All of our Gazette articles are submitted a month or more in advance of the publication to accommodate the production schedule. So, while I am writing this shortly following some of our great end-of-season-events, such as the golf ‘CYA Later’, Grandezza Singers Concert, Tennis and Fitness events, Dinner Dances and so many others – more than half of you have already left for the summer. That also means the dining and golf reciprocals are now available to us “year rounders.” I have a goal this year to visit more of the clubs around the area this summer in between my travels. I always enjoy when I do and I know many of our residents take advantage of the benefit.
Our March board meeting was held on Thursday, March 26 at 5:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse. It was again a relatively short meeting and I’m pleased to report that our finances continue to be strong. Thanks to the great work by the directors, the various activities managed by them (Financial, Communications, Landscaping, Infrastructure, and Access/Safety Control) continue to run smoothly. As of the end of February 2026, we were under budget on total expenses by $15,000, with only one category running over budget.
Terry Flanagan joined our March meeting and provided an update from Engage Estero. Many of you likely know Terry, who lives in our Grandezza community. He is also the Chief Business Administrator for Engage Estero and frequently attends our board meetings to provide a community update. I know I’ve mentioned it a couple of times before, but if you are not signed up to receive their periodic updates, I encourage you to do so. It’s a great way to stay informed on what is going on in the community. Sign up by going to esterotoday.com. Of recent note, there was a public forum held on March 17 at FGCU discussing Estero’s future. The YouTube video from that event is available on the website for viewing.
A BIG thank you to all who volunteer their time, energy and skills to our community. The longer I live in the community and participate in various groups and activities, the greater my appreciation grows. In addition to those of you who are on the various boards, advisory groups, and committees, there are so many who quietly coordinate weekly card and board games, crafting, day trips, dinners, charitable activities (for people and animals too!). and more. A special thank you to those of you who help neighbors who are occasionally in need.
I’m sure many of you have encountered those bold, lightning-fast black crows that are always on the lookout for an easy snack. I’ve occasionally seen them grab things from Cabana tables and golf carts, but today it happened to me when I wasn’t expecting it. In the blink of an eye, one swooped straight into my golf cart, rummaged through a small bag sitting on the seat, and flew off with a small, UNOPENED bag of mixed nuts. It then landed on a nearby hill, gave the bag a few seemingly disgusted shakes, and took off again. I’m still not sure how it managed, so quickly, to dig through my bag and grab exactly what it wanted—presumably using its beak.
Evidence of the bag’s discarded contents, exactly how the crow left them, follows. Keep your bags zippered and closed up tight!
