have it! I hope you all enjoyed getting to know the Vinnies as much as I have. Be sure to stop them in the ‘hood and let them know who you are!

LONGBOAT

Longboat Village December Pool Party – Another great turnout (with over 50 attendees) for our village Christmas “pool party” at Picnic Pointe. Our theme was Italian, and that is what we got, from meatballs to lasagna to various types of pasta with sauces. There were plenty of starters, such as shrimp, chips and dips and desserts from heaven (along with plenty of cookies and brownies). As a highlight of the evening, we had an ugly Christmas sweater competition. (What is a Christmas gathering without a few ugly sweaters?) There were lots of contenders, BUT the clear winner was my husband, Alan Power. There was also a raffle that saw 18 poinsettias given out. CeCe Loper (the chairperson of our Social Committee) would like to put in a special thank you to all of her helpers for the set-up and clean-up of the event. Her helpers were: Carol Method, Cheryl Tromley, Ann Warden, Jen and Joe Bavender, Zane Brown and Natasha Benchimol. Thank you for your service to our village.

LYC Christmas Dinner Dance – Longboat Village was very well represented at the LYC Dinner Dance. Alan Power, our current yacht club Commodore, and I were in attendance. The music was great and the food was excellent. A good time was had by all. Sitting at our table were Oscar and Lin Muysson, Donna and Tom Hendericks, and new members to the club, William and Sarrah SaintOnge.

Night Golf – Alan and I were invited to attend this event by our friends from Ariel, Jeff and Tanya Dziubla. Once again our Longboat residents were well represented in this event with Rick and Lindy Worrall and Phyllis Holly, just to mention a few. This was our first time playing night golf, what a hoot! We were lucky enough to take second place on the front nine and we managed to keep all the balls allocated to us (not really sure how we did that).

If you are a golfer, you should try this. It is a unique experience – trying to hit a ball in the dark when your whole frame of reference is a little glowing ball of light. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience. I also recommend a good flashlight, so you don’t run your cart off the path and run over those white stakes they have sticking up out there all over the place. (Note no picture taken here. It was dark. I mean, really dark.)

Traveling Davison’s – Judy Davison was kind enough to send a little note on what is happening with them recently. First, they took a trip to Marathon to check out the marina and resort for the upcoming LYC cruise to Marathon in April. Along with some fellow Longboat residents, they rented a house/condo for the upcoming cruise to Marathon.

Judy and Steve then went on to Key West and Sunset Key (a small island off of Key West and the place where they were married). They also had family members visit from Olympia, WA. They came to town during the University of Louisville (where Judy was an adjunct professor) Sun Bowl game. And, of course, there was a bit of family rivalry over the teams playing. January will see them celebrate their twelfth anniversary by going to St. Augustine. Steve has a tee time already set at TPC Sawgrass Golf Club (lucky devil).

Later in 2025 they will be traveling to Las Vegas to celebrate Judy’s birthday. (Judy seems to be celebrating her 39th birthday a lot but it would be rude to point that out.) Ah, the life of the carefree.

Article Note – Do you enjoy ready these articles; see how easy it is to share. If you have any stories you would like to share, or have travelled, please let me know. Sharing our stories and adventures with our neighbors brings us all closer together.

MARINER’S COVE

December was a time of decorating and celebrating in Mariners Cove Village. Mary & Scott Blais outdid themselves this year with their fun Christmas display in front and on top of their house. Kristine & Joe Majors also did a beautiful job of decorating their houses. Thanks to all those who decorated their houses which created a festive air in the neighborhood.

A big thank you goes out to Geoff Gagen who cleaned up and planted some pretty flowers in our island at the entrance. It looks so much better than it did.

The Benners hosted a Christmas party at their house that was also a celebration of our newest homeowner, Ray Trezise. Almost 40 neighbors gathered to eat, drink, and talk.

Carl and Patti McMackin hosted our annual Gutter Party with over 40 in attendance. We were all so happy to see Shirley & Dick Ryan who we haven’t seen in a while. The party took place in their beautiful lanai and house. We all agreed they did such a super job that they ought to host it again next year.

RIVERSIDE REPORTER NEEDED

Another year has flown by! How many of us have made that comment to our family and friends since January 1? I know I have. So, one more time, Happy New Year, Landings!

Christmas was a great time in our family. I hope it was in yours also. We went all out decorating our house inside and out as for the first time since we made the Landings our permanent residence, all our family was here for Christmas! We even added a few pink flamingos to our outdoor light display.

Ben and Baxter Shelfer also had a great Christmas with family in town. Ben fished with his grandchildren and the whole family visited Fort Myers’ Manatee Park.

Riverside’s first official get together of 2025 was our annual off-campus dinner at Prawnbrokers on January 8. he back room was filled with people enjoying each other’s company and catching up on holiday happenings and what the new year would bring. Our resident photographer, Cathy Webb, caught some candid photos of us having a great time.

SCHOONER

Whew! Where does the time go? December was a month of Happy Holidays and Health issues! Let’s start with the celebrations. There were many family Christmas festivities and gatherings outside of the Village including a Holiday Brunch at Mike and Lynda Redmond’s Longboat home where Liz Welsh delighted all in a traditional Carol Singalong. And what would we do without our very own Santa Claus, Larry Wagner.

A big present for the entire Landings Community came with the reopening of the Wheelhouse. Many Schoonerites attended the soft opening including Belinda and Ray Stacey, Becky and Mark David Goss, Carole Lundgren with her daughter Kris and grandsons Braeden and Devan, the Schornstein’s granddaughter Paige and her friend Haden, the Lawries and Armstrongs being waited on by a staff person for the day, Rich Curry and his fiancée Mary Beth Campbell.

Rich and Mary Beth are going to be married January 25th on Picnic Pointe. The Wheelhouse celebration New Year’s Eve was a sell out with 150 reservations and lively partiers. The Staceys made it to midnight as did the high energy Crystal Day and Scot Elrod. And then of course, there are the birthdays to celebrate at the monthly ladies’ luncheon.

On the health front we have had more than our share of relatively mild Covid cases, hospital runs (Jonnie Ockerlund in particular,) and Nancy Sims who is now in rehab in Estero. After a trip to Minnesota to be with her sister when she passed, Nancy returned to Florida and came down with pneumonia, a UTI, and Covid on top of her COPD which was a bit frightening for all who care about her. She is hopefully on the mend. While all this was going on, she and Hugh sold their Schooner unit to Tom and Susan Kolmer emigrating from Windjammer. The Sims are convinced they will be a wonderful addition to our Schooner community. More about them next month!

STEAMBOAT BEND REPORTER NEEDED

A Fond Goodbye and Farewell to the Landings

BY JERRY ZIEDENBERG

In 1983, a very long time ago, a different time and a different place, Sheila and Jerry Ziedenberg were beginning to cycle. They found the Landings is a nice place to bicycle. From this starting place, they cycled farther and farther up to the Edison house and then to Six Mile Cypress, Ft. Myers Beach and eventually to Naples and Sanibel Island. The Landings became their winter home. Jerry likes to run, and the Landings was a great place to run with its many covered paths. You could also get easily on to McGregor Blvd. and make long runs up to the riverfront downtown.

Their three sons, then 15, 12 and 10 enjoyed the facilities of the Landings in their winter home. In 2003, when Jerry retired from his busy life as a pharmacist in Canada, the Ziedenbergs began to spend entire winters at the Landings. Anxious to contribute, Jerry decided to start a “lunch and learn” program. A fine lady named Anne Young was instrumental in the beginning. Over 15 years, with help from Pat Daniels, Lynn Cisky and Barbara Henry, the Landings Lecture Luncheon Series became a fixture of the winter scene. It was obvious that we could have even more intellectual stimulation, so a three part evening lecture series was added. We would pick a theme and discuss three personalities to fit the theme. One year it was financial, and we discussed John D Rockefeller, William Randolf Hearst and Warren Buffett. But all good things come to an end.

After 42 years, we are winding down. Two of our sons are married and produced four wonderful grandchildren. They have all had successful careers and one is even contemplating retirement. As I look back at my time at the Landings, I remember sitting by the water and writing. I managed to write three history books in that idyllic setting. I remember a grandchild chasing a duck who is now a mature and successful university student. My head is full of wonderful memories everyone at the Landings for all the good times, THANK YOU!

STEAMBOAT BEND EAST

This month’s feature is our Steamboat Bend East President Peter and his wife Jane. I asked them how they found The Landings…

They originally learned about The Landings while visiting Southwest Florida with Minnesota friends, Wally and Mary Rea, and another couple. At the time, 2000, they were not near retirement, but had some fun looking at what was on the market. Pete and his other friend went back to Minnesota for work, while Jane stayed on a few extra days with her friend. They looked at a couple of places, and then while sitting on a Sanibel Island Beach, Jane’s friend got a call that her husband put an offer on a place in Windjammer, and said, “By the way, Pete put an offer on a place too! “The plan was to rent the unit until retirement time. They fell in love with the Marina, and the beautiful property, but especially the down-to-earth, nice people in The Landings community.

Pete and Jane are a big reason that we have such a beautiful friendly village. Last year, Pete put in the new “Men’s and Women’s” Gazebos. There are lights wrapped around the Palm Trees, and we have wonderful Wednesday Happy Hours that help keep us all socially connected. Our neighbor Jesse Shipp worked on the bathroom renovations over the summer and now we will have quite a nice resort vibe by the pool.

Pete has worked tirelessly to accomplish all that had to be done to our buildings to pass a huge milestone inspection for insurance and correct the damage from hurricane Ian. One of the last projects to finish was to correct the water leaking on the mezzanine of 4100. (Completed December 2024)

We just might see Pete on the golf course more often and enjoying their boat. He’s very happy to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We couldn’t be more grateful for the work Pete and the entire Board has accomplished. As Pete said,” Our village is in awesome shape.”

There were some lovely Christmas events, including the Yacht Club Christmas Party held at the Helm Club, and the Christmas Concert, featuring a lot of The Landings musical talent.

As of the writing of this column, The Wheelhouse is due to officially open on January 2nd. Some of us enjoyed the “Soft opening for drinks and appetizers” that was scheduled for our village on December 21st.

About 30 people attended a Steamboat Christmas Potluck hosted by Wally and Mary Rea. The weather cooperated so that we could enjoy being outside at the Mezzanine of 4140. Kathy Langton generously gave Christmas Santa hats and scarves to the women, and ties that lit up like a Christmas tree, to the guys. The food and company were wonderful.

We wish everyone a healthy and happy 2025!

TRAWLER

Happy Landings Holiday Edition: Stories from Trawler Village

A Festive Feast: Trawler Christmas Turkey Perry brought the holiday spirit to the table with a perfectly deep-fried turkey that had neighbors raving. The delicious meal, shared with laughter and good company, was the centerpiece of a memorable holiday gathering.

Keeping It Picture-Perfect: Pool Deck Resealing Community teamwork was in full swing as Rob Smith, Dean Tenney, Bruce Simmons, and Perry worked hard resealing and sanding the pool deck. Their dedication keeps our shared spaces beautiful for everyone to enjoy. A heartfelt thank-you to these unsung heroes!

Trawler Tales: A Family Adventure Across Continents Lyn and Ian Savidge have had a busy year of travel and family time. After flying down to sunny Florida in November, they shared stories of a summer spent in Winchester, England, reconnecting with Ian’s family. With their Canadian son-in-law at the wheel, the family explored the historic city under unusually sunny skies. Now back in Trawler Village, Lyn reflects on the joy of routine and the warmth of our community. It’s great to have them home for the season!

Boaters’ Bliss: Exploring Southwest Florida with Peter and Lynn Wilson Peter and Lynn Wilson have been making waves—literally—as they embrace the boating lifestyle of Trawler Village. Their winters in Southwest Florida are filled with overnight trips to Marco Island, Naples, and Venice, along with 45-minute lunch cruises to nearby waterfront spots. The calm intercoastal waters ensure smooth sailing, even when the Gulf gets choppy. This winter, they look forward to joining the Landings Yacht Club (LYC) for a long cruise to Key West and Marathon, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow boaters. Peter also gives a big shoutout to Captain Craig and his crew, whose excellent marina support makes boating worry-free.

Your Stories Matter Each resident adds to the vibrant tapestry of life here at Trawler Village. Whether it’s a far-flung adventure, a holiday feast, or a local outing, your stories inspire and connect us. If you’d like to share your experiences in our next edition, please send us your photos and details—we’d love to hear from you! Here’s to a wonderful new year filled with friendship, adventure, and, of course, happy landings for all!

WINDJAMMER

Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday season with friends and loved ones. With the festivities subsiding it is now time to look to the future of Windjammer as we approach our new board elections. Time limits, movement to new villages and family limitations have created multiple vacancies on the board effective March 2025. We need to find five new directors to help keep the successes moving forward. Perhaps a few of you miss the everyday decision making, company leadership roles, helping when needed and communication with people? Being a board member can fulfill all those needs. We have made battling the last few hurricanes the main focus. Please consider using your many talents and volunteer to lead us forward. Yes, that means you out there!

Many of you remember way back in the 50’s and 60’s when most dates ended up at the local ice cream shop. Well, the Garden Room turned back the time to that era to celebrate one couple’s 66th wedding anniversary on 12/17/1939 and 85th birthdays. Sherri and Paul Venner hosted a nostalgic party for her mom and dad, Judy and Dave Russell, who are longtime residents of Spanker Ct. In between an ice cream sundae bar, photo ops, talking of good times boating and fishing at the Russell’s Lake of the Ozark home a good time was enjoyed by all. Guests included their son Jeff and 8 grandchildren. Congratulations!

A small group of volunteers assembled on a beautiful, sunny Monday afternoon to set up for the Windjammer Christmas Party at Picnic Point. We sure hope you were among the sixty plus residents that attended this fun event. It is always about the people and great food; we enjoyed baked ham, delicious appetizers, salads, amazing potato dishes and an array of desserts.

About half-way through the party a very handsome and jolly Santa paid us a visit. He brought his beautiful elf, and everyone had their picture taken with Santa. We all had fun singing Christmas Carols during the evening. A small group of us stayed around long enough to watch the remainder of an amazing sunset. Thanks to everyone who helped make this another fabulous evening with neighbors and friends.

The Sunday-Funday in February is Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Picnic Point. We are planning to do a Chili Cook-Off, the first ten chilis offered are entered into the competition. Mark your calendars, you don’t want to miss this fun event.