gator tales
TRANSCRIPT
GATOR TALES NEWS & VIEWS OF
BLUE HERON PINES GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY 29200 Jones Loop Rd, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
Volume 27 Issue 11 Blueheronpineshoa.net November 2018
President’s Message
I’m writing this on
October 11th, while ex-
periencing an abundance
of liquid sunshine brought
to us by hurricane Mi-
chael. Thanks Mike! I’m
sure the folks in the pan-
handle are thanking you
too. They are in our prayers.
Our recent Chowder Cook-Off was a big
success, and Maureen Heger gets a tip of the hat
for winning first prize. Way to go Mo’! All the
contestants did an outstanding job, and the final
vote tally was very, very close!
Check out the website or Facebook page
for more upcoming events. Don’t have internet or
computer savvy? Upcoming events are also posted
at the mail kiosk.
Speaking of “upcoming events”....keep in
mind that nothing happens unless we MAKE it
happen. In the past, many entertainment functions
were planned & organized by rotating “state com-
mittees”....a group of residents from different
states, who would elect a chairman amongst them-
selves, and plan something for a particular month.
The following month, a different group from dif-
ferent states would be in charge. This system will
be re-implemented January 1st. If people don’t
step forward to participate, there won’t be any
events for their month. Just sayin’.
As was announced in our last HOA meet-
ing, Sun is finally installing security cameras in
the clubhouse. I was given a date of 10/23, but the
contractor has actually been working on them for
the past couple of days, as I write this.
They also started re-landscaping the mail
kiosk area, completely unannounced. Normally
these things are announced well in advance, but
there has been no communication so it seems very
“spur of the moment”.
Not to be cynical, but Sun is hosting a
meeting of their community managers in our club-
house on Oct. 16th, and I suspect they want every-
thing to be in place and looking spiffy.
Keep in mind, the HOA meeting is pushed
back to the 13th because of Election Day. Don’t
forget to vote!
See you at the meeting, and have a great
November!
Larry Roberts
NEXT HOA MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 2018
Note: Date Change
GATOR TALES STAFF
Editor:
Wilson Yerk #578 215-630-4056
Contributors: Linda Donnelly Proof Reader #610
Kay Oetting #616 941-575-7712
Kathy Richardson #555 502-321-5229 [email protected] Jeanne Michalak #554 941-676-0549
Sharon Breay #703 303-503-8170
JoAnn Seberger #366 972-489-7253 [email protected]
Commercial & Resident Ads: Mike Firestone: #502 740-334-3280 [email protected] Delivery Coord.: Gail McNaughton #613
508-542-9999 [email protected]
Photographer: Doug Howe # 622
[email protected] 941-661-2238
BHP Website & Directory
Peter McNaughton # 613 508-542-9999
Sunshine Lady: Betty Hart #33 941-575-9023
Sports Reporter: Jan Crail # 630 941-575-2935 [email protected]
The Gator Tales is published 10 times a year solely for
the residents of the Blue Heron Pines community. The
editorial staff makes every effort to ensure the accu-
racy of the information presented and reserves the right
to accept, reject or edit any copy. Copy may be edited
for clarity and space. Copies are delivered to each oc-
cupied home when published. Copies of Gator Tales
are also available in the Clubhouse and can be seen on
the BHP website.
PUBLISHING DEADLINE Please have all submissions for the next month’s
newsletter to me BEFORE the 15thh of the month.
OUR ADVERTISERS If you need a service that can be provided by one
of our advertisers, please call them. Most have
been used by our residents and will do a good job
for you.
HOA BOARD MEMBERS
President
Larry Roberts 941-916-9250
Vice President
Ann Marie Kulling 248-330-4831
Treasurer & FMO
Maureen Heger 732-259-0596
Secretary
Al LaBrie 617-794-0111
Sports / Emergency Planning
Mike Firestone 740-334-3280
Membership Chairperson
Jae Ann Carder 918-964-0473
Mary Pucker 715-252-1328
Social Committee
Maureen Heger 723-259-0596
Community Service
Larry Roberts 941-916-9250
Ann Marie Kulling - 248-330-4831
Clubhouse
Bob Mischler 941-456-2922
N & M - Board Representative
Larry Roberts 941-916-9250
Bob Mischler - 941-456-2922
N & M Committee
Colin Phelps, Chairman 941-740-2583
Ty Beard 717-579-0161
Judy Henderson 941-637-1336
Dennis Donnelly 813-528-0601
Dick Aaron 617-633-4138
YOUR HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION
(HOA)
NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT For $20 per year, per household, you can influence
the future direction of our community.
Your HOA represents you:
*on issues with Sun Communities
*with Federation of Manufactured Home Owners
of FL (FMO)
*resisting unfair rental increases & tax pass-ons
*with arranging & funding social events
*with arranging emergency communications
Memberships can be purchased at any HOA
meeting.
A Summer of Red Tide By Jan Crail
Like many of you, one of the main rea-
sons we moved to this area of Florida was for
the ocean beaches. I grew up in New England
and always loved the beach. Since coming
here, we have very much enjoyed going to the
area beaches in the summer as the water is very
warm. In past years, what is known as red tide
has effected the shores for a few weeks but this
year it has gone on much longer. The most
heard comment around the park is that is the
worst anyone has ever seen.
At first it was mainly south of us, so
you could go to the beaches beyond Engle-
wood. Then it progressed all the way through
Sarasota County including the beloved Siesta
Key. Daily, TV news reports showed us all the
dead fish, turtles, dolphins, etc. being washed
ashore. Added to that was the poor and odorous
air quality, making it even impossible to sun-
bathe on the sand. The situation, of course, kept
everyone away from these areas. This in turn
resulted in restaurants closing and visitors can-
celling hotel reservations. The economic loss of
jobs and income also has sadly been well docu-
mented.
So the point being, that all of the above
affected what BHP full time residents might
normally do during the summer. Like it or not
we had to deal with the red tide. Unfortunately,
this is continuing well past summer and into the
fall season. The hope is this problem will be
solved, and we will again be able to enjoy the
wonders of the Gulf of Mexico.
Vote YES……. Ballot Number 2
Your leased lot is assessed and taxed as commercial property.
Assessments on commercial property have been restricted to
10% annually.
Property taxes are passed on pro-rata if that is permitted in
your prospectus.
Amendment 2 must pass by 60% or the
restriction ENDS!!!
Ballot Number 2 effects the assessment
placed on our homes. As the present time, the
rate cannot be above 10%. If this Constitu-
tional Amendment is not passed, the sky’s the
limit on how much could be charged for prop-
erty tax assessments. This Amendment will
make the 10% cap PERMANENT.
This is the last notice before election day.
Voters need to vote YES to protect the tax cap!
November Ballot Issue
Dick and Mary Roller
BHP FMO Representatives
Smaller Black Water Birds
by Sharon Breay
Phalacrocorax Anritus:
A “Cormorant” (common name) is a
large, dark, long-bodied diving bird common
over much of our country. Coming from Colo-
rado’s mountains, I wasn’t familiar with them,
and you may not be either. These birds are be-
tween the size of a crow and a goose (about 33
-35” in length) with a wingspan of 4.5-5 feet.
They have a blunt medium-sized bills and thin
necks. They prefer to live by coasts, lakes, and
rivers, and love our mangrove swamps and
small islands in Florida.
The dark colored double crested bird
floats low in the water with its thin neck and
bill raised. It dives from the surface and swims
underwater, propelled by feet, and sometimes
wings, to get its prey of fish, frogs, crayfish,
shrimp, salamanders, mollusks, sometimes
snakes, and plant material. No matter if the
water is muddy or clear. Sometimes it will for-
age in groups. When it wishes to dry out, it
perches upright near the water with wings half-
spread..
Nests of sticks and debris lined with
finer materials are made in colonies, often
mixed with other water birds’ nests. The blu-
ish white eggs (with become nest-stained)
hatch in 25-33 days, and the young start flying
about 6 weeks, becoming independent in about
10 weeks.
Sports Report By Jan Crail
As we are a golf course community,
that automatically makes golf the number one
sport here. BHP does indeed have an 18 hole
golf course located on both sides of South
Jones Loop Road. It is taken care of by a com-
pany called Bright View Golf Course Mainte-
nance.
The newly renovated Pro Shop is
managed by Mike Gray and his staff of
inside workers (Labon Richardson, Barry
Gerber, Robin Arenda, and Frank Sko-
rek) as well as four outside rangers (Art
McCoy, Joe Maillioux, Ray Kronk, and
Peter Babbit.) The Kitchen Manager is
Lauri McPherson.
Yearly Golf Club memberships for
residents or outside players are $1924/one per-
son and $2640/couple. The Trail Fee is $500.
Individual game rates are $35/18 holes a.m.
$30 after 12 p.m. and $25/9 holes a.m. $20/
p.m.
Golf carts are stored in a newly con-
structed shed and are available for rental.
A selection of golf related items is also for
sale.
The regular resident morning league
schedule is men's on Monday, Wednesday and
Friday; women's 9 hole and 18 hole on Tues-
day; mixed on Thursday. Several outside
leagues are also hosted.
Mike Gray is proud to announce
that professional player and teacher Gary
Bower will be returning to us the first
week in November.
The Pro Shop has also been serv-
ing the community as a gathering place
for golfers and non-golfers alike. Happy
Hour is held every Friday from 3:00 to 5:00
p.m. and features special reduced drink prices.
A popular feature now is the deliciously pre-
pared daily lunches served from 11:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. Menus are posted in the dining area,
at the mail kiosk, and emailed out. Free pop-
corn is always popping. Cold sandwiches can
be purchased on weekends.
SunShine By Betty Hart
We hope you get well soon.
We are thinking of you at this time
523 Jim Lubonski
159 Chris Curtis
526 Margaret Geraci
137 Arlene Cannon
250 Betty Duncan
Sympathy
We extend our thoughts and prayers to
Rita Harris #579,
at the passing of her husband, Don
Also for Cal Evans #163 at the passing of his
grandson
If you know anyone who is ill or lost a loved one,
contact the Sunshine Lady Betty Hart at Lot #33,
941-575-9023 or [email protected]
Help Wanted
In need of one to two people to deliver the
gator tales for Susquehanna St. If interested
please contact Gail McNaughton at Lot#613
or phone #941-505-4066.
DAZZLER’S
LUNCHEON
Friday November 9th
1:00 PM
The next Dazzler luncheon will be held
at LongHorn Steak House in Port Charlotte
Please sign up by November 6th
We will meet at the restaurant at 1:00
If you need a ride call Jean Michalak at
941-676-0549 or e-mail her at
All Blue Heron Pines ladies
are welcome to join us.
Drivers please leave me know if you have
room for someone in your car in case someone
need a ride.
Also if you can't make it. Please take your
name off the list or call me.
Thank you!!!!
Meeting for Host Committee’s
Thursday, November 1, 7pm
Veterans Day Breakfast Sunday, November 11th, at 9:00am
The Veterans Day breakfast will be held
in the Community Center. We will be serving
scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, juice,
and coffee.
The cost is $10.00. Veterans eat free.
Tickets are being sold at the mail kiosk
on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00pm –
4:00pm.. Last sale date for tickets will be Tues-
day, November 6.
If you would like to help, please contact
Mike Firestone, Chairman, at 740-334-3280.
Baby Boomer Event Saturday, November 17, 2018
We are having a show and dance with
Richie C. It has been a while since he per-
formed here at Blue Heron Pines because of a
lot of requests we have invited him to return.
This time he will be doing a show like he has
done at other places around Florida as well mu-
sic for dancing. We provide the entertainment
you bring your own drinks and snacks and you
will not be disappointed. If you have requests
for certain songs, please let me know and I will
pass the request on to Richie C.
Tickets will be on sale for $10.00 at the
mail box area on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s as
well as at the November HOA meeting on
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
We need help on the day of this event
to set up if you can help let me know.
Colin Phelps
Clubhouse Holiday Decorating Saturday November 24, at 9 am
If you would like to help come join at
the clubhouse.
Pasta Dinner Back to our Roots Wendy Way Cafe
Sunday December 2, at 2 pm
Tickets will be $10.00 pp Salad, Pasta, Gravy,
Meatballs, bread and dessert. Beverages will be
served. Music will be provided.
More information to follow.
Winter Wonderland &
Golf Cart Parade Friday December 14 at 6 pm
Plan on decorating your golf cart and your home.
The community will have the chance to vote for
best decorated cart and home.
Prizes will be awarded.
Additional information will be forthcoming.
New Year’s Eve Dance Monday, December 31
Come ring in the New Year with music
by the G-Men. More information to follow.
Thanksgiving Dinner & Casino Trip
Plans are being made for a Thanksgiving
Dinner to be held at the Community Center on
November 22. Watch for upcoming details.
Plans are being made for a casino trip to
Immokalee. If interested please add your name to
the list on the bulletin board in the Community
Center. Dates and times to follow.
Questions, please contact
Al LaBrie 617-794-0111
ENTERTAINMENT UPDATE:
A number of people have requested we
revert back to the “STATES” committees.
Therefore, I have put together, based on the best
information available to me.
HOST COMMITTEE’S For those, not familiar with this, here is
how is works;
The Community social activities are op-
erated by “host committees” with the support of
the HOA. The committees are organized ac-
cording to a list of states of members origins. I
did, however, include all 50 states so at such
time someone joins our community they will
automatically be included.
Months rotate from year to year. Com-
mittees hold meetings to decide what events
they would like to run, and they have complete
responsibility for them from inception to com-
pletion. Each committee requires a Contact/
Chairperson for their particular group. If there is
no committee chairperson, then the months as-
signed to that group will forgo any planned so-
cial activities.
I will hold a meeting on Thursday,
November 1 at 7pm to go over the specifics. I
have events already planned for some months
next year that I will share at that meeting.
Each group is assigned two months to cover the
entire year. Below is the 2019 list:
I believe that covers all the states/countries. If
I missed one, please call me and I will be glad
to add you to a committee. I do understand that
some folks are not here during their month as-
signed for 2019, that does not preclude you
from joining another group to help out if you
are available and willing to do this. At the
meeting I will also provide the 2020 schedule.
Any questions please don’t hesitate to call me.
Maureen Heger
Meeting for Host Committee’s Thursday, November 1, 7pm
January and July
New York, Minnesota, Tennessee, Iowa, Delaware, South Carolina, Hawaii, North Dakota
February and August:
Michigan, Maryland, Maine, California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Georgia, New Mexico
March and September:
Ohio, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Colorado, Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, Nebraska
April and October:
Pennsylvania, Illinois, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Italy, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming
May and November:
Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Virginia, Vermont, Mississippi, Washington,
Louisiana, Oregon
June and December:
Indiana, Florida, Missouri, Texas, Kentucky, Kansas, Utah, Idaho, South Dakota, Canada.
Chef’s Corner
Jean Michalak
Best Ever Slow Cooker
Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients:
4 chicken breast halves
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 1/2 cups sliced celery
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley,
chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper
8 oz. chicken-flavored cooking stock
Two 10.5-oz. cans cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cup frozen peas
1 1/2 cup frozen corn
Directions:
1. Place chicken breasts in a large slow cooker.
Add onion, carrots, celery, parsley, paprika,
oregano, salt and pepper. Pour chicken stock
and chicken soup over top. Stir mixture on
top of chicken, cover crockpot and set to
cook for 8 hours on Low or 4 hours on High
heat.
2. Thirty minutes before cook time is up, re-
move chicken breasts from slow cooker and
place on a cutting board. Shred the meat us-
ing two forks and return shredded meat to
crockpot. Add peas and corn, mix well, and
let cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
3. Bake biscuits in oven according to package
directions and serve one on top of each
Chicken Pot Pie serving!
LADIES TEA & FASHION SHOW
Coming February 17, 2019
I'm very excited for next year's event. I
have begun the early stages of planning and
currently looking for models, hostesses, cooks
etc. If you would like to participate/help please
come to an organizational meeting on Wednes-
day, November 15th at 1PM in the Clubhouse
Donations Requested
Also at next year’s event we will be hav-
ing a resale store with proceeds going to a
women's charity. What charity in particular has
not been decided. I am looking for items that
can be sold at the event; such as purses, wallets,
decorative pieces, jewelry etc. No clothing
please.
If you have any questions please call
Linda Donnelly 941-505-0611
Hoping to make this year’s Ladies Tea and
Fashion Show even better that last years.
NOVEMBER
1st
Ruth Elmke
2nd
JoAnn Seberger
Penny Snowdon
3rd
Jae-Ann Carder
Cindy Yerk
6th
Karen Herbert
Edwin Rodriguez
Linda Smith
10th
Beverly Coverdale
Arlene Fazzino
11th
Judy McPhillips
12th
Kathleen Gellart
Diane Nietfeld
14th
Ronald Buckley
Marilyn Eckert
Ann Marie Kulling
Ann Seidle
Ron Sixt
15th
Jim Sievert
Richard Tonnesen
17th
Tom Breay
Dolly Petrak
18th
Kim Hill
Molly Parkes
19th
Karen Snyder
20th
Sue Foran
Nancy Kimbrel
21st
Earl Ehmke
22nd
June Swank
David Veidhouse
23rd
Nancy Aaron
Jane Targowski
There are some residents that do not have birthdays or wedding anniversaries listed in
the Gator Tales. We realize that some prefer not to have those events listed, but if you
have been missed and would like to submit your information, or if you want your info
removed, please notify Peter McNaughton [email protected]
NOVEMBER
1st
Bob & Carol Harroun
5th
Fred & Yvonne Campbell
8th
Stephen & Carol Brooks
Kelly & Carla Konstantinos
12th
Wolfgang & Jody Jejna
13th
Barkley & Marilyn Eckert
14th
Roger & Joan Siebenthaler
16th
Richard & Ruby Brinkman
Carl & Sally Sullivan
18th
Larry & Marilyn Gardner
19th
Pat & Erika Blanton
Joseph & Janice Guziejewski
21st
Barry & Debbie Opfer
24th
Eugene & Jeanette Bowles
25th
Russ & Beverly Coverdale
Bill & Marie Sutherby
26th
Dave & Diane DeVries
Romeo & Sandra Lemieux
24th
Sara Hire
Sheila Vance
26th
Robert Brown
28th
James Staggers
29th
Joan Clarke
30th
Tom Swank
Want to Rent January February March & April 2019
(maybe November and December 2018?)
Previously rented #445 (last 4 years)
Pat Jones 612-747-3053 [email protected]
Want to Rent January, February & March 2019
Currently renting at #126
Bob & Trish Wigginton
859-749-6040
859-771-8415
Blue Heron Pines 2019
Pool League
Hey guys, the men’s pool league kicks off Wednesday January 2nd,
2019. If you have played in the league before, you will be contacted by
myself, Tom Breay, or Larry Roberts, to see if you want to play again this
year. If you have not played in the league before, or are new to the park,
we would like to invite you to join the league.
If you can’t wait to get started, several of us shoot every morning.
We usually start at 9:00 and are done by 11:30 It’s usually 8 ball single
shooter. And there is more, a group of guys shoot every Wednesday through
the end of December. This is also 8 ball single shooter. The cost is $3.00
each round, paying prize money for usually 1st & 2nd place. So come on
out Wednesday evenings to sharpen your skills prior to our league tourna-
ment.
More information about the league will be included in next month’s
newsletter.
If you haven’t already done so please take a moment to fill this form out as
we are updating our files. For privacy reasons please state yes or no if you
would like your birthday date and anniversary date listed in the Gator Tales.
Please return form to any of the HOA Board Members or Peter McNaughton
Thank you
H O A INFORMATION
Date: ______________
*Lot No.___________
*Last Name_________________________________________________
*First Name_________________________________________________
His Email__________________________________________________
His Phone No.______________________________________________
His Birthday (month & day) ___________________________________
*Spouse’s Last Name________________________________________
*Spouses First Name________________________________________
Her Email__________________________________________________
Her Phone No______________________________________________
Birthday (month & day) ______________________________________
Anniversary Day (month & day) _______________________________
PUBLISH YES______ NO________
* Required field
All other fields are optional If you do NOT want any optional information
published please check NO
LOT Number and Names will be put into the HOA Directory
RESIDENT ADS
Just a reminder When posting an item on the bulletin
board, please remember to add your name,
phone number and date of posting. If these
items are missing it will be removed.
Items will be kept up for a month. If you
are selling something and it is sold, please
remove it so we can make room for other
folks. Any questions contact Jim Sievert or
Maureen Heger. Thank you!
John's Yard & Home Service Kill and remove weeds
Trim Bushes & Flowers
Watch your home while you are away
Keep your yard pristine (No Tree Trimming)
For a Free Estimate
Call: John Welcome
941-505-2416
DETAILING I detail cars, trucks, vans and SUVs.
I will pick-up and deliver.
My name is Dave Stepniak # 628
Please call me at 941-347-8291
for an appointment.
Paint or General Repairs Hello new neighbors. If you or a friend need
help with painting, chalking, trim or gen-
eral repairs please call me or stop at #142.
Call: MILO 908-892-1937
AVON I am Kay Oetting (#616) the Avon Lady. If you
would like to receive a catalog, I will be pleased
to drop one by. 941-575-7712
Pet Sitting Dogs, cats, etc. Call Jeanne Michalak, #554,
941-676-0549 for info.
We Buy Stamps Have you inherited a stamp collection or inter-
ested in selling a collection? Member FL Stamp
Dealers Assn., National Stamp Dealers Assn.,
American Philatelic Soc. Tom Breay #703
303-503-8170.
Wreaths for Sale Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas or all
occasion, in many colors Call 833-0739 to see.
Connie
Mary Kay Cosmetics Char Atwood, Independent Beauty Consultant/
Mary Kay Cosmetics - Need help with anti-aging
products or a new color look? Call me for your
free make-over at 850-313-3606
Need Help? I am a handyman who lives in BHP & will do
home & computer repairs, yard work, pet sitting,
power washing, screening, etc. Contact Scott at
[email protected] or 941-875-5952.
Cuts & Color for Men & Women Please call Suz @ 941-639-2312. Satisfaction
guaranteed or hair will be cheerfully refunded!
Cellular Botanicals & Moringa
Get Healthy with Herbal Formulas. For a FREE
consultation, purchase, and/or Information
Contact: Ilse at 941-505-7761 [email protected]
HAIR by Ilse Cuts – Color - Perms
Women and Men – For an Appointment Please
Call Ilse at 941-505-7761
Help Wanted In need of one to two people to deliver the
gator tales for Susquehanna St. If interested
please contact Gail McNaughton at Lot#613
or phone #941-505-4066.
JEWELRY Looking for a unique piece of jewelry for
yourself or to give as a gift? Contact me to
see what pieces I have available or if you
would like me to create something special just
for you. Mary Pucker, #522, 715-252-1328
