Happy New Year everyone! By the time this month’s Gazette article is published, we will likely still be trying to remember to write the year ‘2026’, making plans and activities for our Winter and Spring Break visitors and heading into our busiest months of the year at Grandezza. Welcome back to those of you that haven’t been at your Florida home for a while and also to those of you who were traveling during the holidays.
January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors, beginnings, endings, and transitions. Janus is usually depicted with two faces—one looking forward and one looking back—perfect for the month that bridges the old year and the new one. Here’s hoping that all of you are enjoying some new beginnings and new doors to go through which bring you joy.
Due to the holidays, we did not have a Master Board meeting in December. My next update from a board meeting perspective will be after our January meeting. Our meetings are held the 4th Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse and are open to all residents. We held our Annual Members’ Meeting on November 20, 2025, followed by our Annual Organizational Meeting. During the members meeting, Treasurer Mickey Wheeler reported on our financials. Our cash position remains strong and we are expected to finish 2025 very close (and potentially slightly under) our budgeted amount. Mickey has continued to invest a portion of our cash funds in higher yielding CDs where possible. An audit will be performed by an outside CPA firm on our year-end 2025 financials. Brief reports were also provided by the other committee chairs.
From time-to-time you may have questions about road work or development activities in progress or planned in Estero and the surrounding area. The Engage Estero website contains some great information on this. In addition to viewing the various information on the website, you can be added to their email distribution and receive periodic updates. [esterotoday.com]
It is still getting dark very early, even though we had our shortest day in December and are moving towards Spring. Don’t forget to turn your golf cart headlights on and carry a flashlight if you are out walking in the evenings. Not only will you see better but others will see you.
Did you know? Mike Patricelli and Jeanne Basso have coordinated an upcoming Grandezza town hall meeting with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office which will be held on February 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse. Lieutenant Frank Pisano, Commander Mark Bonora and 4th Precinct Lieutenants and others will address a variety of topics including Neighborhood Watch. They will also address community questions.
Whenever I am out and about on the golf course, walking on the streets, or even just looking outside at the preserve area which is steps from my lanai, I feel so lucky to live in a place with all this beauty. The large variety of birds and other wildlife with whom we share our great community are a delight. However, don’t forget to be watchful around the lakes which may often have an alligator nearby. This one was recently steps away from the cart path.
