SAILING MODEL SAILBOATS
THOMAS MYERS
The radio-controlled sailing sport, or hobby whichever you prefer, is not a well-known pastime. It is very popular in many retirements communities but also in some cities like Dallas and San Francisco where major racing events are held. The American Model Yacht Association (AMYA) has over a hundred registered clubs and Herons Glen is Club No. 329. The AMYA recognizes 34 classes of boats that are the most popular with the racing community because of their design and sailing abilities.
A recognized class boat is not necessarily one that looks classy, but one that is controlled by a set of rules defining the hull size and shape, sail area, keel length, weight or water line length and rigging. The rules are strictly enforced so when members are competing, all boats are equal and the racing results reflect sailing skills or sometimes lucky wind gusts. Hulls can be painted or decorated with decals to help identify them from other boats in the fleet but they must conform to the class rules.
The different classes vary by a wide margin. The smallest is the Footy, properly named because it is 12 inches long. The largest is the J boat which can be 8 feet long and weigh 90 pounds. It comes to the pond on wheeled carriers and takes two to launch it. Our standard club boat is one of the most popular new designs; the Dragon Flite 95, which is 38 inches long, weighs 5.5 pounds and costs $500. The AMYA and class secretaries sponsor regional and national regattas for most classes, and there are global organizations that sponsor world-class events. One popular class of boat is the International One Meter (IOM) which is a technical design and costs about $3,000. A recent Global Regatta of the IOM held in Croatia had 67 entries from 37 different countries and the winner was from Croatia. The Dragon Flite 95 is a new class but global regattas are being scheduled.
The club has two 95s for sale, one used (62) and one new. For specifics on these boats, email [email protected].
PLAYERS OF THE GLEN
JANICE RADCLIFF
Bring your acting chops and your love of theatre for next year’s production. The Players of the Glen have been their usual busy selves reading through many scripts as possibilities for the spring 2025 season. This season’s selection will make you laugh while keeping you guessing. Keep tuned to The Heron, HGRD Newsletter, HG TV Channel, HG Google, and Herons Glen Facebook for more postings. Nah, we’re not going to spoil the surprise with the upcoming selection just yet. Mark Your Calendar Auditions: December 7 and 8, Card Room C, 2 to 4 p.m. Performances: March 14, 15, and 16, 2025
For more information contact Trish Perry, director, at (203) 232-8142 or [email protected]; or Janice Radcliff, stage manager, at (804) 334-9878 or [email protected].
SOCIALITES GATHER AGAIN IN OCTOBER
PAM SCHEID
It was good to be together again in the ballroom for the season opening luncheon. President Janet Kerns welcomed everyone back and introduced several new members. Vice President Karen Coburn announced that the Socialites would again sponsor the Angel Tree Christmas gifts for HG employees’ children. Kathleen Colletti described future luncheon menus, and Rhonda Parkinson announced upcoming programs. Table decorations Chairman Mary Lou Pierozzi was complimented on the hurricane lanterns in the center beside a small pot of marigolds that were awarded to drawing winners. Treasurer Bev Groft reported that the first member donation of the season to the All Souls church outreach program totaled $285. Other announcements included the Socialites bake sale during the craft fair with proceeds going to All Souls, and Secretary Bonnie Lucas reminded the group of the Jingle Tour sponsored by Alpha Gamma Nu. Following the luncheon, the program Chairman Rhonda Parkinson presented Socialite member Karen Wills, a retired high school chemistry teacher, who represents the SSEP in the Glen. This group is perhaps most visible as it controls traffic during the Christmas Cart Parade. The Security Safety Emergency Program is a volunteer organization of HG residents that works with the Lee County sheriff’s office and the local fire department whenever it can be of assistance in the Glen. The SSEP also partnered with the sheriff’s office to raise funds to support its program to help keep kids off the streets. The HG SSEP raised $700. Karen also spoke of CERT. (Community Emergency Response Team) whose functions require special training and certification.
She recognized fellow Socialites member Kathy Petrillo who is a certified CERT member. The Socialites was founded over twenty years ago as a social club and a means for women in the Glen to get acquainted. Over the years programs and speakers were included to help members learn more about services and agencies in nearby communities. Although the Socialites is not a philanthropic organization, it has made donations to various service agencies.
Not all the programs are serious. Members look forward to the Christmas meeting and the performance by students from The North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts. The annual spring fashion show is also a fun meeting. Socialites is open to every Herons Glen woman resident. It meets at 11 a.m. in the ballroom on the third Tuesday, October through May. Its annual dues are $15, and the cost of the meal is charged to the member’s house account.
ALPHA DELTA MU IS OFF TO A GREAT START
CANDACE HUETTEMAN
The sisters of Alpha Delta Mu Sorority (ADM) are off to a great start this season. The social calendar is full and the donations to our charities this year will be generous and plentiful as always. Our first donation of the season was to Blessings In A Backpack, a program created to help with weekend food insufficiency. Needy children will leave school each Friday with enough food to feed them for the weekend. We specifically targeted our donation to help the children of Littleton School. Alpha Delta Mu has plans to work at All Souls in support of its Outreach Program and to volunteer at the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Each November we give generously to the charities of the Veterans of The Glen (VOG) and this year will be no exception. Our financial strategies for the year are not complete. ADM realizes that it is you, the residents of Herons Glen, who enable our sorority by your donations of furniture, household goods, and home decor to help the veterans and other needy individuals in Lee County. Thank you.
Looking at our busy calendar: On October 6, we went to the Belle Theatre to see a production of Saturday Night Fever. Then on October 17,
we held our annual Wine and Cheese Rush Party. We are looking forward to an afternoon matinee at the Broadway Palm Theatre where we will see Chicago on October 28. Finally, on October 30, the sisters of ADM will present a Merchant Marine flag to the VOG so they can hang it with the military flags that we see on stage during the VOG dance.
