Committee News

Community Activities

  • January 2025
  • By Herons Glen

ARTIST GROUP HAPPENINGS

KATHY LYNCH, HERONS GLEN CINDI LOWE, HERONS GLEN

The Herons Glen Artist Group is gearing up for another exciting new year. We are a community of artists who live in the Glen. Our mission statement reads: “The Object of the Herons Glen Artist Group is to bring together those who share an active interest in the visual arts; to provide opportunities for exhibiting members’ work; and to play a useful role in stimulating the arts in the community, including offering classes in the visual arts and sponsoring other activities, as well as promote an appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts.” We have many art-centered activities. On Monday, January 12 at 5 p.m. in Activities Room A, we will hold our opening meeting, usually beginning with a meet and greet. Following is a business meeting and perhaps a short presentation of interest to the group. If you are interested in learning what we’re all about, please stop by. During the year, the Artist Group sponsors an accomplished artist to lead a painting workshop for our members. This year, we are working to arrange two workshops, a watercolor workshop and an acrylic workshop.

In the meantime, you are welcome to come and paint in Activities Room A from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. On Tuesday, there is a friendly group of watercolorists who share their expertise while working on their projects. An optional lunch in the Nest usually follows at noon. On Fridays, Sunny Lee, a talented and experienced artist, will advise you on your artwork for a $10 fee. If you are interested, stop by on any of these mornings to say, “hello,” and meet the artists or drop in to start painting. Also, as you stroll over to Activities Room A, take a look at the artworks by our members displayed in the window facing the pool.

Our biggest event of the year is the Annual Art Show held in the ballroom. It will be held on Sunday, March 9. This is the 27th year celebrating our artists in the Art Show. The ballroom is transformed into an art gallery displaying the artworks of our talented members in all mediums: oil, acrylic, watercolor and other media. Visitors can wander through the exhibits while enjoying an ice cream treat. It is a juried art show and artwork is also available for purchase at the same time.

SANTA CLAUS (MIKE ZARELLA)

Another activity is our annual Christmas dinner. It is a wonderful evening with friends. This year it was held in the fine restaurant. We were treated to a delicious plated dinner and holiday activities. Jolly Santa dropped by to entertain us with “Santa” jokes. There was also a holiday gift exchange with lots of gifts shifting from one participant to another.

If you are interested or want more information, check out our Facebook page “Herons Glen Artist Group”; contact Kathy Lynch at [email protected]; or take a look at our website at Herons Glen Artist Group website.

FA-LA-LA-LA-LA! JIMMY JACOBS AND LINDA LYNCH, HERONS GLEN

“Hey, what’s that sound out in the street? It looks like a bunch of Christmas carolers. And that might be Joy Venker in the lead, riding with Santa, spreading good cheer!”

Yup, you’re right. If you close your eyes, you can see a trail of smiles!

With Joy out in front, a large group of about 80 carolers traveled the Glen in their carts, stopping at houses along the way. There was loud, rousing singing, and it was almost on key.

This event has become an annual Herons Glen Christmas tradition, an opportunity to spread good cheer, and share off-key caroling with your neighbors. You don’t need to be a choir soloist to participate, so maybe you can join us next year!

CORNHOLE TOURNEY A BIG HIT

DENISE FELL, HERONS GLEN

The Herons Glen Clubhouse parking lot became a Corn Hole tournament hub today! Ninety-eight residents took part in the HGRD Residents Event Committee’s second annual tournament, supported by numerous cheering residents.

Steve Christiansen skillfully directed the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies, ensuring a flawless experience. The Nest’s own Chef Keith served appetizing hamburgers and hot dogs complemented by Johnathan’s efficient beverage service on this beautiful, hot day. Tom Foster provided the great tunes. Corn Hole Pros Paul Turley and Sandra Flanagan took first place. Jeff Buxton and Tracy Eilers claimed second, while John Bock and Cathy Barbal secured third.

Big thanks to those residents that volunteered as score keepers, provided boards and tents as well as setup expertise, and covered last- minute cancellations.

NOVEMBER MARBLES TOURNAMENT

PATTI CUMMINGS, HERONS GLEN

The second tournament of the 2024/25 season of Marbles was held in the ballroom with 12 tables of players participating. The evening ended with the Men steaming ahead to lead the Women 34 games to 28 games. Even though the ladies were able to sweep three games at one table, the men surpassed them with sweeps at three tables. Well-done men but watch out we’ll be back for a January show-down! Everyone has such a good time at these Sunday evening Marbles games that we hope even more groups will join the fun in the New Year. The next Sunday evening Marbles Tournament will be January 12, 2025, followed by February 23, March 30 and April 13 – which will close out another season. Pictured below are the teams that swept three games.

PROMOTING YOUTH SAILING

THOMAS MYERS, HERONS GLEN

The Herons Glen Sailing Club is registered with the American Model Yacht Association (AMYA). The AMYA is a nonprofit organization managed by the members and represents radio control model sailing nationally. It has about 3,000 members and publishes an interesting quarterly magazine.

Our club recently adopted a new class of boats called Dragon Flite 95. We considered the DF95 a better sailor and easier to build than our original boat, the Victoria. Today, all members have purchased DF95s which displaced many Victorias. As newer and more popular models were becoming available, there was little market. for used Victorias and we had no idea what to do with many of our old Vics.

Last year, I received an email channeled through the AMYA organization from a yacht club in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They were looking for four or five preassembled model boats for under $1,000. They wanted to begin a youth sailing program for 8- to 17-year-old kids. Since all models are sold as kits, buying preassembled was not an option for the Baton Rouge program.

I contacted the BRYC and told them we had inventory of used assembled Victorias and thought I could find 4 or 5 members willing to sell their boats. I also noted Baton Rouge is a long way from South Florida and shipping would be out of the question but let me know if you have an interest. My contact Roger, responded saying they were interested and he was from Tampa, knew this area and would be visiting relatives in Tampa in several months. If I could work out the logistics, he could pick up the Vics.

We ended by selling five Vics for $850 and one member donated their Vic so Baton Rouge received a total of six boats. Their youth program begins with the youngest members sailing our former radio control Vics. They then progress to single handed dinghies, two man racing boats, and the final step is competitive racing in highly competitive racing boats. It is a terrific program for children and for the sport of sailing. Their program can be seen at www. ljtyouthsailing.org. We were very pleased we could make a contribution.

If you have an interest in sailing with our club, we have two new assembled boats for sale. Contact [email protected] for information.

SINGLES CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

MARLA PIERCE, HERONS GLEN

On Monday evening, December 9, fifty-two HG Singles gathered to celebrate the holiday season together. Hostess Judith West and her committee of Elves planned a wonderful evening featuring a sumptuous potluck meal, contests, gifts, games, and singing.

Marla Pierce welcomed everyone, including new member Roisin Dooley, and summarized details of upcoming events in January. She also thanked the members for the countless ways they have volunteered all year long to make the Singles group so successful. She wished everyone continued blessings throughout the holiday season.

Judith West kicked off the festivities by welcoming everyone and gave an overview of the evening’s activities. She thanked her committee for all their hard work and great ideas.

Holiday music was provided by John Corda, who also sang an Oh Holy Night solo. John was then joined by several members of the HG Chorus to lead the partygoers in a sing-along of Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman, and Silent Night.

Members were encouraged to wear festive attire or an Ugly Sweater. Several participated in the Ugly Sweater contest and the winners received beautiful hand-crafted gifts donated by our member artists: Madelyn Moffat, Trish Chesnow, and Carol Ross. The contest winners were Kathy Petrillo, Pam Scheid and Nancy Parsons. The “Guess the Number of Candy Canes” contest was won by our newest member, Roisin Dooley.

Throughout the evening, numbers were drawn for prizes that were generously donated by members. There were so many prizes that everyone had an opportunity to select something special.

Carol Bryan led five volunteers in a game of blind portrait drawing. The “masterpieces” were a remarkable sight and provided much good-natured laughter.

Sadly, Santa was unable to get away from the North Pole to visit us this year, but the Grinch made an unexpected little visit. There was so much goodwill in the room that even the Grinch could not diminish the resilience and positive attitudes of our HG Singles. It was another memorable night of great food, loads of fun and friendship. Thank you, Judith and your Elves for all your hard work on our behalf.

The HG Singles welcome all single residents of the Glen to join us. We meet monthly and host several gatherings and outings each month. For more information contact Marla Pierce at (508) 284-9343 or Louise Roessler at (239) 731-7944.

CAROL BRYAN, DAWN SULLIVAN, JOAN KOHLER,
MARGUERITE CAMPBELL, TERRY ROSEN AND
MARYANNE NOLAN (THE BLIND PORTRAIT CONTEST)
PAM SCHEID, KATHY PETRILLO, NANCY PARSONS
(THE UGLY SWEATER CONTEST)
TRISH CHESNOW, MARLIES LEONARD,
MARYANNE NOLAN, KATIE SCHWEMLEIN, DENNIS
WALLING, JOY VENKER, JOHN BINT AND ILENA BUDDE
RICH STROUT AND WAYNE HEARD

SOCIALITES LUNCHEON IS “SNOWED IN”

PAM SCHEID, HERONS GLEN

Gently floating and swirling into the Ballroom were the snowflake ballet dancers from the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts, who opened their program with the number from The Nutcracker Suite. The school’s dancers have annually performed The Nutcracker for 22 years, the last 15 at the Barbara B. Mann Theater.

The snowfall continued as the Chamber Singers sang two snow-themed songs. This was followed by more from The Nutcracker with dancing angels.

Suddenly, a blizzard struck when the rest of the performers, wearing stocking caps and wool scarves, burst into the room singing Jingle Bells and Frosty the Snowman as they danced and threw “snowballs.” Finally, “drifting” around the tables, these merry makers led the Socialites in singing familiar Christmas carols.

The Academy’s musical performances have become a much-anticipated Christmas treat for the Socialites. The Academy is a public school, but to be able to offer their K through eighth grade students its unique curriculum, the school has its own foundation and welcomes donations.

It was also Taco Tuesday for the Socialites, who enjoyed the chicken tortilla soup and building their own tacos.

Before the luncheon and entertainment, President Janet Kerns introduced Martie Shea, who has arranged for the Academy programs and who wanted the Socialites to know they had helped to fund new Christmas decorations in the clubhouse, including the tables’ centerpieces.

Treasurer Bev Groft announced that the December member contribution to the All Souls Episcopal Church’s outreach program totaled $617. She also read a thank you note from the church expressing gratitude for November’s gift which they used to buy coats and shoes for children on their own Angel Tree.

Socialites’ Angel Tree chairpersons, Karen Coburn and Donna Moffat, reported the membership’s contributions exceeded the needed amount, so they were earmarking the extra to be added to next year’s Angel Tree fund. Kathleen Colletti described next month’s menu, Cheryl Dawes introduced new members, and Rhonda Parkinson announced that Allison Rae, Chief Meteorologist at NBC2 in Fort Myers will be the guest speaker at the January meeting.

STUDENTS AND SOCIALITES SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS

NORTH FORT MYERS ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS STUDENTS

ALPHA DELTA ALPHA SORORITY CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

DENISE JOHNSON, HERONS GLEN

ADA Sorority held their Christmas Celebration social on December 9 at the home of Rhonda and Duane Parkinson. This is the only social event that includes significant others. In addition, Rhonda’s brother and sister-in-law from Missouri also got to meet and hang out with us! The Sisters provided new and well-established appetizers and desserts as well as libations for all to enjoy. A great time was had as we socialized with our Sisters and the “men folk.” A big thank you to Rhonda and Duane for opening their home for our celebration.

TRAVEL CLUB CHRISTMAS DINNER– AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

DUANE PARKINSON, HERONS GLEN NORMA HUDSON, GUEST SPEAKER AND DUANE PARKINSON, HERONS GLEN

On December 4, 137 excited members of our Herons Glen Travel Club arrived at the Clubhouse Ballroom for a wonderful meal prepared by our Food and Beverage Staff. Janine’s people really provide a fantastic service for our members.

As everyone entered the Ballroom, they signed in and received a medium-sized red, green or silver metal bell to signify to the wait staff their entrée choice of either chicken marsala, grilled salmon or a perfectly prepared grilled filet mignon. Thank you, Marla Pierce, Jo Potts and Carol Bryan for managing the sign-in tables. The members then gathered around the bar for drinks and mingle time. When they sat down at their tables, they were delighted to see the outstanding centerpieces created by our own Mary Lou Pierozzi. That lady is so creative. The members then enjoyed salad and rolls, and their choice of the three entrees. Then desserts of pumpkin or pecan pie. Needless to say, everyone enjoyed their meals.

We had a guest speaker at the dinner this year – Dr. Norma Hudson. Norma lived in Saudi Arabia and worked as an educator for 34 years; she was superintendent for a dozen “international” private schools in the kingdom. After her time in Saudi Arabia, she lived for seven years in the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, which is a huge city similar to our New York City. She then retired as an educator and has a home here in Fort Myers and also one in the Colorado Rocky Mountains at 9,200 feet in altitude.

Given her years of international experience, she has experienced Christmas customs worldwide and provided us with insights into how the Christmas season is celebrated in some other countries.

She told us about German customs and showed us her photos of Christmas markets and winter shops. Of course, the Germans also know how to consume their wintertime grilled sausages, smoked salmon and gluhwein (hot, spiced “glow wine”).

GRILLING SAUSAGES
IN GERMAN MARKET

And then she showed photos of Christmas in Hoi An, Vietnam; a town about 20 miles south of Da Nang. This town is known for its lighted nighttime street lanterns. Many of the streets have almost an umbrella of paper street lanterns in the air above the streets and people. Even though Vietnam is not predominantly Christian, most cultures still celebrate the Christmas season with presents and good cheer.

She also told us of her experiences at Christmas time in Saudi Arabia. Saudi is very strongly Moslem and there are no open displays of Christmas there. Christmas trees, lights or nativity scenes are not seen or sold in public, but people do have them inside their homes if the family celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

She also showed us photos of her experiences being in New York City at Christmastime. Of course, NYC Christmas celebrations can’t be mentioned without thinking of the Radio City Rockettes and the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. She certainly did provide us with new insights about how other cultures celebrate the Christmas season.

A special thank you to Rhonda Parkinson for organizing and planning the annual Christmas Dinner. It was a wonderful dinner and we thank you, Rhonda, for your hard work for us.

NYC ROCKETTES
HOI AN, VIETNAM
WOODEN “SMOKERS”