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

“Food is better in November than any other time of year.” ~Cynthia Rylant

This month I spoke with our Steamboat Bend East President, Peter Dahlin, and his wife, Jane. When we talked in early October, they had just put the boat away for the season and were beginning to prepare to drive down this year around mid-October.

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 our 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 lovely 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 more project to finish is to correct the water leaking on the mezzanine of 4100. When that is finished, 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.”

Hoping everyone heading down to The Landings for the season has a safe trip.

PREPARING FOR THE NEW SEASON With the hot but rainy summer coming to a close, Trawler has started preparing for the up- coming season. The pool will soon be resurfaced, the flat parts of the roofs have all been replaced and the project with a few items still open is essentially complete. Trawler village also has a new Condo Association Manager we would like to welcome: Luc Couture. Landscaping projects continued throughout the summer and the Village is in beautiful shape. We also received new dumpsters for the 4 story buildings. See details for other items below.

Hurricane Helene – Thankfully, we missed that one with only minor vegetation damage. Thank you to volunteers Bruce and Ann Simmons, Rick and Kathy Jerr, Val Salerno, Stefi Jones, Keith Lowery, Pat Daniels, Dean Tenney, Linda Lahti, Neil Shea, and Jon Box for your help in removing and replacing pool furniture.

OTHER NEWS Fountain Update – Unfortunately, the fountain behind 4585/4591 needs more than a replacement part – it needs full replacement at a cost of $11,000. This is a Landings Reserve item and Rocky Ford is awaiting the approval to proceed.

Lightning Rods – The lightning rods on the four-story buildings damaged by Hurricane Ian which could be repaired, have been done. Several other rods were beyond repair and need complete replacement. They have been ordered and as soon as they arrive, they will be installed.

Grill Timers – We have experienced problems this summer with grills being left on causing the depletion of our propane tank in our to five months. To prevent this from happening again, grill timers have been installed. Directions on how to use them are posted on the bulletin board – please follow instructions carefully to protect the equipment. Thank you to Keith Lowery for assisting in this.

SUMMER FAMILY TRIP TO MYRTLE BEACH SC My wife Patti and I joined my son Ralph and his wife Tara with our beautiful grandkids Brooklyn and Killian. This has been somewhat of a tradition as Myrtle Beach is about halfway between NY state and Fort Myers; about an 11-hour drive for each of us. The weather was perfect after the previous week’s weather caused by TS Debbie. We all had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again next year.

There have been many new faces and families in Windjammer Village the past few years. We plan to feature our newest residents. For the sake of communication, we will also provide vignettes of our 2024 Board of Directors in the next few issues. This issue will introduce three Board members.

Al Marsala, along with his wife Linda, are from the small town of Bordentown, New Jersey, where they reside with one daughter and two of their grandchildren. They are a blended family of four children and eight grandchildren. For 42 years, Al worked for IBM. However, IBM decided to split its IT outsourcing department creating Kyndryl, the company he now works with. He prides himself in maintaining his rental properties and taking care of projects around his home. Retirement in the not-too-distant future will allow him to return to golfing, tennis and to become a full-time Landings resident. His skill set makes him a most useful participant on our Board.

James Cairns, and his wife Kim, have lived in Windjammer for 16 years, however their visits to The Landings go back over 30 years as Kim’s father was a resident here until 2020. James and Kim both worked in the American Refrigeration/ HVAC industry for their entire professional careers. James grew up in and later co-owned Cairns and Sons Refrigeration in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. James has been part of the Commercial/Industrial HVAC world with Johnson Controls, Carrier and Trane. He and Kim retired on the same day from Trane. Along the way, James acquired his private pilot’s license in 1976. He gracefully eased into retirement enjoying Windjammer Village and traveling to Vancouver and the Canadian mountains in the summer to visit family. He has been most helpful on our Maintenance Committee.

Bentley Collins got a taste of community spirit watching his wife Brenda, who served on our Board for many years…so much so that he joined the Board at the last election. He is a quick learner and an enthusiastic member. Bentley and Brenda have been at Windjammer Village for 10 years and spend their summers in Arundel, Maine. Their children and grandchildren are in New England. Their connection to Maine and New England is strong as Bentley retired as VP of Marketing and Sales for Sabre Yachts and Back Cove Yachts, builders of high-end motor yachts. With their nautical interests, it is no surprise the Collins are members of The Landings Yacht Club. In addition, Bentley is a past President of the Men’s Golfing Association and of course they also enjoy tennis. Welcome aboard!

HELENE Michael MacLeod, one of the few who remained at Clipper Cove during Ian, found himself dealing with Hurricane Helene in the mountains of North Carolina. For both hurricanes, he had no power for a week, dire cell service and no water other than the swimming pool water to flush the toilet. Roads and supermarkets opened much quicker during the aftermath of Ian in Fort Myers. In North Carolina there were curfews. Policemen delivered water to those in need. Additionally, the North Carolina golf course is now closed until the spring due to the extensive damage. So, Michael has returned to Clipper Cove and is getting his golf game in shape for the season here.

TRAVELS Mary Ann and Bob Spry traveled to Windsor, CO, to see their very special Aunt Noonie who is 102 years old and still going strong. She is amazing.

ANNIVERSARY Greg and Deb Hartman celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on September 25. Congratulations.

WORK EXPANDING Al and Teri Fansler’s Family Farm and Home business is growing. They were excited to open a new store in Erie, Pennsylvania.

BIRTHDAYS Happy to report that Susan Semerad and Bill Dowdney celebrated birthdays since the last issue. Bill and Jean Quinn’s grandson, William, turned one on September 21.

What a summer it has been here at The Landings! So much rain, so much sun, so much fun! Some of our year-rounders gathered at the pool for a 4th of July picnic. It was so nice catching up with everyone, as summer at Flagship seems to keep everyone indoors to avoid the heat. John and Camille Sandrock (4616) shared some special times here at The Landings and in Disney World with their kids and grandkids from California.

Many of us seized the opportunity to travel and find some relief from the heat. Dallas and Gretchen Phillips (4608) spent two weeks in South Lyons, Michigan to visit their son’s family and life-long dear friends. Then on to Traverse City for a family reunion consisting of 60+ cousins, and to Maryland to their daughter’s home for 8 days. Their big surprise was coming home to Flagship to a faulty air conditioner! A common problem, indeed, this summer. They also celebrated their 58th anniversary! Such a lovely couple.

Brad Davidson and Becky Ross (4604) traveled through Europe in September. They celebrated Brad’s birthday in Chamonix, France, by walking through the largest glacier in France, then on to Lugano,

Switzerland, and a chilly visit to Lake Como, Italy. They also hiked many trails through the Italian Alps and ended in Innsbruck, Austria. These two traveling lovebirds also celebrated their 35th anniversary in June.

It’s always fun to hear about our neighbors visiting each other in their hometowns. Marlyn and Diane Teeter (4616) visited Ted Shramek and Mary Block (4608)in Menonomee Falls, WI. They also caught up with our friends Leo and Mary Diehl.

We have new neighbors in the 4604 building. Derek and Lana Greenslade hail from Canada. Also, Stephen and Beth Gerundo will be neighbors in the 4612 building for 12 months, starting in October. Welcome friends!

We are currently waving goodbye to an unwanted visitor, Hurricane Helene. That was the second bullet we dodged this summer and hope the rest of the hurricane season continues to be a non-event. Happy Fall, Y’all!

Anniversary – Hats off to Lindy and Rick Worrall. The couple recently celebrated their 52nd year together, and they did it in style. They took a trip to Isle Beach Resort and Spa at Marathon, where they did a little scuba diving.

Longboat Pool Party – This was the first of the season. And what a great turnout we had! Despite the extremely hot and muggy weather, twenty-six people came out to share the get together. Everyone brought a delicious dish to share, and ice was plentiful. Scott Dustin talked about the remembrance of Patriot Day (9/11) where so many people lost their lives (never forget). Attendees observed a moment of silence commemorating the tragedy. Steve & Christy Norcutt, new neighbors to Longboat, joined in and were introduced to everyone. Joe Bavender gave a quick update on the progress on the Wheelhouse, and John Naifeh spoke informally about Longboat’s upcoming insurance renewal and its impact on our Village’s budget. Later in the evening everybody cooled off by enjoying the pool!

Jennifer Bavender – Surprise! Joe Bavender surprised Jennifer for her special birthday this year (of course, we all know she is only 39). Over fifty people participated in this occasion at the Helm Club. Joe successfully pulled off this massive surprise for her. Hidden behind the Compass Rose’s closed doors, the surprise party guests waited for her. Helm Club staff served hors d’oeuvres, and a special table was set up to hold all the gifts that her friends brought for her. It goes without saying that all shared and enjoyed the cake. Happy Birthday,Jen, and best wishes for many more!

Remember Veterans Day – is November 11, and it is all about honoring those who served. If you see one of our veterans, thank one. They probably don’t hear it enough, and Veterans Day is the perfect opportunity to express your gratitude for their service.

Mariner’s Cove has experienced a loss, had some visitors, acquired some new neighbors and is looking forward to a celebration of Thanksgiving.

After recently losing her husband, Tom, we also lost Betty Marshall. Many neighbors expressed their condolences; “I am very sad about losing Betty. She was a good caretaker for Tom. She was a lovely lady. She was a wonderful conversationalist and a beautiful soul. She was always so sweet and friendly. She will be missed. I’ll always remember her smile and positive energy. She was a lovely and kind lady.” The Sunshine Committee will have something soon in her memory. A card was also given to Patrick Milkovich on the loss of his brother and a card for Dee Hedges who is currently in the hospital.

On a lighter note, we would like to welcome some neighbors. (Malva) Dale Ruthenberg purchased the home at 9540 and will be moving in soon. I will feature her next month. Our new 4-pawed neighbors are: Wally Fourgeau-Ciers, a 10-pound, one-year-old Cairn Terrier mix and Benny Gakenheimer , a four-year-old Maltese.

Sheri Christian welcomed some neighbors to her home in Woods Hole. Cheri Fletcher, Starr Potter and Chris Nelson (Bobbie & Al Goerke’s daughter) went to Cape Cod for a visit in August. They took the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, did some shopping, had lunch in Sandwich and a day in Boston.

This writer was blessed by friends and former MCV residents, Phillis & Lew Hoy, who came to stay with Harley while I attended a 60th high school reunion in Boulder, CO, and had a visit with family in the Denver area.

Janice and Jack Purse have organized the 3rd annual Service of Gratitude at McCoy Pavilion at Picnic Pointe on Thanksgiving morning, 11/28, at 9 a.m. It is a short, non-denominational Christian “Praise and Worship” program of songs and a short message delivered again this year by Fred Garner of Riverside. It is open to all Landings residents and guests. Refreshments will be provided by the Wednesday Ladies Bible Study following the service. Bringing a lawn chair is recommended. Contact Janice at 239-233-7110 for additional information.

Riverside is once again proud to sponsor The Landings Veterans Day commemoration. Because the event continues to draw increasing attendees each year, this year’s event is at the flagpole at the southern end of Picnic Pointe. All Landings residents and their guests, whether veterans or not, are welcome to attend this inspirational gathering, honoring the sacrifices of those Americans who selflessly defended our country throughout the nation’s history.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 12 noon on Monday, Nov.11th. Guests are asked to assemble by 11:45 a.m. As in past years, a military chaplain will offer a moving invocation, there will be a distinguished guest speaker, poignant patriotic and military music, followed by the laying of the wreath ceremony featuring the impressive Cypress Lake High School Junior ROTC Color Guard.

Veterans are encouraged (not required) to wear khaki slacks and a blue jacket, and to display their service branch’s insignia, medals, and/or other honors together with a service-related hat.

Charlie and Ricki Ryan spent time over the summer traveling. Among the highlights of their grand Michigan trip was a visit to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Another highlight was a day of boating, and a fabulous dinner with Cathy and Jim Webb at their lovely cottage on Torch Lake.

Marilee Simon sent out Save the Date notices for the 2024-25 Riverside social season. While the date for the first gathering, the Welcome Back get together, and for the January off-campus dinner are still up in the air, other dates to note are: Saturday, December 2nd – the Christmas Party at the Helm Club; Monday, February 24th – Low Country Boil; and Monday, March 31st – the End of Season Party at the Helm Club. Stay tuned for firm dates for the other two gatherings.

ISO new Reporter for Riverside Happy Landings monthly article. It is time for a changing of the guard and new perspectives. If you may be interested, please contact me at 239.841.5932 or [email protected], or Sherry Winters for more details.

Having been here through the summer, it is a special joy to see friends beginning to return to the Village. Some have enjoyed wonderful adventures since last here. We are hoping that the Schornsteins will be able to return later in the season after all the surgeries Sharen has come through with Jim’s dedicated support. As one source of smiles on that front, they have welcomed a new puppy, Bentley, who comes to visit Sharen in rehab and cheer her up!

Soon the ladies’ birthday luncheons will expand beyond one table again. In September, Maria Aponte, Jackie Wagner, Jonnie Ockerlund, Jan Perkett, and Linda Tucker celebrated birthdays of former resident Arla Kern, Carole Lundgren, new neighbor Crystal Day, and Mary Wilson-Tauson.

I finally had an opportunity to welcome new year-round Schoonerites, Sarah and Steve Noyes, over dinner and a show at Broadway Palm. Sarah and Steve are not newcomers to The,Landings having first bought in Ariel in 2015. Ironically, they first learned about The Landings from Bud Cochran’s cousin in Connecticut. In Schooner, they join several other friends here including Lisa and Liz, the Armstrongs, Crystal Day, and Scott (also newcomers), among others. They are enjoying being able to walk in and walk out of their first-floor unit and having a garage!

The Noyes met on a blind date in 2003 and married in 2004. Before relocating to Florida, they lived in Madison and Niantic, Connecticut, for several years. They have two sons and a daughter. Sara was a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines for 13 years, and Steve retired from Pitney Bowes in 2003 after working 32 years in IT Supporting Technology. Here in The Landings, they are continually active. They are members of the LYC, Men’s, and Ladies’ 18-holers, and they love entertaining (especially experimenting with new recipes), kayaking, the Fitness Center, and playing pegs and jokers. They enjoy dining out (especially Marios, Flippers, and Terra Nostra) and other off-campus opportunities like BBMann, Florida Rep, and Broadway Palm. They also volunteer for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Project from October to December. Be sure to give them a warm welcome to the neighborhood!